nichol magouirk

KBS | Graduation Cards

It's that time of year again... graduation time!

I always like to try and personalize my graduation cards for the grad and these are the ones I made for the graduation announcements we received this year.

I love that with Kerri's Graduation Kit you can customize the card or scrapbook page layout with the graduation year. 

I also try to match the colors of the cards I create with the school colors for even more individualized style.

I kept these easy by keeping the same design throughout all four cards but changing up the colors.

The inside of the card was finished with even more stamping.

And the card itself is from the Silhoeutte Store:

 
card_base_with_inside_pocket_C00793_20509

I folded mine so that the pocket was on the inside left so that the stamped greeting and my handwritten greeting would be visible when the card is opened. 

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

2PEAS New Products IN STOCK, Special Offers & Classes

I picked up the Simple Stories line...lovin' the bright, primary colors!

  

  

  

  

BASIC GREY CLIPPINGS GIVEAWAY WINNER 

(from THIS post)

Congratulations to:

Allie.DuckieNZ said...

Wow, I have not seen this line before. I LOVE it. Thanks ever so much for the chance to win. This will be put to good use!

ReplyMay 15, 2012 at 12:07 AM

Allie, I've emailed you!

KBS | Spring-Style Cards

FYI: Some of the Papertrey Ink shopping links were not working. I believe I have fixed them all now so if you click on them images in the supplies, it should take you directly to that item. Sorry about that!

Hey everyone!

Dealing with some cable/internet issues here and it has my schedule all messed up!

I created some fun little cards that showcase a lot of different Kerri Bradford digital die cut designs:

I created this little collage with shapes from several of Kerri's This & That collections. I love mix & matching to get fun little groupings of die cuts. :)

I added some sparkle to some of the die cuts and also traced the stamped scripty words with a Sakura Glitter Gelly Pen. 

I cut everything from 6x6 paper pads. The smaller size of the patterns works really well for die cutting tiny, tiny embellishments. Especially for cards.

KBS Kits Used:

• For You
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered
• Label It 
• This & That: Lucky (vase with flower)
• This & That: Love (candle light, cake stand & heart)
• This & That: Summertime (birdhouse, flower flourish)
• This & That: Autumn (pear)
• This & That: Spring (border)

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

I absolutely adore the way the Papertrey Ink Movers & Shakers Stamp Set works on these die cut envelopes. So fun.

To create the rainy day feel (much like today here in southwest Kansas!) I masked off the die cut loopy portion of the card and also anything else that was exposed using post it notes. Then I used the Dewey Studio Calico mist to add a splattery rainy feel. Once that dried I masked off the rainy background and anything else and misted the loops with a contrasting Studio Calico mist so that the loops stand out from the inside of the card. This is a super fast and easy way to instantly add color to a single layer card.

Then I die cut the umbrella from 6x6 paper pads again and attached it to the card.

The raindrop stamp included in April's Card Kit from Simon Says Stamp is the perfect finishing touch.

A PTI greeting finishes the design.

KBS Kits Used:

Kits Used:

• For You
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered
• This & That: Spring (umbrella)

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

If you love giveaways, stay tuned over the next few days.  I have even more class giveaways, idea book giveaways, etc. for you guys. I love giving stuff away! You can always follow me on Twitter or Facebook for the most up-to-the-minute giveaway info. ;)

Oh, and if you have asked a question of me specifically in THIS post I will be answering them all in a blog post soon (also it will be included in my TS3 class PDF for attendees). Hoping that I can answer more of the participants questions this way since the class chat is fast & furious! Don't forget to leave a comment or question on THIS blog post for a chance to win a spot in True Scrap 3. It's going to be a great time!

Ella Publishing Ezine | Stamped Journaling Spots

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today, I am thrilled to be sharing ideas for the Ella Publishing EZine article this week, Stamped Journaling Spots, for creating your own stamped jouranling spots, labels and tags. 

Up first, how aobut a Valentine's layout featuring stamped notebook paper journaling spot accents!

I have always loved the look of notebook paper journaling spots on layouts. Lots of companies have made journaling spot tear off sheets over the years and I'm going to share how easy it is to make your own!

To create these great journaling spots I first ran ledger style patterned paper through my Silhouette Cameo to give that decorative notebook edges with a Kerri Bradford die cut kit (you could also use a notebook edger punch to recreate a similar look). Next, I added a title for my journaling spot my an Ali Edwards Studio AE Stamp. I added glitter pen over the top for an even more pre-made look. Then, I added a sub-title with additional Ali Edwards stamps. Adding text stamping to your journaling spots give them that great pre-made feel that we all love but in a size and style and color that perfectly matches the layout you're working on!

I added layered pre-made die cuts over the sewn on ribbon trims for embellishment.

Here's another example of creating your own stamped label. I am a huge fan of using October Afternoon (or similar) label stickers on my pages but when I don't have one that matches my project, I turn to my stamps to create a custom, perfectly matched accent for my page. I used Papertrey Ink stamps and die for my date label.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

With Project Life being so popular (and taking part in this journey myself this year) I'm always looking for ways to increase my creativity with my weekly layouts. One of my favorite ways to personalize my pages is with custom stamped journaling cards.

Becky Higgins sells these plain journaling cards and they are perfect for stamping up and having on hand to include in Project Life or on any layout. I use my PL journaling cards on all kinds of layouts, not just PL!

I used an assortment of stamps from Ali Edwards, Studio Calico and Stampin' Up to create this set of love-themed journaling cards. I added glitter pen over some of the stamped images for texture and interest.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette Ink
• Ali Edwards Studio AE This One Stamp Set

As I mentioned above on the layout, I am a huge fan of including sticker labels on my scrapbook layouts but I don't always have the right color, the right size of label for what I need. Why not make your own?!

I create this set of stamped labels using images from Papertrey Ink, Stampin' Up and Studio Calico. To create the multi-colored label, I colored the stamp with Memento Markers before stamping on the coordinating die cut label. I love how the different colors give the look of a pre-made label!

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Digital die cutting machines give us so many options for creating our own journaling spots and labels! I die cut these file folder journaling spots from ledger paper and stamped them with phrases from Papertrey Ink and Ali Edwards.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Silhouette Image Used:

Recipe_card_0764 

Be sure to check out the eZine article HERE at Ella Publishing and stay tuned for exciting news about a new eBook featuring stamping!

Click HERE for more information on this upcoming eBook and a sneak at one of my projects from the book!

KBS | Feb 14 layout (featuring layered tags)

Last week I shared some home decor tags and hearts perfect for Valentine's Day (see that post HERE) and today I'm sharing the layout that inspired those tags! 

The color combination of cream/red/agua/pink is one of my very favorites for any kind of scrapbook layout and especially for Valentine's and love-themed pages.

I wanted to keep the emphasis of my design on the photos and embellishments so I purposely chose a cream patterend paper background and die cut the tags from white cardstock and then added layeres and l ayers of die cut embellishments and buttons, ribbons, etc.that were colorful and really "popped" off the page.

Here are the kits I used and what dies came from what:

• XOXO (doily, "feb 14", hanging hearts, heart tag & clothespin)
• Life Additons: Backgrounds (petal background)
• Christmas Countdown (tag)
• This & That: Summertime (butterfly)
• This & That: Family: (instant frame, short tag)

And this tag that Kerri designed for the Silhouette Store awhile back (still my favorite!):

tag_2391 

I viewed each tag as it's own "mini scrapbook page" and worked on each individually before adhering them to my page for the collective tag background look.

To make the tags a bit more interesting I ran them through my Big Shot using Papertrey Ink Impression Plates to add the lovely texture.

Adding a die cut shadow to many of the die cut designs with dark brown cardstock helps give them dimension and draws your eye to the colorful die cut pieces.

I love these instant die cut frames added to the tags. I added glitz and glamour with baubles tie on with a pretty ribbon.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Making Memories Lovestruck Patterned Paper (text)
• Stampin' Up Define Your Life Stamp Set (definition)

FYI: My Project Life post for last week won't go up until Thursday or Friday of this week. I have lots of other posts over the next couple days so I needed to push back my regular posting today!

Have a good one!

KBS | Valentine's Decor Tags

I can't get enough of heart decor.

I love the decorations for Valentine's Day (even though the holiday is not one of my favorites). There's something about the pink/red/white that speaks to my girly girly heart I guess. I am all about ruffles and frills and hearts and flowers. I grew up in a family with a tomboy mom, dad and brother who all loved sports and the great outdoors. I never fit in. It was dresses, doll babies, make up (my mom didn't wear any for years and years), long hair (my dad doesn't like it so my mom has always had short hair) and all things girly for me. For years I thought I was adopted. It's the running joke that if I didn't look so much like my mom my husband is sure that I was switched at birth. But I digress....

My project today is the epitome of all that girly girl stuff I love: glitter, hearts, ribbons & trims, flowes, pink, red, white, buttons, pearls, butterflies and just a touch of aqua.

FYI: This whole project is based on a layout that you will be seeing from me next week that has a lot of similar elements. I love to be able to use the same ideas on multiple projects!

Here's a run-down of the images I used and what kit they came from:

• XOXO (heart)
• Christmas Countdown (rounded tag)
• December Addtions: The Extras (notched tag)
• This & That: Love (eiffel tower, heart on stem)
• This & That: Spring (leafy branch)
• This & That: Summertime (butterfly)
• This & That: Gratitude (house)
• This & That: Lucky (keys)
• This & That: Family (flower, small tag)
• This & That: Freedom (banner)
• Love: Every Little Thing (damask)

I have had this photo display thing for-evah. I've used it to display Christmas cards/photos (until I got too many to house on it). I've used it to display Valentine's hear decor before. I've use it to display ATC cards from a swap we did through Hero Arts. I don't think I ever used it like it was supposed to be used, for photos. And I'm still not. ;) 

I die cut a bunch of tags from Neenah smooth white cardstock using tag designs from Christmas Countdown and December Additions: The Extras and I embossed each with an Impression Plate from Papertrey Ink.

To create the faux chipboard hearts, I cut 4 layers from kraft cardstock for each heart and glued them together with spray adhesive before adding the die cut patterned paper layer. This gives them a more substantial feel.

This heart is actually almost an exact replica of one that you will see on my KBS layout share next week. I loved it so much I had to create one for my stand!

I stamped the "xoxo" definition using a stamp from Stampin' Up's Define Your Life Stamp set. I have had these stamps for years and I still love them as much as I did when I first got them. They truly stand the test of time! I stamped the definition in a light pink that looks much better in real life. Ruffled ribbon, buttons and trinket pins complete this heart.

I die cut the damask for this tag from text paper and layered it on the embossed tag before adding my die cut butterfly sewn in place with a button. Oh so simple. Oh so sweet.

This is actually the first tag I designed for the groupoing. I knew I wanted to incorporate this Eiffel Tower into my tag collage and when I spied the "with love" stamp from Papertrey Ink's Tag-It's #11 Stamp Set I knew what I wanted to do! I printed the "from Paris" on the die cut banner using my printer and finished with the stamped sentiment. Stamped hearts, sewn on trims and some pretty silk ribbon complete the design.

I think this ended up being one of my favorites from the grouping. It was the last piece designed.I knew I wanted to go with a red base but I needed something for the center of this heart. I die cut a flower multiple times (3x from white cardstock and 3x from vellum). I embossed the cardstock flowers before layering them to create this lovely dimensional flower. A red resin flower center brings this floral to life and the stamped tag finishes the design.

Lots of hearts. This one is remniscent of the layout you'll see next week. ;) I sewed some pleated trim to the bottom for a splash of color/texture.

Glitter! Instead of using metal keys that would weight down the tag I created my own faux chipboard keys using Kerri's design die cut just like the hearts above. Instead of finishing with patterned paper I glittered them for some sparkle! Love. A phrase stamped in red finishes this pretty tag.

I created this tag based on the stamp. I used Kerri's house die and completed the tag with a fabric heart and stamped banner. 

I used the "inside" pieces from one of the die cut keys for flowers on this heart. I like using up every bit and piece that I can.

I grouped three of these floral hearts together, secured them with twine and a resin flower and added a stamped tag.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Martha Stewart Glitter & Glue
• Safety Pin & Jump Rings
• Making Memroies Resin Flowers, Ribbons & Trims
• Vellum
• Trinket Pins
• Define Your Life Stamps (Stampin' Up)
• Pink Pirouette SU Ink

Click the banner below and be sure to check out what's on sale today over at Kerri's Store:

Scrap It Weekly 2012 | Week 5 (layout + video) + TS3 ANNOUNCEMENT!

This week I felt like I was finally ready to tackle one of the holiday layouts for my Christmas Cards From Friends and Family album from Christmas 2011. It's one of my most favorite albums ever. I love looking through it and seeing the changes in our friends and family over the years. Pure happiness.

In this week's video I give you a look at my album plus talk a little about my process for scrapping these yearly photo cards and handmade cards. For a complete look at the pages in my album please see the bottom of this post for links to every layout included in my Friends and Family album. :)

This week's layout was one of those that changed a lot from my original plan once I got into the layout. I switched out a lot of the product I thought I would use in lieu of other things, etc. It happens. Don't be afraid to deviate from your original path. I am so  happy with my finished layout and that is all that matters!

A huge showy title isn't necessary for this kind of yearly layout. It's okay to do one (and sometimes I do) but I decided to draw attention to my "2011" title with some circles, a couple of phrase stickers, banner stickers and a big showstopper poinsettia flower. Just lovely.

I added a couple more of these pretty poinsettias in the lower right corner of the 2-page spread to help draw your eye across the design and the page. Love the combination of a stamped a layered flower next to the die cut one.

Random border stickers, brads, buttons and these punched stars layered on the same patterned paper and sewn on with mini clear buttons add a subtle but effective page element.

HOW TO

 

SUPPLIES (please click on photos for links to products used):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• vellum
• Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Sticker
• Crate Paper border stickers
• Small Star Punch
• Coluzzle Circle Cutting System
• American Crafts White Glitter Macaw Stickers
• Crate Paper Candy Cane Paper (Peppermint Collection)

Christmas Cards from Friends & Family Links:

• Title Page
• 1998 Layout
• 1999 Layout
• 2000 Layout
• 2001 Layout
• 2002 Layout
• 2003 Layout
• more 2003 Layout
• 2004 Layout
• 2005 Layout
• more 2005 Layout
• 2006 Layout
• more 2006 Layout
• 2007 Layouts
• 2008 Layout
• another 2008 Layout
• 2008 Pocket Page
• 2009 Layout
• another 2009 Layout
• 2010 Layout
• another 2010 Layout
• December 2010 Pocket Page

There is still time to register for Latrice Murphy's 10 Challenge Scrapbook Throwdown Online Class!

See the details HERE. I am a guest designer for one of the days and I will be sharing an all new, never-before seen stamped scrapbook layout and accompanying how-to video.

Here's a sneak peek at my layout:

This is one of my current favorite layouts. It has everything I love:

• stamping
• lots of color
• buttons
• a Kerri Bradford photo collage
• and it used up scraps of paper, leftover kit supplies & more!

I am over the moon thrilled to announce that I will be back for

True Scrap 3 in April!!!

Please click on the add and sign up to receive email notifications so you can be the first to know when registration opens! 

My True Scrap 3 class will showcase double the amount of stamped layouts from the last True Scrap class, an instructional video (guaranteed to be a minimum of 45 min long) and a pdf handout with photos of the projects and supply lists for easy shopping! And as always with TS, you will get the fabulous TS experience of online chats, workshops, make-n-takes and more from 15 fabulous instructors!!!

Just like last time I will be offering a brand new BONUS CLASS for anyone who signs up for True Scrap 3 through the links on my blog. It's an all new class that will feature lots of layouts, cards and more! Kerri Bradford is designing an all new exclusive kit for the bonus class as well!

All the information on this will be available here on my blog on February 15th!

Alumni registration opens February 15th and general registration will open March 1st!

I can't wait to see you all at True Scrap!!!

KBS | Hello Santa Layout

***updated**** I got a few questions on how I cut the flocked glitter paper for this project which I answer (in red) throughout the post. Thanks!

Happy Friday friends!

Now that Christmas is all but upon us I thought I'd pop in here quickly and share a Christmas-y layout featuring Kerri Bradford Studio designs just in time for the big day!

I love creating embellishment collages like this for my pages. They offset the photo collage so nicely. To keep the eye moving from the top of the page to the bottom, I like to incorporate embellishments, journaling, etc. directly on top of the photo collage. This helps balance out all the activity going on at the top of the page.

I cut many of the pieces for the decorative border from glitter and flocked specialty papers using the Silhouette Cameo. I had tried cutting these specialty papers on the SD and was never successful but the Cameo seems to be able to handle certain manufacturer's specialty paper designs. I used glitter and flocked papers from Doodlebug and glitter paper from Making Memories. I did try a glitter paper from Creative Cafe and it was just way too thick so I think it depends of the manufacturer.

Q:  I see you have the new blade listed in your list of products used...I also see you have flocking and glitter...is it that the new blade cuts more mediums now than just CS? or did you cut and then embellish?

A: I used the new style blade in the SD and now on the Cameo and in my opinion it is far superior to the old style blade, more blade-depth cutting options. This blade will cut more mediums than the old one however, I can't speak to how it works with the SD since I didn't try cutting specialty paper with it before I sold it. I acutally cut the specialty paper (flocked, glittered) on the Cameo with no issues whatsoever. That said, I did try one other manufacturer's glitter paper and it did not cut but the Doodlebug and Making Memories specialty papers cut beautifully.

Q: When you put them through your Cameo, did you put them through right-side up or upside down? 

A: I put my papers right-side up. No issues whatsoever!

I think this sleigh looks stunning cut from flocked paper. Gives the die cut that added boost that makes it appear a store-bought embellishment. And the peppermints are perfection cut from glitter paper. I want to cut a whole bunch of these BIG to use as holiday decor for next year!

I know I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: cutting titles (and embellishments) from both the a patterned or specialty paper and matting them offset on a solid cardstock die cut piece really makes them POP off the page. It is a bit extra work but SO worth it!

Close up of my journaling:

For those of you who have been asking me, here is a look at what my die cut placement looks like in the Silhouette software before I ungroup anything to cut out of specific papers. I always start out this way so that I can figure out the best placement and size for my pieces.

You can see that I do end up moving some things around once they are all cut but I always like starting with a general idea of what I'm doing.

And for those of you counting, I used 10 pieces from 7 different Kerri Bradford Studio Kits! I absolutely love mixing and matching elements from all of Kerri's kits to create truly one-of-a-kind designs!

Kerri Bradford Studio Shapes Used (kit links below in supplies):

• Holly Jolly Christmas (tag)
• This & That: Christmas Past (sleigh, peppermint)
• Yuletide Greetings ("hello Santa.")
• This & That: Family (tag, spool)
• This & That: Christmas (presents, holly)
• This & That: Autumn (pear)
• Storyboard #1 (photo collage)

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Fabrip Border Stickers (American Crafts for Studio Calico from SC Brooklyn Flea Kit)
• Life Tiny Text (Cosmo Cricket from SC Brooklyn Flea Kit)
• Doodlebug Flocked and Glitter Papers (old collections from my stash)
• Making Memories Glitter Paper (old collections from my stash)
• Heart Punch (Stampin' Up)

 

December Countdown with SCT | Day 13

Hello Tuesday!

Today, I have the featured project for Scrapbook & Cards Today's December Countdown.

I give a lot of gift cards to teachers and instructors during the holiday season. Because the gift card, while appreciated, isn't always the most exciting gift, I like to make the presentation fun and festive. I love being able to use my stamps and tools to create heartfelt greetings and gifts for our friends and family during this special time of year!

Gift Card How To:

Use Papertrey Ink Gift Card Holder to die cut gift card from Stampin' Up Baja Breeze Cardstock.

Mask off the parts of the gift card you don't want to add background stamping to and stamp Hero Arts Tiny Flakes Background on gift card with Colorbox Frost White Ink.

Use Frost White Ink pad to lightly distress edges of card front.

Use Papertrey Ink In The Meadow Die to die cut "snow" from Papertrey Ink Rustic White Cardstock. Cut 2 snow borders and lightly ink edges with Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink using Ink Blending Tool.

Adhere one border to the gift card flap and trim excess. Line up other border and adhere to the gift card front and trim excess. Adhering the snow border this way allows for the snow to be continuous when you open the flap.

Punch Martha Stewart Snowman and pieces from Echo Park Dots & Stripes Christmas Collection 6x6 papers and cardstock. Assemble snowman as shown and adhere with Glossy Accents.

Add detail to snowman using Doodlebug Beetle Black Gems and tiny, tiny green buttons from My Mind's Eye.

Stamp greeting from Papertrey Ink Christmas Poinsettia Stamp Set using Stampin' Up Real Red and Lucky Limeade Inks.

Stamp additional greeting inside card from Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 Collection Stamp Set using Stampin' Up Real Red Ink.

The inside of the gift card:

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Martha Stewart Snowman Punch

Click HERE to see another idea for creating a quick and easy gift card using this Papertrey Ink gift card die.

Be sure to check out all the December Countdown projects on SCT HERE.

KBS + Lori Whitlock Blog Week (GIVEAWAY!!!!)

Happy Friday everyone! I know I have a lot going on here on the ol' blog today so if you're looking for the Hero Arts 2012 Catalog Blog Hop, click HERE. If you're looking for some last minute gift giving ideas featuring die cuts (and some stamping)...read on! Plus, I have a GIVEAWAY for you today!

I am so super thrilled to share my projects showcasing Kerri & Lori's die cut designs. These two ladies create some of the most incredible die cuts and here are a few ideas showcasing those designs for your last minute holiday gifts and gift-giving! Please be sure to check out Kerri's Blog and Lori's Blog for lots of fabulous last minute gift giving ideas!

I am always a sucker for cute packaging, no matter what's inside and these sweet little boxes are all from Lori's Online Store HERE. I paired her boxes and pinwheel designs with Kerri's words + snowflakes + labels + tags to create this beautiful assortment of gift boxes and glittered ornaments.

I paired the die cut designs with stamping, glitter, ribbons, trims and vintage-style buttons for elegant boxes that could be used for gift giving or simply displayed in your home during the holiday season!

On this first box, I die cut the box using Lori's Box with Wavy Slip Lid and embellished the box with ribbon and lace trim. The pinwheels are Lori's from the Silhouette Online Store (award_ribbon_pinwheel_C00996_20509). I cut both the small and large rosettes (see steps below) and layered them with Kerri's snowflake (December Addtions: The Extras) spritzed with SC Clay & Shine Mister Huey Mists and Kerri's star (Christmas Countdown) using the faux chipboard technique (see steps below). Martha Stewart Antique Silver Glitter adds sparkle to the "chipboard" star. A vintage-style button tops the decorative box lid. I stamped a greeting on the die cut banner (award_ribbon_pinwheel_C00996_20509) using a Papertrey Ink Stamp.

I love the idea of a matching ornament and pretty gift box.

The box is pretty enough to dispaly on it's own with a lovely die cut label stamped with Papertrey Ink's In The Meadow stamp set sentiment in colors that match the box and ornament design. Of course I had to use some Studio Calico Mister Huey Clay Mist to distress Kerri's FREEBIE label a bit and a fine mist of SC Shine to give it that holiday sparkle! The greeting was stamped with Stampin' Up Crumb Cake Ink.

The box design is Lori's Pizza Box style die cut and this works fantabulous with the Silhoutte Cameo (or any machine with a 12" cutting surface). This will work great with your other digi die-cutters as well (i.e. Silhouette SD), the box size will be a little smaller so be sure to adjust your ornament(s) accordingly.

The star of the show: lots of cream colored papers with glitter and snowy accents. These rosettes are all the rage these days and Lori has the perfect design in the Silhouette Store (award_ribbon_pinwheel_C00996_20509) to create these stunning masterpieces! Sure, you can score the paper yourself but it's lovely to let the machine do all the scoring/cutting work for you and all you have to do is fold and adhere it together! Lots of layers really make this ornament design and give it that elegant feel.

And just to give you an idea of how lovely this looks inside the gift box, tucked in some tissue paper all ready for gift-giving!

These next three boxes all have a little something different going on.

This first box is long and skinny. I am thinking a piece of jewelry (necklace, bracelet, watch, etc.) would look stunning nestled inside here tucked under the tree!

The box is Lori's Bracket Closure Box cut from a Crate Paper Peppermint Collection sheet of paper and tied with a pretty cream satin ribbon with a decorative Basic Grey Button hot glued to the center. The tag is from Kerri's This & That: Family kit, stamped with a greeting stamp from Papertrey Ink's Love Lives Here Holiday set.

This box is Lori's Petal Top Box adorned with a faux chipboard glittered ornament from Kerri's Christmas Countdown Kit, a pretty natural colored textured ribbon and a vintage style button hot glued to the center.

*The tall box is Lori's from the Silhouette Online Store (adorable_box_4_C00383_20509).*

Before starting my projects I gathered up an assortment of papers that I wanted to use.

When you are die cutting boxes, be sure to fold in all the flaps on the score lines before assembling. I used adhesive tape to assemble my boxes.

Faux Chipboard:

Cut several layers to adhere one on top of another. I usually use somewhere between 3-5 layers. For my projects here I used 4 layers.

I started out using the Martha glittering glue (because it was handy) but I think Glossy Accents works better. Here you can see the "chipboard" word JOY all glued together.

Apply a coat of glittering glue to chipboard piece.

Coat with glitter and let dry completely. Punch hole with Crop-a-dile and string with ribbon.

Accordian Fold Rosettes:

Die cut 4 strips for each rosette and accordian fold.

After all 4 pieces are accordian folded glue them end to end. I used Glossy Accents.

You end up with something like this.

Punch a circle (I used a 2 3/4" cirlce) and add hot glue to circle, then adhere accordian rosette to circle backing. Add hot glue to center of rosette to secure the design.

Follow the same steps for smaller rosette and adhere on top of larger one using hot glue.

SUPPLIES (for gift boxes/tags/ornaments):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• White Glittered Paper by Making Memories
• White with Gold Glitter Polka Dot Paper by Making Memories
• Jillibean Soup Christmas Chestnut Soup White Sugar Paper
• Jillibean Soup Christmas Chestnut Soup Whole Cloves Paper
• Jillibean Soup Christmas Chestnut Soup Heavy Cream Paper
• Making Memories Mistletoe Paper (red text)
• Making Memories Fa La La Paper (red w/ white polka dot)
• Martha Stewart Antique Silver Glitter

I also whipped up this bottle tag perfect for that last minute gift of a bottle of wine/champagne/etc.

I wanted my bottle tag to have the same vintage-style feel as my gift boxes so I die cut Lori's tag (Bottle Label Tags) from some kraft cardstock and added texture by stamping it with a Hero Arts background stamp and flourish and finishing it off with some SC Clay and White Mister Huey Inks. I stamped a greeting using a phrase from Papertrey Ink's Christmas Poinsettia stamp set.

I layered the Peace Joy Love die cut (Kerri Bradford freebie found HERE) using several coordinating papers from MME's Lost & Found Christmas Collection 6x6 paper pad and die cut the holly (Christmas Countdown) and added distressing with SC Clover Mister Huey. I replaced the holly berry die cuts with red buttons. 

SUPPLIES (for bottle tag): 

InLinkz.com

****The giveaway is now closed.****

Now, how about a giveaway?

Just leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win this:

For a chance to win, please leave a comment on this blog post by Sunday, December 11, 2011, 12:00 p.m. CST. I will randomly choose a winner and post Sunday evening.

How awesome is this?!!!! And in case you need some, er, help picking out some FAB kits for your wishlist, here are my top 10 favorite Kerri Bradford Kits:

InLinkz.com

See these in action:

• December Daily 2011 posts showcasing Christmas Countdown, December Additions: The Dailies
• December Daily 2011 Cover featuring December Additions: The Dailies
• I Love This Smile layout featuring Say What #2
• Letters To Santa featuring On the Edge
• December 25 Studio AE layout featuring December Additions: The Dailies & Storyboard #1
• Nature's Best Basic Grey layout featuring Storyboard #2 & This & That: Autumn
• Good Eats Grown Here layout featuring Storyboard #2 & This & That: Autumn
• Fourth Grade layout featuring Picture That [Go Long] & This & That: School
• School Zone Envelope featuring This & That: School
• Road Trip layout featuring Storyboard #2
• Here & Now layout featuring Storyboard #1
• July 2010 layout featuring Picture That [Go Long]
• Precious Little Moments layout featuring On the Edge & Storyboard #2
• Favorite at Five layout featuring Picture That [Go Long]

Lawn Fawn | A Very Fawny Holiday Day 4

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start making my cards and tags and things now so that I can enjoy the holiday season. One thing I am always in need of during the Christmas season is gift card holders for those gift cards I give each year.

My entire gift card centered around the greeting "have a cozy christmas" (assembled from the stamps in Lawn Fawn's Cozy Christmas stamp set). I thought the greeting would be perfect when giving a gift card to a clothing store. The idea of the puppy (from Critters in the Burbs) with the stocking (Cozy Christmas) hanging out of it's mouth popped into my head and I ran with it. The santa hat (Hats Off To You) completes the look. 

I also added some stamping/embossing to the inside of the card to finish it off. It's all ready for gift giving now!

Card How To:

1. Use Papertrey Ink Gift Card die to die cut card from Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi cardstock.
2. Fold card and stamp front with Hero Arts Large Plaid Pattern stamp using SU Wild Wasabi ink.
3. Stamp greeting (Cozy Christmas) using Versamark Ink. Emboss with Rouge and White American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder.
4. Sew button to gift card flap and tie bow as shown.
5. Trim patterned papers and adhere along card's right side as shown.
6. Stamp puppy (Critters in the Burbs), stocking (Cozy Christmas) and hat (Hats Off To You) on Neenah smooth white cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Color in with Copics and cut out.
7. Assemble images on card as shown, cutting a slit under the dog's mouth and slipping one corner of the stocking in so that it appears to be in the puppy's mouth. 
8. Add Diamond Stickles to the santa hat and Black Spica Glitter Pen to the dog's eyes and nose.
9. Stamp "to/from" (Bows and Holly) inside gift card using Versmark and emboss with Rouge emboossing powder.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Check out the design team's projects using Cozy Christmas, Ornate Ornaments and Pa-Rum-Pa-Pa-Pum HERE. Leave a comment on THIS blog post for a chance to win all three sets featured today!