Strawberry Box Tutorial

I just wrote up this little tute on the Scrapbook Heaven blog, so I figured I would share it with all of you lovely readers, too.  {Plus, it's some content for my lately-neglected little blog...}.

Hello Papercraftanistas!

Today I have a fun little strawberry shaped box tutorial for you.  

I, of course, found this idea on Pinterest a while back 

Source: erinlincoln.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

and when I saw the red polk-a-dot paper in the May kit, I knew it would be perfect for this project.

So, I started with a little search for a template (the box above is created with an MFT die) and came up

with THIS ONE--just perfect!

1. Enlarge the template a bit.  I did this by opening the PDF in Photoshop, creating a new canvas sized 8.5 x 11 300dpi, drag the PDF to the new canvas, and stretch the corners while constraining the proportions until the template portion fills most of the canvas.
2. Print onto card stock, cut out, trace onto the back of your patterned paper, and cut out.
3. Punch holes in the top center of each side and the center of the leaf cluster.
4. Apply adhesive to the tab and glue to the inside edge of next side to form a five-sided box.

Now you're ready to stitch it closed.  Thread a needle with floss, string, twine, ribbon, whatever you like and leaving a long tail, stitch through the top of the leaf and then through each top side from the inside out {see third photo above}.  After last side, go back through the leaf from bottom up. You should now have two ends sticking out of the leaf on top.


Pull gently to cinch the top closed--don't forget to add your goodies if you're using this as gift packaging.  Thread each end of the string through a large button and tie a bow.   Add a little sentiment pennant and you're done.  How cute is that?!

Holiday Paper Garland

The holiday season is upon us (as much as I try to deny it) and it's time to deck the halls.  The space above my mantel was looking a bit bare so I decided to dress it up with a handmade paper garland (plus I've been wanting to make some sort of banner/garland for a long time).  I used that absolutely adorable paper line, Joyride, from Crate Paper.  I am still sore from kicking myself repeatedly for not scooping up two packs of this paper.  Anyway here's the garland:

And here's a little how-to on creating the paper baubles:

You can use more or less, but 7 seemed like a lucky little number 

(and I loved how full my friend Jane's came out).

 Easy enough; nothing special here.

Adhere all those mini paper tacos together being sure the folded edges are flush.

 Isn't that so pretty?!  Leaving the last edge unglued makes it easy to sandwich the thread in the center without actually having to thread it.

Then gather up all the supplies you want to include in your garland (and then some).  

I ended up not using the little snowflakes, and added in some crystal beads.

The letters to spell "Merry Christmas" were done up easily on the computer then layered on a circle, scallop circle, and jumbo snowflake punched from a grocery bag (thanks Kayla for that bit of brilliance!).

I used some thin twine for the base and began by threading all the crystal beads on.  Then it was easy enough to adhere the snowflake letters and paper baubles in place, and tie on some ribbon scraps.   

Enjoy! And for more creative holiday projects, head over to Scrapbook Heaven for the Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. Event going on now through December 20th.

Quick Gifts

I am such a last minute person--it's one of my greatest flaws. It's not so much that I procrastinate, it's more that things have a way of sneaking up on me: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, end of the school year. Two of my boys only have three weeks left of school and my youngest's last day of "school" (a once a week program that ran in 3-8 week sessions since September) was yesterday. I wanted to get his two teachers just a little something to tell them how much Maddox loved being with them each week, and how grateful I was to have an hour and a half to myself (maybe I should have given them something much nicer!!). After a trip to Target and landing in the candy aisle (how does that always happen!?), I picked up these two jars of trail mix. With a quick little wrap of patterned paper, a few stamps, flowers, and a pass through the Big Shot, I easily transformed them a bit.


A gift and thank you note all in one:





The lid of the jar:

Wedding Package

I finally got around to taking some photos of the wedding package I've been working on. It was quite an ordeal with my little apprentice (3 1/2 years old) and I on our deck waiting between periods of sun and clouds to get these photos. And just as I was poised and ready to push the shutter button an ever so slight breeze would blow by and knock the cards off the easel. It was a bit funny. . .at first. Anyway, here they are with names and pertinent info blackened to protect the innocent :)

The Save-the-Date:

The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye; the green ribbed paper is from Bazzill; all other solid cardstock is from Stampin' Up!

The Invitation:

The pocket folio is from Cards & Pockets, and is held closed by adhesive backed magnets from Basic Grey concealed under the band that runs across the front and inside flap of the folio.

The Inside:

All the details of the day are on layered cards in the right-hand pocket; the invitation is showcased on the left side.

The Program:

The program is three layered and staggered pages to mimic the inserts of the invitation. There is additional text printed on the back of the green paper (Bazzill)

The Table Number & Placecard:

The fonts used on everything are CK Ali's Writing (script) and CopperplateGothic BT (block print)

The Guest Book:

The bride found this album with unlined pages from Kolo. I embellished the window to match.

All in a night's work

Today I received the Rolodex I ordered last week. I am very excited to finally contain all my phone numbers, addresses, and other such info in one place. There is something nostalgic about a good, old-fashioned paper and pen type of organizer that I don't ever have to worry about crashing or getting a virus. But after copying lots of info onto those little cards, it just didn't look quite right. So after a bit of looking and pondering, measuring and cutting, stamping and gluing I took my Rolodex from this:


to this:

in just a couple short hours (it would have been less, but I was checking email, blogs, and Facebook in between!) Here's the gist of what I did:

1. Cut divider cards to size (mine were 2 5/8 x 4"--perfect for getting 3 out of 1 strip of 12" paper) I used some K & Company double sided paper designed by Amy Butler that I've been saving for just the right project.
2. Using a 1/4" square punch and rectangle punch, you can create the notches for the cards quite easily. Apparently there's also a punch specific for this task, but I don't have that. Simply line up a card that came with the Rolodex against your new cut card and punch away--very easy.
3. Use the same designer paper to punch tabs for the letters using SU!'s Round Tab punch. I stamped my letters with a new alpha set I purchased just yesterday for only$1.97 on clearance.
4. Adhere the tabs to the cards and pop into place on the Rolodex.
5. I also punched 2-2" circles from the paper and adhered it to the knobs for a little more pizzazz. Isn't it adorable? And it was just the splash of color needed to make it into a happy, and useful desk accent!

If I knew anyone that was moving (and I'm glad I don't) this would make a great going away gift filled with addresses of friends and family. Wish I had thought of this in time for my cousin's shower the other day--it's perfect for a newly married couple. Or a graduate, or teacher, or friend who landed a new job. Or heck, just make one for yourself! But don't make the mistake I did and order it online. I saw the same exact thing today at Walmart for $7 less than what I paid--I hate when that happens! Have fun with it!

Fat Free Cupcakes

This little confection was so much fun to make and looks good enough to eat.

Here are the specs--

The Stuff: two patterned papers, paper crimper, styrofoam ball (mine is 2 1/2"), three circle punches: 1 3/8", 1 1/4", 1", glue gun

The How:

1. Cut a strip of patterned paper 1 1/4" x 9" and run through crimper to form cupcake wrapper.
2. Use glue gun to fix this to the bottom third of the 2 1/2" ball.
3. Punch circles in three different sizes: start with largest circle on the bottom and glue gun the top of each circle to the styrofoam ball slightly overlapping the side edges as you go (gluing just the top allows the rest of the circle to flair out for dimension).
4. For the next layer, use the middle-sized circle. For the top layers use the small circle.
5. Top with a pompom cherry if desired.

You could whip a batch of these up faster than the real deal. Try using different sized styrofoam balls being careful to adjust your strip and circle sizes to keep the proportions. Wouldn't these be cute on a tiered centerpiece? Or as placecards at a Valentine soiree? Try cooking some up next time you're feeling crafty.

Add this to the To Do list

Just found these cute cupcakes on Jamie Waters' blog (from Bella Blvd.'s CHA booth).


I feel another project coming on: various sized circles, some glitter, paper crimped strip. Hmmm, what could be inside? A styrofoam ball perhaps.

January Stamp Club

The details: Monday, January 19, 7:30 pm

The project: Accordion-Folded Medallions


The specs: stamp sets-Always, Little Pieces; ink-various Classic inks for flower centers; paper-various card stock for flower centers, Whisper White; Patterned Paper-My Mind's Eye; accessories- 1/16" & 1/2" circle punches, brads, mini-scallop circle from Birds & Blooms Sizzix, Boho Blossoms punch, wooden skewers


The how-to: Cut 1" x 12" patterned paper strips and score every 1/2". Accordion fold strip and adhere two end together to form a ring. Manipulate this ring carefully and flip paper to form a flower (this takes a bit of practice). Using hot glue, glue front center of flower (this will be covered with center embellishment). Turn the flower over and allow center to open slightly; apply more glue in here. Apply glue in one valley fold and lay skewer in here for stem. To create flower's center, stamp a small circle from Little Pieces or Always sets in a coordinating ink. Cut cardstock with mini-scallop or blossom punch. Lay stamped piece over punched piece and punch 1/16" circle for brad. Affix brad and hot glue this to the flower. Tie green ribbon to the skewer for a "leaf" effect.

Stamp Club meetings are open to all. Members: no fee; non-members: $2, or free with the placement of a $25 order.

My notes: These would be great ornaments (skip the stem) done in festive paper for any holiday. Glue them onto gift packaging, or onto a card front (just can't mail). I'm planning to stick a few stems into a pot filled with chocolates for a teacher Valentine treat. Have fun!

One Sheet Meander Book Class

I am so excited to be able to offer this class to a larger group than what my stUdio can hold thanks to the super generosity of my boys' karate instructor.

Date: Sun. 12/14/08
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Place: T. Rose Karate Dojo

Learn how to create a mini album with pockets from just one sheet of paper. The book measures approximately 3 1/2” square and contains 14 pages to decorate (plus front and back covers).

Please bring a 12” trimmer with a scoring blade, adhesive, and a selection of photos and ephemera related to your chosen theme (see ideas below). An assortment of papers, embellishments and materials for binding will be included.

Cost: $10.00

These little books are a great way to document pieces of your life—make one for yourself or give it as a gift.

Ideas for your Book:

· Holiday traditions
· Gratitude Journal
· Baby Milestones
· A few of my favorite things
· Vacation Memories
· What I love about you

Note: Depending on the response, we may need tables and chairs. When you reply for the class, could you please just let us know if you have a folding table and/or chair that you might be able to bring.

Please let me know if you can make it; leave a comment here.

School Days Album

From Preschool through 12th grade, this book helps organize all those School Days memories. Each two-page spread contains a fill in the blank form to document favorite foods, best friends, handwriting sample, and much more. There's a spot for a wallet sized photograph, and a pocket to stash the class photo, some samples of work, and/or report card.



This will be offered as a class, too, if you would like to make your own. Date TBD soon.

If you would like Word files of the inner pages to make your own, let me know.

Card Organizer

This bound book organizes greeting cards by month, along with a monthly calendar of days to list special dates to remember. Makes a great gift when filled with some handmade cards.

Watch for an upcoming class. To receive a Word doc of the inner pages, leave a comment here.

Craft Fair: Framed Monogram Art

Great for baby/kids' rooms. Monograms can be customized.

Craft Fair Projects: Journals

Coaster Mini Journals:



Stamp set: SU! "Always"



Stamp Sets: SU! "Stamp of Authenticity" and "Genuine Articles"

Altered Composition Notebooks:







Locking Journals:


Stamp Set: SU! "Natural Beauty"


Stamp Set: SU! "Going Somewhere"


Stamp Set: SU! Unfrogettable

A Baby Card

My hubby's best friend from high school and his wife just had their third boy--oh happiness!

Monkeying Around

This is my new favorite set for children's birthday cards. How cute is he! Put this together for Camden's friend's birthday today (with design help from Logan). I love paper piecing the monkey for a more "authentic" sock monkey feel. I stamped the back of some PP to create the paper pieced cupcake. The frosting is sprinkled with glitter, and the candle created from an old rarely-used punch that will be seeing a lot more use now--love that! I tried a new technique to create the frame wth a double scored line and piercing.

Halloween Workshop

A chill is in the air and fall is definitely right around the corner. This year you have a choice of Halloween treats from four adorable and easy to make projects. Simply order SU!'s Ghostly Greetings designer series paper for $9.95 plus tax and s/h ($11.45 total) and bring the additional supplies to class. See below for all the details. Please register for this class via email by September 22nd so I can order the paper. Class will be held in The StUdio on Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30pm. If you can't make that date, let me know and we can arrange another time.


ps I didn't have the new SU! paper on hand for these samples, so your projects will be a whole lot cuter (and more colorful)!

Folded square box:

With just a few scores of the paper you can make this cute little holder for candies or other small treats. One paper pack yields 48 boxes. Additional supplies: 12" trimmer with scoring blade, ribbon of your choice, adhesive, black, orange, and white paper (approx. 2 sheets of each, or purchase from me for $.35 ea)

Crayon Holder:

This little holder is the perfect size for snack-sized Kit Kats or 4 crayons (thanks, Darcy, for the brilliant idea!). One paper pack yields 72 boxes. Additional supplies: 12" trimmer with scoring blade, adhesive, black, orange, and white paper (approx. 4 sheets of each, or purchase from me for $.35 ea)

Drink Holder Hanger:

It's hard to tell from the picture, but this box hangs from the top of a water bottle to hold powdered drink mix. One paper pack yields 48 treats. Additional supplies: 12" trimmer with scoring blade, adhesive, black, orange, and white paper (approx. 2 sheets of each, or purchase from me for $.35 ea)

Pouch:

No adhesive or scoring necessary. This little pouch folds up in a snap. Bring your own ribbon to hold it together. One paper pack yields 48 pouches. Additional supplies: ribbon

Note: you supply the treats to fill the boxes and pouches.