Hand Stamped By Lacey

How I take photos of my cards

Hello stamping friends!!

I have a fun tutorial to share today. I have a tutorial on how I take photos of my cards.

Now, in no way do I think my photos are perfect - I'm not a photographer! So don't think that I think that my cards, projects, or photos are the "model of a perfect card"!! But I do hope that my tutorial can help anyone who is struggling with getting a better photo of their projects. 

1. Find a spot to take your photos. Some people use photo tent, but I prefer to have natural lighting and I'm too lazy to go outside (plus going outside could bee too bright or too dark...or too wet!! I have found that having a set place to take a card is important. Find a spot that works for you and use that each time so that you have consistent photos on your blog. 

I take my photos in my storeroom's closet because it's right in front of a window. Please ignore the mess - I sometimes have a few things on my floor...don't judge me!! LOL

I have white semi-sheer curtains in my stamping room so that I have lots of natural light, but neighbors can't see into my room (it freaks me out thinking people can see me while I'm working).

When I take my photos, I pull the curtains to the side to give added natural night. I had to leave the curtains down for the photo above since it's hard to take a picture of a sunny window!

2. Use a neutral background.

I use 2 white cardstocks on the bottom and behind my card. The white helps to reflect the natural lighting. 

3. Place the card in the center of your background and get "eye-level" with the card. Stand the card up - don't lie it down flat. I usually take at least 3 photos. One is bound to be better than the others and it's a lot easier to delete unused photos than it is to set the card back up and get additional photos if the first ones didn't turn out.

You may have to move your card around or change the position of your camera to get the card straight-on. I usually use the frame of the camera to line up with the edges of the card - if the top of the frame in the camera is parallel with your card, then you should get a "square" picture of a square card. 

As you see in the photo above, my shot includes the background as well - part of my stamping room on the left and the window on the right. The point is to get the whole card in the shot and have it be square since it's a square card.

Take a photo of the card standing up. This makes it easier to get a straight-on shot. If you lie the card down flat, it's harder to get a straight shot and the card will look warped (larger on one side than another). Just think, if you have it flat, the only way to get a straight-on shot would be to stand over the card - this can add a shadow on your card from your body (you are probably blocking some light creating a shadow) and your camera is farther away so you will have to zoom in which could distort the clarity.

4. Using a photo editing program (most computers come with them) to crop your card... 

I leave a little frame around the card, but leave out most of the background. 

5. The cropped image is great and would work if you don't have a photo editing program. I have Photoshop so I will edit the photo a little more.

First, I use the "Auto Smart Fix" option. The photo below is the same photo above, but after the "Auto Smart Fix" enhancement... 

It makes the image a little more clear and adjusts the colors to more of a true color.

6. I add a little more brightness so that the whites are a little more "white"...

Just a slight change, but I think it makes the photo a little more crisp. 

Now usually at this point, I would add the watermark. However, I watermarked all images for this tutorial since they are being posted on the internet. If you don't want your photos stolen from your blog and used for a different purpose, then watermark them!!

7. I usually show at least 3 shots of my card in my blog posts: The card straight-on, a close up of the image, and a side/wonky shot that usually shows the dimension of the elements on the card (because most cards are not 2-D, but 3-D in real life). If I decorate the inside of the card, I show that as well.

Next I take a closer view of the image by getting closer to the image.

Since I don't need the whole card, I get close enough that I get a clear shot of the image without getting too close to distort the image (ever see those "Dog" photos that their noses look larger than their heads? That's because the camera is REALLY close to the nose so it distorts the view). 

I don't use the Zoom option on my camera because usually the zoomed images can get fuzzy because of the pixels (or something like that). 

I use a point-and-shoot cheap camera to take pictures of my cards. But there are expensive cameras that would take better photos and have special zoom lenses. However, you don't have to have an expensive camera to take a good photo of a card! 

8. Next I edit the photo by using the Auto Smart Fix option then crop the image...

I add the photo to the blog post using a "medium"option for my taller-but-narrow photos otherwise they show up HUGE on the blog.

10. The next shot is the side/wonky view...

This view shows the dimension on the card. In the photo above, you can probably see that Tilda is added with dimensionals and the flowers pop off the card.

11. Crop the image...

12. Edit the photo - I used Auto Smart Fix which adjusts the color and clarity/sharpness...

13. I add a little more brightness...

Now with the closer view, you can probably see that the white swirls are not glued down, but pop off the card, the butterflies are 3-D, and there is also dimentionals under the sentiment in the center so the sentiment panel is curved.

So that's it! You can see how I added these photos to a blog post here. 

I hope this tutorial helps at least one person who may have been struggling to get a clear shot of their photos. 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!!

~Lacey

High Hopes Tutorial Tuesday - a Mini Treat Bag by "me"!!

Hello High Hopes Fans!!

If you are looking for our current challenge, click here.

It's Tutorial Tuesday Time!!

This week it's my turn to share a fun tutorial.

Over the past few releases, I have shown a few of these mini treat bags.

They are so versatile and great for many occasions just by changing up the stamp.

I've used them for Halloween Treats for special friends, Party Favors, and Valentine's treats for Teachers.

The overall measurements of the base is 4" High x 4" Wide x 1.75" Deep

so they can old a LOT of chocolates and candy!!

Supplies you will need...

~ 1 piece of 5.5" x 12" cardstock for the base

~ 2 pieces 1.5" x 3.75" stamped card stock or patterned paper (to decorate the sides)

~ 2 pieces 3.75" x 3.75" stamped card stock or patterned paper (to decorate the front and back)

~ Scrap patterned paper (optional) to decorate the front

~ 1 piece 1" x 10" card stock for the handle

~ 1 piece 10" ribbon (optional) for the handle

~ 2 brads (optional - you can just use adhesive, but I like to reinforce the handles)

~ 1 stamped and colored image (I used Robot with Balloon)

1. Stamp your cardstock that you will use to decorate all sides of the treat bag.

You can substitute with patterned or designer paper.

I chose to stamp the pieces using Gears Border...

2. Score your 5.5" x 12" card stock at:

1.75", 5.75", 7.5" and 11.5" along the long 12" side of your card stock.

Turn it to the side and score at 1.75".

Then cut the lines below the last score line.

It should look like this...

For those of you who prefer templates instead, this may help...

3. Attach your decorative pieces to each section of the bag...

4. On one of the 4" sections, you can add your optional patterned paper and stamped image.

You can add more embellishments later,

but it's easier to attach the paper and image before the bag is assembled.

5. Attach Scor Tape or other STRONG adhesive (you must use strong adhesive for 3-D projects)

as seen in the picture below...

On the section that you have decorated with your stamped image, you will actually add the tape to the underside. Whereas the rest of the sections will have the tape on the top.

(See the picture above to see how the tape is on the underside).

6. Attach the .5" flap on the side to the opposite side to close the bag together...

7. Now tape up the bottom of the bag by folding the small sides in first,

then the larger two as shown...

You will close the first 4" flap with the tape facing out.

Then you will close the second 4" flap with the tape facing down.

This should give you a strong base.

8. Add your ribbon to your handle (optional)...

9. Punch a whole in the sides of the handle to make it easy to insert the brads...

10. Now punch another whole on the sides of the bag for the brads to go through...

11. Attached your handle using the brads.

I also like to add some adhesive to make it a little stronger.

The finished bag...

Here is a different version I created for Halloween using Sitting Witchy Poo with Pumpkin and Standing Witchy Poo.

For these bags, I used some ribbon for the handle.

I used a large Eyelet and tied a knot in the ribbon after I threat it through the eyelet.

I hope you liked my tutorial!!

They are so easy to make and the prefect size for party favors!!

We'll be back next week with a new challenge.

In the mean time, some of the Design Divas continue to make High Hopes projects each week.

Make sure to check out their blogs to see their awesome creations!

(blog list in the side bar)

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Sneak Peek Day 1 - Candy Wrapper Tutorial

Hello stamping friends!

It's Day 2 of the High Hopes Release Sneak Peeks.

Tonight at 12:01am EST/5:01am GMT, the Blog Hop will begin. As soon as the stamps start going up on the High Hopes Website, I will be adding them to my store Stamp and Create as well.

Today we are supposed to be showing one of the awesome new Dustin Pike Dragons that are being released this week. Unfortunately, due to my recent move, I was unable to find the time to finish my card.

But I do have the tutorial I created for the Candy Wrapper I showed yesterday.

Here we go...

Supplies:

~ 5.5" x 5.5" piece of Card Stock or thick Patterned Paper

~ Scor-Tape or other strong adhesive

~ Stamped image to decorate

~ Standard Hershey Candy Bar (not shown in picture below).

To create my own patterned paper, I used the new "Gears Border" being released this week and stamped the image onto the card stock... 

Then I scored the Card Stock at:

1.5", 1.75", 3.75", and 4.0"...

Decorate the front of the wrapper. I used the new "Programed to Party Candy Wrapper" being released this week...

Add Scor-Tape or strong adhesive along one side... 

And wrap the candy bar... 

This image also makes a great Bookmark as well! Plus, you can use it on tall cards as well.

This stamp along with the rest will be released tomorrow!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

World Card Making Day...For the Dogs!

 
I hope you are enjoying World Card Making Day Blog Hop today!! Wow! There are so many bloggers on the hop!

This is my 2nd post today. So make sure to scroll down to see my other post regarding the Wags 'n Whiskers Design Team.

I have a tutorial to share with you. But if you don't have time to check out the tutorial, just subscribe for email feeds or become a follower of my blog and come back later when you have more time.

In the mean time, here is my gift set...

 
I needed a thank you gift to give my sister-in-law for watching my dog while we were out of town. I wanted to give her a cute box to hold some dog treats for her own dogs. I think this is much nicer than having a store bought box sitting on your counter, right?!

The image on the box is actually the logo for my new stamp company Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. This image will be released along with 8 other images on Friday, October 9th. We have a blog hop scheduled on the 9th with lots of prizes along the way. The stamps will be available in the US and Canada at my store Stamp and Create and they will be available in Europe and "the rest of the world" at my partner's store Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

 
 
Oh, the box is one that I created for this post, but haven't had a chance to create the tutorial I promised until now.

Onto the Tutorial...

Supplies needed:

~ 10 3/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock (for the bottom and 2 sides)

~ TWO 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces of cardstock (for 2 sides)

~ 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" Cardstock (for the lid)

~ FOUR 2 1/2" x 5" Designer Paper (optional - to decorate the outside of the box - you can stamp on the box as well or leave it plain)

~ 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Desiger Paper (optional - or background cardstock to decorate the top of the box)

~ Ribbon or other embellishments

 
1. Take the 10 3/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock and score the two long ends 2 3/4" from the sides...

2. Take the 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces and score along 3 sides 1" from the sides...

3. Cut along the solid lines (see template)...

 
4 Fold along all of the scored lines.

5. Attach strong adhesive (I used Score Tape), on the outside of the sides and along the bottom of the 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces...

6. Line up the bottom of the side pieces with the open side of the larger piece to create the box...

 
7. If you would like a more finished look to the inside of the box, take a piece of 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock and tape to the bottom of the box (optional).

8. Take your 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece and score along all 4 sides at 1 1/2" in...

9. If you would like a decorative edge on the lid, go ahead and cut that now. Then cut along the solid lines (see template) and attach strong adhesive on the flaps...

10. Assemble the lid...

11. Decorate the box!

Make sure to stop by later this week as there will be more information shared about the Wags 'n Whiskers Design Team! And I hope you will come back on the 9th for our Release!!

But don't forget about the blog candy!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers Furry Friends, Thank you sentiment (retired SU)

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip CS, DCWV Pets DP, Watercolor paper

Ink: Twinkling H2Os using a Blender Pen

Other: Dark Brown Ruffle Ribbon, PTI Button, EK Success Border Punch, Nestability Circle and Scalloped Circle, Rhinestones (on the card-can't remember where I got these), Brads, Spacers.

Stamp-a-Majig Tutorial

I have been making quite a few projects lately using the Damask stamp I got in the $1 section at Michaels. Here are a few projects here, here, here, and here.

Since it's not a clear stamp, in order to have the correct spacing while creating the backgrounds, I had to pull out the Stamp-a-Majig. I'll be honest, I do not use it often. But it is an invaluable tool that is a Must-Have with all crafters who create their own backgrounds. Plus, it helps with some two-step stamp sets.

So, here is my simple tutorial on the Stamp-a-Majig to create backgrounds...

1. Line the clear sheet included with the Stamp-a-Majig next to the handle. It can be used on either side of the handle (for the left-handed stamper). Then place your inked image in the corner of the handle...stamping onto the plastic sheet...

2. Remove the stamp. Now you can use the stamped sheet to determine the correct positioning on your project...

3. Line up the stamped image on the plastic sheet onto your project...

4. Once you have the alignment you want, carefully place the handle against the plastic sheet...

5.Carefully remove the plastic sheet while keeping the handle in place...

6. Next carefully place the inked stamp against the handle while gently stamping the image...

7. Remove the stamp and the handle and your image is perfectly placed!!

8.Repeat!!

Tip: When creating a full page to create "Patterned Paper", don't forget to stamp along the sides as well. The Stamp-a-Majig can also help align images partially stamped along the sides. Just make sure to place something under your project so you don't stamp on your desk serface!...

Here is my finished page...

 

Almost perfect!! I say "almost" because it IS handmade, right?! And, yes, this took a long time to create, but I love how it turned out! You can use this with any image that you want to get perfect spacing.

Please let me know if this was helpful to you. I would love to hear what you think.

On a personal note...We are in the process of moving this week! I have scheduled some posts this week so that you don't forget me while I am gone

;-)

I should be back "live" next week from our new home in Coral Springs, FL!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

The Perfect Gift Bag/Box tutorial

I finally redid the tutorial. Here are the projects I have created so far...here, here, and here.

To start, you need:

~ 2 pieces of Card Stock measuring 8 1/2" x 11"

~ Piece of Card Stock measuring 3" x 5" for the bottom

~ For Box option: Card Stock measuring 7 1/8" x 5 1/8"

~ Strong Adhesive

Designer Paper (Optional):

~ 2 pieces 4 3/4" x 6"

~ 2 Pieces 2 3/4" x 6"

~ For Box Option: 1 piece 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"

~ For Bag Option: 2 pieces 3/4" x 8 1/4"

Let's begin...

1. On the 11" side of the 8 1/2' x 11" card stocks, score the CS at 1"...

Click on the pictures for larger views.

 

2. Move the CS to the 8" mark and score again...

 

3. Move to the 9 3/4" mark and CUT...

 

This will give you a 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that is cut off...if you plan on making the "Gift Bag" Option, keep this strip to use for the handles (the strip is not shown in this picture).

This will give you a 1 3/4" top that will fold over to create the decorative border, a 7" height, and 1" to create the bottom.

4. Turn the card stock to the left (the 1" scored area will be on the bottom with the 1 3/4" scored area on the top).

Move the left edge to the 3" mark and score...

 

5. Move to the 8" mark and score....

 

This will give you 3" area for the sides, 5" width for the front and back, and 1/2" to tape the box together.

6. Score and cut the 2nd card stock using the same dimensions.

For those of you who need a template...the dotted lines are score lines, the solid lines are cut lines....

7. Using a border punch, punch along the "top" of the box/bag...this will be the 1 3/4" piece...

 

In picture above, the CS is actually upside down of how will end up when completed.

8. Cut the verticle lines on the 1" piece...

 

9. Fold the scored lines. The 1 3/4" top will fold "out", while the bottom and sides will fold "in"...

10. Next, add the Designer Paper if you are using it. Attach the DP to the sides of the box/bag leaving a 1/8" border on the sides and bottom (the top will have more of the box/bag showing since the flap covers it, you don't need to go all the way to the top)...

In the picture above, you will see how the decorative edge will fold out, while the botto will fold in.

11. Add some Score Tape or Sticky Strip/Red-Line Tape (or really strong adhesive) to the inside of the decorative edge, fold over and attach to the front and sides of the card stock...

12. Next you will put the box together. Add more strong adhesive (regular "snail" tape will NOT hold a box or 3-D project for long) to the 1" pieces on the bottom of the box and along the 1/2" sides of the box...

13. Remove the backing of one of the 1/2" sides of the box, carefully line it up with the opposite side of the other piece of CS. This will make it a continuous line of 3" side, 5" side , 3" side , 5" side , 1/2" piece with tape...

14. Next remove the backing of the other 1/2" side of the box and carefully line it up with the other CS making it turn into a box....

15. Next remove the tape backing from the 1" strips on the bottom and form a "bottom"...

16. adhere a 3" x 5" piece to create a bottom for the box/bag...

Your box/bag base assembly is complete. You can leave it as it is or choose to add handles or a lid.

For the "Box" option, you will need to create the lid.

1. Using the 5 1/8" x 7 1/8" piece of card stock, score a 1" border around all 4 sides...

2. cut according to the template...

3. Form into a box using adhesive on the corners.

4. Add the 2 3/4" x 4 3/4" Designer Paper to the top and your box is done!

To add handles for the "Bag" option...

1. Take the 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that you cut off in the begining and cut them down to 1" x 8 1/2" strips.

2. You can add DP (3/4" wide), ribbon, stamp, or leave plain. I used ribbon in this sample. I also like to round the corners for a more finished look.

3. Then punch holes around 1/2" from each end...

4. Using a Crop-a-dile or 1/2" hole punch, punch a hole at least 1/2" from the edge and 1" in from the sides...

5. Attach the handles using brads and you are done!

There it is!! I hope my instructions are clear. I would love to know what you think about this box/bag or the tutorial. If you make one, please send me a link or email me a picture and I would love to showcase it on my blog!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey 

Top Note Basket Tutorial

Edited to add: When my club made this basket, I realized that one of the dimensions were wrong. It only affected the DP layer on the side. I have corrected the dimenions below. Sorry for the error.

Feel free to use this tutorial...but please do not sell the instructions and give me credit if you use it on your blog! Thanks so much!

I was finally able to find the time to figure out the dimensions and make a tutorial for the basket I made here.

Since we will be making this for my Stampin' Up! Club on monday, I used all SU supplies for this basket. Instead of stamping on the cardstock, I decided to cover the sides with Sweet Always Designer Paper. And I changed up the handle as well.

Click on each picture for a larger view

Supplies needed:

~ 2 pieces of card stock 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (for the sides)

~ 2 Pieces of card stock 4" x 3 1/4" (for the ends)

~ 2 Pieces of Designer Paper 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Optional if you want to cover the basket instead of stamping).

~2 pieces of DP 2 3/4" x 3" (optional - corrected dimension is 2 3/4" x 3")

~ 1 piece of card stock 5 1/8" x 4" (for the bottom)

~ 1 piece of card stock 1" x 11" Card Stock (for the handle)

~ 11" ribbon

~ Sticky Strip/Redline tape

~ Slot Punch

~ 2 Brads for the handle

To start, I ran the 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" pieces of cardstock and DP through my cuttlebug using the SU Top Note die...

Then I used the 4" x 3 1/4" card stock and scored the 4" side at 1/2" on each side (this gave me 1/2" side, 3" center, and 1/2" side x 3 1/4" tall...

I cut the Top Note diecut piece of DP around the stiching mark, roughed up the edges, then glued it to the diecut cardstock. And did the same for the other pieces of DP and CS...

I took the 5 1/8" x 4" piece of card stock for the bottom and scored all 4 sides 1/2" and cut off the corners...

I added Sticky strip to the scored sides of the ends and the bottom pieces of card stock...

I folded over the side with the sticky strip tape on one of the end pieces and lined the fold with the Top Note diecut side and attached it with the sticky strip...

I did this for both ends (you can see the scored part is folded in and attached the to Top Note pieces...

Then I added the bottom by lining up the bottom piece with the end (in this picture, the 1/2" scored side with the sticky strip in undernieth the end piece)...

Then I added it to the other sides (the scored sides of the bottom are all tucked in and attached to each side)...

I used the Slot Punch to punch a hole for the handle. In order to get it the width of the handle, I punched it in the middle first, then moved it on both sides until I had the width I needed (just over 1")...

 
I scored the 1" x 11" piece of card stock for the handle at 1 1/2" on both ends, then added the ribbon with tape...

I fed the handle through the slots on the basket and added some tape to keep it shut. Then I used a paperpiercer to make a hole for a brad...

I attached a SU Filigree Brad for decoration as well as to help hold the handle...

The last thing I did was create a tag using a sentiment from SU Fresh Cut stamp set, a flower from the Pretties Kit, a Pink Brad, and a tag from the SU , Baskets and Blooms Sizzix die and a SU Whisper White Button all attached with some Linen Thread...

And here is the final basket again...

I would love to hear what you think of my basket! And if you decide to make one, send me a link and I will post it on my blog!!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

 

It's in the Bag...PTI Challenge

Have you heard all of the wonderful news over at Papertrey Ink? There have been some awesome announcements on their blog to celebrate their 2nd Anniversary.

And one of the best things I've heard is that they will be participating with the new Retail portion of Summer CHA in Orlando, Florida in August!! I only live 2 hours away so I really hope to be able to attend. You can read about it here along with the details of the "It's in the Bag" challenge.

For this challenge, I decided to make a simple Valentine's Day gift for my husband. He will be away working at the Daytona 500 Race (as he has been for the past 5 years), so we usually don't do anything too special for Valentine's Day.

But the only thing I had that would work for this challenge, was a plain old brown paper lunch bag. So I used Niki's bag for inspiration, grabbed my Guide Lines set for a more masculine design (he's not so much about the hearts) and got to work...

You can click on each of the pictures for a larger view.

 

I created wrappers for some Reese's Heart Shaped peanut butter candies...my husband's FAVORITE candy...to put inside the bag!

To get started, I stamped one of the stamps all over a piece of Kraft CS with Chocolate ink onto a full sheet...

I cut it so I would have 2 pieces of 4 1/2" x 8" pieces. Then I scored each piece so it would wrap around the candy...

I added some Red-Line tape to the right side...

Then wrapped the cardstock around the candy...

Then I created a belly-band to go around. I took a piece of Chocolate 1 1/2" x 11", and a piece of Chocolate Remix Patterned Paper a 1/4" smaller (1 1/4" x 11") and scored those at the following...

I wrapped that around the candy and added some Polka Dot ribbon...

Here is the full set together again...

I hope you like it!! I know Scott will (well, at least he will like the candy...he may think the wrapping takes too much time to get to the good stuff...hehe)!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

PTI Blog Hop

    

Tonight is the November Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!! Here is this month's theme taken from the PTI website...

Floral Frenzy Challenge
I don't know about all of you, but I am ready to pull out a few non-holiday images in my studio, just for a bit of a break from all the holiday-themed projects I have been doing lately.  Well now is your chance!  This month's challenge is to build your own floral embellishment for a card or 3D item.  It can be created with die-cuts, punches, stamp images that have been cut-out and layered, slit scalloped punches, you can crochet or sew one, the list could go on and on!  You can use interesting materials like newsprint, felt, fabric, metal, cork, vellum, patterned papers, etc...  Be sure to provide some brief instruction as to how you created your one-of-a-kind embellishment so others can learn from your example! Thank you and we all look forward to seeing all of your amazing projects!

So, for my card, I decided to make a flower out of PTI Ribbon...

Here is a close up of the ribbon flower...

See below for instructions on how I made the flower.

For the card, I used Riding Hood Red (I don't have Pure Poppy CS yet) as the card base. I stamped the large circles from Polka Dot Basics (I've been wanting this set FOREVER and I finally just got it!!) and I inked up the edges as well. I took a strip of Kraft CS and scored 2 lines. Then I stamped the sentiment from Heartfelt Basics...I love this new set..there are so many uses for the sentiments and I love how you can change out words and stamp them in different colors.

Anyway, to create the flower, I took a 1 3/8" Circle Punch and cut out a piece of red card stock...

Then I cut Pure Poppy Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon into 3 1/2" strips...

 I used glue dots to secure the edges together...

Then I used more glue dots to attach the ribbons to the red circle while overlapping a little...

Next, I punched out a 1" circle out of Stampers Select White CS and inked around the edges (I used SU Kiwi Kiss because I don't have Spring Moss)...

I embellished with a SU Large Filigree brad and a Red Rhinestone (attached with glue dots)...

I attached everything together with more glue dots. Then I attached two pieces of Spring Moss Ribbon under the flower using glue dots...

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Paper Pumpkin Tutorial

I saw this idea through the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website. I had to revise it a little, but basically it's the same. So I wanted to share it all of you who don't have the privilege of being a SU Demo...

The website gives the instructions for the medium pumpkin. We did this at my Stamp Club last week and one of the girls made a slight mistake and we ended up with the large pumpkin (thanks Paula).

We will start with the large pumpkin. Take 2 pieces of8 1/2 x 11 Pumpkin Pie Card Stock and stamp Baroque Motifs all over (the SU website used Baroque Border Wheel instead, but I don't have that, so I improvised)...

Cut both sheets into strips of 1" long way (it should be 1" x 11"...this is the error Paula made that made the pumpkin larger)...

 Using the Crop-a-Dile, punch a hole (with the large hole punch) in both ends of each strip...

Tak a strip of Ribbon...10" is plenty...you will cut some off, but need it large enough to all for the edges to fray while threading (I used retired Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon because I didn't have another green ribbon, but the SU instructions called for Old Olive 5/8" ribbon). Tie a knot in one end and thread through one end of the strips of card stock...you will want the stamped side towards the knot...

Bend the card stock (stamped side out) and thread the ribbon through the other end of the card stock...

 Adjust the height of the pumpkin and tie off the other end...

Spread out the strips to create the pumpkin shape...

Ok, once the layers are spread, the pumkin kind of wabbles. So, I created a stand so that the pumpkin can stand up straight (this was not part of the SU instructions)...Take a 3/4" x 11" strip of card stock, make a circle, and secure (I just used a stapler)...

Place the pumpkin on top of the ring...

To embellish the top, I die cut 2 leaves using the Sizzix Leaves #2 die out of Wild Wasabi (to match the ribbon)...

If you don't have a leaf die, you can stamp a leaf and cut it out instead. That's it for the large pumpkin.

To make the medium pumpkin, you will follow the same instructions as the large pumpkin, but you will use only 1 piece of 8 1/2" x 11" card stock and cut short-ways (the strips will be 1" x 8 1/2")...

To make the small pumpkin, you will take a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" and cut it in half to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and cut it short-ways into 1" strips (the strips will be 1" x 5 1/2"...

Here are all 3 again...

These would make a great centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table! We are going to my sister-in-laws for thanksgiving so I don't have to cook this year!!!

I will be back later this evening for the Papertray Ink Blog Hop!!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Basic Sewing 101 Tutorial

First on a personal note...I caught my son't stomach virus. OMG!! In addition to feeling horrible...this things lasts forever!! Everyone I know who had this lasted at least a week! Ug! No vomitting, but I have not appetite and my stomach keeps making these horrible sounds!! No, it's not hunger, anything I eat just sort of gurggles in the my tummy! No fun. Anyway, that is part of the reason why I haven't posted for a few days. That and it was my daughter's birthday party on saturday...I would have cancelled the party if my husband would have let me...that's how bad I felt! I am still trying to recover from finishing up the party favors. That's enough of me for now...

Ok, now that I have overcome a year long hesitation to sew on cards, I wanted to create a tutorial to show the basics. Maybe someone else out there is hesitant about sewing on cards because you just don't know where to start! My biggest concern was what setting to use.

No don't get me wrong, I am in NO way a sewing expert. I have followed a pattern to sew a Princess dress for my daughter and I did piece together some fabric to make a baby crib bummer and then a quilt for my daughter. However, all of those took me FOREVER to complete!! Well, the dress wasn't that hard because I did have a pattern. But since those projects were such a pain, my sewing machine stayed in my closet for a year...just waiting for me to get the courage to try sewing on cards. And now that I have (I had to make 32 of these invitations), I think I have the "zig zag" stitch under my belt.

So that's where I am going to start...with the zig zag stitch.

Here is the card we are going to make (it's a LOT easier than it looks)...

Since I cut all of the Make n Take Kits here, I ended up with a TON of scraps. I've been saving them since I knew I wanted to one day tackle sewing and I really love the look of quilt cards that I have seen.

To start, I cut out squares of scaps from SU Bella Rose DP using my 1 1/4" Square Punch and attached them to the Kiwi Kiss Card Base with a little adhesive (just to hold them in place).

Here it is before sewing...

  I have a Brother LS-1217 electric sewing machine. Pretty basic (I think) in regard to sewing machine stardard...I mean, I did buy it a Walmart a few years ago!! So the setting I need for the zig zag stitch is shown in this picture...

The positioning on the left is where the needle will fall within the "Presser Foot". I keep mine on "M" for Middle. That way I can keep the center of where I want the stitch in the middle of the foot.

The middle positioning is for the width of the stich. For the zig zag stitch I want, the setting is "3".

The positioning on the right is for the spacing of the stitch...how far apart the stitches will be. For the stitch I want, the position is "1".

You will have to read your manual to find out how to thread your bobbin and needle since I think they all are slightly different.

Ok, now that I have my sewing machine set and threaded, it's time to get sewing...

I am going to sew completely around the outside of the "quilt" first. So pick a corner to start. Make sure that the center of the line you want to sew is in the center of the presser foot...

Begin by reversing the stitch to secure it so it won't unravel. Most machines have a reverse sewing leaver...

Hold the lever down while pushing the foot petal to begin stiching. After a few stitches, release the leaver to begin sewing forward.

Begin stitching carefully keeping the center of the quilt edge in the center of the presser foot. When you reach the end of the line, stop using the foot controller and use the manual leaver (or Balance Wheel...the big circle on the right of the machine) to align the needle into the inside of the zig zag closest to the end of the quilt and STOP.

While the needle is still in the paper, lift the Presser Foot Lever and pivot the cardstock to the next side; centering the next side in the Presser Foot.

Continue stitching along each side...

When you come back to where you started (going completely around the quilt), reverse the stitch again to secure. Pull the card out and cut the threads. If you were doing a card like this one, you would be done.

But for our quilt card, you will go down each of the inside lines as well. line up the center of the next line the same way. Start with a reverse stitch, then continue to the end. This time, at the end of each line, you will reverse stitch and cut the threads.

  Once you're done with those lines, you will stitch the lines in the other direction...

When you're done, it looks like this...

 "Sew" Simple, right?! Sorry about the pun...I had to do it. Here is the card before and after sewing...

Doesn't the sewing just finish it off? Talking about finishing it off.... I added a strip of Riding Hood Red, some Pink Pirouette Stripped Ribbon and a Riding Hood Red button to finish off the card. I didn't add a sentiment since I am not sure what I am going to use this card for yet.

 Are you ready to pull out your sewing machine and give it a try? If so, please send me a link so I can see what you come up with!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

 ~Lacey

Card Folder Tutorial

I've been asked by a few people for a tutorial on the Card Folder that I made here, here, and here.

Before I start the Tutorial...I saw this awesome card by Julie that cased the card in the SU Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog. I didn't have the designer papers that were used in the catalog yet, but I really loved that card. So when I saw how Julie cased the card using Bella Rose DP, I thought I would give it a try...AND make it a full gift set.

Here is the first card I made...

I decided to keep it a blank card with no sentiment so I left that part off of the design.

Here are the other cards in the set...

For each of these sets, I used Bella Rose DP except for the Burgany card which is from Parisian Summer DP. I embossed the flowers from "Inspired by Nature" in white directly onto the DP, cut out a strip of card stock (Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Ridinghood Red, and Bravo Burgandy), ripped another strip of card stock added 3 brads and a little piece of card stock that matched the DP. Very Simple.

Now onto the folder...

Cut a piece of Card Stock for the outside of the folder 10 1/2" x 6"...

Score it at 4 3/4" on both sides as show in this template...

Decorate the outside of your folder. For this design, I used the new Bella Toile background stamp in Riding Hood Red ink...

Take TWO more pieces of card stock for the Pockets and cut them 6 1/2" x 4 1/2", then score the sides and the bottom (landscape) 1/2", then again 1/2"...

  You will cut off the bottom corners where the score lines intersect...

Here is a picture of the corners cut off...

On the Pockets, fold along the scored lines, then add sticky strip to the outside of the outside scores (the card stock should fold down with the sticky strip on the top)...

I forgot to take a picture of this step...remove the sticky strip, line up the bottom outside fold (the one with the sticky strip) to one of the sides of the folder and attach. Then remove the sticky strip cover on the inside folds and attach, then repeat for the outside folds... Here is a picture of the inside of the finished folder so you can see how it should look...

Lay your folder out and attach two strips of sticky tape along the front and back of the folder. I like to use my grid paper from SU and line it up on the 3" mark since this is the middle of the folder...

Remove the sticky strip cover and attach the ribbon (I used SU Pink Pirouette striped ribbon). Create a bow, then cut off the excess on the ends. I also like to use "Fray Check" so that the ribbon doesn't fray.

Next, add a focal image to the front of the folder. For my design, I cut a piece of Bella Rose DP, embossed the flower in white again, then cut and embossed it with my largest Scallop Rectangle Nestability...

Attach it to the front of the folder, add some decorated envelopes (I stamped the flower in Pink Pirouette onto the left side of the envelopes) and your done!!

If you make one of these card folder, send me a link to your picture or blog, I would love to see it!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Luau Party Puzzle and "Craft-a-Board" product critique

If you visit my blog often, then you probably have seen my tutorial on making party favor puzzles. With my initial design, I used 3 sheets of Papertrey Stampers Select White CS and glued the layers together. When I was trying to figure out the thickness for the puzzles, I thought "I wish my coasters were larger, they would be perfect".

Well, guess what?...Ellen Hutson LLC has a new product called "Craft-a-Board". What is Craft-a-Board? It is basically a 9"x13" sheet of light weight coasters!!

I compared the Craft-a-Board next to my light weight coasters from All that Scraps, and they are the same thickness, same texture, basically it looks like the coasters are cut from this product. Therefore....the possibilities are ENDLESS!!

Unfortunately, I could not get a good picture of craft a board's thickness next to lightweight coaster thickness...my camera would not focus. It's currently stormy outside so the light is dull inside the house from the rain and my camera could not get focus. However, here is a coaster on top of a piece of Craft-a-Board...

Ellen has some awesome examples of uses for the Craft-a-Board on her blog here and here (PS, the blog candy has expired...she already picked a winner, sorry).

As soon as I saw that the product was available for sale, I purchased 3 packs. I knew I wanted to use them for my puzzles. And here is my first one...

I knew I wanted to create a beach scene using these awesome High Hopes stamps (and a retired SU dolphin). I stamped the Palm Tree, Leilani, and jungle leaf corner directly onto a piece of 5 1/2"x4 1/4" piece of Craft-a-Board using Stazon Black Ink. Then I masked off half of the Dolphin from Silly Sea Life (Retired SU) and stamped him in Stazon. I used a SU Stampin' Write Marker to draw in the lines to create the illusion of a beach and a skyline. Then I water colored the images with an aquapainter and highlighted with markers.

I found watercoloring onto the Craft a Board was similar to watercoloring onto Watercolor paper. The ink and water bleed a little. It created a cool effect. Then I outlined the images with my SU markers.

I sponged Creamy Caramel onto the "beach", "Baha Breeze" onto the "ocean", So Saffron (using a whole punched with my SU scallop circle) for the sun, then Bashful Blue for the sky using a scallop circle to randomly create clouds.

After I was done coloring my scene, I ran it through my cuttlebug using the Puzzle die. Die sponge side up and puzzle face down...

Add a "B" plate on top. And run it through the machine (don't look at my mess in the background!!).

* Tip: My husband found a few tips that make it easier...instead of cranking the handle when trying to cut a puzzle, "pop" the handle...get the handle at the top and quickly pop it down in a fast motion. Once the sandwich starts moving through the machine, you can easily crank the handle...it's just getting it started that is hard.

* 2nd Tip: My husband also found out that it is sometimes easier to prop the cuttlebug against a wall to help push the sandwich through...like this...

And here is the final puzzle...

I will be adding names to the puzzles to personalize them, but...oops...I forgot to stamp this one before I cut it!! I guess this will be Ansley's!

I have a different design for the boys that I haven't finished yet. So I will post those later.

If you decide to use Craft a Board or make a puzzle, please send me a link. Here is a puzzle Kelly made. Wow! Check out all that masking!! Since I have to make 12 of these puzzles, I deliberatly designed the layout so I did not have to mask off (except the dolphin which was simple...I just used a piece of paper and stamped the image half on the paper and half on the board). But, the watercoloring took forever!! It took me at least an hour to watercolor 4 puzzles. Of course, my son and daughter decided they wanted to make one too so I had to stop many times to help them.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Surprise Pop-Up Card

Here is a card we are making at my Stamp Club on Monday night. I've been wanting to try a "Surprise Pop-up Card" since I saw the tutorial on SCS here.

For this card, I wanted to use one of the new Level 2 Hostess sets from SU!. This is Serene Spring. This set has 2 beautiful images. This image is embossed in black then watercolored with ink and markers using only the new in-colors. I used the outline flower from Heartfelt Thanks to decorate the background. I revised the dimensions slightly from the tutorial so that the back CS would show through. The front CS is the new Tangerine Tango and the back piece is "Baja Blue".

And here is the card opened...

I'm really happy with how this turned out. It was a lot easier to make than I thought it would be. Sometimes I see a ton of steps for a tutorial and think..."wow, that's a lot to do". But, it really wasn't hard at all.

If you decide to make a pop-up card, send me a link to your picture in either a photo gallery or a blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

"Button" chipboard Tutorial

I have another tutorial to share with you. I actually made this one at the same time as the Make your own Desiger Paper Tutorial but I wanted to separate the tutorials so (1) it didn't take an hour to read and (2) so you can reference back to each one by name if you needed a second look down the road.

Honestly, I have no idea what to call these!  I used them on these scrapbook pages here and here.

I cut out my letters using Cuttlebug "Red Tag Sale" dies and Lightweight Coasters that I purchased at All That Scraps.

The dies run through the lightweight chipboard easily.

Once all of the letters were cut out, I placed them on my stamping surface so I could stamp them...

I started with Sanded Backgrounder stamped in Chocolate Chip...

Then I stamped them with Polka Dot backgrounder also in Chocolate Chip...

Next I inked up the outside edges of each letter with Chocolate chip...

Now for the secret ingredient... SU Crystal Effects!! Sooooo simple! Just sqeeze it on all over your piece and let it dry for a few hours!!!

This is what it looks like when it's still wet...

Once again, here is what they look like finished! The thicker the layer of Crystal Effects, the thinker they stay, but take longer to dry. This is truely an amazing product!

Here are the other ones I made for the first page. Yes, these are darker. Apparently when I made these (which I made first), I added Close to Cocoa ink directly to the letters before adding the Crystal Effects! I missed that step on the second round, but was too tired to redo everything. So, shhh, don't tell anyone! LOL

Thanks for stopping by!

 ~Lacey

Make your own Designer Paper Tutorial

As promised, here is the Tutorial on How to Make you own Designer Paper!

Sometimes I can't find the designer paper I want that would work right for my layout. So, since I have a ton of stamps, I decided to make my own deisgner paper. All it takes is layering different stamps...

For this layout, I started with Kraft 12x12 card stock. The color reminded me of sand and since this is a beach layout, it is the perfect color.

I stamped SU "Sanded" Backgrounder around the edges of the paper (since that will be the only part showing in my final design). I used Versamark since I don't have a "kraft" color ink pad. (Yes, I know, my versamark pad is well used...I have another one as well that isn't so bad).

Here is a picture with all sides stamped. The versamark is a subtle ink so it doesn't show up well in all of my pictures, but it shows up better in real life.

Next I inked up the edges with Chocolate Chip...

Then I randomly smeared a little chocolate chip ink for a little "grunge" look (you can a lot of the detail in this close up shot)...

And here is the final look for this piece...

Next I took a piece of 12x12 Soft Sky Textured CS and inked "Sanded" backgrounder all over the CS using Soft Sky ink. It's ok if you over-lap a little since it's a "grunge" look...

Next I randomly wheeled "Spunky Spots" in Soft Sky at a diagonal. Note: I do not have a Soft Sky ink cartridge for my wheels. So I ink up the wheel using the ink pad. This will not cover a complete piece of 12x12 CS...but that's ok since this is a random look anyway. It can overlap (by wheeling from the other side afterward), or it can just fade out (this photo was highly adjusted on my computer so you could see the detail better)...

For my design, I wanted a scallop edge on two sides. Why? I don't know...that's just what I wanted. So, I punched the borders using my new SU Scallop Border Punch...

Then I inked up the edges with Soft Sky (including the scallop edges)...

Lastly, I randomly inked Soft Sky over the whole sheet...

And the final look...

Once again, I adjusted the brightness and contrast on this picture to show the detail. The top picture is the original, but it doesn't show the detail well. The picture below is the same picture adjusted so you can see the detail.

Here is the final look with the Beach Babes Part 2 layout...

Since I stamped in a monochomatic color scheme using a light color, I just can't take a photo of the whole page that shows the detail on the computer :-(. So, here is another close up of the detail in the background (again, with brightness adjusted...note to self...don't do a tutorial in soft sky again)!!

This technique is new to me so I have some playing around to do. Some things I am thinking is using craft white ink on darker colors to mute it down. Of course, you can use multiple color inks instead of monochromatic like this one.

If you decide to try making your own DP with stamps, send me a link! I would love to see your work!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Watercoloring with Aquapainter and SU Markers Tutorial

I often get comments regarding my coloring. I am one of the few bloggers who don’t have Copics. I use good ‘ol fashioned watercoloring with an Aquapainter. But, to make my images pop a little, I have two secrets… Embossing the images (which allows the image to stand out and not get lost in the coloring) and Stampin’ Up! Markers (this provides the shading).

The great thing I love about SU Markers are that they are affordable (only $125.95 for the complete set of 48 colors with a Horizontal storage case included…since they are two sided, they need to be stored on their side so both tips are inked) and that they coordinate exactly with the SU card stock and inks.

For this tutorial, I am going to use the embossed scene I created for my Embossing Tutorial last week.

First of all I want to quickly talk about the aquapainter. It is my preferred method for watercoloring. The girls in my stamp club perfer the Blender Pen. But for me, the blender pen leaves too many lines. It’s a great way to color images quickly with an awesome look!

Note: The key to watercoloring with an Aquapainter is to control the water. Squeeze the aquapainter gently to release some water. Then wipe the brush on a scrap piece of paper until the aquapainter is damp, but not saturated. If your brush has too much water, it will saturate the paper and will not give you the look you want. But if your brush is too dry, it will create dark spots on your image and will not have a smooth look. So each time I add water to the brush, I remove a lot of the water on a scrap paper to get the consistency I need.

Another Note: When I watercolor, I prefer to use SU Whisper White CS. It has a smooth surface that was designed specifically for watercoloring. When I use other CS, I usually get dark spots because the ink doesn’t blend into the paper well. Of course, you can use Watercolor Paper, for a totally different look.

Since this scene is full of different trees and plants, I am going to use a few different greens to add depth. I don’t have all of the full size SU ink pads (yet), but I have all of the colors in “Stampin’ Spots” (mini ink pads). I also do not have all of the re-inkers. So when I need to use a “spot” to watercolor, I use a plastic lid and press the spot onto the lid to transfer color and create a pallet. (Please don't look at my mess in the background...LOL)!

I am going to use Always Artichoke on the bushes that in are in the back and in areas that would be darker. There is no science to the watercoloring except for controlling the water on the brush. Pick up color, color in the image you want, then repeat. The great thing about watercoloring is that the SU Whisper White will help blend the colors together. And if you get an area that’s a little darker, it’s ok, it helps to add to the overall look.

Once all of the Artichoke areas are colored, I colored all of the palm/banana trees in the front in Old Olive (I apparently forgot to take a picture of this step…oops).

Then I moved on to the smaller up-front bushes and colored them with Wild Wasabi. I have a full size ink pad for Wasabi. So to create my pallet for the full ink pads, you squeeze the pad in the middle.

This will transfer ink to the lid.

I created the ground and connected the two separate images by watercoloring along the bottom of the card. This gives the illusion of the ground.

Then I colored in the tree trunks and rocks with Creamy Caramel and the flowers with Pumpkin Pie (the center of the flowers to the left are colored with Real Rust). The watercoloring is complete, but we are not done...

Now we will take the SU Markers and highlight each area. I simply use the marker and line the edges of the image. I have colored in two of the palm leams on the right tree with Old Olive so you can see the difference the marker makes.

Here is the image with all of the Old Olive areas highlighted...

After the Old Olive areas are complete, I move on to the Artichoke areas. However, since Artichoke is a very dark marker, I am going to use Mellow Moss to highlight instead. It will add a slight, subtle shadow.

To highlight the Wasabi areas, I randomly added shadows to the edges of the leaves and grass with Certainly Celery marker. I also traced around  the rocks, banana tree, and areas in the front to create a shadow.

I used Creamy Caramel to add shadows to the trees…

I used the More Mustard Marker on the flowers since the Pumkin and Rust are also dark colors. I used the So Saffron Marker to color in the middle part of the flower on the right.

The image is completed, but the scene is not. To make it more of a “scene”, I took a SU scallop punch to create a mask. Then I used Bashful Blue and sponged around part of the punch to create the appearance of clouds.

After everything is done, I inked up the edges of the blue areas with Bashful Blue and the green areas with Old Olive to frame it out a little. It’s a subtle change, but it really finishes it off.

The image is done…

And here is a card!!

I embossed the sentiment (High Hopes Rubber Stamps) added some Linen Thread, matted it onto Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa for a finished card.

I hope you like my tutorial. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

 

 

Embossing Tutorial

I am hope from vacation and trying to settle in. I will have some pictures from our trip later. But now it's time to get back to work!!! Here is a tutorial I made before our trip but didn't have time to finish composing while packing. So here it is...

Since almost all of the cards I make include embossed images, I thought I would do a tutorial on embossing. This piece is 5” x 4” since I am using a large stamp and will be creating a "scene" on this card. And since I will be watercoloring these images later, I used SU Whisper White.

First I used the SU Embossing Buddy. I’m sorry…there is no substitute for the Embossing Buddy. I don’t always use it for embossing with clear, but for black, it’s a must. I have seen some “home remedies” out there, but they don’t work as well as Buddy….he’s your “Buddy” when embossing…ha, I crack myself up!! Ok, just rub the bag over the entire CS.

Then stamp your image into Versamark and onto your cardstock. This image is the Jungle Background by High Hopes Rubber Stamps…I just love it! (By the way,  I buy my stamps from High Hopes "Rubber Only" then I mount them on EZ Mount Foam that I purchased from All That Scraps...however I need to get a larger block!). I think this stamp would make a create image for a Zoo Scrapbook page.

After you stamp your image onto the CS, quickly (you have a minute or two, but don’t wait too long otherwise the versamark will start to dry and the embossing powder won’t stick as well), pour some embossing powder over the entire image. Once the image is saturated with powder, let it run off of the CS then flick the back to help release the excess powder.

Side note: Do you like my expensive tools I use to catch the excess? Yep, I just use computer paper. I emboss so much that I don’t want to worry about cleaning the trays that are sold for embossing. This works fine…just fold the paper in half and pour back into the container. I emboss in my kitchen so I can use my sink to pour the powder back in so if any falls off, it doesn’t get anywhere.

Ok. Sometimes there is some powder that still sticks to the CS even after using Buddy and flicking. In these cases, I just use a cheap paint brush to brush off the excess. Just wipe the brush over the area to loosen it up, then blow to remove the unwanted powder.

Now heat the whole image with your Heat Tool making sure that all of the areas are completely heated. The heat from the heat tool with melt the embossing powder causing it to bubble up giving it some texture and giving it very dark lines.

I like to emboss under the light for my stove (remember, I emboss in my kitchen). I turn the CS so that the light reflects off the heated embossed area. If I missed a spot, the light will not reflect.

Embossing is basically my “hidden secret” for coloring my images…it really makes the image pop and not get lost when colored. My other secret for coloring my images is highlighting with SU markers…but that is another tutorial.

After the first image is heated (it only takes a few seconds to dry), I wanted to create more of a scene so I am going to add Banana Tree to the right side to fill in some space. Just follow the same steps…Versamark, stamp image, embossing powder, flick extra off, and heat.

Now you have a little jungle to watercolor.

I hope this tutorial helped you. If so, let me know. Leave me a comment.

Next Monday, I will finish this image in a tutorial on "Watercoloring with Stampin' Up! Markers".

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

 

Xyron Sticker Tutorial

To go with my “Party Theme” kick that I have been on lately, I have come up with another Party Favor idea… Sticker sets! I think these little sets would make a great gift to coordinate with the invitations, puzzles and party theme.

I have created a tutorial to show how easy they are to make using the mini Xyron 1.5” create-a-sticker machine (sold at local stores like Michaels, Joanns, and AC Moore for less than $20). The only limitation to these stickers are the size…they have to be less than 1.5”.

Since I have been working on a Monkey Themed Party lately, I decided to make some stickers to match the invitations and thank you cards.

To start, I cut a few strips of Whisper White CS 2” wide. I stamped the images I wanted to use and colored them.

Then I cut them out using my SU punches… 1 ¼” Circle punch for the bananas and 1 3/8” Square Punch for the monkey…note: The monkey is larger than the punch, but it leaves enough to know what it is.

Next I inked up the edges of the punched out images that coordinates with the theme (In this case, I used More Mustard Ink).

Then I dropped the images one at the time into the opening on the top. Make sure the image is pushed all the way down, then pull the sticker tape until the image is enclosed in the sticker strip. Repeat with all of the images making sure not to overlap them.

After all of the images are in the sticker strip, rub the top clear layer completely. This will make the excess sticky stuff that is where there are no stickers to stick to the clear cover.

Once you have rubbed the strip completely, gently pull the clear cover off. You will be left with a strip of stickers.

Cut them out as you wish…in my set, I cut the monkey into 1 sticker, but left the two bananas on a strip together. That way they will show in the gift bag.

Put the stickers into a SU “Small Flat Cellophane Bags” $3.95 for 50 bags.

Next I created a topper for the gift bag. I used a piece of 3” x 4” So Saffron CS and scored it in half (2”).

Decorate as you wish…I used the “Spunky Spots” (stamped in versamark) wheel since it I used that on the Invitation and Thank You cards. The sentiment is from SU Wonderful Words (stamped in Chocolate Chip).

Next add 4 strips of adhesive to the inside of the topper (I used snail). Place the top of the bag along half of the topper lining it up to the score line. Then close the topper.

So simple!! I think these would also make great scrapbook embelishments! As long as you use the Xyron Permanent stickers, then they should make a great coordinating scrapbook page!! But that will have to wait for a later date!

So, what do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know if you like my tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

 

Just swinging by....

So I mentioned yesterday that I got a few free stamps from High Hopes Rubber Stamps with my order I received over the weekend. I seem to be in a monkey mood lately so I decided to play with "Mike on a vine" first.

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with him....a tilt card. Since I saw this card on Beate's blog, I've been wanting to make a tilt card. I tried once before, but it didn't work with the image I used. I thought this one would be great to try again.

I went to Splitcoaststampers to take another look at the tutorial on making a tilt card.

First I embossed and colored in all of my images. I used "Mike on a Vine", the Jungle Background, Banana Tree and Jungle Leaf Corner (I purchased the background and tree, but the leaf corner was another free stamp from my order I placed for the golf cart images I used for my husband's father's day card...don't you just love free stamps?). I used a thin coaster and stamped Mike onto the coaster then cut him out and pasted the coaster image to the embossed and colored image of Mike on a Vine. I wanted to give the tilt image a little more weight so it would tilt easier.

I mounted the background onto Chocolate Chip CS and attached dimensionals on the back. I added extra dimensionals around the area of the tilt to make sure the CS didn't droop around the tilt. You may also notice that I used a dime instead of a penny. I thought the dime was thinner than a penny and that it would not drag on the card as much (which was my problem with the other card I attempted to make before).

I cut the vine down to the size I needed and attached it using Sticky Strip to the dime on the front of the card (there is a dimensional in between the dimes through a whole in the CS). You may notice the half circle cut-out on the background image...that was a mistake which I later glued the half circle back on.

Lastly, I attached the the background image to Creamy Caramel Card Base and pieces of the Jungle Leaf Corners to the corners of the card and to the tilt image to cover the dime.

So here is the tilt....

So, what do you think? Isn't he so cute?

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Party Puzzle Tutorial

I found the coolest new tool...a Cuttlebug Puzzle die. I saw it months ago on Julie's blog. I didn't "need" it at the time, but I kept an eye out for it in the stores. I came across it a few weeks ago at All That Scraps and wanted it for my daughter's birthday party coming up in September (yes, I think 3 months ahead for birthday parties). It came in last week and I couldn't wait to play with it. Of course, I had some pending card orders and family in time so I could only just play a little. But today I have a tutorial to share with you.

I am using this card for the inspiration for this particular puzzle. Here is the final result so you have an idea of what we are making today...

I tried using a few chipboard pieces, but they were too large for my cuttlebug. Julie used the back of Notepads in her post, but I wanted something that I could make in larger quantities. I plan on using/selling these for party favors.

So, I came up with using a few pieces of heavy cardstock glued together. Papertrey's Stampers Select White is 110 lb cardstock compared to SU 80 lb colored cardstock (I am not sure what the Whisper White is...I am sure I can find it in the manual if you want to know). So, to start, I used 3 pieces of cardstock cut 5 1/2" x 4 1/2" (basic A2 size).

I completely covered the surface of each layer to make sure that it won't fall apart. Once all of the layers were glued together, I stamped and colored my design.

After the design was finished, I ran it through my cuttlebug (don't mind my mess is the background LOL). I used the White A Plate on the bottom, B Plate, Puzzle die facing up, card front face down, then another B Plate on the top. This is a tight fit, so you may need to hand push the dies to get it started.

When your done, you will have a little "frame" that is left over.

To hold the puzzle to give out, I wanted to create a little box. Niki make this cute little box out of transparencies for the Papertrey Blog Hop so I used the box template, but created it out of cardstock instead. I changed it up a little...

I wanted to use half of a regular size cardstock so I could get 2 out of one sheet. So, Niki's dimensions were 4 1/2" (I think), I made mine 4 1/4". I scored 3/4" along all four sides, then made another 3/4" in the center. The two larger sqaures (which will be the top and bottom of the box) should be roughly 2 3/4" each.I also changed up the way it closes. To make it simple, I made the top to flap over instead of tuck in like Niki's. Therefore, I just cut the flaps on the outside.

Before I did that, I quickly decorated my box...

Then I added little strips of Red Line "Sticky Strip" tape to the little flaps and put the box together.

Here is the box put together....

Once again, here is the final result...

I think these would make adorable goodie bag gifts for a Jungle or Diego themed birthday party. I will do another post with some other designs I came up with for these puzzles.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Box Tutorial

I finally made my first tutorial!! Yeah!! I have been meaning to do this for awhile, but never had the time. As you have seen in many of my previous posts here, here, and here, when I make a set of cards, I usually make some sort of box or purse giftbag to hold the cards. Recently I have been making the purses because they are so cute. But ever since I started stamping, the boxed sets are what I use the most. Once the cards are used up, you can even use the box as a giftbox for someone else. Or to hold jewelry, etc...

This tutorial is how to make the box as shown in this monogrammed gift set I made for my friend's mother.

But first, I want to start at the begininng...

I signed up as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator last May. In my starter kit, they sent me some Stampin Success magazines.

In the March 2007 issue they had a box example that they used to hold a Hostess gift. If you are a SU Demonstrator, you can probably still access this template through the demonstrator website.

Well, I thought, this is a cute box, I bet I could adjust the dimensions so that it could hold some cards. Easier said than done!! I must have wasted a whole pack of paper trying to get the dimensions right. In fact, in November, I demonstrated these boxes at my Stamp Club...I have since tweaked the demensions even further so now they are perfect!!

This tutorial will include a Box Lid and template for two box sizes. The Large box requires 12"x12" cardstock, but can hold from 10-14 cards (depending on how much "puffy" embellishments are added..large knots,  layered dimensions, and buttons will reduce the amount of cards that can fit in the boxes). The Small Box can hold 8-10 cards with no dimensionals or knots.

The lighting did not come out right for some of my pictures so I am sorry for the darker photos. You should be able to click on the pictures for a larger view.

I will start with the lid (see 1st picture for template).

Take a piece of cardstock and cut it down to  10.0" x 6.5".

Using your scoring blade, score all four sides at 15/16" (see 2nd picture).

On the  longer ends, continue in 1" and score both ends at 1 15/16" (see 3rd picture). Then cut along the lines on the long ends as shown in the template.

After folding the scored lines, your lid should look like this (this is the actual lid I made in the example picture)...

Now you should decorate your box the way you want it. You can stamp all over the lid or keep it simple (like the final box in my example). Typically I attached a smaller "card front" to the lid that coordinates with the cards on the inside. The "card front" should measure 3.5"x5". It is much easier to decorate the lid BEFORE you apply any adhesive.

Once your lid is decorated, apply some adhesive to the side flaps (the part that was cut), fold along the long edge and attached  the cut piece to the inside of the ends as seen in the picture.

Apply some Stick Strip to the last edge so your lid should now look like this...

**Tip** Sticky Strip seems to be the only adhesive that  holds.

Finish the lid then put your lid aside.

Now let's work on the Large Box. I use the large box the most since most of my gift sets include 10 cards with some sort of embellishment or knots. However, it does require 12"x12" cardstock. Typically, I use a slightly different color CS for the base than I do for the lid just to make it look better. For the example piece, I used Pixie Pink for the cards and lid and used Passion Pink for the box base.

First, cut your 12"x12" cardstock down to 11"x9.5".

Score all four sides at 2.5" from the edges. 

Fold along the scored lines. Then, by using your fingers, fold the corner pieces together to make an angle (the box base is too large to use my scoreing blade, but you may be able to use a score pal if you own one.

To get a clean edge, I fold my corners by matching up the sides, then creating a crease in the middle...like in the picture. Sorry, it's hard to get a good picture with one hand on the box and the other holding my camera!

Your box should now look like this...

Use Sticky Strip on the inside of the corners and more to attach the corners to the side of the box. I have tried all types of adhesive and only sticky strip works. But, after time, even the sticky strip won't hold. So, I now use eyelets to adhere the corners to the sides of the box.

I fold the corners toward the longer side of the box. I use my crop-a-dile to punch holes along the edge. I use four on each side.

This is what your box base should look like when it is done...

This is what the final box looks likes filled with 10 cards and envelopes. This card design has dimensionals under the monogrammed letters. As you can see, there is still a little more room in the box.

If you want to make a smaller box , or don't have 12"x12" CS on hand, here is the template for the Small Box...

The small box uses the same lid as the large box. It also uses the same directions as the large box, but is cut to 9.0"x7.5" and is scored along the edges at 1.5". The rest is the same.

Here is a picture comparing the overall size of the two boxes...

I hope this tutorial was helpful. If you make a box using my tutorial, please make a comment on this post below with a link to your project.

~Lacey