Clearly iStamp

Day 4 of July Sneek Peeks!

Today is the last day of sneak peeks!  Tomorrow is the big day.....take a look at the rest of our stamps that will be available tonight at midnight!

Porch Conversations Stamp Set

Go to Porch Conversations
Link will be active July 1st.

This is the most peaceful scene!  I love this set!

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Porch Conversations are: Kim, Tori, Linda, Stacy, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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More Patchpal friends we are sure you are going to love!

Patchpal Ducky Stamp Set

Go to Patchpal Ducky
Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Patchpal Ducky are: Stacy, Shawne, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar). 

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Patchpal Kitty Stamp Set

Go to Patchpal Kitty
Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Patchpal Kitty are: Sarah, Shawne, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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Patchpal Skunk Stamp Set

Go to Patchpal Skunk
Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Patchpal Skunk are: Tori, Shawne, Candy, and Laurie (links on left sidebar). 

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Patchpal Bunny Stamp Set

Go to Patchpal Bunny
Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Patchpal Bunny are: Tori, Shawne, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar). 

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We have a special surprise for you this month!  Our stamp of the month is usually free with a $50 order, but this month the stamp of the month is FREE WITH A $35 ORDER!

Tag It July 2009 SOM

Go to Tag It July 2009 SOM
Link will be active July 1st.

  

 

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Tag It July 2009 SOM are: Angela, Katie, Cassie, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar). 

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We hope to see you tomorrow in our store to look at all the other great new products we are carrying for July!  Make sure to sign up for our email newsletter to receive the complete rundown of new products.  The link to sign up is at the bottom of our homepage!

Hope your day is filled with blessings and stamping galore!

Lori

Day 3 of July Sneek Peeks!

Everybody's favorite horse is back for day three of sneak peeks......look what Charlie and Charliene are doing this summer!

Charlie Summer Fun Stamp Set

Go to Charlie Summer Fun

Go to Charlie Summer Fun Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Charlie Summer Fun are: Kim, Angela, Katie, Stacy, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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July is my birthday month.....what a wonderful month!  Don't forget to keep collecting your flowers of the month!

Larkspur - July Flower of the Month Stamp Set

 

Go to Larkspur - July Flower of the Month

Go to Larkspur - July Flower of the Month Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Larkspur - July Flower of the Month are: Angela, Tori, Cassie, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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Gladiolia - August Flower of the Month Stamp Set

 

Go to Gladiolia - August Flower of the Month

Go to Gladiolia - August Flower of the Month Idea Gallery

Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Gladiolia - August Flower of the Month are: Katie, Sarah, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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This set stemmed from a customer idea....isn't it perfectly cute!  I am going to make a bunch of cards for my dad with this set.

Yard Yabber Stamp Set

 

Go to Yard Yabber

Go to Yard Yabber Idea Gallery

Link will be active July 1st.

 

 

 

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Yard Yabber are: Katie, Sarah, Cassie, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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Remember our Rosebud Princess we introduced last month?  Here is her castle!  You will want to make sure and add this to your collection.....perfect to stamp on shrink film, let your kids color, shrink, and make charms out of!

Rosebud Castle Stamp Set

 

Go to Rosebud Castle

Go to Rosebud Castle Idea Gallery

Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Rosebud Castle are: Kim, Nancy, Sarah, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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See you tomorrow for our last day of sneak peeks!

Hope your day is full of blessings and stamping galore!

Lori

Day 2 of July Sneak Peeks!

Day two of sneak peeks is here!  We'd love to hear what you think!

This set is perfect for watercoloring!  This set is also perfect for creating bold background pages for your scrapbook pages!

Summer Blooms Dahlia Stamp Set


Go to Summer Blooms Dahlia

Go to Summer Blooms Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Summer Blooms Dahlia are: Kim, Tori, Sarah, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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Doesn't this set just make you happy?  Stamp the words on a tag or stamp them on the label of the ice cream containers.....this is a must have set for summer!

Sweet Scoops Stamp Set

Go to Sweet Scoops

Go to Sweet Scoops Idea Gallery

Link will be active July 1st.

 

 

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Sweet Scoops are: Angela, Katie, Tori, Cassie, Stacy, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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This set is just adorable....perfect for anyone who loves to cook, can, garden or diet!  I think this would make a cute weight loss chart for me or a friend!

Veggie Stew Stamp Set

Go to Veggie Stew

Go to Veggie Stew Idea Gallery

Link will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Veggie Stew are: Linda, Nancy, Cassie, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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Tangy Trio Stamp Set

 

Go to Tangy Trio

Go to Tangy Trio Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Tangy Trio are: Katie, Nancy, Sarah, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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See you tomorrow for day three!

Hope your day is full of blessings and stamping galore!

Lori

Let the July sneak peeks begin!

It is time for sneak peeks!   What a wonderful way to beat the summer heat.....with some nice new stamps to use in your nice cool stamp area!

We have been asked for a couple of years for a lighthouse set by our customers!  So we created this set, and we also created a companion set for spreading God's light!  Take a look!

Sheltering Lights Stamp Set

Go to Sheltering Lights

Sheltering Lights Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

 

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Sheltering Lights are: Kim, Katie, Linda, Nancy, Cassie, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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This set works beautifully with our new lighthouse set or with our Lamppost Expressions set!

Shining Strength Stamp Set

Go to Shining Strength

Go to Shining Strength Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Shining Strength are: Kim, Linda, Nancy, Sarah Stacy, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar). 

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Isn't this just the cutest set????  You have to take a look at our Design Team blogs to see the samples.....this set is not just for boys!  We have girl spaceships AND one of our DT members even made a flowered hat out of it!

Lost in Space Stamp Set

 

Go to Lost in Space

Go to Lost in Space Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

 

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for Lost in Space are: Kim, Angela, Tori, Stacy, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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This set is so cute for birthday cards, party invitations, just because presents....I just love this set and I think you will too!

My Little Ballerina Stamp Set

Go to My Little Ballerina

Go to My LIttle Ballerina Idea Gallery

Links will be active July 1st.

Our other Designers that are featuring samples on their blogs for My Little Ballerina are: Kim, Angela, Nancy, Shawne, Candy and Laurie (links on left sidebar).

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See you tomorrow for more sneak peeks!

Hope your day is filled with blessings and stamping galore!

Lori

July Guest Designer Challenge is now OPEN!

--This is a "sticky" post--
--PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE SNEAK PREVIEW POSTS--

JULY 2009 GUEST DESIGNER CHALLENGE!!!!
Attention regulars!
Please read all instructions carefully, as we have modified requirements and judging method.

***Challenge is open now until 3 PM CST on June 30, 2009***

Just a little note to everyone.   Every month, there are several close runners up in the challenge.  We DO keep a list of your entries for any Design Team openings that may come available in the future.  So if you don't get chosen this month, please don't lose heart, you never know if you are one of the card designers we are watching!  ;-)

Here are the deets:

WHAT DO I DO TO ENTER??

1. Create any sort of project following the stamping challenge detailed below.

Here is the STAMPING CHALLENGE for July

This is going to be a Sketch Challenge!
 

• Create anything with the above layout/sketch. 
• You may flip and/or rotate, but you must keep the panels in the general location shown.
• Circle panels may be ANY shape you wish.
• **Edited to add** The little gray spot is an embellishment.
• Sentiments may be put anywhere or left off, it's up to you. 
• You may add embellishments anywhere to create the balance your design may need.

2. Then create a comment TO THIS POST with the following info: You MUST have these four (4) things to be considered:

• NEW! - FOR POSTS: you must mention in your BLOG post that your card is for the Clear Dollar Stamps Guest Designer Challenge, and linking back to this post is required. (However, SCS uploads cannot have the link, as that would infringe on their terms of service, but you must have the keyword below and mention that you created this for the CDS GD Challenge.)
  
• include your email in this comment in the appropriate field, so we can contact you if you are selected (email is not publicly displayed if you enter it in the appropriate field)
  
• include your name in your comment
  
• include a LINK directly to your entry (If you upload to SCS, include this KEYWORD: CDSGDC0709)  If post is on your blog, please make your link directly to your post and not just your general blog.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Challenge will be open for 4-1/2 days and the winner will be announced on the 5th day, which will be the 1st of the Guest Designers Month, July 1.
  
• All projects, no matter what stamps are used, will be a qualifying entry AND considered, so long as you have all 4 items above that are required in your post, and you have followed the challenge.  ***However, using Clear Dollar Stamps on your project increases your visibility, as it will show your enthusiasm, support and creativity using CD Stamps.***  

• .Our Senior Design Team will be the judges.  They will vote on projects based on creativity, uniqueness, color, and presentation.  They will also be considering your blog style/history, or if you don't have a blog, they will be glancing at your online gallery checking for consistency and frequency of your other creations.   So, please, DO YOUR BEST WORK!

• We do take a look at your blog history or gallery upload history.
  
• The chosen winner will be our Guest Designer for that release month, and will receive (3) three stamp sets of his/her choice from that month's releases!
• The Guest Designers term will be for the remainder of the release month, of which during this time, he/she will receive benefits (store discount) and responsibilities (creating samples for the purpose of promotion) of a regular designer for Clear Dollar Stamps!
• Your samples for promoting CDS with your free stamps throughout the month you are a Guest Designer, are expected to be similar in detail, composition and neatness than that of your entry and current projects.
  

3. At this time, we can only accept entries from those residing in Canada or the U.S, due to shipping times.

Now, let's see who wants to be a Guest Designer and get to play with some free stamps!
Show us your BEST work!

Thanks so much for visiting and have a blessed stamping day!

Lori

It's time for another Scrapbooking Roads adventure!

What is Scrapbooking Roads?  This is an online shop hop.  We hide their badge on our websites, you go find it and register your email.  Once you have registered, you can win
LOTS OF GREAT PRIZES!

Go here to register to participate and find out more!



The shop hop begins on July 1st, don't miss out!

Here is what you are looking for that will be hidden on my website:


Have a wonderful day!
Lori

More Money Matters

Hello friends, its Katie here today wishing you a lovely Tuesday morning.  If you recall, last week I introduced you to a really fun stamp called Bank of Kidzville and a fun checkbook tutorial.  This week, I wanted to continue with the money theme and introduce you to another stamp set called Money Maker from the Clearly 4 Kids line and another tutorial.  Get prepared... lots and lots of pictures today.

So lets get started.  The Money Maker Stamp Set will definitely become a well used stamp set.  From my photo you can see that I stamped on plain white paper as well as colored paper.  I used copy paper again for my money and this would be a great way to add to your paper money collection.

If you take a peek at the stamp set, you'll see that once you stamp your main image, you can make it any denomination you'd like to have. 

But let me tell you the way I use paper (play) money.  I have my oldest do chores or special things and he does get an allowance every week.  I originally started out giving him money and he would have to save a percentage and put it away and then he had the rest for things he wanted (with parent approval of course).  

This was all great gravy, except what was happening was that he would literally lose his money.  I didn't see the purpose in handing him real money when he kept losing it.  Obviously, he didn't value it quite the way I envisioned. 

My solution to this was to give him play money.  If he lost it, it was his problem.  When the time came and he wanted money to buy something, he traded in his play money for real money.  It is a win win situation for both of us.

Ok, so lets take a quick look to see how I stamped the money.  I did it the same way as I made the checks from last week, but for this week, this is definitely something you could stamp and have age appropriate kids cut out their own.

I cut copy paper to 3" x 1 3/8"

I also wanted to make a note here and mention that its ok to have your paper/cardstock stick to your stamp and block when you stamp.  I usually always get a comment as to if this is ok.  Of course it is, all you have to do is gently peel you paper away.  This is especially the case when stamping on smaller pieces of paper.

So now you've got all your fabulous money all stamped and ready to go.  Let's figure out a couple of ways your kids can store their money.  This first suggestion is just a case of altering.  My Dad is a cigar smoker and he gave me a whole bunch of these cigar boxes.  They are really cool and up to this point, I hadn't figured out what to do with them.  Today one of them is going to become a bank.  I went with a boy theme for this and gathered some long lost designer paper for this project.

Step 1: Measure the areas that you want to cover
Step 2: Cut
Step 3: Add Mod Podge to your surface (I just pour out some on a plate or extra piece of cardstock)
Step 4: Apply your paper
Step 5: Let dry
Step 6 Use some sanding paper to smooth out any edges
Step 7: Apply as many layers of Mod Podge as you would like (it provides a nice protective coat)

 

The little bead that you see on the top are the same beads that I used as feet on the bottom of my "bank".  For the bottom, you can use any old liquid glue, but for the top, I ended up using a hot glue gun because I wanted it to stick!

Now, its time for the girls.  I hate to admit it, but its just easier to make cute stuff for the girls.  I found a great tutorial --> CLICK HERE<-- for an expansion wallet, but since I needed mine to be scaled down for my size money, I created one in different dimensions.

Main wallet dimension is 4" x 7"

 

Score at: 2 1/2" + 1/8" + 2 1/2" + 1/8"  The way I did it on my Scor-pal was the traditional score at 2 1/2".  Then I moved that score line over to the 6 3/8" and matched the top and bottom to the groove and then scored my next score at the 6 1/2" mark.  Thus giving me a measurement of 1/8". See picture below :)

 

I did the exact same thing to create my next score line.  I moved my last score line to match up with the 2" mark and then just measured over 2 1/2 " from there and it is the 4 1/2" line.  You could choose any numbers to match as long as you are making your last score mark 2 1/2" away from the one you just made.  Make sense??

Fold and you've got your basic wallet.  The shorter side is going to be your front.  At this point, cut any designer paper you'd like to decorate your wallet with.

I knew that I wanted to create a scallop edge for my wallet front, but instead of punching both layers at the same time, I did them separately and had to compensate in order to create a somewhat matched scallop for my designer paper.  I lined up my already cut cardstock and then evened out the designer paper and then basically pulled the cardstock out while pushing the other paper in place.

 

Next, you'll want to cut 2 pieces of cardstock measuring 6" x 2 1/4".  These will be your accordions for the side of your wallet.

Score at 1" intervals along the 2 1/4" side.

 

Then you will fold them in an accordion style.

Apply adhesive to one edge... remember to consider which side is going to be your outside side and which side will be your inside.

Attach your accordion to what is essentially the back wall of your wallet.  I placed my accordion slightly in from the edge and evenly between the folds. Attach the other accordion piece.

After both pieces are done, add adhesive to the top layer.

 

Then just fold up the wallet and adhere.

And there you have it.  A great place to store all that fabulous moola.

 

(NOTE:  All paper used is retired or not readily available Close to my Heart product)

Well, that's it for today.  I hope you enjoyed yourself and I'd like to thank you as always for stopping by and spending your time here at Clearly iStamp.  If you have any questions, comments, or otherwise, please post away.

Thanks again and this is Katie, signing off for Clearly iSTamp.

Money Matters - Checkbook Tutorial and Stamp Spotlight

Good morning friends! Its Katie here and are we ready for another tutorial?  Today, I've got another great fun project that you can make for your kids or if they are old enough, they could help you with it.  Today's project is not just fun, but its also a learning tool for your kids.

You will only need one stamp today and you can see it HERE.  Its called Bank of Kidzville and is a stamp from Lori's Clearly 4 Kids line.  Here is a picture of most of the ingredients (lol).

**Some sort of scoring tool
**Some source of soft mat (like a mouse pad)
**ruler
**tracing tool (from my sewing stash)
**ink
**copy paper
**cardstock/designer paper
**Bank of Kidzville Stamp
**Acrylic Block

We are going to start off with creating the book of checks.  The way this will be constructed will allow for continued "refills" to fit into your checkbook.

Start by cutting your copy paper, just the stuff you use in your printer into 4 1/8" x 1 7/8" .  Start by cutting along the 8 1/2"  in 1 7/8" sections and you 'll get the most bang for you buck - 10 "checks" per sheet. You can layer your pieces and cut more at one time because the copy paper is so thin.

Once all the checks are cut - you will have 20 checks from 2 pieces of copy paper, its time to stamp.  You will have to remember to position your check stamp so that it is aligned with the right side of each piece of paper.

Next is the creation of the perforation.  This allows each check to be "ripped" out without a lot of mess or fuss.

This is where I used my pointy tracing wheel from my sewing tools.  It is also essential that you have a soft mat to use underneath.  I believe that a mouse pad would serve this purpose too.  It also works if you follow one of the grooves on your Scor-Pal.  Its just a little tricky because you have to secure the left edge of your paper.

I aligned my ruler (its face down) to the left edge of my stamped check and then used my tracing wheel to create the perforations.

You can also align several checks, just align the stamped edges and perforate them at the same time.

 

After all the checks are perforated, then just add adhesive to the backside of the checks.

 

Next, just line up your checks and stack them one after the other.

 

You will want to cut one piece of cardstock the same size as your checks and create the same perforation.  This piece of cardstock will be the back of the book of checks.

 

 

Now its time for the checkbook cover.  You will need to start with a piece of cardstock measuring:

6 7/8" x 4 3/4"

Score at: 2 1/8", 4 3/8" and 4 5/8"

 

Turn your cardstock and score the 2 1/8" section 5/8" in.

 

Cut the scored section away.

 

If you want to add designer paper, I used pieces measuring 2 1/8" x 4 5/8" (front) and 2" x 3 7/8" (inside)

 

Time to insert your checkbook.

Ok, ok, I wrote that check to myself using Hunter's name (lol).

Here's a view of the completed checkbook as well as a "girl" version.  These would be incredibly easy for the kids to decorate themselves.  Lori laminated her version that you can see on the store website and that would be a great way to keep the check book cover long lasting.  I say, just layer up the cardstock (lol)

 

Here's a view of the inside.  As you can see, its also fun to decorate the checks themselves.  Just another way to personalize and have fun.

Thanks for coming to visit and spending your time with us at Clearly iStamp.  I love these stamps that are so interactive with my kids.  Both the 3 1/2 year olds and the 9 1/2 year old enjoyed playing with their checkbooks.  Come back next week for some more "money matters". 

Have a great Friday and this is Katie signing off for Clearly iStamp.

Holiday Fun - 4th of July

Hi everyone... its Tuesday and its Katie here to greet you this morning.  I was trying to think of something interesting and perky to say, but you know what... I came to the conclusion that its nice to be reminded what day it is, because I know that I often forget from one minute to the next.  Not of course implying that any of you would forget (lol).

So, today's project is featuring a great little stamp set that will help you jazz up an old favorite treat.  Who doesn't like candy, and who doesn't like to celebrate in style.  The 4th of July is coming upon us very quickly and I know that you'll be wanting to be ready for it.  I'll be heading to my sister's for the 4th and she always has a wonderful spread, but I thought it would be nice to bring these little treats to share.

The great thing about this stamp set is that you can make a few or you can make a lot.  You have the option to just make a handful as table favors or gather a few of them and have them for little gifts or put them all together and use it as a table center.

I'll be featuring a stamp set called Patriot Nuggets and an individual 4th of July sentiment.

 

I wanted to do something a little different this time and show you how each element looks when it is stamped and that is what the picture below shows ( minus the sentiment)  As you can see, lots of great options for you and all those little individual stamps could be used on any number of other projects.  I love to mix and match my stamp sets.

 

Now this stamp set is made to fit those Avery address labels which in turn wrap themselves around those delicious chocolaty Hershey Nugget Candies.  I love the fact that there are always new flavors coming out.  I didn't get into detail with the stamping of the labels, but below, I have a picture of my nuggets ready to go and decorated in a variety of ways.

 

So once you get these little festive goodies all ready to go, you could just gather them up and scatter them on your table or display or I've got a couple of other options for you too.

The first, is a standard nugget box.  The measurements I used are based on a revised version that Scor-pal put together.  CLICK HERE for even more options.  I'll show you the 3 piece version.  This is probably my most used size.  It is really the perfect size to add to a gift ensemble or just to give away as a little pick me up.

You will need 2 pieces of cardstock

• Slider (the candy sits in) - 4 1/2" x 6"
  
• Wrap - 5 1/8" x 3 1/4"

We'll start with the box part first.

Score all 4 sides at 3/4" and 1 1/2".  This is the easiest way to do so.  In the picture below, I lined the edge of my cardstock at the 1/4" mark and then score at the 1" mark which equals your 3/4". 

 

Next, move the edge of the cardstock to the very edge of the Scor-pal and score at the 1 1/2" mark.

 

Once all 4 sides have been scored its time to cut.  You will want to cut where all the dotted lines are shown.  All the pieces that have lines on them will be cut away.

 

Once everything is cut away, I always snip all my edges.  It isn't absolutely necessary, but it always makes things easier when folding.

Put adhesive on the areas that are marked with A.  Then fold down.

 

Again... adhesive on the tabs that have the letter A on them.

 

Don't fold the tabs down right away, pull the little tabs on the side inward and then fold the adhesive tabs down.

 

I like to use a scoring tool to really press all my tabs down.

 

Now for the sleeve - 5 1/8" x 3 1/4".  Along the 3 1/4" side score 1" in and then 3/4" from that.  The easiest way to do this with the Scor-Pal is to line your cardstock edge with the 2 1/2" mark and SCORE at the 3 1/2" mark and then score at the 4 1/4" mark.  Do this on the left side and the right side.

 

I used white cardstock for my pictures, but for my nugget box, I used the Acetate from Lori's store to create my slider.  I didn't want to hide my very cute nuggets.  I incorporated the July sentiment for my tag.

 

Next, I have a super cute box for you.  I saw this version quite a while ago and what is so neat about it is that it starts out as a plain square box.  Super easy!!

Start with a piece of cardstock that measures 7 x 7

Score all 4 sides at 2" and then cut where noted.

 

If you folded the flaps so they were even you would end up with a straight sided square box, but not today :)

As I fold in my flaps, I decide how close or far away I want my sides.  I went ahead and lightly marked with a pencil where I wanted my edges to stop.

 

Add adhesive, fold up to those marks you just made.

 

At this point, I thought it would be fun to add a large star shape as my focal points on my box that is essentially a basket now.

In this case, I decided to use my Cricut to cut out my stars. These can be any shape or size that you want.

 

Once these are put together, I the used a small bit of glue to attach the stars to the sides of my basket.  I then marked where I wanted to punch my hole.

NOTE... you could also cut another star the same size and attach it to the inside and be finished.

 

Another note here:  I used my Big Bite to punch my holes and attach my handles, and eyelets, but it was impossible for me to take pictures... I need another hand here :) 

Anyway, I did it... and this is the result.  The handle is a strip of cardstock that measures 1" x 12".

ETA:  I used Close to my Heart cardstock, designer paper (Blue Ribbon), and ink

As you can see there really are a lot of options for you with this tutorial.  Decorate your basket anyway you wish, but whatever you do keep it festive!

Thanks as always for coming to visit and spending some of your time with us.  I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

This is Katie signing off for Clearly iStamp 

Its For the Boys - Arrgh Matey!

Good morning friends!  Its Katie here today and I hope you've been enjoying all the "girl" themes this past week or so.  Being a girl, its always fun to do "girly" things (lol), BUT, we can't possibly forget about the boys in our lives now can we?

Today, I want to share a great party or just 'for fun' ideas for you that are geared for boys, but you know how we girls are.  We always want in where the action is.  As we all know, pirate anything is "in" and big so I've paired a stamp called Lost at Sea, which is a relatively new release with a set from Lori's Clearly 4 Kids line called Treasure Hunt.  They work fabulously together and I am super pleased with the results.

I also incorporated one more background stamp and paired it with a tutorial that I posted earlier this year.  The stamp is called Wood Grain and works wonderfully with the "Chest Tutorial".  Click HERE to see the tutorial.

 

Ok, lets get started.  We'll start with the finishing touches of our Treasure Chest.  Don't forget, the full tutorial can be found using the link above.

We'll start with creating our own "wood" look.  This is super easy with the Wood Grain Stamp.  This is a longer stamp and can be used with a block or the stamping wheel.  That is what I used today.  If you are interested in more detail regarding the clear wheels, Lori did an awesome tutorial that you can read about.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Remember to keep your pieces aligned correctly when you are stamping your "grain"

Now its time to create the details on our chest.  I used a VersMarker and Gold Embossing Powder and heat gun.  You could use either side of the pen, there is a brush tip and a fine point tip.  Make your circle dots, add your powder and heat.

 

                                    

Finish putting chest together per the tutorial.  This particular piece I'm showing you ends up being part of the front, bottom, back, and top.

    

Now its time for the map.  This is the fun and SUPER easy part.  Use whatever piece of cardstock that you want.  My piece measured approximately 4 x 6.  Spritz your cardstock with water and crumple.  The harder you crumple the more "aged" it will look.  I then just take it over to the iron and smooth it out.  See that iron does have a purpose :)

   

Now, just stamp using the Lost at Sea image.  Roll up and tie with a ribbon or twine.

 

We're moving on to our next pieces.  Its a Tresuare Hunt so we need clues right?  This is a fun way to decorate, house, and then hide the clues.

I took your standard smaller mailing envelopes... even cheaper than your standard card envelopes which is why I picked them... All I did was decorate the front with some designer paper (some old stuff I had) and then did some stamping using the images from the set Treasure Hunt. All the images on the envelope can be found in that set.

 

For the treasure chest, I stamped on a separate piece of cardstock, cut out, and then embellished with some different colored stickles.  Love it!

 

Now on to the Clue insert that will go into the envelope.  This is kind of a 2 step process.

First, you'll need to create your stamped image.  You will need to use ink that "matches" some colored cellophane, but I've got a substitute for you (with a *but*).

This is not my idea, its Lori's and she shows this great technique using her stamp set at the store website.  CLICK HERE to see her version of what is being seen here. Just keep scrolling down for another great idea.

The concept is based on "decoder" magic.  Take your piece of cardstock and gently write your "secret message" in pencil.  I felt that if you used a pencil with a duller lead point that it shows up better.

 

Next, use the stamp in the set and stamp over your message. 

 

I then adhered this piece onto a background to create my "clue" card.

 

Now its time to create the "magic" part :)

The size and shape is completly up to you for this part.  I based my view finder on a 3 1/2" square, but ended up cutting it down a bit as I went along.

I placed 2 pieces of cardstock together and they were both able to be cut at the same time using my square nestability.  See the tape?  I use it all the time to keep my nesties in place.  If you buy really cheap tape, its perfect for this since the cheap stuff isn't really all that sticky.

 

Now here is my trick/substitution for you.  Finding colored cellophane and/or maybe even shrink wrap is defintiely easier, but for a one time project this worked.  I cut up a plastic ziplock bag and cut it down to size of my opening.

I taped my plastic down and grabbed a coordinating Copic Marker.  You have to be quick, even, and consisitent when coloring.  Keep your motions left to right or vice versa and color evenly.  You only get one shot.

 

Carefully adhere your colored plastic to one of your cut pieces of cardstock.  Add adhesive of your choice and in my case I used a popsicle stick for a handle. Then add your top piece of cut cardstock.

SPECIAL NOTE HERE:  So after the fact... it is just as easy to put your view finder together and then use your Copic Marker to color your plastic from the backside.  You'll be able to get close enough to the edges by using the same swiping motion.

The Copic Marker color is very easily scratched off so just  be aware of that if using this technique.

Before:

 

After, using the decoder.  I had a super hard time with the picture, but I promise its quite easy to read in real life. 

So you would just place your Clue Card right into that cute little envelope.

And the whole ensemble.

And the chest open ready to be filled with whatever types of treasures and treats you have.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it might have given you some inspiration.  Thanks as always for coming to visit us here at Clearly iStamp.

-Katie