Turning envelopes to gift bags

Turning envelopes to gift bags

Although I’ve finished my stash ban I’m trying to stay on a stash diet!! I seem to have tons of envelopes left over from our wedding and they can be made into cheap gift bags that are perfect for small light items such as jewellry. I also tend to add so much to my cards I end up having to make a box with them so I end up with spare envelopes such as this pretty pearlescent one which became the bag on the right.

I used a paisley stamp to make a random pattern. I used a MS flower punch to make the top and then added some ribbon from stash for handles.  Just to prove it is the envelope I’ve shown the back as well!

My second envelope started life as a white envelope. I used lavender and pink distress inks to give a light background colour. Iused a butterfly border stamp in pink all the way across the paper and then added a lilac circular butterfly stamp. I used a MS butterfly punch to edge the top and tied a pretty pink ribbbon (from the inside of a jumper….you know the annoying ribbons they use to hang things up in shops!). I used a MS punch to make the butterfly on a bit of spare pearlescent paper, curled the wings and added adhesive pearls.

I would like to enter the following challenges
Stamp scrap and doodle challenge- die cut or punches
Delightful sketches- punches and dies
Pixie dust studio pixie challenge- Girlie girl
The hybrid chick- all tied up (use ribbon, twine etc)
CES challenges- Give me wings!

Learning to dance in the rain

Learning to dance in the rain

There were so  many inspirations for this picture including the person it is for and these wonderful challenge photos (challenge detail at end of post). The pictures inspired my colours, flowers and swirls!

This is my creation with some words of wisdom.

I made the backing paper using Craft Artist and printed it out. I added some stickles to the clouds, butterflys and swirls.

I added glossy accents to my rain drops I’d designed and also to the beads hanging from my banner.

I used pearl and pink pearlescent ink to paint the edges of the petals on my flowers (which are from Wild Orchid Crafts). I added some pearl accents to my swirls.

I used a MS butterfly punch and curled the wings. I placed a couple of pearls in the middle.

I would like to enter the following challenges
Gingersnap creations-words of wisdom
Inky impressions challenges- pearls and/or bling
Aud sentiments challenge- anything but a card with a sentiment
The crafty pad- fresh Spring colours
Divas by design challenge- anything goes
Cutie pie challenge- anything but a card
Little claires designs- anything but a card
Cupcake inspirations- see photo at top of post
so artful challenges- Georgia O’Keeffe see photo at top of post

Light up the darkness!

Light up the darkness!

I had a go at making my first picture. Everything still from stash!

I made the background paper using Craft Artist on the computer. I used a blue rope ribbon to edge it. I used stickles to highlight the butterfly and flowers on the paper.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I used pearlescent inks to paint the edges of the petals. I also used pearlescent ink to paint the candle and flame.

In the bottom left I also used a couple of feathers and some skeleton leaves.
 I used a MS punck for the butterfly. I used gems on the butterfly and glitter swirl.

I would like to enter the following challenges
Tando creative challenges- leap off the page
Wild orchid challenge- creature comforts
incy wincy designs flower frenzy
crazy challenge- flowers
flutterby wednesdays -open
prairie fairy fridays- anything but a card
hotshotcraft- flowers
wags n whiskers rubber stamps home decor

Thrifty gifty

Thrifty gifty

I tried to give money neutral gifts when possible this year and hopefully I’ll improve on this in 2012. Here are some of my Christmas gifts.
I made my mum some Pandora style jewellry (shame I forgot to take photos as I was in a rush!!). Then I made this chest of drawers box so the drawers had the necklace, bracelet and different colour beads in it.

The paper with the Lily heart was one I had designed in Craft artist.
I’m entering this for Just add ink- fancy packaging

Next is another idea which is very MSE! Last year I bought some friends Christmas Coffee from M&S which was quite expensive and the packaging was a boring bag! This year I got the same coffee but made these mug holders for it. One bag of coffee was split into 3 bags making 3 pressies from each bag!

The papers are from Cocoa latte in Craft artist. The ribbons I used were saved when I cut them out of new clothes! I added buttons (also saved from old clothes) to act as a stopper on the tags.

I made these boxes to hold 2 chocolate bars each for my youngish cousins.

 I personalised them with their names. Forgot to take the photo before I tied the ribbon!

I would like to enter the following challenges
That craft place- sweet treats in pastels (chocolate in boxes decorated with pastels 😉 )
ooh-la-la-creations- anything but a card
paper sundaes challenge- celebrate
sparkles forum challenges- anything but a Christmas CARD!
pennys challenges- holiday gifts

Gift card holders

Gift card holders

These are three gift card holders I made. I designed a template similar to those I’ve seen for criss-cross cards. Each was personalised with the name of the recipient! I used coordinating papers and added gems.

I would like to enter these for the following challenges
Do you stack up- rainbow of colours, use at least three. Another wonderful inspiration photo!

Bunny Zoe crafts- fancy folds
Designed to delight- pretty gift card holder