Old Fashioned Snailmail Stationery...

I'm back today with a post for the awesome online craft store Scrapbooks by Design!

I've recently gotten into the old art of handwriting snailmail letters to several pen pals, and I have to say it's such a nice surprise when you open your mailbox to find "happy mail" that makes you smile...and not just computer generated junk mail and bills. 

However, the problem I have encountered is purchasing cute stationery sets to write my letters on.  

I was browsing the web one day when I came across a stationery tutorial by Under a Cherry Tree.

I started reading some of the tutorials when I came across one that explained how to use your Silhouette Cameo to create your very own and unique stationery.  (You can find the tutorial here.)

Well, problem solved!  The tutorial was very clear and easy to follow and I got about to creating!

I purchased the graphics that I wanted to use through Lettering Delights, and the white copy paper was a Costco purchase.  When it comes to copy paper for a project like this, my suggestion is to go with a bright white and higher quality brand.  The cheap regular Costco brand we use for everyday printing is very thin...this last trip I purchased just one package of the bright white high quality copy paper and the printed designs did not shine through the back of the paper as it did with the cheaper version.  It just looked so much more professional! The remaining supplies I needed I was able to purchase through Scrapbooks by Design...including the white sticker paper that I also had never worked with before. 

Here's how the stationery set turned out...

I created two different paper designs as well as a cute matching envelope.  

Since this particular set was going to be sent out to a pen pal for a birthday gift, I made 4 pages of each design and 8 envelopes.  

Here's a closer look at each of the stationery pages...

I also created a few stickers to go with the collection.  Another tutorial I found at Under a Cherry Tree!  You can find the sticker tutorial here. 

Here's a peek at the coordinating stickers...

I can hardly wait until my pen pal received this in her mailbox and to hear what she thinks of it!
I hope she will enjoy using it, and that the recipients of her letters will enjoy the fun little notes as well.  (Edit:  my pen pal has received the set and absolutely adored it...just as I hope she would!)

That's all for me today!
I hope you've enjoyed my little project!
Be sure to stop by Scrapbooks by Design online store for all your stationery and sticker making supplies!

Until next time...

More Packaging Ideas with the Farmers Market Collection...

Hello and Welcome!

I'm sure by now you've seen the wonderful packaging that I've been able to create with the Heartfelt Creations "Farmers Market" Collection.  (..and if you haven't you can see them here as well as here.)

Well, I'm back this week with two more unique and inspiring ideas for you!

Nothing says Farmers Market more than bushel barrels and clear jugs and jars!  

That's where my creativity took me for this weeks posting...

Let's take a look...

Both of these packaging ideas were very quick and simple to complete!

For the barrel basket, I've done quite a bit of fussy cutting from the paper pack.  

The jar image on the oil jar has been stamped from one of the many beautiful stamps within this remarkable collection.  

Here's a close up of each of these items...

...and of the bushel barrel...

In many parts of the world, summer is winding down as well as the local Farmers Markets.  Wouldn't this just be an adorable idea to give to your favorite vendor who always has that special product waiting for you week after week!  Slip some seeds into the basket for the next upcoming growing season, and how about some pretty wildflowers neatly arranged in the oil jar for a beautiful display!  The ideas are limitless!

Well, that's all for me today!

Do be sure to stop by the Heartfelt Creations blog to see the fantastic creations the rest of the design team have come up with for your enjoyment this week!  And...I'm pretty sure there may be a sneak peek of the new September collection waiting for you there as well...maybe...

