How To Make Surprisingly Beautiful Layered Cards

Beautiful layered cards are surprisingly easy to make. Grab a Variety Pack of Foiled Paper from Rinea, choose corresponding dies, and put it all together. The wow factor is in the glow foiled paper brings to every project.

 Step 1: Gather and die cut card pieces.

The first step in creating Winter Wishes is to die cut each of the pieces. Because I was making a shaker card, I also die cut the card front. Not pictured below is the piece of acetate I used for the window and the 5x7 white card blank.

The snow flakes and sentiment plaque are cut from Rinea's Frosted Foiled Paper Variety Pack.

Step 2: Create the shaker using two layers of foam tape, add sequins.

Frankly, this is not my strong point. It took a lot of piecing of foam tape around the snow flake and the acetate window to get the shaker just right. I also ran a line of foam tape around the perimeter of the card. Don't forget to add the sequins before placing the card front on the base. 😕

Step 3: Adhere foiled paper snowflakes to front of card.

I like to use Best Glue Ever from ScraPerfect. Just a few drops will hold the snowflakes in place. The foil is easily embossed and a bulky spot of glue will show.

The instructions for Best Wishes are simple: Gather, Diecut, Assemble.
When die cutting the foiled paper it is helpful to use washi tape to hold the die in place. Intricate dies take a few passes through the rollers and having the die slip is disastrous.

The balloon and sentiment for this card are 1/16 of an inch in places! I find that using a No-Clog Writing Cap assists in getting the glue exactly where I want it.

 I added glitter glue to my design. I love the color and sparkle it adds.
This card shows how easy it is to take traditional Christmas colors into the rest of the year. I used the Jolly Foiled Paper Variety Pack for this card.

Rinea foiled paper brings on the glamour while ScraPerfect glue and accessories make construction possible.

Supplies:
Cardstock:Recollections, Craftsmith
Foiled Paper:Rinea
Glitter Glue:Ranger
Sequins:Spiegel Mom Scraps
Alpha:Recollections
Border Punch:Martha Stewart
Dies:Darice, Poppy Stamps, Crafter's Companion, China
Glue and No-Clog Writing Cap:ScraPerfect

Scrap On!

~charity~

Canvas Cover for Spiral Bound Journal

 Ric rac and paint decorate a canvas cover for a spiral bound journal. Hand made memory books are common this time of year. This particular one is a Gratitude Journal. This journal cover protects the spiral binding so that I can toss my book into my bag and not worry about it getting caught on things. It also gives me one more surface to embellish!

Directions:

Step 1 Measure the width of the journal and the length from page tip to page tip.

This should be done with the journal closed. I used a bit of trim that was the same thickness as the material I planned on using to cover my journal. The length of fabric needed to cover an item will vary depending on the fabrics thickness. I stretched my trim from cover to cover and over the spiral binding then laid this on a yardstick for the final measurement.

Step 2 Add 1 inch to the width and 3 inches to the length. Cut fabric to size.

I was using scraps of canvas so I didn't have one the correct length. I knew I would have to piece my cover together. I choose two pieces the right width and an inch more than the right length when added together.

 Step 3 Sew a basting stitch 1/2 an inch from either edge down the length of the fabric. 

Although this step is not strictly necessary, I have discovered that my rolled hems are not very even when I just eye-ball them. If I give myself a folding line the rolled hem turns out much better. A basting stitch is a long loose stitch that is easy to remove.

Step 4 Sew a rolled hem on either side of the fabrics length.

The purpose of a rolled hem is to trap the raw edge so it doesn't ravel out. To do this, fold the fabric twice so that the raw edge is hidden in the second fold. Fold the fabric in 1/4" increments with the right side down and the wrong side up. When you have folded it correctly the basting line will run straight down the outside edge of the fabric. The right side is the outside with any decoration. The wrong side is the inside, with the seam edges and hidden stitching. After you have sewn your seams pull the basting stitch free.

 Step 5 Turn the ends of the fabric under 1/2 an inch and sew a seam 1/4 inch from the folded edge. We will not be making a rolled hem on the ends because the thicknesses of fabric increases with each roll and the needle has difficulty piercing all the layers. This end is rolled under when the pocket is formed and the raw edge will be protected.

Step 6 Make a pocket to slip over the journal cover at each end. Fold 1 inch of the fabric over (wrong sides together) so that the raw edge from Step 5 is hidden. Use a blind stitch along the overlap at each end to hold the pocket in place.

Blind Stitch Tutorial
The blind stitch is one of my favorite hand sewing techniques. When this stitch is done properly the thread is completely invisible. It makes me feel like a MAGICIAN! Side a and side b are both hemmed leaving a 1/4" space along the edges to be joined. I used red thread for contrast, a thread that blends with your fabric is preferable for this stitch.
Step 1 The stitch begins on side b. Pull the needle through, anchoring the knot inside the hem space. Insert the needle in side a, directly across from where the thread emerged in side b. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side a.
Step 2 Insert the needle in side b, directly across from where the thread emerged in side a. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side b.
Step 3 Continue this pattern for the length of the seam, alternating sides.
Step 4 Pull the thread snug so that the edges match up exactly, but not so tight they pucker, and knot off thread.

Because I used two pieces of canvas rather than one long piece, I joined them with a 1/2" seam. I covered the seam with ric rac.

Decorating Tips For The Journal Cover

To give my journal cover the look of a bound book  I added strips of ric rac trim where it bent around the spiral binding. The finished length of my cover is 16 inches, from edge to edge. The ric rac trim that curves around the binding is in 4" lengths.

 I chose felt trim because the ends do not ravel out. I sewed the pieces that run the width of my cover onto the fabric, then snipped the ends so they were the exact length I wanted.

 I added the flourish design to the front of the cover using Tattered Angels High Impact Paint and a stencil. I tend to get too much paint on my brush when stenciling which results in a smeared design. Instead, I prefer to use a cotton round (the sort for make-up removal) to apply the paint through the stencil.  

My final step was adding the Beaded Rose Ornament. A couple of quick stitches hold it in place, but a good fabric glue would do the same.

Supplies:

Canvas Scraps and Burlap Flower:Canvas Corp
Red Paint:Tattered Angels
Papers:7Gypsies

Stencil:Pebbles Inc

Felt Ric Rac:Little Yellow Bicycle

I decorated the Burlap Flower using the Beaded Rose Ornament tutorial.

Craft On!

~charity~

How To Make A Beaded Rose Ornament From Burlap Flower

A burlap flower makes a wonderful ornament for your tree. Add a bit of paint and some beads and your Beaded Rose Ornament is ready to go. Burlap flowers from Canvas Corp are the perfect starting point for this project.

 Supplies:
Burlap Flower (Canvas Home Basics)

High Impact Paint, Red (Tattered Angels)

Thread

Beads

 Step 1: Paint tips of flower red. 

Start at the back and paint a thin layer just on the edge. As you work around the flower the paint will dry quickly. 

Step 2: Leave to dry.

An extra 15 minutes should be enough to keep the paint from smearing where it isn't wanted.

 Step 3:Add three strands of red thread to the flower center.

Tie a knot in the end of three 10" strands of thread. Thread all three onto a needle and pull through the center of the flower. To anchor the strands take a couple small stitches through the top two layers.

 Step 4: Bead each thread strand.

A) Thread needle with one of the strands and add 5 beads.
B) Loop the thread through the last bead a second time.

C) Hold 5th bead about one inch from the flower and tie a knot between the last bead and the remaining four to hold it in place.
D) Thread the needle through the remaining four beads and back into the flower center. Tie a knot at the back of the flower to secure strand of beads.

 Step 5: Attach ornament hanger.

Weave the lower hook through the bottom two layers of burlap so that it holds securely.

 This 30 minute Beaded Rose is so easy to make that you will find multiple uses for it. Fill your Christmas tree, use as Package tie-ons, or add several to a wreath. I've used one to decorate the cover for my journal. 

Friday I'll have instructions for you on sewing and decorating your own canvas journal cover.

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make Food Oil Mistakes Disappear

If you are messy in the kitchen then you will want to know how to make food oil mistakes disappear. I spilled cooking oil on my lounge pants. It was a sad day and I had much frustration as I looked down at my favorite comfy pants. 

I have used ScraPerfect products for a year now, but I wasn't certain that they would fix my dilemma. Still, I had to try. Best Cleaner Ever is a non-toxic solvent and because I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin that really matters to me.

I sprayed down the grease stains and threw the pants in the laundry. The next day I loaded the washer and hoped for the best. Because it was a grease stain I hung them to dry, just in case the Best Cleaner Ever didn't quite do the trick.

They looked just fine, but sometimes you can't tell until a thing is completely dry. The next day they did indeed look oil free, but now they were stiff and COLD! I threw them in the dry for a heated fluffing.

What do you know! ScraPerfect products have done it again! My lounge pants are free to make me comfortable and warm. Thanks to the Best Cleaner Ever my skin didn't break out from the harsh chemicals found in most stain removers and solvents!

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make a Colorful and Delightful Batmass Party

Today I want to show you how to make a colorful and delightful Batmass Party. If you follow me at all on Facebook you know that I am 100% Bat-Crazy! I think these winged, furry, fruit and insect eaters are amazing. When Gerda Steiner Designs came out with their Bats Clear Stamp Set I knew I HAD to have them. Aren't they too cute for words with their little Christmas hats and goofy smiles?

~ Merry Batmass ~

  Gerda Steiner Designs also has delightful Digi-stamps and printables. I downloaded the free Christmas Tree and a couple of cute little mice and of course the Christmas Hats. Stop by the Shop or Facebook page to see what is available today!

My tiny glass house looks like a cathedral with a soaring roof and arched windows. I decided to run with that theme and turned it into a battery operated candle holder. I also spelled my title with the church idea in mind. If you look closely you can see the glow behind the tree!

Directions:

Step 1:Prep vellum for printer.
I used the Perfect Crafting Pouch from ScraPerfect to dust the vellum so the ink would set without smears.

Step 2:Prep vellum for painting. 
After printing my digi stamps I dusted the back of the vellum to prep for watercolors.

Step 3:Paint printed design from the back.
 Painting the vellum from the back of the design mutes the colors and adds to the glow of the candle design. The watercolors left the vellum rather warped. I cut out the tree and wrapped it around a paper towel tube to reform.

 Step 4:Stamp and cut Batmass Angels.
My Batmass Angels were super easy to make. I used white pigment ink and Rinea Foiled Paper in Ebony Starstruck. The bats cut out perfectly with the matching Bat Dies from Gerda Steiner Designs.

Step 5:Clean glass house.
My tiny conservatory is a thrifted item and it was FILTHY!

 I used the Best Cleaner Ever from ScraPerfect to remove the sticker and tape residue marring the glass.

 Step 6:Polish glass house.
After I washed it up I cleaned the fingerprints and water spots using the Perfect Cleaning Cloth. My little glass house looked brand new!

 Step 7:Add presents and party guests.
I had printed out and colored or painted the advent calendar several times. I used my extras for these cuties in the back. I fussy cut them and used foam tape to adhere them to the glass. The cookie mouse and balloon mouse are thrilled to be in on the party!

 Step 8:Cut and attach title, bats, and hats.
I used Emerald Starstruck Foiled Paper from Rinea and a Gothic alphabet die for the title. The Christmas Hats are printed on white cardstock with a bit of  Ruby Starstruck Foiled Paper pieced in the middle.

 Step 9:Attach tree to battery candles, add bling.
The tree needed a bit of sparkle to it. I used Embellie Gellie to pick up tiny star shaped gems for my tree. This wheel of gems is a Hot Buy for a limited time at ScraPerfect.

 One dot of Best Glue Ever holds the bling to the tree.

The tree is taped around two battery operated candles that give the tree support and shape.

 Step 10:Turn candles on and position tree in center of glass house.
The Batmass Angels are so excited to have the kids over for a Christmas Party! I hope you have enjoyed this little piece of fantasy and will stop by the linked shops for crafting supplies.

Supplies:

Cardstock:Recollections
Vellum, Watercolors:CTMH

Digi and Clear Stamps:Gerda Steiner Designs

Foiled Paper:Rinea

Glue, Cleaner, and Accessories:ScraPerfect

Scrap On!

~charity~