the CLASSroom

Transparency Tricks Take Two by Julia Stainton

I love transparencies and because there are so many fun things to do with them, I decided they warranted another post. This is "take two" if you will. If you want to go right back to the beginning, check out this post for more transparency ideas.

So today I've designed two coordinating projects using one 12x12 transparency (or overlay) sheet. One is a pocket card with the pocket creating using the overlay and the other project is a transparent pillow box.

This gorgeous page is from the new Alison Kreft line from Webster's Pages. Even after designing these two projects there is lots left to work with and bits and pieces will be popping up in my work for some time to come.

The Transparency Pocket Card:

To create the pocket card I cut two pieces of the overlay 4.25"x5" and then stitched three sides of it closed with my sewing machine. That's all it takes to make a very pretty pocket.

The insert consists of layers of patterned paper adhered to a cardstock base that is 3.73"x5.5" in size. I like keeping the insert layer very flat so that it fits easily inside the pocket. This sweet die cut Magenta flower works perfectly. I'm linking it here since I missed adding it to the supply list.

The sentiment is stamped onto the insert using Coffee Archival Ink. I love this Hero Arts stamp set for it's gorgeous typography.

To finish off the pocket it is tie with twine and then embellished. I've been meaning to use these feather stickers for a while and finally found a place for them here. Don't they look a little like leaves when adhered under a flower cluster?

The Transparency Pillow Box:

Did you ever think of die-cutting transparencies? They cut extremely well especially when using the high profile dies.

One of my very favorite dies that I use again and again is the Sizzix Pillow Box die. It's one you've seen me use before in the CLASSroom and is one die I will never part with. So classic and it's a really quick and easy way to gift wrap tiny items or table favors.

This pillow box has been die cut from the Damask Overlay and there are no special tricks with putting it together. Using the overlay makes it extremely sturdy and durable and has the added bonus of being able to see what's inside. I used a bone folder to press the score lines well so that the folds would be nice and crisp.

The chipboard embellishment is created with a chipboard piece that has been colored with the RV02 Copic Marker. I then pressed it onto a Versamark Ink Pad and embossed it with Holographic Embossing Powder for a great finish. This particular fleur-de-lis is no longer available in the store but the Scroll Corners Chipboard Set makes a great substitute from the same company.

So there you have it...two more transparency tricks for you to try.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!

Supplies:

Feathers Studio Calico thicker shapes	RV02 Sugered Almond Pink Copic Sketch	Pillow Box Bigz Die by Sizzix	Hope Chest 6x6 paper pad by Pink Paislee
Coffee Archival Ink	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Hero Arts Remember Your Kindness Stamp Set	Trinket Pins, Vintage Pearl Butterfly
Vintage Button Trinket Pins	Scroll Corners Chipboard Set by Maya Road	Vintage Pale Pink Pearl Ball Pins	Kraft Ticket Strips, Large White
A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher	laraine pearl white flowers	Heat It Craft Tool
Holographic Embossing Powder by Ranger

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Hello, Monday--on a Tuesday... ;) 04.16.2013

Mother's Day is a comin'... my own mama is at a stage in life where she is trying to simplify life, declutter--heck, I'm at the stage myself!!! So just what do you give that awesome lady? Well, why not give her the evening off from worrying about what's for dinner and treat her to a meal at her favorite restaurant?

When it comes to gift cards, I am always on the hunt for a different way to present them and when I spied these adorable mini bags by Webster's Pages, I simply HAD to have them! They are perfect, not only for gift cards, but you could tuck a pair of tickets to a show, cash, or even a sweet note inside!

These fabby mini bags come in a package of assorted designs or you can get them in bulk, 25 of the same design in a pack--awesome for party favors and whatnot!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and thanks for subscribing to our channel!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Webster's Pages Composition & Color Collection by Allison Kreft, Mini Bags	Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	October Afternoon, Farm Girl Label Stickers
Pink Paislee Portfolio Collection, Puffy Glitter Alphabet Stickers	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Lemon Single Cord	Making Memories, Paper & Ribbon Slot Punching Tool
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Silver	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Sky
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Melon	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil	Tweezers, Stainless	QuickStik
Accents, Glossy	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)

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Love is in the Air by Sharon Harnist

Since Valentine's Day is next week and I needed another Valentine card, I thought I would dedicate today's project to a few of my most loved papercrafting supplies and tools!  Here they are, in no particular favorite order (I tried to limit it to 10 but failed!):

 1. Hero Arts Stamps: Year Round Sentiments ClearDesign
 2. Washi Tape: Lifestyle Crafts Shape 'N Tape (Gray)
 3. Dies: MFT Die-namics Fishtail Flags & Sizzix Framelits Hearts 
 4. Copic Markers: R85 
 5. Memento Inks: Gray Flannel  
 6. Doilies: Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Distressed Doily Die
 7. Neenah Natural White Cardstock: for soft ivory card base
 8. Pink hues of cardstock: Memory Box Bubblegum and Raspberry, 
 9. Buttons 
10. Copic Foam Tape - 1/4"
11. Corner Chomper 
12. Glue Dots: Craft and Mini 
13. Sewing 

And here's the card I came up with (click on any photo for a larger view):

Another favorite of mine -- horizontal cards. Do you have an orientation preference for cards?  Mine has always been horizontal! I started with my favorite ivory cardstock (Neenah Natural White) for a base, rounded the bottom corners with the Corner Chomper, then die cut the doily out of the same. This is an edger die (meaning only half of a doily), so I die cut two of them, which gives the oval shape that fits perfectly on a card front!

Next, I die cut Gray Shape 'N Tape with MFT Fishtail Flags and custom colored the tape to match the rest of my card with one of my favorite Copic marker colors, R85:

The tape covers the seam of the doily halves. Next, I die cut two colors of my favorite pink and raspberry Memory Box cardstock four times with the heart die and machine stitched them down the center. Then I folded the sides of the heart up and separated the layers with 1/4-inch Copic Foam Tape, to give the heart dimension. The heart is secured to the card with Craft Glue Dots:

My newest favorite Memento dye ink pad color, Gray Flannel, was used to stamp this darling Hero Arts XOXO sentiment. I used ivory embroidery floss to string and tie the buttons together, then secured them to the card with Mini Glue Dots.

I hope you have some fun this weekend with some of your favorite papercrafting products, too . . . Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack	Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Die, Distressed Doily	My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Fishtail Flags	Shape 'N Tape, Gray
Copic Sketch Marker, R85	Sizzix Framelit Dies, Hearts	Memory Box Cardstock, Bubblegum	Memory Box Cardstock, Raspberry
Hero Arts ClearDesign, Year Round Sentiments	Memento Ink Pad, Gray Flannel	Hero Arts Buttons, Mixed Blush	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/4"
Glue Dots Sheets, Craft	Glue Dots, Mini (3/16")	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool

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Favorite Finds from CHA Winter 2013 - Video

Hi, everybody!

In lieu of a Hello Monday video, we're sharing some of the things we found at the CHA Winter 2013 show!  

CHA is the Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show that occurs every winter, typically down in Anaheim, CA. The show is open to the trade only (retailers, manufacturers, and other industry related businesses) and showcases products and lines that manufacturers are debuting for the new year.

Ellen and I arrived a day ahead of the show, and took classes to learn more about some of the exciting new products being released, such as the new Ranger Distress Paints!  This water based paint is very unique and features some very interesting properties, unlike any other paint we've ever worked with before! Watch the video to see and hear more about these paints and some of the other items we were *monkey clapping* over! 

You can enjoy the video here, or on YouTube!

Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of some of the coming new products!  Keep your eye on the "Coming soon from CHA Winter 2013" category to see what will be arriving soon!

Chalkboard Technique by Sharon Harnist

Hello All -- and Happy New Year to you, since this is my first CLASSroom project for 2013! Today I wanted to share with you the fun chalkboard technique I've been playing with lately:

When I started this project, I wished I had a larger die to use (that would fill an A2 card front) and remembered another fun technique I wanted to share today, how to expand the size of your dies!  So let's get started . . .

1. Start by cutting a piece of black cardstock to the width of the die you want to use but longer than you want the finished size, to give you a little wiggle room.

2. With the cutting edge of the die facing down (I'm using Fancy Labels Sizzix Framelits Die), slip one end of the cardstock into the center of your die (feeding it from the top of the die), down under the cutting edge and position it straight. The other end of your cardstock will be on top of your die and won't be cut. (I'm just showing the next smaller size of this die set in the photo above, so you can see the shape of it). Run through your die cutting machine with normal sandwich.

3. Slide the die down to the other end of your cardstock (the right end in the photo above), to the length you want your final die cut, and run through your die cutting machine again. I lengthened my die cut by a little over an inch!

4. Stamp your images with Versamark ink and emboss with white embossing powder. I used My Favorite Things' Pure Innocence Angel stamp set:

TIP: Lay your stamps face down on your die cut, so you can position the images before stamping. Then place your acrylic block on top of the stamps to "pick them up", ink them, then stamp all at once, for perfect placement!

5. Add more details and continue building your scene with other stamps, using Hero Arts Snow Chalk Ink pad. I used some swirly elements from Hero Arts ClearDesign set, Cheer Up. The white embossed images are crisper and whiter, while the images stamped with white ink are softer and a little duller, adding variety to your project.

6. You can also add some hand-drawn details with a white pencil. I added a rectangle around the sentiment and some extra lines on the sides of my swirls.

7. When you are finished with your scene, go back and stamp the first white embossed images with the white ink, shifting the stamps slightly so they create a shadow effect. This helps make your images truly look "chalky" (photo above)!

8. To finish, add some "chalk smudges" with your finger -- tap it onto your white ink pad and smudge here and there, for a realistic effect. I  created a "cloud" for my angel to stand on and went around all the edges of my chalkboard, too:

I finished my card by mounting my black chalkboard piece with Copic Foam Tape to a card base of Hero Arts Mixed Layer Papers-Blush. Flower accent was cut with Tim's Tattered Florals Bigz die from red WoolFelt, sewn with a Hero Arts Blush Mixed Button. I thought this color combo would work well for Valentine for one of my daughters!

I hope you have fun with these two techniques ... thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom today!  ~ Sharon

{Supplies}

Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Sizzix Framelits, Fancy Labels	Clear Acrylic Block, 5x7	MFT Pure Innocence Clear Stamp, Angel
VersaMark Inkpad	White Embossing Powder	Heat It Craft Tool	Hero Arts Chalk Ink Pad, Snow
Hero Arts ClearDesign Stamp Set, Cheer Up	Faber-Castell Pastel Pencil, White	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Tattered Florals
WoolFelt, 12"x18" Red	Hero Arts Buttons, Mixed Blush

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Hello, Monday 01.07.2013

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

I am an absolute sucker for things postal related--it was love at first sight with this 3D Mailbox Die!

Had to use the Galvanized card stock because I think it makes it look just like the real deal in miniature!  EEP!!! Can't take it!!! 

Along with some chocolates, I also made a sweet and quick little note to tuck inside, complete with Washi tape using the new Shape & Tape!  It's just like Washi Tape only in sheet format! You can die cut it, cut it with your scissors, punch it, trim it with your paper trimmer--they even have a "Tape It" set of dies designed especially for working with the Shape & Tape! It comes in a variety of colors and patterns but you can also custom tint it, like I show in today's video! WOOT!!!

I have a few little tips in the video for assembling the mailbox, once you've die cut all the pieces--nothing jaw-dropping, but just "nice to know", if ya' know what I mean. *grin*

Enjoy the video here, or in HD on YouTube! And, don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

Thanks for joining me today and I sure hope your Mundane is a happy one! *wink*

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS FEATURED:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Love Always Wins by Ali Edwards	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Vermillion	Paper Accents Glassine Envelopes, 1.75 x 2.75	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack
COPIC Sketch Marker R29, Lipstick Red	Shape 'N Tape, Black	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Mailbox	Curious Metallic, Galvanized Cardstock
Magnetic Snaps, Small	American Crafts Elements, Mini Brads, Black	Tweezers, Stainless	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design
Craft Knife, Fingertip	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 5mm (1/4")	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Sizzix, Cutting Pad, Extended
Sizzix, Solo Platform & Shim

InLinkz.com

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2012 - Day 1 by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of Ellen's 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist -- I'm thrilled to be starting off this 12-day celebration today!  Tags are one of my very favorite papercrafted items to create and combining them with a fun technique makes them even more special!  The technique I'm using today is: "Snow" heat embossing on dry embossed snowflake background.

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

Here's how to create my tag:

1. Cut #8 tag shape out of aqua/light teal Core'dinations Kraft Core Collection Cardstock by Tim Holtz-4x6 Assorted 72-pack.  This cardstock is the star of the show today -- it has a fabulous linen-like texture and kraft core that you can expose by sanding it! You can either trace around a #8 Manila Tag and cut to create your tag, or do what I did and just cover the #8 tag with Kraft-Core cardstock. Note: the length of this colored cardstock is 5.50", so your cardstock will be a little shorter than the #8 tag. You can either just trim off the tag or do what I did and just adhere another piece of teal cardstock to the bottom of the tag -- the poinsettia will cover the seam later.

2. Rub Embossing Ink Pad over on the front inside of the Snow Flurries & Snowman folder (where the snowflakes are recessed):

3. Insert cardstock tag in embossing folder and dry emboss the tag with your die cut machine.

4. Take tag out of embossing folder and immediately cover with White Embossing Powder.  Shake off excess powder and/or lightly rub away any stray embossing powder from raised snowflake impressions and around the edges/bottom of tag. You want it to look snow scattered, not completely covered (in retrospect, I wish I had brushed off a little more of my embossing powder!).

5. Heat emboss the white powder using Heat It Craft Tool.

6. After embossing powder cools, lightly sand the tag with Tim Holtz Sanding Block to reveal the kraft core around the raised snowflakes:

7. Distress edges of the tag with Paper Distresser -- this will reveal more of the kraft core of the cardstock.

8. Create reinforced hole for top of tag, using reverse side of a scrap piece of Kraft-Core cardstock (kraft side): Punch a handheld 1-/4-inch hole in cardstock first, then use a 1/2-inch hole punch to punch around the hole. Adhere to top of tag and punch out center of hole reinforcement with handheld 1/4-inch punch; set tag aside.

9. Stamp Pearl Cling stamp onto Neenah Natural White cardstock with Memento Rich Cocoa ink; lightly/quickly color with Copic Sketch markers E00 & E11 (skin), R20 & R83 (lips, flowers & gift bow), E21 & E23 (hair & shoes), BG70 & BG72 (dress & hair bow). Cut out image and set aside:

(For a more in-depth tutorial on how to color people with Copic markers, please visit THIS CLASSroom blog post I prepared with this same Pearl stamp).

10. Using Heart Wings die, die cut wings and crown from Natural White cardstock; run through Xyron sticker maker.

11. Cover sticky side of wings with Melissa Frances Pure Silver Vintage Glass Glitter. Use Teflon Bone Folder to press glitter into adhesive -- glass glitter shards are very sharp and can easily cut your fingers! Shake off excess glass glitter. Sprinkle Glitter Ritz Silver Microfine Glitter over wings -- this will fill in any gaps that the chunky glass glitter did not cover and make them super sparkly! Shake off excess glitter.

12. Attach wings and crown to Pearl with foam tape; set aside.

13. Die cut Sizzix Tattered Poinsettia out of burgundy and rose Kraft-Core cardstock pad; sand the edges of the flowers. (It appears this particular poinsettia die I used is temporarily out of stock. You could also use this beautiful My Favorite Things Poinsettia die, or this Poppystamps Blooming Poinsettia die.)

Tip: Leave die cuts still attached to larger piece of cardstock after die cutting, lying flat on your work surface when sanding. Amazingly, the edges of your die cut will even get sanded and you'll have less of a chance of tearing the flower petals:

Ink edges of poinsettia with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

14. Cover poinsettia center with silver glass and microfine glitters, same as wings above. Layer poinsettia pieces together with foam tape and attach to lower right corner of tag.

15. Stamp Hero Arts Holiday Sayings sentiment with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink onto Neenah Natural White cardstock; cut into banner shape. Sponge edges of banner with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink; adhere banner over Pearl's hands with foam tape.

16. Attach Pearl to tag, behind poinsettia, with foam tape.

17. Cut a 12" length of Ivory May Arts 1-1/4" Wide Silk ribbon and ink both sides of the ribbon directly with the Victorian Velvet Distress Ink pad:

18. Spritz ribbon with water and scrunch it up; blot excess water with a paper towel. Let ribbon dry naturally or quickly heat it from a distance with heat tool (heating silk ribbon too long or too closely will burn it). If ribbon needs more color, lightly tap it with the ink pad again:

19. Thread ribbon through tag hole and then tie ribbon together above tag with Silver Tinsel Twine and a jingle bell.

All done!

Thanks for joining me today -- I hope you'll have fun with this technique and enjoy the next 11 days of tags!  ~ Sharon

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{Supplies} 

 

Core'dinations Cardstock, Tim Holtz Kraft Core	Inkssentials Surfaces, Manila Tag #8	Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fade Embossing Folder, Snow Flurries & Snowman	Ranger Distress Embossing Pad
White Embossing Powder	Heat It Craft Tool	Tim Holtz Sanding Block	Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser
EK Success Paper Shapers 1/2-inch Circle Punch	Melissa Frances Pearl Cling Stamps, Just A Little Something	Memento Ink Pad, Rich Cocoa	A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack
Copic Sketch Markers	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Heart Wings	Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker Machine	Melissa Frances Glass Glitter, Pure Silver
Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter, Silver	Teflon Bone Folder	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Tattered Poinsettia
Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Ink Blending Tool	Distress Ink Pad, Victorian Velvet	Hero Arts ClearDesign, Holiday Sayings
May Arts Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1-1/4" Wide	Mini Mister, Individual	Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine, Silver	1/2" Silver Jingle Bells

InLinkz.com

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We would like to thank you for joining us and leaving a comment for each of the designers who participates in this very special event. Simply leave your appreciation for Sharon's beautiful tag here today and you will be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com. Leave your comment before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) Be certain to return tomorrow to see what our special guest Claudine Hellmuth has created!

Treasure Everyday Mini Album by Paula Cheney

We are honored to share the work of one of the very talented "Gypsy Girls", Paula Cheney, with you here today in the CLASSroom. The details that Paula includes in her work puts them over-the-top! I think it was my Excel spreadsheet that we had a good laugh over when we attended Ranger University a couple of years ago now that brought us together - we both love a good spreadsheet - ha! ha! I love a wonderful sense of humor and to mix it up with sheer artistic talent... you have described Paula to a "t"! I am very lucky to be able to have Paula as a friend.

You can find Paula at the blog she shares with Debbie (who is also amazingly talented and a very special lady!) titled "One Lucky Day." Their blog is filled with shabby, vintage beauties --- you will be able to spend hours going over the beautiful projects they share there. Paula can currently be found as the Creative Coordinator for Tim Holtz Brands and teaching here in the U.S. and abroad. If you ever have an opportunity to take one of Paula's classes you must! You will learn so much and laugh - a wonderful combination! I would appreciate if you would head over to Paula's blog now and help us thank her for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Paula for sharing your chic album with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

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Envelopes

Cut out 5 envelopes using the Sizzix Alterations Pocket Envelope die and Manila Cardstock from Ranger.  Do not fold.

Use Distress Stain Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed to color the envelopes by squeezing Distress Stain onto a craft mat (use more blue than yellow).  Spritz with water from a Mini mister.

Swipe envelope into the stain. Dry with heat tool.
Swipe again, dry again.  Repeat as necessary.

Shake Brushed Pewter Distress stain to mix, then squeeze out a small amount onto craft sheet.  Repeat pervious steps until each envelope has a bit of metallic shimmer. 

Using Archival Ink in Aquamarine, stamp random text onto envelopes.  No acrylic block needed!

Stamp Butterflies with Archival Ink in Sap Green.

Cut out the Sizzix Alterations Inside Out Alphabet.  Create one word for each of the 5 envelopes and adhere with Collage Glue stick.
Add Vial Labels and chitchat words to describe each main word.  Stitch to the envelope if desired.

Adhere 1/8” Wonder Tape to the bottom and side of envelope.

Close envelope so both flaps are out.  The bottom of the envelope should be sealed just above the small flap.

Set finished envelopes aside while we make the cover.

Cover

Cut two pieces of Sticky Back Canvas 3 x 11”. 
Color the canvas with Tumbled Glass Distress Stain in the same method used previously.  Dry with Heat Tool.

Peel off the backing and stick the two pieces back to back. 
Stitch around the canvas with sewing machine.

Repeat butterflies on one side of canvas with Sap Green Archival Ink.

Stitching the book

Line up the first envelope at the left end of the canvas piece.  Stitch to canvas along the small flap.

Repeat stitching the envelopes onto the canvas cover about 1/8” apart. 

Trim away threads.

View of album spine.

Cut 30” of Crinkle Ribbon.
Color the Crinkle Ribbon with Distress Stains Frayed Burlap, Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed.
Spritz with mini mister, then pounce the 3 colors at random onto ribbon.  Spray again to make the colors bleed then dry with Heat Tool.

Once dry, wrap ribbon around the book and secure to the TOP of the cover with Glossy Accents.
NOTE: make sure Glossy Accents is UNDER the Ornate Plate.

Cut a piece of paper from an old book.
Add Chitchat words and secure to the Ornate plate.

Add Ornate Plate over ribbon on cover.  Secure with brads.

Create small journaling cards for each envelope from manila cardstock. 
Round corners.
Stamp with butterflies and Aquamarine Archival Ink.
Add to each envelope.

Completed mini album cover!

Inside Pages

Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Magnetic L Die, Pocket Envelope	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Sizzlits Deco Strip AlphaDie, Inside Out	Tim Holtz, Attic Treasures	Tim Holtz, Going Somewhere
Metallic Distress Stain, Brushed Pewter	Distress Stain, Tumbled Glass	Distress Stain, Mustard Seed	Distress Stain, Frayed Burlap
Aquamarine Archival Ink by Ranger	Viridian Archival Ink By Ranger	Tim Holtz, Ornate Book Plates & Fasteners	Tim Holtz, Vial Labels
Tim Holtz, Chitchat Stickers	Inkssentials Surfaces, 12x12 Manila	Studio Sticky Back Canvas, 8.5" x 11"	Tim Holtz, Crinkle Ribbon
Collage Glue Stick	Wonder Tape, 1/8"	Mini Mister, Individual	Non-Stick Craft Sheet
Heat It Craft Tool

InLinkz.com

Halloween Reflections by Julia Stainton

With Halloween right around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to play with some new papers and product. One of these products in particular has me really excited about it.The new Tim Holtz Mirrored is a reallly great reflective material that comes backed with adhesive and is thin, flexible and can be die cut. My mind is whirling at all the possibilities.

And what's Halloween without a spooky mirror? Perfect timing, I say, to try it on a Halloween card design.

The thing I was really excited to try out with Mirrored was so see how reflective it was and how well it die cut. I paired it up with the October Afternoon Witch Hazel line. There are so many great vintage prints in this line. I'm not big on anything too ghoulish so this line is just perfect in my opinion.

It really impressed me how cleanly and easily the Mirrored product was able to be die cut. The above picture shows the die cut mirrors. It comes with a protective film over the mirror so leave that in place until you are ready to use it on your project. Make sure you leave the film on for die cutting. The left die cut still has the film on it and the right die cut has it peeled away. I wish the pictures captured just how shiny and beautiful a mirror finish this product has. I'm thrilled with it!

 

In this next image I'm peeling away the protective film on the left die cut. The right die cut has been flipped over and the adhesive backing is being peeled away. It's so easy to adhere this product.

Next onto creating the card. I've layered three of the beautiful prints together and sanded their edges for a worn distressed look. Worn and distressed and old always goes with Halloween in my opinion.

Lastly I used the coordinating Witch Hazel chipboard stickers to make a quick banner over the mirror. The adhesive chipboard buttons can be stacked for added dimension.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Supplies:

Tim Holtz Mirrored	Gold Super Star Pins	Witch Hazel Chip 'n Stick Buttons and Banners	Witch Hazel 8x8 paper pad
Harvest Corn Twine Cording	Tim Holtz Sanding Block	Styled Labels Movers and Shapers Die	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink

InLinkz.com

Stamping on Wood by Julia Stainton

One of the biggest trends over the past few years has got to be wood and woodgrain. I for one am thrilled that it is still going strong!

Wood is definitely a classic and can be paired up with so many things. I love its texture, it's warmth and it's flexibility in design. Wood is perfect for masculine designs as well as feminine. What's not to love?!

 

Some of the most recent popular wood crafting items are the laser cut wood embellishments. Very cool! Today I decided to design a card featuring the new Maya Road Wood Shipping Tags.

They come in a package of 8 tags in 4 sizes. I've used the two largest size tags in this project and all these tags are perfect for stamping on.

I've used a Hero Arts stamp set and some Ranger Archival Ink to stamp on these tags. Stamp on them in the same way you would stamp on paper. I find the Archival Inks to be the best for stamping on surfaces such as wood and fabric. Just stamp the image and then heat set with a heat gun.

Quick Tip: When stamping on two side by side items, place them approximately in position when stamping the images so that you get a nice balance of design and color.

The card looked pretty with just the tags on it but I decided it needed a little something more for some subtle texture. A woodgrain embossing folder was just the trick. This folder wasn't quite large enough to cover the 5x5 inch card so I left the top area blank by sliding down the folder to where it looked best. I find that by dividing the card in thirds is a great place to make a transition so that is approximately where I placed the top of the folder.

Here's the cardstock once it's been embossed. The cardstock I used has a white core so by sanding it after this step, I got a nice highlighted texture that you can see below.

This card could easily be altered to fit the season. Think how changing the colors up to warm yellows, reds and oranges would make this into a stunning fall themed design.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:

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Appliquéd Onesies by Julie Ebersole

My daughter, Hayley, and her husband, are expecting our first grandchild and I very recently had the fun of hosting a baby shower for her! Being the crafty mama I am (and grandma I will be!!!), I thought it would be fun to have a crafty activity for the guests to enjoy! *grin*

Appliquéd baby onesies make a darling group project, and with a little forethought and advance preparation, they can be easily made during a party, even by inexperienced crafters!

Plain white baby onesies in a variety of sizes were purchased and then washed, making sure not to use any fabric softener or fabric softener sheets; this step will remove the sizing and help create the best/strongest bond when fusing the appliqués to the onesies.

ETA (as per a question down in the comments, related to this project post):

For any fabrics you are using to do the applique work that could potentially shrink, you will want to pre-wash and dry them, without any softener, as well. Then iron them flat before fusing the Heat-N-Bond to the back side so you have a nice, smooth application.

As far as washing a finished onesie, machine wash on the delicate cycle and then I personally like to hang-dry, instead of machine dry.

After purchasing a few printed cotton fabrics, I also went through my collection of felt for fun colors. I love the wool/rayon blend felt we carry at Ellen Hutson because it cuts very crisply with both my steel rule and low-profile dies, such as those made by Memory Box, Savvy Stamps, and My Favorite Things , etc. For more information on the various types of dies, please visit this awesome article by Ellen from the InTouch Newsletter Archives.

Before die-cutting, we fused Heat-N-Bond Ultra Hold (purchased at a fabric store), an Iron-On Adhesive for appliqué work, to the back side of the printed cotton fabrics, and pieces of felt we wanted to work with.

It helps to cut the Heat-N-Bond to slightly smaller than the piece of felt or fabric you are ironing it to, and to use a pressing cloth; this will prevent any possibility of adhesive melting onto your iron by accident. Ask me how I know! LOL! ;) Take care to use a medium-high setting, and no steam.

Once the adhesive was bonded to the fabric, we were ready to die cut! By cutting the fused materials to sizes just large enough to accommodate the size dies we were working with, we could easily run multiple shapes through the Big Shot Machine all at the same time. YAY!!!

For any of the low-profile dies that were more intricate, the metal adaptor plate helped provide just enough additional pressure to ensure a complete cut.

Here you can see just how crisp and clean the dies cut through both the cotton fabrics and the felt! LOVE!!!

We also hand-cut some shapes--many of my low profile dies are smaller in size, and were suitable for the smallest of the onesies (0-3, 3-6 mos.), and on the larger (18-24 mos. size), we hand cut larger shapes I didn't have dies for that we thought would be fun. Even though I can't draw, my daughter can! So while I die cut shapes, she also drew shapes on the paper backing that we could cut out by hand.

We then put an assortment of cut shapes that worked well together, along with some coordinating buttons, into a zip loc bag, and rolled them up inside a onesie, creating "kits". The little kits were then placed into a basket so that guests could choose a kit to assemble!

(Moonlight Butterfly, Umbrella dies by Memory Box)

All the guests were able to simply peel off the paper backing of the appliqués, and place them where desired on the onesie. We had an ironing station set up on one table, which we protected with folded bath towels.

When ironing the appliqués to the clothing, it's a good idea to carefully place a pressing cloth over the top of the appliqués, taking care not to move/shift them, and hold the iron down in one spot, for about 6-8 seconds, then lift and move the iron and repeat, until the entire appliqué is bonded, using a no-steam setting. Avoid rubbing the iron back and forth (although it's instinctive to rub the iron back and forth, you'll get best results by simply pressing down, then lifting and pressing down in the next area.) Felt may require a slightly higher heat temp, and possibly keeping the iron in place for 8-10 seconds because it is thicker than the lightweight cotton fabrics.

(dies: Puffy Clouds and Meadow Bird by Memory Box)

 

(dies: Puffy Clouds by Memory Box, Eiffel Tower by MFT)

If you notice any edges of the appliqués lifting up, you may need to press the iron to them again, holding in place a little longer to make sure the adhesive is melting and fusing to the onesie.

(hand-cut shapes)

 

(finished onesies)

Each of the onesies turned out ADORABLE and I couldn't resist taking a shot of them all! And, it was super fun to watch all the guests, including Hayley's own grandmother, thoroughly enjoy making them--I couldn't have been more tickled when some of the gals mentioned to me that they thought it was the most fun baby shower idea they had ever seen and that they really had a ball making them!

Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom today and I hope sharing this project sparks some ideas for you in using your dies, felts and fabrics in fun new ways!

Dies:  Assorted from My Favorite Things, Memory Box, Sizzix

Buttons: From my stash

Other:  Needles & thread (for sewing on buttons), Heat-N-Bond Ultra Hold Iron-on-Adhesive (fabric store supply), Cotton Fabrics (fabric store supply)

WoolFelt, 12"x18" Cotton Candy	WoolFelt, 12"x18" Baby Blue	WoolFelt, 12"x18" Gold	WoolFelt, 12"x18" White
WoolFelt, 12"x18" Strawberry Parfait	WoolFelt, 12"x18" Pea Soup	WoolFelt, 12"x18" Chocolate	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink
Memory Box Die, Metal Adaptor Plate	Memory Box Dies, Petite Umbrella	Memory Box Dies, Moonlight Butterfly	Tweezer Bee

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Die Cut Post-It Notes

Post-It notes come in so many fabulous colors and it dawned on me as I was looking at my boring square Post-It notes that they could also come in fabulous shapes!! By simply using my traditional Sizzix dies I can create fun shaped Post-It notes!

The next step in the process was figuring out a cute way to present this special little packet of pretty Post-Its. So I designed this little card that is supposed to represent the dress form in a mirror.

Begin by selecting a traditional steel rule die (these will cut through multiple layers - read this post for a comparison on the different dies on the market that we carry in our store).

Count out approximately 15 Post-its and position them atop the die as shown above. Make certain that the sticky portion of the Post-It is at the very end of the die and that this is also the widest portion of the die. You want to keep as much of that sticky area as possible!

In this case I used the Mini Sewing Room Movers & Shapers dies.

How cute are these?!? I am going to use them to create a little surprise package of goodies for when we drop my sweet girl at college this week. I hope it makes her grin when she marks her textbooks or notes using these cute little Post-Its. I'm guessing that all the boys in her Engineering classes will be jealous - bwah, ha, ha!

To create the little "mirror" first cut an opening in the Lagoon notecard using the Cherise die. Then cut out the Tiffany die shape from Jack O Lantern cardstock.

I simply used scotch tape on the back side to hold the Tiffany frame within the Cherise frame. I think you can see it when you click on the photo above and enlarge it. It will be completely hidden when the second layer is attached from behind.

Cut a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of linen cardstock and attach the Post-It notes to the surface using Washi tape. The fabulous thing about using Washi tape is that you can easily remove it without damaging your Post-Its!

Use dimensional 3D-dots to attach the dress form behind the mirror. I now have sweet little notecard to share these special Post-Its. I encourage you to give it a try and share what other dies/shapes will make fun little sticky notes!

Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 2PK, Mini Sewing Room Set	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Base Tray	Memory Box Dies, Cherise Label	Memory Box Dies, Tiffany Frame
My Mind's Eye, Decorative Tape, Together (Tangerine)	Memory Box Cardstock, Jack O Lantern	Memory Box Cardstock, Lagoon	Essentials by Ellen, White Linen Cardstock, 25 pk
3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick

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