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.

Thanks Martha!

 Like every day that I get a new magazine I was thrilled to see I had a delivery (I'm a junkie, I have like 10 subscriptions!)! I ran home from my mailbox, Martha Stewart Living in hand (april 2009), and completely devoured it!  I mean 2-3 times! Anyway, they have a fabulous article on decoupaging eggs using napkin prints (p.54). Well this IMMEDIATELY got my mind thinking and this is what turned out!

I used the stamps set Darling Damask and standard gift tissue paper!

Firstly, remember yesterday when I posted saying I use foam for packign electronics as my cushion? Well here is a little picture of what it looks like. We are considering adding a piece of this into every stamp set we sell, what do you think?

Now I must say, be sure to put a layer of scrap paper under the tissue paper you are stamping because it will bleed through a bit, wouldn't want to ruin your kitchen table!!

 

 I also want to let you know to use a waterproof ink such as palette (which I used) or Staz-on. 

 

Once you've stamped the damask pattern repeatedly onto the tissue, trim around all of the images you wish to use... no need to be exact although if you want to dye them after you may want to get as close as possible (the dye only adheres to the egg part, not the tissue part). 

Now take your Mod Podge and a paintbrush and decoupage your tissue onto your eggs, making sure not to get the tissue too saturated as then it will come off if you accidently touch it. If you have the time (and patience! Which I don't!) decorate the bottom half, and then the top half, letting the egg dry in between sitting in an egg cup or ring.

Here are three finished eggs, one I tried to dye after  I had mod podged it to see what would happen.

 

 

I then added them into our cute little Jute tote to make a little easter display!

This could be dangerous! I think I will be decoupaging everything in sight!!! I love how these turned out!!

Thanks for looking! I will be away for the weekend on a scrapbooking retreat!! I KNOW, it's about time!!! so I will post again on Monday!! Cheers!

~D

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

 

Faux scallop background tutorial

HI folks! I found a moment to sneak on tonight to post a tutorial! I haven't posted any tutorials for a while so I thought now would be  a good time! The tutorial I'm showing tonight is one which I've used a lot and I find it adds double duty to all of my circle stamps! Next time you see a circle stamp you'll also see a background!!!

SO, I am using the dashed circle from the Pampered Package stamp set.  The first thing you want to do is place a piece of scrap paper under your main card you are working on. I like to line up the two right hand (I'm right handed) edges so that they are parallel and so that the edge of my acrylic block lines up with the edge of the scrap paper and my circle image will be exactly stamped half way onto my good cardstock and my scrap.  Did that make sense?  Basically, I use the edge of my scrap paper as a guide so I know where half of my circle is the whole way up the page to keep my row consistent.

After you have your first row of half circles, stamp two of your circles onto the edge of a post it or other scrap paper, just as you did on your good cardstock. Trim out the top two "humps" of your circles... this is your mask.

Now this first circle of the next row is the most important because it sets the pace for the rest of the card. line up your mask on the first two circles of your first row and cover them with your mask. Now stamp the circle in the centre of the two circles on your mask. Pick up your mask and move it to the remaining circles in the row repeating the stamping and masking.

You will find that after you have stamped the first circle onto the mask you can follow each one after by just stamping on the same spot on the mask every time which will keep your scallop size consistent.

Here's what your finished background should look like!  What a great way to get double use out of a simple circle!!  I've tried this technique with the scalloped circle from the Elegant Edges set and it turned out just adorable... perhaps I will post a picture of it another day! 

Anyway, here is my finished card, the other stamp set used here is Bold Blossoms. All of the cardstock is from SU! and the buttons are just from my stash!  Thanks for popping by, sorry I have been so scarce this past week!

~D

Eggshell Mosaic Shadowbox

The day is here, yes this is my eggshell mosaic tutorial... it's been a bit since I've posted a thorough tutorial so I plan to make up for it today. So, for the past few days I've been mentioning saving your eggshells from breakfast. This project works best with eggshells which have been cracked open rather than say a hard boiled egg dyed, although you can definitely use these.

 

First take about one cup of boiling water and add in one capful of white vinegar. Add your food coloring drops into the water and stir. I like to mix colors for this step because as you will find out the inside of the eggshells usually take the brighter color and the outer shells usually take the darker. Also, the inside of the shells have that membrane on them that adds a sort of pearlescent sheen to the finished product. Here are a few color combinations I've played with:

-Orange - 3 drops red, 6 drops yellow

-Aqua-as in my example- 6drops green, 5 drops blue

- Brown (this turns out with brown on the inside, and a lovely dark rose color on the outside shell) 6drops red, 6 drops yellow, 4 drops blue

Set these on a paper towel to dry thorougly.

Once dry, crush into medium sized pieces.. you'll get the feel for what you like right away.

 

 

Next take your gluing medium, I like Mod Podge, but white glue will work just fine as well. I used a foam brush because I like the control of it, but this is really personal preference.

