Boxing Die Cuts

A tutorial for making a box from die cut shapes and templates.  Enjoy "Boxing Die Cuts".

Sweetly Dispensed

Just four more days till the Early Bird special ends for the 2012 Paper Crafters Sampler.

Here's a specialty template offered in the first issue "Expression of Affection".  While the January issues isn't officially released until the 10th each month, you can pre-order the template now and start working on your very own Sweets Dispenser.

Be sure to check out the main PCS website to see our newest design team members and their blogs for a sneak peek of what they've created for the upcoming January issue, "Expression of Affection".

*** For those of you pre-ordering the January issue now to start on your Sweetly Dispensed container, be sure to save your download link.  You'll use the same link on the 10th to access the entire "Expression of Affection" Sampler. ***

 

$12.99  Sweetly Dispensed M&M container:

• Cut and score the Sweetly Dispensed container according t to o directions. Assemble the bottom to the back of the body.
• Trace the front flap onto the back of the Enchanted DSP (from the 2012 SAB). Using a ruler, measure 1/4" on the insides and top of the DSP (not the bottom). Cut down your card stock to these 1/4" marks. Use your Adorning Accents Emb. Folder on the base of the Enchanted DSP. Trim along the embossed area, removing the DSP extending past the edge.
• Emboss the base of the red flap with the Adorning Accents Emb. Folder and trim off the bottom along the raised edge.
• Attach the DSP to the top of the red flap. Score again along the guidelines on the top flap. Crease the folds well. Bend so they roll around, allowing the flap to hang over the dowel.
• Emboss a piece of Vanilla card stock using the .... embossing folder. Trim around window.
• Cut down a piece of Soft Suede cardstock to fit inside the window of the Vanilla. Roughen edges with Cutter Tool. Stamp the Doily image from Kindness Matters on two opposite sides of the Suede square. Attach to inside of Vanilla window.
• Stamp text from the P.S. I Love you set onto Vanilla cardstock. Remove text with Window punch and layer to top of Modern Label red card stock punch. Attach brads to side and use glue dots or dimensionals to attach to front of Suede Square.
• Create a Suede scallop circle and Vanilla Doily circle. Punch holes in center of each and attach to top sides of box.
• Stamp butterfly from Kindness Matters onto Vanilla card stock with Suede ink. Cut out. Enhance by adding additional lines with red Stampin' Write.
• Create butterflies with embosslit and attach to box. Attach Kindness Matters butterfly to top of embosslit butterlfy.
• Cut a stripe of DSP 1" x 12". Attach to base of box, trim off excess.
• Attach flap to box.

The Folded Heart

I'm getting ready to share some paper origami hearts I created last weekend.  What I'm not going to share is the amount of time I spent on the internet looking for the 'how to's".  Really, time is valuable and if I weren't so anal to find the PERFECT instructions I would have been done in an hour (2 at the max).

The idea surfaced back during January when I took my daugther and her friend to get their nails done.  There a beautiful folded heart on the wall behind the register.  It was all I could do not to ask, "Do you mind taking that off your wall so I can see how it is made?".  It was this version but with white paper:

Two months later I decided to hunker down and find the pattern.  One thing led to the next and then began my obsessions of folding paper Valentines.  Here's another:

There are two different kinds shown above.  One has this expanding fold-out layer on top, the other is just a fold over, nothing fancy. There's something relaxing about making them.  You can cut 100's of sheets of paper in advance and just make hearts while waiting at the Dr.'s office, in carpool or for your chicken to cook (OK..maybe not that).

What you aren't seeing are the miniatures I created.  I've cut up strips of pink post-it notes at the office and created tiny hearts while waiting for programs to run.  I've even started creating hearts from the gold foil covering the Hersey nuggets at my desk.

The good thing about creating hearts is being able to use them all year round, not just for Valentine's Day.  That's what I'm saying to myself to justify the hours (DAY) I spent researching the BEST template evuh!

Want to try these for yourself, you can find directions here THREE WISDOMS.COM 

If you want to try the other kind, check out this link for ORIGAMI HEART. Of course, if you do a search for Origami heart you'll find LOTS of varieties, just try not to get hung up on those little beauties like I did.

Valentine Card Submissions

I posted these Valentine cards way back in September for a magazine submission.  Now that it's officially February, I thought it might help spark some creative juices for everyone.

"Sally's wearing a red dress, red dress, red dress.  Sally's wearing a red (with polka dots) all day long."

...add a few poppy dots with your poppy marker to add extra character to the designer paper...

...and my FAVORTIE...

Life is Beautiful

A few scraps of flocked designer paper in my stash of scraps from last year.   It was from a Christmas series.  Thinking it would make a lovely background for a Valentine's card, I decided to incorporate it in my current project.

The white was a bit stark for me, so I pulled a brayer and my Soft Suede dye pad and started inking over the white flocking. 

Followed up with a peice of Neturals designer paper, Coffee Crumb ink and an image of a flourish.

Still working on that soft, vintage feel by using the brayer over the lace.

Stamped the flourish once again on this Presto Patterns image I downloaded SU!'s digital software line.

The final product.  What do you think?  Didn't turn out so much like a Valentine but could pass if the text read something a bit different.

...and a close-up

Sally's Valentine Dress

Why Sally?  She reminds me of the little sister from the Dick and Jane books.

This is another card for my Valentine (Poppy) series submitted to a publication.  This little image is from the Greeting Card Kids set.

The main image stops just below the top polka-dot dress.  I only added the extra layers for fun.  The red layer (Poppy) is distressed cardstock that was split in two (seperating layers). 

Each of the hearts were punch and covered with dimensional glaze for a glossy look.

