Blog - Ann Butler Designs

March 23, 2017 By Donna Braaten-Budzynski Leave a Comment

Stamped Spring Bling Banner

Welcome, spring is coming!

Donna, here to show you how to take a store-bought spring banner and turn it into a Stamped Spring Bling Banner! I love to find inexpensive things and make them my own. I found this banner at a local retail store and knew I could do something to bling it up. This is an easy, quick and fun way to craft decor! So are you ready to Stamp and bling into Spring? I am!

Let’s get started!

Step 1:

Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a very light line across the top of the banner. This will be the stamping guide.

Step 2:

Stamp out quilt design using Ann Butler Quilting Stamps 1″ and ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler. Heat set.

Step 3:

Prepare rhinestones using the Rhinestone Genie featuring Ann Butler for flower and quilt design.

Step 4:

Iron on the rhinestones and remove plastic.

Step 6:

Hang and wait for spring! I can’t WAIT!

This post may contain affiliate links, when you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you – this helps to keep this web site up and to continue to bring you awesome projects like this one!

Ann Butler Design Products used:

Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilting Stamps by Unity Stamp Company 1″

Ann Butler Designs ColorBox Crafter’s Ink, Sunshine, Tangelo, Lilac, Berry

Rhinestone Genie Featuring Ann Butler Designs

Other Products:

Banner from Target
Pencil
Ruler

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This is a fun way to make store-bought items your own. I want to thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

Stay crafty,

Donna

March 21, 2017 By Chantal Johnson Leave a Comment

Bohemian Embroidered Banner with Faux Stitching Stamps

Hi, y’all – I am Chantal Johnson and I am so thrilled to be sharing a few embroidery inspirations with this Bohemian Embroidered Banner along with tips for successful stitching with y’all. This little love banner can be created in just a few hours. This is a great piece for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike. Let’s get stitching….

You are loved Banner.

Step 1

Using a ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler in shade of your choice, ink two of the ColorBox Background Basic by Ann Butler Stitch Stamps (zigzag and dashed line) and stamp a piece of cotton muslin.

Be sure to stamp on a paper pad underneath the fabric.

Stamp with even pressure to ensure a clear, crisp image.

Step 2

Sew stamped piece onto base fabric, with coordinating thread.

By the light of the machine….stitch stamped fabric onto ticking or fabric of choice.

Step 3

Using 6-strand embroidery floss such DMC, cut a workable length and separate the strands. *See tip below. Thread embroidery needle with 3 strands of floss.

Separate strands by gently pulling one at a time.

Step 4

Begin stitching; using the stamped images as your guide, keeping the stitches even, cover the inked borders. *See tip below

Step 5

To attach the You are loved label, I chose to do colonial knots but a simple stitch will do fine as well. Buttons or other embellishments could be used or added.

Add the label or embellishment after all the sticking is complete.

Step 6

For the finished banner, the three layers (the stitched piece, quilt batting, and cotton quilted denim) were machine stitched together. I added vintage red trim also with machine stitching. Two eyelets were set and lace was added for the hanger.

All layers stitched together.

A finished banner ready to be hung…

Success in Stitching Tips:

Separating the strands of floss releases the fibers and gives the threads fuller coverage.
The key to a cohesive and well-stitched project is even stitching, using stamped images helps to practice this technique
Do not be afraid to take out stitches that look shorter/different, you will be happier you did…

Ann Butler Design Products used:

ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler in shade of your choice

ColorBox Background Basics by Ann Butler Stitch Stamps

Partner Products:

You are loved label – by Chantal Johnson or embellishment of choice

Other Products:

Cotton Muslin
Quilt Batting
Cotton Denim, ticking or fabric of choice
Lace – ½ yard
Red trim – ½ yard
2 sewing eyelets and an eyelet setter
DMC 498 or embroidery floss of your choice
Embroidery needle
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Coordinating thread

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Chantal Johnson has been the recipient of God’s great love and has been given creativity as one of her many gifts. Her heritage is one of Southern hospitality and European style but her heart is pure Texan!! Her home, as well as her art, resounds with sentiments from a joyful, grateful spirit to that of faith and hope mixed with a touch of wonder. Her creative path began as a little girl with her mother introducing every form of creative arts from thread and fabric, yarn and hook to paper and paints. She loves all things that can inspire others to find joy in the everyday.

As a mixed media artist and designer, her many passions include but not limited to gardening, interior decorating, crocheting, cooking, swimming, sewing, jewelry design, paper arts, and antiques. But being with her children, husband and family bring her the most joy. Most days you will find her creating in her Art Studio that she and her husband designed.

