Xyron and Doodlebug - Christmas Photo Tray

If you know me, I love all things cute and adorable and I don't think any other manufacturer epitomes that better than Doodelbug Design Inc.  I squealed with delight when I found out that I would be working with their 2013 Christmas collection, Home for the Holidays, for this blog hop with Xyron.  It uses traditional red, white and green (which is my favorite) with the most charming images.

For my project today, I worked with a 7 Gypies Photo Shadowbox Tray that I have been pining over for years.

I finally caved and bought one of Blitsy 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...

And here is how I made it...

1.  Select your Photos.  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.

2.  Make Decorated Cards for the Other Panels.  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 Home for Holidays collection.

For the largest panel, I used various letter stickers with the "Merry Christmas" sticker from this sticker sheet.  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 Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker to adhere onto my project.

Tip:  I also use DIY Foam Tape to adhere many of the stickers onto my paper and photo panels to create quick and easy dimension.

3.  Adhere Photo/ Paper Panels to Shadowbox.  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 Xyron Magnetic Tape.  It's also my magic weapon when making mini albums and other projects that need a small closure.

Finally, I simply covered the front and sides of the shadowbox with the Let it Snow Washi Tape.  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.

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!

Supplies:  Doodlebug - Home for the Holidays (Patterned Paper, Stickers, Washi Tape, Flair); Adhesives (Xyron Magnetic Tape, Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker, Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape); 7 Gypsies Photo Shadowbox Tray; Letter Stickers (American Crafts, October Afternoon, Basic Grey); Lil' Inker Stitched Rectangle Die.

Here are some closeups.  That photo of my son in the Santa hat was taken by my good friend and fellow Navy Spouse, Melissa Grady (Melissa O Photography).  She's now in Florida so if you need a photographer for anything, she is certainly your girl!

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.

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).

Make sure you head over to the Xyon blog for awesome inspiration all week long featuring Xyron and Doodlebug!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Xyron and Core'dinations Blog Hop - Framed Halloween Subway Art

I cannot even begin to fully express how freakin' excited I am to be hopping with Core'dinations and Xyron today!  Core'dinations 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 Core'dinations does.  And when you partner Core'dinations with Xyron adhesives, there are no limits to the crafting possibilities!

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.

Supplies:  Core'dinations Cardstock; Core'dinations SandIt Tool; Patterned Paper (Bazzil - All Hallow's Eve); Adhesives (Xyron High Take Adhesive Dots, Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker); EK Success Mini Pennant Punch; EK Success 2 Point Flag Punch; Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms Die; Sizzix Framelit Dies; Paper Studio Tiny Stars Embossing Folder; 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.

I wanted to be sure to share a couple of tips and tricks that I learned in the process of making this frame.

1.  Patterned Paper + Ink Jet Transparencies = AWESOME Framed Artwork.  I really wanted to use this file from the Silhouette Online Store and designed by Kolette Hall.  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!!!

Using my normal and amazingly boring ink jet printer, I printed the word art image onto a sheet of ink jet transparency (I use Sparco Ink Jet Transparency Film originally purchased from Amazon but I don't think they carry it anymore).  I layered that directly over some Halloween patterned paper from Bazzil All Hallow's Eve 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!!!

2.  Xyron High Tack Adhesive Dots and Rolled Flowers.  The New! Xyron High Tack Adhesive Dots 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!

The Core'dinations cardstock is so thick that it is perfect for making these Spellbinder Bitty Blossom flowers.  For the leaves, after cut and embossing the leaves, I used the Core'dinations SandIt Tool 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 Core'dinations cardstock with the sanding block.  There is no other product that gives you such amazing results.

The beautiful color core also shines through in this pennant element along the top of the frame.  To create this effect, I embossed the Core'dinations cardstock with a stars embossing folder and then sanded with the Core'dinations SandIt Tool.

And did you see that I just covered the sides of the frame with washi tape?  Oh yeah.  Awesome.

Make sure to head over the Xyron blog to check out some seriously gorgeous projects featuring Xyron and Core'dinations.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Xyron and Bo Bunny Blog Hop

I couldn't be more excited to work with Bo Bunny and Xyron this month, especially since I got to play with Bo Bunny's newest Key Lime collection!  Being in Hawaii, I think this collection was made for me!

1.  Our Water Baby Layout.  The Bo Bunny Key Lime Collection includes some fantastic papers that make scrapbooking a breeze.  I used the Cowabunga paper as the foundation of my layout.  And the Noteworthy die cut and journaling spot pack also makes embellishing the page super easy!

Supplies:  Patterned Paper (Bo Bunny - Key Lime); Die Cuts and Journaling Cards (Bo Bunny - Key Lime); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 5" Creative Station; Xyron 5" Creative Station Permanent Adhesive); Letter Stickers (American Crafts, October Afternoon, Studio Calico); Spray Mists (Studio Calico); Tim Holtz Distress Ink; American Crafts Precision Pen; Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher; Tim Holtz File Tabs Alterations Die.


To add a bit of more dimension to the layout, I cut apart another sheet of Cowabunga paper and then layered it onto the foundation sheet with some DIY Foam Tape.  Then, I simply layered a number of papers and die cuts/ journaling cards to make the photo mat/ journaling spot.

The title to the layout actually comes from my son's rash guard, which says "water baby."  What a cutie.

And if you haven't noticed already, I'm kindove obsessed with these whale shaped paper clips from Midori. 

2.  Aloha Sign.  Since moving to Hawaii, I have noticed that all of my neighbors have these adorable "Aloha" signs at their front door.  While I could have easily just purchased one from the nearby flea market, I have been hesitant...I am constantly thinking, "I could make that."  Well, fast foward six months and I have FINALLY made my own customized sign!

Supplies: Bo Bunny Key Lime Patterned Papers, Bo Bunny Key Lime Jewels, Xyron Creatopia - Permanent Adhesive, Xyron 5" Creative Station - Permanent Adhesive, Silhouette Cameo, Studio Calico Letter Stickers, Tim Holtz Distress Ink.

The Bo Bunny Key Lime Jewels added the perfect amount of dimension to the surfboard.  I am seriously in love.  I cannot wait to put this at the front of our house tomorrow!

3.  Sticker Chart.  Finally, since I am always trying to just use up all of my supplies, I used all of the scraps that were left on my desk after making the above projects to put together a quick sticker chart for Charlotte.  Even the letter stickers represent whatever I have on hand.  We have been using these sticker charts for the past few months and it has really proven to be an effective incentive program.

Supplies:  Patterned Paper (Bo Bunny Key Lime Collection); Xyron Mega Runner; Letter Stickers (October Afternoon, Sassafras).

Make sure you visit the Xyron Blog all week for lots of inspiration from the rest of the Xyron Design Team!

As always, mahalo for stopping by!

Xyron - Something Old, Something New - DIY Lamp Shade Tutorial

I love the Xyron Something Old, Something New Challenge.  This time around, we were each assigned an old project from their project gallery as our inspiration to create a "new" project.  I chose this darling embellished lamp shade by fellow design team member Ann Corbiere-Scott.

I was inspired to make my own embellished lamp shade for my son's bedroom and this is what I came up with.  

I really wanted a lamp for my son's room but was reluctant to purchase one for $50 at the baby store.  We have had this lamp lying around the house for years with no real home; it's just tucked between the TV and piano in the living room.  I figured it was the perfect lamp to "steal" and use for my project.  

In addition to Ann's beautiful flower lamp, I was also inspired by this patterned paper from the Pebbles Let Freedom Ring Collection.  

I'm a sucker for banners and the colors matched my son's nursery perfectly.  Making the lamp was SUPER EASY using my Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker and Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker.  

DIY Lamp Shade Tutorial

1.  Tools.  You will need the following tools: (a) Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker, (b) Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker, (c) Fiskars 1.75" Circle Punch, (d) Martha Stewart Scoring Board, (e) We R Memory Keepers Paper Piercer.

2.  Other Supples.  In addition to the tools mentioned above, here are the supplies I used: (i) Pebbles Let Freedom Ring Star Patterned Paper - 1 sheet, (ii) American Crafts 8.5" x 11" Red, Blue and Light Blue Cardstock - 2 sheets each color, (iii) Twinery Red and White Bakers Twine, (iv) undecorated lampshade in a neutral color, (v) color coordinating brads and stickers.

3.  Punch Circles.  Punch out circles from the American Crafts cardstock and a few from the Pebbles patterned paper using the Fiskars circle punch.  Note: the exact number of circles you need will depend on the diameter of your lamp shade.  I punched out circles from about 1.5 sheets of paper and about 6 circles from the patterned paper.

4.  Score the Circles.  Score each circle in half using your scoring board.  This will make assembling the pennants much easier.

5.  Add Adhesive to the Circles.  Run the circles through the Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker to add edge to edge adhesive on the back.

6.  Bend the Circles.  Before removing the circles from the backing sheet, bend them slightly along the score line.  Note: you can actually bend them slightly after removing them from the backing sheet as well.  

 

7.  Assemble the Pennants.  To make your banner, take a scored circle and place it adhesive side up.  Then lay the twine along the scored line.

Take your finger and fold the circle down in half to make a half circle pennant.  Remember to rub the pennant a bit to make sure that the adhesive sticks.  

 Continue until you have filled your twine length with the half circle pennants.

Note:  I used four different lengths of twine for my project about 45" in length each.  

8.  Add Adhesive to the Banner.  To easily add the banner to the lamp shade, run the entire banner through the Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker.

9.  Adhere Banner to Lamp Shade and Embellish.  Finally, simply adhere the banners to the lamp shade and embellish.  Note: for some extra stability, I placed color coordinating brads at the "peaks" of each pennant grouping.  If you choose to do this, keep in mind to place the tails of the brads behind the pennant so that it doesn't cast a shadow when your lamp is lit.  I also added some dimensional stickers from the Pebbles Let Freedom Ring Collection on some of the pennants.

Make sure you visit the Xyron Blog all week for lots of "Something Old, Something New" inspiration from our entire Design Team.

As always, mahalo for stopping by!!

Settling In: Charlotte's Big Girl Room

When we first moved back to San Diego a few weeks ago, our number one priority was getting Charlotte settled in.  That meant getting her "stuff" unpacked, buying a big girl bed, and doing everything we could to make her feel "at home" before Justin left and the onslaught of change commenced.  Gauging from these photos, I would say mission accomplished.

For me, that also meant trying to make her room feel as cozy as possible without spending much money (since we are in such temporary quarters...aka, my parent's house).  Thankfully, I had all of my crafting supplies on hand and was able to make some room decor to match her new bedding.

1.  Owl Room Sign {a home decor project}.  Charlotte's new bedding is just filled with the most adorable little owls.  I wanted to mimic those owls for her door sign.  I die cut an owl image on my Silhouette Cameo, adhered it to an embroidery hoop lined with some staples and DIY foam tape, then viola!  A seriously cute sign to hang on Charlotte's door.

Supplies:  Digital Files (Lori Whitlock); Patterned Paper (Momenta - Chloe's Garden); Cardstock (American Crafts, Colorbok, Core'dinations); Rhinestones (Momenta); Letter Sticker (American Crafts - Thickers); Ribbon (American Crafts); Adhesives (Xyron 5" Creative Station; Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker; Xyron 2.5" Sticker Marker; Xyron Mega Runner); Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist; Canvas Fabric; Embroidery Hoop; Uni-ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen; Stickles by Ranger; Foam Sheets.

2.  Family Banner {a home decor project}.  I wanted to make a banner for Charlotte's room that we could hang up in her room year round. 

Each of the little animals on the banner represents a different member of our family.  Since Justin probably feels more comfortable on water than on land, he's the whale.

My love for Australia seemed to justify making me a koala.  And Charlotte, well, she's our little monkey.  Silly little girl.

And to make it extra special, I just embellished the letters with various stickers.

Supplies:  Momenta - Chloe's Garden (Patterned Paper, Stickers); Cardstock (Recollections); Ribbon (American Crafts); Cricut (Birthday Bash, Create-a-Critter); Uni-ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen; Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Adhesives (Xyron 5" Creative Station).

3.  Happiness Frame {a home decor project}.  I shared this project a few weeks ago but wanted to just post photos again since it was part of Charlotte's room decor project.

Supplies:  Patterned Paper (Momenta - Chloe's Garden); Cardstock (Colorbok); Stickers and Rhinestones (Momenta); Stamps (Lawn Fawn); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner; Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker; Xyron 2.5" Sticker Maker); Digital Files (Silhouette Stuido Store - Retro Tree); Gloss Accents; White Acrylic Paint.

4.  Charlotte's Big Girl Bed {a digital scrapbook layout}.  Finally, here is a digital scrapbook layout I made documenting Charlotte's new room using some gorgeous new digital products from Lori Whitlock (available at JessicaSprague.com).  And conveniently enough, it matched that owl door sign perfectly!

Digital Supplies:  Lori Whitlock (Spring Celebration Collection); Splendid Fiins (Office Supplies).

As always, thanks for stopping by!