Hello!  SaraL here, and back again with a new hybrid how-to :)

Today, I thought I’d make something fun to add to the celebrations on the 4^th.  Take a peek at what I’ll be showing you how to assemble today:

These stars ‘n stripes boxes will make perfect party decorations or favours for the celebrations this week!  They were constructed using DIY Printable Templates: Puffy Star Boxes, and decorated using Heather’s vibrant digital scrapbooking kit, American Made:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s how to make them:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1: Open the puffy star box template in Photoshop (or your chosen program) & have lots of fun decorating, clipping papers & elements to your hearts content. I chose to use the smaller of the two template sizes you’ll find in your download.

Step 2: Print out onto card (or heavy photo paper).  Cut everything out, following Heather’s cutting guides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Time to score all the joints of the star, so it comfortably folds into shape – again, you’ll find Heather’s instructions & lines on the template easy to follow for this step.

For this particular template, I only use a bone folder (that curvy white tool in the photo, which is readily available from craft stores) & a ruler to do the scoring, though you could use such as a butter knife as an alternative, so long as you take care of your work surface & fingers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4:  Next, crease the tabs.  I find it simplest to first press with my thumb in the centre of the tab & then pinch the two corners, as in the photos above. Below is how the boxes will look after creasing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Time to make a decision – how do you plan to display the finished boxes?  If you plan to hang them or mount on a stick, then you need to add the holes, ribbon or the stick now. Punch the right sized holes for the job & thread the ribbon through so the knotted end is hidden inside, alternatively punch a hole into the box & push the wooden stick through (I used a disposable chop stick!).

I also like making simple puffy star boxes to pop onto my dinner table or into a big display bowl for my guests to ‘lucky dip’ into!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6: Glue time! Fold the box into shape and then start to stick opposite tabs together, trying to keep them folded in same direction for neatness.  I used Diamond Glaze to do this, which is a very strong, multipurpose liquid glue – but use what adhesive you prefer, though I think a strong glue is preferable to such as double sided tape especially if you plan to fill the boxes.

Remember! Before you close & stick the last tabs together to pop any goodies or mini gifts into your star boxes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 7: Your puffy star boxes are now assembled!  Have fun adding any final decorative touches you want and then the boxes are ready to present.  I like the stars on sticks ‘planted’ in a bunch in a flowerpot (supported with such as oasis), or lots of the ones with ribbon loops hung on low branches out in the garden (weather permitting!).

Would you like an alternative use idea or two for these super templates?

• Make reward stars for super-helpful children,
• Get ahead on your Christmas decorating & create an advent calendar string of star boxes!

 

Hopefully, I’ve shown you again just how easy Heather’s hybrid templates are to use. Please remember that showing all the steps like this, makes the job look a lot s-l-o-w-e-r that it is in reality, really, really!

Have fun & remember to show off all your hybrid creations in the gallery so we can love them too!

SaraL

x

Hello!  SaraL here with a new hybrid how-to, using another of Heather’s lovely DIY Printable Templates.  This is what I’ll be showing you how to assemble today:This sweet, cheerful bag was constructed using DIY Printable Templates: Heart Bag, and decorated using one of Heather’s recent digital scrapbook kit releases: Love U 2 Pieces.

So here we go!

Step 1: Open the template in Photoshop (or your chosen program) & have lots of fun decorating, clipping papers & elements to your hearts content.

Remember to give a little thought to the final look, so that you can save ink, card & time by printing any sentiments you may want now.

Step 2: Print out onto card (or heavy photo paper).  Cut everything out, following the cutting guides.

Step 3: Time to score/ crease & fold all the joints of the bag, so it comfortably folds into shape.  Follow the instructions & lines on Heather’s design to do this – to help, I’ve highlighted them on the photo (3a) above, though I honestly don’t think you’ll have much trouble figuring where to score to form the bag shape.

I use a score board and bone folder (which is that curvy white tool in the photos), but I have very successfully used a bone folder (which are inexpensive & readily available from craft stores) & a ruler, and I do know people who use a simple butter knife & ruler to crease the card into shape too! …just remember not to press too hard and to protect your work surface & fingers  if you choose to use a knife

Step 4: Apply adhesive to the patterned outside of all 4 tabs. I tend to use permanent double-sided craft tape – but that’s just a personal preference.

Step 5: Start to stick the tabs & sides together!

Step 6 & 7: Your heart bag in now assembled!  You can now decide how you’d like to carry the bag – Heather’s instructions have plenty of suggestions – or you can leave it super simple & open as I have (this is a very sturdy-based bag).

Once you’ve made a choice on whether to have handles/ ties or not, you now have another decision to make: the final decorative touches!

Keep the final touches simple as I have or go mad & have fun adding ribbons, charms, flowers, or whatever other decorations you like from your craft stash!

Hopefully, I’ve shown you how easy this hybrid template is to use, just like the majority of Heather’s templates to be honest! Please remember that showing all the steps like this makes the job seem a lot s-l-o-w-e-r that it is in reality, honestly!

Have fun & remember to show off all your hybrid creations in the gallery so we can love them too!

’til next time,

SaraL

x

Hello!  SaraL here with an all new how-to for you!

Heather recently released this new DIY Printable Template – and its quickly become a favourite of mine:

The finished product is lovely & roomy – definitely big enough for your child’s packed lunch, a host of party treats, a soft toy or a whole bunch of mini beanie toys!  Plus it’s a snap to put together – trust me!

As always, Heather’s template comes with a ready-to-print & assemble version – in this case decorated using her adorable Love Monkey digital scrapbooking kit. Did you see that Heather & Rebecca also released an amazing new Sticky Learnings: You Have Mail using this box template?

How fun & fabulous is that?

Soooo, I thought for this hybrid blog post, I would show you just how straightforward this brilliant box template is to use!

This is what I’m going to be constructing:

I based the design on the kennel image from  Heather’s Pet Shop: Playful Pups, and used the papers from the same kit to decorate, plus a little grass from Water Play Days & daisies from A Brand New Day – pretty cute don’t you think?

So let’s get started:

STEP 1:  Begin by opening your templates in Photoshop (or your chosen program) & have lots of fun decorating, clipping papers & elements to the templates to your hearts content: think picnics, your favourite colours, your child’s birthday party…

You need to remember, that this template comes in 3 parts: a front, a back and a gable side.  You will need to print TWO of the gable sides to make your finished box.

STEP 2: Print out onto card (or heavy photo paper).  Make sure you have a front, back & two sides.  Cut everything out – taking care around the ‘lock tab’ on the front panel. Cut the optional slit now, if you wish – but especially if you’re going to be playing post offices with the finished box!

STEP 3: Time to score/ crease & fold all the joints of the box, so it comfortably folds into shape.  Follow the instructions & lines on Heather’s design to do this – though I honestly think you will have very little trouble figuring out what parts will need folding to make the box!

I use a score board and bone folder (which is that curvy white tool in the photos), but I have very successfully used a bone folder (which are inexpensive & readily available from craft stores) & a ruler, and I do know people who use a simple butter knife & ruler to crease the card into shape too! …just remember not to press too hard and to protect your work surface & fingers  if you choose to use a knife

STEP 4: Apply your preferred adhesive to all the patterned side tabs (but not the lock tab).  I tend to use permanent double-sided craft tape – but that’s just a personal preference. The more weight you intend the finished box to carry, the stronger adhesive I would use!

STEP 5: Start to stick your four sides together!

• Begin by firmly sticking the side tabs of the front panel to the plain inside of one of the gable sides.
• Next stick the tabs of this gable side to the plain inside of the back panel.
• Now stick the tabs of the back panel to the plain inside of the last gable side.
• Finish by sticking the tabs of this gable side to the plain inside of the front panel.

STEP 6: Close the bottom up – two shorter flaps in first & then firmly adhere the larger bottom flaps in place.

STEP 7: Fold the gable ends into place – this should work very easily thanks to all the creasing & folding you’ve already done.  Think Happy Meals & you won’t go wrong

STEP 8: Fill the box with whatever goodies you’ve chosen – then bring the handles together.  Carefully push the ‘lock tab’ through both handles to hold the box roof in place & you’re done!

Have fun adding ribbons, name or gift tags, or whatever other decorations you like from your craft stash!

I hope I’ve managed to shown you just how easy this hybrid template is to use – as ever, showing all the steps like this makes the job seem a lot s-l-o-w-e-r that it is in reality, honestly!

