Cosmo Cricket

CHA Peek: Especially for Card Makers!

The fabulous Debbie Olson has done it again.  Every card she makes is a work of art.  I thought all you card making, stamp loving, paper crafting friends would love to see how the new lines work for something other than the scrapbook layouts we have been showing.

First up, Honky Tonk. The boots and sentiment are from the new stamps and nobody colors them better than Debbie. I love the canvas brads and it seems she does too because I spotted one in three of the four cards.

TV Dinner is next and is actually the same color palette as Honky Tonk.... Debbie curved the sentiment stamp slightly, a definite perk of foam mounted stamps.

I like to give "date-night" restaurant gift cards  as gifts to friends and I think this card would be absolutely perfect to accompany them. I may have to send one to Debbie as a thank you after I lift her design.

Next up is Summer Love. I never thought of this as a romantic line, but it sure looks LOVE-ly here. The glitter makes those hearts look like candy to me. So, so pretty!

And last, but not least, Sweet Disposition. Debbie created a beautiful paper flower, but I think my favorite part is the little tag she made by fussy-cutting a story book bit of the hexagon paper.

If you are as excited about this release as I am, you may want to enter to win some of it for free?! If so, please see our previous four reveal posts to leave a comment on them to enter. We'll announce our winner Friday morning. Good luck everyone!
 

How to Fold Christmas Trees from Half Circles

I have been seeing these cute trees hung as ornaments, strung together on garlands and decorating handmade tags and cards. But, how does one fold them? I'm sure there are tutorials out there, but I couldn't find one. So, after a bit of trial and error I have it figured out for us all!

You can see the wrong fold lines in my first attempt, but I think it just adds character!

Use this pattern to make yours quick and easy.... or if you're like me, just wing it, refold if necessary and trim off any overhanging paper!

  Download Folded Christmas Tree Pattern | Cosmo Cricket

There are a few tricks that may help you out too.

1. I used our 8" mini deck and cut my circles 8". This makes the perfectly sized tree to fill a standard card base.

2. Our mini deck papers are single sided so I cut two half circles for each tree. This was nice because I could pick the patterns I wanted to go together. If you use our 12" papers, they are all double-sided so if you cut your tree slightly smaller at 6" you would get 8 trees from one sheet.

3.  If you like dimension, put a couple pop dots under each layer and don't crease the folds as tightly. I like this look when they are used as ornaments!
 
4. Have fun! 

Going Nuts Over Acorns

I've had this idea of wiring acorns together since I made my acorn headband. I imagined a great tutorial for you all where you would learn to make purse handles, bracelets and napkin rings with free acorns you could pick up off the ground.

Where then is the tutorial, you ask? Well, let me share a personal story to explain why it's missing.

Back in the days before Cosmo Cricket, I spent my time raising kids, taking walks and doing fun little projects... mostly inspired by Martha Stewart magazine. (Stay with me because I do have a point!) One such project was for batik napkins. I melted wax, I stamped it on linen, I died the linen. It was beautiful, just like in Martha's magazine photos. The only problem was that linen with wax in it is a bit stiff and does not absorb much! In fact, just the opposite. I had made waterproof napkins!!!

I reviewed the instructions. There was some fine print I had missed. It said that to remove "recalcitrant" (yes, I remember the exact word) wax you could use a specific cleaner and your iron to melt it out. I went and bought said cleaner. It did not make any difference.

Have I mentioned that I am persistent? I called the magazine. I asked to speak to the editor of the batik napkin column. I asked her advice on my problem. Now, what I say next is completely true and to me, unbelievable. She told me that for each photoshoot they litterally make hundreds of the craft, they pick the best ones and their only concern is how it looks in the photo. She said that their napkins were waxy too. I told her that waxy napkins just don't work. She told me that they don't actually expect people to do these projects. 

I however, hope you actually do our projects and this one, although the photo looks great, needs serious tweaking before you would be happy with it. The wire is too stiff to wrap easily around the acorns, but too weak to be secured to the purse as a handle. I need to use some metal D rings to attach the acorn segment, having them wrapped in thinner wire. Also, I need to adapt the gusset before I recommend that you follow my pattern.

But, until I get that done, feel free to use my photo and tips as inspiration.... or just make yourself the card, it's super easy!

And don't forget that we're giving away a huge S'more Love set. Leave a comment on this post to enter into our random drawing. We'll announce the winner tomorrow.
 

Ruffles have Ridges... and tons of cuteness

I use to really try to make this blog funny. So, maybe some of you wonder where my sense of humor has gone?!?!

Well, I haven't lost it... no quite the opposite. As much as I have had the need to exercise my sense of humor lately, it's probably stronger than ever. It's just that sometimes I'm not sure how to balance my life with my job... it's all the same to me. (I'm typing this in my pajamas at 9:25 am. And, I'm trying to hurry because my kitchen looks like school lunches got the better of me this morning.)

So tell me, why do you love the blog? How much personal Julie-life is too much? Can we get some rules for me to follow... I'm really good at following rules. In fact, I don't even like to take a different road than advised by my GPS, even if I do know a shortcut. (There's a longer story that I could relay here, but I'll wait for the rules.)

While you guys get them compliled, I did up a project for our paper loves and our fabric lovers. I hope you enjoy them!

On Pinterest, I found an awesome tutorial for this gathered clutch that I made with our Odds and Ends fabrics. I have two more ready to go, but I need to get to the store for more zippers. They sew up really fast.... once you've picked out your fabric and got it all cut... that took me nearly forever!


 I loved the look of the clutch and wanted to try something similar with paper. So, armed with Gluber strips, I thought I'd give it a try. Here's how it turned out and a tutorial if you want to make puffy ruffles on any of your projects (you can make them un-puffy too... you'll see!).

To make my ruffles, I started with the Gluber strips on the backside of my center rectangle of cardstock. Then I pressed, gathering as I went, a  2" strips of tissue sewing pattern paper (which I LOVE!) onto the Gluber strip.

When you have this part assembled, flip it over and stick it to your card base. It's awfully cute as is and I'm sure I will make many cards this fall, without going onto the next steps.

But, since I wanted to try containing both edges of the ruffle like with the clutch, I added two more Gluber strips on the top and bottom edge of my card base.

At first, I put the paper down, very lightyly, without making it puff. It's cute that way, but I wanted it to feel more airy and so I very gently lifted the paper of the glue. (If I had pressed it into the glue, it would never have come off, so make sure you are committed before you press!)

I decided to use a pencil to add some space inbetween the ruffle and the base.

Then I trimmed the edges and added some cardstock stickers to finish off the look.

 All you have to do now is decorate the strip however you like!


 

Embracing Fall

Fall is coming. I know this because my kids are back in school, not because the temperatures are cooler!

We are expecting a high in Austin of 104˚ and somehow, even though this is uncomfortably hot, we are adjusting. In fact, Eric flew into Salt Lake last Friday where the temp was 76˚and felt cold. 

When we lived in Providence, anything above 72˚ was hot. Now that anything below 80˚ feels cold I'm curious to see how we feel during and Austin winter!

Anyway, I am excited for fall and winter. I like pretending to be all domestic. I always try my hand at baking something and this year I plan to sew a quilt. I'm starting today with the free block pattern we'll be posting tomorrow on our Moda Blog Hop day.  


The hop actually started on the 5th, and I have to apologize for not getting you the following links. There is a free block pattern at each stop and contests for prizes. You definitely want to check it out! 
Barbara Backman
Aneela Hoy
Me and My Sister 

The stops for today are:
Blackbird Designs
Basic Grey
Pat Sloan

Wish me luck, I'm off to conquer the block that Lissa Alexander sent my way yesterday. I'm feeling really optimistic about this one!

Thrifty Thursday: Masking Tape Love

For a couple bucks you can buy a roll of masking tape. In fact, it's quite likely you have some in your drawer right now. If you do, go dig it out because we have some fun ideas we hope you love!

(I used the top of an Element tag from 2wenty-Thre3 and our Ready, Set, Chip alphas for the above card.)

You can use masking tape to make interesting texture backgrounds for inking (as I did here) or even painting. If you use a water based ink, you can put it on dark and then wipe off the top with a wet cloth leaving darker areas in the grooves and on any exposed paper that absorbed the ink.

I was too lazy, but originally I thought it would be fun to cover the letters in tape bits too. I'm keeping it in mind though for when I have to mix an alphabet and the colors don't look good together. Afterall, we all know what it's like to try spelling a word for a project and finding you are missing a letter right?!

You can also use masking tape like Washi tape. In fact, with a couple Sharpie markers (I have a set of colored ones) you can add stripes, dots or other doodles to make fun border stickers.

(This card uses Art Angel papers, the bottom of that Element card I used in the top photo and a chipboard sticker from S'more Love.)

Did you know that masking tape comes in colors? My mom bought us tons of it when we were kids because it entertained us for hours!

I didn't have any, except for some very expensive painter's tape. But, when Eric wasn't looking I "borrowed" just a tad of it. Putting it down on a backing paper, I filled in enough space to cut out a heart. I used watered down Distress Ink on the heart to get the water staining effect.

(All you need for this card, besides the tape and base is a bit of paper from S'more Love and a Tiny Text sticker.)

I hope you feel inspired to get crafty! If you do, let us see what comes of it by posting your projects to our fan page.  

PS: Thanks for the "pep-talk" comments yesterday! I have actually read every book I can find on overcoming social anxiety. Have they helped? Well, I did agree to meet for coffee with some women this Friday and that's actually a really bid deal for me. I will be wearing a lot of deoderant and a black top. Wish me luck!!!

My kids are starting to make some friends, expect for one of them. I'm losing sleep over it and will feel so much better when a friend is found! 

A Guest Visitor: Lowri McNabb

Hi Everyone - Lowri from PaperVine to share a couple of quick and easy ideas using the Twenty Thr3e Collection. The colors in this collection make it so versatile - and this little set was sent to accompany a handmade gift I created so the recipient can add their own message when they give the gift.
This card is a "swing" card. I actually used this file and my Cameo to create it - but there are heaps of great online templates too - try this fabulous one here from Beate Johns.

This is what you see when you open the card - plenty of room for you to hand write your message along with this fabulous sticker from the Tiny Text, Together stickers.

This tag is so simple and I love the look of the bold, black sentiment. To create this shape - cut a rectangle of paper and use a circle punch to snip off the corners and create a tag shape on the two top corners. Punch a small hole in the top and add some bakers twine - super easy!
I am still very much in the honeymoon phase with my Cameo machine - so I cut this matching envelope too! To turn it into an "office style" envelope I put in a couple of brads so you can wrap twine or cord around it to close. It also means that you can seal and open the envelope without damaging it.
This little chipboard piece made me smile - it's so cute! I think these projects really show that when you have great basic design in a collection, it's easy to put together simple pieces that look fab! 

I hope you have enjoyed these ideas - swing by my blog PaperVine where you can find heaps more and lots of fun tutorials too. I am also giving away a selection of Evangeline goodies this week – so come on over and take a look!

From Julie: Thanks for the guest post Lowri! My house flooded after a valve under our bathroom sink broke so this was really so helpful. And for those of you that are wondering if we were punished for moving.... our house if Providence flooded to. So, we would have gotten it either way!

A Couple Cards By Debbie

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone!!! Reading all the comments on our blog and on facebook made for a very fun day indeed. So, even though I turned "almost" forty and even though the strap on a favorite pair of shoes broke, I had a great day. Besides, now I have to buy myself a new pair of shoes! What can I say, life is full of trials. ;)

One of my very favorite things about my job is being emailed photos of projects people have created with our products. I love trade show season for this very reason... I know I am sure to get some very pretty and happy emails!

Here are two more cards by Debbie Olson using our Art Angel line. The first one, was sneak peeked on our facebook fanpage yesterday receiving a huge response! How could it not, though? It is sooooooo beautiful!

Debbie used the papers from the mini deck, the new stamp set and one of the cardstock stickers for the sentiment.

Next up is a card that I don't think you will have seen unless you were in our trade show booth at CHA.

For this one Debbie stayed with the Art Angel mini deck and added a tag from the element deck too.

Now I am off. I have the most awesome idea for a Thrifty Thursday yet! You definitely won't want to miss this one. In fact, maybe practice pinning a few things today just to make sure your pin it button is all warmed up and ready to go.

And, now that I have said that, I am feeling a teensy bit of stress that it all works out like I am imagining!!!!

Thrifty Thursday: Matrix Love

WARNING: The following blog post may cause marital spats, the redefinition of the term garbage and/ or dumpster diving divas.

Let me begin at the beginning. When we moved, Ethan's favorite game was left behind at a friend's house. As most good moms would, I bought him a new one. And as most good crafters would, I saved the matrices from the packaging.

I know better than to leave anything Eric could consider garbage (most of my belongings) out. But, this time I forgot. The next morning, I spotted the matrices in the kitchen recycle bin. I quickly snatched them up and hid them in a secret spot (I can't say where because Eric may read this and then all would be lost... I hide chocolate there for emergency use by myself only). 

Yesterday I sat down at my desk and started working on my matrices adding in an old Christmas ornament package to the mix. Eric looked over and said, "I thought I threw those away."

I said, "You did, I've been hiding them ever since."

Matrices are great for using as masks and stencils, but I wasn't in the mood to get too messy and I wanted to try to push myself to find other ways to use them.

So here's what I did.

First, I cut out one of the hexagons and made it into a pincushion using some of our Odds and Ends fabric. I am giving this to a friend that loves sewing. Even the crocheted flower and button can be removed to use on a project. If I would have had a box, I would have placed the pincushion on the top and made a sewing box, but alas I did not so I'll just save that idea for another day.



Then I used another hexagon matrix as a template to make this layout with Twenty Three. (By the way, my matrices come from the game Settlers of Catan and the backside is cream colored. It's a fun game to play too.)



I planned to use the Christmas ornament matrix over the top of these circles, but I liked the clean look better. I did use the matrix as a guide to place all the circles. It made spacing them a cinch!



Finally, to entertain Jack, I taught him to wind string through the openings in the matrices to make decorations. It was a good idea and so I cut a shape out, notched it every 1/8" to hold the string and wrapped it to make this fun card. I was just lucky in that the button fit the hole left in the matrix perfectly.

Maybe you have a different idea for using matrices? If so share with us in the comments below. Also, if you all think a tutorial is needed for any of the above projects let me know. I am on tutorial-by-demand mode at the moment. 

Backyard S'mores

I was told that the land of Tim Tams does not have S'mores. That's right my friends, the Australians are missing out on this camping tradition.

So today, I'll teach you all how to make S'mores even without a campfire.

Technique number one... grilled S'mores.
You will need:
Marshmallow roasting sticks
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate Bars
Grill (campfire s'mores are done exactly the same, but over a campfire, of course!)

(I guess I should have not switched between flash on and flash off. Sorry.)

Light your grill and keep the flame high. Put your marshmallows on the roasting sticks and crisp them over the grill. If you are like me, every other marshmallow will catch on fire resulting in squeals until someone with sense blows it out. No worries though, burnt marshmallow tastes great, in my opinion, so just roast another one for your s'more and be a bit more careful.

Take your roasted marshmallow and sandwich it along with some chocolate between the graham crackers. That's it. Now you can enjoy!



If you don't have a grill, here's our technique for indoor s'mores.
You will need:
Microwave
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate Chips
Graham Crackers

On a plate, place one graham cracker. Then create a mixed arrangement of marshmallows and chocolate chips. Place in microwave. The marshmallows will grow amazingly large. Stand by the microwave at all times in case they start to fall off the graham. 1-2 minutes will do it. Take it out of the microwave and top it off with the other half of your graham cracker. These are pretty good, but not nearly as good as with the roasted marshmallows! Still, in a pinch they'll hit the spot.

TIP: S'mores are great with chocolate dipped cookies... especially the mint ones... as a substitute for graham and chocolate.