Here we are in June and the products being retired from the January to June Mini Catalogue are now only available while stocks last. Of all these products I think the ones I’ll miss in particular are the Designer Series Paper (DSP) packs. It seems only right therefore that I make the most of them while I still can. I decided to start with the Symbols of Fortune 12” x 12” DSP. However alongside the retiring paper, I also wanted to try out my new Cracker & Treat Box Dies.

SIMPLE CRACKER ASSEMBLY

This was my first attempt at making a cracker using the Cracker & Treat Box Dies from the 2022/2023 Annual Catalogue. As you might expect I began with the cracker itself. After measuring the large die I realised it only needed a 5″ x 6″ piece of paper. This means I can make four crackers from one 12″ x 12″ sheet . So then, having chosen the pattern, I cut the paper using my Cut & Emboss Machine.

As well as cutting the paper, the die also adds ‘scored’ lines and I folded along each one and pressed them with my fingers. At this point I realised that there were no small tabs to assemble the cracker. This meant that the last end panel must overlap the first one to create the familiar cracker shape. So using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the panels together as well as the smaller end pieces.

Finally. to hold the cracker closed I wrapped some gold Simply Elegant Trim around one end and tied it in a basic knot. Then I could drop a few small sweets inside the cracker before tying the other end closed.

CONGRATULATIONS

I could have left it there but instead I decided to add a sentiment. From the One Happy Family Stamp Set I chose “congratulations”, and stamped it onto a scrap of Thick Basic White Card using Basic Gray ink.

Then I went back to the Cracker & Treat Dies to find a die that was just the right size for the sentiment. The set actually contains a number of small dies suitable for sentiments and tiny labels and the stitched one was perfect. After cutting out the sentiment I put some Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back before attaching it to the cracker. And just like that my project was complete.

I love how this cracker turned out and it really is very easy to put together. What’s more, by overlapping two of the panels the cracker has been designed to have five sides. This means that there’s always a nice angled face which makes the most of any sentiment placed there. I’m also quite surprised at how sturdy it is even though it’s only made with Designer Series Paper. I’ll definitely have to make more of these.

KITS COLLECTION

As well as the Last Chance promotion, June also sees a special offer for the online Kits Collection products. Right now, through to the end of June, when you buy any two kits from the Kits Collection you’ll get the second one half price. Plus the system has been set up to calculate the discount based on the most expensive kit in your cart. There’s no limit on the number of kits you can buy, but the selection available is dependent on what is in stock.

New out today is the “Love This Memory Notebook Kit” which is also included in the BOGO promotion. This kit contains:

• one 8-1/2″ x 5-1/4″ (21.6 x 13.3 cm) kraft notebook;
• sticker sheets, washi tape, and printed cards for decoration;
• the exclusive Love This Photopolymer Stamp Set and a Parakeet Party Classic Stampin’ Spot;
• Tear & Tape Adhesive to help finish your project.
• Coordinating colours are: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Mango Melody, Parakeet Party, Pumpkin Pie and Tahitian Tide

For more information on this, and to see all the other available kits, please visit the Kits Collection section of my online store.

PRODUCT LIST

RETIRING PRODUCT – The Symbols of Fortune Paper is retiring and now only available while stocks last. It’s also on sale at 50% off so if you want it, you’d better act right away before it’s snapped up. For the most up to date information about retiring products visit the Last Chance section of my online store.