New Ideas To Share With Chapter 2 Dies

With the release of the new chapter 2 dies by Eileen Hull Designs from Sizzix just a couple of weeks ago, I have continued to have fun with finding more ways to use them. 

On the day of the release I shared with the "live" audience two projects that I created for the purpose of sharing that day.  All other projects were sent off to Eileen before the release to share  at the Name/Creativation show in Columbus, Ohio that she was attending. 

I'll share the two projects here but will be including the instructions for making the little banner, Three Pocket Posey Holder. The pockets are so easy to make! It's what you put inside that may take up your time if you decide to all "handmade"! You can also go the easy way and use purchased flowers and greens.

When I work on new projects my first thought usually is what material will I use!  When it comes to making any banners I like to use varied materials. Many times I will include both paper and fabric. For the project here I'll show both a paper version and a fabric/paper version.

Materials

Fabric/Paper (for pockets)

Sculpting Foam, Paper, Felt (for flowers and greenery)

Envelope, Journaling Card & Window Die

Various Sizes dies for flowers and greenery

Glue

TIny stapler

Cording or ribbon for stringing banners

Fusible (such as Pellon Steam a Seam or Thermo Web Heat n Bond)

Iron

Pressing board

Purchased greenery (optional)

***The process for using either paper or fabric for the envelope pockets, to create a banner are the same in the construction, as are the making of the flowers and greenery. When using fabric I will use either Heat n Bond Lite by Thermoweb or Steam a Seam by Pellon. Both are a fusible and sewable. NOTE: ALWAYS check if a fusible can be machine sewn, otherwise you can gum up the sewing machine if sewing is included!

The fusing process:

• Cut fabric, paper and fusible the same size. (Approimately 6"  9")
• Cut enough of the 3 layers for each envelope pocket that you want for the banner.
• Set iron at the temperature suggested in the instructions for the fusible used

• Remove the backing paper from one side of the Steam a Seam fusible OR lay the fusible side of the Heat n Bond down on the wrong side of the fabric.  Press the fusible onto the fabric piece. (following product recommendations). 
• Allow to cool before proceeding.
• Remove the backing paper, align the fabric fused piece to the paper (or another piece of fabric, if desired). 
• Press the layers together to fuse.
• Die cut the envelope from each fused, layered piece.

Three Fused Layers (fabric. fusible, paper)

• Create the envelopes by folding the top flap down to the inside. 
• Run a bead of glue along the "V' shape of the flap. Press in place. NOTE: Don't add glue to the whole flap. Leave an opening to thread cord or ribbon through the envelope tops for stringing the together. 
• Glue the small flaps on each side of the bottom in.
• WIth a small stapler, staple at each tp, side of the lower flap. NOTE: Refer to photo. A small paper brad could also be used or a small amount of glue. 

Finishing:

• Cut flower and greenery with deisred dies, from papers or other materials.
• Arrange the die cut pieces into the banner envelope pockets and glue them into place. NOTE: I crinkled up a small piece of tissue paper and placed it into the lower pocket for added dimension before placing the greenery and flowers
• Add something of your choice to string the pockets together. 

Two Versions of the Banner

Pocket Envelope Banner Made with Fabric

Pocket Envelope Banner Made with Kraft Card Stock

Pocket Accordian Book