Create x3

{Tip} Cutting Intricate Dies

Dave creates the most beautiful, intricate dies on the market! I am sure most of you will agree with that statement. Because of the small detail, sometimes it is hard to use thinner paper or thinner cardstock because the papers sometimes rip as they are being removed from the die. I wanted to show you a tip that I discovered the other day that really works well.

How many of you have scrap cardstock lying around? I bet 100% of you can answer yes to that one. LOL! Anyway, I love using my Memory Box dies to cut felt, cork, chipboard, old dictionary paper, etc. I find that the thin, old dictionary paper (or similar thin paper) really has a hard time coming out of the die. I usually use my piercing tool through the small holes on the back of the die to remove the cut piece but with the thinner paper, sometimes that still does not help. So, I decided to back my thinner papers with scrap cardstock before running the die through my machine. Here is what I did:

1. Adhere your thin paper to the top of a piece of old cardstock using your preferred adhesive.

2. Run your scrap paper with the thinner paper adhered to the top along with your die through the machine. Here you can see I cut out the Memory Box Fresh Foliage die {98502} on thin dictionary paper that was adhered to a scrap piece of Memory Box paper.

3. Remove the die cut piece from die. It should come out very easily now because there were two pieces of paper adhered together first. Here is how my die cut turned out:

Doing this makes the intricate die cut much sturdier and easier to apply adhesive. I will share this creation on Thursday on the DT blog so be sure to come back.

Note:  Valerie asked "Do you put the cardstock closest to the die or the thinner paper? Or does it matter."

My Response: "You know, I didn't think about that but I put the die on the cardstock side so I could push it out with my piercing tool if needed. I do think that works better but didn't think to mention it. Thanks for bringing it up."

Also, don't miss out on the DT Blog Blitz going on this week! Daily prizes are being given away so you don't want to miss out! See you Thursday! Thanks for stopping by, and I am glad so many of you are finding this tip helpful! 

Recycle that {Brown Paper Bag}

How many brown paper bags do you have lying around? If you don't have any, next time you are at a store and they ask "paper or plastic," be sure to say paper and save it! I am going to show you how I used a brown paper bag for my card today. Of course there are many other uses for brown paper bags but this one is fun, simple, and adds a bit of dimension to your creation.  Here is my card:

Papers: Memory Box Yuletide Bells are Ringing, Memory Box cranberry notecard, misc. brown paper bag (recycled)
Stamps: Memory Box Vintage Merry Christmas C1873
Stamp Ink: ColorBox Fluid Chalk chestnut roan, SU soft suede and real red
Memory Box Dies: Typewriter Number set 98363, Mini Shopping Bags 98415
Embellishments: Tim Holtz mini paper clip, misc. ribbon, sewing machine

Now here is how I created it:

1. First, cut a 6" x 5" piece from your brown paper bag.

2. Using the Memory Box Twelve Days stamp {G1899} and brown ink, stamp the image all over the brown paper bag. Make sure the image is stamped off the edge and overlaps. Just stamp it randomly.

3. Next, crumple up the paper. Yes, just make a mess of it! :) Then carefully open it back up. It should be very wrinkled. Set aside.

4. Cut a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Memory Box Yuletide Bells are Ringing paper. This paper comes in 12x12 sheets or in the 6x6 Yuletide paper pack. Ink the edges with brown ink.

5. Randomly tear the brown paper bag sheet you set aside in Step 3 to fit onto the paper you just cut above. Ink edges and adhere to the piece cut in Step 4.

6. Cut a 7 1/2" piece of wide, red ribbon. Attach to the left side of the layered paper.

7. Sew around entire layered paper piece with ribbon attached.

8. Adhere all layers to a Memory Box cranberry notecard. Set aside.

9. With a scrap piece of the Yuletide Bells are Ringing paper, stamp the Memory Box Vintage Merry Christmas stamp {C1873} using red ink. Ink the edges with brown ink.

10. Mat onto a scrap piece of cranberry paper.

11. Adhere to your card set aside in Step 8 using pop dots.

12. Using a scrap piece of your brown paper bag, die cut the Memory Box Mini Shopping Bags die {98415}. Fold and ink the edges.

13. Die cut a number '2' and a number '5' on cranberry paper using the Memory Box Typewriter Number die set {98363} and adhere to the mini shopping bag you just cut.

14. Attach a scrap piece of ribbon to the shopping bag and using pop dots adhere to your card to finish. 

So save those bags and use on your creations. Have fun!!!

Subtle Stamping with Vellum

ATC Holder from yourATCstore
Papers: Memory Box Brioche Cherry Branches, Ranger manila craft tag #5, misc. vellum
Stamps: Memory Box Hope Collage G1732
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink shabby shutters, VersaMark, Ranger clear ep
Embellishments: Memory Box Eyelet Stocking (98416) and Penne Frame (98387) dies, flowers and leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, Maya Road measuring tape trim, WRMK eyelet, staples, sewing machine

Today I wanted to show you how I subtly stamped a background for a tag I created. You can use this for tags, cards, layouts, anything. This also tones down your paper so if you have a bright paper that is a little "too" bright, you might want to try this technique.

1. Trim a piece of Memory Box Brioche Cherry Branches 12x12 scrap paper to fit the craft tag.

2. Ink the edges of that piece with Distress Ink shabby shutters and attach to the tag.

3. Stamp the Memory Box Hope Collage stamp {G1732} using VersaMark onto a piece of vellum and heat emboss with clear embossing powder. Then sponge this piece with Distress Ink shabby shutters.

4. Trim and layer on top of tag. See how different the tag looks before the vellum is added and then after the stamped vellum is attached:

5. Sew around the edges of the entire tag. I used a zig-zag stitch.

6. Using another scrap piece of Brioche Cherry Branches paper, cut out a tag using the Memory Box Penne Frame die {98387}. I trimmed the rounded ends off of the tag to make it into a slightly different shape and so it would fit on the larger tag. You can see the die and trimmed piece here:

6. Next, cut out just the top part of the Memory Box Eyelet Stocking die {98416} to create a tab for the side of the tag. I love using pieces of dies and stamps to create something totally different from what it was intended for.

7. Attach the tab and add embellishments to finish.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing what vellum and clear embossing can do to a creation. Have fun with it, and see you again soon! Blessings,

A {Tin} Tutorial!

Today is my day to share some of the new Memory Box Holiday 2012 goodies on the DT blog! I have a tutorial sharing how I make a gift list tin! Here is a little sneak:

(Note: click photo to enlarge)

So, head on over to the DT blog and be sure to leave a comment over there so that you are entered for a chance to win one of the new dies. Remember, to see the entire new release, click here! Blessings,

Canvas Bookmarks {Part 2}

Today we will be finishing our bookmarks. If you missed Part 1 of this tutorial, be sure to click here to begin your bookmarks.

Supplies needed for Part 2:

*Your painted canvas fabric

*acrylic paint

*Paintbrush

*Memory Box solid image stamp

*Black pen

*Magnets

*Glossy Accents

*Sewing machine

To continue creating your bookmarks (click photos to enlarge):

6. Cut your painted canvas into 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" pieces. You should be able to get 8 bookmarks out of your painted piece plus 2 little extra pieces for smaller bookmarks. Each piece will have a different background making each bookmark unique. So fun!

7. Choose a solid Memory Box stamp. I chose the Sonoma Print {C1311} stamp. You can also use different stamps on each bookmark for fun but since I am still unpacking it was easiest for me to use the same image this time. The Sonoma Print stamp also fits very nicely on the 1 1/2" bookmark.

8. Stamp the image you have chosen onto each bookmark using acrylic paint. You can use the same image with different colors of paint on each bookmark, or you can make them all the same, or can use different stamps as I stated above. There are lots of ways to create these. The reason I use acrylic paint for this step instead of Archival Ink is because I want this to be the focal point of the bookmark, and the stamp ink just does not show up enough. Paint shows up great! I chose to use 3 different colors of paint--black, dark brown, and olive green.

9. Set aside each bookmark to dry or use a heat tool.

10. Using your sewing machine and any thread you choose, sew "messy" around the edge of each bookmark. I use a straight stitch and go back and forth until I have gone around the entire bookmark. Here you can see the messy stitching along with a close-up photo. Trim strings when done.

11. Fold bookmark in half, and sew messy across the top. This will keep the bookmark folded and allow for a small part of the bookmark to stick above your page making it very easy to find your spot in your book. Trim all strings. Here you can see the front and back of my bookmarks. Notice that the Memory Box Sonoma Print only shows on the front of the bookmark. I like the different look of the boldness on the front and the softness of the back. It also allows you to truly know which page you are on. :)

Note: I usually sign the back of my bookmarks with my initials and the year. Forgot to take a photo though. Sorry. :)

12. Glue magnet pieces using Glossy Accents to the inside front and back of each bookmark. I use bulk rolled magnet that you can buy at most craft stores. I just trim 2 tiny pieces and glue to the bookmark. I then put my piece of granite on top of the bookmark to allow the magnet to dry very well to the canvas. I have one bookmark I made last year, and the magnet is still going strong. It has not detached from the canvas since I used Glossy Accents.

13. You now should have 8 bookmarks to giveaway or enjoy for yourself. 

Here are how my bookmarks turned out. I really love how the tiny ones turned out too as well as the olive green bookmark:

I also love the subtleness of the Memory Box Vintage Dreams (G1838) stamp seen here in this close-up:

And here you can see where I used gesso to stamp the Memory Box Whisper Print Geranium (G1864) stamp onto the canvas. I then outlined with black pen once the gesso was dry.

Supplies used in today's portion of the tutorial include:

Stamps: Memory Box Whisper Print Geranium G1864, Memory Box Vintage Dreams G1838, Memory Box Sonoma Print C1311
Paint/Inks: Adirondack Dabber lettuce and pitch black; Golden Fluid Acrylic van Dyke Brown Hue
Other supplies: sewing machine, magnets

Finished Size for Large Bookmark: 3 1/4" x 1 1/2"

Finished Size for Scrap/Smaller Bookmark: 1 3/4" x  1 1/2"

I hope you found these a lot of fun to make. I love making them, and I love how unique each one turns out! I don't think I can ever get tired of these! Thanks for joining me. Blessings,

Canvas Bookmarks {Part 1}

Last year, I made a canvas bookmark that I love! I use it all of the time but I find I want more--one because I read several books at once, and two because I want to give away some as gifts. So, I thought I would take these next couple of posts to walk you through the steps of how I make canvas bookmarks. Note that this will get messy, and there is no wrong way to do this. Just have fun and get inky!

Supplies needed for Part 1:

*Canvas fabric

*Gesso

*Paintbrush

*Memory Box stamps (a floral and a text are great for this)

*Archival Ink

*Spray inks and paints

*Bubble wrap and other templates

*Black pen

Before creating your bookmark, be sure to cover your work surface. I am using the paper used to wrap our fragile goods during our move. It works great and keeps my surface clean. You will be painting and using spray inks so you will want to make sure it's covered.

To create your bookmark (click photos to enlarge):

1. Cut a 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" piece of canvas fabric. This piece will actually make several bookmarks.

2. Cover one side with gesso and let dry or dry with a heat tool.

3. Begin covering your canvas with inks and spray paints using different colors, templates, bubble wrap, etc., and just get messy! Dry between layers if necessary or use a heat tool.

4. Using Archival Ink (I like to use black ink), stamp all over your piece with several different Memory Box stamps. I used the Whisper Print Geranium (G1864) and Vintage Dreams (G1838) stamps on this part of the canvas. Be sure to press hard as the images do not show up as well on canvas.

5. Using a black pen (I use Pentel EnerGel), trace around some of the designs on your canvas randomly.

Supplies used in today's portion of the tutorial include:

Stamps: Memory Box Whisper Print Geranium G1864, Memory Box Vintage Dreams G1838
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink black
Paint/Inks: Adirondack Dabber willow and lettuce; Liquitex Ink yellow oxide and cadmium yellow light hue
Spray Inks: Distress Ink tattered rose and shabby shutters
Other supplies: Liquitex gesso, Pentel EnerGel pen, various templates and bubble wrap

I will share how I finish the bookmarks in my next post. So for now, have fun painting and stamping! And if you have questions, be sure to ask in the comment section. I will reply there! Enjoy!

Moving Time!

Well, our family is moving. We are moving about 1,100 miles away. My hubby has already moved and is looking at houses with our realtor as I type this. It is killing me not to be able to look with him. So to keep myself occupied, I decided to play with a "we've moved" card. Here is how it turned out:

Papers: Memory Box peony
Stamps: Memory Box Mail Definitions Background G1839
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink brushed corduroy, Archival Ink rose madder
Embellishments: Poppystamps Small Madison Window {816} die, Tim Holtz pocket watches embossing folder, leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, sewing machine

And here is how I created it:

First, I used the back of some Memory Box peony cardstock. I stamped the Memory Box Mail Definitions Background stamp {G1839} across the center using Archival Ink in rose madder. I then crinkled up a piece of waxed paper and used Collage Pauge to adhere the waxed paper to the cardstock. Once it dried, I ran the piece through my Big Shot to emboss it using a pocket watches embossing folder. I then inked it up with some brushed corduroy ink.

Next, I die cut the Poppystamps Small Madison Window {816} using the same peony paper.  I also embossed another piece of peony paper to put behind the window. I liked the look of the clock in the window. I think it goes well with my "moving time" sentiment. The sentiment was typed on peony paper using my circa 1960 Smith-Corona typewriter.

To create the little envelope, I used the left-over squares from the Madison Window cutout. Then I added the sentiment and leaves to finish.

I doubt I create a lot of these to mail as it was a bit time consuming but if you have just a few to do, this would be a fun "we've moved" card. 

I hope you like today's creation. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings,

A Little Fun {Resist}

Today I wanted to share a little card I did using a resist technique. It's quite fun and easy to do, and the results truly vary each and every time you do it. Here is my card. I used a piece of Minuet Butterfly Ballet paper for this resist technique:

Papers: Memory Box parsley and sky nc, Memory Box Minuet Butterfly Ballet
Stamps: Memory Box Just a Note Combo B1852
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink walnut stain and embossing ink, Ranger clear ep, Archival Ink jet black
Embellishments: Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder, May Arts twine, Tim Holtz tiny paper clip, Prima trinket melody flower, sewing machine

To create the embossed/resist paper:

1. Emboss your patterned paper with an embossing folder.

2. Apply embossing ink to ink the raised, dry embossed parts of the paper.

3. Apply clear embossing powder, tap off excess, and heat emboss the paper.

4. Apply distress ink to all of the paper using a sponge.

5. The heat-embossed parts should "resist" the ink.

6. Using a paper towel, wipe off the excess ink.

7. Let dry, and apply to card.

Now, here is an example of the technique again. I did it on an ATC card for my "technique file" using the same ink and paper as I did for the card.

Look how different this ATC turned out compared to the resist on the larger card. The reason more of the white is showing through from the Minuet paper is because I got embossing ink and powder on more of the paper--not just the raised parts. It creates a unique look when the embossing is random all over your embossing paper. Play with it and see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed today's post. Blessings,

Mixed-Color Background

First, I want to welcome all of my new subscribers! I am glad to have you joining in the Memory Box fun! Welcome!

Today I thought it would be fun to create my own background using water-based markers, water, and an acrylic block. I have done this before on cards using distress inks and defining the area for certain colors. You can see an example by clicking here. Today I thought it would be fun to "mix up" the colors a bit.

First, I chose four colors to use. Next I took one color at a time, scribbled the color onto my acrylic block, misted with water, and then "colored" it onto my paper. To color onto the paper, I stamped and rubbed the acyrlic block directly onto my paper. While it was wet, I could play with where the colors went. I did this for each of the colors mixing it up as I went along. The colors didn't dry too fast so they were able to blend and bleed a bit. Here is what the color collage looked like after I mixed it up:

Messy huh? :) Next, I used the Memory Box Blank Ticket die {98213} to cut out the mixed-color paper. Then I stamped the paper with the Memory Box Mercer Rose Background stamp {G1842}. I then layered the new Memory Box sky notecard with vintage book paper, a doily, and some flowers to create the card. For the tag, I used a piece of the vintage book paper along with the Memory Box Just a Note stamp {B1053}. And here is how the card turned out:

Papers: Memory Box sky nc, X-Press It
Stamps: Memory Box Just a Note B1053, Memory Box Mercer Rose Background G1842
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink black soot
Tim Holtz Distress Markers: barn door, broken china, peeled paint, spiced marmalade
Embellishments: Memory Box blank ticket die 98213, smaller flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima flower (large), doily from Hobby Lobby, misc. vintage book paper, sewing machine

I hope you have enjoyed today's creation and technique! Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate all of you!

Journaling Booklet

Since November 2009, I have been sharing weekly faith journaling questions. My aunt asked me for them for Christmas so I decided to create a small booklet full of the 102 questions I have written so far to give to her as part of her Christmas gift this year. Now this booklet had to be flat as I need to put it in a Priority Mail envelope so it doesn't have any lumpy embellishments which I love so much. Here is how it turned out:

Papers:  Memory Box  Minuet Butterfly Ballet; Moroccan Key Lime, Latte, and Squash; Gingham Bluebird; Dots Bluebird
Stamp Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink broken china
Stamp:  Memory Box Blank Ticket G1780
Embellishments: Paper Trey Ink rustic twine, Authentique Petite Type Squares, Rose Moka brown letters, misc. doily, sewing machine

And here is how I created the booklet.

1. Print journaling questions onto regular printer paper. Your document should be printed landscape and into two columns.

2. Get one piece of each of the following papers: Minuet Butterfly Ballet, Moroccan Key Lime and Squash, Gingham Bluebird, and Dots Bluebird.

3. Set the Minuet Butterfly Ballet paper aside. This will be used for your cover.

4. Make double-sided paper by adhering the white-sides of your colored papers together. You will then have 2 two-sided papers.

5. Trim 1/2" off of all four sides of the journaling pages, and cut in half.  Put pages in order and adhere to the two-sided papers created in Step 4.

6. Sew around the edges of both pages if desired.

7.  Trim the Minuet Butterfly Ballet paper to 8 3/4" x 11 3/4" and score in half.

8. Sew around the edges of this piece also if desired.

9. Insert your pages into the cover making sure the pages are in the correct order, and secure with binder clips.

10. Sew down the center of the book to bind your booklet. The binder clips should remain on your booklet until you are done sewing. They keep the pages from slipping as you sew. Note--you will have to go slowly as it is very thick.

11. Decorate the cover as much as you wish. If you are mailing a booklet, you may not want to add lumpy embellishments. I added a doily and used the Memory Box Blank Ticket stamp {G1780} to add the title onto a piece of Memory Box Morrocan Latte paper.

12. Place your booklet under some books or a piece of granite to flatten it a bit. Enjoy!

There are many journaling prompts on the web that you could use for such a book. Put something fun together and give it as a gift. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!