Supplies Used:

• Opa Boutique Collab Kit
• Skinny Gable Box Hybrid Template by Girl Boy Girl Designs
• Cardstock
• Twine

The first step to creating the box was to decide which papers to use from the beautiful Opa Boutique Collab kit.  I printed off several to choose from but ended up only using the one striped paper for a band around the bottom of the box.  I used a plain kraft colored cardstock for the box template.  I ran the cardstock through my Silhouette Cameo and then I was ready to go!

All I had to do after that was fold on the scored lines and fold the box together.  Before I taped the box together though, I added the band around it right under the cutout window.  The band measured 1×10 inches.

If you’ve never used one of the hybrid templates from the shop, don’t be scared!  They are so easy to make!  The Silhouette Cameo does all the hard work for you.  All you have to do is peel the cut-out template off the sticky mat and fold where indicated by the scored lines.  Of course you don’t have to own a Cameo to use the hybrid templates.  The files come in many formats so that anyone can print and cut them out by hand.  I use double-sided adhesive tape by Scotch to hold my hybrid projects together.

To complete the project I created a little notecard with a variety of files from the Opa Boutique Collab kit.  My father loves nuts of all kinds so I made up a double recipe of Spicy Nuts to go inside the box for him.  The notecard says “Nuts About You”  Of course it is corny, but then again – so is my Dad!  If you would like to download the notecard to use for a gift of your own, click here to visit my website.  I added a little decorative touch to the sides of the box with some washi tape.  Then I tied the notecard to the gable box with some twine.

PROJECT SUPPLIES

NERD NECKLACE/FLASK EARRINGS

• IT’S A THEORY BUNDLE BY ETC. BY DANYALE
• GRUNGE BOARD or CHIPBOARD
• MOD PODGE
• JEWELRY FINDINGS/TIM HOLTZ GEARS
• BLACK RIBBON
• BRONZE EMBOSSING POWDER, VERSAMARK WATERMARK INK PAD, BLACK INK
• GEAR DIES (AVAILABLE FROM SPELLBINDERS OR TIM HOLTZ)

BUTTERFLY PENDANT

• LIFE STORY-SPRING BY SHERWOOD STUDIOS
• MOD PODGE DIMENSIONAL MAGIC
• JEWELRY FINDINGS
• ADHESIVE

NERD NECKLACE

Print the nerd tiles from the word art kit at about 3/4 inch square.  Adhere to grunge board and cover with a thin layer of Mod Podge.

While that is drying, cut three of the smaller gears (the ones I used were 1-1/4 inch) out of grunge board.   Chipboard could also be used here.  Cover the gears with Versamark ink and then emboss with the bronze powder.  Do one at a time so the ink doesn’t dry out.

A little black ink was sponged on top to give a bit of dimension.

The letters were adhered to the top of the gears and jump rings were used to attach the gears.

Finally. metal gears (Tim Holtz) were attached in random places and a black ribbon was used for the strap.

FLASK EARRINGS

A kit from Stampin Up was used for the jewelry findings in this project.  It is no longer available but these type of findings can be found in the jewelry department of craft stores.

Print out the flask image to fit the inner circle of the earring.  This was pretty small in this case (about 3/8 inch).

Place the dots on top of image and add earring hooks.

So easy and so fun for your resident science geek.

BUTTERFLY PENDANT

This was made from several, layered elements from the kit.  Even though the final piece was a circle, I made it in square form then cut the circle to fit.  This allowed me to center the image where I wanted it.

The image was adhered to the metal pendant and covered with a thin layer of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.  Make sure you don’t use too much as it will flow over the edge of the metal.

The Mod Podge goes on cloudy.  Make sure to get rid of the bubbles before it dries.  As you will see I did not.  Don’t worry of you end up with some though because even though they are prominent in the picture they are barely noticeable in real life.

But dries clear and glossy.  So pretty! And did I mention easy?

These would make great bridesmaids gifts if you personalize them by adding their names!

I hope this has inspired you to make some jewelry of your own and thanks so much for stopping by!

Before we get to this week’s challenge, I need to announce our favorite peeps from the last challenge which was to use flowers.

In no particular order, our favorite peeps are:

• Lovely Linda 
• Anreda  
• Macarena
  

Congratulations! Here is a badge for your blog:

Now on to our next challenge. Carrying on from our last challenge, I thought it would be great to do a summer card challenge with the theme “Lazy Days of Summer.” And when I hear that, I think about bright colors such as red and yellow combined with soft pastels like aqua and green.. Just like my sample here!

