Saturday, April 29, 2017

Be A Unicorn

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone has had a great start to their weekend! \I am so excited to be a guest designer for Lori Whitlock. I've always been a big fan of her unique and whimsical designs. And I am over the moon thrilled to be able to share with you this adorable Unicorn Card I made using her Center Box Card Unicorn.


To check out my tutorial and to see additional pictures, please visit the Lori Whitlock Blog!! 
Thank you all for stopping by!!

~Mitsy

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Very Berry Strawberry Journal

Hello Crafty Friends!!
I had such great feedback from my Berry Train case and card set that I thought that the paper would make for a gorgeous journal too! Since I had one last sheet of my precious strawberry paper left, I went for it! And I am sure glad I did... It turned out beautifully!!



Supplies Used
Eileen Hull HeARTfelt Journal Die (Sizzix)
Chipboard
Strawberry Die Set (Stamps of Life)
Stitched Circle Dies (Pink and Main)
Tim Holtz Distress Stain- Bundles Sage (Ranger)
Tim Holtz Distress Paint-Candied Apple (Ranger)
Tim Holtz Distress Ink- Walnut Stain (Ranger)
White Gel Pen (Sakura)
Jumbo Metal Bookplate
Metal Embellishment (Momenta)
Metal Leaves - Mechanicals (Prima Marketing)
Flower Lace- Trim - Magnolia (Prima Marketing)
Paper Flowers- Flower Clippings- Love Clippings (Prima Marketing)
E6000
Self-adhesive Rhinestones
Twine

I love that these journals are so incredibly easy to make! Once you got the basic concept of how the come together assembly is a breeze and you can decorate as you please. GO WILD!! Your only limited by your imagination!!
 When making my journals I always cut my material down to size so they can easily be die cut. For the Eileen Hull Journal dies I start by cutting to pieces of chipboard and 4 pieces of patterned paper down to 6" x 10". 

I run my patterned paper (patterned paper side UP) into my Xyron Creative Station Lite to apply adhesive to the back. I do this for the back and front of my chipboard so that one side is covered in those pretty strawberries and the other with the black with white polka dots. Do this step for both chipboard pieces.

Once, the pieces are covered, I place one covered chipboard onto just the book panel of the die. Whichever side you want to be on the outside of the book should be face down (towards the foam and blades) on the die. In the last picture above, the polka dots shown, will be on the inside of my book when assembled. Again, do this for both covered panels.

Because we attached the paper to the chipboard first, all the crease lines are already pre-scored. 

Apply strong liquid adhesive to last segment of the spine on one of your book panels. Over lap the last segment of the other panel and line up all three pre-cut holes.

Make sure your covers are straight so they close nicely. Then put aside and leave to dry. I like to clip my books at each end to ensure the dry properly aligned. 

I decided to die-cut some strawberries, stems, and leaves from chipboard to go with the whole strawberry theme of my paper. These will go on my cover and on my inserts inside.

I cut the strawberries out using Stephanie Barnard's Strawberry Dies. I painted the strawberries with Tim Holtz's Candy Apple Distress Paint.

I colored the strawberry leaves and stems using Bundled Sage Distress Stain.

I inked the edges of all my pieces using Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Then glued the stems to the strawberries and drew seeds and highlights with a white gel pen.

For an focal point I die cut a circle from more patterned paper and chipboard. Then ran them through a 3" Sticker Maker and adhered them together. Then ran the piece back through the sticker maker and attached to the front cover of my book.

I used a strong liquid adhesive to attach a jumbo metal bookplate over the circle.

Then attached my strawberry leaves surrounding the bookplate and my lone strawberry over top. The rest of the strawberries were left to add to the front of each insert.

Finally, I attached beautiful Prima lace and flowers over top. Tucking in metal leaves and adding rhinestones onto the tiny flowers. Then added my metal "laughter" embellishment to the center of the bookplate.

I bound my inserts using natural hemp twine. I usually use elastic bands but I think the twine adds to the country chic charm of this book.

And here is the final project...







This projects is so bright and cheery! Who wouldn't be happy receiving this journal as a gift?

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it put a smile on your face!!

Till next time...
HAPPY CRAFTING!!
~Mitsy

For other inspirational ideas using Eileen Hull dies, please check out Eileen's ebook...

**Disclaimer**
This site contains affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links helps support this blog at no extra cost to you.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Koala-ty Friend


Hello Crafty Friends!
I'm back with Team Pink, to share a quick and super easy, yet totally cute koala card!!


Supplies Used

 





Additional Supplies Used
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)
140 lb Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore)
Tim Holtz Distress Markers- Hickory Smoke, Worn Lipstick, Mowed Lawn, Vintage Photo (Ranger)
Mega Runner (Xyron)
Light Blue Tulle
Light Blue Rhinestones 
Foam Tape
Light Blue Cardstock

I started by stamping my image with Versafine Onyx Black ink onto 140 lb Mixed Media Paper.


I colored my images using Tim Holtz Distress markers and blended out the color with a water brush. I sped up drying time with a heat tool and added additional shading by going back over it with more coloring.

Then die cut my image out with the matching Koalaty Friend Dies.

I made my card front by die cutting paper from the Be Brave 6x6 Paper Pad with the Stitched Rounded Rectangle Dies


Then die cut a window from the card front with a circle the Stitched Circle Dies.

On the backside, I used my Mega Runner to apply adhesive around the window and then attached a sheet of light blue tulle to the back.

I attached  my koala to the front of the tulle window, then attached foam tape to the backside.

I cut an oval label using the Stitched Greetings Dies from white cardstock. Then stamped my sentiment using more black ink. Then used more foam tape behind the label to pop it up off the card front.

I attached blue rhinestones onto the tulle and label for a little bling.

Then attached the card front to a A2 (4.25" x 5.5") card base made from light blue cardstock.

And here is my finished card...


I hope you enjoyed my card for the day!

Happy card making Everyone!!!
~Mitsy



Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Be Brave

Hello Crafty Friends,
I'm here with #TeamPINK.. to show you my newest card featuring a new stamp set from Pink and Main thaat  has me feeling pretty adventurous!! If you crave a it of adventure or just like letting your wild side free, you'll love this new April Release called My Tribe! I'm having tons of fun with these little cuties... just see how I made this card down below.


I started by stamping the little tribal boy and girl out in black archival ink onto mixed media paper.
I colored my images with Tim Holtz Distress Markers in Spiced Marmalade, Vintage Photo, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Hickory Smoke, and crushed Olive.

Then, I used the coordinating dies to cut out my images.
I absolutely love the new Be Brave 6x6 Paper Pad!! And in all honestly, I think this pad was made specifically to coordinate with this set (but don't quote me on that! LOL), It has lots of geometric shapes, arrows, and feathers... so fun, right??!! And I love love love the color palette! I just had to pair the two together!

For the card base I cut two coordinating papers from the paper pad using the largest rectangle from the Stitched Rounded Rectangles Dies

Then took one of those rectangles and used it to cut a semi circle using the Stitched Circles Dies. this way I had a semi-circle with the stitched lines going around the curved edge as well as along the straight edge bottom.
I cut another rectangle but this time just a 1.5" wide fraction of it and attached it using my Xyron Mega Runner along the bottom of the full sized rectangle cut-out. 

Then, stamped the bottom right corner with the sentiment "be brave" in more black ink.

I centered the semi circle just right above the short strip, attaching with more adhesive tape. Then ran the entire card front through my Creative Station Lite.

I attached the card front onto a A2 sized (4.25" x 5.5"- folded ) card made from Corrugate cardstock.


Lastly, I stamped out these feathers and colored them with distress markers. Then cut them out with the coordinating die. I  bundled them together with a small piece of twine and tied it into a bow. Then I attached them to the lower left hand side of my card.

And here is my finished card...

Supplies Used




Other Supplies Used
Tim Holtz Distress Markers (Ranger)
140 lb Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore)
Mega Runner (Xyron)
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)
Foam Adhesive Tape
Twine

I hope you all enjoyed my card for today!
Don't forget to seek adventure in YOUR everyday crafting!!

Happy Stamping!
~ Mitsy

**Disclaimer**
My blog contains affiliate links. Clicking on and purchasing through these links help support this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

You & Me "Couple's" Travel Journal

Hello Crafty Friends!!
Today I'm so excited to be able to share with you all another project featuring the long anticipated Journal die from Sizzix by Eileen Hull!

I created this "Couple's" Travel Journal. This is kind of like a scrapbook/ art journal all-in-one to take on the go when you and your significant other get a chance to "get away". You can jot down eateries or favorite hot spots, snap pics or sketch, slip in memorabilia all in one convenient little book.


Supplies Used
Eileen Hull's XL Journal Die (Sizzix)
Chipboard
Traveler's Journal Blank Inserts
Thin Black Elastic
Tan Headband Elastic
Cream Crinkle Ribbon
Heart Lock Metal Embellishments (Michael's)

These journals are incredibly easy to make, you will not believe it!
First, I started by cutting out two pieces of the journal covers out of chipboard using the Journal die from Eileen Hull's new Heartfelt collection.

I also cut two pieces of patterned paper from DCWV's Linen Closet Stack, to cover the outside and the inside of the book covers.

I inked the edges of all 4 pieces using Jumbo Java Chalk ink and a sponge dauber. 

Then ran all 4 pieces through my Xyron Creative Station Lite and attached to my chipboard pieces.


I overlapped the spine and glued them together, lining up the middle holes.

When dried, I threaded a strand of elastic through each set of holes, for a total of 3 sets.

I wrapped a thicker elastic around the journal for a closure, looped a heart lock charm, and tied it off through the center hole. 

For the inside, I slipped in 3 plain Kraft inserts with plain white blank pages but added a few minor touches...
I adhered pockets, journaling tags, and cutouts to dress up the insides.

Then added crinkled ribbon and another heart charm to the spine.

And here is my finished journal...

Friday, April 14, 2017

Berry Hello Gift Set


Hello Crafty Friends! I'm back again with Team Xyron and we are at the tail end of our fabulous week with 1Canoe2 and American Crafts. Today, I have an adorable mini train case box with a coordinating card. 

Supplies Used 
Strawberry Die Set (Stamps of Life)
Stitched Circle Dies (Pink and Main)
Hello Dies (Pink and Main)
Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Rhinestone Sliders (Dritz)
Chipboard
Liquid Adhesive
Tim Holtz Distress Stain- Bundles Sage (Ranger)
Tim holtz Distress Paint-Candied Apple (Ranger)
Tim Holtz Distress Ink- Walnut Stain (Ranger)
Magnetic Discs
Brads
White Gel Pen (Sakura)

When I saw the Forest Berry paper I fell head over heels for it! I love all things strawberry and I knew I absolutely just had to make something from it.

I started by cutting my paper & chipboard down to 6" wide, Then cutting it again to 8 inches long. These measurements are the perfect size to cover just the main box panels of the die. 

Next, I ran my patterned paper through my Xyron Creative Station Lite. I made sure to face the pattern, that I wanted to use, up. In this case I wanted the strawberries and polka dots.

Then, I peeled and attached onto my chipboard before die-cutting. When die cutting my covered chipboard piece I faced the pattern I wanted to appear on the outside of the box face down toward the blade.

I die cut two of each box panel piece. I folded all the pieces on their score lines. Then added liquid adhesive to the small tabs and adhered to the matching panel piece. To make sure it aligned properly, I used mini clothes pins to hold them in place while the glue dried.

Once the side panels were fastened securely I added liquid adhesive to the top flaps and adhered the top cover. I repeated the last step for the bottom piece as well. It's a perfect fit and aligns perfectly!

I measure out about 2 - 14" piece of double stitched grosgrain ribbon. I wrapped my ribbon around the trunk, starting from the front and working my way to the back and then up and over the top. Then secured in place with liquid adhesive.

Once those strap were dry, I added rhinestone sliders for "buckles" and magnetic discs for closures.

 To make the card, I die cut a strawberry and two leaves from chipboard.

I used distress stain to color the stem of the strawberry and both leaves. Then used a distress paint on the berry.  Chipboard unless treated is very porous and I applied a few layers so I zapped it with a heat gun to speed up the drying time.

I inked the edges using Walnut Stain distress ink and a mini blending tool. then glued the stem to the strawberry. Then added details with a white gel pen.

For the card base I used the gingham side of the "Rosewater" paper  to make a A2 (4.5"x5.5") sized card. And die cut a stitched circle from the "Sweet as Honey" paper. I ran my circle through my Xyron and attached it to the center of my card.

Then I ran my strawberry, leaves, and a few cork embellishments through my CS Lite.... and presto instant stickers! I just peeled and stuck them onto my card front.

I die cut the word "hello" and attached it inside the polka dotted circle.

And here are the finished projects...

BOX- UP CLOSE

CARD- UP CLOSE 

This set came out so "BERRY" cute and  makes an amazingly "SWEET" gift set!!

Hope you enjoyed today's project, I know I sure did!!

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




Thursday, April 13, 2017

FB Stamps Bloomin Spring Hop

Hello Crafty Friends!!
I am here with Team FB Stamps to bring you...

The FB Stamps Bloomin Spring Hop! 

Welcome and Thank You for hopping with us today! We are extremely excited to share with you an array of crafty projects by our talented Design Team featuring the NEW Fleurette Bloom Stamps- April Release.

In addition to some crafty inspiration, we would like to encourage you to stay to enter our
Blog Hop Prize Giveaway.

Prizes Include:
One $25.00 Gift Certificate to FBstamps.com
(One Grand Prize Winner)

 FBstamps.com Designer Sequin Mixes
(One Winner chosen from each participating blog)

*All Winners to be announced Sunday April 23rd*

Without further ado...

Please check out our 
NEW April Release 

Pansies and  Rain Or Shine

 Click on images to enlarge

**Bundle Special Available for a limited time**

AND...

Our Newest Sequin Mixes
Enchanted Rose and Beauty & the Beast


Here is what I've created with Our NEW Releases...


For this card I used the new Pansies stamp set. 
I stamped my images with Versafine Onyx Black ink onto 140lb mixed media paper and colored them with Tim Holtz Distress Markers then blended with a water brush. Then went back over with another layer and repeated the coloring process till I got the results I wanted.

I hand cut (aka fussy cut) my flower images and paper pieced an arrangement over the tea cup (which was also cut out by hand).

All pieces were pop dotted to add dimension and were placed onto a 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" card base.

Card mats measure at:
5" x 5" (blue patterned paper)
4-3/4" x 4-3/4" (white cardstock)
4-1/2" x 4-1/2" (kraft printed cardstock)
4-1/8" x 4-1/8" (white cardstock)
4" x 4"

And, for a final touch, I wrapped twine around the bottom of the card and tied it into a bow.

Here is another angel of the card to show the dimensional flowers.

For this card...
I used the NEW Rain or Shine Stamp set.

I also stamped this image with Versafine Onyx Black ink onto 140 lb mixed media paper.
I use mixed media paper because it holds up to moisture really well with little to no warping.

For this image I used Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. I blended the color out using a water brush.Then I added a tiny bit of glitter using a gel pen by Sakura. I added glitter to her headband and the trim of her dress.

I mounted her using foam tape onto a wooden frame I painted then added stickle for a bit of texture and bling. I attached premade flowers and leaves and also die cut leaves and arranged them into a little bundle at the corner of the frame. Then added stickles to the flower pedal edges.

I also stamped the "you are my sunshine" sentiment from the stamp set onto a wooden banner and glued it onto the frame.

All the embellishments were attached to a 5-1/2" x 5-1/5" card base with mat I die cut using stitched square dies.


This little darling is so adorable... I think she reminds me of what you get is you merged the Campbell's Soup girl with the little girl on the Morton Salt container... very vintage looking and too stinking cute!!

Well, we hope you are inspired by what you see and enjoyed your time with us!

Until next time..
Happy Stamping Friends!!
~Mitsy

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