Build-a-Bear Stamp Camp! Part 1

I survived! But more importantly, I learned a ton!

I hosted my first Stamp Camp for kids Friday. I really enjoyed it, but it was a lot of work. Originally, there were going to be three ten year old girls in attendance, but one of my daughter's BFFs couldn't come, so there were just 2.

The activities included:

1. Making a Build-a-Bear Tote Bag
2. Making a Build-a-Bear magnetic dress up doll set in a tin.
3. Making a keychain with their initial to hang on their backpacks. This happened to be the only stamping project. So it really shouldn't have been a Stamp Camp, but my daughter really loved the name!

I am going to break it into a few blog posts, so there will be only a little bit to learn at the time! Today's post will feature the Build-a-Bear Tote Bag! Click on the photos to enlarge them.

I really needed to iron this some more! Can you say Spray Starch?

The above photo makes her look odd because the bag was bent.

I absolutely loved this project! It was so simple and quick! Here is what to do:

• I started at the fabric store. These are important tips.
  • Beware of a dark brown. This bear is made with a medium brown. The bear will be darker because of the iron-on adhesive. Also, choosing too dark of a brown will make the facial features difficult to see.
  • Purchase 1/8th of a yard of brown. This will allow you to make a bunch of bears.
  • Purchase fabrics for the clothes and accessories. I purchase 1/8th of a yard (4.5" x 45"), but used only about 8" total for 3 bears! You could get by with a sample size, but I think that is being dishonest, so please purchase the fabric. I don't know if they sell 1/12th of a yard (which is 3" x 45"). This is all you would actually need. You can get a ton of clothes from this strip of cloth.
  • Purchase paper backed iron-on adhesive. The brands I use are Pellon, which is a lighter-weight adhesive, but still works fine, and I use Heat-n-Bond. Wonder-Under will also work, but use the others if you plan to sew through them so you wont gum up your needle.
  • Finally, I chose cotton fabrics for this project. I do not know how other fabrics would work, but they should do just fine!. The only fabrics I would say not to use is a faux fur and a net or tulle, because of the way the glue works with them.
• I measured the area of the clothes, such as the pants, by "eye-balling" it. Basically, I just guessed how big the fabric needed to be and cut a rectangle that was a bit larger that the piece of clothing. I did this for each piece of clothing.
• Next, I ironed each piece of fabric to the Heat-n-Bond iron on adhesive and cut each piece out. Leave the paper on for cutting, so you do not gum up the blades of the die.
• I ran each piece of fabric through the Big Shot cutting out the particular clothing or bear.
• TIP: For the Sizzlits small dies that cut the bows and purses, place the fabric face down on the die and be sure to only use one layer. Sometimes, even with a shim, it wouldn't cut through the fabric, if I placed it fabric side up. Placing it fabric side to the die (face down) will make sure the fabric is cut!
• TIP: For the Embosslits die, which I used to cut the butterfly, place the fabric face down again. Also, make sure the paper is on the back of the fabric. You don't want to gum up the die with adhesive, but you also need the paper to protect the fabric from the embossing.
• Next, Peel the paper off of each of the parts and lay them on the tote bag in the proper position. I peeled gthe paper off everything except the bear on the first bag. No problem though. I just lifted it, peeled the paper, and continued ironing. All the other pieces had attached to the bear, but not to the bag. I ironed every piece on at one time.
• Tip: When ironing the adhesive paper onto the fabric and then again when you iron the pieces all onto the tote bag, be very aware of the heat setting of your iron, the length of time that you iron it, and then allow it to cool completely before you handle it. Make sure you follow the recommended setting for your adhesive paper. There are several reasons for this tip.
• In the beginning, if you iron the adhesive paper onto the fabric for too long, you could end up melting the adhesive enough that it is embedded into the fabric itself and won't later attach to the bag.
• When you are attaching the fabric to the tote (or to the other pieces of fabric), if you heat it too long, you will have the same problem of over melting the glue, making it embed in the fabric. To see a tiny bit of what I mean, go back to the first photo and look at the bear's face. You will see "canvas texture". This is an example of what happens when the adhesive is overheated and "embedded" in the fabric.
• Finally, if you don't allow it to cool properly, you will affect the adhesion. If you move the bear, for example when you are moving the tote, it may lift and then not attach properly. It  only takes a couple of minutes, and it will make a world of difference.

Don't let these specific tips scare you away from this project! This bag was so simple, even with learning how to use the adhesive (because I didn't read the instructions for it). All 3 bags were done and looked great! So you can do this!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Canvas Wall Art

Today's project has only one Stampin' Up! product used on it and no stamping,  but you are going to LOVE it anyway!! I want to show you what my next project is: I will be preparing several Wall Art panels to go in a store here in my hometown.  Southern Style, has unique gifts and products that you can have monogrammed. Well, now you will be able to purchase my Ceiling Tile Wall Art (you can see samples here), and I am adding a new product line for Dancing Ballerinas!

What do you think of this?

I took 2 pictures because you just can't see how poofy that tu-tu really is in the photo! These are "Tu-Tu Canvases" that you can have an initial painted on, add a Decor Elements vinyl letter, or attach a photo of your favorite ballerina to the front! They have straps at the top that hang from a small wire hanger that I made (couldn't get it to show for the photo). Aren't these so cute! 

I use 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 canvases, but the area for the initial or photo ends up being a square area because of the tu-tu. I used a staple gun stapled the tulle as I scrunched it across the front. I did the hot pink first then the light pink.  I finished it off with black polka-dotted ribbon to hide the staples and create a waist band for the tu-tu. I used Pretty in Pink ink and rubbed it across the edges of the canvas. I then took a sponge and blended it in a bit, leaving the center a bit lighter.

What little girl wouldn't love to have this in their room?

I have seen people use canvases as their cover for a mini album. What a great mini album cover this would make! I may have to look into making one of these a mini-album!!

Thanks for stopping by! Oh, and Creative Pzazz products will be in Southern Style on April 10th!

Fabric & Your Big Shot: Questions

The series on Fabric & Your Big Shot that I have been posting about over the past few days has been extended by one more day! Here are the answers to some common questions that people have about using fabrics and their Big Shot!

What materials will the Big Shot cut? (Note: this list is suggested for Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL. If in doubt, call or email me!)

• Thick corkboard
• Thick chipboard (59 mil)
• Colored magnet
• Ruffle board
• Paper wood
• Balsa wood (3/32”)
• Bass wood (1/16”)
• Metal mesh
• Aluminum (.016) The inside of a soda can will work. Check out a video on using this metal later this week.
• Tin (.008)
• Adhesive and non adhesive mat board
• Drawer liner
• Shelf liner
• Vinyl
• Static cling vinyl
• Shrink film
• Fine sandpaper
• Clear acetate (20 mil)
• Vellum
• Card stock
• Patterned paper
• Flocked paper
• Contact paper
• Textured paper
• Metallic paper
• Linen paper
• Suede paper
• Embossed metallic paper
• Basketball embossed paper
• Faux alligator textured paper
• Self-adhesive glitter paper
• Fabric
• Canvas
• Iron-on fabric
• Soft plush fabric
• Burlap
• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Lace
• Heavyweight denim
• Terry cloth
• Funky fur
• Thin leather
• Quilt batting
• Warm & natural batting
• Fusible fleece
• Self-adhesive craft metal
• Self-adhesive cork
• Self-adhesive foam
• Self-adhesive magnet
• Self-adhesive felt
• Adhesive and nonadhesive rubber
• Pop up sponge
• Poly foam
• 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
• Tip: If you can cut it with your Craft and Rubber Scissors from Stampin' Up!, then the Big Shot will cut it too!

Can I cut more than one piece of fabric at once?

Yes…If you are cutting a thin fabric, such as cotton, you can cut up to 8 layers at one time! However, if you are cutting a thick fabric, such as faux fur, then you can only cut 1 layer at a time!

Sometimes you may to add a shim when you are cutting fabric. If it is a thick fabric, you won't. If you are cutting only 1 or 2 layers of a thin fabric, you will need to add a piece of cardstock or thin chipboard on top of the cutting mat. Tip: Save the piece of thin chipboard that comes with the Big Shot dies for using as a shim too!

Will dies that have score lines damage the fabric?

Not necessarily. The suggestion is to use only one or two layers of fabric at a time with these sorts of dies. You may still see a slight distressing of the fabric where the score line would be, but it will not be permanent. If you use more layers, then the score lines may tear more delicate fabrics like cotton.

Will fabric damage my Big Shot dies?

Not at all. Fabric will not damage or dull your dies any more than paper will. My suggestion is to brush off the excess lint and thread off the top of the die, just to prevent the possibility of build up within the die.

Can I buy fabric from Stampin' Up!?

Not at this time. There are so many craft products out in the crafting world that there really is no way that Stampin' Up! can carry everything for everybody. Don't forget the paper, ribbon, buttons, and other embellishments that Stampin' Up! carries that can accentuate your project!

How can I use fabric, if I do not sew or have a sewing machine?

There are many ways. For example, if you are making a pin, barrette, or hair accessory, use a dab of hot glue, fabric glue, or Stampin' Up!'s 3D glue dots to attach layers of fabric together. To create an appliqué effect, use fusible web or other iron-on adhesive. You can even hand stitch a couple of pieces of fabric together without any experience in sewing technique!

Fusible Who?

Fusible web is a product that has many different names. In a fabric store you will ask for an iron-on adhesive product that will hold 2 pieces of fabric together. Now I am sure there is a more technical or accurate description, but this is what I know and how I ask for it. It comes in yardages, just like the fabric. You lay it rough side down (paper side up) on the back of the fabric you want it to attach to, then iron it on for a few seconds. The length of time depends on the specific product you are using. Once it is cooled, peel off the paper backing and place the glue side to the next piece of fabric you want attached. It makes a glue sandwich. Iron again for a few seconds. It is that easy! It works great for appliques! Create the fabric and glue sandwich before you cut the shape with the Big Shot. This will make it much easier than having to line up those shapes.

What if I do have a sewing machine, but I don't know how to sew?

Most of the projects that use the Big Shot will only involve straight line sewing using a standard stitch. There is no specialty knowledge required. I can't sew, but even I can do these projects! Give it a chance!

Charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters…No, these are not Jenny Craig meal plans!

These are quilting terms used for packages of fabrics. These fabrics are generally color coordinated and contain many patterns. Charm packs are 5 x 5" squares of different fabrics. Layer cakes are 10 x 10" squares. Fat quarters are 18" x 22" pieces of fabric. Usually these are economical ways to get several different fabrics.

Is the Big Shot a versatile tool to use with fabric crafts?

Most certainly! Check out my series of posts from this week on Fabric & Your Big Shot. Click here to learn more. There are so many different ideas that you can use! If you are already a seamstress, who loves to sew outfits for your little girl, imagine having a matching ponytail, headband, barrette, or embellishment for each outfit! For your boys, create shirts for every day of the week for less than a discount store shirt!

I don't sew clothes or wear pins or hair accessories. What is in it for me?

Consider home decor! Everything you can do for clothes and wearables, you can do as a home decor element. See the series of posts from this week giving you even more ideas! Click here to learn more.

Thanks for stopping by today! Next week I will be beginning some themed posts, such as weekly challenges, weekly 3D projects, mini album days, etc. Subscribe to receive updates by email when I post!

Even More Fabric & Your Big Shot Day 4

Today is day 4 of a 5 day series of posts about using your Big Shot with fabrics. All of the project ideas I have shown so far have been from Stampin' Up! Don't fret! They are sew easy even I can do them! (Did you catch that pun? Thank you…I'm here every night. LOL)

Today's project is a headband. The projects I have shown this week have been more geared to girls, but there are some boy applications for using the Big Shot too. In tomorrow's post, you will learn more ideas for boy projects!

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Corduroy button #114339
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Other:

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Headband

Instructions

1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all 10 circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut eight small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
3. Die cut four small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Fold circles in half, then in half again. Gather together across the bottom, gathering all four circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. Layer scallop circles and sew together.
5. Attach Corduroy button through center.
6. Die cut small scallop circle using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Adhere to bottom of layered fabric pieces.
7. Cut two strips of fabric and adhere over headband to secure scallop circle flower to headband.

To order your own Big Shot directly from me, and save more off the catalog price, click the button on the right. To save even more, book a workshop where we can use the Big Shot together!

Using Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 3

Ahhh..the power of the Internet! ARRRGGHH! No power to the Internet! I am so sorry! We had bad storms and subsequent Internet problems since yesterday afternoon. I create some posts ahead of time and then go in and add daily commentary, etc. That is why there was this big paragraph announcing the winner and thanking everyone who participated, but NO WINNER name! I was going to add it in yesterday afternoon, when I chose it. Well, without further ado...

And The Winner Is...

Amy V!

She subscribed, referred a friend, posted on her blog, and commented about the challenge! It seemed that the tables were tipped in her favor. So, Amy V. Congrats! I will be shipping out your huge package of Blog Candy this week!

Isn't this onesie darling? Click on the picture for a closer look at the details! A package of 3 Gerber Onesies is less than $5.00. You use around 1/8th of a yard of fabric for about $1.00 or less. The result is a fantastic gift for that precious baby girl for under $3.00!! It is simple to make too! By the way, you can make Onesies for boys too, maybe not with a flower though!

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon #109067
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Pennant Bigz XL die #113438
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Supplies from your local fabric or discount store

• 1" wide elastic
• Sewing machine and thread
• Baby onesie
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Die cut 12 pennants using Big Shot and Pennant Bigz XL die. Gather and adhere to 1" elastic using sewing machine and thread.
2. Die cut seven small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Fold over five scallops and adhere to collar of onesie using sewing machine and thread.
3. Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. To create ribbon flowerette, tie a knot in the end of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, then tie a new knot every three inches. Gather the ribbon in between each knot.
5. Adhere ribbon to flower, then sew entire piece to onesie.
6. Wash and dry to give a shabby-chic look.

Order supplies to make this Onesie and other fabric gifts from me today, or you can host a workshop, where we can use fabric to make a project! To learn more about how to get a Big Shot Bundle from me for a phenomenal price, click on the button on the right side panel or email me today!

More Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 2

Before I begin today's post, I want to announce the winner of the blog candy! Since I couldn't use Random.org to choose a # for the comment post that would win (comments were spread over 3 posts), I put all the names in a bowl and chose one. And the winner is...

Thank you all so much for participating! You are awesome! Plus there were so many great ideas. See what I ended up doing after the Fabric & You Big Shot series is completed Friday!

Now on to today's post...

Today's project is a pin, barrette, or ponytail holder! It is up to you how to finish the project! Again, just like yesterday's project, the Big Shot is used to create this beauty! I have a Big Shot Bundle waiting for you to customize it, so click on the button on the side bar for more details.

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Corduroy button #114339
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Other

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Ponytail elastic, barrette, or pin back

Directions

1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all ten circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
3. To cover Corduroy button, die cut a small scallop circle, then cut off all scallops. Gather the fabric around the edge, place button in the middle, then gather up threads and tie off.
4. For a ponytail: Attach ponytail elastic to back, then sew through all layers of fabric (including fabric around button), so fabric layers are connected to elastic. For a barrette: Sew the flower to the barrette by looping the threads through the barrette. For a pin: Sew the pin back onto the flower by taking a small scrap of fabric to go over pin back, cutting tiny slits in the fabric scrap for the needle and hook part of the pin to poke through. Sew the scrap of fabric to the pin to finish off the pin.

For more information on booking a workshop using fabric and the Big Shot, please call or email me. To place an order, contact me today! Check out the Big Shot Bundle package that is available just from me in the right side panel!

Build-a-Bear Die Ideas

Today I thought I would show you some ideas from Stampin' Up! for using the Build-a-Bear Die for the Big Shot. If you would like to customize your own Big Shot bundle that is ONLY available from me, call today!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Out of the Ordinary BIG SHOT Projects!

Today's post is part of a thread I started on Stampin' Up!'s new forum for Demonstrator's Only called Stampin' Connection! I asked ladies to talk about ways they use SU! products in unique and unusual ways, and I titled it: Out of the Oridnary Projects. We all know about boxes, cards, and scrapbooking, but what else is there?

I have shown you jewelry, tiles, and earrings this week. Other people have gone as far as making necklaces and bracelets too! I will be working on some of these projects in the future too! There are people who alter candles, tins, and other containers.

One thing I wanted to find out was more ways to use the existing Big Shot dies! We should all get our money's worth from our dies.

People have used the Top Note die to make boxes, purses, bags, cards, toppers for bags, and even faces of critters such as reindeer, snowmen, and Santa. But what about a Photo Wallet? The first photo shows a red photo wallet made from the Top Note die. This project is on my TO DO board! Photo courtesy of Amanda C.

The next two photos are of a great use for the Fancy Favor Die! The Fancy Favor die creates a small gift bag perfect for a small gift. In this instance, Sherry H. connected several of them together to create a desk organizer! How terrific is that?! Great idea, Sherry!! I have the Fancy Favor die and will be making one of these very soon. If you would like one, but you do not have the die, please contact me about ordering a Creative Kit complete with everything you need to make your own. You can even pick the colors of cardstock and the embellishments used!

The next two photos are using the Box #2 die. This idea comes from Amanda C again! She first change the orientation of the box, which usually stands tall and opens from the small side, then she added a second altered Box #2 to the inside as the rest of the "tackle box"! What a great idea! This is a project I will definitely revisit for Father's Day and for my hubby's and Daddy's B'days! Can't wait!

Next is a photo that is from Yvonne M. She used the Fancy Favor die and placed two of them together with a larger tab for a handle to make a baby gift carrier! This application can be used MANY ways! Great idea!

Finally, the last photo is one by Janet W. She used the Fancy Favor die, cut it on a slant and filled it with index cards she had stamped by hand! Terrific idea for personalized note cards! Plus she added some Jumbo Paper Clips turned into Bookmarks! These ideas are on the TO DO board too.

So, your Hot Tip for the day is to look at your Big Shot dies, everything you are about to throw away, and all your craft supplies and ask yourself, "What ELSE could I do with this?" Have fun!!
Ask me about a special customizable Big Shot Bundle available only from me!! Thanks for stopping by today.

Diaper Cake and Wall Art!!

My niece recently had a baby girl, and for her baby shower, I made her a diaper cake! I used an entire case of 124 diapers. It makes a large, beautiful cake. I will give you the EASY instructions to make this cake. Trust me, if I can make this cake, so can you. This was my first attempt EVER!

The supplies you need are:

• Diapers: get 30-40 for one layer, 70 for 2 layers, and 124 for the 4 layer cake.
  
• Go to the dollar store and pick up some very inexpensive mini plastic toys (I think these are things for decoration or for baby showers). Plus get any other items you would like to use, such as small toys, mini baby powder (put in place of a diaper), socks (for mom and baby), Onesies, clothes, bath cloths, towel, blanket, creams, bath wash, pacifiers, etc.
  
• Get some type of a topper for the cake, i.e. stuffed animal, larger toy, etc.
  
• Pick up some long pearl headed pins
• A couple of artificial flower sprigs (two different sizes), which I also got at the dollar store.
  
• Rubber bands. You need a regular sized rubber band for each diaper, then you need some very large rubber bands (or 10-20 extra regular size), mine were 7-8" and were obtained from an office supply store. If you can't find the large rubber bands, use regular sized ones to connect the pods (explained later).
  
• Ribbon. Wide ribbon looks best and covers the most sins. Get 4 yards, but you will probably only use 3 for the large cake.
• Piece of poster board, or a cake stand. (My cake was too large for a cake stand, so I made a poster board circle that is not visible in this photo.)
  

The steps to make the diaper cake are:

1. Place your piece of poster board on the table. Do not cut it into a circle until you are finished with the cake. This step is critical. The poster board helps to stabilize the cake as you are moving it, preventing diapers from falling out of the center.
   
2. Take each diaper and open it to the long form. (It is difficult to describe what I did. Basically, I did not open it all the way, as you would to put a baby in; I just flipped it open.) Now roll the diaper up (starting on the decorated end) all the way and secure it with a rubber band. Repeat for each diaper.
   
3. Using the larger rubber bands, gather 8-12 diapers and stand them up inside the rubber band. Continue adding diapers to the rubber band, by stretching the rubber band to create an opening, until you have achieved the size of the layer you would like. For the first layer, I used two large rubber bands. I put less than half of the diapers in the first rubber band, then added a second rubber band around them that I put the rest of the diapers in. This created more stability and less chance for losing the "middle" diapers. I put 45-55 diapers in the bottom layer, 35-40 in the next layer, 20-28 in the next layer, and then 8-12 in the top layer. I am sorry I do not have the exact count. I counted them as I went, but I went back and added more to each layer to make them fuller. You may have to do this also to make the layers actually sit in a bit from the layer beneath it. If you don't have the large rubber bands, use regular rubber bands to collect 8-10 diapers into a "pod". Use a rubber band to connect two or three diapers from each "pod" to create your layer.
   
4. I wrapped a piece of ribbon around each layer and tucked under the top piece to create a hem, then pinned it into place. (Using the larger headed pins helps the mom know where each pin is, avoiding any possibility of a pin accidentally dropping and not being seen possibly endangering the baby.)
5. I tied a bow and pinned it into place through the inside of the loops.
6. Add the little toys, bath wash, cream, or other goodies to sit around the cake at various places. Don't forget to decorate the back of the cake.
   
7. Put the topper in place and add a tag.
8. Then I filled in the holes with the flowers. Pull the flower petals off the stems and pull out the "center" of the flowers. Now gather two large petals and one coordinating smaller petal together and pin into place using one of the pearl pins. Don't forget to decorate the back of the cake. Click the photo to see enlargements of each detail.

Some people put a few shirts or rolled up clothes, juice, stuffed animals, or any other small items I suggested above into the center of the bottom layer. If you can roll it up or it is not taller than a diaper, you can just put it right into the layer anywhere! You will use less diapers this way or have a HUGE cake! Rolled up Onesies make a great layer all of their own. Also, if you can't find pearl headed pins, you can order the Pretties Kit from Stampin' Up! (just ask me!) and make your own. The kit includes half back pearls, which you can glue to your own regular flat headed pins. This project took 2-3 hours, only because of the rolling of the diapers. The decorating took about 30 minutes.

Finally, here are a couple more Wall Art pieces I made. I hand sketch each piece of wall art prior to painting it. Believe me, I go through a lot of erasers.

Thanks for stopping by today.