March Madness Giveaway

It's time for the
March Madness Giveaway!!

This month I'm giving away TEN (10) prize packages!!

Each one is worth about $10, maybe more, so that's over $100 in prizes!!

Speaking of the prizes, I'm sure you want to know what's in them, right?  Here's a picture and the contents list for each package...

Contents:

#1 - 1942 Illustrated Encyclopedia Pages x6

#2 - 1939 Illustrated Dictionary Pages x5

#3 -1877 Dictionary Pages x3

#4 - Assorted Antique Playing Cards x5

#5 - 1880 Lutheran Hymnal Pages x15

#6 - 4.5"x6" Sections of Antique Sheet Music x5

#7 - New Coin Envelopes x5

#8 - 2"x3" Baggie of New Plastic Gems

#9 - 1ft. Lengths of Vintage Lace x3

Just a couple notes about some of the items the packages...

A) The dictionary & encyclopedia pages are not consecutive!  I made sure to give you a different letter on each page!!  Also, I hand selected the encyclopedia pages so that they would all contain neat illustrations, not just text or photos.

B) The hymnal pages are really neat and different from today's hymnals!!  Rather than having the text inline with the music, it has them separated.  I think this is really nice because when I use sheet music, I typically don't care for the text.

C) If you're into SMASH or junk journals, you'll love the coin envelopes!!  They're perfect for adding to those books!!

I really love these prize packages and can think of sooo many things to do with the contents!!

Now that you know what you can win, let's get to the giveaway details...

DATES & TIMES 

Contest will run until March 30th 

Winner(s) will be announced on March 31st 

ELIGIBILITY
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of US, Canada, or Europe to enter this giveaway.

HOW TO ENTER

You’ll need to use the Rafflecopter widget to enter. It’s super easy to use and helps me confirm your entries. 

Required Entry:
Be or become a follower of Lisa’s Craft Blog (1 entry) 

Extra entry options: 

- “Like” the Lisa’s Craft Blog Facebook Page (1 entry) 

- Put my button or text link on your blog (2 entries) 

- Tell your Facebook or Twitter friends about the giveaway and provide a link to the giveaway (1 entry)

WINNER SELECTION

There will be 10 random winners selected using the Rafflecopter widget

If you have any questions, please click the little envelope at the top of the right column and send me an e-mail.

GOOD LUCK
to everyone!!

WOYWW #8 and A Tutorial

This is going to be an especially looooonngg post, but I promise it will satisfy your curiosity as well as your creative hunger!!

Welcome to my 8th edition of WOYWW!!  If you're not familiar with WOYWW, click the button above.

This week I've been busy deconstructing antique books.  At the bottom of this post there is a tutorial on how to take apart books and remove the individual pages with as little damage as possible.

Before I get to the pages, let me tell you why I'm taking apart so many books...

Basically, I'm a craft supply shopaholic and found some great deals online.  Soon I'll be selling excess ephemera in my new Etsy and Artfire shops.

Now lets get to WOYWW...

Here are just a few of the deconstructed books.  The piles in the bottom row are all part of an 1880 hymnal that I was in the process of taking apart.  The small stack in the back is another 1880 hymnal that I'd already finished (I have 10 total).

 The ginormous stack on the blue case, is made up of pages from 3 antique books dating from 1877 to 1942. 

Here's a close-up of the 1877 dictionary pages...

When I start listing some of this ephemera on Etsy and Artfire, my plan is to offer a wide variety of themed packs such as the ones below.

For those of you that have been wondering where I disappeared to, now you know what I've been up to!  Don't worry, the Crafty St. Patty's Party will resume shortly and the March Madness Giveaway will begin tomorrow!!  Included in each of the 10 prizes will be some of this 100-year-old ephemera!!  Pretty cool, huh? 

TUTORIAL: DECONSTRUCT AN ANTIQUE BOOK

Note: This is a very messy project so be prepared to clean up when you're finished!! 

SUPPLIES

Antique Book

Craft knife & mat (optional)

The book I'm taking apart is a Lutheran hymnal from 1880.

Step 1: REMOVE COVER

Using whatever means necessary, remove the covers and as much of the spine as possible.

You may want to use a craft knife to separate the covers from the first and last pages.  With really old books, the covers will almost fall right off!

This was just something neat I found inside the spine of one of the 1880 hymnals.  It looks as though the covers and spine were actually made from old newspapers!!  And to think that we consider recycling and reusing a new thing!! 

Step 2: BREAK INTO SECTIONS 

Take a close look at your book and you'll see that the pages are actually "signatures" sewn and glued together.  If you're familiar with book binding you'll already be familiar with signatures.

In order to remove more of the spine and glue and also to help make the next step a little easier, separate your book into smaller sections.

Note: When you create your sections, make sure you do it between the signatures and not in the middle of one.

Step 3: SEPARATE SIGNATURES 

Gently pull apart the signatures from the binding.

This part is really messy.

Step 4: TEAR (CUT) PAGES

You'll notice that most of the signatures will still have some glue on them so you'll need to try and remove as much as you can.  It usually scrapes off, but if you're having a tough time, try opening the signature and removing the glue while it's open.

Open the signature to center.  Depending on your own personal preference either gently tear or cut the signatures down the center.  If you choose to cut the signatures, I highly recommend a craft knife and cutting mat.

FINISHED

Ta da!!  Now you have hundreds of great antique ephemera pages!!

Unfortunately you're also left with a huge mess to clean up!!  This little photo doesn't even begin to cover the mess from this project!!

If you're nit-picky like me, you'll want to separate the pages by topic!! hehehe

Be sure to stop by tomorrow so you can enter my March Madness Giveaway for your chance to win one of 10 crafty supply packs valued at $10 or more each!!

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

WOYWW #7

Yay!! It's time for WOYWW!!  This is so much fun!!

In case you don't know, WOYWW stands for What's On Your Work-desk Wednesday.  You can read more about it by clicking the button below!!

This week, I'm not showing my work area (I know, shame on me), but instead I got some new goodies in the mail to show you.

I purchased these gorgeous printer's trays from this seller on eBay.  They were only about $17 each after S&H!!

Of course my cat, Willy, had to inspect them too!!  He approves!!

If anyone knows a good way to clean these printer's trays, please let me know!!  I don't want to damage them while trying to clean them so your advice would definitely be appreciated!!

Last week I'd ordered some supplies from Joann's for my upcoming SMASH series.  I got a great deal because everything was 40% off, plus I had a coupon for free S&H!!  Woot!!  Here are the goodies I received...

Hopefully next week I'll have pictures of my current crafty projects to show you, but in all honesty, this IS what I'm working on right now!! hehehe

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Printables: Shamrock Word Art

This is a special day here at Lisa's Craft Blog!! Today I'm sharing my very first free printables!! I'm super new to creating printables like this, so if you have any suggestions on how I can improve my work, please contact me!!

Today's 3 printables were created using Tagxedo, which is a really cool program that allows you to make fantastic tag and word clouds!! You should definitely check them out if this is your sorta thing!!

The first 2 are .pdf files that are ready to be printed, trimmed, and framed. The 3rd is a .jpg image file that can be incorporated into your own personal projects!!

To download the files just click on the name above the image.

Shamrock Word Art Printable 1

Shamrock Word Art Printable 2

Shamrock Word Art Image

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

A Crafty St. Patty {Linky} Party

Yay!!  A new holiday blog event is just beginning!!  To kick off the Crafty St. Patty Party, here's an extended St. Patrick's Day linky party!!  I can't wait to see all of the great, inspiring posts you link up!!

Event & Giveaway Details

Starting Monday, I'll be hosting "A Crafty St. Patty Party" and I can't wait!!  There will be an extended linky party where you can link up all of your St. Patrick's Day posts, projects & recipes!!  Start working your posts now so you'll be able to link up come next week!!

I also have some super fun St. Patrick's Day tutorials to share with you, such as decorations, jewelry, and even a piece of framed artwork!!  Here's a sneak peek at one of the projects in progress...

March Madness Giveaway Announcement

As I mentioned yesterday, there are two BIG giveaways coming up!!  The first will be the "March Madness Giveaway".  I'm super excited about this giveaway because there will be TEN winners!!  Each prize package will contain similar crafty items and will each be valued at $10.00 or more!!

As soon as I put together the prize packages I'll take some pictures and share them with you.  For now though here are all of the giveaway details including a list of potential prize package contents...

DATES & TIMES
Contest will open for entries at 12:00AM (midnight) on March 11th
Contest will run until 12:00PM (noon) on March 30th
Winner(s) will be announced on March 31st

ENTERING & WINNING
You’ll need to use the Rafflecopter widget to enter. It’s super easy to use and helps me confirm your entries.
Primary entry instructions: Be or become a follower of Lisa’s Craft Blog (1 entry)
Extra entry options:
- “Like” the Lisa’s Craft Blog Facebook Page (1 entry)
- Put my button or text link on your blog (2 entries)
- Tell your FB friends about the giveaway and provide a link to the giveaway (1 entry)
There will be 10 random winners selected using the Rafflecopter widget.

