Petite Petals, Falling in Love DSP, Mother's Day Gift Bag

This bag looks much bigger in the photo than it is in person. I have a gift for a friend and I was going to make a box for it but I thought that a bag would be more fun.  I made some at Christmas and had a blast making them.  When I assemble them I ALWAYS use glue.  I don't feel that tape holds well enough.  This bag is 1" deep x 1-3/4" wide x 4-1/4" tall.

I had a 1/4 piece of doily left from another project so I glued it in the corner of the upper part of the bag.  Then I punched out a flower using Sweet Sugarplum card stock.  I die cut a leaf from the "Stylish Stems" framelits.  I thought that little leaf was so cute and it looks adorable on here.  I used Old Olive card stock for that leaf.

I punched two holes in the top of the bag so I could add the ribbon and tie a bow.

The instructions for the ribbon can be found here.  Handles can be added instead of punching holes and adding bows.  Just make sure you glue them and not tape them.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sending Love, Valentine's Day Bag, Weekend Project

Today you don't need any stamps or ink, unless you want to add something different on the front! I had made a bunch of these fun bags in December. I sold some at the craft fairs and I used some for gifts.  

I filled these with Valentine's Day candy!  These bags aren't very large so you don't need much candy!  I these bags are 2 Hershey Miniatures and 2 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!  Such fun!

I found the instructions for the bag here.  It's easy enough to do too.  You just score a 6" x 6" piece of decorative paper.  The paper from the "Sending Love" 6" x 6" stack worked perfect. 

The scoring is as follows, 1-7/8", 2-7/8", 4-3/4, 5-3/4" . Turn 1/4 turn and score at 1", 5" and 5-1/2". Once you score these, fold all score lines, it will help you see them better.  You will need to snip the bottom to make the 1" fold over flaps.  Snip up 1" to the score line.  The other end has two smaller score lines.  These are folded over and used like a "cuff".  I like to put my bags together with glue.  I find it holds better than tape, even the super sticky tape.  Tape will eventually give way, give it time! That is why I prefer glue.  It doesn't take that long for glue to set up and if you make the bag first, the glue will set up while you are gathering and making the other elements of your bag.

Here I die cut 2 glitter hearts and set them in place with Dimensionals.  I also punched two holes in the top of each bag and threaded some Baker's Twine though them and tied a bow.  I actually tied the top shut using 3 knots and then I tied the bow!  They're not getting into this bag very easily!!! LOL

These are fun to make and would make great teacher to student, student to teacher, or student to student gifts.  Something nice to put in the mail box for your mail carrier. For a friends desk, for a neighbor, etc.  

Have fun with these!!!  Just a note here, these are very ADDICTIVE to make!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Cookie Cutter Christmas Holiday Bag Tutorial

Oh my, what a fun tote this was.  I made a bag a while back and thought it would be fun as a Christmas bag. You can see the original bag I made here and a link to the instructions to make them for yourself.  

I used the Santa from the "Cookie-Cutter Christmas" set.  I can't wait to play with it more.  There's SO many cute images in it.  And the best part is the set has a matching punch which makes it SO easy to stamp and punch out a bunch of these cuties.  You can fit 3 Nestle Crunch fun size bars in the bag.  

I stamped, colored and punched out the Santa.  I set him on top of a piece of Old Olive card stock that was die cut using the scalloped oval.  I added the oval using Dimensionals.  I added a ribbon bow to the top.  I did struggle with this ribbon, it didn't want to stay taped together, so I ended up hot gluing it. I did set it in place with a pop up glue dot and so far that is holding, but I couldn't use one on the other parts of the bow to hold the ends in place or it would have been TOO bulky.  

This bag was SO much fun to make and I'm hoping to make more before Christmas.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Cookie Cutter Halloween, Fall Treat Bag, Weekend Craft Project

I'm still using the "Cookie Cutter Halloween" stamp set and matching punch.  I think I've gotten my money's worth out that set now, but I think I may make one more fall card before the end of the month.  I just love this scarecrow image.  Plus I still have some decorative paper left from the "Halloween Nights" Decorative Series Paper (DSP) pack.  

I thought I would make a cookie gift bag.  I plan on baking some fall cookies and what a great way to share them with friends!!  I have not used the "Mini Treat Bag" thinlits die much but the things I have made with it, I did have a lot of fun!  It's also a great way to use up extra decorative papers!! This bag took 9" of the DSP.  When I cut mine sheets, I usually cut them to 6" x 6", so I used one and a half squares to make this bag.

The band in the front of the bag is really not a band but just a strip of scrap DSP that was already cut to fit.

