Organization:

Organization

 "Always a Work in Progress"

Ok, here is the story.  I am always looking for a way to get better organization.  I am a long way from where I want to be but, I thought I would share where I am at.  

This first option is an old greenbar printer stand.  My company was going to trash this.  SCORE!  Look outside of the box when thinking of storage and organization.

I have my Sizzix on top, followed by my Cricut Cartridge Organizers (show later), then my Cricut, Printer and Sewing Machine.  This really saves a lot of room.  I am working on possibly painting it black as that is most of my decor.

I love cases with lots of squares to put my embellishments in.  This one holds my CTMH embellishments, I have the name of the color in the cubby so I can stay color coordinated.

 I hang my cutting mats on the wall and my ribbon holder next to it. I find this is the best option for cutting mats.

This is one of my favorites it is the standard storage drawers that are sold all over.  I love it because...

It holds these little boxes that I also got from a business that was tossing them.  They get items shipped in them and then toss them, so I got quite a supply.  You can open the drawer and see everything separated.

 I have been a stamper for a few years, so I used to buy wood stamps.  I am now sold on CTMH acrylics.  so I will show you how to store those a little later.  I noticed when my woods were in a drawer  I would forget what I had and not use them.  So I put them on this DVD shelf and now I am always looking at them and use them more often.

Never underestimate the power of pegboard.  You can not beat the price of the amount of organization you can get from a 2 by 4 foot piece of pegboard.  You can always change it around, add or remove items.

I love cricut cartridges but hate how much room the boxes took up so I got these and they stack together and fit on my printer stand.

I love a good book shelf.  I use lots of baskets and cases and stack them on the book shelf.  When it is in eye site I investigate and use it!

This is another of my favorites, the CTMH ink/marker case.  Being able to see my inks and markers at glance let's me decide my colors easily.  Plus it has a handle and I can carry them from room to room.

This is one of the funniest.  I use one of those jewelry holders to hold my punches.

Now for my acrylic stamps I use these storage boxes from CTMH.  Each one hold between 12 to 15 stamps sets.  I am in the process of creating nice tags to label each of the boxes.

My all time favorite project for organization is my paper storage rack.  I bought cube sets from Walmart and zip ties and created this 3 column paper holder.  Because it is 3 columns it more stable than just a single tower.  I put the shelves in different directions to help sort and a couple of them hollow to hold my albums.

So this is where my room is right now.  Next?  I have taken a picture of each of my acrylic stamp sets and plan to put them in a photo album with organizing tabs, so I can page through to see and remember what I have. After that the woods.

Thanks for checking out how the Gigi Zone organizes.

Send me your suggestions or let me see what you have done.

Remember you can talk to me for all your Close to My Heart needs

Have a crafting good week.

Gigi

 Www.gigizone.ctmh.com

Celebrate 30 with Close to My Heart

Just wanted to share this months special. www.gigizone.ctmh.com  Take a look.  I'm having a drawing for a free stamp set.  Any one placing an online order in June will be eligible.



Email me with questions.



Craftingly yours,



Gigi

gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com

www.gigizone.ctmh.com

Celebrate 30 with Close to My Heart

Just wanted to share this months special. www.gigizone.ctmh.com  Take a look.  I'm having a drawing for a free stamp set.  Any one placing an online order in June will be eligible.



Email me with questions.



Craftingly yours,



Gigi

gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com

www.gigizone.ctmh.com

Spotlight on the United Kingdom Anita & Zoe

Anyone for a spot of tea?

I saw these and was amazed at how cute and realistic they are.  Maybe because I love china, old, new, hand painted, it doesn't matter.  I just love china. 

Anita and Zoe are sisters.  They live in Leicester in the UK, they have both been crafting for a few years.

The decided to get together at the beginning of this years, as two heads are better than one.  They bounce ideas off of one another have come up with some great projects.

Zoe loves coloring in and making cards with digi stamps, Anita has a silhouette cameo and just loves making 3d projects.  They both do different projects but get together to bling up their items and comment on each others work, then the ideas just start popping.  They now have a page on Facebook called "Exleybees Handmade Cards and Boxes".  They hope to have a web page sometime this year.

I don't know about you but I am ready for a cup of tea.

Thanks for stopping by the Gigi Zone.

Craftingly yours,

Gigi

Gigi Spot Light - Sweden - Christina Hagstrom

"Hello Sweden"

Tina Hagstrom

If you are a paper crafter and in groups on fb or follow blogs there is no way you haven't see the card boxes that have been posted.  Tina seems to have mastered this.  I was really impressed with the theme of her boxes.  Her art and colors reach out, draw you in and make you want to hear a story the card is telling.

Please enjoy her work.

Her friends call her Tina, Christina Hagström, lives in Gothenburg, Sweden.  She has been a crafter all of her life, but a paper crafter since 2005.

She mostly makes cards but she also love making boxes and other things.  She is a stamp designer and a design team member of Vilda Stamps (vildastamps.com).

 

If you like to see more of Tina's creations, visit her blog:

handmadebytina.blogspot.com

I hope you enjoyed.  If you would like a change of being on the Gigi Zone spotlight, please submit a sample of your work and a short bio by email to gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

Welcome to the Gigi Zone's Spotlight

 "Hello United Kingdom"

As promised I am starting Gigi Zone's Crafter Spotlight.  This Spotlight is for a artist that caught my attention with the amazing flowers she creates.  They took my breath away and I wanted to share her work.  She is from the United Kingdom,  I am happy to share what crafters are doing all over the world as well as in the US.  Please enjoy and feel free to comment.

Annie Christie lives near Halstead, Essex, United Kingdom. She loves making cards and has been making them for about 7 years. She has tried various techniques but now is mostly enjoying die cutting.  She likes the clean crispness and the professional accurate finish you get at the end. 

Her favorite cards to make are for Women as she enjoys decorating her cards with pretty papers, flowers, ribbons, lace and pearls.  She loves nature and that’s why she likes incorporating flowers into her work.  The flowers make her happy and she hopes that they do the same for the recipient.  She doesn't know a lady who doesn’t just love flowers and the thought of bringing a smile to someone’s face as they open one of her cards is her aim!  She does make cards for all occasions, celebrations,  men and children too. 

Annie runs classes for some wonderful ladies, they have a fabulous time, welcoming new friends, enjoying each others company, having a giggle, sharing their thoughts and generally just being happy!!! There are never enough hours in the day to craft, it is very addictive and very good for the soul!

 

She also produces and sells card packs which can by made in the style of those shown on her website.   If you would like any further information, Annie on her website www.handmadecardsbyannie.co.uk.

GIGI'S SPOTLIGHT IS COMING

There are going to be a couple of changes at the gigi.zone.   As most of you know I am a Close to My Heart Consultant but that is not what the Gigi Zone is all about.  I love CTMH products of course they are the best and that is why I sell them.  But above all I am a paper crafter.  I love paper crafts.  All kinds with all products.  My blog has always focused on projects and challenges.  I will continue this, you will also always be able to purchase CTMH products by selecting the link from my blog.  But it is time for a little change.   I am a member of a few groups and I see such beautiful work from all over the world.  So I have decided to share the inspiration.  I will continue to post my projects, suggestions and challenges, but in between I will do Crafter spotlights. 

I will select Gigi's Spotlight based on what I feel are unique and creative entries. It may be a particular project that peaks my interest, or it could be your style.  Needless to say your work will have impressed me in some form.

I will showcase some of their work with their bio and information they wish to share.  I will consider all submissions, the final decision on will be the gigi.zone's,  submissions may not be posted as submitted, editing may take place. 

If you are interested in being  one of Gigi's Spotlight, please follow the criteria listed below. 

1) Like the Gigi Zone Paper Crafting facebook page

2) Follow my blog at http://gigi-zone.blogspot.com/

3) Submit a bio, a sample of you best work, and directions if you like to gigi.zone.cazrds@gmail.com

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Thanks and I hope you will be in the spotlight soon. 

Craftingly yours,

Gigi 

I wanted to repost this blog because I love this CTMH paper and I need motivation this weekend

If you are a following this paper looks familiar. I usually don't post the same paper but this is one of my favorites. So this is a project I created for a gift certificate. I love adding dimensions to my cards, so with the extra thickness it can be a challenge using a a envelope.

So with this project I decided to make a box to hold a gift certificate. Since this project would be hand delivered I could also make additional dimensions to the outside of the box.

When you slide the box open there is the gift certificate. Both the butterfly and the flower are 3d

This is a gift certificate but you could very easily make a card holder for a gift card and use holiday paper. Perfect gifts box for the holidays two gifts in one.

One last thing back to Second Chance Paper. These are no rules when you paper craft, I have found myself afraid to use the same paper as if it is breaking the rules. It's ok to use the same paper combinations over and over at least till you run out of the paper. If you like it that much there is a good chance the recipients will like it as well.

I will try to post something soon, maybe a Christmas card to keep in the spirit.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

Challenge Share!

Hi all,

Sorry I am a little behind in my blogging.  But I wanted to share some pics from a person who submitted her challenge cards.  3 pieces of paper and your card bases.  

Lori Lein!  Great Job.  Thank you for taking the challenge and letting your creative juices flow. 

So next on my list Thanksgiving cards then onto Christmas.  Also I will be doing something a little different for placing Close To My Heart orders.  Stay tuned.

Send me your email address if you would like to be on my email list.

Have a great week.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com

http://gigizone.ctmh.com

Back to Basics 104 - America and a challenge! Repost

Honey & Honey Bees what is more American than that?  But this is a different challenge. I took a few sheets of paper, cut into different sized and created until my brain was tire.

So I took 2  12 x 12 sheets of each:

     Patterned paper doubled sided
     Dark color Solid
     Light color Solid

I cut these into different sizes, using a patterned from one of the CTMH instructions books.

Then I took a coordinating color of 8.2 x 11 and cut them in half to use as my base for the cards.  I put a few embellishments on the table, beads, flowers, etc.

Then I sat down with my glue runner in hand, mixed and matched papers and added embellishments.  After working a few hours this was the result.

Over 20 cards made, I did created some duplicates which are not in the pictures.  I left most of the sentiments blank so that I would add them when I needed to suit the occasion.

So now I have a good supply of cards on hand and should not run out for a while.

So what do you think?  Here is the challenge.  Try your hand at this, and send me your results.  I will post them on my blog. 

What a way to end National Stamping Month.

Stampingly yours,


Gigi

Back to Basics 103 Ireland

Ok, maybe I am stretching the Ireland focus a bit, but this is how I see it.  The wind at your back, the sun on your face, the rain on your fields, you know the poem.    That is what I see when I look at this card.

I think it is somewhat hard to find a vertical sentiment stamp, so if you see a nice one, buy it!  I stamped on the edge inside the card and cut the cover short. 

This allows the sentiment to be seen when the card is closed.  So I hope you have enjoyed Ireland, at least my take on Ireland.

Basic and simple, and nothing beats a good sentiment.  What's your take on Ireland?  I'm getting a little tired all of this traveling.  I think I better head home.  Next, last in the Back to Basics series for now we head to America.

 Back to Basics 104 America.

Stampingly yours,

Gigi

Back to Basics 102, Asia

Well the second installment of Back to Basics is Asia.  I don't know what it is but there is something intriguing about Asian culture.  Maybe it is the beauty of the people, the kimonos, the simplicity of life.  I really can't say.  I like to thinks it has something to do with their culture, you know, peace, tranquility, joy, luck etc.  So here is my interpretation of Asia.

I have once again reached back into my old stamp stash.  I have had these for quite a few years.  I do like this paper, but my original plan was to make my own.  I have a large stamp of bamboo and my intent was to use that stamp to make my own background paper.  But i saw this in my stash and thought this would be a good time to use it.  But never forget how easy it is to make your own background paper.

The three squares are attached by foam tape to give them height.  The words are stamped underneath.  I like this card because you can use it for many different occasions, Good Luck, Congratulations, Happy Birthday, Friend or others.

Background printed paper on the card base, then a 2 layer rectangular strip, attach the letters and wrap a piece of raffia around it. 

Don't get caught up on having the same stamps, this card is versatile.  You don't even have to keep it to Asia, this could be any country with a different choice of stamps.  Or if you prefer to keep it Asian, use a fan, bamboo, panda bear or any stamps that have an Asian flair to them.

This is also a goo card to open either direction.

Card base
Printed or stamped backround paper
3 shades of corresponding cardstock
Raffia

I think maybe we should head to Ireland, in Back to Basics 103. 

Let me see your Asia and I we can meet in Ireland next week.

Stampingly yours,

Gigi

Back to basics - 101!

Well as many of you know I have been saying how far behind I was in my card making endeavors.  So while at home on my staycation I decided in order to catch up with a good supply of cards on hand I needed to get back to the basics.  What this means is back before all the exciting fancy things.  When all I used were stamps, paper and maybe a piece of twine or ribbon.

Don't get me wrong I love my Cricut.  but I need to really crank out some basic cards that I could use for any occasion and in a hurry.  So over the next few post I will show you these basic cards I created.  The exciting thing I did was use mostly old stamps I have had for years and hadn't used in quite awhile.

I was thinking of doing an around the world series, but stopped after only a couple of continents.  lol

 But the first continent was Africa.

In this card simple double layer on the card base, basic solid topped with a patterned piece,  the pottery stamp I have probably had for 10 years,  it is also a double layer and I have used foam tape to add height

Another advantage of a basic design is it is flexible.  This design can be easily altered and work for a card opening right to left as well as bottom to top.

Something I more recently have been doing is adding a graphic stamp inside the card along with the sentiment.  I think this adds a nice touch.

I also had a single pot that I thought would be nice using the same background paper.   Same exact concept, the only difference, was a used a clear embossing pen and added a copper tinge around the rim with a color powder, I think it was Perlex or something.

In this card I put a piece of twine on the pot instead of around the card.  I also used the same stamp inside the card.

If you don't have a corresponding piece of patterned paper, don't forget you can always create your own by using a large background stamp or using a smaller stamp and stamping it randomly to create your own background paper.

So here is what you cant get from basics 101.

Cards bases
1 sheet solid contrasting paper
1 sheet pattern paper or paper stamped with a background stamp
twine
1 large stamp
1 corresponding smaller stamp
Hands taped stamp Sign and date

You will have at least 4 back to basic cards. Don't forget to alternate directions. 

Well in Back to Basic 101, we have visited Africa, I think in Back to Basics 102 we should visit Asia.

Don't forget to send in your back to basics card.

Stampingly yours,

Gigi

Customer Spot Light!

Spot Light on Lori Lein!

Lori and I have had many conversations about inspiration, use of paper and multiple cards with what is at hand. 

Lori has given us a great example.  She has used 1 piece of pattered paper to create 3 totally different cards.  One of the time saving as well as inspirational items I like to do is to take a color selection, add a patterned paper and create until there are no usable scraps left.  You will surprise yourself at how much you can create with a limited amount in front of you.

Thank you Lori.  If any of you have examples related to any of my blogs, please email them to me.  You may be the next Customer Spot Light!

Be sure to stay tuned, new post are on the way.

Scrapingly yours,

Gigi
gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com
http://gigizone.ctmh.com/
http://gigi-zone.blogspot.com/
360-970-4427

A Chocolate Affair!

Here is a quick post.  Do you like chocolate?  Here is a Chocolate Affair stamp set and you can get it for free!

This stamp set has a value of 17.95, but can be yours free if you place a $50.00 order with CTMH during the month of August.

Sorry I didn't have time to create this week, but wanted to share this amazing special.  If you would like to place an order you can call or email.  I have an order going in on August 24th,  If you prefer you can always order on line at the Gigi Zone's Close To My Heart website at http://gigizone.ctmh.com/.

Be sure to share your creations.  This stamp set is only available this month.

Have a great week.

Stamplingly yours.

Jetti

The Gigi Zone

http://gigizone.ctmh.com/

http://gigi-zone.blogspot.com/

gigi.zone.cards@gmail.com

 

Just Because...

Just Because cards...

There are two great benefits of Just Because cards. 
      1)  There is nothing sweeter, nicer or kinder than sending a card just because.  Just to let someone know your are thinking of them for no particular reason, lets then know you appreciate them and care for them.
      2)  To help have a stash of cards simply make just because cards, decorate the outside and then when you need one just add your Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Get Well or other sentiment to the inside.

As simple general sentiment on the outside can hold so fit many occasions.

Of course I like to use Close To My Heart products most of the time.  Then I am sure to have everything matching and you know how I am with colors matching.  LOL

So try this and tell me what you think.

Know I have a piece of exciting news.  I have the new CTMH Artbooking cartridge.  I am going to be working on a couple of projects using it.  I know I do a lot of cards, but I am thinking I will do one card and one scrapbooking project for my blog. 

There is also a special running the month of August if you place a $50.00 order you get the Stamp Of the month FREE!  Yeah.  A Chocolate Affair stamp set would be yours for free.

I would also like to build my blog, so I will be offering a random drawing for a CTMH stamp set!  This will be my kick off to the new Fall idea book.  So stay tuned, more details to follow.

Thanks for stopping by,

Scrappingly yours,


Gigi
Jetti Byrd
CTMH Consultant



Thank You & Thank You!

It is never to late to say Thank You!



Sending a thank you card seems to be becoming an lost art.  We give them for wedding, baby showers but what about the other things?  What is a friend takes you to lunch, calls just see how your doing or just because.

Send a thank you just to show them that you appreciated their concern, time, their friendship.

These were quick and simple cards,  I only used 3 sheets of card stock,  the print was double sided so I flipped to make the cards look different.  

No mater what anyone says, add a little embellishment never hurts.

So I hope you will take a minute to tell those who take time for you that you appreciate them and their friendship.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

Ooh La La !

One, Two, Embelishments & a Corsette

This corset card was so easy and it was a lot of fun.  This may be my new go to card for the girls.

I used the "Tie the Knot" cartridge Cricut cartridge to cut a two layer corset.

1 Solid sheet of card stock - Card
2 Sheets of patterned paper - Polka Dot & Stripe
Embellishments, a ribbon and button
Embossing folder - optional

I cut the two layer corset out. Top layer out of solid paper, under layer out of stripe paper
Run the solid cut through a Sizzix with an embossing folder.  I selected something lacey, curly, flowering what ever you like.

Cut your card base out of the solid, layer the other solid on top of the base.
Add foam tape to the corset and attach. 
Embellish with the ribbon and button.

Create a greeting and attach.  I also use foam tape here to add height.

So this was my first quick take on a corsette cards to you have any ideas?

Create a Corset card and send it to me.  I will post on the Gigi Zone.

Scrapingly yours,

Jetti

Surgar and Spice and Everything Nice

Little Girl Baby Shower Cards

So those of you who know me, know that I am a stamper at heart.  But there are times when I need a card and have printed paper.  That is when you go for the embellishments.  As you can see the little dresses were printed on the cardstock.  So,  I loved the paper and decided to go with embellishing.  The card on the left I added studs to the dresses, the card on the right I added jewels.

I also added ribbons, buttons, slides and Of course a stamped sentiment.  These cards were not hard to make, but I think they make an impact.  Try your hand at embellishing printed paper and let me know what you come up with.

Now I want to let you know what is ahead over the summer.

Blogs...
         Boy Baby Shower Card
         Thank You Cards
         Bridal Shower Corset
         Wedding Cards
Not necessarily in the order.

Close To My Heart

        Last change for Buzz and Bubble paper,  July 30th
        New idea book  August 1st
        Artbooking New Cricut Cartridge
       
So I hope you enjoyed and that you will stop by to visit throughout the summer to see the upcoming items.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

Buy a Stamp and 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to aid Oklahoma tornado victims.

Hi all,

I wanted to share this exciting stamp. Close to My Heart is donating all of the proceeds from the sales of these stamps to the American Red Cross for Oklahoma Tornado Relief.  Yes, 100% of the proceeds will be donated.

  Here are some thoughts and ideas...

• The Stamp is $2.95
• 100% of the stamp price will be donated to ARC for Oklahoma Tormado Relief
• You can buy as many as you want
• They make a great gift 
• The cutest thank you gift you can give
• Save them for stocking stuffers
• An easy way to donate to 
• All the proceeds will be donated

It is a smaller stamp, about the size of the monogram stamp in the current catalog, but what a prize for a donation.

I will be placing an order in June, so send me an email if you would like to buy this stamp and help to donate.

Thanks.

Scrappingly yours,

Gigi

Gigi.Zone.Cards@gmail.com