Recycled Inspiration

I have been sadly behind in my Christmas crafting this year due to a rather nasty cough that had me MIA but now that my strength is returning so is my creativity, and the desire to craft.

I may not have gotten any Christmas cards crafted this year but I think I have Christmas 2008 all sorted and best of all I have all year to work on getting them done.

I love to recycle so I save all my bags, tags, ribbons and bows at this time of the year. In fact the girls and I have agreed we're going to have a 'recycled' Christmas in 2008 so we're not allowed to purchase any 'new' wrap or bags. I actually found this REALLY hard in the sales which is usually when I buy my pretty bags for the next Christmas - I had to pass them all up. Jessica used brown packaging paper and lovely red sheer ribbon with gold text on it this year - they looked so pretty! I wonder where she gets her talent from - hmmm?

This was a 'recycled' bag I used from last year to put a present in for a co-worker. I loved the red and white snowflake design. Red is one of my favourite colours.


Of course I had to remove the tag as it had been written on, but I didn't want to throw it away so I backed it with red cardstock and trimmed around it with scalloped scissors. I even managed to hide that I had to snip it to get it off by re-punching the hole once mounted and adding ribbon.

I added the button for fun and then stamped on a 3 x 3 mini card blank using red ink and a snowflake stamp (Papertrey) for a background.

I used a greeting stamp (Papertrey again) for the inside and stamped my 'handstamped' on the back.

It was only today as I was taking this in to work that I decided to photograph it and I found myself inspired by the design. When I came home today I knew I had to create one of my own.

This is my version. I used the 'faux ribbon' stamp set from - yep you guessed it - Papertrey to create the stripe detail. I used their 'snowflake serenade' set for the JOY and the snowflakes. I used my new oval scallop punch (so glad I got this!) and some scraps of red checked ribbon. What could be simpler!

I love that the entire card is created using stamps - not a bit of patterned paper in sight - and the red and white colour scheme, kinda lends a scandinavian folk art feel to it. I figure I can create all my cards in less than a week - the ovals in an evening, the background squares another evening, cut cards and add elements to them a further evening, insert stamped inserts and add 'handmade' another evening and then make little red handmade envelopes on the fifth evening - cool! I think I'm gonna get these made asap.

I'm making these a 'like it, own it' item so if anyone's interested in ordering any just post me a comment.

Take Note Tutorial

Just sharing these cute little covers for a simple 'post it note' pad.

You will need plain white or cream cardstock, a small post it note pad, coloured cardstock, a scrap of ribbon, stamps and inks and basic equipment such as trimmer, ruler, pencil, tape etc.

Begin by measuring your post it note. I will share my calculation system but then give dimensions for the one I made as well. Add 1/4" (1/2 cm) around all 4 edges of your pad, take this square measurement and then add the same measurement to one end to turn a square into a rectangle.

My note pad was 3" (7.5 cm) square + 1/4" (1/2 cm) on all sides = 3.5" x 3.5" square (or 8.5 cm X 8.5 cm).

Add this amount again to one end and I have a 3.5" x 7" (or 8.5 cm x 17 cm) rectangle. This is the cardstock base measurement.

Cut base from cardstock using the measurement for your note pad.

Before going any further check it for size by offering up the note pad and checking there is the correct allowance around all edges. NOTE: the allowance from the top will form the spine.

With your pad in place you can mark and score a line across for the first fold or if you are confident enough, you can simply bend up the card in place.

Remove the pad and line up the fold along edges to ensure the card folds evenly, creasing well.

Working 1/2" (1 cm) from this first score line, score again for second fold to create the spine.

Your cover should look like this when folded along score lines - a base, a spine and a top cover.

Add enough tape to the back of pad to hold in place and secure onto base lining up at first score line. You should have a nice even border of 1/4" (1/2 cm) around 3 sides. NOTE: using just enough adhesive allows the user to pull off the back of the pad to replace with a new one when finished.

Your project should now look like this and is ready for decorating. If you don't have stamps you can use a quote created on your computer or you can create a block using papers, punches, die-cuts and embellishments instead.

I found this stamp from way back buried in one of my stamp buckets and I love using it.

I stamped it on the back to add a nice touch and to let the recipient know that it was 'hand stamped' and 'created just for you'.

It not only adds personal touch but it's nice to decorate the back of the cover a little. You could simply add 'made by' and your name, or as one of the girls in the office does; add a 'made by' sticker.

If your note pad comes with sticky tabs then these can be secured on the reverse of the top cover. If not then you might like to add one of those little tear off a page calendars that are sold in stationery shops which would double up the use of this little 'desk aid'.

Trim some plain cardstock to the same size as your pad (3" x 3" or 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm). This allows your decoration to have a small border all around once mounted in place.

Work on stamping up your design using your chosen stamps and taking care not to smudge the ink as you work. Because you are working in such a small space you can usually finish the design before the ink is dry so smudging is a real possibility!

Once the design is dry ink around the edges for contrast against the background mount.

Mount decorated block onto background cardstock.

Trim with decorative scissors (a plain border works equally well if you don't have scissors) and set aside.

Using adhesive tape, fold the ribbon in half and add to the front of the top cover as shown above. This provides a nice ribbon 'tab' to open the pad.

Use plenty of adhesive to secure the decorative block in place on the top cover ensuring there is an even border around all four sides and securing ribbon further.

TIP: as a finishing touch I like to add a tiny amount of glitter to finish off the small flowers. I use an inexpensive clear glitter glue (had mine for yonks and still going strong!) squeezed out onto a plastic lid so it peels off when dry, and I apply it with a toothpick.

Voila! One pretty darn cute and functional gift! Create another designed block and you can make a mini card to include with your gift.

Take Note - Actually Take Several!

I have been having a marathon crafting session today - making up for lost time I guess. Look what I made - how cute are these?


I was planning to make these 'post it note' gifts for the girls in my office because everyone's always looking for post it notes and if you leave yours out it inevitably disappears!


These are some of the designs ended up with. I stuck with the same sentiment because it was easier and I liked it.

I posted one earlier in the year that I made for one of the girls who left in November. She had hers early as a result but by the time I got around to making the others, I had changed my cover design somewhat. I used my favourite stamps - Paper Trey Ink of course (see my link in list) and these ones were done using the 'butterfly kisses' set with a little help from 'little lady' for the sentiment and the dotted trail.

These ones used the 'beautiful blooms' set. I find that these stamps can look completely different just by changing the colours or by using the outline stamps in the set.

These ones were the 'little lady' set and I just love this one - who doesn't love ladybugs? At first glance they look the same but no two are alike since I moved the different elements around and changed direction or colours each time.

This one featured the 'spiral bouquet' set. I have only scratched the surface with this set so far but I really like this one.

Anyone fo these designs would make cute mini cards too but I think I might just add this project into the Crafty Women programme for the new year.

I am posting a tutorial on how to make these but if anyone would like to purchase one, you can simply by adding a comment. I think £2.75 is a fair price - just let me know which design and any colour preferences you have - thanks.

Scallop Bag Favour Tutorial

I promised that my next post would be a craft so here it is.

I went into town today and purchased one of the larger scalloped punches I have been wanting. I had to order the round one but now I will have the largest square, oval and round. Next I'll get the plain shapes to fit nicely inside and then start collecting the next size down.

Anyhow I remember seeing this little bag favour a while back but I can't remember which blog I saw it on???? I thought I would share it anyway since it's so darn cute. Add a slim name tag and it makes a cute place setting or the word 'thanks' and you have a 'sweet' little thank you gift.

My new oval scallop punch is 3" - it's the lilac one made by Woodware and I bought it at The Stamp Hut in Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds - you will need one of these to make this bag.

You need to punch 2 ovals, one plain and the other patterned. You also need adhesive tape, a small brad, a length of thin ribbon (approx. 22cm or 8.5" in length) and a scrap of thin string or thread. I used some silver thread.

Find the centre scallop on either long end of the plain scallop oval. Working across the scallop from end to end draw a pencil line across using the scallop on either side of this centre one. This gives you a placement guide for your ribbon handles.

Your pencil lines should be spaced like the picture above - centre scallop plus a scallop on either side.

Add adhesive tape across these lines as shown.

Add ribbon creating loop 'handles' and secure in place as shown.

Knot the thread to create a loop. This makes it easier to keep the loop securely in place. Keeping the knot loosely tied makes it easier to flatten and less likely to be bulky.

Add a further bit of adhesive and position the loop so it extends. This loop will form part of the closure for the bag.

Taking the patterned scallop, add a brad at one end. This enables you to close the bag by looping the thread loop over and around the brad.

Adhere the patterned scallop on top of the plain scallop making sure that the loop is at one end and the brad at the other.

Locate the centre scallop on either side. Score a line at both sides of this centre scallop and fold as shown below.

This enables the bag to stand up and provides room for a small sweet or mint inside. Just 'tack' the sweet in place before closing the bag to keep it from falling out.

You might even be able to get a small pair of earrings in the little bag. If you decide to add a slim name tag you will need to add it when you secure the brad. Wouldn't these be cute at a little girls b'day party.

Hmmm? I think I know one who's about to turn 3 years old in January. Maddy would probably rip them apart to get to the sweet but they'd look real cute up until then.

Mom if you're reading this - this is one of the little projects I'll be sending you in the new year for one of your girly get togethers - red and/or purple right? How many?

Got What I Wanted!

I didn't want too much this year. In fact Christmas has become much less about the presents as the years have gone by. For us it's more about the reason for the season - Jesus - and family than anything else.

Having said that - if anyone is going to spend good money on me - like anyone else I love it if it's to get me something I REALLY want!

All I really wanted the is year was a new bracelet (my daughter Vicky got me that), some vouchers so I could buy several new - and a bit more expensive -scallop punches I have had my eye on for a while ( a few people got me these including my bestest friend Jilly) and if at all possible the red glass cake stand I have been admiring in Marchants for the past 6 months.

My dear hubby surprised me with this last one!

For the last couple of years now we've sort of agreed NOT to buy each other presents. We usually buy anything we want throughout the year at some point so we'd rather have a day out together or something and spend the money on the kids.

Well I managed to grab him a couple of things - nothing fancy or expensive - just some small things I thought he might like. I only did this because he has a way of surprising me with something I desperately want each year! I didn't want to be caught out by NOT getting him anything at all.

He opened his gift, thanked me and said "I thought we weren't getting gifts this year, I didn't get you one".

That was absolutely fine with me.

Imagine my surprise then when we went through the entire day, dinnerwith the family in our daughter's new house, opening stocking gifts with the grandkids before they went to bed and ..

then.....

out came the last possible gift of the day - my red glass 2 tier cake stand!!!!!!!!

The girls were in on this secret and were so excited about it. As I opened it I told them what I'd done and how their dad had let me go through the entire day even talking about buying the stand myself after Christmas ( I wouldn't let my daughter buy it because it was too expensive for her budget) and ALL THE TIME HE KNEW!

I think maybe I'll keep him for a while yet!

Christmas Eve

Yep it's Christmas Eve and - NO I'M NOT SOME SAD BLOGGER WITH NOTHING BETTER TO DO!

I am waiting to take the presents over to my daughter's house but one of the grandkids are still wide awake. I thought while I wait I might as well share what I've been doing between yesterday and today.




I have been meaning to try my hand at making one of these for a while now and since I needed a last minute gift I thought why not?


I got the idea for this from Beate John's blog and the tutorial she did for the Split Coast Stampers site. You can find the instructions to make one of your own at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/treat_box/ The box is cleverly made from just one 12 x 12 sheet of card stock, covered with 2 complimenting 12 x 12 sheets of patterned paper and when finished it creates a kind of bowl with 4 divided sections.



I decided to fill each section with a bag of goodies such as yoghurt covered raisins and chocolate covered peanuts. It holds 4 fairly good sized bags too!





This is the view from the top. The whole thing is tied together to keep it in place and I added a gold angel die-cut to finish it off.



I didn't take a final photograph but I gathered clear wrap around it, tied a bow and added a tag (as for the fruit basket in previous post). It looked very pretty and the best part of all was that these can be made ahead of time, stored flat and then just grab, tie, fill, wrap and go for a quick and easy gift. You could add pamper items to it or do one for a new baby with lots of baby gifts. I think it would lend itself to any theme as long as you can find items to fit into the sections nicely.


At this time of year when you get invited to parties they make lovely gifts to the party hosts.

I finally managed to make half a dozen of my festive slices on Sunday. I thought I had made them small enough to fit into some lovely boxes I bought especially for them this year but they simply would not go in. It was just as well I grabbed half a dozen of these clear boxes at the sametime but they only just fit in these!

I tied them up with pretty checkered ribbon and even made a few quick tags on the computer. I would've liked to have created tags that were completely hand made but I am still recovering from this cough virus so I was absolutely bushed after all the baking.

I have been making these slices for several Christmases now and I stumbled onto it quite by accident. I was trying to create fancy (sweet) mince pies topped with marzipan but they flopped miserably. I was left with the remainder of the jar of mincemeat, marzipan and pastry.

Here's what I did:

I decided to roll out the pastry into an oblong, line it with marzipan, top it with sweet mincemeat mixture and added sliced apples for good measure. I folded and sealed the whole thing up, scored a criss cross pattern lightly on the top and then brushed with beaten egg. I baked it in a moderate oven, seal side down until golden and then dusted it generously with icing sugar once cooled. Success!!!! I now get asked for these every year!

Team up my slice with Dave's home made egg nog and you have a yummy Christmas treat. We delivered a couple on Sunday evening and dropped off the last one's tonight; making sure to keep one for ourselves of course!

Well my daughter has texted, the kids are asleep and she wants to go to bed too so I'm off to deliver pressies for them to open tomorrow morning.