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!

• Emily
• Lauren
• Debbie
• Becky
• Julie
• Lynn
• Jenn
• Amy
• Geny
• Taylor

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

Comments

[Janet]

Stunning. Down to every touch.

[Cresta Woodruff]

What a fabulous idea! It is so beautiful! His teacher will surely treasure this!

[Jenn Jones]

Adorable! So creative!

[Alli Miles]

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.

[Lauren (mytime)]

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!

[Becky]

Wow...so great you played along! What a good sport! :)

[Sandy Kay]

Oh, how sweet - thanks for sharing! This is my answer to the request on the forum for some eye candy!
Sandy Kay

[Geny]

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:)!

[Michelle R]

Way too cute! ! !

[Renee V. (happystamper05)]

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! ♥

[Julie Brooks]

Little Mrs. creative!!! Very Cute idea!

[Kelsey Forester]

Wonderful project! =)
Off to check out the other S.W.A.K downs!

[Deanna Woodland]

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!!!! :)

[Lynn Mercurio]

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

[Chris (cdjkssss)]

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!

[Christi]

All I can say is WOW!! Perfect in every possible way!

[Janine]

Great project Nichole.. I can hardly wait for my heart tins to get here.

[Sandy Kay]

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

[Charmaine]

Oh how very sweet!

[Michelle Nadraszky]

Wow! This is absolutely precious!

[Lisa Johnson]

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!~

[Rebecca]

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.

[Melanie Muenchinger]

very cute project!

[Ghazal]

Fabulous! Wish I was as creative as you.

[Granna on the Go]

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!!!!!!!!