Today I am going to show you a little more detail about the Kraft Gift Box project from the Stampin’ Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop.  I love these little boxes and you really can’t beat the price!!  To start, I stamped the snowflake from Bright Hopes all around the sides of the box using Soft Suede and then assembled the box per the included instructions.

Next I created a tag using a Naturals Ivory.  I used my Champagne Mist Shimmer paint to create a Shimmer Spray.  All you have to do is fill a travel size spray container with about 1 ounce (half a bottle) of regular rubbing alcohol.  Then add drops of Shimmer Paint until it is as shimmery as you like (I use about 12-15 drops since I want some sparkle).  Shake well before each use.  I recommend you use this where the alcohol will not cause damage, either using the Color Catcher or other protective surface.  Spray your tag and set aside to dry.  Then I stamped with Soft Suede Ink again and Night of Navy.  You can see the sparkle if you click to look close-up but it is much prettier in person!

Next was the ribbon.  I used the Puffy Bow Tutorial from the extraordinarily talented stampers at Stampin’ 411.  I love their challenges but make sure you take some time to peruse their tutorials.  Fantastic information!!  The Denim Jean Ribbon is not quite as easy to cut as the Seam Binding shown in the tutorial but with a little patience you just follow the same instructions.  I left “tails” and attached the bow and tails to the top with Sticky Strip (I wrapped the ends around the lid).  I did the same with a length of ribbon around the box to make it look like a package.  Trim the ribbon to the right length and carefully, really carefully, seal the ends of the ribbon with a lighter so they don’t fray.

This allows you to open the box without having to take anything apart.  Just so you know, the box was perfect for five chocolate chip cookies.  Sadly, the cookies didn’t last much beyond this photo being taken.  My boys were waiting very patiently for me to finish and how could I say no??!!

I’m planning on ordering more packages of these little boxes and using them for all kinds of holiday gifts.  I can’t wait to make more of these bows using all kinds of other ribbon.  Just make sure you tell the Operators thanks for the tutorial and give them credit if you use it!!

I’m off to put some last minute touches on a project for tomorrow.  I look forward to sharing it and some fun news!  See you then!

Stamp:  Bright Hopes; Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Night of Navy; Ink:  Night Of Navy, Soft Suede: Accessories:  Kraft Gift Box, Blue Denim Jean Ribbon, Sticky Strip

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As promised in Friday’s post for the Stampin’ Addicts Blog Hop, I am here today with a tutorial on how to make the bow for the wreath card.  Supplies needed:  a salad fork and some Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding.  All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on the photo.

*Disclaimer* – This is in no way an original idea.  I have watched variations of this from very talented stampers and have simply taken pictures to show how I created the bow for my card.

My bow is a “double” bow.  Cut your Seam Binding about 9 inches long.  Start with a tail in front of the fork and then wrap around twice.

When it has been wrapped around twice it should look like the picture above.

Next take the top tail and put it through the center of your fork.  Give a snug pull to get it seated at the bottom of your bow.

In the above picture I had not yet pulled the bottom tail enough (do as I say, not as I photograph  *smile*).  Next take the remaining tail and pull it through the center tines on the top.  How you see it now will be the front of your bow so now is the time to fuss with the center to make it look smooth.

Turn your fork over and tie the two tails together as shown.  You will only make one tie and then pull it as tight as you like to make the front pretty.

Take the bow off the fork and tighten/straighten as needed.  Your bow should now look like the picture above.

Finally, turn the bow over and cut off the tails.  I placed two Mini Glue Dots at the ends of the cut off tails and attached it to the card.  This helps to keep the bow attached securely and keeps the ends from coming loose.

Here is the final card again.  I did use my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the border detail on the top and bottom of the card.  The wreath panel is popped up on Dimensionals.

I hope these pictures help you make these cool little bows.  Please let me know if you have any questions about them!  I’ll be back later in the week to show you the bow for the tree card that uses yet another commonly found kitchen utensil.  Tomorrow, I have a fun birthday card for you so come on back by!  Hope you have had a safe weekend and that the storms have not affected you adversely.

Stamp:  Bright Hopes; Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Cherry Cobbler; Ink: Early Espresso; Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

All products are Stampin’ Up!