OTP Jigsaw - by Annie Zorzo

Happy Boxing Day everyone!!!  I hope you have all had a lovely and festive Christmas with all of those you love.  I'm sure everyone is a bit tired today after yesterdays activites so I thought I would keep today's blog entry on the simple side.  Something you can set the kids up to do...if they're a bit older... and then go have a little kip!!!

Wish this was my idea but I got it from my sister-in-law in Indonesia who was helping me come up with ideas on how to keep my kids occupied over the school holidays in the wet weather....which we're having alot of where we are at the moment!  Quite simply, it's a photo of the child in question, done up as a very simple layout and then cut up to make a jigsaw puzzle.  For the smaller kids, keep the pieces to a minimum and watch their excitment when they see themselves reappear when it all fits back together.   For the older kids - the sky is the limit, use loads of papers and embellishments, then cut the jigsaw up into lots of smaller pieces and keep them occupied for ages!!!

My aim for this one for my youngest daughter was to make it fairly simple, bright and tactile.  And as it's a Christmas photo, the best way to do this is to add lots of sparkle!!!!

So here is what you need for a simple jigsaw:
* Cardboard
* Cardstock
* 2/3 pieces of pattern paper - I've used various October Afternoon papers - Farmfresh, Very Berry
* Ribbon - Lace, Ribbon and Sequin Trim
* Kindyglitz
* Judikins Embossing Powder
* Christmas Stamp
* VersaMagic Ink

And go about it like this...
1. Stick your cardstock to the cardboard.  Ink the edges
IMPORTANT NOTE - as you are going to be cutting this up into pieces, use lots of glue and make sure the undersides to be stuck down are completely covered.  You don't want pieces peeling up or coming lose once it's cut up.
2.  Using a Christmas Stamp I've stamped around the edges of the cardstock.
3.  I've then added some KindyGlitz to the edges for some sparkle.
4.  Cut 10x10" piece of pattern paper, ink the edges and stick down in the centre of the cardstock
5.  Cut two smaller pieces of pattern paper 11x5" and 10x2", ink the edges and stick down across the top section of the layout/jigsaw.
6. Sand the edges of your photo and stick down in the middle of your layout/jigsaw
7. Kindy Glitz around the edge of your photo
8. Taking some loop and thread lace I've glitter embossed the edges and then threaded a second piece of ribbon through.  I've then stuck this down under the photo.
9. Glue another ribbon strip across the top.

10. Cut up with a craft knife into pieces.  I've kept my edges straight and not interlocking since it's for a very young child, but you can cut it up as complicated as you like.

There there is a little Boxing Day Scrapping for you.  You could also do it at any time of the year, for Easter, School Holiday fun - why not make one each year, making it more complicated as you they grow?  Best use of all though, in my opinion, is for Birthday presents - quick, easy and hours of fun for the kids!

I'll leave you with it while I go have a Nana nap!!!  Merry Christmas.

PS - Thanks for the comments last week, my camera is working!!!!! Hip Hip Horray!!!!  Besides a whirring sound, it seems to be working OK, but I think it's days are numbered!!  Least it's got me through Christmas!  Thanks again x

Last minute gift tags - Nicky Amber

I've made some very quick and easy Christmas gift tags for those last minute wrapping sessions.

I have only used some kraft cardstock, some patterned paper scraps, journaling pen and some paper raffia.

Step 1.  I have cut my cardstock to 2 inches x 3 inches, drawn a border around the edge with a journaling pen and punched a hole in the top.

Step 2.  I simply cut some basic shapes (triangle, square and circle) out of patterned paper scrap
(For these tags I have used scraps from Echo Park 'Everybody Loves Christmas' range and 7 Gypsies 'Avignon' range).

Step 3.  I drew a border around each shape with a black journaling pen.

Step 4.  Attach the patterned paper shape to the tag and tie some paper raffia through the hole at the top
(for the square shape I tied some paper raffia around it to make it look like a present).

For some visual interest on some of the tags, I wrote Merry Christmas repeatedly across the tag before I attached the patterned paper shape.

Step 5.  On the other side I have stamped to: and from:
Tip: to line up your stamps where you want them to appear.....simply place them down onto the tag

I then placed my acrylic block (which is in desperate need of a good clean) down onto the stamps to pick them up.

I then stamped the back of all the tags...

I have used basic shapes but you can personalise them to suit your style or for a different occasion altogether (birthdays, baby gifts, thank you etc...)

For example, here I have cut out a heart shape...

Hope that has given you some ideas for quick and easy tags.

Hope everyone has a safe and special Christmas
nic...xxxooo

Christmas Advent Calendar - by Annie Zorzo

Have you noticed that all of the Christmas papers that come out from the manufacturers are designed around white and snowy Christmases of the northern hemisphere?  Snow capped houses, snowmen, birds with snow covered hats etc etc.  I guess that's why I tend to steer clear of the a-typical christmas papers.  Like last weeks entry, I've done another Christmas project for you this week and I've stayed almost entirely away from anything Christmas - well a snow related Christmas that is.

This week I have an advent calendar for you based on an Australian Christmas at the beach. 

I know we're now past the first of December but if you can find one and dedicate yourself a day to putting it together, you'll have a basic one done.  Mine has taken a bit longer but that's with alot of stop starting due to kids.  What-ever you do, I can promise you that there is unlikely to be another one exactly the same.  Using stuff out of your stash, plus some great purchases make it just right for you, your family and your home.  My eldest daughter is already getting much enjoyment out of ours!

My materials list for this is also quite long so I'll break it up:
Main Shell
Kaisercraft Advent Calendar
Making Memories Paint
Kindy Glitz

Papers of Boxes
Imaginisce - Splash Dance
My Minds Eye - Penny Lane

Embellishments of Boxes
American Craft Thickers - various
Various Alpha Stickers
Various Christmas Element Stickers, Chipboard & Rubons
Ribbon 
Ribbon Buckles
JudiKins Glitter Embossing Powders
Kindy Glitz
Kaisercraft Rhinestones
Versa Magic Ink Pads
Zig Pen

Papers of Main Photo Area
Glitter Cardstock
Imaginisce - Splash Dance
Vellum

Embellishments of Main Photo Area
Mesh Ribbon 
Ribbon
Stamps
Watermark Stamp Pad
Judi Kins Glitter Embossing Powders
Christmas Chipboard - Tree and Presents
Sequin Ribbon
Bella Bling
Versa Magic Ink Pad
Clear Embossing Powder
Filigree Beads & Sequins (Tanyah has these in the shop but not on-line.  Contact her at ScrapnCraft w T)

Invisible Thread
3D mounting Tape


And like the materials list, if I was to break down how I put this all together into steps, you would be here reading all day.  So I'm just going to give you a few hints, tips and ideas for your construction and embellishments.

Main Shell - HINTS & IDEAS
- I painted mine after it was all put together.  There is no reason why you can't paint it first to do away having to get into all the corners.  I painted everything but the actual back.
- After the paint was dry I applied Kindy Glitz to give it some sparkle - like the sun on the ocean.
- I hot glue gunned my boxes together.  When doing it, I found it easiest to do the two front edges and then the back edges.  This allows you to hold them in place until the glue sets.
- I also painted the bottom, top edges and insides of my boxes.  This is an extra step that you might not decide to do, but I wanted the same ocean colour to show when you pull out the drawers.

Covering and Embellishing the boxes - HINTS & IDEAS

- Make the most out of your paper, measure the height of the box and then cut a rectangle strip the full 12" width of the paper, and then cut in half at 6".  As you're not going to be pulling out the boxes all the way, it won't matter that the paper doesn't completely touch on the back side.

- I can't stress enough that you shouldn't worry if your papers don't have a Christmas theme or if once covered they don't look festive enough.  Be patient - wait until after you have embellished the boxes and created your central scene.  After all this if you still don't think it's festive enough - go back and embellish some more.  Here's a few close ups...

 

 

- When embellishing, be aware that anything else that you wrap around the box - ie ribbon or ribbon stickers will make it more snug for the box and a bit difficult to pull out.  Limit doing this or just have them going across the front.
- I mixed up the type of numerals I used to make it more fun to find the next day.
- To give it that Christmas feel, I added lots of sparkle, some Christmas rubons, stickers and chip embellishments.

Embellishing the Main Area - HINTS & IDEAS
- As I was going for a beach/ocean feel, I wanted a beach scene.  To create the beach I used the American Crafts Glitter Cardstock and glued it down in an arc so it was raised.  You'll have to hold in place until the glue sets and a hot glue gun is good for this.
- For the waves, I pulled some mesh ribbon from each side so it became wavy.  I then folded and stuck it down along the middle in two different lengths.

- As I get a Santa photo of my girls every year, I wanted to incorporate that but also be able to change it.  To make this inter-changeable hanging piece I ripped off the back cover of a Little Golden Book to have something sturdy.  I then cut it down slightly larger than a 6 x 4" photo - leaving more space at the top to secure it to the Advent Calendar.  I then covered it front and back and put a final layer of vellum on the top side.  I then ripped the vellum so I could easily secure a photo in behind the tears without the need to glue it down.  I then embossed the vellum and trimmed it with ribbon.
- To hang the Santa photo, I made two holes along the top edge of my photo board.  I glued the centre section of a length of ribbon to the top underside of the Advent Calendar and threaded the ends through the holes and tied it off in a bow.

- For my Christmas on the beach seen, it wouldn't be complete without a surfboard.  I embossed the hibiscus flower and Christmas tree.  Added some decorations (sequin ribbon and bling) and then layered them on top of my 'sand' using glue and mounting tape.  I did the same with the presents down the bottom.
- My dangling ornaments are filigree beads which I've threaded with invisible thread and secured with sequins and beads.  I've tied it off and glued to the top underside with another sequin disguising the end of the thread.

Other Ideas
- I specially wanted a beach theme as this is where we spend our Christmas holidays.  I haven't made one of these any other way, but I believe if you have a theme or direction in mind before you start, your progress will be quicker.
- For a simple Advent, try using just one or two papers (get a few sheets) and use the numerals within the KaiserCraft pack.
- Depending on where you spend your Christmas, you could have that as your central theme - what about a Christmas on the farm with a tractor, picket fence and a normal tree decorated as a Christmas tree.
- You could also have a monochromatic theme with varying shades of the one colour - this I think could be quite exciting.
- If you have more than one child that is going to be opening the boxes, figure out if they will take turns on alternate days (good for older kids) or if you have to include something on each day for each child.  Some things you can add:
1. Lollies
2. Christmas jokes
3. Money (my kids get 30 cents and 10 cents....Christmas budget LOL!!!)
4. Treasure map to a bigger surprise.
5. Make up tickets for an outing - ie admit one to the local pool.

So I hope I've given you enough ideas to get started.  Grab an idea, set yourself time and get to it.  You might have missed a few days but you can start counting down as soon as you get it finished.

Merry Christmas to you all.  I hope that the festive season has hit your house as hard as it's hit ours.  I have a new love for this time of year when I see the excitement on my little girls face on anything and everything that is related to Santa and Christmas.

Enjoy and see you next week.

Docrafts Christmas Cards and class - Nicky Amber

This week I have used the Docrafts Delicate Filigree Cards and a range of techniques to make some Christmas cards.

So this........

has turned into these......

Card 1.

Keeping it very simple, I have just used an embossing folder to dry emboss the background, inking and liquid pearls to decorate.


Card 2.  

In this card I have used texture paste, glimmer mist, wet embossing (using embossing powders and a stamp) on the background and inking.

Card 3.

On this card I have blended Distress inks to create the background.


Card 4.

 

In this card I have used alcohol inks to create the background and a stamp with Distress inks to create interest on the tree.


Due to the many different techniques used for these cards, we have decided to offer these as a class at Scrap N Craft with T. 

Techniques you will cover include

• using Distress inks
• using Glimmer Mist
• how to blend with your Distress inks
• using Alcohol inks
• wet embossing
• dry embossing
• stamping

This is a great opportunity for beginners or if you aren't familiar with any of these techniques to be shown step by step... and as a bonus you will also get to take home four beautiful handmade Christmas cards.
Hope to see you there.......if you would like more information please contact Tanyah on 0458217911.


Happy creating...xxxooo

Template fun with Echo Park Christmas - by Nicky Amber

Today I have used one of the new templates Tanyah has instore to create this layout.  I have created this layout in preparation for this coming Christmas, leaving space for photos to be added later.  Sometimes when I see papers I just get an idea without knowing what photos I'm actually going to use.

You can find all the different types of templates HERE.
I have used the scalloped frames template,

which I found wonderful to use - it lets you create a variety of scalloped frames from just under 1 inch right up to just under 12 inches.  You can cut out solid shapes or a outline shape (like the green scallop outline in the layout below).

I have also cut out a scallop shape with the template, then cut it in half to create a journalling tag.

I have used the Echo Park Christmas range 'Everybody Loves Christmas' range.  The papers I used for this layout were...
'Trim the Tree'

and 'Ornaments'

because they lend themselves so well to being fussy cut (cut out individual shapes) and their reverse sides were nice and bright too.

Check out the templates in store,  there are so many different ones and so many different ways they can be used (with painting mediums, to cut out shapes etc) and best of all they can be used over and over again.


If you have used any templates in your projects please share with us in the Scrap N Craft with T gallery  HERE.

Happy creating...xxxooo

Using LO Sketches for Cards - By Annie Zorzo

Still considering myself a relative new comer to the world of scrapping, I have dabbled very little into the world of card making.  I'm not sure if this is the norm....are scrappers also card makers and card makers also scrappers or does everyone stick to what they know and very rarely do they cross over?

Well today I'm branching out and I thought I would show the scrappers out there that they too can become a card maker by using a LO sketch.  And for the card-makers among you, here's another little tool in your tool box when your grappling for some new inspiration....using a scrappers LO sketch.

Here we go...and you must know that I'm writing this before I've even started.  I've picked this LO sketch from the Scrap N Craft with T Sketch Gallery.  I've choosen it purely because of the tearing along the bottom and the little bits of stitching, two things I love to do.  I have no idea how it will translate onto a card but that's the fun of it isn't it!  Remember, sketches are a starting point, you don't have to add all the elements and you can adjust the orientation and placement of embellishments so it fits you're project.  Also remember that because you're working on a smaller surface, it's a great time to bring out your scraps and use them up.

For my card I used:
some left over scraps from the Fancy Pants About a Girl paper range.
Paper Flowers
Brads
White Gel Pen
Sam & Lucy Teeny Tiny Letter Stickers.

And here is what I came up with:

It's not the prettiest card, but the Fancy Pants About a Girl range lended itself to be quite bold, a bit funky and something that would suit a pre-teen.  To make the card I started with:
1. A strip of green placed along the bottom edge of the card to show through the tear
2. Cut a rectangle from the main paper I wanted to use and made a teared 'V' towards the bottom.
3. Next with a white gel pen, I made stitch lines across the main paper.  The About a Girl paper range has dark lines that I used as a guide rather than use the circle from the sketch.
4. From the About a Girl boarder strips and cards I cut out two phrases to take the place of the photos on the sketch and then cut the star and saying to take the place of the torn lined paper on the sketch.
5. The final touch on the outside of the card, I attached some layered paper flowers with brads and some cross stitch marks with a white gel pen.
6. And lastly for a sentiment on the inside of the card I used the Sam & Lucy Teeny Tiny Letters.

So there you have it, a card made from a LO sketch.  The pinnacle of card making might still be a little out of reach for this self-proclaimed scrapper, but it's a starting point for other like-minded scrappers out there to dabble in card making.....particularly with christmas coming up.  Now that's an idea....I'm going to challenge all of you out there to use this sketch or another LO sketch from the Scrap n Craft with T Sketch Gallery and make some Christmas Cards.  Have a go and show us what you come up with in the Gallery, we'd love to see it.

So off you go, get card making, scrapping or go and enjoy your Sunday with the family.  I hope it's warm and sunny where-ever you are.

Christmas with Echo Park - Nicky Amber

Echo Park have brought out two great Christmas paper ranges and Tanyah now has them in store!!

A bright and funky range - Everybody Loves Christmas

and a more traditional christmas range - Merry Christmas

These papers are fantastic to create those Christmas layouts but today I have used them to make some quick Christmas cards.

Card 1.  Using the Everybody Loves Christmas range I have used the Ornaments paper and Trim the Tree papers to make these cards.

I have also used cardstock, embossing folder, embossing powder, paper string, mini alpha letters, and an old stamp I had at home.

Card 2.

Card 3

With the Merry  Christmas range I have just used the Tis the Season card paper.

As you can see there are a few cards with blank spaces in them so I have decided to use my computer to add a message for my cards.

Here's what I have done....

Cut out the cards from the paper.

I printed out on the computer a few favourite verses sized to fit into the cards I just cut out.

With double-sided tape I attached the cards straight on top of the page I printed out.

Fed it back through the printer, printing out the same page again, producing this....

Here's a really easy card and tags I have made with the card paper:  I have just used embossed cardstock but would great with co-ordinating paper from this range.

Hope you have enjoyed checking out the new Christmas ranges from Echo Park!

Happy creating...xxxooo

Christmas Gift Tags - by Annie Zorzo

Well I don't know about you....but up here on the north coast of NSW, I'm so sick of the rain!  Not only can't I get my endless rounds of washing done (not to self, invest in a clothes dryer!) but over the school holidays, it's been so hard to keep my daughter occupied.  To get rid of some cabin fever this week we went shopping and I'm always surprised by how early we start to see Christmas things in the shops.  It always gives me a kick in the pants to really start thinking and get organised.

So this week, with all the rain and to keep children occupied, we made some Christmas Gift Tags.  They're really easy to do, can get them whipped up in no-time and can tick gift tags off your Christmas list of things to do.

To make them you will need:

• Price Tags or Luggage Tags - find them at an office supply shop - or make your own from cardstock 
• All your stamps 
• Inks - Limit your colour selection to three - I choose red, green and brown.
• Your computer and printer

And here's how:
1.  If your going to make your own gift tags from cardstock, mine are measured at 5cm wide by 9.5 cm high.  If you're using bought ones, remove the string before starting to stamp.
2.  Basically there are no rules - except to start with your larger background stamps first.  I have very few Christmas stamps so most of mine are swirls, scrolls, love hearts, script writing, butterflies and even travel based stamps with postage stamps, luggage tags and a compass!  With mine, it's the traditional red and green with a little bit of brown that brings out the Christmas feel.  Alternate your colours and stamp away layering them as you go until your happy.
3.  On your computer, make a table and make each 'cell' of the table the exact size of your tag.  Select a font and type in To: and From: spacing it down the tag.
4.  Print onto paper
5.  Cut a very thin 2mm thick double sided tape.  Line up your tag inside the table with your stamped side facing down to the paper.  Secure your tag at the very top edge with your double sided tape.  Print again.
6.  Carefully remove tags from the paper.  They should come off easily but if the double sided tape gives you grief, trim the top of the tag by the 2mm thickness of the tape.
7.  Rethread the tags with string or add some decorative ribbon from your stash.

I've made mine fairly simply as there was a pre-schooler involved but there is no reason why you can't use embossing powders, glimmermist, bling, even some patterned paper to make yours.  Look through your stash or visit the shop and get busy!!!!!  Christmas is ...gulp... 11 weeks away!

Enjoy your day while I look forward to my cherub going back to pre-school tomorrow!!!
.