Stamp Act

Merry Kissmas!!!

I am SO excited to share the paper rose information with you!  You HAVE to try making these flowers!  They are so pretty, easy and addicting!!  Anyway, here is my card ~

The base of this card is Kraft with a mat of Dark Chocolate and then Select White on top and Aqua Mist, all from PTI, on the bottom.  The Aqua Mist piece was punched using my EK Success wavy punch and the Select White CS was embossed using my swirls embossing folder.  The "snow" center paper is from Jillibean Soup and can be found HERE.  I matted the snow circle with a Dark Chocolate Lacey Circle.  The darling MFT image, called Merry Kissmas, was stamped on Select White using Black Memento ink.  I colored using my Copics, except for the Kraft looking color.  That was colored using a blender pen and Antique Linen ink from Ranger.  The snowman's buttons are actually clear Zva rhinestones that I colored using my black Copic marker.  Their hat bands, tassles, her gloves and tights were all covered with Sparkly Fluff using my Quickie glue pen.  I then adhered them on the card using dimensionals, added the Zva rhinestone flourishes at the top and then my Kraft flower.

The Artichoke leaves were punched using my new bird & branch SU! punch.  I now am looking at the mistletoe and I'm thinking I should have colored the rhinestones green!!!  LOLOL!!!  Dang, I ruined the whole card!!!! LOLOLOLOL!!!  So, I colored the CRANBERRIES that are hanging up there looking like mistletoe, using my dark red Copic marker!!!  I paper pieced the leaves and added a little bow at the top using Martha Stewart Bakers Twine.

Here is a closer look ~

Now, here is my flower and a Kraft flower from Prima ~

Here is a YouTube video that shows you how to make these.  It is not the one I watched the other day and I couldn't find it but THIS one is great and is basically the same.  I do not have Grungeboard nor do I have the Sizzix flower die she is using but I DO have the Beautiful Blooms II dies from PTI AND I have lots of cardstock so I used the Mod Podge and CS technique!!! 

I used the smallest die, cut 4 flowers from Kraft CS, wrinkled the flowers up, flattened them back out and then painted them with Mod Podge.  I then cut them as it shows in the video although I added 2 5 leaf layers because I liked it looking more full.  It looked bare with just one layer on the bottom.  I added Clear Course Martha Stewart glitter on some of the petals using my Quickie glue pen.  

Here are a couple pictures of my flowers from yesterday that I used Sweet Blush CS, did not scrunch them or sponge them.  This flower was made using the largest die from the Beautiful Blooms II set ~

This flower was made using the small die ~

I need to work on rolling the leaves a bit better.  Thanks so much for stopping by and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

~Lynda

Verve Project Parade ~ Day 5 ~ Home For The Holidays!!!

Good Morning!

This month's Verve Project Parade theme is "Home For The Holidays".  I love making Holiday gifts and decorations!  This is going to be a long post so grab a cup of coffee, it will DEFINITELY make it more enjoyable.

My project to share with you today is a Cupcake/Treat stand. This was actually VERY easy to make and REALLY inexpensive as well! Here is the BEFORE picture ~

Here is an AFTER picture!!! LOL!!!


The most expensive part of this entire project was probably the white "dingle balls"!! LOL!!! The only other products I had to purchase was the 6" and 8" corrugated circles and My Minds Eye Colorful Christmas Collection. My first step was to cover the corrugated circles and I did this by rubbing a glue stick generously all over the circle and then adhering the decorative paper. After this was dry, I cut off the excess paper. I then used Elmer's glue to adhere the dingle balls.

I used the Christmas in the Air stamp set. I LOVE that set! It is SO versatile. I cut circles of wax paper for the treats to sit on so the paper wouldn't get ruined. Here is a picture of the top cupcake holder (at the bottom of this post, I will give you the AWESOME frosting recipe) ~

I stamped the snowflakes, again, from the Christmas in the Air set, using Basic Black ink and then colored using my Celery, Razzleberry, Tangerine and Baja Breeze ink pads and a blender pen. I added Stardust Stickles to the centers of all the snowflakes as well as around the top scallop Razzleberry piece.

Here are pictures of each side of the base of the second layer. The snowmen are from the decorative paper. I cut them out and mounted them using dimensionals. Aren't they PERFECT with the trees??? Also, I used a bunch of the different patterns which are included in the Colorful Christmas Collection for the trees which, I might add, are from the Christmas in the Air set ~ see what you think!!!

