Izbzee

more catching up to do...

Like I shared in my last post, May and June haven't been craft free.  I've spent quite a few hours in my space and love it!

Let's get started with June's ministering card.  Super simple -- I used a stamp from Fun Stampers Journey (retired), filled a page and die cut them out.  I pulled a stencil from my stash and used some paint and created the border.  For a little more texture, I used a strip of cheesecloth and wrapped it around to the back and secured it.  The flowers are "messy" colored with markers.  This stack was 20 cards.   


Birthday's started early in June and just like last month, close together!  This card has a pattern fill for the word CAKE and the fill is made using the gradient component in SCAL 6 Pro and adding additional segments to the color.  I think that the next time I use this file, I'll change the font.  


This tag holder is based on a find at Pinterest.  It doesn't involve dies and was simply made with a piece of paper and a few folds.  I was able to recreate it using SCAL and letting the machine do most of the work.  It was fun!  The digital stamp is from Polkadoodles and the tags are made from a subway art file I've had in my stash for several years.  I'm not sure if it's available any longer, but I'll post a link if I find it again.  I added a second smaller tag and added some stickers and washi tape I've had around for a few years.... Great way to use a bit of stash too!  I used this project as a challenge piece.  


And the last project for today's post.  Though it's a two-fer.  I recently took a class from Abby Kirsten - creating your own SVGs.  She uses Inkscape in the course, but I thought I would try doing it in SCAL 6 Pro, which if the software I use most often and I like to think I'm pretty familiar with what it can and can't do.  ;)  I created the rainbow using rectangles and playing with nodes.  I think it turned out pretty good for a first try!  I've used the file in a couple of ways:  as a print 2 cut and as a cuttable SVG with print 2 cut parts.  It's worked very well.  I've also changed it from a Thank You to a Happy Birthday -- just to see how adaptable it is especially if needing to make a bunch which we did of the "Thank You" version for T's staff after we got the news that the DOL/DOGE was cutting funding and closing 99 Job Corps campuses around the country by the end of the month.  (Update:  hearing slated for the 17th of June - to see if a permanent injunction is ordered against the closing)  


If you've stuck through his post, I sincerely thank you.  Crafting is my stress reliever and I find great comfort in playing with paper, glue and more!  I hope you do the same with whatever you use as a stress reliever.  Enjoy the weekend!  

It's almost the middle of June...

Summer heat arrived a little earlier than the norm this year.  The garden is thriving and we're really looking forward to some fresh produce from the garden in a few weeks.  T is taking care of the outside stuff for the most part, and I'm enjoying spending a few more hours in the craftroom this month.  It's been interesting in a few ways, but we'll skip most of that... and get down to sharing a few things that have left the room:  

We did do a Teacher Appreciation card for T's academic staff.  I used a template from a previous ministering card -- switched out the sentiment on the front and inside and added a few other details.  He got several emails of appreciation and handshakes as he traveled throughout the campus to deliver them.  

I created this "paper quilt" using scraps from my scrap stash -- it's pretty big and I often forget to use them.  It was fun and I had an 8x8 frame I could use to finish it.  

I don't really like making condolence cards, but I do like how this one turned out.  Pinterest inspiration.  Some stamping, heat embossing and a faux watercolor background.  I found a rectangle file with torn edges (I can't think of the other word I would like to use) and created the frame.  Dandelion Stamp from PaperTreyInk (retired) and the sentiment is from Gina K Designs (retired)



More to come, but in the meantime, I hope you've carved out some creative self-care time!  Enjoy the moments.  

July 4th decor - 2025

Getting a start on things to replace a few of my older holiday projects.  These firecrackers were fun to make and are so easy to put together once all the pieces are cut!  They're the perfect size to use in my tiered tray.

The original file (Square Birthday Candle Box) is from Simply Crafty SVGs.  What drew me to this file is that it's basically a one piece box with panels for decor.  The file includes two versions of plain panels. Those plain panels are blank canvases that you can use to create your own panels for any celebration.  I've got a few more ideas other than these!  

The 3rd box is an adaptation of the box.  I cut it horizontally using the knife in SCAL 6 Pro.   Make sure that the score lines are included and are only the ones in that section.  You may have to use Ungroup or Break apart.  Chose one section and use the Close path command. 

Finishing the bottom section is a little different.  Close path first.  Use symmetrical mirror (be aware that the score lines will duplicate), bottom to top to add the tabs to the top portion of this section.  

Once these sections are complete, you can fill each section with a different digital patterned paper.  I used Echo Park's Let Freedom Ring Digital version.  You could use any paper you choose.  The fun is in the choosing of your papers!  Cut and assemble in less than 5 minutes!  

while recuperating....

I've taken the time to spend a little more in my creative space.  I really like it in here and I'm grateful to call this space my own.  It's been a couple of busy weeks and I'm happy with all that I've been able to push out... so here goes:  

I skipped Easter stuff for the most part this year, though we did put some treat bags together for everyone that showed up to the family dinner -- no pics, but the kids (old and young) were delighted to get a little more chocolate and jelly beans!  LOL

Ministering cards for May have been delivered.  I'm glad they came together pretty quickly.  I used a heart die and a word die.  The sentiment strip is a print 2 cut done in SCAL 6 Pro, printed and then cut on the Skycut C24.  Made that part a breeze, that's for sure.  I added a trio of gems (nail art kit from Amazon a couple of years ago).  The inside sentiment is printed with a personal note added for each recipient.  

 

The holographic silver cardstock I got earlier in the month came in handy for our eldest grandson's bday card.  It was a fun make and designing it in SCAL was pretty easy.  It was a pinterest inspiration.  


Sandy released an updated version of the pitcher/vase during the month of April.   She'd added some panels that could be embossed or printed on.  I chose to emboss mine and then added some solar paste to the entire piece.  I love how it turned out.  I also used the same floral arrangement (it pops out for ease in changing) as used in the previous versions you can see here: 



I've got a few more things to share in the days to come, but sadly, I'm having some trouble getting a few things to load correctly.  Have a wonderful week!  I've got a lot more to share - cause since I first started this post (last month), I've gotten a few more things done.  :)  

  

popcorn... can you smell it?

 

This was a really fun interactive box card to make.  The original file is from CyndyGSvg and can be found here.  I adapted the insert to become a shaker feature by cutting off the side tabs.  I placed an acetate window on the back of the insert.  Add the popcorn pieces and the popper piece to the front of the insert.  Embellish the front, sides and back of the box card as desired. Set this piece aside.  


I added a piece of card to the bottom of the insert to make sure there was room for the mini-motor and battery to be added.  It's a really simple circuit to put together and works well using copper tape or the conductive fabric tape which I used for this version.  The motor is placed behind the popcorn, not the popper at the top of the insert.  I tried it both ways, but got better movement of the sprinkles with the motor behind the area where the popcorn elements were at the bottom of the window.  Set this piece aside.  

For the shaker element, I stacked 7 square windows (not included in the file)and made sure that they were securely glued together.  With the card laying open and flat, back side up; adhere the window to the back of the front panel. Adhere the stacked square windows. If using a liquid glue let dry fully, before adding sprinkles.  I found some cloud sprinkles that would work (Happy Kawaii Supplies) for the popcorn and then added some round filler for a little more interaction when the motor is engaged.  Now, you can line up and adhere the insert to close the shaker.  Test the motor.  I added a small piece of tape to keep the battery in place, but left the switch open.  It will close when the card is flat but not standing.  To mail, you'll want to add a strip of paper that will keep the switch from closing.  Make sure the recipient knows to remove it before using the motor.  

It's really a fun card to make and will surprise your recipient.