I've been busy working on another Valentine's Day project. It's a scalloped heart treat container.
I filled it with a bag of Valentine's Day colored M&M's.
Here's a look from a slightly different angle. This would make a great gift not only for Valentine's Day, but also for any other time of year you'd like to let someone know you're thinking of them.
The tutorial for this box will be coming soon. I'm still working on it, but I will let you know as soon as it's finished. Thanks for stopping by!
At my downline meeting Mona taught us how to do paper quilling. Here's the project we all made.
It was so difficult to get a decent picture because my camera was going crazy with all of the shadows and spaces between the curled paper. It couldn't quite focus correctly (Yes, I need a new camera...I just need to get the money together first.). Here's a different angle.
All of the strips of cardstock are 1/8" wide and about 4" long. This is a very easy technique to do and the results are beautiful.
Tip: If you want to add paper quilling to a box like this one, glue all of the paper quilling to the box BEFORE you assemble the box together. It's much easier to glue in place when the box is flat.
In order to do this technique you need:
Step 1: Take the strip of cardstock and run it across the bone folder to break up the fibers. You do this the same way you would curl ribbon with a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Take one end of the cardstock and wrap it around the toothpick. Continue wrapping the cardstock tightly around the toothpick until you reach the other end.
Step 3: Take the cardstock off of the toothpick. You can keep the cardstock tightly wound or let it uncurl a little for more space between curls. The end of the cardstock will uncurl the most and may stick out a little. Add a drop of glue to the end of the cardstock and glue it in place.
Step 4: Add a small amount of glue (you don't want it running up the sides of the curl) to the back of the curl and glue it in place. You may find it easier to make a small puddle of glue on a scrap of paper or a paper plate so that you can dip the curl in the glue.
Step 5: Adhere the curl to the project and hold it for a few seconds until it sticks firmly in place.
Like I said, it's very easy to do. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for stopping by!
Today I wanted to show you another great project that we made at my downline shoebox swap. This project was provided by Elaine.
Isn't that the cutest box? It's the perfect size for filling with chocolate or some other small gift. I know you're going to ask how it's made, so I have a quick tutorial for you.
Step 1: Cut out two of the Mini Milk Cartons using the Big Shot die.
As you can see in the photo (click to enlarge), the panel on the right of each milk carton was cut off. Each milk carton has three panels on it plus the tab. Do NOT cut off the side that has the tab on it because you need the tabs to put it together.
Step 2: Stamp your cardstock as desired.
Step 3: You'll notice that at the top of the center panel on each milk carton, the score lines are different than the other two panels. The first and third panels have score lines that look like an upside down "Y." The center panel just has a slanted line. Using a ruler and a bone folder, score the center panel so it looks like an upside down "Y" just like the other panels. Do this to both pieces.
Step 4: Add sticky strip to both tab pieces as seen in the photo above.
Step 5: Fold both of the milk cartons on all of the score lines. Adhere both of the milk cartons together to form a hexagon.
Step 6: As seen in the photo below, start with two tabs on the bottom that are opposite each other. Adhere them together using sticky strip. They should overlap 1/4"--just barely enough to cover the sticky strip.
Step 7: Repeat step 6 with two more tabs that are opposite each other. Sorry for the blurry photo. I didn't realize it was blurry until I went to edit the photo. You can still see what I'm talking about though.
Step 8: Repeat step 6 again with the last two tabs.
Step 9: Fold in the top of the box so it looks like a star with six points.
Step 10: Pinch together one point of the star and punch a hole through it using a 1/8" circle punch.
Step 11: Repeat step 10 until you've punched holes through all six points of the star.
Step 12: Thread 16" of ribbon through the holes and tie it shut. Decorate your box as desired.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Bright Hopes
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, So Saffron
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler Ribbon
Punches: 1/8" Circle, Scallop Circle, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, Bitty Shapes, Petite Pennants Builder, Extra Large Tag, Large Tag
Big Shot: Mini Milk Carton Die
This morning when I took the kids to school it was chilly outside and very foggy. I guess that put me in a Fall mood because when I sat down to stamp I immediately pulled out my Halloween stamps. I saw the cutest Halloween box in the September Stampin' Success magazine (a newsletter for Stampin' Up! demonstrators) so I had to make my own. Of course I made a few changes along the way.
The Batty for You stamp set is my favorite Halloween stamp set. I love stamping the images, layering them like the one picture above, and attaching them to Peppermint Patties. They also make great gift tags or accents on cards and boxes.
I just realized that I forgot to do one thing on this project--add googly eyes to the spider. I'll have to fix that.
With the help of my Big Shot, this project was so quick and easy to make. The box was cut out using the Fancy Favor die and the Basic Black layer was embossed using the Spider Web embossing folder.
