tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246753707590216142024-03-12T19:01:45.300-07:00Like the CarAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-71622582749328047572014-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002014-03-07T09:59:23.601-08:00Aloha Friday, Aloha Hawaii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been thinking about this Aloha Friday post for a long time and originally hoped to have it written and posted weeks ago when we actually left the island in mid February. But in typical military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) fashion, chaos ensued and blog posts get pushed to the bottom of the priority list.<br />
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The kids and I are now in California trying to get as settled as we can in a brand new house without furniture and without Dad around. But both should be arriving "home" within a few weeks. I'm hoping those fourteen (yes, 14) crates of "stuff" and "dada" will magically make everything okay again. But in reality, I know that it probably just create a different kind of crazy. :)<br />
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As we try to create routine and a new normal here, I am desperately trying to help the kids, especially Charlotte, look forward to new friends, new schools...a new life. But it is hard to not be constantly reminded of our dear and cherished friends in Hawaii. Living on base housing in the amazingly historic Ford Island, we had some of the BEST neighbors you could dream of. We spent holidays together, ate dinners together, watched our kids play in the alley while drinking beer together. I'm sure if we spent a lifetime next door to each other, I would never tire of them or their kindness and company. But sadly, military life doesn't allow those luxuries.<br />
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We also made such amazing friends through my daughter's school. I feel grateful that the kids my daughter loved playing with also had the coolest of parents! One such friend is a fellow blogger and Project Lifer/ Digital Scrapbooker. She wrote <a href="http://reaganandsierra.blogspot.com/2014/02/friends-that-make-you-happy.html" target="_blank">this touching blog post </a>that had me in tears. We will miss them so much.<br />
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But life goes on and we have no other choice but to swallow our tears (at least in front of our kids).<br />
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I'm still hoping to finish out these Aloha Friday posts to finish documenting our Hawaiian travels. Maybe that will help with my transition. :) But for now, I just wanted to share with you some of the beautiful and gorgeous family photos that the oh so talented <a href="http://jenfoxphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jen Fox </a>took for us on our very last Saturday in Hawaii. These photos are the perfect memento of our Hawaiian adventure and I will treasure them always.<br />
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So, for now, Aloha Friday and Aloha Hawaii. You have been so good to us and we are forever changed by your Aloha Spirit. Mahalo. Here's hoping that it won't be long until we see you again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-87024562325372900462014-01-24T16:44:00.000-08:002014-01-24T16:44:03.837-08:00Aloha Friday - Nuts and Chickens and Sausages?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been <i>forever</i> since an Aloha Friday post and I'm so very sorry. But as our time in Hawaii is quickly winding down, I wanted to make sure to share with you our oh so many adventures before we have to leave this beautiful island. <br />
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<b>1. Tropical Farms - <a href="http://www.macnutfarm.com/" target="_blank">Macademia Nut Farm Outlet</a> & Farm Tour. </b>Although some consider this a tourist trap, I absolutely love the Mac Nut Farm. They give out amazingly generous samples of EVERY. SINGLE. NUT, they are priced about the same as in town, and the farm tour is HANDS DOWN the most fun and best deal on the island. Think of it as a farm tour meets mini luau meets scenic boat road. LOVE LOVE LOVE and highly recommend it.<br />
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A view of the mac nut farm outlet from behind the store.<br />
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Check out this bus for the farm tour. Ridiculous. And the tour guide, amazingly freakin' awesome and hilarious!<br />
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The bus takes you to a gorgeous spot on the pond and Chief talks about Hawaiian plants, shows you how to make the headbands, does a fire show, and basically does a stand up comedy show while doing all of this. <br />
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Afterwards, we go on a lovely boat ride around this pond looking up to the Koaloa Mountains (where a ton of movies like Jurassic Park were filmed).<br />
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And afterwards, we tried our hand at cracking some mac nuts. Fun!<br />
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<b>2. Pyramid Rock Beach. </b>We are so lucky that the military has some spectacular beaches open to us. One of them is <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pyramid-rock-beach-marine-corps-base-hawaii-mcbh" target="_blank">Pyramid Rock Beach</a> on the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay. We will be getting family photos here before leaving the island. SO excited!<br />
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<b>3. Combat Boots on Ford Island. </b>In connection with the Fisher House Hero & Remembrance Run on Ford Island, thousands upon thousands of boots from fallen service members were lined around the old runway and eventually displayed together on the field. It's a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that have been paid for this war. <br />
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<b>4. <a href="http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/fbg.htm" target="_blank">Foster's Botanical Garden</a>. </b>A really beautiful place with some massive Exceptional Trees. We were particularly smitten the canon ball and sausage trees. :)<br />
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Here's the cannon ball tree.<br />
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And the sausage tree.</div>
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A super rare plant called the Corpse Plant. It smelled so bad!</div>
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And check out has massive this tree is!</div>
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<b>5. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rays-kiawe-broiled-chicken-haleiwa" target="_blank">Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken</a>. </b>This might be some of the best chicken I've ever had. DELICIOUS. </div>
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And conveniently right across the street from Matsumotos. So we obviously had to have some shave ice too.</div>
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<b>6. <a href="http://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=19" target="_blank">Ka'ena Point</a>. </b>We tried hiking out to the point before but failed since we didn't have enough time. For this attempt, we drove our car straight to the gate. What a beautiful hike complete with a monk seal sighting!</div>
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I think that's it for now. Still have a lot to catch up on but wanted to at least get the ball rolling!! As always, <i>mahalo</i> for stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-45729482040652205812014-01-21T04:30:00.001-08:002014-01-21T04:33:30.440-08:00Xyron and Tet - the Vietnamese Lunar New YearFor this month's tutorial with Xyron, I wanted to make something to help my kids celebrate and learn about Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Tet was always my favorite holiday of the year and it represented an opportunity start with a clean slate and with good luck on your side. <br />
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Amidst the red envelopes of lucky money and delicious food, one of my favorite activities during Tet was a game called <i>Lac Bau Cua</i>, literally meaning Shake the Gourd and Crab. Basically, <i>Lac Bau Cua</i> is a simplistic version of Craps with six different animals (instead of numbers). Here's a good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXnzUOM04m4" target="_blank">you tube video</a> I found that shows how the game is played. <br />
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<b>TUTORIAL: <i>LAC BAU CUA </i>(Vietnamese New Year Game)</b><br />
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For today's project I wanted to create an updated <i>Lac Bau Cua</i> game board using animals from the zodiac calendar instead of the traditional crab, gourd and deer. I also wanted to make something that would stand up to my little kids. <br />
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<i>Supplies. </i><b> </b><a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Campaigns/Creatopia.html" target="_blank">Xyron Creatopia</a> (Protectz Laminate Cartridge); <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html" target="_blank">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker Maker</a>; Cardstock (American Crafts); Gold Foil (Silhouette America); Binder Clips (Office Max); Sanding Block (Core'dinations); Unfinished Wood Blocks; Silhouette Cameo; WRMK Crop-a-dile; Fiskars Paper Trimmer.<br />
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<b>1. Cut Game Board Panels. </b>Start with 2 sheets of red 12" x 12" cardstock. Using a paper trimmer, cut down six squares sized at 6" x 6".<br />
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<b>2. Cut Out Animal Silhouettes. </b>To embellish my game board pieces, cut out animal silhouettes from the gold foil paper. I sized the animal images at about 4". I used <a href="http://dianastoneman.deviantart.com/art/Chinese-zodiac-stencils-193982614" target="_blank">these images</a> of animals and traced and cut them using my Silhouette Cameo. And since I don't want to waste the paper, I went ahead and cut a bunch of hearts in all the extra spaces of the paper.<br />
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<b>3. Create the Game Panels. </b>Adhere one animal image to each cardstock square. Then laminate each game panel using the Xyron Creatopia (Protectz laminate panel). <br />
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Trim the plastic around the panel, leaving about 1/8" around the cardstock.<br />
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Using the WRMK crop-a-dile, punch a hole along each edge of the game panel. Then connect the panels together by threading mini binder clips through the holes you just punched.<br />
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<b>4. Create Game Dice. </b>In <i>lac bau cua</i>, you roll three dice with images of the animals to determine who is the winner. To make the game dice, I used unfinished wood blocks. I cut red cardstock squares to cover the came blocks.<br />
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Run the cardstock squares through the Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker and place a square on each face of the block. <br />
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Sand all the edges of the block down. I used the core'dinations sanding block and it works amazingly well!<br />
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Cut out scaled down images of the animals used in the larger game pieces from the gold foil. Then adhere those onto the covered wood blocks.<br />
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Then viola, you have a durable and fold-able <i>lac bau cua </i>board complete with matching dice!<br />
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Wishing everyone health and happiness this new year. As always, <i>mahalo </i>for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-21591958702287741812013-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:002013-12-12T13:08:33.645-08:0030 Days of Holiday Projects with Xyron - Holiday Books Advent Tags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back to my second post for 30 Days of Holiday Project Ideas with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc" target="_blank">Xyron</a>. Today, I wanted to share with you our family's Advent Calender for this holiday season.<br />
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Instead of 24 days of candy or activities, we are doing 24 days of holiday books! Between the books we already own, checking out books from the library, and stocking up on some new affordable books from Scholastic Books, it's been a great month of reading thus far!<br />
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Using the new holiday papers from American Crafts, Crate Paper and Imaginesce, I made some super simple and easy tags to decorate the tissue paper wrapped books. Here's how!<br />
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<b>1. Die Cut Tag Shapes. </b>I have recently (within the past year or so) started collecting steel dies to use in my manual die cutting machine (i.e. <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creatopia/Shapez.html" target="_blank">Xyron Creatopia with Shapez Component </a>or Sizzix Big Shot). Don't get me wrong. I love my Silhouette Cameo (electronic die cutting machine) but there is something nice about not having to be at my computer and being able to cut other materials like felt or foam that keeps me reaching for my steel dies.<br />
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Here are the dies that I used for this project - from Spellbinders and Xyron, Sizzix, Lil' Inker Designs, My Favorite Things and Avery Elle.<br />
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I then die cut them out from a selection of super cute holiday papers from Studio Calico, American Crafts, Crate Paper and Imaginesce.<br />
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<b>2. For Layered Tags, Distress Edges with Ink. </b>For some tags that have layered pieces, I like to use Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo to distress the edges. It makes the top layer stand out more.<br />
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<b>3. Apply Adhesive to Tag Pieces and Adhere to Tag Bases. </b>For the pieces that will be layered on the top of the tag bases, I run them through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html" target="_blank">Xyron 5" Creative Station with Permanent Adhesive. This ensures that there is edge to edge adhesive on the shapes and it makes the process go SO</a> RIDICULOUSLY FAST!!<br />
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Then simply assemble the tags together.<br />
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<b>4. Punch Holes in Tags. </b>Using a We R Memory Keepers Crop a Dile, I punched little holes in the top of my tags.<br />
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<b>5. Apply Number Stickers to Tags. </b>Since it's an advent calendar, you need numbers! I used a variety of American Crafts Thickers to put the numbers of the different tags.<br />
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<b>6. Choose your Books and Wrap Them Up! </b>Finally, choose a selection of books and wrap them up. I personally like to use tissue paper since I have so much of it after buying some from Costco like 20 years ago. :) Using a white or kraft base also really helps the tag to be the main embellishment on the wrapped books.<br />
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<b>7. Add the Tags with Twine. </b>Finally, add the tags to your wrapped books with some pretty twine. I used some Lawn Trimmings from Lawn Fawn. Then display them all out for the kids to enjoy!<br />
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Since we don't have a mantle, I displayed ours on the piano along with some other homemade holiday decorations.<br />
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I hope that inspired you to try something new this holiday season (or for any holiday)! And just so you know, I don't put all the books out at once. I get a good number of them from the library and mix them in with books we own. That way, I don't have to have 24 Christmas themed books! We also always have The Night Before Christmas reserved for Christmas Eve.<br />
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Check out these other advent calendar ideas from my blog. Here is a <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2012/11/twelve-days-of-christmas-xyron-faber.html" target="_blank">banner advent calendar </a>and <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-crafting.html" target="_blank">a muffin tin advent calendar.</a><br />
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And please make sure to visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc" target="_blank">Xyron Facebook Page </a>all month for more awesome holiday inspiration. As always, thanks for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-46300942548352545462013-12-04T07:21:00.002-08:002013-12-04T07:50:27.488-08:00Xyron and Heidi Swapp Blog HopWhen I think of inspiring and beautiful and so amazingly creative, I think of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSwapp" target="_blank">Heidi Swapp </a>as a person and as a brand. So when I learned that I would get to work with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc" target="_blank">Xyron </a>and some amazing Heidi Swapp products, I was super excited and honored.<br />
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I have been a big fan of the Heidi Swapp memory file concept and wanted to create a mini album inspired by the concept - using her file folders, including lots of photos and making for easy yet photo filled books to document our December 2012. This was super simple by just cutting up different patterned papers and file folders, punched them all with the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/_NEW__Teresa_Collins_2_Hole_Punch.html" target="_blank">Teresa Collins 2 Hole Punch</a>, and fastened everything together using some book rings.<br />
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<i>Supplies: </i><a href="http://www.heidiswapp.com/sections/believe/" target="_blank">Heidi Swapp - Believe Collection </a>(Patterned Paper, File Folders, Rub-ons,
Stickers, Color Shine, Embellishments); Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html" target="_blank">Xyron 5" Creative Station</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Adhesive_Application/Mega_Runner.html?WT.ac=gtkFKrgEYiQLIEKEKsLIe4lzZNHK7FXH" target="_blank">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_16___5mm__Dots.html" target="_blank">Xyron Adhesive Dots</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/1_2___13mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html" target="_blank">Xyron Double Sided High Tack Tape</a>);
Xyron/ Teresa Collins 2 Hole Punch; Other Letter Stickers (American
Crafts, October Afternoon); Other Sprays (Studio Calico, October
Afternoon); Other Stickers (Imaginesce).<br />
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by and make sure to visit the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Xyron </a>and <a href="http://www.heidiswapp.com/homemade-holiday-with-xyron-help/" target="_blank">Heidi Swapp </a>blogs all week for some more inspiration! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-8435312023564352532013-11-20T04:14:00.000-08:002013-11-20T23:22:20.342-08:0030 Days of Holiday Projects with Xyron - Holiday Yard Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so super excited to be part of the <b>30 Days of Holiday Project Ideas with Xyron</b>! Make sure to follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc" target="_blank">Xyron Facebook Page</a> all month for awesome inspiration from our design team! <br />
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For today's project, I wanted to make some Christmas decor. I have been obsessed with signs lately after walking around a local craft fair and wanted to make my own using some delicious Holiday paper from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SCalico" target="_blank">Studio Calico</a>. <br />
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<i>Supplies: </i>Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html" target="_blank">Xyron 5" Creative Station</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/1_4___6mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html" target="_blank">Xyron High Tack Double Sided Tape</a>); Patterned Paper (Studio Calico); Chalkboard Paper (DCWV); Die (Lil' Inker Designs); Letter Stickers (America Crafts Thickers); Stamps (Stampin' Up); Washi Tape (Freckled Fawn); Die Cuts and Stickers (Imaginesce); Foam Board, Fence Post.<br />
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You will be shocked at how easy it is to make. And if you don't want to adhere the little signs onto a fence post, just use them individually around the house! Want to make one yourself?? Here's how.<br />
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<b>1. Cut Down the Foam Board and Patterned Paper. </b>Cut out three pieces of foam board and holiday patterned paper to 12" x 3". <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlLDdpDukG4/UoydyNHd3PI/AAAAAAAAUso/fTVIc2UJfkw/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlLDdpDukG4/UoydyNHd3PI/AAAAAAAAUso/fTVIc2UJfkw/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Craft Tip: </i>Instead of foam board, you could use any strong base like cardboard or even wood. <br />
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<b>2. Adhere Patterned Paper to Foam Board. </b>Using the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html" target="_blank">Xyron 5" Creative Station</a>, apply adhesive to the patterned paper. Apply the paper onto the foam board. Using a craft knife, trip the paper as needed to make sure that the the front of the signs are completely covered.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yimfUvnnVg4/UoydzUfhSLI/AAAAAAAAUsw/h5FEKpfWAcY/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yimfUvnnVg4/UoydzUfhSLI/AAAAAAAAUsw/h5FEKpfWAcY/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Distress Edges. </b>Distress the edges of the sign with some ink to give it an antiqued look. Here, I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Photo) applied with a foam applicator.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9XWPTg-F9E/Uoyd066YGeI/AAAAAAAAUs8/HpD2K9LnbNo/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9XWPTg-F9E/Uoyd066YGeI/AAAAAAAAUs8/HpD2K9LnbNo/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Craft Tip: </i>Notice the difference that distressing does. The bottom sign is already inked along the edges while the top two are not. This is a trick that I apply to almost all of my paper crafting projects.<br />
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<b>4. Embellish the Sign Bases. </b>Using just American Craft Thickers (dimensional letter stickers) and some simple embellishments, create your holiday signs. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNesnUUvaGE/Uoyd3YD3tuI/AAAAAAAAUtI/DGYyPcZn3oc/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNesnUUvaGE/Uoyd3YD3tuI/AAAAAAAAUtI/DGYyPcZn3oc/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the top sign, I wanted to make a chalkboard Christmas countdown. Cut out a small piece of <a href="http://www.diecutswithaview.com/product_view.php?id=2257" target="_blank">DCWV Chalkboard Paper</a> with a <a href="http://www.lilinkerdesigns.com/product/stitched-mats" target="_blank">Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Rectangle die</a> and then adhere onto the patterned paper with the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html" target="_blank">Xyron 5" Creative Station</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhiTdDroUW4/Uoyd1_HX3gI/AAAAAAAAUtA/g725pxiXvtI/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhiTdDroUW4/Uoyd1_HX3gI/AAAAAAAAUtA/g725pxiXvtI/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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And here is a shot of all three signs, ready to be mounted onto the fence post.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BlySbPgafg/Uoyd4wo0ycI/AAAAAAAAUtQ/H5dNMIOyebk/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BlySbPgafg/Uoyd4wo0ycI/AAAAAAAAUtQ/H5dNMIOyebk/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Cover Fence Post with Washi Tape. </b>I bought this little fence post from Home Depot for 50 cents. Super cheap! I just covered it with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreckledFawnShop" target="_blank">Freckled Fawn</a> washi tape to add some extra holiday flair.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hn2V8kJVG9E/Uoyd6KjIaCI/AAAAAAAAUtY/GwHpo4oGkSw/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hn2V8kJVG9E/Uoyd6KjIaCI/AAAAAAAAUtY/GwHpo4oGkSw/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday7.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>6. Adhere Signs onto Fence Post. </b>Finally, I just adhered the signs onto the Fence Post with some <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/1_4___6mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html" target="_blank">Xyron High Tack Double Sided Tape</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWcxkdEl758/Uoyd7n41aTI/AAAAAAAAUtg/rBzIawKzZjU/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWcxkdEl758/Uoyd7n41aTI/AAAAAAAAUtg/rBzIawKzZjU/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Craft Note: </i>If you want them to be more secure, I would suggest using a small nail to adhere the signs onto the wood. But you're using it inside and don't have little ones, I think the double sided tape will work fine.<br />
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And here is another look at the finished project! I will note that because it is unsealed paper, I would probably not leave it outside. Even in Hawaii, it rains a lot this time of year. But it would be the perfect sign for placing inside a potted plan indoors. Or just use the signs individually around the house! So many options and so super easy!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zY2ACxWadsk/UoydwXsCNHI/AAAAAAAAUsg/bLKDh8q1fuw/s1600/Xyron_30DaysHoliday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zY2ACxWadsk/UoydwXsCNHI/AAAAAAAAUsg/bLKDh8q1fuw/s400/Xyron_30DaysHoliday.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Make sure to visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc" target="_blank">Xyron Facebook Page</a> all month long (and into December) for daily inspiration!!!<br />
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As always, thank you for stopping by!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-82704934121470466832013-11-11T14:50:00.002-08:002013-11-11T14:50:42.207-08:00Kiwi Lane Designs Blog Hop Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRB2riBT1s/UnLgRSBb6VI/AAAAAAAAUpo/YydiUxWBNb8/s1600/KLD+Blog+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRB2riBT1s/UnLgRSBb6VI/AAAAAAAAUpo/YydiUxWBNb8/s400/KLD+Blog+Hop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have a blog hop winner (and apologies for the delay)! The Random Number Generator powers have selected comment number <b>THREE </b>from <b>lindaplus3</b>!<br />
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<i>Beautiful layout... love the colors you chose... all goes well together :)</i></div>
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<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_2MC">
Linda, please contact me with your mailing address and I'll get the KLD templates out to you!</div>
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<i> </i></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_2MC">
Congratulations and thanks again to everyone for hopping along!<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-48338307818581776012013-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-01T06:00:07.087-07:00Kiwi Lane November Blog Hop - Happy Fall Layout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRB2riBT1s/UnLgRSBb6VI/AAAAAAAAUpk/KtHtTSOqA-Y/s1600/KLD+Blog+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQRB2riBT1s/UnLgRSBb6VI/AAAAAAAAUpk/KtHtTSOqA-Y/s400/KLD+Blog+Hop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're hopping on here from <a href="http://www.threadsnscraps.com/">Joy Nielsen's amazing blog</a>, welcome!<br />
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I'm so honored to be part of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kiwilane" target="_blank">Kiwi Lane Designs </a>Blog Hop this month to bring you some <a href="http://kiwilane.com/">scrapbooking inspiration</a>. The ever so talented and inspirational Kristy Lee is leading the troops over at Kiwi Lane Designs and she is the individual responsible for getting me into this scrapbooking hobby!<br />
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I was tasked with making something using the super cute <a href="http://http//kiwilane.com/blog/">Nature Accessory Set</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://kiwilane.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://kiwilane.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since it's the fall, the maple leaf instantly caught my eye and I wanted to create a scrapbook page around it. The reason I love Kiwi Lane Design templates is because it it allows you to easily create shaped embellishment using some non traditional mediums. In my case, I wanted to use some cork. My Silhouette Cameo does not cut cork and I don't have a maple leaf die to use with my manual die cutting machine (i.e. Xyron Creatopia with Shapez Component, Sizzix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Cuttlebug). Enter the Nature Accessory Set! All I had to do was trace the leaf shape onto my cork and then cut with scissors. As simple as that! <br />
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Here's my fall themed layout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml3wkZDfOrY/UnGBio-kzwI/AAAAAAAAUnk/iLVwW2WA3ec/s1600/KiwiLane_FallLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml3wkZDfOrY/UnGBio-kzwI/AAAAAAAAUnk/iLVwW2WA3ec/s400/KiwiLane_FallLO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Kiwi Lane Designs - <a href="http://kiwilane.com/shop/accessory-sets/nature/">Nature Accessory Set</a>; <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>; Patterned Paper (<a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/collection-brand/acorn+hollow-little+yellow+bicycle.html">Little Yellow Bicycle - Acorn Hollow</a>); Enamel Dots (Doodlebug); Stamps (Lawn Fawn - Milo's ABCs, American Crafts); Versafine Ink; Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors; Fiskars Paper Trimmer.<br />
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When using such large and bold elements, I like to keep my layouts simple. Here, I created a photo strip to make sure the lines were straight and clean. And may I also add that I LOVE the look of stamping right onto the cork. <br />
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Here's another close up of that cork leaf.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0v8Dmh3V5pM/UnGBlAs5adI/AAAAAAAAUns/DjJN31EB5kc/s1600/KiwiLane_FallLO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0v8Dmh3V5pM/UnGBlAs5adI/AAAAAAAAUns/DjJN31EB5kc/s400/KiwiLane_FallLO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>GIVEAWAY TIME!! </b>Make sure to leave a comment here on my blog and all the other participating blogs in the November hop (including the <a href="http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/" target="_blank">Kiwi Lane blog</a>). ONE winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Kiwi Lane Shop for leaving a comment and
will be announced on the <a href="http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/" target="_blank">Kiwi Lane blog</a> on <b>Thursday, November 7th</b>. <br />
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I will also be selecting ONE winner to receive a free Nature Accessory Set. Just make sure you are FOLLOWING my blog and leave a comment on this blog post. Winner will be announced on Thursday, November 7th as well. <br />
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Next on the hop is my dear and amazingly talented friend, <a href="http://preservedscraps.blogspot.com/">Minousha Bari</a>! And if you get lost along the way, here is a list of all the blog hop participants.<br />
<ol>
<li>Kiwi Lane <a href="http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/</a></li>
<li>Cristine Redmond <a href="http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Joy Nielsen <a href="http://www.threadsnscraps.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.threadsnscraps.com</a></li>
<li>Van Nguyen <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://likethecar.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Minousha Bari <a href="http://preservedscraps.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://preservedscraps.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Lissa Mitchell <a href="http://mightycrafty.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mightycrafty.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Arin Flynn <a href="http://apieceoflifespie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://apieceoflifespie.com</a></li>
<li>Kerri Smith <a href="http://www.crafttimeandcupcakes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.crafttimeandcupcakes.com/</a> </li>
<li>Christine Meyer <a href="http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Christina Steel <a href="http://www.tinasscrapcrap.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tinasscrapcrap.blogspot.com</a></li>
</ol>
As always, thanks for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-22157380166436674862013-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:002013-10-31T06:00:00.872-07:00Throwback Thursday - Happy Halloween!!!HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! <br />
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Trick or Treating. Candy. Jack-o-Lanterns. Spooky Bats and Cats. Mr. Bones. I love it all!!!<br />
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For today's post, I thought I'd just take a quick walk down memory lane. Call it a Thowback Thursday - Halloween Style. :)<br />
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<b>2009 B.C. (Before Children - albeit pregnant). </b>Oh Grandma, what big ears you have!! I actually made these costumes in 2007. I'm a terrible sewer so I was pretty pleased with myself. :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwiBpF1RUEU/UnGV52A6soI/AAAAAAAAUn4/hlWsxMiTh0k/s1600/2009-11+Photos+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwiBpF1RUEU/UnGV52A6soI/AAAAAAAAUn4/hlWsxMiTh0k/s400/2009-11+Photos+038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dh55t1yB8qw/UnGV69J1rVI/AAAAAAAAUoA/CYuRU6RzMjw/s1600/2009-11+Photos+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dh55t1yB8qw/UnGV69J1rVI/AAAAAAAAUoA/CYuRU6RzMjw/s400/2009-11+Photos+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2010. </b>And we have a duck now. The Halloween post with more photos from 2010 can be found <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2010/11/duckie-duckie-quack-quack.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hvjhDR25zWk/TM-14DURVRI/AAAAAAAAAkw/6oFSHg0WVXE/s320/Halloween2010__(15_of_63).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hvjhDR25zWk/TM-14DURVRI/AAAAAAAAAkw/6oFSHg0WVXE/s400/Halloween2010__(15_of_63).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2011. </b>Buzz, buzz, buzz!! Our little bumble bee. See more photos on <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-belated-halloween.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlTyUojDd0g/Tq9xP-raZkI/AAAAAAAAFLs/SBv74qzW5TM/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlTyUojDd0g/Tq9xP-raZkI/AAAAAAAAFLs/SBv74qzW5TM/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<b>2012. </b>Adding another pumpkin to our patch. This was Benjamin's first "outing" since getting discharged from the NICU. He was still 11 days shy of his due date in this photo but doing great. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OZP1o1whCE/UnGYS-5u5aI/AAAAAAAAUos/Wuv-8BkAFUU/s1600/_DSC1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OZP1o1whCE/UnGYS-5u5aI/AAAAAAAAUos/Wuv-8BkAFUU/s400/_DSC1994.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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And here's the monkey ballerina with her baby pumpkin. Monkey Ballerina. Hehehe, I mean, awesome, right? :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGbzCsalxgc/UnGYT2ZuvSI/AAAAAAAAUo0/5d6pmoKjZuk/s1600/_DSC2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGbzCsalxgc/UnGYT2ZuvSI/AAAAAAAAUo0/5d6pmoKjZuk/s400/_DSC2030.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sXc_tp-eLo/UnGYUtrwIJI/AAAAAAAAUo4/R7Kw5J_0NS8/s1600/_DSC2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sXc_tp-eLo/UnGYUtrwIJI/AAAAAAAAUo4/R7Kw5J_0NS8/s400/_DSC2045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHfN1-QfCq8/UnGYV54Oz7I/AAAAAAAAUpE/-_4Kt2bHQAo/s1600/_DSC2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHfN1-QfCq8/UnGYV54Oz7I/AAAAAAAAUpE/-_4Kt2bHQAo/s400/_DSC2059.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTlk_C0pbfs/UnGYW65fluI/AAAAAAAAUpI/D27NmQrXUzw/s1600/_DSC2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTlk_C0pbfs/UnGYW65fluI/AAAAAAAAUpI/D27NmQrXUzw/s400/_DSC2074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year shall involve some monsters and princesses. We'll see how it all goes. :) Hope everyone has a very happy and safe Halloween!!!<br />
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As always, thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-25648924409107834972013-10-30T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-30T03:00:04.260-07:00Xyron and Maya Road Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQSj-rq0lE/Um_L8ll8ruI/AAAAAAAAUnE/BZdmpjvtU_E/s1600/1004663_10201327703889438_503415858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQSj-rq0lE/Um_L8ll8ruI/AAAAAAAAUnE/BZdmpjvtU_E/s400/1004663_10201327703889438_503415858_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So this week, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>is teaming up all week with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayaroad">Maya Road</a>!!!!!! Okay, did you just see me do my amazingly awesome and geek-filled happy dance. I mean, can you think of a better partnership?!?! Maya Road makes some of my favorite alterable embellishments in the industry. Chipboard, metal, wood, twine, trim, paper...the list goes on and on and on. For this week's project, I wanted to make a book for my daughter using this gorgeous <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_202&products_id=173546">Maya Road Scroll Edge Chipboard Binder</a>.<br />
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The motivation behind this project was the desire to make my daughter a special Daddy book. Most of my mini albums or books are usually geared for her - to integrate those photos and memories into our daily bedtime/ reading routine. Even when Daddy isn't gone on deployment, he is away from home quite a bit. There are those long and unpredictable underways when the ship is gone to sea for various exercises. There are the weekly duty nights. There are those tireless work days gearing up for inspections or tests or trainings. Regardless the reason, it inevitably results in my daughter crying for her dad and telling me how much she misses him. <i>He's only gone for a night</i>, I reassure her. B<i>ut he's not here right now</i>, she persists. A little girl missing her dad is heart breaking - if it is for months or just a night.<br />
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So using the amazing products from Maya Road and Xyron, I made my daughter this "Fun Times with Dad" book. Because even though Daddy can't be here all the time, we can still remember the fun times we have had with him.<br />
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<i>Supplies: </i>Maya Road (<a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_202&products_id=173546">Scroll Edge Chipboard Binder</a>, <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_32&products_id=173957">Chipboard Alphabet</a>, <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=317_307&products_id=174409">Twine Cording</a>, <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=317_310&products_id=174418">Antique Angel Wing</a>, <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_150&products_id=173714">Love Chipboard Banner Set</a>, <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=271_284&products_id=174259">Wood Shaped Button Embellishments</a>); Adhesive (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">Xyron Adhesive Dots</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Creatopia/Creatopia_Machine/Creatopia.html">Xyron Creatopia </a>(Permanent Adhesive), <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/2_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>); October Afternoon - Sidewalks (Patterned Paper, Stickers); WRMK (Journaling Cards - Simply Happy); <a href="http://www.lilinkerdesigns.com/product/stitched-mats">Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats: Rectangle;</a> <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/db-1798.html">Doodlebug Designs - Crushed Velvet Flocking Powder</a>; <a href="http://www.epiphanycrafts.com/#%21tools/c15gg">Epiphany Crafts Heart Shape Tool</a>; Basic Grey Letter Stickers; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BossyJoscie">Bossy Joscie Flair</a>; <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/products/tools/sand-it-set/">Core'dinations Sand It Gadget</a>; Tim Holtz Distress Ink. <br />
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My daughter already adores the little book and thankfully the <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_202&products_id=173546">Maya Road Scroll Edge Chipboard Binder</a> is amazingly sturdy and can easily hold up to little hands. Using edge-to-edge adhesive with my various Xyron products also ensures that everything stays adhered on despite the frequent handling of the book.<br />
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And here is a peak at the entire album (along with some tips and tricks along the way).<br />
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<b>1. Flocked Letters. </b>For the "dad" title, I embellished <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_32&products_id=173957">Maya Road Chipboard Alphabet </a>letters by applying adhesive on the top of the letters using my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker </a>and then rubbing in some Doodlebug flocking powder. Then, just run the letters back through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker </a>again to adhere them directly onto the chipboard album.<br />
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<b>2. Securing Twine. </b>Simply roll up some <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">Xyron Adhesive Dots </a>and place them directly underneath the bow and where the <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=317_307&products_id=174409">Maya Road Twine Cording </a>is wrapped along the binder to keep it in place. May I also say that the Maya Road's twine is some of the thickest that I have ever worked with!! Just stunning.<br />
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<b>3. Embellish with Trinkets. </b>Tying on a single <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=317_310&products_id=174418">Maya Road Antique Angel Wing </a>really adds a lot of charm to the cover.<br />
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<b>4. Covering Album Pages. </b>After cutting out the patterned paper to cover the album pages, I used my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Creatopia/Creatopia_Machine/Creatopia.html">Xyron Creatopia </a>(Permanent Adhesive) to quickly apply edge to edge adhesive onto the backsides to then just stick onto my unfinished pages. It literally took seconds. Awesome! To finish off the edges, I sanded them down using the <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/products/tools/sand-it-set/">Core'dinations Sand It Gadget </a>and distressed the edges with Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Linen and Vintage Photo).<br />
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<b>5. Adhering Little Embellishments. </b>The little heart in the corner of the WRMK "I love us" card is from the <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_150&products_id=173714">Maya Road Love Chipboard Banner Set</a>. I inked the little heart with some My Favorite Things Dye Ink and adhered them both using my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>. <br />
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<b>6. Printing Little Photos.</b> To print those tiny photos, I created a photo collage in Picassa set for four photos set on 4x6 paper. I then cut them each out using my favorite <a href="http://www.lilinkerdesigns.com/product/stitched-mats">Stitched Mats: Rectangle </a>dies from Lil' Inker Designs.<br />
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<b>7. Writing in Pencil. </b>I was a bit uneasy about writing directly onto the album pages with ink. So, I wrote in pencil! It's acid free and archival safe. And if I mess up (which I did), I can just erase and try again!<br />
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<b>8. Working with a Single Collection. </b>To keep it easy, I primarily used papers and embellishments from a single paper collection to make it easy on myself. Since many of the Maya Road embellishments are unfinished, you can make them coordinate perfectly with any collection! For this project, I used October Afternoon - Sidewalks.<br />
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<b>9. A Personalized Trinket. </b>For the back cover, I added another charm I made using the <a href="http://www.epiphanycrafts.com/#!tools/c15gg">Epiphany Crafts Heart Shape Tool </a>and the coordinating jewelry setting. You can see a tutorial <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2013/06/xyron-and-epiphany-crafts-blog-hop.html">here</a>.<br />
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So there you go, 9 tips and tricks to make your own mini album! Make sure you head over to the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/">Xyron Blog </a>and <a href="http://mayaroad.typepad.com/dt/2013/10/maya-road-and-xyron-swap-day-1.html">Maya Road Blog </a>all week long for more awesome inspiration and giveaways!<br />
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As always, <i>mahalo</i> for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-3640404407125989482013-10-19T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-19T04:10:42.712-07:00Aloha Friday - Big Island Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post is dedicated to our short vacation to Hawaii (aka the Big Island). There was so much drama just to get into Kona. I won't bore you with all the details but let me just warn you...avoid Go! Airlines at all costs. The most horrendous customer service I've ever experienced in my entire life. But, thankfully we <i>eventually</i> got off of Oahu and onto Hawaii.</div>
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<b>1. Downtown Kailua-Kona. </b>We spent our first evening/ afternoon walking along the waterfront in "downtown." It's filled with lots of touristy shops and restaurants mixed with some historic sites.<br />
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This was one of the royal summer homes built in the 1800s out of coral, laval rock and local wood. Really beautiful.<br />
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Beautiful Kona coastline.<br />
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And the starting line of the Ironman Championship!<br />
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There were a lot of rowers out on the water practicing out of the local Canoe Club.<br />
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<b>2. Mauna Kea Observatory. </b>We made the long drive up to the Mauna Kea Observatory Visitor Center. You are literally above the clouds here. Maybe when the kids are all grown up, we can drive up further the mountain to where the telescopes are.<br />
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A birds eye view of the visitor center at the top of our little hike up the hill across the street.<br />
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Squirmy and grumpy kids. :)<br />
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<b>3. Driving Around Waimea Valley. </b>This is where the Hawaiian cowboys roam. Really beautiful.<br />
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<b>4. Pu'ukohola Heiau. </b>This is a beautiful <a href="http://www.nps.gov/puhe/index.htm">national historic site </a>where you can view the temple built by Kamehameha, John Young's homestead (he was one of King Kamehameha's closest advisers), and shark-filled waters covering a submerged temple.<br />
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<b>5. <span class="null">Waipio Valley. </span></b><span class="null">This is a gorgeous lookout of the amazing Waipio Valley (which is the breathtaking home to wild horses as well). We unfortunately didn't get down to the valley (sigh...little kiddos) but the view was amazing still and Charlotte had a fantastic time just running up and down the grassy hills.</span><br />
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<b>6. Hilo Farmer's Market. </b>I had read that this was an awesome farmer's market. Maybe it was because we got there towards the end of the market, but it definitely was not what I was hoping. It was fun, nonetheless, walking around the few stalls that were still open.<br />
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<b>7. Volcano National Park. </b>Our first stop at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm">Volcano National Park </a>was the primary lookout over an active volcano at the Jagger Museum!!!!<br />
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And may I add that our park ranger was AWESOME!<br />
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We stayed overnight at the <a href="http://www.kmc-volcano.com/"><span class="st">Kilauea Military Camp</span> </a>so that we could see the volcano at night. Both times that I went back to the Jagger Museum lookout (8 pm and 4 am), it was drizzling and misty and hazy. This is what I saw.<br />
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And here are J and C getting ready to go out.<br />
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And thankfully, since it cleared up just a little bit for them, this is what they saw...<br />
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How cool is it to see steam just coming up from the ground?!?<br />
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Here we are inside the Lava Tubes.<br />
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Lava, lava everywhere while driving along Crater Rd.<br />
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And the views at the end of the road.<br />
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<b>8. Punalu'u Beach (Black Sand Beach). </b>We didn't stay here long since both the kids were sleeping in the car, but it was definitely worth the detour.<br />
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<b>9. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. </b>This <a href="http://Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park">national historic park </a>is nothing short of breathtaking. It is a place of refuge where those sentenced to death could be protected. Amazingly peaceful and beautiful and amazing.<br />
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Whew! That was a long post but it was a truly memorable and amazing trip to the Big Island.<br />
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As always, <i>mahalo</i> for stopping by!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punalu%27u_Beach"><i></i></a></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-77882013684137662252013-10-17T03:16:00.003-07:002013-10-17T03:20:46.466-07:00Xyron and StencilGirl Blog Hop - Cookies and Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Me: Sweetie, what do you want to be when you grow up?</i><br />
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<i>C: A baker.</i></div>
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<i>Me: What should I be when I grow up?</i></div>
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<i>C: A baker too. You can help me. I'm going to have a bakery. I will make the cakes. You will make the muffins. Pink muffins.</i></div>
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<i>Me: Really? And what is the bakery going to be called?</i></div>
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<i>C: Open and Close.</i></div>
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<i>Me: That's a good name.</i></div>
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<i>C: I know. It's a good bakery too.</i></div>
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My daughter never ceases to amaze me. And she has stuck by her Open and Close Bakery story for a few months now so maybe she really will grow up to be a baker one day. So you can imagine how excited she...um, I mean, how excited I was to see that I would be working with <a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">this </a>awesome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StencilGirlProducts">StencilGirl </a>stencil for our blog hop with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron</a>. </div>
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The circle images in this <a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">Cupcake and Sprinkles Stencil</a> reminded me of sprinkles on top of a frosted cookie. So, running with that inspiration, I made these play cookies for my little baker. </div>
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<b>OPEN AND CLOSE SANDWICH COOKIES</b></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>StencilGirl Stencil (<a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">Cupcakes and Sprinkles</a>); Adhesive (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/2_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>); Cardstock (Core'dinations, American Crafts), American Crafts Ribbon, American Crafts Stamp Markers; Lifestyle Crafts Embossing Folders; Core'dinations Sanding Block.</div>
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And here is how I made them...</div>
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<b>1. Gather Ribbon Spools. </b>For the base of the sandwich cookies, I collected a couple of American Crafts Ribbon Spools. They are sturdy and perfectly sized for toddler hands.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f27v25804k/Ul-tt_vUPCI/AAAAAAAAT_c/RDdMk-rCWG0/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f27v25804k/Ul-tt_vUPCI/AAAAAAAAT_c/RDdMk-rCWG0/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Cover the Ribbon Spools with Paper. </b>Trace the circle shapes on cardstock. Plan on tracing two circles for each cookie. I used some deliciously textured and thick <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations </a>cardstock for my project.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anFcETJbYwc/Ul-tvKz0esI/AAAAAAAAT_o/XsMcsP_pvc0/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anFcETJbYwc/Ul-tvKz0esI/AAAAAAAAT_o/XsMcsP_pvc0/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cut out the circle shapes using your favorite scissors.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKpW_Rphvc0/Ul-twTZPjFI/AAAAAAAAT_s/hEvs9eGlLsQ/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKpW_Rphvc0/Ul-twTZPjFI/AAAAAAAAT_s/hEvs9eGlLsQ/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Emboss half of the circles with a smaller format pattern. I used a hearts embossing folder by Lifestyle Crafts.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6e_-jN1H5E/Ul-txjRan9I/AAAAAAAAT_0/-2OlJyqo_UY/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6e_-jN1H5E/Ul-txjRan9I/AAAAAAAAT_0/-2OlJyqo_UY/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsWEFCAmMa0/Ul-ty9BRhbI/AAAAAAAAT_8/Mm6GtSiJf-U/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsWEFCAmMa0/Ul-ty9BRhbI/AAAAAAAAT_8/Mm6GtSiJf-U/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To create dimension to the embossed circles, sand the little embossed images with a sanding block. Here's an image of the before and after sanding.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOtexD4HqiQ/Ul-t0XSn2wI/AAAAAAAAUAI/lkkKHczEzKo/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOtexD4HqiQ/Ul-t0XSn2wI/AAAAAAAAUAI/lkkKHczEzKo/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Run all of the circle shapes (embossed and not embossed) through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/2_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>. Since these cookies are meant for play, having edge to edge adhesive is very important and the perfect project for your Xyron sticker maker.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-CGVcEBirw/Ul-t1h3IreI/AAAAAAAAUAM/bsSTauxO1j0/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-CGVcEBirw/Ul-t1h3IreI/AAAAAAAAUAM/bsSTauxO1j0/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut7.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Then, adhere the circle pieces onto the ribbon stools (there should be a side that is covered in plain cardstock and another side covered in embossed cardstock) and sand down the edges.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjme-QhOfOA/Ul-t3SR8VqI/AAAAAAAAUAU/iO4exGtV8Zs/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjme-QhOfOA/Ul-t3SR8VqI/AAAAAAAAUAU/iO4exGtV8Zs/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Create Frosting and Sprinkle Layers. </b>For this step, I create "sprinkles" by coloring inside the StencilGirl <a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">Cupcake and Sprinkles stencil</a> on white cardstock. I used American Crafts stamp markers to color inside the sprinkles.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGcdyTIt264/Ul-t7GYNUsI/AAAAAAAAUAs/RcJxSxYjeD8/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGcdyTIt264/Ul-t7GYNUsI/AAAAAAAAUAs/RcJxSxYjeD8/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTFVoFuWV40/Ul-t6HRu8rI/AAAAAAAAUAo/yje8cFNo4xs/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTFVoFuWV40/Ul-t6HRu8rI/AAAAAAAAUAo/yje8cFNo4xs/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Using a circle punch, punch out the circle image to create a perfect layer of "frosting" around the edge. Just like with the cardstock layers, run the frosting layers through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/2_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker</a> and adhere onto the side of the cookie which is covered in plain cardstock.<br />
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<b>4. Create the Cookie Filling. </b>Since the ribbon spools have a middle, I thought it would be perfect area to create a cookie filling. To make the filling, measure out just enough ribbon to wrap around the ribbon spool. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu42sy8493Y/Ul-t8omix8I/AAAAAAAAUA4/d-ZmNdnlejo/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu42sy8493Y/Ul-t8omix8I/AAAAAAAAUA4/d-ZmNdnlejo/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut12.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Run the ribbon through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eT0JXGSOFII/Ul-t-dExg4I/AAAAAAAAUA8/959um67UfAY/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eT0JXGSOFII/Ul-t-dExg4I/AAAAAAAAUA8/959um67UfAY/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then simply adhere onto the ribbon spool. And just like that, you've now created some delicious looking cookies perfect for some pretend play. In my daughter's case, they were ready for their debut at the Open and Close Bakery. :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVRsa6Nm_b4/Ul-t_QfQ3bI/AAAAAAAAUBE/mPcd-lBTpx4/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVRsa6Nm_b4/Ul-t_QfQ3bI/AAAAAAAAUBE/mPcd-lBTpx4/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut14.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w_4sgHxuZw/Ul-uA5r03hI/AAAAAAAAUBQ/x-fQyF7BxaI/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w_4sgHxuZw/Ul-uA5r03hI/AAAAAAAAUBQ/x-fQyF7BxaI/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut15.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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And here she is putting them up for display.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH7DQbyeccA/Ul-uCyu35PI/AAAAAAAAUBU/3erUfptn38Q/s1600/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH7DQbyeccA/Ul-uCyu35PI/AAAAAAAAUBU/3erUfptn38Q/s400/Xyron_StencilGirl_Tut16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>CUPCAKE TO CELEBRATE CARD. </b>Since I HAD to do something with that awesome cupcake stencil, here is a card made using the <a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">Cupcake and Sprinkles Stencil</a> and some ink daubed onto cardstock with some foam makeup sponges.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ZecqbYR7g/Ul-3PBVLG3I/AAAAAAAAUBk/icNNSZcj2RM/s1600/Xyron_Stencil+Girl_Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ZecqbYR7g/Ul-3PBVLG3I/AAAAAAAAUBk/icNNSZcj2RM/s400/Xyron_Stencil+Girl_Card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>StencilGirl Stencil (<a href="http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/product-p/s011.htm">Cupcakes and Sprinkles</a>); Adhesive (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Adhesive_Application/Mega_Runner.html?WT.ac=gtkFKrgEYiQLIEKEKsLIe4lzZNHK7FXH">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>); Cardstock (Neena Paper, My Favorite Things); My Mind's Eye Patterned Paper; My Favorite Things ColorBox Ink; American Crafts Ribbon; WRMK Corner Rounder.</div>
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Make sure you check out the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/">Xyron blog</a> all this week for some awesome inspiration and giveaways!</div>
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As always, thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-62915384605470891832013-10-10T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-10T03:00:00.428-07:00Xyron and Doodlebug - Christmas Photo Tray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Images/Picture_2883.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Images/Picture_2883.gif" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/524049_10150857700548745_275836723_n.jpg" /><span id="goog_1839090361"></span><span id="goog_1839090362"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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If you know me, I love all things cute and adorable and I don't think any other manufacturer epitomes that better than <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoodlebugDesignInc">Doodelbug Design Inc</a>. I squealed with delight when I found out that I would be working with their 2013 Christmas collection, <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/Catalog.aspx?CatID=1331">Home for the Holidays</a>, for this blog hop with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron</a>. It uses traditional red, white and green (which is my favorite) with the most charming images. <br />
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For my project today, I worked with a 7 Gypies Photo Shadowbox Tray that I have been pining over for years. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Acak6UD7eyg/UlZDdOiQb4I/AAAAAAAATVk/ty16un1otNc/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Acak6UD7eyg/UlZDdOiQb4I/AAAAAAAATVk/ty16un1otNc/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_Frame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finally caved and bought one of <a href="http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/82840/">Blitsy</a> a few weeks ago and was eager to get it decorated as a home decor piece that I can change out with each month. Here is what I made...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBRpbk6UIOg/UlXutvZQ7hI/AAAAAAAATVU/tCp63-Mzwg0/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoShadowBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBRpbk6UIOg/UlXutvZQ7hI/AAAAAAAATVU/tCp63-Mzwg0/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoShadowBox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here is how I made it...<br />
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<b>1. Select your Photos. </b>This step is always the most time consuming part of any photo-based project for me. I decided on which openings I wanted photos, printed them on my photo printer, and then cut them down to fit into the shadowbox openings.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaZt0gs9Nuc/UlZDfaNFbXI/AAAAAAAATVs/0SpR5xFZ3fg/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_LayoutPhotos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaZt0gs9Nuc/UlZDfaNFbXI/AAAAAAAATVs/0SpR5xFZ3fg/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_LayoutPhotos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Make Decorated Cards for the Other Panels. </b>Then, cut down patterned paper and decorate like you would little ATC or Project Life cards. I focused on the beautiful patterned papers and stickers from the <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/Catalog.aspx?CatID=1331">Home for Holidays</a> collection.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSPSupFyd0Y/UlZDhcr47tI/AAAAAAAATV0/PewpQew7Uck/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_Doodlebug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSPSupFyd0Y/UlZDhcr47tI/AAAAAAAATV0/PewpQew7Uck/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_Doodlebug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the largest panel, I used various letter stickers with the "Merry Christmas" sticker from <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/CatalogItem.aspx?StoreItemXRefID=5242&CatID=-1&LastCatID=1331">this sticker sheet</a>. I purchase most of my thickers when they are on clearance from TJMaxx or Marshalls. Often times, the thickers (especially the chipboard ones) aren't very sticky. I simply run them through my <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/CatalogItem.aspx?StoreItemXRefID=5242&CatID=-1&LastCatID=1331">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a> to adhere onto my project.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqq5wsNfQqc/UlZDi5qSZbI/AAAAAAAATV8/bHyfMejH5Bs/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_LetterStickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqq5wsNfQqc/UlZDi5qSZbI/AAAAAAAATV8/bHyfMejH5Bs/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_LetterStickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Tip: I also use <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a> to adhere many of the stickers onto my paper and photo panels to create quick and easy dimension.</i><br />
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<b>3. Adhere Photo/ Paper Panels to Shadowbox. </b>To create a shadowbox that could be used throughout the year, I wanted to be able to quickly and easily change out the different photo and paper panels. To do that, I reached for my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/Magnet_Tape.html">Xyron Magnetic Tape</a>. It's also my magic weapon when making mini albums and other projects that need a small closure.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pY-ru6LoNdI/UlZDlmTjnGI/AAAAAAAATWE/jfCemF3fNdg/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_MagnetTape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pY-ru6LoNdI/UlZDlmTjnGI/AAAAAAAATWE/jfCemF3fNdg/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_MagnetTape.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, I simply covered the front and sides of the shadowbox with the <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/CatalogItem.aspx?StoreItemXRefID=5254&CatID=-1&LastCatID=1331">Let it Snow Washi Tape</a>. The adhesive is just strong enough to stay put through the holidays but light enough that I can pull it off later one without worrying about any damage to the shadowbox itself.<br />
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To display, simply place on an easel (or I used a plate stand) and you have created a beautiful home decor piece that can easily be adapted throughout the year!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyaDY8s6Ajc/UlXuowtEIiI/AAAAAAAATVM/dhDLQD-QeLQ/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoShadowBoxSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyaDY8s6Ajc/UlXuowtEIiI/AAAAAAAATVM/dhDLQD-QeLQ/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoShadowBoxSide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i><a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/Catalog.aspx?CatID=1331">Doodlebug - Home for the Holidays</a> (Patterned Paper, Stickers, Washi Tape, Flair); Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/Magnet_Tape.html">Xyron Magnetic Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.doodlebug.ws/Catalog/CatalogItem.aspx?StoreItemXRefID=5242&CatID=-1&LastCatID=1331">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>); 7 Gypsies Photo Shadowbox Tray; Letter Stickers (American Crafts, October Afternoon, Basic Grey); Lil' Inker Stitched Rectangle Die.<br />
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Here are some closeups. That photo of my son in the Santa hat was taken by my good friend and fellow Navy Spouse, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1839090340"></span>Melissa Grady<span id="goog_1839090341"></span></a> (Melissa O Photography). She's now in Florida so if you need a photographer for anything, she is certainly your girl!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUTZOqA9ODg/UlZGdhcvuqI/AAAAAAAATWY/eLChtBc3ciw/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUTZOqA9ODg/UlZGdhcvuqI/AAAAAAAATWY/eLChtBc3ciw/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I absolutely adore the flare badges in this collection and they were the perfect embellishment layered with other stickers in the collection placed directly on the frame.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq_S2S7VFBc/UlZGf9ywPzI/AAAAAAAATWg/xu10ylOiquA/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq_S2S7VFBc/UlZGf9ywPzI/AAAAAAAATWg/xu10ylOiquA/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L00pXAkWPec/UlZGhMw-wCI/AAAAAAAATWo/g5S3qlg61rQ/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L00pXAkWPec/UlZGhMw-wCI/AAAAAAAATWo/g5S3qlg61rQ/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_CloseUp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And check out my daughter (home sick from school) insisting that she get photographed with the shadowbox. Love her (and thankfully she is finally feeling better today after 8 days of fever). <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue-oLKvpRmI/UlZGZf56J7I/AAAAAAAATWQ/hes7d2gzrUo/s1600/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoBomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue-oLKvpRmI/UlZGZf56J7I/AAAAAAAATWQ/hes7d2gzrUo/s400/Xyron_Doodlebug_PhotoBomb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make sure you head over to the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/">Xyon blog</a> for awesome inspiration all week long featuring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoodlebugDesignInc">Doodlebug</a>! <br />
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-90844187534140138652013-10-04T02:45:00.000-07:002013-10-04T02:45:17.063-07:00Xyron and Core'dinations Blog Hop - Framed Halloween Subway Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TDyPJJM4_4/Uk50J5lJsYI/AAAAAAAATT0/_n8IJyH39OY/s1600/1379285_10201160006777115_1053883481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TDyPJJM4_4/Uk50J5lJsYI/AAAAAAAATT0/_n8IJyH39OY/s400/1379285_10201160006777115_1053883481_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I cannot even begin to fully express how freakin' excited I am to be hopping with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>today! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations </a>was the first (and only) brand of cardstock that I purchased when I started scrapbooking almost four years ago. I loved the weight, the texture, the range of colors, the color core! I was spoiled from the beginning. Four years later, I still have not discovered another brand that lives to the same standard of awesome that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a> does. And when you partner <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>adhesives, there are no limits to the crafting possibilities!<br />
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For this blog hop, I wanted to create some holiday home decor. We are now committed to October and Halloween is on my mind! Here is a decorated frame with some Halloween subway art that I created.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zf0UTsB70k/Uk50Uq3bu8I/AAAAAAAATUI/Jmwo5mLY_L8/s1600/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zf0UTsB70k/Uk50Uq3bu8I/AAAAAAAATUI/Jmwo5mLY_L8/s400/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations Cardstock</a>; <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/products/tools/sand-it-set/">Core'dinations SandIt Tool</a>; Patterned Paper (<a href="http://bazzillbasics.com/products/patterned-paper/all-hallows-eve-collection/">Bazzil - All Hallow's Eve</a>); Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">Xyron High Take Adhesive Dots</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>); <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/ektools/Products/Mini_Pennant_Set_Punch__54-10053.htm">EK Success Mini Pennant Punch</a>; <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/ektools/Products/2_Point_Flag_Punch__54-30148.htm">EK Success 2 Point Flag Punch</a>; <a href="http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/p-642-bitty-blossoms.aspx">Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms Die</a>; Sizzix Framelit Dies; <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/a2-tiny-stars-embossing-folder-488551/">Paper Studio Tiny Stars Embossing Folder</a>; May Arts Ribbon; Studio Calico Mr. Huey's Shine; Ink Jet Transparency; Digital Files (Kolette Hall, Lori Whitlock); Little Yellow Bicycle Stick Pins; WRMK Floss, Target Washi Tape.<br />
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I wanted to be sure to share a couple of tips and tricks that I learned in the process of making this frame.<br />
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1. <b>Patterned Paper + Ink Jet Transparencies = AWESOME Framed Artwork. </b>I really wanted to use <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=49150">this file</a> from the Silhouette Online Store and designed by <a href="http://kolettehall.wordpress.com/">Kolette Hall</a>. It is intended to be cut out of vinyl and I was trying to decide between cutting it out of vinyl or cardstock. However, after my electronic die cutting machine was giving me so attitude (it does that sometimes), I started searching for another solution. Then, like a light bulb popping out of the top of my head, and as the clouds parted to reveal magnificent rays of sunlight, it came to me. Pure genius. And I didn't even steal the idea from Pinterest, for realz. TRANSPARENCIES!!!<br />
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Using my normal and amazingly boring ink jet printer, I printed the word art image onto a sheet of ink jet transparency (I use <a href="http://www.officespecialties.com/sparco_01854_color_inkjet_transparency_film_72569_prd1.htm">Sparco Ink Jet Transparency Film</a> originally purchased from Amazon but I don't think they carry it anymore). I layered that directly over some Halloween patterned paper from <a href="http://bazzillbasics.com/products/patterned-paper/all-hallows-eve-collection/">Bazzil All Hallow's Eve</a> trimmed to fit inside of the frame. Then, just like that, I created the look of vinyl with the super crisp black words without the fuss of cutting anything. I mean, come on? Pretty awesome, right? And now, you can super easily change out the word art throughout the month!!! <br />
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2. <b><a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">Xyron High Tack Adhesive Dots</a> and Rolled Flowers. </b>The <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Dispensers/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">New! Xyron High Tack Adhesive Dots</a> are perfect for making sure that your 3D paper flowers stay together. They were also strong enough for me to directly adhere the flowers (and everything else) directly onto the frame without having to turn on the nasty glue gun!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzgmG4MqHjM/Uk50VkQpWkI/AAAAAAAATUM/ieXqFDpXOTQ/s1600/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame_Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzgmG4MqHjM/Uk50VkQpWkI/AAAAAAAATUM/ieXqFDpXOTQ/s400/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame_Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a> cardstock is so thick that it is perfect for making these <a href="http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/p-642-bitty-blossoms.aspx">Spellbinder Bitty Blossom</a> flowers. For the leaves, after cut and embossing the leaves, I used the <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/products/tools/sand-it-set/">Core'dinations SandIt Tool</a> to add more detail and dimension to the leaves. I really think that if you are ever going to cut and emboss anything, you NEED to use <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a> cardstock with the sanding block. There is no other product that gives you such amazing results.<br />
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The beautiful color core also shines through in this pennant element along the top of the frame. To create this effect, I embossed the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a> cardstock with a stars embossing folder and then sanded with the <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/products/tools/sand-it-set/">Core'dinations SandIt Tool</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwdczZM4NCU/Uk50W5F7tiI/AAAAAAAATUU/e2b5G04ZrJY/s1600/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame_Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwdczZM4NCU/Uk50W5F7tiI/AAAAAAAATUU/e2b5G04ZrJY/s400/Xyron_Coredinations_Halloween+Frame_Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And did you see that I just covered the sides of the frame with washi tape? Oh yeah. Awesome.<br />
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Make sure to head over the <a href="http://www.aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/">Xyron blog</a> to check out some seriously gorgeous projects featuring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoredinationsCardstock">Core'dinations</a>.<br />
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-48021206726298406632013-09-27T04:49:00.003-07:002013-09-27T04:49:57.281-07:00Xyron and DCWV: Balloon Door Sign TutorialI started scrapbooking when my daughter was still teeny tiny and my first patterned papers were all from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DCWVInc">DCWV</a>. I had purchased a <a href="http://www.dcwv.com/product_view.php?id=1361">DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Girl Stack Pack</a> that I have since used every single last piece for scrapbook pages, baby cards, and baby shower decorations. There is just SO MUCH paper in those stacks! Fast forward three years later, and I am now creating with a <a href="http://www.michaels.com/Baby-Boy-Stack/sb4129,default,pd.html?cgid=products-scrapbooking-paper-paperpads-dcwv">DCWV Baby Boy Stack</a> for my son!<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jI7WBwX8w5g/UkVgYeh6uaI/AAAAAAAATTE/HoAErHt3foQ/s1600/_DSC2925_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jI7WBwX8w5g/UkVgYeh6uaI/AAAAAAAATTE/HoAErHt3foQ/s400/_DSC2925_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The DCWV Baby Boy Stack is fantastic! The paper is super thick and about half of the paper is treated with gloss or foil. As my daughter said while flipping through it, "Mama, this paper is sooo beautiful." Smart girl. :)</div>
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I was especially inspired by this sheet in the stack with the hot air balloons.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oQYTCSZs0I/UkVgWklOeGI/AAAAAAAATS8/byMJtgcwaeI/s1600/_DSC2926_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oQYTCSZs0I/UkVgWklOeGI/AAAAAAAATS8/byMJtgcwaeI/s400/_DSC2926_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I set out to make a door sign for my son creating a large die cut hot air balloon mounted on this beautiful patterned paper. And with some help from my awesome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>adhesive products and machines, it was super simple and easy!</div>
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<b>HOT AIR BALLOON DOOR SIGN - A Project Tutorial Featuring Xyron and DCWV.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45e1al3ioSc/UkVgElpZ85I/AAAAAAAATRM/LWtkd5RDSto/s1600/Xyron+-+DCWV+-+Ben+Door+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45e1al3ioSc/UkVgElpZ85I/AAAAAAAATRM/LWtkd5RDSto/s400/Xyron+-+DCWV+-+Ben+Door+Sign.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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1. <b>Create Hot Air Balloon Die Cut. </b>Using an electronic die cutting machine, cut out the different pieces of the hot air balloon. I sized the balloon to as large as possible on a 12" x 12" mat. I used my Silhouette Cameo and a cut file from <a href="http://www.letteringdelights.com/clipart:balloon_festival-9693.html">Lettering Delights - Balloon Craze</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igJcWVLH080/UkVgVTJbvaI/AAAAAAAATS0/szo8DPAWuLM/s1600/_DSC2931_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igJcWVLH080/UkVgVTJbvaI/AAAAAAAATS0/szo8DPAWuLM/s400/_DSC2931_edited.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Then, apply adhesive to the die cut pieces, except for the large base piece, using the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Creatopia/Creatopia_Machine/Creatopia.html?WT.ac=Q3yoTgMWhFYDNo2AR747wDaOpnv8gfh5">Xyron Creatopia</a> (Permanent Adhesive). This is one of my favorite ways to use my Xyron!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkHsyH9Refo/UkVgTI6kgnI/AAAAAAAATSk/XvP1fXnUxHs/s1600/_DSC2936_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkHsyH9Refo/UkVgTI6kgnI/AAAAAAAATSk/XvP1fXnUxHs/s400/_DSC2936_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the die cut pieces still on the plastic backing from the Xyron Creatopia, add some color to the patterned paper using some ink. I used premium dye ink from ColorBox - My Favorite Things (Orange Fizz) and applied it onto the paper using a little sponge dauber.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3xvhiREGew/UkVgSEReGeI/AAAAAAAATSg/VYj5DzJ3q0Q/s1600/_DSC2938_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3xvhiREGew/UkVgSEReGeI/AAAAAAAATSg/VYj5DzJ3q0Q/s400/_DSC2938_EDITED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, assemble the die cut pieces together. Because of the Xyron Creatopia, this step is super fast and easy - just like putting stickers in a notebook.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zRrwINN7_U/UkVgQuFmJJI/AAAAAAAATSU/1N6Z9k8CPcI/s1600/_DSC2939_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zRrwINN7_U/UkVgQuFmJJI/AAAAAAAATSU/1N6Z9k8CPcI/s400/_DSC2939_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. <b>Create a Banner. </b>I wanted to create a banner strung across the balloon and especially loved this "baby" banner in one of the patterned papers included in the DCWV Baby Boy Stack.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C5av1b7SD8/UkVgPhdtXgI/AAAAAAAATSQ/rU8GKC-LheM/s1600/_DSC2940_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C5av1b7SD8/UkVgPhdtXgI/AAAAAAAATSQ/rU8GKC-LheM/s400/_DSC2940_EDITED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are two sheets of each patterned paper in the stack pack. Using scissors, cut out each of the letter pennants (leaving you with two sets of pennants, each spelling "baby"). Fussy cut one set of pennants minus the white and stitched color outline. Adhere that directly on top of the other set of pennants using <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>. from one set of letter pennants and them on top of the letter pennant using DIY Foam Tape.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-IL9idVC10/UkVgOE822JI/AAAAAAAATSE/3IyIvBF6UMc/s1600/_DSC2972_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-IL9idVC10/UkVgOE822JI/AAAAAAAATSE/3IyIvBF6UMc/s400/_DSC2972_EDITED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To create the name banner, use chipboard banner shapes and simply cover them with patterned paper. I used banner shapes from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BasicallyBare">Basically Bare</a>. (Xyron did a blog hop with Basically Bare last December which you can find <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2012/12/xyron-and-basically-bare-blog-hop.html">here</a>.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxPVOkisW48/UkVgM8tzdCI/AAAAAAAATR8/_XVC5MIndzg/s1600/_DSC2973_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxPVOkisW48/UkVgM8tzdCI/AAAAAAAATR8/_XVC5MIndzg/s400/_DSC2973_EDITED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cover the pennant pieces with DCWV patterned paper. I traced the pennant shapes onto the patterned paper, cut them out, adhered adhesive onto the paper using my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>, and then sanded the edges using a Core'dinations sanding block. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZNggoIt1oU/UkVgLsuaLDI/AAAAAAAATR0/nrE5g0aF4Dc/s1600/_DSC2974_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZNggoIt1oU/UkVgLsuaLDI/AAAAAAAATR0/nrE5g0aF4Dc/s400/_DSC2974_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyfrcbHxfXI/UkVgJ0iNKxI/AAAAAAAATRs/hbZqmC05CXQ/s1600/_DSC2977_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyfrcbHxfXI/UkVgJ0iNKxI/AAAAAAAATRs/hbZqmC05CXQ/s400/_DSC2977_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, embellish the pennants. I used American Crafts Thickers in different fonts to spell out my son's name. Then adhere the pennants directly onto the hot air balloon die cut and embellish with twine. </div>
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<b>3. Reinforce the Background Patterned Paper. </b>Since this project is intended to hang on a door (and not sit flat inside a page protector, reinforce the background patterned paper by adhering it onto some cardboard. I used the back cardboard piece of the DCWV Stack and applied adhesive using the Xyron Creatopia. (Gotta use the ENTIRE stack, right?!) Then punch two holes along the top edge of the paper to string some ribbon through for hanging.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q33yFrMdygQ/UkVgJHSq4nI/AAAAAAAATRo/Tj52tKQNl4I/s1600/_DSC2979_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q33yFrMdygQ/UkVgJHSq4nI/AAAAAAAATRo/Tj52tKQNl4I/s400/_DSC2979_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>NOTE: </i>The little embellishment along the bottom of the patterned paper is just a photo of my son inside a polaroid die cut using a <a href="http://www.lawnfawn.com/products/say-cheese-lawn-cuts">Lawn Fawn - Lawn Cuts craft die that coordinates with the "say cheese" stamp set</a>. Along the bottom of the polaroid is a little banner die cut from the DCWV patterned paper (the same sheet that also included the "Baby" banner shown in step 2 above).</div>
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<b>4. Adhere the Hot Air Balloon Die Cut, Attach the Banner, and String the Ribbon. </b>I then mounted the hot air balloon die cut (embellished with the banner) using DIY Foam Tape. By making my own foam tape, I can cut whatever size foam squares that I need. For this one, since the balloon was so large at the top, my foam squares were HUGE; it made everything so much faster! Then string through some ribbon and your wall hanging is ready to display!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJWHRLy5bLM/UkVgGNr8gVI/AAAAAAAATRU/O7XM2Tw_MeE/s1600/Xyron+-+DCWV+-+Ben+Door+Sign+CU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJWHRLy5bLM/UkVgGNr8gVI/AAAAAAAATRU/O7XM2Tw_MeE/s400/Xyron+-+DCWV+-+Ben+Door+Sign+CU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhO8ny1zZ08/UkVgIF5C2DI/AAAAAAAATRg/dA7QoduHAeY/s1600/_DSC2983_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhO8ny1zZ08/UkVgIF5C2DI/AAAAAAAATRg/dA7QoduHAeY/s400/_DSC2983_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make sure you see some other awesome projects featuring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DCWVInc">DCWV </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron Facebook Page</a>!</div>
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As always, thanks for stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-78585051328576425132013-09-17T05:07:00.001-07:002013-09-17T05:07:22.891-07:00Simon Says Stamp Card Kit - September 2013I <i>finally</i> got to play with my <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-59965/2013-journey-of-life/Detail">September Card Kit from Simon Says Stamp</a> and made a TON of greeting cards. <div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SSS_cardkit_sept13_final_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SSS_cardkit_sept13_final_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also used over and over and over these awesome new <a href="http://www.lilinkerdesigns.com/product/stitched-mats">Stitched Mats - Rectangle Dies from Lil' Inker Designs</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/123481461/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/Stitched_Rectangles_Updated_Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/123481461/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/Stitched_Rectangles_Updated_Graphic.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I am seriously in love with these dies which make card making so super fast and easy now!<div>
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<b>1. You Are my Sunshine Card. </b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80_YjfglbyU/UjhBez4oXDI/AAAAAAAAS_A/EpRaztiCwOU/s1600/_DSC2698_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80_YjfglbyU/UjhBez4oXDI/AAAAAAAAS_A/EpRaztiCwOU/s400/_DSC2698_edited.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, My Favorite Thinks Premium Dye Ink Pads.</div>
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<b>2. Hello Card. </b>This might be my favorite card in the bunch. How awesome is all that die cut stitching?!?!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKSGv5iYUBM/UjhBm5Fo0qI/AAAAAAAAS_o/O1lBllih2CI/s1600/_DSC2703_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKSGv5iYUBM/UjhBm5Fo0qI/AAAAAAAAS_o/O1lBllih2CI/s400/_DSC2703_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVbRNMAD7fg/UjhBoAKUYiI/AAAAAAAAS_s/wy0MDHEwnSQ/s1600/_DSC2704_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVbRNMAD7fg/UjhBoAKUYiI/AAAAAAAAS_s/wy0MDHEwnSQ/s400/_DSC2704_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Flair from Simon Says Stamp August Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles and Circles, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, My Favorite Thinks Premium Dye Ink Pads, WRMK Journaling Cards.</div>
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<b>3. Safe Travels Card. </b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHhqLxu-1MQ/UjhBgLl854I/AAAAAAAAS_E/Tc-PQQzSPfk/s1600/_DSC2699_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHhqLxu-1MQ/UjhBgLl854I/AAAAAAAAS_E/Tc-PQQzSPfk/s400/_DSC2699_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, Lawn Fawn Stamps.</div>
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<b>4. Floral Banner Cards. </b>I love using the stamp set in the card kit to make my own floral designs. So fun and they pair perfectly with one of the banner sentiments!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkeWf3NKJXU/UjhBaqzjdJI/AAAAAAAAS-o/xkUOxkVS5-E/s1600/_DSC2696_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkeWf3NKJXU/UjhBaqzjdJI/AAAAAAAAS-o/xkUOxkVS5-E/s400/_DSC2696_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_yJ_k8u0cQ/UjhBboSk1HI/AAAAAAAAS-0/E3eJxVklJ9Y/s1600/_DSC2697_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_yJ_k8u0cQ/UjhBboSk1HI/AAAAAAAAS-0/E3eJxVklJ9Y/s400/_DSC2697_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, My Favorite Thinks Premium Dye Ink Pads.</div>
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<b>5. Happy Birthday Card.</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u99mSDMkPB4/UjhBZC_siEI/AAAAAAAAS-w/mgHmzQRDHf0/s1600/_DSC2695_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u99mSDMkPB4/UjhBZC_siEI/AAAAAAAAS-w/mgHmzQRDHf0/s400/_DSC2695_edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, My Favorite Thinks Premium Dye Ink Pads, Papertrey Ink Stamps.</div>
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<b>6. Thank You Card. </b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXur4mrp8wo/UjhBlQItMEI/AAAAAAAAS_c/fGIyfd1N4OM/s1600/_DSC2702_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXur4mrp8wo/UjhBlQItMEI/AAAAAAAAS_c/fGIyfd1N4OM/s400/_DSC2702_edited.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Simon Says Stamp September Card Kit, Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats - Rectangles, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>.</div>
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And I still have more cardstock to play with!!! This month's kit was definitely a home run! </div>
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As always, thanks for stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-55181672718248800072013-09-06T10:20:00.002-07:002013-09-06T10:20:35.057-07:00Party Themes: A Tutorial on How to Make a Party Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After helping family and friends decorate so many parties over the years, I've created a <i>recipe</i> for a party banner that really works for me and the aesthetic that I enjoy. This recipe also highlights some of my favorite techniques using my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc">Xyron </a>adhesive machines. For this tutorial, I will be using this Happy Birthday Banner as my sample.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJAAPGsa62Q/UinFpG_mKwI/AAAAAAAAS74/38x9GK1DP3k/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJAAPGsa62Q/UinFpG_mKwI/AAAAAAAAS74/38x9GK1DP3k/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i><a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html">Xyron 5" Creative Station (Permanent Adhesive)</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creatopia/Shapez.html">Xyron Creatopia (Shapez Component)</a>, Patterned Paper and Stickers (<a href="http://www.echoparkpaper.com/collections/splash/">Echo Park - Splash</a>); Cardstock (American Crafts, Recollections, Neena Paper); Digital Elements (<a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.tabs.tpl&product_id=1404&category_id=10&keyword=splash+alpha&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=295">Echo Park - Splash Alpha</a>); Sizzix Framelits - <a href="http://www.sizzix.com/product/657571/sizzix-framelits-die-set-5pk-banners-pennant-scallop">Banners, Pennant Scallop </a>and <a href="http://www.sizzix.com/product/657570/sizzix-framelits-die-set-5pk-banners-pennant-plain">Banners, Pennant Plain</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Edger-Threader/dp/B002BTMVOQ">Martha Stewart Crafts Edger Punch - Threader</a>; Ribbon (American Crafts); Silhouette Cameo with Designer Studio Software.</div>
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<b>1. Choose the Papers for the Banner Pennants. </b>I like to use two layers of paper for my banner pennants. The bottom layer is usually scalloped and the top layer a plain version of the same shape. For this whale themed birthday party banner, I used patterned paper from <a href="http://www.echoparkpaper.com/collections/splash/">Echo Park - Splash </a>and white cardstock from my scrap stash (a combination of American Crafts, Recollections, and Neena Paper). </div>
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<b>2. Cut Out the Banner Pennants. </b>There are a number of options on how too cut out banner pennant shapes. For this banner, I used steel dies (Sizzix Framelits - <a href="http://www.sizzix.com/product/657571/sizzix-framelits-die-set-5pk-banners-pennant-scallop">Banners, Pennant Scallop </a>and <a href="http://www.sizzix.com/product/657570/sizzix-framelits-die-set-5pk-banners-pennant-plain">Banners, Pennant Plain</a>) and my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creatopia/Shapez.html">Xyron Creatopia (Shapez Component).</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86tS-D1N2nc/UinOCL2jaFI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/pjEUcq3tMdo/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86tS-D1N2nc/UinOCL2jaFI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/pjEUcq3tMdo/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mUWGpLfAsQ/UinOBHsvrPI/AAAAAAAAS9I/In2l2tHkQNY/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mUWGpLfAsQ/UinOBHsvrPI/AAAAAAAAS9I/In2l2tHkQNY/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>TIP: My other favorite way to cut pennants is with an electronic die cutting machine. If you're using the Cricut, I absolutely adore the options available on the <a href="http://www.cricut.com/shopping/detail--Cricut-Birthday-Bash-Cartridge-0-1070.aspx">Birthday Bash Cricut Cartridge</a>. I still own my Cricut just for those banner pennants. </i><i>If you have a Silhouette, there are a TON of options in the Silhouette Online Store. </i></div>
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<b>3. Adhere Plain Pennants to the Scallop Pennants. </b>Before I owned a Xyron machine, I would use a glue stick or small tape runner to adhere my pennant layers together. WHAT A PAIN!! And if I used a tape runner instead of a glue stick, the edges of my top layer would always catch on something and eventually rip off. Enter Xyron. Edge to edge adhesive that literally takes no time. I used my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html">Xyron 5" Creative Station (Permanent Adhesive)</a> to quickly add adhesive to my white plain pennant shapes. LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8WWe4dxsyc/UinN_PFlYHI/AAAAAAAAS84/HtuRKg4hfZk/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8WWe4dxsyc/UinN_PFlYHI/AAAAAAAAS84/HtuRKg4hfZk/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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And in no time at all, I had a beautiful pile of pennants. To make the holes for the ribbon, I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Edger-Threader/dp/B002BTMVOQ">Martha Stewart Crafts Edger Punch - Threader</a>. Obviously a normal hole punch would work too. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0agBzK2bC4/UinN-HEuATI/AAAAAAAAS80/-6Ez8Soxadc/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0agBzK2bC4/UinN-HEuATI/AAAAAAAAS80/-6Ez8Soxadc/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Create Banner Sentiment. </b>For the banner sentiment, I place one letter on each pennant with an image on a pennant between words. I usually just use my Silhouette Cameo or Cricut to cut letters large enough to cover 3/4 of the pennant shape. However, I wanted my letters to match the alpha set used in the Echo Park - Splash collection (which I used in the banner pennants and throughout the entire party). Enter digital scrapbooking files!!!</div>
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Echo Park sells almost all of their paper collections in a digital format at <a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=338">Jessica Sprague</a>. So with the <a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.tabs.tpl&product_id=1404&category_id=10&keyword=splash+alpha&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=295">Echo Park - Splash Alpha </a>downloaded onto my computer, I dragged the letters (PNG files) into the Silhouette Studio Software, resized it, traced them, offset the original images, made sure that the cut lines were there, and then print and cut each letter with a nice white border around it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zn1bKfZ1Cs/UinUDxUzV7I/AAAAAAAAS9o/FGcddKVF4P0/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+962013+30905+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zn1bKfZ1Cs/UinUDxUzV7I/AAAAAAAAS9o/FGcddKVF4P0/s400/Fullscreen+capture+962013+30905+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp8kR-WilyM/UinODM7QYwI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/Uhs8sZlC0WM/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp8kR-WilyM/UinODM7QYwI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/Uhs8sZlC0WM/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner10.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rThvOzleA4U/UinOALeu57I/AAAAAAAAS9E/J3qB84wUL0E/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banne8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rThvOzleA4U/UinOALeu57I/AAAAAAAAS9E/J3qB84wUL0E/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banne8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Adhere Letters to Banner Pennants. </b>To quickly create dimension, I just adhere all of my letters onto the banner pennants with foam tape. This is my second favorite technique using my Xyron machine. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">MAKE YOUR OWN FOAM TAPE</a>!!!! If you only use your Xyron to make DIY foam tape, it is worth it's weight in gold! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hD5EVIHbMdE/UinN9aYSpGI/AAAAAAAAS8s/m8h9omg3Tnk/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hD5EVIHbMdE/UinN9aYSpGI/AAAAAAAAS8s/m8h9omg3Tnk/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>6. Embellish. </b>You can be as simple or fancy as you want. For this banner, I simply added <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape </a>to the back of some stickers that came in the collection pack with my patterned paper and adhered them onto the pennants between the words in the sentiment. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07pM_heFEMM/UinN6WrggNI/AAAAAAAAS8U/uLTowlziwj4/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07pM_heFEMM/UinN6WrggNI/AAAAAAAAS8U/uLTowlziwj4/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>TIP: Sometimes, I will scatter flowers or rosettes or other small embellishments throughout the different banner, </i></div>
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<b>7. String it Up! </b>I used to tie each pennant together using lots of ribbon like this one <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2012/04/baby-shower-themes-sweet-pea.html">here</a>. <i> </i>But over the years, I found that it took way too much time and that effort, to me at least, was not worth it. Instead, I simply string either ribbon or twine through the pennant holes and call it a day. That way, I can also move the individual pennants as needed. And even this step still takes me forever (especially when my ribbon is the twice the size as my hole)!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDsLig7_Pc/UinN8avGsYI/AAAAAAAAS8k/ugO7HRmpdxU/s1600/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDsLig7_Pc/UinN8avGsYI/AAAAAAAAS8k/ugO7HRmpdxU/s400/Whale+Birthday+-+Banner4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well I hope that helped give you a basic guideline on how to make your own banner. I've included some images below of other banners I've made and posted on the blog. </div>
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<b>Thanksgiving Banner.</b></div>
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<b> </b> </div>
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<b>Snowflake Banner:</b></div>
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<b> Easter Birthday Banner:</b></div>
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<b>Family Banner:</b></div>
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<b>Fourth of July Banner:</b></div>
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<b>Blueberries for Sal Birthday Banner:</b></div>
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<b>Sweet Pea Baby Shower Banner:</b></div>
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-21942500724399460972013-08-09T05:24:00.000-07:002013-08-09T05:24:04.187-07:00Aloha Friday - Dining Out and Swimming Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe that it has been over 6 weeks since my last Aloha Friday post. I'm so so so sorry. So this is going to be a SUPER long post with lots of unedited photos. And the photos that are edited and super gorgeous? Well, my awesome friend Henry took them while he was visiting us over fourth of July weekend. THANK YOU, HENRY!!!<br />
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<b>1. Father's Day. </b>Justin scored a brand new grill for Father's Day this year. It felt wrong to be in Hawaii without one so we went ahead and splurged. Here is Benjamin sitting on the grill before we starting cooking up some kalbi beef and char siu pork.<br />
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And here is Justin opening up the presents and gifts Charlotte made for Justin at school. And note the mustache. Yeah, it's gone now. :)<br />
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<b>2. Bishop's Museum. </b>This <a href="http://www.bishopmuseum.org/">museum </a>has an amazing collection of Hawaiian cultural and historical artifacts. There was also a traveling dinosaur exhibit when we visited that Charlotte was obsessed with. It's not huge but the dinosaurs move and make noises!!<br />
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<b>3. The Hawaiian Railway Society - Train Ride. </b>The <a href="http://www.hawaiianrailway.com/">Hawaiian Railway Society </a>runs a historical train ride through Ewa Beach on Sundays. It was 90 minutes long which was a bit long for the me and the kids (since I was sans Justin). But Charlotte especially loved it and it has been on my Hawaiian bucket list for a long time.<br />
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<b>4. Sea Life Park. </b>This <a href="http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/">park </a>is A LOT smaller than Sea World but it's perfect way to spend a few hours in the afternoon (especially at only $12/ person through MWR). Lots of dolphins and an amazing view of the islands and Makapu'ku Lighthouse!<br />
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<b>5. High Tea at Moana Surfrider. </b>I got to feel super classy with some fellow milspouses by having <a href="http://www.moana-surfrider.com/dining/veranda/">high tea at the Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel</a>.<br />
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Of course, we first had to select a tea. You could choose to have it hot or iced. Simply because I wanted to drink out of a pretty tea cup, I choose hot.<br />
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We started with some beautiful sandwiches.<br />
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And then the scones and petites fours.<br />
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And here are my lovely friends. These women are amazing.<br />
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<i>NOTE: From this point forth, the photos were taken by my friend Henry. He is ridiculously talented.</i><br />
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<b>6. Fourth of July. </b>We spent the fourth at home and wish my besties from college. Our neighbors are BBQ masters and so we did a cookout together. So fun!!! These photos are <br />
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<b>7. Haleiwa. </b>We drove up to the North Shore and spend the afternoon in <a href="http://haleiwatown.com/">Haleiwa </a>with my friends for some awesome food. First we took a friend's suggestion to eat thai at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/opal-thai-food-haleiwa">Opal Thai</a>. OMG - DELICIOUS!!!<br />
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And then since we up north, we HAD to stop by Matsumoto's for some shave ice!<br />
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<b>8. Polynesian Cultural Center. </b>We decided to try yet another luau and take Henry and Karen to the luau at the <a href="http://www.polynesia.com/">Polynesian Cultural Center </a>this time around. Our ticket included admission to the center too. We walked around for a bit but let's be serious, Charlotte was only interested in seeing the hula dancers. The food here was probably the worst out of the three luaus we have been to. But the theatre style show they had after dinner...AMAZING!<br />
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<b>9. USS Missouri. </b>I actually live on the island where the Mighty Mo is docked. It took me over 8 months to finally take a tour of this amazingly important battleship. Thanks for the excuse, Henry and Karen!<br />
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<i>NOTE: Now we are back to my boring photos. But weren't Henry's amazing!?!?!?</i><br />
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<b>10. Sesame Street Live. </b>I then took Charlotte to Sesame Street Live with one of her best friends. She asked to go home at intermission. LOL! But afterwards, couldn't stop talking about the show!<br />
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<b>11. Lunch at Roys Ko Olina. </b>For my birthday, we went out to lunch at Roy's in Ko'Olina. It was nice to feel classy for just a bit even with the kids around. Charlotte loved eating at the "fancy resturant." <br />
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<b>12. ArtFest. </b>We spent the afternoon with S and E at artfest and I'm so glad we did! There were so many activities for the kids to make their own artwork or instruments. Awesome day! <br />
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<b>13. Hale Koa. </b>And finally we spent the afternoon in Waikiki at the Hale Koa poolside. Charlotte got to play with her new floatie ring. It was also great to catch up with Chris for a bit while he was in town.<br />
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Whew, that was a LOT!!! For those who made it all the way to the bottom, bravo!!! As always, <i>mahalo</i> for stopping by!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-56408426728254154882013-08-08T06:12:00.001-07:002013-08-08T06:12:33.860-07:00Simon Says Stamp Card Kit - July 2013July came and went and I failed to post a single card that I made with my Simon Says Stamp Card Kit. Bad crafting blogger! But better late than never and I feel like I have to post something before I can open up my August 2013 Card Kit! I won't lie, I think I liked last month's kit more but I have reached for the stamp set in this kit so many times for the "you are invited" sentiment and other basic images. <br />
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There were more but I can't find the photos and they have been mailed off to friends and family. <br />
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As always, thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-53084124125943096862013-08-01T10:16:00.002-07:002013-08-01T10:16:48.494-07:00Xyron Summer 2013 Design Team!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkzSlq1GF_Y/Ufp3lWEsFQI/AAAAAAAADeo/Bk217H8AqWw/s640/xyron+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkzSlq1GF_Y/Ufp3lWEsFQI/AAAAAAAADeo/Bk217H8AqWw/s400/xyron+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm back for another AWESOME term with the Xyron Design team!!! Check out the announcement over at the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/2013/08/xyron-announces-summer-2013-design-team.html">Xyron blog </a>and give a big warm welcome to the new and returning members!!!<br />
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Wohoo!! As always, thanks for stopping by!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-6235118559725231102013-07-30T01:41:00.001-07:002013-07-30T01:41:58.859-07:00Deployments...I feel blessed that my husband is home right now. His ship comes and goes and his days at work are long. But we have the occasional weekend to look forward to. And should he not pass out right after dinner on the couch, I have a helper at home to do the bath time routine for the kids. So I know I am lucky. Daddy is home.<br />
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Three of my good friends recently had to say good bye to their husbands on deployment. Different ships. Different missions. Different cities. But the tears and hugs are very much the same. And it makes me so sad. <br />
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Being a military spouse living on a military base, my life is filled with military friends. While that means being surrounded by people who "get it," it also means that the struggles and stresses of deployment are very much real. There is always a little girl crying for her daddy in the middle of the night. There is always a little baby born while daddy is gone. There are always moms who put on their super mom capes and masks as soon as the ship leaves the pier to somehow do it all while their husband is gone. And those active duty moms...I cannot even begin to imagine how they do it. <br />
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I'm not sure what the point of this post is. I think that it's basically to say to my amazing milspouse friends...I love you dearly. You all amaze me and inspire me. I know how hard deployments are and I don't think they ever get easy. But I also know that you are all awesome. That doesn't mean you have to do it on your own though. Ask for help. Call me. Show up at my door. Just drop off your children to get your nails done. I am here for you. All of us are here for you. I know that when it's my turn, you will be there for me. But for now, let me be your shoulder and your helping hand.<br />
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And to our loved ones at sea - fair winds and following seas...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-87142510135390588722013-07-29T01:31:00.002-07:002013-07-29T01:31:31.993-07:00Xyron Design Team Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAtpwt466do/Uel2meHnM5I/AAAAAAAADd0/w9l10OQk3uw/s640/dt+call.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAtpwt466do/Uel2meHnM5I/AAAAAAAADd0/w9l10OQk3uw/s400/dt+call.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eek!!!! It's the LAST DAY to apply for the Xyron Design Team!!! It has been an honor being on the team this past year and I would love YOU to be the next crafty super star to rock these amazing adhesives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Benefits of being on the Xyron Design Team include: </b><br />
Lots of Free Product – both from Xyron and from partner companies<br />
Exclusive previews of any of our upcoming products<br />
Payment for projects published in print and/or online magazines<br />
Featured on our Facebook page and blog<br />
Link to your own personal blog<br />
Private FB group for DT members only<br />
Payment for projects used at trade shows and on-air<br />
Opportunity to have your projects displayed on the Home Shopping Network<br />
Xyron DT blinkie for your email and/or blog<br />
Purchase Xyron products at a deep discount for use in teaching classes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The application process is all done online (through FB as a matter of
fact!) and is available to international designers as well - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc?v=app_358879130821080&app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3D" style="color: #3da6c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">click this link to apply</a>. Some of the information you will need to complete the application:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Contact info<br />
Short bio about yourself<br />
Links to three different projects (no scrapbook layouts)<br />
Links to your galleries (if applicable)<br />
A list of any past or current design teams you've been on (if applicable)<br />
A link to your blog/website<br />
There are a few questions at the end about Xyron products - how long
you've been using them, which </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">machines you own, which is your favorite,
etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The deadline to enter is July 29th, and the new Design Team will be
announced August 1st!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-62829298453213264022013-07-12T03:36:00.000-07:002013-07-12T10:15:48.745-07:00Scrapbook Steals 4th Birthday Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to those hopping along from the oh so amazing blog of <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/">Heather Conklin</a>! </span></span><br />
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Happy 4th Birthday, <a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/">scrapbookSTEALS.com</a>!!! When I first started scrapbooking almost four years ago, <a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/">scrapbookSTEALS.com</a> was my source of affordable supplies, amazing inspiration, and constant encouragement. Four years later, scrapbookSTEALS.com continues to be my go-to source for scrapbooking supplies, sketch inspiration, and scrapping girl friends. So you can imagine how honored I am wheto be a part of the fourth birthday celebration blog hop!<br />
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As part of the birthday celebration, there will be an <a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp/2013/07/10/scrapbooksteals-4th-birthday-online-crop/">online crop </a>TONIGHT, July 12. In conjunction with the online crop, <a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp">scrapbookSTEALS.com </a>will be hosting a number of online challenges with some amazing prizes through their blog. For this blog hop, I have two challenge layouts to share.<br />
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<b>A. Challenge #3 - Favorite Vendor. </b><i>Choose your favorite scrapbookSTEALS.com vendor and create a project using their products. </i><br />
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It is no secret that I absolutely LOVE <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc?fref=ts">Xyron</a>. Their adhesive products make crafting fast, simple, and mess free. I bought my first Xyron machine (the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/2_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker</a>) through scrapbookSTEALS.com almost three years ago and it completely changed my crafting life!<br />
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For this challenge project, I created a layout using a TON of Xyron adhesives and other goodies all purchased from scrapbookSTEALS.com. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_AwlgrNHlI/Ud-4d3NOnRI/AAAAAAAAR-Q/eg4DgtugaJg/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_AwlgrNHlI/Ud-4d3NOnRI/AAAAAAAAR-Q/eg4DgtugaJg/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Patterned Paper (October Afternoon); Vellum (Martha Stewart Crafts); Chipboard Stickers (October Afternoon); Letter Stickers (American Crafts); Stamps and Dies (Lawn Fawn, Simon Says Stamp, American Crafts); Die Cuts (American Crafts, Little Yellow Bicycle); Sequins (Doodlebug Designs); Wood Veneers (Studio Calico); Inks/ Paints (Mister Hueys, Memento, Sharpie, Tim Holtz, Uni-ball); Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Creative_Station/5__Creative_Station.html">Xyron 5" Creative Station</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Segments/Creatopia.html">Xyron Creatopia</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/3_8___10mm__Dots.html">NEW! Xyron Adhesive Dots</a>).<br />
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This project is a direct response to <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/2012/09/take-12-project-september-12.html">this layout </a>I created in September 2012 shortly after my son was born. Back in September, I questioned where the rainbows were. And now, with our family finally complete and together, we literally see rainbows everyday. What a change!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZg_b7BPQWI/Ud-4frBcbuI/AAAAAAAAR-Y/W3V3aqRo1GE/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZg_b7BPQWI/Ud-4frBcbuI/AAAAAAAAR-Y/W3V3aqRo1GE/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the main elements of the layout is a printed vellum I created by combining a number of my rainbow instagram photos and simply printing them on vellum.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaa54VbbLM4/Ud_PMrgHJjI/AAAAAAAAR_g/yCEZCBusRxs/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaa54VbbLM4/Ud_PMrgHJjI/AAAAAAAAR_g/yCEZCBusRxs/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>CRAFT TIP: Use your Xyron machine to adhere vellum onto your project without needing to cover up any adhesive.</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJRbtqUvqHk/Ud_J4REWFgI/AAAAAAAAR_I/rE-0J5McZv0/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJRbtqUvqHk/Ud_J4REWFgI/AAAAAAAAR_I/rE-0J5McZv0/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>ANOTHER CRAFT TIP: Use Xyron Adhesive Dots to adhere small elements like sequins or wood veneers onto your layout with the mess or fuss of liquid adhesive.</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkOyPty-hqg/Ud_PLoVExKI/AAAAAAAAR_c/DBctS2nnxEU/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkOyPty-hqg/Ud_PLoVExKI/AAAAAAAAR_c/DBctS2nnxEU/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShEDMRzwaVM/Ud-4g6XBRHI/AAAAAAAAR-g/DMqqRHB9EOg/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShEDMRzwaVM/Ud-4g6XBRHI/AAAAAAAAR-g/DMqqRHB9EOg/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_RainbowLOCU3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<b>B. Challenge #4 - Washi Fever. </b><i>Create a project using washi tape. On this
project you must use 4 different tapes. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I love using my <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker </a>to make my own washi tape which I used to create a number of elements in this project, which is based on Dr. Seuss' <i>Oh, the Places You'll Go.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsebbvg3-1M/Ud-4i1LtuhI/AAAAAAAAR-s/fEKUw1hIEdE/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsebbvg3-1M/Ud-4i1LtuhI/AAAAAAAAR-s/fEKUw1hIEdE/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Patterned Paper (Echo Park, My Mind's Eye); Cardstock (American Crafts); Letter Stickers (American Crafts); Embossing Folder (Lifestyle Crafts); Punch (Fiskars); Digital Files (liv.E Designs, Lettering Delights, Splendid Fiins); Floss (WRMK); Brads and Buttons (Echo Park, Pebbles); Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>).<br />
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This project, specifically, is based on this page from the Dr. Seuss book.<br />
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<a href="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/065/Purple/v4/c9/67/d9/c967d95e-64d7-e03c-4223-2258a9b648dc/mza_817986798696971855.480x480-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/065/Purple/v4/c9/67/d9/c967d95e-64d7-e03c-4223-2258a9b648dc/mza_817986798696971855.480x480-75.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The layout includes a vellum tape that I created by printing the text of the book on vellum (together with a woodgrain pattern from Splendid Fiins) and running the vellum strings through the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker</a>. The placement of the vellum tape mimics where the road is placed in the inspiration page. I even tried to mimic the look of the Seussical trees, which were die cut from sheets of DIY washi paper.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXrp5AJZG8Y/Ud-4kA6drvI/AAAAAAAAR-0/2gVlmzLbEBk/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXrp5AJZG8Y/Ud-4kA6drvI/AAAAAAAAR-0/2gVlmzLbEBk/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also loved using all of my WRMK floss (another scrapbookSTEALS.com purchase) to add little details throughout the layout.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrhBhWJ8Qs0/Ud-4k8PQtII/AAAAAAAAR-4/Dl2rfw3aKyo/s1600/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrhBhWJ8Qs0/Ud-4k8PQtII/AAAAAAAAR-4/Dl2rfw3aKyo/s400/Xyron_SSS_BirthdayBlogHop_PlacesLO3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>C. GIVEAWAY!!! </b>In honor of the birthday celebration, I'm hosting a small giveaway on my blog this week. Just make sure you are "following" the blog and leave a comment. For another entry, "like" my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vanlikethecar.designs">facebook page </a>and leave a comment letting me know. I'll pick a random winner next Friday, July 19 and send the winner some scrapbooking goodies!<br />
