Mini Journal Box Tutorial with 6x6 paper by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

I have loved this little box since the moment I saw it.

This is the first time that I've created it using Art Impressions paper. The reason? The template is larger than 6"x6" which most Ai paper measures. But, where there's a will, there's a way! I figured out a way to make the template work using two sheets of Ai paper.

I wanted to create a cute little Valentine's Day treat box and this is what I came up with.

To make the template dies fit on a 6x6" piece of paper to create the box, I used two sheets of paper. The first piece cut the top and back flap.

The second piece of paper cut the base of the box.

Then, I overlapped the back panel from the top, with the back panel from the base, to create a full box.

Though this die set was designed to hold the mini journal, it makes the absolute cutest little gift box or treat box. I filled mine with Hershey Kisses.

Doesn't someone in your life deserve a little something sweet?

If you share something made with Art Impressions products be sure to tag them or use #artimpressions so that we see. We LOVE seeing all of your creations.

 

You’re koala-fied to be my Valentine! Card by Tasha

 Happy Friday Art Impressions Friends!

Tasha here sharing a fun Valentine's Day card inspired by the Art Impressions Monochromatic Challenge. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get started on your cards!

For this project, I used the adorable Koalas Set as the main image and focused on different shades of pink to fit the challenge's monochromatic theme—because who doesn’t love pink?

I began by stamping the koala onto white cardstock and creating a mask using masking paper. Using a heart die, I cut out a center heart and a matching pink frame to frame the image. After masking the koala, I blended two shades of Distress Oxide Ink to create a soft, colorful background. I love how the lighter shade around the koala creates a spotlight effect, making it the focal point of the card.

To add dimension, I layered two shades of pink card stock and glitter paper with a piece of Art Impressions heart-patterned paper. The mix of textures and patterns adds interest while keeping the monochromatic pink theme. I also stamped "Happy Valentine’s Day" in pink ink to tie in with the overall look.

  

Lastly, I added tiny white hearts to the center heart’s background for an extra pop of detail. I love how the card turned out and hope it inspires you to create your own monochromatic Valentine’s Day design.

Have a wonderful day!

You Spin Me Round Challenge #369

 You Spin Me Round!

That's our new challenge.

Round cards, circles on cards, dots, pearls...

Anything circular.

First we need to announce the winners of our You're a Gem challenge.

For our Top Spot we chose Zilla S.

She used the adorable (retired) exclusive WC0124 WC Bear with Heart.

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com

to claim a free stamp set of your choice!

Also, be sure to grab our badge to display on your blog, Facebook or Instagram!

Our Lucky Random Winner was
#17 April J.

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com

to claim a free stamp set of your choice!

Also, be sure to grab our badge to display on your blog, Facebook or Instagram!

Now onto my feature!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone.

I'm the featured artist for this challenge and I've chosen to make a Valentine
card using dies and paper from Art Impressions.

I used only dies, no stamps, for this card.

5543 – Journal Template Die Set
5719 – FB Fence & Window Set
5727 – Nested Oval Dies
5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies
5063 – Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies

These are all the shapes I cut.  I didn't end up using one of the red ovals. (two halves)

All of the patterned paper is from Art Impressions.

5741 – Valentines Paper Pack
5812 – Christmas S2 Paper Pack

My card used 3 different sized circle dies, circular sequins and polka dot paper.  What will YOU create with circles??

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards!

✻ Limit two submissions per person. You will receive extra votes if you use Art Impressions stamps!

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission.

✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.

✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!

✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!

✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.

✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.

✻ Good luck and happy stamping!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Valentine Rosette's by Reneé Matarese

 Hello everyone!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Every year, I'm in charge of decorating my elementary school. It's a huge undertaking but it's fun.
I discovered some paper bag snowflakes that I fell in love with.  I tweaked the design a bit to make them a little more "Valentinsy." lol...

I apologize for the dark photos.  It's January in upstate NY and the sun RARELY comes out. 
These were far too big for my light box so I did my best.

Here's a step-by-step photo tutorial for how I made these.

You need 8 paper bags. Any size, any color.
Lay the first bag down with the flap underneath.

Place glue in an upside down T pattern and glue the second bag on top, pressing to secure.
Repeat until you have 4 bags glued together.

Once I had 4 bags glued together, I used 5721 – Nested Heart Dies to trace the heart pattern on.

I did this on both sides.

I used a larger heart from the set on top to create a finial.

Next, I cut along the lines I had drawn. Then I glued the last 4 bags on in the same fashion, flap side down and cut those out following along the shapes I had already cut.

I did the same thing on my larger white bags but used a scalloped pattern on the top.

I cut more hearts out of 5812 – Christmas S2 Paper Pack and 5741 – Valentines Paper Pack and created centerpieces for the rosettes as well as adding some little hearts to the white rosette.

I don't usually get too into Valentine's Day but for some reason, this year I can't seem to get enough. Last week I shared a garland that I made for my fireplace mantle.  You can find that here.
Check back later today for week two of our Clean Slate (anything goes) challenge.

Howdy-Hoe! Let's Garden by Janet

 Anybody out there gardeners? I will admit I am not. My Mom is though. Earlier this month I took a trip home to the Midwest to visit. She lived on a farm most of her life but in recent years, she moved to town. She gets her gardening fix by renting a city garden plot now. One early evening, we went out to the garden and I dutifully hoed the entire thing for her while she dusted her potato plants so the bugs wouldn't eat it all. I didn't enjoy the task much but I did enjoy talking with her as she told me all about each of the plants and what had happened to them since being planted. She really is into it and I'm glad she enjoys it. 

All that hoeing made me think of the Ai set SC0650 - His and Hers Gardeners. My Mom is a little more attractive than these two characters but it does capture my Mom's attitude as she gardens away. It makes me chuckle a little! In addition to this set, I used a green and white plaid mat from 5741-Valentines Paper Pack. I used several of the stamps in this set and combined them on a single panel by using masking techniques. I used Stamping Mask Paper from the Ai store which works really well for masking. I really love how you can combine stamps to make a scene this way.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you'll stop by the store soon for all your card making needs.

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