Think Crafts Blog – Craft Ideas and Projects – CreateForLess

By Guest Blogger Diane, from the blog Charmingly Creative.

Remember your sweetie for Valentine’s Day on February 14th!

Time to Complete: 10 minutes

What You’ll need:

• Any Cuttlebug 5″ X 7″ embossing folder ( I used Kassie’s Brocade)
• Any Martha Stewart Edge Punch – (I used Embossed Trefoil Hearts)
• Any Fiskars 4-in-1 or 3-in-1 corner punch
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Hearts Die (Use #4 & #3)
• Spellbinders Heartfelt Creations- Layered Elegant Swirl Die
• Dark Pink, Black, Polka Dot and White cardstock
• Cuttlebug machine
• Spellbinders Grand Calibur
• Bone folder
• Rotary cutter
• Judikins Diamond Glaze or Sakura 3-D Crystal Lacquer Glaze
• Art Institute Transparent Glitter ( I used Pink)
• Art Institute Glitter Designer Dries Clear Glue, Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape Roll 1/8 or glue dots
• 3D glue dots
• Wax paper

Instructions:

Trim white cardstock with Rotary cutter to 8″x10″. Score the cardstock in the middle at the 5″ line and use a bone folder to crease the edge of paper to form card 5″ x 8″.

Trim Dark Pink cardstock 4 ¾” x 7 ¾” and Trim Polka cardstock 4 ½” x 7 ½” then attach Polka on top of Dark Pink and attach to front of card with Wonder Tape. Run Black cardstock with Layered Elegant Swirl die through Grand Calibur machine according to manufactures directions. (I place a small piece of wax paper down first, then die and finally cardstock so it does not stick to intricate details).

Trim a piece of Dark Pink cardstock to 4 ¾” X 2 ½” use edge punch on one side only. Place punched cardstock in embossing folder and run through machine.

The Heart dies come in 6 sizes: You only need the following two:

• 3: 2â…›” x 2¼”
• 4: 2¾” x 3″

Use Black cardstock for the largest Scalloped Heart die and run through machine using the Spellbinders instructions to cut & emboss the detail into the die shape. Take Dark Pink cardstock and remaining heart die and run through machine. Place Pink heart into Cuttlebug embossing folder and run through machine. Coat Dark Pink heart with Sakura 3-D Crystal Lacquer Glaze and sprinkle on Pink glitter set aside to dry.

Trim a piece of Pink cardstock to about 2 ¼” x 1 ½” for label, use corner punch on edges. Run the words Happy Valentine’s Day through your printer and trim to fit Pink label, punch corners glue in place. Glue Elegant Swirl piece slightly under Dark Pink embossed cardstock, center and glue on card. Use 3 D dots to attach Pink heart to front of Black heart. Attach to card. To complete card attach label to bottom right corner.

By Cardmaking & Scrapbook Layout Contributor, Peg from the blog Peg’s Crafting Corner.

Q. Is there a way to write on dark cardstock?

A. A good way to get your journaling to show on dark colored cardstock is by using a gel pen.  White, pastel, metallic or neon, often referred to as fluorescent, inks show up well.  They are archival safe, waterproof and permanent to prevent bleeding through the paper.  The ink smoothly flows onto the paper and dries quickly.  Some pens are made with glitter in the ink to give an added sparkle to your writing.  They can, also, be used for doodling, drawing in items such as the center of a flower or to create a pattern on your dark cardstock and don’t forget if it already has a pattern that you can use the pen to highlight it and make it pop out even more.

Q. Are there scrapbooking/card making products that are recycled?

A. There are many products that are made from recycled items and can be recycled themselves such as paper scraps.  One easy way to find out the endless choices is by searching the word, “recycled” at CreateForLess. You will be able to find anything from paper to flowers and more there that have been made through recycling.  There are even books such as “Pulp Fiction” by Mark Montano at CreateFor Less that will help inspire you to recycle items found around your home into craft projects. 

Q. My ink pad seems dry.  Is there anything I can do about it?

 

A. A good way to keep your ink pads from seeming dry is to store them upside down when not in use. This allows the ink to flow to the top of the pad instead of settling into the bottom.  Make sure that the caps are always on tightly and closing the ink pad up right after use will help to keep them from drying out, too.   If the ink pad is older or has been used a lot you may need to purchase a new one.  There are some, such as Distress Inks by Ranger, that allow you to purchase a bottle of ink, known as a re-inker, to give life back to your ink pad by adding a few drops to the pad.  When purchasing these be sure to match the name of the re-inker to the name on the ink pad. 

 Q. Is there any easy way to get my punch lined up? 

 An easy way to make sure your punch is lined up is by flipping it over and working from the bottom until you are used to the punch and how it is lined up.  One way that I have found handy is to put the paper in while looking at the bottom of the punch making sure the edge of the paper is even with the metal open area so that it punches right to the edge of the paper.

Next, you can either line up the pattern looking at the bottom of the punch or flip it over and line it up with the pattern on the top, making sure that the last punched edge is still inside the punch.  If it looks like the picture on the right where you see half of the punched area you need to move it into the punch so that it continues to punch all of the areas. 

Q. Is there a good way to get glitter to stick on my cards and layouts?

This is one thing that can be frustrating to many, but there are some simple ways to keep the glitter on your project.  A glue pen, such as the Quickie Glue Pen by Sakura, allows you to place a line of glue exactly where you want it and while the glue is still wet apply the glitter.  Once dry it creates a permanent bond.  Another great way to adhere glitter to a large area is by using a sheet of adhesive from your Xyron machine.  Simply run your paper through your machine with the side down that you want to apply the glitter to and adhere the adhesive.  Remove it from the machine, flip it over and cover with the glitter.  You will now have a large glittery area to create on.  You can, also, follow these steps and then use a punch to punch out glittered embellishments or letters.  For an area that is too large to use a glue pen and too small to use your Xyron, try a double sided tape.  They come in many different widths to fit your project.  All you need to do is adhere one side of the tape to your project and remove the protective coating on the top side of the tape and pour your glitter on and it will stick.  These are really easy ways to add that glittery bling to your projects!

By General Crafts Contributor Mina, from the blog Mina’s Journal.

Home is where the heart is! Why not make these Heart Houses this Valentine’s Day? All you need is paper or cardstock, scissors and glue. A quick, cute and funky project for Valentine cheer.

How to make the Heart House:

Trim around the outer lines of the house and the roof. Fold the roof in half widthwise to make the peak. Fold along the tab ends and sides of house as shown in the template.

Glue where indicated on the model. I found it better to glue the house together first, before putting on the roof. Line up the peak fold to match the top of the triangular top of the house.

Glue the roof to the tabs of one side of the Heart House. Glue the other side of the roof to the remaining side of the Heart House.

You’re done!

Ideas for Heart Houses

Make a few houses for a table centerpiece, or a shelf display.

Cut out windows, cover the inside window spaces with lunch paper. Pop the finished house over a LED light source, for night time illumination.

Download Blue Heart House

To use as a gift box glue the house onto a card base. Make it a little larger than the house and paint it green or use green card. Pop a gift inside the house before joining the roof.

Download Pink Heart House

To use the house to play with, cut along the top and bottom lines of the windows and down the middle. Fold open for shutter type windows.Cut along the top and down one side of the door. Fold door open and make paper dolls for your Heart House.

To make your own house, trace the template and design your own windows and doors, then make them up.

Have Fun! Happy Crafting!

*Design by Mina Keenan

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

I have such a love for Valentine’s Day simply because I adore hearts. Making a hanging piece of heart decor is ideal whether you’re putting it up outside or on a plain, boring wall. This heart craft is comprised of connecting hearts, similar to the look of a four leaf clover, and requires only a handful of materials.

What you’ll need:

• Red felt
• Red or pink patterned paper
• Double-sided tape
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Wide ribbon

Step 1. Choose a piece of red or pink patterned scrapbook paper. I picked one that’s white on one side, but if you so choose, use one that’s double-sided.

Step 2. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper into four even strips. If you’re using a standard size piece of scrapbook paper, each strip will be 3″ x 12″.

Step 3. Fold each strip in half, then bend in the ends so it forms a heart shape. Use a double-sided piece of tape to hold the heart shape in place. Make four in total.

Step 4. Use double-sided tape to attach the hearts to each other so their points meet in the center.

Step 5. Cut a piece of wide ribbon that’s long enough so it can hang the decor from wherever you’d like it placed.

Step 6. Put a dot of Mod Podge on each end of the ribbon. If you’re working with the hearts in a clockwise pattern, slide one end in between the top heart and the second heart, then slide the other end in between the top heart and the fourth heart. Press the paper down over the ribbon so it sticks.

Step 7. Cut two hearts out of red felt, then use a piece of double-sided tape or the Mod Podge to stick one on each side over the center where the points meet.

By Cardmaking & Scrapbook Layout Contributor, Peg from the blog Peg’s Crafting Corner.

I am often blowing kisses and sending hugs to my wonderful husband so when I saw the Hot Lips paper by Bo Bunny it just seemed perfect for me to use to make a card.  No matter if it’s Valentine’s Day or just a normal day you, too, can throw the one you love a hug and blow them a kiss with this fun card that surely says, “I love you”. 

Supplies used on this project:

• Purple, Pink and Green Cardstock
• Bo Bunny 6 x 6 Smoochable Paper Pad- Hot Lips and Lovin You X’s & O’s  were used from the pad for this project
• Base Camp Cricut Cartridge
• Cricut Die Cutting Machine
• Martha Stewart Deckle Blade Rotary Tool
• Xyron Create A Sticker
• Heart Punch
• 1/8″ 3D Mini Adhesive Dots
• Martha Stewart Travel Trimmer
• Favorite Tape Runner

Begin by cutting a 5″ wide by 10″ long card base from the purple cardstock and fold in half to create a 5″ x 5″ card.

Cut a 4 ½” x 4 ½” piece of the Hot Lips paper from the Bo Bunny Paper Pad and using the Deckle Blade Rotary Tool trim off approximately ¼” of the top and bottom of the paper.  Next, adhere it to the cardstock with the tape runner.  

Put a piece of the Bo Bunny X’s and O’s paper from the Smoochable Paper Pad on your Cricut cutting mat. Place the Base Camp Cricut cart in the machine and set the cut size to ¾”.  Press the “Shift Lock” key as shown in the picture below.  Press the corresponding keys to spell the word, “SWAK” and press “cut” to begin cutting.  You will need to cut this out twice.  The easiest way to do this is to use the “Quantity” key on the Cricut.  Press is and use the “+” key to set the number of times to cut each letter to “2″. 

Next, using the same steps above and pressing the “Shadow” key as shown in the picture below cut the word two more times-once from purple cardstock and once from pink cardstock.  Make sure to turn off the “quantity” feature before cutting since you will be cutting these from different colors of cardstock.  Notice how the “Shadow” feature has made each letter fatter than the first time it was cut? 

 

Now run the letters cut from the X’s and O’s paper from the Bo Bunny Pad through the Xyron Create A Sticker and adhere them to the purple and pink cardstock letters. 

Punch several hearts from the green and pink cardstock using the heart punch.  Adhere them and the words to the front of the card with the Mini Adhesive Dots.  You can stack 2 of the dots on top of each other and place them on the hearts so they stand off the card further than the letters to create another layer on the card.  Tuck 3 hearts behind the patterned paper on the top for more fun using the tape runner to adhere them. 

You now have a card that will allow you to send hugs and kisses to the one you love!

By General Crafts Contributor Mina, from the blog Mina’s Journal.

Here’s something for the little ones – cute wee Mini Valentine Postcards for the kids to give out at school or preschool. Not too lovey-dovey. Just print onto paper or a card and trim along the outer lines.

Write who it’s to, who it’s from and the year on the back. There is room for a message too.

You Will Need:

• paper or card
• scissors
• glue

Optional

• double sided adhesive,  foam dots or tape
• ribbons
• coloured craft paper
• card blanks
• cardboard

Valentine’s Day Card Ideas

Use these Mini Valentine Postcards as a card topper for larger cards by sticking them onto card blanks. You can make your own card blanks by just folding a piece of card in half.

Paste rectangular pieces of colored craft paper to use as mats. Paste them onto the card blank before the topper.

Print out the page of extra Valentine Day images to make a range of other cards. Cut loosely around them and position them on your cards. Use double sided foam dots or tape to make the images pop out. If you don’t have any – just use small bits of thick cardboard.

Add embellishments like ribbon, beads or buttons.

Click on photo to view Kid’s Mini Valentine Postcards image

Click on photo to view Extra Valentine Images

All of the cards you see in this post was made with two card downloads and one extra images to print. There are plenty of images left over.

Valentine’s Day History

There are two popular stories about how Valentine’s Day came about. One says that Valentine was a priest in the time of the great Emperor Claudius the Second during the third century. Claudius, wanting his army to grow better and larger decreed that young men could not marry. Valentine did not agree with this and performed marriage ceremonies in secret. He was found out and put to death. The other story says that Valentine was a prisoner who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote a note to her signed ‘Your Valentine’.

Happy crafting!

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

Unfortunately, we can’t always live near our significant other, but that doesn’t mean the love for each other diminishes. It’s important for your partner to know that no matter how far you are from each other, the love is still there. One cute way to provide a reminder on a constant basis is to make and give a “Love Knows No Distance” Magnet. It’s easy to make, involves using materials that would have ended up in the trash, and costs very little to make.

What you’ll need:

• Colored cardstock
• Mod Podge
• Marker
• Scissors
• Red felt
• Pencil
• Map
• Magnet sheet

Step 1. Choose the map you’d like to use as the background. One option is to use any map you have, another is to choose a map that’s specific to your location. If doing the latter, make sure your city is visible.

Step 2. Pick any colored cardstock you wish, then use the Mod Podge to adhere it to the back of the section of map you’d like to use. Give it some time to dry before moving onto the next step.

Step 3. Use a pencil to draw a heart shape on the back of the cardstock. I’m horrible at drawing hearts (one side always looks lopsided), so I printed out a template and traced it onto the back. Cut out the shape once it’s drawn perfectly.

Step 4. Peel the paper backing off the magnet sheet and stick it onto the back of the heart, then cut off the excess so the magnet covers the entire back.

Step 5. Use a black marker to write “Love Knows No Distance” across the heart.

Step 6. For a final touch, cut out a small heart shape from a piece of red felt, then use the Mod Podge to adhere it underneath the wording.