Joy & Noel Christmas Cards

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024Leave a comment

Noel Christmas Card using the Tim Holtz Big Tidings Dies by Sizzix.

Spread some festive cheer this season with cards

made with the Sizzix Big Tidings Die Set by Tim Holtz*®!

This bold and fun sentiment die set comes with festive accents,

including holly, a Christmas tree, a snowflake, and a ribbon.

*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!

Joy Christmas Card

The Joy card was one of the cards we made last month

in my Holiday Paper Crafting Workshop.

They are both quick and easy card to make when you need multiples.

(I created the white snowflake background with a Snowflake Embossing Folder*.)

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024Leave a comment

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag using StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

DIY CHRISTMAS TREE REUSABLE GIFT BAG

Are you getting ready for Christmas?

This past Thanksgiving weekend came and went so quickly.

But I am so Thankful that I got to spend it with all three

of my kids and their families.

Family Time is Priceless.

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag using StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

While she was here, I asked my sweet little Granddaughter to

model this bag that I made using StyleTechCraft’s Heat Transfer Vinyl*.

It’s made from an inexpensive cotton bag* and is perfect for

carrying gifts for all those Holiday Parties.

Or you can give it as part of the gift.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag using StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

To make the image for the bag, I used the Farm Fresh Christmas Trees SVG cut file from The Silhouette Design Store.
I sized the image to fit on the bag and cut it out using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* and StyleTechCraft’s Heat Transfer Vinyl*.

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag using StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

I cut the image out of both red and green HTV vinyl.
I removed the vinyl that I wanted to be green from the red image.
With the green image, I cut out only the pieces that I wanted to use with the red layer.
Make sure to mirror the image and place the shiny side down on the cutting mat.

DIY Christmas Tree Reusable Gift Bag using StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

Position the design on your bag. Use an iron or a heat press* to apply heat and pressure to the design, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Peel off the clear transfer tape.

“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.

Holiday Paper Crafting Workshop Samples & Important Update

October 12, 2024October 12, 20242 Comments

Our First Workshop Date Has Sold Out!

I’m excited to announce that we have added another date

for Sue’s 2024 Holiday Paper Crafting Workshop.

I will be doing a second Workshop on Friday, November 8th.

If there is enough interest, we are considering adding a third

workshop on the following weekend, Saturday, November 16th.

Here is a sampling of some of the projects we will be making.

Class Description:

Looking for a jumpstart to the holiday season? Sue is hosting a Holiday Paper Crafting Workshop! Join with other paper crafters for a fun afternoon of creating together. In the workshop, we will be making 6-8 Christmas Cards, a 3D Snowflake Christmas Tree Decoration, and a quick and easy Holiday Necklace. Come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, before the busy hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Cost is only $30

Call Tremont Gallery to Sign Up: 309-925-4438 (Store Open Wednesday-Friday)

(Leave them a message, and they will get back to you.)

For more information you can email me at suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.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!

Mr. One-derful’s First Birthday Card

October 2, 2024October 1, 2024Leave a comment

Milo’s First Birthday Card

My husband and I recently got invited to my nephew Milo’s First Birthday Soiree.

It’s not every day that you get invited to a Fancy Party for a one-year-old.

So, when that happens, you need to make a “fancy card”.

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine and simple fonts to design the card.

I cut out the words for the outside of the card using StyleTechCraft Gold Metallic vinyl. I cut the large number one using StyleTechCraft Black Glossy Craft Vinyl.

Materials:

StyleTechCraft Gold Chrome Vinyl*

StyleTechCraft Black Glossy Craft Vinyl*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tools*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*

Gold Cardstock*

Thin 3D Foam Squares*

StyletechCraft 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!

To transfer the large number one onto the gold number one, (which is slightly larger) I used StyleTechCraft transfer tape.

Place transfer paper over the vinyl and rub with a vinyl scraper tool to help the vinyl cling to the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

Center the vinyl onto the cardstock and again rub over the vinyl to transfer.

Remove the transfer tape.

To make the layered number one stand out, I added thin foam mounting squares to the back.

Add the gold chrome words “Mr. One’derful” to the front of the number one with transfer tape.

Place the number one onto the front of a simple white card with a gold layer. I added Milo’s name for fun.

The Party was an auspicious event that included

displays of the guest of honor’s fabulous art pieces,

a caricature artist, hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

Formal attire was strongly encouraged, so,

my husband wore a jacket, and I wore a black dress with pearls.

“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.

Mini Chest of Drawers for Little Essentials

September 17, 20241 Comment

“Eileen Hull’s Top-Drawer Challenge”

This month, the Eileen Hull Design Team was challenged to make

something using the Sizzix Stacking Drawers Die designed by Eileen*.

I LOVE MAKING MINIATURES!

So, true to my “miniature-loving” self, I made a Mini Chest of Drawers

for the Little Essentials that I have sitting on my desk.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

#663633 Sizzix Stacking Drawers by Eileen Hull*

Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*

Sizzix Extender Plates for the Big Shot*

Sizzix Mat Board*

Scor-Tape*

Apple Barrel Black Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint*

Large Decorative Brads for Paper Crafting*

Paper from Echo Park’s Happy Fall Collection*

Small Wooden Cubes*

*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 make the Mini Chest of Drawers…

Die-cut the boxes using the Stacking Drawer Die*, Sizzix Mat Board*, and the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*. (FYI…you will need a Sizzix Extender Plate* with this die.)

I painted the Mat Board* and small wood cubes with Apple Barrel Black Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint* before I assembled the box.

Fold the matboard and adhere to the ends of the die-cut using Scor-Tape*.

FYI…Place the drawer bottom inside drawer so that the drawer slides more easily. (You can also rub a piece of clear wax on the bottom of the drawer.)

Adhere the two boxes together.

Retouch the paint if necessary.

Buy Crafting Supplies Now at Dollar Tree starting at $1.25!

I measured and cut side and top pieces for my dresser using Mat Board*.

I painted the Mat Board* black and cut smaller pieces of woodgrain scrapbook paper to adhere to the Mat Board*.

One trick I like to use is to color the edge of the paper with a dark gray marker to hide the white core of the paper.

Cut the back off the decorative brads and glue them to the front of the drawers.

I cut an extra layer of mat board for the top of the dresser for added dimension.

If you have a little girl in your life,

the mini dresser would be great for little barrettes or even Barbie shoes.

Echo Park – Happy Fall Collection – 12 x 12 Collection Kit
Scrapbook.com

“Hello Autumn” a Fall Dollar Tree DIY

September 3, 2024Leave a comment

Hello Autumn Home Decor Sign

is an easy Fall Dollar Tree DIY.

With all the beautiful new Fall items on display everywhere you go,

I decided it was time to start working on my fall decorating.

I found this Harvest Pumpkin Hanging Wooden Circle Sign* at Dollar Tree*.

It measures approximately 11″.

I knew it would be a great piece to hang on a wreath

or to use in my Fall decorating.

*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!

I used acrylic paint to paint the pumpkin and leaves.

Just follow the etched lines of the leaves.

I blended my paint for a more realistic look.

Rub over the wood sign with walnut stain* or ink.

Use Mod Podge Satin Sealer* to give the sign a satin finish.

Lightly rub over the sign with an extra fine sanding block* to smooth the grains.

Cut the words “Hello Autumn” using StyleTechCraft Brown Glossy Craft Vinyl*

and a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Place vinyl transfer paper over the words.

Rub over the words using a vinyl scraper tool to help

the vinyl cling to the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

Place the Vinyl Transfer Tape* onto the wood circle.

Gently rub over the design and remove the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

The sign has two holes on the top for hanging.

I added a simple bow to the top between the two holes.

It would look great in the center of a Large Fall Wreath.

I can’t decide whether to leave it on the table or add it to the mantle.

(Maybe I’ll just hang it from the wreath.)

“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.

Gnome Flower Garden Pop Up Card

August 7, 2024August 6, 2024Leave a comment

3D Gnome Flower Gard Card

I found this cute 3D Gnome Flower Garden SVG Design at the Silhouette Store.

I knew it would be a fun Summer Card to make.

I used my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine to cut the base of the pop-up card out of cardstock.

I noticed the perforation lines on the layers but didn’t give it much thought. I figured that’s how I was supposed to create the dimension.

If you’re a card maker like me, you’ve learned that sometimes you’ve got to adapt.

I was preparing to assemble the pop-up card when I realized the perforations were for making a 3D Gnome Flower “Box” card. So… I adapted. (Keep reading to see my adaptation.)

Add some Glitter and Glam to your cards with Ultra Metallic Vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

I cut the layering pieces of the card using StyleTech Craft Ultra Metallic Vinyl.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Vinyl*

StyleTechCraft White Glossy Craft Vinyl*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tools*

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*

3D Gnome Flower Box SVG Cut File from The Silhouette Store

Green Cardstock

Thin 3D Foam Squares*

StyletechCraft 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!

Add the vinyl to the cardstock using clear transfer tape.

Here are the three main card layers with the vinyl added.

I wasn’t as accurate as I wanted to be. (I needed to take more time.) I will say that it’s not as noticeable on the finished card.

Here’s how I made the layers a pop-up card.

I put the three layers together using 3d foam squares for added dimension.

I made a 1/2″ four-sided cube that was approximately 5″ long. (I used a scoring board tool for consistency.)

I added adhesive to three sides of the cube and adhered it onto my layers and card.

Isn’t this little Garden Gnome the cutest?

Do you see what I mean?

It’s not as noticeable once it’s all put together.

I added Ultra Metallic Vinyl to the inside of a white cardstock card for my card base.

I used the Silhouette Cameo to cut the words using StyleTechCraft Glossy White Vinyl.

Believe in Magic, Celebrate the Little Things, Stand Tall, Live in the Garden!

How to use the Watercolor Flowers & Lattice Stencil

July 27, 2024Leave a comment

How to Stencil a Beautiful and Simple Floral Card

using the Sizzix Watercolour Flowers & Lattice 4 pc Stencil Set by Eileen Hull*.

Did you know that Sizzix has created several layered Stencil Sets to use

with their New Stencil & Stamp Tool*?

The NEW dual-purpose Stencil & Stamp Tool from Sizzix*

makes both stenciling and stamping easier than ever before!

*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!

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

#666690 Sizzix Watercolour Flowers & Lattice 4 pc Stencil Set by Eileen Hull*

Tim Holtz Distress Inks from Ranger*: Barn Door*, Spiced Marmalade*, Fired Brick*, Peeled Paint*, Crushed Olive*, Gathered Twigs*, Scattered Straw*,

Olive Green Dye Inkpad*

Ranger Ink Applicator*

Watercolor Paper*

Since I don’t have the New Tool* yet, I thought I would show you how I used the stencils without the tool.

How to use the Watercolor Flowers & Lattice Stencil:

I started with a Watercolor Paper* base for my card front.

Cut the paper longer than the stencil.

Center and tape the stencil onto the paper.

Using a pencil, fill in the holes to create a guide to line up the remaining stencils.

Stencil #1 Lattice Background

Line up the holes of the lattice stencil with the pencil guide marks.

Put a piece of tape to hold the stencil in place.

Rub an Ink Applicator* over the Gathered Twigs Distress Inkpad*. I wanted a subtle background, so I rubbed some of the ink onto scrap paper before using it on the stencil.

Remove stencil.

Stencil #2 Flowers

Line up Stencil #2 using the pencil guide marks. Use tape to hold the stencil in place.

Using an Ink Applicator*, rub Barn Door Distress Ink* onto the flower stencil.

To add dimension to the flower, add a second complementary color.

I rubbed Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink* over the flower stencil for contrast.

Remove Stencil.

Stencil #3 Leaves

Line up Stencil #3 using the pencil guide marks. Use tape to hold the stencil in place.

I rubbed Peeled Paint Distress Ink* over the leaves using the Ink Applicator*. To add dimension, I also used Crushed Olive Distress Ink* on the leaves.

Rub Scattered Straw Distress Ink* in the center of each flower.

Remove stencil.

I could have stopped right here after removing the third stencil.

It looks beautiful. But as we all know it’s all about the details.

So, onto Stencil #4 to add the details.

Stencil #4 Details

Line up Stencil #4 using the pencil guide marks. Use tape to hold the stencil in place.

Using the Ink Applicator*, I rubbed Fired Brick Distress Ink* onto the center flowers.

I rubbed Olive Green Dye Ink* over the leaves to create veining.

Remove stencil.

The finished stenciled flowers.

Cut the stenciled flowers to size and layer onto coordinating cardstock for a beautiful floral card.

You can use the Sizzix Watercolour Flowers & Lattice 4 pc Stencil Set by Eileen Hull* to make cards, scrapbook layouts, mini albums, and so much more.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Simple Reverse Painting Technique on Acrylic

July 6, 2024Leave a comment

How to make a Mandala Suncatcher using a Simple Reverse Paint Technique on Acrylic

Are you looking for a fun and easy project to make this summer

that both kids and adults will enjoy.

The Mandala Suncatcher is an easy project that uses a reverse paint technique,

paint markers, and StyleTechCraft 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.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

4″ Acrylic Circle Tag with Hole*

StyleTechCraft Black Glossy Vinyl*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*

StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tools*

DecoColor Paint Markers (Marvy Uchida)*

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*

Mandala SVG Cut File from The Silhouette Store

Gold and White Cotton Twine*

StyletechCraft 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!

Directions:

The mandala design was cut out of black glossy adhesive vinyl using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

After the design has been cut, remove the excess vinyl in and around the design using a vinyl weeding tool*.

My acrylic circle* had a protective coating on both sides. Remove the protective layer from one side of the circle. Place vinyl transfer paper over the mandala design. Rub over the design using a vinyl scraper tool to help the vinyl cling to the transfer paper.

Place the transfer paper with the mandala design centered on the acrylic circle.

Gently rub over the design and remove the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

Turn the acrylic circle over.

Remove the protective layer on the back of the circle.

You will do a reverse painting technique on the back of the circle.

Starting in the center of the design, color using the paint markers.

Make sure to color to the edge of the lines and get the colors as close as possible.

Here is the back of the circle with the mandala design colored in.

I added a gold edge to the suncatcher using a DecoColor Gold Calligraphy Pen*. (I think it helps the design stand out.)

The best part of the reverse paint technique is that when you flip the circle back over, you’ll have crisp black lines.

Add gold and white twine to the top of the acrylic circle to hang.

A reverse painting option… for those who don’t have an electronic die-cutter would be to trace a pattern onto the acrylic before painting. (see below↓)

You can see the original Reverse Glass Painting Technique with DecorColor Markers post here.

Gift Box using Eileen Hull’s Stacking Drawer Die

June 24, 2024June 23, 2024Leave a comment

A Little Gift Box using the Stacking Drawer Die*.

Earlier this month, Sizzix and Eileen Hull re-released the Stacking Drawer Die

along with several other dies. (you can see the original post here)

While there are several ways to use this die,

I thought the Stacking Drawers* would also make a perfect little gift box.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Materials: (*affiliate links)

Sizzix Stacking Drawer Die by Eileen Hull*

Little Sizzles Matboard*

Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*

Carta Bella “Bloom” 12″ x 12″ Collection Kit*

Xyron Disposable Sticker Maker*

Deco Art Multi-Media Acrylic Paint-Night Sky*

Clear Paraffin Wax*

Strong Double-Sided Tape*

*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 make the gift box…

Die-cut the box using the Stacking Drawer Die*, Little Sizzles Matboard*, and the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*.

I like to paint the mat board with Deco Art Multi-Media Acrylic Paint* before I assemble the box.

Fold the matboard and adhere to the ends of the die-cut using a Strong Double-Sided Tape*.

Retouch the paint if necessary.

FYI…If you use a thinner mat board for the bottom layer of the drawer, it is easier to open and close.

Another trick to make the drawer run smoother is to rub Clear Paraffin Wax* on the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the box.

To decorate the box, I used a Xyron Disposable Sticker Maker* maker to add adhesive to the back of my paper. It’s a quick and easy way to cover the sides of the box.

I used paper and stickers from the Carta Bella “Bloom” 12″ x 12″ Collection Kit* to decorate the top of the box.

The box is a great size for adding a pair of earrings or a necklace.

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