Cards and Projects (by Shawn) with the Deck the Halls Bundle

 
Hi Doodlebug Friends! Shawn here with some more projects using the “Deck the Halls” bundle. First – and maybe most important, you can get your own bundle at:
https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Deck-the-Halls-Bundle-x51440265.htm
 
Here is what you get (cardstock NOT included) – pretty sure the stamps and dies alone are worth $40:

 
I loved the versatility of this bundle AND that it included a couple of options you can use for Halloween and Fall as well. 
 
I worked with this kit at the recent Doodlebug Retreat and I didn’t really have much paper for Halloween with me, so I didn’t do any of that (yet). Since the kit even includes a 6x6 paper pad it really would be a great resource for making a BUNCH of cards – just add some bases and some cardstock and OFF YOU GO!!!
 
***Wait - what?  You’ve never been to a retreat? – you should TOTALLY sign up and join us some time – they are AMAZING!!!!  - not to mention that I am usually there – which should be enough reason to go right there!  LOL** If packing to scrap on-the-go is what keeps you away, be sure to check out my next blog post for some tips that might make it a little less intimidating.
 
But back to the cards.

Card 1
 
For this card, I did want to do something with a little bit of a fall theme and I got these VERY COOL gilding flakes (here is a link to some in silver: https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Nuvo-Gilding-Flakes-Silver-Bullionn-x31666086.htm) that I thought would be perfect.  The white strip with the stars and the brown printed paper are from the 6x6 pad, and the card base is from my stash.  The rest of the leaves are just cardstock. 
 
Not sure how well it shows in the photo, but the leaf die actually embosses as well as cutting, but it was pretty subtle.  I think if you use a metal shim in your machine you might get more of the embossing but I didn’t really mind it being faint.  I used some brown ink and the handy ink tool at the end of my arm (also known as my finger) to just faintly highlight that embossing. 
 

Card 2  
 
I really enjoyed the fun washi tape from the kit and making it into a background seemed like a fun way to use it.  Like most washi, it is a little bit translucent so to use it as a background, I adhered it to white cardstock. I cut a piece just a bit narrower than my card so I could wrap the tape around the edge for a cleaner look. 
 
The green ribbon is from the kit as are the stamped tree and sentiment.
 
Another card base from my stash (trying to use those up)
 
I used bling that comes in strips for the “ornaments” on my tree and they don’t line up perfectly, but this didn’t really bother me. Smaller bling might be easier to line up, or using induvial bling or even small punched circles would work, too! This tree would look great with lots of punched circles of loads of colors and patterns.

Card 3

Ok, this one is probably my favorite.  I used the holly leaves die and the holly berries die to make a wreath.  I traced a circle (kiwi lane ring template) on my pattern paper to use as a guide. I used 12 of the leaf sets and just one of the berry sets, and one red bow.  I used foam tape top pop of the layers and used one of the berries in the middle of my bow to add dimension. If you look closely, you will see that this die also does some embossing on the leaves and the bow. Again, with the same boring card base. (Don’t worry – I do make a couple without that base)

 
Card 4
 
See?  No kraft card base!  (aren’t you proud of me?) So…….This card took like FOREVER!!! I’m not much of a stamper, not that great at coloring, and boy am I TERRIBLE at fussy cutting!  But it’s really not that bad, all things considered.  I really thought the stamps (fireplace, garland, stocking, wreath, and clock) were just begging to be layered into a little scene – so I gave in.  For coloring I used Prismacolor colored pencils (stolen from my daughter – she never used them, and I felt sorry for them, so now they live in my scrapbook tote) and a brown Sharpie for the fireplace. The pencils really blend in a cool way which made my wreath and my fire look pretty nice.  If you don’t already know this – color BEFORE you fussy cut!
 
I used foam tape to give some dimension to the different layers.
 
The pattern paper is from the kit and the yellow cardstock base is from my stash. 
 
I also used a stamping tool since like this one: https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Mini-Misti-Tool--Laser-Etched-x39221169.htm 
 


Card 5
 
This card is just because I made more of the washi background than I needed for card #2, and I really wanted to make a bow out of the ribbon. This one probably would be great to just say hi around the holidays aside from my official Christmas card, like to send with a little holiday bonus for the cleaning lady or my hairdresser. Yes, the card base is back.


 
Card 6
 
While I love the way this card turned out, I will tell you up front it was A HUGE PAIN!  That snowflake die DID NOT LIKE ME, and it hated the silver glitter paper too!!!! (I on the other have LOVE this silver glitter paper – it is a very fine glitter that doesn’t come off at all – and is super sparkly). If you are going to use this die with a glitter paper, I highly recommend a shim, like this one:
 
https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Crafters-Companion-Gemini-Junior-Magnetic-Shim-6X9-2Pkg-x43672636.htm
 
The sentiment is one of the stamps from the kit.  I stamped it using White VersaMark ink, and then brushed really lightly with Perfect Pearls (again using that tool at the end of my arm) and then cut it out.  You can’t see it here, but it shimmers just a little. 
 
The snowflake paper is in the 6x6 pad from the kit.  The Blue card base and white card stock are from my stash.
 

 
Last but definitely NOT least…..
Card 7
 
I hadn’t used any of the cute chipboard or buttons, and I really did like them – so why not put them all on one card! This card would have gone together REALLY quick, except for the fact that I’m not a big fan of “empty” buttons, so I had to add twine to a few. Pro Tip on the chipboard buttons in this kit – they have adhesive that goes all the way across the back and covers the holes.  What worked best for me (after A LOT of frustration trying to poke holes) was to “pry up” the adhesive, run my twine through, and then lay the adhesive back down across the back of the threaded button.
 
I did trace a circle right on my cardstock (thanks, kiwi lane), and a few of the buttons are popped up with extra foam. 
 
The checked paper is from the 6x6 pad and the green base and cotton crochet thread are from my stash.


 
Any questions – don’t hesitate to reach out either through Hannah at the Doodlebug, or to me directly!! The cards are also currently at the Doodlebug in case you want to check them out in person.
 
Product Linkage:
 
Kit - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Deck-the-Halls-Bundle-x51440265.htm
Gilding Flakes - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Nuvo-Gilding-Flakes-Silver-Bullionn-x31666086.htm
Catherine Pooler Ink - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Catherine-Pooler-Ink-pad-Black-Jack-x33686172.htm
Misti Stamping tool - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Mini-Misti-Tool--Laser-Etched-x39221169.htm
Shim - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Crafters-Companion-Gemini-Junior-Magnetic-Shim-6X9-2Pkg-x43672636.htm
Glitter paper - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Pow-Glitter-Paper-Silver-x28708187.htm
Foam Dots - https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/c/p/Sticky-Thumb-Dimensional-Adhesive-Foam-275Pkg-White-Dots-Assorted-Sizes-x43343813.htm

Making Mini Books

 Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather, Fall approaching us quickly. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here in a blink. I have been working on a couple of Mini Books that I wanted to share with you this month. Mini Books are fun, quick and easy to put together. They are great for gift giving. 

The first one I made was using the Simple Stories - Jingle All The Way product. I love the vintage look and the colors of this line. The base of my book is A2 envelopes. I used a total of 8 of them. You could easily add more, if you would prefer more pages. I cut the flaps off. I started with the front of the book being the front of one of the envelopes, I put them in order with the cut flap sides facing each other.

 

I used the Sn@p!cards, this made it so simple, I did trim the 4x6 cards just a little bit, but the 3x4 cards were perfect. I used the tag sheet that was in the paper pack for my tabs. You do need to be careful when you adhere the the paper to the cut flap side of the envelope, you don't want to seal the envelope together. I learned that the hard way. My insert pages are just brown card stock cut to 4x6.

I covered all the envelopes and insert pages with the Sn@p!cards. I did heavy inking all all my edges, including the envelopes. I punched my holes (be careful not to punch any of your insert pieces). I used the sticker sheet, die cuts and the enamel dots to embellish my pages. The enamel dots are perfect for the trees. I added some miscellaneous ribbons to my book rings. And literally in one afternoon it was done. 

I have already purchased the Simple Stories - Vintage North Pole line, I will be making another one of these with that paper as well. Someone will be getting that one for Christmas.

I also but together this 6x6 mini, using just heavy chipboard. I used the Photo Play Best Friends 12x12 paper pack and the Best Friends Ephemera pack. This one turned out really cute too. I added in several flaps and a couple pockets for tags and journaling. I pulled out a couple of old flower punches (seriously a few of the first punches I ever bought) and made some little flowers with button centers. More ribbon on the book rings, always save your ribbon scraps. 

I will be dropping of these Little Mini's off at the store next weekend, if you would like a closer look at them. Let me know if you have any questions about them. Share your Mini's on the Doodle Dish. See you all back here on the blog in about 4 weeks, Happy Scrapping!!

Dolores

Leigh Ann's Favorite Tools

 Hi Doodlebug friends!  Instead of writing a tutorial today like I normally do, I decided I would tell you about some of my favorite scrappy tools!  These are the items I use day in and day out and have survived long term use... and probably abuse in my household.  I also want to preface this post with the fact that I am a maker of layouts, mini albums, and mixed media.  There won't likely be any stamping or card making specific items on this list and that isn't because I don't think they are great products.  I simply do not use them on a regular basis.

First off is the Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat.  I seriously do not know how I lived without this!  I'm a fairly frugal crafter and don't like to spend a lot of money on tools- I prefer to spend my money on the pretty stuff!  But this media mat is worth every penny!  I can cut on it, make messes on it, and use it to line up embellishments on my layouts.  My mat has seen everything from inks, to gel mediums to resin and has always cleaned up beautifully. 

Next up are the Tim Holtz Scissors.  I love both types, but you will most often find me using the original serrated blade scissors.  This is because I can use them on darn near anything and not worry about damaging my blades.  If you mainly cut paper and prefer the smooth blade, the haberdashery scissors are also amazing and cut super smooth.

The QuickStik is another favorite of mine.  It is perfect for picking up all the tiny jewels and sequins that I use in my projects. I have an obsession with the Sparkletz and my fingers just can't pick them up as easy anymore.... I guess that's a sign of getting old. lol

I love using the Corner Cutter when I make mini albums.  This punch is a corner rounder, but also cuts the inset corners that look great in minis. 

Next is the Tim Holtz Craft Pick.  I use this tool for everything from poking small holes to thread a piece of twine through paper to even using it to weed vinyl recently. It's great for everything that requires a needle fine point. 

To finish up this list are my three favorite adhesives.  First up is the Scotch ATG gun.  I love this tool for layouts.  My gun has been going strong since I purchased it in 2010 to make 350 wedding invitations.  It has seen a ton of use!  I also love Scor Tape.  It is a stronger double sided tape adhesive.  I use this when I need a stronger bond such as for making mini albums.  I also like to keep a wet adhesive on my desk.  I decided to try the Art Glitter Glue and I am hooked!  I would suggest the metal tip though as it is quite thin and I'm messy with liquid adhesive!

I hope this list inspires you to try something new and maybe even find a new favorite tool!

Creating with the Deck the Halls bundle kit by Spellbinders

 Hi crafty friends.  Abby here today on the Doodleblog to share with you all the fun cards I have created in one week after receiving the spellbinders deck the halls bundle that is available now at the Doodlebug.   I shared the first 8 cards as I created them on the Doodlebug dish Facebook group.  I created an additional Ten different cards I will share with you today. 

Click on any photo to make it larger.   

Ready?  

Here is what you will receive ( minus cardstock).

I had tons of fun creating the 18 different cards I made and made 3 multiples of my favorite for a total of 21 to date.  I plan on making a few more multiples to finish of the  paper pad later this week.  

Let's take a closer look at the cards I created shall we.  

Card 1 & 2

It's fun to stamp in color inks and cut apart the sentiment for a new look.  I stamped "warm Christmas Wishes" out multiple times to cut apart each word for more space.  

Card 3 & 4

A fun snowflake layered card and a fireplace stamped card.  I popped up the snowflakes on the chipboard buttons.  I love the look of the stamped images in black on colored cardstock.

Card 5 & 6

A washi card and a wreath card.  These are both so fun.  I was pleased that with the dies you can create a fun wreath.  The washi is really adorable on this card.  Love the embossing detail these dies add.

Card 7 

The white embossing powder really makes this card shine.

Card 8 & 9

Tis the season.  Tearing paper is a fun way to use paper and add texture.  The large button makes a great accent.

Card 10 & 11

Simple note cards to use during the holiday season as Christmas cards, thank you, or just because.

Card 12 & 13

More Simple note cards to use during the holiday season as Christmas cards, thank you, or just because.  I was pleased to use up all of the button chipboard sheet.  😁

Card 14 & 15

I adore these oval cards.  The stamp sets and dies are quickly becoming one of my favorites in my holiday stash.  White heat embossing again makes these cards top notch.

Card 16 & 17

These bow cards were a favorite of mine, so I created multiples!  

Card 18 & 19

These are so fun and the gems fit perfectly on the embossed circle created by the die.  ( Both the medium and large gems).

Card 20 & 21

Also in the die set are a leaf and bat die, so you can create fall and Halloween cards too.  How fun is that!  The leaf die has some incredible embossing detail.  I was able to find some pattern paper in the pad that would work for these themes too.  I have plans to watercolor those leaf diecuts, do watch out on the Doodleblog dish Facebook group for that coming up soon.

Thank you for checking out all the fun cards I created with this bundle kit available at the Doodlebug, Inc. in Jasper, Indiana.  

Below is a link to the bundle kit at the store ( Just click on the bundle kit photo) or you can call 1-812-482-4949.

Happy crafting and creating!  

--Abby