Almost 3 months...

...since my last post!  Not sure where the time has gone, but I know one thing for certain - it flew by!

Wanted to share some Valentine creations and inspiration with you.

Here's the projects for my next Do Me A Favor Workshop at ETC in early January.

This is a mini 2 compartment box created from Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and Carta Bella's Words of Love printed paper line.  The heart is punched from a printed paper from Crate Paper.  A little Studio 61 tag is tied on with a vintage pink lace.  It's an adorable little size!

These little mini Hershey bar wrappers are so dang cute.  I discovered them when I was on a hunt for Christmas chocolates...they had cute snowmen and packages on them.  I was thrilled when I found these Valentine ones.  A Studio 61 tag is tied on using ribbon that I bought while I was in the UK with my mom.  The red and white polkadotted or spotty paper is from Reminisce's Ella & Viv line.  These would make great little Valentine's for a child to take to school or to give someone with a New Year's resolution to have more self control over food.  :)

Cupid's arrow is constructed using a Studio 61 food pick, red velvet ribbon, printed paper from Simple Stories Hugs & Kisses paper line, a Studio 61 tag, a Studio 61 doiley and white lace.  The perfect way to wrap these little Valentine M&M's.

This tall back treat box is made using Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and Reminisce's Ella & Viv printed paper.  Embellishments were created using a Studio 61 doiley, tag, food pick and red and white striped trim.The multi colored strip of striped paper is from Carta Bella's Words of Love paper line.  

Class is a week from Tuesday, so I am ahead of the game!

Found this little guy today at Pier 1 and I just couldn't leave there without him!

In need of some quick and easy Valentine ideas?  Here's a few:

Fill a Studio 61 short stack cup with some Hershey Kisses and punch a hole through the top section in front to secure a tag by tying trim into a bow.

Starting with a presewn Studio 61 brown sack - embellish it with whatever you have on hand before adding candy and gifting to your special someone.

Here's to a new week!
Kelli
:)

Step By Step Favors

Halloween is most certainly my favorite holiday of the year!  So creating favors for this holiday are at the top of my "to do" list!

The assembly of this is quick and easy enough for a child to make for their teacher or class mates. 

 

 

Supplies: dry adhesive, ribbon, printwork punched with a 1.75" circle punch, starburst punch, Studio 61 mini tall gusseted sacks, bat stickers, ribbon and snack sized M&M's. 

Fold the M&M wrapper to fit into the sack.  Fold the sack over at the top of M&M's.  Apply dry adhesive to the flap and fold flap to front side.

 Adhere tag and tie ribbon into a loopy bow and adhere to the front, just above tag using a glue dot. 

Doesn't get much easier than that!  :)

Here's a quick little favor using the Studio 61 little white boxes.

Supplies: dry adhesive, foam dots, ribbon, Studio 61 little white boxes, Studio 61 black circle stickers, Studio 61 mini black safety pin, Studio 61 printwork tag, Stampin Up mini slot punch and rubber spider.

Using the slot punch, punch on the box top as far as the punch will go from both sides.  Slide ribbon through slot, ending with the tails on the outside.

Tie big loopy bow.

Place stickers on the bottom part of the box, folding half the sticker to the side and half to the bottom to create a scallop.

Attach label with safety pin and place spider on foam dot before gluing on the top.

Super easy, but super cute!

Off to create more,
Kelli
:)

October's favors are done!

All that is left is writing the instructions and kitting.

Here are the four little favors we will be making on Tuesday.

This little favor is made from the new Basic Grey paperline, Studio 61 mini elastic trim and a premade label from Scrapbook Customs.

This sweet box is constructed from American Crafts be merry printed paper line, Pebbles "Merry Christmas" label, Bazzill cardstock, red tulle, black and white baker's twine and Studio 61 black circle stickers.  It's filled with wintergreen lifesavers.  It is the perfect size to tuck a gift card down into!

This little favor was created for the Make & Take at Inspiration Unlimited {IU}.  I just added a Studio 61 tag.  The Skittles are tucked into a Studio 61 gusseted crinkle bag and embellished with a bright striped paper from Pebbles.  It's a perfect sized favor for a large group and holds many of the prewrapped candies.

The last favor is a Halloween favor, also designed for the Make & Take at IU. 

These little Studio 61 mini chevron bags are an adorable size and hold a snack sized pack of M&M's perfectly.  We will be making both little sacks in class. 

There's still a few more slots left, so if you are a local gal and want to join me, sign up by calling ETC at {480}854-2303.  If you are not local, ETC can ship you a kit complete with instructions. 

