Holly showed how you can create flowers using different shapes and sizes in her beautiful layout. Recently, I signed up to do a tag swap and the theme is “anything goes” so I went with FLOWERS! Today, I’d like to share with you how I acccomplished this by using Spellbinders™ flower-shaped die templates.

To start on the flowers, I used a couple of flower die templates in varying sizes: S4-232 Blossom Two #1, #2 & #3 (smallest die being #1) and S4-191 Dahlia #1, #2, #3 & #4. Two of the S4-121 Doodle Parts were used as accents.

Since I needed to make more than one layered flower, I pulled out my W-026 Grand Cut Mat Kit and lined up all my die templates with paper to cut/emboss in one pass. Such a time saver! The KaiserCraft Gypsy Sisters Collection papers were cut into strips of 3 1/2″ x 12″ for easy cut/embossing on the Wizard™. The sandwich formulas are the same:

CUT Sandwich (from bottom UP):
White Master Mat
Magnetic Mat
Die Templates (cut ridges UP)
Pattern Paper
White Master Mat

EMBOSS Sandwich (from bottom UP):
White Master Mat
Die Templates (cut ridges UP with paper embedded)
Tan Embossing Pad
White Master Mat

Needing only three tags for the swap, I used different techniques on each (inking, distressing and misting). I will focus on the ”Dream” tag which I used the inking technique. I inked the edges of my flower die cuts (direct ink to paper) and assembled it with a Creative Impressions Brad.

I used Donna Salazar’s Artistic Papers Collection as a base for my design. I letterpressed by embossing into the paper using I2-1013 Fleur de Lis Stripe Impressabilities™ and Clearsnap Queue Ink in the Wizard.

After stamping JustRite Stampers Friendship Borders and Centers Set, I cut/embossed the center and border with S4-114 Standard Circles LG #6 & #4. I want to mention that I nested the circles to cut/emboss the image (center and border) all at the same time. Another time saver! To mimic the bottom lace, I cut/embossed S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities® Accent and accordion folded every 1/4″. I used Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L 3D Foam Squares to adhere all parts. Then finished the tag by inking the edges.

Here’s another look at the finished tags.

Spellbinders also offer Nesties™-009 Nesties Flower Nestabilities® set which features four die template sets (S4-232 Blossom Two, S4-192 Blossom, S4-191 Dahlia, S4-193 Peony). The best part about purchasing the Nesties set is a savings of 20% over buying individual sets.

Feeling a need for more flowers?! Here are some of our talented Design Team Members who also created projects using Spellbinders flower-shaped die templates.

Design Team Member Kimberly Crawford used S4-192 Blossom to make this beautiful card.

What a wonderful project that Design Team Member Julie Overby created using S4-232 Blossom Two.

Just a reminder TODAY (June 29th) and TOMORROW (June 30th), Spellbinders Education Director Kim Hupke is appearing on Canada’s The Shopping Channel. She will be demonstrating Spellbinders Wizard and the die templates. There will be some artwork and of course, techniques to show off! You don’t want to miss all the great inspiration and wonderful ideas.

So set your DVR for TODAY (June 29th): 7:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm U.S. Central Standard Time or watch online at The Shopping Channel, click “On TV Today” on the left side of the site. TOMORROW (June 30th): Midnight and 5:00am. Go Kim!

Thanks for stopping by today!
MargieH

Nestabilities and Borderabilities is a registered trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.
Spellbinders, Wizard, Impressabilities and Nesties are trademarks of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc

Today, I would like to introduce 2010 Spellbinders™ Design Team Member Judy Hayes. Last week, she posted a clever idea on how to show the best in our Borderabilities® Petite designs. Here’s an encore presentation from Judy:

I am thrilled to be here to show you an idea that first came out of my desire to show a flower peeking out from each side of the stamped image on my card made with My Mind’s Eye Quite Contrary Collection.

First I cut a piece of white cardstock with S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities Petite Accent die template by cutting/embossing one edge. Then using repositionable tape, I taped the die template on the other edge (leaving ¼” space between them) and cut/emboss.

When I laid the cut piece onto my card front, only one eyelet flower would show on one side or the other. I really wanted to see a flower on each side of the image. What should I do? Cut the piece in half, leaving the gap…who is to know?! No one will see it. SHHhhhhh…it will be OUR SECRET! LOL!

