Layered circles gift bag

Hi everyone! I'm back today to share a little gift bag I crafted up recently.  I thought this style of bag would be super cute for something flat, maybe even a gift card or some photos you're giving as a gift.

Made with simple circles cut from patterned paper, it came together super easy.  For a cute little way to keep it closed, I just glued on a strip of patterned paper to an old fashioned clothes pin.

Now I'm in the mood for Fall and Halloween, so check back for upcoming projects that are perfect for the season!

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Watercolor Encouragement

It's the start of a new week!  At the close of last week I received some great news... .two more of my submissions have been accepted for publication in PaperCrafts Magazine.  So excited about that and I can't wait to hold the edition in my hands!
But still, it's Monday today and not everyone is excited about about returning to the weekly routine.  My kids always seem to be dragging on Monday morning and it takes a little more encouragement to get them moving. For them, some silliness definitely helps, and of course the smell of bacon never hurts!
For encouraging others, sometimes a little card to let them know you're thinking of them is just the ticket!  I created this one to have in my stash if ever someone I know needs that little boost.

I used Savoy 100% Cotton cardstock for this card. I absolutely love water coloring on it and I really like the natural texture to it.  I first heat embossed my image so that it would resist the water color.  I washed on the color using a water color brush, water and reinker bottles.

Enjoy, and I hope your week is starting off with a bang!

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Nautical "Good Luck"

Happy Friday to you!  I'm so ready for the weekend; it looks like the weather is going to be gorgeous here in western Montana, so we will be outside as much as we can.  Before I know it, I'll be up to my knees in snow, so I have to enjoy nice days while I can.
While the weather isn't quite warm enough for a lake day, I still have a nautical card to share with you!

I can't resist the combination of red, white and blue with an anchor.  Maybe that's the Navy in my blood, or the fact that I married a deep-sea diver.
Enjoy your weekend, and I will be back with more to share next week!

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Just for You Gift Bag!

Happy start of a new week!  I'm back today with another Fall looking project.  I thought this would make a cute way to pass along a little gift or some goodies for someone.  

I started by cutting a window opening from my gift bag, using a die.  I stamped my flower image twice, once on the piece that will cover the die cut opening, and one that I will die cut with the flower die from the coordinating set.
I colored both flowers using Copic markers, then "popped" up the die cut flower using some dimensional adhesive.
I stamped the sentiment just big enough to fold over the bag and then stitched the whole thing closed with a quick run on my sewing machine.  Enjoy!

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"Hello Fall" Card

I love everything Fall.  Leaves, crisp air, football games, soup in the crockpot, anything pumpkin spice flavored....you get the idea.  I find this season inspires my crafting as well because I love the warm colors and natural textures.  Here's a little "Hello Fall" card I made:

 I used Savoy 100% cotton for the base of the card, and I stamped my leaves and sentiment on it as well.  I love the look of the cardstock and it's organic feel is perfect!

This simple background stamp I used added just the right backdrop for my warm colored leaves.  Instead of giving them a lot of dimension, I adhered them with mini glue dots placed toward the center of the leaves.  This lets the edges stay a little lifted.  I added just a few natural looking embellishments to finish off the card.

Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy Fall!

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The School Year Begins

First day of school selfie! I am just as nervous and excited for them as I was on their first day of kindergarten. I love my boys!  They sent me off for my first day of the semester last week, and today it's their turn.

After dropping them off, I had a moment.... It really hit me hard, especially as I thought of my oldest entering 7th grade.  My nerves got the best of me as I considered his new challenges for the day - having a locker instead of a desk in homeroom, a full schedule shifting classes each period.  It turns out he did great and came home quite impressed with 7th grade.  My youngest had an awesome day too, and he seems really happy with his teacher.

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Fall Favor Box

Sharing the Fall Favor box I created for the CutCardStock Blog, as part of their Design Team!

I wanted to share a cute little favor box I made using my favorite brown cardstock, the woodgrain textured Nature Gmund cardstock.

I used the We R Memory Keepers Gift Box punch board to score and punch the box perfectly.  With this great tool, I can create so many different sized boxes.  The Nature Gmund cardstock is perfect for this.... it's sturdy but still great for scoring and folding.

I die cut leaves from Basis Dark Orange and Flavours Gourmet Caramelized Mustard, and paired with my burlap style ribbon, it's super festive for the Fall!  This favor box would be great for a Fall bridal shower or other special occasion.

Happy Crafting, Amber

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