Stamp Act

The WHOLE Enchilada!!!

Well, it only took 3 days for me to finish this challenge!  It was a really busy week and now, my kids are officially out for summer break!  You know what that means!!  My UNINTERRUPTED stamping time has been cut down immensely!! LOL!!!  There is a good side to this though ~ I don't have to drive to and from school 4 times a day AND I do get to spend time with my kids!  Remind me of this post in a month or so!!! LOL!!!  Anyway, Monday's technique challenge was to make a card holder with some 3x3 cards and envelopes.  On the thread for this challenge, HERE, there are envelope and box templates that you can use.  I altered my own based on my box HERE.  I basically made it larger and will give you the dimensions in this post!
The note cards were made using Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip cardstock cut 3" wide and 6" long.  I used my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder on the front of each card.  I then added white organdy ribbon and a little green ribbon on the top of the card.  The focal image is a cupcake stamp from Imaginisce and can be found HERE!  I stamped it on Shimmery White cardstock using Chocolate Chip ink and then cut each one out using my Nestie's.  I colored the cupcake holder with my Prismacolor Pencils and for the frosting, I used Elmber's glue and added Martha Stewart white glitter.  The dots around the cupcake, candle and flame were "colored" using Cinnamon, Lime Green, Waterfall and Yellow Stickles HERE!  I matted the cupcakes with either Chocolate Chip or Bashful Blue cardstock which I also cut using the Nestie's.  The scalloped pieces again were cut with the Nestie's  in which is used the front and back of THIS Imaginisce paper.  I matted these on the front using dimensionals.  You can't see the inside of the cards but they were stamped using THIS stamp! 

The box was made using THIS paper (for the lid) and THIS paper for the base.  I did the tag the same way I did the ones on the cards.  I punched a hole and tied it on the top using Natural Hemp.  The ribbon is SU! Chocolate Chip satin with grosgrain edges.  Here are the dimensions of the box and lid ~

Base ~

Cut a piece of cardstock 10" x 10".  Score at 3 5/16" & 6 11/16".  Rotate and score again to make a box.  You can refer to my dino box to see how it is folded.  If you have a Scor-pal, you can score the base this way ~
Score down one side, rotate, score again and do the same 2 more times.  Again, look at my dino box to see how it is cut.  I hold the sides together with Sticky Strip.  The cards and envelopes fit perfectly inside this box.

For the lid, cut a piece of cardstock ~ 6 X 6 and score at 1 1/4" and 4 3/4".  The measurements are easy enough to figure out on any scoring tool!

I then tied my bow and tied the cupcake tag on.  Here is a close up of the box ~
I think I covered everything but if I didn't, please don't hesitate to ask questions! 

Have a great day and I will be back tomorrow!

~Lynda

Cuttlebug and Quad Flap Fold Tutorials.....

Here are the two tutorials I promised!  Remember, you can ALWAYS ask questions so if something isn't clear, please send me an email and I will answer your question the best I can!  I made another card similar to my card from May 12th.   Here is the end result ~

The card base is Whisper White and is 5" square.  The decorative papers are from Melissa Frances and can be found HERE!   The way I did the scallops on the bottom was to first cut the decorative paper with my cheap old scalloped scissors and then cut a piece of Basic Black with the same scissors.  When I adhered them together, I offset them.  The ribbon is light blue satin with grosgrain edges and the black  white polka dot ribbon is May Arts and was in Lindsey's store but it looks like she is currently sold out.  I used my horizontal slot punch and then tied the ribbons on.  Here is how the focal image was done!

Step 1 ~ I used a 3 1/4" square of Whisper White cardstock, stamped my image a little high, not centered so the sentiment can go underneath.

Step 2 ~ Use a 1 1/2" square, line it up ON THE BACK of the focal piece and centered.  I held my stamped piece up to the light and could see the image through, held my template in place on the back and then made pencil marks in each corner.  These are the points you will want to score from.  Here is what it looks like~

Step 3 ~ Use your scoring tool (I used my Scor-pal) and score from pencil mark to pencil mark to make a square.  I then scored another square just outside my first square by using my first square as a guide.  You don't have to do this of course.  Here is a picture of what it will now look like ~

Here is what it will look like on the front when you are done scoring ~

Step 4 ~ Get your Cuttlebug folder (I used Swiss Dots) and start at any point except the bottom.  Here is how I did mine ~

