A Moment in Time

Spider Eggs!

Here's another cute idea to dress up your typical Halloween candy.  One of the great things about our glass test tubes is just that! They're glass! What's so great about that? Well, firstly it means that you can heat emboss on them!!  Although I will caution you now they get HOT when you do this!!!! Make sure to have handy some sort of utensil to hold the tube while you heat it (I use a long handled wooden spoon).  Another must have for this project is an embossing buddy or static cling sheet such as Bounce to prepare the test tube before embossing. Glass is has a lot of static to it and if you don't eliminate it before hand you'll regret it later!

Firstly, prepare your tube with your embossing buddy or static cling dryer sheet. Next, carefully ink your image, I like pigment ink for test tubes and glass. Now here's the tricky part; place your test tube on your table surface and sort of "roll" it while you stamp your image onto it. This can take a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it it's fairly simple. The good news is... if you have trouble here, just take a moist paper towel or rag and wipe the tube clean and start over! I used the spider and Happy Halloween sentiment from RBD's Happy Halloween set.

Next, cover your image with embossing powder. Here's where you'll see how successful you were in removing the static! 

Now, insert your tool (my wooden spoon) into the tube and hold vertically. Heat emboss, being careful not to touch the glass!!!  Also, it does need a bit of cooling time before it is handled or filled with candy (it'll melt!!) I also punched out a matching circle with my 3/4" punch to add a little something to the corks.

Voila!!! There you go! A quick and super cute idea.

Wooden box gift bag

 
Good snowy afternoon to you. I can't believe this weather! Last week I was sweltering in flip-flops and tank tops and considering the lake, and today I wake up to mother nature's sense of humor and a blanket of thick snow. WOW, makes me feel like I'm already behind on my Christmas shopping!

So we are officially up and running at RBD once again and if you've stopped by the site you'll se we are offering a coupon for 20% off your entire order for being such patient customers! Many other markdowns throughout the store as well so go have a look!

This little wooden gift bag is a little something I created this morning using the vine from Blossom & Wilt and the other images from the Happy Halloween set. I stamped three of the pumpkin image and then cut and layered them to give the 3D effect. I tried to take the picture from the side to get the effect but it may be a bit tough to see.

I'll be back early next week with more projects for the season!

I will be finalizing all of the monogram winners' proofs this weekend to send off  for production so if you are a winner and have been wondering when I'll get back to you, you can expect me soon!

Keep warm!

.....drumroll please!

BACK AGAIN!!!!  Talk about when it rains it pours eh? (that little "eh" was added just for my American friends! Maybe I do say it more than I think! haha) Don't miss all the happenings today, there are multiple posts so be sure to scroll!!! 

OKAY!!! SO the winners for the monogram stamp draw are........   ALL OF YOU WHO COMMENTED!!!  There were a total of 7 entries, and really I couldn't just pick 6 people now could I!? That is just so not me. SO....

all who commented on THIS post please get in touch with me via email at info@renaissancebydesign.com, please type "Monogram giveaway" in the subject line. Please be sure to reference which number comment you were.

Please include:

• Your choice of monogram design and the size you would like (this offer is good for up to the 3" size).See a list of designs on the RBD website, if you do not see one you like but have something in mind, please describe it or attach a picture.

• Your choice of format for your monogram. ie. clear stamp, or digital printing file

• Your initials and/or the names and dates required on the stamp... be sure to check spelling!!!

I will then respond to your email and attach a proof for your acceptance and review (please allow a few days time for this). If you do not like the sample shown, please let me know and we will make sure you love it!

Once I recieve all of the winners' confirmations I will respond with a turnaround time for delivery. Please keep in mind, if you have won, there will be other contestants who are relying on you to be prompt in responding.

I will include any further details in my communications with you.

CONGRATULATIONS winners!!!  I hope you love them as much as I do!!!

Cheers! 

~Devon

Please note: the monograms which appear in the grey as well as the black are actually a two-step stamp (two stamps, one for black ink, one for the grey)

September Release!

Hello hello!  Here I am to unveil the newest set from RBD Happy Halloween. I wanted to design something which could be used both by the scrapbooker and the gift or treat giver. Since I haven't been able to play with this set myself (see previous post about the chaos while I move!) both Tina and Deb have done a beautiful job in using this new set.

Here are a few projects created by our talented guest designer, Deb. Please visit her blog and tell her what a fabulous job she's done! Don't you just LOVE how she incorporated our scrolls into her designs? Fabulous job Deb!

For all of you interested in purchasing this set, the shopping cart access will be restored on September 15th! Don't forget to order all of your bags and tins and alterables for those special goblins this year! Remember, if you spend over $50 CDN you receive FREE shipping within Canada and the US!

Okay! Back to unpacking! I can't wait to ink this set up and post some ideas for this one!!!

A few more ideas

Just thought I'd pop on and show you a few things from the design team.

First is a cute little emergency list by Tina using the new Listed set. Check out her blog and let her know that you love it! There is added versatility in this project because she has added a magnet from her junk mail onto the back to stick to her fridge if she didn't want to keep it on the counter... great idea.

Secondly, another fabulous project using the listed set made by Amber. This cute little purse buddy is just the thing for on-the-go organization.

Click on the picture to see the entire book. It is cleverly designed with sectioned dividers and perforated pages!! Another great idea to use up some coasters.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! It seems spring has finally sprung around here and so we got a bit of spring cleaning taken care of this weekend.  I can't wait to get my garden going! I will drop by later in the week and show you a few more things for inspiration!

~D

Introducing..... Listed

***********Second post today so make sure you SCROLL DOWN!************

Hello everyone! Happy April Fool's Day! I was lucky, I only almost fell for something but I caught myself!

For some reason we are having some technical difficulties with the store today but I am told the host is working on fixing the problems.. please be patient!

Here is the second part of today's release from RBD, the new set Listed. I think this will become a staple in my collection because I am a compulsive list maker and post-it writer.

I created this little purse pal today using crafty board (in the RBD store).

I used the Bold Blossoms set to create the subtle flower pattern on the outside cover of my case.

I then took the lines stamp from the Listed set and created my own little notepad. I used the Shopping List heading because that is mostly what I will be using this for. Of course you could change this to any other requirement that you would have!

Don't you just LOVE how easy it is to make beautiful lists!

I then repeated the pattern on a long envelope (from SU!) and used the "Coupons" stamp on the flap.

I adhered this to the other inside flap to hold all of my various coupons that I carry when running my errands.

I of course had to add a pen handy and punched a hole (do this before covering with paper) to tie a ribbon through to hold my pen in place. I think this looked prettier than having a pocket. An elastic loop would've also done the job nicely.

Here is a close up of the inside view. Click to enlarge

I think I am going to try my hand at a wedding planner version of this later which lays out the guest list, table seating planner etc.

This set has so many possibilities that I can't wait to try!

Thanks for stopping by today, I've got a few more posts lined up to show a few things the design team has created using the new sets from April!

Cheers!

Introducing...... Coffee and Tea!

WOW, can  you believe it is APRIL!! You wouldn't know it by looking around here though! We got another dump of snow, the only bright side I can see to this is that I can delay my spring cleaning a little bit longer.

Since it is April first I suppose that means I should reveal some Stamp sets!!!  You may have caught the teaser on Keri Lee's blog for this first set I am revealing, Coffee and Tea.  I am in love with the thousands of options this set has to offer.  It is divided into two for coffee lovers and tea lovers. Then, to make this set even MORE versatile, there is an add-on set which extends it even further by adding a cocoa sentiment and marshmallows!!

For my first project I made this sweet little tea gift set. I found that cute little white teapot for $1 at the local dollar store!! It's perfect for two cups of tea.

I also found that cute little tea infuser at IKEA for a steal of a deal to complete the set.

Click on the photos for a closer look.

 

For the tea, I purchased loose tea in bulk and put them into our square french glass bottles and labeled them with my rectangle nestability dies. I modified a template I had to fit 2 bottles perfectly. Just print out this template on the wrong side of your cardstock and assemble! I lined it with the gorgeos vellum from SU!.

Download Square bottle caddy box 

If you like the little curly accents under the main focal point and on the cardfront and tops of the jar labels you may* want to keep an eye out for the May stamp set release *hint hint*

I acheived that variation in the color on the tiny cups by stamping the image in the lighter blue color first and then sponging on some cocoa colored ink onto the edges. I also put them inside the scribble circle from the pampered package set and punched them out and put them on the caps of the bottles.

I used the "Enjoy" sentiment from RBD's Pampered Package set as well.

To make this teapot (don't you just LOVE that teapot!?) I simply used the same technique on the teapot as I did for the cup image above. Stamping it in the lighter color first and then sponging the darker color around the edges. I pierced a few little designs in the corners for some interest and used the secret stamp as a border behind the focal image (that stamp is from a set to be released in May).

I tied one of my favorite types of bows here, it's a little tricky to get the hang of it at first but basically, what you do is when you are looping your ribbon around your rabbit ear instead of going around clockwise, go around counter-clockwise and you'll end up with one loop on top and the other loop and two "tails" on the bottom. It takes a bit of practice but once you get it you've got it for life! hahah I love how it makes the bottom of the bow a bit heavier allowing me to stick in two pearl pins for balance on top.  

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!!

I will have a few more posts in the next little bit using this set to show you some other ideas to put it to good use!!

Accordian file box tutorial

Hello all! This is a continuation to Friday's post and a lot of the techniques used in this tutorial are the exact same as that post, so if you don't understand something, check that post because I went into far more detail than I will be here.

What you need to make this matching file box:

-Chipboard sheets 2 which are 5"x7" and three which are 7"x2"

- two pieces of Cardstock 8"x5"  for accordian sides

- cardstock and designer paper to cover both sides of cardstock pieces, scraps to decorate, embellishments

You will need a 12"x7" piece to cover the bottom and back (one for inside one for out) and  5"x7" pieces for the lid (inside and out) which will leave you with a bit of overhang to cover the back seam nicely. Of course you can use whatever you'd like!

-Darling Damask stamp set

-Scor-pal, scor-tape or adhesive, paper trimmer, paper piercer, binding or hockey tape

-clasp and brads to fasten

Begin by laying out your chipboard pieces as shown in the picture. Tape all of the seams together on both sides with binding or hockey tape. I like to leave a small space between pieces to ensure they are easy to position into a box form later. the single 2inch section in between the larger pieces is the bottom of your file box.

Cover both sides with designer paper and cardstock as you like.

line up your 8"x5" pieces of cardstock on your scor-pal so that the longest side is across the top. Score at half inch increments along the entire piece. Repeat with other 8"x5" piece.Now fold back and forth in an accordian fold as you did in Friday's tutorial. Now adhere with scor-tape the accordian on either side of the file box ensuring that the folds are running vertically.

Line up your clasp on the front of your box and pierce holes with your paper piercer to allow for the brads to penetrate the chipboard and attach your clasp parts.  THis is what your file should look like.

This box is pretty straight forward, especially after making the accordian file tote . However, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to send me an email!

Wouldn't it be cute to add a "strap" and make this into a purse? Or use the same concept but on a larger scale and turn the accordian tote file into a large file box! Endless possibilities!

Thanks for popping by today! It's my oldest son, Braden's, 5th birthday today! Where does the time go! We celebrated this past weekend so hopefully I can post a few pictures for you to have a look!

Have a SUPER week everyone! I'll try to stop by again this week with some more cards to have a peek at!

I provide my tutorials and templates for free for you to use and create with, but I ask that you please reference me and credit where appropriate! Thank you!

Accordian tote file tutorial

So today I am about to go through a tutorial for a gorgeous tote I created as a gift for a friend of mine who is in the corporate world but who loves to show her funky trendy side. This tote holds A4 sized paper and files very nicely.  Please be warned, I took these photos at night so the lighting is a bit poor in some shots.

What you will need for this project:

-Darling Damask Stamp set

 -3 Chipboard 12x12 sheets which you can purchase through RBD

-binding or hockey tape, Scor-tape or adhesive

-4 sheets 12x12 designer paper or cardstock, 2 12"x2.5" piece of cardstock or Designer paper

-2 12"x9" pieces of cardstock for acordian sides

-12"x9" pieces of cardstock for file divider (one is required more are optional)

-scraps to decorate with, ribbon (optional)

-craft knife, trimmer, Scor-Pal

cut one sheet of 12x12 chipboard into 12" x 2.5" keep the other scrap for Monday's project *wink*

Take the other two sheets of 12x12 chipboard and cut handle holes at the top center of each sheet by cutting one first and then tracing it onto the other one and cutting that one. If you have the Cricut Expression with the deep cutting blade, this would be PERFECT for this job... I do not... so my handles leave a lot to be desired. Perhaps I can validate buying one now?  tee hee.

Then lay the pieces out with the small 12"x2.5" in between, handles facing outwards. Tape these together with binding tape on both sides of the sheets. I used pink hockey tape (what Canadian mom doesn't have hockey tape!?haha) so that you could see it.

Here's a picture of what it looks like closed with both handles at the top. You may want to paint the raw edges of your chipboard that wont get covered with paper, or to cover up your pink hockey tape. he he

Now take your designer paper or cardstock and cover the inside of your tote. I used a separate piece for the center.

Flip your tote over and cover with your cardstock, paper and scraps as you like. I used the Darling Damask set and used the largest image repeatedly on my center panel, alternating rows vertically with the stamp facing upwards and then downwards.

I also added a textured paper (it's actually a piece of a gift bag I had received!) stitched with my machine to appear like a leather or pleather accent.

Now take your two 9"x12" pieces of cardstock and lay them on your Scor-pal so that the longer edge is at the top (sorry I forgot to get a picture of this). Now score at every half inch all the way down the paper. Repeat on second piece.  Now fold your cardstock on the score lines back and forth in an accordian fold.

Now take your divider piece (s) of cardstock 12"x9" and score it along the 12"side at 1/2". apply scor tape to the small flap all the way along. Remove the paper backing and adhere this across the bottom of the tote in the center of the 12"x2.5" section. You've just created your center divider.

Now apply a strip to all four ends of your accordian pieces (the 9 inch sides) and attach to either side of the tote (the pieces with the handles cut out) at the bottom 'L' where the bottom and sides meet.

Now apply more scor-tape along the edges of your file divider... this divider should now fit within two "peaks" of your accordian sides. Remove backings and adhere so that the divider(s) are supported. This helps your sides stay steady as well.

Here is what your file should now look like inside from the top. I've punched holes at the back and front under the handles to thread ribbon through to keep the file closed when not in use. I've added paper inside to demonstrate the size.

I added a co-ordinating tag to the front which can be removed after she recieves it.

Voila! Your finished file! Now wasn't all that work worth these FABULOUS results!?

This could also be done in more masculine colors and textures and given to dad for Father's day! Cut off the handles and make it just an accordian for another variation!

Stay tuned... on Monday I'll post the tutorial for the MATCHING accorian file box!!!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!!!

~D

 

Cherished Thanks

Hello! I'm here today to introduce you to another new set by RBD... yep we've decided to release a bonus set this month!

This new set is called Cherished Thanks and it has three lovely flourish images and 9 word and saying stamps. 

I went and found a bunch of bath gift items in the clearance section at our local drugstore (I think they were clearance because the packages were SURE beaten up) and they ended up costing about $3.  I had already purchased some homemade soaps a while back that I hadn't done anything with yet so I thought this was the perfect solution! I first wrapped the bars in paper stamped lightly with the medium flourish image in celery ink. I added a scalloped detail, some antique white ribbon and a clip and placed them in this gorgeous wooden box which used to be packaging for a product I bought a while ago (I never throw ANYTHING away, ask my husband Kevin!).
 

I stamped the largest flourish image onto the edges of the wooden box in a pattern, but I made sure not to have perfect images because I wanted it to look a bit rustic. 

 

I then created a little gable box and stamped the largest flourish image again in celery on the celery paper. I filled this box with bath fizzers and tied it close with a ribbon.

A quick and simple gift for about $5 and a recycled wooden box. Not bad for about 20 mins work!

Check back on Friday, I'll have the first part of a 2 part tutorial posted, you don't want to miss this one!