Gift Bags Full of Beauty

Happy Saturday! I wanted to share a fun craft project that I whipped up recently. I made these party favor bags for some sweet little ballerinas. 

This idea came about after I saw my stack of kraft bags from SRM Stickers just sitting there on my supply table. I knew they would be a great item for a party.

I paired the kraft bags up with bright colored card stock from Fun Stampers Journey. I also inked up one of their stamps. This one is called Beauty Wings.  I used the main image and the sentiment.

I also added some FSJ twine, sequins, and a doily from SRM Stickers.

I placed dance themed gift items inside each bag. The girls just loved them! 

Don'tcha just love when a craft project makes someone SMILE!

You Rock Gift Card Holder

Gift cards are my go-to idea when I'm short on time. I always find a fun way to dress them up before giving them to family and friends.

Here's my latest craft idea using new products from Fun Stamper's Journey.

I pulled out my Oatmeal cardstock and Gift Card Sleeve die to make this one. The dimensions are just right to hold a gift card from your favorite store.

I also used the Butterfly Prints die with the Summer Days cardstock. The bright color of the cardstock really adds a focal point in the middle of the gift card sleeve. The fun sentiment is from the Rock Notes stamp set.

Here's a fun tip to jazz up your Whip Cream cardstock. Grab a bottle of your Gold Silk and sprinkle on some color. It's so fun to use!

Be sure to check out the new catalog. There are loads of fun products inside!

Supplies:

Stamp: Rock Notes

Card stock: Oatmeal, Whip Cream, Summer Days

Dies - Gift card holder Sleeve, Butterfly Prints

Ink - Deep Lilac

Misc. - Journey sequins, Journey dots, Gold silk

An Awesome DIY Gift Box

I never ever buy gift boxes! There's no need to when you can create your own!

I've got a fun DIY gift box idea for you today using some new products from Fun Stamper's Journey!

Here's what I came up with!

The new corrugated kraft boxes are just the right size for any type of gift giving. I love that the color is neutral. It makes it easy to pair it up with colorful paper.

I used the new "Going Places Prints" paper because it adds a great pop of color to the gift box. 

I also used the "Tattered Blooms die" to make a flower. Be sure to layer your petals using pop dots to give it more dimension. And add a "sparkle dot" to the center of your flower for a little shine.

I stamped the sentiment using the new "Rock Notes" stamp set. 

I also used the "Journey Rectangles" die on the greeting. Using a mini clothespin and "Journey Twine" adds an extra added touch.

Be sure to check out the brand new catalog! There are loads of fun products inside! 

Supplies:
Dies: tattered blooms, journey rectangles
Paper: Going Places Prints
Stamp: Rock Notes
Misc: sparkle drops, mini clothespin, journey twine

The Summer Popsicle Card Project

It's super hot and humid here in Texas! My handmade card is just the perfect treat to cool things off!

And I used some great products from Fun Stampers Journey too!

I just love the "Hello Scoop" stamp set. Included in this set is a popsicle stamp and sentiments that are perfect for summertime themed cards.

The mixture of the cardstock, a banner, and sequins really brighten things up when set against the oatmeal cookie card base.

This would be fun to make with the kiddos if you are hosting a popsicle or icecream party too.

You can also make your summer table decor more festive by making cards for your guests and placing a bucket of popsicles next to them.

FSJ has a new catalog and loads of fun products. Be sure to check them out!

Supplies:
Stamps: Hello Scoop
Ink: black licorice, catalina splash
Cardstock: oatmeal cookie, pineapple smoothie, cool pool
Dies: journey ovals, journey circles, pennants
Misc: journey twine, journey sequins, mini wooden clothespins

A Blooming Birthday Card

Forget about the cake! Flowers and birthdays go so well together too! I can prove it with my latest creation.

I just love the die that I used to make this card. It's called "Journey Bloom Flowers" and it's from Fun Stampers Journey!

I layered several together and made it the focal point of my card. And that Oatmeal Cookie cardstock and Beach Ball ink really coordinate well together.

I must make more of these to have on hand for quick and easy birthday gifting!

If you'd like to purchase products be sure to check out the FSJ website for more info!

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Ink - beach ball
cardstock: white, oatmeal cookie
dies - journey bloom flowers
stamp - journey blooms
pierced rectangle?
stamp : yummy party

Crafty Stars for the Fourth of July

I always think about stars when it's time to celebrate the 4th of July ! 

They are a symbol in my heart. A symbol to shine bright and let freedom ring!

I always have dies on hand to make them too! My fave right now is the "Star-Dom" die from Fun Stampers Journey!

I layered different sizes together using pop dots. This helps add a lot of dimension to the front of your card.

For a touch of shine, I added sequins and a sparkle drop to the center of the smallest star.

To make it more festive, I even added a "Celebrate" greeting using the "Greet and Shout" stamp set.

The Fun Stampers Journey convention wrapped up a couple of weeks ago and there is a new catalog full of great products. If you'd like to find out more about FSJ visit HERE!

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:
Cardstock: white, denim days, candy apple
Stamps: greet & shout
Dies: star-dom, cloud dreams, journey rectangles
Ink: candy apple
Misc: confetti sparkles and sparkle drops

DIY Gift Wrap with Butterflies and Bows

I love pretty packages! There's just something about giving one to someone and watching their face light up with happiness!

My latest project will give you some ideas on making your own for family and friends. Of course I used loads of crafty goodies from Fun Stampers Journey! They have great dies and stamps that can dress up your packages.

Here's what I came up with!

I love using kraft boxes for gifting. The kraft set against patterned paper really make the colors pop.

I used the Create-A-Bow die. It's one of my faves!

I used FSJ cardstock and the Butterfly Prints Stamp with coordinating dies. 

It's so fun to make. Just stamp your butterfly first then use the coordinating die to cut it. Place a pop dot under the butterfly and place it in the center of your bow.

You can also layer butterflies like I did here on the small box. I also used the Pennants Die on the small box as well.

You can place small gifts in your boxes such as jewelry, candy, handmade items, etc. The possibilities are endless!

To find out more about becoming a Fun Stampers Journey coach please visit the website here!

A Crafty Birthday Box

Certain color combinations really make me happy! I really love coordinating orange and blue. They go so well together!

I used these fun colors on my latest craft project!

 I used a fun mixture of dies and stamps from Fun Stampers Journey to make a little birthday box. 

And check out those cute little birdies on the designer paper. Aren't they TWEET and super cute? This adorable paper matches the Bird Tweet stamp and coordinating die set. 

I think this would make a great favor for a kids party too!

I also did some stamping. I love the look of these birthday balloons and birthday sentiment. The orange creamsicle ink is fun and really pops off the paper.

To find out more about Fun Stampers Journey or to become a coach please visit the website here!

I hope you enjoyed my fun party box!

Supplies:

Stamp - Birthday sketch

Ink - Orange Creamcicle

Dies - Treat box, Journey Ovals, Cloud Dreams

DIY Home Decor with the new Xyron Creative Station

I've got two fun Friday announcements! About a month ago I was selected to be one of the new creative designers for Xyron, Inc. Woo Hoo!

And did you know that Xyron has a new Creative Station? I'm going to show you the fun project that I made with it and provide more info about this sleek new tool!

First, let's take a look at what I made! 

I love looking at pretty things in my home or on my desk. I decided to make my own home decor item. Keep reading for a fun DIY tutorial on how to make your own!

Here's what you need to do...

Use dies to make some flowers.

{I used dies from Fun Stampers Journey}
{The paper is from Amy Tangerine}

Run your flowers through the Xyron Creative Station.

Peel each flower off of the adhesive sheet.

Place your flower onto a fabric flower and 

center it on the designer paper.

You are all done once all your flowers are layered on the front.

The finished project would look great sitting on a desk or bookshelf. It would also be a great gift!

The new Xyron Creative Station will be available in the following stores very soon:

JoAnn's - June

Michael's Craft Store - July

Hobby Lobby - September

Fun Stampers Journey Up & Away Blog Hop

Welcome to Richard Garay’s first-ever "Up, Up & Away Retirement Sale Showcase"! 

The Make Amazing Girls are showing off some incredible projects, each featuring retiring products from Fun Stampers Journey. Make sure to visit each and every blog, because there’s a lot of inspiration to be had… and a chance to win prizes, too! 

And check out the incredible deals on fabulous stamp sets, patterned paper, and more HERE! 

I have two projects that I want to share. The stamps that I used are some of my faves too.

First up is a gift basket that I made using the Simply Lovely stamp set. The bird on this stamp is very elegant and can be used for all types of occasions. 

Next is a creation that I made called the "Happy on the Inside" card. The outside of the card is decorated using the Bloom Flourish stamp.

The inside is stamped with a "happy" greeting and sprinkled with confetti.

Thanks for taking a look at my crafty creations! Be sure to check out ALL the stops on this amazing blog hop! 

Here’s what you do next:

-Visit each person's blog listed below.

-Leave a comment on each blog. One winner from all comments received will win their choice of one retiring stamp set. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances to win! 
Comments close on May 7, 2015 at Midnight, PST.

-Return on May 8th to see the winner announcement on Richardgaray.com! (Knowing Richard, he probably has a few surprises up his sleeve, too!).

Here's the list:

Richard Garay

Kathy Martin

Tania Willis

Angi Barrs

Mindy Baxter

Michelle Woerner

Laura Williams

Fun Stamper’s Journey Blog

Happy hopping!!!

Yummy & Delicious Cupcake and Gift Card Holder

I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth! I guess that's why I'm in love with the Yummy and Delicious products from Fun Stampers Journey!

I used this sweet line of products to create a birthday cupcake and gift card holder.

What is Yummy & Delicious anyway? They are a mini collection of stamps, dies, paper, and embellishments that were created by Richard Garay. Aren't the colors so super sweet?

Here's a close-up shot of the cupcake topper that I created using one of the yummy stamps and pennant die.

I also used the pocket card and banner parade dies to make a gift card holder. This gift set would be so fun for a teen, co-worker, or a sweet friend!

To find out more about these fun products visit the Fun Stampers Journey site. 

There is even a Yummy & Delicious tour that makes stops all over the country. 

This is a one day craft event packed with hands-on projects, on stage demonstrations, exclusive products, giveaways, and yummy treats. For tour dates click here!

source

I will be attending the event in Austin, Texas on August 28th. If you are in the area please let me know! I'd love to meet you!


FSJ Products Used:
Dies - Banner Parade
Dies - Pennants, Cupcake Liner, Pocket Card
Stamps - Yummy & Delicious
Ink - Deep Lilac

Decorating Your Monthly Planner

The planner craze is alive and well! I must admit that I am just now trying this out for the first time. Keep reading to hear my take on all of this....

 I must admit that I had a great time doing this! Since I am a paper crafter this fit along well with my creative brain.

I started out small and began with the month of April. There are so many fun products out there to use, but I chose some that I had on hand to show you how easy the process is.

Here's what I used:

1. Decorative stickers - SRM Stickers are a great option for your planner decor. They come in all sizes and are clear stickers. Some have colorful graphics that you can easily color coordinate with other elements. They also have a variety of options that fit in well with appointments, holidays, and special occasions.

2. Embellishments - Crafters have loads of these on hand already. Enamel dots, gems, wooden clothespins, and decorative paper clips are a great addition to your planner pages. (The paper clip and enamel dots are from Fun Stampers Journey).

3. Stamps - Look closely at April 12th. I stamped the word "enjoy" on that day. There are so many "word & sentiment" stamps out there that you can easily use on your planner.

4. Washi Tape - I also used a bit of this to add some color and fun to my planner. They sell these colorful rolls everywhere and at great prices too! I used some fun FSJ washi tape on this one!

Be sure to check out the SRM Stickers store. Be sure to tell Susan that Angi sent you! :)