Give Thanks

I have been loving the variety of burlap that has popped up everywhere-ribbon, colors, patterns, so many possibilities! It's so much fun. And the perfect match for fall. 

Die Cuts With A View is known for their gorgeous papers and their Spiced Cider Stack did not disappoint! Plus, they now have a burlap 6x6" paper stack that I have fallen in love with. The two stacks were a match made in heaven. I made several things with them, and this is the first project. 

Because the burlap paper is so easy to work with, I knew I'd be able to pull of making some medallions with both paper stacks. I made two different sizes. Here are the supplies needed.

Supplies

DCWV Spiced Cider Stack

DCWV Burlap Stack

Hot Glue (Lots!)

wooden dowels

vase & shred

Scoring Tool (I have a Martha Stewart one)

They were all made the same way. Here's how to do it! The Burlap took some extra patience because it's pretty thick but it worked well. I used my scoring tool to score one 6x6" piece from the pad every 1/2". Once 6" sheet makes half of the medallion. To make it into a fan, fold along the score lines and then pinch it in the middle. Bring the two middle sides from the pinched point up together and secure with hot glue (this will leave one side flat). Do the same thing with the other side and then hot glue the two of them together along the flat one sides of each half. For one of the medallions, I scored 1/2" along some patterned 6x6" paper and then created a "bow", securing with hot glue as well. The middle was covered up by a graphic from of the of the papers in the Spiced Cider Stack. 

For the metallic medallion, I used the same method as the burlap, except I scored it horizontally and vertically to give it some extra texture.

For the larger medallion, I used the 12x12 papers with two different patterns. It's also the same method (score every 1/2" and then pinch them together and secure). The graphics all came from the same paper in the stack. They were all so cute, I had to use them. 

To finish them off, I used some wooden dowels and hot glued them. I inserted them in some floral foam in a vase I covered with some burlap twine. 

They turned out so cute, I can't wait to do something similar for Christmas. 

I also made a fun little block withe the another medallion. I painted an 8x8" wooden block, modged podged some paper from the Spiced Cider Stack (that I cut down), and then adhered a burlap medallion on it. Another fun way to use the burlap paper!

Paper Pumpkin Table Decor

Hi I have a fun and super quick project to share with you today. The holidays are sneaking up on us quickly and these adorable little pumpkins are the perfect center piece for you Thanksgiving spread.

I've seen a few different ideas for these around the internet, but they are super easy to make and change to suit your purpose.
For the larger pumpkin I cut 2 12x12 papers into strips about 9x7/8 inch, inked them and then, with the papers stacked, put a brad through each end (I used a whole punch to make it easier), fan them around until you have your pumpkin. Then cut some scraps into super thin pieces, curl them up and add them for "vines" and a wider scrap rolled for the "stem". You could also add leaves and/or tags or whatever makes you smile. The bigger your pumpkin the more strips needed to make it full, I probably used around 20 strips for the larger pumpkin. 

For the smaller pumpkins; I used 14 strips 6.5x7/8 for the medium one and around 12 strips 5.5x7/8 for the smallest one. Here's a closeup for you:

  My 4yr old son kept asking me if there was candy inside. Not a bad idea! 

I plan to let these decorate my table all month, so maybe I will hide a little treat in there at some point.

Happy Fall Y'all! :)Ange

Supplies:

Moxxie - Forever Fall papers

Making Memories - brads

Ranger - vintage distress ink (I bought this at the last Expo)

Glue dots in small and medium (also available at the Expo)

Fall "Thank You" Card

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 HERE

Hello everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

You know, one of the things I love most about fall is the colors!  The reds, oranges, and golds all blending in with the fading greens. Beautiful!

This card captures some of my favorite fall colors!  I used the DCWV "Fall and Halloween" paper stack as well as the DCWV "Autumn Melody" embellishment flip pack for the main elements of the card. It made it quick and easy to mix and match while keeping in the same color families! 

I added my own crinkle ribbon. I think it added a pop of bright color that really sets off the embellishment cluster well.

Under the embellishment cluster, I used bubble wrap and acrylic paint to stamp a texture onto the subtly printed paper. I love the effect!  

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: DCWV "Fall and Halloween" paper stack, kraft

Ink: Distress Ink, VersaMagic

Stamps: Fancy Pants "On a Whimsy"

Other: DCWV "Autumn Melody" embellishment flip pack

Gratitude Garland

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 HERE

Andrea here!  We are now fully entrenched in my favorite time of the year!  The highlights?  Being able to drink hot chocolate without looking like a weirdo (I down the stuff ALL YEAR, which draws some looks in mid-July), wearing power boots and snuggly sweaters, seeing the changing leaves, getting giddy about Santy Claus's impending visit, spending time with family and friends, eating yummy food (thanks, mom!) and reflecting on our many blessings.  What's not to love about Fall?

