Category: Christmas

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 5th

12/12/2017

The last Tuesday with Wendy class was a LOT of fun!! The theme for this week was embossing techniques!!

To start, Wendy designed this AMAZING New Year's card!!!!

She used 2 stamps from Hero Arts, Festive Bauble Bold Print and Happy Happy New Year

To make the card:

The card base is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, folded in half.
Stamp the Bauble Background on a piece of metallic black paper (Cocktail, Black Russian), 2" x 5 1/2, using the Versamark ink pad.
Use a little bit of White Embossing Powder on one part of the image... only apply the powder to a small part closest to the outside edge... and shake off any excess back into the container. REPEAT this step with Gold and Silver Embossing Powder until the entire image has embossing powder on it. This technique is called Multi-Color Embossing. Once you have heat-set the image, tape it down on the front of your card on the left side using double-sided tape.
Place a piece of handmade dot paper, 2" x 5 1/2", on the front of the card on the right side... *make sure to leave about a 1/4" of black paper showing on the far right side of the card*
Place a 1/4" piece of the Gold Glitter Paper in the center of the front of the card to give it nice contrast.
To finish the card, stamp out the Happy Happy New Year sentiment onto a piece of white cardstock (3 1/2" x 1 1/2") do the Multi-Color Embossing again, this time with just Silver and Gold Embossing Powders.
Mount the sentiment onto a piece of Stardream, Gold Leaf cardstock (3 3/4 x 1 3/4).
Use pop dots to mount the sentiment onto the front of the card.

The next card was using the Berry Bramble stamp from Penny Black and Warm Wishes by Verses.

To make this card:

Using the Tim Holtz platform, stick your stamp down and ink it up. On the STEMS ONLY, use the Versafine Olympic Green ink pad. On the BERRIES, use the Versafine Crimson Red ink pad.
Stamp the image onto Classic Crest Natural cardstock
Sprinkle Detail Gold Embossing Powder over part of the image. THEN apply Detail Clear Embossing Powder over the entire image. Heat-set it.
On the same piece of paper, stamp Warm Wishes with the Versamark ink pad. Apply Detail Gold Embossing Powder and heat set it.
Mount the card onto the card base (11" x 4 1/4" on Classic Crest Natural cardstock, folded in half).
Frame the image with 2 strips of 1/8" Curious Metallics, Botanic cardstock AND 2 pieces of 1/2" decorative Christmas paper (Wendy used the new Pebbles, Merry Merry line)

Isn't this card BEAUTIFUL!! (It was BY FAR the most popular card in class)

The last card that Wendy designed is a quick and easy one to put together.. it was also made using the Verses saying, Warm Wishes and the die-cut from Amy Designs, Snowflake Swirl

To make the card:

Wendy used the Majestic Blue Versafine ink pad to stamp out the saying Warm Wishes onto a piece of snowflake paper (Wendy used this piece from the Bo Bunny line, 'Tis the Season)- which measures 3" x 5 1/2"
Wendy then embossed the words with Star Dust Embossing Powder and heat-set it.
She then cut out 2 strips of Blue glitter paper (1/4" x 5 1/2" strips) to frame the image.
Then, using a home die-cut machine, Wendy cut out the Snowflake Swirl from a piece of white cardstock.
Finally, using double-sided tape, she put the card together by mounting it onto the card base: a piece of denim blue cardstock ( 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", folded in half)

I Just LOVED this card!! Despite it being so easy to put together.. it is just Beautiful!!

One of the gals from class came in this week to show us how she decided to use a different sentiment that she had at home.. and I just LOVE it on this card!! She used the SAME technique (Majestic Blue Versafine ink with the Star Dust Embossing Powder) but just used a sentiment she already had.. great idea!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Nov 21

12/2/2017

We have been having a busy couple weeks! I wanted to take a moment to share with you the cards from the last Tuesday with Wendy class!!

Check out how fun these cards are!

Wendy wanted to show some new techniques.. and she did not disappoint!!

The first card, and one of my favorites, was made using this new snowflake stamp from Hero Arts, Handdrawn Snowflakes. This stamp, which is a "cling" style of stamp, is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

To make the card:

Stamp the snowflake image onto dark blue, iridescent card stock (4" x 5 1/4") using aVersamark ink pad
Apply the embossing powder one color at a time... Start along the edge of the image, apply a little bit of Detail Gold embossing powder to the snowflakes (make sure you don't cover the entire image!), shake off the excess powder and put it back into the container. REPEAT these steps for the 2 other colors of embossing powder, Detail Silver and Detail White, until all the snowflakes have been coated.
After you have applied the embossing powders to the entire image, heat-set it.
Finish off the card with 2 ribbons.. a bit of thin dark blue ribbon and a bit of matte gold ribbon.
Mount the entire image onto the card base which is white card stock (8 1/2" x 5 1/2") folded in half

This card is SO STUNNING!!! An easy technique with BIG results!!

The next card was made using this ADORABLE stamp set from Stampendous, Snowman Trio

To make the card:

Stamp the snowmen images onto white card stock
Color the snowmen using markers or colored pencils

Use the Slider Dies "On the Right Track" from Taylored Expressions to cut-out the slider track. Wendy cut it out of a piece of dark blue snowflake paper (5 1/2" x 3" ) from Reminisce

Take 2 pennies and put a pop-dot on ONE of the pennies

Cut 4 strips of black chipboard (5 1/4" x 1/2"). Make 2 rows of the chipboard so 2 pieces are stuck together and use double-sided tape to adhere them to the UNDERSIDE of the dark blue snowflake paper.

Put a penny BEHIND the slider cut-out and put the penny with a pop-dot on TOP of the other penny. You should end up with 2 pennies with a pop-dot between them that slides across the card.
Mount the dark blue snowflake paper onto a piece of white paper (5 1/2" x 3 1/2")
The card base (11" x 4 1/4") is folded in half, and using the little snowflakes from the Snowman Trio stamp set, stamp the snowflakes along the edge using Majestic Blue Versafine ink.

Tape the dark blue/white paper down onto the front of the card, leaving a little bit of the light blue paper exposed so you can see the little snowflakes peeking out.
Now, cut out the snowmen. Using The Ultimate Glue, adhere one snowman to the penny on the front of the card.
Take the cut-out from the slider dies and put it on the INSIDE of your card. Take the other 2 snowmen and glue them onto the inside of your card as well, Wendy glued them on top of the slider die cut-out.

This card IS SO FUN to play with!! Watch as the little snowman rolls and tumbles across the card!!!

The last card was THE MOST FUN!!! This is a Shaker Card, which means there is a piece of acetate (clear plastic) on the front and little sequins and findings on the inside. Wendy used the Impression Obsession die-cut Peace Frame

To make the card:

Use dark green paper as the base of the card (11" x 4 1/4") and fold the card in half.
On the front of the card, Wendy cut out of piece of Alpine Trees paper by Aunthentique (4" x 4") and mounted it onto the front of the card onto the dark green paper.
Take a piece of Stardream Bronze paper (3 5/8" x 3 5/8") and a piece of acetate (3 5/8" x 3 5/8"). Use The Ultimate Glue to adhere the acetate to the back of the Bronze paper. (I usually wait about 10 minutes for it to fully dry)
Next, just like with the last card, cut strips of chipboard measuring 1/4" wide and cut the strips into 3 1/2" pieces and make 4 stacks of 2.
Glue the chipboard in place on all 4 sides like you see in the picture below... but BEFORE you glue it down onto the Alpine Trees paper, add in your shaker bits!!
Wendy used a combination of Hero Arts Sequins and new Metallic "Toppings" from Queen & Co... she just used a pinch of each.
Once you have added in the shaker pieces, carefully attach the shaker front to the Alpine Tree background paper using The Ultimate Glue.
Add a tiny bit of brown metallic ribbon (10" is good, you can always trim it down) and that's it!!

A beautiful and fun shaker card!!

Wendy designed another shaker card idea.. you'll have to stop by the store to see it in person!!

Advent Calendar, 2017

11/25/2017

It seems like every year we get more and more people coming in looking to make their own Advent Calendar!!

Each year, we put together a design to inspire you.. last year we made a shadow-box style calendar.. and this year we are using *mini envelopes* !!

To make the calendar, you will need:

One large sheet Mi Tients Red Paper (19 3/4" x 25 1/2")
One piece of Poster Board
25 Mini Envelopes
Double-sided tape
Little tags or labels
The Ultimate Glue and/or Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Crystal Drops (1 or 2 colors)
3-5 colors of cardstock to go inside the envelopes
Stickers or other items to put in envelopes

To start, take your 25 Mini Envelopes and turn the flap inwards so you can easily put items in the envelopes

Next, you will need to cut down your Poster Board just slightly so that it will frame-out the Red Mi Tients Paper nicely.

Poster Board - 20 3/4" x 26 1/2"
Red Mi Tients - 19 3/4" x 25 1/2"

I generally use an X-acto Knife and a ruler to cut the Poster Board.. but if you don't have those things, using a ruler, pencil, and a pair of scissors will also work.

Once you have folded-in all your envelopes, take your 3 pieces of colored cardstock and cut them using a paper cutter.

You will need 25 squares that measure 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".

These will be the little notes that go inside each envelope.
We chose a few different shades of green and red cardstock..

Then, we started laying out the shape of the calendar.. . See how Bekah laid it out to look like a tree?!?! SO CUTE.

Take note that she used one of our Star-Shaped Ribbons to add the star on the top!! LOVE IT!!

I used my ruler to be certain that my tree was centered on my Red Mi Tients Paper!!

I found that 7" from the bottom left corner was a good place to lay down my first envelope. I made sure to do the *same thing* from the right corner.

Once you have decided where to place each of the envelopes, used double-sided tape to adhere them to the Red Mi Tients Paper

Then, we used this new label set from Sizzix, Tag Dies to make the little tag shapes!!

*If you don't have a die-cut machine to make these, we have a basic tag shape in our STORE die-cut machine that customers are welcome to use*

I figured out which tag went where.. BUT BEFORE I TAPE THEM DOWN I wanted to add my numbers!!

I used the Nuvo Crystal Drops to draw the numbers!!

*You can use a pencil first and then trace over it with the Crystal Drops* if you don't think you can do it free-hand!

Once your tags are all cut out, your numbers drawn and THEY HAVE FULLY DRIED, use glue (we used the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive) to adhere a tag to the front of each envelope.

Then, we took some of our Christmas-themed ribbons and made little bows!!

Using The Ultimate Glue, adhere a bow to the top of each tag!! It really adds an extra touch.. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

To finish it off, we cut out some fun Christmas Greenery using the Sizzix die-cut Holiday Greens.

Using The Ultimate Glue again, we put the Greenery on the upper 2 corners of the Red Mi Tients Paper

Last, but not least, TIME TO ADD IN THE FUN STUFF!!

We used the Removable Glue Dots to put little things on the paper note cards inside each envelope..

You can add stickers, coins, even a small piece of candy!! The possibilities are endless!!

Have Fun!!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Nov 7

11/11/2017

This last grouping of Tuesday with Wendy cards had a theme.. Holiday!!

This first card was VERY POPULAR! The gals had a great time with this Christmas Card..

To make this card:

Wendy used 2 new stencils from Joggles, Flow and Fever.
Choose one of the stencils to use first
On a piece of white cardstock, use a Nuvo Dauber to apply the ink. Use Distress Oxide ink, Peeled Paint
Next, take the second stencil and the Versafine Olympic Green and, with a DIFFERENT Nuvo Dauber, apply the darker ink on top of the lighter ink. This creates that beautiful tone-on-tone color that is so stunning!
The card base is a nice red cardstock with lime green polka dot paper from Memory Box.
Wendy used the Sizzix die-cut Retro Merry Christmas and glued it on top using the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

The next card Wendy designed features this *adorable* new Washi Tape from Little B!

The Blue Jay Washi Tape is *just wonderful* for this card!!

To make the card:

Start out with a white cardstock base paper
Wendy used this Brushed Gold paper from Japan and taped a piece of it to the top half of the card.
Tape a strip of Blue Jay Washi Tape down onto a separate piece of white cardstock. Cut it out so that the paper and tape are the same width.
Mount it onto a piece of blue cardstock that is 1/2" wider than the tape so that you get a nice blue border on either side of the image.
Tape the blue piece down onto the base card, making sure to overlap the gold paper just slightly.
Finish the card by stamping the Avery Elle sentiment in Versafine Majestic Blue (The sentiment is part of the Avery Elle stamp set, Snowflakes).

The last card of the series was made using one of our newest *mini* stencils!

We have been getting in TONS of new stencils, especially within this last week!!

Making the card:

Wendy used one of the newer, heavy-weight cardstock papers as the card base, Chipboard Kraft. I love how this paper has a bit of a "speckle" to it which really adds some interest.
Stamp the snowflakes on the right side of the card using Hero Arts, Unicorn White ink pad. I highly recommend you use the Tim Holtz Platform to guarantee the stamps always stamp down in the same place!
Next, use the Joggles, ATC Tree stencil. Lay down the stencil on the Brown Box Kraft cardstock and use a Nuvo Dauber and Hero Arts Unicorn White ink to apply the image to the paper.
Wendy layered the tree image with a piece of navy blue cardstock before mounting it onto her card base.
To finish the card, stamp "Let it Snow" along the bottom of the card using the same Avery Elle stamp set, Snowflakes. (We used the Tim Holtz Platform for stamping this image out as well)

During class this week, some of the gals tweaked their cards *just slightly*.. and that is the JOY of taking these card making classes!

Wendy usually takes about 30 minutes to instruct how to make the cards and what techniques she used.. but after the instruction is over, students are FREE to make the cards however they like! Each student is given the pieces to make the cards.. but how you layer, how you color, and where you stamp is UP TO YOU!!

Check out these variations from one of the cards this week...

One student made a double "Merry" on hers to make "Merry, Merry Christmas"
Another student (Bekah!) cut up her "M" from "Merry" and took out an "r" to make "Very, Merry Christmas" How cute is that?!!?!

Join us for the NEXT card making class on November 21st.. it is only a $10 supplies fee and you receive a packet to make 3 cards.

Give us a call to learn more or sign up!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Oct 10th

10/15/2017

The last Tuesday with Wendy class was SO MUCH FUN!!

Wendy has been starting to design some Fall and Winter cards for classes and it's been really fun to see everything she's been creating :-)

Check out last week's cards!

I just FELL IN LOVE with this first card.. this little girl is just SO SWEET!!

This card was made using the new Penny Black stamp, Hello Autumn

This card technique has just been SO FUN!!

To make this card:

Cut your paper to 11 1/2" x 4". Score it at the 5 1/2" mark
Stamp the image using the Tim Holtz Platform
Cut out only the RIGHT HALF of the image using an Exacto Knife
Lift up the left half of the card and as you fold it over to the right you will create the final fold automatically
On the left side of the little girl, use a pair of scissors to cut out some of the extra white paper.
Place a small piece of decorative paper (3" x 4") behind the image to finish off the front of the card. Use a second piece of decorative paper (3" x 4") for the inside of the card. Wendy used the Jen Hadfield line Heart and Home.
Use Prismacolor pencils to color in the image!

This next card was made using this beautiful image from Memory Box, Snowflake Swell.

To make this card:

Lay down a piece of Crystal white Stardream paper (5 1/2" x 3 1/4") on your die-cut machine.
Next, lay down the die-cut so that it is centered on the piece of white paper. THE WHITE PAPER IS A GUIDE ONLY!! DO NOT CUT IT!
Lay down the dark blue snowflake paper (5 1/2" x 3 1/2") on top of the die-cut and run it through the machine. This will cut out the Snowflake Swell in the dark blue paper. This snowflake paper is by Reminisce

After you have cut out the Snowflakes, it is time for the FUN part!!

Use the Joy stamp from Impression Obsession to stamp and emboss the sentiment. Wendy placed it at a slight angle on the right side.
Then we used the Silver Sparkle stickers from Stampendous to add some *bling*

This last card was inspired by this wonderful die-cut by Memory Box, Evergreen Reindeer

This card is just a matter of layering!!

This is a standard A2 size card (which means it's a half sheet of paper folded in half), the base is a Kraft brown color by Speckletone
Using a Home Die-Cut machine, emboss the FRONT of the brown base paper AND a piece of Opal Stardream paper (3 5/8" x 3 7/8") with the Sizzix embossing folder, Simple Snowflakes
Next, die-cut the Evergreen Reindeer out of the *Brand New* brown metallic paper (3 1/2" x 3 3/4")
Layer the Opal paper behind the brown and finish with the burgundy tone paper (4" x 3 7/8")

Join us for the NEXT Tuesday with Wendy class!!
The next class date is October 24th, give us a call by October 21st to sign up!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Sept 26th

9/29/2017

Check out the WONDERFUL cards from this week's class!!

Just as always, each card features a different technique!!

Because the cards from last class were SUCH A HIT, Wendy used another image for the fold-over style card..

Wendy used this stamp from Stampendous, Birdie Greeting..

Just like before, the card is easy to make!!

Take your card base and fold it half
Open the card and stamp on the INSIDE of the card on the LEFT side
Use an Exacto Knife to fussy-cut the image ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY
Flip-forward the image so that it is now on the front of the card!

Wendy encouraged the students to use different types of glitter-glue, drops, and shimmer pens to create "snow" on the card!!

She used:
Seashell Nuvo Drops
Frosted Lace Stickles
Icicle Stickles and
Stardust Stickles
Nuvo Shimmer Pen

Wendy used Snowflake paper and a bit of ribbon to add a little bit of dimension.. I loved how soft and winter-like this card is!!

The next card is this lovely Fall card... This stamp, Autumn is Calling, from Impression Obsession is PERFECT!

Wendy paired the saying with this STUNNING Fall set from Pink Ink/Impression Obsession, Falling Leaves

To make this card:

Wendy peeled off EVERY STAMP from this set and placed it on the new Tim Holtz Platform.
She arranged some of the stamps to go on the front of the card. The rest of the stamps she arranged for the inside of the card
She stamped the leaves using Versafine, Vintage Sepia.
Next, Wendy stamped the sentiment with Distress Ink color Aged Mahogany
She layered the sentiment with some burgundy paper by Flavors Gourmet and used a handmade paper as a nice background (as you can see in the pictures below, the papers she chose have some inclusions)
To finish the card, she added a touch of green ribbon and some textured green handmade paper to make a TRUE Fall-themed card

I just LOVE how beautiful this card is!!!

This last card in the series is the MOST BRILLIANT (in my opinion!)

Wendy used this Paper Layering Dove by Hero Arts and this Fall Blessings stamp by Impression Obsession.

Not only is this card just STUNNING.. but it also has this beautiful soft paper behind it.. which really sets off the bird in flight..

To make the background:

Take a small amount of the product, Bleed Proof White and place it on a piece of plastic (we used a clear acrylic block)
Dilute the ink with a bit of water and blend together using a toothbrush
Over a piece of dark blue paper, brush the bristles of the brush with your finger, creating a light splatter-effect
The results are beautiful!!

Next, stamp your sentiment in in Versamark ink and emboss with White Embossing Powder
Die-cut the dove out of a white metallic paper (we chose Ice Gold cardstock)
Using a small pick or tool, lift some of the feathers up and give the dove dimension with some Mounting Tape

Wendy cut out a little branch as the Olive Branch and that just really finished the card nicely..

The next Tuesday with Wendy class is offered on Tuesday, October 10th!

Give us a call by Saturday, October 7th to sign up!! The class is only $10 and you learn techniques, have fun, and make 3 full cards!

360-647-9663

August 26th, 2017

8/26/2017

New, New, NEW!!!

Boxes of *NEW PRODUCTS* arrived this week and we are STILL trying to find space to put it all!!!

For those of you on the lookout for new Fall and Christmas.. You are in luck!!!

Stamps, die-cuts, embellishments and MORE!!

I have been LOVING the new sequins out from Hero Arts.. they are just perfect for adding a Snow Flourish on a card or great for SHAKER CARDS!!!

We also got in a new shipment of Stampotique stamps!! They not only sent a few Christmas images, like the angels you see below, but also some fun designs for Fall!!

With this Tree Line, you can easily turn it into a Winter card by stamping it on a white or blue background.. or a Fall or Halloween card by simply adding a line of pumpkins along the bottom!!

*So many possibilities*

We got SEVERAL new die-cuts and stamp sets from Penny Black this week as well...

Let's not forget our favorite part.. PAPER!!!

This is a fun 6 x 6 paper pad from Penny Black, Festive and Frosty!!

New paper is here from Lawn Fawn as well!!

Knit Picky has some fun prints that *ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE KNIT* How cute is that?!!?

The other grouping of papers from Lawn Fawn is this line, Chill

Personally, I just LOVE this color palette!! It would work great for cards for men as the pattern is more masculine and the colors aren't as vibrant as some of our other paper lines.

By far, my favorite release this week has been the Carta Bella paper, Hello Fall!!!

The Pumpkins!! The Racoons!! The Trees!!!

I LOVE IT ALL!!!!

Stop in to see us this week to take a look for yourself at all the fun NEW STUFF!!!

And be sure to walk around, we have a new display of Autumn Die-cuts that is SURE to catch your eye!!

See you soon!!

DIY Snowflake Tutorial

12/13/2016

If you have been into the store this past week you may have seen our new Winter decorations going up!!
Just like every year, we made snowflakes! In the past, we've done a variety of styles.. but this year's are my FAVORITE!!

Today, I am going to show you step-by-step how to make these beautiful snowflakes.. and this craft is great for kids and adults!!

For the snowflakes, I started out by choosing some shades of white and gold.. I just LOVE these colors together!! We used text weight Stardream paper (which is a soft metallic color) for making the snowflakes.. in the light you can really see the snowflakes glisten!

I also created my own music paper by copying an old music book onto some ivory colored paper... I just love how the music notes tie everything together!!

To make a large snowflake (shown above), take 3 pieces of text weight paper and cut it down to the following measurements:
(6) pieces 1" x 8 1/2" -group A
(6) pieces 1" x 8 1/2" -group B
(6) pieces 1" x 11" - group C
**Note that in the photo below, groups A and B are pictured together because I cut them out of the same music paper**

You will need to create loops with the paper, which is easy to do!

With group A, fold the pieces over once using double sided tape to just tape the ends together.

With group B, fold the pieces in half, then open the fold and bring the ends to the center, creating a double loop

With group C, fold the pieces in half, open the fold, and bring the ends to the center, creating another double loop.

You should now have 3 groups of looped paper, shown below:

Then, arrange your loops as seen in the pictures below:

You can attach them using double-sided tape or a stapler!!

Once you've assembled all your loops, cut out 2 circles (I used a 1 inch scalloped circle punch).
Use hot glue, apply a dollop to one side of a circle and arrange your 6 snowflake sprigs on it.
The glue dries fast, so work quickly!!
Once you've arranged and securely glued the sprigs down, glue the second circle on top (opposite of the first circle).

Use a *tiny* hole punch to punch a hole at the top of the snowflake. String a bit of twine through the top so you can hang it up!! Make sure to knot the bottom of the twine so it doesn't pull through the hole! I used a small bit of glue to secure the knot in place.

Look how beautiful they are!!! Now that you know how to make them.. you can make them in a variety of sizes!!!

Check out this idea.. Wendy wanted to make ornaments!! Instead of cutting 1" strips, cut your strips to just 1/2" wide and make even smaller snowflakes!! String on a few gold beads and you have a simple and elegant ornament!! What a clever idea.. and I just love how she used Rossi Italian Papers to accent her ornaments!! So creative!

This is such a great craft activity with brilliant results!!
Come in to see all our decorations.. we'd love to show you ideas to help you design your own decor for the holidays!

Advent Calendar Step-by-Step Tutorial

10/31/2016

Every year, we have customers who are looking to make their own Advent Calendars. In the past, we have created some ideas just using paper to show you a quick and easy way to put together an Advent Calendar.

Well this year, I wanted to create something a little different. When I was a kid, I loved the calendars that were interactive, where you opened a box or a pocket to reveal *something secret within.* So when I went to create this Advent Calendar, I kept that in mind.

Supplies you will need:

2-3 pieces of printed cardstock, for decorating the calendar
2-3 pieces of solid colored cardstock (at least one of these needs to be 12" x 12")
3 pieces of 12" x 12" chipboard

The Ultimate glue and/or hot glue
Rotary paper cutter- for cutting chipboard
Score board with bone folder
Double-sided tape
Scissors for fussy cutting
Ink pad for "inking" (not necessary, but adds a neat effect)

I started out by gathering up my paper. I chose this line from BoBunny, Tis the Season. The one sheet already has numbers on it! Perfect for making the Advent Calendar.

After I cut out all my numbers (and a few shapes in place of numbers I couldn't find.. hmm... ) I gathered up the rest of my paper. I chose the yellow on the left for the background of the Advent Calendar and the dark green on the right to make my little tabs for my *hideaway items*

Next, I cut down my chipboard using a rotary paper cutter. I cut out the following measurements:

(4 pieces) 2" x 12" for the outside frame
(4 pieces) 2" x 9" for the inside frame
(24 pieces) 2" x 1 1/2" for each little shelf

*I used recycled chipboard that I already had. I plan to cover my chipboard with other paper so I am not so worried about the cosmetics of the chipboard itself. It's completely up to you whether you want to cover or paint the chipboard. If you do, this is the time to do so! *

Then, I started to put together my base. I recommend using The Ultimate glue to adhere this part. First, I took a full piece of 12" x 12" chipboard and attached my yellow background piece to it. Then, I started to create my frame. I made a larger frame around the outside of the chipboard and a small frame inside the chipboard. you will need a 1 1/2" gap between both frames.

*Don't worry if it doesn't match up perfectly!!*

As you lay in the little shelf pieces, the frame will automatically want to adjust itself. I found it took some adjusting while a figured out the best way to inlay my shelves. Use The Ultimate glue to adhere your shelves once you have figured out where each one will sit. You will need 7 cubby-holes on each side of the Advent Calendar, so 6 shelves per side.

I used a piece of black 12" x 12" paper to make (6 pieces) 2" x 12" paper strips.
I cut 1 of the strips down to 3" pieces and scored them in the center. I was able to then seal off the corners of my chipboard frame with those pieces.

I used 4 of the remaining black strips to cover the remaining exposed edges of the outer chipboard frame. It makes it look very finished from the outside.

At this point, I would leave this frame base, with all the shelves in place, to sit overnight.

In the morning, you can fix and adjust any shelves that are out of place or are crooked by using hot glue to allow for quick drying. I found that not all of my shelves were *exactly* 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" ... And after I did some adjusting I realized I had to accept that mine was not going to be perfect. So, if yours ends up perfectly even, I congratulate you!!

Now to make the little doors/tabs!! When I originally discovered this idea, the creator had made little drawers, which was a cute idea, but was pretty time consuming for what I wanted to create this time. So I decided on little doors. This was SO EASY to create! I cut a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper down to (7 pieces) 1 1/2"" x 8 1/2" . Then I cut those strips down to 2" pieces, following the pictures below. You should be able to get 4 pieces from each strip, totaling 28 pieces. I only need 24, but I made extra to allow for mistake.

Now, all of my cubby holes were not the same size. But luckily, they were pretty much 3 different sizes. So to adjust for this, I made each little door's tab different sizes to make different door sizes. Some doors I scored at 1 5/8", some at 1 3/4" , and some doors I scored at 1 1/8" (see the first pic below for a visual aid)

I used double sided tape at this point so that I could adjust which door which match up with with cubby. If you made your cubbies all exactly 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" , then you should score your doors at 1 5/8"

Next, I made little tabs! I just used a snippet of ribbon (about 2") and folded it in half. I used hot glue to adhere the little pull-tab.

On other tabs, I used a 3/4" circle punch and made a little thumb tab!

Next, I wanted to decorate the inside of the frame. I used another piece of decorative paper from this BoBunny line and cut it down. I just needed (3 pieces) 2" x 12" . I purposefully scored one of the pieces at 4 1/2" so that it would wrap around the corners of the inside of the frame. I then inlaid the other 2 pieces with just a little bit of overlap and they covered up all the remaining black chipboard that had previously been exposed.

Now, THE FUN PART!!!!

Lay out all your numbers, 1 - 24 and lay them down accordingly looking at the calendar below.

You can fill your little cubby holes with all sorts of fun candies, toys, notes, scripture... whatever your heart desires!!

And, the best part is, you can use it YEAR AFTER YEAR!!

It is so perfect, and for those of you who love to make things like this, you're sure to love the results!

We finished it off with a tree made out of rosettes (come see us at the store to learn how to make these!), a cute little banner, the little fireplace from Impression Obsession, and miniature presents!!!

This turned out so cute!! I hope it inspires you to make your own!!

Brand New Holiday Die-Cuts!!

10/18/2016

If you are like many of our customers, you may be already starting on your Christmas cards!!

We just got in a large shipment from Impression Obsession and it includes all of their *NEWEST* die-cuts!!

This is just a small selection of what we currently have in stock, so you'll have to come by the store to see everything we offer!

I love this tree scenery!! It is so quick to cut out, and could be a holiday card, or fall, or even a card for a gentleman!! It really depends on the colors you use to cut out the tree.. the possibilities are endless!!

I used stardust stickles and sparkly twine to give the idea of a snowy scene...

This card was SO easy to make, and if you are making upwards of 25 to 40 cards, this is a nice option. I used the die cut Christmas Word Collage. Just run it through, layer it up, and add some ribbon. I used *brand new* ribbon from May Arts and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!!

This card is MY FAVORITE. The Sleigh Scene just matches perfectly with the Believe in the Magic stamp from Penny Black. I just finished it off with a bit of ribbon with a hint of gold sparkle.. it turned out beautiful!!

Come in to the store to see them all.. there are some really stunning images for this season!!!

Acetate Card Tutorial

9/25/2016

Today I am going to show you step by step how to make this BEAUTIFUL stand-up card.This idea comes from one of our customers, Carol from Canada. Her and her friends came down to see us and told me about an Acetate Card they had been making using the Hunkydory sets. The results are astounding, you'll have to come by the store to see because pictures just don't do it justice!!

You will need:
A piece of 12x12 inch acetate
A piece of paper for the base (I recommend a piece of 12x12 paper with a soft pattern or a solid color)
Paper or stickers with fun shapes to arrange on the "staircase"
Double-sided tape
Paper cutter and score board
Scissors (for fussy cutting)
Any embellishments you desire, like gems or ribbon, or die cuts*
* if using die-cut shapes, you will need a die-cut machine

First, I gathered up my paper. I chose this line from Carta Bella, Christmas Delivery.
I chose 2 pieces of 12 x 12 paper (a paper for my base, a paper with fun shapes to cut out) and then some solid papers to cut some die cut shapes out of.

Then, I started to cut the paper down for my card. I cut the Acetate to 5 1/2 x 11 inches and I cut the paper base to 5 1/2 x 9 inches.

I also cut out the topper piece, which sits on top of the Acetate Card. In this case, this paper matches the base card paper. I cut this to 2 x 5 1/2 inches.

**Not pictured:
I cut the back, sentiment piece. This measures 2 x 5 1/2 inches. As well as a small 1 x 5 1/2 inch piece for the front. This paper also matches the base card paper

Then, I got out my score board.

I scored the acetate at the halfway point, at 5 1/2 inches. I scored the topper piece at 1 inch, and then I scored the base card piece... scoring it at the following:
2 inches, 4 inches, 5 1/2 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches. If you accordion fold it, you will create the "staircase"

Next, I started to build my card. I used these die-cut shapes--Snowy Tree and Spruce Stems by Cottage Cutz and the On the Road-Truck by Taylored Expressions.

I also cut out some shapes from the Carta Bella paper. The backside of my base paper had some really cute delivery trucks that paired nicely with my die cut shapes.

I used double sided tape to assemble my card.
I attached the topper piece to the top of the acetate and the sentiment piece to the back of my Acetate Card.

Starting with the 2 inch side of the "staircase," I attached it to the inside of my card.
At this point, I now have an acetate card with a staircase at the base and a back piece for the sentiment.

Now, get the front piece (cut to 1 x 5 1/2 inches) and attach it to the front of your Acetate Card. From the side, your card should look like the second picture below:

Then, the FUN PART!!! Time to add on all the fun shapes!!!

I placed a little tag shape on the back for my sentiment.. so sweet <3

I wanted to create a scene for this card, so I cut out the little mail truck, and some delivery labels from the paper line. Lydia suggested mounting the Parcel Post sign at the top and paired with the little branches it is SO CUTE.

I used The Ultimate glue to glue my pieces together. It bonds to nearly everything and is very versatile, also dries completely clear!

All done!! This card fits nicely into a 6 inch square envelope *square envelopes are more expensive to mail, just as an FYI!*
What a cute card idea, and it sits up on its own, which makes for a nice decoration!

The possibilities are truly endless.. add in a gift card, a photograph, or a surpise inside :-)
You'll have to stop by the store to see these cards in person, they are such an inspiration!

Samples of this week's Wed Demo

12/12/2015

This week at demo was Tricks and Tips with Monique
and we LOVE what she did!!!

This Let It Snow card is BEAUTIFUL and has been layered with several different frames
with the Angel of Peace die cut from Spellbinders.

Both the Snowflake and background paper is by Pebbles and is from the Winter Wonderland collection.
We LOVE how she used the Forest Village die cut from Poppy! The layering of dies really brings it to life and would make a great centerpiece for any card (or if you backed it with vellum
you could make a charming little light box for your holiday decor!)

We really enjoy this idea using stamps and circle dies. Layering the black and white with the colored pieces really adds interest to these cards. What a fun idea Monique!
You always inspire us to think outside the box :-)

Mini-Calendar kits

12/8/2015

These have been very popular... Turn these tiny calendar kits into a totally personalized little stocking stuffer.
How fun is that? You can make one for everyone in your family.

3 New Cards from Tuesday's Card Class

10/2/2015

Just wanted to share these fun new cards that
everyone made last Tuesday
The next series of classes are on Tuesday Oct 13, there's a class at 11am, 1:30pm and again at 6pm. You must sign up by Saturday Oct 10th, but you really should save your spot today!
The best part is that the class is only $10
What you'll be making is ALWAYS a surprise, and ALWAYS fun.
Bring a friend or come make some new ones!

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 5th

Tuesday with Wendy, Nov 21

Advent Calendar, 2017

Tuesday with Wendy, Nov 7

Tuesday with Wendy, Oct 10th

Tuesday with Wendy, Sept 26th

August 26th, 2017

New, New, NEW!!!

DIY Snowflake Tutorial

Advent Calendar Step-by-Step Tutorial

Brand New Holiday Die-Cuts!!

Acetate Card Tutorial

Samples of this week's Wed Demo

Mini-Calendar kits

3 New Cards from Tuesday's Card Class

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