Make a simple hinge close treat favour box - 4 from one sheet A4 cardstock

Box making for beginners with this simple hinge close little Love Hearts treat or favour box. Make 4 from one sheet of A4 cardstock. Get ahead of the craft fair and Christmas rush.

Box making can be quite daunting when you start, learning where to score and cut and how to put a box together that will close easily and be straight and perfect.  Well I have tried to show you with an easy to follow step by step video tutorial how box making can be simple and easy to achieve giving perfect results every time and the best bit is that you can get 4 boxes from a single sheet of A4 cardstock.

Measurements

1 piece of Blackberry Bliss cardstock cut at 4" x 5 1/2" (make 4 from one sheet of cardstock)

Score on 4" side at 1" and 3"

Score on 5 1/2" side at 1"and 2 1/2" and 3 1/2" and 5"

Perennial Essence patterned paper  cut at 

2 at 1 3/4" x 1 1/4"

2 x 3/4" x 1 1/4"

2 x  1"  x  1 1/4" (these can be cut out of the little scraps that you have left over from card making)

Use the Simply Scored score board to score all your lines (this score board is also available in metric)

This little treat box will hold two mini packs of Love Hearts and so to keep the "love" theme I used the Well Written Dies which have 24 word dies.

To make the little thumb hold use a circle hole punch, if the punch is a large size then put the thumb hole in before closing the box.

Here is the step by step video tutorial to show you just how simple box making can be. I hope you enjoy and have a go at making this little love heart treat box.

Stampin Up Beauty & Joy with Stamparatus to create Christmas Wreath card.

The Stamparatus positioning tool makes card making super easy and if you want to make a Christmas wreath then with my DIY wreath builder it is a cinch.

This wreath uses just one stamp from the new Beauty & Joy stamp set available 4th September 2019 in the new Autumn/Winter catalogue. Send me an email allmark.j@sky.com and I will post a copy of the catalogue in the post to you free of charge if you live in the UK, Austria, France or Germany so you will be ready to order your Christmas goodies and so much more.

Alternatively you can view a pdf copy of the catalogue in my shop and order from the 4th September when it goes live. So subscribe now so you are ready.

Want a discount on your crafting supplies then becoming a demonstrator with a starter kit of your choice of products before the end of August and get an extra £25in your kit and an £8 voucher to spend in September.  So that £155 of Stampin Up products for just £99.  Want to know more then just get in touch and I'd be happy to explain why becoming a Stampin Up demonstrator has changed my life for the better :)

Here is a step by step video to show you how I made this card and there is a link on the video to my DIY wreath builder template if you missed it.

Stuffed Envelope Swap Challenge with a Shabby Chic Feel.

I love doing swap challenges and over on the Joy of Sets Facebook Group there are always swaps and challenges going on. Shabby Chic is a style that I don't follow so this was going to be a challenge, but it is good to come out of your comfort zone and try something different.

At the time of writing this I have no idea who my swap partner will be, but as sometimes is the case, swappers don't always swap back, so I thought I would let you all see what I was sending and to keep a record for myself to look back on in the future.

So this is the completed stuffed envelope and it is full of lace and soft colours for the shabby chic feel.

The envelope was made with a 9" x 9" piece of cardstock folded corner to corner and then the flaps turned back to made several pockets.  I die cut some white butterflies, added a lace punch border round the edge of the pockets and finished it with some blue and lace ribbon.

There had to be a ribbon share, so I took a piece of cardstock and wrapped half a yard of 9 different types of ribbon width ways and then added a tenth and 11th piece of lace and twine vertically to hold it all together.  This was then put in a hand made envelope decorated with a doily and a tag.  Both these were left loose so the recipient can use them again.

The doily was held in place with some lace ribbon and the ribbons just poke out of the top so the recipient can see what they are.

Part of the swap rules was to add some die cuts and punched elements so I made some hand made envelopes from patterned paper and then filled them with an assortment of goodies and finished the envelope with another tucked in doilie and a couple of tags tied with some more ribbon.

Another little envelope filled with embellishments and other homemade bits an tied with ribbon over a free standing doilie that can be used afterwards.

A couple of tags and a journaling page or photo matt finished the project off.  I really enjoyed making these ad although was quite time consuming and took me a week or so doing a little element a day in between my other crafting project it was great fun and I do so hope my recipient whoever it may be will enjoy and get to use all of the little pieces inside.

Halloween Treat Box - make 2 from one sheet of A4 cardstock

 Halloween fun! Make two treat boxes using one sheet of cardstock.

I love Halloween but in the UK it is no celebrated as much as elsewhere.  However we have Bonfire Night which is only a few days apart and as we tend to celebrate at the weekend due to work commitments both celebrations tend to link together.

This little treat box is an ideal little gift which can be filled with all sorts of sweets and goodies and would look good on a Halloween table for us adults that may be having a dinner party that weekend before the firework display.

These cute little boxes are 2 1/4" square with a hinged lid so will fit quite a few little treats.

Measurements and products needed

Black cardstock cut 7 1/2" x 4 1/2" (you can get 2 out of a standard sheet of cardstock)

score 1" and 3 1/4" on the short side 

score 1", 3 1/4", 4 1/4" and 6 1/2" on the long side

Mats for decorating

White 2 at 2" x 2"

7 at 2" x 7/8"

Dsp - 2 at 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"

7 x 1 3/4" x 1/2"

The designer series paper is called Monster Bash and is available 4th September in the new Autumn/Winter catalogue. A pdf link to the catalogue will be available on my blog but if you would like a catalogue sent in the post then drop me a line allmark.j@sky.com and I'll be happy to post one out to you.

Here is a step by step video tutorial so you can see how to make these boxes with some tips for making successful boxes every time.

Simple One Layer Christmas Card using New Snow Front Scene Builder stamp set.

Simple stamping is an easy way to create cards quickly and simply using just paper, stamps and ink and this lovely Christmas Card using the new Snow Front stamp set is just that.

This really is a super quick card to make. Using the Aqua Painter to create a simple wash background. Stamp the tree is Soft Suede and the ground in Smoky Slate, then using Cherry Cobbler for the little birds and the sentiment.

This card takes minutes so you make a whole batch ready for the Christmas rush and get ahead.

Step by step video tutorial to help you make this #simplestamping card.

Scene Building stamp set Snow Front, shimmery moonlit sky technique.

Create a lovely moonlit sky with lots of shimmer above a tree lined pool with a couple of deer with the New Snow Front scene builder stamp set.

This stamp set is in the new Autumn/Winter catalogue from Stampin Up launching 4th September 2019.  This will be available on my blog to view as a pdf but if you would like a catalogue posted to you and you live in the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium or the Netherlands then drop me an email allmark.j@sky.com and I'll be happy to pop one in the post.

You can't buy the stamp set until 4th September but the rest of the products used you can get now, just click the links.

Sponge brayers - 2 handles and 4 sponges for just £7.50 great for all sponging products to give a seamless finish.

Shimmer Paint - the gold and copper are on sale while stocks last at just £3, as they have been discontinued. (I used the gold on this project. The Frost White and Champagne Mist are current so are available for the next year.

I really love how this scene came together and it is really quite easy to achieve.  Take a look at my video tutorial and have a go and creating this lovely scene.

DIY Post it note magnetic memo board using 6" x 6" patterned paper

Make this great DIY post it note magnetic memo board ideal for craft fairs and stocking stuffers.

Buy the Brights 6" x 6" paper pad HERE to make this simple project.

The stamp set used is the new Beauty & Joy which is available in our new Autumn/Winter catalogue which launches on the 4th September 2019.  Want a copy of the catalogue? and live in the UK Austria, Germany, France, Belgium or the Netherlands then just drop me a line allmark.j@sky.com and I'll be happy to post one out to you.

The lovely dies to create personalised wording which I used for the notes is the Hand Lettered Prose dies buy them HERE

Here is the memo board on my fridge and I think the lovely bright colours really brighten up the room, ready for all my notes.

Measurements -

2 x 6" x 6" cardboard ( I used the backing board from our dsp packs)

1 piece of black cardstock 6" x 6"

1 piece of Flirty Flamingo cardstock 5 3/4" x 5 3/4"

post it note panel

1 x piece black cardstock 4" x 4"

1 x piece Flirty Flamingo cardstock 3 3/4" x 3 3/4"

1 x piece of white cardstock 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

stamped panel

1 x piece of black cardstock 1 3/4" x 4 3/4"

1 x piece of Flirty Flamingo cardstock 1 1/2" x 4 1/2"

1 piece of white cardstock 1 1/4" x 4 1/4"

Here is a step by step video tutorial to show you how to make this project

Create backgrounds & focal images using the NEW Beauty & Joy stamp set

The new Stampin Up Autumn/Winter catalogue is available 4th September get your FREE copy posted from me.

I can post a free copy of the Autumn/Winter catalogue if you are in the UK, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany or the Netherlands. Just drop me an email allmark.j@sky.com with your address details and I will pop one in the post.

The NEW Beauty & Joy stamp set has some lovely planters and plant images that are perfect all year round.  As it was a horrible wet day and not the heat of Summer as expected for August I chose a bright summery card using Melon Mambo.

Making use of the leaf stamp I stamped the background in Pear Pizazz which works perfectly with the bright Melon Mambo.

Here is a step by step video tutorial to show you how to achieve this lovely card.

Stampartus Simple One Layer Card using New Nature's Beauty & Beauty & Joy

The Stampin Up Autumn/Winter Holiday catalogue is available 4th September 2019. Get in touch for your FREE copy.

Today's sneak peek is the lovely Nature's Beauty and this will be a very special stamp set as £2.50 from every purchase will be donated to Mental Health Organisation.  So please do your bit and on the 4th September when this set is available buy your stamp set from my shop.

With Christmas fast approaching, I  know that us crafters try and get a head start on our card making and projects for the holiday season and with the launch of the Stampin Up Autumn/Winter catalogue on the 4th September there will be lots of choose from. Over the coming weeks I hope to share with you some of these products to help in your buying choices.

Postage is always something to consider when making cards as it seems to be getting more and more expensive and really does depend on the thickness of your card.  This card is a one layer card and uses the STAMPARATUS in my opinion the best positioning tool on the market. It makes creating this wreath super easy.

If you missed the DIY wreath template instructions see them HERE

Here is  a step by step video tutorial to show you how to make this card *please note that I used the Beauty and Joy new stamp set for the sentiment and the little berries to finish off the card, however this was after I had finished the video as I thought it needed a little extra something and decided to make it a Christmas card.

New Stampin Up Playful Penguins.

I just love penguins and this new stamp set available for customers 1st September 2019 called Playful Penguins works for Christmas cards and the rest of the year with some lovely friends sentiments.

Penguins are such an easy stamp to use as they can be stamped in a good black ink and then are good to go.  The detail and shading on this stamp set gives a perfect image.

There is a special joining offer during the month of August where you can choose £155 of products (and yes you can get items from the new Autumn/Winter catalogue early) for just £99 that is an extra £25 to spend (offer ends 31st August 2019) 

That's not all you also get an £8 coupon to spend the following month. Find out more about becoming a Stampin Up Demonstrator and getting a minimum of 20% off further purchases by looking at the JOIN button at the top of this page.

If you are one of my customers and have bought from me in the last 6 months I will be sending you a copy of the new Autumn/Winter catalogue in the post.  If you would like a copy of the new catalogue then just drop me an email - allmark.j@sky.com and I will be happy to pop one in the post FREE of charge.

Here is a step by step video tutorial to show you just how lovely the Playful Penguins is and how to make this pretty card.

Sunburst Technique with added Shimmer using DIY mask & Sponging

I love doing different background techniques and this Sunburst Technique uses a DIY mask, some sponging and some added shimmer.

I belong to a lovely facebook group called the Joy Of Sets and we send RAK's (random acts of kindness) which are cards that we send at random points in time to fellow crafters around the globe.  So a while ago I sent a RAK using this technique and it was very popular and I was asked it I could show how to create the background.

It is always a pleasure to know that something you have made wants to be shared and so I was delighted to oblige (even though it has taken me a few weeks lol, as to be honest I had completely forgotten about it.)

So here are the cards. I have stepped it up a bit by adding our Frost White Shimmer Paint

This technique is really easy to achieve with a DIY mask.

Follow the step by step video tutorial to see how

Thanks for watching and if you have not already please look at subscribing to my blog and YouTube channel.  As my subscribers know I post three times a week and try to keep things different and exciting, giving you the ideas so you can build on the themes and create your own cards and projects.

Upcycling Paper Napkins - DIY Create Your Own Candle Designs.

I enjoy upcycling where I can and when I was given a pretty napkin at a recent Crafternoon Tea I knew exactly what I was going to do with them, decorate a candle.

This is a really simple project and takes only a few minutes to create a beautiful decorated candle.

What you need : -

A candle - choose a candle that is pure and the colour goes right to the core of the candle. Coated candles do not work with this technique.

Greaseproof paper - can easily buy this at most supermarkets

A Heat tool - heat the gun up first before using to ensure candle melts evenly.

Paper napkins of your choice.  Separate the napkin so you are using just one layer. Most napkins are 2 or 3 ply which means they are made up of several layers stuck together, but can be easily pulled apart

Watch the step by step video tutorial and then give it a go.  It really is such a simple technique and creates a beautiful gift for someone or just keep it for yourself.

Joy of Sets Tic Tac Toe Challenge - #JOSTTT008 Jane Allmark Design Team

It's that time again the Joy of Sets Tic Tac Toe Challenge for August and my goodness the grid this month was fun. I chose YELLOW - ANIMAL - SCHOOL as I thought that would be a real challenge.

I decided to do a first day at school theme and the This Little Piggy stamp set was the perfect little cutie to portray that thrill and excitement of the first day of school.

The back pack or satchel was a little more difficult but I found a little case stamp that worked and then just drew some lines to attach it to the pig.

The yellow was easy with the lovely Brights 6" x 6" dsp patterned paper as it has this lovely Daffodil Delight check.

The words were from the retired Labeller Alphabet which I still use all the time for personalised wording.

This card really made me smile as I remember all those little ones in my family running off to school on their first day.

So why don't you have a go at this month's challenge and if you are chosen as the winner you get to be a Guest Designer for the following month.

Here's the grid

so you can see there is lots to choose from. Follow the link HERE and look forward to seeing your entry.

Simple Origami interlocking box using 6" x 6" patterned paper

The art of Origami is folding paper without scissors or glue to create projects and this simple box using 6" x 6" patterned paper is perfect for holding a variety of treats and gifts.

I used the Brights patterned paperas there is a great selection of gorgeous bright colours, perfect for making these little boxes.  Fill them with treats, a piece of jewellery, tea lights or any little gift you might want.

The size of the box is 2 1/4" square and 1" deep so a good size for a gift.

Finish it with some ribbon and a tag.

Here is a step by step video tutorial to show you how easy it is to make these boxes.
Have fun and enjoy.