I’d love to see how you choose to use this fab DIY Printable Templates: Kid’s Meal Box – so remember to pop a photo of your creations into Heather’s gallery at the Sweet Shoppe!

Have fun!

SaraL

x

Hi!  SaraL here with another photo hybrid how-to for you!

With autumn pretty well established here, I thought I’d show you a fun, seasonal use for Heather’s DIY Printable Templates: Basket and Berries, which make sweet table favours should you be having guests come over for dinner sometime soon!  …this may even be a nice idea to bookmark for your Thanksgiving planning too!

What started out as strawberry  templates actually make sweet acorns  when decorated in the browns, oranges, golds from Heather’s fall-themed Golden Days kit – don’t you think?

…and if you turn them upside down, they can make fun mini pumpkins or physallis (aka Chinese Lanterns or Cape Gooseberries)!

Regardless of how you decide to decorate yours – berry, acorn or squash – here’s how to put them together.

Do remember, that I’ve used lots photos in the steps, so this how-to may make it look like a lengthier process than it really is – honestly!

 

Step1:  Open the template in your chosen format & decorate using your digi-stash.  Then print & cut out, just as per Heather’s instructions!

 

Step 2: Punch out the holes in your printout.  I used my lovely Big Bite tool to do this as you can see in the photo, but a sharp pencil plus a blob of blu-tac would work – but do protect your work surface and take care over the size of hole you punch!

Step 3: Score & crease/ fold the small tab of the berry box.  I used a ‘scoring board’ and bone folder (that curvy white tool in the photos), but I have very successfully used a bone folder (which is inexpensive & readily available from craft stores) plus a ruler, and I do know people who use a simple butter knife & ruler to achieve the same end! …just remember not to press too hard and to protect your work surface again if you choose to use a knife.

Step 4: Adhere/ glue the tab to the underside of the opposite side, making a cone-like shape.

Step 5: Add the treat to your berry box. Take a length of ribbon, twine etc as per Heather’s instructions.  Fold in half & tie a knot where folded in the centre.

Step 6: Thread the ribbon ends through the hole of one ‘flap’ of the berry, from the inside of the berry through to the patterned outside.

Step 7: Continue threading the ribbon through the hole of each ‘flap’, from the inside to the patterned outside. Gently pull tight.

Step 8:  Add the leaves the same way, threading the ribbon through.

Step 9: Tie the ribbon ends into a simple bow and you’re finished!

As an alternative, how about threading the looped end of the ribbon through the holes, knotting the ends on the inside.  You can then use this loop to hang the favours on twigs in a vase for a very autumnal display!

The favours could be presented individually on each guests plate, or in a simple handmade basket!

I used the accompanying basket template from Heather’s DIY Printable Templates: Basket and Berries in the photo above – and made a little place card/ tag to complement it.

I hope you have a go at making your own – and if you do, please pop a photo of them into Heather’s gallery at the Sweet Shoppe so we can admire your work too!

‘til next time

SaraL

Hi!  SaraL here with a how-to all about making an explosion box. 

These multi layered boxes make lovely mementos, ready to fill with photos, memories & more.  They are called explosion boxes as when you first look at them they look like simple gift boxes – but when you lift the lid… all the layers just pop out, ta-da!

So, I want to show you just how simple making one with Heather’s fab templates can be – I promise it really is very straight forward & requires the absolute minimum of equipment: your printer, card, scissors or craft knife and a little adhesive.

To encourage you just a little more, I have a lovely surprise from Heather just waiting for you at the end of this post, though I think the post title may have given it away…!  Oh and remember, the 10 point hybrid portfolio challenge over in the Sweet Shoppe forum this month is to make your own explosion box too

Sooooo, the first thing is to choose your style of explosion box.  Heather has outdone herself with the selection of explosion box DIY Printable Templates she has in her store (available as a bundle too):

   

   

For this tutorial, I have decided to use the square version.

I have also decided to make a box with a difference – there will be no photos, and my box will have a fun but specific purpose in mind which if you have children you might find a cute idea to try too:

My son likes to write stories, but he often comes to me and asks what he should write about, so I decided to make an explosion box to help spark his own imagination with some fun mini scenes, plus some ‘good writing’ prompts for him to remember to include things like interesting sentence starters, adverbs etc.  This is what my finished Story Planner box looked like, using oodles of Heather’s kits!

Let’s start the how-to:

Step 1: Each box is made up by 3 layers plus a lid.  Start by opening the 4 templates & decorate them to your own design. 

Note: the central portion of only the top, smallest layer of the box will be visible, so only add any extra decoration here.

Step 2: Print out all 4 templates (the 3 layers & the lid), then reverse them & pop them back through your printer to print a colourful background onto each. 

Note: the background paper on the largest, bottom layer of the box will form the outside of the completed box & will be on-show when the gift is presented, so choose your paper design with this in mind.

Step 3: Cut everything out, remembering to protect your work surface if you are using a knife. The outer guidelines on Heather’s templates are easy to follow.

Step 4: Crease & fold where indicated on the templates & Heather’s detailed instructions, where the ‘joints’ of the sides & centres meet.  I now use a scoring board & bone folder to do this, though I have very successfully used just an inexpensive bone folder & ruler. 

If you enjoy making hybrid goodies or want to make your own cards from scratch, I would definitely recommend adding a scoring board to your Christmas wish list, as it makes scoring/ creasing/ folding immeasurably much neater & simpler!

Step 5: Finish assembling the box lid.  I used double sided craft tape as my adhesive (and oh, how I need a manicure!)

Step 6: Time to assemble the box.  Using glue dots or similar, stick the base of the middle layer to the central portion of the bottom layer.  Next stick the base of the top, smallest layer to the central portion of the middle layer, as seen in the photo. 

Step 7: Finishing. Hold the sides of all 3 layers in shape, and put the lid on.  Take your time doing this, get one side in position and then fold the sides in a little to get the lid comfortably in place.

The box is now complete!  You could add extra embellishments (buttons, flowers, glitter…have fun!) to the lid , or even tie the box up with a ribbon for the first opening if it is to be a gift.

Here are a couple more examples of explosion boxes by the team, using other template shapes from Heather’s collection:

      

I hope I have added to your confidence in giving one of these fab explosion boxes a go for yourself, and to encourage you even more here is a lovely coupon from Heather!

I hope to see your amazing creations in the gallery very soon!

SaraL

x

PS In case you were wondering, I used the following kits by Heather to create the story scenes & decorate my box:

Knight & Dragon – Good Knight

Surfer dude – Kowabunga & Busy Little Boys

Fun Fair – Amuse Me (a collab with Libby Pritchett)

Animal Friends – Jungle Antics

Alien Greetings – Spaced Out

Fly Around the World – My World… & Fly Away

Dec 24^th – Its Cold Outside

Treasure Chest – Pet Shop Funny Fish & Treasured

Note layer & outer box – My World… , Cubicle with a View & Teachers Pet.

Hello again!  SaraL here with another how-to for you here on Heather’s brand spanking new blog! 

I made a fun birthday card this week that I thought I’d show you in steps how I put together. Here’s my card:

My starting point was one of Heather’s DIY Printable Templates: Triptych Cards:

I have always though that the pointed one of the set would make a lovely Arabian Nights sort of card, so I decided to embellish it using Heather’s As You Wish kit – complete with genie of course!

 

After opening the .psd file in Photoshop, I played with all the lovely papers & images from the kit until I had everything just the way I wanted.

I planned the position of the genie and the sentiment speech bubble carefully so that I could cut out various parts from the images & layer them on the card, still allowing the card to open successfully and still keep the genie looking perfect.  Her hair was the obvious choice for layering.

 

Next I printed everything – popping my card back through my printer to print a pretty patterned paper on the reverse so that the card would look good when opened up too!

Cutting everything out came next – including the hair & sentiment bubble.

The card next needed to be scored & creased in to shape so that it would fold correctly.  I now use a ‘scoring board’ and bone folder (which is that curvy white tool in the photos), but I have very successfully used a bone folder (inexpensive & readily available from craft stores) & a ruler, and I do know people who use a simple butter knife & ruler to crease the card into shape too! …just remember not to press too hard and to protect your work surface if you choose to use a knife. 

Once the card was folded into shape, I attached sticky foam pads (something in my craft stash I use a lot to add instant dimension!) to the reverse side of the genies ponytail & sentiment bubble, and stuck them in place on the card.

I had a little fun adding some glitter glue here & there to my card, & I was finished! 

I hope you enjoyed this how-to, and I look forward to seeing what you make!

By the way, if there are any of Heather’s templates that you would like to see a how-to with photos for, please do let us know.  Just leave a comment & we’ll see what we can do for you!

Bye for now

SaraL

Hi! SaraL here with a super-simple hybrid how-to to share with you today here on Heather’s pretty gorgeous-looking new site!

There are lots of you out there who I know like the idea of trying a hybrid project, but are just a little nervous of jumping in & going for it!  So this is why I’ve written this article – to walk you through one of my projects using lots of photos so you can see exactly what I’m writing about!  Its designed to compliment Heather’s excellent instructions, which are included with each and every template product.

Heather has an a-maz-ing range of layered hybrid project templates in her store!  …and its the layered part that is so important, and is precisely why I love using her templates so much: it means that every section of the template is customisable to your own design; you have the choice to clip a different digi-paper to each and every side of the template, if you choose.  Total flexibility. 

This is the first product I’m using in the mini-tutorial today:

 

I like popcorn boxes – not only are they great for popcorn on a family movie night enabling everyone to have their own named box (great for avoiding arguments!), but they are a lovely large container for all sorts of goodies, limited only by your imagination or budget!  My example today is for a sleepover party goodie box, filled with sweet smelling bath products, lip glosses & just a few sweeties:

So lets begin the how-to!

Step 1: Open the .psd file of your chosen box design in Photoshop.  Start to add & clip your choice of papers & elements from your digital scrap booking stash, just as you would with a layout template.  I used Heather’s Basket of Blessings kit to ‘decorate’ my template.

Step 2: When you are happy with your design, print two copies of it out onto card or heavy photo paper.  I like to pop my printouts back through the printer to print a colourful paper on the reverse side, so that when the box is assembled it has a pretty inside too!

Step 3:  Cut everything out.

Step 4: Score & crease (fold) where indicated on Heathers template.  I now use a ‘scoring board’ and bone folder (which is that curvy white tool in the photos), but I have very successfully used a bone folder (inexpensive & readily available from craft stores) & a ruler, and I do know people who use a simple butter knife & ruler to crease the card into shape too! …just remember not to press too hard and to protect your work surface if you choose to use a knife.  Take a look at the following photos to see what I did:

Step 5: Apply your adhesive.  I like to use double-sided craft tape for this – its not too expensive, widely available and comes in a variety of widths and stickiness!

Step 6: Stick the two parts of your box together, and finally the fold over & stick the base flaps to finish the popcorn box.

Step 7: The popcorn box is finished!  You can leave it as it is, or you can have some fun adding ‘real’ embellishments like ribbon, tags, buttons – you name it! 

I wanted to keep my boxes quite simple, as I will be making multiple copies as gifts for the party - so I added a felt flower & a name tag to each box secured in place with a pink mini peg!  Adding a nametag means that you could tailor a box’s content to each recipient, which is perfect if allergies are involved!

Finally, I thought it would be fun to quickly show you that Heather really does have everything you need to make your own party go smoothly!  So, how about making your own matching invites – and the same technique will work for thank you’s too!

For this I used the card templates included in this DIY cute purse set from Heather:

As before, I clipped papers & embellishments to the template in Photoshop to match my popcorn boxes, and then printed & cut the cards out – complete with matching ‘seals’.

The next step is to score & crease where indicated on the template…

…and then instead of handwriting the all party details onto multiple cards, I chose to prepare them in Photoshop, printed & cut them out & finally adhered them to the inside of my invites:

Here you can see a ‘sealed’ invite, and one almost ready to go:

And there you are! A cute alternate idea for a party gift box using Heather’s templates:

I promise, this is such a straightforward project, and will take you a lot less time than maybe this how-to seems to imply – so why not have a go?!

Quick recap of products used:

DIY Printable Templates: Popcorn Boxes

Basket of Blessings kit

DIY Printable Templates: Purse

Font is Pea Hannah Vanilla from KevinandAmanda.com

Hybrid supplies:

Card, double sided craft tape, scissors and/or craft blade with ruler,

score board & bone folder (or similar), pretty things to decorate & to fill the finished box.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this first hybrid tutorial on Heather’s new-look site!  …and if you have a request for a future how-to that we culd put together for you here, please just ask!

SaraL