Here is a quick little project I did recently. I purchased the wooden magazine holders from IKEA and covered them with a cute wrapping paper that I found. When I went to pick out the paper, I really had no idea what I would buy, but I knew I wanted it to be green and blue-green. I assumed it would be a little more subtle than this, but when I saw this sweet little girl, I knew I would love looking at her. I cut the pieces very randomly and laid them out this way as well, hoping to get a dreamy quality, just odd snippets of this girl.
I used my Xyron machine loaded with permanent adhesive. I first experimented with Mod Podge, but decided that it would definitely make me crazy having to decoupage 24 of these. The first one was bubbling, so I knew I would be bug-eyed by the 5th. I am definitely a realist when it comes to crafting. I usually take the time at first to discover the "happy medium," how to achieve the desired results without going batty in the process. If any of you have considered a Xyron, but didn't know if you would use it, I really recommend it. I have had mine for maybe 3 years now, and use it all of the time. And I have never had to buy replacement cartridges yet either. I love the fact that it doesn't require power. I usually let Elliot do the "rolling" for me.
After finishing these, I found myself considering cannibalizing my Martha Stewart Living magazines- gasp!- I never thought I'd say that, but I really feel that with 24 holders I've reached my limit, and would like to start keeping a few other magazines, like Selvedge. I think I find the crafts and good things to be my favorite projects, and don't really need to reference things like "how to hire a mover" so much any more, been there, done that. But a daunting project it is...
Update: I've had a lot of questins about this, so I'll try and answer them the best I can. I bought the wrapping paper at Hollander's in Ann Arbor (Kerrytown). They've updated their website (also on my sidebar) for internet shopping, but I don't see this particular item there right now. Best to call and describe it-- I'm pretty sure they still have it. The paper I used for my wall decals was also from there. In person they allow you to buy half sheets, but I don't know if that is an option online. They have a really nice selection of paper and offer classes as well. I still order my solid papers from Paper Source because their prices are much better. Did I ever mention that I used to be an assistant buyer at Paper Source in Chicago (back when there were only two)-- what a wacky place that was.
My Xyron is the 900, purchased new on ebay. I think I paid around $80 for it. For this project I made a cardstock template and traced and cut out the pieces (including the hole) and then ran them through the Xyron two at a time, longways. They come out with a paper backing and thin plastic on top. You just peel that stuff off and stick. Voila!
