Blossoms and Daisies Scratch Pad

 I have to admit I am glad that I committed to showing you 5 days of the Bright Blossoms set.  I haven’t had this much fun creating in awhile. I hope you are as excited by these fun creations as I am. 

This project came about by necessity.  I had a not-so-cute little square box of papers that hung out by my phone when someone called.  It is down to just a few sheets, so I thought why not have something cute by the phone to take messages on.  The Summer Smooches Fabric Brads were just what this project called for.  These brads are only available until April 30th.  They will not be returning with the release of the new catalog….so if you are in love with them…now is the time to order a few packages of them.  They are delightful aren’t they?

Stamps: Bright Blossoms 
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Summer Smooches Fabric Brads, 3” x 5” Scratch Pad
Tools: Big Shot, Daisies #2 Bigz Die, 3/8” Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Signo White Gel Pen, Sticky Strip
Technique(s): watermark stamping

How’s I do that? I created the Daisies by die cutting 3 Whisper White and 3 Lucky Limeade Daisies.  I alternated the colored and the white daisies and then inserted the brad in the center and opened it up.  I pulled up on the petals to complete.  I did not glue all of the daisy layers to each other, but if you prefer no movement use the multipurpose adhesive to hold the daisy layers stationery.

I’m really excited by this new cuteness! Thanks for visiting today!  I’ll see you tomorrow for the last day of Summer Smooches projects!

Stamping with Gesso

So, I got the hint with all the comments that I was  receiving that many of you have never used Gesso before.  *oops*  Well, I used it for the first time when I stamped on the Muslin Bags that I posted earlier this week.  I have to admit I was a bit vague on how I used the Gesso.  Today, I am here to show you what I did to make the fall leaves muslin bag from start to finish as some of you inquired about the water coloring too.  *smile*

Supplies needed:  Gesso, Paint brush, some cardboard scraps and your muslin bag or fabric piece.

 

Why use Gesso?  When you stamp directly on fabric, the ink is absorbed into the fabric and produces a very light image.  You lose most of the brightness from the colors. By using Gesso, you are creating a “canvas” or surface on which your stamps will adhere and allow for the brightness or true color of your inks to show. 

Question to ask yourself before you get started…can you be patient with drying time?  If you answered “no”…get out your heat gun now!

Step 1: Paint the Gesso on your fabric.  Insert a piece of cardboard under your fabric or inside the bag.  Squirt some Gesso onto another piece of cardboard.  The first time I did this, I painted once in one direction, dried with a heat gun and once in the other direction and then dried with a heat gun.  (I paint vertically each time and turn the fabric.) It worked.  This time, I painted twice in each direction.  So I allowed the Gesso to dry naturally 4 times switching directions each time. The second time it worked better and the surface I created was much smoother.  Play around with the Gesso until you get your desired results.  We learn by trying new things!

Step 2: Dye your fabric. So, I forgot to dye the fabric before I stamped.  I highly suggest that you dye your fabric before stamping.  Warning: My dyeing methods require spritzing or dye wash which could run your water colored image if you dye after you stamp! If you don’t have coffee or tea to stain your fabric. You can create your own dye wash with a bit of water and any of the Stampin’ Up! reinkers. Take a ziploc bag and put just enough water to saturate your fabric.  Add drops of reinker until you get the desired color. Add your bag or fabric into the ziploc and squish around until bag is colored. I hope you know what squishing is!

Step 3: Stamp with Water Color Crayons. Select your Water Color Crayons and color directly onto the stamp. Don’t worry about coloring over the colors, just make sure the entire image is colored.  Now spritz with a water bottle.  I spritzed twice about 3 inches away to get the results pictured.  Stamp on the Gessoed section. When the images were dry, okay almost dry, I stamped the other images in Stazon.

If you noticed, the images blurred together nicely and the lined images are no longer available to see. Try stamping the image with ink again over the water colored images for a more detailed look.

 

This is the completed muslin bag with the Gesso rectangle, coffee dyed and water colored with Stampin’ Up!’s Watercolor Crayons.  Because I dyed after the stamping, some of my colors ran a bit, but I still like the overall look of it.

Thanks to all of you that keep me on the straight and narrow!  *smile* 

Thanks for visiting and I always appreciate comments!

Enjoy!

Numbered Double Flap Card Box How To

Well, I am glad that you liked the double flap Cherry Cheesecake inspired card box that I created last week!  I made this card box with simplicity in mind.  Numbers are all the rage right now, so I figured what a great way to make an any occasion card set!  This set contains 6 cards with envelopes.  These 6 cards took all of 10 minutes to create and I even used a Stamp-a-ma-jig!

How did I make that card box? You’ll need the following supplies to get started: Paper Snips, a paper cutter with a scoring blade, sticky strip and cardstock or Designer Series Paper.  Tip: Designer Series Paper is great to work with when you want to create a completely decorated card box, however, the text-weight paper is thinner and creates for a weaker box. Using Stampin’ Up! heavier weight cardstock 80lb or greater will make for a sturdier card box.  Think about the recipient when choosing the type of paper you select.

You’ll need to start with a piece of cardstock that is 6” x 11”.  Place your paper into the Paper cutter with the 11” side on the horizontal or at the top.  You’ll be scoring at the following measurements (Do not remove the paper until you score each of these lines):  3”, 3-3/4”, 8-1/4. and 9”.  Lines are drawn in pencil so that you can visually see where you will need to score. Click on any photo for a larger version. Tip: The more accurate you are with your score lines the better the box will connect together. Now turn your paper so that the 6” side is on the horizontal or at the top.  You’ll be scoring at 3/4” and 5-1/4” OR if it is easier for you, you’ll want to make sure you have 3/4” score line on each of the vertical edges.  Next, you’ll want to make eight,  3/4” snips to the score lines as shown in the photo to create 4 tabs. Fold in tabs only.I  suggest using sticky strip, as it creates a good strong hold when creating boxes.  Place two strips on each tab.Fold along all remaining score lines.  You’ll be able to see how your box will be coming together.  You’ll be creating your bottom fold by securing the tab to the bottom sides  of the box.  Do the same to the top, by securing the tabs to the top section of the box.  You’ll have two pieces of scored pieces in the middle section of the box that are not connected to anything.  These form the sides and stabilize the box when closed.Decorate as desired.  Create a belly band or secure with ribbon, twine or any other materials you may have.  The smaller flap was the top of the box and the larger flap was the bottom.  As the box is square you can use the double-flaps as sides too!  You’ll have about 1/2” of overlap between the flaps.  I secured mine with a ribbon and a 1” circle glass fragment that uses the same numbering as the cards. The cardstock image was secured to the glass fragment with crystal effects.  I used Jet black stazon to prevent smearing of the ink.  A piece of retired hodgepodge hardware was secured to the back of the element with Tombow multipurpose adhesive so that it would “hang” from the ribbon.  The element can be used as a charm for a Simply Adorned bracelet or a necklace.  A great reusable piece.  I love gifts that keep on giving don’t you?

Stamps:   Clearly For You
Papers:   Sweat Pea Paper Pack (Retired), Whisper White 
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon
Accessories:  5/8” Organza Ribbon, Round Glass Fragment, 1” Circle Punch, Hodgepodge Hardware(Retired)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig,  Paper Cutter with Scoring Tool, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Sticky Strip 
Techniques Used: n/a

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

How to Alter Envelopes for Unique Sized Cards

The Nature Walk stamp set is definitely my favorite from the Occassions Mini Catalog!  I’m sure those of you that have been following the projects I’ve created can tell by now! *smile* Just a reminder that April 30th will be the last day to order from the Occasions Mini.  For this project, I used just a sweet and simple layout.  I’ve used this card size in the past and I really love it…It is rather unique and we don’t always tend to think of changing the size of our cards from the standard greeting card or A2.  These are small notes to show your appreciation. Of course, you can change the phrasing and these would be great for any occasion.  I sent some of these out a couple of weeks ago.  Were you on my list to receive one?  

The finished card size is 2-3/4” x 5-1/2”.  You are able to make 3 card bases from one piece of cardstock. Now the problem that some of you might encounter is what kind of envelope can you put this in.  Well the answer is quite simple…you can place it in a standard A2 envelope if you’d like…but I thought I would show you how to alter that A2 envelope so it looks like it was made for the unique card size!  **I actually mailed one of these cards to a special friend in the accompanying envelope.  It cost a bit more to send but she received it! On a side note, remember hand delivery is FREE!

How did I  make that envelope? Gather the following tools: a standard A2 envelope, Paper snips and a bone folder, and a paper cutter with a scoring blade.  First you’ll be cutting the bottom edge off your envelope.  Place the envelope into the cutter and line up the top edge to the 4” mark and cut off the bottom or 3/8” off the bottom.   Next, you will move the envelope to the 3” mark and score along the bottom edge this will create a 1” score along the bottom edge of your envelope. Take your paper snips and snip a small triangle from the bottom edge to the score mark on each bottom edge as shown.  With the back flap of the envelope facing you, cut along the  1” score line along the bottom.  CUT ONLY the top section…NOT the bottom section. The bottom will be your new bottom flap.  Punch the bottom flap with a scallop punch and fold up  to create your bottom flap.  It is easier to fold after you punch the edge. Secure with your desired adhesive. 

My finished project includes 6 cards with the custom envelopes in a mini lunch bag with a card front on the bag so you know what is inside.  The scallop on the envelopes was intended to match the scallops on the bag so change your envelope edges to meet your needs.  A cute gift project for anyone!  The bag can be used as a mini gift bag when all the cards are used up.  Nice, right? The gift that keeps on giving!

Stamps:   Nature Walk, Fresh Cuts
Papers:   Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Mini Lunch Sacks (Retired)
Tools: Bone Folder, Paper Snips, Scallop Border Punch, Rounded Corner Punch
Techniques Used: Altered Envelope

Thanks for visiting!  Enjoy!

Cherry Cheesecake

I know I’ve been away for awhile…my Mom is visiting so the projects will be coming when I have a few minutes to “sneak” away and take a couple of pictures of what I’ve been working on! 

This project was inspired by Outlawz Color Challenge (Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Red).  I used my own SU color combination of Cream Confetti (Retired SU Color), Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler) Doesn’t that look just delicious!  Yum!

My project is a gift set of 6 cards in a 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” square unique opening box.  I altered some standard A2 envelopes and made them fit my 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” cards.  I feel like I’m in school, but because my awesome Auggie Doggie ate my Greeting Glue (Retired Stampin’ Up Envelope Glue) one Sunday afternoon, I had to improvise and create a unique closing for my envelopes.  I am so proud of this…I created  stickers to keep the envelopes closed.  I just love that!!!!!  I’ll share how I made them a bit later in this post.  Now these cards will not stand up to mailing in the traditional sense, so hand delivery or on top of a gift is probably the best travel option for this simple little card! If you decide to mail something like this…I would omit the sticker and use a tape closure….not the best solution…but it will work.  Now because it is square and probably not the perfect size for mailing through the USPS…extra postage may be required.

How did I do that? My card features a simple layout that works beautifully with the Nature Walk set.  Now picture me really excited…because that is how I felt when I discovered the “Sepia” look.  Okay…so maybe someone did it before…but I didn’t see it before…so I’m still excited about it…and so excited to share it with you!  I like to say discovered because it sounds so much better than mistake, right?!  First, stamp your images in Soft Suede ink.  Next, punch the images with a 1-1/4” square punch.  Then take an Aquapainter filled with water and brush the image starting with the dark portion and running the brush over the entire image.  Tada…cool watercolored images that look like Sepia!  Allow to dry and the squares will flatten. I was able to color on top of the images after they dried.  So what do you think? 

The envelope stickers were created the same way as the above images, but I also punched a square from the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets!  How cool that you are able to punch through the adhesive sheets too!  I removed one layer of the adhesive sheet and attached to the dried punched water colored images.  The back of the images still has a backing that can be removed when ready to use as the envelope closure!  Did you see that cute little  glassine envelope that holds the envelope stickers in place until ready for use?

Is anyone interested in how I made the box?  If you let me know, I’ll post the measurements for you. Too much info already for one day.

 

Stamps:   Nature Walk
Papers:   Cream Confetti (Retired) 
Ink:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Hemp Twine, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Aquapainter, Paper Cutter with Scoring Tool, Snail, Sticky Strip 
Techniques Used: Sepia Watercolor

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

The project is made using the Nature Walk stamp set out of the Occasions Mini Catalog page 27.  If you are in love with this set…it will be around only until April 30. You can visit my online store or contact me directly for purchase.

Cash Envelope How To

When you give the gift of cash it may seem impersonal.  But when you create adorable packaging for it, it becomes a gift from the heart! I’ll show you how I created this cash envelope so that you can create one on your own easily and quickly.  It may seem daunting at first, but I’ll break it up into steps that will show you that it isn’t that crazy of a project for you to try on your own!

The Envelope (The cupcake liner)

I’ll start with the envelope. I used the Stampin’ UP! Bitty Box and envelope Bigz XL die. Quick easy and painless! So, for those of you that don’t have that awesome die yet, you’ll need to create a mini envelope that is approximately 2” x 2-1/4”. 

