News to Share
Hey there, it’s me. I have a couple of things to cover. First of all, I’m still without internet service – wow! I’ve exhausted the data on my phone, but managed to get this post ready. I know I have emails to return to many of you – I’ll get there soon. With all the excitement, I failed to post the winner of last weeks Day of Giving, I’m so sorry – it’s up now!
Read More
The first thing I have to rejoice today is the “read more” button is back! It has taken me months to figure it out, but it is back, did you miss it? Yes, if you subscribe by email to Amazing Paper Grace, it will give you a snippet of my post and all you do is click the “Read More” button to zoom directly to the post!
New Amazing Paper Grace Dies.
The runway is literally full of new products coming off the line at Spellbinders, so while I’m waiting for other new things to take off, my new dies are in line waiting for release. I’m so antsy waiting my turn, but let’s just let the suspense marinate, shall we? The new date is October 26. What am I doing in the meantime? I’ll be loading up ideas of what you can do with these so that if they tickle your fancy, you can hit the ground running! Stay tuned.
Here’s the Story Behind My Gift Today
We are not extravagant people, in fact my gift giving is pretty frugal. Bits of ribbon, bits of yarn, a bauble saved here and there, swirl it around with the thought that counts and beauty from rubbish. I’ve been tinkering with some little gifts – let me explain. I spent more than 20 years in the hotel business and one of my several careers in that industry was event planning. I always had to be on the lookout for the unique and special touches that would make the every day, memorable. I worried about the smallest details because I discovered sometimes that’s where you find the sweet spot, the one little tickle that causes hope or joy or seals the memory. So you remember I mentioned, I have a guest coming to visit soon? I’m crafting frugal gifts to use for ‘turn down service’. That means each night on their pillow, they will find a little gift – it won’t cost much, but it’s the thought and the content that counts. Today I’m sharing one of those turn down gifts :-)
My favorite gift to give this year are small journals – I add a cover with paper to glam it up. This one uses a die I designed called Spellbinders Arched Elegance Pocket and Spellbinders Arched Elegance – I’ve shown a similar journal with a different die, but the steps are the same – you can see it HERE. This one uses a small leather journal found at Hobby Lobby (details bel0w), and as I hunt, I’ve found inexpensive alternatives at Walmart that are roughly the same size. What I do when I’m scouting is carry one of the die cuts in my handbag and when in store I hold it up to possible journals to match the size. It doesn’t have to be exact because you can score in a bit to make it smaller or you can overshoot a little bit to make it larger.
I crafted a small box (sized 3-1/8″ x 4-3/4″ x 1″ tall) with scrapbook paper and simply enclosed the journal and added bows I made with double sided satin ribbon. Oh, the little leaf? I chose it because of the flecks of gold in the vein, and thought it would match perfectly. That’s a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks. I left them a note that they should write in their journals while sipping a special cup of hot chocolate or coffee. What to write about? If nothing else, what we’ll do on their next visit….
Rubber Stamps: None
Craft Paper: Neenah Classic Crest – Natural White 80lb Smooth, Craft Smith – Blush Glam
Ink: None
Accessories: Spellbinders Arched Elegance Pocket, Spellbinders Arched Elegance, Satin Ribbon, Buttons from my stash, Flexy Journal Mini 3 x 4.3″ 80 sheets of 74lbs white paper Hobby Lobby Sku 640227You make life beautiful so be sure to share! Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
First off I LOVE the read more button – much easier :) — Second, I want to be your house guest! What a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Your guest will love it no doubt! I’m probably going to CASE it – just sayin….
ps Bummer about no internet
Simply beautiful. Your guests will have memories for sure!
So sorry about your internet connection. It just makes us appreciate you even more (if that’s possible) when you post. Can’t wait to order your new dies. They are always spot on.
Hugs, Diana
Hi Becca, The gifts are absolutely elegant and have your signature touch. You are a wonder in the way you put the different elements together. Such a pleasure to see your end results. Thanks.
Beautiful…just so special and so simplebut so very thoughtful.I understand the tech thing. My pcis on life support and slowly going away. Haven’t been able to get Pinterest lately or blog. UGH!!!
Hi Becca
I know how you feel with no tinternet eeeks , moving house and waiting for re connecting was so frustrating for me .
Loving your gifts, just awesome.
God Bless
Elaine H X
What a sweet idea! I have a guest coming as well…I’m going to try this!
How thoughtful. What great idea to leave a gift each night of their stay. Beautiful
On Becca this is so pretty and what a lovely gift to receive. I think your guests are really spolit by you but I am sure they come to see you as you seemm to be such a generous thoughtful person.
Looking forward too seeing your Die Launch.
Wendyx
A thoughtful gesture to your quest.
The packages are beautiful.
I love the bling in the middle of the bows.
Hope you are surviving without internet. I get kind of nervous when mine is gone.
thanks for sharing. Good luck
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift! Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait for your new dies!!
Dear Becca,
What a lovely gift to leave for your guest, wonder what else you have for them.(I would love to be your guest) How are you getting by without internet.
Beautiful and so thoughtful. You are such an inspiration.
Still w/o internet!? I would be going crazy! Are your neighbors without it, too? Is it your ISP, your router, your modem, a bug on your PC? Do you have an idea of what it is? We switched from Brighthouse to Verizon Fios with the hope of faster service…it remains only a hope, unfortunately. I get faster speeds with my VPN into work from FL to MN! I sure wish I could help you but I am an application software engineer, not a IT hardware or O/S expert. I would hate to be working from my phone. My personal laptop is in the shop but I mostly play on my iPad unless I’m working, then my work laptop of course.
Well, I love your idea for turn down service gifts, but in this household, you get a mint the first night then you’re on your own. Lol. But, you are fed very well. :)
If I were your guest, I would insist on two gifts. One – the actual gift – wrapped in white tissue paper and sealed with plain Scotch tape. The second? As seen above – the box as intended for the gift so I could keep that work of art forever to gaze at and admire.
Hi Becca, I noticed the “Read More” button instantly – probably because I have missed it so much! I love your little gift for your guest! It will be appreciated so much! Hugs Christine xx
I absolutely love the way you beautified the journal, the gift box is done up so wonderfully, and what a great idea of having a sweet little gift for your guest as they retire for the evening. It would make sense to give the journal first so that they can write in it about the time spent while visiting you.
Hi Becca what a lovely idea so like you ,l wish l was coming to stay hugs linda
Hi Becca. Really lovely turn down gifts. Bet your guests will be blown away with them. Looking forward to the sneak peeks of your new dies. They say good things come to those that wait and I am sure they will be better than good when they arrive. Only 39 days to wait. Not that I am counting you understand….. Hope your internet problems are fixed soon. Enjoy the peace in the meantime! Every negative has a positive.
Not only do you create beauty, it’s obvious that you are truly a beautiful, thoughtful person! I love this gift and I’m absolutely sure your guests will love it also.
Hi, Becca,
I can’t image how nerve-wracking it must be having your internet down and that being such a critical piece to your livelihood. However, you have posted not one, but two, posts without it! You can’t keep a good woman down!
I echo the sentiments of others by saying the wrapping for this gift is as beautiful as its contents! Absolutely gorgeous!
Love and blessings,
Sandy
What a lovely gift. I was wondering if Arched Elegance would work for a journal, since I have that set. Can’t wait to give it a try.
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift idea here Becca. it´s sooo sweet and well made, and you´re soo right, it doesn´t matter if a gift cost 2$ or 100$. As a matter of factt a good and sweet one for 2$ is far better than something for 100$, that doesn´t mean anything to you. I´m so lucky to celebrate my birthday ehre today, and my daughter and granddaughters have just left, and their present was anm ols wallpaperbook, they had got from a recyclingstore and the girls had each drawed a biig drawing, that was made from the ehart, and it was the best gift, I´ve got of all.
Hi Becca, Your ‘turn down gifts’ are fabulous, beautiful colours and beautiful die-cuts, and what a transformation.
I can understand your frustration with your internet, we all seem to rely on our internet, and when it breaks down it is a nightmare. I hope you are ‘back in business’ really soon.
Lots of love from Patricia xx.
What a lovely, thoughtful, wonderful gift! I am sure your friend(s) will be delighted & thankful.
Thank you so much for this “sneak peek”!
You have shown these journals several times, and they intrigue me each time! I’ve printed out the tutorial, and I’m just going to have to make some, I can tell! Love the idea of you using them as turn down gifts, such a lovely idea. Hope your ‘net is up and running soon…but maybe not. Will be nice for you and your guests to have old fashioned visiting time…to sit on the porch and watch the seasons turn, or play a card game in the evenings, laughing and catching up…
Have good times together!
Joni
Becca, I love the idea of Turndown service gifts. I think I am going to start implementing it for guess at our house. I hope you are able to share some more of these gifts in the near furture for inspiration.
God bless,
Peggy
Becca, this is simply beautiful and what a wonderful idea! You could do this with gifts that go under the tree for some little “extra” presents for those special people in your life. Thanks for sharing! The bow is so gorgeous… maybe someday I’ll be able to make one that comes close to your lovely bows. :)
Such thoughtfulness Becca, but that’s who you are.
Carol b
Hi Becca. Love this stunning gift. So thoughtful of you and I’m sure your guest will be delighted with your handmade treasures – such a lovely idea. Am looking forward to seeing your new dies and beautiful creations with them, I can’t wait :-) Hugs xxx
WOW BECCA! AND I thought I was doing good offering toothpaste & brushes, shampoo & lotion! LOL GORGEOUS presentations of your GIFTS!!!!! I’m SURE your friend will LOOOOVE your thoughtful gifts!!!!!!!!! ;)
beautiful creations!! :)
I’m sorry to hear you continue to have Internet issues. I know how frustrating that is, especially for someone whose business is largely dependent on the internet. You are wonderful as always with taking time to keep us updated in spite of the internet. I love your turn down gifts. You are obviously as very special hostess.
Becca your talents are beyond thinking about. Honestly your house guest will be blown away with this little gift. Its not the amount of the gift given its the thought and the work that has gone into it.
Hugs Trish.
Breathtaking. Your houseguest is gonna love it!
Good morning Becca, what a fabulous idea!!! You are ever so thoughtful!!!
Great memories will be recorded : ) Bless you!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lynda xxx
What a luxurious gift, Becca. It is beautifully made and showcased in your clever box. You are so inspirational!! Your guest will surely be charmed with this gift.
Hope your internet is fixed soon!!
Wow, we have something in common besides papercrafting!! When I was 16, I started working as a maid at a local hotel. After I graduated from high school, I became the assistant to the head housekeeper, as well as the banquet coordinator. This was not a “chain” hotel, and there was no budget for event decorations. I did my best with what we had, even learning special napkin folds. I worked at that hotel until I was 22. I met my husband there – also a hotel man. Thanks for bringing back some of those memories. I haven’t thought of that place in years.
Love your gifts, I do that too, but only the 1st nite, I do baskets with lots of little goodies, knowing what they like and etc, but never as pretty as your…
No internet, I’d be crazier than I already am, when that has happened, I go to the library or quick fix mcdonalds parking lot…use free internet…hope u get it back soon…
Thanks again for all u do and share with us….when I look at your dies, I never see a price, what am I doing wrong……
Of course love your bow, still fingers crossed for a video some day…on making your bows…
Take care
Amen to the “Read more…” link!! And I love your idea for your guests. Very elegant.
I hope your internet is up soon. This is such a fabulous idea!
Dear Becca,
What a great idea! That is truly a beautiful gift and I am sure anyone visiting would love having something special like that waiting for them. Thank you for sharing this idea! Blessings!
Wow such a gorgeous gift! It looks expensive! Your company will love it! I’ll be stopping by to stay next month…..!!
Love the reason behind each post. Ties in with the card ideas. Love all the ideas especially the leaf with the Starbucks emblem.
You are frugal, with ideas and imagination, a gift one would cherish to have. Thank you so very much sharing a part od you with all of us.
When the Read Me button stopped working, I thought I had done something wrong! So glad you are back in business, sort of, and hope you get your service back very soon. I love your idea of a turn down service/gift. You are indeed an inspiration, Becca.
I can fianlly see your posts. Whenever I would hit the read more or the topic in the little box of 3 current post it would go back to the first page. So have been disappointed when I couldn’t get on. So thanks a lot. Love your idea
Blessings
Just beautiful Becca, great journals and great personal gifts that mean more.
Hope you get the Internet back soon
Love & hUgs
Jacquie J xxx
What a very lovely idea Becca and such beautiful gifts, they will be thrilled.
Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations,
XxxRuth
What a wonderful and thoughtfull gift. Your guest could start using a journel right away.
Blessings,
Kathleen
That is such a beautiful gift and lovely idea Becca xx
What a beautiful, caring thought.
Did I tell you I, your next house guest, have my bag packed and flight booked?? xx
I think you just formed a queue of people wishing to be a house guest of yours! What a turndown service! So much better than chocolate :o)
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Becca, ok that’s the sweetest thing ever, I’d like to book a room, lol. They’re both beautiful and thoughtful. Have fun and enjoy your company. Oh and yes, I missed the the read more button, so much easier. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Becca,
What a thoughtful & lovely idea. Your guests are very lucky! x
What an awesome idea! Yes, I agree, sometimes the littlest things bring the greatest joy. Hope you guest really embraces this little thought journal.
Hi Becca. I love the thoughtful turndown gift idea. I know your guests will feel welcome and feel very special. Such a beautiful gift.
this is adorable. i’m sure the company will love it.
Becca – What a very sweet idea this is for a guest. Thank you for sharing. By the way – the gift is beautiful!
You are so thoughtful! What a lovely little surprise. I want to come visit you!! :) I’ll have to remember a little ‘turn down’ gift next time I have guests, or a gift of appreciation for my host. Love this idea. How apropos, your release will occur on my B-day. That just might be a gift to myself! TeeHee!
Hello Becca what a lovely idea how thoughtful no surprise you
came up with it !
Thank you for sharing with us XXX
What a thoughtful idea and gift. I’m sure this is something any guest would appreciate.
You are always so kind and thoughtful! I want to come visit you! Hope you have a great weekend!
These are just gorgeous!! Looks like a perfect gift to me!
Simply gorgeous!