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
I found this Strawberry Muffin Mix at the grocery store yesterday. I knew that the flavor would lend itself to the strawberry image contained in our My Punny Valentine stamp set. I washed the small heart tins thoroughly with water and dried them with a soft towel. I then greased the inside of the tin to allow the muffin to slide out easily after it was done baking. I whipped up the mix quickly and filled each tin 2/3. 
To bake the muffins, I simply arranged the tins on a cookie sheet so they would not tip over or fall in-between the spaces in my oven rack. The baked for exactly 15 minutes and turned out perfectly!
To add a little something special, I decided to create a coordinating tag. I started by stamping the strawberry image from My Punny Valentine. 
Here is a little trick I like to do sometimes. I like to remind myself that I don't always have to center my images within the boundaries of a punch. I can also do them off-center, which can allow for more creative opportunities. (I used the small tag punch from SU! for this particular project)
After punching the tag, I added the sentiment. It helped to finish the tag nicely.
I placed the lid of the tins on the bottom, so the recipient can wash out the tin and re-use it. I put a tiny piece of tacky tape down the length of the bottom point of the heart and tied the tin with red gingham ribbon. The tape helps to keep the ribbon from sliding off the point. I added the tags as a last step. These are so adorable, and I know my friends & neighbors will appreciate the gesture so much!
