25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Stickles Chipboard Ornament

Today's ornament is one that can be enjoyed by the entire family...

Stickles Chipboard Ornaments!

Supplies:

Chipboard or Die-cut Ornament Shapes
Chipboard or Die Cut Letters
Adirondack Acrylic Dabber Paints
Stickles Glitter Glue
Ribbon

Instructions:

1.  Die-cut or draw & cut out various ornament shapes from chipboard.  I like to use a medium to heavy weight chipboard since we'll be using so much Stickles.  Thinner chipboard tends to curl when it dries.

2. Paint the ornament and letters with desired color of acrylic paint.  I used silver on the ornament and blue for the letters.

3. Trace desired pattern onto the ornament.  I used some simple strips for this ornament but you could go with swirls, flourishes, harlequin design, etc.    Don't forget to add the hanger at the top!

4.  Outline your design using Black Diamond Stickles and let dry.

5.  While the outline is drying cover the letters with desired color of Stickles. 

6. Once the black outlines have dried, fill in each section of the ornament using desired color(s) of Stickles Glitter Glue.  Set aside to dry.

7. Hand cut or die-cut holly & berries. 

8. Apply desired colors of Stickles to the holly leaves and berries.  If you notice I combined 3 colors of Green Stickles to highlight the leaves and add a bit of interest.

9.  Glue the letters and holly to the ornament.

10. Add ribbon and enjoy!

This is great not only for a tree but it's great in a window, mantel, as a gift embellishment or tag, etc. 

 Since it's relatively flat it can also be mailed very easily!

Vintage Christmas Cards

Only 7 days left till Christmas!

I don't know if you know it or not but in addition to Vintage Postcards I also collect Vintage Greeting Cards...mostly from the 30's-50's but I do have a few newer.  Well today I decided to dig through them and share some of my Vintage Christmas Cards with you.  I think it's fun to see how different the styles, colors, etc. are from today.  So here you go :)

 

(this looks so nice...ahhh warmth!)

I thought this one was really cool...the outline is Merry Christmas in tiny script.

LOVE this one!

This card is actually a very early pop-out card...the foot of the bed lifts to make the card 3-D.

and a very cute Santa :)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

I'm going shopping with Ben's fiance, her mom & grandma to this store....Darlington Farms. 

I've never been there but it sounds like SOOOOO much fun! 

Bargain shopping ~ gotta love it ;)

Maybe I'll find some cool stuff to alter!!

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Buttons & Pearls Ornament

This ornament is again one near and dear to my heart because it's main component is buttons :)

I am using clear, white or pearl type buttons because it seems like that is what I have more of than any other color.  You could mix it up a bit using different or select colors...totally up to you.  Whatever you prefer.  Many people suggest gluing the buttons to the styrofoam ball I am also using pearl head corsage pins to affix them...that way if I ever want to I can remove them all if I wish to do so ~ no harm done.

Supplies:

Buttons
Pearl Corsage Pins
Styrofoam Ball
Ribbon
Alcohol Inks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by threading 1 or more button(s) of different sizes on the corsage pin.  I am using 2 on most and three on a few.

NOTE: I left all the old thread and bits of fabric on my buttons to give it that vintage "used" feeling...you can of course remove it if you would like.

2. Poke the pin into the styrofoam ball.

3. Continue adding pins/buttons....

until it is completely covered....

4.  Add a hanging ribbon by poking a pin through the ribbon before adding the button(s).  Poke it into the ball as you have been.

5. (optional) If you are using white buttons like I did and you'd like to add color you can squirt the buttons with Alcohol Inks to color them.

And you're all done!

Note:  Don't worry about the exposed areas of the styrofoam...once you step back away you don't notice it at all.

Now I do have to warn you this is a bit time consuming because if you're like me you have to sort through all your buttons for just the right ones to add to your stack.  It is very easy though so it's not a difficult project and goes quickly once you decide what you're using.

Just For Fun Friday - One last Christmas Hurrah!

Happy Friday!!!

Woo hoo...only 8 days left till Christmas...I know it's getting short on time for Christmas card ideas but I couldn't give up the Christmas cards just yet. ;) Too many fun Christmas images, so not enough time to share all the cards I want to make - lol!!

So here are the cards I created this week with my Just For Fun rubber stamps...

Tis the Season...

I tell you it is so much fun to play with the faux postage grid stamps. You can really get creative on what you add to each little space. These images were all colored using my Bic markers with a Distress Ink background.

Winter Morning Snow Globe...

This is what it looks like at my house today!!! I really didn't know it would be snowing this a.m. so it's just a happy coincidence. The image was embossed then colored with Distress Inks using my Ink Blending Tool (of course) and I added lots of Crystal Stickles Glitter Glue ~ cause everything is nice with a dash of Stickles right? LOL!! The bow is some of TH's Tissue Tape.

After I got the card put together I thought it would have looked better with something stamped in the white area...oh well maybe I'll go back and ink it up ;)

Be sure to check out the Just For Fun Blog to see what the other Just For Fun Girls decided to create during this stamping free-for-all!

If you have time, stop in later today...

I've got a really cool ornament to share to help get the holiday all

"buttoned" up ;)

2nd Chance Give-A-Way

I've started this post so many times cause I didn't know what to say.  In the blogging world there are people who flit here and there never to return again...there are folks who stop in as time allows be it weekly, monthly, etc.  then there are others who stick around and become inky friends for life.... 

If you've been here for any length of time you know that everyone is welcome and I share goodies in addition to project ideas, cards, altered art and more.  Well sometimes the winners of these goodies for whatever reason don't stick around long enough or leave a way to get in touch with them after the fact.

Which brings me to the reason for this post.  Since the end of the year is drawing close it's time to clear out some of these unclaimed prizes!!

I have several goodies to give away that were never claimed the first time around and a couple projects that I didn't give away when the tutorial was original posted.

What might they be???

Well first I'd like to give away the Tic Tac Toe Tin I shared recently...

I'm going to give away the Gingerbread Garland....

Next this Noel Banner was never claimed so it's up for grabs....

and finally

Believe it or not the GIANT 3rd B-Day prize was never claimed....

So if you'd like your name to be entered into the drawing for one of these 4 prizes, just post a comment.  

Please be sure to have some way for me to contact you available.  I don't care if it's an e-mail addy in your comment, a link through your screen name to some sort of e-mail access (either on your profile page or blog) but I really need some way to contact you in case you win.  OR you could just continue to visit the blog ;)  LOL!!

Anyway, you have until 12-26-10 to post a comment.

Good Luck Friends!!

Letters Home Tag @ Ranger Blog!

Hi Guys!

I hope you're all safe and sound this cold and snowy Thursday!  It seems like much of the country has been or is currently being hit with lots of cold, snowy, icy conditions.  I hope you all to to where you should be safe this a.m.   Luckily (!?!) it's just cold here this a.m....if you can call that lucky - LOL!! 

I wanted to pass on another link....my Letters Home tag is up the featured project on Ranger's Blog today!  They even gave a shout out about the 25 Days of Handcrafted Gifts and Ornaments!  How cool is that :)  

Anyway, I know I mentioned it was on their web site front page but I thought I'd let you know it's on their blog as well :)

You have a great day and be sure to check back later...

I've got a pile of goodies to give a way and I'll share more details later ;) 

Get Inked - Dec 2010 - Snowflakes and Bird Winner!!

The winner of the Dec 2010 Get Inked Stamps and Charm is.....

Janet L.!!!!

Janet L. said...


Great cards and charm, Roni! I've learned so much from you, thank you. My favorite winter time activity is making cards first, then comes reading or watching TV with a glass of wine in hand.

Congratulations Janet!!

(Please e-mail me your snail mail addy.)

Jumbo Glass Pebble Magnets Winners!

The winners of the Jumbo Glass Pebbles Magnets are....

Completed Magnets & Tin -

Dee in N.H.!!

Dee in N.H. said...


Those are sooo cool! Love the tin too. What an awesome gift that would be. Thanks for a chance to win. My favorite person to buy for is my Mom because I can gather all things crafty and eclectic and she is so happy!

December 6, 2010 5:13 PM

and the winner of the Jumbo Glass Pebble Magnet Kit is...

Gail!!

Gail said...


ooo what a wonderful idea..hope our dollar stores in canada have some..i'd love to winn the c'mas candy..

My gift in the past..was a lot of years ago..when we struggled one c'mas..me and my girls and hubby all made home-made gifts..for each other and to family after 35 yrs.gone..we all still have them..loves ya

December 7, 2010 2:12 PM

Congratulations!!!

(Please e-mail me your snail mail addies.)

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Family Recipe Box

Today I've got a really fun project that is great for anyone in your family...a Family Recipe Box.  Why a "family" recipe box you ask...  because you can ask all of your family (and/or friends) to contribute one or more of their favorite recipes to be added to the collection.  You can compile the various recipes and make a copy for everyone!  This would also work in a book form and probably be much more practical if you were making one for multiple people.  But.... I like to alter things so that's why I made the box ;)

Another thing I LOVE about this project besides something to alter is it's a great way to "upcycle" those old worn out recipe boxes found at second hand stores or garage sales!  It is so much fun to take something old & unloved and give it new life. 

Supplies:


QKD Get Inked May 2010 stamp set
Distress Ink – Wild Honey – Ranger Industries
Adirondack Pigment Pen – Currant – Ranger Industries
Ink Blending Tool & Foam – Ranger Industries
Adirondack Acrylic Dabber – Snow Cap – Ranger Industries
Archival Ink or Staz-On Ink
Decoupage Glue (Mod-Podge, Collage Pauge, etc.)
Foam Brush
Tissue Paper
Cardstock
Paper Flowers - Prima
Recipe Box (new or up-cycled)
Brads
Tag Paper Punch
Nesties Label Die Cut
Sandpaper
Recipe Cards (or cardstock to cut your own)


Instructions:

Altered Recipe Box

1. Sand the top and sides of the recipe box.
2. Paint the top and sides of the recipe box with white paint. It doesn’t have to be perfect as it will be covered in later steps.
3. Randomly stamp the vintage baking images with a permanent waterproof ink such as Archival Ink or Staz-On Ink.
4. Rub various areas of the box top and sides with the Wild Honey Distress Ink. In the remaining areas add a bit of color with the Currant Pigment Pen.

5. Apply the decoupage medium to one side of the box and gently lay the stamped tissue paper over the glue. Dab the paper into the glue with the foam brush. NOTE: Be sure not to rub or brush too hard as the tissue paper will tear easily. You will notice the tissue paper has absorbed the Distress and Pigment Pen Inks.

6. Continue to add decoupage medium and tissue paper until the entire box has been covered. Fix any tears by adding a second layer of glue and tissue paper. Set aside to dry.

7. On white cardstock stamp the Mixing Bowl, Cook & Secret Ingredient sentiment images using the combined inking technique explained in the “Secret Ingredient” card instructions.

8. Die cut the Bowl image and mount on brown cardstock. Trim the Cook & sentiment and again mount on brown cardstock.

9. Affix the Bowl image to the lid of the recipe box and the Cook/Sentiment image to the front of the box. Let dry.

10. Add color to the paper flowers by applying the Wild Honey Distress Ink to light colored flowers using the Ink Blending Tool & Foam.

11. Add color to the darker paper flowers ~ scribble the Currant Pigment Pen on your craft mat. Place the flower face down in the ink and gently rub it around in the ink. Light pressure will allow the ink to touch only the embossed areas of the flower, heavy pressure will add more ink to color the entire flower.
12. Add brad centers to the inked flowers and glue on the box.


Dividers & Recipe Cards


1. Purchase or cut blank recipe cards. If you are making your own cards and dividers, cut them to 3x5”.

2. Stamp the images in various combinations as shown with Wild Honey Distress Ink.
3. Stamp the Mixing Bowl image on 10 blank recipe cards. Punch 10 tags from brown cardstock. Glue the tags in step sequence on the first 5 cards. Repeat with the remaining 5 cards.
4. Ink the edges of the dividers and recipe cards with Wild Honey Distress Ink and the Ink Blending Tool.

Now it's time to fill your box with the recipes gathered from your family and/or friends!

Would you like to win this recipe box to fill with your families favorite recipes?

If you would, tell me what your favorite recipe is...just the name, you can share the entire recipe if you like but it's not nec. to be entered to win. 

You have until 12-21-10 to be entered to win!

My favorite recipe is for Rice Pie...it's not a sweet desert like it sounds but it's a savory meat type pie...the "crust" is a meatloaf type shell filled with rice, tomato sauce and spices.  Bake it and top it with cheese near the end. 

Mmmmmmmm it's DELISH!!!!

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament

Today I've got another ornament that can easily be a "Green" ornament...when I say green I mean the two main components of this project can be recycled from other goodies.

I'm going to share a Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament.  I tried to think of a better name for it but I couldn't come up with anything...

Supplies:

Chipboard (new or recycled) or Grungeboard
Christmas Pattern Paper or Christmas Wrapping Paper
Sandpaper
Distress Ink (optional)
Ink Blending Tool (optional)
Eyelets (11 per tree)
Hole Punch
Jumprings, Ribbon, Jute, Elastic Cord, etc.
Pliers
Embellishments (optional)
Tree Pattern (below)

You will need to create a pattern similar to this.  If you want you can actually save this image to your computer and resize it as needed which is what I do.  You can ignore the sizes written on the pattern.  This was for another project I made. I actually printed the tree out for this project at 4.25 x 6"

Instructions:

1. Trace the tree on your chipboard.  I am using a portion of a lid from an old puzzle box I had in my stash!  You will need at least 2-3 trees but you could make more if desired.

2. Cut out each of the trees.

3. Cover each tree with a different pattern paper or different types of wrapping paper (new or recycled!). 

4. Trim away excess paper from each tree. 

5.  Sand all of the edges.

6. (optional) If desired you can color the edges with Distress Inks and the Ink Blending Tool.  I used Forest Moss on all three of my trees.

7. Cut each tree into 3 equal parts.  Since my trees were 6" tall I cut each section 2".  (this is where the "segmented" part of the name comes in)

8. Now mix 'em up! 

9. Punch holes in each of the segments.  I find it's easier to keep the holes lined up if you place the two sections together (either back to back or face to face) and punch the holes in both sections at one time.  This works great if you are using a Crop-A-Dile...it cuts through both pieces like butter!  If you are using a standard hole punch then you can punch the holes in one section then place the second section over the holes and use the existing holes as a guide.

10. Add eyelets to each hole and secure.

11.  Bind the sections together using any combination of the following:  jumprings, ribbon, decorative fibers, jute, wire, cord, elastic cord, raffia, etc.

12. Add a piece of ribbon, elastic cord, etc. in the upper most hole for a hanger and Enjoy!!

13. (optional) If desired you could embellish the tree with extra goodies.

Since you're working on multiples at one time these trees go very quickly.  They not only make great ornaments for the tree but they also work well as package decorations, can be stuck on or in a greeting card, used as embellishments on a scrapbook lay-out, etc.