Treat bags that can be used for any occasion

 Treat bags..for any kind of event or holiday. 

There are many types of treat bags and boxes, but this one was inspired by In the Pink Designs by Cathryn on YouTube. 

https://youtu.be/c9LQLCx5M1w?si=ncbA9Hm0YrVaCP9E 

She is making tiny bags with 6x6 paper. They can hold one or two mini candy bars.  I always have to be a little extra and her design with the flap that flips over causes directional paper to be upside down on the flap.  It bothered me. So I decided to use the scrap that you trim off to make the flap. I turn it right side up and wrap it around the flap to make the flap look right.  I also needed a larger treat bag so I reworked the craft math and using a 12 x 12 sheet of paper I made a much bigger bag. 

Small gift bag  1 3/4 inch wide by 3 1/2 inch Tall.

You need 6 x 6 inch paper

Score @ 1” , 2 3/4”, 3 3/4” and 5 1/2”

Turn one quarter turn and score @ 1”, and 4 1/2”

Trim out the areas as shown. 

Be mindful of your paper and direction of your print.  When you are done cutting it should look like this.

Fold on all your score lines.

Add adhesive on the 1/2 inch flap and attach to the other side to form the bag. Then fold in and glue bottom shut. 

Here you can see the flap is upside down because it flips over from the back.  If this doesn’t bother you great!  I like it to be right side up.  I used the 1 1/2” x 3 3/4” piece of scrap to flip and wrap around the connected flap so it would all look upright.  If your paper is non directional this isn’t a problem.

Here it is wrapped.

You can see under the flap where I wrapped it around the flap.

I then used my corner rounder to make it look more finished. 

I marked where I wanted my two holes punched for my closure.  I just used some floss, but you can use ribbon, bakers twine or even just staple it close.  Just don’t forget to put your goodies inside first.

I made a small tag and stamped a greeting.

Then I attached it to my Treat Bag.

This bag can be used for little favors for any season. All you have to change is the paper.

As I said in the beginning I wanted a bigger treat bag.  So I scaled it up to  3 3/4” wide by 8” tall 

To make  the larger bag you will need a 12” x 12” piece of  paper.

Score at 2” , 5 3/4” , 7 3/4” and 11 1/2” 

Turn 1/4 turn and score at 2” and 10” 

Trim and fold just like the smaller bag.  

The larger bag is perfect for gifting small gifts that are more than just a couple of mini candy bars. 

I’m thinking a small pair of gloves and some lip balm for a friend.  Maybe a mini note book and pen, or a couple K-cups and a chocolate bar.  

Hope you like my Idea and Let me know if you decide to make some.  Please share a picture or a post at Sandy’s Left-Handed Crafts on Facebook.  Thank you for stopping by and hope to see your  crafty projects soon. 

 Christmas cards 2023

I have been playing with my new Christmas 2023 options that Close To My Heart has and I am loving the results.  

Card#1

The first thing I had to play with was the Christmas Florals embossing folder with coordinating floral stencils. I then added the Holiday Banner stamps and thin cuts. 

I used a couple different color combinations and some fun new techniques to create some beautiful cards. For sparkle I added. Some silver glitter paper and clear sparkles gems.   I used the color of the year Journey and also Lagoon and Glacier. I also used a silver glitter gem in the center of the Poinsettia flower.

Card #2

The next card I used was the color of the Year Journey and another new color Jade. I also included Lagoon, Evergreen and Mocha and Mist.  The Mist ink I swiped inside the embossing folder before I ran it through the die cutting machine. It made the rustic gray color in the background. 

Card #3 

I used the Home for Christmas paper collection. The background technique I used was the Pine cardstock and Christmas Florals embossing folder, then sanded the paper to enhance the debossed side of the design. Then I die cut a 3.25 inch circle from the floral paper and a 5”x1-⅜ inch ribbon cut and a 2.5 inch white circle that I stamped my sentiment on. I inked the edge of the white circle with Scarlet ink. The embellishments were stamped on White Daisy cardstock. I used a combination of Scarlet, Evergreen, Jade Candy Apple,and Mocha to stamp and a water brush and ink to add color. To add some sparkle I used Gold Glitter Gems and some gold thread. 

