Sweet Summer Sale-A-Bration Gift Box

I want to clear up any confusion regarding the box I created for this past week-ends blog hop.  I apologize if I led anyone to think that the template for this box was included on the SAB Digital Content CD.  The CD contains only the new items in the SAB catalog:  So Happy For You, Punch Bunch, Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Quick Accents Pack, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack, Sweet Summer, Notes décor elements, Bliss.  The box template I used is an add-on for the My Digital Software program and is sold seperatly: Mini Project Boxes - Item # 120171 which sells for  $1.95 and contains 2 mini project boxes. 

In order to create this cute little box, I went through several steps.  None were time consuming at all, the entire design process came together in about 10 minutes – then all I had to do was print, cut, color and tape.

I started by selecting the multiple output option and a blank landscape 8 1/2” x 11” canvas area.  I found the Mini Project Boxes in the Designer Kits section of the Stamps area.  This box is mini box #1.  When I applied it to my project I had to rotate it right and then select mirror.  It then looked like the photo above and I was ready to “stamp” away.

The template gave me a nice idea of where to begin my design and what the end result would be like.  I used various stamps in the Sweet Summer set, placing, coloring and resizing as necessary until I had my desired result.  I rotated and resized the butterflies, bees and bird so they would fit into the tiny spaces.

When I had it all completed, I highlighted the original box template stamp and selected “remove” from the options.  This allowed me to print it out without having my cut and scoring lines printing onto my design.  At this point I printed it onto copy paper so I could check out alignment issues in the next step.

Now I needed to get that wonderful box template to print on the reverse side of my cardstock.  I added a new page to my project, again selected the Mini Project Box #1 stamp, rotated, mirrored and then selected “flip”.  I printed on the reverse side of the copy paper I used in the previous step, held it up to a light and I could see exactly where my design was going to fall when I actually printed it on cardstock.  I did have to go and make a minor adjustment to my stamps – easily accomplished by using the Arrange menu and “select all” – then my arrow keys on the keyboard to slightly move all the items at the same time.  I inserted my cardstock, and printed only the template page first.  Then reinserted my cardstock to print my designed area on the reverse side (try to remember if the right or left side of the page prints first so your alignment is correct).

You could also just print the template onto copy paper and use temporary adhesive to apply it to the back of the cardstock you printed the design area on – then cut.  I like having it right on my cardstock, it’s just a personal preference.

My last step was to create the flowers for the lid of my box.  Once again I added a new page to my project.  I went back to the page of my original design, selected the flower I had stamped on the lid and copied it (edit menu – copy).  Then back to my new page and pasted it (edit menu – paste).  I pasted three copies of this stamp, then moved them into one row and printed onto copy paper.  Using the Dotto temporary adhesive I adhered colored cardstock over the images on the copy paper, reinserted into my printer and printed this page only.  My multiple flower layers were now printed on cardstock and ready to cut and put together.

I hope I haven’t totally confused you with my instructions.  This really is a quick, easy and fun project to complete!

Stampin’ Addicts 2011 Sale-A-Bration Hop

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Sale-a-Bration blog hop, I am the 4th stop along your journey.  There are 21 talented stampers on this tour, all are eagerly awaiting your arrival so they can share with you some of the wonderful products that you can earn for FREE during Stampin’ Up!’s Sale-a-Bration promotion.  If you started at the beginning of the tour, you have just seen the bright and cheery creations Twila created using the fun Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper & Quick Accents Pack.  If you are starting the tour with me, you can continue on to visit all participants by using the link at the end of my post.  If you get lost anywhere along the way don’t worry, you can find links to all the stops on the Stampin’ Addicts website. 

I was so excited when I saw the Digital Content CD offered in the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  What a great way to have access to all the new stamps, Designer Papers, ribbon, buttons … well … EVERYTHING!  Did you see the Décor elements chalkboard piece on page 9 of the catalog?  Guess what?  With the digital CD, you are not limited to only hanging it on a wall and using chalk.   The individual elements are available on the CD as separate stamps! 

When I saw this I knew I was going to have fun with it.  I decided to make a cute journal, complete with lined paper inside.  In addition to the Chalkboard elements, I added paper, borders and an accent from the Ice Cream Parlor set; and a few buttons for good measure.  You may have noticed that the colors of my notebook are not as bright as those in the paper pack.  By creating this with the My Digital Studio software, I was able to lower the opacity and get lighter color tones.  I can also submit this to the printer through the software program and have it professionally printed as a hard-bound journal.  How fun is that!

While I was wandering around the software program, I stumbled on a template for a box and wanted to see what I could do with it.  I decided to use the Sweet Summer set this time.  The cute border at the bottom of the box is once again from the Ice Cream Parlor Quick Accents.  When I was done with placing all my items where I wanted them, I printed it out.  The majority of the coloring was done with a blender pen, markers were used for the center of the flower blossoms and the bees.  A few strategically placed pieces of sticky tape and it turned into a beautiful little gift box! 

Here’s a closer look at the larger flower on the lid of the box.  This was printed out on scraps of colored cardstock and the individual layers cut out.  I topped it with a glimmer brad, and surrounded it with lots of bling!

 

 

For my last project I decided to play with the Bliss stamp set and make a hybrid card.  Believe it or not, I do not yet have this stamp set in my possession … all images were created using the Digital Content CD!  It is one layer printed on Very Vanilla cardstock, which I trimmed and mounted to an Early Espresso card base.  I’ve found that one of the greatest perks of using the My Digital Software program is that you aren’t limited to using a stamp in just one size.  If you look closely at this card you will see that the background is the same stamp as the main image – just scaled much smaller.  I also lowered the opacity of the back panel so I could achieve a tone-on-tone designer paper look. 

Thanks for sitting with me and letting me share my creations with you.  I hope you enjoyed these projects as much as I did making them!  Follow the arrows below to continue on the tour.  Your next stop is Sarah’s Ink Spot, where Sarah is going to share her gorgeous creations using the Sweet Summer set (yes, I have peeked already!).

    

Stampin’ Addicts SU! Occasions Mini Blog Hop

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop.  Once again we’re ringing in the New Year by showcasing many products found in the newly released Stampin’ Up! Occasions Mini Catalog.  These items will be available for purchase beginning January 4, 2011.

If you started this hop from the beginning, you just came from InkPaperStamps where Holly previewed some beautiful projects using the Petal Cone Die.  If you’re starting the tour at my blog, you can continue on to visit all participants by using the link at the end of my post.  If you get lost anywhere along the way don’t worry, you can find links to all the participants on the Stampin’ Addicts website.  All links will remain live until Sunday evening, so take your time visiting, enjoy and come back often!

I chose the Springtime Vintage fabric as my item to showcase.  I love the colors and patterns in this fabric, so bright and cheerful and definitely scream springtime!  I haven’t used any fabric in my paper crafting endeavors, honestly never once thought about the possibilities.

I dug in deep for my first project – have to admit making that first cut into these gorgeous fabrics was darn right scary … but once I did it, I never looked back!

This 5” square card started with the puffy heart in the center and grew from there, layering scalloped circles of fabric with a circle of card stock.  For more of a vintage feel I sponged the blue cardstock, if you look closely you’ll see I even sponged the edges of the blue scalloped fabric circle.  Ink on fabric, wooohoooo!!! 

My next project is also a card.  In case you didn’t know, I LOVE cards! I also can’t get enough of butterflies so was super excited when this idea popped into my head.  It isn’t often when I am able to keep a project clean and simple, but this was one of those items that less was definitely more.

For the body and antennas I dyed white 1/8” ribbon to match the Not Quite Navy, then looped it around the back.  The butterfly is double stacked on dimensionals to give it extra lift.  I wish you could see this up close, it looks like it is really ready to take flight.

For my last creation I broke out of my comfort zone, dug out my sewing machine and dusted it off (it was REALLY dusty!).  Thank heavens it was still threaded (probably from the 1990’s) as I’m not sure I’d remember how to do it again. 

I used one of those cardboard coffee holders from a local coffee store as a template, layered felt and fabric, hand gathered a strip of complimentary fabric for the ruffle and sewed it all together.  I decided it still needed “something” for more interest so I cut some flowers using the Big Shot and layered them all together, then added one of the new big buttons.  What did I end up with?  My very own one-of-a-kind coffee cozy!  (the red at the bottom of the cup is part of the cup design, NOT a sample of the Springtime Vintage fabric line)

Thanks for stopping by and visiting, I hope you enjoyed the projects I’ve shared with you.  I’ll post more details and project recipes during the next month.  Please continue on the hop and visit Lisa, who will be sharing some fun ideas using the Easter Blossoms stamp set.

 <----- PREVIOUS BLOG          NEXT BLOG ----->

Decorative Candles part 2

Here is the second project that was made at my candle stamping class last week.  Transforming these tealight candles into a decorative gift item was so quick and easy, I’m planning on creating more of these for holiday gifts!

