Wednesday, June 30, 2021

New Dies Coming Our Way - New Ideas Coming Too

It’s party time again, Release Party that is!!! It’s time to unwrap some new dies and new inspirational ideas. I chose to use the dies to create projects for the Christmas holiday.





The new truck die was given a few additions to the body. It was given a little shiny finish made with some embossing powder. Headlights were added, along with a door, a license plate and "trees for sale" sign complete the pickup truck. 




The ornament box die was given a slight change to create a box, to insert some holiday greens.  Whatever way this die is configured it can be hung on a tree or used as a place setting on the holiday table in various ways.




The last of the new dies are thinlits that can be used in many ways.  Here they are used to simply decorate cards.



**** Details for making all the projects will be shared in other upcoming posts.


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Monday, June 21, 2021

Summer Travel - What To Take Along



Summer travels are happening again this year! Many have already taken to the road or other means of traveling to various destinations. 

A few years back I created two journals from Eileen Hull's Journal die for two of my grandchildren to take on a road trip with their parents to points west of where they live. It was meant to be a way for them to right down thoughts of places they would be going to; but also as a keepsake to place anything interesting that they found.  Here is a photo of the journals made for them. 

The journal die was also used to create something similar for two friends that where traveling to Scotland several years ago for the same purpose. Unfortunately I deleted the photos I had of them but they were easy for them to tuck in a backpack or travel bag for taking and keeping notes or information of the  places they were visiting.

For this latest journal I used many of the same ideas, but with the addition of some of the newer dies from Eileen, I made some additions.

Materials

Eileen Hull Journal die

Eileen Hull Notebook die

Eileen Hull Folio Journal die

Folio  page, pocket and flower dies

Eileen Hull Homemade Alphabet die

Sizzix Label die

Big Shot machine

Matboard

Adhesive, of choice

Old map

Card stock

Clear vinyl adhesive sheet

Elastic

Inserts for writing

Chalk tape

NOTE: To make this journal, covered completely outside and inside with an old map, I used Thermoweb Heat n Bond Ultra, iron on adhesive.  Of course double-sided adhesive sheets can be used or a spray adhesive also. Anyone not familiar with using Heat n Bond as an adhesive in crafting projects, it takes a little practice to getting the heat setting on the iron and the pressure needed to adhere different materials together. I also used another product from Thermoweb after the map was adhered to the pieces of matboard called Thermoweb vinyl. This material was applied to the covers, outside and inside and the separate inside box that was created also. After applying, the excess was trimmed carefully with an Xacto knife. Hint: A clear covering product like contact paper can also be used.


  • The inside pocket box is made from cutting the Notebook die and three of the end pieces from the Folio Journal die.
  • To form the box, one of the end pieces is attached to the bottom of the box with double-sided adhesive tape.
  • The two side pieces are trimmed slightly at the top to be even with the box and attached to each side with double-sided adhesive tape. 
  • Elastic was threaded through the opening along the edge of the box that will be closest to the journal spine; threaded through the bottom, middle hole and center hole, then knotted.
  • The signature inserts were purchased and inserted with elastic to each side of the box insert. 
  • Corner pockets are cut from card stock, covered with the iron-on vinyl (if desired) and attached to the corners with double-sided adhesive tape.
  • Letters and labels are cut from black adhesive backed chalkboard tape.
  • Add your choice of closure ... pack up and hit the road for an adventure!