Sizzix: LO | 2 of Us

There is something special when I work on layouts. Different photos require different themes and ideas, and I always learn a thing or 2 about the way I craft. Despite being a crafter for over 10 years now, I constantly get new ideas and learn more things along this crafty journey.

Today I sat down with my Sizzix dies and photographs. Suddenly it dwelled onto me to build a layout with different structures in grid mode using mainly cardstock. I know most of us always pick out some pretty pattern papers when it comes to crafting, but what if I did it without pattern paper? Here is the layout I came up with! 

Cardstocks are also a beauty to play with, and I thank Sizzix for a great pack of cardstock sheets! 20 yummy colors to choose from, useful for any occasions! Alongside, I chose to use an array of dies. These dies can't go wrong!

I like playing with embossing folders, especially on layouts. They create textures, and visually appeals to me. Here I have used the Sidekick Side-order sets - Beach, Valentine and Birthday. I created different cards and aligned them in a grid manner on the layout. To add shadows and dimension to the embossing, I used some distress inks to highlight the embossed portions.

Then, I used the Sizzix Framelits Die Set - Tags to randomly add a different shape all around the layout. I don't really want the layout to look so square, so I chose to use these tags. To add even more dimensions, I did some random stitching on the tags as well. 

Next up, I decided to add a pocket to this layout so I can do some secret journaling for the husband ha! To do this, I used the Sizzix Gift Card Bag die, and titled it #we. This is like using the negative of the diecut, and you can use the positive diecut for some other project as well. I used the biggest tags to fill up the pocket, and another smaller tag to hold it in place. Just add brads to hold the tags together. On the larger tag, I added a photo on the front and my journaling to the back.

To further reduce rigid edges, I used the Tropical Bird die to highlight some of the featured portions of the layout. I have also cut out the flowers and used it as decoration randomly. 

It was fun coming up with this layout, it was like an architecture slowly transforming and appearing before my eyes. Hope you enjoyed it too! 

Do check out the Sizzix UK blog and instagram for more ideas! While you are at IG, also check out #mymakingstory for even more inspirations! 

Sizzix Supplies Used:
1. Sizzix multi tool 

2. Sizzix paper sculpting kit
3. Sizzix Framelits Die Set - Tags
4. Sizzix Thinlits - Tropical Bird
5. Sizzix Sidekick Side Order - Beach
6. Sizzix Sidekick Side Order - Valentine
7. Sizzix Sidekick Side Order - Birthday
8. Sizzix Thinlits - Gift Card Bag

Sizzix: LO | Paradise

Hello everyone! How has the summer been? It has been really hot in Singapore, and I really feel that the temperatures are hotter this year compared to the same time last year. I found myself crafting more during this time (and of course in an airconditioned craft room!)

However, I did spent some time on my birthday/ our wedding anniversary with my husband, walking down the beach in Sentosa before dinner. It had been a while since we last stepped foot in Sentosa, and it was a nice lazy afternoon walking along Palawan Beach.

As usual, I like to document the important events in my life, and this photo was one of those special memories. I could not feel like it was paradise, and this Sizzix die-cut - Tropical Bird #662544 immediately came to my mind!

This die is such a beauty. I love how it came about as 1 piece, yet allowing me to layer multiple die-cut pieces onto one another. For this layout, I have used several diecuts with different pattern papers / cardstocks.

One way of showing dimensions is to layer a darker piece below the lighter piece. Here, I layered the dark brown die-cut below the green die-cut. It creates a shadow below the die-cut piece and helps lift the element of interest.

For the tropical bird body and florals, I merely followed the shape and cut them out. Then I re layered them on top of the green base.

This die-cut also features very lovely tropical leaves around the bird. I am always looking for leaves dies. They are the best things to layer, and they fill up spaces beautifully without over cluttering. Here you can see the layers where the tropical leaves peek out from the pattern papers.

Even the florals are a beauty to layer!

For the title, I decided to go with the Sizzix Thinlits - Celebration Words-Block. I just picked out the words containing the alphabets in Paradise and cut them in black glitter paper to match the tropical bird. I also love to stitch on my layouts. Here, I am using an altered stab binding as the background to my title. That does look a little like the roof of a house doesn't it?

This layout came about pretty quick, and it was easy because I had the right tools on hand. I really love the Sizzix multi tool and the paper sculpting kit. If you hadn't already gotten these tools, you should! They are my best friends when I craft!

The Sizzix Multi Tool with interchangeable heads complements a wide variety of making activities. It includes a rubberised dual end handle with ergonomic grip allowing use of two heads at the same time. The Multi Tool comes with a distress head and craft knife and an end cap is also provided if single ended use is preferred. Simply twist and lock heads into place. I bring along my multi tool when I go out. It is always connected to the distress head, and this tool also acts as a thread cutter! (Also a great tool to bring along on the aeroplane! The blades are not exposed, so it is safe for flight travels.) 

My paper sculpting kit is always in use. Be it sculpting florals, piercing for stitching work, or fussy cutting, there is just always a need! Of course, having the right combination of colors is an added bonus!

Hope you have enjoyed the walk through, and that it inspires you with ways to use your dies! Do check out the Sizzix UK blog and instagram for more ideas! While you are at IG, also check out #mymakingstory for even more inspirations!

Sizzix Supplies Used:

Sizzix: Gift Box | Smile

Back on the blog today sharing a gift box I made recently using Sizzix UK #662542 Amour thinlits die by Sophie Guilar.

I always find myself looking at dies in different ways. I guess it is the engineering aspect in me which prevails. I like the variety of ways to use 1 thing, and that keeps me going.

This time, I built a gift box instead. Great to have in handy, and simple to build. Most importantly, it also has the touch of elegance!

This envelope header die cuts the most elegant flourishes ever. How can one not fall in love with it?

I hope this gives you an idea of what you can make with this die. To me, it is not only an envelope die, but can also be used as a gift box flap or an album cover.

Do check out the Sizzix UK blog and instagram for more ideas! While you are at IG, also check out #mymakingstory for even more inspirations!

Sizzix Supplies Used:

Sizzix: Keychain | Owl

Hello everyone! I couldn't help but do another project with the Sizzix Owl Bigz die! This owl has me really hooked. This time, I used felt instead of paper and made myself a little owl keychain.

How cute is this! Just cut the pieces required to assemble the owl. For the body, I used blind stitching and inserted some foam for the body. For the rest of the elements, you can choose to stitch or simply add glue to assemble.

Viola! A quick project and now my clutch has a matching owl keychain to go along!

Hope this inspires you to use different materials for the bigz die and you can achieve different purposes!

Be sure to check out the Sizzix UK blog or Sizzix Lifestyle Instagram for more ideas!

For my local friends residing in Singapore, the dies are available at Made with Love  whilst stocks last!

Supplies Used:

Sizzix: Card | Hoot

Hello! This week I have been blessed with Sizzix UK dies and I can't wait to get my hands working on them! First thing I had to work with was the Sizzix UK bigz die - owl.

This sweet little owl has taken my heart away! The assembly of this owl was simple, all it required was the correct tools and it is done in a matter of seconds.

Yes, this set of Sizzix accessory is my best friend when it comes to paper crafting. The right tools can really help save tons of time in the assembly and glueing process.

I decided to go with a sliding panel card, so the owl will pop up when the receiver slides the card panel. This owl does deserve a good limelight with a pop up mechanism!

This card also stores flat for mailing so I don't have to worry that the elements get flattened during mailing. Working on this card took a short time, and sometimes card making is easier when you have the right elements right in front of you.

Thank you for joining me today, and be sure to check out the Sizzix UK blog or Sizzix Lifestyle Instagram for more ideas!

For my local friends residing in Singapore, the dies are available at Made with Love  whilst stocks last!

Supplies Used:

Sizzix: Card | Hello

Hello! I am back again on the blog with some Sizzix UK inspirations! This month spells love, and in Singapore we have been busy preparing for Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day!

This is why I am inspired to come up with this card with loads of flowers! 

This garden florals die set is really fascinating! It contains so many elements, and I love them so much! I can really see myself using them again and again!

The card is shaped like a flower pot holding the flowers. I glued the flowers such that it can be removed and display some written sentiments from the sender to the receiver. While making the card base, I thought it would be fun to add some embossing details! Here I used the 3D woven embossing folder, and added the diecut "Hello".

How beautiful is this array of flowers! Tuck some leaves in between the flowers for some highlights and layers. Of course, don't forget a dainty butterfly because butterflies pack a smile! 

Be sure to check out the Sizzix UK blog or Sizzix Lifestyle Instagram for more ideas!

For my local friends residing in Singapore, the dies are available at Made with Love  whilst stocks last!

Supplies Used: