CTMH Artiste Noel/HoHoHo Key Blog Hop

I hope you've been enjoying this month's blog hop.  We've been exploring the Noel/HoHoHo key found on page 79 of the Artiste Cricut Collection.  And if you've come from Tasha Valdez's blog (http://www.rabbithillranch.com/blog), you are on the correct path.  Just joining, no problem!  This hop makes a loop, so you won't miss any of the fun by jumping in here.

This month, for me, was about getting the most bang for the buck.  I used 4 different images (not to mention several sizes) from the same button.  I am more of a winter type gal so the mittens suited my project beautifully!

The bag was cut at 5.25" (the largest cut) from Whisper cardstock.  The overall height is 5" as mentioned in the booklet.  The mittens were cut at 2.5" using Champagne (overlay) and Chocolate (base) cardstock.  And the snowflakes were cut from Sky cardstock at 0.75", 1", and 1.25".

To distress the paper, I used the Whisper ink pad directly on the paper.  I like moving the pad in a circular motion to create the movement you see (especially in the third picture).

Final touches makes my project special.  Adding snowflakes to the back of the bag is one thing.  I added the neutral Baker's Twine  to the mittens is a second way.  You can't see in the picture, but I tacked the twine down with Liquid Glass so that when the bag is upright, the twine won't fall over. And finally, since I wanted the bag to stay closed, I added a Velcro Dot (love the size!).

Though this key is named Noel and HoHoHo, your project doesn't need to be red and green. This bag can be used as a birthday gift bag through the month of February.  Don't be afraid to change things up!  Before you go see another inspiring project at Rebecca Nelson's blog (http://craftnitup.blogspot.com/), bookmark my blog and come back again.

Now go... :)