All In One

Here's a groovy little project that is like an all-in-one gift, packaging and card - how cool is that?! I have filled this little number with a jewellery set of necklace, ear-rings and bracelet I got handmade for my dear friend's 40th. The fourth box will be filled with chocolates, of course :-)

I first came across this project while browsing the myriad of crafty blogs a month ago. Known as the Stepper Box or Fantasy Box, the instructions for this project, however, does not seem to be found easily with a simple google search. Various links seem to point to Teri Digness who gave the original instructions but her link doesn't appear to work. In the end I got the instructions from here or here.

As is my habit, I haven't followed the instructions entirely. I have seen boxes made with four panels but I chose to make it with 5 panels, as there will be a written note on the fifth panel. I am still thinking what to write, I'm thinking a poem (if I can find a suitable lovely one) or perhaps a Scripture verse. I also feel like it may need some further embellishments on the inside, or maybe I should just keep it simple? It truly is a luxury to have such simple dilemmas, lol! Well, I have a few more days to play with this before I gift it to my friend.

Now for the pictures....

Stamp Set: Priceless (would have used So Swirly stampin wheel if I own one - it's been on the shopping list for ages!)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper: Pink and Black Cardstocks (Trophee Brand from The Warehouse Stationery), scrapbook paper from stash

Other: Stampin Up Sticky Tape, ribbon from stash, Sizzix Stars and Swirls Embossing Folder

ETA: with a little more embellishments:

I Discovered

Pop-Up cards! I've been on Google looking at examples and techniques lately.

This one, using the spiral circle technique, will be given to the birthday friend tomorrow.

Stamp Set: Priceless

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Whisper White, (Yellow scraps from stash)

Punch: Full Heart, Boho Blossoms, Large Word Window

Other: Stampin Write Marker Real Red, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

Children's Handiwork

Card making is part of the homeschooling curriculum :-)

Sample from N5:

Stamp Set: Wanted, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink: Pear Pizzazz

Paper: Yellow cardstock (from old stash, most likely purchased from The Warehouse or a $2 shop), Whisper White

Other: Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder

Sample from S7:

Stamp Set: Priceless, Heart (by Dots)

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Red cardstock (from old stash, most likely purchased from The Warehouse or a $2 shop), Whisper White

Other: Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder

New Journey

The title to my first post on this blog is apt on two accounts. First it, refers to where I'm at in my paper crafting journey and secondly, this post is about how I created a card to congratulate a couple who will soon make the lifelong commitment we call Marriage. It was the night before DH's youngest brother's engagement BBQ. The children are in bed early-ish (8.30pm) and after a day of slow going on the motivation front, I got out my small (though growing!) Stampin' Up supplies to see what engagement card I could come up with.

I have been wanting to use the Versamark ink pad but really had no idea how to use it since I hadn't seen a demonstration of its use (which I now know is a-plenty - Google is so my friend!) and bought it new off Trade Me cos it was a good buy. The Watermark technique was the obvious route with what tools I have.

I only have 4 cardstock colours to choose from - Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White or Very Vanilla. Limited choice is good, otherwise I might still be debating which colours to use! The watermark effect popped out more on the Cherry Cobbler than the Real Red, so that was a simple decision that needs no more deliberating - phew.

Next decision - what sentiments and stamps to use? Well I was already using the Priceless swirly stamp for the watermark background, and since it is a card about Love, the heart or butterfly stamps in that same stamp set seems fitting. I also went for the Best Wishes stamp from the Oval All stamp set because it means I get to use the oval and Scallop oval punches (I just love using punches). Sweet - now all that remained to do is to put the card together.

Stamp Set: Priceless, Oval All

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Punch: Scallop Edge, Scallop Oval, Large Oval

Other: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, 2-way Glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

(ps: I just can't seem to capture the true colour on camera or otherwise it is blurry...oh well, you get the idea.)

Ahh - I feel better. It is so good to create. This was a great way to end my slow going day. Now I just have to think what to write inside the card! But that will be tomorrow's task as it is far too late now.