October Afternoon

Make It Merry ... right down to the packaging!

BY KIMBERLY NEDDO, Guest Designer

Hey there everyone! I would like to start my last post by sharing how much I've loved being a part of October Afternoon this month! Thank you all for your sweet comments on the blog, I've read them all, and they've totally made me smile! (((hugs))) 

Here is my final piece of joy to share with you all, using the "Make it Merry" collection of goodies! I'm sure you can understand how I have fallen in LOVE with it all!

 

If you don't happen to have any of the OA spray inks, I HIGHLY recommend  them! They are the perfect opaqueness to show up on dark pages, and splatter perfectly with just a little shake of your wrist. I used OA Buttermilk for this layout on the background.

Another of my favorite reasons I love this line, is the depth of color. Adding the teal blue for a non traditional flair, is just perfect! Right now this teal is my favorite color to work with!  

I often use super cool packaging from products on my layouts, don't you? Well if you take a close look at the matting I did with my picture here, you will see that I used the packaging from the rubber stamps. Isn't that fun? I just loved it and had to find a way to incorporate this onto my page. 

Now, with Christmas right around the corner, I've been looking on Pinterest for inspiration more than ever. I'm seeing a ton of fun tag themes out there, which is what inspired me to create this layout. I decided to showcase several of the "Make it Merry" patterned papers by creating these simple tags.

I layered the tags over more tags with the matching cardstock I used for the background paper. I wanted to add a subtle texture to the teal tags, so do this, I used my versa mark ink pad with the snowflake background stamp just to see a slight shadow of the snowflake on the paper.

See what I mean about the packaging too? You just have to find use for that, right?

I love how October Afternoon is so detail oriented. From their packaging, to their products., EVERYTHING is usable!

Thank you all again for having me as the November guest designer. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with these beautiful products and the OA team! It's been a great honor and joy! :) 

More Make It Merry Gift Wrap Ideas!

Hey everyone! Roree here, along with Amy, to share some more fun gift wrap and packaging ideas using the totally cute Make It Merry collection.

I created a few pillow boxes to dress up with some fun bows and embellishments. I cut the pillow boxes out with my Cricut Expression 2 and Close to My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge.

 

 

 For my first box, I created a classic bow.

I folded 13 strips of patterned paper and layered and adhered them to create the bow. I added some fun die cuts from the Miscellany pack to finish the box.

For the second box, I created a rosette.

I cut the scalloped strip using my Cricut Expression 2 and Ribbons & Rosettes cartridge.  You could easily create your own with a strip of patterned paper and some scallop-edged scissors. I thought is would be a fun change from a traditional bow. I finished the rosette with a Tidbits die cut circle, a coulple of buttons and some ribbon from the Miscellany pack, and a tag that I altered from the Designer Brads pack.

For the third box, I created another paper bow.

 

This one I cut out with my Cricut Expression 2, Cricut Craft Room design software, and the 3D Bows digital cartridge. This one was quick and easy, only three cuts and a little adhesive to put it together. I wrapped the box with some patterned paper strips and added a few Little Flyers to the bow to finish.

Amy created some darling origami boxes perfect for smaller gifts. She will tell you a little more about them.

"I decided to create some little gift boxes made by origami folding. You can readily find lots of the same instructions online simply by searching for "origami boxes with lids". These fun little boxes are super simple to make and are perfectly suited to all types of gift giving. I can see making several of these little boxes for small gifts for teachers with my daughter's help this year!

I created 3 boxes using the Make it Merry 8x8" paper pads. The only cutting involved is trimming off the edge from the paper pad, the rest is very basic folding. Finished, these small boxes measure, about 3"-3.25" .

I also created one to share with you out of a 12x12" sheet. If you choose to make this size box, the finished size will end up being about 4.25" square.

To finish my boxes up, I created belly-bands for each measuring 1.5" x 9.5". This allows for simple unwrapping and a place to also adhere your embellishing. My embellishments are a mixture of handcut paper from the Make it Merry collection, star garland from the Make it Merry Mini Book kit, found here, and Make it Merry Stickers and Little Flyers."

 

 

 

Aren't they the cutest things?! I can't wait to make some of my own!  :)

We hope you all enjoyed today's gift wrap and packaging ideas using the Make It Merry collection. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wrap it Up--Make it Merry Style

Good Morning!  Danni here today with a couple of ideas for dressing up your Christmas pillowboxes using the new Make It Merry line.  This line is so perfectly Christmas, vintage, fun, perfectly October Afternoon. 

 look at this tape, i could use it on EVERYTHING

 

 

and these cuuute journal cards that are perfect for layering with the gorgeous buttons and brads in the pack

 

it make is all too easy and fun!

 

here's the pillowbox i created, layering and layering (i didn't want to stop)

 

 

 

don't these little embellies, tapes, brads, buttons, trims make the cutest wrappings?  i am going to be using them a LOT this year.  i love to give gift cards so this year it will be fun to pretty them up!

 

 

aren't these ribbons, buttons and trims that come in that pack the perfect little touches?  i just love them and can't wait to see what you do with yours!

 

Joining me today is Marcy and she took the cute little snowman and dolled up this pillowbox.

Here's what Marcy had to say:

"I decided for some quick and easy packaging and knew that the Miscellany Pack would be perfect for that.  For this little package I cut a pillow box with my silhouette and added a ribbon.  Behind the ribbon I tuck the large snowman and some other embellishments, including a tag to write the recipients name on.  He's all ready to give."

 

 

    Could you imagine seeing one of these under the tree or on your desk?  OMCuuuuuuute!

 

We hope we've inspired you to wrap up some presents this year using your OA collections.

Thanks for visiting us today on the blog!

Danni and Marcy

 

Christmas gift wrap ideas for you!

Hi Everyone! It's Becky here today along with Jill. We have a few simple ideas for gift wrap using your OA products. I had a GREAT time putting these ideas together and I got more and more excited as the product inspired me! Looking at Jill's amazing ideas, I'm fairly certain she felt the same way. 

Here are Jill's beautiful packages:

 

Top left:  I arranged four strips of Make It Merry washi tape horizontally, and tied a green bow from the Make It Merry Miscellany over the top.

 

Top right:  In a variation on the usual red-and-green holiday color scheme, I used pink and mint green. I coated two Make It Merry chipboard numbers with pink glitter, and placed them over a Sprinklers-splattered background. 

Bottom left:  I sewed two rows of Make It Merry Sew Fun banners and wrapped them around the package, along with some hemp twine. 

Bottom right: I gathered together some odds and ends from the Make It Merry collection, including buttons, stickers, tidbits, and brads.  I added pop dots to the large "25" so that it would stand out even more. 

Here's a detail shot:

The gift wrap ideas I put together were based on my plan for my own gift wrapping this season. I purchased the deer head motif sihouette cut almost a year ago with the intention of using it on my scrapbook pages, but never had a spot that seemed appropriate. As the holiday season approached, I thought the deer head would be a great design to use throughout my gift wrapping details. 

Top left: A simple kraft box (5x7) with diecut (Silhouette) deer heads. The alpha sticker is from the Make it Merry collection. The red/cream chevron paper is from Holiday Style. One of my favorite papers ever!

Top right: A simple kraft gift bag with a large diecut deer head. The tag is handcut using an office supply tag as a pattern. The label sticker is from the Make it Merry collection. The mini alpha stickers are from the Farmhouse collection.

Middle left: The cash paper holder is cut from a Silhouette file using pattern paper from the Make it Merry Collection. I realize that the paper is upside down. Since it will be used for one of our grandsons, I thought they might get a kick out of it, so I left it this way. 

Bottom left and middle bottom left: I am showing the front and backside of this diecut box. Simple diecut box and deer head motif. Alpha stickers to identify who it's for. A little twine from Make it Merry to finish it off. 

Middle: Another money holder with simple stickers from Make it Merry to embellish. 

