Irresistable matchbook mints tutorial!

I'm back with the quick and easy tutorial for the Matchbook Mints.  Super simple! For the matchbook covers, I used one sheet of the Irresistably Yours DSP which I just LOVE! The pack comes all white, but by using the "resist" technique, you'll see that the prints resist the ink colors and create beautiful background papers.  Here's a look:

So first, let me start off by saying I cut the 12x12 sheet into two 4 1/2" x 12" pieces, and one 3" x 12" piece. The pic above shows 2 of the 3 pieces.  I sponged the DSP and really love how these 2 panels turned out!  Now here's a look at the 3 colors - Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, and Strawberry Slush -  cut into the 4 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips for the matchbox covers. Score each of these strips at 2", then you'll see there's a half inch that you fold over.  This is the flap that you'll staple with your mint in place.

Now for the 3 simple ingredients:

1) Mints, 2) cardstock, 3) stapler.

And finally, you need to put your mints in something right?  Here's my fave berry basket with the pom moms. Viola! Cute mints in a giftable or cute put-on-your-desk-at-work container, ready for displaying and giving.

For a quick summary of the steps, here's a little cheat sheet for you:

And, last but not least - here's a list of supplies for your quick reference!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Thanks for popping by!  Hope you have fun making these. Would love for you to leave me a comment and share so I can visit your blogs!

Have a great rest of your weekend!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: #7 - Using wax paper with Hexagon Hive Thinlit

Hello and happy Tuesday, blog friends!  This week's tech tip is using wax paper with the Hexagon Hive framelit, but it's definitely a tip that will make die cutting intricate thinlits much easier!  It's amazing what a little wax paper can do.  It does make using detailed thinlits much more enjoyable where you don't have to work so hard to peel off the DSP or card stock from the metal frame.  If you're like me, then you probably didn't read the packaging that recommends you use wax paper with the thinlits {heehee, packaging smackaging!}.  But, not to worry - once you make the discovery, you will definitely keep wax paper at your disposal! I had fun finally using the Hexagon Hive thinlit and taking it for a spin!  How do you like the 3 cards I created above?  What's cool is, you get all the cut hexagons from the thinlit as a byproduct, too, so you can definitely create more projects!  Now, here's the super simple process of using the wax paper:

1.  To create this cute and simple 'Gee, thanks' card, you'll need Real Red card stock cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and folded in half, a piece of wax paper, one sheet of Fresh Prints DSP, and the Hexagon Hive Thinlit.
2. Assemble your sandwich for the Big Shot starting with the acrylic plate at the bottom, then Fresh Prints DSP, wax paper, Hexagon Hive Thinlit, and acrylic plate on top.  Now you're ready to take it through the Big Shot!
3.  Your finished Hexagon Hive die cut!  The hexagons pop out and you'll be able to easily remove the die cut from the thinlit die.  Gently peel away the wax paper and you'll have your fun Hexagon Hive piece of DSP!
4.  Assemble your card.  Tip - I use SNAIL adhesive and apply it onto the Hexagon Hive die cut on the silicon craft sheet.  Why?  This way, I'm able to to put adhesive along the edges easily without making a sticky mess on my work surface!  For the sentiment, I used the Just Sayin' Clear Mount Bundle, which comes with the Just Sayin' stamp set and Word Bubble Framelits!  Just stamp it using the Coastal  Cabana stamp set, adhere it with dimensionals and you're done!

Easy peasy, right?  Here are the 3 cards I made for my first batch of Hexagon Hive projects:

Here's a bigger view of the card we just created.  Simple, quick and fun!

This card is my favorite of the bunch! I created the flower using the Pansy and Blossom punches.  For the center of the flower, I used the Linen Thread and Regals Designer Buttons and embellished a little with the Natural Chevron ribbon.  

Here's a bit of a closer look at the flower. The Pansy and Blossom punch make such a fun bloom!

For this card, I used the Crumb Cake card stock as the base and stamped the flower from the Nature's Hello hostess stamp set as my sentiment.  The ribbon is the Natural Chevron ribbon on the reverse side and the pretty button is from the Very Vintage Buttons.

Hope you liked the projects today and hope this week's tip helps make your crafting with framelits and thinlits much more enjoyable!  Thanks for stopping by today!

ETA: So excited to play along in the Happy for Hexagons Challenge in the Moxie Fab World!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: #5 - Stamped Banner Window Card!

Hi blog friends!  Welcome to {Tech Tip Tuesday}!  This week, I'm sharing the technique of stamping on a window sheet using StazOn ink. I started off with a trifold card base, which I created from a 12x12 sheet of Core'dinations paper.  I also got to use my Perfect Pennants Clear Mount Bundle (which includes the Banner Framelits and the Perfect Pennants clear mount stamp set - an excellent combo!). Are you ready to check it out?  Let's get started, shall we?

1. Cut out a 5 1/2" x12" piece of card stock and score the 12" side at 3 1/2" and 7 3/4".

2. Use the Big Shot to die cut the 2nd largest banner framelit on the 4 1/4"x5 1/2" panel of your trifold card.

3.  Cut a 3" x 5" piece of window sheet and adhere on the inside of the card using glue dots along the edges.

4. Stamp the "Make a wish" sentiment {from the Perfect Pennants stamp set} to the front of the card using white StazOn ink.

5.  Die cut the largest banner framelit using a sheet from the Sweet Sorbet DSP.  Next, die cut the 3rd largest banner framelit using a scrap of Pool Party Core'dinations paper.  Then lastly, die cut the 2nd smallest Labels framelit in Basic Black card stock.  Assemble these layers on the 3 1/2"x 5 1/2" panel of your trifold.  Tip: line up the Sweet Sorbet DSP banner piece along the inner edge of the card panel. This will make all the banners align with your front banner window.

6.  Embellish the front of the card. I used the Banner punch from the Sale-a-bration catalog and the Itty Bitty Shapes flower. I added the Pearl Basics to the flower centers to give my flowers that fun dimension.  Viola - you're done!

Here's a couple more views of the card for you.

Here's the card recipe:

{Make a Wish Banner Window Card}
Stamp Set: Perfect Pennants
Cardstock: Crisp Cantaloupe and Pool Party Core'dinations card stock, Sweet Sorbet DSP, Basic Black
Inks: White StazOn ink
Accessories: Banner and Labels Collection Framelits, Banner Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punches, Window Sheets, Glue Dots

Product Recommendations for this project - click on the images to check them out on my online store!:

Now, it's your turn to give this technique a whirl! I'd love to see your creations. Thanks for stopping in today.  Have a great one!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: #3 - Stamping on Muslin bags

Hi there blog friends!  Welcome to another week of {Tech Tip Tuesday}!  This week, I'm gonna share how easy it is to stamp on Muslin using Stampin'Up!'s Photopolymer stamps.  Aren't the bags above so cute?  I have to admit that I had to get over my own fears of stamping on Muslin - i.e. "Will the image come out ok?" or "Are the inks going to look dark enough?"  among other musings of mine that were preventing me from experimenting on these fun little bags sooner.  I'm pleased to share that it's really super easy to stamp on the bags and get a nice image.  Are you ready to get started?  I've got 4 easy steps for you.

1. To get started, here are the items I used: Muslin bag, Stampin'Up! Classic Ink pads in Smokey Slate and Daffodil Delight, Eye-catching Ikat Photopolymer Stamp Set, Acrylic Block.

2. For this Ikat pattern, I used 2 stamps from the Eye-Catching Ikat stamp set - the 2 diamond shaped stamps.  Place the 2 stamps on your acrylic block to create your repeating pattern.  Stamp the first row in Smokey Slate.  The beauty of the photopolymer stamp sets are that you can see the exact placement on the acrylic block and the actual stamped image on your Muslin bag.  Tip - be sure you evenly ink the stamps to ensure your full image stamps onto the Muslin.  Press the acrylic block firmly onto the bag and be sure not to rock the block back and forth for a clear and crisp image. 

3. Continue making your pattern and clean your stamps between colors. For the second row, I used Daffodil Delight.  You can stamp as many rows as you'd like to continue and repeat your pattern on the bag. For this sample, I create 3 rows.

4.  The finished bag!  As you can see, creating a pattern is a snap with the photopolymer stamps!

Here's a closer look at the trio of bags I stamped {notice the use of my rosette embellishments? - SOO fun!}:

For the rosette embellishment, I doubled up and used 2 flower dies rolled together to create a bigger bloom.

I just love this Ikat pattern and color palette! This pretty polka dot rosette was created using the Polka Dot Parade DSP.

For this stamped patter, I did a two-step stamp technique to create the yellow sunflowers.  Then, I topped it off with a happy orange felt rosette.  These Muslin bags are perfectly sized for cute little goodies or trinkets.  Hope you're inspired to create your own little gift bags. :)

Here are the supplies I used:

{Muslin Bag Trio}
Stamps: Eye-catching Ikat Photopolymer stamps
Inks: Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Pumplin Pie, Smokey Slate Classic Stampin'Up! Ink Pads
Accessories: Spiral Flower Originals Die, Mini Metallic Clothespins, Smokey Slate Chevron Ribbon, Secret Garden Framelits, Muslin Bags, Polka Dot Parade DSP 

Product recommendations for this project:

You can check these products out on my online store here.  And, don't forget - Sale-a-bration starts today!  So, what that means is, for every $50 you spend, you can choose Free product from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  Woot woot :)

Happy stamping and thanks for visiting!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: Week 2 - Fabulous watercolor background

Hi all!  Happy Tuesday.  Hope your week is off to a great start.  We're having some nice warm weather here in Southern California, so I stamped this week's Tech Tip outside on MLK day {it was SOO nice to have the day off from my day job!}. It got to the high 70s in the afternoon, which is a pretty warm January for us.

For this week's Tech Tip Tuesday, I'm sharing a watercoloring technique that we got a peek at during leadership.  For my card, I used the Making a Point hostess set, which I just LOVE.  It's quite a clever and sassy little set - the sentiments crack me up. Take a look for yourself:

Doesn't the lipstick one make you chuckle? Anyway, I digress.  Back to the technique.  Watercoloring elements are so trendy right now that it's a great style to work into your every day stamping and paper crafting.  This technique in particular is such an easy and fun way of using the Stampin'Write markers and an acrylic block.  So, let's get started, shall we?

1.  You'll need an acrylic block, markers, and a water spritzer.  For my project, I used Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit Stampin'Write markers and Stampin'Up!'s size C acrylic block.

2.  On a clean acrylic block, use your markers to color directly onto the block.  I colored the Primrose Petal on about two-thirds of the block and Summer Starfruit on the bottom third.

3.  I used the Stampin'Up! Spritzer filled with water and squirted 2 sprays onto the block until the water on the block was evenly "beaded."

4.  Next, take the block and stamp it directly onto your card stock.  I used Whisper White card stock for my project.  As you press the block down onto the card stock, you'll see that the moisture from the inks and water will mix and swirl with the colors and as you pull the block off, it will create some fun variations of color and depth.

5.  Set the card stock aside to dry for a few minutes.

6.  Once the watercolor block is dry, stamp your image onto the card stock using StazOn ink.  This ensures that the image will not bleed.  Viola!  You have your stamped image on a pretty watercolor background!

I finished off my card by mounting my stamped Whisper White card stock onto Crumb Cake.  To give my card a little texture, I added a few sequins onto the card. Just a teenie amount of bling.  I've been on a simple and clean kick lately. Adhesive tip: the Two-way Glue pen is great for sticking sequins or baker's twine on cards! 

Here's another look at my finished card.  Super quick and easy! Hope you like it. :)

And last but not least, here's the recipe for you:

{you're fabulous, watercolor}
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Inks: Primrose Petal and Summer Starfruit Stampin'Write markers, Black StazOn permanent ink
Stamps: Making a Point {Stampin'Up! Occasions catalog - hostess set}
Accessories: Acrylic Block {size C}, Gold sequins {Stampin'Up! Occasions catalog}

Thank's for the visit. I would love to hear what you think about the card or technique…let me know!  Bye for now. Hope your day is fabulous.

Scoring with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!

Hi all!  Just wanted to pop in real quick with the project I created for UStamp with Dawn and Friend's "Let's Score." 

If you haven't checked out a UStamp with Dawn event, it's definitely worth it!  This month's "Let's Score" edition focuses on projects that use the Simply Scored tool.  You can check out my project along with 40+ others, complete with pictures and PDF instructions by subscribing to the "Let's Score" edition here.  Hope you liked this quick look!

Have a fantastic day and thanks so much for dropping by!

a St. Paddy's day {beverage} for this week's HSS Challenge

For this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge, I was tasked to create a card set using this week's Go Green St. Patrick's Day theme.  While St. Paddy's day probably doesn't conjure up a hot cup of coffee for most, I decided to "buck" the trend, so to speak. I have Sandy Hancock to thank for this fun coffee cup design!  She made the cutest samples, I just had to case it!  First, here are the deets to this week's challenge:

And now, here's a look at one of my Grande cups of java:

Isn't that so fun?  I have to say I'm getting great use of my In Color 6x6 DSP stack!  I used the Pear Pizzazz DSP patterns for my cups.  I then also dusted off my crimper to create my coffee sleeves.  The Lucky Shamrock stamp from the Occasions Mini catalog made the perfect logo for my cups.  I'm telling you - these cards were so fun and easy to make, I think you guys should give it a try!  Here are the quick instructions for you:

1.  Start with a 4" x 11" piece of cardstock as your base and fold it in half.

2.  Mark off a 1/2" from both edges at the base of the folded card.  Use the paper trimmer to trim from the top corner to your hash mark - this will create your coffee cup shape.

3.  Cut a 2 1/2" x4" piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and run through your crimper.

4.  Adhere a piece of 5"x4" DSP and your crimped piece of cardstock on top of your coffee card.  Once you adhere both pieces, trim the excess cardstock off using your paper trimmer.

5.  For your lid, cut a 4 1/4" x 1" piece of Whisper White cardstock.  Score lengthwise at 1/4" to create your faux edge on your lid.  Round the top 2 corners and adhere this piece onto your card with dimensionals.  You're done! 

Give it a whirl.  You'll see for yourself how fun these are to make.  Who knew that whipping up 4 cups of coffee could be such a blast?! Hope this inspires you to play along with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments this week.  Check out what the rest of the DT has in store for you and create a project to share with us!  Have a great day :)

Scallop Rosette Tutorial!

Hi all!  Happy Friday to you.  Many of you had asked me about instructions on the flower rosette I created on this card, and I'm happy to say, I've finally gotten the chance to put it together for you!  Here it is:

Supplies:
2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
Paper Snips
Your choice of DSP
Tombow Multi Purpose Glue
Bone Folder
Glue Dots

Instructions:
1.  Punch out 6 scallop circles, then make the following cuts on each:
-cut one from the edge to the center of the circle
-then on the remaining scallop circles, do the following: cut a 2 scallop pie sliver, 3 scallop pie sliver, 5 scallop pie sliver, 6 scallop pie sliver, and lastly, cut a 7 scallop pie sliver (basically cutting the circle in half).  See picture below.

2. Use the bone folder to curl each of the pieces:

 3. Apply the Tombow glue along one edge of each of the scallop circle pieces and create a "cone shape" with each piece:

4.  Cut about 1/4" off the bottom of each cone - this will allow each of the flower layers to better nest and create a full flower.

5.  Now that you have all your layers created, all you need to do is assemble the flower by nesting time together!  To add some texture, first nest all the layers together and then place the flower in your palm  and crumple in your hand.  Then when you're happy with how your flower looks, all you need to do is use glue dots at the base of each flower and adhere to each layer.  Start from smallest to largest.  Your finished flower will look something like this:

 

Now it's your turn!  Have fun creating these flowers!!!  Thanks for popping in!

perfectly punched cupcakes!

Hi all!  Did you guys have a nice weekend?  I have to say we had a great weekend!  We had beautiful weather and we also got to hang out with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nieces for the weekend.  They came down for a visit and we had lots of fun.  We went down to see the tidepools by my house and then we even had some time for crafting, which is always a bonus.  I just wish we had an extra day!  Oh well...we did have fun.  Now it's time to kick off the new week.  Remember the other day when I mentioned I'd share the tip on how to to be more paper efficient with the new Build a Cupcake Punch (and can also be applied to the Blossom Petals Punch, too!).  Applying this handy technique ensures you make perfectly punched cupcakes!  Here's what you need to do:

Here's a picture of how the stamped images align with your punch:

Isn't that cool?  Now here's another look at the cards I created with my cupcakes.  I made a stepped up version with the ribbon, as well as a simpler, easy to mail version without ribbon...Either way, I don't think you can go wrong!:

What do you think?  Aren't these fun?  I love this sweet color palette - so girly and preppy, too!  Here's the recipe for you:

{Punchy Cupcakes!}

*Stamp Set: Something to Celebrate {Occasions Mini Catalog Hostess Level 2 Set}, Create a Cupcake

*Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Filled With Love DSP Bundle, Whisper White

*Inks: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz

*Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Certainly Celery Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Springtime Vintage Buttons, Hemp Twine

It's your turn to give it a try!  I think you'll have fun making these perfect cupcakes - I know I did.  Hope you have a fantastic week.  Oh...don't forget...Sale-a-bration starts tomorrow!  WooHoo! 

Peony Flower Tutorial!

Happy Friday, blog peeps!  As promised, I have the tutorial on what I'm calling the Peony Flower that I created on this post.  I really love how this flower looks!  I've seen many renditions of it now, using different flower dies (scallop circle, flower layers, etc), but the flowers I'll be using today are from the Stampin'Up!Blossom Party Bigz die.  Here's a look at the flower pieces:

Aren't those flowers fun? Ready to get started?  Here's what you'll need: 

{Supplies}:

*4 large blossom die cuts and 1 small flower die cut on Whisper White cardstock {or any color cardstock}

*spray bottle filled with water and a small towel (to absorb the water spray!)

*paper piercing tool and mat

*brad

*2 ink pads - I used Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink {basically 2 colors, one lighter than the other}

1.  Spray the flowers with water until they are moist.

2.  Scrunch up each of the flowers into a little ball.

3.  Gently open up the large flowers, then place them directly onto the Pretty In Pink ink pad.

You'll see that the ink will absorb on the creased parts of your flower, creating a "veiny and mottled" appearance:

5.  For the center small flower, place that direcly onto the Melon Mambo ink pad:

6.  Once all your flowers have been dipped (face down) in the ink pads, stack them up and create a hole in the center with your paper piercing tool.

 

7.  Secure your flower with a small brad.  It's starting to come together!  You can stop at this stage if you want your flower to look more like a dahlia. 

8.  If you want to keep going, take that pretty flower and spray lightly with the water bottle just to moisten it up a little.  Then, scrunch it back up into a ball - so it sorta looks like a clam at this point.

9.  Now for the big reveal - slowly uncrumple the petals and and scrunch as you go.  You'll get a flower that looks like this.

Viola!!! You've now created a beautiful peony flower!  It may be a little damp, so set aside and let dry.  You'll see that the petals will hold the nice and scrunched shape. Too fun! Enjoy!!!

Thanks for coming by!