On July 28, 2012, I was blessed to attend a Creating Keepsakes Convention in Lancaster, PA, where I volunteered to Assistant Teach in the morning sessions. I didn't know which classes I would be asked to help in, but I knew that whatever it was, I would love the experience. And I did! I can't wait to do it again!!! I realized that I much prefer to "teach" classes like this, than to "take" them at conventions like this. I am much too precision- minded to enjoy the classes as presented in this type of setting!!! I like to take my time with my projects and ensure they are done accurately! I so enjoy the process, that I really resent having to accomplish these classes in 1 hour. That being said, it was much more relaxing and exhilarating for me to help others complete their projects in a limited time!
I assisted with 3 fast-paced and wonderful classes that morning, using the SEI line of papers, which I had never used.
The first two classes were jammed with 47 ladies each; the third had 17!!!
The first class consisted of making 4 two-page layouts with some interesting techniques. The ladies only had time to do the first two layouts and were sent home with a detailed listing of directions.
The second class also consisted of 4 two-page layouts, with completely different papers and techniques. Again, we only completed the first two layouts, but the directions are very complete and will ensure they can continue their projects without major difficulty.
The last class consisted of making a Couture Stationary Box. This was my favorite class of the day because we actually got to leave with a completed project. I was tremendously inspired by this project and came home eager to try the project out for myself, using a bright and cheerful line of paper from Teresa Collins called Freestyle. I love the pinks and oranges of this paper line! I also enjoyed putting my own special touches on the project, including embellishments for the front of the box, as well as handmade tags, mini note cards, and correspondence cards.
So here is a picture of my complete box, as seen from the outside:
One of the very first things I did was to make some fabric rosettes to add to the lid. I also added some matching ribbon, some chipboard pieces, and some die cut birdies! Below, you will see a closeup of the fabric rosettes. I love making my own flowers. There are numerous videos on how to make them all over YouTube. If you are interested, go to YouTube and enter fabric flower techniques on the search line. I've spent endless hours learning these techniques.
Upon lifting the lid of my Couture Stationary Box, the front flap opens and this is where you get to see all the goodies I jam-packed into this kit.
The first thing you see on the flip-down flap is a small note book where one can write any number of things of importance such as birthdays, anniversaries, addresses, etc. next to the handmade Note to Self book is a small pocket for placing stamps. Below these two is a slot for a pen or pencil.
Below is a closeup of the Post It Note cover I made. There are two chipboard pieces from the Teresa Collins collection, and a die cut butterfly I made using a Martha Steward punch.
This is the inside of the sticky note holder.
One of the slots above has a pocket for small tickets or receipts. I chose to make some colorful tags. I cut them out in two sizes, and stamped them with a variety of Tim Holtz images, and some Basic Grey acrylics. I also distressed each of the tags and inked all the edges with ink pads. These tags can be used to add special little personal notes to your friends or to highlight some major event. They can also be used as a small mat for pictures, if you so desire.
I used my Tim Holtz Vagabond and a Sizzix Envelope die to make the small note card envelopes pictured below. They are approximately 2.5 by 2.5 inches. I used colorful patterned paper from a Die Cut With a View paper pack and inked each envelope with some Tim Holtz vibrant distress inks, so they would blend well with the bright hues of the stationary box. The little note cards on the inside are also from a DCWV paper line and they are die cut with a Spellbinders scalloped square Nestabilities die.
Over the weekend, I was thrilled to find some very inexpensive correspondence cards at Michael's, manufactured by Studio 18. They came in a variety of colors, and each has an inspiring message at the top, which is not pictured. I chose four of the bright orange and four of the hot fushia for this stationary set, because they match perfectly. I also added a pocket to each of the cards, each cut with a border punch to add interest to the card and for the placement of a personal note, or perhaps one of the tags pictured above.
This project turned out very nice. Between the time it took me to make the fabric flowers, each of the tags, note cards, and correspondence cards, as well as assemble the notebook and the box itself, I would guess I spent about 8 hours on this project--not all consecutive. It is a one of a kind. I would easily retail this for $22.50. I can also customize a set like this with different colored patterned papers if perchance, the hot pink and orange colors do not appeal to you.
As always, I remain eager to Craft to Shine!!!
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