Gift card wrapping

I love this time of year, when I get to pull out odds and ends from my stash to create packaging for holiday gifts. We tend to give out gift cards and money mostly these days but I still like to present them in a cute way.

This year I used my sizzix rectangle scalloped card die, a stampin up/ek success bracket punch, MME paper, stampin up Tiny Sentiments stamp and some glittery ribbon from Michaels. For the females I topped it off with a recolored silk flower (used Heidi Swapp color shine) with a rhinestone center. For the guys I put a rhinestone in the center of a Studio Calico wood veneer snowflake. Quick, easy and cute!

Clear scrapbook page using the Prima Optimist line

The Prima Optimist line is gorgeous with the contrast of bright colors with the chalkboard black. I found it so easy to create a dramatic layout using this line. I thought using a piece of acrylic would make the papers and colors stand out even more. I want my photo to feel like it was floating in color.  

The online store Anna's Beachside Scrapbooking was kind enough to send me some papers flowers and embellishments from the line to create with. Many stores don't have it yet so head to her site to pick up some. She has great service and tons of Prima goodness. 

Weekend Whimsy with Simple Stories and Kiwi Lane Designs

Please head over to the Kiwi Lane Designs blog to check out my Weekend Whimsy projects. I used the Simple Stories December Documented collection along with my Kiwi Lane Designs templates to make an altered cookie sheet chalkboard and a mini album. I had so much fun making these projects, I hope you will check them out. Also be sure to visit the Kiwi Lane Facebook and Simple Stories Facebook pages for more inspiration and ideas.

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Pocket Mini Album

This book is so simple and the perfect project to make on a crafty Saturday or Sunday. The dimensions of my album were 4x6 but you can easily make it larger just but using wider paper. To make this book you will need 12x12 cardstock - 1 sheet for the cover, 1 sheet for the back, and a sheet for each page you want to include in the album.

Making the pages - Cut your paper 8"W x 12" L - (these will be your front and back cover pages and any pages you that you DON'T want to have a pocket.) Score your paper along the 8" width at 4" then turn your paper and score it at the 6" mark along your 12" side. Glue each fold together, Be sure to use a bone folder to make things flat and  well adhered. Now you should have a 4x6 rectangle that is very sturdy because it is 4 layers thick. Repeat as desired.

Making pocket pages - Cut your paper 8" W x 10" L. Score your paper along the 8" width at 4" then turn your paper and score it at the 6" mark along your 10" side. Fold the paper in half so that you have a 4"x10" page and then glue it together. Next use a strong adhesive like ScorTape or Red Line tape and tape alone each side of the 6" fold to create a pocket. (One side of your page will be a pocket, the other will be solid.) Repeat as desired.

Binding - I simply punched two holes in each page (I used my Binderie punch), put  an eyelet in each hole and held it together with binder rings - like the ones that come with the Kiwi Lane Templates. (Coil binding with a Bind It All or Cinch would work well, also binding it would ribbon would work too) Note: You can either decorate your pages first then punch the holes, or punch the holes then decorate, just remember that holes will be on each page as you create your design.

Decorating the pages - I used a combo of my templates (Sunnybrook Lane, Tiny Shapes, Tiny Tags, Journey, Tiny Brackets, Tiny Accents) elements from the papers, embellishments that matched the collection, and a few items from my stash to decorate my mini. The tags for the pockets were made with the Tags templates set...they fit in the pockets really well. 

My husband has gotten into Instagram thanks to our nieces and he can use this book for pictures he takes during the holidays. It is the perfect size for small 2" or 3" square photos.

Thanks for reading!

Sympathy Cards

I am so glad I bought the Anna Griffin card kit. It has made it fast and easy to create adult cards when I need them.

I had to make two sympathy cards for my mom over the weekend and my kit and some other AG items from my stash pulled it all together. I am especially loving the Anna Griffin embossing folders.

Blog Hop Time with Kiwi Lane Designs

Welcome to my blog and my last blog hop as a Kiwi Lane Designs team member. It has been a great nine months creating stuff and sharing my love of these awesome templates. They totally changed the way I craft, and I am so thankful I found them.

Okay so let's get down to business. Today I am sharing three layouts with you made with templates - from quick and simple to more elaborate. I want you all to see that no matter your scrapping style these templates can work for you. I used the RINGS template on all three layouts so you can see how one template can be used in different ways.

My first layout is super simple. I used components from a kit club I subscribed to and was able to make a nice quick and easy page that still made my photos pop. The circles on this layout were made using the interior of the  RINGS template set. I used them on the top and bottom to "frame" my photos.

(Templates used: Mini Aspen Court; Rings; Tiny Shapes)

My second layout is a fairly simple design as well, but I did a little more detail work. I used a pen to make dots around the flower template (TINY ACCENTS) and around the tag template (TINY TAGS) as well as a few dots on the border. On this layout I used the RINGS2 template with watercolor paper that I misted for a bold spot of color. I love how this layout turned out, but I have yet to decide what photo to use...everyone says it reminds them of a baby layout. Maybe I will gift this into a page for my friend who has a new baby.

(Templates used: Rings; Brackets; Tiny Accents; Scallops, Strips, Tiny Tags)

Finally in my last layout I went all out vintage style (which I love). I had so much fun creating this layout with all the details and embellishments, and my templates made it come together so easily. If you look at the bottom of the flower cluster you will see a sparkly bit of the RINGS2 template peeking out. Again I used it to add color interest to my page.

(Templates used: Rings; Scallops; Strips; Clara Lane; Tags; Tiny Tags)

Thank you so much for joining me. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. Kiwi Lane Designs is giving away some awesome Simple Stories stuff to a lucky winner. Good Luck!'

THE BLOG HOP LIST

1. Kiwi Lane http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/
2. Staci Jones http://scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/
3. Tammy Smith  http://lifeupdownandsideways.blogspot.com/
4. Erin Colby: http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com
5. Deborah Johnson  http://scrappinthelittlethings.blogspot.com/
6. Kristy Mackeen: http://mamasanity.blogspot.com/
7. Scrappin' Madge- http://www.thescrappinlounge.com
8. Claire Heartburn http://lemonpaperdesigns.blogpot.co.uk
9. Leslie Prinkki http://www.scrapsofmine.blogspot.com
10. Melissa Dehne http://www.abitofscrappygoodness.blogspot.com/
11. Charissa Miller http://www.akihasmommascraps.com
12. Roselyn Riley http://prettylittlepackages.blogspot.com - YOU ARE HERE!

Using Project Life kits to make cards

Lately I have noticed I am loving my Studio Calico project life kits more than the main. And what makes it crazy is that I don't even do Project Life. I use my PL kits as layers and embellishments on my pages.

Today I had a light bulb moment and realized these kits are perfect for card making too. So I pulled out my kiwi lane designs templates (adorn, tiny florals, tiny accents, tiny tags) and a few PL kits and made a quick card. I even used the wording on a 3x4 card for the sentiment.

50th Anniversary Card

Made this card for my inlaws 50th anniversary. I used tons of Anna Griffin products and my Kiwi Lane Design templates.

Crafting with Jinger Adams and Kiwi Lane Designs

I am featured on the Kiwi Lane Designs blog today sharing a layout and a card using the Jinger Adams Collection Sweet Tart line and the Rings, Tiny Tags, Spook Alley, and Wildflower templates sets. (The Rings and Tiny Tags sets are ones I use on practically every layout. A must have in your crafting arsenal.) I invite everyone to come check out what I made with Jinger Adam's bright and glittery collection and my designer templates. Then be sure to head over to Jinger's facebook page and see all the lovely products she has to offer.

Tuesday Tip with Kiwi Lane and Downtown Tape

Today you get to be witness to my first forays into the joys of creating with washi tape on the Kiwi Lane Designs blog. I learned a lot and by the end of it all, I think washi has found a permanent place in my crafting arsenal. The beautiful colors and patterns of Downtown Tape washi won me over. The templates I used this month were Happy Trails, Paradise, Wacky and Tiny Wacky. They worked perfectly with my summer and vacation photos. So be sure to check on the Kiwi Lane Designs blog for some scrapbooking inspiration as well as the Downtown Tapes facebook page.

Washi Tape Gift Card Holder Instructions

Super simple to make. All you need is a scoring tool, a paper trimmer, a KLD template, adhesive, and some washi. (these instructions are for a standard size gift card)

Cut a piece of card stock or heavy weight pattern paper to 4"W x 12"L

Score your paper at 1" from the bottom edge. Fold it up and seal ends with washi tape to make a pocket.

Place the paper back on the score board and score at the 4.5" mark and fold over to make a card.

Next put the folded card back on the score board and score at the 4.5" mark.

Place a Happy Trails template (or any template of your choosing) along the open 4" edge of the card and trace. This will create a decorative edge along the bottom of the card.

Now fold the decorative edge back, toward the front of the card and glue in place.

Decorate as desired.
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Be sure to check out my completed GIFT CARD HOLDER at Kiwi Lane Designs blog.

Thanks for reading!

Tip Time with Kiwi Lane and MME!

Today on the Kiwi Lane Designs Blog I am sharing part two of my mini series on layered elements for pages. I will be focusing on layered borders with dimension. With bright and fun papers from My Mind's Eye My Girl line and the Scallops, Brackets, and Accents designer templates I created a layout and a premade border strip. Be sure to stop by the blog and check it. Then head over to the My Mind's Eye Facebook page and show them some love too.

 

Loving Layers with Kiwi Lane and Technique Tuesday

Today on the Kiwi Lane blog I share some quick and easy tips to create layers and clusters on layouts using  this month's featured template sets Aspen Court, Playtime and Adventure.  I am also excited to be working with some awesome stamps from one of my favorite stamp companies Technique Tuesday. So be sure to stop by the Kiwi Lane Designs blog and faceook page for some crafty fun.

Mother's Day 2013

This year I actually got my cards done and mailed out on time. Go Me! I made 4 of these cards using my Kiwi Lane Designs templates and Prima Madeline paper collection. I think they turned out pretty cute.

Getting crafty for NSD!

I am slow...but I did accomplish a little today.

Used my Kiwi Lane Designs templates with watercolor paper and my acrylics to make this really simple card.

Birthday card for my mom....

National Scrapbooking Day Fun on the Kiwi Lane Designs Blog and Facebook

Who's playing tomorrow? I'll be scrapping along all day, doing the challenges and getting some crafty projects done. I hope you join us. National Scrapbooking Day at KLD

It's Tuesday Tip Time with Kiwi Lane Designs and Doodlebug Design Inc

Spring is in the air outside my window and in my craft room thanks to the bright and cheery Doodlebug Design Inc Flower Box collection. Today on the Kiwi Lane Designs blog I have a couple projects to share and some quick tips for using your Kiwi Lane designer templates - Chestnut Drive, Celebrate, and Tiny Florals. So check out the Kiwi Lane blog and Facebook and then be sure to check out the Doodlebug Design Facebook page too for loads of inspiration.

Want to know how to make an easy pocket for cards and pages using your templates? I made a quick video tutorial explaining the process. Take a look.

April Kiwi Lane Blog Hop

My first experience using Kiwi Lane Designs templates was last summer. I bought the complete set of mini templates at an expo and that night I used the designer templates to create a 8" album for my mother-in-law's birthday party. That night at a crop I completed practically and entire album. The creation process was so much easier with the templates and I was finally able to complete the book. When I gave my mother-in-law the album she loved it, especially the pages I used the Kiwi Lane templates on. I was hooked after that.

 Now many templates later I am still hooked and I am using them to create my pages of my mother-in-law's birthday party. Using the Anna Griffin Maude Asbury line and the Chestnut Drive borders 1A and 3B (also used 1" strips), I made this two page spread with a few pics of the party.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Don't forget to leave a comment, here and on all the blogs in our hop, to
get a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to use at Kiwi Lane Designs. Good Luck!

BLOG HOP LIST

1. Kiwi Lane http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/

2. Katrina Hunt http://paperscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/

3. Charity Becker http://menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/

4. Jen Collins http://jande14.blogspot.com/

5. Marisa Torp http://mojoandmore.blogspot.com

6. Staci Jones http://www.scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

7. Stephanie Umpleby http://sucw.blogspot.com

8. Stephanie Dang http://www.paperandi.blogspot.com

9. Roselyn Riley http://prettylittlepackages.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE

10. Charissa Miller http://akihasmommascraps.com

Before & After - Collaged Photos

Another before and after layout to share. I made this one using the Dear Lizzy 5th and Frolic line and a 8x10 photo collage that I made in Picasa and printed at home. I decided on a very simple design that kept my photos as the focus.

BEFORE

AFTER

Templates used - mini scallops 3a; mini paisley place 3a; rings 3 & 4; tags 1; tiny tags 1t; tiny shapes 7t

Other supplies used - Stamp - MFT; Felt embellishment - Dear Lizzy; buttons - American Crafts; paper - American Crafts/Dear Lizzy

Quick Quotes + Kiwi Lane Designs = Perfect Combination

It's March and I have spring break on the brain. I'm not hitting the beach this year, but I still can get a mental vacation by looking through some of my old vacation pictures. 

Today on the Kiwi Lane blog, I am sharing a mini album I made with the Quick Quotes Stowaway line and mini Paisley Place,Tiny Wildflowers, and Cascade Trails. Making a mini album was so fast and easy thanks to my templates and the very beach appropriate Quick Quotes papers. So head on over to the Kiwi Lane blog to see my full album and get some scrapbooking inspiration. And then don't forget to visit the Quick Quotes Facebook page.

Before & After - My Baby Layout

My mom gave me this photo to scrap of me as a baby. It is one of her favorites. I don't like how HUGE my head is in the picture. I guess it is true when they say "a face only a mother could love". LOL

So I started designing the layout like this. I like to play with my templates on my cutting mat to get my design ideas flowing.

Then I selected some papers from the October Afternoon Woodland Park line and started tracing and cutting. In the end, I changed a few things from my original design idea, but basically it came out the same as my design "sketch" I made with my templates.

Templates used - Scallop mini 3A & 1B; Aspen Court mini 3B; Tiny Sweetheart 3T; Rings1; Winter3; Bracket 3T; 2" Strip mini; Tiny Tags 1T; photo mats 5.5x7.5, 5x7, & 4x5

It's my turn again at the Kiwi Lane Designs blog. Be sure to head over there and check out my projects using the oh so pretty We R Memory Keepers "Crazy For You" paper collection and Clara Lane, Sweetheart, Tiny Sweetheart and Tiny Accents designer template sets. Tons of pink and pretty!

Project Life Card

While my Project Life for 2013 is off to a slow (very slow) start, my creativity has been in overdrive. I made 20 of these little 3x4 cards for a Project Life card swap. Used some October Afternoon Woodland Park papers and my Kiwi Lane templates. Now to actually start doing some Project Life pages LOL.