Punch Art Leprechaun

Punch Art Leprechaun

I love the punch art leprechauns I have ogled lately on the web but I don’t have the correct punches to pull it together.  So I set out to see if I could make one with the punches I had on hand.  And I succeed fairly well I think!   A little re-cutting of the punches, something I just recently “discovered”, was required but overall the project fell easily into place.

Materials

• 2 inch peach circle
• 1 ½ inch peach heart
• 1 ¾ inch black square
• 1 ¾  inch green square
• 2 ½ inch green square
• ½ inch black circle x 2
• ½ inch peach circle
• 2 inch rusty brown scalloped cameo x 2
• 2 inch rusty brown mustache
• 1 inch Stampin Up bird punch wing x 2
• 1 inch gold square
• ½ inch black square

Also Needed

• White paint pen or white paint (apply with a toothpick)
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Corner rounder

Thanks for taking a peek. I hope you enjoy this tutorial.   I would LOVE to hear from you! . . . . . . . buggalcrafts

Photo Tutorial

Punch all pieces needed. I did not have a punch small enough for the small gold and black squares so I free-handed them.

Cut pieces as shown. I used a punch to cut the shapes because it gives a cleaner cut.

Glue beard to face.

Glue ears behind the head.

Glue hair on behind the ears.

Glue pink circle behind the mustache and then glue them in place.

Glue the circle in place for the nose.

Round the corners of the small square and the rectangle. My rectangle was a little small so I recut a larger one.

Glue the black retangle to the hat.

Glue the eyebrows in place.

Glue the brim of the hat down.

Glue the small gold square to the hatband.

Cut a small black square and glue it to the buckle.

Add a glint to the leprechaun with a white paint pen.

Mini Sheep From a Cloud Punch?

Mini Sheep From a Cloud Punch?

My last post was making a sheep from an oval scallop punch but my first try was with a Fiskars’ large cloud punch. I never was really happy with it but I’ve kept tinkering with it and I think I have it right!

Thanks for taking a look.  I’d love it if you leave me a comment and tell me your thought!

Materials

• Fiskars large cloud punch.
• Recollection 0.5 inch circle punch
• Recollection 2 inch square punch
• EK Success 0.5 inch folk heart punch
• EK Success 0.5 inch tulip punch
• Light blue cardstock
• White cardstock
• Black cardstock
• Yellow cardstock
• Pink cardstock
• Dark and light green cardstock

Also Needed

• Scissors
• Glue stick

Photo Tutorial

Assemble supplies.

Punch shapes: 3 blue & 3 light green squares. 1 black & 1 white cloud. 6 black, 6 dark green, 3 yellow &3 pink tulips. 4 black & 1 yellow circle punch.

Line up the green squares and draw a slanting line across the blocks. You can use 2 blocks by cutting the second block. Then flip the excess over and cut it again for third green piece.

Glue the green pieces to the blue squares.

Glue the matching shapes together – White cloud to black cloud. Black circle to black circle. Yellow circle to 2 black circles. Black heart to black heart x2.

Cut two narrow strips to make the legs.

Glue the two black strips together and trim the overlaping edges.

Cut the strip in half and then cut a notch in the end of each strip.

Glue the legs to the back of the sheep.

Cut the two folk hearts in half.

Glue one each to the sheep body approximately where the head will be.

Glue the head to the body and then glue second ear behind the sheep;s body.

Glue all the pieces on the hill. Then you are ready to glue this on a card.

Punch Art Sheep Card

Punch Art Sheep Card

I LOVE sheep and have found LOTS of versions of a Punch Art Sheep Card on-line!  SO I am presenting to you my version of the Punch Art Sheep Card.

Tutorial

Materials Needed

• Punch Art Sheep
• Wescott 1/16^th Inch Circle Punch
• Paper Studios 1’ Circle Punch
• Recollections 3” Scalloped Circle Punch
• Light Blue, Medium Blue & Olive Green Cardstock
• Pink & Yellow Cardstock Scraps

Also Needed

• Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Pen
• Ruler

Photo Tutorial

Assemble materials. Make one Punch Art Sheep (see link to tutorial above). Punch other shapes needed: One cloud from white cardstock and three from medium blue cardstock. One 1” circle from yellow cardstock and one from black cardstock. Eighteen 1/16th inch circles from yellow & pink cardstock. One 3” circle from light blue and one from olive green cardstock.

To create a3D effect glue one to three of the darker shapes to the white cloud, sun and 3” circle.

Using a ruler or other straight edge draw a line dividing the 3” circle in half.

Cut the circle in half.

Glue the green half circle to the 3” blue circle.

Glue the 1/16th” circles randomly to the green part of the 3” medallion.

Glue the sheep, sun and cloud in place.

Glue your Punch Art Sheep Medallion to your card and it’s ready to mail to brighten someone’s spring day!

Thanks for taking a look.  I’d really, really like to hear from you.  Please drop me a comments. buggalcrafts

Punch Art Sheep

 

Punch Art Sheep

I bought my medium SMALLISH (to me) cloud punch on clearance with the intention to create a flock of sheep grazing on a card.  When I got home the first thing I did was try to make a sheep.  He did come out cute and I’ll show you him later but he is so tiny and I really wanted a bigger sheep.I did a search of the web and all I could find were sheep facing front using a scalloped circle punch.  So I created my own side facing sheep using my oval cameo punch AND my new cloud punch.   I have been “getting into” making 3D punches so I added another dimension (ha! ha!) to my sheep.

I hope you enjoy my newest baby!

Tutorial

Materials Needed

• Fiskars’ Medium Cloud Punch
• Fiskars’ Large Scallop Oval Cameo Punch
• Paper Studios 1’ Circle Punch
• Wescott 1/16^th Inch Circle Punch
• Black Cardstock
• White Cardstock

Also Needed

• Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Pen
• Ruler

Photo Tutorial

Assemble materials.

Punch shapes needed: 4 clouds & 1 oval cameo from white cardstock, 8 clouds, 1 cameo & 2 circles from black cardstock, and 1 circle from yellow cardstock.

To create a 3D effect glue one to three black shapes to the white shapes.

Glue 2 black cardstock scraps together.

Trim the pieces into a 1” by ½” rectangle and then trim a piece from the bottom to make two sets of kicking sheep hoofs.

Glue the tail behind the sheep body on one end. Glue the head on the other end in front of the body. Glue the legs in place behind the body.

Glue the ears on either side of the head.

Thanks for taking a look.  I’d really, really like to hear from you.  Please drop me a comments.   buggalcrafts

Valentine Gingerbread Angel Revisited

 

Valentine Gingerbread Angels Revisited

Christmas is over and my mind has turned towards late winter and spring crafting.  So last night after making several examples of one of my last year’s Valentine project, Gingerbread Angels, for a friend on Listia I decided to re-work the project.  The wings just don’t look right to me – maybe if the hearts making the wings were larger?   I set myself to ponder the matter and it didn’t take very long!

That’s because recently my eyes were opened to the infinite ways your punches can be used other than to just punch out the same old boring shapes.  See my Pinterest board Using Your Stampin Up Bird Punch for the examples of creative uses for a bird punch that inspired me.

So giving the desire to re-work the angel’s wings and my newly acquired punching skills I quickly came up with a punch to use – ok, it was the first punch I picked up but I did have to play around with it for a few minutes!!!  A cameo punch cut in half turned out to be perfect to give my baby Gingerbread Angel flight!

Here are photos and instructions for the newly designed wings.  Please take a minute or two to look at the old tutorial, Gingerbread Angels, as there are some good suggestions there and some tips to make this project without having the punches I used.

Materials

• Light brown cardstock
• White cardstock
• Pink or red cardstock
• Scrapbook paper
• Baby rick-rack or other trims
• Narrow ribbon

Also Needed

• Scissors
• EK Success Large Slim Paper Punch – Gingerbread Man
• Fiskars large squeeze punch – 2” cameo
• Heart punch (0.25 inch)
• Small diameter hole punch (1/4^th inch)
• Glue stick, Elmer’s purple
• White glue

Photo Tutorial

Assemble supplies.

Punch shapes needed – gingerbread man from brown cardstock, icing from red or pink cardstock, mini hearts from red or pink cardstock, mini hearts/folk heart from red or pink cardstock.

Cut comeo punch in half.

Glue rick-rack on arms and legs.

Glue wings on the back of the Ginerbread Angel. Turn over and adjust the wings to look the best.

Allow the glue to dry and then trim rick-rack edges.

Glue icing decorations on the front of the angel. Vary the shape of the mini hearts.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  If you have any questions or something is not clear, please let me know so that I can improve the tutorial.   

Please take a moment to leave a comment and rate this post.

Thanks again. 

Scandia Jul Chipboard Ornaments

Scandia Jul Chipboard Ornaments

Scandinavian style decorating is such a popular theme this year that I couldn’t resist buying some “Making Materials” when I saw these on CLEAREANCE on Oriental Trading!   I can’t say that the way I decorated my ornaments is in anyway at all authentic.  I looked extensively on-line but did not find any pre-made ornaments or tutorials on this style of ornament.   What gives there?  So here is MY version of these ornaments!  There are so many ways to go with these items that I haven’t even explored them all yet!   So check back and see what photos I’ve added.

 “Making Materials”:

• Scandia Jul Holiday Diecuts
• Chip Art Christmas Assortment
• Scandia Jul Paper Pack
• Scandia Jul: Chip Ornament Deco Set
• Small Eye Hooks
• Large Jump Rings
• Red, White & Green Trim:  Ribbon, Rick-Rack, Tri-color Yarn
• Large Diameter Hole Red & Green Wooden Beads
• Jingle Bells
• Rhinestones
• Ornament Hangers

 Also Needed:

• Foam Glue
• Plaid engine red (2702) shiny craft paint
• Mod Podge
• Paint Brush
• Punches
• Scissors
• Wood Skewer

 Instructions:

Chip Art Assortment: 

1. Trace the shape of the chipboard item on the paper.  I like the lines of the paper skewed a little so they are not vertical or horizontal.   Be sure that you turn the paper over for the “other side” of the ornament or your shape will not face the right way.
2. Paint the edges of the ornament to coordinate with the paper.  I choose red.
3. Cut out the 2 sides of the ornament.
4. If there is not a hole to thread and ornament hanger through screw an eye hook into the top of the ornament so it hangs evenly.  Be sure this is a SMALL eyehook so it won’t split the ornament.  Add a large jump ring.
5. Glue (Mod Podge) the paper shape to one side of the ornament and allow it to dry.
6. Repeat Mod Podge coat if needed.
7. Repeat both steps for the other side.
8. After both sides are dry cut tri-color trim (ribbon, rick-rack, yarn, etc.) and thread the trim through the jump ring.
9. Thread a red or green bead on the trim. If you don’t have a red or green beads simply thread any wood bead on a chopstick and paint it. Allow to dry, repeat coat if needed.
10. Settle the bead over the eyehook, flush with the ornament.
11. Tie a knot right above the bead and slowly pull it tight.  Insert an ornament hook before you tighten the knot completely.
12. Another alternative is to simply thread tri-color yarn through the hanger hole then tie a loose bow.  Tie jingle bells on the ends of the yarn.

“Wood-tone” Die Cuts: 

1. I tried the rub-on cross-stich stickers with the Ornament Decorating Set but just was not happy with how they showed up.  They were really light on the “wood-tone” ornaments and you can’t see them very well.  They would show up better on a white ornament and I plan to try this later.
2. Punch shapes from the scrapbook paper and glue them on the ornaments.  I use a wood skewer to apply dots of glue.
3. Accent with the rhinestones from the Ornament Decorating Set.
4. Thread tri-color trim through the hanger holes in the ornaments and then tie a knot.  Insert an ornament hook before you tighten the knot completely.
5. If desired, thread a red or green bead on the trim before knotting.  Or tie bells on the loose ends of the trim.

Thanks for taking a look.  I’d love to hear your comments.

buggalcrafts a.k.a. Melba

Christmas Cards for Your Kids to Make!

Christmas Cards for Your Kids to Make!

 If your kids are like mine they love to give gifts but buying gifts for EVERYONE on your little person’s list (from grandma to the dog to the man in the moon) is impossible unless you are independently wealthy!  If you are then stop reading this and immediately wire me a couple of million (lol)! 

I always took my kids to a dollar store (the one’s where everything is literally a dollar) when they were younger to buy their gifts.  But the usefulness and quality of the selections leave a little to be desired and after all – how many coffee mugs and “dust collectors” can one person use?

So, why not make a gift card that will last longer than the gift?  If you have punches grab some wrapping paper, construction paper, glue, gift ribbon, buttons, yarn, etc.  If you don’t have any punch outs you can acquire some punch outs on eBay or Listia.

This craft project costs you nothing but time to make the punch outs as you simply use materials like construction and wrapping paper and glue sticks – which every prudent mother has on-hand.  I also like this craft project because it saves bits and pieces of paper (i.e.; the wrapping paper scraps) and crafting materials (ribbon “snips”, stray rhinestones, etc.) from the trash.   I keep a jar beside my craft desk and I throw those scraps of ribbon, stray rhinestones and buttons, snips of fabric, and such.  And when I am doing a project that requires bits I turn to this jar.

This also makes a great last minute gift (or even a “not-so-last-minute”) when combined with some handmade coupons for a kiss, a hug, 10 minutes of quiet time, clean room, trying a new vegetable, etc.   If you are at a lost on how to get started there are some very good sites out there that will show you how.  Find one on eHow;  “How to Make a Printable Coupon Kids Can Give”.  And find some great suggestion on what to put on your cards on Kids Love To Know “How to Your Own Coupons Your Parents”.

MATERIALS:

• Construction or scrapbook Paper
• Blank note cards (optional)
• Large envelopes (optional)
• Stamps (optional)
• Punches
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Markers, gel pen, metallic sharpies, crayons
• Other Materials: yarn, gift wrap ribbon, rick-rack, sequins, mini pom-poms, “paper” stickers, rhinestones

 INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut or help your child to cut a piece of construction paper in half then fold it to make a card. The cards can be any size but I found a note card size worked best for me.  If making gift cards to attach to presents cut the paper into fourths then fold.
2. Provide the paper materials to your child.  Help them to make punch outs if needed. 
3. Save the reverse punches (the “hole” left behind in the paper).  These make some really cute cards.  For example; Punch out a row of evenly spaced hearts (make the first punch, then place the puncher edge touching the right edge of the hole and make the second punch, and so on).  Apply glue “around” the holes and then glue a wrapping paper strip to the paper (design side down so the wrapping paper design shows through the heart shaped holes).  Let dry and then cut the reverse punch strip off.  Glue to the card.
4. Let your kids decorate the outside of the cards the punches and embellishments.  I have posted photos of some sample cards I made.  Coordinate the cards with the wrapping paper if the card is to be placed on a gift.
5. Help your kids write a personal message on the inside of the card and then let them sign it.  If you are using a dark color of paper give them a metallic sliver Sharpie or gel marker to do this.  Another option is to cut pieces of light colored construction paper slightly smaller than the card and glue it on the insides of the cards.  Either write on it before your child glues it or allow the glue to dry before writing the message.
6. Finish the card off perfectly with a stamp or sticker won the back.  Or simply write something like “Buggal Cards” or “Made especially for you by Buggal”.
7. Wrap the card with gift wrap and then delver it in person or put it in an envelope and mail to the recipient.
8. Don’t forget to take photos for your scrapbook!

  Thanks so much for taking a look.  I’d LOVE to hear from you!

buggalcrafts

To make a REVERSE PUNCH STRIP, Punch out a row of evenly spaced hearts (make the first punch, then place the puncher edge touching the right edge of the hole and make the second punch, and so on).

Apply glue “around” the holes and then glue a wrapping paper strip to the paper (design side down so the wrapping paper design shows through the heart shaped holes).

Let dry and then cut the reverse punch strip off. Glue to the card.

Glue the strip to the card.

Snowflake Card: Save those mis-punched snowflakes then glue them to the edges of the card for a complete “snowy” look. I used 3 sizes of snowflake punches.
Holly Card: Run a line of glue across the card in a wavy pattern. Then glue a piece of yarn to the page. Let dry and then accent with holly and berries (martha Stewart Holly & Berries punch). The berries the punch makes are way small so I punch bigger berries with a regular hole punch..

Flower Card: Use rick-rack or use a zig-zag punch (EK Sucess) to make paper rick-rack for the stems. I used a comos punch to punch a flower from red construction paper and red gingham wrapping paper. Glue them together and glue a 1/2 inch round punch as the center. Glue to card and when dry bend the petal up to create a 3D effect.
Present Card: Simply glue ribbon in a criss-cross pattern and then use a jumbo Recollections tag punch to make a tag. Write a message on the tag and you’re done!.

Gingerbread Cameo: Glue a strip of ribbon to the card. I save the tail end scraps of ribbon rolls for this purpose. Glue a 2 inch cameo (EK Sucess) in the center of the card. Then glue a punch or place a sticker in the cameo.
Snowman Card: I used a McGill snoman punch to make these snowmen but you could just as easily use nesting cirle punches and stack them. Draw on the features and arms with markers.

 

Mini Wooden Valentine’s Spoons

Mini Wooden Valentine’s Spoons

Make several of these little cuties for a Baking Wreath or to hang on a seasonal tree for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.  They are very easy to make and super inexpensive too!
Materials

• Wooden ice cream spoons
• Cardstock scraps
• Metal ornament hanger

Also needed

• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Permanent markers
• Brown colored pencil or marker
• Cotton swabs or paint brush
• 3/8ths inch heart punch

Costs

I bought some ice cream sticks in a bundle of arts & crafts supplies for $1 so maybe it cost me 15₵ for 25.  The paint, cardstock scraps, Mod Podge, and fabric were leftover from another project.  So basically this was a free craft for me.

Instructions

Photo 1: Assemble materials. Punch hearts.

Photo 2: Draw a spoon pattern on the ice cream stick lightly with a brown colored pencil..

Photo 3: Begin cutting the handle out by making a horizontal cut on each side of the ice cream stick where the “handle” begins. Then cut vertically on each side down to the horizontal cuts.

Photo 4: Sand smooth CAREFULLY. This wood splinters very easily. Watch out!

Photo 6: Tie ribbon around the bottom of the handle. Insert metal ornament hanger (or short piece of wire) before pulling tight. May also glue a magnet to the back of the ornament instead of hanging it on a tree.

Photo 7: Tie ribbon into a bow. Push the bow up a lttle on the spoon handle and apply a little glue. Pull the bow back down and allow to dry. Hang on tree or wreath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  If you have any questions or something is not clear, please let me know so that I can improve the tutorial.   

Please take a moment to leave a comment and rate this post.

Thanks again. 

 

Gingerbread Angels

Gingerbread Angels

This project was recently updated.  Please take a moment to view the revisions here:  Valentine Gingerbread Angels Revisited

I made these little Gingerbread Angels for my Valentine’s Garland but I plan to make more for my Christmas tree. I used punches to create mine but you can just as easily cut these out freehand or use a stencil to create a pattern.

ALTERNATIVES:

• PAPER/CARDSTOCK:  You can also use sandpaper for the gingerbread shape.  When doing this punch a second shape from brown cardstock and then glue it to the back of the sandpaper one.  You can sandwich a hanger between the two shapes.
• PUNCHES:  Make paper rick-rack by taking a about a 2”x2” scrap (a little longer than twice the length you need for each arm/leg) of white cardstock.  Then using zigzag scissors trim one edge closely to start the pattern.  Then move the scissors about one half the blade’s width to the left and make a second cut.  By keeping the piece of cardstock small you can cut the entire length with one scissor’s stroke (thus keeping the width from wandering all over the page) and by making it double the length needed for each arm/leg the rick-rack on each arm/leg will be the same width.  Savvy?

 

Materials

• Light brown cardstock
• White cardstock
• Scrapbook paper
• Narrow rick-rack or other trims
• Narrow ribbon

Also Needed

• Scissors
• EK Success Large Slim Paper Punch – Gingerbread Man
• Heart punch (1.5 inch)
• Small diameter hole punch (1/4^th inch)
• Glue stick, Elmer’s purple

Alternative/s

• You can also use sandpaper for the gingerbread shape.  When doing this punch a second shape from brown cardstock and then glue it to the back of the sandpaper one.  You can sandwich a hanger between the two shapes.
• Make paper rick-rack by taking a about a 2”x2” scrap (a little longer than twice the length you need for each arm/leg) of white cardstock.  Then using zigzag scissors trim one edge closely to start the pattern.  Then move the scissors about one half the blade’s width to the left and make a second cut.  By keeping the piece of cardstock small you can cut the entire length with one scissor’s stroke (thus keeping the width from wandering all over the page) and by making it double the length needed for each arm/leg the rick-rack on each arm/leg will be the same width.  Savvy?

Photo Tutorial

Assemble materials. Punch all shapes needed. Punch the number of gingerbread men needed from brown cardstock. Save the “faces” to use on another gingerbread project. Punch new faces for each from white cardstock. Punch two “wings” (hearts) from the scrapbook paper of your choice and a second set from the brown cardstock for each angel.

Glue the patterned and brown wings together (pattern side out).

Glue trim to the arms and legs on the front of the gingerbread shape. Allow the lace (paper rick-rack, etc.) to hang over the edges of the arms and legs. Trim to fit when dry and before attaching the wings.
Glue on the eyes & mouth and buttons and bow. By using a disappearing purple Elmer’s glue stick you can coat the entire face and then run a line down the front, see where to stick the pieces and it will dry completely clear and you can’t see it!

Glue the wings to the back of the gingerbread shape (between the “shoulder blades”) with the points touching. Turn angel over and check wing placement. Move around until you are satisfied with the look of the wings. Allow to dry.

Check wing placement and adjust as necessary.

Punch a hole in the top of the ornament and thread lace or ribbon through it to create a hanger. Or glue a hanger to the back.
Glue on a halo from narrow ribbon, string of pearls, etc.
Allow to dry completely before hanging.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  If you have any questions or something is not clear, please let me know so that I can improve the tutorial.   

Please take a moment to leave a comment and rate this post.

Thanks again. 

Ice Cream Stick Valentine’s Photo Frame

Ice Cream Stick Valentine’s Photo Frame

Materials

• 4”x6” photo
• 4 ice cream sticks
• 4”x4”  piece of red cardstock & scraps
• Torn fabric strip (about 14”)
• Hanger or magnet

Also Needed

• Mod Podge
• ½ inch heart punch
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• White glue

Cost

• I bought the ice cream sticks in a bundle of arts & crafts supplies for $1 so maybe it cost me 15 cents for 25.  The paint, cardstock scraps, Mod Podge, and fabric were leftover from another project.  So basically this was a free craft for me.

Instructions

1. Glue four ice cream sticks together in a square frame shape.
2. Allow to dry then paint the frame white.  You could also pre-paint the ice cream sticks before gluing.
3. After the frame dries glue 1/2 inch heart punches (or let the kids draw on hearts) to it with Mod Podge.
4. Then apply a coat of Mod Podge to the whole frame.
5. After it dries wrap a torn fabric strip several times around the top of the frame and tie a bow.  Leave it loose enough to be able to insert a hanger if desired.
6. Carefully cut a photo (or a copy) to fit the frame.  Place the photo flat on the table then place the frame on top of the photo.  Move the frame around until you have the area of the photo you want displayed showing within the frame.  Mark the photo with a pen.  Cut the photo to fit the frame.  It needs to extend over to the sticks.   It will measure about 2 ½”x 2 ½”.
7. Cut a 2 ½”x 2 ½” back for the frame from cardstock.  Glue the photo to the cardstock with a glue stick.  “Journal” pertinent information on the back (who, what, where, when, etc.).
8. Glue both to the frame with white glue with the photo facing up.
9. When dry insert hanger or glue magnet to back of frame.

 

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  If you have any questions or something is not clear, please let me know so that I can improve the tutorial.   

Please take a moment to leave a comment and rate this post.

Thanks again. 

 

Wrap torn fabric strip around the top of the frame several times.

 

Tie "ribbon" into a bow.

Glue back to frame.