The Greetery {Winter Crafting Olympics}

 Hello and welcome! I'm popping in today to share a fun wintery project using both old and new products from The Greetery! I’m so excited the Olympic Winter Games are this month and I’ve had card ideas on the brain using that theme! My card features the darling penguin and I couldn’t resist trying another little pocket/pouch idea like I did for the Amour Market Collection release! So, I’ve got the ski theme with the card, and the Après Ski theme with the pocket/pouch {snuggle up with a cup of cocoa after an afternoon on the slopes}! This pouch is a little bit roomier so you could add a few packets of hot cocoa to the inside and even some marshmallows if they are the smaller size or the freeze-dried variety. 

For the card, I couldn’t resist using the new Shortbread Shapes: Scalloped Hearts Die and coordinating embossing folder. Now, you might be thinking to yourself: why didn’t she use the snowflake edition? I totally get why you’d wonder, BUT I really liked the scalloped opening of the one I used, so that was the winner. However, both would work just fine! I cut it from Spring Rain cardstock and then did the embossing.

Once that was done, I added some uncharted mariner distress oxide ink over the raised portions using a sponge dauber. I set it aside and got to work on the background. I simply cut another panel using the main die included in the Shortbread Shapes Scalloped Hearts die from white cardstock and then added the stenciling using the Snowflake Prints Stencil and Spring Rain ink. I added some uncharted mariner ink splatter for a snowy look. 

Next, I created the penguin using the darling Hey Honeycomb Penguin Die. I wanted to showcase the card with the white honeycomb open, but you could definitely leave it closed so you can mail it and add images from the Hey Honeycomb Holiday Stamp Set. There are some sentiments that would work perfectly for this particular card. I added Glossy Accents to the eyes, beak, and feet for a shiny look. I set this cutie aside so it could dry. 

I knew I was going to be using the Cocoa Cozy Stamp Set for the pocket/pouch, so I decided to cut and stamp a few of the snowflakes that are included in the set to use on the card. I also created some snowdrifts using the Drifting Die and the skis are created using the Holiday Hatchback Die. I think these are just the cutest thing and I can envision this cute penguin descending the slopes in the skis! Ha ha!

Once I had all of the pieces ready to go, I added them to the background using foam squares for dimension. I also added a cute bow to the top using the Regency Bow No. 2 Die along with the sentiment, which is from the Christmas Time Sentiments Stamp Set and die. I added some Snow flock to the entire card front along with some glitter and sparkle gems to the snowflakes and the holly on the penguin. The holly is cut using the Ornamental Tag Die and adds the perfect arctic charm to this cutie! 

The pouch was created by adding some strategically placed score lines to the panel that was cut and embossed using the same supplies as the card.

 I folded it along the score lines and then added a little clothespin to the top to keep it closed. You could use ribbon or any other type of fastener, depending on your preferences. 

As I mentioned earlier, I knew I would be using the Cocoa Cozy stamp/die set for this project, so I cut all of the pieces I would need and then added the color using sponge daubers. I love adding the embossed details to the mittens using the Winter Mitts Embossing Folder.

 I needed a landing spot for the “hugs and cocoa mugs” sentiment, so I cut the smallest Oblong Octagon Labels Die to stamp it on. Once that was done, I simply added everything to the pouch using foam squares and liquid glue. I added some Candy Crumble Mix to the cocoa for some chocolatey goodness! I had so much fun working on these two projects and I’m crossing my fingers I’ll find some additional time to create a few more festive cards to celebrate the Olympic Winter Games! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

A Grand Adventure {Winnie the Pooh} Baby Boy Gift Ensemble

Hello friends! As promised, here is the BIG post with ALL of the baby things I've been working on for the last few weeks! There was a sweet new baby boy born in the neighborhood in December, so after the holidays were over, my daughter and I headed to our favorite fabric/quilt shop to look for fabric to make her some gifts. We were coming up empty, but then tucked in a random bottom shelf was this cute Winnie the Pooh fabric by Echo Park and manufactured by Riley Blake. It seems like it was either really popular or not very new, so there wasn't a huge selection left. I pulled the fabrics from the line I wanted to use and then we went around the shop to find some of the "filler" fabrics.

An unexpected delight is Echo Park is obviously a paper/stamp manufacturer more than fabric, so I was BEYOND THRILLED to discover there was matching pattern paper and stamps. I decided since there is so much to share, I will just put them in the order that I made them, which might not make a lot of sense, but it will for me! ha ha!

Now, I mentioned there was a sweet baby boy born and THAT is what took me to the fabric store, but not long after, I got invited to a baby shower for another cute new mom in the neighborhood so that meant I was making double of a few things! Keep that in mind when I show two of certain things....ha ha! If you're interested in reading about the cards I made, you can find that information HERE. The Winnie the Pooh dies are NOT from Echo Park, but you can read all about it on that post.

Up first are a pair of baby booties; unfortunately the baby shower baby got the shoes, because I didn't have enough time to make another pair. These were made using the ADORABLE Baby Bootie Die (unfortunately retired) using Classic Kraft Felt for the main shoe and then Dark Chocolate Felt for the details.

I went to look at other pairs I have made in the past to remember which combinations I like best and I came across a comment from someone asking about trouble-shooting on a few things. This commenter asked about not having the holes punch out cleanly. It is REALLY important to punch the holes out of the die after each use. I didn't realize this back when I was first making them so I have seen what happens if you do and if you DON'T! ha ha!

Another thing that I have found that ensures better results is to use the small end of a stylus to punch EVERY hole out of the felt once it's been cut. This will help you get even stitches and not miss any as you're going along.

I also like to use Fray Check on the knots so they will be secure as they are taken on and off the baby!  I like to use three strands of DMC floss to achieve this look. You can do more if you like, but I wouldn't recommend less.

I like to package up the booties in clear cube boxes. For this particular pair, I added a red gingham ribbon and a sticker that is included in the Echo Park Winnie the Pooh Collection 12 by 12 Kit. I love the sentiment; Let's wander together to accent the shoes! If you want to see other booties I have made in the past, you can check those out HERE.

Next up is the bib! This is one of my go-t0 handmade baby items and you can see some of the different ones I've made over the years HERE 

I had a bit of fun with the tag since I had the matching Echo Park Winnie the Pooh Stamp Set. It actually came in VERY handy for a few different things that I will be sharing.

Super simple stamping, but it kept the whole ensemble cohesive and had that cute boutique feel to it!

Next up are the ties and the quilt! I started cutting the pieces for the quilt after I made the bib and got to work sewing, while also working on the ties. I have either thrown away or misplaced my FAVORITE tie pattern, so I had to make-shift a new one and I'm just so sad!

I forgot how wonky pictures of fabric turn out; particularly the stripes! This is the main portion of the quilt, but I will show the yellow border and binding a little further on!

The Winnie the Pooh sentiment came in SO handy for making these ties look boutique-y! 

I made two binky clips and added them to the capsule die that was leftover from the card I made! ha ha!

I ended up liking the gingham paper better to package the binky clip. I also added some additional stitches to this one to see if I like it.

Next up are the two "Baby's First Year" mini-albums that are always a nice addition to any baby gift! Normally I have been making this on a ring, like I featured in THIS post, but I decided to make one of these cute (and actually easy to make) tiny albums.

I used the pattern paper and the heavy-weight stickers that are included with the paper pack that were just the perfect touch! Both of these things made this project so much faster and easier. If this was the ONLY gift I was giving, I definitely would have made it more detailed.

To make these books, I use the backer that used to come in the SU! 12 by 12 paper packs. I still have quite a few of those, so I dug through the stash and trimmed it down to suit my needs. For scale, this is about 4 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches; just the right size for a picture or two and then the information about baby that particular month. I use my guillotine trimmer to cut the heavy cardboard and then score it and fold it with my bone folder. Once that's done, I add the paper over the top using adhesive in strategic places so it won't gum up my sewing machine needle. I add eyelets through the pages (double-sided paper is the perfect thing so both sides have a pattern, but different designs) and the spine of the album and then secure with ribbon.

The opening page has a place to write statistics.

Each month has a page like this to keep quick and easy track of baby's milestones. I have a file for this is you're interested!!

You can see the machine stitching around the perimeter with some zig-zag stitching down the side.

Even though the stickers are sturdy, I did add some liquid glue behind each one to ensure security.

I had so much fun working on the quilt in between the other projects. I know I keep saying it, but i just love how I had the paper and fabric to match! 

I was hoping my friend could do the quilting, but her long-arm is in the shop, so it was up to me to add some quick stippling. In the end, it actually looks like dripping honey, so I thought it was very fitting! ha ha!

My daughter was holding up the quilt for me so I could snap a few quick pictures....I was literally working on this the day of the shower! eek! Anyway, she told me not to have "any of HER showing", so I used my editing removal tool and it made the left hand side of the quilt/photo look wonky with it's "fill-in tool" so just ignore that! ha ha!

I think I've mentioned it before, but my latest favorite way to package up a baby gift is in a small suitcase. I chose a red one as I'm sure you noticed in the photos at the beginning of today's post!

This suitcase is bursting at the seams and then I wrapped it all up in cellophane and attached the card to the outside. If I had more time, I definitely would have enjoyed making a tag with those cute dies I used on the cards! 

Whew! That was a lot! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I've been having the best time working on some other non-card projects that I'll be sharing soon, too! My sewing machine is feeling the love! ha ha!

 

A Grand Adventure {Deep in the Hundred-Acre Wood}

Hello friends! I've been "deep in the hundred acre wood" so-to-speak! ha ha! I've been having the best time making all kinds of Winnie the Pooh things for a few new moms and their darling babies! I've been sewing and stamping/paper crafting up a storm so I have a lot to share, but for today, I will only be sharing the two cards I made for each of the moms. I still have a bajillion photos to edit with each of the items I created, so stay tuned!

As a family, we have really enjoyed visiting Disneyland and we absolutely adore Critter Country, so these two cards were created with that look in mind, and of course, classic Pooh as well! My oldest son's nursery was decorated in Classic Pooh and that particular year, there was a layette line with Classic Pooh clothes as well, so this all tugs at my heartstrings!

I made this card first, so it has a lot of flowers and leaves that are cut using the beautiful Into the Blooms: Wild Wood Die. I cut everything from white cardstock and then colored the pieces using dye inks and blender brushes. The greenery was spritzed with Mowed Lawn Distress Spritz and set aside to dry. 

Next, I got to work on the frames; this is a beautiful combination of dies that Betsy used for Christmas and I have been loving it and using it every chance I get! I cut the top layer using the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflake Die from wood veneer cardstock and then embossed it using the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflake Embossing Folder. I cut the next layer using the same die, but from woodgrain cardstock. Once that was done, I cut the capsule opening using the Capsule Basics Die and then embossed it using the Rosemal Reflections Embossing Folder. I added some walnut stain distress oxide ink over the raised areas to add depth and added color. I glued them onto a shaped card base and then got to work on the critters.

I die cut all of the pieces for Pooh and Piglet using the Spellbinders Say Cheese Classic Pooh Collection Pooh and Piglet. I used colored cardstock; Harvest Gold for Pooh with added ink for shading and depth. Piglet is cut from Sweet Blush cardstock with an Ocean Tides onesie and Pinefeather scarf. I glued everything together using liquid glue and foam squares. I wanted them to be holding hands so I glued them together in that arrangement.

This particular sentiment is absolutely PERFECT for baby cards and it really is the theme of all the projects I made for both mommas and babies. It is included in the Echo Park Winnie the Pooh Stamp Set. I was thrilled to find that this stamp set and coordinating paper are from the same designer as the fabric I bought for all of the sewn projects that I'll be sharing soon! It allowed me to keep everything cohesive and coordinated!

I stamped it in walnut stain distress oxide ink on a piece of gingham paper and then added that to the middle of the frames. Once that was done, I was able to add Pooh and Piglet with foam squares.

I arranged all of the flowers, leaves, and bees around the frame using liquid glue and foam squares. I really love how this sweet card came together!

As I mentioned earlier, I made the previous card first, so it got the majority of the flowers and leaves, so I kept this one a bit more simple. I was beyond thrilled to find that the sentiment fit perfectly inside the balloon!

I cut the balloon from Pure Poppy cardstock and then stamped the sentiment with white pigment ink. I added some Scarlet Jewel around the edges, which in hindsight, I should have done that BEFORE I stamped the sentiment!

I used blue gingham for this card and added a filigree border cut from Vintage Cream cardstock and secured with liquid glue. I was able to layer Pooh and the balloon using foam squares for dimension.

The base for this card was cut using the Capsule Basics (linked earlier) and then embossed using the Capsule Basics Embossing Folder with the Rosemal frame. I cut it using the new Capsule Fixed Borders Large Die and added it with liquid glue.

I added the remaining flowers and leaves using liquid glue and foam squares.

This was such a fun project to work on and I can't wait to share everything else with you soon! It's overwhelming, so let me know if you'd like it broken up into multiple blog posts, or just all at once in a BIG post! Thanks for fluttering by!