I sure wish I could take credit for this clever idea, but must admit to finding it in my wanderings.  Many thanks to Tanya Boser for generously sharing her talent and directions.  I modified the size of the gift box to hold 3 tealight candles and added a divided insert.  The images were initially stamped with one color, then markers were used to highlight various portions of the leaves to add some color and depth.  I suppose a disclaimer should be added when burning the tealights.  Since the image is stamped on tissue paper, it may burn – so never leave these unattended!  I did a trial run on one candle and it only singed a bit of the image, but you never know … it is paper and we all know paper and fire do not mix well!

Of course, no gift is complete without a coordinating card.  I love this simple layout using Stampin’ Up!’s square punches, layered with a wide strip of matching designer paper and contrasting scallop edged borders. 

Project Recipe (all projects included)

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude
Paper:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Autumn Spice DSP
Ink:  Old Olive, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Markers, square punches, corner punch, Scallop Edge border punch, brads, tissue paper, heat gun, scallop oval punch, wide oval punch, 1/8” grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4” striped ribbon, linen thread, dimensionals

 

Decorative Candles

Using your favorite rubber stamps is such an easy way to personalize those inexpensive plain white candles into a one-of-a-kind piece of  artwork.  I often turn to this technique when I’m looking for that perfect item for someone special who already seems to have everything.  I can choose images and color combos that fits into their home décor, making it a heartfelt gift that is definitely for them alone.

For this candle I used my current favorite Stampin’ Up! stamp set Just Believe.  To add a bit more interest to this solid image, I used markers to color in the flowers and stems before stamping.  I added a coordinating greeting card, masking off a horizon line and sponging in various hues of greens and blues.

I finished this gift by wrapping it in a clear cellophane bag and adding a quick gift tag and piece of ribbon.  Who wouldn’t love receiving (or giving!) this wonderful gift!

PROJECT RECIPE:

STAMPS:  Just Believe, En Francais, French Filigree
PAPER:  Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist
INK:  Not Quite Navy, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
ACCESSORIES:  Basic Pearls, Taffeta Ribbon, sponges, dimensionals, XL Oval punch, Two Tags die, cellophane bag, tissue paper

Tea Light Box

Please forgive the photo quality of my pictures, my camera seems to be trying my patience today … it won!  Remember, if you want to see any of the photos larger, just click on them.

As promised, over the next few days I will be posting the instructions and/or project recipes for items I created  for Stampin’ Addicts Stampin’ Up! New Catalog blog tour.  Today I am going to reveal how I created my Tea Light holder box.  For the sake of photography, I used a scrap piece of white paper and drew lines in pencil to show where the score/fold marks are on the fancy favor box.  While this die does call for a 12” sheet of cardstock, I used an 6” x 11” piece – making sure that I placed the paper at the very end of the die that did NOT have the overlap.  This resulted in the overlapping tab (on the right side of the photo) being cut at approx. 1/4”, definitely enough for a piece of sticky strip to hold it all together.

 
After cutting the base of the box, I used the Clearlits Scallop Rectangle die to cut the inserts on the narrow side panels only.    I eyeballed this, trying to center it on the panel – then cranked it through my Big Shot … repeating the process for the second narrow panel.

 

 

Now grab your ruler, this is where the real technical (NOT) stuff comes in!   In the photo below, see how I have my ruler running right along the scalloped edge of those 2 scalloped panels?  I marked a dot about 1/2” in on each side, then drew a line between those two dots … moved to the top of the box and did the same thing.  MAKE SURE TO DO THIS ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR BOX!   Then I connected the top and bottom dots to create my cut lines. 

     

Using a craft knife and ruler, I cut out on those lines – leaving a nice little opening for my decorated vellum cardstock piece.  Do the same thing on the last panel.  You should now have 4 openings in your candle holder and the hard part is done!

I wasn’t sure as to the result of heat embossing on normal vellum paper so I opted to use the heavier vellum cardstock from Stampin’ Up!.  I measured the openings, added approximately 1/2” to the top and side measurement, then cut my vellum pieces.  I inked my stamp up with Versamark, colored with markers, stamped the image on the vellum, sprinkled with iridescent ice embossing powder and heated it all up.  The result was exactly as I hoped!  Attach these pieces to the inside of the panels with snail (I placed the embossing on the outside).  A few pieces of sticky strip to put the box together and you are finished!!!

