Let's talk ribbon again! It seems there are SO many threads on message boards asking about storage options for ribbon. I have shared mine before, and I have really used the same storage method for about 3 years now. It works great for me. I use the Cropper Hopper Embellishment boxes. I can get up to 5 yards or so in each little box depending on the weight of the ribbon. Cropper Hopper also makes the Embellishment Mini Squared Box that I use for my wider ribbons. Those are not in the picture below since this picture is about 3 years old. Anyway, I have about 5-6 of these drawers full of ribbon now! The drawers I use are in my Scrap 'n Cube drawers but prior to getting the Scrap 'n Cube, I used Steralite drawers. Worked perfectly! And if you can see in the picture, I have a square dowel between each row to keep my rows nice and neat. I picked the dowels up at Michael's very inexpensively and then cut them to the right size.
Now another amazing ribbon storage idea was posted by Becca. She wraps her ribbon around a 2.5" x 2" piece of matboard. It looks wonderful, and probably had I seen this 3 years ago, I would have done that instead of my storage method. :) You can see her ribbon storage here.
Another great option is the Ribbon Ring. I personally prefer my ribbon in drawers but for some, this works beautifully. If you want to see an inexpensive homemade version of the Ribbon Ring, look here. She was able to make 24 tags for about $3.
And lastly, another option for ribbon storage are the Ribbon Wraps by Magistical Memories. You can see those here.
Of course, these are not the only ribbon storage ideas but I thought I would share a few of my favs. I hope you find something that will work for you. It seems organizing can be "trial and error" sometimes! :) Well, have fun! And let me know if you have another great method to share!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Organizational {Friday}
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hip Hop {Thursday}, Two Recipes!
For my first page, I used Basic Grey Periphery papers and the Unity set Lovin' from the Oven. Now unforutanately, this set is no longer available. BUT, don't be discouraged because you can still get the "stir it up" sentiment in this new set--Unity Mix up of Cuteness which also includes MANY cute food stamps and sentiments! Check it out! And look at this cute recipe set--Unity Homemade By. I don't have that one yet but it is on my list. Here is my page:
For my second page, I used Basic Grey Bittersweet papers and Paper Trey Inc. cardstock. Love that stuff! Anyway, the cute stamp is from the Unity Remember Happiness August kit which is still available! I used Adirondack espresso ink to stamp my image and then colored it in with my Prismacolor pencils. 
Well, thanks for stopping by today! Now, please hop on over to my dear friend Chelsea's blog! I know she will have something amazing to share with you today! Enjoy the rest of your hop and have a blessed day!Tuesday, January 27, 2009
6x6 Recipe Album
I used the Pink Persimmon Ric Rac Rectangle set for this page. This was part of my guest design team work for Pink Persimmon. This set is sized perfectly to fit a 3x5 index card or even for making a journaling block for your scrapbook page! There are actually 15 stamps in this set. It really is a great one to have on hand! And a HUGE thank you to Pink Persimmon for allowing me to guest design for them this month!Now this particular recipe is AWESOME. It is a Paula Dean recipe so that should say it all! It is my uncle's favorite so I always have to make it when they come to town to visit all of us and my parents! Hopefully, y'all will be able to read the recipe off of my page. If not, let me know in the comment section, and I can post it.
I did a second recipe page too that I will post on Hip Hop Thursday so be sure to come back and check it out on Thursday! Thanks for stopping by, and have a joyous Tuesday!
Tuesday's {Tip}--Let's Crochet!
I have posted before about my crochet flowers and butterflies. I love making these little things. They are SO quick and easy to make! And if you don't crochet or haven't in a long time, I understand there are a lot of "how to" videos on YouTube. You might want to take a look over there.
I love to use the DMC cotton thread with a 3.50 mm hook. This thread comes in many colors and is really soft! Here is a picture of the thread, my hook, and a few flowers and one butterfly I have done.
Can you find the butterfly? It is to the right of the light pink flower. I crocheted the butterfly in mauve, and it is one of my favorites to make! So easy, fast, and cute! Here is the pattern:
Butterfly Pattern:
Ch 3, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring.
Notes: 1 round completes the butterfly. All of the stitches on Rnd 1 are worked in the Ch 3 ring, and stitches need to be pushed toward the beg of the rnd as you crochet.
Rnd 1: * ch 3, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st **, [ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st] twice, rep from * to ** once, [ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch, sl st] twice.
Fasten off.
Unfornately, I can't remember where I got the pattern so I cannot give the person credit. I am SO sorry. I need to get better at keeping track of that stuff. Now if you want some more amazing patterns, Gale on Splitcoaststampers posted these two sites she found:
Flowers with Leaves
Five Flower Patterns
Also there are two threads on Splitcoast about this topic. You might want to check them out too because everyone is leaving different ideas and patterns!
Thread One
Thread Two
So, have fun! I find these are easy to do while sitting with the family watching TV or easy enough to pack in your purse and take to doctors appointments! Enjoy, and be sure to leave links to your crochet patterns in the comment section if you have them! Have a joyous Tuesday!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Organizational {Friday}
First, I think most of you know I am using the We R Memory Keepers 12x12 album and page protectors. I am also using up my large Basic Grey stash for my journaling cards. I cut a bunch of Basic Grey papers into 4x6 pieces that I am using for my cards. I keep them in color order so it is easy to find what I want each day for journaling.
To keep track of the pictures I take each day and which side of the journaling card my stamping will be on, I use my scrappy notebook. Now, this notebook is not anything magical. It was an older spiral bound planner from 2007 that my daughter didn't need anymore. I use the scrap papers in the front of the journal for all sorts of things as I work in my scrap room--keeping track of supplies used on a layout in progress, testing a stamp out before stamping on my creation, scribbling down my journaling before commiting it to a scrapbook page, etc. I decided to use the last few pages of this same notebook to keep track of my CK Project 365 pictures.
On this sheet, I note the date and a quick subject about the picture taken that day. The dates alternating between left- and right-hand sides of the page indicate to me which side of my journaling card I will place my decorative border. I am using many Unity stamps for my borders.
I hope you enjoyed this. Have a blessed weekend, and thanks for stopping by to see me today!Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hip Hop {Thursday}
Welcome to another Hip Hop Thursday! I hope you are enjoying the hop thus far. I am assuming it will be kind of quiet today since so many people are headed to CHA! If you are going, I pray you have fun! Today, you should be joining me from Linsey's inspiring blog. If not, be sure to hop back home to the Unity blog!
Today I created a cover page for my 6x6 album that I am using for my His Holy Name Challenge. I used two Unity stamps--Scalloped Journal and the smaller version of my stamp Almighty God from the Friendship Love Miracles September kit. The larger version of my stamp can be found here. The papers are from the Creative Memories 8x8 Romance Power Palette. They are so pretty! For a full list of products used, be sure to see my gallery post here on Splitcoaststampers! 
I also used this week's card sketch from Splitcoaststampers--SC212. This sketch was certainly very adaptable to a 6x6 scrapbook page.
Well, thanks for stopping by. Be sure to hop on over to my dear friend Chelsea's blog! I know she will have something incredible for you to see! Blessings,
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Stamping on Layouts!
My latest article posted yesterday on Scrapjazz. It is titled "Stamping on Your Layouts." I had four amazing designers that contributed awesome layouts for the article:
Chelsea
Brooke
Anne-Marie
Lisa
You can read the article here. I hope you enjoy it, and if you haven't tried stamping on a layout, maybe you should challenge yourself this week! You might find you LOVE it! Have a joyous Tuesay, and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday's {Tip} Making Korker Ribbons & Bows
Okay, in last week's tutorial I shared a site that gave instructions on making a ribbon bow. This week, I found a great pdf file for making Korker ribbon bows. If you don't know what they are, they are spiral ribbons made into a bow. This tutorial shares amazing pictures, and I hope you will enjoy it!
One tip that is not on this instruction sheet that I have read other places is to thoroughly soak your ribbon with water. Once the ribbon is wet, spray it with starch. If the curl of the ribbon does not seem tight or any wetness remains, return to the oven for about another 10 minutes until the ribbon has a dry, tight curl. You may want to try that also.
Here is the tutorial. Can you imagine how beautiful that would be on a card! Wow! I can't wait to try one! And if you need a cheap resource for ribbons, my favorite shop is Ribbons and Bows Oh My! They even have pre-made Korker ribbons if you don't want to make your own. You can find their pre-made Korkers here. Happy Tuesday and Happy ribbon making everyone!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
His Holy Name {Challenge 2, Sovereign}
Challenge Word 2: Sovereign
God’s Attribute: God is sovereign, and He has power and authority over all creation. God is in total control. He is the only one with all the answers. God is working out His great plan for His great purpose. Ruth Bell Graham said “Either He is sovereign or He is not God.”
In Ezekiel, we can find 210 verses in the NIV that use the phrase “Sovereign LORD.” Ezekiel chose to obey God, and he lived what he preached. The other 85 verses using the word sovereign can be found throughout the Bible.
How does this affect my daily life? How do you react when you are going through something difficult? Do you stress? Do you talk to all of your friends and seek advice from everyone you know? Or do you have a complete and utter trust knowing that God is sovereign and that He has a plan for this current trial? Does it give you a peace or does it bother you that you are not in charge? Hannah Whitall Smith said “He overrules everything. No trial comes except by His permission and for some wise and loving purpose which perhaps only eternity will disclose.”
Our lives are not our own. He has a plan for your life and my life. Though God is in control of all of His creation, we have to remember that we also have free will, and we are responsible for the choices we make. He has given us everything we need to believe and obey. We must learn to submit to Him and rest in Him. We can seek His will and follow His plan for us or we can try to do it on our own and eventually fall and pay the consequences for our choices. He loves you. He loves me. What amazing plans might He have for you? Who do you believe is in control? Do you faithfully seek His will?
For my page this week, I used Cherry Art papers. I also pulled out my old Making Memories paint to paint a piece of Paper Trey cardstock in red. Then I used that piece to write my verse. The stamps I used for the word Sovereign are the new Unity release Just My Type. Isn't that a wonderful font? I also used Stickles black diamond but it is really hard to see in this picture.
The verse I chose for this challenge is:
2 Samuel 7:22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you. . ."
Have fun studying and creating! Remember to use the Keyword HHN09, and to chat about the challenge, join us in this thread here on Splitcoaststampers! Blessings to each of you!
Scripture Challenge 2009 {Weeks 3 & 4}
So, how did you enjoy your first two weeks? I pray you loved spending time in His Word and searching out scriptures! Now onto our next two studies:
Week 3: Beauty
Week 4: Wait
Please remember to use Scripture Challenge Keyword: SCRC209 when posting to online galleries. Enjoy, and I will post your next words on February 1st! See ya then!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Organizational {Friday}
Okay, are you tired of swiping your stamp ink on a scrap piece of paper to see what the color looks like? Do you have 6 shades of blue but you don't know which one will match your patterned paper? Well, I have been meaning to make color swatches of my inks for a LONG time. I finally did it this morning because it has been driving me nuts using scrap paper! 
I decided to work on my Tsukineko Dew Drops first. I have the Dew Drops in Brilliance inks, Versa Magic inks, and Memento inks. I love them all, and I have them all stored on one side of my Stampin Things Topper seen here. 
Now this is an older picture, and I actually have 9 Dew Drops across on each row. Really, really nice, and they are on my desk at my fingertips! To create my color swatches, I first created small squares in a Microsoft Excel file and printed them out on white cardstock. Then I took a small Unity butterfly stamp and stamped each ink color in the squares.
Next to the squares, I wrote the type of ink and the color name. This is what my page turned out like:
This will be so handy. Now I will not have to waste paper or ink anymore trying to match colors. I will just use this page of swatches for matching. Agh, why didn't I do this sooner? Enjoy, and spend a few minutes organizing your stamp inks! You will love it!
A Quick Picture! Yes, Bison!!
Aren't they neat? Too cool for sure! Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed Friday!Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hip Hop {Thursday's} All About Backgrounds
Happy Thursday! You should be joining me from Brooke's fun blog. If not, please be sure to hop on back to the Unity blog and start at the beginning. You wouldn't want to miss any of the fun today for sure!
Today, I am making it all about backgrounds using Unity stamps! I created two cards for you using my stamps to make backgrounds! On this first card, I used the new Unity Just My Type alpha set to create my background. I think I may do this a lot! I love the look of the alpha as a background! 
For my second card, I used the scalloped frame stamp from the January Unity Love, Etc. kit to make this background. I inked up just the floral design on the inside of the stamp and stamped it four times on my white Paper Trey cardstock. Then I cut it down to the size I wanted. Super easy, and these flowers make a beautiful background!
I hope you enjoy these and will try using the awesome Unity stamps to make your own backgrounds! Now hop on over to Anne-Marie's stunning blog for more Unity fun! Blessings,
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Unity & Project 365
Okay, I wanted to share a photo of my latest journaling cards for Project 365! These are so easy to do, and I am really excited about the journaling. 
To make my cards, I am finding that all of my Unity border and corner stamps are just perfect for these 4x6 cards. Here are some of the stamps I am using:
Boutique Border
Fanciful Border
Floral Edge
Stamps I haven't used yet but will also be good for my cards are:
Border of Bells
Dot to Knot Ribbon
Hawaiian Border
Ladybug Line-up
Little Borders (This set actually has 6 borders in it for just $12!!!)
Paisley Border
Polka Dot Border
Posy Line-up
Scalloped Border
The numbers I am using are from the Unity Amazing Me set!
Someone asked on another board if their journaling was based on the photo they took for the day or just a summary of their day. My journaling is all about the photo. These will be things that either happened that day or things I want to remember. For instance, yesterday's photo was this:
I was writing an article for Scrapjazz so my journaling is all about that! I have written 41 articles for them since October 2006, and I think that will be a great memory someday or something that my grandchildren may find interesting. Goodness, I didn't even know that I had written 41 articles until I counted to do my journaling! :)
Anyway, I hope you find this helpful for your Project 365! For me, it's all about saving the memories for the generations to come (and that is why I handwrite everything too)! :) Have a joyous day!
Tuesday's {Tip} Ribbon Bow Tutorial
Okay, you have got to see this beautiful bow! I haven't asked permission to copy and paste her picture here so you just need to trust me! :) Go to this link for a beautiful bow with tutorial! Thanks to Barbara for taking the time to put this tutorial together! Happy bow making everyone!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Organizational {Friday}
Anyway, Sue's new organizer is called the "Die Cuts and More" organizer. Here are a couple of pictures from her site:
Look how there are the Sizzix, Sizzlet, Quickutz, and Cuttlebug dies on here. Sue also has the Cuttlebug embossing folders, cutting plates, and much, much more on this unit. And the top not only holds dies, it holds a Big Shot and Cuttlebug together! Wow! It has a lazy susan base for easy access. It will hold every size die cut for Sizzix and more from the 2"x2" all the way up to the extended dies of 6"x13 3/4" along with all the platforms and cutting plates.Sue has a special running right now through January 31, 2009. If you buy the "Die Cuts and More" unit at the regular price, you get 15% off a second organizer of your choice (**not including shipping)! But, you must order both organizers at the same time.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and give Sue a call! She is absolutely a joy to talk to, and she really wants to make sure you are getting the storage unit best for your needs. Her phone number is on her website. Just click on the "Place an Order" link, and you will see her phone number there. To see this unit and all of her other units, click here. And happy organizing!
CK Project 365 {My Supplies & a Picture}
Some of you have asked what supplies I am using for the CK Project 365 since I didn't buy the kit, and I had no interest in the kit. Anyway, I am using the We R Memory Keepers 12x12 D-ring album and their "6 Up - 4x6 Inch Photo Sleeves" that fit in the album. These particular page protectors were hard to find. Scrapbook.com does carry them. In fact, that is where I purchased them. Currently they are out of stock; however, if you go to this page, and click to be notified when they come in, they will send you an e-mail once they are in stock. I have used that feature a lot, and it works wonderfully! They were one of the only places that I could find that had these particular page protectors. I know there are other companies that sell similar page protectors; however, I love the ones by We R Memory Keepers. I think they are a nice heavy weight (which I prefer), and I didn't want to go with another brand that may be more flimsy.
Now scrapbook.com carries the album too; however, they are $29.99. You can find the same album at wolfcamera.com for $19.99 through January! You can find them all here in zillions of colors!
And now, I wanted to share my picture for today with you. Sometimes the moon can be beautiful. Sometimes it can be eery! Today, it was eery and weird! I went outside to take the dogs out (yes, we have 3), and there was the moon eery and bright. I ran in the house, grabbed my camera, and snapped this picture: 
It's not the best picture but it's the feeling and eeriness of it this morning that is meaningful to me. I guess that's where my journaling will come in! :) Anyway, I couldn't get a great picture because the neighbors house was in the way. I then waited a bit, went back out to see if I could get a better picture but it was gone! I then went out again--still gone! It's like it was only there for those couple of minutes, and then it was gone! Oooh!
Well, I pray you have a joyous Friday! Have fun snapping pictures and crafting! Blessings to each of you!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hip Hop {Thursday}
Happy New Year!!! Welcome back to another Hip Hop Thursday! It's hard to believe we haven't "hopped" in two weeks! I hope you are enjoying your hop thus far! You should be joining me from Anne Marie's blog. If not, be sure to hop back to the Unity blog so that you do not miss a thing!
Well, it finally happened! I had an altered spiral notebook fall apart! I have never had that happen before, and I am sure it is because I didn't use my trusty Modge Podge! So, I had to re-do my BSF cover! But, what a great way to start the New Year--with a new cover! For my cover, I used the awesome new Unity release Shine On. Notice the lamps and then how I only used part of the "shine" sentiment to create a new sentiment--Shine for Jesus! The Jesus stamp is also from the Unity, and the Unity Almighty God stamp that I designed is in the upper right-hand corner of my notebook. The other words and verses I printed on my computer.
And I have to share the revamped Unity Something Within kit! Y'all are going to want this one for sure. It has my Almighty God stamp, seven scripture stamps, a beautiful cross, and a gorgeous border stamp!!! It is AMAZING for sure! Here is the link, and here is the picture for you! 
Isn't that just stunning! A must have for all of my scrapbook pages, cards, etc.!
Well, I hope you have enjoyed my little creation today. Now hop on over to Jimmi's fun blog, and see what amazing things she has in store for you today! Have fun!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Guest Designer Cards!
For my first card, I used the Wise Old Owl set which is on sale right now! I used the owl's wings to create the flower petals and the 'Whoo loves you?' sentiment for the stem of the flower. This is such a cute, cute set! And you really can do a lot with it.
For my next card, I used the Little Red Wagon set. One very unique thing about Pink Persimmon stamps is that the stamps nest inside of each other--if that makes sense. The wagon is actually a separate stamp. Then there are many other stamps that you can put in the wagon. If you look at the set here, you will see what I mean! How unique and fun is that?
I colored this card with my Prismacolor pencils, and then I used my blending stumps and baby oil to smooth the color out. :)For my third card, I used the Flower Garden set. This set is so versatile because you can mix and match the outsides of the flowers with different patterned insides. I used my Creative Memories square maker to make all of my inchies, and then I dressed them up with Stickles.
And who doesn't forget a birthday or anniversary every now and then! Oops! Well, this Ribbit set is perfect for a belated card! I printed part of the sentiment on my printer, and then I used the Making Memories tiny alpha stickers for the rest of the sentiment. I guess it should have said "Sorry We Frogot" since I have two cute froggies here! :)
Thanks for stopping by today, and thanks again to Darcy and Judi of Pink Persimmon! Have a joyous Tuesday everyone!
