The Greetery {Spooky Entomology Halloween Inspiration}

 Hello friends! I'm happy to be here today sharing some Halloween inspiration using some unexpected supplies to bring this “spooky entomology” to life (not literally)! When the Jumbo Curiosity products came out a few years ago, I REALLY wanted to create something like I’ve done today. I pushed the itch away, but with the recently released Hint of Autumn Collection, the time felt right! I love all of the layers, texture, and foiled pieces I was able to bring into this project!

This project consists of a coordinating box and card just in time for the Halloween season! I’ve made boxes like this in the past and they are so fast and easy! The box base measures 4 inches by 5 ½ inches with 1 1/2-inch sides. The top of the box has ¾ inch sides and I added an 1/8 of an inch to the other measurements so it can slide on and off easily. Now, if you’re not inclined to make 3-D projects, this top of this box would also make a fabulous A2 card design as well.

Once the box base was made, it was time to have fun and start decorating! To begin, I used the Jumbo Curiosity: Moth and Jumbo Curiosity: Butterfly Die + Stenciland cut 3 of each variety from white cardstock. As you can see, I only ended up using 2 of each insect, so that would be all you need to cut if you’re recreating this project. I used the coordinating stencils to color the pieces using hickory smoke, black soot, and bundled sage distress oxide inks. I assembled the pieces using liquid glue and set them aside to dry.

I used the Deco Notecard Die to cut the 4 corner details from Antique Gold cardstock (Cardstock Warehouse) and glued them to the 4 corners of the box with liquid glue. Next, I used the Capsule Basics Die to cut a black oval and then used the Capsule Basics Embossing Folder to add the embossed detail. The next layer is one of the panels included in the Deco Notecard Die  and I cut it from Simply Chartreuse cardstock.

I rummaged through my Halloween pattern paper stash and found a script-type piece and added some foiling with Titanium foil using the Capsule Borders 1 Hot Foil and then cut it out using the Capsule Basics Die. For the next layer, I used the Oblong Octagon Labels Die and Oblong Octagon Labels Hot Foil, but in the end, it mostly got covered up. Ha ha! I cut ferns and baby’s breath using the Large Leaves: Fern Die and the Big Branches: Baby's Breath Die. I colored them with distress oxide inks and finger daubers and then glued the ferns together with liquid glue. These were tucked here and there with liquid glue until I was satisfied with the arrangement.

I layered everything using foam squares, which gives it quite a bit of dimension, but since it’s not a card, the more dimension the better, right? The sentiment is from the Tear Strips Tags: Halloween Stamp Set and I strategically stamped just this particular sentiment so I could cut it with the new Shortbread Shapes: Rectangle Labels Die. I gave it all a light spritz of shimmer spray for a touch of sparkle!

For the card, I used the Capsule Borders I Hot Foil on black cardstock and then cut it with the Capsule Basics Die. I was so thrilled to get the new Capsule Basics Embossing Folder so I used that as well to give the card extra dimension.

I used the same foliage for this card but just placed the entire fern underneath the sentiment. I tucked some Baby’s Breath in as well and then arranged the moth and butterfly.

To create the shaped card base, simply create a regular card base and then line the largest oval die (without the scallops) overlapping the spine and run it through your die cut machine. It’s slightly smaller than the scalloped card front, but it works out well to just glue the card front on top! I’m excited for these Halloween projects because I haven’t done too many this year and these will be fun to give! Thanks for fluttering by!

All Things Valentines!!!

****edited to add: I created an updated tutorial for the key wristlets shown in this post. You can find it HERE ********  Valentine' Day is fast-approaching and  I have been having such a fun time making ALL  kinds of gifts and things for the big day! I have quite a bit to share, so get cozy and I'll dive right in!  This card was made a few days after I made the post boxes from my previous post. I had all kinds of goodies left over and my mind was racing with possibilities! I did add in a few doves for an added vintage touch and the sentiment is from the new Folk Heart Sentiments.

To begin this card, I die cut a panel of Pure Poppy cardstock using the Stitched Scallops Die and then stamped it with gold ink using the large frame included in the Bookish Holiday Frames Stamp Set. I die cut the largest heart and backer using the Nordic Hearts Die; the main heart from Pure Poppy cardstock and the backer from Pale Peony cardstock. I adhered them together using foam squares. I added it to the center of the background panel using additional foam squares.

You can read all about how I made the embellishments in THIS post. I had so much fun arranging them here and there until I was satisfied with the arrangement.

I added the Be Mine sentiment and gave it a generous spritz of shimmer spray. I layered the scalloped background onto a top-folding A2 card base.

I still had quite a few embellishments left so I got to work on some treat boxes. I bought the Spellbinders Ribbon Box Die in November with plans to use it for Christmas, but we all know how things like that go! womp, womp! LOL! Anyway, it was the perfect thing for Valentine's Day treats!

I added the "feet" using the  Fancy Feet Die and I just love how it looks! They don't have to only be used on post boxes!

This one doesn't have the ribbon threaded through it yet, but I wanted to share it so you could see how it all works.

5/8 inch ribbon works perfectly to slide through the slot.

And now onto some sewn projects. I will most likely add these to my neglected sewing blog, but for now, I am going to post them here until I get some extra time to post over there. The fabric that I used for these projects is from Riley Blake, but I didn't note the collection.

I always love making these keychain wristlets to give as gifts and with the "P.S. I love you" labels, they're just perfect for Valentine's Day. I bought the labels years and years ago from the local quilt shop, so I don't have a source, unfortunately. 

I also love making tissue cozies as well. I ended up making 8 in total, but here is what they all look like.

I bought a bunch of the purse-pack tissue packages at Christmastime, but once again, womp! womp! I just didn't have enough time! Thank heavens for Valentine's Day to give us all a second-chance, right? ha ha!

And to keep the theme going, I had planned to make these calendars for Christmas, too, but here they are for Valentine's Day gifts. I made 5 in total to give to a few friends and my son's teacher.

The 5 calendars didn't take long at all, especially when you're mass-producing! I'm so glad I got them finished because they look so cute with all of the other goodies! You can find everything I used in the These Are the Days Collection. Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. Have a happy Valentine's Day! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

 

The Greetery {Posted with Love}

 

Hello friends! I'm happy to here today sharing a fun, seasonal project for Valentine’s Day! I have been dying to make some love themed postal boxes and with a few new additions from the Bibliophile Collection, I am just thrilled with how these came out!

To begin, I used theArch Box Large Die to cut out the pieces I would need for the two boxes; one pink and one red. I added some tone-on-tone shading with coordinating ink to give the edges some dimension. I also die cut the accent pieces using the Post Box Details Die and added the same ink shading. I set those aside and got to work on the embossed postal elements.

I used a few of the non-Christmas images included in the North Pole Post Stamp Set. I knew these would come in handy when creating post boxes for other holidays or occasions! I used the coordinating North Pole Post Die to cut out the embossed sentiments and put them with the other pieces I’d already prepared.

I die cut the largest heart and border from the Nordic Hearts Die from both pink and red cardstock and then layered them using foam squares. I chose two different sentiments for the center of the hearts for variety. Once that was done, I used all of the prepared pieces to decorate the front of the post boxes using foam squares and liquid glue.

As soon as I saw the Have a Spine: Lock and Key Die, I knew the cute heart lock and keys would be perfect on the post boxes! I die cut the lock that is included in the Post Box Details Die for one of the boxes and the heart lock and key for the other. These details are die cut from Antique Gold cardstock as well as the Fancy Feet, which I adhered at the very end.

Once the front was decorated, I used ScorTape to assemble the boxes and then added the feet. I was tempted to leave them as-is, but I just couldn’t resist adding a few details from the Sent with Love Die and a few clusters of flowers created from the Winter Medley Die. These little accents just really make such a difference with the overall look and they are just so fun to create!

Each time I create with the Arch Box Large, I am so impressed with the size because it can hold more than other treat boxes I have made in the past. I can’t wait to fill these up with some Valentine’s Day treats and gifts to give to the special people in my life! Thanks for fluttering by!

The Greetery These are the Days Collection

Hello and welcome, friends! I've been busy as a little bee working on all kinds of fun projects and I'm so happy to finally be able to share them with you! Today I have 3 projects to share with you using all of the beautiful new products from the These are the Days Collection from The Greetery! Don't forget to head to The Greetery Blog for the official "Meet and Greet" for all of the new products! Also, don't forget to leave a comment here, and on each of the designers' blogs, for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates to the shop!

As you've probably gathered, this collection is calendar-themed which is so fun and unique! They are being released just in time to get started on all of those handmade Christmas gifts we all love to create!

My first project is a 2024 floral desk calendar for my upcoming 5th grader to give to his teacher. It begins at August and ends with December. I will make her a new one for 2025 and have my son give it to her as part of her Christmas gift!

I used the new Calendar Basics stamp set to create each of the calendars for the month. As you can see here, I used the circle image and "Big Day" sentiment to highlight the first of school that is approaching WAY too quickly! eek! 

This project is easy to put together in assembly line fashion! To begin, I stamped the grid image using the Calendar Basics stamp set and Hickory Smoke distress oxide ink on white A2 panels. I used my MISTI to make quick work of this part. Once the panels were stamped, I used the Jumbo Jar Die to cut each of the calendar months. I used the Calendar Grid stencil to add color to each of the months. I had previously stamped ALL of the Birth Month Blooms flowers so I was able to decide which color stenciling I wanted to do based on which flower would coincide with that month. Hopefully that makes sense!

I tucked the flowers into the jars and secured them with liquid glue. I alternated them from one side to the other so that when they are stacked up the display would be full and beautiful. If you look at the full calendar all put together, you will see some violets popping out on the right-hand side; I added those to a blank jar panel to the back to give the calendar more symmetry and additional color .

I was pleased to find some wood blocks to use as the calendar stand and you can find them HERE. They are a good price and I will be able to give calendars as gifts as needed! The cover was created using the previously released Bold Numbers Die to make the 2024. I added some flowers using the BotaniCuts: Wildflower Mix dies and the Winter Medley Die. The Greetery is also offering some pre-printed 2025 calendar pages and I used the cover as inspiration for this cover.

My next project is a birthday card I just made for my daughter who celebrated her birthday on the 22nd! I just love how you can make your projects so personalized with these new products! This card features the Calendar Grid Die paired with the Spiral Bound die, (this gives you the option of creating faux spirals like I did here, or to make the holes to add the real spiral binding on an actual calendar) Birth Month Blooms, and the new One Fine Day stamp/die set.

One of my favorite flowers in the collection is the Larkspur and I was pleasantly delighted to find out it is July's flower! Yay! I had already told myself I would use it no matter which month it was for! ha ha! I added in a few other month's flowers to give it variety and additional color!

To give the calendar personalization, I added the 22 that was stamped using the Calendar Basics stamp set on a rectangle that was cut when I die cut the grid. I popped it into the proper space using a min foam square.

I used metallic cardstock for both the spiral binding and the cute hanger at the top.

My cute daughter kept leaving comments on my Instagram posts (if it was a birthday card) saying, "Can this be my birthday card?" so I was worried she would be disappointed she didn't get one that she commented on, but she LOVED this one and said she liked it best!

My final project for today is a fun notecard set using the different Birth Month Blooms. I haven't mentioned before, but each of the Birth Month Blooms are compiled in quarters. There is a Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 stamp/die set so you can buy them as you need them or for those months where loved ones have special days. 

I had set out at the beginning of my creative sessions by stamping all of the flowers multiple times so I would have a good variety of images to pick from as I was creating! Doing that made this project go much quicker than if I stamped them all out one by one.

Here you can see a few of the different varieties with their coordinating envelopes.

 I have made and shown this stationery box a few times over the years, but for those who may be new, I will share the dimensions. The bottom of the box is made using a piece of cardstock measuring 8 1/2 by 10 and then score at two inches in from each side. The top is made using a piece of cardstock measuring 7 1/8 by 8 5/8 and score on each side 1 1/4 inches from the edges.  Use a bone folder and cut tabs on the four sides and secure with ScorTape.

As I mentioned before, this box holds nine cards, so I wasn't able to get a full year of cards. I used foam squares for each of the cards so if you made them flat, you could possibly get 12 in there. I also want to mention that the shop will also be offering some Birth Month Blooms Cutables so you can save some time using those as well. They would be perfect if you're planning on making a bunch of gifts for Christmas and you find yourself in a pinch! 

Just a reminder that the collection will be available for purchase tomorrow at 10 am EDT. Thanks for fluttering by!

Dana

Dawn

Kelly (you are here)

Laura

Laurie

Wanda

 

Happy Heart Boxes

I've been busy as a little bee the last few days working on some "just for fun" projects, including these two heart boxes. My 4th grader has two teachers this year: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. He is my last child in elementary school so I was shamefully looking forward to only having one teacher to spoil, but that isn't the case, AND, it's not like I'm not used to making multiples of things, so it's been fine! ha ha! I've been having fun putting together their gifts for Valentine's Day, and wanted to make something to hold some chocolates and a lip-balm that is small and I don't want it to get lost with the rest of the items. Cue the amazing Happy Heart Box Dies from Concord & 9th! I made a few of these in 2022 and haven't revisited them since!

They are really easy to make; I simply followed the video that you can find underneath the product photo. I just fast-forwarded until I got to the part where she begins making the box, but she does show some ideas for the other dies included in the collection. I die cut all of the pieces for each box from Pale Peony cardstock and then assembled them using the video.

I used some cute pattern paper called Hello, Darling from The Paper Studio...this is a 4 by 6 pad I believe...something smaller in scale. I used the heart die included in the collection: once from the pattern paper and once from Pale Peony. This pattern paper is very thin so I wanted to glue the two hearts together for a more sturdy piece.

I heat embossed the sentiment, which is from the retired Be Mine, Valentine stamp set from PTI in gold powder onto a black strip of cardstock. I notched the end for added detail and then used black foam squares to pop it up on the box.

The flowers are from the Into the Blooms: Wreath dies and I colored them using SU! ink and small blender brushes. I added them to the boxes using mini foam squares. These boxes match the style of the  cute notebooks I found on Amazon and some cute pens. I will share the links here if you are interested. I am not an affiliate with Amazon, I just find quite a bit of cute stuff there! ha ha!

Floral Notebooks

Heart Pens

Lip Balm

Hand Cream

Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I feel really bad when people leave me comments and questions that I can't reply to. I'm not sure what's going on, but SUE asked a question about THESE cards and what color the pink is....it is Rose Red from Stampin' Up! I hope you see this....I feel bad that it's been so long! If you see this, will you please leave a comment so that I know that you have seen it?