This is for Mel!

This is a LONG overdue post...for Mel Stampz. Mel is a tireless creator of templates and amazing step-by-step instructions for all kinds of thrifty uses of all kinds of materials.

I saw these ADORABLE picture snowman here. I, clueless as I am, had a question or two despite her excellent tutorial. So late, late at night I shot Mel an email for clarification and to my disbelief she shot one back seconds later!

So here is 'my' um variation (okay they are almost identical) of the Photo Snowman. I made these for Christmas and used them as Placeholders! My kids are 3 and 5 and they immediately knew just where they were sitting (and then proceeded to tell everyone else). One tip I found out the hard way...let the puffy paint dry overnight it makes ALL the difference in the puff...and you don't 'toast' it trying to get it to puff more...like I did in haste to get them done.

Anyway, I just loved this project and thought on this sunny day (70 degrees here...despite the 8 inches of snow we had on Tuesday) it would be a fun thing to share! Also Mel has been a bit under the weather...so shoot on over to her blog and spread some cheer! Afterall it's not just for Christmas! I filled mine with Ghiradelli chocolate squares which made them a take home treat! Also, with last minute changes to my list of people it took me minutes to switch out the picture (I just printed them on regular paper) and slip them in. I only glued the bottom bit so the picture was removable.

Supplies Used:

• Paper: White cardstock (WalMart); DCWV Stack;
• Accessories: White puffy Paint Pen
• Tools: Cuttlebug Folder SnowDots; Standard Hole Punch

Wine Bottle Hanger...works like a charm!

We went to a good ole Memorial Day party...and the hostess had everything covered. But being Italian...I can't walk in empty handed...I just can't!!! So we of course brought wine...and well wine is boring...so I made a little Wine Bottle Hanger. Can I just say these are the coolest things!!!

They are very quick to 'throw' together...an added bonus for me (because being the slowest stamper in the universe this project took me 3 days). Typically stampers put candy/chocolate in the little pouch, I put in 3X3 cards and handmade envelopes. Because the main image was popped up it only fit two...but that was okay. The hostess' tween girls went nuts for them...so I felt appreciated. I might just make a few for the girls. And I got a little promotion as MY daughter upon seeing the empty hanger on the table announced to the whole party..."My MOM made this!" Thank God she is 3 and adorable!

The base of the hanger was some Paper Company cardstock from Michaels...usually I like heavier cardstock, but in this case (and with the layering) the thinner cardstock actually works better...especially for embossing! So the base was turquoise, I used a piece of DCWV Stack 3 turquoise, yellow, green dots paper, then a turquoise square embossed with the Cuttlebug Textile Embossing Folder, a white (Mega Pink Marvy Punch) scallop circle, a turquoise (Super Blue Marvy Punch) scallop circle of DCWV striped paper...with each scallop bump punched with a 1/8" punch. Layered on top of that is a 1.5" circle embossed with Cuttlebug Playful Circles and finally a Punched Daisy with a silver brad. I came up with this layout after the 3X3 cards...but liked it better than the monogram I did do.


The 3X3 cards are very simple and straightforward. I embossed a strip of turquoise cardstock with the Cuttlebug Textile. I dug out my 1/16" hole punch and used that on the Scallop Circle...I think it is a much better look and more forgiving to uneven punching (LOL). Finally the Cuttlebug Embossed Playful Circles was embossed and the "L" monogram was stamped with TAC Ancient Alphabet in Palette Noir. I forgot to mention I highlighted the embossing on the circle with turquoise glitter chalk...but of course that doesn't show up in the picture. I even made matching handmade envelopes click here to find out how to make your own.

Thanks for looking...and reading my diatribe! I hope it was clear....probably not!

Snowflake 2-5-7-10 box

I would like to share with you a quick and easy box that can fit quite a few little trinkets! The instructions were posted on SCS by Jenn Balcer I'll copy them here and provide a link. Then give you a few tips of my own in pink of course !

Position cardstock lengthwise. Using scoring blade on paper trimmer, score cardstock at 2", 5", 7", and 10".

Turn cardstock, and score at 2" and 7".

Stamp scored cardstock as desired. I did this before scoring because I hate it when I can see the seam!!! Although if you are trying to center a pattern for effect...stamp afterwards.

Hold cardstock horizontally with the 2" section at the top.Use scissors to cut off all but one 2" tall section from the top of the cardstock as shown. This will be the flap closure for the box. Cut the narrow piece at an angle to create tab for adhesive. Make vertical cuts at the bottom to create 1 1/2" tall flaps, and cut off the narrow piece. This will be the bottom of the box.

Use scalloped scissors for a faster decorative edge. I didn't have Scallop Scissors so I used the ones I had...not sure their exact name.

Use a bone folder or other straight edge to sharply crease all scored lines to shape box.Apply Sticky Strip close to side tab's score line.Remove red liner, and carefully construct box. I used YES glue, it take a bit to dry, but then is pretty darn indestructible. I use my bone folder to get inside the box and rub down the glued edges to get a really tight seal...then clip with clothespins until the glue sets.

Fold small flaps toward center of box, and large flaps over small flaps.Apply Sticky Strip to outside edge of large flap under what will be the box front.Remove red liner, and apply pressure to finish bottom of box.

Line up front of box with back of box at top and pinch together. Release. Punch two holes in flap with 1/8" handheld punch.

Pull flap down to close box, and use a pen to mark where holes were punched.Use 1/8" handheld punch to punch holes at markings. I used my vertical slot punch because I wanted to thread my ribbon through and not tie a bow.

Thread ribbon through holes on box. Center ribbon.

Stamp scrap cardstock (here, the largest layer is 2 3/4" square), embellish, and adhere to box front with Stampin' Dimensionals.Enjoy filling and giving!

For this specific box...

Stamps: TAC Snowflakes, TAC Winterflakes LEPaper: white cardstock, TAC NavyInk: Kaleidacolor Blue BreezeAccessories: Ribbon