Wednesday 27 October 2010

WOYWW 27th October and Box Note Holder

I am sitting here in the basement scrap room and watching the snow fall... just figured out another downside to being in the basement... it could get pretty dark in here if the snow covers the windows up! One of the other downsides is that it is a few degrees colder down here than the rest of the house... but I have bought a couple of heaters so that shouldn't be a major problem... the snow on the other hand... hmmmm?  Anyways, the two cats and I have been playing whilst it snows outside - sounds a pretty good plan to me!!  I did go shopping at the weekend and managed to find two pairs of boots.  (Two? I hear you ask).  yes, one pair is for -40 degrees and the other will be good for -20 degrees.  Neither pair will ever be a fashion statement... thick soles, wool fluffy lining... weigh about 5 kilos each foot... I am going out later to get a winter jacket/coat and I am told that I have to put fashion the back of my mind and think 'warm' - as in wearing a feather duvet with sleeves!! My impression of being Mrs Michelin may be revealed at a later date. I had sort of decided that hibernation like the big bears we have locally would be a good idea... but then someone mentioned that you have to clear your driveway and path of snow or the local council do it and then charge you accordingly!!  :(  So hibernation probably isn't the most cost effective way to go - mind you, the boots weren't cheap either!!  Local folk smile at me when I mention the snow... it has done so a few times recently but really, half-hearted attempts that don't stick around for the day and don't actually stop me seeing the green grass, but it is snow and I have spent the last couple of years in Saudi Arabia... we didn't see much of it over there!  Oh and speaking of shopping and brown bears... did you like the neat link I used there, clever eh?  Chris and I bought a Christmas tree this weekend gone too!  We were in Costco and the trees were stooopid money.. who pays $450 for a Christmas tree?  Not me, obviously! They were also very large and my lounge is not.  So we picked up this little guy! Well, we picked up these little guys, actually!
Aren't they sweet?  It is only 4 feet tall and has the two brown bears climbing it - they will no doubt be joined by the two cats once it is in place.... I didn't want a prelit one, they all appear to be like this now, which is brilliant as nobody likes to mess about with tree lights, but it meant I wouldn't be able to take it back to Scotland with me...that old voltage problem again!

OK, enough of my blabbing away... it is WOYWW again, they come around at such a speed, they sort of highlight the fact I have done very little since the last one! :(  This is my desk... admittedly it is my desk late Tuesday actually, but it will be the same in the morning unless the fairies tidy it up for me while I sleep!
You can see what I have been doing... it is all Hels' fault too... I was noseying at her desk a couple of weeks ago on WOYWW and spotted that she did the same as me... used an offcut of BIA o'wire as a note holder! This got me thinking... what about actually making a proper holder with the o'wire for her desk?  So I sat and had a play and made a box and then attached the o'wire to the top... the prototype version wasn't that pretty - you can spot it at the back of my green mat - so I re-did it with the o'wire centred and I like it much better now.  Towards the back of the box are the making of a mini book to go inside... and then I can post it off to her, if it survives the scrutiny of the two cats... who keep stretching up on hind legs to sniff and inspect it!  Now this could be because there are two small bags of kitty treats inside for the gorgeous Alfie Cat, to whom Hels belongs.  I think I may have to remove the treats as it must be making the box stink of salmon or something... not really quite what you wish to get in a parcel - a fishy smelling box?  I'll try packing them into another bag and hope the smell goes away before it completes it's journey!!

Here are the instructions for making the box and o'wire note holder bit if anyone wants to have a go...
Chipboard cut to the following sizes in inches:
1 off 2 1/2 x 6 3/4 - base
1 off 2 3/4 x 7" - lid
2 off 1 1/2 x 6 3/4 sides
2 off 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 ends
1 off 2 1/4 x 6 1/2 - sits on lid with o'wire

Cut and sand edges of all the pieces.  Put last piece aside for later.
Stick all the box pieces down onto patterned paper, using your blade, cut round each piece.
Sand all the edges and ink/stamp/decorate... these are the inside of your box.
Take your 12 x 12 patterned paper and place chosen design face down (mine is double sided, so don't get confuffled)!
I have stamped some bits and decorated the edges with glass flat beads.  Arrange your chipboard pieces the same as this photograph and stick them onto the paper making sure to allow a gap between each piece so that it will fold up nicely.  I used the width of two pieces of the same chipboard between each.
Cut around the outside of your shape leaving surplus paper flaps where shown in photo. You will use these to hold the box together.
This is what you will have once you have glued the flaps in place with double sided tape. Lightly sand the edges of the paper and ink all the edges.
and this is the inside with your stamping etc.
Now take the last piece of chipboard you cut out and put safely to one side... I have chosen a different paper to cover it.
I used my Crop-a-Dile and punched two rows of 9 holes just over half an inch in from each long side.  This matched the 1" o'wire I had chosen to use.
I used thin wire to 'sew' the o'wire onto the chipboard, thread would probably do the same job but may not be as strong.  Add some foam sticky pads to the base when you are done.
Voila!!  It is complete and you can add some charms etc if you wish.  Place on desk and sit back and enjoy!! :)  And as there seems to be a bit of confusion as to its use...
You put it on your desk and plonk the occasional reminder or note into the slots to keep them safe and you still have the box for holding lots of bits and pieces. 

63 comments:

  1. Thanks for this great tutorial.
    Wonderful desk place.

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  2. I have a loft, so my area is always HOT. I think it'd be easier getting warm. I love the bears climbing the tree. You've also reminded me that I need to get some boots before winter settles in.

    Thanks for sharing all of the photos!

    Terry

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  3. Lovely box you have made. Saudi to snow mmmmm big shock to the system I say!

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  4. Great box...and such a lot of carefully thought out work to make it!
    Chrissie

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  5. You carry on waffling...have loved reading your post and hearing all about the weather conditions, there is nothing better us English people love to discuss....we were all moaning about a little frost on Monday lol :)

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  6. I can't believe you were so high on the list. I hadn't even gotten my photos off my camera when Julia posted today!

    I love the concept of this note holder. You should send it to one of the Stampington magazines. The one that publishes home decor.

    I wanted to congratulate you on knowing these were BEARS. Way to go, my educated "Canadian" friend!!

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  7. Well, what a busy looking desk and interesting tutorial. Snow - yikes!!! No sign of that yet here in the UK for me thank goodness as I dislike the cold weather as I am always anxious about falling over. Best wishes, Kym xxx (WOYWW No 24)

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  8. Oooh I love the snow mind you I probably wouldnt want it to be that cold though! love the bind it all project too - thanks for sharing (no. 26)

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  9. what a great project and you make it look so easy to do. the stamping, paper patterns and details are wonderful!

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  10. What a great post! I think yours has to be the first Christmas tree I've seen this year - but how cute with those bears. I love that you said it is ONLY 4 foot - it would fill anywhere I have no space to put one, I can tell you! Hope you don't get snowed into your basement. Have a great week. Oh, and the box is wonderful. Now all i need is a BIA!!

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  11. oh wow hun great post just adore what you have done,with the tutorial will try and give that a go,brilliant idea and one awesome box too,great papers and detail
    love hugs cheryl x
    (32)

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  12. meant to also say love the tree,and those bears are just so super cute,love hugs cheryl x
    (32)

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  13. What a good idea, thank you for sharing - it looks great.

    Glad you got your boots - I think I need to get some wellies with the amount of rain we have been getting here.

    Toni :o)

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  14. Fab box! Have a great WOYWW Hugs Tina (37)xxx

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  15. Snow! Coping with lots of rain here right now. Adore that tree with the bears and yes, if I had one of those in my home I would have cats clinging to it as well! Great tutorial for the box, thank you :-)

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  16. Annette thanks for sharing your fab note holder ...think i may ditch the christmas cards and make one of them instead :0)
    Kate x

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  17. First of all - thanks for the instructions - will deffo have to make one of those.
    Brr. the thoughts of snow - love to see it but hate to drive in it. Guess it is different snow in Canada to the stuff we get here in the UK.
    Thanks for sharing everything and thanks for a good read this morning. Think I will have to become a follower.

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  18. wow just love that project thanks for sharing!

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  19. Great post to read... looks like you are on a learning curve there in Calgary about coping with the weather. You have gone form one extreme to the other!
    Great tutorial for that fab idea... I might just pinch it and make one!1 or two or three....
    joZarty x

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  20. such a clever use of wire!! i always think snow looks pretty from a distance lol we had it bad here in newcastle (uk) last winter but i know not half as bad as you will get it, look forward to the pics lol! i love woyww, i dnt blog just love a good old snoop!

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  21. Oh, yay! I can comment on yours. Love your project. VV annoyed I'm not where I can follow along and give it a go.I'll file it away for next week. Oh, and frost on the ground in Wales yesterday but warmer here today. Please just no snow like last year in the UK!!

    Mary Anne

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  22. Great great gift for Hels and oh thanks for sharing, I may very well have to try this - I have some wires and no machine...long story. My friend lived in Alberta for a couple of years and said that re-educating herself for cold and snow was more involved than any dangers from sun. I gather you'll need good sunglasses too - snow blindness isn't good for crafters!

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  23. Love that Christmas tree, the little bears look so cute. Great note holder project, thanks for the step by step instructions.

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  24. would love to see some pics of you in your lovely snow gear :) warmth before beauty you know! Thanks for the tutorial might have a go at that one later x

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  25. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

    YOur tree looks great it's so cute. $450 for a tree????????? I don't think so.

    Good luck in the snow x x

    Laura (63)

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  26. Snow confused me a bit until I realised where you are! But your desk is marvellous. And I will make my own o-wire note holder as soon as I'm reunited with all my things! Now, if your desk could just be a bit messier so us messy people don't feel so bad, I'd be very grateful!

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  27. I wouldnt pay lots for a tree either! Do you think that is because we scots are a frugal bunch?
    I love your bear tree and the note holder is very cute.
    enjoy the snow. Caroline #14

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  28. Very thorough tutorial, I don't think I understand wot u use it for tho so I'm off to Hels desk for a nose...

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  29. Wow! Snow! I'm so jealous, and so is Mojo, she loves snow. I totally sympathise with the cats & Christmas trees issue - I have two, and one of them climbs up the inside of the tree to knock the baubles off! Jules #65

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  30. That box is totally cool and very clear to make too ... Thank you! I hope you find your duvet with sleeves ... some fingerless gloves seem like a good idea too if your basement gets too cold ... at least you can still craft :0)

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  31. hi there, number 74 dropping in to say hi...and i love your cute bear tree!

    love the tutorial too...but am i being a numpty...what are you using it for???

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  32. Awwww, Annette, I totally LOVE that note holder... you are so clever, my bits of wire are just sitting here looking bored, so THANK YOU soooo much!!! LOVE your tree... those bears are sooo cute... as for the snow, I lurve snow and the thought of wrapping up warm and cosy really appeals to me! And.. I LOL'd when I read that I belong to Alfie, you are soooo right!! Oh and I won't tell him about the treats, he will only start pouncing on Postie, and that is my job ROFL... THanks again hunny, you are a sweety xx

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  33. Oh and... forgot... the email addy I have for you... is that the same one as before??? Sorry for being thick ROFL

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  34. Wow - amazing stuff - snow, bears, trees already ???? trying to stay sane until at least November.
    Great tutorial and work - fab!
    sasa 28

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  35. Cool project - thanks for sharing! S #84

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  36. A brilliant idea and fab tutorial - thanks for sharing.

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  37. The note holder box is fabulous! Thanks for sharing the idea. I can use it some day as I love boxes.

    Moy Yin, #16

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  38. What a great note/card holder idea! Your workspace looks great! All crafty!
    And the Bear Tree is cute! I have never seen one like it! Did it come with the bears on it? They are decorating it! How cute!
    Thanks for the snoop around your place!

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  39. Love the idea of that box - maybe a good excuse to go get me a BIA! Sheena #99

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  40. I was still trying to work out what the box was actually FOR when I got to the part where you revealed all! Duh. What a clever idea - might have to have a go at that ....

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  41. It's been snowing here in Scotland too - admittedly a bit further north than where I am - and my daughter, just home from Turkey, is freezing! The box/not holder is a great idea and thanks for a great tutorial too:) Elizabeth #51

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  42. Hi, Thanks for the peek. Love your tree with the bears so cute. The tutorial is fantastic, will give it a go. I hope it's not too cold for you down in your basement, I have one but its a little damp and would cost thousands now to make good. Have a lovely day. Hugs JO.xxx~88

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  43. Wow Annette - this is impressive work! Thanks for the tutorial, I have to get back here and look at it again.

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  44. Love the tutorial! The finished product is amazing! Thank you!

    The bears on the tree are adorable!

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  45. I remembered you were leaving Saudi, but snow-til I read were you are now! Great box and love the bears climbing the tree I see you are still sourcing great items.
    Linbyx 109

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  46. I saw some heated boots recently and that they were a brilliant idea. Wow, it's gonna be sooooo cold over there. I was born in Chicago at Christmas time and apparently is was -25 when it was time to leave the hospital. Needless to say I was completed covered in blankets with no flesh whatsover exposed!

    Love your tree with bears, how cute. I LOVE Costco :-)

    Ciara
    xx

    ps - very nice new profile pic

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  47. Thanks for the peek...I love nosing around, great workspace....Thanks for sharing your tutorial, hope your keeping warm...When I first started reading the thought of snow made me run for the blanket....lol
    x
    Vicky

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  48. What a fun yet practical thing to make! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  49. Great tutorial....I might make one to hold my stamps as they are currently just thrown in a box. I notice from your profile that you lived in South Africa - I grew up in South Africa and it is always nice to meet other people who have been there.
    Thanks for sharing your workdesk with me.
    Love
    Carrie
    xxx

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  50. Oh my! I'm in love with this note holder. I can see so many uses in my studio - thanks for the tutorial!

    Cheers,
    Susan #119

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  51. ohh what a great idea!! it could also be used to hold your accrylic stamp envelopes too!

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  52. You two girls are very clever! This would make a good divider/holder for stamped images and all sorts of fun things! Thanks for sharing this!!!

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  53. Holy Smokes...are you kidding me?? Such an awesome post...now stay warm and pray for little fairies LOL!

    Aloha...AmberInk #3 this week!

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  54. What a brilliant idea to hold your notes and things. Thanks so much for giving away your secrets. WOYWWer #121

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  55. lovely tutorial, enjoy the snow - and really take the advice you can get frodstbite so quickly at those low temperatures - look after you hands feet and nose, adore your choice of christmas tree..

    Dx

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  56. What a great idea, thank you for the tutorial!!

    You work space looks very organised and neat! :)

    Lou Mac. xo #135

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  57. Brilliant ....love that box ...looks so easy to follow ... can feel a stiring of the mojo lol

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  58. great tutorial, what a great idea! bit late but happy WOYWW!!
    (Lyn))

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  59. I read the start of your post and then went back and re read it, SNOW!!! in October, where does this lady live thought I!!! My DD wants to come and live with you, she loves the snow, although I think having it from October and -40 would be far too much for me, I love the sun!!
    Thanks for the tutorial, what a great note holder.
    Keep warm.
    Hugs Lisa (90)

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  60. I am late enough to see the finished box for Hels and it is stunning. Thanks for the tutorial, I must give this a go.

    A.xx(80)

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  61. what a clever little project! love the little bears too :)

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