Beyond the Page with Bella Blvd!

Today's post is all about going beyond the page!  When Bella assigned this project earlier this summer I had a few ideas in mind, but this was one that won out. 

I've thought a few times back to my childhood about what some of the fun crafty things that I used to enjoy. I'll probably date myself a little bit here by sharing these, but that's OK, we're all friends, right? I loved puffer paints, latch hook and Shrinky Dinks! I thought to myself... hmmm, I bet Shrinky Dinks would make a really cute embellishment on a card or really anything scrappy!

I picked up some shrink paper in matte and used my Cricut and the Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge to cut out a tree and a Rudolph. *Note, you need to use the deep cut housing.*  I do not own one, and ended up having to trim mine using my scissors. (Yes, you know what is going to go on my Christmas list now don't you?! - ha!)

After this, I put down my splat mat and got out my trusty alcohol inks and inked up my tree. Helpful hint, do not worry if your colors are not deep enough at this point. As your decoration shrinks, the colors will appear darker.

Be sure that you punch any hole that you desire to attach the embellishment now, before you shrink it. I used the 1/8" on my Big Bite II.

Follow the manufacturers instructions to shrink the material. I set my oven at 300 degrees and because these pieces were larger, I let it go for 4 minutes. I did use parchment paper underneath and over the material to prevent it from touching itself and sticking as it shrinks down and warps.

I will be honest, at first I was surprised at how dark my tree came out! I added some Ranger Holly stickles to it and fell in love with it! So now the big question, what to use this cute little tree on?

I decided to make a fun little gift box out of the December Details Bella Christmas papers. My handy dandy Martha Stewart Score Board has the instructions for how to make boxes on it. (The link will take you to Martha's instructions, see pages 1-12 for the How-To.) 

The cute little tag is a Sizzix die that I found at our lss garage sale this summer. Isn't it fun on there? The poinsettia's are Prima and the border punch is Martha Stewart's ribbon loop.

Are you inspired to play with some shrink paper or create your own gift box?  I'd would love to see your projects, please share them!

Thanks so much for spending a few moments with me here today, have a super scrappity day!!!