seven months ago my family was having a blast on a week-long Disney vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. you might have noticed that i haven't shared a single thing about that vacation.
why? well, the truth is......i'm overwhelmed with how exactly to record the magical-ness of it. (if magical-ness isn't a word, it is now.)
do you ever get that way with your photos and/or memories. frozen for fear of 'messing' it up? silly, isn't it?
i took thousands of photos on that trip. eeeps! we also took advantage of the Photopass system and purchased the CD of images which gave me another 600 or so photos.
gobs and gobs of photos.
this layout is the very first layout i've made that displays photos from our trip....i hope that there are many more to follow, like, real soon!
there are SO many stories to be told from this trip.so many. i can't wait to see them all unfold in the pages of my scrapbooks.
this layout in particular was created using some new products released at CHA from Little Yellow Bicycle's Just Because and Naturals collections. i've also used quite a few Fiskars tools in the mix too!
this layout also appears today on a few other blogs. in one place i'm talking about tips for putting the layout together and in the other talking about recording vacation memories as a whole. click on over to the Little Yellow Bicycle blog and to the Fiskateers blog for more of the story. there are also links to products and tools at the respective blogs.
Showing posts with label Fiskars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiskars. Show all posts
Fiskars: Techniques for Altering A Canvas
stretching yourself creatively by trying new skills beyond your comfort zone of traditional paper crafting is good exercise and can be very liberating as you experiment in using some of your Fiskars tools beyond their typical scope.
that's exactly what i did with one of my latest project tutorials created for Fiskars.
i have to admit that it was super fun adding layer upon layer of paint and texture until i finally stepped back, admired my design, and called it complete.
if you've never altered a canvas before, you'll quickly learn that the beauty of altering a canvas is that once you start with the initial paint layers, you never really know quite how it will look in the end.
afterall, this canvas started out like this:
and then ended up like this:
to see the transformation and learn how to put your tools to work for you in a new way, visit my tutorial over on Fiskars.com: Spread Your Wings and Fly Altered Canvas by Tania Willis
that's exactly what i did with one of my latest project tutorials created for Fiskars.
i have to admit that it was super fun adding layer upon layer of paint and texture until i finally stepped back, admired my design, and called it complete.
if you've never altered a canvas before, you'll quickly learn that the beauty of altering a canvas is that once you start with the initial paint layers, you never really know quite how it will look in the end.
afterall, this canvas started out like this:
and then ended up like this:
to see the transformation and learn how to put your tools to work for you in a new way, visit my tutorial over on Fiskars.com: Spread Your Wings and Fly Altered Canvas by Tania Willis
Team T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial
hello, friends! i know it's been a while....nearly 2 months, in fact. i'm sorry for that. things get a little crazy around here during the holidays along with the Craft & Hobby trade show that immediately follows. but i'm getting reacquainted with my pre-holiday schedule and hope to bring more to this internet space of mine soon.
in the meantime....it's a good time to show your team spirit! i challenge you to spruce up your husband's (or son's) man cave or just make some fun conversation pieces for that Superbowl Party you're planning this weekend. i happen to think these would also be quite popular with the college crowd to add a little fun to their dorm room decor.
anywho. these pillows are made with upcycled team t-shirts and whip up super quick. and guess what? i have a tutorial to show you exactly how to get from start to finish over Fiskars.com: Team T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial
not a sports fan? no worries. you can use any t-shirt, it doesn't have to be sports themed!
this is especially perfect for those shirts you fall in love with on the clearance rack or at the thrift store, but inevitably aren't your size. :) buy it anyway and turn it into a pillow!
t-shirt pillows are especially perfect for decorating a child's playroom or bedroom since they are easily washable.
happy creating & be sure to show me your finished pillows!
Labels:
fabric,
Fiskars,
sewing,
sponsored post
Gift Giving on A Budget: How to Make Birdseed Ornaments
it's time to put your hands to use to craft thoughtful gifts for family, friends and service workers this holiday season.
gifting something small to your nature-loving friends really couldn’t be easier than these little ornamental birdseed feeders! you can quickly mix up a batch of ornaments in 15 minutes, and craft the adorable feathered friend bird tags to adorn your gift wrap while the ornaments are set aside to dry.
while this craft doesn't take much time at all to pull together, be warned that dry time does take 24 – 48 hours depending on the humidity in your area, so be sure to plan accordingly for that part of the project.
it’s a very economical craft and perfect to give as favors during the holidays or your next celebration. it's also a super easy project for children to assist with. imagine the joy on their faces as they present them to grandparents &/or teachers telling them that they made them. :)
you can learn how to create your own from start to finish, including the gift wrap portion by visiting my tutorial on the Fiskars website: Birdseed Ornaments by Tania Willis

gifting something small to your nature-loving friends really couldn’t be easier than these little ornamental birdseed feeders! you can quickly mix up a batch of ornaments in 15 minutes, and craft the adorable feathered friend bird tags to adorn your gift wrap while the ornaments are set aside to dry.
while this craft doesn't take much time at all to pull together, be warned that dry time does take 24 – 48 hours depending on the humidity in your area, so be sure to plan accordingly for that part of the project.
it’s a very economical craft and perfect to give as favors during the holidays or your next celebration. it's also a super easy project for children to assist with. imagine the joy on their faces as they present them to grandparents &/or teachers telling them that they made them. :)
you can learn how to create your own from start to finish, including the gift wrap portion by visiting my tutorial on the Fiskars website: Birdseed Ornaments by Tania Willis
Silhouette Wood Frame Advent Calendar Limited Edition 2012
i was so excited when the email came through my inbox from Silhouette asking me if i'd like to play with the Silhouette Limited Edition Advent Calendar for 2012. it took me 2 seconds flat to make that decision....i mean, come on. that's a no-brainer! you may remember the one i altered last year--it became quite the popular re-pin on Pinterest. :)
(edited to add: Silhouette has told me that if you enter the code: BLACK at checkout, you'll recieve a 40% discount on your own Wood Frame Advent Calendar. YAY Silhouette! my readers thank you for that! )
funny enough, i reached for Cosmo Cricket's 2012 Christmas collection (Jolly Days), SRM Stickers, and my Fiskars punches yet again. what can i say, those companies never disappoint and i really dig their style.
the Silhouette Limited Edition Wood Frame Advent Calendar is such a stylish countdown to Christmas. but, it doesn't only have to be for Christmas. i can see this being used as a countdown to a trip to Disney, or a birthday or anniversary....or even just to display some of your favorite photos. can't you?
the solid wood frame comes already painted white with wires already attached. you also get a free download card loaded with 20 shapes to help you create your advent calendar. you have full creative control over what this calendar looks like! just use your Silhouette and your favorite paper to customize the calendar in your own style.
this is one of those frames that will be so very useable even after the holidays. i plan on packing the little envelopes away with my Christmas decorations, then repurposing the frame with everyday photos printed from instagram and having it hang in my home all year long.
anywho. i had such a fun time altering it. it's pretty well known that i have a love affair with SRM Stickers. if you didn't know, i used to design for them and they pretty much stocked me up for life with a very generous supply. but, even if i didn't have gobs of these things, i'd be adding them to my shopping basket any chance i could get, i love them that much! they have stickers for every ocassion and they are clear so they look more like a rub-on. i'll take that over frustrating rub-ons anyday. thank.you.very.much. :)
of course, i also had to get some good use out of my Fiskars punches. i *adore* the Christmas seasonal punches. i've used them on gobs of projects the last two weeks and i'll be sharing those over the next two weeks with you. my favorite is the snowflake punch on envelope 23. i used it on several envelopes and punched it from glittered cardstock, but the sparkle is hard to relay in photos.
the easiest way to complete one of these projects is to grab a single collection and pull a few sheets of coordinating cardstock and just START. then treat each envelope individually. if you look closely, there is nothing stellar about each envelope on it's own. it's the sum of them all together that give this project the wow factor. just repeat colors, repeat embellishments, a little sparkle dispersed randomly in the way of glittered cardstock and adhesive backed rhinestones, some mild distressing, and sticker sentiments.
all in all, this project came together, including time to cut the shapes, in just about 3 hours. and yes, that includes interruptions (always). really, really, so simple, and makes quite a powerful statement. and what i love most about this year's version is that it only used 3 sheets of cardstock, but still, because of the substantial size of the frame (guessing 18" x 24") it still packs a powerful punch. compared to last year's version that used 35+ sheets of cardstock.
psssttt......if you don't already have a Silhouette Cameo, there is a GREAT cyber monday deal at Scrapbook.com. enter the code: SCMN6 to get $70 off instantly!
and here's clickable links to all the products i've used to create this calendar.

(full disclosure: while i was not paid to create this blog post, just simply provided with the wood frame calendar, this post does contain affiliate links.)
(edited to add: Silhouette has told me that if you enter the code: BLACK at checkout, you'll recieve a 40% discount on your own Wood Frame Advent Calendar. YAY Silhouette! my readers thank you for that! )
funny enough, i reached for Cosmo Cricket's 2012 Christmas collection (Jolly Days), SRM Stickers, and my Fiskars punches yet again. what can i say, those companies never disappoint and i really dig their style.
the Silhouette Limited Edition Wood Frame Advent Calendar is such a stylish countdown to Christmas. but, it doesn't only have to be for Christmas. i can see this being used as a countdown to a trip to Disney, or a birthday or anniversary....or even just to display some of your favorite photos. can't you?
the solid wood frame comes already painted white with wires already attached. you also get a free download card loaded with 20 shapes to help you create your advent calendar. you have full creative control over what this calendar looks like! just use your Silhouette and your favorite paper to customize the calendar in your own style.
this is one of those frames that will be so very useable even after the holidays. i plan on packing the little envelopes away with my Christmas decorations, then repurposing the frame with everyday photos printed from instagram and having it hang in my home all year long.
anywho. i had such a fun time altering it. it's pretty well known that i have a love affair with SRM Stickers. if you didn't know, i used to design for them and they pretty much stocked me up for life with a very generous supply. but, even if i didn't have gobs of these things, i'd be adding them to my shopping basket any chance i could get, i love them that much! they have stickers for every ocassion and they are clear so they look more like a rub-on. i'll take that over frustrating rub-ons anyday. thank.you.very.much. :)
of course, i also had to get some good use out of my Fiskars punches. i *adore* the Christmas seasonal punches. i've used them on gobs of projects the last two weeks and i'll be sharing those over the next two weeks with you. my favorite is the snowflake punch on envelope 23. i used it on several envelopes and punched it from glittered cardstock, but the sparkle is hard to relay in photos.
the easiest way to complete one of these projects is to grab a single collection and pull a few sheets of coordinating cardstock and just START. then treat each envelope individually. if you look closely, there is nothing stellar about each envelope on it's own. it's the sum of them all together that give this project the wow factor. just repeat colors, repeat embellishments, a little sparkle dispersed randomly in the way of glittered cardstock and adhesive backed rhinestones, some mild distressing, and sticker sentiments.
all in all, this project came together, including time to cut the shapes, in just about 3 hours. and yes, that includes interruptions (always). really, really, so simple, and makes quite a powerful statement. and what i love most about this year's version is that it only used 3 sheets of cardstock, but still, because of the substantial size of the frame (guessing 18" x 24") it still packs a powerful punch. compared to last year's version that used 35+ sheets of cardstock.
psssttt......if you don't already have a Silhouette Cameo, there is a GREAT cyber monday deal at Scrapbook.com. enter the code: SCMN6 to get $70 off instantly!
and here's clickable links to all the products i've used to create this calendar.
(full disclosure: while i was not paid to create this blog post, just simply provided with the wood frame calendar, this post does contain affiliate links.)
Black Friday Deals on the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System
enabler alert! enabler alert!
I've heard news from a reliable source that the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System and coordinating dies are going to be on sale during Black Friday (and into the weekend) at a couple of crafting retailers.
Alright, let’s be honest. We love our families, but sometimes, they just can’t take a hint. And for those of you who are planning on putting the Fuse on your holiday wish lists, it may take a little effort to get family members to remember.
So Fiskars has tried to make a little easier for you.
Take a moment to download this image (click HERE to download) , mark your 'wish i had this' items and then get creative!
Post it on the fridge, take a picture on their cell phone and save it as their background, tape it to their steering wheel so they see it as soon as they get in the car on Black Friday....whatever gets their attention! LOL.
Then tell them how they can get some killer deals on your list!
Like....this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Michaels Craft Stores will be offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Starter Set and all dies, so hurry into your local store and check it out!
To find out if your local Michaels carries the Fuse, check our list: http://bit.ly/OFhgZg.
Black Friday, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores are offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Start Set and all dies.
For those of you who don’t want to brave the Black Friday crowds, the Starter Set will be sold at $199.99 with 40% off all dies on Saturday and Sunday. So hurry into your local store, bring your wish list and check it out!
For those of you who haven’t heard of the Fiskars Fuse, it’s the only system on the market that can die-cut and letterpress all in one pass!
For more information, watch the instructional videos: http://bit.ly/O7L6UG.
Here's to hoping you all find the Fuse items from your wishlist wrapped up under your tree this year! :)
If you're interested in seeing the projects I've made with the Fuse, you can find them here.
I've heard news from a reliable source that the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System and coordinating dies are going to be on sale during Black Friday (and into the weekend) at a couple of crafting retailers.
Alright, let’s be honest. We love our families, but sometimes, they just can’t take a hint. And for those of you who are planning on putting the Fuse on your holiday wish lists, it may take a little effort to get family members to remember.
So Fiskars has tried to make a little easier for you.
Take a moment to download this image (click HERE to download) , mark your 'wish i had this' items and then get creative!
Post it on the fridge, take a picture on their cell phone and save it as their background, tape it to their steering wheel so they see it as soon as they get in the car on Black Friday....whatever gets their attention! LOL.
Then tell them how they can get some killer deals on your list!
Like....this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Michaels Craft Stores will be offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Starter Set and all dies, so hurry into your local store and check it out!
To find out if your local Michaels carries the Fuse, check our list: http://bit.ly/OFhgZg.
Black Friday, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores are offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Start Set and all dies.
For those of you who don’t want to brave the Black Friday crowds, the Starter Set will be sold at $199.99 with 40% off all dies on Saturday and Sunday. So hurry into your local store, bring your wish list and check it out!
For those of you who haven’t heard of the Fiskars Fuse, it’s the only system on the market that can die-cut and letterpress all in one pass!
For more information, watch the instructional videos: http://bit.ly/O7L6UG.
Here's to hoping you all find the Fuse items from your wishlist wrapped up under your tree this year! :)
If you're interested in seeing the projects I've made with the Fuse, you can find them here.
Anthropologie-Inspired Lampshade Tutorial: 2nd Annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!! And for those of you who are new to this space, welcome. I hope after you read today's tutorial that it will convince you that this space is worth bookmarking and visiting time and time again! :)
We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all of the thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could create for the holidays, all in one place, during our second annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!
As a participant, I was asked to share a handmade gift idea for the upcoming holiday season. So, today I have a tutorial to share on how to create your own Anthropologie-Inspired Lampshade using my Fiskars tools.
First you'll need to purchase a neutral colored lamp base and lamp shade (or, if you're frugal like me, thrift one from your local resale shop). Then, place your shade in front of you with the seam at the back. Wrap your shade several times with baker's twine from The Twinery until you get a band the thickness you like. Go slow and with each wrap around be sure to use your fingers to push the twine tightly together.
Next, use your Pretty Scallops Lever Punch XXXX Large and punch 4 scalloped circles from cross-stitch cloth. Punch a single circle using the Circle Lever Punch XXXX Large from the same cloth.
Fold each of the scalloped circles in half, then in half again. Place a dab of hot glue between the layers near the crease of the folds to hold it closed.
Then, place hot glue on the back of each wedge and adhere to the circle. Allow to cool.
Embellish the center with some coordinating ready-made embellishments. These are from the Saturday's collection by Little Yellow Bicycle. I just removed the bronze brads that came with them and inserted some colorful fabric-covered brads in their place. The felt texture of the petals and the linen texture of the leaves add subtle texture and compliment the cross-stitch material nicely.
Next, use your Circle Shape Template to trace several circles, varying in size, onto some colored canvas to create your own flower embellishment. Insert a fabric brad through the center. The pink flower was created in the same fashion as the scalloped flower cut from cross-stitch material using sheer organza fabric.
Use temporary adhesive, such as Removable Glue Dots to figure out your preferred placement of your flowers before using your hot glue gun to adhere them to the lamp shade.
Once you have a placement you are happy with, remove one flower at a time, remove the glue dot, and then hot glue the flower in place. Be sure to hold it in place until the glue cools so it doesn't shift on you. Lastly, to put your lampshade makeover in the 'over-the-top' category, add a plume of feathers cut from a feather boa.
All that's left to do is admire your super chic Anthropologie-Inspired Lamp Shade made on a budget! Oh, and figure out how to wrap it up so you can gift it this holiday season! LOL.
So...back to the hop details:
To sweeten the Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors! Use the Rafflecopter widget on the Clearsnap blog to gain extra entries each day.
And the best news I have to share is that Fiskars is one of the sponsors!!! Can I hear a "whoooot, whoooot!?"
Visit the list of blogs below and leave a comment on each by Nov 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!
Clearsnap
Hampton Art
Graphic45
Fiskateers
Donna Salazar Designs
Tombow USA
Authentique Paper
The Twinery
Eileen Hull for Sizzix
Globecraft Memories
Diana Gonzalez – Clearsnap
Monika Wright – The Twinery
Gretchen McElveen - Hampton Art
Megan Aaron – Clearsnap
Tania Willis – Fiskateers (you are here)
Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45
Suzanne Austin – Clearsnap
Shellye McDaniel – Authentique Paper
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre – Donna Salazar Designs
Jen Carter – The Twinery
Laura Denison – Graphic 45
Candy Spiegel – Globecraft Memories
Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season!
Happy Hopping!
We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all of the thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could create for the holidays, all in one place, during our second annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!
As a participant, I was asked to share a handmade gift idea for the upcoming holiday season. So, today I have a tutorial to share on how to create your own Anthropologie-Inspired Lampshade using my Fiskars tools.
First you'll need to purchase a neutral colored lamp base and lamp shade (or, if you're frugal like me, thrift one from your local resale shop). Then, place your shade in front of you with the seam at the back. Wrap your shade several times with baker's twine from The Twinery until you get a band the thickness you like. Go slow and with each wrap around be sure to use your fingers to push the twine tightly together.
Next, use your Pretty Scallops Lever Punch XXXX Large and punch 4 scalloped circles from cross-stitch cloth. Punch a single circle using the Circle Lever Punch XXXX Large from the same cloth.
Fold each of the scalloped circles in half, then in half again. Place a dab of hot glue between the layers near the crease of the folds to hold it closed.
Then, place hot glue on the back of each wedge and adhere to the circle. Allow to cool.
Embellish the center with some coordinating ready-made embellishments. These are from the Saturday's collection by Little Yellow Bicycle. I just removed the bronze brads that came with them and inserted some colorful fabric-covered brads in their place. The felt texture of the petals and the linen texture of the leaves add subtle texture and compliment the cross-stitch material nicely.
Next, use your Circle Shape Template to trace several circles, varying in size, onto some colored canvas to create your own flower embellishment. Insert a fabric brad through the center. The pink flower was created in the same fashion as the scalloped flower cut from cross-stitch material using sheer organza fabric.
Use temporary adhesive, such as Removable Glue Dots to figure out your preferred placement of your flowers before using your hot glue gun to adhere them to the lamp shade.
Once you have a placement you are happy with, remove one flower at a time, remove the glue dot, and then hot glue the flower in place. Be sure to hold it in place until the glue cools so it doesn't shift on you. Lastly, to put your lampshade makeover in the 'over-the-top' category, add a plume of feathers cut from a feather boa.
All that's left to do is admire your super chic Anthropologie-Inspired Lamp Shade made on a budget! Oh, and figure out how to wrap it up so you can gift it this holiday season! LOL.
So...back to the hop details:
To sweeten the Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors! Use the Rafflecopter widget on the Clearsnap blog to gain extra entries each day.
And the best news I have to share is that Fiskars is one of the sponsors!!! Can I hear a "whoooot, whoooot!?"
Visit the list of blogs below and leave a comment on each by Nov 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!
Clearsnap
Hampton Art
Graphic45
Fiskateers
Donna Salazar Designs
Tombow USA
Authentique Paper
The Twinery
Eileen Hull for Sizzix
Globecraft Memories
Diana Gonzalez – Clearsnap
Monika Wright – The Twinery
Gretchen McElveen - Hampton Art
Megan Aaron – Clearsnap
Tania Willis – Fiskateers (you are here)
Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45
Suzanne Austin – Clearsnap
Shellye McDaniel – Authentique Paper
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre – Donna Salazar Designs
Jen Carter – The Twinery
Laura Denison – Graphic 45
Candy Spiegel – Globecraft Memories
Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season!
Happy Hopping!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)



























