Just Give Me Stamps...

A Quick Little Gift Set...

Hi again!  :-)  I'm back today with a quick little gift set I whipped up the other day!  I don't know about you, but I get these ideas for fun projects, then quickly get sidetracked!  That's how it was with these sweet little magnets...just a thought in my head that has been there for way to long.  LOL!  I finally decided it was time to follow through on my idea and make this little gift set a reality!

 
Ever since I saw this Small Rose Circle stamp (by Impression Obsession) I have been wanting to make these magnets!  I remember seeing these clear circular "pebbles" in craft stores before and I finally snagged some last week.  Not only was this little set fun to make...but it came together incredibly fast!  I love it when that happens!  :-)

 
Of course no gift is complete without a card to go with it!  for my little 4 1/4" card, I used one of the sentiments and borders from the JustRite Seeds of Kindness set along with some of the pretty papers from the Mary Mary set (from My Mind's Eye). 

 
After embossing the Small Rose Circle stamp onto various Prism cardstock colors and carefully cutting them out, I used some Diamond Glaze to adhere them to the bottom of the clear pebbles.  I then placed a small magnet on the back.  Because they are magnetic, they "stick" to the bottom of the tin perfectly!  Oh, just to pretty the tin up a bit, I added some more coordinating patterned paper to the bottom (also from the Mary Mary collection)

 

Here's a close-up of one of the magnets. I'm afraid the clear pebble didn't photograph very well, but in real life it's not so "blotchy" looking. 

Well, that's all from me!  I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!  :-)

~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Small Rose Circle Stamps (Impression Obsession), Seeds of Kindness (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Stamper's Select White c.s. (PTI), Prism Cardstock, Mary Mary Collection (My Mind's Eye)
Ink:  Versamark, Versamagic Dew Drops, White Craft Ink
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Ivy Border Punch (EK Success), Sewing Machine, Button, Ribbon, Rhinestones, Clear Pebbles, White Detail e.p., Magnets, Tin

Canvas Friend Tag...

I'm back today with another JustRite project!  Ok...this project was OFF THE CHART fun to create!!  Seriously...WAAAY fun!!  Gorgeous new JustRite flower stamps, a canvas tag, acrylic paint, chipboard, several different trims, and buttons all equal papercrafting BLISS!!  {{Happy Sigh}}

When I saw that not only is there pink Lilly of the Valley flowers...but PINK SPECKLED ones this whole project magically appeared in my mind!  :-)  I knew right away what I wanted to do...and it had everything to do with this beautiful Lilly of the Valley stamp (from the Breath of Spring set by JustRite) and these brand new canvas tags (by Maya Road)!!
 
 

 I started by "dry painting" some white acrylic paint onto my canvas tag.  I didn't cover the whole thing, instead I left some areas natural for a more vintage feel.  I then stamped some polka dots onto the tag using Tim Holtz's Ultimate Grunge set and some pink acrylic paint.  While the paint was still wet, I took my white paint brush and "smudged" some of the polka dots a bit...you know, just for fun!  :-)

For the focal image, I colored the Lilly of the Valley flowers with my Copic markers, then matted it with my Oval Nestabilities and some Cuttlebug dies (the flourishes peeking out from behind it).  To add a bit of a "speckled" look to the flowers (which is hard to see in the picture, but in real life you can definitely see it :-) I added some dark pink "dots" using a Spica Glitter pen!  Of course, I couldn't not add some rhinestones...teeheheee!

 

I really had my heart set on adding a tag, so when I was searching for a sentiment that would fit on one of my Spellbinder's Tag Trio dies I remembered all my different alphabet sets from JustRite!  I mean, that's one of the best things about JustRite stamps...I can make any sentiment (or name) I want!  :-)  I chose the Trompe font because I thought the elegant script matched the style of project I was creating. 

