Paper Punch Addiction

I realize now that I completely forgot to add a tail to my little mouse on the treat tube box!  For instructions on making his tail, scroll down the page and check out the mousy mouse card I made earlier.  This little guy actually has a tail!  LOL

Some people asked about what you can store in these tubes.  Yes, regular size m&m's will fit in the nickel tubes.  I would prefer to use the mini m&m's so you can get more in it.  I actually wanted to put christmas m&m's in the tubes but the stores don't have them out yet.  I should be able to pick them up after Halloween.  I put cocoa mix in mine.  You can get the swiss miss marshmallow lovers packets where the marshmallows are in their own separate package.  The 3rd tube has chopped andies candies in them.  If you didn't want to put food in the tubes, you could put bath salts or beads.  For valentines day, you could put red hots or the sweethearts in these.

This box was made to hold 3 tubes. The tubes I used are called Nickel tubes.  They are used by coin collectors to store coins.  They are flat on the bottom and have a screw on plastic cap.  If you wanted to substitute your own tubes, you could use any tube that is around 1" wide.  If you use a smaller tube, use a smaller punch for the holes in the box top so the tubes fit snugly.  I put hot chocolate mix in one, chopped andies candies in one and mini marshmallows in another.

Box Assembly Instructions:

1) Cut red cardstock 6 1/2" x 4".  Score in 1" in all sides.  Clip the 2 score lines on each end, fold up all 4 sides and glue in place to create an open top box.

2) For the top, cut 3 1/16" x 5 9/16". Score at 1/2" on all sides.  Fold the flap up on one long side and then use the 1" circle punch to punch 3 holes in the top as shown in the pictures (line up the bottom of the punch with the edge of the folded up piece). Sharpen all score lines.  Clip the 2 score lines on each end, add some adhesive to the tabs and secure to the sides (finished piece will look like a box top with holes in it).

If you want to stabilize the tubes from tipping, you can add an insert to the inside bottom of the box.  Cut 2 15/16" x 5 7/16" and score at 1/2" on all sides.  Follow same punching and assembly instructions as the box top piece.

My favorite paper piecing patterns are over at Precious Piecings.  Right now, all of her patterns are only a one dollar each.  What a deal!!!!  You get the jpeg picture file of the pattern as well as an svg vector cutting file for using with your Cricut machine and SCAL software.  She has well over 500 patterns for sale, so there is something for everyone!

Apparently, the Martha Stewart teardrop punch is not readily available in some areas.  Fiscars makes a teardrop punch that is basically the same thing.  I think the size is the same too.  Hope this helps.

By now, you probably have seen the nifty box you can make by using the sizzix scallop envelope die.  I found a great step by step tutorial on assembling the box HERE .  I used chocolate chip cardstock for my envelopes and cut 4 pieces of designer papers 2" x 4" in size.  Attach these pieces on the sides of the envelopes before folding down the flaps and securing with sticky strip (as shown in the web tutorial).

These awesome ornaments are from Ikea.  They are non breakable and come in several colors.  I applied a snowflake Decor Element and tied on some white satin ribbon to dress it up.  For the reindeer, you will actually need a sizzix die for the antlers.  I liked this look better than a traditional punched piece.

What do you think of this little guy? I wanted to put a candy cane in his paw but ended up keeping it simple.
You will need the following Stampin' Up! punches:
Ornament (head & body)
1" circle (ears)
3/4" circle (ears, paws & muzzle)
large oval & wide oval (tail)
1/4" circle (nose)
Additionally, you will need a teardrop punch for the eyes.  Some people have been having problems finding the martha stewart punch.  Fiscars makes a good substitute teardrop punch if you can't find the MS one.

I used basic gray, going gray, pirouette, basic black cardstocks for the mouse.
The paper I used is a double sided Fancy Pants paper.
Base color of card is not quite navy and there are layers of baja breeze and ruby red.  Riding hood red striped grosgrain

For the tail, you need to punch the large oval first and then line up the wide oval over the top and punch a ring for the tail.

Sponge all of the pieces with white craft ink (except the eyes).  Use pop dots to attach the muzzle and paws

Add highlights to eyes and nose with uni-bal signo white gel pen and detailing with black zig pen.

I just love these halloween papers!  Here is a version of the treat box with a spider instead.  You need the following punches:
1 3/8" circle - orchid opulence
1/2" circle - white
1/4" circle (use the crafters tool kit or crop-a-dile) - black
Wide Heart - black

I used the window box sizzix die for the treat box.

For the legs, punch the top of the heart and then line it up again over the punch and punch the legs (as shown in picture).   Punch 4 of these for the legs.  Cut each piece in half and glue onto sides of spider.