Joy Card by Design Team Member Steffanie Seiler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.