Box of Love

One of my new years resolutions this year was to try to learn new crafting techniques each month and to push myself.  I've decided to try making gift boxes.

I like things that are a little bit different so this one doesn't fasten at what you would assume is the top of the box.

This box is made from one sheet of A4 thick card.  We had a photo inspiration challenge over at Everybody Art so I have taken the red and black colour scheme from there.  The card was originally black and white, so I have coloured a few of the hearts and squiggles in red to lift the pattern a bit.

I've used a circle punch to cut a notch near the opening and a corner punch on the flaps of the box.  I have added gems for some sparkle and a die cut chip board heart from last years stash.  The little flowers were originally  lilac, but I held them against my fired brick ink pad until they picked up enough colour to use.

I have eyeletted the two flaps and attached red ribbon to tie the box closed.  I don't actually have a use for this box yet, but I had one of those moments where a challenge puts a picture in my head and I know what I want to make for it.

I will also be entering this one for the Die cuts/ Punches challenge over at A spoonful of sugar.

Hidden Message

This one is a traditional red and green Christmas card with a twist.

I'm still using up last years stash.  The papers used on this one are all form the Daisy and Dandelion "Christmas Collection - A winters tale" paper pack that I bought last year.  I loved them so much that I bought 3 pads.  I ran out of crafting time before Christmas, so there is still some left over for me to use now.

My apologies for the quality of the pictures, but I had problems with getting the lighting right.

The image is a stamp from Penny Blacks "Jolly Follies" collection.  I have added glitter glue for snow and have added a few star shaped gems.  This is my first attempt at one of these cards.

I am entering it for the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations - Christmas in September

Paperplay Challenges - Hidden Extras

Papertake Weekly - Sketch

Three Bears

Have you ever seen a sketch and been immediately able to see in your head how the finished item would look?  This card came from one of those sketches.  I got it close to what I imagined and I'm quite pleased with it. Thank you JUGs.

 This stamp has featured on quite a few of my Christmas cards this year.  I think it's so cute.  It was a freebie on a magazine last year and has had plenty of use since I got it.  I have edged the die cut circles in worn lipstick distress ink and have added silver string to the back of each to create the look of Christmas tags.  All three of them have been attached using 3D glue dots to give them a slightly raised effect.

I will be entering this cards for the challenge over at A Spoonful of Sugar - who asked us for spots and stripes and for the challenge at SCSC who asked us for an easel card.