Emily Branch Designs | Branch Out.: November 2011

SEI + An Advent Calendar

Hey there everyone! Well, my blog is getting a little workout today. Today I am being featured twice at the SEI Lifestyle blog. I'm excited to share this second project with you so that if you'd like to make your own Advent calendar for December, you can get started TODAY! I totally fell in love with the Holiday Cheer line; the colors, prints, shiny and festive feel of it....EVERYTHING! This Advent calendar is a great way to use a lot of patterns in a distinct way.

The advent calendar is made by die cutting adorable envelopes in different shapes and sizes. Even better is a cork board! To hang the envelopes, glue a mini clothespin to a flat tack pin, and then clip the envelopes to the clothespins!

Now, hold on....there are a lot of pictures to showcase a lot of little details.

Snazz up a simple die cut with pearls like the Christmas tree for the first day.

I love love love the red and white striped paper with pipe cleaner candy canes for the fourth day.

Sometimes trimming an element in half like the snowman for the twelfth creates a dynamic focal point.

Adding ribbon trim to the snow cap makes it feel a little more cozy.

Decorating a Bright Trimming die cut with ornaments of a different scale ma

The North Pole perforated sheets have the CUTEST prints! I used them on almost EVERY envelope

Since there is a lot going on here, repeat design techniques that you like such as border punching panel edges, notching strips of patterned paper and using the same ribbon in different colors to create unity

Place elements and embellishments asymmetrically! It creates a strong focal point.

Add baker's twine to string some ornaments and a fun beaded trim to a Bright Trimming die cut tree.

Hope that you're inspired to create your own fun advent calendar!

materials

SEI + Chez & Me

Hey there all! I hope that you're all recuperating from the Thanksgiving feast. I have all my Christmas trees up and decorated, snow on the villages and I've had my first eggnog of the season. I hope that you're enjoying that special time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year.
Well, it's my turn today over at the SEI blog and I've made a fun layout using the Homestead line that features the amazingly uber-talented, beautiful and fun-loving Chez and little 'ol me. When my husband was living and working in D.C. earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit him twice! On one of the visits, Scott and I were able to get together with Chez are her hubby for dinner! It was super fun!

To add some dimension to the layout, I inked the fall foliage leaves, and then strung them together to make a fun little banner.

Vintage items, like the ticket label are perfect for a fall palette, add some to your projects

Layer your paper so small tidbits of color pop through.

Well, that's it for me. Have fun getting ready for Christmas!

materials:

Thanksgiving Place Setting Decor + S.E.I.

Hey there everyone! FINALLY, it's beginning to feel like fall. Some cold air (55 degrees in California is chilly) and there are occasional clouds in the sky! All this fall weather ins[ires me for the holidays...turkey, pumpkin pie, veggies--all the festivities of Thanksgiving. And, what better way to decorate the plate before you fill the plate. Today I am going to share with you some wonderful Thanksgiving place settings using the new Homestead line from SEI.
One of the great things about fall are the rich, vibrant and deep colors...Table Napkin Decor using the Homestead collection is a great way to play with the wonderful colors of fall. And the luscious patterns are great! But, not overpowering. The Homestead collection lends itself to elegant chicness in your home.

Table Napkin Decor

One of the benefits of Table Napkin Decor is the size. Because they're smaller you will be able to use up your scraps! It's a shame to throw away your smaller blocks and strips of paper.

The rub on tree is AMAZING--so smooth and easy to transfer--best rub on's I've ever used!

Emphasis is a principle of design that works well in any project-One way to create emphasis is to develop a focal point which can be as easy as layering your elements in one area, the eye is drawn there naturally!

Fibers add dimension and texture! Any type you have works, even string!

On each table napkin decor piece, write down something you're thankful for.

Modeling paste creates a vintage, weathered look. Try a little and build it upon itself to draw interest and contrast in your project.

Asymmetry makes your projects stand out, experiment with moving elements off center for a fun new look!

This banner is so cute and so easy to make. Punch holes in the fall foliage die cuts, then string some cord through, and adhere leaves with foam tape.

Make sure to stop by the blog and check out all the other amazing projects from the other design team members.

Materials:

Hearth Napkin Decor:

Friend Napkin Decor:

Family Napkin Decor:

Love Napkin Decor:

Home Napkin Decor:

New Ways to Use Buttons + Epiphany Crafts

Hey there everyone! Back again with another way to use your Round 14 tool and something you may have a lot of just lying around-BUTTONS!

Thanks Card

Use leftover buttons to create frames for the Round 14 tool to nestle perfectly into.

I love the dimension and warmth of the wooden buttons from SEI. The buttons set off the epoxies nicely.

Thanks for stopping by!

materials:

Epiphany Crafts + Gift Wrap Trim

Hey there everyone! Today I am going to share with you a fun gift wrap trim idea that you can make with your Round 14 tool to add a fresh shabby feel to any gift you give this holiday season.

Gift Wrap Trim

This technique is so unbelievably simple.

1. Punch circles using your Round 14 tool.

2. Feed the circles into your sewing machine with the presser foot down.

3. After you stitch a circle, let the needle pass through the hole about four times, and then feed the next punched circle!

Wrap around a gift item several times using as a decorative trim.

Come back tomorrow to find out how to use your Round 14 with everyday items in your scrap pile!

materials

365 Cards + Me

Hey there everyone! Yesterday I received the amazing new special issue from Paper Crafts, 365 Cards (well, actually 366-it's a leap year!
There are sooo many FANTASTIC designers in it, and lot's of inspiration. This issue is particularly special to me because it's my first Cover!
Make sure to get your copy at your local book or craft store!

A Fall Invite+S.E.I.

Hey there everyone! I am so excited. Today is my first post over at the SEI blog, I am so thrilled to be a part of this team, designing with such amazing women and such wonderfully creative and inspirational product. Today I am going to share with you a Thanksgiving invite using the new Homestead line that is super easy to make, and will impress your guests way before you put the turkey on the table.

Thanksgiving Invite

Don't just decorate a piece of paper invite, go beyond the simplicity! Try something new- Design an open-enveloped sleeve, slip the invite inside and hand deliver to your recipients to make them feel more welcome at your holiday gathering.

Layered elements add dimension. To make them stand out, especially the fabulous embossed leaves, ink them with chalk to bring out the raised areas.

Sometimes simple is more--white paper and vellum can make even the simplest rub on or strip of patterned paper pop!

Check out all the fabulous fall inspiration showcasing this month from the new design at the blog!

materials:

Advocado Arts + Me

I have TERRIFIC news to share. A couple weeks ago I was at work on a wee break, and was checking my email. Out of the blue, I noticed an email from Lisa Hetrick of Avocado Arts, titled "Avocado Arts Design Team" Beyond excited I opened up the email, and was SOOO thrilled to be asked to join the team!

I adore this company, the WONDERFULLY designed stamps. I have SOOO very much wanted to be a part of something really special, and Avocado Arts is it!

If you don't know much about them, Avocado Arts is a clear stamp company that mails out monthly sets that require no commitment other than your desire to work with the best product! Read more about their program here

I can't wait to start sharing all their amazing stamps with you in January of 2012!

Here's the NEW Pit Crew team!