Bella Carta

Stocking stuffer ornaments - complete with pattern and how to

Have an old wooly sweater that you just can't part with? Or just pick one up at the thrift store for an easy to make Christmas gift that doubles as an ornament for a gift card holder.

This is super easy, just take your stocking template - pin it onto your sweater (right sides together) I used the band on the bottom for the top of the stocking. Cut two. Unpin your pattern and stitch up, down one side around the heel and toe, up the next side. You can stitch in a piece of yarn for the loop holder. The band - top of the stocking is not seen shut. I used the edge of the pressed foot as my guide. Turn inside out and place a gift card (or not). For extra fun, you could add buttons or other decoration.

You can see from my pics,I played around with the exact shape of the stocking - till I found what I wanted.  For easiness :-) just click right here ------->   Download 2537_001 and you'll get a PDF of the stocking that you just click and print.

Feeling Inspired? Play along with All Things Unity & Unity's World Card Making Day challenges

 
 

Our challenge this week for All Things Unity is open a magazine for our inspiration.  I found this gorgeous ad in one of my magazines. I thought the soft purples were really pretty for fall.  The flowers are made from the pages of a book (I bought a book of really bad poetry years ago at the thrift store, it had a gorgeous binding and while the poems were hideously bad - the pages make really pretty flowers!). 

Here's the ad that caught my eye and inspired my card:

 

The basics for making the flowers:
Punch: Punch (or die cut), I like to use 8 if its thick like cardstock, 9 if its paper
Sponge:  The color of your choice onto the edges, I love to use dye based ink because it softens and blends beautifully when you mist it.
Pierce:  Stack them together and then pierce in the middle (thumb tack or piercing tool), this is for a brad you will use later.
Sprtiz:  Spritz or mist these water, use enough to get them wet.
Crumple:  Crumple them up like a spitball
Uncrumple:  that's right, very gently pull them back apart
Stack:  place them all together
Brad:  Place a brad through that whole you pierced in the middle of them
Crumple:  Crumple them back together, working from the very top layer.  Keep playing with the layers till you get the flower as you like it (its okay to add a bit more mist to them if they're getting dry).

Let dry and place your masterpiece on your card.

 

 
 

Play along!!!!! Simply make a card - anything goes as long as you use Unity or Ippity stamps.  We have an awesome sponsor this month, Through the Craftroom Door, a digital magazine.

1. Create anything (i.e. card, scrapbook page, altered item, etc.) using your stamps by Unity or Ippity ****Please use only Unity and Ippity stamps in your creation.****

**Be sure to mention ATU in your post. **NOTE:: Please be sure to link to your specific POST about ATU not just your blog! 

3. If you load your creation up in an online gallery, please use the keyword ATU41.

4. This challenge will end on Saturday, Octber 15th at 11:59pm EST. So be sure to link up before by then!

5. You can link up as many times as you would like!  But make sure that each entry is new card using Unity/Ippy stamps. 

I'm also using this card as inspiration for Unity's World Cardmaking Day #4 challenge!  I was inspired by the flower and purple on the hats.

on a roll ....

 

 
Do you have these?   Those little cardboard rolls leftover from your toilet paper?   Yep - I thought so.   Do you realize you're sitting on a gift wrapping goldmine?   Yep ... its true.  With a little glue or that lovely "pink" tape - the double sided sticky stuff (i.e Sookwong tape) or a hot glue gun (or your choice of adhesive).

Simple pinch one end of the tub shut and use some double sided sticky tape on the inside.  Place your gift in there (these are perfect for jewelry, anything little or a gift card), pinch and tape together the other side.  You can make these flat or you can pinch the other end in opposite direction like a sour cream packet. 

I wrapped mine up with some twine, and if you really want to get fancy - you can add a button.  You could use yarn or some ribbon or some plain twine to wrap these up too.

 

Imagine these with a fun halloween treat inside or maybe a praline?  yum!!!

 

papertrey ink inspiration {June 2011 blog hop}

 
 

I haven't had the channce to play along with the Papertrey Ink blog hops these past few months, but I did get a few minutes to play along this month.

