Hello again!  I know I usually do not have two posts this close together, but there has been a lot going on lately.

Creative Memories launches new products every two weeks with specific promotions in between.  This time they introduced a new spin on an old classic – the Rainbow Dots Memory Mate Case.  


Creative Memories new Rainbow Dots Memory Mate Case launched July, 2024.

I don’t remember what the older version was called but I have three of them & they are at least 15 or 20 years old.  They are still in great condition & I use them all the time.

Creative Memories old version of the Memory Mate Case.

Now, as you can see, mine are pretty plain compared to the colorful polka dots and “island waters” interior but I wanted to give you a few ideas for ways you could use these.  

The two main differences for you to note besides the color, are that the new one has a side zippered pocket to store small items (multi-purpose tool) and the handle is not attached to the zipper.  

The older version is just slightly (like 1/2 to 3/4 inch) longer than the new one & I think maybe 1/4 inch taller.  It is a minimal amount.

They do both have a divider that you can turn either direction or take out altogether. 


Now let’s look at just a few of the things you can use the Memory Mate Case for.

First let’s look at some other Creative Memories tools and essentials.


On the left you have the Creative Memories Custom Cutting Circles and Ovals with the three blades.  Of course, there is plenty of room to add other shapes or extra blades.

On the right I have quite the assortment of basic tools I use all the time.  There are several different types of adhesive (regular, mini, extra strength & repositionable) along with refills.

In the front I have some My Life Mini Buttons in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, a couple of Creative Memories binder clips, scissors, multi-purpose tool, glue pen, lifter stick & distressing tools.

Now let’s look at some items related to card making:


On the left there are several sizes & shapes of stamping blocks for clear cling stamps.  There is still room for more, but remember that the cases are fabric so you don’t want to weigh them down too much.

On the right are different size ink pads and a date stamp.  The large ink pads have 4 stacked together for a total of eight plus 4 of the Distress regular size ink pads and 4 mini ones.

I don’t know about you, but I have several hobbies other than just scrapbooking.  I also like to make craft projects with my Cricut machine and sometimes random stuff I find on Pinterest.

So here are a couple of other crafty uses for the Memory Mate Case:


On the left I have supplies I use to make keychains with acrylic blanks and tassels.  I make them with initials in vinyl or etched using my Cricut machine.

And finally, I also crochet, so here is a Memory Mate Case with a couple of skeins of yarn, crochet hooks and needles.  This one is super light & could easily be taken somewhere to work on while you were in a waiting room or riding in the car on a trip.  (I forgot to put scissors in the picture, but there is still plenty of room in the front pocket to add them in.)

Keep in mind, these are just a few of the items you can use these for.  I know some of the other Creative Memories Advisors use them for personal items, especially packing for trips.

They are so versatile you could use them for just about anything!  I would love to know what you would use them for, so leave me a comment & let me know.

If you are interested in more organizing, check out this post about my Rolling Cart Organization.

For organizing pictures for a crop or specific projects you can read about how I handle Picture Overload.

I am constantly organizing and re-organizing my supplies and looking for great products that have several uses.

The Rainbow Dots Memory Mate Case fits the bill & it’s super cute, too!  

I will be back with more crafty inspiration and encouragement to save, organize & enjoy your photos (and crafts, and hobbies).

Talk again soon,

Machelle

P.S. – If you are interested in any of the Creative Memories tools that have I have featured in the pictures above, you can ask me a question or send a message on the Contact Us page.

If you would like to shop for any of these products, I would appreciate you supporting my business by using the link directly to my Advisor Page.

Thank you!

Today I am back with some exciting news – I am a new member of the Sketch Saturday Design Team!  

I was previously a Guest Designer on another challenge site, but this is my first official post on a regular team.  I hope to inspire & encourage you to follow along on the Sketch Saturday blog and link the cards you make.

Let’s get started!

Sketch #754

So this week we were to pick a sketch from the 2019 Archives of the Sketch Saturday blog.  There were so many great ones to choose from but I finally decided on #586.

Here is the sketch:

Sketch Saturday Sketch #586 for June 29, 2024 blog post

I choose this one because of the ovals.  I knew I could use the Creative Memories cutting system as there are three blade sizes & it makes it easy to mat the shapes.  I have had the original system with the ovals & circles for YEARS and still find them useful.

My Interpretation:

Sketch Saturday Sketch #754 for June 29, 2024. Sketch #586 from the 2019 Archives.

I did add the presents inside the ovals but that was the only change I made to the original sketch.  I started with the three green patterned papers and then found the plaid blue & green strip.

The colors in the stickers (presents & envelope) made it all come together and added the pop of red, so I went with red for the enamel dots in the upper right corner, too.

Overall, I am really happy with the way it turned out & I hope it helps spark an idea for you as well.  Be sure to check out the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the Design Team inspiration & link up your own creation.

Don’t forget:

There is additional information and papercrafting goodness over on my Social Media channels or you can join my VIP Facebook group.  There is also a link on the sidebar to subscribe to my newsletter.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments you can leave them below or send me a message on the Contact Us page.

I look forward to chatting with you again soon!

Machelle


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I recently saw an ad on Facebook that asked the question “Do people call you creative or crafty?”

Creative label for blog post Creative or Crafty?

What’s the difference?

That was my first thought – aren’t they the same thing?  But really they are not.  

To me, being creative means sitting down with a blank piece of paper, canvas, etc. and creating something new.  Starting with just an idea in your head.

Being crafty, on the other hand, is being able to replicate some idea or item you have seen.  That doesn’t mean you can’t change it up and make it your own, just that the idea or item was not original to you.

In fact, most of the paper crafts I make end up not looking like the original, but some aspect sparked the idea.

Is one better than the other?

Absolutely NOT!  They are just different.  I personally am not a creative person, but give me a few minutes on Pinterest & I can find a multitude of things I want to make.

As long as I have a visual guide or written instructions I can make pretty much anything.  Sometimes just a picture will do, depending on the item.

Below are two examples of this – the first one is a pin for a crochet pattern.  Obviously, I need the written instructions to make this headband.  However, the second pin in just a picture of the “mood board” page I made for my Word of the Year 2023.




Pinterest pin for Word of the Year 2024 for Small Town Scrap

Sharing and encouragement

I love the internet for inspiration and appreciate all the people who share their talents and ideas, regardless of whether they are creative or crafty.

That is one of the reasons I love crafty hobbies – because of the community.  Everyone is so open and giving of their time and skills.  Teaching, sharing and encouraging others.  

Time well spent

Spending time on your hobbies is an important form of self-care.  It always relaxes me to sit down and make something pretty.  It is a bonus if I get to do that with friends, either in person or through Zoom or Facebook groups.

It also gives me a sense of accomplishment, especially if I have learned something new.

Creative or Crafty?

Which do you consider yourself?  Let me know in the comments and share something you have made.

I am in the process of adding a gallery of some of the things I have made for inspiration and encouragement.  Be sure to check back soon for more.

Machelle

Hello my friends!  I am back with my 2024 Word of the Year – Progress.    First, let’s start with the definition:  forward movement, gradual betterment, to develop to a more advanced stage.

There are so many quotes about progress, too.  I will try to share those monthly on my social media pages, but the one I chose as my main focus is:

2024 Word of the Year - Progress Quote

I know, for me, sometimes just getting started is the hardest part.  Once I start a project, even if something goes wrong I can figure out a way to fix it or get back on track but the actual “get moving” part is just SO hard.  Do you find that to be true for you as well?

This is the forward movement part.  JUST START and then gradual betterment will automatically follow. 

Maybe you start a small project that can be finished in one sitting.  Those are always the best because you get immediate satisfaction.  But even if you start something you think should be quick & it ends up taking longer (sometimes much longer) than you expect you are moving forward and days, weeks or even months later you can look back and see the gradual betterment.

No matter how small the steps, you can always look back and see the improvement.  I also love the quote:  “Progress, not Perfection.”  Believe me, I have to tell myself this one a lot.

Here is my Vision Board for my 2024 Word of the Year that is in my planner:

2024 Word of the Year Planner Vision Board

As you can see, it’s not perfect, but it is there as a reminder to just keep moving forward.  I also added some synonyms; Advance, Evolve & Improve.  

I will add more quotes and decorations as the year progresses.  

Some areas I want to progress in are:

Time Management – this one seems like it is very hard for me.  I have too many ideas and responsibilities and do not do a good job of prioritizing.

Learning Procreate – this is an App I downloaded for my I-Pad but have not taken the time to really learn.  Of course, it will do much more than what I need, but I need to start with the basics.

Consistency – I need to be more consistent with this website, my social media accounts and my handmade card business.  This goes hand in hand with Time Management.  I need to learn to put it on the calendar like any other appointment.  Non-negotiable.

I have quite a list of specific projects I want to make progress on, but we’ll start with the general ideas above and they will trickle down to the individual items, I’m sure.

If you have chosen a 2024 Word of the Year or participate in Ali Edward’s One Little Word Project, please leave a comment and let me know what your word is & why you chose it.  

Please be sure to leave me a message if you have any questions or suggestions.  You can follow me on social media or subscribe to the blog through the links in the sidebar, too.

Ya’ll come back soon!

Machelle

Good Monday morning my friends!  A new day, a new week & a new year all rolled into one today.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024!  I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a new beginning.  We have been super busy around here the last couple of months.

We started a remodel on our master bath, we have been house hunting, trying to finish some other home improvement projects and wrap up going through all the stuff we brought in from Scott’s mother’s house.

I have also been working on a new opportunity for my handmade cards.  I answered an ad for arts & crafts vendors recently and was asked to be part of a new retail store dedicated to independent vendors selling handmade goods.

I am so excited to announce the grand opening of Shoppe Caddo will be this weekend and I will have a space selling cards, gift tags and bookmarks.  I plan on expanding the selection to other papercrafts and small gift items as well.


Right now, my plan is to get everything stocked and ready to go in the store and then I can get back to the website and catching up on my social media channels, too.  

I still have SO many ideas to share with you about saving, organizing and enjoying your photos & memories.  I am still a Creative Memories Advisor & there are a lot of new ideas and products coming out soon.

I will share my new Word of the Year with you soon, why I chose it and my new planner vision board to keep it front & center in 2024.

If you want to stay up to date on all of the news, please be sure to sign up for my newsletter, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or join my VIP Facebook Group.


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Thank you for your support this past year.  I hope to continue to inspire and encourage you to enjoy your memories and tell your stories!

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year 2024!

Machelle