Matchbook Notebook Tutorial Weekend Project

Ok, here it is. The Matchbook Notebook tutorial you asked for. I don't have a video camera and personally I prefer to see the photos in a post than I do to listen and watch. Especially on something that isn't tricky or difficult.

You will need the following items:
Scratchpad (cardboard backed)
card stock 12" x 12"
Sticky Strip tape or glue

Not much to making it. It's after it's all made that you need the major supplies!!! It's all in how much you want to embellish it! I'll leave that part up to you! My tutorial here is to show you how to make your scratchpad into a matchbook notebook.

I will be giving you measurements but you may need to adjust them for the thickness of your scratchpad. Not all scratchpads are the same thickness. I have even gotten some that are cut a bit crooked too. They are a scratchpad and the companies that make them know they don't need to be perfect. Though they should because we stampers pick and choose our items by quality!!

You can click here to see the original matchbook notebook that we are going to be duplicating here.

First lets start with a piece of card stock. For mine I'm using Perfect Plum card stock. All materials used here for this project are Stampin' Up! products.

Lay your scratchpad on top of your card stock. Line the side of the scratchpad along the long side of the card stock and the bottom of the pad on the short side. Let the card stock show just a hair on that long side. You want to leave just a little extra width there to compensate any for the cutter and for the scratchpad being a bit off. Mark the card stock and cut that long strip. Mine measured just a bit over 3" so I actually cut mine at 3-1/8". If I don't like what I see when I get it all scored I will trim it up before I tape it together.

Your strip will be 12" long and it is too long for your project but you don't want to cut it off until you are close to being done. You want to make sure it will be long enough. SO be patient and work with the long strip.

At the bottom of the strip score and fold the card stock up 3/4". Score and fold again another 3/4". This is the part on my original one that you see the words. You can make this piece bigger if you want but not too much bigger or it will look out of place. But if you need it a touch bigger for what you want to put there then do so. Once they two spots are scored you will fold them. With your card stock laying on your work surface, fold the first score up and then the next score fold up. You are folding both away from you. Don't tape them together yet. You want to do all of the scoring and folding first. It is for the bottom part of the matchbook.

Your next score will be the thickness of your scratch pad. I like to just take a piece of copier paper and wrap it around my scratchpad to make a pattern of the thickness of your scratchpad. You will use this pattern twice. Once here and once again at the top of the matchbook. Mark that patter piece thickness on your card stock and score and fold it.

Next measure the length of your scratchpad, mark and score your card stock for the length. Take your pattern piece again and mark for the thickness of the pad. You are probably wondering if your card stock is going to be long enough for this matchbook. Mine just barely fit. If your scratchpad is longer you can always add a piece to the front and have it wrap around to the back. Cut it off so only 3/4" is folded over on the back.

Now that all your lines are scored and folded you can begin taping the card stock. I prefer glue because I know once it is dry the matchbook will stay together. The Sticky Strip is very sticky but tape will pull apart and personally I don't want to take any chances. SO I first glued the 3/4" piece I first scored to the next 3/4" scored piece. Next you will glue or tape the scratchpad in. The scratch pad will be placed in the matchbook upside down. The original one has the pages perforated to they rip off. To compensate for that you may want to use your Crop-a-dial and punch a couple of holes in it and tie it together with a ribbon to hold the paper in place. I just glued the 3/4" folded and glued pieces to the scratchpad. But I only glued it 1/4" from the inside bottom so the cover can be tucked in. To rip off a piece of paper the edge of that folded 3/4" piece will act as an edge. When you glue the scratchpad front to the 3/4" piece you will also be gluing the bound end and the cardboard back all at the same time. Once the glue is set you can test out the cover to see if it tucks in to the front piece nicely or if it's too long. If it's too long you will need to trim it. If it's too short you will need to add that piece I talked about in the previous paragraph.

Now I just glued mine and the glue has set up. I am not liking what I am seeing. The top sheet of the scratchpad is stuck to the matchbook front piece (which is what I want) but the page is also sticking up. I will need to make holes in the notebook so I can run some ribbon, hemp or twine through them to hold this part down. My scratchpad is too thick to use the Crop-a-dial. Bummer. My other alternative is to just tie a ribbon around that bottom part and omit the wording there. I am planning on going that route. (oh, I'm typing this as I am making my matchbook if you couldn't tell already!! lol)

After I tied my ribbon I decorated the front. It's a pretty easy project to do except for that paper sticking up part. You could always make your scratchpads thinner and probably get two or maybe even 3 matchbooks from one scratchpad. Be sure to back it with some chipboard/box board. An old cereal or tissue box will work nicely. Just make sure the part with the words on it is the part you glue to your card stock. It won't show unless you are using white card stock. Then you may want to add a layer of white to it before you glue it in place.

These are simple enough to use as a make n take or even a stamp camp item. They make wonderful gifts too! Dress them up for men or women, everyone can use a notebook!

The paper I used is from the Designer Series Paper pack "Perfect Plum." I used the flowers die cut and cut out my flowers using the same decorative paper pack. I added a jumbo brad in the center. And since I couldn't put my words on the bottom part I put them on the flap and omitted the pen.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Vintage Vogue Thank You Card

I am SO loving this new Stampin' Up! "Vintage Vogue" set. I have seen SO many beautiful cards made with it. Earlier this week I made a card with it for the Wednesday Sketch Challenge over at SplitCoastStampers.

This week I also thought I should get on the ball and make the much needed "thank you" cards. And yes Peggy, there are a bunch of them in my card drawer but you know how I am, I have to have a "fresh one" for any upcoming occasion or event.

Though this time I did make the same exact card for the ones going out in the mail on Monday. Something I don't usually do either but I REALLY do like how this card turned out. I would like to say quick but if you take into account the hand cutting of the two flowers, it's not so quick. But then again it really didn't take that long to cut it out either. I am sure you could do this card in less than 20 minutes.

Here is what you need:
Pretty in Pink card stock, half sheet
Ruby Red card stock 1/4 sheet(cut 5-3/8" x 4-1/8") and a piece of scrap for the oval
Whisper White card stock 1/4 sheet (cut 5-1/4" x 3-7/8")
and a piece of scrap for the oval and two flowers
Rich Razzleberry ink pad
Pretty in Pink ink pad
Ruby Red ink pad
Old Olive ink pad
Sweet Pea Stitched Felt flower
Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel
Oval punches
Vintage Vogue stamp set

Once you have all that in front of you it doesn't take that long to put the card together. make a set of 4 and give them as a gift! I made 5 so I could keep one for myself. Yup, to put in the drawer along with the other cards I collect!

I have been asked if I sell my cards. I may just have to put some in my web store! The drawers I keep the card samples in get to be pretty full at times. I suppose I could part with some. Though if I were smart I'd make sets (like the one I just did) and sell them that way! If I were smart!!! LOL

Isn't this a pretty and elegant looking card. And pretty simple to do to so grab your materials and go make one!

Ok, I'm off to work on that matchbook note holder tutorial for you so I can post it tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Altered Notebook - Weekend Project

I have a fun Weekend Project for you. You can quickly alter a notebook using the Stampin' Up! "Stitched Felt" flowers.

The words on here are from the "Note to Self" set. Another set I bought because of the word "note." The word was stamped in the center of an image from the "Oval All" set and then punched out with the scallop punch.

The background behind the flower is from the "Extreme Elements" set. Another set I got just for one image in it. I may just have to challenge myself to use the rest of the images in that set!

Isn't that paper pretty? It's from the "Write Stuff" decorative paper pack. I used Pretty in Pink card stock and "Eyelet Border" punch and the leaves are done using the "Little Leaves" Sizzlet.

These notebooks were quick and easy to make. And they really didn't take much for product to put them all together. Aren't they just sweet looking? And the more I use that background stamp the more I look for things to use it on! It just adds a nice "splash" behind an image. Just too cute, huh?

It's amazing what you can do to dress up a little notebook. Just go grab one and give it a try.

I have had many requests for a tutorial on the "Matchbook" notebook I posted here on February 20th. I will work on a tutorial for that this weekend. I have been giving it a lot of thought and have figured out a way for you to make it and it will be simple! I like simple!!

Thanks SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Colored Pearl Mist Technique Page

I did promise you a new technique page this week. It's not only new, but it's BRAND new! It is a technique I came up with and had a couple of other demonstrators test it out and they loved it!!

You need a few things to do this technique. First you want the Stampin' Up! "White Frost" ink. Then get some card stock, ink refill (color of your choice) some distilled water and a spray mist bottle. You want this bottle to spray out a fine mist not a big splat of water. It will ruin your card stock.

You will mix the white frost ink and water together with some distilled water and shake it all up. The White Frost ink does settle to the bottom so you need to shake it up each time before you use it.

For these flowers on my notebook I crinkled up the card stock, straightened it out and crinkled it up again. After straightening it out I punched out my flowers. You can punch out any theme you are working with. I chose flowers because I wanted to add them to a notebook. Once they were punched out I sprayed them and set them aside to dry. The ink doesn't take long to dry. It was all dry by the time I was ready to put them on top of the notebook.

Notice the center of the flowers? It's the crocheted "Flourette" and I misted it as well. The mist didn't make the flower stiff at all and it has a color tint to it and a sparkle from the White Frost ink. It's SO pretty! Click on the photo for a closer view. You can see the sparkle. And best thing about it, it doesn't come off on your fingers or your work! You won't be wearing sparkle doing this technique!

I used the Sizzlet for the leaf and the words came from the "Teacher's Pet" set. I'm pretty sure I bought that set just for those two words!!

You can use this technique on many projects. The recipe will be included in the 3rd set of technique pages. I have two more pages to do and that set will be complete. I wanted to be done with them by the end of the month but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. I will make a sincere effort to get one done next week and one the following and the set will be complete.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday Sketch Challenge Vintage Vogue

When I saw this sketch I was thrilled. LOTS of layers. Just what I LOVE to do! And I even added a few more by doing the flowers and the oval wording! I just never know when to quit!!

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this sketch. This was not what I had in mind. As I was looking through my stamps I thought I'd give the new "Vintage Vogue" set by Stampin' Up! a try. I was informed by a fellow stamper on Monday that I had the set. Here I thought it was on back order and I was waiting patiently for it to come in. Now I have to go look at what is really on back order! LOL

So onto this card. Firs I cut the Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry at the same time so they would line up when I put the two colors together. I used the new "Very Vintage" jumbo wheel on both of them. Then I sponged the edges. But that just wasn't enough for me so I took the long stamp from the "Vintage Vogue" set and stamped on the edges. Now I was pleased with those pieces.

Next I had to decide what color to make the #4 piece. I ended up going with Basic Gray and I was glad I did. Oh and of course I had to sponge the edges on that piece too.

The focal piece (#5) I knew I wanted it to be Very Vanilla. I used the stamp from the "Vintage Vogue" set all over it and then again sponged the edges. I was on a roll with the sponging and any piece I added would now need to be sponged or it would look out of place. Fortunately for me I like to sponge!

I stamped the flowers and sponged the edges of them after I cut them out. And the same with the leaves. I used the rhinestone brads for the flower centers and set them in place using Dimensionals. I'm thinking a pop up glue dot might have been a better choice. I can see the Dimesnional between the leaves. I stamped some leaves, cut them out and sponged them. I taped them in place under the flowers. And I set all three flowers on top of the card. The center looked so open so I thought I might cut more flowers but then I thought some small words would be perfect in there.

I did struggle with the color for that center piece. I was going to go with Old Olive. I thought it would tie that color into the design a bit more but it was just too much. SO I went with the Rich Razzleberry and I liked the final outcome.

It's been a long time since I've done a Sketch Challenge card that I actually liked and was happy with it when I was done! Now I don't want to give it away!!! LOL

If you have time try this card layout, it's a lot of fun. And head on over to SplitCoastStampers to see what other stampers came up with using this card sketch! I LOVE seeing what was made. It's amazing at all the talent out there!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Stitched Felt "Sweet Pea" Card

I made this card to use as a birthday card. But as I was working on it I noticed there was no room to add any sentiment. Well, not any room that would not distract too much from the beautiful felt flowers. And the more I looked at the card the more I thought it should be left blank. It can be used for many other occasions than just a birthday card. Don't you love it when you make cards that are versatile?

Click on the photo for a closer look. Notice those adorable hearts in the background? They are from the Stampin' Up! "Welcome Neighbor" designer series paper pad. And do you notice that I'm actually using these papers? The hoarding is not as bad as it use to be! There just may be a cure for that! LOL

The main part of this card is a half sheet of Melon Mambo card stock. I think it's such a pretty color.

The flowers were taped in place with glue dots (it was the only thing that really stuck well to the felt).

The stem is from the "Little Leaves" Sizzlet. I did cut off a couple of leaves at the top, they showed under the flower and I didn't like the way that looked.

