Christmas Heaven

When I make 6" x 6" cards I usually hand deliver them, as there is usually an extra postage charge for the larger cards.  For this card, I wanted to play around with a gate fold card using the larger Sizzix Snowflake 3D die cuts as the "gate" closure.  This particular Snowflake 3D die is actually made for Pop-up cards, but the large snowflakes can certainly be used in a variety of other ways too.  (I apologize I don't have a better photo of the pop-up version).

Pop-up version

For this gate-fold card I used cardstock from Bo Bunny's 'Tis the Season' and embellished with a variety of stamps including:  CTMH 'Christmas Heaven', Tim Holtz 'Winter Sketchbook' & 'Holiday Wishes', and Inkadinkado's 'Warm Holiday Wishes'.  I cut the "winter wind" from Sizzix swirls die, and added a couple stickers to the front.  I did color in the snowman face with Copic markers, but the red berries aren't showing up as red in the photo for some reason. 

Another quick card worked out quite well...I'm getting down to the wire and still have a few more to go.  Hope you're having a beautiful week!

Lisa

Winter Anniversary

My sister-in-law & her hubby just had their "winter" Anniversary.  I figured she is seeing lots of cards with winter themes for her Christmas cards, so I kept this more neutral.  The card base was a leather look cardstock I acquired somewhere years ago, and haven't been able to find since--so I use it more sparingly these days.  For the mat I used DCWV Mariposa cardstock, with the green swirls being similar to her wedding colors.  Then I simply used Susan Branch stickers to decorate the front of the card.  A punch was used for the shimmer pink heart -- just for a pop of color, and I added their initials with a black sharpie.  The finishing touch was a shimmery, tan grosgrain ribbon. 

Happy Anniversary, Stephanie! 

Just Chillin

Another quick card -- using the winter text Cuttlebug embossing folder, I embossed the card base.  I used an 05 black Zig pen to sketch a box around the snowman and some of the words, then swiped Tumbled Glass distress ink over the entire card front to highlight the text boxes that were raised, due to the embossing.   With markers I colored in the snowman's nose, arms, & face.  I added an acetate "Merry Christmas" with a snowflake brad, and added some vellum snowflakes, and blinged snowflakes with foam dots.  And finished with the "Let it Snow" ribbon. 

This was one of my husband's favorites.  I think it turned out "cool".  =)
Lisa

Merry Christmas Just Rite

This card was made using the Just Rite Stamp set "Something Sweet", and the 25pt Times New Roman Font set.  For the scalloped circles I used Spellbinders scalloped circles.  I simply embossed the white cardstock card base with a snowflake Cuttlebug embossing folder and inked it with Tumbled Glass distress ink.  I stamped my sentiment and embossed over it with Tim Holtz' Snowman embossing folder.  I added a bit of white pigment ink to the snowman and adhered it to the card.  I finished it off with a green ribbon. 

There is a variety of colors on this card, but I like how the scallops made them look somewhat like a wreath -- though I kinda wish I'd moved the ribbon upwards a bit more.  All-in-all, this card came together quickly once I had the stamp font adjusted how I wanted it.  =)

Hope you're having a stress-free day!  Lisa

O Holy Night



I recently picked up this stamp, "O Holy Night" by Inkadinkado, for 99cents -- and I just love it.  I paired it with the angel stamp from Tim Holtz' Joyful Song collection and was pleased with the outcome. 

I used a soft white cardstock for my base, and cut out a matching mat -- corner rounded all the edges.  I stamped O Holy Night with Archival black ink directly onto the mat, and used Stormy Sky Distress Ink to blend into the background.  I stamped one angel in black Archival ink, and the other in the new seasonal Distress ink, Iced Spruce.  For both angels, I mixed a bit of Sunflower Sparkle perfect pearls with water and painted them (if you click on the picture to enlarge it, you'll see the Perfect Pearls a lot better).  Once dry, I cut the angels out and used mounting foam (pop dots) to adhere them to the cards.

I used Copic markers to color the O Holy Night stamp (with the Iced Spruce angel), and I painted with Distress inks for the other card.  I added a touch of gold Spica pens for the stars and for the card that shows a misting of gold stars raining down, I used the perfect pearls again.  The inside sentiments read, "Come Let Us Adore Him".

I think my favorite is the card in which I used the Archival ink on the angel.  Which is your favorite?
Lisa

Quick Candy & Cocoa Goodies

If you're looking for a Super Quick, Easy, AND Inexpensive crafty gift for a lot of people, or even a few, this is the project for you!

Bo Bunny winter deco cardstock was used for these

1.  Cut 12"x12" decorative cardstock (CS) into either (3) 4" x 12" lengths, or (4) 3" x 12" lengths, depending on how many Cocoa holders you're needing.   

2.  With CS strips horizontal, score at 3 7/8" and 8".

3.  Fold into thirds:  fold 8" score line towards the left, then overlap by folding 3 7/8" score line towards the right side.

4.  Bring top right corner down to bring top edge flush with bottom edge, and crease to form a triangle. 

5.  On triangle fold only, attach one staple to left bottom corner and one staple to bottom right corner.

6.  Insert Candy Cane into front section of triangle fold, and Hot Cocoa packet into back pocket.  In the back portion of the triangle fold you can add a small card, or tag.

NOTE:  Using deco cardstock helps keep this project simple and fast, without the need for additional embellishments.  With a little extra time you could add more decorative elements. 

Additional ideas: 
- Punch holes in the sides and add a ribbon handle
- Add a gift card in with the tag if you're needing a bit of something extra
- Tie a ribbon around the Goody Pouch, adding a plastic spoon to the ribbon before tying in a bow.
- Make project as instructed, but add a second pocket over-top of the cocoa pouch to hide it away.  Wrap with ribbon to secure.
- Complete these gifts by adding to the Tag, or Card, the "Legend of the Candy Cane":

Legend of the Candy Cane

Look at the Candy Cane
---what do you see?
Stripes that are red
like the blood shed for me.
White is for my Savior
who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus, my Lord,
that's for sure!
Turn it around and a staff
you will see---
Jesus, my shepherd,
was born for me!
---Author Unknown

Merry Christmas crafting!  Lisa

Book Purses: Repurposing Two Gifts from One

Has it been three weeks since I've blogged?!  Wow...time really does fly.  Since then I've had to buy a new-to-me vehicle (long story), had my Mom & G'ma come for a visit, my older son Nathan came for a quick Christmas visit, and been busy with both working, shopping, & creating -- not to mention all that accompanies the season.  Have you been feeling that busy too? 


Today I'm going to share with you a project that will take about three hours to complete...give or take:  Book Purses.  I've had several requests for this tutorial from those seeing these on my slideshow (on my sidebar), and I'm finally finished preparing it.  I've found blogging to be totally different than teaching a class -- in class I can "show & explain" what I'm speaking of much easier, while blogging is mostly still pictures and harder to articulate.  Though my YouTube channel is hopefully going to be more available after the New Year, and that should help.

As for these "purses" -- they make great gifts, and can be relatively inexpensive.  Look for used books at thrift stores/yard sales -- and if they have a dust jacket, even better.  Some pictures below are not a great quality, as most of these were taken through the years just before I gave them away -- but I suppose you'll get the idea.  The basics on creating the book purse are written below, but the options for creating them are endless.  Note that Step 2 is optional for preserving the book...which also makes this project two gifts in one, in that you can give both the book & the purse as a gift!  If you don't think they would use the finished project as a purse, you could make it into an organizer, an address book keeper, or how about adding an organizer inside that lists all the books they currently own, have read, etc.  Lots of possibilities...but this is a long post so I better get started. 

NOTE:  To keep this post from being too long, the pictures I've included are sized small.  To see them larger - right click on the picture, then click to open in another tab/window.
 

Supply List:

Hardback Book – attention to the spine of the book that it is in good condition
½ yd Fabric – for inside lining of purse and gusset, based on purse size
Coordinating Thread – to match your purse fabric
Button w/shank – decorative to coordinate with your purse, for fastener.
Purse Handles – this could be store bought handles, or you can purchase the items to bead your own handles, or use ribbon to make your own...so many options.
1 yd Fringe/Lace/Ribbon – decorative fibers are a great way to dress up your purse, the amount you need is based on your book size, and usage.  A yard is usually sufficient.
1 1/4 yd Ribbon – for closure loop and purse handle attachments. 
Decorative Elements – anything you’d like to add cosmetically to your purse to enhance its look.
Gel Medium – a good adhesive & finisher that dries clears but is also water resistant.  Mod Podge is the product I use most often and readily available.
Foam Brush – for applying gel medium
Hot Glue Gun/Glue Sticks – Hot Glue is a fast and easy fixative that helps with the bonding & durability of your purse.
Ruler or Measuring Tape – for accurate measuring of your project
Craft Knife – sharp instrument needed for cutting spine of book away cleanly.  A box cutter is an alternative tool you can use.

Steps to creating a unique purse from a hardback book
1.      Remove binding from book

      a.     Keep flyleaf (very 1st & last page) intact, gently remove (peel away) page attached to flyleaf.

      b.     Carefully use craft knife to cut between flyleaf & next page, towards spine, to release book from binding.  Multiple short, light strokes will prevent you from cutting into the spine of your book.  Take your time.

      c.     Cut away all but about an inch of your front page flyleaf to reinforce spine, but leave enough of back page flyleaf to cover spine.  Adhere remaining flyleaf with gel medium into book spine.




2.      Optional step:  Create book cover, to preserve book for reading
       a.     Use dusk cover that came with book, adhere inside spine of cover to spine of book with hot glue gun.
       b.     Use brown paper bags, wrapping paper, cardstock, or fabric wrapped around 3 pieces of chipboard (spine, two side panels -sized to fit book).  Adhere spine of cover to spine of book with hot glue gun.
      c.     Create your own designed cover - I found this site, Book Cover Creator, that might give you some ideas but I personally haven't tried it yet.  If you're well versed in Photoshop you might like this YouTube Video, or for a more pricey solution check out Book Cover Pro.

3.      Loop 2 - 8" lengths of flat ribbon (for each handle) through metal clips of purse handle & hot glue together.  Secure handles into each side of book by attaching ribbon to book with hot glue gun.  Be sure to allow free movement of handles by watching how far into book you glue the ribbon.  Make sure purse handle is centered on 1st side before attaching.  When attaching handle to the second side, use the purse handle already attached as a guide.  If you're using ribbon for your handles, attach 3"-4" into purse sides, making sure to match both sides of purse for ribbon handles.

  Note:  I learned from some earlier versions of the purses I made to attach the handles before adding the fabric, so the ribbon for the handles could be hidden under the fabric inside - gives it a more clean, complete look.

4.   Fabric Lining - lay book flat and measure fabric to fit the inside of the open book - cover to cover including spine.  Add about ½” to 1” (for hem) to all four sides of fabric when you cut to fit. 
      b.   Turn hem under and press well with iron -- no sewing required.
       c.     Using foam brush, apply gel medium to inside of book attaching wrong side of fabric to the gel medium by smoothing fabric to glue & firmly pressing into book.  Make sure hem is turned under when adhering to book.  NOTE:  the reason I prefer not to sew the hem in place is in case I've mis-judged the size of the fabric to fit the book -- that way I can use some of the extra "hem" if I'm short, or turn under a bit more if needed.

5.      Determine size of gusset (for sides of purse)

      a.    With book opened up to the width you want the purse opening to be, position bottom of book on cardstock.  Using book as a guide, draw the shape of the inside of the book onto the cardstock -- including spine & both sides.  Then remove book and connect to the two side lines to form a pattern for the gusset.

       b. Add ¼” around sides and bottom of pattern. 

6.      Prepare Side Gusset Panels
      a.     Use gusset pattern to cut out fabric – fold fabric and place top of pattern (longest horizontal line) on folded edge, and cut out.  This will create one gusseted side of your purse.  Repeat, for side two.
      b.     Turn inside out and sew simple stitch down both sides of gusset panel (This is the reason we added ¼” to our pattern).  Turn right side out and sew along bottom with 1/4" hem exposed -- this part will be hidden when we attach it to purse.  Do this to both panels.
      c.     When both panels have been sewn, iron flat.
      d.     To create gusset for each side, fold sewn fabric in half with slanted sides together.  Sew as close as possible to folded edge, top to bottom.  This creates the gusset that allows the purse to open & close properly.

7.      Attach Gusset

one of my student's book purse
showing gusset, & velvet lining

       a.     Hot glue one side of gusset panel to one side of book (book cover front, inside edge, and repeat on opposite side.  NOTE:  center of gusset, where it is sewn down the middle should be on the inside of the purse (sewn seam inside purse on both sides).
       b.     Now attach second side of gusset to back side of book, inside edge, with hot glue.  Book will now be folded to resemble your purse. 
       c.     Finally, attach bottom of gussets in the same fashion (hot glue), but use the ¼” sewn flap to glue in place, flap facing inwards to purse.

8.      Adhere a button with shank to front of purse, where you’d like to fasten your closure.  Build a mound of hot glue prior to attaching button.  Tack button carefully in place and hold until glue is cooled.  Add more hot glue around base of button as needed. 

  NOTE:  For my purse I painted on gold perfect pearls to the hot glue as it cooled around the button shank, as I preferred not to see the color of the glue on the closure (though it's barely visible to most people).

9.      Attach ribbon closure to back of purse.  Measure the loop of ribbon closure around button fastener to know where to affix to back of purse.  Tie ribbon ends, or cording, into a decorative knot and trim ends.  Adhere knot to back of purse with hot glue (use a decorative element to disguise ribbon knot, if desired). 

10. Decorate front/back of purse with ribbon or any other decorative elements as desired.

11. Tada!  You’re finished…enjoy your new purse!

A variety of my earlier book purses

One of my student's book purses, made from husband's gaming book!
I had some chain length which she added to the spine for decor.

Thanks for hanging in there while I've been away.  Hope to see ya again soon.  Lisa

Fall Leaves & Thanksgiving Sleeves

My favorite season of all...Fall!  I love taking afternoon drives and seeing all the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees.   I like the cooler weather...just before it gets cold (sweater, not coat), and watching the birds trying to decide whether or not to make a run for it, down south.  And of course...Thanksgiving dinner!  Which got me thinking about the table dressing... 

Not too long ago I found some wonderful jingle-bells that were in the shape of acorns, and I was thinking they would look great on the table for Napkin Sleeves (aka napkin rings).  I still haven't found the napkins I want yet, but at least you'll get the idea anyway.  My MIL bought me the lovely green jeweled leaves for the table center and I'm hoping to find napkins to match...eventually.  =)

I'm thinking of warm butternut squash soup...Mmmmm

Step 1

1. Start with cardboard tubing, cut into thirds (or desired widths) and sand lightly.  This could be tissue tubes, paper towel tubes, etc.

Step 2

2. Using wired ribbon wider than the tube, wrap around the tube and cut ribbon to size, allowing about 1/2" to overlap. 

Roll ribbon, right sides together, and insert inside tube. 

Wrap both edges around the cardboard tube edges evenly and smooth insides.  No need to add adhesive for this step, as the wire on the ribbon holds it secure.

Step 3

 3. At this stage you can choose a ribbon that is the same width as your tube for the outside.  I chose to use the same ribbon for consistency.  Because the ribbon was too wide for the outside, and I didn't want raw edges inside, I laid one edge in line with the tube's edge and accordian folded the center of the ribbon, using one valley & one mountain fold -- so that the opposite side of the ribbon met the opposite edge of the tube (see photo for step 3)

Step 4

Run a line of adhesive down center fold and adhere.  Fold raw edges inwards on one end -- wrap ribbon around tube and when ribbon meets together fold other end inwards as well.

4. Using a strong adhesive, adhere the ribbon around the outside of the tube coming together to form a thin seam.  Napkin sleeve is pretty as is...or you can add some embellishments, as I did.

Using my Cricut, and brown Coredinations CS, I cut two types of leaves with vines (3 each) from the Thanksgiving seasonal cartridge at 2 1/2".  The I used the Autumn Type embossing folder to emboss the titles onto the leaves.  Because I used cardstock with a lighter core color I was able to do some light sanding to bring out the embossing a bit more.

Next I used Glimmer Mist to spray generously onto the leaves.  The more glimmer mist you let puddle and dry, the more color you'll achieve on a darker color, such as the brown I used.  I was only looking for a bit of color and shimmer, so I used a paper towel to lightly dab the liquid shimmer and let them air dry for a bit (you could also use a heat gun). 