PRIZE DETAILS
Each prize package will be valued at $10.00 or more.
Potential prize package contents:
- Specialty papers (cardstock, chipboard, vellum, etc.)
- Vintage ephemera (book pages, sheet music, maps, etc.)
- ATC & inchie blanks
- Assorted embellishments (plastic gems, buttons, etc.)
- Metal charms
- Lace, ribbon & trim
…and more!!

New Blog Look!!

I've finally managed to redo the appearance of this blog...again!!  I'm relatively happy with the result, but may make a few minor changes in the future.  I wanted something super simple and that matched the blog's new "tagline"... "A no-nonsense site for crafty tutorials & information".

I've also created some nifty business cards for the blog that fit the same theme.  They're very plain, but I'm planning on hand decorating them before giving them out.  I'll show them to you once I finish them!!

Tell me what you think about the changes!!  I'd love to get your input!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Linky List Features & Upcoming Events

Now that I'm almost fully recovered from my surgery, I have some BIG bloggy plans for March & April, including 2 great giveaways!!  Check out the Upcoming Events after you get inspired by the features from last week's linky party!!

Let's get to those features...

Last week's "Top Looked at Linky" was...

Paper Shamrocks
by Chicken Scratch

"Lisa's 3 Loved Linkies" from last week were...


Old Window, New View
by Ribbons, Lace, and Inspiration

Chalk Paint Makeovers
by Sherry's Bees Nest

An Elegant Frame
by Silo Hill Farm

If you were featured today, be sure to snag the NEW "Featured" button on my Buttons page!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oh my goodness!! I couldn't be more excited about the next few months!!  I know spring is coming and all, but I'm more excited about my bloggy events!!  Here's what you can look forward to...

March 5-17
A Crafty St. Patty Party
2 full week's full of St. Patrick's Day crafts as well as a special extended linky party too!!

March 11-31
A Surprise Giveaway!!
More info coming soon!!

March 26-April 7
A Spring/Easter Event
A 2 week event celebrating the arrival of Spring as well as Easter!!  There will be an extended linky party and tons of spring/Easter tutorials!!

April 1-30
Another Great Giveaway!!
Crystal's Lace and More has generously sponsored a BIG giveaway!!  More info coming soon!!

Dates TBA
SMASH Journal Series
A special 1-2 week series based on the widely popular SMASH line of journals and accessories.  I'll show you SMASH products, tutorials on how you can make your own SMASH-type journal and accessories, as well as free printables for you to use in your SMASH journal!!

Wow!!  So many fun and exciting events to look forward to!!  To be honest, I can't wait for the SMASH Journal Series!!  I have so many ideas and plans and I can't wait to share them with you!!

Which event are you most looking forward to?

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

WOYWW #6

I know it's now Thursday, but hey, better late than never, right?!?

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since my last WOYWW post!!  I'm so happy to be doing well enough this week to be able to share my current projects with you!!

This week I'm working on some wall art for my friend's nursery.  She's decorating her daughter's room with a bird theme and I've offered to help with a lot of the decor.

I'm working on a few altered art pieces including birdhouses for the mobile, a couple shadow boxes, an altered puzzle, and a few others.  Here are six of "projects" laid out for you to see...

I know it's kind of hard to make everything out, but I'll try to explain what they are for you.  Starting in the upper left corner are the birdhouses for the moible, next to them is a "Shadow Box #1" and "Shadow Box #2".  The 3 frames in the bottom row are for a piece of name art, the framed altered puzzle, and a framed lullaby project.

Here's a close up of the project I'm most excited about right now...

It's a basic, single-cubby shadow box, but soon it'll be the home of a little bird and it's nest...and more of course!!  

Thanks for checking out my current projects!!  I'll be back next week (on time) and will probably have made some progress on these projects by then!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Linky List #6 w/Features

This past week proved to me that you all haven't given up on my despite my bloggy absence!!  Thank you sooo much to each person that linked up last week!!

Before I get to the features and this week's party, I just want to give you all a quick personal update on my recovery from surgery...

As I said in my last update, I had a couple complications, but now I'm doing better and better each and every day!!  I can't wait to be back to my craftin' and bloggin' self again, because just laying around all day is not for me!!

