The new dies in the Celebrations line are on the top of my shopping list right now. This collection of dies is well designed to work together and will keep you making birthday projects for a long time to come. I can't get enough of the Bigz XL Ornate Scallop Card. I just love that it is full of scallops but is still simple enough to be a long-time classic.

Hope you'll love them as much as I do ...

Dies Used: 656845, 656839, 656843, 656844

Enjoy, Deena

www.deenaziegler.typepad.com

Here's just a small preview project I created using the new Tim Holtz dies that are being launched at CHA right now!

I used two Bigz dies (Pine Tree and Winter Wonder), Texture Fades Embossing Folders (Postcard & Sheet Music), a On the Edge Die (Snow Flurries) and a new L size of Mover & Shapers die (Tag & Bookplates). I guess you could say I made this from a "modge podge" of all Tim's stuff. Check out his new lines on Facebook!

I have three dogs: a tiny teacup poodle, a medium-sized terrier and a big lovable Labrador. The 6-lb teacup poodle, Ruby, is extremely spoiled. That, of course, is our fault. My daughter, Lisa, and I love to make her dog coats. We don't know why, but she loves to wear them. The easiest way to do this is to buy an existing coat and embellish it.

Gather:

• Simple Pet Coat
• Coordinating Fabric
• Trims
• Buttons
• Fabri-Tac
• Scissors
• Pencil or Fabric Marker
• Needle and Thread
• Sizzix Die-Cutting Machine and Dies

Create:

1. Put the coat on your pet and roughly sketch out where your design will go with pencil or fabric marker. Then take the coat off.
2. Lay it out flat on your work surface. Use Sizzix alphabet dies to create the word of your choice.
3. Using Fabri-Tac, glue the cut letters onto your coat in the area you sketched out. You can also add shapes like stars, hearts and flowers to the jacket.
4. Embellish the coat with buttons and trims like pom-poms, rick-rack, pleats or ruffles. Sew these on tightly with the needle and thread.
5. If you like, you can also sew down the letters after the glue has dried for added strength.

The coat can be customized with the pet's name or a word describing her personality. I love doing these projects with my Sizzix die-cutting machine because it saves so much time. And the shapes come out perfectly every time! Ruby really enjoys her new coat. We even made her a matching headband!

Pull out a classic Originals Die like Flower Layers #5 and get busy making lots of die-cuts from various materials.

With your steel-rule dies, you can cut materials like I've cut here ... canvas, fabric, felt, cork, acrylic, wallpaper and more.

Layer them up, add a few buttons and add your beautiful flowers to a favorite project you're working on.

Enjoy, Deena

www.deenaziegler.typepad.com

It's FINALLY here – the day we start our Designer Blog Hop featuring Kathy Peterson's latest line of outdoor furniture from Cedarstore.com.

First up is the ever-so-talented Pat Sloan, who has been creating since she was a child. From the first shoebox dioramas to sketches for a fabric line, there has always been creative energy flowing. When she tried her hand at quilting in 1985, she never looked back. Now, owner and founder of the quilting design and publishing company Pat Sloan & Co., she has published over 20 books, more than 100 patterns, nearly 10 fabric lines, and has had her work featured in major quilt magazines.

Pat first began sharing her knowledge through her publications, workshops and lectures but has expanded her reach through social media. She has built quilting Yahoo groups, forums, Facebook communities and even the group "Quilters in Second Life" for quilting enthusiasts using the popular virtual world Second Life. Also interested in beading, painting, and paper crafting, Pat's overall passion has always been to help others harness their creative energy.

You can follow Pat on her Facebook page to read all about her adventures. Don't be surprised if you see your creating amazing quilts with her Sizzix Big Shot Pro!

Check out her sneak peek photo. I LOVE the colors!

I can't wait to see the rest of this chair! I wonder if she will have a handsome cowboy sitting in it when we click the direct link? Woot! Woot! http://patsloan.typepad.com/pat_sloans_corner/2010/07/im-a-design-my-adirondack-designer-.html

Although it has been mentioned here before on this blog, I can't say enough how much I love the 3-D Flower die!

Look what I created for a bridal shower for a coworker. This is something that can be made up weeks before the event. Everything was glued onto the wristlet. How simple is that?

Did you know that ScoreBoards dies may be used with paper as well as mat board? Because the ScoreBoards dies are designed to work with thicker materials, the scoring blade is set deeper, and it will not score paper. But it just takes a few seconds to score by hand.

First, use your Big Shot and ScoreBoards die to cut your paper. What weight paper you use will depend on the purpose of the project. I like to use cardstock for sturdier boxes and folders. However, pretty text-weight paper would be perfect to use for the Cupcake Holder if you were having a shower or wedding and wanted to match the paper to the invitations.

Along with cutting paper, I also cut a die from mat board or chipboard to use as a scoring guide. I like to use my scoring tablet to help me. Place the mat board die-cut on the tablet with the score lines running vertically. Place your paper die-cut right below it. Now take your scoring tool and run it down the same lines as you see on the sample die. If there are score lines running in the other direction, rotate both die-cuts and repeat.

The Memo Holder only took a few seconds to score.

You will need:

• Big Shot
• ScoreBoards Memo Holder die
• Mat board 6" x 13"
• Green shimmer paper
• Brown paper – scraps
• Rubber stamps flourish – Denami Designs
• Brown ink
• White textured flower stickers
• Turquoise pearls – Queen and Company
• Double-sided tape
• Velcro closure

Instructions:

1. Cut memo holder from green paper using Big Shot and ScoreBoards Memo Holder die.
2. Trim a piece of brown paper to 4" x 1". Place over the scalloped section of the die and run through Big Shot. Adhere on the inside of the folder just below the green scallops.
3. Stamp design in brown ink. Add flower stickers and pearls.
4. Cut two strips of brown paper to cover the ribbon slits on inside and outside of folder and adhere.
5. Add sticky notes.

See, wasn't that easy? Try this technique with all of your ScoreBoards dies for added versatility!

From my studio to yours,

Eileen Hull

www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

This little summer-themed mini album was created using the Flip-Flop Card die. First, I covered mat board with a variety of pretty paper. Then I cut just one side of the card and used scissors to trim off the top at the crease. Don't limit yourself to paper only. The steel-rule dies will cut LOTS of stuff, like the burlap-covered mat board that I used for the straps of the Flip-Flop. I attached all of the pages together with a metal ring. The cute flower comes with the card die.

Happy summer!

Happy Fourth of July weekend to all of my Sizzix friends,

To help capture the spirit of the 4th of July weekend, I created a simple and fun banner that you can hang on your wall or door to celebrate the weekend.

Materials needed to create banner:

• Decorative Doily Die by Scrappy Cat
• Snickle Script Alphabet Set by Scrappy Cat
• Cardstock by Core'dinations
• Ribbon by Darice
• Brads by Darice

Instructions:

1. Using your decorative doily die, cut out the shapes in the colors shown above.
2. Follow my pattern and adhere the hearts to the insides of the doilies.
3. Cut circles to 3 1/2" to cover the backs of the doilies.
4. Cut circles to 1 1/2" so that you have a base for the letters.
5. Create stars using the Snickle Script alphabet.
6. Attach all pieces with brads and ribbon.

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend!

Kim

There is nothing better than spending time with family, cooking up some yummy BBQ, going to the beach and watching fireworks on the 4th of July. After the day is done and you have a ton of really great pictures, why not make an album to show them off? Debi made this super cute 4th of July album to show off her adorable daughters.

The base of the album is a Rectangle that she embossed with the Stripes Texture Plate. She then dry brushed it with paint.

She also attached some accordion-folded tissue paper and a hand cut flame to a circle to make it look like a candle.

Each page is a Star cut out from cardstock or acrylic. You can add photos and phrase to personalize. The phrase 4th of July is from our Holiday eclips cartridge. It is so easy to make it just the perfect size to fit the page. Debi also used the Dots Textured Impressions folder to add some dimension to the stars. Decorative ribbons and glitter are a must for a 4th of July project and the perfect finishing touches.

Cara

Hi to all of my Sizzix friends,

Within the past month, my grandmother has been moved into an assisted living facility. We brought her back from Florida to live near our family so that we can see her more often and also make sure she is cared for. Grandpa passed away last year, and she needs to be around all of us – and we need to be with her too. So, through the process of Grandma sorting through years of belongings, she gave me her electric mixer with the bowls, the ones that beat and mix ingredients for you. I have been wanting one for many years but just didn't get around to buying one, so this was a real treat for me. I love to bake. In the past week, I have used it twice, and it sure cuts down on the time it takes for me to mix the ingredients to bake cakes and make cookies. As a thank you, I wanted to send my grandma a letter in the mail, and I wanted the letter to be beautiful. Back in the 1940s, friends and family communicated through a letter on beautiful stationery. So I decided to create my own stationery to send my grandma a thank you note for the generous gift.

Maybe this summer you, too, can create a set of stationery for yourself to send to your friends and family instead of an email or a phone call. It is fun to make, and people really enjoy receiving something beautiful and handmade in the mail. I hope that my idea is a source of inspiration for you.

Materials needed to create your own stationery:

• Bigz XL – Card, Floral Flourish by Scrappy Cat
• Darice brand rhinestones
• Pearl cardstock by Coredinations
• Adhesive

Instructions to create the project:

1. Cut out two cards using the die listed above.
2. Cut off the bottom portion of the card and line up the two pieces so that they match and adhere in the back.
3. Add rhinestones to the centers of the flowers.
4. Write your letter on your new stationery.

Enjoy

Kim

Can you guess how this necklace was created?

Can you believe it was done with shrink plastic? I used dies Flower Layers #2, Flower Layers #5, Tattered Florals by Tim Holtz and Heart Wings by Tim Holtz. I painted the pieces with acrylic paint, sprayed them with a clear acrylic sealer and embellished them with a gold pen, rhinestone, button, pearl head and pearl drop. (I personally think the gold pen made them look like they were enameled :) ). Just another gift you can create with Sizzix dies!

Here is yet another great idea for using my ScoreBoards Cupcake Holder die! I had an email tonight from my friend Jonathan Fong. I met Jonathan at CHA about three years ago while he was there promoting his latest book. He is an amazing designer who creates fun, easy and inexpensive projects with a high-end look.

His email said Oprah is seeking talent for her new network and is sponsoring a contest to find potential a TV show host. At the last minute, he decided to enter and posted this video tutorial for creating these adorable cupcake guest towels as his audition. After you view the brief demo, please vote for him to win (no limit on number of times you can vote). He will make a fabulous TV show host, as you will see ... And he promised that I could be a guest on his show if he wins :-)

Visit my blog later today for a few helpful tips and instructions on the cake stand.

Hope your summer is going well so far!

From my studio to yours,

Eileen

www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

One of the things I love most about having all my Sizzix Dies on hand is the ability to whip up a quick gift for a friend. In this case I die-cut a box, assembled it and embellished it with more die-cuts, patterned paper and trims. The box makes a great way to give a piece of jewelry or a gift card. Next, I made up a matching card with a few more die-cuts using the leftovers from the same supplies.

Dies used: 656600,656334,655034,656640

Enjoy!

Deena

www.deenaziegler.typepead.com

Decorating for a special event? For a beautiful way to present party favors, remember that opposites can attract with a project that combines natural with crafted elements and vintage with contemporary styles, as this month's centerpiece and favor display does.

When choosing a container for your branches, keep in mind that the branches will be heavier once they're embellished, so a fairly large, heavy vase is best. I just love the effect of the contemporary boxes and tags with this vintage ceramic vase. Freshly cut branches with nice, healthy leaves are best for this project. If you don't have any in bloom, they can look great just with the leaves or you can add your own paper flowers, as I did for my centerpiece.

