If you are anything like me…you can remember the first time you flipped through the new catalog and you said – WOW, I just HAVE to have that! Well, that’s what I did with page 15 with the Tags and Trimmings Bundle. I knew that it would be on the Brown Truck rolling down Randall Lane.

I ask you, How cute is this?

My head immediately starting swimming with ideas on how I would use it. The very first thought was the stocking – sooooo cute and just look at all of the trimmings there are to jazz it up! Next was the pillow box (I think that’s what you call it)….I can remember inside I was sayin’ yippee – a fantastic way to “gift” a gift card!

Today we are going to see the Pillow Box and pop back tomorrow and we will see the stocking! Stampin’ Up! does not have a video on this bundle yet but my bet…they will as it is going to be a fun and popular bundle that I am sure that many would enjoy a video (fingers crossed that they do or I might need to) 😐 

Before we get going into the tips and tricks that I found when making these….I wanted to share with some of the amazing photos that are in the catalog! I love it that Stampin’ Up! has these available for us to share! (click on them to make them bigger, the details are just wonderful)

Here is the Bundle and yes, I would get the bundle as you will save an instant 10% and the stamp set is a classic to use for other projects, The fonts are fun and I like the “thickness” of them as they make a statement.

One stamp in this set that you will use over and over as the proportions of it are fantastic for card making….is the sweet snowflakes and dots (I love my dots). The picture below the bundle is the 5″ X 7″ piece of all of the stamps after I “condition” them  –  I tuck this in my stamp case for reference..

By doing this I accomplish 2 things…they are ready for me to have a great clean and crisp stamp and it is a great visual.

I know that this sounds crazy and you are probably saying Silly Susan….just look at the front of the case – YEP, you’re right…the images are there but I like to stamp them myself to get that “look and feel” – to me…it’s kind of like holding a catalog in your hand or looking at one on line – they both work but there is noting like having it in your hands!

I am sure that many of you remember we use to have a pillow box that was much bigger than this one. It retired and I can remember the buzz with SUD’s and customers of the “oh no’s” why did it retire? I can’t help you there but one thing I have learned….KEEP IT if something retired….if you like it – why not keep it? Only you know what works for your needs.

Here are some tips that I discovered while making this….hang on to them (I would pin one of the pictures so you will always be able to come back to this post) that I think will come in handy. It looks like a bunch but it is very straight forward, I know you all enjoy the “in’s and out’s” and you know me, I love to share tips!

• You need (2) of the Pillow shapes (dah, I know that seems straight forward but…) and you can get (2) from a 1/2 of paper
• You will cut one of the “flappy rectangle ends off”
• Use your bone folder – this makes a huge difference with the sides and structure of the pillow box

• The score lines on the short sides….these are curved (dah again…pillow shape) so the best way to score them it to keep your hand on the inside of the line and gently press into shape from the outside (hard to describe but you’ll get it)
• Use Tear & Tape for the side edge to adhere, not only is it super strong it is so easy to pull that strip off and go. All you do is meet up the 2 and press!
• For the rectangle flap that you did not cut off…I would put a small piece of tear & tape there and once you have it all put together on the sides….slide your bone folder in the box and rub it….
• To make a belly band – you need a 6″ piece of DSP. I was THRILLED with this as it is a perfect solution for 6 X 6 paper and also great to use up scraps that you have. I just used fast fuse to adhere.
• I made my own tag with the stamp as well as with the Everyday Label Punch…a must have staple!

That is really about it! The sky is the limit with this sweet box and you can easily see that it can be used all year long with a variety of themes…and the decorating of the box  – endless possibilities.

Here is another thing that I love about this pillow box. I am one that likes to make up MANY at one time just to have them ready to go. You could easily go ahead and cut the box shape with Mr. Bigs help…go ahead and put the tear & tape on the sides and just do not put them together.

This way you have a stack of pillow pouches ready to go and then all you have to do is decorate when you need them. WORKS FOR ME!

There you go…a perfect way to jazz up and make a gift card  FUN and UNIQUE! To me it is a win-win on both accounts….YOU are getting your “I made this fix” and THE RECIPIENT is getting not only an adorable presentation/gift….but a useful gift….a gift card!

My dear Dad like to give checks….(nothing wrong with that either) and I know each year I make him up something fun for his gift giving. A check will fit in here perfectly –  rolled with a simple bow around it (too cute, right?) or you could just fold it….options are always the best!

I can’t wait for you to see what’s up for you tomorrow….it will be stocking fun! I wish that you were all here to see me play with this bundle…I would do a little squeal of joy as they are so cute!!! It’s funny how the little things make you happy!

Enjoy your day, be safe and have fun with this new catalog. When you hit the Paw Print below all you have to do is hit that Holiday Catalog Tab and presto….all of the drop downs will be there for you!

I just love to be able to click and see all of the bundle in one section….here is a screen shot of what I mean! Remember – DOUBLE PAW PRINTS from me this Holiday Weekend thru Monday evening…..(woot-woot!!!)

It is a rainy day here in Maryland but that’s ok – my job for the day was to get a load of hay….oops, that’s not happening….I think that I am giving myself permission for Milo and I to craft together!!! Actually, I am kinda glad that it is rainy as I need to keep working on the Product Share Swatch Books…..remember – tomorrow is the LAST DAY for you to get in the Product Share!

Don’t forget…one lucky Product Share person is going to win the exclusive Merry Patterns Stamp Set….I say yippee for you and a big thanks from me for the Product Share order! Please see yesterday’s post!