Last Minute Gift Giving Idea

Hey, were you wondering a fun way to share the gift cards you bought for your friends and family?  Why not make this darling stocking to hold them? I searched all over the Internet the last couple days trying to find something that was easy, and free.  Here is a template that I found. : Template  Thank you to the creator of this template, because they went together really quick.  I added a paper rosette and a tag to mine.  I was happy with the results!

I ended up making 5 of these.  Other than waiting for the stickles to dry, they went together very quick and easy.  Perfect for the last minute idea!

Raise the cuff flap and underneath is a pocket that holds the gift card. Pretty nifty!

Gift Ideas for Christmas

Do you ever start a project and it becomes bigger than you thought it would?  I showed you the Candy Boxes yesterday. Yes, I actually made 22 of those things for co-workers.  But that's not all I did this weekend...No.  I always have to out-do myself, and this time is no exception.  I am a team lead for 9 people at my work and I decided to give everyone a stocking to hang outside of their cubicles.  Now, I knew I needed to fill them!

Remember the cute little post-it books I made at Halloween?  Well, here they are again, only this time they are ready for the Christmas holiday. (the link will show you a more descriptive photo) These books are simple to make too.  Here are the steps:

• Cut 4 pieces of decorative paper 3.25" x 3.75"
• Cut 2 pieces of chipboard 3.25" x 3.75"
• Adhere the paper to both sides of the chipboard.  I used double-sided paper and made sure my front and back covers were the same, any my inside covers were the same.
• lightly sand all edges of covers
• lightly ink all edges of covers
• I used my bind-it-all and punched out 6 holes in the top.  I then bound it with 3/4" wire.
• I applied adhesive to the back of a post-it book and placed it inside.
• Embellish the cover however you like!  I used paper rosettes and whatever else I could think of.  No two were alike.

I also whipped up a yummy little bag of home made caramels.   I showcased the caramels a couple years back, but they were ready for a redo this year.  Before you think, "forget making home made caramels...who has the time or patience?"  You better check the recipe out.  Did I mention they cook in the microwave??  So easy!!  My good friend, Jackie, gave me this recipe and it really is wonderful.

Microwave Caramels

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

In a glass bowl, melt butter. Add remaining ingredients and mix

well. Microwave 7 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Pour into

buttered 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Cool to room temperature. Chill, cut

and wrap in wax paper.

Tips and Tricks:

- Use just slightly less than 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

so that you can get two batches out of each can! It won’t

mess up the recipe.

- Use a metal pan.

- After caramels come to room temperature, chill in fridge for

about one hour. Take out and let sit for just a few minutes then

pop out of pan in one big block.

- Cut with pizza cutter. I try to get 81 caramels out of each

batch, so 9 rows by 9 rows of about ¾-1” in size.

- Cut wax paper into 4x4 squares using a paper trimmer (like

you use for scrap booking projects)

After the caramels were wrapped up, I put them in a clear acetate bag and cut a header out of the matching decorative paper I used for my projects.  I also put the post-it book in a bag as well, to keep the embellishments on the front nice and sharp for gift giving.  It was definitely a busy weekend, but it was really fun.  I haven't spent this many hours in my craft room for a very long time!

Candy, Candy, Candy!

Hello everyone!
Paper Patch Crafts has another fun challenge for you that is not only fun, but also might be something you want to work on for your holiday gift giving.  Over at the group page, Anne would like everyone to create a candy box using this template, either by hand cutting or incorporating it into a cut file.  I tried it both ways, and decided that I would use the cut file with my SCAL because I couldn't imagine handcutting 20 of these for my work friends.  Here is what I created, and also the template if you'd like to give it a try.

These cute boxes are filled with candy treats. Won't this be fun to give out to friends or family for the holidays?  Or any occasion actually!

Here is the template.  Come and join us at the Paper Patch Group page at Facebook.  Also...Paper Patch Crafts has selected merchandise for 40% off.  WOW...now, that's a sale!!

I really hope you will play along!  Anne will be giving away a set of stamps to a lucky participate.

Items Used:

My Minds Eye Paper "I Believe"

Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosettes Die

Stickles

For the tags I used "Schoolbook" Cricut Cart

Cut file was available at SVG Attic

Christmas Wreath

I was looking over the internet the other day and came across a Christmas wreath that I loved.  I decided to be a copy cat.  The original post is here.

But here is what I created.

Burlap is a cool look.  It was a bit messy to work with, and you have to be careful that you don't just cut it without first pulling a thread from the weave so you can see exactly where to cut because it is usually woven pretty wonky.  Plus, it's a bit dusty and smelly.  (I am really selling you on this, aren't I?)  But oh, so adorable.  The flowers are just a larger version of the ones I made for my ribbon rose tutorial.

Here is what I did.  I took about 1 1/4 yard of green burlap and cut it into 3" strips.  I then took an old wire coat hanger and formed it into a circle.  Taking one end of the wire I accordion folded the strips onto the wire.  I smooshed it on there pretty tight because I wanted my wreath to be really textured and not so loopy looking.  (if you follow that other link above, you will see what I mean)  But whatever you like!  Once it was all crammed on there I twisted the circle closed.

Then I cut a strip of the red burlap to create the roses.  Following the same procedure as shown here.

Kinda cute and festive, isn't it?  It makes me happy when I look at it.

Cut Card Challenge

Paper Patch Craft has a card challenge now through the 15th of December.  The challenge is to create a card with a cut in the front.  I couldn't sleep this morning and I decided to take on this challenge (since I am on the Design Team and because it's just plain fun).  We hope you will want to play along too.

I made the burlap flower myself using the same technique in my ribbon rose tutorial.

• I cut a strip of burlap about 8"-12" long and 1" wide.  I then folded it in half length wise so that I am working with the folded edge at the top and the frayed ends at the bottom.
• I then tightly rolled the edge about 4 turns to make the center of my rose.
• From this point I didn't leave the strip folded in half, and folded the strip down and away from the center. I just rolled it as I went. (see video above for better explanation)
• It's not a bad idea to add a dab of hot glue here and there.
• When it was to the desired size, I cut the end and tucked it underneath then hotglued the flower down onto a circle of paper I had pre-punched.

So cute!!

Come and join us in the challenge.  You can do that HERE!  If you are not already a member of our fun facebook group ask to join!  We can hook you up with a click of the mouse and there are always fun challenges and nice people sharing their crafty fun.

By the way...there is a prize being given away as well:  Teresa Collins Stamp Set

I am also adding this card to another challenge.  The image is from Mo Manning and this is the challenge currently going on at her Design Team Blog:

Image:  Maisie Caroling

Oh Christmas Tree

I am excited to share with you my first Christmas project for the holiday season.  I found the idea over at the Teresa Collins Design Team blog.

I used a 13" paper mache cone and created a base for it out of chipboard.  I mounted it onto a candlestick holder.  I then created many, many rolled flowers.  Oh my, there were so many flowers! The flowers are very easy to make.  Cut out a circle of paper, and then spiral cut into the circle until you come up with this:

 Starting at the outer edge, simple roll the flower up until you reach the base (or center) of the circle.

  I then used a dab of hot glue to adhere the flower to the base.  Pretty easy stuff...just takes a long time to make this many flowers. 

 I also used differing sizes so they would start large at the bottom and get smaller towards the top.  After it was all done I zapped the tree with my heat gun to melt away all the hot glue "webs" and then lightly sprayed it with my homemade glimmery mist. (In a mini-mister put water and a few little scoops of Perfect Pearls. I used "Heirloom Gold").

Baby Day

Happy Sunday.  Over Thanksgiving week I was fortunate enough to have all my children home.  It was wonderful. That was 2 week ago though, and I am still recovering!  I sure am not as young with the bounce-back reflexes I used to have.  But, regardless..it was wonderful.  Here are my sons with their wives and my grandchildren.  One of my daughters in law was absent in the photo.

We also have a new addition to the family!  My oldest son and his wife recently brought a new little sweetheart into their family.  Sidney Jean was born this past month in November.

Here she is with her big sister!

Oh yes, crafts!  Here I was bragging up my family when you may have been checking in merely to see what new craft was completed recently by me. :)

I found this pattern on pinterest recently and decided to make a new heirloom for my newest grand daughter. Aren't these sweet?  The pattern seemed simple enough, but for some reason I was having a very difficult time getting it to work out.  I would share the pattern with you, but I had to purchase it, and so it would be wrong to infringe on that copyright.  If you follow me on pinterest though, you can find the links to it yourself.

I have been working on some crafts lately and hopefully will make a tutorial later today that I can share a little later this week.  Tomorrow...please pop over because I have a monster project I just finished yesterday that I want to show you.  When I say monster, I really mean...I turned into a monster while creating it because it was a long process.  But, I really liked how it turned it.  

All About Me Blog Hop

Hello friends. I am proud to be included in the "All About Me" Blog hop hosted by my friend Shelley Peeler at Scrapbooking for Fun.  If you came across my post and want to participate in the entire hop please go back to the beginning.  Shelley P is offering some fun blog candy too...just follow her instructions to be eligible.

I have been doing this blog for a few years now and generally try to keep the "personal" out of it because I want it to be more about the crafts and less about the woman behind the crafts.  But, it seems appropriate under the circumstances to give you a brief run down on who the person behind Heartstring Designs is.

I was born and raised on the western coast of Oregon in the United States.  I have always loved to draw, paint, and be creative.  I was fortunate to receive a small talent grant out of school that helped to put me into Art studies in college.  Although I never received my degree in Art, I did glean a lot of information that has helped me to cultivate my interests and talents.  Over the years I kept very busy keeping the creative side alive by painting and also designing rubber stamps for various companies.  I discovered craft bazaars and scrapbooking and finally found that what I really love is card making and mini albums.  This blog has been a fun outlet to share my ideas and hopefully inspire someone who is interested in the same books.

I now live in Boise, Idaho and am a Team Lead at a major Utility company that covers 8 states.  My job is very time consuming and somewhat stressful, so I find the art as an outlet for that stress.  In any spare moments that I have, I enjoy spending time with my sons, their wives, and my husband and I love the moments we get to spend with our grandchildren.  I know I have been blessed and am thankful for the life I have been given.

Here is a layout I created with photos of me over the years and my family.  You can click on the photo for a closer look at the details of my layout.

Thank you for joining me.  Here is the lineup of the other blogs you can hop along to and visit.

1. Shelley P- http://shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com/
2. Judy- www.bepresentbereal.blogspot.com/
3. Sandy- http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/
4. Shelley- http://heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/
5. Melissa- http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/
6. Janet - http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
7. Roberta - http://thepapercraftingleague.blogspot.com/
8. Claire- http://threewaterscreations.blogspot.com/
9. Sarah - http://craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com/
10. Cathy- http://cathyplus5.blogspot.com/
11. Nadja- http://nadjarobbins.blogspot.com/
12. Tess- www.sassycricutcrafting.com/
13. Robin - http://cutonedesignsbyrobin.blogspot.com/
14. Amy - http://www.scrapthissavethat.blogspot.com/
15. Miranda- http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/
16. Kim- http://theartisansattic.blogspot.com/

All About Me Blog Hop coming soon

The Last Scrapalicious Challenge

I am kind of sad to share the last Scrapalicious USA challenge going on now at the challenge blog.  But, despite the store closing and therefore the design team also closing..it really is a wonderful opportunity to get in on the tremendous closing sale going on now. I recommend going on over to the store now while items are still available and taking advantage of an additional 30% off their already reduce 25% craft items.  Also, if your sales are $75.00 or more there will be free shipping.  (I always love that!)

Today I thought I would share a layout of my Grandson that I made with Teresa Collins papers that I got at Scrapalicious USA. If you'd like to join us in our challenge, the theme is anything you are Thankful for.

It's a Fall Thing

Hi Friends.  I have been on the design team for Scrapalicious USA for a year and a half. It's been fun, and a challenge...but it's with sadness to announce that the store is closing.  The design team has at least 2 more challenges to share with you while we work on getting the news out on the great deals there now as they liquidate the current inventory.
One thing I have to say is the prices were always fantastic.  As it stands now, the owner will take an additional 20% of the current prices (which are already at 25% off) for a 45% off total.  I recommend using the shopping cart until it is time to completely check out, then copy that information over into an email and shoot your order over to Cindy at scrapalicioususa@yahoo.com.  She will invoice you via paypal for the total plus actual shipping.
In the meantime, we are running a challenge with a FALL theme.  There is still a $10 gift certificate to be given away that can be used at the store.  Here is what I created made from items I received from the store:

My Minds Eye Papers, border punches and stickles!

I recommend you browse around the store and see all the fantastic deals still there.  When it's gone it's gone...and there are only a few short weeks left.

Halloweenie at Scrapalicious

Hello!  We have another fun challenge starting today at Scrapalicious USA.  The theme is anything Halloween!  How fun and easy is that?  I decided to create a fun little item that would carry over well into other holidays upcoming.  These little books tote a post-it type pad and perfect for gift giving.  Plus they are so fun to make!

Items Used from Scrapalicious USA.

Basic Grey Papers
My Minds Eye Flocked Chandelier paper
Stickles

Please join us at our challenge on the Scrapalicious Blog,

Just a Pretty Card or 2

I have been remiss at posting things here like I should.  I made a couple items lately that I thought it would be fun to share with you this drizzly Saturday.  I have loads of rubber stamps, I even have my own line of rubber stamps...but ever since my introduction to digital stamps I haven't felt the desire to drag out my stamps and ink and make the effort.  Today I decided it was time to do that.  I forgot how much I enjoy the look of a stamped image.  So here is my quick card using some Tim Holtz stamps I bought months ago on a whim and have never used until now.  I hope you like?

Last week I also started on a card that I think I will actually end up adding to a layout in a scrapbook page.  I got the idea of it from pinterest, but as usual put my own spin on it.

Well, that's all for now.  I would love some feedback!

Fall Color Challenge

The current challenge at Paper Patch Crafts Facebook Group page is to create a fall card using yellow, burnt orange and sky blue.  I didn't think the colors would go together very well, but I am pretty happy with it now that it's done.  What do you think?  The challenge is still going on, why don't you join us?

Products Used:

Prima Flowers; Vermont Leaves

Webster's Pages Tutu Lace

Webster's Pages Large Natural Circles Trim

Webster's Page Once Upon a Halloweenie Paper

Tag! You're It!

It's time again for a challenge from the Scrapalicious USA gang.  This time we are challenging everyone to create a tag.  Fun stuff, right?  Go on over to the Challenge Blog to find out the details.  Here is the tag I created using loads of items for sale over at the Scrapalicious USA store.

I added some machine stitching and a little paper distressing around the edges to give it that look I love.  I created the hydrangea using a Martha Stewart punch.  The butterflies were just cut out from scraps and I added gold stickles and platinum Liquid Pearls.  All links to the products used below:

My Minds Eye Paper Pad "Blush"  $4.50

My Minds Eye Sweet Pearls  $2.99

Liquid Pearls "Platinum"  $1.89

Liquid Pearls "Petal Pink"  $1.89

Shelley Bean Stamps "Sweet Sentiments"  $9.00

Stickles "Gold"  $1.65

My Minds Eye Trim  $2.99

Once Upon A Halloweenie Blog Hop

If you are looking for the ALL THINGS ALTERED/FALL BLOG HOP...Please click here:  If you would like to proceed on to the Once Upon a Halloweenie Hop...then keep reading.

Hello and Happy Friday!  Welcome to the Once Upon A Halloween Blog Hop sponsored by Paper Patch Crafts Online Store.  We are so happy you are joining us for the fun release of the Webster's Pages Once Upon a Halloween Line.  They are so cute!  I have had such a blast working with them.

You probably found my blog today by hopping over from Shelley P's blog at Scrapbooking for Fun.  And, if you came upon this hop by lucky chance you can hop on back there to start at the very beginning. Unlike many hops, this one is very short and sweet.  You will only need to visit 4 blogs to complete it, and there are prizes to be won just for participating.

This is what I created to share with you today:

This layout is of my darling grand daughter last Fall.  Webster's Pages products can be purchased  NOW at Paper Patch Crafts

Close up details.  I did some fussy cutting of the pumpkins and vines.  I also used distress inks to add some color.

The Lace is so pretty.  Here is a little corner embellishment I made with this beautiful Natural Circles Lace Trim.  I added some stickles and distressed it a little with ink to give it a more aged look.

I also created a couple fun cards!!

Not every frightening thing is so obvious.  My bathroom scales terrify me!  I decided to play off that idea using an acrylic overlay along with the cute paper.  The Stamp is from Mo Manning.

Trying to be creative I decided to use the fun die cut paper and cut and fold it to create this corset card,

Just to take it one step further I created these fun little folder tabbed photo and journaling mats to fit inside the card.  This would make a fun gift or invitation idea.

I have a fun giveaway for you today just for visiting my blog. I create rubber and digi stamps over at Shelley Bean Stamps, and I am going to give away this adorable digi for your Halloween fun.  To receive the digi, become a follower and leave me a comment on this post along with your email address.  You MUST provide your email address in order to receive the digi.  If there is no email address....then I won't know where to send it to you.  

(and just as a little secret, if you visit the other hop I am in this weekend, you could snag another fun Halloween Digi)

Please Hop on over to Joanne's Blog at Using Up the Pretty Paper to proceed on this hop.  If you get lost...here is the line-up!

Shelley P- http://shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com/

Shelley T - http://heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/ (hey, this is me!!)

Joanne- http://usinguptheprettypaper.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://paperpatchcrafts.blogspot.com/

Be sure to hop all the way through for more surprises!!

All Things Altered Fall/Halloween Hop

Welcome to the All Things Altered Fall/Halloween Blog Hop.  We have a wonderful line up of talented friends that will share all kinds of inspiration for your fall projects.  I really had a hard time deciding what I would create.  I had a recent promotion at work and it has really consumed all my brain power and mojo the last month.  But, I was walking through Walmart the other day and spied this item in their craft department.

I have to be honest.  I wasn't totally impressed.  But then I got to thinking about the pens, pencils and highlighters scattered all over my desk at work and how I keep thinking "I need a pen caddy" and I decided, if I took the lid off, it could be quite functional that way.  It also had this handy dandy turn-table on the bottom of the box that was kind of cool.  So...

I applied Gesso all over the exterior of the box, then applied distress inks to  add a patina.  

I used a combination of Tim Holtz and Teresa Collins papers.  My theme is more about fall and being thankful.

I added embellishments from Tim Holtz, Prima, Bo Bunny and Teresa Collins.  

I also added a few of my handmade flowers.

And viola!  Something fashionable to store my pens.  I am taking it to work with tomorrow.

 I hope you enjoyed my project.  I want to give you something for taking the time to look over my page today.  All you have to do is become a follower (if you aren't already) and leave me a comment.  Please remember to include your email address in your comment and I will send you a free digi image created by me at Shelley Bean Stamps.  You MUST provide an email address or I will not be able to send you the digi.  Here it is:

(and just as a little secret, if you visit the other hop I am in this weekend, you could snag another fun Halloween Digi)

And here is the line up of all the blogs in our hop today!  Thank you for stopping by!!

1. Pammejo 

2. Nicole 

4. Betty 

5. Gloria 

6.Irit

7. Christine 

8. Debbie -

9. Jennifer - 

10. Jess B. - 

11. Barbara R. -

12. Shelley This is ME!!

13. Candice - 

14. Eileen

Spook!

Paper Patch Craft is having a fun challenge right now.  You should join in. The theme is "Monster Mash Challenge".  Create a card with a monster on it.  It goes now through Sept 9th.  Come and join the fun here!!  If you are not already part of the group at Facebook, just request to be and one of the friendly administrators will add you!

Supplies

Mummy Digi

Immortal Love DCWV paper Stack

Websters Pages Storytellers Timeless Letters

Jump into Fall!

It's time for another fun challenge from Scrapalicious USA.  The theme this time is Fall or back to school.  Here is what I created:

I decided this time to keep it simple and let the fun products at scrapalicious do all the work for me.  I used the adorable Bo Bunny Paper Forever Fall as well as the Forever Fall chipboard embellishments and Forever Fall Trinkets.  I added a little seam binding that I tinted with some Tim Holtz distress inks.

All Good things Come to an End...

The Design Team at Copic Marker Scrapbooking is a little sad today, because the announcement was made that CMS is closing their doors.  The owners have decided that family time needed to override business time and I have to applaud them for that.  All that being said, I am so proud to have been a part of this fantastic team and got to share in the multi-talented group.  As a last hurrah, the owner, Colleen, designed these fun images.  She even has one of them to give away for free.  Please come and visit the blog for more information and feel free to get your free copy of her image while it is still available.

Here are mine!

My Creative Space

I have been lamenting over at Facebook for weeks (maybe months) about the total upheaval in my craft room.  I really should be ashamed because I am lucky enough to have a room where I can craft.  But, that also creates problems because we can close the doors on that room and so it becomes a very handy catch-all when you don't know where to put junk that accumulates in other rooms of the house.  If you have a craft room, you probably know what I am talking about.

Friday night I decided that enough was enough and it was time to try and put some order in my chaos!  I should have taken before pictures...but I am vain enough not to let any readers see what a total slob I really am, so here are the after pictures...with a disclaimer that I tend to be clutter happy, so this is NOT a model room crafting space...if you know what I mean!!

This is where most of the fun takes place.  All my Copic markers, ink pads and most used tools are in this area.

I bought 2 white folding tables and butted them against each other to make an L-shaped working table.  I have very pretty albeit very non-user friendly low placed windows in this room so don't have the wall space I wish I could have here.  There is lots of nice natural sun-light though, and that's a bonus.

At the end of the 2nd table I have a tall bookcase.  This is the part of my room I am not that happy about because there isn't a lot of room between the table and the wall, so I put items I don't use all the time.  Paper stacks. punches, rubberstamps...

On the other side of the room is a work counter my husband built for me right after we bought the house.  Like we seriously thought this would be all the space I needed?  *snort!  It's another L-shaped counter with some under the table cupboards.  Oh, and boxes and piles of cluttering supplies and photo albums.  I am thinking about stacking a couple more paper shelves at the end because a girl can never have too much paper!!

This is my solid paper supply.  And also my cricut center.  I really need to de-clutter the top of it though!

So there you have it. This is where I work on all the projects I share with you.  Hopefully, with less mess going on I can focus a little more on getting things made!!