I lined up the bottom dots with the score line and ran it through the CB.  Here is the next side ~

I again lined the bottom dots up with the score line as well as the dots I had already embossed.  When you run this through the CB, it will smash a few of your dots down but don't worry, we'll fix those in the next step!  Here is my next side ~

Here comes the technical part!!!  LOL!!!  If you are fortunate enough to have the dots line up (so far this has not happened for me!) then you are in luck but if you aren't, this is how I did the final embossing ~        

Line up your dots as you would AS IF you were going to run this through the CB but instead of running it through you are going to press the folder together MANUALLY (this means use NO tools, just your hands!! LOL!!!).  Only press where you want the dots to fill in.  You do have to press pretty hard and I am sure you could even lay it down on the table and use the palm of your hand but you don't want to overlap the dots on the right side so be careful of where you are pressing.  This is how it will look when you are done ~

Step 5 ~ Take this piece, turn it over on top of a cushioned mat and then take the small end of your stylus and emboss the polka dots on the back a little deeper to have them show up more.  I also used the stylus to poke the dots out that got flattened.  When you look at my piece closer, you will see that the bottom dots do look different but it isn't too apparent.  Here is a close ~ up of that ~

I will try the table thing next time.  I didn't want to chance screwing this one up since I was taking pictures and knew that doing it by hand definitely worked!  OK, on to my next tutorial!!!

This is very short.  I just wanted to show you how you fold the cardstock for my card from Tuesday ~

You will need 4 pieces of cardstock that measure 5" square.  Score each piece in half at 2 1/2".  This is how the first 2 pieces will be laid out (you will ultimately be making a cross with these 4 pieces) ~

Here is how your third piece should go ~

and here is how your fourth piece should go ~

OK, the way you fold it is to start at the bottom and work your way around ~ like this ~

Your final white fold on the right will be tucked under the purple and your end result will look like this ~

You can check out how I decorated the inside by going HERE! 

Don't forget, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask~!

~Lynda

An Archaic Challenge with Lindsey!!!

Good Morning!
Since tomorrow, Thursday, is the BIG day when Lindsey will announce her new design team members, we decided to do our weekly (well, at least when life doesn't get in the way and interrupt  our stamping schedule!!) challenge today!!!  We used our Basic Grey ~ Archaic Collection.   Can I tell you how cool this paper is!?!?  I am actually working on a couple of scrapbook pages from our trip to the Museum of Natural History in DC way back in 2006!!  My sons second grade class went and now I have my daughters trip (2007) to scrapbook too!! LOL!!  I need to get with it!  Anyway, it is National Scrapbook Day on Saturday so hopefully I can get them done to post sometime this weekend.  Here is my box and gift card holder for todays challenge!

The little gift card holder fits inside the dino box!  I wanted to be really creative and make an Origami Spider out of money but I NOW realize that Origami is not my thing!! LOL!!  I don't think you are doing it right if you have to use glue dots in order to keep the thing together!!!  I gave up on that and just did a little gift card holder because there were no other creative ideas running through my mind....  Here is a picture of the box ~

Before I give you the directions on the box, I have a tip for you!!!  The dino is a sticker from the sticker sheet that is included in the 12x12 Archaic Collection.  When you have a sticker that you don't want to actually stick on something (I wanted to mount him on the box with dimensionals), rub Corn Starch or I have heard that Baby Powder will work too, on the back of the sticker and then there won't be any more sticky!  I did the same thing for the chipboard bones that are on the gift card holder.  OK, now on to the directions....

Base of the box (finished size 3x3) ~

Step 1:   For the bottom of the box, cut a 9x9 square and score at 3" and 6" (after you do it one way, turn your paper 1 time to the right and score at 3" and 6" again to make a box!).

Step 2:  You can start at any end on your scored 9x9 piece of paper/cardstock for this step.  You are going to cut the center square on one end, just down each side of the center square to the scored mark running vertical.  Here is a picture of how it should look ~

Step 3:  Fold your box and put it together!  I used Red Line or Sticky strip tape because I do find that it holds better.  The way I fold my box is for the center flap to be on the inside so it is folded up first and then fold the sides in and I try to fold the sides so the closed, scored, nice end is my front.  This will make sense once you start folding.  If not, let me know!