  

Again, I opted to use battery operated tealights (2 fit nicely inside this box) – I did not want to test the waters and see if paper really burned.  <grin>

Project Recipe:

Stamps:  Just Believe
Paper:  Cajun Craze, Peach Parfait DSP, Vellum Cardstock
Ink:  Peach Parfait, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive (marker), Not Quite Navy (marker)
Accessories:  rhinestone brad, paper flower, sponge, 1/8” ribbon, iridescent ice embossing powder, circle punch, birds & blooms die (scalloped circle)

Something Little

I wanted to play with the new designer paper I “won” at convention so I created these little notepad folders for each of my club members, as a small token of my appreciation.  They were each tucked inside a coordinating Stampin’ Up! reusable tote bag which was purchased at Momento Mall.  Of course, their special bags also included the merchandise they ordered for the current meeting.   This is the front and back of the folder – notice the cute Stampin’ Up! pen peeking out!

… and this is the inside.  A pocket on each side…one to keep your important notes safe and one to house a mini legal notepad. 

 

Project Recipe:

Stamps:  Apple Blossom (level 2 Hostess)
Paper:  Play Date DSP, Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Accessories:  Brads, Modern Label punch, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, corner rounder punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, sticky strip

Just Believe – SU New Catalog Blog Hop

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts New Catalog blog hop.  Are you loving the new Stampin’ Up! catalog already?  I have really had to exercise some major self-control as I once again find myself wanting everything!   If you are loving this catalog as much as I am then you will definitely want to make sure you visit each and every stop on the tour, 26 in all, each showcasing a different product offered in the 2010-2011 SU Idea Book & Catalog. 

If you jumped on the bus at the beginning of the tour, you entered my blog after visiting DawnMarie at DMdesigns.  Didn’t you just love what she did with the Cottage Garden stamp set?  Bet you want to run right out and purchase it now!  If you started the tour from my blog, follow the link at the bottom of this post to continue on your journey.  If you get lost along the way, you can always jump right back on by visiting Stampin’ Addicts for the complete list of tour participants.  This blog hop will remain active through Sunday, August 1st.  Please check back often … and enjoy!!!

I am sharing a few projects I have made with the brand new stamp set “Just Believe”, found on page 109 of Stampin’ Up!’s new catalog.  I swear this set screamed my name LOUDLY when I came upon it.  Hopefully after you look at my creations, you will love it just as much as I do.  If you want to see the photos larger, just click on the images!

I originally used this criss cross card box design for a shoebox swap I participated in while at the Stampin’ Up! convention, had so much fun making it I decided to do it once again – this time including cards!     The piece of ribbon peeking over the top corner of the box is some of the new 1/2” stitched poly-ribbon.  This ribbon is absolutely wonderful to work with, and gorgeous to look at! 

Can you see I’ve also been playing with the new Basic Pearl jewels?  Love, love, love these!!!  They are self-adhesive – just run the tip of your scissors underneath and slide the pearl over – glue and pearl sticks to your scissors and allows you to place it exactly where you want.  If you look closely under the “friends” sentiment on the card, there is a row of 3 of the tiniest pearls in the package.  

This is the little note that slips inside the criss-cross card.  Once again, the 1/2” poly ribbon appears – this time shredded and looped through the top to use as a “pull”.

 

For my next project I pulled out tons of my new toys and had a great time playing with them all … you really do not want to see my stamping quarters right now!  On the main image I used my brayer and newly acquired skills to make a quick scenic background, added a few strategically placed leaf branches from the Two Step Bird punch and one of the new Bitty Buttons.  The scalloped borders are are pieces of cardstock punched from the brand new Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch – yet another new love of mine.
Last but not least … a candle holder!  Ok, so I am deathly afraid of fire and opted to use battery tea lights – but you get the idea.  I used the fancy favor box die to create the box, as well as the new scalloped rectangle clearlet to cut the sides – and even more fun new products!.  Be sure to stop back later this week, I will be posting more photos and details on this holder!
Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting me.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the creations I’ve shared with you, as much as I did making them.  Please stay on the bus and continue with the tour – your next stop will be Cindy, who will be showing you some fantastic ideas using the Countryside stamp set.

<----- PREVIOUS BLOG           NEXT BLOG ----->

Catching Up

My apologies for not keeping up with my blog lately.  I’m used to the craziness that seems to be a constant state in our family, but this past month things have been busier than normal – leaving me little time or energy for much creativity.  I’m trying hard to work through the emotional roller coaster we seem to currently be riding, but sometimes it does get the best of me.

On to bigger and better things!  I never got back to giving you the details on the projects I made for the birthday celebration blog hop.  If you need a little refresher, check the post directly below this one! 

Transforming one of Stampin’ Up’s new file folders into a “designer folder” was so much fun and surprisingly easy … a few cuts and folds, embellish as desired and look what happens: 

 
Below is a close up picture of the cover details and what you find when you open it up.  I cut a small strip of matching designer series paper and inserted it into the pen, making this a completely coordinated ensemble!

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Stamps:  Define Your Life
Ink:  Rose Red, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Thoroughly Modern File Folder, jumbo grommet, button, polka dot grosgrain ribbon, linen thread

I love coming up with packaging ideas, sometimes feel the containers are so much more exciting than the actual contents!  This carrier was another “easy-to-put-together” project.  I used the Box #2 Bigz XL die for the boxes, laying my paper so the top closure was cut off.  Sandwiched two pieces of cardstock between the boxes, punched a “handle” and DONE!  

One side holds a bottle of bubble bath and body lotion, the other side holds 3 small bottles of instant hand sanitizer.  I cut a strip of card stock, folded and adhered it inside to make compartments for each of the smaller bottles.  Isn’t this cute!?!?!

  

     

 

 

 

 

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  pretty in pink, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack
Ink:  rose red, pretty in pink
Accessories:  sending love epoxy brad – pretty in pink, pretties kit flower and pearl, 5/8” satin ribbon, 1” circle punch

Keeping in the birthday theme, I have a new project to add.  When wrapping up a recent gift, I realized I had no gift bags to fit the items (dvd’s). I quickly ran into my stampin’ quarters (thank heavens the desk was clear for once!) and decided to design my own using some of my massive collection of designer papers.  I added a quick tag made using the Kisses Sending Love notes offered in the current Stampin’ Up! occasions mini catalog, punched a decorative top, added a paper bow created using more designer papers, ribbon, tissue and presented the gift.  Once again, I think the packaging is so much more exciting than the gift inside.  AND … it’s a double gift – the recipient can use this cute bag on THEIR next gift-giving occasion!

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  whisper white, cameo coral, Pink Flamingo dsp, Kisses Sending Love Notes
Stamps:  Whimsical Words (SAB)
Ink:  tempting turquoise, cameo coral
Accessories:  jumbo eyelets, 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, curly label punch  
 

Stampin' Addicts Birthday Blog Hop

 
Welcome to Stampin' Addicts first Birthday Blog Hop!  Stampin' Addicts is a free website dedicated to all things Stampin' Up.  They offer SU-oriented galleries, challenges and special events. This Birthday Blog Hop is one of several events being held this week-end to help them celebrate their 1st birthday.  Membership at Stampin' Addicts is free of charge, and is open to Stampin’ Up! fans everywhere.  When you're done following the hop here, pop on over and check them out!

If you started this tour from the beginning you came upon my blog after visiting Allison.  Didn't you adore the young boys birthday ensemble she created?  If you're starting the tour at my website, follow the link at the bottom of this post to continue on your journey.  If you get lost along the way, you can always jump back on the tour bus by visiting Stampin' Addicts for the complete list of participants.  This tour will run through Sunday evening ... so sit back, relax and enjoy!!!

I have created a sister - practical and pampering gift ensemble to share with you.  My sister is very special to me and I don't get to see her often as she lives "fur fur away" as we say in my house - but I still like to make something special for her when I can.  I decided to take a "celebrate your entire day" kind of approach at this ... are there any of us who wouldn't enjoy celebrating every step of our day?  Without further ado, let us begin a journey through my sisters special day ...

*** SPOILER ALERT***  If you are reading this sis, stop now unless you really want to know what your belated gifts are!!!

The alarm clock rings, sis stumbles out of bed and finds her very first birthday gift is eagerly awaiting her ... just look at that trio of pretty boxes stacked high, bright red polka dotted ribbon cascading down the sides and a most beautiful paper bow perched atop (all Stampin' Up! items of course!).  Whatever could be hiding inside?  Should she open the boxes quickly or just sit and admire them ... this is almost too beautiful to take apart!  Alas, curiosity gets the best of me her and she decides opening would be the best way to start off her day.  And what a start it is!  Gently removing the bow (don't want to destroy this!) and untying the ribbon, she lifts up each of the colorful box lids to reveal ... an assortment of coffees, teas and mini creamers, specially designed for her to use in her Keurig coffee brewer.

After several minutes she finally decides which flavor to enjoy, then makes her way to get ready to head out the door ... unfortunately, sis still must go to work on her special day. 

 

... which brings sis to the second stop of her birthday celebration.  As she picks up her keys she finds another package sitting right next to the door - guess she best open that up before heading out for a busy day at the office (or where ever she heads to).  Oh my, now who wouldn't want to be seen with this darling note pad holder (and matching file folder!) in their arms? 

Unfortunately, due to time restrictions I can not show you today just how cute this is inside ... a junior legal pad sits on one side, with a coordinating pen, and a monthly calendar so I always know what day it is (I seem to forget this little detail quite often).  

Sis has had quite a busy day, gets back home to all those nightly household chores, and finally sits down to put her aching feet up ... and sees one last gift sitting on the coffee table.  What more could she possibly ask for, this day has already been perfect.  Ahhh, something special to help her relax at the end her day ... a lovely hand stamped scented candle and a gift tote of bubble bath and body cream.  Wait, turn that tote around (sorry, I can't show you this today) ... there are 3 tiny bottles of instant hand sanitizer neatly snuggled in the box on the other side!  Ok, I will admit that my sister is a nurse and I am sure she could use those little bottles of sanitizer!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you've enjoyed spoiling my sister as much as I have!  Check back later in the week for more photos of these projects as well as recipes.  Please continue on the tour by visiting Carmen who will be showcasing boys birthdays.

Bitty Box surprises finally revealed!

You would think being home alone would give me all the time in the world to stay caught up with posting to my blog - evidently that isn't true.  I'm sorry I'm so late posting the details on the cute Bitty Box note card set you all loved, things have been a bit hectic around here.  I've made a promise to myself that I WILL get this done today ... and hopefully have some new things to post soon.

I mentioned I found a few surprises I made while creating this, you might already be aware of these but they were new to me and I was very excited when I made the discoveries. 

Discovery #1:   
We all know how nicely Stampin' Up's Full Heart punch layers with the new Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit die, but did you know you could also make those cute little polka dots coordinate perfectly by inserting your heart into the same embossing die after punching it out?  Easy peasy, and I love the subtle difference in the hearts when layering as above!

First, punch out your heart and position it inside the embosslit die as shown in the first image below.  Close the die and run it through your Big Shot ... perfectly sized and positioned polka dots - yet no scalloped edging!

     

Discovery #2:  Did you know you could add shimmer paint to your color mixture when dying ribbon to coordinate with your project?  I am unable to achieve a wonderful photo to show you just how shimmery this ribbon is when sitting in front of you, just let me assure you ... it is gorgeous!  The tiny glimmering light spots are pieces of the glitter in the shimmer paint, now embedded in the ribbon! 

To achieve this all I did was put about 25 drops of water into a small plastic bag, add 12 drops of refill ink and 2 drops of Champagne Mist shimmer paint (amount of ink, water and paint depends on how much ribbon you are dying).  Squish it all up, roll up the ribbon and put it in the bag.  Squish it around again, making sure all the ribbon is covered with your homemade die.  Pull out the ribbon and lay it on a thick layer of paper towels, fold over the towels and apply some pressure to "soak up" the excess liquid.  Lay your piece of ribbon aside and let it dry ... which only takes a few minutes.  Pick up the dry ribbon and admire your creativity!

And finally, the cards cards and envelopes which were super quick and easy to assemble. I took a 2" x 4" piece of textured Pretty In Pink cardstock, used the Pinking Hearts border punch to make the pretty edging at the bottom of the card.  Punched out a few hearts using the SAB Welcome Neighbors dsp paper pad and layered them with the Scalloped Heart embosslit die.  Using a coordinating piece of paper, I lined the inside of the card and made matching envelopes - stamped on the envelope and DONE!

On a special note, I have to give credit (as promised) to my darling daughter for her aid in designing and making this project.  THANK YOU CASSIE!!!  She claimed to suffer from "sizzix elbow syndrome" after so many hearts were cut and embossed ... could we possibly see a new medical diagnosis in our future?

Project Recipe:

Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts
Ink:  Pretty In Pink
Paper:  Pretty In Pink textured and regular, Rose Red, Welcome Neighbor DSP Paper Pad (SAB)
Accessories:  Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Organza ribbon, corduroy button, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart punch, Pinking Hearts border punch, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit die