Product Review: Crop-A-Dile

I recently purchased a Crop-A-Dile eyelet setter and hole punch for an invitation project. I went back and forth, mainly because I hated the name of the tool (snotty, I know)! After using it to make 200 invitations, I can say with confidence that it is a great product. In fact, it has become a necessity for me. In addition to using it for paper projects, it can be used to punch holes in metal for those feeling crafty. I tried it and it is quite easy.

My favorite features:

• It can punch and set 4 different sizes (including one flat side for over sized and square shaped items).
• It feels like a big hole puncher.
• Comfort grips.
• It costs about $20.00, and can be found cheaper at craft stores and eBay.
• The tool makes fast work of what used to be a very tedious process.
• It truly is easy.

My only concern would be if you have small hands. Then, it would be a difficult tool to use, as the grip is quite wide.

If you are planning on making your own invitations or stationery with eyelets, this is a worthwhile investment...even if you only use it once.

PDF instructions (on the back of the package) from We R Memory Keepers (photos from We R Memory Keepers).

Found Paper Address File

A couple years ago, i spent about six months of obsessing over Lovelydesign's address file. When they became available again (they are regularly sold out), I bought one in maple. I am so glad I did. It's a beautiful and functional item to have on my desk. I do still keep addresses and phone numbers written down (I have had too many technical mishaps to put all of my eggs in one basket).

I'm thinking of getting another to use for recipes. Some other ideas:

• an "ideas" index with written brainstorms and even small clippings to inspire
• birthdays/anniversaries and the gifts you give
• restaurants and things to do/places to visit for when you can't come up with an idea or a friend is in town

Of course, it is currently sold out (I think it's because her baby was just born). However, you can buy packets of cards and just use them in a regular old Rolodex if you need to get a quick fix. I think that's what I'll do for my recipe index. Plastic would probably be better in a kitchen anyway.

Have a beautiful Monday!

Here I Go

Lately, I have been toying with the idea of a blog to help people navigate the world of paper and design (and, really, to get my ideas out of my head on on "paper"). After some practice posts on my own computer, I think I'm ready to go! In order to organize my own brain and have an intentional focus, I'm giving each day of the week a different subject:

Mondays: beautiful things (paper and design items for everyday or special use)
Tuesdays: reviews and tutorials (from products to vendors and step-by-step how to's)
Wednesdays: inspiration (mood boards, photographs, color schemes)
Thursdays: general thoughts, tips and advice
Fridays: beautiful web (the best things I find online each week)

This will be a loose framework, because I want the freedom to tell you about what's going on in the moment. We'll see how it works.

I truly hope that this blog becomes one of your favorite reads! If you have any ideas or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Also, if you would like to be reviewed and added to my link list, send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!