I ended up using a mix of different products from several designers and was able to coordinate everything. My creations included invitations, two banners, two centerpiece castles, goodie bags, and a party game. I will also soon be creating thank you notes using the same products.

Supplies:

• Princess Freestyle Album by Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs
• Wildflower by Nicole and Joyce. Paper 2
• Kissing Frogs by Nikki Epperson. Papers 3 and 10.
• DIY Scalloped Banner, MKC
• CK Ali’s Writing Font
• Photoshop Elements 6
• Epson Premium Presentation Paper
• Cardstock
• Stamp (Reflections), ink and Copic markers
• Foam tape
• Gems
• Ribbon
• Cardboard and Scor-Tape
• Scalloped Circle paper punch

My first task was invitations. I cut all my cardstock to 5×7 inches and then designed the cardfront in Photoshop Elements to be 4.75x 6.75 inches. The pink paper is Paper 2 from the Wildflowers kit. I then stamped the princess image onto separate cardstock, colored, cut and adhered. By adding gems and a ribbon I was able to take them from simple to pretty and princessy!

Next up was table decorations. I took a page from Kelleigh’s Princess Freestyle Album, enlarged it, and added the same light pink paper used in the invites and some darker pinks to have it coordinate.

To make the castle stand alone on the table, I simply traced the shape onto a piece of thick cardboard and cut about 1/2 inch inside the lines. I adhered the cardboard to the castle with Scor-Tape. Then I added a small strip of cardstock at the bottom, also adhered with scor-tape, to make it stand.

The banner was created using Mari Koeglenberg’s DIY Printable Scallop Banner, a favorite of mine! I used the same papers as on the invites and castle table decorations and added them onto the banner in Photoshop. After printing and cutting, I strung each piece onto my ribbon. I also printed off two smaller castles to add to the banner and some text.

My son insisted on having a party game at the last minute, so I looked in Nikki Epperson’s Kissing Frogs kit and found the circle label image and the crown. I prepared a document with rows of crown within the circle in photoshop and printed it. I then took my scalloped circle paper punch and punched each one out.

We hid them throughout our yard as a treasure hunt and as the kids found them, they claimed a prize from the basket filled with a random assortment of goodies! This turned out to be a great game to play with varying ages of kids as you can hide some in easier spots for the younger kids, and in tricker places for the older ones.

Last up are the goodie bags. I simply created a document in Photoshop, added the digital papers, the digital scalloped frame, the frog image for the boys and each child’s name. After printing them off, I added a stamped princess image on each girl’s bag and adhered each to the goodie bags.

Thanks for visiting The Hybrid Chick today and viewing my hybrid princess party goodies. I hope I’ve given you a few ideas on how you can create your own party decorations and invitations!

Today I will show you a quick and easy way to make your own personalized Wall Canvas.

The supplies I used were…

A canvas, matte photo paper, scissors, ModPodge, Black craft paint, paintbrush, distress ink, some ribbon, glue gun, edge distress tool or sandpaper.

The digi supplies were…

Photo Editing program, I use PSE8, a printer, the Sideliners Word Art Set by Jan Hosford and the Fabrications Classic paper pack by Quirky Twerp.

The first thing you need to do is measure your canvas, then open a new file in your photo editing program that is the same size as you canvas. Design your creation with your word art and some digi papers. I put a few pictures on mine too. Then print it out on your matte photo paper. If it doesn’t fit quite perfectly just trim it down a little.

Then you want to distress the edges of it a little bit, use and edge distressing tool or some sandpaper and rub it all around the edges. Then take your distress ink and rub it all over the edges too. Like this…

Then put a coat of Mod Podge all over the top of of it to seal it. Let it dry.

While that is drying take some craft paint and paint the edges of your canvas, like this…

When both the paint on the canvas and the ModPodge on your paper is dry you will attach the paper to the canvas with some more ModPodge. Just put the ModPodge all over the canvas with your paintbrush, lay the paper on top of that and press down real good, smooth out any air bubbles. I turned mine over so I could get it nice and flat and rub any bubbles out. Like this….

You will have this…

Now add some ribbons to jazz it up a bit, I put some little pieces of ribbon on the corners, wrapped a piece all around the edges and used another piece for a hanger. You are done! Hang it on your wall and enjoy!

• cardstock 7×10 – this will make a 5×7 card when complete
• trimmer, scissors, adhesive, scoring tools and extra embellishments
• digital kit of choice – I opted to use Madame Wing’s new kit called Reach for the Stars

First I created my design in Photoshop.  I made my design for the front 4×6 because I was planning to use some red cardstock for my matting. I also created a little cluster to use for my pop up part as well and printed it on matte photo paper.

To make the pop up part, cut a sheet of white cardstock 7×10. Score and fold the card in half to form a 5×7 card base. Along the folded edge of the card, measure 2 inches in from each side of the card and make a mark. This marks your cut lines for the popup.

Measure in from the folded edge 3/4 inch and mark the bottom of the cut lines you drew. With your scissors or your x-acto knife, cut down into the folded edge to the mark you made.

Now you’ve created a small segment of paper within your card that you’ll fold inward on itself. So when you open the card and begin to fold it, the “peak” that is the folded edge of the card will be pushed in to make a “valley” in that center piece. I scored where it needs to be folded, so that it would fold easier (see photo above).

Now you are ready to put your added piece on the inside.

I decided to add to my pop up design by creating a small cluster of stars. First I took a small strip of paper about 2×3 and scored them at one inch intervals. I folded it to match the cutout pop up part so that the card would lay flat when closed.

I then adhered my strips of stars to it and cut around my design, I also ended up trimming my paper down just a little.

I finally adhered the stars above my “reach for the stars sentiment”

I then cut a 5×7 sheet of red cardstock to cover the front of my card (which hides where the pop up part is) and finished by adding a flower and a button to my design.

Your card will fold flat and will be a nice little surprise to the recipient when they open their card.

I liked embossing when you did it using a light table and a brass template.  I first started using a window or a glass table, because I didn’t have a light table, that is how much I liked embossing.

Through the years more and more tools have appear to make embossing easier and I most likely have them all, but I am not going to talk about them all.  I will talk about my favorite embossing tool which is my diecut machine.  I use a BIG SHOT by Sizzix (also known as BIG KICK) but the same outcome can be achieved in a Cuttlebug machine by Provocraft.  These machines make embossing a card an action of just seconds instead of minutes.

Embossing adds texture that can be subtle or GRAND.  In my sample I wanted something with weight and pizzaz!

Supplies:

1. Celebrate! (brite)July Guest: Chelle’s Creations
2. Rectangular Envelopes Set 1 – The Cutting Files
3. Doilies Shapes Set 1 – The Cutting Files
4. Embossing Folder – Cuttlebug
5. Big Brad – American Crafts
6. Big Shot – Sizzix

I embossed AND sanded the emboss areas to make the white from my paper come through. This specific embossing folder I am using also saves me from having to add an outside sentiment. How clever, huh?

Supplies:

• A Beautiful Life Collab by Wendy Page Designs and MKC
• Bazzill Basics white cardstock paper
• Metal ring (you can get these at any craft store)
• Plastic beads
• Clear sewing string
• Pearl beads
• Inkssentials Glossy Accents dimensional glue
• Ranger Stickles
• Tombow Mono Adhesive
• Pliers
• Scissors (I recommend Tim Holtz’s Tonic scissors with the very fine tip)
• Ribbon

Now you’re ready to get started!

Step 1. Printing out the flowers

I loved the one dimensional flowers used in the A Beautiful Life kit and thought it was perfect for the mobile. In CS5 I created a new sheet using a transparent background; this way it doesn’t print the white background since you’re already printing on white cardstock. Because the flowers on the mobile are going to spin you want to make sure you use a double sided image. I decided to keep keep the flowers somewhat “touching” when arranging them in CS5 for ease of gluing.

Step 2. Applying dimensional glue and glitter

After you’ve meticulously cut out each set of flowers it’s time to do the fun stuff! Grab your dimensional glue to give your flowers more dimension. You can choose to add dimension to certain parts of the flower or all of it. I opted for a subtle look by adding them in certain places of my flowers. But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to add your mini pearls for even more dimension!

What’s a scrapbooking project without glitter, especially if they come in a no-mess bottle. Since the big flowers already have dimension from the dimensional glue I wanted the smaller flowers to stand out by using the glitter. This will make your flowers shine when it’s blowing in the wind!

Step 3. Adding the flowers to your mobile

Now you’re ready to start piecing your mobile together. First decide on the length of your clear sewing string then attach it to the metal ring. Make sure to tie several knots so it doesn’t come apart. Using your Tombow glue, glue one side of the two set flowers. Put the sewing string in the middle of the flower and fold in half to seal the flower together. You’ll need to press the edges together really good so the edges don’t come apart. Alternate big and small flowers until you get the desired look.

After you’ve finished add the plastic beads on the ends with your pliers. Snip off any loose sewing string to make your mobile pretty.

Step 4. Add ribbon

The final step in making your mobile is to add the ribbon so you can hang it from the ceiling. I cut 3 pieces of ribbon each 15 inches in length. After tying each of the ribbon to the metal ring I held up the mobile holding the ribbon to ensure the mobile is straight before I tied the ends together. Snip off any pieces sticking out of your knot that’s tied to the metal ring to make it more clean looking.

The end result should look like this:

There are so many possibilities with this. I can’t wait to make my next mobile!

Since this friend of mine is an avid reader, I thought a bookmark would be good.  But not just one bookmark because I know since she has been housebound that reading is something she is doing alot of.  Plus I wanted to give her something she could give to those helping her out  during this illness.   I thought she could write a note on the back of a bookmark/tag thanking that person for helping her.  Using the digital elements really made this project easy and fun!

Here are all the supplies I used:

• Fabrications Classic Scrapbook Pack – Quirky Twerp
• Easter Basket Template Set - Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs – print Large template onto dark gray cardstock and cut out.
• Loves’ Flower Clear Stamp set – Verve Stamps
• gray ink pad, sponge, Ivory Organdy ribbon, black rick rack, Scor-pal, Scor-tape
• Jumbo Classic Scallop Borderabilities – Spellbinders Paper Arts

I made the basket from some heavy gray cardstock.  After assembly, I cut 4 pieces of  patterned paper that I printed out onto white cardstock.  I used the Fabrications Patterned paper #2.  Using a sponge, I added some gray ink around the edges to give it the vintage look that goes with this paper pack.

After adhering the sides into place on the basket, I cut/embossed the handle using my Wizard die cutting machine and the Classic Jumbo Borderabilities Petite die template.  This die makes a perfect handle for a basket! 

Then I printed out the tags I wanted onto white cardstock and cut them out by hand.  Using the sponge, I added ink around the edges.  Then I stamped the sentiment using the same gray ink.  I love how this sentiment looks on the tag, don’t you?

After I tied the ribbon into place, I used my Heat Embossing gun to “crinkle” my ribbon.  It doesn’t take much heat and it is easy to do but don’t heat the ribbon for too long or it will burn.  (Ask me how I know!)   

Here is my completed project.  I think my friend will really like this special gift!  Hopefully I will put a smile on her face!

When I saw the cute die cut flower in the Berry Meadow Scrapbook Pack by Quirky Twerp, I knew it’d be perfect for these cards. Fun and simple to cut out.

These cards would make great birthday cards or party invites for kids but they are just as cheery for us big kids too!!

SUPPLIES:

• Digital Scrapping Kit  - I used Berry Meadow Scrapbook Pack by Quirky Twerp at the Digichick
• White Card (nothing too flimsy!)
• Paper/cardstock for printing on
• Printer
• Basic suppies (scissors, glue, pencil, decent craft knife, double sided tape)
• Optional – Sewing machine, natural twine, buttons, paper clip, sentiment, yellow paper from The Thrift Shop by October Afternoon

Ok, so I printed the flowers onto a sheet of card, a good quality thickness. I cut out one flower and a matching circle centre. In the centre of the flower I cut out a small circle with a craft knife.

For the card base I used berry dots and butterflies from the Berry Meadow Pack and yellow paper layered onto some white card (but you could decorate it however you like). I added some stitching on the sewing machine but again this is optional.

Just so you can see this clearly, I drew the mechanism onto a piece of plain white card. (The card has to be a good quality thickness to be durable enough to stand up to all the movement later) This is the basic shape, each side is actually the same shape as a paperclip so you could use it to draw around. The important part: the width of the gap between the two sections needs to be slightly smaller than the circle in the centre of your flower.

Now simply cut around the edges with a sharp craft knife (as shown) and leave the centre attached. Gently bend your tabs upwards.

Now you know the simply mechanism you can apply it to your card, as shown.

Now take your cut out flower from earlier and slot over your tabs.

Make sure it rotates smoothly (the edges of the circle must be smooth) and make any adjustments if necessary.

Flatten down your tabs and add some adhesive to the top of them. Take the circle centre of the flower you cut out before, align and place onto the tabs. Rotate your flower to make sure everything is central.

That’s the basic principle. One other note, it works better if you have the edge of the flower over-hanging an edge, just so it’s easier to rotate.

Now, decorate as desired. I added a simple sentiment I just printed out, a bit of twine, a button and a paperclip.

Here’s a couple of variations. You can scale down the mechanism, and layer it on top of things, just make sure the card you use is thicker. I made a smaller flower in this one and added a button on top.

There’s lots of different layouts you could try. I used a medium flower here and layered the mechanism on top of the other flowers. Just the top flower rotates but you could have more than one if you wanted!

So, there you have it, do give it a try, it really isn’t that hard and it’s lots of fun!!

Supplies:

• Little Boy Bluebird digital kit by HeatherT and JMDesigns
• 1 Coffee Can (the small size) (it measures over 11 inches around, so you will see my fudging to make it work)
• Everyday matte photo paper (I used HP’s)
• Tombow Mono Adhesive
• Pop Dots and foam strips
• ribbon (I use $.50 a spool ribbon from Walmart a lot!)
• scissors (paper trimmer is optional)

I designed my coffee can cover on an 8.5×11 PSE document. I made the strip that covers the can 5×11 and then did the 5×2 wishlist piece to make up for the space still left on the can. I created another document with the 4″ circle for the top of the can.

I printed the coffee can cover, the topper, and then I created another document and dragged some of the layers over that I wanted to use as 3-d elements on my finished project.

I cut everything out and adhered the main strip to the can with Tombow. I used the same for putting the ribbon on the edge of the plastic lid and the circle on top of the lid.

I used a little adhesive to stick the flower on top (I also scrunched it up a little to make it more dimensional). Then I put foam strips on the bird and on the scrap money and put the additional cut out bird and scrap money on the original images. I also added the cut out buttons with pop dots to the top of the lid and the other two buttons on the can.

This is the front side of the finished project. I love the 3-D elements popping off the can. It really gives it some character!

To take care of the length problem (I only had 11 inch paper to print with and the circumference of the can was greater than that), I added this wishlist piece to the back. I am sure I will come up with some things to put on there very soon!!! You can always remove it and replace it with a fresh one when you need to!

Also, you can’t see it (as that was the point), but under the flower there is a slit for depositing money. I like the idea of having it hidden.

Happy Crafting Everyone!!!

-Paint Extender:  a small bit of this mixed in with your paint will keep it from drying up without affecting the colors hue or tint.

-Decoupage: Run out of Mod Podge?  No worries!  This can be used in exactly the same manner!

-Adhesive or Sealent:  The same with Mod Podge, this can be used to adhere your project together and seal it from the elements.

Ok, so how can a hybrid scrapbooker use gel medium?  Today, I will show you how a small bit of this amazing product can tranform your hybrid scrapbooking projects!

Supplies:

-Gel Medium (I have used Golden Regular Gel (Matte).  I find that it dries completely clear and maintains awesome flexibility!)

-Foam Brushes

-Canvas bag  (You could use a small mounted canvas for this project as well!)

-Image printed on a transparency

-Brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool.

The first step in this process would be to create an image that you would like to transfer to your project.  I used TKWhimsy‘s Space Dog kit for this project as my son is obsessed with anything space related at this momment.  You could use anything from frames, to word-art, or even patterned paper; just create an image that means something to you. 

When printing on transparency, you want to make sure to always check your printer’s settings and follow the instructions on the package or you may wind up with an image that does not transfer well.  Also, remember that when printing on a transparency, same with an iron-on sheet, you need to select “mirror image” prior to printing.  Remembering this step will save you a lot of wasted paper, trust me!

Next, prepare a flat surface for your project to sit on.  When using a base that contains multiple layers, if possible, insert a flat surface between layers to prevent sticking and/or wrinkles.

Mark off the areas that will need to contain the gel medium.  You will want to make sure that the ENTIRE area that your image will be transfered to contains a thin, even layer of this product.  Too little and your image won’t transfer to the area; too much and your image might smear. 

Using your brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool, make sure that the entire area of your image has been pressed firmly to the base and gel medium.  Lift corners as you rub to make sure that you are covering in the entire area.  Once completely smoothed over, slowly peel back one corner until the transparency is free from the base.

At this point, you can continue to add layers of images with additional transparencies or you can let your project dry completely.  After it is completely dry (normally an hour or two), feel free to add additional embellishment or layered dimension to the surface!

As I said before, Gel Medium can be used in a WIDE variety of different ways!  From techniques involving photos to vinyl, this product will be one that you will want to have on hand!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Every other day she had a step by step tutorial showing how to create her awesome Doilies. I tell you it is inspiration at its best! It inspired me to create a set of Cutting Files for your Digital Die-Cutter to make your very own doilies – Doilie Shapes Set 1.

Well naturally there where a few who wanted to create these Doilies but did not own a cutter. Today I have a solution for you!

All my Cutting Files include both PNG and PSD so you can still hand cut if you wish (although I would not recommend it with this specific shape) or you can use the easy way out which I will demonstrate today. So I hope I have you inspired…lets get started!

Supplies:

DIGITAL

• Doilie Shapes Set 1
• Beautiful Life Collab between MKC and Wendy Page (Doilies are included in this kit!)

PHYSICAL

• Red River Polar Matte
• 12×12 Coordinating Cardstock
• Trimmer and Scissors
• Adhesive
• Dimensional Glue Dots
• Glossy Accents
• Embellishments (Brads, Flowers etc.)

STEP 1

I created 9 4×4 inch canvasses in my photo editing program. I decorated them with digital papers and embellishments. I also printed out additional embellishments to layer and add dimension.

STEP 2

Print out all your 4×4 squares and extras. Arrange them on a 12×12 Cardstock. This already looks pretty just as it is!

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 1

I cut out 2 extra flowers to layer onto this doilie with a nice big jewel brad. I added some Glimmer Mist to make it shiny.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 2

I cut out a few more stickers and adhered them with some dimensional glue dots. I also added a jeweled brad for some bling.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 3

I cut out a few more flowers and adhered them with a jeweled brad and glue dots.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 4

I cut out a sticker and adhered it with a glue dot and a pretty brad.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 5

I layered a hand cut flower with a felt flower and a pearl brad. I did the same with the larger sticker.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 6

I punched out 4 circles and made this pretty paper flower. I also cut out one of the gem brad included in the kit and with Dimensional Glaze I added some dimension to the brad making it look almost like the real thing. I had to wait for this to dry before I took the final photo…

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 7

Another set with Hand cut flowers and stickers layered with some felt flowers and brads.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 8

I layered a gorgeous flower with a jeweled brad. I curled the edges of the paper to create the illusion of real flowers. This one turned out really well.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 9

Another Paper flower this time using a scalloped circle punch, which I layered with felt flowers and brads. I also added a tiny bow for added dimension.

So do you see that even though this looks difficult it is very easy to create!

Want to see the final project?

Now I just need a Shadow Box frame for this guy…and an idea of where I want to hang it? lol!

Here are some more close ups…

I hope you enjoyed this and that you will try it at home! You dont have to attempt a big project like this you can also just do 3 hanging from a piece of ribbon or send it as a card.