Wild Hare Kits: Gifts For Jess-Claire

Hello. I'm over at the Wild Hare Kits today, with a little look at some of my favourite handmade embellishments, a little  box, and the short story of how Jess Claire and I met, in real life!

Jess and I 'met' on Instagram well before we both ended up on the Wild Hare DT. I noticed that Jess' bookshelves included some similar favourites and commented that we *had* to be friends. Luckily, she decided I wasn't insane - and now I have a crafty bestie ❤

 

We've swapped a few letters, bits of happy mail and had a little chat via our mobiles, but we've not met before. So, I decided that I couldn't meet her empty handed and made a little set of my favourite handmade embellishments to take with me (as well as a few other bits and bobs that I thought may make her smile.)

Normally, I would make these embellishments from my leftovers, but I decided to dive into my latest Wild Hare Kit and chose some of the beautiful new collections from Pinkfresh Studios that were included in my kit. I used some 6x6 sheets from 'A Case of The Blahs' and lots of the latest release, Simple & Sweet. They co-ordinate so well - and the colours are so fresh! I've added some small sentiments and enamel dots from my own stash (but they actually came in one of my earlier Wild Hare Kits!) I like to add a little bit of stitching, to add some texture and I left them 'messy' this time around as I know Jess loves the mixed media look!

You can see an earlier video, on my YouTube Channel, if you are interested in seeing exactly how I make these little embellishments!

Now, of course, I couldn't hand these over without a lovely box! So, I went back to my beautiful kit and, after a little think, decided to die-cut a small Pillow Box from the Pinkfresh Studios 12x12 sheets that I received. I do love having a mix of sizes to work with, it makes my kit so versatile! While I had my die-cut machine out, I made a doily from one of my 6x6 sheets and added it to the front of my Pillow Box. I used a sentiment from the 12x12 'cut apart sheet' and decorated with some twine from my kit - and a few little sparklies from my own stash. 

I *think* Jess liked her little bits (and we had such a lovely lunch) but I do still owe her a letter ... so until next month! 

Gift Box Tutorial {With Rinea Foiled Paper}

Today, I'm excited to share the first of my projects for the Rinea Inspires Design Team. I was thrilled to be chosen to join the team and was even more thrilled when the Rinea Foiled Papers arrived! They aren't like anything I've had the opportunity to use before. It's a Foil-Paper-Foil, meaning that it has the properties of both foil and paper; durability and incredible shine. So much shine, in fact, that it was hard to take photographs without reflections! 

I've made a few of these little boxes before with cardstock, but have been a bit disappointed when I've needed to add adhesive or stickers at the end to aid the structure. I didn't need to do this with the Silver/Gold Glossy Foiled Paper. It's fantastic for structure and I can see myself using them for more decorative projects! I decorated the box with a tiny touch of the Emerald/Gold Glossy Foiled Paper and a few, little embellishments, for a cute final look.

You can find a full, step-by-step tutorial on the Rinea Inspires Blog. Head on over today and, while you are there, check out some of the other amazing projects that the Design Team have been making. You won't be disappointed!

Playing With Pretty Packaging

It shouldn't come as any surprise that a beader, with an interest in obsession (ahem!) for pretty paper, likes to spend a little bit of time thinking up the perfect way to package her jewellery. 

Of course, I 've always wanted my packaging to look amazing, but it took me a little while to realise that I also needed to stream-line my packaging process - I needed to have everything to hand, so that when a sale came through, I could whip up the wrapping easily and efficiently.

I've finally settled on some simple but super cute packaging, which now includes re-usable elements - like these little hand-stamped tags and charms. They are perfect for re-gifting or for re-using in paper-crafts and jewellery projects. And I'm happy to be sending a 'little something extra' with each and every package that leaves Obstinate Pursuit!