What happened to http://www.olivejuicestudio.blogspot.com?

We are extremely sad to share with you that Blogger has closed down our Main Blog - "Olive Juice Studio" found at http://www.olivejuicestudio.blogspot.com. We apologize for this VERY unexpected inconvenience and any frustration it may have caused you trying to access our site. Believe me, we are just as frustrated, if not more!!! Blogger's spambot software accidentally flagged our blog as a SPAM SITE due to a sudden increase in traffic on June 1st and June 2nd and thus shutdown our entire blog. OJS is NOT a spam site -it's a craft site and we are actively trying to resolve this issue.


It has been nine full days now with no assistance from Blogger. We refuse to play the waiting game any longer and have decided that Blogger is NOT the blogging platform we want to work with any longer. We are currently in the process of setting up an official Olive Juice Studio website.
Until we can get someone from Blogger to review our blog manually to remove this error, we are unable to retrieve any of our content. We also have no way of contacting our followers/readers to let them know what is going on. If you know of anyone trying to access OJS PLEASE help us by spreading the word.

Our NEW website URL is: http://www.olivejuicestudio.com/

Please help us out by telling your online friends that we have moved to a new location. If you would be so kind to post our new URL on your blog/website we would be forever grateful for your kindness!

We are still moving content to our new website and are just in the beginning phases of setting it up BUT you are more than welcome to stop by! Please overlook our mess during this "construction" period - We have very little "decor" at the moment but are digligently working on our new site -We have a lot of work to do! We are confident that OJS will be a much better site with more to offer in the near future.

Thank you so much for trying to find OJS! I sure miss seeing all of you!

Olive OJS followers, don't you?

x Kim

Instructions for Our Holy Cow Card

 Holy Cow...

(Inside reads) You're Udderly Amazing!!!

An Olive Juice Studio original designed especially for Memory Miser customers!!!  Subscribe to their electronic newletter by visiting their website to receive your own project instructions! This is a unique card made from two card bases with the backs glued together.  The card is small but by providing the second attached card you now have all kinds of room to write a note -telling the special person you are thanking just how moooooooooo'ved you are! :-)

Ingredients:

Cricut Machine

Create a Critter Cricut Cartridge

Wild Card (or George and DS, or any other cartridge that  has a circle that you can weld!)

Golden Yellow cardstock

Black cardstock

Red  and white polka dot paper by Jenni Bowlin

Light pink, white and black Bazzill Bling paper scraps

Green patterened paper scraps for grass

Medium Brown cardstock

two buttons (we used a clear purple and clear yellow!)

green wire (found in the jewlery isle at Joanns)

pop dots (or dimensionals!)

yellow fabric scrap (we used flannel!)

computer and Microsoft Publisher (or any stamped image or Cricut cut word/phrase!)

White inkpen

Pink Dew Drops Ink

Tim Holtz Distress Tea Dye Ink Pad 

Favorite Adhesive

Scissors

Paper Cutter

Instructions:

 1.  Using the Cricut cartridge "Wild Card" handbook flip to page 48.  Find the circle card in "blackout"  This is what is used to make your card base and layers. If you have Design Studio (or Gypsy) and George or any other cartridge that has a circle you can weld two circles together for your base card.  The instructions listed are based on the blackout circle found in "Wild Card."

Here are your cuts using the "blackout" feature:

       a.  Golden Yellow cardstock- cut at 4 1/4"

       b.  Black Cardstock - Cut at 4"

       c.  Red and White Polka Dot paper - Cut at 3 3/4"

2.  Cut the Red and White Polka Dot paper in half along the fold line.  Set aside one circle for another project or for a second card.

3.  Using your preferred paper scoring tool, score and fold the cards in half.

4.  Glue the back of the black card to the center of the front of the yellow card.  (See photo above)

5.  Using ink the edges of the polka dot paper using the Tea Dye Distress Ink by Tim Holtz.

6.  Adhere the polka dot circle to the top of the black circle while lining up the straight edge of the polka dot paper with the black cardstock.

7.  Insert the "Create a Critter" Cricut cartridge. Referring to your handbook, flip to page 60 and find the cow.   Set your machine to 1 3/4".  You will be cutting all three layers of the cow.  (I'm not sure about your cartridge but my cartridge is labeled incorrectly for the cow - the Layer 1 is actually the blackout of the cow on my cartridge but the handbook shows the top layer of the cow with the circle cutouts. Layer 2 in my handbook shows the blackout of the cow but is really the cow with the circle cutouts.  All-in-all if you're handbook is also incorrect just draw a line with arrows at either end to remind you that it's backwards!)  I hope that made sense! :-)

Here's what you need to cut:

      a.  Brown Cardstock - Select "Layer 2" (or possibly Layer 1 if your handbook is correct!)

      b.  White Cardstock - Select "Layer 1" (or possibly Layer 2 if your handbook is correct!)

      c.  Black Cardstock - Select just the BASE cut - that's the cut in the orange box in your

           handbook or the cow on the keypad overlay without using a feature key.     

      d.  Pink Cardstock - Select "Layer 3" and cut the cow's mouth/nose and udders.

8.  Assemble the cow pieces using pop dots (dimensionals) between  all layers- brown on the bottom, black in the center and white on the top.  Ink and glue together.  Attach the udders and the nose/mouth piece.

9. Cut two strips of paper from a scrap of green patterned paper.  Approximately 2 1/4" long.  Using your scissors, cut strips to make grass.  Do this to both pieces and then stack a little off-centered and attach using pop dots (dimensionals) between the two layers.

10.  Cut a 1" or so sized circle from yellow fabric.  Ink if desired.

11. Wrap a piece of green wire around a pin or something thin to achieve a tight springy effect leaving enough uncurled wire at the end of each piece to thread through the button.  Do this twice for two flower stems.  Slip  each piece of wire through a button - the two holed buttons work best for this!

12.  Print out the sentiment "Holy Cow" and "You're Udderly Amazing" on the white cardstock.  Cut with scissors and ink edges.

12.  Attach all pieces to the card front.  Attach the sun to the upper right side of card, then the cow  using more pop dots (dimensionals).  Attach the grass to the bottom of the cow so it looks like he is standing in it.  Use pop dots (dimensionals) for the grass too.  Glue the flower stems in the grass in front of the cow and arrange to achieve desired look.  Add the sentiment to the front ( we didn't use pop dots for this but you can!) Add the inside sentiment to the inside of the black card.  Decorate the inside with any remaining pieces.

13.  Add dots/dashes with a white gel pen for extra pizazz!

Instructions for 3-D Shadow Box Card w/ Tag - "Wear a Smile...One Size Fits All!"

Wear a Smile...

(Tag reads) One Size Fits All!

(Instructions will be posted soon!)

Mother's Day Card Using Cricut Cartridge Paisley

“Seriously…” (Inside) “Hoo’s da Mama? YOU ARE! Happy Mother’s Day!” A super cute way to wish YOUR mama a Happy Hootin’ Mother’s Day! This card was made using the “Paisley” Cricut cartridge.

It’s an Olive Juice Studio Original created exclusively for Memory Miser Customers!

Ingredients:
Cricut, Create or Expression
“Paisley” cartridge
Cuttlebug
A2 Embossing folder from the “Welcome Baby” folder and die set
Light pink card measuring (4 ¾” x 5 ½”)
Black cardstock mat measuring (4 ½” x 5 ¼”)
Book page
Scraps of black, pink, light green, yellow and white paper for Cricut cuts
Scrap of torn music paper
Light green lace
Yellow Stickles
A color coordinated brad for flower center
Pop dots (or dimensional!)
Inks in red, light green and light orange or dark yellow

Directions:
1. Using the “Paisley” cartridge cut the base of of the owl from light pink paper (or your preferred color) at
2 ½”.
2. Next, cut the top layer of the owl using the book page making sure to leave the size set to 2 ½”. (You may need to adjust your blade and pressure some book pages. We set our blade to 4 and our pressure at med).
3. Using your handbook for reference, cut the eyes, feet, flowers and stomach feather stripes. (Remember to adjust your blade and pressure setting if you changed the settings for step 2.)
4. Lightly ink the edges of the pink owl and the pink card with the red ink.
5. Attach the book print top layer of the owl by using pop dots in between the layers.
6. Assemble the eyes by gluing together. Add the eyes to the owl with pop dots.
7. Fill in the beak of the owl with yellow Stickles or your preferred glitter glue.
8. Attach a brad to the center of the flower and then place a pop dot underneath when attaching to the owl’s wing.
9. Attach the owl’s feather stripes to it’s tummy.
10. Lightly ink the feet with the orange/yellow ink and glue to the owl.
11. Attach the finished owl to the card with pop dots.
12. Emboss the black cardstock mat using your Cuttlebug and embossing folder.
13. Attach the black card mat to the center of the pink card front.
14. Cut a piece of music patterned paper to fit the left side of the card and tear the edge on the right side. Lightly ink and curl up the torn edge sides.
15. Wrap the light green lace trim around the black cardstock mat and tie in a knot near the top of the card.
16. Cut the word “seriously…) using the “Paisley” cartridge making sure to use two different colors of paper – one for the shadow and one for the top layer.
17. Decorate the inside any way you like. We used this saying: “ Hoo’s the mama? YOU ARE! Happy Mother’s Day!”

