Creative Scrappers & 17turtles | Creative December

17turtles and Creative Scrappers Creative December
17turtles is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring Creative Scrappers during the month of December! For your chance to win a $20 gift certificate to the 17turtles Etsy Shop all you have to do is create a layout using Sketch 283 and/or 284 and enter them using the inlinkz widget on the Creative Scrappers blog. The deadline to submit your layouts is December 31st at Midnight EST. Sketch 283 is live now and ready for you to play along!

And for your shopping enjoyment, you can use coupon code CS17TURTLES25 to save 25% off any order from the 17turtles Shop! I can't wait to see what you all create and share!

Christmas Card Ideas | Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection

I totally enjoy creating handmade Christmas cards and every year I do my best to make enough of them to send or give to my family and close friends. The set of Christmas cards that I'm sharing today were created using Elle's Studio Good Cheer collection.

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

I used the B side of the North Pole paper to create three of the card bases.
To create this Ho Ho Ho Christmas card, I embellished it with a 3x4 card from the November Exclusive Kit and a die cut from the Good Cheer Bits and Pieces set. The stars are from the Good Cheer Wood Veneer set. I added a mini clothespin, jute bow and red jewels for added texture and interest. You could certainly leave off the clothespin to make this easier to send in the mail.

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

This Joy Christmas card uses a die cut from the November Exclusive Kit. The Joy wood veneer from the Christmas Ephemera set fit perfectly in the center of the die cut banner.

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

On Season's Greetings Christmas card, I used a 3x4 card from the November Exclusive Kit. The sentiment is from the Merry and Bright Exclusive Stamp Set and the Christmas Tree wood veneer is from the Christmas Ephemera Kit. The bit of green and white twine provides some added texture and color to the bottom of the card.

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

For this Tis the Season Christmas card, I used a 3x4 card from the Christmas Ephemera Kit and some scraps of patterned paper. I didn't use the North Pole paper on this one. A simple jute bow and red jewels add a nice festive touch.

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

Christmas Card Ideas using Elle's Studio Good Cheer Collection by Juliana Michaels

So, have you already started on your Christmas cards? Or do you still need to make them? I still have a few more to make, but have a good start on them.  Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Countdown Calendar | BoBunny Candy Cane Lane

So who will be joining me in decorating for Christmas this coming weekend? I can't wait to have the house all decorated for one of my favorite holidays! And I'm sure it's going to be interesting to see how Lincoln handles the tree. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone and everything will survive!

The weekend after Thanksgiving brings back fond memories of spending time making Christmas craft projects with my nieces. I really miss spending time together with them! These happy memories inspired me to create and share a Christmas Countdown Calendar that I created using the new BoBunny Candy Cane Lane collection. It is a fun and easy craft project that would perfect to work on together with your family this post-Thanksgiving weekend.

Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

SUPPLIES

  • Cork Bulletin Board
  • Standard Push Pins
  • BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Countdown paper
  • BoBunny Candy Cane Lane 6x6 Paper Pad
  • BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Brads
  • BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Buttons
  • BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Stickers
  • Ranger Distress Ink Pad in Vintage Photo
  • Ranger Glitter Glue in Star Dust
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Twine
  • Mini Clothespins

BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Countdown Paper

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CALENDAR

  1. Begin with a plain cork bulletin board. I painted the frame black but this is certainly optional.
  2. Cut out the countdown squares from the BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Countdown paper. 
  3. Cut squares measured at 2 5/8" from various patterns in the 6x6 Candy Cane Lane Paper Pad.
  4. Ink the edges of all of the squares. You can certainly skip this step. 
  5. Adhere the number squares to the other squares.
  6. Embellish some of the squares with stickers and buttons.
  7. Apply Star Dust Glitter Glue to some of the images for a touch of sparkle and shine.
  8. Create custom push pins (see below for instructions)
  9. Push the pins into the cork board and tie a length of twine to each end. Trim off the excess twine.
  10. Use mini clothespins to attach the countdown numbers to the twine.

Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

CREATING CUSTOM PUSH PINS

To attach the numbers to the board, I created my own custom push pins using standard push pins and BoBunny Brads.

  1. Begin by selecting some brads from the Candy Cane Lane Brads.
  2. Remove the prongs from the brad using wire cutters. Fold any excess metal toward the underside of the brad using the wire cutters.
  3. Attach the brad to the top of push pin using a hot glue gun. I recommend using either a high heat glue gun or an adhesive that is made for attaching metal and plastic together. I had good luck with Glue Dots, however you have to be more cautious when removing the push pins from the cork board as this is not a permanent way to adhere the brad to the push pin.
Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

Christmas Countdown Calendar by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Candy Cane Lane Collection

I hope this project inspires you to do some family Christmas crafting projects this year. They are a great way to bring the family together and they can provide years of wonderful memories!

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page | Chantalle McDaniel 17turtles Guest Designer

Today, I have the talented Chantalle McDaniel, from The Anticlockwise Fish, guesting for 17turtles. She is sharing some scrapbook layout inspiration with you using some of my new 17turtles Digital Cut Files as well as some behind the scenes details on how she goes about planning and designing her layouts. Make sure you visit Chantalle's blog to see another layout she created using my Houndstooth Hello cut file. Now, let's hear what Chantalle had to share about her layout and the cut files.

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For this page, I have used the stunning script files, This Is Magic along with Butterflies No. 1. They helped me capture this gorgeous picture of my Sister on her recent trip to Australia, perfectly.

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page by Chantalle McDaniel using 17turtles Digital Cut Files

As a designer, I have the overwhelming urge to ‘plan’ layouts sometimes. I feel it’s super useful to get a feel for how big I want things to sit on the page, especially my photos, which I print at home. For this particular layout, I went about setting the image inside a mask in Photoshop. I then imported the image into a new document in a word processing programme (I use InDesign) to give myself a rough idea of where all the elements might be placed.

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page by Chantalle McDaniel using 17turtles Digital Cut Files
Once I was happy, I exported my page as a jpeg and imported the jpeg into Silhouette Studio. (The page set up to 8.5x11.)

I wanted the butterflies to look like they were rising out of the sunset, so I placed the designs in a scattered formation, colorizing them to match the hues in my image. When I was happy with the overall placement, I deleted the image and was left with the cut files.

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page by Chantalle McDaniel using 17turtles Digital Cut Files

I separated the butterflies into colour, so I could cut a batch at a time. (If you wanted to, you could do this as a print and cut instead.) The title was also cut separately.


When I had everything ready to go, I printed my image and text off onto white card stock and arranged my gorgeous little butterflies and title on the page.

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page by Chantalle McDaniel using 17turtles Digital Cut Files

Add some detail with pops of glitter and some machine stitching!

Beautiful Moment Scrapbook Page by Chantalle McDaniel using 17turtles Digital Cut Files

Thank you so much for having me Juliana!

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It was a pleasure to have Chantalle guest this week. I really enjoyed learning about her creative planning process. Don't forget to visit her blog for another fabulous layout.

If you want to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates from 17turtles, including free digital cut files and coupons, make sure you subscribe to the 17turtles Newsletter.

17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags | Paper Piecing with Digital Cut Files

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays - although it's really a tie between Halloween and Christmas for my favorite.  I really love to craft, create and decorate for both of these holidays!

SANTA GIFT TAGS

Today, I'm sharing a trio of Santa gift tags that I created using some of my 17turtles Digital Cut Files and a FREE digital cut file that you can download below. These Santies (as I love to refer to them) are reminiscent of the old paper piecing trend that was popular back in the day. I still enjoy this process of playing with paper and had this in mind when I created these cut files. 

KIDS CHRISTMAS CRAFTING IDEA

As I was cutting out and assembling the Santa's, it occurred to me that these paper dolls would be super fun and easy for kids to put together as well.

Santa Gift Tags and Paper Piecing using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

The tags I created are quite large - the Santa's are 7" in height and the tags are 8.5". I made them big because I want them to serve as both a decorative element on the present and as a card.

Santa Gift Tags and Paper Piecing using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

These are the three cut files that I used to create my Santa's. They are available in my 17turtles Etsy Shop. As you can see, the files also contain some great titles that could be used for a wide variety of projects such as cards, scrapbook pages, and home decor.







THE DETAILS

The tags are cut from kraft cardstock at 8.5" in height using this FREE Tag No. 1 Digital Cut File. Next, I added a SRM Stickers border sticker to the bottom of each tag. I applied Vintage Photo Distress Ink to the edge of each tag and then used my sewing machine to add the stitching.

To create the larger sentiment pieces on each tag, I mounted a SRM sticker to white cardstock and then onto green cardstock before attaching it to the tag with double sided foam tape.

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

The holly leaves are cut from my FREE Digital Cut File Merry & Bright. I dressed them up with a few adhesive backed jewels to create the look of holly berries. You could also just cut the berries from cardstock, however, I really like the dimension that the jewels add.

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

If you take a closer look, you will see that I added some texture to the trim on Santa's outfit. This was achieved by using Deco Art's Snow Writer. I really love the wonderful textural effect it adds and you can even add glitter to it while it is still wet if you want more glitz and glam!

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

Santa Gift Tags using 17turtles Digital Cut Files by Juliana Michaels

FREE DIGITAL CUT FILE | TAG NO. 1

Don't forget to download the FREE Tag No. 1 Digital Cut File to start creating your own Santa Gift Tags! I can't wait to see what you create and remember you can always share your cut file projects with me on my 17turtles Facebook Page or tag me on Instagram with #17turtles!


Tag No. 1 Free Digital Cut File by Juliana Michaels

Scrapbook Page and Card Ideas with Digital Cut Files | Christine Meyer 17turtles Guest Designer

Hello everyone, this is Christine Meyer. I have been a huge fan of Juliana's 17turtles Digital Cut Files for a long time, so I'm excited to be here sharing with you today! The Cosmic Swirl digital cut file really caught my attention because A) I love stars B) I almost always use circular shapes on my layouts. This is an awesome file because it will work great for layouts with girls or boys.

Sweet Moments Scrapbook Page by Christine Meyer Guest Designer for 17turtles Digital Cut Files

I built bursts of color coming out from the center star. I didn't plan it this way - but it kind of looks like a pie chart! I embellished the cut more with stitching and wooden hearts I used pieces from the This is Magic digital cut file to create my title and subtitle. I love script fonts!

Cosmic Swirl Digital Cut File by 17turtles Digital Cut Files Etsy Shop Juliana Michaels

This Is Magic Digital Cut File by 17turtles Digital Cut Files Etsy Shop Juliana Michaels

I love making cards and layouts pretty equally so I couldn't sneak away without making a card too!

Thanks Pumpkin Card by Christine Meyer Guest Designer for 17turtles Digital Cut Files

I used the Thankful Pumpkins file to create a fun little dimensional pumpkin. This file breaks down into several layers and instead of gluing each layer down completely, I folded them up so that they have some neat dimension. I love it when you can do something beyond the obvious with a file!

Thankful Pumpkins Digital Cut File by 17turtles Digital Cut Files Etsy Shop Juliana Michaels

Thanks for the opportunity Juliana!

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Thanks so much Christine! I love how you used the Cosmic Swirl cut file and added the "pie chart" design to it and the way you added the dimension to the pumpkin is so clever!

I invite you to visit Christine's blog, Scrapping with Christine, for more inspiring paper crafting and scrapbook projects!

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If you want to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates from 17turtles, including free digital cut files, tutorials and coupons, make sure you subscribe to the 17turtles Newsletter.

Bath Time Scrapbook Page | Sarah Webb 17turtles Guest Designer

Today, I welcome Sarah Webb from Scropping, as my latest 17turtles Guest Designer. She has such a great style and I really think you are going to love the title work on the scrapbook page that she created to share with us today.

I knew what I wanted to do the minute I saw the Bath Time digital cut files. I was inspired! I love it when a page is already designed in my head before I start - makes it so fast and easy!

Bath Time Scrapbook Page by Sarah Webb Guest Designer for 17turtles Digital Cut Files

The bubbles just needed to be stacked up on the page and there had to be gold. The bubbles were created using patterned paper and some vellum.

Bath Time Digital Cut File by 17turtles Juliana Michaels

For the title - I cut out two of each of the words from cardstock, adhered them together (for added strength) and heat embossed them with gold embossing powder. I had initially tried using glitter but found that I wanted the words too small for the glitter to work well. I also added gold with a little mist splatter.

Bath Time Scrapbook Page by Sarah Webb Guest Designer for 17turtles Digital Cut Files

The duck? Had to be included. He was the perfect addition to my tag!

Bath Time Scrapbook Page by Sarah Webb Guest Designer for 17turtles Digital Cut Files

A big thanks to Juliana for inviting me to play with these cut files! I had a lot of fun!

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If you are looking for more coordinating bath time themed cut files check out Bubble Time, a 12 x12 sized background file that would be perfect for creating a full background of bubbles!

Bubble Time Digital Cut File by 17turtles Juliana Michaels

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Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine featuring BoBunny | O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page

I know we all miss our print scrapbook magazines, however, if you are looking for one to fill that void, then I highly recommend Scrapbook Generation's CREATE Magazine. They have done an excellent job of creating a high quality digital magazine that provides you with everything you could want in a scrapbook magazine, including sketches, a wide variety of paper crafting projects, a fabulous reader gallery and more. 

Each month, they also feature one of the top scrapbooking manufacturers in the industry. This month, they are featuring BoBunny throughout the magazine, including everything you ever wanted to know about BoBunny and even how they got their name. They're also featuring projects created by the BoBunny Design Team and I'm pleased to share a look at the double page layout that I created for them using one of the amazing sketches created by Allison Davis.

O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Christmas Collage for the Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine - November 2014 Issue

O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Christmas Collage for the Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine - November 2014 Issue

O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Christmas Collage for the Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine - November 2014 Issue

O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Christmas Collage for the Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine - November 2014 Issue

O Christmas Tree Scrapbook Page by Juliana Michaels featuring BoBunny Christmas Collage for the Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine - November 2014 Issue

I invite you to check out the November issue of CREATE to see the sketch that inspired my layout as well as the rest of the projects created by the talented BoBunny Designers. Oh and one more thing...I'm very excited to share that I am part of the 2015 Scrapbook Generation CREATE Magazine Design Team, so you'll be seeing lots more from me in their magazine starting in January! Thanks so much for stopping by today!!!

Fall Frame Home Decor Idea | 3 Birds Design

Thanksgiving is going to be at my house this year and this will be my FIRST time to cook a turkey! I'm a little freaked out by it all, so if you have any tips to share, please feel free to do so.

Before the cooking and baking begins, I decided to get a head start on the decorating. I wanted the table to have a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving feel. However, I didn't want it to take forever to decorate and I did't want it to feel too stuffy. I really just wanted a subtle touch of color and warmth.

To help keep it quick and easy, I reached for the For All Seasons Themed Cards from 3 Birds Design. These cards come in a variety of themes and sizes that are perfect for pocket scrapbooking, but I have found them quite useful for a plethora of other projects including this Fall Home Decor Frame. Along with this frame, I also created a set of Thanksgiving place settings that you can check out on the 3 Birds Blog.

Fall Frame Home Decor by Juliana Michaels for 3 Birds Design

I selected several cards from the Autumn set that fit inside the openings of the frame and then trimmed them to fit. For a little touch of texture, I added some machine stitching to some of the pieces. To help me determine where to stitch, I placed the card inside the opening and used a pencil to draw a light line around the opening. This pencil line then helped me to determine where to stitch.

Fall Frame Home Decor by Juliana Michaels for 3 Birds Design

The "&" card was a little to small for the opening. My solution? I adhered a scrap of patterned paper to the top and bottom of the card to help it better fit the opening and then added some zig zag stitching to "quilt" them together.

Fall Frame Home Decor by Juliana Michaels for 3 Birds Design

This Fall Frame came together pretty quickly as did the Thanksgiving place settings thanks to the For All Seasons Themed Cards. So, do you like to decorate your table for Thanksgiving? Have you ever made your own decorations using your scrapbook products?  I'd love to see them!
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