altered art, card ideas, paper crafts

10 Fabulous Ways to Use Scrapbook Paper

So much amazing scrapbook paper! What shall I ever do with all of it?

I’m glad you asked! Here are ten fun ideas for what to do with all that delightful card stock. I would love to hear YOUR ideas too, so please feel free to comment.  🙂

1. Card Making

I love making greeting cards. Here are just a few of the pieces available now at my Bella Stitchery Etsy shop.

Let's Do Lunch Card
Let’s Do Lunch Card
Drive You Crazy Card
Drive You Crazy Card

2. Canvas Art

Super easy and a great way to display your favorite paper collection. This idea is from Better Homes and Gardens.

Canvas Art
Canvas Art

3. Bookmarks

These darling monsters are sure to delight kids of any age. Learn how to make these cuties at Tally’s Treasury.

Monster Bookmarks
Monster Bookmarks

4. Ornaments

SOOOO many darling, simple ideas on the Internet to inspire ornament making! Here is just one example, from Houzz.

Star Ornaments
Star Ornaments

5. Gift Wrap

These boxes are flippin’ adorable – who cares what’s inside?! The paper used is from October Afternoon, my current favorite brand.

Gift Wrap Embellishments
Gift Wrap Embellishments

6. Envelopes or Envelope Inserts

No matter what year it is, snail mail will always mean something special. You can easily personalize your envelopes using scrapbook paper. You can find some template designs at Apartment Therapy.

Envelopes
Envelopes

7. Flowers

I found this great blog with a tutorial for twenty different paper flowers. Check out It’s Always Autumn for the directions.

Paper Flowers
Paper Flowers

8. Banners

I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of banners. I make them for my fireplace mantle for the holidays, baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays. I am kind of obsessed. This is one I made for a baby shower a few years back.

Banner
Baby shower banner I made for a friend.

9. Decorate Office Supplies

This adorable file folder is from This Art Makes Me Happy. What a great idea! I’m sure you can extend this idea to include things like desk drawer liners, pen holder cups – the possibilities are endless!

File Folder
File Folder

10. Scrapbook Pages

Let’s not forget the obvious, too. Scrapbook paper is perfect for….scrapbooking! Here is a page I made for my shop.

My girly scrapbook layout on Etsy
My girly scrapbook layout on Etsy

Layout

Thanks so much, friends! Hope you feel inspired! Keep in touch – I would love to hear your ideas too, and see what wonderful works of art you create!

xoxo

Genevieve

BIY, infinity scarf, yarn

BIY – Infinity Scarf

As an avid crafter, there is no shortage of craft ideas in my hopper to try next (hard to imagine life before Pinterest).

I have come to the realization, just because I treasure handmade, it doesn’t mean I have to make everything. My craft room is only so big!

I’m suggesting that, rather than DIY, let’s promote BIY (buy-it-yourself) once in awhile. Save yourself the time and shopping cart full of materials for one single project – that, let’s be honest – may or may not ever get made, and support other crafters. It’s a win-win!

Today’s item is the fabulous, trendy infinity scarf. Here are some amazing crafters that would love to share their handiwork with you:

The Borrow scarf from Deroucheau on Etsy looks snuggly and stylish for $75.

The Borrow Scarf
The Borrow Scarf

This Chunky Infinity scarf from Plexida is $58.87 and is even sent in gift wrap – what a perfect Christmas gift idea!

Chunky Infinity Scarf
Chunky Infinity Scarf

The Infinity Scarf Loop Cowl found on MicheleMade is a steal at only $25. You can even pick your color options!

Infinity Scarf Loop Cowl
Infinity Scarf Loop Cowl

They’re not just for women, either! This purple man scarf from Necklush is priced at $95 and is perfect for wearing all year long.