Have a creative weekend,
Kelli
:)

Creating Favors

I really enjoy making favors.  I think it's because I can start and finish them quickly.  Whether I have an hour, or an entire day...I can crank them out.  It's satisfying to actually complete something!  I have so many unfinished projects.

Here's a few I made yesterday using the Studio 61 diagonal striped sacks.

I used the same method of folding down the top and tying shut with lace.  You can add a premade tag or a custom quote, or simply dangle a heart punch with a little black safety pin.  This little heart punched shape was made with the new Teresa Collins heart punch.

Here I tucked the sack into a little treat box that was created using a diagonal striped printed paper and adorable tag from Pebbles. 

Here's a miniature version of the box above, with a band of black and white polka dotted paper from Doodle Bug.  I added the circle stickers to both boxes to create a cute scalloped edge.  The big red loopy bow made of red tulle and black and white baker's twine add to the cute factor of this little box.

I have my projects ready for my upcoming Do Me A Favor workshop.  I will share some pics tomorrow.

Good nite,
Kelli
:)

So much excitement!

First retirement, followed by a trip with my mom to the UK for 3 weeks and then a weekend of teaching at Inspiration Unlimited in Vegas with my daughter, Jenaye.  Lots of emotion and lots of fun, that's for sure! 

Now it's time to buckle down and get my website updated and revamped.  In the meantime, I wanted to share some ideas with you.

This little favor is made using Studio 61 gusseted crinkle bags, Studio 61 printwork, My Minds Eye printed paper {Just Sayin' line by Rhonna Farrer} and October Afternoon {Girl Talk line}, ribbon and solid colored baker's twine.  A simple, quick and and easy little favor to mass produce.

This favor also features Studio 61 gusseted crinkle bags, Studio 61 printwork, My Minds Eye printed paper {Now & Then line}and white lace. 

Two little Studio 61 mini chevron treat bags adorned with black lace, Studio 61 printwork and one has a Studio 61 doiley.  A perfect little treat for co-workers or neighborhood kids. 

The Studio 61 clear bags are popular and versatile.  They can be filled with any wrapped or unwrapped candy.  The treat bags are tied closed with orange and white baker's twine and Studio 61 Skull & Cross Bone ribbon.  The Studio 61 tag is attached with a Studio 61 mini black safety pin.

A little glossy white Studio 61 box adorned with a big loopy tulle bow and wrapped with My Minds Eye printed paper {Just Sayin' line}.

Inside the box is a coordinating card made from Bazzill cardstock and Bazzill glittered tape.  These glossy boxes are perfect for gifting everything from sweets to gift cards or cash.

Hope you squeeze in some creativity this week!
Kelli
:)

Halloween?

Yep, it's that time to start creating little treats for all our little ghosts and goblins. 

Here's some fun stuff to get your creative juices flowing...

Cute little green cups filled with Cheezits and an embellished a pom pom pick.  Studio 61 supplies used: pom pom picks, mini black safety pins and printwork.

A little crinkle bag...one with a full sized Hershey bar and one filled with Dove chocolates.  Studio 61 products used: crinkly bags, doiley, printwork and black & white striped trim. 

A little brown box filled with chocolate and a bold striped bag filled with the same.  Studio 61 supplies used: little brown boxes, striped bags, black lace and printwork. 

Here's a little display I put together to take into ETC tomorrow. 

Halloween is honestly my favorite holiday.  :)

Simply Lucky

I have the luckiest life. 

I just retired with the City of Mesa with 30-1/2 years of service.  Yesterday was bittersweet.  I have had a great career, worked with amazing customers, learned from so many co-workers and supervisors and had the best "send off" a girl could get.

Here was my "plaque" that they gave me.

Pretty amazing, huh?  I absolutely love it!  It's made from an artist who uses discarded items and welds them into works of art.  The driver inside the cab is made from a spark plug, the truck from a toaster, the cab of the truck from a small metal loaf pan and the wheels from old skates.  The trash dumpster on the forks of the truck has a lid that actually opens up.  I love how the incredible artist ties in recycling/repurposing into his art.  So clever and so creative.  And the talented people I work with even added a mini truck sign of Preston and Jenaye by recreating the life sized one on our trucks. It's absolutely perfect!  :)

Soon, it's off to the UK with my mom for one amazing vacation.  We are searching the Internet and making a list of "must see" places we want to go to.  We are eager to get away, relax and spend time together in a more slow paced fashion.  :)

Then, I am loading up the car and heading to IU {Inspiration Unlimited} with Jenaye, where I will be teaching in late September.  A great opportunity to meet new people, catch up with gals I haven't seen in a long while and enjoy time with friends in a fun and creative atmosphere.  I will be teaching alongside the industry's best, and know how lucky I am to have been invited by Ginger Nelson and Teresa Collins.  Here's a sneak peek of the cover of my album.

It's constructed from Bazzill/American Crafts chipboard and cardstock and embellished with My Minds Eye printed paper, Prima flowers and coordinating ribbon.  It's a year in review album in the most adorable color scheme that's perfect for any photos or occasions! 

Thanks to everyone who has congratulated me, encouraged me, cheered for me, helped me and blessed me with their friendship.  Without you and your support, it would all be meaningless.

Here's to a great weekend!
Kelli
:)

August's Do Me A Favor Workshop

Better late than never.  Here's a peek at what we are creating on Tuesday.  A BIG thanks to everyone who signed up.  As of Saturday, there was only 1 spot left.  :)

This cute little gold metallic initial box is a perfect way to personalize your gifting.  It's made with Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and embellished with Fancy Pants (Burlap & Bouquets paperline) and the super fabulous gold initial by Jen Hadfield Home Made line from Pebbles.

This skinney little box holds 7 Rolo's perfectly.  It's constructed from Acho Park's Style Essentials paper line and embellished with twine, a Studio 61 Celebrations gold paper flower and a phrase tag and gold stickers from Jen Hadfield's Home Made Collection by Pebbles.  Her stuff is so amazing! 

 

This tall box is made with from the Style Essentials printed paper line by Pebbles and adorned with baker's twine, ribbon, trim, tulle and a Studio 61 Celebrations tag.

  

This itty bitty box is made from Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and embellished with Simple Stories The Story of Us paper line, gray twine and a Studio 61 Celebrations tag.

 

 

This little Kraft box is embellished with Bazzill/American Crafts Cardstock, red and white trim, a jewelry tag and a cute little Kraft colored ticket with white writing from Maya Road.  

 

Projects are done, kits are completed...I am a happy girl!  :)

July 1st is tomorrow?

This summer is flying by.  Maybe because I have been so busy, maybe because I am getting older or maybe because we have a jam packed summer with LOTS of exciting changes:

• Jenaye and Jackson are moving out into a house with a few of her girlfriends; 
• Preston, Ashley and Zona are relocating from Denver; 
• I am retiring from the City where I have worked for over 30 great years; 
• my mom is taking me to the UK to celebrate retirement and spend time together; 
• I am teaching at Inspiration Unlimited and 
• we are starting some serious remodeling projects at the Collins' house.  

Life is good and I know I am lucky and blessed in so many ways.  :)

I am ready for my Do Me A Favor Workshop this Tuesday and The Club with Amy on Wednesday.  But I gotta be honest, this month snuck up on me!  I wasn't on the ball like I had been these past few months.  The good news...I am ready and I ALWAYS look forward to classes at ETC. 

Here's a peek at the projects for Tuesday night's Do Me A Favor.  There's only 2 spots left, so if you are planning on joining me...make sure you call and sign up on Monday so you have a spot!  :)  A BIG thanks to all of you that have already signed up and will be joining me. 

This over-sized treat box is made from the ADORABLE new MME Market Street {Ashbury Heights} paperline.  Another favorite paperline of mine.  The gold polkadots are metallic and if that isn't enough...the color combo is stinking cute!  The favor holds shredded tissue paper and the most amazing little salt water taffy from Trader Joes.  The cute colors of light pink, dark pink, pink swirl, light yellow and white coordinate well with this paperline.  And the flavors?  Cherry, Strawberry Banana, Red Licorice, Sour Apple and Watermelon.  Yum!  

This little bitty box is made from Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and We R gold polkadotted vellum.  I have been paper crafting so long that vellum is back!  May Arts gold mesh metal ribbon is tied in a loopy bow and is also used on the front of the box as a little pull to reveal the treats...gold Hershey kisses. 

This little pouch is made with leftover paper from the over sized treat box.  It's adorned with a bright gold Happy Birthday seal from Pebbles.  Reminds me of the old stationary seals when I was a kid.  It's tied shut with a teal-y elastic trim that I bought while visiting South Africa.  Inside the holder is a little crinkle bag filled with 2 mini Ghirardelli bars...thanks Joyce for telling me about these.  They are the perfect size for this little favor!  :)

This tall back box holds a regular sized candy bar.  The sweet two sided paperline is from the "from Me To You" paperline from Pebbles.  It's adorned with a EK Success punched tag, a Bazzill/American Crafts paper flower and lace from my stash. 

While I had promised a Christmas favor/treat for this upcoming class, I jumped the gun.  This year's printed Christmas paper hasn't arrived yet.  But not to worry...when it arrives at ETC you can be certain I will be using it in class!

Here's to a happy week!
Kelli
:)