Gift Bag Tutorial

If you have time go and put the kettle on for a cuppa before you start to read this post as its quite long and there are a lot of pictures too. 

Take a 12" x12" sheet of paper and cut to 9" x 12"

score at 5" and 7" then turn and score at 2"

I used Pacific Point DSP

Crease the score lines and cut the score lines as shown.

Cut the 3" x 12" strip to 3" x 9"

score at 1/2" and 21/2" turn and score at 2"

trim away the outer 1/2" pieces as shown

Place sticky strip along the score lines as shown.

Fix the side panel to main the piece one side at a time.

Fold the flaps at the base and use tombow adhesive to close them

your basic bag is almost complete.

Lightly pinch the top creasing the sides into shape.

Using the crop-o-dile punch holes ready for the ribbon handles.

I used Jumbo Eyelaets for interest and to make the handle support stronger.

Take 30cm of ribbon for each handle and thread through the eyelets

tie in a knot inside the bag.

This is my completed bag with a decorative panel layered with Real Red, basic Grey and Very Vanilla. I have used the Polka Dots embossing folder on half of the Very Vanilla card so I could stamp on the plain side.  I used the All in the Family stamp set, coloured with the marker pens, the sentiment is from Just Believe stamp set, punched and layered with the Word Window and Decorative Label punch.

I would love to see what you make, please link back to my blog to say where you found my tutorial, thank you, have fun and enjoy creating.

Angela x

Simply Stampin' Challenge Week 9

Its time for a new challenge at Simply Stampin' Challenge and we have a theme for your inspiration this week

Floral Frenzy

I have made a gift bag and a matching card using some of the beautiful Greenhouse Gala papers, with some of the In Colour ribbon in Pear Pizzaz.

I used the marker pens to colour my image from the Ornante Flower stamp set that co-ordinates with the papers. The card base is Pumpkin Pie layered with Pear Pizzaz.

The gift bag is really easy to make from a single sheet of 12 x12 paper with very little waste. If you pop back tomorrow I have a tutorial to show how to make it.

We would love to see your Floral Frenzy creations over at Simply Stampin' challenge this week, the design taem have made some fabulous creations again this week, you can see them here.

Angela x

A Day at the Beach

I have been making use of some of the many photos printed and just left in a box, they have never made it in to an album!!  Lucy is 9 now and this was taken when she was 3, on a very cold January day at Redcar beach.

I have used Crumb Cake for my base and the Confetti stamp set for the background along with the gorgeous Medallion stamp - I don't think I had ever seen stamps as big as the background stamps Stampin' Up! sell.

I have picked up the colours of Lucy's clothes with my accent colours of Marina Mist and Pirroutte Pink.  The flowers are made from various circles punched and layered with a brad.  I made a fold out strip for my journaling with the new Decorative Label punch, tied with some lovely taffetta ribbon. My title was stamped with my favourite Schoolbook Serif alphabet and cut out.

Lucy lookd slighty bewildered in the first photos, as Darran had burried her pink wellingtons in the sand and she couldn't move, she obviously wasn't too bothered by this.

Angela x

Simply Stampin' Challenge Week 8

This week at Simply Stampin' Challenge we have another colour challenge for you. 

Old Olive Pumpkin Pie Daffodil Delight Very Vanilla

As soon as I saw this weeks challenge I knew I wanted to make a bright summery card using them, so I dusted off my Tart and Tangy stamp set!!

I stamped zingy oranges, lemons and limes on to my base card, cutting out some extra lemons and layering them up with Dazzling Diamonds around the edges for a bit of sparkle!! I added a length og Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon around the card and used the scalloped boarder punch for both layers.

There are always some beautiful cards form the other design team members and this week is no exception, you can find them all here. 

Angela x

Friday Nigth's Class Projects

I have been having a few problems with my internet this week, we have up-graded it and its certainly no better - the speed is slower than before.  I do hope in September when the fibre optic cables have been put in place in our area we will benefit from a faster connection, cable TV and broadband stop at the house next door to us!!

So on to the projects we made on Friday night.

The papers we used are the from the mini catalogue - Springtime Vintage.

The wreath was stamped with the Baby Blossoms stamp set, with a little Dazzaling Diamonds glitter.

A band of contrasting paper was wrapped around the pocket and a large flower punched layered with circle punches and a large matching button .

This is the second card we made and it didn't take very long to put together but it is very effective and a great way to use some of the scraps we all accumulate.

The squares were punched from the Springtime Vintage papers and glued on to copier paper, then it was cut with the exclusive Top Note die - I'm so happy we now have the Stampin' Up! Big shot!!  The patchwork panel was then embossed with the square lattice embossing folder, giving the papers a new texture.  We used Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon tied and gathered and a sentiment from Sincere Salutations stamp set.

I have been busy making up some business tools ready for the newest members of my team.  I do have a spare set ready to post to the next person who joins my team so if you are thinking of signing up as an Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator why not contact me and find out more about our successful team of Sparkly Angels.

Angela x

Itty Bitty Cards

I needed a couple of quick cards for a birthday party Lucy was going to, so as the girls were twins I decided to make the same cards in  different colour collections.

This card is from the Brights collection - Real Red, Daffodil Yellow, Pacific Point and Melon Mambo.

The Subtles version So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and Pretty in Pink.

For both cards I used the small square punch and the 11/4" circle punch layered in a grid pattern on an A6 size card. I stamped some of the tiny flowers from the Itty Bitty Bits stamp seet in the same colours and used the co-ordinating punch for them adding a tiny rhinstone for a little sparkle. 

I quite liked the effect of the punches and I thought they  would make a Lego inspired card for some of  Philips friends.

Angela x

Simply Stampin' Challenge week 7

Its time for a new challenge at Simply Stampin' this week we have another sketch for your inspiration.  I really liked this sketch its a great starting place for a card when your lacking inspiration!!  The talented design team have again made some fabulous projects, so make sure you visit the Simply Stampin' challenge blog this week.

I'm planning on having a go at a scrapbook layout with this sketch during the week. I will post the finished layout once I get it  photographed.

 This was one of those cards I needed inspiration for - I was asked to make a card for a civil partnership in September and it had to be green.  I thought the sketch this week would be perfect for a simple design, the background was made with the So Swirly jumbo wheel using Garden Green ink over Garden Green card.  The ribbons are Very Vanilla satin and grosgrain ribbons layered up, with a beautiful frame form th new Four Frames stamp set punched with the matching punch.  I added a few pearls and the greeting is from the new Something to Celebrate  Level 2 hostess stamp set in the mini catalogue.

I still need to go and put everything away from my class last night with a lovely group of ladies they all loved the cards we made, so I will share them tomorrow, I still need to photograph them!! 

 Angela x

Big Shot Class

I have been really enjoying using the new Big Shot with the exclusive dies and embossing folders from Stampin' Up! so I thought I would share some of the projects from my Big Shot classes last week.

This little pillow box is perfect for a small gift along with a matching card. The colours of this set are Very vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette and Concorde Crush. The flowers are cut with the Fun Flowers die in a variety of card and Lap of Luxury designer paper, some have been embossed.

This card was a last minute addition to the class, the paper was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder and lightly sanded so that the white core showed through, then lightly spritzed with shimmer paint. The flowers were cut and embossed with the Flower Burst embosslit.

If you are thinking of buying a Big Shot I will arrange to come to your home and show you how to create some amazing projects using the exclusive Stampin' Up! dies and folders. This range will no doubt expand later in the year so why not get yours now.

A special offer from me - anyone buying a Big Shot from me during May can choose an embossing folder of  their choice FREE.

Angela x

Pretty Birthday Gift Set

This is one of the last minute cards I made for Lucy for one of her firends last week.  I decided to use  pretty pastel colours for the card and made a matching backpack to pop the birthday present in.

I used So Saffron for the card base with a layer of matching paper from the 12x12 DSP stack and some of the lovely Nursery Suite paper, perfect for so many occassions - not just babies!! I added a length of Daffodil Delight satin ribbon with some of the nursery accent stickers and a few pearls.

I decided to make my backpack from some of the 12x12 DSP in So Saffron as the quality is so good and it is quite thick I knew it would work perfectly for this bag, also saving time matting and layering the paper onto a card base.  I used the same Nursery Suite papers, Daffodil Delight satin ribbon for the handles, accent sticker and a Regal Rose button .

I have been busy getting my projects ready for a class on Friday night with one of my groups of lovely ladies,  we will of course be using some of the new products form the mini catalogue and the Big Shot!!

Angela x

Simply Stampin' Challenge week 6

Its time for a new challenge at Simply Stampin' and this week we have a theme of "Buttons and Bows".  This is the perfect challenge for me as I really love the new Fun Flowers die exclusive to Stampin' Up! and decided to make it the focal point of my card.

I have chalked the edges of the flower (Pretty in Pink) after I have embossed them using the Vintage Wall Paper and Perfect Polka Dots embossing folders (exclusive to Stampin' Up!) showing the depth of the embossing - it is much deeper than other similar embossing folders I have used in the past. The papers are from the Lap of Luxury collection. I punched a scalloped boarder in Very Vanilla card and made a double satin bow with a button from the Subtles collection.

Every week the design team share some wonderful creations, why not take a look at their inspiration here and join us this week at Simply stampin' challenge??

Angela x

Summer Fun Scrapbook Layout

I thought I would share  another layout  made last week.  I have used one of the many photos of Philip in his little fire engine from last summer. It had been a really hot day and we decided it would be fun to let him play with the hose - bath was run, towels at the ready and we let him loose!!

The page is made up of Real Red card and a Celebrations 12x12 page with the matching quick accent sticker strips - perfect for a quick layout!!  I used the spritzer tool with the marker pens to spray the paper in  Old Olive, Real Red and Pacific Point. The title was stamped with my new Varsity Alphabet stamp set in Real Red ink and cut out - a really easy way to make a page title without the worry of it fitting the available space or not being straight.

I must dash as I'm back to school this morning to collect Lucy for her final appiontment at the Orthodontist - she has been so brave and her teeth are straight after only 6 months, so she is really hoping she doesn't have to wear her brace any more, although it is only at bed time now. Fingers crossed I don't have to pick up Philip  at the same time, as he claims he is not well again today, he was up through the night with a dreadful cough again last night!

Angela x

Second Colour Challenge

I really liked the colour combo this week at Simply Stampin' Challenge, so I thought I would make a second card using the same colours.

I decided to make a card suitable for Philip to give to his friend at the weekend as he is going to another party!!!

I have used the Beware Pirates stamp set - perfect for cards for both adults and children. I have used the Rich razzleberry marker pens with the colour spritzer tool to give the card a bit of a distressed look. A jumbo brad was the perfect finishing touch to this quick and easy card!

I have decorated the inside of the card with another stamped image from the set and a strip of Basic grey DSP - a first for me!! 

There is still time for you to join us this week at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week.

Lucy had two parties in one day last wekend so I will share the cards and a lovely little bag soon.

Angela x

A Special Baby Card

There have been a few safe arrivals of baby boys lately!!  This is the special card I made for the teachers at school to give to the teaching assistant in Philip's class who left ot have her baby at Easter.

I made a keepsake box for the card as it is quite large as it had to have enough space at the back of the card for everyone to sign it.  There is seam binding around the lid of the box with a flat bow and a pearl, to echo the same theme on the front of the card, I layered the sentiment with various punches and more pearls, stamping some of the smaller images from Bundle of Love stamp set over the designer paper.

I have used Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake for this card as I needed it to be suitable for a girl or a boy. I have also left spaces for photo's of the new baby to be added, with just a small tag to decorate the edge of the photo.

I have used the All in the Family stamp set for this page, stamped in Chocolate chip ink on to Very Vanilla card.

This is the sentiment from the Baby Bundle stamp set, stamped with Chocolate Chip ink on to Vwery Vanilla card and layered on to Crumb Cake card with a scallop boarder trim edge.  The gorgeous ruffle was made by pulling a thread from the seam binding - it ruffles perfectly every time.

Another image from the Baby Bundle stamp set, with just a simple pearl for decoration.

I need to make a few more baby cards for my box and I will be using the Baby Bundle stamp set - this is a set I got FREE  along with 4 other sets!!! - If you want to find out more about how you can get FREE stamp sets and a discount on all of your Stampin' Up! products then contact me to find out more.  I will share my new baby cards soon.

I am off to finish cutting the kits for my "Hot Shot Big Shot" class this week - I still have a couple of spare places, if you fancy joining me, I will be sharing lots of tips and tricks to help you get the most from this must have craft product, the Stampin' UP! exclusive dies are fabulous too!!

Angela x 

Scrapbook Layout

I have finally got my scrapbook pages up-loaded so I thought I would share the layout I did using photos of Lucy and Philip at school, along with some small wallet sized pictures form previous school year photos.

I have made a "progressive scrapbook page" - you build up a page using a  6x6 - A4 - 12x12.  On each layer you add new elements to build up the layout, I do like my pages to be "neat" and my layouts are very simple.

I have used Early Espresso, Real Red and Night of Navy card along with Play Date 12x12 papers. the flower buttons are also from Stampin' Up! This is my 6x6 layout.

I made a film strip using the spiral border punch and some small school  photos, the A4 base is Night of Navy card.

I have used Sahara Sand textured card for the 12x12 base and some of the Play Date quick accents stickers, I love using these stickers, they make those finishing touches so quick and you can use them on your cards too!!

This is the page I have made for Philip, this is a regular 12x12 layout. I have made a pull out tag with the Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note die to put my journaling on.

This page also uses the same colored card - Early Espresso. Real Red, Night of Navy and Sahra Sand.

Hope your enjoying a lovely weekend, I'm just waiting for Lucy to come home after her "sleepover" last night with her "best firend" at school, then I can get lunch out of the way and maybe bake a cake before Darran makes us a nice roast later.  Tomorrow we are off to Harewood House for the Children's Fesitval - fingers crossed for some more fine and dry weather, as I would like to take a nice picnic!!!

Angela x