Project Tutorials (3D+)

FREE Cocktail Napkin Tutorial

It's Thursday Threads, and the kids are ALMOST back in school!  I can't believe it, but I'm actually going to be able to get a post out this week - I'm so THRILLED today to share with you my tutorial on making Cocktail Napkins with our Stampin' Up! Designer Series Fabric Collection!  In each package, you can make 6 napkins, so it's a GREAT bargain, and they are SO NICE when you are done!  What a fantastic gift to give your friends and family this holiday season that won't break the bank!

Best yet?  My back to school gift for all of you is that I am making this beginner-level tutorial FREE!  Yep - just download it below!  I wanted to help all of you who have been intent upon getting started with sewing - this is a step-by-step, BASIC tutorial - you will really 'get' why you do certain things, and when you are done, you are going to have some really useful items too!  The only thing I would ask if you like the tutorial in lieu of a fee is that you comment below, so I know you like it!  :)

So, without further ado - please find below my .pdf tutorial on Cocktail Napkins using our Designer Series Fabric! (click on the picture to download)

Elements of Style Tutorial

I fell in love with these chipboard book kits, but knowing me, I'm sure you can understand that I couldn't stop there!  I really wanted to make something special to give as a gift with cards inside, so I designed myself a little box to hold either a small gift or cards!

  

Want to learn how to make these? My April special is that I am offering a FREE CLASS with the purchase of a kit & tutorial to make them - in my studio in Vancouver, BC!  The optional class will be offered on Thursday, May 6th, from 7-9pm.  But, if you can't make the class, no worries!  With the purchase of the kit, you will receive a FREE 18 page tutorial as well, so you are set to make it at home too! 

The kit includes enough basic supplies to make 4 boxes and you will have lots left over for matching cards and more!  You will receive a package of Longboard Chipboard, a scallop circle On Board Book Kit, and a package of Cottage Wall DSP, 4 mini square envelopes, and 4 - 3" cards, as well as the 18 page picture tutorial that goes with it, teaching you how to make it again, step-by-step. 

Order Now and you will get this May 6th, 2010 class and all the supplies in time for Mother's Day!!

• Local (Vancouver) Kit, Tutorial & (Optional) Class Price: $40
• Kit + Tutorial Price: $45 (mailed directly to you (Canada only)

Just looking for the tutorial?  No problem!  The tutorial only is $5 - click on buy now below, otherwise get the full kit here!

Number of Copies

Single Copies $5.00 Up to 5 Copies $20.00 Up to 20 Copies $60.00

Copy fees are honour system.

Milk Carton Tote Tutorial

Wow, I've gotten so much feedback on the Milk Carton Tote I made for my hostesses <blushing> - seriously, you guys are just awesome.  There is nothing that can perk up my day as much as getting comments from you on how much you like one of my projects!  THANKS!  :)

I promised you a tutorial on this puppy this week, so here it is!  I left out the bits that are kind of obvious so I don't bore you, let me know in the comments if you need me to clarify anything, and enjoy!! 

Please note: this tutorial requires the use of a bigshot, and I will assume you know how to use it - please see my other tutorials (video) on using the bigshot if you don't. :)  Please see end of post for specific supply list and #)

Supplies: 

• 2 Top Note die cuts in your choice of cardstock (I used Pretty in Pink)
• 2 Top Note die cuts in your choice of Designer Paper (I used the 'Sending Love Specialty Paper in the mini catalog) - Cut off the perforated edge on both of these.
• One piece of cardstock in your choice of colour (I used either Pretty in Pink or Real Red), cut to 13.5cm x 18cm (I like cm for this particular measurement, but you can get close with 7-1/8" x 5-5/16")
• Very Vanilla cardstock Scraps
• Coordinating inks for your cardstock and paper choices (I used Real Red and Pretty in Pink)
• Tiny Tags, With All My Heart, Vintage Labels stampsets
• 2 milk carton die cuts in your choice of Designer Paper (I used Sending Love Specialty Designer Paper in the mini catalog) - remember to use your crease pad while cutting these!
• Punches: Scallop Circle, Modern Label, 1-1/4" circle, medium jewelry tag, 1/16" circle
• 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in your choice of colour (I used Real Red)
• Linen Thread for tags
• Sticky Strip Adhesive
• Dimensionals
• Bone Folder

OK!  Ready?  Here we go!!