I used a white shadowbox frame but you could use any wooden frame, I also bet this would be a wonderful technique to apply to glass objects like vases or mirrors!!!

Put down a layer of glue and then pick out a few pieces of shell that fit nicely together and lay them down to create the mosaic pattern alternating inside of shell color and outside. Also a quick tip, if you take a larger piece of shell and place it down and apply light pressure the shell will crack into a natural mosaic pattern and you can separate the pieces if you choose.

work section by section until you've covered the entire piece. Set aside and let dry overnight. Apply a sealing coat of medium the next day. Allow to dry another day.

Here is a look at the frame up close once dry.

 

 

 

I now took the stamp set

Benevolent Butterflies and stamped them onto a piece of white cardstock. I then trimmed them out and covered them with glitter. I took one of our Scrapbooking Scrolls ("soaring" in Turquoise) and layered it in with the butterflies. I added a picture of my boys and voila! 

 

 

 I think I may add a rub on sentiment on the outer glass but I have to think on it a bit.

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial, I would LOVE to see what you've created with it! Have a great day!!!

"Season's Greetings"

More gift ideas coming your way!!!  I promise I will showcase some holiday cards in the coming days as well because I know we are running out of time to get them made and sent!!!

So today I thought I'd play on a pun. Those who know me know that I LOVE puns and so this next gift idea is right up my alley! Maybe a bit cheesy but I love it! 

 I'm all about giving impressive gifts for low cost, also it never hurts to have "a little something" for hostess gifts or drop-ins during this busy season.  Okay so here we go.

First I took two sheets of cardstock. I then took the dashed circle stamp from our Pampered Package set and created a pattern.(Click to enlarge any photo)

I then took the largest solid snowflake stamp from the Snowflake Season set and filled in the circles. Don't stress if the pattern isn't exactly consistent. This is what lends a bit of homemade charm to your package!

Also, you may have noticed that I am stamping directly on the back of my Scor-Mat, I love this because if I go off the edge of the cardstock then all I have to do is wipe it clean. Even Staz-on ink comes off with a little nail polish remover!

 

 

 

 

I then turned my cardstock over  and oriented it on the upper right hand corner of my Scor-pal and scored at the 10" and the 5" mark.  I then turned it counter clockwise into the horizontal position and scored at 10" and at 4 1/2" and 2". Burnish all of the folds.

 

Repeat on second piece of cardstock on the back side. You will notice that the main box is off centre, this isn't a problem because you will not see this once it has been completed, provided you scored on the BACK of both of your pieces.

 

With the WIDER margin on the right hand side of your cardstock, carefully cut out the 4 rectangles at the top...two on each side on both of your pieces of Carstock. You should now have the 1 inch score marked section at the top. 

 

 

Also cut out the small corner rectangles on the BOTTOM on ONE piece of cardstock, just cut to the fold on the other from the bottom up to make tabs.

 

 

Now Take your Coluzzle or craft knife and cut a window in the middle of one of the pieces of cardstock. I used the 4th track in on my rectangle template (Keep the discarded portion, this will be a great piece for a matching gift card!). On the back side, adhere a piece of acetate over the opening to create a window.

 

 

Use Scor-tapeor glue the large bottom flabs together first, then the small tabs on the inside. The sides should now have a narrow and a wide on each side... assemble this so that the larger flaps are on the OUTSIDE of the box.

This cute little box holds 4 of our 4 oz clear top tins! Here's where the pun comes in.... wait for it!! :)

 

 

I filled each of the tins with a separate seasoning mixture, Creole, Southwest, Taco, and Dry Ranch Dressing mix. Really, you could simply choose four of your favorite seasonings (use your imagination here!! Just think of the possibilities of this little box... homemade popcorn seasonings, bath salts, candies...all occasions really!).

I got these recipes from the "insider's Recipes Masters Edition" from E-cookbooks.net. This is an AMAZING cookbook with a TON of copycat recipes. 

Slide all of your tins in and fold over the top to the back of the package.

Punch two holes through all of the pieces of cs with your Crop-o-dile... I suggest using your measuring guards for this to regulate the depth.

 

 

I then took the largest double ended tag die and ran it through my Cuttlebug. I then stamped on the Words "Season's Greetings"!!!  Are you seeing my pun now? hahah

I then threaded some white grosgrain ribbon through the top of the box bag and back through the holes to secure it.  A great gift which can be modified for any occasion!!!

 

I tucked the little matching card in under the ties to show the options (remember, this little card is the what would be discarded portion of your cardstock where you cut out the window!)

**Another noteworthy tidbit...  these tins all stick to the magnetic Knife holder which IKEA sells for about $12.99. You could probably hold about 8 tins along the holder. Great for a housewarming gift! 

 I store all of my loose eylets and buttons on one of these above my workshop table.

If you complete this project please send me a link to see what you've done by posting in the comments section! I'd LOVE to see everyone's take on this project!! 

Recipe:

Stamps: Snowflake Season(RBD)- snowflake image and sentiment,  Pampered Packaged(RBD)- dashed circle

Ink: White Pigment ink SU

4 4 oz round clear top tins- RBD

brads, White wide grosgrain Ribbon (RBD), acetate, Riding Hood Red CS- SU!

Nestabilities Dies

So I thought I'd show a little step-by-step on using the Nestabilities dies for die cutting/embossing.

Here is the stacking "sandwich" so-to-speak for die cutting. Notice they are all solid plates and no tan polymer mat, that is for embossing. I am demonstrating this on my Cuttlebug as this is the only machine which I have (and LOVE). If you have similar questions on other die cutting machines I may be able to help but I have only actually used my Cuttlebug.

So to begin you stack your plates (from the bottom up) A,B, Spellbinder's Die raised edge up, cardstock or material, Cplate.

Run this through your machine and you'll end up with a die cut shape. This is where you decide if you'd like to emboss or just keep the oval die cut shape.  For this tutorial, I've decided to emboss.  So we now make a new sandwich. From the bottom up:  A plate, B plate, Spellbinder die WITH die cut still in place, your cardstock to be embossed, and then three sheets of cardstock (you may only need two if you are using quite heavy cardstock, trust me... I broke a B plate in half testing this theory!) Second B plate, and Tan polymer mat. 
The great thing about these dies is that before where you were limited by the reach of the punch or embossing folder you are now able to place the die on any area of your project without being limited to the outer edges!!  

It helps if you keep three pieces of pre-cut cardstock with your tan polymer mat to pull out in a hurry.






       Here is a closer look at the finished stack.

Here are the beautiful results of my now embossed card front!! Of course you are still left with a beautifully die cut and ebossed oval as well!! I made a stack of 10 of these cards to keep on hand and it only took me less than 15 minutes to make them all.

Here is a close up of the detail of the embossing.  As you can see I ran through the smaller oval in white as well as the small scalloped oval which matches in awesome aqua.

I think the embossed oval gives an added touch of elegance.

I used the largest butterfly image from the set Benevolent Butterflies and used the rock and roll technique to get the variation in color. I used haystack and landscape in Palette ink.  I then added the little extra detail beside the oval using one of the curls from Elegant Edges. You may also have noticed the butterfly's curly antennae! This is also another of the curls from the elegant edges set.  I added some glitter for sparkle and some rhinestones and ribbon for a little bling!  I chose to leave this card without a sentiment so that I can pull it out for any occasion which arises and stamp whichever sentiment I need at the time. I find this particularly helpful when I am short on time and in a rush!

Here is the final card! The ribbon is our Hint of Lime taffeta edge satin ribbon.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to post in the comments section and I will answer them ASAP!!   I'll also post a compatability chart (compiled by Nichole Heady) for other die systems below in case you have a system other than the Cuttlebug.

 

---> Big Shot by Ellison Design™
Capabilities
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Style Die™.

How-To
To use a Spellbinders Die in the Big Shot:
1. Layer an acrylic mat onto the thick white pad.
2. Place either two Sizzix® Adapters™ or one Spellbinders White Spacer Plate onto the acrylic mat.
3. Place Spellbinders die on the Spacer Plate, blade side up.
4. Place paper over die.
5. Place another acrylic mat over paper. Roll through the Big Shot.
6. To emboss the die, remove the Spacer Plate.
7. Place Tan Emboss Pad over paper, put acrylic mat on top again and roll through Big Shot again.


---> Big Kick™

Capabilities
With the Big Kick, you can both cut and emboss Spellbinders Embossing Dies.

How-To
From the bottom up, to cut:
1. Universal platform (thick white mat from sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spacer plate from Spellbinders
4. Spellbinders Style Die (cutting side up) that would mean the side with the ridges
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

Second Step- to Emboss (from bottom up) :
1. Universal Platform (thick white mat from sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders Style die with paper still inside the die
4. Two pieces of tan Spellbinders Polymer
5. Clear acrylic cutting mat


---> Cuttlebug™

Capabilities
With the Cuttlebug, you can both cut and emboss Spellbinders Embossing Dies. Results are beautiful (see a photo tutorial above)

How-To
Cutting Sandwich - (Stack from bottom up)
1. A plate
2. C plate
3. Spellbinders die face up (rough side up)
4. Paper or cardstock
5. B plate

Run through Cuttlebug machine.

Embossing Spellbinders Dies in the Cuttlebug- (Stack from bottom up)
1. A plate
2. B plate
3. Die face up (with die cut still in die)
4. 3 pieces of cardstock
5. 1 Spellbinders tan polymer mat
6. 2nd B plate

Run through Cuttlebug machine