Photo Album Cookbook

I’ve been looking for an ideal cookbook for awhile now, years actually. Finally, I think I’ve come up with a format that will work. I bought an inexpensive photo album at Walmart. It hold 4x6 photos, which means it also can hold 4x6 index cards. Stamping index cards is super easy and a fun way to make personalized recipe cards.

For recipes that won’t fit completely on the front of the card, I knew I didn’t want to have to take the cards out to read what might be on the back. Because there is so much room in the album, I figured I would just use two cards and an additional space in the album. This way I can read the whole recipe without removing any cards.

Another fun thing about this idea is that 4x6 photos of the recipe could be added. If it the book were made to be a gift, photos of the recipient (e.g., eating a special family recipe) could be included. I think this would be a fun project for a shower gift or for someone moving out on his or her own for the first time.

The album has a window to add a photo or, more importantly, one’s own inky image. Kind of a fun touch. I also think SU!’s Hodge Podge hardware or something comparable would be a fun to add to the cover. Someone more adventurous could even try stamping on the cover. I had to much time invested in the project to risk botching it up with a failed stamping attempt and didn’t want to have to figure out a way to fix it and I didn’t have any SU! hardware. To me, hardware would be the safer bet.

The cover is fabric so I think I will try to find a water-repellant spray to seal it.

Instead of dividing the recipes into categories, I decided to stamp a category on each card. This gives some sort of organization and quick reference without being as burdensome (in my mind) as maintaining individual categories. I used the same layout for each card but varied the color for interest.

Here is an example of how I will be using two cards for one recipe. Also, you can see how a blank pocket could be used to hold a photo.

Stamps: Flourishes; PTI; WMS
Ink: SU!; Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: Copics; index cards; photo album

WMS March 2012 Blog Party

For me, the stars have finally aligned! YAY! And Happy St. Pat’s Day to you all!! I’ve never used Ms. Earth Angel on a card yet and, in ode to Kelly S., it was about high time I did. Did I mention the stars have finally aligned?
The weather here is awesome, probably nearing the high 70’s. My dog has resumed her post on the deck barking at everyone passing by (highly annoying). Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and Smithwick’s is on the menu tonight (thanks to my dad).

Have an awesome party everyone!!!

Stamps: WMS Earth Angel, Fancy Phrases, Irish Blessings
Paper: SU! Pear Pizazz, Lucky Limeade; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Ink: SU! Lucky Limeade; Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: Copics; 1” circle punch; WRMK Corner Chomper

More Critters to Color

     I made a few tweaks to my last watercolor card. While cutting my watercolor paper to size, I was left with a long rectangular chunk. I decided it might be easier for the recipient to paint the card with a separate watercolor “palette.” This left me with more room to stamp a larger scene and the palette gave me the opportunity to stamp larger circles for colors that likely would be used more. I also tried to cram as many images as visually possible with the thought that, in this context, it is more fun to paint images than wide open spaces.

Stamps: Lawn Fawn; Stampendous (flower); PTI (large & small circles)
Ink: Ranger Archival (waterproof) Black
Paper: Canson watercolor paper

I Like Ewe!

     This little lamp chop is just too cute!! Her name is Daisy. I used the same techniques on this card as I did on my “Cuteness Quota” post.

Stamps: Lawn Fawn; PTI Polka Dot Basics 2; Stampendous (flower)
Ink: PTI Summer Sunrise; Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Amuse Studio
Other: Ranger Glossy Accents; Copics; Nestabilities; SU! word window punch

Cuteness Quota

     I couldn’t stay away from the cuteness any more. Lawnfawn stamps are just the absolute cutest!! Cute, cute, cute! The images make me smile. These cards were super fun to make and I think they will be a hit with the kiddos. The scenes came together so easily.
     This years PTI’s anniversary celebrations focused on interactive cards so I thought about trying it out. And I kept thinking about it. Finally, I gave it a go. I used the SU! word window punch to create the track. It’s not the best when used vertically, as the image drops straight to the bottom. I think my Cricut and a rick rack border cut might be a possible solution. I used Ranger Glossy Accents on the interactive image and also on some of the smaller images. I used Copic markers to color the images (no shading necessary-yay!).

Stamps: Lawnfawn
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Other: Ranger Glossy Accents; Copics

Critters for the Kiddos

     Erin Lincoln is a super crafty lady! (Be sure to check out her post from Feb. 27, 2012) When I saw this post of hers, I loved the idea. It was brilliant. Then one day it hit me. It was the perfect idea for interactive kids cards.
     I had the watercolor paper sitting in my stash forever, as were the super-sized envelopes (10+ years-I knew  a use for them would eventually pop up). The watercolor pencils were already in the donation box… good thing it takes me 3-4 months to drop the stuff off at Goodwill. The brushes were 12 for $1 at Michael’s. I used waterproof ink to stamp the images and a piece of Scor-Tape to adhere the brush.

Stamps: Lawnfawn; Waltzingmouse Stamps (sentiment); PTI (circle-Simply Stationery, musical notes-Birds of a Feather)