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