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

Here’s a set of Clever Cats Tags to print and cut out. Use them as gift tags or journal tags in your papercraft projects. Print out a set for that cat lover you know!

Download Clever Cat Tags – White

Ways to Use the Clever Cats Tags

• Gift Tags
• Journal Tags
• Card Toppers
• Book labels
• Scrap pages
• Clip art
• Write your cat’s name on them and stick them to the cat house or cat basket

Download Clever Cat Tags – Black

Just cut and write. Punch a hole to thread string or ribbon through and you’re ready to go!

Download Clever Cat Tags – Black Label

These black tags are for those who want a label for writing on the front of the tag.

Happy Crafting!

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

There’s something about a beautiful gift tag; it can make even the most boring gift bag or box seem perfectly decorated. With a few materials, you can make a French heart tag that’s ideal for attaching to almost any present. It adds a sweet touch whether the gift is for your love or one of your friends.

What you’ll need:

• French book pages
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Cardstock
• Hole punch
• Heart embellishment

Step 1. Cut a rectangle out of any color cardstock you wish, just make sure it’s proportionate to the heart embellishment you chose.

Step 2. Use a very thin layer of Mod Podge to adhere the French book pages to the cardstock. I used antique French dictionary pages from a book that was broken and going to get thrown out. Quickly and carefully use your finger to smooth out all the bubbles. Give it at least an hour to dry before moving onto the next step.

Step 3. Punch a hole in the top of the tag.

Step 4. Choose any type of heart embellishment you prefer, then use Mod Podge to attach it onto the center of the tag.

Step 5. Choose a color of ribbon that matches the heart embellishment. Use Mod Podge to attach the ribbon onto all four edges of the tag, then cut another piece and tie it through the hole. Trim off any excess only after the ribbon is already dry.

If the tag starts to curl while it’s drying, place a piece of wax paper over it and put a book on top for a few hours so it dries flat.

By Guest Blogger Diane, from the blog Charmingly Creative.

This is another adorable Valentine’s Day card for a loved one that is quick and easy to make. Time to complete: 5 minutes.

What you’ll need:

• Your favorite die cutting machine ( I used Spellbinders Grand Calibur)
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Heart Dies
• Your favorite embossing folder (I used Cuttlebug Textile)
• Any Fiskars 3-in-1 Corner or 4-in-1 Corner punch
• Two Red – Rhinestone Hearts
• White cardstock
• Two different Valentine patterned cardstock. (I used a Polka Dot and small hearts cardstock)
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Bone folder
• Rotary cutter
• Glue Dots & Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape Roll 1/8″

Instructions:

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

Using Rotary cutter trim Polka Dot cardstock to 4¾” x 7 ¾” and use Wonder Tape to adhere to front of card.

The Heart dies come in 6 sizes:

1: 1″ x 1⅛”

2: 1½” x 1⅝”

3: 2⅛” x 2¼”

4: 2¾” x 3″ (Not Using)

5: 3¼” x 3¾”

6: 4″ x 4½”

For the Pink Hearts you will need a #6, 3 and two #2′s. Die cut and emboss each Pink Heart through Spellbinder machine according to manufactures direction. For the White Hearts you will need a #5, 2 and two #1s. For White Hearts die cut and then emboss with Cuttlebug Textile folder.

Adhere large #6 Pink Heart in corner of card with white #5 on top, then pink #3 and white #2 on top. Repeat for the remaining hearts and glue in place. Trim a piece of Pink patterned cardstock to about 4″ 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 and attach to card. Attach Red Rhinestone Hearts to corners.

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: 2⅛” 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 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 Cardmaking & Scrapbook Layout Contributor, Peg from the blog Peg’s Crafting Corner.

What is New Year’s without a guests or a party?  Celebrate by inviting your friends to the celebration using this festive invitation.  They are quick, fun and easy to make so you can invite everyone on your list.

Supplies Used:

• Graphic 45 Curtain Call Paper Pad
• Fired Brick Distress Ink
• Gold Ink Pad
• Silver Ink Pad
• Beige Cardstock
• Red Stickles
• Gold Stickles
• Tape Runner
• Red Marker
• Drink Glass of Your Choice Such As: Rub-Ons, Chipboard Pieces, a Stamp or Punch
• Silver Cardstock if using a stamp or punch for the Drink Glass

Begin by cutting an 8″ x 6″ piece of beige cardstock and folding it in half to create card base.  Cut a 4 ¾” x 3 piece from the “Leading Ladies” patterned paper from the Graphic 45 Curtain Call Paper Pad and adhere it to the front of the card using the tape runner.  Using the gold ink pad, ink the edges and into the center of the card.  Repeat this step, using the silver ink pad.  It’s ok to ink over the edges of the patterned paper as it helps to tie it all together.  In the next step, use the Fired Brick Distress Ink pad and a paper towel to lightly go over the edges to add just a little bit of color to the card.  Go back over the red with a clean paper towel to remove any excess ink.

Write the invitation message on the front of the card with the red marker.  This will give you a guideline when going over it with the Stickles and a dimensional look to the parts of the letters that are not completely covered by the Stickles. 

Adhere the drink glasses to your card, arranging them in a way that you like.  I, then, made marks above the glasses to help me know where the Red Stickles confetti dots looked the best and I recommend doing this so that you don’t get too many dots and make things look crowded on the card.  You can use a pencil, little dots of paper or whatever you’d like to do this step.  Then, create the confetti dots using the bottle of Red Stickles.  The last step is to go over the message using the bottle of Gold Stickles and then allowing it to dry completely. 

Now you can ring in the new year by sending these invitations to everyone on your list inviting them to the party of the year! 

Happy New Year to everyone!

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

Q. I’m looking at buying my first paper trimmer, but am confused on the differences between them. Can you please explain the differences?

A. There are 3 basic trimmers: the Rotary trimmer, Fixed Blade trimmer and Guillotine trimmer.

The rotary trimmer has a blade that turns as you move it down your paper to make the cut. With this trimmer, you can also remove the cutting blade and put in a decorative blade that makes a different cut such as a wavy or scalloped one. A rotary trimmer can cut through multiple sheets of paper of lighter weight paper. Many of these have swing out arms that allow you to cut a 12 x 12″ sheet of paper.

A fixed blade trimmer has a blade which moves on a track from the top to the bottom to cut the paper. Some of them come with a wire guide so you can make sure your cut is lined up. These are good for smaller projects like making cards. They are also more portable.

A Guillotine trimmer has a handle that you raise and lower to cut the paper. These allow you to cut multiple sheets of paper at one time and are good to cut heavier weights of paper.

Q. What are the most common card and envelope sizes to use?

A. Cards can be any size you’d like them to be, but you need to keep in mind when making them that the larger and heavier the card the more postage it will need. The 2 most common sizes seen are 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ which is referred to as an A2 sized card, and 5 1/8″ x 7″ or an A7 card size. A7 envelopes are 5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ and A2 envelopes are 4 3/8″ x 5 3/4″. Premade card bases and envelopes are the easiest way to create cards, but can, also, be made by cutting cardstock into the size you need.

3. What are the differences in inks for stamping?

There are 4 ink types: pigment, chalk, archival and dye.

Pigment inks, such as Ranger’s Distress Inks, allow you to stamp on different mediums such as paper and clay. They’re a slower drying ink making it easier to use for embossing. These inks are fade-resistant, acid free and archival safe. Pigment ink looks like what you see when you look at the stamp pad and will look the same on paper. These inks won’t dissolve in water.

Chalk inks, such as Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks, give a softer look to what you are stamping and are fast drying. They can be used on many mediums and can be heat set to make more permanent.

Archival ink won’t smear when used to stamp an image; then colored in with a marker or water based dye ink. It is more permanent and fade resistant and works on all types of paper, as well as, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, clay and more.

Dye ink is water based and will dissolve which makes them good for coloring in areas because they blend well. These inks dry faster and work on all types of paper. They are a more concentrated ink so the color will be bolder when dried. It is a more general purpose ink which makes it good for basic stamping.

Q. There are so many adhesives, which one should I use?

A. There are a lot of adhesive types on the market and which one you use will depend on your project. The two you will use most will be a dry adhesive such as a tape runner to adhere your papers and embellishments and a wet adhesive (an all purpose glue is recommended) to adhere things like ribbons and flowers. Tape runners come in refillable or can be thrown out when empty. You can also purchase repositionable ones that allow you to take your item off and move it around on your projects.

Q. What is wet and dry embossing?

A. Wet embossing is where an image is stamped with ink and embossing powder is poured on the image and is melted to the paper using a heat tool. The heat tool is the most important thing to your creation along with the correct ink.

Dry embossing is done using tools such as a stylus that is rubbed over the paper and texture plate. An embossing machine and embossing folders is another good example of dry embossing.

By Vicky, who is a dedicated card maker and crafter who loves making unique gifts and cards. 

I have been a dedicated card maker for many years and I always try to stay on trend with my card making. The rise of shabby chic in the last few years, not only in card making but in all sorts of home crafts, has been great and only continues to grow. I think that it is so popular because it has a warm, handmade and homely feel to it and it is also very feminine. There are a couple of things that define the shabby chic style and I’d like to take a quick look at them.

Floral Patterns

Pastel colors and petite prints make up a great part of shabby chic design. Popular colors include dusty blues and pinks with a hint of green and also lilacs and browns.

Phrases

Happy phrases are emblazoned on to a lot of shabby chic style house ware and decoration. Quotes about love, joy and laughter are painted on to signs and then distressed to look a little antique. You can also get a lot of personalized unique gifts in this style or simply have a go at making them yourself. Things like felt love hearts with names embroidered on to them, painted door signs with welcoming messages and frames covered with ribbon and buttons.

I decided to make some shabby chic themed birthday cards and this blue one with flowers was one of my favorite. Here’s how I made it:

1. Firstly I found a piece of scrapbooking paper that fitted in with my theme. It was from an 8×8 pack. I covered the front of my square card in glue, stuck the paper on and then trimmed around the edges.

2. Next I took a piece of textured white card and made the strip across the middle of the card. I used the ‘Victorian’ edge on my guillotine to cut along the edges. I then attached this to my card with glue.

3. Next I used my small flower craft punch to cut out 5 small pink flowers. I pushed a flower shaped brad in a darker pink through the middle and attached it to the card with foam pads so that they stuck out.

4. Finally I used a rub-on transfer to add a greeting.

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

Spending time with family and friends is one of the best things about the holidays. Although it’s important to always tell loved ones how grateful you are for them, during Christmas is an especially great time to do so. This year, consider making personal note party favors for each guest at your dinner party. They take little time to create and are incredibly inexpensive.

What you’ll need:

• Any Christmas book
• White paper
• Glitter glue
• Ribbon
• Mod Podge
• Flat back rhinestones (optional)

Step 1. Choose your background material. I used a broken and worn down book of vintage Christmas music, but other options include Christmas story books or cookbooks. Each page you use should be double-sided.

Step 2. Cut the white paper into rectangles that are proportionate to the background paper. Write your personal notes on each one, then use Mod Podge to glue it to the center of the background paper.

Step 3. Use glitter glue to decorate the outer edges of the party favor. I did a red bow on the top, small red dot on the bottom and green wavy lines along the edges. You can also attach flat back rhinestones depending on how heavy the paper is. Let the party favors dry overnight before moving onto the next step. Test the glue by lightly tapping it with your finger to make sure it’s completely dry.

Step 4. Roll up the party favors and secure each one with a ribbon.

To distribute them to guests, place the party favors on the plates at the table or put them in a decorative basket and give them out as the guests arrive or leave.

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

This is the time of year for special cards of all types.  A special card with a gift card to someone’s favorite store is always a big hit this time of year.  Why not make it even more special by creating the card by hand? 

Supplies Needed:

• Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Paper Pad
• Green and Red Cardstock
• 3-d adhesive
• Favorite tape runner
• Glue
• Scoring Board
• Photo Corner Punch
• Paper Trimmer

Begin by cutting a 6″ x 12″ card base from the green cardstock, score in the center at 6″ and fold in half.  This will create a 6″ x 6″ card for you to use.  Next, cut a piece of green cardstock that measures 6 ½” long x 6″ wide.  Using the scoring board, score the length of the paper starting from left to right at ½”, ¾”, ½”, ½”, ¾”, 1 ½”, 1 ½”.  Now you need to fold that piece in a peaks and valleys manner.  The first flap, which is the ½” score on your left, is folded downward.  The ¾”” score is left flat, the next ½” score is folded downward to the valley and the next ½” finishes the valley fold.  The next score is the ¾” score and it is left flat.  The first 1 ½” is folded down which forms the front side of this piece that faces the opening of the card.  The last 1 ½” is folded underneath.  When you are finished your piece should look like this picture when it’s attached to the card. 

Run a small piece of tape from the tape runner on the inside of the valley fold area to close it up so the gift card will sit straight in the holder. 

Starting on the bottom of the card attach the 1 ½” piece which was the last section you scored to the card using the glue so it will hold when the card is opened and closed.  Attach the 1/2″ flap to the top of the card.  Refer to second picture for help if needed.

