Tag Archives: Olde Curiosity Shoppe

Kathy by Design Studio Tour and Storage Tips with Graphic 45

Welcome to my Happy Place: Kathy by Design Studio Tour

Hello, G45’ers! Welcome to my happy place! I’m so excited to share today’s post with you. Today I’m inviting you to a Kathy by Design Studio Tour with lots of storage tips and hints for organizing your crafty stash. I’ll also share how I’ve created my crafty space on a limited budget by re purposing common items, upcycling trash into treasure, and shopping beyond the scrapbooking aisle. We’ll take a video tour of my room and I’ll also share still photos with you. So let’s get started!

This photo is of my inspiration wall. I just gave it a little face lift especially for this post. Pretty things inspire me, so I surround myself with photos of the people I love, recent projects, favorite layouts and little items that make me smile.

Almost everything you see in this photo (with the exception of my computer, printer and die cutting machine) was salvaged from a thrift store, bought on clearance, picked up at a yard sale, or built by my dear husband.

I don’t sit at this desk unless I am blogging or editing photos. But I love the large surface when I am creating a project. I lay out my papers, embellishments, and dies here so that I have lots of room on my actual work space. The desk is from the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. It was in near perfect condition, and to my delight it was just tall enough that I could slip a couple of storage carts beneath it. If you are looking for desks, cabinets, shelving or other furniture for your room, check out Habitat for Humanity. You’ll get a great deal on a great piece and help out a wonderful cause at the same time.

Kathy by Design Studio Tour: The Latest Addition

I love to go junkin’! We live in an area with lots of thrift stores, bargain barns, antique malls and charity shops. I found this nifty message center in a dusty corner of a local bargain barn. And it was a real ugly duckling! But, it had great potential to become a beautiful swan. Because it was so ugly, it was also super cheap. Naturally, it had to come home with me. A little dusting, a little white chalk paint, a little update with Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe papers and BAM! Country chic message center!

TIP: White Chalk Paint is Your Friend!

Don’t walk away from a great office fixture, frame or furniture piece because it is ugly. White chalk paint is the next best thing to a magic wand. You don’t have to sand or prime the surface. Just make sure it is dust free and then paint.

The wire baskets on either side of this piece were given to me by my sister. They are supposed to hold wine corks and they had a sentiment about wine written on them. To re-purpose these baskets for the studio was a quick and easy job. Start by measuring out a piece of adhesive backed cork. Once that is in place, cover with Graphic 45 Staples Typography and Numbers DIY papers. Then, to add a finished look, add ribbon trim. I used Scor-Tape to adhere the black ribbon that Graphic 45 adds to their Staples Alpha Tags. Now I have a great resting spot for my Staples Policy Envelopes and Metal Hardware.

Kathy by Design Studio Tour: The Work Table

This 4 foot square peninsula is the perfect stand up work space. And guess what? It started life as our kitchen table! When we downsized our home, the table was too large for our tiny eat-in kitchen. But I loved the butcher block table top so much that I could not bear to toss it.

The solution? Add PVC pipes, a toilet flange (new, of course…on the plumbing aisle from Home Depot) and now you’ve got a fabulous work table. First, my husband and anchored a 2×4 piece of lumber into the studs on the back wall. Then they added the PVC legs and anchored the whole thing to the 2×4. Super sturdy, it is custom built to be the perfect height for me to stand while working, which is my preference.

As a bonus, I had enough room to place my Iris Carts (Filled with G45 papers) storage carts and a dresser below the table. I store all of my ETSY shop merchandise in plastic bins under the table so not a square inch of space is wasted. (Watch the video to see how I keep my paper, ribbons and dies neat and tidy!)

Create Designated Work Stations

I find that work stations create a good flow in my studio. You saw my stand up work station on one side of the table. On the opposite side, I’ve created a cutting/die cutting station. I leave my Spellbinder Platinum machine out all the time. Why? Because if it is out, I will use it. If it is tucked away, I will not get it out. Beside the die cutting machine I have my big old fashioned guillotine. This is great for cutting heavy chipboard. My dies are stored in the dresser below with all my cutting pads neatly tucked between.

