Just a reminder that the CHA Fiskateer CROP is now on over at FISKATEERS ......there are some fun Challenges and our own Aussie Fiskateer Tracy Maloney has set one of the fun Challenges.
Great prizes up for grabs,loads of inspirational projects being shared in the GALLERY over there.
The online CROP is going for 2 days with several of the Challenge deadlines not until Tuesday....so plenty of time to get crafty!
Difficulty rating: Beginner
A few years ago my mom sewed a set of Pennie Pockets for my children for Valentine’s day and now I love to make these adorable treat holders, fill them with goodies, and present them to friends, family and even my children’s teachers to let them know they are loved.
The pattern and instructions for these beautiful cone pockets can be found on the Moda Bakeshop website and you can find the link by clicking here .
The Pennie Pockets my mom made for my children have become a tradition that is brought out and hung up each year with our usual Valentine’s decorations. I like to hang them on the door handle to my children’s bedroom, but needless to say, they don’t stay there for long! It isn’t until February 14th however, that my children wake up to find their Pennie Pockets filled and overflowing with yummy treats and special keepsakes.
This year I will be giving a Pennie Pocket to each of my children’s teachers, and I aim to involve the children in the process. They are usually pretty receptive to a visit to the fabric store (particularly if they know get to do the actual choosing and will be involved in the cutting and sewing).
They also love to help out with the sewing and construction of items, where they can, and I think they’d take great pride in making something wonderful for their teachers. My 7yr old is pretty adept at following pattern directions and with guidance can use my sewing machine, whilst my 5yr old will enjoy pinning and cutting fabric or sitting on my lap as I sew.
Before I have them help me with their teacher’s pennie pockets, I wanted to make a set of my own following the directions on the Moda website. By far the easiest way to cut squares of fabric is to use a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat. I like to start a project like this with a brand new blade in my rotary cutter because it makes the whole cutting out experience so quick and easy.
Next, following the directions, I pinned the fabric and sewed it together. It’s a bit like fabric origami, but it really does work!
I always like to clip my corners because it makes the seams lie so much flatter.
I find the stuffing tool in my sew taxi to be the perfect thing to poke out corners.
The directions on the Moda website suggest making yoyos to embellish the front of the Pennie Pockets. If, like me, you don’t have a yoyo maker, here is a helpful tutorial on making yoyos without one.
Other options for decorating the front of the Pennie Pockets are to use heart shaped buttons, beads or different sized circles, like I did.
We will present the Pennie Pockets filled with a few treats specific to each teacher. I even enjoy the challenge of finding small items I know they will love and that will fit inside the pockets. Gift cards are an easy choice, not only because of their size, but also because what wonderful and inspiring teacher doesn’t deserve a pedicure or coffee shop treat? I also intend to involve my children in choosing what we should put inside the pockets since they know their teachers better than I do! I’m sure there will be some home baked goods or other handmade items squeezed in there!
Consider making a few Pennie Pockets for some special people you want to recognize this Valentine’s Day or start your own tradition of hanging them around your home and filling them up with goodies and treats for visitors to enjoy.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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For further Valentines Projects and crafty inspiration make sure you drop by http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting
I have had some wonderful HAPPY MAIL this week from both STAMPIN UP and FISKARS so I finally had a play tonight with some of the fabulous goodies to create this fun birthday card for my great niece Kimberley who turns TWO today......
We are attending her party this afternoon......
I must admit I had such fun playing with the NEW FISKARS INTERCHANGEABLE BORDER PUNCH - BANNERS AWAY....and the NEW CARTRIDGE for my FISKARS EVERYWHERE PUNCH- BURST....I thought these two punches complimented each other on this card.
Next I used my NEW STAMPIN UP Four Frames Stamp and Melon Mambo Ink Pad to stamp an image on white cardstock.
The sentiment is also a STAMPIN UP stamp that was given to me by a friend....thanks Pam!
I used the Tempting Turquoise Ink Pad for this as I thought it looked great against the background cardstock........................also from STAMPIN UP.......thanks guys!
I then punched out the image with my NEW STAMPIN UP Punch - Decorative Label
I love how STAMPIN UP have these co-ordinating stamps and punches.....just fabulous!!!
Paper is from the Stampin Up - Designer Series Paper
Cardstock is from Stampin Up - A4 Smooth Cardstock
Clown and flower embellishments were in my stash......thought they looked cute and added some more colour......
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMBERLEY!
I can't wait to play some more with these fabulous tools.....that arrived yesterday!!
I'll be back in a few days with more fun projects using these fabulous NEW Fiskars Tools................the Interchangeable Border Punches are sooooo user friendly.....great colours...and they stack so that you can easily store them....with the Design on the front......just fabulous!!!!
I'l be doing up a little HOW TO Video to show how easy these new Interchangeable Punches are to use.......
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Hey there Fiskateers......did you know that TARA CAPEWELL is hosting a FISKATEER PARTY in New South Wales on February 25th....it's going to be so much fun!
If you aren't yet a Fiskateer....no probs...you can join up by clicking on this FISKATEER link and then follow the instructions to join up .....FISKATEERS is such a fun place to hang out....to gain support and to be inspired by others around the world!!
( If you have any trouble joining up...just flick us an email and we'll help you out.......)
TARA has some fun activities planned for on the day......this is a fabulous opportunity to get together with fellow FISKATEERS and have some crafty fun for a day!! Tara shall have some of the NEW FISKARS CRAFT TOOLS to play with on the day...................ooh la la......what fun!!
Fellow Fiskateers are invited to attend and NEW Fiskateers are very welcome!!!
If you would like to attend you can send through an email to me at
fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
OR you can email TARA directly at
osiristhecat@hotmail.com
We can then give you further information.......
PLEASE rsvp by February 11th so that TARA can make final arrangements......
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Hi everyone,
We hope you have a wonderful AUSTRALIA DAY today no matter where you are around the world today!
To check out activities near you in Australia you can go to
http://www.australiaday.org.au/
I'm working all day at the Blue Lotus Watergarden ......but I'll be back tonight to announce the winners of our AUSTRALIA DAY CHALLENGE!!!!
Self pic taken before I headed off to work today.....LOL! Gotta' be patriotic!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
If you are like me and have a BUNCH of colouring in pencils.......and not the cheap ones........You,like me will hate it when they get banged about in a pencil case and the lead breaks within the pencil, then every time you go to sharpen it it breaks again!
I have solved this problem with a idea that i saw. A pencil roll.
It is really simple, all you will need is some scrap fabric, wadding, 2 metres elastic and some old ribbon or binding tape.
Firstly, Cut yourself 2 pieces of fabric size 70cm x 35cm with your pinking shears or a rotary cutter. then cut yourself a piece of wadding the same size.
Make a sandwich with fabric- wadding - fabric with the wrong sides of the fabric touching the wadding.
(sorry i should have taken a pic of this...i forgot!!)
Sew around the outside edge of the whole rectangle.
Take your elastic and cut in 1/2 (2 lots of 1 mtr) place across the fabric rectangle approx 1/4 from the bottom and then 1/2 way. pin.
Sew across the fabric and elastic the whole length down every 11/2 - 2 cm (depending on the thickness of your pencils) keep doing this the whole way till the end. You should get approx 45 -50 places depending on your spacing.
Trim off excess elastic.
Hem your whole rectangle of fabric with either binding tape or like me some ribbon. I used grosgrain ribbon as it is a little stronger.
And you are done. You can use a bit of ribbon to roll and tie it together like i did or you can even fold it instead.
Here is mine all filled up with my aqua pencils.
And here are my trusty Fiskars tools that i used THe Pinking shears are Great to stop fraying and the rotary cutter is great to cut those long straight lines!!!
Tara:)
The latest AUSTRLIA DAY CHALLENGE entry has come through from Toni......Fiskateer # 7985.
How cute is this!!!
This month Tami, one of our Fisk-a-leaders over at the Fisk-a-teers blog has put up a Colour Challenge.
The Challenge is to create a project/card/scrapbook Layout etc. with your favorite Football team colours. So with this in mind, i created my scrapbook layout of my daughter going to see the Hogwarts Express in Wales (a few years back!). My favorite football team is the Cronulla Sharks. their colours are Blue/White/Black. perfect for my page.
I had a LOT of photos to get in the pages and with the help of my Fiskars Sure-cut Trimmer i Cut my pics,layered them and placed them onto my card stock. I also added some patterned paper and ribbon and to top it off for old fiskars flowers...do you remember these vellum flowers! i have had them for a while!!!
I still have not journaled on the page yet.....my printer is on the blink! but a tip for all you scrapbookers out there....if you cannot seem to get the wording what you want on your page, pop what you do remember onto a post-it note on the back of your layout to remind you when you do get around to doing the journaling! This is what i have done with my page. Sometimes the journaling makes all the difference. On my page you will see hogwarts is spelt wrong,this is how Zoe use to say it Hogwooorts, it was really cute but without the journaling it looks like a spelling error!
So if you would like to enter this challenge hop on over to the Gallery icon, and click on active challenges. there you will find all the challenges that are available to enter including this one. Or you can click here. to enter.
Tara :)
WOWIE.....we are loving the projects coming through for our Australia Day/New Year Challenge...this latest entry comes from Anna Klutmans Fiskateer # 7612 from Monbulk in Victoria!
Anna is an active Fiskateer who loves to create beautiful crafty projects.......aren't these gorgeous....in both the Aussie traditional colour schemes....
Here's what Anna had to say.................
Cheers Anna #7612
Just letting you all know that FISKATEERS are having an online crop during CHA.....starts on January 29th.........these online crops are always such fun.....lots of Challenges....lots of prizes.....lots of fun!!!
So mark it down on your calendar or in your diary!!! If you aren't yet a member of the fabulous Fiskateer Community....no probs....you can join anytime by clicking on the FISKATEERS link here
Have you checked out Lyn's Australia Day Challenge?
Here is my entry. I made this card using Bella Australiana papers from Fynmark, inspiration from their DT cards shared on Facebook and LOTS of Fiskary tools.
Tools used include my trusty green self healing craft mat, fingertip craft knife, "Happy and you know it" clear stamps, medium, large and XL Twinkle Twinkle squeeze punch, medium Tag You're It squeeze punch and medium One Way squeeze punch.
Can't wait to see you project - don't forget entries close 25th January :)
The latest Australia Day/New Year Challenge entry has come in from Canadian Fiskateer Debbie Cornish....here's what Debbie had to say in an email to me today.... isn't this a fun creative project!!!
Hi Lyn,
Australia Day sounds like a wonderful day full of friendship and celebrations.
I don't live any where near Australia but would sure love to visit some day.
one of my fave tools with fiskars has to be the Ultra Shape Express cutter. So this layout design is centered around that. (i'm also on a ripping, crinkled - distress kick)
Here is my layout:
and the details
I used the following tools
Fiskars Ultra shape express cutter
Fiskars Leaf template
Fiskars A4 sized cutting mat
Fiskars Scrap boss with Zoo Stencil and embossing stylus
Fiskars Tripple Track Trimmer
Fiskars No 5 micro tip scissors
Here is how I did it:
Done - thanks for dropping by!
If you do a layout using this sketch we would love to see it.
email us: fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com
Difficulty rating: Intermediate
Ever since I got an iPad, I have been searching for just the right tote bag for it. I looked at tons of pre-made bags that were either very elaborate and expensive or super simple with no personality. I knew that I wanted something sturdy but simple, fun but functional. I decided my best option to get exactly what I wanted was to make a bag myself. After looking at several sewing patterns for bags, I determined that what I wanted would be simple enough to make without a pattern. I decided on a simple messenger style with a wide comfortable padded strap and an open top that I could quickly and easily slip my iPad into. I wanted a few pockets inside for accessories and bit of extra room for my wireless keyboard and anything else I might need to tote along with me for the day.
To begin, I lay your iPad (or other device) on your fabric to measure what size you want your finished bag to be. I planned to work with the folded edge of the fabric as my bag’s bottom so I laid my iPad on the fabric with the fold with the fold along the bottom. For my bag, I added 2” for seam allowances and extra bag size on each side of the iPad. You can easily adjust the measurements to create a larger or smaller bag to best match your device size and needs.
Cut two pieces of fabric and one piece of fusible fleece or batting to the determined size. Set the fleece or batting piece aside. Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of each fabric. I wanted my fabric fairly stiff on my bag so I used a heavy craft weight interfacing.
If you want a pocket inside your bag, cut a piece of fabric the size of the pocket you desire, adding 1” to each side. (My pocket piece measured 12” wide by 9 1/2” tall.) Apply fusible interfacing to the backside of the pocket fabric. Create a 1” fold on each side of the pocket piece, pressing and pinning it to the back side. My finished pocket size was 10” wide by 7 1/2” tall.)
Top stitch along the top edge of the pocket piece 1/8” – 1/4” from the top edge.
Fold the bag lining in half, laying it on your table so that the fold is at the bottom. Place the pocket piece in the center of the lining, making sure that the sewn top edge of the pocket is at the. Unfold the lining and pin the pocket in place.
Sew the pocket to the lining along the side and bottom edges of the pocket about 1/8” to 1/4” from the edge of the pocket piece.
If you would like to add dividers to the pocket, use a chalk pencil and ruler to mark straight sewing lines from the top of the pocket to the bottom. You can vary the width of the lines to create pockets to meet your needs.
Layer your fabric on your work surface so that your outer bag fabric is facing printed side down on your work table. Place the fleece or batting on top of the wrong side of the outer bag fabric. Place the liner fabric on top of the fleece or batting printed side up.
Pin the three layers together. Sew the pieces together by sewing 1/8” from the edge on all four sides.
Sew folded bias tape over the two short sides of the assembled bag body. These two sides will be the top edges to the bag.
To create straps, determine what width you want your straps to be (mine were 2” wide) and how long you want your straps to be (mine was 64” long). Cut two fabric, two interfacing, and one fleece or batting pieces to match your desired measurements. In my example, I had to piece two cuts of fabric together to create each of the strap pieces. I place the seam of each at the center of my strap pieces. Adhere the interfacing to the strap pieces.
Layer the strap pieces like you did the pieces to the body of the bag. Pin the pieces together and sew 1/8” from the edge on all four sides.
Pin the strap to the body of the bag. The body of the bag fits around the ends of each strap like a letter U. Make sure that the center point on the bag’s body in the fold matches the center of each strap bottom. After pinning, sew the bag and strap together, 1/8” - 1/4” from the edge.
Sew folded bias tape over the remaining raw edges of the assembled bag.
First introduced in 1967 as a quality fabric scissors, our Original Orange-Handled Scissors™ redefined the standard for cutting precision. Not only was it much lighter and more comfortable than forged scissors, the cutting performance was so good it forced many a home seamstress to declare the scissors off limits. To help us celebrate the 45th anniversary of our iconic Orange-Handled Scissors, check out our page on facebook . Our celebration begins on January 17 with a fun-filled 45-day countdown leading up to the first day of National Craft Month on March 1. Like us on Facebook to join the celebration and check out all the contests, prizes, fun facts, artist features and more.
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As part of celebrating the Original Orange-Handled Scissors’ 45th anniversary, we want to see pictures of you and your trusted Orange-Handled Scissors. Just share a fun photo of you and your favorite Fiskars scissors, and you could win a scissors prize pack that includes a brand new Orange-Handled Scissors, Non-stick Detail Scissors and our new Cuts+More™ Multipurpose Scissors. Feel free to enter each week — a winner will be chosen at random every Tuesday for the next 45 days as we countdown to the start of National Craft Month. |
Just giving you all the Heads Up on this wonderful achievement by FISKARS and what a fun opportunity to win some cool Fiskars Tools.....so make sure you check it out....must get my Orange Fiskars Scissors out and get creative ......mmm...what to take a pic of......LOL! The mind boggles.....
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
After a phone call today from Spotlight Bayswater Craft Manager Dianne.....I thought I'd share this How to video with our readers again....Dianne had a customer enquiry about using the fabulous Fiskars Circle Cutter........................
The Fiskars Circle Cutter is such a fabulous tool to have in your Kit......there's so much you can do with it....it makes circles from 1" - 8"......these are available through local craft stores and Spotlight also range them.
If you wish to see more past videos on here....then just click on the Videos link on the sidebar....OR type in video in the Google Search Bar up the top lefthand side......
There are many HOW TO Videos on our site......and we plan on creating more for you during 2012!
We shall add some NEW TOOL Release Videos from time to time throughout the year and also share some "Technique" type videos with you all....and maybe some Projects How to Videos.....sound good?
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Here's a fun party idea sent through by Chistine Cleary from New Zealand..... for our AUSTRALIA DAY/NEW YEAR CHALLENGE ....... Christine had this to say.............
Difficulty rating: Beginner
I am a sucker for journals of all shapes & sizes – I love having someplace to jot down ideas, and gather crafty inspiration. This simple journal combines some of my favorite patterned papers with interesting border details to create a pretty place to record DIY projects. In just 5 easy steps, you can create a variety of journals of your own!
Instructions
1. Gather patterned paper and cardstock – a combination of patterns & solids works well. Trim to your desired journal size – I used 6 inch x 8 inch. Tip – allow a bit of extra space on pages that you’ll border punch.
2. Round corners if desired. Punch 3 holes on left hand side, and insert binder clips.
3. Border punch the lower edge of some pages. The new Fiskars Interchangable Border punches make it easy to quickly switch looks.
4. Add tabs to create divided sections. I used my favorite punch – Fiskars Round n' Round – to create rounded tabs.
5. For the cover, I decided to add some stitching for more of a hand-crafted feel. Simply punch out your shapes, and tack them in place with just a touch of adhesive.
Then stitch wavy lines using a sewing machine
I plan to create a handful of these journals – they’ll be the perfect place to store home décor ideas, crafty project ideas, magazine clippings, and paint swatches. What will you use your journal for?
.......for further crafty inspiration during 2012 make sure you drop by http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting/Project-Gallery
Hello There!
It's sketch time at the Fisk-a-teers blog and Rebecca has given us a Layout and Card Sketch to work with.
You can find the post Here.
So firstly Rebecca gave us the card sketch.
And With a little bit of playing around with the sizes given......only a little..... here is my card.
I used my Fiskars Trimmer,Fiskars Scissors,Large circle squeeze punch,Extra large scalloped circle squeeze punch,Fiskars Double Bubble border punch,Kaisercraft papers called cock-a-doodle-doo. The dragon stamp was from Wild Rose Studio( i had to buy it he was holding a Poppy!) and the sentiment was from hero arts. I coloured the Dragon with Copic markers(if you want the colours i used it will be on my Blog.
The second sketch was a Layout Sketch
Here is the Layout sketch that Rebecca Shared with us....
And here is the Layout i did.....
I used my Fiskars Trimmer,Fiskars shape express template-circles,Fiskars shape express cutter,Fiskars kaleidoscope border punch and Fiskars in stitches border punch. The paper and embellishments i used was KI Memories Love elise range-Zoe( i just had to use this as my daughter is zoe and it was perfect for her!)
If you like the sketches and would love to have a go at winning a prize also, all you have to do is make sure you are a fisk-a-teer,Pop your finished projects in the Fisk-a-teer Gallery and link them on the Sketch challenge post. Which again you can find Here.
And Do not Forget also if you are a and you live in New South Wales, please comment on this post to let me know if you are intrested and a Fisk-a-party on the 25th Febuary 2012 It will be Held in the Blue Mountains. There will be games and prizes to be won on the day.
Tara:)
I hope that you have a wonderful 2012....full of fun and happiness!
Let's start the year off with a fun Crafty Challenge!! Not everyone goes away over the Holidays so let's get those crafty minds activated and those hands busy!
I was nicely surprised a week ago when the FED EX man drove up our driveway with a HUGE BOX!
Thanks to LEAD FISKATEER Rebecca Peck I now have some of these fabulous Fiskars Special Edition Winter Punches.......and in true Fiskateer spirit I'm going to share some of these with you all.
I am keeping some being the PUNCH QUEEN that I am......LOL! Thanks Rebecca!!!!
ok...........to be in the draw to win one of these Winter Special Edition Punches all you need to do is to put together a little project that could be used to celebrate Australia Day......and email through to
fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
With AUSTRALIA DAY Challenge in the title
It could be a card,LAYOUT,canvas,photoframe,mini album,journal,gift box,party favour ,etc,etc.....you might have friends around for a BBQ or dinner...maybe have a famiy get together...so I'm sure you can think of something crafty you can make..................could even be little cupcakes with flags,etc....just have fun with this challenge.
If you use a Fiskars Tool then you have an extra entry into the draw.......sound easy?
If you don't live in Australia...no probs...you can still enter by just sending through a fun party type project that you have made especially for this challenge......party favour,invitation,party hat,present idea,etc.etc.....that could be used at a CELEBRATION PARTY!
Have fun with this Challenge everyone! What better way to bring in the NEW YEAR than a Crafty Challenge!!
AUSTRALIA DAY is celebrated on JANUARY 26th........
So let's close this Challenge on JANUARY 25th with the winners announced on AUSTRALIA DAY!!
That gives you about 11 days to get crafty these holidays!
Can't wait to see what you all come up with......shall be choosing at least 3 random winners!!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
I love many things and of course my most loved thing crafting wise are all my fiskars tools,so when i see a Fiskars tool being used with something else i love it's like the jackpot!!!! So today while i was reading the Lawn Fawn Stamp Blog (and i just LOOOVE their stamps!) I got really excited when they showed a great technique with the Fiskars stamp press. The best way to describe it was mirror stamping. Ever had a stamp that you think...ï wish it was facing the other way"well the video on the Lawn Fawn blog shows you exactly how to do it.
I watched the video and straight away got stamping!
This is what i created.
