Friday, August 22, 2008

Truffle Box Tutorial


I created the pattern for these truffle boxes to hold individual Ferrero Rocher Chocolates after being inspired by a cupcake box my daughter brought home from a birthday party. They're quick and easy to make and don't use up a lot of paper. I'm still waiting for my order of new catalogue goodies to arrive, so for this sample I used Pirouette Pink cardstock with Bella Rose Designer Series Paper and elements from the Pretties Kit.


Supplies:
One or two colors of cardstock
Scrap of Patterned Paper
1.75x1.75" piece of transparency or plastic
1 1/4" Circle Punch
1 3/8" Circle Punch
Scallop Punch


To create your own Truffle Box:

Cut a piece of cardstock to 8.5x5"
Score along the long side at 1.5"
Score along the short side at 1.5", 3.5", 5", and 7"
Cut along all the short score lines to where they intersect. These will be the flaps for your box.

Cut a piece of cardstock for your inside base 2 7/8"x2 7/8"
Score along all four sides at 1/2"
Cut out the squares formed by the score lines at each corner.


Punch a circle out of the centre of your base piece using the 1 1/4" punch.

Punch a 1 3/8" circle from a scrap piece of Designer Series Patterned Paper. Set aside this piece. Using the hole as a guide, line up your scallop circle punch and punch out a scallop. This piece will be used to embellish the top of your box.

Use the 1 3/8" circle you punched out to trace around in the middle of one of the inside (2x2") panels on your box. Cut this circle out using scissors, making sure to cut along the outside of the traced mark.

Glue your scallop piece to the outside lid of your box.

Flip the box over and glue the transparency to the inside lid of the box to create a window.

Glue the flaps of the bottom of your box together as shown.

Glue the flaps together on the lid of your box. Be sure to do this while the lid is on your box to make sure that the lid will fit over the base.


Fold along the score lines on your 2 7/8 x 2 7/8" piece of cardstock. Slip this inside your box as a stand to hold your truffle in place.

Embellish the outside of the box as desired.

Monday, August 18, 2008

WOW Flowers 3x3 Card Kit

I came back from the lake last night after Stamp Camp, but unfortunately I did not find any catalogues waiting. I called Stampin' UP this morning and my catalogues will be re-shipped and I should see them by the first week in September (or the end of next week if I'm really lucky, which so far I have not been!). As a small consolation to my customers who have been (not so) patiently waiting for their hard copies of the new catalogue, I have decided to post the instructions for our Stamp Camp projects here this year for everyone to enjoy instead of printing them off or emailing them only to Stamp Camp Participants. Catalogues or no catalogues, Stamp Camp was a blast. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make it such a great time!

I'll be posting a project a day this week, starting with the Wow Flowers Card Kit we made. The box fits three 3x3 cards and matching square envelopes.

Supplies:
  • Inks & Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze
  • Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch
  • Whisper White Cardstock
  • Rhinestone (removed from a rhinestone brad - more on that later this week)
To Create the box:
  • Cut one 7" x 4.25" piece cardstock
  • Score along the short side at 3.25" and 3.75"
  • Cut along the short score lines to where they intersect and fold everything up into a box. Glue flaps in place.
  • Squeeze the open ends together and punch a quarter circle out of both pieces
  • Embellish as desired and add matching 3x3 cards and mini envelopes
While we were at the lake, I also checked in on a Bohemian Waxwing Nest I discovered last weekend. The nest is quite tucked away in the tree, so I reached in with my point & shoot expecting more shots of the eggs. I was quite surprised to find this:





The pictures aren't the best, but I didn't want to chance staying too long and mama bird was anxious to get back to her nest for obvious reasons! I hope we make it back before they fly away.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Scalloped Flower Tutorial

I'm still waiting for my boxes of catalogues, which means I'm still playing with my preordered stamps and bella rose paper while I wait. I do, however, have my demonstrator copy of the catalogue. I must say that Stampin' UP really did an amazing job with this catalogue. The ideas and samples are gorgeous!!! Today as I poured through my catalogue again, this time looking at all the little details, I came across a super cute flower on page 46 and started wondering, "how did they do that?" I figured it out quickly and adapted it slightly to create my own version. I was so happy with it that I incorporated it into a project for this weekend's Stamp Camp. Here's what I did:
Supplies:
6 - Scallops punched out of Designer Series Paper (here Bella Rose)
1- small circle (here 3/4")
1 - embellishment centre (here Designer Button)
Cut each scallop in half. You will need five halves for a five petal flower like mine.
Roll each half scallop into a cone shape and glue in place.
Add adhesive to one side of your punched circle. This will be the base to add your petals to. Flatten the pointed end of each flower slightly.
Attach each petal one at a time to the adhesive on your circle.
Once all five petals are added, attach your centre embellishment and add it to your card. For a puffier version (like the one in the Stampin' UP catalogue), use six petals and do not flatten them.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Bella Monkey

I'm still anxiously awaiting my boxes of catalogues! In the meantime I thought I'd share some of my creations from last week. I spent much of the week at the cabin - relaxing, reading, tubing, and even stamping! I brought my new sets, new papers, and minimal supplies (very difficult for me) and actually found a few moments here and there to use them. These cards are two of the several I created. I'll be heading back to the lake for my annual Stamp Camp at the Lake this weekend. I still have room to squeeze in one or two more, so if you live in the Saskatoon area and would like to join me for a full day of stamping, food, and fun, let me know!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Always Bella


Here's the card I made for my parent's 40th anniversary this week. Mom, if you see this before your anniversary, act surprised! I bought a set of blender pens to create my own in-color markers using the in-color ink refills. I love them! I also used an older sketch from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday.

Stamp: Always
Paper: Bella Rose Designer Series Patterned Paper, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip