Hearts, Stitches, Pinpoints and Glitter by Jean Okimoto

Celebrate the end of the year - and the promise of a better year ahead - with hearts, glitter and happy colors  Hello, Jean Okimoto here with the last project of 2020 as we look forward to new designs, ideas and inspiration in 2021.

Cut light gray cardstock with the 4-¼" Circle Basics Die.  Prep the Stitched Circle die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help remove the tiny dots.  Cut the circle with Stitched Circle.

Stitch between alternating dots with peach crochet thread.

Continue stitching - forming an "overlapping starburst."

Stitch narrow points with pink floss.

Cut light gray cardstock with Pinpoint Burst Plate - then trim it to a 4-¼" square.

Cut the pink glittered cardstock from the Delicate Pastels Glitter Pad with the two smallest Scallop Pinpoint Loving Heart Cut Outs.  

Attach the diecuts to a side-folded 5-⅝" square card - attach the smaller heart, slightly offset, with foamtape.  Add ¼" punched dots of the pink glittered cardstock.  

Square cards require extra postage - but this card can deliver a message of love and hope to the special people in your life.

Thank you very much for all of your thoughtful comments here  -  and on Instagram, Pinterest and the Impress Insiders page.  I'm motivated by the hope that my projects, classes and class kits will inspire you to discover new (and unexpected!) ways to use our products and share your creativity with others.

Wishing you a Happy New Year...more than ever!

 

 

 

Supplies

 

30087 Circle Basics Set

94364 Scallop Pinpoint Loving Heart Cut Out

94404 Stitched Circle

94514 Pinpoint Burst Plate craft die

GP1001 Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

Trio of Sparkly Stitched Trees by Jean Okimoto

 

 

Create the look of frosty bottlebrush trees with the Stitched Tree die.  This sparkly trio - in soft pastels - could brighten a cold winter day for someone special.  Hello, Jean Okimoto here with a bit of hunker-down stitch therapy. 

Cut Open Studio Watercolor Paper, Smoky and Berry Blush cardstock with the largest die from the Birch Press Design Tall Triangle Set.  You'll need the entire tree of watercolor paper, the top three sections from Berry Blush and top two sections from Smoky.  Punch a small hole about ¼" below the bottom row of the watercolor paper tree, then trim about ⅛" below the hole.

Trim the Berry Blush tree below the 3rd section and the Smoky tree below the 2nd section

As always, prep the Stitched Tree die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper top help release the tiny dots.  Tape one end of the sparkly yarn behind the diecuts and stitch horizontally from the bottom to the top of each tree.  

Sew a long vertical stitch from the top to the punched hole on the watercolor paper tree.  Sew long vertical stitches from the top to the bottoms of the smaller trees.  Tape the thread ends on the reverse side.

Diecut the stars from the Starlit Breeze die from the pale gold sheet of the Holiday Glitter Pad. Cut the largest Stylish Rectangle from white cardstock.

Attach the diecuts to a white A-6 card (4-½" x 6-¼") - use foam tape along the center and bottom of the watercolor tree.  Use doublestick tape for the smaller trees.  The post office may require special handling or additional postage for thicker cards. 

Try stitch therapy for a creative break from daily routines.  It's satisfying and productive - and adding a stitched design to your projects makes it uniquely yours.

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

Supplies

 

94405 Stitched Tree

94416 Stylish Rectangle Trio

57216 Tall Triangle Set

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

99398 Starlit Breeze

WP101 Watercolor Paper

Stitched Circle Christmas Card by Angie Cimbalo

Hello and welcome!  It's Angie here with a fun Christmas card made with the  Stitched Circle Die.  

I die cut the die in my Gemini Junior, then began the stitching with red embroidery thread first as you can see below.94404

Once I finished with the red, I added green thread stitching in the middle of each point.  The sentiment, from "Spirit of Christmas" stamp set, was heat embossed on black card stock in white embossing powder.  Then I die cut the sentiment with one of the  "Knotted Circle Wreaths" dies and another one from red glitter paper from the "Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad."  I used the outer piece of the red glitter card stock to frame the sentiment and then added a gem from my stash at each of the star points, and to the sentiment.  Here's a closer look:

Stitching on a card front is very therapeutic and I really enjoy the many stitching die options from Memory Box.  I also think adding this fun stitched element to a card makes it even more special for the recipient!  Here's one last look at my card:

I hope I have inspired to you use some stitching on a card.  It doesn't take much time, about the same as coloring an image in detail.   I did this while I watched tv one night and then made it into a card the next day.  I have several panels already die-cut with the stitching dies that I keep by my chair so in the evening, I can leisurely add the stitching when I want something to keep my hands busy!  Be sure to check out all the stitching dies from Memory Box, there are a lot to choose from!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

Supplies

 

94404 Stitched Circle

94482 Knotted Circle Wreaths craft die

GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

CL5261 Spirit of Christmas clear stamp set

Add Sparkly Texture to a Stitched Tree by Jean Okimoto

 

Add extra handcrafted details to your cards - I think they'll be appreciated more than ever.   Hi, Jean Okimoto here with a Christmas design for the special people on your list.  Accent your holiday greetings with a frosty sparkly Stitched Tree, glittery birds and a gold star - and brighten someone's day.

 

Diecut the dark green Garland 6x6 print with the 2nd-largest Wrapped Stitch Rectangle die.  Prep the Stitched Tree die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the little dots.  Diecut the rectangle with Stitched Tree.

 

Tape the end of sparkle yarn (or floss) on the reverse side with Scotch Tape (Magic Tape might tear) - attach the tape within the tree outline to keep a smooth surface surrounding the tree. This keeps the yarn and tape from creating little bumps when you press the tree later.  Stitch the tree - sew the angled vertical stitches and sides first, then the horizontal rows. Punch a small hole ½" below the bottom of the tree and sew a long vertical stitch for the trunk.

 

Cut Resting Birds from the red glittered cardstock in the 6x6 Holiday Glitter Pad - leave the diecuts in the die.  Attach ScorTape behind the diecut birds and run it through the machine again for self-adhesive birds.  Attach the three birds on the tree.  

 

There are 2 options for the next step.  Place a half-sheet  of printer paper over the stitched rectangle and run it through the diecut machine with the usual plates to press the birds firmly onto the yarn.  Or press it under a heavy book or ream of paper.  Carefully trim some of the long fibers along the sides and bottom if it looks too fuzzy.  

 

 

Attach the two other birds and a gold glittered star cut with a portion of the Starlit Breeze die.  Attach the rectangle to a top-folded white A-2 card.

 

Stamp the greeting - from the Berry Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set - with Tulip Red VersaFine Clair.

 

 

Thanks for visiting - keep warm and keep creating!

 

Supplies

 

PP1010 Garland 6x6 pack

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

94405 Stitched Tree

99398 Starlit Breeze

30094 Wrapped Stitch Rectangles

CL5260-D Berry Wreath clear stamp and die set

98527 Resting Birds

A Little Polar Bear and a Stitched Circle by Jean Okimoto

The new Stitched Circle die creates a great backdrop for the sweet polar bear from the Snowglobe Backer set.  Add a matching scarf and Special Merry Christmas message - and glitter.  Hi, Jean Okimoto here with another stitched design for the holidays.

Cut kraft cardstock with the 4" Circle Basics die.  Prep the Stitched Circle Die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the little dots, then cut the circle.  Use Scotch transparent tape to attach red floss to the backside of the diecut in the area between the two dotted circles.  Don't tape the floss ends in the center - if you decide to cut the center out later (like I did)  you'll cut the threads.  Stitch between the alternating dots.

Connect the stitches, then tape the end of the floss on the backside.  

Repeat the process with green floss.

After finishing the stitching,  I decided to diecut the center - using the 1-¾" Circle Basics die.  Cut a 1-½" circle from the bright green glitter sheet in the 6x6 Holiday Glitter Pad.  

Cut the polar bear in the Snowglobe Backer set from Open Studio Watercolor paper.  Attach a scrap of black cardstock behind his head for the nose.  Color the paws, muzzle and center with very diluted iced spruce Distress Oxides. Wrap and tie three strands of floss around his neck for a scarf.

Save time when attaching delicate greetings with these tips.  Pressure-emboss Special Merry Christmas on the front of the card using the rubber embossing  mat and plate(s) required for your machine. That creates an inset section to align the greeting.  Cut the greeting from Open Studio Watercolor Paper.  Another tip - leave the diecut in the die, place a strip of ¼" wide lined doublestick tape across each word and run it through the machine again.  This 2-step process usually cuts the adhesive layer but leaves the line intact for easy removal.  Press the greeting onto the pressure-embossed area for a perfect fit.  A few extra steps - but it makes it so easy to align and inset the delicate greeting!

Attach the diecuts to a red A-6 card (4-½" x 6-¼") - use foamtape behind the top portion of the bear.  Punch ¼" circles of the green glittered cardstock.

Stitching adds color, texture and dimension to a card - and stitches don't smudge, bend or fall off in the mail!  Why not design and create a unique stitched card for the special people on your list this Christmas?

 

Thanks for visiting...see you again on Thursday!

 

Supplies

 

94404 Stitched Circle

30087 Circle Basics Set

94491 Snowglobe Backer craft die

94499 Special Merry Christmas craft die

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

WP101 Watercolor Paper

Sparkly, Poufy and Bright by Jean Okimoto

The Stitched Circle Wreath can be a poufy, sparkly addition to holiday cards with a special yarn - and a some simple stitching.  Add a soft felt polar bear, a quick greeting and layered 6x6  prints.  Hi, Jean Okimoto back again after some photo-uploading glitches last night.

Cut red cardstock with the 3-¼" Circle Basics die.  Cut the circle with the Stiched Circle Wreath.  Stitch it with white sparkly yarn - tape the ends of the yarn to the reverse side of the circle with Scotch Transparent Tape.  Sparkly yarn is my new favorite accent - and it's perfect for the Memory Box ready-to-stitch die designs.  

Attach adhesive label paper (or a sticker sheet) to white wool-blend felt and cut the bear from the Snowglobe Backer set.  The paper backing stabilizes the felt and keeps liquid adhesives from soaking through.  Define the polar bear's eyes using a needle or skewer.  Attach a scrap of black cardstock behind the face for  the eyes and nose.

Cut a 6" x 2-¾" strip of the Christmas Plaid sheet.  Cut a ¾" x 8-⅜" strip of lime green cardstock.   The greeting is from the Berry Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set.  Stamp it with Tulip Red VersaFine Clair on the chartreuse striped sheet from the Garland Stripes and Dots 6x6 set.  Dry the ink and trim the greeting.

Punch ¼" dots of glittered cardstock from the Holiday Glitter Pad.  Attach everything to a slimline Smoky card (3-½" x 8-½") - use foam dots for the right side of the greeting.

Thanks for visiting...enjoy your weekend!

 

 

Supplies

 

94407 Stitched Circle Wreath

94491 Snowglobe Backer craft die

CL5260-D Berry Wreath clear stamp and die set

PP1011 Garland Stripes and Dots 6x6 pack

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

PP1009 Christmas Plaid 6x6 pack

Add a Penguin to a Stitched Burst Winter Card by Jean Okimoto

A very cool little penguin from the Snowglobe Backer die set joins the Stitched Burst on a contemporary slimline card for the holidays.  Frosted Glitter Pad accents add a bit of sparkle.  Hi, Jean Okimoto here with another holiday design - and more stitch therapy!

Prep the Stitched Burst die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the tiny dot offcuts.  Cut it from kraft cardstock.

Here's a tip - round the corners of the cardstock so the extra floss doesn't get stuck on the corners as you're stitching.  (Yes, it would be smarter to precut the circle - but I wasn't sure if I wanted a circle, square or octagon when I began.)  Stitch it with black floss - tape the ends of the floss on the backside with Scotch Transparent Tape (Magic Tape might tear).

Stitch it with white floss.  

Stitch the final starburst with red floss.  Cut it with the 3" Circle Basics die.

Cut the penguin from white and black cardstock. Define the eyes with a paper piercer or skewer. Cut the flippers from orange cardstock.  Cut a scrap of orange cardstock, place it under the white diecut and mark eye positions.  Color the eye markings with a black marker.

Stamp the greeting - from the Berry Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set - on a strip of red cardstock with Onyx Black VersaFine.  

Cut a ¾" x 3-⅛" strip of the black sheet from the Frosted Glitter Pad.  Cut a ¾" x 3-¾" strip of green cardstock.  Punch ¼" dots from the Green Frosted Glitter Pad sheet. 

Attach everything to a white slimline card (3-½" x 8-½").  The red greeting strip is very wonky and the green strip extends above the top edge.

Don't be intimidated by Memory Box stitching dies - they're easy to use, versatile and will be great for cards throughout the year.  Stitched Burst can also be a sun, medallion, fireworks - even a flower.  Experiment with different threads, colors and patterns.  It can be a great stress-reliever and create a feeling of accomplishment when you add that final stitch!

Thanks for visiting...

Supplies

 

94406 Stitched Burst

30087 Circle Basics Set

94491 Snowglobe Backer craft die

CL5260-D Berry Wreath clear stamp and die set

GP1004 Frosted Glitter Pad

Stitched Tree on a Garland Background by Jean Okimoto

 

A holiday background from the Garland 6x6 pack sets the scene for the Stitched Tree and glittered birds. Hi, Jean Okimoto here with another design featuring this great ready-to-stitch tree die.

Cut Intense Kiwi cardstock with the largest die from the Birch Press Design Tall Triangle Set.  Prep the Stitched Tree die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the little dots.  Cut the tree, then punch a hole about ½" below the center of the tree.  Trim the bottom of the triangle. Tall Triangle Set is a must-have for the holidays - and it's great for small pennants too!

Create a tree trunk by stitching brown floss from the punched hole at the bottom to the hole at the top of the tree. Tape the ends of the floss on the backside of the diecut with Scotch Transparent Tape  (Magic Tape might tear). Stitch the tree with green thread in the following sequence - horizontally, along the sides, and some random diagonal stitches.

Cut a blossom and three sets of birds - with the Birds and Blossoms set - from the dark red sheet in the 6x6 Holiday Glitter Pad.  

Cut the Garland print with the largest Wrapped Stitch Rectangles die.  Attach it to a top-folded white A-2 card and add the tree.

Stamp the greeting - from the Spirit of Christmas Clear Stamp and Die Set - with Tulip Red VersaFine Clair.  Emboss it quickly with detail clear powder - it's a fast-drying ink!  Add the birds.

Stitched designs have become my creative - and appreciated - diversion from the daily news and pandemic statistics.  These simple stitches reward me with a feeling of accomplishment.  Hope you'll give it a try - leave a comment if stitch therapy works for you too!

Thanks for visiting.  Have a Happy - and safe - Halloween if you're celebrating!

Supplies

 

94405 Stitched Tree

30094 Wrapped Stitch Rectangles

PP1010 Garland 6x6 pack

CL5261-D Spirit of Christmas clear stamp and die set

94243 Birds and Blossoms

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

57216 Tall Triangle Set

Warm Wishes with the Stitched Circle and Knotted Circle Wreaths by Jean Okimoto

Let the Stitched Circle Wreath add a burst of contemporary color to a traditional design.  Need glitter?  Bright sparkly berries and bows from the Mistletoe Bundle set are the perfect accents.  Hi, Jean Okimoto here with another holiday idea for you.

Prep Stitched Circle Wreath by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the tiny dots.  Cut it from Granny Smith cardstock.  Trim it with the 3-¼" and 1-¼" Circle Basics dies.  Stitch the starbursts with green floss - tape the ends of the floss to the backside with Scotch Transparent Tape (Magic Tape might tear).

Cut the largest Knotted Circle Wreath from Granny Smith too.  Cut the Mistletoe Bundle berries and two bows from red glittered cardstock in the 6x6 Holiday Glitter Pad.  

Prep the smoother side of Intense Kiwi carstock with the embossing powder tool and stamp the greeting - from the Berry Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set - with VersaMark and emboss it with detail clear powder.  Love that typeface!

Attach everything to a side-folded A2 card of Intense Kiwi cardstock - attach the greeting with foam tape.

Prep the inside with the powder tool and stamp and emboss another greeting from the set.  Attach a few more glittered dots.

 

Hope you're enjoying the versatility of the new ready-to-stitch designs (94404, 05, 06, 07) as much as I am.  There are so many ways to use them with a wide range of basic threads and sparkly specialty yarns.  I can't sew, knit, quilt or crochet - but I can stitch these simple designs!

Thanks for visiting - see you on Thursday...

 

 

Supplies

 

94407 Stitched Circle Wreath

94484 Mistletoe Bundle craft die

94482 Knotted Circle Wreaths craft die

30087 Circle Basics Set

CL5260-D Berry Wreath clear stamp and die set

GP1005 Holiday Glitter Pad

Stitch a Giant Candy Corn by Jean Okimoto

Add rows of white, orange and yellow floss to the Stitched Tree die for a giant candy corn to tower over two little ghosts.  Hi, happy weekend...Jean Okimoto here with my last Halloween 2020 card - let's use a winter die for a fun fall card.

 

Cut the top three sections and a bit of the 4th section of Stitched Tree from dark Kraft cardstock.  Trim it with the second-largest die from the Birch Press Designs Tall Triangle Set.  Trim the bottom of the triangle about ⅛" below the third stitching section.

 

Stitch the pattern with white, orange and yellow floss - tape the beginning and end of each color securely with Scotch Transparent Tape (Magic Tape might tear).  It was easier to stitch twice with a single strand than once with a double strand that kept tangling.

 

Cut the second-largest Stylish Rectangle from black cardstock. Cut white cardstock with the 1" Circle Basics die.  Cut the bat - from the Haunted Entrance Dome Layer set - from the black sheet in the Frosted Glitter Pad.  Cut the Ghosts from the white sheet in the Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad.  Cut the pumpkins from one of the white sheets in the Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad and color them with a Sharpie or Copic marker.

 

Attach the diecuts to a side-folded dark orange A-2 card.

 

Stamp the greeting and tab from the Halloween Pumpkin Clear Stamp and Die Set on yellow cardstock with Versafine Clair Summertime and Nocturne.  Dry the inks and cut it with the coordinating die from the set. Lightly ink the edges with Nocturne.  Cut two more glittered ghosts and attach scraps of black cardstock behind them for the eyes and mouths.

 

Think of the different ways to use your Memory Box designs and get the most from your stash!  You're all so creative...I love the challenge of finding new and unexpected (and unintended!) ways to use our products and sharing those ideas with you.

 

Thanks for visiting...see you on Thursday!

 

 

  

 

Supplies

 

CL5264-D Halloween Pumpkin clear stamp and die set

94405 Stitched Tree

94507 Haunted Entrance Dome Layer craft die

GP1004 Frosted Glitter Pad

94416 Stylish Rectangle Trio

GP1001 Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

57216 Tall Triangle Set

30087 Circle Basics Set