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Next on the blog hop is the ever amazing and talented super woman <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/">Staci Jones</a>.</span></span> Make sure you check out all the amazing crafters participating in this Birthday Blog Hop!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp/?p=18660">scrapbookSTEALS.com</a> {START HERE} </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.inthecatcave.com/">Cathy Caines</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com/">Cristine Redmond</a></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fonescrappynovice.blogspot.com&h=GAQECaGVQ&s=1"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.atomicvenetia.blogspot.com/">Venetia Holbrook</a></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.atomicvenetia.blogspot.com&h=9AQEBc6iq&s=1"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://scrappydaylily.blogspot.com/">Cyndee Kawa</a></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fscrappydaylily.blogspot.com%2F&h=XAQFi5YNR&s=1"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/">Heather Conklin</a></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgoldiecar.blogspot.com%2F&h=2AQHlC5La&s=1"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.com/">Van Nguyen</a> {YOU ARE HERE}</span><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/">Staci Jones</a> {GO HERE NEXT}</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.akihasmommascraps.com/">Charissa Miller</a></span><a href="http://www.akihasmommascraps.com/"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com/">Brenda Smith</a></span><a href="http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com/">Erin Colby</a></span><a href="http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://stampingstarlette.blogspot.com/">Erica Bass</a></span><a href="http://stampingstarlette.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-language: HI; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://lifescrapped.blogspot.com/">Kristy Lee</a></span></span><br />
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCRAPBOOKSTEALS.COM!! Don't forget to visit the <a href="http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp/?p=18660">scrapbookSTEALS.com Blog </a>for more details about the online challenges for chances to win some awesome prizes.<br />
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As always, thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-44628143080585628802013-06-26T14:49:00.000-07:002013-06-26T14:49:54.969-07:00Xyron and Little Yellow Bicycle and May Arts Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxK59_jScvs/UctWF2NKARI/AAAAAAAARy0/pBHGZHLeSOk/s1600/LYB+Blog+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxK59_jScvs/UctWF2NKARI/AAAAAAAARy0/pBHGZHLeSOk/s400/LYB+Blog+Hop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is an awesome blog hop happening all week with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Xyron</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleYellowBicycle?fref=ts" target="_blank">Little Yellow Bicycle</a> (LYB) and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayarts?fref=ts" target="_blank">May Arts </a>Ribbon. The box I got to play with was filled with so much awesomeness from the LYB Poppy and Naturals line and some seriously <i>gorgeous</i> ribbon from May Arts. Can someone say inspiring?!?!?<br />
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<b>1. Daughters Layout. </b>This first layout was 100% inspired by the papers and images in the brand new <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy.html?SID=e6f7ipdelfedjuqqap3l185dl1">LYB Poppy Collection</a>. I wanted my layout to look like a field filled with poppies and used the gorgeous LYB papers and my Silhouette Cameo to cut <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=40653">this poppy cut file </a>multiple times and in different sizes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ3TBHDNJ60/UcrGR9XDaaI/AAAAAAAARx8/KdzhBZJXL3s/s1600/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ3TBHDNJ60/UcrGR9XDaaI/AAAAAAAARx8/KdzhBZJXL3s/s400/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Adhesive_Solutions/Adhesive_Runners/Tape_Runner.html?WT.ac=4ssu8eFeAAkDuhrbnBfwpAU9V14FgbOt">Xyron Tape Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker/1_5__create-a-sticker.html">Xyron 1.5" Create-Sticker</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>); Little Yellow Bicycle (<a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy.html?SID=e6f7ipdelfedjuqqap3l185dl1">Patterned Paper</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-134-journaling-cards-with-thermography-10-pieces.html">Journaling Cards</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/naturals/na-sp40-stick-pins-cork-hearts.html">Stick Pins</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-160-vellum-tape-15-pieces.html">Vellum Tape</a>); Cardstock (American Crafts); Letter Stickers (American Crafts, October Afternoon); Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Stickles, Memento, Stazon); Digital Cut File (Sweet Elise); Stamps (Office Max, American Crafts - Amy Tangerine); Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.<br />
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I loved using the LYB Journaling Cards and Vellum Tape (which is my new obsession btw!) to create a simple photo cluster at the top of the layout.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG_NS0SvWFE/UcrGT7omNnI/AAAAAAAARyI/JW0y0qf9e_8/s1600/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG_NS0SvWFE/UcrGT7omNnI/AAAAAAAARyI/JW0y0qf9e_8/s400/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And while it took a long to cut all of the flower pieces and to assemble them, I love how dimensional the poppy garden looks!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7kngPUUR2k/UcrH8XcuUKI/AAAAAAAARyY/TT1pkTeLqxc/s1600/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7kngPUUR2k/UcrH8XcuUKI/AAAAAAAARyY/TT1pkTeLqxc/s400/Xyron_LYB_PoppyLO4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Crafting Tip: </i>When assembling cut outs that include small intricate pieces (like the yellow and black flower centers), use the Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker to easily and quickly add adhesive to the tiny pieces.<br />
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<b>2. Seed Packet Gift. </b>Since the Poppy Collection has a spring and garden theme, it worked really well for this little gift packaging I made for some seed packets. The LYB Journaling Cards include a few adorable tag shapes
that are the perfect base for layering stickers and sentiments. The May
Arts Ribbon also provided the perfect finishing touch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9ltWwszgf0/UcrGS1kyeeI/AAAAAAAARyA/M30J7PRhdGI/s1600/Xyron_LYB_Seed+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9ltWwszgf0/UcrGS1kyeeI/AAAAAAAARyA/M30J7PRhdGI/s400/Xyron_LYB_Seed+Bay.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/1_2___13mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html">NEW Xyron Double Sided Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>); Little Yellow Bicycle (<a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy.html?SID=e6f7ipdelfedjuqqap3l185dl1">Patterned Paper</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-134-journaling-cards-with-thermography-10-pieces.html">Journaling Cards</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-135-cardstock-stickers-favorite-pieces-with-glitter-and-embossing-29-pieces.html">Cardstock Stickers</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-140-cardstock-stickers-fresh-verse-with-thermography-and-debossing-43-pieces.html">Cardstock Word Stickers</a>);
Ribbon (May Arts); Digital Cut File (<a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=40187">Lori Whitlock</a>).<br />
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<i>Crafting Tip: </i>When assembling projects that are either three dimensional or that will get handled more (like the bag in the project above), use the <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/1_2___13mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html">NEW Xyron Double Sided Tape </a>to adhere the project together. This is similar to the red liner tape but easily rips off with just your fingers. It truly is a must have in every craft room!<br />
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<b>3. Hair Clip Card. </b>May Arts Ribbon is deliciously beautiful. It comes it all shapes and sizes and colors and textures. When I see beautiful ribbon, I instantly want to roll it up into a flower and add it to a clip for my daughter. And one of my favorite go to quick and easy gifts is a card with the hair clip actually integrated into the design.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krYr8vKctmY/Ucq_LrjXlbI/AAAAAAAARxo/JXZxd3KH45w/s1600/Xyron_LYB_Clip+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krYr8vKctmY/Ucq_LrjXlbI/AAAAAAAARxo/JXZxd3KH45w/s400/Xyron_LYB_Clip+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Supplies: </i>Adhesives (<a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/Mega_Runner.html">Xyron Mega Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3FGhhNOM">DIY Foam Tape</a>, <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/1_2___13mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html">NEW Xyron Double Sided Tape</a>); Little Yellow Bicycle (<a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy.html?SID=e6f7ipdelfedjuqqap3l185dl1">Patterned Paper</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-134-journaling-cards-with-thermography-10-pieces.html">Journaling Cards</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-135-cardstock-stickers-favorite-pieces-with-glitter-and-embossing-29-pieces.html">Cardstock Stickers</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/poppy/py-140-cardstock-stickers-fresh-verse-with-thermography-and-debossing-43-pieces.html">Cardstock Word Stickers</a>, <a href="http://littleyellowbargains.com/mylyb/naturals/na-bf40-layered-burlap-flowers-posey.html">Burlap Flowers</a>); Cardstock (Neena Paper); Ribbon (May Arts), Embossing Folder (Lifestyle Crafts).<br />
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And here is a picture of the hair clip removed from the card.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmT-qYCISg0/UctfpP5GMoI/AAAAAAAARzI/cUh9rgNRZ24/s1600/Xyron_LYB_Clip+Card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmT-qYCISg0/UctfpP5GMoI/AAAAAAAARzI/cUh9rgNRZ24/s400/Xyron_LYB_Clip+Card2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Crafting Tip: </i>Consider dissecting elements of premade embellishments to fit your needs. For this card, I removed the leaves from the LYB Burlap Flower to use on my card. I can use the circle and button elements for another project. And for fabric or ribbon elements, use <a href="http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/1_2___13mm__Double_Sided_Tape.html">Xyron Double Sided Tape</a> to make sure that it adheres securely to your project.<br />
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Be sure to visit the <a href="http://aintshecrafty.blogspot.com/">Xyron Blog </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xyroninc?fref=ts">Xyron Facebook Page </a>all week for more inspiration from all three of our design teams! As always, thanks for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424675370759021614.post-83021051852059915802013-06-24T04:32:00.000-07:002013-06-24T04:32:32.041-07:00Returning to Basics - A Father's Day Mini AlbumI sometimes feel like my evolution as a scrapbooker mimics my evolution as a home cook. Before I was married and with kids, I insisted (with my wanna-be Martha Stewart assertiveness) that good meals had to be made from scratch. To make the Thanksgiving stuffing, I use homemade bread, homemade chicken stock, and even insist on using home grown herbs. Obviously, with a husband that always seems to be gone at sea and two little ones, I'm unable (and unwilling) to go to such extremes in the kitchen. I reach for my Stovetop Stuffing with no hesitation these days. That same reality check applies to the craft room.<br />
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Once upon a time, I would spend hours or days on a single layout, thinking that it had to mimic those gorgeous creations I saw on the manufacture blogs or in the magazines. While I still enjoy making those mini pieces of art every once in awhile, I have realized that the heart of this hobby for me is the memory keeping. It's putting those layouts onto a page and into my albums for my family to enjoy. It's taking those photos off of my hard drive and into albums. It's about making stories from the past tangible in the present. <br />
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While this mini album I made for father's day is nothing fancy, it represents what I love about this hobby. I love taking beautiful photos of my family. I love using digital tools like Rad Lab and digital brushes to make these photos look cool and special. I love using up my scrapbooking stash. I love projects that are super simple to put together and easy to enjoy. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHKkLiMGgQs/UcgoQ9nlacI/AAAAAAAARts/fbKjdSE99Ms/s1600/dadmini1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHKkLiMGgQs/UcgoQ9nlacI/AAAAAAAARts/fbKjdSE99Ms/s400/dadmini1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make this album, I started off with <a href="http://www.target.com/p/photo-album-brag-book-all-occasion-2/-/A-13680305#prodSlot=medium_1_6&term=photo+album">this super cheap photo album </a>from Target. You probably have a ton of these lying around your house. I bought mine for around $2. <br />
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<a href="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/68/13680305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/68/13680305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I then removed the front and back cardboard covers and replaced them with these Project Life style cards by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Splendid-Fiins/329536653746427?fref=ts">Splendid Fiins </a>(<a href="http://the-lilypad.com/store/hey-daddio-jc.html">Hello Daddio Collection</a>) that I printed out on my home computer. <i>Note:</i> <i>when you buy the digital kit, you get a bunch of JPEG files that you can easily print to any size you want a home. I personally used Photoshop to resize the card files to fit my album and then printed them on glossy photo paper.</i><br />
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<a href="http://the-lilypad.com/store/images/P/+SF-EM-heydaddio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://the-lilypad.com/store/images/P/+SF-EM-heydaddio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the journaling pages inside the album, I just used the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56558/HIP-dsh-4117-HIPSTER-NOTEBOOK-NOTE/Detail">journaling cards </a>from my <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57518/june-2013-kelly-purkey/Detail">Simon Says Stamp June Card Kit</a>. They were sized perfectly to fit the 4x6 openings and included plenty of journaling space. And when I did spend some time embellishing the cards, I just reached for the stamp set in the card kit (from Kelly Purkey) and some other father's day themed ones that I had on hand (including <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45595/dad-dad%27s-day-father/Detail">Lawn Fawn Dad's Day</a>).<br />
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For the photos in the album, I quickly edited them using Photoshop and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gettotallyrad?fref=ts">Rad Lab</a>. In many of them, I also added various "digital brushes" (i.e., the word art) directly onto the photo before printing. The brushes I used were from Splendid Fiins (<a href="http://the-lilypad.com/store/spot-on-set.html">Spot On Collection</a>) and <a href="http://www.simplescrapper.com/">Simple Scrapper </a>(<a href="http://www.simplescrapper.com/summer/">Stories of Summer Toolkit</a>). <br />
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The longest part of this process was selecting the photos and editing/ printing/ cutting them. I think if I had spent more time on the journaling cards, it might have been a bit fancier. But I ultimately knew that it was for my husband and I just wanted him to have something to keep on the ship when he was at sea. So keeping it quick and simple was perfect.<br />
<br />Here are photos from the rest of the album. There are a lot of photos so beware... :)<br />
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I know that it's simple but I genuinely loved this mini album.<br />
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by!!!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599685296642242294noreply@blogger.com0