Blackberry Bliss Card and a Little Surprise

Today's card features the last of my 5 In Colors cards... in Blackberry Bliss.  I've used embossing, punches and embellishments from our Artisan Embellishment Kit to pull together the elegant look.  Be sure to keep scrolling down to see a little surprise I made to go with this card.

The circle punches help make the card a pretty quick and easy one to assemble.

Adding the embossed layer always bumps a card up to a new level of elegance. 

Whew!  That's all 5 of our In Colors.  So, how about a little surprise to go with this one?

Wouldn't this make a super fun gift for a special someone?  They'd have a beautiful card and their own Artisan Embellishment Kit. 

I've simply wrapped the paper around the box from the kit.  They can actually slide everything out and save the wrapping.  Perhaps they could use the kit, save the box, put a new treat in the box, place it back into the wrapping and pass on the joy to another special someone.

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world.

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

One of the best parts of being a paper crafter...

Let's take a break from my Styles of Scrapbooking series today and share a little more Christmas cheer.  One of the best parts of being a paper crafter is that you get to make 'just a little something' gifts to give to friends.  I made a bunch of these and quickly took a photo of the last one before I gave it to a friend yesterday.

I packaged each one in a larger cello bag after I added the treats, so nothing would fall out.  In my previous post, I shared how to use kits for scrapbooking.  This box is made from a kit, too.  It's our Gratitude for Days kit.  I still have more pieces left from the kit.  What else shall I make?

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Treats!

How about some treats to start off your busy day?  Here are some ideas for treats --- all with our gorgeous cherry cobbler!  

Whether a bag, a box or a jar, there's no better way to make someone's day than to share a treat with them --- especially when it's hand made.

Be creative in what you put into your treat container, too.  Here, I've used chocolate, peppermint kisses and tags.  So, it doesn't always have to be food or candy.

For more ideas, check out these Fancy Favor Boxes for gift containers.  You can also go to the search box and type in gifts, gift boxes, gift card holders, etc., to find lots more ideas here on my blog.

Come back soon for even more gift giving ideas.  Have a great day and a great week.

Christmas Ornaments

Here's an easy way to add some fun and sparkle to your Christmas tree.

I made clear and frosted glass ornaments.  You can buy these at most any craft supply store.

Attach sticky strip to the center of the ribbon.  This is our beautiful Whisper White organza ribbon (#114319).   It looks elegant on anything!  Attach the ribbon right around the middle of the ornament.  I used a 9" piece of ribbon to fit my ornament.  When you attach your punched snowflakes, place one of them over the place where the ribbon overlaps, to hide the seam.

Punch snowflakes with the Doily Triple Layer punch (#122465) and attach them with our Liquid Tombow glue.
Tip:
If you're having difficulty punching through the glimmer paper, peel off the backing and it is much easier to punch.
Additional tips:
Always use the Triple Layer punches right side up.
Always use BOTH hands, one over the other, to punch.
Always do it standing up, so you can apply more pressure.

I used silver glimmer paper on the frosted ornaments and red glimmer paper on the clear ornaments.

Hold the snowflake in place until it can grab hold of the ribbon.  Be patient and it WILL hold.

I added 'snowflake' filler to the bottom of the clear ornament.  You could also add our mica flakes or even some Dazzling Diamonds glitter, for some added sparkle.
When you're finished, tie another piece of ribbon around the top of the ornament.  I just made a knotted tie around mine.  It only takes 5 or 6" of ribbon to just knot it around the top.  You could use more ribbon and make a fancy bow.

December 11 and counting...

Happy stamping!

Decorated Tins

I haven't made any decorated tins for a while and thought I'd make a few for my Christmas Boutique.  These would be so great for storing Christmas recipes, Christmas card files, 'wrapping' for unusual sized gifts... They are fun to make.  I used the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP (holiday mini / #124004) for 2 of them and the third one, with the Christmas ornaments, is made with DSP I had left from Letters to Santa DSP (#122349).  In the past, I've always had trouble making my supplies come out right, so that I don't end up with a lot of left-overs after a season is over.  I did it really well for the Christmas papers this year!  These were the last of my supplies.  That means that, come Christmas 2012, I can order all new and do so completely guilt-free:)

If you're looking for a gift that's fun to make and fun AND functional to receive, try a decorated tin.  You could even fill it with cookies!!!   Happy stamping!!!

December 10 and counting...

 

Boutique Sneak Peek

My Open House/Customer Appreciation Event is this Sunday afternoon.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I have my Boutique all set up, displays ready to inspire everyone, projects ready for everyone to make, holiday decor all in place, music all chosen, candles ready, games to play...  I just have to clean up and see about the refreshments.  I even decorated my punch bowl with our Decor Elements!
Here is a sneak peek at one of the items I made for my Christmas Boutique this year.  I really like how it turned out!

It's a mirror I purchased a while back.  I decorated it with our Well Worn DSP, retired flower accents and the velvet ribbon from our holiday mini.  You could make something similar with our chunky frames (clearance rack) and insert a little mirror in the center.
As we get closer and closer to Christmas, push that creative gene of yours up a notch and really look at your 'stash' of goodies.  Use some of it to design some great gifts this year.  You can do it!

December 9 and counting...

Happy stamping and don't forget to RSVP for my party this Sunday!