Christmas 2013 – Taniesa Vlasak

Last minute gift ideas with Die-namites dies!

Published on December 20, 2013December 20, 2013 by Taniesa12 Comments

Thank you for joining us for our

If you have arrived here from Lynne Forsythe’s blog,

you are in the right place. If not head on over to Die~Namites Dies Blog, to begin the hop!

I know it’s a very hectic time of year….. the parties, the shopping, the decorating…. and the last minute gift for Aunt Betty.

We at Die~Namites Dies wanted to share with you a few Last Minute Ideas.

It is always so hard for me to think of what to give teenagers for Christmas. This year filling up their stockings was a little challenging and I was still shopping up until today to finish up everything.

While shopping for stocking gifts I saw so many gift sets that were way overpriced. I thought, “I could put something together for half the cost of those packaged sets”. So I grabbed some nail polish and other nail care items for my daughter and bundled them up in a clear cellophane bag. I attached a pretty tag that I made with two of the new release dies from Die-namites!

The dies I used were the Curly Poinsettias die and the Winter Branch die.

I layered the winter branch die with some cuts from additional branch dies along the bottom right corner.Then added the Curly Poinsettias on top. I took a clear wink of stella glitter marker and added some glitter accent on the flowers. I finished everything off by adding in some enamel dots and gems. Once everything was finished and dry I added my daughters name using gold glitter foam thickers.

It’s a good idea to have a few ready made tags like this one on hand. Adding a name is easy and fast and it really makes a quickly put together gift that much more special!

Thank you for joining us for our

Die~Namites Dies, Last Minute Christmas Ideas.

Don’t forget to check out our December Die~Namites Dies Sketch Challenge and Dare

you could be our next randomly chosen WINNER!!!

Now head on over to the Die-namites blog to wrap this blog hop up!!

Happy Holiday Crafting!

December Daily: Days 1 to 6

Published on December 10, 2013December 10, 2013 by Taniesa5 Comments

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of you are enjoying the season so far and have been keeping up with your December Daily albums or Journals. I wanted to share a little bit of my album today. I have up to day# 5 complete. (warning this post is kind of photo-heavy). For my 2013 December Daily I am using the Merry and Bright Kit from Whimsical Twist. I am also using items I have collected from this year and previous years as well as die cuts from my Silhouette. If you have any questions on products used please let me know.

For my title page I did it in three separate page protector layers. For the First layer I printed a title using Ali Edwards digital brushes on a transparency and placed that in the page protector

For the second layer I took a transparency and two silhouette die cuts (out of the silhouette printable gold foil) and adhered them on the transparency back to back. After sliding that into the page protector I sprinkled sequins on either side and sewed the protector closed.

For the Third and final layer of the Title page(s) I cut a piece of American Crafts POW glitter paper and slid that in the protector, On top of that was another transparency that I printed on the bottom.

The next page I kept really simple.

Day one:

For the card on the bottom left, I stamped in white ink and then I went over the stamped areas with a white chalk pencil to give it a better chalkboard effect.

Day Two:

For the middle layer I used a 6×8 page protector and sewed the bottom portion shut with sequins, glitter, and heat embossed wood veneer stars (Studio Calico Printshop stars) Then I slipped the two photos back to back on the top.

This year I decided to incorporate our advent Calender within our December Daily album. You will see these pockets throughout my album. The little circles are special chalkboard paper. I stamped the number in white prima Chalk ink. (the Advent Kit that I used can be found HERE)

I printed our advent activities on a piece of shimmer cardstock and then sewed them to the tag that I had cut down to fit the bag. I also did some heat embossing on the tags as well.

Day Three & Four:

Day Three:

Day Four:

Day Five:

I had a lot of fun working on Day 5. Lots of digital stamping on the photos using files from Ali Edwards @ Designer Digitals, Ali Edwards/Technique Tuesday Stamps, and the Pine Wreath Die from Die-Namites Dies.

For the Tree embellishment I used the Pine Wreath die from Die-Namites dies which you can find HERE. I made 12 cuts of the die and one tree base out of the same card stock. I cut off all of the pine branches from the die cut shapes and made a pile. Then I took some clear liquid adhesive and squeezed a bit out on a scrap piece of card stock. I dipped the bottom part of the pine branch in the glue and started layering from the outside of the tree base inward. After everything was completely dry I added some clear and white gems (Michael’s brand and Studio Calico) To see more photos of this embellishment visit the Die-Namites blog HERE.

Day Six:

For day 6 I kept things super simple. I took cards that were included in the Merry & Bright Kit and embellished the tree card with some sequins and glitter pen accents. Sticker letters are also from the kit. There are a handful of kits still available and you can find them HERE on sale for $35!

That wraps up this round of December Daily Pages. I should be back next week to share another handful of pages.

Happy Holiday Crafting!

Happy December and Welcome home, Cupcake!

Published on December 3, 2013 by Taniesa4 Comments

Hi Friends,

It’s been crazy around here which has not left me much time for crafting (or blogging) as much as I would like. I am excited for December and all the fun festive things going on this month though, and am hoping to have a bit more time to document and enjoy the season.

Today I wanted to share with you our Elf On The Shelf’s homecoming and first three days of silly elf antics.

When our elf, cupcake, was “discovered” this season she had a little slip of paper with our street address on it tucked in the waistband of her skirt. My then 6-year-old daughter must have slipped it in so that Cupcake could find her way home (too sweet, right?) so Cupcake attached that to a wood skewer like a flag and attached it to the remote control helicopter that is my sons for her grand entrance. When my little girl came home from her dad’s house she was SO excited and spent the rest of the evening talking to her elf and wearing the bell that Cupcake brought back for her. (You can find these at the dollar store or craft stores like Michaels)

Day Two. I knew that my Daughter had her big dentist appointment this day and I reallllly needed to get rid of the Halloween candy in the house. Well its no fun if mom just throws it out. Our elf eating it all is another story 😉

Day Three. ok, this was a last-minute thought and I was exhausted so in looking around the kitchen I spied a bunch of fruit I got earlier that day for the kids. Inspired by a conversation between my daughter and Niece about mario kart I thought cupcake fruit-karting sounded like a good idea. It was a HUGE hit around here let me tell you. My 7-year-old woke up my 17-year-old at 3 am to see what Cupcake did! Poor Lexie, She was a good sport though and shared her sister’s excitement.

For more elf on the shelf ideas follow Taniesa on instagram!

Happy “Elfing”

HUGE sale at WhimsicalTwist.com

Published on November 26, 2013 by TaniesaLeave a comment

Tis the season for big time deals everywhere and Whimsical Twist is no exception! From now until Sunday 12/1 everything in the store is 30 % off!!! The best part is that it includes the December Days kits and all the exclusive items in the shop!!! Click HERE to head on over!

Happy Shopping Friends!!!

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String.

Published on November 19, 2013November 19, 2013 by Taniesa2 Comments

Hi there friends!

The holidays are finally here and I have started my Christmas shopping! One of my favorite parts of Christmas is wrapping up the gifts I choose for my friends and family. I try and be creative with my gift giving more than traditional wrapping paper and curly ribbon so that the recipient is even more excited to open their pretty package.

Today I am using the Elegant Holly die.

This die was the perfect accent for a small gift that I was giving. I cut the die out of Green cardstock and added little red gems for the berries. I attached them using a small glue dot. Then I placed a small bow and tag on top. simple yet unique. How will you use your Die-namite Holiday Dies this season?

Happy Crafting

Take a closer look at December Recorded!

Published on October 30, 2013October 29, 2013 by Taniesa4 Comments

Hi Again Pickle Pals!

Today I am showing you a closer peek at the December Recorded kit in the Whimsical Twist shop. It’s a lovely kit designed by the talented Charissa Miller.

Charissa really captured all that is classic and trendy at the same time. This kit has a little bit of it all, Glitter, Traditional Red and Greens, wood veneer, star clips, some light blue accents to change it up a bit and the very trendy chalkboard look that I absolutely love! She pulled together product from Websters Pages, Pink Paislee, American Crafts, Theresa Collins, Elle’s studio and more There is also a few little whimsical exclusives to give the kit its unique touch.

I just love looking at her kit all spread out pretty in the photo. I can’t wait to see how she puts it all together for her December album.

To see more of Charissa’s amazing Kit or purchase the kit, take a look HERE.

To purchase this kit with the awesome December Days class for only $5 more click HERE.

and of course I have to share the EXCLUSIVE December Recorded flair that is now in the Whimsical Twist shop!

How about another giveaway! Leave your name and location in the comment section and be entered to win a set of this exclusive flair! If you have purchased Charissa’s kit then Leave another comment for a bonus entry!

Giveaway ends Thursday night at midnight and winner will be announced on Friday!

Dont forget to check out Studio Calico’s PRINTSHOP which is now shipping at Whimsical Twist! There is also an amazing 30% off sale going on until 11/3 on all Basic Gray and My Minds Eye product! Enter MME30BG at checkout!

Stop by tomorrow for another fun giveaway-day!

Till then, Happy Crafting!

Check out the Krafty Kringle Kit!!!

Published on October 28, 2013October 28, 2013 by Taniesa5 Comments

Hi Pickle Pals

This week I am featuring all three of the Whimsical Twist December Days kits! It’s going to be a fun week of announcements and giveaways! I Hope that you stick with me this week for all of it!

The first kit that I am sharing today is the Krafty Kringle Kit designed by Diana Fisher. Diana created a homespun feel with this kit with a fabulous Kraft base (Including a great 7×10 album) and accents with traditional red, a light blue and some soft greens. She brought in product from Pink Paislee, websters pages, elle’s studio and more! I just love what she has put together and I am sure you will too. This kit is unlike the traditional daily kit in where it is meant to mark the events and celebrations for the entire holiday season. I just love all of the little pockets to keep mementos from the season. Fantastic job Diana, your kit is amazing and I can’t wait to see what Magic you create!

To see more photos of Diana’s kit check our her blog HERE

You can purchase this amazing kit HERE.

and for $5 more you can get the kit and the December Days Class HERE (Save $10!)

How about some pretty, EXCLUSIVE flair designed just with the Krafty Kringle kit in mind? This exclusive set of 6 flat backed button flair will be on sale this week in the Whimsical Twist Shop but you can win a set NOW! Giveaway ends Thursday at midnight so be sure to comment with your name and location. All winners from this weeks giveaways will be announced on Friday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway <———- Click here to enter (lots of chances to win!)

Dont forget about class sign ups too!

Hope you all have a fabulous Monday!

Whimsical WINNER!!!

Published on October 25, 2013 by Taniesa3 Comments

Happy Friday Pickle Pals!!!

Last week I posted about the Merry and Bright Kit at Whimsical Twist that I designed. I am so excited to share that it is NOW SHIPPING!!! I am so excited to dive into the project with you all. I hope you will follow along the blog for ideas on how to use the kit and more. An even better idea is to join the Whimsical Twist designers in the Whimsical December Days class that is going on now though January! We have so many fun things planned in the class. In addition to the class content we are doing challenges to keep you motivated all season long (and of course MORE prizes). To sign up for the class only click HERE. If you would like to purchase your Merry and Bright kit you can get the class for only $5 more! Total deal! Click HERE for that offer. (video of the kit can be seen HERE)

I also posted a pretty exciting and HUGE giveaway on my blog last week. I am happy to announce that Erica Bass, you are my WINNER!!! Not only are you receiving the super awesomesauce giveaway kit, you will be joining me and the other Designers in the December Days class! YAY!

But, Wait! Theres more!!!

Because I am so excited about the December Days class I am giving a “runner-up” prize to Kim Winter! Kim writes:

“I follow on Instagram & on the blog. I try Dec. daily with journal your Christmas but I never complete an album. Any suggestions for keeping it going?”.

Well Kim, I have a BUNCH of suggestions and I will see you in class to share them all. You will have support to start, continue, and finish your December album with the Whimsical Twist Design Team!

I will be sending you two lovely ladies an email shortly! Or you can drop me an email with your info using the link on the right side of my page.

Stay Tuned! There might be some more fun holiday giveaways coming soon *wink*

Happy Crafting!

Super fast 5 minute/5 products Christmas Card

Published on October 21, 2013October 21, 2013 by TaniesaLeave a comment

Hi Pickle Pals!

5 products and 5 minutes and you have one adorable Christmas card (or make it any kind of celebration card). I was looking to mass produce quite a few cards without using a ton of product and have it go fast. I was inspired by the Die-Namites Beautiful Bow die. After digging through my scrap holiday paper I had the perfect idea. Making a wrapped package look type of card!

All you need is:

Cardstock
Patterned paper on a smaller scale (6×6 paper pads work perfect for this)
Adhesives (pop dot and other fav adhesive)
Scissors
Beautiful Bow Die-Namites die

I cut a strip of red cardstock, cut out my Beautiful Bow in the same cardstock, and cut a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than my card base.

I glued a piece of the strip of red cardstock on either corner of the card and trimmed up the edge. Then I added the die cut in the upper right corner with a pop-dot. I also chose to add a little gem in the center of the bow but it looks just as pretty without. Once that is done, simply adhere the card front to the base and its done! Simple yet beautiful. Try some metallic papers for a more elegant look. You could even turn this idea into a lovely filler card for pocket style scrapbooking or your December Daily.

Happy Crafting!

The BIG December Days Kit “Merry and Bright” Video!

Published on October 18, 2013October 17, 2013 by Taniesa77 Comments

Hi Pickle Pals!!!

I have been so excited to post about my Merry and Bright kit that I created for the Whimsical Twist shop and today is finally the day I get to share it all in detail with you! I really thought that photos would not do the kit justice so I made you all a little (ok, it’s a little over 15 minutes but its worth it) video!

Before we get to the video I wanted to talk a little bit about what I tried to achieve when I put the contents together. Last year was my first year doing December Daily and I loved the project so much that it lead into my commitment to do Project life for the entire year. well this year I am doing both and I wanted a kit that could not only fill my December Daily album but one that I could pull from for my PL album for the month of December. There is a lot packed in this little kit and for the price you really can’t go wrong. The Price of the kit is $50 but for TODAY ONLY they are in the shop for 15% off (the sale ends 10/18 at midnight so make sure you run over to Whimsical Twist and nab yours as there is very limited quantity!) You can also get a discount on the December Days class when you purchase a kit (50% off) for only $10! It’s a super fun class that offers free digital files, inspiration, challenges, and lots more. Going on now, and lasts all the way into January! Even if you are using your own homemade kit you will get so much out of the class.

Now on to the video!

So to recap, the Merry & Bright December Days Kit includes the following contents:

Tis the Season 6 x 6 paper pad (Echo Park)
Christmas 3 x 4 Sn@p Cards (Simple Stories)
Christmas 4 x 6 Sn@p Cards (Simple Stories)
12 x 12 Chalkstalk (Canvas Corp)
Hello Santa Banners stamp set (Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday)
White Chalk Ink Edger (Prima Marketing)
December Documented Expressions Cardstock Stickers (Simple Stories)
December Documented Fundamental Cardstock Stickers (Simple Stories)
Magical Banners (Studio Calico)
Micro Mono alphabet stickers – white (Basic Grey)
Christmas Sprinkles (Doodlebug)
Star washi tape (Freckled Fawn)
2 Bow clips (Webster’s Pages)
Assortment of sequins (Whimsical Twist)
*Bonus Package from Taniesa* while supplies last.

I really hope you love the kit as much as I do. I am excited to share with you what I do with the kit as well as see what YOU do with the kit.

To purchase the kit alone click HERE.

To purchase the kit with the discounted class admission click HERE

What would a reveal this big be without a fun GIVEAWAY to go with it? Instead of giving away the kit (because its such a deal I know you are all going to rush over to get yours) we thought it would be more fitting to give away the perfect add-on kit to go with your Merry and Bright kit!!! Here is what you will receive if you are the lucky winner;

A red faux leather 6×8 album from Simple Stories.
A 6×6 December Documented paper pad from Simple Stories.
A Technique Tuesday/Ali Edwards 25 moments stamp set.
A Whimsical Twist exclusive matching Pickle Flair set (set of 6 that match the Merry and Bright kit)
A set of 31 numbered chalkboard Pickle Flair. Perfect for numbering each day in your album. *not shown*
a bag of mixed embellishments (Sequins, Wood Veneer, Confetti stars, ribbon, twine, and more) *not shown*
A set of three personalized Just-for-you flair. *not shown*
And if that wasn’t enough we are giving you free admission to our December Days Class that is going on now until mid January. We will stick by you from start to finish!

To enter all you have to do is leave me a comment with your name and location. Want MORE chances to win? When you purchase a Whimsical Twist Merry and Bright Kit come back and leave a separate comment letting me know and you will have an additional entry! Follow Whimsical Twist on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest? Leave a separate comment with I follow WT on ____ for each one and you can have more chances to win! Share the reveal video on your Facebook or other social media? Leave another comment with the link and get another chance! Follow @Taniesa on Instagram, Yep, another chance to win!!! You can get a total of 10 chances if you complete all of the above, how easy is that!