Pretty Pink Christmas Things

A few years ago I would have laughed if you told me I'd be all about pink Christmas. This year I'm all about the pink Christmas.

I've used two paper collections: Pink Christmas 12x12 Paper Pad and Christmas Vintage 12x12 Paper Pad for the following projects and I'm loving the way they work together.

Add some faux snow and a Gold Dresden Christmas Tree swoon!

There was a quite a bit of fussy cutting involved in these projects, but the results are terribly sweet. Just look at this Peaked Roof Matchbox...

...and those little birds and inside. 

What a lovely holiday treat for someone nice.

It's totally worth mentioning that the Pink Christmas 12x12 Paper Pad has a super cute tag, envelope, ephemera elements that come together really, really swiftly. 

I did some gold embossing around the edge of the vintage Santa image and it looks so authentically old timey. And while old envelopes probably would have been plain white, the envelope element is the perfect compliment. Swoon!

The final two pieces (yes there's more!) are more of a kitchy rather than antique vintage. Still totally cute though.

Here I've used Jingle 6x6 Paper Pad and Tree Ornament Matchboxes. I'm thinking that i might pop these on top of presents instead of a standard bow. Afterall, what could be nicer than a gift topped with another wee surprise?!

I usually start Christmas crafting in September so this is a very late start for me, but I gotta admit, I'm really enjoying it this year. It's far less work and much more pleasure this time around. I hope you're enjoying holiday creating too.

NOW, if you want to make your own slew of pretty pink Christmas things, here's the supply list:

Tree Ornament Matchbox
1 Inch Clear Acrylic Snowflake Mix
Jingle 6x6 Paper Pad
Mini Candy Canes
2x3 Chunky Matchbox
1 Inch Clear Acrylic Snowflake Mix
Pink Christmas 12x12 Paper Pad
Gold Dresden Christmas Tree
Peaked Roof Matchbox
Santa Sleigh Silver Charm Set
Christmas Vintage 12x12 Paper Pad

And everything all in one place

"The Mad Hatter's Secrets" Hidden Drawer Book Box with Tutorial

This is one of those projects that just kind of sprouted. All the supplies just kind of jumped up and shouted "ME! ME!". I'm glad they did because I'm smitten with this project.

I've used the 6" Hidden Drawer Book Box as my base and then ran with the Mad Hatter theme from the Hallowe'en in Wonderland Deluxe Collectors Edition from Graphic 45.

I've repeated the cobweb theme of the scrapbook paper with a wed stamp and gold embossing powder.

I used that same stamp, repeatedly, on a Layered Frame Aria then added a spade charm to the tippy top for some added interest.

I used the same stamping and embossing technique for the top and bottom elements on the spine. I used a Deco Frame, then trimmed the elements I wanted to use.

Also on the spine and cover, I've used more elements from Hallowe'en in Wonderland Deluxe Collectors Edition and added a Metal Door Plate and Knob.

Inside, the Hatter's Tea Party! I really just sort went to town and filled the interior with suitable miniatures already in my stash including: a pocketwatch pendant, miniature wine bottle, a dormouse, playing cards, cakes and cookies and more. 

If you'd like to see the process of making this piece, take a gander over HERE for the video walkthrough.

And here is the list of supplies I used:

6" Hidden Drawer Book Box
Layered Frame Aria
Deco Frame

Web Stamp (available soon!)

Hallowe'en in Wonderland Deluxe Collectors EditionMetal Door Plate and Knob

Embossing powder

Acrylic paint

Hot glue and white glue

Foam squares

Bits and pieces for the interior

AlphaStamps Spooky Hallowe'en Candy Dish

First of all, how cute is this candy dish?

So cute, right?!

I made it using the Tealight Haunted House Kit with Base from AlphaStamps. Only I didn't use the base as a base, I used it upside down for something more important... candy corn (do not even try to debate me on the goodness of candy corn).

Not only is this project cute, but came together pretty quickly. Quick, easy and cute = extra awesome in my books.

I didn't fiddle around with the house at all. I assembled it, added the window frames, applied a good coat of acrylic paint, then highlighted the frames in gold. To finish it off I added dresden trim, glass cabochon windows and wee plastic bat.

What elements did I use for the rest of the piece? From bottom to top: wooden plaque, tart tin, child's building block, House Base, 3 Inch Tall Candlestick Holder, Tealight Haunted House

Painting everything black and sticking with papers from the Nightfall 6x6 Paper Pad, everything comes together to create a cohesive look.

A few cute black ribbon bows, spooky cabochon, trim. I also created some little signs by gluing toothpicks to the sentiments snipped from the  Nightfall Pad as a finishing touch, but I was told candy is the best finishing touch.

Ready to make your own? 

Here are all the bits I used in one place

And here is the list of goodies:

10x25mm Mini Glass Rectangular Cabochon
14mm Round Glass Cabochons
18mm Round Glass Cabochons
Rectangular Frames for 10x25mm Cabs
Round Frames for 14mm Cabs
Black Cat Glass Cabochon - 18mm
Spider Web Glass Cabochon - 18mmSpider Web Glass Cabochon - 14mm
Nightfall 6x6 Paper Pad
Black Dresden Border Sampler Set 

Tealight Haunted House Kit with Base
3 Inch Tall Candlestick Holder
Window Frames for Tealight Haunted House

Wooden plaque

Building blocks

Ribbon

Toothpicks
Glue
Acrylic paint
Plastic bat
CANDY!!!!

Altoid Tin Altars #G45DarkSide

I was so excited to see this months Graphic 45 challenge: #G45DarkSide. This was just the prompt I needed to get to business on a project I’ve been thinking about for a long while.

I’m a big fan of altering altoid tins. You can create these tins to hold just about anything. Create a fancy little sewing kit. Keep one in your car filled with emergency bits and bobs. You can fit a surprising amount in those little tins.



I’ve created two #G45DarkSide tins here. One tin pairs papers from Communique—Deluxe Collector's Edition with brass Staples Decorative Hardware.





The other uses Floral Shoppe with shabby chic Staples Decorative Hardware

The tins contain a sort of storage space which, if careful, can fit a surprising amount of goodies!


All of the items above fit comfortably in that trap-door space.

My tins will be used as tiny portable travel altars. Each contains matches, a vile of herbs, incense, candles, gemstones, a tiny crystal ball, vessels for libations and offerings, magnetic images and more!



But if altars aren’t your thing… no worries! The video tutorial I’ve created demonstrates how to cover an altoid style tin and create the trapdoor element inside. So take those instructions to create something that suits YOU.



I'm smitten with my little altars but I totally encourage you to take this idea and run with it, making something filled with little things useful or treasured by you.

Supply List:

Antique Brass Metal Clock Keys
Antique Brass Ornate Metal Keys
Antique Brass Ornate Metal Key Holes
Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Key Holes
Antique Brass Stamped Metal Brads
Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Brads
Floral Shoppe
Communique—Deluxe Collector's Edition
Couture - Fabulous

Cardboard
Charms
Small wooden blocks
Glue
Black ink pad
Altoid style tin

Bits and bobs to fill your tin