The Amazing Paper Grace Thinking Outside of the Box Blog Hop

We're so excited!  For months we've been bringing you creative ways to use your dies to make stunning cards.  Not today!!  Today, we're showing you how to make anything but a card.  Becca issued us the challenge that our creative team could pick any die and not use it in the way in was originally intended. What that means for you is everything we are showing today is pretty much outside of the box.  Dies are meant for this kind of inspiration and as you hop around, you'll be amazed at some gorgeous creations that will have your head shaking.  Yes there are prizes, but but have your gift list sitting by so that you can pick out the next gifts you might be making for someone special.

I'll tell you a little bit about my creation and will share a link list below so that you can see the creations of each person on the Creative Team as well as information on how three lucky people can win Amazing Paper Grace Dies.

Here's where I tell you about my creation.  I love border dies, any kind and any style.  For my project today i wanted it to just be a subtle embossing effect in the paper.  So i cut thepaper and the die cuts in the same color and wow did it ever come out amazing.  It took my simple recipe box to a whole new level.  The gorgeous paper colors are from the recipe cards that actually came with the box so when you open it you will see not only the recipe cards but the pretty index cards with the die cuts too.

And of course i had to make up some flowers in matching colors to go on it.  For this i used the Cinch and Go die set and cut them in light pink and a darker pink.  Then i inked them with Distress inks and Versacolor inks because when i spray them with water to curl the edges i wanted the ink to bleed.

For each of my flower sets i sprayed them with just a bit of water and then used the ball tools in sizes to fit to press and curl the edges of each.  When they were completely dry i put a small amount of glue in the center of each and glued them together.  Then i added a pretty pearl in each.

And this is how they all came out.  And i made lots of them since i wasn't sure how many i would need in my flower spray for the top.

Since i adore roses this was really fun to make.  

Here is a quick view of the embossed die i used for the front, back and side panels.

And here is a view of the box and the inserts.  Since the dies are so intricately made and have so much incredible embossing on them i ran a darker pink chalk pad over the raised part of the index cards to make the design pop more.  There is another way to do this but i will share it later.

How to Win:
Hop around to each Creative Team Member and leave a comment on each blog, three lucky winners will win a die of their choice from the Amazing Paper Grace Vintage Elegance Collection.    In making the rounds, a comment should be left on the August 15th Blog Post of each Creative Team member - in your comments let us know if there is a project you would consider making.  

When to Check Back:
We'll pick and post the winners on Saturday August 19th on the Amazing Paper Grace Blog.

How to Claim:
The winner has two weeks from the time the blog post is published to claim their die.  Simply click on the contact tab at the top right hand corner of the Amazing Paper Grace blog, leave your mailing address and type the name of the die you'd like.  Becca will be sending out the winning die.  Please give us a month, we'll get it to you, promise!

Who can Play:
Any of our lovely readers including our international friends.

To start thinking Outside of the Box, hop to:

Visit Becca      -  at amazingpapergrace.com/blog/
Visit Melissa  – at keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com
Visit Teresa    -  at victorianpaperqueen.com
Visit Anita      – at craftingforever-anita.blogspot.com
Visit Kristi      – at kristispapercreations.blogspot.com
Visit Joanna   – at joannakrog.blogspot.com

P.S.  These are all gifts you can make, yes you!! Please feel free to ask questions of all the designers in their comments because we all love to mentor readers through making wonderful gifts for their families.

Supplies:

Paper: Bazzill Cardstock

Dies:  Graceful Floral Lace, Cinch and Go Flowers, Bitty Blossoms, Foliage

Recipe Box: Hobby Lobby

Inks: Distress ink (worn lipstick), Versacolor Petal Pink/Pink, Prima Old Rose

Adhesive pearls: Want 2 Scrap

Ribbon, glue dots, adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors

Thanks again for stopping by and have lots of fun on our hop!!

Big Hugs.... Teresa