I like to prepare the ingredients all first when I'm making a big project like this - that way I'm able to assemble it at a moment's notice, and I can make lots at once.  So, let's do it that way this time.

First - take that 13.5cm x 18cm (or 7-1/8 x 5-5/16") sheet of cardstock.  Score it in ALL directions at 4.5 cm (or 1-3/4").  See the pic below?  The yellow marks are the score lines, and then I drew SOLID lines on the four parts you are going to cut, in order to be able to assemble the box.  Double click on the pic and you will be able to see this more clearly. 

Go ahead and assemble your box now and set aside - it should look like this:

 

Now, take those four Top Note diecuts and mount the designer paper ones onto the cardstock ones, so the cardstock shows on the edges.  Carefully line them up on the paper trimmer and cut them down to 2-1/4". 

They should now look like this:

 

Ok - now stamp all your images on some scrap very vanilla - you're going to punch them out in a minute...

And PUNCH! :)

 

 

Now take that medium jewelry tag punch you just punched out, and either punch it with the 1/16" circle punch, or poke a hole in it with the paper piercer and mat pack..

Go ahead and thread some linen thread through it and tie it in a knot - set all the punches aside, and take your box out again, your ribbon and some sticky strip.  Adhere a strip across the top of the middle of both sides (outside) and adhere your ribbon to this strip.

 

So, you will have a box that now looks like this:

The next part is easy - you are going to apply those two top note dies you have created to the box, and then the punches you punched out, mounted on dimensionals, to get the completed outside box:

OK, put that aside now, and let's put together the milk cartons - EASY PEASY!  First, pre-fold all the scorelines on the carton diecuts:

Pay PARTICULAR attention to the little angled ones for the top - I used my bone folder to really crease them carefully:

Put sticky strip on them as follows:

(oops - I tore a corner, but don't worry!  I make mistakes like this, so that YOU don't feel bad when you make mistakes like this!  LOL (total tongue in cheek here!) ;)

Assemble your carton, (LOOK how cute it is already - it's so WEE!!!:)

 

AND, then you adhere half of the top together with your little tags using my favourite adhesive - a STAPLER! :)  Yes, honestly, I think this is the best way to adhere the top - sticky strip comes apart after time, the glue is too messy - that baby likes to come apart, but it can't mess with a STAPLE! :) 

Ok, actually I also like mini paper clips, those adorable little library clips and other clippy type tops, but something metal is really what's needed here, imho.  Here you go!

Ok, to wrap it all up - put the two little cartons you made into the tote, and voila!  A cute milk carton tote!  I hope this tutorial helped you! :)

Don't have some of what you need for this project?  I can help! :)  Order online from my store, or email me, and I can get you hooked up! (and many thanks for supporting my business, and the tutorials!)

SUPPLIES USED (Specific # and $)

CARDSTOCK/PAPER:

• Pretty in Pink Cardstock (#100459, $7.25 for a pack of 24)
• Real Red Cardstock (#102482, $7.25 for a pack of 24) (optional - you can use pink instead)
• Very Vanilla Cardstock ($101650, $9.95 for a pack of 40)
• Sending Love Specialty Designer Paper (#117153 in Occasions Mini Catalog 2010, $15.95: NOTE - this is a mini catalog item and that catalog closes in April, so get it now, and yes, I ABSOLUTELY love this one - on my 4th pack in one month!)

INKS:

• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink (#101301, $7.95)
• Real Red Classic Ink (#103133, $7.95)

STAMPSETS:

• Tiny Tags (#118091, wood mount, $30.95), (#118592, clear mount, $22.95) MINI CATALOG ALERT - order now before the catalog closes in April!) (MY FAVE)
• With All My Heart (#118123 Woodmount, $23.95), (#118623, Clearmount, $18.95) MINI CATALOG ALERT - if you want it, get it now before the catalog closes in April!)
• Vintage Labels (wood: #118392, Clearmount: #119122) - FREE during Salabration with a $65 order!  SAB ALERT!  If you want this, you MUST get it before March 31st, as all Sale-a-bration stampsets will retire as of then!)

DIES FOR BIGSHOT:

• Top Note Die for the Bigshot (#113463, $29.95)
• Milk Carton Die for the Bigshot (#117310, $43.95) NOTE: this is another mini catalog one, so if you like it, get it now, as the catalog closes in April!

TOOLS:

• Bigshot Machine (#113439, $132.95) - remember my special!  You get not only the 2 Sale-a-bration stampsets/punch/paper packs with this for FREE during SAB2010, but also 5 FREE classes from me valued at $60 over the next 5 months!) 
• Premium Crease Pad (#113476, $12.95) - use this for all dies you need to score - this is the standard size.
• Scallop Circle Punch (109043, $22.95)
• Modern Label Punch (#116630, $22.95)
• 1-1/4" Circle Punch (#104403, $22.95)
• Medium Jewelry Tag (#117190, $15.95)
• 1/16" Circle Punch (#101227, 12.75) (for hole making - you could also use your poker tool and mat pack)

EMBELLISHMENTS:

• Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (#109052, $11.95)
• Linen Thread (#104199, $6.50)

ETC:

• STICKY STRIP! (YES - that's what I'd use on this - glue is too messy, and anything else is not strong enough!) (#104294, $9.25)
• Bone Folder (#102300, $9.95)
• Dimensionals (#104430, $5.50 for 300)

Simply Scrappin' Memory Tin Tutorial

I've received so many requests from everyone, asking for a tutorial on how to make those Simply Scrappin' Memory Tins, and I listened!  I am so pleased to announce that you can purchase this tutorial (10 pages) for $5 starting now!  Those of you who signed up for this class on Saturday's Holiday Blowout will receive this for FREE! 

Please scroll to the end of this post for the policies around using my tutorials, and I hope you enjoy this new service of mine! 

Simply Scrappin' Memory Tin Tutorial:

What a beautiful, fun way to share your pictures of your family with your loved ones!  This kit can easily be completed in an evening, and can be carried in a purse to be whipped out at a moment's notice to share with others!

# Copies

Single Copies $5.00 Up to 5 Copies $20.00 Up to 20 Copies $60.00 Up to 50 Copies $80.00 Up to 100 Copies $100.00

Copy fees are honour system.

Tutorial Policy:

 

My goal is to provide tutorials for my friends, family, customers and fellow demonstrators at a low cost, so you can craft to your heart’s content!  Please respect my time and effort in creating these tutorials by following the policies below:

 

You MAY:

·      Use this tutorial to make these tins for your own purposes (to sell at craft fairs, give away, etc) ·      Print this tutorial as a reference to keep for you and your friends (please note difference between reading the tutorial and copying!) ·      If you are a demonstrator, make copies of this tutorial for your downline after paying a per-copy fee accordingly (see below)

Please REFRAIN FROM:

·      Re-selling this tutorial (you may include it in a class you offer, but it must include all pages in an unaltered state, and you must pay the per-copy fee accordingly) ·      Copying this tutorial and re-distributing without paying the per-copy fee (see below) ·      Altering this tutorial, using the photography or otherwise copying it and calling it your own, and/or redistributing it without the Vancouver Stampin’ Grounds information on it.

 

Per Copy Fee Guidelines:

If you are a Demonstrator who would like to share this tutorial with your downline or customers, I am happy to share this with you for that purpose!  Please be honest, and pay the according per-copy fee, which can be found underneath the project - I keep these fees low, so that you can share them effectively with your groups.  Use your best judgment in this – if you end up going over the per-copies you purchased, simply purchase more as you need them. Honesty and integrity run my business, and I trust that you will use this tutorial in the same spirit.  Please email me at kari@metzgers.ca if you have any questions, and happy stamping!

My goal is to provide tutorials for my friends, family, customers and fellow demonstrators at a low cost, so you can craft to your heart’s content!  Please respect my time and effort in creating these tutorials by following the policies below:

 

You MAY:

·      Use this tutorial to make these tins for your own purposes (to sell at craft fairs, give away, etc) ·      Print this tutorial as a reference to keep for you and your friends (please note difference between reading the tutorial and copying!) ·      If you are a demonstrator, make copies of this tutorial for your downline after paying a per-copy fee accordingly (see below)

Please REFRAIN FROM:

·      Re-selling this tutorial (you may include it in a class you offer, but it must include all pages in an unaltered state, and you must pay the per-copy fee accordingly) ·      Copying this tutorial and re-distributing without paying the per-copy fee (see below) ·      Altering this tutorial, using the photography or otherwise copying it and calling it your own, and/or redistributing it without the Vancouver Stampin’ Grounds information on it.

 

Per Copy Fee Guidelines:

If you are a Demonstrator who would like to share this tutorial with your downline or customers, I am happy to share this with you for that purpose!  Please be honest, and pay the according per-copy fee, which can be found underneath the project - I keep these fees low, so that you can share them effectively with your groups.  Use your best judgment in this – if you end up going over the per-copies you purchased, simply purchase more as you need them. Honesty and integrity run my business, and I trust that you will use this tutorial in the same spirit.  Please email me at kari@metzgers.ca if you have any questions, and happy stamping!

Top Note Chest of Drawers

For those of you who helped me in my final push for earning the cruise this year by placing an order in May or June, you will be receiving an email in thanks with an invitation to the free class I told you about for your reward! 

We'll be making this adorable 'chest of drawers' at the reward class on August 19th (Wednesday), from 7-9pm.  These little bureaus were making the rounds on Splitcoast a month or so back, and I had to try my hand at it.  I don't know who originally inspired it (if you do, give credit), but I had to play with the new papers and try out a daisy with the awesome grommets and felt buttons.. 

If you made a purchase in May/June, look for your invitation soon!!

For those of you who didn't qualify for this class, you can make this yourself  with the following supplies:

• Matchbox BigShot Die
• Top Note Bigshot Die
• Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• Pretties Kit (flower)
• Large Grommet
• Summer Sun Corduroy Brad
• 5/16" Brads
• Chipboard (page 185)
• Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
• Sticky Tape
• Tombow Glue

SUMMER SPECIAL: if you place an order with me for 6 or more of the items above by Sunday, July 26th, I will pay your shipping for you!

Off to Disney - Surprises for the Boys!

I have had SO much fun creating some surprises for my boys on our Disneyland trip this week!  I thought I would share them over the next few days.

 First of all I knew that they would LOVE the new animal designer series paper, so I themed everything I'm giving them with it!  Check back here every couple of days, and I'll show you what I made, and how I made it!

First off, we have two plane rides coming up, and you know how little boys' tummies get on trips - HUNGRY!  I found this idea on Splitcoast from Tracy Harp - THANK YOU TRACY!  She has a tutorial on her blog as well - check it out for an alternative way to make it using the colluzzle. I just HAD to modify it a bit and make it for my boys!  Isn't it ADORABLE?!  They are going to flip when they each get one, filled with crackers and other goodies (no candy for us, but lots of healthy treats!)  Tracy is so clever to have come up with this, I think! They are SO easy to make - here's how!

Assemble the following pieces of cardstock/Designer Paper:

• One 8" x 10.5" piece of cardstock for basic colour of box (in my case, choco chip)
• Coordinating Designer Paper for sides of box: (I used the new 'Tall Tales' Designer Paper!)
  
  Note: 13/16" is just the tiny line immediately following any 1/4" measurement.  I find that a 1/4" mount is a little too 'chunky' for many of my projects, and a 1/8" mount is a little too tiny.  It just figures that the option that is perfect is so persnickity!  If you find it too much so, just substitute every 3/16" measurement for 7/8" instead. :)  Also - remember to look at your paper first, so you know which direction you want the images to be oriented!
  
  
  • 2 Pieces for Front & Back: 4-13/16" by 2-13/16",
  • Top Piece: 1-13/16" x 4-13/16"
  • 2 side pieces: 2-7/8"" by 1-13/16"
  • Front Flap: 4-13/16" by 5/16" (3/8" if you can't do the 5/16"!) - It's easiest to cut it from a large piece of paper, and then eyeball the perfect size.
  • One 3" x 2.5" piece of Acetate (medium weight)
  • scrap of white cardstock

Other Supplies You Will Need:

• One 15" length of thick, medium-width ribbon (I used the new Crushed Curry polka dot grosgrain from the new catalog!) Use 16" if you are not dexterous.
• 2 Jumbo Eyelets
• One 5/16" brad
• Wide Oval Punch
• Large Oval Punch
• Linen Thread
• Tiny word messages stampset (I used the Brand New "Teeny Tiny Wishes' set from the, you got it, new catalog!) :)
• Metallic eyelets (normal size)
• 1/2" circle punch
• Cropadile
• Scoring Tool (I used my Fiskars paper cutter/scorer)
• Sticky Tape and/or Tombow - please note, no snail or gluestick on this project - this is a heavy duty adhesive project, as are most 3-D projects, and it needs super-strength

Here goes!

Step 1 - the 8" x 10.5" Cardstock Piece:

1. Score 10.5" side at 3", 5", 8" and 10" 
2. Score 8" side at 1-1/2" and 6-1/2"
3. Cut flaps as shown (blue lines show cuts, pencil shows score), and cut off striped blue areas completely (from tiny scoreline side)
4. Fold scorelines - remember to always fold AWAY from the area you just scored - the 'valleys become peaks!'
5.  At this point, I usually do a dry run (no adhesives) just to make sure I scored everything correctly, and the box goes together well.  I may adjust an edge if it is going to show too much..
   
   Note: I accidentally took the pic of the cutting diagram backwards from the pic of the actual cardstock - SORRY!  You'll have to reverse it in your head!

Step 2 - Adhere Decorative Paper to Box Front & Back, paying careful attention to which direction your paper design goes!

1. If this is often where you mess up (i.e. the paper is upside down when you are done), keep in mind that the BOTTOM of your design should face the middle on this project, so the one closest to you is upside down, and the one with the 'lid' edge is right side up, if you lay it out as shown here

Step 3: Create Window

• Using Wide Oval Punch, punch hole in front of box (the bottom panel without the lid) as far down as punch will go. 
  
• Using sticky Strip, adhere window to BACK of hole you just punched (as in NOT onto designer paper!) - save punched out piece for tag
• Kid Tip: if your kids are ANYTHING like mine, make sure you use sticky strip ALL around the edges of the window, as who knows WHAT they will be putting inside of it, and Lord knows we don't want it coming out!  ;)
• (apologies - I forgot to do this step when I was making these - so I had to take a pic using the cutting diagram - hope it makes sense!)

Step 4 - Assemble Your Box

1. I use sticky strip - it's the easiest to put things together.. just peel and stick!
2. The short flaps go first, and then the flaps closest to the 'lid', and finally the front flaps fold over both of the others, so you get the best visual from the front
3. I put sticky strip as follows, to get the most effiecient use of strip while still getting all areas stuck down that I wanted to. :)
   1. Tip #1: Where sticky strip is called for on two flaps in a straight line , just use one strip across, and then cut it when you are finished in between - it's faster!
   2. Tip #2: When adhering Sticky Strip and boxes, you have one shot, so you have to get it right the first time.  To adhere that last flap, lay the box flat on it's side (on one of the edges you are adhering), and line it up as you go.  It reduces wiggle! 
4. NOTE: I forgot to put the window in first, so this doesn't show it with one - yous should have the window punched BEFORE you put it together!

Step 5: Adhere Remaining Designer Papers to Box

Step 6: Create 'Lid Lock'

1. Mark 2.5" midpoint on flap of lid with Pencil
2. Using 1/2" Circle Punch, line it up so that the edge and that dot are centred in the circle
3. Holding the flap down, mark that midpoint again with your pencil
4. Using the Cropadile on the smaller of the two holes, punch a hole on that mark 
5. Place a 5/16" Brad into that hole, leaving it a bit loose, so that the lid can 'lock' under it - play with this a big - you'll get a feel for the right tightness.

Step 7: Create the Handle

1. Mark 1" in the middle of each side LIGHTLY with a pencil on the inside of the box(you will have to erase this later)
2. Punch with the BIG HOLE of the Cropadile on each side
3. Set with a Jumbo Brad
4.  Double knot one end of your ribbon
5. Thread ribbon from inside of box to outside on one side.
6. Thread ribbon back into box on the other side from around the back, and double knot inside on end

Step 8: Make the Tag

1. Stamp a tiny message and punch it out using the large oval punch (remember to punch upside down so you can see what you are doing!)
2. Adhere to the wide oval punch you punched out from the front of the box while making the window
3. Punch a small hole with the cropadile, set a regular sized eyelet, and thread linen thread through it, attaching it to the handle

That's it!  Hope you enjoyed it!!!  I can't wait until my kids see theirs!  I'll try to get a shot of them filled up, so you can see that too!  I plan to fill them with little plastic resealable baggies inside, so we can keep contents fresh - I will refill from a 'master bag', but that way I have discretion over how much they eat of any one thing!  LOL  - I'll let you know how it goes!!! 

Tune in in a couple of days, and I'll show you more projects I made for the trip!

Adorable Tray for Guests..

 

Oh wow - I LOVE all the new projects they are giving us at SU!  These days, it seems like every couple of days there is a new class tutorial we get!  One of them is the idea for this awesome guest-tray that Jaron Winder showcased.  I LOVE it! 

In fact, I showcased this at my last open house, and haven't heard the end of it - you all wanted me to post it up, so here it is!  I did a step-by-step, so you could see how I put it together - I hope you like it!!

Ok - first off, this is just a blank breakfast tray from Michaels - pretty cheap, and actually comes with a plastic insert to protect the wood if you want.  I then actually applied white decor elements (I wanted a two-tone effect, and didn't have the craft ones, but would do it in craft first given a chance).  Then, I used the chocolate chip decor elements (flourishes) on top.  Recognize them?  Yep - they are the same ones on my studio walls!

Ok, then I paired a couple of guest towel, rolled up, and used one of the adorable library mini clips to attach the canvas cuts and coordinating fashion district rubons.  I know - you didn't see them in the catalog the first time through, did you?!  Neither did I. :)  SO glad I did though!!!!

Ok, THEN I added two Fiji water bottles (because they are so pretty,and they coordinate...) ;)  And tied them up with my FAVOURITE ribbon from the new catalog - Valet Ribbon Originals - I just can't get enough of it!!

Moving along, a few travel-sized essentials - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tied up with a matching ribbon (double stitched grosgrain)

On the right here, I added a cellophane baggy (also in the catalog!) topped with a topnote-die bag topper stamped with the new Sale-a-bration set, Yummy. This stampset sure is getting a lot of use!!  I am making little gifties all over the place!!!  LOVE IT!

Then, a little pack of coordinating mini-cards in a cellophane baggy, as a gift to my guest. 

And finally, a Topnote Die tag, using my FAVOURITE paper as a background (Parisian Breeze Specialty) and tied with the Valet Ribbon Originals again (The chocolate chip polka dot!) and set with a jumbo eyelet. 

Over-exposed closeup of the diecut tag, using the Yummy Stampset.  It's the same one that you use to make the bag topper - cool, eh?!

I just can't wait to have a guest come over - I am TOTALLY going to have this sitting across their guest bed when they walk in.  Can you imagine how nice it would be to walk into a room with all this thoughtfulness?  I love it!  Thanks Jaron for sharing the idea!!!

 

Spiral Pop-Up Tutorial

Thought I'd share the tutorial for one of the projects I demonstrated today at my Open House - enjoy!! 

This is SUCH a fun card to make!  It's called a spiral pop-up card, and if you are looking for an alternate tutorial, you can find it onsplitcoast here.  This was taught to us at Convention last year, and the samples they had used stars for a baby boy card, and beer glasses (cheers to you set) for a man card - love those ideas too!!

I thought this was perfect for the Love You Much Bundle, as the bundle comes with the ultra-cute paper (that I went through in ONE day!), the stampset (awesome hearts set) that MATCHES the punch which is in it as well!  What, you didn't get this bundle yet?!  GET IT NOW!  Serious - it's awesome, and you may as well get it while I'm placing an order anyway this weekend - I'll get you cheaper shipping.  Anyway......  ;)

Let's start with the card itself.  Simple Riding Hood Red standard card, layered with about a 2.5" pink pirouette cardstock, and about 2" of the Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (comes in the kit, but you can purchase it separately too).  I took a thin strip of the paper off, and flipped it over for the faux-ribbon look. 

Ok, next I used my Bigshot and the CREASE PAD to cut out the scallop envelope - I get more mileage out of this one! I won't bore you with the details of how to roll it through the machine this time, but I will sooner or later, so wait for it!

Ok - card front done.  Let's focus on the inside.  First, punch a few circles out - I used both my 1-3/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches for this.

Ok, now grab your paper snips (I HOPE you have paper snips - here's how you can tell: do they have little needle pointers?  Are they nice and tiny?  Are they super sharp? (would you let your kids near them?) and of course - are you able to cut into the TINIEST little corners with them?  NO?!  Well, I can help you with that... call me and we'll get you an order today! ;)  Ahem, next step. :)  Cut the circle into a spiral (remember this from gradeschool?

Ok - you should have a cute little 'spring' now..

Ok, attach the tail of that spring to the bottom inside of your card.  JUST A LITTLE glue thank you, or you will just glue your card together!!

Ok, now just a TINY dot of glue in the middle of the centre of the spiral...

Now, carefully squish your card closed.  Hmm, squishing doesn't sound very careful does it?  Ok, press it closed gently.  That sounds better, but a bit boring.

Ok - yours should look like this.  If not, you screwed up.  LOL - it's ok, just keep trying - you'll figure it out!! :)  When you do, do it a few more times until you have several springs in your card, connected to the top and bottom of the card.

Ok - I used the ULTRA CUTE triple heart stamp that comes in the kit (Love You Much Bundle), and stamped several.

Then I took the TOTALLY AWESOME triple heart punch that COORDINATES with it (and comes in the kit!) and punched them out - LOTS of them!!

I like to use every scrap of paper. :)

Attach them gleefully to your spirals and inside your card, and VOILA! (that's french, at least that's what Ryan tells me..) ;)  your card, it is completed...

Thank you <deep bow>

 Ok, am I one of 'those' mom's?  Here's the deal - my oldest is 5 (almost 6), and he is in Kindergarten this year.  Yep, that means I'm the first time parent of a school aged child.  Yikes.  Thursday is their Halloween party, and I wanted Ry to be able to bring something fun for all his schoolmates that WASN'T candy (not a big fan of candy here).  Soooo.. I thought these would be really fun - you can get the little battery tealights at Costco right now - something like 28 for $16 - great deal!  And, they don't get hot at all!

Wanna know how I did it?  Here you go!:

1) Take one sheet of Cardstock Vellum.  Cut it into a sheet that is 5"x10.5"

2) Score at 2.5" the long ways (one long line), and then score at 2.5", 5", 7.5" and 10" the other direction (obviously this only works one way). 

3) On one side of the long side, cut up the 2.5", 5" 5.7" and 10" line, UP TO THE SCORE LINE ONLY.   (you will have 4 square flaps hanging, and one tiny flap - cut the tiny one off).

4) Using a wheel (this one is the ), roll your image onto the vellum using Staz-on Jet Black ink.  LET IT DRY.

5) Using sticky tape, adhere the bottom flaps together to make the base (one on top of another), and then stick the tiny flap that is remaining onto the inside of the box. 

6) Stick your 'candle' inside, and Voila!  Done!!!  Wanna see what 22 of them look like?

Backpack to School

My eldest son, Ryan, entered his first year of Kindergarten this year.  He's in French Immersion, so he spends the afternoon learning a different language than we speak at home - what a strange concept!  It's fascinating how within a week he was responding to questions asked by his teacher in French - I can't say that I would be as able to learn!  He loves school, and it is so neat to see him doing something he is obviously so ready to do. 

Now, I have to say that I have big time sympathy for teachers (especially Kindergarten teachers!) who take these kids them everything they need to know, and then to do it in a different language!  Yikes.  I found these great 'Teacher Survival Kits' on Splitcoast, and HAD to make my own. :)  There are two tutorials that I combined, and then kind of went on my own for - thanks to Mary Ayema for the original design and Karineb for the modifications to use the BigShot.  By the way - I will be showing you how to do this in person at my Big Shot/Decor Elements Open House on Sunday from 1-4pm - let me know if you are coming!

Ok, you ready?  Here goes!

Here's how I did it:
 
1.  I took a 7"x11" piece of cardstock, and scored it crossways at: 1/2", 3-3/4", 4-3/4", 5-3/4", 9" & 10".  I then rotated it to the lengthwise direction, and scored it in at 1-1/2".

2. I cut up each of the crosslines, up 1-1/2" (to that scoreline).  I then trimmed off the 1/2" tab (the first one), and cut each of the sections of two down by half (just to make it a little less bulky to work with).  Now, some people would say to leave them in to add stability, so if you are adding weight to your box, be sure to do that!  Lastly, I trimmed that long 1/2" scored area (the first one), but just adding a little 45 degree angle to each side - makes it easier to line up when you put the box together.

3. I used my Cropadile and punched holes where I wanted my ribbon to be.  *make sure you do this before anything else!  It gets harder if you wait until later - trust me, I know!  (oops)*  I went ahead and put my jumbo eyelets into the bottom holes only, and then threaded them with ribbon, leaving the ends hanging out (I tied a not on the backside, to keep them from coming out.)

4. I assembled the box using sticky strip.  By the way - got a neat tip at convention on this - before you remove the red plastic from the tape, run your bone folder over it, and it will loosen it from the tape, making it easier to remove.  Who knew?! :)

By the way, just a little note: whenever I make a box, when I put the bottom edge together, I always make sure that the flap that is attached to the FRONT SIDE goes on last - it just makes it a little nicer looking, especially when the flaps are close in size. 

5. Ok, the box is almost done.  Let's put it aside for a moment and take out our BigShots (don't have one?  Join my new Sizzix Club, and get it and a swack of other stuff at a discount!  See my CLUBS page for details!) Get out your TopNotes and Bigz Scallop Envelope dies (2 different dies).  I used the Summer Picnic paper and Real Red Cardstock, and I diecut one of each, with each die.  Here's the result:

*note that the envelope is best created using the 'Crease Pad' - just put the crease pad on top instead of the plastic sheet, and roll it through - you'll get better scorelines that way*

6. Ok, now you can't see it so well in the pics above (try clicking on them to make them bigger), but there is a perforated line in each of them to make them mounted, if you want.  Well, we want!  So, I trimmed the designer paper's perforated line, so they would mount perfectly - here are the results:

I repeated this with the Topnote one as well.  By the way, I use Tombow only these days when mounting paper - it just works like nobody's business, and it ain't movin' once it's stuck! :)

7. Ok - now I marked my holes in the box, onto the lid (the top note).  I punched these separately, and actually mounted my jumbo eyelets in the top note BEFORE I attached it to the box.  Makes it a heck of a lot easier, and no one would notice anyway!

And then attached it using, you guessed it, Tombow to the box. 

8. I then threaded the ribbons through the holes, and tied a knot inside.  Note that I pulled the ribbon ALL THE WAY OUT FIRST, and then made the knots even with each other, so I knew the straps would be even.

9. Ok, box finished, I now turned my attention to the little 'pocket' for the front.  Now, some folks are making theirs a bit more 3D, and adding one more scoreline to the envelope.  As I have several to do, and little time, I'm just leaving the envelope as is - consider it an option though!  I used my 1/16" circle punch to punch a hole through the middle for my brad - it's easier if you do this before you fully assemble the pouch.  I then put it aside, and turned my attention toward the brad itself. 

Ok - I grabbed a silver brad (the new ones on page 184 - LOVE them!).  I also grabbed one of my little real red craft ink spots.  Here's the cute part - Ry was my 'model' for this (he took pics of me for other parts of this too, btw!) - cute, eh?  Anyway, use your 'brad' as a stamp, and stamp it into the ink.  Then wipe it off.  Stamp it again, wipe it off - do this several times, and you will get a matching brad for your project!  What more appropriate than a star for the teacher?!  :)

Mount that puppy to your mini envelope, and then finish your envelope with sticky tape:

sorry for the icky lens - that's what you get for letting your 5 year old take pics all day with it! :)

10. Ok - mount that baby to the box using sticky tape.  Last but not least, make the medallion for the front!  I used the scallop circle punch, the 1-3/8" circle punch, and the 1-1/4" punch.  I made the apple using the 'Tart and Tangy' stampset, and I recommend Real Red Craft Ink (so the colour runs less), and a green marker of your choice. 

Once your image has dried, use your crystal effects to create the 'shiny apple' look - you'll want to bite into it when you're done!!  When it's dry, punch it out, mount it on dimensionals, and voila!  Your teacher's gift is done! 

Add in the teacher gifts (tylonal, chocolate, cute sticky notes, hershey's kisses, etc), and you have your teacher's gift!  Enjoy!!