Make A Birthday Wish

 While working on Valentine projects, I realized that I had a few birthday cards to create for the month of February.  Here's one I came up with using an AI (Art Impressions) stamp set that depicts middle aged bakers decorating a giant cake.  I thought this would be perfect for the recipient.  I used a solid pink card stock ( Paper Accents Pink Stash Pack from HM BFC) to make the card blank. (This pack is a real bargain because you can cut each sheet in half to make 80 cards!)  I didn't realize what a delicate job it would be to cut out this image so you may want to stamp the image onto a blank circle to avoid the cutting hassle.  To camouflage my inaccurate cutting I glued a paper doily behind the image.  The image was colored with Copic pens and the sentiment was die cut with a Spellbinders set.  Inside the card I stamped the sentiment, "We're Not Getting Old We're Getting Awesome" and on the back of the card I stamped "Aged to Perfection".  Both sentiments came with the AI stamp set and seem perfect for this card. In the bottom photo is a new Lawn Fawn product that I purchased at HM Ben Franklin Crafts.  It is a chamois-like rubber stamp cleaner. I am happy to say that it works very well to clean off the ink even in the crevices of intricate stamps.  Well, one BD card down, a few more to go.......

Maple Leaf Resin Charm

 A few years ago a neighbor gave us a miniature Japanese maple tree.  I always think the leaves are so delicate and artistic.  The last time the tree was in its full glory, I collected a few leaves and pressed them between heavy books.  I used an silicon oval resin mold with a built-in hole peg (sold at HM Ben Franklin Crafts) to make the charm. The UV/LED light liquid resin is a Padico product, but there are many light hardening resins available at HM BFC too.  I filled the mold in three steps and hardened the back before removing the charm from the mold.  Any imperfections were corrected with additional resin and/or filing with a glass nail file.  Finally the charm was attached to the charm pull (from HM BFC)  with a large Beadalon jump ring. This is a simple project which will bring a smile to the recipient especially if she gave you the tree. Saving a blossom or petal from a lei, bouquet or prom wristlet is a sweet way to immortalize the occasion. May your life be crafty and CHARMing!

Sweet Life Mini Calendar Tags

 This set of calendars are not Valentine themed so they can be used as tags for any occasion gifts.  The Newton's Nook stamps inspired the sweet treat look for the accordion pleated 3" x 3" calendars.  I sprinkled pigment powders onto 3"x 8" damp watercolor paper to get unexpected results.  Once dry, I scored and folded the strip at 3", 6", 6-3/4", and 7-1/2".

 Please click on the images to see them close up.  To add some color and texture, I tied on some novelty ribbon/yarns from my collection of fibers.  The mini calendar were purchased online from Vippies.

 The backs of the tags were stamped with the sentiment that came with the stamp set.  Tip: To keep my die sets with the matching stamp sets, I always tape the packages together.  To add a whimsical touch to the calendar tags, I used Glossy Accents (available at HM Ben Franklin Crafts) to adhere the 'fake' candy sprinkles (from the resin section of HM BFC) around the calendars.  I think these mini calendar tags will be perfect year round to add a little something-something to a special gift.  Crafting makes life sweet!

Valentine 2019 Calendar/Card

As promised, here are larger versions of the previously posted mini-calendars. These accordion pleated Valentine calendars have 4"x 4" front faces.

I started with 4" x 10-1/2" strips of double sided card stock. These are scored  at 4", 8", 9" and 10".  After folding the accordion pleats the last edges are sealed with double stick tape.

This cute Penny Black  hedgehog postman was colored with Copic pens and fussy cut.  Two envelope stickers were added to balance out the calendar.

For this calendar I used a Mama Elephant stamp image which I cut with a matching die. I think the simple graphic background helps to make the saimin-eating cats stand out.

I happened to find a pink heart doily in one of my Valentine stash boxes.  It was the perfect backdrop for the two hedgehog lovers.  A little Wink of Stella sparkled up the roses...unfortunately this was not captured by the camera's eye.  These calendars are perfect little Valentine gifts to mail with sweet messages written on the backs.  They are also an excellent way to use up leftover card stock and my slowly dwindling supply of Vippie calendars. I guess I will be making Easter calendars next. LOL!

Mini Valentine 2019 Calendars

Yup, I still have leftover Vippies calendars because I didn't make my usual Xmas calendar party favors.  But not to worry, I can include these with my Valentine cards.  Click on the images to see them close up.  They are simple to make and require only a few supplies.  I start with a 9" x 3-1/2" strip of printed cardstock.  From the left, I score at 3.5", 7", 7.75", and 8.5" .  Then it is a simple matter to fold in the pleat and double stick it closed.

 The cute animal images were stamped on marker paper (from HM Ben Franklin Crafts) and fussy cut.  (The Hero Arts raccoon set has a matching die set.)  I sparingly colored with Copic pens and added some Bo Bunny pearlescent paint, red Stickles, heart sequins, and twine.  I might try making larger versions of this project so I can use up my larger sized calendars and then they can double as Valentine calendars and cards.  Hugs and Hearts to you!

Shopping at Daiso

Have you been able to shop at our new Daiso store in Pearl City?  Don't let the line to get in discourage you because there are so many fabulous items almost all for $1.50 each. Yes, that's right practically everything is only one dollar and fifty cents!  I bought lots of dishes (porcelain and glass), kitchen items and storage items. I forgot to photograph them and already put them to use. Here are the stationery items I selected. The three plain white bags with the colorful twine handles ( for only $1.50) are a great bargain for crafters who like to decorate bags.  I love the Japanese print note pads and unique origami paper....can you believe they are only $1.50?  I even got stockings, wash cloths and zippered plastic pouches that I plan to fancy up with fabric, paper or stamped images.  I went  twice to the store in the few short days I was in Honolulu and I purchased in total three Daiso shopping bags of fantastic bargains.  Don't worry there are still new items coming in constantly. You never know what you'll find at the Daiso store but it is sure to be a good deal. Happy Diaso Shopping!

Smile Tokidoki Calendar Card

 As soon as I saw the Tokidoki Origami paper pack selling at HM Ben Franklin Crafts, I knew that I HAD to have it!  There are so many colorful pages of Tokidoki designed origami paper and even some black and white ones to color.  I wanted to make a simple thank you card with a calendar bonus.  (Calendars were purchased from Vippies.) I resorted to my old standby Sizzix XL Stand up circle die to cut the card base and used simple Sizzix circle and square dies to cut the background pieces. (Sorry I forgot to photograph the square dies.)

 The gold foil 'Smile' word was cut using a Lawn Fawn die and glued only on the bottom edge.  The Tokidoki paper pack also has directions for folding the crane in case you've forgotten (like me) or need to learn how to make one.  These cards were easy and fun to make. I really like that the Tokidoki designs are so cheerful and appropriate for the whole year.  There were two different  Tokidoki design origami paper packs sold at HM BFC, so I think I'll treat myself to the other pack. LOL! Happy 2019 Crafting!

Holiday Thanks Card

 Before I put away my holiday craft supplies, I always try to make my thank you cards.  This year I wanted something different but quick. A round card was something I haven't made in awhile so using the Darice wreath shaped die (purchased from HM BFC but didn't get around to using) seemed a good choice.  This card was made completely with dies and didn't require coloring.  The card base is formed from two Sizzix scalloped circles that were glued on the top.  I tried using my Xyron adhesive machine but I think a little Beacon 3-2-1 glue is a little easier to adhere all the little die cut areas of the wreath and  words.  A little cute character below the thanks would be sweet (maybe next time) but I wanted to crank these out since I am running a little late this year.  What a way to start out 2019 huh?