Bird Crazy Tag Card - Christmas Edition

Happy Hump Day Crafty Friends!! 

Oh my gosh...  It's only about 2-1/2 weeks till Christmas!! Where is the time going??

Today, I have a Christmas card that was inspired by Tim Holtz's 12 tags of Christmas series. I just love his tags and I was so over the moon excited when I heard Team Xyron would be collaborating with him... Eeeeek!! How exciting!! I've always wanted to make a T.H. tag... I'm so glad I finally took the dive and made one!!

Supplies Used

Tim Holtz-Alterations- Bird Talk (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz - Crazy Things (Stampers Anonymous)

Tim Holtz - The Journey (Stampers Anonymous)

Tim Holtz Stamp Stencil - THMM104 (Stampers Anonymous)

Tim Holtz Distress Inks- Brushed Corduroy, Worn Lipstick, Mowed Lawn, Salty Ocean, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain (Ranger)

Tim Holtz Distress Markers- Mermaid Lagoon, Carved Pumpkin (Ranger)

Tim Holtz Distress Stains- Abandoned Coral, Bundled Sage (Ranger)

Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Paper Stash- Collage (Advantus)

Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Paper String - Stripes (Advantus)

Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Small Talk - Occasions (Advantus)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

3" Sticker Maker (Xyron)

VersaFine- Onyx Black (Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko)

Classy Reds Cardstock (Core'dinations)

Manilla Tag

Regal Velvet Poinsettias (Petaloo)

Craft foam Burlap

Red Button

 I started by stamping my image, from the Bird Talk stamp set by Sizzix, with an archival black ink. Then traced around my image using Tim Holtz Distress Markers in Mermaid Lagoon (for the body) and Carved Pumpkin (for the beak). I then used a waterbrush to blend out the colors.

I used the coordinating dies to die-cut out the little bird. (these were included in this set).

 I don't have many marker colors, so I improvised by using Distress Stains. I dabbed some color onto an acrylic block to use it as my palette. I used Bundled Sage (for majority of the gift) and Abandoned Coral (for the bow). I also used the Abandoned Coral for the Santa hat.

Then with a water brush I picked up some color and traced around the areas I wanted to color. Then with more water blended that color out.

I didn't have the matching dies for this stamp set so I just fussy cut out both images.

 With a manilla tag, I used a mini blending tool and Distress Inks in Worn Lipstick, Mowed Lawn, and Salty Ocean to create a multicolored background.

 Using Tea Dye Distress Ink, I stenciled alphabets randomly onto my tag. 

Then, I used Vintage Photo and stenciled the harlequin design.

I, then, inked all around the edges of the tag with Walnut Stain.

Using more walnut stain, I used the ticket, clock, and conductors receipt to add another layer to my background. 

Then gave it a quick spritz of water. This part is totally optional. I just like the lightly splattered look onto my background. 

To add all the elements to my card and give it added dimension, I made my own foam adhesive.

I cut a 2"x 4" piece f craft foam and ran it through my 3" Sticker maker. Then trimmed it, flipped it over, and ran it through again.

Then, cut it down to the sizes I needed (making sure to keep the protective backings on while cutting).

I added foam to the back sides of the bird, gift, and Santa hat... as well as the back of my poinsettia.

 I also used my 3" Sticker Maker to add adhesive to the backs of holly leaves.

And attached them onto my tag.

Then added my colored images and flower.

 I used the "wishing you a very merry christmas" sentiment from the Small Talk Occasions book and trimmed it down to fit onto my tag.

I just love this book!! There are terrific sentiments for every occasion in here!!

I topped my tag off by adding a multi-looped  bow made of red and white paper string. I absolute am nuts over this stuff!! I really think this stuff is better than twine! It doesn't fray and because of it's stiffness it's easy to thread through holes!! This is some really awesome stuff!

Now onto the card base...

 I found this newspaper/ book Tim Holtz print paper and trimmed it down to 4"x 5.25" and inked the edges with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

Then, used my Xyron Mega Runner to add adhesive to the back.

Next, I added more paper string. Wrapped a couple times horizontally and vertically and tucked the ends around back.

 For even more layers and to add texture, I ran a 2"x3" piece of burlap through my Sticker Maker. Peeled it and adhered it to my card mat, which I also attached to a 4-1/4"x 5.5" (A2 ) sized card.

Lastly, with the leftover foam adhesive i made earlier, I attached it to the back of my tag and adhered it to my card front.

And here is a close up of my finished card...

I hope you enjoyed this project for today!!

Here's "wishing you a very merry christmas"!!

~Mitsy

DIY Chore Chart with Free SVG file

Hello Crafty Friends!!! 

I have a bit of a confession... I am an addict. And sadly I cannot stop myself, help myself, or want to either. I am addicted to Pinterest!!

Pinterest, that magical land where you can find anything about everything!! And, in most cases with complete how-tos!!

Which brings me to today's project. I've seen several posts on how to make chore charts for your children.  I didn't want anything that was bulky or took up a lot of space. So I decided at having a hand at creating an SVG file that can simply be downloaded and cut with my electronic die-cutting machine.

This has to be one of the easiest and quickest projects I ever did!! And you can make one too!!! Because...

I will be linking the file in this post!!

Supplies Used

Chore Chart file

Electric Die Cutting Machine (I used a Sizzix eclips with ecal software)

Xyron Creative Station 

Xyron 9" Magnet Cartridge

Core'dinations Cardstock- Fade to Black

Basic Grey Paper- Dear Heart Collection Pack

(Optional)

Ebrush & Sharpie Markers 

Disc Magnets

Hot glue and Glue Gun

Prima Marketing Flowers and Buttons

After uploading the chore chart file into my software, I loaded my mat with a full 12" x 12" sheet of paper. This color will be for my grid lines. I cut the file at 9 "x 11.5".

I think it came out pretty darn awesome. I wanted to make it simple because my children are all pretty young still. And a huge overly detailed one might be confusing to them. I was able to divide the chart and include a "to do" and "done" section... so all your child has to do is move their marker. I also added a little "note" area. This if great for reminders or shopping list. You can find that version of the chart file HERE.

And for those of you who would like the option of customizing your own, I also have a blank chart as well. You can find that file HERE.

This part is totally optional! But you know me... I have to eBrush EVERYTHING!!! I think it adds so much depth and really makes the words POP! I first taped off the word with blue painters tape and airbrushed the words using a teal and a turquoise sharpies.

Once I was done ebrushing I flipped it over and applied 2 way glue onto the entire backside. I applied different patterned papers from Basic Grey's Dear Heart Collection as panel pieces. I think these paper are gorgeous and just perfect add as my chart backer.

If a solid panel look is not for you, and you would like the option of adding different panels to the back of your chart I also have a panel file for you! I sized these panels to slightly overlap each other so be aware that they are slightly bigger than their designated spaces.

After combing the background papers to my liking I gave my entire chart a run through my Xyron Creative Station with the Magnet Laminate cartridge loaded.

And here is my finished chart! 

Now I  can slap it up on my fridge because I just made a Magnetic Chore Chart!! And because the Xyron Magnet cartridge also laminates... guess, what??!! It is also now a dry erase board!!

I used some fridge magnets I had previous made as chart markers. I simply hot glue disc magnets to the backs of buttons. And for a little added decoration I added more discs to the back of paper flowers too... OMG, how stinkin' cute is that??

Here is a closer view of my chore chart...

And here are all the links to download links:

Chore Chart

Chore Chart- Blank

Chore Chart- Panels

I hope you enjoyed this project!! My children loved it!! And they are the weirdest children EVER!! the very next day, after seeing the chart on the fridge and reading it, my daughter scurried to see what chore they could do on the list so they could move their markers... Weird, right??!! I mean what child actually wants to do housework and chores?? LOL Apparently, mine!! I'm gonna just let that ride because I don't want to break the spell!!

We'll see you next time!!

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsy

Elegant Holiday Party Favors

Hello, Crafty Friends!! It's time for holiday parties to commence! And I have elegant holiday party favors that are also quick and easy to make.

Supplies Used

Cut'n'boss (Craftwell)

Teresa Collins Pocket Dies- Girls Best Friend (Craftwell)

Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Craftwell)

Rosey Reds (Core'dinations)

Printed Burlap Stack (DCWV)

Buttons(Optional)

Hot Glue Gun and Sticks

Stapler

cellophane bags

Chocolates or treat of your choice

I  started with a 12"x12" sheet of printed burlap. I cut it into 3 even pieces giving me pieces that measure 12"x 4".

I used a steel rule die for a "door knob favor"... but I know that this type of die is not very common. For an easy solution, I turn to my good friend Google. You can easily find templates online just by searching for "Door Hanger Template Images". Pick one that has a big "knob" opening... that will be your window.

My die comes with crease lines. But if you 're doing a homemade template, find the center of your hanger ( as if you were to fold it in half), then add a 1/4" from that center point to each side and score a line. This will give you a 1/2" wide favor.

Add chocolates or your preferred treats into your hanger and fold. Staple close. Make sure you also staple the cellophane bag into place otherwise it will slip out.

For the toppers, I used my Teresa Collins bow die from the Girls Best Friend set. I just used the bow and tails to make my bows... I didn't need that little piece only because I was replacing it with button for my bow centers.

Before I pieced my bows together I embossed them using Craftwell's Sophisticated embossing folder.

I love how huge Craftwell's embossing folders are... a whopping 8-1/2"x 12"!! I can run all my pieces through at the same time!!

Then I gently sanded the raised parts of the embossing exposing the lighter color core of the Core'dinations paper.

I assembled my bows using hot glue and also glued assorted sized buttons on each bow. Then attached them to my burlap favors with more glue.

And that's how I made these beauties...

 Hope you all enjoy your holidays!!

Happy Crafting!!

~ Mitsy

Christmas tags

Hello, Crafty Friends!! I'm sure everyone is up to their eyeballs in Christmas shopping by now! But let's not forget to make those packages extra pretty!

It's not as hard as it looks! You can start small and simple. And today I have a project that can be a good starting point... CHRISTMAS TAGS!!

I don't have many tag type dies. So I figure I could cheat a little and use my electric die cutting machine. And, just as luck would have it, I was able to find some in my library section of my ecal software. I sized them to 5 inches and let the machine cut multiples out at one time.

Then I used my Teresa Collins Christmas tree pocket die to cut out a window in my tags. I'm not going to be using the trees right now so I'll set them aside. Don't discard them!! We can always use them for another project later!

Then I took my tag and embossed it with my TC embossing folder. Since I used Coordinations papers I lightly sanded off the top layer exposing a lighter core below.

Then I ran all my tags through my Xyron Creative Station.

I peeled the protective film and attached my tags onto plain white cardstock (leaving some space between each). I trimmed each tag with a white border going around the entire tag.

I used my Teresa Collins Bow die from the Girl's Best Friend set to cut white cardstock. From one 8.5"x11" sheet I was able to get 9 bows and middles.

I used a stylus to help curve my loops and folded my sides in toward the center and hot glued in place. I finished the centers with the little rectangles that came included with the bow die and fastened with more hot glue.

Then I attached the bows onto the tags with more hot glue.

I cut out my Love script out of black cardstock. This die is from the Teresa Collins Memory Collection. I used a glue pen to attach to my tag and trimmed the overlapping ends with scissors.

I finished my tags with button centers for my bows and attached stitched ribbon through the hole on top.

And there ya have it... festive gift tags!!

These will be great on gift boxes and bags and would look super cute on favors! 

They are also great for those gifts that are just too big to wrap or an awkward shape... forget the wrapping completely and just slap a gift tag on it.. presto, it's instantly dressed up!!

Supplies Used

Cut'n'boss (Craftwell)

Teresa Collins Pocket Dies- Memory Collection, Thankful, Girl's Best Friend(Craftwell)

Teresa Collins Decor Circles Embossing folder (Craftwell)

Creative Station with 9" Permanent Adhesive Refill (Xyron)

Eclips machine and ecal software.

Red Cardstock (Core'dinations)

White & Black Cardstock (Bazill Basics)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Red Buttons- Assorted sizes

2way Glue Pen (EK Success)

Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (Paper Mart)

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Hurry and make something pretty & festive!!

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~ Mitsy

Brutus Monroe, Serena Bee, & Me!

Hello crafty friends!! Today I have something special for you all...

My very first project for Brutus Monroe Stamps!! And even better I get to use the AWESOME new Serena Bee Deadly Desserts stamp set! EEEEEKKK!! 

Ok, if there's one thing you must know about me it is I absolutely LOVE Halloween!! I would celebrate it everyday if I could!! It is my most favorite holiday of the year... I love it even more than Christmas!! And it doesn't help that my birthday is the day before... which just extends my celebrating!! YAY!!

So, this was an absolute WIN-WIN all the way around!! 

Tools & Supplies

Brutus Monroe's Deadly Desserts (Serena Bee Collection)

Spellbinders Nestabilities Floral Ovals

Xyron Creative Station w/ 9" Permanent Adhesive Refill 

Cut'n'Boss

Core'dinations Black Magic Whammy

Canson 150lb Illustration Paper 

Spectrum Noir Markers (HB1, HB2, HB3 PP2, PP4, PP5)

DCWV La Bella Rouge Stack

Bazzill Cardstock 

Momento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Anna Griffin Fransesca Lace Embossing Border Folder

EK Success 3D Dots

EK Success 2-way Glue Pen

First, I stamped my image with Momento's Tuxedo Black ink. I'll be using alcohol ink pens to color my image I need an ink that won't bleed when it comes into contact with it and since it's India Ink base it dries permanent. I stamped my image onto illustrator paper because this paper was made for comic and manga artists and made to withstand saturated coloring and control bleeding from alcohol ink markers.

I used My Spectrum Noir Markers in HB1, HB2, HB3  for the purple ones and  to color my cupcake tops. And colored the bottoms in BG1, B2, and BG4 for the bottoms. I also cut a a1/2" x 2" rectangle and stamped my " you are deadly sweet" sentiment on it.

I "fussy cut" each piece and adhered the pieces together with my glue pen. Then attached a foam dot on the back of each to add dimension.

For the background I used a sheet of paper from DCWV's La Bella Rouge Stack and airbrushed it with my eBrush machine in Spectrum Noirs PP2, PP4, HB1, and HB2. Working in chuncks at a time first applying the lights then the dark colors around the edges.

I left the center white for a nice highlighted area.

 I also airbrushed the edges of the little rectangle in BG4.

Here, I used my Cut'n'Boss machine and the largest of my Spellbinders Floral Oval to cut a shape out of black cardstock.

Then I airbrushed the edges of my die cut with a silver metallic Sharpie. I do this because I'm using a lot of dark colors in my card and I didn't want my black cardstock to blend in and get lost from all the black in the background. So adding the silver around the edges gives the oval some definition.

I also ran astrip of Black Magic Coredinations cardstock through my Anna Griffin border die along both edges to emboss my strip. Then I sanded the raised parts off to expose the color underneath.

Finally, I ran my my panels through my Creative Station and assembled my card. As a final touch I added a couple rhinestone flowers.

Here is my final card...

Hope you enjoyed this project and have a very crafty day!!

~ Mitsy