Yesterday I finally received my pre-order of new products from the Stampin’ Up! 2022/2023 Annual Catalogue. However the day was not without disappointment as I’d barely opened the box before I had to get dressed for work and leave. On the plus side, as soon as I’ve finished writing this blog post I have the whole day free. So while I set to work on creating the projects for next week’s sneak peek posts, here’s a pretty gift card / treat holder created using the retiring All Dressed Up Dies.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

When you look at the Stampin’ Up! catalogues are you intimidated by the bundles and suites? These are designed to help you with coordinating products but don’t overlook the individual products. This was how I ended up with one of my favourite packs of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP), Symbols of Fortune. The Crane of Fortune Stamp Set and Good Fortune Dies didn’t immediatey excite me, even with the 10% discount offered on the Crane of Fortune bundle. However I’m a bit of a sucker for DSP with metallic accents, and I added the Symbols of Fortune DSP to my order. So I think it’s a bit ironic that the foiled design is on the inside of this project.

I love the serenity of the cloud design with a few cranes flying across the sky. The space between the birds meant that it was really easy to place the bag die from the All Dressed Up Dies so that two birds were centred in the largest section. Then after cutting out the first piece I decided that I didn’t want any other birds on the bag. So this time I placed the die and managed to cut the it from a clouds only section.

Once I had the two parts of the bag cut I carefully folded them along the ‘score’ lines pressed into the DSP by the die. The DSP is not as thick as card so I simply had to squeeze the folds between my fingers. Then using Tear & Tape Adhesive I joined the two parts together at the sides before folding in and securing the bottom.

QUICK FINISH

I did consider using more of the DSP to create the handles for my tote but decided some contrast would be nice. For this I chose Soft Succulent Card and the long handle die from the All Dressed Up set. I also used the two small dies cut cut four buckles from some gold Brushed Metallic Cardstock.

To create the handles I first added a gentle curve to each one by pulling it between my finger and thumb. Then I slid two buckles onto each handle and moved them towards the middle, out of the way. Next, with a little Tear & Tape Adhesive I attached the ends of the handles to the top of the tote. Finally I slid each buckle down and my project was complete.

I have to say that this little tote turned out even better than I’d hoped. By concentrating on the placement of the birds in the centre of the main section I didn’t end up with any part birds which would have been annoying to say the least. If I were to do this again the only change I’d make would be to the buckles. Next time I’d cut 8 of the buckles and stick them back to back before sliding them onto the handle. That way you’d see the metallic effect from both sides.

My project also shows that you don’t always need the coordinating stamps to get value for money from some die sets. The Dressed to Impress Stamp Set is already sold out in Canada and the US. but at 50% off the All Dressed Up Dies are definitely worth a second look. What do you think?

PRODUCT LISTS

RETIRING PRODUCT – only available while stocks last.

CONTINUING PRODUCTS