Monday, September 24, 2012

Pumpkin Treat Boxes


I have to let you in on a little secret. This new mom of a college student is struggling! It has only been six weeks since my son, Daniel, unpacked his bags at college. There is barely a day that goes by that I don't think about him and pray for him. It is so exciting to see him flourishing at college. Still, I feel like I need to spoil my big guy and his roommate.

This weekend I pulled out 2 Crystal Light plastic packages that I have been saving for this project. They were the perfect size for stashing candy, gift cards, laundry quarters, gum, or trail mix. The labels peeled off easily too.

The Autumn Damask and the Elegant Fronds Background Stamps were perfect for the pumpkins. I used the Shabby Chic Autumn Leaves to make leaves for the pumpkin boxes. I stamped the background stamps twice side-by-side. After stamping I cut the orange paper leaving about 1/4" inch at the top and bottom and 1/2" to one end. I used clear tape to tape the paper to the canister. I practiced a few times before securing it with hot glue. The canister tapers a bit. I had to work it so it didn't extend over the edge. I also cut a small piece to glue to the lid.

Pumpkins grow on beautiful vines. I used a brown pipe cleaner threaded through the lid and secured with a button for the vine. After I threaded both ends through the lid I curled the pipe cleaner over a pencil. (Looking aback at my photos I should probably add a piece of paper to cover the lovely hot glue shining through the thin plastic.)




The sentiment from the Shabby Chic Autumn Leaves was perfect. I stamped the leaves on printed paper and added a bit of distress. All the paper was from my paper stash. I have been collecting paper for years. This green plaid paper is from an old DCWV "The Guys Stack". I bent the leaves to give them a bit of shape and then used hot glue to add them to the pumpkin box.


Added Antique Autumn Tags One, buttons, die cut foliage from the Samantha Walker Spellbinder Die Templates Botanical Swirls and Accents, and twine for a bit of extra embellishment. I used the Antique Tag Dies to die cut the Antique Autumn Tag. My youngest son said that they ended up a bit girlie. Down deep I know Daniel will probably just toss this after he enjoys the goodies. That is ok. My mission was just to let him know that I am missing him.

Now you know my secret! It is going to be a long 9 months without Daniel. I would love to hear your clever gift ideas for me to make for my homesick son!

Grace & Peace,
Amy

Saturday, September 22, 2012

September Release

Today was a perfect day! The temperatures are cooling down. Thinking about pulling out a sweater to keep by the door. Football is taking over our TV. That means that Autumn is here. With Autumn comes the September 2012 JustRite Release. It has been very difficult keeping this one quiet.



Inspired by the changing leaves I selected this background pattern. The JustRite Design Team have done a beautiful job creating projects to showcase the September Release. Stop by the JustRite Papercraft Blog to see all the beautiful work.



I have loved seeing all the layering that my stamping friends have been using. This Lace Background stamp can be used in so many ways. Aside from a typical background use it can be layer with another image on top or stamped in a nice tone-on-tone for a subtle background. I think you will enjoy this cling background stamp.



I have loved all the doilies that the design team has been using. When Kellie asked me to design lace that fits into the JustRite Papercraft dies I knew I was up for the challenge. Now you can have your lace and cut it out too! I have loved seeing the team use it in white with embossing.



This JustRite large format clear stamp was designed to match the Spellbinder Die Templates S5-147 Resplendant Rectangles and S5-148 Decorative Labels Eight. We had fun mixing and matching the words. The butterfly also matches a Spellbinders Die Template LF-006 Donna Salzar's Wonderful Wings. 





Happy stamping! I can't wait to show you what I am working on for October! 
Grace & Peace,
Amy