Valentine’s Day Cardmaking

with Kokorosa

final card

This heart card was made with dies from Kokorosa, mica powder, and mineral powders. There were a few bumps along the way but they can always be resolved, sometimes in a different direction than planned. The technique has merit and I would use it again.

die material

I set my die-cutting machine using double-sided tape to only cut through the double-sided tape, not the cardboard backing.

more matierlas

At the very top of the card front, you can see where I tested the different colors of powders.

Video Tutorial:

enjoy

The close-up image shows the detail of the die-cut word. You can also see the metallic shine in the cardstock.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

kokorosa logo

Use the following code for a 25% discount: L44991

Product links:

description: Kokorosa: https://kokorosastudio.com/
“Enjoy” Word: https://bit.ly/3TWZmWP
Hearts Background Board: https://bit.ly/3Ufvi95

How to make a Book Edge Clip

book clips

The Book Edge Clips work well on your junk journals to hold elements that you want to tuck into the page. Or how about a bookmark in your books and Bibles? Or use them to clip together a grouping of papers.

These book edge clips would make nice gifts for teachers, book lovers, bible study partners, and students.

Grab the free printables from the shop. They are all together in one zipped file. [Book Edge printables]

materials

After downloading the file and unzipping it. Choose which design to print. Then you will need three paper clips and some tacky adhesive. I also used a paper trimmer, a pair of scissors, and a corner rounder.

For the construction of your Book Edge Clip, you will want to follow the video tutorial listed below for the precise folding instructions.

Video Tutorial:

in place

Here is one of the book edge clips being demonstrated on an in-process journal page. Not only does it mark the page, but you can also use it to tuck in loose pieces.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other
Corner Rounder
Corner Rounder
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O
Cricut Portable Trimmer
Cricut Portable Trimmer
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AZ | C
Glassboard discount code JANET20
Glassboard discount code JANET20
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AZ | O
HP Envy Inspire
HP Envy Inspire
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AZ
HP Paper
HP Paper
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AZ
Non-Stick Scissors
Non-Stick Scissors
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AZ
Paper Clips
Paper Clips
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Reptile Glue
Reptile Glue
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Temu Glue Bottles
Temu Glue Bottles
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O

Alcohol Ink Switch Plate

finished swith plate

Alcohol ink works on many different non-porous surfaces. Grab a simple plastic switch plate for the hardware store that costs practically nothing and turn it into a unique work of art with this plastic wrap technique.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

switch plate

To begin, place a large area of plastic wrap on your work surface. The switch plate will come with two screws. I used washi tape on the back to hold them in place. This allows the screws to be colored to match the switch plate.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

For this project, I used alcohol Inks from Marabu.

wrapped plate

After applying a generous amount of different colors of alcohol ink on the switch plate, cover it with the plastic wrap and smoosh the plastic to gain your desired design.

wrapped plate

It is ready to unwrap after letting the piece dry for a day. Notice how different the design and colors look after drying. Then all that needs to be done is a simple coat of UV protection and then the switch plate is ready to use.

For a final coating, I use Krylon Clear Coat or Krylon Kamar Varnish.

close-up

Here is a close-up look at the surface and a screw that is also colored. If you don’t like the results you can continue to add alcohol ink to change the design, or clean it off with rubbing alcohol and start over.

Video Tutorial:

Unlocking Creativity: Exploring the Versatility of Die Cuts from Everyday Boxes

Exploring the Versatility of Die Cuts from Everyday Boxes. #tutorial #craft_from_trash #recycle

I don’t know if this is genius or if I stumbled onto something everyone already does. I was getting ready to throw away a box and noticed the blank areas that could be die-cut. I will never look at a box the same way again and I am kind of kicking myself wondering about all the boxes I have already thrown away.

Video Tutorial:

Making Words with Washi

Use your washi tape to create colorful sentiments. #sentiment #words #washitape

washi words

As a crafty person, you probably already have a collection of colorful washi tapes in your stash. But have you ever thought of using them to create custom die-cuts? With just a few easy steps, you can create an image or pattern using washi tape and then use a die-cutting machine to cut it into a word or phrase of your choice. This DIY project is a fun and colorful way to add personalized touches to your paper crafts, such as cards, scrapbook pages, or even home decor.

parts

Materials:

  • die-cutting machine
  • dies
  • washi tape
  • cardstock
  • Xyron machine (optional)

Video Tutorial:

February Calendar Transformation

Transform a colored image into a greeting card. #freeprintable #freecalendar #cardmaking #cardtutorial

final card

As I sat there, admiring my colorful calendar image for the month of February, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. The vibrant hues and playful design gave me an idea. Why not turn this into a one-of-a-kind, personalized greeting card for a loved one? With a few adjustments, I was able to create a beautiful, unique piece that was sure to brighten someone’s day.

