Christmas Gift Ideas #1 Mini Smarties treat boxes

Christmas is coming and with lots of gifts and stocking fillers to give this series of 12 tutorials which help you make it easier. #1 is a little gift box made to hold mini smarties. Make 25 of them and make an advent calendar.

My Stampin Up website has my shop and links to all my social media so check it out HERE
https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/

Use whatever patterned you like and embellish to suit the recipient.

Here are the measurements 

Cardstock cut at 4 1/4" x 4 1/2" as there is only 1/4" difference ensure you score on the correct length.

On the 4 1/4" side score at 1/2" and 1 1/4" and 3 1/2"

On the 4 1/2" side score at 1/2" and 1 3/4" and 2 1/2" and 3 3/4"

If you want to matt the box then cut your matts 1/8" smaller or 1/4" smaller depending on how wide a matt you choose.

2 for front and back 2 1/8" x 1 1/8

2 for sides 2 1/8" x 3/4"

2 for ends 1 1/8" x 3/4"

For a great selection of patterned paper and cardstock visit my shop HERE

Here is a step by step video tutorial to make these boxes

10 Crafty Questions Challenge tagged by AntonioMakes

Ever wanted to know a little bit more about me and my crafty passion? Well I was invited by fellow Youtuber AntonioMakes to take part in the 10 Crafty Questions Challenge, which has been doing the rounds so here are the 10 questions asked and my answers : -

1. Your name
2. How did your channel name come about
3. Favourite craft
4. Favourite shopping place for craft material
5. 5 top crafters you enjoy the most
6. favourite colours
7. Where does love of craft come from
8. When did first start crafting
9. Favourite craft so far
10. Favourite Craft tool.

To continue this on we were asked to invite some other crafters to take part.

Mine are Fiona from the facebook group The Joy of Sets and Andrea from Craft Little Things

There links are below so you can visit and see their wonderful work

Crafty Little Things

AntonioMakes

The Joy of Sets facebook group

If anyone else has a YouTube channel or Facebook group and would like to have a bit of fun with this challenge, then please feel free to use me as your tag.

Hope you enjoyed finding out a little bit more about me in this bit of fun and will be back to my crafting passion with videos and blogs now.

Make a simple Christmas Card with hidden money wallet/gift card inside

For those that don't give presents for Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries, Money Wallets or Gift Cards are a great alternative.  This simple Christmas card had a hidden money wallet/gift card holder inside.

This card uses the following products. Click on them to buy now - 

Tartan Paper - Wrapped in Plaid

Perfectly Plaid stamp set & punch with 10% discount

Inside the card is a holder for money or a gift card 

The holder for the money or gift card is an integral part of the card and is done with some simple scoring and folding.

To find out how easy this is to make watch my step by step video tutorial.

How to make a Santa Dog using Happy Tails & Playful Penguins from Stampin Up

amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net

Turn the cute dog from Happy Tails stamp set into a Christmas dog with scarf and Santa hat from Playful Penguins stamp set.

The sentiment Always By Your Side is perfect for our faithful hounds as they are always by our side and I used some of the gorgeous Christmas ribbon. I thought that the little piece of the ribbon sticking out at the side looked like the label tags on a mans check shirt.  The paper is the Wrapped in Plaid which is tartan gold striped on one side and silver and white patterns on the other. Love our papers are all double sided, so you can choose to mix and match as you so wish.

If you don't want to fussy cut the dog then the Dog Builder Punch is something you will want to add to your shopping list.

Here is a step by step video tutorial showing how to make this project.  Enjoy and have a go and send some Santa dog cards to all your dog loving friends this year.

Don't Miss Out On This 24 Hour Stamp Sale from Stampin Up

Wednesday 23rd October 2019 get 15% off a large selection of stamps in this 24 hour flash sale. Don't miss out. Get these stamps through my shop HERE

Go across to my Stampin Up Website to see more details and shop
https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ Click HERE to go straight there.

I have done a 15 minute video going through all of the stamp sets which are included in this 15% off 24 hour sale so you can see exactly which one's are on offer.

Partial Die Cutting without a die cutting machine #11 Christmas Crafting on a budget.

#11 Christmas crafting on a budget and it is a technique. Partial Die cutting without a die cutting machine or trimmer or craft knife.  All you need is a pencil, scissors and a ruler and the stamp set of your choice.

I have used Playful Penguins as the images are simple to stamp in black with no need for colouring and they are a simple shape to cut out.

Grid paper is very useful for this technique as it allow you to line up easily and your ruler will be guided for straight lines.

We have 4 different styles of grid paper including some fun Christmas so take a look HERE

It is easier to explain this technique visually, so here is a step by step video

Visit my Stampin Up website for current updates, special offers and to shop - https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ or click the link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget - #10 Simple peek a boo card using Nature's Beauty

#10 of my series Christmas Crafting on a budget is a simple peek a boo card using Nature's Beauty stamp set 9 images for £20.

Nature's Beauty is a set for all wildlife lovers with a deer, fox and rabbit, which can be used all year round for any occasion.  As this is Christmas we are going to make an easy peek a boo card.

The whole card uses just the stamps from Nature's Beauty apart from the sentiment which is taken from Beauty & Joy which we used for #1 - 5# in this series.

Watch the video tutorial for a step by step instructions to make this card.

Christmas Crafting on a budget #9 Nature's Beauty Arctic Foxes

Nature's Beauty is the stamp set we are using this week for 5 different projects with this one stamp set for our Christmas Crafting on a budget.

This card is made using Smoky Slate ink which is a lovely soft grey.

Watch the video for a step by step tutorial to show you how to make this card.  Thank you for subscribing to my channel and clicking the notification bell so you don't miss any of this series.

Go to my Stampin Up website for current products, special offers and to shop https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net// Click the link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget #8 Nature's Beauty Winter Trees

Nature's Beauty is a 9 piece stamp set for £20 and £2.50 from each set will be donated to a mental health charity, making a difference and giving something back.

This is number 8 in my series of Christmas Crafting on a budget, where we take one stamp set and make 5 different projects making the most of the stamp set and making it budget friendly and great value for money.

This card is made easily using just 2 ink pad colours Pacific Point and Pool Party with a basic black for stamping the trees with.

#simplestamping is all about taking a few supplies and creating a beautiful card, quickly and simply and this really fits the bill.

Take two pieces of torn copy paper to mask your area and work with the two blues to create a background. Stamp the trees in the black ink and your card is done.

Watch my step by step video tutorial to see how and thanks so much for subscribing and clicking the notification bell so you haven't missed any of the videos.

Visit my Stampin Up website for current deals, special offers and to shop https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/. Click the link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget #7 Nature's Beauty cards & box gift set

Christmas Crafting on a budget #7 is a beautiful set of cards and box ideal for a gift set for Christmas or any occasion.

https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ Visit my Stampin Up website for latest products, special offers and to shop. Click on the link HERE

This beautiful elegant set uses the Brightly Gleaming Speciality Designer Series Paper 12 sheets of double sides 12" x 12" papers with copper foiled elements on one side. Buy the Nature's Beauty stamp set HERE

Here is the video tutorial to show you how to make this lovely project. Click on the drop down description box for the link through to the video for making the box, which we did a few weeks ago.

Christmas Crafting on a budget #6 Nature's Beauty Deer in the Frost card

Welcome to my Christmas Crafting on a budget series showing you how to make the most of a single stamp set and make 5 totally different projects and gift ideas for the festive season.

Today is project #6 and we are using Nature's Beauty a very special 9 piece stamp set for £20.  Every stamp set that is sold Stampin Up are donating £2.50 to mental health charities so it is a way of giving back.

Buy this stamp set HERE and have fun with my series and help give a little back to help others.

This beautiful deer image has just been simply washed with colour and the background stamped using the foliage stamp in pool party to look like frost creeping across the card.

Visit my Stampin Up website for the latest products, special offer and to shop https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ Click on the link HERE

Here is the step by step video tutorial and thank you all for subscribing to my channel and clicking the notification bell so you don't miss any of this series.

Review & Comparison New Stampin Up Paper Trimmer available soon.

The New Stampin Up Paper Trimmer, available soon for customers, as a demonstrator I have been able to order and I will give you my honest opinion, review and comparison to the recently retired trimmer.

Well first thoughts and I am quite impressed. What I like -

• Arm which measures up to 17"
• Centrally located blade with centre hold for easier cutting
• Lighter
• Hanging hole so can be stored on the wall in the craft room
• little wheel in scoring blade which scores deeper and better
• Replacement blades come in pack of 4
• Easy to see measurements for accurate cutting

These are a few first impressions and I will let you know how it fairs up to daily use over the coming weeks.

First impressions I like it.  I loved the recently retired trimmer but for £23 it is not a high budget item so am happy to move on a use this new trimmer.  Having the Stampin Up name behind it I know that it will be of high quality and if I have any problems they will be rectified with just a phone call.

I have made a video so you can see for yourself.  Demonstrators are able to buy the new trimmer now, so if you can't wait and have thought about becoming a demonstrator, then now is the time.

We havn't got a launch date for customers yet, but as soon as we do I will let you know.

Joy of Sets Tic Tac Toe Challenge Blog #JOSTTT010 - Jane Allmark Amethystarcrafting Design Team

Welcome to the October Tic Tac Toe Challenge Blog entry for the design team.

The line of chose for this month was LEAVES - SILVER - GLIMMER

One of my favourite stamp sets and dies is the Seasonal Layers Diesand the coordinating Colourful Seasons stamp set.  These lovely leaves were die cut with silver and glimmer card and the Happy Birthday was embossed in silver.

Here is the grid for this month so you can join in. Just click the link HERE. If you entry is chosen as the winner you get a winners badge and get to be Guest Designer for the following month. Join in the fun and have a go.

Christmas Crafting on a budget #5 Beauty & Joy Full Topiary Holly Tree

Welcome to number 5in my series of Christmas Crafting on a budget. Todays card uses the Beauty & Joy stamp set.

This is a gorgeous full topiary holly tree decorated with stars, rhinestones and red pearls.  Topiary is the art of trimming a hedge or tree into a pretty pattern and this stamp has been used four times to create a larger tree two different coloured tones.

Watch my video tutorial to see how to make this and please click the notification bell and subscribe so you don't miss any of this series.

Next week a different stamp set used in several different ways to get the most out of each stamp and make it another budget friendly choice.

Visit my Stampin Up website for current promotions, special offers and to shop - https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ click link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget #4 Classic Silver Tree Christmas Card

Welcome to day 4 of my Christmas Crafting on a budget. Todays card is a classic silver tree Christmas card.

We are still using the one stamp set Beauty & Joy a 13 piece set for just £15 so very budget friendly.  Today we have used heat embossing and some silver embossing powder and then added some pearls which I have coloured using a red alcohol marker.  This is a very budget friendly way to make any coloured pearl embellishment without the expense of buying separate colours. Just use an alcohol marker to colour. I used the dark cherry cobbler blends.

Follow the step by step video tutorial and don't forget to hit the notification bell and subscribe so you don't miss any of this series.

https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ Visit my Stampin Up website for product launches, special offers and to shop . Click on the link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget - #3 Pretty tags using Beauty & Joy stamp set.

Welcome to number 3 of my series on Christmas Crafting on a budget.  Beauty & Joy is the stamp set we are using. 13 stamps for just £15 and this is the third of five projects using this one stamp set.  When you purchase a stamp set you want it to be used for multiple projects and card ideas to get your money's worth.  This is where I come in with some ideas and inspiration to make the most out of the products you buy.

I have a very large list of family and friends to make for at Christmas, from stocking filler ideas to bits that I can add to hampers and Christmas boxes and then of course there are the cards to make.  So being frugal and budget conscious is very important to me.  This is where the idea of this series came from as I know I am not the only one.

So todays project is tags.  Now this year with everyone becoming more planet friendly and trying not to use s much glittered fancy wrapping paper, brown paper is becoming very popular. Like the song brown paper packages tied up in string.

So these tags are made using Crumb Cake and Soft Suede cardstock oh and some Very Vanilla with a fun way to give added texture to the main image using the Beauty &Joy stamp set.

There is quite a list of punches that I used.  Punches are easy to use and last forever,so fall into my budget friendly.

Here are the punches used and links to buy - 

Circle punches - HERE

Leaf Punch - HERE

Sprig Punch - HERE

Perennial Flower Punch - HERE

Watch my step by step video tutorial to see how to make these pretty tags.

Christmas Crafting on a budget #2 Beauty & Joy tea light boxes

Welcome to day 2 of my Christmas Crafting on a budget series making Christmas easy and affordable. The stamp set we are using this week is Beauty & Joy a 13 piece set for just £15

These cute little tea light boxes hold a variety of sized single tealights.  The box measures 1 1/2" cubed so will fit two small tealights or one taller decorated tea light.

Measurements

Cardstock 6 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Score on 6 1/2" side at 1 1/2" and 3" and 4 1/2" and 6"
Score on 4 1/2" side at 1/2" and 2" and 3 1/2"

Watch my step by step video tutorial and make it along with me.  Please click the notification bell and subscribe so you don't miss any of this series. x

For up to date information, product launches, special offers and to shop visit my Stampin Up website - https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ or click link HERE

Christmas Crafting on a budget - #1 Beauty & Joy 4 x 2 Boxes

Welcome to the first of my series of Christmas crafting on a budget. With so many people to send cards and make gifts for at Christmas it can be a very expensive time of year.  In this series we are going to take one stamp set and use it for 5 different projects, all of which are simple, easy and achievable to make. Each week I will focus on just one stamp set or punch or patterned paper and show you how to get the most out of each one with 5 projects to make.

The first stamp set we are using is Beauty & Joy a 13 piece stamp set for just £15.

You can make 2 boxes from just one sheet of cardstock (A4 in the UK) and a standard sheet internationally.

These boxes are quick and easy to make.  Here are the measurements

Cut cardstock at 11" x 4" 

Score on the 11" side at 1" and 5" and 6" and 10"

Score on the 4" side at 1" and 3"

Here is my step by step video tutorial to show you exactly how to make these boxes. Subscribe and click the notification bell so you don't miss any of this series. Enjoy x

Don't forget my new Stampin Up website for all the special offers ,product information and of course to shop. https://amethystarcrafting.stampinup.net/ or click the link HERE