I used my Fiskars sure-cut recycled trimmer,Fiskars scissors,Fiskars medium cloud squeeze punch, Fiskars Grass border punch and of course my Fiskars Stamp press to make the owls face each other.
THe stamps i used were Lawn Fawn Critters in the forest ,My cute stamps eieio(for the sun) and a my cute stamp sentiment.
And for colouring i used copic markers.
So pop on over to the Lawn fawn blog and check out the video for another really great way to use your Fiskars stamp press.
Tara:)
Isn't this just the most beautiful handmade gift a daughter could give her mother for Christmas!
Phillip Godinho's daughter created this gorgeous handmade Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking for her and gave it to her for Christmas.......it just blew me away when I received an email from Pip this morning!
It's got such character and is soooooooooooooo personalised......with Pip's cats also included!
What a fabulous GIFT OF LOVE!!!!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
MADISON, Wis., Jan 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fiskars is proud to announce that ten of its products across the company's home, garden, school and craft categories were awarded the prestigious GOOD DESIGN(TM) 2011 Award. The award emphasizes quality design of the highest form, function, and aesthetic.
The GOOD DESIGN(TM) Award is conferred annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The Museum received several thousand entries in 2011 from corporations in over 48 countries.
The following Fiskars products were named some of the most innovative and cutting-edge product designs for 2011 produced around the world.
-- Fiskars StaySharp(TM) Reel Mowers
-- Fiskars PowerGear(R) III Lopper and Hedge Shear
-- Fiskars Triple-Claw Weeder
-- Fiskars Package Opener
-- Fiskars Eco Bin(TM) Composter
-- Fiskars X Series Axes
-- Fiskars ShopBoss(TM) Hardware Snip
-- Fiskars Titanium Softgrip(R) Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter
-- Fiskars 3-in-1 Corner Squeeze Punch
-- Fiskars Designer Non-Stick Blunt-Tip Kids Scissors
"Fiskars is honored to be once again recognized among companies from around the globe for extraordinary design excellence," said Fiskars President Paul Tonnesen. "As a company with a centuries-old heritage rooted in design, we proudly celebrate our accomplishments of 2011 and look forward to continuing to apply smart design principles to products in the new year.
Fiskars products are renowned for their functionality, ease of use and design and have been recognized worldwide with numerous design accolades, including: red dot design awards, iF design awards, Fennia Prize - Good design grows global, International Design Awards (IDA), and GOOD DESIGN Awards.
All winning designs for GOOD DESIGN 2011 will be posted on the Museum's website at www.chi-athenaeum.org and are published in the GOOD DESIGN Yearbook for 2011-2012.
Now in its 61st year, GOOD DESIGN remains the oldest and the most prestigious Awards Program organized worldwide. Submissions to the program are judged by a jury of distinguished design professionals and leading industry specialists to create a revived awareness about contemporary design and to honor both products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace. GOOD DESIGN is an international symbol of a company's firm commitment to innovation and superior design embodiment.
ABOUT FISKARS
Fiskars Corporation is a leading global supplier of consumer products for the home, garden and outdoors. The world famous orange-handled scissors are a registered trademark of Fiskars Corporation. The group has a strong portfolio of trusted international brands including: Fiskars, the World's #1 Scissors Brand, Iittala and Gerber. Founded in 1649, Fiskars has over 360 years of product quality excellence and is Finland's oldest company. Please visit www.fiskars.com and www.facebook.com/fiskars .
WAY TO GO FISKARS!!!!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Rod and I have been married 38 years TODAY!!!
It's also the first Flower Market for the year....so he has been in to the Vic Market in the wee hours and is now sound asleep....................so I'm doing his WATERGARDEN SHIFT today!
We are heading out for dinner tonight in Healesville!
Hope he likes this Card I made him........my second ever STEP CARD.....must admit I'm addicted to making these now.....next one is going to be for a 70th birthday....and I'm thinking of doing it in HAWTHORN COLOURS.....brown and yellow...as the recipient is a mad Hawthorn Fan!!
I used the following FISKARS TOOLS:
* Fiskars Surecut Trimmer - cutting and scoring blades
* Fiskars Stamp Block
* Fiskars Stamps
* Heidi Grace Stamps
If you are like me and trying to get organised for 2012 you won't want to miss adding these PAPERIFIC EXPO DATES to your Calendar!!
For further details you can check out the PAPERIFIC EXPO WEBSITE
Naomi has changed the PAPERIFIC LOGO.....looks lovely .....scissors and stamps in a crafters hand....love it!
xoxo
Lyn
Have you seen the NEW LOOK FISKATEERS website?
Go have a look see...............it's FISK-A-FABULOUS!!!!
Whilst over there at FISKATEERS.....try posting a project or two to your gallery.....and try out the NEW FEATURES!!! There are still a few glitches but they are working on them and the NEW FEATURES are wonderful.......I've been playing for over an hour.....think I need to do some housewrok....LOL!
TARA CAPEWELL(NSW) has announced the date for her FISKATEER PARTY.....go check it out on the Messageboard.....ooh la la................more PARTY FUN in 2012!!!! If you would like to attend TARA'S FISKATEER PARTY on Feb 25th......then all you have to do is be a Fiskateer before that date and let her know you are attending......TARA shall be posting more about her FISKATEER PARTY on here later this week...so watch out for it......especially those of you who live in NSW.
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
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I received an email in my inbox today from LINCRAFT so thought I'd share with you all in case you are after a FISKARS STAMP FACTORY!! At only $29.99 that's a bargain price......these are great for the Kids to use as well as Adults!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
This Squeeze punch is Incredible!
I've been experienting with this punch as soon as I got it. I love how versitle it is.... What? you say? its an owl! OH yea sure it is......
But in my hands....
You could have a frog, roast chicken, Rudolph, superhero mask, letter H and a cat!
Here are some videos on how to make these..... enjoy...
Available at Spotlight stores! Yes thats right spotlight stores.... awesome!
Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com
After I received some fun NEW Fiskars Winter Special Edition Punches from Lead Fiskateer Rebecca Peck last week I decided to rip open a few and try them out....as you do.....LOL!
I used the following two FISKARS punches to create my first project for 2012
Flaking Out Border Punch...............and Not even a Mouse Lever Punch
I turned the mouse upside down on the front of this card .....in fact I punched out 6 mice....and then used my Fiskars hand punch (heart) to create a fun card topper.....
I had fun creating this Step Card for my dear scrapping buddy CAROLYN......hope she likes it!
The embellishments I used where from my stash...mainly white bazzill cardstock and product from the Bella Red Fusion Range!
I'm addicted now.....so I'm going to make a few more of these fun cards....next one shall be for my hubby for our 38th Wedding Anniversary on January 12th......shall be back soon to share with you all.......
*** Don't forget you can win one of the Fiskars Winter Special Edition Punches by entering our NEW YEAR CHALLENGE over here .....closes January 25th...can't wait to see what you all come up with!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Difficulty rating: Beginner
Taking photos has become second-nature to me. I’m dutiful about taking my camera to kid’s sporting events, school activities, and holiday celebrations. I even manage to snap pics of favorite foods, craft projects, and cute outfits. Despite all of this clicking, I sometimes wish that I had an easy way to track the must-have photos for each month of the year. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to take more pics, check out these ideas for organizing your picture taking prompts-
Schedule your Photo Ops
Use Google Calendar to schedule photos throughout the month. Google allows the option of color coding your calendar entries, so you can choose a color to dedicate to your photo ideas. Adding the photo as an appointment ensures that you get a reminder on the day that the photo is due.
Create Crafty Reminders
Rolodex files – change tabs to months, and write a photo prompt on each card. The benefit of using rolodex cards is that you can move repeating prompts to the next month. For example, you may want to include a self-portrait and a family portrait every month.
Tag book – especially useful if you carry your camera bag with you often. You can use a binder clip to attach this tag book to your bag.
Office décor – use a small frame or easel to feature each month’s photo list. You’ll be more likely to complete each month’s list if you have daily visual reminder! (Tip – to create sparkling snowflakes, punch from cardstock, then spray with adhesive. Sprinkle glitter onto punched shape while adhesive is still wet.)
Participate in Challenges
Photo challenges are abundant on the internet. Whether you want to target a photo-a-day, 12 per month, or photos timed to children’s milestones – you’re sure to find a list of photo ideas with a quick search. One advantage of participating in challenges is having a group of people motivating you – think of it as working out with a buddy, but using your camera!
Feature your Photos
Taking a lot of photos can quickly fill up your hard drive, and leave you wondering “now what?”
Start the year with a plan – choose your favorite photos from each month & move them to a favorites folder. At the end of year, have a photo book printed that includes all of these pics.
Create a layout each month that highlights your photos. Many photo editing programs come with an option to print multiple photos in contact sheet format – doing so allows you to include dozens of photos on one layout.
Invest in a digital photo frame to easily sync your photo display. You’ll be even more motivated to keep clicking when you can see the results of your efforts.
Need even more ideas on how to use your photos? Check in with Fiskars.com every month to see how our designers are getting crafty with photos and Fiskars tools!
Hi everyone,
Well the NEW YEAR is already into it's second week and the FISKARS CRAFT TEAM are already planning some fun projects and challenges for 2012!
Do you have something that you would like to see more of on our Blog this year....do you have any ideas of what types of things you might be interested in....eg.product spotting,new realeases,how to videos,events,tutorials,papercrafting,sewing,mixed media,etc.etc.......just flick us an email at
fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
Put IDEAS FOR 2012 in the subject line....................and we'll certainly take these on board when planning ahead!
We are going to have a few more GUEST BLOGGERS this year....so if this is something you may be interested in doing then send us through an email to
fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
Please put GUEST BLOGGER in the subject line!
Did you know that you can SUBSCRIBE to our Blog? ......................just click on the link up the top lefthand sidebar......this way you won't miss a thing......as you'll then receive just the one email each day informing you of any posts on here.....straight to your inbox.....
Happy Crafting !
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Happy New Year!
Well last year was interesting for the world wasn't it?
Lets hope its a better one for all this year.
Here is the first of many Fetchy Sketchy Fridays.... this year it will be fortnightly. ;)
We start with a Thank you Card sketch for all those people that gave you wonderful pressies this year....
Here is my example:
I used the following tools:
Fiskars grass border punch
Fiskars tripple track trimmer
Fiskars fabric embossing plate and embossing tool
Fiskars Adhesive foam dots
Fiskars Clear stamps
Fiskars Chestnut Brown ink pad
Fiskars No5 micro tip scissors
If you do a layout using this sketch we would love to see it.
email us: fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
Wishing you a very happy and crafty New Year.
Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com
Have you seen this thread on the FISKATEER Messageboard today! Go take a peek FISKATEERS.
As from MONDAY/TUESDAY there shall be a NEW SITE with exciting changes....woohooo....
http://www.fiskateers.com/blog/2012/01/04/a-sneak-peak-at-some-of-the-new-website-features/
EXCITING TIMES HEY!!!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Now that Christmas is over I have been taking down all the decorations and cards and decided to create a few fun Gift Boxes by recycling some of the cards we received this Christmas into little Gift Boxes........these will be ideal for soaps,hankies,jewellery,chocolates,perfume,gift cards,etc,etc.....for next Christmas.
I have put together this little Video in case some of you might like to try this....it's such fun to do!!
*** TIP
You can do the same thing with other Cards....eg...Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, Baby Cards.....
Let me know what you think.
xoxo
Lyn
Calendar Easel Card
By Kath Stewart
Fiskars® Tools
Continuous Stamping Wheel™ (5568)
Continuous Stamps - Dragonfly (5705)
Continuous Ink - Black (5576)
Squeeze Punch XL - Scalloped Circle (3776)
Squeeze Punch L - Scalloped Circle (5369)
Lever Punch - Circle (5472P)
Lever Punch - Butterfly (5466)
Everywhere Window Punch™ - Frame (5567)
Surecut™ Paper Trimmer (9893)
Universal Purpose Scissors (9853)
Materials
Square Easel Card
Green Paper
Brown Paper
Striped Paper
Brown Seam Binding
Jewel Brad
Self Adhesive Pearls
Calendar Pad
Number Stickers
Fine Liner Pen
Brown Ink Pad
Double Sided Tape
3D Foam Pads
Instructions
Step 1
Trim 2 pieces of green paper to measure slightly smaller than the front and inside of the easel card.
Step 2
On the front section, print dragonfly pattern using the Continuous Stamping Wheel™ leaving a border at the left hand edge. Ink around the edge with the brown ink pad.
Fix seam binding ribbon and decorate with a double bow.
Step 3
Trim white paper to 2" x 4" and green slightly smaller. Fix together using double sided tape. Punch circles from brown paper using Lever Punch Circle.
Use 3 circles to create a scalloped edge on the mat fixing behind and fix the bottom circle as shown. Cut one circle in half and fix to the edges of the mat.
Step 4
Punch one of each scalloped circle. Ink the edges with brown ink pad and snip into the centre all round to create a ruffled flower. Fix together with the jewel brad and fix to mat with 3D foam pads. Create the stem with a fine liner pen. Punch a scalloped circle from green paper and cut to create a small heart shape for the leaf and fix with a 3D foam pad.
Punch a butterfly from green paper. Decorate with self adhesive pearls and fix as shown.
Step 5
On the inside section, create an aperture using the Everywhere Window Punch™. Ink the edges with brown ink pad. Decorate with punched circles. Fix calendar on 3D Foam Pads.
Everywhere Window Punch™ - Frame.....
To find more crafty inspiration make sure you pop over to http://www.fiskarscraft.co.uk/Activities/Projects/NEW
I spotted these fabulous Fiskars Ecoworks Scissors last week when I was in Officeworks ..$5.00 ....what a bargain.....so I brought a pair to try......they are so light and easy to use!
They also come in a pack of 2 for about $10.00......so I wanted to share this find with you all!
I was sick of my Fiskars Scissors all disapearing when hubby goes off to work and takes them with him....so I brought him his own pair....LOL!
Officeworks have a HUGE RANGE of FISKARS SCISSORS....ranging from the 3 year olds(pre-schoolers......to Adults!! Love the Recycled Handles...they are so darn comfortable!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
it is a weekly step by step lesson plan to do with sewing. You have one week to do each step and sew with me.
a functional hand bag with shoulder strap (could also be used as a small scrap tote bag)
full supply list will be provided in the first week of the sew-a-long
But I can tell you; you will need:
Fiskars Quilting cutting mat (or similar)
Fiskars titanium rotary cutter (or similar)
Fiskars micro tip scissors for cutting loose threads or a handy Fiskars 12-in-1 sewing tool
Sewing machine with needles that will sew thick fabric (I use size 100/16 "jeans" Machine needles by Trendy trims Limited)
within the next few weeks
Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com
You got all these wonderful cards from friends and family members - but what do you do with them after the holiday season?
Well you can make a greeting card folder to put on display year after year...
You will need:
Method:
Gather all your cards together and put them in order of size
This will help you to determine the size of your folder and your spine width.
Score your spine on your cardboard. Using the stack of cards as a guide and adding an inch either side of that. (ie: if your cardstack measures 1" high then make your spine 3" wide.)
Cut 12x12 piece of cardstock a little smaller in height of your folder. Mine was 12" x 11" yours maybe different.
score your cardstock at 1" intervals
fold them in a zig zag style.... each valley is where your greeting cards will go later. So count up your valleys if you have 15 cards then you will need 15 valleys.
I added three cardstocks together to get the amount of valleys I needed.
on the back of each greeting card put adheasive down near the folded spine
Now add your cards to the zig zag folded cardstock
this is all my cards added.
grab your glue gun and put it down the end of your zig zag piece and glue to one side of your spine inside your cover.
then do the other side
leaving a gap on the spine.... most important!
Here is mine closed.
Its quite a thickness this year.
When you open it it will be like this - the middle may pop out too but its easily put back into place.
Find your pieces of christmas left over cardstock and if not in bits already cut it into bits. :)
adhere the pieces of cardstock onto the front of your greeting card folder.
Trim the edges with your Fiskars scissors and draw the zig zag stitching on with a black marker pen.
Add a title panel.
using the Fiskars finger tip craft knife cut slots either side of the spine (not cutting the cards inside) and feed the ribbon through like the above picture shows.
On the back cover cut a slot near the open side.
Your ribbon will help you keep the folder closed
Then you have finished! I did how ever add a hand cut holly embellishment on the front. Thought it needed something else. ;)
Here are other examples of card holders I made in the past....
Thank you for visiting. Hope you have a crafty year!
We would love to see yours if you make one....
email us: fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au
Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com
What is with the weather???? I do not know what it is like where you are but up in the Blue Mountains NSW all we seem to get is cloud and rain :( Where has our ozzie summer gone????
So to bring a bit of sunshine back, i thought why not make a summery card!
I took my inspiration from a picture i took last year when the weather was much better in Kiama.
and then using my Fiskars tools (cloud squeeze punch, sure cut trimmer and boundary water border punch) and some Lawn Fawn Stamps i made this cute card.
It really brightened up the cloudy day making it!
Tara :)
......you can now SUBSCRIBE to our Fiskars Craft Blog and that way you won't miss a thing as it's announced or shared on here.
How good would it be to just have an email sent to your inbox once a day informing you of what has been happening on here......sound good.....then all you need to do is to click on the Subscribe by email link on the top lefthand corner of our Blog.....see the link up there?
We are looking forward to a fabulous year of crafting in 2012 and shall have plenty to share with you all.....CHA sneak peeks coming soon........................
See you in the NEW YEAR!!!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Have you seen the Jenni Bowlin Fiskars Punches?
Here's a sneak peek at some...............................
I spotted these over at http://www.stopandscrap.com/jenni-bowlin-fiskars-punches.aspx
I think Grandma's Doily is my favourite of these...what about you! If you scrollover the punches with your mouse you can see the names of each punch!
xoxo
Lyn Dwyer
Difficulty rating: Beginner
Ringing in the New Year for my family is generally a small, casual affair and doesn’t usually get a whole lot of attention when it comes to party décor. Although, this year, our celebration will have a little more fancy added to it thanks to some inspiration during my last shopping trip.
Last time I was out at the Dollar Tree I spotted these cute little individual serving-sized bottled of Sparkling Red Grape Juice that resembled a fancy wine bottle and thought it would be perfect to dress them up a bit to make our celebration at home feel a little more special for my kids.
I’ve put together some other quick and easy ideas for your holiday celebrating! These ideas work for a New Year’s Eve celebration, but they are also suitable for any celebration whether it be a birthday, anniversary or wedding. Of course, each of these ideas uses some of my favorite Fiskars tools in very simple ways – simple because I want you to spend all your time celebrating this holiday, not slaving over your decorations.
It’s quite traditional to wish everyone to be healthy, wealthy and wise in the coming year and I wanted to put my own spin on wishing my family well by gifting them with words of motivation and affirmation inside of a paper fortune cookie party favor.
They are quite simple to make and only need a few supplies.
First decide upon your ‘fortunes’ and print them in your word processing program. You’ll want your phrases to stretch no longer than 4.5” long and no more than a few typed lines tall. You can google ‘fortune cookie sayings’ if you need help with wording your fortune.
Then, you’ll gather patterned papers and cut a 4.5” circle for each fortune using the Ultra ShapeXpress along with the smallest circle from the Super-Sized Circle Set.
Gently fold circle in half, creasing ONLY 1” in the middle. Open circle and add a glue dot approximately ¼” away from the crease on both sides of the crease. Then pinch the circle in half in the opposite direction of the crease, but DO NOT crease.
Instead, grab the opposing points with your thumb and middle finger, while pushing inward on the crease with your pointer finger. Once the crease starts caving move your pointer finger and tuck the thumb and pointer finger in between the paper to pinch the glue dots together. Slide fortune into cookie. Once you get the hang of this process you can tuck the fortune in the cookie before collapsing the paper to form the cookie shape.
There are many other small ways in which you can put a little fun and sparkle into the occasion. For this next idea, I’ve just customized a standard bag of plain white confetti by adding small pops of color and sparkle to the mix. This is done with just a little hand exercise squeezing the ¼” hand-held circle punch! The punch collects all the little confetti dots as you punch controlling the mess as you go. You’ll be surprise at what a small amount you’ll need to punch to breathe life into the plain white confetti. (Pssst…if you can’t find plain confetti at your discount store, then raid the 2-hole and 3-hole punches at the office. They work beautifully!)
Then, to ‘ring in the new year’, I added jingle bells as a functional embellishment just tied around the top of the tube.
To decorate the ‘fancy’ kid-friendly wine bottles, I simply covered the labels by layering patterned paper, with cardstock and sparkle paper, then finished it off with some ribbons. To add a little more dimension and visual interest, I ran the turquoise cardstock through the paper crimper first. The only thing you’ll have to remember when doing this is to use a stronger adhesive when adhering the crimped paper.
A party wouldn’t be a party without and invitation, now would it!? These invitations were made super simple by using the Ultra ShapeXpress along with the Uppercase Letter ShapeTemplate Set. Cutting the letters with a template ensures that each one is exactly the same and saves tons of time if you are duplicating the design over and over.
Lastly, since it’s a party celebrating the arrival of a new year, you’ll want to play off the ‘2012’ in your décor as much as possible. A ’12 sticker placed on cardstock, then punched using a squeeze punch makes the perfect little embellishment to hang from the neck of a wine bottle, the stem of your wine glass or even as a topper on your tube of confetti.
However it is that you decide to celebrate the New Year, just know that the Fiskars family wishes you a very safe, happy, and memorable celebration!
For more crafty inspiration make sure you drop by http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting
Difficulty rating: Beginner
As you get ready for the new year, relive the best moments of the last twelve months with a memory tree. This easy-to-make project will not only serve as decoration, but also as a great conversation starter.
Get started by gathering your favorite photos from the past year. Look for photos that will work well with the scale of the Fiskars XX-Large Tag Lever Punch. Then select colorful ribbons, solid cardstock and sparkly paper.
Spray paint a branch and let the paint dry. Once dry, insert the end in a piece of foam and place it in the bottom of a vase or other container. Weight the foam base down with pebbles. For greater stability, add plaster or floral foam inside the container around the foam base and branch. Then add a decorative accent, such as piece of fabric, to cover the stabilizer.
Decorating your tree is as easy as punching tags and adding ribbon hangers. Using the XX-Large Tag Lever Punch, punch equal numbers of pictures and cardstock pieces.
Glue the cardstock tag on the back of the picture tag. Then use a Fiskars Circle Hand Punch to create a hole in the top of the tag. You may wish to journal information about the picture on the back side.
Double a length of ribbon and thread it through the hole. Thread from the front to the back with the looped end facing away from you.
Pull the ends of the ribbon through the loop and tighten.
Tie another knot mid-way along the length of the ribbon to create ribbon tails. Hang the tags on the branches of your tree.
Then add glittery stars to the ends of the branches. Punch the stars from pre-glittered paper using the Fiskars X-Large Star Lever Punch.
Place an adhesive dot on the end the branch and place a punched star shape on each side to create a tree that sparkles from all angles.
For further craty projects make sure you drop by http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting
Difficulty rating: Beginner
One of my favorite childhood memories is staying up late to ring in the new year. It seemed so grown up and exciting!
This year you can help the new generation make those memories even more special by hosting a family friendly party. With simple and colorful decorations, dressed-up games, and fun accessories, you can’t go wrong.
First, set the stage with bright colors and a little sparkle. Tulle pom poms are easy to make and cost-effective. They can be either hanging or table-top decorations.
To make the pom poms, start with two yards of tulle (add more tulle for larger or fuller pom poms). Using Fiskars scissors, cut down the fold of the fabric. After doing so, there will be two pieces of tulle the same size – one on top of the other.
With the layers of fabric together, fold the fabric back and forth – accordion style. For larger pom poms, made the folds wider.
Once folded, keeps the folds on the top and bottom edges. Gather the fabric (open edges) from each side and tie tightly in the center.
Cut the folded edges apart with Fiskars scissors. Then pull all the layers apart to create a full pom pom. Add self-adhesive jewels to the tulle for a bit of sparkle.
A party wouldn’t be a party without costumes, right? Buy glittery top hats at a party supply store and add handcrafted accents.
Cut a 12 inch long strip of paper (width can vary) with the Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Trimmer (12"). Using the paper trimmer or Fiskars scissors, make even vertical cuts the length of the paper (do not cut the strip all the way through; leave approximately a quarter of an inch uncut along the top of the paper). Roll the paper up from one side to the other. Open the cut ends and then tuck the paper roll behind the ribbon band added to the party hat.
Keep the party going with a dressed-up game. Try Bingo with punched shape markers. Simply punch stars and moons from pre-glittered paper using the Starry Night Lever Punch and Medium Twinkle Twinkle Squeeze Punch.
And before you ring in the new year, don’t forget to commemorate the past year in a time capsule. Buy a clear jar and add a band of patterned paper inside the jar. Embellish the paper with Diamond Edge Border Punch and back it another band of contrasting paper before placing it inside. Then let the party goers each add pictures, notes, and other items that represent the year.
Difficulty rating: Beginner
One of my favorite childhood memories is staying up late to ring in the new year. It seemed so grown up and exciting!
This year you can help the new generation make those memories even more special by hosting a family friendly party. With simple and colorful decorations, dressed-up games, and fun accessories, you can’t go wrong.
First, set the stage with bright colors and a little sparkle. Tulle pom poms are easy to make and cost-effective. They can be either hanging or table-top decorations.
To make the pom poms, start with two yards of tulle (add more tulle for larger or fuller pom poms). Using Fiskars scissors, cut down the fold of the fabric. After doing so, there will be two pieces of tulle the same size – one on top of the other.
With the layers of fabric together, fold the fabric back and forth – accordion style. For larger pom poms, made the folds wider.
Once folded, keeps the folds on the top and bottom edges. Gather the fabric (open edges) from each side and tie tightly in the center.
Cut the folded edges apart with Fiskars scissors. Then pull all the layers apart to create a full pom pom. Add self-adhesive jewels to the tulle for a bit of sparkle.
A party wouldn’t be a party without costumes, right? Buy glittery top hats at a party supply store and add handcrafted accents.
Cut a 12 inch long strip of paper (width can vary) with the Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Trimmer (12"). Using the paper trimmer or Fiskars scissors, make even vertical cuts the length of the paper (do not cut the strip all the way through; leave approximately a quarter of an inch uncut along the top of the paper). Roll the paper up from one side to the other. Open the cut ends and then tuck the paper roll behind the ribbon band added to the party hat.
Keep the party going with a dressed-up game. Try Bingo with punched shape markers. Simply punch stars and moons from pre-glittered paper using the Starry Night Lever Punch and Medium Twinkle Twinkle Squeeze Punch.
And before you ring in the new year, don’t forget to commemorate the past year in a time capsule. Buy a clear jar and add a band of patterned paper inside the jar. Embellish the paper with Diamond Edge Border Punch and back it another band of contrasting paper before placing it inside. Then let the party goers each add pictures, notes, and other items that represent the year.
Difficulty rating: Beginner
One of my favorite childhood memories is staying up late to ring in the new year. It seemed so grown up and exciting!
This year you can help the new generation make those memories even more special by hosting a family friendly party. With simple and colorful decorations, dressed-up games, and fun accessories, you can’t go wrong.
First, set the stage with bright colors and a little sparkle. Tulle pom poms are easy to make and cost-effective. They can be either hanging or table-top decorations.
To make the pom poms, start with two yards of tulle (add more tulle for larger or fuller pom poms). Using Fiskars scissors, cut down the fold of the fabric. After doing so, there will be two pieces of tulle the same size – one on top of the other.
With the layers of fabric together, fold the fabric back and forth – accordion style. For larger pom poms, made the folds wider.
Once folded, keeps the folds on the top and bottom edges. Gather the fabric (open edges) from each side and tie tightly in the center.
Cut the folded edges apart with Fiskars scissors. Then pull all the layers apart to create a full pom pom. Add self-adhesive jewels to the tulle for a bit of sparkle.
A party wouldn’t be a party without costumes, right? Buy glittery top hats at a party supply store and add handcrafted accents.
Cut a 12 inch long strip of paper (width can vary) with the Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Trimmer (12"). Using the paper trimmer or Fiskars scissors, make even vertical cuts the length of the paper (do not cut the strip all the way through; leave approximately a quarter of an inch uncut along the top of the paper). Roll the paper up from one side to the other. Open the cut ends and then tuck the paper roll behind the ribbon band added to the party hat.
Keep the party going with a dressed-up game. Try Bingo with punched shape markers. Simply punch stars and moons from pre-glittered paper using the Starry Night Lever Punch and Medium Twinkle Twinkle Squeeze Punch.
And before you ring in the new year, don’t forget to commemorate the past year in a time capsule. Buy a clear jar and add a band of patterned paper inside the jar. Embellish the paper with Diamond Edge Border Punch and back it another band of contrasting paper before placing it inside. Then let the party goers each add pictures, notes, and other items that represent the year.
Difficulty rating: Beginner
Monograms on pillows have been a rising trend in home décor for some time now. While they make quite a statement, they can also come at quite a price due to the personalization it entails. If you’re in love with the trend and have been looking for a way to make the same bold statement in your own space, you’ll be pleased to know you can achieve the same look for a fraction of the cost. The secret? Heat ‘N Bond and a few key Fiskars tools.
As you’ve probably seen from the popular store-bought pillows, the monogram trend has spilled over into punctuation statements, as well. Today, I’ll be showing you three different samples of how you can create your own monogram pillows that have a fun, trendy look and one of them even features a punctuation mark. Let’s get started!
Gather your supplies: Heat ‘N Bond – Lightweight, Micro tip Scissors, Detail Cutting Knife, Cutting Mat, Rotary Cutter, Quilting Ruler, Fabric, Coordinating Thread, Sewing Machine, Pins, Pillow Form, Ironing Board, and Iron.
You’ll need to use your quilting mat, rotary cutting tool, and quilting ruler to square up your fabric. Add 1” for seam allowances when cutting your fabric for the front of the pillow.
Since I’ve made all of my pillows as slipcovers for easy removal, there is just a small amount of extra work for the back pieces. The fabric measurement you’ll need is the width of your pillow form, plus 6” (1” for the seam allowance and 5” for the overlap). So if your pillow form is an 18” pillow, you’ll cut a rectangle 18” x 24”. Then cut this piece in half giving you two pieces measuring 18” x 12”. These are your backing pieces that will create the opening to stuff the pillow into.
Hem one 18” side of each backing piece by folding the edge over ½” and ironing, then folding over that same edge again, iron, and stitch close to the inside edge.
To create a template for your monogram, type your letter or punctuation mark into a word processing program. Before printing it enlarge the font until you have the desired size. Cut out the monogram using scissors and/or a detail knife to cut intricate letters. This will become your template. (Tip: You can find thousands of unique fonts that are free to download at dafont.com)
Cut a piece of Heat ‘N Bond – Lightweight slightly larger than your template and iron the textured side onto the BACK side of your fabric following the packaging instructions. Then place your template REVERSED onto the slick side of the Heat ‘N Bond and trace using a ballpoint pen. Cut out along your traced lines using Micro tip Scissors. Peel backing off your monogram and place centered on your 18” fabric square, smooth wrinkles, and iron in place.
Lay your pillow front face up on your work surface and smoothing wrinkles. With the right side of the fabric facing down, match up the corners of one backing piece with the corners of the pillow front on the left side and pin. Continue to pin along the top, side and bottom edges. Then lay the remaining backing piece on the right side and pin. Sew along all 4 sides using a ½” seam allowance.
To ensure crisp corners, trim corners at a 45-degree angle, turn slipcover right side out, and push out corners using a small blunt object, like a pen cap. Slip pillow inside.
A punctuation pillow is just one variation of a monogram pillow, but for this next one I thought I’d take monograms to the extreme and create a family of monograms using a larger sized font for the last name initial, a capital letter for the husband and wife’s initials, and lowercase letters for the children’s initials. I also added in another ampersand for good measure.
This type of pillow takes a little extra planning and maybe a few extra trips to the printer to get the font sizes to look just perfect and balanced. The steps to create the pillow are the same you’ll just have more templates to trace and cut and need to use a little extra care when ironing the Heat ‘N Bond covered fabric pieces to the pillow front.
All the extra work is totally worth the effort though. Since this pillow is more playful, I decided to add a corduroy print as the backing
And for the last variation, I decided to show how to make the monogram pillow look just a bit more homespun and comfortable instead of so polished.
To do so, I chose to do a light monogram using a tone on tone fabric, bonded to a darker fabric background. To play up the monogram a bit, I stitched around the monogram letter using thread in the same color of the monogram letter and a short zigzag stitch.
Whichever variation you choose you’ll be keeping up with current decorating trends without breaking the bank!
Difficulty rating: Beginner
A New Year’s Eve party is a great chance to fit in one last crafting project for the year, and a fun way to start off the new year with hand-crafted touches! Fiskars tools make it easy.
Set the mood before your guests even arrive with a fun invitation. These toasting glasses are stamped directly onto cardstock and kicked up a notch with a fun bubble technique. On a protected surface, use the three sizes of eyelet setters to punch assorted circles coming up from the glasses. Add foam adhesive dots to the back of punched cardstock and layer onto champagne-colored cardstock for dimension and color. Then simply mount onto a folded card base.
A fun garland is an easy way to add dramatic décor to any party. This spiraled option is full of New Year cheer from stars to bubbles. Using a paper trimmer, cut strips of assorted cardstock and spiral around a small dowel, pen, etc. and thread onto string using a 1/16 inch Circle hand punch. To add some fun, punch small stars and circles from some strips before curling. For even more drama, run both sides through the new Bubbles border punch on a few strips.
Clocks are a perfect choice for New Year’s Eve décor and make for dramatic cupcake toppers. To create the debossed clock faces, punch two identical XL circles. On the back of one, draw an X with pencil to divide the circle into four equal quadrants and punch each line with the 1/4 inch Rectangle hand punch. Draw lines to divide each quadrant in half, and then again to divide each slice in half once more. Punch each of these lines with the 1/16 inch Circle hand punch. Then adhere punched circle onto the plain circle to create your clock base. You can repeat this for each clock face, or create one template to mark all circles.
The clock hands are made from the new ‘Snip Snip’ squeeze punch trimmed of its handles and topped with an adhesive gem or pearl. Glue clocks to toothpicks to insert into cupcakes.
I like to provide a cute midnight snack to start off the new year. Presenting food (including dips and candy/nuts) in plastic champagne glasses (I got mine in sets at the dollar store) is a fun touch. Tie up a little snack (like these mini cinnamon rolls) in treat bags and add a sweet tag to your bow. The bags keep your treats fresh when prepared in advance.
Tags are a breeze with the XL Tag lever punch. Add a large circle squeeze punch title to mimic a moon (trimmed to fit tag) surrounded by punched stars to complete the midnight theme.
While you have out the 1/4 inch Star hand punch, create a bunch of confetti from assorted cardstocks. Punch aluminum foil folded in half for metallic stars!
Round out the party in style by sending guests home with a goodie bag featuring the ball dropping in Times Square with a “thanks for dropping by” sentiment for a fun play on words. Cover a treat bag with black paper trimmed to size and adhere a strip of gray cardstock. Punch four or five scalloped ‘Seal of Approval’ circles from white cardstock and fold each in half. Adhere backs of folded circles together to form half of a ball to adhere to pole on bag. For extra sparkle, paint each section with glue (once formed and dry) and sprinkle with crystal glitter. Allow to dry fully before adhering to bag.
Here’s to all of the fun crafting projects completed this year and looking forward to lots more fun in the New Year!
For further crafty inspiration pop on over to http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting
Wishing all our Readers a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!
We'll be back soon with more crafty inspiration over the holiday period and again in 2012!
Stay SAFE and have a fabulous time this Christmas with FAMILY and FRIENDS no matter where you are around the World!! 
from all the FISKARS CRAFT TEAM!!
We shall be enjoying time with our family and friends over the Christmas New Year week.....but the Crafty Inspiration shall continue on here....so keep dropping by......
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!
