I was delighted to be contacted by Jean over at Crafty Individuals recently to ask whether I'd like to come up with an idea for the Crafty Individuals Challenge theme for December.
December, I always find, turns up, all is still pretty calm, loads of time for planning and organising with dreams of making cards and all sorts. Before you know it Santa's been , the lounge is strewn with wrapping paper and the turkey is in the oven!
So I thought that a good theme might be All Wrapped Up, so at least we'd have at least one Christmassy crafy item sorted.
This can be anything connected with giving over Christmas, either tags, your own stamped wrapping paper, decorated boxes, bags, little gifts wrapped with ribbon...anything along those lines.
On Tuesday I held one of my workshops and we all made little squash books with this as the example. We used the new 7 Dots papers which I'm loving and loaaaaaaaaads of Crafty Individuals stamps. (I'll link you to any that appear on blogs...Siobhan, that's your nudge)..(edit... link is at the end)
Above shows the front....
and here's the back...
Untied, the book springs open to reveal lots of stamped images.
Claire, one of my lovely workshop ladies, came up with the fab idea of hanging these tiny books from the Christmas tree and having them as little tree presents which would make brilliant keepsakes for family members if you included a few photos inside.
(yep...I have the tree decorated already!!...Even the ringtone on the phone is festive haha! Christmas came and went last year because of Mum's funeral last December, so this year I'm all set. Mum used to be in her element at this time of year and she'd have been disappointed if I'd decided to not bother.)
Looks right at home there on the branches don't you think? Great idea Claire!
If you would like to make something along these lines please take a look at this link to a very clear explanation by Lytlescrapper on You Tube on how to fold the paper. The size of my book is based on three 4" squares (10cm) but you can adjust accordingly to whatever size takes your fancy. Once you have the general idea you just tweak it to your needs.
All stamps used to make my squash book are by Crafty Individuals.
Please take a look at the challenge- you have all month to join in and doing so will be in with an opportunity of winning goodies from Crafty Individuals.
I am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with and choosing five favourites to be shown on the Crafty Individuals challenge blog.
edit....Siobhan's squash book from my workshop can be seen here. Please check it out, its gorgeous.
23 comments:
BRILLIANT - absolutely gorgeous.
I have looked at the video - looks a tad bit complicated.
It would lovely to give it a go though
I guess you make the book then decorate it?
Yep, all it involves is sticking three squares together , slapping 2 bits of card on for the front and back cover, a bit of ribbon and you're fit to go.
Glad you like it Lottie.
In 1 word: Beautiful!
Great creation and the video makes it look easy. Love what you have done with yours.
Very beautiful book, Jo. Those papers do look perfect with the stamped images selected & it definately looks right at home on the tree!!!!
Great idea for a challenge & what fabulous images!
I've made a circle squash book in the past & loved it.. I drew around 3 dinner plates!! might give this one a go too!
Have a great weekend. Gez.
Oh no! It's that time of year!
Love these mini-books, and the subtle colour scheme. I may have a go at one of these, although I won't be making enough for all 19 guests!
Gorgeous book Jo.
Lovely idea for the challenge Jo! Your book is beautiful! x
beautiful Jo, in the lovely mellow colours I've come to recognise as your style.
Your book is lovely, Jo. And, the video really does make this look easy. I wonder if it work using paper printed on both sides which would give more space for decorating?
Yep,Passionforstamping it works fine :0) The paper I used here is doublesided :0)...although the reverse side is somewhat calmer in its decor.( originally intended to be the main side but I chaged my mind lol)
Absolutely beautiful!!! xxxx
Chrissy.
Fabulous Jo!
Stunning book! So richly textured and interesting. I want to hold it and open and close it and see every detail. Beautiful!
Well this is good info for me. Thanks for sharing this!
Jo I managed to miss you posting this so have been patiently waiting to post my effort check it out here, sorry about comment above wrong link OOPS :)
Your book is beautiful, the colors are so wonderful!
for a long time i have made some books in a big version, but this size one looks much better.
Goodness have not seen one of these for a long time! thank you for the reminder XOXO Zoe
Wonderfull this squashbook. I am defenitly going to try it out. With the explanation on You Tube it has to succeed, i hope!! Love Gery
OMG I can't belive that I haven't been blog hopping for this length of time - so sort of miracle for me!!!
Your book is truly beautiful (as is Siobahn's), mine is still a UFO :( as life has gotton in the way of crafting. However, this week it's my mission to finish it and wait for it....... make another 8 for my Christmas guests!!
It looks fab nestled on your tree!
Thanks for the workshop, it was fun.
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
I'll hopefully see you in the new year.
Claire xx
Love the squash book! May try them for gifts next year! Thank you so much for dropping by my blog with such kind words. I have admired your work for years. I wish you and yours the happiest of Holidays! Best, Yvonne
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