 
 
To finish off my tag, I added some Vintage Pom Pom trim, and some Ivory lace trim to the bottom of the tag.  I actually thought my tag was finished and was in the process of adding to my gift bag when I saw these Mini Butterfly chipboard pieces sitting on my desk!  I thought it would be the perfect addition, so I covered it with some patterned paper, lightly sanded the edges, and added it to my tag!  :-)

Well, that's all from me today but there is still more JustRite inspiration to be seen!  Check out what Amy, Denise, & Tosh have come up with!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 

Stamps:  Breath of Spring (JustRite), Ultimate Grunge (Tim Holtz)
Paper:  Neenah White
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Malted Mauve Versamagic Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Spun Sugar Distress Ink
Accessories:  Canvas Tag (Maya Road), Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug die, Spellbinder's Tag Trio die, Twill, Pom Pom Trim, Lace Trim, Ivory String, Buttons, Mini Butterfly Chipboard, Spica glitter pen, Copic markers, Mini rhinestones

February TE Key Ingredients Challenge...

Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with this month's Key Ingredients subscription kit!  The challenge is to create a set of cards that are mostly black & white with just a "pop" of color!

Well, because I love mini cards so much (and they make an excellent gift), I created a set of four mini cards (3" square) that are all wrapped up in a cute little box!  :-) 

The patterned paper (from Making Memories) that is included in this month's kit is perfect for the challenge! 

  

For each little card, I used one of the four different colors of Prism cardstock and accessories (matching ribbon and buttons) to add my "pop" of color!  

 

Also included in the kit are these gorgeous black velvet flower (the opposite side of them has polka dots...how fun is that?!!?!)!

 

To add some texture and more depth, I stitched around the edges of each card.

I know this is a very bright combo...but this little yellow card is my favorite!  :-)  It's so happy and fun!  This set of cards was SO easy and fun to make!  The only "extras" that I needed were a heart punch, a sewing machine, and the dream sentiment from the Discover Your Wings set!  It doesn't get easier than that!  :-)

If you are new to the Key Ingredients Subscription Kits, you can read about all of the benefits over at the Key Ingredients Blog.  My favorite part of these kits is that all of the "matching" is done for you!  I know that the papers, embellishments, and ribbons are going to coordinate with each other!  

Want to see what the other girls have created with their kits?  Check out what Alex, Dawn, Karen M., Jackie, Sankari, & Taylor have created!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy your Saturday!  ~Laurie

My Finished Note Card Holder...

Hi again!  I'm back with my finished Note Card Holder.  For the step by step tutorial, scroll down or click HERE.

 I used the Window to My Heart template (from the Be My Valentine Click Simple Template).  I LOVE hearts and think they can be used year-round (not just for Valentine's projects)!  In fact, I will be giving this Note Card Holder to my Sister-in-Law for her upcoming birthday!  :-)  

 
After printing the template onto Kraft cardstock, I cut the image out using a craft knife and then mounted it onto a piece of embossed Pure Poppy cardstock.  Using the leftover paper from the cutout heart image, I traced it onto some natural muslin fabric, cut it out, adhered to the heart, and stitched around the edges.  

 

I created a little tag using the "Celebrate" sentiment (perfect for this birthday gift :-) from the Damask Designs set from Papertrey.  I embellished the front with a flower I had in my stash and a Pure Poppy button tied up with some Rustic Jute Button Twine.  

 

I wanted to add some ribbon, so I punched two holes on the Note Card Holder "spine" and thread some True Black Luxe Satin ribbon through them.  

 

On the inside there are two pockets holding six 4" square Kraft envelopes and  six matching 3 3/4" square note cards.

 

I kept the design of the notecards simple (and without added embellishments) so that they will fit nicely into the pockets (and be easy to mass produce :-)! 

 

I embossed the largest image from the Damask Designs set onto Pure Poppy cardstock using Black Filigree Detail embossing powder.  You've probably noticed that I like to emboss quite a bit.  :-)  I just really like the end result...the image is so solid and crisp, especially on colored cardstock!

