Category Archives: Chrstmas Decorations

Authentique Magical Christmas Banner

 

Authentique Magical Christmas Banner by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Authentique Magical Christmas Banner with Eileen Hull House Stitchlets Die

Hello, Friends!  Today I have an Authentique Magical Christmas Banner to share with you.  Even though I know that Jesus is the reason for the season, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa!  Remember the anticipation of waiting for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve?  Did you listen for reindeer hooves on the rooftop like I did?  These jolly Christmas Santa images take me right back to my childhood!

Authentique Magical Christmas Banner by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

The pennants for this banner are die cut with Eileen Hull’s House/Banner Stitchlets die and some tags that I had in my stash.

TIP:  Mix and match pennant shapes for a more interesting design.

TIP:  Combine images from the 6×6 Paper Bundle with patterns from the 12×12 Collection Kit.  Then toss in some texture with ribbon, burlap and felt embellishments.

TIP: Fussy cut around the Santa images from the 3×4 cards.  Then pop them up with foam tape to create lots of dimension.

TIP:  Tie ribbon streamers between the pennants.  Then top with holly berry clusters to add a little extra cheer.

TIP: Fold 1 1/2″ wide cotton ribbon in half, then machine stitch the pennants between the layers.  This makes for a finished edge and a banner that will not fall apart.

TIP: Make the first and last banners in a mirror image of one another.  Then tuck in rusty jingle bells, bows and red flowers to make the banner really festive.

I hope this Magical Christmas Banner gives you some tips and ideas that you can use to decorate your home this holiday season.  A banner like this also makes a great gift!

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Throwback Thursday Christmas Shaker Hanger Tutorial

Authentique Classic Christmas Shaker Hanger with APG Snip It Grid/Calendar and Fanfare Dies by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 10

Throwback Thursday Christmas Shaker Hanger Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to Throwback Thursday Christmas in July!  Today I have a super sweet and easy to make Christmas Shaker Hanger Tutorial for you.  You can make this cute project in no time, and then hang it on a kitchen cabinet, a door knob or an office cubicle.  If you get started on making these now, you’ll have plenty to give as gifts when Christmas rolls around.

Authentique Classic Christmas and Spellbinder Dies

Use any favorite Christmas collection to make this sweet little shaker hanger.  My blog buddy, Sherry Somers, gifted me with a 6×6 pad of Authentique Paper’s Classic Christmas collection in some happy mail this spring.  Since this is one of my all time favorite Christmas collections, I decided to feature it this week.  I had a few bits and pieces of the 12×12 brick pattern along with some 3×4 cards left.  But nothing else, so that 6×6 pad came in real handy!  Thanks again, Sherry!

TIP: Stitch the brick patterned paper onto some burlap to add country charm to your shaker hanger.  Since sewing machine needles don’t like to stitch through adhesive, just place a bit of Scor-Tape in the center of the two panels, then stitch.  You’ll be able to keep your margins straight, but won’t hurt your sewing machine.

Frosty Windowpanes

The Spellbinders June Die of the Month makes a great windowpane!  Die cut the Snip it Grid Calendar piece from the kit 3 times: twice from cream cardstock and once from grey.  Then glue the three layers together so that they are slightly offset.  This will give your window pane a real feeling of depth.

TIP: Use a paintbrush to apply dries clear adhesive to the back of each die cut layer.  This is faster, and ultimately neater, than applying the glue straight from the bottle.  I do the same thing when I add my clear cardstock to the back of the windowpanes.  You have far less trouble with glue oozing out onto the acetate and making a sticky, hard to clean up mess.

Little Details

Fussy cut this cute house from a 3×4 card.  Then back it with dimensionals.  Apply Stickles or glitter to the snowy areas of the roof to add lots of shine.  This shows up better in real life than it does in the photos.

Paint jingle bells and Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Christmas Bells with white chalk paint to add country charm.

Die cut flower layers from scraps of patterned paper and winter foliage from cream cardstock.  Custom flowers in a jiffy!

Tie painted jingle bells to the handle of a vintage mini hanger. Tuck in some die cut leaves as a finishing touch.

Christmas Shaker Hanger Video Tutorial

If you’d like to learn how to make this darling little Christmas shaker hanger, please enjoy the video tutorial below.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your next crafty adventure.  I’ll be back next week with another Christmas in July Throwback Thursday.  Until then, keep calm and craft on, my friends!

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post. To see past Throwback Thursday projects, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Note: Throwback Thursday is designed to encourage us to use up our crafty stash.  Many of the older items I use are no longer readily available online.  Please feel free to substitute a similar product from your stash. 

A Little Christmas in July

Eileen Hull Sizzix Snowman Box Easel Card Authentique Snowfall by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

A Little Christmas in July with Eileen Hull and Authentique Paper

Hello, Friends!  I know it’s the 4th, but I just had to share a little Christmas in July with you today.  I have two of the cutest little Christmas projects, both made with Eileen Hull’s newly released Sizzix dies and Authentique papers.

These versatile steel rule dies can be used to create a dimensional box, or as mixed media elements.  Cute as a button, they are perfect for holiday gifting and card making.

Warm Hearts Easel Card

This 7″ x 8 1/4″ easel card features elements from the Snowman Box.  Here’s how I prepared the die cut pieces to build this wintry vignette.

  • First, die cut the pieces from mat board.  You will only need one box side to serve as the picket fence.
  • Mist the fence lightly with water and run it through your die cutting machine to add the wood grain texture.
  • Next, apply Gathered Twigs Distress ink to the front of the fence.  Cut an extra “v” on the box side to keep the pickets looking all the same.
  • Now apply Black Soot Distress Ink Directly to the surface of a wood grain embossing folder and run it through the machine a second time.
  • Apply Dries White Glitter Glue and Frosted Crystals to the pickets and base of the fence, then set aside to dry.
  • “Paint” the snowman bodies with Nuvo Toasted Almond Mousse. to add texture and shine.
  • Trace the snowman hats and scarves onto designer paper, cut out and apply to the snowman bodies.
  • Accessorize with burlap string, mini jingle bells and flowers.
A Peek Inside

Add a pocket inside the card to serve as the stopper for the easel mechanism.  Then prepare a little treat wallet to tuck inside.  I’ve decorated this card with Authentique Paper’s Snowfall Collection. Wouldn’t this be a great gift to send in the mail? And you can leave snowman décor up long after the holiday has passed.  They are just so cheery!

On the Nice List: Mitten Treat Box

I have a soft spot in my heart for mittens.  My mom used to knit ours every winter.  She always added extra long cuffs so the snow would not creep up our sleeves and freeze us.  So this mitten box speaks to my memories, and I just love it.   The box is very easy to assemble.  Just die cut mat board or chipboard , then die cut your designer papers and adhere.  The die comes with the mitten shape, the rickrack trim and some cute little hearts.

Make a bunch of these to use as place cards for your holiday celebrations.  They also make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbors and co-workers.  Authentique Paper’s new “A Magical Christmas” collection is absolutely stunning.  I’ve used the 6×6 pad to decorate my mittens and wrap the presents that are tucked inside. Once the treats are consumed, display candy canes, peppermints, or wrapped candy in the mitten box.  Or, use it as a pen holder on your desk.

Create a little tag insert with Eileen’s Gift Card Folder and Label Die.  It fits neatly inside the mitten box.  The dimensional envelope makes a great treat wallet, too.

I used to think Christmas in July was crazy, but now I realize that it takes time to create handmade gifts.  Starting in July makes me feel less rushed during the holiday season, too.  When do you start creating your Christmas crafts?

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheerio,

kathy

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Secret Santa Treat Box with Shaker Ornament

Secret Santa Treat Box with Shaker Ornament for Authentique Christmas Group Post

Hello, Friends!  This Secret Santa Treat Box is a quick and easy last minute Christmas gift.  I’ve made it for the Authentique Christmas Group  post over on the Authentique Blog.  You’ll definitely want to pop over there to see what paper pretties the rest of the team has cooked up for you to enjoy.

Secret Santa Treat Box: Putting it together

Secret Santa Treat Box with Shaker Ornament Authentique Calendar Collection December by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

I’ve had this 3″ x 4″ little slider drawer box in the Closet of Shame for ages.  It’s such a cute size , and you can tuck all sorts of goodies inside the drawer: chocolates, candies, gift cards, jewelry…whatever tiny treasure your heart desires.  Here’s how it came together:

  • First, cut Spectrum Tricycle Red Cardstock to fit the height of the box.  Then wrap it around the outside and secure with your favorite adhesive.
  • Next, cut a slightly smaller layer of the cable knit sweater pattern from Snowfall and adhere to the top of the box.  Use scraps if you have them.
  • Now, create a teeny tiny easel card with a 2 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ piece of heavy cream cardstock.  Again, use scraps.  Score the easel at 2 1/2″ and again at 5″, then cover with scraps from the December Calendar Collection.  Center and adhere to the top of the box.
  • Use stamp shaped scissors to cut out the Santa Stamps.  Place a magnet behind the Santa stamp on the right.  This will hold the shaker ornament in place.  Adhere to the front of the easel.
  • Now cover the sides of the drawer with a 1″ strip of the red cardstock from the December collection kit.
  • You will need to strengthen the drawer face before you add  the drawer pull. Cut a piece of cardstock that will fit behind the drawer front.  Then place the drawer pull where you want it and use a piercing tool to add holes.  Attach the handle with brads.
  • Cover the inside of the box with scraps from the December collection.
Secret Santa Treat Box:  A Peek Inside

I was able to fit 9 Nuggets neatly inside the drawer.

TIP: If the drawer “drags” when you are trying to open and close it, simply rub the sides with a little candle wax.  It will glide freely.

Decorate the top of the box with a bottle brush Christmas tree and some pretty Prima Christmas Flowers.  Add a green gingham bow.

Secret Santa Treat Box:  The Shaker Ornament

I found this shaker ornament frame while cleaning out my chipboard stash.  While I could not find it online, I did find a nice selection of shaker ornaments HERE. You could easily substitute another Christmas shape.  Here’s how the shaker came together:

  • First, paint the outer frame and the backing with off white chalk paint.
  • Tap the frame with Versamark Embossing Ink.  Then heat emboss with Shabby Ivory Embossing powder.
  • Trace around the base of the ornament, or use a circle die to cut out the Santa image. Adhere this to the front side of the ornament base.
  • Now cut a second piece from scraps and adhere on the back side of the base.
  • Adhere foam tape around the edges of the base.  I use Darice Foam Strips because they are only 1/8″ wide and will not show through the shaker window.    I generally add 3 layers of foam tape, but you can add as many or as few as you wish.
  • Now adhere the domed shaker inside the frame using Dries Clear Adhesive.
  • Next, fill the center of the base with your shaker mix.  Be careful not to let sequins or beads gather around the outer edges, or the shaker will not seal properly.
  • Now, line up the domed frame over the foam tape on the base.  Gently press in place to seal.
  • Then, adhere eyelash trim around the outer edge of the shaker to cover up the foam.
  • Next, place the 2nd magnet over the Santa Stamp.  Press the ornament against it once you have it positioned where you want it to be.  Cover the back of the magnet with a bit of Scor-Tape and cover with a small scrap of  paper.
  • Finally, string ribbon through the hanger.  Add a bow, jingle bells, holly, etc.  Stitch a Christmas button at the top of the ribbon to form a hanger.
Secret Santa Treat Box: Adding the Feet

You will need to create a false bottom for the box if you wish to add the feet.  This is easy to do.  Simply cut a 1/8″ thick piece of chipboard to match the size of the box bottom.  Wrap it with the same red cardstock that was used to cover the drawer front.  Finally, adhere the feet to the false bottom, then adhere the false bottom to the base of the box.

These little boxes would be sweet made up for any occasion: birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter….the sky is the limit!  You can find another of these little gift boxes that I made a while back HERE.   I’ve added a linked supply list at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Now I wish you all a truly joyous and happy Christmas!  I’ll be spending time with my sweet family , but will be back for the Heartfelt Creations blog hop on Friday.  I hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas dear friends!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup

Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup

Hello, Friends!  I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with your loved ones!  We were super busy with family, but I did manage to squeeze in just enough studio time to create this Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup.

Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup by Kathy Clement Photo 01

I’ve made about 20 of these sweet teacup gift packages this Christmas, but this one might be my most favorite.  It was created for a special friend, and with any luck, she has received it by now!

Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup by Kathy Clement Photo 02

I purchased this wooden reindeer in a lot of crafting goodies that a friend sold earlier this summer.  Spray with with Ground Espresso Distress Stain, Antique Brass Mica spray and dust with a little bit of Grainy Texture Paste to alter the balsa wood, it looks right at home on this cup nestled in with the snow pine cones, holly berries and woodland tree.

Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup by Kathy Clement Photo 03

These papers are from my Christmas scrap bin.  I had just enough of the red houndstooth paper to create the cups.  And I could not resist the urge to add a glittery red ornament to the base of the cup.

Eileen Hull Woodland Teacup by Kathy Clement Photo 04

This vintage Santa spoon sort of fell into my basket at an estate sale a year or two ago.  There were 6 in the set, and I’ve been hoarding them for special projects like this.  The candy cane ornament is a flea market find.  It’s a collectible from B. Lloyd, and I love it’s vintage vibe!

I’ve had such fun making these little cups!  I wish I had time to make more…

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy