TAC Savvy Projects for People on the Go

Finally Friday - Easter Favors and Treat Holders with Michelle McDaniel

 
 
Happy Friday to you! I'm so excited to be showcasing some wonderful treats with you today! I am always looking for ways to give little goodies  - I have a young daughter who I'm a room mom for, I work at a Preschool and I love to let people know that I'm thinking about them! So when Mischelle asked which day I'd like to do I KNEW that I had to have Easter Favors and Treat Holders!

I will show each of the projects in more detail and remember these could easily be made for ANY occasion...not just Easter :D

First up is one of my favorites - it's a treat holder using a paper bag.

 
I folded the bottom of the bag up and then trimmed it with my decorative scissors. Next I sewed the edges of the bags so that I could create three pockets. I used EASTER BUNNY T-3304 for my main image. I sponged the edges with Burnt Umber and used a stamp from BACKGROUND SOUP T-3346 as well.

 
The tag is from MAGGIE SWIC V-847 and is in the first pocket. This will hold a little note to the lucky recipient (in this case my daughter). In the next pocket I've put a lollipop, some pixie sticks and an M&M packet. Using the same pink cardstock that is on the front, I stamped polka dots (again from the stamp set BACKGROUND SOUP T-3346) using Bella Rose ink. The sentiment is from HOPPITY SKIPPITY R-2041. The last pocket holds two pencils with special erasers, another packet of M&M's and a gummy treat. It's amazing how much I can get in the pockets. Plus the bag I used is a wine sack so it's not as wide as a normal lunch sack would be...just think how much those would hold!

Next up is a pouch using the fabulous MAGGIE SWIC and Cardstocks.

 
I looked and looked for flat suckers to put in this and for some reason those aren't popular for Easter like they are for Valentine's Day. So I kept thinking what else could I put in this? I already knew I wanted to use that adorable bunny from the new Spring Fling set, Beautiful Day T-3341 so I was pretty picky as to what would work. I remember the commercial from that new movie Hop where the bunny lays jelly beans and finally decided that I'd have a sack full of jelly beans.

 
Here is a side view where you can see I've put some jelly beans in a pretzel bag and inserted the bag in the hole. You've gotta see the bunny...he's so cute!

 
Instead of coloring him I just stamped him on Kraft Cardstock and then cut it out. I added a little pink to him using my colored pencils and a little brown for the sign so it stood out more. I used TAG TIDBITS T-1186 to add the "for you" sentiment.

My last project is a super quick one and is perfect for the "older" friends and family in your life.

 
This one is super easy and fast! Would be great for co-workers! I used ANGELEE SWIC and Cardstock to make a little holder and to wrap a few Hershey Nuggets with. I stamped the bunny from FOR ALL SEASONS T-2708 on the green paper and then wrapped it around the candy. It's in a pretzel bag and is secured with a few staples which a topper hides. I used a generic sentiment from HOPPITY SKIPPITY R-2041 on it so I can give it to anyone.

Well there you have it! I hope I've inspired you to create some Easter favors and treat holders this weekend! Feel free to visit me at my blog anytime, Creative Journey!

 

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Guest Designer Rita Kegg and Be Lifted

 I am thrilled to be a guest designer for TAC's 'You Make Life Fabulous' event in February.  The set I selected is 'Be Lifted' because I thought the images were very versatile and I love the words that go with the set.  Most of the cards I made use the Emma SWIC paper line and matching cardstock.  In the next picture you can see the Copic colors I used to color the kite.

 My first card is a vertical Curved Stand Up card.  The background paper is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" with the layer cut at 4" x 5 1/4".  After I attached them I scored them in the middle, 2 1/8", so I could crease it to stand.  The lower section is cut at 2" x 5 1/4" (an inch larger) and scored at 1/2" on each of the shorter ends.  This then is attached at the back of the card and curved with your hand but NOT scored around the front!  I used an edge punch on the front piece on the top edge, cut out the kite, layered it and then cut it out again.

 The kite is shaded using tiny circles with Copic makers and highlighted with a Clear Gel Glitter Pen.  If you notice it is only attached on the left side and not on the curved middle so it will stick out a little.  The words are stamped on one of the tags in the Emma Collection with the holes for the ribbon left in and taped in place on the back.  I raised it with mounting cushion.  Everything is stamped with Rich Cocoa Memento Ink.

I attached another piece of matching paper on the back to cover the connecting edges.  It can be signed on the top on the yellow.

