Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Scrapbook Swap: Disney Princesses

Here's yet another swap from my Disney Scrapbook Facebook group!  In the past, I've also participated in the Christmas in July Card Swap, the Christmas Layout Swap, the Valentine's Day Layout Swap, the Easter Layout Swap the Patriotic Picnic Swap and most recently, the Disney Title Swap.  (Whew!  That's a lot of swaps!!!)


The process for this swap was a little bit different from the most of the others I've participated in.  Like the title swap, instead of selecting from a pre-determined list of cuts, we chose which princess we wanted to do.  I decided it was time I figured out how to work my Cricut, so I grabbed my "Happily Ever After" and "Dreams Come True" Cricut cartridges and selected the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella.


Disclaimer: This was the first time I've used my Cricut for anything.  Eliot's used it to make Mickey Mouse earrings cards a few times, but I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  We went to Michael's to buy a few new cutting mats and the expensive card stock.  Then, Eliot helped me cut out 26 sets of Fairy Godmother pieces.


Spoiler Alert: It didn't go well.  In fact, I dubbed the end result "Scary Godmother the scary fairy".  The diecut pieces were cut jagged and looked torn.  In hindsight, we should have made her larger so the pieces weren't so small.  And we probably should have considered changing the blade.  Honestly, I don't really know what happened but she looked horrendous.  It was too late to turn back; I assembled her and apologized to the other ladies in the swap for my lack of Cricut skills and knowledge.


Luckily, the ladies were really supportive and it meant a lot to me since I felt awful about the whole thing.  Plus, someone else made a Fairy Godmother too!  (She came out a lot better than mine!)  You can see the size difference helped.  I also noticed how a lot of the die cuts have printed faces instead of trying to cut them out.  I still have a lot of learning to do!  Needless to say, I won't be doing any swaps with my Cricut until we practice a bit more.  If I do, I'm using purchased svg images which are a lot simpler than licensed images.  They're really cute too!  (See below.)


I'm still really glad that I did this swap.  The princesses are so cute and I'm sure I'll have plenty of use for them in my scrapbooks!  These are a few of my favorites from this swap!  I love the "Pretty as a Princess" title.  Tinker Bell is really cute!  I love her little pom poms!  I might use the tiara, slipper and coach for scrapbooking our Disney wedding!  The slipper even has glitter swirls!  Anna is definitely my favorite from this swap.  The details are incredible and she looks great!


This is the last swap that I've signed up for recently.  I think I'm going to take a break for a little bit so I can focus on new hat designs for Happily Ever Hatter.  Although, if there's another holiday swap... I might be very tempted.  °o°

Monday, July 27, 2015

Introducing IllusionEars

Well, the cat is out of the bag.  (Or in this case- the mouse is out of the castle!)  As you know, Eliot's sister Elissa visited us this summer.  When she left a few weeks ago, we sent her back home with a little bit of pixie dust.  I've hinted about something big going on around here a few times over the past few months- here and here.  The time has come to let you all in on our big secret!

We weren't planning on launching it quite yet.  However, this weekend Elissa was at Disneyland celebrating her birthday with friends.  She wore her newest accessory, and apparently, it's getting rave reviews and lots of "where did you get that?"  So, without further ado, I'm happy to introduce Happily Ever Hatter's new line of custom ear headbands: IllusionEars!!!


IllusionEars are the brain child of my husband Eliot and me.  We've been developing new designs, crunching numbers and doing behind the scenes work for a few months now.  We're not officially launching the collection on Etsy yet, but it should be live sometime in August!!!  (Stay tuned for more info!)


IllusionEars are light-weight ear designs that give the illusion of a character, building, ride- basically anything we can come up with.  Elissa's wearing one of our first designs- the Disneyland 60th Anniversary design.  These are the base model and we will have more options available such as bows, glitter, etc.


Eliot and I are so excited about these new products!  We've worked incredibly hard and it's so nice to hear that they've been well received!  I can't wait to wear my own pair of Disneyland 60th ears when I go this September!  I'm definitely going to have plenty of ear headbands and ear hats to choose from!!!  °o°

Friday, July 24, 2015

Fun Find: Christmas in July Day at Disneyland

Happy Fun Find Friday!  Today, we're getting into the holiday spirit- Christmas in July style!  It's no secret that I love holidays.  I'm a complete sucker for anything Disney holiday themed.  (Here's my confession for those who are new around here.)  The other day, I stumbled across something on Instagram and it had me ready to break out my Christmas music, dig out my decorations and trim the Christmas tree!  I present to you:  Disney Christmas in July Day at Disneyland!

Photo Credit: DCIJ Facebook Page
Disney Christmas in July Day, also known as DCIJ, is a new event created by Disney fans.  I'm sure most of you have heard of Dapper Days.  (If not... stay tuned for future posts.)  This is a similar event- where Disney fans attend the park wearing themed outfits, gather to meet each other and go on rides together as a large group.

Photo Credit: DCIJ Facebook Page
This summer is the inaugural DCIJ event.  It will take place this Sunday, July 26th, at Disneyland.  As of right now, there aren't plans to bring the event to WDW and the east coast, but if and when there are, I'm all over that like ornaments on Christmas trees!

Photo Credit: DCIJ Facebook Page
There are some really fun events planned for the day: a castle meet up, caroling on the Mark Twain, a train ride around the park, watching Paint the Night and taking a group photo!  (Group photos will be posted online after the event is over.)

Photo Credit: DCIJ Facebook Page
Event coordinators encourage everyone to dress up, but actual costumes are not allowed per Disneyland rules. However, ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats and red/green outfits totally acceptable options.  You could even Disneybound as your favorite character!  (Here's the official event rules and guidelines for more info.)

Photo Source: DisneyBound
Unable to go but want to follow the DCIJ fun on social media?  Here are a few links:



I will be celebrating from afar, but I'll be there in spirit- the Christmas Spirit that is!  For those going, have fun, sing your hearts out and spread the Christmas joy!  I can't wait to see all of your outfits!  Someday, I'll be there in person to celebrate with you!

Photo Credit: DCIJ Facebook Page
HappChristmas in July!!! °o°

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Scrapbook DIY: It's A Small World Die Cut

As I mentioned yesterday, I recently did another scrapbook swap.  For the title swapI selected "It's a Small World" for my design.  I had to make 26 pieces by hand using my paper cutter, scissors, paper punches and anything else I could come up with.


It took a little bit of creativity, but I did it!  Designing a title for "It's a Small World" was actually pretty easy since the ride is so geometric.  Would you like to make a paper piece for your own scrapbook?  Here's how I made mine:


Materials:

  • White Card Stock Paper
  • Gold Card Stock Paper
  • Silver Card Stock Paper
  • Paper Cutter
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Daisy Paper Punch (I found mine at Michael's)
  • Small Circle Paper Punch (I found mine at ACMoore)
  • 2.5" Circle Paper Punch (I found mine at Michael's)
  • Silver/Gold Marker Pens- acid free
  • Gold Stamp Ink
  • Small World Clock Stamp (found here)
  • Adhesive (I used Elmer's Craft Bond tape)
  • Word Processing Software and a Printer
  • Extra Cardstock (for templates)
  • Sitckles or Glitter Glue (optional)


Step #1


1.) Design The Text 
Because I couldn't use my Cricut, I designed the text of my die cut with my computer.  I found a storybook font that looked close to the It's A Small World text.  I then made a few boxes for it in Illustrator.  I filled the text white with a thin gray outline.  Then, I printed them out on 8.5 x 11" white card stock.  (You can also do this with Microsoft Word or another word processor.)  Next, I colored all of the text in with metallic silver markers.  As I completed each sheet, I laid them out to dry so they wouldn't get smudged.  When they were finished, I cut out all of the boxes and set them aside.

Step #2


2.) Cut Template Pieces
Next, I cut out a few sample pieces so I could figure out my design.  It's easiest to create simple geometric patterns that are easy to cut.  My paper cutter has ruler markings on it so I cut out strips of 1" paper.  Then, I created 1" boxes.  I cut some in half, creating triangles.  I kept some of them as squares.  I paper punched a few silver daisies.  I set them off to the side in piles.

Step #3


3.) Create Your Design
Then, I started arranging the cut outs so they would be similar to the ride.  After playing around with the template pieces for a few minutes, I was ready to create my design.  I wanted to make it look similar to the entrance to both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland's It's A Small World ride.  It looks like a bunch of small buildings all attached to each other.  I ended up cutting out a few more pieces: 1/2" silver squares and small white circles made with a paper punch.  Next, I used extra card stock (from printing the text) to create "roofs" on top of the "buildings".  I hand drew the roofs and played around with a few styles before settling on my final choices.

Step #4


4.) Trace Templates
This is probably the most tedious part of the process.  Once I was happy with my roof top templates, there wasn't a quick way to cut them.  I literally had to cut the paper into strips and then trace each and every one of them.  However, I got into a pretty good flow and it passed pretty quickly while I was listening to music.

Step #5


5.) Create Clock Face
I used my clock face stamp to stamp more of the left over plain white card stock.  After stamping and letting them thoroughly dry, I used a large 2.5" paper punch to cut out the clock faces.  I probably could have used a 2" punch in order to not have a border, but I wanted a little room for error.  Take your time to make sure your clock is centered in the punch.  Otherwise, it'll look messy.  (Note: If you don't trust yourself with the paper punch accuracy, you could punch out the circles first and then stamp them.)

Step #6


6.) Cut Out Paper Pieces
Ok, I lied- this is the most tedious part of the process.  Once you're settled on your final design, you have to cut out all of the pieces- by hand.  This is why so many people have cutting machines to do it for them.  Luckily for me, I enjoy listening to music while I craft; it makes time go by faster.  I cut paper pieces for quite some time.  When I had enough of one, I moved on to another- resulting in little stacks of paper pieces!

Step #7


7.) Assemble Die Cuts
Here's the fun part- putting the die cuts together!  Now that you have all of your pieces cut, use them to make one final layout of your design.  If you don't like something, now is the time to change it!  I tweaked my design a little before I was happy with it.  Don't be afraid to experiment with layers.  It will give the buildings an authentic look!  Once your design is done, use your glue tape to carefully attach the pieces to your base.  I did mine in stages.  I added the roofs first; then I added the details and clock faces.  It was less overwhelming to split the process up.  Plus, I felt like I was accomplishing more, faster.  Before I knew it, the stack of completed paper pieces was growing!


Once everything is attached to your base, you're done!  Congratulations; you made a paper piece by hand!  The best part?  You can use this outline to create any type of scrapbook title of paper piecing you can think of!  The sky is the limit!  I absolutely love how these came out!  I'm happy I used sparkly metallic silver and gold paper for the details.  It really gives the paper piece the glittery look of the ride entrance!  I'm definitely making more little buildings for my It's A Small World pages.  °o°

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Scrapbook Swap: Disney Titles

I've done another swap with my Disney Scrapbook Facebook group!  In the past, I've also participated in the Christmas in July Card Swap, the Christmas Layout Swap, the Valentine's Day Layout Swap, the Easter Layout Swap and the Patriotic Picnic Swap.  At this point, I've got quite the collection of Disney die cuts!!!


The process for the title swap was a little bit different from the others I've participated in.  Instead of choosing from a pre-determined list of cuts, we were allowed to select something of our own choosing.  For the title swap, I selected "It's a Small World."


I planned my cut for the swap ahead of time.  I created a design that was possible for me to make by hand since I still didn't have my Cricut running at the time.  In addition, my machine doesn't take svg files that are downloadable from the internet to cut out special designs.  I'm still making them all with my paper cutter, scissors and paper punches!  (Check back tomorrow for a tutorial on how to make your own It's a Small World title or scrapbook die cut pieces!)


My swap package actually arrived a few weeks ago and we've been so busy this summer that I haven't had a chance to post about it until now!  I'm so happy I did this swap!!!  I never take the time to make my own titles, and I can't easily buy customized Disney titles at the local craft store.  (Online is another story... must stay far away!)


The titles from this swap are so creative!  I'm going to make more of my own now that I have a collection started.  These are a few of my favorites from this swap!  I love the Mickey ice cream bar!  The general Disney cuts will be perfect.  The Epcot title is perfect for our adventures there!  I think my two favorites are a toss up between the Character Dining and Frozen titles.  Those will definitely be used!


This swap was tons of fun!  I'm really inspired to create more custom designs for my scrapbook!  Now if only I could find some time to sit down and scrapbook!  °o°

Friday, July 17, 2015

Happy Birthday Disneyland!

Sixty years ago today, Walt Disney's dream came true.  He created a place that continues to amaze the young and old, that's always growing and moving forward and that has touched so many people.  It's hard for me to imagine a world without any Disney parks.  (It's a world I don't want to live in, that's for sure!)

Photo Source
I would have loved to be celebrating this momentous occasion at Disneyland in person today, but it wasn't meant to be.  Instead, I wanted to celebrate by recognizing all of the hard work and dedication it's taken by many people for Disneyland to be where it is today.  The following video shows the construction of Disneyland park.


As you all know, Disney is one of the most important things to me.  It's where I've had many memories with my family and friends.  It's where I've grown up vacationing.  It's where we've had family reunions.  It's where Eliot and I got married and started our journey as husband and wife.  It's where I dream of taking our children someday.  None of this would be possible without the man who had a dream.  Thank you Walt for wishing on a star, for chasing your dreams and for never giving up on them.



"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome.  Disneyland is your land.  Here, age relives fond memories of the past... and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.  Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." - Walt Disney

Happy 60th Birthday Disneyland!!! °o°

Friday, July 3, 2015

Fun Find: 4th of July Videos

It's time for another Fun Find Friday!  Today I'm sharing patriotic Disney videos to celebrate Independence Day!  I've always wanted to visit Walt Disney World over 4th of July and these videos make me want to go more!  What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than by listening to the National Anthem sung by the Voices of Liberty?


Next, here's the 4th of July version of IllumiNations at Epcot.



Finally, no Independence Day celebration is complete without fireworks.  Here's Disney's "Celebrate America" fireworks over at the Magic Kingdom.  This show looks awesome and I'd love to see it live.  I really love how Cinderella Castle is lit up like the American flag.



I hope you enjoy these videos and that they help get you in a patriotic mood.  I know I'll definitely be humming patriotic tunes all evening!

Happy 4th of July!!°o°

Thursday, July 2, 2015

4th of July Printable Roundup

I've posted a ton of patriotic Disney printables on my blog in the past.  To make it easier to find all of them, I thought I'd write one post with all of those printables.  So here it is: your one stop spot for all of the 4th of July printables I've posted so far!


I've used these printables for cupboard decorations, door decorations, paper garland, scrapbooking, card making, gift tags, and cupcake toppers!  You could even print them on magnetic paper and use them to decorate your resort hotel or Disney Cruise door!


Please Note: I modified some of these files from Spoonful- now known as Disney Family.  do not take credit for creating these specific files!  They are property of Disney and Disney Family.  I simply modified them to fit my needs.


Free Mickey Flag Printables (designed by me)

Mickey & Minnie Printables (modified files from Spoonful- now Disney Family)

Fab Five Printables (modified files from Spoonful- now Disney Family)


And there you have it!  The possibilities are endless!  Have fun!

Happy 4th of July!!! °o°