New Washi Tape organization

One of my latest obsessions is Washi tape. The texture, the colors and design of each one speaks to my crafty heart. 

At the beginning I was storing my Washis (that's how I so lovely call them) into a small box, which of course I outgrew with some of my latest hauls.

Washis in hand, I visited The Container Store and I believe tried every container looking for a nice solution. Until I found these ones, called Box Box priced at $4.99. Little pricey but exactly what I was looking for.

I thought of storing my Washis flat, but when I got home found that the boxes stacked nicely one on top of the other. 

You can store about 3 or 4 Washi tapes, depending on their sizes in each of the compartments. These two boxes will easily store about 50 of your tapes. You can see here I still have plenty of room to grow.

You can store your tapes by collections (which usually come in three sets), color coordinate them or whatever method pleases you.

I was very pleased when I placed my container on top of my desk organizer. Now I can see all my Washis and feel inspired by them.

Thank you for reading and your comments.

Small thank you giveaway ***closed****

This week I'm hosting a small giveaway on my Youtube channel and I do want to include my blog followers. 

This is the link to the video :

Good luck!

Make your own Hello Kitty cake

My youngest daughter is a huge fan of Hello Kitty, and I admit it has been my fault. Since the day she was born I have been getting her every item available for her collection.This weekend we were inspired by a TV show (Cake Boss). So we created an easy version of the cake.

We used regular cake mix, frosting, sprinkles and cake coloring.

 We baked the cake in a 9 inch circle pan and two smaller heart pans. But you can easily do the ears by cutting two triangles out of a small square pan. Cover your cake with white frosting, but keep a little separate amount for decoration.

For the final touches we used food coloring to make a yellow circle for the nose and three pink circles for the bow. We then decorated the bow with cake sprinkles. The hardest part was to make black coloring. After a few failed attempts, we used crumbled Oreo cookies for the eyes and whiskers.

 Here is your finished cake:

Thanks for reading and your comments!

My Scrapbook Expo Experience

This weekend was finally the scrapbook expo in my city. For all of you that have yet to attend one, here's what happens at an expo.

First is the beautiful location. My expo is held in a fancy downtown hotel.

As soon you walk in a few goodies are hand in to all attendees. As you wait in line to enter the vendors pass with coupons and offers.

The expo can be overwhelming in part due to the big amount of people attending. Some of the vendor lines were really long.

The prices differ from vendor to vendor. But some stores, like Scrap That, are more popular because of their great offers.

And even though you want to shop, the most import thing is to see all the new products and ideas that you can bring home with you.

The vendors set up in the front of their stores what is called "make and takes". They're hands-on product demonstrations that you take home, for a small fee sometimes it's even free. The Craft Fantastic booth had a free make and take to teach scrappers to use glass beads for jewelry. Faber Castel also had demonstrations for gelatos.

A whole variety of classes are offered both days of the expo. They were held in separate classes for a variety of different topics. All kinds of scrapbookers attend, from beginners to advanced.

I was volunteering as teacher assistant in two classes. For the classes you get a class kit and get to practice new techniques.

The last day of the expo a raffle is held with different prizes. You receive a golden ticket with admittance that you put into raffle for the prize you want. Some prizes were $100 gift cards to vendors. Other prizes include a Big Shot, a crafting fold away desk and organizer, and baskets full of goodies, even Copics.

These are some of the goodies I was able to buy at the expo:

Sticker collections for $1.00

Stamps sets for $2.00

Paper for 33 cents each.

And this was my splurge item: Washi tape. $2.99, buy 5 get one free.

The most important part to me was getting all the inspiration for new projects and making new friends with fellow scrapbookers from my area. To resume it in one word it would be "incredible". If you have the chance to go, do so. It's so much fun and you learn so much about scrapbooking.

See you next year, scrapbook expo!

Getting ready for the Scrapbook Expo

This weekend the Scrapbook Expo is rolling into town. This would be my second year attending the expo and I am so excited! Today I'm sharing my tips for those of you that have not attended a scrapbook convention and are planning to go.

1. Research. An expo may be coming next to your area and you may not know about it. Sign up for their newsletter to get up to date information.

2. On the day of the expo bring the obvious: comfortable shoes and clothing. It will be a long day and you wanna be comfortable. There is lots of standing and walking. Also, bring a sweater because it can get chilly inside.

3. Pack snacks and water. Some of the expos have concession stands but they can be pricey. Plus saving money and time is a must.

 

4. Bring a big shopping bag. Mine is from last year's expo. Some of the vendors gave one for free with your purchase. I only pack my wallet, my water and snack, and then I go to my car a couple times to unload my goodies LOL!

5. Something I learned last year: bring a plastic 12 x 12 container (you can get those at Joann's or Michael's) to hold the papers so they don't get crumbled in your shopping bag.

6. Bring cash and little currency. It is easier than waiting for receipts of credit card charges.

7. Make a budget, plan ahead what are you looking to buy, and stick to it! Don't go overboard (This step is my weakness!) The expo website shows a list of vendors. Once again research ahead to see which ones you are more interested in. This would save you time and unnecessary walking. Keep your energy! Also bring a notepad to write down your ideas.

8. Be there early. Some vendors have early birds specials before certain times.

9. Get information on parking. My expo is held in a fancy hotel, and parking is pricey. But if you have lunch in one of their restaurants you can get your parking validated. So buy a salad or appetizer. The break is nice from all the noise inside the expo, and parking becomes free.

10. This year I am trying something new: volunteering. You get paid for your hours and get free admission to the show. It's my way of saving this year for my shopping.

And most importantly, enjoy it. Have a good time, go with a friend or have some me time and enjoy something you like. I will post pictures in my next post, hopefully I would have lost of goodies to share!

Thanks for reading!