Gift Box Using Stampin Up Designer Series Kraft Card

I needed a small gift box for some presents for my Dad after he had another eye operation. I love the printed and foiled Shine on Stampin Up designer series Kraft card and made this for one 12x12 sheet using my Crafters Companion Big Score.

I cut the card in half (so I had two 6x12 pieces). With the first piece I stamped the stamp 'sweet treats' from the Stampin Up teeny tiny sentiments. With this piece I used the 'box lid' side of the board and measured 2.5 cm on each side. I did the same with the other sheet on the 'box base' side. I then used tacky glue to put it together.

I finished it with some lime ribbon.

The designer series Kraft is a great thickness and it makes it a really nice box.

Bead Haul Prototype Box #beadhaul

In the past I have subscribed to Craft Creatives boxed and liked them but I didn't always like the themes and stopped subscribing when they changed their box from themes to projects. The Craft Creatives team recently made a prototype box available of their new Bead Haul box. I love making jewellery bits, and it's quite handy that my hubby works in that field too and can give me little hints and tips. I was really excited by this and signed up for the prototype and was really impressed.

Now I must apologise as I did get this box just over a month ago and even made some things on the day I got it, but forgot to get round to blogging about it!

Now I must point out that this box was a prototype to see what people thought about what was on offer and the box that came was pretty plain and non-branded (apart from the label that said it was a Bead Haul prototype) but I actually liked this as I buy the box for what's inside.

 

Sorry for the bad picture. This kit included the below:

• head and eye pins
• two shell wings
• earring hooks
• two necklace chains
• jump rings
• aqua beads
• metal feather charms
• bird charms (included single bird charms, two birds on a white/branch, birds in a hoop, and bird connectors)
• aqua square beads
• a tassel
• two seagull wooden tile charms
• bird buttons
• stix 2 pick up pencil (this was a gift)

I liked the range of items and already have this antique gold colour in jewellery hardware which was handy. I also have a lot of aqua bits so I can mix it with my own bits I already have.

I liked the buttons however I wasn't sure they really fitted with the box, but will be using these in my sewing projects. I also realllllly didn't like the tassel, I've seen these a lot in DoCrafts kits at the moment and just don't like them or 'get' them, but that's just me. 

There were a few projects to try out online too which was good as it gave me a feel for what I could make, and then inspire me to make other projects. The first thing I made was the bird in the hoop infront of the aqua tile bead. At first I had no idea how this would work and thought maybe glue would be involved, but its made using a jump ring on the bird, and a jump ring on the tile and layering them on the necklace. I love it.

 

The next thing I made was this pair of earrings. I love wing things and thought these were beautiful. The only thing I would have liked is if they were opposites of each other (as in the pattern). They're really light weight too!

I then decided to get my jewellery making box out and found some chain, jump rings, a clasp and a little charm saying 'made with love' (shown below) and this is what I made.

One of the ideas was making earrings with the metal feathers however they are quite weighty and I'd worry about using them as earrings so I'm going to come up with another idea (maybe a bag charm). I can't weight to try some other projects with this kit and thought it was really well thought out.

I wasn't sure if I'd purchase the first 'official' box, however the theme has been revealed as FAIRYTAIL!!!!!  This has definitely swung it for me especially with my love of Disney and fairytales (as I write this I'm watching Once Upon a Time, and planning a trip to Disneyland Paris!). 

This box will be available to order from 1st November 2015 and will be priced at £12.50 with £2.50 postage, and delivered in early December. This can be purchased as a one off box, or brought as a subscription being delivered every 2 months. I think I will order the first box and see what it is like before I commit as I'm not a huge jewellery maker but like making things when I want a break from card making (especially around Christmas time!) More info can be found on https://www.craftycreatives.com/beadhaul/

The actual boxes will also have more beads rather than findings which I'm really pleased with as you can buy findings sets quite easily and you won't be over run with findings (unless you want to be of course). Nothing worse than having hundreds of findings you don't want or use!

This box was purchased by myself and was a fair review based on my thoughts of the box. I do not get anything from #beadhaul in exchange for this review or via the link.

Quick cards using my Crafty What Not's Box

As the kittens are asleep I decided to make some cards using my Crafty What Nots box Click here to view my review post

First I used the flower stamp with the chalk inks on the smallest card blanks in the box. The image stamped really clearly and I added a button to the middle of the card for a simple little note cards.

Next I got another small card blank and inked up the stamp but masked over the flower head so I just got the stem and leaves.

Next I cut a 1 inch circle out of card.

I then used a selection of Candi (some of which was from my own stash as well) and pinched each one to make a petal shape.

I then glued these round the outside of the circle with tacky glue.

Once this was done I did another layer.

Then finally added a centre Candi with a foam square and added the whole thing to the top of my stem. 

To finish I added a sentiment and some twine from the packaging. 

My final card I made with the larger card blank (12.5cm) and started by stamping the flower around the outside of the card. I then got one of the iridescent sheets of floral paper and cut a square 10cm x 10cm. Rather than use the pattern side I used the reverse and stamped the flower directly into this. I then stuck this onto the card and finished with three pieces of Candi. 

I hope you like my cards and how I've used the different bits from the kit. For more about the Crafty What Not's box check my previous post.

Some of my uses of Crafty Creatives packaging

I love the Crafty Creatives boxes and one of the things I enjoy seeing is that months packaging paper/material.

For my valentines day cards I used the Halloween theme box rose material (I only sent one card but made cards for friends and family to give).

This month I loved the polkadot print and used it for my Mum's Mother's Day present (a handmade pin cushion and some flower head pins). I wrapped this with some twine (similar to that in the box this month but I have lots of reels of different colours from a competition) and also used a tag I think was in a past box. No tape needed at all either!

I've used the printed brown paper for small gifts previously too as think it looks so lovely and have used it in my Big Shot with my hedgehog die as it gives a great texture and colour for my hedgehogs. (The picture below shows this on our hedgehog's house sign, he is such a messy hog, he rearranges his cage at night)

What have you used your paper wraps for?

Crafty Creatives Box - First thoughts #CCbox8

After a break from Crafty Creatives for three boxes I missed all the goodies too much and came back. I stopped subscribing as I was only really a card maker and did a bit of sewing too but that was it. At the time I also didn't have any craft storage and my study was just a room of boxes but after Christmas I sorted all of that out. Also during that time I've got into more crafts including jewellery making, knitting and more sewing (especially once my parents got Bailey as I'm now making loads of bandanas, he is a puppy by the way)

During my break I've got more into crafts so couldn't wait to get this box.

Before I tell you what's in the box I was looking recently at buying some craft items, these being:
Head pins
Washi tape (never tried it but want to)
Different materials
Another pair of jewellery tools (I have a three in one tool which I love but needed another to help open links easier and my fingers always get in the way - my hubby works in a jewellers and is teaching me the best way to make head pins, links etc)

In this box all of the above was included! Scary!

I woke up this morning, changed my hedgehog pj bottoms for jeans, chucked on my jacket and shoes, put hot water and coffee in my cafetiere then walked to my next door neighbour....the sorting office. 5 mins 21 seconds and I was back (for most people this is more like 2/3 mins but my Muscular Dystrophy slows me down and it was blummin cold). Got home, pushed the plunger on my coffee down and then sat in my tub chair with my coffee, almond croissant and CC box (in jeans and hedgehog pj top)

This box is amazing, possibly my favourite :)

The art card woke me up! NeonFunk 002 art card from Paul Heard who is actually from my neck of the woods in Essex.

The rest of the box is a lovely mix of spots and stripes:
CC Kit - polymer clay necklace kit - never used polymer clay and can't wait
Washi tape - YEYYYYYYY can't wait to try and its such a lovely pattern. I made a quick card wrapping the tape round some card letters to make a quick but lovely thank you card
Spotty & stripy paper straws - either thinking of using for cake pop sticks or cake flags using washi tape as little flags (since I wrote this I made some flags lol all ready for some cupcakes)
Spotty cupcake cases- I needed more cases! Can use this in conjunction with the above straws
Glass bead
Stripy string - have lots but none in this colour - nice pastel green huge
Resin beads
PVC fabric - thinking of making a pencil case or small make up bag for my handbag
Stripped cotton fabric - bandana for bailey or as part of a cushion
Foam sticky dots - I've used stix2 squares before but never the dots so looking forward to using these - great for round card toppers
Tissue paper - card making or gift wrap
Round nose pliers & headpins - yeyyyy more jewellery making suppliers :)

Now I'm off to finish my coffee, have a shower then vacuum my sewing machine before I have a day of crafting!

Quick little make - box using pretty patterned paper and new paper trimmer

This is a little box which I made using the papers from a kit I got last month. I made it really to test out my new Purple Cow trimmer and guillotine. It is currently housing the Christmas embellishments from Let's Make Cards. (the celotape is not attached to the box, just used it in the picture to show the edging round the bottom of the box

Craft stash storage using old Glossyboxes

I subscribe to Glossyboxes and currently have my craft bits in 4 of them.

Box 1 - Promarkers

Box 2 - card blanks

Box 3 - finished cards

Box 4 - toppers (mostly things from craft magazines)

I've seen on a few cosmetic blogs that people have made drawers from the boxes and use this to store their make up in but I have another use for mine...

My husband (nearly wrote fiancé, still not used to calling him my husband) made some room yesterday for me in the study as I am turning the living room into a craft room! Sizzix dies all over the place, boxes on chairs and under them! I thought I'd make this set of drawers as a neat storage item in the study so everything is in one place without boxes falling over.

I used the below blog for instructions on how to make the drawers:

http://sorjanban.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/re-using-glossybox-es.html

I used silicone adhesive rather than superglue and then tapped everything in place to hold it more securely.

My boxes are all different colours but it doesn't matter as I want to cover mine with craft paper I have from magazines. As you will see from the photos, the top tray has the word 'cards' stamped on it and some drawers have marks on them from colouring on top of them so that's another reason I'm covering them.

I put glossybox ribbon loops on the drawers for handles and punched holes and threaded the ribbon through as the drawers are a tight fit and glued on ribbon would just come off when pulled.

The only thing I would like with these drawers would be to add runners as if you take the bottom drawer all the way out, the top ones would fall down but it's not to bad as I will just move the drawers around.

I'm going to use the top tray for my adhesives and scissors as they are then on hand whenever I need them. The other drawers I will use for my pens, card blanks and toppers. I have another spare box for my finished cards so I can store them separately.

The photos show the progress so far before I cover it with papers and the final product!

Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals Get Started Complexion Kit - Update

Back in August I posted a blog post about the Bare Minerals Get Started Complexion Kit I brought but I never did post a follow up or the results. Original Blog Post

To be honest I wasn't overly impressed with it. After watching it demonstrated on QVC (well the products not the kit) I thought it looked easy enough and had good coverage however using it was a different matter!

The foundation is good but I seem to use more than they say and it doesn't really build up. It's nice in that it's very natural but doesn't really give much cover if needed. Also I wish the lids were bigger as when you swirl and tap the product goes over the edge of the lid.

The 'warmth' product is good and does give a bit of colour to your face (I'm usually quite pale so this is brilliant to give me a healthy glow.)

The concealer brush didn't really do much concealing, I tried using both the Bisque and the foundation powders with the brush but it didn't conceal darkness or the lack of pigmentation on the scar on my nose.

I've not really noticed much from the mineral veil but then it's not something which is seen and is supposed to just soften your face.

All in all I like the foundation it's self, and is probably the best mineral foundation I have used, but as for the other products in the pack I'm not sure I would buy them. It's ok for day wear but I don't think I could use it for special occasions or evenings out as I would need a bit more coverage.

It's a good kit to get started with and I can see the warmth pot lasting quite some time and I may buy the foundation again but not the bisque. I would also suggest using another type of concealer if you have scaring or darkness rather than trying to use the bisque.

I did enter a competition on QVC to win a makeover / tutorial with Bare Minerals as thought it would be great to see how to use it properly to cover scars (mine is now just pale white on my nose) but unfortunately didn't win :o( I'll just carry on with my Laura Geller concealer (also from QVC lol)

I've not added any photos of me with this foundation etc on as it gives a very natural look so it would look like I had no make up on anyway (which is good in a way).

Caught The Glossy Box Bug!

Saw these when they first came out around May time and was tempted to subscribe but didn't fancy having to wait a few months due to the high demand so forgot all about them.... Until someone posted on Facebook again about them this week.... and my box arrived this morning!
I got it as my skin can be funny with products so getting smaller versions to try it handy as you can never tell if You like a product unless you try it a few times. I also find if I buy a new product I use it once or twice then never again so at least I can gage if I'll use the product regularly. Another reason I got it is as I seem to buy the same products again and again, OPI or Nails Inc polishes, L'Oreal make-up etc in the same types of colours.
This box contained Leighton Denny polish which I've seen in John Lewis before and on QVC I think but to me it looks cheapish packaging so I've never tried it (not that I wouldn't try cheaper things, it just looks similar to own brand polishes which I've tried and haven't been of great quality). I gave it a try last night and it's nice in that it goes on well and the lid/brush is quite weighty which seemed to make it easier to apply. The colour I received was sex kitten, a metalicy silver blue. It'a ok but having applied it while watching a film and not touching anything for a few hours I've noticed this morning marks on my nails like when you go to bed with wet nails so not sure what happened there... Doesn't usually happen with my other polishes. The test though now is how long it lasts....as usually my polishes on last 2 days max even long lasting polishes.
Love the dermologica products, especially the heating face scrub although it made my face all shiney but luckily I was at home all day. My fiancé at one point asked what I had on my chin and it was the light reflecting on my face making it look like I had something white on me.
The lip stuff is also great and really lasts and is making my lips look bigger with the shine.
Another product in the box was Stilla eyeliner in a goldy/greeny/brown colour. I've never used this make before and usually go for black eyeliner but really liked this for everyday wear without eyeshadow and it had a glittery effect to it which looks great. I wouldn't have brought this colour myself normally but love it! Also I've never tried Stilla but it's a good product, not sure I'd go looking for Stilla items but would probably but this eyeliner again when it runs out (or look for similar by my old fave L'Oreal.)
I've not tried the perfumes yet as had lots of migraines over the last few days and heard these were heady fragrances but hopefully will get round to trying them soon.
Very much looking forward to the next box :)