There are a few other fun posts coming this week besides today's linky party!!  Here's what you can look forward to:

Wednesday

WOYWW #6: A fun peek into my crafty work space!!

Friday

Fun Fact Friday: More details about March's big giveaway!!

Saturday/Sunday

Weekend Workshop: A super fun pair of tutorials that you're going to love!!

Now, let's get to those features...

Last week's "Top Looked at Linky" was...

Craft Room Table Makeover
from Jillify It

What a super simple table makeover tutorial!!  I love it!!  Along with the rest of Jill's craft room!!  hehehe


"Lisa's Loved Linkies" from last week were...

DIY Magnet Organization Board
from AKM Designs & Delights

Such a cool idea and a great tutorial too!!  I would love to have one for my kitchen...and my craft room too!!

Double Strand Braided Ribbon Headband
from Love Bug Living

Another easy, but gorgeous project!!  I plan on making a few of these for a good friend of mine!!

Burlap Wreath
from Made in a Day

Ahh, my beloved burlap!!  This is so gorgeous that it just may be the first wreath I ever make!!

Lisa's Linky List #6

This linky party will be open until Saturday, February 25th at 11:59PM Eastern time.  Then on Monday, February 27th, I'll feature the "Top Looked at Linky" and "Lisa's 3 Loved Linkies" from this week's party!!

<a border="0" href="http://www.lisascraftblog.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6911626041_c0e1786acd_o.jpg" width="150px;" height="150px" /></a>

You don't have to, but I'd really appreciate a link back or for you to add my linky party button to your post or sidebar to help me spread the word. 

I want to keep this pretty simple so I only have 2 rules...

1. Please, only link up posts such as crafts, diy projects, recipes, cleaning/organizing ideas, decorating, etc. 

2. Do not link up shops, giveaways or any post trying to sell something. 

A few other quick things I want to mention about this linky party...

* Remember to link directly to your specific post, not your blog’s main page. 
* By linking up, you give me permission to use content from your post for the purpose of featuring you, which would include linking back to your blog and post. 
* Please visit other links and comment!!

Big Announcements

UPCOMING EVENTS

Between March 5th and March 17th, we'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a big ol' party!!  I already have some great tutorials in the works that I think you're going to love!!  There's also going to be an 11-day linky party where you can link up all of your St. Patty's Day projects & recipes!!

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

For each of the events listed below there will be special tutorials, an extended linky party and more!!

Easter & Spring

This big bloggy event will celebrate all things Easter & Spring!!

Mother's Day

This will be a time to show your appreciation to the mothers and mother figures in your life!!

Father's Day

This will not just focus on fathers, but all of those special men (and boys)!!

UPCOMING GIVEAWAY

I'm so excited about our next big giveaway and I think you will be too!!

Do you remember me mentioning my lace supplier, Crystal's Lace and More?  I'm so very happy to announce that Miss Crystal is sponsoring a new giveaway next month!!

We're going to be giving away over 3/4lb of assorted gorgeous lace and 20 assorted colors & lengths of zippers!!  Here's a sneak peek at the lace...

I must say that when I saw the prize package for this giveaway, I was in awe!!  Despite my giant collection of lace, I was even jealous of the lace being given away!!  Then there are the zippers too!!  Some of them are super long; I'll have pictures of those coming soon!!

I'll be sharing all of the details for this giveaway with you very soon!!

PERSONAL UPDATE

I know many of you have been following my progress after my surgery so I wanted to give you an update.

Although I was doing really well shortly after my surgery, I've had some complications since then.  

First I noticed a lot of pain that wasn't going away.  Some of the pain was more of a burning sensation than the typical ache you get after a surgery like this.  When my hubby removed the dressing for the first time to clean it, we found that I had 2nd degree burns from the adhesive used to cover the wound.  That was the first ER trip.

The next day I noticed some additional pain and swelling and was concerned so we went back to the ER for them to check it out.  They really couldn't do much other than prescribe a 2nd narcotic pain medication.  The day after that, I went to see a PA in my surgeon's office who prescribed a steroid for 8 days to help with the inflammation that's causing the pain.  It has made a big difference already!!  I'm very happy to say I'm on the mend...for real this time!!  hehehe  

I can't wait to get back to blogging "full time", but still need to take it kind of slow right now.  Thank you to everyone that has kept me in their thoughts and prayers and to those that have messaged me as well.  You are all such incredible people and dearly care for each and every one of you!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...