Decorated Stationery Box & Note Cards

For the next three days Penny Black has partnered with Tombow USA for a special blog feature.  

Each day a different artist will reveal their creative inspiration.  Today I am sharing a stationery box with note cards.

Instructions:

Trace the template provide here on watercolor cardstock and cut.  For this sample I used 140 lb. Canson Watercolor Paper.  Apply color directly from the markers (098, 665, 856) to Reverie, mist inked stamp with water, and stamp.   Continue with this process to cover the entire piece.

There is one section of the pattern that will need to be stamped on the reverse side to provide a finished look to the inside edge of the box.  That piece is the long tab that will be folded into the back edge.

Over stamp the design with the Letter Background in gold ink.

Score the fold lines and assemble the box.  Be sure to insert a ribbon, if desired, under the last fold of the box flap before applying adhesive.  This will hide the ribbon and provide an open surface to attach the Tombow Fastener Tab.

After the Fastener Tab has been attached to the top flap, remove the adhesive backing from the remaining portion and then close the lid shut.  This will provide the proper placement of the second piece without adhering the two sections separately.

• To create the note cards, cut 2 ¾ x 3 ¾-inch pieces of Storm (01-001) cardstock and stamp a shadow block with Tombow Dual Brush Marker 090.  Instructions for creating a custom shadow stamp can be viewed here.
• Mask off the area around the shadow with Judi Kins Eclipse Tape.  Ink Reverie with the markers (098, 665, 856) and “huff” on the ink.  Stamp over the exposed shadow image.
• Remove the Eclipse Tape.
• Stamp the sentiment with black pigment ink and heat emboss with clear powder.
• Mat the cards with 3 x 4-inch pieces of Penny Black Mix & Match cardstock that have been edged in gold. 

Finished Box Size: 3 3/8 x 4 ¼ x 1

Finished Note Cards: 3 x 4

Thank you for viewing.

Elizabeth

Featured Products: 

Penny Black Stamps: Reverie 4180J, Letter Background 1999L, Tiny Wishes 30-026

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock:  Storm 01-001, Fuchsia Fantasies 13-002, Fall Festival 16-003

Tombow Dual Brush Pens: 090, 098, 665, 856

Tombow Stamp Runner Permanent Adhesive

Tombow Fastener Tabs

Le Cafe Box

I have some exciting news to share.... 

Penny Black has just released their new spring catalog! 

In addition to their fabulous new stamps, they have also launched their own line of cardstock called "Mix & Match".  The colors are so vibrant and rich and the tritone hues make it effortless to create perfect color combinations.

  

All this and more is in the new Charm of Spring 2011.

In the new catalog you will find this transparent set called "Mimi in Paris".  For this project, I sandwiched a small box (template here) between two scallop rectangle Nestabilities.  I added an extra hat and scarf to Mimi to built up the image then attached her and her cute puppy to the front of the box with dimensional foam.



Here is a closer view so you can see how fluffy the liquid applique became after applying heat.

This side view of the box shows the ornate design of the Delicate Pattern stamp.  This stamp measures 4 1/2 x 5 3/4.  I love the large size - you can cover the front of a card with one impression.

Penny Black also has a new "shop on line" feature.  Just look for the little red shopping cart at the top of the home page.

During your visit be sure to sign up to be a club member to get the first peek at new releases and project ideas!

Thank you for stopping by and visiting!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black: Stamps 30-071 Mimi in Paris, 40-407 Delicate Pattern

                     Cardstock Summer Sun Tritone Collection #17-002

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Cantaloupe Memento, Summer Sky Memento, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponge Dauber

Spellbinders: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Ranger:  Glossy Accents (used as an adhesive)

Copic Markers

Marvy Uchida: White Liquid Applique

Je t'aime Valentine Heart Box



I was inspired by handmade Valentines with all the sparkle and glitter that make the day so festive and fun to create this little box.

Tip:  Adding a ribbon to the top or sides of the box is an option for creating a decorative hanger.  

The pattern “here” is a simple triangle box.  Even though the two pieces appear to be the same size, the top is a bit larger so it will fit over the bottom portion of the box without binding.  These were traced onto red cardstock and stamped with Love Song in Crimson Red VersaFine ink.  After assembling the box parts, I marked on the back of each which was the top and bottom.

To create the box top, I rubbed Pearlescent Orange and Pearlescent Orchid Brilliance inks on white cardstock with sponge daubers.  Before the next step, I quickly dried the inks with a heat tool.  Love Grows was stamped over the blended inks with Crimson Red VersaFine ink.  While the ink was wet, I sprinkled the stamped image with Judi Kins Sticky Stuff embossing powder, tapped off the excess and heated.  (Hint: Be careful to not overheat and cure the powder.)  After the powder had been heated to create a tacky surface, I sprinkled Ruby Red Microfine glitter on top and tapped off the excess.  A light, fluffy paintbrush is helpful to remove any stubborn glitter than may be statically attached.  Another quick flash of heat set the powder.

To create a template for the heart, I simply freehand cut around the stamped design and used the trimmed image to create three additional “die-cut” looking pieces.  I traced two additional hearts onto a heavy-weight file folder (adds great stability to the project) and one onto red cardstock.  This gave me perfectly matched cut outs even though I may have trimmed the first heart a bit asymmetrical.  The two manila hearts were painted with Snow Cap Adirondack Acrylic Paint.  

The scalloped edge was designed by punching ½” white cardstock circles and positioning them around the backside of the stamped heart.  For illustration/photographic purposes, I used pink circles in this example which provided a better contrast against the white cardstock.  I did a quick “dry run” with the circles to see if the fit worked around the shape.  This gave me the opportunity to make any notes if some circles needed to be adjusted or overlapped slightly before adding the adhesive. 

After the circles were positioned around the perimeter of the stamped heart, one of the white painted hearts was attached over top to cover the exposed edges.  The same steps were used for the back of the box using the other white painted heart and the red cardstock heart for the back.  To give the scallops extra sparkle, I painted them (both sides) with USArtQuest’s Duo Embellishing Adhesive and added Angel Dust Microfine glitter.

Next, the triangle box sections were glued to the corresponding artwork for the front and back.  A small banner was cut from white cardstock and stamped with Je t'aime in Onyx Black VersaFine ink and heat embossed with clear powder.  Before the banner was creased with a z-fold on each end and the ribbon inserted, it was sprayed with Frost Sheer Shimmer Spritz.  It is hard to see in the photo, but this mist gives white cardstock an extremely elegant finish.

To help sort out the supplies from the instructions, I have included an “at-a-glance” summary below for a quick reference.

Have a wonderful day,

Elizabeth

Supply Summary

Penny Black:  Love Grows 4121K, Love Song 4122K, J’aime Paris 30-065

Tsukineko: Pearlescent Orange Brilliance, Pearlescent Orchid Brilliance, Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Frost Sheer Shimmer Spritz, Sponge Daubers

Judi Kins:  Sticky Stuff Embossing Powder

USArtQuest: Duo Embellishing Adhesive

Barbara Trombley’s Art Glitter:  Angel Dust, Ruby Red

American Crafts: Boutique Rouge Ribbon (Sheer with Satin Edges)

Ranger:  Snow Cap Adirondack Acrylic Paint



A Little Pink Purse

Recently Penny Black challenged their design team to create a shaped card and I couldn't resist using this template I designed for a little purse.



Finished Size:  4 1/8 x 4



After tracing the template "here" on white cardstock and trimming, I added color with a sponge dauber and Tsukineko's Angel Pink and Lilac Posies Memento inks.  I used Judi Kins Eclipse Tape to mask off and protect areas while I worked on different parts of the purse.  Staedtler's Watercolor Pencils were used to highlight the flowers along with a Sparkle Gelly Roll pen.

The handle was colored with a Copic Marker (110).  Since the ink is so rich and soaked through the cardstock, I also colored the handle from the backside.  The handle looks just as nice from the back as it does from front.  Then I added Glossy Accents to give the handle an acrylic look.

I hid a tiny magnet under the flower closure and the inside sentiment to hold the card closed. 

Here is a view of the card opened:

I used an assortment of Penny Black stamps for the patterned paper, closure and sentiment.  The rose is from the transparent set Stuck on You (30-062), and the little round closure disk is a part of Butterfly-Kissed (4124K).  You Make Me Smile (3637B) is one of my favorite sentiments.  It fits almost any occasion.  All these stamps are part of the new Amour 2011 catalog.  If you haven't seen the new designs be sure to take a peek.

If you like shaped cards, check out Denise's Hedgehopper "here" and Kathy's I Love You "here".  Plus, there is more to come as the other wonderfully talented design members showcase their shaped cards in upcoming Penny Black Blog posts.



Thank you for making this year extra special for me as you warmly welcomed me into the world of blogging with so many of your visits and comments.  I appreciate each and every one!! 

Wishing you a Happy New Year,

Elizabeth

A Merry Christmas Tree Box

Happy Holidays!

Today I have a template to share with you.  This festive tree-shaped gift box is easy to make and can also be fashioned into an ornament or personalized with a guest’s name for a decorative place setting on the table.



Published in Scrap & Stamp Arts - December 2010






This little compartment is perfect for a gift or sweet confections.

  



Finished Size:  3 x 3-3/8



The sentiment and snow scroll were stamped with green ink and heat embossed with clear powder.  A jumbo sponge dauber made adding Memento ink highlights a snap. 

You can download my template here.  Please note that while the pattern pieces may appear to be the same size there is a slight difference so the back of the box will fit properly into the front.

Supplies:

Penny Black:  So Very Merry 3885H, Snow Scroll 3892K

Tsukineko:  Olympia Green VersaFine, Desert Sand Memento, Lady Bug Memento,

                    Rhubarb Stalk Memento, Clear Embossing Powder, Jumbo Sponge Dauber

USArtQuest:  Duo Embellishing Adhesive

Barbara Tombley’s Banana Ultra-Fine Glitter

Offray:  3/8” Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with love, hope, peace and joy.

Elizabeth

Holiday Wrapping Ideas

All this week Penny Black is featuring inspiring projects for holiday gift wrapping created by their designers.  There are so many wonderful ideas!  Everything from tags and bags to boxes and cards. 

Today I am excited to share the designs that I created …..

The first is hand-stamped tissue paper.

The elegant Christmas Star paired with Rhubarb Stalk Memento Dye ink turned ordinary white tissue into a festive design in no time at all.  Tip:  I used a dye ink to prevent bleeding in case a couple of stray snowflakes happened to find their way near the package.  You may also want to use caution if wrapping stamped tissue around clothing or fabric items.

This tag could also be a holiday decoration.  The small ribbon loop makes it easy to attach to a gift or display as an ornament.

The adorable polar bear is part of the Snow Kiss stamp.  To take the guesswork out of centering the image on a pre-cut circle, I stamped the image with Tuxedo Black Memento ink then positioned a circle Nestability die around the design and ran it through a Cuttlebug.  A quick bit of Copic coloring, a sentiment from Xmas Snapshots and some crystal gemstones completed the tag!

Many times I have homemade baked goodies that I give as gifts and I like to include a small note with the package.

I thought these mini cards would be fun accompaniments.

Season’s Greetings:

Wherever You Are 4113K, Robin’s Kingdom 30-056

Create a medallion and suspend it in a die-cut circle with fishing line.

Merry Everything:

Robin’s Kingdom 30-056, Mimi’s Christmas 30-061, Wherever You Are 4113K

Create a mask after stamping the first two penguins and tuck in a third for a whole merry group.

Love & Joy:

The Gift of Peace 4117H, Wherever You Are 4113K

Add ink directly from a marker to the tree image, mist with water and stamp.  Cut out the tree and ink the words “love and Joy” from the Gift of Peace.  Crystal and Lime Stickles give the tree added sparkle.

Every gift card needs an envelope, so I made this little mini packet.

Penny Black has a wonderful assortment of designer papers and this design is called “Christmas Music”.  I rubbed a bit of Vintage Photo Distress ink (Ranger) over the paper and then sprayed it with gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz (Tsukineko).  The decorative closure was created from the transparent set Winter Whites & Greens.

You can download my small envelope template here.  It is sized to hold a 2 ¼ x 3 ¼ card.

Thank you for visiting and wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. 

Elizabeth

Christmas Treat Box

I must confess - I am addicted to boxes! 

I love dimensional art and enjoy creating templates and patterns.  Sometimes I draw my own designs and other times I come across a cute box and before I recycle it, I trace it to make a quick template.


This is a quick and simple cube box that I traced.  Even though it is only 1 1/2-inches square it can hold several little pieces of chocolate - Hershey Kisses or Rolos are pretty foiled candies to use.


To dress up the box, I added two windows so you could see the goodies nestled within and decorated the inside of the lid with holiday greeting.

First I traced the template (available under the "Templates" page) then scored all the fold lines.  Since this pattern was fairly small, I placed it on a piece of fun foam and scored the lines using a stylus and ruler.  Then I created two windows with a circle Nestability.

Before assembling and gluing the side flap, I added pieces of acetate to cover the window openings and added the white gel pen dots.  It is easier to do this while the pattern is flat.

Since I added the windows, the side flap needed to be adjusted so it wouldn't interfere with the window opening.  I used a circle punch to remove the unwanted section. 





This tiny bird is from Penny Black's Jolly Friends and was colored with Copics
and the hat was accented with Crystal Stickles.




I punched a 1 1/2-inch circle from white cardstock and added Tumbled Glass Distress ink.  Using the same ink, I over stamped the snowflake for a subtle background.

I used a ribbon punch to make a slot in the top of the box and inserted a piece of ribbon to make a tiny loop.  The ends were glued flat and covered with this sentiment from Penny Black's Giving and Receiving.  I love this set.  It is packed full of great images and sentiments!  First I blended some the same Copic colors on the circle then I stamped the greeting with black ink and heat embossed it with clear powder.

These make great little party favors at the holiday dinner table or even ornaments after the goodies have been enjoyed.

Let me know if you incorporate this pattern into a project.  I would love to see your designs!

Next week is Designer Technique Week over at the Penny Black Blog.  Be sure to stop by every day for a new technique project.  I have had a sneak peek and there are lots of great ideas planned!

Thank you for stopping by the studio today and have a great weekend.

Elizabeth