If I am not, in fact, the first person who ever thought to do this…hold your "sorry to inform you, but..." posts for a day or so, just so I can live another 24 hours under the illusion that I invented something spectacularly brilliant
You know how when you open a package of say, stickers, or rub-ons, or whatever… and they come in a plastic sleeve?
Well, if you're like me (and you KNOW you want to be!) you might not use every single item on said sheet of stickers or rub-ons, or whatever. So… what do you have to do?
Put the stickers or rub-ons, or whatever BACK into the packaging.
And what happens? Come on... every single time? What happens?
The product STICKS to the sticky part of the flap on the plastic sleeve.
ARE YOU WITH ME?
Well, I don't want to toot my own horn TOO loudly, but I invented the following cure-all to this very common scrapbooking dilemma.
Watch closely:
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is EXACTLY what I'm thinking every single time I scrapbook.
Happy Easter.
Love,
Cathy
Ummm...I never thought of this. AND I had never heard of it. AND just yesterday I was swearing (using my "inside voice" since the kids were around) because of this exact problem.
Thank you for the tip. What a lovely Easter present indeed!
Posted by: jennifer | March 20, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Great idea. I hate those freaking sticky things. They make me use words like "freaking". I usually cut them off, but this is much better. Way to rock my scrap world!!
Posted by: Victoria Murray | March 20, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Bastards Incorporated is the name I mumble when I attempt to slide my rub-ons back into the sleeve and it fails.
Bastards Inc also made the extra loud chip packets that crinkle at critical times at the movies, popcorn bags that give you 3rd degree burns when you go to open them and pens that run out when you only have one word left to write on your scrapbook page.
Posted by: Toni Brockliss | March 20, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I have a metal ruler right on my cutting mat in the middle of my desk. Did I ever think of this? NOPE! Do I think you're brilliant--again? YEP. Thanks. It's always been such a pain.
Posted by: Karen Walker | March 20, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Dude... that is freaking brilliant! I usually just cut the top part off and leave the sticky part permanently stuck.
Posted by: ashley | March 20, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I don't have a ruler...what now? what now Cathy?!?!?!
Posted by: Shannon | March 20, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I have no idea if you are the first--but what GREAT idea. I have struggled with a sticky package for the last time!
Posted by: Terry | March 20, 2008 at 08:20 PM
This is slicker than my method - flip the sticky tab around and stick it to the Back of the packaging. Work okay, but then you have to unstick and reflip the package back. One of the corners always gets stuck.
Your idea looks a lot easier.
Posted by: Bree | March 20, 2008 at 08:21 PM
That is BRILLIANT!!!! U-R-da-B!!!!
awesome girl!!!!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | March 20, 2008 at 08:23 PM
That is a GREAT idea - thanks for sharing! ~Tanya
Posted by: Tanya Summers | March 20, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Simply put, you are a genius! The best I ever came up with was to try and stick the sticky part to the back of the package. It never works. I bet this works every time.
Posted by: lisa | March 20, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Sweet! You always come up with awesomeness! BRILLIANT, I say! :)
Posted by: Sara | March 20, 2008 at 08:40 PM
WOW - I've never been smart enough to figure this out. I've stuck the sticky to the back of the packaging and it never really works - at all. You are brilliant!!!
Posted by: lisa tanner | March 20, 2008 at 08:44 PM
I just slice the package open and be done with it. Easier for me, who is too lazy to do it any other way.
Posted by: Melissa Raphael | March 20, 2008 at 08:46 PM
OMG! You ARE spectacularly (an exceedingly difficult word to say, even in my head) brilliant! This is my nemesis! Those d*#mned sticky strips! Thank you for the idea!
Posted by: Linda F. | March 20, 2008 at 08:48 PM
you are soo smart. I think I am just lazy because I just cut the rub-on off the sheet with the plastic on it and then I am only getting the rub-on I want and the other rub-ons are still in tack. LAZY!
Posted by: sesil in chicago | March 20, 2008 at 08:50 PM
As a full fledged "original packaging" person I appreciate the practicality of your tip!!! Where has this been all my life?
Okay..JUST noticed your blog header..murals at Animal Kingdom are awesome aren't they!
Here is a link to a shot I took of one with our tour guide--we got the full scoop behind them-well the disney version anyways ;-)
http://grooveygrover.blogspot.com/2006/11/disney-details.html
Posted by: Vanessa | March 20, 2008 at 08:54 PM
you ARE the smartest person EVER! who makes that metal ruler? I'm sorry I couldn't resist and I swear if you are sitting even remotely close to me at Inspired you have my permission to smack me over the head with the ruler. Of course I will be the one who will be so excited to finally meet you that I will be speechless. Should be easy to spot me!
Posted by: Nadia | March 20, 2008 at 08:58 PM
i wanna know what company those rockin' rubon's are from???????
inquiring minds wanna know :)
Posted by: Candi Tardio | March 20, 2008 at 08:58 PM
When I grow up, I want to be as smart as you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: michele | March 20, 2008 at 08:59 PM
You are simply brilliant.
Posted by: Courtney | March 20, 2008 at 09:18 PM
You should submit that tip/idea to Memory Makers or Scrapbook Trends or something....(snicker)
Posted by: Shaunte | March 20, 2008 at 09:20 PM
LOL!!! Cathy!!! Yes, that is a brilliant idea!!! Thank you!!!
LOL Shannon! Lovin' your comment!!!
Posted by: Christine Villacarlos | March 20, 2008 at 09:23 PM
You are such a freaking hoot and I am way too dumb to have ever thought of that. Thanks for making me laugh every effin day!
Posted by: LoRi | March 20, 2008 at 09:27 PM
those are annoying & that is a good idea,
but...
i fold the sticky part over, onto itself,
and then when i am done,
i pull it off and close the package,
no ruler needed!
try it!
karen lee
Posted by: karen lee | March 20, 2008 at 09:38 PM
THANK YOU for this...you are a genius!!!
Posted by: ~amy~ | March 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I've done the same thing for a long time now EXCEPT I attach the sticky stuff to my plastic ruler and not a metal one. :) I still think you're brilliant! Truly.
Posted by: Carrie | March 20, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Sorry to burst your bubble Cathy, but I've always done what Bree did, only easier. I don't flip the sticky part backwards, I just fold it forwards onto itself. No problem, no need for a ruler.
And yes, I do say smugly to myself that I'm the smartest person ever when I do this.
Darn. Karen Lee just beat me to this post.
I guess I'm only the second smartest person ever. Darn you Karen Lee (see me shaking my first a you)!
Posted by: Carolyn from Vancouver | March 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Genius I tell ya. You're brilliant. Now my Thickers can go back in easy peasy!
Posted by: jen | March 20, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Brilliant Cathy!!!
Like Michele said When I grow up I want to be as smart as you...
Have a Great Easter Weekend!!!
Posted by: Donna | March 20, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Why oh why didn't I think of this?! This is genius Cathy!
Posted by: Cel | March 20, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Whilst I absolutely appreciate the fantastic idea, personally, I don't open my rub ons at the sticky flap end, I cut off the top bit,(the label)revealing the opening there, no sticky, no mess, and then I file them in an my psb or similar display file, so I can just flick through them looking for the PERFECT sticker, however, as my rubon obsession grows and grows, I have had to file those in storage containers marked by theme, Just love those damm rub ons. Hey Cathy, man I love your sense of humour, just so much, your blog is a highlight of my day. Ruth in Western Australia
Posted by: Ruth in OZ | March 20, 2008 at 11:37 PM
I know the sticky edge of which you speak. I had never thought to use a ruler or edge to hold it down. You've just saved me valuable scrapbook time. Thanks Cathy!!! Seriously, brilliant. LOL.
(no seriously, thank you from OCDers everywhere)
Posted by: Sara | March 21, 2008 at 12:20 AM
TOOT TOOOOT ! I'll toot your horn for you! You are a freakin Genius ! Really, this was such a pain for me....Thanks, Cath...You Rock!
Posted by: Stacie | March 21, 2008 at 12:23 AM
You really ARE the smartest person ever...and yes, I do want to be like you. I even tell my friends that fact.
Posted by: Darlene | March 21, 2008 at 12:29 AM
You are a rock star and I am having t shirts and posters made. They will be black with orange sleeves (remembering the sweatshirt of course). On the front will have biblical icon dude from your banner and on the back will have CZ ROCKS.... no no wait SMART CZ ROCKS! ...and don't do drugs! Scrapbooking is a family affair. I will make sure my people send one to your people...
I was going through my pix and came across an old CKU from San Jose where I had the most incredible fortune to sit in on your class while you were wearing a suit coat, glasses. Great stuff! Maybe I will have them slip some glasses on religious dude at the top for memory sake! Life is good and you are the queen of goodness. Gotta go... gotta find my medal ruler and be free at last with my rub ons.. Watch out Daisy D's here we come!
Posted by: Maggie | March 21, 2008 at 01:00 AM
I bow down in humble acknowledgement of your sheer brilliance. Dare I say sheer bloodyflippinfreakinfarkin brilliance.
I worship at the altar of your brilliance.
Amen
brilliant
Posted by: Sharon Larmour | March 21, 2008 at 03:22 AM
LOL, glad i'm not the only one who gets fed up with those sticky flaps! I usually end up folding them over to the sticky is covered up, or, a tip i did pick up from a class once - i snip the long side of the packet off. so then you can slide them in and out without worrying about stickyness!
BUT i deffo think you're the first with this ruler idea cathy!! GO YOU!
Posted by: Kathryn Booth | March 21, 2008 at 05:31 AM
You are awesome!!! Thanks for the great tip!!
Posted by: Jana | March 21, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Pure genius I say.
Posted by: Patricia | March 21, 2008 at 06:36 AM
I took a class with Rhonna Farrer once, and the best tip I've ever picked up was, don't even open the package, just cut out the sticker or rub-on that you want with the packaging still around it, then the rest of the pack stays nicely protected inside it's packaging.
It was worth a trip to Paris just for that one tip!
Posted by: Bev | March 21, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Oh geez! I've hated those stupid things for years. My biggest issue was getting 12x12 paper back in without the adhesive ripping a piece off the dead center. I shall retrieve my metal ruler at once!
Izzy
Posted by: Izzy | March 21, 2008 at 07:25 AM
OMG you are a genius! I knew it...just knew it!!!
Posted by: Tina | March 21, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I just want the rubons. Those are some cool little symbols.
Oh yeah. And I guess your idea is kinda genius! :-)
Posted by: LaurenC | March 21, 2008 at 07:45 AM
that is freakin' awesome! i bow down to your simple genius.
Posted by: tiffany k. smoot | March 21, 2008 at 07:56 AM
*Excellent* idea! If you didn't think of it first, I haven't heard about it. Thanks! XX's
Posted by: Beth Gianturco | March 21, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Cathy, you are the smartest person, ever...Ever!
Thanks for the idea. :)
Posted by: AmyInKy | March 21, 2008 at 08:33 AM
You are too funny and sooooo clever!!! Thanks for the great tip. :) You are revitalizing my ruler! LOL
I battle with those all the time and my best trick for this so far was to do it with a friend... one holding the package and the other one putting the rub-ons back in but it doesn't work 90% of the time since I mostly scrap alone... LOL
Posted by: Nathalie | March 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I usually either cut off the top OR just fold the sticky part back inside the packaging. Drives me nuts, too...
Posted by: deana | March 21, 2008 at 09:02 AM
What an absolutely fantastic idea. I have loathed those packets ever since the first one I opened. In fact I think I'll have to go and make something right now just to test it out!
Posted by: Sara | March 21, 2008 at 09:15 AM