My second card is made in the same manner but made on the horizontal instead of the vertical ... in other words the background is wider than the height.  The card is cut in the same manner as the first except the narrow front piece which is cut at 2" x 6 1/2" and scored 1/2" on each of the shorter ends.  I scored the background in the middle which would be at 2 3/4" to crease.

I did not cut out the kite this time but colored it in the same manner with the Copics shown. I added a thicker accent striped paper on the front piece but still used the edge punch on the top edge.  The words are a tag that I cut off parts of it so it would fit my needs of this card ...  yes ... you do not have to use tags as a whole you can use just parts of them!

Notice how the front kite is not attached to the middle of the curved paper.  Notice the ribbon sticking up in the back .....

.... I decided to fancy up the back a bit ..... I attached a punched edge white layer with an accent of striped paper and words stamped in Rich Cocoa Memento Ink.  I only attached it totally on the right side and only 1/4" on left edge to form a pocket for a tag!  Then you can use the tag to write your message.  I love how the back turned out .... it looks as good as the front!

This next card I designed in my favorite fashion ... from the scrape laying in front of me!!  I stamped the open kite with Rich Cocoa  Memento Ink, and the inside kite which was stamped in Potter's Clay Memento Ink.  I colored the background of the kite with a Copic maker.  I did not have a ribbon that I liked to match for the tail so I colored the ribbon with my Copic makers to make it match the Emma papers.

I punched the edge with my edge punch and went around all of the layering pieces with a dark brown Copic maker. Notice I added a smaller section on the inside of the card also.

The words are stamped on a tag with the the holes covered with tape on the back.  Aren't these great words to send to a friend who you are praying for during their challenging times.  They can set the card up in front of them as a reminder that God is with them Always!  I love that!!  The kite and the tag are attached with mounting cushion.  The tail of the kite is free moving!

My next card is a Girdled Bookmark card.  The words are stamped on part of a tag with Rich Cocoa Memento Ink .... I cut off the part that I did not want to use.  It is OK to do that ... and attached with mounting cushion so the bookmark will slide under it.

The bookmark pulls out of the girdle easily as you can see ...

The girdle is made with two small ovals with a hole punched on one of the sides. I find it easier to attach them to the card with the bookmark tied in place with the ribbon so I get the correct spacing.

 

You can see in the picture which markers I used for coloring the tail.  The kite is paper pieced which means I stamped it on the white paper in Memento Rich Cocoa and then a second time on the Emma striped paper.  I cut out the striped paper and attached it over the first stamping.

Here you can see how I attached a tag to the back of the bookmark for the ribbon pull and for the message on the back of the bookmark.  All of the papers and tags in the Emma collection are double sided so it makes it hard to decide which one to use so here I was able to show both sides .... at least parts of both!

If some of you are feeling the first cards are harder or more time consuming then you may like these better.  This is a quick card with the kite and words stamped in Rich Cocoa Memento ink and colored in with colored pencils since the Copics would bleed through a single layer.  

I added a one inch piece of Emma along the left front which is punched and again on the inside of the card to show off the punching on the right front of the white paper. Again I love these words!

You may be able to see the Clear Gel glitter pen used here for accent.  The next card is my least favorite but I thought I would show it since it may inspire others to do something with the idea.

 

For this card I cut freehand clouds from dotted paper and attached them to a background I had stamped using 'Speckled'  stamp in two different shades of blue ink.  I also stippled lighter blue on the inside and darker blue ink along the edges of the card front.  I colored the kite and cut it out and attached it so it looks like it is flying in the sky. 

 This is a quick and easy card to make and your kite can be colored before hand to make it even quicker!  Notice in the above picture to two shaded of blue stamped.

I wanted to use the kites as an edge design as you can see I did on the left side of this card and the tails as swirls for cards.  I like how the swirls came out but not sure I like the edge design with this card.  I stamped them both in Potter's Clay Memento Ink and used colored pencils to color in the ties of the tail.  The tag in the middle is also for the Emma collection and is attached with mounts.  I used my Clear Gel Glitter pen to accent the tails or swirls so they are glittery. Love the glittery!!!

This last card I love ... it is really soft and delicate.  I first scored my white paper, 4' x 5 1/4", on the diagonal in both directions every 1 1/4" to give myself guide lines.  Then I stamped the kite with Lulu Lavender Memento ink in each of the diamonds that were formed.  I mounted it on a white A2 card and added a drop of lavender Stickles at every intersection.  When that was dry, I added the layered words  from the set 'Love You' which is stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on white card stock and layered on black.  Notice I used the edge punch for an accent on the top of the white and then added the Lavender Stickles to the smaller dots for accent.

I do hope you enjoyed viewing my cards and hope all of you have an opportunity to play with this set and can try my designs.  Add your creations to the link below to be entered into TAC's weekly contest. 'Be Lifted'  has a lot to offer ..... it it not just kites .... as you can see many things can be made with these kites just be creative with the elements.  Oh ... I didn't even use all of the stamps in this set even though I tried. Check it out HERE.  Stamp with YOUR Spirit today and share your blessings with others!

Rita

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Christmas Table Scape for the Kids ... Gumball Favors & Blog Candy Winners!

 

Okay ~ I won't lie ~ I think this idea is FABULOUS!  REALLY!  I LOVE IT!  How cute is this favor!  And the only thing I had to do was add the tag to this one!  {smiles}

BELOW:  I bought this 'Gumball a Day' treat from my friend  Danelle Johnson... who happens to be selling these at our craft shows!  I asked her if I could buy it, show my idea with it on my blog and THEN use it for my tablescape idea because I knew it would be PERFECT!  And it is!  Don't you just LOVE it!  Danelle is selling these little babies for $3 each and they are every kids' dream come true!  {What a fabulous stocking stuffer, table favor or a way to BLESS a special little child!}

So I just added the tag and knew it would be a sensational addition to my  Christmas Tablescape for the Kids! 

 

 

If you hadn't heard ... I so LOVE this idea!  And then during our blog hop and chat last night I got another idea from Chelsea Comer that is just as clever!  Check out  Chelsea's Gumball Holder that is also so cute and so clever!  Now I can't decide which to make for the kiddo's ... no worries though ... either one is a winner!

And speaking of winners ... you're probably wondering who won my Blog Candy from our Deck the Halls Blog Hop!  Can I have a drum-roll please ..... Congratulations to hopper #45 ... our very own TAC Angel Sara Woodard!  That leaves us with Blog Candy for one of our guest hoppers now!  Congratulations ... Eva Costigan!  I smiled when I saw that it was Eva's number because Eva and I worked together at TAC several years ago!  If you follow her blog ... WOW ... you know that girlfriend can color!  I wonder if I should deliver her blog candy or make her pick it up???!  {just kidding} 

It was an AWESOME Blog Hop and I went away with so many ideas and techniques ... now I'm ready to start playing!  Thanks everyone for participating and don't forget to tune in for our next official hop:

 
For our next hop we wanted to focus on a technique so we are making the BRAYER the star of this show!  Friday December 10th and Saturday December 11th is all about BRAYERS! Show us what you do with your BRAYER and feel welcome to include tutorials in your blog posts as needed!

It's easy to play along ... here's how: 

Show us what you can do with your BRAYER and your TAC stamps and products! 

This blog hop is scheduled for Friday December 10th and Saturday December 11th.  On Friday you may begin adding your link(s).  You may add your link until midnight EST Saturday December 11th.

During the blog hop join us over on our TAC Paper Crafting Community for a LIVE chat!  That time will be released closer to the date.

The RULES are simple!  You MUST post a card/project that focuses on a BRAYER Technique!  Please use stamp sets from The Angel Company only.

Self Promoting and/or using this Blog Hop to advertise your products is not acceptable.  Please ... just share your project that has been made with your TAC stamps!!

Two random hoppers(1 Angel and 1 Customer) will receive Blog Candy from Mischelle!

If you don't have a blog you can still play!  You can create a Blog Post on our TAC Paper Crafting Community Blog List.  After adding your post link it to our official blog hop!  It's that easy!

Deck the Halls Blog Hop

 

 

Welcome to our Deck the Halls Blog Hop!  Starting NOW ~ Angels and customers can link their Deck the Halls TAC Creations to this Blog until Saturday November 13 at approximately 11pm EST.  After the Blog Hop join us LIVE on our TAC Paper Crafting Community where we will be chatting in the forum!  I will join the chat at 9pm CST {NOTE: THE 9:00 START TIME!} and am so excited to visit with you there ... LIVE! 

If you don't have a blog ~ no worries!  You can upload your card to our TAC Paper Crafting Community.  TAC Paper Crafting Community  We ask that you type this message in the tag line 'Deck the Halls Blog Hop' and please use quotes around the copy.  We'll compile all of the images and put them in the Deck the Halls Blog Hop Album.  You can even upload your TAC creations that you shared on your blog during the Blog Hop if you like!

Grateful Banner

 
I've been in a banner making mood lately so thought I'd share this banner I made for Thanksgiving. 

I used our Sydney Circle Album Kit which made this project so easy!  Combine the kit, our Flourish-bet Alphabet Stamp Set and a few embellishments and this banner was complete in no time at all!

 

 
I even added glitter!  I endured the mess because I thought it would be so much fun!  What really attracked me though was the color of these glitters!  I knew they'd be a perfect match with our Sydney papers!  AND ... they were 50% off ... which made them $1.50 at our local craft store. 

 

To make the scallop wheels I rolled 2 scallop circles ...

 

And then pulled out my Scor-Buddy to score them.  Notice the green line I drew on my Scor-Buddy.  I can't tell the lines apart so I colored one in with a Sharpie.  I scored in half, rotated, scored in half, rotated, etc ...

 

 

 

 
Cut one line up to the center.  TIP:  You could also use a circle punch and punch a small hole in the center, where all of the points meet, to make folding a tad easier!

 

Fold the scallops as shown ...

 

I then applied Scor-Tape to one scallop ... 

 

 

 

And adhered it to the other ...

 

 

 

Finish adhering the other side ...

 

I inked my edges with a touch of VersaMark and then added my letter as shown ...

 

A fun project that truly looks FABULOUS in person!  I hope you enjoy!

Mischelle

Supplies Used:  T2961 Flourish-bet, T2804 Fancy Curls, Sydney Circle Album Kit, VersaMark and Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Pewter Eyelets, Penelope and Sydney Ribbon, Ivory and Penelope Cardstock, K304 Flourishes Impressies Die, Pink and Blue Circle Punches, Scor-Buddy, Scor-Tape, Pop Dots

Chicks 4 Sale

Check out these darling little chicks that we JUST received in our Contest Entries from Candi Dierenfield!  They were so darling I HAD to hurry and share!

Notice the details!  Candi hand constructed the basket, she crotched the flowers herself, she decoupaged the eggs and she made the chicks!  So much inspiration! 

 
 

I LOVE this Candi!  And I hope you enjoyed this little treat as much as I did!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Chistmas Clock by Guest Designer Laurie Willison

 
If you're looking to add your hand stamped decor to your home for the holidays ... look no further!  This FABULOUS clock can easily be customized to match any decor, any theme, any color palette!

Laurie really did an incredible job with this project and at the same time captured our simple, smart, sophisticated philosophy.

I love the simple, yet very elegant, details.  Notice how beautifully the snowflakes are stamped.  And adding button centers here and there is a nice, warm touch.

Don't overlook the glitter bead around the clock face itself.  This was a great solution for hiding the edge where seam meets wood clock.

And topping it off is a beautiful red bow!  This warm Christmas palette is sure to ignite many fond memories and I believe this clock is destined to be a wonderful family heirloom to treasure for many years to come.

 
 Thanks so much for sharing with us Laurie!

Happy Paper Crafting and Merry Christmas!

Mischelle

Personalized Christmas Doll & Packaging by Guest Designer Candi Dierenfield

 
INCREDIBLE Candi has done it again!  I SO love this gift and so did my daughter ... who for some reason still thinks this is for her!  {smiles}.

Candi so captures our simple, smart, sophisticated philosophy with this gift and packaging!  How brilliant to take a purchased doll and then add your own embellishments to make this gift so fabulously personal! 

Who knew shrink plastic could be so sophisticated!

And what a great way to utilize red line tape and glitter!  So smart!

How chic this package looks simply stamped with burnt umber ink!

And if that isn't FUN and FESTIVE enough ... wait until you open this box!

How charming to find this string of gingerbread men!  This is truly the gift that keeps on giving!  What little girl wouldn't LOVE to decorate with these little guys!

And then the BIG WOW continues!  Do you see all of the shrink plastic embellishments?!

The Christmas Tree Brooch.

The personalized waistband.

Gingerbread House hair bows.

And the little black patent shoes have also been so lovingly embellished!

 
Thank you Candi!  You really showed us how to take a gift from 'just a gift' ~ to an heirloom that will be treasured for many years to come!

  

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Jenna's Challenge

Before I tell you anything ... I hope I don't get in trouble for hijacking this idea!  You see ~ it's SOOOO not mine.  I actually just heard about it today, from Debbie, who I know is going to be blogging about it really soon ... so I don't want to say too much because Debbie will make it so much more eloquent and fabulous than I EVER could!

So you ask ... why am I blogging about this when I know Debbie is going to?!  BECAUSE!  Tomorrow (or today when this goes live) is December 1st and I think Jenna's Challenge is SO FABULOUS that it's something EVERYONE should know about and consider doing!  The more people that know about this ... the merrier the holidays may be for so many people!  So that's why I am sharing a little bit about Jenna's Challenge right now.

If you don't know Jenna ~ she's a senior in high school with the heart and love of Mother Teresa.  And single handedly I believe this girl will and has already begun changing the world!  Seriously!  If ONLY there were more Jenna's in this world ... what an incredible world it would be.  Anyway.  Here is Jenna's Challenge, in Jenna's words:

"... My mom and I were talking and came up with a little competition.

We are going to see who can influence the most people in the month of December and I thought if we can do it, so can everyone else!

 

So, I am challenging you to try to positively impact the life of one person in the month of December. My mom and I are going for a person a day which makes 31 people this month, but do it however you'd like."

 

Jenna goes on to share that not all ideas have to consist of spending money.  They can be as simple as talking to or eating lunch with someone who no one talks to.  Letting someone know they are special.  Babysitting for an hour free of charge.  So many great ideas!

 

There is much more that I could share but I'd like to leave that to Debbie.  So ... here is where you can find out MORE about Jenna's Challenge Debbie's Simply Inspired Blog be sure and check back throughout the month of December for updates from Debbie!  You'll be so glad you did!  Especially since I'm not sure she's blogged about this yet!  She'll have to get on it now!  {smiles}.

 

Anyway.  I am SOOO inspired by Jenna's Challenge that I'm starting it tomorrow ~ December 1st.  I'm going for 31 people in 31 days.  I decided that I'd like to record each day so I took a little album that I bought at Target for $1 and modified it into my Jenna's Challenge Day Planner.  I can easily drop this in my handbag and have it with me at all times!  I thought what a blessing it will be to look back and remember each thing ~ no matter how big or how little it may seem to me.  And when you think about it ~ do we really know how much a kind gesture impacts someone else?  I doubt we'll ever know the answer to this question, in this life, but, that's okay!  I can tell you that just the idea of doing random acts of kindness fills me with joy and excitement! 

 

I know you'll love this idea as much as I do and I want to let you know that it's perfectly okay if you don't call this Jenna's Challenge.  You can rename this challenge whatever you like ~ whatever inspires you!  Jenna certainly won't mind! 

 

I can hardly wait to start Jenna's Challenge and I hope that this high school senior inspires you this month as much as she's inspired me!

 

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Christmas Paper Crafts: Sassy & Sentimental Stocking Part 2 of 2

Today the sassy side of this stocking shines through!  More Mimi, beads and foo foo ... everything a girl loves!

 
 
 It doesn't matter if you make this darling little stocking for your grown up girlfriends or a little girls tea party ... it's guaranteed to delight!

And it all began ... with our very traditional Reece Stocking!  Shall we get started!

I had to show you this shot of the back of the Reece stocking.  Notice the brush marks in my Gloss Gel ~ not only is this fun to touch but it leaves a FABULOUS first impression!

The first thing I did was google 'stocking'.  I printed off one I liked and cut it out bigger than the image itself.  This stocking said to enlarge 200% ... needless to say ... I used it right off the printer!

 I picked out my papers and put them in the order I wanted them.  I used a clip to hold my stocking at the top and each of my papers in place. 

Here is a view of the back:

And then I very slowly began stitching.  Slow ... because I had to!  {smiles}.

I roughly followed the stocking pattern around.
 

The clip at the top helps you to remember to NOT stitch the top closed!

Here's what it's looking like on back:

Then I took my pinking shears and trimmed it out.  Isn't it darling!

Then I pulled out my secret weapon.  I have to tell you ... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this stuff! 

Apply a coat to the front of your stocking and let it dry.  You can kind of see below that the Gloss Gel makes the paper curl while it's wet.  Don't worry.  It'll be okay.  After the front drys apply a coat of Gloss Gel to the back.  Notice that you can make patterns in the finish with your sponge brush.  You can do zig zags, swirls, straight lines, swoops ... anything your heart desires!

Next I cut a piece of bead fringe the size of the top of the stocking.

I added some red-line tape to the back of it as well as a bead of adhesive along the top of the stocking itself.  Probably not necessary ... I just like glues and adhesives.

Attach the bead trim and let dry.

I attached some ribbon over the twill of the bead trim.   

Here's the back:

 

I could have stopped at this point and added a cute bow with a brooch or something festive ... but ... I just couldn't stop here!  I found this darling fluff at my craft store for half price so I had to get a couple.

Now isn't this FUN!  I don't care if she's a foo foo girl or not ~ she'll LOVE this sassy little stocking! 

 

 Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

 
 

Christmas Paper Crafts ... Sassy & Sentimental Stocking Part 1 of 2

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a swap hosted by my friend Rita on our TAC Paper Crafting Community.  TAC PCC

The theme of the swap was Gift Card Holder ~ any size, any shape.  I was game!  This is one of the projects I sent to Rita.  I thought it would make a darling Gift Card Holder and ... it's actually something I would make and give!

Best of all ~ this isn't just great for a Gift Card  ... it's a great silver ware holder for festive holiday place settings!

Instead of stamping a greeting ~ how about stamping the name of your special guest and using this as a place setting name plate.  You could put a couple of candy canes or mints in the stocking with a little bit of kraft shred.  How fun would that be!

 

And of course ... I think these would make fabulous ornaments for any special tree!  Be sure to include the name of each loved one on the stocking ~ nothing will make them feel more loved!

In my next post I'll share with you the simple steps to creating this project yourself!  And ... give you a peak at my super savvy and sassy girls stocking!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

My Thanksgiving Booklet ...

I've been spending my evenings working on Thanksgiving Booklets that I can give to each of the families celebrating together at my mom's on Thanksgiving Day.  I thought I'd show you my finished booklet.  I have to admit ... I'm quite fond of it!  {smiles}.

Thanksgiving Booklet  You can click on this link to take you to the post with the text.  You can download and print it!  You can also click on each photo to enlarge it so you can read it ... if you like!

So did you notice the really shiny cover?!  I tried to get some shots that highlighted the texture and shine.  It looks opaque in some areas, however, it is completely transparent!

Now, I've already got a blog post scheduled that talks about this technique some more so here is a quick how to.  I LOVE this gloss gel!  LOVE it!  It lasts forever ... unless you use it like I do!

Brush it onto your paper with a foam brush.  It's okay to be generous with it.  The patterns that you brush in the gel will stay in the gel ... zig zags, stripes, polka dots ...

Sometimes I cover the front and backs of my paper.  This time I only did the fronts.  You can see my Thanksgiving Booklet covers here.  Notice that they are NOT flat!  This gel will move your paper and it will NOT be perfectly flat.  Don't let that scare you though!  The finish is so polished and professional ... you'll fall in love quickly!

I also glossed my tag on the front of the booklet after I wrote my copy on it.

Would you believe the one thing I tell everyone NOT to do ... I did!  When you line up the inserts make sure the white line in the center is facing the BACK of the book.  I didn't do it on this insert and that's why I have this white line showing.  It doesn't ruin the book ... but it is a detail that I can't help but notice.  I may have to make a new book now!  {grin}.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

Mischelle

Christmas Count Down by Guest Designer Kim Sears

If you're looking for a Christmas Count Down here is a great idea from Guest Designer Kim Sears!

You just flip the days over as you count down!

 
Notice all of the little touches that really polish this project!

The aging around the numbers and papers, the crinkled song sheet, the button and scrappers floss, the ribbon and glitter ... so much to adore!

 
 
Thanks for a fabulous project Kim!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Quick, Easy and Elegant Christmas Candle

Look no further for a fabulous holiday gift idea!  This candle wrap is rated E ~ Easy for Everyone and is perfect for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, holiday favors and more!

Laurie Willison designed this GORGEOUS gift and I can't wait to make more!  One of the most important details is the Burnt Umber Ink stippled along the edge of the pattered paper where it meets the candle.  Easily add polish and pizazz with this technique!

Laurie stamped a greeting on white cardstock, layered it onto a brown mat and then added brads to each of the four corners.  And don't forget that touch of ribbon!  Sassy and sophisticated!

Speaking of polish ... Laurie polished the back of this candle quite nicely!  She folded the paper and ribbon in about 1/2" before adhering down.  It leaves a very finished edge and the ribbon stays crisp and clean!

Candles are ALWAYS in style and this one is perfect for the holiday season!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Thanksgiving Booklet

You may remember this project!  Bella Flor Mini Album   This is the Bella Flor Mini Album and one of my all time favorites!  

I LOVE re-inventing and re-using projects and recently I made Thanksgiving Booklets using this design.  I used our FABULOUS Penelope Papers because I was creating Thanksgiving Prayer Booklets as favors for Thanksgiving Day.  I even made some of these for my friend Debbie who recently had a fund raiser for her daughters mission trip to Chili.  I hear they sold very well!

On the insert pages I simply put one of these prayers or quotes. Download Thanksgiving Prayers  You can see I set these up on pages for mass production!  Here is a one page copy of the Prayers  Download Thanksgiving Day Prayers 

I LOVE this project and it would work wonderfully with some of our past Thanksgiving themed albums as well!  Here a few of my favorites ...

Penelope Pumpkin Mini Album ~ This would be incredibly FUN!

Turkey Mini Album ~ A fun idea for sure!

Sydney Circle Album ~ This is a SUCH a FAVORITE of mine! 

In all honesty ... most of our mini albums could easily be converted into a Thanksgiving Booklet!  I LOVE this project for so many reasons but mostly because it causes you to stop, reflect and give thanks!  What a great gift to share with our friends and loved ones alike!  This is a FAST, EASY, FUN and FABULOUS project to make and share with others and I promise you ... it will be a treasure for years to come!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Halloween ~ Candy Corn Dessert by Julie Griffith

Now how FABULOUS is this!  Julie has some really great ideas for entertaining on her blog.  Take a moment and drop in!  Julie's Blog

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle 

Halloween ~ Treat Holder by Heather Scott

Here is a darling project designed by Heather Scott.  This would be a great project for any holiday or occasion!  You can download the template on Heather's Blog also!  Heather's Template

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Halloween ~ Simply Spooky Place Card

I believe this is the last Halloween project I'll be sharing with you, of MINE, on this blog, this season!  I hear you clapping!  {smiles} 

Like most of you ... I don't have time to re-create the wheel every time I need to do a project.  And actually ... I like my projects to coordinate so repeating elements ties everything together so nicely!  So I won't spend any time telling you everything I've done ... because you've already heard me talk about these same techniques all month.

This is a name plate for a place setting at the Halloween table.  It's fun and super easy!

I used these tiny little plastic frames you can pick up for .50 cents at the dollar store and discount stores.

If you look at the close up below you'll see that I added a piece of magnet to the front of my frame.  The magnet is about 2 x 2.  I buy my magnet in sheets and then cut it down to the size I need.

And ... on the back of each place card I also attached a magnet.  You guessed it!  That's because I can now design place cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas and other special celebrations!  The only thing I have to do is switch the top cards!

For this project I wanted each image to be different, however, I started to struggle mentally because I was designing more girl place cards than boy.  So I had to look at my images differently.

For Jax place card I thought about her favorite color ... Lime Green.  So I chose to outline the mummy in Lime Green and then with my Clear Glitter Gel Pen I colored inside all of the lines.  It's hard to see here ... but it really sassied this up! 

Next I had challenged myself to use an 'old' product.  So I pulled out the sequin flower and brad and really made this a girl mummy!  Isn't she darling!  Just a little detail ... but oh so FABULOUS!

I had one more girl card to make and I was still struggling.  I have to say though ... I LOVE how this ghost turned out!  And, I also incorporated another flower and brad.  If you scroll back up to the top photo you'll see that I also added a flower to the witch's trick-or-treat bag! 

 
Here's how I made my polka dot ghost.

I only have 1 Purple Copic Marker so that's what I used!

I colored this image in once with Purple.  Then I added some deeper shades using the same Purple.  Be careful and only add shading the 2nd and 3rd times.

 
And then I went over it once more with Purple for an even deeper shade ~ shading that is.  (3X total).

Next I pulled out my Copic Colorless Blender and began to make polka dots on top of the Purple.

 
I continued to go over the polka dots until they were as light as I wanted them!  Now how EASY is that!

Notice where I've inserted the black arrow onto the design below.  Where the green has bled out of the image I had used my Colorless Blender. 

 

I decided to do some swirls on this ghost and you can see where I got the Colorless Blender close to the edge and it bled out.  Not a big deal, however, something to watch out for if this really bugs you!

I hope this gave you more GREAT ideas for the VERY fast approaching holidays!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle
  
 

Halloween ~ Tricks & Treats by Guest Designer . . . . . . Kim Sears!

Now how FABULOUS and DARLING are these little treats!  If you're looking for an idea for a school treat ... this might be the one for you!

Candy corn and pixie sticks!  YUM!

Another GREAT idea for a 'treat'!  I LOVE this idea of creating coloring pages for little trick-or-treaters!  And sooner or later ... they might get tired of all that candy and want something FUN to do!

The coloring pages are just one TREAT here though!  Check out the FABULOUS container that Kim designed from the bottom of a CD Box!  Our staff went NUTS when we saw it!  And that pom pom trim is to die for!

This is the project that stole my heart ... and might now make it back to Kim.  Ok.  It'll make it back!  {smiles}.  I LOVE this!

Would you believe that this DARLING creation is from the TOP of that CD Box we talked about a moment ago!  Re-purposed and GORGEOUS!

 

I really like how Kim finished the hanger edges with the ribbon and button.  SO POLISHED!  And don't forget to examine each of the letters in the sign!  Some GREAT ideas!

And what would be a party ... without an invitation! 

Kim was kind enough to send us the template for this party invite so we have it available in our Downloads.  You can find it here Tombstone Invite 

FABULOUS projects Kim!  Thank you so much for sharing and for being a GUEST DESIGNER!

 
   
Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Treat Box ~ cd box bottom, wire coat hanger, miss moxie swic, black cs, antique copper hardware, halloween fabric, brown scrappers floss, green mini pom pom trim, miss moxie ribbon, white button, zip dry glue, crop-a-dile, craft knife, pliers

Halloween Coloring Handouts ~ kraft cs, black cs, white ultra smooth cs, noir palette ink, spookalicious, spooky girls, spooky boys, spooktacular, tombow markers, plastic bags, stapler, crayola crayons, glue dots

Headstone Party Invitation ~ amberley grace cs, playful bet alphabet, pewter hardware, halloween fabric, computer generated inside, noir palette ink, purple hydrangea versamagic ink

Trick or Treat Wall Hanging ~ cd box lid, abc frameworks, miss moxie swic, penelope cs, black cs, whitel ultrasmooth cs, black and white ribbon, miss moxie ribbon, black & green scrappers floss, spooktacular, playful bet alphabet, pewter hardware, antique copper hardware, elizabeth buttons and blossoms, orange paper clip, purple and green rhinestones, wiggle eyes, noir palette ink, purple hydrangea versamagic ink, glue dots, zip dry

Party Favors ~ spooktacular, white ultrasmooth cs, penelope cs, miss moxie cs, purples cs, pixie sticks, candy corn, black and white ribbon, black scrappers floss, white ultrasmooth cs, memento tuxedo black ink, copic markers, small glassine bags, circle punches (extra jumbo, super jumbo, mega), non-toxic adhesive

Halloween ~ Yummy Mummy Mix!

Need a quick and EASY party favor for Halloween?!  Here's an idea that you can complete in a matter of minutes! 

I found this glass on clearance at one of our local stores for .25 cents!  Seriously!  I couldn't pass it up so I purchased 6.  I thought it would make an ideal holder for my Mummy Mix concoction.

Next I took a piece of black cardstock ... a scrap I had laying around and crumpled it all up.  Then I wrapped it around the glass and adhered it.

I stamped my mummy and prepared to color him in!

I pulled out my Tombow Markers and found a color that matched the glasses I had purchased!  #373!  I scribbled some of the ink onto an acrylic block ...

And then used my Tombow Blending Pen #N00 to pick up the ink and color my image.

Pretty easy!

Then I grabbed two Orange Copic Markers YR04 and YR07 and my White Prismacolor Pencil.  First I colored in the bag with YR04.  The lightest orange.

Then I outlined with YR07.

Next I used my lighter orange YR04 to color over and soften the line that I made with YR07.

DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT Copic Certified ... this is just how I do it! 

And then I go in and add highlights with my White Prismacolor Pencil.

I used my circle punch to punch out the mummy.  Then I stippled black ink around the white circle.  Next I took a piece of black cardstock, embossed it with my Fancy Flourishes and punched out a piece with my scallop oval.  I used pop dots to attach the circle to the scallop and the scallop to the black band.

Then I stamped the Mummy Mix stamp onto white cardstock.  Trimmed it down and stippled around it with black ink.  Notice that I took a paper crimper and crimped the end closest to the mummy.  Just for a little more interest.  I added a pewter eyelet, black ribbon and attached to the black strip with a pop dot.

Isn't this fun!  Each of my mummies came in a different color so I'll color each trick or treat bag the color of the mummy that I put in the glass.  And there are so many fun things I can put in the cup itself!  I can really pick out pieces for each recipient or make an all occasion glass for everyone!

I used black tulle to wrap my treats in and to give this project an over all spec-tac-uclar look!  I hope you enjoy!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle