Early Morning Stamping

Whipped this up early this morning. Trying to fit some creative time in before heading to the office.

Jumbo Scottie Dog Container

Here's a project for those who own digital scrapbook software (like My Digital Studio) yet rarely use it.

I have to confess, I own the software but cringe at the idea of printing in color.  The color cartridges are so costly.  I do utilize the software, but most of the time it's the open coloring book images like THIS.  Those particular images are easy enough to color in and print in black on any cardstock, as well as text available.

While using the open images to make large projects, I still wanted to find a way to use many of the solid images the program offers.  Thus began my experimenting with the bold images and ways to print them without having a big, solid black image printed on my paper.

Take a look at this:

I started out with this image from Man's Best Friend image found in SU! MDS digital software.

Here's the how to:

• Insert image onto a new page
• Copy image and change it to white
• Position the images so they are evenly on top of one another (the white being the top-most)
• Edit the white image but adjusting the size so it shrinks, revealing the black image behind.
• Adjust the depth and color (you'll want something rather dark to create the outline
• Copy the image and mirror image (this is for printing the Scottie in reverse on your paper).
• Print onto desired cardstock (make sure your margins are set to "0")
• Cut out image using the mat line that is closest to your image.
• Sponge and embellish as desire

I've filled it with Post-it's and pencil's (trying to avoid the obvious cello-filled dog treats).

Create the inner box and attach both sides of the Scotties to each side.

Lots of variation for eyes.  You can simply use plain circles.  Here I punched two white using the largest circle from the Owl punch.  Punch two large circles again and remove a section leaving a crescent shape.  Finally punch two black circles using the next smallest circle from the owl punch.

Did you know just because you don't have the MDS software you can still download the individual stamp sets and use them similarly as I have shown above?  Yep, you sure can, by simply inserting them into Photoshop or and even Microsoft Word!  I'll try to throw together a tutorial for you.

Novelty Boxes for Dad

OK, I skipped a few of the Holiday themed Tie Boxs and opted to do a Nautical and Fall theme.

The image below compares the large tie box to the mini tie box (both included).  I shared the anchor box early, and used some of the extra anchors printed from MDS to embellish the curry colored box.

 Thanks for looking!

Tie Boxes for Dad

Check out this fresh new template I've created for those special men in your life..  A fresh way to present those smaller Father's Day gifts; cuff links, money clips, and more.

Here are a few samples I've created using some manly themes.  The anchors are digital images copied several times and printed onto natural cardstock.  Once the anchor sheet is printed, it's run through the printer once again for transferring the tie template.

The template includes two sizes, the largest being 7 1/2" long and the mini measuring approximately 5 1/4" long.    This new Tie Box template is available as an instant download for $3.99 until June 13th, afterwhich it will return to a regular price of $4.99.

Check out the samples I made below:

A Vintage brad used as a tie tack.

Now, I'm off to work on some more holiday themed tie boxes.  Be back soon to share more.  Thanks for looking.

Dainty Baby Booties

A sneak peek of a new exclusive template in the June issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler "Hey Diddle Diddle". These little darlings measure just 1" x 2". Tuck a bit of fabric inside for a pincusion or fill them with goodies for baby shower prizes.  The template was designed to fit inside a standared embossing folder allowing for addition of texture.

Hey Diddle Diddle

Eight more days till the release of the June 2011 Paper Crafters Sampler! This month's issue celebrates those little bundles of joy.  Take a peek of what's inside of "Hey Diddle Diddle".