A "Just Because" Card for a Friend Using Cricut cartridges Once Upon a Princess and Beyond Birthdays

Recipe for "Hello Friend..."

“Hello Friend”

It’s an Olive Juice Studio Original created exclusively for Memory Miser Customers!

A cute and quick card to make for a special friend using “Once Upon a Princess” and “Beyond Birthdays” Cricut Cartridges!


Ingredients:
Cricut, Create or Expression
“Once Upon a Princess” cartridge
“Beyond Birthdays” cartridge
Off-white premade card (or make your own) measuring 5 ½” x 6”
Black cardstock mat (5 ¼” x 5 ½”)
Flesh toned paper for fairy body
Light peach paper scraps for fairy body
Red and off-white polka dot paper for fairy dress and hat
Teal and light green scraps for tights
Torn paper scraps for layers underneath fairy
Stardust Stickles Glitter
Black and white reversible ribbon – polka dots and stripes
1 straight pin with a colored bead on the top
Red ink for coloring in hair
Soft pink ink for cheeks
Red Marker or red glitter glue for the mouth
Black marker for eyes
Preferred adhesive
Pop dots (or dimensionals!)

Directions:
1. Attach the black card mat to the front of the off-white card.
2. Using the “Once Upon a Princess” cartridge cut the princess fairy at 4 ½” using the light peach/orange paper for your bottom layer and then cut the top layer of the princess from your preferred flesh toned paper.
3. Ink the light peach/orange hair with the red ink pad to add extra dimension.
4. Attach the flesh toned layer to the top of the peach/orange layer so that the hair shows as in the example above.
5. Cut the dress and hat TWO TIMES EACH using the red and off-white polka dot paper (or your color and pattern preference!) making sure to keep the settings at the same size (4 ½”) for all of your cuts for the princess fairy. Make sure to have the handbook open to find the proper location for the extra layers needed to complete the outfit.
6. Cut the layers for the tights, flag and flowers.
7. Cut the wings once at 4 ½” (top layer) and again at 5” for the shadow/bottom layer. (use the same color/pattern or two different ones for extra Oomph!)
8. Glue the stripes to the tights and attach to the fairy princess.
9. Assemble the dress by stacking the two identical dresses with pop dots (dimensional) in between the dresses. Attach to the fairy princess with adhesive. Curl up the ends to make the dress appear more lifelike.
10. Assemble the hat the same way as the dress by stacking the two identical hats with pop dots in between the hats. Attach to the top of the fairy head by slipping the bottom layer behind the fairy's head to make it look like she is really wearing it.
11. Assemble the flag and add a flower to it.
12. Cut a strip of paper to make the belt for the dress. (The green scallop design was made with a punch!)
13. Tear scraps of paper in random sizes and glue in a random fashion to the front of the card. Once desired look is achieved, attach the fairy princess to the top.
14. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the torn paper mat and knot on the right side a 1/3 of the way down.
15. Using the “Beyond Birthdays” cartridge and your preferred paper choice, cut the phrase “Hello Friend” and attach to the upper right corner of the card.
16. Use a clear glitter glue to highlight the off-white polka dots and any other areas on your card.

T-Rex Invitation Using the Cricut Cartridges - Dinosaur Tracks, Sweet Treats and Zooballoo!

Recipe for "It's a Party”
 - A dinosaur themed party invitation!

It’s an Olive Juice Studio Original created exclusively for Memory Miser Customers!

What a fabulous cartridge with such COOL prehistoric images to create so many uber cool projects with! Just imagine your little paleontologist when he/she discovers all of the things you can make with this fun cartridge! Cards, scrapbook layouts, wall décor, school projects, dioramas, bookmarks, tags, and so many more things ….the sky’s the limit!

Ingredients:
Cricut Machine (should be able to cut this with the Cricut, Create or Expression
“Dinosaur Tracks” cartridge
“Zooballoo” cartridge
“Sweet Treats” cartridge
Cuttlebug Machine
A2 Tiny Mosaic Texture embossing folder
black cardstock (6x12 is fine)
Jenny Bowlin Studio Black Bookprint Paper ( 4x4 square)
Paper scraps in your desired colors and patterns to cut the party hat and party favor
1 mini pompom for the top of the party hat
Yellow Stickles or your preferred glitter glue brand
Your preferred adhesive
Your preferred scoring tool
Pop Dots (dimensionals)

Directions:
1. Using the “Dinosaur Tracks” cartridge and the black cardstock cut the T-Rex card. ( Refer to the handbook for location on the keypad overlay.) We cut our card at 4”.
2. Remove the card from the mat and fold the card in half using your preferred scoring tool.
3. Insert the front half of the card into the “Tiny Mosaic Texture” Cuttlebug folder and emboss.
4. Cut a piece of the Jenni Bowlin Studio Black Bookprint Paper to cover the window around the dinosaur. We cut ours at 3 ¾” by 4”. Open the card and lightly add adhesive to the corners of the paper (pattern side up). Carefully attach it under the dinosaur so the card no longer has a see-thru window. Add a few dots of adhesive to the dinosaur too so it stays flat.
5. Using the “Sweet Treats” cartridge and your desired colors and patterns of scrap paper, cut the party hat at 1 ½” and the party favor at ¾”. Assemble the layers and add a mini pompom to the party hat and glitter glue to add a bit of bling! Add the hat to the top of the T-Rex’s head and the party favor to the dino’s mouth by attaching with pop dots.
6. Using the “Zooballoo” cartridge, cut the phrase “It’s a Party” from scraps of paper in your desired color in shadow/blackout mode and as a regular base cut. We cut ours at ¾”. Adhere the layers and attach to the card.

RECIPE for "Soar" A Tussie Mussie With Attitude! (A Cricut Project!)

Oh goodness!!!  We're trying to make a video tutorial for this project but halfway through the recording we keep getting an error message.  It's frustrating!  For now, since so many people have asked how I did this I will post instructions here and then add a video if we get this camera working.

INGREDIENTS
Cricut Expression
"Tie the Knot" Cricut cartridge
"Indie Art" Solutions Cartridge
1 12X12 Jenni Bowlin Vintage Black Bookprint paper
1 12x12 off-white cardstock
1 12x12 black cardstock
Light pink ruffled ribbon trim (We bought ours at Joanns!)
Black elastic ruffled ribbon/trim (We bought ours at Hobby Lobby!)
1 metal flower embellie (or make one with your Cricut!)
2 silver eyelets large enough to slide wire for handle through
1/2 yard black tulle
6 pieces of silver wire with silver beaded ends (We found these in the Christmas isles around the holidays.  If you don't have the same thing it's okay because you can make your own by slipping a silver bead, or any bead/button of your choice on the end of a piece of wire.  Just twist the wire around to secure the bead!)
White Pen
12" Beaded garland (This was also found in the Christmas Isles but I have since seen it available at Hobby Lobby in the Home Decor department in a variety of colors.  Pinks and Blues are also available in the Spring Decor area too!)  If you can't find this in a store near you don't fret!  This can easily be made too! Use up some of those beads you keep buying and have been meaning to use in one of your projects!  Simply use fishline, jewlery wire, etc to string th beads.  Do three strands and randomly twist together.  OR, just use ribbon or any other item that would make an awesome hanger!)
Your Preferred Adhesive (I used a hot glue gun on the entire project!)
Your Preferred eyelet setter ( I used a Crop-A-Dile!)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.Using your Cricut Expression and "Tie the Knot" cartridge cut the cone (see photo below!) using the "Fit to Size" button.

2. Using the off-white paper and the "Indie Art"  Solutions cartridge cut the wings (see photo below).  Select the "blackout" feature since this will be the bottom layer of the wings.  I cut mine at 6 1/2".

When cutting the wings you will need to either use the "flip" button and cut the base cut 2x or select the shift key for the opposite side.)

3.Next, make sure the "blackout" feature is no longer hightlighted.  Now load the black paper onto the mat to cut the base cut of the wings.  Again, cut the wings at 6 1/2".

Now comes the fun part!

4.  Adhere the two layers of wings together.  Using your white pen, add accents in random dots around the edges of the top layer.

5.  Next, grab the cone you just cut from the bookprint paper and form a cone shape. The scalloped edge is the top of the cone.  Adhere to hold shape.  (I used dots of hot glue along the seam!) PLEASE NOTE:  If you find this cone is too large, simply roll the cone a bit tighter.  The tulle in the inside will hide the extra paper - OR (of course) just cut it at a smaller size! :)

6.  Cut a piece of the light pink ruffled ribbon to go around the cone approximately a 1/4 of the way down from the top.  Next, cut the black stretchy ruffled trim/ribbon the same size as the pink ribbon.  Using a hot glue gun (or your preferred adhesive!) glue the black ribbon to the top edge of the pink ribbon to give the ribbon a layered look.  Attach to the cone by gluing in dots with the seam centered in the back.  

7.  Now it's time to attach the wings.  Before gluing, carefully crease the wings  by bending them upward to give them a more 3D effect once attached to the cone.  (If this doesn't make sense let me know and I will post a photo of this step!)

8.  Attach the wings to the back of the cone so that the placement covers the ribbon seams.  Carefully attach the second wing so that it lines up with the first.

9.  Using your preferred eyelet setter( I used a Crop-A-Dile), set an eyelet on both sides of the cone - approximately a 1/2" from the top.

10. Attach the beaded handle by threading the wire/string through the eyelets and twisting or tying.

11. While holding all six pieces of beaded wire, twist the ends together. Squirt a small dab of hot glue  inside of the bottom of the cone opening while carefully pushing the twisted wire ends into the the cone. Hold until glue sets.

12. Attach your desired embellie to the front of the tussie mussie (I used a metal flower embellie that I had in my stash and added the pink bead to the center!) 

13.  Bunch up the black tulle and place inside the cone fluffing and rearranging  so that it's fancy schmancy!

14. Last but not least....using the white pen, wrap each scallop at the top of the cone around the pen to form "petals."

OPTIONAL:  Ink the edges of the wings, cone, etc... or use Glimmer Mist to give your whole tussie mussie some extra pizazz!

 

Recipe for "Recycled Butter Box Easter Basket"

Make this adorable little Easter Basket out of this....

Create your own by following the recipe below!

Ingredients:
1 empty 4 quarters butter box like the one shown above
1 piece of patterned paper large enough to wrap around the box
16-20 guage wire for a handle
2 eyelets with a large enough opening for the wire handle to slide through
Enough ribbon to wrap around the box and to make a bow
White paint or your preferred color choice
Foam brush or paint brush
Crop-a-Dile
Preferred Adhesive ( We used Beacon's 3-1 liquid glue...LOVE this stuff! See the photo below!)

(And no...we're not doing any plug for this company! :) We have just found this adhesive to really live up to its reputation! Awesome stuff!)
DIRECTIONS:
Cut the top flaps off of the box or tuck inside. Depending on your preference, paint the bottom of the box a desired color (I used white) and paint or ink the edges of the box where the flaps used to be. I've also made recycled gift baskets/boxes without painting - its a fun way to show people you recycle! Measure the width and length of the box - make sure to measure each side of the box too because I found that some brands are not exact on all four sides while others are. Cut a piece of paper to fit the box.

Measure each side individually and then score the fold line for all four sides and crease the paper for a nice smooth edge - this helps the paper fit the box almost perfectly! Adhere the paper to the box using your favorite adhesive. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the top of the box and glue in place. Make a small bow and glue to box front on top of the ribbon you just glued around the top of the box. Using a Crop-a-Dile, punch a hole in the top of the box going right through the ribbon. Set an eyelet in each hole. Cut a desired length of wire for a handle. Curl the wire around a pencil or dowel to make it look like a spring. Stretch it out to desired length. Thread an end through the hole on each side of the basket. Curl the ends up around the basket handle. Add a little sentiment with stamps on the basket front, a flower and/or a die cut or leave plain like we did!

***Add shredded paper curls to the basket by cutting up old book pages or newspapers in small strips with your paper cutter. OR use your junk mail, your paper scraps, etc...by running it through your paper shredder!!! Wrap the wider strips around a pencil to curl and fill your basket! Try running your shredded paper through an embosser - I bet it would look amazing!! Ta-Da!

Recipe for "So Last Year" Easter Card using your Cricut!

Ingredients:
5 1/2" by 6 1/2" white card
5 1/2" x 6 1/2" pink polka dot paper for card mat
Light Blue feather boa piece for bottom of card
Purple, Pink and Orange Stickles
Blue flower
Vintage Photo ink (Tim Holtz)
Teal or Turquoise and light purple ink
Pop dots
Adhesive
Scissors
1 googly eye
Small light yellow feather
Recipe:
Easter Cricut Cartridge Cuts:
Chick (blackout) cut on yellow cardstock at 2 1/2"
Easter egg cut from book page at 3"
Easter egg cut from green polka dot flocked paper at 2 1/2"

Forever Young Cricut Cartridge Cuts:
"so last year" cut on silver paper at 1 1/2"

Directions:
Ink the edges of the pink polka dot paper and the white card base. Adhere pink polka dot paper to the front of the card. Using a hot glue gun glue a strip of light blue feather boa to the bottom of the card. Next, use the Vintage Photo ink pad and a small paint brush or dauber to ink the edges of the chick and color in the feet using the same ink. Add the googly eye to the chick and color in it's beak with orange Stickles. Using scissors carefully cut a jagged area out of the book page egg to resemble a cracked egg. Using the teal/turquoise ink lightly ink the edges of the the same egg and lightly drag across the top of the egg coloring in to the desired shade. Add spots of light purple ink to give a more mottled look. Squirt a dab of purple Stickles on your finger and blend in to the egg to add sheen. Cut the green polka dotted egg in half adding jagged edges to resemble a cracked egg and then ink with Vintage Photo ink. Place random pop dots under the egg pieces and chick and adhere to the card front using the sample photo for placement - you may need to use a dab of hot glue for the green polka dotted egg resting on the feathers. Add the words "so last year" and a blue flower or flower of your choice to the upper left corner of the card.

"LUCKY" Grungy/Vintage St.Patrick's Day Banner

Use your Cricut to make this!

Add some Irish Luck to your décor by whipping up this super savvy, funky and fun 3-layered banner using your Cricut. Who knows, maybe you’ll attract leprechauns…!

This project requires the “Making the Grade” Cricut cartridge and will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete!

RECIPE
3-5 pieces of 12x12 black cardstock
3-5 coordinating 12 x 12 pieces of patterned paper in green tones (we used Rusty Pickle) but any coordinating paper works just fine!
3-5 pieces of 12 x 12 coordinating solid brown cardstock
2 pieces of 12 x 12 solid green in a coordinating shade
Vintage music patterned paper scraps (we used Making Memories FaLaLa)
Small piece of torn corrugated cardboard
Black and white damask/flourish print ribbon (or any other pattern/color)
Stickles (we used Gunmetal Black and Distressed Stickles in Peeled Paint)
Sewing Machine with brown thread (this step can be skipped)
Paintbrush (or Q-tip)and water
Hole punch
Ink pad (we used a copper colored ink by Dew Drops)
Forest Green Rain dots (adhesive transparent colored dots)
Embellies – things in green – all different shades work great!
(We used muted lime green buttons in assorted sizes, green safety pins, paper clips, St. Patrick’s Day acrylic shapes, butterflies with clips from the Florist section at craft stores) We also used silver beading to attach to the butterflies for more bling, soda can tabs, a bottle cap and silver paper clip – feel free to jazz up your own creation!)
Your preferred adhesive
Stapler

Directions
1. Using your Cricut and the “Making the Grade” Cricut cartridge you will need to cut out five pennants using the “blackout” feature from the black, brown and green patterned paper. We cut ours at 7”. So once all pennant pieces are cut, you should have a total of 15 pieces.
2. Cut the letters “L-u-C-k-y” using your paper scraps from step one and the solid green paper. You will be cutting the word “LuCky” three times – once in black, brown and green. We cut ours at 4”.
3. Next, stack the pennants so that the black is on the bottom, brown in the middle and the coordinating patterned paper is on the top of each. Layer these pieces so they are off-centered slightly (see photo for example or visit our blog at http://www.olivejuicestudio.blogspot.com for close up photos of each pennant).
4. If sewing the pieces together this is the time to do that. Make a sloppy stitch (we used the straight stitch – size 6.0). Stitch around the entire pennant following the edge of the top paper (should be the patterned paper shaped pennant) as a guideline- stitch approximately ¼” in from the edge of the paper. (NOTE: Before sewing, we found it easier to add a small spot of adhesive to the center of each pennant layer to keep the pieces in place.) If you are not going to stitch the layers together, go ahead and use enough adhesive to attach pieces haphazardly.
5. Do the same now for the letters. Cut the word “LuCky” from the black, brown and green solid paper using the paper scraps from step one. You should have a total of 15 pieces – three of each color. When we cut ours we did not use shadow or blackout for any cuts. They were all the same size just arranged so that edges of each color showed.
6. Arrange the three layers of letters in whatever color preference. We mixed our layers to add a little more whimsy to our banner (see the photo for example). Adhere the letters together using your favorite adhesive but do not glue to the pennant yet – set aside.
7. Using a small paint brush, dip and drag across an ink pad and heavily ink the edges of the patterned paper. Once inked, use the same paint brush by continuously dipping in water to lighten the ink and give it more of a water colored look. Continue adding water until you get desired results. While wet, start weathering the edges by rolling and slightly tearing to give it a more vintage/grunge appearance (see photo for example).
8. Using your preferred hole punch (we used our handy dandy Crop-a-Dile), punch a hole through both sides of the pennants making sure to go through all three layers. Lay out the entire banner side by side in the correct order.
9. Cut eight pieces of ribbon into 6”-8” strips (or whatever is appealing to you!) and two pieces to hang the banner (we used two 12” pieces). Hook the banner together using the ribbon. The two longer pieces of ribbon are used on the very first and the very last hole for hangers. To hang the same way we did you will need to fold the ribbon in half and push the looped end through the hole on the pennant. Tie a knot at the end so that the loose ends are on the front of the pennant (see photo for example). For all of the other pieces, just slip the ribbon through one hole on each pennant and connect by tying in a knot- trim ribbon edges to desired length.
10. Tear two pieces of vintage music paper scrap around all four sides large enough to use as a mat under the letters “F”and “y” and ink the edges. Curl the ends of the paper by rolling and slightly tearing the edges. Adhere to the first and last pennant where the letters will be positioned.
11. Find some coordinating paper scraps to place under the “u” “C” and “k”. We used a black cardstock circle from our scrap box, a piece of torn corrugated cardboard and paper scraps from the paper leftover from the pennants. We also added random “x’s” with staples to the corrugated cardboard. This can be done by stapling one time and then stapling on top of the staple on an angle to form an “x.” Adhere the paper scraps to the banner pennants by using the photo above for placement.
12. Attach the letters in the correct order on top of the paper scraps you just glued on the pennant pieces.
13. Now the real fun begins! It’s time to start personalizing the banner by making it your style. Add feather butterflies like the ones we used or cut them out using your Cricut. Add beads, sequins, buttons, safety pins, paper clips, tulle and more to give your banner that special touch that makes it YOUR creation!
14. The final touch, is of course, optional BUT it definitely adds some Emeril "Bam!" And some SHA-ZAM! Get your own by adding dots of black and green Stickles randomly on the letters and maybe some rain dots in a coordinating green around the banner edges.

Recycled Pop Tart Box and Card Duo Perfect for Valentine's Day!

“Luv U” Card & Matching Gift Box Recipe

It’s an Olive Juice Studio Original Recipe just for Memory Miser Customers!

Don’t cringe and think you have to run to the store to buy something special for this project. This creative little “crafterpiece” comes from your recycling bin and paper scrap stash AND the “Love Struck” Cricut cartridge.

My husband bought pop tarts last night (yes, for himself)….and I “found” inspiration!

This morning, instead of an ugly blue pop tart box sitting in the pantry, my husband found this…

Sorry dear, I just couldn’t resist!!! He didn’t seem too disappointed until I told him it wasn’t for him…he has to wait for his special Valentine!

Ingredients for Box:

1 pop tart box – any flavor or fat content will work!

Cricut and “Love Struck” cartridge

Enough paper to cover box – either all one pattern or coordinating patterns

Small scrap of paper to go around the top of the box (I used a script pattern papery by Paper Studio)

Black pompom fringe – enough to go around the entire box

Enough ribbon to make a bow and handle

Black and white scraps for the Cricut cuts

Pink feather boa pieces…pink/black tulle or netting or any other type of filler for the inside of the basket

Pop Dots (dimensional)

Preferred Adhesive

Black Stickles

Black Staz-On Ink OR a coordinating color paint that matches your paper pattern

Foam brush or paint brush

Modge Podge or any other favorite brand of decoupage glue

Cuttlebug and D’vine Swirl embossing folder (or any desired embossing folder!)

Directions for Box:

First remove any pop tarts that could still possibly be inside the box. Next, cut the top flaps off of the box. Then paint or ink the edges of the box to cover up some of the blue. You can paint/ink the bottom of the box or leave it as is. I tend to leave mine as is because everyone always gets a kick out of knowing where their “cute” little gift box originated from!

Now you need to measure all four sides of the box. Cut four pieces of paper to fit each side of the box. Cut it exactly the same size as your measurements and then glue to the box. Next, cut a strip 1 ½” wide for each of the four sides or one long strip that folds around the sides. If you are using a 12x12 piece of paper you will need to add a second piece which is covered by the ribbon –just make sure the seam is in the back of the box. Glue to the top edge of the box. Using a small piece of sand paper or an emery board lightly sand the edges of the paper around the box. Then, using a foam brush, cover the entire exterior of the box with your favorite decoupage glue. Let dry.

Once the box is dry, glue black pompom fringe around the box where the two papers meet. See photo for example. Next, is the handle. Select a piece of coordinating ribbon and cut to desired length. Now cut the ribbon in half so that you have two pieces. With both pieces of ribbon, tie a bow to one end and then glue the opposite ends to the inside of the box to form a handle. Let dry. Add black Stickle dots to the top edge of the box and allow drying time before adding feathers to the inside so the dots don’t smear (speaking from experience!). Once the Stickle dots have dried feel free to add pieces of feather boa, tulle, fabric scraps, paper shreds, etc.

One more step for the box! Cricut time! Grab your “Love Struck” Cricut cartridge, some black scraps of paper and small pieces of white to place under the hearts for the words to pop out more. Cut the hearts at 2 ½”. Glue a small piece of white scrap paper under each heart and then add dimensional dots (Pop Dots) and attach to the front of the box (see photo for placement).

Matching “LOVE U” Card

Ingredients:

4x6 black card base

Scrap of patterned paper used on the box above for the mat (3 ¾ x 5 ¾”)

Cricut and “Love Struck” cartridge

Small piece of coordinating ribbon used on box above

Piece of black pompom fringe for bottom of card

Black and coordinating paper for hearts

Pieces of pink feather boa

Pop Dots (dimensional)

Directions:

Adhere the patterned paper mat to the front of the card. Using a small piece of coordinating ribbon tie a loose knot and attach to the top of the card mat.

With the “Love Struck” Cricut cartridge cut a heart at 4 ¼” from black paper then cut the group of candy hearts stopping after the first heart has been cut at 3”. Next, cut a heart from the same patterned paper you used for the top strip on the box above. Cut this heart at 3 ½”. (It does cut a group of four hearts but I only used three of them). Run each heart through your Cuttlebug or other embossing machine using your desired embossing folder ( I used D’vine Swirls). Stack the hearts using Pop dots (dimensionals) and attach to card front. Glue a strip of black pompom fringe to the bottom of the card, folding the ends under for a neat and finished appearance. Add pieces of light pink feather boa to the lower left side of the heart and under the top heart that reads “LUV U.”

RECYCLED ART...First a Gift Box..then...A Decoration!

Make this super easy, affordable & adorable swanky little treasure that can be used as a gift box,  a decoration to hang from your door knob or any other special little area in your home! It's just the perfect size

to slip a few handmade cards, tags, gift card or any other small trinkets into!

To make this little box you will need a Rice-a-Roni box, or any other brand box similar in size and shape.

INGREDIENTS:

Cricut Cartride:  Love Struck

1 Rice-a-Roni Box (or any other brand of rice or any other size box that is comparable in size

1 12x12 piece of patterned sheet music paper

Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Ink - I used the Walnut refillable ink that comes in a bottle

Black paper scraps

Black Stickles

Pop Dots (dimensionals)

Preferred Adhesive

Black Ribbon or fabric to go around the top of the box

Coordinating black ribbon for handle

Emery Board or piece of sand paper

Wine colored feather - or any other desired color

Scrap piece of black tulle

Black Staz-On Ink OR black/cream colored paint to match paper background

Mod Podge or any other decoupage glue

Small piece of velcro

DIRECTIONS

First begin by painting the edges and bottom of the box if you don't want the recipient to know you are using packaging  from your recycling bin!  I typically choose to only ink the edges and top of the box and leave the bottom visible (you would see the Rice-a-Roni packaging on the bottom if you flipped the box over).  Next you need to measure all four sides of the box, including the top flap of the box. I have made several of the boxes and have found that different brands measure a little differently so make sure to measure all four sides.  Then cut your paper to fit the dimensions of the box, including a seperate piece for the top flap. 

Before adhering the paper to the box, use the refillable ink (or even coffee/tea staining will work too!) to antique the paper.  I used a dash of Collage Pauge (it's just like Modge Podge!), a drop of ink and several drops of water (you want it to be the consistency of water) to make the solution. With the paper in one hand and the ink mixture in the other, hold the paper over a sink or other work surface and pour the mixture over the paper.  Hold the paper upright to let the solution run down the paper so that it has drips running down it. Quickly before the ink dries, run the entire piece of paper under the faucet and take a clean foam brush or a paper towel and blot the paper to lift the color off in some areas.  Once you have the desired look set it aside to dry. Once the paper has dried you will notice that it is warped and wrinkled in areas.  This is okay and the look we're after. :)

After the paper is complety dry, score the paper to fit all four sides of the box.  Crease and then glue to the box.  Using an emery board or sandpaper, lightly sand the edges (top, bottom and all four sides) to smooth the edges.  Using a medium brown tone of ink, lightly ink all of the edges of the box.  Next, completely cover the outside of the box with a light coat of decoupage glue.  Let dry. 

Now we're going to add the ribbon/fabric border to the very top.  Measure a piece to fit around the box and glue to attach.  Cut another piece of coordinating ribbon to fit the box for the handle and attach with brads or glue to the inside of the box (I glued the handles in place on the box shown above).  Cut the ribbon into two pieces and tie a bow at the top. 

Using the Love Struck Cricut cartridge and black paper cut the heart with the man and woman's heads and the solid (blackout) heart shown directly underneath it on the keypad overlay. Both hearts were cut at 3".  Stack the hearts with dimensionals (Pop Dots) and attach to box front with more dimensionals.  Add black Stickles around the top heart for extra bling.  Tie a small scrap piece of black tulle and attach to the upper corner of the Add dots of black Stickles to the tulle.  Slip a small wine colored feather underneath the heart so just the top of the feather shows.

Glue a piece of velcro to the top lid to hold the lid in place or if you don't want to bother with the box top, it can be removed completely so that the box looks more like a gift bag. :)