 
 
{photo credit}

We thought we would start a short inspirational series with the Blog Hops for the next few months as a fun way to spice things up!  This month we are providing you with a beautiful photo to help trigger some creative ideas with color!  This inspirational photo is just dreamy and it's the perfect thing to give you a creative jumpstart that will lead to nothing but fabulous results!  We look forward to seeing everyone's interpretations using this inspiration!

I was inspired by the rainbow colors, and those awesome silver hooks.  My card features a hand colored back ground, I used my Karat Aquarelle watercolor crayons.  The card base I used was my favorite italian cold pressed watercolor Fabriano Medioevalis notecards,  with matching envelopes. The butterflies are made from aluminum foil, that is debossed (the embossing folder is pressed into the design).  The steps for these are:

1) find a scrap of cardstock, adhere aluminum foil to a square large enough for your project.   I like to use "heavy duty" foil, but the regular will work also.  I like to use a glue stick and cover the cardstock completely with adhesive and then adhere it to the aluminum foil.

2) Use your favorite cuttlebug embossing folder.  These are small, so I like to use something with alot of design - but play around!  You can de-boss (which is what I did) use the folder upside down for the impression pressed INTO the foil, or emboss and have the impression raised on the foil.

3) use your favorite die or a punch

 
 

The deets:
Notecards:  Fabriano Medioevalis
Cardstock:  white PTI for under the aluminum foil
Stamps:   Sweet Peas YOF (Fill the Day with Joy), Handwritten Notes ("Have a Goodie")
Accessories:  watercolor crayons, aluminum foil

 

If you'd like to see more of my embossed aluminum foil creations <----- just click.  Or check out my card on DIY Life for AOL & Huffington Post:  http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/20/random-recast-aluminum-foil-round-up/

Tea staining your papercrafts

Years ago I used to work in a design/home interiors shop (yes, this really was a long time ago) where we carried a HUGE array of Battenburg lace items (curtains, drapes, pillows, bedspreads, etc) that we would custom tea dye for our clients.   Its the "technique" du jour or at least its the demonstrator's challenge technique on SCS (WW085).  So ... here's my tea stained card.

This is insanely easy!  Just brew a very strong cup of tea - I recommend 3 teabags in one cup of water and let brew till its dark.  Use a pan that you can place your cardstock in (this is 3.75 x 5.0 in) so I used a square 8 x 8 pan but a loaf pan would probably work also. Put your cardstock in and then place the brewed tea over top.  Let it soak in a few minutes remove and air dry.  For extra "umphhhhh" when you remove the cardstock, you can take one of the tea bags and drag it over the cardstock.    I used just regular Stampin' Up! Whisper White cardstock, but different cardstocks will give different results.  If you need detailed, step by step directions - you can find them here:

http://www.craftathome.com/Instructional/teastainingpaper.html

I also used a stamp set that I'm embarassed to admit I haven't yet used - yep, till this weekend it was still brand new in the package - Flight of the Butterfly. I paired my tea stained paper with Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant for the butterflies.   These are colors I don't use very often - not sure why as they're perfectly lovely but with 56+ colors to choose from (in the SU Color Families) they just don't get used very often.

 For the grass - I used the large stamp from Inspired by Nature set (*note this stamp set is not in the new Spring/Summer 09 catalog but is available for purchase!  Still scratching my head as to why it went on the "dormant" list).  Anyway - the grass is stamped in Mellow Moss and Almost Artichoke, I "stamped off" to vary the colors (i.e. stamp on a scrap of paper when inked, then without reinking, stamp again - gives a lighter image). I also uses a Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware frame for the sentiment.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post where I'll do this same card (at least the same stamped image) in a totally different color combo for a totally different look. 

 

Sweet sparrow scarf {HHH week of Jan 9, 2009}

I just love this sweet sweet bird from Unity Stamp Co (they call him "Flying Blue Bird") if you're looking to acquire this stamp! 

For this project, I took a white silk scarves (these are from Dharma Trading) and Adirondack alcohol inks.  I think the Adirodack sprays would work best, but I didn't have the color washes on hand -  but I did have my alcohol inks - so I experiemented.

First, gently wash the scarf - if you have a handwash setting you can use that, or just pop it into the sink wiht some mild detergent and line dry, iron if necessary.

Next ....  I selected three colors (Stream, Lettuce, Butterscotch) and working with one color at a time - just gently shook the inks over the scarf,  I had about twenty layers of newspaper below it to protect the floor. Then I took the alcohol blending solution and gently shook that over the ink, as it soaks in - it mottles and softens the color, you can also completely saturate the scarf with the blending solution.  {This is also where I recommend working in a WELL VENTILATED area}.  Keep doing this till you have your colors/patterns as you like them.  Let this air dry, then wash again (this gets the alcohol solution out and leaves just color), air dry and iron if needed.

Next - select your stamps and stamp away with any PIGMENT based ink.  For this project I used Archival Brilliance in Graphite (black).   Allow to air dry.

Finally - heat set your inks, I prefer to use an iron and lightly iron over the stamped images in the hottest heat setting you can safely use.  You may use a clean pressing cloth to help reduce scorching. 

I might go back and add in one more color ..... just to see what happens!  This is a work in progress!

PS Unity has a free shipping sale today!  Use this code when checking out to get FREE shipping on ANY purchase!

 

 

 

The project where paper arts and jewelry collide!

  I ♥ ABC projects (Anything But a Card!)  but with papercrafting :-) I make alot of cards!  *** I really wish I would scrap more ..... I love seeing scrapbook layouts - maybe that will be a holiday resolution to scrap more! 

Anyway - back to the topic at hand!  Before papercrafting, I was a "beader" and did all sorts of jewelry (beading, wire work, etc).  I still bead, although I've moved away bigger beads - I adore stitched beading like peyote or right angle weave.   Anyway.... while flipping through a magazine, I came across a christmas bracelet that Keri Lee Sereika (<---- click it to go to her blog) had made using some metal Christmas themed brads and was inspired to go create!

I usually use only sterling silver and didn't have this style in bulk sterling chain, but I did race down to my local craft store and this silver tone chain was ON SALE!  And then dug a bit for some silver tone clasps (I figured there was no use putting a sterling clasp on it).  I am going to order this chain in sterling, since I have a hard time wearing metals.  I am happy to report that I did wear this yesterday and I didn't turn green nor did the bracelet turn black :-)

The concept here is to use brads to decorate your bracelet.  I had some marvy ones from K & Co. fabric brads with a bit of bling to them.  I inserted the metal prongs through the circle, then used my rosary pliers (round nose) and twirled the prongs (one at a time) up and around the outer metal band to secure it in place.  This leaves them a bit loose, with just a bit of movement.  However, I realized that the brads may need to be more secure, so I put a drop of crystal effects (diamond glaze or whatever brand you buy!).  I think jeweler's cement would work here too, or a great all purpose epoxy like E3000. 

I added a little tag that says "live" near the clasp.  I plan on making a few more of these this weekend, and doing some wire work to make a few little beaded charms to hang off the rings, too. 

PS If you're a twilight fan ... don't forget to check here for great blog candy!  <----click to go check it out

Dig out your craft and rubber scissors!

Now that the stamp sets (at least the newest ones) are die -cut, you may be wondering what to do with your craft and rubber scissors!  They're actually great for any type of heavy duty cutting you might want to do.  In addition to cutting soda cans apart - they're great for this project - a hodgepodge hardware frame bookmark.

I used my scissors to cut off one of the two ends (keep one for attaching your ribbon).  This is an easy-peasy project 1-2-3! The hardest part will be choosing your paper!  I used the Baja Blue from Urban Garden, with a scrap of the NQN, and a scrap from the Bella Rosa- piroutte pink pattern - in fact you can use ALL scraps for this.

I'm stumped for a title! {Sorry, I can't pick just one!}

I just need to say this .....

"*IF** you're not absolutely convinced that the Big Shot is the BEST die cut machine on the planet - read on .....

**IF** you have absolutely no intention of buying the Big Shot - you might want to step away now (there are plenty of other projects to blurf in my blog).

**IF** you're awaiting your Top Note die (they are backordered - at least for a short time) have no fear ..... there are plenty of other Sizzix dies to play with.

**IF** you have put away your Craft and Rubber Scissors now that Stampin' Up is selling die cut stamps .... you might want to dig them out!

**IF** you have a pair of gardening gloves, you might want to grab those too!

**IF** you love the color RED .... you might want to check out this project.

**IF** you look at EVERYTHING and think "I can make something with that" .... this may be the project for you :-)

**IF** you drink soda ... this is a great way to recycle!

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Have you read enough? Good - let's talk about today's card!

Any guesses as to what the large snowflake is made from?  If you guessed a Coca Cola can, you're correct!

Here's how:

1) After consuming your favorite canned beverage, rinse your can out real good and let it air dry.

2) Take your craft/rubber scissors (and this is the part I suggest getting out your gardening gloves for - preferably the kind with some grippy things).  Pierce the blades into the can, near the top seam, then cut the lid off.  Your goal here is to cut the top and bottom off - and then cut straight down.  This will leave you with a rectangular piece that you're now ready to die cut.

3) Lay your aluminum can sheet out on top of the die, as flat as you can go.  Your sandwich will be - clear plate, Sizzix Original - large snowflake die, metal, clear plate and roll it through the machine. 

Please be very careful or wear protective gloves.  The metal is very sharp.  You'll want to very carefully peel the die cut can away from the plates and very gently punch out the snowflake.  You can use a tweezers or pliers if you need to - although when I did this, all pieces separately easily.      

4) Once you've got your die cut snowflake, take off your gloves and choose some coordinating cardstock.

For this project I used Pure Poppy cardstock from Papertrey Ink for the card base.  I ♥ this color - its a beautiful, intense red.  The ribbon is the satin perfect match Pure Poppy also from PTI.  Next is a layer in Basic Black CS (SU) and a brushed silver CS mat (SU).

5) Start with the silver CS and wrap your ribbon.  Adhere that to the black mat.  Use the designer label punch (SU) to punch out a label in Pure Poppy, add your hodge podge hardware silver frame (SU).  Then add dimensionals to the words and adhere them within the frame.   

6)  Stamp "Let it Snow" (from Coldplay stamp set - SU) in black and the snowflake in Pure Poppy, and use your paper snips to cut apart the words.   I used dimensionals (cut each one into quarters) on the reverse side of the snowflake.  This will give it some lift :)  Gently press it into place on your card.

*I recommend using a sheet of bubble wrap between the card front and the envelope, just to protect it.  And some extra postage for the post office to treat it with care (non machinable rate).

This card is one of a kind and availale for purchase in my Etsy store.  <---- click to go visit.

 

The Haiku Paper Rose How to ....

The Haiku Paper Rose How To ....  okay, say that 10 times fast!

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

If I hadn't been so tired last night, I would have gladly shared the details on the paper rose embellishment.    My dear friend Helene created a gorgeous card using this project and I knew I had to do one! 

But the basic concept is to draw three circles - each one a bit smaller - on your cardstock or paper, but they don't have to be perfect.  *If you're like me and completely and utterly unable to draw a circle, feel free to use the attachment as a cheater!

Download circlesforpaperroses_rg.pdf

Then tear each one out, I found it easiest to grab the paper and tear with my right hand and position my left thumbnail along the inside of the circle as a guide.  You'll want to tear just inside the line so its not visible.  Then take your thumbnail again and gently roll the edges inward.  Stack your circles together and choose an embellishment.   You basically create the leaves in the same manner, just draw a football shaped thingy and use your bone folder to make a crease down the middle.

If you're a visual person, Julie Buhler, has a short video on her blog (click to be taken to it!).

The card features the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) set for this year "Say it with Scallops"  I recently learned that SU donates $100,000 a year to RMHC, and to date more than $700,000.  These funds are raised through the sales of a specially created stamp set.  This years stamp set also coordinates perfectly with the new scallop square punch.

I couldn't leave you without a pic, so here's one of a squirrel in my tree - it was early morning and he/she was LOUDLY eating a pinecone!  But notice the blue sky above!