Creating Multiple Windows on a Scrapbook Page + FREE Cricut Design Space™ File!

We are down to the final months of the year, and that means we have some major holidays just around the corner! There is so much to celebrate, and with all of the memories you are bound to make, you’re going to need somewhere to preserve them. Follow along to learn how to recreate this beautiful scrapbook page, featured on the cover of our new October–December catalog, so you can use it for your memory keeping this coming season!

Creating Multiple Windows on a Scrapbook Page + FREE Cricut Design Space™ File! #scrapbooking #windows #shakerwindow #cricut #designspace #peekaboo #ctmh #closetomyheart #christmas #christmasstory #memorykeeping

Cricut Design Space™ File:

To kick things off, click here for the free Design Space file that will cut the circle shapes out of a 12″ x 12″ sheet of patterned paper to create the top layer of the base of the page. Since circles are part of Cricut’s “basic shapes,” you do not need to own any Close To My Heart collections to use the free download!

Materials Needed:

Our main focus today will be on creating and filling the multiple circle window spaces. Here’s what you’ll need:

·  a 12″ x 12″ patterned paper sheet (for the cutout layer)
·  a 12″ x 12″ base page, one that will hold all of the window elements in place (we used a sheet of White Daisy cardstock)
· 3-D foam tape
·  small circle shaker window foam + acetate
·  coordinating shaker window fillers (we used gold star confetti) 
·  glitter paper
·  coordinating cardstock
·  additional, coordinating patterned papers

Tip: The glitter paper, cardstock, and patterned papers will be used for the background of the circles, so it’s a great way to use up some of your scraps!

·  coordinating embellishments (die-cuts, acrylic shapes, stickers, etc.)

(If you’d like to duplicate our page, exactly, see the recipe at the end of this post for a complete list of products that you will need.)

Instructions:

1. Pair the Design Space file provided above with the 12″ x 12″ patterned paper and cut the top layer for the base.

2. Place the cutout layer on top of the 12″ x 12″ White Daisy cardstock, or whatever you’re using for the base page, and with a pencil lightly trace all of the circles onto it. Remove the cut layer and now, with the marked up base page, you’re ready to start building the individual windows!

Creating Multiple Windows on a Scrapbook Page + FREE Cricut Design Space™ File! #scrapbooking #windows #shakerwindow #cricut #designspace #peekaboo #ctmh #closetomyheart #christmas #christmasstory #memorykeeping

3. We will start with the “hardest” windows (they’re really not that hard), and those are the shaker windows. We chose to incorporate two shakers on our page, one at the top of the page and one at the bottom. Both bases for these shakers are 2″ circles, one cut from patterned paper and the other from cardstock.

Using the technique we shared a couple of months ago in A New Approach to Shaker Cards, Step-by-Step, we assembled the shaker windows on the back side of the cutout layer (rather than on top of it). On the back side of the cutout patterned paper, you will attach the acetate, then attach the circle foam tape, then add the filling, and finish by attaching the base.

Tip: For more detailed instructions on how to assemble these shakers from the back, visit the post mentioned in the step.

4. On the solid base page, cover the penciled circles that will not be shaker windows with patterned paper, cardstock, or glitter paper. You can cover all of them or leave a few blank. What you cover or don’t cover is what will show through on your final page.

Tips: You do not have to stay inside the lines. In fact, we encourage you to go over a bit, just outside the lines, so the edges of the circles won’t be visible when the top layer is attached later. You are also not confined to using circles to create these background spaces. All that matters is that you cover the spaces that were drawn on the base page in their entirety. As you cut your paper pieces, refer to the image below to know the size of each circle, if necessary.

Creating Multiple Windows on a Scrapbook Page + FREE Cricut Design Space™ File! #scrapbooking #windows #shakerwindow #cricut #designspace #peekaboo #ctmh #closetomyheart #christmas #christmasstory #memorykeeping

5. Add more dimension to the page by embellishing a few of these circle spaces even further using acrylic shapes, die-cuts, stickers, stamped images, etc. You’ll notice that two of the circles on our page are embellished with acrylic stars and heart die-cuts. Unlike the confetti in our shaker windows, these stars and hearts were attached to the prepared base page because there will not be acetate keeping them from falling off the page. Plus, we preferred a more organized look for these spaces 🙂.

6. Once all of your circles are prepared, it’s time to do some additional prep work to attach the two base pieces together! Here’s where you pull out the trusty 3-D foam tape! Depending on where you chose to place your shaker windows and other three-dimensional embellishments is where you will need to add 3-D foam tape to your base page. There are some of us out there that will want to add foam tape all around the perimeter of the page and each of the circles, and possibly a few additional places. If that is you, by all means, go for it! If you’re in the camp of being more frugal with your use of foam tape, then add it where you see that the page will not be supported up by the parts that have already been prepared, including the four corners of the page.

7. With your base page prepared with foam tape, line up the cutout layer with the base, focusing on the edges and corners, and attach!

Tip: Add some regular adhesive to the backs of those shaker windows for a firmer grip in those areas.

And there you have it! It may seem like a lot of steps, but the idea behind this page is simple enough that you will find it comes together easier than you might think!

Creating Multiple Windows on a Scrapbook Page + FREE Cricut Design Space™ File! #scrapbooking #windows #shakerwindow #cricut #designspace #peekaboo #ctmh #closetomyheart #christmas #christmasstory #memorykeeping

Mat a photo and add it to the page, along with a few more embellishments and journaling, and you’ve got a gorgeous page worthy of any scrapbook!

Whether you’re backlogged on memories that need a home or are wanting to get a leg up on what you know is to come in these next few months, this type of scrapbook page is versatile enough that it can be used for a variety of themes, not just Christmas. The circles on this page could be used to make constellations and planets for beautiful pictures that come with a night sky, bubbles for those adorable bath time photos or for underwater pictures from a tropical holiday. This type of effect could form the background for flashier New Year’s Eve photos, Halloween costumes, back to school, or any other theme you can think of! 

However you decide to use this page, we hope you enjoy this time of year to the fullest and preserve the beautiful moments you are creating!


Recipe:

12″ x 12″ Merry Christmas Page
Z8009 Admit One Stamp + Thin Cuts, X7286S Christmas Story Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet, X7287S Cherish Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet, X9044 Mix-in Paper Packet, X6047 Black Cardstock, X6060 Mocha Cardstock, X6045 Sage Cardstock, X6059 Shortbread Cardstock, X5950 Toffee Cardstock, 1385 White Daisy Cardstock, Z4611 Seabrook Glitter Paper, Z3239 Silver Glitter Paper, Z6523 Avocado Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z6515 Paprika Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z4575 Black LePen, Z5010 White Gloss Spray, X7286E Christmas Story Embellishments, Z4626 Red Dots, Z3677 Gold Star Confetti, Z6047 White Acrylic Stars, Z6044 Woodgrain Die-cut Hearts, Z8052 Merry Christmas Layers Thin Cuts, Z4620 Small Circle Window Thin Cuts, Z4569 Small Circle Shaker Window Foam + Acetate, Z1151 3-D Foam Tape, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Z5038 Die-cutting & Embossing Machine, Cricut® Basic Shapes

Cricut® Shapes:
Basic Shapes
#M2AAB3EFD
#M5C38547
#M5C3851C

Leave a comment

Slimline Cards with a New Thin Cuts Die and Shaker Windows!

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #shakecard #shakerwindowcard #distressoxideinks #thincuts #myacrylix #ctmhsweetsafari #penguincard #hugscard #congratscard #pinkacrylichearts

We are getting crafty with slimline cards today!

Slimline cards are a fun change from the standard, 4¼” x 5½”, size cards. They’re long and narrow, typically measuring 3½” x 8½”, providing a much larger surface area on which to create a design.

One of our favorite Thin Cuts currently available from our January–February Catalog is the Diagonal Stripe Slimline die that cuts a beautiful diagonal stripe pattern, sized especially for the front of a slimline card. Paired with a few simple techniques, it’s easy to create a wide variety of looks with this eye-catching pattern.

We hope that once you’re done visiting with us today, you will leave here feeling inspired and ready to create some of these beauties of your own!

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #distressoxideinks #thincuts #myacrylix #hugscard #pinkacrylichearts

This first card has a gorgeous, somewhat fantastical galaxy, look to its background.

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #distressoxideinks #thincuts #hugscard

The card base was sponged with Distress Oxide™ inks and a Mini Ink Blending Tool, creating an exaggerated version of the colors that are most often associated with the northern lights (pink, green, yellow, blue, and violet). The small, star-like spots are the oxidizing effect of the ink when we splattered it with water. When we finally layered the die-cut made using the Diagonal Stripe Slimline Thin Cuts, our out-of-this-world look was complete! The White Daisy lines from the die-cut look like a meteor shower!

These next two cards take two additional approaches to using the Diagonal Stripe Slimline die.

The top card, even though it is more adorable than most store-bought cards, came together in a matter of minutes! We first covered the front of the card base with a solid piece of patterned paper, then layered the diagonal stripe die-cut, also cut from patterned paper, on top. From there, it was a simple matter of weaving in stickers (from our Sweet Safari collection) through the diagonal paper strips. Complete the card with a stamped sentiment on a solid color cardstock and embellish with more cardstock, gems, or stickers.

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #thincuts #myacrylix #ctmhsweetsafari #hugscard #congratscard #pinkacrylichearts

The background of this third, Congrats, card is a little more involved than the first two we’ve shown you so far, but it is still not difficult to achieve!

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #thincuts #congratscard

We decided to back 10 of the open spaces of the die-cut with patterned pieces of paper, leaving the remaining spaces free for stamping later. You know those scraps you just can’t seem to throw away? Well, pull them out because this is a great way to use them! All you need are strips of paper that are large enough to cover the gaps. We used 5″ long strips of patterned papers, between ¼” to a smidgen over a ½” wide, and attached them to the die-cut using adhesive only along the top and bottom border. Then, we just trimmed any excess that was hanging over and attached the prepared die-cut, front side up, to a blank card base.

This last card we are sharing with you today is a show-stopping, slimline shaker window card!

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #shakecard #shakerwindowcard #distressoxideinks #thincuts #myacrylix #ctmhsweetsafari #penguincard #pinkacrylichearts

Follow along with our Creative Arts Manager, Karen Pedersen, in the video below to see how this endearing card comes together.

Several of the pieces, including the two top frames, were cut using our Cricut® Art Philosophy collection and Design Space’s Basic Shapes. If you do not have access to our Art Philosophy collection, contact your Close To My Heart Maker or find one near you, here, by clicking on “Find a Maker.”

Slimline Cards #closetomyheart #ctmh #slimlinecards #shakecard #shakerwindowcard #distressoxideinks #thincuts #myacrylix #ctmhsweetsafari #penguincard #pinkacrylichearts

Click here for the free Cricut Design Space™ file

If you’d like to duplicate our example card exactly, you will need the following materials:

1 – slimline card base
1 – 8½” x 3½” Party Time pattern paper
1 – 8½” x 2″ Flamingo cardstock
1 – 7¾” x 2¾” Distress Watercolor Cardstock (on Design Space file)
1 – 8¼” x 3¼” scalloped Ballerina cardstock rectangle with cutout squares (on Design Space file)
1 – 8″ x 3″ scalloped Flamingo cardstock rectangle (on Design Space file)
1 – 2″ White Daisy cardstock circle (on Design Space file)
Additional White Daisy cardstock for penguins
Winter Penguins Stamp + Thin Cuts
My Acrylix® Little Miss Message Stamp Set
My Acrylix® Doodled Borders Stamp Set
Flamingo Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Nectarine Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Intense Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide™ Ink Pad
Sweet Safari Puffy Stickers
Pink Acrylic Hearts
Iridescent Flower Confetti
Silver Embellishing Thread
Aqua Blue TriBlend™ Marker
Orange TriBlend™ Marker
Ice Grey TriBlend™ Marker
Dull Green TriBlend™ Marker
Black Journaling Pen (.01)
Square Shaker Window Foam + Acetate
Mini Ink Blending Tool
3-D Foam Tape
Thin 3-D Foam Tape
Die-cutting & Embossing Machine

Leave a comment

New Shaker Window Shapes and See-through Windows!

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking

If you haven’t perused the new Close To My Heart Core Products Catalog, you are missing out on some pretty amazing crafting tools! A few of our newest additions really shake things up in the world of shaker windows—Have a look!

Aside from the original Circle Shaker Window Thin Cuts, we now also have Heart Shaker Window Thin Cuts and Star Shaker Window Thin Cuts sets!

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking

Use these top-of-the-line thin metal dies to cut the window, frame, and confetti for a shaker window, then pair them with their coordinating foam and acetate to complete the dimensional design.

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking

Another of our new sets of dies is a beautiful Window Thin Cuts set that allows you to create a decorative window scene. When you pair these dies with the Square Shaker Window Foam + Acetate (also new!), you can fill it with loose sequins or some of our bitty beads to create the full “shaker” effect.

A fun tip that we want to share with you today is how simple it is to create an actual see-through window using your shaker window Thin Cuts.

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking #Halloween

To create a see-through window, you will need to cut a shape on your card base that is smaller than the coordinating overlay and acetate, otherwise your window will just fall through the hole on your project. (You will also need two frames and two pieces of acetate, one for each side.)

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking

If you look at the circle, star, or heart shaker window Thin Cuts sets, you will notice that these each come with dies that cut confetti. These dies are intentionally designed in the shape of their corresponding sets.

If you use the larger of the two confetti-cutting dies to cut the window on your card base, the overlaying acetate and frame will fit perfectly on top to seal any shaking elements in place!

Shaker Window Cards & Scrapbook Pages #ctmh #closetomyheart #shakerwindows #cardmaking #scrapbooking

Once your window is cut on the card base, attach an acetate sheet to the back and frame it with a die-cut overlay.

Flip the card back over to the front and add the 3-D foam around the perimeter of your window. Use this 3-D foam as a wall to hold any confetti, loose sequins, or bitty beads you wish to add, and then attach the second piece of acetate and frame. And done! That’s how easy it is to build a see-through shaker window!

Have you discovered any products in our Core Products catalog that you just love? How have you been using those? Let us know in the comments below!

Leave a comment

Innovative Ways for Using Windows in Your Papercrafts

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

We’re going to shake things up a bit today by taking a closer look at some innovative ways to use the shaker windows we all know and love!

For the most basic shaker windows (which are still so much fun!), sequins and paper confetti are placed over a plain or stamped background. However, you can take a shaker window to new heights by switching up your base and adding a few fun embellishments to the exterior of the window.

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

In this card, a few adhesive-backed dots from our Seas the Day collection turned a plain white overlay into a ship’s porthole. Looking into the window, you can see how artistically torn cardstock has formed white-cap waves by exposing the paper’s white core. When these elements come together, it creates a whimsical card any ocean lover will be thrilled with!

Another way to dress up your shaker windows is to fill them with unique elements. Replacing sequins or paper with a few unexpected parts is a great way to turn the tables on familiar shaker windows.

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

By bringing some sand home from a fun day at the beach, you can preserve a bit of the actual setting along with the memories you made there.

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

Any mocha enthusiast will love these fun coffee bean cards!

