For this week’s TGIF Challenge, we are taking inspiration from the image below. I decided to get a head start on making Valentine’s Day gifts for my loved ones by focusing on the heart image, watercolored background, and position of the sentiment.
I designed three different boxes, two feminine and one masculine. For the feminine ones, I used the new Love & Happiness Bundle, which includes the Love & Happiness stamp set and Bouquet of Love Hybrid 3D Embossing Folder. If you’re new to this “hybrid” type of product, it comes with both die-cuts and a coordinating embossing folder. One of the dies fits into the embossing folder, so you can both cut and emboss the heart at the same time. Pretty cool!
My first project is a Kraft Gift Box (this is a carryover item from the July-December Mini Catalog.) These boxes are super easy to assemble and I love the peek-a-boo window.
I used the Bouquet of Love Hybrid Embossing Folder to cut a heart from Blushing Bride Cardstock and dry emboss the Kraft strips on the sides. To enhance the embossing on the heart, I applied Blushing Bride ink with a Blending Brush and then rubbed White Craft ink over the raised portions very lightly with a Sponge Dauber.
The bottom layer is a Tailor Made Tag die-cut from the Simply Marbleous 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper that you can earn for free during Sale-A-Bration with a qualifying $50 purchase. I also used that same paper to cut out the small flowers on top of the heart.
For the watercolor element, I used Sahara Sand ink to paint a quick wash on Shimmery White Cardstock cut out with a Layering Circle die-cut.
I love making fancy bows for gift boxes. On the box above, I accordion folded some White Glittered Organdy Ribbon and then secured it with Fine Art Ribbon and Linen Thread. On the box below, I used Gold Shimmer Ribbon and Linen Thread.
For the greetings on both boxes, I embossed in white on Early Espresso Cardstock and then trimmed close to the sentiment.
I just love the lids on the Scalloped Kraft Treat Boxes that I used for my second gift box. To make the scallops more visible, I covered the bottom of the box with Simply Marbleous DSP.
My final box features the Nuts & Bolts stamp set. I have a similar layout to the first box, but switched out the glitz for some masculine embellishments.
I stamped the images with Stazon ink on Shimmery White Cardstock and then watercolored them with Smoky Slate, Balmy Blue, Cajun Craze, and Real Red ink. I just love this little guy and think he’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Be sure to check out all the designers’ projects this week on the TGIF Challenges Blog. Then, use the inspiration image above to create your own project and link it to the challenge at the bottom of that post using the Linky Tool. I can’t wait to see what you dream up!
Have a wonderful and creative day!
Use Host Code 9ZEM4RAE for purchases at my online store to qualify to receive free exclusive project tutorials. This month’s PDF includes 12 fantastic tutorials designed by my demonstrator friends and I to inspire your creativity! The projects feature products from the 2024 Annual Catalog, Online Exclusives, and new January-April Mini and Sale-A-Bration Catalogs. Enjoy!