Step 4:  Decorate!!!  I did put a strip along the bottom of my box which I cut using my Creative Memories Wavy Cutter.  Since the paper was 12" long, I cut my strip and then scored it at 3", 6" and 9".   I used regular adhesive to hold this on but I do notice it isn't sticking that great so I will probably go back and add Sticky strip.

Step 5:  Your lid....  You will need a 5" square for this.  I used the striped pattern from the Archaic ~ 6x6 pack because the patterns are smaller and I thought it would look nicer.  After you cut your 5"x5" square, score this at 1 1/16" (Lindsey and I scored at 1" and the lid is just a little too tight so the tiny extra will make the lid fit perfectly!).  Score 1 time and then rotate your square until all 4 sides are scored. 

Step 6:  After you have scored your lid, you need to cut just one side of the scored square on each end and then fold them in and adhere them (I used Sticky strip) on the inside flap of your lid.   Here is a picture of that ~

Quite professional looking isn't it?!?!? LOL!!  I didn't take pictures while doing the box because I NEVER know if it will turn out right so this is my template!

Step 7:  Decorate!!!  I just freehand (I know, I know, NOT everyone can do it but just try) cut the points to make it look like it had a few bites taken out of it!  Here is a picture of that ~

Now, on to the gift card holder ~

This is SUPER easy!  All you need is a strip of paper/cardstock (I used the orange paper from the Archaic Collection) cut 6" long and 4" wide.  Score this at 2" and 4 1/2".  To keep with the box, I didn't use the Wavy Cutter but just cut one of the waves from the paper freehand (don't be scared, you CAN do this!!! LOL!!).  I just used some adhesive to adhere it to the front flap.  The bones are from the Coordinating Chipboard pack which I rubbed Corn Starch on the back  and then used some Elmer's Glue to glue it on the flap.  Here is a picture of how the inside was done ~

I cut 2 small pieces from a white Velcro dot and adhered them under the bones to keep the flap closed. 

See what I mean, SUPER easy!  I am working on a Mother's Day gift set using this same idea and hopefully will have it done by Friday to show you!  Be sure to go to Lindsey's blog and check out her awesome box and matching card!  She used the Archaic Stamps on hers and they are SO cute!!!  I need to get those stamps!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

~Lynda

A new technique!!!

Happy Easter ~ Again!!!
I hope you all are having a fun Holiday!  We worked around the house and ran some errands.  Of course these things were done AFTER Easter egg hunting this morning!!!

I have a new technique to show you today!  Now, don't get me wrong, this is a new technique to ME!  I am sure many of you have already done this but for those that haven't, it is really easy and fun!  It is along the lines of Polished Stone.  This card is my first try ~

The base of my card is Basic Black.  The next mat is some awesome decorative paper I had bought some time ago by Rusty Pickle.  The image is matted on Basic Black cardstock.  OK, now lets get to the image!  The first thing I did was to stamp the Starving Artistamp Daisy (18.02) on glossy cardstock using my Versamark.  I let this dry and then once the Versamark was dry I layered Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks lightest to darkest.  I started at the bottom of the images and added a few drops of Latte Alcohol Ink & a few drops of Alcohol Blending Solution and then wiped the color on to the glossy cardstock.  Latte was my lightest color and then my next darkest color was Caramel so I added a few drops of this color on to a new cotton ball.  With this color I started wiping about a 1/4 of the way up from the bottom and wiped the ink on the glossy cardstock all the way to the top.  The last color and my darkest is Ginger.  I used another cotton ball and wiped this ink starting around the center and going all the way to the top with this color.  The last step is to use another cotton ball and add some Alcohol Blending Solution to it and wipe from the bottom to the top to blend the colors and make it look more even.  I must say that the cotton ball leaves streaks so you might want to purchase the felt pads that are sold with the inks and blending solutions.  I am going to get some this week because I do think the look would be less streaked using the felt pads. 

OK, the final step is to spray (you want larger drops ~ not a fine mist) Rubbing Alcohol on the image.  Let this sit for a minute and then dab with a tissue.  You can then polish the image piece with a clean piece of felt. 

The sentiment is a Rubon from Basic Grey.  The flower centers are from Prima (they came in a can that had flowers & crystals) and they aren't really shiny but the color was perfect.  I used a glue dot to adhere them. 

Now for how I did my butterflies!!!  I have done this technique before and love the look!  The BEAUTIFUL butterflies are from Starving Artistamps and can be found HERE (small freak p1.6).   I stamped the butterfly (2 times) on a transparency sheet using Black Stazon.  I also stamped the butterfly on the focal image piece using the Black Stazon.  I then cut out the 2 butterflies from the transparency.  Once the butterflies were cut out I turned them over and used Misty Lavender Pearl Ex, a paint brush and Future Floor Wax to color the butterfly.  Once the Pearl Ex & floor wax dried (I did do a couple of coats), I bent up the wings and adhered the butterflies using a glue dot.  That's it!  Here is a close up of the butterflies ~

Don't forget that until the end of the month (3/31), you can get a 10% discount from Starving Artistamps on your entire order by entering code ~ lyndadis at checkout. 

I have another card to show you which I used this technique again but it will have to wait since my daughter is waiting for me to color with her!!!  Be back shortly!!!

~Lynda

Handmade Book Tutorial....

Good Morning!
I have my book tutorial all ready for you and I hope you enjoy it!!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  Before I get started I have to tell you that the actual book and pages were something I learned at a class last year taught by Donna Downey so that is not my idea!  Of course I have added and changed things to make it work better for me as will you!!!

Just so you know what you are making, here is a picture of the finished product!

The decorative papers I used are from the new SU! Summer Picnic line.  Step #1 is to get 2 pieces of 6 1/4" chipboard.  The chipboard I had was too thin so I glued 2 pieces together so it would be more sturdy.  I use just a regular old Tombow glue stick and it has worked great for me!

OK, Step #2 ~ cut the decorative paper you would like for your front and back covers at 7" square.  I used the Cherries for my front cover and just the polka dot Bashful Blue for the back.  Here is a picture showing how I glued the Chipboard on top of the decorative paper as well as the measurements. 

Step #3 ~ now you are going to fold the edges in and glue them down.  I ran my glue stick along the top edge and then glued the top flap down.  I then did the same thing and glued the bottom edge down.  I then did each side and the reason I did it this was was to give the corners a nicer fold.

Step #4 ~ Tape (regular Scotch tape will work) the ribbon you would like to use to tie your book closed.  I used Wide Olive grosgrain.

Step #5 ~ Now you are going to make the spine.  For this book I used a piece of Old Olive cardstock that measured 6 1/4" wide and 11" long.  I scored every 3/4".  I have 5 pockets in my book and I JUST had enough valleys so if you want more pockets, you can use a 12" long piece of cardstock and score closer together.  I scored this wide because I found it easier to add my holes to hold the book together.

Step #6 ~ cut 2 pieces of coordinating cardstock 6" square.  These are for your front and back covers and to cover up the spine and ribbon.  I used my glue stick to adhere these.  Here is a picture ~



























Step #7 ~ Now do the same thing for the back cover.

Step #8 ~ How to fold your pockets!

        Step #8A ~ Fold 12x12 piece of decorative paper in half.  (You will want to use thin              paper as it folds nicer.  Chatterbox is perfect and the SU! paper worked fine.  A few
       edges frayed but not bad!).  Using a bone folder helps!














        Step #8B ~ Unfold and just flip up the bottom right and fold in like this ~














       Step #8C ~ do the same on the left side so your paper now looks like this ~














       Step #8D ~ Now, keep your paper folded as above and flip up the point so it now             looks  like this ~














        Step #8E ~ Be sure to use a bone folder or something to crease the edge on this fold.  Now you are going to fold this in half.  The crease will be from the top of the point to the bottom ~













The right open side of this will got into your spine and the the top of the point will be on the outside, like this ~













Step #9 ~ Fill the above pages just as it shows.  The back 2 flaps per page you will put inside each valley of the spine (1 valley per page).  You can use adhesive it you want to hold them in place but if you hold it tightly, they will stay in place.

Step #10 ~ Now you will drill the holes.  I marked the front of my book with a pencil at 1 1/2" from the top and the same from the bottom up.  I used my husbands cordless DeWalt screwdriver to drill my holes.  I did it on top of a phone book and it has worked great for me!














I made my own reinforcers by punching a 1/2" circle from Real Red cardstock and then I punched another circle out of the center of it with a 1/4" handheld punch.  I then added 2 ~ 1" binder clips and here is what it looks like ~













The final step is to decorate it and add what you want on the inside.  For this one I made a recipe card and will add more as well as a great recipe I have for Cheesecake when I get a chance.  When I made these for my kids' teachers and my friend last year, I made big tags our of coordinating cardstock and had all the kids write a note to their teachers and for my friend, I had all her friends write notes wishing her a Happy day!  There is a lot you can do.  The links to my other books are HERE and HERE!

The way I decorated this one was to use my Quickutz Daisy die and Olive and Summer Picnic papers.  I added red Heidi Swapp crystals (used my Quickie glue pen), added a chipboard "r" that I covered in Red cardstock, stamped special from EFP and punched it using my word window punch, tied it on using white polka dot ribbon from Micheal's and white scrappers floss and then added the rest of the word recipes using Alphabits and the 1/4" circle punch.   I used a bunch of misc. ribbon and that's it!  Here is a picture of the inside and how it should look ~ this is the back page ~













and here is a look at the center pages ~













Here is another look at the finished project!  Thanks for stopping by and please don't hesitate to ask ANY questions as I am sure I forgot something!!!  Have a great day!

Shaker box flower....

So on Wednesday, I was on a roll, the Mojo was ON!!!  Well, on Thursday, the Mojo was GONE!!! LOL!!!  I STILL haven't done Wednesday's sketch challenge!!!   Sometimes, I have lots of ideas and everything flows really easily ~ not so much lately.....  I am sure my Mojo will find me soon but until then, I have card to show you that has some neat elements on it and I will give you the instructions!  I am not really thrilled with the card but hey, at least I finished one!!! LOL!!!

The inspiration for this card is from Laura Fredrickson's awesome blog in which she did a tutorial on chipboard shaker boxes!  SUPER easy and really fun!  Be sure to check it out as she is REALLY creative and full of great ides!!!

I could not get the color right in the pictures either so I do apologize for that.  I used all SU! paper.  The base of my card is Whisper White with a mat of Pretty in Pink, next is Celery and then I used Whisper White again and the top pink decorative piece is from SU!'s new Berry Bliss collection.  To make the shaker box flower (following Laura's instructions), I used Pretty in Pink craft ink and heat embossed  using Iridescent Ice embossing powder.  The inside decorative piece is also from the Berry Bliss pack.  The white beads are old and have an iridescent tone.

The next step was to make the stem.  I used wide Celery grosgrain and stitched on it!  This was really easy too!  What I did was add Scotch tape to one end ~

and then you have something to hold on to and can pull the ribbon through the sewing machine.  This is how it looked when I was done ~

I then taped (Scotch) the top under the flower and then the bottom of the stem was taped to the back.  The next NEW fun technique is a decorative corner.  I used the polka dot piece from the Celery Designer Series paper and cut a 2x2 square.  The first step is to fold the square in half one way and then in half again.  The paper will look like this when this step is done ~

Next, you will open the square up (it is divided in quarters) and then fold in 2 of the front squares to make a point ~ like this ~

The last step is to slip it on the corner you want to decorate, add eyelets and ribbon ~ finished!!!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! 

I am working on another tutorial for you!  My friend Lynn asked me to do a tutorial on THIS book.  I made a few of these last year, before I had my blog, and would like to share the instructions with you!  The books I made last year (1 for my friend Lynn's birthday and 2 for my kids' teachers) included tags with ribbons sticking out the top.  On the tags I had Lynn's friends write a personal note to her and I did the same for the kids' teachers.   I had all the kids write whatever they wanted to their teacher.  Oh my gosh, they turned out great.  The kids said some really funny and sweet things!!  Anyway, this book was something I learned to do at a class last February I took by Donna Downey.  I added my own twist and will share on Monday!!!

Have a great day!

~Lynda 

Gift Box

First there was Laurie.   Then there was Cindy.   Then there was Jennifer  that whipped hers up in like minutes!!!!  These are the cutest boxes!  I took Laurie's tutorial and tweaked it to make a gift box for my little snowman ornaments!!!  I was going to put them in one of those Chinese take-out boxes that Michael's has but WHY would I do that when I could use ALL of the EXTRA TIME I ALWAYS HAVE to make a box!!! LOL!!!  Actually, once I got it figured out, the next box was really easy and the 12,000 that I am going to make before Christmas should be even easier!!!  

The finished size of the box is 4 1/2" square and the depth is 3 1/4".  It is a good size box and can fit lots of things.  There is more than enough room for the ornament but I didn't want him to feel too confined so I made it plenty large enough!!!  Here are some pictures of the 2 I have done so far!

