Downline Meeting Card tote!

So last weekend was our quarterly downline meeting in Southern California - and believe me when I say I was not ready.  I had not even really unpacked my craft stuff yet, so we did what we could with what I had.  Thank you to all who came, Lois for opening her home, Devin for being a terrific helper and Heidi for stepping in with an additional project.  It was fun - and I was able to find supplies to do these adorable little card totes with the group.  We used the new Bohemian DSP (the only full pack of my DSP I could find) and they turned out so cute.

They are perfect for holding set of cards made with SU's notecards and envelopes - four of each fit perfectly, and even though we only did two cards - when I offer this as a class we'll be doing four.  The tote is actually a version of the "bag in a box" or "box in a bag" papercraft - just added some trim, handles and a bow to make it look like a purse - these are all the rage right now - so I jumped on that bandwagon.

So here are my tips and measurements for this project.  The actual base that forms the very bottom is 3.5"x6.5" of cardstock in any coordinating color (it's the same you'll use for the trim - on this one I used Delightful Dijon.  We scored that rectangle on all four sides at the 1" mark, folded the creases, and then cut in on both ends from the end to the vertical crease along horizontal crease list (see picture below), then these tabs were folded over the end and taped with 2 sided tape - forming a little box as the base of the tote.  Please note the other notes on the paper for measurements.  This is how I use my old grid papers after classes - for project notes and diagrams.

After you have the base together - take your DSP pieces, and making sure the patterns go in the right direction secure them along the bottom to the base using tape - I had mine right at the bottom of the base, but if a little of the base showed it would still coordinate; and secure up the sides of the DSP where they meet and overlap.  I added the trip with tape - secured the handles with brads and added the cute little bow using our bow builder punch and glue dots.  Was a very fun project to do.  A couple of the ladies decided to forgo the handles and made their just into a little basket.  Either way - they looked great!  Stop back soon to see the cards we made and more of what we created at our downline meeting.  ~Maureen
Here's what we used to create our project -

Bohemian Designer Series Paper

$11.00

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Delightful Dijon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Glue Dots

$5.25

Tear & Tape Adhesive

$7.00

Brights Candy Dots

$6.00

Candy Dots Brad Bases

$3.00

1/16" Circle Punch

$9.00

Paper Snips

$10.00

Grid Paper

$11.00

Bow Builder Punch

$18.00

Adorable little purse CASE

So I found this adorable little purse on Brenda Quintana's blog - www.qbeesquest.blogspot.com - and fell in love with it.  I really love covering nuggets with DSP - is such a great presentation - but I also love SU's New Scalloped Tag Topper punch - and here I got to do both.  You can find the full tutorial on her blog - and it is easy to follow - so I we made this as one of our projects at my last Downline meeting. 

 The picture above is a bit dark, but below you can see it from the side with the nuggets inside.

This design could be changed up with other DSP for any holiday - think I'll come up with something for St. Patty's for my student workers.  Check back soon to see what else we did at the downline meeting.  Here are the ladies in the midst of their creating and chatting.  Nothing better than stamping with friends.

See you soon!! ~Maureen

Bleached Out Images

Our Club technique this month was "Bleached Out Images" - here is our technique card for our binders. 

Here is a close-up of the bleached out image.  I used the tips of a worn out blender pen (the ones that no longer blend), but you can also use a paint brush.  Gel bleach is a little easier to work with as it's a bit thicker and will not spill quite as easily.  I always use it when doing this at a workshop - just easier to handle.  Below you can see a close up of the image.  You can keep bleaching to get it all pure white if you want, but each color of cardstock bleaches out a little differently, and I like the different tones you get when you just put the bleach on and see what happens.  This coloring reminds me of stonewashed jeans.

Finally we always try to do one extra project, and I wanted to demo our little purse die.  It's pretty plain and simple due to time in our workshop, but I think it turned out cute.  Used the International Bazaar paper to add a pretty front to our little purses.  Stick some little candies in, and it's the perfect party favor!!

Hope you stop back soon!! ~Maureen