Tag: How To

How to make a Happy Haunts Pop Up Card

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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.

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Creating A Miniature “Christmas Magic” Room with Graphic 45 and Xyron

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How to Create A Miniature Christmas Room…

Graphic 45 Christmas Magic…Decorating the tree.

I knew as soon as I started working with Xyron that one day I would make a miniature room.

When I got the opportunity to work with Graphic 45’s “Christmas Magic” Collection,

I knew the time had come.  (Graphic 45 and Xyron are the perfect combination.)

Here’s What I used to make my Miniature Christmas Magic Room:            (*affiliate link)

*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 a miniature Christmas Magic Room…

  • My Christmas Room is 7 1/2″ wide, 7 1/2″ tall and 5 1/2″ deep.  I used 5 3/4″ x 7 1/2″ chipboard pieces.  (that’s what I had on hand)  You could use a 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ piece of chipboard for the back wall instead of piecing it together like I did.

  • I cut paper for my walls into 3 3/4″ strips.
  • I cut a small strip of paper for my decorative border.
  • I ran each of my strips through the Xyron Creative Station*.
  • Adhere paper to the chipboard.

The 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.)

  • I cut my paper slightly wider than I need so I can trim the edges with a craft knife.
  • Gently sand edges with a extra fine sanding block for the perfect edge.

  • Glue the walls together using a good craft glue.  I used wood boxes to hold my wall up while the glue dried.  (If you have a better idea I’d love to hear it.)

  • I covered the back of my room with coordinating paper and added small strips of paper on the back corners for added support.

  • I made a small fireplace out of chipboard.  (I needed a place to hang my stocking)
  • Paint the fireplace with white paint.  Give it a vintage feel by rubbing a little ink on the edges.

  • I purchased inexpensive unfinished doll furniture at the Dollar Tree* and painted it red.
  • For a vintage look add ink to the edges of the furniture.

  • I used stickers from the collection kit to make little framed art.

  • I made a small little crate to hold my “ornaments” out of chipboard and painted it brown.  I added a small “tis the season” sticker on the front.

  • I created a small picture using a sticker and chipboard and a small felt stocking to add to the mantel.

I have spent way to much time rearranging the furniture and playing with it.

It was a real labor of love.  (and I loved every minute of it)

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

How to create an Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin…

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How to Create an Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin

A Quick and Easy Fall Decoration.

What do you get when you find an outdated plaid Fall shirt, a small oval embroidery hoop

and then you add a few simple embellishments and some Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters?

You get a cute little Fall Pumpkin and A Quick and Easy Fall Decoration.

For my Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin I used:            (*affiliate link)

  • Lay the embroidery hoop onto the fabric first and  then place the letters inside the hoop to help you figure the best placement.

  • Set Iron to cotton setting, approx. 350 degrees, or follow garment care label.
  • Position letters with shiny side down onto fabric.
  • Cover letters with a fine cloth.  With a firm pressure, iron cloth over letters for 30 seconds.
  • Turn fabric over and iron the back for another 30 seconds.

  • Loosen the screw on the top of the embroidery hoop and insert fabric making sure to keep the letter alignment straight.  (re-tighten screw)
  • Trim excess fabric from outside of embroidery hoop.
  • Glue the green braided trim around the outside of the embroidery hoop.

  • Tie ribbon and leaves to the top of the frame.
  • Glue small acorn embellishment onto ribbon.
  • Super cute and simple to make.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Joy® 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

*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 DIY Memo Pad Holder

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How to Make a DIY Memo Pad Holder…

I’m a list maker.

I make lists for things to do, groceries to buy, photos to edit, ideas, gardening…

I’m actually using the “Choose Joy” Memo Pad Holder as I sit and write this post.

The Choose Joy Memo Pad Holder with its sweet florals reminds me of everything summer.

And speaking of summer…it’s going to be a busy one.  (which means more lists)

DIY Memo Pad Holder Supplies Used:      (*affiliate link)

How to make a DIY Memo Pad Holder…

  • Cut cardstock to measure 8 ¼” x 10 ½”.
  • Score the cardstock at 5 1/8″ and 5 3/8″

  • Cut a 5″ x 2 ½” piece of decorative scrapbook paper to go around the top of the memo pad.
  • Place the paper, design side up, into the end of the Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker* and pull the paper through.  Rub the protective covering and peel back to expose sticker.
  • I use the XYRON Adhesive Eraser* to remove any extra adhesive from the edges.

  • Align paper on the top of the memo pad band and wrap around to the back of the pad.

Did you know that you can use the Xyron Sticker Maker with ribbon?

  • Run ribbon though the Xyron 1.5-inch Sticker Maker*.
  • Center and adhere onto the middle of the scrapbook paper border.  Wrap extra ribbon around back of the memo pad.

  • Use the Xyron Mega Runner* to adhere the notepad onto the inside cover.
  • On the other side of the inside cover, create a pocket using coordinating paper and embellishments.
  • Add adhesive to three sides of the pocket and adhere inside cover.  Perfect place for receipts and additional lists.

Embellish front cover with an inspirational quote, ribbon and flowers.

(a cute picture of the kids would be nice too)

XYRON MEGA RUNNER GIVEAWAY…

Xyron is giving me a Xyron Mega Runner to give away to one lucky blog reader.

It’s super simple to enter.

Leave a comment on my blog mentioning the Xyron Mega Runner by 5-31-18 to be eligible.

One entry per day.  US and Canada Only (color may vary)

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

*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!

DIY Bloom Floral Plaque

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Bloom into Spring with this DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.

I admit it…I’m an adhesive snob.

There’s nothing worse than spending hours on a project and then it  comes undone

from using the wrong adhesives.

I tell people all the time “not all adhesives are created equal”.

That’s one reason why I was so excited to be on the Xyron 2018 Design Team.

Xyron has Good Adhesive!

The DIY Bloom Floral Plaque is the first of many projects to come using Xyron.

DIY Bloom Floral Plaque Products Used:    (*Affiliate Links)

*Disclosure:  This blog post 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 a DIY Bloom Floral Plaque…

  • Lay a piece of a 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ piece of decorative scrapbook paper (design side up) on the Xyron Creative Station, 9″* 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.
  • Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.

       You get complete coverage, no gluing, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

  • Lay Wood Flower Shaped Plaque onto the adhesive side of the paper.
  • Carefully cut around the wood shape with a craft knife and craft cutting mat.

  • Gently sand away rough-cut edges on the paper using an extra fine sanding block.

  • I used my electronic die cutting machine and cut files to create pieces for my background.  The Xyron Creative Station* is great for adding adhesive to the back of intricate pieces.

  • After the layers are adhered together, I use the XYRON Adhesive Eraser* to remove any extra adhesive from the edges of my pieces.  Remember to use a gentle touch.

The XYRON Adhesive Eraser* is one of my favorites must have tools.  I keep it on my desk at all times.

I think every paper crafter should carry one in their supply box.

  • For added detail…use a gold paint pen to edge around the outside of the Wood Flower Shaped Plaque and the decorative scrapbook paper oval.

  • My Xyron Creative Station* makes quick work of assembling all the pieces of my DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.
  • Finish embellishing the plaque with a few paper flowers glued into place with craft glue.

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

Merry Little Sticky Note Holder

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Need a inexpensive gift idea to give a teacher or co-worker?

The Merry Little Sticky Note Holder is a quick and easy project that you can make

in just minutes.

How to make a Merry Little Sticky Note Holder

Supplies Needed:                 (*affiliate link)

*Disclaimer:  This post 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:

  1. Score a 5 ¼” x 9” piece of cardstock at the 2 ¼”, 2 ¾”, 6” and 6 ½” mark.
  2. Fold along scored lines.
  3. Make a ½” guide line on end of the scored cardstock for applying sticker border. Apply a small border on the guide line. Add a second border to the back of the first.
  4. Paint “merry” and “small ornament” from wood cut outs with white acrylic paint.
  5. Wrap red and white twine around top flap and tie ornament and greenery. Glue merry onto front flap.
  6. Add restickable mini tab to the inside of the flap and add sticky notes.

You can purchase the Warm My Heart Sticker Sheet and Christmas Wood Shapes from Adornit.com.

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Sea Glass Milk Bottle Vase

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How to create a Sea Glass Vase…

I love the light and airy look of sea glass.

Inspired by a recent trip to the ocean… I decided to try my hand at making a Sea Glass Vase.

I used these cute Milk Bottles* from LeisureArts*  and Krylon Sea Glass Spray Paint, Aqua*.

The Sea Glass Paint is available in several colors like Sea Glass Ruby*.  (I’m thinking Christmas!)

I contemplated the best way to paint my bottle.  Because I wanted to also paint the bottom of

the Milk Bottle*,  I came up with the idea of inserting a paint roller handle into the bottle.

While the idea was good in theory, it was hard to rotate the jar evenly when spraying.

(see first at tempt picture below↓)

After the first attempt…  I got a little smarter and wrapped the handle in paper, making a

snugger fit.  (that worked great)  I was able to rotate the bottle using the handle as I sprayed

the bottle with short thin coats of paint to avoid drips.

The more coats applied the less translucent the finish will be.

Once painted, I was able to use the handle to aid in drying.

To go with the Beachy Sea Glass look, I wrapped twine around the neck of the Milk Bottle*

and added a small seashell I picked up on the beach.     (FYI…vase should be hand washed only)

A perfect addition to the dinner table.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Disclaimer:  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!

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

“Celebrate” with a Banner made from old blue jeans

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Create a banner using Joy Embroidered Iron On Letters and old blue jeans.

When inspiration hits in the middle of the night, it usually ends of being one of my favorite

kind of projects.  (This one  was fun.)  

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

I created a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ banner pattern using grid paper and traced it onto the jeans.

To add a little interest…I incorporated the seams from the sides of the jeans to use for the

front of the banner.  For the word “C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E”  I cut 9 banners for the front with

seams and 9 plain ones to use to line the back of the banner.

The Iron-on Embroidered Varsity letters are sticky backed so I went ahead and placed

them onto the front of my banners before sewing.

Next came my jar of red ribbon scraps.  (I love red so much, I have a jar just for “red”)

I sewed the ribbon scraps onto the tops of each banner.

I then sandwiched the front with a plain back and simply sewed around each banner with

my sewing machine.  After the third banner, I finally got smart and started using straight pins.

As you can tell, I was going for a casual simple look.  (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

After I was finished sewing all my banners, I used my We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile*

to punch two holes.  (I used the 3/16″ sized hole.)

I used We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal* (affiliate link) for my eyelets.

Did you know that the  Crop-A-Dile* easily goes through both layers of jeans.

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Disclaimer:  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!

 

The “Celebrate” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy.

Jazz Up your Flip Flops with Patent Leather Paint

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Old or New…Jazz Up your flip flops with Patent Leather Paint from Deco Arts.

While attending the Creativation show in Phoenix earlier this year, I received a bottle

of “new” Garnet patent leather paint to play with.  You could say, I was smitten.

This paint was so fun and easy to work with.

 A quick and easy way to jazz up old or new flip flops.  (also pumps and purses)

To jazz up your flip flops you’ll need…              (*amazon affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. If using old flip flops… Make sure to wipe flip flops well with damp towel to remove any dirt or dust.
  2. Apply patent leather paint evenly with a soft-bristled brush.  The paint will have a slight tacky feel as it is drying.
  3. Apply 2-3 coats of paint to get the desired coverage.  Allow paint to dry between coats.
  4. Cut the shank off the back of the button with Wire Cutter*.
  5. Adhere the button onto the front of the flip flops using Quick Grip Adhesive*.
  6. Allow paint to cure 24-48 hours before using.

Next… Get a pedicure and ENJOY!

The Jazzed Up Flip Flops were created for Craft Ideas Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

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Disclaimer:  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 Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

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mini-tree-in-a-bottle-necklace-sues-creative-workshop-1161

How to make a Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

I got this idea from a project I’d seen made by Tim Holtz.  Of course, I had to find a cheaper way to make it.  I’ve seen small bottles like these at Hobby Lobby with the jewelry supplies.  (I got mine online.)

Very Important…Make sure the base of the tree is small enough to fit in the top of the bottle.

Materials Used:  (*affiliate link)

 Dollar Tree-Everything always $1 – Shop Now*

*Disclaimer:  This post 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:

  1. Squirt several drops of peeled paint ink* into the mini mister* and dilute it with water.
  2. Place a bleached bottle brush tree onto a protective surface.  Generously spray the tree with the diluted ink.  (You may want to wear rubber gloves.  I took 3 days until the ink came entirely off my fingers.)
  3. After the tree is dry, rub glitter glue* onto the tree.  Allow glitter glue to fully dry before continuing.
  4. Apply a small bit of all-purpose adhesive* onto the end of the Q-tip.  Insert the Q-tip into the bottle and add the glue to the bottom center of the bottle.
  5. Using the reverse grip tweezers, insert the tree into the bottle, and stick onto the glue.
  6. Pour glitter or micro beads into the bottle.
  7. Add a thin layer of adhesive around the side of the cork and place it back into the bottle.
  8. Screw a loop screw onto the top of the cork and add a necklace.

If you’re feeling a little funky…how about making your tree pink or purple? 

If you liked the Christmas Tree in a Bottle here’s another project you might like.

Click here for the Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe Instructions. ↓