A NEW ESSENTIALS BY ELLEN RELEASE AND A RAINFALL TUTORIAL

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE FEBRUARY 2021 RELEASE PAGE! ⬆️

YAY! It’s release day at ellenhutson.com ! ⬅︎ Check out all the lovelies—I’ve been a busy girl! •grin•

There’s so much to see and share—too much for one post, so I decided to focus on a few products today and share a video tutorial on a project I just fell in love with (more projects in the coming days, promise):

feat. THE NEVER-ENDING FRINGE DIE SET / JUST SQUIDDING STAMP & DIE SET / BEAR WARE (umbrella image)

The rainfall or rain shaker card has been around for a long time, but I’ve never actually made one! And, there are several different ways to make one, of course. But, you know when you look at a product and wonder if you can do something with it that it wasn’t originally intended for? Yeah, that’s what happened here with the Never-Ending Fringe Die . . .

Inside message: “Does somebody need a hug?” (from Just Squidding)

These are seriously too much fun! I definitely gotta get more beads—I just have those pretty silver-lined ones, but how fun would it be to have a variety of colors??? •wheels are spinning• Have you tried making one of these before? I already pre-cut a whole bunch of stubby fringe so I can bust out more of these babies! EEP!!!

Sooooo, what do you think of the latest release? Do you have a favorite?

Thanks for stopping by and hope you are continuing to stay healthy and safe out there!

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SUPPLIES:

• Just Squidding by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Just Squidding By Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• Never Ending Fringe By Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• Essential Rectangles, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• Essential Clouds, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• Bear Ware by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Bear Ware by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• It's A Boy, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Fiesta Blue, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Jet Black Amalgam, Gina K Designs Ink Cube

• Obsidian Amalgam, Gina K Designs Ink Pad

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Scor-Tape 1/4' (5mm), Scor-Pal Tape

• X-Press It Tape Runner

• Fine Tip, ZIG 2 Way Glue

• Chisel Tip, ZIG 2 Way Glue

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White

• Super Fine Crafting Tweezers, Cheery Lynn Designs

• Silver, Coats Metallic Thread

• Silver Shimmer, Pretty Pink Posh Seed Beads

• Ice, Mill Hill Glass Seed Beads

• YR0000 - Pale Chiffon, COPIC Sketch Marker

• R21 - Sardonyx, COPIC Sketch Marker

• R22 - Light Prawn, COPIC Sketch Marker

• BG10 - Cool Shadow, COPIC Sketch Marker

• BG23 - Coral Sea, COPIC Sketch Marker

• C3 - Cool Gray No. 3, COPIC Sketch Marker

• Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 4 Piece Broad, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-4)

• Background Blender Brushes, Honey Bee Tools

• Ranger Stickles, Diamond

• Ranger Stickles, Star Dust

• Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: Affiliate links used wherever possible; when you purchase via my links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, so please—buy all the things! And, thanks so much for your support!

DIY HOT FOIL STAMPED CELLOPHANE PACKAGING

When a girl’s oven breaks down right before Thanksgiving, she’s gotta scramble. Luckily, the Mister knows how to smoke and grill turkey, and girl knows how to make crock pot mashed potatoes and no-bake pumpkin cheesecake pie; the day was saved! But, the part my oven needs (the control panel ) is (still ) on back-order, we’re in the middle of a Pandemic and Christmas is 12 days away . . .

This year will be the one where everything got dipped. In chocolate. Have you ever had dried apricots dipped in dark chocolate? Sinful. White chocolate popcorn? Heavenly. Chocolate coated pretzels—with the fun little sprinkles? Delightful.

How to gift them in a way that feels special and, dare I say it, “upscale”? Today, I’m taking some plain jane cellophane bags and adding gold foil lettering for a gorgeous, high-end presentation and making Martha Stewart proud in the process! •wink• GO, ME!!!

PLEASE NOTE: I am foiling onto crystal clear CELLOPHANE bags NOT Polypropylene bags ).

My Gemini FoilPress Settings:

• Medium Heat Setting

• 15 second timer for a medium sized hot foil stamp

• 110# sheet of card stock for additional shim
  

TIPS:

• This method requires heat/pressure activated foils (NOT toner reactive foils ); while you can try other brands of foil, I have found Crafter’s Companion Paper Craft foils to work beautifully and quite consistently with the Gemini FoilPress system.

• It’s always best to start with the lowest heat setting first and to test the results before proceeding to your project (be prepared to sacrifice a few bags to practice so you can find the settings that work best for your materials and your FoilPress; once you find the secret sauce, write it down and keep it handy. My notes are taped inside my cabinet door where I store my FoilPress ).

• Slip a piece of card stock trimmed to fit inside the bag; this will improve foil transfer.

• Removable/low-tack tape makes a great “hinge” for hot foil stamp placement, and anchoring in place to avoid shifting when sending through the Gemini Jr. I’ve been using Purple Tape, but you could also use washi tape.

• Always allow the foil/cello bag to cool before peeling to reveal the foil.

• Over-foiling on cello bags is best removed with the dull edge of the FoilPress Magnetic Tweezers or the dull side of scissors blade. (Do NOT use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove over-foiling on cellophane; it causes a chemical reaction that discolors the bag in a not pretty way. Ask me how I know . . . )

• Tape residue on the back of your hot foil stamp can easily be removed with rubbing alcohol.

• After filling your cello bags with a yummy treat, you can use twist ties, pretty washi tapes or possibly one of those heat sealer thingies (I don’t have one those—yet—but I just may have to bite the bullet . . . ).

I seriously had THE.BEST.TIME foiling these bags! They turned out SO pretty! I’m packaging food, but DANG!!! you could package SO many different kinds of gifts this way!! YAASSSS!!! •fist pump•

My primary source for food-safe CELLOPHANE flat bags is Clear Bags. I also like their gusseted bags. With the Christmas holiday looming, however, they are currently out of stock of some of their most popular size configurations. ACK!!! You can also find cellophane bags on Amazon and big box craft stores that carry baking tools and supplies. You may even discover some vendors on Etsy that offer them ( ? — I haven’t looked but the thought just occurred to me ).

Thanks for stopping by today!

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SUPPLIES:

• Happy Holidays by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Hot Foil Stamps - EH

• Gold, Gemini FoilPress Papercraft Foil Rolls - EH

• Rose Gold, Gemini FoilPress Papercraft Foil Rolls - EH

• Silver, Gemini FoilPress Papercraft Foil Rolls - EH

• iCraft Purple Tape 1-1/2 in X 15 yds - EH

• FoilPress Machine, Crafter's Companion Gemini - EH

• Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior EH

Disclosure: Affiliate links used wherever possible; when you purchase via my links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, so please—buy all the things! And, thanks so much for your support!

MAKE A HOLIDAY SHAKER TAG

feat. MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS / SHAKER GLOBE DIE

There’s always more than one way to make a shaker, but this one is an easy favorite! I’ve been asked how to get the woodgrain base on the snow globe and it’s honesty very simple, but some things are easier shown than explained, so enjoy the video here or feel free to watch over on YouTube.

I had planned on reserving these tags for adorning my granddaughters’ packages under the tree, but a little 7 year old was giving me those puppy dog eyes and, well, what’s a Nana to do? She caves, that’s what she does. Because they’re made of paper, and she knows she’ll just have to make more when Christmas rolls around . . . •chuckle•

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SUPPLIES:

• Merry Little Christmas by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps - (EH)

• Merry Little Christmas by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies - (EH)

• Shaker Globe by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne - (EH)

• It's A Boy, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Coral Cabana, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 2 Pack, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-2) - (EH)

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 4 Piece Broad, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-4) - (EH)

• Set of 24, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker - (EH)

• Set of 48, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker - (EH)

• Small Fine Point (23638), Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush - (EH)

• Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12, Canson XL - (EH)

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock - (EH)

• Woodgrain Embossed 110 lb Tan - 10 Pk, Essentials by Ellen Cardstock - (EH)

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White - (EH)

• Black Mini MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (6-1/8 X 7), Hero Arts - (EH)

• Mini MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (6-1/8 X 7), My Sweet Petunia - (EH)

• New & Improved MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), My Sweet Petunia - (EH)

• Stainless Tweezers, Elisa's Backporch Design - (EH)

• HAI Supply Direct Super Shine Silver Stars - (HAI)

• Prisma Glitter, Lawn Fawn - (EH)

• Crystal Clear Plastic, Medium Weight 8 1/2" x 11" (10 pk), Essentials by Ellen - (EH)

• Thick Foam Sheets - Double Sided Adhesive, Cheery Lynn Designs - (EH)

• 3mm (1/8"), Be Creative Tape - (EH)

• Strawberry, Avery Elle Hemp Twine - (EH)

• Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior - (EH)

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools - (EH)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.

