Breaking Down the Craft Room
I must admit that I much more productive when I’m working in an organized office space. I envy people who can keep a tidy workspace because I am not a neat person by nature. So, I’m sharing where I purchased all the furniture for my craft room in case it helps someone else get a little bit more organized. 
1. Floating Shelf: SmartFurniture.com
2. Ribbon Organizer: Etsy Seller OrganizeMore
3. Magnet Board: Umbra at the Container Store
4. Pencil Cups and Rod: Ikea Grundtal towel rail, Asker containers, and Byger “S” hooks
5. Desk: Ikea Utby underframe and Vika Amon table top
6. Drawers on Casters: Ikea Helmer
Miscellany: Allison asked about my lamp (not shown) because my office seems bright. The light source is a cheap hand-me-down from a friend, but I use daylight bulbs instead of regular bulbs, which makes the room brighter. The ribbon tree is from my old craft room, also purchased on Etsy. Now It houses ribbon spools that I use less frequently.
And just to prove to you that my neatness is all a charade, I’ll share some pictures of my messy craft closet:
Yikes! Piles of stamps and knick knacks stuffed into boxes. Yes, that hanging contraption is typically used for clothing storage. No wonder it’s about to fall apart with the weight of my wood stamps.
Stamps, stamps, and more stamps. Wood stamps take up SO much space. I’m very glad that Stampin’ Up released a line of repositionable clear stamps.
This file box is the only organized section of my craft closet. I separate my card stock by hanging file folders labeled with a tiny swatch of color.
My stamp collection is overflowing and my closet is bursting at the seams. I have a secret plan to take over the husband’s side of the office. I don’t think he’ll mind studying in the hallway, do you? 
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I’m Baaaaack… :)
Helloooooo, blog world! Does anyone still read this? I’ve been out of the blog scene for so long, my poor blog has been dreadfully neglected. I lost my voice for a while and it took me three months to find it again. But I’m back (for real, this time) and I have so much to share!
My first announcement is a shiny new blog! I’m diving head first into the world of professional photography and I started a spankin’ new blog to document my journey. I know it’s kind of silly that I just got back from a long blogging hiatus to announce that I started a new site. But, after an inspiring weekend photography workshop, I’ve found my vision and my voice, and I’m ready to keep TWO blogs updated, at least semi-regularly. So check my photography blog out, and if you feel so inclined, leave a comment every now and then! I [heart] comments very much. www.kellychaublog.com
The second project I want to share is the completion of my office space! During the six months after Hubs and I moved into our new condo, my “office space” was our kitchen counter. With crumbs and food bits everywhere, a kitchen office was not conducive to doing paper crafts. I use this excuse as one reason I haven’t had any projects to post.
Last month, Hubs helped me set up shop in our second bedroom. I’m really happy with the way we utilized our limited space.
Above is my little corner of our shared office. I purchased a counter-height table for my workspace because I like to work standing up when I do paper crafts. Standing gives me more leverage and makes stamping and using a paper cutter easier.
Since the Hubs and I had to sell my beloved Blu Dot desk when we moved, I only have one third of the desk space that I had in my old craft room. I knew that my tiny new desk would need to serve two purposes: photography computer station for dual monitors and craft area. I really needed to have my craft stuff accessible, but get it off my desk so it wouldn’t take up precious real estate. Well, I found some unique storage solutions and now I have so much more storage space than I used to, I don’t notice the smaller desk area because I keep very little on my table.
I purchased two mini drawer units that are so handy. They are absolutely perfect for storing small items, like craft supplies or hardware. They are a tad shorter than my counter-height desk, so I decided to store my ink pads and Sterilite storage drawers on top to even out the height.
Here’s a peak inside one of the drawers. Most of my punches fit into them.
Punch drawer number two. Yes, I have an addiction to paper punches.
Above is a peek into one of my embellishment drawers. The upside down containers at the bottom are tubes of embossing powder. I store them upside down so I can easily view the colors.
I use some of the drawers for stamps that don’t belong to a set. All of my Stampin’ Up sets are stored in our closet. I’ll share photos of my closet space soon.
Finding a good system to store ribbon was one of most difficult things about planning my workspace. I came across many cute storage methods, but I was really picky about my ribbon storage. I needed it to be both accessible, roomy, and attractive. This ribbon organizer was perfect because it was wall mountable, solving my small space problem, and the spools could be removed easily. I love it!
Last, but not least, I’m sharing my favorite storage solution. I found this Ikea hack on a blog somewhere and absolutely loved it. The metal rod is a kitchen towel bar from Ikea and the white containers are mini planters, which store my pens, pencils, and other necessary tools within reach while getting them off my desk. I can’t take credit for this idea because it wasn’t mine, so if I find the blog again, I’ll share the link!
Above the towel bar storage, I nailed a metal magnet board where I can showcase my latest creations and keep inspiration clippings nearby.
So, that concludes a tour of my new office space. I hope it was useful. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I’ll answer them as best I can!
I’ve Lost My Voice
My blogging voice, I mean. It has been so long since I regularly blogged, I’ve forgotten how to write.
Ever since Hubs and I moved from the boondocks, Outer Sunset district in SF, to the hip ‘n happenin’ SOMA district, I’ve had less of an urge to sit in front of my computer and write. I find myself wandering the streets, people watching, taking pictures, and simply enjoying the wonders of city living. While SF is no NY, it is just right for me. Big enough to explore, yet too small to get lost in, it’s a perfect match for a wannabe-city-girl-but-deep-down-inside-suburb-girl.
So, it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow, the most appropriate time to take note of what I’m thankful for. Although I’ve felt thankful for so much in 2009, I’m specifically grateful for a healthy family, friends with whom I can be myself with (warts and all), and a home to call our own. Oh yes, and a husband who constantly thinks of our well-being together over his own immediate gratification. I wish I could say the same for myself sometimes.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Before I sign off, I’ll share two teasers from some stuff I’ve been working on:
Cheryl & Hai’s wedding in Burlingame
Baby Derek & family’s photo shoot
Stampin’ Up Holiday Extravaganza Sale
Hello folks! Long time no blog! I haven’t had a chance to breathe lately, let alone stamp, but I wanted to pass along the info for a Stampin’ Up holiday sale going on right now through November 30th. The sale includes stamping bundles from 30-50% off with some really cute stuff. Some pretty good deals to be had! The item numbers are listed below in case you want to look them up, but everything is posted on the shopping portal. Just click here to shop (select “shop now” in the top right corner). Now if only I could get the husband to study in the kitchen instead of my craft room…
| Item | Description | Regular Price | Discounted Price |
| 120280 | Framed with Love Bundle
|
$43.90 | $21.95 |
| 120281 | Thank You Kindly Bundle
|
$29.90 | $14.95 |
| 120976 | Thank You Kindly Bundle (French)
|
$29.90 | $14.95 |
| 120282 | Animal Crackers Bundle
|
$25.90 | $12.95 |
| 120283 | Corduroy Button Bundle
|
$49.75 | $24.88 |
| 120284 | Game Night Bundle
|
$40.90 | $20.45 |
| 120285 | Four Square Bundle
|
$30.90 | $15.45 |
| 120286 | Heart to Heart Bundle
|
$49.85 | $24.93 |
| 120310 | Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish)
|
$49.85 | $24.93 |
| 120311 | Heart to Heart Bundle (French)
|
$49.85 | $24.93 |
| 120287 | Chipboard Letter Bundle
|
$25.90 | $12.95 |
| 120288 | Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle
|
$17.90 | $10.74 |
| 120289 | Ultimate Stampers’ Starter Bundle*
|
$127.70 | $76.62 |
| 120290 | Build-A-Brad Bundle
|
$40.85 | $24.51 |
| 120291 | Enjoy Every Moment Bundle
|
$43.85 | $26.31 |
| 120312 | Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French)
|
$43.85 | $26.31 |
| 120292 | Cheep Talk Bundle
|
$42.85 | $25.71 |
| 120293 | Sock Monkey Bundle
|
$58.85 | $35.31 |
| 120313 | Sock Monkey Bundle (French)
|
$58.85 | $35.31 |
| 120294 | Alphabet Bundle
|
$87.90 | $52.74 |
| 120295 | Simply Said Bundle
|
$52.85 | $31.71 |
| 120314 | Simply Said Bundle (French)
|
$52.85 | $31.71 |
| 120296 | On Board Bundle
|
$42.85 | $25.71 |
| 120927 | Christmas Décor Bundle #1
|
$74.85 | $44.91 |
| 120298 | Christmas Décor Bundle #2
|
$74.85 | $44.91 |
| 120299 | Christmas Décor Bundle #3
|
$74.85 | $44.91 |
| 120300 | For All You Do Bundle
|
$36.90 | $25.83 |
| 120315 | For All You Do Bundle (French)
|
$36.90 | $25.83 |
| 120316 | For All You Do Bundle (Spanish)
|
$36.90 | $25.83 |
| 120301 | Striped Ribbon Bundle
|
$47.73 | $33.41 |
| 120302 | Bling Bundle
|
$43.80 | $30.66 |
| 120303 | Fresh-Cut Bundle
|
$37.85 | $26.50 |
| 120317 | Fresh-Cut Bundle (French)
|
$37.85 | $26.50 |
| 120304 | Pendant Note Bundle
|
$39.85 | $27.90 |
| 120318 | Pendant Note Bundle (French)
|
$39.85 | $27.90 |
| 120319 | Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish)
|
$39.85 | $27.90 |
| 120305 | Sporting Bundle #1
|
$67.90 | $47.54 |
| 120306 | Sporting Bundle #2
|
$67.90 | $47.54 |
| 120307 | Sporting Bundle #3
|
$67.90 | $47.54 |
| 114864 | Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements | $39.95 | $27.97 |
| 114863 | Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements | $39.95 | $27.97 |
| 112534 | 5/16″ Neutrals Jumbo brads | $7.95 | $5.57 |
| 112533 | 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads | $6.95 | $4.87 |
| 112081 | Scallop Square punch | $15.95 | $11.17 |
| 113693 | Full Heart punch | $15.95 | $11.17 |
| 113694 | Heart to Heart punch | $15.95 | $11.17 |
| 112091 | Scallop Edge punch | $15.95 | $11.17 |
| 112571 | Circle Designer brads | $5.95 | $4.17 |
| 112579 | Flower Designer brads | $5.95 | $4.17 |
| 112572 | Star Designer brads | $5.95 | $4.17 |
| 114785 | Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements | $39.95 | $27.97 |
| 114786 | Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements | $69.95 | $48.97 |
| 114791 | Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements | $39.95 | $27.97 |
| 114792 | Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements | $64.95 | $45.47 |
525,600 x 2
… Minutes, that is, since we’ve been married. What’s changed in the last two years? Regular readers probably know this stuff, but to recap:
1. We bought our first home! Thanks to Obama and Schwarzenegger, we were able to take advantage of some first time home buyer tax credits to purchase a 2BR/2BA condo in downtown SF. Never mind that we are too broke to furnish it. Ignore our ghetto “drapes,” a.k.a. the faded bed sheet we attached to our window with painters’ tape. We have double sinks! Know what that means? I can ignore the nasty, hairy shaver “sand” around Hubs’ sink! And I’m finally near public transportation so I have an excuse to leave work early; “Sorry guys, gotta go catch my ferry!”
Hubs looks terrified during a walk through of our condo. His expression is likely due to discovering my wish list of new furniture.
2. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Hubs decided to pursue higher education. So, along with a full time job, he is going to school part time at night. The transition has been both difficult and easy. Difficult because we don’t spend quality time together anymore, our budget is extra tight (tuition is expensive!), and worst of all, Hubs transformed my craft room into his man-study, complete with a talking Transformers figure. The horror! On the flip side, we appreciate every last minute we are together. Oh, and I now only have to cook two nights a week!
3. I’ve discovered a passion. Thanks to wedding planning, I’ve become enamored with gorgeous photos and I’ve taken up photography as a serious hobby/potential future business endeavor. Hubs bought me my first DSLR for my birthday last year, and it’s been attached to me ever since. After shooting my first wedding in May, I’ve learned that it’s tough work! But, I adore it. Although I’m not quitting my day job, I’m concentrating on becoming the best photographer I can be, without the pressure of building a business.
And after two years, some things never change:
1. We still bicker about money and chores. I spend too much money, he does too little chores (I have a feeling this argument is here to stay).
2. We’re still a good team. We went through a lot during our second year of marriage: family illnesses, family deaths, house buying, moving… but we did it as a team. Sure, I lifted more heavy boxes than Hubs. He read more contracts than me. We aren’t perfect, but somehow, we fill in each others’ gaps and make it work.
3. Marriage is still 149,265,109,298 times better than the wedding. The wedding was fabu, but being married is indescribable. There’s something life changing when another person thinks you’re beautiful on your bad days, when you’re five pounds bloated with no make-up and haven’t shaved/showered in a week. I the daily ups and down of marriage. I love how real the moments are; like when Hubs always makes me laugh the very instant I’m trying to be pissed at him. I love that we can fight for hours–days, even–yet I ultimately know that we will make up and our differences can never outweigh our affection. Weddings are fabulous, but marriage is incredible.
Happy anniversary, honey! Here’s to the memories and many more to come.
Wedding photos by the awesome Apertura Photography.
Cupcake Wars
A few weeks ago, Little Bro and I had a paper craft boot camp to assemble the invitations for his upcoming wedding. Christina (who I will get to call my sister-in-law soon, which is so much easier than calling her my brother’s fiancee) and I both brought cupcakes to help ease the invitation making pain. I picked up some yummy delights from Kara’s Cupcakes in Palo Alto and Christina brought some tasty Sprinkles cakes over.
Of course, this meant a taste test was in order.
In the packaging department, Sprinkles took the cake. The box was sturdier and seemed to fit the cupcakes better than the container used to house Kara’s Cupcakes.
Flavors from Sprinkes: Red velvet, vanilla with coconut topping, chocolate, and ____ (forgot the last flavor).
Flavors from Kara’s: Meyer lemon, fleur de sel (salted caramel), chocolate velvet, and sweet vanilla
Kara’s Fleur de Sel cupcake. Mmmmm. Very tasty. Also very rich.
Kara’s Meyer Lemon. My favorite in the box.
I wish I had a close-ups of the Sprinkles cupcakes, but I must’ve ate them all before I clicked the shutter. It’s no wonder my bridesmaid dress doesn’t zip up all the way.
The consensus? Kara’s cupcakes were softer and more moist than Sprinkles, but some of the cupcakes (especially the chocolate flavored cakes) were over-the-top sweet. Sprinkles cakes were definitely drier, but less sweet (frosting included), making them easier to consume. My favorite picks were Sprinkles’ red velvet and Kara’s Meyer lemon.
In conclusion, give me any cupcake from either of these two stores and I’m not complainin’ one bit!
Another Year Older, But Not Wiser
Whoa, has it been over a month since I last posted? EEP. Where has the time gone? I don’t know, because I feel like I haven’t completed much in the last month! Our house is still a complete mess. Boxes everywhere, shoes everywhere, clothes everywhere. It’s a shame that such a nice condo is now such a huge mess.
I have, however, accomplished the following over the last 30 days:
- Moved! What a hassle. I hope we don’t move for another 10 years. I seriously dislike moving with a passion.
- Designed little bro’s wedding invitations and helped him print them on the Gocco machine he bought me. Unfortunately, there were spelling mistakes and he had to reprint some. Did I mention there were five+ spelling mistakes and he had to reprint the ards more than once? Whoops. Auto spell check at work has sucked the intelligence outta me.
- Photographed two weddings. Learned a lot while doing so. Like, how I need a good wide angle, a nice zoom lens, and some serious lighting gear. And how my favorite hobby is going to make me broke, unless I get seriously good enough to make some money from it. Photography, why must you be so expensive?
- Turned another year older. Today, actually. Yikes! Thought I’d be a little more settled at this age. Perhaps a little wiser and more mature. Apparently not!
Birthdays are wretched things, aren’t they? I think they should be banned after age 29. Turning thirty is traumatizing. And 31, well, let’s just pretend that didn’t happen, shall we?
Lately, I’ve been madly obsessed with paint colors. I’m painting our new place this weekend–hooray! Our stark white walls need some life. Who knew that the seemingly simple task of picking paint colors would be such a headache? Did you know there are about a billion shades of gray and they all look completely different? There are , blue grays, warm pink grays, and everything in between. For my living room, I’ve been looking for a very pale true gray with maybe just a tiny touch of blue. Not too much. I don’t want my walls to slant blue in the light. I’m having the darnedest time choosing a color. Hubs has ordered me to stop buying test cans, but I can’t stop. I took a picture of some of the sample swatches I’ve painted over the last few weeks. These were painted on poster board because I didn’t have the guts to slap the paint on my walls yet.
Below (from left to right, all Benjamin Moore colors): Stonington Gray (too drab), Ice Cubed Silver (too light), Bunny Gray (too blue), Iceberg (too blue), Silvery Blue (too muddy), Pale Oak (our pick for the bathroom), Summer Shower (our pick for the bedroom and craft room), and Sterling (too dark). And I’ve got about a dozen more swatches not pictured. 
Those two little squares of fabric are some samples that I got for our curtains.
Anyway, it’s off to bed I go. I will make it my birthday resolution to blog more often than once a month. Now that Hubs officially started his MBA program, I’ll have much more time.
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