The Bloglovin Post

Many of you have heard by now that Google is retiring Google Reader on July 1st.  So like many other bloggers, I'm suggesting you switch to Bloglovin.  I've been using the site for at least a year now and I find it's really easy to navigate. They've even made it simple to transfer all your Google feeds over to Bloglovin with one little button, just click here.

DIY Instagram Sticky Notes

I'm always looking for new ways to use my Instagram photos besides storing them on my computer.  Because Instagram photos are square in shape, I got the idea to print them out on sticky notes.   After a little trial and error, I got the process down so I'm sharing it will all of you today. This project is good for leaving a special note or using it as a unique gift tag.  You probably wouldn't want to print out an entire pad on your printer (there are printing sites that will do that for you).

To get started, you're going to need some kind of photo editing software along with knowledge of the program.  I used Photoshop for this project.  Whichever program you choose, I recommend using one that gives you the option of layers. 

1.  The first thing you will need to do is make a template.  You can copy this one if you want.  You'll want your squares a little bigger than a sticky note.  I made these squares 3.1" x 3.1".  Once you have your template made, print it out on cardstock.

2.  Attach the sticky notes to the inside of the boxes.  I taped the sticky notes down with washi tape to ensure they wouldn't come off during the printing process. Trust me when I say, you don't want to fish a sticky note out of a jammed printer.

3.  Using my Photoshop square template file, I added all my pictures in a different layer.  The whole point of adding the pictures into the squares ensures your images will be printed on the sticky notes.  For the photos above, I changed the opacity to 50%.  I also had to scale them to size.

Now hide the "square box" layer so the boxes will not print, only the pictures.

4.  Your project should look similar to the photo above, once printed.  In the above photo I removed the tape.  Once dry, your sticky notes are ready to use.  Slowly pull your sticky notes off the paper so you can use your template again if you want.

Keep sticky notes on kitchen parchment paper until ready to use.

Another idea, use your Instagram sticky notes for special reminders. What would you use them for?

Party Origami in Mollie Makes Magazine

Party Origami got featured in one of my favorite craft magazines, Mollie Makes!  For those not familiar with Mollie Makes, it's a craft magazine based in the UK. The magazine features craft tutorials from sewing projects to knitting patterns.  The magazine also features lots of craft artists and their surroundings.  In this issue there's a wonderful interview with Brittany Watson Jepsen (designer behind The House That Lars Built).  Another great article in the magazine shares about the best places to shop for handmade in San Francisco. There's so much more in this issue so if you happen to visit the bookstore, please check it out.  The issues always seem to get to the US a little late.  I just found the April issue at my local bookstore.

Page 50 of Mollie Makes

Changing topics, I never heard back from the winner of the Party Origami Giveaway so I've chosen a new winner.   The new winner of the Party Origami book is Fashion Lights.  Congrats!

Green Craft: Upcycled Bows

Happy Earth day everyone!  In honor of the holiday, I thought I would republish one of my green crafts from the archives.  Enjoy.

Supplies:
Food packaging lined with foil - For this craft the package should be constructed with two sheets sealed on all four sides.
Double stick tape - I used tape that's pre-cut for scrapbooking.
Scissors

*Click on pictures to get a larger view.

Starting with a food package, cut strips horizontally. Next, turn all the strips inside out.

The strips naturally coiled into a figure 8 shape. The left "8" I taped the center together to make two loops. The right "8" has not been taped, it's just to show you how the strips naturally form. Next, take one loop and push it down in the center to make a bow shape and tape (refer to right picture).

Now push down the other loop just like you did in the last step and tape. Make three of these and one basic loop (refer to right picture).

Take two of the bows you made and tape them together in an "x" shape. Next tape another bow vertically down the center of the bows.

Last, tape your basic loop in the center.

Kid Craft: Sticky Note Monsters

I debated whether to label this project a "kid craft" because I had so much fun with it.  I could have easily wasted the day away making all kinds of sticky note monsters and the next day covering the house with them.  Since they have sticky feet, they can walk up walls, hang upside down, and peek out from the computer monitor. Hmm, maybe I should call them mischief monsters instead.

Want to make your own gaggle of monsters?  Here's the how-to:

Supplies
Sticky notes
Pen
Scissors

Make sure the sticky side of the paper is at the bottom where you draw the feet.  Sketch out your monster (left photo).  Cut out your monster (right photo).

Bend the paper at a 90 degree angle to make the feet. This also allows for your monster to stand up.