Beautiful Bokeh

So I have loved this technique for years - but I forget about it.  Recently I had a club member ask about Bokeh and so I decided to play with it for our May Technique clubs.  Our finished product was this card below - using the now retired Dragon Dreams dies.

The technique is really pretty simple - you start with a base of color - in this case we used daubers to add a series of colors to a piece of WW cardstock till it was virtually covered with color.

Next I used a vellum template I made by cutting out circles using our layering circle dies in different sizes.  Using our craft white ink and working largest to smallest circle - we added circles of white right over the colors.  You can see in the picture below how the circles overlap and layer to give that Bokeh look and depth.

Here is another view where you can see the circles.  Now this is craft ink, so you need to let it dry completely.  I like air-drying better than the heat tool, as I think heating it mutes the circles more- but if you are in a time pinch - go ahead and heat it.

Then when you are done, you can stamp on it, or layer over it like we did in the first picture.

However you decide to finish it, I am sure it will be beautiful.  So go ahead, give this one a try!  ~Maureen
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Easy Treat Boxes with a Template

Showing some easy treat boxes today - we made these in August and I had shared a quick picture - but have had some questions on measurements, etc.  So here goes. 

The boxes are made with 1/2 sheet of Very Vanilla cardstock cut 4.25"x10".  See template below - 

You are going to Score horizontally at 1" then turn score vertically at 1", 4.75", 5.75"and 9.5".  Placing the horizontal score toward the bottom you will cut up on each of the vertical score lines to the horizontal score line. I have darkened out a little triangle, as when you cut this way it is easier to fold the box together.  Note I also cut out the small rectangle at the right side bottom of the diagram. Then you will just score on all the score lines, place sticky strip as shown, and fold together.

You can see above after it is folded together you get a rectangle box with an open top.  We stamped, colored and fussy cut the flowers; and using the 1" strip we cut off the end at the beginning to make the length 10" - we stamped our sentiment.  Of course you can decorate as you choose.  Then pop in what ever goodie you like - and make someone's day.

Hope that helped a little bit.  These are quick and easy, and you can get two out of one sheet of cardstock - which is awesome.  
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Thanks for stopping by!  ~Maureen

One Sheet Wonder with my CLUB!

Each end of a round of club - I host a special appreciation club meeting - where the project is a little more time consuming and fun!  So for the last round we did the One Sheet Wonder technique and the entire group made this beautiful set of cards with that technique.

Card using template pieces marked 4 below

Card using template pieces marked 3 below

Card using template pieces marked 2 below

Card Card using template pieces marked 1 below

And the full set with a plastic case and belly band. Using pieces marked BB below.

By the time they were done they had a complete set and case - perfect to keep - or for gift giving.   Everyone seemed to enjoy it.  One sheet wonder is a great way to get a quick and coordinated set of cards. Here is the template we used for our cards -

Hope you enjoyed it too!  See you soon! ~Maureen