Dot & Whimsy

Christmas Greetings and Welcome

to my contribution to the weeklong projects featuring
 Scrapbook Adhesives and Graphic 45

For today's hop, I'm using the precious new collection,

"Christmas Magic" and their Deep Square Matchbook Box

to create this sweet "Diorama Shadowbox"...it even lights up!

Hello! I'm extremely excited about his week's collaboration between

We swapped out products to show how well the two companies' work together,

especially when you're dealing with small pieces such as die-cuts!

 Look how cute!

I adore the way this adorable card turned out.  

I've used the Lawn Fawn "Year Five" Die and Stamp Set, 

which hosts an otter and birthday sentiment.

I've also used the "Let's Polka in the Meadow" Petite Paper Pack which

 is filled to the brim with the cutest stripes, dots and mini hearts in beautiful colors.

I first stamped the image onto Neenah white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Okay, so I kinda cheated a little when coloring in the otter!  I used the chisel

tip of the GG1 Spectrim Noir alcohol marker to color in and shade.  I like how 

the long strokes of the marker give a seamless color.

I hand-cut the otter out and then used the matching die to cut a white background for it.

All pieces, and the strip of wavy water that I cut out, were ran through the Xyron 5"

Creative Station Lite.  The 3" Permanent Adhesive Refill was placed into the machine.

 I also used the 3" Permanent Adhesive to build my card bases and adhere them together.

Finally, I cut an A2 cardbase and adhered the finished piece to the front with the 

Xyron Mega Runner.  

The otter is holding a present, which is also a part of the stamp and die set.  

The sentiment was then stamped in the same Memento Tuxedo Black ink along

the bottom "grassy" area of the card :)

 You will find more fun ideas on the Xyron Facebook Page!  

And please visit Lawn Fawn too and check out their awesome products

(although, you're probably like me and all ready familiar with their cute stuff!)

Today we're getting carded and tagged with these cute, all-in-one

gift card holder tags featuring vintage-style printables and fantastic adhesives from

I've used this set of birthday "vintage kids" printables on a few occasions and 

they're still a favorite to create with...especially quick tags that can be layered with

a few small embellishments.  Everyone LOVES receiving these on a package!

First, I started with some heavy textured patterned papers from Carta Bella.  

For each tag, I cut the paper to measure 6"W X 5"H.  The paper was scored

in half vertically so that it would measure 3"W X 5"H when folded. 

Next, I traced around a gift card to find placement for the adhesive.

(see above)

I used the Xyron Mega Runner
 (permanent adhesive) to apply runs of adhesive

along the outside tracing of the gift card.  The paper was then folded back in 

half and a pocket for the card has been created.

After cutting out each of the printables, I made them into stickers with the

Xyron 3" Sticker Maker.  This is my #1 go-to and favorite way to make just about 

anything 3" or less a sticker.  Just give the cellophane top a good rub before

peeling off and you have a sticker that will stay put!

Now for the fun of putting all of the tags together:

Each of the tags were dressed with a smaller tag on top, a row of pom poms

along the bottom and all sorts of sweet embellishments from my stash!

To the top, I threaded through a strand of twine for hanging and a

whimsical boutique style bow to complete the cuteness!

Now a gift card (or folded money) can be inserted to the top and added to

a gift bag or card front. Aren't they delightful!?!

I'm very excited to be back and designing with Xyron!
I've literally been a crafter for as long as I can remember. I enjoy all types of
DIY, home decor, mini albums, cards...you name it!
I look forward to sharing my Xyron projects with you throughout the year, but in
the meantime, please visit the XYRON FACEBOOK
page to see more awesome projects!

Later, y'all!

I've had a new package of goodies from

sitting on my desk, so this past week I dove in and got crafty

with stamps, dies and Prismacolor pencils!

Here's a look at one of the cards that I made with the 

Pure Innocence Happy Banner Stamp & Die Set:

I started with a 3.25" circle of white cardstock that was sprayed with Citron Color Shine by Heidi Swapp.  The circle was trimmed with Bubblegum Twine by Doodlebug Design and trimmed around the back with white pom pom trim.

Next, I traced around the die with a pencil onto a piece of smooth white cardstock.

   The image was carefully stamped inside of the tracing with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  

I proceeded to color in the image with Prismacolor pencils and used gamsol and

blending stumps to create a watercolor effect.  

After completely coloring the image, the die was lined up with the tracing and then 

cut out with the WeR Memory Keepers' Evolution Advanced manual die-cutting system.

For the background papers I used a gingham swimming pool and swiss dot bubblegum

prints from Doodlebug Design.  

The bottom was embellished with a satin scallop ribbon by May Arts.

There is a fantastic video tutorial over at 

Inky Antics on how to use gamsol and blending stumps.

I hope you'll check it out and give it a try!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hello there and a happy Wednesday to you!

I had this really sweet project up yesterday on the blog at