Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Spring Gardening W/ My Kids , the Diamond Press, & Xyron

Happy Hump Day, Friends!! I have an awesome post for you today!! I had the wonderful privilege to get to play with one of the newest  and coolest gadgets in the crafting world... the brand new Diamond Press by Crafter's Companion!! 
And not only did they send me all these awesome goodies in the picture above... but they will also sending another complete bundle to one of my lucky readers as well!! EEEEEKK!! How stinking exciting is that?!!
AND...  As if that wasn't enough excitement, guess what??!! The amazing people at Xyron are also going to let me giveaway an awesome Mega Runner and fabulous "X" Sticker Maker!! 

AWESOMESAUCE!!

That's right... one of my lucky readers could win this whole kit and kaboodle! This entire prize package is worth over $85. To find out how you can win this super fab craft package read all the way through this post. So let's get to it!!

Well, let me start by telling you how flipping cute this little machine is! And a cute machine needs cute little hands to play with it!! You don't really need to have cute little hands but it just so happens that I have a few ready and willing pairs of hands to help me in today's post. OK, honestly, I barely did any of the work. My children are the ones who will be running the show today!

I will show you how my brood of munchkins made these... Biodegradable Planters!


Supplies Used
Diamond Press (Crafter's Companion)
Jiffy Pots
Hemp Twine
Plastic Forks (like toothpicks but with 2 prongs at one end)
Acetate (Grafix)
Paper Trimmer (Fiskars)
Non-stick Cutterbee Scissors (EK Success)

We started by pouring soil into our biodegradable planter cups. Everyone got in on the dirt... literally. The kids each, removed, hardened chunks of dirt & rocks, and oversized twigs. Then we read the directions on each seed packet and planted all the seeds according to each.

We saved all the leftover packets for this next step.

Making Planter Markers...
Each of my kiddos
Trimmed their packets down to 1-3/4"x 2-3/4". Then arranged it onto the blank/ cutting folder with the die cutting edge to paper. and cranked it through the Diamond Press machine.



They each took turns cranking out their plant markers/ signs... even my 3 year old toddler. The cutting folder instead of a plate system made die cutting a breeze!! No more having to think of what plate combo to use. Just close the folder with you die and material and you are good to go!!

 Always remember to craft responsibly. Young children should only craft under close adult supervision. Even though these tools are extremely easy to use, parents should exercise caution at all times. I always monitor my children very closely... because frankly, these are mommy's toys! I'm just sharing them! LOL

I share lots of crafting toys. Always supervised, and alway after thorough instructions.

I think it's easy to say, I have some really bright children ... here is my oldest, switching cartridges out of my Xyron Creative Station Lite and then proceeded to use it. I think someone has been watching mommy way too closely!
Not only did she change out the cartridge herself, she ran the little flag pieces through, knew to trim the pieces off with trimmer attached on the backside, and burnish around the die cut pieces with her fingers. She handled it like a pro! Yup, someone has been watching mommy way too closely!!

Here, I finally got to help out... after the die cut pieces were laminated I attached them onto plastic "forks" and then sandwiched it between a piece of acetate and trimmed off the excess. No additional adhesive was required. The regular laminate cartridge lays down a layer of  laminate on one side and permanent acid free adhesive on the other. Making it also perfect to apply onto photos. 


Here are my little goofballs sticking their plant markers into their pots.


Uh-oh... here's where we found out we forgot to decorate our pots first. OOPS!!! It's a good thing we have extra pots! We can just decorated the empties and transferred our dirt and seeds after we decorated the pots.

 To decorate our pots, we just reached into our Diamond Press Bundle kit again. Not only did this bundle come with the machine, dies, and folders... it also came with matching stamps and an ink pad as well.

 And since the ink included is dye based, we don't have to work about the ink smearing and washing away if they get watered or rained on. Our stamped images will be on there for good!

Once stamped mommy just attached hemp twine bows onto each pot. And presto, our pots are done!! 


I'm was very impressed with the quality of these stamps... they stamped wonderfully!

Even though our pots are rounded and heavily textured, you can still clearly see the details from the stamp... like the stripes on the butterflies (above) and the polkadots on the flowers (below).

Just imagine the amount of detail it will leave on a flat surface.

 Now all we have to do is soak the pots, water the seeds, and wait for our little sprouts to grow. And once they have sprouted a bit we just plant them directly into the ground. No need for removing the from their pots. Easy peasy! 

I hope you enjoyed today's crafting/gardening project!! My kiddos did!
Thanks for sticking with us!!

And now, down to the crafty giveaways! I'm sure you haven't forgotten about this...
Or these!!

I will be choosing one RANDOM winner to win this amazing prize package... that's right, ONE of my lucky readers will win ALL 3!!



Here are a few things you need to do to be eligible to win...

