Today we’ve got a fun little project for all you mums out there!

Check out this cute spelling/learning game created by our very own Renee Ludlow!!

Materials: Photo Stand BTP (SB2069), Made with Love collection (papers, embellishment pack, alpha stickers, die cut elements), SB716 Blush pearls, A5 storage pocket refills (FD302).

I made this little word game for my daughter who has just started big school.  She already loves trying to read and spell simple words, so I thought a little game with her own alphabet cards (in her favourite colours of course) would be just the trick to keep her enthusiasm going.  The heart stand provides the perfect base for this game by allowing her to read and spell 2-3 letter words, and she loves being able to clip the words into the stand herself. I believe that kids should be able to have fun learning, which is the main reason I try and make things we learn at home more enjoyable.

Because this stand was going to be used by little hands the design was kept fairly simple.

Step 1. Paint the back and the edges of the base using lilac paint.  Do the same for the hearts.

Step2. Cover the top of the base using the reverse of Cupcake paper.  Cover the front of the hearts using papers from the 6″ paper pad and add embellishments.  Ink the edges using Brown (IP708) ink.  Add some and drawn stitches and glue the stand together.

Step 3. Using some of the die-cuts from the 6″ pad to adhere to the base of the hearts. Add some tulle, then using the Embellishment pack (EM907) make a ribbon bow and add the felt heart to one corner. Add Pearls to the opposite corner.

Step 4. For the cards cut 3.5in x 2.5in pieces of cardstock. Round the corners. You will need one card for each letter of the alphabet, plus double of letters like “f” for words “off”. I made doubles of the letters-b,d,e,f,g,l,,m,n,o,p,t.

Step 5. Cut pieces of the reverse Cupcake paper to 3in x 2 in. Ink the edges using brown ink and add to cardstock.  Add the Alphabet stickers to the center of the cards, and embellish with hand-drawn stitching.

Step 6. Use an A5 Kaisercraft pocket to keep all these important cards together. Cut a 4.5cm x 21cm strip of paper and adhere ribbon across the centre of it.  Adhere to the top of the pocket.  Add a rub-on sentiment and some pearls.  Tie a piece of tulle and a die-cut tag to the pocket and give to that special little child.

Yesterday we had a fantastic tutorial on inking from our DT member, Fran on using die-cuts and masks and stencils.

We also gave YOU the opportunity to win a WHOLE set (12 colours) of Kaisercraft mini pigment ink pads!

We asked you to comment on that post with your favourite Kaisercraft ink pad colour and how you would use it (in 25 words or less) to go in the chance to win a set.

After a random draw, that one lucky reader was……

Melinda Wilson!

Melinda, please emails us your contact details to competitions@kaisercraft.com.au so we can send them out ASAP!!

This week we’ve got a fantastic tip from Christine!

“It’s easy to change the colour of your rub-ons using this really simple masking technique. Here’s how…”

Step 1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need some paper in the colour you want your rub-on to be, some paint, a brush, a special eraser and of course a rub-on. I’ve also combined Fran’s technique where she used the backing sheet from the die-cut shapes as a mask to add a bit more interest.

Step 2. Cut out and apply your rub-on to the paper.

Step 3. Flip the die-cut mask over so the back is face-up and position it over your rub-on. Paint over the whole lot in a contrasting colour.

Step 4. Wait until the paint is dry, then grab your eraser and erase your rub-on.  It should come away easily allowing your background paper to show through – fun!

The finished product…

Thanks to Christine and her fabulous tip your now ready to create your very own at home!