Gather:

• Sizzix Machine
• Bigz XL Takeout Box
• Bigz XL Box #2
• Bigz Pillow Box
• Bigz Pro Tall Box w/Scallop Flap
• Heavy vintage vase with water
• Freshly cut branches with leaves
• Paper flowers
• Scissors
• 24-gauge wire
• Decorative tags
• Assorted embellishments
• Glue and double-sided tape
• Ribbon

Create:

1. Arrange the branches in the pitcher.
2. Cut a length of wire (about 3" should do it) and wrap one end of it around the base of a paper flower then wrap the other end around a branch. Repeat until all the branches have as many flowers as you wish.
3. Die cut and embellish the small papers boxes and decorative tags. Fill the boxes with lightweight treats.
4. Tie the boxes and tags to the branches with short lengths of ribbon.

To personalize the party favors, you can fill each box with a different treat – a piece of gourmet fudge, a hard-to-find vintage button, a pair of earrings. Write the name of each guest on a tag and tie it to the branch alongside the treat she or he would most enjoy. Place the arrangement at the center of your table and at the end of the celebration your guests can find their unique favor and tag.

Hi to all of my Sizzix friends,

A couple weeks ago I designed a pair of embellished jeans for our daughter Jenny and I created a blog for you to be inspired. Since I already had taken the photos, I thought it would be a great idea to create a page with Jenny wearing my creation so that years from now when she has outgrown her jeans, she can remember what they looked like.

Feel free to copy any or all of the layout and create your own fun Flower Power page.

This is a close up shot of some of the flowers I created using my Sizzix Scrappy Cat dies.

My journaling block with a flourish. I don't know about you, but I really don't like my handwriting. I should start to journal on the computer; I just prefer to hand write my thoughts, oh well.  :)

Materials needed to complete the layout:

• Bigz Die – Flower, Build a Flower by Scrappy Cat
  
• Bigz Die – Flower, Build a Flower #2 by Scrappy Cat
• Bigz Die – Flower, Build a Flower #4 by Scrappy Cat
• Bigz Die – Flower, Elegant Bloom by Scrappy Cat
• Bigz Die – Flourish, Floral #2 by Scrappy Cat
• All wood stamps designed by Scrappy Cat (everyday collection)
• All pigment inks designed by Scrappy Cat (everyday collection of ink pads)
• All paper used is Scrappy Cat and Core'dinations
• Ribbon – Darice
• Rhinestones – Darice

Enjoy!

At this time of year, gift cards are going out like hotcakes at our house. There are high school and college graduations, bridal showers, weddings and engagement parties. I have been to six parties in the last month! Good thing I have my ScoreBoards Business Card Box die on hand, because they are also the perfect size to hold a gift card. I make several boxes at a time to make sure I have a good supply on hand. I also keep a few Target gift cards standing by for unexpected occasions. This little purse really makes a gift card special. I covered the box with a dictionary page for a fun vintage feel and added some glitz!

You will need:

• Big Shot Machine
• ScoreBoards XL Die – Box, Business Card Box
• Mat board
• Dictionary page
• Spray adhesive
• Glitter heart
• Silver pipe cleaner
• Tissue paper flower
• Leaf stamp and green ink
• 2 thin magnets
• Strong double-sided tape
• 1/16" hole punch
• Crystal glitter
• Distress Ink – Tumbled Glass

Instructions:

1. Cover mat board with dictionary page using spray adhesive to adhere.
2. Die-cut Business Card Box from mat board, keeping design lined up so the text will be right side up when the box is opened (I did it wrong first!). The page faces the die. Randomly swirl ink over box.
3. Make flower from tissue and glitter heart (check my blog later this week for instructions).
4. Stamp green leaves in corner of box and outline with back pen. Adhere flower to box.
5. Add magnet closures to box.
6. Add pipe cleaner handles to box.
7. Mask everything but the flap with scrap paper and spray flap with adhesive. Sprinkle on crystal glitter. Add silver glitter heart.
8. Adhere box together with strong adhesive.
9. Add gift card and present to the lucky recipient!