If you plan to include larger shaker elements in your windows, you should plan to double-stack your 3-D foam tape to leave enough room for the shaker elements inside to move around.

If you really want to add a unique flair to your shaker windows, you can try adding some small die-cut shapes to the interior of your shaker.

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

By combining these miniature stamped shapes with a few sequins pieces, it’s easy to put your own mark on your cards!

One last example to shake things up your windows is to use them in creative places. In this post, we’ve shown you how to incorporate shaker windows into cards and even scrapbook layouts, but in this example, you can see how a basic shaker window also makes an unforgettable gift tag.

Shaker Window Papercrafting #cmth #closetomyheart #shakerwindow #scrapbooking #cardmaking #papercrafting

How are you using windows in your paper crafts? Do you use them in cards, scrapbook pages, or in a unique way? Share your fun and innovative ideas with all of us, below!


Recipes

4¼” x 5½” Enjoy the Journey Card (Vertical)
Z3659 Seas the Day—Cardmaking Stamp + Thin Cuts, X7255S Seas the Day Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet, X6042 Mint Cardstock, 1385 White Daisy Cardstock, Z2895 Lagoon Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2825 Mink Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, X7255G Seas the Day Die-cuts, X7255F Seas the Day Dots, Z2900 Silver Start Confetti, Z4221 Mink Twine, Z3132 Watercolor Paints, Z3224 Small Round Waterbrush, Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine

6″ x 8″ Sunny Days Layout
C1827 My Acrylix® Seas the Day—Cardmaking Stamp Set, D1913 My Acrylix® Seas the Day—Scrapbooking Stamp Set, X7255S Seas the Day Paper Packet + Sticker Sheet, X9013 Mix-in Paper Packet, X6046 French Vanilla Cardstock, X5962 Goldrush Cardstock, X5946 Linen Cardstock, X6044 Peach Cardstock, X5950 Toffee Cardstock, Z3239 Silver Glitter Paper, Z2823 Goldrush Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z6502 Peach Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2896 Smoothie Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2900 Silver Star Confetti, Z2901 Seashell Sequins, Z4304 Silver Loose Sequins, Z3661 Peach Shimmer Brush, Z3515 Black Journaling Pen (.01), Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z4309 Shaker Window + Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape, Z1151 3-D Foam Tape, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine, Sand

4¼” x 5½” Cocoa Card (Horizontal)
Z3537 Perk Up Stamp + Thin Cuts, X7249B Hawthorn Paper Packet, X5951 Espresso Cardstock, X6046 French Vanilla Cardstock, X5947 Mink Cardstock, X5950 Toffee Cardstock, Z2829 Espresso Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z3553 Acrylic Hearts, Z4235 Loose Gold Sequins, Z4196 White Ribbon, Z3630 Watercolor Pencils, Z2478 Earth Brown TriBlend™ Marker, Z3560 Golden Rod Stickles™ Glitter Gel, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine, Coffee Beans

4¼” x 5½” Latte Card (Vertical)
Z3537 Perk Up Stamp + Thin Cuts, X7249B Hawthorn Paper Packet, X5951 Espresso Cardstock, X6046 French Vanilla Cardstock, X5947 Mink Cardstock, Z2829 Espresso Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2825 Mink Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z6502 Peach Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z3553 Acrylic Hearts, Z4235 Loose Gold Sequins, Z4196 White Ribbon, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine, Coffee Beans

4¼” x 5 ½” Best Fishes to You Card (Vertical)\
S2004 My Acrylix® O-fish-ally Awesome Stamp Set, X7255B Seas the Day Paper Packet, X5982 Canary Cardstock, X6042 Mint Cardstock, X5950 Toffee Cardstock, 1385 White Daisy Cardstock, Z2805 Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2849 Peacock Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2828 Toffee Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z3630 Watercolor Pencils, Z4221 Mink Twine, Z1799 Silver Shimmer Trim, Z2901 Seashell Sequins, Z3661 Peach Shimmer Brush, Z3557 Cool Mint Stickles™ Glitter Gel, Z3563 Diamond Stickles Glitter Gel, Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine

4¼” x 5½” You Make Life Sparkle Card (Horizontal)
Z3706 Unicorn Dreams Stamp + Thin Cuts, X6036 Ballerina Cardstock, X5982 Canary Cardstock, X6041 Lilac Cardstock, X5976 Thistle Cardstock, 1385 White Daisy Cardstock, Z3239 Silver Glitter Paper, Z2843 Canary Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z4189 Intense Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2895 Lagoon Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z6503 Mint Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z6502 Peach Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2896 Smoothie Exclusive inks™ Stamp Pad, Z2840 Thistle Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z891 VersaMark™ Ink Pad, Z4304 Silver Loose Sequins, Z2482 Citrus TriBlend™ Marker, Z2490 Ice Blue TriBlend™ Marker, Z2496 Pale Pink TriBlend™ Marker, Z3563 Diamond Stickles™ Glitter Gel, Z2067 Silver Super Fine Embossing Powder, Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z4252 Heat Tool, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine

2½” Life Is Sweeter Tag
C1835 My Acrylix® Sentiments & Stitches Stamp Set, X5984 Pixie Cardstock, X5974 Raspberry Cardstock, X6032 Wisteria Cardstock, Z4189 Intense Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z6514 Wisteria Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad, Z3566 Julep Loose Sequins, Z3553 Acrylic Hearts, Z3570 Wisteria Ribbon, Z4196 White Ribbon, Z4213 Silver Embellishing Thread, Z2900 Silver Star Confetti, Z4220 Anti-static Pouch, Z4309 Shaker Window & Confetti Thin Cuts, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Z2089 Glue Dots® Micro Dots, Die-cutting Machine, Hole Punch

Leave a comment

How To Make a Shaker Window Page!

We are loving National Scrapbooking Month so far, and we hope you are, too! To continue the celebration, we’re going to really shake things up today and show you how to make a shaker window the size of a scrapbook page!

The-World-Is-Yours-May-scrabooking-collateral-single-layout

STEP 1.  The very first thing you’re going to do is determine the size of window you’d like on your project. For it to fit a traditional 12″ x 12″ scrapbook page, you’ll need to keep your window no bigger than 11½” x 11½”. Next, decide if you’d like the base of the window (the paper that shows through under the sequins) to be the same as your base page or if you’d rather have a different pattern or color show through. If you’re keeping it the same as the base page, skip the rest of this step and move on to number 2. If you’d like the base to be something different, cut a circle* from the patterned paper or cardstock you’d prefer instead. The size and shape you cut here will determine the size and shape of your window. The window on our page is a 10″ circle, so our base is also 10″

*One of the great things about this big window idea is that you’re not limited to a circle shape. Make a square, a rectangle, a heart, a star—your window can be any shape you can cut out from a 12″ x 12″ Memory Protector™. (See step 2.)

STEP 2.  Carefully trim the edges from a 12″ x 12″ Memory Protector™; this should leave you with two clear plastic sheets. Take one of these pieces and cut another circle (or the shape you chose for your window) from it. Make sure this second shape is the same size as your base piece, if you have one.

IMG_8225

STEP 3.  The last thing you will need to cut to create your large window is an overlay. When you cut your overlay, make sure that it is the same size as your other two pieces so they will all match up later when you stack them to assemble your window. On our page, we created an overlay that frames our shape and also has a world map in the center (making our complete project look like a globe). Your overlay doesn’t have to be this complicated. Decide how much of the inside window you really need or want to see. Also take into consideration where you will be putting other elements of your scrapbook page, like photos and journaling.

FullSizeRender 118

STEP 4.  When you’ve got all your pieces cut, gently rub the base and the clear plastic window in circular motions with an anti-static pouch. This will help reduce static cling and allow the sequins move freely when you shake or turn the completed page.

STEP 5.  Carefully place small pieces of 3-D foam tape around the perimeter of your base piece. Keeping your base flat, add a handful of loose sequins inside the frame you just created.

IMG_1833

STEP 6.  Lay the clear plastic shape on top of the 3-D foam tape and press firmly around the edges.

IMG_1856

If you don’t have a separate base piece and are using your base page as the back of your window, add the 3-D foam tape to the perimeter of the plastic shape instead. Then, fill the center of your framed plastic shape with sequins and lay the base page on top of it to attach. Flip the page over to see your window.

STEP 7.  The last step in assembling this large window is to hide the foam frame by layering the overlay on top of it. (An adhesive runner should do the trick!)

FullSizeRender 121

Now that your window is complete, all that is left to do is to attach it to your project along with all of those extra elements that make a scrapbook page truly yours.

IMG_1821

The page we used as our example today comes from The World Is Yours Scrapbooking Workshop Kit. If you’d like to recreate it, be sure to check out the instructions, HERE.

What projects have you added windows to? Do you have any fun ideas, tips or tricks to share? Let us know in the comments below, and happy crafting!

Leave a comment

Stamping with StazOn™ Ink

Stamping with StazOn™ Ink #ctmh #closetomyheart #stazon #stamping #inkpad #shakerwindow #cardmaking #birthdaycard

We’ve been having a lot fun with StazOn™ ink in our art studio recently and wanted to let you in on it!

Considering all of the different black ink options available, from the faithful Archival Black to the newer Intense Black, it is no surprise that the StazOn ink pad is often overlooked. Most of us who follow this blog papercraft, scrapbook, or make cards out of paper. StazOn ink, although it works well on semi-porous surfaces, including paper, is better known for its use on non-porous surfaces such as plastic, glass, and porcelain. It stays put on the stamped surface, without pilling, until it completely dries.

We decided to put this trusty ink pad to the test, and sure enough, the results were as expected!

Stamping with StazOn™ Ink #ctmh #closetomyheart #stazon #stamping #inkpad #shakerwindow #cardmaking #birthdaycardStamping with StazOn™ Ink #ctmh #closetomyheart #stazon #stamping #inkpad #shakerwindow #cardmaking #birthdaycardStamping with StazOn™ Ink #ctmh #closetomyheart #stazon #stamping #inkpad #shakerwindow #cardmaking #birthdaycard

Tip: An inked stamp can be slippery on a non-porous surface, like the acetate circle in the shaker windows above. When you are ready to stamp, we suggest you do so with a steady hand, bringing the stamp straight down. (Avoid breathing if possible! 😉 ) Any slight movement in your hands can cause your image to smudge. Just as carefully, remove the stamp from the surface with a straight lift. Do not roll your stamp away.

Follow-up Tip: If you moved while stamping…it happens…have a damp rag (a wet wipe works!) at the ready to wipe off your surface. This only works on non-porous surfaces. If you are working on a semi-porous surface, like leather or photos, wiping will only spread the ink around creating a bigger smudge. A wet wipe should do the trick. (DO NOT use the My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner to wet your surface for cleaning.)

Once your image is stamped, the ink will require time to set. We recommend that you plan ahead as you work with StazOn ink. Stamp first and set these pieces aside to dry as you work on the rest of your project.

But what if you want to stamp on something that is porous?

Stamping with StazOn™ Ink #ctmh #closetomyheart #stazon #stamping #inkpad #shakerwindow #cardmaking #birthdaycard #madewithlove #ctmhmadewithlove

Most inks will seep into a permeable surface and spider out from the original stamped image. The trick, here, is to make your surface non-porous, or less porous. To stamp on a wood surface, like this album cover from our Made with Love mini album workshop, use a clear matte acrylic sealer. Before we stamped on our album cover, we sealed the surface with a clear finish aerosol spray. (If you have access to Mod Podge, it works really well, too!) Make sure to allow the sealant to dry before stamping onto the surface. It shouldn’t take too long, but if in doubt wait a bit longer just to make sure.

What are you stamping with StazOn? Do you have any tips or tricks for using this ink? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!


Recipes


4¼” x 5½” It’s Your Birthday (dots) Card
C1749 My Acrylix® Something Fierce—Cardmaking Stamp Set, X7242B I Heart Us Paper Packet, X5994 Ballerina Cardstock, X6027 White Daisy Cardstock, Z888 Black StazOn™ Ink Pad, Z4270 I Heart Us Sequins, Z4014 White & Gold Twine, Z4304 Loose Sequins—SilverZ4309 Thin Cuts—Shaker Window & Confetti, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Die-cutting Machine

4¼” x 5½” Happy Birthday Card
C1749 My Acrylix® Something Fierce—Cardmaking Stamp Set, X7240B Something Fierce Paper Packet, X7242B I Heart Us Paper Packet, X5994 Ballerina Cardstock, X5998 Canary Cardstock, X6027 White Daisy Cardstock, Z888 Black StazOn™ Ink Pad, Z4270 I Heart Us Sequins, Z4014 White & Gold Twine, Z4304 Loose Sequins—Silver, Z4309 Thin Cuts—Shaker Window & Confetti, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Die-cutting Machine

4¼” x 5½” It’s Your Birthday (stripes) Card
C1749 My Acrylix® Something Fierce—Cardmaking Stamp Set, X7240B Something Fierce Paper Packet, X7242B I Heart Us Paper Packet, X6016 Pixie Cardstock, X6027 White Daisy Cardstock, Z888 Black StazOn™ Ink Pad, X7242C I Heart Us Complements, Z4270 I Heart Us Sequins, Z4304 Loose Sequins—Silver, Z4309 Thin Cuts—Shaker Window & Confetti, Z4310 Shaker Window Foam & Acetate, Die-cutting Machine

6⅛” × 7¼” Grandmother Mini Album
CC4193 Made with Love Mini Album Workshop Kit, Z888 Black StazOn™ Ink Pad

Leave a comment

3 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Home with Paper Wreaths

There are only 6 more days to purchase our Welcome Home wreath kit, which includes pre-cut pieces and instructions to create a beautiful paper succulent wreath.

The great thing about this paper wreath, apart from being super affordable, is that it can work in your home all year round! Usually store-bought wreaths are season-specific, but this one adds beauty to any part of your home any time of year.

Today we want to share with you three unique ideas for decorating your home with this homemade wreath. Choose your favorite, or try them all throughout the year!

1. Hang It on an Old Window Frame

3 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Home with Paper Wreaths #succulentwreath #diywreath #paperwreath #crafting #diyhomedecor #homedecor #budget #ctmh #closetomyheart

If you love shabby chic, try hanging this wreath on a rustic window frame. You can place this window frame on an entry table or mantle and lean it against the wall, or you can just hang it up on any wall. Hang the wreath with some vintage-looking ribbons, like those in our Rustic Home ribbon pack, and you’ve got the perfect country look.

2. Add a Saying

3 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Home with Paper Wreaths #succulentwreath #diywreath #paperwreath #crafting #diyhomedecor #homedecor #budget #ctmh #closetomyheart

If you love those wooden plaques that say things like “home sweet home” or “live laugh love,” try adding these sayings to wreaths instead. Hang them on wreath hooks, vintage knobs, coat hooks, or just straight on the wall in a row.

3. Personalize School Pictures

3 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Home with Paper Wreaths #succulentwreath #diywreath #paperwreath #crafting #diyhomedecor #homedecor #budget #ctmh #closetomyheart

Hang a wreath above each kid’s school picture with his or her name. It’s a great way to personalize the standard school picture gallery in your home, and because these wreaths are so affordable, it’s totally reasonable to get one for each kid!

Which idea is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

Leave a comment