tutorial – Try It – Like It

Sublimating Ribbon

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Artesprix Heat Tape Shop at: AZ \| O	Artesprix Protective Paper Shop at: AZ \| O	Artexprix Project Mat Shop at: AZ \| O	Gwen Studios at Walmart Shop at: O	Oliso Mini Iron Shop at: AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers Shop at: AZ \| O	Sewing Clips Shop at: AZ \| O	Sublimation Ink Pad Shop at: AZ \| O

Making a Santa Gift Box

Craft a Santa box for gift giving, decor, or as an ornament. It is so cute!

with CutCardStock

It is so fun to craft for the holidays. I am such a Santa fan so I made this Santa gift box. You can fill it with a gift or sweets. Add a ribbon and hang it on your tree for an ornament. It can also be used as a decor piece.

I created this free SVG file to share with you as a part of the CutCardStock design team.

The card stock used for the Santa Box is Habanero and is weighted at 80# cover. I also used Basis in white and pink.

Using a Cricut Maker, I cut and scored the card stock.

Video Tutorial:

Fold the large red shape on all the score lines, folding them in the same direction. Once done, glue the tab to form the box. I used tacky glue.

Glue the facial pieces onto the box. I chose to antique them beforehand using Distress Oxide ink in Vintage Photo. I also used pink chalk to create rosy cheeks. The mustache was placed using foam tape to show the difference from the beard.

Visit the store to download the free SVG file [santa box]

>>> Issues with the site. The link above might work. If not, you can try this link or email me for the file. [santa box svg]

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other

Cricut Maker® Machine Shop at: AZ \| O \| C	Cricut Standard Grip Mat Shop at: AZ \| C	Cut Cardstock Shop at: O	Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ	Glue Bottles Shop at: AZ
Pebbles Craft Chalk Shop at: AZ	Pop Dots Shop at: AZ \| O	Reptile Glue Shop at: AZ

How to Etch a Candle

Learn how to turn a dollar tree candle into a beautiful gift with Etchall Creme.

with Etchall Creme

Grab a candle and some ribbon from the Dollar Tree and make a beautiful etched candle using Etchall Creme. Such a simple idea makes for an elegant finished product and an affordable gift any time of the year.

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.

Process:

Remove all the labels from the glass and clean it with rubbing alcohol. The higher the content of alcohol the better. In a pinch, you can use hand sanitizer to clean with.

For the size of this project, I was able to cut the vinyl on a Cricut Joy. I used a free design and font in the design program for the Vinyl Sticker design. (Leaf Embellishment #M3A9A159F) If you don’t have a cutting machine you can cut vinyl by hand or use a paper punch design.

After the cut is finished, weed away the design.

When I apply vinyl, I fold the vinyl in half to mark the middle. Then I apply it to the candle, middle first, and smooth it out from there. Wrinkles in the vinyl are OK as long as the design is smooth and sealed against the glass.

Apply the etching creme generously to the design. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then remove the creme and replace it in the jar to use again. Wash the design and remove the vinyl. I use a baby wipe when the design is small enough and then clean the glass with rubbing alcohol.

Here is the result of the etching.

To finish off the look of the candle, I applied rubbing wax to the design in silver to enhance the design and wrapped a coordinating ribbon around the neck of the glass container.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other

Start Mandala Painting

How to start dot painting.

Dot Mandala painting is trendy. It isn’t a difficult craft but it does require practice. You can build on your technique and difficulty of imagery. To start you will want some basic craft paint, a few tools for dot-making (which can be found around your house), a pallet, and paper.

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.

Tools you can use to make dots can be made. Here is a tutorial for making your own ball tool [DIY Ball Tool]. Other items you might want to collect and try:

push pin
end of paintbrush
dry pen
pencil eraser
needle
dowel
knitting needle
crochet hook

Next, you will want to get your paint to the right consistency. Adding a bit of water if needed to make a liquid or runny paint. I am using craft paint from Arteza.

If you don’t want to mix water into your paint you may want to buy paint made for pour painting since it will be a good consistency for dot painting. Arteza has a variety of pour paint sets. There are even color sets that coordinate. And if you are truly just getting started and have no materials, you might be interested in the Arteza Dot Tool Kit. It includes everything you will need except paint.

After practicing your dots and you are now ready to paint a mandala, many people start with a stencil. There are many stencils you can use to create mandalas. If you have a personal cutting machine you can use this SVG file and cut one, to begin with. [madala stencil]

Video Tutorial:

Making a Card from Leftovers

It’s time to make a card from your leftover elements.

When you craft and save all your little bits and leftovers, there comes a time when you need to use them. This card is made from a collection of leftover pieces. I chose to coordinate the elements with similar colors for this card.

Using The Works Board, I have gathered my collection of leftover elements. All I need to do is glue them all into place.

The butterfly came from a tutorial on How to Foil Your Stamping.
The leaves were leftover from another card tutorial: Making a Fall Blessing Card
The background piece is from a tutorial on Embossing with Color

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Deco Foil Shop at: AZ \| SSS	Deco Foil Adhesive Pen Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Maker’s Movement Shop at: O	Marabu Art Crayons Shop at: AZ \| O	Rinea Foiled Paper – jade and gold Shop at: O
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	WRMK – All-In-One Tool – The Works Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB

DIY a Decorative Pumpkin

Make your own decorative pumpkin for the season.

It’s the season, whether it is Halloween or Fall, this DIY Decorative Pumpkin works. I started with a plan to add flowers and a bow at the top, but after finishing the pumpkin, it was grand enough on its own. Nothing more is needed.

I found the pumpkin and napkins at Hobby Lobby. To apply the napkin, I made a mixture of white glue and water that got applied with a foam brush. Before applying the napkin, separate the layers and tear it into pieces.

Video Tutorial:

Bookmaking

Tab bookbinding with a collaged cover.

with Collaged Cover

A few years ago I attended a bookbinding retreat at Penland. To this day, I still rely on the techniques I learned. This sweet little journal has a tab binding. The nice thing about a tab binding is that you can make the book as many pages as desired. I began making the cover papers using book pages and collaged them together.

You might be surprised to learn that I used children’s tempera and liquid watercolor. Applying the paints in a similar fashion to working on a Gelli plate. After the first layer of paint, different paint was applied with a stencil. Finally, stamped images were added.

After the paint dried, I cut the pages into different sizes. They were then used to collage onto chipboard for the covers. The entire process from painting pages to bookbinding is better viewed in the video tutorial.

Video Tutorial:

Making a Paper Pocket

Make a beautiful paper pocket with products from Gina K.

with Gina K

This paper pocket was fun to make using stamps and ephemera from Gina K. The pocket can be added to a journal, used for a gift card, or a special note. I personally like it as a stand-alone piece to be used for a special inclusion.

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.

Such a well-known name in paper crafting, I feel honored to have Gina K sponsor a blog promotion with Designer Craft Connection. Visit the DCC website to see all the projects that were made with Gina K.

Gina K sent these beautiful products for this post. The stamp set Never Loose Hope, and the Ephemera Pack, Watercolor Florals coordinate well together.

I began with the butterfly stamp and embossed it in gold with embossing powder from Emerald Creek.

After fussy cutting the butterfly out, I painted it using stamp pad ink.

I made a pocket out of cardstock and used another stamp from Gina K in the corner. Measurements for cutting and folding the pocket along with the complete tutorial are in the video tutorial below.

Video Tutorial:

A close-up image of the final pocket. You can see the details of the pocket and the dimension of the butterfly.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Emerald Creek
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O

Versamark
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AZ | SSS | SB

Crop a dile
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AZ

Brads
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AZ

Black Cat Mobile

Let’s make a black cat mobile to decorate your home for Halloween. It is so cute you can really use it year round!

with Gwen Studios

I can’t believe it is time to craft for Halloween! In this house we love cats and we aren’t afraid of black ones. In fact, we used to have a black cat. As a member of the Gwen Studios design team, I was asked to craft for Halloween or Fall. I chose to make this black cat mobile. While everything I used is black, it turned out rather cute and not scary at all!

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.

Gwen Studios ribbons can be found at Walmart and Michaels. To see all the projects made with Gwen Studios ribbons, make sure to visit the Designer Crafts Connection website.

Materials:

wooden cats (Dollar Tree)
black paint
Dragonfly Glaze Paint (FolkArt)
foam brush
Black Satin Ribbon (Gwen Studios)
Embroidery Hoop
Scissors
Quick Grip Glue (Beacon)
lighter (Dollar Tree)

At first, I thought all I needed was to paint the cats black – which I did. I painted them front and back and made sure to cover the edges as well. Then I decided to try the Dragonfly Glaze Paint on top of the black paint and that really finished off the look taking the flat black surface to something magical! I painted the embroidery hoop exactly the same way.

While the painting of the cats dried, I tied eight small bows from the Gwen Studios black satin ribbon. I used a lighter to finish off the ends of each bow so the ribbon doesn’t fray.

To begin the construction of the mobile, I took four very long strands of the black satin ribbon, folded them in half, and tied a knot leaving a loop at the top for hanging. At the very top of the loop where the ribbons are layered on top of each other, I used the Quick Grip glue between each layer to keep the ribbons in place.

Evenly separating the ribbon strands around the embroidery hoop, I tied and knotted, and balanced the hoop. Once I was happy with the arrangement, I secured each knot to the hoop using the Quick Grip glue.

Each ribbon strand has a cat and bow attached at random lengths. I altered the direction each cat is facing. Looping the ribbon through the hole in the cat and tied a knot. Before making the knot tight, I slipped a bow into the knot loop. To finish off the ribbon, I cut the excess ribbon off, used a lighter to seal the end, and then glued the ribbon tail up onto the long strand of ribbon.

Here is a close-up of the finished mobile cats. You can see how the cats are staggered in different lengths. When they touch each other the wood gives off a clicking sound that is subtle and pleasant.

Inspirational Button Pins

Making fun expressive button pins with free printables.

These inspirational pins were made with two free printables in the store. A few days ago I posted about making earrings using the marbled paper printable. That same printable is used here. What a fun way to express yourself. The pins also make fun little items to share.

For this size of a pin, a 1″ paper punch made cutting the circle easy. Then an appropriate word was chosen and trimmed to fit within the circle. Of course, these printables can be used in various craft projects. These free printables are available through the links below.

Marbled paper printable [Marbled inchies]

Words paper printable [word set]

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon

Glue Bottles
Shop at:
AZ

Reptile Glue
Shop at:
AZ

Westcott 8″ Non-Stick Scissors
Shop at:
AZ

Button Maker
Shop at:
AZ

1″ Circle Punch
Shop at:
AZ

Artesprix Heat Tape Shop at: AZ \| O	Artesprix Protective Paper Shop at: AZ \| O	Artexprix Project Mat Shop at: AZ \| O	Gwen Studios at Walmart Shop at: O	Oliso Mini Iron Shop at: AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers Shop at: AZ \| O	Sewing Clips Shop at: AZ \| O	Sublimation Ink Pad Shop at: AZ \| O

Deco Foil Shop at: AZ \| SSS	Deco Foil Adhesive Pen Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Maker’s Movement Shop at: O	Marabu Art Crayons Shop at: AZ \| O	Rinea Foiled Paper – jade and gold Shop at: O
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	WRMK – All-In-One Tool – The Works Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB