Lunchbox Love Notes

Hello again my crafty friend. Can you believe today is August 1st? My youngest daughter is the last one still in school, and she starts back in just over a week. Where did her summer vacation go? Lol, it’s always over too quickly.

Today, I’m sharing several projects with you. The first is a set of lunchbox love notes. They’re actually tags, that I will write words of encouragement on, and reasons she’s special. Since she doesn’t usually take lunches, I will randomly tuck them into her backpack before school. This year, she starts high school, so it’s a new school, lots of new people, and lots of reasons to be nervous. I want these short notes to give her a confidence boost when she’s not expecting it. I’ll show you how I made them…

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These tags were cut from some sticker packaging that was too pretty to toss. (I love a good recycle project!) Each piece is a double sided print with butterflies, and a solid coordinating color at the top of the flap. Using the smallest tag from i-crafter’s new Tags & Labels die set, I cut out a tag and hole reinforcer tab. I also cut out a butterfly from the Butterfly Burst die set. To write my messages on, I needed a clear space, so I die cut small rectangles from white cardstock. (The small rectangle in the new Impossible Card die set fits perfectly!)

Assembly was quick and easy. I glued a white rectangle to each tag, a reinforcer tab to the top, and a butterfly near the bottom. (Note, with these butterflies, you only want to add glue to the outline and body. That way, you can fold the wings up.) Then, I tied on a length of twine. I will write personal little notes to her. Things like “You are such a talented artist! I love the way you draw and paint.” “I’m so proud of how kind and compassionate you are.” “You have a great sense of style and fashion.”

The nice thing about using a die to create the tags, is that I can continue to cut more, and they’ll always be the same size and shape. That way, my daughter can keep them all on a clip ring. Even though I don’t love my handwriting, I think it’s important that I write them out, instead of printing them on the computer. It’s more personal, and hopefully, more special. What do you think?

Be sure to head over to i-crafter to see the entire new release that just came out today. There are some really awesome new dies this month!

Remember I said I have several projects that I’m sharing today? The next one is another tag, cut with the same Tags & Labels die. I can tell this is going to be a handy set! This tag is special for two reasons. The design was inspired by, and is in celebration of my friend, Nancy May, who just hit 500 subscribers on her YouTube channel. This is a big deal; she has been working hard to create fun videos, and this is a landmark, letting her know that people enjoy watching, and want to see more. I’m so excited and proud of you Nancy!

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Nancy often uses circles or wreaths to accent her focal point on a card. I was inspired to do the same for my tag. I stamped and colored mushrooms from Leaves Are Falling, then framed them with die cut sprigs. I originally intended to create a full circle around the mushrooms, but decided to leave room for a stamped sentiment above. Isn’t it funny how we always end up putting our own spin on designs, even when we are CASEing others? I love this little tag!

Be sure to check out Nancy’s YouTube channel, for lots of fun and uplifting videos. Then, hop along with us to celebrate! Search #handiscandi500 on YouTube and Instagram to see all of the designers’ work! If you comment along the way, you can be entered to win prizes too. Details are in the description of Nancy’s video.

The other reason I’m sharing this tag, is because today kicks off the 20th coloring challenge from Kathy Racoosin! I have noticed a huge change in my coloring skills, and it’s all due to practice. Kathy hosts 30 day challenges, where the goal is to try to set aside at least 10 minutes per day, to color. It’s not a big deal if you can’t participate every day, but challenge yourself to try. Post a shot of whatever you’re working on with the hashtag #thedailymarker30day on Instagram. You’ll be amazed at the love and support you’ll receive from fellow participants. Plus, you find so many great artists as you search the hashtag yourself! And you have the chance to win prizes if you link photos of your work to Kathy’s link party!

I have cut out a slew of these tags, and plan to stamp and color one each day. It’s a great size for practice. I’ll note my color combos on the backs, in case I want to remember later.

I hope you’ll join the challenge this month! For more information, please check out Kathy’s post here. And for those of you who love the swag, check out our Clipboard and Collapsible Marker Bag Bundle, that feature Kathy’s top 10 coloring tips! They’re so handy! And right now, we’re offering a special discount, 20% off your entire order from our shop, with the code 20FOR20. It’s good for the first 20 days of the challenge! (Discount taken before tax and shipping, cannot be combined with other offers. Valid through August 20, 2021.)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I’ll be back soon with more fun cards to share. And I’ll be posting my colored tags on Instagram all month long. I’ll be on the lookout for yours too! See you soon.

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