Scrapbook Paper Holders

It's Show and Tell Time!

This is not a paid advertisement - it's just a review of one of my favorite things.
This is one of those things that I'm grateful for, because it makes life a bit easier in simple ways.

Today's favorite thing is a holder for scrapbooking paper.
I like to have my paper at eye level and at my finger tips.
Cropper Hopper paper holders!
(This is the exact item I purchased.)



Image from Amazon

 I first thought I wanted wooden cubes, but it was hard to find wooden cubes the right size, and they seem to take up too much space, though they are very durable.  
(Just look at how much room the sides take up in the photo below - over two inches of paper space wasted for each two boxes that sit beside each other.)

Image from HERE

 (I have to say, the color of those cubes in the photo are pretty cool.
Just found the image online to help show what I was trying to say.)

I used to use plastic milk crates, but they take up too much room and have those holes in them that destroy the paper, and they bulge way too much.



The Cropper Hopper plastic sides and dividers take up some space because there are several pieces to one unit.  But those sections help hold the paper up straight instead of bending over too much, and I'd still want something to help do that in the cubes.

I've been using two of them for several months now and they have been strong enough to hold a shelf on them.  I do have a lot of paper to help them from bowing too much though.  Because I have found that they are working great for what I am looking for I just purchased and set up two more to make it sturdier - 4 total now.  I am very happy with it!



(okay, please excuse the paperwork all over - that's just life at my house - I guess I haven't found just the right spot for some of that stuff ... yet.  My scrapbooking area doubles ... triples ... or adjusts as necessary for other things too.)

I also use some clear(ish) plastic holders.
(Not sure what brand I really have - and I have two different brands - but I can't tell if one is better than the other anyway.) 


Image from Amazon

They are nice to have between the black paper holders.

I do not use mine as shown in the upper photo, I turn mine as shown in the next photo so I can slide the paper straight out instead of up. (Up is not an option for me because of the shelf I have above them.)

This next photo shows how they are used together.

Okay, you've probably noticed by now that I am somewhat of a paper collector.  I'm just so addicted to cute paper.  And, I better buy it now so I can have it when I need it.  Ya!  But, I might need it later for something better than what I want it for now, so I better not use it yet.  Oh No!  ... Oh Yes!  ... I am that type of person.  I'm trying to overcome that bad habit.  Really I am!  Sometimes it works and sometimes I have to try a little a lot harder.   And, oh my goodness, sometimes there are great ... I mean GREAT sales on paper that I just cannot ... really CAN NOT pass up.

I just acquired a few more packages of paper that I purchased for our family reunion craft.  Yes, I had to purchase more instead of taking from my stash, because it was just easier that way..., you know, to get the right colors and kinds.  Then I had to stuff those left over papers (and there were several) into my stash here.  Sad huh?  (I'm really smiling though!)  Once I get caught up with my scrapbooking I'll have used up several pieces - I do have a lot to catch up on. 

You've probably also noticed that I like to keep my paper grouped by color as much as possible.  Even my scraps - yip, I save my scraps of paper ... and, I use them. :)

My paper scraps live in a lovely little freezer basket that came from my in-laws home when we cleaned it.  Gotta love it! I can see right through to each paper even down in the bottom.  And that piece of history basket is always visible to remind me of some wonderful people. 
It's coordinated by color but is not stacked neatly as you can see! It's just stuffed in with similar colors surrounding it.
(I did put a piece of cardboard in the bottom to give it a flat surface for the paper to rest on. It's working wonderfully.)

So, what does my scrapbooking area look like you wonder? 
This is it - the first half of My Stuff Room.

 Go into the room and look back at the area and this is the view you get.

It's not a large room - or at least it is a stuffed room, which makes it not seem so large.  (I think it is about 7 feet wide.) My sitting area is just large enough for my chair and me.  But most everything is right around me ready for use, when I need to use it. 

Behind this view is the other half of my stuff room.  That half contains my holiday decor and party/wedding decor, my un-used for the moment house decor, platters and trays, vases and flowers, tables cloths, tables, chairs, and oh so much more stuffed into it.  I have cleaned and organized it a couple times, but I also have kept stuffing things in.  I guess I'll just say that I'm glad to have this stuff room to stuff stuff into. 
My stuff room has had it's much needed overhaul. Now I can move on to the next project.

(And to think that this post all started because of some great little paper holders.)



Preserving Memories

"A birth certificate shows that we were born.
A death certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!"





The preserving of memories and history is something that I am somewhat passionate about. I love the focus it puts on families...together forever. This preserving started years ago in the form of scrap books for each of our children and has evolved into publishing of a different sort.

After many years of scrap booking the same photos of our reunions, vacations, and histories for 10 different scrap books I decided that placing photos and info just once then printing that collection 10 times was easier. The time saved seemed worth the extra few dollars. I still do both, scrap booking for each of my children still at home and occasional book publishing for all of my children.

I've learned a lot about creating books and look forward to learning more. I'm definitely hooked and so grateful for these companies. They provide a great way to preserve memories.
I've decided to share what I have learned, just in case someone else might be interested. It is my opinion that each has their place in the book creating market. I've listed them in the order that I learned of and used them (and have only listed those companies that I have used).

Heritage Makers 

A great selection of book sizes, cards and other products, backgrounds and clip art. Pages can be created as desired with any size photo and clip art. No two books will have to look the same because of a huge selection of paper and clip art. Start with a blank page and make it what you want. They also have some templates available if desired. My favorite book to create from this company has become the wedding guest books - no other company can compare for this type of book.

pros = greatest opportunity for creative expression.
cons = expensive, requires membership fees.
I will continue using Heritage Makers for guest books and other books/cards needing the paper/decor available in this company.

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Shutterfly 

After using Heritage Makers and having the freedom of ... well, everything, this was really hard to use. If I had started here it might have been okay. But I was too limited and didn't enjoy it. Having said this, I must also say that the finished product turned out great, and the photos printed in this book turned out bright and clear. I couldn't put words and photos where I wanted and there was no clip art. I was too limited.

(UPDATE: The book I created has not held up well, pages are falling out)

I used this site several years ago, so things might have changed since then - I haven't gone back to try again.  

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Blurb

This is awesome! It allows you to slurp things from your blog (words and photos) into a book and then make changes and additions. A great "yearbook". The pages flow together (when there are too many words for one page it flows on to the next page) and photos can be added. Color can be used, but no clip art. Several sizes available and the finished product looked great. This worked great for our family reunion memories a couple years ago.

pros = slurping from blog feature, flowing pages.
cons = no clip art (but remember that isn't a bad things for some types of books).
I will continue using this company - I have a couple ideas for future books.

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Mix book

I liked the look of the book I created. Clip art is minimal, so unless I use a seasonal option my books would all have the same clip art from one to the next - that's not going to happen - each occasion/book needs it's own look.

pros = cheaper price, but good quality.
cons = small clip art selection.
Glad I used it the first time, enough that I used it a second time, and will surely use it again in the future.

I do love books!

left photo: Heritage Makers, Shutterfly, Mixbook (notice different sizes - all square books)

middle photo: Heritage Makers and Blurb (same size - both vertical books)

right photo: Heritage makers small book

Do you make books?  What company do you like most?



Tassels

I really think tassels are a fun look.  Green Wedding Shoes has a wedding with some of those fun looks with tassels.

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Are these tassels?  From Ella Publishing Co.
They sure are cute!



Unfrosted Cakes

I have seen a few of these unfrosted cakes and I have decided that I kinda like the look.

These cute little individual cakes are from Baking with Blondie



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Here is a pretty unfrosted chocolate wedding cake found at Rosie Parsons

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Notice the two cakes on the right of this photo from Sweet Designs -

a layered blonde strawberry shortcake and a layered rainbow cake.

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How about a crepe look - like this from Your Cake and Eat it Too

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Several looks and flavors can be found at Milk Bar

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Here is one from Saucy's Sprinkles

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And last for this post is a square look I've been eying for awhile, from Green Wedding Shoes.

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Pinterest &/or Google Images

In my previous post about Lovely Outdoor Rooms I showed a picture of a chicken coup that I had seen first on Pinterest.  When I clicked on the link the pin'r credited I found it to be a fashion site that had nothing to do with that chicken coup photo I wanted to learn more about.  Was I doing something wrong?  Do I not know how to effectively use Pinterest?

Still curious enough about the coup I searched on Google and found that exact image - with the correct credit, where I could learn and see more. So I clicked on it - It was great!  Just what I wanted! Thank you Google!  And, that is the site you will find credit for when you look at the coup in my post - the rightful owner of where that image was found. Credit where credit is due!

As great as Pinterest is, I still search Google Images - I usually use both.   I like that Google is a search tool that doesn't have to have someone pin it there before I search. 
Pinterest includes only those things that someone else found and pinned.  And there are a lot of those, so not to worry!

There is one thing that Pinterest has that Google search doesn't - that is the option to pin something I like so I can refer to it again.  I do love that! That is a big plus. 

I need a space to remember a look I liked - that is why I have this blog.  I prefer to post those looks here in My Stuff Room but I do pin on Pinterest on occasion when I'm in a hurry, or when I'm planning an event - like my Valentine Decor Board.   Pin boards are a great way to refer to all of your "finds" at once.
Others have thought that some of my pins should be in a different board, but they were pinned there so I could refer to all those ideas at once while planning that one event.  Surely when I plan another event, or need an idea of similar interest, I will refer to that board even if it isn't a Valentine's Day event. 
Though I am pinning on Pinterest for my personal use I realize that others see my pins and might like to learn more about them - (just like how I saw the coup and wanted to learn more).  Pinterest pins just don't contain all the info I/we want on a product or project.  Hence, back to the problem I mentioned in my first paragraph on this post - make sure to link back to the site that does have the info others want to learn and see about that individual pin.  I simply don't care about fashion when I'm wanting to learn more about that chicken coup.  And, I really might like to view the site on which the pin was originally found - they might have more good stuff to look into.
Pinterest is a great site, but it's not the talent behind each and every pin - let us learn who is! True - the pinner found it, but the creator really deserves the credit!



Image from Google

Oh Bother!  Maybe VENTING should be the title of this post!?!?!?

I hope that anyone visiting My Stuff Room will find the info they are looking for about the items I post about.  If not, please drop me an email and I'll try to be more helpful.  Thank you!

By the way - THANK YOU for visiting!

Lovely Outdoor Rooms

From Living Beautifully

She has several lovely photos on this post.

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From Momcaster

A lovely chicken coop or two, but I don't want them as chicken coups, just great yard rooms.

Really?  Chicken coups? Wow!

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Washi Tape

I have been intrigued with washi tape for some time now.  I've purchased a few rolls when they were on a special, but haven't used them yet.  I'm waiting until the time is right I guess - I don't want to waste them.  

Michael, from Inspired by Charm, shares a few ideas.

After seeing those ideas I just might have to start a washi tape project - well, any of them but the pumpkins - those pumpkins really don't inspire me. 

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All You Need Is Love Events shares a few ideas too, like these cute tags.

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Maybe some cute tabs like these from JuBella would be helpful for school or office projects.

(This image has an extra look - another tag.)

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Some of the cutest things I've seen include this bunting and cute garland make from washi tape.

From Modern June - check out the other photos there too.

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Here is a way to store washi tape - from Ella Publishing Co.

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 Just found this place:
Downtown Tape
where it's sold for $1.99 a roll!

Lamp Shade

I'd like to see this to know if I really like it or not - clever though.
From Circle of Moms (it's #7 in the slideshow).

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."   Winston Churchill

(Image from HERE)

Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.

Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”


Link to complete message - Living the Abundant Life, by President Thomas S. Monson



One more, this one is from Spiritually Speaking

Soft and Relaxing Color

Tiffany Blue, Turquoise, Ocean Blue, whatever the color, it's very relaxing.
Isn't it lovely!
From Design Dazzle

Similar color post HERE.

Rubber Ducky Party

Such a cute idea - rubber duckies popin' up everywhere.These and other cute pictures with rubber duckies can be found at  Kara' Party Ideas

Here is another Rubber Ducky Party with the duck in the drink.  Fun!

Organizing Cart

It's Show and Tell Time!

This is not a paid advertisement - it's just a review of one of my favorite things.
This is one of those things that I'm grateful for, because it makes life a bit easier in simple ways.

I am occasionally a scrapbooker!  It isn't a daily event until I start catching up, and then it becomes a daily project for weeks and possibly months, depending on how much time I can spend on it each day.  There are so many little pieces that need contained ... and in an organized way so that I can find it when I need it, even if I don't know that I have it.   So this favorite thing has almost become a necessity.

6 drawer cart. Image from Amazon

A few years ago I purchased two 6 drawer units and one 3 drawer unit - somewhere on sale - before Amazon, or at least before I knew Amazon. 

I don't use the wheels - I stack them on top of each other.
(Tricky, I know, but it's working for me and has worked for a few years now, without it toppling over on me or anyone else.  It is in a room that kids usually don't go very often.)

It's hard to see in the photos, but one side is up against the wall and the back side is up against another set of drawer units, bigger than these (someday I hope to trade those bigger drawer units, not pictured, out for a set of shelves).  The front has just a little very little help with the door trim to keep it from coming forward if it ever decided to do that.  So I guess it is somewhat secure.

Here you see the unit on the floor with the middle unit sitting just above the birthday box/drawer.
It seems to stay in place for me - maybe it's because of all the weight in all the boxes/drawers.

Here is the three drawer unit sitting on top of the middle unit.

 Mine stand just over 5 feet tall when they are stacked together.

Of course, I have labeled each drawer to identify it's contents.

I love the way they contain little things that need a safe place to live - stickers, clip art, ribbon, tags, cards, paper. I like that I can slide the box/drawer out and set it on the table or floor to search and find the right piece for what I'm working on, then they neatly slide away - out of the way, for the next project, theme, or season.

And, I love that the lids help keep the dust off of my precious purchases when not in use. :)

We do seem to live in a dust bowl at times.

What is your favorite scrapbook supply keeper?

BabbaBox & Kiwi Crate

BabbaBox from BabbaCo.

Does anyone do this?

I'm very intrigued by it. I've seen once before, but most recently reminded as I saw it at NoBiggie.

(UPDATE: photo/link no longer available, but keep trying just in case it comes back)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

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The same day, I found this similar product - Kiwi Crate at Tip Junkie

I checked their site and they have a three month subscription offer - I love that for the summer months.





Now I'd like to hear about Kiwi Crate and compare the two.  Anybody use these?

I love the books in the first one, but the second looks like it has great stuff too.

(maybe there are more things out there like this????)



Names in Photos

Here are some fun ways to put your name on in your photo.

This photo op found at Style Me Pretty was a look I wanted to save - it's fun!

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This is also from Style Me Pretty

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This is from Simply Perfect Weddings

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Not a name in this one, but it could be!  A fun idea!  From GroopDealz

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