paper trail studio

It’s December 1st, and you know what that means...23 day left to shop and eat Christmas goodies to your hearts content! Because after that you know it’s going to be all about denial - the extra 10lbs gained and the empty pocket books (we never remember how it happened!). So lets not dwell to much on the future and think about the one must have item on your present wish list this year.

Fiskars LED Surecut Titanium 12" Rotary Paper Trimmer

The possibilities!

What's at the top of your crafting wish list this year? Please share in the comments, it might just inspire someone else's wish list (just saying...you never know!).

Little note: for anyone doing the very popular December daily I have Merry and Bright 6x6 mini album in the shop and I might just give one away soon - stay tune!

I love going to art supply stores – my pocket book not so much. Problem is once I walk thought the door all supply budgets are automatically forgotten and must have madness takes control....well that's my story anyway!
So look what I found yesterday while looking at some very pricey acrylic inks

In paper goodness news: my postman just handed me a box that contained

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Paper Pad.

What a great way to finish the week!

How do you spend another cold and gloomy Sunday afternoon – learning how to use something you received almost a year ago! I was given this lovingly used Craft ROBO last Fall, but until this afternoon I had no idea how it worked. After seeing this post by Scrapper Creations (not the same machine but the same concept), I was inspired to finally sit still and test out this baby.

It took a few good YouTube tutorials, patience and a lot of trial and error, but the final result was well worth it. The ease of being able to design something in Adobe Illustrator and cut or draw (yes that's right you can use a ballpoint pen instead of a blade with it) from the same platform was so much easier I found than using the original Craft ROBO software.

The newest model of this machine is the QuicKutz Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutter and had been on my wish list for a while. It connects to your computer and uses the fonts you already have so there is no need to invest in cartrages like other diecut systems. You can also create your own designs or purchase from the Silhouette designs site.

Mine may not be the latest model but I’m totally in love!

I know I'm a little late on the band wagon but I am in love with this collection by 7gypsies - Conservatory. So it's was a very happy mail day - my order arrived this morning and I can't stop looking at them. I think it's one of their best collections so far!

I am the proud owner of Taschen’s latest fashion title release: Emilio Pucci

I became a huge fan of Pucci's work after stumbling across another book (now out of print) while doing research for a design project in collage.
It was instant love – his flare for bold graphics and color inspired me and I wanted to lean as much as I could about this amazing Italian designer.

I recently bought for $1.00 a shoe box full of very old cancelled stamps.

Last night I finally had a chance to sift through the box and came across these. They caught my attention because of the bold graphics and intricate details on such a tiny area, without the aide of computer software [most of them are dated 1949,1966 and 1973].

I hope to use them in art projects and started this small mixed media one with a few of the multiples.

music video for Tanya Davis' song 'Art' by Andrea Dorfman

Love this! I found it on an open [sketch] book's blog and wanted to pass it on.

Did I need another purse...well...! But who could resist this cool label complete with recycle symbol and the promise of a free cosmetic case – apparently not me! The line is called Lily Bloom and it’s made by Rosetti whose purses are usually really nice and very affordable. I know because this isn’t my first Rosetti but that’s a whole other story.

The outer fabric is made of recycled plastic bottles - key selling point and the case ain't to shabby either.

The site only has this info but I’m hoping that will change - looking forward to seeing what else they might come out with for this line.

A little plug for a good friend of mine who decided it was time to follow her dream. I am pleased to introduce chef Nicolina of Nicolina Servello Food.

You can visit her blog: Nicolina in the kitchen where she shares some of her favorite recipes,event photos and daily musing.
Contact information please visit: nicolinaservellofood.com

I’m always being asked how I store my stamps, so since I was in the process of cleaning my work area I decided to snap a few shots of my storage system.

Now keep in mind I don’t have many wood mounted stamps – I’m a huge fan of clear acrylic and un-mounted rubber stamps (for the exact reason they are easier to store).

In steps clear plastic cd cases and a thrift store find clear (also plastic) storage rack. That’s it - all my stamps are stored right there!

The few wood mounted stamps I own are directly above in this made for files wall mounted system (that’s my entire collection in those two shelves).

I’ve decided I'm on strike today so I guess I’ll finish cleaning tomorrow - want to go play with some glass beads instead.

While you are there stop by and visit my booth

I decided to display it an inexpensive, unfinished, keepsake box – this way there’s a place for me to put the cute note card it came in and future postcards.

Thanks again Missy!

As someone who truly appreciates handmade paper and books this video is very inspirational. I found it on the Uppercase blog.