Art Attack: Monogram Stamps - A Personal Touch

Here are some more ways to use the awesome monogram stamps!

Monogram Note Cards

When I saw the monogram stamp sets in the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book, I thought they were one of the best ideas ever! Each one is only $2.95 - quite a bargain! I have been collecting them slowly and decided that some personalized note cards would make great gifts for co-workers this Christmas.

I dipped into my stash of paper and decided to use some Roxie paper (now retired). I pulled out my Value Pack of Colonial White cards and envelopes (I always keep some of those on hand - they're a great value!) and went to work. 

I kept things pretty simple:

• Cut a 4" x 5 1/4" mat from B&T paper.
• Cut a 3 3/4" x 5" piece of Colonial White cardstock.
• Cut a 1 1/4" x 5" piece from coordinating B&T paper.
• Cut a 1" x 5" piece of Colonial White cardstock.
• Using the Cricut Artiste cartridge, cut a circle from the Colonial White cardstock to stamp the image and another circle 1/4" inch larger from B&T for a mat.
• Stamp the monogram image on the Colonial White circle.
• Layer the pieces.
• Before adhering the matted circle, cut a 1" piece of Silver Shimmer Trim and notch out the tail. Place it behind the circle before adhering it all to the card. (Remember that the Silver Shimmer Trim is self-adhesive.) 

I made six cards per person and packaged them in a clear envelope along with the coordinating envelopes. Simple, yet personal! 

Curled Paper Wreath

I broke out of my non-crafty funk and made some Christmas gifts this year. Of course, I didn't want to post them before the gifts were given. ;) One of my favorites is the curled paper wreath, inspired by this wreath made by Lisa Stenz. 

I made my wreath using Jingle paper (retired) from Close To My Heart.

The wreath was really easy to make! Here's what you need:

• Styrofoam wreath (I used one about 8" in diameter.)
• 8 - 12 pieces of B&T paper (patterned paper - preferably 2-sided), cut into 1/2" strips
• Straight pins
• Bone folder

You will curl the paper strips like you curl ribbon on a gift: hold the strip at the end with one hand, and pull the bone folder across the strip with the other hand, making the paper curl. I cut all my paper and curled the paper while I watched TV. It was a great mindless activity!

I tied the ribbon to hang the wreath around the top of the wreath first. Next, start pinning the curled strips to the wreath. It worked best for me to place the pin in the center of the strip rather at one end. (Ask me how I found out!) Keep pinning until you completely cover the front, sides, and inside edge of the wreath.

As a finishing touch, I sandwiched a long piece of white baker's twine between two Dimensional Elements snowflakes, gluing it together with Liquid Glass for a strong hold. Once it dried a little, I used Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel on each side to give it some sparkle and shine. After the glitter gel dried, I tied the snowflake to the wreath. 

I love how it turned out! It's a great way to use up paper, and it makes a great gift. 

My brother and sister-in-law received one for a gift, too, pictured below. I used a larger wreath (about 12", I believe), and I used Believe (retired) Close To My Heart paper. They loved it!

Another bonus - your arm muscles get a workout! Enjoy!

Whooo's Your Valentine?

This is one of the cutest kits Close To My Heart has offered! I can hardly wait to make some sweet Valentines with my kit.