Friday Die Day and Day 2

Hello friends

This week's Friday Die Day is Mini Card/Booklet Gift Box,

a die designed by Becca Feeken - Amazing Paper Grace.

There are two pieces in the die set and the approximate measurements are:

Side Box Pieces: 3.5 x 3.00 in. 8.9 x 7.6cm

Box Panel: 5.40 x 6.20 in. 13.7 x 15.7cm

This is how each die looks cut/embossed.

To create the box you need to cut two of each.

Fold along the score lines.

The smaller pieces are the box sides and the larger pieces make up the

box base and lid.  It is really easy and all makes sense when the pieces are in front of you!

The box glued together.

To decorate I used Gossamer Knot die with silver mirror card behind

and Cinch and Go Flowers Two.

I enjoy making these with the little stamens to the middle.

The finished box.  It is a generous size ideal for larger gifts.

It has a good depth for plenty of chocolates!

Mini Card/Booklet Gift Box is coming into stock within about a week and

available to pre-order on the website here.

Gossamer Knot is available here.

Cinch and Go Flowers Two is available here.

Other news:  I will be at The Art of Craft in Hampshire on Saturday,

teaching a workshop in the morning and demoing in the afternoon.

If you live that way it would be lovely to see you.

And now...

For those following my recent holiday, I'm on Day 2.

I'm not posting the holiday stuff on the Hope and Chances blog,

just here on my personal blog.

Day 2 was a full Chicago city experience day.

Despite eating a lot the night before I thought it appropriate to start

the day with an American breakfast - French Toast.

The waiter was very excited to serve this to me as it was my first taste

of French Toast and added the fruit and cream especially - I did not object!

Slightly weighed down by the breakfast Cathy and I set off

downtown to see the famous buildings - known as The Magnificent Mile.

This is the 360 John Hancock Building, we travelled to the observatory

on the 94th floor - yes 94th!

If you are a daredevil (I am not!) you can try the 'Tilt' experience.

You hold onto the side bars and the window section tilts forward for a view over the city.

I was very happy to enjoy a gin and tonic and take in the view from a fixed window!

Back on the ground I noticed that these dog statues are on virtually every block.

I investigated...each one measures 54" and are made of fibreglass.

They are part of K9s for Cops campaign to pay tribute to the canine unit,

to honour fallen Chicago police officers, provide financial assistance to

families of those wounded or killed in the line of duty, and

raise money to support the spay and neuter program offered by PAWS Chicago.

The statues are sponsored by local companies or individuals and designed by local artists — including three Chicago police officers.

Now isn't that just lovely :)

A little further downtown this building stood out amongst the

modern skyscrapers.

This was originally a water tower and the second oldest water tower in

the whole of USA.

Also worth noting that behind this beautiful building is a Ghirardelli.

Delicious chocolate and ice cream - I know...I checked!

Cathy and I walked miles that day (my Fitbit was buzzing).

I almost felt I justified the enormous burger meal I had that evening

in Rock Bottom!

Stop by for Day 3 and some craft soon.

Also please stop by on Sunday - it is Charity Kit Day, postponed from last week.

Take care friends - have a smashing weekend.