The "snow" is just Whisper White CS cut using my Wavy Cutter from Creative Memories and then I added Stardust Stickles for shine.  The tree trunks were stamped using Chocolate Chip ink on Soft Suede CS and then cut out and adhered to the backs of the trees.

Here are the step by step instructions for completing the stand.  You can dress it up to fit your theme!

Step #1 ~

Cover the 2 corrugated cardboard circles (I used 1 6" and 1 8") by rubbing the glue stick generously over the entire circle and then press and smooth your chosen decorative paper on top.  Once they are both dry, this won’t take very long, cut the excess decorative paper off.  Before going to the next step, stand each circle on it’s side separately.  You can hold them up by placing anything heavy on each side.  You are going to glue your trim on.  Add some Elmer's glue to the side for approximately 1-2 inches, add your trim, let dry and then do it again until the entire circle has the fringe added.  While the fringe is drying, you can go on to step 2!

Step #2 ~

For the top single cupcake holder ~ punch a 3” scallop from your chosen decorative paper AND 2 from your cereal box chipboard.  NOTE:  I added an extra scalloped circle using my Nesties and cut it from the striped patterned paper.  Use your glue stick to glue the chipboard together.   While this dries, cut a strip of card stock for your single cupcake holder base.  This strip needs to be 2” X 8 ½”.  Score this at 1 ¾” a total of 4 times.  Stamp and decorate as you desire.  Adhere the short flap to the inside of the last square using red line tape to hold it firmly in place.  Using Elmer's glue, glue the stand you just made, to the bottom of the scalloped circle piece.  You might want to lay something on top of it to make sure it glues together evenly.

Step #3 ~

For the second tier (assuming your fringe has been glued on and dry at this point), you need to cut 2 pieces of card stock  measuring 2 ½”x7 ½””.  Score these at ¼”, 3 ¾”and finally at

7 ¼”.  Again, decorate as you desire.  To adhere these 2 together, put a strip of red line tape on the SCORED edge on the opposite sides of each panel (this is so you will not double up on the adhesive to adhere the flaps together).  Adhere these together to make a square.  Now glue this square to the bottom of your middle layer using Elmer's glue.  NOTE:  You can make your strips wider for this layer to be up higher. 

Step #4 ~

This final layer will have 2 bases under it to add extra support!  The inside square will be (2) 2” x 7” and will be scored at ½”, 3 ½” and 6 ½”.  The outer square will be (2) 2” x 11” and will be scored at ½”, 5 ½” and 10 ½”.  If you choose to decorate these pieces (the outside one) you will want to do that now.  Adhere these just as you did the middle base using the red line tape.  You will also want to glue these using Elmer's glue. 

Here is the frosting recipe (my cupcakes are just boxed white cake) as well as the Peanut Butter Cup Kisses recipe!  My daughter tried one and said it was AWESOME! LOL!!

Ingredients:

1 Cup white sugar 

1/3 Cup water  

1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tarter

2 Egg whites

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

1.  In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, water and Cream of Tartar.  Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.

2.  In a medium mixing bowl, whip the egg whites and vanilla to soft peeks.  Gradually add the sugar mixture while whipping constantly until stiff peaks form, about 7 to 10 minutes.  Frost the cake of your choice.

Here is the recipe for the Peanut Butter Cup Kisses ~

Ingredients:

72 Hershey Kisses, divided

1 Cup Peanut Butter

1 Cup powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon butter or margarine

Directions:

1.  Line 24 small muffin cups (1 3/4 inches in diameter) with small paper bake cups.  Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2.  Place 48 chocolates in small microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute, stir. Microwave at MEDIUM an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chocolate is melted when stirred.  Using small brush, coat inside of paper cups with melted chocolate.

3.  Refrigerate 20 minutes; reapply melted chocolate to any thin spots.  Refrigerate until firm, preferably overnight.  Gently peel paper from chocolate cups.

4.  Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed in small bowl until smooth.  Spoon in to chocolate cups.  Before serving, top each cup with a chocolate kiss.  Cover and store in refrigerator.

So, now it's your turn! We'd love for you to play along with us and show us your homemade goodies for the upcoming giving season! Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, why not show 'em a little love? ;)

And, as with all of our project parades, we've got prizes!
To enter, just link up your Home for the Holidays creation to the Mr. Linky widget on THIS post before midnight MST on Thursday, November 26. One lucky stamper will win a $30 gift certificate to the Verve Store. And for another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout out in the comments as they parade their fabulous creations inspired by this month's theme. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (Nov 11 - 25) will win their choice of any Verve set.

OUR CREATIVE CORNER ~ A Holiday Gift Challenge!!!!!

Good Morning!
With the Holiday's fast approaching, today's OCC Challenge will help you get a step ahead on your Holiday preparation!!!  The challenge is to make a gift, wrapping, tag, gift card holder, decoration, ANYTHING that you would give or use around the Holiday's.  I LOVE making 3-D things and the Holiday's are a perfect time for me to do it!  I already have 2 of my kids' teachers gifts done and you are going to see them below!  Before I show you mine, I want to show you what my HONORED guest and FRIEND, Lindsey Botkin, made for this weeks challenge!!!  You are going to LOVE this ~

Isn't this darling?!?!?  Thank you so much Linz for playing with us this week, your creations are AWESOME!  Speaking of Lindsey, we have a prize again for this weeks challenge which is product you can find in Lindsey's store HERE and HERE!  I used the Imaginisce snowman glitter paper (included in the prize) on one of my ornament boxes below and the Angel Wings Shimmerz, well, I didn't use it THIS time but use it ALL the time!!!  I LOVE it!!!  You can see all the details for the challenge HERE!  Here is a picture of the prize!

For my project, I made some more of THESE cute snow babies!  I know, this is a repeat but I thought there might be some people who hadn't seen them and would be interested in making them!  I also made matching boxes so here is my first photo showing the snow babies ~

You can find the tutorial I did on these last year HERE!  The baby socks I used are from Target's $1 spot ~ last year....They may have them again this year so check it out!

Here is a picture of my first box for the red baby ~

See how cozy it looks???   Here is a picture of the box with the lid on ~

The actual box is Whisper White cardstock and the decorative Imaginisce paper is THIS snowman glitter paper and the strips around the lid is THIS paper.  The red card stock is Riding Hood Red.  The clear crystals are by Martha Stewart which I picked up at Walmart.   HERE is the tutorial for the box! 

Here is a picture of the box all wrapped up ~

I added an SU! white felt snowflake that OF COURSE I added white Martha Stewart glitter on with a paint brush and Elmer's glue.    I also added the decorative paper around the lid to the back of the center of the snowflake.  You can click on the picture to see it larger.

Now I will show you the box I made for the blue baby.  The actual box was made using Chocolate Chip card stock and the decorative paper is last years SU! wrapping paper ~

Here is the box all tied up!  I will add a snowflake or something to the bow before I give it away but ran out of time for this post ~ sorry!!!

The Chocolate ribbon is last year's SU! satin & grosgrain ribbon.  I added Stardust Stickles to some of the snowflakes on the wrapping paper and to the scallops around the lid.  The scallops were punched using my SU! scallop border punch.

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask!  I cover all the measurements and details in my previous posts for the ornament and box listed above.

I hope you enjoyed the post today and be sure to check out what the OCC girls have done with this challenge HERE!

Have a great weekend!

~Lynda

MDC Thursday on Sunday Challenge ~ Halloween Box....

I know, I know, I AM LATE!!!  I am always late these days....I hate that!!!  I didn't have a ball for the spiders body so I had to run to Michael's to find something.  I wanted a large black pom pom but couldn't find one big enough so I found a styrofoam ball which I painted.  Anyway, the challenge details can be found HERE and here  is my box ~

It's funny because when I look at the box in this picture, it looks kindof dumb!! LOL!!!  Oh well, too late now!!! LOL!!!  The box was made out of 5 of the 50 million 4x4 chipboard coasters I have been  hoarding for years now!!!  I covered 2 of them with THIS decorative paper from Imaginisce and the other 2 with just Basic Black cardstock that I ran through my Cuttlebug using my spiderweb embossing folder.  The bottom coaster was covered in plain Basic Black cardstock.  The way I adhere my paper or cardstock to the coasters is with a glue stick.  It has worked great for me!  Anyway, once the glue dried, I lightly sanded the edges and then punched the holes.  After the holes were punched, I glued 1 side at a time to the base coaster using Elmer's glue.  This took a little while because I had to let the glue dry.  After I got all 4 sides glued on, I tied eggplant grosgrain in a knot on the bottom holes and black grosgrain knots on the top hole. 

The spider body is a styrofoam ball that I painted with shiny black acrylic paint.  I was going to add flock but the styrofoam added it's own texture so I didn't mess with it (I know, this is a shock!).  I added the pom poms for the eyes and the googlie eyes on top of the pom poms (used Elmer's glue to adhere these).  I used a pointed stick to make a hole through the styrofoam and then ran the black pipe cleaners through and then arranged them how I wanted them to be in order.  To get the spider to "stand" I punched 1/8" holes (4 on each side)  and then stuck the feet through and it held in place perfectly.  BEFORE I put the spider on, I filled a medium sized cellophane bag with Halloween M&M's which I stamped with the spider trail stamp from Inka using Black Stazon ink.    I then added some purple fill and was done. 

Here is a different angle ~

It still looks dumb!!! LOL!!!  You must admit, it IS different!!! LOL!!! 

Have a great evening and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!

~Lynda

Witch's Wart's, Frog Eye's and Rat Droppings.....hmmmm.......

Helloooooowwwwww!!!!!  Sound spooky?????  LOL!!!  Again, I cannot take credit for this REALLY cute gift idea.  I copied the idea from Jen Del Muro HERE!!  I LOVED what she did and at some point copy exactly what she made but I took her awesome idea and tailored it to work for Halloween gifts for my kids teachers!  I will also show you what I made for their teachers and classmates 2 years ago and just their teachers last year, at the end of this post.  Here is this years gift ~

With my next ones I will make the top and bottom borders wider but not too wide because I want to make sure the goodies are showing!!!  I got the large boxes HERE and the tubes HERE (they are both at Impress Rubber Stamps).  The boxes and tubes are awesome quality, inexpensive and fast shipping!!!

The strip across the bottom is Basic Black cardstock which I punched using one of the new Martha Stewart Halloween punches.  I added the pumpkin which is also a Martha punch.  The cardstock I used for this is Pumpkin Pie and Summer Sun for the eyes and mouth (just taped a scrap piece of Summer Sun to the back of the pumpkin).  I mounted the pumpkin using a dimensional.  The little black bats are from ANOTHER (I know, I have ISSUES!!! LOL!!!) Martha border punch which punches a border and punches out bats so I used the bats that were punched out, added Angel Wings Shimmerz and glued them on with my Quickie Glue Pen.

The wrap around the tubes is THIS Imaginisce decorative paper and some May Arts orange & black gingham.  I used sticky strip to adhere the paper to the tube.  I printed the names on Whisper White cardstock (I know, the orange Jelly Belly's don't look like bat wings but the cat fur label got ruined) from my computer using the Chiller font and then punched them out using my word window punch.  I punched a hole in the top and tied them on using black hemp.

The top piece is Old Olive cardstock which AGAIN I used the new Martha slime border punch.  I also added some Angel Wings Shimmerz to the slime parts.  I then added some black satin ribbon and a small knot of the orange & black May Arts gingham.  To adhere the borders to the top and bottom I used sticky strip.  The cardstock I used is 12x12 as the 8 1/2" x 11 cardstock was too short to wrap around.

Here is a close up ~

Here is a picture of the tubes out of the box ~

The tubes hold A LOT of candy.  All of this candy, except the rat droppings (chocolate covered raisins) was bought at Target in the Jelly Belly isle and YES, it did cost an ARM and BOTH LEGS but, I really WANTED it!!!! LOL!!!!  Luckily, the tubes and boxes were cheap!!! 

Here is another Halloween gift idea.  I made these for the kids teachers last year and the year before that, made them for both kids classes and teachers ~ at least 40!!!!  Once you get going, you can make a bunch pretty quickly.  I got the round paper mache boxes at Michael's.  They cost $1.99 but I was lucky enough to get them at 50% off!!!  They also have oval boxes which are awesome too!   The tutorial I made last year for these is HERE!  Here is a picture of the spider ~

If you have any questions about either of these projects, please don't hesitate to ask!!! 

Have a great day!

~Lynda

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!