This is my mixed media area. The cube storage and cloth bins went on super clearance at Target one year, and I scooped them up.

My wooden stamps are stored on this CD rack. I found it at a yard sale for $2. Best $2 I ever spent!

I also keep my Bow-it-All Tool and my jars of buttons here. This way, everything is just a step away from my work table.

Buttons, Buttons, Who’s Got the Buttons? I do!

Buttons. I have a thing for buttons. And for cute glass jars. Rather than toss jars into the recycle bin, I wash them out and use them for storage. My hoard of buttons is all sorted by color. Because I can see them, I use them. And, to tell the truth…they just make me happy. I love buttons so much that my kids have started scouting them at yard sales and estate sales. You can never have too many buttons!

TIP: Look beyond the scrapbooking aisle for fun, affordable and functional storage solutions

I bought this lovely wood file cabinet at a yard sale for $10. I use the top as a landing pad for my mixed media goodies.

See that little aqua colander? How cute is that? Wrap vintage style clothespins with baker’s twine and fill it up.

See that big black tiered gizmo? That’s from Harbor Freight. My BFF Ginny Nemchak sent that to me as a surprise gift after I told her about it. For under $20 you get a super sturdy 4 tiered, divided metal turntable that will hold gobs of embossing powders, texture pastes, sprays, Prills, gadgets and goodies. Why? Because it is not pink and it does not come from the scrapbooking aisle.

Now, see the white container with all the paint in it? That’s a Tupperware spice packet storage unit that no one wants anymore. So you can buy these at yard sales for anywhere from 25 cents to a dollar. I have 2 of them because they are so awesome.

Kathy by Design Studio Tour Video with MORE Tips and clever storage ideas

Thanks for joining me in my happy place today. I hope you picked up some hints and storage solutions that you can use in your own crafty space! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Deluxe Collector’s Edition

Staples Policy Envelopes

Staples Decorative Hardware

Ribbon from Staples Alpha Banner Tags

DIY Craft Papers: Typography and Numbers

White Chalk Paint

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Folio

This is my 2nd post of the day. To find my project for Frilly & Funkie, please scroll down.

Goin’ Junkin” with Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Folio

Hello, G45’ers! Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Deluxe Collector Edition captures all the fun and adventure of a dusty old vintage shop. I worked these gorgeous papers and eclectic images up into an interactive folio album loaded with flaps, envelopes, fold outs, folios, tags, pockets and FUN!

I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than going junkin’. That’s what I call time spent venturing into thrift stores, flea markets and vintage shops in search of vintage treasures and “junk” that is just waiting to be given a new life in my crafting studio. You never know what kind of goodies you might find: old lace, tattered ledgers, dusty bottles, tarnished spoons, ugly home decor with good bones, estate jewelry. These items have a tendency to jump into my shopping basket when I’m not looking. (That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it!)

Make it Easy on Yourself: Using Staples Tags in a Folio Format

Make it easy on yourself! Use Kraft Staples Tags as a base as you layer your papers. The beautiful shaped edge and metal grommet add great design features. I used two on my cover. One is right side up and one is upside down.

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Folio Video Tour On YouTube

I’ve used Staples tags throughout this funky little folio. Inside you will find flaps, pockets, hidden pockets, mini folios and all sorts of fun surprises. It’s just like shopping in your favorite junkin’ spot.

This is such an interactive album, that I decided to create a video tour rather than a pile of photos. It’s so much easier to explain the various features in a video. I hope you enjoy this short YouTube video tour.

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Folio Designer Tips

To create the ATC Policy Envelope fold out feature, I cut a 1” wide x 8.25” long spine from my designer paper and scored it in half. The left hand side was glued under the facing page. Then I just glued my ATC Policy Envelopes on top of the other half. I used my craft knife to cut a slit between the envelopes so they can be turned individually.
Turning a Staples Tag into a folio is as easy as 1,2,3! For a standard tag, cut cardstock to measure 7” wide by 4.75” tall. Score on the long side at 3.5”. Fold, shape the corners (if desired) and glue onto the tag base. Now you have a fun, interactive tag folio!
Mat images from Parlor Wall onto folded pieces of kraft or black cardstock to create little folios within your album. This is a great way to use up leftover pieces of cardstock, and the interactive folios are loads of fun to open.

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Folio Supply List

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe 12×12 Deluxe Collector’s Edition (2 sheets each)

Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Optical Oddities
Counting Down
Parlor Wall
Race for Time
Butterfly Specifics
Bazaar of Wonders
Exquisite Motif

Staples Kraft Alphabet Banner Tags
Metal Staples
- Ornate Key Hole
- Clock Key
Staples ATC Black Policy Envelopes
8.5 x 11 Kraft Cardstock, 6 sheets
Black cardstock
Broken China, Mustard Seed Distress Paint
Petaloo Wild Roses: Teal, Robin’s Egg Blue
Small magnets
Ribbon
Glossy Accents
Foam Dimensionals, Scoring Tool, glue gun, Scor-Tape (½” and ¼”)
Vintage binder clips, feathers and other charms from your stash

I hope I’ve shared some inspiration, tips and tricks that you can use in your own crafty adventures. If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Pop Up Get Well Card

Feeling Run Down? Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Pop Up Get Well Card

Hello, G 45’ers! I created this whimsical and fun Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Pop Up Get Well card back in January for CHA…and I’m so excited that I finally get to share it with you today.

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Pop Up Get Well Card Old Curiosity Shoppe by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

Winter brings with it a flurry of colds, flus and viruses. You might not be able to send chicken soup to a friend who’s knocked out with a nasty bug, but you can let them know that you care and lift spirits with a handmade get well card.

I’ve always loved the whimsical wind up lady from Olde Curiosity Shoppe. Every time I see her, I think, “Feeling run down?” That’s why I chose her as the focal image for this interactive pop-up card. It’s so much fun to open this card and find a pop up panel of mini envelopes decorated with fussy cut butterflies. It’s the perfect pick me up!

Here’s a Quick Tip

I love Staple Laser Cut Tags and I use them all the time. But have you ever been stumped over what to do with those odd letters on the Alpha Tags? Heres’ how I use them. Just ink the edges and tuck into your card design to add an extra layer. The beautiful shaped edge and vintage grommet add so much to a card!

Color Match!

Color plays a huge role in my designs so I always try to be careful to choose embellishments that are color matched. Since Olde Curiosity Shoppe uses a lot of blue and green, I chose embellishments that enhanced the paper. The flower has the same tones of green and blue that are found in the paper. To color match the metal embellishments, I tapped them with Vintaj Patina Moss Paint. Now they pop off the card base and make all the greens and blues come together harmoniously.

A Peek Inside Olde Curiosity Shoppe Pop Up Get Well Card

Decorating the interior of this card was a blast! I found an online tutorial for this panel pop up card mechanism, then took it to the next level by die cutting Tammy Tutterow mini envelopes to go on each panel. Fussy cut butterflies add a touch of whimsy and a feeling of movement. Imagine how much fun it would be to open this card! You can tuck a tea bag, throat lozenge or cheery note into each pocket for even more fun.

A hand written sentiment adds a wonderful, personal touch to any card. After fussy cutting some bottles and borders from the paper collection, I added them to Staples ATC tags.

These little tags on the inside tie in with the large tag on the cover and serve to unify the design.

I’ve added a linked supply list below for your convenience!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Graphic 45 Deluxe Collector’s Edition Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Staples Tags: Kraft Banner, ATC
Metal Staples: Ornate Keyhole, Brads, Clock Key
Tammy Tutterow Mini Pocket Dies
Petaloo Denim Blue Textured Daisy Layers
Vintaj Patina Moss Paint
Kraft cardstock
Glossy Accents (for gluing on metal embellies)
Burlap String
Small Magnets (to hold envelope flaps shut)

Frilly & Funkie “Count Me In” Challenge: Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Vignette House

Hello, Friends! It’s time for another wonderful challenge over at the Frilly & Funkie Blog. The one and only amazing Jenny is our hostess this go round, and the name of the challenge is “Count Me In.” I went “off the page” for this challenge and created a Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Vignette House. But before I share it with you, here’s what Jenny has to say about this challenge.

