Brave Beautiful You Card

Hi, Crafty Friends!!

I'm back with more beautiful card projects using gorgeous I Am Roses flowers!

Their flowers make projects absolutely stunning!

I made this card for my beautiful sister. Sshhhh, don't tell her. Those who have been following me on Facebook may have seen posts in regards to my sister battling cancer. And if you know anyone that has had cancer and had gone through treatment, you know it takes a toll on your mind and body. I wanted to create this card especially for her. To remind her that she is so brave and she is so beautiful and soooooo very much loved.

Let me show you how I created it...

I Am Roses Supplies Used

Medium Daisy Flowers (I Am Roses)

Yellow Small Curly Flowers (I Am Roses)

Achillea Cottage Flowers (I Am Roses)

Green Daisy Leaves (I Am Roses)

Tiny Green Roses Leaves (I Am Roses)

Stamen (I Am Roses)

Other Supplies Used

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Magnetic Platform (Sizzix)

Chrome Precision Plate (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz  Mixed Media (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Detailed Butterflies, Mini (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Bell Jar w/ Pedestal (Sizzix- Retired)

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

150 Sticker Maker (Xyron)

Honey Dear Stack (DCWV)

Minty Lace Stack (DCWV)

Distress Oxide Inks- Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon (Ranger Ink)

Inktense Pencils (Derwent)

White Gel Pen (Sakura)

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Big Chat (Advantus)

110 lb. Kraft Cardstock (Recollections)
110 lb. Black Cardstock (Recollections)

110 lb. White Cardstock (Accent)
Heavy Vellum (Grafix)
Acetate (Grafix)
Clear-drying Liquid Glue
Foam Adhesive

I decided that I wanted this card to be 5"x7". I didn't want it to be just an everyday card. I wanted it to be special, so I went for a bigger more substantial size other than the regular/ ordinary A2 (4.25"x5.5")

I cut a piece of honeycomb-patterned paper to 4 3/4" x6 3/4".

Then, I die-cut one corner using this Tim Holtz Mixed Media die, rotated the paper and die cut the diagonal corner.

Next, I layered a 4 7/8" x 6 7/8" piece of white cardstock and attached it a 5"x 7" (folded, kraft card base). I used my Xyron Mega Runner to attach all the layers together.

 These Curly Flowers and Medium Daisies have been my latest obsession...

So, once my card base was prepped I started to accent and drape it with leaves. 

I always start from the bottom up. I laid down the Daisy Leaves, then the Tiny Green Roses Leaves.

Then added Medium Daisy Flowers and Yellow Small Curly Flowers.

Then accented with these adorable Achillea Cottage Flowers.

 Look how beautiful it is already!!

To fill in the gap in the center of my card, I die cut a bell jar. The base from kraft cardstock and the lid from vellum and acetate.

I used my Inktense Pencils to add details to the base. Then, backed it with foam adhesive.

I outlined the entire vellum lid using a white gel pen. This added definition to the lid so you can see where the die-cut ends. Otherwise, it's a strain on the eyes and blurs into the background.

To attach my domed lid to my card I ran the vellum die-cut through my Xyron Creative Station Lite. It covers the back of the die-cut with edge-to-edge adhesive and once applied it's virtually invisible. 

You can't see it in the pics but there is also a clear acetate lid die cut too. Once I ran booth lids through my Xyron Creative Station Lite, I applied the acetate over the vellum to give my dome a shiny yet frosted glass effect.

Then, I attached my bell jar onto my card front.

Inside my bell jar, I added a die-cut I made for a previous project that I decided not to use. It turned out to be perfect for this one!

I ran the branch through my Sticker Maker and attached it to the bell jar.

Now, my branch needs a butterfly to perch upon it...

I die- cut butterfly pieces from black and white cardstock using Mini Detailed Butterflies dies. Then inked the background piece with Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon Distress Oxide Inks.

Finally, I added the words...

 brave, beautiful, you 

from the Big Chat sticker stack to complete my card.

And here is my finished card...

I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to create something beautiful. 

Life is too short... Be kind, spread love & happiness, make memories!! Create beauty wherever and wherever you can!!

Now, I'm off to put this little lovely in the mail...

Thanks for stopping by! 

Mitsyana

I Treasure You... A Paper-pieced Mother's Day Card

Hey, Crafty Friends! 

I'm back again with Team Xyron today to bring you this gorgeous foliage card. I wanted to create something different this Mother's Day that was unique but still beautiful. And with the help of Xyron adhesives, this paper pieced card came together in a cinch! Let me show you how I created it...

