Anytime you’re looking around the project ideas section of our website and see a project you just love and have to make (or ScrapLift!), Pin it!  Just click on the Pin It button and it’ll take you to a window where you can add it to any of your boards on Pinterest.

Happy Pinning!

We’re constantly adding new items to the Annex and so each Friday, I’m going to share with you one of my new favorites…hence, The Annex Pick of the Week!

So here you are:

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Doodle-Pops embellishments from Doodlebug!

These little dimensional stickers are absolutely adorable!  They’re a quick and easy (and inexpensive!) way to add a cute embellishment to a card, a scrapbook layout, an ornament for your Christmas tree, you name it!  Check out this cute Halloween layout using a few Doodle-Pops!

Super cute, huh?  And such an easy way to add adorable embellishments to any page!  There are a bunch of different Doodle-Pops available on the Annex…

So cute!  These are just a few of the 50+ Doodle-Pops embellishments we have available in our online store!  Check out the rest of them HERE!

Happy Weekend everyone!  Stop back on Monday for a cute fall decorating idea! 

We are just loving mini cards right now!  Have you seen how cute the new Make It Mini workshop is!

I just thought I’d share a couple mini cards with you today…maybe just for some weekend inspiration.

For this card, I used some Bazzill cardstock (the teal and white), some kraft cardstock (Canvas Home Basics), Tumbled Glass and Worn Lipstick Distress inks, the Typeset alphabet die from Time Holtz, the Notebook embossing folder from Tim Holtz, the Binding Edge punch from EK Success, an ink applicator with foam pads, my handy-dandy Paper Distresser, the Xyron (best thing ever!), and some adhesive.  Oh and a paper trimmer in there too.  Super easy mini card.

Here’s another one:

Looks busy, but it’s not!  Promise!  I used some navy and kraft cardstock, Sepia and Jet Black Archival inks, tissue tape from Tim Holtz, string, light blue gems, Pop Dots, my Paper Distresser, ink applicator with foam pads, and two Tim Holtz stamp sets.

Making regular sized cards is really difficult for me.  I have so many great ideas, but never know how to put them on a standard sized card.  Minis definitely take the pressure off.  I don’t have to put a lot of things on a mini card, which makes it so easy to make a bunch of them in one sitting.  Kind of like ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) for those of you that love making those.

Try making some minis today…and be sure to check out Make it Mini at your local Archiver’s!

Saturday was a pretty typical day. My boyfriend and I worked on projects around the house, ran errands, and went out for dinner. When we got back home, he told me I could open my birthday presents a week early, since we’ll be having guests over on my real birthday. I opened my three gifts (including a very special book he created for me) and he then presented me with a large envelope handmade from black cardstock. I was immediately happy that he made me a handmade card, but I had no idea it was going to get even better!

I flipped over the envelope…

(At this point, I was a little confused, but thought maybe the card inside was going to say something funny.)

I pulled out the card…

…and was stunned at what I found sewn to the inside.

I was so surprised and wasn’t expecting it at all!

Aside from the ring (I of course said yes, by the way), I’m very impressed with his card-making skills! He came up with the design all on his own, cut all the little layers and intricate details, and even used sparkly letter stickers to add the finishing touches. When asked about the colors, he said he chose dark colors to “make the ring really pop”. How cute is that? And what a perfect way to propose to someone who works at Archiver’s and is a card-maker! I love it, and this is definitely a handmade card I will keep forever.

Handmade cards really are so much better than store-bought cards. Take it from me, your recipient will LOVE receiving one (with or without a ring inside…ha ha!)!

Tuesday morning was all about warm greetings, sharing stories and catching up. It was like this big wonderful family reunion. As everyone settled in, the focus turned more towards the business side of things. Time to review, evaluate and strategize. The long day ended with some relaxing fun as everyone enjoyed some really yummy food and  a little “card making”. 

Things fired up again early Wednesday morning. The day was filled with training sessions, group discussions and more strategizing. As I basked in the creative energy that surrounded me, I was inspired to capture and “preserve” these moments just as I would a birthday or holiday so I grabbed my camera and off I went.

After dinner, everyone gathered for a short recap of the day. Our CEO stood before the group and began speaking of the “history” of scrapbooking. (seemed a little random) As the group respectfully listened, the double doors at the back of the meeting hall suddenly swung open and in walked  (are you ready for this?)  TIM HOLTZ!!!

There are no words to describe the reaction of those in attendance…..maybe this will help…    

I seriously thought we might have to bring in oxygen! It was a fabulous surprise that got even better. He showed up prepared to teach a workshop.  WooHoo!  Tim is an amazing person and an outstanding instructor. We learned tons of new techniques and got to use a bunch of his new products.  (before you even ask……yes, his delicious new creative goodness  is landing in our stores over the next few weeks) 

The results speak for themselves….

The best thing about the last three days was the feeling we came away with. Tim is SO inspiring. It was the same excitement I felt upon completion of my very first scrapbook page years ago.  He left us feeling confident, knowledgeable and just plain giddy!  Now, we want to pay it forward. We want you to experience that same feeling.

Our managers left yesterday  to go back to their respective stores. They are  super excited to share what they learned.

Let us INSPIRE YOU!  It’s a great time to go to Archiver’s.

Oh, and Tim…..thank you so much. You’re the best! 

There’s no rule that says holiday cards have to be red and green and there’s no rule that says you have to include a photo! Don’t be afraid to incorporate other colors like blue, brown, or a whole bunch of colors like this bright and funky Crate Paper patterned paper. Your card will definitely be unique and stand out among the others in the mailbox!

This card is easy, easy, easy! Add a photo to a Yours Truly scalloped flat note, run Yours Truly oval sticker seals through your home printer, and place it on top. A few gems and it’s ready to send!

Here’s another simple card that is so cute! Slide a photo into a Yours Truly photo card, add a ribbon, and a fun embellishment, like this sparkly penguin Dazzler. This is definitely a card you could make many of and get them all done in one afternoon!

Don’t forget, you can see many more card ideas–like these–in our FREE Holiday Card Showcase. With over 70 card designs featured, there is something for anyone’s style. Best of all, you leave class with a full color print-out of ALL the designs featured, to help you get started. Reserve your spot now!

If you’re like me and want to start thinking about your handmade card, here are a few ideas:

Lots of people write newsletters to include with their holiday cards. For a fun twist, mat your newsletter on colorful cardstock and then include a patterned paper band, photo, and ribbon. It’s a newsletter and card, all in one cute design!

Don’t put pressure on yourself to have the “perfect” family photo! Instead, use a photo that you really like or a collage of photos taken throughout the year.

Holiday cards don’t have to be red and green! A square punch and a few sheets of patterned paper is all it takes to create this colorful card.

Want even more inspiration? Sign up for Archiver’s Holiday Card Showcase! It’s free and you’ll see over 70 awesome card ideas like these. Plus, you’ll receive a color print-out with every design to help you get started. This annual class is popular, so call now to reserve your seat.

Get started now–trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Click here to see a cool tool in action, learn a new technique and see some fun and super easy holiday cards!

If you need card inspiration, there are hundreds of ideas on Archiver’s website. Grab your paper, stamps, and embellishments, and spend some time on Saturday doing what you enjoy.  Who’s going to join me?

I liked how the embellishments were lined up in rainbow order and how colorful and cheery the card was. Since I didn’t have those flowers at home, I re-created a similar look using a butterfly die-cut (or a punch would work, too):

I die-cut my butterflies from different papers and added a few gems for my own custom embellishments. I arranged them on my card, added a border punch and a stamp, and it was done. Fast, easy, and cute!