Lisa Johnson, a wonderful contributor to Papertrey’s design team, coordinated a challenge for several other members & fans that are also bloggers. Lisa created a clever template (which can be downloaded HERE) for a heart-shaped card that will fit perfectly inside our new exclusive Small Heart Tins.
I took some time today and made a little project using Lisa’s template. It is such a versatile template and I highly recommend downloading it to keep on file even if you do not plan on using it now. Since I have had the opportunity to play with it, my head is just swimming with other uses for it!
So, for my project I decided to use her template to create a heart-shaped accordion book. I printed the template onto regular white typing paper and cut it out. I cut a strip of cardstock measuring 1.75 x 12 inches. I used my Scor-Pal to score every 2-3/8 inches. I then adhered the template with temporary adhesive directly to the "cover" of the book.
I cut along the edges of the template while the book was folded together, so I was cutting all the layers of the book at once. It will end up being a little choppy because of the thickness of the material you are cutting through. To resolve that, use an emery board to file the edges smooth. I like to use the rounded file from Basic Grey’s kit to get into inner curves, like the one found at the top of the heart.
I knew I wanted to add some pattern to my book and I chose the linear label stamp from Sweet Love. I started by stamping the label once in the center of each heart using Claret Palette ink.
I then went back through and stamped on either side of that, using a piece of typing paper at each fold as a mask to eliminate any over-stamping. I was careful to allow even spacing on either side of the center label, creating almost a stripe (you’ll see why in the next step).
Next, I added white dots in each of those "spaces" I spoke of above. I used a Sharpie Poster Paint pen. It has a wonderful continuous flow and creates perfect dots every time. (They can be found at art supply stores and even Wal-Mart occasionally).
As a final step, I sponged the outside edges with the same Claret Palette Ink. I really think this step gives the book a nice finished edge.
This project is entitled "Reasons Why I Love…." and I created it for Owen to give to his teacher. I asked him what he loved about her, and typed his answers (verbatim, how fun!) onto the computer. I sized the text appropriately to fit within the small oval punch from SU! After printing & punching, I adhered all of the reasons in place. The book is double sides and includes ten reasons. If you do not have children in school, the same project could also be done for a grandparent or make one yourself for your spouse!
To decorate the Small Heart Tin, I covered it with this beautiful new paper from K&Company (Smitten 12×12 Paisley Glitter Paper). The strip for the bottom was cut to 1.5" wide, to allow the lid to easily slide on and off. I just traced the lid with pencil onto the back of the paper, cut it out and adhered it. I then used my sanding tools (as mentioned earlier) to form fit the paper to the lid.
I created a special label for the lid by printing the title onto white cardstock. I punched it out with a 1-1/4" circle punch. I stamped the dotted circle from Borders & Corners Circle onto pink cardstock and punched it out with the Extra Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch. I adhered everything together and added small dots of Star Dust Stickles on top of the stamped dots of the border. It really helped to coordinate the label with the glitter that is found on the patterned paper. I adhered the label to the lid of the tin with foam dimensionals.
I wanted to do something a little different with the rim of the lid, so I decided to create a bow. I cut two pieces of ribbon. One piece I backed with a piece of tacky tape and laid flat on my work surface. The other piece I formed into a loop and adhered the ends to the back center of the original ribbon strip.
I then folded the ends of the tacky taped ribbon over to the back of the loop, flattening the loop and turning it into a bow.
I had already adhered ribbon around the edge of my tin with tacky tape. It was easy to use an additional piece of tape to adhere the bow in place.
As a special touch to help make this tin a special keepsake for Owen’s teacher, I cut a white lining for the inside of the lid. I then had Owen sign his name. Nothing is more precious than a child’s penmanship when they are in the first stages of learning to write!
Here is a photo of the completed ensemble. This is an easy & fun project that will make the recipient feel SO special!
Be sure and drop by the other talented participant’s blogs to see their unique versions of projects created with the same template. They each have completely different take on how it can be used. From card embellishments to gift packaging. You will surely be inspired!
SUPPLY LIST:
Ink- Claret Palette Ink
Stamps- Sweet Love & Borders & Corners Circle from Papertrey Ink
Paper- Smitten 12×12 Paisley Glitter Paper from K&Company, pink cardstock from Prism
Other- pink grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts, Star Dust Stickles from Ranger, Extra Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch, 1-1/4" circle punch (EK Success), small oval punch (SU!), sponge, Tacky Tape from Provo Craft, White Poster Paint Pen from Sharpie
Janet says
Stunning. Down to every touch.
