Blog Hop: Up, Up & Away Retirement Sale Showcase

Welcome to Richard’s first-ever Up, Up & Away Retirement Sale Showcase! The Make Amazing Girls are showing off some incredible projects, each featuring retiring products from Fun Stampers Journey. Make sure to visit each and every blog, because there’s a lot of inspiration to be had… and a chance to win prizes, too! And check out the incredible deals on fabulous stamp sets, patterned paper, and more HERE.

Here is the project I want to share featuring two of the retiring stamp sets called: Flower Stitch and Border Buddies. If you know Richard at all, you know that his favorite saying is "When in doubt....POP it OUT!"  And that's exactly what I did with this wonderfully colorful blossom adorning my pocket card!

Here's the steps I took to build my flower:

NOTE: You will have enough individuals petals to make up to 4 flowers at once if you choose.

1. Stamp one daisy stitched flower from the Flower Stitch set onto Whip Cream cardstock. Repeat for the number of flowers you wish to create (up to 4 without duplicating the following steps).
2. Using your Detail Pro Shears, cut out around these flowers approximately 1/8" from stamped images.
3. Stamp the same daisy stitched flower onto Riverstone, Orange Creamsicle, Lavender Fusion, Watermelon Fusion, Candy Apply, Pool Play, Lemon Grass and Banana Cream cardstock.
4. Before cutting out the individual petals, stamp the polka-dotted border stamp from Border Buddies across the petals of Riverstone, Orange Creamsicle, Lavender Fusion and Watermelon Fusion ONLY (TIP: Stamp the first border across the center of the stamped flower, re-ink your stamp then stamp again on the side, repeat re-inking and re-stamping for the remaining side.)
5. Grab a Whip Cream flower that you stamped in step one to use as the base to build your flower.
6. Cut out individual petals from each of your stamped flowers without the polka-dots (i.e. Candy Apple, Pool Play, Lemon Grass and Banana Cream) and adhere them over the petals on the Whip Cream cardstock using Small Foam Squares making sure to skip every other petal space.
7. For the polka-dotted petals you stamped in step 4, do the same. However, you will do a double layer of petals. So, first adhere a petal using a small foam square, then go back and adhere another petal on top using a foam square. This creates a wonderfully dimensional bloom.
8. Finish off the center with a Sparkle Drop.
9. Lastly, give your bloom some leaves that are cut from the patterned paper in the Journey Basics patterned paper pack.

Thanks for taking a look at my creation. I have listed all the supplies used for this project at the foot of this blog post. It is important for you to know the things I've used that are retiring are the two stamp sets: Flower Stitch and Border Buddies, and the patterned paper packs: Journey Basics and Black & White. All other products listed are NOT retiring! YAY!

You can only order these products through a Fun Stampers Journey Coach. A listing of those coaches can be found at www.funstampersjourney.com. If you need assistance locating one, please let me know and I'll be happy to give you some guidance.  You can email me using the link under my photo over there in the right-hand sidebar.

Here’s what you do:

• Visit each blog listed below
• Leave a comment on each blog; one winner from all comments received will win their choice of one retiring stamp set. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances to win!
• Comments close on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Midnight, PST.
• Return on May 8th to see the winner announcement on Richardgaray.com! 

Richard Garay
Kathy Martin
Tania Willis (that's ME!)
Angi Barrs
Mindy Baxter
Michelle Woerner
Laura Williams 
Fun Stampers Journey

Be sure to check out ALL the stops on this amazing blog hop and comment on each and every one to increase your chances for a FABULOUS prize!

Supplies:
Inks:
Black Licorice, Riverstone, Orange Creamsicle, Lavendar Fusion, Watermelon Fusion

Cardstock:
Riverstone, Orange Creamsicle, Lavendar Fusion, Watermelon Fusion, Candy Apple, Pool Play, Lemon Grass,Whip Cream, Banana Cream

Stamps:
Flower Stitch, Border Buddies

Die:
Pocket Card

Patterned Paper:
Journey Basics, Black & White

Embellishments:
Paper Clip Elements, Sparkle Drops

Adhesives & Tools:
White Liner, Journey Dots, Journey Foam Squares – Small, Crease Tool, Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer, Acrylic Block, Detail Pro Shears, Journey Grand Machine, Bloom Tool

Fiskars: Techniques for Altering A Canvas

stretching yourself creatively by trying new skills beyond your comfort zone of traditional paper crafting is good exercise and can be very liberating as you experiment in using some of your Fiskars tools beyond their typical scope.

that's exactly what i did with one of my latest project tutorials created for Fiskars.

i have to admit that it was super fun adding layer upon layer of paint and texture until i finally stepped back, admired my design, and called it complete.

if you've never altered a canvas before, you'll quickly learn that the beauty of altering a canvas is that once you start with the initial paint layers, you never really know quite how it will look in the end.

afterall, this canvas started out like this:

and then ended up like this:

to see the transformation and learn how to put your tools to work for you in a new way, visit my tutorial over on Fiskars.com: Spread Your Wings and Fly Altered Canvas by Tania Willis

Anthropologie-Inspired Lampshade Tutorial: 2nd Annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!! And for those of you who are new to this space, welcome.  I hope after you read today's tutorial that it will convince you that this space is worth bookmarking and visiting time and time again! :)

We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all of the thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could create for the holidays, all in one place, during our second annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!

As a participant, I was asked to share a handmade gift idea for the upcoming holiday season. So, today I have a tutorial to share on how to create your own Anthropologie-Inspired Lampshade using my Fiskars tools.

First you'll need to purchase a neutral colored lamp base and lamp shade (or, if you're frugal like me, thrift one from your local resale shop).  Then, place your shade in front of you with the seam at the back. Wrap your shade several times with baker's twine from The Twinery until you get a band the thickness you like.  Go slow and with each wrap around be sure to use your fingers to push the twine tightly together.

Next, use your Pretty Scallops Lever Punch XXXX Large and punch 4 scalloped circles from cross-stitch cloth. Punch a single circle using the Circle Lever Punch XXXX Large from the same cloth.

Fold each of the scalloped circles in half, then in half again. Place a dab of hot glue between the layers near the crease of the folds to hold it closed.

Then, place hot glue on the back of each wedge and adhere to the circle. Allow to cool.

Embellish the center with some coordinating ready-made embellishments. These are from the Saturday's collection by Little Yellow Bicycle. I just removed the bronze brads that came with them and inserted some colorful fabric-covered brads in their place. The felt texture of the petals and the linen texture of the leaves add subtle texture and compliment the cross-stitch material nicely.

Next, use your Circle Shape Template to trace several circles, varying in size, onto some colored canvas to create your own flower embellishment. Insert a fabric brad through the center. The pink flower was created in the same fashion as the scalloped flower cut from cross-stitch material using sheer organza fabric.

Use temporary adhesive, such as Removable Glue Dots to figure out your preferred placement of your flowers before using your hot glue gun to adhere them to the lamp shade.

Once you have a placement you are happy with, remove one flower at a time, remove the glue dot, and then hot glue the flower in place. Be sure to hold it in place until the glue cools so it doesn't shift on you. Lastly, to put your lampshade makeover in the 'over-the-top' category, add a plume of feathers cut from a feather boa.

All that's left to do is admire your super chic Anthropologie-Inspired Lamp Shade made on a budget!  Oh, and figure out how to wrap it up so you can gift it this holiday season! LOL.

So...back to the hop details:

To sweeten the Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors! Use the Rafflecopter widget on the Clearsnap blog to gain extra entries each day.

And the best news I have to share is that Fiskars is one of the sponsors!!! Can I hear a "whoooot, whoooot!?"

Visit the list of blogs below and leave a comment on each by Nov 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!
Clearsnap
Hampton Art
Graphic45
Fiskateers
Donna Salazar Designs
Tombow USA
Authentique Paper
The Twinery
Eileen Hull for Sizzix
Globecraft Memories
Diana Gonzalez – Clearsnap
Monika Wright – The Twinery
Gretchen McElveen - Hampton Art
Megan Aaron – Clearsnap 
Tania Willis – Fiskateers (you are here)
Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45
Suzanne Austin – Clearsnap
Shellye McDaniel – Authentique Paper
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre – Donna Salazar Designs
Jen Carter – The Twinery
Laura Denison – Graphic 45
Candy Spiegel – Globecraft Memories

Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season!

Happy Hopping!

Fiskars: Thanksgiving Gobble Gobble Mix featuring the Fuse Creativity System

crafting thoughtful homemade gifts to share with those you’re thankful for this holiday season doesn’t have to be costly or time consuming.

i've been jumping out of my skin waiting for the day when i could share my little tutorial on how to create these little gobblers. :)

it's what we've lovingly called "gobble, gobble" mix, because, well.........it's so good you're likely to gobble it all up in no time flat! 

it's a combination of homemade (or store-bought) chex mix, with peanut butter candy coated pieces, candy corn and cheerios all mixed together. a perfect combination of sweet and salty!

i chose to use my leaf die along with my Fuse Creativity System to letterpress to create two large leaves to act as the turkey's fan of feathers, but you could easily recreate this turkey with only using the oval punch if that's what you have available. the waddle on his beak is actually cut from the stem portion of the newest seasonal leaf squeeze punch.

putting it together is really as simple as gathering some scraps of cardstock and your favorite tools and piecing together "feathers" to embellish a spoon-shaped turkey head. this is a project that works up rather quickly. my older daughter and i crafted up several of these to hand out as gifts to her teachers, doctors and nurses.  she got a kick out of seeing their faces light up as she handed them over.

interested in making your own? you can see the full step by step tutorial with supply list posted on Fiskars' website: Thanksgiving Gobble Gobble Mix by Tania Willis

Coloring Fiskars Fuse Letterpressed Die-Cuts with Watercolors

with a little extra attention given in making this handmade gift bag you’re sure to have the recipient remember just as much about the packaging as they will about the gift inside! and while it looks like you spent more time making the gift bag than shopping for the gift inside, be assured that this project comes together in less than 30 minutes, including drying time! ready to see how?

first you’ll need to purchase a plain kraft gift bag. these are easily found, usually in bundles of 3, at your local dollar store. the front of the bag is embellished with wide strips of three coordinating patterned papers. just measure the width of your bag to determine how long to cut each paper strip. leave a 2” space of kraft bag showing along the bottom edge for a later step.

next, you’ll insert your “One of A Kind” press plate into the Scalloped Oval die cut, and place into the orange carrier. ink the press plate with black ink. remove from the orange carrier and place a 4 ½” square of textured white cardstock onto the press plate, textured side down. top with the cutting plate and crank it through the Fuse.

remove the die-cut and allow ink to dry for a few minutes. then, color in the image using a basic set of watercolor paints. allow paint to dry approximately 10 minutes before continuing.

next, use your 1/8” hand circle punch to punch a hole at each black dot around the perimeter. starting at the bottom center of the oval, start lacing a double strand of red baker’s twine through each hole all the way around. be sure to leave a small tail at the beginning so you can tie the ends together into a bow.

(i'm sorry Blogger keeps rotating this image sideways...gah.)

continue embellishing the letter-pressed die-cut by creating a paper doily ruffle. to do this, snip into each doily, then cut out the middle using a pair of detail scissors. adhere one end to the back of the die-cut using glue dots. continue adhering the doily with glue dots by pleating along the way to create a ruffled look.

once the ruffle is complete, you can embellish the cupcakes a little further with tiny beads or jewel stickers just to add a little sparkle.

stamp a birthday candle, from the Fiskars Birthday Cheer – Simple Stick Repositionable Stamp Set, repeatedly in the open space across the bottom of the bag. allow ink to dry briefly, and then embellish each candle flame with iridescent glitter glue.

and lastly, fill the bag with your gift and finish it off with some super fun tissue paper.

Supplies:
Lily White Criss Cross Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Imaginisce), Baker’s Twine (The Twinery), Jewel Stickers (Little Yellow Bicycle), Stickles Iridescent Glitter Glue (Ranger), Watercolor Paints (Crayola), Paper Doilies, Kraft Gift Bag, Tissue Paper

Tools:
Fiskars Fuse Creativity System Starter Set, Medium Design Set 0083, Medium Design Set Expansion Pack 0083, Trimmer, Non-Stick Detail Scissors, 1/8” Hand Circle Punch, Birthday Cheer Simple Stick Repositionable Stamp Set

Xyron Create A Sticker + LYB Acorn Hollow

this week the Little Yellow Bicycle design team has been strutting their stuff after using the Xyron Create A Sticker, while the Xyron designers have been showing off their skills with Little Yellow Bicycle's Acorn Hollow collection!  a blog swap hop! such fun!

boy, oh boy, this Xyron Create A Sticker Maker they sent for me to use is slick-stuff! if you've missed the week of inspiration, you'll want to keep reading, then hop over to the Little Yellow Bicycle blog and the Xyron blog and read back a few days worth of entries to see all the possibilities.

i’ll be honest, i used to get so frustrated with the limitations i had using my Xyron 1.5” Create A Sticker—you know the ever popular “X”. why? because, well, 1.5” just felt so limiting in my little creative world.

but, when Xyron sent me the 2.5” Create A Sticker…..wowza! it instantly changed my mind when it comes to sticker making. it’s amazing how freeing that extra inch can be in the world of crafting.

the first thing i noticed was no longer did i have that crinkly plastic film over the item i was stickering. And no longer did i have exposed adhesive! no sticky fingers, no messy glue, no fussing with glue dots (i’ve lovingly nicknamed them glue boogers….ha!).

what makes it even more awesome is that now, the backing material is even a bit different and my punches could go through it like butter! no more jammed punches.

so, for this layout, i ripped a handful of pages out of my 6x6 paper pad, and then trimmed them down to 1 ¼” wide. placed two strips side by side, but not overlapping, then cranked them through the Create A Sticker machine.

then I used a 1” circle punch to punch down the length of each patterned paper. In less than 5 minutes, i had 50+ 1” circles with edge-to-edge adhesive. all i needed to do was peel off the protective backing and stick them to my page.

so while the layered circle embellishing looks super fussy, reality is this page was constructed in 20 minutes tops!

Xyron 2.5” Create A Sticker? in my opinion, a must have in every scrapboooker’s tool arsenal. get yourself one!

Don't forget to stop over to the Little Yellow Bicycle blog for details on how you can win yourself some Xyron products in today's giveaway!

Acorn Hollow Journaling Cards	Acorn Hollow Stick Pins	Acorn Hollow Chipboard Shapes
Acorn Hollow Clear Cuts	Acorn Hollow 5 Things Pocket	Acorn Hollow Favorite Pieces Stickers
Acorn Hollow Fresh Verse Stickers	Acorn Hollow 6x6 Paper Pad	Fiskars 12" Rotary with LED

InLinkz.com

Fiskars: Family Shadow Box

i recently had the pleasure of creating my version of a family shadow box for a Fiskars assignment and the final result makes me ridiculously happy! 

the project started with pieces from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Printers Tray. you can read more details on the process in my tutorial over there (Family Shadow Box tutorial), but we are limited to the amount of photos that can be shared in a tutorial, so i wanted to use this space to share all the detail shots of the shadow box.

 i had gobs of fun shopping my supplies to come up with a unique collection of things that represent and are significant to our family. lots of symbolism in my choices.  like above, you see the W4 scrabble tile = W for Willis, 4 for family size. you also see the 'a' and 'e' = my girls' initials and a pink #2 = 2 girls.

4 corked bottles, again, symbolism for our family of 4, with three paper roses for myself and the two girls.

and a more masculine flower standing strong to represent my husband.

i wish i would have taken a photo of the tag holding these roses before cutting it to size to fit in this compartment.  it was a sweet manilla shipping tag with some lovely white lace wrapped around and the paper roses on top. something my friend special friend sherry handmade and gifted to me.  so it's extra special knowing it will live forever in this little spot to represent my family.

even though the base of my project is constructed from the boxes that rest inside of a Tim Holtz Idea-ology Print Tray, you don’t need to use this specific tray as your shadow box base. these are just heavy-weight chipboard/paper mache type compartments. if you prefer something with more stability, antique stores and flea markets are both great places to hunt for wood based printers trays or knick-knack boxes that will be perfect for this project.

InLinkz.com