1. Visit Facebook and LIKE the Diamond Press page. Don't forget to tell them that Mitsy from the Xyron Team sent ya!!
2. LIKE Xyron on facebook.
Let's not forget to thank them also for sponsoring such amazing prizes!
AND
3. Leave a comment below.
This last one isn't a must but is very much appreciated!! If you can, leave a sweet comment below letting my kiddies know what a fabulous job they did! I will read each comment to them to inspire them to keep on crafting and encourage them to express themselves through art... so, please no negative nellies!! All comments will be moderated before being posted.

Don't forget to FOLLOW ME to keep up to date with my latest CRAFTS and any awesome GIVEAWAYS!!
Blog - www.upontippytoes.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UpOnTippyToes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mitsyana/
Periscope - https://www.periscope.tv/mitsyana 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mitsyana

Giveaway will be open till 11:59pm Friday, March 25 and announced on Monday, March 28.
WISHING ALL OF YOU THE BEST OF LUCK!!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored or affiliated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or blogger. 

Until next time...
Happy Crafting!!
~Mitsy






88 comments:

  1. I think your kiddos did a wonderful job! It is good to supervise but let them have creativity. We need more of that in this world!

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    1. Thank you so much! I try to give them as free range as possible when it comes to creativity. unfortunately because my non-stick scissors are super sharp, I felt it safest to handle the cutting. Their little scissor would have gotten caught up in the adhesive.

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  2. What a great project to do with your children.Crafting and gardening. My 2 favorite pastimes.

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    1. It's their favorites too, Therese!! Thanks for stopping by!!

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  3. Good job kiddos! The pots are so cute!

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  4. Your kiddos projects are awesome! I love that they get to have some crafty time with their momma, such sweet pics of them too! The Diamond Press looks amazing, I have been intrigued by it since CHA sightings earlier this year! Thanks so much for the chance to win! I already "like" Diamond Press and Xyron on FB!

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    1. Thank you, Sukie! They all love crafting with their momma!! And they love going to the craft store too. Oh gee, I hope this phase lasts!!

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  5. This is such a cute project. It's wonderful that you shared a project that can be done with children!

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    1. Thank you, Brenda!! I really try to "play" with my kids as much as possible! They're only little for so long before they'll outgrow these times. I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it!!

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  6. wow hun, the kids did good!
    They all looked like they had a total ball and I love to see families crafting and creating together xx
    I have already liked both pages and I will definately follow on your crafty blog x
    hugs

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    1. Thanks, Sandie!! I think they did amazing too!! Our family tries to do as many activities as we can together. They like TV and video games like other children but they love doing outdoor activities more. I'm trying to hold on to that as long as possible and keep their interests active.

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  7. Fun idea with these cute planters! Great project to make with the kids!

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  8. Fun project with the kids! Love these cute planters! I hadn't seen the Diamond Press before... great size to pack to take to a crafty get-together!

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    1. Denise it is perfect for taking to crops and it is not heavy at all! WIN-WIN!!

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  9. AMAZING JOB! I bet the kids had a blast, what a wonderful job they did!

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    1. Thanks, Tanya!! They did!! They want to make more already!! Need to go get more pots and seeds!

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  10. What a neat way to get the babies involved in crafting!

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    1. They loved it... they got to play in the dirt and with water!! With permission no less! LOL

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  11. What a great project to do with the kiddos! They did an awesome job. It is so fun to watch their excitement as the plants grow! Thanks for the chance to win this amazing job!!!

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    1. They get super stoked when their plants grow... the hardest part is trying to keep them from picking the flowers to give to mommy!!

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  12. They did a fantastic job! Love the whole idea!! Great gifts for Mother's Day / Teacher gifts, etc....

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  13. Great job on the way you spend time with your kids, they did great getting crafty. Great memories created for years to come

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  14. Awesome! looks like lots of fun! thanks

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    1. Thank you, Rosie!! Thank you for stopping by!!

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  16. What a fun family project. They turned out so cute. Thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous crafty gift pact. TTFN

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Debby!! The kids had a blast!

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  17. What a fun project with the kiddos,mine loved crafty Sundays when they were younger and today they are very creative young adults thank you for the chance to win

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    1. Oh that is awesome, Elecia!! I have hope that my kids will still continue to craft as they get order... I look forward to that! Thank you do much for stopping by and good luck!!

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  18. thanks for the tag Mitsy, crossing fingers. tell the youngsters that did an absolutley fabulous job!!!
    Cathy

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    1. I sure will, Cathy!! Thank you so much for stopping in!!

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  19. Your kiddies did an amazing job! But they couldn't help it with a talented mom like you. :) Love the pots and how they decorated them. Great job, everyone!