Cresta Woodruff says
What a fabulous idea! It is so beautiful! His teacher will surely treasure this!
Jenn Jones says
Adorable! So creative!
Alli Miles says
Oh look at you! I LOVE THIS Nichole. How precious would this gift be too as a teacher (you know I can appreciate that…since I am a teacher!). PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT as always.
Lauren (mytime) says
Oh Nichole how fun you participated! I had no idea if you would play! Of course your sample is over the top cute and creative. Now I want to delete mine! LOL!
Becky says
Wow…so great you played along! What a good sport! 🙂
Sandy Kay says
Oh, how sweet – thanks for sharing! This is my answer to the request on the forum for some eye candy!
Sandy Kay
Geny says
Totally didn’t know you were going to play, now I am totally and completely humbled! That is the cutest project ever, I might have to made a couple for my child’s teachers. Okay, now I want a do over since I saw your project:)!
Michelle R says
Way too cute! ! !
Renee V. (happystamper05) says
Awwww…
I’m so lovin’ your idea! ♥ I think I’ll make one for my DD, my DS, my other DS, and of course, my DH.(could do my BFF, my sis, etc.)
Heartfelt Hugs! ♥
Julie Brooks says
Little Mrs. creative!!! Very Cute idea!
Kelsey Forester says
Wonderful project! =)
Off to check out the other S.W.A.K downs!
Deanna Woodland says
WOW… that is Gorgeous! I hope they continue to post more challenges to help us think outside the box! 🙂 I might even participate next time!!!! 🙂
Lynn Mercurio says
That’s why you are a creative goddess to me! How very imaginative…and don’t you just love Owen’s precious signature!!! Love the accordian folded hearts – genius! (and no, I’m not just sucking up!) lol
Chris (cdjkssss) says
This so perfect! Now you need to decorate a little Kleenex package to go along with it, ’cause you’re going to make the teacher cry, I guarantee it!
Christi says
All I can say is WOW!! Perfect in every possible way!
Janine says
Great project Nichole.. I can hardly wait for my heart tins to get here.
Sandy Kay says
Nichole,
This is so sweet – thanks for sharing! This is an answer to my request on the forum for some eye candy – keep on sharing the rest of the ideas that are swimming around in your creative head!
Sandy Kay
Charmaine says
Oh how very sweet!
Michelle Nadraszky says
Wow! This is absolutely precious!
Lisa Johnson says
WOW!
See…I’m speachless! it’s all so very fantastic and Brilliant!
Thanks for joining in on the fun… glad you like the little pattern. Thanks for showing us a twist on it and inspiringing me (again) to make something fun for a personal gift.
~you are the QUEEN!~
Rebecca says
Thank you for sharing. We will definitely be doing these for my children’s teachers. I showed my 6 year old son the project and he was so excited about it. He loves to give presents.
Melanie Muenchinger says
very cute project!
Ghazal says
Fabulous! Wish I was as creative as you.
Granna on the Go says
I absolutely love every detail of this Valentine book for the teacher. So very thoughtful without any calories. I absolutely love the child’s signature in the lid! What a keepsake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful LOVE gift!!!!!!!!
Karen U says
Amazing – truly amazing! I love your work and get excited when you have a new blog entry. I can’t wait to try this. Thanks! Karen U
Michele Zwart says
This is amazingly adorable! I need heart boxes!
Amanda says
absolutely fabulous!! I would CRY if a student of mine gave me this!! It is SOOOO great!
Jennifer Buck says
How cute! I love this! This was such a fun challenge! I really enjoyed seeing what y’all created! Take care! 🙂
AmyR says
OF COURSE you rocked this challenge!! WOW!!
Steph says
Your creativity always amazes me! What an awesome idea. Love it!
Barb Schram says
What a great treasure to make for a teacher. Thanks for the inspiration! I better get busy on those tins!!!!
Diane Lapointe says
Ahhhh that is so sweet!!!! What a wonderful
gift for a teacher!!!
Linda says
I am blown away! This is so absolutely fabulous! This is an idea that I will be doing for sure (my Harland is in Kindergarten this year)!
Linda
Linda
CherylQuilts says
I’m in awe…and in love with these newest sets! Love this idea, and there’s still time to do it for Valentine’s for my VDH. Thanks, Nichole. All the gals’ ideas are super!!
Sharon says
This is the BEST teacher’s gift I have seen! Thank you so much….I am now off to order my heart tins! Again, thank you for sharing!
rosekerry says
Incredibly adorable!
yifatiii says
i love it!
happy valentine day :)))
yifatiii says
i love it!
happy valentine day :)))
Bee says
This is such a fun and adorable project. I bet his teacher will feel super special!! 🙂
Julia says
That is absolutely postively the BEST! What an adorable idea and gift..I so wish I was his teacher! 🙂
Clara Rubalcaba says
I LOVE this! Now I have to buy some of those tins!
I was also wondering about the block that use used for your label stamp. It is the perfect size for the label stamps and it nice and thick. Do you remember where you got it or what brand it is? I would love to get one like that! 😀
Jessica Kuzelka says
AWESOME! I love all your ideas. Would you please add this to the countdown archive for this release? That way we can easily find it for later reference. THANK YOU for the mini bow tutorial. So simple, yet looks so complicated. Love it!
~ jess k
liannallama says
What a stunner! Awesome project!
Kim Marie says
Breathtaking, Nicole. And it is SO do-able the way your tutorialized it (made that one up I think!!)
🙂 Great way to take up the challenge!
Kim
Sara Paschal says
So very pretty, I adore your book tin what a nice gift.
Dawn McVey (dawnsing) says
Hi Nichole! This is absolutely adorable! Seriously!!
Happy weekend!
Jessica says
This is so amazing! Great job!
ohradiogirl says
This is awesome. Thanks for all of the meticulous details. Love that too.
Debbie Olson says
Nichole, this is darling! Sorry to be so late linking; we didn’t know that you knew we were playing! So glad that you had a chance to make this sweet accordion book!
diane mcvey says
That is SO AWESOME! I love the tin, the insert of hearts, the bow…everything! What a wonderful gift…the teacher will LOVE it! Thank you for the directions too, so helpful. . . Have a great weekend! 😀
Heidi says
This is so sweet! It’s the best teacher gift! If one of my students gave something like that to me I would be in tears!!!!
PennyH says
This is so beautiful! That is so neat because my last name is Hall and my 5 yr old son’s name is Owen.
Jen says
This is such an amazing project!!!
Conniecrafter says
This is just so sweet, thanks for all the instructions, and I just love that bow!
Tessa (aka shastess on SCS) says
Nichole this is simply precious! If one of my students was to give me this I would probably cry. These are the best types of gifts, ones where the student signs their name on a card or drawing that says I LOVE YOU! His teacher will love it. Really liked the bow with the ribbon. Going to have to try that. As always you are such an inspiration!
Amanda Sewell says
This is absolutely adorable! I might have to make one for my hubby 🙂
Lori J says
What a wonderful project. I love the way you did the ribbon. Thanks for the tutorial. :0)
Just Jaime says
I just stumbled upon your blog while hunting for valentine papercutting templates – you’ve got some really fabulous ideas and products.
This valentines craft is adorable; thanks so much for sharing!
Terri E. says
Thank you so much for your ideas for gifts from kids. My daughter is only 16 months old, but you bet this will be a favorite in years to come!
It’s a good life!
Terri E.
Justine says
Just letting you know how much I appreciate all of your posts. I live in Sicily and visit your site daily for inspiration. I also love to follow the links to others blogs and check out their creativity.
Don Waalen says
I’m new to Papertrey, and have just ordered my first 9 sets, however, this sample fits in perfectly with the definite style of Papertrey.
I’ve been a stamper and independent instructor for many years and my style is usually very artsy, but I’m in another phase of my stamping evolution and am leaning more towards, simple but dramatic.
I can’t wait to get me sets and see all of the new ones that are on the way!!!
Don Waalen says
I’m new to Papertrey, and have just ordered my first 9 sets, however, this sample fits in perfectly with the definite style of Papertrey.
I’ve been a stamper and independent instructor for many years and my style is usually very artsy, but I’m in another phase of my stamping evolution and am leaning more towards, simple but dramatic.
I can’t wait to get me sets and see all of the new ones that are on the way!!!
Holly says
This is so cute and so creative! SO glad I stumbled upon your stuff today! Great little gift that I will do since Valentine’s is just under 2 months away! Thanks!!
Retro Jordan says
In overcast conditions the skylight is always blue (clear skies are needed for the pink light) and it is generally much darker, with night falling much more quickly.
Nafa says
OMG…it’s so cute
I will try to make it for valentine’s day next year