To get myself into thankful mode, I put together this Gratitude Garland:

Since the holiday season can get a tad busier than I'd like (we all know THAT feeling), I wanted to make something that was fast and easy, but still meaningful.  I decided to make paper leaves listing some of my greatest joys and blessings and I attached them to a store-bought garland.  And if you want to go even lower stress, just stamp words on store-bought leaves!  It doesn't get any more time-saving than that!

The paper I used to make these leaves is from the "Autumn Melody" collection by DCWV.  I cut out some leaf shapes using the Cricut "Accent Essentials" cartridge, then stamped something I was grateful for on each leaf using alphabet stamps.  I inked and distressed the edges of the leaves and crinkled them and folded them to give them some added dimension.  Then I glued them to the garland and put the pumpkin in the middle.

This project is low-stress and is a great visual reminder to slow down and cherish what's truly important.  It would also be fun to do as a family activity with each family member writing down some things they're grateful for on the leaves.

So whether you use this garland as a circular centerpiece, or weave it in between some Fall-colored candles, you can bet that it will not only look good, but it will also be a good reminder of all the things there are to be grateful for!

Fall Layout

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 Here

Hello! It's Heather here with a fun fall project for you. Today I have a layout to share, using the awesome DCWV Halloween and Fall stack. I have loved working with this stack- I love that it has both Fall AND Halloween, so you can do all of your Autumn projects with one stack! Here is my layout:

For the background paper- I loved this subtle patterned paper, but thought it was just a little too think too hold up all my layers, photos and embellishments on its own, so I just glued it to a heavier piece of kraft cardstock.

DCWV also has some great matching stickers and other embellishments that matched perfectly with these papers. I also created some of my own. For these fall leaves, I cut the shapes on my cricut on Kraft cardstock and then used Copic markers to color them in. I tried not to be even with the coloring so you could see some darker and lighter areas like you would on a real leaf. I popped one up on a foam dot to give some added dimension.

I cut the title using some paper from the stack, and some matching cardstock. I added some additional kraft leaves popped up on foam as well.

I hope you enjoyed my project today! Be sure to stop by my blog for some additional details! Thanks for stopping by!

Thanksgiving Card

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 Here

November, with so much gratitude in the air, is a great time to catch up on all those thank you's you owe to the people who have lent a hand throughout the year. I created this warm and cozy thank you card with the lovely Autumn Melody stack from DCWV, one of the big sponsors for ScrapbookUSA Expo. If you've ever been to the Expo before, you know their booth is the one to hit early -- they have crazy deals on all their great paper and a ton of cute home decor.

I used a stamp set from Close to My Heart for the sentiment, embossing the leaves in gold.

Placemat Book Cover

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 Go Here

 

Hello my wonderfully fabulous friends!

When I was in high school, we were required to have covers on all of our text books to help protect them.  Back then, the store bought fabric covers were fairly new, and not too popular. Instead, we made them out of paper grocery bags. I loved this!!! Not only was it simple and free, I could doodle on it all I wanted during class when I got bored. =)

Fast forward to today.... I got a great deal on composition notebooks back when school sales were starting.  I love them!  However, the covers leaves something to be desired...

 

DCWV to the rescue!!! They have these great Paper Placemat stacks that are 12 x 18 in.   They are the PERFECT size for making adorable custom notebook covers!

The one I used for the main cover was plain dark brown in the center, but I really liked the border... I decided it needed a little something more... So, I cut out the center medallion of another placemat and glued it on... I added some color and shimmer by using Creative Inspirations paint.  I then accented the center with a epoxy sticker from DCWV's "Autumn Melody" embellishment flip pack.  The very edges of the medallion aren't glued on well... as the note book gets used, they will tatter... I love that! It shows how well loved it is. =)

 

 

I could have gone fancier with my decorations, but I wanted to keep it fairly smooth so I can write on the backs of the pages without any bumps. 

 

 

A little crinkle ribbon allows me to tie it shut to keep all my thoughts safe inside. 

 

Enjoy!

~Kassi

 

Supplies Used:

Paper: DCWV "Autumn Inspirations Paper Placemats"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Rose Quartz

Other: DCWV "Autumn Melody" Embellishment flip pack, crinkle ribbon, composition notebook



Paper Pinecone Tutorial

Monthly Monday Challenge #1 Here

Hey there loyal readers!  It's Andrea here with a technique to make paper pine cones using a 3D flower die.  How did this all come about?  I went on a walk yesterday afternoon, saw a cute little pine cone in my path and started thinking about how I could make a dimensional pine cone out of paper to adorn either Fall or Christmas gifts.  I know of at least one very cool die out there that already makes 3D pine cones (thank you, Tim Holtz!), but I didn't have one.  What I did have was a 3D flower die from Sizzix.  So here's how I turned a 3D flower into the pine cone you see on this embellished tin:

Start by cutting out two identical 3D flower spirals from the die of your choice (Sizzix, Lifestyle Crafts, Cricut and Spellbinders all have these spiral-flower designs).

I used DCWV paper because it's sturdy and both sides are colored so you don't have to worry about a back and front.  Next, roll the flowers into their 3D shape, starting from the outside in.  Remember my earlier tip about using a quilling tool to do this!  It makes life so much easier!

You now have two spiral flowers rolled.  You are going to stick these together to form your pine cone.

Because you're going to stick one flower into the other, cut out the center of one of the flowers so that you'll have room to insert the other flower into it.  The one that you cut will form the top of your pine cone.

Use hot glue or the adhesive of your choice to glue the two flowers together.

Once they're glued together, use needle-nose pliers to pull and elongate the bottom flower into a more narrow pine cone shape. 

Wah-la!  The last thing I did was to rub black ink across the pine cone (especially the edges) to give it a little more distinction and to blot out the white core of the paper.

So there you have it!  An adorable pine cone just ready and waiting to be put on the perfect gift!  For my little tin, I used paper from My Mind's Eye as the background and used fabric, tulle and lace to add accents at the top of the pine cone.  I used alphabet stamps for the sentiment.

The great thing about pine cones is their versatility.  You could add glitter to make it more festive or "frost" the edges with white for a winter look. 

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out my my blog for more holiday fun this season!

Monthly Monday Challenge #1

Hello and good morning...

I am soooo excited to share that we are going to start something called the Monday Monthly Challenge here at the Scrapbook USA Expo blog... Each month,you will be given a challenge, whether a themed challenge, a sketch, color challenge, anything can happen here, and you will have the whole month to play along with, and be eligible to win a wonderful prize. You will have till the end of the month, at midnight MST to upload your project, page, card, etc to the challenge post and be entered to go into the drawing for a prize.

Let's get started for this months challenge, since it's the month of giving thanks, you challenge for November it so create something regarding the word THANKFUL... You can create a layout, a card, an altered project, or even a mini album, it's up to you.

For my example, I created a page with the title being Thankful for my Family.. now lately, family photos, that we are all in, are pretty hard to come by, so the best one I have is us at Halloween....

I used the DCWV Autumn Melody Cardstock mat stack and embellishments.
I used the metallic paper and used an embossed border punch to really make it stand out on the page.

So what are you thankful for??? What kind of project will you come up with.

So:
Create a NEWLY created layout, card,  or project with the theme of THANKFUL for this challenge. (no previously made projects or enteries will be accepted)
If you have a blog ADD your project to this blog post using the link below, NO LATER than November 30th, midnight MST. If you do not have a blog please e-mail a photo of your project to info@scrapbookusaexpo.com and we will add your project here.

A random winner will receive a prize from the entries for this contest. This month our prize will be a card kit giveaway sponsored by Basic Grey!! Product will include their brand new Aspen Frost, Kissing Booth and Little Black Dress!!!!

We hope that you will play along!!!! We can't wait to see it!!!!!

Give Thanks Holiday Layout

If you are here for the Scrapbook USA Expo Blog Hop, Welcome!! Scroll down to Monday's post and join the Hop!

Ah, Thanksgiving!  I love this time of year -- all the warmth and love and gratitude we share with each other so freely.

I'm thankful today that I get to share a pretty layout as well as some more exciting news! I'm Tomi Ann and  I've been asked to join the Design Team for the ScrapbookUSA Expo.  Twice a year for the last 6 years, my crafty friends and I have gotten together at the ScrapbookUSA Expo for a day of awesome scrapbooking deals, silly games and prizes, and lots and lots of scrapbooking. I love it!  There are such good deals to be had that I end up getting nearly all my supplies during that twice a year spree.  So I was delighted when I was chosen for their first-ever design team.

For my first project, I got to play with the gorgeous Autumn Melody stack from DCWV.  I love these coordinating stacks -- they make it so easy to put together beautiful projects.  For this layout I cut a lot of hexagons from 8 different patterned papers, then used the coordinating cardstock matstack to create some photo mats.  The "Give Thanks" label is a cut out from the same stack.  I added a few buttons and some stamped leaves (using a Close to My Heart stamp), and finished off the layout with some ribbon and orange chipboard numbers from October Afternoon.  I can't wait to take some great pictures this Thanksgiving to fill up this layout!