Monday 23 December 2013

Merry Christmas with Festive Flurry Snowflakes

Today's project is certainly not one of my quickest Christmas projects ever, but definitely one of my faves. I really loved the ornament projects in our Holiday Catalogue so I made my own version for my Christmas gift packaging class & to give as gifts. I tried some colour variations before deciding on the final version. The ornaments below are a combination of smoky slate & soft sky digi images from MDS to save time), plus smoky slate (top), pool party (left) & coastal cabana (right) card.
As they're a little fragile around the snowflake edges I made a box to keep them safe - with my new Envelope Punch Board (huge yay!). Here's a version in smoky slate, decorated with some Winter Frost DSP & Merry Little Christmas label. I used either large rhinestones or Frosted Finishes embellies in the centre.
 Here's another version in pool party with the sentiment from Wishing You.
Here's another pic with the box open.
Speaking of the box, here are some quick instructions.
 
Envelope Punch Board Box
It's super easy to make with the Envelope Punch Board. Here are the basic measurements you'll need.
1. Cut & score box
    Metric Box: Cut card at 21 x 21cm, then score & punch at 9cm & 12cm on all 4 sides
    Imperial Box: Cut paper 8 x 8 inches. then score & punch at 3-1/2 & 4-1/2 inches on all 4 sides
2. Round all 4 corners.
3. Fold & flatten at all score lines, cut tabs on 2 opposite sides to form box sides & adhere with sticky strip at corner tabs, so box opens at top, as shown in pic.

Ornament Tips & Tricks
 
My final ornament had the following layers (top to bottom)
1. smallest snowflake die - printed from MDS - white card, smoky slate 'punch' shape, white snowflake (see pic)
2. Second largest snowflake die - cut with framelit die & silver glimmer paper (make into 3d shape - see vid below)
3. Largest snowflake die - Pool party coredinations card (make into 3d shape - see vid below)
4. Largest snowflake die - printed from MDS - white card, soft sky 'punch' shape, white snowflake
5. Largest snowflake die - smoky slate card
6 2-1/2 circle punch - stamped with chosen sentiment. Sorry, I forgot to take a pic of the back :-(

If you're making lots of ornaments like I did, here are some time saving tips I found along the way.
1. Watch This video below as it shows how to make the folded & scored layers. Instructions start at about 2 mins
2. Use the MDS digital download version of the Festive Flurry bundle (stamps & punch) to print the 'stamped' layers quicker. They cut perfectly with the normal framelit dies. I printed 4 large snowflakes & 4 small snowflakes per A4 page.
3. To make scoring the shapes a breeze, tape 2 of each sized leftover negative die shapes to your Simply Scored plate. Place the snowflakes into the hole, score line & rotate until all are done. This saves time & is gives more accurate scores.
4. Make sure you fold & flatten each score line well, as it makes it easier to push them together & glue.
5. Hot glue can burn! It's great for attaching 3d layers but watch your fingers!

This video gives you a closer look at the catalogue ornaments & gives some info on making the 3d snowflake (instructions start at about 2 mins)
That's all  I can think of for now, but if you have any q's, just leave a comment & I'll add to the post.
One more final ornament pic just cos they're pretty :-)
 
Until next time, thanks for visiting & Merry Christmas
Inky wishes, Di

Supplies (all Stampin Up!)

Stamps: Festive Flurry (real or digital download)
Card/Paper: whisper white, pool party, smoky slate card, silver glimmer paper
Ink: whisper white craft ink pad (if using real stamps)
Accessories: silver taffeta ribbon, Frosted Finishes embellishments, Large rhinestones, white embossing powder (if using real stamps)
Tools: Big Shot, Festive Flurry dies, 2-1/2 inch circle punch or die, Simply Scored (optional), scoring stylus, hot glue gun, heat tool (if using real stamps)
Festive Flurry Bundle (stamps & framelits dies)
http://www3.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=133285
 Festive Flurry MDS Digital Download
http://www3.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135250

3 comments:

Patrice said...

All very lovely Di - I made a few of these myself this year - swoon. Have a fabulous Christmas.

Cynthia Wilder said...

I would like to order the digital download but I live in the US and the website will not let me select a demonstrator from Australia

ColourmehappyDi said...

Hi Cynthia, I’ve replied to your e-mail request. Hope it’s helpful.
Regards, Di