Materials Used:

  • purple cardstock
  • white cardstock
  • February Calendar Image – free printable
  • velum
  • die cut and machine
  • various adhesives
  • paper trimmer
  • rhinestone gems

The free Calendar is available here: https://tryit-likeit.com/2023-printable-calendar/

pencils and pens

The February calendar image was colored using mostly pencils from Staedtler and fineliners from Stabilo.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Cricut Portable Trimmer
Cricut Portable Trimmer
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AZ | C
Cut Cardstock
Cut Cardstock
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O
Double Sided Tape
Double Sided Tape
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AZ
Glue Bottles
Glue Bottles
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AZ
Mini Maker
Mini Maker
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O
Reptile Glue
Reptile Glue
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AZ
rhinestones
rhinestones
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AZ
Stabilo Fineliner
Stabilo Fineliner
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AZ | O
Staedtler colored pencil triangular 48Pc
Staedtler colored pencil triangular 48Pc
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AZ | O
Tape Runner
Tape Runner
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AZ | SSS | SB
Teflon Craft Mat
Teflon Craft Mat
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AZ
Temu
Temu
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O

Sublimating Ribbon

Learn how easy it is to create your own ribbon designs using sublimation ink pads and markers. @gwenstudios @artesprix #affiliate

finished gift box

Now you can create your own special designer Gwen Studios ribbon. I love how this sublimated ribbon made this gift box so special. Putting your own design on a ribbon is very easy to do using sublimation ink pads and markers. The ones I am using are from Artesprix.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

coloring

To create the image I am using a layering technique. I stamped the image and with the use of a light table, I can see the image and know where to add the color. Then I stamped the image on top of the colored work. The reason for doing it this way was to illuminate the possibility of the inks bleeding together. You can see how this was done in the video below.

colored image

I actually did the entire process twice. I started with pastel colors as seen in the first image. They did transfer but weren’t visible enough for my taste so I did it again with brighter colors as seen above. Here I am making the sublimation sandwich to transfer the image.

sublimation sandwich

This image show what is referred to as a sublimation sandwich. Working on a heat-resistant surface, I have a layer of protective paper, then the ribbon faces up, the colored and stamped image face down is held in place with heat-resistant tape, and the entire thing will be covered with another piece of protective paper before heating.

iron

Because my project is small I chose to use a craft iron instead of a heat press. With the iron set on high and no steam, I used a bit of pressure and left the iron on for a minute. Before removing the tape and image you will want to do a peek test to make sure everything is transferred.

This post is created for the Gwen Studios design team. Other projects can be found on the Designer Crafts Connection website. Gwen Studios ribbons can be found at Walmart and Michaels.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, O – Other
Heat Tape
Artesprix Heat Tape
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AZ | O
Artesprix Protective Paper
Artesprix Protective Paper
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AZ | O
Artexprix Project Mat
Artexprix Project Mat
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AZ | O
Gwen Studios at Walmart
Gwen Studios at Walmart
Shop at:
O
Oliso Mini Iron
Oliso Mini Iron
Shop at:
AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers
Pastel Sublimation Markers
Shop at:
AZ | O
Sewing Clips
Sewing Clips
Shop at:
AZ | O
Sublimation Ink Pad
Sublimation Ink Pad
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AZ | O

Glitter and Mica Powder Ornament

with Ceya

ornament

When I got products from Ceya I wanted to combine glitter and mica powder. On the first try, I decided to make an ornament. Having not done this before, I wasn’t sure of the outcome, but I am thrilled with the results and can’t wait to try other applications.

Materials:

  • plastic ornament
  • polyacrylic
  • chunky glitter
  • mica powder
  • small spoon
  • disposable cups

Video Tutorial:

If you’d like to see more products from Ceya I have an unboxing video here:

Making an Embellished Square Card

Making a card with the Cricut Joy and cutting card stock.

with CutCardStock

card with pen

It is so fun to craft and try new things. This card was made using a Cricut Joy. I wanted to experiment with Stardream card stock to see if it would cut on a smaller cutting machine.

I created this card as a part of the CutCardStock‘s design team where I share projects twice a month.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

The card stock used for this card was Stardream Metallic in Coral and Latte Tan for the card. CutCardStock has a ton of different colors of Stardream to choose from, they are all just beautiful and my favorite card stock from CutCardStock.

Cricut Joy

I wanted to see if I could cut heavier card stock on the Cricut Joy. I chose a free design on the Cricut Joy app. The setting I chose was for glitter card stock, it worked well. Cutting each shape twice, even the smallest of shapes were cut without trouble.

The two parts I used for the card are the folded card stock for the background, and the cut cardstock I cut on the Cricut Joy. The cut square is 3″ x 3″ and the folded piece is 3.5″ x 7″.

After gluing the card parts together, I chose to embellish the center of the flowers with gems in two sizes. These pearlized gems were bought at the Dollar Tree.

Video Tutorial:

Quick and Easy Earrings

Using charms from the craft store make for quick and affordable earrings.

earrings

Making earrings from charms is so easy. These beautiful butterfly wings came in a set of four pairs from Hobby Lobby. I was able to make four pairs of earrings for less than $10, making these a very affordable gift. Charms and buttons make for quick and easy earrings.

materials

Using two jewelry pliers, charms, and matching ear wires I was able to make four pairs of earrings in no time at all.

Video Tutorial:

These were such a huge hit in my house, I have to go and buy a few more sets of charms so we don’t fight over the colors!