Amy Kingsford

I'm sure you've all heard of the "Envelope System" at some point or another in your life.

Welcome to day 4 of Hybrid Holidays, where I've been sharing a few of my last minute hybrid holiday creations.  Today I've got a fun ornament idea that could also be used to make Christmas tags for your gifts!

My oldest really wanted his own tree in his room this year, so we got a small tree for him and we've had some fun making ornaments together over the past few days to decorate it.  Aside from some fun spin art ornaments and the ornaments he's made in school, I decided to make these dimensional die cut ornaments to hang on his tree as well.

What you'll need:

• Photoshop or Photoshop Elements
• Printer
• Silhouette Cameo (or other diecutting machine)
• White Cardstock
• Christmas Word Art or Patterned Paper of Choice (Digital or Physical)
• Twine
• Adhesive
• Foam Squares

DISCLAIMER: The instructions below are for a Silhouette Cameo, but if the necessary adjustments are made these ornaments can be made with almost any diecutting machine.

1. Decide on patterned papers/word art that you would like to fill the centers of your ornaments with.


2. Open the Ornament Back template and word art/papers of your choice in Photoshop and clip them to each of the ornament backs.


3. Save your ornament designs and open them in your  Silhouette Studio software.


4. Open Ornament Back cut file and layer it over your design so that the cut lines correspond.


5. Set the registration marks for your document and print (2) copies of your ornament designs using the Studio software. (NOTE:  the registration marks should print out on the page, so that the Silhouette can read them and cut out around your printed designs.)


6. Now cut out both pages of your printed designs with your Silhouette.


7. Next open the Ornament Front cut file in your Studio software and layer it over your printed designs just to make sure the lines correspond--resize if necessary.


8. Once you've checked the size, copy the cut lines for your ornament fronts to a new cut document.


9. Cut two sets of ornament fronts from white cardstock.


10. Glue the corresponding printed designs back to back using your adhesive, so the design can be seen on both sides.


11. Using foam squares layer your ornament front cuts over top of both sides of your printed ornaments for a nice dimensional look that can been no matter which way your ornament happens to be turned.


12. Now thread your ornaments with twine and hang them from your tree!

Happy Holidays!

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It's day 3 of Hybrid Holidays and I've got the perfect solution to your last minute solution holiday gift wrapping!

These Christmas Pillow Boxes have turned out to be real life savers in the gift wrapping department this year, as they turned out to be perfect for gift cards, treats and plenty of other small gifts.  I used this Pillow Box Cut File from Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs and patterned papers and tags from Celeste Knight's Brown Paper Packages Collection to craft these simple but elegant boxes.

What you'll need:

• Pillow Box Cut File or Template
• Patterned Papers of Choice
• Tags
• Twine
• Adhesive
• Doilies (optional)
• Vellum (optional)
• Buttons and bling (optional)

1. First select the patterns,tags and embellishments you will be working with.


2. Setup the cut document(s) in your die cutting machine's software, making sure that your shape is sized appropriately for your gifts. Create separate documents for different sizes.


3. Cut the appropriate number and sizes of pillow boxes you will need.


4. Fold along all perforated lines, then secure flaps and edges with adhesive. Remember to leave your top flap unsecured for access.


5. Add tags, sleeves and any other optional embellishments to your pillow boxes.


6. Tuck your tiny gifts inside for safe keeping until Christmas.

Note: For my own Holiday Pillow Boxes I took a few different approaches: for some I added tags attached with  twine and vellum layered over top for an elegant look and then for others I wrapped my boxes with doilies and then created sleeves with word art that would easily slide over top of the pillow box.  

Happy Holidays

Thanks for joining me for day two of Hybrid Holidays, a fun filled week of last-minute ideas for cards, decor, gifts and more!

This year I decided to make "Letters to Santa" Mailboxes for each of the boys, so that Randall the Reindeer (our version of "Elf on a Shelf") would finally have somewhere to leave his "Naughty or Nice" Reports each morning.  And now that my oldest is learning to write he likes to communicate  with Santa a little more frequently--making sure that Santa know he's sorry for teasing his brother and amending his Santa gift choices on a weekly basis.


The inspiration for this project came from this adorable mini mailbox template and cut file by Kelleigh Ratzlaff  Designs.  And when I saw Deena Rutter's Hello December Kit I knew it would be perfect for the project!

What you'll need:

• Mini mailbox template and cut files
• 3-5 coordinating patterned papers
• Electronic Die-cutting Machine
• (2) brads
• Adhesive

1. Open the cut file in your die cutting machine's software and decide which pieces you want cut from which patterns.


2. Set up separate cut file documents for each piece of paper with the correct number of pieces needed on each.


3. Once cut, fold along the perforated lines of each piece.


4. Assemble the pieces of your mini mailbox, using adhesive to make sure everything is secure.


5. Add functional features such as the latch and flag using your brads.


6. Now check to see if you have mail from Santa!

NOTE: For my own mailbox I printed out my favorite patterned papers from Deena Rutter's Hello December Kit on white cardstock.  I also altered the cut file to create the cute town scene on the inside of my mailbox, which was cut from one of the journaling cards in the Hello December Kit.  This is my favorite feature because every time you open the mailbox its like your peeking though your very own window to the North Pole.

Happy Holidays!

Every year it seems I get a bit of a late start on my holiday crafting.  By the time November is done I have usually made up my mind that I'm not going to do anything special this year--but by the end of the first week of December I start to rethink my decision as I become inspired by all of the holiday crafting that I see going on around me.  

If you're at all like me and find yourself in need of a few last-minute ideas for cards, decor, gifts and more, then join me this week, where I'll be sharing a few of my hybrid holiday creations!

Over this weekend I finally hunkered down and got photos taken of the boys. Then with the help of Photoshop, a few of my favorite fonts and this Christmas word art from Marie-Pierre Capistran, I designed myself a quick and easy hybrid photo card.


I printed them at home and added a small handmade touch to give each card that "made with love" feel.  From the time I opened Photoshop to the minute I stuffed the cards into their envelopes, it took me less than a couple of hours to make 25 cards!

What You'll Need:

• A photo
• Photoshop (or photo editing software of choice)
• Digital word art or fonts
• 4 x 6 photo paper
• Vellum
• Mini clothespins
• Paper Trimmer

1. Choose the photo you want to use on this year's card.


2. Create a 4 x 5.5" document in Photoshop or other photo editing software.


3. Combine your photo of choice with your card's message on your new document, using digital word art or your favorite fonts.


4. Print finished photo cards onto 4x6" photo paper.


5. Cut your photo cards down to size by trimming off the excess.


6. Cut vellum into 4 x 5.5" pieces to layer over your photo cards.


7. Clip the vellum over your photo card using a mini clothespin and you're finished!

NOTE: For my own Christmas card I paired a photo of my boys in front of a snowy backdrop with white dotted vellum for a fun effect. I also decided to use decorative paper clips on the few Christmas cards I was mailing to cut down on bulk.

Happy Holidays!

Get a closer look at my family's advent calendar over on the Jenni Bowlin Studio Inspiration blog, PLUS get the steps for making your own Matchbox Advent Calendar.


These cute little boxes are the perfect size for including a small treat and/or a fun little holiday activity for each day!


Does your family use an advent calendar? If so I'd love to hear more about your family's approach to this fun tradition in the comments below!

My son has his first big Halloween Party coming up this week which definitely has me putting my crafty skills to use!  So I thought I'd share some of my creations with all of you.  Stop by throughout this week to see how I've simplified the party-planning process by introducing a few digital products into the mix--that's right it's going to be a Hybrid Halloween!

Here's a glimpse at a simple little Halloween-inspired garland I strung along the wall in my kitchen.  I added coordinating cardstock behind some of the pennants to introduce some pops of color and left others so you could see through to give it a playful look.  DISCLAIMER: Apologies for the not-so-great photo, my kitchen isn't exactly known for its lighting ;)

What You'll Need:

• Black Cardstock
• Coordinating Cardstock (optional)
• Twine
• Assorted Halloween Bunting Cut File (or similar cut file)
• Die Cutting Machine
• Adhesive

1. Set up your die cut document in the software that accompanies your die cutting machine with your assorted pennant designs.  NOTE: (4) assorted pennant designs should fit on an 8.5 x 11 page.

2. Cut the desired number of pennants from your black cardstock.  NOTE: I cut 16 pennants to make a banner that would stretch across a 10 ft wall.

3. Once cut, decide if you'd like to layer colored cardstock behind all or some of your pennants.  If so edit your cut file and remove all of the interior points so that you have only the outline of of your shape exists and cut from coordating colors of cardstock.

4. Use adhesive to layer the colored carstock behind your black pennant designs.

5. Cut a length of twine that corresponds with the desired length of your garland.  NOTE: For my own garland I used 15 ft of twine.

6. Adhere the twine to the backs of your pennants at regular intervals through the length of your twine.

7. Hang your garland up on the wall and accent with additional decor.



NOTE: For my own Halloween Garland I used black cardstock to cut the assorted halloween banner bunting shapes from and then backed some of my pennants shapes with seafoam and butterscotch mats to tie into my color scheme. I used a single spool of American Crafts black and white baker's twine and spaced my pennants at 11.25" intervals along it's length.

Have a Happy Halloween!

My son has his first big Halloween Party coming up this week which definitely has me putting my crafty skills to use!  So I thought I'd share some of my creations with all of you.  Stop by throughout this week to see how I've simplified the party-planning process by introducing a few digital products into the mix--that's right it's going to be a Hybrid Halloween!

Making these Halloween Photo Booth Props, was probably one of my favorite creations I made for the party, so as you can imagine I'm excited to share them with you.  My photo booth consisted of a backdrop made of polka dot gift wrap and a bench and the addition of these simple props made for an inexpensive yet fun party activity.

What You'll Need:

• Colored Cardstock
• Straws and /or Craft Sticks
• Monster Masks  Cut File (or similar cut file)
• Halloween Photo Props Cut File (or similar cut file)
• Die Cutting Machine
• Adhesive

1. Set up your cut files in your die cutting machine's software.

2. If you are using layered designs (like the monster masks) set up separate documents for cuts that will be made in a different color.  For instance, for my monster mouth masks I set up all of my teeth on one sheet, all of my outlines on another sheet and all of my mouth pieces on another--this helped to save on time and paper.

3. Assemble pieced cuts with adhesive.

4. Adhere a straw or craft stick to your photo prop as a handle.

5. Now place your subject--with props in hand--in front of a fun backdrop and snap away!

Have a Happy Halloween!

My son has his first big Halloween Party coming up this week which definitely has me putting my crafty skills to use!  So I thought I'd share some of my creations with all of you.  Stop by throughout this week to see how I've simplified the party-planning process by introducing a few digital products into the mix--that's right it's going to be a Hybrid Halloween!

Here's a look at the "Trick AND Treat" boxes that I've made for the party--each will be filled with a few tricks and a few treats for my son's party guests to enjoy!

What You'll Need:

• White Cardstock
• Patterned Paper (Digital or Physical)
• Buttons
• Twine
• Lable, Wordart, etc. (Digital or Physical)
• Gable Box Template/Cut File
• Die Cutting Machine or Craft Knife
• Printer

1. Decide on the papers you will be using for this project (You can use digital papers that you print out, which I've done, or you can easily pull from your paper stash as well.

2. If using digital papers, you can use the template that accompanies the cut file linked to above, to clip your paper to and print to save on ink before sending it through your electronic die cut machine or this is also helpful if you plan to cut your template out with a craft knife.

-OR-

3. If using physical paper then you will just use the cut file along with your electronic die cutting machine.

4. Once cut, you will fold your box along the perforated lines and use a small amount of adhesive to secure the edges.

5. Drop a piece of chipboard measuring roughly 2 x 3" in the bottom to stabilize your box .

6. Add a label of some sort to the front of your box.  The space you have to work with is roughly 3 x 3."  You could use labels or word art from your physical or digital collection or you could design your own custom label in Microsoft Word or Photoshop.

7. Accent the top lip of your box with a button and a twine bow in coordinating colors .

8. Fill your box with a few tricks and/or treats for your party guests to take home and enjoy.




NOTE: For my own party favor boxes I used Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Gable Box Template and Cut File which I clipped papers from Robyn Meierotto's Hello Harvest to.  I cropped Celeste Knight's Basic Halloween Journalers down to size to use for my labels and then I used black buttons from my stash and America Crafts Bakers twine to finish things off.

Have a Happy Halloween!

My son has his first big Halloween Party coming up this week which definitely has me putting my crafty skills to use!  So I thought I'd share some of my creations with all of you and pass along some last-minute inspiration.  Stop by throughout this week to see how I've simplified the party-planning process by introducing a few digital products into the mix--that's right it's going to be a Hybrid Halloween!  

Today, I'm showing you how I've paired my Silhouette Cameo with the papers I had on hand to make the invites for our Halloween party in a single evening.

What You'll Need:

• Cardstock
• Patterned Paper
• Small Embellishments
• Die Cutting Machine or Craft Knife
• Printer

1. Using a die cut, cut file or your favorite font, design the look of your sentiment.

2. Arrange your sentiment on a 4x6 document or scrap to make your card front.  (NOTE: You can fit (3) 4 x 6 card fronts on an 8.5 x 11 document).

3. Cut out the sentiment from your card front using your die cutting machine or by hand, using a sharp craft knife.

4. Layer your card front over a 4 x 6" patterned paper of your choice and adhere it.  You should be able to see your patterned paper peeking through the cut-out.

5. Add small embellishments to accent the front of your card.

6. Type up the information you'd like to pass on to your guests on a 4 x 6 document and print it out (NOTE: You can fit (3) 4 x 6 card fronts on an 8.5 x 11 document.)

7. Adhere the information about your party to back side of your card front.




NOTE: For my own card I used this shape from the Silhouette store and set up an 8.5 x 11" cut file with (3) of these shapes and 4 x 6"  borders around each of them. I cut them from black cardstock and then layered each over top of patterns from SEI's Homestead and Salem Heights Collections. Then I added some wiggly eyes to accent my card fronts.

Have a Happy Halloween!

Hop on over to Get It Scrapped!–where you can download my latest wordart + printable to use on your scrapbook pages about learning.

 I can't wait to see how you use them! 

Hop on over to Get It Scrapped!–where you can download my latest wordart + printable for scrapbooking your birthday celebrations.

 I can't wait to see how you use them! 

I'm excited to invite you all over to the lovely Leah's BluebirdChic blog to have a look at my tutorial on converting your old traditional scarf into a hip new infinity scarf.

click here for the full tutorial

I'm a huge fan of this fuss-free style of scarf and was surprised at how easy it was to update all of my old scarves.  If you're interested in seeing the process, hop on over and have a look at my tutorial!

Have a great day!

Can you believe summer is really over...Neither can I!  Where did it all go?!

And more importantly how can it be that I'm already sending my first son off to Kindergarten!?  Look at him there.  I don't think he's ever been more excited in his life!  And I'm excited for him, but I'm also a little worried and sad too.  But that's normal right--to have mixed feelings when sending your child out into the big wide world.


 It's normal to be conflicted when you think about your child growing up and one day not needing his mommy.  Then I quickly remind myself that in between are some good times to be had for sure!


This year we beat the back-to-school rush and did our clothes shopping towards the beginning of July.  We didn't have any supplies to buy because Caleb's private Kindergarten tuition covers all of their supplies....thank goodness!  But at the top of his list of faves were his brand new Skylander's backpack and his bungee cord shoes (we still haven't quite got the hang of tying shoes--but we're working at it!).



 For this year's teacher gift we opted just to go for a gift card to Caleb's favorite ice cream shop and decided instead to put our originality into making a fun cover for it that served another important purpose--to introduce Caleb to his new teacher.  I think my biggest fear about sending my sweet, quiet boy to Kindergarten is the possibility that he might get lost in the crowd.  And I thought maybe if Caleb and I could find a fun way to share a few things about him, this would help his teacher to connect a little better with Caleb--to have a better idea of what things he excels at and what things he needs help with and so on.

The "A Few Things About Me Gift Card Holder"

Using the Vintage Postcard Folder Tutorial from Jenni Bowlin Studio Digitals and a little of my own creativity, I put together this enclosed accordion-style mini + gift card holder.



On one side of accordion fly-out, I put a photo of Caleb, his name and then listed six things I wanted his new teacher to know about him.


On the other side I wanted to include a contribution from Caleb.  So I designed my own handwriting practice sheets featuring a few of Caleb's favorite things using Photoshop and the program available at HandwritingWorsksheets.com.

As you can see, as he got down to the bottom he was growing a little tired of helping...lol!


We hope that she will enjoy this little gift almost as much as Caleb enjoyed his first day!  He met so many new people including his new teacher and he got to work on his writing right off!  We had to make some big changes to be able to afford to give our son the opportunity to go to Private Kindergarten, but I think its going to be just what he needs!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi everyone!  The Scrap Your Summer Freebie Bundle is back again this summer--with sketches/templates and a bundle of summer-themed labels too!

And if you are a subscriber well then you've got another coordinating gift on its way to your inbox shortly ;)  If not, there's still time --sign up here by day-end August 1st, to receive the next newsletter and your free thank you gift!

The Scrap Your Summer Sketch and Template Pack contains (2) single-page designs (available in 8.5 x 11 and 12x12) perfect for telling your summer stories or great even for your everyday layouts as well!  Just click on the links below to get started scrapbooking your summer!

"Scrap Your Summer 2013 Sketches" (pdf  format)

"Scrap Your Summer 2013 Templates" (psd files)

And don't forget to grab the FREE Summer Label Bundle too--its available below with both printable .pdfs and digital .png files included:

"Scrap Your Summer 2013 Labels" (zip file)

I can't wait to see how you "Scrap Your Summer"!