I die cut a Pumpkin Pie oval and a Basic Black Scalloped oval.  I taped it in place on the front of the bag.  Then I stamped, punched and colored the scarecrow.  I set him in place using Dimensionals.

The words were done on the computer.  I didn't have any fall wording, other than a happy Thanksgiving from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set and I didn't want this to be a Thanksgiving bag.  So now and then you do need to use your computer to get the exact wording you'd like to use.  I trimmed it up and set a piece of Basic Black card stock behind it and trimmed that to fit.

And that was it! Super easy and a very fun bag to make!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Winter Frost Designer Bag Weekend Project

I found this fun bag while surfing on Pinterest.  I have spent WAY more time on that site than I planned to!!!  And I know I'm not the only one who can say that!!  But there are fun things on there and I have learned stuff too.  So I guess that makes being on there ok, right?  Can you see that I'm trying to get some allies to help me justify the time I spend on Pinterest?  LOL 

This bag was actually very simple to make.  And when I go to make more of them I am going to change the pattern just a little bit.  I am going to make a score line in the middle of the sides and an upside down "V" from corner to corner, meeting in the middle.  I don't care much for bags that sort of form the fold line on the sides.  I like the crisp lines and I like my bag to fold with the score lines.  It has a much cleaner and neater look.  Ok, with that said I will continue!  I added a bit of bling to the bottom corner.  I had made these scored circle things a while back for a card swap and I had an extra one that was just sitting on my counter.  It must have been sitting there for this very reason!!!  See, this is why I never throw out stuff!!  

To close the top of the bag, you punch a couple of holes and tie a bow.  There's lots of other ways you can close the bag too.  I am thinking that my next one may close with Velcro.  That way I could move the rosette looking thing up to the tip of the flap.  Or move the rosette thing down a little below the tip of the bag so that tip fits behind the rosette thing and stays closed that way.  LOTS of options for the closure on the bag.

One tip on the bag.  Watch the video carefully.  You are directed well on the scores and the first cutting but when it comes to cutting the sides you have to remember to leave a little paper on each side so you have something to glue the sides to.  And use glue!  Snail won't stick for long and Sticky Strip is difficult to work with when you are doing long strips.  I don't have a lot of luck with taping long sides of bags like that.  Glue is my fixative of choice here.  Okay, I think that is it!!!  You can find the instructions to make this bag here.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Scallop Envelope Bags Weekend Project

I have not posted a Weekend Project in a while. It's about time for one, huh? A long, long time ago our DIVA Day event was held at Cyndi's. She had the most adorable bags made from the Sizzix "Scallop Envelope" die. I'd always wanted to make those little bags but never had the time. SO today I took the time to play. I SO love using the dies. Dies of any kind really. It's amazing to be able to run a piece of paper through this machine and out comes a shape all cut out for you! How cool is that?

These little bags are very easy to make too. You do need to cut off the bottom part of the envelope to get it to be proportioned right. The side flaps measure 1/2" so the bottom flap will need to be cut to 1/2" as well.

So let's begin. You will need two envelopes. You can use card stock or decorative paper. Cut them one at a time or they machine will end up cutting your paper on the score lines and you really don't want that.

After the pieces are cut with the die you can cut off those ends as described a few paragraphs above.

Next you will want to punch your hole for the handle. Do them one at a time, though with decorative paper you could probably cut them both at the same time. I just do them one at a time and I know everything will be punched right.

Now you can tape those new bottom flaps together. Next tape the side flaps. Use your bone folder on the inside to press the sides together. Tie your ribbon on and decorate as desired. Pay special attention to what part of the box is the front and which is the back. On the front the flaps will be going towards the back. It has a nice clean look to it when you use that as your front.

Fill them with whatever your heart desires.

These little bags are great for Customer Appreciation gifts, Hostess Appreciation gifts, Make n Takes, Craft Fairs and even fun Stamp Camp gifts!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fancy Favor Die Cut Easter Basket Weekend Project

Sorry for the late post, I was wanting to play with the Sizzix die cuts tonight and thought I would make an Easter Basket. I even managed to get a Sweet Treats cup to work with it too! I got so wrapped up in playing I lost all track of time. So onto the specs of the basket!

I cut the basket out using Pale Plum card stock. The handle is made using a strip of the Pale Plum with ribbon on top. It is attached using white brads.

I tied a white ribbon at the bottom. It just looked like it needed a little something there.

Before I assembled the box I punched a round hole in the middle of the front part and added the Sweet Treats cup.

For the scallop around the Sweet Treats cup I used Scalloped Nestabilities for both the white and the "Shades of Spring" decorative paper.

The little bunny on the bottom right is from the Stampin' Up! "Eggcoutrements" set. That set has an adorable border image in it and I wanted to use it on the bag but I didn't have enough room at the bottom for it. I'm sure I'll find something else to use it on!

I added some fun colored paper Easter grass inside and and added the candies.

When making this don't fill the Sweet Treats cup until you are ready to finish the whole bag. Mine kept falling over and it bent the one corner of the bag. Once it was filled with the paper and candies it balanced out and stood up nicely.

Isn't it cute? What a nice way to brighten up a co-worker's desk or even a great teacher gift! Lots of people you can give this to!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Biscotti Gift Box/Tote! Weekend Project

I made this box for a friend of mine. I KNOW she LOVES coffee but I'm not sure about the Biscotti!! Not too many people don't like Biscotti so the odds are in my favor. Click on the photo for a closer view.

I made the box using the Stampin' Up! "Bags with Scallops" Sizzix die cut. I cut out two of them. Before I put them together I cut off 1-1/2" on the sides and front piece. When I folded the sides in to glue them I made sure the score marks were on the inside of the bag.

I cut the box from Rich Razzleberry card stock. The sides were decorated using the Rich Razzleberry Paper Patterns package. I taped a piece of Rich Razzleberry ribbon around the box and affixed the oval to it.

The oval was done using a Scalloped Oval Punch and a regular oval punch. I used the set "Oval All" for the flower part and the words came from the "All Holidays" set. I set these on top of the ribbon using Dimensionals.

The flowers near the handle were from the "Three Flowers" punch. I did cut a strip of card stock to fit in the center. It covered the scallops. My scallops got cut off at the top because I used 8-1/2" x 11" card stock and I didn't make sure it covered the die all the way. But that's ok, the scallops wouldn't show anyway because the Biscotti was too tall. SO I cut card stock to fit both sides. I punched them out with the oval punch before I glued them onto the scallop piece. I did have to trim the scallop a bit because it stuck out further than the piece I was inserting. Can't tell, can you?

I filled my little double box with Biscotti and wet wipes on one side and coffee, creamer and sugar on the other side. I need to add a napkin and it's all set to give!!

This was a fun little project to do and these little totes sure do come in handy!! Aren't they fun?


Thanks SO much for visiting today and be sure to stop back to see this cute tote!
Wanda

Apparently my issues with posting pictures on my blog was not the fault of Blogger. I needed to resize some pictures for my bracelet instructions and I tried to email them all to myself. The email program resizes the picture and they can be used in the software program I have. I guess you can't send them all at one time, even though it asks you if you want to resize them (I said yes) and it did it's thing. But in the process it got stuck along the way and bogged down my computer. I realized it very late last night when I went to shut down the computer and I'm getting messages telling me there is unsent emails and do I want to shut down anyway? Of course I said yes, it was 2 am and I was done with the computer. But would it shut down? NO, it was bogged down. I guess I just gave it too much to think about. But today it's working fine and the picture is now on here (obviously)!!! LOL Didn't I tell you it was a cute tote? Make one, they don't take long at all! Have a fun day and thanks for "listening" to me whine! I'm SO good at it, just ask my hubby!!! LOLL

Old World Meets New Technology!

Origami is a very ancient form of paper folding. It's been around longer than me and that's OLD!!! LOL Origami has found it's way into the stamping world on many occasions. Mostly in box form and this post is no different. I have chosen a rectangular box to fit with the Sizzix Bag with Scallops die cut.

I used a piece of decorative paper cut 6" x 12". I cut that 6" side down to 3". I ran one of the 3" x 12" pieces through the Big Shot and folded on the score lines. I set this piece aside and I cut a piece off the remaining piece 3" x 3-3/4". I opened up a link and I followed how to fold it. It is VERY easy to fold. The clip isn't very long so I recommend you watch it first and then replay it and fold along with the clip. Remember, the color you want on the outside is the color you have facing away from you when you start.

I taped my box in place inside the bag. I marked the inside with a pencil so I knew where to tape. I couldn't tape the box because it was not firm enough to hold on to while I taped so I found it easier to just tape the insides of the bag. I set the box on the bottom of the bag and lifted one side up at a time and pressed the box in place on the tape. I folded the flap over and was in awe at how cute that little band around the box looked inside the bag. Isn't it cute????

I added a little pre-wrapped chocolate covered heart to the box and folded the bag shut. I clipped it shut for photoing. I am not sure how I want to decorate the outside yet.

There are more ways to use this die cut. Just click here to see them all. Plus there is a shaker box in there because the lable is "Sizzix" and that happened to be one too!!! It's cute but it's not made with the Bag with Scallop die cut. There are 5 other ways to use this die cut. This one makes 6! Do the math, this die is well worth the money with as many things as you can do with it. I am impressed!!!

As with all of my photos, just click on them for a much closer view. Don't look TOO close, I do make mistakes!!! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Another Fun Bag Using the SIzzix Bag With Scallop Die

Here's a fun and quick way to make those open sided bags for your candies. This is unbelievably quick. I LOVE giving those open sided bags as gifts and I also love making them with bath salts in them. Well, now I can make them SO much quicker!!! Imagine the time I will save!!!

I took a piece of decorative paper and cut it 3" wide. It needs to be at least 11" long. I ran it through the machine and folded the scores that the die created.

I filled my baggie with Red Hots. Please be sure to use baggies that are meant for foods. It really does make a difference. The ones that are made to hold food are clean and have been inspected. I don't know if the plastic on them is different or not. There is SO much talk about how plastic in contact with foods is not good for you because of the plastic emitting some type of chemical. Anyway, I put the candy in the baggie and I actually stapled it to the inside of the bag along the straight edge. Then I folded the top over and decorated it.

To keep it closed I was going to tape it but thought that wasn't such a good idea. I may have done that had I put a window in the front. But since I didn't I opted to use some thin magnets. One went under the scalloped flap and the other went on the outside of the front panel. The flap hides it until it's opened. I was going to put it on the inside of the package but the thin magnets I have weren't strong enough to hold through the paper like that. But for display purposes it worked just fine.

I have one more project you can make using that very same "Bag with Scallop" die. I'm sure there are more ways to use it and if you know of one you can let me know and I'll give it a try and post it on my blog!!!

If you want to see the other items I made using this die just click here.

For those of you who are demonstrators, it's always nice to show how you can get more than just one use out of an item you are promoting.

Thank you very much for visiting my blog today,
Wanda

Bag It Up!

I can not begin to tell you how fun this bag die cut is. I had gotten in online before Christmas. I used it to make some bags to put some Christmas gifts in for my stampers that came to my home in December.

As I was thinking about this bag I realized that I had access to the front (and the back) to punch a hole for a window. I REALLY wanted to use the new 3 heart punch by Stampin' Up! but the paper didn't allow me to punch in that direction. Ok, I could have punched in that direction but the hearts would have been sideways. And NO, I didn't try it out first!!! I knew that before I punched!!! LOL

I used the decorative paper from the Stampin' Up! "Candy Lane" pack. I LOVE that paper!!! The die cuts the paper out in 3 pieces. It's a long die like the basket one that Stampin' Up! sells. When I saw it online I knew I had to have it. I knew I would get a LOT of use out of it. I believe I got it at Oh My Crafts, just click on the Sizzix link at the left sidebar and in the next window you'll find the Bigz XL dies. Have fun shopping there!!! There isn't a big selection of the bigger dies but they are still a new concept so I think it will be a matter of time before there are more choices!!!

To make the flap I just took a piece of Riding Hood Red and put it on the die cut and cut only the flap piece. I punched out a couple of different size circles and added them to the top of that flap. I decorated the edges of the Riding Hood Red piece using the white gel pen.

Then I punched out 3 hearts and used the gel pen to add a personal touch to them!!! On the tiny heart I had mounted it on foam. I had taken double sided foam tape and stuck it in the paper punch. Be careful when you do this, the foam tape could stick and it's a mess to get it off. I took rubbing alcohol and put it on the sticky side and while it was still wet I punched the heart out. I did add a bit of double sided tape to it when I affixed it to the bag. I wanted to make sure it stuck. Isn't it fun?? I think you may see a lot of these little hearts on my upcoming projects. I have a bunch of them left from punching out the larger heart when I was making the Shaker Box technique pages. I just stuck the little hearts to a piece of acetate to keep them in one place so I have them when I have a use for them!!! I used one!!! 30 more to go!!!! LOL

Before I had assembled the bag I took my square punch and made the window. I glued on a piece of acetate, just big enough to cover the window. Then I assembled the bag.

I took the Red Hots and poured some in a small food save baggie and sealed it shut. I slipped that inside the bag. The candy shows through the window, pretty fun, huh??

This was actually a pretty quick bag to make since I didn't have to do a bit of cutting by hand!!! It sure saved me a lot of time. I have some ideas of using this for craft fair items come fall. I'll be sure to share them with you as I create them!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda