High Hopes - "My" Gate Fold Tutorial

Howdy - it is my turn to host the High Hopes Blog Monthly Tutorial. Nervous here... so be nice. :0)
I have a hard time with tutorials as I tend to ramble and not make sense. But I think I got through it ok. Hope you enjoy it and PLEASE make sure to visit the High Hopes Blog and then next week join us for the challenge which will have to do with my tutorial.. hint hint...

Here is my Tutorial -

Howdy Fellow High Hope Fans - 

Today I have been asked to do a tutorial for a Gate Fold Card - Now my Gate Fold Card is a bit of a show off - Do you have background stamps that you want to use more, this is a great way to use them and your favorite images in one card. 

An easy card - with a little different view to it. 

First you color your images so you know how to size your gate fold. One background to place on the inside base. Then two smaller images to fit onto your “folds”.

Then on to the card! You need to create the base - 

 Cut pieces -
1. 6x6
2. (2) 3x6 or (1) 3x12

Line the pieces so that they create an upside down T-shape. Use your bone folder and create folds Vertically at the edge or basically 3 inches left and right. Attach on one side then fold over the base. 

You can actually make the size of the “top” folds as high as you would like. To show off the size of your background stamp that will be used on the base. Or you can make it full size and not show off your base. 

Next we create the finished base. 

Cut a card stock mat 1/4 inch smaller than the base - for me - 5.75 x 5.75 inches

Then your pattern paper - 5.5 x 5.x5 inches.

And then your “art” background stamp. Make sure when you stamp this image and color it that you stamp at the top of the paper and have enough space to cut this as a whole piece. The white lower part will be behind your folds and where your message will be. 

I sewed my together then used adhesive to attach to the inside base. 

Now the folds 

Pretty much smaller versions of what you just did - for my folds the mats measure - 

Card stock mat - 2.75 x 2.75 inches

Pattern Paper - 2.5 x 2.5 inches. 

Attach to the fronts of the folds. 

Then loosely cut out your two images. The image on the right side needs to be placed first. I use pop foam to raise it just a bit. Now I hope this makes sense. You only want the foam to be on 2/3rds of the image -  the right outside edge of the image. 

This leaves an empty left side to tuck the image on the left fold. Helps keep the card closed and joins the two images when flat. 

When you attach the image on the left. It is placed directly on the pattern paper. Let it hang over towards the right fold enough to be able to “tuck” it behind your popped up image. Sound ok? It is harder to explain than do believe me. 

Done - 

Here is my cards again - Showing different fold images.

I added Sentiment stamps and if you are really observant you will see that I colored down further on my background stamp to meet the top of my folds. Just looks better to me to not have any empty white showing and look more like a complete scene. 

It is really pretty easy - and sometimes fun to do something just a bit different! And I love that it gives a chance to use more images in one card! 

Hope you enjoy my version of a Gate-Fold card! 

Whimsy Inspiration - A Mini Tutorial for a Shape EZ Take Out Box!

Howdy - Today is the Whimsy Inspiration Blog - and for my inspiration today I decided to help out myself being behind with a few little presents for Christmas. And while doing it I thought I might show you just how fabulously easy the Whimsy Shape EZ patterns are to use.

So here is my finished Shape EZ Take out Box.

The perfect gift box! Now you can put a present in it. Or you can fill it with goodies, like Christmas Candy or Cookies. Start to finish I had this one done in under an hour, and that was with me watching tv... so you probably could do it in less time... it was a good movie so I kept stopping to look up and watch the good scenes. :0)

First you decide which Shape EZ you want to make.

When you go to the site, you will see what the image cuts out like. (Here it shows that there is a window in the pattern, I decided to not use the window so you can't see the present inside)

For the take out box you will cut out two of the shapes. Here are my two shapes cut out.

When you get the template, you have the choice of using them as JPG, PNG, PDF or SVG versions. So no matter how you cut out your projects you can use these templates. Now in the beginning I would print mine directly onto the papers I was cutting or if planning to make more than one I would make a chipboard pattern to use. Then I hand cut my pieces. Recently I got the Silhouette Cameo. So I have been learning how to use the SVG files and cutting on the Cameo. Loving that :0)

Ok back to the take out box. I cut out the two main pieces. Then you also get the patterns to cut the overlay pattern pieces so everything is sized to fit. Here are all the pieces laid out.

 The next step I do is to score my fold lines. Easiest way I have found is using my Score Pal. There are tiny little notches where your fold lines are. I line up the notches on the score pal and then create the fold score lines. (Make sure you lay out your pieces the way the connect together and score the right direction, yes... experience talking, I scored one of mine the wrong direction. No big mistake really, just have to score the other direction carefully)

Then I add double sided tape to the flaps and put the pieces together.

Once the sides are together, then you fold in the bottom, and then the top -

 The overlay pieces simply glue to the sides. I inked the edges of mine before glueing them on. Then it was on to "decorating" the top.

I totally fell in love with the new Poinsettia images from Dana's Digi's. Gorgeous image for Christmas! Now I wanted to have a bit of pop to mine, so I printed it out three times, colored with my Copics, then cut out layers.

Once cut out there are pop dots between each layer and I curled up the petals to give a more vintage "real" look. Well at least that was the goal. Then I added a few Martha Stewart leaves and branches, and a few blingy things that I found in my stash. The center I used a Viva Decor Yellow Pearl Paper pen to have some added sparkle. Oh and I used a velcro dot to "close" the top. That way the box can be opened and then closed again easily.

Seriously this box was super easy to put together, and adding the Whimsy image to the top was a great embellishment.

Here is the finished box again -

 Wouldn't you like to know what goodies are inside? LOL me too... haven't totally made up my mind on what I am making yet for the sweets this year. Told you I have been running late, today I am going to grocery store so guess I have to narrow down so I can get the ingredients.

Have you visited the Whimsy Store and seen all the Shape EZ templates? Here is the link straight to them... HERE . There are boxes, cards and lots of fun things to make. And don't forget to head over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog and see all the DT's "inspirations" they have created.

Better get all the critters fed breakfast, then get dressed and out the door to get my errands run and groceries.

Have a wonderful Wednesday -
HUGS and-

Inky Impressions Inspiration - Holiday Tags!

Today it is my turn to post on the  Inky Impressions Inspiration blog. This week - haven't had the energy for a lot of inspiration, and then I ran across a few of my simple tags from Christmas last year. Time is short during the holidays, and I am not the best at planning ahead and working in advanced, and these tags are simple, but personal for your gifts.

First you start with a tag die. Any brand works, or you can hand cut them. But I like to mass produce these when making them and dies do speed things up. My die is from Papertrey Ink. I cut out how ever many I am ready to work with and usually I cut them out of kraft card stock. I like the vintage look for my Christmas packages.

I then choose a stamp -

How totally adorable is Delilah's Ducky Christmas  So fun and cheerful! I just had to use this one, well... but it really didn't fit my vintage adult tag look -

Don't be afraid to use "parts" of your stamp!

With a vintage white ink I stamps off the side of the tag - yes.. sadly Delilah is missing but that adorable Duck was just not the best fit for my tag - and I just LOVE that Christmas tree! From there you do as much as you feel. For me I distressed the edges, inked the edges, added some twine at the top and a "To" and "From"... oh and I just have to put my bling on things. 


And I just couldn't stand it... Delilah needed a tag too - so for the kids receiving gifts - I made up a few special tags with her as well...

Simple red paper, and these tags are ready for their gifts. Now these are simple and you can make up a whole bunch of them in a very short time - - -


But if you have more time, and get started now you can really make them special!

Ok, I love this one more... I just may have to get busy now... I colored with my Copics, and added lots of stickles and bling on this one.


These tags add a wonderful personal touch to any gift! Now take a look at your stamps or part of your stamps and maybe you can add your touch to your gifts.


I hope you enjoyed my inspiration today - Thanks so much for looking.
MichelleO

Hedgehog Reading Desk Lamp

I love this Letraset Safmat stuff!! LOL really – soon I will be decorating all surfaces of my house. Right now I have been in the lamp mode. This is my second. After making the first I found this cute desk lamp at Target for only $5.99…. I had to buy it and decorate it right?
Simple project, took less than an hour to do.

First you need to find an image – I chose Stampavie’s Tina Wenke “Hedgehog Reading” – perfect for a desk lamp. I colored with my ProMarkers (colors listed below)

Then gather up your supplies
Your colored image – desk lamp and Safmat – and whatever else you want to decorate with.
Scan in or photo your colored image. Then Size to the object you at attaching it to. For my shade I needed it to be 3.5 inches tall – And print out on a sheet of Safmat.

Cut out and stick down – pretty simple huh?

Then you can decorate with what ever you like – me I found some cute flower ribbon to attach around the top.

I kept it simple – small desk lamp so I didn’t want to over do it.
Looks really cool with the light on..

So simple – So Cute! Childs name – school mascot whatever could be put on this lamp and be very personal for not much money. Safmat really does add so much, so easy!
Hope you like my desk lamp… me I am not sure where this one will go. Wonder if one of my nieces would like it on their desk?
Have a wonderful Day -
HUGS
MichelleO
Promarkers Used : Powder Blue, Cobalt Blue, Marsh Green, Lime Green, Pear Green, Poppy, Antique Pink, Oatmeal, Blush, Ivory, Primrose, Putty, Warm Grey, Caramel, Burnt Sienna, Sandstone, Lavender, Bluebelle and Apricot.

Sarah Kay - Letraset Safmat Lamp!

Dust it off Sunday - well... I am just too excited and have to show off something that was on the Stampavie and Letraset Blog this weekend... so Dust it Off - is postponed today :0)

While shopping the other day I had a light bulb go off in my head. Literally... a light!  I found these simple pretty glass lamps at IKEA - and for some reason I saw Sarah Kay Images all around the shade. I got so excited, because I knew with the Letraset SafMat product I could easily make that happen!

So how did I make my lamp - Well first I colored up 5 Sarah Kay images with ProMarkers -

Colors Used : Oatmeal, Ivory, Blush, Sandstone, Carmel, Apricot, Blossom, Dusty Rose, Antique Pink, Pink Carnation, Blue Bell, Lavender, Buttercup, Meadow Green, Marsh Green,  Denim Blue, Powder Blue, Tan, Burnt Sienna, Poppy,  Ice Grey 1, Ice Grey 5, Pastel Beige, and Blender Pen

I then measured my lamp shade. To determine the height I want to print my images on the SafMat -

Then  Scan or Photo your  images, and then print them to the size needed to fit the lamp shade.

Then it is just a matter of spacing the images around the shade and sticking them in place.

To cover the seams - I used a wide dotted satin ribbon. This is for decoration embellishment as well as to cover the edges of all the SafeMat printed images. I used a clear craft glue to stick the ribbon.

My Lamp is a clear glass - open on the bottom. I filled the glass with Mulberry Roses and Flowers, then used a piece of scrap card stock cut in the same size circle opening and attached it to cover the hole. You could also fill it with buttons, shells, whatever your mind can come up with!

I am pretty happy how this came out - I could see this in a little girls room, nursery or such. But for now I am happy with it sitting in my craft room   - I have to say I have been looking at all kinds of lamps now! I have a totally different one in the works  right now! What a great personalized gift item! A child's desk lamp with their favorite character and their own name maybe - oh the ideas are endless!

Thanks so much for looking - hope you enjoyed my light bulb moment!

Michelle Oatman

InStyle Method Monday - Embossing with what you have!

Hello again all! I apologize to those that don't like more than one notice in a day for post -but today was just one of those days where I had lots of business to take care of... not normal.



Today it is my turn to share a Method Monday technique on the InStyle Stamps DT Blog - and you know if you look back at all of the wonderful past Method Monday post it is getting really tough to come up with new stuff to show off! There are some GREAT ideas and inspirations there!



For my "method" today I went back to something I use to do all the time, before I had the goal of owning every embossing folder made that is... use what I have - make do with the supplies I already own. And you know sometimes that makes a better, and different project that I am more proud of!



For all the details on this tutorial please visit my post on the InStyle blog HERE

This tutorial shows how to use punches and die cuts to make your own embossed card stock. Like the stars on my patriotic card with InStyles Stamps Retro Stamp DEB -

I just love Deb... I know you could make her be anything on any type of card - but every time I see her I think of a 1940's USO girl - and then I hear that music and bands in my head. Love it!

Again I do hope you will visit the Instyle Blog to see all the details of how I made this card - it was really alot of fun to put together!

HUGS and have a great Monday afternoon!

MY InStyle Method Monday Post !

I am so excited, this is my first InStyle Blog post.. yes this post can also be found on the InStyle Blog... I was sent the mission to do this weeks Method Monday. After looking back at many of the past inspirations of projects for the MM I started to panic.. what can I make these ladies have already showed so much. I then remembered a very simple but fun little candy or gift "box" if you can call it a box. I think many refer to this as a Sour Cream Container.

A few years back I sat at a LSS garage sale, and the lady in the booth next to me had made a whole bunch of these and filled them full of candy for Halloween treats. They were selling like hot cakes - she was kind enough to share how they were made with me, I would love to give her full credit for teaching me, but I never got her name and never saw her again. So who ever you were THANKS these are so fun to make and really get oohs and aahs when I give them. I thought they would be really cute for Easter coming, I have also seen them made for baby showers, birthday's as well as Halloween.

First the supplies you will need:

Now I used a marker to show where you put your adhesive -

First you will attach the longer sides, so it looks like a kind of like a "TP roll".

You then flatten one side so it will attach with the adhesive.

Now when attaching the next end, to flatten the opposite direction - so it kind of looks like triangles on each side. (does that make sense?) But before you do!!!! This is where you add your goodies in - so don't forget like I did :0)

You then use your "crimping" tool and place each end into the crimper and turn just a couple of clicks.. you just want to make it run into the tool, like a half of inch or so.

At this point you just decorate with what ever you like! Me I used "Sasha" colored with my Copics, then cut with Spellbinders Nestibilites circle, then matted with a scrap blue scalloped circle. I doodled the edges for some added fun. I punched three Martha Steward Frond leaves, high lighted with white gel pen, then attached it with glue dots. I think it is really cute! I hope you enjoyed it and will give it a try - they are really a lot of fun and super easy to make -

Thanks so much -

HUGS
MichelleO