Bon bon Tutorial - no fuss no cut! @ Inspired Stamps

Good Mornings beautiful peoples :)
I know today is Friday and not Tuesday!
So what am I doing here sharing a creation with
Inspired Stamps

Well ... as part of the Inspired Stamps 12 weeks of Christmas post specials,
this week it is my turn! - Lucky you!

So today I am going to share with you how I make my Chirstmas Bon Bons!

Now these are super easy to make!
No Fuss & NO CUT!
You will be making crackers in no time with this method and ...
I think they look pretty fabulous too!
Wanna see what cha going to make ?







I may be a little bit biased but I think they look 'oh la la!'
And I know they not only look better than the store brought ones, 

 but they also have some yummy goodies inside!

So ... I am here to tell you the how to ...
So lets get cracking! (ha ha .. corny but cute! )

You will need -
(to make as per the example)
Inspired Stamps – Vintage Christmas Set & Sing for Joy Set
Bon bon snaps
Empty toilet roll(s)
Paper – the thinner / lighter the better – Cut to size of 13.5cm x 30cm - (As toilet roll sizes can vary slightly, I suggest you cut a test stripe on waste paper and ensure the 13.5cm length will comfortably fit around your roll with a slight overlap – If necessary add on a few extra centimeters to allow for your roll.)
Double sided adhesive
Ribbon
Lace
Treats to go inside the bon bon(s) – small chocolate(s), party hat, joke ect
Versamark Ink Pad
White Embossing Powder
Heat gun

Now the How To -

1. Firstly you have to decorate your bon bon paper as you desire – For this tutorial I have used plain brown paper, Versmark ink & white embossing powder; & I am going to use the emboss resist technique to ‘age’ my bon bon. - We all know me; I love the vintage / shabby chic look.

2. Along both the shorter edges I have stamped the music staff from the Sing for Joy set, & in the middle of my bon bon I have stamped the Shepherds from the Vintage Christmas Set. I have then sprinkled over some white embossing powder and heat set it. To achieve the ‘aged’ look I have taken Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress ink and sponged over and around the embossed area, focusing on darkening the edges and getting lighter towards the middle & for the shepherds, darker in the middle and getting lighter as you get further out.

3. On the reverse side of you paper, run a strip of double sided adhesive all the way along one of the long edges. Take a toilet roll & a bon bon snap & center the snap in the middle of the roll (you can use a little sticky tape and tack it down if you would like). Stuff your bon bon tube – In mine I like to include 2 Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a party hat & a joke, but it is up to you what you want to throw in yours :)



4. Next we have to roll the bon bon. Take two more of the toilet rolls & add them onto either end of your stuffed bon bon & center in the middle of your paper. Placing the two other bon bons makes rolling the bon bon together very easy! Remove the strip of double sided adhesive & roll your bon bon together.



5. Next we have to ‘twist the ends’, to do this, partly remove both of the end toilet rolls (I pull about 4cm of mine out), then holding the middle bon bon roll in your left hand & the partly exposed roll in your right, twist – this will ‘scrunch’ & close your bon bon. Turn the bon bon around & do the same for the other end.



6. Next we have to tie off the bon bon so it doesn’t fall apart – The tighter the tie, the sturdier your bon bon will be. To do this, I get my diary & my stamp cleaner pad & squish the bon bon between the two (any thick heavy book(s) will work). Take your ribbon around the ‘squished’ part & tie tight in a knot. Do this for both ends, then remove your toilet rolls from the ends.

7. Lastly to finish off my bon bons, I like to add some lace around the inner ends. I just adhere some double sided tape to some lace & adhere it to the inside ends. Tidy up your ribbon ends, if any of your bon bon snap is exposed or poking out from the ends, give them a little snip and .....

wella ...
One bon bon ready for the Christmas table :)

See I told you these were SUPER EASY! 

And with just 4 more days till Christmas, 

you got plenty of time to make some of these up! 

With Christmas just about on our doorstep this is sadly the last feature post of 12 for the 12 weeks of Christmas with Inspired Stamps.

If you have missed any of the previous weeks post they are also available at the

Inspired Stamps Blog {here}

The girls have shared some spectacular tutorials over the weeks!

So there is plenty of inspiration & ideas!

And lastly before I go,
Antoinette, the Inspired Stamps DT girls and myself
would all like to wish you
A Merry Christmas & 
A Safe & Happy New Year! 

Recipe -
Stamp(s) - Inspired Stamps - Vintage Christmas Set & Sing for Joy Set
Paper(s) - Brown paper
Embellishment(s) -white embossing powder, versamark, bon bon snaps Stash - Ribbon, lace.

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Real life Gingerbread House!

Marvelous Monday all :) 

I am sailing in toady with a very different creation than normal for me!

Today I am sharing my Gingerbread house!

 

 I made this on Saturday night at this years Gingerbread Extravaganza held by one of the local churches down the road.  This is the 2nd year I have attended and it was just a much fun as last year, if not better!

I attended again this year with my friend Judy and Anita (both Navy wife's) and as this is our 2nd year in a row, we have pinky promised to attend every year for the next 10 years! You all know me, I have habit of falling in love with anything and everything I make so I don't actually let the kids eat my gingerbread houses!  They actually go on display around the house, get backed away and then pulled out again the next Christmas!  So the girls think in about 10 years I should have a wonderful little Gingerbread village!

The gingerbread house is supplied to us in pieces, we are given as much royal icing as our hearts desire and a selection of lollies to decorate.  As I had a pink and white theme in mind, I did a little shopping in the candy isle and supplied my own.  I think I brought every pink and white lolly I could find lol

 This is the back of the house. 

I used marshmallows to try and make a brick look, some musk sticks on the end.  The snowflake(s), Santa and tree I brought from the local cake shop.

 A side view. 

White chocolate buds make the roof with some pink cachous ball highlights and edible glitter sprinkled all over. Sour apple strips make the wall, and pink nerds for rocks on the bottom with some sanding sugar.

 Licorice for the door with a pink tic tac door handle and some more store brought snowflakes. 

 Along with the sprinkle of edible glitter all over, store brought snowflakes are along the peak of the roof with the store brought Santa.

 Close up of the roof and edible glitter.

 All wrapped up with matching pink ribbon and white bow!  I know, I am such a fuss for the details lol!

The church offers 3 sizes of houses to make, last year I made a shack (middle house) and this year opted for the cottage witch is the largest in the houses.  This kit was $30 and I am really impressed with the price and the size of the house.  They also have gingerbread trees with little gingerbread dancing men that go around the tree, a tree of stars layered ontop of each other and the smallest of the house called the mini, so there is a great selection to play with if you choose! 

The girls and I left the night brainstorming of what we are all going to do next year!  I am thinking maybe the min but stacking them on top of each other to make a town house and I might go with blue and white next year! 

Anyways, I have a year to think about it! 

Thanks for letting me share this with you all :) 

And thank you for calling past to see me xx

Challenges this creation is entering with the help of the Feline Playful Girls:

Anything But A Card - Seasonal Holiday Sun
The Stamp Man - In the bleak mid winter Fri P1/1
In The Pink - Pink Christmas C6 E1/3 - Not sure if only cards :(
MilkCoffee Challenge - Christmas Decorations E1/3
Paperminutes - Decoration Tues
Tuesday Alchemy - Anything but a card Tues
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Spellbinders Explore Beyond Challenge! - Home Decor - Fairy Wand

Hi Folks :)

I am super excited about the

Spellbinders Explore Beyond : 

Craft to Win competition?

So much so,
 that I have been having great fun tinkering in my craft-room playing

around with Mojo and have made another creation!

This magical fairy wand is for the
Home Decor Category!

I am going to say ...
This piece was a labor of LOVE! 
But oh my! It was heaven to tinker with and put together!

I used 2 Spellbinders - The Floral Flourishes for the white glitter delicate leaves around the center of the flower. And all the flower layers are made from some fussy scoring and folding of Fleur De Lis Squares.

A close up of side 1-
I used glittered card from Bella! Glitz - White & Blush.
The piece is embellished with ribbon from my stash, Blossoms by
Vivaldi, handmade pins, wooden fibers & glitter for the center flower. 

A side view - Yes! Both sides of the wand have the
same layered flower feature!
Again ... Labor of LOVE!

Close up of side 2 -
I have certainly captured the image I had in my head for this piece, would even say it has turned out way more brilliant than I expected it to!  I love the pink and white color combo and that I still managed to catch the shabby beauty of it with some light TH Distress inking and the embellishments.
I don't think you want to know how long this took to put all together lol 

 

I will have to say I have seriously fallen in love with this piece!  The wand looks stunning as it it, but I have had a brainwave to make more and use as Christmas tree decorations - So I am challenging my self to next year, making one a month to have have a set of 12 by Christmas next year!   I would also love to play with the colors more and try a white & blue one, a brown & pink and a blue & brown!  MMM I can see the tree now with 3 of each of the color combo on it and I think it would look just magical!  Ohhh could you image a tree filled with just these! Oh My!  I need to stop thinking NOW lol!

I can say it has certainly been a hit with the girls too!  All morning they have constantly been walking in and out of my room to look at it as they oh and ah over it!  I have promised them if it doesn't make the finals and get posted off that they will get it for their dress up box so they can play with it.  Will certainly have to make another one as I don't think they will like sharing just the one though :$

Well, I am off to tinker again!
Thanks for calling past to see me today :)

Thanks for calling past to see me :)

Recipe -

Paper(s) -   Bella! Glitz - White & Blush
Tools -  Spellbinders - Fleur De Lis Squares, Large and Small Squares and the Floral Flourish

Embellishment(s) -All from stash - ribbon, Blossoms by Vivaldi, handmade pins, wooden fibers, glitter & wooden dowel. 

Challenges this creation is entering with the help of the Feline Playful Girls:
Spellbinders Explore Beyond Challenge - Home Decor Entry

Make It Monday - Anything Goes Mon
Anything But a Card Challenge - Anything but a card Sun
Amusing Challenges - Die Cut Sun E1/2
Crafty-Emblies - Vintage / Shabby Chic Monthly E3
Glitter & Sparkle - Flowers
Joanna Sheen - Anything but Christmas Mon
PanPastel Uk - Gift Time Mon
Sugar Creek Hollow - Distressing Mon
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Christmas 'BELIEVE' Banner Tutorial @ Inspired Stamps

Good Mornings beautiful peoples :)
Don't worry :) I know it is Friday and not Tuesday!
So what am I doing here sharing a creation with
Inspired Stamps

I am sure you all know about the special posts happening over at
Inspired Stamps
The 12 weeks of Christmas ones!
Every Friday one of the girls are sharing with you a Christmas tutorial!

Well this week it is my turn to share :)
And I would love to share my Christmas "Believe" Banner with you.


(it's a rather long banner so please click on the photo to get a larger, clearer better view of it)

I am sure you are itching to make one of these :)
So let's get on with the show!

You will need -
Elegant Dotty Alphabet Stamp Set available from Inspired Stamps
Vintage Christmas Stamp Set available from Inspired Stamps (Tree sentiment used for background on lettering sentiments)
Sing for Joy Stamp Set  available from Inspired Stamps (music staff used)
Heart Shaped Dies – Nellie’s Multi Fame’s used MFD022
1 inch Circle punch / die – Nellie’s Muliti Frame’s used MFD 020
Black Embossing powder – Ranger Super Fine Detail Powder used
Heat gun
Rangers Archival Ink – Sepia
Distressing Inks – Tim Holtz Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain used
Versamark ink pad
Kraft card-stock
White card-stock
Rhinestones in red and clear - Stash
Lace - Stash
Twin / Ribbon - Stash
Bell x 2 – small – Stash

Techniques used -
Second Generation Stamping
Emboss Resist
Heat Embossing

The Good Part - The How To!

Step 1 – Making the Circular Letter Sentiment ‘BELIEVE’


1. Using the Elegant Dotty Alphabet stamp from Inspired Stamp, Versamark ink, black embossing powder and white card-stock – Stamp out the individual letters of your sentiment and heat set the embossing powder. For this tutorial I am using the word “Believe”. Allow room around each of the letters to cut / punch them out. I stamp first and then cut – allowing me to centre the image more accurately.
2. With you ‘alphabet letter’ now stamped and cut out, ink distress the edges. Next take the tree shaped sentiment from the Vintage Christmas set from Inspired Stamps – I have used this as a second generate stamp for the background. Using the seina ink, ink up the Vintage Christmas sentiment tree, on a scrap piece of paper, stamp once and then stamp over your ‘alphabet letter’ circle sentiment. This gives a softer look and the appearance your letter is floating above the background.
3. Turn your ‘alphabet letter’ over and place lace behind. I run a strip of double sided tape around the edges and then tape down my lace.
4. Turn your ‘alphabet letter’ back over to the front, embellish the dots with rhinestones and place aside.

Step 2 – White ‘Music Staff’ Heart


1. From white card-stock ,cut the smaller of the die-cut heart(s) (9 used for this tutorial) and ink distress the edges. Using the ‘Music Staff’ from the Inspired Stamps Sing for Joy set, Versamark and black embossing powder, stamp the ‘music staff’ repeatedly down and across the heart. Sprinkle with the black embossing powder and heat set.
2. Turn the heart over and adhere the lace to the back – Again, I run a strip of double sided tape around the edges and then tape down my lace.
3. Place hearts aside.

Step 3 – Background Heart

1. From Kraft card-stock, cut the larger of the die-cut heart(s) (9 used for this tutorial) and ink distress the edges.
2. Attach the twine/ ribbon used to hang your banner – I run a stripe of tape up the middle of the heart and place my twine on the tape and then cover again with another strip of tape.
3. Place hearts aside.

Step 4- Assembly of the individual hearts


1. Take one of the background hearts and layer ontop one of the ‘Music Staff’ hearts – I just use double sided tape to stick them together, liquid glue or a glue gun would also work.
2. Next, centre and layer one of your 'letters' on top of the ‘Music Staff’ heart.
3. Repeat the above until all hearts have been assembled.
3.a- For the end hearts, take one of the bells and some twine and tie in a bow. Center and stick down in place of an ‘alphabet letter’.

Lastly - Full Assembly


1. Attach your individual hearts onto a long piece of ribbon/ twine ... and hang :)
I have used little wooden pegs to hold mine in place as I am forever changing things around each year & I hate untie-ing knots and bows. This also doesn't take up as much room in the Christmas closet :)

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial 

& that I possibly have inspired you to try this too!

I would love to see your creations if you do give this a try 

so please come back & leave me some love so I can come & have a peak!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing tutorials
the girls have shared over the weeks,

and keep your eye on the
Inspired Stamps Blog {here}
As each Friday until the 21st of December
we will be sharing a tutorial with you!

And lucky duckies you! 

You get 2 tutorials from me!
My next is scheduled for the 21st of December
I look forward to you calling past then!

Thank you for dropping in to see me & happy crafting :)

Recipe -

Stamp(s) - Inspired Stamps - Elegant Dotty Alphabet Stamp Set, Vintage Christmas Set & Sing for Joy Set
Paper(s) - Kraft Cardstock, white cardstock

Tools - Heart Shaped Dies – Nellie’s Multi Fame’s used MFD022  & 1 inch Circle punch / die – Nellie’s Muliti Frame’s used MFD 020
Embellishment(s) -TH distress inks, Ranger's Archivael Sepia ink. black embossing powder, Versamrak ink, Stash - twine, lace, rhinestones, bells

Challenges this creation is entering with the help of the Feline Playful Girls:
Wordart Wednesday - Encouraging or Uplifting Sentiment Wed E1/5
Paperminutes - Pennants Tues
Tuesday Alchemy - Anything But A card Tues
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge - PPPMC66 Anything But A Card Mon
Totally Stampalicious - Christmas Non Traditional Colors Mon 
Stamptacular Sunday - Recipe - Ribbon / Twine, Pearls or Gems & Dies or Punches Sat
Crafty-Emblies - Vintage / Shabby Chic Monthly ( I think this fits as it's not a card - let me know if not thanks) Monthly Entry 2
Craft My Life - Anything But A Card Monthly
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Christmas @ The Crafty Pad

Mornings beautiful peoples :)

It is time for a new challenge at .... 

The Crafty Pad 

This week the challenge is one of my favorites!

Christmas is coming!

Well it is folks!  I hate to say it !

I have kind of been telling you all this for nearly the past year lol

So, if you have not made a start on those Christmas cards yet, well what better excuse than this weeks challenge to get in your craft room and play along with us!

We all know 'me' - the girl who loves and lives Christmas all year round! 

So I had a ball with this challenge! 

I love the Merry Christmas Sentiments Debbie has in the Crafty Pad Designs Shop, and I have yet to print or play with any of them yet... so today I picked the 1st one on the sheet - Snowflake- and got creative with a card and some crackers (bonbons). 

Here we go! few photos today - It's a double kinda project! 

I also have a tip for you today! - Have you noticed that the Graphic 45 paper on the front of the card is not as vibrant as what the paper actually is or should be?  It is kind of tamed down a little!  This is such a gorgeous print, and I wanted the print! but found it a little too vibrant and was somewhat distracting from the whole card.  I painted on some modge podge and stuck down a sheet of white tissue paper and it took the sharpness off the original paper, still leaving the yummy design and it has given the piece a real 'handmade' quality like vintage feel to it to!  

Close up of the sentiment. 

Close up of the embellishment goodness!

Side view - You can just see inside the card how bright the original print is.

And 2 homemade crackers / bonbons to go with the card as a set. 

Oh la la licious? 

I dipped into my new Grahphic 45 papers, love the nutcracker range!  And I have been playing with a new die from the September Amazing Paper Grace set.  I love this die! It looks just like an old fasfioned sweet to me and it goes adoringly beautiful with the G45 papers!   There is some more of that purple ribbon!  Oh My! But that is the last of it and I am kind of disappointed I ran out of it before I got to the bonbons :(  But the set still all matches so I am happy :) 

I love this color combo but I do not know what is going on with me and this purple craze!  Anyways, I could not resist adding the stitching, the wood fibers, flower and pins.  It all came together so perfectly and I just love the sentiment and how it carried through all the pieces.  The bonbons have some yummy goodie inside and are filled with a hat, joke, some chocolates and of-course a 'snap' so it can go 'snap'.

We have a super duper sponsor this week for you all to play along for! 

Crafty Ribbons

Crafty Ribbons has put together this yummy prize pack!
*Pic to follow soon*

For your chance to win this delicious prize you have to play along with us though!
So come along!  Pop over to

The Crafty Pad Challenge! 

take in the amazing inspiration the girls have on offer,
go get crafty and link up with us!

Looking forward to seeing your creations!
Thanks for sailing in to see me today :)

Recipe -

Stamp(s) - The Crafty Pad -Merry Christmas Sentiments

Paper(s) -  Kraft Cardstock, G45 Papers
Tool(s) - Amazing Paper Grace Dies (September Kit)

Embellishment(s) -   TH distress inks, Ribbon - September Kit Club @Really Reasonable Ribbons, Stash - flower, jewels, lace, ribbon, wood fibers.

Challenges this creation is entering with the help of the Feline Playful Girls:
Crafty Sentiments - Christmas Wed E1/1
Craft-room Challenge - Punches and Die-cuts Wed E2/3

Crafty Cardmakers - More than 1 punch / die cut Wed C14 E2/-
Sugar Creek Hollow - Kraft Sat  E1/3

The Ribbon Girl - Purples E1/-
CR84FN Challenges - #67 Color Inspiration - Plum, gold & Tan Sun 
Robyn's Fetish - Make it Vintage Sun 
Crafty-embelies - Vintage Shabby Chic Mon
A Gem of A Challenge - Ribbon & Lace Sat
Top Tip Tuesday - TIP ONLY - I also have a tip for you today! - Have you noticed that the Graphic 45 paper on the front of the card is not as vibrant as what the paper actually is or should be?  It is kind of tamed down a little!  This is such a gorgeous print, and I wanted the print! but found it a little too vibrant and was somewhat distracting from the whole card.  I painted on some modge podge and stuck down a sheet of white tissue paper and it took the sharpness off the original paper, still leaving the yummy design and it has given the piece a real 'handmade' quality like vintage feel to it to! 

- - - - - - -

Snowmen @ Christmas Card Challenges

Mornings Beautiful People!

It is time for a new challenge at

Christmas Card Challenges!

And this week’s theme is....

Snowmen 

Ohh I am {heart-ing} the theme this week! 

I have promised myself that one day, I will see a white Christmas!

 (maybe when the kids have all left home lol)  

till then, I will have to make do with my  these little guys sitting around the house! 

 

 Least they will not melt! lol

 1st close up - 'Snowy' as the kids have nicknamed him. 

 Fluffy is second :) 

 And Summer is last - This would have to be truest Aussie Snowman I have seen! 

Made of hay / straw, dust & possibly a little mud if it has rained :)

As always, I have been having some fun in my craft-room!  These little guys stemmed from some round candle votive glasses, Styrofoam balls & paper rosette's cut with my Cameo to 'hold their heads on & keep them all together in piece.  'Snowy' has had a covering from heat to toe with 3d Fabric paint.  'Fluffy' has had his belly stuffed with pillow stuffing, 'Summer' has some brown wood fibers in his belly & both have had some paper mache-ing with scraps to make their heads from the styrofoam ball.  Lastly to finish them off, some googly eyes were added, along with some paper noses, ribbon, lace, twine, pearls & bits & bobs to embellish them all over. 

I think they look darn cute!  

Hubby on the other hand, thinks I have lost the blot & is considering having me admitted to the local physiatric ward for being able to Christmas all year long & putting these little guys out on display already!   I say they are too cute to be sitting in a cupboard for 11 months of the year :)

This week the
Christmas Card Challenge girls  
have all been playing in the snow 
& have some delectable creations to share with you!

So please call past the Christmas Card Challenges Blog,
And check out their gorgeous pieces of work too!

We would also love you to play along with us!
Remember the challenge theme is optional, the only real rule is you must create a new Christmas Holiday, winter or Hanukkah card / creation. 

We would love to see you playing along with us!

I hope I see you there!

Thanks for dropping in to see me today!

Recipe -

Stamps - Not Applicable
Paper - DP from scraps basket
Tools - Shilouette Cameo - Rosettes  

Embellishment(s) – Candle votive glasses, styrofoam balls, 3d Farbic paint, Stash - ribbon, lace, buttons, pearls, twine, wooden fibers, pillow stuffing, wire, googly eyes.
Challenges this creation is entering with the help of the Feline Playful Girls:
Jackson's Digital Expressions - Altered Art Tues  E1/3
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes Tues
Sweet Stamps - Christmas Tues E1/1 C10
Tuesday Alchemy - Anything But a Card
Created with Love - Christmas no red or green Mon E2/3
Creative Cutting Challenge -  Christmas Not A Card (rosettes cut on Cameo) Mon