Middle right: A tag that you don't need a Silhouette to make! I simply layered up the buttons from Make it Merry to create a Christmas tree. Washi tape from Make it Merry to identify to and from. So simple!

Bottom right: Another money or gift card holder embellished with the deer head again, label sticker, washi and a little vintage red rickrack. 

I want to share one little tip about putting together diecut boxes and envelopes: use E6000 adhesive. It works so well for these projects! 

We hope we've inspired you to create some custom wrapping details for your packages this holiday season!

 

Week 2 Santa Sacks are on sale NOW!

Wow!   Week 1 of our Santa Sacks sold out in record time … Thanks to everyone who made a purchase!  Judging by the feedback we’ve received from buyers, Santa and his elves didn’t fail to please!

If you liked what you got in the first box, you’re going to love what Week 2 contains. And if, by chance, you didn’t get in on the action during Week 1, you’re not going to want to miss out this week!

That’s right, the Week 2 Santa Sack offers another great array of October Afternoon products at a huge discount … and everything you’ll find inside is different from what was in the Week 1 box!   It’s packed with great October Afternoon products valued at more than $100 (retail), and is the same amazing low price of just $39.99 plus shipping!!

We ask you ... Does it get any better than that?!

Well, yes it does! Remember that for each Santa Sack you purchase, your name is entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the sale for the Ultimate Santa Sack … a box containing more than $200 (retail value) of October Afternoon goodies!!

The elves have been busy packing this week’s Santa Sacks and if Week 1 is any indication, they’re bound to go fast … so don’t delay … order yours now!

Shipping and Handling will be as follows:
Continental USA / APO - $10.00
Hawaii / Alaska - $16.00
Canada - $18.00
and all other Countries $32.00

SOLD OUT!

Using 'Make It Merry' tidbits and alpha stickers to create a fun page design

By Kimberly Neddo, Guest Designer

There are so many beautiful patterned papers with the new "Make It Merry" Christmas line that I wanted to use every one of them! I decided to frame a photo with several patterned papers layered behind it for a creative way to draw the viewers eye around the page and keep the photograph center stage.

I just LOVE the buttons and the wonderful embellishments that complement this design so well.

You'll also see that I like to use different fonts together for titles. October Afternoon made the perfect alphabets to combine together to either journal or create fun titles like this.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

                                                      - Frederick Koenig

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM

OCTOBER AFTERNOON!

Card created by OA Design Team member Michelle Wooderson

I'm thankful for you

Hi everyone, Mou here! Today I want to share with you an idea for letting your loved ones know why you are so thankful for them. I'm talking about little door hanger pockets like this one.

For this project, I mainly used the October Afternoon Midway line. Even though Midway is meant to be a fun fair/carnival line, there are enough elements in the collection that lend themselves beautifully to autumn-themed projects. Just flip to the B side of your double-sided patterned papers and there you have it!

   

Photo Booth                             Carousel                                       

    

Main Gate                                  Cotton Candy

Washi Word Bubbles

Sprinklers: Token, Pink Balloon, and Twilight (Midway) and Rotary Phone (9 to 5)

And then I added some cardstock, a little bit of lace, some paint and Distress stains, wire, and thread. I created three of these door hanger pockets because that's how many people I have in my immediate family, but you could make as many as you need, following these directions.

1. Cut Main Gate paper into 4" x 6" pieces.

2. Cut cream cardstock into 4" x 6" pieces.

3. Cut Cotton candy paper into 3" x 4" pieces.

4. Cut some lace fabric into about 3" x 4" pieces.

5. Die cut or punch or hand cut some fall leaves out of Carousel paper.

6. Diecut or punch decorative borders out of  three 2" x 4" pieces of Photo Booth paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Piece together elements on the 4"x6" pieces of Main Gate paper from step 1 as shown and stitch in place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Splatter inks from the Sprinkler bottles on each piece and apply some paint and stains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Stitch these pieces to the cardstock blocks from step 2 to make pockets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Punch out half circles at the top of the pockets. Attach wires to make the pockets into door hangers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Label each pocket with the recipient's name.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. On cardstock strips, write the reasons why you are thankful for that person and put them in the pockets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Happy Thanksgiving!