I embossed the same image onto the envelopes.  This time, instead of centering it like I did on the notecards, I stamped it so part of the image is cut off making room for the recipient to write.

I hope you enjoyed my project today (and I hope my Sister-in-Law doesn't read my blog!!)!  Have a wonderful afternoon!  ~Laurie

Note Card Holder Tutorial...

Woohooo!  I've finally finished it!  :-)  You've asked me for a tutorial for the Note Card Holders I have made, and {{finally}} here it is!  :-)  I've taken step by step photos for this quick and easy project as well as measurements and instructions!   Enjoy!  :-)

To start, you will need a piece of cardstock cut to 5" x 11" for the card holder base.  For the pockets, cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 3 1/4" x 6 1/4" (for the thicker card pocket) and 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" (for the thinner envelope pocket).

Score the largest piece of cardstock at 5" and 6".

Score the larger pocket piece at 1/2" and 1" on three sides as shown above.

Score the smaller pocket piece at 1/4" and 1/2" on three sides as shown above.

Using a bone folder, crease each scored line on all three pieces of cardstock.  This is a VERY important step and will make for a cleaner end product.

Cut the bottom "squares" from each of the scored pocket pieces as shown above.

Add a strong adhesive (I like Scor-Tape) to the outside scored part of both pocket pieces as shown in the picture above.

Here's a close-up picture so you can see exactly where the adhesive goes.

Peel off the backing of the adhesive and fold the bottom flap and adhere to the sides as shown in the picture above.

Adhere the pockets to the inside of the Note Card Holder.  I like to place the thinner pocket (for the envelopes) on the left and the thicker pocket (for the note cards) on the right.

Here's a tip:  Use your bone folder to press on the flaps inside of the pockets to ensure a strong bond.

Voila!  Your Note Card Holder is finished! 

**NOTE**  This tutorial was created to fit 4" square envelopes (I buy mine from Papertrey) and 3 3/4" square note cards.   

Oh, one more thing,I created the pockets to hold 6 envelopes and notecards.   

If you decide to make one of these fun little holder, make sure to leave a link in the comments...I would love to see what you create!  :-)

I will be back in a little bit to share my finished project!  
Hugs, Laurie

Easter Basket Gift Card Holder...

Have you been following all of the excitement over at Nichole's Blog?  This is going to be an A*MAZING release!!  Just when I think I have seen my favorite new thing, Nichole announces even more "Brand new - HAVE to have it - Papercrafting goodness!  {{{Happy Sigh}}}

Speaking of NEW things, I'm excited to share with you a sneak peek of my Click Simple project for the upcoming Papertrey release!  My project uses the basket shape from the Spring Fling Template!

 

I adore this beautiful Basket template so much!  With three different options (single image, stitched image, or card base) the creative possibilities are endless!  My first thought was to create a soft and Springy Easter gift.  I adhered two single basket images together to create a unique and festive gift card holder!  Although this basket is perfectly suited for all kinds of Spring and Easter projects, it would also make wonderful Mother’s Day, baby, or “Thinking of You” gifts!

The complete supply list, detailed instructions, and more photos of my project are included with the Spring Fling Template download (which will be available for purchase on February 15th)!

Want to see more peeks?  Jennifer Holmes, Kim Hughes, & Melissa Phillips are all sharing projects using this must-have template!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Hugs, Laurie

Bucket O' Love...

It's Project Parade time over at the Verve Blog again, and today is my day to share!   This month's theme is Tags, Tins, & Treats (all things that I LOVE)!  :-) 

 
 Click picture for a larger view... 

I used Love's Flower and Celebrating You sets to create my little bucket of treats.  I've posted several pictures and instructions on how I made this over at the Verve Blog.

Speaking of the Verve Blog...there's details HERE on how you can win prizes!!  Gotta love free stuff!  :-)

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie 

Center of Attention - Favors!