Purple Man Scarf
Purple Man Scarf

Still want to make your own? Well, OK. Here’s fun how-to guide for ya from Handimania:

Infinity Scarf

Handimania

Thanks for supporting handmade, and happy crafting!

xoxo

Genevieve

family pages, scrapbook ideas, scrapbook pages

Adventures in Family Photo Taking

pics 2

Ahhhhh, the good ol’ family photo. Priceless memories to frame and enjoy for generations. We conveniently forget about all the craziness that takes place behind the scenes in order to get that perfect group picture.
Here’s a little song I wrote, inspired by our last family photo shoot (sung to the 12 Days of Christmas):

On the 12th round of photos with my family and me –
*12 minutes late
*11 blurry pictures
*10 baby tears
*9 lost socks
*8 extra diapers
*7 timeouts given
*6 broken props
*5 outfit changes
*4 expired coupons
*3 cars to get there
*2 kids under two
and a perfect family photo for our wall.

We get to pick them up a week later, which is just about the right amount of time to recover from the afternoon’s adventure. 🙂

pics 1

bella stitchery, gothic, halloween, owls

Spoooooktacular Cross-Stitch

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door—
“‘Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
               Only this and nothing more.”

The Raven

Edgar Allan Poe

Fall is a great time of year to decorate, and Halloween is filled with lots of spooooky, creepy options. Some of my favorite cross-stitch patterns are of Halloween. It can be anything from gothic, Vintage and retro to modern and colorful.

The pattern above is my newest creation, lovingly called Halloween Library, and it can be downloaded here.

Here are some more of my favorite Halloween patterns, all of which can be found at my Bella Stitchery Design Etsy shop:

Owl Silhouette Pattern
Owl Silhouette Pattern
Spiderweb Silhouette Pattern
Spiderweb Silhouette Pattern
Cheshire Cat & Caterpillar Wonderland Pattern
Cheshire Cat & Caterpillar Wonderland Pattern
Retro Vintage Halloween  Witch on Broom Pattern
Retro Vintage Halloween Witch on Broom Pattern
Retro Mad Hatter Halloween  Pattern
Retro Mad Hatter Halloween Pattern
Jack Skellington Nightmare Before Christmas Pattern
Jack Skellington Nightmare Before Christmas Pattern
Pin-Up Carving Halloween Pumpkin Pattern
Pin-Up Carving Halloween Pumpkin Pattern
Haunted House Silhouette Pattern
Haunted House Silhouette Pattern
Edgar Allan Poe Pattern
Edgar Allan Poe Pattern
Pin-Up Witch on Broom Pattern
Pin-Up Witch on Broom Pattern
Vintage Woman in Bat Costume Pattern
Vintage Woman in Bat Costume Pattern
When Witches Go Riding Pattern
When Witches Go Riding Pattern
diy, fall decor, wreaths

5 Must-Try DIY Autumn Wreaths

Fall is the start of decorating season here at my house, and the warm colors of autumn make me feel all warm and cozy.

Nothing says cozy quite like a fabulous wreath on one’s front door. Also, is it just me, or have wreaths come a long way in the last few years? The amount of creative ideas are astounding! Here are five of my favorites.

This one is available from Old Time Pottery.
This one is available from Old Time Pottery.
Love this floral wreath idea from Homedit.
Burlap wreath how-to from Craftaholics Anonymous.
Burlap wreath how-to from Craftaholics Anonymous.

The burlap craze continues over at Craftaholics Anonymous! I’ve seen these wire frames at Michael’s and have always wanted to try this technique. I think it would make a fun kid’s craft, too.

acorn wreath

Wondering what to do with all the acorns and pine cones in your yard? Look no further! Check out this blog post to find step-by-step instructions.

Wood and burlap wreath DIY from Finding Home.
Wood and burlap wreath DIY from Finding Home.

More use with natural elements, as can be found at Finding Home’s blog. The rustic nature of this wreath is right up my alley!

Hope you’ve found some inspiration for your own front door this holiday season. Thanks for stopping by to visit!

xoxo

Genevieve

cross stitch patterns, downloads, freebie friday, roses

Friday Freebie – Peach and Pink Roses Cross Stitch Pattern

TGIF!

Hope you enjoy this one-of-a-kind pattern. It is based on a photo of rich pink and peach roses. This tapestry would go beautifully in a country or shabby chic style home.

Peach and Pink Roses Pattern

Happy stitching, and have a lovely weekend!

xoxo

Genevieve