S.W.A.K. down!
Lisa Johnson, a wonderful contributor to Papertrey's design team, coordinated a challenge for several other members & fans that are also bloggers. Lisa created a clever template (which can be downloaded HERE) for a heart-shaped card that will fit perfectly inside our new exclusive Small Heart Tins.
I took some time today and made a little project using Lisa's template. It is such a versatile template and I highly recommend downloading it to keep on file even if you do not plan on using it now. Since I have had the opportunity to play with it, my head is just swimming with other uses for it!
So, for my project I decided to use her template to create a heart-shaped accordion book. I printed the template onto regular white typing paper and cut it out. I cut a strip of cardstock measuring 1.75 x 12 inches. I used my Scor-Pal to score every 2-3/8 inches. I then adhered the template with temporary adhesive directly to the "cover" of the book.
I cut along the edges of the template while the book was folded together, so I was cutting all the layers of the book at once. It will end up being a little choppy because of the thickness of the material you are cutting through. To resolve that, use an emery board to file the edges smooth. I like to use the rounded file from Basic Grey's kit to get into inner curves, like the one found at the top of the heart.
I knew I wanted to add some pattern to my book and I chose the linear label stamp from Sweet Love. I started by stamping the label once in the center of each heart using Claret Palette ink.
I then went back through and stamped on either side of that, using a piece of typing paper at each fold as a mask to eliminate any over-stamping. I was careful to allow even spacing on either side of the center label, creating almost a stripe (you'll see why in the next step).
Next, I added white dots in each of those "spaces" I spoke of above. I used a Sharpie Poster Paint pen. It has a wonderful continuous flow and creates perfect dots every time. (They can be found at art supply stores and even Wal-Mart occasionally).
As a final step, I sponged the outside edges with the same Claret Palette Ink. I really think this step gives the book a nice finished edge.
This project is entitled "Reasons Why I Love...." and I created it for Owen to give to his teacher. I asked him what he loved about her, and typed his answers (verbatim, how fun!) onto the computer. I sized the text appropriately to fit within the small oval punch from SU! After printing & punching, I adhered all of the reasons in place. The book is double sides and includes ten reasons. If you do not have children in school, the same project could also be done for a grandparent or make one yourself for your spouse!
To decorate the Small Heart Tin, I covered it with this beautiful new paper from K&Company (Smitten 12x12 Paisley Glitter Paper). The strip for the bottom was cut to 1.5" wide, to allow the lid to easily slide on and off. I just traced the lid with pencil onto the back of the paper, cut it out and adhered it. I then used my sanding tools (as mentioned earlier) to form fit the paper to the lid.
I created a special label for the lid by printing the title onto white cardstock. I punched it out with a 1-1/4" circle punch. I stamped the dotted circle from Borders & Corners Circle onto pink cardstock and punched it out with the Extra Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch. I adhered everything together and added small dots of Star Dust Stickles on top of the stamped dots of the border. It really helped to coordinate the label with the glitter that is found on the patterned paper. I adhered the label to the lid of the tin with foam dimensionals.
I wanted to do something a little different with the rim of the lid, so I decided to create a bow. I cut two pieces of ribbon. One piece I backed with a piece of tacky tape and laid flat on my work surface. The other piece I formed into a loop and adhered the ends to the back center of the original ribbon strip.
I then folded the ends of the tacky taped ribbon over to the back of the loop, flattening the loop and turning it into a bow.
I had already adhered ribbon around the edge of my tin with tacky tape. It was easy to use an additional piece of tape to adhere the bow in place.
As a special touch to help make this tin a special keepsake for Owen's teacher, I cut a white lining for the inside of the lid. I then had Owen sign his name. Nothing is more precious than a child's penmanship when they are in the first stages of learning to write!
Here is a photo of the completed ensemble. This is an easy & fun project that will make the recipient feel SO special!
Be sure and drop by the other talented participant's blogs to see their unique versions of projects created with the same template. They each have completely different take on how it can be used. From card embellishments to gift packaging. You will surely be inspired!
SUPPLY LIST:
Ink- Claret Palette Ink
Stamps- Sweet Love & Borders & Corners Circle from Papertrey Ink
Paper- Smitten 12x12 Paisley Glitter Paper from K&Company, pink cardstock from Prism
Other- pink grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts, Star Dust Stickles from Ranger, Extra Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch, 1-1/4" circle punch (EK Success), small oval punch (SU!), sponge, Tacky Tape from Provo Craft, White Poster Paint Pen from Sharpie
Stunning. Down to every touch.
Posted by: Janet | January 24, 2008 at 12:34 PM
What a fabulous idea! It is so beautiful! His teacher will surely treasure this!
Posted by: Cresta Woodruff | January 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Adorable! So creative!
Posted by: Jenn Jones | January 24, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Oh look at you! I LOVE THIS Nichole. How precious would this gift be too as a teacher (you know I can appreciate that...since I am a teacher!). PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT as always.
Posted by: Alli Miles | January 24, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Oh Nichole how fun you participated! I had no idea if you would play! Of course your sample is over the top cute and creative. Now I want to delete mine! LOL!
Posted by: Lauren (mytime) | January 24, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Wow...so great you played along! What a good sport! :)
Posted by: Becky | January 24, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Oh, how sweet - thanks for sharing! This is my answer to the request on the forum for some eye candy!
Sandy Kay
Posted by: Sandy Kay | January 24, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Totally didn't know you were going to play, now I am totally and completely humbled! That is the cutest project ever, I might have to made a couple for my child's teachers. Okay, now I want a do over since I saw your project:)!
Posted by: Geny | January 24, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Way too cute! ! !
Posted by: Michelle R | January 24, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Awwww...
I'm so lovin' your idea! ♥ I think I'll make one for my DD, my DS, my other DS, and of course, my DH.(could do my BFF, my sis, etc.)
Heartfelt Hugs! ♥
Posted by: Renee V. (happystamper05) | January 24, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Little Mrs. creative!!! Very Cute idea!
Posted by: Julie Brooks | January 24, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Wonderful project! =)
Off to check out the other S.W.A.K downs!
Posted by: Kelsey Forester | January 24, 2008 at 01:48 PM
WOW... that is Gorgeous! I hope they continue to post more challenges to help us think outside the box! :) I might even participate next time!!!! :)
Posted by: Deanna Woodland | January 24, 2008 at 01:56 PM
That's why you are a creative goddess to me! How very imaginative...and don't you just love Owen's precious signature!!! Love the accordian folded hearts - genius! (and no, I'm not just sucking up!) lol
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | January 24, 2008 at 02:00 PM
This so perfect! Now you need to decorate a little Kleenex package to go along with it, 'cause you're going to make the teacher cry, I guarantee it!
Posted by: Chris (cdjkssss) | January 24, 2008 at 02:02 PM
All I can say is WOW!! Perfect in every possible way!
Posted by: Christi | January 24, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Great project Nichole.. I can hardly wait for my heart tins to get here.
Posted by: Janine | January 24, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Nichole,
This is so sweet - thanks for sharing! This is an answer to my request on the forum for some eye candy - keep on sharing the rest of the ideas that are swimming around in your creative head!
Sandy Kay
Posted by: Sandy Kay | January 24, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Oh how very sweet!
Posted by: Charmaine | January 24, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Wow! This is absolutely precious!
Posted by: Michelle Nadraszky | January 24, 2008 at 03:43 PM
WOW!
See...I'm speachless! it's all so very fantastic and Brilliant!
Thanks for joining in on the fun... glad you like the little pattern. Thanks for showing us a twist on it and inspiringing me (again) to make something fun for a personal gift.
~you are the QUEEN!~
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | January 24, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Thank you for sharing. We will definitely be doing these for my children's teachers. I showed my 6 year old son the project and he was so excited about it. He loves to give presents.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 24, 2008 at 03:59 PM
very cute project!
Posted by: Melanie Muenchinger | January 24, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Fabulous! Wish I was as creative as you.
Posted by: Ghazal | January 24, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I absolutely love every detail of this Valentine book for the teacher. So very thoughtful without any calories. I absolutely love the child's signature in the lid! What a keepsake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful LOVE gift!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Granna on the Go | January 24, 2008 at 05:00 PM