Create x3

Altered Notebook

Well, it's that time of year again when I need to alter a notebook for my Bible study classes. I make a notebook every single year, and I save them. I have saved these notebooks from many, many previous years. Maybe someday my kids will enjoy the notes inside. :)

Anyway, I wanted to share my newest notebook with you today. It uses a mixture of old and new Memory Box. For some of the older paper I used, I am sure some of you still have it in your stash. :) If not, there are always great Memory Box substitutes! And before I share some photos, I still have not unboxed all of my photography goodies so hopefully you can view the pictures okay. I hope to find it all and unbox it soon! Now, here is how my notebook turned out:

Papers: Memory Box vanilla bean distressed dots, Memory Box Valise Bill of Sale, Memory Box Valise Tickets Please, Memory Box Gossamer
Stamps: Memory Box Moonlight Woods F1885
Stamp Ink: SU soft suede, ColorBox Fluid Chalk chestnut roan
Dies: Typewriter Upper Alphabet 98367, Typewriter Lower Alphabet 98366, Madeleine Bird 98424
Embellishments: Memory Box white pearls colored with Copic E49, Hobby Lobby doily, hand-crocheted flower, Dymo labeler, misc. brad, Jenni Bowlin brown sugar acrylic paint, sewing machine

Now let's look at some close-up details. To create the birds, I used the Memory Box Madeleine Bird die {98424} and cut two birds out of thin chipboard. I turned one over to have them facing opposite directions. I then stamped a portion of the Memory Box Moonlight Woods stamp {F1885} onto each bird for a decorative look. I love that decorative small grid pattern. Memory Box does makes two stamps that fit perfectly with the Madeleine Bird die. They are called the Solid Madeleine Bird stamp {D1879} and Outline Madeleine Bird stamp {D1878}. I did not use them, however, because I wanted the wings to stick up instead of being alongside the body.

For the papers, I chose to use the older Valise paper and the Gossamer paper because of their colors and because of the Valise ticket. Both of these colors were exactly what I wanted for my notebook this year. And all lettering on my notebook was done with the new Memory Box Typewriter Upper Alphabet {98367} and Typewriter Lower Alphabet {98366} dies using the Memory Box vanilla bean distressed dots paper. You can probably see that I also splatterd some paint onto the notebook for a fun look too. 

I hope you have enjoyed my notebook. Thanks for stopping by! See you again shortly!

A {Baby} Card

Oh my, I can't tell you how long it's been since someone in our family had a baby! Well, this past week, my cousin's wife had their first baby--a girl. So very exciting! And now, after all of these years, I finally get to create a baby card. And it sure was great timing as it's at the same time Memory Box is releasing new baby images! I am going to share two of them with you today on this card for my cousin, his wife, and the new baby!


Papers:  Memory Box bubblegum distressed dots, Memory Box Gossamer, Canson 120 lb. watercolor paper
Stamps:  Memory Box Bubba Elephant D1741, Memory Box Cute Giraffe C1738
Stamp Ink: Memento tuxedo black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink spun sugar
Markers: Copics C00, C0, C1, C5, RV000, RV00, RV55, E25, E34, E41, E53; Sharpie white poster paint pen
Embellishments: Spellbinders scalloped circle, Zva Creative roses, misc. brad, misc. lace used to make flower, sewing machine

I stamped the new Bubba Elephant {D1741} onto watercolor paper. I then created a mask of "Bubba" and stamped the new Cute Giraffe {C1738} on top. I colored the image using these Copics:



I wouldn't normally use watercolor paper and Copics together; however, I was going to use a different coloring medium and changed my mind. It worked but it definitely wouldn't be my first choice with Copics. :)

To create my card base, I used the wonderful bubblegum Distressed Dots paper. I made the card a bit larger (4 1/4" x 6") to accomodate my image. The lace flower I made by stitching the top of the lace and gathering it together to form a circle. Then I added a brad for the center of the "flower."

I hope you enjoy today's "baby" creation, and I pray my cousin enjoys it too. Have a blessed Sunday, and thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you! 

Altered Clipboard Finished {Part 3}

Today is the final tutorial post on altering a clipboard.  If you missed the first two tutorials, please see these posts:

Altered Clipboard {Part 1}
Altered Clipboard {Part 2}

Let's finish our boards and see the final product!

Altered Clipboard Instructions (continued)

15.  At this point, you should have put your sealant coat(s) of Mod Podge on your clipboard.  I like to let mine dry overnight.  You will see some streaking but it is not noticeable unless you are looking up close.  I would much prefer to have a few streaks than have all of my work ruined quickly. I like the sealant layer because the board holds up to long-term wear and tear!

16.  Now it's time to decorate the top clip with ribbon.  Cut several 4 1/2” pieces of various types and colors of ribbon.  Here are the 3 ribbons I chose but I ended up adding a 4th type of ribbon because I ran out of the pink gingham. :)

 
17.  Start in the middle of the clip on the board and tie your first piece of ribbon.  Continue tying the ribbons across the entire clip alternating colors as you go.  I always work from the center out so that my ribbons are even. The first photo shows how I started out, and the second photo shows the finished look. :)


  
18.  Once you have attached your ribbons, you now have a beautiful clipboard to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.  One thing I did differently on this board that I have never done before is to add my signature and date.  My last clipboard I literally used for years but I can't remember when I made it.  I signed and dated this one before putting my sealant Mod Podge on top so I will always remember when I made it.


And now for my finished product!  Here is the front of my board, and the second photo shows the back of my clipboard.  :)

Papers:  Memory Box Gossamer, Memory Box vanilla bean cs
Stamps:  Memory Box Vintage Scroll E1388, Memory Box Budding Branch D1360
Stamp Ink:  SU creamy caramel
Embellishments: Making Memories celery acrylic paint; Jenni Bowlin bingo card; 7 Gypsies 97% Complete tag; May Arts ribbon (pink dot); Bazzill ribbon (green); other misc. ribbon; Spellbinders Decorative Photo Corners, Flourish Accents, and Cross Collection dies; Quickutz Paige #3 and Britannia #14; Mod Podge; Creative Memories Friendship Micro Maker

I chose to use photos of my girls from when they were babies up until age 14!  They just turned 16 this past week but these were some of my favorite photos. And I did include a small one of hubby on the front too.  I couldn't forget him.  :)  Anyway, I really LOVE how this turned out, and I can't wait to use it next week.  The colors are perfect, and the Memory Box Gossamer papers were exactly what I wanted to use on this board.  Imagine a Christmas board done with the new Memory Box Mistletoe papers or the Spiceberry papers!  Ooh, what a gift that would make for someone!  I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, share links to your Memory Box clipboards, etc.  Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by! 
   

Altered Clipboard {Part 2}

So, did you start your clipboard?  Will it be for yourself or will you be giving it as a gift?  For those of you that missed Part 1 of this tutorial, please see my post here.  Now, let's continue with the instructions.

Altered Clipboard Instructions (continued)

9.  If you decided to finish the back of your board instead of painting, I am sure you discovered that you needed to punch out spaces for the metal "brads" on the back.  The way I do that is I lay my paper on the back of the clipboard where I want my paper to be. I then "emboss" the brads with my hand.  When I remove the paper, I can then see exactly where I need to punch holes for the brads.  Sometimes I use a circle punch but for this clipboard I chose to use a flower punch. I thought it was appropriate for the design.

 
10.  Using Photos--If you have chosen to use photos on your clipboard, you will want to print them on matte photo paper. After they have printed, put a thin layer of Mod Podge on the photos before trimming.  Sometimes the Mod Podge darkens the photos too much, and I need to reprint the photos a bit lighter.  If you put the Mod Podge on first before trimming and adhering to your clipboard, you will make sure they are the color you want.  You will eventually put another layer of Mod Podge on top but this one layer is sufficient for now to make sure your colors stay as you want them.  Here are the photos I printed for my clipboard after the Mod Podge has been put on but before the photos have been cut down to use.  Don't be alarmed if they curl a bit.  They will smooth out when you adhere them to the board.

 
11. Next start playing with placement of photos and embellishments. Since I use the clipboards I make, I always use flat embellishments. Once I am certain where I want the photos to go, I go ahead and adhere them to my paper.  You will want to make sure that you cover the back of the photo entirely with adhesive; otherwise, you could get bubbles when putting your sealant layer of Mod Podge on top (see Step 14).  Some people use a Xyron, some use Mod Podge as their adhesive, and some use Scor-Tape or another type of adhesive. I like to use either Mod Podge or Scor-Tape.

12.  After the photos are attached to your paper, start adhering your embellishments. One thing I love to do on these clipboards is to stamp on them with acrylic paint. You can see I put paint on the stamp and then stamp it directly where I want it on my paper.  Don't be afraid to stamp with the paint on your photos. It's fun!  Here I used the Memory Box Vintage Scroll stamp {E1388}.  I also used the Memory Box Budding Branch stamp {D1360} which you will see on my finished board tomorrow.


  
13. Once you have your photos and embellishments attached, it's time to attach your entire page to your clipboard.  You will want to adhere it by putting a thin layer of Mod Podge on the board and on the back of your paper.  You can also use other adhesives I listed above in Step 11 but you will still want to put a thin layer of Mod Podge on your clipboard. Once you have the adhesive on your clipboard and on your paper, carefully put your paper down. Then use your brayer to make sure there is good contact between the adhesives and to get any air bubbles out. I also put down a piece of paper towel on top of my paper so that I don't mess up my design as I brayer over the paper and embellishments. 

 
14.  Let that dry for an hour or so. Then you can put one or two thin layers of Mod Podge on top of the entire board to seal it. I let it dry for 30 minutes or so between layers.

Next post we will finish with ribbons, and I will reveal my finished clipboard (front and back). I hope you are joining in on the fun!  See you tomorrow!
 

Altered Clipboard {Part 1}

Years ago, I altered a clipboard. I have carried this clipboard to Bible study classes for the past 6 years or more. I love this thing!  Well, I finally decided it's time for a new one even though my current one is still in great shape!  I also thought y'all might enjoy learning how to make one too!  This could be a very lengthy post (over several days) so get ready!  This is a great weekend to make this project!  I will be using the Memory Box 6x6 Gossamer paper pack since I love pink but you can certainly use any of the Memory Box papers. :)  If you are making this clipboard as a gift, there are many great Memory Box 6x6 and 12x12 papers to choose from.  Let's get started!

Altered Clipboard Instructions

1. Start with a plain clipboard. These can be purchased at Wal-Mart for approximately $0.97 or at Sam’s for approximately $5.00 (pack of six).

2. Piece your patterned paper to fit your clipboard.  Each clipboard is different so you will need to size and piece accordingly. I lay my papers on the clipboard and see how I might like them pieced.  Here you can see the papers I have chosen:

 
3.  Use Scor-Tape to seamlessly piece your papers together.  I also ink the edges of each piece of paper before piecing to give definition.

 
4. Measure the top clip of the clipboard and cut out the top so your papers will lay smoothly on your clipboard.  Next, round all four corners of your paper with a corner rounder to match your clipboard.

 
5.  Your paper should now look something like this:

 
6. Using acrylic paint, paint a 2” wide edge around the front of the clipboard. Let dry, and then paint a second coat. 

 
7.  Paint the entire back of the board with 2 coats of paint also, or you can create another sheet like you did for the front and cover the back of your board with paper also!  I personally cover the back in paper. If you are covering the back with paper, you will only need to paint the edge just as you did on the front of your board instead of painting the entire back of your board.

8. While the paint is drying, start looking for flat embellishments you want to use on the front (and back if applicable) of your clipboard.  Think about using Memory Box stamps, rub-ons, die cuts, photos, stickers, etc.  I will be using a mixture of these items including photos. If you choose photos, I usually print them out on matte photo paper in black and white.  Get these items together, and next post we will begin decorating our boards.

If you are shopping this weekend to complete this project with me, some other items you will need are:

*A brayer
*Mod Podge (I use Matte)
*Ribbons to match paper

See you again soon with more clipboard instructions!

A Little Kraft, Pink, & Green!

I just love this color combination.  So much in fact, my new craft room is pink, green, and brown! :)  As I was looking through my Memory Box stamps and papers, I decided to play with Gossamer papers and the Memory Box Poppy Collage stamp!  Here is what I created for today:

 

Papers:  Memory Box Gossamer, Memory Box vanilla bean cs, Memory Box kraft notecard
Stamps:  Memory Box Poppy Collage G1364, Memory Box Let's Catch Up B883
Stamp Ink:  VersaFine vintage sepia, SU old olive, Ranger clear ep
Embellishments:  Memory Box Christmas jewel stickers, misc. ribbon, sewing machine, Spellbinders Lotus Border Petites, Luminarte watermelon mist

To create this card:
1.  Stamp the Poppy Collage stamp onto a piece of pink Gossamer paper.
2.  Emboss it with clear embossing powder.
3.  Trim right up to the stamped image, and adhere to a piece of Memory Box vanilla bean cs.
4.  Use Luminarte H2Os to "wash" the flowers in a bit of color.  Set aside to dry.
5.  Cut a 3" x  5 1/2" piece of green Gossamer paper.
6.  Then cut a 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of pink Gossamer paper.
7.  Adhere the green piece of paper over the pink leaving a 1/4" piece of pink showing on the left side.
8.  Zig-zag stitch down the left side, and adhere paper to Memory Box kraft notecard.
9.  With your Spellbinder border die, cut a piece of pink Gossamer paper with the die.
10.  Adhere border to right-hand side of card and stitch down the center.
11.  Tie a bow around the piece set aside in Step 4, and adhere piece to card at an angle.
12.  Stamp sentiment and add Memory Box jewels to finish.

I hope you get a chance to play with some Memory Box papers, stamps, and jewels this weekend too! If so, please post a link in the comment section to your creations.  We would love to see them!  Have a blessed Saturday! 

  

Butterfly Trio

I enjoyed using Flower Soft so much on my last butterfly creation that I decided to try it on a smaller butterfly stamp--the Memory Box Dotty Butterfly stamp {C1355}.  If you missed that creation, see my post here.  Here is today's card:

 

Papers:  Memory Box Gossamer, Memory Box begonia notecard, misc. white cs
Stamps:  Memory Box Dotty Butterfly C1355, Memory Box Very Best B1359
Stamp Ink:  Adirondack espresso; Colorbox Fluid Chalk maroon, dark peony, and pink pastel
Embellishments:  Bazzill ribbon, sewing machine, Cuttlebug Moroccan Screen embossing folder, Flower Soft nut brown

To create this card: 
1.  Stamp the Dotty Butterfly stamp three times onto white cardstock using three different ink colors.
2.  Add Flower Soft to the body of each butterfly and let dry.
3.  After the butterflies are dry, cut each one out and set aside.
4.  Cut a 3 7/8" x 3 1/2" piece of Memory Box Gossamer patterned paper.
5.  Cut a separate 2 1/4" x 4 1/4" piece of white cardstock.
6.  Round the corners of the notecard and of each piece of paper you just cut as seen on the card.
7.  Sew around the edges of the Gossamer paper, and attach to the notecard.
8.  Stamp sentiment onto the white cardstock then emboss the piece of paper.
9.  Tie a ribbon around the white cardstock and attach to the notecard.
10.  Using Pop Dots, attach the 3 butterflies you set aside in Step 3 to finish your card.

I think the Flower Soft on the smaller butterflies work great too. You will need to give it a try on the Memory Box Dotty Butterfly next time you have a butterfly card to create!  I hope you enjoyed today's creation.  Have a great day!
 

Thank You Set Continued {Sponging}

Good morning Saturday!  For our third card in our Thank You note set, I wanted to share with you how I sponge my images so that I still get a white border around my die cut paper.  Again, this is NOT my idea; just something I have learned in blog-land and thought I would share with my Memory Box readers as we create another fun Memory Box card!  :)  If you missed the second card and ribbon tutorial, see my post here. 

To start, I die cut my paper and then stamp and emboss my image with clear embossing powder.  Once I do that, I put the stamped and die cut piece back into the die itself.  Then I use my sponge to sponge the image.  Yes, ink will get on your metal die; however, you can just take a baby wipe or paper towel and wipe it off when you are done sponging.

 
Once I have finished sponging the entire image, I remove the metal die.  See the nice white border you get?  Almost looks like a second piece of paper. I love it!

 
Here is my third card I have created for my set of cards. I thought I would make this one pink, and I used the Memory Box Gossamer 6x6 paper pack! :)

Papers:  Memory Box currant notecard, Memory Box Gossamer
Stamps:  Memory Box Birds in the Vines E1331, Memory Box Thanks Script A833
Stamp Ink:  Versafine toffee, SU creamy caramel, Ranger clear EP
Embellishments: misc. ribbon, Spellbinders Nestabilities large labels

So, as we finish our "Thank You" set of cards, I wanted to share with you how my set turned out using the same Memory Box stamp {Birds in the Vines} and the same card layout with different Memory Box notecards and 6x6 papers. Here is how they all turned out together:

 
I will make a few more to make a nice set for someone.  I hope you made a set too and have had fun with the tutorials. See you again in a few days, and thanks for stopping by.  :) 

     

Nesting Birds

Papers:  Memory Box Gossamer, Memory Box robin's egg paper, Memory Box kraft notecard, Aquarelle watercolor paper
Stamps:  Memory Box Just a Note B1053, Memory Box Nesting Birds D1315
Stamp Ink:  Palette burnt umber, SU creamy caramel, Adirondack juniper
Embellishments: Memory Box white pearl stickers, Memory Box azalea pink jewel stickers, Spellbinders Shapeabilities fancy tags

I just love this Memory Box Nesting Birds stamp {D1315}.  This was the first time I have been able to play with it, and I just love it.  I used a scrap piece of watercolor paper that was sitting on my desk to stamp my image.  I then worked around the size of the scrap to create my card.  Because the scrap was smaller, I added the fancy tags to each end.  After stamping the image, I sponged the edges of the watercolor paper in Adirondack juniper ink.  It matched the Memory Box Gossamer paper I put on the bottom of the card quite well. I also gave the birds a hint of color.  It's hard to see in the picture.  I then stamped my sentiment onto the same scrap piece and then put the card together.  To complete, I added some Memory Box pearls and jewels.  The azalea pink jewels are also hard to see but certainly in person, they sparkle quite well.  So don't hesitate to use those scraps on your desk for inspiration.  It certainly was my inspiration for today!  Thanks for dropping in!  See you next time!

The Quilted Set

Papers:  Memory Box Gossamer, Memory Box kraft notecard, Memory Box cherry blossom notecard
Stamps:  Memory Box Branch Heart E1310, Memory Box Thanks Script A833
Stamp Ink:  SU close to cocoa, SU creamy caramel, VersaFine toffee
Embellishments: misc. ribbon, Sizzix Bigz Top Note die, Memory Box mint pearl stickers

So, this week we have seen how I made a quilted card and what I created with the remnants.  Today I just wanted to show you the set together.  Don't they look pretty?  You could make 2-4 more and give these as a boxed set of thank you notes to someone as a gift.  Think of the different color schemes you could use. Think of the different dies you could use.  There are so many possibilities!  I hope you have enjoyed this week of quilting!  :)  See you next week with another fun card made out of Memory Box Gossamer!