Once the card is completely assembled refold all the score lines to give them a crisp fold so the card closes easily.  This may have to be done more than once to get it to close. 

On the front of the card, cut a 5″ x 4 ¾” piece of Merry and Bright patterned paper from the Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Paper Pad and adhere it to the card.  Trim the “Hearty Greeting” message from the Santa Express sheet in the paper pad and adhere it using the 3-d adhesive circles on each corner.  Using the photo corner punch, punch 4 pieces from the red cardstock and attach them to each corner. 

On the inside of the card, cut a 3 ¼” x 2″ piece of red cardstock and adhere it.  Cut the “Received From” tag from the Special Delivery sheet from the paper pad and adhere it to the cardstock.  Cut a 5 ½” x 2″ piece of red cardstock for the bottom of the card and place it on there.  Over the top of the cardstock leaving approximately ¾” of the red showing adhere a 5 ½” x 3″ piece of the Merry and Bright patterned paper. 

Place the gift card in the holder and it’s ready to give as a special gift.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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

What’s more fun than receiving a card with a treat attached?  This cute little gift box is attached directly to the card and can be decorated for any occasion and filled with any kind of treat.  The ideas are limited only by your imagination. 

Supplies Used:

• Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Paper Pad
• Merry Christmas Rub-Ons
• Red Cardstock
• Laminate
• 1″ Square Punch
• Tape Runner
• Scoring Board
• Paper Trimmer
• Scissors
• Glue
• 3-d Adhesive Dots

Begin by cutting a piece of red cardstock to 6 ½” x 11 ¾”.  Then, using your scoring board and the long side of the paper score at 3 ½”, 7″, 8 ½”, 9 ¼”, 10 ¾” and 11 ½”.  Rotate the paper so the short side is at the top of the scoring board and again score at ¾” and 5 ¾”.

Next, trim using the scissors the ¾” flap from the left of the cardstock on both the top and bottom up to the 7″ score line as seen in the picture.  This should leave you 5 tabbed areas at the end (far right) of your cardstock with the last tab measuring ¼”.

Now, cut the tabs on each score line just up to the score line that runs the length of the paper.  Cut off and remove the extra ¼” pieces on each end.  Repeat this step on the other end of the cardstock piece. 

Fold the box at the score lines to give them a good solid crease. It should look like this. 

Unfold the box and cut a strip of the, “Tis the Season” patterned paper from the Graphic 45 Paper Pad that measures the length and width (5″ x 1 ½”) of the front panel of the box and adhere it on.  Position the square punch where you want the window to begin at the top and start punching the window out; overlapping the next punch over the previous one to be sure to open the entire space.  I positioned the window 1″ from the top and bottom of the box, but you can choose how tall you want your window to be on it.    You may have to fold the ¼” flap at the bottom of the paper inward so the punch fits up to the center flap. 

At this point, your box will look like this.  Cut a piece of laminate to fit on the inside of the box behind the window making sure to cut it longer and wider than the window opening and adhere it using the glue. 

Using the tape runner, place a small amount of tape on the ¾” tabs and fasten them to the larger tab as shown in the pictures.  Make sure not to adhere the very top flap because that’s the one that will open and close the box as seen in the second picture below. 

Here is what your card treat box will look like at this point. 

Now cut a piece of the “Tis the Season” patterned paper from the Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Paper Pad that measures 4 ½” x 3″ and tape it on the front of the card using the tape runner.  Cut a 3 ½” x 2 ½” piece of red cardstock and adhere it to the patterned paper. Trim around the “Right and Jolly Christmas Tag from the Santa Express” sheet in the Graphic 45 Paper Pad and using 3- adhesive dots glue it to the red cardstock.  Open the card up and on the inside place the “Merry Christmas” rub-on and rub to adhere it.  Trim 2 of the striped corners from an extra piece of the “Tis the Season” patterned paper and tape them to the left corners. 

Fill with a special treat and your card treat box is ready to share. 

Happy Holidays!

By Guest Blogger Diane, from the blog Charmingly Creative.

This is another charming Christmas card project is really quick and easy to make. Time to complete 5 minutes!

What you’ll need:

• EK Success punch – Photo label
• EK Success Paper Shaper punch – .75 x 1.5 oval
• Martha Stewart punch – Pop up Water Lily
• Medium Holly Punch
• Any Edge punch – I used Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace
• White, Tan, Silver and Red cardstock
• Green glitter cardstock
• Sakura 3D crystal lacquer or JudiKins Diamond Glaze
• The Art Institute Glitter- Christmas Red
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Glue or Pop up dots

Instructions:

1. Trim white card stock 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 a card 5″ x 8″.

2. Using Rotary cutter trim Tan cardstock to 5″x8″ and use glue to adhere to front of card.

3. Use Eyelet Lace Edge punch to create two red and silver cardstock strips for top and bottom of card. Slightly overlap silver cardstock while gluing red piece on top. Trim completed pieces to 5″ and glue on top and bottom of card.

4. Punch out two red cardstock pieces from Photo Label and use middle shape to create candle. Take Crystal lacquer or Diamond glaze and create drips down top of candles, sprinkle red glitter shake off excess. Set aside to dry.

5. Punch two red cardstock pieces from oval, trim one side so it looks like a wick, coat with glaze, let dry.

6. Punch out 4 Water Lily pieces from red cardstock, coat with glaze and sprinkle red glitter on top. Set aside to dry.

7. Punch out 8 Holly leaves from green glitter cardstock.

8. When everything is dry glue wick slightly underneath candle, glue candles to front of card. Attach Water Lilies and leaves to complete card.

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

The holidays are filled with long lists of things to do and sometimes it’s just impossible to do it all.  Often the one thing that is crossed off the list is making our own Christmas cards.  That doesn’t have to be the case.  Here is a quick and easy way to make 4 beautiful cards that can take care of some on your list or give you a start to creating the multiples you need. 

Supplies Used:

• Green, Red and Brown Cardstock
• Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Paper Pad or Happy Holidays Paper
• Holiday Greetings Rub-Ons
• Snowflakes Embossing Folder
• Stars Embossing Folder
• Die Cut/Embossing Machine
• Your favorite tape runner

 First, cut each piece of cardstock (red, brown and green) to 10″ in length by 5″ wide and fold in half.  By using a 12″ x 12″ piece of cardstock and cutting it down to this size it will give you 2 cards out of each sheet of cardstock so you will be well on your way to create as many cards as you need.

 Next place one half of the cardstock inside the embossing folder (snowflakes or stars) that you are using and run it through your die cut/embossing machine.  You can do all of your cards this way or just some of them. 

Using the Graphic 45 Happy Holidays paper, cut the 4 pictures individually and adhere them to the cardstock with your favorite tape runner. 

An easy way to place the rub-ons on your cards is to cut each one out of the sheet they came on and lay them on your card as I did here. 

Using the edge of the craft stick and a little pressure rub the entire piece until it is adhered to the cardstock.  A good way to tell if it has completely adhered to the cardstock is when you see the plastic covering have a frosted look to it. 

If it hasn’t completely transferred continue rubbing it until it does or if you have already lifted the clear plastic off and noticed that not all of it transferred carefully line it up where it needs to go and rub it some more.

You are now on your way to having cards to send to your family and friends and can cross that off your holiday “to do” list instead of erasing it and putting it your list for next year!

By Guest Blogger Diane, from the blog Charmingly Creative.

This charming Christmas card project is really quick and easy to make. Time to complete 5 minutes!

What you’ll need:

• Any Edge punch – I used Martha Stewart Cherish
• Fiskars punch – 2″ circle
• Any shiny Christmas patterned cardstock and Christmas patterned paper
• White cardstock for card
• Gold pen
• Ruler
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Glue or Pop up dots

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 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 a card 5″ x 8″.

2. From patterned cardstock use Cherish Edge punch to create two strips for top and bottom of card. Trim completed pieces to 5″ and glue on top and bottom of card.

3. Punch out three circles from Christmas cardstock. Create a gold top for ornament by cutting sides off a square shape. Glue on top of ornament. Line up ornaments and glue in place

4. Using gold pen and ruler draw a line from top of card to top of ornament.

By DCWV Diary

Here is another ornament tutorial for you! These snowflakes are so cute!

Templates are below, or can be downloaded HERE and HERE. You can also use your personal cutting system to cut out the snowflake and it would be even easier!

Supplies:

• DCWV printed paper or cardstock
• Jump ring
• Paper Piercer
• Liquid Adhesive
• Faux snow & Glitter
• Scissors
• Pencil

1. Trace template onto the patterned paper. Cut out 4 identical pieces.

2. Fold all 4 pieces length wise in half. Glue the 4 pieces together matching up a left side of the folded ornament to the right side of another folded ornament. When all 4 are glued, it will become 3D to form the ornament.

3. Use the paper piercer to make a small hole at the bottom tip of the ornament. Attach bead with jump ring. Hang ornament hook from the jump ring.

4. Add faux snow and glitter to the edge of the ornament.

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

I love the snow and am already looking forward to it so I just couldn’t resist creating a card using the new Bo Bunny Snowfall paper line and stamps. When I find a beautiful piece of paper, I often have trouble cutting it to fit to the normal card size so I will use it on a card that I know I won’t be mailing so that I don’t have to worry about the larger size. This is one of those cards and you can make one to give to someone that you know that enjoys the cold, frosty winter, too.

Supplies Used:

• Blue Cardstock
• White Cardstock
• Bo Bunny Snowfall 6 x 6 Paper Pad
• Snowfall Clear Stamps
• Father Christmas Clear Stamps for the greeting
• Martha Stewart Snowflake Stamp & Punch
• EK Jolee’s Hotfix Tool
• Hotfix Jewels
• White Ink
• Faded Jeans Distress Ink
• Picket Fence Stickles
• Glue
• Paint Brush
• Clear Stamp Block
• Tape Runner

Start by cutting a 7 ½” x 12″ piece of blue cardstock and fold it in half. Ink the edges first with the white ink pad working it towards the center of the card a little bit. Next, use the Faded Jeans ink pad and ink just the edges of the card enough to show on top of the white.

Take a piece of the snowfall paper and trim it just enough to allow a small edge of the blue cardstock to show on each side. Adhere it to the cardstock using your favorite tape runner.

Again using the white ink pad, the stamp block and the Snowfall clear stamps stamp them onto the patterned paper. Place the “Happy Holidays” stamp from the Father Christmas stamp set onto the block and ink with white ink. Stamp it onto the lower right corner. If some of the stamped image is lighter or darker that’s ok because remember you want a frosty look to the card and this helps to create that look.

Punch 2 snowflakes from the white cardstock with the snowflake punch.

Place a small dot of the Picket Fences Stickles in the center of the snowflake and using the paint brush work it out onto the rest of it making sure not to tear the paper. Repeat with the second snowflake and allow both to dry.

Once they are completely dry, place a small dot of glue in the middle of one snowflake and then arrange the second snowflake on top so that they are off center from one another and allow the glue to dry.

Glue the snowflake onto the card under the holiday sentiment and dry completely so it won’t move when applying the jewels.

Place one of the Hotfix Jewels in the center of the punched snowflake, the center of the large stamped snowflake and in the centers of the two small snowflakes and adhere using the Hotfix tool.

You now have some frosty holiday wishes to share. Happy Holidays!

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

Q. What is the difference between acrylic and cling stamps?

A. Acrylic stamps, also known as clear stamps, are made of a clear polymer that is flexible which allows them to be placed on plastic sheets for easy storage. Since they do not come with a handle like a wood mounted stamp does a reusable acrylic block is needed to use this type of stamp. The image has been etched on and die cut closely so they are the easiest to use as you can see through them to know exactly where you are placing your image. Cling stamps are rubber stamps without the wooden block. They have been trimmed around and a piece of cling vinyl has been placed on the foam mount to attach to the stamp where normally the wood block would be. This vinyl which is very sticky sticks to the acrylic block allowing it to be the handle of the stamp and can be removed after used. These stamps are the actual size of the image which allows for easier placement on your projects.

Q. What is a scoring board?

A. Scoring (or score) board is used to create a grooved line into the paper (score line) which helps in getting a crisp, clean fold. They are a handy tool for card makers to get a clean fold of a card and also can be used for creating the folds in handmade envelopes and boxes, as well as, other projects.

Q. What is fussy cutting in paper crafting?

A. A lot of people know this term from quilting, but it has also spread into paper crafting. There are two ways of doing a fussy cut. One is when you use scissors or a craft knife to cut closely around the edge of a particular image; a stamped image for instance. The second way, which may not be thought of as often, is when you use a die and die cut machine to make a cut around an image in a piece of patterned paper.

Q. I want to use the cards I received on my layout, but how do I do that?

A. You can add a re-sealable bag to your layout and then add embellishments to the outside that match the theme of your layout or you can create a pocket out of cardstock or scrapbook paper by cutting it to a size to fit the widths and heights of the cards with an additional 1/2” added to these measurements on the sides and bottom to score and fold towards the layout which allows it to be attached to the scrapbook page. Both ways allow your cards to stay intact and removable to read again and again.

Q. Any ideas where I can find some inspiration?

 A. A great place to start is the Think Crafts blog, but you may also be interested in the great books that CreateForLess carries.