G45 Purse Gift Card Holder & FREE template

Hey there, Fans!

I have a special in-law aunty who also likes to scrapbook.  I always make her scrappy gifts.  It's a great excuse to get my scrap on.  I saw an interesting template on Pinterest, of which I'll supply the link, but in my usual manner, I changed it up.  I think I actually made it more difficult and I also learned a few helpful tips for future crafting and for you to learn, too.

Here is the template I got from Pinterest.  You might wanna stick to the steps.  I had a heck of a lot of not so great moments in my re-engineering.  Hehehe....The image is linked up and it is FREE.

I used some rigid, plain card stock that I wouldn't mind peeking through my design.  I traced the template and followed directions.  Eh hem...Hehehe...

I used double sided tape all around the jewel case and adhered the shell.

In the next image you can see that I cut across the bottom of the handle to cut out the half circle, then taped it up.  I knew it would be covered anyway and it saved me some time.

 Be careful around the fold.  If your card stock it too thick, it won't open and close easily.

As you can see with the next image, I used washi to cover all around the edges.  It is really easy to use because you manipulate it just perfectly.  Even in those difficult spots.  The only thing is and this is big, the double sided tape doesn't stick so well to it!

The gift card was this bright blue that really didn't go all that great with the G45 I have, but I found some blue here and there and chose to put a little of the same blue under some layered papers for a bit more cohesion and balance.

I like a vintage, weathered look so I cut strips of paper, wrinkled them up, filed down the edges with my trusty, rusty nail file and used dark brown ink around the edges.  I love that look! I did it around just about everything.

Use double sided tape only at the top of your strip and you get a cool, dimensional effect.  I was just about to snip off that annoying, green, metal stem from my paper flower when I decided to wrap it around a paintbrush tip and raise it.  Now I have cute foliage!

Then decorate it however you choose.  I went with tags, ribbons and tiny paper flowers on different levels for some depth effect.  Warning!  Do NOT go high with your embellishments or the purse will not close.  Since the gift cards are for the casino, I used some circular embellishments to represent chips.

I had to cut out the image of the gift receivers because they were with a few other people.  At least their doggy made the cut!  Ha!

I tried all different things for the handle, but ended up winding black, satin ribbon all around both of them, using mini glue dots every couple of layers to make sure it stayed.  The result, though tedious, looked pretty darn good.  I needed to have a bit of classy glam because that is my aunty!  I layered plaid ribbon, added another tag, wooden camera bellie and some more metal goodies that match the ones on the cover.

I was sipping on some Port as I was snapping away and thought it just kind of went.  Cheers!

 Thank you for hanging out with The Cherries!

Throwing Some Scraps Around

Welcome to yet another edition of The Cherry On Top.

I never would call myself lucky, but I won another fantastic digital scrapbooking collection!  This time it is from, Throwing Some Scraps Around.  So, a huge shout out to them.  Wow!  An entire collection?!  The timing could not have been better.  One of the creative teams I was working on was dispersed and I was totally bummed, but it all turned out just fine.  It's always nice to have that reminder, that sometimes bad things happen, but good things happen, too and it is these good things that we have to focus on.

Now that I'm starting to learn and work with Photoshop Elements, I wanted to try my hand again at what I hoped would be a fantastic cluster frame.  They are not that difficult to make when you have a ton of goodies in all kinds of shapes, sizes and forms like the ones in, "It's Gonna Be Alright" by Throwing Some Scraps Around.

Look at all of those goodies and I didn't even use them all.  That is what I call an awesome collection!  Scroll down further and see all of the other things in the collection.

There is the gorgeous glitter set.  I didn't even use glitter?!  

Here's the preview of the kit.  Look a butterfly and I didn't use that either?!  Hehe...

Always a must have, solids.

A great selection of papers.   This collection is definitely gonna stay on my hard drive.  It's classic and super versatile.  You could use it on any kind of layout for any occasion.

How about some inspirational word art?  Yes, please!  I love that a different theme is being used and that it is ultra positive.  I got some serious good vibes.  How about you?

Thanks again, to Throwing Some Scraps Around, FB for the absolutely awesome prize and thank you for dropping by The Cherry On Top!  There will be more freebies coming up shortly.  

Tah!!!

Lego Storage

Welcome To The Cherry On Top!

Have you found yourself in the Lego Land Of The Lost?  After years of accumulation and periods where the boys wouldn't even dare try to play with Lego because of the disarray they were faced with, I've finally got a solution and it's a CHEAP one!  I scoured the internet for solutions, but they were all way too, expensive or just not right for our situation. 

So, if you have very limited space and a limited budget, but a huge problem, then you've come to the right place.  Check this out!

I went from this...

To this!

As you can see from the two images above, we purchased two...laminated particle boards?  Hehehe...They were very rigid and cost us under $10 for both!  My hubby, after a couple of weeks of "forgetting"  hehehe...cut them to fit perfectly under my son's bed.  They go width wise under the bed and are approximately 3 feet by 2 feet.  They are lined up side by side.

He put two small holes in and some string through and knotted it on the bottom to make some handles.  I would guess that a board must weight around 3 pounds with everything on it.

Above and below, you can see that I just saved up some rigid boxes and Chinese take out boxes that seemed like good sizes.

Whah!  Those are some serious Legos!  You might even have more!  Here I started the daunting task of separating by colour.  I put wheels, windows, and people related stuff like weapons and clothes in separate dishes.  I got one of my sons to help, but with a bit of Wii time as a reward.  Hehehe...

