Stix2 Create your own cracker and blooper - part3

We are now at my final Blog post with the Christmas crackers from Stix2. In the pack you receive 6 crackers to make and decorate. Now i have make 6 but the 6th one was a disaster, and i mean disaster. i have decided to include as a blooper because as awful as it is, it gives you the idea of what i was trying to aim for - it just didn't work out the way i wanted. Have a look, have a laugh and who knows, it will maybe give you some inspiration haha.

As well as using your tools and stash, try and incorporate your Christmas toppers and papers. They can work just as well  If you have those bits of papers and odd toppers lying in your collection that you don't know what to do with then use them with your crackers.

FIVE

Stix2 products used:

Gold crackers - S57246.

Hot glue gun - S57234.

Hot glue sticks - S57235.

PVA glue with metal tip - S56890.

Layer perfect Metric - S57321.

5mmx5mmx3mm foam pads - S57083.

Craft sheet - S57132.

Additional products used;

Victorian Christmas topper and background papers - DoCrafts.

16mm gold textured fabric ribbon - Own stash.

Bow maker - Embellishment attic. 

-

TIPS

When adding your strips of paper to your cracker, ensure you don't stick your paper over the insert where the tab slots into (Right hand side of photo). I know it sounds simple but we always forget these things from time to time.

By ensuring you don't stick your paper over the tab slot, once your cracker is rolled up, it will meet quite nicely together. As this is the bottom of your cracker it wont be seen when your cracker it on the Dinner table or the Christmas tree. As in my first post, because the ends of the cracker has extra layers of paper you will need an extra bit of patience when rolling the cracker, but use an object such as a rolling pin or anything round to help. 

-

BLOOPER TIME

Well this is the cracker that didn't quite go to plan. "Quite" is putting it mildly. I had lots of excitement as to how this would turn out - and it didn't  It just went wrong wrong wrong. You can see where i was going with the concept. using Stix2 snowflake die cuts i covered them in Versamark and coated them in Gold embossing powder and using my heat gut, i melted the embossing powder. If you are attempting to do this, unlike me, please ensure you do both side. it doesn't quite work the same when its white on the back. adding some die cut snowflakes using my dies, Card Candi and ribbon does not help the look of the cracker. This is a style where i will have to go right back to the drawing board and re-think this style. Should you wish to know what i used, the products are below;

Stix2 products used;

Gold crackers - S57246.

Hot glue gun - S57234.

Hot glue sticks - S57235.

Round snowflakes - S57275.

Snowflakes - S57275.

Pick up pencil - S57265.

Craft sheet - s57132.

Additional products used;

Gold Embossing powder - WOW.

Versamark pad - Tsukineko.

Card cardi - Craftwork Cards.

Snowflake die - Tattered Lace.

Matt Gold textured card - Create and Craft.

15mm Red satin ribbon - American crafts.

-

Craig x

www.stix2.co.uk

sales@stix2.co.uk

"Its all about the men, men, men" A5 Anniversary card.

Good Morning, is it morning? (as i look at the clock) oh so it is. 

lovely morning here this morning, very autumny - if that is a word? sky is bright but the brown, orange and red leaves are on the ground. I love this season, specially at night when your snuggled on the couch with the lights low and candles on (Yankee Candles) of course. Not that i have many nights like that just now s my crafting mojo seems to come to light about 3pm and is there till late at night. Seeing i have the mojo then i just work with it. 

Franco's cafe in Carnoustie who sell my cards - Well a customer of theirs asked for an Anniversary card for their husband. Now alot of crafters say they find it hard to make cards for males, i dont. Maybe its cause i am a male but this card stumped me. How do i make an anniversary card for a man. No lovely dovey stuff, no reds, no pinks, no hearts, no bling non of that. so i scrolled the web for a lovely wee verse that i could use that would be suitable and then built it from there. Using browns, ivories, creams and tans i came up with this. using card candi in place of the gems and used a rosette that is always suitable for men - depending on the colour of course. I came up with this card, which she was very pleased with, so i was told anyway as i never actually seen her. Products i used are as followed;

Stix2 Products used;

6mm double sided tape - FPAL2732625.

A4 foam pad sheet - S57182.

5mmx5mmx3mm foam pads - S57083 (for Card Candi)

6mm red liner tape - S57090.

Hot glue gun - S57234.

Hot glue sticks - S57235.

Layer perfect - metric - S57321.

Craft sheet - S57132.

Silicone glue - S5700.

A4 die release sheet - S57316.

 Pick up pencil - S57265.

C5 (A5) Clear cello bags - S57314.

"Handmade by" label - S57261.

Additional Products used;

x2 background sheets from "Love & Marriage" paper pad - Kanban Crafts.

Rosette die - Tim Holtz.

Ivory hammered card - Papermill direct.

Brown textured card - Bazzill Basics.

Silver Mirri card - Anitas.

Card Candi - Craftwork Cards.

