A Week of UFOs and Freebies!

Now you’re probably thinking that I have lost my mind, I’m not talking about little green men in spaceships (OK  today’s project does have an alien in a spaceship) but by UFO I mean Unfinished Object. My craft room is filled with UFOs. I often have fabulous ideas for new craft projects, some even get finished but there is a majority that get started and then I lose interest when the next great idea comes along. I am dedicating this week to finishing up all of the UFO’s in the craft-room and getting it neat, tidy and organized so I can have a fresh start next week. I also want to revamp my kids art space. Speaking of kids and crafts here is a valentines craft to do with the kiddos.

Out of this World Valentines!

Rocket lollipop holders by Lindsay Weirich

Each valentine holds a lollipop. They are so easy to make. If you have a Cricut Machine and SCAL software you can download my rocket SVG here. If you have an Expression download this SCUT file that will make 3 valentines on a sheet of 12″ cardstock. If you have the Cricut Personal Cutter (6″x12″) you need these two files rocket1scut and rocket2scut. You will need the font “gearbox” to cut the windows. When you download and install it it will just show up on the mat (scut file)

Or you can download my print and cut pattern here. Instructions are included, feel free to share it with teachers as the rockets would make cut pencil toppers too!

My 6 year old son Jack made these all by himself! Stamps used in this project are by Technique Tuesday and Inque Boutigue. Paper is bu Die Cuts With a View.

A flock of rockets!

My favorites that Jack made!

Tips for crafting with kids: Cut out everything before you involve the children. Have all the supplies out and ready so you won’t have to leave them unattended while you hunt for supplies. Be patient and have fun!

Instructions:

Glue two rockets together at the edges leaving the bottom open.

Glue the gear (window) on the front.

Stamp and color a robot or alien on white paper and punch out with a circle hole punch. If you don’t have robot stamps you can print free alien/robot images from Family Fun Magazine. Glue the alien on the window.

Write the recipient’s name on the back and insert the lollipop.

I’ll have more valentines ideas and some free vintage valentines to print tomorrow so be sure to check back. Until next time Happy Crafting!

A Sweet Treat box!

I had some project leftovers on my craft table that were too pretty to put away so instead I made this:

Design by Lindsay Weirich 2009, Die cut: Creativecutsandmore.com

The box is from Creative Cuts and More. It is so sturdy! I love these boxes because they are pre-creased so all you have to do is fold and decorate! A big time (and aggravation) saver especially if you need to make a large quantity of something like for a party or wedding. I think this would be perfect for filling with chocolate and giving to a sweetie on valentines day! I used vintage buttons and a sewing pin with faux pearls strung on for an embellishment.

Think outside the box when you are using your embellishments. The chipboard bookplate was actually from a baby set of embellishments but I think is is just darling on this box!

To see the box I used in this project click here. To see the colors and papers it is available in click here. Please note that I used Bazzil Textured paper but it is also available in other papers such as Bazzil Bling and Bazzil Basics. Just browse around and see what you like! Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

Trendspotting: Winter CHA

Well there is good news and there is bad news…First the bad news: The Winter CHA (Craft and hobby Association) trade show was this week and there is a lot of yummy product coming out that you are going to want to empty your wallet to get. The good news:  Most of it you can make yourself for a fraction of the cost and in less time that it will take you to drive to the store! Another plus: Makin’ stuff is fun!

Here are some trends I noticed:

Shaped Paper: It was very popular last year and continues this year as well. If you have a cricut machine you can easily shape your paper with the push of a button, and if you don’t you can do it almost as easily by hand, details in these posts here, here and here.

Felt: Still hot but with more detail, think paper piecing but with felt. Below are some offerings by Sassafrass Lass. How cute are those. You can get the look by digging out your felt scraps and free hand cutting or use your paper piecing patterns (remember they were all the rage 5 years ago) to create some cuties. For fabulous FREE paper piecing templates check out Scrapbooks Etc magazine, they print great templates in their magazine but also offer them free on their website. *Note Nature themed products are still very in from owls and birds to trees and flowers.

Clear Stamps are still very big. They are cute cheap and easy check out these from Maya Road:

Die Cuts are huge this year in the form of frames (think swirls and flourishes) and in lace paper and even page toppers that were big before I started scrapping. I wonder if the “Cricut” has influenced this trend? Everything old is new again I guess…

Speaking of old things Vintage is still very hot. Check out new offerings from Jenni Bowlin, Crafty Secrets and K&Co. I’m thrilled that this tred continues!

As you can see we have some lovely crafty things to look forward to this year and I of course will keep up on the trends and show you ways to get the latest look on the cheap! Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!