Coordinates Collections

Good things come in small packages - and Monday's Challenge Winner

It's the little things, really. Like when I get a package of scrapbooking goodies and, in addition to ooohing and aaahing over the pretty colors and yummy textures and fun embellies, I realize that the packaging itself is...well...just as good as the product!

So when I opened my last CC order and saw these...

...of course, I started thinking about all the fun ways to use Jillibean Soup Corrugated Buttons and Crate Paper Restoration Sew Brads. But my second thought was: how cute is this packaging?! I can totally repurpose this!

Because I've been in a Crate Paper kinda mood lately, I pulled out some old Crate from my stash (the Mia collection from last year -- so beautiful, so classic!). First, I took all the scrappy goodies out and replaced them with some M&M-like candy. (I bought mine in bulk at Whole Foods and the colors are much softer and prettier than M&M's, but you could use anything.) I used Zip Dry to reattach the newly-filled bubbles to the backing, and then I embellished...

Didn't take a lot of time, but I love the way they turned out. I can't wait to give one as a "pick-me-up" for a friend or leave a little thank-you/hostess gift.

Take a look in your stash. I'll bet you have all kinds of beautiful packaging just waiting to take on a new life!

And I'm excited to announce that the winner of last Monday's challenge -- Where in the World is Coordinates Collections? -- is Jean Marmo. Please email jamie@coordinatescollections.com by December 14 to claim your prize!

Have a great week, ladies!

Monday's Challenge - Mini Journaling Book

Happy Monday Morning!  It's time for another journaling challenge.  This month, it's all about "on-the-go" journaling.  I'm sure that at some point, you've read an article or a blog where someone recommended carrying a little notebook around with you to jot down little stories and journaling ideas.  It's certainly not a new idea, but it really is a great one.  Keeping a little notebook (or keeping track somewhere on your phone) is almost necessary if you're like me and have Mommy brain.

But now we're going to take the idea of carrying around a notebook to the next level :)

I was totally inspired by the cute little Jillibean Soup tag included in the Festive Feast kit this month.  So inspired, in fact, that I decided to make a whole stack of little tags using the kraft cardstock in the kit.

The shipping tag is 4 3/4" by 2 3/8".  If you cut a piece of the kraft cardstock at 4 3/4" all the way down, you can get five tags, plus the original Jillibean tag.  Then just trim the edges in a tag shape, and punch a hole through the center!

I wanted to decorate my little book, but I also wanted to keep it simple enough to leave room for lots of journaling, and to make sure it would go with many different pages.  I did a pretty simple combo of a circle + a small scalloped strip, using a variety of patterned papers from the Festive Feast kit.

 

I used the Jillibean tag for my mini-book cover.  I added a few scraps of patterned paper, plus some Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type alphas, and a flower from my kit.  (I modge-podged just this page before I added the flower, since I knew it might get banged up a bit.)

 

Just attach all the tags with a jump ring (or ribbon, if you're feeling fancy) and you're ready to journal!  The great thing about doing tags like this is that they are pre-decorated.  Just jot down a few notes as you think of them, and you have the hard part of your layout already complete.  I left mine sitting out on my counter for about a week, and was able to capture some little stories I might not have remembered otherwise :)

 

My first bit of journaling came to me as I watched my 9 month old son slowly make his way down our couch, realizing that it was only a week prior that he was able to pull himself up on his own!  I instantly knew I wanted to capture that moment, so I grabbed my camera, took a few pictures, and wrote down a little note in my journaling tag book.  Just like that, I had a layout almost complete in my head, and I hadn't even pulled out my adhesive!

 

The next time I picked up my journaling book, I found I had much more to say than would fit on a little tag.  No problem!  I just kept writing, using three tags total.  It worked out quite nicely.

 

So, ready for your Journaling Challenge?

Create a mini-journaling book, then use it to create a layout.  You can use tags, cut up cardstock, journaling spots, or whatever else your little heart desires :)

The rules:

--the project does not need to use a CC Monthy Kit
--the project must be uploaded to the 'Monday's Challenge' category in the CC Gallery
--put the name of the challenge in your title ("Mini Journaling Book")
--post a link of that project from the CC Gallery into the thread for that challenge on the Message Board
--the challenge will be due by midnight MST December 5, 2010, and the winner announced on the CC Blog December 7, 2010.

Project Calendar Collections, Part 2

 Cara here!  So, is everyone pumped for Project CC now?  I can't wait!  I gave a lot of thought as to how I'd like to set up my PCC album, and I actually decided not to do an album at all :)

Every month, I'm going to do a 1- or 2-page layout that sums up the month, and I plan to just include it in my regular albums, which are more or less chronological.  I use the 3-ring albums from American Crafts.  My layouts will probably vary in size depending on the month, but I'll definitely be using all of these page protectors at some point.  I especially love the 6x12 size, so cool!

I'm also going to do a monthly mini-book.  I am envisioning an entire series of little tiny albums thrown into a basket on my coffee table.  Fun, right?  And it might seem like a lot of work, but it's really not.  Some months I'll probably use a pre-made album like this one that I've ordered for January(January is a big month in our house - my birthday, Henry's birthday, my sister's birthday, and the arrival of a new little cousin this coming year).  I'll just decorate that album with papers from the PCC kit.  Other months I'll be creating my own album using paper + cardstock from the PCC kit (sort of like what I did here).

I love that not only am I going to have monthly summaries included in my regular albums, but I'll also have an entire volume of 2011 mini-books by the end of next year.  For me, it perfectly blends the memory-keeping and creative aspects of this hobby.  Can't wait to see what everyone else does with this awesome project!

 

 

 

So, what's your plan for PCC?  I am going to be doing a 8x8 album (I just bought a 3-ring American Crafts D-ring album just for this album), partially hybrid.  I'll be doing a 2 page spread each month.  I wanted to include a lot of photos each month, so I'll be creating photo collages and posting photo sizes for my collages - - so, you can use my measurements to create your own digital spreads, or you can simply crop your photos to the same sizes.  I'm not going ALL digital - just creating photo collages and then accenting with all of the kit contents.

I'll have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the papers in the kit.  They ARE substantial, double sided papers with lots of options and great colors.  I see this album coming together very quickly each month, which is a big advantage.

I got a quick title page done for my album and wanted to share:

I cut one of the 12x12 sheets of double sided patterned paper to 8x8, and used one of the 4x4 elements (also double sided, so consider your options carefully ... or just order two kits!) for my title "This is what Life looks like."  I cut it apart a bit to be able to pop-dot the center part.  The striped paper is a piece cut from 12x12 that I took a Martha Stewart border punch to, and then added the scalloped dot sticker for another layer.  The 2011 stickers came from the sticker sheet.  I used a shape punch to create the bracket shape behind the 2011.  And here's one of my secrets ... there's an instruction sheet included in the kit, and on one side of it is a picture of everything that's in the kit... so, miniature versions of all of the patterned papers...  and I just used that sheet to cut out my bracket.  

So many possibilities!  I just know you're going to love it!

 

I've been wanting to jump into a project like Project CC for some time now. So when Jamie offered this kit,  I knew I wanted in!

I'm planning to make my album an 8.5 x 11.  Since I usually scrap in a 12x12 format, I decided this would be a good opportunity to change it up. I've saved a bunch of Becky Fleck sketches to use as a jumping off point to create my layouts.  I'm envisioning a double page layout each month, and the sketches I chose have room for several photos.

Like Kimberly, I too, would like to utilize some page protectors that have pockets, so that I can insert memoribilia, embellish, or just add extra pictures.

 I'm still deciding on which album  I want to use, but I'm leaning toward an American Crafts D ring album. 

So what do you think? Will you document your 2011 with us?

 

I've always loved the idea of finding a way to showcase the whole year in a nutshell and the PCC concept and kit have me so excited! First off, I love the contents and color scheme of the kit. Did you see the sneak peek yesterday?! The natural palette will help you mix and match with all sorts off CC add-ons as well as stuff from your own stash all year long. No need to worry about not having quite the right embellishment or journaling element to fit the flavor. Just about everything goes! (But I still can't wait to see all the add-ons CC will offer to go with the actual kit!) I also see lots of ways to incorporate some of the great journaling spots that CC already offers and I can envision transparencies working well with this project, too (a few come with it) — the ones from Maya Road will totally work! And the second reason why I can't wait to get started is that this is a project we can ALL share all year long. It will be neat to see the directions everyone goes and what ideas we come up with together.

Last year, I attempted Project 365 (like many of us) and although I think it's a neat concept, it just became too overwhelming to take a picture every day and document SO many stories. And I honestly started to feel like it really wasn't necessary to scrap so much of my life (I started "reaching" for ideas). But 12 pages for the year -- that I can handle! And it will be fun to make each month a little different. Right now, my plan is to do landscape 8 1/2 x 11 (which can still be stored in a regular 8 1/2 x 11 (I love AC albums!). I've done a couple of albums like that, and I really like that it's smaller than 12x12 but using the 11-inch width still gives you plenty of space. I envision using one photo for certain months (if I really want to focus on one event) and then crowding it with a bunch of small photos when there's lots to scrap. And I'll definitely focus on journaling -- I want to change things up each month: a long story one month, a bulleted list the next. I might also experiment with the hybrid style, incorporating some digi pieces.

I also think PCC will be a great way to use up any leftovers from our CC kits. There's always a few scraps of paper and a couple of embellishments that need a home ... I think I will just store them all in a bin as extras for my PCC pages! I look forward to our PCC journey in 2011!!

 
Marielle here and she is so ready for PCC !!!! When the suggestion of this project came up ,I knew right away that I would love to make 8x8 albums for my mother and mother in law for Christmas next year . I will be documenting my boys during the entire year. The title will probably be "Watch us grow". I have only scrapped 12x12 before, so this will be a fun new challenge for me. ( I have to say I love Linda's idea of setting aside scrap from CC kits to use for this year long project !!! ) I'm sure the store will always be full of fun and hard to resist things to get as add- ons !! I'm already loving the Bo Bunny Olivia line !!!

Hope you will all join us ...it will be so much fun !

 

 

Drumrollllllllll for {PCC}!!!

Coordinates Collections is thrilled to introduce a fresh idea for documenting 2011 - {PCC - Project Calendar Collections}.  Below you will find an introduction to the concept, a short(er) video explaining our vision and then a long(er) video showing actual contents!  Keep scrolling for comments from participating Design Team members and how they plan to use this fabulous project!

 *** For some reason Typad is not formatting the videos properly today... here are the links: ***

Project Calendar Collections

Project Calendar Collections Part 2

   

 

Good morning everyone!  So what do you think about PCC?  Are you just as excited as we are?  As soon as Lisa, Jamie, and I started talking about this idea when we saw the "Life Documented" kit by Simple stories I was hooked.  No need to persuade me to join up for a year of fun :wink:

First off I love this concept and the mix of colors in the kit is just perfect.  To add our own unique twist through out the year we will be offering different addons picked just to go with this idea. To truly make it unique those of us on the Design Team participating have decided to tackle the project in different formats.  That's one of the things about scrapbooking that I like...you can start off with the same products and end up with something truly different and unique.

My PCC album will be done using the 6x12 format.  I love working projects in this size (so different from my normal 12x12 layouts)  So to start it off I had to decide what kind of album I was going to use.  I recently picked up one of the 6X12 Pink Paislee Artisan albums in the store for another project and I thought it would be perfect for this too...so off I went to the store to pick up another one! (They are on sale too)

I think I'm going to alter the outside of this album with some mists or inks (I'll include a picture in my next PCC update. The next big decision I had to decide before I started was how I planned on doing my layouts (horizontally or vertically) and for now I think I'm set on the horizontal format.  Depending on the month it may either be a 1 or 2 pager.  That's all I have on this for now. I got to get my December projects finished then I can break into this fun project!  Are you excited? Are you going to join us on this  creative adventure?

 

 

 

Doesn't Project CC sound exciting so far? My plan for this project is a little loose right now, but I do know that I'll be working in a 12x12 format. I plan to do at least one layout per month, probably two. We're a family of six (not counting our four cats) so there's never a lack of events (big and everyday) to document.

I'm sure, too, that I'll incorporate some photo protectors to compliment the traditional layouts. I've seen them used and have wanted to give them a try. I want to try embellishing and altering them a la Ali Edwards style. I haven't quite found the right album to put all this in, but I'm hoping for something alterable, so I can customize the cover. And I am very much looking forward seeing to what each of you will do with your Project CC.

 

 

  I am really looking forward to PCC! Since the weekly planner I use to keep my life organized (using the word "organized" quite loosely here) shows me seven days at a time, I am thinking that my 2011 PCC album will be in a similar format. I'll use an American Crafts 8X8 D-Ring Album from the CC store and create one page per week.

My page design will be consistent throughout the year with little photo strips of seven photos each that will be arranged in a design that mirrors my weekly planner. As I take pictures of our daily activities (probably with my phone), I'll jot down quotes, details, or journaling notes in my planner and transfer the ones I want to use in the PCC album as I create weekly pages. The leftovers will be great for creating my regular 12X12 layouts throughout the year!

Friday's Fab Find and a List of Lists

 

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  

I'm excited to start off Black Friday with a Fab Find.  I was totally drawn to this layout by lisasmith1019, partly because that background paper from Bella Blvd (part of the sold out Alphabet Soup kit from 2009) is one of my most favorite ever.  I like how Lisa used the strips of paper in the center to anchor her photos and title all together.  I also love how she did her title - with multiple alphas and styles, but by repeating those small circular letters, it all ties back together again.

Probably like many of you, I did some traveling for the holiday, and knew that I wanted to pack some scrapbook stuff.  But what to pack?  I'm one of those people that avoid real-life crops, partly because of the packing issue.  I know that whatever I pack, I'm still going to wish I had something else.  So what did I bring?  

Well, it all fit in two bags.

Here are my lists:

What I Packed:

• My CC Vintage Attic kit and add ons
• All of my Crate Snow Day
• 1 or 2 sheets each of black, kraft, white, and cream cardstock
• Scissors
• Adhesive + refill
• Glue pen
• Border punches
• Shape punches
• Paper piercer
• A bunch of ink pads
• 8 bottles of mist
• My portable paper trimmer
• My tiny attacher
• Triangle make up sponges for ink

What I Shouldn't Have Packed

• LOL, nothing so far!  I probably didn't need all of those inks and mists, but they're small and I had no idea what I was going to do with them.

What I Didn't Pack

• Sewing needles.  I knew I could borrow some
• A ruler.  Knew I could find one around the house.
• My self healing mat that I use as a grid.  The butcher block kitchen table worked pretty well, though.

What I Wish I Had Packed

• A small self-healing mat
• My cardstock add on for Vintage Attic

What I Hoped to Accomplish

• 3 birthday cards
• 3 Vintage Attic LOs
• My December Daily 
• An Advent Calendar
• A couple of miscellaneous Christmas projects

What I'll Realistically Accomplish

• 3 birthday cards.  They've got to get done.
• My December Daily
• A special surprise you'll learn about tomorrow
• One or two Vintage Attic LOs

 

Name the January 2011 Kits & Black Friday Sale!

 

It's BLACK FRIDAY and have we got some 'smokin' deals for you:

30% off all REGULAR PRICED items (not valid on subscriptions,current or preorder monthly kits and addons, or gift certificates)  Coupon Code:  BLACKFRIDAY30

10 CENT PAPER

DOLLAR DEALS

SALE ITEMS up to 75% off!!!

FREE SHIPPING for orders over $25--US orders only, must ship immediately, cannot be combined with monthly kit orders.

SUBSCRIPTION DEALS:

 Buy a Prepaid 6 month subscription, get the NEXT 3 KITS FREE!  This special can be used by new or current kit subscribers.  Shipping charges will still apply the 3 months when kits are free.  Enter Discount Code: 3KITSFREE in the COMMENTS Section of your order.  **OR**

3 or 6 Month Subscriptions 20% OFF!  This special for new customers or customers who do not currently have a subscription.  Enter Coupon Code: 20SUBSCRIPTION in the Coupon Redemption Box.  The 20% wil be deducted each month for the duration of your subscription.  **OR**

Buy a Prepaid 6 month subscription, get a $20 Gift Certificate; Buy a Prepaid 3 month subscription, get a $10 Gift Certificate!  This special can be used by new or current kit subscribers.  Enter Discount Code:  PREPAIDGIFT in the COMMENTS Section of your order.

Hurry these deals won't last long.  The sale runs November 25th-28th.
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JANUARY....a new year, resolutions, and staying warm are the things I have to look forward to that month!  These January kits offer something for everyone...and even though Kit 1 seems to be 'wintery', keep in mind that there are back sides to the papers that allow the kit to be used by those of you in sunny locations!  The January kits and addons will be available for preorder and kit selection on Wednesday, December 1 by 10 am MST at the CC STORE. 

NAME THE KITS CONTEST!  Post name suggestions here on the Blog by Saturday, November 27 at midnight MST.  One lucky person will receive a fun gift from CC if their kit name suggestions are selected!  The January kit names and winner will be announced on December 1.

KIT 1 includes all NEW products: paper from the Echo Park Wintertime line and Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate line; cardstock from Bazzill and embellishments that include an Echo Park alphabet sheet, Fancy Pants square element stickers and a flocked transparency, Prima swirl, Bazzill crystal bauble, tulle and pom pom trim.

 

KIT 2 includes all NEW products: paper from Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 line and My Mind's Eye Lush line; cardstock from Bazzill and embellishments that include a Prima stamp and verbena flower, My Mind's Eye journal cards, and Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 stickers, Gracie blackboard album and red tiny type alphabet.

 

There will also be ADDONS for both kits.  January Addons will be available for pre-order on December 1.  Embellishments will be sold separately, and the pictures below only show a few of the products offered for each kit.

Kit 1 embellishments and cardstock addons:

 

 

Kit 2 embellishments and cardstock addons:

 

Product Spotlight: Pink Paislee Hocus Pocus

 

Can you believe we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow? I can't! I'm still scrapping Halloween photos!

If you're like me (still catching up from last month), you might want to consider picking up the Hocus Pocus line from Pink Paislee. This line is elegant, vintage and only a little spooky.

The very talented Pink Paislee Design Team member, Stacey Michaud rocked this line. Check out these layouts:

Stacey used a border to unify both pages of this layout. The felt doodad at the bottom of the page gives the viewer a starting point.  And check out the badge in the center of the spider web!

 

Check out this gorgeous page! Perfectly embellished and the fussy cut spider web highlights the adorable picture.

 

Who says Halloween papers have to be used just for Halloween layouts?  I couldn't help but smile when I saw this page.

Thank you, Stacey for letting us spotlight your creations with the Hocus Pocus line!

 

 

November Project Videos with Lisa

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!  It's a winter wonderland here....

 

Are you ready for some fun projects with these fantastic kits?? First up is Festive Feast:

  

And now we'll enjoy Just Desserts (kind of like Thanksgiving day! :)

 

I'm also excited to announce Monday's Challenge winner:  Chris Dudek Dring - Congratulations!!! Contact Jamie by December 7th for your prize at jamie@coordinatescollections.com

Have a wondeful holiday everyone, eat up and shop til you drop - and then come back bright and early for a special video on Saturday morning!! :) :) :)

Monday's Challenge: Where in the World is CC?

Good morning! As you're reading this, I'm on my way to New York City!  I knew you'd miss me, so luckily I planned a fun challenge for you to do while I'm gone. 

See this logo?

 

 

Take a good look.  Our cute little CC logo is hiding somewhere on the web and your challenge is to find it!  Don't worry, I'll narrow it down some for you.  The logo shown above is hiding on one of the Design Team blogs!  On the sidebar is a list of Design Team Members with links to their blogs (some do not have blogs, and the links will take you to their CC galleries).   Need more help?  Here are some clues!

This is one of our *new* Design Team members, though she's been hanging around a long time.

She has someone little to scrap.

She loves to use journaling spots ;).

I asked her for some random facts to tell you and she had lots to share.  She says:

• I have 20/180 vision. 
• In high school, I was voted most likely to succeed. 
• When I was 4 years old, I told the judges of a "Little Miss" contest that I could sing in Chinese (I totally can't, but I won anyway!)

Once you have found the logo (it must be the exact one shown about with the "Where in the world"), send an email to info@coordinatescollections.com with the subject "Monday's Challenge" and let us know who's blog you found the logo on.  You have until Sunday 11/28 11:59 PM to send your email.  All emails with the correct answer will go into a random drawing and the winner will be announced on the blog on Tuesday 11/30.  Winners have two weeks to claim their prize by sending an email to jamie@coordinatescollections.com

Happy Hunting!

 

November Blog Hop Challenge Winner and Blogger Spotlight

Thank you, thank you, thank you! The blog hop challenge is really picking up steam and I'm so glad to see many of you joined us and played along. I had so much fun seeing the different takes on the challenge. Everyone's entries were really beautiful and full of texture.

And the winner is... Carol (ScrapMomOf2)!

I loved her design and the awesome stitch work! If you haven't already done so, check out her entry and leave her some love! Carol, please contact Jamie, within two weeks, at jamie@coordinatescollections.com to claim your $25 Gift Certificate to the CC STORE!

Today we are also starting our BLOG SPOTLIGHT feature.  Every month we will spotlight a member's blog. We are lucky to be in the company of very creative and inspired women. Please be sure to visit our Blogging thread to add your blog to the list and visit each other's blogs.

This month, Sherri's blog really caught my eye. Sherri blogs about her passion for scrapbooking, quilting and running. Her Lake Tahoe photos were absolutely stunning! Please check her out and leave her some love as well!

Hope you had fun with this month's challenge. Stay tunned for December's, it will be just as exciting! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and thanks for stopping by!!