You can use Designer Series Paper or you can use cardstock for your envelope. Whichever you decide to use, I would suggest folding along your score lines first. Unfold and then crimp.

Decorate the envelope as desired or copy what I did by adding ribbon and a mini tag.

The Card

For the card, I used Whisper White cardstock. Cut your cardstock to 1-7/8” x 6” and then fold to create your mini card. You will have a card that is 1-7/8” x 3”.  Wasn’t that quick?

 

The Cupcake Top

I selected 3 coordinating pink cardstock colors. I punched 30 small flowers out of each color. This is a great way to use up some of your scrap papers that you have collected over the years. Yeah! I had plenty left over, but I didn’t want to have to punch more once I got started.

I punched a 2-1/2” Circle out of the lightest shade of pink (My sample is black). If you don’t have a punch that size draw a circle around something similar in size and cut it out. Slice off approximately 1/4". Next, you’ll want to scallop the edge. I used a punch to create that edge. My sample doesn’t show a coordinating shade, but trust me, the coordinating shade will blend if you miss a spot!  *smile*

Adhere each of the little flowers onto the circle that you just created. Next, I sprayed with a concoction of shimmer paint and alcohol to give the card a little sparkle. Oooohhh! I love that shimmer! Adhere this piece only to the top portion of the card.  You’ll want the cupcake topper, when inserted into the envelope to lift up so that it will fit outside the envelope.  Stamp your desired greeting.

If you quarter-fold any denomination of US Currency it will fit inside the card. You may have to adjust based on the currency for your country.

If you leave the back portion of the card out of the envelope it stands very nicely on its own as shown in the first photo. The recipient can display it for as long as they would like!

Product details can be seen on the original posting here:  Cupcake Cash Envelope

Enjoy!

Unexpected Springtime Vintage Cupcake

!!WARNING!!  You may learn something new to try with your Stampin’ UP! stamps.  There is some stamping involved in this project!

So, you visit to get stamping inspiration and you see a sewing project!  I know for some of you it may have stopped you in your tracks.  Who knows, you may have turned away without even giving this project a second look.  For those of you that stuck with me…I actually did STAMP!  In fact, I stamped three times with the Simple Birthday Thanks (111546) on fabric…on the wrong side even! (Okay, you may see that I stamped more than 3 times on my sample.  Just overlook that.*smile*)

This cute hand towel is the perfect gift to give to your favorite family member or friend for her birthday, mother’s day, or other special day along with the ingredients to make some of these luscious treats.  Or give it to yourself and use my super secret recipe *smile* to create super easy cupcakes for yourself while you adore your handmade hand towel! *wink* Isn’t that ruffle just to die for?  Too cute! 

How did I do that?  I stamped with Black Stazon on the reverse side of the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric. (I would suggest using one of the dye-based inks so that the images wash out. The black stazon will show through on light(muslin) colored fabrics.) I stamped the cherry on one of the large roses, the cupcake top on the floral print and the bottom image on a self-pleated piece of muslin. I adhered Transfer Web and cut out each of the pieces.

I took one of my current hand towels and used it as a guide to create the size of my towel.  I used muslin fabric for the towel. All the hems were pressed at 1/2” and pressed again at 1/2” so as to keep the frayed edges inside the hem.  I used a large zigzag stitch for all seams.  I also created a little “hook” for the top of the towel as a decorator accent.  I don’t have a hook to hang my towel on, but if you do, don’t forget to create this little add on and stitch into the top seam.  The ruffle was created using a strip of the floral and sewn to the bottom.

I adhered the cupcake and to the desired location with an iron.  Then, I pinned some stabilizer to the back before satin stitching by machine around the image in varying thread colors.  The cherry stem was done freehand with the machine.

If you are making multiples make sure you stamp several at the same time.  This will save you on time! 

Stamps:   Simple Birthday Thanks
Papers:   None
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon
Accessories:  Springtime Vintage Designer Series Fabric
Tools: Craft and Paper Scissors, Sewing Machine, Transfer Web, Stabilizer, Iron 
Techniques Used: Stamping/Sewing

I hope some light bulbs went off and you can see that your Stampin’ UP! stamps offer you more than cards and scrapbook pages! Take a step out onto your creative ledge and try something unexpected with your stamps!

Enjoy!

 

 

This is your last month to take advantage of Stampin’ UP!’s Sale-a-bration promotion!  Spend $50 on products you love and earn FREE exclusive products.  Contact me today for additional details!

And…thanks to all of you that take a moment to comment!