The handle is an 8 1/2" x 1" piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock. I had a spool of this Halloween ribbon sitting in my stash, so I decided to add it to the handle to dress it up a little bit. I used a couple of black brads to help reinforce the handle.
This box is the perfect size to fill with a cello bag full of chocolates or some other treat. You'll notice that I don't have anything in mine. That's because I would eat all of that chocolate before Halloween even got here and I could give it away. I will wait until the night before I give it away to fill it with candy. I just know myself too well so I don't even tempt myself.
Be sure to stop back by my blog on Wednesday. I have a huge SURPRISE for all of you that you don't want to miss out on! Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Batty for You
Paper: Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Black Brads, Dimensionals,
Punches: Circle (1 1/4", 1 3/8"), Scalloped Circle
Big Shot: Fancy Favor Die, Spider Web Embossing Folder
As promised, I'm back to share with you the last three projects I made at a stamping event I attended while at convention.
The sentiment layer for this card was made using My Digital Studio. They already had it printed and cut out so I just had to layer it on the card. I roughed up the edges of the So Saffron cardstock behind the sentiment and then dragged the edges through an Early Espresso ink pad to give it more of a weathered look. I took a sanding block to the head of the vanilla brad to "weather" that as well.
The Chocolate Chip layer was run through the Big Shot using the Houndstooth Embossing Folder. Then I took a sanding block and rubbed it over the raised parts. Although Stampin' Up!'s cardstock is NOT white on the inside (it's dyed all the way through), it still made the raised images appear lighter in color.
I really liked these tins we made. Before you ask, I'm not sure where they purchased these from. One of the ladies said that they searched all over the web and couldn't find any more of these round tins with the clear windows.
This was a really quick and easy project to make. It's a simple belly band with several scalloped circles and circles layered on top of each other. The most difficult thing to do in this project (which wasn't that hard at all) was threading the ribbon through the button holes. Super easy to do and it would make a great tin to put some of our stamped cookies in.
Here's the last project we made. The Tempting Turquoise layer was run through the Big Shot using the Polka Dot embossing folder. The Tempting Turquoise and Daffodil Delight pinwheels were stamped directly on the Whisper White cardstock. For the striped pinwheel in the middle, I inked up the outline of the pinwheel in Basic Black ink, stamped it on the striped piece of DSP, and cut it out. I attached this pinwheel with a dimensional. All three of the pinwheels have one of the small silver brads in the middle.
That's all of the projects we made. I had a lot of fun stamping and the best parts were that I didn't have to design the projects and I didn't have to clean up! It can't get better than that. Thanks for stopping by!
I'm having a wonderful time at convention. Last night was the kick off party for convention and I got to visit eight different booths and learn all sorts of amazing stamping tips and ideas from some extremely talented demonstrators. I will definitely be passing those tips and tricks along to you.
Today was the first official day of convention. This year Stampin' Up! is spoiling us! Not only are they doing the prize patrol drawings during the day, but they are also giving away lots of freebies to everybody. Today they gave us all a free pack of eight Holiday mini catalogs (the products are beyond amazing!) and they gave us each the Great Day Simply Sent kit. If that wasn't enough, during our Make and Takes they gave us each a workshop in a bag. It included all the precut ribbon, cardstock, etc. to make three different projects at our next workshop along with enough supplies for eight customers to make one of the projects for their make and take. Thank you Stampin' Up!
Speaking of make and takes, would you like to see them? We got to make a box and three different cards. All of the cards were then hung on a banner as a fun way to display them. Here's the first card.
It's very simple, yet darling.
Here's a look at the second card hanging on the banner. The black and vanilla piece on the card and at the end of the banner is fabric. We also made the pennants as part of our make and takes.
This is the other end of the banner. Again, the vanilla and black circle on the pennant is made from fabric.
I, unfortunately, don't have a picture of the third card. There was a computer problem when we all registered for convention and so I had make and takes scheduled during the same time I had classes. So I decided to make some of my projects at home and go to my classes instead. Once I have that project done, I'll be sure to come back and post it.
The last project is my favorite.
This is a new box that we will be carrying in the Holiday mini catalog. It comes flat (which is great for shipping) and you assemble it together. We covered the lid in fabric and the added the flower to the top. The metal piece on the front of the box comes separate so you can decorate the box and then add it.
Isn't the flower gorgeous? I will definitely be making a tutorial for how to make it.
Well, I'm off and running. My schedule is jam packed while I'm out here. Thanks for stopping by!
I recently received an email from Lois Good and Jen Cox with pictures of two projects they made using my Tab Book Tutorial. The projects were amazing so I got their permission to share them with you. The first one they made is a wedding book.