This box was a lot of fun to make and probably would be even more fun to get! It could always be passed on to another person or used for business cards.

I am busy getting ready for CHA. I'll be demoing the ScoreBoards Scalloped Box (which was designed to hold your show badge, business cards, a small pencil and a few dollars for lunch!) at the Craft Studio on Tuesday, July 27 from 11 to 11:30 AM. Please stop by – I would love to meet you and make you one!

From my (sparkly) studio to yours,

Eileen

www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

One of the easiest ways to create a card is by using an embossing folder. The Crown Flourish design is one of my favorites. There are several ways to highlight an embossed design. I have created four different versions of the same card to show just how versatile these can be.

The card on the left was embossed on white cardstock, and the design was highlighted by lightly rubbing a colored ink pad over the surface of the card. (Chalk would work well, too.) The card on the right was embossed on colored cardstock and highlighted with white ink. The final card was embossed on a color-core cardstock, then lightly sanded to highlight the design.

I used hot glue to attach the 3-D Flowers to the front of the cards. You can see how to make these Flowers here.

My favorite version of this card is white on white.

Making a good impression has never been easier!

I am so excited to share my stories and photos from my trip to Puerto Rico. This was the second annual Puerto Rico Scrapbook Event, and it was a HUGE success! The event was Hosted by Yamille Fernandez, Owner of the Memory Box in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I had so much fun meeting new friends and seeing all of my teaching buddies, the Glitz Girls, Donna Bills Downey, Sharon Kropp from C Thru Ruler, Margie Romney-Aslett and Colleen Schaan from Copic.

My students were amazing. They were all talented and so creative. It made me so happy that they all made their rings and festive bib necklaces using the techniques and Sizzix products that I shared with them.

There was even a good ol' "Hair Stand Off" in one of my classes. As you can see, the lady with the GINORMUS red wig and I were having a starring competition. If you look closely, I am telling her to bring it on! LOL!

Here is a shot taken from somewhere up high. I knew my friend Tiffany Windsor was an angel, but not sure how she got this shot!

In addition to teaching three workshops, doing demos, selling product and having fun, I also was able to obtain my Copic Certification, something I have wanted to do for over a year now. I cannot wait to use my Copic Markers on my Sizzix dies. Here is Colleen Schaan, Regional Instructor for Copic. She and I are now BFFs!

The island is full of history and the most beautiful statues. This one sat right in front of the water on Old San Juan. I tried to copy her pose, what do you think?

In closing, I just want to say that the people of Puerto Rico could not have been any kinder and loving. I truly believe that I have some forever friends. I cannot wait to go back and explore the island's rich beauty and history. Until next time, live the life you LOVE.

Delicious hugs,

Jewels

You can email me at juliannahudgins@mac.com or Facebook me under Julianna Hudgins with any questions or comments that you may have.

Birthdays in the art room are always so much fun. We always joke that we would never take our birthday day off from work, because it is usually the best part. We always do a fun theme for each person, and everyone brings in yummy food. Last week was Beth's birthday and we did a flea market, shabby chic kind of theme. Debi found some beautiful fabric that was our inspiration. I was in charge of making her birthday sign this year.

The letters were cut out on the eclips with the Sassy Serif Cartridge. Two shades of pink were used, one for the letter and one for the shadow.

To make the banner, I used our Sizzix adhesive and attached the beautiful inspiration fabric Debi bought to a piece of cardstock. I then die-cut the fabric paper with one of our new Big Shot Pro Dies, the Layered Ribbon Banner. This is a sneak peak of this die – make sure you look for it in September. I then attached her name and added fun decorative trims, buttons, 3-D Flower die-cuts and fabric flowers.

Here's a little tip, the wire piece I used to hold the letters is really a card holder that is designed to go vertical. I just turned it on its side and hung it up with some ribbon. It makes the perfect sign holder. I love it when you can use something for multiple uses.

Cara