Swirl die - Tonic Studios.

Cross hatch embossing folder - Embossolicious Crafters Companion.

As always should you need any help or want a look at all the products                         Stix2 do head across to their website or email;

www.stix2.co.uk

sales@stix2.co.uk

Craig x

Create your Own Calendar - Oct 2015.

Good morning. hope your all well. Well that's us about half way through October already, where has the month gone, i cant believe we will soon be into November and bonfire night. I get excited for Christmas quite early on but i gauge it buy once Halloween is over and the Guy faux night is over then that when the Christmas count down really does start. it full force Christmas madness for sure. im always one who buys Christmas presents as i see them throughout the year. May aswell buy the things someone will like as and when you see them, plus it makes it a lot easier on the bank card. Ever year i put my tree up at the end of November so i have all of December with my tree and decorations up and then once i have all my presents bought or most of them, i spend the day wrapping them with the Christmas music on as well as some film. i do get fed up after a couple of hours. More excited this year as last year in the sales i bought brand new tree and decorations so my flat will be alot more elegant. more so cause i redone my living room. only problem is that its a 7 foot tree in a small living room. oh well, if anyone can make it fit and work, i can haha.

Anyways, back to the Calendars. As from my December calendar blog the other week, i will be making a calendar month each week on the lead up to the new year. 2 weeks ago was a very busy week for me with commission cards and Hunkydory Design team cards so i never gone round to November but fear not, i spend a lovely afternoon the other making both months ready to blog, has so much fun. Although this is a calender and it will be hanging, i do still like an element of hight and dimention so have used 1mm foam pad sheets.                      The products i have used are as followed;

Stix2 products used; (October)

Create your own calendar - S57309.

Blue double sided tape runner - S56986.

6mm red liner tape - S57090.

5mmx5mmx3mm - S57083.

Hot glue gun - S57234.

Hot glue sticks - S57235.

Layer perfect metric - S57321.

Non stick craft sheet - S57132.

A4 die cut release sheet - S57316.

Low tack stencil tape - S56994.

1mm A4 foam pad sheet - S57182.

Orange textured card - Bazzill Basics.

Black textured card - Bazzill Basics.

"Stack 8" 12x12 paper pad - DCWV - die cut with a view.

Black spider web.

Card candi - Craftwork Cards.

True black Spectrum Noir pen - Crafters Companion.

Orange (OR2) Spectrum Noir pen - Crafters Companion.

Pumpkin & bat die cut elements - Kanban crafts.

Craig

"Its the most wonderful time of the year" Tattered Lace Double card.

Afternoon, Well what a sunny afternoon it has turned out to be. Just out from a lovely walk along the beach with the dog. Its a bit chilly at first but once being out in the sun for a while its really lovely. 

Well i'm truly in the middle of christmas card making now, its always strange making christmas cards when the sun is out and its warm in the summer time. its a brill feeling this time of year making christmas cards while the sun is out but there's a chill in the air. just makes it feel even more christmassy. Why not have a bit of christmas music on in the background.....i do haha. 

One that i have made is using this die from Tattered Lace that i bought last week on Create and Craft. It arrived on Monday and i just had to play instantly with it. Its called "The most wonderful time of the year" die. its so detailed and elegant and although this a 8x8 card, im so tempted to make this my own personal card for friends and family, but making it a 7x7 card size. as it says the title of the famous christmas song, i just had to add a couple of versus of the song, it just makes it more fun and compliment it all, i embossed the background card using a music not embossing folder. Used some wine coloured textured card stock and silver mirri card, satin ribbon and bang, the card is complete. 

You know me, my card isn't a card without using my trusted stix2 adhesives and products. The products i have used are as followed;

Stix2 products used;

6mm double sided tape - FPAL2732625.

2mm A4 foam pad sheet - S5718.

Layer perfect metric - S57321.

Craft sheet - S57132.

6mm red liner tape - S57090.

Pick up pencil - S57265.

PVA glue and metal tip - S56890.

Hot glue gun - S57234.

Hot glue sticks - S57235.

A4 die cut release sheets - S57316.

5mmx5mmx3mm foam pads - S57083.

Low tack stencil tape - S56994.

"Handmade by" labels - S57261.

Additional products used;

"The most wonderful time of the year" Die - Tattered Lace.

Silver shimmer Centura pearl card - Crafters Companion.

Music note embossing folder - Embossolicious Crafters Companion.

Wine coloured textured card stock - Bazzill Basics.

Silver mirri card - Anitas.

25mm Wine coloured Satin ribbon - American Crafts.

Ice white card candi - Craftwork Cards.

8x8 card blank - Craftwork Cards.

This 7x7 card has been made using all the same Stix2 products (as above) except from the glue gun and glue sticks.

the additional products i have used are as followed;

Brown & ivory textured card stock - Bazzill Basics.

Holly leaves & berries 6x6 background paper - Trimcrafts (Dovecrafts) Traditional paper pad.

7x7 card blank - Craftwork Card.

Card candi - Craftwork Cards.

15mm Brown satin ribbon - American Craft.

10mm Red organza ribbon - American Crafts.

PLEASE REMEMBER -                                                                                             If you have any questions or quires regarding any Stix2 products please feel free to contact Stix2 on the details below, the girls will be more than happy to help and guide you with any problems, issues or questions. There is never ever a silly questions. If i can help, i will do my best to help and answer your questions, if i dont have the answers or are unsure, i will forward your question onto the girls for you.

sales@stix2.co.uk

www.stix2.co.uk

Craig xx

Stix2 Create your own Calendar 2015 - November

Morning, We here is my November creation using Stix2 create your own calendar 2015. I just love this idea, its so much fun and not to mention so personal for who ever you intend on giving it to.....if that is what you are going to do instead of keeping it for yourself ha. This will be given as a gift this year, although the person who will receive it will have already seen it as I blog and fb each month, oh well. Although this is a calendar, I still like some depth and dimension so some of the layers have been layered using 1mm foam pads. It doesn't make it bulky in the slightest.

Lots of stix2 products used on this creation. they are as followed;

 

Stix2 Products used;

Blue double sided tape runner - S56986.

6mm red liner tape - S57090.

Layer perfect Metric - S57321.

Non stick craft sheet - S57132.

A4 die cut release sheets - S57316.

low tack stencil tape - S56994.

Create your own calendar 2015 - S57309.

Glitter pens (gold) - S57090.

1mm A4 foam pad sheet - S57182.

 

Additional Products used;

"To my little Star" verso dies - Tonic Studios.

Brown textured card - Bazzill Basics.

Gold mirri card - Anitas.

"Stack 8" 12x12 paper pad - DCWV - Die Cuts With a View.

 

 

Craig  x

 

 

 

Hunkydory "Faberdashery" Craftinator ft Stix2

Well well well what a way to kick start your Monday morning with a gorgeous brand new Hunkydory Craftinator. This collection is like the Duracell bunny, it goes on and on and on. I made this card after my parcel had been collected so added some of my own stash. I shall keep this post short and sweet as have other "things" to make and blog :-)

Hunkydory products used;

 Cute as a button Topper sheet.

 Coordinated background card.

 Dark pink adorable scorable.

 4mm white pearls.

 Mini button and heart accessories.

 Silver mirri card.

Stix2 products used;

 6mm double sided tape - FPAL2732625.

 6mm red liber tape - S57090.

 Silicone glue - S57100.

 2mm A4 foam pad sheet - S57182.

 Later perfect metric - S57321.

 Craft sheet - S57132.

 Pick up pencil - S57265.

Additional products used;

 10mm dark pink satin ribbon - American Crafts.

 7x7 card blank - Craftwork Cards. 

Craig x

"Snow is Falling" A5 Card.

Good Afternoon, Well its Friday already. Where has the week gone? Where has the year gone, already into the 2nd week of October. If you haven't already started thinking about Christmas then you should probably start, i have? but i love Christmas so i start thinking about it about May haha. 

Its been a brill week for me, if you follow me on facebook you will see that i have booked to go to New York. i have wanted to visit New York for near 20 years so this a dream come true. Myself and my mum will be there June next year. What makes it even more special is the i will be there for my 30th birthday. that will be a birthday i will never ever forget for sure. 

Until then, i have Christmas to get sorted. i have made this very simple card by taken 4 of Stix2 snowflakes and actually placed them under centura pearl card stock and ran it through my Ebosser. by doing this, the snowflake design actually embosses the card stock and the snowflakes are still in perfect tacked to use else where. The products i have used and the steps are as followed;

Stix2;

Die Cut snowflake - S57277.

Blue tape runner - S56986.

Craft sheet - S57132.

Layer perfect Metric - S57321.

Silicone glue - S57100.

low tack stencil tape - S56994.

Die cut release sheet - S57316. 

A5 cello bag - S57314.

"Handmade by" label - S57261.

Additional products;

Centura Pearl - Crafters Companion.

Card Blank - Papermill Direct.

Wine textured card - DCWV - Die cut with a view.

Silver mirri - Anitas.

Silver gems - Hunkydory.

Snowflake dies - Tatterlace.

 1- Take your Centura pearl card stock and turn it over. Place 4 of your snowflakes and position them either randomly or in a specific area on the back and tape it down with your stencil tape and run it through your embossing machine.

2- Mat and layer on to your Wine card stock and again onto your silver mirri card.

3- Using your Stencil tape and die cut release sheets, tape your die down on your wine card stock and again, run it through your embossing machine. 

4- Again, randomly (or specifically) place your diecut snowflake down using your silicone glue, placing a gem in the centre. 

5- Add your chosen sentiment and place your "Handmade by" label on the back and pop it into your Cello bag.