Sizzix Sale!

Now is the time to buy your Sizzix dies because they are on sale for 20% off at Ben Franklin Crafts. I am really having fun with the extra large die cutters, the ones that make boxes and other paper forms that can be folded into 3D shapes. These larger die cutters require the extra large cutting pads to work correctly. One of my favorite Sizzix die cutters is the 'shaker box' because it is a basic foldable box with a window. For Valentine's Day this box is really cute when cut out of double sided card stock (glue acetate into the window) and filled with candy. However, if you fold back the cover it can be used as a picture frame. (See photo.) You should put some foam sheets or extra thick glue dots in the back of the photo since the box is fairly deep or you can put several photos in the box to make it a changable photo frame.

Years ago I made diorama greeting cards which could be mailed flat. Assembling the the box part of the card was always tedious, so I was excited when I figured out that I could use the Sizzix shaker box to make diorama cards. All the rubber stamp designs used on the card in the photo are from the Hero Arts 'So Sweet' clear stamp set. I colored the designs with glaze pens, watercolor pencils, and glitter. A thick glue dot was placed behind the teacup to give it more dimension. If you intend to mail the card, you should not assemble the card but apply Merikan tape to all the flaps so that the recipient of the card can assemble the card after it arrives in the mail. (See photo.) As a small gift, you could place a tea bag packet in the box and use it as a tea party favor. In fact, this box done in wedding colors, printed with name/date, and tied with a gauzy bow would be an easy and inexpensive way to make wedding or shower favors.