How To Use Your Embossing Folders!

It's a new "10 ways to use your..." at Practical Scrappers and today's focus is embossing folders.  I could fill the entire segment with ways to use them, but I went with two that really call to me. 

First up is inking your embossing folder first then running through your embossing machine.  This one for me is always a lot of fun.  I like to create messes :)  Tried something different this time by using more than one color and decided to go patriotic with the 4th of July just around the corner.

Also wanted to show you some up close shots of my ebellishments and edging of the card.  With the ink giving the card that faded look because it's heavier in some spot than others I decided to pull out my Crackle Accents to continue that faded worn look.

and here's the bacjground layer that I crackled as well...

The second technique I used with my embossing folders is one because I am lazy and highly dislike rub-ons that was until I found this little trick.  Create a "sandwich stack" to run through your Cuttlebug (I don't have the other plates for other diecut and embossing machines but I'm sure all you crafty ladies can adjust as needed).  The sandwich stack for the Cuttlebug goes as follow working from the bottom up:  Plate A, Plate B, cardstock, rub-on, empty embossing folder, Plate B.  The embossing folder works as just an extra shim to apply the exact amount of pressure needed to apply the rub-on without any rubbing! Here's my card...

The best part about this technique is that works great on those textured, glossy finish, and glittered cardstock allowing your use those papers that you thought were not "rub-on friendly".

Thanks for stopping in today...and if my blog was your first stop today make sure you head over to Practical Scrappers for some more great ideas on how to use your embossing folder!



How Do You Use Your Circle Punches?

Just a simple friendship card I created using my circle punch to create the window for the stamp, as well as using my smaller circle punches to create my petals on my half flower embellishment.

Pattern Paper:  Crate Paper --Emma's Shoppe Collection

Kraft Cardstock

Twine: Martha Stewart

Flower: Bo Bunny

Stamp: Kolette Hall

Ink: Studio g

Bling: Studio 18

Paper Wallet for Dad!

I know it's going up late here, but now that father's day is over and my husband already has his gift I can share this on here without worrying about spoiling the surprise!

  My husband seems to go through wallets quickly.  Between that and my kids running around making those silly duct tape wallets, it got me thinking there must be some kind of origami paper wallet out there.  After doing some searching, I found this tutorial from Instructables website that you find the tutorial for this here.    Note: I did divert from the original  template, to make it more of a memory gift than just a functional use.  Here are some photos...

Front of the wallet all closed up.

The wallet opened up. Here you can see I created a little license for dad doing some photoshoping of printable kid's license that I found ( sorry, I can't remember where but will add the link if I find it).  You also see the start of my photo holder that I created.  To do that all I did was start with a 5" x 4" piece of cardstock.  With the 4" side going across your score board score at 3 1/2".  This is going to give you a 1/2" tab to tuck into the wallet.  Next turn your paper so the 5" length is going across your score board and score at 2 1/2" (dividing it exactly in half). With your 1/2" tab at the top, cut along the 2 1/2 inch score line from the bottom stopping when you get to the first score line.  Fold in half and use bone folder to crease along the 1/2" tab for clean lines. 

Shown here is the the end of the photo holder and the credit card (or gift card holder which I will be using this for).

A close up-up of the gift card area.  I used my Cricut with the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to create this ribbon.  The stamp is from Studio g (rubber cling mount stamps)

Here's a view looking down onto the wallet -and look there is money in there!

This was the other fun part and the kids really got a kick out of putting dad's photo on the money.  If you go to the website Money Festisite you can upload any photo you want (note you will want to crop your image first if there are any other people in the photo).  You have the choice of any currency you want to place it on.  The kids picked the $1,000,000 dollar bill, of course.

With them picking the $1,000,000 I couldn't resist but cut out some letters and write out on the back, "You're 1 in a 1,000,000!"

There you have it! A fun gift you can get everyone into that is a memory in itself, plus completely functional. This little thing will hold I 4 credit cards, money, and you could even add a pocket where I put the fake license to hold a real one.  The possibilities are there!

Design Team Call at Practical Scrappers!!

Hey all my scrappy friends this one is for you!! Practical Scrappers is looking for new designers to join our team!  The term for this position would run from July 1st until January 1st.  Designers will need to contribute three projects per month.  We have extraordinary talent on our team, just check out our Designers Extraordinaire Tab, we would love to add you to that mix.  If you are looking for a place to get your feet wet and get more exposure we are it!

To apply send a brief paragraph about yourself, your style, and your current design team commitments to practicalscrappers@gmail.com - Please also include a link to your blog.  Applications will be accepted thru June 27th at midnight CST.  International applications are welcome.

A Doodling Day!

Today i felt like making a quick hello card while were having a thunderstorm and the kids were doodling some pictures while we all sat there at the table. Made me feel like picking up my pens and doodling some right along with them. I really like how my doodling finished off this card. It felt like it was missing something up until then. Pattern Paper: Crate Paper, Orbit Collection Cardstock: The Paper Company Black Pen: Gelly Roll Tools: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug

Brrr...its cold?

Yah, I know....it's summer Kerri get with the season. Unfortunately mother bature has forgotten that summer vacation started. Sunce all this cool weather has been happening in PA it kinda of got me in the mood for to work on some stuff for my fall craft fairs. I was also inspired by our new feature at Practical Scrappers(10 things you can do with...), and last week we did loose glitter. A little scraplift came in to play from my SAS sister Cassie who did these cute little penguin tags for Christmas...check them out here.


Here's my card.... I made a dozen of these and will probably do another dozen or so, packaging them in packs of 6.

Supplies:

Cardstock: The Paper Company, DCWV

Tools:

Stampin" Up Owl Punch

Cuttlebug

Snowflake Border Embossing folder

Stamps: Stampin' Up (inside sentiment), Studio g (outside)

Craft Essentials Crystal Glitter