Simon Says Stamp June Card Kit - Masculine Cards

I am now a proud member of the Simon Says Stamp Monthly Card Kit!  For months (like for almost two years now), I have enviously watched friends subscribe to all these fancy shmancy scrapbooking kit clubs like Studio Calico or Gossamer Blu.  If you have seen my craft closet under the stairs, you will understand why I just couldn't justify getting more stuff.  Well, I finally figured out a way to talk myself into a subscription kit (yeah, it wasn't that hard) and I couldn't be happier!

If you caught my last blog post, you already saw two cards I made with the kit featuring some awesomeness from Xyron, Ephiphany Crafts, and Splendid Fiins.  I love how quickly my cards came together with just the pieces from the kit, some reliable Xyron adhesive, and other basic supplies.  I am a slow crafter and you cannot believe how shocked I was when I made these six cards in less than three hours!  And thankfully, they are perfect for this week's challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog (to create a masculine/ father's day card).  Make sure to check them out if you need some motivation to scrap or create!

1.  Fact Card.  The sentiment was totally inspired by this video I watched by Kristina Werner for Simon Says Stamp.

Other Supplies:  Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Uni-ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen.

2.  Do Something Awesome Card.  There are always so much cute sentiments in the Basic Grey snippets that come in the kit.  They remind me of the Elle's Studio tags.
 

Other Supplies: Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape, Banner Pennant Stamp (Stampin' Up), WRMK Corner Rounder, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Uni-ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen.

3.  Where in the World Card.  I love how a lot of the stamps in the Kelly Purkey Stamp Set can easily be combined to make a longer sentiment like this one here.  And those Kelly Purkey letter stamps are the PERFECT size for cards!
 

Other Supplies:   Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.

 4.  Hello Dude Card.  The solid stamps are perfect for stamping directly on the patterned paper.

Other Supplies: Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape, Banner Pennant Stamp (Stampin' Up), WRMK Corner Rounder, Brads (Oriental Trading Company), WRMK Corner Rounder, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Uni-ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen.

5.  Hero Card.  I love a simple one layer card.  Add some mustache washi tape and you have perfection in my book!

6.  You Are Amazing Card.  This card was a lot cooler in my head.  The ties in the top corner were supposed to look like pennant strips.  Note so much.  But I do like how the "You Are" sentiment looked inside that banner stamp by Stampin' Up.

Other Supplies: Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape, Banner Stamp (Stampin' Up), WRMK Corner Rounder.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Xyron and Epiphany Crafts Blog Hop

It's time for another amazing blog hop with Xyron and this week they are teaming up with Ephiphany Crafts!!!!!  I am a tool and gadget junkie when it comes to my crafting and the tools by Ephiphany Crafts are a MUST HAVE STAPLE for any DIYer.  With their amazing tools, you can customize anything from simple embellishments to even jewelry charms.

A.  Photo Charm.  The first project I have is a super simple but cute ribbon necklace I made for my daughter.

Supplies:  To make this necklace, you will need the following supplies:  Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker (Permanent Adhesive); Ephiphany Crafts (Shape Studio Tool Heart 25, Bubble Caps Heart 25, Metal Charms Heart 25); American Crafts Ribbon.

1. Size Down and Print Your Photos.  Choose a photo that is approximately 28 mm x 28 mm large (to fit inside the heart shape of the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio Tool Heart 25).  Note: I resized my image in Photoshop and then printed them at home using photo paper.

2.  Punch Out Photo/ Image.  Using the Ephiphany Crafts Shape Studio Tool Heart 25, cut out a heart shape from the photograph.

3.  Adhere the Bubble Cap.  Leave the heart shape inside the heart tool, place a heart bubble cap on top of the image and inside of the tool, and then close the lid and press down to adhere the bubble cap onto the photograph.

4.  Apply Adhesive onto the Heart Bubble.  Run the heart bubble through the Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker.

5.  Place Heart Bubble into Charm Setting.  By simply removing the adhesive backing from the heart bubble, you can then simply place the heart inside the Ephiphany Crafts Metal Charm Setting to create the most adorable and customized charm!

Since I'm not a jewelry maker, I simple ran a piece of cute ribbon through the charm to create a super cute necklace for my daughter.  And since it was so easy, I was able to quickly make a second one for her to give to her friend.

B.  Custom Embellishments for Cards.  I also love how the Ephiphany Crafts tools let me fully utilize my digital scrapbooking supplies to make custom embellishments, perfect for scrapbook layouts or cards.  For these next two cards, I printed some digital stamps (in coordinating colors with my patterned paper) on matte photo paper to make these flair-like circle embellishments.

For my other supplies, I stuck with my Simon Says Stamp June Card Kit (which I am a brand new subscriber to).  I also created some smaller circle embellishments by cutting out images from the patterned paper with the Epiphany Crafts Studio Shape Tool Round 14.

1.  You're the Best Card.  

Supplies:  Ephiphany Crafts (Studio Shape Tool Round 25 and 14, Bubble Caps Round 25 and 14); Adhesives (Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker, Xyron Mega Runner); Patterned Paper and Die Cuts (Basic Grey - Hipster Collection); Stamps (Amuse Studio); Wood Veneer (Freckled Fawn); Heart Sequin and Brad (Doodlebug Designs); Hello Word Art (Splendid Fiins - Spot On).

Here is a close up of the custom embellishments (which easily fit through the Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker).

 

2.  Where in the World Card.  

Supplies:  Epiphany Crafts (Studio Shape Tool Round 25 and 14, Bubble Caps Round 25 and 14); Adhesives (Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker, Xyron Mega Runner); Patterned Paper and Die Cuts (Basic Grey - Hipster Collection); Stamps (Kelly Purkey - Dude); Wood Veneer (Freckled Fawn); Hello Word Art (Splendid Fiins - Spot On).

With the "hello lovely" circle, I used the Round 25 tool as just a circle punch and opted not to cover it in a bubble.  I love it when my tools have multiple functions!  And here is a close up.

Remember to stop by the Xyron Blog and Xyron Facebook Page all week to see what other awesomeness and giveaways are going on!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Simple Scrapper - June 2013 Blog Hop

 
It's time for another blog hop to share the scrapbook layouts I created inspired by sketches and story starters available through the Simple Scrapper Premium Membership.

1.  Books on Bases Layout.  I used my May Counterfeit Kit for this layout.  Using a sketch from the June Simple Scrapper Premium Membership, this came together in no time!

Supplies:  Sketch (Simple Scrapper Premium Membership), May 2013 Counterfeit Kit, Cardstock (Joann's), Punches and Dies (Fiskars, Lifestyle Crafts); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner).

I love the look of a simple single punch along the edge of a layout using a border punch.  Goodness knows I have enough of those border punches.  :)

And I love those blue glittery thickers from American Crafts.  Who am I kidding, I love any and all thickers!

2.  Pumpkin Patch Train.  This layout is inspired by a story starter in the June Simple Scrapper Premium Membership and also uses a Simple Scrapper template. 

Supplies:  Template (Simple Scrapper); Digital paper and elements (Design by Dani).

GIVEAWAY!!!  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter a giveaway for a one month trial membership at Simple Scrapper. There are three ways to enter and three winners will be selected. To be eligible, you must enter by 11:59pm CDT on Wednesday, June 5.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now be sure to visit the other Design Team Member blogs for more inspiration from Simple Scrapper!

Simple Scrapper (Jennifer Wilson)

Lisa Corbin-Polak

Ronnie Crowley

Holly Humbert

Margrethe Aas Johnsen

Amy Kingsford

Samantha Landay

Pam Lozano

Aimee Maddern

Van Nguyen  YOU ARE HERE

Sara Strickland

As always, thanks for stopping by!!

NOTE:  The Premium Membership at Simple Scrapper provides skills and shortcuts to help you simplify and find more meaning in your memory keeping. Each month members receive a new collection of sketch templates and Story Starters, story-focused prompts for pages and projects.
 

Tutorial - Glow in the Dark Stars

Those who follow this blog know how much I absolutely adore my Xyron adhesive machines for everything from scrapbook layouts to craft projects with Charlotte.  I was reading this Fancy Nancy book to Charlotte the other night and it got me thinking...hey, I can make glow in the dark stars!  So if you want to make your as well, here's a little tutorial.

You will need the following supplies:  Cardstock, Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker (Permanent Adhesive and Repositional Adhesive), Glow in the Dark Glitter.

1.  Cut Out Star Shapes.  Either by hand or using some sort of die cutting machine, cut out star shapes from the cardstock.  I used these Xyron/ Spellbinder Dies and ran a few pieces of scrap cardstock through my Xyron Creatopia - Shapez Component.

2.  Adhere Permanent Adhesive on Stars.  Using a Xyron machine fitted with permanent adhesive (I used my 2.5" Create-a-Sticker), cover each star shape with adhesive.

3.  Cover Stars with Glitter.  Carefully peel each sticker off of the backing and then cover with glitter.  For some tips on how to do this, check out this Xyron Video.

4.  Adhere Repositional Adhesive on Stars.  Finally, adhere repositional adhesive on the non glittered side of each star.  I used my Xyron 5" Creative Station with Repositional Adhesive but Xyron makes repositional adhesive cartridges for almost all of their machines.  Also, remember to place the glittered side of the star facing up.  This effectively creates a wall sticker!!

5.  Adhere Stickers to Wall.  Finally, stick those stars onto the wall...

...and turn off the lights!  Glow in the Dark Stars!!!!

As always, thanks for stopping by!!!

May Counterfeit Kit Challenge - Lazy Weekend Mornings Layout and some cards

I just wanted to quickly share a layout and some cards I made using my May Counterfeit Kit.  It felt so good to just craft with no particular agenda or purpose. And as always, it feels great to work away at my stash.

1.  We Love Lazy Weekend Mornings Layout.  I adore the weekends, especially when Justin is home and we get to all sleep in a little bit longer.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Lifestyle Crafts Doily Die, Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape.

And here is a close up of the title.  I love mixing up my letter stickers.  Goodness knows I have enough of them.  Sigh...  :)

2. Ahoy Boy Card.  This card is for a good friend that just had another boy.  I need to get this bad boy in the mail along with this super cute outfit I bought the other day.
 

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit; Stamps (My Cute Stamps - Ahoy); Inks (Jenni Bowlin Studios, Tim Holtz); Punch (WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

3.  Celebrate Card.  I love how easy it is to use this stamp set from Papertrey Ink to make a card for any type of celebratory occasion.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Stamp and Die (Papertrey Ink - Celebrations, WRMK); Ink (Jenni Bowlin Studio, Versafine); Xyron Creatopia - Shapez Component; Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

4.  Thank you Card.  I used the circles in the patterned paper to frame these cute little punched hearts.  Can someone say...use up your scraps!

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Punchs (Fiskars, WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker).

5.  Smiles Card.  And this final card is for my amazingly dear and talented friend, Misty.  Out of the blue, she sent Benjamin the sweetest card and outfit.  So, Misty, this one is coming in the mail to you very very soon.  I love you dearly, my friend.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Stamp (Lawn Fawn - Many Thanks); Ink (Jenni Bowlin Studio); Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher; Punch (WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

If you haven't already, make sure to check out the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.  It's a great way to use up that stash of yours!

As always, thanks 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!

Counterfeit Kit Club - May 2013

I have been a long time fan of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.  I often get envious of all you kit club members but just can't get myself to jump on the band wagon since I still have so many supplies that I love and adore.  The Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog is my answer - providing me a kit community while still helping me use up my massive stash.

For this month, the inspiration kit was the Shoreline Kit from Polly Scrap Kits.

I am obsessed with all things nautical (and it's not because of recent trends, thank you very much).  Blame my sailor husband.  So I was super excited to try to pull something together from my stash.  Here is what I came up with.

For the patterned papers, I stuck with the blues/ reds/ yellows.  There is a pop of black in there.  I also pulled from my 6x6 pads to maybe create some cards.  The patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye, Echo Park, Pebbles, American Crafts, Canvas Corp, and October Afternoon.

For my embellishments, I again focused on the color palate and also pulled some nautical themed stamp sets. 

I have already create two layouts and a couple of cards so I can't wait to share those with you!

As always, thanks for stopping by!