Simple Creations

I have had several ask in this current economy "how do you stretch the products you already have"? Whether you are making items for yourself, swaps or gifts you don't have to use your entire stash on every project.
Here's a 6" tag for a Boy's layout, very simple. Left over CTMH cardstocks, brads, stamps (one shirt says "Boys"), inks and a few markers or pencil colors. The receiver can now add lines to journal, journal without lines, or even a small photo. They can punch a hole up tog and add string, wire or something they have if they choose.

Old playing cards are wonderful to alter even without a lot of layers. I used blank cards stamped, colored, chalk, a little glitter, then cut 1 flower into 4 parts --that covers 4 cards, instead of using the entire flower on each card. This card is reversible in case someone likes one side more than the other. You can take Stazon and cover a regular playing card and simply emboss if you don't want a lot of layered paper.

Remember the hand hole punches we all seem to have? I know so many have gone to the cricut and other that we forget how a simple hand punch can add a little depth or dimension to a project. Again very simple topper, embossed and punched out stars. When it's on a layout the cardstock or papers will show through the stars. Then when you pick your project, if you want to add ribbon, buttons or whatever you can.

Take an old coaster and alter it or use a blank one. This one is stamped, chalked a little glitter and again some left over papers. (Remember I am not a photographer- ha ha ). If you don't celebrate Halloween you can pick any theme.

Publish Post

Envelope Card Projects

We all have left over envelopes, they are cheap and have unlimited uses. Below are are 2 examples of a twist on cards made from envelopes. Great for cash, a pack of tea, small flat candy bars, gift cards, etc. Pick any theme you like from Birthdays to Christmas.

Plain white envelope, opened the flat and stamped on the front of it, I used CTMH inks and matching cardstocks.

Turn the envelope over stamp on 2 corners below the flap, stamp a message if you like. You don't have to stamp all the back because most of it won't show when it's folded.

2 mats of cardstock and a stamped image, added to the front lower side of your flap. Use removable tape so it will open and close freely.

Take any colored envelope you happen to have and use some leftover dimensional embellishments from your stash-- can stamp leaves or stems, draw them on or use bling as I did. Add a ribbon on the top and add a special tag if you like.

Christmas in July

It's hard to think about~ especially with the economy but Christmas is 5 months away! All the more reason to make your own cards. For those of us who do, it's time to start. I have a few CTMH Christmas in July card workshops and this is one of the cards we will make.

Found a template on line and resized and altered it. The original template made a larger mug requiring a larger envie (didn't want to pay more postage), wanted a fancier handle so designed my own.
I used CTMH stamp and Olive green second generation stamping, cream embossing powder for the liquid, silver embossing powder for the handle, and some stickles for the berries.
(I tried chocolate embossing power for the liquid- it was a bit harsh). DTP edges.

Cut a spoon handle and inserted the greeting. I wouldn't ge overly fancy with the top of the spoon, it can bend easily.


You could certainly paper the font of the mug if you liked. Could add more bling, a ribbon on the spoon handle, somthing to match you stamp, a tiny tag, or tons of other ideas. You could add a special Christmas t-bag also.
Inside greetings ideas:
Warm Wishes
May Christmas be your cup of Tea
From our home to yours
Wishing you warm wishes and toasty toes