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions

HCDP1-257  Farmers Market Paper Collection
HCPC-3687  Jug of Herbs Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3626  Classic Sunflower Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-753  Classic Sunflower Die
HCDP1-247  Classic Sunflower Paper Collection
HCST1-401  Deluxe Flower Shaping Tool Kit
SMP001  Stamp Mat Pad
273900  Zip Dry Glue

Other Products Used:  Silhouette Cameo electronic die cutting machine, BigShot manual die cutting machine, Silhouette Design Store Design ID #41389 & Design ID #33329, scissors, paper trimmer, lace trim, raffia ribbon, VersaFine Black Ink, VersaColor Pine Cone ink, Spectrum Noir Blending Pencils 084, 086, 107, 103, 062, 065, 031, 046, 108, 117, 120, Spectrum Noir Blending Stumps & Blending Solution, brown and gold seed beads, Yellow Stickles, 3D pop dots, scor tape, water, mist bottle, kraft card stock, hot glue gun

Oil Jar Instructions:  Using the designer paper from the Farmers Market collection as shown , cut the jar base design using your electronic die cutting machine.  Assemble using a strong adhesive.  Once assembled, ink all edges using a brown colored ink.  Locate label image, fussy cut and ink all edges with a light brown ink.  Adhere to bottle.  Locate decorative strips, ink all edges with brown colored ink and adhere around body of bottle using a strong adhesive.  Stamp image using black colored ink and proceed to color using blendable pencils.  Fussy cut and adhere to bottle.  Stamp an inking of the Classic Sunflowers cling stamp onto a yellow patterned paper from the Classic Sunflowers Paper Collection with black ink.  Die cut using the coordinating Classic Sunflower Die.   Shape three small double flowers using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Tool Kit along with a spritz of water.  Add seed beads to each flower centre and adhere to bottle as shown. Apply Stickles to each flower.  Lastly, tie some raffia ribbon around the neck of the bottle.

Bushel Barrel Instructions:  Begin by cutting the barrel shape using your electronic die cutting machine using kraft card stock.  Assemble and ink all edges using a light brown colored ink.  Locate the blue design strip in the Farmers Market Paper Collection, cut, ink all edges with brown ink and adhere around barrel using a good adhesive.  Next adhere lace trim to top of barrel using a hot glue gun.  Fussy cut  the vegetable image from the Farmers Market Paper Collection and attach to barrel using 3D pop dots.  Locate the sentiment image from in the paper collection and fussy cut as well.  Once again, using 3D pop dots attach sentiment image over vegetable image.  Stamp the Classic Sunflower cling stamp image onto the same yellow patterned paper you used for the sunflowers on the oil jar. Die cut flowers using the coordinating Classic Sunflower die.   Shape one large double sunflower and two single sunflowers using a spritz of water and your deluxe flower shaping tool kit.  Apply seed beads to centres of each flower.  Adhere flowers to barrel as shown.  Lastly, apply Stickles to each flower.   You now have two adorable gift packaging ideas ready for your next celebration!

A Berry Happy Birthday...

I hope you've been enjoying the new Farmer's Market Collection by Heartfelt Creations.

As mentioned last week, this has to be one of my all time favorite collections!

When I first opened the sweet package of goodies, I had so many ideas running through my head, and couldn't wait to get creating!

One of the ideas I had was for a Birthday Gift Set of little note cards, presented in an adorable berry basket.  I thought it would be super cute paired with a homemade jar of jam, or a nail polish that was named after raspberries. 

Well, needless to say I got the Silhouette Cameo humming and chose some of those fabulous pre made card panels that Heartfelt does so well and whipped up this little set in no time.

Here's a peek...

Wouldn't you just love to receive a little package like that!?!?

I know I sure would have fun giving a little package like that!

As you can see, I've bundled the cards together with bakers twine as well as one of the adorable tags that comes from the Farmers Market collection itself.  

And, here's a look at the three cards I've included in the gift set...

I love giving card sets as gifts...it's something that most people will use (hopefully) and are consumable rather than being more clutter that needs to be dusted, etc.  

The little premade card panels in this collection make these sweet little cards so quick and easy to make!

And who can forget those beautiful ripe raspberries on the vine!

I thought they would look perfect flowing out of the basket...

I thought some pretty lace and some moss as a finishing touch made this project adorable!

Hopefully you agree!

I do hope you've been inspired and you give this a go yourself the next time you are needing a garden party idea, or are wanting to gift a special someone who loves to garden or has a raspberry addiction!  It can be used for so many different occasions by just changing the sentiment you use on the container.  And, if raspberries is not the fruit you're calling for...Heartfelt has you covered in the apple and peach department as well in this collection!

Be sure to check out the Heartfelt Creations blog if you have not done so already today!

This collection has brought out all the extra creative juices in the design team and they have all done an amazing job with the Farmers Market products!

(P.S. Don't wait too long to purchase yours as I do believe this is gonna be extremely popular!)

That's all for me today!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit!

I'd love to hear what you think of this little project, so don't be shy...feel free to leave me a comment below!

Until next time...

Project Supplies & Instructions
 HCDP1-257  Farmers Market Designer Paper Pack
HCPC 3685  Jars and Vines Cling Stamp Set
HCPC 3689  Berries and Peaches Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-767  Jars and Vines Die
HCD1-777  Farmers Market Fruit Die
HCD1-745  Luggage and Tags Die
HCD2-750  Cut Mat Create 1B Die
HCST1-401  Deluxe Flower Shaping Tool Kit
SMP001  Rubber Stamp Mat Pad
273900  Zip Dry Paper Glue

Other Products Used:  blank note sized cards and envelopes, kraft card stock, VersaFine black ink, Silhouette Cameo electronic die cutting machine, Silhouette Design Store Design ID #30632, ruffled lace trim, bakers twine, moss, VersColor Pine Cone ink, scissors, paper trimmer, BigShot manual die cutting machine, scor tape, 3D pop dots, Spectrum Noir Pencils 107, 093, 094, 095, 097, 103, 031, 041, 042, 046, 047, 053, 058, 108. 120, Spectrum Noir blending stump and blending solution, water spritz bottle, water

Berry Basket - begin by cutting basket file with your electronic die cutting machine and kraft colored paper.  Assemble basket according to file directions. Once adhesive has dried ink all edges with a light brown ink.  Locate the image strip in the paper collection that you wish to use as the decorative edge on the basket.  Trim to size, ink all edges with light brown ink and adhere to berry basket using foam 3D pop dots.  Adhere the flat side of the  ruffled lace trim to inside of container with the ruffle facing the top of the basket.  Fill with decorative moss.  Stamp one inking of the larger raspberries image, and several of the smaller raspberry image.  Color using Spectrum Noir blendable pencils and blending solution, and then die cut using manual die cutting machine and coordinating metal dies.  Shape berries ever so slightly using deluxe flower shaping tools and a light mist of water.  Stamp several vine images, color and once again die cut using the coordinating metal die.  Shape with a light spray of water and the deluxe flower shaping tool kit.  Adhere large raspberry cluster to berry basket, allowing it to droop over to the inside as well giving them the appearance of tumbling out of the basket.  Add in several of the smaller raspberry clusters over top using foam 3D pop dots.  Add vines to berry clusters as desired.  Locate sentiment you wish to use on the gift box, trim from paper pack and ink all edges using a light brown ink color.  Adhere to gift box using foam 3D pop dots.

Cards:  Locate the three smaller pre made card panels as shown, and die cut using the Cut Mat Create die.  Choose the background paper you wish to use and trim slightly smaller than the card front to leave a small white border all the way around the background paper.   Ink edges of all card pieces with a light brown colored ink. Adhere background papers to card fronts, and then adhere small pre made card panels to coordinating card using foam 3D pop dots.  Using the Luggage and Tags die, die cut the tag you wish to use to attach to the card set.  Bundle card set using bakers twine and adhere tag.  Place cards in berry basket, and present to a special friend or loved one who is celebrating a "berry" special birthday!

Let's Visit the Farmers Market...

Hello everyone!

Welcome!

As I sit here and schedule this post, I look at the calendar and cannot believe that August is passing as quickly as it is.  We have a trip scheduled to Washington DC this month for the annual SnapOn Convention/Buying Show and I'm excited to go as we've never been to Washington, however that means when we return that school is starting just around the corner and regular routine will once again be slowly setting in!

Speaking of trips...

I'd like to take you on a little trip...actually the new release being revealed today at Heartfelt Creations has inspired me to plan this little trip for you!

For those of you who haven't seen the new collection previews...its a gorgeous collection called "Farmers Market"...and this collection just makes me giddy!  I love all of Heartfelt's Collections, but this one speaks to my soul!

  Are you ready to head to the farmers market with me?  

Let's go!

Now, one of my favorite things to look at when browsing the market is the rows and rows of canning and preserves.  That is what has inspired today's project that I will be sharing with you!

Mason jars are all the rage right now and I thought I would incorporate this into my design as well.

Are you ready?

I cannot tell you how giddy I was to discover these SVG cutting files...I knew they would be perfect for this fantastic collection.  

All of the pieces with the exception of the crate have been created with designer paper within the new release paper collection.  I love love love the colors and patterns in this gorgeous paper!

The "Home Grown with Love" has been cut from one of the papers in the paper collection as well.

And who could resist that stamped image of the apples!  Gorgeous!

Of course I had to add some of the die cut vines included with this collection and a few small white "apple blossoms".  

The apple image has been colored with my Spectrum Noir blendable pencils...and I love how the colors blended together to give those apples a realistic look.  

Here's a closer peek at the crate...

...and how about these adorable preserves...

These lovely mason jars are actually gift boxes and would be perfect for holding small gifty items such as a lip balm, nail polish, chocolates, etc.  for that special someone...and they are perfect for presenting in the adorable crate.  Not only will your recipient be left with a few small surprises, but they will have a cute little display leftover with the altered art set!
(For full instructions on how to create this set, please see the end of this blog post.)

I hope you've enjoyed our trip to the Farmers Market today!
Should you still find yourself with some time and wanting to continue to stroll, please be sure to stop by the Heartfelt Creations blog for more wonderful Farmers Market inspiration!

Until next time...

Project Supplies & Instructions 
 HCDP1-257  Farmers Market Designer Paper Collection
HCPC 3690  Apple Harvest Cling Stamp
HCPC 3685  Jars and Vines Cling Stamp Set
HCPC 3689  Berries and Peaches Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-767  Jars and Vine Dies
HCPC-3644  Birds and Blooms Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-757  Leafy Branch Die
HCD1-745  Luggage and Tags Die
HCST1-401  Deluxe Flower Shaping Tool Kit
SMP001  Rubber Stamp Mat Pad
273900  Zip Dry Glue

Other Products Used:  Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine, Silhouette cutting mat,  Silhouette Design Store File Design ID #66549 - 3D Wooden Crate Box, Design ID #81153 - Mason Jar Box, BigShot Manual Die Cutting Machine, two doilies, scissors, paper trimmer, raffia ribbon, lace ribbon, VersaColor Pine Cone Ink, VersaFine Black Ink, Spellbinders Labels 20, Spectrum Noir Blendable Pencils 007, 084, 085, 086, 107, 024, 025, 026, 093, 094, 095, 097, 103, 031, 041, 042, 046, 047, 053, 058, 108. 120, Spectrum Noir blending stump and blending solution, white embossing powder, heat tool, white card stock, kraft card stock, dried moss

For full instructions on how to shape the blossoms from the  Birds and Blooms Collection used on this creation, please see video tutorial here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFrj2XialLs)

Crate Instructions:  Begin by cutting out the crate file with your electronic die cutting machine and kraft colored card stock.  Assemble pieces as per instructions.  Before assembling the crate itself, ink all edges of all the pieces with a brown colored ink.  Begin assembly piece by piece, allowing drying time between each new piece added. Locate the 12" x 12" designer paper within the collection that has the pictured sentiment.  Cut down the sentiment to apply to the bottom of the crate as shown.   From the same designer sheet, cut three more side panels the same length you have cut your sentiment and apply one to the remaining piece on the front, and the others to the back of the crate.  Adhere  a doily hanging over the side of the crate as shown on both the front and back sides.  Fill the crate with moss.  Stamp one inking of the apple image as well as several images of the vines from the collection using a black ink.  Color using blendable pencils and blending solution.  Fussy cut apple image, and die cut vines using the coordinating die.  Adhere die cut images to crate.  Stamp one inking of the flowers from the Birds and Blooms Cling Stamp Set and add white embossing powder while ink is still wet.  Set embossing powder with heat tool and proceed to die cut and shape flowers using the coordinating die and deluxe flower shaping tool kit.  Adhere blossoms to images as desired.

Mason Jar Instructions:  Begin by cutting out the mason jar files with your electronic die cutting machine and your choice of papers from the Farmers Market Designer Paper Collection.  You will cut the same file twice, only for the second jar you will decrease the size of your file slightly so it will be somewhat smaller.  Glue and assemble all pieces. Once dry,  ink all edges of the 3D jars with a brown colored ink.  Adhere a piece of white lace ribbon to the top of the largest mason jar, ensuring that the lid is still able to close snuggly over top or it.  Using you manual die cutting machine, cut a smaller die cut from the Spellbinders Labels set.   Stamp the small raspberry image onto the label die cut as well as the sentiment.  Color berry image and adhere to jar.  Choose a tag from within the paper collection and die cut using coordinating die.  Loop through raffia and tie onto smaller jar.  Add raffia ribbon to larger jar as well.  You now have a perfect gift box set ready to fill and bless that special someone who loves to garden, do home canning or sells at the local Farmers Market!

Are You One of God's Strongmen?

It's been awhile since I've popped in with a random blog post, however  I thought I'd share the Bible study I did this morning as well as where it led me with journaling in my Bible.  

I've been using the Illustrated Faith Genesis Kit study for the last little while, and this morning the reading was in Joshua chapeter 1.  God is speaking to Joshua and explaining to him how He wishes to bless him and use him.  He commands Him to be strong and courageous, to remain true to Him and  His Word and also reminds him that He is with him always!  

As I was reading this passage, the vision of a strongman popped into my head.  The circus strongman, and even the modern day bodybuilder is always bold, courageous and confident when performing on stage.  God calls us to be those things in our everyday walk in life as well...and even though we may not be "performing on a stage", we represent Christ everyday and are being watched by people constantly.  Our lives are to show who God is, as well as to witness that our strength, courage and boldness come only from Him.  

However, just as the strongman is not always on stage, should you meet him on the street you would definitely still see that he is strong and bold.  God has not called all of us to be bold and courageous in a noticeable way all of the time...just as the strongman does not spend every moment of his entire life being boisterous and entertaining people 24/7.  There are times when we will be put into circumstances where God calls us to speak up and show others the strength and courage He gives us.  But at other times, He will use us in the smallest ways to show others those traits...maybe a journaling page or craft you've created will speak to someone...maybe those kind acts you do when you think no one is watching are not really going unseen and speak to someones soul.  I know at times I get discouraged because I'm not living the loud "strongman" life....being involved in the big picture of far away mission work, changing my community in a large way...however I have learned that just because the strength, courage and boldness I have may look different than what God has given someone else doesn't say that I am ineffective!  I think all too often Satan uses comparisons between people to separate us from the plan that God has for us....and all too often I seem to fall for it!

I think that God simply calls us today to the same things that he called Joshua to do.  

To walk with Him, to meditate on His words, to be bold and courageous in God's time and with His strength...and most of all to cling to the promise that He is with us all of the time, never leaving our side!

So, with all of that being said, here is how my creative side moved in my journaling...

I remembered that I had a strongman die cut in my stash from an older October Afternoon collection that I had purchased a long time ago.  I loved it that he was faceless...to me it represented that this could be any of us who are God's children.  I fussy cut him him so he would fit onto the side of the margin (I still like to be able to read all of the words in my journaling Bible as I do still take it to church and use if for Bible Studies), and fussy cut the sentiment which was also a piece of the same die cut.  I love the sentiment...with God in our lives, we truly are the strongest men and women!

  

This is the first time that I've used gelatos in my Bible and I love how it turned out!  I didn't do dark colors as I just wasn't sure how the process was going to work...but with a few scribbles of the gelatos and a slightly damp paper towel (I must remember to add baby wipes to the shopping list as I'm out) I have to say they blended beautifully!  A quick spray of some gold Lindy's Stamp Gang spray and I was ready to add the die cut and stickers after the page dried.  I've used a MAMBI sticker along side the strongman image which says courage, and the rest of the stickers I've used are from Illustrated Faith.

Here's a bit of a closer look...

Well, that's all for today my friends!

I hope that there was a message in here that spoke to even just one!

If you haven't started Bible journaling, let me encourage you to do so.  

It's a great way to delve back into the Word if you haven't for awhile and also to retain the knowledge that you've gleaned during your study!  Somehow it just sticks better when you've pondered it and mulled it over as you created!

If you feel that creating in a Bible just isn't for you, please don't let that deter you from starting a special journal where you can be creative during your study time.  It's not the book you use that is important...it's the time that you spend with God building your relationship with Him!

Until next time...

Christmas Party Gift Idea with Heartfelt Creations...

Welcome Back!

It's Wednesday...so you know what that means!

I'm back today with another Heartfelt Creations project that hopefully you will enjoy!

This is the last week that I will be creating with the "Sparkling Poinsettia" collection...but don't worry, I'm sure as Christmas approaches you'll be seeing more from this collection here on the blog!

Before we head over into the creative part of the post, I have a quick question for you...do you like holiday office parties, church parties, etc. that require you to bring a $5-$10 gift to be swapped in a game? I'll be brutally honest here...I detest these types of things!  I detest getting the cheap box of chocolates or the dollar store junk that will make it straight into the good will pile in my home. After all what can you really find for $5-$10 that appeals to everyone in the circle as the gifts get passed from person to person.  Or even better yet, how about those parties where you need to bring a recycled gift...LOL.

 Today, I hope to be able to help you out with both of these kinds of holiday problems!

About four months ago, my mom and I took a trip to our local thrift store when I found a Christmas lantern that I thought held some altering potential!  I knew it would be perfect to alter when the Heartfelt Creations Christmas collection was released.  This lantern has sat in my living room on my work table just waiting to be re purposed...and today I've finally completed it!

Here's the lantern as it was...thrift store price tag and all!  LOL

The one thing that really attracted me to this lamp was the bulb.
It has a centre that is shaped like a wick, and when lit it actually flickers exactly the way
a candle burns!

Moving along, as I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer...

 ...here's the transformation...

 ...by simply adding some beautifully shaped poinsettias and some sparkle, you can see that this $5 lantern now looks like it's worth so much more!  What a great way to re purpose something and then feel good about re gifting it at one of those parties!  Or maybe by the time you're done it will be the perfect holiday addition to your mantle!  *wink wink*

Here's a close up of the top flower cluster...

As you can see in this close up photo, the lantern itself had been brushed with a gold color.  I decided to bring that out in several ways.  I've chosen to use a brighter tone of gold glitter on the cream colored poinsettias and I've also created darker golden poinsettias.  I think they complement one another very well.  I've added different color microbeads to each of the two colors of flowers. The Sparkling Poinsettia flowers are so easy to shape...so don't let a fear of tackling them stop you from creating with this fabulous collection.  Heartfelt Creations has created a wonderful instructional video tutorial which you can see here.  
I've also brought out the gold hues by using a cream colored wire ribbon that has gold edging.

...and a closer look at the bottom floral cluster...

I've also created a coordinating tag for this project.  This way you can write your holiday message on the back and hang the tag from the top of the lantern.  It's all finished and perfect to hand off at one of the holiday upcycling parties!

Here's a closer look at the tag...

So, I hope I've inspired you to keep your eyes open the next time you visit a thrift store!
You can find some amazing items just looking to be re purposed and provide them with new life!

