This week's Splitcoast Ways to Use It Challenge asks for the "Whole Enchilada". . . make 3 x 3 cards, envelopes and the box to put them in. I admit I winced at first but after examining the template for the box and envelopes, realized it wasn't complicated at all and was up for the challenge.
Enchilada Part I: The note cards begin with a 3 x 3 card base (see note below in red for size update) of Whisper White card stock. I then stamped three of the Pun Fun characters on Blue Bayou using Versamark and heat embossing with White Embossing powder. TIP: Line images like the Pun Fun set are bundles of watercoloring fun . . . however, they look fantastic on their own, too. Crisp and clean. Each card received a little jazz with Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon.
Enchilada Part II: I next used Stampin' Up!'s Spring Break Designer Series paper in a floral pattern to create envelopes from scratch. For the first five minutes, the only scratch was to my head trying to understand these directions but then something finally kicked in. TIP: I always give any new template a try with scratch paper first so I don't ruin the pretty stuff. This ended up quite empowering since the same formula with slightly changed square measurements means I can easily make square envelopes for many sizes . . . even my little 4 x 4's that I can't find envelopes for. TIP: Be sure to adjust your starting square according to your note card size . . . it's final dimensions should be 1/4" larger than the note card.
Update 6/5/08: In order for the note cards and envelopes to work with the template below, you will need to make the note cards 2 7/8" square and the envelopes 3" square.
Enchilada Part III: OK, this polka dot pattern was the number one reason Spring Break Designer Series paper first grabbed my attention. It's delicious. TIP: I cut the designer paper to 8.5 x 11 and ran it through my printer using this template, (printing it on the opposite side of the polka dot pattern). Grabbing some paper snips, I clipped it out, made a few folds on the printed template and ended up with a box. Some more Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon "wraps" things up for a charming mini gift set.
Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary
Stamp Set: Stampin' Up! Pun Fun
Paper: Spring Break Designer Series, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark
Cool Tools: Corner Rounder Punch, Heat Tool
The Perfect Touch: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, White Embossing Powder
