This is a gorgeous technique, that is SUPER easy to do : Etched Glass -using stamps!

Over the months I have received many emails asking for a how to, on this technique. Today I will show you just how simple it really is, with step by step instruction/ photos.

To start, this was a simple, round candle canister. I bought this for $4.99, and turned it into a pretty candle holder that would look fabulous anywhere in the house! If you purchased an etched glass canister it would cost triple that! Now you can make your own. With the holidays coming up, these would make fabulous inexpensive gifts for family, friends and teachers.

The possibilities for the items you can alter with this technique is limitless. So I hope you enjoy learning.

Supplies:

Stamp of choice-First Fruits, Glass container of choice (or mirror!), versmark ink, clear embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat tool, Armour Etch cream, sponge brush, Eclipse Tape (optional)

EDITED TO ADD: Etching cream can be found at Michaels in the section near the soap/candle isle.  It took me an hour to find it because I did not think it was in that isle

Before we get started there some things you should consider:

If you are heating glass, make sure is it a heat safe glass. Many times glass will crack or even explode when exposed to extreme heat!

Do not hold glass while heating. It gets very hot, and you could burn yourself.

Use a heat safe surface when heating your item. You don’t want to burn your work area.

IMAGES:

Carefully examine the images you want to use. You don’t want to choose too finely detailed of an image because it can be hard to define what the image was. You need a nice balance of bold, and detailed. Consider the overall look of the completed project.

Step 1)

Clean glass with windex, and dry well! You don’t want ANY finger prints anywhere. They will show up!

Step 2) OPTIONAL

If necessary you may want to mask the glass. I use Eclipse Tape. It is sticky enough, and leaves no residue when removed.

Step 3)

Rub embossing buddy all over glass. This prevents embossing powder from sticking to unwanted areas, and ruining your etching. It will also show you if you do have finger prints on your glass, and need to re-clean it.

Step 4)

Carefully stamp the image in versamark ink. Because Papertrey Ink uses clear acrylic images you can see the image pressing into the glass! Since they are acrylic, they are also easier to stamp onto round surfaces.

Sometimes this take PRACTICE! Glass is slippery. So take your TIME stamping the image.

(NO photo for this step since it is hard enough stamping, let along photographing too! LOL!)

Step 5)

Apply a generous amount of embossing powder.

 Tap of excess.

Step 6)

Heat set the image.

You will need to heat it until the powder turns SMOOTH-just like the glass.

CAUTION: Glass will get very hot! Don’t handle while heat setting, it is best to heat it on a heat safe surface.

NOTE: Also when doing more than one image on a surface, it is easier to heat set each one as you go. Keep in mind that the glass stays hot, and the melted powder remains warm, so you want to avoid smudging it, and avoid squishing it onto the table or getting more embossing powder on it, until the glass is cooled. Just be careful.

Step 7)

Once glass is COOLED-then apply a nice thick layer of etching cream.

Make sure you coat it thick and evenly!

 The directions say leave on for 5 minutes. DON’T LISTEN TO THAT! LOL!

It really takes at LEAST 20 minutes to get a nice etched coating. If you don’t let it sit long enough it will hardly looked etched.

Step

After you let it sit, go rinse the cream off under cold water. Take your fingernail, and scrap off the clear embossing powder. It will peel off.

 Here is the finished glass.

Sorry for the photo. I wanted you to see the detail, and it is very difficult to get a nice picture of something like this so you see the detail.

I tied a Spring Moss satin ribbon around the top, then filled the bottom with pine cones and bought a battery tea light to put inside. No flame to worry about.

Now here it is lit up from the top view

Isn’t that so pretty?

Now it is your turn! Send me a link here if you decide to try it.

I hope you enjoyed learning all about etching cream here. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

As always, thank you for reading, and I hope you are inspired in some way to get an early start on those holiday gifts.

THANK YOU for your patience as I got this together today. I actually created it the other day, but had family things to do, and camera batteries to charge.

I am excited to share another template with you all today.

Here it is!

Diamonds are a girls best friend- Bloomin Basket Tutorial This was totally Tiffany & Co. inspired.

OK I have to say that Stampin Up! has released some MUST have items for me. One being their new Big Shot Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die that retails for $39.95 US. You can find it on page 29 of the SU! Holiday mini catalog. REALLY CUTE!

“My” problem was, I really didn’t want to buy the die because I am not a huge fan of the round design. I also wanted to be able to make it BIGGER, or smaller. I love versatility and things that actually hold a descent amount of “something”. I am a very visual person, so by just looking at this the light-bulb went off.

I took a look at it and thought “That would be SO EASY to do.” So I did My design is obviously NOT round, but was definitely inspired by that uber cute die cut.