Supplies Used

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

150 Sticker Maker (Xyron)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Magnetic Platform (Sizzix)

Chrome Precision Plate (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Funky Foliage (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Stitched Circles (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Mixed Media #4 (Sizzix)

Die Brush Tool (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz 3D Texture Fades Embossing Folder Botanicals (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Ideaology- Chit Chat (Advantus)

Distress Oxide Inks- Black Soot, Mowed Lawn, Crushed Olive, Forest Moss, Barn Door, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple, Abandoned Coral, Spiced Marmalade, Gathered Twigs, Faded Jeans, Blueprint Sketch (Ranger)

Guillotine Trimmer (Swingline)

110 lb. Kraft Cardstock (Recollections)

110 lb. White Cardstock (Accent)

One of my go-to tricks for quick & easy paper piecing is to add adhesive to the back of my papers BEFORE die-cutting. Not only does it save on time, but it also ensures that the adhesive covers from edge to edge without running over or having excess on the edges.

First, I cut my paper down to 3.75" x 9.24". That way it is narrow enough to fit into my Creative Station Lite. I run it through my machine and trim it with the attached trimmer. Then burnish the backside with a bone folder to ensure maximum adhesion.

Then, I used my Big Shot machine with paved stonework die from Tim Holtz's Mixed Media #4 set. I die-cut one side then flipped the paper and die-cut the other end. Because this die is so intricate, I used the Chrome Precision Plate to make sure it cuts out crisp and complete. 

There are tons of little pieces that were still left sitting in the cut so I took my Die Brush Tool and rolled it across the surface to help quickly get the pieces out.

To create the background behind the paved stone cut out, I cut another piece the exact same size and inked the entire panel in Faded Jeans, Blueprint Sketch, & Black Soot Distress Oxide inks.

Then applied the paved stone die-cut panel over it. 

This was where adding the adhesive before die-cutting totally was a life-saver. Imagine if I had to apply adhesive onto all those narrow cuts. I would've had a huge mess and a lot of tedious work.

Once my panel was layered together, I attached it onto a #10 sized card base made from Kraft cardstock.

To decorate the card front, I ran more white cardstock through my Creative Station Lite. I used it to die cut mushroom, leaves, and flowers from Tim Holtz's  Funky Foliage die set.

I love die-cutting piece from white cardstock because I don't need to have a huge inventory of colored cardstock on hand, I can just color them using ink pads I have.

It's really amazing what you can do with plain white cardstock!

I die cut a circle using Tim Holtz's Stitched Circle die and created a vignette using all the tiny paper-pieced foliage pieces. and because all the paper is already pre-backed with adhesive, I can just peel and adhere to my circle.

After a while, I felt the circle just floating in the middle of my card needed something to anchor it. So, I cut strips of kraft cardstock, ran them through my Xyron "X" 150 Sticker Maker, and embossed them using the Botanicals 3D embossing folder. 

Then inked the raised pattern with Gathered Twigs Distress Oxide ink and attached it to my card front, then reattached my circle, and created a sentiment using words from The Tim Holtz Chit Chat stack.

And here is my finished card...

I wanted my card to say something more meaningful than a generic "Happy Mother's Day"...

So I pieced together, " I treasure you every day...  forever & always".

This card is full of so much intricate detail... it's amazing how easy the pieces come together when you have the right tools.

 NO MESS, NO STRESS, is definitely a motto have come to live by while crafting with my Xyron machines!!

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to create something beautiful!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...
HAPPY CRAFTING!!
~Mitsyana 

Winter Stag Journal

Hey there, Crafty Friends!

Do you make gifts during the holidays? There's nothing quite like a handmade gift. Sure, buying gifts still take time and consideration to select and purchase. Navigating stores, fighting crowds, and waiting in long lines can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.  That is why I like to handmake gifts and avoid some of the hustle and bustle. 

Journals have been on a hot streak and it doesn't seem like it's going to cool down anytime soon. And I absolutely LOVE making them. I pour lots of love and thought into each one. Today, I created this gorgeous Shabby Chic Winter Stag Journal with the help of my Xyron Creative Station Lite. This little machine has been a HUGE timesaver... Move over decoupage, Xyron adhesive has a permanent place in this crafty girl's heart!!

Supplies Used

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Dashing Dear Die (Sizzix)

Printed Corrugate Cardstock (DCWV) 

Patterned Paper (DCWV)

Chipboard

 White Peony,  (I Am Roses)

Small Spring Cottage Flower (I Am Roses)

Achillea Cottage Flowers (I Am Roses)

Cherry Blossoms (I Am Roses)

White Maple Leaves (I Am Roses)

Elastic Cording

4" x 6" Notebooks

Jeweled Brads

Guillotine Trimmer (Swingline)

Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers)

Hemp Twine

Self-adhesive Iridescent Flowers 

Liquid Glue

Clothes Pins (Optional)

I started by die-cutting my journal covers. I used the Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die and my Sizzix Big Shot to die-cut two pieces of medium weight chipboard.

Then added a small amount of liquid glue to the spine and attached the two covers together, I made sure to line up the holes on the spine so that the covers were straight and laid properly when closed.

To ensure the covers dried in the correct position, I clamped them together using mini clothespins- but regular-sized ones would work too.

I usually cover my chipboard entirely with patterned paper, but this time I opted against it. Instead, I opted to make "card-front" like panels. Again, I wanted this to be "Shabby Chic" so by leaving the chipboard somewhat exposed it gives it a more rustic feel.

I cut two panels each of white cardstock and patterned paper. 

White Cardstock- 3 7/8"x 6 1/2"

Patterned Paper- 3 3/4" x 6 1/4"

 I layered and attached the patterned paper over the white card stock using my Xyron Mega Runner. Then attached them onto the outside flaps of my cover.

I ran a 5.5" x 8 " piece chipboard through my Xyron Creative Station, then flipped it over and ran it through a second time to add adhesive to both sides. I left the protective film on and cranked it through my Big Shot machine using the Tim Holtz Dashing Deer Die.

Then, I die cut another deer from corrugated cardstock and adhered the two pieces together to give my deer more bulk and dimension.

Then I attached the deer onto the front of my book cover. and attached a multi-looped bow made from hemp twine.

 I created a swag of flowers and leaves under the deer. I curled the leaf stems before I attached them for a bit of interest. Then surrounded the bow with an assortment of flowers.

I made sure to use muted tones throughout to keep with the Shabby Chic feel.

I used my Crop-a-dile tool to punch holes through the thick chipboard on both the front and back covers lined up on both flaps and looped a piece of elastic through it for a closure that hooked onto a jeweled brad on the front cover.

Lastly, I threaded elastic strands through the pre-cut holes and inserted four premade notebook inserts. 

And here is my finished journal...

I covered all pre-cut holes with jeweled brads to give a more finished look.

I hope you enjoyed today's project and that it inspired you to create your own beautiful handmade gifts... there really isn't anything like giving a piece of your heart to your loved ones this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Mitsyana 

Mouse Ears & Stars Shaker Card

Hey, Crafty Friends. 

I'm back today with this super cute Disney themed shaker card... a happy little "Dream" shaker card because after all, it is the happiest place in the world...

Supplies Used

Creative Station Lite  (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

X150 Sticker Maker (Xyron)

3" Disposable Sticker Maker (Xyron)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Wish Upon A Star- 6x6 Paper Pad(Echo Park)

Wish Upon A Star- Dream Castle (Echo Park)

Wish Upon A Star- Hot Air Balloon (Echo Park)

Sprinkletz- Mouse Ears  (Buttons Galore)

Sparkletz- Crystal Stars (Buttons Galore)

Stitched Circle Dies (Pink and Main)

Stitched Rounded Rectangle Dies (Pink and Main)

Black Cardstock (Recollections)

White Cardstock (Recollections)

Blue Cardstock (DCWV)

Red Cardstock (Bazzill)

Yellow Cardstock (Bazzill)

Craft Foam

Acetate (Grafix)

Tim Holtz Distress Oxide- Broken China (Ranger)

Tim Holtz Mini Ink Blending Tool (Ranger)

I started by gathering my supplies... look how everything coordinates perfectly already!

I die cut a rectangle from this super cute plaid paper using a stitched rounded rectangle die and my Big Shot machine. Then I die-cut two more from red craft foam.

Next, I ran my plaid die-cut rectangle through my Xyron Creative Station Lite and attached it to one of the craft foams.

Once adhered together, I die cut a circle window.

I placed my plaid my windowed rectangle over the second foam rectangle and used a pencil to trace the exact placement of the window.

Then, I used the same circle die to cut the window in the exact same place as the first. 

I set them both on the side and worked on the card base...

For my card base, I cut a piece of black cardstock to 4 1/4"x 11". Then score and folded it at 5 1/2" to create an A2 sized card. 

I attached a 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" piece of light teal cardstock onto the black card using my Xyron Mega Runner.

I brought back my plaid window and attached a 4"x4" square piece of acetate over the opening with a strong liquid glue. Then set it aside to dry.

While the glue was drying, I attached the other red foam onto my card base.

I ran a 3" strip of black cardstock through my Sticker Maker. Then die cut a castle and the word "Dream".

I attached the Castle into the circle of the red foam attached to the card.

I used scraps of white cardstock I ran through my sticker maker to die-cut clouds. Then inked around the edges using Broken China Distress Oxide ink.

I attached the clouds to the plaid window, adhering some clouds onto the window itself.

Then, I attached the word Dream under the window.

I used my sticker makers to attach more adhesive to red and yellow cardstock.

And die-cut hot air balloon pieces out of red, yellow, and black. I layered and paper pieced them together to create these cute Mickey-themed hot air balloons.

All the pieces had adhesive already on the back so assembly was a breeze... even with those tiny pants buttons!!

AND NOW THE ELEMENT OF FUN...

I attached the Crystal Stars Sparletz to the sky using a tiny dab of liquid glue.

Once my stars were dried, I scattered Mouse Ear Sprinkletz into my opening.

Then topped it off with my second window and attached the two pieces together.

And here is my finished shaker card...

How flipping cute is this??!!

All the stars stay in place because they're glued down... but those are free to move about!

I really love shaker cards, they are so much fun to make!!

I hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did!! And I hope it inspires you to create one of your own! 

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

Sending You Prayers Card

Hi, Crafty Friends!

I'm back... This time with Team Xyron!!

Every now and then life has a way of reminding you how precious it really is. It's not all about the happy moments and joyous occasions. Sometimes we face hard times and loss.  Financial hardships, break-ups, or even death can bear down on us and plunge us into despair. And sometimes just we need gentle words to tell us we are not alone. Whether spoken out loud in person or silently and privately, a prayer can go a long way.

Today, I'll show you how I created this beautiful card. Some days you just got to let someone know... hey, I'm praying for ya!

Supplies Used

Mega Runner (Xyron)

Eileen Hull Journaling Cards, Flowers & Leaves (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Journaling Cards, Hearts (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Journaling Words (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Leaves, Spring (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Flower & Leaf Stitchlits (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull ColorBox Blends- Leaf, Frog, Berry, Bay, Beach (Clearsnap)

ColorBox Premium Dye Ink Mini- Coal (Clearsnap)

Sunshine Stamp Set (Pink and Main)

White Cardstock (Recollections)

Cardstock- Pink, Green, Black (DCWV)

Lori Whitlock- I'd Rather Be Crafting (Echo Park Paper Co.)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

I started with a standard A2 size (4.25"x 5.5"- folded) card base. 

I made the card using papers from the Lori Whitlock "I'd Rather Be Crafting" Collection. 

Measurements

Orange Paper - 4.25"x 5.5"

Geometric Diamond Paper- 4" x 5.25"

I layered at attached them to my card base using my Xyron Mega Runner.

Then, using my Big Shot and Eileen Hull Heart Journaling card die, I die cut yellow striped paper by using the heart insert with the outer rectangle die. Next, I backed the heart cut out with pink polka dot paper by just using the outer rectangle die.

Again, attaching the pieces using my Xyron Mega Runner.

Next, I die cut stemmed leaves from light green paper using the Eileen Hull Flowers & Leaves Journaling Card and the Spring Leaves die.

I  added depth by inking the edges with Leaf, Frog, & Nutmeg Blends inks.

Then added tiny vein details with a fine-tipped pen.

I die cut flowers from using the Flower & Leaf stitchlits.

I misted the flower slightly with water, then crushed the petals upward. 

Once dried, I inked the edges of the flower petals using Berry ink.

While the ink was drying, I die cut the word prayer from white & black cardstock. 

I gave it a variegated look using Bay and Beach ink.

Then paired the die-cut with a "sending you" stamp from Pink & Main's Sunshine stamps set. I stamped the phrase onto plain white cardstock using Coal dye ink. 

I attached my leaves then my flowers onto my card. I wanted it to hang over like a swag over a doorway. I set down and attached the leaves first then added the flowers over the leaves.

Then added my sentiment below my floral arch.

And here is my finished card...

It's not always easy finding the right words...

 But we can hope words of encouragement, faith, and understanding will help lighten a hard load on a heavy heart.

I hope you all enjoyed today's card and I hope you are inspired to send your own paper prayers.

Until next time...

Happy Crafting!

~Mitsyana