Clearly iStamp

Digis 101

Hello, crafty friends! It's Deedee here with today's Tuesday Tutorial!

We share a lot of fun projects here made with our digital stamps ("digis"), but if you've never used a digi before, these projects can seem a bit daunting. In fact, some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our customers (you!) are about how to use them. So instead of sharing a project with you today, I'm going to take you through the basics of digis. There is a lot of information here, but by the end of this tutorial, you should have a strong grasp on what digis are and be able to get started using them. Welcome to Digis 101! :-)

A. What Are Digital Stamps (aka "Digis")?
Digital Stamps, also known as "digis," are computerized image files. You might think of them as stamped images that have been scanned into your computer. You store them on your computer as you would any other computer file, and can print them out to use in your papercrafting projects in place of stamped images. Because digis are computer files, you can also use them in your digital projects, such as digital scrapbooking.

At Clear Dollar Stamps, our digis come in two varieties -- "outline" and "color." Outline digis are black-and-white images that you can print and color as you would any stamped image. Color digis have been pre-colored for you, so all you need to do is print them to add fun to your crafty creations.

   

All of our digi sets include images in both JPG and PNG formats, at a resolution of 300 dots-per-inch. JPG images have a solid white background. PNG images have a transparent background. "300 dots-per-inch" means that, assuming your printer is working correctly, the images will print clearly every time.

B. How Do Digis Compare to Stamps?
Digis can be used in most of the same ways that you would use stamps. You can print them out and color them up, as well as paper-piece, and even heat-emboss them. However, digis offer some benefits that stamps do not that are worth noting:

• Low Price -- Digis cost less than stamps, so you can get more of them for your crafting dollar.
• Instant Access -- Our digis are available as instant downloads, so once your payment clears, you have immediate access to your new goodies!
• Easy Storage -- Digis are stored directly on your computer, so you need never find a place to store them in your home.
• Versatility -- Digis can be resized, rotated, and flipped to meet your crafting needs.
• A Clear Image Every Time -- No need to stamp and restamp until you get it right!

C. Is Special Computer Software Needed to Use Digis?
As with all computer files, some basic software is needed to use digis. However, you most likely already have what is needed on your computer, and if you don't, there are many downloadable versions available for free on the Internet.

• A Zip Utility -- When you purchase our digis, you download them to your computer as "zip files." Zip files can be thought of as electronic "suitcases" into which we've packed the digis for easy transport, and you need to "unzip" each suitcase before you can use the digis inside. This process is also known as "extracting." A "zip utility" program is required to do this. Most computers, whether Mac or PC, come equipped with one of these. If you do not have a zip utility on your computer, you can download a free copy of Zipeg, which works on both Mac and PC computers, HERE.

• A Program That Allows You to Resize and Print Pictures -- Once you've unzipped your digis, you will want to be able to resize and print them. There are many programs that allow you to do this, but I find that Microsoft Word is one of the easiest to use. So for the purposes of this tutorial, all directions for resizing and printing the digis will apply to Word 2010. However, you could also use Works, Publisher, Photoshop, or any photo editing program. If you'd like to follow along with my directions for manipulating your digis using Word 2010, but don't currently have this program installed on your computer, you can download a free 60-day-use trial of Microsoft Office 2010 HERE  (Microsoft Word is included in the Office suite of programs).

D. What Kind of Printer is Required to Use Digis?
You will need to have a printer if you plan to use digis in your papercrafting (versus digital crafting). For outline digis, you need only have a black-and-white printer. To print color digis and/or digital papers, you will need a color printer.

Both laser and inkjet printers work for printing digis, but the differences in how they print can affect how the digis will work with various coloring mediums, so it is good to know which type you have. Laser printers work great with watercolor and other non-chemical coloring techniques. However, I recommend heat-setting the digis before using them. This is because laser printers use powdered toner (like embossing powder) to print instead of ink, and particularly when printing on cardstock, the toner may rub off as you handle the digis for crafting. Also, be careful in using Copic markers or other chemical-based mediums with laser-printed digis, as the chemicals may eat right through the toner. If you have an inkjet printer, watercolors and markers may cause the ink to smear. I recommend testing an image with your coloring medium before you start an important project, and if you find that the ink smears, try heat-setting the ink -- that will usually solve the problem.

E. Downloading Digis to Your Computer After Placing an Order
Once you've completed the purchase of a digi through the Clear Dollar Stamps online store, you will be redirected to the "Thank you for your purchase!" screen. On this screen, below your personal contact information, you will find a list of the digis available for you to download. Next to the name of each digi you purchased, you will see a red "Download Product" link.

Click on this link to download your digi. If you purchased more than one, you will need to repeat this process for each digi.  The digi files will download to your computer in the form of zip files. Be sure to keep track of the location on your computer to which you download them so you can find them later to use.

F. Creating a Special Folder in Which to Store Your Digis
After you've downloaded your digis, you may want to create a special folder on your computer in which to store them so that you can find them easily at a later time. To do this:

1. With your mouse, right-click on the desktop and select New Folder from the pop-up menu.
2. Rename the folder to something you'll recognize later, such as "Clear Dollar Digis."

G. Unzipping/Extracting the Digi Zip Files
Now you are ready to "unzip" or "extract" the digi files so that you can use them. The steps for doing this will vary depending on the particular zip utility you have on your computer. However, these basic steps will work with most:

1. Locate the digi zip file on your computer.
2. With your mouse, right-click on the zip file, and select either Unzip or Extract All from the pop-up menu.
3. If/when you are prompted to choose a location in which to place the digis, select the special folder you created for your digis in the previous section. If you are not prompted to choose a location, then you will want to note the location where your digis get placed.
4. If you like, move the digis into the "Clear Dollar Digis" folder you previously created.

To unzip/extract your digis using Zipeg, the free, downloadable zip utility that I linked above:

1. Locate the digi zip file on your computer.
   With your mouse, right-click on the zip file, and select Open With… from the pop-up menu.

    2. A second menu will appear at the side. From this menu select Zipeg.
    3. The Zipeg window will open, showing the contents of the zip file. At the top center of this
    window, you will see a path for where the digi files will be placed after extraction ("Destination
    Folder"). If you want to change this location, click the Choose button, and navigate to the new
    location.

    4. Once you've selected a place to save the digis to, locate and click on the Extract button in
    the Zipeg window.

Zipeg will extract the contents of the zip file to the location you selected, and place a new folder containing the various elements of the digi set there. Double-click on this folder to access these files. If you like, move this folder into the "Clear Dollar Digis" folder you previously created.

H. Opening a Digi for Viewing
Opening a digi for viewing is easy to do. Locate and select the digi you want to view on your computer, and then double-click on it with your mouse. The digi should automatically open with whatever "image preview" utility is installed on your computer.

I. Resizing and Printing a Digi using Microsoft Word
As previously mentioned, there are many programs that you can use to resize and print your digis. Remember, digis are just image files, so pretty much any program that allows you to manipulate and print images (pictures/photos) will work. However, some programs are easier to use than others, and I find Microsoft Word to be the easiest to use for these basic functions. Here are directions for resizing and printing your digis using Word 2010.

Placing the Digi in a Word Document

1. Open a new, blank document in Word.
2. With your mouse, click on Insert on the menu bar at the top of the Word window, and select Photo from the pull-down menu.
   
   
3. A second menu will appear to the side. From this menu, select Picture from File.
4. The "Choose a Picture" window will appear on-screen. In this window, navigate to the digi you wish to open, and then click on the Insert button at the bottom right corner of the window.
   
   
   
5. The digi you selected will be placed on your blank Word document, and will have a blue rectangle around it. This indicates that the digi is selected and able to be edited.

Making the Digi Moveable within the Word Document
By default, because Word is a "word processing" program, the digi will be set to appear behind    any text you might also type into this document. In order to be able to move the digi around on the document and place it where you want it, you will need to adjust this setting.

1. If the image is not already selected in the document window (blue rectangle appearing around it), click on it with your mouse to select it.
2. With the digi selected, locate the Wrap Text button on the toolbar above the document window. Click on this button.
   
   
3. A pull-down menu will appear on the screen. From this menu, select Tight.
4. The image can now be moved to wherever you wish to place it on the document. To move the image, left-click the image with your mouse and, while holding down the left mouse button, drag the image to where you want it in the document.

Resizing the Digi
Once you have made your digi moveable within the document window, you may want to then   resize the image to fit your crafting needs. Please note that resizing a digi in Word only affects    how the image appears in and prints from the current Word document -- it will not change the    actual digi files that are stored on your computer. To resize the digi in the Word document:

1. If the image is not already selected in the document window (blue rectangle appearing around it), click on it with your mouse to select it.
2. With the image selected, locate the "Size" setting boxes at the top right on the toolbar above the document window. You will see two text boxes, indicating the "Height" and "Width" of the image.
   
   
3. IMPORTANT:  To the center right of the Height and Width boxes is a small checkbox -- the "Lock Aspect Ratio" box. Before making any changes to the Height or Width of the image, be sure that a check-mark appears in this box. This will keep the image proportional as you resize it.
4. To change the size of the image, click inside either the Height or Width text box and, holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to highlight the current number.
5. Type in the number you wish to change this measurement to, and then press the Return/Enter key on your keyboard. You need only change one number -- either Height or Width -- and the other will change proportionally. The image will instantly resize according to the new setting.

Selecting the Paper on which to Print the Digi(s) & Testing the Paper with your Printer
I recommend that you do two more things before printing your digis. First, consider how you will be using your digis when selecting the paper on which to print them. Thinking ahead of what you want to do with the digis will help avoid wasting your paper. Second, test the paper you select with your printer to make sure it will feed properly. Most papers and cardstocks will feed through most printers just fine, but occasionally they don't. Better to know ahead of time than to encounter a problem when you're in crunch mode to meet a project deadline!

Printing the Digi(s)
Once you have your Word document set up to your liking, you are ready to print:

1. Load the paper on to which you wish to print your digis into your printer's paper tray.
2. In the Word window, click on File on the toolbar at the top left of the screen.
3. A pull-down menu will appear on the screen. From this menu, select Print.
4. Follow the prompts specific to your printer to complete the printing process.

J. Post-Printing Tips for Using Digis
Once you've printed your digis, you're all set to color them up and add them to your crafty projects. (Or, if you're using color digis, just cut and go!) Please be sure to consider the information given in section D above about the differences between the types of printers in order to ensure best results when coloring. Also, I strongly recommend that once you finish coloring your digis, you seal them before applying them to your craft projects. Sealing them helps prevent smudging from handling. To seal the images, you can use a clear acrylic sealer. You can find this in spray can form in most art and craft stores. Be sure that you are completely finished coloring your digis before applying the sealant, as you won't be able to make any changes afterwards. Follow the specific directions on the can to use the sealant, and be sure to spray in a well-ventilated area away from children, pets, and open heat sources. After sealing, you'll want to let the images dry for a bit before applying them to your projects.

K. A Free Digi for You to Try

If you'd like to give digis a try before deciding to purchase some, Clear Dollar Stamps has one that you may download for free HERE. Because of how the store works, you will need to add the item to your shopping cart and check out as if making a paid purchase, but you will not be charged for this item.

AND…that's a wrap! I could probably write 100 or more pages yet on digis and how to use them, but this should get you off to a solid start. Thanks for sitting through Digis 101 with me today, and enjoy playing with your digis! :-)

Rocket into the Fourth of July

Hello! Since most kids are on summer break and are probably driving you crazy I thought I could show you a fun and easy Fourth of July craft that you can make with your kids. The main ingredients are a soup/vegetable can, Mod podge, digital stamps and paper. Yep, we are going to turn a can into something CUTE!!

I'm also giving you a sneak peak into one of the Digital Stamps, Stitchy Stars, that will be released on Friday, June 15th.

 Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather the supplies:

Mod Podge (matte or glossy your choice)

foam brush

soup/vegetable can (cleaned off)

Cardstock

Stitchy Stars Digital Stamp

Patriotic Charlie Digital Image

Sequins Ribbon Trim

Xyron X

Xyron 5 inch Create a Sticker

1/2in Scor-Tape

1/4 in Scor-Tape

1/8 in Scor-Tape

Ribbon (I used white)

Plastic Streamers (I bought a pom pom from a party store and cut off the streamers from the handle! Perfect length and width!)

Step 2: Drill a hole in the center of your can. Cut out cardstock that will fit around your can. I used a 5 in circle for top of the rocket.

Step 3: Using your foam brush put a layer of modge podge on can and 5" circle

Step 4: Place paper around the can. To help it secure to the mod podge/can I put tap on the edge.

Step 5: ONCE THE BOTTOM LAYER OF MODGE PODGE IS DRY then you can apply a layer to the top of the paper. (take the tape off first)

Step 6: Once the modge podge is dry on the circle find the middle of the circle and cut out a pie shape (triangle). Then I took a hole punch and punched a hole at the point of the triangle.

Step 7: Put 1/4 inch scor-tape on the edge that will be folded on top of the other to make the cone. See photo above.

Step 8: Open up Microsoft Word. In upper left corner click the tab that says "Insert". Then hit the tab that says "Picture". Then a screen will pop up and you pick the file you want to open. I used the NEW digital stamp Stitchy Stars that comes out on Friday!

To resize the photo put your curser on a corner and a diaganol arrow will appear. Left click on your mouse and drag to the size you want it. Using the corner allows the image to stay in porportion.

When you get it the size you want right click on the mouse. A screen pops up hit "Copy". The put your cursor to an empty place and right click and hit "Paste". Do that for as many stars you want in that design.

Once they are printed cut them out.

Step 9: The smaller stars put in the Xyron X to turn them into a sticker. For the larger pieces I used the Xyron 5" creat a sticker. When they come out of the machine I use a stylus and go around the edges to separate any sticky from the edges of the paper.

Step 10: Decorate the can. Leave space at bottom of the can and bottom of the cone because that is where the decorative trim will go.Cover with Modge-Podge to protect it and to help the stickers stay on since it is a round object.

Step 11: Once the top layer of Modge Podge is dry take the ribbon and put it through the hole in the cone and the top of the can. Tie a know at the bottom of the ribbon to keep it from being pulled out of the can.

Step 12: If you are going to place this against a wall or window I suggect putting scor-tape on the inside of the cone so it sticks the cone to the top of the can.

Step 13: Put 1/8 inch scor-tape around the bottom edge of the can and bottom edge of the cone. Add the sequins trim.

Step 14: Put 1/2 inch scor-tape on the inside of the can along the edge. Then take your streamers and stick them on the scor-tape.

Step 15: Hang up and enjoy!

Here is another version of it:

I used Patriotic Charlie Digital Image

and Stitchy Stars Digital Image

The stars on the can I punched out. The stars on the bottom that are hanging are Paper Pieced Stars from the Stitchy Stars Digital Image. I modge podge them and once they were dry I put them in a Xyron sticker maker to make them sticky on the back. I placed the ribbon between the two stars so they are a double sided image.

I hope you have fun creating with your kid(s). If you make these please let me know as I would love to see what you come up with!

P.S. - I want to thank my husband for brainstorming with me and helping me come up with this awesome idea. I'm also making these as a craft at a local retirement home so they can hang them on their doors!  So even if you don't decorate donate them and brighten someone else's day.

- Kathy D.

 

Tuesday Tutorials are now on a Summer Schedule!

Hello Everyone!

 

Starting this week we are going to a summer schdule for our Tuesday Tutorials....which means that we are going to have our fabulous tutorials EVERY OTHER Tuesday instead of every Tuesday.  Our wonderful designers and artists need a time to refresh and spend time with their families and we hope you will be too!

Here are a list of the dates we will have Tuesday Tutorials for the summer and who will be getting your creative juices flowing!

June 12 - Kathy

June 26 - Deedee

July 10 - Lisa

July 24 - Kathy

August 7 - Deedee

August 21 - Lisa

.................................................................

Summer Sale valid 6/5 to 6/18

 

In the mean time, let's talk about our sale that will be valid for the next two weeks!

$3.00 shipping in the United States!  No matter how much your order is!  Yay!

30% off ANYTHING THAT SHIPS!

(EXCLUDING DIGI STAMPS)

That's right....EVERYTHING THAT SHIPS!

Markers

Embellishments

Charms

Dies

If it ships, then it is on sale!

Now is the time to pull in some really good deals for gifts and card clubs!

Use this code at checkout:  JUNE5SALE

 

Digital Stamps are soooooo much FUN!!!

Hello everyone! Sure doesn't seem like Tuesday after having a holiday weekend but it is!! So I'm here with another wonderful gift idea using digital stamps, transfer sheets and a shirt, bag or apron! The possiblities are endless!!

I have NEVER used an Iron Transfer before. I have wanted to but thought they were a lot harder then they turned out to be!! Plus, with digital stamps and ones that are pre-colored this turned out to be a breeze! If I can do this YOU can do this!!

Let's get started!

Step 1: Open up Word (I'm using Office 7)

Step 2: In upper left corner click on the tab that says "INSERT"

Step 3: Upper left click on "PICTURE" (another screen should open for you to pick your image...see photo below)

Step 4: Pick image that you want (I used PNG file but I'm sure you could use JPEG if you wanted). I used Patriotic Charlie Digital Image It is already colored so I didn't have to do anything to it.

Step 5: Image will be on page. Put your cursor in the bottom right corner of the image till it turns to a diagonal arrow. Hold your left mouse key and drag the arrow to make the image the size you want it. (If you do this in a corner as I have instructed your image will stay proportionate as it is sized.)

Step 6: If you want to flip the image so you would have a mirrored image go to the tab in the upper left that says "PAGE LAYOUT" and click on that. Then go to tab that says "ROTATE" Click on the arrow below the word "ROTATE" and options will appear. Click on "FLIP HORIZONTAL"

***NOTE: You will want the mirror image when you print it out so when you place it on the item it will read correctly. Some programs will do this automatically when you tell it in the print stage that you are using a T-shirt Transfer. If your program does not automatically flip it then you will have to do this step.

Step 7: I added the word picture and sized it just as I did the Charlie image.

Step 8: Go to the yellow symbol in the upper left corner of your screen. Click on it and a menu screen pops up. Click on PRINT.

A menu will pop up. Go to the tab in the upper right corner that says "PROPERTIES" and click on that. (see photo below)

Step 9: Click on the tab that says "MAIN"

Step 10: Hit the drop down arrow for MEDIA TYPE and click on "T-SHIRT TRANSFERS". Hit OK. It will go back one screen hit OK and it should print.  DO THIS ON REGULAR PAPER FIRST BEFORE PUTTING IN THE TRANSFER PAPER. Make sure that it prints a mirror image (SEE PHOTO BELOW) so it will be correct when placed on the shirt.

 

Step 11: Cut out the image and only leave a small border. Try to cut away as much as possible but still leaving the image intact. (See King of the Grill sample below as to why you do this!!)

Step 12: After washing item iron it so you have a flat surfact.

Step 13: Place image color side down on item. (Follow instructions on the transfer sheets about how to iron this on.)

Step 14: After it cools peel off transfer paper to reveal the image on the shirt!!

Now my niece Kenzee has a One-of-a-Kind-Totally-Cool shirt for July 4th!!

 

Here are other samples I made following the instructions above!

I used Yummy Cupcake Digital Image

I found the sentiment on-line and typed it in word.

This is for my niece Kailee since her birthday is in August!

 I used Grillin' & Chillin' Digital Image

This is what happens when you don't cut around the image and get most of the clear cut off.

Wanted to show you my mistake so you don't make the same mistake!

Also, next time I will cut off "For the" and just have "King of the Grill"

 

I used  Charlie Daisy Digital Image

 For my friend....can't tell who case she see's this!

 

I used  Bumbles Digital Image

I colored them in Photoshop using the paint bucket.

Stitched the black trail lines.

I used fabric glue on the rick rack but the kind I bought didn't work so

I add a little stitching and love the look it gave it.

 

SUPPLIES USED:

Digital Stamps from Clear Dollar Stamps

Jolee's Easy Image Transfer Sheets/Avery Light Fabric Transfer Sheets (I had two kinds so I used both)

Iron

Computer/Printer

Sharp scissors

Needle, Floss & Rick Rack

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope this inspires you.

God Bless,

Kathy D.

 

 

 

Shirt and Tie Cards Using TIES FOR HIM Digital Image

Good Tuesday Tutorial Morning to you. Lisa here...it is my week to bring you an inspiring tutorial...I hope. With Father's Day and Graduation time coming up I will show you ideas for using my new digital image

TIES FOR HIM

First I'll start with today's tutorial for making this shirt and tie graduation card.  And thank you to Susan Roberts for the card dimensions!

I was inspired by Kris's fantastic version. After seeing hers...I just had to do a tutorial on it.

Shirt and Tie Grad card by Design Team Member Kris Chirhart

Start with a 4 1/4 x 11 piece of COTTONBALL WHITE CARDSTOCK  Score at 5 1/2 along the long side using your SCOR-PAL. DO NOT FOLD YET.

Draw a line 1" below you score line lightly with pencil.  Mark 7/8" from each side on your 1" line.  Mark the center at 2 1/8" along your 1" line also.

Mark at 1 1/4" from each side along your fold line.

Using scissors cut along the fold up to the 1 1/4" marks you made on each side.  Then cut along your line below your fold from each side up to your 7/8" marks. DO NOT MAKE SCORE LINES HERE.

Just bring your left tab in toward your center mark you made on your line. 

Then repeat on the other side...score using a bone folder or flat side of a butter knife for a crisp fold.

Fold the back of the card behind the front of your card.

Carefully cut the excess parts from the back of your card right along your folded collar and to the edges.

Now for our tie.  Take a piece of copy paper and adhere a piece of pattern paper 6 x 2 1/2 on using removeable tape. Run it back through your printer and print your SNAZZY TIE from the TIES FOR HIM DIGI that you made 1 3/4 x 4 1/2 in your program ( I use Publisher).

Here is what mine looks like. Remove your pattern paper and carefully remove tape.

Cut it out.

Adhere a small piece of the same patterned paper with removeable to cover just the top knot of the tie and run back through the printer. (This part is optional if you do not want the extra dimension on the tie knot)

Cut out.

Adhere dimensional tape on the back (I used 1/16" thickness).

 

Adhere the whole tie on your card front being carefull to center it straight. Then adhere just the top of the tie with the dimensional tape.

Now for the gown panel. Start with a 4 1/2 x 4 1/4 piece of NIGHT ECLIPSE CARDSTOCK. Make a mark that is 1 1/4" from the bottom of your panel (4 1/4" side is horizontal) and 2 1/8" from the sides.  Then make light marks from each top corner to that mark.  I used a white colored pencil so you can see my lines.

Cut out and adhere dimensional tape to the back if you want.  You adhere it flat if you want a flat card. I like dimension!

Again this part is optional if you do not want the extra dimension.  Here I put 2 skinny pieces of dimensional tape on top of each other on the bottom of each color (so the tape does not go on top of the tie knot directly).

Voila. Here is the finished project. NOTE: For a finishing touch you could add buttons to the color and also to the jacket if this was to be a suit for a wedding card etc.

 

HERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER IDEAS FOR USING THE TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Design Team Jerusha Borden made this fun Father's Day card using the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Here I made a shape card using the "FUN TIE" from the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

 

AND HERE ARE A COUPLE CUSTOMER CREATIONS FOR MORE INSPIRATION

 
This Clean And Simple Beauty using the TIES FOR HIM DIGI  is by Ardyth

 

Just look how Irene used the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Thank you for visiting. I hope this helps you get reading for those graduations and Father's Day!

Tuesday Tutorial -- Grad Gift Card Holder

It's Cassie, here!  I've been on a kick of showing y'all the different ways that I give gift cards.  I guess that just goes to show you that I really never know what exactly to get people, so I go with the trusty gift card :}  Well, how about another one?!  This time it's for the grad, but can obviously be adapted to any occasion.

Go grab a few supplies!

Stamps/Images:  Pencil Talk digital image

Paper:  CDS Night Eclipse, CDS Cottonball White

Copics:  Y13, Y17, R24, R27, G12, G5, B04, B06, E50, E53, E49, E08, E07, W3, W5

Accessories:  Scor-Pal, Scor-Pal Tape

Here are the ones I forgot to throw in the picture.

I printed out 10 pencils from the Pencil Talk digital stamp onto Cottonball White Cardstock without adjusting the size of the pencils.  I put them as close as I could to each other without overlapping them as you can see.  I started by coloring the tips with E49, and then just below that with E50 for the wood.

I came back in with some E53.  Notice that I didn't go all the way against the sides. This gives the illusion of a 3 dimensional pencil.  I went back in with some E50 to soften it up a bit too.

Next I went to the erasoers.  I colored those with some E08 & E07.  The metal part was colored with W3 & W5.

Coloring the pencils was done the same way, remembering that the outer edges would naturally be darker.

I printed one extra pencil with the 'Congrats' sentiment on it.  I colored it a bit differently than the other pencils in that I had the light source coming from one side.  To darken up the bottom layer of the yellow on the pencil, I just went over it with the E53.

Now onto the inside for a bit :)  I cut a piece of Night Eclipse cardstock to the size of 4 1/4 x 3.  It was then scored at 1/2", 1 1/2", and 2 1/2" as shown above.

Using your gfit card as a guide, you'll cut along the 1 1/2" line just big enough for your gift card to fit in.

Then fold along the score lines like so.

Put some Scor-Tape along the edges.

It gets attached along the fold of your card as shown above.

Heading back to the outside of the card, I cut out my pencils.

I printed out the pencil scribble onto the Cottonball White cardstock and then cut it to fit the outside of the card, knowing that my pencils would overlap a bit.

Here is what the outside looks like with everything assembled.

And there you have it!  Yet another great way to give a gift card.  If you have any questions please feel free to email me ([email protected]).

Now go forth and be crafty!

Gifts made with Wallies Dry Erase Sheets!

Good Morning! Today I hope to inspire you to make a gift using Wallies Dry Erase Sheets.

I made a gift for me (Prayer Board) and one for a friend of mine (framed white message board).

First we will learn how to make the framed white message board.

Step 1: Find an old frame that needs a new look. My wonderful friend Stephanie had several lying around so she gave me this one!

SUPPLIES:

Roll of cork

1/2in Scor-Tape

1/4 in Scor-Tape

Wallies Dry Erase Sheets 9 x 12

Foam board

Spray Adhesive

Frame

Clothes pins

ribbon

buttons

Heavy duty stapler

Step 2: Place the frame on the foam board and trace the frame out using a pencil

Step 3: Using a utility knife cut the frame out of foam board

Step 4:  Adhere the cork to the foam board using Spray Adhesive (make sure to follow the directions on the can). Spray the spray adhesive on the foam board. Place cork on foam board. Clamp down the edges so the cork will adhere to the foam board easier.

Step 5: Once it is dry cut the center piece of cork out. Using spray adhesive glue the form board to the wooded picture frame. It will look like the above picture.

Step 6: Cut out a piece of foam that will fit in the middle of the frame. Adhere the Wallies Dry erase sheet to the foam board.

Step 7: Using a staple gun place staples in the back of the frame (as shown above) to keep the foam board in place.

Step 8: Using the 1/2 inch scor-tape place it along the edge of the inside frame.

Using the 1/4 inch scor--tape place it as shown in picture.

I repeated this steps along the edge of frame. See finished photo for clarification.

Step 9: Cover the clothes pins with paper. I used 1/4 inch score tape to adhere the paper to the clothes pin. I also used 1/4 inch score tape to adhere the clothes pin to the cork.

Step 10: Decorate! I used buttons around the inner frame. I made this for a scrapbooking friend of mine!

 

Now to make the prayer board that I made for myself!

SUPPLIES:

Clip board

Mod Podge

Ribbon

Wallies Dry Erase Sheets 9 x 12

1/4 in Scor-Tape

Pray without ceasing Digital Stamp

Letter stickers (I used Thickers)

Xyron laminate

Xyron 510 sticker maker

Foam brush

Patterned Paper (I used Scenic Route)

Tombow Markers: Green 126, Brown 992, 947, 899, 879, Gray N55, Yellow 055, Orange 933

 

Step 1: Using regular printer paper trace the clip so you will have a pattern to use. Use the pattern to cut out a piece of patterned paper that will fit on the clip.

Step 2: After you cut your paper to fit then put mod podge on the board with a foam brush. Place paper on top and let it dry.

Step 3: Once the modge podge on the bottom is dry place a layer of modge podge on top of the paper.

Step 4: Cut the white board to fit between the top and bottom papers. Doesn't have to be perfect as the edges will be covered with ribbon.

Step 5: Place 1/4 scor-tape along where the paper and white board meet. Attach ribbon to scor-tape.

Step 6: Color image. I ran my image in my Xyron to laminate it. Adhere to board. Decorate with letter stickers.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and that it inspires you to make a gift for someone or for yourself!

God Bless,

Kathy D.

 

Tuesday Tutorial -- Earth Day Gift Card Holder

It's Cassie here to bring you the latest Tuesday Tutorial!  Okay, so my tutorial isn't actually Earth Day themed, but the general idea is to reuse :)  Are you ready for this?!. . .I reused a toilet paper roll and made a gift card holder, haha!  Do you want to try?  Go grab a few supplies:

Stamps:  Windowbox Wishes Color Digital

Paper:  cream cardstock (or you could use plain old computer paper for your dp if you wanted something light weight)

Accessories:  toilet paper roll, 1/4" Scor-tape, hole punches, paper cutter, bone folder, Yellow Twine

 

Start by printing out your paper and your image using the Windowbox Wishes Color Digital images as it's shown above.

Take your toilet paper roll and flatten it out using a bone folder.

Meaure your roll so that you know how big to cut your paper.  I'll give you the measurements for my roll.

Mine measured 2 5/8" x 4".

Taking those dimensions I cut these 2 pieces from my digital paper that I printed.  (Those digital papers and precolored digital images can make it so easy to make quick gifts!  Go HERE for all of the collections in the store.)

I put some Scor-tape on the edge of my roll and attached my 2 5/8" x 4 1/4" piece of designer paper.  If you look at the next picture, you'll see that my roll already has a half moon cut out of it.  You can try to do that before attaching your paper with a punch (although mine was not strong enough).  I got mine started with my punch and cut the rest out with scissors before attaching any of the paper.

As you can see, after I attached that piece of paper I flipped it out and turned it over.  I then placed my other piece of dp that measured 4" x 3/18" as shown above.

Attach that sheet of dp, and then flip the other piece over.

Now you can cut out our half moons on your dp using scissors or your punch (if it's strong enough).  You now have a very heavy duty gift card holder.

Punch holes close the the half moon where you will attach your twine.

Take your precolored image and attach it as a tag to your gift card holder.

There you have it! . . .you recycled and now you have a gift to give!  I would love to see your variations of this or if you have questions about this tutorial send me an email:  [email protected]

Now go forth and be crafty, my friends!

Chalkboard Technique Tutorial

 

Happy Tuesday Tutorial! It's Kathy here again. I have decided this tutorial would be simple and MESSY!! Nothing like getting out the chalks and just playing.

A couple months ago I was introduced to the Chalkboard Technique and I have decided to share it with you. It takes a little practice and learning to be okay with NOT a perfect-stay-in-in-line end product. You will see what I mean as we get going. So let's get to it!

SUPPLIES:

Silhouette Thoughts Clear Acrylic Stamps (solid stamps work best with this technique)

White pigment ink (chalk ink is too dry for this technique...at least for me it was)

Black Cardstock (I used Bazzill)

Chalk

Q-tips or Daubers

Scratch paper on your work surface

Krylon Preserve it (or something similar)

Step 1: Ink up your stamp with the White Pigment Ink and stamp it on the black (or dark) cardstock

Step 2: Before the ink dries you will want to cover the image with chalk. For this example I used my daubers and designated one dauber for each color. But you can use q-tips if that is what you have.

Step 3: Take a paper towel and wipe the image to get the excess chalk off of it. Wipe around on the black areas pretty good to get off as much as you can. ** This is where you have to be ok with it NOT being perfectly kept on the image. But that is part of the beauty of this technique.

I sprayed the image with Krylon Preserve It to keep the chalk from smearing. (make sure to follow the instructions on the can)

Step 4: Make a card with your beautiful image.Card was inspired by Mojo Monday Sketch #234.

Ohhhh, this card is perfect for the Clearly Inspired Challenge #49 that starts on Friday! Can you guess what the challenge is?? Pop on over on Friday to see if you guessed right!!!

 

Here are some other examples done using this stamp set and technique.

Card was inspired by the Stella Says Sketch #107 (SSS107) at Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.

 

Card was inspired by Card Positioning Systems #259

Now it is your turn to try it and show me your cards! Please leave a link in the comments to your cards so I can see the beautiful creations you make.

Have fun and I will see you again on another Tuesday Tutorial!

- Kathy D.

 

Bag Box

Good Tuesday Tutorial to you. Today's tutorial was inspired by a project I saw on Amanda Corbet's blog. I made a change on the dimensions, the tutorial is in my own words and shown using Clear Dollar Stamps Products. I think you'll like it as much as I do. It is easy and whips up quickly depending on how much you decide to embellish it. But that is the fun part isn't it. I will show you a few ideas for using it also at the end. Easter and Mother's Day are coming up.

 

Start with a 3 1/2 x 11" piece of NIGHT ECLIPSE CARDSTOCK.

 

Score at 4, 5 1/4, 9 1/4, 10 1/2 along the 11" side of your paper. (It is hard to see MY score lines on the dark paper).

 

Now turn your cardstock to the left so your 3 1/2 " side is up against the top of your SCOR-PAL.  Score at 1 1/4.

 

Here you just cut your flaps. Along the bottom here you cut at your score lines up to the 1 1/4" score line...cut out the right hand bottom corner. (In my photo I pulled up my flaps a little so you could see ...that is all. It looks like there is a notch cut out...there is not but the right corner).

 

Now fold using a bone folder along all your score lines. Place a piece of Score Tape along your right flap.

 

Flip over and place two pieces of score tape on the left 4" long flap on the bottom. On the inside piece of tape next to the score line...leave a little space between it and the score line so it doesn't stick to your other flaps when putting together.

 

Remove the top piece from your score tape on the side flap and adhere. This is what it looks like.

 

Now take the top bottom flap (long one that does not have score tape on it) and fold under on the bottom of the box then fold in the little bottom side flaps.

 

Remove the top pieces from your score tape and fold up the bottom flap. The box part of our project is done.

 

Print out your digital image. I am using JESUS HANDS COLOR DIGI. You need two pieces 3 x 5". I used the digital paper that is in this digi as my background and placed my image and sentiment on top. If your image goes underneath what you are putting it on top of just right click, select "order" then select "bring to front".

 

Now here's your two 3 x 5 pieces cut out.

 

If you want to punch your corners, now is the time to do it. I punched my top corners using a large round corner punch.

 

Now cut out two pieces of NIGHT ECLIPSE CARDSTOCK 3 1/8 x 5 1/8". I punched these corners as well.

 

Adhere your black mat pieces to your digi pieces.

 

Now cut two pieces of COTTON CANDY CARDSTOCK 3 3/8 x 5 3/8". I rounded my top corners.

 

Adhere the Cotton Candy cardstock panels to your digi panels.

 

Punch out a small oval (or any shape you desire, I personally love the look of the oval) up toward the top of your digi panels.  I punched out my oval on one. Then put my punched out panel on the unpunched panel traced lightly the oval shape with a pencil. Then I lined up my punch upside down and punched out my oval. Now they are even on both sides.

 

Place a piece of score tape at the top of the box centered on both sides.

 

Place a piece of score tape on the back of each digi panel along the bottom. Center each panel on the sides of the box and adhere.

 

I tied a bow at the top, added Easter grass and filled it with dark chocolate eggs.

 

 

Here are a couple more ideas for using this Bag Box:

 

Here's one I made for Mother's Day using the beautiful digi TULIP WREATH.

 

I just love how this one turned out using these happy daisies from CHARLIE DAISY COLOR.  The sentiment is from my digi NESTERS.

 Thanks for joining me. I hope you have fun making this project.