Now that Halloween is over, I need to start thinking about Christmas goodies for my kids’ classmates. Which got me thinking about what I did last year. So here are the little boxes I made last year . . .
I made the box with my handy dandy Big Shot (113-439) (my favorite tool, in case you didn’t know already) and Real Red card stock (102482). Whenever making multiple boxes, the Big Shot is a must! This box is made from the Box #2 die (114518). I just cut each sheet of card stock in half and ran each one separately through the Big Shot. While you CAN cut up to 5 sheets of card stock at a time when using the Big Shot, I don’t recommend cutting more than one sheet when the die involves scored lines like this one for a box. So after cutting out the box, just fold on the scored lines (they’re all there for you) and put your box together. So quick and easy. There’s NO way I’d be able to make that many boxes if I didn’t have my Big Shot. Measuring, scoring and cutting each line? Crazy!
I tied around each box with some twine purchased at a local grocery store and added the reindeer tag. Isn’t he cute? I’m sorry I don’t remember where I found him so I can’t give proper credit, but rest assured I didn’t design this little cutie myself- I copied him. He’s made using the Extra Large Oval punch (119859) and Crumb Cake card stock (121043) for his head. The antlers were made from a die that was available last year, but no longer. I think it was called the tulip die. But you could make antlers from a swirly punch? And I think they’re made using Soft Suede card stock (115318). It’s been a while so I don’t remember and I gave them all away so I can’t check, but I think the nose was punched from the 1/2″ Circle (119869) from Real Red card stock. And the eyes are Basic Black (121045), punched from the Owl Builder punch (118074). Highlights were added to the eyes and nose with the White Gel Pen (105021). His little tuft of hair is Soft Suede card stock punched from the largest flower in the Boho Blossoms punch (119858).
I don’t know what I’ll do if they retire that punch! Those little flowers make such great punch art parts!!! I have another flower trio punch that I like to use, but since it’s been long retired, I try not to show what I make with it. So my best advice is, if you see something you like – get it when you see it! That goes for Stampin’ Up! items or anywhere else you shop! Costco comes to mind there – I’ve learned that I need to stock up on items from there because I’ve really missed a few things when they were no longer available. But as far as Stampin’ Up! items go, EVERY year they retire tons of products to make room for terrific new things. So there’s always the possibility that something will no longer be available to order. You might find it later on Ebay, but why pay such prices!?! Order when it’s available at a reasonable price!
So, what to do this year for Christmas goodies? I may use this same die, but change it up a bit. First, I’ll scour the internet for some ideas. Be sure to come back to see what I decide to make!