Pinterest Inspired Thursday

I love this week's Pinterest Inspired Challenge at
BELLA BLVD

And everyone has a stash of paperclips laying about, so why
not dress them up with buttons, resin pieces, ribbon, washi tape, etc.

LEAF WITHOUT YOU Card
I have been wanting to create a card with this stamp and the inspiration photo harkened 
me to try stamping the leaves onto some of the Designer Tape! I placed the strips onto
 white cardstock and then stamped the image sporadically several times over the tapes. 
Next, I hand-cut the leaves and added a small foam adhesive square to the back of each. 
After stamping the entire image again onto a white cardstock, I placed the matching
 leaves over the design. For extra detail, I embellished a plain paper clip with a 
Button Market button and a high tack adhesive dot!

 Supplies: Max: That's My Boy; Family Forever: Candid Cards; 
Button Market: Masculine Mix; Design Tape: Pickle Juice Chevron, Pickle Juice Dot; 
Unity Stamp: Leaf Without You

WHAT A GUY Card
While looking through the Max Collection, I was drawn to the various star stickers
 found on the Treasures & Text sheet. I added them to a paper clip with a
 high tack adhesive dot and then clipped them to the side of the paper swatch. 
I let the Border paper do most of the work and only accented further with
 some hand-stitching at the top and a crochet heart.

 Supplies: Lucky Starz: Carrot Starz; Max: Borders, Treasures & Text; 
Crochet Hearts: Saltwater; Button Market: Masculine Mix

There are two really neat-o layouts using this challenge up on the blog as well
I hope that you have a very fabulous weekend, friends!


Friday, March 28, 2014 March 28, 2014
3 comments

Bon Voyage!

Do you have that someone in your life who loves
to hop on a cruise ship and sail away? My parents are constantly
 going on a cruise, so I made these with them in mind.
Today at Authentique Paper I have
 a neat way to send them off in style with the 
Anchored Collection!

Take an ordinary windowed bakery bag, decorate and then fill with fun treats
 that they can use and enjoy: sunscreen, Dramamine, snacks, journal, a new 
iPod etc....choose a larger bag if needed!

First, you'll need a bakery bag, or two, or three...you can find them here

Next, using either round dies, punches or a template, match up the size of
 the window opening with the smallest die possible. 
Select a die that is roughly 1/2" larger  than the inner die.

Layer the two dies together onto a selected piece of Anchored Paper and cut!

Turn the shape into a life preserver by decorating with just a few snips of paper
 that have been glued to the sides as shown above.  Adhere over the window 
with foam adhesive for an even more dramatic look.

If you decide to also decorate the front with paper, first determine the width and height 
and then measure in from the sides to find the exact placement for the
 smallest die and then cut.  Add any embellishments, such as brads or 
hand-sewn buttons before adhering to the bag.  
That's all there is to it!  This would also make a handsome treat bag for a
 nautical themed baby shower or birthday party!

Authentique Products: Anchored Collection- Calm 12X12 Paper; Particle 12X12 Paper; 
Deep 12X12 Paper; Details Sticker Sheet; 6X6 Bundle

Other Products: My Favorite Things- Circle Dies; Curstey Boutique at Etsy- Bakery Bags
 
Thursday, March 27, 2014 March 27, 2014
2 comments

A Trifold and A Tutorial

Happy Wednesday, friends!
Yesterday I had a little "Sewing Tutorial" up at 
CHICKANIDDY CRAFTS
and a sweet project using the Date Night Collection.  
This is a very basic sewing lesson, so if you have a sewing machine, but have been 
afraid of trying it on paper projects, have no fear! I need to make a disclaimer that 
I am NOT a sewing expert and I seldom stitch anything other than paper;  
all of these tips are by my own trial and error.

Let's take a peek at the completed project and then we'll get started on the sewing :)
 I picked up this tri-fold chipboard display at a scrapbook store,
 but you could surely construct your own.

First, we'll need to choose our style of stitching. 
 For this project, I selected a basic zig-zag stitch, which is number 04 on my
 Brother CE-5000 PRW machine.  The default setting is shown below:
I want to enlarge the length (top number) as well as the width (bottom number)
of the stitch, so I will increase each as shown below.  You will also notice that 
my machine also tells me which 'foot' to use for that particular stitch, which is "J".

I also use the standard needle that came with the machine, which is a 16;
  a size 14 also works well, especially for mediums such as vellum.  Another 
aspect to look at is the tension.  Your model should come with a manual explaining
 which tension setting to use for a particular fabric/material.  The default setting for
 most machines is "4" and this is what I keep mine on the majority of the time.

Now, to begin stitching.  I am sewing together the base paper that has 
been layered with a smaller mat paper.  Dab a little glue to hold the pieces together
 while sewing.  Next, place the paper under the presser foot.  Release the 
lever that lowers the presser foot, which will secure the paper in place. 
 Line up the middle of the foot with the area that you're wanting to stitch.  
I almost always stitch down the middle where two papers are layered together, as below:

Lower the threaded needle into the paper and begin sewing. 
 Slow down as you come to the first corner.  When zig-zag stitching, you will 
want your stitch to end on the left-hand before you turn and begin sewing again:

Lift the presser foot and turn the paper; release the presser foot back in place. 
 Make notice of where the center of the foot is lining up; make adjustments if necessary.
 Below, I had to bring my needle up after making the adjustment so
 that it would begin stitching on the right-hand side.  

Once you have finished stitching, cut the thread, but leave about
 a 3" tail so that they can be tied.  

Pull the front two threads from the front to the back.  
Tie off the four strings together and snip off the excess.
You may also use the 'back-stitch- mechanism on your machine to secure the last stitch.  
I personally like the clean look that tying off the threads gives to my finished project.  
Also, there are no worries about the threads puffing up and coming loose. 

If all works according to plan, your stitched edges 
(when using the zig-zag stitch) should look as follows:

Now for more of the completed project! 

I traced the chipboard design onto the patterned papers and cut out.  
All of the machine stitching and hand-stitching was done prior to adhering the paper
 to the chipboard.  For the panel above, I hand-cut the clouds and one of the houses
 from the Downtown Paper.  From one of the other houses, I cut out four of the windows
 and layered them on with foam adhesive.  
Yellow Enamel Hearts were then added to the centers of those windows.

One of the side panels came with four squares cut from it. 
I backed the chipboard with the Side B Wallflower Paper and then adhered the
 scrabble tile stickers to the center of each square with foam adhesive. 

The opposite side of the tri-fold held one large rectangle cut out.  
Again, I backed the chipboard with Side B of the Wallflower Paper.
  I hand-cut the cluster of flowers from the journal card found on the  
Cutest Couple Paper and attached to the side.

In finishing, I edged each of the chipboard pieces in two rounds of 
Buttercream baker's twine.  I like to use a ball point glue pen for adhering the
 twine in this fashion...works wonderfully!  Next, I punched holes with a
crop-a-dile and knotted some ribbon through to hold the pieces together.

I hope that you will give some paper stitching a try! 
 It does take some practice to become familiar with your machine:  
how much pressure to apply to the foot pedal, getting the tension correct
 and learning how to properly thread the needle!  
As I said before, I'm not an expert seamstress or anything of the like,
 but I do enjoy sewing on paper.  If you have any questions, 
I will answer them to the very best of my ability :)

See more Chickaniddy Crafts' products and projects --here--
Ciao!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014
3 comments

Hippity Hoppity It's Springtime!

Yay for Springtime! 
Today I'm sharing at 
DOODLEBUG DESIGN
 with a sweetly adorned, inexpensive wooden fence that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.
  The piece all ready came painted white, and in hindsight I wished that I had covered it in paper...
so that's another idea if you're inclined to make one yourself :)


To begin, I outlined the edge of the wooden slats with Swimming Pool Doodle Twine 
 (I use a glue pen for this). The cute "Hippity Hoppity" title is from Miss Kate Cuttables...
I selected some of the "B" sided papers from the Springtime Collection and went to cutting!

For the base of the title, I used some basic Doodlebug cardstock.  I accented the
 cut-out Easter eggs with a few cardstock stickers and Sprinkles!

I cut the grass pieces out three times and then glued them to the bottom of 
the fence...a perfect fit!

And a title boasting "hippity hoppity" must have a bunny!
  I added this little guy with foam adhesive and dressed him up with a twine bow. 
 To finish, I tied through some bright pink chevron ribbon from May Arts
 and now it's ready for hanging.

Visit the Doodlebug Blog for more Springtime inspiration...thanks for dropping by!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 March 25, 2014
1 comment

Not Xyron...But Should Be!

It's Day 2 of the 
NOT XYRON, BUT SHOULD BE
Pinterest inspired collection of projects

**Visit Beth's Blog each day this week for a complete viewing of projects**

My inspiration piece came from Rebecca Cooper's Blog:
St Patrick's Day Bunting

Now, since St. Patrick's Day has all ready passed for this year, I decided to turn
my banner into a good luck charm
For the base of the banner, I used a burlap paper by DCWV and a 3.5"W X 4.5"H banner die
by My Favorite Things.  Next, using my personal cutting machine and Cambria font, I cut
the lettering from a cream cardstock, ran each through the 3" Sticker Maker and then attached
to the center of each burlap panel.  Three of the panel were embellished with a trio
of premade flocked shamrocks that I had on hand, and some felt flowers by Jillibean Soup.


I cut two 3" strips of green ribbon for each panel.  I adhered a High Tack Adhesive Dot
to one end  of the ribbon and then folded in half to form a loop.

The loops were then attached to the back of each panel with another 
High Tack Adhesive Dot.  Just be sure to keep the loops wide enough to accomodate
the ribbon that will be strung through for hanging.
I wanted a nice finish to the banner, so I die-cut a backing for each panel from 
cream cardstock.  I applied adhesive to one side of the die-cuts using the 9" Creative Station
and attached to the back of the burlap paper.

Thanks for joining me today with this Pinterest-Inspired-Creation!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 March 25, 2014
1 comment

Lampshade Transformed

Have you ever wanted to spruce up an old lampshade
 or give some color to a room? For today's project at 
MAY ARTS RIBBON
I have taken an inexpensive, dollar store lampshade and removed
the fabric covering.  Next, I set out with various spools of bright ribbons
and began the transformation...take a look:

I have full instructions up today on the May Arts Blog
Ciao, friends!
Thursday, March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014
4 comments

Xyron & All New Anna Griffin

Welcome to day four of the 
XYRON & ANNA GRIFFIN
product swap day!  And we're really excited to show-off some of
the brand new, never before seen Anna Griffin goodies :)
**You will be able to see all of the new goods on Monday, March 24th**
 Just tune in (or set your DVR) to the HSN channel for the 24 hour craft day!


This pretty "Happy Birthday" card combines several different journaling tags and
gorgeous 6X6 papers.  I borrowed some Petaloo flowers from my stash.

I cut a small square from one of the 6X6 papers and embellished the edge with
a pretty lace trim from May Arts.  I added strips of Xyron Double-Sided 
High Tack adhesive around the back and pressed the lace into place.


I'm crazy about the new die-cuts packs in the "For The Boys" Collection.
As you visit the Xyron Design Team blogs over the week, you'll see all sorts
of die-cuts that have been used...vintage cars, fish, labels, trophies and more
handsome ephemera.

Whether you have the 1.5" Sticker Maker or larger, it is perfect to pair
with all of the die-cuts! 

  I like adding buttons to a lot of my projects, but I don't
always like to fuss with hand-stitching them into place.  For the masculine card, I
decided to add the buttons without stitching and instead used the Xyron High Tack
Adhesive Dots...this stuff STICKS!
For both cards, I used the Xyron Double-Sided High Tack Tape for adhering the
card base to the card fronts.

There are two more places to visit today...up next is Angela Holt's Blog!
And don't forget to stop by and say HELLO to Beth...she'll also be found on
HSN during the 24 hour Craft Day!
Thursday, March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014
2 comments

Cutting Files and Cards

If you haven't all ready, you must come by and see the updated
SIMPLE STORIES 
website and blog...it looks greatttt!
The two are now separate entities so that you can view product
in one area and design team ideas on the blog...here's a look:
 Ahhh, now isn't that fresh and exciting?!?
And along with that news, I have three cards up on their blog today
using their newest collections and Silhouette cutting files.



 I have some tidbits about each card, as well as links to the cutting files that I used

Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014
No comments

Designer Details With Pink Paislee

You have the photo and the basic embellishments in place, now what? 
Let’s explore some different ways to add some extra oomph to our layouts today at
PINK PAISLEE

Here is a look at my completed layout using the adorable  
“Switchboard” Collection
 and a photo taken at last Summer’s CHA show in Las Vegas…
that’s me sporting a Heidi Swapp apron and my Pink Paislee worker’s badge :) 
  The title of my layout is “Long Distance Connection”  which is the perfect description 
for my photo because I had only known these friends “online”
 – so meeting them in person was a real treat! 

 The cute vintage phone cutting file by Miss Kate Cuttables goes perfectly
with this collection...come on over to the Pink Paislee blog and see how I put it together!
Monday, March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014
2 comments
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