I added a satin ribbon over the divided piece then layered a piece of pearl cotton. Then adhered the S5-019 Labels Eight #5 (smallest die template being #1) shaped stamped image in the center. Lastly with Glue Dots Craft Dot Adhesive, adhered the button threaded with pearl cotton, leaving a tail sticking out from behind.  Here’s a second look at the card.

WOW Judy, what a great idea! So taking her suggestion, I took one of my oldest son’s eighth grade graduation pictures and created a layout.

Using S4-241 Jumbo Scalloped Borderabilities Petite Border layered with S4-242 Big Scalloped Borderabilities Petite Border and the S4-271 Nested Owls #3 that housed the title, this is what I came up with:

Supplies Spellbinders S4-241 Jumbo Scalloped Borderabilities Petite Border, S4-242 Big Scalloped Borderabilities Petite Border, S4-271 Nested Owls #3; Pattern Paper: KaiserCraft; Ink: Clearsnap; Font: JustRite Stampers Times New Roman 50 pts; Pearls: Creative Impressions; Adhesive: Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry.

Next time you want to show your best in Borderabilities, give this idea a try!
Thanks to Judy for the suggestion.

Hope everyone has a great holiday (Memorial Day) weekend!
MargieH

Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.
Borderabilities and Shapeabilities are registered trademarks of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

I was asked by a friend to create a group of coordinated thank you cards and I knew that my Spellbinders™ supplies would be just the thing to do that. I surfed around the net and found some great ideas from crafters about creating a bunch of cards out of just one sheet of cardstock.

Now that seems impossible and in some ways it is…You actually need to have a supply of card bases to complete this project, a sheet of wonderful cardstock, some embellishments and adhesive…THEN, you can create a bunch of cards with just one sheet of 12×12″ cardstock…”done with one.” OK, I need to confess something here, I actually used three half sheets, but “done with one and a half” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

I suggest gathering some card bases and two coordinating cardstocks to start. Then gather your favorite die templates and your Wizard™. Add an adventurous attitude and you’ll be ready to go. Here is what I chose:

This is the second time I have created a set like this and I learned a few things I want to pass along. I chose papers that coordinated and imagined in my head that one would be in the background, one would be used primarily for matting and the other would be used for die cut embellishments. Keeping these “separate” in my mind really helped the design process.  Let’s get started.

Cut each of your papers in half (6×12″). Using larger die templates, such as Spellbinders™ Labels, arrange 6-8 onto blue textured paper. This was a fun “puzzle” to see how many die templates I could get on ½ sheet.

Make sure that there is space between some of the die templates to cut the cardstock into 2-3 pieces, fitting each section onto a Master Mat. Each of the die templates is labeled for easy reference. The number refers to the die template size, counting #1 at the center.

Use the same technique with the brown dot paper and plenty of die templates, utilizing some of the smaller ones for stamping, accents and embellishments.

After arranging the die cuts on the paper, and trimming it into smaller pieces, select a few to cut/emboss. Then cut/emboss the rest of the pieces in that block.

Cut the background paper. I cut one inch off the side and then cut various heights, as seen below on the right. Then put some of the elements together as seen on the left.

Next, arrange the elements on the cards with the background papers.

Add the final touches with stamping, ribbon, and other embellishments. Here are my final results. Some of the images changed from those above but isn’t creating like that some times?

Supplies: Spellbinders™ Wizard™, S4-111 Classic Scalloped Ovals LG, S3-146 Butterflies Two, S4-162 Labels Two, S4-168 Large Labels, S4-189 Labels Three, S4-190 Labels Four, S4-199 Floral Accent, S4-200 Floral Bouquet, S4-204 Fleur De Lis Pendants, S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities® Petite, S4-233 Labels Nine, S4-251 Big Scalloped Ovals LG, S5-004 Sunflower Garden, S5-014 Deckled Mega Rectangles SM, S5-019 Labels Eight; Chatterbox artsy.licious flocked paper; My Mind’s Eye dot and lacey paper; Clearsnap cat eye watermark ink; Taylored Expressions sentiment stamp, JustRite Stampers stamp, Sparkle N Sprinkle embossing powder; Glue Dots, Pop-Up, Craft, Mini; Textured cream cardstock, Brown ribbons, PVA glue

Most of all…have fun with this one and enjoy your weekend.

Eli

As we say good-bye to 2009 today, I have been planning ahead by creating a montly planner for 2010. A couple of months ago, I received a set of (12) 6″x6″ round-shaped calendar cards - a perfect base for my project.

The list of Spellbinder™ items is LONG! I wanted to use as many of this year’s releases as possible! So I used the S4-224 Snowflake Border Petite* (Border), S4-213 Fleur De Lis (Border), S4-226 Harvest Border Petite* (Pumpkin Border), S4-218 Lattice (Border), S4-217 In Spades (Border), S4-221 Poinsettia and Stars Border Petites*, S4-211 Tulips (Border), S4-214 Eyelet (Border) and S7-017 On The Vine Border Grand*.

I also used the S4-092 Stars Five (#1, #2, #3 & #4 - smallest die is #1), S4-227 Pumpkin Nestabilties®* (#1, #2 & #3), S4-231 Labels Seven (#3 & #4), S4-191 Dahlia (#4 & #5), S4-136 Classic Heart (#2, #3 & #4) and S4-232 Blossom Two (#3 & #4). Please note the * indicates the product as a part of ”The Seasonal Collection, Limited Edition” (they are no longer manufactured). Check your favorite Spellbinders retailer to see if they still have them in stock…once they’re gone, that’s it!

In the last picture, I used the S4-158 Sunflower Set Two, S4-222 Create A Flake One* (#2, #4 & #5), S4-228 Nested Maple Leaf* (#1 & #2), S4-219 Nested Poinsettias* (#1 & #2), S4-205 Eyelet Pendants (center and accent), S4-204 Fleur De Lis Pendants (center), S4-209 Tulips Pendants (center) and S4-210 Lattice Pendants (center and smallest accent piece).

Using a combination of our partners and a few things from my scrap stash, you will notice all the different and fun products that went into this planner. Can you see…Chatterbox, Clearsnap, Core’dinations, Cosmo Cricket, JustRite Stampers, My Mind’s Eye, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, Tattered Angels and The Paper Company? Many thanks to them and to our other wonderful partners for making our products shine throughout 2009!

To start, I traced papers twice using a calendar round as a template. One for the entire round and the second, 3/4 of a round to use as a pocket (each month/page will have a pocket). Taking advantage of the wonderful capability of the Border Petites, I edged all my pocket pages (the tops of the 3/4 rounds). It adds such a beautiful accent to each page. Depending on how each page will look, I either sanded or inked the pocket.

Let’s take January’s pocket page as an example:

With My Mind’s Eye papers, trace January’s page (full round and 3/4 round); cut/emboss S4-224 Snowflake Border Petite (Border) and stencil with Clearsnap Queue Ink…

Cut/Emboss S4-222 Create A Flake One (#2, #4 & #5) with Core’dinations cardstock and sand…

Adhere all around the sides of pocket piece with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L and foam square S4-222 Create A Flake One #2 to finish the page accent…

and to complete the page by adhering everything onto the back of January’s card. Trim (if necessary) and ink/sand the edges for a finished look. Now repeat this process 11 more times! Good luck! LOL!

After all the pages are done, punch a hole on the side and insert a 2″ binder ring. Now you’re ready for a new year! Here’s a different look at the completed project!

Spellbinders and I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful (& safe) New Year! We appreciate your support and enthusiasm throughout 2009. Looking forward to an exciting 2010…can’t wait to share!! Speaking of exciting, are you considering a run for 2010 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Design Team Contest? If you are interested, please click HERE for more details!

Happy 2010!!
MargieH xo

WOW! That was one cool Savvy Saturday post - thanks, Beth & Kimberly!!

As I was playing with this great idea, I found another way to heat up that black foam tip from my Clearsnap Colorbox Stylus Tool! Since I am an impatient type, why not use a heat emboss tool to “warm up” the foam? Please take care in not burning the foam! LOL! I took a part of a flower from the I2-1004 Impressabilities™ Flower and imprinted it onto the black foam.

Today is ”Back To School” for us and what a great idea to make a treat bag for the boys’ teachers!

These die templates were used for the project: S4-114 Standard Circles LG #4 (#1 being the smallest die), S4-125 Classic Scalloped Circles Small #5, and S4-214 Eyelets Borderabilities® both dies.

I used a white paper bag as the base and inked up my new foam stamp with various colors from my Clearsnap Queue inks. Then set aside to dry. Then I reached for my JustRite Stampers 3 1/4″ round stamp set to stamp my images on white cardstock and on Core’dinations Dusk cardstock. I used the S4-125 Classic Scalloped Circles Small #5 to cut the outside of the image and the S4-114 Standard Circles LG #4 to cut the inside of the image. Cut/Embossed them together through the Wizard™.

I also cut/embossed the S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities® #1 die (the one that cuts on one side and makes a continuous cut for a decorative edge) to use a topper, sanded to enhance the embossing, inked the edges, fold over the flap, punched holes to thread the ribbon and glittered the accents. The Eyelet accent piece was inked, adhered and then glittered. Then I adhered the stamped open circle, ribbon and foam taped the center image.

After everything dries, I plan on putting in some goodies for the teachers which will include a packet each of TUMs and Aspirin!

Oh, happy back to school!!!
MargieH

Who loved Margie’s Savvy Saturday Card?  Me!!  Here’s a quick one I put together using the same set of S4-205 Eyelets Pendant and S4-214 Eyelets Borderabilities®.  I used the Border, which is the die template that has one cut line, to cut/emboss the detailed edge of the paper.

I started with patterned paper from My Mind’s Eye’s Penny Lane collection, Clearsnap Colorbox Lemon Grass pigment ink and a Colorbox ink applicator tool.

The green “Beauty” background is 6 x 6″.  The cream “My Friend” mat is 5.5 x 5.5″.  To cut the detailed border, I placed the S4-215 Eyelets Borderabilities® die template along the edge of the paper and taped it in place with low tack tape.  The tape keeps the border from moving.  I cut/embossed in the Wizard™.  I removed the tape and applied Lemon Grass ink to the back side die template and just slightly along the embossed edge.

I cut/embossed the S4-205 Eyelets Pendant from the blue “Peace” paper, and the Center die from the “Beauty” paper.  I actually cut/embossed both pieces at the same time!  I inked the Pendant and Center pieces in the same way as above.

I assembled the card and added a button from my stash.  Yes, I actually sewed that button on!

Do you love the look of the Borderabilities®?  My next Savvy Saturday will be how to use the 5.5″ Borderabilities® on paper longer than 5.5″!  And don’t forget about the Pendant Project Contest, entries will be accepted through August 10!

For today’s Savvy Saturday, I’d like to show you all one of our newest Borderabilities®, the S4-214 Eyelet Pendant Petite Borderabilities®.

You may recall that we introduced these products during our recent Blog Frenzy. Design Team Member Jennifer Davis had created such a wonderful project and provided a video to show her steps through the process.

In the video, she had mentioned that the set of two Borderabilities® each having a different function. One (we will call Border #1) will emboss all the way around BUT will cut on one side only. The other (Border #2) will cut and emboss the entire die template to become a beautiful accent piece. I love the choices with these Borderabilities® sets! I will show what I did using the Borderabilities® on a card I made.

Using my 4.5″x6″ card base that I made from Core’dinations Color Core Cardstock, I edged my card by using the Border #1. I fold the card inside out and sandwich the magnetic spacer inside with the Border (cut side away from magnet). You may wish to use removable tape to line up the border to the card base. Place all between the two White Master Mats and put through the Wizard™ to cut.

Next fold the card back to its original position and then carefully replace the Magnetic Spacer with the Tan Embossing Pad. Again, place all between the two White Master Mats and put through the Wizard™ to emboss.

Then using a lighter tone of the card base, I cut/embossed Border #2 which I plan to layer on top of the edge card base. Note: after cutting/embossing, take great care when pulling out the piece from the die template. Many of the new Borderabilties® have intricate cuts and will be delicate. I used my embossing tool (the one with the rounded tip for dry embossing) or a tooth pick is helpful too.

I sanded both borders (to give emphasis on the embossing) as well as the card base edge. Thread the ribbon through Border #2 before adhering with Scrapbook Adhesives to the card base and add Hero Arts Pearls to both borders.

Add ribbon in the middle of the card base and single knot to secure (you may wish to adhere the back for more security). Using Crafty Secrets’ Cotton Scraps Flowers, I frayed the edges and inked with Clearsnap Queue. Then matted onto Core’dinations cardstock and adhered to card base. Stuck two stick pins into the knot to complete the look of the card.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and memorable 4th of July here in the U.S.!
Happy Birthday, America!!!
MargieH