How to make a Happy Haunts Pop Up Card

2 Comments

Happy Haunts Pop-Up Card

Add a little dimension to your Halloween season with this sweet and simple pop up card.

The Happy Haunts stamp and die set from Maker’s Movement.

The stamp set comes with three adorable pumpkin stamps and 12 spooky and sweet faces

to match any Halloween mood.  The die set comes with a whimsical Halloween neighborhood,

a cute little bat and three perfect pumpkin dies to cut out your stamped pumpkins.

A HALLOWEEN STAMP AND DIE SET THIS FUN DESERVES A PLAYFUL CARD. 

*Disclosure… “This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

Happy Haunts Pop-Up Supplies Used:

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*Disclosure… This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

How to make a Happy Haunts Pop Up Card:

  • First, pick out some fun patterned paper.  There are so many cute patterns available to choose from it really doesn’t matter if it’s the same as mine.
  • Stamp your pumpkins on orange patterned paper.  If your paper is thin, run the strip of orange paper through the Xyron Create a Sticker Mini* and place it onto black cardstock.

  • One pumpkin stamp has a hole in the center with space to add a face.  Perfect for stamping multiples.
  • You’ll need to stamp 7 pumpkins.

  • Cut two 2 1/2″ x 6 strips of black patterned paper.
  • Tip:  Run both pieces of paper, pattern side up, through the Xyron Create a Sticker Mini*  to add adhesive to the back of the paper.  This is really helpful when die-cutting intricate shapes.
  • Adhere one strip onto a piece of black cardstock before die-cutting.  (this will be used for the inside of card.)
  • Die-cut both strips of paper using the house die.  (one is a sticker for the front of the card.)
  • Add thin foam mounting squares* to the back of the die-cut houses with the black cardstock.  (Tip:  cut a few foam mounting squares in half before applying.)

I couldn’t find the perfect night sky background for my card so I created my own.  

  • Cut a 3 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ piece of watercolor paper.
  • Using an ink applicator, rub blue dye ink onto the surface of the paper.
  • Add a few swirls of white ink onto the paper.
  • Using a mini spray bottle, lightly mist the paper with water.  The water will allow the inks to blend leaving a soft speckled appearance on the paper.
  • Dry with hair dryer.

If you have the perfect background paper, you can eliminate these steps.↑

  • Cut a piece of green patterned paper 5 3/4″ x 7 1/2″ and fold in half lengthwise.
  • Cut a piece of patterned paper (mine was woodgrain) 3 3/4″ x 5 3/4″.  Adhere this paper onto one half of the green patterned paper.
  • On the outside folded edge, make a pencil mark at 1 1/4″ and 4 1/2″.  (see diagram)
  • Cut a 3/4″ line up on each measurement.
  • Score and fold paper between cuts.  (Use a bone folder for crisper folds.)

  • Open card and push folded and scored section into middle of the card.

  • Lay the neighborhood die-cut onto your blue background.  Use a pencil to trace the bottom swirl of the die-cut.
  • Cut paper along pencil line.
  • Adhere the cut top of the blue background paper onto the top of the brown woodgrain paper on the inside of your card.
  • Using the house die-cut with the black cardstock and foam mounting squares, adhere the neighborhood over the edge of the blue background paper.

  • Add three pumpkins to the front of the center pop-up.  On the middle pumpkin add a foam mounting square for extra dimension.
  • Adhere a couple pumpkins to the background.

  • Add black die-cut bat with a foam mounting square to the sky background.
  • Add an extra pumpkin or two and stamp the words “Trick or Treat” to finish off the inside.
  • Cut a piece of black cardstock 6″ x 7 3/4″.  Fold in half to create outside card.
  • Center and adhere the pop-up section into the center of the black card.  Adhere one half section at a time.)

  • Decorate front of the card similar to the inside of the card.

For a completely different look, a simple water colored card made with the same pumpkins.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Barn Art

Leave a comment

If you had a newly remodeled little red barn…

would you make Barn Art for its newly painted walls?

Our newly remodeled little red barn is finally done and it’s looking really good. 

(maybe even cute)

So…I decided to make it some art using my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting

Machine* and luster vinyl from StyleTechCraft.  A simple little project and fun sign that’ll

adorn the barn walls along with the old personalized license plates that I found.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

I will be posting the complete barn remodel in the next week or two.

Here’s a sneak peek until I do.

Don’t you just love this old weathervane?

It had been sitting in the barn for years just waiting to be polished up good as new.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Back to School Teacher Gift

2 Comments

As the new school year begins…

Don’t forget about the teachers in your life.

We all know your child’s teacher is over the moon to have your wonderful child in her class,

but just remember, she still has to deal with “you know who’s” kid.

And while she may “need” school supplies…

what she really wants is CHOCOLATE.  (and maybe wine)

Believe me…she’s not ready for summer to be over either.

To bribe entice your child’s teacher…

You might want to create a Back to School Teacher’s Gift Box using the

Xyron 9″ Creative Station* and the Eileen Hull Treasure Box Die*.   


Back to School Teacher Gift Box Supplies Used:

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

To Create the Back to School Teacher Gift Box:

  • Lay decorative scrapbook paper (design side up) on the  Xyron 9″ Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine.  As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back side of the paper.  The Xyron Creative Station is easy to use and it doesn’t need electricity.
  • Adhere the paper onto the chipboard.  If you would like a design on the inside of the box, adhere coordinating paper on the other side of the chipboard.

I love using the Xyron Creative Station* when making larger projects like this because you get complete coverage, great adhesion, no wrinkling and no bubbles!

  • Lay the covered mat board over the Treasure Box Die* sandwiched between two cutting plates.  (for larger dies use the Sizzix Extender Cutting Plates)
  • Crank the handle of the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*and run the die through the machine.  The Big Shot will cut and score the mat board.

  • You will need to cut two of each piece to create the treasure box.

  • Fold chipboard along creased lines and attach matching pieces together.  Because the  chipboard is thick, you will need a strong adhesive to bond the pieces together.
  • Glue the two rectangle pieces on the top and bottom of the box and lid.

  • Cut the tops off 4 pencils approx. 3/4″.
  • Cut one long 3-3/4″ pencil piece.
  • Cut two pieces of pencil 1/2″.

  • Glue the 4 pencil tops to the bottom of the box to create feet.
  • Glue the two small pencil pieces onto the larger pencil piece to create a handle.

To create the hinges…

  • Add adhesive on a piece of faux leather paper by running it through the Xyron Creative Station.
  • Adhere it to a second piece of faux leather paper so that it’s double sided.
  • Die cut two hinges using  the hinge part of the Treasure Box die.
  • Adhere onto back of the box.

Fill the box with chocolates or other goodies and give to your favorite teacher.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Makers Program I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Cardmaking with Jillibean Soup’s Rainbow Roux

Leave a comment

Cardmaking with Jillibean Soup’s Rainbow Roux

Last month, I had the honor of being a Guest Designer on the Jillibean Soup Blog.

As you may know, Jillibean Soup is one of my favorite companies so I was pretty excited.

Here is a link to the post on the Jillibean Soup Blog.

“This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

Being chosen as a Guest Designer was Amazeballs.  (get it?)

I was given a nice box of goodies including the Rainbow Roux Collection* to work with.

I was told have fun and make 3-4 projects using the products in the box.  (not hard to do)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

I used the Rainbow Roux Pea Pod Parts Die-Cuts* and my Xyron Create a Sticker Mini*

to make quick work of assembling the cards.

This collection was so much fun to work with.

I think the Rainbow Roux Collection* is such a sweet and feel good collection.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to Jillibean Soup for picking this “Limited Edition” gal.

This was one of my favorite projects using Jillibean Soups Mix the Media products. 

“May your Journey Always Lead You Home” supplies used:

End of the Summer Crafting with Kids

Leave a comment

End of the Summer Crafting with Kids

With school starting last week and our hanging out time limited, I grabbed my grandsons

for a end of summer craft day.  We needed a craft day.  (and a little swim time too)

We had got our August Orange Art Box earlier in the month and hadn’t found the time

to work on it yet.  (Yesterday was the perfect day)

This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Kids love to make things and get messy.  (And this box was a fun one.)

In my workshop, I have a long kid sized table and chairs that I picked up a few years ago

at a church sale aka “The Sunday School Table” which is perfect for crafting with the boys.

(FYI…until I get my new craft room completely finished, I’ve been crafting there myself.)

We painted kindness rocks…  

made picture frames and games. 

Everything was included in the Orange Art Box kit.

All I had to do is clear off a table and pour some water for washing brushes.

The boys couldn’t wait to start painting.

Nick was inspired to make a game board of his own.   (Which I’ll laminate for him)

I love to see creativity at work and spending time with my grandsons is an extra added bonus.

*Disclosure… “This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

Grand Haven

Leave a comment

When you can’t get to the ocean a trip to the lake is the next best thing.

I love the sounds of the ocean, toes in the sand with not a care in the world.  (I really do!)

Sometimes it’s just not in the cards.  When that happens, the lake is a pretty close second.

We took a few days to unwind, relax and enjoy the scenery.

We’ve been to several towns around Lake Michigan but this was our first trip to Grand Haven.

It’s a pretty little place with a quaint downtown and plenty of great places to eat.

On Sunday night we happened upon a free concert downtown by the water

and then on Monday night a free musical water light show.

For a small town there’s a lot to do.

On Tuesday, I didn’t quite have my fill of water so we stopped in South Haven on our way home

for a bite to eat and another lighthouse to explore.

South Haven Lighthouse.

I could sit and watch the sailboats for hours.  Not a bad way to recharge the old batteries.  (I almost got my recommended dose of vitamin sea.)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Happy National S’mores Day

Leave a comment

Did you know today was National S’mores Day?

This is the last week-end before school starts, sounds like a perfect way to spend a week-end.

So grab your S’mores caddy and enjoy.

You can find Deflecto’s Caddy Organizer* on Amazon.

*Disclosure… “This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Little Red Barn

Leave a comment

The Little Red Barn…

Every summer we take on a new project and this summer has been all about the barn.

Our old barn was built in two sections and one of the sections was in pretty bad shape.

We tore down the rickety part and have been rebuilding the other half.

My only requirement for the new barn was that I wanted it red.  (and maybe a few other changes)

I’ll save the Barn Make-Over for another post.

*Disclosure… “This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

So… when I received Eileen Hull’s House Ornament Die* naturally I saw a barn.   

I guess I’m in full barn mode.

I made a few adjustments to the die-cut house, like removing the top section for tying and

adding a roof made from black corrugated paper.

I added a couple barn doors cut from chipboard and added a thin piece of corrugated

paper over top for an awning.

The bottom of the house opens up and would look cute with a tea light glowing inside.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

The die also comes with a little tag to hang from the top of the house.

I added a little awning over the window.  So many possibilities.

This house die* is quickly becoming my new favorite die.

I can’t wait to create another house (or two) all decked out  for Christmas.

First Day Back to School Signs

Leave a comment

Watch out Kindergarten here I come!

The first day of school is a big deal.  Especially when it’s your first day of Kindergarten.

My grandson is going into Kindergarten this year and will be riding the bus with his big brother.

It’s a really big deal.

So… I decided to make him something  special.

Using my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* and a variety of fun colors of

adhesive gloss craft vinyl from StyleTechCraft…I made a cute two-sided sign for them

(or Mom) to use for those First Day of School pictures.

StyleTechCraft has a large selection of adhesive vinyl colors to choose from.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

On the second side of the sign I made a few adjustments to my Silhouette Back to School

SVG cut file and added lines instead of dots.  (too many dots for me)

Using a chalk marker or chalk you can reuse the sign for many years to come.

FYI…The base of the sign is a wood cut out from Adornit which I painted using DecoArt Chalkboard Paint*.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Annie’s Sweet Dreams Bedroom

Leave a comment

Annie’s Sweet Dream Bedroom

I love working with miniatures and creating little rooms.

I guess…I’m creating the doll house I always imagined as a kid.

For this room, I wanted to create a “mini makeover” for Annie’s Bedroom.

This little room won me third place in the 2019 Fave Crafts Best Blogger Contest.

And now, I can finally share it all with you.

“This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

Annie’s Sweet Dreams Bedroom Products Used:                 (*Affiliate Links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

How to make Annie’s Sweet Dreams Bedroom…

The Bedroom measures 7 1/2″ wide, 7 1/2″ tall and 5 1/2″ deep. 

  • Cut 3 pieces of chipboard 5 3/4″ x 7 1/2″.
  • Cut 1 piece of chipboard 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ to use as the back wall.

  • Cut decorative scrapbook paper from the Graphic 45 Garden Goddess 8×8 Paper Pad* to use on the floor, walls and outside walls of the room.  I like to cut my paper slightly wider than I need so I can trim the edges with a craft knife.
  • I used both cardstock and scrapbook paper to cover my walls.  For my walls…cut both papers into 3 3/4″ strips.
  • I cut a small strip of paper from the paper pad for a decorative border.
  • I ran each of my strips through the Xyron Creative Station*.
  • Adhere paper to the chipboard.
  • Cover back of the chipboard with coordinating scrapbook paper.

The Xyron Creative Station* is perfect for projects like this.  I wanted complete adhesive coverage on every corner and edge of the paper.  (No wrinkles, no bubbles, easy to use.)

Finished Inside Walls

For the Mural on the Wall…

  • I used an SVG file and my Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine* to cut and create the words “follow your dreams” using StyleTechCraft Dark Red Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl.
  • Using the weeding tool, I carefully removed the negative spaces in and around the letters.
  • Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the letters.
  • Apply words onto the back wall.
  • Remove transfer tape.

  • Glue the walls together using a good craft glue. I like to use Beacon 3 in 1 Glue*.  I used wood boxes to hold my wall up while the glue dried.

  •  I added small strips of paper on the back corners for added support.

  • To make a mini lamp shade…punch a 3″ scallop circle.
  • Trace around a button in the center of the circle.
  • Cut out the small circle as shown in the above picture.
  • Glue ends of the circle together to form shade.
  • Glue shade onto a small painted wood spool.

  • Cut small pieces of ribbon and glue them onto a piece of twine to create a small ribbon banner to hang onto the wall.
  • Glue Banner onto back wall.
  • The Deflecto Ribbon Dispenser* is great for organizing my ribbon spools.

  • The mirror was made using a small piece of StyleTechCraft Chrome Metallic Vinyl* I placed onto a small piece of chipboard.
  • Cut 1/4″ strips of chipboard and paint brown.
  • To create a wood look, ink to the edges of the chipboard with vintage photo distress ink. 
  • Glue strip onto the front of the Chrome Metallic Vinyl* to create the frame.
  • I used small Christmas ornaments for the toys.

Creating Annie’s Sweet Dreams Bedroom was a labor of love.

With a little imagination and some basic construction, it’s really not hard to do.