Chantal lives in Rowlett, Texas and is married to Scott. They have three children, 3 dogs, and 5 sweet little hens. Her work has been published in Belle Armoire Jewelry, Somerset Studio, Somerset Home, Sew Somerset, Apronology, Haute Handbags, Belle Armoire and Green Craft. She is currently on the Ann Butler Design Team, the Friends of ICE Resin® Team, and a design contributor for Bella Crafts. For teaching engagements, you may contact her directly at chantal515@verizon.net. Visit her blog or become her friend on Facebook to see her latest inspirations and see the joy in daily living.

March 16, 2017 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Lucky Shamrock Note Cards

Happy almost St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Beth, here on the blog today to share my quick and easy lucky shamrock note cards! This set of 12 note cards went together in just under one hour, a great project for all of those last minute lucky wishes that you might want to share with your family, teachers, neighbors and co-workers.

Here’s how I made it:

STEP ONE:

Cut strips of different shades of green cardstock with a paper trimmer. Attach strips of paper to a sheet of plain cardstock with a permanent adhesive runner.

STEP TWO:

Embellish the strips with ColorBox Background Basics Stitch Stamps by Ann Butler using ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Limelight, Evergreen and Deep Woods. Experiment to see which inks work best on the light and the dark card stock colors. Fill the entire sheet of card stock with Stitch Stamps.

STEP THREE:

Trace shamrock shapes on to the striped card stock. Cut out with scissors.

STEP FOUR:

Attach the shamrocks to the front of robins egg blue A2 note cards with foam tape. I like the added dimension the foam tape gives the note card.

STEP FIVE:

Apply gold glitter letter stickers spelling LUCKY to the front of each card. TIP: I use the blade of my craft knife to lift small stickers and embellishments from their backing sheet. This allows for accurate placement on your project.

Here is a detail of the stamped shamrock. I love all of the different shades of green paired with the robins egg blue in these cards. It is truly a MAGICAL color combination!

I hope that you have enjoyed my quick and easy lucky shamrock note cards today, and that you will use my project as a jumping off point to showcase YOUR creativity featuring Ann Butler Designs products! Just share on social media using #annbutlerdesigns

Ann Butler Designs Products used:

ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs – Limelight, Evergreen, Deep Woods

Color Box® Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs – Stitch Stamps

other products:

Shades of Green Card Stock, Plain Card Stock
Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Craft Knife
Permanent Adhesive Runner, Foam Tape
Robins Egg Blue A2 Note Cards and Envelopes (12)
Gold Glitter Letter Stickers
Pencil
Baby Wipes to clean stamps

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Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

February 14, 2017 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Faux Quilted Valentine’s Day Trio

Happy Valentine’s Day! Beth here to share a quick and easy Faux Quilted Valentine’s Day Trio of decorations to brighten your day!

I always like to craft with my stash whenever possible and create things for holidays instead of just buying them at a store.

Here’s how I made it:

STEP ONE:

Cut strips of various shades of red and pink cardstock on paper trimmer.

STEP TWO:

Attach strips of paper, randomly on cardstock using a permanent adhesive runner.

STEP THREE:

Embellish the strips with ColorBox Background Basics by Ann Butler Stitch Stamps using ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler in Night. Fill the entire sheet of cardstock. Then fill in any empty spaces with the words, LOVE, HUGS, KISSES and XOXO with a permanent black marker.

STEP FOUR:

Using a template, trace four heart shapes onto striped cardstock. Cut out with scissors.

STEP FIVE:

Measure and cut two pieces of Kraft cardstock to fit the front of a gift bag. Measure and cut two additional pieces of Kraft cardstock to 8 1/2″ long by 5″ wide, then fold in half. Stamp each set with a variety of Colorbox Background Basics by Ann Butler Diamonds, Picnic, Basket and Checks with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Night, Canyon, Berry. Let dry.

STEP SIX:

Attach each heart to paper doily with foam tape, then layer onto the card and the gift bag. Attach a wooden skewer to the third heart with foam tape and apply a fourth heart to the back to finish. Adhere arrow sticker to front. Embellish with letter stickers and trims.

Even though it is Valentine’s Day it’s not too late to create a special token for the ones you love.

Make sure to check out the Ann Butler Designs Facebook page and Instagram account for tons of additional inspirational Faux Quilted projects.

Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! -Beth

January 17, 2017 By Ann Butler 1 Comment

Recycle that Old Cardstock with Iridescents

Most of us have extra cardstock in our stash that could use a new look! Maybe you bought too much of it, no longer have a need for it, or simply no longer like it! I know that I have a lot of cardstock that I will never us as is…so I decided it was time to Recycle that old cardstock with Iridescents!

Recycle Old CardStock with Iridescents before picture

Above is a picture of one piece of card stock I have that I will never use as it is.

I decided to collage it a bit for a new look and make it something I would actually use in some of my projects. I love mixed media and thought it would be the perfect solution to recycle this old cardstock!

This post contains affiliate links, if you click on them I may make a commission at no cost to you:0)

It was time to Recycle that Old Cardstock with Iridescents.

Step 1:

Dry brush Earth Safe Finishes White Gesso over the cardstock, as desired.

Step 2:

Tear up some old paper or music sheets. Adhere randomly to cardstock with Earth Safe Finishes Gel Medium.

Step 3:

Brush Ann Butler’s Iridescents, in colors of choice, onto the cardstock. Apply more gesso and then, Iridescents until you get the desired result.

Step 4:

Add rub-ons, if desired.

Recycle that Old Cardstock with Iridescents…

Here is a picture of the final piece!
It has great dimension and can be used for so many things.
It turned out wonderful and was quick and easy.

Think Green and give it a try!
Turn some of the cardstock you have piled up
but might never use as it is so, recycle it into something you will use!

CreateForLess.com - Create More, Spend Less

Ann Butler Design’s Products used:

Ann Butler Design’s Iridescents from Earth Safe Finishes, Sheer Gold

Partner Products:

other products:

Old Decorative Cardstock
Old Paper or Music Sheets
Rub On’s, optional
Glue Stick, optional

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

January 10, 2017 By Steph Ackerman Leave a Comment

Thank You Cards Quick and Easy

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here with several Thank You Cards. Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to create Thank You cards for all those individuals you wish to thank for something they did this holiday season.

Supplies:

ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler – Aquamarine, Evergreen
Unity Stamp Co. – 1″ Faux Quilted Stamps
Joy Clair Stamp – Every Day Sentiments
Prima Flowers
EK Success Punches

Do you have days where you want to create, but just don’t have the time? Then just think quick and simple. If you are like me, you probably have an assortment of stamps, inks, flowers and scraps of cardstock (among other things) on your craft table left over from holiday creating. Rather than put these items away, use them to create some new cards.

For card #1, stamp the stripe stamp with Aquamarine Ink on white cardstock. Rotate the stamp to create a fun background. Mat with navy cardstock then add flowers to the panel before adding the panel to the card. Stamp the sentiment on white cardstock and punch out. Add to a punched scalloped oval and adhere to the card.

For card #2, use the same stamp set and select a different stamp. Repeat the same process as for card #1, but use Evergreen Ink. Mat the panel with green cardstock then add flowers to the panel before adding the panel to the card. Stamp the sentiment on white cardstock and punch out. Add to a punched scalloped oval and adhere to the card.

Having these supplies still on my craft table allowed me to put together these cards very quickly. And instead of having to put away my supplies, I actually put them to good use.

What will you create today?

Thanks for stopping by today.

December 29, 2016 By Design Team Leave a Comment

Stamped Burlap Gift Bag With Bow

Hi everyone! Tammy with you today with a last minute hostess gift idea for the holidays. I love to give handmade gifts to friends I visit over the holidays and this gift bag makes the perfect hostess gift! I even created a matching bow to go along with it, here is how I made it…

Supplies:

Directions:

I placed a wood coaster inside my gift bag to make it easier to stamp on.

I placed plenty of Colorbox Crafter’s Ink in Canyon on the stamp because the burlap soaks it up.

I overlapped the stamp a little to create a solid pattern

Learn to create a quick and easy Stamped Burlap Gift Bag With Bow

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I also stamped a piece of gold glitter organza ribbon with the Background Basics Stamp and Colorbox Crafter’s Ink.

I added additional interest with a Background Basics Stitch Stamp and Colorbox Crafter’s Ink in Deep Woods.

After you are done stamping both pieces, use a heat tool to heat seal the ink.

Add the gift to the bag and tie the top with the ribbon as shown.

That’s it, you have a unique one of a kind gift bag for your friend to enjoy! I hope this tutorial has given you some ideas on how to use Ann Butler’s Background Basics Stamps and Colorbox Crafter’s Inks by Ann Butler to create fun gift ideas for your friends!

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December 27, 2016 By Design Team Leave a Comment

Stamped Gift Card Holder

Hello, everyone! Tammy here with you today with a fun tutorial to make this cute stamped gift card holder. I love to give gift cards for birthdays etc. but it can sometimes seem a little impersonal. I figure that if I make the holder myself it adds a little more thought to the gift. Here is how I made this gift card holder.

Supplies:

Colorbox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler
Background Basics by Ann Butler
Blue double-sided cardstock
White cardstock
Ribbon
Glue Dots adhesive
Silhouette cutting file for gift card holder
Silhouette machine
Rhinestone

Directions:

Cut out and assemble basic gift card holder using your Silhouette machine or cutting machine of your choice. Use Glue Dots to assemble the holder.

Stamp the outside of the gift card holder with Ann Butler’s Background Basics stamps and Colorbox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler.

Heat seal ink with a heat tool.

Repeat the same process with the embellishment piece of cardstock with a coordinating Background Basic stamp.

Heat seal the piece and make sure it is completely set.

Add a snowflake embellishment and rhinestone for sparkle and use Glue Dots again to attach the embellishment to the gift card holder.

Attach some decorative ribbon to the top and you are ready to add your gift card. Using the Background Basics stamps really add interest to a simple cardstock gift card holder, don’t you think? I hope this has given you some creative ideas on how to use Ann Butler’s Background Basics stamps and Colorbox Crafter’s Inks to add interest to your projects.

Let’s be friends!

Pinterest – Instagram – Face b o ok – Twitter

December 13, 2016 By Steph Ackerman Leave a Comment

Christmas Cards with Easy Backgrounds

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today with some more Christmas Cards featuring backgrounds created with Ann Butler Designs stamps and inks.

Supplies:

ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler – Canyon, Evergreen, Desert Sand
Unity Stamp Co. – 2″ Faux Quilted Stamps
Penny Black Stamp – Image
Copic Markers
Spellbinders Dies
May Arts Ribbon
Whisker Graphics Twine

Sometimes you just don’t have the right papers that work with your stamped images. Since I love to create backgrounds, I pulled out stamps and inks and got to work on a couple of Christmas Cards. I repeatedly stamped the stripe stamp on a panel of white using Canyon Ink on one panel and Evergreen Ink on the other panel. Then I used the dot stamp on another panel of white also using Canyon Ink and Evergreen Ink.

Next, I matted the striped panels to use as the base of the cards, then wrapped each with ribbon and twine before adding to the card base.

Next, I cut the dotted panels on an angle to fit each card and inked them with Desert Sand. I matted them with cardstock and added them to the card with foam adhesives.

Finally I colored the images, die cut them, matted them with coordinating cardstock and added them to the card with foam adhesives for dimension. The perfect backgrounds don’t you think?

Thanks for stopping by today.

December 8, 2016 By Design Team Leave a Comment

Stamped Christmas Card

Hey crafty friends, Einat Kessler here with a new project! Are you ready for Christmas, it’s almost here. Have you sent out all your cards? If you didn’t and you still need some ideas for fast and easy cards I have just the right idea for you! A Christmas tree that is made from only stamps and paper, so it’s cheap too.

Start by arranging a few of Ann Butler Designs 1″ Faux Quilting stamps on an acrylic block. If you only have a stamp or two just repeat stamping until you get a 3×3 square. I used Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Inks: Canyon and Evergreen. After your stamped square is ready cut all the squares into little pieces. Cut each square in half.

Create the tree by attaching the paper pieces to the front of the card in a triangle shape. Start from the bottom and work your way up until you complete the tree. Add a little piece of paper for the tree trunk. You can add any blessing or word that you want and your card is ready! You can stamp a larger surface of the paper and cut more pieces and create more cards.

Have fun creating!

Welcome, spring is coming!

Let’s get started!

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Ann Butler Design Products used:

Other Products:

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Success in Stitching Tips:

Ann Butler Design Products used:

Partner Products:

Other Products:

Follow Ann on Social Media:

STEP ONE:

STEP TWO:

STEP THREE:

STEP FOUR:

STEP FIVE:

Ann Butler Designs Products used:

other products:

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Happy Valentine’s Day! Beth here to share a quick and easy Faux Quilted Valentine’s Day Trio of decorations to brighten your day!

STEP ONE:

STEP TWO:

STEP THREE:

STEP FOUR:

STEP FIVE:

It was time to Recycle that Old Cardstock with Iridescents.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Recycle that Old Cardstock with Iridescents…

Here is a picture of the final piece! It has great dimension and can be used for so many things. It turned out wonderful and was quick and easy.

Ann Butler Design’s Products used:

Partner Products:

other products:

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today with some more Christmas Cards featuring backgrounds created with Ann Butler Designs stamps and inks.

Here is a picture of the final piece!
It has great dimension and can be used for so many things.
It turned out wonderful and was quick and easy.