I will give you the cutting and scoring instructions at the bottom of this post.  What I used on this box is Bashful Blue cardstock, Chocolate Chip Cardstock and the Blizzard wrapping paper.  I also highlighted the snowflakes with Stardust Stickles and I added the Crystal Effects icicles all around the edge of the lid.  I need to adhere them better on the lid as they are not sticking with just adhesive so I will most likely use Elmer's glue because that stuff works on EVERYTHING!!!  The ribbon is the satin Chocolate Chip ribbon from SU! and the ornament die cut is from my Quickutz Revolution ornament die set.  I added Stardust Stickles on this too!

OK, here is the next box which was actually my first box ~

For this box I used Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Wild Wasabi cardstock and the decorative paper is a shimmery texture by KI Memories.  I first painted the snowflakes pink and a darker red color and then covered them with Mod Podge and poured white Martha Stewart Glitter on top.  I used dimensionals to mount them.  The corners are just from my SU! corner punch and the white  rick~rack around the lid is from Lindsey.   I used my scalloped scissors to cut the edge of the Wild Wasabi cardstock and adhered it to the lid. 

There are so many ways you can embellish these boxes!  If you do make one, let me know as I would LOVE to see it!!!!

Here are the details ~ I used Laurie's instructions but I needed it to be bigger so this is what I did!

1.  For the bottom of the box, cut a piece of cardstock ~ 11x11.  Score ALL sides at 3 1/4".  Use a bone folder to really crease your folds as this makes the box come together nicer.

2.  For the lid, cut a 6x6 piece of cardstock.  Score ALL sides at 5/8".  Again, use a bone folder or sometimes I use my ruler, to crease the folds.

I used sticky strip (also called Terrifically Tacky Tape) to hold the ends in place. 

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!  I need to get busy CASEing yesterday's featured stamper ~ Shelly. Her gallery is fantastic and I have chosen a couple I would like to CASE now I must get started!

Thanks for looking!

~Lynda

Halloween Candy Bar Holder & A Vistor....

Hi again!
I have made these before but wanted to make a few to have to give away and thought I would share the instructions with you in case you are interested!  They are really easy to make and you of course you can make them for any occasion. 

The candy bar inside is just your standard sized Hershey.  I am sure you can tweak the measurements and size it to fit a larger candy bar.  The measurements are as follows:

Cardstock wrapper (I used Going Grey) ~ Cut a 6" X 7" piece.  Score lengthwise at 1 1/2" and 4 1/4".
Wrap (I used Only Orange) ~ Cut a 2" X 7" piece of cardstock.  Score in the center at 3 1/2".

What I did was used the Spooky Skyline wheel in Basic Black ink across the bottom.  I then stamped the moon from Home is Where the Haunt is with White Craft ink.  The way I made it look less full is to roll the stamp on your ink pad just to ink up the sides and when you stamp it gives a neat look.  The witch is from the same set and was stamped in Basic Black.  I used sticky strip to hold the holder together.  I used it up the back seam and along the bottom so the candy doesn't fall out.  Before you tape the holder together, use your 1 1/4" circle punch, center it at the top, move it halfway down the edge and punch.  This will give you the half circle.

The haunted house (from same set) was stamped on Whisper White using Basic Black ink and then mounted on Basic Black cardstock.  The Happy Halloween is from one of the All Year Cheer sets and was stamped with Basic Black ink on Going Grey cardstock.  The end of the sleeve is held together with 3 black eyelets.  What it does is makes the sleeve tighter on the holder.

See how easy?!?!?

Last night my daughter went to a slumber party so my son was an only child.  He does NOT do well as an only child!  It is really funny, well sortof......  I must add a note in here to Heather ~ I should have taken you up on your offer and brought Joey to your house!!!!  LOL!!!  Last night when we got home, he just didn't know what to do with himself.  He followed Chris and I around everywhere.   He played with the dog while Chris and I were outside and then when we came in he says "what are we going to do now"?  I really wanted to work on my Snoopy library folder so I said, why don't you come sit in the crap room with me and you can watch TV there.  He came and talked and talked and talked.....  It was hilarious.  If there is anything you want to know about Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokemon, just ask me!!!  I had to come out to the kitchen to check to see if I was doing my folder right and there he was, right on my tail, standing by the computer and looking at me while I checked out the samples.  I know it sounds as if I am complaining but I DEFINITELY am not!  It makes me feel so good that my 10 year old son wants to be with his Mommy and it won't be long until he won't want to be with me!!! 

I had promised Joey that I would play tennis with him today before we went to get Mary so while we were playing, he looked up and drew my attention to George!

We were so excited!  This is a Bald Eagle (I wanted to tell you that in case the picture wasn't clear enough).  He was out looking for food.  Joey was yelling at me to get the camera (I am thinking the young, in shape child would be able to get to the camera quicker than the old, out of shape lady) and by then George was gone.  Then he re-appeared from the opposite direction he left from so Joey ran in and got my camera.  I am not good under pressure so Chris took this picture when he came by for another peek for food.   The chickens and guineas were hiding in the barn.  They know the difference between a vulture and a predator (eagle, hawk, owl).   We didn't get to finish our tennis game but it was worth it! 

Have a great night!

~Lynda

Halloween Spider Treat Holder ~ Tutorial

I'm all set to give you my Spider treat holder tutorial ~ I hope you are!  These are really easy and SOOOOO cute!  I hope you don't mind but there is no stamping involved.  Actually, you can stamp the bottom of the spider with a Handmade By.....  There, it IS stamping related!  I made at least 40 of them last Halloween for my kids' classmates and teachers.  This year I am just going to give them to some of their teachers and will make something else for the kids.   

I filled them with candy (you know the kids don't get much candy on Halloween so I wanted to make sure they had a little treat!).  Anyway, I had seen something like these in a magazine last year.  From what I can remember, they used smaller boxes than I did.  I wanted them bigger but you can do them smaller and you can use the oval paper mache' boxes too.  I did some of those last year too and they were cute.  I thought the oval ones would be so cute to make grasshoppers like in spring.......  OK, so I got my boxes at Micheal's.  They are paper mache' and cost $1.99 regularly.  The size is about a circle ~ 4 1/4" round.  This is what they look like before they are altered:

The next step was to paint the box black.  I used some flat black acrylic paint I have had.  I used a foam brush and had to do a couple coats to cover it completely.  I did not paint the inside which you will see in some later pictures but what I did was put some shred inside with the candy.  They didn't care!  All they wanted was the candy!  After I painted the black,  I then painted a layer of Mod Podge ~ Mat on the top (not the top sides ~ JUST the top) and sprinkled glitter on and let it dry.  I used purple but you can use any color you want.

I got the purple glitter at AC Moore and of course the other stuff you can get at any craft store.  After putting the glitter on the top, set it aside.  You are now going to do the legs.  To make the holes, I used a wooden handled corn on the cob holder but you can use about anything.  I found that the size of the corn cob holder was perfect.  I punched it through and then spun it to make a circle. 

Sorry for the blurry picture but you get the idea ~ right???  I used regular black pipe cleaners for the legs.  Bend 2 pipe cleaners in half  to make 4 legs ~ you will do this again for the other 4 legs.   Poke the folded legs through your hole.  Once you get them through, twist them together (inside the box) and fold and press them up close to the side.

The way I did the legs was to just keep bending them until I got the look I wanted.  The feet, I folded the bottom 1 time so it has some dimension.  When I was finished, I put a dot of Elmer's glue on the top of each foot and put some glitter on them.

The eyes are 10 mm and the pom pom's are 1".  I used Elmer's glue to glue them on the top of the lid and to glue the eyes on the pom pom's.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!  I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  They really are cute in real life and are great decorations as well.  Thanks for looking and I'll get back to stamping tomorrow so be on the lookout!

~Lynda

 

Snowman Ornament Tutorial

Ok, I'm all set!!  How about you???  I have to apologize right off the bat for the quality of the pictures.  I took them last night as I was making the ornament so lighting wasn't that great so please, if you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask!  I will start out with the list of supplies that I used:

Stamps:  Cold Play ~ Eyes and mouth stamp
Ink:  Black Stazon
Ribbon:  Decorative (I have found that lighter weight ribbon or fibers work best) and thin cord (this is to hang your ornament)

Miscellaneous:  Elmer's Glue, Orange wire, White Acrylic Paint, brand new eraser on a pencil, infant sock, wire cutters, clear glass ornament ~ I think it is considered their medium size one (I got mine at Michael's and it was $.79 regular price last year), Pretty in Pink re-inker or pink acrylic paint, Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Optional:  Star Dust Stickles, sticky strip, rubbing alcohol, cotton ball & snowflake embellishments.

Step 1:
Take the hanger part off of your ornament and pour in a good amount of white acrylic paint (make sure the inside of the glass is fairly clean because if it is really dirty or dusty, the paint may not adhere), roll it around so it covers the inside of the entire ornament.  Next, turn the ornament upside down on top of an old cup (I have used Dixie cups and they work perfectly!) and let the paint drain in to your cup.  Let it dry for an hour or so.  Next, put the hanger back in the top.

Step 2:
You will now fit the baby sock over the top of the ornament.  You want it to come down lower in the back, higher in the front and be somewhat centered over the top.  I had to roll my sock up in the front.  I got my socks at Walmart last year.  Now, I have used sticky strip to hold the "hat" in place.  The ornament I made to do this tutorial did not need sticky strip.  It has stayed on just fine.  Once you get the sock on where you would like it, go to step 3....                        

Step 3:
Now you will stamp the face on.   It takes practice (at least it did for me) to get it right because you are stamping on a curve.  Use your black Stazon, ink up the stamp and I start from the right (I am right handed) by gently placing the right side of the stamp down and then roll it to my left.  Now, I have found to get an even cover, you have to apply some pressure up and down as well.  You don't want to press too hard because it will slip.  Most importantly, if you screw up, it is not the end of the world!  Before you stamp, have a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol on it so if you don't stamp the image like you want, immediately wipe the Stazon off with the alcohol, let dry and try again!  I wanted to take a picture on how I stamped it but I couldn't hold the camera AND stamp.  I am just not that talented!!!  After you have stamped your face, you will need to make the nose. 

I had some old SU! orange light weight wire.  I use a sharp pencil or my wire cutters from my SU! tool kit.  You just need something that is small (not as small as a paper piercer) and has a larger end and gradually gets smaller.  I wrapped the wire, starting higher on the tool and then going smaller, about 7 times around and then cut it off.  You may have to shape it a little bit but it should look pretty good.  Gently smash the bottom (this is what will be glued to the ornament) so it is flat and will adhere better.  Take your Elmer's glue and put a dot where you want your nose to go, then put your nose on and let dry.  The bummer about Elmer's is that it does take a while to dry but is sure does work and it dries nice and clear!

   

Step 4:
After your nose has dried, take your ribbon and wrap it around the top of the ornament.  I put mine right around the top edge of the of the ornament and just below the loop of the hanger.  You can also tie it right against the base of the hanger part (does this make sense at all???)...  You will know once you start tying.  You want to stay on the glass.  Tie it as tight as you can, in a knot.  I then take my embellishment and tie it on there (see next photo).  I would love to get some small metal 2007 embellishments.  If you all find any or find a cool embellishment, let me know!  I have used snowflake brads and the snowflake I used on this ornament is actually a button a got at Michael's.  There are about 8-10 in a pack and they have glitter on them.

Also, you need to put your cheeks on the little guy.  Get your brand new pencil eraser out!  For this ornament (I forgot I had used Pretty in Pink re-inker last time) I mixed some red acrylic paint with some Elmer's glue to make pink.  You can use the Pretty in Pink reinker too.  Just mix some re-inker or acrylic paint with the glue and you have sticky paint!  Dip your eraser in the "paint" and "stamp" it where you want it.  Again, don't press hard because the eraser will slip.  For this you just need to tap the ornament.  After you have the cheeks on there how you want them, sprinkle some Dazzling Diamonds glitter and let it dry.

Step 5:
You are going to cut the top of the sock.  Use sharp scissors and first cut in half (I cut as far down as the top hanger hook.  Cut shorter because you can always cut more but you can't take the cut away) and then cut in half again.  You will have 4 big pieces.  You can now cut smaller strips.  I usually get about 4 strips from each quarter so you should end up with at least 16 strips.  Don't cut them too thin as they will come off.  I have glued some back on with stickles but we'll get to that next!

Final step:
After you have finished cutting the top of the sock, you can add stickles (like to glue any parts that you cut off) for some shine, add your cord (or ribbon or whatever you want) for hanging and arrange the strips to cover evenly.  This is how my ornament looks ~

I hope I didn't forget anything but like I said, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!  Thanks for looking and I hope this tutorial is helpful for you.  If you would like to share any ideas you have to make this even cuter, please do!!  I will post them for others to use!  Thanks so much and have a great day!

Lynda~