Hello …………….. Christmas is getting closer and I’ve been
busy, busy, busy getting my Christmas Crackers and Coasters done. It’s something my sisters
and I have done for years. I have to give credit to my sister for the measurements because I lost mine and she kindly let me use the coasters idea which was hers.
If you want to have a go, the step by step is below.
There’s a bit of prep but it’s worth it in the end.
Cut a sheet of white cardstock to 71/2”
x 9”, and 3 smaller pieces at 2 ¾” x 7 ½” and about 4” x 4”.
On the 7½” x 9” and 2 ¾” x 7 ½” and 4” x 4” white cardstock either brayer a light coat of Dylusions Pure Sunshine, then a layer of Cherry Pie and lastly a layer of Postbox Red and leave to dry. OR brayer a light coat of Dylusions Pure Sunshine onto a Gelli Plate and pull a print, then a layer of Cherry Pie and pull a print. Lastly a layer of Postbox Red but before you pull the print lay a stencil onto the Postbox red layer, pull a print with a spare piece of paper, lift the stencil then pull your last print. It gives a lovely effect. Don’t clean your Gelli plate in between each layer.
For the
embellishments
On the other 2 ¾” x 7 ½” piece of cardstock draw some black lines using a Faber Castell Pitt artist pen big brush. I used a stencil and sorry I forgot to take a pic, but here’s pic of the left over paper.
Cut two
thin strips [about 1/8” and two wider strips [about ½’].
Use the Stencil-Art star stencil, Dylusions Fresh Lime paint and a sponge to stencil stars onto the red 2 ¾” x 7 ½” piece of cardstock. Remove the stencil and leave the paint to dry. Line the stencil up again and outline all the stars with a white gel pen.
Cut a star shape on the other coloured 4” x 4” piece of
cardstock and stamp with Black Archival Ink. I found a scrap of white cardstock
and cut the star shape then stamped with Twisted Citron Distress ink.
Score the 7 ½”x 9” cardstock [on the 7 ½” side] at 1 ¾, 3 ½”,
5 ¼” and 7. Score the 9” side at 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½” at the top and the bottom. Fold all scorelines with a bone folder. Make sure that the 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½” score lines are folded : mountain, valley, mountain. see pic below.
Use a punch or decorative scissors to decorate both the top
and bottom of the 7 ½” side. Glue a narrow
strip of black and white paper just before the first score line on the top and
bottom.
On both sides of the 7 ½” side of the 2 ¾” x 7 ½” coloured cardstock
glue a piece of the ½” striped paper behind leaving a small bit showing. On the
long side, score at 1 ¾, 3 ½”, 5 ¼” and 7”. Glue this down the middle of the cracker;
make sure you line it up so that cracker and embellishment score lines are
aligned. Use a bone folder on each score line to make sure you get a proper
fold.
If you’re using cracker snaps now is the time to glue them
to the inside of the cracker. Don’t use a strong adhesive as you’ll never pull
them apart.
You can use an envelope punch board or cut triangles for the
next step. On the 9” side fold the first score line over. Punch with the
envelope punchboard in the middle of the 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½”score lines [in other
words at the 2” score line]. Do the same at the opposite end. Fold the next score line over and repeat. Do
the same for all the score lines on both sides including the ½” strip. If you don't have an envelope punchboard, cut small triangles.
Use glue or double sided tape on the ½” strip [on the long
side] and carefully lay this side beneath the other to make a tube.
Tie each side of the cracker with a double piece of string
and glue the stars down. Whew you’re done”.
Traditional Cracker
Instructions are identical as above, except for the
embellishments. Splatter some brushed
pewter and iced spruce distress spray stain over white cardstock. [I took the
lids off and tapped the black part of the lid that screws on until I was happy
with the coverage] decorate the 7 ½’ edges with decorative scissors or a paper
punch and add some trim.
Embellishments
Spray some Brushed Pewter distress spray stain onto the
craft mat and smoosh a piece of 2 ¾” x 7 ½” paper into it until you are happy
with the coverage and leave to dry. Use a sponge or Distress Ink Applicator to
apply Pine Needles and Festive Berries Distress ink onto a slightly smaller
piece of paper but here spray with the Ranger Distress sprayer here and there
but only pulling the trigger halfway. Use decorative scissors or a paper
punch to decorate the edges. Colour small tag the same way.
Colour the roses using Festive Berries Distress Spray Stain
and ink the edges of a tiny little bought tag with Pine Needles Distress ink.
When the cracker is glued together put the embellishments
together and add a tiny father Christmas cut out to the tag. [I adhered the
roses using Ranger glossy accents.]
Ideas for inside the crackers are: crystal key rings, lip balm, nail polish, mascara, small compass small sharpie pen.
Use some shredded paper in each side of the cracker to keep the little gifts inside.
For the coasters I simply cut circles then stamped them. Make sure you use waterproof paint and/or inks otherwise if the bottom of the glass is wet it might stain your table cloth.
A bit of a job but so worthwhile.
Supplies
160 gm cardstock
Dylusions Pure Sunshine, Cherry Pie, Postbox Red and Fresh Lime
Brushed Pewter and Iced Spruce distress spray stain
Brayer, bone folder, [Gelli plate, envelope punch board and stencil are optional]
Faber Castell Pitt artist pen big brush
Adhesive and narrow double sided tape
Border punch or decorative scissors
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