Creating Seasonal Luminaries Using Alteration Dies and a Simple White Envelope

Simple, clean, crisp decorating can be so beautiful! I don't know if you remember the article I shared showcasing how to turn a simple white envelope into a gift bag, but this is a very simple project that is based off of that idea. The wonderful thing about these luminaries is that you can use them as gift bags too :-D

To create a seasonal luminary use a Movers and Shapers die and an On the Edge die, together with a crisp white office envelope.

 

Begin by cutting off the top end (flap end) of the envelope. Varying the length at which you cut this line can add interest to your luminaries. If you prefer a more standaradized look then simply cut 3" from the top.

Use the Scor-It to create nice, deep score lines 2" from each side and 2" up from the bottom edge of the envelope (as shown above.) Fold over sides along score lines. Run a teflon bone folder along each crease to add crispness and ensure that folds will remain in place.

  

Fold the sides over and position the bag top directly beneath the On the Edge die as shown above. As you can see I wanted my bags shorter and so I placed the die further down the bag. Make certain that the die is centered on the bag. Because I was using the Snowflake die and there is only one edge style on this die it was easy to determine placement. As you can see the lettering or title of the die is positioned as shown.

 

As you can see the cut came out beautifully! I did send it back and forth through my Big Shot a couple of times before releasing it from the rollers, to make certain that it cut through the many layers.

 

For the luminary window I positioned the Mover die in the base tray making certain to center the die and place it face up as shown. It is best to also not the position of this die either visually or with a little black mark along the edge of the tray to know where to position the bag.

 

Next insert the On the Edge Cutting Pad inside the envelope, making certain it is in the area that the Movers and Shapers die is located.
 

Position your sandwich as follows:

• base tray
• Movers and Shapers die - face up
• 1 layer of envelope with 1 On the Edge cutting pad inserted within
• remaining layers of envelope
• 1 Sizzix cutting pad

Hold cutting pad carefully as you begin passing through the rollers to avoid moving the die beneath.

 

Pop open the envelope and secure the bottom corners using Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape. For more thorough directions on making this bag please see previous blog post here.

 

Now comes the fun part - the embellishments.

Apply Matte Multi-Medium randomly to the snowflakes edges and to the word opening using a paintbrush. Sprinkle with Vintage Glass Glitter and allow to dry.

For my luminary I used the die and traced the shape on to Fantasy Film, cutting out ovals to cover the openings.

 

Simply adhere to the inside of the bag as shown.

 

Use a battery operated tea light and turn the lights down --- simply magical! You can use these down the center of a party table, or place outdoors to welcome your guests. Luminaries don't necessarily have to be for the Christmas season only - birthday's, New Years --- the possibilities are truly limitless!

 
accessories: white office envelope 9" x 12", Tim Holtz Base Tray, Movers and Shapers Wish Die, On the Edge Snow Flurries Die, On the Edge Cutting Pad, Sizzix Cutting Pad, Matte Multi-Medium, Silvery Moon Vintage Glass Glitter, Mother of Pearl Fantasy Film

Comments

[Elaine Allen]

Ellen -

These are stunning! What a marvelous idea. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Elaine Allen

[Sandra ltb]

oh wow! That is beautiful!
Sandra