Monogramed Gift Bags with Ann Butler Designs

The end of the school year is fast approaching (YIKES!), so get a head start on all of those teacher appreciation gifts with these quick and easy Monogram Gift Bags using Ann Butler Designs Background Basics Stamps and Crafter's Ink both from Clearsnap!

Here's what you need:

ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler Diamonds, Checks and Picnic
ColorBox Crafter's® Ink by Ann Butler - Night, Aquamarine, Berry and Lilac
Ann Butler Designs EZ-De's Flourish 2" ABC's clear stamps
Fabric Drawstring bags, Water Mister, Acrylic Stamp Block, Buttons, Embroidery Floss and Fabric Glue.

Here's how to make it:

Load ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler  with ColorBox Crafter's® Ink by Ann Butler, mist lightly with water, then stamp on fabric bag, let dry.  TIP:  The water makes the ink a bit more fluid, so it will seep into the texture of the fabric.  Repeat with all bags, stamping on the front and back, let dry.

Place monogram initial from Ann Butler Designs EZ-De's Flourish 2" ABC's clear stamps on acrylic stamp block, load with Night (black) Ink, mist with water and stamp in center of bag, let dry.  Repeat with all bags.

Select a button and thread with complimentary colored embroidery floss.  Attach to bag with fabric glue.

Fill with some candy (or other small trinkets) and a gift card to the Teacher's favorite store!

Quick, easy and the kids can help too!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

Tombow USA and Die-namites Blog Hop!

Hello and Welcome to the Tombow USA and Die-Namites Blog Hop!

You probably HOPPED here from the blog of Martha Lucía Gómez but if you stumbled across my blog go the Tombow USA Blog to start!

I am not a traditional paper crafter, card maker or scrapbooker.  I like to take traditional materials and turn them in to unexpected creations.  I hope you like what I have designed for today's HOP! Now on to my project!

Here's how I made it:

I am IN LOVE with Damask, especially black and white Damask! So, when I saw the Die-namites Elegant Medallion Die, I was over the moon excited to create something glamorous and elegant! 

Die cut heavy black cardstock with the Die-namite Elegant Medallion Die using the Sizzix Big Shot, Multi Purpose Platform, Cutting Plates. 

Use a push pin to remove the small sections of the Die Cut.  There are holes in the back of the Dies to assist with this process.  The dies from Die-Namites are beautifully detailed, cut a sharp image and they are compatible with all die cutting machines.

Apply Tombow MONO Multi Liquid Glue to the Damask Die cut using the pen tip, carefully filling in the Damask pattern.  The MONO Multi Liquid Glue is permanent when applied wet and has a strong adhesion for items like glitter.

Sprinkle with Onyx Glitter from Martha Stewart.  Tap off excess and return remaining glitter to container.  Repeat Glue and glitter steps until the front of the Die Cut is covered.  Let dry completely (overnight).  

Once dry, repeat the Glue and Glitter steps on the back of the Die Cut for stability.  Let dry completely, overnight.

Gather some chain, jump rings, needle nose pliers, jewels and medallions to create a necklace.  Punch a hole at the top and the bottom of the Die Cut.  Attach jump ring to the top, then the coral connector, then the chain.  At the bottom of the Die Cut attach a jump ring, then a black pearl.

Here is a close up of the necklace and Damask Die Cut medallion.  I love how detailed the Die-Namites Die Cut is and how the coral connector really makes the black POP!  

Here is another view of the necklace.  Can't wait to wear it to work tomorrow!

NOW ON TO THE FUN STUFF!  To win, visit and comment on the participating blog posts. You have until April 28 at 11:59 EST to comment. A winner will be picked randomly and announced on April 29 2015.

The Tombow USA prize includes: The Tombow Xtreme Permanent Adhesive, NEW Tombow Foam Tape, NEW Tombow Adhesive Dots and the Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue.  The Die-Namites prize is: a $25.00 Gift Certificate.

Remember to “Like” Tombow USA and Die-Namites on Facebook!

YOUR NEXT STOP IS the lovely Pam Bray!

Here is the line up in case you get lost.

Tombow USA Blog

Martha Lucía Gómez

YOU ARE HERE Beth Watson

GO HERE NEXT Pam Bray

Daniella Hayes

Erin Reed

Jennie Garcia

Tina Guigui

Jennifer Priest

Peggy Lee Baker

Latrice Murphy

Lynne Forsythe

Die-Namites Dies Blog

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

Linnie Blooms Blog Hop!

WELCOME to our LINNIE BLOOMS blog hop for APRIL!

I have been amazed with the level of creativity from all of the lovely ladies on the Linnie Blooms Design Team.  we are Blog Hopping today to share that creativity with YOU!

Now on to my project:

I started out with a Linnie Blooms 5 x 5 Canvas Blank and the Linnie Blooms Flutter Stencil and Mask.  Lay down the masks and mist with Yellow and Terra Cotta spray ink. TIP: I used a small amount of adhesive runner to hold the small pieces on the cnvas while misting.

I taped off the other images on the stencil and misted the owl image with Turquoise spray mist.  TIP: I used washi tape to mask off the stencil.

Tape off the other images on the stencil and misted the tree branch image in Mocha spray mist.

Tape off the remaining images on the stencil and misted the leaves in Moss and Lime Green spray mist.

Detail the image with Tombow Dual Brush Pens, giving the owl, branch and leaves some dimension.  Paint on beak and talons with acrylic craft paint.

Embellish with buttons, pearls, chipboard shapes, stamp banners and a scroll frame from the craft store.  Attach Canvas to Frame using Tombow MONO Multi Liquid Glue.  Hang with Linnie Blooms Shabby Trim in Ivory.

HOP around to see all of the creativity and inspiration this team has to offer!  Leave a comment on each blog for the chance to win a great prize package of $50 in FREE PRODUCT from Linnie Blooms AND don't forget to "like" the Linnie Blooms Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter! 

Here's the list of participating designers and their direct links:

YOU ARE HERE>>Beth Watson

Mayoori Jain

Ann Strecko Koeman

Karen Sessions

Gail Green

Noelia Inglesias Gonzolez

Dawn Mattson

Trish Cortez

Don’t forget to leave a comment on each blog so you can be entered into our giveaway!

Back to Linnie Blooms Design Team Blog

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

Tombow USA and Clearsnap BLOG HOP!

WELCOME to the Tombow USA and Clearsnap Blog Hop!

Hello and Welcome to the Tombow USA and Clearsnap Blog Hop! For this hop we got together products that were made for each other: Tombow Adhesives and Clearsnap Foils! I bet you want to join in the Foil trend, so in this hop we will show easy, affordable and fun ways to do it, so stick with us for the next two days!

You probably got here from Sabrina Alery but if you just stumbled across my blog go the Tombow USA Blog (on Friday) and  Clearsnap Blog (on Saturday) to start!

Now, on to my project!

Start out with a Walnut Hollow Keepsake Box and stain it with Design Master Colortool Glossy Wood Tone 575 spray paint in a well ventilated area.  I applied several light coats to get the most even coverage. 

Once dry, decide on the placement of your design, then apply Stencil Stick Spray to the back of your Clearsnap Colorbox® Bloom Art Screen  and place on the lid of the box.

Squeeze out a half dollar size dollop of Tombow USA MONO Multi Liquid Glue on to a palette.  I use old mail order catalogs for my palettes because they are free!  Apply Glue with a Clearsnap Colorbox® Art Dauber  making sure to pounce straight up and down over the Clearsnap Colorbox® Bloom Art Screen, so the glue does not seep underneath.  Carefully lift up the Art Screen and remove any excess Glue with warm water. 

Allow the Tombow USA MONO Multi Liquid Glue to set-up (or dry) slightly.  I live in Florida where there is ALOT of humidity, so my tip would be to create a second Art Screen / Glue image on a scrap piece of paper to use as a drying guide and see what works best for you.  After about 10 minutes, the Glue was clear, but still tacky.

Place the Clearsnap Designer Foil Plum Crazy silver side down and rub gently with your fingers.  Do not rub hard or burnish as these Foils have a very easy release.  Just peel back the plastic release sheet and you have a Foiled design!  It is that simple!  The Foils are also very forgiving, so if you end up with a "bald spot" just press another section of Foil into the Glue until your entire design is deliciously Plum Crazy!

Paint the inside of the box with Americana paint by DecoArt in Lavender.  Apply thin layer of Tombow USA MONO Multi Liquid Glue with Clearsnap Colorbox® Art Dauber around the edge of the box bottom and box lid.  Wait for Glue to turn clear and apply Clearsnap Designer Foil Plum Crazy to give your box a special POP of color and shine!

Now on to the really FUN stuff!

To win, visit and comment on the participating blog posts. You have until April 21st at 11:59 EST to comment. A winner will be picked randomly and announced on April 22nd, 2015.

The prize includes: Tombow Xtreme Adhesive, NEW Tombow Adhesive Dots, Tombow Stamp Runner Dot Adhesive, Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue. Glitter – Gold Sparkle and Ruby Slippers, Designer Foils – Cherry Pie, Color Blender, ColorBox Chalk Petal Point in Primary Pastels and Magic Stamp.

Remember to “Like” Tombow USA and Clearsnap on Facebook!

YOUR NEXT STOP is Jennifer Priest for more ADHESIVE and FOIL FUN!

Here is the full line up in case you get lost....

Friday April 17th:

Tombow USA Blog

Sabrina Alery

YOU ARE HERE Beth Watson

GO HERE NEXT Jennifer Priest

Daniella Hayes

Guest Designer Jennifer Loftfield

Jennie Garcia

Guest Designer Holly King

Latrice Murphy

Clearsnap Blog

Saturday April 18th:

Clearsnap Blog

Meihsia Liu

Latrice Murphy

Dana Tatar

Jennifer Priest

Suzanne Austin

Tami Sanders

Tombow USA Blog

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

Creative Scarves by Tiffany Windsor - Book Tour & Blog Hop

So excited for my crafty friend, Tiffany Windsor, and the release of her new book, Creative Scarves that she wrote with her sister, Heidi Borchers and her grand-niece, Savannah Starr!  Creative Scarves will help you make (or make-over) your own gorgeous scarves for every outfit, occasion and season. Add your own personal touch as you sew, stamp, stencil, dye, bead, paint and trim your way to a complete scarf collection. 

Tiffany shares on her blog "What sets a scarf apart as your own fashion statement is the ability to personalize it with your own creative touches. In designing this collection of scarves, I have focused on sharing creative techniques that the beginning hand-crafter can easily follow and that the hands-on craft enthusiast can build upon and personalize for one-of-a-kind results." 

Purchase your autographed copy here!  

  

Scarves are super trendy right now and living in Florida, I have always thought that they were more for the cold weather than warm.  Boy, was I wrong!  Creative Scarves is filled with ideas not only for Winter and Fall, but also for Spring and Summer!  I love the the concept of organizing the projects by season, then you can create based upon your outfits and the weather!  Brilliant!

Creative Scarves is an all inclusive book, complete with pages of ways to wear your scarves, as well as, step by step tutorials (with photos), so any of the projects are completely doable for any skill level!

I was inspired by the stamped and bleached scarves and decided to create a faux batik scarf with Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue and Tulip One Step Tie Dye kit by I Love To Create.

Wash and dry (no fabric softener or dryer sheets) 100% cotton fabric scarf and press with a hot iron.

Place pressed scarf on non-stock craft sheet and apply glue in pattern desired.  I used a starfish theme.  Let glue dry for several hours, or overnight.

Place scarf on an old towel on cardboard.  Fill Tie Dye bottles with water, according to package directions.  Apply tie dye to scarf. I used blue, green, lime and turquoise.  Let tie dye dry, several hours or overnight.

Wash scarf in washing machine, according to tie dye package directions.  Hand wash out any remaining glue left in fabric with warm water.  

Dry scarf in dryer, then press with hot iron.Use your imagination and create a one of a kind scarf that you can wear and enjoy!   Or give as a gift - HINT - Mother's Day is next month!

Now it's time for the fun part - There are 19 more designers and bloggers on the tour - their links will pop up at the bottom of my post as the week goes on. The full schedule is also on Tiffany's blog just click on the links  to read additional reviews and get inspired by some fabulous scarf projects!  I am blown away! 

Be sure to enter below for the chance to win a signed copy of Creative Scarves and a $100 gift certificate to Dharma Trading Company!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

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An InLinkz Link-up

Tombow USA and Pretty Little Studio BLOG HOP!

Hi and Welcome to the Tombow USA and Pretty Little Studio blog hop! 

Get ready for two days of beautiful vintage inspiration! You probably came here from Aimee Maddern's blog, but if you happened to stumble across my blog go to the Tombow USA Blog (on Friday) or Pretty Little Studio (on Saturday) to start!

Now, on to my projects!

I used the Pretty Little Studio BIRTHDAY CAKE line to create a Banner, Goodie Bag, Cupcake Topper and Fancy Drink Jar for Emma's 4th Birthday Party!


The Banner was created with base triangles from the Birthday Cake 8" x 8" Paper Pack, then layer a kraft doily, 3" scallop circle and a 2 1/2" circle using Tombow Foam Tape for dimension.  Embellished with kraft letter stickers, Party Streamers Paper Ribbons, Mini It's a Party Picture Cards and Surprise Paper Ribbons attached with Tombow Adhesive Dots.  Add some bling with ribbons, pearls and rhinestones.  Link the pennants together on a ribbon using Tombow Xtremem Permanent Adhesive (remember to "snap off" this adhesive at a 90 degree angle).

Here are details of each of the six pennants that creates the banner!  Click on image to see a larger version.

Goodie Bag features Animal Party Vintage Stickers and Tombow Foam Tape...

Cupcake Topper features the Vintage Die Cut - Tigerrific and Tombow Adhesive Dots...

Fancy Drink Jar features Surprise Paper Ribbons and Tombow Xtremem Permanent Adhesive...

Now for the PRIZES!  To win, visit and comment on the participating blog posts. You have until April 14th at 11:59 EST to comment. A winner will be picked randomly and announced on April 15th, 2015.

The prize includes: Tombow Xtreme Adhesive, NEW Tombow Adhesive Dots, NEW Tombow Foam Tape and the Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue!

Remember to “Like” Tombow USA and Pretty Little Studio on Facebook.

Here is the line up in case you get lost.

Friday, April 10th:

Tombow USA Blog

Aimee Maddern

YOU ARE HERE Beth Watson

HOP HERE NEXT Agnieska Piskorz

Daniella Hayes

Carole House

Jennie Garcia

Jeanne Jachna

Pretty Little Studio Blog

Saturday, April 11th:

Pretty Little Studio Blog

Jennie Garcia

Lisa Spiegel

Jennifer Priest

Monique Liedtke

Latrice Murphy

Tessa Buys

Tombow USA Blog

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth