Back to School in mini style

linda_mug_2014This little book came together so quickly and easily you’ll want to make one for each child, grandchild or friend’s child!  linda_neff_Xyron_Pebbles_back_to_school_mini_9

I started with four 12X12 sheets of pattern paper by Pebbles back to school collection: Notebook, Scissors, Apples and Rulers. They’re all double-sided so it’s like working with eight sheets! I also used Pebbles back to school stickers: Accent Stickers 6, 7 & 56; Accent & Phrase Stickers 10 & 18. Frames by Studio Calico, Xyron 5″ Creative Sticker Maker and Xyron Creatopia – both with permanent adhesive, Perfect Paper Crafting layering ruler, Ranger’s Black Archival Ink (for edging all papers), Westcott scissors and a paper trimmer.

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After measuring the library pockets the paper is cut to fit just inside the pocket with about an 1/8″ edge from the library pocket edge and at least 3/4″ down inside the pocket. I cut small pieces to fit the bottom flap and larger pieces to cover the entire back. All paper edges are inked.

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After it’s all inked, all the papers are passed through the Xyron 5″ Creative Station and Xyron Creatopia to place a solid covering of adhesive on the back.

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After every piece is run through I then, flip and rub the back before peeling the top layer of plastic coating off, so it looks like this – all nicely lined up and ready to peel-and-stick!

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It is so easy to simply peel the papers from the Xyron backing and adhere them to the library pockets in manner you wish. I like to mix up the patterns to create lots of contrast.

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The fun comes with decorating each little pocket. The Pebbles stickers made this part really easy as well! I had the sticker Frames by Studio Calico so opted to stick them to white cardstock (so photos could be added later) and then use the Perfect Paper Crafting layering ruler to cut a 1/8″ frame around the sticker frames.

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Then I ran these through my Xyron 2.5″ Create-A-Sticker and stuck them to the back side of the library pockets. Cool eh?

Once I started using the stickers I couldn’t stop! They’re just so stinkin’ cute and show me a kid who doesn’t love bright, colorful stickers! These pages turned out so cute and will easily hold 3X5″ photos. Just print your photos and tuck them into the pockets for a great Back-to-School memory book.

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I used the Crop-a-dile to punch a hole in the upper right corner and inserted a book ring to hold it all together. I love this and I know just the person I’m going to give it to!

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From box to gift

It all started when I received a Teresa Collins Adhesive Kit from Xyron. The box is wonderful. It  has a magnetic closure and it was perfect for being altered.

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It’s perfect for keeping my Teresa Collins supplies in but it’s also great for packing with some nice chocolates and small gifts to give away. I didn’t want to cover the entire box because I liked the pretty pink surface so opted just to alter the top. I started with a pulled-paper technique by running my inked background paper through my Xyron 9-inch Creative Station.

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I peeled it from its backing and stuck it down to the box cover, rubbed it down really well then found a loose edge or two and ripped off quite a bit of the paper. This leaves a thin layer of the paper behind in some areas – really a cool look! This creates a nice base to build layers on and started by adding a length of pink krinkle ribbon with the Teresa Collins Tape Runner. This ribbon wraps around the lid and ties on the inside.

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After cutting, distressing and inking another pattern paper I coated it with a thin skim of white Gesso and let it dry.

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While the backing was drying I spread some Teresa Collins Clear Hold Adhesive randomly across a strip of corrugated cardboard using my finger and lightly sprinkled with some Sea Shell Art Glitter.

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I stapled this strip to the dry backing using the Teresa Collins Stapler. I love this stapler! It goes through really thick stuff! I was able to tuck a decorated tag into the strip and glued a title on that will go behind a Tim Holtz metal bookplate.

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I made several different sizes of paper flowers using a Spellbinder’s Donna Salazar die, glued them together with the Teresa Collins Clear Hold Adhesive, inked them then spread a thick glob of Tim Holtz Clear Crackle Paint on them and left them to dry.

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Let the assembly begin! I just played around with lots of stuff out of the table and continued to layer items till I got the look I really liked. The filmstrip is stapled through the tin heart with the Teresa Collins Stapler. Once the backing was completely assembled it’s glued on the cover with Teresa Collins Clear Hold Adhesive; the same adhesive is used to fill the bookplate. It dries clear and dimensional.

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I added a bit more detail to the cover with some tissue tape and tied a pretty ribbon through a key and attached it with jump rings. It’s now ready to be packed up presented as a very special gift.

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Quick cards for the New Year

Linda_Neff_mini_mug_shotEvery year I always miss someone or two or three on my Christmas card list. I’m sure that never happens to happen of you! My solution is to send a New Year’s card and include a little family newsletter. That way it looks like I haven’t forgotten them – I just choose to wish them a Happy New Year!

I made these cards from left over Heidi Swapp Christmas papers and embellishments. Who says you can’t use Christmas paper for other occasions? Without the phrase Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, these papers are just lots of pretty prints!

This set of cards came together really quickly: using a paper trimmer, a couple of punches, some Distress Ink and my trusty Xyron Creative Station.

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After gathering all supplies I cut simple rectangles to fit my standard A2 cards. I punched some borders with a Martha Stewart border punch and used a Fiskars hexagon punch to create some coordinating hexagons. I also used some of Heidi’s Believe Banner Delights as added elements. I just played around and did a quick layout of designs before inking all edges with Ranger’s Black Soot Distress Ink.

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I don’t seem to own a ‘Happy New Year’s’ stamp so printed my sentiment on white cardstock. I punched some with a Marvy scallop circle punch and trimmed out the others with the paper trimmer. I used my Teresa Collins Stapler to add some detail to one of my sentiments before attaching it to the card.

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All my card pieces are run through my Xyron 9″ Creative Station. I like to use this size when I have lots of pieces. I can line them up before shipping them through so adhesive is not wasted.

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Then the fun begins – peel and stick! So easy!

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These are the finished cards so now I only need to type up the newsletter and pop them in the mail after Christmas! This makes me feel like I’m actually ahead of the game.

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