DIY Doll House tutorial with miniatures

DIY Doll House Tutorial With Miniatures : 

Hello! Angela here. I am back with yet another tutorial on how to make a really pretty dollhouse with miniatures from Itsybitsy. Itsybitsy has a huge collection of miniatures and they are perfect for school projects and of course dollhouses. A list of all supplies used in this project are mentioned at the end with link to itsybitsy online store so that its easy for you to place your orders.

Handmade Photo frame with Chipboard elements

Hello Friends ,

I'm back again to inspire you all with my chipboard creation. 

Today I am on the Blog to share a step by step tutorial on making your own Handmade photo frame 

You will need:

 Chip board

Scrapbook paper of choice

CHIPBOARD elements for embellishing the frame

metallic paints

Scissors

Craft knife (Optional for adults only)

 Glue

Ruler and pencil

With a little help, older kids can create these frames and gift them to friends and family. There are so many beautiful scrapbook papers available, you won’t be able to stop at just one. Get creative with the embellishments. I used simple painted chipboards but any number of things would be great.  

1. Cut a piece of  cardboard 9 x 7

2. Measure one inch from the edges all around and cut out. You may use an craft knife but since the scrapbook paper covers the opening, it is not necessary to cut it perfectly. The opening should be about 7"x 5"

3. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 10"x 10"

4. On the non-colored side, place the cardboard on top and trace the center opening. Measure ½ inch smaller from the marked line around and cut out. 

5. Make slits in the paper around the opening of the scrapbook paper to the line that represents the cardboard opening. Add a bit of glue on the edges and fold up the scrapbook paper.

6. On the outer edges fold in at the corners and glue the sides. Mark the traces along the lines of the actual size of the frame. Fold along the traced lines to the inner sides. This will make it easier to paste the former and the latter.

 Do this all around to finish. Let dry.

7. Cut another piece of cardboard the same size as the frame and glue on to the back of the frame on three sides only, leaving the top edge unglued. 

8. Make a stand and cut out. Fold 1/2” from the top and glue this section to the back. Make sure it is in the correct position for standing. Let dry.

9. When completely dry, glue the corners with embellishments to hide slight imperfections, if any. Slip a photo into the top and enjoy.

Attach a stand and you are done. :)

You can make it in any shape and any size you want.

Another super idea...Why not dress up your fridge? These are so easy to make and so lightweight that instead of attaching a stand, try gluing a magnet on the back and use it for displaying recent photos. 

I am dedicating this post to all little champs who want to give their best surprises and most valuable gifts to their parents, family members or friends. They can also get some more ideas on how we can make the best use of our creativity in school projects or at home, by making an attractive photo frame. 

In today’s digital world, we have many ways to wish someone special. But don’t you agree with me that handmade crafts are the best? They add love, respect and a personalized touch to the gift. A handmade gift is always special!

I am sure implementation of this and similar ideas are very well possible for school projects, birthday gifts, and so many areas. Isn't this something you all would love to try ?? 

Wish to see more of my creations for inspirations then please click here 

Are you playing along with the current challenge at Itsy Bitsy Challenge?? Submit your creations.... We'd love you to join us!

 Regards 

Sharada Dilip 

Crafter in The Spotlight 34 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty Folks! As you all know, this Thursday we are celebrating Republic Day. So, I took the opportunity to bring you our ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’ a day prior. This week I take great pleasure in featuring TANVI SHAH as our “Crafter in the Spotlight”! Tanvi Shah a microbiologist by profession took to full time crafting in 2012 & hasn’t looked back since!

Tanvi’s love for craft goes back a long way to her school days. From the very beginning all kinds of papers fascinated Tanvi! She calls herself “addicted to paper and stationery”. She loves every aspect of craft that involves paper and cherishes every moment of her journey from a “paper hoarder to a paper crafter”. Making cards and transforming home interiors with decoupage are some of her favourites. Her mother was her first inspiration and next came “Itsy Bitsy”; a motivation for Tanvi to hone her skills and live her passion.

Tanvi loves exploring new styles of crafting with paper and has a keen eye for details. Although there’s no particular craft routine that Tanvi follows yet she feels her days are never complete without some crafting.

I have worked closely with Tanvi & have totally enjoyed my interactions with her. Tanvi’s creativity is complemented by great attention to detail, a keen, insightful & analytical mind! I cherish my association with her & wish her loads of luck on her creative journey! J

How did Tanvi get into crafting, what are her tips for fellow crafters, her favourite quote, how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers?? To know answers to these, to know more about her interesting journey and to see a step by step project of hers, please read the interview & leave your comments for her.

Here are excerpts of my interview with Tanvi Shah:

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?

Tanvi Shah: Let me first thank you, Rashmi & Team Itsy Bitsy for this feature. I started my blogging journey to participate in Itsy Bitsy Challenges! I also thank Team Itsy Bitsy for empowering thousands of women both - by means of employment in Itsy Bitsy & bringing joy with the products to many passionate crafters like me!

I am a Microbiologist from ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ settled in ‘Namma Bengaluru’ since 2007. My career started as a Lecturer & Researcher in Mumbai & I continued to contribute to Microbiology education until 2013.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

TS: I am a paper & stationery addict, while in school, I always dabbled with some craft especially during holidays. My mom is my inspiration, embroidery & crochet was her forte.

However, serious crafting happened with blogging only in 2012 with my decision to quit work. I was looking for alternatives to keep myself productively occupied & stumbled upon craft blogs, many from my own city. That’s when I discovered that the products I had hoarded from frequent visits to Itsy Bitsy are not limited to school projects! This opened the doors to the crafting world & the start of my creative journey, leading to the metamorphosis of a paper hoarder to a paper crafter! J

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

TS: I love anything that involves paper - my passion being card making to transforming home décor items with decoupage.

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

TS: Papers, papers & papers! ! I always have a ready supply of the Little Birdies Chipboards & Handmade Flowers.

RC: If you had magical powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?

TS: Oh! I wish to set up a “Crafting Institute”!!! A place with labs, libraries & classrooms to learn & to teach craft (Hope you get the HINT Rashmi J !)

RC: Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?

TS: Of course, PAPERS & now Color Splash Sprays too.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

TS: I love experimenting & do not restrict myself to any style. My passion lies in attention to detail in what I create. I love playing with techniques & exploring all styles of paper crafting.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

TS: Creativity is spontaneous & I do not have a fixed time in the day, though no day is complete without some crafting - be it reading blogs, colouring stamped images, pinterest or even surfing through online craft stores.

RC: Tips for people who want to craft.

TS: Just be yourself and take small steps to make it big! Understand the what, when & why of tools & products.

RC: Your all -time favourite quote?

TS: Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible & suddenly you are doing the impossible!

Here is a gorgeous project by Tanvi & step by step description:

Decoupage box

Materials-

Wooden/MDF box

Antiquities paper pack

Black gesso

Black acrylic paint

Decoupage glue & varnish

Mont Marte Metallic Acrylics

Sponge

Sand paper

Procedure

1.   Unscrew all hinges & locks on the box.

2.   Lightly sand the decoupage base to smoothen the surface.

3.   Apply a coat of Black Gesso & let dry. Sand the primed surface.

4.   Next paint only the edges of the box & sides (which will not be decoupaged, in this case the inner sides of the box). Once dry, sand again to get a smooth finish.

5.   Select coordinating patterns from the paper stack (I used Antiquities Paper Pack) & trim to the required size.

6.   Glue the papers on the box using Itsy Bitsy Decoupage Glue, one side at a time & let dry. Take your time & press the paper gently using a sponge, avoiding air bubbles. Seal with another layer of Decoupage Glue over the paper.

7.   I wanted to give a metallic finish to the box so as to coordinate it with the gorgeous colors of the paper I chose. For this I buffed Mont Marte Metallic copper on the edges of the box.

8.   Apply 2-3 coats of Itsy Bitsy Decoupage Glue to varnish the box. Sand between two coats for a smooth finish & let dry between each coat.

9.   Assemble the box by screwing back the hinges/locks etc.

Here are a couple of Tanvi’s other awesome creations:

Many congrats Tanvi for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher 😊 😊 & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms. Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!

Jounal cover with chevron paper

Hello My Dear Friends,

             I am back again today with a blog post to inspire you with a simple and elegant project.
I hope you all have the chevron in aquarelle paper pack with you already. If you have not yet grabbed it from the store, then you have missed the best papers from ItsyBitsy.

                              The best thing here is, they are linen and acid free and very comfortable for any style of work. So, I have decided I will use a little bit of mixed media touch to it.

Come on let me show you the pics, I really can't wait to share them with you .....

Let me share the process how I made this journal/planner cover :

• Cut the paper according to the size of your journal/planner cover and stick it with Itsy Bitsy silicon glue.
• The paper from chevron in aquarell comes in 12 x 12 size, so you will have some paper left over with you.  Use any border punch on the left, over the piece of paper.
• I have used two punched papers. Approximate size of the paper pieces laid on top is around 3 x 3. Align the punched paper on the center of the cover so that they overlap each other. Stick  with glue.
• Now its time to do some stenciling with my favourite stencil and extraordinary Monte Marte modelling paste from the store.
• Once everything is dry, I chose flowers and Little birdie chipboards to embellish the cover.
• I covered my little birdie chipboard with white gesso. Once dry, glue it down in the right place. You can check the close up looks of the cover.
• Splatter some colours using colour splash sprays and white gesso. last but not the least, distress the edges of the cover with any matching ink. I have used distress inks which matches this colour. 

You can also see in the picture below that I have used some white lace and jute cord for adding some extra charm to the white flowers.

                                  Hope you liked it! Give it a try and make your planner/journal cover more interesting with the beautiful papers from store. you can also try the same method to make a card, tag or an album cover. Possibilities are endless when you grab awesome and affordable papers from Itsy Bitsy store. The colours are amazing in every stack and quality of papers is too good.

                           We are waiting to see your amazing creations at our blog challenge this month. Make your hands messy this weekend! Just click pics of your project and upload it at Itsy Bitsy Challenge.
 If you are here with me till the end, let me share an idea with you, why don't you try to use the amazing papers from the store on white washed alterable to take part in the challenge. you can even decoupage this papers, my dear friends.

                     Fine, I have left some inspirations and ideas for you to make some crafty stuff this weekend. I will take leave now. Keep an eye here on the blog for more upcoming DT works from my team.

Love you all. Thanks for the patience.

Roshini....

    Supplies used from store:

Chevron in aquarelle paper 12x12

Silicon glue

Stencil - irregular dot

chipboard shape ornate border

chipboard-flourishes-leaves

decorative-flowers-white

modelling-paste

Valentine's Day special shabby tags step-by-step feat. Pretty in Pink papers and Little Birdie Sparkle flowers

Dear craft-y people,

The season of love is upon us and the latest Valentine's Day releases from the store have me quite floored! 

For my post today, I have two shabby layered tags made using Itsy Bitsy white cardstock, Pretty in Pink linen papers, pigment ink, and Little Birdie Sparkle flowers from the latest release.

To start, grab two ready-made shipping tags or make your own out of cardstock. These gift tags from the store were up at my desk (yes, I loved looking at them) and this was the perfect opportunity to give them a makeover! I traced the shape of the tags on white cardstock and matted each tag on both sides. (Please excuse the distracting background--I was trying to keep my craft mat paste-free!)

This white cardstock from the store is just the perfect weight to make sturdy tags, especially when layered. I distressed the edges of the tag with a distress tool--scissors work just fine too!

Next, cut pattern paper to mat the tags (I matted only one side) leaving a 1/8th inch margin on all sides. Also tear out a couple pieces of paper from other sheets in the collection. (When ripping paper, ensure the white core shows.) Distress the edges of these pieces.

I used a cake stencil from the store to add texture to the matted tags. (Avoid gluing your pattern paper down edge to edge--leave a narrow margin which you can pluck upwards to add to the shabby look. I missed doing this--lost focus for a bit and burnished my glue too well!) Ha!
 

Once your modelling paste dries, layer the pieces of pattern paper on. At this point, I edged the pieces with silver pigment ink from the store and lightly stamped them with a script stamp.

Once your tag base is ready, switch on your hot glue gun and break out those lovely trims and flower packs you've been saving for a dreamy shabby project. Here's what I laid my hands on--crochet trims, lace, silver tissue ribbon, Little Birdie Sparkle flowers (Argyle Carnation--IBSC31914 and Carnation Margarita--IBSC31912), Chipboard shapes (Deco Frame and Flower Spray), a metal charm, and a garment pin--all from the store.

I did add paper twine, coffee-dyed gauze, and an eyelet from my stash.

I printed sentiments off the web, layered them on pattern paper, lightly dabbed some Itsy Bitsy pigment ink (Pink) on them to match the papers, and adhered them to the tag with dimensional foam tape. I used hot glue for the rest of the embellishments. I'm sorry I could not shoot the decorating process. Here's what I came up with! 

The flowers and leaves are in neat layers--you can easily switch the centers and leaves around. I did just that! One of the flower packs came with a curly tendril--the other, I made (twisting a rose stem around the handle of a paintbrush).

I went over the chipboard shapes with gesso, white acrylic paint, and glitter glue. You can emboss these too (I have no embossing powders yet! Geeesh!) 

Look at that honey bee charm! Phew! That one is from the Nyra range of jewelry findings at the store. The garment pin also holds scraps of trims and laces used on the tag.

That's what I had for today, folks--please let me know if you liked this share! Reach us with any questions...

Thank you for stopping by and happy crafting :)

Suchi

Easy Butterfly Shaker Card

Hey there, it’s Juhi with my first post as an Itsy Bitsy Design Team Member. I’m super excited to be a part of this talented team. In today’s post I’m going to show you how to make a shaker cards using Itsy Bitsy’s newly released Shaker card elements line of products. Before we get started with the card let’s talk a little about what exactly are shaker cards.

What are shaker cards :

Well, shaker cards are cards with a shaker element on them. Accents/embellishments on the card will move around when you shake the card, hence the name ‘shaker card’. The moving elements could be sequins, tiny beads or anything small, non-bulky and light weight. These are usually kept in place under a piece of acetate or transparency.

Shaker cards are interactive and fun; they have been around for some time now and they surely are here to stay! Making a shaker card is not as difficult as it may seem, they usually involve cutting out a window of the desired shape on the card front, adding a layer of acetate below it, and sealing the shape with foam tape to hold the sequins in place.

So without further delay let’s see how to make a shaker card using Itsy Bitsy’s Shaker Card Elements. The Shaker Card Elements are just perfect for making awesome looking shaker cards and what’s more they are incredibly easy to make. So let’s get started

You will need:

• Shaker Element Wings of Beauty 
•  Shaker Sprinkles in a color of your choice
•  Black pigment ink for stamping (optional)
•  Happy Birthday Sentiment stamp (optional)
•  Liquid PVA glue

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a complete list of products along with links.

The Shaker Element pack contains – 1 prefolded cardstock base, 1 piece of acetate, 1 double sided foam adhesive sheet pre-cut to the shaker shape, 1 pre-cut top panel for the shaker card.

I began by inking up the top panel for some added interest.

I then flipped it over and applied liquid glue around the butterfly shape and placed the acetate sheet on it.

Peel the paper backing off from one side of the pre-cut self-adhesive foam and stick it onto the back of the front panel above the acetate sheet.

Pour the sequins into butterfly shapes, take care not to fill too much, the sequins, beads and sprinkle should have enough space to move around. I used pink Shaker Sprinkles from the Itsy Bitsy store, each pack of Shaker Sprinkles comes with 6 packs of beautiful, color co-ordinated sequins, and beads which you can mix to create your own custom shaker card sequin mix and what’s more, each pack of Shaker Sprinkles will last you through multiple shaker cards.

Now peel the paper backing off the foam carefully, holding the panel in place.

Cover up the butterfly shapes with the sequins in them with pieces of pink paper big enough to cover each butterfly completely. Press hard to ensure there are no gaps.

Flip and stick the panel onto the cardstock base. I trimmed my front panel a bit from all sides so that it was a little smaller than the cardstock base. I also used a pink card base instead of the white one that comes with the kit.

I finished my card by stamping “Happy Birthday” and adding a few sequins.

Now wasn’t this easy? So go ahead make one and impress your friends and family!

Supplies used:

SHAKER ELEMENT WINGS OF BEAUTY	Pink Shaker Sprinkles	Birthday Clear Stamps	PIGMENT INK PAD BLACK
DISTRESS INK PAD PICKED RASPBERRY	SCRAP BOOKING GLUE	ACRYLIC STAMPING BLOCK

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