Stick Pin Swap

     Many of the new scrapbook collections coming out are using stick pin embellishments. I joined a swap at The Scrap Beach (thescrapbeach.ning.com) where we were to make our own. We made 5 sets of 3 pins using either the Gabrielle or  Timepiece paper line colors from Bo Bunny and present them in a pleasing fashion.

      My Timepiece set was fun to make as I am into clocks these days. I made a matchbook cover from cardstock and daubed it with red ink. I inserted double faced mounting  tape at the top of the inside to stick the pins through from the outside of the matchbook (see pictures). I closed the matchbook and added red ribbon, some bling, and a clock cut from patterned paper to the front. Then I made three equally spaced holes at the top to put the pins into.  I assembled my pins using the matching colors and stuck them through my holes and into the tape that was inside.

 
     For the Gabrielle set I used a pre-made matchbook notepad. I believe Visual Image Printery (VIP) made them years ago (not sure if they still do). I adhered Gabrielle paper to the whole thing and punched out a butterfly (Martha Stewart punch) as well. I added two pearls to complete the front. I made my pins using the matching colors and popped them through the top and  bottom of the matchbook as you can see below.

This was also my first time making stick pins and I have to say they were really fun to make. I think they will look great on cards, pages, and even in the old-fashioned pin cushion I found! Happy Crafting everyone!

Swivel Charm Swap

     I am a member of The Scrap Beach (thescrapbeach.ning.com) and I joined my first swap over there a few weeks ago. It was a Tim Holtz swivel charm swap, using the clasps he makes and attaching charms. In this particular one, you had to use at least three Tim Holtz charms, but the rest was free rein.
     I had never attempted anything like this before, and I have to say it was a lot of fun! I struggled a bit with the pliers and jump rings, but got better after doing 6 sets for this swap! I didn't have a lot of beads on hand and was surprised at how much you can spend on them!!! No, I do not need another expensive addiction! Repeat after me!

     Presentation was part of the swap. I used Tim Holtz paper to create a layered tag and stamped on clocks and the saying, "A moment in time". I cut a clock from a piece of his patterned paper, layering a piece of cardstock behind it for durability) and added stamped hands and a brad in the middle to attach my charms. I thought they came out pretty well for my first attempt. I know that they are loaded with charms. I am going to use mine to adorn the outsides of mini-albums or regular albums. I think they will look cool hanging down from the top. By the way,  they are not all the same, so I took a few pictures. Hope you like them!

Altered Paint Stick Swap

     A few weeks ago I entered Lowe's Hardware Store with no intention of buying anything. I snuck up to the paint counter and was elated that no one was there! I reached  into the can there and removed two....or three...or six of the wooden paint stirrers, turned around, and walked a bit guiltily out of the store.
     What the heck was I doing? Getting enough paint sticks to paint each room of my house? No chance of that happening.  Gathering light wood for kindling a fire? Too warm for that now. Hmmmm......out of guesses? I was preparing for an altered paint stick swap over at The Altered Page found at thealteredpage.ning.com, a great site run by Angie Holt.
     I had never done one of these before, but studied a few trusty Youtube videos enough to know that I wanted to give them a try. It was run by dolphingirl76 and the rules were to use scrapbook supplies to decorate  two sticks for our group of three people in a Shabby Chic style. I was excited to use up my stash, so no two of mine were exactly alike, though they were similar. Since dolphingirl76 was the hostess, she got to see all of the sticks and has posted them on her blog at hunnebcreations.blogspot.com. The ones I received in my group are shown below. There are two pictures, of the fronts and backs. I made the two on the ends.

     I was pleased with how mine came out, especially since I was able to use up some of my stash. For a while I was covered in Mod Podge, but it all worked out! I loved all of the ones I received and plan to display them in a vase. I would do this swap again in a heartbeat. Of course, I will have to deal with the wrath of Bill telling me it is not good to go into a store and 'steal' things, hahaha! I can deal with that!