I love the elegant designer series paper and the gorgeous ribbon.
Here's the book open (you can click on the photos to see a larger view). Isn't that gorgeous? I love it! They also made a birthday book.
The colors are so bright and cheerful. Here's a look at the cover...
and here's the book open. I love how they decorated the inside of the front and back covers. I'm sure the recipients of these books will be thrilled to get them. I know I would be! Thank you Jen and Lois for sharing.
If you create a project using one of my tutorials, please send me an email with pictures (or a link to your project online) and I'd love to share them on my blog. Thanks for stopping by!
I had so much fun making the star book last week, that I decided to make another one. I used this same tutorial, but I changed the dimensions of the book a little.
Here's a look at the book closed.
Here's a look from the top. As you can see, I added a lot more pages.
I made 15 pages in this book.
I decided to make this a book of quotes, so each of the pages has quotes stamped on it.
I love the way it turned out. Here are the details.
Thanks for stopping by!
As promised, I have the Star Book Tutorial done for you.
Top View
Top View Fully Opened
Materials Needed:
Step 1: Flip over all five pieces of Very Vanilla and Pumpkin Pie cardstock so that you're looking at the back. Add sticky strip down both of the 2" edges. The sticky strip should be parallel to the score line going down the middle of the cardstock. Do this to all of the Very Vanilla and Pumpkin Pie cardstock.
Step 2: Remove the backing off one piece of the Sticky Strip on the Very Vanilla cardstock. As seen in the photo below, adhere the Very Vanilla cardstock to the Pumpkin Pie cardstock. Be sure to line up the 2" edges as closely as you can.
Step 3: Remove the backing off the other piece of sticky strip on the Very Vanilla cardstock and adhere it to the Pumpkin Pie cardstock as shown in the photo below. Again, it's very important that you line up the edges as closely as possible.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3, but this time you'll be adhering the Pumpkin Pie cardstock to the Rose Red cardstock. This is what it will look like when all three pieces are adhered together.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 through 4 with the rest of the Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, and Rose Red cardstock. When you're done, you should have five "pages" like the photo above.
Step 6: Fold one of the sets of "pages" in half on the score line. Add strong adhesive (or sticky strip) to the outside of the Rose Red cardstock. Fold a second set of "pages" in half on the score line and adhere the two of them together as shown in the photo below.
Step 7: Continue this same process until you have all five sets of "pages" adhered together.
Step 8: Add a 1" piece of sticky strip to the top page in the stack and another piece of sticky strip to the bottom page in the stack as seen in the photo below. Make sure that the sticky strip is placed near the side of the pages that opens.
Step 9: Remove the backing off the sticky strip and adhere the ribbon in place. Do this to the top and bottom of the stack of pages.
Set this aside for now.
Step 10: Decide which side of the designer series paper you want showing on the outside of your book and lay that side face down on your work station. Adhere the piece of chipboard to the center of the designer series paper.
Step 11: Using scissors, cut off the corners of the designer series paper (DSP). Do NOT cut too close to the chipboard. You want to leave about 1/8" between the edge of the DSP and the corner of the chipboard.
Step 12: Using a Bone Folder, score the DSP around the edges of the chipboard. This will help the edges of the cover look crisp and clean.
Step 13: Fold the edges of the DSP over the chipboard and adhere them in place using sticky strip.
Step 14: Add sticky strip to the bottom page on the stack (around all four edges) and adhere it to the chipboard cover. Be sure to center it top to bottom on the chipboard, but do NOT center it left to right. The binding of the book (where all of the pages are folded on the score lines) needs to be only 1/8" away from the left side of the chipboard.
This will help ensure that the star book can open all the way up without the cover getting in the way.
Step 15: Repeat step 14 to add the other cover to the front of the book.
I hope all of my directions make sense. If not, please don't hesitate to send me your questions. As always, if you make a book using this tutorial, please send me a link so I can check out your creation. Thanks for stopping by!
Have you ever seen a stamped project and you think it looks WAY too difficult to make so you don't even want to try it? That's how I felt about the star books. They look so neat, but there's no way I could figure it out. Not true! They are super easy to make. They're so easy, in fact, that I made this my downline project at our meeting on Saturday.
When the star book is closed, it can look so plain.
Even the top view isn't anything special to look at.
However, once you open the book...
you see how pretty they really are.
Especially when you open them all the way up and tie the covers together.
Remember, you can click on any of the photos for a larger view. Before you ask...yes, I am making a tutorial for you. I have run out of time today, but I will post it within the next day or two. Even though these books are easy to make, writing the tutorials and taking and editing all of the pictures can be time consuming. Be sure to stop back by so you don't miss the tutorial. Thanks for stopping by!