Today part of the Baker's Dozen design team is sharing projects made with Taylored Expression Favors!  If you aren't familiar with these, you really should check them out!!  Taylor carries an assortment of different favors...all cut, scored, and ready to be stamped!  :-) 

I chose to work with these ADORABLE clear Self Closing Square Boxes!  How fun are these?!!?!!  These cutie pies took next to nothing for me to assemble....literally one small strip of Sticky Tape and I was in business!  Before I assembled them, I stamped them using the heart stamp from the Love Everywhere set and White Stazon ink.  

 

After my boxes were assembled, I filled them with some Valentine's Candy Corn!  All four of my children LOOOOVE candy corn, so when I saw them in pretty Valentine's colors I snatched some up!!  These are perfect to send in their lunch bags when they go skiing!!!  Shhh, don't tell them though...  LOL! 

 

I topped the boxes off with some pretty Red Polka Dot ribbon and a little tag (made with my Spellbinder's Tags Trio dies) stamped with this sentiment (also from the Love Everywhere set)!

Big Enabler Alert!!!!  Starting today and running through Sunday...all favor boxes are 15% off!!

To see more creative ideas using Taylor's Favor Boxes, check out what Alex, Jackie,Karen, Sankari, & Taylor have made!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!  ~Laurie
 
 
 

Papertrey Click Simple Sneak Peek...

Today I've got a sneak peek of one of Papertrey's brand new Click Simple templates to share with you!

When I first saw this template, I knew right away that this would be my go-to box!  Easy to assemble with long and clean lines, this elegant template is the “Little Black Dress” of boxes!  The creative possibilities truly are endless, but here are a few I can’t wait to try out:  packaging handmade jewelry or trinkets, stack them inside of each other for a special surprise (it’s easy with the three different sizes included with the template), filling with a delicious treat, or creating custom party or shower favors!  I know you are going to love this box as much as I do! 

For my project, I created a unique baby gift by stacking four medium sized Back to Basics Boxes (each filled with a special surprise)!  You will find all of the details of my project (more photos, detailed supply list, and instructions) included with the template download!  This new template will be available from Papertrey Ink on January 15th!

Want to see more of this amazing template?  Betsy,  Jennifer, and Valerie (this month's guest designer) are also sharing peeks of the Back to Basics Box!  Oooh, and the countdown starts today over at Nichole's blog!  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Hugs, Laurie

You Lift Me Up...

Happy Thursday to you!  We've been sharing peeks of the new Taylored Expressions sets...all leading up to today - Release Day!! 

Don't those cuppies just make you smile?  I have to tell you, I had SO much fun making this project!  I loved it all...from the recovering of the chocolate box, to the paper piecing, to the embellishing!  I used the new Cuppie Love Scenes set to create this altered Valentine's Treat!  I started with one of the chocolate boxes (you know the ones...you can buy them for a $1 or so and they have some generic kiddie picture on them - mine had a robot) and traced the lid onto some patterned paper.  I used the new My Mind's Eye Be Loved collection (from the Valentine's Day Key Ingredients kit).  The only tip I have is to make sure you use a good adhesive to glue your paper onto the cover of the heart box, because they are usually kind of glossy (and hard to make things stick to).  I used Taylor's 1/4" Sticky Tape.

 

After my image was colored, I paper pieced the balloon using coordinating pieces of patterned paper (also My Mind's Eye).  The ribbon, chipboard, and Stardust Stickles are all from the Valentine's Key Ingredients kit and the heart stick pin and heart rhinestone are from the Valentine's Sweets Sampler!

There's more Cuppie Love goodness for you to see!  Check out what Alex Maldonado, Charmaine Ikach, Donna Baker, Jackie Pedro, Jamie Pyles, Jeanie Witmer, Jodi Collins, Karen Giron, Karen Motz, Melissa Sauls, Sankari Wegman, and of course Taylor have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie