JAI #354: Just Add Inspiration

Hi!


As you read this, I'm probably in Perth attending the Stampin' Up! On Stage event. It's a fabulous day of stamping, sneak peeks, and best of all, catching u with some of my stamping friends. I've never been to Perth before, so I jumped at the chance to go.

While I'm away, you can get cracking on the new Just Add Ink Challenge. This week Trish is inspiring us with this gorgeous tea cup image.

I do love my tea, so this challenge was right up my alley! I decided to use the retired stamp set, A Nice Cuppa, to create a free standing pop-up card. I followed this tutorial.

Coincidentally, the colours in the retired Have A Cuppa DSP were very similar to the colours in the tea cup in the inspiration photo, so I decided to drag them out of retirement too.

The pop up card is actually quite easy to make, and the best part of all is that it folds down nice and flat so that it is easy to post.

What inspires you in the photo? I hope to see what you create over at Just Add Ink. In the meantime, I'll be back when I get home from Perth!


Bye for now,


Tina

2017 Calendars

Hi!


Each year I run a class in January to make a calendar for the year ahead. It can be a bit of a challenge trying to come up with a new design each year, but it's always a fun challenge!

This year's design was based on the mini magazine holders that you see around the internet, mostly they hold notecards. My adaptation is wider and shallower to accommodate the pages for each month of the year.

After I made this sample, and ran a few classes, I ended up adding an extra pocket to the back of the base. I found that unless they were made very square with the folding and gluing, they tended to be a bit tippy. The pocket solved that problem, and also added a little place to keep a pack of sticky notes and a pencil or two.

I alternated the position of the calendar on each page to help with weight distribution. I left quite a bit of each page blank. My thoughts were that you could either add a photograph to each page, or a plain piece of cardstock so that you could write down important dates for each month.


Lots of people have asked me for the tutorial, and now that I have finished my classes for the month I have it ready for you to access. You can find the tutorial here.


I have one spare kit left over from my classes that I am going to send someone in Australia who comments on this post. That's all you need to do! I will draw the winner on Saturday 27th January, so don't forget to check back to see if you are the winner.


Bye for now,


Tina

Craft Project Central: Christy Fulk

Hi!

Today brings and end to the February projects at Craft Project Central.  I've had a wonderful month as a Guest Designer, so thank you to Jacque and Amanda for the invitation.

So on to today's project, which was designed by Christy Fulk.

This project will give you a little Spring in the middle of this cold Winter.  The set includes two different designed Thank You cards.  The purse can hold six of these cards, along with matching lined envelopes.  This card set would make a great gift for anyone who loves purses, and make a great class, too! 

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Angie Jones

Hi!

Today I have for you another project from Craft Project Central.  This tutorial was designed by Angie Jones.

What a cute Gift Box, Notebook and Card to give with your gift at your next Baby Shower Party.  The new Mother To Be will just love the pastel tones and having a gorgeous box (once gift is removed) to save all her Baby Shower Cards and Tags, not to mention a handy notebook for her handbag / nappy bag, to record all of Baby’s first’s that often occur when you are out and about.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central and have a look at the whole month's projects?

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Laurie Zoellmer

Hi!

It's nearly the end of February, but over at Craft Project Central the projects keep on coming!

Today's project was designed by Laurie Zoellmer.

This darling card box makes a perfect gift or is a great idea for a class too!  It can easily hold six decorated cards and envelopes.  Easy to assemble and beautiful too!

There's still time to subscribe to February's projects, and don't forget that I have a free subscription to give away to one lucky commenter on my project.  I will draw the winner later today (Monday).

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: My Turn!

Hi!

Woo Hoo!  It's my turn to be the featured Designer over on Craft Project Central. It's also a great day for you, because you have the chance to win some Blog Candy from me.  The lovely ladies at Craft Project Central have very generously given me a free subscription to give away to one lucky blog reader.

My project includes a cute mini album with a unique slider page, perfect for hidden journaling or photos. Complete the ensemble with a card and a gift tag and it is the ideal gift for someone special in your life.  The album is made using parts of the Mini Memories Kit from the new Occasions Catalogue.

To win a subscription to February's projects you need to leave a comment on my post over on the Craft Project Central blog.  Leave a comment here too if you'd like, but the winner will be drawn from the comments on my post on the Craft Project Central blog.  I will announce the winner here on Monday 24th February.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Buffy Cooper

Hi!

By the time February rolls around, most of us are ready for spring – flowers, sunshine and picnics on the deck.These lanterns, flowers in painted glitter vases and butterfly straws made with Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!® are sure to remind you that spring is just around the corner. 

This pretty picnic ensemble comes to you designed by Buffy! To get the instructions for Buffy’s project, just subscribe to February!  And if you have a minute, please leave Buffy a comment on her project!

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Michelle Wecksler

Hi!

How beautiful is this Swallowtail Altered Book and Card? Designed by Michelle Wecksler, it's the newest project for February over at Craft Project Central.

This Swallowtail Altered Book Box and Card is perfect way to transform an unused hardcover book into a beautiful gift! This set features an altered hardcover book and a coordinating gift card.  This elegant box provides a special place to store a secret gift, a small journal, or other cherished keepsakes!  This set would make a wonderful gift for a treasured friend!

You can find information about this tutorial and more over at Craft Project Central.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Julie Beltramo

Hi!

The fabulous projects over at Craft Project Central just keep rolling on this month!  Today's project is a Retro Fresh Magnetic Memo Board Set, designed by the very clever Julie Beltramo.

It’s always nice to have a fresh new way to post some quick notes or reminders. This Magnetic Memo Board is really simple to make, and the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper gives it a super fun vibe!! The coordinating note cards, pen and super-hip magnets are all stored neatly into the Sweet and Simple Storage Case. When it’s all packed up, it makes a great little ‘anytime’ gift! 

Remember, the only way to get your hands on this fantastic tutorial is to subscribe to February, or if you're lucky you can win a subscription from me when my project gets posted on the Craft Project Central blog later in the month.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Breelin Renwick

Hi!

Are you ready for another sneak peek at a gorgeous Craft Project Central project? Remember that these tutorials are available for purchase for just $US10, or you can win a month's subscription later in the month.

This Sweet Sorbet Note Card Set & Box was designed by my fellow February Guest Designer Breelin Renwick.

This cute note card set would make a great gift idea for a friend or perhaps a teacher or co-worker.  This project would also be great for a Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration kick off class, showcasing some of the fun Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper and accessories.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central to see what else is on offer this month?

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Regina Andari

Hi!

Another gorgeous project has been released on Craft Project Central.  Regina Andari has created this beautiful "Remember This" 2014 Mixed Media Canvas.

Some people jot New Year’s resolutions on a piece of paper, but this project demonstrates a creative way to keep specific goals in sight.  Although this project features the designer’s resolutions of being happy, creating the kind of life that she wants, and remembering kind gestures toward others, it will be easy to customize your canvas to reflect your goals and resolutions.  This tutorial also features a coordinating card and envelope.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central to see what else is on offer this month?

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Yapha Mason

Hi!

I'm back with another of the projects on Craft Project Central.  This cute set was designed by Yapha Mason.

Yapha has designed these super cute cards with numbers that can be used as birthday cards, invitations, or thank you notes. Put the same number on each card, or change it up! Includes a handy card holder as well as lined envelopes.

For just $US10 you can purchase a subscription for February and gain access to the tutorials for all of the projects this month.  Just head on over to Craft Project Central for all the details. Don't forget that there is also a card challenge running for the month - I'll be back soon with my card!

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Monika Davis

Hi!

Today I can finally reveal some big news for me: the lovely ladies at Craft Project Central asked me just before Christmas if I'd like to be a Guest Designer for them in February.  Would I ever!!!  I was very busy in January creating a tutorial for CPC that will be published later in the month.  So what is Craft Project Central?  Here's the description from their website.

Welcome to Craft Project Central, your one-stop shop for great projects showcasing Stampin’ Up! products. From stamping to scrapbooking, home decor, jewelry, and more!

 Whether you’re a new or seasoned Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, or an avid crafter looking for fun crafting ideas, you’re in the right place! Craft Project Central offers ideas for workshops, classes, clubs and just plain fun crafting!

 What makes Craft Project Central different? Each month you subscribe to will give you access to 10 projects with detailed, full-color, step-by-step instructions. Projects are easy to duplicate, are practical, and functional projects that you will have fun making and be able to use yourself or give as gifts! Not every project you get on Craft Project Central with be unique, never-before-seen projects, but what you will be getting are projects adapted to current and popular Stampin’ Up! products with easy to follow instructions.  All of this for only US$10 for each month that you subscribe!

How's that for awesome?  I will be posting pictures and links to the Craft Project Central website of all the fabulous projects you will receive with your February subscription all month.  I will also be giving away a FREE subscription for February's projects, so keep an eye out for more details on how to enter that soon.

Today's project is a Mail Box and Greeting card designed by the talented Monika Davis.

Make this treat box resembling a mail box for your sweet heart. Fill it with some yummy treats and some special notes. This little mail box will look great on any desk.  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

Isn't it so cute? My daughter would love this, so I think I'll be making one of these before too long! 

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central and take a look at what they have on offer - it's fantastic value for your money!

Bye for now,

Tina

Just Add Ink #149: Big Shot Blog Hop

Hi!

It's Friday and it's time for the Just Add Ink Challenges to kick of for another year of fun and creativity!

 

We thought we'd start the year with a blog hop with a focus on the Big Shot, so the challenge for you this week is to make a creation using the Big Shot, or other die cutting machine. The blog before mine on the hop is the very talented Christine's, just keep on hopping round 'til you get back to where you started.

 

I thought I'd show you the gift card holders I made for gifts this past Christmas using the Two Tags Die.

 

 

Here's a little tutorial on how I made them.

 

 

After cutting the tag from cardstock you need to score along half an inch from the bottom and fold the flap upwards.

 

 

Apply your choice of adhesive to the flap you just created.

 

 

Cut a strip of DSP to 6 inches by 2 inches and apply adhesive to one end as shown. I used DSP from the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' Kit.

 

 

You then wrap the DSP around the tag, adhering at the flap and centre back as you go. 

 

 

Now you just decorate as you desire. Easy! I also added some Seam Binding Ribbon so I could hang it from the Christmas Tree.

 

 

I hope you've found this tutorial useful, don't forget to link your Big Shot creations at the Just Add Ink blog for us all to see.

 

Now you are hopping over to Chantell's blog for some more beautiful Big Shot happiness. If you get lost along the way just pop back to the Just Add Ink blog for the links.

 

Bye for now,

 

Tina

Holiday Blog Hop

Hi!

Welcome back on a Saturday for a Blog Hop of Holiday Catalogue projects. There are just four of us hopping today, so it will be short but definitely sweet!

There have been a lot of gift type projects floating around in blogland right now, which is hardly surprising given how close it is to Christmas.  I decided to make a Desktop Easel Calendar for today's hop.

I googled the instructions after seeing some other calendars on the internet.  I found this tuorial on making the calendar, however the measurements are based on US sized A4 cardstock, which is fine if you only want to make one but if you are making a heap for a class or to give away it's a bit uneconomical.

I played around a bit with Connie's measurements and came up with ones that are more efficient for Australian sized A4 cardstock.

I used the Festival of Prints DSP on the outside of the box.  It's hands down my favourite papers from the Holiday Catalogue.

So, are you ready for the measurements?

Easel cut: 4 1/8" by 8 1/4"
Score: 4 1/8" and 6 3/16" (or you can just fold the piece in half and then fold one half in half again)

Easel Front cut: 4 1/8" by 4 1/8"

Box Shell cut: 4 1/8" by 11"
Score: 1", 5 1/4", 6 1/4" and 10 1/2"

Drawer cut: 6 1/8" by 6 1/8"
Score: 1" on all four sides

Hope that helps!

Next on the list is Margaret Knoops, who is sure to have made something gorgeous!

Bye for now,

Tina



Other hoppers:
Margaret Knoops
Nikki Sadler
Christine Blain

Purse Instructions

Hi!

One of the comments left on my blog for the Sale-A-Bration asked for the instructions for the little purse I made.  I will do my best!  I did NOT design this purse myself, but I cannot give credit for it.  I have a notebook that I scribble ideas and instructions in and this is one such scribbling.  I did not however scribble the designer's details - not very clever of me!  If you know who designed it, please let me know so I can link to it.  It was a free template I found while surfing somewhere on the www.

Anyway, you need cardstock cut to 9 13/16 inches by 12 inches for the base.  With the 9 13/16 inch side at the top and scoring down the cardstock score at almost 4 inches and again at a fraction over 6 inches.  The 'almost' and 'fraction' equates to about 3/32of an inch (not quite 1/8th of an inch).

Rotate the cardstock so the 12 inch side is at the top.  Score at 4 inches and 8 inches, but ONLY in between the score lines in the first step.

Also, along both of the 12 inch sides, draw a little mark at 3 inches and 9 inches.  Cut from these points in a straight line to where the closest score lines intersect.  This should give you the shape of the front and back of the box.  You now need to cut in from the shorter sides.  Cut about 1 inch away from each of the score lines and parallel to the score lines.  You should now have a kind of 't' shaped piece.

Fold and burnish all score lines.  Apply double sided tape to the flaps and assemble the purse base.

For the flap of the purse you need a piece of cardstock cut to 4 1/4 inches by 7 1/2 inches.  With the 4 1/4 inch side at the top, score down the cardstock at 1/2 and 2 1/2 inches. Turn and score again at 1 1/4 and 7 1/4 inches.

You now need to cut the flap into the right shape.  Along the 7 1/2 inch side with the widest scored area draw little marks at 2 inches and 5 1/2 inches. Cut from these marks to where the nearest score marks intersect.  This section forms the front flap of the box.  You now need to make similar cuts on the remaining 3 sides of the flap.  These don't need to be as precise as the tuck into the box.

Fold and burnish all score lines.  The flap adheres to the inside of the back of the base section, so apply double sided tape to the correct section of the flap piece.  BEFORE you adhere the flap to the base you will need to cut 2 slots into the top of the flap to hold the handle.  These need to be 1 1/8 inch long and parallel to the sides of the purse.

The handle is a piece of cardstock cut to 1 inch by 10 1/2 inches and scored at 1 inch from either end.  Slide the handle into the slots as far as the score lines and adhere to the inside of the flap.  Adhere the flap to the inside of the back of the purse.

To close, the side flaps get tucked into the box and the front flap is on the outside.  I held mine closed with some ribbon, but you could also use velcro or magnets, or anything else really!

I hope these instructions are clear enough.  If not either email me or leave a comment with your email address and I will try to make them clearer for you.

Catch you later,

Tina