The problem with stamping is that there’s only a few designs on each plate, so they can be sort of cumbersome to store. My solution? A Dollar Tree photo album modified to be able to hold all my stamping supplies! And I’m gonna show you how to make one yourself.

Materials:

• Flimsy plastic photo album
• Double-sided tape
• Something triangular shaped that tape won’t stick too strongly to (I used a stiletto dagger)
• Elastic scraps
• Needle and thread

Directions

First, get a simple 4"x6" plastic photo album with the opening for photos closest to the spine of the album (as opposed to the top). I got mine from Dollar Tree (it even has removable inserts for the cover so I can put whatever I want there!) You will be turning each photo pocket into TWO plate pockets. I suggest folding it over like this to create the pockets, it's much easier than it laying flat.

Next, grab your handy-dandy stiletto dagger (or something else preferably triangular that double-sided tape won't stick to too badly) and place a ~2.5" piece of double-sided tape on the bottom as shown. The tape only needs to cover the center and not the entire width of the album because the plates won't be able to fall through so long as the middle is stuck properly.

Using the top of the triangular blade (tape facing down) slowly lift the plastic film and place the tape centered both horizontally and vertically. Press the tape down to adhere it to the thicker plastic (not the film) portion of the album ONLY, then slowly rotate the dagger (or other implement) to one side to remove it from the tape. Pull out dagger and set aside until you do your next pocket.

Make sure the tape and the film don't touch each other yet, then very slowly and starting from the outside edge of the album press the film onto the tape. Slight wrinkling may occur, you can generally lift the film carefully and try again. Repeat for as many pockets as you need, I only did half of my album since I ran out of double-sided tape.

Place one plate in each new pocket and begin contemplating how you're going to store that bulky stamper!

Cut a piece of elastic about 3" long. When finished, you'll want a snug fit so test for fit before sewing; the elastic should require a bit of stretching to fit snugly around the center of the stamper.

Take a needle and thread and sew the elastic into a circle. Open your album to the very center and carefully sew through the thin plastic. It may take a bit of force to get through, so be careful. My album already had thinner areas so I used those as a guide.

Put your scraper/old gift card in one of the pockets and slide your stamper into place. Now you're all set to stamp!

Not the original one I posted but a much better version! It even glows in the dark!

Finally, months later, I’ve gotten around to posting the pattern on my Etsy! I love this pattern so much, I can’t wait to find the perfect spot to hang it. Preferably somewhere near a goodies pile, like maybe my video game and DVD collection!! :-)

I’m still horrible at updating my blog regularly, and for that I’m so sorry! Just wanted to update you all to say I just got this nail stamping set that I should be receiving in a few days and I can’t wait to try out some new nail art! Nail art has been my craft of choice recently, I’m hoping to get some tutorials up for those of you who are into nail art and such, but no promises :x

Now, I know not everyone celebrates Christmas (I only celebrate it for the family, myself) but I think that now is as good a time as any to tell those you care for how important they are to you and to spread happiness and love to all!! And I think a sincere “Merry Christmas” does a fairly good job of doing that :-) If you don’t celebrate Christmas, feel free to insert any alternate holiday of your choice (if you like I can even wish you a Happy Halloween ;-) ).

I know I’ve been neglecting my blog for a few weeks and I apologize. Life’s been crazy but, as usual, I do still update my Twitter when I’m doing crafty (or, recently, cook-y) things so please check out my Twitter and consider following me! I update the same info to my Facebook page so please consider Facebooking me, too!

Life’s been hectic, I’m still struggling with getting sales in my Etsy shop in an attempt to supplement my Unemployment benefits, personal stuff is getting in the way of crafting, and I have to admit that sometimes my depression is just so bad I can barely do a thing all day. But you want to know what I’ve been obsessing over lately? Painting my nails! It’s become sort of an anti-depressant. Here are all the manicures I’ve done over the past few weeks while neglecting my poor blog!

In my obsession with nail painting I’ve also become obsessed with entering nail polish giveaways. I haven’t won any yet but I’m still hopeful! I just found a new giveaway, too, that you can check out here. Lots of cool stuff in this one, so wish me luck!

Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

The cheese gets so ooey-gooey and delicious. It was too tasty to stop eating and take a picture of before ;-)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 can vegetarian refried beans
• 3 cups mixed veggies; I like 2 cups pepper strips, 3/4 onion, and 2 or 3 mushrooms
• 2 cups Mexican rice (recipe below)
• 1/2 avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream and cheese (optional)
• 2 extra large tortillas

Ingredients for Mexican rice:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup onion, diced small
• 1 garlic clove, minced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 dash pepper
• 1 dash red pepper flakes
• cilantro or parsley, for color

Directions:

This recipe couldn’t be any easier: toss everything into your rice cooker; push the cook button. Stir everything once the rice cooker is done and remove it from the cooker so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Makes about 4 cups.

I’d have included a picture but it was far too delicious to set down long enough to set up a shot ;-) I hope you’ll forgive me!

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (I used fat free)
• 3 tbsp Godiva dark hot cocoa
• 2 tbsp Nutella
• Whipped cream or marshmallows to top

Directions

In a small saucepan, slowly warm the milk over medium-low to medium heat. When the milk is warmed to about the right temperature, whisk in the hot cocoa powder and Nutella. Continue whisking and heating to ensure the Nutella is fully melted and incorporated into the drink. Pour into two mugs, top with marshmallows or whipped cream, and enjoy this rich, decadent drink!

Makes 2 servings, because delicious hot cocoa is something that should be shared.

I fell in love with it; the pepperiness, the creamy texture, the pretty little speckles from the broccoli. I couldn’t justify spending $7 on a bowl every time I went there, so I knew I had to find a recipe I could make at home. I wasn’t able to find the exact recipe from CPK, but I modified a broccoli cheese soup recipe and it turned out pretty darn close! And see, mine’s pretty, too :-D And it cost $7 for a whole pot full of soup!
My honey is working on being as vegan as possible so I’ve added some notes below for vegans :-)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces (you can use margarine for a more vegan-friendly version)
• 1 cup white onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, white or black
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/16 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• 14 oz frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
• 4 to 5 large canned artichoke hearts, about a half can, chopped into thirds
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (can be omitted for a less creamy/more vegan friendly version)
• 1 1/4 cups shredded medium Cheddar, plus a little extra for garnish (can be omitted for a less creamy/more vegan friendly version)
• Croutons for garnish

Mmm, tea! So warm and soothing, delicious at any time of the day. With sugar, lemon, honey, milk, and so many varieties to choose from there are nearly endless combinations to choose from. It’s tea, obviously, that inspired this adorable charm bracelet.

Check it out on my etsy shop here! Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll treat myself to a cup of tea… :-)

I, of course, prefer to make my own Halloween jewelry. Like these two pairs of earrings I’ve made recently, both of which are up for sale on my etsy shop!

Available here

Happy Halloween, everyone!

But just having R2 wasn’t enough; I felt like it needed something more…and then I realized: I met this friend on the Internet. Let’s add some Internet humor (and some mildly NSFW language) in there!

Yes, R2. Yes, they do.

I can’t wait to ship this little guy out to her! And maybe I’ll whip up a couple more since they were so quick and easy! I’ve got this pattern for sale on my etsy shop here if you want to stitch one up yourself!