Five Minute gift packaging

So first the background story.  Hayden's teacher has a collection of magnets from various places that she or her students have visited.  Whenever we go exploring he wants to get her one to bring back.  Then he forgets all about it until we get home again.  Except this time.  This time he remembered to get one.  He just forgot to give it to her today.  He remembered after he had gone to bed tonight, at which point he requested if we couldn't please wrap it up all nicely for her?

What's a mum to do?  Of course we can figure something else.  But something quick, because Hayden is supposed to be sleeping, and I am supposed to be listening to the sound of all three of them asleep - ahh the quiet!  Thank goodness for the very clever, super simple, and best of all, really quick triangle box.  Not to mention coordinating card, ink and ribbon (Tangerine Tango) and the always elegant Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set.

Five minutes later, pausing only for a photo, we were done, and Hayden was tucking it away in his bag all ready to take to school tomorrow.  It really is so very easy, and not only does it work well with the 5 minute simple approach, the 10 minute something special  variety looks fantastic too. (Hard to believe there is a humble magnet in that box!)

I think this might be my favourite gift packaging technique, athough I do really like the bag in a box (box in bag?) approach too.  It does take a few more minutes though, and to be honest, I really do like to hear the sound of those sleeping babies!

Candy for Breakfast

and lunch, and pretty much all through the day...  yep - we have just celebrated our first Halloween (is celebrate the right word?) and the kids are maintaining their sugar high just nicely.  Big crash coming though.  The bottoms of the buckets are peaking through the candy wrappers!  In amongst the candy wrappers, I have found some inspiration for some Halloween related projects which I am hoping to get to this week.  Also more scrapbooking inspiration from our recent family adventures, just as soon as I get on top of the photos. Not forgetting assorted birthdays, thank yous, and new baby cards that are on the to do list.  Hopefully I should have lots to share in the next fews weeks!  But right now, time to sneak a bit of sugary goodness I think!

Having a little break...

Hi everyone,

We are about to head off on another adventure, so I probably won't be posting anything new for a little bit.  I have been playing with chipboard the last couple of days though, and I have to say that heat and stick powder is my new best friend!  Wow, but doesn't it make those chipboard letters all pretty? (with the help of some glitter of course!)  Planning on sharing it with you all soon, once I get through the adventure, and all the subsequent adventure laundry that is ...

Bridie's new Hat.

So I was sitting there, wondering what SU will surprise us with in the not so far away summer mini catalogue.  Thinking about what is available now, and has been available in the past, in their other markets, and of course, making a little wishlist!  

I got to thinking about the cute little crocheted flower embellishments that are yet to make it to the NZ/Aust market.  Then I got to thinking that, probably, if I put my mind to it, I could make my own crochet flower embellishments (although I would need to find my glasses if I wanted to make them as cute and dainty as the SU ones!)  It wouldn't be the first time I have crocheted on a scrapbooking project (but you will have to take my word for that because that album is in storage somewhere - silly me!)  In fact, the last time I had crocheted, I am pretty sure, was on that layout.

From there the thoughts went completely away from paper crafty stuff, and were focused firmly on the crochet.  A quick trip to the shop to grab some wool, and now Bridie is the very proud owner of an experimental hat (that, just quietly, could possibly double as a toilet roll cover if we were that way inclined!)  But we are not.  So hat it is.  And Bridie is pretty pleased with it.  She wants one for her baby doll too. 

(based on the 'Peek-a-Boo Flower Hat  pattern by Mary Jane Hall)

See - not paper crafty - but I've been working on, and actually finishing, other projects.  All is not lost!

Little stamps with lots of layers

I haven't quite finished with my challenge to use those little image stamps.  This time round it is all about one teeny tiny stamped image, and then lots of layers to make that little image appear bigger than it is.  I really liked how I got to use lots of different tools and techniques and yet the cards still have a nice, clean and simple look to them.

The first one made use of a handy little 'love note' and matching envelope - working with the small image/small project idea. 

The heart was stamped and embossed with gold, to make it that little bit more special, then layered on gold card to really give it some sparkle. I used stampin' dimensionals to attach it to a layer of white card, and then attached it all to a crimped red layer before attaching to the card front. 

Just to show you how this idea works with more standard sized cards, here it is again.  This time I added another layer of gold to seperate the crimped red from the red card base, and added an embossed gold greeting. 

I really like the textural interest of the embossing, raised layers, and crimped card, as well as that metallic shine.  It all works together to give the feel of one larger image, rather than just that original little heart.  Why is it though, that when it comes to embossing, I can never just look, I always have to touch it too?

Next I used the same idea to make this birthday card. 

No embossing this time.  The image was stamped with basic gray ink and then coloured using pastels (chalks) and a blender pen.  I did keep the crimped layer, and for added textural interest I roughed up the edges of the other layers (no fancy tools needed -  fingernails work fine!) 

Add some coordinating embellishments, such as these brads, stamp a greeting, and the birthday card is done.  What I like best is that this card could work for boys or girls, of almost any age. - very handy! You don't always find a card like that!

And did you notice - all bold brights again (and this time it wasn't on purpose!)  I am starting to think that the images from the short and sweet stampset, and bold brights colours, were made for each other!

DIY backgrounds using little stamps

I have to start by saying that SU! have a fantastic range of stamps just perfect for baby projects - including the Nursery Necessities set I used to make this card.  With all those other options available, this pin stamp, cute as it is, wouldn't normally be my first choice.  Remembering though, that my challenge is to make use of those smaller stamps that are so often under utilized, and in particular the images from the Short and Sweet stamp set.  Nappy pin it is!

I am actually really pleased with how this card came out.  I have used the idea of repetition again, but this time in a random fashion to make my own patterned background.  Some of the pins are stamped twice before reinking, so you get a bit of variety in the depth of colour of that baja blue ink.   I used Night of Navy card to give the baja blue a little lift, and then finished it off with some sponging to soften the edges, and some matching baja ribbon.  When you have a ribbon that matches it is almost a crime not to use it!

I have also used this set to make backgrounds for scrapbook layouts, and not just on those mini projects.

The little heart outline was just perfect to stamp on the cocoa card strips for this 12 x 12 layout (although you may have to click on that photo and enlarge it to actually see it!)  The rose red strips had word stamps decorating them (including the 'love you' from short and sweet) and the rose red patterned paper pieces came from a single 6x6 piece - the photo and embellishments hide the joins so you would never know!

This is a layout that has been shown lots in real life, but pretty sure I haven't shown it here before.  It was full of experimentation and little challenges to myself - the first really girly, frilly, busy layout I had done, and still one of my favourites.  Makes me want to get the pretties kit out every time I see it.  It also reminds me, that after committing to sewing directly on the layout I discovered my sewing machine wasn't working like it should.  The repair man, after fixing it, told me he had never seen that particular problem before, and if it ever happened again I should bring it back IMMEDIATELY! Eek. I didn't tell him I had been using it to sew cardboard!  (and I haven't had the courage to use the machine again for anything, let alone scrapbooking!)

Maybe that should be my next challenge?!

Making use of those little image stamps

In an attempt to get back into the crafting groove I have been setting myself some challenges.  The latest one is to make use of those little image stamps that you often find in a set.  In particular, I am looking at the great little 'short and sweet' stamp set.  This is a popular, value for money stamp set, but I find I am most often using the greetings, and not often the little images that go along.

So, over the next little bit I am hoping to share a few ideas using these little stamps.   The first, and easiest idea is of course to use those little stamps on little projects - gift tags and smaller cards.  The cute little 'Love Notes' (card and matching envelope) are the perfect size.  The second idea, and one I also used for these cards, is repetition.  Use that little image more than once, to make it look like a bigger image.  I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to help with even spacing.  Take that little flower and stamp it out nine times, and this is what you get:

This time I also set myself the challenge of using only the bold bright colours.  I do have a couple that I use often, but must confess, overall I am not so much of a bold brights girl (and in fact, I discovered that a couple of my BB ink spots hadn't even been opened before these cards!)  I am pleased to say that I have used every single bold bright colour in these cards - and I actually really like them!  The fact that the image is a small outline one, means that you get a nice splash of colour, but lots of white also helps to tone it down.  That's what I think anyway - what do you think?

Best of all, this idea works just as well on a more conventional sized card (and look - the last of those bold bright colours!)

Campbell's thank you card

First a little bit of background.  Security at school is pretty strict.  The external doors are locked.  You have to be 'buzzed in' at the main entrance (we're still trying to get our heads round it all).  Before school the kids line up in their classes, and the teachers open various doors for them to come inside.  Yesterday Campbell was a little leisurely joining the line, and the door closed before he got there.  Normally that wouldn't be a problem, he would knock and they would let him in, but yesterday an alarm was going off at that end of the building, and the knocking went unheard.  Poor Campbell was not sure what to do, and feeling rather upset.  Locked out of school! Then a nice girl came along, and helped him.  Taking him down to the front office, so he could join his class.  Turns out, that nice girl, also happened to be his teachers daughter.  He was very impressed to find that out, and decided he should make her a card.  Who am I to argue with that!

After a brief conversation about what girls might like on their cards (hugs and kisses apparently - look out ladies!) he suggested that flowers may also work, and perhaps we could use the punches. So that is what we did, and this is what he came up with. 

He has obviously spent a bit of time watching Mum, as he had a very clear idea of what he wanted - right down to the layering of flowers, and 'those sparkly things' in the middle.  I especially like the filigree flower on the pink flower (and can hardly believe Campbell used them before I did!)

When it came to the inside I did make the suggestion that a pop-up card might be fun.  We stuck with the flowers, and I think it turned out really well.  I especially like the bigger flowers he suggested we add to the background.  His theory was 'she won't even notice they are not part of the pop-up Mum', and you know what?  I think he was right.

As for the hugs and kisses?  He didn't forget those!  They were added at the bottom, and double as maths homework too - 'look Mum - it's a pattern - x, o, x, o'   Homework has never been so much fun!

A 'No Photos' Scrapbook Layout

Do you remember the first time you really noticed your own heart beat?  Heard it?  Or felt it booming away in your chest?  Wondered what it was, and were delighted when you found out? 

I don't. But I was lucky enough to be nearby when Bridie did, and what a wonder filled moment that was!  Now I am the first to admit that when it comes to scrapbooking big life moments like birthdays and christmas I am not so flash.  New PJs and heartbeats though?  Not so shoddy!

When I saw the look on Bridie's face, when I told her the 'popping' she could feel in her chest was actually her heart beating (wonder and delight!) I knew I had to capture the moment for her.  I was elbow deep in dinner preparations at the time, so didn't get a photo at the time.  I thought about posing her later - perhaps an arty farty closeup of her little hand, clutching her chest again?  But really, it was the look on her face, and the wonder she was feeling, that I wanted to remember - and re-enacting it half an hour later wouldn't be the same.

So...  I set myself a challenge.  Scrapbook it without a photo - just the story.  And while we are doing challenges, use a patterned paper (I'm a patterned paper junkie, but often struggle to get them, especially the 'busier' ones, to work on my layouts).  Abandon that idea of A4/letter size, and get back to 12 x 12, and lets have some white space (green space?!) And most of all?  Make it quick and simple!

The first thing I did was find a patterned paper (Raspberry Tart DSP), and then the card to match(Kiwi Kiss, and Pink Pirouette).  The good thing about layouts without photos?  Doesn't matter what colours you use!  I had the idea of a big heart outline in my mind, and with the 'make it fast' challenge in mind, got to work cutting one out freehand.  Type up the story, print and cut ('freehand' again).

Then figure out some embellishments to fancy it up a bit.  I was pleased that the Kiwi Kiss corduroy buttons from the spring mini catalogue were just the right colour, as I love, love, love them!  The ones with holes have a 'faux' thread (thin strip of patterned paper threaded through).  The buttons without holes are actually like big brads at the back.  The smaller hearts were also cut from the patterned paper.

I will admit that I was tempted to add some stamping to that big green background, but I resisted - quick and simple being the rule for the day.  The title is annoying me a bit.  The 'straight but freehand, so not really straight' cutting technique works fine for the journalling, but the title looks a little sloppy, darn it.  I was going to pull it off, but the 2 way gluepen (which was GREAT for sticking on all those little bitty strips!) was just sticking too well. 

And then I figured - it's done already, stick it in the album, and move on.

So I did.  And it feels great!

Embossed wallets - and some lessons

After showing you this wallet a couple of posts ago - I did manage to experiment with some embossing and I was really pleased with how it turned out.  It has taken me a few days to get the post up though - the kids got hold of the wallets, and put them in a 'safe place' before I had managed to take the photo.  Lesson 1 - take photos of your projects before the kids start playing. 

Originally there was only going to be one embossed brown wallet to show you - that one you see there on the left.  I love how this turned out.  I cannot remember where I first saw this technique - the lady was using it on a wonderful handbag project she was making (if you have seen this, and remember, please let me know so I can give her the credit!)

Anyway, it is easy to do - just apply versamark ink to your project (yep - everywhere you want the embossing to be), add the clear embossing powder, and then before you heat it up to melt it, scrape some squiggly lines in it - removing a bit of the powder.  This means that when you do heat it to melt the embossing powder, the squiggly lines will not be shiny, and you will get a bit of a leathery look.

Lesson 2 - make sure you clean out your powder pal properly between projects.  It was only after I embossed the first brown wallet, and noticed it had a bad case of sparkly dandruff, that I discovered just how 'contaminated' my clear embossing powder was. Bother.

Lesson 3 - if the kids see it they will want one as well - not a new lesson that one of course, but I will confess, one I had momentarily forgotten.  Luckily Campbell decided that he actually really liked the brown with sparkly dandruff wallet - but couldn't we please make the inside red?  Bridie of course wanted pink with shiny flowers. 

So, for that one we used one of the flowers from the Fifth Avenue Floral set, some gold ink, and some of that contaminated powder (no good for versamark on brown card, but actually still okay to use on white card, or with metallic/white ink).  It doesn't show up all that well in the photo, but take my word for it - it looked stunning.  Especially stuffed full of the paper money that we promptly had to make.  I think I want one for me - expect, with real money instead of home made!

Lessons 4, 5, 6 and 7?  Embossing is easy.  Embossing is fun (the kids were fascinated!)  You can heat emboss with a good old toaster, but to be honest, I think for a project like the brown wallets, where you are embossing a larger area, the heat tool is fantastic.  If you are embossing both sides of a project remember that the first side you do may 'remelt' a bit when you do the second side - don't have it laying on your benchtop etc when you do that (and no - I didn't learn this last one the hard way!)