Count Me In!
For this challenge you need to use your choice of numbers to add that special ‘sum-thing’ to your vintage or shabby chic project. Make them count as part of the design, not just a last-minute addition!

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Vignette House

Now this was a fun, fun project! First of all, I adore G45’s Olde Curiosity Shoppe collection. Secondly, it’s always fun to go “off the page” and create a 3-D project like this. The base is a Tim Holtz Vignette House. I wish I had a dozen of these! They are just a blast to work with!

Use Distress Paints to alter the brown base of the vignette house. First, I put down a light layer of Picket Fence. Next, I added a light layer of Weathered Wood. Then I dry brushed randomly with Pumice Stone and Hickory Smoke. The end product was mostly covered with designer paper, but you can see the paint around the edges. It makes me think of an old Cape Cod house.

Learning to Fly

I just never get tired of using this adorable flying pig! He took the place of honor in the attic of the vignette house where he stands guard over the Olde Curiosity Shoppe below. I added a touch of Stardust Stickles to his lovely wings, because let’s face it…a flying pig calls for glitter! Fussy cut one of the corner details from the signature page to serve as the spire on this funky little house. “Learning to Fly” is one of Tim’s “Clippings” stickers. (Product links are below the post.)

The Apothecary Shoppe

To add depth and dimension, I used old corrugated packaging between my layers. If you like to fussy cut, as I do, this collection will make you very happy. I fussy cut the apothecary shop window from the signature page of the collection. Add Glossy Accents to the clock faces (numbers) and to random bottles within the shop. To add even more numbers to my composition, I used a sticker from the Olde Curiosity Shoppe DCE collection.

Butterflies!

In this photo, you can see the cute metal feet and the ornate keyhole that I altered with Vintaj Paints. I also fussy cut a bunch of beautiful butterflies, more border flourishes and a funky old key/clock image from the paper collection. (More numbers.) I just love Tim’s new monocle, and it works so well with this collection.

Magical Roller Skate

When our middle son was little, he wrote a series of stories about a flying boot. This magical roller skate image always reminds me of those charming little stories, so it’s a favorite of mine! After fussy cutting the roller skate, I layered it up with a bunch of other fussy cut images, some chipboard, and a Prima Roman Numeral,

A Cure for What Ails You

Fill the apothecary shop window with lovely little glass vials. I’m sure you will find a cure for whatever ails you within. I filled the bottles with glass beads, then “labeled” them with stickers from the sticker sheet.

If you look closely at the steampunk bicycle border, you will see that the wheels are actually clock faces with Roman Numerals. More numbers!

Cover sides and roof with designer papers, fussy cut images and more stickers.

Now It’s Your Turn

We want to “count you in” for this wonderful challenge, so get out your crafty goodies and create a vintage or shabby chic project where numbers take the spotlight in the design. Link it up over at the Frilly and Funkie blog before midnight on Tuesday, April 11th.

The team will choose their top four picks with the winner being invited to join us in a Guest DT spot at Frilly and Funkie. The next three will receive badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links

(February Pre-order) Graphic 45 – Olde Curiosity Shoppe Collector′s Edition	(February Pre-order) Tim Holtz Idea-ology Clippings Stickers	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Vignette House	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Weathered Wood	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Picket Fence
Ranger Tim Holtz Hickory Smoke Distress Paint	NEW Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Pumice Stone	4 Piece Antiqued Bronze Box Corner Feet	Ranger Vintaj Patina Kit – Weathered Copper	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Adornments – Monocles
Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Mini Scissors	Tonic 5″ titanium snips	Tonic Guillotine Comfort Paper Trimmer 8.5″ By Tim Holtz 160E	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Tiny Vials
Tim Holtz Idea-ology Corked Vials