Washi Storage Ring Tutorial

I'm back on the Casual Fridays Blog today, with a tutorial for all of those washi hoarders! It can't only be me, can it? 

I have a lot of washi and, to make matters worse, I like to swap washi samples with all of my 'Happy Mail' friends! I love that I have such a wide selection to choose from when I sit down to create. But, I've not been happy with how I store all of those mis-matched samples, so I decided to make my Bubble Box Fri-dies work a little bit harder. Why limit yourself to cards, eh? 

Head on over to the Casual Fridays Blog for the tutorial and remember that you can use my code, CLAIRSENTME, in the Casual Fridays Store, for 15% off anything in store at any time.

You Are Wonderful Layout {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series and I'm thrilled, because in this video, I combined the leftovers from two kits to make one, fantastic layout!

Both of my Wild Hare Kits from August 2017 and September 2017 featured the Carousel Collection from Crate Paper (as well as lots of co-ordiated loveliness) but I was left with a selection of cardstock that featured bold colours, carnival/animal cut-outs and some embellishments!

I've been asked a lot, since I started the Killing Kits Series, what I do with leftover items that feature bold colours, cute animals, and otherwise 'awkward' to use bits and bobs! So, in this video, I show how I 'reduce' the awkwardness - and reduce my leftovers!

I used the Heart Board Fri-Die from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps to die-cut all of the cardstock that remained from both kits into a selection of hearts in different sizes. Then added them in 'stacks' to a white 8x5 x 11 sheet.

Please feel free to leave comments here, on YouTube, or find me over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I would love to hear from you!

CAS-ual Fridays: 'Two For One' Cards

The first of my video tutorials for the CAS-ual Fridays Ink Squad is live today and I'm excited to share an easy (and very economical) way to make what I refer to as 'Two For One Cards'.

For more details, head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Blog. Remember to check us out on Instagram and Pinterest, and share your CAS-ual Friday creations with us (@casfridays and #casfridays) we love seeing what you have created! 

Have a lovely day!

Forgeries On The Fourth {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

This month at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, we're basing our kits on the Lost River 'collection' of kits from Studio Calico. There are three kits in the'collection' - the Lost River Scrapbook Kit; the Lost River Documenter Kit and the Lost River Planner Kit, so there's a lot of inspiration to work with.

I made a little 'add-on' of cards inspired by the Documenter Kit. There's a few from Elle's Studio and Simple Stories, but the majority are 'counterfeits' that I've made over time, with leftovers from other Counterfeit Kits. I've also included cards from the free 'Go Outside' download from Persnickity Prints. It has some lovely 'Foil' effect cards, so it's a fantastic addition to a kit that includes lots of shimmer and shine!

I also loved the Gold Alpha included in the Lost River Scrapbook Kit, but didn't have one in my (overwhelming collection!) that was suitable. So, in true counterfeit mode, I made my own with some Glossy Gold Foiled Paper from Rinea and one of my favourite dies. I also made a two-toned version (which I used with my Counterfeit Kit in June. I even made a tutorial - Custom Shimmer & Shine Alpha Tutorial.

Head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for more counterfeiting resources and tutorials from the Master Forgers!

Make A Photo Cube With Rinea Foiled Papers & Floracraft

This month, the Rinea DT have been combining Rinea Foiled Papers with some Floracraft Cubes. (Now, honestly, the Rinea DT have excellent themselves, so head on over to check out their makes!) I knew, almost immediately, that I wanted to use mine to make a 'Photo Cube' but needed to choose a suitable occasion to show off.

Looking through some of my photographs the other weekend, I came across some from the bead retreat I took a while back - where my friend, Sarah, and I had an amazing time (and there's evidence in the form of some really daft photographs!) 

To make the cube, I first needed to choose a colour for my base - and I eventually chose to use the Sapphire/Gold Glossy Foiled Paper, because it matched the colour of the dress I'm wearing in my photographs.

Covering the base was really, really easy - I wrapped it, as though it was a gift, knowing that any folds would be covered by my photographs. It all looks nice and neat. 

The Floracraft Cubes are sized at 3in x 3in, so I cut all of my photographs down to 2.5in x 2.5 in - which means that there's still a little bit of that lovely Rinea shine on show!

To finish off the cube, I added a few small (and flat) embellishments - to add a little bit of interest. (You can add more dimensional embellishments if you want, but remember that if these are on the bottom of the cube at any time, that the cube won't sit without wobbling!)

I'm thrilled with how this super simple cube turned out - and I'm sure I'll make some more to send to friends, or display on my desk at work! Let's face it, we all need a little bit of cheering up in the office! Ugh!

Custom Shimmer & Shine Alpha Tutorial

Hello lovelies! Today, I have a little 'How To' that I hope will show how easy it can be to customise Rinea Foiled Paper! I wanted to add a soft, subtle shimmer and shine to some recent layouts for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge but couldn't find an embellishment that I was happy with. Enter my Metallics Foiled Paper Variety Pack - a swoonsome collection that includes a selection of 'Matte' and 'Glossy' Gold, Silver and Copper. It's so on trend, it hurts! :)

The Foiled Papers die-cut so well (but I would recommend some release paper for smaller or more intricate details) and I was thrilled to have some custom alpha embellishments for my cards and layouts. I could have left it there - with some basic, die-cut alphas in some of the lovely metallics - but I wanted a little variety and decided to emulate some of the two-tone alphas I've been seeing recently.

Creating this look is so simple. Haul out an alpha die-cut, choose a little bit of washi tape that compliments or contrasts with the Foiled Paper. Add the washi tape to the Foiled Paper, using the die-cut as an aid; run through the die-cutter; and voila!

I've had a lot of fun combining my customised alphas with my Watermelon Whimsy {June's Counterfeit Kit} stash and I am certain that this technique will turn up over and over, as I make my own kits each month! 

I've already started to experiment with some of the other Rinea Foiled Paper colours; different washi; and, of course, different die-cuts. So much fun! Watch out for more soon!

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!

Stitched Pocket Pages Journalling Cards Tutorial {Forgeries On The Fourth}

Each month, over on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, the Master Forgers share their counterfeiting tutorials and resources in a collection of Forgeries On The Fourth and this month, I included a couple of counterfeits in my Counterfeit Kit for February 'Spring Garden'. (The first was a camera acetate, made using the same method as my Stamped Planner Dashboard Tutorial.)

The second, are these little Pocket Style Journalling Cards. I had admired the selection of Little Things In Life Journalling Cards from ScrapDelight, but I didn't have any in my stash that I felt would work well with the rest of my kit. So, I sifted through my scrap box and found some in colours that would complement the kit and then made some of my own cards using those little scraps, my trusty sewing machine and some little leftover stickers from Elle's Studio.

You'll Need:

1. Some white cardstock cut down to 3x4 inches.

2. Scraps of cardstock in co-ordinating colours.

3. Gluestick

4. Trimmer, craft knife and/or scissors.

5. Sewing machine. (Optional.)

6. Stickers, stones and little embellishments. (Optional.)

1. Start by cutting some of the cardstock scraps into 3x3 or 2x2 squares, then cut each of the squares into halves to form two triangles.

2. Add the shapes onto the 3x4 cards, but don't stick them at this stage. (The example below shows two overlapping triangles, each half of a 3x3 square.)

3. Play around with several layouts until happy with the outcomes. (The example below shows two stacked triangles, one half of a 3x3 square and one half of a 2x2 square.)

4. Once happy with the overall layouts, stick the scraps into position on the 3x4 cardstock. Leave to dry before stitching, or the sewing machine will become a sticky mess! (The example below one half of a 3x3 square and one half of a 2x2 square, side by side.)

5. Use a variety of stitches to add detail to the cards. (The added bonus of adding stitching is that the scraps are more secure!) Trim all of the thread ends to neaten the cards.

NB: The cards using blocks, rather than triangles are, of course, even easier to create. Simply find a scrap with a straight section, stick, then trim before sewing.

6. Add some detail to the cards with some small stickers, sentiments, stamps or embellishments. Then sit back and feel accomplished!

If this little tutorial has whetted the appetite for combining scrapbooking with sewing, then you may be interested in checking out my Stitching On Paper Series. And, of course, I'd recommend visiting the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for more Forgeries On The Fourth.

Inca Pendant

Planning really is paying off! After Transferring Designs into my lovely, 'new to me' business binder, I found complete notes for many, many tutorials that I had worked on, but hadn't released.

Writing a list of them all (there's at least fifteen of them!) has made me focus on each element of a finished tutorial - photography; written instructions; testing; tweaking; listing and marketing. 

Over the last two weeks I've released two new tutorials (one a week is an all time record) and there's was a lot of satisfaction involved as I checked each new tutorial off that master list!

This is the latest of those tutorials - The Inca Reversible Pendant. It's a lovely, fully reversible, pendant made using easily available materials including rivolis, bicones, superduos and seed beads. I can't understand why I left it languishing for so long! I'm now excited to make one with contrasting colours, so that it's more versatile!

The Stashbuster Series: Putting On The Glitz

I am well known for stretching out my stash and love nothing more than creating a little something from (almost) nothing. I know that I am not the only beader with a stash full of little 'leftovers' from more substantial projects - small selections of seed beads, rounds or crystals that are languishing in our stashes because there's not quite enough of them to make another project!

In an attempt to make the most of my materials and an effort to create some space in my little craft area, I've been working on some beadwork designs that will use up my own stash of lovely, little leftovers - and I've started turning them into tutorials in the hope that they will encourage other beaders to use up the beads left out on their mats, or to rummage through their stash for those teeny, tiny bags of beads that need using!

In the first of the series, Putting On The Glitz Earrings, I've combined some simple materials (which can be easily substituted) to create a little bit of understated sparkle.

Superduo & Rivoli Flower Pendant {Tried & Tested}

I’m still working on a more consistent blogging schedule (it seemed ridiculously difficult in 2015, when there was so much *new stuff* to deal with in my personal life!) So, over the next few weeks, I’m re-introducing a few old favourites including Tried & Tested. 

The idea behind Tried & Tested is really very simple – I’ll find an idea or a cute tutorial that I want to try; I’ll test it out; then I’ll let you know the results of my efforts. I’ll try to be honest, sometimes it will work, sometimes it won’t. 

Susan Sassoon’s ‘Rivoli and Superduo Flower Pendant’ looked like a lovely, little project that I could complete in the evening or over the course of weekend. However, I must admit to a little surprise at its complexity. It caught me out and I’m thrilled. It was really, really interesting to see the mind of another tutorial writer at work. Each new round had me wondering how the next bead placement would affect the overall structure and shape, which meant that I was more ‘involved’ than usual. It was wonderful to switch off, concentrate on the instructions and enjoy the journey!

Susan includes well written instructions, diagrams and clear photographs in the tutorial (so there’s something for every kind of beader to follow) and, while the tutorial is a little more involved than I had first imagined, I think a confident beginner could take this on to stretch themselves a little. 

The end result is super sparkly from the front and the back has some beautiful netting that *could* make it reversible. This will depend on whether the foiled side of a standard rivoli is appealing to you, or if you can find a suitable double-sided alternative. I’m intending to try with an alternative soon! The ‘bail’ included in the tutorial (something that I don’t see with many necklace tutorials) is also an interesting make and, I believe, it would look fantastic as components in bracelet or necklace. I love a tutorial with options – so much more worthy of that initial investment!

I’ve bookmarked Susan’s store – SoSassySusanSassoon – and will definitely be heading there for inspiration when I need a nice weekend project.

Stamped Planner Dashboard Tutorial {Counterfeit Challenge: January Challenge #3}

For January Challenge #3 at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge we are using repetitive stamping designs to create some interest in our designs (and, of course, to dust off some of those much neglected stamps!)

This month I've been busy using my Planning For Perfection Kit to personalise my Color Crush Planner and decided to add a customised dashboard to the front of my planner - as a way of reminding myself to take more photographs!

Adding a customised dashboard or divider is one of the simplest ways you can put your own stamp on a new planner (Oh my. Do you see what I did there? I am hysterical!) but it can be difficult to create a repeated design, even with a clear stamp, simply because it's difficult to keep the image well positioned.

Over time, I've tested some simple methods and have found one which works for me, even when I'm using block mounted stamps. My results are, of course, never perfect but I'm usually happy with them. And that's what counts, right?

You'll Need:

Acetate (transparency or clear dashboard)
Stazon Ink (or a similar, alcohol based ink)
Stamp(s)
Paper/Cardstock
Pencil
Ruler
Eraser
Single Hole Punch
Planner Clips

1. Choose a stamp set that looks awesome. Mine is the Selfie Stamp Set from Wilkinsons. (They outdid themselves on this cute stationary range. There are some really cute designs!)

2. Measure the mount block (not the stamped image) and, onto a clean sheet of paper, mark out the measurements. Ensure that the 'blocks' created fit within the lines.

3. Layer the acetate onto the paper sheet and ensure that it will not slide around whilst stamping, by adding a couple of clips to the sides, top or bottom.

 

4. Add ink to the stamp and stamp directly onto the acetate using the lines to position the stamp correctly. To ensure minimal smudging, right-handers should start in the top left-hand corner and work from left to right, moving downwards, to ensure minimal smudging. Left-handers may want to start in the top-right!

5. Leave the ink to air-dry for at least half an hour (to avoid smudging.) Once the ink is dry, remove the clips. You might need to fill in some blank spaces, if they were occupied by the clips!

6. Add holes to the acetate using a pre-punched divider/planner page as a template. Add to binder and then stand back and admire. 

Extra Tips & Techniques - 

1. To add stamped images to patterned papers and cardstocks (e.g. non-transparencies) draw the measured lines in very faintly with a pencil, then erase with a soft, smooth touch.

2. Repeated patterns look amazing with coloured inks, so try a mixed up look!

3. Practise stamping skills on transparency saved from old packaging before unleashing creativity on special projects.

4. You can re-use the measured lines with other stamps by choosing where to position them within the lines. (e.g. line up smaller stamps along the bottom-left lines.)

I'm slowly, but surely, starting to work out how to customise my planner to suit my own needs and - each Saturday - will be sharing more ideas and tutorials. I hope you'll come back to visit! In the meantime, make sure that you visit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, where Leslie and Margie are sharing thier own takes on the challenge!

Forgeries On The Fourth {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

Each month on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge the Master Forgers create their own versions of the latest scrapbooking 'must haves' to include in their Counterfeit Kits for Forgeries On The Fourth. 

My 'forgeries' this month included a stack of Pocket Style Cards (all from the Printables board on My Pinterest) which have a 'Planner' or 'Goal' related theme, like these beautiful Planner Cards from Digital Design Essentials.

 

I also included a beautiful calendar from Blooming Homestead which, with it's beautiful florals, captured the feel of the inspiration kit perfectly. I adjusted my printer setting to print two months on each page, so that the calendar will be A5 sized. It's already the perfect addition to my desk in 2016!

And, last but not least, I made some lovely, little planner clips using my stash of fancy, shank buttons and some bobby pins - and, despite the fact that the light was terrible and my photographs are all blurry - there's a video of the method I used on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge which Leslie found for me! Hurrah!

In fact, Leslie found some amazing tutorials this month, so do head on over to check out the rest of our Forgeries On The Fourth.

Creating Kits {Counterfeit Kit Challenge: November Challenge #3)

We are 'December Planning' over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for November Challenge #3 so today I'm going to share the inspiration for one of the kits I'll be using this December, along with some tips and techniques for creating a wintertime kit that doesn't include excessive amounts of themed scrapbooking supplies.

1. Start With What You Have: Although I don't have a massive selection of themed supplies I knew that I would have some in my stash so I went searching and instead of starting with cardstock - where I knew themed items would be in short supply - I went straight to my embellishments. I found some Elle's Studio die-cuts; Snowflake Charms and ... well, that was it! So, it was time to ...

2. Get Creative: The Elle's Studio die-cuts were all in shades of turquoise, pink, brown, cream and white - so this, along with the silver of my snowflake charm, became the colour scheme for my kit. I then added more embellishments with more die-cuts, charms, labels, buttons and resin flowers. I also went hunting through my cupboards and found some amazing decorations that will work as embellishments - adding in a small 'sleigh bell', icicle and super sparkly snowflake.

3. Decide On Your Project: I knew that I wanted to make a mini-album that I could use for December's Listers Gotta List Challenge. Choosing to work in a smaller size meant that, rather than raiding my stash for full size sheets of cardstock, I raided the scrap basket instead.  To start with, I chose scraps that matched my colour scheme and then whittled them down to include only those that were at least 4in x 4in.

For a unified kit, I cut down each of the scraps to 4in x 4in (keeping all of the offcuts that this created) and then rounded the corners of each sheet of cardstock.

4. Create Your Own Embellishments: I'll be using some of the off-cuts, along with my favourite stamp sets, to create some co-ordinating embellishments for my kit. Think little banners, cute cupcakes and holiday sentiments. Perfect.

5. Seek Other Sources of Inspiration: I'm hoping that I've inspired you to create your own kit but if you need extra inspiration head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge where the team will be sharing their own tips and techniques for creating a kit from scratch!

Tassels Tutorial {Counterfeit Kit Challenge: Forgeries On The Fourth}

For this month's Forgeries on the Fourth for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge each of the Master Forgers chose one item from a current collection as an 'Add On' embellishment and we combined these items made up an 'Add On' Inspiration Kit.

I chose these lovely, colourful tassels from the Maggie Holmes 'Shine' Collection, for Crate Paper. To recreate them, I raided my stash of embroidery threads and found a few co-ordinating beads. Once I'd tried making a couple, I found a method that seems to work well - and I wanted to share it!

You'll need:

Embroidery threads - each tassel uses one, full skein.

Co-ordinating beads in a range of sizes/colours.

Scissors.

Standard 3in x 4in Pocket Card. 

Embroidery needle - make sure it fits through the beads.

Optional: 

Craft wire - a thin, flexible one works best.

1. Unravel the full embroidery skein, removing any knots, then reserve approximately four inches of embroidery thread. Wrap the remaining thread around the width of the card.

2. Whilst the thread is still on the card, thread the 'reserve' through the wrapped thread and tie one or two overhand knots across the thread on the card. Remove the thread from the card.

3. Cut approximately ten inches of craft wire. Starting around half an inch from the knot, start to wrap the wire around the threads - make the wire tight, as this will cause the thread at the top of the tassel to form a nice 'bud'. NB: You can use some of the embroidery thread to do this step instead. Just reserve a little extra at the beginning!

4. Thread the ends of the 'reserve' thread onto the embroidery needle and use it to thread on some bright, cheerful beads. Tie the two ends of the 'reserve' together to form a loop for hanging.

5. Smooth the loop of threads and using some nice, sharp scissors, cut the loops to create the ends of the tassel.

6. Sit back and admire your handiwork for a moment or two, then head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge to see the rest of the Forgeries on the Fourth - and see the tutorials used, or created, by the Master Forgers.

Pennant Banner Tutorial

Today, I have a little tutorial for you all, inspired by The Counterfeit Kit Challenge, where I'm this month's Guest Designer. September's Counterfeit Inspiration Kit contained some of Maya Road's Canvas Pennants. They're a little bit too big for my style, so I created my own, much dinkier version using the Bannerific Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn. I can highly recommend purchasing this little lovely. It really is one of my favourite sets because each of the elements is adorable - perfect for cards and scrapbook layouts; and most especially for counterfeiting your own embellishments.

Your first step is to gather up some scraps in a colour combination which will suit your finished project and I chose colours that would compliment September's Counterfeit Kit. I then stamped directly onto my little pieces of patterned paper scraps - sometimes managing to fit on all five of the little pennants, sometimes only one or two. It's doesn't really matter, because you'll be cutting them out individually, so use up as many of those small scraps as possible!

Cut out all of your stamped pennant images and arrange them roughly into the order you'd like them to appear in your banner. Now it's time for some machine stitching. (If you're not a confident stitcher, try working your way through my recent series of tutorials Stitching On Paper.)

Start by setting your sewing machine to straight stitch and adjust the speed to it's slowest setting. Now place your first pennant piece under the presser foot, with the needle in place just above the outside edge of the pennant. Sew three or four stitches - aim to leave a little bit of space between your last stitch and the edge of pennant.

Ensure that you leave the needle in the 'down' position - then lift the presser foot and slide the next pennant into place, so that the edges of your pennants are close but not overlapping.

When the pennant is in place, drop the presser foot and continue stitching. Repeat until you have completed your banner - stitching to the very edge of the last pennant piece. Now remove the banner from your sewing machine, pulling on both working threads.

Knot the working threads at each end of your banner - this will stop the pennant pieces moving around - and use a needle or paper piercer to ensure that the knot is tight up against each end. Now display your banner proudly on your cards and layouts!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art, I'm joined by Guest Designer Jemma Sharrock, who has created the most amazing layout using nothing more than some shimmery thread as an embellishment. It's phenomenal, here's a sneak peek!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies. I'll be randomly drawing a winner on Saturday 8th September, which gives you another couple of weeks to start putting your stitching talents to the test!

And one last thing, I'd really appreciate some feedback so that I can make future classes even better. Please take this small survey to let me know what you've thought of the prompts and the class as a whole.

Thanks once again to everyone who has contributed, visited, commented - and especially to everyone who has linked up a project -  it’s made all the hard work worth it! Clair x