Simple Stories Retreat Gifts

 A few weeks ago, I traveled to Utah for an amazing retreat hosted by Simple Stories. The team spoiled us with incredible classes and paper collections for three straight days. I came home with my luggage filled to the brim, and I had to ship an additional box to Colorado. The entire Simple Stories staff, plus some volunteers, were kind, helpful and gracious, no matter how demanding we got as attendees! Because I had gone to this event two years ago, I knew I wanted to take small gifts for a lot of people. Scrapbooking is about community, and I love it that my circle continues to grow. As I brainstormed gift ideas, I knew I needed to check three boxes: cute and personalized, relatively inexpensive, easy to replicate. I used a Lori Whitlock cut file to make a small sticky note "trapper keeper." I used the Crafty Things collection for both the paper and ephemera.

My Cricut did the majority of the heavy lifting. I could cut two folders at a time. I also had the scoring tool installed, but I felt that the lines weren't pronounced enough on the black patterned paper.

I grabbed my readers to give my eyes a boost and started scoring and folding each paper cut out. I added a small pocket inside the folder that would hold a vinyl sticker gift.

I printed my information on cardstock and added it to the back of every folder. Doing things in batches makes the process more efficient.

Next came the fun part! I went through the attendee roster and made a list of first initials of people I knew. I was able to personalize each folder with the letters from the Crafty Things collection. Can you guess which letter I needed the most of? As in, I had to open many, many packages to get enough of it? It's the letter J. A lot of crafty ladies have names that start with J. :)

For the finishing touch, I added a pink pencil and sticky note to each folder. The folder is held closed by a small Velcro dot. I ended up completing 50 of these total, and they were very well received. I love surprising people with gifts! I'll include all of the links below. I hope you are inspired to spoil a lucky crafter at the next retreat you attend.

Lori Whitlock Cut File

Simple Stories Crafty Things Collection

Pink Golf Pencils

Pink Sticky Notes

Small Velcro Tabs

Cricut Explore

Altenew Score Board

Adore-able Cut File and Layout

Today, I'm sharing a layout that utilizes a cut file from PearTree Cut Files. While I am known for my two page layouts, I love the impact that a cut file can have on a single page. Because I have a Cricut machine, I'm able to simplify the cutting process for a great end result. First, I cut the file on my machine. I chose to use black cardstock to make the outline really stand out. I wanted to ink behind the file, so I placed the cut file on my background paper and made small pencil marks, indicating where the file would be adhered. This made my ink placement easier. 

I used a variety of Catherine Pooler inks and my Gina K blending brushes. Is my background perfect? Not even close! But once the cut file goes in place, it really wont matter one bit. Next, I shifted back to the cut file to assemble it. I had cut the colorful insides of the letters on my Cricut. But I still needed to trace the heart shape onto my photos. I used the inner black cardstock piece as my template.

To adhere the cut file, I used Nuvo liquid adhesive. It tends to be forgiving as you are shifting things around. I also added the inner outlines for most letters, knowing that I may embellish over a few of them.

Now, it's time for the finishing touches! I added some coordinating Bella Blvd patterned paper along the left edge of my background paper. It helps tie all of the colors and embellishments together. I used foam adhesive for most of the die cuts, as well as some puffy hearts. I adore the end result almost as much as I adore our three guinea pigs.

Supplies Used in this Project:

Adore Cut File

Bella Besties Papers

Catherine Pooler Inks

Cricut Explore

Gina K Blending Brushes

Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

The Anatomy of a Card Kit

 Handmade cards are a special treat, especially if they are unexpected and arrive in the mail! I love both giving and receiving handmade cards. I create DIY card kits that are simple and quick to construct. I do the work, and you take the credit for a set of beautiful cards. I thought I'd share a sneak peek into just how I get from stacks of paper to assembled cards.

The process begins with batch cutting card fronts. These are the base that will attach to the blank card. I prefer to cut mine at 4"x 5.25", simply because I prefer a small margin of the card to show when assembled.

The next step is to get my Cricut involved. I cut a variety of basic shapes. Think circles, scallop circles, banners, brackets and ovals. These work especially well with colorful Doodlebug paper. After that, I begin laying out pieces. This part of the process take the longest. I try to make sure that each kit has a variety of colors, different sentiments and an assortment of embellishments. This photo actually shows six different card kits in progress.

After all of the sample cards have been assembled, it's time for photographs and instructions. Then the actual kitting begins. Card kits are a labor of love as far as the amount of time and work they take, but they are worth it! I love having friends over for card making nights. And I love the joy that each person has when they complete a card and have pride in their work. Happiness is a handmade card!

Products from this post:

Farmer's Market 1 Kit

Farmer's Market 3 Kit

Doodlebug paper and embellishments used: Farmer's Market collection