Today's project is this beautiful tea bag holder that doubles as a dispenser. It's a project that is perfect for all those tea drinkers in your life! You can fit a whole box of tea and totally customizable to match anyones decor!
To make this tea holder, I used the new Stampin Up suite called Ornate Garden. You get a sneak peak of what is to come in the new Annual Catalog in June.
I have made this project in the past and I would like to say it always went without a hitch, but sadly i seemed to get hung up on some the measurements that were out there. This time I worked on modifying to simplify the process. So here goes.
You will need
6"x12" cardstock
Designer paper for layers
Cardstock for layer and lid
Ribbon
Embellishments

To make the dispenser:

• Cut a piece of cardstock to 6"x12"
• Score the 6" edge at 1"
• Turn to the 12" side and score at 3", 5 3/4" 8 3/4" and 11 1/2"
• In the 2nd section from the 1" score line, measure 3/4" and either cut or draw a line from the 2 side score lines.
• Remove the section, this will be the front of the box where you can take out the tea bag packets.
• See template for details.
• Fold on all the score lines and trim

To make the lid:

• Cut a piece of cardstock to 4 1/4"x4 5/8"
• Score 3/4" on all 4 sides
• Cut up and taper the corners (see template)
  

Please keep in mind, my template is not to scale, it's just to help give you a visual of where to cut.

To decorate the outside of the box, I decided to use a layer of cardstock first, then 2 different patterned designer paper from the Ornate Garden DSP. The colors I used are Mint Macaron and Terracotta Tile.
To add the cardstock layer you need:

• 2 pieces that measure 2 7/8"x4 7/8"
  
• 1 piece that measures 2 5/8"x4 1/8"
• 1 piece that measures 2 5/8"x4 7/8"

To add the DSP layers for the top portion of the box:

• 2 pieces that measure 2 5/8"x2 1/4"
  
• 2 pieces that measure 2 3/8x2 1/4"

To add the DSP layers for the bottom portion of the box:

• 2 pieces that measure 2 5/8"x2 1/2"
  
• 1 piece that measures 2 3/8'x2'
• 1 piece that measures 2 3/8"x2 1/2"
  

To add the cardstock and DSP for the lid:

• 1 piece of cardstock 3"x2 5/8"
  
• 1 piece of DSP 2 7/8"x2 3/8"

for the sides:

• 2 pieces of DSP 2 5/8"x5/8"
• 2 piece of DSP 3"x5/8"

To create the base of the box, you will need a piece of chipboard that measures 3 1/2"x3 1/2"
you will also need 2 pieces of cardstock that measure 3 1/2"x3 1/2". Glue them onto the top and bottom of the chipboard, you can also sponge the sides of the chipboard, I just left it as it.
To adhere the box to the base, you will need to carefully glue the tabs onto the chipboard. Make sure to center as best as you can.
The take a piece of DSP that measure 3 1/8"x2 3/4" and glue it on the inside to cover the tabs.

To decorate the box, I took a piece of ribbon and wrapped it around, covering the seams from the 2 DSPs I used. I added some diecut flowers from the Ornate Garden Suite and the greeting is from the Tea Together stamp set. I finished it off with some rhinestones and it's ready to fill with some favorite teas.

What do you think? I love it too! I can't wait to make more and have these ready for gifts to give to some special people.
Thanks for stoppin by
Happy Stampin
Steph

I can finally share the card I made for a swap since everyone who participated should have received their cards by now.

I joined a small group swap and chose the Dies category. I needed to make 6 cards using dies. Here is what I came up wtih.

I used colors that remind me of the fall. The swirls were cut in Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie and Tangerine Tango from the Swirly Scribbles Thinlits. I used Early Espresso embossed with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder as my 1st layer. The leaves were cut from the Botanical Builders framelits in Old Olive & Early Artichoke. Hope was cut in Cajun Craze from the Sunshine Thinlits.

I used the Copper Floss, Silver & Gold Sequins trim and a Gold Paper for the Butterfly from the Sunshine thinlits. To add some texture to the card.

No stamping at all on this card.

I am so happy with the card. That I made 2 for me along with the 6 I made for the swap.
Ever make a card that just makes you happy
Well that's this card for me
Love Love Love

Hope you like it as much as I do!
Enjoy
Happy Stampin
Steph

These were the "Die-lovers" cards I received back from the swap. Too bad not everyone that signed up sent or cards were received on time.

Back in March, I blogged about bringing birthdays back. I offered a challenge to anyone who commented or emailed me that I would send you a birthday card that you could use. You can read the original #imbringingbirthdaysback post here.

The original #imbringingbirthdaysback was started by Shannon West and a stamp was designed. Love it!!! You can read about Shannon West's challenge here.

So my challenge was:  I challenge you to mail birthday cards out to those that you know the dates on.  AND...comment on my blog with the #imbringingbirthdaysback and I will mail you a birthday card, handmade from me. 
After commenting, I will need to ask that you email me your full name and address so I can mail you the card. My email is sajandcrafts@aol.com

I received a wonderful response via email, which is great!!!! I know most won't want any personal information on a website. Soo with that said, I am going to offer this challenge again and I am going to offer this challenge from now until December 31st. With the exception, I am going to send you 2 birthday cards, (a traditional style birthday card and a non-traditional (may be seasonal or holiday themed)).

For more information on the #imbringingbirthdaysback stamp, you can click on the image below.

There's no purchase necessary and no soliciting! You will receive the cards from me in approx 7-10 business days, depending on the response and whether I need to create more cards.

I really you will except this challenge, I look forward to hearing from you all again!!!

Happy  Stampin
Steph