Let’s Celebrate Flamingo Carousel - Trimcraft DT

As soon as I saw the fun loving flamingos on the First Edition Let’s Celebrate papers I just knew they should be on a carousel! 


I cut the carousel entirely by hand with my trusty scissors, constructing it from white card and decorated it using the lovely papers and my favourite Pom-Pom trim. I spotted some gold and white striped paper straws and had to buy them to use in this project.  

This project hopefully shows my sense of joy and fun at creating with just a pair of scissors, no dies or cutting machines.

Products Used:
First Edition Lets Celebrate 12 x 12 paper pad

Lace, pom Pom Trims and mini ribbon bows from across the Trimcraft brands

Dovecraft Glitter Glue

Plus:

White card,

Gold & White striped Straws

Confetti Sprinkles

Botanical Beauty Shadow Box Card - Trimcraft DT

Hello, yes it's me!, back to blogland after a summer break, I thought I'd start with some catch up posts and first off I'm sharing this Tutorial I created for Trimcraft.

I was thrilled when they asked if I'd like to create a project for their website and immediately wanted to work with the gorgeous First Edition Botanical Beauty papers, I decided a shadow box card design would also be a great way to show off the papers and also some of the First Edition die sets, and this cute Dovecraft Toucan die which I cut from glitter card for extra sparkle.

All the step by step details including lots of photos and a materials list can be found over at The Craft Blog Link Here:  Botanical Beauty Shadow Box Card

Would love to know if you find the tutorial helpful, and if you love the Botanical beauty papers as much as I do!?
Angela x

Toucan Cage and Stand - Trimcraft DT

Hello, Recently I've been working with some absolutely gorgeous papers called Botanical Beauty.  They are by First Edition and as always their papers are just gorgeous, not only in design but in the lovely selection of finishes and effects you always get in each pad.  The Botanical Beauty papers are absolutely stunning and I just knew I wanted to make a bird cage with them, afterwards I decided it just ‘needed something’ and so I made a stand to match!  (please scroll down for video)

How To:

I cut the bird cage itself on one of my cutting machines, but you could cut similar using die cut panels and join theme or use a sharp craft knife and ruler to cut basic grid bars if you prefer.

I’ve applied a citrus green metallic gilding polish to the cage bars and the matching stand, hopefully giving a hint of Verdigris. I used a gold metallic gilding polish for the top and bottom sections of the cage.

The 12x12 Botanical Beauty pad has birds and flowers In the right size for this make, so I fussy cut out 1 larger Toucan for the top of the cage and 2 smaller toucans on branches to go inside the cage.

The toucans inside have been mounted onto acetate, I created a box section rather than 2 strips as this gave more stability and still allows them to move about if touched.

The blooms have also been fussy cut from the pattern papers and I’ve used foliage dies from 2 different sets to arrange amongst the blooms, I used FE textured cardstock in 2 shades of green for the leafy foliage.

The stand I decided to make to go with the cage is basically 2 small shallow box pieces with a scored and folded section for the stem.  I added a top to the stand by layering up 3 or 4 squares of card sandwiched between pattern paper and applied the green gilding polish around the edges to fill in any gaps in the layers.  I have added cardboard inside the base and top to weight it down so the cage sits securely on top.

Here's a video to show the cage and stand in more detail

Products Used:

First Edition 12x12 Botanical Beauty Paper Pad – FEPAD185

First Edition 12x12 Textured Cardstock Pad – FEPAD062

First Edition Tropical Die Set – FEDIE235

First Edition Foliage Die Set – FEDIE0197

Acetate, Gold Tassel

Gold Gilding Polish, Green Gilding Polish

Adhesives: d/s Tape, Clear drying glue, 3D foam pads

This project has been created for Trimcraft Design Team and also appears in my Project Gallery on The Craft Blog here:

Happy Valentines Day! U & Me 3D Valentine - Trimcraft Design Team

Hello, I'm back!!  I had a little break from blogging recently but I'm back to share my projects with you on a regular basis.  As it's Valentines Day it's appropriate to start with this 3D standing Valentine I made for the Trimcraft Design Team.   I thought the fab papers in the First Editition Wanderlust paper pad would be ideal for a Valentine’s project, especially the pretty heart pattern and lovely pinky –red tones.  For fun I made a 3D standing ‘&’ and decorated it using 2 of the new First Edition die sets.  I have to say the Alphabet Tiles are going to get lots of use, they are easy to use and add a nice effect for sentiments.

How to:

I used my Cricut Explore to cut the 3D ‘&’ shape using the double sided pinky-red design paper from the 12x12 Wanderlust pad.  The 2 inserts on the loops of the letter show the other side of the paper.

I inked the edges using a red ink to define them and also it ‘colours in’ any white cut paper edges that may show. 

The front layer is cut from the heart patterned paper and I have inked in both red and black inks to define this piece.  I’ve also edged it in Crystal glitter glue for a sparkly effect.

The top layer of the letter tiles is cut from a pale wood pattern paper which is from another First Edition paper pad (Sweet Nothings I think) and the letter dies then cut into each square tile.  The backing are cut from black paper in the Wanderlust Pad which is the back of the Heart double sided paper.

Cupid has been cut twice and layered up, once from the foil pattern paper and once from black paper, this adds strength and also by offsetting the black slightly it gives a slight shadow effect.

I used different papers in the pad to layer up the small envelopes, lips, etc and chose a large flower from the bold floral paper to feature in the heart shaped balloon.

To finish, I cut the swirly ‘Love’ sentiment from black card and layered it twice to give it strength.  I used crystal glitter glue to cover the whole word before attaching to the bottom of the ‘&’ shape when it was dry.

Products Used:

First Edition Wanderlust 12x12 Paper Pad – FEPAD164

First Edition Wanderlust  6x6 Paper Pad – FEPAD166

First Edition Alphabet Tiles Die Set – FEDIE238

First Edition Love Themed Die Set – FEDIE239

Dovecraft A4 Black Card –

Dovecraft Glitter Glue – Crystal

Dovecraft Adhesive heart Pearl – Pink

Cricut Explore

Red Ink, Black Ink

Adhesives: D/S Tape, Clear Drying Glue, 3D Foam Squares

I am entering this project in the I Heart You Challenge over at That's Crafty! Challenge Blog, link here: http://thatscraftychallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/i-heart-you-challenge.html

Kimono Paper Doll Card – First Edition Floral Fusion Papers - Trimcraft DT

Hello, today I'm sharing a make with my favourite papers at the moment, which are the fabulous First Edition Floral Fusion, I love the oriental style. I also love paper folding and have always wanted to fold a kimono paper doll, it’s really simple and there are guides online. Why not make them with different sleeve and hair styles?

Step By Step:

Create a little folded Kimono shape first, there are guides online but they use washi paper which is a lot thinner than the high quality First Edition papers, so I have made the Obi (belt) as just one layer rather then rolled over.  The Kimono is created in 4 pieces (the Kimono gown, 2 sleeves and 1 Obi belt) and the head is 4 pieces (face, neck, hair, fringe) There are no exact measurements, just play with the paper until you are happy (you could practice with scrap paper first if you prefer)

I started with a sheet of 6x6 double sided paper and trimmed a piece off the left hand side, basically to make it a rectangle.  I then folded over the top about 2cm and then folded it back about 1cm to give a collar of about 1cm.  then took the paper from the top left corner and brought it across the front about half way, lined up the bottom hem and then pressed flat, it will give a slight shoulder fold.  The do the same with the right hand top corner, bring it over the front and line up with side edge of kimono and bottom, crease to give the shoulder fold as before.  Fold over the top layer slighter to give a reveal of the d/s paper.

Next cut a strip of paper to match for the Obi belt (I’m using the other side of the double sided paper used for the kimono so it will coordinate).  Cu the Obi strip approx. 2cm deep and fold around the Kimono.  It needs to sit high up and will cover the top fold details.  Glue the Obi ends together to complete the belt on the back.  (If you are keeping as a doll then be neat on the back too, if it’s going onto a card then you don’t have to worry about the back)  (I understand that the younger a lady is, the higher she wears the Obi, so if yours is lower it just means she’s a bit older: D)

Next cut 2 sleeve shapes for the arms in paper to match the Kimono gown, basically 2 squares, cut into them to create L shapes (left & right versions) and round edges to create shaped sleeves (again you can be creative with the sleeves.  Position sleeves and adhere at back of gown.

To create the head, cut a circle approx. 3cm from white card, and a strip for the neck, colour with First Edition markers.  Glue neck to back of head.  Create front of hair by cutting a 3cm circle from white card and colour with black marker (or use black card), cut into the circle to create chosen fringe shape and adhere to head using 3D foam squares.   Create hair length as desired, coloured to match fringe and adhere to back of head, using 3D foam squares.  Slide neck into kimono body and glue into position.  You know have a little paper doll.

I have added this paper doll to a card as follows:

Create white card base by scoring & folding A4 White Card in half.  Cut Floral Fusion paper approx. 12.75cm x 18.75cm.  Add 2 strips of text pattern and 2 strips of leaf pattern paper across card front.  Mat paper panel onto black card and then again onto card front using d/s tape.  Cut pennant shapes from patter papers using the FE Bunting die set and adhere at top left corner.  Position paper doll on card front and adhere in place.

Products used:
First Edition Floral Fusion 6x6 Paper Pad – FEPAD157
First Edition Floral Fusion 8x8 Paper Pad – FEPAD156
First Edition Bunting Dies – FEDIE147
Dovecraft Black Card – DSBS138
White Card
First Edition Markers (face & hair)
Adhesives: D/S Tape, Clear drying Glue, 3D Foam Squares

Romantic Gypsy Caravan Gift Box - Trimcraft DT

Hello, back with another catch up post, the First Edition papers are the perfect quality and weight for 3D paper crafting projects. I found the ‘Sweet Nothings’ papers perfect for this gypsy caravan gift box, with it’s romantic florals, soft spring colours and those fabulous wood pattern papers!  I have a video to show the caravan inside and out, link here: https://youtu.be/nxw_SIvG2yU

Step By Step:

This project has been cut on the Cricut Explore using Design Space images.  (Although I have cut this project on my Explore, a similar design could be made manually by adapting a box, shape the top sides and add a roof. Glue box onto larger card base and add wheels)

I chose the plain wood effect papers to construct the base of the box, as this was also double sided with a lovely rose print for the inside of the box.

The main top body of the caravan using the matching wood effect paper that has the rose pattern on it, which gives the appearance of stencilled flowers on the caravan.

For the wheels I cut an extra set to double them up and give extra strength, this also gave the wheels a pink paper backing to match the front.

Wheels have been attached using little brads (or split pins) the heads are hidden behind the little hearts which have been glued onto the head of the brad after assemble.

I’ve kept the decorations simple but you could really have fun dressing this one up, perhaps adding trailing flowers, etc. I have used the solid roof for the caravan but you could you the slotted roof option that would allow little notes to be posted into the box, idea for weddings etc.

To see the project in better detail, I have a video link here: https://youtu.be/nxw_SIvG2yU

This project also appears in my Trimcraft DT Gallery link here: www.thecraftblog.com/inspiration/romantic-gypsy-caravan-gift-box

Products Used:

First Edition Sweet Nothings Papers 12 x 12 – FEPAD143

4 small brads or split pins

Cricut Explore

Cricut Design Space file free with access

Adhesives: Clear Drying glue, Perma fix tape,

Love a Creative Life! - Trimcraft DT

Hello, I'm back again with a +The Craft Blog by Trimcraft  catch up post.  Since creating this card I have now framed it in a natural wood shadow box frame for display.

The beautiful FE Wild Flower papers, Creative Life phrase, and flamingo die conspired with my imagination to create this one.  The beautiful paper made me imagine a lush landscape inhabited by Butterfly Flamingos (I'm calling them Fla-Wingos!) with lots of creative messages, ‘creative life = happy life’, ‘LOVE to create’ ‘own style’, the words can be interpreted in different ways.  I’ve used the ‘wink, wink’ ribbon to remind me to never take myself too seriously. My message is always to have fun creating in your own style.

Step by Step:
Cover front of Dovecraft 6x6 Kraft card base (fold across top) with purple pattern Wild Flower paper.  Add a panel of Wild Flower paper inside card to write greeting on.
Cut green canvas effect Wild Flower paper approx. 14cm using Dovecraft decorative edge scissors, mat onto slightly larger square of pink paper (Dovecraft Colours) using d/s tape. Doodle a faux stitch effect around edges using a white pen, when dry add to card front.

Place the ‘Creative Life’ sticker (Kiss & Make Up) to top left on card front. Die cut letters to ‘LOVE’ from text print paper (FE Sweet Nothings) using First Edition alphabet dies and glue to right of chipboard sticker. Add 3 small glitter dots and a heart shaped pearl to decorate.

Using the Dovecraft Flamingo die, cut 3 different colours from Dovecraft Glitter card, purple green & pink, cut 3 butterflies from lilac, white and pink.  Glue flamingos in a row across centre of card front, fold up butterfly wings, apply glue to body part only and glue to flamingos. Add a small gemstone to each butterfly.  Glue a colour matched sequin to each flamingo for the eye and top with a clear adhesive gem.

Take ‘wink,wink’ ribbon (Kiss & Make Up) and adhere across card front just under flamingos feet, allow ribbon to overhang card edges and fish tail ends.
Using black ink stamp letters on to green paper to spell out ‘To’ ‘Create’ ‘Own’ Style’, cut out words and doodle faux stitching around cut edges.  Glue words into place around flamingos.

Die cut a layered flower and leaves from purple Wild Flower paper and white glitter card, assemble flower with 3D foam square and then add to ribbon at right, shape leaves and glue into place around flower, add a glitter dot to the centre of flower.

To finish, add a ‘love’ chipboard sticker (Kiss & Make Up) to first flamingo as if holding in it’s foot. Add 3 enamel hearts under ‘Love’ word, and glue a ‘sea’ of green, purple and pink sequins along the bottom of card.

Products Used:
First Edition Wild Flower 6x6 paper pad
Dovecraft Colours Paper 6x6 pack
First Edition Sweet Nothings Paper (for text pattern)
First Edition Alphabet Dies
Dovecraft Flamingo Die
Dovecraft Layered Flower Die
Dovecraft Butterfly Die
Dovecraft Kiss & Makeup Chipboard Stickers
Dovecraft Kiss & Makeup Heart Shaped Pearls
Dovecraft Kiss & Makeup Ribbon
Simply Creative Alphabet Clear Stamps
Dovecraft Glitter Card
Dovecraft Victorian Edge Scissors
Dovecraft Enamel Stickers
Dovecraft Sequins
Dovecraft Adhesive Gems
Adhesives: D/S Tape, Clear Drying Glue, 3D Foam Pads
White Pen, Black Ink

Peacock Twisted Easel Birthday Card - Trimcraft DT

Hello, playing catch up blogging my crafty makes, here is a recent DT make for +The Craft Blog by Trimcraft

There is a peacock die in the newest selection of dies from Dovecraft and I thought it would work well with the pretty greens, blues, and purples of the FE Wildflower papers.  I quite like paper folding and it’s been a while since I last made a card with the ‘Dahlia Fold’, this is a really easy fold based on circles and I felt the Scalloped circle dies teamed with the double sided Wildflower papers would echo the shapes of a peacocks feathers.  I made this one a Twisted Easel, it’s a great way to add more to a card but still keep the same 6x6 size for posting, it also makes a great display piece for the recipient.

Step By Step:
Create a 6x6 white card base (or use a sturdy ready-made), score and fold the card front diagonally to give the easel part.  Cut a 6x6 square of white card and adhered to the easel part of the base card, line up the panel and only add adhesive to the bottom triangle.

Add layer panels to card front and inside card, lilac pattern Wildflower paper as the first layer, then cut green panels (I’m using a card base from the Pic n Mix pack as I liked the shade of green).  Round corners of green card panels and add faux stitching using white pen.  Adhere panels to front and inside using d/s tape.

Cut 8 doily circle shapes (about 7cm dia.) from double sided Wildflower paper and fold each one in dahlia fold (google dahlia fold, there are lots of diagrams to help).  When you’ve created your 8 folded pieces, arrange them onto a circle and glue into place.  Add the completed medallion to the card front using d/s tape and glue.

Die cut the peacock from blue and green glitter card, paper piecing the green into the blue. Add adhesive gems to ‘eyes’ of feathers, top of head and peacock’s eye.  Glue peacock onto a doily die cut from white card.

Die cut leaves and flowers from Wildflower papers, shape, arrange and adhere with 3D foam squares to white circle alongside peacock.  Use 3D foam to adhere the peacock panel into the centre of the Dahlia folded medallion.

Inside card, Cut a large doily shape from silky wildflower paper and adhere using d/s tape and glue.  Create a ‘stopper’ for the easel by die-cutting a small doily from white card, die cut a 2^nd and glue together to create strength.  Adhere stopper inside card with 3D foam, test position first by opening card into easel before pressing down the stopper to fix in place. Die cut a layered flower from Wildflower paper and blue glitter card, top with adhesive gem and add to centre of stopper.

Die cut Happy Birthday from Wildflower paper and glue to left of stopper.  Add die cut flowers and leaves, topping with adhesive gems.

To finish, add a small die cut white flower to each dahlia fold point using glue, top each with alternate stones in green and purple.  Add a pale blue adhesive gem to each corner of the card front.  Your message greeting can be added to a doily die cut and adhered to the base or the back panel of the card.

Products Used:
First Edition Wildflower 8x8 Paper Pad – FEPAD147
First Edition Wildflower 6x6 Paper Pad – FEPAD148
First Edition Doily Dies – FEDIE164
Dovecraft Peacock Die – DCDIE092
Dovecraft Layering Flowers Dies – DCDIE085
Dovecraft Happy Birthday Dies – DCDIE067
Dovecraft Flowers & Leaves Dies – DCDIE066
Dovecraft Let’s Picnic Cards & Envs – DCCE056
Dovecraft Glitter Card Emerald – DCGC07
Dovecraft Glitter Card Topaz – DCGC16
Simply Creative Adhesive Gems 6mm – SCDOT027
Simply Creative Adhesive Gems 3mm – SCDOT026
White Card, White Pen
Adhesives: D/S Tape, Glue, 3D Foam Squares