Repurposed Mini Video Cassette Case

Whew, has it been hot and humid and stormy these past few days!!!
Power outages and intense lightning during the storms have kept me away from the computer. I spent a bit of time in the craft dungeon staying cool and reorganizing (not crafting).

This idea came to me when my sister told me about her young children playing with the many gift cards they had received - but not yet used! - and were misplaced. I was shocked to hear that she doesn't keep them in a wallet or anything and allowed the young boys play with them. 

Why did I have an empty mini cassette case laying around to use for this project ? I guess one of the old videotapes had been misplaced so I kept the empty case hoping one day the video would show back up. That empty case had been sitting in my desk drawer for quite some time, so I had an "A-ha!" moment. Not sure what made me think of it or to even repurpose it into this creation, but when I discovered that gift cards fit perfectly in the empty case, I got busy decorating it.

I lined the inside with card stock then stamped an image for the front to coordinate with the colors in her kitchen finished with a magnet adhered to the back. TIP: save those advertising magnets you may receive, they can be useful for many craft projects.

When she was presented it at Christmas she didn't know what to make of it (I don't know that anyone would have). After I explained it, she thought it was pretty neat: it is a magnetic gift card holder to stick up high on the refrigerator. The idea was it would be in sight all the time so she could keep track of the many gift cards her family receives - and be out of the children's reach. 


Thanks for looking !

Repurposed Paper Clip Box

We had power surges followed by an outage that lasted a few hours last night. Must have been because of the extreme heat ? Anyhow, when I tried to restart the computer this morning I kept getting the error message that Windows could not repair this computer - what ?!??? Good thing most of my photos are backed up to an external hard drive, but still, I didn't want to lose this computer and the remaining files. The third attempt was the charm and it worked, so here is a quick repurposing project for today.

These little clear plastic flip top lid boxes that originally held paper clips were the perfect size for a gift card and six chocolates !

Pretty in Pink cardstock and classic ink from Stampin' Up!
Riveting stamp set from Stampin' Up! (retired)
Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon
scrap of decorative paper
Scalloped edge border punch, scalloped circle punch, circle punches and paper piercer from Stampin' Up!
heart embellishment- dollar store find


I am now off to make certain all the remaining files are backed up externally, just in case. . . .

Thanks for looking !

Eeeek! to Wow !

After posting the mushroom container redo yesterday, I thought I'd share over the next few days more items I've repurposed. I have "recycled" various items over the years, most of which were donated to the elementary school holiday bazaar that I ran for many years. This was before I owned a digital camera or even thought about archiving my projects so most things I do not have photos of to share and many of those that I do are several years old.
Nonetheless, they might inspire someone =)

Not only did I try to find new life in items destined for the trash, I also liked to buy dollar items to redo. One of my favorite things to do for the bazaar was to find dollar items on clearance for 50C, once or twice I even found some things for 25c ! I knew no matter how ugly (or in the case of todays post creepy/scary) an item was, I could change it into something more appealing. Being an at home mom and lover of all things crafty, I would work year round on shopping and redoing or crafting from scratch items for the bazaar. I miss those days.................... sigh.......

I found this notepad in the dollar bin at a local store for 50c. I normally would never, ever buy something with a spider on it and still am surprised I even bought it to redo, eeeeek!

There are easier ways to recover a notepad, such as wrapping it in decorative papers, but this particular pad was a fun experiment.

I first lightly sanded the cover the remove some of the gloss finish. I then gave it a couple of coats of gesso.

Once dry, I layered on acrylic craft paints, slightly darker at the bottom. I finished with stamping two different background stamps from Stampin' Up! : French Script and Harlequin, both retired. A quick spray of sealant and the background was done.

The top stamped piece was created from layers of card stock from Stampin' Up! The image is from the retired Stampin' Up! set More Petal Prints.

The "M" medallion was created from a small circle of Sculpey that I stamped with the "M" from the Alphadots stamp set, retired Stampin' Up! then painted with acrylic craft paints. Bake according to manufacturers instructions, adhere with hot glue then attach to the stamped card stock piece. Wrap ribbon around the stamped piece then adhere to the cover with super sticky glue/adhesive. Lastly, knot pieces of ribbon on the spirals and Wow!, I think it turned out pretty nice !