Be sure to stop by the Heartfelt Creations blog for more fresh and inspiring projects this week!
Also, have you seen the preview of the upcoming release "Farmers Market"?
I simply love this new collection, and I have some treats in store for you with the gorgeous gathering of papers, stamps and dies!

Until next time...

Project Supplies & Instructions
 HCDP1-256  Sparkling Poinsettia Paper Collection
HCPC-3679  Large Sparkling Poinsettia Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3680  Sparkling Poinsettia Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3684  Sparkling Poinsettia Notes Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-765  Large Sparkling Poinsettia Die
HCD1-766  Sparkling Poinsettia Die
HCD1-745  Luggage and Tags Die
HCST1-401  Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit
TSMP805  Memento Dye Ink Pad - Toffee Crunch
159723  Art Institute Glue - Dries Clear
352854  Art Institute Metal Glue Tip
309196  Essential Glue Pad
SMP001  Stamp Mat Pad

Other Products Used:  second hand Christmas lantern, gold card stock, cream card stock, Martha Stewart Smoky Quartz Glitter, clear embossing powder, sponge daubers, Lindy's Stamp Gang Golden Sleigh Bells, Recollection Micro Beads - Champagne & Antique Copper, cream and gold wired ribbon, hot glue gun, heat tool, Glitter Ritz, water mist bottle, Modge Podge, sponge paint brush, gold detail embossing powder, gold cord, Ranger Distress Ink - Antique Linen & Vintage Photo, VersaColor Pine Cone Ink

For full instructions on how to shape and create the poinsettias on this project, please see instructional video here.


Purchase a second hand Christmas lantern or holiday item of your choice that you are wish to upcycle.  Using cream card stock and your Essential Glue Pad, stamp several images of the Poinsettia Cling Stamp Set, sprinkling the fine glitter on the images as you go and before glue dries.  Stamp several images of the Large Poinesttia Cling Stamp Set and repeat the steps you have just completed with the smaller Poinsettia Cling Stamp Set.  Set aside to dry.  Using gold colored card stock and a light brown ink, stamp several images of the small Poinsettia Cling Stamp Set and sprinkle with clear embossing powder.  Set embossing powder using a heat tool.  Die cut using the coordinating die and shape into double blossoms using the deluxe flower shaping tools and a light mist of water.  Once gold flowers have been shaped and assembled, apply a small amount of glue to each petal edge using a fine metal glue tip and sprinkle with Glitter Ritz.  Allow to dry completely and then spray lightly with Lindy's Stamp Gang spray.  Moving back to the glittered flowers, die cut using the coordinating die, add a touch of light brown ink to the centres of the petals using a finger sponge dauber, and then proceed to shape without water.  Shape the flower images just using the deluxe flower shaping kit and no water as you do not want to loose all of the glitter you have applied.  Once shaped, create double blossoms.  (Note:  some of your glitter will fall off of the flowers during the color application, shaping and assembling process,  however due to the nature of the project being an upcycled art piece, the look of the blooms being a little dated, antiqued and faded is the perfect finishing touch.)Using a sponge paint brush, lightly apply a thin layer of Modge Podge to each of the glittered flowers and set aside to dry.  Once all flowers are dry, add the micro beads to the centres of each blossom.  Create your loopy bow and adhere to piece you are altering with a hot glue gun.  Begin arranging flowers in the clusters as you desire, and once happy with placement adhere to piece with hot glue gun.
To create tag, stamp image onto a cream colored card stock and emboss with gold detail embossing powder.  Die cut using the large tag in the Luggage and Tags Die set.  Distress tag using distress inks.  Locate sentiment piece in the paper collection and distress with distress inks and spray with Lindy's Stamp Gang spray.  Ink all edges of the tag as well as the sentiment piece with a light brown ink.  Adhere flower and sentiment to bottom of tag as shown.  Loop gold cording through tag.  You are now ready to present a beautiful upcycled piece of altered art to someone special...or maybe keep and display on your own mantle!