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St. Patrick's Day Card

2012-01-30T11:17:00.001-06:00

While Valentine's is mere days away and we've been giving you lots of projects for that holiday, poor old St. Patrick's Day is feeling a little left out. So today's project started to share the love and luck of that day. {But you might notice that it has a small resemblance to Valentine's Day as well...lol. I guess I couldn't help myself.}

This card is quick, fun and uses few supplies. So get some Stardream Metallic Emerald text weight paper, Basis Magenta and Stardream Metallic Crystal card stock, your scoring board, a large heart die cut or punch, black ribbon and small letter stamps and ink. That's it. Here we go!

Trim Stardream Metallic Crystal card stock to 6x11".
With your scoring tool, place it vertically and score at 1/8, 1/4" on each of the long sides.
Turn the card to the horizontal side and score at 1/8, 1/4" on each side also.
Score at 5 1/2" and then 1/8, 1/4" on either side of the center score.
Turn the card over and fold down the center.
Use your punch or die cut {mine is approximately 2 1/2" tall} to cut three Stardream Metallic Emerald hearts and one Basis Magenta.
Use mini letter stamps to add sentiment to the pink heart. Set aside.
Score green hearts as follows:

Down the center.
Mark the curves of the heart {I used my score tool} from the center at 1/4" intervals towards the outside.
Score, from the marks you just made down to the point, every other mark from the center (top line on the left of the image below)
Flip the heart over and score the remaining marks. (top line on the right above)
Scoring in this manner will help you fold the heart like an accordion. (bottom line above)
Complete the other two green hearts.

Cut a small stem from green card stock and score in the middle. Flip it over and score on either side of the first score line.
Fold the stem like the petal hearts.
Tie a ribbon around the bottom of the card and adhere the green stem and hearts.
Use dimensional adhesive to add the pink heart to the card.

Then send it to someone...and make their day! Have a Happy Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

Eli

Supplies
Papers Stardream Metallic Emerald text weight, Basis Magenta, Stardream Metallic Crystal (CutCardStock.com)
Tools Martha Stewart Scoring Board (EK Success), 2-1/2" Heart die or punch, letter stamps,
Embellishments Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko), Black ribbon and other adhesives

Easel Card with Drawer

2012-01-27T07:05:00.000-06:00

Do you need a little something special for that someone special? This is a fun project to make anytime of the year for a sweet treat.

Start with a 2 sheets of 12 x 12 65 lb. Brown Bag cardstock. Cut a strip 4” wide and then cut to 11” long. Cut another 4” strip. Cut a 4” x 4” square and save the remaining 4” x 8” strip. From your second piece of cardstock, cut a 5 7/8”x 5 7/8” piece from the cardstock.

Score the 5 7/8”x 5 7/8” at the 1” mark on every side. Cut along the score line to the first score on two sides, creating flaps for your box bottom. Score well using a bone folder. Adhere the cut edges to the inside of the adjacent flap, creating your box bottom. I used red line tape to make sure the box stays together.

Next, Score the 11” x 4” strip of cardstock at 4”, 5” 9” and 10”. Using the bone folder, score well to create a band to go around your box. Using red line tape, I adhered the 1” flap from one end to the opposite end, creating the band. Set aside.

Now, we'll create the easel topper. Score the 4” x 8” cardstock at 2” and 4”. Using the bone folder, create a crisp fold. The 4” x 4” portion of this piece will attach to the drawer when completed. Adhere patterned paper (I used Pinecone Press’ Sweet Hearts paper) to that 4” x 4” square. You do not need to use a full 4” x 4” piece of paper, as your easel will cover at least 1 ½” of the top towards the fold.

Cut a 3 7/8” x 3 7/8” piece of Pop Tone’s Hot Fudge cardstock and mount to remaining 4” x 4” kraft square. I die cut Stardream Metallic’s Jupiter Cardstock and layered with Neenah Classic Natural White 80 lb cardstock . I stamped “Happy Heart Day” on the heart and adhered it to the hot fudge cardstock. Then, using a heart punch, I cut three hearts, one from leftover kraft, one from the Neenah Classic Natural White, and one from my Sweet Hearts paper. I layered those using a pop dot for the patterned paper. (The sentiments and heart stamps came from Raisin Boat’s Tree’s Company set. )

Adhere the completed 4" x 4" square to the easel by putting adheive on the outermost 2" flap, making sure the bottom of the 4" x 4" square is flush with the outside edge of the easel flap. Before adhering, be sure to double-check the placement of your masterpiece so that it's not upside down!

Then, punch two holes in the base of your easel card and insert brads. I used some heart shaped brads, but round ones will work, too. The brads will keep your easel propped up instead of slipping down. Once the brads are adhered, attach the the entire easel card to the top of your drawer. I used a larger heart shaped brad on the front of the drawer like a knob. You could easily use a hole punch and thread ribbon through as a drawer pull, too.

Fill with candy kisses or whatever other sweet treat you have on hand and spread the love.

Happy Stamping!

Katherine

2012-01-23T09:22:00.002-06:00

Be sure to stop by

Cheery Lynne Designs Blog

to see the Challenge that is sponsored by CutCardStock.com

A Little Thanks

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-06:00

Create a simple little hostess gift this weekend!

One of my crafty girlfriends, who also happens to be a fabulous cook, is hosting a Valentine's Tea in a couple weeks. I wanted to make her a little hostess gift, but didn't have a lot of time this weekend. So, I made a half dozen cute little thank you notes with my Paper Made Bakery Fresh Baked Kit and some Brown Bag A1 envelopes.

Now, A1 (or 4 Bar) cards are not my typical card size, but I really like these! An A1 card is 3-1/2" x 4-7/8". I used the sparkly Curious Metallic card stock in Cryogen White for my card base. Here are my supplies...card stock, envelopes, patterned paper and my Big Shot for the Spellbinders die cutting.

Supplies needed...

I love the simple, no-frills feel to the Brown Bag envelopes and they go great with the Blissful patterned paper from Authentique Paper, which is just a small part of the January Fresh Baked Kit from Paper Made Bakery. I used one of two little Thank You stamps recently given as a customer appreciation gift from Papertrey Ink for the pretty tag.

Fresh Baked Kit from PaperMadeBakery.com

The tag is cut from one of Spellbinders' Fancy Tags 2 set. The card front is as simple as can be -- just a 3-1/4" x 4-5/8" piece of patterned paper adhered to the front of the Curious Metallic Cryogen White card stock. I inked the edge of the patterned paper I used to stamp the Thank You sentiment onto, as well as the scrolled edges of the Fancy Tags. And that's pretty much it!

Use your scraps to whip up a batch of these A1 cards with some coordinating Brown Bag envelopes today. Having a handmade gift at the ready is always a good idea!

Valentine's Day Card Pouch and Mini Cards

2012-01-19T11:07:00.000-06:00

Here's my take on creating a little card pouch filled with mini cards, just in time for the Brown Bag sale and Valentine's Day! Make this to use yourself, or share with a friend. I like to spread out the love beyond Valentine’s Day… we have Valentine’sweek around my house. Each day when thekids and hubby come home from school and work, they find a little card andsweet treat waiting for them. Howeveryou celebrate, these little cards will surely help sweeten things up a bit!

Supplies:

Brown Bag cardstock

Red Basis Cardstock

Assorted Valentine's Day patterned paper and embellishments

Paper cutter

Scoring tool

Adhesive, including sticky, strong red tape

RickRack or other ribbon

Corner rounder (optional)

Scissors

Steps:

Cut an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of Brown Bag cardstock to 4 1/4 x 7

On the 4 1/4 wide edge, score at 1/2" and 3 3/4"

On the 7 wide edge, score at 3 1/4" and 3 3/4"

Snip in to the intersecting line just a bit on the centerfolds to create two small tabs on the sides of your pouch

Fold on all of the scored lines

Using super strong sticky tape, apply strips of adhesive onthe edge flaps. You’ll put long stripson the bottom outer flaps and short strips on the top edges of the inner flaps.

Cut about 8” of your ribbon or rick-rack and attach it tothe short strips of adhesive you added to the top, inner flaps.

Reveal the adhesive from the long strips and stick togetherthe side flaps. They are the same size,so they should align nicely.

When you’ve done that for both sides, you will have yourlittle card pouch.

All that’s left is to jazz it up a bit with cardstock,patterned paper and other embellishments you want to use.

For the cards inside, I cut three pieces of brown bagcardstock; each measure 3 x 6. Scoreeach in half and then decorate the cards to match your card pouch.

Envelopes become Treat Bags for Valentine's

2012-01-16T09:21:00.003-06:00

Being an avid card maker, I tend to buy envelopes when they are on sale so I always have a bunch sitting around. Cut Card Stock has such beautiful options and I love working with them. Finding new uses for them is great and economical as I probably will never create enough cards for all the envelopes I have.

Today I'm sharing a tutorial on how to turn an envelope into a bag. It sounds nearly impossible but it is far from it. Look at these cuties.

Would you believe they came from the envelope below?

First, buy some beautiful envelopes from CutCardStock.com, such as Curious Metallics A6 Envelopes in Galvanised or by chance, locate some around the house.

Open the flap
Fold in the two sides
Fold up the bottom, the same width as the sides. For example, here I folded the sides and bottom 1".

Next, take some gentle finessing to open the envelope and begin to work one side into a flat flap as seen here.

Then work the other side. Using a bone folder will help get the point of the flap to cooperate.

Adhere the flaps to the bottom using Glue Dots. Your box should be able to stand now. If not, work the creases until they really hold their shape.

Cut/emboss the following die templates from Neenah Classic Linen Solar White and Basis Magenta 80# Cover: S4-137 Classic Scalloped Hearts and S4-136 Classic Hearts, S4-301 Labels 16, S5-043 Fleur de Lis Motifs Layer them in fun way to make three medallions for three gift boxes.

Adhere them using 3D adhesives for depth and then add them to the front of the boxes.

Embellish with grosgrain ribbon.

In order to close these darling trinket holders, push the center fold of the side "in" and pinch the envelope near the top. Fold the flap down to close the box. Now, it makes a triangle if you look at the side. Holding the flap and side, punch a hole through three layers. Repeat for the second side.

Add treats to the holder. Tie a ribbon through the holes, and give to friends.

Fun, fun fun!!! Happy Valentine's Day! Eli

Supplies
Papers Basis Magenta 80# Cover, Neenah Classic Linen Solar White, Curious Metallics A6 Envelope in Galvanised (CutCardStock.com)
Tools Grand Calibur cutting and embossing system, S4-137 Classic Scalloped and S4-136 Classic Hearts, S4-301 Labels 16, S5-043 Fleur de Lis Motifs (Spellbinders), Bone folder
Embellishments Pink Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
Adhesives Glue Dots (Glue Dots), PVA Glue

Valentine Treats using 3 x 3 cards

2012-01-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

My son loves to give those red heart lollipops on Valentine’s Day. I always think they need a little dressing up, and this year, I came up with a fun idea based on 3 x 3 cards.

I enjoy making 3 x 3 cards as gift enclosures, notes in my son’s lunchbox or tucked in a book I’m giving as a gift. Best of all, when you use a 12 x 12 cardstock, you can get EIGHT cards from one piece!

I gathered together a 12 x 12 piece of Brown Bag Kraft cardstock, an 8 ½” x 11” piece of Malmero Perle Blanc cardstock, some copic markers, a stamp set (I used Kid at Heart by Taylored Expressions), Atyou Spica pens in Sand, Silver, and Melon, Memento Black Tuxedo Ink, Holiday Red, Topiary, Lagoon, Pacifica and Pear ink by Close to My Heart, 3D Foam Tape, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, and of course, a package of the red heart lollipops.

First, I cut my 12x12 Kraft cardstock into four 3” x 12” pieces. Then, I cut each strip into two 3” x 6” pieces. Be sure to score the cards you’ve created to make a crisp top fold. I then used the heart stamp to stamp around the edges of each card (the middle doesn’t show with the frame on top).

I used CTMH’s Holiday Red ink to stamp the border stamp several times on the Malmero Perle Blanc cardstock. I cut these out, and stamped sentiments using the Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.

After Copic and before

I had fun with the images from this stamp set. I stamped each on the remaining Malmero Perle Blanc cardstock. On the dinosaur, I was unhappy with the way he stamped using CTMH’s Topiary ink, so I colored over the image with a Copic marker. I think you’ll agree he looks a lot better!

I used 3D foam tape to raise up the images on the frame, then used 3D foam tape again to adhere the frame to the card.

It is really easy to make fun Copic hearts on your art, as I have done here. First, you place the brush side of your marker onto your paper from tip to mid-nib. You’ll see it makes a teardrop shape. Then, you place your marker next to the teardrop to connect another teardrop. Voila! A cute Copic heart! I suggest practicing this technique a few times before trying it on your art!

Finally, I placed a lollipop inside each 3x3 card and used my tiny attacher to staple the card together.

Happy Stamping!

Katherine

Candy Box

2012-01-10T01:10:00.000-06:00

When you think of a box of candy, do you think frills and fluff? Not that that's a bad thing, but how about a little vintage chic, or some might call it a masculine bit of sweetness.

This is a candy box that six Nugget-type candies can fit into. I made this box with one sheet of 8.5" x 11" Brown Bag paper, Blissful patterned paper from Paper Made Bakery's January Fresh Baked Kit and some fun embellishments we'll chat about in a minute.

Box Top Supplies

I learned how to make these boxes when I bought my first Scor-Pal. For the six-piece candy box's bottom cut a 5.75" x 6" piece from the Brown Bag cardstock. For the lid, cut a 8.625" x 3.25" piece from the same cardstock. To make the bottom score the cardstock at .75" and 1.5" on each side (rotate the cardstock and score at these measurements on all four sides). Bend at the score lines and cut away the three squares at each corner and create tabs like shown. I always trim the tabs just a hair to help them fit under the flap. Place a little adhesive on each flap, fold over the first section of each side, then fold over with the sticky tab in between. Here I used white paper to help illustrate the score lines, folds and tabs:

Once the box bottom is made you can either leave it just like it is or have some fun decorating the inside. Remember, you'll place those tasty chocolates inside, but why not leave something pretty to look at after the candy's gone?

Slide out the box bottom and find your treat...

Patterned paper and a stamp

Using the 6 x 6 Blissful patterned paper bundle from Paper Made Bakery's Fresh Baked Kit really went well with the Brown Bag paper. The inside of the box bottom is simply a corner of one piece of the patterned paper and the "I love you" stamp is from Sweet Stamp Shop's Sentimental Birds set, which is also included in the Fresh Baked Kit. I edged all the paper pieces in Tea Dye Distress Ink and cut two pieces (one patterned and one white) of paper with Spellbinders' Labels One dies. I used the Sentimental Birds stamp on the smallest Labels One piece with SU's Sahara Sand ink, then stamped the sentiment "Sweet thoughts" in black ink.

Here's a fun thing to remember if you need a quick color coordinated embellishment and all you have are little white pearls -- color them with a matching Copic marker! The alcohol ink will happily "stick" to the pearl and you'll have matching bling every time! For these pearls I used YR 12 (Loquat). Did you notice all four colored pearls on the box top?

Patterned paper and clear stamps from the kit

To create the box top simply score the cardstock at 2" and then 2.75" from each end. This creates a sort of belly band. Decorate with patterned paper and embellishments as described. This was a quick and simple project that can be made into party favors or even small gifts for your co-workers or pals. I'm going to use this one for my husband's Valentine's Day gift!

Sweet Treat Brown Bag Wrap

2012-01-05T08:36:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... we just finished up with Christmas and here I am posting a Valentine's project. You may still be organizing your new Copic markers Santa brought, or sending out cute handmade thank you notes to everyone, but it's not too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day. Especially because the Brown Bag products are on sale and they pair up perfectly with pink and red for a sweet project!

Supplies:
Brown Bag 65# cardstock
Cute Valentine's stamp and ink
Coordinating ribbon
Paper Trimmer and adhesive
Small boxes of Valentine's candy (I purchased these at a big chain, 5 boxes for $1.00)

Steps:
An easy way to mass-produce these types of projects is using a method sometimes called "One Sheet Wonder." It's when you take some coordinating stamps and just collage style stamp all over the cardstock. Then, you can cut down the cardstock to the size pieces you need - sort of creating your own patterned paper. That's what I did for my treat wraps. I first stamped my red hearts all over the cardstock, changing the angles and even stamping some off the edge of the cardstock. I did the same with the sentiment stamp in black ink.

I then measured my boxes of candy to see how big I needed to cut the wrap. For these little cuties, I was able to get four wraps from one sheet of cardstock. My pieces each measured 5 1/2" x 3". (If I had made the wraps just a little smaller, I could have gotten six from one sheet of cardstock.)

I then wrapped my stamped cardstock around the boxes. With the lighter weight of the brown bag, you don't need to score it.... love the time saved with that!

Then just stick the end down with your favorite adhesive and tie a little ribbon around it.

This would be a great treat for a classroom, and one that the kid's would love to get involved in making too!

Thank you for stopping by the blog.... Wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2012!
-Amber

Thank You Notes

2011-12-29T07:15:00.000-06:00

Growing up, I was taught that any time someone thinks enough of you to give a gift, you should show your gratefulness with a note of thanks. I guess it's no wonder I've turned that into thank you cards.

I took the opportunity while making some cards to compare a few more papers for their compatibility with Copic markers. I started with my new favorite, Cougar Digital Choice Super Smooth White 100# cover. I also chose White Exact Ice A7 folded cards and Neenah Classic Linen 80# Cover in natural white.

Exact Ice Folded A7 card

I started out stamping the elf from Raisin Boat’s Handy Dandy Helpers on a scrap of each paper. I used Copic markers to color in the images. I was going for a pink/purple combo on the Exact Ice card. It stamped beautifully, but Copic markers do not blend well and bleed through quite a bit on this cardstock. I decided to stick with Cougar Digital Choice and Neenah Classic Linen for the rest.

I printed “Thanks” in the candy cane font I found at dafont.com in red on my inkjet printer on both cardstocks. I used the Atyou Spica pen in Lipstick to outline the red to add some shimmer, then cut the carstock to 3 ½ ” x 4 ¾”.

Next, I cut 5 ¼” x 4” rectangles from Stardream Metallic’s Fairway (green) and Jupiter (red) 105# cover papers. I love Stardream Metallic cardstocks – these are especially thick and have super shimmer. I created A2 size cards using the Cougar Digital Choice and Neenah Classic Linen, then matted with the Stardream Metallic and finished with the printed rectangle.

I stamped some holiday images at the top of the printed rectangle and colored them in with the Atyou Spica pens (I love the shimmer!). I also added some shimmer to the elf’s buttons, bell and belt buckle.

Finally, I cut out each elf and wrapped a small piece of Holiday Baker’s Twine around his neck like a scarf. I attached each elf with 3D Foam tape.

Happy Stamping!

Katherine

Copic Colors Notebook

2011-12-27T17:54:00.001-06:00

Many of you have been asking about Copic markers and we're dedicated to helping you use them to their fullest capacity. Amber created a great post comparing two of Cut Card Stock papers. Be sure to check it out here.

Today, I want to share with you a tutorial on how to create a Copic color notebook. I used to get frustrated when I was at my favorite craft or art store only to see that Copics were on sale but I didn't have my color list--so no markers. I finally fixed that and made a color notebook that fits in my purse. Here's how you can make one too:

Download color chart from here.
Print chart with laser printer onto 60# White Mohawk Color Copy paper. If this is not available, print with an ink jet and have it copied at a local copy shop...otherwise the ink will run when Copic colors are applied.
Cut pages into four equal sections and sort the stack into alphabetical order.
Get out your Copic markers and color in the shapes that represent your inventory. Be sure to use a piece of scrap paper under the coloring page.
Cut 2 mats of 105# Stardream Metallic Lapis Lazuli and onemat of 89# Curious Metallic Cryogen White, 4¼x5½"
Cut patterned paper ½x4½" and ½x5½".
Stamp cover image onto 89# Curious Metallic Cryogen White and color it. I created two so I could choose one for this book.
Cut title letters from 89# Curious Metallic Cryogen White using Cricut. “copic” letters at 1½" and “colors” at 1".
Before removing letters from Cricut mat, use markers to add polka dots to the “colors” letters.
Glue title letters, image and patterned paper strip to 105# Lapis Lazulimat.
Following manufacturer’s instructions (I used YourStory), laminate thefollowing using 4½x6½"laminating sleeve:
the finished title page
105# Lapis Lazuli mat
89# Curious Metallic Cryogen White mat and the patterned paper strip, ½"between
Trim the extra laminate from the cover page so that there is a ⅛" border around it.
Adherethe back cover and the white "shield" using red line tape (⅛")
Overlapthe two pieces and adhere. Part of the back cover will beclear.
Bindthe book with Zutter
Cutholes in the pages and the laminated covers
Placeall pages, face up
Layerfront cover, face up
Layerback cover, face down
InsertOWires beginning with book pages
Use Zutter to pinch binding
Bringthe back cover around
Bendthe white shield and tuckit under the front cover.
Yourbook is now complete!!

Be sure to take the book along when you go to the craft store or are shopping online. This will prevent you from doubling up on markers.

Whenyou get new markers home, place a sticky note onto the white shield layer, slip it under the page that the marker numberis on and color it in...I love adding new colors to my book.

Bonus: At the back of the book, there are four “empties” for new colors that Copic brings to the market or for your own custom created colors.

Happy New Year to you all and may 2012 be exceedingly creative, Eli

Supplies
Paper 105# Lapis Lazuli, 89# Curious Metallic Cryogen White (CutCardStock.com); patterned paper, color copy paper
Colorants Memento Paris Dusk ink (Tsukineko), Sketch markers: BV11, B23, B41, B63, R85, RV11, RV23 (Copic)
Tools Printer, paper trimmer (Tonic), Bind-It-All and OWires (Zutter), YourStory Thermal Binding/Laminatingmachine, Cricut Cutter, DoodleType cartridge (Provo Craft)
Adhesives Red line Tape, PVA Glue

New Year's Toast

2011-12-27T03:00:00.000-06:00

Cheers!

This stamp set from My Favorite Things Stamps is a classic for New Year's, in my book. And with the gorgeous Stardream Metallic cardstock on sale at CutCardStock.com, I couldn't resist making something sparkly!

I really wanted to use some items that would make this card stand out, give it some texture and depth, so I gathered sequins and beads and rhinestones -- things you might find on that beautiful cocktail dress you're wearing next weekend to a New Year's party.

Piece with multiple images

The pretty lady needed to be the focal point so I stamped her on Neenah Classic Crest in Solar White and then cut the paper into an oval with a Spellbinders Classic Oval die. The champagne flute didn't quite make it (I meant to do that), so I stamped the flute again, colored it with Copic markers, cut only the cup portion, put a layer of Glossy Accents over it, and finally adhered it on top of the stamped glass on my oval. For a little more fun, I added a few tiny white seed beads to represent bubbles!

I colored the lady's hair, skin and shoes with Copics and then added a touch more Glossy Accents to her shoes to make them look like patent leather. Next I stamped the image onto a piece of Basic Grey patterned paper from their Lauderdale line and cut out just the dress, layering it on top of the dress already on the oval. I then put a thin line of Tombow wet adhesive onto the hem of her dress and added some shiny black sequins! So chic!

To put the whole sparkly vignette together onto a card (I used an Onyx Stardream Metallic base), I cut a 4" x 5.25" piece of Azalea Stardream Metallic cardstock for the card front. Next I added pieces of a Zva Creative crystal flourish onto the upper and lower corners. I added one tiny bling onto the lady's hand as a diamond ring! The Neenah Solar White cardstock oval is edged with a bit of Stampin' Up! Rose Red ink and then mounted onto a die cut Lacey Oval from Spellbinders. This piece was mounted to the card front with foam tape for dimension. As a finishing touch to the card front I stamped "Cheers!" in the lower right corner.

Card's interior

Inside is a simple sentiment stamped on more Neenah Solar White cardstock that is edged again in Rose Red ink. I stamped the lady's upper body and champagne glass again in the lower right as well.

I'll leave you with a simple toast for the new year:
May we live to learn well, and learn to live well
May you live as long as you want
and never want as long as you live

May 2012 bring you lots of crafty happiness!

Stardream Metallic Snowflake Ornament

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Are you all ready for the holiday? Let me guess, you've got all the shopping and wrapping done, handmade cards are finished and sent off, dinner is planned and now you've got nothing left to do....maybe that's the case or like me, you just love to take on more than you can possibly handle this time of year. So, to add another "must do" to your list, I thought I'd share this wonderful cardstock ornament with you. I stumbled across it here and thought I'd recreate it for you with CutCardStock Stardream Metallic in Silver.

First, I cut several 1/4" strips from the 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock. I cut them down into these sizes and quantities: 6" = 5, 3" = 12 and 2" = 4.

Then, I wound them up into little tight rolls. I imagine this would be a lot easier if you happen to have a quill tool, but even without one, it's not too difficult. I used the skinny end of my stylus; it seemed to work just great.

Using one of the 6" strips, I wound up one roll and glued it closed.

Then, I created tear drop shapes from the 4 of the 3" pieces by winding them up, gluing the end down and then pinching one end to a point.

Then I made 4 marquis shapes from 3" strips; made the same as the tear drops, just pinch both ends.

On to the heart shapes... I made 4 of them from 6" strips. First, fold them in half. Then roll toward the center from each end. When you let them roll back out a little, they will look like cute little hearts.

Finally, on to the scrolls. Made from the last 8 of the 3" strips, from one end make a couple of turns toward the center and then roll in from the other end too. One end will be rolled more than the other and the piece should end up being just about an inch long. Try to make them all about the same length. Then glue two together, back to back.

So, after all that winding and gluing, your fingers are worn out and you have a great excuse to go get a manicure! Now we're ready to put it all together.

First, attach all 4 of the scroll pairs around the center circle.

Then attach the hearts into each quarter area. You'll glue down the bottom where the scrolls meet and then roll out the tops to attach the heart to the arms. Add in the teardrops, pointed end up, and attach the tops of the hearts to the top of the teardrop.

Finally, add the marquis to the end of each scroll.

Even with the 105# cardstock, my rolls were pretty easy to create and the Mono Multi adhesive held everything very nicely.

When I finished, I strung some clear thread through one of the marquis and hung it on the tree. I think this makes a precious ornament or would be great tied on to a special package! Wishing you all the best of the Season! ~Amber

Shimmering Party Mixer

2011-12-13T21:04:00.001-06:00

If you are throwing a party over the holidays (or any time for that matter) and you want to mix up your guests a bit, try this fun idea! Have guests randomly pick their seats by choosing a party favor with a number that corresponds to a seat assignment.

Here are the candy canes and the place cards, ready for action.

Creating this little bit of fun is a snap when you use Cut Card Stock's Stardream Metallics. The subtle and elegant shimmer gives any project the perfect flair for the holidays. Want a bonus? Both the text and heavier weight Stardream Metallics are on sale through December 31st. (Bling!!)

So, let's do it! Gather your favorite Stardream Metallics papers that coordinate for the occasion (I chose 105# Antique Gold, 105# Citrine and Mars 81# Text).

Trim the Antique Gold 105# for place cards. Cut an 8-1/2x11 sheet into 12 pieces by trimming four 2-3/4" x 8-1/2" strips. Then cut the strips into three 2-3/4" squares. There should be a smidgen of paper left in each strip.

Score the cards in the center and fold in half.

Using text editing software, such as Microsoft Word, print the seat numbers. My text was sized so that one sheet accommodated two sets of 1-20. It was great to use only one sheet.

Punch out the numbers around the outer edge. Use the punch upside down to see exactly what you are punching.

Cut off the punched edges and then punch the next edge of numbers.

Trim one more time to finish punching the center row.

Punch 40 snowflakes from Stardream Metallics 105# Citrine. This takes some effort as the paper is nice and thick but it is worth it, I think. If you prefer, use a text weight Stardream Metallics paper.

Adhere both number sets to the snowflakes.

Use pop up adhesive or an adhesive dot

Finished

Add one set of medallions to the place cards and the rest to the lower half of the candy canes.

Put the canes in the vase and the place cards at the tables and have some fun.

Thanks to my friends Renee and Denny for showing off their candy canes. :-)

Supplies
Papers Stardream Metallics 105#Antique Gold and Citrine, 81# Text in Mars (Cutcardstock.com)
Tools Martha Stewart scoring tool, 1" scalloped circle punch, snowflake punch (EKSuccess); paper trimmer (Tonic), computer and printer
Adhesives Glue Dots (Glue Dots International), 3D Squares pop up adhesive (Adhesives
Don't forget the party favors and guests!

Quick and Easy Gift Tags with Copic Markers

2011-12-13T06:54:00.000-06:00

I love to create handmade gift tags for my gifts. It shows how special the person is before they even see what’s inside!

A great thing about making gift tags is that you can use up scraps you have sitting around your scrap space. For this project, I used three different papers to compare how Copic Markers blend on each cardstock.

Supplies Used:

8 ½’ x 11” Pop Tones Jelly Bean Green Cardstock

8 ½” x 11” Curious Metallic Cryogen White Cardstock

8 ½” x 11” Cougar Digital Choice Super Smooth White 100# cover

8 ½” x 11” Brockway Deckle Edge 65# cover - Natural

8 ½” x 11” Pop Tones Wild Cherry Cardstock

12" x 12" Basis Dark Purple Cardstock

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Copic Markers

Stamps by Close to My Heart

White Ribbon

½” hole punch

corner rounder or shaper

Twine by Divine Twine

3D Foam Tape

Tombow Adhesive

Eyelets and setting tool, if desired

Sparkle Fluff – Sugar by My Craft Lounge

I used this sweet elf to show the different papers using Copic Markers. I always use an Archival quality ink when coloring with Copics. It’s important to ink your image well to get a good stamp impression. One of the wonderful things working with Copic is that most colors let the original stamping show through!

Curious Metallic Cryogen White

This paper is the Curious Metallic Cryogen White Cardstock. I love the way it sparkles! Copic markers work really well on this paper. The inks stamp nicely and the colors blend well.

Brockway Deckle Edge

This paper is the Brockway Deckle Edge 65# cover - Natural. This paper has a nice watercolor paper feel and the deckled edge adds some character to your projects. There was a little bleeding using the Copics on this paper, but overall I'm pleased with how well the markers blend on this paper.

Cougar Digital Choice Super Smooth

The Super Smooth cardstock by Cougar is really, really nice. The 100# weight makes it nice and thick. This cardstock is not flimsy! The stamp worked great on this cardstock, and I felt that the markers blended nicely on this cardstock.

There isn't much to creating your own tags in order to showcase your beautiful artwork.
My favorite size tag is 4 ½” x 3”. I start by cutting the tag front to that size. Then, I cut the coordinating cardstock backing just a bit bigger, usually 4 5/8” x 3 1/8” . For these tags, I used a variety of corner punches, from a standard corner rounder, to my scalloped Corner Chomper. I even used a Fiskars peacock corner punch. I also like the look of a "standard" tag sometimes, so then I just cut the corners myself.

I have found a helpful trick to cutting tag corners. Start by trimming one corner off your tag. Then, using the cut off corner (red in the photo to show placement). You may also use the same corner to cut the accent cardstock on the back to keep it even!

Next, I punched a hole in the top of my tag, centered at 1 ½”. I like to use a large ½” hole punch to make sure I have plenty of room for my ribbon or twine on the tag. (This tag uses the peacock corner rounder on the Curious Metallic Cardstock, with a standard corner rounder finishing the corners of the Dark Purple cardstock .

3-D Foam Tape on Teddy

Another thing I love about Copic Markers is that you can color ribbon with them. I changed the same white ribbon to purple, red, and green just using my markers! Due to the alcohol-based inks in the Copic markers, the ribbon dries really quickly and the color does not rub off on your project or your hands when it's dry!

Finally, finishing touches you may want to add are eyelets in the hole of the tag (which look nice and protect your tag from ripping when the ribbon is fed through), glitter glue, dimensional accents, flock - you name it!

Hope this inspires you to pull out some scraps and create beautiful gift tags for those holiday gifts you're wrapping!

Happy Stamping!
Katherine

A Copic Marker Comparison

2011-12-10T20:22:00.001-06:00

In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I thought I would take some time out today and show a little peek at how Copic markers work on two types of cardstock we carry at CutCardStock. I am working with Royal Complements Bright White 100#Cover Canvas Finish (in this post I will call it Canvas for short) & Neenah Teton Deckle Edge 80# Cover Tiara (aka Teton).

First, let me show you how they both handle a couple of swipes of the Copic marker. I am using Lipstick Red, Cobalt Blue and Grass Green.

Now I will show a little blending with Moss and Grass Green.

Both cardstocks handle the Copics beautifully! The Canvas has such a nice, rich texture and the Teton has a watercolor paper type finish. Now, I want to show you how they handle coloring in an image. I am using lots of colors this time.

First I stamped my images using Staz On. I always recommend using a permanent ink if you're going to do any coloring. You might even heat set it before starting to color.

Both cardstocks were really nice to work with. As I expected, the Teton performed a little more like a watercolor paper and the color blended really well. I like the vibrance from the Canvas.

Here's a close up of the Canvas...

And here's the Teton...

And just to compare the final product completely, here's a shot at both of the backs. There was a slight more bleeding through with the Canvas cardstock.

All in all, they both handled so nicely. I think it would be a personal preference or a decision based on the project. But surely, they both take the Copic ink so nicely and allow you to blend and get as creative as you want to! I'll leave you with a shot of my favorite that I turned into a tag... (it's the Canvas).

Sparkly Bright New Year

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-06:00

Shimmer and shine

I don't mean to rush things, but when I found out Cut Cardstock had Stardream Metallic cardstock on sale this month I had to use some of these elegant papers for holiday cards! When I saw the Antique Gold, Citrine and Gold cardstock, I immediately thought of New Years Eve.

The Stardream Metallic Sample Pack is a great thing to have on hand because it has one of ALL the beautiful colors of cardstock included -- that's 30 pieces of shimmery cardstock!

The base of this card is made of deep, rich Antique Gold and the first layer is a brighter Gold. This card is all about dimension and sparkle, so I edged the Gold with some Bronze ColorBox Chalk Ink and layered vanilla picot edged ribbon around the bottom portion of the first layer. A poofy bow was tied with sheer white and gold ribbon and a Maya Road Crystal Drop Trinket stick pin was used to attach it to the looped picot ribbon.

The stamped flowers are by Memory Box (Gorgeous Bloom), which is part of Paper Made Bakery's December Fresh Baked Kit. Three of these images were stamped on the Citrine cardstock with Archival Ink so it wouldn't smear. When the ink was dry I cut out the three blooms, cutting one a little smaller than the others.

Then I crimped and bent the edges of the stamped blooms to give them some texture and dimension, then inked their edges with Bisque ColorBox Chalk Ink. This technique is very helpful in helping light colored pieces stand out on your card front -- it makes them "pop!", as they say.

The blooms were then adhered to the card front using adhesive foam tape. I stacked two pieces of foam tape on top of each other to give the blooms some extra lift. A Prima pearl and rhinestone swirl was cut into a couple smaller pieces and used to "anchor" the Gorgeous Bloom stamped images.

When all of the elements were on the card front I used Diamond Stickles on the blooms for a little more shimmer and shine!

The interior is simple elegance with a stamped sentiment from Hero Arts and a bit more of the pearl and rhinestone swirl. Dust off that sequin gown and grab some confetti -- it's almost New Years Eve!

Gift Certificate WINNERS!

2011-12-05T15:34:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to our Gift Certificate Winners!

Congratulations to the following Blog Give Away Winners!

1st place: $30 Gift Certificate : Bonnie Brown

2nd Place: $25 Gift Certificate : Wendy

3rd Place: $20 Gift Certificate: LASS

4th place $10 Gift Certificate: BL Blanchard
5th place $10 Gift Certificate: SERENA
If you are a winner and have not received an email from us , be sure to contact us info@cutcardstock.com

Thank you to all who entered our Give Away Drawing. We enjoyed all the great comments left for us.

CHRISTMAS Gift Certificate GIVE AWAY!

2011-11-30T07:06:00.000-06:00

CutCardStock CHRISTMAS BLOG GIVEAWAY

CutCardStock.com will be giving away 5 Gift Certificates to our On-Line Store on Monday, DECEMBER 5 , 2011 Leave a comment or two to be entered and you could win one of the following prizes:

1st place: $30 Gift Certificate

2nd Place: $25 Gift Certificate

3rd Place: $20 Gift Certificate
4th & 5th place: $10 Gift Certificate

To be entered in the drawing for the GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling us how you use Card Stock, Paper, and Envelopes for the holidays. If you could also leave a way of contacting you along with the comment, that would be helpful for us in contacting the winners; otherwise, be sure to check back on Monday, December 5 2011, to see if you are the winner..

2. Ways to mulitply your chances to win the drawing:

-- Post on your blog, facebook, or other site about this CHRISTMAS TIME GIVEAWAY! Then come back and leave another comment linking to your post.

--Sign up for our Email Newsletter and come back and comment that you are now receiving our newsletter.

--Follow the CutCardStock Blog and comment that you are now following our blog..

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK ON Monday, DECEMBER 5, 2011 to see the winner!

Give like a Tootsie Roll

2011-11-27T13:27:00.001-06:00

It is that time of year. If you've been to the mall, the crowds are gathering and the cash is flying. It's the season of giving and special gift boxes, bags and other containers are "on the make". Crafters, order your supplies today from Cutcardstock.com so you have plenty of time to create.

While I was out shopping (boy that always gets me in trouble), I saw this darling package filled with Yummy Peppermint Bark.

I could not resist re-creating the box at home.

Now that I've figured it out, it's your turn!
Gather supplies as seen in the list below.

The first step is to prepare your cardstock by scoring it. Using 12x12" 80# Basis Olive Card Stock, score at 3", 4", 8" and 9".
Rotate the paper and Score at 2", 5", 7", 10" and 10-3/4"
Score from the top of the page to the first line at 1", 6". Be sure to create the same score lines at the bottom of the page.
Trim at the 10-3/4" line.
With the short end on the upper edge, circle the crosses found at 8 points in the paper as seen here. Then mark 1-1/8" above and below and 7/8" to the right and left of each cross point.
image...need to see all 8 points.
Place the paper on a self-healing mat and use a kraft knife to cut out the diamonds, paying close attention to how the ends are cut. Also mak sure to complete both sides of the box.
Fold all lines as shown here.
Adjust a hole punch to 1/2" depth punch holes into the outer section of the box.
Trim 8-1/2x11" Stardream Metallic 81# text weight in Mars in half vertically. Use Spellbinders Edgeabilities of choice, to make the edge decorative.
Embellish the box with the decorative strip. Add red line tape to the small flap sections at the end of the box and close the box. Creasing if needed.
Fringe the ends.
Add a little bling and Christmas image.
Finish by tying one ribbon, putting in the treats and tying the second ribbon.

Supplies
Papers: Stardream Metallic 81# text weight in Mars, 12x12" 80# Basis Olive (Cutcardstock.com)
Tools: E8-001 Classic Scalloped Edgeabilities, Wizard (Spellbinders Paper Arts); Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers); Martha Stewart Crafts The Scoring Board (EK Success); Fringing Scissors
Other: Bling, Fringing Scissors, Ribbon, Vellum Christmas Saying

Happy Crafting, Eli
PS: I thought I'd leave you with a couple of re-posts of other gift giving options. Happy Gift Wrapping: Sweet Treat Box, Gift card holder, Photo carrying card, and Basket Box.

Gift Boxes - Just in time for the holidays!

2011-11-25T07:06:00.000-06:00

Black Friday is here, which means the holiday shopping season has begun! A great way to save money and have beautiful gifts under your tree is to create your own gift boxes!

For the boxes I used:

8 1/2" x 11" Pop Tones Blue Raspberry cardstock and
12" x 12" Basis Brown cardstock

Of course, I also had on hand my red line tape by Thermo Web,
Martha Stewart's Scallop Snowflake punch
Ribbon in turquoise and silver
Adhesive Rhinestones
and a great scoring board.

The smaller finished box measures 4" square by 2" high. The larger finsihed box measures 6" square by 3" high.

For the smaller box, you'll need two 8x8 squares of cardstock. For the larger box, you'll need two 12x12 sheets of cardstock.

Scoring: For the smaller box, score the base at 2" and 6", rotate 90 degrees and score again at 2" and 6". Score the second 8x8 square at 2" and 6 1/8". Rotate 90 degrees and score again at 2" and 6 1/8".

For the larger box, score the base at 3" and 9", rotate 90 degrees and score again at 3" and 9". Score the second 8x8 square at 3" and 91/8". Rotate 90 degrees and score again at 3" and 9 1/8".

Be sure to use a bone folder to make sure score lines are crisp.

Next, cut the cardstock along the bottom vertical score lines to the next score line. Repeat for the top of the paper, as well.

Fold the box sides up, to shape the base. Using red line tape or other super strong adhesive, adhere the cut flaps to inside of the shorter side.

For the lid, it's a good idea to do any stamping or punching before assembly. On the smaller box, I cut a piece of patterned paper to adhere to the top. Then, I punched the all over the page punch snowflake in the center of what will become my box top. You can also use a stencil to cut out a shape you desire, or you could decorate the top with stamps and stickers. For the larger box, I punched a series of snowflakes on the top of the box lid and also along the sides. Then, I adhered Pop Tones Blue Raspberry cardstock cut in 2 1/2" x 6" strips inside the box lid to show off the snowflake motif.

After you've completed the decorating process, repeat above process of shaping and ahering lid flaps to the inside of the shorter side.

Tie with a ribbon and viola! A cute, one-of-a-kind box for those one-of-a-kind people in your life! The coordinating card and tag were completed just using scraps of the cardstock left over!

Happy Stamping and shopping!

Katherine

Create A Holiday Card with a Free Bonus!

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Creating your own Christmas cards are a lot of fun! While there are lots of ways to put your own crafty touch onto cards, personalizing and printing your own is a fun and economical way to send some holiday cheer. To make it even more economical, CutCardStock is offering a festive digital image for free to the first 24 blog readers who download it. (Don't worry if you miss out on the free image... it will be available for purchase.) To get your free copy of the the digital design, visit the CutCardStock website and click on the Digital Elements category.

Now that you have an image, here are a few easy steps to format a document in Microsoft Word and print out your own greeting. There are many ways of creating a card on your computer for printing; I wanted to share a common and pretty simple way of getting the job done.

While types and versions of word processors may vary, the steps are similar. I am showing you in Microsoft Word 2007.

First, open a new document by going to Mailings / Labels. Select Avery US Letter and find a wide postcard format that measures 5.5" wide by 4.25" high.

Click OK and then click on New Document.

You'll see 4 areas; to create the front of the printed card, work with the bottom two rectangles. This way, when you print your document, you can cut it in half lengthwise and then fold each half to create a card.
Click in the bottom left rectangle. Across the top of the document, you'll see a ruler that shows where your margins/indents are set. Click and move the triangles on the left all the way to the left. Then move the triangles in the center to the center line. Next, select the bottom right rectangle and do the same with the margins. This will allow your digital image to use the entire space and not be cropped by margins.

Now that you've created the right sized workspace, you're ready to place your digital image. Click on the bottom left rectangle and then from the top menu bar, select Insert / Picture / From File. Get the image from the location you saved it when you downloaded it, and click on Insert.

Place the image on right hand side as well so you can get two cards from one piece of cardstock.

All that's left now is to print your cards. You could add some typed text inside or handwrite a personal message. Choose your favorite CutCardstock product to print on... there are lots to choose from!

Furry Friends Forever

2011-11-18T03:00:00.000-06:00

Techniques we love...

This cute little card used a variety of papers, techniques, inks -- everything!

The focal panel is made from Neenah Classic Crest in Solar White. I used this paper because it works so well with Copic markers. This paper allows for smooth coloring and absorbs the ink just right, without bleeding. Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black is a really good ink to stamp with when you're coloring with Copic markers. The inks stay where they need to stay, creating wonderful shading and blending.

The edges of the focal panel are shaded with Distress Ink in Shabby Shutters, a classic in my book. And speaking of inks, I used VersaMark on the kraft cardstock to create the shaded background of flying acorns! I love to use this technique because the VersaMark allows you to create lovely monochromatic backgrounds with ease. There are two types of faux stitching -- a fine black line of stitching on the top edge of the focal panel and white gel pen along all the edges of the kraft cardstock.

This happy group of animals scrunched themselves onto the front of the card -- those bunnies sure add up! To provide the dimension, I masked the bunnies by stamping the bunny image onto a regular piece of white paper and then cut out the image. These clean images are so easy to cut out, too! Lay this mask over the stamped image and stamp again, but this time slightly over the first image. When you remove the mask the second stamped image appears to be standing behind the first.

(1) Stamp image (2) Place the mask over original image (3) Stamp 2nd image slightly over 1st (4) Front & Back

The furry friends are part of an adorable 3" x 4" clear photopolymer stamp set from Sweet Stamp Shop called Furry Friend Forever. This smaller set is perfect for anything from an autumn card, like I've made here, to an Easter brunch invitation next spring! The images are a great size, plus you get several "accessories", like an adorable log, and several cute sentiments. Here's how I finished the interior of my woodland pals card...

Hello Friend

Lots of techniques give this simple card a stylized look. The right paper, stamp set and inks are key to creating fun cards and layouts.

Windowpane card for the holidays

2011-11-14T21:35:00.000-06:00

I especially like windowpane cards during the holidays. They are easy to make and look great. Grab your favorite stamp set and some cardstock from Cutcardstock.com and give one a try!

Supplies needed (those in parentheses are for the elf card):

8 ½” x 11” Pop Tones Cardstock in Grape Jelly, Blue Raspberry, and Hot Fudge (or Red Hot, Sour Apple and Hot Fudge)

8 ½” x 11 Malmero Perle Blanc cardstock

12” x 12” patterned paper of your choice. I used CTMH (Reminisce “Gift Wrap” )

Stamps – I used CTMH Snow Flurries (Raisin Boat’s North Pole Toymakers and Handy Dandy Helpers)

Inks - I used CTMH Twilight, Crystal Blue, Spring Iris and Heavenly Blue (Memento’s Tuxedo Black)

Copic Markers (for elf card only)

12” ribbon

Sparkles

3D Foam Tape

Step One: Cut the 8 ½” x 11 Pop Tones Blue Raspberry cardstock to 10” x 7 “ Fold in half to create a 5” x 7 “ card.

Step Two: Cut the 12x12 patterned paper to 4 ¾” x 6 ¾”. Adhere to card front.

Step Three: Cut the 8 ½” x 11 Pop Tones Grape Jelly cardstock to 4 ½” x 4 ½”. Cut the 8 ½” x 11 Pop Tones Hot Fudge cardstock to 4 ¼” x 4 ¼”. Adhere the Hot Fudge cardstock to the Grape Jelly cardstock.

Step Four: Cut 8 ½” x 11 Malmero Perle cardstock to 4” x 4”. Randomly stamp snowflake images in several coordinating ink colors. I really like the Malmero Perle shimmer for these cards.

Step Five: Cut the 4” x 4” Malmero Perle cardstock into quarters by cutting at 1 7/8” horizontally then vertically.

Step Six: Adhere to 4 ½” x 4 ½” Hot Fudge cardstock, leaving an 1/8” border on all sides of the squares, simulating a window pane.

Step Seven: Wrap ribbon around the three matted squares and tie in a knot in front. Adhere to the front of the card using 3D Foam tape.

Step Eight: Stamp sentiment on a scrap of ½” x 4 ¾” strip of Malmero Perle cardstock. Adhere to a ¾” x 4 ¾” strip of Grape Jelly cardstock. Adhere to the card towards the bottom.

I used the same measurements for my elf card. These are fun to create using a scene, or using the random stamping technique. Have fun with these!

Happy Stamping!

Katherine

Joy to the World Banner with tutorial

2011-11-10T21:53:00.001-06:00

The crafter who wants to give hand-made gifts this holiday season is ramping up for the home streatch. Time seems to blow past us fast and suddenly there's no time to create. So why not take some time this weekend to create a gift.

With CutCardStock.com's Neenah sale going on until the end of November, it's a perfect time to stock up!

I've created a special holiday banner, something a good friend can display in her home while sharing with family and friends.

and here's a little close up

I chose a subtle color scheme: white, cream and pink but feel free use your imagination for any color and saying. Try a blue and white "Happy Hanukkah" banner or black, white and silver for "Happy New Year."

Supplies
Papers: Neenah Classic Crest 80# Natural White, Neenah Classic Linen 80# Solar White, Stardream Metallic 105# Opal (Cutcardstock.com)
Tools: Die templates S4-294 Beaded Ovals, S5-029 Lacey Pennants Banners, Wizard (Spellbinders); R14 Sketch marker, Airbrush system (Copic); Cricut cartridge Cupcake, Cricut (Provo Craft)
Embellishments: Clear glitter glue, sticky gems, pink ribbon, mini white cupcake papers, heart head pins
Adhesives: 3-IN-1 Advanced Craft Glue (Beacon Adhesives), Glue Dots (Glue Dots International)

Instructions

Cut/emboss thirteen S5-029 Lacey Pennants Banners (largest size) from Neenah Classic Crest 80# Natural White (or however many you need for your banner words).
This is the cutting sandwich: master mat, paper, die template
with cutting edge facing down, magnetic spacer and master mat.
This is the embossing sandwich:
master mat, die template with paper in it, embossing pad, master mat.
You can find great instructions on how to cut and emboss here.
Cut/emboss the same amount of S4-294 Beaded Ovals (also largest size) from Neenah Classic Linen 80# Solar White
Stencil the S4-294 Beaded Ovals by airbrushing through the die template holes.
Airbrush through the die template holesi
Look what you get!
Bling up the pennants and ovals by tracing around the main shape with glitter glue. It's easy by just following the embossed edge
Follow the embossed edge with glitter glue
Pull small flowers from silk flower bunches. Add glitter glue to 20-25 flowers. Allow to dry and add a gem to each center.
Add glitter glue to bling up the flowers
Cut the title letters with Cupcake cartridge from Stardream Metallic 105# Opal
Cut mini cupcake papers in half (enough for 2 halves/pennant)
Layer each pennant piece: Pennant, cupcake papers, Beaded Ovals die templates, title letter.
Embellish each pennant with the flowers and extra gems.
Tie letters together with pink satin ribbon, 6". Tie a longer piece on each end.
Mail the banner off to a good friend!! or display it in your home so many can enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by...get all the papers you need by going to CutCardStock.com's home page.

Eli

Veteran Appreciation!

2011-11-09T12:49:00.000-06:00

CutCardStock.com appreciates those who are serving in the United States military!

We would like to say THANK YOU, by offering you a special savings coupon to use for purchases made in NOVEMBER 2011. If you or your spouse have served or currently serve in any branch of the US Military, please email us; and we will reply with a coupon code to save you on your next CutCardStock order placed in the Month of November:

Email the following information to info@cutcardstock.com :

--Name of person serving in military (please specify if this is you or your spouse),

--Branch of the miltary they serve in,

--Years they served.

A special THANK YOU To those who serve or have served in the US Military!!!

From,

The CutCardStock Team

Darrell, Cindy, Tyler, Ellen, & Ruth

Holiday Cash Card

2011-11-08T06:00:00.004-06:00

While I love the thoughtfulness of gifts during the holidays, I know that for some, cash is the best way to go. Jazz things up a bit by creating a simple, but cute holiday cash card!

Holiday Cash Card by Amber Lawrence
Supplies:

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock, 8 1/2 x 11
2 styles of coordinating patterned paper
Adhesive
Stapler
Button
Bakers Twine
Scoring and Cutting tools

Steps:
Score the solar white cardstock on the long edge at 4" and 8". This will create a tri-fold card that will become your money holder.

Cut the patterned paper that will be on the front and inside to 3 7/8" x 7 7/8" and 2 7/8" x 7 7/8". Cut the other patterned paper that will be the band into a 1" x 12" strip.

Create the "money pocket" with staples, securing the smaller bottom flap.

Adhere the patterned paper to the front of the new inside pocket and also to the front of the card.

Fold the band of patterned paper around the card and adhere the ends. This will be the belly band that holds your card closed.

Add a little embellishment to the band by stringing some baker's twine through a button and attach it with a strong glue dot. You now have a cute and simple card that's the perfect little way to slip a little holiday cash to someone special!

Match Made In Heaven

2011-11-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

This month's featured item here at CutCardstock.com are lots of products from Neenah. Neenah makes the BEST paper for coloring with the very popular Copic art markers. Their Classic Crest #80 cardstock in Solar White is a favorite among all the Copic experts we love to watch in BlogLand. It's one that Marianne Walker, the guru of Copic markers, recommends.

My favorite ink to use for stamping and coloring images using the Neenah paper and Copic markers is Memento ink in Tuxedo Black or Rich Cocoa, depending on the color scheme you're planning to go with. For the pumpkin harvest card I used the Rich Cocoa ink because it complemented the burlap fabric panel and rustic button embellishment underneath the image. It also made the basket a cinch to color!

Copic coloring -- front and back of image; colors used

You'll notice that the back of the Neenah Solar White cardstock shows lots of color bleeding, even though the front of the image looks sharp and clear. This is a sign that you've chosen the right paper and stamping ink for Copic coloring! After coloring the image I mounted it onto a slightly larger piece of Stardream Metallic cardstock in Mars (maroon). I first roughed the edges of this maroon cardstock by scraping the inside of my scissors blade along the edges.

This was then mounted with foam tape onto the card front after I added the frayed burlap piece, the green jute twine and rustic wood buttons. I picked up the burlap a while ago at my upholsterer's shop and have been waiting to use it on just the right project. To get the frayed edges I simply cut the burlap a little larger than my card front and then pulled out a couple strands of the fiber. Nice touch, huh?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finally, the inside of the card is simple -- Happy Thanksgiving -- in a clean, typewritten font. This is one of many images from Sweet Stamp Shop's newest set called "Thanksgiving Owl-fits". I really like this set and used it again in my next card.

I may have been slightly hungry when I created this next card...and with Thanksgiving on it's way I'm sure lots of us are beginning to dream of yummy pumpkin pie! Thanksgiving Owl-fits has the cutest darned images to fill the bill for this card and many, many more to come.

The turkey drumstick border was stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and then colored with a couple different Copic colors. I then used the Blender Pen to pull out some of the color, giving the drumsticks a textured look (kinda' like a crispy baked skin!) I used small pinking shears to trim the border and then dabbed on Distress Ink in Tea Dye along the edges. The sentiment "Pie! Pie! Pie!" was perfect to plop into the trio of whipped cream topped pumpkin pies. Of course, the pie image itself could easily be transformed into any other kind of pie you desire, warm and steamy from the oven!

I used Glossy Accents on the pie pan so it would look like a ceramic pie dish and glitter on the whipped cream for a bit o' sparkly yumminess. Each of the three pie images was mounted with foam tape to give the card front some dimension.

Finally, I finished the inside with a pilgrim owl with golden buckles on his hat and belt and the sentiment "Whoo's hungry?" Go ahead, add color to your holiday season using your Copic markers and Neenah Solar Crest cardstock.

Retro Holiday Wreath

2011-10-31T07:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! As I post this, folks all over the country are getting ready to wear costumes, bob for apples and beg for candy. Trick-or-treating is a true American past time. So that's why today, I'm sharing how to make a retro holiday wreath...what? Of course, the only industry who should put out the Christmas stuff already is the crafting industry...so trendy crafters can get their crafts going before the holiday is here. Enjoy!

I was inspired to create this when I saw another "recycled" type wreath. So easy and so fun. Go around your house and gather up all the clothes pins you can find. Make sure you check behind the washer and dryer.

Supplies
Papers by Cut Cart Stock: 100# Jelly Bean French Pop-Tone, 105# Serpentine Curious Metallics,
Adhesives: PVA Glue, Glue Dots (Glue Dots International); Red line tape (Therm O Web)
Accessories: Silk flowers and leaves (Prima Marketing), Candle Decorating Ring, ribbon

Instructions

Trace the candle decorating ring onto 100# Jelly Bean French Pop-Tone paper and cut it out.
Using PVA or other liquid glue, adhere the papers to both sides of the ring.
Trim and sand to create clean edges.

Using red line tape, cover the outer edge of the ring and add green ribbon
Cut 105# Serpentine Curious Metallics vertically. Strips should be 3/8" wide x 11". Cut an entire sheet to give you plenty
Using adhesive of choice, glue paper strips to both sides of 24 clothes pins, starting at the "pinch" and continuing out to the "handles". Trim off excess paper. (You will be able to get 3 pieces from each 3/8x11" strip.)
To achieve the best spacing, imagine you are creating a clock. Start by gluing a clothes pins at 3, 6, 9 and 12. For the best adhesion, add a dot of glue to both sides of the pin but hold the top flat while it dries a bit.
Now add a pin to the center of each of those divisions.
Then add two pins in each of the eight spaces.
Embellish by adding silk flowers, leaves and a bit of bling.
Add a ribbon to the top for hanging. String through the center and tie a bow onto the front.

This is an easy project, made with beautiful papers from Cutcardstock.com and some quick embellishments. It would make a great holiday gift for any special friend and won't add any calories to their waistline.

Again, Happy Halloween. Let's get Christmas crafting!

Eli
FYI: November, CutCardStock will be discounting Neenah papers, cardstock and envelopes. Check it out!

Waterfall Card into a Cute Treat

2011-10-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

I enjoy the interactive fun that waterfall cards provide. I like to use a strong adhesive, like red line tape, to be sure the parts stay where they are supposed to. Sometimes the little pull tabs get quite a bit of use! I modified the card just a bit to fit on a gum package to provide a coordinating treat.

Supplies:

8 ½” x 11” cardstock in four colors. I used Flavours Gourmet Chili Arbol (red), Squid Ink (charcoal) and Smoked Sea Salt (light grey). I also used a piece of 8 ½” x 11” Malmero Perle Blanc.

Scoring Board
Red Line tape
Other Adhesive (I used Tombow)
Ribbon (about 4")
Two coordinating brads
Mini stapler

Ink (I used CTMH cranberry, grey wool and Memento Tuxedo Black)

Stamps - no bigger than 1 ¾" for the card and no bigger than

1 ¼” square for the gum wrapper. (I used CTMH Winter Play and Our Craft Lounge Penguins)

Markers

For the treat: package of gum that slides out of a sleeve

Step One: Cut the 8 ½” x 11” Flavours Gourmet Chili Arbol cardstock for your card base to 8 ½” x 5½”. Score.

Step Two: Cut the following from the 8 ½” x 11” Flavours Gourmet Squid Ink cardstock: 5 ¼” x 4" and four 2"x 2" pieces. From the 8 ½” x 11” Flavours Gourmet Smoked Sea Salt cardstock, cut a 9" x 2" strip, and a 5" x 3 ¾" piece of cardstock. From the remaining Flavours Gourmet Chili Arbol cardstock, cut a 4 ¼” x 1" strip.

Step Three: Stamp the Smoked Sea Salt cardstock if desired in a random pattern. Adhere to the 5 ¼” x 4" Squid Ink Cardstock. Place the 1" x 4 ¼” Chili Arbol strip about 1" from the bottom of the layered pieces. Pierce holes and set brads through all three layers about ½”from the outer edge. Adhere to the Chili Arbol card front and set aside.

Step Four. Cut four 1¾"x 1¾" squares from the Malmero Perle Blanc Cardstock. Stamp desired images and color, if needed. Adhere each square to a 2" x 2" Squid Ink square.

Step Five: Score the 9" x 2" Smoked Sea Salt cardstock every ¾" starting at 2" and ending at 4¼” . (2", 2¾", 3 ½”, and 4¼") . Using the bone folder, be sure all score lines are crisp and are easy to manipulate.

Step Six: Decide which order you'd like your waterfall pieces to go in. Adhere the last piece to the 2" scored portion on the 9" x 2" Smoked Sea Salt cardstock strip. Then, adhere the next square just below the next score line. I used red line tape on the scored strip to be sure I didn't accidentally put glue where it doesn't belong. Continue until all four squares are glued on.

Step Seven: Fold the 9" x 2" strip at the 4¼” score line (nearly in half). Slide the unscored portion behind the Arbol Chili strip on the front of your card. Secure the bottom of the last stamped image to the strip using red line tape. The lower edge of your stamped image should be level with the bottom of the strip.

Step Eight: Fold the ribbon (about 4") in half and staple it to the bottom of the 9" x 2" strip. This will be the pull tab for the waterfall.

To make the gum wrapper cover with waterfall design, the process is the same, but measurements are as follows:

Chili Arbol cardstock: 7 ½" x 3 ¾", ¾" x 2 ¼”
Squid Ink cardstock 2 ¼” x 3 ½", 1 ½" x 7 ½"
Smoked Sea Salt cardstock: three 1 ½" x 1½" squares
Malmero Perle Blanc cardstock: three 1¼”x 1¼” sqares

Once you've created one waterfall card, the logistics are nearly the same, but score lines and sizes may differ. The directions basically follow the same way as above. First, score the 7 ½" x 3 ¾" Chili Arbol cardstock at 2", 2 ¼”, 4 ¾" and 5". This will help the cardstock wrap around the gum package. Adhere to gum package with red line tape.

Next, staple the ¾" x 2 ¼” Chili Arbol cardstock to the 2 ¼” x 3 ½" Squid Ink cardstock. Adhere to the top of the gum package.

Score the 1 ½" x 7 ½" Squid Ink cardstock at 1 ½", 2 ¼” and 3".

Follow the above instructions for matting and placement. When assembled, pull the gum out from the container slightly. Staple the ribbon to the end of your 7½" Squid Ink cardstock strip and the very edge of the gum.

Happy Stamping!
Katherine

Framed!

2011-10-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

Cardstock frame and decorative hearts

CutCardstock's fabulous Savoy 100% cotton cardstock is 236 pounds of fabulous! I used bright white cardstock to die cut these simple shapes -- a scalloped square and three primitive hearts using two Sizzix dies.

Using dies makes covering the shapes super simple; just run the patterned paper through...whizz, bang! I used a couple pieces of Crate Paper's Farmhouse Collection with an apple orchard feel. I love the old yardstick pattern. These are the elements I used to create a simple little frame.

After covering the scalloped square and two of the three hearts, I adhered the hearts to the right side of the square using foam tape, then added a couple buttons tied with baker's twine and a small apple slice stamped and colored with Copic markers.

To create the frame's stand I used the third and largest of the primitive hearts. I just scored the pointy end of the heart about 1.25" from the end and then used a Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher (stapler) to anchor a 1.5" piece of thin red ribbon between the frame's back and the stand. The staple does show through onto the front of the frame, but the pattern is busy enough that you hardly notice. And, once a photo is placed onto the frame, it won't show at all.

Now, this little frame is super cute all by itself, but I thought it would be fun to give it as a gift and remembered I had some luxurious 6" square envelopes from CutCardstock so I cut a 5.75" x 11" piece of white cardstock (regular weight, not heavyweight) and scored it at 5.5". This didn't create a perfect square when folded, but it was the perfect size to frame my frame!

Finished frame

Next I cut a 5.25" x 5.5" piece of patterned paper and rounded two edges to mirror what I'd done to the actual card base. I then cut a slit into the patterned paper before adhering it so that I could slip the frame's stand into it and have it hold the frame squarely in the center of the card. Genius!

Cut a slit into the card front for frame

Stamped & paper pieced interior

I added a couple paper pieced apple images from a set called "The Core of It" from Sweet Stamp Shop to coordinate with the apple slice on the frame itself. The sentiment "Life is messy, take a bite!" fit the photo I plan to use perfectly. On the back of my card I used a cute apple image from the set with "Made By:" inside it. I stamped the apple slice on the corner of the envelope and colored it with pencils. This stamp set is perfect for paper piecing, coloring and has plenty of images that I can use on cards and page layouts.

Set from Sweet Stamp Shop

Life is messy, take a bite!

After slipping the frame into the card front my simple gift is ready to give. You can make this easy project even without the help of dies, but be sure to use some wonderful Savoy heavyweight cardstock -- it's the best!

Simple School Picture Layout

2011-10-18T06:00:00.004-05:00

I love seeing my children change each year in their school pictures. While I'd love to have the years of pictures on the wall, it's nice to have them in our scrapbooks as well. Here's a 12 x 12 layout that works for just one picture....

School Days Layout from Amber Lawrence

Supplies:

Basis White12 x 12 cardstock
5 strips of coordinating patterned paper, random widths and lengths
Chipboard embellishments
A favorite adhesive
One picture
Patterned paper mat (sized ¼” larger in width and height than the picture)

Steps:

Mat your picture with the coordinating patterned paper and set aside.

On the Basis 12 x 12 white cardstock, randomly lay out the strips of patterned paper in the order you like best. Adhere them down.

I staggered my strips on one side and then trimmed them all to line up with the cardstock on the other edge.

Place down your matted picture and add the embellishments.

You have a simple yet stylish look for a single picture layout!

Elegant Paper Chandelier Tutorial

2011-10-15T07:15:00.001-05:00

This month's featured discount includes card stock over 120lb and Muscletone Pop-Tone cover certainly qualifies, "weighing in" at 140 lb. As I pondered how to feature this paper, I knew a 3D project was in order. Then, white out shopping for groceries, I saw a black Halloween tree made of two pieces of foam core. It was Since the two pieces were criss-crossed to make an "X," it stood up. Using that idea, I was inspired to create a chandelier

This is not a complicated project but plan to take your time to make it fabulous.
Gather supplies

Instructions

Spray Muscletone POP-TONE in Sweet Tooth with metallic spray on one side of each piece. Allow to dry. Repeat for the back sides. Using more thin layers is better than fewer thick ones. So add layers to get the desired amount of color, allowing them to dry in between.
Sketch half of a chandelier. You can see how I did mine in the photo above. Cut out the folded piece to get two exact halves. This is your pattern.
Use the pattern to trim two pieces from the Muscletone POP-TONE paper. I found it best to use a kraft knife on a cutting surface.
After cutting two sets, cut one down the center to the hole from the top and one up to the center from the bottom. (I placed the following images onto black paper to better show the white project.)
Slip the two pieces together, and glue them along the seams, top and bottom.
While allowing it to dry, create the candle bases by folding Basis White 80 lb. card stock and trimming them as shown.
(1) start with a square approximately 3x3".
(2) fold in half and (3) in half again

(4) fold down the loose corners on front and (5) back to make a triangle
(6) using the same corners, fold again to smaller triangles on front and back

(7) turn the piece over and open the center
(8) fold the larger corner toward the center and (9) finish on both sides

(10) the piece will look like this after step 9
(11) fold the piece back onto itself
(12) trim in a "v" shape, at approximately 1" for the large circles and 3/4" for the small ones
Open the candle bases until it is just folded in half. Trim a slit down the center that will fit over the candle holder.
Next, string white seed beads onto fishing line. About every 2½", make a "point" by stringing a bead and then re-stringing the previous bead. Continue with the next section.
String four sections, and tie the ends of the line together with a square knot. Adhere to the chandelier.
Make the candles by trimming more Muscletone into four 2½" pieces and four 2½x½" pieces. Snip a small slit in the bottom of each candle so it can be slid onto the end of the candle post. Glue the bases onto the arms and then add the candles.
Embellish the chandelier with gems, beads, ribbons, silk flowers, a tassel, whatever elegant bling you find.
Hang using fishing line or ribbon. Enjoy!

Supplies: Sweet Tooth Muscletone POP-TONE 140 lb.
Basis White 80 lb.
If you are looking for a full list of supplies click on my blog.

Thanks for stopping by today. Remember all Heavy Card Stock is on sale through October 31st.

Keep creating, Eli

A fun Halloween Treat Box

2011-10-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

This fun little box is super easy to put together and is such a cute gift for teachers, bus drivers or anyone else you would like to give “a little something” to for Halloween or any holiday! I have seen instructions for these type of “nugget” boxes several places on the internet. The instructions I used for these boxes came from :

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-wedding-challenge-sliding-candy-nugget-favor-boxes

Supplies:

12 x 12 cardstock (I used Basis Dark Purple 80 lb cardstock)

Patterned paper (I used paper from a DCWV stack)

Red line tape

Scoring Board

Ribbon, pins, brads, rhinestones (any embellishment you desire)

Blank self-adhesive address labels (I used 1” x 2 5/8” size)

Stamps (I used Taylored Expressions Fright Night Favors set)

Ink (I used Close to My Heart’s Black, Sunset, Pear and Pansy Purple)

4 –5 “Nugget” style chocolate candies per box

Directions:

1. Cut 12 x 12 Basis Dark Purple cardstock to 4”by 7 ¼”. Set aside the rest of the cardstock for the sliding lid. We’ll work on that in step 8.

2. Score the cardstock on the long 7 ¼” side at 1 ½” from each end. (1 ½” and 6 ¼”). Rotate 90 degrees and score the 4” side of your card stock at ½” and 1 ¼” from each end ( ½”, 1 ¼”, 2 ¾”, and 3 ½” ).

3. Cut out the four small corner rectangles as shown above, to the score line.

4. Cut the other score lines on both of the 4” sides to the first score line, making flaps for the box.

5. Use a bone folder to make each of the score lines crisp. Fold all pieces towards the inside of the box.

6. Using red line tape, secure the ½” flaps on each of the long sides of the box inward.

7. Place red line tape on one flap at either end of the box. Secure the second flap to the first, forming the sides of the box. Fold the remaining long tab towards the inside of the box, covering where the flaps overlap, and secure with red line tape. This should now be the bottom tray of the box.

8. Now we’ll work on the top of your box. There are two possibilities for the lid. The sample with the green paper used a piece that is 4 ¼” x 5 ¾”. This lid leaves about ¼” on either side for the bottom of the box and candy to show. The other sample, using the orange cat paper is 4 ¾” x 5 ¾”. This lid is flush with the edges of the box. Some people find the shorter lid easier to slide open, but I have had no problems with the longer lid opening, either.

9. Scoring either lid is the same, because we are scoring on the 5 ¾” side. Score at 1 ¼” and 2 1/8” at each end. (1 ¼”, 2 1/8”, 3 5/8” and 4 ½”). Fold the cardstock around the bottom tray of your box and seal the bottom with red line tape. Be sure to make the lid secure, but not too tight so that it still slides the bottom tray in and out.

10. For the shorter lid, cut patterned paper to 3 ¾” x 5 ¾”. (If you are using a thicker paper or cardstock, you may want to score the same as step nine for ease of folding around your lid). For the longer lid, cut patterned apper to 4 ¼” x 5 ¾”. Center the paper so that about ¼” of the lid is showing on either end. I used Tombow adhesive to adhere to the lid and secure underneath.

11. Embellish the box as desired.

12. For the candies, I stamped directly onto the address labels and wrapped them around the nuggets. They fit perfectly, and turn out really cute. You could even make a bunch of personalized labels by printing on them from your computer.

The boxes fit four nuggets, but you can squeeze five in if you don’t mind the middle one being a little crowded. After you get the hang of these boxes, they are a breeze to make! The hardest thing about them is not eating all the candy first!

Happy Stamping!

Katherine

Autumn Bliss Mini Album, Part 2

2011-10-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

AFTER: Finished Mini Album

I hope your weekend was wonderful! I finished the mini album featuring Cut Cardstock's Savoy heavyweight cardstock. As I left you in my last post my intent was to "embellish with relish!" and that's exactly what I did.

There are loads of different and fun techniques used throughout this mini album and I'm going to share several of them with you. Feel free to drop me a note if you have any specific questions.

On the cover I used Tattered Angel's Glimmer Mist in bronze to color this beautiful flourish from their Glimmer Chips line. After the flourish dried I edged it with Distress Ink (tea dye) to give it an aged look. While the chips are self-adhesive, I found that I needed to add a bit more liquid adhesive (Glossy Accents) to ensure it stayed put and didn't lift. Next I added some paper flowers and bling from Prima Marketing, as well as a couple suede-like leaves.

Page 1 - Apple Orchard

Gluber, Sheet Music, Scallop Punch

With bottle cap, vintage pins & ribbon

On the first page I created an easy-to-make paper flower using sheet music and a 2" Gluber (kind of like a giant glue dot), as well as an old bottle cap, a couple vintage leaf pins and a swatch of ribbon. Simply use a scallop circle punch to punch 10-12 pieces from sheet music, fold each piece twice (into a quarter/slice) and adhere around the Gluber until filled. Add the two pins and piece of ribbon to the sticky back of the Gluber, then adhere to the page. Add the bottle cap with a 3D Glue Dot. A matted wallet-sized photo fits on this page and I added a little button and twine collage at the bottom. This page reminds me of an apple orchard.

Page 2 - Pumpkin Patch

Page two became the pumpkin patch with stamped images from Avocado Art's September stamp set called Thankful For You. I used a masking technique to add the stem to the pumpkin itself, and then colored them with Copic markers. Next I added some bittersweet jute twine and some bling to add interest to this page, which will hold a 4 x 6 inch photo (choosing the just-right pumpkin, no doubt!)

Page 3 - Thanksgiving Dinner

The next page is a simple one with a solid background and coordinating patterned photo mat with a scalloped edge, the bittersweet jute twine from page 2, a big button and a manila tag I stamped with Avocado Art's October set called Ho Ho and Holiday Blessings. I added a bit of velvet ribbon, a couple tiny staples and then put some Glossy Accents on the leaves to give them a dimensional shine. They're colored with Copics and the tag is edged with Distress Ink. These pages are an ode to Thanksgiving Day, so a photo of the family around the table will go great on this page.

Page 4 - Thanksgiving Day

Faux Soldering Technique

Page four continues the Thanksgiving Day theme and on this page I used some maple leaf shaped Spellbinder dies, some decorative cording and a faux soldering technique using an old microscope slide, Glossy Accents, Krylon silver leafing pen and a vintage postcard. To create this piece I simply applied (with my finger) some Glossy Accents to the slide, placed the slide over the image and pressed down firmly to remove any air bubbles and to make sure I got a complete "seal" on the image. When it was dry I used my Exacto knife to trim around the slide and then ran the silver leafing pen along the edges -- viola! There are three mats available for some little photos, too. Everything has the aged look by edging with ink.

Page 5

Page 6

Resin flower, misted chips, and bling

The last two pages are a bit more elegant, but still host that shabby chic look. I used more ribbon, swirled bling with rhinestones and pearls, more Glimmer Chips with bronze Glimmer Mist, a resin flower and a yo-yo ribbon flower with a bingo piece and more vintage leaf pins. The number 11 is special to me this year, but any fun game piece would look great.

Because the album grew in dimension, I needed to bump up the metal rings to 1.5" rings, and added pieces of ribbon to them to make them a bit more pretty. All of the embellishments were from my stash -- you'd be surprised at all the goodies you have squirreled away! Embellish with relish! This Autumn Bliss Mini Album is now ready for the season.

Autumn Bliss Mini Album, Part 1

2011-10-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

BEFORE: Mini Album features Heavyweight Cardstock

Fall is in the air and it's time to enjoy the glow of an autumn day full of warm oranges, browns and a blue sky above. This mini album was made using CutCardstock.com's heavyweight cardstock called Savoy in Bright White. It's 100% cotton and rocks in at 236 lbs! The quality of this cardstock is far superior to using chipboard because you get even more sturdiness without a lot of bulk. Can something be heavyweight and light all in one? Well, this is perfect cardstock for creating a mini album to celebrate autumn's bliss.

Mix & Match #1 Dies

I cut the 8.5" x 11" Savoy cardstock into these very cool album pages by using Accucut's Mix & Match #1 jumbo dies. I cut one of each of the four different shapes this set provides.

Wallpaper using brayer & glue stick

Then I covered the smooth white pages with My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose papers. This technique is called "wallpapering" and you'll need a glue stick, brayer, a craft knife and cutting mat. Simply apply the glue to the cardstock page and then flip the page so that the glued side adheres to the opposite side of the paper you want to end up showing. Use the brayer to ensure the paper smoothly adheres to the cardstock page. Now use a craft knife to cut along the edges. An important tip to really get a nicely finished page is to file the edges of the page after papering. I like to use Basic Grey's Precision File Set because it has several file sizes to get into any area and sand it smooth!

File edges smooth

I used both patterned paper and solid cardstock to cover my album pages. Because the dies provide holes in the pages make sure to punch through the newly laid paper on each side as you go; don't paper both sides and then try to re-punch the holes. One-inch binder rings hold this album together leaving enough room for me to add lots of embellishments, photos, ribbons and more.

Come back this weekend to check out how this simple mini album gets turned into a pretty ode to autumn. Let's embellish with relish!

Halloween Bunting Card

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a classic look adapted to create a sweet little Halloween card....

Halloween Bunting Card from Amber Lawrence

Supplies:

A2 Kraft Brown Bag card
4 styles of patterned paper scraps
“Happy Halloween” sentiment stamp
Black Ink
Square Punch
Scissors
Adhesive
Fine point Black pen

Steps:

Punch out squares from scraps of Halloween paper. Cut each square in half diagonally to create a triangle.

Fold the A2 card on the score. Arrange the triangles on the front of the card to create bunting to figure out the placement.

Glue all the triangles down on the front of the card. Stamp your sentiment in the bottom corner of the card. Create faux stitching around the card by drawing a dashed line.

Serve up your sweet little card with some sweet little treats!

WINNERS!!

2011-10-03T14:53:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to our Gift Certificate Winners!

Congratulations to the following Blog Give Away Winners!

1st place: $30 Gift Certificate : SEALED EXPRESSIONS

2nd Place: $25 Gift Certificate : DINA K

3rd Place: $20 Gift Certificate: cdjcape521

If you are a winner and have not received an email from us , be sure to contact us info@cutcardstock.com

Thank you to all who entered our Give Away Drawing. We enjoyed all the great comments left for us. We will be having another give away in DECEMBER 2011.

ENTER THE GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVE AWAY. . .

2011-09-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

CutCardStock BLOG GIVEAWAY

CutCardStock.com will be giving away 3 Gift Certificates to our On-Line Store on Monday, OCTOBER 3 , 2011 Leave a comment or two to be entered and you could win one of the following prizes:

1st place: $30 Gift Certificate

2nd Place: $25 Gift Certificate

3rd Place: $20 Gift Certificate

To be entered in the drawing for the GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY:

1. Leave a comment on this post. If you could leave a way of contacting you along with the comment, that would be helpful for us in contacting the winners; otherwise, be sure to check back on Monday, OCTOBER 3 2011, to see if you are the winner..

2. Ways to mulitply your chances to win the drawing:

-- Post on your blog, facebook, or other site about this GIVEAWAY! Then come back and leave another comment linking to your post.

--Sign up for our Email Newsletter and come back and comment that you are now receiving our newsletter.

--Follow the CutCardStock Blog and comment that you are now following our blog.

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK ON Monday, OCTOBER 3, 2011 to see the winner!

Halloween Pixy Stick Treats!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sugar in a paper tube isn't something I encourage kids to eat, but at Halloween, all bets are off! Here's a quick and easy treat holder that's fun to make and hand out.

Halloween Pixy Stick Holders from Amber Lawrence

Supplies

8 ½ x 11 Basis Orange cardstock
Coordinating patterned paper
Corner rounder
Matching ribbon
Adhesive, Red sticky tape is a must and another of your favorite adhesive
Cutting and Scoring tools
Pixy Sticks

Steps

Cut orange cardstock into 2” x 11” strips (four from each standard sized piece). Cut 4 pieces of patterned paper, each should be 4” x 1 7/8”.

Score the orange cardstock strips at 4 ¼” and fold.

Glue on the patterned piece to the front side of the folded orange strip.

Using the red sticky tape on the inside edges of the flap, create a pocket from the scored orange cardstock strips.

Round the top corners.

Add a little ribbon around the top edge of the pocket. Fill with some sugary sweet pixy sticks; each treat holder will easily fit 4 pixy sticks.

These are so super easy – make lots to pass out in a classroom or to hand out to your little (and big) trick-or-treaters!

Spooky Halloween Explosion Box

2011-09-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

Oooooh, an Explosion Box

It's getting to be that time of year...goblins will appear anywhere so you'd better be prepared to capture them inside this fun and friendly keepsake! Cut Cardstock's 12 x 12 cardstock comes in a huge variety of colors, but I went with the obvious orange and black for my Halloween Explosion Box.

I've created a handy tutorial PDF with all the instructions, plus lots of photos, so you can make these boxes for your friends and family. While they may look complicated, they're really quite simple to make.

I used some older Karen Foster and Stampin' Up! patterned Halloween papers, a Nestabilities die and Martha Stewart bat punch, plus some sheer ribbon, tulle, rhinestone stickers, tiny brads and mini metal clips.

Interior with pockets down

Interior with pockets up

You can easily change up the colors of the cardstock and patterned papers to create a fun explosion box for any occasion. The instructions will give you the basics -- try one today because all 12 x 12 cardstock is on sale in September at Cut Cardstock, so stock up now!

Inside the folded box without its lid

We're giving this Halloween Explosion Box away Friday! Leave a comment below, including your email address, and we'll pick a winner this Friday, September 23, 2011. Free shipping to continental U.S. only.