The Book Box - finally

Well, my upline was right, she said that if I tried I could create 7 blog posts out of this one project. Thanks for encouraging, no, make that pushing me to get blogging again Susan. We're now finally at the last post and are ending with the Book Box that holds the cards shown previously.

I don't know about you but I love making little sets to give as gifts for people. While I love making cards, there is something so much more satisfying when creating a 3D project. I confess that I had seen the book box mine is based on while looking on You Tube. Click on the coloured links and it will take you directly to Caroline Helwigh Wrights blog and video. I'm sure you'll love her ideas and projects as much as I do.

I used all of Carolines measurements but instead of making my own stamped paper, I used some Delightful Daisy DSP. I had also wanted to make the box using Night of Navy but hadn't realised I was getting low on stock and didn't have enough. With a little planning I was able to combine two colours without it looking as if I'd not had enough of the original colour in the first place.

I'm not going to add the instructions as Caroline has done a great job! Another small concession was to add a little piece of DSP on the inside left to hold stamps. I can never find them when I need to so thought if they could have their own home it might save the recipient a search.

Did you know you could use the ink pads or write markers to colour white ribbon? I used Calypso Coral; it looks good doesn't it? Another quick tip if you're starting out. Get a selection of white ribbons and colour them to match your project until you're able to buy a selection of co-ordinating colours.

Quick Tip no 3

Hello there, the other week I showed you how to die cut a shape without cutting the whole image. Well I've been asked by a crafty friend to explain how to cut out a convex (downward) shape of a stamp using a die. It really is so simple. I've remembered to photograph each step so hopefully you'll be able to understand how it works. Using this technique also means you'll never have to buy special dies for your Flip Flap cards.

First of all I stamped my image, in this case taken from the Moon Baby stamp set. I then decided which die made the best fit, matching the 2 end points - where I want to cut to. This die was secured in place with some low tack tape to prevent movement whilst cutting.










I then place my image and die onto the bottom cutting cutting plate. Depending on the shape and size you may need to rearrange the card so that the top plate fits through the die cutting machine.

The top plate should be placed so that it is placed ONLY over the area that needs cutting.



Once run through the machine, the die will cut only where the pressure of the top plate is, thus giving the partial cut required. The rest of the image can be fussy cut where needed to get the necessary effect. See, it is easy when you know how.

Quick Tip no 2

Hello there, do you have problems getting an even distance all round when using double sided tape to adhere cardstock with an even border all round? I know I used to and would avoid using tape, snail or anything else that didn't allow wiggle time. Even when I went to a Card and Coffee session, Susan, who ran the group, would offer me wet glue!

Until one day she suggested I try her technique. She claimed it was foolproof... well, that sounded like a challenge so I agreed to have a go. It took a few practise runs before I was confident but now I rarely use my wet glue unless it's to stick embellishments down. It also leads me to tell you about another quick tip; if you've stuck something down in not quite the right place, use a heat gun to warm up the adhesive and gently ease apart. Magic!

Anyway, lets get back to sticking. First of all, put double sided tape around the layer you want to stick down. Ease the backing up on one end of each piece, folding it up a little as in the first picture.

When you turn it over so the right side is upwards, you can just see the folded  tape backing paper raises the card stock up very slightly. Next take your backing card, in this instance I wanted to place my patterned card almost centrally across. Usually I create a small border all round.

I often judge by eye but this time, used a ruler to measure each end. At this stage the patterned card is only laying on the base and can be moved around until you're happy with the result.

Once happy with the placement hold down the card with one hand and gently start to pull the tape away. I pulled opposite short sides away so that I had a hand free to take the photograph. When removing the backing tape, keep it low to the base card stock. You should now have an evenly spaced mat. So simple when you know how!

I'd just like to thank Susan, aka Craftyduckydoodah for showing me this. Had it not been for her I'd still be knee deep in glue! Please keep an eye out for my quick tips over the coming weeks. Whilst I admit I'm still learning myself, if I find easy ways to complete tasks I'll share them with you.