Something Saturday - Cool Christmas Bauble

 Hi there Creators, 

So in the run up to Christmas I thought I should show you this bauble I came across the other day in YouTube "Elena's Craft Studio - How to make a Christmas ball from toilet roll".  I'm upping the ante and going with Designer Paper, rather than toilet roll🤣

Anyway photos are always way more exciting than me waffling on (and they do say a picture says a thousand words)

 Oh wow 2000 words already done!🤣

The first one I made with retired cardstock, just to try it out, I'm pretty sure in her video she used 13cm x 1cm strips, but I didn't see the harm in using 14.8cm x 1cm (as then it's 1/2 A4 length)  however turns out you need more strips if you make it larger!  ha, who knew?  anyway I still like the look and you get 8 petals instead of 6, so the one I show in the video I made up using the Bright & Beautiful Designer Series Paper, I scaled it down to the 13cm long, and end up with 6 petal shapes. I love the different designs on the outside and inside, I'll show you a couple more photos....

It's actually fairly simple to make these once you get going.

If you're doing the smaller one you'd need 15 strips cut to 13cm x 1cm. 

12 of these need to be curled round and stuck to create the shape they put cancer awareness & other ribbons into (I googled what the shape is called but no joy).  Then you take 6 of them, pinch the middle bow bit to a point and attach all the points together (I used Glue dots, as I'm a bit scared of my hot glue gun - don't like getting burnt). Next you attach the little ends together (see the video)  Then repeat the process with the other 6.  Then attach both halves together (again see the video), and.......

2 are for the band around the middle and the last one is for the little hanging thingo at the top.

Right, so, clear as mud?  if you missed the video here it is;

I hope this inspires you to create, let me know if you have a go!

God Bless love

Heather xox

Something Saturday - Paper Florist Dies

 Hi There Creators

Today we're checking out the really Cool "Paper Florist Dies"  these are stand alone dies, which create absolutely fabulous flowers, you can make arrangements out of them.. attach them to paper bags.... create displays with them, pretty much wherever you can use artificial flowers you could use these!  During July you can earn Bonus Days Coupons Spend $90 and get a $9 coupon (this is cumulative), whilst these dies are $65 you could add the embellishments I've used below and get over the line (or add a bit of ribbon, paper... you name it!)

I have used them on the bags I've made for my Mega class which actually is happening today! (didn't click when I made the video that it would be on the same day!)  I've used some of the Brights cardstock to create my flowers and here they are....

First up a heap of the ones I created before the video for the bags

then the embellishment on the bags themselves I've also added some of the Brushed Brass Butterflies, and Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels

And an up close of the large flower with the cool stand up bit in the middle....

All you need is glue and a bone scorer once you've cut out the pieces, check out my video to see how I've created these:

I hope this inspires you to create!

God Bless love

Heather xox

Something Saturday - Designer Paper Boxes

 Hi There Creators

well today we're doing a spot of folding - Go the Origami boxes!  I used to make an origami box like this (with origami, it doesn't require glue) I wondered how I could make it so it displayed both sides of the Designer Paper, and now I've worked it out (kind of by accident!, and mine requires glue!) 🤣

Currently until the end of June there is a Designer Paper sale on - woo hoo hopefully you'll find the papers here:  Patterned Papers  The one I'm using today is called Stargazing it's quite gorgeous (as are most of the Stampin' Up! Papers)!

Anyway here are the photos then I'll attempt to explain how to make them, ummmm!

Ok here goes, you will need a square of Designer Paper (that is patterned on both sides)

• Fold the square in 1/2 so you have a rectangle, then open and fold in 1/2 the other way and open it up again (you'll now have a + in the square)
• now fold the corners in to the centre
  
  
  
  
• Then turn the whole thing over and fold the sides to the centre
  
  
  
  
• open up those 2 and repeat with the other 2 sides
  
• then open up like this: 
  
  
  
• fold the 2 long sides down and you'll find the ends will fold in and round so the little triangle tucks nicely inside the box (stick the triangle down)
  
  
   
  
• then repeat with the other side.  lastly decide what you want to do with the flaps underneath.
• If you want to do a box with a lid, make the difference between the starting squares 1/4" (smaller box for the base)

Phew I think I've explained it - however if that didn't make sense and you've missed the video, here it is!

 

I hope you are inspired to have a go too

God Bless love

Heather xox

Something Saturday - Card in a Box

 Hi there Creators

Well I made a card in a box a couple of years ago and since then it's been going to craft shows with me and people have commented on it and asked if I had a tutorial, so I thought maybe it's high time I did one!

I also didn't entirely like the design I did the first time, so this gave me time to refine it a bit

here's my original one:

I decided I wasn't keen on the fact that it completely opens up and takes up a fair bit of space, so here's the one I made in the video:

As you can see I've left the back 2 pieces joined, so it creates a kind of wall, I thought it would look kind of cool if you could see a bit of a reflection of the back of the cake, using the gold foil.  Plus I absolutely adore this stamp set: Artistically Inked stamp set, along with some of the Gilded Leafing (kind of satisfies my gold craving 🤣)  I always find using Tombow (Multi purpose Liquid Glue) and Tear & Tape Adhesive works well to add the gilded leafing to.  You need to let the tombow dry a bit first so it doesn't squidge everywhere.

Anyway I said I'd share my measurements with you, so here goes..... bear in mind if you're stamping on the pieces, make sure you do that before gluing anything together!

First up you'll need a piece of card 2 parts wide by 3 parts long, I went with 19cm x 28.5cm, scored into squares of 9.5cm (see my mud map below) dotted lines scored, black line cut.

If you're using my measurements then your lid will need to measure 12.6cm square, and score 1.5cm in on each side, if you're trying out a different size you want to add 1mm to the size of the squares in your box, then allow extra for the lid sides (with mine it's 9.6cm plus 1.5cm extra for each side, hence 12.6cm)

The circles I used the Layering circles dies to find the diameter I cut the circles with scrap paper first, folded them in 1/2 and measured it (the diameter is the line length across the middle of the circle).  From the diameter, you then times the result by 3.14 (Pi), and the number you get is the circumference (all the way round the edge of the circle) which is the length of card you need for the cake sides plus 1cm to create an overlap flap to glue it together.   At this point I will say it doesn't have to be exact, because you could come up with some weird numbers lol.

You'll then need to decide how high you want your cake tiers, my base tier is 3cm high and the top one 4cm.  You'll need to add 2cm to each of these (so 5cm and 6cm respectively)  and score 1cm in on each side, then you snip in to the score line to create a kind of fringe on both sides, this will allow the cardstock to bend around (see photo)

Make this "fringed" piece into a circle and secure it together (you have hopefully allowed the 1cm over-flap, as I mentioned)  And I reckon that's about it for the measurements 😊

If any of it doesn't make sense, hopefully the video will!  if not let me know.  Here's the video:

Well...... as I say in my in person classes - now it's your turn!

I hope this inspires you create

God bless love

Heather xox

Rosette Tree Christmas in June Craft Alive Bendigo

 Hi there Creators,

I have done a Facebook video on this cute Rosette Christmas Tree and promised to share the measurements in a blog post, so here we are.... first up the tree!  I will aim to add the video to my YouTube channel too!

It's a really sturdy little tree when you put it together with hot glue.

You will need ideally 12 x 12" Designer Series Paper, the first one I made uses the beautiful Expressions in Ink Specialty Designer Series Paper, and the second one I've used the Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper the suites that go with both of these are just gorgeous!

You'll need to cut each of the following:

• 12" x 1/2"
• 12" x 3/4"
• 12" x 1"
• 18" x 1 1/4"
• 18" x 1 1/2"
• 24" x 1 3/4"
• 24" x 2"

I recommend for the last 2 that are 24" you cut double the width of the 12x12 card stock, then score it and then cut it in 1/2 (just saves an extra step).  Each piece you need to score and concertina at 1/2" intervals I thoroughly recommend using the Simply Scored Board (makes the job really easy)

Now you need to glue each piece in a circle like this:

Press each one down to form a rosette (I recommend having the silicone craft sheet under your work at this point!), as you now need to use hot glue to hold the middle of the rosette together.

Do this with all the rosettes: (there is 1 missing from this photo, should be 7 in total)

I then cut some circles and glued these on the top of all, but the top 3 rosettes, (it gives a bit more stability to the tree)  Then glue them all together to form the tree, and add something nice on the top, I used The lovely Gold Fine Art Ribbon on this one:

then the incredibly soft Metallic Mesh ribbon on this one:

Before I head off, I should just let you know that if you're planning to order this month I do have a special for you:  orders over $100 I will be sending you a pack of the beautiful 2021-2023 In colour Jewels, and if you are ordering under $250 use this host code to go in the draw for the free host $'s : CQ6JWZ3Q.  If you plan to order over $250 don't use my host code as you'll be entitled to your own benefits, Or, have you thought of joining and ordering the starter kit? (pay only $169 for $235 of products!) 

Let me know if you have a go at this, I hope it inspires you to create!

God Bless love 

Heather xox

Tidings of Christmas (battery operated) Tea Light

 Hi there Creators, 

Welcome if you're viewing my blog for the 1st time, or the 100th!

Craft Alive Bendigo was meant to happen Thursday 10th June through to Sunday 13th, however COVID has once again got in the way, so we're having a "Pop-Up Online Event" instead, just a case of those of us who would have been exhibitors, adding a little extra to our online presence.  I am hoping to have a Facebook live each day (Thurs/Fri/Sat)  Saturday will be my usual Something Saturday at 10am

Anyway on to, what am I showing you in this blog post?  I was planning on doing a Christmas in June/July theme, and my choice of products for this is the lovely Tidings of Christmas Suite (do click on it to check it out)  This Suite has beautiful papers, ribbon, stamps and dies!  And I thought the stars would make beautiful tealight holders, what do you think?

I decided to do a photograph instruction thingo for you, so here goes....

You will need:

• A standard card (I use the Thick white cardstock)
• Window Sheeting
•  Christmas Trimmings Dies
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
• Paper Snips/ scissors
  
• 2021-2023 In colour Jewels
  

First up arrange your large star die on the card, make sure it's right on the edge, and the pointy top is right at the top end (top is the open end of the card, not the folded end!)  You need to make sure that when you cut it, it leaves the 2 bottom points of the star still attached to the card, hence the top plate only covers as shown in the photo, then run it through your Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine

If you have put it as far to the edge as you can you'll be able to make 2 of them from one standard card, as shown:

Next cut the stars out by a straight cut up from the bottom on both sides, leave the middle intact,

 Next you want to create a score line about 1cm below the star and fold it. I thought I'd taken photos of this but they've disappeared!

Next part is to cut out the detailed star (got a photo of this part, which hopefully catches you up to speed with the last 2!) in this photo the silver bit is the die in place.

Once you have cut out the intricate star you'll have the outline left, as this next photo shows you'll need window sheeting, cut with the plain star (the 2 dies are at the top) you can see a slight fold in the cut piece under the star, if you score and fold this part it makes it easier to trim off.

Once you have the 2 window sheeting stars open up your piece, which will have a star on both ends, you can, attach these to the inside as shown;

 turn it over and attach the intricate stars, I've coloured mine in first with the Mango Melody Stampin' Write Marker, and added one of the In colour Jewels to the top on each side (want to know how to get a pack of these for free? I'll tell you after the instructions)

Next up attach the top star tips together, I used a glue dot

And Voila, stand it up and pop a (battery operated) tea light candle in it.

then it will fold flat when not in use.

Let me know if you decide to have a go at this, and how it turns out!

Now how to get the free In colour Jewels.... when you purchase over $100 (excluding postage) this month June or next month I will send you a pack of these gorgeous jewels, so, check out my website, and just so you know there is a great sale on this month as the mini catalogue is retiring and a heap got reduced, also the Clearance Rack is so worth checking out for MEGA reductions! 

 If you are placing an order  under $250 and would like to go in the draw for the hostess benefits use this host code when placing your order:    CQ6JWZ3Q

However if your order is over $250 don't use the code as you'll be entitled to your own host benefits.  

And the other thing is if you are placing an order that size why not think about joining my team?  you can order $235 of goodies and only pay $169! then get an ongoing discount of 20%!  - ask me for more details, or just go here to join:  Join my team

If you're not on my e-mailing list and would like to be do let me know!

I hope this inspires you to create

God Bless love

Heather xox

Roll Up Box

 Hi there Creators

Well this morning I did my Facebook live video on a little roll up box, it's so cute!  I said I'd share the measurements etc with you on a blog post, so here it is.......

but first some photos to whet your appetite 😊

 

Now for the measurements......

Take your A4 piece of card I used the Stampin' Up! Basic White Thick Card, as it's nice and strong, and score lengthwise at 4.95cm (just a fraction before the 5cm mark)  I actually made a quick mark on my Paper Cutter as just about all the measurements are this)  move it along and score it at the next 4.95cm (ie 9.9cm), move it along again and cut it off at the next 4.95cm mark (ie 14.85cm).

Turn the card stock and score 4.95cm, move along and repeat (should be 9.9cm) then I recommend you turn the card stock around and repeat from the other side don't do what I did in the video! - let me make the mistakes for you lol

Next cut the "flaps"  check out the rough diagram below;

 Once this is done you'll need Designer series paper cut to: 24 squares of 4.5cm and 4 rectangles of 4.5cm x 9cm, stick them into the appropriate places.

Then move onto the lid:  this is 12cm x 7cm, then 1cm scored all the way round, then cut the flaps, again see diagram below:  stick the little corner flaps in behind the end flaps to create your lid, and attach another piece of 4.5cm x 9cm Designer Series Paper onto it.

Fingers crossed your lid should now fit snugly onto your box, now you can have fun rolling your box up and down 😀

And in case you missed it here is the video:

 

I hope you have a go at this, let me know how you go, if you do check out my Facebook page, then please share what you make, I do love to see you're creations too! (or you can email them to me too)

Don't forget till the end of Feb for every $90 of goodies you order you can pick one of the Sale-a-bration items for free (the paper I used in the video is one of the items).

I hope this inspires you to create

God Bless love

Heather xox