Category Archives: APG Die of the Month

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box Folio

Echo Park Winter-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope-Amazing Paper Grace-Tea Party in a Box-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box Folio

Hello, Friends! Today I have a Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box to share with you.  This is yet another way to use the Amazing Paper Grace Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard dies.  (You can find my previous projects HERE.)I’m having so much fun with this beautiful and versatile die that I can’t seem to stop playing with it!  It keeps calling my name, and I keep answering!  I hope y’all are not tired of seeing it yet, because I am definitely not tired of playing with it!

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope

Spellbinders Loaded Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die-Echo Park Winter-Tea Party in a Box-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

How fun is this loaded envelope?  It is such a quick and easy way to add a surprise focal image to a card!  If you look closely, you’ll see that this loaded envelope has 2 compartments.  How did I do this?  It’s actually quite simple:

  • First, die cut the basic envelope from grey cardstock using the largest die in the set.
  • Next, die cut the filigree liner from the same grey cardstock.
  • Then die cut contrasting patterned paper using just the liner die without the filigree insert.  Adhere this to the “peak” of the envelope as seen in the photo.
  • Now, fold the envelope on the scored lines and secure the tabs inside the pocket.
  • Next, die cut just the curved front of the envelope from complementary patterned paper.  I just cut a small square of patterned paper, lined the die up and secured it with Post-It tape, and then ran it through the machine.  Adhere gussets to the sides and bottom of this piece and glue it down as a pocket on top of a pocket.
  • Now die cut the heart base from contrasting cardstock and mat the grey filigree heart on top as the decoration on your envelope.

Echo Park Winter-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard-Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month December 2022-Tea Party in a Box-Loaded Envelope-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Mat designer paper from Echo Park Winter Mega Pad on soft blue cardstock, then machine stitch around the edges.  Adhere this over a 5 3/4″ square of the plaid pattern that has been stitched to another panel of the same cardstock.   Now add a sparkly snowflake and a handmade flower and layer this whole mess of goodness up on your card front.

What’s in the Loaded Pocket?

I was hoping you would ask that!  Create a little notecard with one of the 3×3 images from the paper collection and tuck that inside the front pocket.  Then make a little mini folio with the 3×3 images and tuck that in the larger pocket.

Good things really do come in small packages!  This little book has 4 pages and a center side pocket.  How fun would it be to add small photos of the kids or the pets playing in the snow here?

Create a cute tag with another image and scraps of cardstock, and add this to the larger pocket along with the mini book.  Score a row of the small images, accordion fold, insert in a memo pin and then stick that in the corner of the envelope.  Isn’t this fun?

A Peek Inside

The inside of this Tea Party in a Box folio is as fun as the outside.  In addition to the tea party, I created a little photo album on the top of the card.  This has a magnetic closure to keep everything neat and tidy.

The accordion pull-out has (5) 5 1/2″ square panels, so lots of room for great photos.  Create the mechanism by joining (2)  5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ panels of cardstock and scoring every 5 1/2″.  Tuck the small flap behind the base page at the top of the card folio.

The magnetic closure tucks behind the base page on the opposite side of the card.  Create even more space for photos by adding a flap page to one of the panels.

You can add little tip ins and even a side pocket for even more winter fun!

Tea Party in a Box

Winter is a tough time for a lot of folks, so it’s nice to create a cheery surprise gift like this one to brighten up the days.  Do you spy the cute notecard made with the same Sweetheart die?  I’m telling you friends, this is one dynamic die!

I wonder what I’ll make next with this sweet die?  Whatever it is, I’ll be sure to share it with you!

Enjoy your weekend, make time to play with paper, and stay cozy!

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

Cheerio,

kathy

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Echo Park Winter Boxed Treat Tags Tutorial

Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die-Echo Park-Winter-Treat Tags-Tutorial-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Echo Park Winter Boxed Treat Tags Tutorial with Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope Die

Hello, Friends!  It’s time for another Throwback Thursday, and this week I have an Echo Park Winter Boxed Treat Tags Tutorial to share with  you.  Once again, we’re using that fabulous Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die set.  Remember on Tuesday when I told you it was very versatile?  Well, today, I used it to build the adorable box that our treat tags are housed in.  You’ve gotta love a die that can do so many different things.  (And I’m not even done yet….I have one more “make” using this die to share with you!)

Winter Treat Tags in a Box

Echo Park Winter Boxed Treat Tags Tutorial-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Dies-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

It feels like a long, long time between the Christmas holidays and Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it?  Winter days may be short, but they feel long, especially if you live in a part of the world where you get real winter weather.  So I used the base die to create this darling little treat tag box.  Because a hot cuppa and a bit of chocolate makes the winter days easier to bear!

Here’s how I made the box:

  • First, cut 4 of the Sweetheart outer frame from heavy cardstock.  Be sure to place the scoring rods in the die, as it will make it so much easier to fold the sides.
  • Next, cut the pocket side tabs off of two of the panels. Then fold all 4 pockets along the scored lines.
  • Overlap the pockets to form the bottom of your box, and use the side tabs to connect the box sides.
  • Now cut (4) 1″ x 2 3/4″ strips from your scraps.  Score these in half to form hinges.  Adhere these to the sides of your box in the same way you would a gusset on a pocket.  Fold one side of the hinge over onto the side of the adjacent box side and glue down to secure.
  • Once your box is made, simply fold the scalloped top of the box down as seen in the above photo.
  • Cut (4)  3 7/8″ x 3 1/8″ panels of designer paper to adhere to the sides of your box.  I matted mine on slightly larger rectangles of white cardstock, then I adhered to the box sides.
  • Next, adhere lace or other trim around the base of your box.  Then adhere box feet.  Wrap 1/4″ gingham ribbon above the lace and tie a bow.
  • Use the smaller frame die and insert to cut the accent piece from patterned paper and adhere to the scalloped edges of the box.  Glue the scalloped edges to the box base.
Making the Treat Tags

Echo Park Winter-Boxed treat Tags-Spellbinders-Amazing Paper Grace-Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard die-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Our tutorial today will show you how to make these super adorable winter treat tags.

Echo Park Winter-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard-Treat Tags-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

The pocket on each tag holds a Ghirardelli Chocolate Snowman, winter tea bag, honey stick and a little Tim Holtz flashcard.  The back of the tag is lined with light blue cardstock.  That’s where you can add your personal greeting.

Carta Bella Winter Boxed Treat Tags Tutorial on YouTube

If you’d like to follow along as I  make these cute tags, please enjoy this YouTube video:

Snowflake Gift Card Holder

Spellbinders-Amazing Paper Grace-Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Dies-Echo Park-Winter-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Gift Card Holder- Photo 01

Since I already had all the “stuff” out on my work table, and I  had some lovely scraps to work with, I decided to make another cute gift card holder with the dies.

This time I added the the filigree insert t the envelope flap.

Then I tucked a York Peppermint Pattie and a little Note Card greeting inside.  These are so much fun to make that they are almost addicting!

I hope you enjoyed today’s Throwback Thursday.  You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope & Notecard Set

Spellbinders-APG DOM December 2022- Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard-Prima-Christmas in the Country-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope & Notecard Set for Make & Take Tuesday

Hello, Friends!  For this week’s Make & Take Tuesday, I’m sharing a Christmas ornament made with Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope & Notecard Set.  It’s the Amazing Paper Grace Die of the month for December 2022.  Although designed for Valentine’s Day, my mind immediately went to Christmas tree ornament.  So I pulled out Prima “Christmas in the Country” and went to work to bring my vision to  life.

Prima Christmas in the Country Gift Card Ornament-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Can’t you just picture these adorable little bundles hanging all over your tree?  Oh, I see so many possibilities for this clever little die set!  What about a hanging Advent Calendar with a bit of chocolate, or a tea bag, or tiny gift card inserted in each envelope? Wouldn’t that be fun?   Or, leave off the string hanger and make these as table favors for your holiday celebrations.  They would also be gorgeous done up in wedding paper (I have weddings on my mind right now!) or baby shower paper.  The possibilities are nearly endless!

Pretty Backwards and Forwards

Amazing Paper Grace Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die-Prima Christmas in the Country-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

The back side of this little envelope is as lovely as the front. First,  layer the filigree insert and frame to die cut a window in the back of the envelope base.  Then, adhere gold foil cardstock inside the envelope.  Next, glue the filigree insert outside the envelope back.  Die cut the flower petals and leaves that come with the die set to dress it up even more.  So, so cute, and very quick and easy to make!

Pretty inside and Out!

Although this precious little envelope is only 4″ x 2 3/4″ when finished, it can still hold a surprising amount of goodies. Create a little notecard using the frame die, then dress it up with scraps of designer paper.

Spellbinders-APG DOM December 2022- Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard-Prima-Christmas in the Country-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Die cut the filigree heart and back it with woodgrain cardstock for a really sweet insert.  And an ATC tag fits perfectly inside the envelope, too!

The thing I like the best about this die is that you can use up all those itty bitty scraps of paper while making something truly beautiful.  And the die is extremely versatile.  I’ll be back on Throwback Thursday to share more ideas for using the die.  You won’t want to miss that!

Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die Project Share on YouTube

If you’d like to join me over on my YouTube channel, I’ve prepared a short project share video with tips and ideas.

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

Go get your craft on!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Pumpkin and Spice Pop Up Card

Prima Pumpkin and Spice Pop Up Card with APG October 2022 Die of the Month

Hello, Friends!  Let there be Pumpkin and Spice Pop Up cards and everything festive and fall!  Today I’m sharing my interpretation of Spellbinder’s Amazing Paper Grace October 2022 Club Kit.  The 3-D Poinsettia Surprise Envelope was designed to be used as a Christmas project.  (You can find a tutorial and samples from Amazing Paper Grace in her blog post.)  But I felt a need to create with some of my beautiful fall papers.  Plus, I had an idea in my head for something that I wanted to try with this wonderful die.  And you know how that story ended.  I was off on another exciting crafty adventure!  Would you like to come along for the ride?

Layers of Fall Beauty

Ok, this die is amazing!  The ideas are jumping in my brain like popcorn kernels in hot oil!  I’m pretty sure that I’ll be back to share more and more ways to create with this versatile die.  But today, I have this  glorious fall celebration to share with you.

First, I highly recommend that you watch Becca’s video before you attempt to make the 3D envelope.  Then, I highly recommend that you make your first envelope from inexpensive cardstock, just in case there’s a learning curve involved.  (There is; you need to place the pop up mechanisms in just the right position in order to achieve the pop up effect.  Better to practice on cheap paper, right?)

Spellbinders 3D Poinsettia Surprise Envelope Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month October 2022 Prima Pumpkin and Spice Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Once you’ve mastered the art of building the envelope base, the sky is the limit!  This 7 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ top fold card was so much fun to make!  You all know how much I love to add depth,  dimension and layers to my cards. The mechanisms inside the envelope give you all sorts of opportunities to it with ease.  I’ve tucked fussy cut images and ephemera bits inside the envelope, then dressed up the outside of the envelope with the “poinsettias.”

 

TIP: Die cut scraps of your patterned papers with the flower dies.  Then sponge with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink.  Shape the flower layers and stack together.  Now thread a wired stamen through the center hole and seal the deal with a bit of hot glue.

TIP: Die cut the swirls from copper metallic cardstock to amp up the autumn vibe.

A Peek Inside

Of course, there’s a pocket inside this lovely card.  Dress it up with a little ephemera card and another die cut copper swirl.

Next, wrap a bit of Ghirardelli chocolate in a scrap of designer paper.  The pocket is large, so we can tuck in la little tea wallet, too!

Make a quick and easy bookmark by adhering the top edge of a fussy cut image to a slightly larger panel of designer paper.

The bookmark slips over the page when you are done reading.

Prima Pumpkin and Spice Pop Up Card Project Share on YouTube

If you’d like to see more of the Amazing Paper Grace Club kit, and if you’d like a personal tour of the project, I hope you’ll enjoy this short YouTube video.

 

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Gumball Machine Masculine Shaker Card

Spellbinders APG DOM Gumball Machine Masculine Shaker Card by kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Gumball Machine Masculine Shaker Card with Amazing Paper Grace September Club Kit

Hello, Friends!  I’m bouncing back from a lovely Labor Day weekend with this Gumball Machine Masculine Shaker Card.  This is the Spellbinders September 2022 Amazing Paper Grace Club kit, and it’s super duper adorable!

What is it about gumball machines that makes them so irresistible?   I have such fond memories of getting a penny to put in the coin slot when I was a little girl.  Out would pop 3 brightly colored gumballs.  If you were having a lucky day, you might even get a ring!  When my oldest granddaughter and I worked together on this cute card for her dad’s birthday party this weekend, we had so much fun sharing those memories. Her dad loved the card, too!

Making the Shaker Element

Spellbinders APG DOM September 2022 Gumball Shaker Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 02

Although the die set comes with a “gumball” insert, Sophie and I decided that a buttons and sequins shaker card would be more fun.  Here’s how we did it.

  • First, cut 2 gumball machine bodies with the cut out die in the center.  One should be from metallic cardstock.  The other can be whatever scrap paper you have in your stash.
  • Adhere clear cardstock (acetate) over the back of gumball window on each die cut.  Trim away any overhang.
  • Now die cut the accents and detail pieces for the gumball machine from silver metallic cardstock. Adhere these as seen in the photo.
  • Next, adhere 3 layers of 1/8″ foam strips to the back side of the red metallic gumball machine.  Fill this opening with your buttons and sequins mix.
  • Finally, line up and adhere the 2nd gumball machine base over the foam tape and press in place.

If  you’d like to see more examples made with this cute die, you can check out the tutorial on Becca’s blog.

You can find a linked supply  list below this post.

I’ll be back with a Throwback Thursday tutorial later this week.

Hope you all had a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend!  Did you do any crafting?  I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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