Vintage Mini Album or Signature Book

Today's post is a long one! Its full of photos, details, instructions, and 3 videos!! My grandmother turned 85 yesterday. We had a huge "reception" party for her. Very fancy. I offered to make a book for guests to sign. Well, let's just say that the vintage style of my book was a complete contrast to the decor to put it mildly! However, my grandmother LOVED it!

This book was a signature book, but could just as easily become a mini album with other decorated pages instead of the lined papers I used.

Front cover is below.

Inside Front Cover is below. Each ad was significant to my grandmother!

 

Back Cover is below.

Front Cover Detail is below. I LOVE these metal frames. 

 

Prima Say It With Pearls – cut off and use just the portion you want! See photo below.

Technique for the embellishment on the Front Cover: Emboss Resist

The technique I used for the cover is called Emboss Resist. Here are the instructions for what I did:

1. Ink and distress the background cardstock or designer patterned  paper that you will want to show through. I inked (to age) and stamped an image that I wanted to show through. Using patterned paper will work great too! Just remember that what is on the base below the embossing powder will show through in the end. Make it something dramatic!
2. Before you do the next step, rub an Embossing Buddy (corn starch puff) over your cardstock/paper. I ALWAYS forget to do this and end up with a paint brush trying to remove the excess embossing powder. Ugh! I used a stencil (the cheap kind of paper stencils from the hardware store) for the numbers on the background paper. You could use a stamp instead! I laid the stencil down and inked the area with VersaMark ink. If you use a stamp, just ink the stamp with VersaMark! I then removed the stencil.
3. Cover area with CLEAR embossing powder and heat emboss.
4. Rub a darker color ink (any color) all over the paper and the embossed area. You can do this in a distressed fashion or more solidly. Wipe the excess ink off the clear embossed area. You will now have a "peek thru" to the base paper! Super simple!

Here's a Hot Tip for those of you who are new to distressing and inking edges. Using more than one color creates great depth! Use a lighter color to rub in a bit around the border, maybe 1/2 or 1" deep. The second color should be darker and you only apply it to the edges, barely allowing it to come onto the top surface of the paper. You could use 2 shade of red or two shades of green. Match it to whatever you are doing!

Here is the quote from the Tim Holtz Visual Artistry stamps that I used.

Here is the pdf version of the lined paper I used for the signature book. This is loaded on scribd, but you can also email me for a direct copy at creativepzazz at gmail dot com.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

To Do List

Here is a Hot Tip! Keep a running TO DO List in your craft space with a list of the projects that you have to do, but also include all the things you want to do!  This will keep you focused on getting the required tasks done and get you closer to doing all the fun things you want to do!
Is your TO DO List this long?

• Bulletin Board/Ceiling Tile Wall Art:
  
  • Polka Dot Bobcat colors
  • Auburn no zebra border
  • Alabama no zebra border
  • Aquas stripes
  • Small samples
• Ballerina Canvases
  
  • Large with initial on it
  • chalkboard canvas panel sample
• Canvas Panel Initial and Name Signs
• Canvas Quotes and Scripture Signs
• Satin Flowers for Headbands and Barrettes
• Canvas Panel Mixed Media (like the Maggie sign)
• Business Card Holder Tutorial
• Clean and organize my craft room, especially my paints. I have gallons, small bottles,  and quarts of paint.
• Set up an ebay account.
• RE-do my website CreativePzazz.com (this was supposed to be done by March!)
• Make a Cricut and CDS word book using a monogram.
• Make a craft/art tin with crayons, markers, etc. in a cookie tin.
• Mini Album using distress techniques and metal accents!
• Pink and black mini album for my daughter.
• Aquas and greens purse mini album for my other daughter.
• Christmas cards.
• Birthday cards
• Assorted occasion cards, especially sympathy cards.

Oh my gosh, right? Well, I hope you stay tuned for more!
Thanks for stopping by today! As you can see there is a lot to see over the next few weeks!
Thanks, Leslie

Satin Flowers: The Posy or Peony

There are 100s of videos on YouTube about how to make lollipop flowers with satin fabric, a candle, and some hot glue. The video I have made for you is a twist on the lollipop flower. You'll see samples of each in the video!

These flowers remind me of a posie or, if you add several layers, a peony or rose. In my opinion, the lollipop flowers look great for clean and modern layouts, while these layered flowers continue the vintage theme really well. Of course, you can interchange them all to suit your needs!

Layer a larger flower with a smaller flower before you add the center for a fuller flower! Don't forget to use larger circles to make larger flowers too!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

DIY Charms

There are two posts today! There is a card posted after this series of videos! Enjoy!

Today's project is to show you how to make your own charms to go on your tags or scrapbook pages, or to hang on mini albums.  I made these charms for a charm swap that I entered on the Beach. See my link on the right panel or go to Life on the Scrap Beach and join for FREE. I think there are a couple of spots left for this charm swap, if you are interested in joining!

Basically, I was supposed to make 8 charms, they needed to have a bead or button, and they had to have a pin or something to attach it with. I used the pins I made in yesterday's post as the attachment because I didn't want any beads on these particular charms. To meet the requirements, I added some spacer beads and seed beads on some safety pins (that I did not alter like yesterday's pins), and I will send those for each participant as well.

For full instructions watch the video. Sorry there are two parts, but I wanted to share all the tips I learned by doing this process!

Supplies used:

• Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE) in platinum
• Versamark Ink Pad
• Heat Gun
• Needle tool or Tweezers

To make the Heat Proof Tile:

• 12" ceramic tile (don't go to any expense here, the cheaper the better, in case it breaks)
• Flat backed marbles (from Michael's)
• E6000 glue (or other industrial strength glue, such as Gorilla Glue, Goop, etc.)

So after I prepared these charms, I found out that the rest of the ladies in the swap were making charms that were more like Bling than vintage, so I am making different ones! Here is the video about those.

Here is a video showing all the charms, both styles, completed! Plus two things I was working on Sunday afternoon.

Please leave me a comment here or on my YT! Look for a video about more flowers maybe next weekend. Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

DIY Tim Holtz Embellishment Pins

Today's project is to show you how to make my own home made version of the Tim Holtz embellishment pins. While I would love to buy EVERY Tim product there is, the reality is that I have to pick and choose. I had been wanting some pins like these, but just couldn't let myself get them. Well, now I can make my own, and so can you!

Supplies used:

• Safety pins (any size—the cheaper the better, check the dollar store or your sewing kit)
• Alcohol ink ( I used black)
• Zipper style bag (learn from me and check to see if it has leaks before you start!)

Leave me a comment here or on YT! Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

Bottomless Love Tub and Drink Tags

So after I blathered on yesterday about Feng Shui, I figured I better create something GREAT to share with you all to redeem myself in your eyes! Well, I did create something GREAT, but you'll have to wait. I am working up a tutorial for it! Don't fret! I have plenty more things to share with you!

I won blog candy from http://inkpaperstamps.stampincorner.com/ that Holly was giving away. She was giving away bottle flags, she called them. They were tags with a stamped mug on them colored to look like beer mugs! They were like wine glass markers, supposed to help you keep your beer identified at the party.  Well, I don't drink (remember I have Multiple Sclerosis, so meds + alcohol = NO NO!), so I asked her to make them coke floats in the mugs, because my daughter makes floats with her friends when she has a sleepover.

And so she did! She also went over board and made the cutest decorated tin! Check them out!

She made one tag larger for the guest of honor. She used (I assume) a blender pen or the aqua painters to color the soda in the mugs.

 

These are the other tags. I just LOVE that mini tag the heart is stuck on. Don't forget to click on a photo to enlarge it.

 

These are all of the tags. She used crystal effects, Dazzling Diamonds, and clear micro beads for the foam on the mugs. On one tag there was a errant black micro bead. She had the Fantabulous idea to make this tag be the "door prize" winner's tag! Since it is different compared to the others!! You could even plan this on your own tags!

 

Here is the tin. My daughter confiscated it and is using it for her "treasures". It is magnetic on the bottom. Melon Mambo ribbon, if you were wondering.

 

Cute Circle Circus center for the flower. Platinum Shimmer paint for the ink. Bling-a-licious in the center!

 

She lined the inside and made this precious Japanese plum blossom punch art attached to the bottom.

 

This is inside the lid. The green scallop circle is the base of the flower on top of the lid. (Great idea! I had not thought of that!)

What a GREAT blog candy!! Holly was so great and asked me exactly what I wanted! She has great ideas too! Drop by sometime and tell her hi!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

p.s. Since my daughter absconded with the tin for the tags, I made a new container for them. Check it out tomorrow!

Photo and Video Tips

I hope you noticed yesterday's post. I am having problems with Blogger scheduler for the posts. Anyway, yesterday's post is below the post from Tuesday!

For today, here is a video I made from requests that I have gotten. It goes through my set-up of how I take photos of my projects, plus a mention of how I video. It cost me around $3.00! Just check out the video. I only use my camera. You can click here to see what camera I use to do this. Someday I will get a Flip or other video camera, but for now, it is my trusty digi cam!

One thing, I forgot to mention in the video, is lighting and sound. I haven't gotten anything perfected yet! But here are the technicalities that I have learned from reading.  For lighting, the important thing to remember is natural light is better than regular lights. It gives a truer color and more clear photo. However, don't think that you should film with bright sunlight. You want natural filtered light. Film in front of a window, but if the sun is bright through it, place a white curtain or shade between the window and the video set up.
Also, notice shadows that you are creating as you video or photograph something. I have seen several videos where people have a light that faces the camera, but this creates shadows that make it hard to see the image or project. There are fabulous tutorials out there in YouTube-land, but it is so hard to see what the people are doing that I can't follow along well. So, put the light beside the camera, and you will get better results. If no natural light is available, then use a lamp with the light aimed at your workspace and plenty of overhead lighting.
Finally, I needed to mention sound quality. My sound quality is not great. I need major improvement in that area. My sound is recorded through the camera. With Flip and other video cameras, sound quality will be better. However, you can get by without anything fancy, if you just speak up.
My biggest tip is for you to make a practice video. See how the lighting, sound, and shadows are. Then adjust and create the real deal!
Good luck and enjoy!
Leslie

Tiny Mist Spray Bottles!

Yesterday I showed you some of the Tim Holtz goodies that I got recently. This afternoon, I found a tiny spray bottle in the backseat of the car. When I asked the girls about it, they told me it was from some hand sanitizer that we got at the dollar store. Sure enough, we got them 2 for $1! I was quite aggravated!!! But I was even more frustrated when I told my mom the story I am about to tell you, and she handed me a container that was just a bit larger!! FREE! She even has more!! Here's what happened…

See, I recently purchased the Tim Holtz "Mini Misters" from scrapbooks.com for $4.99 for a pack of 3. I looked everywhere for less expensive versions of these, but couldn't find them. Then today, a month after this purchase, I found this other tiny spray bottle that works the exact same way and cost less it hurts!!

You could go out an purchase several of the hand sanitizers in these cute tiny spray bottles, and either use them or empty the contents, then use them for your "Mini Misters"!

Maybe you can benefit from my discovery! I will definitely be picking these up all along, so I will have a bottle for each color! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a blessed day!

Leslie

p.s. I noticed that I have had 4 people stop following me or unsubscribing to my blog. I know that my recent posts have not been the most inspiring. I just ask that if you will give me a chance to get caught up, I guarantee that by May 1, I will be posting actual projects once more!          Thanks…Leslie

Candy Buffet Party Invitations

Today I am showing you an actual invitation that is being sent out for my cousin's daughter's birthday party. The theme is Candy Buffet. I will be showing photos when the party is finished, so just check back often for those. The party is April 24th. I have shown you over the past few days the samples I have made using My Digital Studio for the different decorations, etc. for the party. Using My Digital Studio is such an economical way to make samples! I can do hundreds of different designs for my cuz to choose from without wasting any paper or embellishments! Plus, I can change colors in a snap! Yippee!!

This photo is the complete invitation. Isn't it so cute?!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a blessed day!

Leslie Jones To place an order or for questions…CreativePzazz@gmail.com

Candy Jar Labels

Today I will show you the samples of the candy jar labels that I made for my cousin. She is having a party for her daughter, who will be 4, and the theme is candy buffet! It will be so cute! I will be posting photos of the finished party, so stay tuned!

So, I have been in charge of making the invitations, banner, tickets for the kids to purchase the candy, and the labels for the jars of candy. Yesterday I showed you the samples of the banner that will be put across the room. Today I will show you the labels for the jars of candy.

You can see my notes to my cuz. She hasn't told me which ones we are using yet. I hope it is the striped one. We aren't doing a red and white striped awning over the doorway, like originally planned, but these are still the cutest thing to me!! The ones with the black brackets on them would be hand cut to the shape of the bracket.

Which would you choose?

Don't forget about My Digital Studio when you are planning a project. It is a great tool to make the samples, see what they will look like without wasting a bunch of paper! What a GREEN way to paper craft!!

Have a blessed day! Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie Jones …CreativePzazz@gmail.com

10 Tips to find FREEBIES!

No pics today. I know you love pictures… but maybe the tips will make up for it!

1. Are you a "hoarder"? I am guilty of being a supply hoarder. I will get different things that I love and want to put on a project, but the extras, I will "save" for that special project that for some reason never comes up. The next time you start to go to a craft store, stop! Check out the supplies you have at home! You may have forgotten about what you already have! Of course, adding a new Stampin' Up! product or two and using what you have is even better!! You get something new and get to use something you already have!
2. Get free tips from me! I blog every day. If you ever have a question about a product, technique, or organization need, just email me or leave a comment and I will research it and make a tutorial or video for you! It is my job! And I love it!
3. Take advantage of Sale-a-bration with Stampin' Up! You can get FREE stamp sets, paper, and punches just by ordering $50 or more! Time is running out for 2010; you must order by March 30th! Contact me today!!
4. Think about recycling items! Recycle card board boxes into magazine holders. Save magnets from the mail to add to the back of a small project. Use envelopes for a mini album! For more recycling ideas, check out my posts in te Being Green category in the right panel.
5. Check yard sales for items you can craft with. Can that sweater be turned into a handbag? Are there nice buttons on that shirt? Sometimes even stamps, paper, and other craft supplies are there.
6. Check Craigslist, FREEBIE papers, PennySaver papers, and other free publications. too! There are plenty of sources of craft products there, plus I have found some great deals on storage and organization products on Craigslist! Don't limit yourself to your city on Craigslist. If you find something you want in another city, you could work out a deal with the owner for shipping or possibly meeting you halfway!
7. Search for free layouts, card sketches, images, etc. online! I provided you with several FREE papers or transparencies that I found online. Again, click Being Green category in the right panel.
8. Use books from your library for inspiration! The library is full of art books, scrapbooking books, craft books, etc. And guess what? They are all FREE! Unless you return them late! LOL
9. Gather friends and have a SWAP. You can also find swaps online. In some swaps, you trade cards, scrapbook pages, or even supplies. Some supply swaps are based on color. For example, you trade your red items for another person's green items. If you are in a group swap, then you could end up with a rainbow of supplies! Mind that you will have to give up some of your own, but you can get so much too!
10. You can also check out Blog Candy for different blogs! Click blog candy in the right panel and see the things I have given away before, but you will also see a Blog Candy event that even you can win!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie Jones

email: CreativePzazz@gmail.com

contact. 334. 493. 2511

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!

Kermit Was Wrong! It IS Easy Being Green!

Yesterday, being St. Patrick's Day and everything being green, got me to thinking about being being "GREEN" and crafting. No, I do not mean being jealous of your fellow crafters and all the goodies and tools they have, but being eco-minded, non-wasteful, recycle-savy, and resourceful.

When I look at my crafting, I think I am GREEN, or at least, I am trying to be! You know, I used to be more resourceful than I am now! I would keep all sorts of things, in the hopes that I would be able to use it for something!

For example, yesterday, I was at the public library in our town, where my Mom works. They were holding a book sale. I had to work to help her out, so I was stacking, moving and restacking books. I noticed that several of them still had those old library cards in them. The ones that look like this:

I decided to go around and collect a bunch of them. I got all there was from one table of books and brought home a stack over 3" high! What will I do with them? Well, most of them are set aside for blog candy at some point! The rest I am going to use as journaling cards in a mini album. I am building up supplies and ideas for a mini album, and I want these, and the little pockets they go in, to be where I put journaling. I'm probably going to let the back be the only part that shows, because it is empty. Of course, the front with all the signatures is what is so interesting! I found the pockets at the library too. I just asked for one, so I can re-create them at home, but you can find them at the office supply store in town, too. I am really excited about these!

The next time you start to throw something away, look at it, and ask yourself the following questions. These are your Hot Tips for the Month!



To turn yourself a little more GREEN, ask yourself these questions each time you start to toss something away:

1. Can you use the chipboard from the packaging to create mini-album pages or to punch out an accent?
   
2. Could you cover the box and turn it into a great storage or gift box?
3. Is there any clear plastic that you could use as an acetate accent? Strips of clear acetate make almost invisible props for pop-up cards. Stay tuned for a sample card made this way!
   
4. Soda Pop cans are great craft products. Check out this post and video to learn more!
5. Is there a plastic bowl or cup, such as yogurt cups, that could be used again for non-food purposes? Try them when painting, watercoloring, or to hold crayons for a small child's gift.
   
6. Speaking of crayons, don't toss the broken ones! Peel off the paper, break them into pieces, and drop bits into a cup (like a yogurt cup) to melt slightly in the microwave. Start with 15 secs, then add 5 seconds until melted. Do not stir! Let cool and remove or cut away from the cup. Make a blue crayon with all different blues in it or make a rainbow crayon!
   
7. Do you throw away all those "pretend" credit cards that come in the mail? They have such great uses! I keep all of them. The cardboard kind can be used as chipboard as is or to spread glue over a project. The plastic kind work great as paint spreaders. They leave really cool streaks and smears on the project! Try this same swiping technique with a couple of drops of craft ink then emboss! WOW!
8. Do you keep your paper scraps? You should! What if you only need a 1/4" circle? If you keep every single scrap, you will always have a piece to use! If you can't see keeping anything smaller than a 2"x2" square, then put all your paper scraps in a box, when you get a box full make handmade paper one day! Mix a handful of pre-soaked neutral scraps in a blender with a lot of water. Mix well. Add just a few small pre-soaked scraps of a colored paper and blend just a couple of times. This will create an interesting speckled effect. You can do this by starting with a color slurry and adding another contrasting color for speckles too! There is no need for fancypaper making supplies. Just take the slush you made in the blender, pour it into a large plastic box. Use a CLEAN filter for your stove vent, a scrap piece of window screen, a mesh strainer, coffee filter, cool whip lid, etc. to gather some of the pulp, then let it drain. You can lightly press a sponge into the pulp to get more poisture out. Got areas that are bare, gather some pulp in your hand and pat it into the bare spot! Once it is fairly drained and as thick as you want it, flip it over onto some paper towel that is on a folded beach towel. Peel off the filter/screen. If you used the mesh strainer, do not worry that the paper is not flat. Press it with your hands or with a wet sponge. It will dry flat. When dry, cut or punch into a great tag or accent for a card or scrapbook page! Kids love this whole process! Get them involved! Want a video of this process? Leave a comment below!
   

Other GREEN Crafty Tips:

• Use what you have. We all want new products, but if we make ourselves use what we have to make a project, we can remind ourselves why we loved that product in the first place.
  
• Alter what you have. Remember that great paper called Sending Love from Stampin' Up! (click to go to the post about this technique)? Its colors were really pretty, but it had a definite Feb 14th feel to it. Once you brayer or sponge on another color over the top, the embossing still shows through and you have created an entirely NEW paper! Try this with many other patterned papers. Are the colors too bold for your taste now? Distress it, brayer over it, sponge it, or my new fav thing to do is emboss over it in clear, then brayer on color; when you wipe it with a paper towel or clean sponge, you get a reveal of those bold colors. Do a combination of all these techniques and see what you get! Watch a video on this technique later this week!
  
• Wait! Don't forget that brads, eyelets, flowers, and other embellishments can be altered to look new too! For brads and eyelets, sand them, distress them, color the with a marker, press into VersaMark and emboss with your favorite color. For flowers, ink them, paint them with crackle paint, stamp on them, spritz other inks on them. Cover them with glossy accents for a really unique accent!
• Visit garage sales and look through the jewelry. Cheap jewelry with a nice chain, great beads, impressive charms, or large pins are great to use when crafting! These items will work great on scrapbook pages, mini albums, and tags. Don't forget to go through the books, while you are there. Dictionaries, music books, ledger paper, cards, and other papers work great as background paper! Even a page from that trashy romance novel LOL would be great for a Valentine's card or LOVE mini album! I always check out the storage items too! A girl can never be too organized! I found some great apothecary jars at one yard sale. $5 each for gallon size! What a find! Not only are you getting a prize, but you are preventing things from going to the dump!
  
• Recycle magazines. Take them to an elementary school, where they cut them up for projects or to a nursing home, assisted living, or hospital. Libraries often take magazines for donation too. Or better yet, sell them on Ebay and make money to buy new craft products... or to give to the needy. :)
  

Remember next month is Earth Day Month. Try to use some of these tips in your crafting until they become habit. We are all working together to save the Earth.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Leslie Jones

Soda Cans: Before and After Part 4

Today is day 4 of the Before & After Series. This series is running March 8- March 13. The purpose of this series is to show some common items that we all use, and then show them in a different way. This is not your standard "altered items" series of projects. Some of the posts are techniques, and some of them are full projects. My FAVORITE project will actually post on Saturday March 13th, and it will make you "jump on a chair and scream!" Check back tomorrow for a project that is a hint to the big project for Saturday.

Today we will look at a soda can. I used the metal from a soda can to create the metal accent on this Anniversary card and this Valentine's card.

I have made a video to show you how to do this technique. I hope you enjoy it.

I am thinking of some ideas to do a new series on metal! It will have to wait a week though. Next week I will be posting about my daughter's Stamp Camp with her friends! That is what she wanted to do for a birthday party, so we are doing several projects together! We are both very excited! I will show all the projects and photos next week.

I post every day. Every day. So come by and check out what is happening, or better yet, subscribe in the top right panel and receive email updates when I post! To view videos, you will have to visit my blog or YouTube.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Products used for today's project:

• Big Shot # 113439
• Texturz Plates #1 Backgrounds # 114512
• Texturz Impressions Pad (use instead of a cutting pad) #114614
• Texturz Impressions Silicone Rubber (for deep impressions) # 114615
• Craft and Rubber Scissors #103179
• Other: soda can, wire cutter pliers (raid your hubby's tool box)

Designer Series Patterned Paper: Before & After Part 3

Today is Part 3 of the series Before & After. Be sure to check out the rest of the posts in this series. You do NOT want to miss the last post for this series on the last day! You will yell EEK! with excitement! Ooh! That was a hint!

Today's project is turning some patterned paper (Stampin' Up! calls it Designer Series Paper) into something totally new! I was inspired to try this with Stampin' Up! Sending Love Designer Series Paper, because I have seen many other demonstrators do the same thing using the Bride and Bridesmaid Specialty Paper.

How To:

It is simple. Start with embossed, foiled, or glittered designer series paper. Brayer or sponge on the color your heart desires. I know, easy, right? You may want to lightly rub a paper towel over the paper after you have inked it to remove the ink from the top of the embossing, etc.

The effect is very stunning with the foiled Bridal Specialty paper shown below.

The next photo shows the dramatic Before & After of what happens if you sponge or brayer ink onto one of the pieces of the Sending Love paper. Yes, those are the same papers!

This next photo shows the sparkle of the papers. Well, this is as good as I could get it to show.

This final photo shows the card completed.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Products used in today's project:

• Sending Love Designer Series Paper #117153
• Scallop Trim Punch #118402
• Pretty in Pink Cardstock #100459
• Basic Black cardstock #102851
• Whisper White Organza Ribbon #114319
• Small Oval punch #107304
• Pretty in Pink Classic ink #101301
• Real Red Classic ink #103133
• Basic Black Classic ink #101179
• Rhinestone Brad (small) #113144
• Stampin' Sponges #101610
• Brayer and Rubber Attachment #102395
• Other: paper towel

Ribbon: Before & After Part 2

Today's Before & After stars Whisper White Organza ribbon, but you could use any white ribbon, flower, or Fleurette.

The Before is on the Right. The After is on the Left.

How To:

• To achieve ribbon in any color that you desire, take a small lid or paper plate.
• Add 6-8 drops of any dye-based reinker.
• Drag the ribbon (or flower, etc.) through the reinker.
• Lay over the rim of a glass to dry.
• Note: I used a heat gun to speed up the process, but you MUST keep the heat pretty far from the ribbon, because if it gets too hot, it will melt.

There was going to be a portion of this post devoted to the embossing on ribbon and flowers. There are 2 reasons you won't find that information here: (1)I tried one technique I found during research; it failed. (2)The planet Saturn was in my orbit causing all creativity to cease.

No, I am not "out there"! My youngest daughter has a planet project due tomorrow (that is actually today when you read this), which she failed to tell me about over the weekend. So, I spent all afternoon and evening scrounging a volleyball and making rings for her planet!

All is not lost though. It will just add another day to my Before & After series! I will prevail and learn how to emboss ribbon and flowers!

Until then…

Big Shot Sandwiches!

No. You can't make a sandwich using the Big Shot! And Nope, you can't eat the Big Shot!

I have been using my Big Shot a bunch lately to make all sorts of different projects, which requires different "sandwiches" for each thing. The "sandwiches" are the layers of cutting plates, multipurpose platform, silicone rubber mats, cardstock shims, etc. that are layered together to make allow the Big Shot to cut most effectively. I needed a place for these sandwiches to stay centrally located. Then it just occurred to me that you might need a "sandwich source" too!

I was asked the question the other day: "Do you use the Big Shot more than your Cricut?" The answer is absolutely!! Using the Cricut was wasteful and stressful for me. I never knew exactly what size to make something, so I would have to make 3 or 4 of them. I just don't use it anymore. I haven't used it since I got my Big Shot. Cricut's are great, and there are many uses for them too. It just is not my personal favorite.

The Big Shot takes all the guess work out of a project! I know exactly what I am going to get, and I can cut 4 times as much in the same amount of time.

Today's post is full of Hot Tips for you! These are the various methods of creating the sandwiches for the different dies you may have. These sandwiches will work for the Big Shot, and in some cases, the Cuttlebug too. Remember many of the dies, texture plates, and embossing folders that Stampin' Up! sells for the Big Shot will work on the Cuttlebug too! Visa versa you can use some of the "other dies" in the Big Shot too!

As I discussed yesterday, there are many different materials that the Big Shot dies will cut, including cardstock, chipboard, thin plastic (like notebook covers), and fabric!

The dies I will be referring to are the ones that Stampin' Up! offers. I, personally, know these dies are very high quality!

• Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies are steel ruled dies, which can cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper. See the complete list of materials that you can cut on this post. These are great for creating multiples of a project very quickly!
• Sizzlits dies are small and detailed metal dies that sometimes have impressions for creating an embossed or perforated texture on cardstock. These dies will only cut through thin materials, such as cardstock, paper, and very thin fabrics. You should not use multiple layers with these dies!
• In general, you will turn the handle slightly with slight pressure to start the sandwich through the opening of the Big Shot and continue turning the handle until the sandwich comes out the other side.

The “Sandwiches”:

This information was obtained from a great source! Thanks Karen! This is how you layer your platforms, plates, dies and paper when using your Big Shot.

For each sandwich, you will lay down each layer in the order listed; in other words, the first thing listed is actually the bottom of the sandwich.

Originals Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• Originals die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Clear Dies:

Clear dies allow you to see where you are positioning the die for your project.

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ Clear die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL Dies:

These dies require the Extended Cutting Pads. You will not use the Standard Cutting Pads for these dies.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Extended Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL dies with score marks:

There are BIGZ XL dies that press in some score lines to create bags, boxes, and more. Note the change to the sandwich below, and do not use more than one piece of cardstock with this sandwich.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL (foam side up)
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired.
• Paper (face up)
• One or two shims (see note below)
• Extended Premium Crease Pad

Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 12″. Use them with Extended Spacer Platform and Decorative Strip Cutting Pads. These dies are not recommended for use with more than one layer of paper.

• Extended Spacer Platform
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad

Sizzlits Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 2-1/2″ and are chemically etched dies for cutting through single layers of card stock and Designer Series paper. Use them with Standard Cutting Pads and Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Die (foam side up)
• paper
• Standard Cutting Pad

Embosslits Dies:

These dies are chemically etched and create an embossed texture in the shape that is cut out. Embosslits cut through card stock and Designer Series Paper. Use them with Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Embosslit die with the paper inside (The dies close like a book, and there is a mark on the die stating which side should face up)
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders:

These plastic folders will create a texture on your Designer Series Paper or cardtsock (one layer at a time). Use them with the Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Textured Impressions Embossing folder with the paper inside and closed like a book. Decide if you want the impression to be debossed (recessed texture) or embossed (raised texture) and place the appropriate side face up.
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Texturtz Plates:

These create subtle patterns and designs on Designer Series Paper or cardstock creating a stunning embossed background. Each plate is double-sided. Use with the Multipurpose Platform, Impressions Pad and Silicone Rubber.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Spritz paper with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired
• Texture plate (face up)
• Paper (face up)
• Silicone Rubber mat
• Shim if desired
• Impressions Pad

Shims:

There are times when one sandwich is perfect for one Big Shot and not quite perfect for another. If you cut out the shape and it is still attached, trim it with scissors and add a shim the next time you cut that die. Other times you may need a shim include when you are using an embossing die or scoring die. The shim will increase the pressure as the dies rolls through the Big Shot and deepen the impression. Remember, spritzing the paper with alcohol or water will also deepen the impression for more dramatic results.

Things to use as shims: Use these interchangeably depending on the amount of pressure needed.

• a piece of cardstock
• a piece of thin chipboard, such as poster board
• a piece of the thin chipboard that comes with the dies
• If more pressure is needed add a second piece of cardstock or chipboard.

Note: Rolling the sandwich through the Big Shot shouldn't be a struggle to do. If it is hard to turn the handle, you have too much shim. Creating too much pressure can affect the die itself.

Hope this helps you out some! Thanks for stopping by!

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!

I Love You

Well, at least I really like you a lot because you visit my blog!! This card is a basic simple card, but sometimes simple is sweet! The card almost didn't happen. I chose the size of my Pixie Pink cardstock square for the center based on the size of the heart in the center. I really wanted to use the scallop trim punch, but I don't have the scallop trim corner punch. I punched it the scallop trim border punch anyway, feeling that I was just playing while I was regrouping my thoughts. Then a funny thing happened… I liked what came out in the end! It sort of reminds me of arrows, which are very appropriate for the card subject!

The card base is Whisper White and is cut at 4 1/4 x 11". I scored it at 5 1/2". I then cut 1/2" off the front panel. I took a 1" piece of Pixie Pink cardstock and punched the scallop border. I glued it onto the front panel leaving a small bit of the back showing too. The focal element was a piece of Pixie Pink cardstock cut at 2.5 x 2.5" I then centered the piece on the scallop trim border punch and punched it. I repeated this for all 4 sides of the cardstock. Finally, I stamped the scallop heart from the Framed with Love stamp set using Pixie Pink ink. I then used the masking technique to stamp the sentiment. The sentiment was created with the I (heart) stamps from Tote-ally Tess stamp set and the You! from the stamp set Things I love. So today's Hot Tip is for you to look at your stamps in a whole new way! Look at your stamps to see if you can use them in different ways or if you can use parts of stamps together to create something new!

Masking Technique (using tape):

• Take a piece of scotch tape and cover the portion of the stamp that you do not want to be inked.
• Ink stamp like normal.
• Remove the tape prior to stamping the image.

I hope you like the card. Thanks for stopping by today.

Supplies used in today's project:

Page	Number	Item	Price
186	112091	Scallop Edge Punch	$15.95
9 (SAB)	118402	Scallop Trim Border Punch	FREE w/ $50 order
119	114389	Framed with Love stamp set	$27.95
54 IBC 11 (SAB)	115229 120208	Things I love stamp set	$15.95 or FREE w/ $50 order!!
41	118595	Tote-ally Tess stamp set	$16.95
156	105121	Pixie Pink Cardstock 8.5 x 11"	$5.50
155	100734	Whisper White Cardstock 8.5 x 11"	$7.50

Sucker or Lollipop Holder VIDEO!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is the video tutorial about how to make your own Sucker Holders! Also, there is a Hot Tip about making your own FAUX Ticket Corner Punch!

Please leave a comment! For more information about the products used in the video or for complete written instructions, please visit this post.

Thanks for stopping by.

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