Good things come in small packages

Need a few packaging or gift giving ideas for Christmas?  These are quick and easy to make so you could even do them for tomorrow. Or, maybe easier, just switch out the decor and make them for birthdays or valentines or easter or ....

If you would like to see the video from Show and Tell with Tracey (s1e3) you can watch the replay on my youtube channel.

Here are the measurements and tips for the projects:

  

  

You can stamp on the matte side of the box (the shiny side is the food safe side).  If you are using a stamp or DSP where direction matters, make sure you align them for the direction they appear after the box is folded up.

I have shown the cardstock in 2 different colours so you can see how to assemble.  Generally I would use the thick basic white or very vanilla for a little extra durability but coloured cardstock will hold up.

If you put adhesive all around the back of the mini envelope, it definitely helps getting the gift card or tea bag into the envelope.

No special tips here - I just love this project.

So many options for what you can fit in the 2 slots of this treat / gift card holder. Full size greeting card or notecard, tea bag, chocolates, hot chocolate, cider or coffee power, cookies ... oh the possibilities.

This works to put the cardstock/DSP panel on the same side of the envelope (inside and out) or on opposite side ( I know this because I accidently put one on the wrong side). Thinner items like tea bags, gift cards, chocolates fit in the envelope.

A little treat given in kindness or love can really make someone's day.  Have these on hand just in case someone needs a pick me up, thank you or for a special occasion.

Happy stamping and Merry Christmas peeps!

Tracey

I see a fox curled up napping under a tree

Thanks for joining me for Show and Tell with Tracey on 7 Dec 21.  If you missed the video, you can catch the replay on my YouTube channel.

Here are the pics and instructions for making the tree card - also know as the teepee card. Not sure who the original creator was but thank you so much for this fantastic idea.

First, here's the end product:

  

  

Note than in the first sample, the decoration hangs over the edge of the card base a lot - while I love the look of this when standing up, it does mean a custom envelope is required as it won't fit in the medium one.  The second example will.  If you are going to have overhang, lay your card flat and lay it on an envelope - that will tell how much room you have.

The card has wow factor but is quite easy to put together.  The base consists of 3 pieces of cardstock - 4 inches by 4 inches and then scored once from corner to corner.

For the patterned paper (DSP) you need 2 pieces cut 3 3/4 inches x 3 3/4 inches. Cut them in half from corner to corner. You will have one spare triangle. You can choose to leave the little triangles bare or put on a complimentary DSP.  For these you need 2 pieces cut 2 1/4 inches x 2 1/4 inches. Cut them in half corner to corner, and again you will have one piece left over.

Adhere the DSP on each piece as shown out below.  My version has white cardstock in the middle that can be written on but you can also sub out one of the DSP pieces and have the writing showing.

For ease of showing you how the pieces go together, I switched the colour on two of them. These pieces would all be the same with the DSP on the left hand side.

Adhere the pieces together.  Because people like to open and close this type of card (you just can't help yourself), I suggest a strong adhesive like Tear and Tape or Seal +. When you are putting the together, lightly line up the top corner and then fold the piece you are adhering before you fully adhere. This is to make sure you can still fold the card flat for mailing.

For the inside writing space, you need 1 piece of basic white (or very vanilla if that coordinates better with your DSP) cut at 3 3/4 inches x 3 3/4 inches. This piece gets cut in half corner to corner and adhered as shown below.

For the closure you can use flat magnetics or velcro pieces to close.  Just needs to be able to open to lay flat so not a permanent adhesive.  My preference is to adhere one magnet on the inside flap of the card, put the second magnet on top with the adhesive side out, close the card and get it all lined up nice, then press the second magnet onto the cardstock.

When getting ready to mail, fold the card flat.  As mentioned above, you want to contain the decor if you want to fit it in a standard medium envelope.  Notice the overhang, best to have it overhang over the center line (notice the foliage just above the S in the greeting) as this won't affect the envelope fit.

 

Once you make one of these cards, I think you will make many.  They are kind of addictive and can be decorated in so many ways.   Have fun creating.  One more for the road.

  

Happy Stamping!

Tracey

finally finished Friday

This may or may not be the last time that I have to use that title.  I have been trying to get things caught up for weeks.  Sometimes though, I just tire of the continual technology learning curve.  So instead of fighting it, I stepped away for a couple days and came back to look at things with fresh eyes.

In this case, it resulted in me figuring a better way to do things - and a little more refinement to my weekly schedule.  Go me!  Pinterest has been my latest nemesis but I've gotten a lot farther today.  Pinterest is where I want to upload photos (a library of sorts) and then just link to them there.  Sounds easy right. Right. Easy. Yeah.

Starting with the most recent Technique Tuesday video (s1e3) - here is my cute little penguin with his "kissed" toque and scarf. This card layer was originally used in my stamparatus technique video (s1e1) but I dropped an inked up stamp on the edge of it so it had to be trimmed down.  I love mini cards - they're 3" x 3" and so fun to make.

Technique Tuesday s1e2 was about making kits into something other than intended.  Alternative projects can be made with any supplies, kits just mean someone else prepped all materials for you.  Score!  

First up, the Love, Santa tag kit.  This kit had sold out but then came back in stock - how long it lasts is anyone's guess. Don't want tags, no problem, make them into cards.        

I also used the October 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit Peaceful Christmas (now that's a mouthful) to make some treat holders out of a card base and envelope.  Funny enough, this kit had some refills released which sold out the same day.  Then, mysteriously, they came back in stock. How long it lasts is anyone's guess. I sense a theme. 😀

This post is already picture heavy and going to be long so I will do another one with the box making basics and template.

And the latest projects to show you - final cards made with the stamparatus techniques I showed you in Technique Tuesday s1e1.

This first cards shows 2 techniques - exact stamp placement and two step stamping.

I'm not sure what this next technique called - pattern or template stamping maybe. I love the set Nothing's Better Than and think the images are very retro.  Hence the colour choices for the card. I didn't stamp this layer during the video but had done as part of the prep. I also used the same template for the wreath card (which I show in the video) but then I added some foliage and a label and it's a little hard to see.

The stamparatus is perfect for background stamps or large image stamps.  I love this Festive Foliage stamp so much it was hard to cover any of it up - but I did.

The reflection or mirror image technique takes a little practice but is so worth it. You definitely want the silicon mat to help with this one.

Finally, step stamping.  I really should have done a sample with sentiments as that is a really common use but I went with images.  I made a label out of the ornament layer and nestled it into the very yummy Christmas Pinecone dies.  The leaf card was not stamped during the video but shows you that the step method can work up and down as well as side to side.

  

Wow, that's a lot of pictures.  Thanks for hanging in until the end.  I would love to see what you guys make with the stamparatus. Maybe you could post a picture in the comments section.  I say maybe - because I have no idea if you can or not.  (that makes me giggle). Who wants to try so we can learn together?

Happy stamping peeps!

T

One of these days ....

I will come on here and tell you that my social media game is ON POINT! Today is not that day.  I mean I could say it, but it wouldn't be true. 😀 That said, I am making some wins.

I was so excited the other night when I figured out how to link my facebook and instagram accounts so that I could use my computer (instead of phone) and schedule posts on instagram.  You would have thought I solved world hunger I was so proud of myself.

Celebrating, alone, in my office - making lots of noise and dancing around.  Not enough commotion to get the teenager to leave his gaming cave (the basement) but a good amount.

So onward I trudge.  I did do a facebook live on Monday which I then posted on my YouTube channel (of course I have a youtube channel - doesn't everyone?). This was with the help of my IT department (same teenager but caught him on a food run). Maybe I'll remember how to do it myself, maybe he will help again - eye roll included for free!

I have plans for lots of different tutorials and content on my channel - stay tuned. 

In the meantime, I am prepping for my first in person gathering in a long time.  We're going to look at all the cool workshops coming up this fall, and make some christmas cards. No, it's not too early for christmas cards. Interested? Still room for you to come.  

I'm using the Tidings of Christmas suite - these products were in the annual catalogue so I have been playing with them since May.  I love them!

I'm going to keep this post short - yes, it is possible - since it's already after midnight and I have a full day planned for tomorrow.

I will be live on facebook at 1900 for "What's up Wednesday" (gonna make this a regular Wednesday thang).  Hopefully you can join me - but if not, catch the replay on paper pusher tv.  Did I mention that was my channel name.  I crack me up!

Happy Stamping

T

do you wanna be in the club?

While there are some sad goodbyes to be had this month - by way of retiring products - it is necessary to make room for lots of fun new goodies coming. The current annual catalogue (the big one) goes until 3 May. Here's what I think are absolute staples in the crafting room:

Some items are already sold out, some are on sale up to 80% off (say what) and some will carryover to the next catalogue. Easiest place to figure out what's going/on sale is the Last Chance section of my online store:

http://www.stampinup.ca?hostcode=SEJRGJ23

But let's focus on the fun. Lots of new product are coming - stamp sets, dies, patterned paper, embellishments, embossing folders, punches.

My favourite though:  the new In Colours. These are always much anticipated. I wasn't able to get all the items in my initial pre-order (demo benefit - we don't have to be patient) so not all items are in the photos below.

Now for me, I really like the new In Colours so I want all the things! That's option 1. I have figured out how to get everything In Colour - with some of it for free. We love free!

Option 2 - join one or both of the In Colour clubs. Bet you were wondering when I'd get around to making sense of the blog title.  Its a 5 month commitment so the cost  and the dispersal of goods is spread out. More budget friendly and not overwhelming with product. There is one club for cardstock and ink, and one club for accessories ànd treat packaging. Enabler alert: you get a bonus if you join both clubs. I need 5 people per club group - you can join with a group of friends, or individually and make new friends

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Option 3 is more of a sampler. Instead of a full package of paper, you get 4 sheets. Instead of a full size ink pad, you get an inked up stampin spot. And so on. 

All the details and prices are in the Club Deets. Deadline for sign up is the 10th of May so we can have the goods here in time for the first zoom club get together. 

So, you wanna be in the club?

Let me know if you have questions or which club (or clubs 😉)you want to join. 

Final pretty picture- my inner 60s hippie love love loves this flower power. A fellow demo suggested a little rhinestone in the middle for extra bling (thanks Donna!).

Happy Stamping!

Tracey

D&D ...not dungeons and dragons ...

... it's dragonflies and dandelions. And who knew I would like dandelions so much.  I guess when they are not in the lawn, they're alright.

     

      

I've been having been enjoying the fun folds lately so half of the cards in our next gathering will be them.  Not to worry though, I will cut and score them.

          

We'll be using the memories and more card pack as well so all the sentiments are already done for you.  No stamping required.

        

     

Did you notice the adorable little lady bugs? They are great once they are on the card.  Fair warning though, if they are in the plastic container, you bump the desk and then out of the corner of your eye you see one of them slide down the lid, you will probably jump, drop your inked up stamp right on the half done card and have to start over. Or so I've heard.

Want to join us on zoom on 30 April to make these cards? Here are all the details - you must rsvp by 16 April so I have time to get the extra supplies.

On a side note, I have had such a great weekend and it has been a great reminder of why I love being a demo.  Made some great projects during Spring Stampapalooza with our team on Friday night, the Stampin' Up! OnTour event on Saturday with 224 other demos on zoom, and now I get to plan to stamp and chat with you.  It's a trifecta! I love my "job".

     

Any questions, let me know.

Happy stamping!

Tracey