Blog Archives

Accordion Book Tutorial, Wedding/Anniversary

12/30/2018

For MANY years, we have been creating our own Accordion Books using products we carry here at the store!!

Check out this Tutorial on how to make your VERY OWN Accordion Book!

For this book, I chose a BEAUTIFUL Black/Gold/White color palette and this paper line from Simple Stories, 2018 and this sheet from ColorPlay from their Hello New Year line

You will need:

3 or 4 sheets of 12" x 12" patterned paper
2 sheets of 12" x 12" Chipboard (Kraft color)
4 sheets of black card stock (or other solid color)
3 to 4 sheets of other solid card stock to layer with (I chose a Stardream Gold Leaf and an Ivory card stock with a fleck in it)
Gold Ink Pad
Ranger Ink Blending Tool
Paper cutter
Score board
Scissors
Double-sided tape, mounting tape, and pop-dots
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
1 yard of ribbon (I chose a black satin ribbon)
Die-cuts, stamps, or other sentiments that you like

To make the Accordion Book:

Start by first taking the 2 pieces of Chipboard and cutting the pieces down to size using a paper cutter. You will need 6 pieces of chipboard that each measure 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Then, using the Ranger Ink Blending Tool and a Gold Ink Pad, ink the edges of each piece of chipboard

Next, take a piece of the Stardream Gold Leaf colored card stock and cut it up to get 5 pieces that measure 2" x 5 1/2"

Score each piece of the card stock at 1" so the pieces will each fold in half lengthwise

Then, use Double-Sided Tape to adhere the "hinges" to the pieces of chipboard MAKING SURE to alternate sides that the hinge is adhered so that the book creates the "Accordion" look

When you lay it flat on the counter it should look like this:

Next, cut your pieces of black card stock so that they create nice pages for your chipboard base. You will need a total of 12 pieces that each measure 4 1/4" x 6 1/4"

On the BACK page, adhere the piece of Black Satin Ribbon to the Kraft Chipboard piece using Double-Sided Tape. THEN lay down the last piece of black card stock and adhere it in place so the ribbon is secure.

Then, use decorative and patterned card stock to decorate the book!!!

Once you decorate ONE SIDE, flip the book over and decorate the OTHER SIDE!!

The front of the book can be as basic or as exciting as you'd like!! REMEMBER that the front of the book will be the page that opens up LIKE A BOOK. You don't want your Accordion Book to be backwards!!

We used these BEAUTIFUL die-cuts to decorate the front of the book!! Since this will be a wedding or Anniversary themed book, I used the Mr. and Mrs. die-cut from Impression Obsession and this Mini-Frame Circle from Jeanine's Art

I love having a nice, big sentiment at the back of the book.. and this "Pop, Fizz, Clink" cut-out from the patterned paper is just PERFECT!!

I also used these fun heart die-cuts to use in the book... The Hearts and Flourish Heart are both from Impression Obsession. I cut them out of Glitter Paper and the Stardream Gold Leaf color of card stock

I used both the inside cut-out of the Flourish Heart so I had embellishments for 2 pages!!

As you can see... with an Accordion Book, you can open it like a book page-by-page OR lay it out on the counter for all to see!!

Stop by to see it in person!! Accordion Books are not only FUN TO MAKE they also make a great gift idea!!! Great for Anniversaries or a Wedding... or even for displaying Graduation Photos!!

Stop by to get inspired to build your very own Accordion Book today!!

See you soon!
360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 18th

12/21/2018

Wendy is READY FOR WINTER TO BE OVER!! (and it just started!!)

Check out her cards from class last week... the theme is.. YOU GUESSED IT!!.. Valentine's and Love cards!

The first card that Wendy designed was inspired from this new die-cut from Taylored Expressions, Framed Script- Love. Wendy also used this Nesting Rounded Rectangle die-cut set from Hero Arts

To make the card:

Wendy used a peach-colored card stock as her card base
She picked a paper from the new paper collection, Garden Goddess (by Graphic 45) as the background. It is a BEAUTIFUL floral paper in peach and pink tones.
Using the Hero Arts Nesting Rounded Rectangles, cut out a rounded rectangle from solid paper (Wendy chose a vibrant coral color)
Then, die-cut the Framed Script Love from the same kind of floral paper as the background
Use the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the Framed Script Love to a piece of bright green card stock and then fussy-cut around the Framed Script Love so the bright green card stock only shows up behind the word "love"
Mount the Framed Script Love onto the Rounded Rectangle die-cut using double-sided tape
Mount the rounded rectangle onto the floral paper using Mounting Tape (for a little dimension). Tape the entire design onto your card base using double-sided tape.
Finish off the card by tying a bit of dark green sheer ribbon on the front of the card on the far left side and using Diamond Stickles to outline the Framed Script Love so it looks glittery

Isn't this card beautiful?! I LOVE the combination of colors and the floral image is just gorgeous.

The next card was made with the new Big Heart stamp from Taylored Expressions and this embossing folder from Sizzix, Tiny Dots

To make the card:

Start with a light pink card stock as your card base
Use your home die-cut machine to emboss a small piece of white card stock... Apply Versafine Onyx Black Ink to the INSIDE of the tiny dots embossing folder and then place your piece of white card stock inside the embossing folder and run it through your home die-cut machine. The ink will transfer as well as the tiny dots impression on your paper.
Adhere the piece of embossed white card stock to a piece of black card stock using double-sided tape. Mount the entire design onto the front of the card base on the left side.
Next, take a piece of pink wood grain patterned paper and cut it down to a square and fold the square in half. Wrap a piece of black polka-dot ribbon around the folded square so it will tie closed when the square is folded.
Adhere the back side of the folded square down to the card base on the right side. It will slightly overlap the embossed white card stock.
Now, stamp the Big Heart stamp onto white card stock 3 times using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink. Fussy cut the images and fold each of the hearts in half. Adhere the first heart down on the inside of the folded square, on the left side, fold-side of the heart in the middle of the folded square.
Then, adhere the next folded heart on the inside of the folded square on the right side. And adhere the last heart in the middle of the card between the 2 other hearts. All of the curves of the hearts should match up perfectly when you open the folded square, and should fold flat when you close the folded square.
Close the folded square and tie it closed so the opening is a secret!!

Isn't this card SO MUCH FUN?!!? I love interactive cards!!

This idea is even sweeter because you can include some fun pens or colored pencils for them to color the Big Heart image!!

The last card that Wendy designed was made with the new Raining Hearts stamp from Altenew and this Caps Lock Love die-cut from Taylored Expressions

To make the card:

Use a piece of grey card stock as your card base
Place a piece of decorative handmade paper on the front of the card base and adhere it with double-sided tape. Wendy chose a geometric paper that has black, gold, and white colors in it.
Take a strip of Stardream paper, Ice Gold color, and stamp the Raining Hearts stamp across the paper. Emboss with Detail Gold embossing powder
Then, take the same strip of paper and die-cut the word "Love" out of it using your home die-cut machine and the Caps Lock Love die-cut. Adhere the strip of paper with "Love" cut out onto a piece of Stardream Antique Gold paper. Then, adhere the entire design onto the front of the card (on top of the handmade paper) using double-sided tape.
Use the L, O, V, and E from the above die-cut and use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the letters inside the card.

What a fun card this is!!! I LOVE how the inside is the cut-out from the front of the card!!

Join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy card making class!!

It will be offered on January 22nd! 11am, 1:30pm, or 6:00pm.. the same class is offered 3 times during the day.

Give us a call to sign up ahead of time!! 360-647-9663

Paper Terrariums

12/15/2018

Have you always loved the look of botanicals? Check out this idea for making your own faux terrariums using paper!!

You can create paper terrariums using paper, ribbons and embellishments...

We like to think outside the box... and one of the first ideas we came up with was using this Poinsettia die-cut to create a cactus by folding it inwards.

You can see how we added texture to the little cactus by using the Nuvo Crystal Drops and a little "flower" by using a small amount of ribbon..

Check out this idea to make a 3 Dimensional "Dome Terrariums" ... Just 2 pieces of Acetate cut two half-ovals and cut a slit in each one to make it 3D. We placed an Acetate circle down as the base and used The Ultimate Glue to adhere the dome top to the base

Then, we used Fake Flowers and faux botanical items to fill the Terrarium..

To make the topper of the the little Terrarium, we used a Thimble Charm from our charms collection!!

It is the *perfect shape* for the terrarium!!

I loved the idea of making a Winter Terrarium scene.. Here we used a combination of different die-cuts as well as some mesh-textured ribbons..

This is a quick terrarium idea.. Just a piece of Acetate cut 3" x 12" glued with Hot Glue to an Acetate circle base ... and look how the little Thimble Charm looks with the terrarium!

I love the look of the snowy-white papers together.. SO BEAUTIFUL!

You can make a little garden in a terrarium by just pairing together all the botanical die-cuts, ribbons, and fake flowers

You can cut out a box using the die-cut machine here at the store. This little box is *technically* a cupcake box, but you can make it a mini-terrarium in no time at all!!

Or make a quick Terrarium out of Acetate... and add in the little flowers and foliage!!

This is a Terrarium die-cut from Hero Arts... it kind of looks like a 3D geometric shape...

By pairing it with a few botanical die-cuts, and adding a bit of twine, you can really make it into a great card!!

This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite Garden Greens set from Sizzix.. it is SO GOOD!!!

Join us for Demo NEXT WEEK for the Holiday Demo!!

The last Demo of the year will be on Wednesday, December 19th from noon to 1pm

No need to sign up for Demo, just stop to join in the fun!!

See you soon!!!

360-647-9663

Food Grade Cellophane Bags

12/10/2018

Here at the store, ESPECIALLY this time of year, we get in lots of people looking for the Goodie Bags!!

Here are some fun ideas to get the creative juices flowing as you prepare to package up cookies or treats for the Holiday Season!!

We offer the Food Grade Cellophane Bags in a variety of prints..

Check out this idea using Decorative Papers and Ribbon to hold some Dog Treats!! The Paw Print Paper and Cellophane Bag go PERFECTLY together!!

Here, we used one of the Star-Patterned bags with some Gingham Ribbon and Metallic Twine.. We picked out some of the toffees to put in the bag and added the Ribbon to tie it all together!!

Or, if you are having a New Year's Party.. Here is a great and easy way to pass out some Sour Candies.. So you can all *ACTUALLY STAY AWAKE* to welcome in the New Year!!

All of the Food Grade Cellophane Bags are gusseted so they sit flat!!

Whether you are closing them with ribbon or just sealing them with some card stock and a stapler... your bags will fit whatever goodies you may be sharing!!

We even have Skinny Gusseted Food Grade Bags so you can put in a couple pieces of Biscotti or suckers or other fun candy treats!!

Stop by to see our selection!! We would love to show you all the choices we have for Gift Bags, Tissue Paper, Ribbons, and MORE!!

See you soon!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 4th

12/4/2018

This week's Tuesday with Wendy cards are SO MUCH FUN for this time of year!!

Check out how exciting they are!!!

The first card that Wendy designed was inspired from this Paper Rose Stamp Set, Cozy Christmas as well as this die-cut from Taylored Expressions, Birch Tree Border

To make the card:

Use your home die-cut machine to cut out the Birch Tree Border from ivory card stock and cut a snow drift (for the bottom of the card) using a pair of scissors to cut a nice snow drift
Use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the tree and snow drift in place
Use the Versafine Clair ink, Nocturne, to stamp the little animals from the Paper Rose stamp set. Wendy arranged the animals in a cute way... I LOVE how she perched the little bird on the hat of the little bear!!
Stamp the little Snowflake image with Hero Arts White Ink around the tree.
Use Prismacolor colored pencils to color in the little images from the stamp set, like the little bears, birds, and owl
Finish off the card by applying Marvy Liquid Applique along the branches of the tree. Use a heat gun to dry the Liquid Applique and watch as it raises and puffs.. making it look JUST LIKE SNOW!

LOOK HOW CUTE this card is!!!!

Not only are the little animals so cute, but this card is great for the Winter Season!!

Check out how one of the gals colored their images... I LOVE IT!!!

The next card Wendy designed was inspired from this tree design from Penny Black, Christmas Foliage and this ADORABLE die-cut set from Impression Obsession, small birds

To make the card:

Wendy used the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform to apply the Versafine Clair inks to the Tree image.. She applied the Rain Forest ink to the foliage part of the tree and the Pinecone ink to the trunk of the tree.
Stamp the image onto ivory card stock
Cut out the Little Birds die-cut (from Impression Obsession) out of black card stock and arrange the birds on your tree in an appealing way. Use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the birds to the tree

The last card that Wendy designed was inspired from this new stencil from Kaisercraft, Sea Urchins and this Sea Urchin stamp from Fred B. Mullett

To make the card:

Use the new Seashell Wide Washi Tape from Altenew and adhere a strip along the left side of the card base
Wendy cut out a piece of background paper for the right side of the card (she chose a paper from the Kiasercraft Deep Sea Collection, Anemone) and stamped the Sea Urchin Stamp using the Versafine Clair ink, Monarch. Wendy stamped the Sea Urchin image several times on the background paper. Use double-sided tape to adhere the paper down.
Next, take a piece of white card stock and rip the edges to make it look distressed. Use the new Picket Fence Large Blending Brushes to apply Distress Ink to the piece of card stock. Wendy used Distress ink colors Wilted Violet and Broken China. The new Blending Brushes are SO SOFT and work great for applying a soft layer of ink.
Use a Palette Knife to apply some Light Molding Paste to the Silicone Craft Mat to create 2 piles of paste... one is colored with Violet ColorBurst and the other is colored with Ultramarine Blue ColorBurst
Use the Light Molding Paste and the Sea Urchins stencil to apply a thin layer of the Light Molding Paste to the SAME piece of ripped card stock.
Sprinkle some Multi Crystal Glitter Mix to the Sea Urchin-stenciled paste while it is still wet.
Put a piece of the the Gold Mesh Ribbon in the middle of the card and use The Ultimate Glue to adhere the ripped strip of paper on top of everything.
Stamp the Sea Urchin stamp onto teal card stock and heat emboss with Detail Gold Embossing Powder. Fussy-cut the Sea Urchin image and use Mounting Tape to adhere the Sea Urchin image so it adds dimension

Just look HOW FUN this card is!!! We love how artistic it is... and the movement of the Sea Urchin throughout the card is just PERFECT!

One of the gals in class decided to sprinkle on the Detail Gold Embossing Powder on top of the wet Molding Paste and used a Heat Gun to heat-set it. The effect that is created is called the "Molten Lava" effect... and although this technique was not taught in class... it still looks SO COOL for this card!!!

Join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy!! It will be offered on December 18th.

Give us a call to sign up!! 360-647-9663

Paper Lanterns!!

12/1/2018

Last week for Demo we learned about making Paper Lanterns!!

Check out these fun ideas!!

With each of the lanterns that has Vellum, you can use a battery-operated tea-light to light them up. We were able to find several at our local dollar store

This first idea was SO MUCH FUN to create!!!

Using the new Picket Fence Blending Brushes, we applied a light coat of Distress Ink to this piece of Vellum... then we stamped the Skaters stamp from Impression Obsession on the bottom part of the lantern and made.. this LITTLE TENT LANTERN!!!! It turned out *so cute* and is even better when you light it up at night!!

This next idea was SO EASY to put together.. and although this Paper Lantern does not light up, it is great for celebrating the Chinese New Year or for hanging up multiple lanterns outside for a garden party... just some strips of paper, twine, and a few embellishments make for a nice, easy decoration!!

You can make your own tassel by wrapping a bit of twine, creating a knot, and fraying the end

This next idea is inspired from the new Mushroom Paper we just got in from Renke Designs.. we fussy-cut the little mushrooms and used the Distress Ink, Walnut Stain to add a distressed look to the Paper Lantern.

We used a die-cut machine to cut out the ovals and backed the open ovals with Vellum. The bottom of the lantern is open so it can be set on top of a votive

If you are looking for a quick way to make holiday Paper Lanterns, look no further than the new Tim Holtz / Sizzix Tree Light die-cut. The die-cut comes with 2 sizes of trees with little cut-out holes at the bottom so you can easily set it on top of a battery-operated tea-light.. and they are just SO SWEET!!!!

You can make quick Paper Lanterns by stamping a strip of Vellum with Stampscapes stamps... adhere the strip of Vellum to the backside of a strip of card stock (using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive) and score it in 4 places to create the box-shape of a lantern..

In the samples below, the lantern on the left has stamped images on the inside of the Vellum and the lantern on the right has the images stamped on the outside of the Vellum.

Just look HOW BEAUTIFUL this turned out!!!

This next idea fits into a standard envelope size... and is easy enough to stand up on a desk!

We embossed the Vellum with the Tiny Dots Embossing Folder from Sizzix and used nature image die-cuts from Memory Box and Impression Obsession.. the black silhouettes look SO GOOD on the embossed Vellum!! Especially when the Paper Lantern is lit up!!