 Next I used Mod Podge to coat the leaves to make them more durable.  And since they will also be on the table, I thought it would be nice to be able to wipe them off, if necessary, from splatter.  While the leaves were still wet from the Mod Podge I sprinkled Martha Stewart leaf glitter on top. 

Very important to note...because these will be used in the presence of food it is essential to remove any loose glitter.  Once the Mod Podge was dry I removed all loose glitter.  Any glitter that wasn't completely covered with a second coat of Mod Podge came off. 

For the ribbon...I used white seam binding that I scrunched up and sprayed with my Mini Mister filled 3/4 with water, 2 drops Forest Moss reinker, 1 drop Sage reinker, and a pinch or two of Sunflower Sparkle Perfect Pearls--which gave it the gorgeous green coloring.  You can dry carefully with a heat gun as I did, or air dry.  Just a note -- the ribbon will look darkest when it is first sprayed, but lightens significantly once dry.

For the final effect I used a thin paintbrush to paint on Sunflower Sparkle Perfect Pearls over one of the words on each of the leaves. I just sprayed a mist of water on an acrylic block, added some of the Perfect Pearls with the paintbrush to the water until it was the consistency I desired, and painted directly from the block.

To put it all together I wrapped the ribbon around the seam of the napkin sleeve a few times then added the acorn bell before tying into a bow. I secured it further with a metal leaf brad I poked through the bell's jump ring & ribbon. For the leaves & vines, they were simply hot glued to the napkin sleeve.

Here's hoping you're enjoying the last bit of fall weather before the final push of winter comes blowing through...at least in my neck of the woods.  =)

Happy Thanksgiving!  Lisa

Book of Treasures - Saving the Day, The Finale!



This is the final installment of The Martinacious Book of Treasures.  This interactive mini-book was made for my five year old nephew, Marty., and started out with a survey I sent for him to complete (with his parent's help) and return to me with questions that would tell me "all-about-Marty".  I also included a dollar to thank him for completing the survey.  =)

If you've missed the previous posts you can click on the links below which includes the YouTube video showing how this interactive book works:

YouTube - The Martinacious Book

Book Info & Bug Tag

Dragon Slayer page layout

Star Wars page layout

Batman page layout

Courageous page layout

Pirates & Dolphins page layout

and now...Saving the Day, The Finale! 

This last layout page culminates with my nephew's love of sword play.  I asked my DH to "pose" with his sword he got in England, so that the engraving on the sword could be seen.  It's pretty cool --even has the Statue of Liberty in the globe at the top of the handle.  Normally, it simply hangs on the wall as decoration, but I knew I wanted to use it for the last layout page and tinker with the symbolics a bit.  Such as his uniform, God's Warrior epoxy sticker, and the verse in Ephesians, (which I cut out of scrapbook paper) relating to the armour of God.  He was a good sport -- since it was for our nephew.  =)

I used an epoxy sticker for the helmet, and used my Cricut to cut the shield & sword (shield - Sentimentals cartridge, sword - Indie Art cartridge).  I adhered the shield on two sides so that the sword would be secured behind it, but could also be easily removed. 

I had the idea the the sword could be used as a bookmark, but I wanted it a bit more interactive so I made a sheath for it as well (using the shadow feature on Indie Art for the sword, and a bit of scissor-cutting).   I wrote on the back of the sheath with a Glaze Pen so the ink would have an embossed feel.  I love those Glaze Pens!  Both the shield and the sword were "painted" with Perfect Pearls so that they have a shimmer look to them.

 And under the photo flap I adhered the vellum quote "Saving the Day" with Tombow mono dots to give it the chainmail armour "look", and wrote "At the cross" with silver gel pen.  The epoxy sticker that I had off the side of my hubby's picture was covered on the back with Perfect Pearls, which removed the stickiness and gave it some semblance of a sunset look.  I cut the cross from the Indie Art cartridge and painted Perfect Pearls on it as well.  The blue cardstock for the page is from  Bo Bunny.

The back of the mini-book shows a silver butterfly sticker, a little hamster sticker (something else from his survey), and "heart" Aunt Lisa (cut from Love Struck, Printing Press, & Plantin Schoolhouse cartridges).

And finally...the back of the book holder -- which is the backside of the inspirational scrapbook paper.  I used silver gel pen to write all the things he had listed on his survey from a variety of categories -- most of which I used in some way in the book. 

Thanks for joining me in this "mini" series. 
The End!  Lisa

Book of Treasures - Pirates and Dolphins

Okay, I know dolphins & pirates really don't go together, but in this case I made an exception.  This is probably one of my favorite pages of my nephew's mini book - The Martinacious Book (of Treasures).  What's really cool about this page, that you can't "hear" on this post, is the sound the dolphins make when the page is turned and this layout is opened up.  If you haven't seen the YouTube video of this book yet, you can check it out HERE -- so you can "hear".  =)  (sorry, that was a bit lame.  ha ha)

The mechanism I used to create this, is actually -- a store bought card!  Yep, the blue background has a white tab that pulls when the card is opened to create the sound already built into the original card.  I simply cut the card to fit the size of my book and created all my own thematic embellishments using my Cricut.

 Because the sound mechanism added a lot of bulk, I lifted up the pirate image (Cricut Love Struck cartridge) with mounting foam and tucked in a "treasure" of real money from the Federal Reserve, just behind the Arrrrr.  I had to take some of the money out of the packet to fit, so it lowered the value to about $5...it was a bit inflated anyway.  LoL

 Of course the money's not the real "Treasure"...

I continued to use elements from my nephew Marty's survey (I had him fill this out, and I used it to customize his book).  I added names of his friends & sisters into the book, giving them each their own small part.  For the sand, I used tan cardstock which I ripped and inked, and made it into a pocket which holds the chocolate coins. 

I made the water elements, dolphins, swimmers, etc from the Cricut Life is a Beach cartridge, adding ink and gel pen highlights.  I gotta say...some of the smaller pieces (such as the bubbles & stripes on the trunks) were a little persnickety to play around with, but they were so worth it -- I really was pleased to make it unique. 

And what Pirate could be complete without his own pirate treasure map?  I used my circle punch for the half circle punched out of the page, and adhered it to a cardstock map which I put my own spin on.

I decided to make this map as a guide for his interactive book.  If he missed something the first time through the book, he would be able to look at the map and find all the hidden "treasures".  I didn't want to hide the map too well so he wouldn't see it...or how would he be able to use it.  But I did have it tuck neatly into a side pocket. 

I used a black sharpie to write the page being referenced, then I used a silver gel pen for all that pages information.  Depending on how you look at the map in the light will depend on what you'll be able to read with the silver pen.  Finally, I used a fine red tip marker to separate each page layout...he's just been reading a bit at five years old, but maybe this will be a good incentive to help him learn.  And of course his parents are there to help as well.

Funny thing about this map...when I was showing the book on YouTube and got to this map, I'm glad I read part of it.  Turned out I forgot to show the secret hidden pocket I made for the Star Wars page.  I had to go to back to show it...but I guess you could say the map worked!  Ha ha...

 As this page layout turns into the last page you can see I made a larger pocket to hold a mini album.  I used black grosgrain ribbon for binding the pocket sides, just adhered with Score-tape.  The mini photo album has an elastic silver cording & tassel which is easily pulled to withdrawal the book.

 The mini photo book is made with black cardstock and includes many things my nephew had in his survey.  This is Marty's recent photo from Disney.  Perfect Pirate!  ha ha

 For each photo I included I left the opposite side blank with black cardstock.  He can choose to add more photos or use a gel pen to write on the pages. 

 I had to include this page!  My son used to dress up his floor with his "designs".  One of the items in Marty's survey he said he liked was to "Find Snakes".  So I put this page in as a teaser.  When he got his book it took him a bit of time to find it.  He decidedly did not want help from his parents either.  When he did find it, my brother sent me a picture of him pointing to it.  That was so cool!

COUSINS:  Cody & Marty

Well Guys...only one more page layout left!  I can't wait to show you some of the other things I've been working on.  Whew...

If you've missed the other book posts....

YouTube Mini Book
Book info & Bug Tag
Dragon Slayer pages
Star Wars pages
Batman pages
Courageous layout

Thanks for hanging in there...Lisa