MAKE A TROPICAL CARD DESIGN USING AN AMARYLLIS IMAGE

Today’s my sweet Mama’s birthday and I wanted to share the card I made for her. As I mention in the video, she was born and raised on the island of Kauai.

IMAGE CREDIT: PINTEREST

These beautiful colors remind me so much of the gorgeous flora on Kauai, which is fondly referred to as the “Garden Island”.

Hope this inspires you to see what kind of spin you can put on images you own.

Enjoy your weekend, and stay safe!

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SUPPLIES:

• Mondo Amaryllis by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Clear Stamps

• Totally Random Sayings Vol. 3 by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12, Canson XL

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• 043 - Olive Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 040 - Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 044 - Deep Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 052 - Bright Yellow, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 022 - Carmine Red, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 092 - Blue Gray, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Small Fine Point (23638), Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush

• 40 lb. Vellum - 25 pk, Essentials by Ellen

• Embossing Magic Bag, Inkadinkado

• Stampendous Embossing Powder, Detail Gold

• Fired Brick, Ranger Distress Oxide Ink Pad

• WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine - Clear Gloss

• Black MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), Hero Arts

• New & Improved MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), My Sweet Petunia

• Mini Media Mat, Waffle Flower Tools

• Dual Speed Heat Tool, WOW

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.

ONE COMPOSITION, 4 LAYOUTS, 4 COLOR SCHEMES

It’s All Good is one of my favoritest sentiment sets because it’s modern and pretty much timeless. It can go feminine or masculine, which is a huge plus!

You could color in the outline letters, but I find this alternative way to add color both super easy and super effective! I liked the composition so much, I made 3 more cards, but just switched the lay-out slightly and the color schemes.

I used Abstract Paint Strokes—another favorite of mine— to create the stripes of color and the spotty background. If you don’t have Abstract Paint Strokes, Flora & Fauna make a set you could easily use to create similar spots and stripes: Texture 10.

I must admit, I had to try a variety of color schemes (on scratch paper) found on Pinterest before I found combos that really appealed to me when laying the stripes down next to and overlapping each other. The skinny washi tape is from HAI Supply and I love that the pattern is a smaller scale than your average rolls of washi tape.

Thanks a Lot Color Scheme: Limoncello | Bellini | It’s a Girl

Oh. Em. Gee. Color Scheme: Mint To Be | Be Mine | Lemongrass | Limoncello | It’s A Girl

Hip Hip Hooray Color Scheme: Green Tea | Black Jack | Bellini | Mint To Be | Tutti Frutti

Heck, Yeah Color Scheme: Sauna | Mandarin Spice | Twilight | Bellini | Sand Castle | Eucalyptus

This is such a great composition that works well in all of the layouts above—hello, Easy Button! (fist pump)

Happy Weekend and thanks for stopping by!

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My Pinterest Color Inspo Board: Coloring My World

SUPPLIES:

• It's All Good by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps - (EH)

• Abstract Paint Strokes by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps - (EH)

• It's A Girl, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Limoncello, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Mint To Be, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Be Mine, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Lemongrass, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Sauna, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Mandarin Spice, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Twilight, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Bellini, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Sand Castle, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Eucalyptus, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Green Tea, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Black Jack, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• Tutti Frutti, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad - (EH)

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne - (EH)

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White - (EH)

• Silver, Coats Metallic Thread - (EH) / Black & white threads are from the fabric store.

• Liquid Glue Adhesive, Avery Elle Adhesives - (EH)

• Black Stars, HAI Sequins - (EH)

• Super Shine Silver Stars, HAI Sequins - (EH)

• Mix Red Heart Drops - (HAI SUPPLY DIRECT)

• Skinny Black Diagonal Stripe Washi Tape - (HAI SUPPLY DIRECT)

• Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz - (EH)

• Deluxe 12 Inch Paper Trimmer with Aluminum Cut Rail, Fiskars - (EH)

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock - (EH)

• Black MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), Hero Arts - (EH)

• New & Improved MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), My Sweet Petunia - (EH)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.