The Lookout Memphis Layout

I'm in deep with Christmas projects but wanted to finish the right side of this two page layout. Still using only 6x6 papers and minimal embellishments, this layout was quick and easy. 

I still need to add journaling but it'll be done before I add it to the scrapbook.

Both sides together 

Check out the YouTube video:

Customized Dollar Tree Elves

When I first saw these elves years ago, I couldn't figure out why they were such a big deal. I mean, they are cute, don't get me wrong but ok...  Then I saw some on a recent trip to the Dollar Tree and thought, hmmm, I'll buy a couple.

Oh my...now I get it! They are adorable! I need to go back and get some more because I now want to customize them for every child I know! 

Using the Mini Press from Cricut made pressing these small letters and images easy and took less than a few minutes to add the HTV to all three areas for all four elves. 

Watch the YT Short HERE!

ps:  The background is a small portion of the painted wrapping paper that my granddaughters, daughter and I painted earlier this week. So cute and such a fun project for all ages!

TGIF: Thankful Friday #347

Happy Thankful Friday! Wow, another week to be thankful. This is my very last work week since I'm officially retired as 4:30 p.m. today!

I'm thankful for all the well wishes that I've been getting from my office mates as well as people from around the district, past retirees, my friends and family AND to top it off, it's also my 60th birthday week!

Wow, there's a lot going on and all the holiday festivities it's been very jolly to say the least. I'm thankful for all of that but especially for my family who have been greeting me every day this week with a Happy last Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc., each day this week.

Iron Crafter Challenge YT Hop

I love challenges and opportunities to use my stash and this one was definitely doable while in the midst of Christmas projects.  Be sure to hop a long and watch all the videos for this Iron Crafter Challenge!

Layout Details:

I know I need to include more journaling and I will but for now, I was really concentrating on the photos and getting them on one two page spread (there's another layout to follow). Even though the page is photo heavy, I always need to find a way to add some embellishments. I feel like I did a good job of adding exactly what was needed to make it pretty. 

The HOP details:

Join a fun group of crafty peeps each month as we take on the Iron Crafter Challenge! Each month Tara from @thepapersnob will select a challenge ingredient to use on a layout. This hop goes live on the THIRD FRIDAY of the month. We will have a hop on YouTube and Instagram to show how we used the challenge ingredient(s) for the month. The mystery item for the month will be announced on the first of each month.

The mystery challenge ingredient for December is mini paper pads. 

Here is a playlist with ALL the videos of the participants:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfSqErOPJoq0GaltPb76rffdanFGnHTa

If you want to learn about the mystery item and play along, come over to the Paper Snob Community Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepapersnobcommunity/

Here is a list of the folks playing along, please check out their Instagram or YouTube channels to subscribe and say hi!!

Instagram:

Simera https://instagram.com/scrappysimi

Brandi https://instagram.com/scrappy.boymama

Laurie https://www.instagram.com/scrapbookingbits/

DawnLyn https://www.instagram.com/dawnlynsdesigns/

Tina www.instagram.com/tinamcmmvr

YouTube:

Tara https://www.youtube.com/@thepapersnob

Rona https://www.youtube.com/@ronamallard8547

Mel https://www.youtube.com/@MelWScrapping

Christine https://youtube.com/@scrappingharden?si=fi2rO35Dh8PYUII-

Kristen https://www.youtube.com/@scrappingonthefly1217

Briana https://youtube.com/@lovemylifeonpaper?si=emvejnUeiM8UdPPM

Kathy https://www.youtube.com/@kathyloves2scrap617

Janet https://www.youtube.com/@galaxygirlcreations

MK https://www.youtube.com/@SomeAssemblageRequiredMKGunn

Narelle https://www.youtube.com/c/NarelleFasulo

Lynda https://www.youtube.com/@thescrapbookingphotographe3607

Dorlene https://youtube.com/@dorlenedurham?si=w14nbSlrkl7fPKFd

Fun Gift Cards

Oh my goodness! I made the cutest and fun gift card holders. I know what you're thinking...fun gift card holders? What is she talking about?

I was commissioned to make some gift card holders for specific themes (fishing, golfing, BBQ and gamer). I thought ok, I'll just make some basic gift card holders but use papers to showcase the themes. Well, I didn't have any golf or gamer paper or embellishments so I took a peek in Design Space projects. 

Whoa! Hold up! I've been missing out on some pretty cool gift card holders so I bookmarked some, purchased one and created another but here they are:

Unfortunately, I didn't film while I was putting these together but I do have a process video of how I customized them to give a Christmas/holiday spirit using items from my Christmas gift tag container, blank tags & red embroidery thread bows!

Watch as I give some tips and advice when making these!

BBQ:  NovaeMakersMart
Fish:  Design Space
Golf Bag: Design Space
Gamer:  Bearly Arts for the image but I added a pull tab insert for the gift card & a backing.

Mrs. Claus Gift Pick; Printable Cuttable Creatables

Are you knee deep into Secret Santa stuff right now?  Yup, samesies!

 
I bought a cute coffee mug & some holiday shaped mini candy bars to give to my coworker.  Well, you know when you’re crafty, you don’t stop there!  I uploaded and put together Cute Mrs. Claus Face SVG from Printable Cuttable Creatables to make a decorative pick to jazz it up. Didn't she turn out so cute?!? She's the perfect addition to this simple gift.

She is 3.5” tall which is perfect for slipping into the coffee mug.  I attached her to a red and green paper straw for the pick and tied a Christmas ribbon just under her neck. 

While in Design Space, I created a blank solid piece to add to the back and to cover the straw. To do that, take the entire image and duplicate it. 

Once duplicated, click on Unite to get a solid image.  I changed the color to black so it really popped!

I pretty much cut and assembled as is with these two exceptions.  1) her cute face has two different color layers but I used the same color cardstock for both layers and then used some ink to shade the ear areas (these were the only parts that were going to show through).  I did this because I didn’t have a darker skin tone shade that I thought would work for her and 2) also used the same color ink to add shading around her cheek areas.

Before adding adhesive, I always stack the layers first so I don’t get adhesive where it shouldn’t be.  The SVG cut files are simple and easy to figure out, but it’s always a good idea to do this just in case.

I used a liquid glue with a fine tip and also a sheet of Sticky Specs to get adhesive on those smaller pieces. Check out my Adhesive Talk YT Video HERE. It sure is helpful to have the right supplies!

You could definitely use the same idea to create an adorable cake topper or even cupcake toppers, just change the size of the image. 

Take a look at the YouTube video on how this was created!

Be sure to click over to the Printable Cuttable Creatables Blog to get inspiration from other DT members. Use 3SONS15 for an additional 15% off your order!

Handmade Holiday Cards

Do you make and send Christmas cards? I don't and I'm not sure why. This year, in the midst of my tag series, I joined a Christmas card swap.

I created an easy cut out using basic shapes in Cricut Design Space and then used lots of scrap papers to fill it.

Watch the process video and see how easy they were to create. 

I then decided to stamp, ink, add faux stitching and add glitter ornaments. They turned out so cute!

Whatcha think?? Cute and a great stash buster!