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    1. Awww... thanks, Janis!! They are far more talented than I was at their age! I hope that they keep the momentum going! They will grow up to be creative geniuses!!

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  20. Great project! Your kids did a fabulous job and looks easy to make with children. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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    1. Thank you, Courtnie!! This is a very easy project to do with the little ones... my 3 yr old did it! LOL just a bit of warning... watch out for when they want to stamp other things like the dinner table or themselves! LOL

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  21. Great job guys.....love the pots. I think I will make some with my kids

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  22. Awh the kids did an excellent job decorating the pots. I teach special needs and this has inspired me to do something similar with the kids my class. Great Job!

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  23. You kids did an AWESOME job with making your darling plant markers. You could help me make some for my little seeds. :0) Keep on crafting!
    karen

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  24. Great job guys. I am going to try this with my kids

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  25. Love those pots and your kiddos are the cutest!!!

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  26. OMG!! Your kids are tooooo cute and I love the project you made with them!! Great job! Thanks for the tag and here's to hoping I am lucky! LOL

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  27. Love it when young children are involved in crafting. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  28. What cute and fabulously talented kids you have. I see they also have a little "Ham" in them also! LOL!

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  29. Looks like you guys had a so much fun making these fantastic planters! Good job ☺ Can't wait to see what else the kids make. You will be so excited when you see the first sprout of your fowers!

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  30. The kids are AMAZING crafty peepettes! Not to mention how adorable they are! I love the bio-friendly pots! So so so cute! And I am hoping there are more projects to come with the kiddies!

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  31. Love this project Mitsy!!! Love it even more because you got your little ones involved. Beautiful photos : ) your little helpers did a fantastic job with this Spring project!

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  32. Awesome projects! You little ones were so busy and they are looking so cute. I also love it when I see my kids crafting. Would love to win this gorgeous project! Hugs, Susanne.

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  33. I love to see the young people doing crafts, I really worry it is a dying art. Your kids and projects are adorable!

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  34. I love to see the young people doing crafts, I really worry it is a dying art. Your kids and projects are adorable!

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  35. Lucky when we did ours it would get wet :(.... awesome teaching how to plant... would love to try this product

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  36. Great job kiddos. Love the planters!

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  37. Great job, Kiddo's! I love to see you all being creative and spurring on your imagination! Great job!!!

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  38. What a great post and project!!

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  39. Awesome job on those Biodegradable Planters . Your cute kids show how fun & easy crafting can be :-)

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  40. This precious tell the babies well done. I craft with my niece and it is her favorite pass time. You will have to post pictures once the flowers grow. Thank you for the opportunity. Ps cute kids.

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  41. This is such a cute project! Love crafting with kids!

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  42. I love the project you did with the kids!!! Awesome job!!!!

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  43. What a great project and way to encourage the kids to craft. Just loved this project. So fun to watch seeds grow.

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  44. Love you and your crafty kids Mitsy! Thanks for the chance to win too! :)

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  45. Great project. I enjoyed following along.

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  46. The project is so cute, and so are your children. Would love to win this set.

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  47. Wow... They did do a great job!!! Tell them to for me!!!😃

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  48. loved seeing the pics of the kids making there projects way to go Kiddos...

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  49. Fabulous projects with your sweet family!!! Live seen the Diamond press!!!

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  50. Super fun project with the kids!!! Awesome job!

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  51. Your sweetie pies did a great job!!!! It's so great to see kids spending time with parents and being creative rather than on video games! Good job Mom!!!!

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  52. Fun project, thanks for the opportunity to win 3 awesome prizes, amazing

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  53. Love all the crafts shown...i have taught sunday school in the past and kids love make things for their parents.. these items make it even more fun...♡♡♡

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  54. I love all the crafts shown. I used to teach Sunday school class and the kids loved to make gifts for their parents...the new items definitely make it easier and fun. Thanks for sharing. Would love to win ♡♡♡

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  55. Love all the crafts shown...i have taught sunday school in the past and kids love make things for their parents.. these items make it even more fun...♡♡♡

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  56. Great Job Kids; you're great artists in the making!

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  57. Great Job!!!! The young ones did a fantastic job. Looks like the all had a wonderful time while learning something. They all worked together really well and Love the way you made it fun for them!!! Thank you for sharing your creations with us!!!

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  58. Hi Mitsy, your kids looked like they were having a fun time. Hi kids, what a great job you did making those crafts. I loved doing crafts as a kid. I'm 58 years old and I still love doing crafts, especially card making and scrapbooking. I can't wait to see what you make next time. Keep up the great work.

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  59. What a FUN project!! Your children are adorable!! They did an amazing job! Be sure to post pictures of the flowers in BLOOM!!

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  60. You guys did a terrific job. Now to wait patiently for the new seedlings.

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  61. I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. plants

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