Design, Create, Inspire!

i love to create - day 28 - Dimensional Flower punches

2012-02-28T13:57:00.003-08:00

Every day is a great day to create! Each day in February we are sharing with you one of our favorite products. We actually craft ourselves, so these items are our 'picks' , things we use and recommend. Check back each day in February to see the daily pick.

Today's pick: dimensional flower punches from EK Success
these look and work like border punches, and you can use them in that way, but they are designed so that after punching you can roll them up and create handmade paper flowers!

4 styles to choose from

Here is a photo tutorial on how to create pretty flowers like these:

Select 2 different cardstock colors for your flower.

(try a double sided cardstock weight pattern paper for added interest)

Punch 3 strips total- 2 of one color and 1 of the other. Just punch along the 12" length of your paper, the design will leave a clean edge so you can punch again. no scissors or paper trimmer needed!

apply strong adhesive to the narrow border at bottom of punched design.

attach two different colors to each other- offset the petals

apply strong glue to the narrow strip at the bottom of the layered punch out borders.

starting at one end, roll up the layers.

keep going all the way to the end- the glue is holding the design together.

now you have one border strip left. apply strong glue to the narrow edge and begin wrapping it around the flower base you've already created.

as you are adding the last layer, try to offset the petals. if you need to you can pleat the paper here and there as seen in above photo to make that happen.

now you have your flower- time to make it bloom!

starting on the outside layer, gently fold down each petal, working your way around and around the flower.

keep going until you have a full pretty flower

If you like, you can embellish the flower a bit- I've added some ink to the edges of the petals. or try spritzing with misting spray for added sparkle.

add rhinestones, or beads to the centers of your flowers if you like.

I love to create - day 27 - Texture Boutique

2012-02-27T13:11:00.009-08:00

Today's pick:

The Texture Boutique by Sizzix. This cutie is designed to look like an adorable handbag, but it packs a real punch! Use with embossing folders to impress a design into cardstock (or vellum, or other papers, works on chipboard and foil too)

see how it works in this video:

We have dozens and dozens of embossing folders for you to choose from. Here are just a few...

Here are a few cards- made with embossing folders.

I love to create- day 26 - Echo Park Paper

2012-02-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do

more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)

we are picking one of our favorite products to share with you!

Check back each day to see the daily pick, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today’s pick: Echo Park Paper

We love Echo Park papers because they are so well designed and they keep thing s fresh and exciting! We love that every collection has a mix of large and small prints. We love that Echo Park is always careful to make their double sided paper great on BOTH sides. We love that they always have 3 double sided solid papers that coordinate perfectly (because matching to cardstock can sometimes be more difficult)

For every collection you will be able to find collection kits, 6x6 papers, and all of the papers sold individually too.

A Boy's Life release came to us In January, and we are so happy to have a great boy line!

Echo parks collection: A Boys Life layout tutorial with paper airplane embellishments!

by Designer Jen Gallacher

New collections in February are the 2 new This & That collections, Charming, and Graceful.

We've been having a lot of fun creating with these two This & That collections, check out our facebook photo album echo park

here is a sneak peek at some new collections coming this spring!

i love to create - day 25 - Sew Easy

2012-02-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

Every day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it's a leap year so there are 29 days!) we are picking one of our favorite products to share with you!

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Todays pick: Sew Easy from We R Memory Keepers

Stitching tool, foam piercing mat, stitch design heads, needle, and floss.

You can purchase different stitch design heads to fit into your stitching tool.

to create the stitching pattern- place the paper you want to stitch on to the piercing mat, and roll the stitching tool (with the stitch head attached) across the paper. this leaves you with a pattern that you can pierce and stitch.

The back side of each stitch piercer head shows a few different ways you can stitch with that particular style. Love that!

this quick video clip shows you an animation of how this system works

see how to Sew Easy

i love to create - day 24 - Tombow Brush Markers

2012-02-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Todays pick: Tombow Brush Markers

here is a video that will teach you how to use Tombow brush markers to create butterflies.

this video shows you some cool lettering techniques with Tombow brush markers.

learn how to do simple blending with Tombow Brush Makers

this video show you how to ink stamps with Tombow Brush Markers

i love to create- day 23 - thickers

2012-02-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite
scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do more.
We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)
we are picking one of our favotire products to share with you!

Check back each day to see the daily pick, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today’s pick: Thickers! by American Crafts

Thickers add style and dimension to your project, these alpha and number stickers are made of
archival quality materials. we offer a huge selection of color and fonts in a variety of different
materials including chipboard, glitter, foam, fabric, and more.

Our scrapbook design team loves to use thicker on their layouts. Look at these great pages made with thickers alpha stickers...

by Cara Goedeking

By Jennifer Evans

by Jennifer McMurtrey

By Mendi Yoshikawa

By Julie Aviles

i love to create- day 22- Versafine Ink Pads

2012-02-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

Todays Pick: Versafine Ink pads

Looking for an ink to give you extremely fine detail? An ink that you are able to watercolor or marker over and it won't bleed? Then look no further! This natural oil-based pigment ink dries instantly on matte cardstock. You won't believe it till you see it. Inkpad lasts 3-5 times longer than regular inks.

Works great with all kinds of stamps, and is ideal for detailed images.

cleans up easily , even from clear stamps.

if you only have 1 black ink pad, make it a Versafine!

i love to create- day 21- Quickstik tool

2012-02-21T23:00:00.001-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: the Quick Stik tool from Lifestyle crafts

The Quick stik tool is a precision pick up and placement tool for easy handling of small, hared to pick-up items like small paper die cuts, rhinestones, beads, and more.

One end is filled with a green low tac kind of adhesive that allows you to touch to a small object and pick it up and then place it where you like. Making it the ideal tool for self stick rhinestones or pearls- simply lift off the sheet and place on your project!

the other end of the tool is a very small spatula or chisel shaped tool. this end will come in handy for so many things... use it for rub ons, for helping lift off cut out elements from your Cricut sticky mat, to carefully adjust delicate items on your project. You could even use it to push your cuticles back!

True story- once I dropped a folded $20 bill between the seats of my car and I couldn't reach it. Quick Stick to the rescue! I fished out the money on the first try.

i love to create- day 20 - 6x6 paper pads

2012-02-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: 6x6 pattern paper pads

Design Team member Steffanie says:
Crafting with 6x6 printed paper pads is fun because...first of all, they are a great value. You get the whole collection for just $4-6! Besides being perfect for card-making, they are also great for full size layouts. I rarely use a full sheet of patterned paper on my pages anyway so the 6x6 papers work just fine and I have a large variety to choose from!

Design team member Michelle says:
Crafting with 6x6 printed paper pads is fun because...the scaled down patterns are great for mini albums, card making and other small projects.

Design team member Jen says:
Crafting with 6x6 printed paper pads is fun because...I can stretch out my money by using a 6x6 pad of paper and a pile of colored cardstock. I can get an entire collection of papers perfect for my scrapbook pages, mini books, or cards at low cost. Plus, I don't feel guilty using a punch on a 6x6 piece of paper as I do punching a 12x12 sheet just for a small embellishment on a page.

Design team member Amanda says:
Crafting with 6x6 printed paper pads is fun because...it is a great way to add the pattern to your pages in small amounts and not use a full 12x12 sheet when you just want a piece. It's also a fantastic way to get a larger variety of paper when you are on a tight budget. They are also great for cards, the scale is perfect for the smaller format.

Here are just a few of the dozens of choices in 6x6 paper pads...

i love to create- day 19- Tim Holtz products

2012-02-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: Tim Holtz products!

It's too hard to pick just one! (yes, we've already listed Distress Inks and Alcohol Inks in this month of creative products we love... but there are so many more great supplies from Tim Holtz. The great thing about Tim Holtz products is that even if you don't necessarily like the Tim Holtz look of vintage/grunge you can take most all of his amazing products and make them work for your own look and style.

Check out this video with FRAGMENTS

Check out this video with CONFIGURATIONS BOXES

Check out this video with ROSETTE die (note, Tim is using the 'Vagbond' die cut machine in this video, but you can also use the Sizzix Big Shot, or the Provo Cuttlebug, etc

This video is all about TISSUE TAPE

i love to create - day 18 - Protect n store boxes

2012-02-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: Protect N Store boxes.

Crafting can get messy. Keeping your supplies organized will help you keep your sanity!

We really love the Protect N Store boxes to keep our supplies in order.

they are perfectly clear- making it really easy to see whats in each box before opening it!
they are stack-able, making it really easy to stack multiple boxes on top of each other
we offer a clear insert for the 12x12 size. this is a clear divided storage tray that helps you to keep smaller embellishments and supplies neatly organized in one place.
they are really affordable- you can usually get these 3 for $10
you can label the outside if you want
they are perfect if you are going to a crop, class, or other event where you need to bring a special assortment of your supplies with you.
they hold 12x12 papers!

I use them for storing and organizing

ink pads
stamps
paper punches
paper collections (I like to keep paper, and the embellishments that match the papers together in the same place)
cardstock (i keep color families together so I can quick and easy find my blue box or my pink box, etc of cardstock)
hand held tools like scissors, stylus, rulers, mats, knives, etc
adhesives
class kit (most scrapbook or card classes or project seem to require the same basic supplies every time- so I keep those all in one box so I'm always ready for the next event! Includes scissors, black pen, bone folder, pencil, ruler, tape runner, liquid glue, pop dots, crystal glitter, vintage brown ink pad, foam applicator, small portable paper trimmer, refill blades for trimmer and knife.
embossing powders, glitters, flocking
brads, eyelets, ribbons, rhinestones, button, loose embellishments (with the divider tray insert)

they are also great for storing:

make up
hair barrettes, combs, ties, headbands, flowers, bobby pins
jewelry
beading supplies
fabric scraps, felt scraps, fat quarters, lace, ribbon, trim
nail polish and manicure supplies
holiday ornaments
craft paints, brushes
drawing pencils, pens, markers, papers
calligraphy supplies

Thinking of getting a friend into scrapbooking or stamping? Buy her a few supplies, and give her a few of your own and put them inside a protect n store box. Tie with a bow. Now she'll have some fun stuff to start playing with and a place to keep it too.

i love to create- day 17- paper blossoms punches

2012-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: Paper Blossom Punches by McGill

Using different punches you can create amazing dimensional, realistic looking flowers out of paper! Look at this close up for a garden rose.

The techniques for creating these flowers involve 3 basic sets.

1.) punching

2.) shaping (using stylus and a foam pad, and sometimes tweezers)

3.) assembling (gluing the shaped petals together to create the flower)

Watch this video on how to make a rose to see the process and understand more.

we have all the punches you need to make these 16 amazing flowers.

You can find a project sheet for any and all of these 16 punches here

i love to create- day 16- Embellishment Glue stick

2012-02-16T11:58:00.001-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today's pick: THE embellishment glue stick.

This glue stick is amazing! It's our number 1 adhesive, and for good reason.

It works, and it works well!

Inexpensive, and easy to use like a traditional glue stick.

But with super strong holding power!

Use it with paper, photos, metal, plastic, fabric, wood, canvas, and more!

We are very impressed with the holding power of this little glue stick, we use it on many of the models in store that need a really strong bond between two surfaces. We love it and highly recommend it.

The first time we were introduced to this glue stick, we were given a business card with a penny stuck to it- glued in place with this glue stick. We were challenged to remove the penny.

It could NOT be removed!

We were sold, and we've been spreading the word about the wonder that is the Pioneer Embellishment Glue stick.

BTW-totally acid free too!

I love to create- day 15 - Alcohol Ink

2012-02-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and acutally use and recommend these items, becuase we Love to Create!

Todays pick: Alcohol Inks

Color any non-porus surface with alcohol inks. It's fast. It's fun. It's easy.

Color metal, glossy paper, plastic, acrylic, glass, sand, rhinestones, and so much more! Check out this great video by Tim Holtz to learn more.

We offer all the colors, and you can buy them in coordinated 3pks, or individual colors. Look for them at your local Craft Warehouse.

also check out this post about alcohol ink.

i love to create- day 14 - My Minds Eye Paper and accessories

2012-02-14T18:26:00.001-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and acutally use and recommend these items, becuase we Love to Create!

Todays pick:

My Minds Eye Paper and embellishments.

We love My Minds Eye products because they are so well designed and so well made.

We love that every collection is designed so you can mix and match and be confident that no matter what you pick within a collection your finished project will look amazing. My Minds eye is always at the front of trends, color, and style. We have all the brand new releases in stores now, including Miss Caroline, Follow Your Heart, and On the Bright side.

Lots of photos below!

The Miss Caroline collection is a large collection with 4 different color families. All the papers are heavy weight double sided pattern paper, and there are loads of fun embellishments including die cut full color titles, color rub ons, colorful bakers twine, pins and button packs, decorative brad packs, clear stamp sets, laser cut wood embellishments, shaped color rhinestone stickers (which are the same shape as the wood embellishments so you can use them together if you want to) layered stickers, and journaling die cut prompts. Here is a peek at Miss Caroline!

The Follow Your Heart collection is my personal favorite. Beautiful design- in 2 color families- blues, or pinks. The designs could be used for so many different kinds of projects and themes. Double sided papers, trio packs of bakers twine, clear stamp sets, decorative brads, button embellishments, and of course- 6"x6" paper pads. I just adore the honeycomb pattern papers. Here is a little peek at Follow your Heart collection...

The collection called 'on the Bright side' is a really fun new collection of papers with great prints liked weathered painted wood, chevrons, floral prints, and denim. This great mix will make for some really striking layouts, cards, and other projects. Here is a little peek at On the Bright Side...

Check out these amazing new collections in their entirety at your local Craft Warehouse soon!

I love to create- Day 13 American Crafts Ribbons

2012-02-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and acutally use and recommend these items, becuase we Love to Create!

Todays pick:

American Crafts Ribbon!

What crafter doesn't love ribbon?

American Crafts offers a huge selection of quality colors, widths, and styles of ribbon. Have you seen the new glitter ribbon! YUM-EE!

You can find everything from twine to sheer to grosgrain to lace to specialty like pretty dimensional rose ribbon and even tulle!

The amount on the spool varies from 1 yard to 10 or more yards depending on the style of ribbon, but whichever one you pick, they are all the same price $2.99 per spool. You are sure to find a color and style to fit most any project.

i love to create day 12 - Doodlebug Create a Card

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and acutally use and recommend these items, becuase we Love to Create!

Todays pick:

We Love the Doodlebug Create A Card Program!

It makes card making fast, easy, and so stylish. so finished. You still get the wow factor a handmade card has- but it takes only seconds to put together.

Step 1- pick a card (every card you see here is available in any color you see here)

Step 2- pick a envelope (every envelope comes in every color so you can mix or match your card0 they are created with paper weight double sided paper and are specially die cut to fit the card you choose- with really adorable designs)

Step 3- pick and embellishment or two! Doodlepops are individual layered, die cut, and glittered stickers you just peel and stick on to the card of your choice!

Doodletwine - wrap your card with a bit of doodletwine (exact colors to mix or match your color choices!)

that's it!

Or- let your creativity go crazy and use papers, stamps, inks, and more to really jazz up one of these cards.

here are just a few of the doodle-pops- see the selection at your local Craft Warehouse.

i love to create day 11- SMASH

2012-02-11T06:00:00.002-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to

do more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are

29 days!) we are picking one of our favotire products to share with you!

Check back each day to see the daily pick, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today’s pick: Smash from K and Company

Choose Folios in 7 colors and themes. Use them for journals, scrapbooks, dream lists, event planners, lists, a place to save post cards, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia from your everyday life. Each comes with it's own Smash Stick (glue stick on one end, pen on the other!)

There are lots of fun Smash accessories to go with your new Smashing hobby! Including pockets, clips, date stamp, bands, smash pads, stickies, and more!

watch this fun video to get the idea behind SMASH!

see a smash page layout come together in this video by our Scrapbook Design team Member Jennifer Evans.

i love to create day 10 - Stickles Glitter Glue

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Todays Pick:

Stickles™ Glitter Glue

Let your art "sparkle" with acid free, non-settling Stickles™ glitter glue! Easily write, dot, dash, draw and embellish on paper and rubber stamping projects, candles, memory album covers and more! Available in .5 oz. fine point applicator tip bottles.

• Acid free
• Non-toxic
• Non-settling
• Easy-flow tip
• Water wash-off

Add color sparkle to your project, be it paper, plastic, wood, etc. You can write letters or doodle with it thanks to the fine tip nozzel. You can apply thick for a raised glittery effect, or thin with a bit of water for a wash of soft glitter.

My favorite way to use stickles is to first color area with marker or paint that is the same color as the stickles I want to use, and then coat that area in stickles- this gives a really rich color all the way through.

Are you following us on Pinterest? Here is a fun recent Pin with 101 ways to use Stickles Glitter Glue by piecesofmepapercrafts.blogspot.com

Source: piecesofmepapercrafts.blogspot.com via Craft on Pinterest

i love to create - day 9 - VersaMark ink pad

2012-02-09T06:00:00.001-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our

favorite scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier,

and inspire us to do more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February

(it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!) we are picking one of our favotire products to share

with you!

Check back each day to see the daily pick, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Today’s pick: VersaMark ink pad from Tsukineko (sue-kin-eck-o)

The versamark ink pad is an essential tool for every stamper!

It's called a watermark stamp pad, because it can help you create beautiful watermark effects on cardstock - all you do is ink your stamps with this clear ink and stamp on your cardstock, when the ink is dry you have a watermark image of your stamp on your paper. Perfect for creating your own custom background paperThe ink is really sticky- making it ideal for embossing. Simply ink your stamp with Versamark and stamp on to your paper. Sprinkle color embossing powder over wet ink, tap off excess powder. The sticky ink will hold the powder to the image of your stamped design. Apply heat with an embossing heat tool to melt the powder and raise the image.

This ink is also great for use with chalk. Because it's so sticky it acts as a kind of glue for chalk. Just ink stamp- stamp on to cardstock. then gently rub chalks over the stamped area. Versamark will 'attract' the powder - the result is a beautiful watercolor like image.

Versamark is also great for RESIST technique. Just ink your stamp with versamark, and stamp onto glossy white cardstock. Then brayer or rub dye based ink over entire paper. Everywhere you stamped will stay white, (resisting the dye ink) and the background will be the color of the dye ink(s) you used.

Also available in small cube size, or in a marker!

i love to create- day 8- Fiskars Premium Portable Paper Trimmer

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do

more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)

we are picking one of our favotire products to share with you!

Check back each day to see the daily pick, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and actually use and recommend these items, because we Love to Create!

Todays Pick: SureCut Deluxe Premium Portable Paper Trimmer from Fiskars

This Large-deck trimmer provides the cutting precision you want, and features that make it a tool you will use in virtually every paper craft project!

- the wide base or 'deck' makes cutting easier because it has allows for cutting basic measurements quickly. Ideal for photo cropping, and card making.

-the SureCut wire cutline makes it easy to see where the blade will cut for unmatched accuracy.

-self-leveling swing-out arm extends the measuring deck to over 15" to cut extra large papers with precision.

-permanent scale and grid mat is printed UNDERNEATH THE DECK- this is awesome because you won't wear off the measurements from use!

-high-profile blade carriage is easier to grip

-has a 12" cut length

-expanded cut rail with integrated smudge guard holds paper or photos in place without fingerprints

-rubberized feet provide stability

-offers a lock to keep cutting rail stable and closed when not in use, or when traveling which helps maintain the lifetime of this trimmer and ensures accuracy because the cutting rail wont get damaged in transit. (and you can leave it unlocked when you are using it- no fussing with locking and unlocking unless you want to!)

I love to create - day 7 - Uniform Scrapbooks

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to

do more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are

Creating keepsake scrapbooks for the men and women in your family who serve, or who

are veterans of our Military is a wonderful way to honor their courage. These 12x12

scrapbooks are covered in authentic U.S. military Uniform covers. The books are expandable

post bound albums, and refill pages are available.

I love to create- Day 6- Martha Stewart Scoring Board

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do

more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)

Score flawless, crisp lines on cards, invitations, boxes, bags, envelopes, paper rosettes, and other projects on this handy scoring board tool. We love that there are measurements every 1/8inch- this allows for maximum creativity!

Comes with a bone folder, and an envelope template- each has it's own little cubby right on the scoring board for storage when not in use.

You'll find measurements for basic envelope, cards, and box sizes right on the scoring tool so you can quickly, easily, and accurately start creating right away!

Here are two short videos you can watch to learn the basics on creating envelopes and boxes with this scoring board.

i love to create - day 5 Sticky Thumb tape runner

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do

more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)

Sticky Thumb is still fairly new in the world of crafting, so you may not have heard of it yet.

Paper Crafters love the idea of tape runners because they are quick, easy, and generally mess free to use. However, the downside is that the more affordable tape runners don't have the strong sticky holding power and longevity of hold that the more expensive runners do.

UNTIL NOW!

Sticky thumb is truly STICKY! It really holds tight- and not just paper, although let's face it, finding a tape runner that will do something as simple as adhere textured cardstock together is a small miracle in itself!

Sticky thumb is also GREAT for dimensional paper projects, such as holding together boxes, bags, envelopes and other projects you've created with paper- when you need a STRONG hold.

It works on many other surfaces as well- it holds ribbon in place nicely, also works great on chipboard, plastic, glass, metal, canvas, and more!

Totally inexpensive too! only $2.99 for the runner, and $3.99 for a 2pk refill!

Once you start using it, you'll find out that you don't have to use as much - because it's really that strong of a stick.

Try Sticky Thumb today! You'll never look back! We highly recommend Sticky Thumb.

i love to create day 4 -- Big Shot die cutter

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Each day of the year is a great day to get crafty! In February we are celebrating some of our favorite

scrapbooking and stamping products because they make creating more fun, easier, and inspire us to do

more. We want to share the love with you, so each day in February (it’s a leap year so there are 29 days!)

The Sizzix Big Shot Machine is a versatile, easy to use and affordable multipurpose creative system. It is designed to allow you to cut and/or emboss for creating unlimited fun projects. Use with the thin or 'wafer thin' dies, use with any brand of embossing folders or embossing plates, use with BIGZ dies- heavy duty steel rule dies that allow you to cut through a large array of materials- everything from several sheets of cardstock at once, to felt, fabric, leather, chipboard, grungeboard, acrylic sheets, thin metal sheets, balsa wood, lace, magnetic sheets, cork, burlap, canvas, and more!

Super stylish in black and pink! This portable roller machine cuts and embosses beautifully The whole idea to getting a great cut or emboss is finding the right 'sandwich' to run through the Big Shot. Die cut and emboss machines have the same general process of layering the media you want to cut or emboss between cutting or embossing mats, platforms, and shims and then rolling through the machine. We love how easy Sixxix makes this - by including with the big shot a platform, with 2 shims, and 2 cutting mats. The multipurpose platform and shims have color pictures and instructions right on them so you can easily and quickly find the sandwich you need to make for your project.

We offer a large selection of sizzix accessories, dies, and folders as well as several other brands all of which can be used in your Big Shot Machine - with the right 'sandwich'.

We recommend the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine!

i love to create - day 3 Distress Inks

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Tim Holtz® Distress Ink Pads
Tim Holtz Distress Inks are a collection of 36 acid-free, non-toxic, fade resistant, water-based dye inks. They’re perfect for the new vintage, stained, aged effect crafters are creating in their altered books, scrapbook pages, cards and paper craft projects. Tim selected the colors and helped develop these inks to produce a realistic, weathered look on paper, photos and decorative fibers. All the colorful Distress Inks afford added versatility when photo tinting and color layering with the original, award winning tones. The 2" x 2" pads are made with a higher raised felt for easier use with direct to paper techniques.

• Acid free• Non-toxic• Fade Resistant• New Higher Felt• Raised 2" x 2" Pads• Water-based Dye Inks•

Tips and Techniques for Distress ink

check out this video from Tim Holtz as he shows you lots of techniques for Distress Inks!

Bonus! This post is all about distress inks, but have you seen the newer Distress Stains? Check out this video by Tim Holtz to learn more!

i love to create- day 2 cutterbee scissors

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Precision tips, comfort grips and safety cover.

This one is a customer and employee favorite! There is nothing like a good pair of scissors to make your craft project a joy to create. We love how sharp these scissors are, and with the fine detail tip it makes even the fussiest of cuts easy!

Don't loose the protective cover- it protects you and the scissors when not in use!

i love to create - day 1 non stick craft sheet

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Check back each day to see the new product, and learn more about it.

We craft ourselves, and acutally use and recommend these items, becuase we Love to Create!

Todays pick:

Non-Stick Craft Sheet™ from Ranger Inc.
15" x 18" reusable, protective sheet is the answer to all of your craft surface needs.
Nothing sticks to it! The slick, non-porous material withstands high temperatures, making it the perfect compliment to embossing), candle wax, soap chips and even hot glue won’t penetrate or distort its smooth-as-glass finish.
Clean-up is quick and easy, ready to use again and again.
Paper thin.
Protects your work surface.

A tool every crafter needs!

This craft mat is amazing! It really and truely is non-stick! It's the perfect protective surface to craft on.

*heat resistant (use it when you break out the hot glue, use it when baking clay, use it when you emboss with your heat tool)

*non stick (use it whenever you are using any kind of adhesive. EVEN super glue won't stick!

TIP- the easiest way to clean up glue spills or messes on this craft sheet is to let the glue dry or set up and then it will simply peel right off the mat and you can throw it away. Leaves no residue.

*use it as a paint pallet! put your paint, watercolors, markers, ink pads, and other wet media right onto the craft sheet like you would a paint pallet. Not only does your media stay wet longer, it wont stick - you can clean up with water!

*use it for stamping! Stampers love the craft sheet because they can overstamp thier paper leaving behind partial images on thier work surface- if you use the craft sheet they will wipe away cleanly with a paper towel. You can also scribble your Tombow markers directly onto the craft mat and then use water and a paint brush to create your own paint to color in designs you've stamped.

The craft sheet is heat resistant so it's ideal suface to have under your heat embossing. the little extra granuals of embossing powder wont stick to the mat, and you wont damage your work surface with the heat tool.

*scrapbookers love having the craft sheet under the papers, mats, and embellishments they are adding ink to, or spraying with glimmer spray because clean up is quick, and it helps prevent getting ink and spray on thier work surface.

Rosette & Twigs on Canvas!

2012-01-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

Rosette & Twigs on Canvas!

Supplies:

2 - 12x12 Canvas

Bundle of sticks

Molding paste

Plastic painters spatula

Paint brush

GOLDEN fluid acrylics Cobalt Teal, Cobalt Turquoise & Burnt Umber Light

Book page paper

E6000 glue

Glue Gun

Instructions:

Start by applying your molding paste to the canvas. I used a plastic painters spatula to apply paste. I wanted the canvas to have dimension so I left lines in the paste.
Then let canvas dry over night
Next I applied the fluid acrylic paint starting with the Cobalt Turquoise. I brushed on the color on both canvases.After the first color dries. Add your second color (Cobalt Teal) make sure your paint brush only has a small amount of paint and lightly brush scattered areas of the canvas.
Wait about a hour and add your final coat using (Burnt Umber Light). In this last step you really want to have a very small amount on your brush. Lightly stroke side to side to give you canvas a rustic look.
After all your paint dries you are ready to make your rosettes. Take a page out of a old book or you can also use scrap booking paper. Cut you paper in a 6" circle.
Cut your circle like a spiral
Slowly coil your paper starting on the out side of your spiral until you get to the center of your circle. Hot glue flower to the middle of the circle.
Place your twigs on your canvas and glue down with E6000
Then glue your flower rosettes on to canvas using E6000.

Make realistic dimensional flower blossoms out of paper

2012-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Use paper punches to create amazing realistic looking flowers out of paper! We've got all the tools you need to create 16 different dimensional paper flowers, including dogwood, garden rose, tulip, pansy, sunflower, and more. It's easier then it looks, and the finished flowers are so impressive! Use markers or glitter to add little extra details for the ultimate wow factor!

McGill Punches are in stock, find them at your local Craft Warehouse and remember to get a free project sheet that shows each flower and tells you what you need for each one.

We've added the specific instructions on how to make each of the 16 flowers in the photo above to our website- check them out on our website craft warehouse

Here is a video that shows you the process for making the Rose - it's fun to see how you can manipulate paper to create these stunning flowers. And the same techniques for the rose are used in most of the flowers.

Try it out! On Saturday January 21 visit your local Craft Warehouse between 1pm and 4pm and make a Lily flower. You'll learn the techniques in the photo below and get hands on experience while you create a beautiful Lily blossom.

canvas mania

2012-01-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Join us for Canvas Mania!

Were hosting a fun $5 project each Saturday through Feb 4th.

Just show up at your local Craft Warehouse this Saturday afternoon (January 14th) and you can make the really cool 12x12 Light design canvas. (it actually has a strand of lights tucked in the back of the canvas, so you'll be able to enjoy your masterpiece day or night! It's really impressive when it's lit up.

Learn new techniques and try out some new craft products.Playing with canvas is only limited by your imagination, let us show you some fun ideas while you create your own canvas to take home.

Happy Birthday Layout by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, I’m Design Team member Amanda. As scrapbookers, we all have our strengths of what we scrap. Personally, I’m not much of a “theme” scrapbooker. It’s easier for me to scrap book personalities and relationships than events. But there are still those “events” in our lives that need scrapbooked. I’d had this stack of pictures from my kids’ birthday party waiting to be used. For the record, my kids birthdays are one day apart. Two years and a day, those silly gooses. So birthday celebrations in our house are two day events. I’m sure they’ll grow up thinking its very weird that everyone else doesn’t have two days of birthday parties! Wouldn’t that be pure bliss if we did?? As long as it means we don’t add two years to our age each year! Then I might object LOL (of course, I’d have to remember how old I am in the first place. I can’t remember if I’m 22 or 32 or 19!)

For this layout, I used the Simple Stories Happy Day products. Everything put out by this company have been some of my favorite items of the last year. I was struggling with these pictures because there was no similar color families in the picture (green, red, orange, pink & purple! – a hard combination to match!) But I was very pleased with how well the bold (but still somewhat neutral) colors of the Simple Stories Happy Day line matched. It toned down the chaotic colors and worked well. I also really love the ability to use the Simple Stories as a quick way to use divided page protectors, or use them in a full layout. Fun & versatile product!!

Adding a few 3D foam dots adds a lot more interest into the page. Quick, easy and affordable way to add another design dimension.

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Simple Stories (paper, stickers, title & ledger letters), misc (buttons, floss, bling & foam dots) chocolate ink

Charming Layout by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, I’m Design Team member Amanda. Today, I thought we should talk about something we all have. Fears. Yup. Common fears are death, spiders, snakes, heights, water. Those aren’t mine (oh, well, snakes & water are). But back to scrapbooking. What do fears have to do with scrapbooking? A lot actually. We all have fears in regards to our wonderful hobby. Want to know mine?

Yellow. I’m afraid of yellow. I’ll admit it. But this Fall I bought a few sheets of beautiful Authentique papers in yellow. What was I thinking? And they sat taunting me in the front of my paper files. Everytime I opened the drawer, they said to me “you’re afraid of us..ha ha ha ha.” Wait, you mean, talking paper isn’t normal? Well, then forget I said that.

Now fast forward to last night. I was determined to get a page done. I pulled out a couple photos I wanted to use and set to work. Then I opened the paper drawer to pull paper and again those yellow papers started to taunt me “you’re afraid of uh……………………..” But before they could finish their little taunt, I snatched them out and decided I was going to put an end to that. No more unruly papers in my stash.

I set to work, and an hour and a half later, I’m extremely happy. I don’t normally spend that much time on a LO because, well, I’m not very patient. However, if I’m always that happy, I’m going to start spending that much time!

Supplies: Authentique, Martha Stewart punch & scoring board, Bazzill stitching templates, Misc buttons, floss, letter dies & My Little Shoebox alphas

Art Layout by Design Team Member Michelle Wofford

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, design team member Michelle here today to share one of my favorite layouts with you.

I have a favorite picture of my Aunt and I taken in San Francisco years ago that I knew it would work great with this unique color combination.

I started out with yellow cardstock for the base and spritzed it with a bit of orange Tattered Angels glimmer mist. The papers I used are from the 6x6 pad of My Minds Eye's Lime Twist collection. Because the background of the picture is busy I chose bright subtle patterns to accent it. Tip: If you don't have a circle cutter trace a round object about the size that you want your circle then hand cut the circle.

I used simple accents like zippers, embroidery floss and the clear rubber piece in the top right corner. These add dimension and interest without taking away from the photo.

The zippers are from Indygo Junction and are available at your local Craft Warehouse as well as embroidery floss. Create a similar clear accent using glossy accents or a small acrylic stamp (check the dollar bins).

To get the look with the floss seperate individual strands and play with them until you get your desired look.

Thanks for looking

~ Michelle

Monogram Art by Design Team Member Steffanie Seiler

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm Steffanie, Craft Warehouse Design Team member.

Today I want to share a wall hanging that I made as a Christmas gift for my mom.

Here is a list of some of the supplies I used:
1. Unfinished wooden frame
2. Large monogram letter
3. Patterned paper of choice (Echo Park's For the Record)
4. Mod Podge
5. Strong dry adhesive
6. Hot glue gun
7. Black acrylic paint
8. Black satin spray paint
9. Martha Stewart scoreboard
10. Misc ribbon/buttons
11. Circle punches
12. Border punches

I will not go into making folded flowers here. Tutorials for them can be found easily on the web by doing a google search.I started by spray painting the frame edge. I did a couple coats allowing dry time in between.

I also painted the edges of the monogram with black acrylic paint. After making my paper selections, I traced and cut the paper for the monogram and adhered with Mod Podge. I sanded down any uneven edges.

I learned the hard way not to adhere your base paper to the frame with Mod Podge. It buckled so bad I had to peal it off. I originally was going to use the pretty red patterned paper from the paper pack but had to go with textured cardstock after I ruined it. Lesson learned. I write this so you won't have to sacrifice a piece of beautiful paper like I did!

I went with a good strong dry adhesive the second time around---the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, or ATG for short.The rest is just assembly, much like a scrapbook page, until you achieve the look you want. I adhered the large monogram with hot glue...I didn't want to take any chances with this falling off! I added a couple of buttons to the flourish centers on the patterned paper for interest. The remaining letters in the name were cut with a die-cut machine.

I hope this will inspire you to make a monogram wall hanging of your own. Now I need to make one for myself!

Joy Card by Design Team Member Steffanie Seiler

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! Steffanie here. I know, the holidays are over. But just in case you want to get a head start for next year, I have one of my favorite cards to share. This is made with American Crafts Dear Lizzy's Christmas collection from last year, but you could easily substitute your favorite collection for this basic card.

It's a standard size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches.

I make card fronts and then attach them to purchased white or cream cards that come packaged with envelopes. I do this so that when I'm using a dark color for the base (in this case I used gray), I don't have to worry about my writing on the inside of the card not showing because it's too dark. Know what I mean?

So I started by cutting my card base to the above measurements and adhering to the pre-made card. I then cut a lengthwise piece of the stocking paper to 2.5 x 5.5 in. and adhered it to the left side, aligning the edges. The rose colored piece is 1.5 x 4.5 in. The border piece is also 4.5 in. I used one of my all time favorite border punches, Fiskars Threading Water.

After adhering the rose piece to the border strip, determine where you want to place it on the card and adhere again. I like to do things a little off-center. This tends to be more pleasing to the eye. I then added a pre-made embellishment from the same collection to the bottom of the rose strip with border. You could make an embellishment with a large punch or die-cut and then add letters, pretty brads, flowers or whatever you like instead.

Be sure to pop-it up with some dimensional adhesive for added interest. The finishing touch is hand drawing some stitch lines with a white pen.

There you have it!Thanks for letting me share my favorite holiday card with you!

Baking Holiday Goodness by Design Team Member Steffanie Seiler

2011-12-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hi, Design Team Member Steffanie, here! If you are anything like me, you take a lot of photos of food. I take them with the full intent of one day incorporating them into a scrapbook page. Until now though, that hasn't really happened. I seem to always have so many people photos that take precedence over these non-people ones. Well, I decided to change that and create my first ever just food layout---and what better subject than all those holiday treats I've been baking!On a recent trip to Craft Warehouse, I picked up some new scrappy goodies from one of my favorite manufacturer's, Echo Park. This is their Season's Greetings collection. I love it!

I did some hand-stitching between the recipe card pockets, trimmed around one of the journal cards to give it some interest and displayed one of the photos like a wall-hanging. Title letters are primarily from the Echo Park collection with the exception of the cream colored velvet ones. These are American Crafts Thickers I had in my stash.

I thought it would be fun to include the recipes of these cookies so that in case someone (in the future) wants to make these beauties, they'll be able to!

Thanks for taking a look at one of my favorite layouts of the season!

Memory Blocks by Design Team Member Michelle Wofford

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there, Michelle Wofford here, from the Craft Warehouse Design Team.

Today I'd like to share with you a simple gift I made for my Grandmother, using wood blocks, paint, scrapbook paper, alphabet stickers, and a bit of adhesive.

To make this home decor item I started with small unfinished wood blocks purchased from my local Craft Warehouse store. There are several sizes of blocks available so choose the size that is right for what you are creating.

Paint each block on all sides, I used two coats. Make sure to let the paint to dry between coats.

Then measure the block to get the size that you want to cut your paper to. For this project I used the 6 x 6 pad from Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl line, you may still be able to find these papers but any patterned papers will work and the 6 x 6 pads are great for smaller areas like this since they have smaller patterns on them.

I chose 6 different papers to cut 6 squares from and covered each side of the squares with a different pattern.

Once you've decided on your papers trim and adhere them to the blocks, I like the Beacon's 3 in 1 glue or Pioneer's embellishment glue stick. I made all my blocks the same but you can easliy mix it up and have a great look too.

While your adhesive is drying you can get started on your alphabet stickers. I started with basic chipboard letters and painted them white for the base. Then I used a glimmer paint to add a bit of color and glimmer. I recommend using Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to acheive the same look.

Once your letters are dry adhere them to the blocks. Because the blocks I used were small I chose not to add any other embellishments and kept it simple. Additional embellishments can be used such as ribbon, buttons or bling to add personal touches.

Thanks for looking and Happy Crafting ~ Michelle

Memo Board by Design Team Member Michelle Wofford

2011-12-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am design team member, Michelle. Today I wanted to share a functional project that anyone can make.

You will need a picture frame in the size of your choice, patterened scrapbook paper / cardstock, a blank calendar template, ribbon, paper flowers and adhesive back pearls.

Start by selecting the size frame you'd like to use. Craft Warehouse has a large selection of frames in a variety of sizes and looks. I used a simple 16" x 20" frame.

You can create the memo board with or without a calendar. If you want to use a calendar there are two options available at your local Craft Warehouse - a clear acrylic calendar sheet or 12" x 12" decorative boardered paper calendar bases. Which you choose will depend on the look you want to acheive.

I've used the clear acrylic sheet so the patterened paper is visible below it. Trim your paper to fit in the frame. If you are using the acrylic sheet like I did you'll need enough paper to cover the entire frame. I usually lay the frame upside down on a table and lay my paper inside the frame so I know I have the best fit. Adhere any overlapping paper so they don't move once they are in the frame.

Trim your ribbon to the desired length. I used used ribbon both vertically and horizontally, this helps camoflage any visible paper seams and adds some decorative dimension to your board. Adhere the ribbon to the paper using glue dots or other adhesive. Once the ribbon is on add any other embellishments you'd like to use - flowers, buttons, bling...

I used paper flowers in two colors and adorned each with a white pearl center. I made this particular board for my sister in law and it just so happened that the colors she chose matched the colors of the outfits my daughters were wearing in a portrait taken around the time I made this board. I added the photo to give this board an extra personal touch.

Once you have everything assembled and your glass is clean insert your paper into the frame the right way and attach the back. If giving as a gift include a dry erase pen so it's ready to use.

Happy Crafting and thanks for looking ~ Michelle

Make a Tinsel Tree

2011-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Another easy project idea for Christmas! Here's your shopping list.

Shopping List

Styrofoam cones 3 7/8"x8 7/8" or 3 7/8"x11 7/8"
Twist Garland in your favorite color! Pick up the 25ft roll from Darice (you will need one for the smaller cone and two for the larger cone).
One Candlestick
Beacon's 3-In-1 Craft Glue
E-6000 (to hold your cone to the candlestick at the very end)
A boa or marabou for trim up top and below the tree

Instructions

1. Start off by wrapping the bottom of the cone all the way around with marabou or boa trim. Use Beacon's 3-In-1 to adhere.

2. Next, take our your twist garland and simply spiral and wrap around the cone. Glue as you go with the 3-In-1 Glue. Continue to wrap until the cone is completely wrapped. Make sure it's not lacking in the tinsel trim since that's what makes the tree stand out.

3. Cut a little fluff (either marabou or boa). Glue on the top of the cone.

4. Adhere cone on the candlestick. Glue using E-6000 (it's the best and keeps everything in place). Let it dry.

Enjoy your new tinsel trees!

Ruffle DIY Handbag by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I’m design team member Amanda. Today, I have a confession. I have an addiction. To bag. Cute bags. Frilly bags. Simple bag. Charming Bags. Sophisticated Bags. I pretty much like them all. If only I could carry 20 at a time, I'd be happy. Of course, I might end up on "What Not to Wear" because of my major fashion faux pas, but I'd be happy!!

A couple weeks ago, my addiction was tempted....we were walking through downtown waiting for the Christmas parade to start and I saw an adorable whimsy ruffled bag. SO cute! I almost bought it until I realized I could probably make it on my own. Now, I'm not the best seamstress in the world (not even sure I qualify for the name "seamstress"), but I knew that even my basic skills would allow me to make this adorable bag. So I set out. And I did! And today, I'm going to share the pattern with you.

Before we begin, let me say, I am a self-taught sewer (wait, that isn't the right word, I guess I will have to call myself a seamstress, because I'm most definitely not a sewer! LOL). So as you are reading these directions, if you know a different way to do this, them please do! I've just figured out what works for me (aka a lazy seamstress), whether it's "proper" or not, I have no idea because everything I know I've figured out on my own.

Fabric:

Cut pieces of Fabric: (note – no printable pattern because these can all be cut easily with scissors and tape or rotary cutter, or a sheet of 12x12 scrapbook paper can work great as a pattern)

3 4 x 22 pieces of patterned fabric (2 or three patterns)
2 squares 12x12 of patterned fabric (should be same pattern as one of the 4x22 strips)
2 squares 12x12 solid coordinating fabric
2 strips 4 x 16 solid fabric

(For shopping, purchase 1/4 yard patterned fabric, 1/2 yard coordinating fabric, 1/2 yard solid fabric)
The first thing we'll do is gather the ruffles. Stitch a long stitch and gather.

Note: I didn't hem the ruffles. Part of the charm of the bag is that they'll fray and be more whimsy. If the perfectionist in you can't allow that, then hem away.

Stitch along the gather stitch. Repeat with additional two ruffles, placing each on 1" above previous.

When all layers are stitched, stitch down the side to keep the ruffles in place for assembly.
Now we will move on to the straps. Fold one piece in half and stitch the open side together with a 1/4 seam allowance.

Repeat with second strap.
Turn the strap inside out.

Stitch strap flat using an 1/8" seam allowance. Repeat on second strap

Next, begin assembly. Pin back to font with right side of fabrics facing each other. You will see the wrong sides.

Stitch together left, right & bottom.

Now we need to pin in the straps. I have a picture for visual, but PLEASE don’t assemble it exactly as seen. The straps need to both be placed inside the front & back just as you stitched it. Do not do anything to the front & back you stitched together. Leave it exactly as is and place straps as seen here except between the two layers instead of outside.

Stitch the handles to the outside.

Now, we need to stitch the lining together. Place the two right sides of fabric together. Stitch around sides & bottom with a 1/2” seam allowance.

On the lining only turn right side out.

Now slide the lining (with the right side out) into the front/back piece with the right side in. You should have the two right sides looking at each other, while you are seeing the wrong side.

Pin together.

Stitch the two pieces together using a 1/2” seam allowance. Stitch nearly around the entire thing, but leave a 3” opening so you can turn it right side out.

Fold the lining and the outside down where the hole was that you left for turning it. Stitch.
Pull the right side out. If you’re not comfortable getting it to lay right, now is a time you can use the iron to iron the bag into the “shape” you’ll want it to be.

No, to finish it off, after you have the bag laying correctly, stitch around the very top with a 1/8” allowance to hold everything (including the straps) in place.

Enjoy!!

Tick Tack Toe Gift Tin by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hi I’m design team member Amanda. This year for Christmas, our family has put a special importance on making gifts. My kids are finally old enough to do real projects and it’s been some great family time, and I hope memories that will last.

I needed a quick last minute project we could do for some friends of theirs. As we brainstormed our options, we decided that a game would be a good idea. We love playing games as a family, and so do our friends. We decided that tic tac toe would be a great idea. We made our list and headed to Craft Warehouse to pick up what we didn’t already have in my stash: a tin (gift card holder) and small round magnets. We pulled twine, buttons and glue dots from my stash.

No photo directions today because it’s really pretty easy.

Cut 4 3 1/2” x 1/4” strips of paper and adhere to inside of tin. Trim with craft knife if needed. (You can use the outside if you prefer).

Thread and tie buttons.

Using a glue dot, adhere magnet to button. (if you use other flat elements or don’t floss the buttons, the adhesive on the magnet by itself is sufficient).

Wrap and give!

Thanks for joining me today! Have a Merry Christmas.

Dangle by Design Team Member - Jennifer Evans

2011-12-10T17:38:00.001-08:00

Today, I wanted to show you another wonderful gift idea. This dangle was a project created for this post, but I wanted to share it here since the Salem Craft Warehouse is the place I got the idea for the dangle and beads made from Pearl Paint Pens! Plus, if it weren't for Lynn, at the Salem store telling me about the paint pens at Open House, we wouldn't even have this project. Thanks again!

This dangle can be attached to any necklace you already own. This way you can wear it high or low with any outfit. This dangle looks even more "vintage" with a few pearls hanging from charms.

How easy is that? Just attach a clasp at the end of the chain to hang it on anything. (You could also create a simple keyring this way too!)

Now, I wanted to show you how I created the string of pearls... (This is the fun part!)
Remember, I am not a bead-er and if you are, you have serious patience. ;)

The supplies you need to create the string of pearls are as follows:
a non-stick craft sheet
Pearl Paint Pen in white
invisible thread (you can use clear beading string, but it will be stiffer and not dangle along with the charms)

On you craft sheet, tape your invisible thread all the way across it. Do it multiple times. It takes a long time for this paint to dry so doing several strands would be wise. Use the paint pen to make your pearls along the thread. Let it dry at least six to eight hours.

Watch the video to see how I do it...

After they are dry, flip them over and apply the paint again over top the flat area. Have fun creating large or small beads right next to each other. Let them dry another 4-6 hours. You can tell they are done by touching them slightly.

Take the string of pearls and tie them to the chain at different lengths. I used two strands, but three is fun too! Cut the strand to the length you like leaving a little thread at the end of the strand.
Then, to make sure each bead stays put, add a little dab of glue to the end of the strand with a tooth pick.

When I wear my dangle, my family and friends are shocked that it was handmade. In fact, when they find out it is they have to take another look. ;)

Redneck Wine Glasses easy as 1, 2, 3

2011-12-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

Every body knows some body who would get a kick out of their very own 'redneck wine glass'.

These are very simple and fast to make!

Supplies: (available at your local Craft Warehouse!)

Mason Jar

Glass candle stick

Sandpaper

E6000 adhesive

vinyl of your choice (choose from 'Redneck wine glass', 'Redneck wine Guy', 'Redneck wine Gal', 'North Dakota Pour', and my personal favorite, 'Hillbilly Hooch'

How to:

1.) Use sand paper to rough up the top of the candle stick and the bottom of the mason jar. This will give each a little texture or 'tooth' for the adhesive to stick better.

2.) Adhere the candle stick to the bottom of the mason jar using E6000 glue.

3.) Apply the vinyl of your choice to the mason jar.

Such a fun project, we tried another version with a candle votive cup instead of a mason jar.

Jewelry Frame by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-12-06T08:43:00.001-08:00

Hi! I'm design team member Amanda here again. I hope you're having a delightful Christmas season. I've had a wonderful season so far. It's a blast watching Christmas through the eyes of my kids and the magic they see in everything.

Part of Christmas to me is making gifts for family and friends. When I received a recent circular from Craft Warehouse, I saw something in it that I just knew I had to do!! It was a hinged frame jewelry "box". I thought it would be the perfect gift for my hard to shop for mother in law. So I hightailed it to Craft Warehouse in Wenatchee and got my quick little hands on one of the frames. I absolutely love this idea because you can interpret it any way. The possibilities are endless.

This is the frame I picked up. I bought the 12x12.

First, open the back of the frame and pull out the piece of foam. I used this in my project, I just flipped it around so the cloth was in the back. Then I adhered my piece of 12x12 paper to it.
I put it back in the frame, closed the back and began to work on the front.

For the earrings (and to add some decorative touches) I used my favorite adhesive, Beacon 3 in 1 quick dry adhesive to apply a crotcheted ribbon. (Yes, the jewelry is made from elements and crystals from Craft Warehouse as well)

I then measured equal distances and use the same 4 pins that came in the frame as the "hook" for the necklaces. I put them in at an angle equally spaced.

Supplies: Hinged Frame, My Minds Eye Laundry Line Two paper, American Crafts Crocheted ribbon

The finished project came out just as I had expected. And if my mother in law doesn't like it, she's always welcome to give it back to me because I'll gladly put it to use!

Have a Merry Christmas, and Happy Crafting!

12 Days of Christmas with Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-12-01T08:02:00.001-08:00

Hi again! I’m Amanda Design Team member!!

Every year for Christmas, I like to do something that really says “I’m thinking about you.” I’ll admit, we’re not a millionaire family and sometimes we can’t afford to buy the gifts that’d we’d like to give. But I think that the specialness (wait, is that a word? LOL) of a gift is the thought that goes into it.

As well as having a limited budget, I know there’s more in that we’d love to spend the holidays with our parents, for the kids to spend it with their Grandparents.   However, the many miles and states between us keep that from happening. So this year, I wanted to put a little extra thought & effort into Christmas in a way that didn’t cost a lot of money. Something though that really says “wish we could be together.”

Many of you may know about Tim Holtz’s 12 Tags of Christmas. Well, this is my tag on that…okay, bad play on words. This is my take on that.   While his work is gorgeous, it’s much more time consuming than I have to spend on it.

So I’m doing the 12 Days of Christmas. ♫♪On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pair tree♪♫. (be glad you can’t hear me singing because, well, I’ve been “complimented” in some not so nice ways about my singing. Let’s just say Simon only wishes he was still on American Idol so he could unleash his British snarkiness on me and my not so talented voice).

Okay, I digress. Back to the subject on hand. This was a project I went into with the intention of it not being exceptionally time consuming, and it wasn’t. About 2 hours for 3 sets (I have three sets of parents to send to).

My idea here is that each day I will mail one tag to our parents. Each day, while we can’t be with them this holiday season, they’ll still receive a bit of cheer in the mail. And who doesn’t love happy mail instead of bills? I know I do!!! They can hang them on the tree or wherever tickles their fancy. Before Christmas, they will have an array of different heart warming tags to do something with. I’m leaving that to them.   Actually, I think I’ll send a binder ring in the last envelope so they can make a “mini album” when Christmas is over.

I found these tags at Craft Warehouse. I bought two packages of chipboard and one of clear (because there are only 5 per package, you need more than 2 packs).

On the clear ones, be sure to remove the blue film cover.

I used StazOn ink (especially on the acrylic).

But the best part..... the complete goodness of Simple Stories 25 Days of Christmas. I think this is my favorite Christmas line of all time. Really.

I printed of small pictures, about 1.5 x 2 inches. You could also probably print off contact pictures from your photo gallery if you aren't comfortable using Photoshop. Then I set to work. I didn't really do anything special or consistent, I just put together what seemed appropriate for each picture.

This was my favorite tag of all of them. I think it was just as much because of the picture. Let me just suggest to you all to not take pictures on the railroad tracks. Let's just say we had a visit from some law enforcement and I'll leave it at that....:p I do also really like the acrylic because you can have more dimension. You can have dimension in front and you can build dimension behind for a really awesome look!

I’m off to go drop these bad boys in the mail! Enjoy your day.

Card Making with Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-11-26T13:18:00.001-08:00

Hi! I’m Amanda, one of the Design Team members. Sometimes I think there are funny twists in life. I started scrapbooking after some failed attempts at card making.

However, once I had a photo and story in hand to tell, the world of paper to me was completely changed and I embraced it and am now a full fledged addict. (Yes, I’ll admit it, but I’m certainly not changing it!)

Well, now I find it ironic because I’ve struggled with cards after I took up scrapbooking. Wait, maybe I never actually grasped cards in the first place. At any rate, I’ve found there is a whole new world of paper products out there that make cards a bit easier.

You see, they are 6x6 paper stacks. Yes, really!! I know, you’ve probably seen them at least a dozen times at Craft Warehouse. I stayed away from them for a long time because the pattern scaled to 25% of the 12x12 size never did much for me. Until I realized two things. First, I can make a card out of a sheet of paper and not feel guilty for cutting a new 12x12 sheet. Secondly, the print scale really is much better for cards. AND if you want to make 6x6 cards (additional postage required), the hard part is done for you!!

Recently I embraced this whole thought process as I set out to make a card for my Mother in Law. I kept the sentiment simple (well, non-existent) because I wanted it to be completely visual yumminess. And not really knowing how the end result was going to be when I stared, I ended up having this divine card that I must say is one of my very favorite cards I’ve ever made.

For the handmade embellishment, layer two pieces of tissue paper over matching cardstock. Die cut the layers together. Then hand stitch & spray with a Glimmer Mist for the final touch! It makes the tissue crinkle and adds shimmer at the same time. A definite handmade touch.

Supplies: My Minds Eye Lost & Found Two (paper & trims), Glimmer Mist, misc (floss & button), brown ink

"Santa's Key" Shadow Box Project

2011-11-25T10:59:00.001-08:00

Every Santa needs a key

Shopping List:

8x8 white shadow box

Tim Holtz idea-ology Curio Knob

1/2 yard red ribbon

12x12 My Minds Eye "Lost & Found Christmas" Santa Glitter paper

12x12 My Minds Eye "Lost & Found Christmas" Bright Glitter paper

Santa Poem (find poems on the Internet or come up with your own)

8.5 x11 cream card stock paper

Pioneer extra strong embellishment glue stick

Key (you can find old fashion keys in our frame shop department or use Tim Holtz idea-ology keys in scrap booking)

Fiskers Detail Knife

1. Start with cutting your Santa paper 8x8. then glue to the front of the cover sheet using your glue stick.

2. Then trace the striped Christmas paper to fit the front of your shadow box frame. Cut out paper using a Fiskars knife

3. Then glue the striped paper to the front of your shadow box frame.

4. Glue the Santa paper to the advertisement paper. Punch a hole through both papers to attach your curio knob.

5. After curio knob is attached glue paper to the back of your frame back. This will give it more security to hold your key.

6. Then print out a poem on cream paper. Here is the poem I used:

It's the night before Christmas & we're excited as can be.

We're leaving this out for you...it's a very special key.

You can shimmy down the chimney, or tiptoe through the door.

Just use this key we left for you to find cookies, milk & more!

7. I cut the poem in a tag shape and used Tim Holtz distressed photo ink to make the paper more vintage looking.
8. Tie the ribbon, tag and key together and hang it on your curio knob.

9. Close up your shadow box.

Happy Holidays Framing Project

2011-11-25T10:26:00.001-08:00

Creating a home for all your holiday photos!

This project was created using the same pieces as The "Believe in Santa Claus" project that was previously posted on our blog. You can follow the steps only changing the back ground in the first project form paper to fabric.

Coaster Set by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I’m Amanda, one of the Design Team members. I love giving handmade gifts, especially at Christmas. To me, nothings says “I was thinking about you” more than something I took the effort to make, expressing both my personality and the recipients.

This is a fast and inexpensive gift idea. And practical too. You can make beautiful coasters with some inexpensive tiles from the home improvement store, mod podge and some scrapbook paper.

List of supplies:

Mod Podge
Ceramic Tiles
Paper (I prefer the 6x6 stacks – the scale of the pattern is perfect for the project and it’s an easy way to have coordinated product. And accessible at Craft Warehouse)
StazOn ink
Foam brush (or any brush, I prefer foam)
Hot Glue gun or Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive
Felt (enough for a 4x4 square for each tile)

Let’s get started!

Pull out 4 sheets of coordinating paper. Cut into 4 4”x4” squares. Cut 4 2”x4” strips and 4 more 3/4”x4” strips

(I’m trying really hard to make Santa’s “Nice List” this year so he’ll bring me a new self-healing mat LOL)

Using the StazOn ink, ink all edges. I tried several inks and found StazOn was the best and didn’t bleed.

Use Mod Podge as adhesive and glue paper to tile.

Apply pressure even and work out any wrinkles.

Adhere (using Mod Podge) the additional strips (after inking). If desired, use stickers or other completely flat embellishment to add some decor.

When you have everything adhered, coat with a coat of Mod Podge. Use long straight brush strokes to minimize brush stroke appearance. Use consistent pressure and evenly distribute mod podge.

Here’s a little trick for drying. After you wipe all the edges of mode podge drips, I put them on an upside down measuring cup. I find it very useful to keep a set of inexpensive measuring cups in my stash – this is a perfect application.

If you have any wrinkles appear, when the mod podge is about 80% dry (dry to the touch, but still soft and not firm and hard) you can smooth out any wrinkles. Any sooner will result in smudge mod podge, later it will be too firm to smooth out.

Next, we need to do the final step of adding the felt to the back to protect the surface of the table they’ll be used on. Cut the felt to 4” squares. Adhere with hot glue or Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive (I like this because I don’t burn myself :) )

Let dry completely. Then you can stack them and tie them together with a pretty ribbon and maybe a tag.

Supplies: Crate Paper Random, 6x6 paper stack. Fancy Pants St Nick stickers.

Enjoy!!

Believe in Santa Claus

2011-11-22T11:34:00.001-08:00

We are so excited about sharing one of our latest projects we call

"Believe in Santa Claus"

Shopping List:

Large Black 22x28 Frame (Gemline)

9-5x7 black frames (LFT-28)

Large MDF plaque (NST/203)

Cream Acrylic paint

Tom Boy Velcro Pack

Sticky Fingers tape runner

Vinyl Words "Believe in Santa Claus" & "Years"

7-12x12 scrap booking paper for background

5 12x12 scrap booking paper for inside 5x7 frames (My Minds Eye "Lost in Found Christmas" paper collection.

Assembling the plaque:

Start with painting the plaque with the acrylic paint. Repeat this step 3-4 times.
After your paint is dry rub on your vinyl. First start with the "Believe" then over lap "in Santa Claus"
Attach Tom Boy Velcro strips

Creating back drop behind the 9 black frames:

Open up the back of your large frame. Clean glass and set aside. Using the paper that comes in your frame, Cover using scrapbook paper and sticky thumb to hold in place. you can also rip your paper in to 6x6 squares to give it a decopodge look.

2. Put frame back together with your paper facing out of the front of the frame.

Assembling the 9 photo frames:

1. Print your photos to be 4x6 in size (If you would like the scrap booking paper to show in the back ground)
2. Cut scrap booking paper to fit in the 5x7 frames. Then install photos and paper into frames.

3. add Vinyl Words "Years" to the 5x7 frames.

4. Place Velcro strips on to the back of the 5x7 frames.

5. Lay your 5x7 frames on to the top of the large frame. Start to position frames using a level and ruler to keep them straight.

Tip: I took 2 rulers that were the same width and place them in the corner of the large frame. then placed my first photo in the top corner. It you do this step to all 4 corners it will give you a good start. Then I measured the distance between the top middle frame to the top left & the top right frames. Then followed the same technique on the bottom 3 frames.

6. peel of the back Velcro strip and place plaque at the top of your large frame.

Thankgiving Project by Design Team Member Jennifer Evans

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Family is pretty important to me. I love the memories that I have of my late grandparents and wish that I could hear them tell me just one more story of their growing up in England or their adventures coming to the United States on the Queen Mary. Growing up, we always had photos and stories to share about our family's history.

When I got married, I asked my in-laws about pictures of them or their family and they told me they didn't have any pictures of them as babies. I was shocked! No photos?

A couple of years ago, I was in the spare room helping my mother-in-law. She came across a few boxes in the closet. She said they were her mother-in-law's and she didn't know what was in them. She opened them up and inside was envelopes. I asked if I could take them home to look through them and she said it would be fine.

Needless to say, I found a gold mine. My husband's grandmother was quite the scrapbooker at heart. She had organized every envelope down to each month since her marriage. Inside each envelope were negatives! They were still in perfect order including the negatives of my father-in-law as a baby in sealed envelopes! I was the first one to crack open the envelope sealed with a 1950's date, hold up the negative to the light, and squeal at the treasure I had found. Some of these photos had been lost at what was thought forever. She had preserved them by sealing the envelope and keeping them in a dark closet for years!

Layout by Jennifer Evans

Using Crate Paper's Farmhouse line

I purchased a professional negative scanner and began preserving my family's history. I then decided, that my son should know the story of his family and wrote up questions for my family to answer. I emailed these questions to family members ahead of time and asked them to email me the answers before Thanksgiving. (You could give them a date before Christmas too).

I didn't tell the family my real reason for collecting these answers; they all thought they would be just reading the answers on Thanksgiving. What I really did, was compile the answers and gave every family member their own page in a scrapbook. I added recent and the new photos I found hidden away in the album.

I will never forget the look my in-law's had when they opened their Christmas gift that year. There were pictures of their wedding that they hadn't seen in over 20 years on the front cover. Their eyes were filled with tears and they were speechless. Now, that was the best gift I could have ever given them! A collection of memories to pass down through the years.

Some of the questions I gave the family are as follows. Feel free to use them in your own scrapbook album. The more questions the better because they may not want to answer some of them if they don't want to.

What was it like growing up as a small child?

What was your favorite part of school?

What was your favorite memory of your grandparents? Your parents?

What did you like to do as a child? What was your favorite game?

What was your favorite food?

What was your favorite childhood toy?

If the album is for a specific person add What is your favorite thing about ___________?

What is your favorite holiday memory?

What was your favorite family vacation?

What do you love about being a __________ (mom, dad, aunt, uncle, etc.)

Thankful Mini by Design Team Member Amanda Sherman

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I’m Amanda, one of the Design Team members. I just wanted to share a little thanksgiving project I’ve done.

Being thankful is such an important personality trait I try to have and try to instill in my children. I think an attitude of gratitude of of so much value in life.

Part of our Thanksgiving celebration this year is to do a Thankful mini album. I think I might do this yearly.

I made mine with some #8 manila tags. And I had a silly mishap in purchasing them, so I’ll be doing a lot of projects with them this year!!!

I decided to do 8 pages because there are 8 letters in “thankful”. As a family, we will work together to fill each page with one thing we are thankful for (and write a sentence or paragraph about why).

(Supply note: This is an older line of Bo Bunny product, but any new line of Fall product would work just as well. Also: Fiskars border punches, brown ink, misc buttons, trims & floss)

Hair Feather DIY by Design Team Member Jennifer Evans

2011-11-18T13:44:00.001-08:00

Feathers are all the rage right now. What better way to give in and make your teenager happy this season by giving her a collection of homemade feather clips? These are so easy that you might make a collection of them to give away!

Supplies:

A Variety of Craft Feathers (This one was made with a package of colored ones you can find in the craft department. But, if you want even nicer ones you can buy them separately with the hair extensions. There are so many to choose from at your local Craft Warehouse!)

Chain (You can find a selection of chain in the beading department. I chose silver, but there are several kinds to choose from.)

Charms (You can also find these in the beading department.)

Wire and Wire Cutters

Twine (Pick a thin twine to use for this project. I used a fine black floss. Look around for one you like in the scrapbooking, fabric, craft, or beading departments.)

Jump Rings (regular jump rings can be found in the beading department)

Snap Hair Clips

Lay your supplies on a non stick craft sheet or wax paper. Find the feathers you would like to use and arrange them. I found that three thin ones and two larger ones worked well.

I actually used picture hanger wire but any thin or fine wire would work fine. Wrap the feathers together with about four inches of wire starting from the bottom working to the top. Use the end of the wire to wrap into a little loop at the top. Clip off any extra wire and wrap the last part of the wire around the feathers.

Use liquid glue to coat the wire. Use your twine to wrap around the wire so you hide the wire. Make sure to get the ends into the glue. Let it dry.

Decide how much chain you would like. If you are making it for someone with long hair you will want it long to hang down low. If the person has short hair, they will most likely wear it as a clip and you will not want many links. As you can see in the picture, I use a long strand of chain at about two inches. Break the chain apart with wire cutters.

Use a jump ring to attach the feathers to the end of the chain. Place a jump ring on a snap clip and attach the chain to the same jump ring. Close the jump ring.

Now it is time to embellish your chain with a charm or two. Make sure your charm is not too big or heavy. You can even add beads to your chain if you like. Just add a jump ring and attach the jump ring to the links in the chain.

This year, make something trendy for your teenagers (or yourself!)

Christmas Joy by Design Team Member Jules Avile

2011-11-15T18:50:00.001-08:00

Hey there everyone! My name is Jules and I will be sharing my project with you today!

I was given a sketch and a paper kit with some goodies to play with and given the liberty to make whatever my little heart desired...well...I tried thinking of what to make, although it didn't take me long to decide, I could not help but think..."Layout"!! It was just fitting for me....and I had just pulled some old pics of my kids from years ago and just had to scrap one of them!!

Let me show you what was given to me,

the front of the paper...

So, this is the "St. Nick" paper collection made by Fancy Pants! Love the "lellow" (my kids used to say yellow like that!! lol)

and the backside of the paper in the same order!

and the embellishments,

But aren't these just pretty?! I was beyond excited about the style and the colors....and those flowers and the tinsel garland! Perfect pop of color!

I did use some additional supplies, which can all be found at your local Craft Warehouse!

These extra supplies are:

- a 12"x12" artist canvas (which you can almost always find on sale at Craft Warehouse....I stock up on a few almost every time I go..heehee)

- Spellbinders circle dies

- red double sided tape adhesive

- paint applicator (spongy circle for the effect I did)

- any white shade of Folkart acrylic paint

- Glossy Accents (this is a glue and can be used to coat anything to give an "epoxy" sticker look)

- American Craft Thickers alphabet stickers (CW carries bunches of colors and styles)

- Cosmo Cricket "Tiny Type" alphabet stickers (awesome to use for journaling)

- a Tim Holtz paper distresser (not shown above but is in another pic below)

- and a 12x12 solid gray card stock (CW also carries tons in different colors and shades)

Now my assigned sketch designed by Jen and her sweet sister Rebecca! Didn't they do a great job? This is a very cool and simple sketch design that was so easy to start my project with. Easy peasy people!! :)

Layout created for Craft Warehouse
by Jennifer Evans & Rebecca Grinder

Our very talented DT member Mendi just shared hers in the previous post. You must see what she made if you haven't already! Her sketch was just as fun and her project...completely gorgeous and inspiring! But go after mine ok:) lol

Ok, so I took loads of pics but will try to share just the points of the techniques and what I consider the highlights of the layout and Jen's sketch!

Here is my layout!

I have to say that my most favorite things to do to paper is distressing it! I love painting too, so to do the both to the paper was so much fun!

I started out with cutting out a frame 1-1/2" wide (I measured then cut out with a craft knife for a clean cut) and stitched around it with my sewing machine (optional or course). I then tore a strip off the inside edge close to the stitch lines and then used my paper distresser and finger tips to curl the paper and "age" the look of it!

The end result....cool huh? :)

For the gray cardstock, I cut 1" of 2 sides making it 11"x11". Then I did a dry paint technique where using my dry sponge tool, getting a little bit of paint at a time, I add it to the paper by pouncing all around it (I also did this to some of the other strips of paper and chipboard embellishments to add a "snowy" look).

Then I added water to a dollop of paint to dilute it and add drops of it onto the cardstock to make a "splashed" effect! This is what it looked like...

Here, I tilted it to the side and tapped the paper on my table to

make the watery paint run.

I cut 4 strips of paper to 2"x10 and 2"x11 (I had already cut up some of the paper. I didn't think of making this tree until a little later), lightly spritzed with water (to make it more workable), did an angled accordion type fold, they are soft folds (not a tight crease), distressed the bottom edges (I did that after it dried or the paper will tear) and then dry painted with the pouncing....

(paint looks darker in the photo...?....not sure why)

I glued the top edges together to make a fan with all 4 pieces.Taking a strip of chipboard scraps, I started adhering the fans to the chipboard...

Then comes a tree! I cut the edges down to have a clean triangular look....and distress the edges again:)

This last one is a little thinner...I wanted a tall look so I cut the sides down a little more! I added more paint using the pouncing technique to the bottoms of the pieces.

I got the largest "lellow" star from the sticker sheet and stuck it on some scrap chipboard to create my own chipboard embellishment, then used an emery board to clean the edges and it also preps the piece so the paint will adhere better....again with pouncing of the paint! Looks snowed on!

I used this star to top my tree, and coated it with glossy accents!

I made some hanging ornaments for those circles you see on the sketch....and used the tinsel to hang them from. Basically I used the circle dies and cut 3 circles from each size, using scraps of chipboard for added dimension, I added them under the gray smaller circles. The top layer are from the chipboard sheets. I pounced paint on these too:) Then once dry, I coated them with glossy accents too!

I adhered the border frame to the gray cardstock on both sides leaving the top open for the tinsel to be glued down on the backside. Then I put layers of chosen papers down and started to embellish my page according to the sketch!

The shiny spots are what I coated with Glossy Accents. I used the red tinsel to hang the "Joy" banner under the picture for a color pop and some texture!

I did fussy cut some stockings from the paper that had borders on it and cut some thin strips of papers from the collection to simulate hanging stockings:)

I added the double sided tape on the backside and adhered it to the canvas, then used hot glue to tack the entire edges down onto it to make sure it sticks!

....and, here it is on the canvas!

And again.....the whole LO!

Thanks Jen for the sketch and Craft Warehouse for the kit!!

So guys, head over to your Craft Warehouse and get yourself this collection! If you don't normally make layouts, you can totally just make a card or an altered project using the sketches for these last 2 posted here on the blog! If you love a challenge, make something you haven't tried yet! You'll be surprised at what you can come up with if you just try!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my layout!

xoxo and Happy Scrafting!!!

Jules!