Sweet friends, recently I did a series on Die Cut Ornaments and this is one of the three die cut ornaments made for the season. It’s our family tradition to have a special ornament so I embellished this for one of my trees. I used the Swirl Bliss Pocket Die to create the ornament. These are all sentimental to me this year; I was creating them as I sat in the midst of memories. December 4th would have been my 35th wedding anniversary and this is an activity that John and I relished. It didn’t make me sad but I know he would be proud that I continue to create, especially on an occasion that would have previously really squeezed my heart. Life is good like that!!
These dies were not originally designated to make ornaments but I love designing something you can get a bonus use out of. I have a tutorial of an unembellished version that I share below. These can be decorated in so many ways – I chose to put a flameless candle inside and below I share an illuminated undecorated version so that you can clearly see the charm of the glow.
I could chat on forever but this is a Christmas Spirit thing – a joy for me to make. I hope you’ll take a moment to scroll through the pictures.
We are in the days where we take stock of the happenings of the past year. I find myself pondering what actions I take to make the next year better. I wanted to say that I so appreciate the readers that come here to Amazing Paper Grace. I’m going into my 10th blogging year and would not have made it though my rough personal times without you. Your collective voice has lifted me more than you know. 2017 was fraught with trials but I am walking with my head up and with a confidence that has been long in finding the right place in my life. I hope the same is true for you :-)
How to Assemble your Die Cut Ornaments
Die cut the Swirl Bliss Pocket 8 times. Flex all score lines on pockets.
Lay out pockets in pairs (4).
Cut 2 squares 2-1/4? x 2-1/4? and pierce each with a hole in the center. Attach a loop from recycled ornament and an ornament hook to the center of each square. (If you don’t have an old ornament, feel free to use thread or ribbon adhered to the square.)
For each pair of pockets, apply adhesive to the front side of one pocket along the bottom flap. Then, adhere to other identical pocket in pair, keeping front sides together.
Trim seam on each joined pair to 1/4″.
Apply adhesive to side flaps of each pocket then adhere joined pairs to 2-1/4″ square by placing a seam on each corner.
Adhere 3 more pairs to the square bottom (inside) to construct the four sides. I chose to add a large flameless candle to the lantern that was too large to go through the side (a small flameless votive would fit). I left one end open so that I could get candle in place and glued closed.
Stamps: None
Paper: Neenah Class Crest – Natural White – 80lb smooth card stock
Ink: None
Accessories: Swirl Bliss Pocket, May Arts Silk Ribbon, Mulberry flowers, Platinum™ Die Cutting And Embossing Machine with 8.5″ Platform, Tool ‘N One™
Thanks for peeking in today! Sending Hugs!!
Absolutely beautiful. Becca, you are sooooo creative!
Suzie
Your creativity always amazes me. I love the ornaments and how you repurposed dies to create them. I remember those first holidays after my husband passed away. He loved Christmas and I knew that he wouldn’t have wanted his death to ruin the holiday for me so I forced myself to decorate and celebrate. After that each year became easier. Even though I remarried ten years after his death, I still have ornaments on my tree that we bought together at Christmas shops while on vacation. Now they bring more smiles than tears. I am sending you wishes for a special and meaningful holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Ooooh thanks so much! I have the Swirl Bliss Pocket and can’t wait to make this. Beautiful!
Becca you are amazing. I have been scrolling through your site as I need a box for a wedding favour for my son. (who I never thought would get married) and this is just ideal. Thank you so much and while you had a bad year last year, mine has been this year. That is why we do so well in crafting we always have someone to lift us. thank you so very much Merry Christmas and your hubby would be so proud of you.xx
This is the cutest thing!!! I’d like to try making it with metallic or glitter paper for the holidays. It would make such a cute gift. What a great idea.
I would have not thought to make a hanging ornament from a pocket die. I am so glad you are teaching me to “see”. What would I do without you inspiring me. Your ornament is lovely. It was sweet of you to share your precious memories with those of us that come to visit. Life moves on, but we often wonder: “What if?” I am proud of you making it through this year of “trials”. You should be pround of yourself. I knew you could do it!
How beautiful and a great twist on one of your dies
These are stunning! And so clever to use the pocket dies!!!
Absolutely beautiful.
I so enjoy your blog. you are a blessing to us as you share your talents. I hope you’re here for many more years. Merry Christmas.