This card is created using Wishing Well Creations’ collab with Dawn By Design called Wish Flowers Kit.

DIGITAL SUPPLIES

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

• WHITE AND GREEN CARD STOCK
• SWISS DOT EMBOSSING FOLDER
• PATTERNED PAPER
• PUNCHES (OPTIONAL)
• BROWN INK/SPONGE

Begin by either printing the box and using it as a template or use an electronic cutter to cut it out of white card stock. Trim the top of the box off as shown.

The entire piece is too long to fit in the embossing folder at one time so I did it in sections.

I used a shaped punch to make the front of the box but this could be done by tracing a shape (like a half circle) and cutting it free hand.  In order to make the opening evenly spaced, I first punched a template out of scrap paper and positioned it on the front with some re-positionable tape.

The punch was then placed on top of the scrap and punched.

This gives a nice evenly spaced area without having to measure.

The box was then assembled. A strip of grass was made using a punch.  This could also be done by cutting the shape free hand if you don’t happen to have a punch.

The strip was attached to the bottom of the box and a little brown ink was applied to the edges of the box using a sponge. I know the indents should probably go on the outside but I liked it the other way around.  It would probably look more like a golf ball that way so you can do it either way.

A little putting green flag was made using the BANNERS HYBRID TEMPLATE.

The flag was attached to a thin craft stick using double sided tape.

The flag stick was placed in one corner of the box. A thin strip of card stock was adhered to the sides over the stick with double sided tape to hold the stick in place. A small square of green was placed on the inside of the box.  I just measured the bottom and cut about an 1/8th of an inch smaller.

Throw in a couple post it pads and some paper clips and you have a cute little gift for dad that allows him to dream of golfing while he is at work.

Thanks so much for visiting THE HYBRID CHICK!

If you no longer have schoolage children or maybe you haven’t any children at all, no worries! This little trinket-y treasure is quite versatile and can be used for nearly any occasion including, graduation, congratulations, birthday, thank you, and just because, etc.

Hybrid Trinket Gift Boxes

Digital supplies used: A Love Story

Tools used: Computer (iMac) and software (Adobe PS CS6), Printer (Epson R1900)
• Cricut Expression
• Tags, Bags, Boxes & More Cricut Cartridge
• Sizzix BigKick Die Cutting Machine
• Sizzix (Tim Holtz Alterations) Tattered Flower Garland Die
• Sizzix (Tim Holtz Alterations) Mini Tattered Floral Die Set
• Tonic Studios Guillotine Trimmer
• EK Success Cutterpede Trimmer and Score Blade
• Bone Folder

Supplies used: Bazzill Basics Paper Cardstock in White (and a small amount of green)
• Tsukineko VersaMagic Chalk Ink Sahara Sand
• Tsukineko VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pixie Dust
• Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Marshmallow
• Buttons and Brads (one of each)
• Notions (combination of lace, ribbon, hemp, etc.)

Other supplies: Tombo Mono Adhesive
• Glue Dots Mini

The first step is to select the digital papers for your trinket boxes. I chose two, a gorgeous dainty floral pattern and an equally gorgeous coordinating solid, to which I added a digital circle splatter and a separate dot splatter, just to add a little more grunge-y detail and interest. After you’ve selected your digital papers, print both. Because of the size of my box I printed both digital papers in a 12 x 12 format.

It’s important to note that prior to cutting my project I did a test run on sizing (I always recommend a test run . . . on scraps . . . to determine sizing in an effort to prevent the ever frustrating waste of paper and more importantly, to prevent the ever frustrating waste of INK!).

The Cricut Expression settings that I used were paper saver, SQUARE BOX with blackout (blackout prevents the machine from cutting the pre-programmed holes that are part of this box), and 8 inches dialed in with real dial size selected. Settings yielded a square box 2⅜ inches wide by 2⅜ inches high.

After my boxes were cut I used a score blade and my Cutterpede trimmer to score my folds (score marks are provided by the machine cut). I also used a bone folder and went over every fold to make my folds nice and sharp.

When I had finished scoring and folding I inked all the edges with Tsukineko’s VersaMagic Pixie Dust chalk ink and then lightly  inked over that with the Sahara Sand chalk ink. Adhesive was added to the flap that would be used to secure the box and the box assembled.

Once I had both my trinket boxes assembled, I die cut several flowers using the above mentioned Sizzix dies and then gathered some additional items, lace and ribbon, some hemp and brads and buttons.

Before I assembled the tattered flower I misted each petal with my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and while they were drying added the lace, hemp and button to the coordinating solid trinket box. Finishing the project simply involved assembling the tattered flower, securing it with a brad and then adding the lace bow. SoOoooo easy! And truly, a perfect gift for any (small) gift-giving occasion.

My intention is to fill each Trinket Gift Box with some delicious Hershey’s Hugs and include a short handwritten note from my granddaughter, Kaylee (the Trinket Gift Boxes are for her first grade teacher).

I hope you’ve enjoyed my project. If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Blessings!
Katherine

In this project, I made a banner for my word so I can hang it somewhere I see it every day. If you want to make a similar project, here’s what you will need.

DIGITAL SUPPLIES:

• Banners [hybrid templates] by Girl Boy Girl Designs by Jen Balding
• Almost Spring Kit by Etc by Danyale – I picked this kit because I love the color red and it will match the room where I will hang my project.
• Fonts of your choice (more information about the fonts I selected is below!)

• Adhesive
• 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) of ribbon
• Embellishments
• Scissors or a cutting machine
• Hole punch
• For my project, I mixed and matched papers, fonts and banners shapes from the set so each banner was different. There are seven different banner shapes in the template set, and I chose 4 of them for my project.

Then, I just started adding papers and playing around with fonts until I found a combination I liked for each one. At the top of each one, I used a strip of one of the papers for all four banners, which helps to tie the whole project together.

If you are a fan of fonts like me, here’s the the detail on which fonts I used:

• H – Brannboll
• O – Rebekah’s Birthday
• P – LD Petticoat Twist
• E – Tangerine

For printing, I saved each banner as a PNG file, then added those to an 8.5×11 inch canvas for easy printing.

After printing, I simply cut the banners out. I just use regular scissors, although the Banners [hybrid templates] do include cutting files for those of you who can use those. I added a flower and brad to the “O” banner. I punched holes in the top, and then strung the banners on to a ribbon. I used adhesive on the back to stick the banner to the ribbon so the individual pieces won’t slide together when it’s hung.

Then, hang it up and enjoy!

Banners are a great idea to inspire you, and of course are fun for birthdays or any other special occasion. This template makes it easy and fun to put one together!

I found the perfect kit in The Digi Chick boutique to compliment my butterfly collection – Kimeric Kreations JUST BECAUSE - I just  love this color palette with my butterflies!

I combined it with several templates from Digital Designs by Amber Morrison:

• {MY HEART GOES} BOOM TA DOOM DOOM
• CHEESECAKE
• GOLDEN DAYS
• BRACKETS
• NOBODY’S FOOL
• SLIGHTLY OFF

and I quickly had 6 beautiful layouts from the kit JUST BECAUSE. (I plan to load the layouts into my TDC gallery soon).    I always like to make my digital art work for me, so I decided to use my 6 layouts to create a photo cube as a paper weight for my desk!  It could easily be an inexpensive gift as well.  My photo cube is a plastic box that comes with a cardboard folded box inside.  There are two 3-sided pieces to the plastic box that fit together around the inside  box.  I found my photo box several years ago in the “Dollar Spot” at Target, but most photo frame departments will have something similar!  I stocked up when I found them, so I have plenty in my craft closet just waiting for inspiration!

I reduced the size of my layouts to just slightly smaller than the 3 3/4 side of the box, printed them on cardstock and adhered them to the box.  Here is a mock up of the box unfolded.

I added adhesive to the white tabs, folded up the box and slipped it inside the plastic cover.  Now I can always “catch” a butterfly on my desk, even in the wintertime!

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:  One year for Christmas I created photo cubes of the grandchildren for Great Grandma (my mom), Nana (my sister) and the parents (my niece & husband, my nephew & partner) using layouts I had already created of the kids.  The kids love to play with the blocks when they visit Great Grandma’s house.

Other gift suggestions:  a wedding gift, with photos of the couple; a graduation gift with school pictures of the graduate, or  use a pair of them to make a calendar! So, what else can you  make ? … if you make a project, be sure to load it to the Hybrid Gallery at The Digichick.

Project supplies

Digital supplies

Joie de Vivre, the May collaboration from the Digichick Designers:

The hybrid flower pot template from the Joie de Vivre collaboration:

 Other supplies:

• Plain paper or card stock for printing (I only  used 2 sheets of A4 white card stock for both the flower pot and the flowers);
• PVA or other glue/adhesive;
• Crepe paper for the grass;
• Cotton buds, thin pieces of wood for flower stems;
• Distress or other inks;
• Perfect pearls shimmer mist;
• Flower punches and/or dies and die cutting machine;
• Brads, lace, etc. for embellishments; and
• Scissors, bone folder, pokey tool.

As I was using papers from the kit for both the flowers and the flower pot, I used a clipping mask to pin the patterned paper to the flower pot template: You can see how I also placed a patterned paper behind the template so I could use the rest of the page for making flowers.  I printed out the template and a second sheet of card stock:

Isn’t that rose patterned paper yummy?!!! I also printed matching patterned papers on the reverse side of each sheet of card stock as I did not want a plain white side to the flowers and flower pot. I then punched three flowers using the Stampin’ Up! Blossom punch and die cut petals for other flowers using the Stampin’ Up Floral Frames framelits:

  You can see how the pot is beginning to take shape already after scoring and folding:Here is the pot with the rim turned outwards and looking particularly scruffy as I had just brushed PVA glue all around the rim, ready for the lace border!

And here is the finished pot with the lace border and crepe paper scrumpled up inside.  I also added some pebbles to the bottom of the pot as it needed the extra weight for balance once the flowers were inserted.  I would not have needed the additional weight in the pot if the flowers had been smaller.

Here are the pot and flowers together:

The largest flower was the one made with the framelit dies:

 I used distress ink on the edges of the petals and held them together with a brad from my stash.  The stalk was cut from a long piece of plywood or similar that I bought from my local craft shop.  I’m not quite sure what it is made of to be honest, but it is very lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold the flower.

For the small white rose, I used one of the punched flowers as the base. I cut one petal from one of the remaining punched flowers and curled it to form the centre of the rose. The five remaining petals from that flower were shaped with my bone folder and the two outer petals adhered together. The final punched flower had two petals removed and adhered together, then the remaining petals were shaped and adhered together.  The rose was sprayed with perfect pearls mist once it was formed, and this is a close up:

 The stalk was made using a cotton bud wrapped in green crepe paper.

For the small red flower, I used three of the smaller die cut flowers and inked the edges of each flower with distress ink.  I am afraid I do like my distress inks . To create the curled petal effect, I just sprayed each flower with water and placed them one at a time in the palm of my hand.  Using the blunt end of my bone folder, I gently twisted and turned the folder to and fro in the centre.  Due to the water softening the fibres in the paper, the flower folded itself in but I did have to press firmly down. This was repeated with the other two flowers and then the three were adhered together onto another cotton bud wrapped in crepe paper.  Of course, I had to get my perfect pearls mist out again to spray the flower!

I really should have taken photos of this stage, so apologies for that. If you would like more details on how to make this flower, then just leave a comment below. This is the completed flower:

This is such an easy template to use and you can keep it simple or really dress it up and make it your own.  This flower pot is now sitting one the shelf of my desk and I plan to make more of these as it looks so effective.

Supplies used:

• Favor Bucket by Girl Boy Girl Designs
• A is for Apple Boutique Collab Kit
• Scalloped Mat cutting file (no longer available)
• Tin pail from Target
• Mega Circle Punch

The first step was to re-size the Favor Bucket so that it would fit my tin pail after it was cut.  To do this I just enlarged the cutting file as big as it would go on the 12×12 cutting mat in the Silhouette Studio software.  I used some red cardstock and let the Cameo do its magic.

The Cameo makes creating these kinds of items so easy!  All I had to do was fold on the scored lines and tape it together.  It was the perfect size to hold my tin pail.

I wanted to add a bit of flair to the bucket so I printed out some of the papers from the A is for Apple digital kit.  There were so many beautiful papers to choose from, I had a hard time picking which one to use!  I added a strip of paper to the front of the bucket and then glued on a scalloped mat cut from blue cardstock.

I wanted a simple ‘Thank You’ message on the front of the bucket so I created a file in Photoshop of circles with the phrase ‘Thank you’ sized perfectly to be cut out with my Mega circle punch.

This is a close-up of the bucket with a bit of flair added.

Last thing I did was create some Teacher Appreciation notecards to go with the gift.  I used a variety of files from the A is for Apple digital kit.  This kit is chock full of great papers and embellishments!  This is the one that I used on my gift.

I created a total of 10 Teacher Appreciation notecards.  If you would like to download them for free, come check them out on my blog.

Before we get to this week’s challenge, I need to announce our favorite peeps from the last challenge which was to use flowers.

In no particular order, our favorite peeps are:

• Donna BMC 
• Lis-M 
• lalkygirl 

Congratulations! Here is a badge for your blog:

Now on to our next challenge. As Summer is approaching, I’d like to pay homage to SPRING. So show me your Spring cards!

Here is mine using Flowers After the Rain Collab Kit by Wishing Well Creations and Sugarplum Paperie.