Next, figure out what box or container is best for the color or however you choose to separate the Lego.  I tried to use containers that would allow for more future purchase Legos.  When I came across a color that had A LOT of pieces I divided them up by big pieces and really little ones.  This way you only have half of the amount of pieces to go through when looking for a particular piece.

Then arrange the containers on each board so they fit nicely and have room in-between for future adjustments/bigger containers!

That big, green basket is full of the books and some sets that are all together in zip locks.  Zip locks take up very little space and are see through, so you know what's in there.

Get out your industrial strength double sided tape.  I think this may have been carpet tape?

Cut a piece that fits the size of the container.  If it's a small container, use a smaller piece.  Unless you are using cheapy tape that might not hold so well.  This stuff wasn't moving and we had it around the house.  I left all of the containers where I wanted them so I didn't have to guess where the tape would have to be.

Remove the backing of the double sided tape when you have it where you want it.

Then place your container on the tape.  Make sure you apply pressure and have a good firm set.  It's much easier if you don't have the pieces in there.

My son helped me carry it into the room, with relative ease.  So, if they wanted to play in the living room, it would be no problem to carry or slide it out there by themselves.

There's the final result!  Two boards that easily slide under my son's bed.  There is room for another board.  Hopefully, I won't need it!  As you can see, the area rug is right there.  So, they can play right where the Legos are.  Oh!  I now have a ton of space in the closet and recycled some containers!

I hope this will help you out!  If you have an excellent organization idea, share it here!

Thank you for clicking on The Cherry!

Summer Boredom Busters For the Little Ones and the Not So Little Ones

Welcome to The Cherry On Top!

Summer has started. For some of you, the summer vacation is almost over. By now your kids might be driving you crazy. I know mine are!  Hehehehe.... I am dedicating this edition of The Cherry On Top to parents, child carers and sitters. In this edition you will find all kinds of activities for  kids. Not just the little ones, but the older ones, too.

I have two young boys with Autism and keeping them constantly busy is a must. Create a list of things to do when boredom starts to settle in. Popcorn and a movie, Wii, computer games, yoga, exercise, outdoor play, hopscotch, swimming, Lego, boardgames, story telling, craft, paint....This is a necessity and a huge help to keep things cool around this crazy house.

The first two images are linked up to The Tip Junkie. I love this site and visit everyday. Yes, everyday! There are so many great ideas, tutorials, boredom busters, beauty tips, crafts, pretty much everything The Cherry On Top is all about. Make your own playdough from Koolaid for the smaller kids and then make your own lip gloss for the bigger sassy girls. I love that idea!

How cute are these bracelets?  For girls or boys and all ages, too. These images are linked up to the Tip Junkie as well and there are a lot more ideas there.

 This image to the left, I thought was totally cool for older kids and capable young'ns. The image is hooked up to a tutorial!

















And now for some outdoor fun. I have to pretty much push my kids out of the door, but when I have stuff planned or an arsenal to hit up, it usually turns into hours of fun. This image is also linked up to the Tip Junkie and there are a lot more ideas for more than one kid, too.

Another way to get hours of fun outside is taking your road carpet outside. My little guy loves to play with his cars on the carpet, outside in the shade.

How about spending time picking berries? Then coming up with something cool and refreshing to do with them. I've got berries ready for picking and the heat is on. My boys love picking berries and making stuff with them. We make cake pops, muffins, pancakes, waffles...they just love being in the kitchen.  If it's too hot, cook outside. We put the fryer outside, the crockpot, the BBQ of course. I even have a small oven in the basement so the heat can stay down there.

Another thing to keep the summer calmer is planning. Don't ya just hate when you have to think about what to eat? No one wants the same thing, you don't have the groceries, blah, blah, blah...Every Sunday I sit down and plan all three meals. Then I make a list and buy. It saves time, money and garbage. I totally recommend it. I also will not be buying sweets this summer. If they want a snack, they are going to have to make it! I have fresh fruit, nuts, pretzels and other healthy snacks that they may have, but no junk. If they want the junk they are going to have to make it themselves!

Are you familiar with Six Sisters? You will thank me for introducing you to this site if you don't already know it. I make a lot of recipes from here. Click on the image to get the link.

Below is another cool idea. Especially, if you have some not so nice fruit sitting in your basket that keeps attracting those pesky fruit flies. It is hooked up to an instructional tutorial.

Lastly, is some more outdoor activities for the kids. We all know how important it is to get our kids outside. Most kids do like nature, but grudgingly admit to it. We plan on camping in our own back yard and roasting marshmallows on the BBQ. We will talk about the things we see, hear and smell at night. It's a real treat for them! When they crash, we sit in our lawn chairs with a chilled glass of rose wine. Hehehe....

I hope this edition of The Cherry On Top will be of help.  If you have any more tips for us, leave them in a comment.  

A-Manda Creation & Berry Good Inspiration

Hi there, Happy Scrappers!

I'm featuring A-Manda Creation, again.  These three kits are simply inspiring.  Not only that, they are CHEAP!  Look closely....75 cents.  That's right!  .75 cents.  Gorgeous papers, exciting elements that offer versatility as well as gender friendly.  These kits can be used for absolutely any kind of scrapbooking.

Take a look at what's in store:

The Inspiration^^^^^

The Kit:

The Inspiration :

The Kit:

The Inspiration:

The Kit:

Fabulous, right?!  Where else can you rock a deal at .75 cents?!  I can't even get a candy bar for that price!  Enjoy this great price while it lasts!  It just doesn't get any better than this.

Thanks for checking out the Cherry!