The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

On the 12th day of Christmas, I would like to share a quick and easy wrapping idea. In my fabric stash, I found 2 metres of burlap - why I had it I can't quite remember!!!! But I decided to sew a few burlap bags to use as gift bags. To embellish the bags, I used a die cut, a rub on, a bit of ribbon and some left over greenery from my front porch display. From start to finish, it was 10 minutes ... and that is what I like!

Please let me know what you think!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

On the 11th day of Christmas inspiration, we have a special treat from Heather...check this out...

"I've had this little take-out box sitting in my stash for a few years now, wondering what to do with it. Well, I'm giving my sister-in-law a piece of custom made jewelry for Christmas this year and wanted a cute, unique way to wrap it...and I remembered this little box. It literally took me 10 minutes to alter the box I had sitting on my desk using papers I had sitting on my desk from the December kit and a few other things. Instead of wrapping a box in wrapping paper, this year, why not use your supplies toquickly alter one? You'll be using up some of your stash and creating a one-of-a-kind package for someone special!"

I am sure you'll agree with me that this is so adorable! Please let Heather know too!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

I have been loving these 12 Days of Christmas inspiration; haven't you? Today we have a darling idea from Denise...

Do you spend a lot of time packaging up home made goodies to give as gifts during the holiday season? I do, because chocolates, almond bark and other goodies make wonderful little hostess gifts. This cute little project will package up your goodies beautifully and show off your hard work at the same time.

This pillow box is made out of acetate and is so simple to make. Start by getting a pillow box template. You can google this and find a number of templates in various sizes so choose one that will suit your individual needs.

Print the template on printer paper. Lay your acetate over the printed template and use a sharpie-type marker to trace the template onto the acetate. Cut the template out and use a tool such as a stylus to “score” the lines that need scoring (your template should explain this.)

I used a circle cutter or strong hole punch to cut half a circle out of one end flap on each side to facilitate easier opening. Adhere sticky strip or other very strong adhesive to the tabbed portion of the template and adhere (I like to put my sticky strip on the outside of the tab and adhere it to the other side so that the tab is now on the inside of the box. Fill your box with goodies and add ribbons and embellies as desired. Here I’ve used some snowflake ribbon and a chipboard snowflake which I painted white and then added dazzling diamonds glitter on top while the paint was still wet. I then added a labeler sticker and a glitter alpha from December’s kit.

***It is very difficult to get nice pictures of clear objects but believe me when I say this looks really good IRL!

I think it looks stunning Denise...and you can give me a gift any time! What do you guys think??? Please leave Denise a comment.

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

Oh me oh my...Miss Amber has an extra special sweet day of inspiration for you!

Make a sweet impression with your desserts this holiday season by adorning squares, cookies or cupcakes with adorable toppers! Simply search your scrapbook supplies for paper scraps, get out your holiday themed punches or diecutters and combine with a toothpick to create quick and easy toppers!

Please let Amber know how darn sweet these cupcakes are in the comments section!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 8

Ooooh...today we have a lovely keepsake ornament from Wendy.

***This project uses the Zutter bind-it-all. If you do not have a Bind-it-all, you can use staples, a whole punch or ribbon to attach.***

Here are the instructions:
1. Cut patterned paper (PP) to 5 1/2" x 5 1/4"

2. Position the 5 1/2" side of the PP in front of you as the base. Make the following marks-

* Measure 1 1/4" in from the corner on the top and bottom
* On the 5 1/4" side, mark the mid-point, approximately 2 5/8" from the edge
* Draw intersecting lines through the mid-point to the closest point along the base
* Cut the sides to create a a hexagon - you will be making 6 cuts.

3. Now cut 3 squares measuring 3"x3". Cut each squares on the diagonal to create 2 triangles for a total of 6 triangles.

4. Cut 2 pieces of white cardstock (CS) 6" x 5 3/4" For each piece of white CS,
* Position the 6" side as your base, measure 1 3/8" in from the corner
* Mark the mid-point on the 5 3/4" side, approximately 2 7/8"
* On each side, draw six lines intersecting lines through the mid point to its closest point along
the base
* Cut along the lines to create a hexagon - you will be cutting 6 times.

6. Now cut 6 squares measuring 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". Again, cut each square on the diagonal to
create 2 triangles. There will be a total of 12 triangles.

7. Glue the PP hexagon to one of the white cardstock hexagons. Make sure the PP is centered inside the cardstock hexagon.

8. Glue one PP triangle to one cardstock triangle. Make sure the PP is within the CS triangle. Repeat 6 times.

9. Now create holes for the binding:
* Place the hexagon without PP on the table first
* Place the hexagon with the PP on top. Have the PP facing up
* Place one triangle with PP face down on one of the hexagon sides
* Place one triangle without PP on top of other triangle
* Line up all 4 pieces of paper along the side to be cut and punch binding holes
* Repeat 5 times for each side of the hexagon

10. Bind all 6 triangles to the hexagon

11. For each triangle put a piece of foam tape at the points between the CS triangle and the PP triangle to add dimension. Repeat 5 times.

12. Punch a hole in the top. Add ribbon to hang and decorate as desired.

Thank you Wendy for sharing this beautiful project! Please let Wendy know too!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

We have a real treat today from Jess...today we will be making an adorable pop up gift card holder!

Here is the

Supply List-
Cardstock (CS)
Patterned Paper
Glue dots
Bone folder or scoring blade
Embellishemnts

First cut your CS to 4" X 7" and score at 3.5"

Cut your pp to 4.5" X 8" and score at 3.75"

Next cut two slits in your folded CS at 1.5" and 2.5", about 3/8" deep

Fold the flap over both sides to make a good crease, and then open up the CS and "pop out" the part you cut out.

Adhere the CS to the inside of the pp. I find it easiest to adhere one side and then fold the card shut to make sure it will fit correctly.

Add your gift card to the flap using a glue dot... the gift card will "pop" out when you open the holder!

I think you'll agree with me that this is an adorable project! Do let Jess know what you think too in our comments section!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

On our 6th day of Christmas inspiration, Wendy is going to show us how to make Easel Cards. They are all the rage, right now and I definitely want to make one! Here are the instructions:

**Feel free to mix up the colours to suit your project.***

To construct the easel card,
1. Cut one piece of green cardstock 5” x 10”
2. Score at 5” and 2.5”
3. Cut a red piece of cardstock 5” x 5”
4. Cut a piece of patterned paper for the front – 4 ½ “ x 4 ½ “
5. Cut a piece of patterned paper for the inside – 4 ¾ “ x 4 ¾”

To assemble the easel card,
1. Position the green cardstock in front of you with the 5” edge along the bottom.
2. Bring the 2.5” fold towards you.
3. Then bring the 5” fold towards you. This will make a long base with a triangular fold on top.

5. Glue the 4 ½” x 4 1/2 “ piece of pattern paper on top of the red piece of cardstock.
6. Embellish how you wish – I used a magnolia stamp and a nestabilities scalloped circle with a journaling spot from the December kit to stamp the Merry Christmas.
7. Take the finished front and attach to the smallest fold – the 2 ½” edge, ensuring that both bottom edges are flush to each other. Glue only this front fold of your base to the bottom half of your front piece.
8. Glue remaining patterned paper piece onto the green to create your base, or inside of card.
9. Attach a button with a glue dot about center so that when you stand up your easel card, it will not slide forward.
10. This card can easily fold flat for mailing!!!

Here is the finished card! Isn't it beautiful???

Don't forget to tell Wendy how much you love her card in the comments section! Oh did I happen to mention that the blog winner for last week is.....






Tammy (aka tampatha)??? Please contact Sandy or myself to make arrangements to claim your prize! Congratulations!

Fabulous Friday - Chromotherapy Challenge

I love Fridays and I especially love Fabulous Fridays! Don't you? This week, we have a Chromotherapy Challenge from Wendy. Her challenge is below.

"Can you believe that it is just 2 weeks before Christmas???? My challenge is to create a Christmas Card or layout with red and blue as your main colours...and to add bling -- so red, blue and bling!!

I created this card with paper from December’s kit and used my copics to colour the magnolia stamp.

This second photo to show how I added dimension.

I cut the pattern paper to 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches and cut out the middle using my spellbinder die and cricut. Then, out of that center piece, I used the die, 2 sizes smaller to create the inlay on the card. I used foam tape to attach the square to the red background."

Please show us what you create and leave Wendy some lovin' in the Comments section!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Today we have a delightful dose of inspiration from Amber! She is going to show us how to easily and quickly make a sparkling impression with your gifts this year using supplies from your scrapbook room! Curious??

It's a glittered chipboard monogram! It is a beautiful way to personalize a gift.

1. Find the appropriate letter for your recipient in your raw chipboard supplies.

2. Paint both the back and front and allow to dry (I did mine black).

3. Cover the front with glue, sprinkle with glitter and tap off excess.

4. Once dry, pierce a tiny hole in the top of your monogram and use a thread and needle to stitch it to your gift package!

You now have a gorgeous, glittery addition to your regular gift wrap in only a few minutes!

I think you will agree with me that this is a fabulous project! Please let Amber know too!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

Today's 12 Days of Christmas inspiration is from Denise. Her daughters like to help Denise make these ornaments. They are in charge of colouring and Denise gets the snowman inside the glass ball. Actually it really isn’t that hard, which is good because “we” are making a bunch for a craft sale this weekend at their school.

Here are the instructions-

Use a circle cutter to cut a piece of transparency slightly smaller than the diameter of your ornament.

Use staz-on ink to stamp your choice of seasonal stamps – an image or sentiment, both work well.

Use sharpies (or other similar permanent markers) to colour on the back of the transparency. This allows you to colour over the black lines on the back but still look good from the front.

Punch a tiny hole in the top of the transparency and run fishing line or light thread through the hole and leave about 6 inch tails. You may add “snow” to your ornament at this point, if you wish.

Now roll the transparency from side to side tight enough that you can fit the tube in the opening of your ornament. HOLD ONTO THE THREAD! If you don’t you will never get the transparency out again! Once the tube is inside it will open up to show your image. Manipulate your thread tails to better place the image. Place the cap back on the ornament and tie your thread to it to secure the image.

Add a pretty bow and hang the ornament on your tree.

Here is Denise's ornament - isn't it adorable????


(Denise used a white paint pen from Princess Auto to colour the snowman. Not just a store for men!)

Please let Denise know how much you love her ornament in the comments section!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

Today we are so lucky to have Jess share a favourite family recipe for Caramel Corn - yum!

I have always wanted to make Caramel corn and this is just perfect - thank you very much Jess!


How about you? Do you like Caramel Corn?

On the Second Day of Christmas....

...we enjoyed a beautiful holiday tradition from Jen...

“If you’re anything like me you enjoy the traditions of the holiday season. One tradition I grew up with and have carried over into my own family is that of Christmas Crackers at the Christmas Dinner table. It is a non-negotiable staple, and we all have to wear our goofy paper crowns while we dig into our turkey and trimmings. I thought it would be fun to make some Christmas Crackers from scratch. It’s a super easy craft and great for using up some scraps. All you need is a toilet paper roll, some snaps (I got mine at Michael’s) and some paper and ribbon. You’ll also need something fun to put inside, like coins, key chains, hair barrettes, small toys (cars), candy, lotto ticket, etc.

To begin, you’ll need a toilet paper roll and a sheet of patterned paper (PP) - thinner is easier.

Depending on the size of your snaps and how big you want your crackers to be, you’ll have to adjust your sizes accordingly. My snaps were 10” long so I wrapped my toilet paper roll in a 11"x7” piece of PP.

Next trick is to place the snap in the center of the cracker roll so it’s running from end to end. Tie a ribbon around one end of the cracker, just past the border of the cardboard roll on the inside.

Now comes time to fill it, place whatever fun trinket you’ve decided on in the roll and then tie the remaining end closed with more ribbon. Voila! You have a Christmas Cracker! These are also fun for New Year’s parties. Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season.”

Here is Jen's beautiful Christmas cracker!

I know what I'll be making this weekend; what about you?

Don't forget to link me up to your finished projects for an extra ballot:-)

The 12 Days of Christmas

If your household is anything like mine, these next few days and weeks leading up to Christmas will be brimming with activity, laughs, smiles, anticipation and endless to-do lists! If you were planning to put some special handmade touches to your Christmas preparations but just weren't sure how you would find extra hours in the day, I've got just the thing for you :-) For 12 days in December, the Design Team will be inspiring you with a diverse set of projects that are quick and easy, yes, I said quick and easy to make. We are going to show you how to make items in 30 minutes or less (move over Rachel Ray!!!) with supplies your already have on hand. We may be sharing a favourite family recipe; I love tried and true...or we may show you how to use something you have in a different way. All I can say is, join me for this fun ride!

Let's start the 12 Days of Christmas inspiration with my Day 1 project - simple, elegant placecards to adorn your table.

In lieu of the traditional tent style placecards, I chose a landscape orientation for my placecard. Inside the placecard, I included a personal wish for each recipient. Here is a close-up of the front. The message is on the inside.

Supplies: Bazzill cardstock, Dazzlers flowers, My Minds Eye pattern paper, American Crafts thickers.

Are you inspired??? Please leave me a comment. Last week's blog winner will be announced tomorrow!

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

Oh me oh my...you just have to see the cutest and sweetest inspiration from Amber today!

Make a sweet impression with your desserts this holiday season by adorning squares, cookies or cupcakes with adorable toppers!

Simply search your scrapbook supplies for paper scraps, get out your holiday themed punches or diecutters and combine with a toothpick to create quick and easy toppers!

Please let Amber know just how darn cute these cupcake toppers are!