I hope you all enjoy my little tutorial I have here to share AND maybe it may save you some $$!! I know I have a good wishlist of items, and limited amount of money. I would like to spend it on consumables

You can make this larger or smaller by changing your starting size and how much you score it! Just remember the sides, and bottom should be the same

Here we go!

My finished Bloomin Basket is about 5 inches tall, 3 inches across, and 2 inches wide.

Supplies I chose

I used Women of Life,  Its a Celebration  Aqua Mist cardstock, Dark Chocolate ink, Dark Chocolate Satin ribbon, spellbinders tags, coluzzle,scor-pal, score mat,Tim Holtz ruler, Hobby blade, Doodlebug factory Bling (thanks Tracey!), 1 1/4 circle punch, redline tape.

You will need:

 2 pieces of cardstock cut to a square. I chose 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 (if using 12 X 12 you can get a much larger version :D)

A scoring tool, ruler, hobby blade, redline tape, circle tool, circle punch.

Directions

On both squares (8 1/2 shown here)- Score at 2 inches, then again at 6 1/2 inches

Turn cardstock, and score at 2 inches (to create the bottom)

Layer the 2 pieces together, making sure they are the same, and the bottom is to the left, then punch your 1 1/4 circle.

Now you have to pieces that match exactly

Take your coluzzle (or other circle template) and cut a 1/2 circle.

For this I aligned the hole with one of the cirles, and cut 2 up, on both pieces.

Here is the cut 1/2 circle, when finished

Now comes the cutting angles! I put my cut piece into my scor-pal. Then I just took my ruler to the edge of the 1/2 circle handle, and angled it. I aligned it on my Scor-Pal, with my mat, at about 3 inches, then used a hobby blade to cut.

Now this next step is to make sure your angels are EVEN!!

I put my ruler with the edge where my angle ended. I then used my hobby blade to make a tiny mark, to ensure I would be cutting at that same angle. This is just quicker and easy!

Repeated the step above.

This is the finished cut

Now when doing your 2nd piece, if you remember that angled measurement you should be golden. BUT to make it SUPER easy, take the scrap from the first piece, and lay it over the 2nd one! This will ensure PERFECTION on both sides of your box!

Those are my 2 finished pieces.

Now we put it together!

If you WANT to stamp it. NOW is the best time :D, then continue on to assembling.

Just line up the scored edges, and the bottom score marks.

Make sure you cut the bottom panels (as seen in photo)

It then just folds together!

Simple as that! This box takes seriously a whopping 5 minutes to make after your first time. That excludes stamping.

AND the best part is that now you can make it larger or smaller!!

Thanks for reading. I hope you have time to give it a try

Come back tomorrow for our Papertrey Ink Design Team Challenge!!

I am excited to share this peek with you using First Fruits from Papertrey Ink.

 It will be released on the 15th.

Nichole & Becky really put their brilliant minds together to come up with a fabulous set.

I have absolutely fallen in love with it while creating for this release. It is such a classy and elegant set, with that perfect Papertrey Ink flair that we all love, because making a gorgeous card or gift is SIMPLE and EASY!

Now keeping with that Papertrey Ink style of simple elegance, I will take you back to the basics! We are going to creating a simple gift, in just minutes, that will make the receiver say WOW!

This is one of the very first non-card items I ever learned to create! From then on, I was hooked. I hope you have time to give it a try as we visit the “How To” of customizing a candle! We will add a twist, with a tag topper!

If you have never done this before it really is a WOW creation. You can take your stamps and turn a simple $1 candle, into one that you would spend several dollars for in the store. Best part is, it is done in minutes.

I save all my tissue paper from my Papertrey Ink orders! They are perfect for this project.

All you need is:

Stamp set of choice (First Fruits)* ink of choice * any size candle * tissue paper (even colored paper if you like) * a heat gun * Safe surface to work on ( I love my Tim Holtz non stick craft mat)

OPTIONAL

Cardstock cut in the size/shape of your candle top. Hole punch, slit punch, and ribbon.

Now for my project!

 I decided to go with non-traditional colors, despite my maple leaf design. I wanted it to be different. I chose green, and shades of blue for my color scheme. My candle is also a pale blue with a fresh linen scent.

1) Choose candle. Measure how tall the candle is, and how wide around. Cut your tissue paper, leaving a little extra to ensure full coverage.

2) Ink your stamp.

Now when using multiple colors of ink on one image, start with the lighter color first, then add your darker colors. This prevents your light colors of ink from getting “muddy”.

I stamped green in my leaf center, then dabbed the edges in a light blue, then again in a darker blue.

 Isn’t it pretty?!

3) Stamp your image on your tissue paper

 click to enlarge. Then without re-inking, stamp again. This will give the effect of layers of leaves within the candle when you are done, and adds a nice sense of dimension.

 Finished paper

4) Now wrap your tissue paper around your candle. Put it on a safe, heat resistant work surface. Oh and one that you don’t care about getting melted wax on, as it can be messy!

6) Use heat tool to heat set. You will see the wax underneath come through and coat the tissue paper.

DO NOT over heat. You will get uneven melted portions of the candle, and lots of dripping. Just heat in smooth even strokes, back & forth. Do this until entire candle is done.

7) OPTIONAL : I like to wrap my candle in my craft mat, and roll it out (like dough) so that the light texture of my mat transfers into my warm wax candle!! It also helps hide any un-even areas

 NOW ROLL! Back and forth.

Now it is done!

 Can’t see the texutre in the photo but it IS there, I promise.

OK not totally done!! You can’t leave it like that!

I decided a topper for the top of my candle would really complete this gift! So lets make a topper shall we?

This is a quick and simple touch that really completes your candle.

1) I measured my candle top, and found a circle nestabilty that was the perfect fit!

2) Stamped the top with the same design as on my candle, and added a sentiment.

3) Punched a hole in the center of the circle topper for my wick to go through.

4) Added 2 slots for my ribbon to tie on the tag topper.

5) Measured my ribbon, and cut. I then punched a hole in the ribbon, so the wick can go through the ribbon and tag topper.

6) Wrapped my ribbon around the tag topper, and tied on.

DONE!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed the “oldie but goodie” reminder of this fun and easy gift.

If you get the time to try it out I’d love to see your creation! Send us a link here!

Don’t forget to check Nichole’s blog daily for the peek’s and the list of who is also counting down the release with samples! Oh and today Becky had a special post too!!! Don’t miss it.

Also Lisa AND Heather (aka Pine) have set coming out this month so check out their peeks each day till the countdown too!

Later!

This is post 1 of 3 for today! Please SCROLL down so you see all three!!! PLEASE READ THEM! LOL! I think I developed carpal tunnel typing them all up

It’s the first of August! Can you believe that? WOW! Time is flying by. Before you know it, it WILL be Halloween. I am always looking for cool and fun things to do with my kids and/or for their classmates. Maybe this time I will be ahead of the dash (yeah right! LOL!)

Nichole has challenged the team to come up with some fun Halloween treats.

You can see what everyone else has done here:

Amy

Debbie

Lisa

Nichole

Heather

I decided to share a cool recipe that is fun, and you can let this kids help with. Hope you like it, and give it a try!

Here goes…………….I would like to share with you my Little Pumpkin Pop-In ©

This is a little container cover I made to  ”pop-in” the super cute 2.5 oz. clear top round tins. Buy them now people! LOL!

 Tin out of the Pop-In ©

I love how it dresses this little tin up. Rather than just having a wrap around the bottom, it really gives you an entirely new gift option.

Please don’t ask me for directions. This is a teaser of more to come!! I am so excited, I can hardly stand it, but that is all I’m saying for now (BHWAHAHAHAHAHA insert my evil little happy laugh). Let’s just say I have been busy, busy, busy.

OK moving on.

I used the Spooky Sweets set for my lid.

I wanted my lids to be super quick and easy to mass produce-think 3 kids……. X’s however many students they have in their classes……………so about 40 kids minimum. SIMPLE.

By now you are saying OK so how is this sharing a fun & cute Halloween treat?
Well its what’s inside that is the FUN part!

Monster Mash Make-up!

2 TBS solid shortening (AKA Crisco)

1 TBS cornstarch

4-5 drops of food coloring

Make-Up sponges

1) Mix shortening and cornstarch together in a small bowl, until smooth.

2) Add in food coloring. Mix till well blended.

READY TO GO!!

When you are done just rinse off with warm soap & water.

You can whip this up at home in minutes! The kids will love it.

OK I know you are saying EW! But the kids are saying YEAH!!!

Trust me me-Kid tested!! MOM Approved

My Little Pumpkin Amber

OK I never claimed to be an artist! This is as good as it gets. Amber saw the tin and wanted her face to be painted like the  pumpkin stamp. I have to admit I was nervous that her face would be stained orange by the food coloring, but it came right off and NO perma-pumpkin face! LOL!

Next up is Alexa-my flower child. She was not wanting her face painted! She said she just want a little flower on her cheek. UGH! That meant I had to “draw/paint”. YIKES!

Now we have Noah-who wanted to be half  ”The Hulk”, and half boy.

Unfortunately he was “itchy” and scratched it off while I got the camera. It’s one of those things-when you know you can’t touch something you have too! That is his mean face. Still looks cute to me!

All in all it was a super fun & easy afternoon craft and would make great “make-up” for girls or obviously face painting. No expensive paint kits to buy.

I love the idea of making several colors and giving these to the kids classmates. It really whips up quick, just add to the recipe to suit the number of people. The batch above fits perfectly into the tins, if that is any indication. SO each color batch makes a 1/2 of the tin.

So that’s it for me. I hope you like my idea of a fun Halloween treat! Afterall they get PLENTY of candy right?

Thank you again for checking in with me.

There is nothing better than getting a handmade card in the mail of from someone special, unless that card is interactive! The best surprise is when the unexpected happens! The receiver opens this creation to find a beautiful arrangement of butterflies and flowers, spring out, as it opens. You are sending a virtual paper garden! This style can open so many amazing possibilities.

Let me share how fun and easy this card really is! Then challenge YOU to give it a try!

The idea came to me after Jason and I took a trip to Maine. In one of the stores they had some really elaborate cards, and there was a card that had this swirly piece of paper with butterflies all over it. I told my husband when we get back I would try to re-create this. So I did.

Now I am not sure what the actual name of this style of card is, but I liked Spring Out, due to the way in which it was created.

First let me share my list of supplies. You should have most of these tools on hand.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:Texted Boxed, Sentiment on card from Just Hatched, Butterflies stamped/cut from Butterfly Kisses

Patterned Paper: Chocolate Remix

Cardstock: Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream, Vellum Cardstock

ink: dark chocolate, berry sorbet

Other: Copic Markers, scissors, circle punch, glue dots, flower punch

 Paper Garden

This card measures 4 1/4 squared. This is the front of my Paper Garden card.

I used vintage cream cardstock as my base. Sentiment stamped in dark chocolate ink.

I then stamped the flower from the Texted Boxed set, in dark chocolate ink, onto sweet blush cardstock. I used my 1 1/4 square punch, and punched out portion I wanted. I colored the stem, and punched a flower (stamping a smaller flower from Butterfly Kisses ), to layer in the center. Then layered entire piece onto 1 3/8 square punched from sweet blush cardstock. Used my color spritzer for a splash of color. Perfectly simple, which is what you want for the COVER! This inside is detailed enough.

Now for directions on the Spring Out

Step 1) I

 decided to add some color to my chocolate patterned paper, so I chose my colors and away I went. I decided to only color the large flowers and leaves for some POP, and to keep it from getting too busy. I then layered it into my card base.

For my butterflies I stamped them in chocolate, on sweet blush, and then sponged the center’s with Berry Sorbet ink. Then cut them out.

Step 2)

NOTE: This next step I used chocolate cardstock for my demonstration so you can easily see the steps. In my actual creation I used vellum cardstock.

 A    B  C

 Choose the size of the circle spiral you want, and cut out circle (photo a). Next trim out the circle, into the center (photo B) to create a curly spring like circle (photo C) you can cut out some of the center so you don’t have too long of a curly spring. The larger the circle the more curls you have.

Step 3)

 Collect the layers, and lay cut circle flat. Pick location in card where you want the spiral to be. Attach a glue dot on the back of the LARGEST tail end. This allows it to stick to the top of the card.

Then place a glue dot on the front of the smallest tale. Now close the card.

Step 4)

 When you open the card,  the spring will now be stuck to the bottom on the card, allowing you to have a spring that easily opens and closes FLAT when card needs to close. You don’t want the spring bending!!

See closed photo

Step 5)

 Now comes the FUN part. Adding your 3D elements. You will want to cover the glue dot’s with an item, and the rest is pure creative liberty!!

Imagine opening this up? Who wouldn’t have a HUGE smile? It is like the butterflies are fluttering over the paper garden!

TIP: When using small images put them on both the front and back of the paper spring (see my layered punched flowers?). You don’t want the glue dots sticking to the layers or objects within the card. It would be ruined.

Here is the view from the top!

So that is all there is to it! I hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter project, and that you try to find the time to create your own! If you do, send me a link here.

I know many are going to say how do you mail it?

Well it does close, and lay relatively flat. The pieces may need to be lifted if you do mail it. I always recommend mailing them in out Papertrey Ink Clear Card boxes! It costs a little more to mail, but they are mail-able and it ensures your creation arrive more nicely-rather than SQUISHED! OR hand deliver Then you can see the reaction!

Simple Shimmer Card Wrap Set

I can think of so many occasions where a gift of Thank You notes would be the perfect gift. Maybe even elegant wedding favors.  I will share a simple technique, that takes the “plain Jane” single layer set, and makes it a real “WOW”! The simple vellum card wrap will only add to the beauty, and give you a easy perfect package for you to present your set.

You will be amazed at how fast this set can come together. Another great idea for those who need to mass produce an elegant gift set.

Monogram sets are the hottest thing right now. Sometimes you aren’t sure “which” initial to use for your monogram, or WHO you are going to give the set to. Feel free to get creative, and use a sentiment in place of the initial.

What makes this set so beautiful is that by using the Pearlescent watercolors, you are adding a soft and subtle shimmer, that isn’t messy, and wont rub off. It has the effect of a watercolored image. It is another use for this type of coloring medium that is often forgotten and under-used.

Then, you add that embossed circle, and it really adds some dimension and interest, without over powering the soft shimmering flowers with a layer.

First you will need to assemble your supplies.

For this set I am using:

Papertrey Select White cardstock, Vellum Cardstock

The flower cluster from Piece of Cake, Borders & Corners Circle set, the “T” from Ambassador Monogram, and “thanks so much” from Mixed Messages.

Always Artichoke ink, and Purely Pomegranate ink.

Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, glue dots.

Pearlescent Watercolors by Yasumoto, with water, and paint brush, White Opal Liquid Pearls, and the Circle Nestabilities.

Step 1-Use only a little water, and your pink pearlescent watercolor, and create a “paste-like” mixture. Paint the pearlescent paste onto your flower cluster.  Stamp onto card base

NOTE: Don’t use to much water, or your flowers will be runny, and unrecognizable.

TIP: When making a set-do each step on each card first, before advancing to the next step. This will make production of multiples of a card go much quicker. Example-do all the pink flowers on each card base, before starting the next step.

Step 2

Do the same thing for your leaves, using a green water color.

Step 3-

Emboss a circle into your card.

Step for this may vary depending on the machine you use. I am using my Cuttlebug.

To JUST emboss a layer I personally find this sandwich helpful for me.

A plate, B plate, black mat, tan mat, cardstock, nestability die (cutting side down), and B plate.

EDITED TO SAY: Or just 2 tan mats. I have an older mat set.

This gives me a nicely embossed circle

Step 4

Stamp the stitched circle onto the center of the embossed circle, in artichoke ink. It fits just outside the smallest embossed rim.

Then stamp the “T’ and sentiment, in pomegranate ink.

Step 5

Apply liquid pearls to the flower centers.

This gives a subtle 3D effect, and continues the subtle shimmer.

Step 6-

As you can see above, punch a butterfly out of vellum cardstock. Adhere with wings popped forward, using a clear glue dot.

Step 7-Creating the holder.

This holder is meant to house 4 cards with envelopes.

Take your vellum cardstock and cut 5 3/4 X 11

Along the 11 inches score at

1 1/2 -

 2-

 6 1/2-

7.

Score along lines. Put cards inside. Tie around a ribbon to hold closed.

Simple as that.

Thank you for taking a peek at my little set. I hope you take the time to try it out.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Should you decide to make your own-send us a link!

Enjoy the day

Got little girls?

Need a party idea?

Well look no further!

How about a Flower Fairy Party? It is cute for a wide age group, it is interactive, and it isn’t an expensive party to have! You can do this right at home. All you need is some imagination (provided here :D), some cardstock, and a few other supplies you may already have.

My little Amber is turning 4 this August. I have been getting ready with Party Planning ideas (yes already-time is ticking). I LOVE planning my kids parties. That is part of why I got into rubber stamping And why I took cake decorating classes last year (only made one cake since LOL!).

I asked her what she wanted for her party theme-she said I want to make Flower Fairies. Read on to see where that idea came from.

In reality we are having a Spa party for Amber, but I LOVE sharing great ideas (and HELLO I have another daughter who I really may use this for instead-she will be 9) so figured I’d give it a go. You can see later what I pull together for that SPA party!! Im already so excited.

Even if you aren’t having a Flower Fairy Party this is still a super activity for when a friend comes over-or a fun activity to MAIL!!! You can print off the directions/photos here to send with a gift for those LONG distance birthday’s.

Here we go!

The best thing about this party idea is it is totally interactive. From age 3 and up your daughter can help with the entire process!! Let her do the punching paper, and putting the supplies together. Once you keep reading you will find all sorts of fun things she can help with (stress free). Amber helped with most of this party planning. She loves helping in my craft room.

Here is what you would do to plan ANY great party.

Pick the theme- well we already decided here it is a Flower Fairy theme. I would go one step ahead with this one and ask the girls to dress up like fairies!! Some sort of attire with wings

Have your child pick a main color . With this particular party you could definitely do a different color for each guest-but the easiest thing would be to do ONE main color.

Amber changes her favorite color daily! Today it was red. She will be the perfect crafter since she loves ALL colors.

Choose a date, time, place. Once that is done you need to plan the invitation! For this party I thought a FLOWER shaped invite would be best! They are cute and simple.

Here is the back-

I used Lizzie Anne’s-It’s a Party set ( I ADORE this set for party invites!!! Its one of the ONLY party invite sets I own that I actually USE!) I also uses Papertrey Ink Simple Alphabet for Amber’s name (and would use to spell out party info). I have messy handwriting so would never write in the info. You can also print info on your computer.

I just punched the red cardstock with theMarvy Giga Flower punch. I stamped the party info in red ink onto lemon tart cardstock, and punched with a large Fiskars circle punch.

I then layered a green pipe cleaner , folded in 1/2 (tied with ribbon as leaves) in between the front and back of the invite.

Now your invitation should give people insight to the party theme, and what the party will be like! We decided to make it a much more fun invitation Your child would LOVE handing these out to friends. If mailing they can usually fit a buisness size envelope.

We put our flower into a home made Pixie Stixs holder! Now that is fun! AND EASY.

Just pick a double sided cardstock that coordinates with your theme.

Cut cardstock 12 X 3 1/2.

Score 2 inches from the bottom, round corners, and make pocket. Then decorate as desired!

For the main character we used Dress Up Lily (or Dress Up Amber in this case, since this set can be personalized with your child’s name!). This set is the perfect Fairy. We colored her to match our flower fairies we are making. You could even let the girls you invite do the coloring instead Just leave Lily blank.

Pick a cake theme-this one is pretty easy. I would do a flower shaped cake or a cake with a bunch of pretty flowers. Maybe stick the flower fairies in the cake for decoration.

Accessories-You would get Flower shaped plates, or plates with a garden theme, and colorful napkins.

Buy plastic/paper cups in the color of your flower theme. Punch a flower, to match the accessories, and put it on the front of each cup-labeled with the child’s name (so they know who has what cup :D). This is when a Label maker comes in handy!! Use the clear labels and you can print several at a time!

 Decorate your napkins by wrapping your tableware in there, then rolling them up, and secure with flower rings.  Add girls name to center to double as little flower place settings.

Here are the napkin rings:

I just punched out the Giga Flower in red cardstock. Layered with the SU! Scallop punched from Lemon Tart, them my flower center is Spring Moss.

I then cut a strip 1 1/2 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches long- from Spring Moss cardstock. I put the ends together, then secured it closed with a brad. I trimmed the ends to look like leaves, and bent them to the side. Added flower to front-DONE!

Another fun tip-for a party banner.

You could punch a row of flowers. Before assembling like above-string through ribbon in the flower centers, then assemble like above. Die cut letter to spell your child’s name or Happy Birthday!

Party Favors-These are usually small thank yous to give out after the party. Don’t over do it.

These favors are fun, easy and inexpensive! They use just ONE sheet of cardstock. That is about 0.22 CENTS!! You can’t buy anything that looks like this for THAT price.

The box ties in the flower and color theme. It is also a fun way to present our party activity!

I created this using my scallop nestabilties (yes I did do other little baskets just like this at a class last month-see that HERE!).

Just die cut 4 layers of scallops. (2 large for the front/back), then  2 smaller layering scallops for flower basket front. Snip the scallop edges, layer, and put a flower center. Create the side by cutting a 8 X 3 pieces

Along 3 inch-score at 1/2 inch on either side.

Along 8 inch-score at 3-then 5. Snip sides then adhere.

I got these FUN ladybug chocolates from Lindt, so I attached them to the front of the boxes with glue dots. Cute touch!

Pick an activity! This is very important when planning any party! What fun activity can you do, that not only ties in the party theme, but is fun?

 Better yet, try to pick one to DOUBLE as your party favor. Often times we spend a lot on a party, then add too many $1 goodies that begin to really add up!

Flower Fairy Friends Activity

Above you can see the party activity (fits into the flower box) all gathered, and ready to go with all the supplies each child needs.

I just bought a roll of Tulle for a $1, Placed my little items in small glassine bags, wrapped my goodies in there. I used the same punched flower layers as my other projects for the closure. I just punched a hole in the flower center, and pulled through the tulle to keep pocket closed Cute, and easy.

ACTIVITY-Make your own Flower Fairy Friends!!

 Amber saw these little clothespin Fairy things in a upscale children’s store, and they were like $10 EACH!!! Needless to say we did NOT buy those. I looked at them and knew I could make my own, and I have to say they came out even better than the store ones-as theirs were mainly yarn.

Flower Fairy

You want to assemble supplies for each girl to make 2 Fairies. Then they have Fairy FRIENDS!!!

Here is what you need.

Redline tape. Mono multi, Sharpie marker in Fairy color of choice. Glue dots, and dimensional glue dots

2 wooden clothes pins (sold in a pack of 30 for $2.99)

Googlie Eyes (it is best for you to pre-glue the eyes, and make the smile face-depending on age) You can get a large bag for about a $1. You want the smaller eyes.

7 strips of yarn per clothes pin (so 14 for 2 fairies) You can get a large roll of $0.99

Bling-for the crowns. He we used silver snowflake (cut in 1/2 to get 2 crowns). You can use a variety of other things, or opt nor no crowns even.

Wire- ends bent in on both sides for the hands/arms (2 per kit)

2 pieces of wide adhesive ribbon. You can use a variety of things, this is what I found to be easiest. Especially for the younger girls. I used Martha Stewart adhesive ribbon for this since it matched Amber’s color theme. You don’t need much to get many fairies!!

EK Success giga butterfly punch. Punched 2 pink vellum butterflies per fairy (so 4 per kit) The head/tail will be trimmed off. Pink vellum from Martha Stewart.

2 Felt flowers or fabric flowers. These are usually sold several in a package. Mine are American Crafts.

(not shown) floss (thick thread for cross stitcher) in color to match to tie pony tails-that is optional

Photo of supplies for ONE fairy below:

Directions: Click to enlarge photos

Step 1-remove backing from adhesive ribbon-wrap around clothespin body

Step 2-Place wire on back-cover with dimensional glue dot

Step 3-Snip head/tail off vellum butterflies. Adhere to back. Layer second one.

Step 4-Snip a larger slit into your flowers (you may pre-cut these), for your fairy to slide on skirt

Step 5-Use redline tape, and put on front and back of clothes pin head. 4 strips of yarn for top of head, 3 for back (redline tape can be done ahead as well) May need help tying into pony tails. Then trim excess yarn

Step 6-Use sharpie marker to color on shoes.

Step 7-Apply crown. Usually stick in between hair and the redline tape will hold it in place pretty well.

Back of fairy (clipped onto a bucket)

So there you have it. Everything you need to plan a Flower Fairy party!!

If you want a MILLION ideas check out this site—->Peppers & Pollywogs. Lots of amazing kid party tips & ideas. This kit idea will be featured there very soon

I also ready Lisa’s book Dear Peppers and Pollywogs. It was awesome. More on that later.

I am on the run!

Well I have to make this quick because we are going to visit our friends who had their baby.

The Papertrey Blog Hop Challenge was to use Acetate!

You can see who is playing along by checking the forum–> HERE

I have gotten so many requests for the very simple acetate, art glitter glue and glitter technique that I thought this challenge was PERFECT timing.

 Butterfly Bling

For this card I used Butterfly Kisses. I then cut apart my butterfly to make it look like it was flying

Step one-stamp image on acetate with StazOn

Step 2-Use the fine tip stainless steel adapter and apply glue where you want it.

I am making my butterfly 3 colors. Usually you have finer details

Step 3-sprinkle on glitter of choice-tap off excess

Repeat steps as needed for more glitter colors.

NOTE: you only want to do one area of glue-per color glitter at a time so glitter only sticks to wanted area

Step 4-Let dry.

You will know it is dry as the glitter will be easily seen on front of acetate!

OK that is all for me. Better run.

See you later at the UNITY release party.

Thanks for looking!

Many of you asked just HOW to make—> THIS <—Seeds of Love packet I had done.

I told you it was VERY simple, and now you will all get to see for yourself. These would be AWESOME Wedding or Shower favors! Easy to whip out, and they can be very inexpensive!

Now I seriously don’t have a day that goes by that I don’t use my Scor-Pal! No lie! If you read my blog you will see it is invaluable to me-that and my ATG Gun! LOL! Anyway let’s get to the template tutorial shall we?

 Pretty Poppies seed packet coverlet

Supplies-Scor-Pal, terrific tape, Garden of Life, lemon tart cardstock, black cardstock, acetate, bazzill cardstock (flower), wasabi (leaf), black cardstock, butterfly punch by Martha Stewart, circle nestabilites, summer sunrise polka dot ribbon by PTI, various punches, The Paper Garden book.

Step 1

Cut cardstock to 4 X 11. Using your Scor-Pal Score at 1 and 6 (see how seed packet will easily fit)

Step 2

Choose die cut, and cut out, mid, lower portion of FRONT panel. See above photo. It is the panel the seeds are laying on.

(SEE NEXT PHOTO)

Step 3 OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL-then take larger nestability die, and JUST emboss border around  cut out panel.

To JUST emboss-in your Cuttlebug-you take A plate, B plate, tan mats, cardstock, nestabilitily and then B plate.
Then it won’t cut.

This is what your panel will look like

Now you can choose which side you want to use on the front of your packet holder. I chose the opposite side to use as my front design.

Then use Scor-tool to bend score marks.

Step 4

Cut aceate layer 4 X 4, and adhere behind cut out, using terrific tape or redline tape (clear tape). Stamp if desired. I used Garden of Life for this sample. I bent the friends sentiment, to fit in the top half of the circle.

Apply a adhesive strip to the back panel, and place seed packet

Step 5

Fold closed. Secure with band of ribbon to tie shut. Then decorate as desired.

 See finished packet at top

Since I used a Poppy Seed packet I am using my book The Paper Garden ( that and ALL the punches used in the book will soon be at All That Scraps!) to decorate the front of mine with Paper Poppy’s! If I don’t have an exact punch I try to improvise with what I do have. It’s all about creative liberty!

And that my friends is all there is to it! Just a very simple seed coverlet.

Hope you liked it. If you get to try it, send me a link! I’d love to see your version.

Till tomorrow.

 Pretty Packaged Card

Today I am running late for several reasons #1 my kids keep killing each other #2 my camera batteries died, and #3 I was putting together a post, jam packed with FUN ideas for you to try!

So grab your coffee and get ready for a FULL post of fun!

In this post you will learn to make a Moving Mermaid card, be reminded how to make your own cloud template and use fantasy film, make simple “starfish” and how to MAIL these interactive, or more 3D cards, in style!!!

MOVING MERMAID 

Last August I made a Hula Kitty. You can find that —>here! I got many requests on “how to” do it. I did answer many of you privately. Well, now is the time to share it here.

When I saw this Mermaid from Lizzie Anne’s set By the Sea (FYI this is the “sister” set to Shore Thoughts which is where the Sun image is from on this card), I knew I had to make the Mermaid “swim”. That took me back to the Hula Kitty idea.

So here are two photos for you to view, the motion this Mermaid has!

Swimming to the right

Now swimming the the left

All you have to do is tilt the card from one side, to the other, and she is swimming side to side! Isn’t she so cute?

Moving Card-You need- one or two pennies,  1/2 inch Circle punch and Dimensional’s

QUICK DIRECTIONS-Punch 1/2 inch hole in cardstock. Layer 2 dimensionals stacked onto each-other on back of image, and place through hole in cardstock. Adhere penny to back of cardstock layer. It is important that is layer is on dimensionals so that the penny can rotate around!

I have another Make It Move <—-tutorial . If you like this one, but want a slider idea

Here is a photo once the layer is complete-from side view

See 2 dimensionals-penny is behind wave layer. My waves were done using my Creative Memories Wavy cutter. I LOVE that tool!!! I sponged the wave edges, each on dimensionals for depth.

Now for the Mermaid! I colored her with Copic markers, and used a clear Atyou glitter pen for her seashells, star fish, and the sun!

I made her tail using Fantasy Film, in waterfall. You can see a tutorial on Fantasy Film–>HERE. I thought it was just PERFECT for the tail. Shimmery, and fin-like!

NOTE:If you “Google” Fantasy Film you will come up with some X Rated material! LOL! I was informed by one of my reader’s when she tried to hunt some down. You can purchase it at most Stamp stores, or online venue’s. I am going to be asking Christine at All That Scraps to get some in. Since it has a variety of colors, feel free to give some input on your faves, so I can “make a list” for her to place an order!

Now I made the cloud, making my own homemade template. It is my most favortie way to create them! And CHEAP!!

Tutorial for that can be seen ->here

Lastly the Starfish! I loved the Starfish from the Shore Thoughts set, but by this card’s end I was TOO lazy to stamp/color/cut out the one’s in the set! LOL!

I used my SU! Star punch, and used the little elements from the stamp set (the swirl, and sand stamp) to create my own EASY starfish! I stamped ALL the edges with the sand image (on this I only did 1/2 so you get the “idea”), then I rounded the tips with my paper snips, and curled the ends under.

Now this is for the LAST idea.

I get so many emails asking me HOW to mail interactive cards, of bulky cards without ruining them, or how to go about sending them”in style”.

SEE TOP PHOTO!!! My Mermaid card in a box.

I put mine in the Clearly Creative Card boxes! Just secure the ends with tape, and put the mailing and postage labels on the back! Isn’t this the cutest way to send a special card? I wanted to add a few more things to pretty it up, so that is where the starfish and filler come in.

Now it will cost a little more to mail, but can you imagine how cool this would be to see when you open your mailbox? AND you can bet the women at the PO will take extra care not to squish it-unless they keep it (YIKES! LOL!)

This is going to my friend Jenn in Canada who made me the most BEAUTIFUL address book with all my PSF’s info! It was just the sweetest thing to do for us. I wanted to send her a special TY note, and I think this should do it! Her gift was so amazing and thoughtful. I am going to send her a GC via email , to an online store. I dont want to send one IN this card package-just in case.

So that is all for today! I hope you enjoyed it.

Tomorrow I will FINALLY have my seed packet tutorial for you.

Till then-

Lauren