Another beautiful ornament I could see this for wedding settings or even for a sweet sixteen! You are truly my inspiration!!
Love you Becca !!
Wow!!!
I remember the year you lost your beloved John. That was when I used to visit your blog first thing every morning.
I remember when you made another beautiful box from a pocket die that I purchased as it was so beautiful .
My blog used to be Themessycraftroom . In 2011 I got breast cancer and not long after I gave up blogging. I am still fighting that demon as it went into my spine. Crafting as kept me going all this time. I was so thrilled that I can now follow you on Facebook. Take care my beautiful friend.
John would be so proud of all that you have achieved.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Love and crafty hugs
Your work is always so stunning and inspiring . God Bless you. Xxx
This is absolutely gorgeous, your work is beautiful I am great full that I found your web site your talent is truly amazing wishing you all the best in everything that you do. Quinty girl
HOW LOVELY, Becca! You make me look at my dies in such a different way!!! LOL IT’S GREAT! Now, I need to check out a die or two from my stash to see what I can make! ;) I also see your pink tree….. It’s LOVELY!!! And I am SHOCKED that it has been only 10 years, as I thought you’ve been blogging so much longer! You have come a LONG WAY in such a short amount of time, really! It’s your TALENT! ;) God is SO GOOD to heal with time, & gift us with talents that help to heal! I totally understand that!!! ;) BLESSINGS dear lady!!! I am SO GLAD I found you early on in your blogging! ;)
Beautiful ornament! I would never had thought to put the swirl pocket die into an ornament. You never cease to amaze me! Great design!
Oh, my. That is just so clever!! I love these ornaments you are creating. It is wonderful to have other things to create with these dies, and ornaments are just the ticket. Thank you for sharing your great ideas!
What a beautiful ornament! Such beautiful memories too and isn’t it good to be in that place to be able to feel the sweetness. Many blessings to you this Christmas season! Hugs!
Wow! Beautiful ornament. I love the way you show us different ways to use our dies. I am wondering if this can be done with the Arched Elegance Pocket. Can you let me know.? Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy and healthy New Year.
Hello Becca,
What a beautiful ornament and another clever way to use your dies. I would have never thought to do that. Your work is always stunning and you are such an inspiration. Wishing you much happiness at Christmas and in the New Year.
Beverly
Becca, I am in total awe at your amazing creativity. This ornament/lantern is absolutely stunning. Thanx for including the directions for recreating this beautiful piece. Love your work.
Hello Becca
I have this Die but never thought to use it like you have today!
So much inspiration thank you!
Have a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Love Marg
And this is why you are Amazing Paper Grace :) Absolutely beautiful! x
Good morning Becca, you never cease to amaze me!!!You always think outside the box, you always see something else!!! What a blessing.
Have a good one!!!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Loopy Lyndaxxx
Becca so good to hear you are now in a good head space ready
for the coming New Year hope it’s a good one for you and yours.
You inspire so many of us not only with your makes but also your
attitude on life and dealing with the downside of daily life .
Your makes this year have so inspired me to use my dies in different
ways to get the most out of them !
I thank you for all you do and the work you put into it for everyone of us
to learn and enjoy.
John would be so proud but not surprised!!! Hugs much love Pam XXX
Absolutely stunning! What more can I say?!
Doreen R
Thank you for a beautiful idea…I have loved that die and now must try my hand at making this project… you are inspiring … hugs! ????????????
GORGEOUS luminary ornaments!
Becca, thank you for sharing this versatile die. But most of all, thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts from every chamber of your heart. You must know, that a lot of us out here in creative land are going through stressful times and your quiet messages of love can permeate the worst day. God bless you during this Christmas season and may you be surrounded by cherished friends and family. Sara
How very creative Becca – your ornament is beautiful and I love the white on white effects! I’ve just order 4 new Becca dies from Spellbinder – a treat from me to me! A blessed Christmas is wished you and your dream team – you deserve every blessing you get! Hugs Dianne aka the kardlady
Gorgeous lantern. Another possibility with that lovely die
So beautiful
[…] Here are links to the other two Die Cut Ornaments I made this season: Multiloop Tiered Bow Die Cut Ornament and Swirl Bliss Pocket Die, Die Cut Ornament. […]
Amazing. Xx