A little paper weaving and scrapbooking...

I got so wrapped up in working on a couple of MDS projects that I almost forgot to do my post today.  Fortunately, I had it all ready to go, so here you are:

Paper weaving is a great way to use up strips of DSP scraps.  It's also great, if you're opening a new package, to not have to use very much --- so it's quite economical... and it looks great.

Today, I"ll show you 2 layouts --- one for fall and one for Christmas --- that both use weaving as part of the background for the pages.

The fall layout uses Spice Cake DSP and the stamp set Gently Falling.  It starts out with a crumb cake base and then uses 6 strips on each page.  You could lay them out as mirrored images or flip one around, as I've done here.

Close-up of left page:

Close-up of right page:

Close-up of stamped leaves:

Close-up of the weaving:

Tip:
It's super simple to line up your strips and have them be evenly spaced and straight --- just use our grid paper and it works every time.  I started my first strip leaving 2 grid boxes (1/2") from the edge of the CS base.  I left a space of 1 grid box (1/4") between each strip.  Secure just the end of the strip until you get them all placed, and then add more adhesive --- Liquid Tombow or Snail work well.

Here's a slight variation, still using weaving as a part of the background, to create a Christmas layout:

For this layout, I started (again) with a crumb cake CS for the base and then did my weaving with just 4 strips on each page.  I used the Frostwood Lodge DSP and then chose our Winter Wishes felt pieces for my accents.  I've kept it clean and simple so that I'll have room to add any journaling I might need or even a few more (smaller) photos.

In my next post, I'll give you a peek at the MDS projects I've been creating.  It's so much fun.  I ordered them all today, so I have cards and gifts all set for some lucky recipients.  If you're planning on ordering any MDS projects printed, you should get them ordered by Dec. 7, at the latest.

Happy Stamping!

December 5 and counting...

Diamond Fold Card Tutorial

Today's card features the diamond fold.  It's a springy little card that's lots of fun to make and is surprisingly easy to do.

I'll show you a fall version, using Spice Cake DSP and the Gently Falling stamp set and a Christmas version, using our felt pieces for quick accents.

 

Start out with a piece of CS that is 4 X 12" for your card base.  Actually, if you score an entire sheet of DSP and then cut your strips at 4" each, you can create 3 card bases at once.

You'll score at 2, 6 and 10."  Do all your folding, as shown and you'll end up with an 'x' shape across both sides of your card.  This is what helps you create the diamond fold.

You can decorate the panels with layers of CS or other DSP, as desired.

Flip it around and fold again, the same way.

It starts to kind of fold itself.  Do a gentle pinching on each side to help it go into the diamond shape.

 

 See how springy it is.

Here's the Christmas version.  The plaid DSP is from the Frostwood Lodge collection and the dotted piece is from the Regals paper stack.  I used artichoke and cherry cobbler colors.  I also used one of the scallop circle pieces from the pennants die.  I love the cute little circle it makes.
Tip:
I used our Liquid Tombow to glue on both of the felt pieces.

Because this card base is CS instead of DSP, you can really see the 'x' shape I mentioned earlier.  The CS is a little more difficult to fold than DSP for the card base, but quite doable.
Tip:
Be sure to use the Simply Scored tool and your bone folder, to get crisp, clean folds.

The plain piece on the inside is for your message -- stamped or hand written.

 

Would you like to see a little video tutorial for this project?  Copy and paste this url and go to my daughter's blog and you'll see the video I filmed for her.  She added some cute trim to her card with a border punch.
http://inklingsbyjenn.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-first-video-tutorial.html

Now go try one.  Enjoy!

December 3 and counting...

Holiday Gifts from my Everything Christmas Class

We had so much fun at my Everything Christmas class.  I had candles going, Christmas music playing and there was a lot of laughing, chatting and creating going on all during the day!  Here are some of the projects we made.

...a decorated clothespin (note card or recipe card holder)  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces / buttons from Holly Berry Bouquet product suite)

...Kraft gift box with quilt square decorating the top  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / antique brad)

...shaker fridge magnet (difficult to get a good photo because of the shiny top)

...snowman ornament (could hold a little treat or surprise gift) --- made from an empty button or brads container --- Start saving yours!  (Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...decorated stamp case with a coordinating notepad inside  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...note pad holder (Holly Berry Bouquet DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces)

 ...tin with tags inside (Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...10 tags inside tin  (Frostwood Lodge DSP)

...snowman made from our decor blocks (Winter Wishes felt pieces / Frostwood Lodge DSP)

I hope these inspire you to create some cute little gifts of your own.  Happy Stamping!

Don't forget to check out the Online Extravaganza this week!!!