Before: Eeeek !





After : Wow !





Below is another set I did in a similar manner:

Thanks for looking!

Repurposed Mushroom Container

after

before

"Hello, my name is Heather and I am a hoarder of all things reusable." Well, not all things, I cut back since I have a good sized stash of items to repurpose as it is and no use for them once they are done. I started saving items to repurpose when I ran the holiday bazaar at the elementary school years ago; it was a cheap way to make gifts for the children to buy. It was also nice to resuse items at least once more before they ended up in the landfill.

Anyway, I could not resist keeping this pink plastic container that fresh mushrooms came in from the grocery store ! I'd never seen them in a container like this before, solid plastic and PINK ! It could find a new life being used for many different things, but I chose to make it into a cute little bath set gift basket. So easy to do and made a cute, fairly inexpensive gift.

I stamped white tissue paper and white card stock with the stamp set Island Blossoms (retired Hostess set) from Stampin Up!. I used various Bold Bright classic inks from Stampin' Up!, also retired. The orange scalloped edge was punched with a border punch from Stampin' Up!; the rhinestones were bought elsewhere.

Thanks for looking !

Retirement Card

I haven't made any new cards/projects for quite a while, but the past week I've had a need for three cards. I have a stash of premade cards, but sometimes they just won't work so I need to whip up a new one. Today I am sharing the retirement card I made last weekend using Stampin' Up! supplies.

Stamp Sets:
Along The Shore, Just Jeans - retired
Teeny Tiny Wishes, Wonderfully Worn - current
Card Stock:
Glossy White
Crumb Cake
Baja Breeze
Classic Ink:
Basic Black
Baja Breeze
Soft Sky - retired
Brilliant Blue - retired
Crumb Cake
Early Espresso
Markers:
Certainly Celery
Always Artichoke
Wild Wasabi
Crumb Cake
Ribbon:
not Stampin' Up!
white crayon for the crayon resist technique found here

I colored over the chair , cloud and scribbled on waves with the white crayon first. I then used a piece of torn scrap paper as a "mask" to cover portions of the image before inking. I covered the upper portion of the image, the sky area, and sponged on Brillaint Blue ink to create the ocean. I then used the other half of the torn paper to line up over that inked ocean to sponge on Soft Sky, Baja Breeze for the sky. Gently remove any ink that is on the crayon by rubbing with a tissue.

Thanks for looking !

Bath Set Tin and Card

Yet another class I created for the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Class Ideas Challenge in 2009. The stipulations for this months contest, use items from the new Occasions Mini Catalog. I chose the A Great Friend stamp set.

It was not a winner, but was published on the Demonstrator only web site with several others. I kept on trying - and having fun coming up with ideas to share !

This class idea was to show how easy it is to decorate items found at dollar stores then create a matching card for a quick, inexpensive gift.


The first project I submitted to these challenges was the candy bar wrap/gift card holder I posted here; the second project was the A Happy Heart card and treat bag posted here; the third project was the Dream A Little Shadowbox posted here; the fourth project was two cards posted here; todays posting is the fifth project I submitted; the sixth and final project I submitted was the Bella Pets Scrapbook Wall Art project that I posted here.


SUPPLIES:
Great Friend stamp set
Stems & Silhouettes Jumbo Stampin’ Around wheel
Bashful Blue and Whisper White card stock: full 8‐1/2" x 11" sheet
Bashful Blue Classic Stampin’ Pad
Whisper White jumbo Stampin’ Around cartridge
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter
Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon: 1 yard
2‐Way Glue Pen
SNAIL Adhesive
Glue Dots
Powder Pals
Horizontal Slot punch
Paper Snips
White tissue paper
Container: small dollar store type of item







A Great Friend Card
1. Cut Whisper White card stock in half along 8‐1/2" side. Fold in half.
2. Cut a piece of Bashful Blue card stock 4" x 5‐1/4".
3. Stamp butterfly, frame, and saying in Bashful Blue ink on portion of the Whisper White card stock.
4. Cut out frame and butterfly.
5. Use the 2‐Way Glue Pen to apply Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter to white floral portions of butterfly.
6. Roll the wheel along the left side of Bashful Blue card stock. Adhere to Whisper White card front.
7. Attach frame to middle of the Bashful Blue card stock.
8. Tie knot in approximately 4" piece of Whisper White satin ribbon. Trim ends. Adhere to top of frame.
9. Slightly bend butterfly in half along body section, attach just above and to the right of frame.






A Great Friend Tin
1. Create a pattern to fit the container you bought.
2. Stamp the butterfly, frame, and saying in Bashful Blue ink on Whisper White card stock.
3. Randomly stamp butterfly in Bashful Blue ink on tissue paper.
4. Cut out the frame and butterfly.
5. Use the 2‐Way Glue Pen to apply Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter to the white floral portions of the butterfly.
6. Punch two slots on the frame piece to create a ribbon slide.
7. Roll the wheel across Bashful Blue card stock.
8. Adhere to Whisper White card stock.
9. Adhere to container.
10. Run the satin ribbon through the slots on the frame, wrap around container, tie in a bow and trim the ends.11. Slightly bend the butterfly in half along the body section, adhere to top of frame.






Two (of the many I've made over the years) other gift sets I made. I loved these little $1 tins and have used them for so many things, each one decorated differently. I made several Christmas themed tins and cards one year to give cookies out in.

thanks for looking !

Two Botanical Blooms Cards - contest entry

This is the fourth entry I submitted into the Demonstrator Class Ideas Challenge that Stampin' Up! held over the course of a few months in 2008-2009.

The challenge was to use items from the then current Sale-A-Bration catalog. I created these two pretty easy cards with the Botanical Blooms stamp set and inspiration from our Demonstrators only magazine, Stampin' Success.

This project was not a winner, but it was published along with a few others on their web site for other Demonstrators to see.



The first project I sumitted to these challenges was the candy bar wrap/gift card holder I posted here; the second project was the A Happy Heart card and treat bag posted here; the third project was the Dream A Little Shadowbox posted here; the final project I submitted was the Bella Pets Scrapbook Wall Art project that I posted here.











PLUM FLORALS CARD – based on the template in the February 2009 Stampin’ Success
Botanical Blooms stamp set
Pale Plum card stock 2‐3/4" x 4‐1/2"
Perfect Plum card stock 5‐1/2" x 8‐1/2"
Very Vanilla card stock
2‐1/2" x 3" for outside
4" x 5‐1/4" for inside
Scrap for tag
Very Vanilla Medium envelope
Mellow Moss Classic Stampin’ Pad
Pale Plum Classic Stampin’ Pad
Perfect Plum Classic Stampin’ Pad
Very Vanilla 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, 18" length
Clear Rhinestone brad
1/6" Circle punch or Crop‐A‐Dile
Stamping sponge piece
Tearing Edge (optional)
Scissors
Adhesive of choice

1. Stamp Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon with Perfect Plum ink, and set aside to dry.
2. Ink stems of flowers with Mellow Moss ink and the flower heads with Perfect Plum ink. Stamp both pieces of the Very Vanilla card stock and the envelope to match.
3. Ink the solid flowers with Pale Plum ink then dab the corner of Perfect Plum ink pad on the center (or use markers). Stamp both pieces of the Very Vanilla card stock and the envelope to match.
4. Sponge Pale Plum ink along the edges of both of the Very Vanilla pieces.
5. Adhere the Very Vanilla pieces to the inside and to the Pale Plum piece of card stock. Be sure to adhere the smaller front piece off center, leaving a wider edge of Pale Plum showing to the right of the stamped image so you will be able to tear this edge off.
6. If you have a Tearing Edge, tear off the right edge of the Pale Plum piece of card stock otherwise tear it "freehand"
7. Stamp the scrap of Very Vanilla card stock with the saying using Perfect Plum ink, and trim.
8. Mount the tag to the front floral stamped piece using the 1/16" Circle punch and Clear Rhinestone brad; adhere all to the Perfect Plum card base.
9. Wrap stamped ribbon around top and tie. Trim.
Use Stampin’ Glitter, Watercolor Wonder Crayons,background stamps, Texturz plates or add extra embellishments to make the cards more advanced.







SAGE LEAVES CARD – based on the template in the February 2009 Stampin’ Success
Botanical Blooms stamp set
Thank You Kindly stamp set
Sage Shadow card stock 1/2 sheet, 4‐1/4" x 11"
Very Vanilla card stock
3" x 4‐1/4" for outside
4" x 5‐1/4" for inside
Very Vanilla Medium envelope
Sage Shadow Classic Stampin’ Pad
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, 14" length
Paper piercer and mat pack (optional)
Stamping sponge piece
Sticky notes (or whatever method you use to create a removable mask)Scissors (to trim ribbon)
Adhesive of choice


1. Mask off around the area to be stamped on the 3" x 4‐1/4" piece of Very Vanilla card stock.
2. Stamp the leaves in Sage Shadow ink and sponge Sage Shadow ink in the open area. Remove mask.
3. Pierce around the outer edge of the sponged area using the paper piercer and mat.
4. Stamp leaves in Sage Shadow ink on the 4" x 5‐1/4" piece of Very Vanilla card stock and envelope to match; sponge on Sage Shadow ink if desired.
5. Fold Sage Shadow card stock in half to create a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" top fold card. Using the ink pad, swipe ink along the edges of the Sage Shadow card and along the edges of the Very Vanilla inside piece if desired.
6. Stamp sentiment in Sage Shadow ink at the bottom of the Very Vanilla piece.
7. Adhere the Very Vanilla pieces to the front and inside.
8. Tie ribbon just above the stamped sentiment and below the stamped/sponged area. Trim.




Thanks for looking !

Dream A Little Shadowbox Frame

This is the third idea I submitted to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Class Project Challenge - and was the most popular amongst other demonstrators as I have been told numerous people posted it to their web sites. The winner received a free stamp set, but we all won by seeing many wonderful class ideas shared by generous Demonstrators. Although there was usually only a single winner, several Demonstrators had their projects published to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Web Site - I was lucky enough to have several of my projects posted, but never actually won. This is the third idea I submitted - and it was the third project published !

The first project was the candy bar wrap/gift card holder I posted here; the second project was the A Happy Heart card and treat bag posted here; the final project I submitted was the Bella Pets Scrapbook Wall Art project that I posted here.



SUPPLY LIST:

Small shadowbox frame

Big Shot with Top Note Die

Dream A Little Hostess stamp set

Whisper White cardstock - ½ sheet of 8 ½ x 11

Pink Pirouette cardstock - 1/4 sheet of 8 ½ x 11

Whisper White craft ink

Pink Pirouette classic ink

Riding Hood Red classic ink

Kiwi Kiss classic ink

Basic Black marker

Aquapainters

Two Way Glue

Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Dimensionals

Pretty In Pink ¼” grosgrain ribbon - 14”

White ¼” grosgrain ribbon - 14”

Paper snips

SNAIL adhesive

Stampin’ Sponge

Crystal Effects - optional for adding shiny highlights to the flower




INSTRUCTIONS:

Run the Top Note die through the Big Shot with the Whisper White and Pink Pirouette cardstock. Use ½ of the Whisper White piece , the remaining half will be used for the stamped embellishments.

Trim the Pink Pirouette Top Note die cut just above the halfway point.

Stamp the Pink Pirouette piece with Whisper White ink and the tiny flower stamp from the set. Sponge Whisper White along the edges; set aside to dry.

Stamp three of the large outline flower image with Riding Hood Red ink on scraps of the Whisper White. Stamp the leafy branch image with Kiwi Kiss ink. Using the Aquapainter and ink pads, watercolor the flowers and branch.

Ink the hummingbird with Kiwi Kiss. Remove areas that you would like to color differently with the Aquapainter, then recolor in with the aqua painter and ink from the lid of your stamp pads. I used the Aquapainter with Riding Hood Red ink to color the hummingbirds throat after I had removed the Kiwi Kiss ink. Dot the Hummingbirds eye with the Basic Black marker. "Huff" your warm breath onto the stamp to remoisten the ink, then stamp onto the cardstock.

Use the Two Way glue to apply Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the hummingbird. Set aside to dry. Trim out after dry.

Cut out the flowers and branches with the Paper Snips. Trim each of the flowers to your liking to create a three dimensional bloom. I used one as a base, one I trimmed along each petal, the third I cut out the middle portion of the bloom. Curl each petal and use dimensionals if needed to position them to your liking, creating layers.

Glue the trimmed and stamped Pink Pirouette die cut to the lower half of the Whisper White Top Note die cut. Wrap the ribbon pieces around the Top Note die cut, lining them up along the seam where the Whisper White and Pink Pirouette cardstock meets. Tie into a basic knot and trim, placing the knot slightly off center, to the right. Stamp “dream a little” with Riding Hood Red ink on the lower right portion of the Pink Pirouette piece. Adhere the flower, branches and hummingbird just above the Pink Pirouette cardstock and to the left of the knotted ribbon.

Make sure your glass is clean before mounting into the shadowbox !

Thanks for looking !

A Happy Heart Class

This is the second class project that I submitted to Stampin Up!
as part of their Demonstrator Challenge series a couple of years ago, to write class projects following the monthly theme they gave us. The winner received a free stamp set, but we all won by seeing many wonderful class ideas shared by generous Demonstrators. Although there was usually only a single winner, several Demonstrators had their projects published to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Web Site - I was lucky enough to have several of my projects posted, but never actually won. This card and treat bag idea was the second idea I submitted - and it was published !

The first project was the candy bar wrap/gift card holder I posted here; final project I submitted was the Bella Pets Scrapbook Wall Art project that I have previously posted here.



SUPPLIES:
A Happy Heart stamp set
1/2 sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" Riding Hood Red card stock (4-1/4" x 11")
1/2 sheet of Shimmery White card stock (5-1/2" x 8-1/2")
1 Whisper White envelope
1 cellophane bag (4" x 6")
Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin’ Pad
Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Pad
24" Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon
Crop-A-Dile
Scallop Edge punch
Word Window punch
Paper-piercing tool or 1/16" Circle punch
Scissors
Hobby Blade
Stampin’ Dimensionals (I used 10)
Plain white address labels (I used Avery 5160)
Nugget type of candy
Heart shaped template, such as using On Board pieces or perhaps a heart shaped die from our Big Shot (the heart stencil I used is approximately 3" wide x 3-1/4" tall).




Wishing You a Happy Heart Card
1. Fold the Riding Hood Red card stock in half, creating a landscape 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card that opens from the right side, fold on left.
2. Cut a piece of the Shimmery White card stock 4" x 5-1/2".
3. Use the Scallop Edge punch on the left 4" side of Shimmery White card stock.
4. Use the paper-piercing tool or the 1/16" Circle punch to create a small hole in the center of each scallop.
5. Trace the heart shaped On Board piece or use a die (or make your own template) to create a heart window slightly off center towards the right side of the Shimmery White piece that you put the scallop edge on. If you trace a pattern, you will want to trace on the reverse side of the Shimmery White then cut the heart out carefully with a Hobby Blade. The heart shaped piece that you remove will be used on the cellophane treat bag project.
6. Stamp “Wishing you a happy heart” in Whisper White Craft ink onto the Riding Hood Red card stock so that it will show through the heart shaped window cutout.
7. Tie Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon (approximately 15") around the left side of the Shimmery White card stock. Make a simple knot type bow and trim.
8. Apply Stampin’ Dimensionals as needed to the backside of the Shimmery White card stock, then adhere to the Riding Hood Red card front, centering it so a hint of red edge shows evenly all the way around the white.
9. Decorate the envelope using Riding Hood Red ink and other stamps from the set.
10. This card will probably require extra postage; the postmaster at my local branch had me add extra postage.
Notes: Use a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Whisper White card stock to adhere to the inside of the card so that your sentiments show up when you sign the card OR use White Signo Gel Pens/ White Craft ink for use on the Riding Hood Red card stock. White Stampin’ Emboss powder rather than Whisper White Craft Ink would really pop on the Riding Hood Red card stock. Add a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter to the tiny heart shaped flower parts for a fun accent!



Cellophane Candy Bag
1. Stamp address labels with Riding Hood Red ink, put aside to make sure the ink dries before being handled when wrapping the candies.
2. Cut a 3/8" wide piece of Shimmery white card stock from a 4-1/4" edge. Stamp “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Riding Hood Red ink on this card stock strip.

3. Place the strip into the Word Window punch, threading one end up and through the opening so that when you punch it, just the end to the left of the saying will be punched, rounding it off. You can leave the end that is sticking out cut straight, make a pointy tail, or round it off too.

4. Stamp the large heart in Riding Hood Red ink on the scrap piece of Shimmery White card stock and trim out.

5. Layer the saying strip on top of the stamped heart with the large heart cutout from the card project underneath. Lay them so you will be able to punch through all three at once I layered them so they would all match in the upper left of the largest heart. Use the larger hole on the Crop-A-Dile to punch. Thread a 9" piece of Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon through this so it can be tied onto the cellophane bag. *The layered tag idea was inspired by the tag on the Art Show project from the November 2008 Stampin’ Success.

6. Wrap the labels around nugget type candies, place into the cellophane bag then tie shut with the tag/ribbon. You may wish to put a bit of red tissue paper or red crinkle basket filler in the base of the cellophane bag before putting in the candy.

Thanks for looking !

Chocolate Bar Wrap / Gift Card Holder

In my next few posts I'll share the "classes" I submitted to Stampin' Up! for a contest. Today I am sharing the first project that I submitted to Stampin Up! as part of their Demonstrator Challenge series, to write class projects following the monthly theme they gave us. The winner received a free stamp set, but we all won by seeing many wonderful class ideas shared by generous Demonstrators. Although there was usually only a single winner, several Demonstrators had their projects published to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Web Site - I was lucky enough to have several of my projects posted, but never actually won. This candy bar wrap/ gift card holder was the first idea I submitted - and it was published !

The final project I submitted was the Bella Pets Scrapbook Wall Art project that I have previously posted here.

This candy bar wrap was easy. I used the packaging from a Dove© chocolate bar as my pattern. The gift card insert was my own idea. If you like the idea you could probably adapt it to fit a different brand.






SUPPLIES:
1 Sheet of 8 ½ x 11 cardstock

1 ¾” x 8” strip of coordinating cardstock or designer paper

14” of coordinating ribbon

Scalloped Edge punch

Word Window punch

Handheld 1/8” hole punch or paper piercer

Choice of inks and stamp sets (I used Snow Swirled and Many Merry Messages stamp sets, Real Red and Baja Breeze classic inks)

Whatever other embellishments you would like to add, such as brads or glitter

Sticky Strip, Snail

The following instructions are for the basic wrap shown, but they may be further embellished.

Print the pattern then cut out along the solid lines (I'm not sure if this will print true to size though, sorry). If your printer has the option, you will want to change the print settings so that it prints in a lighter gray.Stamp desired images on the solid white side (the printed lines should be on the inside once completed). Score along the dashed lines. Fold along the score lines, creating a sort of envelope. Attach a small piece of Sticky Strip to the left and the right side of the bottom flap, on the inside, to hold the side flaps in place.
Punch two (or four if you prefer) pieces of scrap cardstock with the Word Window punch. Wrap one piece around each of two opposite corners of the gift card you would like to include (optional); this is like a photo corner mount, it will keep the giftcard in place. Use tiny pieces of Snail or Sticky Strip to keep the ends of the Word Window/gift card corner holder in place. I make mine fit snuggly around the gift card so there is no movement, possibly a chance it will fall out. The recipient needs to tear/cut one of the mounts to remove the gift card. Use the scallop edge punch , piercer and more rubber stamps, if desired, to decorate the strip of cardstock that will wrap around the envelope. Wrap the decorative strip of cardstock around the closed envelope then attach a small piece of Sticky Strip to adhere the ends of the strip together.Wrap the ribbon around the strip of cardstock and tie. Add any extra embellishments !


Thanks for looking !