Hearts on a String

Well, I've been away, AGAIN.  Let me explain:

Christmas Eve I picked up my 5 yo son at 3am to reposition him in the bed because as a mother I didn't think he looked comfotable the way he was (hanging slightly off the bed).

As I proceeded to lift 50lbs of dead weight I heard a series of noises that sounded like bubble wrap popping and spaghetti breaking in half.  Woke up with a sore back, which progressed the following week to a "OMG I can't walk". 

After two weeks of severe pain I opted for back surgery, something I never thought I'd ever do; especially after only having back pain for two weeks.  The rule of thumb for back pain is: go on meds, get shots, if that doesn't work find some other meds and more shots.  Do this for at least several months. 

I'd like to state for the record, if any man asks you what child birth feels like....tell him "very similar to a ruputured a disc".  It is in fact, if not almost identical as contractions.  Only difference is, labor last for A day, this pain goes on FOREVER.

In the O.R. and out again I feel as good as new.   The only orders I have are to take it easy. 

Dat's da scoop.  Seems I should have mentioned it earlier and I wouldn't have members fleeing from the inspiration hot spot.  Sadly, sitting only intensified my pain, so I was spending limited time on the electronic beast myself.  

Time to get back on track.  Let's start with something fun.  If there's one thing about having to lay low, it's being able to knock out some of those paper crafting ideas I've been piling up.  Here's my latest.  I'll let you take a looksie at the images, leaving the supply list for last.

 

Look at those sorry brown dash-dots on the scallop edge.  To much coffee if ya ask me!

 

Wanna make one of these for yourself?  Here's what you need.  Before I list supplies, I want you to look at your rubberstamps and try to incorporate what you have.  I've combined several stamp sets to make this and that's simply because I had them on hand.  Don't feel that you need to purchase every item I've used here to create this.  Make it your own.  Use what you have on hand.  If you don't have the Hearts to Heart punch, then use paper hearts instead.  Learning how to substitute pieces to projects will only extend the use of products you have on hand (and you'll thank me for it later).

Supplies: (and this is rough draft only)

• Petal Card Bigz (this is for the main card...THIS ya need)
• Sending Love designer series paper (Occasions Mini)
• Scalloped heart of hearts (Occasions Mini)
• Small heart punch (Occasions Mini)
• Heart to Heart punch
• Boho punch
• Scallop edge punch
• buttons
• Birds and Blooms sizzlit
• Simply Said Stamp set
• Best Wishes and More stamp set
• Be  Mine stamp set
• Scallop border punch (from SAB mini)
• Paper piercer
• Pink and Chocolate marker
• Cotton string (it hangs more freely than linen and hemp).  I used DMC floss for the chocolat hearts.
• Modern label punch
• Large Heart punch

That's about the gist of it.  The first step is adhering your large Petal Card hearts together.  Cut off two of the flaps from the petal card and it makes the heart.  You'll need to cut four of these and make hearts from them.  Attach the right side of one heart to the left side of another heart, and continue until all four are connected.  Punch a hole in the top and that's were you'll add your string for hanging. 

Tie a knot between each embellishment you add to the top of the string; this will prevent the items from falling on top of each other; keeping them seperated.

Be creative when designing the inside of the four hearts.  Add more words, more hearts, whatever you like.  Use my images to help guide you.   Any questions, just email!

Stampin' Smiles.

Melanie

Sweet Heart Confection Bundle

I've created a special Sweet heart Confection Bundle for those who would like to try your hand at creating my felt fabric hearts. The bundle includes enough precut fabric pieces to create 10 of the small pink and chocolate hearts, with additional fabric to create two stuffed hearts (one chocolate and one red).  Here's a breakdown of what's included:

• 10 precut pink fleece hearts
• 10 precut chocolate felt hearts
• 2 precut chocolate jumbo hearts
• 2 precut red jumbo hearts
• Cotton thread
• 24" 5/8" Melon Mambo grosgrain ribbon
• 24" 5/8" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon
• 12" 1/4" pink grosgrain ribbon
• 24" Pink and Chocolate DMC floss

Not included:

• Polyfil
• Sweet Pea Stitched Felt (SU!) #117266
• Flower Fusion (SU!) #110720

The Sweet Heart Confection Bundle is available for: $8.00 (includes S&H)

The bundle can be yours FREE with the purchased of the Sweet Pea Stitched felt, Flower Fusion and Multi-purpose adhesive available on the website:  melaniestamps.stampinup.net.  Once I receive confirmation of your order, I will pack up your sweet bundle and send it on it's way.

Keep in mind while ordering that  Sale-a-baration is currently under way.  With every $50 purchase you receive a free item from the "Sale-a-bration" mini brochure. 

If you'd like the bundle only, you may select the Buy Now link below to make your purchase. Please allow 24 hours for processing.

Bonne Saint Valentin

Title translation: "Happy Valentines Day". Here's something I put together last night for the kids teachers for a Valentine Gift. I've added rub-ons to some wine glasses my neighbor gave me MONTHS ago. I was going to give them away, but I came up with this idea to put them to use.

These rub-ons are from the Eastern Elegance pack from Stampin' Up! It was my first pack of rub-ons purchased ever. They're really quite simple to use. Just cut out the image you'd like, peel the back off, stick it to your item and rub with a bone folder. Walla!

Those black borders are my attempt to add a little more jazz to the image since I didn't take the time to add photo props.

Happy Valentines Day. XOXOXOXO

Very Merry Valentines

Here's a special Mosaic I made to honor upcoming Valentine's day. So many great artist on Flickr, it was hard to stop adding images.