Just Give Me Stamps...

Glitz Step By Step Saturday - Handmade Embellishements...

 

Happy Saturday!  It's my turn to share a project (complete with lots of photos) with step by step instructions!

Today, I'm going to share how to create a couple of my most favorite handmade embellishments!

I love to add dimension to my cards!  From layered and stitched focal images to glittery paper flowers, I'll share how I make them...all using some of the brand new Glitz goodies!

To start, I cut out several hearts using three different patterned papers (from the Color Me Happy Collection) as well as two vellum ones.  I used my electronic cutting machine, but you could cut these out by hand (there are lots of free templates available online) or your favorite nesting dies.

I added adhesive only to the center of each heart (because I plan on curling up the edges for added diemension) and then stitched down the center.

To finish it off, I added one of the new Color Me Happy Giant Rhinestones to the center.  It's so bright and happy, don't you think?  :-)

Here's a peek at it with the edges all curled up a bit.  I really like the added dimension this gives!

I added my layered heart on some other coordinating Color Me Happy goodies, and then added some ribbon, a Journaling Sticker, and a bit of Woodgrain Tape.

Up next, I'll show you how I like to make paper flowers (like the one on top of the cupcake)!

First, I cut out a rolled flower shape using some new Love You Madly paper.  Again, I used my electronic cutting machine, but there are templates available online that you can cut out by hand or use your favorite die).

Next, I like to ink up the edges (you only need to ink the scalloped edges).  I think it gives the flower a little bit more depth.

Next, I roll up the flower.  I like to use a thick handled paint brush, but a pencil will work as well.

After the flower is all rolled up, remove your paint brush (or pencil) and let go of the flower.  It will spring back a bit.  Depending on how tightly rolled I want my flower, I might leave it as is or unroll it a bit more to open it up a bit.  The next step is to glue the flower down.  I like to use my hot glue gun because, well...I like the instant gratification!  :-)

Next, I curl some of the petals down.  Another option would be to curl them before you roll up the flower (this gives a more dramatic effect).  If you do that, make sure to be very gently while you are rolling so as not to tear the paper.

In this photo, you can see the hot glue that I used to secure the flower.  You can hide this by adding glitter, micro beads, or pearls.

I wanted a sparkly flower, so I opted to add glitter to not only the center, but the petals as well.

After the flower was dry, I added it to the top of a cupcake that I created using more Love You Madly goodies!  I stamped the numbers 1 and 7 on the cupcake (using the new Love You Madly rubber stamps) as I plan on giving this to my daughter for her 17th birthday!  :-)

I'm so glad you joined me here today!  ~Laurie

Hello There Card
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Papers:  Hearts, Stripe, Woodgrain
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Journaling Stickers
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Whatnots
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Giant Rhinestones
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Title Stickers
Glitz Design Color Me Happy Woodgrain Tape

Gift Bag
Glitz Design Love You Madly Papers:  Stripe, Ampersand, Hello
Glitz Design Love You Madly Giant Rhinestones
Glitz Design Love You Madly Lace Tape
Glitz Design Love You Madly Tiny Roller Doodle - Lace

 

Hello Friend Card Set (and a Tutorial)...

I'm so excited to share with you my project for the Glitz Step by Step Saturday feature!  Since the Holiday season is approaching (as crafters, the earlier we can get started on handmade gifts the better), I thought I would share a tutorial on one of my favorite gifts to give - a card set with matching packaging!

I used several products from the new Hello Friend collection (I am SOOO loving this collection right now) to create this note card holder.  This holder will hold 4" cards and matching envelopes.

Here's close- of the Layered Stickers.  Aren't they so lovely??  My heart goes pitter-patter just looking at them!

 Here's a peek at the inside.  The holder on the left side holds the envelopes and teh box on the right holds the cards.  I like to add layers and embellishments on my cards, so I could only fit 4 in my holder.  If you didn't layer or add as many embellishments as I did, I'm sure you could fit at least 5 cards in there.

Here's what the gift box looks like from the bottom.  You can see each of the holders are just like mini boxes.  The smaller one holds the envelopes and the larger one holds the cards.

Here's one of the cards that I created.  I stamped the butterflies (from the Hello Friend Rubber Stamp set).  I added a Puffy Word for the sentiment.

My second card features some more stamped images (also from the Hello Friend Rubber Stamp set).  For embellishment, I added a Glitzer and a Giant Rhinestone.

