Student Nationals

Today as well as sharing a page, I'm going to share a few quick tips that I learnt from my first attempt at typed journalling.

The actual layout of this page is very simple. I made a photo collage for the bottom four images, and just had them printed together. I wanted to keep the rest of the page clean, because those five photos are so busy. These were from the Octopush Student Nationals at the end of February, and for anyone who doesn't know what octopush is, check this page. Trust me, it's fantastic. I couldn't play this year, as I was ill, but I was so proud that the York A team came fourth!

I then measured out the space I had on the plain yellow card beside the pictures. I subtracted a centimetre from either side, as I wanted a border. I translated this into a punlisher document, setting the text box to the same dimensions. For formatting, I chose to have the text stretched equally across the lines to keep the shape of the rectangle.

Once everything was typed and formatted to fit the box, I printed the page out. I used a paper trimmer to cut each line out evenly, and then a pair of scissors to cut the end and beginning if the time as close as possible.

Now comes the fiddly part: sticking them down. I found the best way to not get muddled is to try, desperately, to ALWAYS KEEP YOUR LINES IN ORDER. I spent a while trying to figure out which one's needed to go in which order because I, stupidly, overlooked that issue. 

Once that is done, I adhered mine in a few places with a glue stick, but any adhesive that can work on small strips of paper would work just as well.

You can see from this image that not all of the strips are evenly cut, note particularly the last line of the second from last paragraph: the 'to' very nearly got cut of due to my poor scissor skills, resulting in a slant... but it's okay. You can't tell as long as ou don't stare at it too much. Perhaps this can help you learn from my mistake - don't get distracted while using scissors!

I hope this helps to anyone else looking to start typing their scrapbook journalling!

DIY: Mini Ribbon Flags

I thought today I'd share a quick little DIY on how to make these little flags. One of the things, I feel, my stash is actually lacking in is small embellishments like these which I can use on my scrapbook pages and on cards. They could even act as little cake toppers! I'm sure there are other similar tutorials out there, but this one works for me.

They're really quick and simple, and can be made to suit any colour scheme.

Equipment:

Ribbon

Wooden cocktail sticks

Stapler

Scissors

1) Fold the ribbon to the desired length of your flag. My advice is not to cut this just yet, as if the staple goes wrong (which it did for me a couple of times) you're not wasting any ribbon.

2) Staple the fold of the ribbon at an angle. You want to get the staple close enough so that the cocktail stick can slide into the channel created, but not too large that it will fall straight out again. The angle is to help the cocktail stick remain in place.

3) Test the channel created. The image above shows a staple placement that is pretty much perfect. If your staple isn't quite right, just cut the ribbon off at the staple and try again from step 1.

4) From here you can trim both sides of the flags equally. Flat edges work well, but I prefer the pennants as in the first image. It's all down to personal preference.

I can't wait to use these on my projects!

Graphic (Nerdy) Nails

Now, I have never done a nail tutorial before but I am quite proud of how these turned out.

They look really neat and jazzy, and fantastic with the length of my nails at the moment. 

As this is a spur-of-the-moment sort of thing, I didn't take process shots, but I have made some rather helpful diagrams, to talk you through the process.

Step 1: Paint the nail a basic grey. I used a cheap, Natural Collection polish in the colour Winter Moon. Leave to dry.

Step 2: Mask off a triangle at the tip of the nail so that the point is central. I find using insulating/electrical tape the most effective, as it creates a good seal, but removes itself easily. Paint the exposed nail red; I used Sinful Colour's Sinful Colours 'Sugar Sugar', it has a subtle sparkle to it.

Step 3: Paint the lower two thirds of the nail black, leaving only a few triangles of colour exposed. This can be masked for a precise line as well, but I found it easier to paint this line freehand.I used Calvin Klein 'ebony hates chris-black' (it's the only one I have). 

Tada!

Now, for those of you who read the title - or you've been reading this for a while and you have grasped my obsession - you may have already guessed the nerd connotations to this nail pattern...

Yes, you guessed it! It's a Star Trek Voyager inspired nail pattern! Now, I know it's not entirely accurate, but the essence is there! Now all I need is to own some blue-y green and some yellow...

Can we just ignore that Seven of Nine exists? Pretty Please?

Also, I've just noticed how casual Tom Paris looks... just leaning in...)

We Three Kings of Orient are...

...One in a taxi, one in a car.

One on a scooter, blowing its hooter,

Smoking a big Cigar.

I know. I sing wonderfully.

Equipment:

Gold Card blank

Paper scraps in Gold and black

Outline stickers

Glue

1) Trim a strip of Gold Card to the same height as the width of the Card Blank. 

2) Arrange three stickers of the headdresses (hats. I prefer hats, but they don't look like hats) onto this gold strip.

3) Attach to a strip of Black card that is the same height but 2cm wider.

4) Glue down the decorated strip, and arrange three sticker diamonds in the bottom corner.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 2

Gold Card, Stickers

Sparkle

I love glitter,but hate the mess. Glitter outline stickers solve this problem no end.

Equipment:

White Card blank

Glitter stickers

Ribbon

1) Tie the Ribbon into a bow around the bottom of the card blank.

2) Arrange the glitter stickers onto the top half of the card.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 2
Stickers, Ribbon

Button Red

A GREEN Card today...I've mainly been using white card this year, but I began to ran out,so in the spirit of using up my stash, I turned to this colour as well.

Equipment:

Green Card Blank

Patterned paper

Ribbon

Buttons

Felt star

Corner Rounder

Glue

1) Tie the ribbon around the patterned paper so that it forms a bow.

2) Attach a button to the centre of the felt star.

3) Glue the star onto the patterned paper, next to the ribbon bow.

4) Round the two corners of the patterned paper closest to the star, and attach the opposite flat edge to the front of the card.

5) Round the outside corners of the card blank and attach two more buttons to the side of the patterned paper.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 6

Buttons, Paper, Ribbon, Star

Christmas Green

Green and white looks so good together, and it makes a refreshing change to the usual red and green.

Equipment:

White Card Blank

Ribbon

Circle sentiment

Scalloped circle

Foam Pads

1) Attach the ribbon across the bottom half of the card and secure on the wrong side.

2) Using foam pads, layer the Circle sentiment onto the coordinating scalloped circle.

3) Adhere the scalloped circle on top of the ribbon using foam pads.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 3
Ribbon, Sentiment, Circle

Circles

This one is plain and simple, and the cold blues go well with the white.

Equipment: 

White Card Blank

Circle embellishments

Border with words

Glue

1) Attach the border across the lowest third of the card blank using glue. Make sure that the writing is fully visible, as this will act as your sentiment.

2) Arrange the two circles on the card and glue down as well.

Ta da! So Simple, yet effective

Number of items used from stash: 3

Circles, border

Deck the halls...

...with boughs of holly!

A running theme that may start to occur with my cards is their simplicity. I find these sorts of ideas great if there are a lot of cards to make, or if you want a quick repeat design.

Equipment:

White Card Blank

Patterned paper

Ribbon

Glue

Outline Sticker Sentiment

1) Cut the patterned paper to half of the card blank. I chose this one as the holly appeared to hang from the centre. Adhere to the lower half of the card.

2) Tie a Coordinating ribbon into a bow across the front of the card, covering up the paper join.

3) Add an outline sticker sentiment on the plain top half  of the card.

Ta-da!

Number of items used from stash: 3

Paper, Ribbon, Sticker

Layers

More Christmas Cards this week! Yay!

Equipment:

White Card Blank

Paper Scraps: I had some handmade paper and that silver sort of netting stuff....

Paper Embellishments

Ribbon

Chipboard Sentiment

Glue

Foam Pads

1) Tear the handmade paper to fit onto the card blank. I found that using a paintbrush and water worked well. Glue down.

2)Tie the ribbon to the edges of the Chipboard sentiment and add foam pads.

3) Arrange the other elements to the card and stick down.

4) Adhere the chipboard sentiment with the foam pads.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 6

Paper, Net, Snowflake, Star, Sentiment, Ribbon

Baubles

This one is inspired by this card, and I love how simple it is! And, just one month to go! EEK!

Equipment:

White Card Blank

Bauble Die Cuts

Foam Pads

Black Pen

Corner Rounder

1) Using foam pads, arrange the two baubles on the front of the card.

2) Draw black lines for string and write greeting below.

3) Round corners of the card blank.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 2

Bauble die cuts.

Ribbons

Another Christmas card to brighten up your November!

Equipment:

Square white card blank

Patterned paper

Ribbon bow

Card Scrap

Gold outline stickers

Glue

1) Trim patterned paper so that it sits with a 1cm border on the card blank. Glue down.

2) Wrap a ribbon bow (I kept mine from an old bunch of flowers) around one side of the card, and fix to the inside of the card using your preferred method (I like sticky tape).

3) Cut out the scrap of white card and round the end corners. Position the outline sticker greeting on it.

4) Glue the sentiment so that the end of the card is underneath the bow of the ribbon.

Ta Da!

Number of items used from stash: 3
Paper, Ribbon, Stickers

Candy Canes

Hello, Christmas cards again!

Look familiar? It is very similar to this one I did last year. A good example of where multiple ideas can spawn from the same items.

Equipment:

Square White Card blank

White Card

Patterned paper

Ribbon

Candy cane embellishment

Mini 'Christmas' tag

Foam pads

Glue

1) Trim the spare white card to a 10cm square.

2) Across one side, wrap the ribbon and secure at the back in your preferred method.

3) Attach the Candy Cane embellishment above the ribbon.

4) Adhere the mini tag where the candy cane crosses the ribbon.

5) Trim the patterned paper to a 13cm square, and glue onto the card front. Centre and attach the decorative panel using foam pads.

Ta Da!

Number of items used from stash: 4

Embellishment, Tag, Ribbon, Paper

Purple Snowflakes

Another Card to show you! Hoorah! 

This one turned out much better than I had expected. I'm usually pretty dire at anything like stamping, but this turned out really well, so smiles all round!

Equipment:

White Card Blank

Pink and White card

Pink Ribbon

Snowflake Embellishment

Snowflake Stamp

Inkpad

Foam adhesive

1) Using your stamp and Ink (my ink was purple), stamp onto the white card to create a background. Trim down to an 8X8cm square, and round the corners.

2) Wrap the ribbon around one side of the patterned card, and secure at the back with your favourite method ( I use tape).

3) Position and adhere your snowflake embellishment on top of the ribbon.

4) Trim the pink card to a 9cm square, and round its corners. Adhere the patterned panel to the pink square using foam pads. Attach all of this to the card blank, also with foampads.

Ta da!

Number of  items used from stash: 4

Snowflake embellishment, ribbon, pink card, stamp & ink

Red and Gold

This year, I've set myself a challenge. I was only allowed to buy my stash one new thing for all of my Christmas cards. It been pretty tough, but I really like some of the results I've been getting. So I'm going to show you some of the things you can do, and let me know if, like me, you long for your huge pile of craft supplies to diminish (so you have a valid excuse to buy more!).

This one, I hate that the bow is lop-sided, but otherwise I feel it's a rather sophisticated card.

Equipment:

Gold Card Blank

Red Card

Gold patterned vellum (mine says Christmas over it)

Red Ribbon

Red Gems

Double sided tape

Foam Pads

Glue

Scissors

1) Trim the vellum until it measures 9cm X 10cm. Trim the red card to 10cm X 11cm.

2) Matt the vellum onto the red card using double sided tape.

3) Tie a bow with the red ribbon. Use Glue to secure the knot, and cut a pennant into each of the tail ends.

4) Glue the bow to the centre of the vellum piece. Attach this panel to the top of the card using foam pads.

3) Beneath this, glue 3 red gems for detail.

Ta da!

Number of items used from stash: 6

Ribbon,Vellum, Card Blank, Gems

DIY: Decorated Tealights

Earlier this week, I was fortunate to guest post over at Running with a Glue Gun. I thought today I'd share the DIY I prepared here as well.

 I have these decorated tealights to show you, and they make great last minute gifts, just in time for Christmas. Also the colours and decorations are completely customisable,so you each one can be completely individual!

Equipment:

Tealight candles

Ribbon

Double Sided Tape

Optional:

Decoration such as gems, bows etc.

Glue Gun, Glue Dots or Super Glue (depending on strength and size)

Step 1: Check that your ribbon is not taller than your tealight, as this could potentially be a fire hazard.

Step 2: Attach enough double sided tape for the circumference of the tealight to the wrong side of the ribbon. Trim to a straight edge

Step 3: Take off the backing of the tape, and wrap around the tealight, trimming once all of the sides are covered

Optional: Decorate your tealights further using small embellishments, but keep in mind the potential hazard of lots of loose fabric.

Ta da!

Guest Post by Katie at Running With A Glue Gun

Hey! Today I have something very special for this little blog: it's very first guest post! I'm so very excited, but for now, I'm just going to pass over to Katie.

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I'm so excited to be guesting blogging at Crafts From A Ravenclaw. My name is Katie and I write little blog call Running With A Glue Gun. Today I will be showing you guys how to make your own mini moon banner.

So Lets Get Crafty!

Supplies

9 Round Wooden Circles

Black Paint

Grey Paint

Paint Brush

Drill

Embroidery Thread

Scissors (not pictured)

Step 1: Drill two small holes on each side of your wooden circles.

Step 2: Then paint all of your wooden circles black.

Step 3: Once your circles are dry, go and google ''phases of the moon''. When you find a picture/chart that shows each moon phase, print it out. This will help you keep track of what each phase looks like.

Then begin painting each moon phase with your grey paint. I also added a little bit of grey glitter to give my moons some sparkle.

Step 4: When your moons are dry, you can then start connecting them together. To do that, just cut a small piece of embroidery thread and feed each end through the back of two of your wooden circles. Then tie a knot in the front. Keep repeating this step until all your moons are connected.

Once all your moons are connected, go and add some embroidery thread to the ''black''moons on each end of your banner. This will create the loops to hang your banner.

Then Your Done!

I hope you all enjoy the diy and thanks Rachel for letting me guest post!

 

Isn't it gorgeous? As a physics student, I love it, but it's equally as mystical as it is geeky. Thank you so much, Katie!

DIY: Notecards

aka: How to make 20 cards from 10 sheets of A4 card and 10 sheets of patterned paper.

 

Equipment:

10 sheets of A4 white card

10 sheets of co-ordinating paper of your choice, 6"x 6"

Glue stick

Paper trimmer

Rounded corner punch

 

1) Cut the A4 card in half and fold for an A6 card front. Mine measured 14.9cm x 10.5cm. Round the corners

2) Trim the patterned paper to 13.9cm x 9.5cm, round the corners, and glue to the front of the card blank.

3) So as not to waste, but also to create a co-ordinating set, round the corners of the off-cuts and attach to another card blank.

 

Tada! Aren't they pretty? I smell bulk-make-Christmas-Gifts a-coming....



12

A Pin Board

 

 

Equipment:

An old corkboard

Fabric large enough to cover the corkboard

Ideally a staple gun, but if like me you are without, I found that drawing pins work well too

 

 

1) First, cut the fabric so that there is at least a 10cm border around each edge of the corkboard

2) Lay the fabric right side down, and the cork board on top. Fold the middles of each side flap in and pin in place.

3) Check that fabric is taught across the front

 

4) Fold the corners as you would if wrapping a present and pin in place also.

5) Check everything is pinned and the fabric won't move, and if you can, STAPLE!

 

And.... Voila!

Look! Neat Corners!

 

I wanted to make a pin board cover that would match my room more than an ugly brown ick thing. All you need to do now is stick pins with important things in (or lists. Lots of lists) and off you go!

 

Or you could just leave it plain if you are especially in love with the pattern of fabric that you used.

 

50 Things to Make

DIY: Winnie-the-Pooh Card

This is the card I made for my correspondence with a friend in Yorkshire. This technique does not specifically require to be Winnie-the-Pooh; any stamp could apply.

 

Equipment:

Stamp and ink pad of your choice

Silver line stickers

Base Card

Complimentary/tonal card scraps

 

1) Fold an A5 piece of card into a blank. Turn this horizontally.

 

2) With your card scraps, stamp your chosen design, and cut out.

 

3) Matt the design with a second piece of card. Attach this to a Larger piece of card, an inch wider than the design, making sure to line it up with the right hand side.

 

4) With silver lines, mark out first the centre, then one inch to the left. With a third line, border the large matt card on the left hand side.

 

5) Position the layered piece so that the border line lines up between the middle of the two others on the card blank.

 

Tada! It's simple, it's quick, and it's effective. Not bad for some card, a stamp and some stickers...