'Tis the Season for Card Making!

Hi OA fans! It's Amy here today and we are mixing things up a smidge from our regular routine since the holidays are so closely upon us!

This week we are focusing our efforts to bring you delightful ideas on creating your holiday greeting cards! Nicole, our newest member of our team and I are here to start the week off with several ideas using the fabulous new holiday release from October Afternoon, Make it Merry!

For my first card, I took my inspiration from this fun little snowman on the Make A List paper, shown below. Then I added l my sentiments from the Make it Merry Word Stickers and Little Flyers. 

Make a List Paper from the Make it Merry Collection

With it's simple color palette, it was simple to embellish this sweet little card with my Make it Merry buttons, a touch of red ribbon, some stitching and a cute enamel dot to finish things off.

There are so many pieces in this collection perfect for creating your holiday cards. Like all of the wonderful Postcards in this collection (shown below).

Postcards from the Make It Merry Collection

I couldn't resist this cute little Scotty dog postcard for my next greeting. Simply too cute pass up an opportunity to create a sweet holiday card for my friends who have two Scotty dogs themselves! By hand trimming him out, I was able to keep my main header from the postcard and my little dog, creating a simple frame for layering more pattered paper and a sweet little ho, ho, ho bark speech bubble from the Doo-Dads in the collection.

Nicole created two beautiful cards for today's projects and this is what she had to say about them:

I love the vintage images on the Postcards, so I grabbed my scissors and cut the girl/boy to use on this first card. Wanting them to stand out a bit, I kept the rest of the card simple...the sentiment stamp from the Greeting Cards set was perfect for the front of the card. Even the font mimics the era that is  tied in with the entire Make it Merry line!! The red trim is from my stash. - Nicole Harper

Greeting Cards Rubber Stamp Set from the Make it Merry Collection

I am smitten with the Snowflakes background stamp...pairing it with white embossing powder on the old ledger side of the Make a Bow paper made the perfect base for this card. All I needed to add were a card, seam binding and tag from the Miscellany kit as well as a button and brad. Super simple, but that snowflake stamp makes a big impact! - Nicole Harper

Miscellany from the Make it Merry Collection

Such gorgeous, cards, Nicole! I just love how she created that snowflake background, it's stunning!

Of course, there are MANY other pieces from the Make it Merry collection that are ideal for making your holiday cards. To see more, check out the entire collection here on our website or at your favorite scrapbooking store!

That's going to do it for today's post! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day! - Amy :)

Our Third Annual Santa Sack Sale is happening now!!

The Internet has been buzzing about it for several months … and now it’s finally here!  It’s the Third Annual Santa Sack Sale from October Afternoon!!

That’s right, our popular holiday promotion is back, offering you the opportunity to get your hands on an array of October Afternoon products at a huge discount!

This year, Santa Sacks will be on sale for five weeks beginning today, November 19th, and continuing through December 17th. Each box will contain October Afternoon products valued at more than $100 (retail value), all for the amazingly low price of just $39.99 plus shipping!!! (See order button and shipping rates below.)

But wait, we’ve got more good news!  Each Santa Sack will be different from the week before, meaning you will receive new and different product with each one you purchase! 

Each Santa Sack has been hand-picked by October Afternoon with the help of Santa’s elves, and is filled to the brim with pattern paper, stickers, embellishments and much more … including a sprinkling of products from our newest lines!

Want EVEN MORE good news?   For each Santa Sack you purchase, your name will be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the sale for The Ultimate Santa Sack … a box containing more than $200 (retail value) of October Afternoon goodness!! 

 

Shipping and Handling will be as follows:
Continental USA/APO - $10.00
Hawaii / Alaska - $16.00
Canada - $18.00
and all other Countries $32.00

 

SOLD OUT!

 

 

Don't delay, as we sell a limited number of Santa Sacks each week ... and once they're gone, they're gone! Order now!