Card #4 

 I used the Scarlet cardstock and embossing folder for the background. The center strip is Daisy white cardstock, embossed and stenciled with Candy Apple and Wintergreen and Scarlet and Mocha ink. Then embellished with stamped and die cut images from the Holiday Banner stamp set. I also used Gold Shimmer Trim and Gold Glitter gems. 

Card #5 

background is just like card #3 except with the Scarlet Cardstock. The 2” x 4” piece of floral paper. With two ¼” by 4” pine cardstock. Banner die cut and gold glitter gems. 

Card #6 

I used the Christmas plaid for the background. Made the embossed layer like the others and then cut down to 3 ¾” x 5” panel the punched out a 2 ½” circle and embellished with ribbon die cut 5” x 1 ⅜” cut down on one side to 3 ¾” length and die cuts. 

Card#7 

This is a slimline design card size 8.5” x 3.5”. The other cards are all standard 4.25”x5.5” card bases.  The embossing folder has a slit in the top hinge so you can emboss longer pieces of cardstock.  The background is an 8.25” x 3.25” piece of scarlet cardstock. The embossed piece of pine is 8.25” x 2” with ribbon cut. Embellished with die cuts and gold glitter gems and gold shimmer trim.

Card #8 

This card is also a slimline design. The Scarlet panel is 2.5” x 8.25” and the Pine cardstock is ½” by 8.25” panel. Then I cut the ½” shimmer trim in half to make it ¼” x 8.25”.  The circle is 3.25 out of White Daisy cardstock. Also added gold thread and gold glitter gems. 

Unfortunately CTMH no longer has the Gold shimmer trim or Gold glitter gems. I had these items in my stash, but you can easily use the Silver Gems and trim. Another option is to use gold glitter paper and use a hole punch to make round gold glitter dots.  One of the great things about crafting is improvising with what you have.  If you have any questions feel free to message me or email me.  

The circle dies and ribbon banner die cuts are from dies I ordered from Amazon. I have a list of recommended craft supplies where you can find these products.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ITCFTNLOWYI6?ref_=wl_share

If you are looking for sentiments to stamp inside your cards CTMH has you covered. There is an awesome special right now with a stamp.  The Joy of the season stamp set.  There is a bundle with the Cut Above Card kit and stamp (CC102314)that is a 20 % savings.  Please check it out at my maker website at SandraBrahm.CloseToMyHeart.com

 I have included some screenshots of items you may need to make these cards

You will also need some sort of die-cutting / embossing machine. CTMH has on Z5038 I really do like mine, but there are more options on my Amazon list.

1

Please note the side kick die cutting machine is a small version and can’t do cuts wider than 2.5” but it is a great way to introduce you to die cutting and see if it is something you want to invest in.  I like the side kick because it is small and great for small dies. 

Have fun and if you decide to order from CTMH I really do appreciate your business and look forward to answering any of your questions and assisting in your concerns. 

 Hello,  Welcome to Sandy's Left-handed Crafts crafty corner blog. 

You can find my Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4sTjfj4tCw1Hwsfw_2T2JQ

I am a Close To My Heart Consultant  and You can find my store at www.SandraBrahm.CloseToMyHeart.com

Valentine with a pop up / explosion design. 

This is not and original idea it  was inspired by Srushi Patil video on you tube 

This is  her video link    Srushti Patil is Indian an uses metric 

There are other ladies who use our inches and feet.  Just search explosion card.

My twist is I am using it as a Valentine.  

First I gathered together my papers and tape and things:

You will need a cardstock paper 6" x 12"

 also inside of card (plain color) card 4" x 9.5" 

Thin paper for the wings  2 pieces 6" x 10"

Also for decor Some cut apart or ephemera 

Washi tape 

String 

ribbon 

Gems 

Lace 

Flowers

What ever you like to use.

Glue , Tape runner and scissors. 

You also need a closure mechanism like Velcro or magnets. 

 This card doesn't like to stay closed.

Link to first part of video is 

Part one of Valentine how to get it all together and how to score papers.

Score and fold paper:

6" X 12" on 12" side score at 5', 10 1/8", 10 1/4" 10 3/8" and 11 1/4" 

4"X 9 1/2 "  score long side at 4 3/4" 

Thin Paper fold in half then fold top on 45 degree angle to fold. 

Score folded paper (watch video) 2", 3",4", and 5.

Oops I had to try again with wing fold 

Part 2 has how to do it right.

Photo Book

Easy photobook with a floating spine and recycled chip board cover from a cracker box.

Choose a box that is close to the size you need for cover. open box up and flatten.

Choose a box with a good size spine so you have room to add flips and flaps and tags. 

I divided the spine in to five equal parts approx.  1/2 "  Using that 1/2 " measurement and 5 " cover and 5" back  totaled 10.5 " x 7 3/4" for pages in the book.

The pages are paper glued back to back  checkout this video to see how to choose the paper and how to cut them to fit. 

choosing your papers and sizing and how to dry fit together.  

You will need at least 5 of this size paper. 

For this book I'm making I use this Cardstock paper from Simple stories.  I have our vacation photos that need a home, and this book will be fore them.  You need to use a heaver paper  to make your pages because they will have to support the weight of you photos and ephemera.  and any souvenirs you may add. 

Cut the box down to the size you need for your book.  The size is up to you but I would recommend start with the sizes I'm showing and then as you get the idea down you can scale up or down as needed.  

At this point I really recommend you take a moment and watch my video of how to put it all together.

Putting it all together...   This is the link to my YouTube video.

This is the cover of my Vacation 2018 book. 

 

Once you put the book together it is all up to you what you put into it. I'm more of a clean simple look for my projects it may be because of my design training,  But you can add layer of goodness and mac this baby out with floral and lace and make it  your own style. For inspiration check out  Rosa Kelly at My inspiration started here with Rosa  She does the most amazing work.  

 I hope I have given you enough to get your mind started...this should produce a good foundation for your amazing creativity. 

I will try to answer any questions just comment...Thank you my crafty friends!! 

Please Like, Comment and Scribe to my YouTube Channel and Check me out on all the other social media sites at: 

 

My Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/sbrahm

My blog  @ http://sandrabrahm.blogspot.com/[BB1] 

Pintrest @ https://www.pinterest.com/sandybeach8898/pins/

Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/sandrabrahm/

Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4sTjfj4tCw1Hwsfw_2T2JQ

---

 [BB1]

Always makeing something...

I made my display box.  I wanted a snowy winter scene because here in South Carolina we don't usually have snow for Christmas.  I wanted it in a box so I could add the fake snow and not worry it would be all over my home.  I used six small square frames from the Dollar Tree.  They are about 9"x9" and has the three picture matt.  

I used the Christmas picks and deer ornaments from Dollar Tree,  and the slay is from Walmart.   I never found the red one that Dollar Tree was suppose to have.  The silver glitter one was only a $1.98. 

I added lights and snow and ta da we have a beautiful center piece for my table.

I've also been busy making things.  

These are my farmhouse inspired sconces.

I added some Christmas décor. 

This is a 3 tired desert dish.  I have many little treats planned for this dish.

These are some chargers that I used some stickers to add a little flare.

This is a photo album that I put together with some cool country cooking scarp paper.

My next video will be about how to make paper roses.  If there are any questions or you have an idea that you would like me to try.  Just leave a comment.

No sew Fabric Christmas tree:  Do it yourself craft.

Tools needed:  Fabric scissors, and a thimble.  

Supplies that you need:
3 or more 1/4 yard Christmas pattern fabrics
to make fabric squares,
some strait pins,
a foam cone and
cotton balls.
small paper doily 4 1/2 in diameter.
yellow ribbon 1/4 inch thick to make bow on top.
You may also want small bead strand for decoration.


Take fabric and make 2.5 inch squares out of it.  You need some mostly red squares, some mostly green squares and some mostly white or cream color,  I also have some blue squares.

Assemble all your supplies.

 Set aside the doily and yellow ribbon.  I also like a  strait pin with a yellow ball on top.

The trick to this tree is to wrap your cotton ball in a square, and then pin to the cone working from the bottom to the top.  Change fabric color as you work around, trying not to get to much of the same color in one spot.  If you have a small string of beads you weave them in between the squares of fabric.

As you get to the top of tree use smaller pieces of cotton.  Wrap the cotton completely and pin to top row.

  At the top we make a full yellow bow to cover the foam cone.  ad the doily with some pins to the bottom of tree to finish it.

I use this craft as  hostess gifts for parties.  Also a cute teacher gift.