On the third card, I used circles that I punched out from several different patterned papers that I machine stitched over for some added decoration.  the lace border is a stamped image (included in the Hello Friend Stamp set).

My last card features a combination of stamped images, a Whatnot, a Puffy Word, and some of the new Crepe Trim.  Also, each card has a stamped envelope to go with it.

I've created several templates for you so that you can also create this note card holder!

 

 

For the cover, start with a piece of cardstock measuring 10 1/2" x 5 3/4".  Score on the lines indicated in the photo.  Heavyweight cardstock works best for projects like these.

To make the Card Holder, start with a piece of cardstock measuring 6 1/4" x 4 1/4".  Score on the lines indicated in the above photo.  The light grey areas are the parts you will want to cut and discard.  To assemble, fold on all score lines, add adhesive to the 1/4" outside flaps, fold (refer to photos above to see how they should look), and adhere to the right side of your cover.

For the envelope holder, follow the same steps as above!  That's it!  Such an quick and easy way to create some custom card packaging! 

 

Thanks for joining me here today!
~Laurie

Supplies
Glitz Design Hello Friend Papers:  Polka, Stripe, Chain, Clouds
Glitz Design Hello Friend 6" Paper Pack
Glitz Design Hello Friend Glitzers
Glitz Design Hello Friend Giant Rhinestones
Glitz Design Hello Friend Layered Stickers
Glitz Design Hello Friend Whatnots
Glitz Design Hello Friend Crepe Trim
Glitz Design Hello Friend Rubber Stamps
Glitz Design Yours Truly Tape

 

Ten Ways to Distress Your Glitz Paper...

Hi friends!  Today I am sharing ten of my favorite ways to distress Glitz paper with you!  I love the vintage feel of the Glitz collections and they lend themselves so nicely to distressing!

I've got several photos to share with you, so grab a cup of your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy!  :-)  Hint - for a closer view of any of the photos, just click on them.

 

My absolute favorite (and most used) way to distress is using ink!  There are two techniques that I use.  For the first one (see the sample on the left in the After photo), I hold the paper with one hand and lightly sponge the edges with my other hand.  Sometimes I want a bolder look so then I will rub the ink on.  I start with my paper flat on my desk and rub my ink of choice in a circular motion all around the edges.  You can add as much or as little as you want, but this technique usually gives a darker look than just sponging it on.  You can click here to see samples of inked edges.

 

Painting is another fun way to distress paper!  I start with a dry brush and dab on just a little bit of acrylic paint.  Then I just play!  You can rub the brush across the paper, paint just edges, or do both!  Here is a sample of a painted background layer.

Tearing is a great technique to give a worn and tattered look.  For my photo, I chose two different patterns and store them into strips.  I then mounted it on to a card base.  So easy!  To distress it even more, try inking up all of the torn edges!  You can see the card I made using this sample at the end of the post.

Sanding is such a fun way to distress paper!  With so many different options (I've shown a few in my photo above), you can achieve many different looks!  In the photo above, I chose to just sand the edges, giving it a worn look.  To see a sample of sanding, click here (the tag on the album cover).

Sewing is another way I choose to add character and texture to many of my projects!  You can stitch around the edges of a layer, use fancy stitched, or just sew some shapes together (like I did in the photo above).  You can see the card I created using the above sample at the end of this post.  You can also click here to see more samples of stitching on cards.

With so many fun tools out there, distressing paper is now so simple!  In the photo above I used the small paper distresser to rough up all the edges as well as curled some of the corners!  Such and easy and fun technique!  Although tools are fun to use, you don't need them...you can always use the side of a scissors blade (be careful though!!) or even your fingernail!  You can click here to see a project I made with roughed up and curled edges.

Spritzing, either with your favorite ink spray or a marker and spritzer tool, is a wonderul way to distress your paper!  In the After photo above you can see the sample of ink spray (shown on the left) and marker spritzing (on the right).  I used this technique on one of my cards I'm sharing at the end of this post.

 

Another great way to age your paper is crumpling (or wrinkling) it!  I like to spray my paper with water first, then wad it up into a small ball.  After rolling it around in my palm for a bit, I straighten it out and let it dry.  If you are in a hurry you can always use your heat tool to hurry the drying along.  :-)

I love to stamp directly onto patterned paper to add that extra sumpin' sumpin' to my backgrounds!  Glitz has some great vintage patterned stamps that work great for this technique!  You can see a sample of this here (the first card has a map stamped lightly on the background) and here.

On this card, I used the sample I for the sewing photo above.  I kept the card simple, letting the pretty paper hearts be the focus of the card!

For this card, I used the background sample created for the tearing photo above.  Because I rarely just use one distressing technique at a time...I kept on going!  :-)  I added some marker spritzing as well as inked edges. 

Thanks so much for joining me here today!  I hope I inspired you to try some of these distress techniques!  ~Laurie

 

Adventure Card
Glitz Design Happy Travels 6" Glitz Paper Pack
Glitz Design Happy Travels Epoxy Words

Dream Card
Glitz Design Vintage Blue Papers - Floral, Toile
Glitz Design Vintage Blue  Epoxy Words
Glitz Design Vintage Blue Trim
Glitz Design Vintage Blue Glitzers
Glitz Design Vintage Blue Paper Layers
Glitz Design Vintage Blue Whatnot

With Gratitude...

Happy Monday to you!  Gratitude is a wonderful way to start off a Monday, don't you think?  Being grateful is one thing I am constantly having to remind myself to do.  I don't know why it is, but it seems that I can always come up with a hundred things that are wrong or I would like to change and sadly, often do.  When in reality there are far more things for me to be grateful for, but I have to really stop and make myself think about them.  I have a sign in my kitchen that reads, "Less Attitude, More Gratitude".  Originally I thought it would be a great reminder for our children, but it has turned out to be more for me I think!

On the note of gratitude, here is a thank you card I created...

This is a card I created a while ago when I had some time to just stamp whatever I wanted!  I love those times when I have no plan...but just start creating and go with the flow!  :-)  So, I started with no idea of what the end product would look like and this card is what resulted! 

I used my all time favorite Verve set, Thankful Accents!  I discovered something really fun while creating this!  See that frayed ribbon?  Yeah, that was a complete accident!  LOL! 

Here's how I stumbled upon the fun ribbon look on my card above!  While making my card I tied a piece of twill around my card and was almost finished with my bow when I noticed a small string handing off one end.  Not thinking it would completely unravel, I pulled on it (smart, I know :-).  Well, it DID unravel...and quickly!  I was so fascinated with how quickly it was unraveling, I untied my bow and kept pulling on the string!    I LOVED the wavy took to it! 

I decided that the wavy look was more fitting for my card, so I went with that!  :-)  One hint though...when I tried to duplicate my "mistake" for the photo above, it took a couple of tries to find the right string to pull!  LOL!  

Well, my older two are off to camp this week, so I better go and help them finish packing!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope your day is FILLED with things to add to your gratitude list!  :-)  ~Laurie

 

Stamps: Thankful Accents (Verve)
Paper: Ivory, Vellum, English Moss patterned paper (Colorbök)
Ink: London Fog Versafine
Accessories: Fancy Tags 2 (Spellbinders), Buttons, Plaid embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Flower, Punch (Stampin' Up!), Oval die (Spellbinders), Rhinestones, Diamond Stickles, Clear Detail e.p.

The Grand Calibur...Waltzingmouse Style!

Happy Sunday to you!  Have you seen all of the amazing projects the Waltzingmouse Stamps DT have been creating these past few days?  If not, you can see all the links on the Waltzingmouse blog (trust me, you won't want to miss them!!)!

For three days, the DT will be featuring projects and/or tutorials made using Waltzingmouse Spellbinder's compatible stamps and the new Grand Calibur machine!  We were blessed to receive a Spellbinders Grand Calibur before Christmas and can't wait to show you what we've made with them!  :-)

Today, I have two projects to share with you...and a tutorial to boot!  :-)  Just a little warning though...this post is pretty long.  :-)  BUT, you will want to read on, because there are some AMAZING prizes being given away!!!  Just sayin... 

My first project is a 4" notecard set (you can see the tutorial for this holder HERE).  For the cover, I used the Fancy Phraes set combined with one of the Spellbinder's Fancy Tags.

 

  In this photo, you can see the 4"notecards and matching envelopes tucked away in their little holders!  :-)



For my little notecards, I used the Faux Fun Circles combined with the Victorian Alphabet (and some K & Co. patterned paper).  I just love how the Victorian Alphabet lends itself to simple and elegant monogram projects!

For my next project, I created a little heart shaped goodie box...perfect to give away to that someone special!

I started by stamping the large heart from the Seasons of Love set and then adding one of the coordinating sentiments (also included in the Seasons of Love set).  Using my Heart Nestabilities, I not only cut out the stamped image...but created the larger heart shape of the box!

In this top view, you can see all the goodies I stuffed into the heart box!  Yummmm!

Okay, I've been waiting patiently to SHOW you just what I love about the Grand Calibur so much!!!  If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time, then you surely know HOW much I love my Spellbinders dies!!  I mean, there is hardly ever a card or project I don't use them on!  LOVE them!! 

Because I use my Spellbinders so much, I spend a lot of time at my die cutting machine...cutting...embossing...and repeating!  LOL!  Two things struck me right away about the Grand Calibur and I wanted to go shout it on the rooftops how wonderful this machine is!!  First off, even though this machine is created for the new Grands dies it also works with my beloved Nestabilities!!  Not only that, but you can fit a TON of them on the cutting plate!!!  (Insert me doing a happy dance here!)  You can see by the picture above that there is still a lot of room left...and I used the largest heart dies! 

 Secondly, I adore the design of the new cutting plates!!  There is just one base plate (and all the plates are very clearly marked) that you place your dies cutting side up.  Then, to cut you use the cutting plate.  Then...GET THIS...you don't have to move your dies!!  They stay right there on the base plate.  To emboss, all you have to do is place the included tan embossing plate over the dies and then add the pink embossing plate on top (see photo below)!!

I have to tell you, I have been spending a LOT less time in front of the die machine with this baby!  I can cut all of my die cut pieces in one swipe!  Happy sigh...

 

So, do you want to know how I made my little heart box?  Here's some instructions and some photos to show you how I did it.  :-)

 

To start, you'll need two scalloped heart die cuts (I used the largest scallop heart die) and a piece of cardstock measuring 2" x 6".

Score the piece of cardstock at 1/4" on both long sides and then fold in half as show in the photo above.

Next, cut little slits on both of the long ends.  This will help it fold around the heart shape better.  :-)

For the last step, add some strong adhesive to the backs of the heart die cuts like shown above.  Then place the strip of cardstock in a sort of V shape onto one of the heart shapes.  Then repeat with the second heart.  Voila!  A fun little heart box to fill with something special!  :-)

So, are you ready to hear about all of the fantastic prizes?  One lucky customer who places an order between Friday the 21st and Sunday the 23rd will be randomly choses to win their ENTIRE shopping basket for FREE!!!!  Wooohoooo!!!!

That's not all though!  Leave a little comment love on the DT posts and you could win a Waltzingmouse stamp set of your choice!! 

Before I go, I will leave you with the links to the other DT ladies that have some fantastic projects for you to see:  Belinda, Claire, Jennifer, Lynn, & Sandie!

Have a great day!  Hugs, Laurie

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

 Hi there!  Have you seen all of the amazing gift ideas that the Waltzingmouse designers have been sharing?  All of these projects are for the Waltzingmouse 12 Days of Chrismtas! 

Today, I will be sharing a project (and template) of one of my favorite gifts to give - handmade cards/envelopes in a custom made box! 

 I made three cards (and envelopes) and packaged them in a coordinating gift box.  I embossed the small rose (from the Roses in Bloom set) using clear embossing powder to create the subtle tone on tone background.  I added the "Mom" sentiment because this gift will be for my mom.  :-)

 Here's a close-up of some of the embellishment details I added to the front of the box.

 

Because I wanted the cards to be "all-occasion", I did not add any sentiments.  Just like the box, I embossed the small rose (from the Roses in Bloom set) using clear embossing powder.

How would you like the template for this card box?  Yes?  I just happen to have one handy here...  :-)

  
(Click template to see it larger)

Here are the instructions:

1. Trim cardstock to 11" wide by 7 1/2" long
2. Score cardstock as shown above (black lines)
3. Cut on red lines (as shown above).  Discard grey shaded parts.
4. Add adhesive (see above) and assemble box!

I created this to have a "flap" that closes on the top so no adhesive is needed for the top.  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Make sure to check out what Mona has created for you tomorrow (the 11th Day of Christmas)!  Hugs, Laurie

Christmas Tag & Holder...

 I'm back today to help wrap up the Stamper's Dream JustRite Christmas Week! 

 
When I first saw the new Holiday Cheer set, I thought the petite size of the images would lend themselves nicely to some tags.  That's when the idea for this project hit me!  I created three different tags, and a packaged them up in a custom holder!  (The holder is just a "card" with a wider spine.) 

I broke out my "Figgy" Basic Grey paper and chose several coordinating patterns for my Tag Holder cover.  I just adore these colors together!!

  
For the inside, I again chose some paper from the "Figgy" Basic Grey pad to dress it up a bit.  The little pocket is 3/4" deep so that it can fit all the embellishments I added to the tags!  {{grin}}

 
This is probably my favorite tag!  These colors just make me happy!!  After stamping my image (also from the Holiday Cheer set), I colored them in with Copics and then used Circle Nestabilities/punches to cut them out.

 
For my second tag, I switched up the layout a bit.  I added some strips under the middle panel and secured them with some messy stitching.  To finish it off, I added a little rhinestone to the center of the snowflake!

 
Three different tags...but they all use the JustRite Holiday Cheer set and the "Figgy" Basic Grey paper!

I have to share with you how I created the tag base!  I wanted something more than just a plain old rectangle, so I started hunting through my Nestabilities to look for something that would make a pretty tag "top".  When I came to my Labels 6 Nesties I found what I was looking for! 

 
After trimming  a piece of cardstock to 3" wide, I wove the die through the cardstock because I only wanted the top of the tag to be cut.
  
This is what it looks like after running through my machine (I use a Cuttlebug).  You can then trim the tags to any length you need (mine are trimmed 4 1/2" long).

Make sure to check out what Christina & Karen have created!  They are both sharing some JustRite projects today as well!  :-)

Thanks for poppin' in today!  I hope your Friday is fabulous!!  ~Laurie

 

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer(JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Early Espresso (SU!), White c.s., Basic Grey Figgy Collection
Ink:  Distress Inks, Dark Chocolate Memento Ink, Chocolate Chip Craft ink
Accessories:  Clear Detail e.p., Circle and Labels 6 Nestabilities, Circle Punches, Ribbon, Cord, Rhinestones, Buttons, Sewing machine

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

Cough Drop Holder and a Tutorial!

Happy Tuesday!  Remember THIS tissue holder that I made?  I had every intention of getting a tutorial put together for you, but in between all of the doctors appointments we've had this past month I just didn't have the time.  Until NOW that is...  :-)

I've posted the instructions as well as step by step pictures over at the Stamp a Sweet Impression Blog!    I hope you go and check it out!

While I was creating my Tissue Holder box, I thought that it would also be a fun Cough Drop holder...and the Doctor's Orders set just happens to have an adorable image to match!  :-)

 

Here's a peek at the inside...

 

I hope you all are having a great week so far!  :-)  ~Laurie

Gift Card Holder & a Tutorial...

Happy Tuesday!  Today, I sat down and created a little gift card holder for a girl that has been babysitting our boys for us.  She has refused to let us pay her anything (we've tried...MANY times), so we got her a couple of iTunes gift cards (something every teenage girl can appreciate, right?)!  :-) 

I used this Music Player stamp from A Muse to decorate the outside of the gift card holder.  For embellishments, I added just a *hint* of Stickles on the music player, some ribbon, & a Jumbo Grommet (from the new SU! Occasions mini catalog).  The paper is some that I found in my stash (I couldn't find a brand name on the back, sorry). 

As you can see, my colors were taken directly from the gift card (they are definitely not my normal go-to colors!!) LOL! 

 

After I made this, I got to thinking how useful this template is going to be (with all of the weddings and graduations coming up - not to mention birthdays!)!  So, I thought I'd share the directions on how to make this quick little gift card holder!

 

I started with a piece of cardstock (here, I used Raspberry Fizz) measuring 3 3/4" x 7" and score it at 2 7/8" and 5 3/4".

 

I then used my Stampin' Up! Scallop edge punch and created a decorative border along the 1" side of the c.s. as shown in the above picture.

 

To secure the "gift card pocket", I stapled each side of the scallop border flap very closely to the edge (you need enough room for the gift card).

 

To hide the staples (and make it prettier :-), I added a strip of patterned paper (measuring 3 3/4" x 3/4") across the scallop edge flap.  I also added a a black backing (that made with my largest scallop Rectangle Nestabilities) to hide the back of the staples as well as cause the colors to "pop" a little.  If you don't have Nestabilities, just cut a piece of c.s. slightly larger than the closed gift card holder.

Well, that's it from me tonight...  Hugs, Laurie