I did use the Dotted Swiss folder for the white piece that the flower is taped to. I layered that piece on top of another piece of Melon Mambo and tied a piece of the Dotted Melon Mambo ribbon around it. I taped it in place on top of the decorative paper with Dimensionals.

This was a very quick and simple card to put together. And it has such a sweet look to it, don't you? And I just noticed this, it's a card with no stamping on it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sharing What They Make

I had to share with you a card that Sharon made last week at Stamp Till You Cramp. She used the "Faux Snake Skin" technique.

The background of this card is the snake skin and she added the snake from the retired Stampin' Up! "Zoofari" set and the words are from the retired "Eat Cake" set. It's just such a cute card. Cute and creepy at the same time.

I was helping her with the technique and getting creeped out all at the same time. This color green reminded me of a gardener snake. Not a lethal snake just creepy. I'm not a fan of snakes (can you tell?) and I can honestly say that I have never touched one in my life and probably never will. Not high on my priority list!! I have no idea why I would ever find the need to touch one. So "probably never will" is very accurate!!! As long as they leave me alone I'll leave them alone. It's a nice arrangement that has worked out well so far!!! LOL

Click on the photo to see the color and texture up close and personal! It has such a real look to it.

She had a lot of fun making them and each one is unique. You can make them all day long and no two will ever be alike! Give that technique a try. You can find the how to here. It's fun and gross at the same time!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Not SO Good News

I continue to get spam on my blog. I do moderate each comment that comes in and I thank you all for leaving comments on my post, they are very much appreciated.

Many of the spam posts have been about links to get viagra and mortgage loans. But the last one I got actually read "click on this link or die." After receiving that one I decided it was time to add the security word thing. I am sorry you will have to have one more step to posting a comment but it isn't that long of a scrambled letter thing. I use it on so many other blogs I leave comments on and I really don't mind it and of course I understand why it needs to be on a blog. What I don't understand is, do these people really think that I would buy anything from them that is presented in such a sneaky way? It even turns me off from the company that they are promoting. Anyway, as soon as I figure out how to add that security thing you will need to just type in the letters you see on the screen and then post your comment.

Sorry for the inconvenience,
Wanda

Lattice Die Cut Thank You Card

I just had to make another card using that fun "Lattice" die cut. You can't even being to know all the things I've thought to do with this. And lucky you, I'll be sharing some of those "things" with you! All products used here are by Stampin' Up!

This is just a quick and simple card to make. The paper is from the "Razzleberry Lemonade" decorative paper cut 4" x 5-1/4". I layered it on top of a piece of Rich Razzleberry card stock cut that was cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8". And that was layered on top of a half sheet of Basic Black card stock folded in half on the long side.

The "Lattice" die was taped in place on the decorative paper. And of course the wording. Done like I've done so many times before. The words are from the "Holiday Blitz" set. I stamped them using Black StazOn ink. I then used the 1-1/4" circle punch to punch it out. I punched out a 1-3/8" circle using Rich Razzleberry card stock. And using a scrap piece of Basic Black card stock I punched out a scalloped circle and layered them all together and then taped it on the card. That's it. Just quick and simple and very pretty too! What more can you ask for? LOL

I have some fun projects, cards and even a technique page this week so stay tuned!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Matchbook Notebooks! Weekend Project

One of the things I love doing is altering "stuff." I ran across these notebooks in a cupboard that I was NOT cleaning out. Actually I was looking for something and ran across these. It's amazing what you find when you aren't looking for it!! I did find what I was looking for and I found these. SO I finished up my project and then I went back to those notebooks and put them in a basket and set them aside so I could play with them when I had some free time to do so. I didn't want to wait too long. I knew they'd get put away and forgotten again. And lucky me, I had some time to play and this is what I came up with.

Now this is called a "matchbook" notebook because it opens like a matchbook does (for those of you too young to know what matchbooks are!!! LOL). I just took some Soft Suede card stock and pretty much wrapped it around the notebook. I left it a little long on each end until it was in it's final stages. As I wrapped it around the notebook I made sure I pressed firmly on one side to mark the folds in the original notebook. I wanted the card stock and the notebook cover to line up. Then I set it on my work surface and folded the edges. Next I taped the notebook. You don't want to use regular doublesided tape, you want to use the stickier "Sticky Strip" tape. If you use the regular tape it will stick but not for very long and all that time and work will be wasted. You can also use glue if you wish. I recommend a liquid white school type glue, not a glue stick. Now make sure your folds line up in the center and begin sticking it together there. As you reach the end you will trim the excess before you get it all stuck together and repeat that for the other end.

Decorate your notebooks as you wish. On mine I used the "Flower Daisy's 2" die cut for the flower. The decorative paper I used is from the "Thoroughly Modern" pack. I punched out 4 flowers to make the one flower on here. I curled the edges a little much like you would do with curling ribbon and a scissors. I used a jumbo white brad for the center and stuck it all to the notebook using a pop-up glue dot. I wanted something very sticky that would stick well to the brad prongs.

I found a small ink pen and tied it to the notebook with a ribbon. It was just what the front needed. The words are from the Stampin' Up! "Teacher's Pet" set. I have used those words more than I have used anything else in that set! Do you think I bought the set just for those words? Possibly but not! It has a kitty in it too!!! LOL Actually it's got a lot of cute animals in it that I will be using on some scrapbooking pages.

And back to the wording. I punched it out with the "Word Window" punch and taped it in place on top of a piece of Bermuda Blue I punched out using "Modern Label" punch. The tiny dots are not brads, they are just pieces of white paper I had punched out. Very simple but a nice effect! And that was it. It's a pretty easy project to put together. These would make great Hostess Gifts, Customer Appreciation Gifts, a great Stamp Camp project, a fun Make n Take and maybe even a fun Craft Fair item. Not to mention these are wonderful stocking stuffers (if you want to get a jump on filling those stockings on a budget!

You can make these notebooks yourself too, they are not difficult. All you need is some copier paper, card stock and notepad or scratchpad. Just fold your card stock around the scratchpad, making the front piece a bit longer so it tucks into the front bottom piece to keep it shut. Pretty simple. Maybe in a week or so I'll do a tutorial on how to make these from scratch!

I took a picture of the notebook open. I tried to rotate it so it was upright but it looked silly so I left it the way I took the photo. I wanted you to see how the ribbon was added plus I wanted you to see the inside itself. You see the bottom part where you tuck the top flap in? That's the key piece to the matchbook!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

"Whimiscal Words" Birthday Card

Stepping back in time just a little bit here. This is another card I had made a few weeks back at Sue's "Card Buffet." Next to the house one I did there, this one is the runner up in my favorites! I think I like it because it's simple looking.

Now I really need to ask questions when I stamp!!! I don't remember what Stampin' Up! set the flower came from. I do know where the wording is from. It's from the Stampin' Up! "Whimsical Words" set. I am SO loving that font too! I chose those words from the set because I thought I would use the card for our sons girlfriend's birthday but I made her a "fresh" one instead. Some of the gals who come over to stamp laugh at me because I tell them I "need" to make a birthday card or a thank you card, etc. and I have drawers full of cards! It's something about making that "fresh" card that is important to me. I never claimed NOT to be weird! LOL

Anyway, this card was made using the Dusty Durango and Soft Suede card stock. I LOVE those two colors together.

We just punched some circles and taped them to the left side, after adding our ribbon of course!

It's a very simple and quick card to do and it has an inviting look to it. Thanks Sue for another fun card! I LOVE it!

And I thank you all for visiting today,
Wanda

Lattice Die Cut Card

I am SO loving this new Stampin' Up! Sizzix "Lattice" die cut. I don't have it (yet) but I've seen a lot of cute things done with it. And when I get mine I will be playing with it a LOT!

The beautiful flower is from the new mini catalog. It's called "Vintage Vogue" and I don't have that one (yet) either!!!

And notice that beautiful background? It's the "Final Press" embossing folder by Stampin' Up!

The color card stock is So Saffron. Use some black ink on the image and words, the Label punch and it's done.

It's a very quick card to make. That dry embossing and the die cut piece help make this card such a quick one.

I don't remember what set the words are from but they are from a Stampin' Up! set.

Isn't it adorable. Oh and do you know what made this card even faster? My friend Denise made it for me!!! LOL Thanks Denise for making this one for me. I just LOVE it! And it can be used for many occasions too like birthdays, a thank you, get well, thinking of you and any other occasion you can think of.

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday Sketch Challenge

This weeks Sketch Challenge at SplitCoastStampers was a fun one. It had what I LOVE. LOTS of layers!!! This one had 6 layers. Can you believe that? I wasn't sure where I was going to go with this card. All I knew going into it was that I needed a "welcome to the neighborhood card." I was going to use the Stampin' Up! "Good Neighbors" set but while I was looking through the "Welcome Neighbor" designer series paper pad I ended up using papers from there. The only stamping on this card is the words from the "Warm Wishes" set. The rest was just cutting and using Dimensinals.

Even with all those layers it was a pretty quick card to put together. Don't let many layers on a card keep you from making or casing that card. You need to challenge yourself now and then.

Sometimes it is a challenge for me to post a card on my blog. This one was not what I was hoping it would be. I needed the welcome neighbor card and this is what I ended up with. It wasn't what I had in mind. I do like the colors but the card seems kind of drab or a bit boring. Maybe because I didn't add any ribbons, buttons or other bling to it. It certainly wasn't made to impress!!

It will be going in an envelope tomorrow and get addressed to send off to the new neighbor. Hopefully she is not into stamping and will think it's just the greatest! LOL

If you have time try making a card using this sketch! Go to SplitCoastStampers and check out their other sketches too. Or even post your card to their site! Doing that is addictive!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Note Cards and Holder - Stamp Camp Project

Here is another fun project we did at Terri's FABULOUS Stamp Camp. She is SO talented! I have always wanted to make one of these but never got around to it. Tonight I had sometime to play with this project. I still have a few more in my bag from Stamp Camp. I am slowly getting them done. It was difficult to choose which project I wanted to work on. I figured I did need to write up some thank you cards so I went with this project.

This project is one that you will NOT want to keep for yourself. As much as I need to send out thank you cards I just don't want to take them from this cute set! And you see, this is how I end up with a room full of projects!!! LOL

As with the Heart Box I made a few days ago, I can not share with you the dimensions. This is not my pattern to give out. But I can share with you what it took to make it. The base of the box is made using Real Red card stock. The decorative paper is from the "Sending Love" pack. There are 4 note cards with envelopes. On top of the note box is a piece of the Real Red satin ribbon. I am SO loving that ribbon! The new Large Flower punch was used to make those adorable flowers on the box and cards. We crumpled the card stock and then attached it to the box and cards. The center of the flowers is just a piece of the decorative paper punched out and set in place on the flower using a Dimensional. The card also has a Scalloped Trim punch border. The box has the same border. I put my box together and had to remove that top part so I could do the border punch. I was so thrilled at getting the cute box together that I didn't pay attention. And finally the words on my cards are from the Stampin' Up! "Whimsical Words" set. I just LOVE the font on this set. Too sweet, isn't it?

This box and cards went together very quickly. Ok, I do have to confess here. All of the card stock and decorative paper was cut and scored for us so of course it would go quickly. But if I had to do it all myself it would be less than 10 minutes to cut and score it all. Probably closer to 5 minutes. I am going to have to make more of these for gifts. And of course I'm going to have to make more of these cards. I need thank you cards but I'm NOT using them from this adorable project!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Good Neighbor Card

It is SO sad that this stamp set is from the Sale-a-Brations brochure. But it's not going to stop me from keeping the set in my stash of stamps!! I just think it's adorable and will be a very well used set.

This card was made at Sue's ever SO fun Card Buffet. Of all the cards we did (and they were all fabulous) this one was my favorite!

We have a new neighbor that moved in on the street behind us. SO I thought I would send her a "welcome to the neighborhood" card. What a perfect set to do that with! Since there is no mail service tomorrow I decided I would make that card tomorrow night. Nothing like rushing into a project or having it ready a day in advance!!! Just taking advantage of no mail service!

This card was made using Crushed Curry, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock. We did a little bit of paper piercing. It added a nice touch to the card, don't you think?

The decorative paper is from the "Welcome Neighbor" designer series paper pad. Isn't it adorable? It's kind of tiny to see but trust me, it's ADORABLE!!! We used the scallop punch on he edge of that paper. And I really don't know what set the words are from. Obviously it's from a set I don't have. But the wording on mine will be saying something like "Welcome to the neighborhood!" If I can't find those words I'll just type them up on the computer and print them out.

Isn't it a cute card? I can't wait to go play and get that card done so I can get it in the mail. I have other cards I need to get done too. I've been REALLY bad about putting things off lately. My time has been consumed with entering receipts in the bookkeeping software. UGH! Again it's a case of putting things off. If I would enter them when I get the receipts or at the end of the month it would make this time of year SO much easier for me. I even went out and bought an keypad for my laptop so I can enter the numbers in easier and quicker. I had to try it out and I did enter a few receipts. Yes, it did make it easier and quicker but it still didn't make it fun!!! LOL It is one of those jobs that will NEVER be fun, no matter how hard you try to make it fun. If you can even make it fun. The only fun part about it would be the bottom line showing something like a nice hefty refund!!! Now that's fun!! LOL

I have another fun project coming up in a couple of days. Plus more technique pages. There's so many fun things waiting to be finished and posted here! You don't want to miss it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sizzix Gifts Weekend Project

First I'd like to say Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I hope you are enjoying the day!

Last week I was at Sue's home for our WONDERFUL "DIVA Day" event! She spoils us rotten. And we all LOVE every minute of it! We could make cards she had set up for her fun "Card Buffet" (I had made mine the week before and I'll be sharing them with you next week in between other things I'm working on.

We worked on a scrapbook page. She challenged us to take a card layout and make it into a scrapbook page. I did complete my page. I wasn't going to because I wanted to have time to make this adorable fabric pin. But Sue convinced me to finish my page and that I would have time to do the pin. I will share my scrapbook page with you next week too. First I need to finish the other half. I like to do them as "side by side" or "mirrored" pages.

But onto this adorable pin. It is made using the Sizzix "Flower Folds" die from Stampin' Up!. I had for years cut fabric with my dies. I have a huge round one and a huge square one. It was so easy just to pop a few layers on the die and crank it through the machine. The round one was the best if you were making those "Yo Yo" pieces that were SO popular years ago. I have a "Yo Yo" blanket that hangs in my stairway. I will take a picture of it and show it to you in a day or two. It was made for me by my aunt. It was my baby blanket!! It's old but I'm not!!! LOL

Anyway, back to this pin!!! Mine was made with two different colors of a cotton type fabric. I'm not sure if it was 100% cotton or a cotton blend, it felt like cotton to me. And in between the layers is some pretty soft pink tone Tulle. It just gave it more dimension and some fluff n frill too!!! Sue had a bag of buttons and this purple one just popped out at me. It matched the purple in the fabric. SO pretty!!! Sue had instructions for this but I don't know where she got them.

On the back of my pin is one of those stick on pin backs. I did remove the protective strip to expose the tape but I knew the tape wouldn't work well on fabric so I used "Crystal Effects" to "glue" my pin back on. That stuff works SO great!! It's stuck on there nice and tight and I don't believe it will be coming off any time soon!

We used the two smaller size flowers on the die. My pin measures 3" in diameter. It's just too adorable!! I can't wait to wear it on my spring jacket!!! Snow is in our forecast again so spring flowers will be delayed a bit longer!!! Not that I'm rushing winter. I LOVE the snow and the cold (not the ice) but the rest of it I can take! I'm such a winter person.

Click on the photo for a closer view.

Now go dig out your scrap fabric and your dies and have some fun!

Thank you SO much for visiting,
Wanda

Fleurette Time!

I bought these white "Fleurettes II" by Stampin' Up! and have yet to use them. Why did I buy them? I remember why! Because they looked so darn cute! They are even cute in the package but cuter when you actually put them on your projects!

I wasn't sure what type of card I was going to be making, birthday, thinking of you, etc. But it didn't matter. By the time I got done with the front of the card there wasn't really any room to add any words. Well, that makes it all the better. Now the card was considered a "versatile" card and I could use it for MANY other occasions!

The base of my card is a half sheet of Chocolate Chip card stock folded in half. On top of that is a piece of the "Sending Love" decorative paper. I then used the oval scallop die cut and cut out a Chocolate Chip oval and another oval from the "Sending Love" package. I used the decorative paper in the middle and the Chocolate Chip scallop part to form my image. I put the two pieces together and I did tape them on the back with regular Scotch tape before using a double-sided tape to affix it to the card front.

The leaf is from the "Little Leaves" Sizzlet. I have used this leaf SO much. It's a "must have" item in my stamping room! I thought I would have to clip off a couple of leaves on the top sprig but the flower covered them so I didn't need to.

I chose the double flower "Fleurette" and added a pink button to the center of it. Before I taped the decorative paper layer down I tied on an Old Olive ribbon bow. That bottom area needed a bit of "something" along with a bit of color! The ribbon did the job!

It's such a sweet looking card too! Oh and it was fun to make! Ok, I do have to confess, getting the sprig taped on was not all that fun. It was a little difficult to get the tape on those tiny stems. But I managed and other than that the card was simple enough to do.

Now you can use those fun flowers you've bought because they were SO darn cute! They are even cuter when you put them on your cards and scrapbook pages!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Valentine Heart Box

I am SO excited to share this with you. A couple of weeks ago at Terri's FABULOUS Stamp Camp she had this adorable Valentine's heart box for us to make. I wasn't able to get very far on mine before I had to leave. I had to pack up everything and hope I'd find time at home to work on them. When I got home I set the bag on a chair in my workroom so I would be sure not to misplace it.

Today I was able to play with the box!!! It was made using two hearts from the "On-board Hearts Book." We covered them with the new "Sending Love" decorative paper (which I just LOVE!) and Pretty in Pink card stock.

The only problem I had making this box was that darn "Sticky Strip" tape. Well, it wasn't so much the tape but that red protective "stuff" that covers the sticky part of the tape. My house is SO dry and my hands are dry as well. This stuff had a horrible case of static cling! I have this little card stock tote on my table for bits of trash and I would "try" to put the red "things" in it and they would cling to my hands. I did manage to get them in the tote by sliding it along the edge and it would cling to the next one. All was going well until I tipped the tote over! I felt like "Meteor Man!" I swear these things jumped out of that tote and covered my hand. I should have taken a photo of that but it was my right hand and it's the one I need for taking photos!!! What a nightmare. Well, after getting those buggers off my hand I put on some non-greasy lotion and just shook my head at myself. Why didn't I put the lotion on before I started??? Some of the important lesser lessons we learn in life!!!

So back to the FABULOUS box. We cut our paper and placed it on both sides of the heart. We snipped the strips and taped them in place for the "box" part of it. I got it all together, put the lid on and was thrilled that it all fit together SO nicely!!! Isn't' it just adorable? I thought I would fill it with some candies and give it to hubby on Valentine's Day. He gets it because that way it will stay at home with me!!! He'll just give it back to me when it's empty!! It's just to adorable to give away!! Thank you Terri for the fun and FABULOUS "Heart Box!"

Thank you all for visiting today,
Wanda

Another Quick Valentine's Day Card

Here is another version of the Valentine's Day card I posted yesterday. This one is even quicker! There is nothing stamped on the red background on this one.

I used the Stampin' Up! "I (Love) Love" jumbo wheel and Real Red ink. I layered that piece on top of a piece of black card stock.

The "Be Mine" was done on the computer and punched out with a 1-1/4" circle punch. The red layer behind it was punched out using a 1-3/8" circle punch and the black was done using a round scallop punch.

This one took a lot less time to make than yesterday's cards. Notice how nice and sold the ink is on here? What I did to achieve that was to huff on the wheel before I rolled it on the card stock. Look at yesterday's post and you will see what a difference huffing on it made. It got just enough moisture on the wheel to get the ink to become just a touch wetter to stamp a more solid image! Pretty cool, huh?

That is it for Valentine's Day cards. I have one gift item to show you tomorrow and it's then time to move on to other cards and projects!!

Stay tuned, I have another post coming today. Lucky you! This one is FABULOUS and you don't want to miss it!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Super Quick Valentine's Day Card

This is a fun layout that you can make a lot of in a short time. It is also a great layout for your other stamping events. Straighten

I used the new Stampin' Up! "I (Love) Love" jumbo wheel and the "I (Heart) Hearts" set. I wheeled on the words using Real Red ink. I cut that piece of white card stock 2-1/8" and the black layer behind it was cut 2-1/4". The heart was made using the new heart punch. It was used after the words were stamped. Sponge it with Real Red ink. For the ruffle behind the heart I used a 1-3/8" circle punch on a piece of black card stock. Then I used the scalloped circle punch and lined up the center of the punched circle and punched it out. Just cut the scalloped ring you formed and take each bump and straighten it out. Then affix it to the back of the heart around the edges. The base of the card is a half sheet of Real Red folded in half. I wheeled on the same words using Real Red ink. You could use VersaMark but why? The wheel already has red ink on it and I think the red on red shows up better than VersaMark on red would.

Once you tape your layers together, tape them on top of the red card stock. Tape the heart in place using Dimensionals and the card is done! Super easy, super fun and super cute. It's just SUPER!!!

Notice the two different ways I did the card. Well, this is because the one with the heart on the top had a inking error. I had the wheel going in the wrong direction and I had to cover it up. And I actually like that one better than the one with the heart on the bottom. It's amazing what you can find when you cover a mistake! Fortunately this was a mistake that I was able to cover. Some I'm not so lucky!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday Sketch Challenge Valentine's Day Card

I think I lost my Mojo! My heart literally just wasn't into making this card. Could it be that I am all "Valentined" out? I have another little Valentine project to share with you and a card and that will be it for me for Valentine's stuff until next year.

This sketch was a fun one but I just couldn't get it to do what I wanted it to. So this is the way it turned out and I actually thought about giving the sketch another try but I am just going to go with this one and move on. I have a HUGE list of things I need to make and want to make. No point in looking back, right?

Anyway, this card was made using the Stampin' Up! "I (Heart) Hearts" set. It's such a fun set to use. I cut out the hearts after I stamped them on white card stock. I left a little white showing and then I layered them on black punched hearts.

The colors of card stock used here is Basic Black, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink and Real Red.

Let's just hope that before next week's sketch comes out I will have my Mojo back!!! Or maybe I never lost it. Maybe I was just too busy with the other "things" that I didn't really have the time to spare to work on this card. Who knows. Anyway, here it is!


Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Box

Here's a quick way to make a Valentine's Day box. Get a pizza box. A new clean one is best!!! I have a friend who works at a pizza place and I asked her to get me a box. Though it is simple enough to get one when you are out dining. You simply ask for one or two if needed. One for the left over pizza and one for crafting. I have yet to be told no to a box from any place I've asked for one. Just remember to say please and thank you!!!

What was nice about this box is that it was already red! It made decorating it so much easier and quicker too! I only had to cover up the words on the sides instead of doing the whole side.

This is a small box. See the before and the after pictures? It was a lot of fun to do. I bought my mom some candies and put them in the box for her. I got her some other "weird" things she likes and I'll be bringing them over to her this weekend. WOW, that will be the middle of the month. Does anyone know how to make time slow down???

For my box I used the Stampin' Up! "Sending Love" decorative paper. I had this box for a couple of weeks and I had cut the paper and put it inside the box so I wouldn't lose it. I finally had time to decorate the box. I even got to use the new Real Red satin ribbon. I am SO loving the look and feel of that ribbon.

The flowers are cut from some papers in that same pack. Some I affixed with Dimensionals and others I just taped in place. I curled the edges of the flowers with my Paper Snips, working the edges like you would curling ribbon. Though I did keep my scissors closed. I worked the edges slowly, I didn't want the embossing to rub off or mar. I did snip a bit between the flower petals too. I wanted to get the maximum curl on those flowers. I then bunched them together and even taped some on top of the other.

If you click on the photo you can see a closer view of it. I used the new border punch using Whisper White card stock. It is what is under the Real Red ribbon. It just added a bit of a lacy touch to it. It's a very fun punch and I believe I use it on a card, project or scrapbook page about every other day! It's SO fun to play with and what's even better . . . . it was free!!

You can pretty much pretty up any box. New clean ones work the best!! LOL Have fun with them and decorate them as much or as little as you wish. You can transform nothing into something with a few pieces of paper, some tape and a little imagination!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Being Frugal Card Holder

Ok, you know me. I just can't throw anything away before it's time!!! I was suppose to be cleaning off my one worktable to make room for a project I need to do and I need BIG space to do it. As I was cleaning off the worktable I had the container to the largest clear acrylic block Stampin' Up! sells. I tossed my cards and envelopes in it for safe keeping. Then it dawned on me I should just make a set of 4 cards and envelopes and sell it like that. What a perfect container for the cards. And the envelopes fit in there perfectly too. Now this container is tall enough (or thick enough) that you can fit more than 4 cards and envelopes in it. I'm guessing it would hold at least 6 or 8 cards and 6 or 8 envelopes depending on how many layers are on the cards.

It's a great way to use that container!! You can even fill it full of a variety of cards and give it away as a gift or make it a door prize. I didn't save the packaging that came with it. I wished I would have. I would like to make a background for the container. I can still do that but now I have to measure! But wouldn't it make a great gift for someone? A few birthday, get well, wedding and thinking of you cards and envelopes!!! That way you can fill it up too. I may just pull the cards I have in there and make it into a gift. I'm liking that idea more and more all the time.

Be creative with your "trash," you never know what you can do with it until you try!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Scratch Pad and Pencil Holder

This scratch pad holder was very easy and fun to make. I used the Stampin' Up! "Bella Bleu" decorative papers. I LOVE that pack of papers. And of course I had to play around with the new border punch too! SO glad it's going to be in the new catalog.

The adorable pencil holder is from a design by Nichole Heady at "Capture the Moment". She has the pattern for it at her site.

I did mine a bit differently than she did hers. I didn't make my holder part have the slot for sticking "stuff" into it. I just made a front and back to mine. I did add a little more card stock width to the back so the pencil holder could be taped in place there. The pencil holder Nichole has prints out on card stock right from your computer and you just cut and put it together. Very simple!

On mine, the "Don't Forget" came from the Stampin' Up! "Teacher's Pet" set.

I did take my pencil out in the garage and used the band saw to cut it down a bit. I suppose I could have just run it in the pencil sharpener until I got it shorter. And it would be sharp too! This one is not sharpened.

Oh and I did change the length of the pencil holder part too. I made it the same length as the scratch pad holder. I think it's adorable. I have lots and lots of decorative papers and I have LOTS of scratch pads too. I think I bought a case of them a few years ago!

Isn't it just adorable? And it's SO quick to make too. Well, the pencil holder did take a little time cutting out by hand but it's SO worth it. And it is very easy to cut out. These would make fabulous gifts and stocking stuffers! It would be great to get a head start on stocking stuffers!

I do have a couple more Valentine's Day things to post this week and the rest will be back to "business as usual." Which means I don't want to fill the week with Valentine's Day stuff when it's only a week away. Not much time to play and get new things created!

Thank you SO much for visiting today.
Wanda

Sizzix Die Milk Carton Tote

I demonstrated how to make this tote at the Stamp Share last Saturday. I designed it way back in December and had to sit on it until after the Stamp Share. Well, I really didn't "have" to sit on it but I chose to because I wanted it to be new to the group. I saw a few other blogs post their versions of the tote and to me it then became "old stuff." But I stuck with it and demonstrated it anyway.

This tote is designed in two parts. That way if you only want to make a tote that holds two it is easy enough to do. And if you want a tote like this you just attach the two pieces together. I designed a fun sleeve to hold the two pieces together too. It gives the tote some needed stability and it is a great way to decorate both sides of the "handle" part.

I am unable to post the PDF file for this tote here so if you'd like it please email me and I'll get it to you in a reply email. The instructions are for the tote, an insert and the sleeve and are detailed! The insert is a piece of card stock folded so it separates the milk cartons. It also holds them in the tote a bit tighter too so they don't fall out very easy.

This is a "Bath" tote. I filled the milk cartons with Bath Salts, Soap Petals, Bath Fizzies and a nail brush. Just some fun little things that make a wonderful gift. The paper I used is from the Stampin' Up! Decorative Paper pack "Shades of Spring." It's such a pretty pack of papers. I always struggle with decorative papers that have large designs on them. This tote sleeve was perfect for something like that. And I LOVE the colors. Definitely says "spring" to me. We just got a fresh blanket of snow this week, which I love but I am looking forward to spring. Mostly the beginning of spring with the cool winds and the wonderful smells in the air.

These totes make great gifts and with the die cut you can whip these out in no time. They may even be a refreshing item to sell at Craft Fairs. I have not seen any at Craft Fairs and I always look to see what is new. They make great gifts, teacher gifts and even a wonderful door prize!

Have fun with these!

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

A Stunning Wedding Card

At the Stamp Share last Saturday there was a card there that I actually obsessed about. I mean to the point to where I had asked Sue if I could punch out a few hearts from her Stampin' Up! "Bride" Whisper White paper and her "Groom" Basic Black paper. I just HAD to make this card. I did take a photo of it but I kept thinking, "what if something happens to the photo?" I even emailed the photo to myself so I would have it in two spots. But being it was such a stunning card I just couldn't quit thinking about it.

I did order the paper but it won't be here until next week. I didn't want to wait. SO I punched the hearts out at Sue's and put them together. I brought them home with me and set them on my worktable to wait for a time slot that I would have open to work on them. This evening was an opening! I have other things to make and do but they were not as high on the list as this card was. See, I told you "OBSESSED!"

Anyway, I made the card and was very pleased with the way it turned out! Isn't it just stunning. I have no idea who the original designer of this card is and if you do please email me and let me know so I can give them credit. I was told it was from a swap at convention.

I don't need a wedding card but now I have one ready in case I do!!! Plus the gals who come to my home to stamp will LOVE making this card too! It's a very easy card to make and once you have all the stuff in front of you to make it, it really went together quickly.

Don't you just LOVE it?

Updated info: 2-7-10 The card was made by Kathryn at "Kathy's Stamping World."

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Faux Snake Skin Technique Page

My goal this month is to get the last three technique pages done in this third set. And after today I only have two left to make!!! I'm thinking positive here and I know I can get these done. I know a lot of you are waiting SO patiently for them. SO I will try my hardest to get these done this month!

Now for this "Faux Snake Skin Technique". . . . First of all I have to say ewwwwww. When Sue, my upline showed this to me earlier this week I was grossed out and curious at the same time. LOL This technique really does look like snake skin. SO I make up a sample and show my hubby. Now I thought he's be like me (not in the ewwww department) but would say "wow, that's great! But no. He didn't seem interested in it at all. I asked him if it looked like snake skin and he said it did but it was too thick. I told him it was a technique and I was not duplicating a real snake skin. *note to self. . . don't show hubby these anymore!*

Anyway it does look real, real enough to make you want to wash your hands after you touch it!

It's very easy to do too. You need a paper towel that has some texture to it. You'll have to shop around. Just look at the closer photo of the technique and you will see the texture. Don't worry if the paper towel is quilted, you will be making that part go away by misting it.

After you mist the paper towel you will be using VersaMark on it. Now I don't know if this is the way it's suppose to be done but this is the way that made it work the easiest for me. After the VersaMark you will be dragging your ink pads over the paper towel. Don't drag too hard, the damp towel could rip. Oh and cut your towel a bit bigger than you need. The process tends to make the piece a bit smaller. Once you get all of the colors on you want then you sprinkle it with clear embossing powder and heat set it. Add more VersaMark and embossing powder and heat set it again. I don't recommend you use the Ultra Thick Embossing Powder, it will cause the valleys in the paper towel to fill up and become a smooth surface. It's a look you don't want.

You can also surf the net for snake skins and see some interesting colors and patterns too. When I was dragging my ink pads, I used Going Gray across the whole thing. Then I added More Mustard and Chocolate Chip. I wiggled them across the paper towel a bit to give it an even more realistic look. I think it worked. It creeped me out when it was done!! It's the embossing powder that will make the paper towel appear to be more clear and giving it that "skin" look. YUCK!!! LOL Does it look real to you?

Have fun with this technique. I think I'm going to try a card with it this weekend. It would make a great masculine card and of course a card for a little boy too. What little boy wouldn't like a cool feeling card like this?

I have two more pages to do and this set will be complete. Thanks for your patience.

You can purchase the CD of the first two techniques in my webstore. You can use them for your Technique Clubs or Technique Classes. They are in a PDF format and all ready for you to print, cut and use!

Click here to see the other technique pages.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper Card

This card is just TOO darn cute. The original was made by Marlene at "Hands On." You'll probably want to check her card out. She has another layer on hers. I liked the layer but I wasn't able to work it into the card. SO I changed the card just a little. Not enough to take away from her fabulous idea.

The words on my card came from the Stampin' Up! "Holiday Blitz" set. I have used that set SO much and it is one I thought was well worth the money!

I stamped the words on white card stock and punched the out using the 1-1/4" circle punch. I layered that on top of a 1-3/8" Old Olive circle and that went on top of a Bermuda Bay scalloped circle piece. Dimensionals were used to affix it to the card.

The house was found in the paper pack. You do need two sheets of it to make this card. You cut out a circle around the house. Then you take the other house paper and cut out the roof, windows, door and clouds. Put them back in place with Dimensionals.

Behind the house is a large Old Olive circle and behind that is a Bermuda Bay scalloped circle. Nice color choice too, huh? I love the colors she picked out.

The background piece is a bunch of clouds on a page directly from the paper pack too! It's a "must have" paper pack!

I just thought it was such a cool looking card. I wanted to keep it but I made it, not only because it looked so cool, but because I needed a Thank You card. I need to make a few more thank you cards and then I should be caught up on them!!! Hopefully!

This was an easy card to do, it just took a bit of time cutting out the pieces. But that cutting was SO worth it, wasn't it?

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

With All My Heart Thank You Card

My upline Sue is having her fabulous Card Buffet and yesterday I was able to attend the morning session. She had 10 wonderful cards to make and besides being very nice cards all the card stock was cut for you! All you have to do is pick up the tote with the card in it you want to make and go sit at your spot and work on the card. Everything you need is in the tote so you don't have to find anything on your own. So that meant no snooping in her cupboards!! Her cupboards aren't fun to snoop in anyway. They are so neat and tidy and everything is so organized in them. No chaos, no mess, no piles of anything. Where's the challenge in that?

Anyway, back to this wonderful card. The base of the card is Chocolate Chip and there is a Pretty in Pink embossed layer on top. Plus the edge was done using the "Scallop Trim" border punch. Such a pretty punch!

The words were stamped using Chocolate Chip ink, punched out and then layered on top of a pretty in Pink embossed circle. So cute!

The "Horizontal Slot" punch was used on the left side on the fold and the ribbon was inserted and went all around the front of the card and then tied in a knot. I love that new satin ribbon!!! This mini catalog is killing me! It's got so many nice and fun things in it! I've seen and played with most of them! Lucky me! Don't own most of them but that's ok, you can't have everything now can you? I don't have the room for EVERYTHING!

The inside of the card I will be adding a piece of white card stock so I can write on it. Tip here, write on it before you tape it in place! It's one of those mind over matter things for me. If I tape it in and then write on it I will mess up the words and have to try to remove the card stock. But if I write on it first I usually get it done nicely the first time and then I just tape it in place!! I know, I'm weird! LOL

Isn't this a cute card. Oh and it's a quick one to make too! This will work great for many other occasions too!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sizzix Milk Carton Bride and Groom Boxes

At the last Stamp Share I was at one of the gals had shown how she made "Bride & Groom" boxes using the 2, 4, 6, 8 box making method. Well, with this new Stampin' Up! "Milk Carton" Sizzix die cut I thought I'd give those wedding boxes a try.

These boxes are a bit smaller. Which is ok, that way you will be able to cut back on some expenses on filling them! And the best part of these is that they are SO easy to assemble. There is no measuring or cutting, it's all done for you! That makes these super quick ot put together and a BIG plus if you have a LOT of them to make.

To make these you will need the following:
Basic Black card stock
Whisper White card stock
Black brads
Half round pearl from the "Pretties Kit"
"Very Vintage" jumbo wheel
Heat & Stick Powder
Versa Mark
Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
tulle
Crop-a-dial
Crystal Effects

Cut out the boxes and assemble the black one only. Fill it with what you wish to have on the inside.

Now to decorate. You will need to cut a piece of scrap white card stock about 1" x 1" square. Find the center and add the brads. Take a piece of black card stock
cut 1-1/8" x 1-9/16". Find center and make a cut down the center about 7/8" long. Fold the cut center pieces back to form the lapel, you will be forming a "V" in the center of this black piece. Tape or glue them in place. Tape or glue the white piece to the black piece. Then tape this to the milk carton. Tie a small bow using the grosgrain ribbon and tape or glue it in place.

For the white milk carton you will need to fold the scores before you emboss. Once the scores are all folded, lay the box flat and stamp the image on using Versa Mark. Sprinkle on the Heat & Stick powder and heat set it. Now fold and tape or glue the box together. Fill it with what you wish to have on the inside. Next take your Crop-a-dial and punch the largest hole you can as close to the seam as you can get without bending the carton. For the veil take a piece of tulle about 5" long, fold it and keep folding it until it's small enough to fit through the hole you made at the top of the carton. Push it through about 3/4". Open it up and glue in place the half round pearl, Crystal Effects works well with the pearls. Set it aside to dry. Once dry trim the tulle if needed. Store so the veil is pressed against the back of the milk carton so once they are displayed the back of the veil will lay fairly flat but yet be a bit fluffy.

Cute, aren't they? What bride wouldn't want these at her table?

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda