How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

If you like the look of old embossed tin, the Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket

is a simple project to create.  (easy to follow instructions below)

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket

I’m always up for a new crafty challenge,

so, when asked if I wanted to try the colored aluminum foils

from K & S Precision Metals, of course, I said yes.

These thick colored aluminum foils are not like your mother’s aluminum foil.

They are thick enough to bend and manipulate but thin enough to be able to cut with scissors.

And you don’t have to worry about cuts like from thicker metals. (this is fun stuff)

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals    lHow to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for K & S Precision Metals.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

Materials Used:     (*affiliate links)

*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 an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

I could have used the metal as it comes, but I wanted it to be slightly thicker, so I double it up with cardstock in the middle.  It also helped it hold the embossed shape.

Directions:  

  • I used an unfolded small white envelope as my pattern.
  • Measure and cut a piece of colored foil slightly larger than the unfolded envelope.
  • To add adhesive on the back of the foil, place the foil colored-side up on the Xyron Creative Station®*Turn the handle of the Creative Station to run the foil through.  As it runs through, it adds complete adhesive covering on the underneath side of the foil.
  • Place the foil onto a piece of white cardstock the same size.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • If you’re not artistically inclined, you can easily find a swirly scroll pattern to print and use as a pattern.
  • Place the foil with the cardstock side up onto a soft surface.  Tape the swirly scroll pattern onto the back of the cardstock.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • Using medium to firm pressure, use a small ball stylus* to trace around the design to transfer it to the foil.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • Remove the pattern from the back of the cardstock.
  • Trace around the opened envelope onto the back of the cardstock.
  • Cut the envelope shape using scissors.
  • Cut a second piece of foil the same size as the first and repeat the adhesive and embossing process, except do not add the foil to the cardstock. Place this piece of foil onto the back of the cardstock and retrim the envelope shape.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • Use a ruler and bone folder to mark your envelope fold lines.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • Paint over the foil with white multi-surface acrylic paint to give the pocket a brushed denim look.
  • Make sure to paint in one direction only.
  • Once the paint has dried, lightly sand over the embossed areas with a sanding block.
  • The sanding makes the embossed areas stand out.

How to make an Embossed Metal Envelope Pocket with K & S Precision Metals

  • Glue the edges of the pocket using rapid fuse all purpose adhesive*.
  • Tie a 1″ piece of ribbon around the envelope pocket.  I added a little bling using a broken silver barrette.
  • Cut a thin slice of floral foam* and place it inside the pocket.  Stick small flower stems into the floral foam.  (Both the floral foam and the flower stems were from Dollar Tree*.)
  • Punch two small holes in the envelope and add a piece of twine for hanging.
  • Add the embossed pocket to the middle of a boxwood wreath for a simple and elegant wreath decoration.

More great designer projects using K & S Precision Metal on the DCC Blog.

Designer Craft Connections Pic

My Namta 2022 Experience in Orlando

Namta 2022 Orlando

It’s been a couple of weeks since the start of the Namta Show in Orlando,

and I wanted to share my experience and the few pictures I took

while everything was still fresh in my mind.

Namta 2022 Orlando

This particular show was kind of a new one for everyone.

Last year the Creativation Show merged with the National Art Materials Trade Show

for one awesome show in Orlando, Florida.  With travel being restricted in some areas,

the show was a little smaller than normal.  That didn’t seem to bother attendees, because

everyone was excited to be together in person.  Besides, being in sunny Florida was a plus.

Melbourne Beach, Florida

Some people took an extra day or two and visited Disney

or one of the other Orlando attractions.  I brought my hubby with me,

and we flew in a few days early and went to Melbourne Beach.

The week we were in Florida was a milestone birthday for my husband.

We (He) didn’t think it was fair for me to be in Florida without him on his birthday.

We soaked up a little Vitamin Sea, and we experienced our first Beach Wedding

from the comforts of our beach chairs.  I teared up; I always do.  (Too bad we weren’t invited.)

Namta 2022 Orlando

The Namta Show was a 3-day trade show. 

I worked each day in the StyleTechCraft booth doing Make and Takes while my husband golfed.

(A Win/Win in our books!)

Namta 2022 Orlando

Each day was a new project using StyletechCraft* adhesive vinyl.

Would you believe I get paid to play?  (I’m so lucky to have such a great job!)

As always, I talk too much and forget to take pictures.

Being at the show with all my industry friends is like a big family reunion.

And because of the pandemic, we haven’t seen each other in a couple of years.


Styletech Craft products brought to you by ATSM Craft

*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!

Namta 2022 Orlando

Across the aisle from the StyleTechCraft Booth was the Artesprix Booth.

They were demoing their sublimation markers* and inkpads*.

I was excited to be able to watch a demo as this is new to me.

They were so generous; they gave me markers and inks to try out.

Namta 2022 Orlando-YouV-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3047

A new booth at the show this year was the YouV Art booth.

They have different types of resin that doesn’t need to be mixed.

And it cures with a UV light in just a matter of minutes.

They made it so easy to use.  I can’t wait to play with this.

I see a new video in my future.

Namta 2022-Orlando-Chibitronics-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com

I thought the Chibitronics booth was so cool,

even though I’m not a technical person.

I learned how to make an easy card using simple circuitry.

The lightbulb on the front the card lights up.  So many possibilities.

It’s very educational.  I can see my grandsons loving making light up cards.

Hmmm….maybe another video.

Namta 2022-Orlando-Dress My Crafts-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3059

Several companies were not able to attend in person this year

and they gave several designers new products to try out.

Dress My Crafts was one of those companies that spoiled us with samples.

They even gave us extra to give away. Watch for a GIVEAWAY later this week.

Namta 2022-Orlando-Emerald Creek-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3086

I received some embossing powders and stamps from Emerald Creek.

I have a few ideas for those embossing powders.

With names like Hollywood Glamour and Grapelicious, how can they not be great.

Namta 2022 Orlando

I also received New Nuvo Products from Tonic Studios,

inks, mists, embossing powder, pearls and glacier paste.

All great products for paper crafting and cardmaking.

Namta 2022 Orlando

I’ll admit, it’s been a while since I’ve played with Sculpey Clay*.  

Thanks to a generous gift from Sculpey,

I think a playdate is in order with my boys and this fun clay.

Namta 2022 Orlando

The week included a great company dinner at Paddlefish in Disney Springs.

And a relaxing last day in Historic downtown Sanford enjoying some good Greek food.

I enjoyed seeing so many good friends, making a few new ones

and creating new connections.

All in all, the Namta Show was a very good experience.

Sue’s 2021 Holiday Workshop Sneak Peek

2021 Holiday Workshop Sneak Peek-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4626

Looking for a Little Extra Holiday Inspiration?

I’m excited to announce that Sue’s Holiday Workshop is going Virtual

again this year with a fun Holiday Kit.  (I have so many fun ideas in the works.) 

I will be posting all the nitty-gritty details on the projects

and how to order right here on October 10th

For more information or to get on the email list: suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.com

Curiosity peeked?  You can read about 2020’s Virtual Holiday Workshop here.  

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

The Sweet Life Tiny Book

The Sweet Life Tiny Book.

The theme for Eileen Hull’s teams this month was “Crafting with Unconventional Materials”.

I do love a crafty challenge. I’ll admit this one stumped for a minute or two.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

This challenge had my waistline taking one for the team.

The mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were leftover from Easter.

I can’t think of a better way to use them up.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Materials 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!

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Directions:

  • Carefully unwrap the peanut butter cup wrappers.  Smooth out the wrinkles using your fingernail.
  • Place the wrappers into the opening of the disposable sticker maker.  Pull the wrappers through on the back of the machine, tear.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

  • Cut the wrappers into smaller strips and pieces.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

  • Carefully peel the wrappers from the adhesive backing and place them randomly onto a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of matboard.
  • Lay the matboard on the Sizzix Tiny Book Die facedown.
  • Run the die through the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* to cut out the Tiny Book cover.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

  • Carefully fold the book on the score lines.
  • Cut two pieces of white cardstock 2 3/4″ x 11″.  Score both pieces of cardstock every 2 1/8″ to create a long accordion piece.  You will end up with a small tab at the end of both strips.  Use the first tab to connect the strips.  Cut the second tab off.  Refold to make a long accordion strip.
  • Adhere both ends of the cardstock into the front and back cover.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

DIY Color Changing Mugs

How to make color changing mugs.

DIY Color Changing Mugs.

How to take ordinary mugs from the Dollar Store and create a colorful surprise for your Summer table.

A fun project using StyleTechCraft’s Cold Color Changing Vinyl.

How to make color changing cups.

For this project, I’m thinking Summer and a nice ice-cold mug of Strawberry Lemonade.

How to use color changing vinyl on glassware.

Materials 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!

StyleTechCraft's Cold Color Changing Vinyl.

Directions:

StyleTechCraft's Cold Color Changing Vinyl.

  • Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* to fit over the vinyl image.  Gently rub over the transfer paper using the squeegee tool.

DIY Color Changing Mug

  • Remove the vinyl from the white liner, center the image on the front of the mug.
  • Gently rub over the Vinyl Transfer Tape* to make sure all the image has transferred.  Remove the transfer tape.

StyleTechCraft's Cold Color Changing Vinyl

The flower pattern on the mug (before changing) has a subtle etched glass appearance.   

DIY Color Changing Mugs

Imagine their surprise when the pattern changes right before their eyes.

A fun complement to Summer.

What would you make with color changing vinyl?

“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.

Xyron’s 25th Anniversary

Xyron 25th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to one of my very favorite crafting companies!

I remember back in the mid-’90s (when I had my retail store) going to a trade show and stopping

by the Xyron Booth.  There was quite a crowd and buzz around their new products.

It was at that Trade Show when I bought my first Xyron machines.

Xyron 500 Create a Sticker Machine-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3920

I bought the Xryon 500 Create a Sticker to use as a Special Anniversary Sale promo. 

(and boy did I sell a lot of those machines.)

I also purchased the Xyron 850 to sell and bought the Xyron 1200 for store use.

I figured if 8 1/2″ was good then 12″ was better.  (12″ paper was just becoming popular)

(The picture above is my first Xyron machine.  When we went through my mom’s craft room we found extra cartridges that fit the machine.  Score!)

Xyron Creative Station 2

Personally, my favorite Xyron product to use is the Xyron Creative Station*.

It is the perfect size for larger projects and I love how I can insert a 5″ cartridge for smaller

projects.  But to be perfectly honest, I love all my Xyron products.

Happy Anniversary Xryon, looking forward to crafting with you for many years to come.

*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!

Graphic 45 Christmas Magic...Decorating the Tree-Sue's Creative Workshop-www.sueeldred.com 7953

The Christmas Magic Room is my favorite project made using Xyron Creative Station*.

The Bow Maker Die for Paper Crafters

I recently got a chance to play with the Bow Maker Die from The Maker’s Movement.

While I will admit that I was confused for a brief moment on how it worked.

Once I figured out how easy it was to use, I wanted to share this simple project

and tutorial with you.

 

The Bow Maker is a four-piece die set that is deep etched, which makes it so easy to cut through cardstock, thick paper, and even fabric. They are great for greeting cards, birthday cards, scrapbooking, gift tags, and much more fun projects.

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post  for the Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product
and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own.

I decorated a little jar I found at  Dollar Tree and topped it off with a cute little paper bow.

*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!

It makes a quick, simple, and inexpensive gift.

Materials Used:     (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Die-cut decorative scrapbook paper using the Bow Maker Die.  The dies cut four pieces, two bow loops, a center, and a bow base.
  2. Gently curl the paper on the two bow loops using your fingers or a small round marker to make the paper pliable for bending.
  3. Bend the ends over and glue to the underneath side of the paper using a quick setting glue like Rapid Fuse*.  (you could also use a small glue dot)
  4. Stack and glue the bow loops onto the bow base.
  5. Glue the center around the middle of the bow.

Sue’s 2020 Holiday Workshop Kits

Looking for a little extra Inspiration this Holiday Season?  
Sue’s Holiday Workshop is going Virtual with a fun Holiday Kit.

Here’s what we’ll be making:

  • Penguin Snow Globe Card
  • Snowy Winter Wonderland Snow Globe Card
  • Holiday Joy Christmas Card
  • Merry Christmas Time Tiny Book
  • Snowflake Book Case that holds the Tiny Book
  • Snowman Santa Wood Bead Ornament
  • 4″ Merry Christmas Snowflake Acrylic Tag Ornament
  • 4″ Buddy’s Coffee Acyrlic Tag Ornament

Included in the Kit:

  • Card layers and Stamped Pieces. Ribbon, 3D Foam Squares and Envelopes
  • Covered Chipboard Book Case, Painted Handle, Wood Snowflake Embellishment
  • Tiny Book Cover, Cut Pieces to Cover the Book, Small Frame, Holly Embellishment, Twine, Gold Vinyl Words
  • Beads, Santa Hat, Scarf pieces, Twine
  • Two 4″ Acrylic Circles, Metallic Vinyl Designs, Transfer Tape, Twine, Adhesive Pearl Rhinestones.

I will be creating a special Facebook Group where I will add additional photos and videos of how to make the projects and links to products used.  I will also have additional add on kits from previous Workshops to purchase at a greatly reduced price.

You will need to provide:  (not included in kit)

  • Art Markers or Colored Pencils
  • Scissors
  • Tape Runner
  • Craft Glue

The cost of the Kit is $25.00  
Shipping is $7.50 for Priority Mail.

There will be a limited amount of kits available, so reserve yours today.
Holiday Workshop Kits will be available November 7th to pick up or ship.

Email: suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.com to reserve your kit.

*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!

Organizing Your Holiday Craft Supplies

Creative Christmas Crafting Organization Tips…

It’s that time of year when thoughts are leaning towards the Holidays.

As a crafter, it’s my favorite time of year to do craft projects.

But, as a blogger, there’s a lot of crafting, creating, and sharing to do.

For fun, I thought I’d show how I organize my Craft Supplies for the

Ultimate Holiday Crafting Season.

Of course, my go-to storage comes from Deflecto.

Disclosure:  “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

To prepare for the busy season ahead, I like to transition my space with

all my Christmas Crafting Supplies conveniently close.

I like to mix a little old with the new to make it interesting.

I never know what will inspire the next project.

Here a few of the products I used for my Holiday Crafting Organization.

I use the Deflecto Interlocking Tilt Bins* to keep my jingle bells, small

wood embellishments, paints, bottle brush trees, all neatly organized and

easily accessible.

I use a lot of ribbon during the Holidays.

I use the Deflecto Ribbon Dispenser* that fits into the large section of the

Deflecto Stackable Caddy Organizer* and add all my favorite holiday

ribbon rolls. As you can see, it holds several.

The small and medium containers hold my glue guns and adhesives.

The Stackable Caddy* is great for grab and go crafting.

The Deflecto Caddy Storage Tray* is perfect for holding my floral embellishments and beads.

Not only is it efficient, but it’s really pretty to look at.

(It fits nicely into the large compartment of the Deflecto Stackable Caddy*.)

I use the Deflecto Stackable Open Cube* to hold the Holiday Dies and

Stamp Sets that I will be working on soon. It’s also a great place to stash

cut cardstock ready to be folded into cards.

I use the Deflecto Interlocking Marker Organizer* to hold paint brushes,

scissors, pens, and pencils. It looks great and keeps everything neat and

tidy. (and…it fits nicely into the stackable caddy)

When working on cards it’s great to have my markers organized and close

at hand. I love that I can unfold the Expandable Marker Accordion*

into several different configurations.

It’s a perfect companion to have on my desk.

I hope you enjoyed the tour into my Holiday Crafting Organization.

Now it’s your turn to… Update your Holiday Craft Space and enjoy the difference it makes.

*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!

Dog Treats for the First Day of School

Yesterday was Dexter’s First Day of School.

Dexter is our 9-month Shichon puppy.  He is a sweet, loving, energetic ball of fluff.

We adopted him two days before Valentine’s Day and about a month before everything

went nuts.  He’s not a quarantine puppy, but he’s sure been a bright spot during that time.

I’ve been on more walks and talked to more neighbors because of him.  He loves everyone!

Anyway…

In the list of instructions for the first day of class was to bring dog treats.  (lots of treats)

So, I decided to decorate a little jar for his treats.

I found the little plastic jar at Dollar Tree* and used vinyl to decorate it.

*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!

Here’s what I used to make my treat jar:

StyleTechCraft™ products brought to you by ATSM Craft 

Directions:

  • Using a “Dog Bone Treats” SVG file from the Silhouette Store and the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*, cut out the images using StyletechCraft Transparent Vinyl in Sunflower and Brown.
  • Use the vinyl pick to remove the letters from dog bone, leave the inside pieces of the letters.
  • Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* to fit over the vinyl image.  Gently rub over the transfer paper using the squeegee tool.  Remove the vinyl image from the white liner.
  • Overlay the brown bone onto the large orange bone silhouette.

  • Carefully apply the vinyl to the jar.  Give the vinyl a gentle rub using the squeegee to make sure everything has transferred and remove the transfer tape.
  • Add paw prints randomly around the jar using the transfer tape.
  • Tie with a paw print ribbon and fill with dog treats.

FYI…The First Day of School Sign was made by painting a small wood sign with black chalkboard paint and applying words created with StyleTechCraft White Craft Vinyl*.

Dexter is such a smart, sweet little boy. 

He’s our first dog and, he’s been a great addition to our family.  He brings a lot of smiles.

And by the way…he did really great during his first class!

“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.