Izbzee

treat bags?

I found this cute and easy to cut and make treat bag at www.prettypapergraphics.com.  A little bit of inking was all it needed and making 10 didn't take a ton of time once I was able to sit at the table and begin.

I used AC and Bazzil cardstock for the cuts. All pieces were cut with the eclips2 and eCal3 software. 
Ink, blending tool and pads (Tim Holtz/Ranger)
A bit of glue (lineco) in my Baby Bot glue bottle (no squeezing necessary!)
Cello bags (Dollar Store find)
Candy

Assembly is very easy as the box is one piece.  I suggest inking all of the pieces before assembly.  Glue the eye pieces together and set aside.  Glue the stem and add the leaf and curly cue.  Add the eyes.  I didn't put anything on the back, but it might be fun to add a little personalized note on the box before putting the box together. 

I applied a line of glue to the tabs that would be glued to the back of the front.  Use your finger to make sure you have a good bond. Repeat with the remaining tabs.  Add the handle.  I might add a second cut of the handle for thinner weight paper.  10 of these boxes put together in less than an hour... not bad! 

Fill a cello bag with a favorite treat - a cookie or brownie would also be a good fit... not quite deep enough for a cupcake. 

 

Sweet Birthday Treats

This was fairly quick and easy to make using the eclips2 and eCal3 software. And best of all, gluten free, sugar-free, and 0 carbs! 

You'll need:
Donut Fun (The Cutting Cafe)
Sizzix eclips2 and eCal software
DIY Audio Card EZ Sound Module (Invite By Voice)
Happy Birthday.mp3 ringtone (Zedge.com)
Cardstock (white, pink, kraft brown)
Transparency for box window
Distress Ink and blender tool and pads
Adhesive (glue and scor tape)
Glitter (stash)

Assembly:

• The card base is a sheet measuring 8.5 x 16.5.  Score at 5.50, and 11 inches. You will have 3 sections to the card.
• Create your sentiment for the inside of the card before adding the sound card to the center portion of the card base.  This will make it so much easier.  Add any other details to the card inside as desired. (I've left the sentiment off for personal reasons)
• I made the card front using basic shapes to create a "box front" with a layered banner.  This card front is just slightly smaller than the card front 8.25 x 5.25. The donuts are reduced to 80% and all pieces are cut using the eclips2.
• Ink the edges of the donut pieces.  Adhere the 'frosting" to the base and add a few sprinkles using some snowy glitter*.  Let dry. 
• Prepare the box top.  Adhere the transparency to the back of the box top and add the banner to the front.  Set aside.
• Record the sound module according to manufacturer's directions.  It's really so easy. For this particular card, I chose a free ringtone from Zedge.com  Replace the "block" until you have the sound module installed in your card.
• Assemble the card front and adhere.  Place the donuts on the card base front, add the "box" top.  I used scor tape to adhere the box front.  You could use a foam tape if you wanted a little more height to the project.
• Now place your sound module in the card.  Make sure that the area with the small triangular cuts is on the fold as it provides the "trigger" to start and stop the play of the module.  Apply some score tape to the top and bottom edges of the card base.  Remove the release tape and the shield from the module (it may start playing).  Fold the right third of the card over to the center, lining up the edges and secure to the tape.  Fold the top over to "close" the card. 

 

Happy Crafting vibes to you!  Hoping you're planning some time in your crafting space this coming week! 

Fall Anniversaries

I fell a little behind and found quick and easy way to create a cute card.

These 4 cards were quick and easy - just a few pieces of cardstock, a couple of stamps, a little ink ...and some tape. (click on the image for a larger view)

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You'll need:
Stamps are retired sets from Stampin Up!  (Outlined Occasions, Because I care),
Inks from Stampin Up and FSJ;
Paper - AC Cardstock
Scor-Tape

For each card:
*The card base is cut 4.5 x 11 inches.  Score at 5.5 and at 6.5.  Crease the 5.5 in a mountain fold and the 6.5 mark in a valley fold. 
Cut 2 additional pieces of colored stock at 4 x 4.25 and 3.5 x 3.75.  Cut  3 pieces of white or off white stock at 3.75 x 4 and 3.25 x 3.5 and .75 x 4.

*Use your electronic cutting machine to make quick work of these cuts!  1 12x12 piece for the base and colored pieces.  About a 1/2 sheet of 8.5 x11 for the 3 white cuts.  I used the eclips2 and eCal 3 to make my cuts. 

Stamp the narrow strip multiple times with the floral stamp.  Set aside. The smaller white piece is also stamped in the lower left corner.  Stamp off if desired for a little more muted effect.  Stamp the sentiments in the upper right hand corner. 

Pair the smaller color and white stock and adhere to make one "framed" layer.  Repeat for the remaining white and colored stock.  Center and adhere the smaller layered pieces to the larger pieces and adhere to the front of the card.  Center and adhere the floral strip to the left side of the card.

Open the card.  Add some tape to the area between the score lines and secure. 

Personalize the inside of the card as desired. 

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit of your time here today.  Looking forward to sharing some additional ideas and makes with you in the very near future! 

 

Getting a start on some Halloween projects

This idea has been formulating for a couple of months.  Lots of different iterations, but I do like how the "idea" ultimately came together.

 

I asked Sandy Stark at Simply Crafty SVGs for the design of the egg shape***. She graciously accepted and created the SVG file for me.  Sandy's design skills were spot on and the design worked perfectly. 

The teeth were made using basic shapes from the eCal library (triangle and horizontal rectangle, Union)

All of the leaves were cut from heavy white crepe paper using a template created in the eCal3 software and cut with the eclips2 using a heart shape from the library and the knife to cut the shapes in half and the close path command. 

Since the eclips doesn't cut crepe well, I invited a friend over to cut the crepe since my tendonitis is still in flare mode. Wires were glued to the crepe paper pieces before coloring using a technique from a Lia Griffeth you tube video. The leaves were colored using the eBrush and Bic Mark-it markers.  

The tongue was a hand cut shape.  A  highly texture paper would work, or you could use some paper twist or heavy floral crepe paper and have it work. 

The Feed Me sign was made using a font from Creative Fabrica - Halloween.  (affiliate link)

An 18" dowel was attached at the back of the head and the wired leaves added using floral tape and hot glue.  Secure in the pot (10") and add any finishing touches. 

As you know, I love to add lights and music to a lot of my pieces, and this one was no exception.  An InviteByVoice sound module with push button was added with a little  bit of an instrumental version of "Feed Me" from Little Shop of Horrors recorded on the module.  A string of fairy lights under the lip of the pot and through the center were added as well. 

 

I hope you enjoyed this bit of whimsy and fun!  Thanks for stopping by.  Have some fun in your creative world this month! 

***NOW AVAILABLE IN THE SIMPLYCRAFTYSVGS SHOP!*** 
https://www.simplycraftysvgs.com/shop/holidays/halloween/venus-flytrap/

Catching UP...

It's been a rather interesting time around here.  Just when you'd hoped to get a bunch of things started and finished, you overwork on digit and develop a really bad case of tendonitis on your dominant hand.  It's slowed things down a bit, but I've been able to come up with a few workarounds other than using a glue bottle which I still can't squeeze for much more than 30 seconds during any "working" session.  I'm really hoping that the ergo friendly glue bottle for woodworkers will work for me. 

The "down time" has given me a little more time to play with some ideas and collaborate with a couple of other people in bringing the ideas to life.  A and I brainstormed about a couple of ideas for some Halloween decor and we're seeing the main piece come together in a way I hoping to be able to share some sneak peeks soon. 

My July ATC mixed media piece was picked up by @CreativeFabrica for an article on their site and was featured in their newsletter 8/23/19 newsletter!  That was definitely  a lift! You can find the article on the CF site, here. 

I'm looking forward to some future posts on the @InviteByVoice blog soon.  Things are in a holding pattern -- for them to start posting the 8 projects I've completed in the last few months using their sound boxes and modules. 

School starts back up tomorrow and to celebrate I've been able to create a few cards using a pattern offered by Corina over at @Creatieve Papier Uitspattingen.  They were so fun to make and I was grateful for the support from a fellow maker in helping me clean up the print to cut image a little more to make it much easier to cut and use.  Videos below. 

 

More to come in a couple of days....  and hopefully, the brace will be gone for good for a very long while. 

Nurture your heart with a little creativity.  Create some time in your schedule to make it happen! 

It's in the book.

SVGCuts' Attic Treasures Kit has one of my favorite go-to files. The book.  It's so versatile and can be made for any occasion.  Today's project is for a birthday and could also be used to celebrate meeting a reading goal.

You'll need:

Attic Treasures SVG Kit (SVGCuts.com)*
12 x 12 cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah)
EZ Sound Module (Light Activated) from InviteByVoice.com

Audio file (about 2 minutes long)
Adhesive, Lineco Glue, Scor-Tape, Foam Mounting tape
ink
blending tool
Scoreboard, bone folder
Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3)
Optional - printables

Cut all pieces needed for the book as well as an embellishment pieces.  I added an image to the spine of the book and used the print 2 cut feature in the eCal software before cutting. Ink the edges of all the book pieces for an old book look if desired.  My sister says this book looks "ancient!" 

Cut another piece at 4 3/8" x 5 1/4" to cover the sound module.  Use a 1/2 inch punch to create an opening for the sound module sensor. 

Lightly score the "pages" on the sides of the box in 1/8" increments and add a little ink with the blending tool to highlight the lines. 

Assemble the book and "pages" as shared in the assembly video here. Decorate the book cover as desired.  I chose not to use the panels in the file for this project or other decorative elements provided in the folder.

Following the directions included with the sound module, record your audio.  Remove the backing from the module and place in the box. 

Decorate the 4 3/8" x 5 1/4" piece of cardstock as desired. Apply some foam mounting tape to the back.  Do not remove the release paper.  If desired add a 2nd layer of tape. Set this layer in place and remove the sensor.  Close the book. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hoping your creative time is filled with a little magic!  Enjoy. 

*An affiliate link are used in this link.

The globe

I've been keeping my eye out for some old globes I could upcycle, however, when this cut file became available, it hopped right into my shopping cart!  There are two versions in the kit -- a full globe and then one that separates into halves and can be filled with goodies.  Both will turn on the (straw) axis in the stand. Needless to say, this file found at Creatieve Papier Uitspattingen has so much potential -- I didn't have to wait any longer to find a globe!   Corina even has a printable "world" face you can add if you want something a little more realistic.

There is a link to an assembly video on her website, and I would suggest you watch it for some assembly tips.  I believe that Corina weighted her base, however, I didn't find the need to do that with my version but the weight of your globe and the paper used could make a difference and require weighting.   

The finished globe is approximately 7 inches high and a perfect fit with my 3D letters from SVGCuts and I love having it on my mantel. 

I created my sentiment using fonts on my computer and had to do just a little manipulating to get them to stick to the curved surface of the panels. 

TIPS:
If using vinyl on the panels -- cover a sheet of corresponding color cardstock with the vinyl and then cut with your cutting machine. 

Burnish the edges of the vinyl to the cardstock. This helped on a few pieces that need a little more shaping to the curves. 

If you decide to hand write your sentiments on the vinyl, be sure to use chalkboard vinyl.  You can wipe away the dust and reapply with chalk as desired. 

Thanks for stopping by today... No affiliate links have been used in this post.

Schedule in some creative time over the next few days and let the joy that comes from creating fill your soul. 

 

 

ATC and a little mixed media

The eclips/eCal Facebook page is having another ATC challenge - CELEBRATIONS!   and all of the elements used to create the ATC must be designed and cut using the eclips and eCal. 

Here's my finished card.  It was inspired by a find on Pinterest --

I started with a plain piece of cardstock that had a light layer of Gesso.  I masked off a section of the gelli plate slightly larger than the ATC dimensions, brayered on some paint and pulled a print.  I added a few additional pulls of color  to the print using some stencils (cut with the eclips) and additional pink and white and yellow paints until I got the desired results. 

Using the eCal software, size a vertical rectangle to 2.5 x 3.5, set the line to Print 2 Cut Cut.  Create text on an arch.  I used Funky Mother for the fun text.  Fill the text with color (I chose black) and set the stroke to none.  Change from cut to Print 2 Cut Print.  Print, make sure you select registration marks.  Since the cardstock has some tooth from the Gesso and gelli print, you can opt to use some embossing powder and a heat gun to add a little more texture to the card.  I used some Ranger Black embossing powder. 

Now for the cutting.  Place the gessoed paper on the mat and following the print 2 cut directions, cut the ATC. 

I found a fun cupcake graphic at Creative Fabrica and decided to use the base of the cupcake as the stencil.  Size it to approximately 2 inches high with keep proportions checked. Cut using stencil material or regular cardstock.

 

Position the cupcake stencil on the ATC base as desired and using some watercolors and a water brush, add some additional colors.  Let dry. 

Add some sprinkles to your frosting.  I used the sprinkles in the original design, grouped them together and created a small stencil for those and added a little more color. 

 

Add additional details using a Micron pen.  For a little extra shine, use a sparkle brush and let dry.

 

Thanks for dropping by!  Hoping you have built in some creative time this week! 

 

 

 

 

Celebrations!

We've just celebrated the 4th of July here in the states.  It was a near picture perfect day here in the Mountain West! 

This month is also host to several birthdays and I'd like to share this card made for my Father in Law using the Going Fishing Truck from @SimplyCraftySvgs.  It's very easy to cut, put together and adding additional embellishments is super easy using the blank extras found in the file.

This is a great reminder of many fond memories of Gpa's old truck.  Making lots of trips to and from the river, the lake, a camping trip or two, and even to classes at the Burley College of Southern Idaho campus.  Lots of good memories, not only for me, but for the kids and T.

Paper is from AC Cardstock
SVG File from SimplyCraftySvg's*
FORD - my design in stencil form reverse embossed on a blank cut.
Markers and ink pads for additional shading and texture
Project cut using Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3

 

*no affiliate links used in this post.

More birthdays coming and I'm busy at work on a couple more -- hoping to share soon.   

 

a little more foiling...

Quick "little" post! 

This larger tag similar to a previous post would be perfect for decorating a gift box.  Adding a simple personalized sentiment or greeting would be the perfect finish for this foiled design. 

Sorry it's not the best image, but I do love how it turned out.  the image is from a line art bundle I purchased a while back and I love the simple lines.  The eclips2 and draw command in eCal3 paired with the Foil Quill fine tip and Spellbinder's Rose Gold foil made easy work of this design.  Added a little color with watercolor pencils and a waterbrush.