In Touch

Paper Gems

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Geometric patterns and shapes continue to be popular, whether they are graphic and modern or feature rustic or tribal style. I must admit to falling in love with all the geometric art I've seen while out and about on the web--I can't seem to stop pinning it!

My eyes caught onto the paper gems--magnificent 3D structures, but making them "from scratch" would be challenging for someone who might falter at the math required... *chuckle*

Enter: The Triangle Score Guide, by We R Memory Keepers

This spiffy little score guide was developed for folks like me, who really adore the geometric trend, but not math! It's actually compatible with other brand score boards, not just their own, which is a great bonus since I own and use the Martha Stewart Score Board.

The tool comes with a little booklet, featuring project ideas and loaded with templates for a variety of geometric gemstone-like 3D shapes.  It includes paper sizes, scoring measurements, as well as construction and assembly instructions.  A visual example of each finished shape is pictured at the top of each template. But, don't ask me to pronounce their names--I bungled that pretty much every single time. *chuckle*

The finished sizes can range from about 1x1" to 4.5 x 8", depending on the paper size and template you select. The templates all begin with a square piece of paper, 6", 8" or 12", which are the most common sizes most paper crafters would have in their supplies.

I found it helpful to use solid papers; patterned papers made it very difficult to see the score lines when trying to trace out the templates. It also helped to buff the paper surface with wax paper, prior to scoring; I use a comfort grip ball tip stylus tool for scoring, and sometimes the tip can "drag" on the paper surface, which can cause the paper to shift out of place.  Waxing the paper first allows the tip to glide more smoothly.

It's a [very] good idea to read through the scoring and subsequent assembly instructions a few times prior to beginning as there are some simple but key steps that make all the difference! You know how we crafters can get--so excited to get started that we overlook a few things... I talk about them in the video, and they are also noted in the booklet.  I initially took a quick glance, and when first making some of the largest shapes with the 4" score lines from 12x12" paper, I missed some very important scoring instructions that would have saved me from ruining my project.

Granted, "it's only paper", but I don't know anyone that likes to waste an entire 12 x 12" sheet of pretty paper because they didn't read the instructions thoroughly...  I went back over the scoring instructions of those few scoring templates (specifically p. 8 and 9) and highlighted them so I wouldn't forget the next time around to make those slight adjustments. Once I got the hang of it, scoring the rest of my projects went very quickly and easily. 

Keep in mind that when using 12 x 12" paper, you will probably have to lift and move the paper and guide in one direction or the other, in order to score all the lines necessary (watch the video) and there will be some over-hang, making it hard to get a complete score line on the diagonal.  The booklet and my video both explain how to easily extend those score lines, to ensure you have a complete triangular pattern to build your project with.

Depending on the size, these paper gems make the most fun "containers" or gift boxes--tuck trinkets, edibles or even little notes inside them! How fun would these be at each place setting on the table at your next holiday gathering or special occasion?

Various sizes and colors inside a glass jar or bowl make a splendid centerpiece, or how about a garland like this to adorn your mantlepiece?

I mixed a combination of shapes, sizes and colors--I loved using some gold foil papers to make the smallest shapes--so shiny! Another option would be to use plain papers and then use some of the pretty metallic sprays to highlight different sides of the gems--so many possibilities!  Note: It's much easier to assemble the gems one at a time "around" the string, rather than trying to thread them on after they are fully formed.  Trust me. :)  You can slide them along the string, adjust the spacing and add more wherever you like.  I enjoyed watching TV while making the garland above, and found it to be rather therapeutic and relaxing!

You can enjoy the two-part video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thank you for watching and subscribing! We also greatly appreciate you taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!

I hope the above inspires to try a little 3D paper "bling" and takes the mystery out of how to use this nifty little scoring tool!

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SUPPLIES:

We R Memory Keepers Triangle Score Guide

Martha Stewart Scoring Board

Soft Grip Embossing and Stylus

Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, 0.88 oz.

Be Creative Tape, 5mm (1/4")

Be Creative Tape, 3mm (1/8")

Be Creative Tape, 12mm (1/2")

Core'dinations Cardstock, Adirondack Collection

Pebbles Jen Hadfield Homemade, 12x12 Gold Foil

Core'dinations Cardstock, Distress Collection

Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer (12")

Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"

EK Tools, Precision 5 Inch Scissors with Sheath

Teflon Bone Folder

DIY Diorama Holiday Ornament

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I have often admired those beautiful vintage style diorama tree ornaments--there is something so magical about the tiny scale of a world housed inside a globe or small box! Last year, I was jonesin' for about a dozen of them to decorate our family tree, but with each one I found, at $15-24 each (gasp!), I just couldn't bring myself to plunk down the coins...

This year, I decided I was going to make my own (Go, me!!!) and I had SOOOO much fun that I envision making many more!!! *monkey clapping* And, when my granddaughter is old enough, I imagine this will be a holiday craft she and I will really enjoy doing together--just the thought of that makes me smile! 

There are many different "containers" that you can use for a diorama, depending on the scale and size, but I happened to have an old gift card tin laying around and realized a great way to recycle it would be to use it to create an ornament sized diorama.

One of the fun things about making this diorama was using some of my favorite card-making stamps and supplies (project specific supplies listed at the end of this article). It helped me to have an idea in mind, which was to create snowy hillsides with little houses nestled among the trees. Full Disclosure: I am heavily influenced by my desires for a white Christmas. I wish for snow every single year. *grin*

An important thing to keep in mind with dioramas is to build the scene from back to front, and not to glue anything down permanently until you are satisfied with placement. You can click on the step-out photo guide below to enbiggan.

HOW TO:

1. Gather stamps and embellishments in your desired theme, along with inks, paints, card stock and other tools
2. Discard the insert from the tin then trace the tin onto card stock to create the backing; I also traced again onto white card stock to create snow drifts (see step #4) for my winter scene. Trim to fit as needed
3. Stamp the snowfall pattern with white ink onto the kraft panel and set aside to dry
4. Stamp trees with green inks onto scrap white card stock; paint chipboard houses, allow them to dry, then add details with a white gel pen
5. Use a Crop-a-dile (or a nail & hammer) punch holes into the top of the tin for threading a twine hanger
6. Glitter the edges of the snow drifts then 3D mount them into the tin--keep in mind that part of the enchantment of a diorama is the illusion of depth that staggered layers of dimension creates
7. Once the background is in place, temporarily place embellishments and afix foam dots on the backs as needed for support; when I was satisfied with my scene I snapped a quick pic with my phone to guide me later as I was mounting them permanently. I coated the little houses with Rock Candy glitter to mimic the sugary glittered effect of vintage ornaments and applied Stickles Lime Glitter to the trees and mounted everything into place once they were dry
8. Die cut some clouds from patterned paper and score the bottoms at 1/8" to create a flap; apply double-sided tape to the flaps
9. This is an upside down view of the inside of the ornament; secure the flaps of the clouds to the inside top of the tin
10. Further embellish as desired; I added some Gold Stickles Glitter Glue to the clouds and spread it out with the tip of my finger for just a smidge of sparkle and also added some gold confetti stars to the background 

 

I couldn't resist the upside down clouds--I think they add a whimsical charm to my little miniature world!

I hope you get to enjoy some crafty time during the holiday season!

Happy Christmas, everyone!

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SUPPLIES:

STAMPS: Lawn Fawn "Let It Snow"

DIES: My Favorite Things Flat Bottom Clouds

INKS: Hero Arts Unicorn (White), Adirondack Lettuce Pigment

PAINTS: Distress Paint in Barn Door

PAPER: Neenah Solar White Card Stock, Neenah Desert Storm Card Stock

EMBELLISHMENTS: Maya Road Chipboard Welcome Home (Houses), Rock Candy Loose Glitter, Stickles Lime & Golden Rod Glitter Glues, Lawn Fawn Peppermint Twine

TOOLS: Crop-a-Dile, Uniball White Gel Pen, Big Shot, Martha Stewart Mini Score Board, Soft Grip Stylus Tool

ADHESIVES: Kool Tak Foam Adhesive Squares, Two Way Glue Chisel Tip, Glue Glider Pro High Tac & Dispenser, 1/8" Be Creative Tape

OTHER: Gold Confetti Stars, Text Patterned Paper Scrap(from my stash)

 

Pop Art

Pop Art is a modern art movement, started in the 1950s, which uses imagery, styles and themes of advertising, mass media, and popular culture. Andy Warhol is probably the best known Pop artist. Vivid, opaque colors are characteristic of this art style making it easy to recognize. Today's project is a play off of that style.

The brain is a marvelous thing - I don't know how it does what it does, but I am always so excited when I see something and an idea just pops into my head without any thought put into it whatsoever. That is what happened with today's project!

I don't have a lot of free time to spend on Pinterest (which you can tell by the few pins I have - LOL!) but I was at a loss as to what I should cover in today's newsletter so I headed over to Pinterest to see if it would trigger a project for me. I was not signed in to my account and so loads of general pins were in my view.

ZGallerie Inspiration

It was this image that popped up on my screen and so I clicked on it to discover this fabulous series of Pop Art inspired pieces on the ZGallerie site. Instantly I knew that I had the resources at my fingertips to create some fabulous, trendy wall art!

Neon is hot right now and I figured why not experiment with it - adding little pops of color in your home in things that are inexpensive and easily changed out is the perfect way to embrace new trends for a season. Put these items in an office, child's room or bathroom - places where you can easily change out the look without a lot of expense.

A huge thanks to Krystie for sharing this fabulous linen textured cardstock with me. The moment I saw it I knew that I had to try rubbing my ink pad to its' surface to expose the beautiful texture. 

TIP: Keep moving your ink pad in a smooth circular motion to avoid getting "edges" and/or heavy spots on your paper surface when applying your ink.

Cut out simple, basic shapes that relate, from black mat board. To do this you need to select thick, traditional steel rule dies, such as Sizzix Bigz. Tim's vintage style Alterations dies work perfectly for a project like this! 

If you end up with recesses that don't cut all the way through, you can simply cut out the shape again and apply the inset pieces using 2-way Glue.

Selecting a frame with a mat will add a sense of refinement to your project. I picked up some simple frames on sale from Aaron Brothers for this project. IKEA is another place that always seems to have fun, simple, inexpensive frames.

Use a centering ruler to help make certain that you place your die cut in the correct position.

I used my ATG gun to affix the die cuts to my linen textured background.

It is really hard to photograph an art piece with glass inset, so I opted to leave the glass out for these pictures. Trying to capture the beauty of the neon was also a little challenging - LOL! Taking the photos outside certainly did help to make it easier to photograph the
rich colors.

I felt that the theme of these would make them perfect to place in an office setting.

These would also make fabulous items to sell at a craft fair or Farmer's Market!

Just think of all the fabulous options you have in your craft supply drawers for creating simple Pop Art pieces!
 

ink: Hero Arts Neon Ink Pads - Pink, Yellow, Orange

paper: Essentials by Ellen: White Linen Cardstock

dies: Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz Dies - Vintage Globe, Vintage Camera, Vintage Typewriter

accessories: Black Mat Board

Hand Painted Canvas Pillow Cover

One of the aspects I miss the most from my past career is paging through the fabric walls at the Seattle Design Center, looking for just the right textile to complete a project. I think this is part of the reason I love having a variety of products in our store that can be used for paper crafting, BUT also crossover and can be used to create home decor projects. I hope this simple little project opens some new doors to you as I share this design with you!

Marimekko fabrics are bold, beautiful and simply gorgeous. Today's project was inspired by this beautiful fabric line. 

I don't know if you realize how easy it is to create a custom, hand painted project using the Studio Line products together with the foam stamps we carry. This pillow cover took less than two hours to create and would have probably taken far less time if I wasn't trying to capture video and pictures. :-D To watch this video directly on YouTube visit this link.

Apply paint directly to ink blending tool.

Use craft stick to work paint into foam.

Apply paint to foam stamp.

Add second color for highlights.

By working quickly you can easily layer two colors, one atop the other to create a beautiful mix of colors.

To create custom paint colors use Claudine's chart as a guide and mix your colors on your non-stick craft sheet.

Apply the light green paint to the stem...

add your darker highlights to a corner of the same ink blending foam...

and add your highlights to one side of the stem and at the base.

TIP: If you happen to overlap color where you do not want it, simply use a damp cloth to wipe away wrong color mix and reapply.

Stamp directly on canvas. Apply pressure firmly and evenly over entire foam stamp area.

Do not worry if the color is uneven when using this technique. You are using this stamped image as a base. Simply paint directly over the stamped image with a small paint brush applying your color.

While the paint is still wet you can easily combine colors directly on your canvas. Mixing some colors and leaving other areas distinct.

To create a more whispy look with your color, simply allow the first layer of paint to dry and then paint your light highlights directly over the dried areas.

Stamp and paint remaining flowers.

TIP: Use odd numbers for a more pleasing effect and vary the heights of the stems or objects for a more pleasing look. Be certain to visualize your canvas in thirds or fifths filling up the bottom 2/3's or 3//5's for a more appealing result.

This particular canvas pillow cover will be perfect for spring! So many stamps, so many options... I hope you give it a try!

stamps: Prima Flower II Foam Stamp

paint: Studio Line Paint Kits - Contemporary, Metropolitan and Urban

accessories: Canvas Pillow Square Cover, Ink Blending Tool, Studio Brushes, Craft Sticks

7 Gypsies Shadowbox Message Center

I am excited to share this little "Message Center" with you today! When the 7 Gypsies small Shadowbox was presented this past summer CHA it was love at first sight. I loved the examples that were created showcasing them with baby, wedding and family pictures.

It is as products arrive in the warehouse that the pieces of a little "puzzle" begin to formulate in my mind. First came the shadow boxes, then the burlap panels from Tim Holtz, next the Chalkstock paper and when brainstorming here at work with Julia E. she tossed out the idea of a "key holder" and this message center began to build in my mind. This is a fabulous little gift that is super easy to create and would make a lovely holiday gift for the season ahead!

It started with the stunning rub-on butterflies from 7 Gypsies. I'm a sucker for butterflies in the first place and the colors of these are so realistic and breathtaking I knew that these would be a must in this project.

An important element to note in regards to the Burlap Panels is that they are backed with a hard surface. Altering these is SO easy. I haven't tried drilling through the surface, but my guess is that it is a thin piece of composite wood, so this might be a possibility. Definitely something I need to test!

Another new to us product is this fabulous chalkboard paper. I stamped several Memory Box Distress Tags in Snow Cap pigment ink on the chalkboard paper surface and allowed them to fully dry.

Simply cut a "template" from copy paper using the die and align this template over the stamped distress tag using a pencil to locate and mark the center of each locater hole.

Position the die so that these pencil marks align perfectly in the locator holes and use tissue tape to hold the die in place. Cut.

Adding the rub-ons to your project is super easy. I find that cutting out the butterfly, separating it from the large sheet, makes application so much easier. I don't worry about partially rubbing on an adjacent butterfly this way. Position the rub-on and use your popsicle stick, or rub-on roller, to burnish the butterfly in to place. Remove the backing and you are left with a gorgeous embellished tag.

Soften the whiteness of the Snow Cap ink by applying some Tea Dye ink with the ink blending tool.

I have always been enamoured with butterfly species display cases and felt that encasing these beautiful rub-ons in glass would replicate the look. Burnish the butterfly to a 1 1/2" square piece of glass and sandwich it between a second piece of glass. Place a piece of Natural White cardstock behind this sandwich and position in a Memory Frame. Once the frame is closed, twist the jump ring at the top of the slide and it will easily snap off. Be certain to wear protective glasses just in case you end up with flying pieces.

To complete the look I wanted to mount my glass framed butterflies on burlap squares. I cut three little pieces of Craft-a-board to fit the openings on the Shadowbox and inked them with Vintage Photo Distress Ink so that the white color of the Craft-a-board would not show through the burlap.

Each burlap square is made up of two pieces of burlap sewn together. I cut one down in size, removing the threads that held the two pieces together. Wrap the Craft-a-board in the burlap and use Fabritac glue to adhere it in place.

It's these little touches that really make this project have texture and balance.

TIPS TO CREATING THE LAYOUT

When I get an idea I pull a LOT of stuff - LOL! I always lay things out on the base, positioning and aligning my components, before ever beginning to glue or alter them. I also find it helpful to snap a picture of the project in process. It is incredible to me how when looking at a photo of my projects, little balance issues come to the surface.

There is nothing wrong with the top project photo, but I felt it lacked balance when it came to the black - it was so strong in the upper left-hand corner. My solution was to snip a couple of little black pieces of paper to see if putting black behind the letters would create definition, balance and focus. I loved the way it looked, so then had the courage to alter my burlap panel.

Once again I used tissue tape to define the areas I would paint with black gesso. Tissue tape is fabulous because you can easily remove it without destroying your project.

Black Gesso is a product that is new to me and having a love for the texture gesso provides and the ease of coverage I decided to try it for the first time on this project.

LOVE IT! It easily covered the burlap panel in the areas I had defined. I simply squirted some on to the panel and using an old brush that had "tough" bristles spread the gesso in the defined area. The "tough" bristles leave texture marks in the gesso. I then removed the tissue tape, cleaned the brush of most of the gesso and dry brushed the edges to create a more "feathery" look.

Once the black gesso was dry I glued the Shadowbox to the Burlap Panel surface using Fabritac glue.

7 Gypsies has thought of THE most fabulous little components for these Shadowboxes! I adore all the little pieces that can be used to customize these fabulous trays. I used the Antique Silver Loops and Hooks Display Trim to hang this cute little calendar.

The calendar is the same calendar as I used in the Pocket Watch project. To create the smaller size all you need to do is change your print settings - shift the Orientation to Landscape, making certain to remove the automatic rotate and centering features - like magic you will easily change the size of this printable PDF to a smaller version of the same calendar.

One cannot have a message center without a place to put notes. I discovered that the 7 Gypsies Printers Tape and Collage Tape are very similar to tissue tape. So easy to apply and remove - PERFECT for putting notes on your noteboard. Now I just need some real tickets to put on this message board, but for now these adorable Gypsy tickets look oh, so cute!

To create the names for this message center I used Tim's Newsprint Alpha Parts and attached them to the back side of the Wooden Alphabet Tiles. I LOVE the added texture these provide and they were meant to be as they are THE perfect fit.

Now this is one cute little key display! The reality is that I doubt this would hold my big old key ring, BUT I love the idea of putting special keys on this display. I have to wonder if I applied these cute Display Trim Squarehooks with a strong adhesive if they would hold, but I didn't have time to test it out. As it is the hooks will definitely hold the keys to neighbors homes you pet sit, a key from the first home you owned or other sentimental keys.

Add a little Typewriter Charm to each key to define whose key it is or what makes it special. SO cute and fun!

Last was the "chalkboard." Yet again it was meant to be. The apothecary bottle easily holds a piece of chalk! I embellished the bottle with some Printers Tape and glued it to the corner so that it would not fall off. I then hung the chalkboard tags from another Display Trim Hook.

Thank you for sharing in my excitement of this simple little project! I hope that it inspires you to try your hand at these darling Shadowboxes, especially now that you can start small!

stamps: Memory Box Distressed Tag

ink: Snow Cap Adirondack Pigment Ink

paper: 7 Gypsies Conservatory 8x8 Paper Pad, Chalkstock 12 x 12, Neenah Natural White Classic Crest

accessories: 7 Gypsies Black Solo Shadowbox Tray, District Market Memoirs Burlap Panel, 7 Gypsies: Antique Silver Display Trim - Loops and Hooks, Squarehooks, and Keys, Butterfly Rubbings, Clear Apothecary Bottle, Train Tickets, Lille Book Dangles, Lille Paper Tape; Memory Box Distressed Tag Die, 1 1/2" Square Memory Glass and Black Patina Frames, 6"x6" Square Burlap Shape, Studio Black Gesso

Art Parts Pocket Watch Calendar

This month we are making another trip into the warehouse to explore "parts" unknown - Art Parts! Yet another FUN, FUN adventure I tell you! Art Parts make fabulous home decor and gift items!

I like to create art elements that can be purposeful and the idea to use the pocket watch as a calendar holder made me grin from ear to ear. So here we go with my explorations.

 

Wendy Vecchi's style is classic, earthy and oh so elegant. The books she has written step out each project in detail. Before beginning I did my best to study a couple of her books and projects to see the many different ways that this product can be utilized. All I can say is WOW - SO MUCH FUN!

I decided to try and create something in a shabby chic, and very feminine style, to showcase the versatility of the Art Parts.

When you open your Art Parts the very first thing you are going to want to do is take a paper towel or old, soft cloth and wipe down the edges of the Art Parts. Art Parts are a paper product that is lasercut and so a light dust is left behind. You will want to "clean" them up by quickly wiping the edges, so as to not dirty your project.

ART PARTS + DISTRESS STAIN

Picket Fence Distress Stain - white magic in a bottle - ha, ha! Due to the light, feminine look I wanted to create I decided to experiment with this new-to-me product. I could have painted or dabbered my Art Part, but wanted to play with the Picket Fence Distress Stain. One quick swipe of the hand and a quick dry with a Heat It tool and the Art Part was much lighter. 

Adding a second swipe made me a very happy girl. Distress Stain goes on oh so quickly and takes very little work. I also dabbed some on my non-stick craft sheet and used a paint brush to lighten the areas between the fingers.

At this point I could have easily added any color Distress Stain for a more pastel looking glove, but I wanted it to look lacy.

To complete the "lace-gloved" hand I inked the lacy textured background stamp with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and stamped directly on the dry surface. Then using the ink blending tool and Antique Linen I aged the edges of the glove.

ART PARTS + EMBOSSING POWDER

 

This is an idea that came charging into my brain after my project was completely finished and I just had to run back to my studio to try it. White satin gloves are synonymous with old elegance... the idea - pearl embossing powder = beautiful satin gloves!

I began with a Picket Fence stained Art Part and inked the surface with Distress Embossing ink. I then covered it with Pearl UTEE (we are hoping more is on it's way to our shop with today's shipping notification :-D)

Using the Heat It tool melt the first layer of UTEE. As you can see the image is still slightly pitted. When utilizing UTEE you can achieve different looks dependent upon how long you heat the powder. As you continue to heat the surface it becomes smoother. To achieve a nice thick layer you simply ink again with Distress Embossing ink apply more UTEE and heat again.

I wanted to keep experimenting to see if I could now turn my satin glove into an amazingly textured glove.

SO... I applied a third layer. It is now important to work quickly!  

 

Before heating and melting the UTEE for the third time ink your image with Distress Embossing ink. This helps to release the stamp once you press it into the hot UTEE. You could also utilize a colored ink if you want a higher contrast. Immediately upon shutting off your Heat It tool press the stamp image into the liquid surface and hold in place for several seconds until the UTEE cools slightly and sets.
 

Simply GORGEOUS! I was pleased to see that the Art Part held up nicely to all this heat. No curling, bending or discoloring = happy Ellen!

ART PARTS + PEARL DABBER + ALCOHOL INK

 

To create this metallic look I utilized a technique I learned at Ranger U. I can't live without my Pearl and Snow Cap paint dabbers since then - LOL! Dab the entire Pocket Watch surface with the Pearl paint dabber and allow to dry.

Apply some Blending Solution, one drop Gold Metallic Mixatif, 1 drop Y21 Various Ink Refill and 5 drops E34 Various Ink Refill to the felt piece on the Alcohol Ink applicator.

Dab this over the Pearlized surface for the most exquisite look! Yes, I am working on the back side of my finished project because I was so excited I forgot to take pictures to share with you along the way. I'm going to blame it on the fact that I had the most beautiful guest sitting with me gabbing during this process - LOL! (Luv ya Judy! ;-D)

This is where the fun continues! Not only can you alter the pearl finish with the alcohol ink, but you can alter the lovely metal pieces you may want to use on your project. The silver finish of the small ring binder and bead chain were screaming at me. I simply dabbed the ring binder surface with the alcohol ink and then removed the felt from the applicator and applied the alcohol to the beaded surface as well. Magic I tell you - aging these really helped soften the overall look. 

 

I know that I should be wrapping up this article, but I just couldn't "resist" sharing this last bit. Initially I intended to utilize some of Tim's Kraft resist paper, but I just couldn't help myself with this lovely image of Wendy's. I am SUCH a sucker for beautiful vintage fabric stamps - LOL!

Ink the image with Distress Embossing ink and then apply clear embossing powder. Heat set.

I am absolutely LOVING my Picket Fence Distress Stain! Swipe it across the surface of your paper. Allow to dry.

Then swipe a colored Distress Stain - I used Tumbled Glass here. You will end up with an absolutely lovely, chalky pastel piece of paper goodness!

 

Curiosity led me to heat the paper once again. Double click on the image above for it to pop open larger on your screen. It almost appears like little rain drops as the embossing powder pops back through the surface when you reheat the paper at this point.

Couldn't stop myself yet though. I spritzed water into the palm of my hand and then flicked it onto the paper surface and observed as beautiful white spots appeared through the shimmery blue puddles. Oh my!! -- so lovely and vintage!!

 

Being one who has a hard time "figuring out" how to get things to actually work I thought I would share with you how I rigged my project to put it together.

I set my ring binder atop the Pocket Watch and marked the spots where I would need to insert the brads. Then using a Crop-a-Dile I punched through the Art Parts surface just like it was butter. Attach the ring binder to the face using the brads provided.

I then used Matte Multi Medium to adhere my resist paper to the Pocket Watch Back and applied a generous amount of Matte Multi Medium to the Pocket Watch Face, especially around the inner edges. By pressing it together tightly and clipping it in place as shown, the excess Matte Multi Medium squeezed out and I placed the Bead Chain around the inner ring. This is an idea I saw in one of Wendy's projects and I absolutely adored it! Thank you Wendy!

Set aside and allow to dry.

 

One last tip for you using those clips I have always adored. To ensure that I have my holes punched in the same place on all calendar pages simply hold them together with a clip and use the Crop-a-Dile to punch through all the pages at once!

 

Lots of little details - a little "reminder" string tied around the finger (this is a calendar you know and a calendar is all about reminding us of special dates), Melissa Frances and Prima Resin pieces, a Tattered flower cut out of Romantique Paper, a Vintage Accoutrement button, Silhouette Push Pin, silk ribbon, Organza trim flowers and THE perfect sentiment for any calendar.

I already know it --- I didn't order nearly enough Art Parts!!! Yes, I have done the mad scramble to get more Art Parts into the store ASAP, so be certain to keep checking back if the item you want is currently showing out of stock --- more are on their way!

It's time ladies --- it is time to start creating those special gifts for the holiday season ahead and I know that a calendar is ALWAYS well received. Use the fabulous masculine pieces Wendy has created for the men in your life... it's a wonderful way to show them that you care. Most of all I once again urge you to jump outside your comfort zone and simply explore, create and have fun!!!
 

calendar - Ellen Hutson LLC 2012 Calendar - Digital Download (sized to fit Ring Binders)

stamps: Studio 490 Sentimental Art

ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Distress Ink Pads - Vintage Photo and Antique Linen, Distress Stains - Picket Fence and Tumbled Glass, Archival Jet Black, Copic Various Ink Refills - E34, Y21 and Blending Solution

paper: Prima Romantique 6x6 Paper Pad, Hero Arts Kraft Paper

accessories: Art Parts - Timely Pocket Watches and Mustaches, Men & More; Pearl Paint Dabber, Tim Holtz Small Ring Binder, Bead Chain, Accoutrements Button, Alcohol Ink Applicator, Gold Metallic Mixative, Tattered Floral Dies; Studio Line Matte Multi-Medium, Glue Dots - Pop Up and Micro; Melissa Frances Applique Scroll, Resin Window Frame, Webster's Pages Cameo Push Pins, Rose Silk Ribbon, Red Small Organza Roses

Creating a Collage Using Creative Layers and Dylusions Stamps

Creating art for art's sake is so rewarding! Today I am sharing my journey as I tried my hand at creating a collage using Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Line paints and Creative Layers stamps; pairing them with the whimsical, new Dylusions stamps. This quirky, fun style of art is most definitely outside my comfort zone, but I must tell you that when I do step outside my norm I have SO much fun as I get lost in the process. I would like to encourage you to take "risks" once in a while and explore; creating just for the sake of creating.

 

I am most definitely NOT an expert in collage - for me it is an experimental process at this point. So what I share here today is just my learning process. When I began this piece I had no idea what I was going to create. It was a rainy day again here in Seattle and I have to admit I am REALLY tired of the rain, but decided that this was my opportunity to turn my nemisis into something fun and so I grabbed Dylusion's Ruby Rainbow stamp set to inspire me. I then found a quote that would bring a smile, and set to work. I am pleased to report that we now have sunshine - woohoo - perhaps positive thinking does make a difference! LOL!

Referring back to the projects we created under Claudine's and Dyan's direction at Winter CHA, in which we focused on the different uses of Studio Paints and Perfect Pearls, I began to create my canvas, layering the pearls with the Studio Paints.

 

The background was created by painting directly on the canvas. I also mixed some of the teal, sky blue and white on my non-stick craft sheet to create color blends, which added softness to the canvas background. LOVE the look of the "swooshy" background which is meant to resemble sky and land.

Once dry I added some of the black details, once again stamping these with paint. I like to "ink" my rubbber and clear stamps using an ink blending tool as shown below.

Using the flying crows to resemble Sea Gulls and adding a border were the first elements.

 

Foam stamps work GREAT on canvas. To add paint to these stamps I place a dollop of paint on the non-stick craft sheet and then pounce the stamp in the paint until it is completely covered.

 

I was curious - would reverse stamping work? Using a clean red rubber stamp I placed it to the surface of the foam stamp. I love how it removed some of the paint to add texture! When I am working quickly I don't bother to add Extra Time to my paint, but if you are afraid of the paint drying out before you can stamp, simply mix in a little Extra Time to give you just that... extra time.

 

Highlighting some of the edges and dots with additional white made the details pop. I also dry brushed over the birds using white to reduce the contrast that the pure black brought to the birds. These were not meant to be my focal point and I felt less intensity would be better.

 

To add paint to clear and red rubber stamps is easy. Simply place a small dollop of paint on your non-stick craft sheet and pounce the ink blending tool in the paint until it is spread evenly over your sponge surface.

 

Then pounce this on the surface of your stamps as shown above and stamp. Once again I work quickly, if you want more time add a little Extra Time to your paint. Always clean your stamps immediately after use to avoid long clean-up times.

Curious as to whether it would be easy to "doodle" on my canvas I pulled out one of my PITT Artist Pens and added a polka-dot hill. So FUN! I also used this same pen to add a little more definition to the house details as they did not stamp as dark as I had initially wanted. I should have used paint rather than ink - LOL! These pens work great to fix those little "oops" items.

Add highlights to some of the images using Sour Apple Perfect Pearls --- these really brighten the canvas.

 

Once again I added additional white to "pop" the details.

 

Stamp the pieces that you want to paint or "watercolor" with Perfect Pearls using Archival ink. This is the perfect ink for any wet projects - it is waterproof and will not smudge when you get it wet. I used Neenah cardstock for my project. It is not the ideal watercolor paper, but I always have it at hand and so it makes my life so very simple. I am totally pleased with the result - it stood up to the "wet factor" just fine.

Spritz water on the surface of your non-stick craft sheet and scoop out just a little Perfect Pearl using your paintbrush. Mix and paint.

 

I love being able to create my palette right on my non-stick craft sheet. Mixing colors is so easy. To create the flesh tone I mixed Biscotti together with just a hint of Pink Gumball and Mandarin.

 

Leave the excess on your sheet until you are completely finished your project.

 

It does not matter if it dries as you can easily reconstitute it with a droplet or two of water as shown above.

 

To add charm to the words I added an outline using a PITT artist brush around each of the printed words.

 

To see if it was all coming together I then laid it out the cut pieces on my canvas. I realized the author's name was too large and reprinted it smaller. Seeing it all come together is magical I tell ya!

To adhere the pieces to the canvas I used Matte Multi-Medium. LOVE this adhesive when I need it to REALLY stick! Simply paint it on the back side of your cut outs and press in place holding for a couple of seconds. Allow your project to sit and dry for about 30 minutes for great results.

 

To add additional brightness to some of the Perfect Pearl painted areas I simply colored with my PITT Big Brush markers and used my wet paintbrush to blend the color out. I love how you can mix different tools!!! I can easily see airbrushing, spritzing with sprays and SO MUCH MORE! Oh for more time to play :-D

So in a nutshell following is what I learned from this experiment as I created my "collage":

• layering is good,
• selecting a color scheme will give you confidence as you add layers (I used a split-complimentary color scheme - blue, green and orange),
• PITT brushes can be layered over Perfect Pearls to add additional color dimension,
• Perfect Pearls can be painted over top of Studio Paints to add sheen and a fun contrast,
• Perfect Pearls are easily reconstituted after drying,
• don't be afraid to experiment!
  
   

Now rather than plodding through the puddles I am going to think happy thoughts and envision cute little Ruby Rainbow (or perhaps my friend Heather who adores rain) hopping over the puddles looking so cute in her happy colors! I would like to invite you to join me and try something a little different by creating a collage using your rubber stamps or try watercoloring with your Perfect Pearls! Try something new - it is creatively invigorating!

 
stamps: Dylusions Ruby Rainbow and Around the Edge, Claudine Hellmuth Creative Layers Clear and Foam Dwellings, Doodles Clear Stamps; Studio 490 Be Happy Make Art; Memory Box Distressed Crows

ink: Jet Black Archival Ink Pad

paper: Neenah Solar White Classic Crest

accessories: Studio Line - Blank Canvas, Charcoal Black, Classic Teal, Sky Blue, Studio Artist Brushes, Matte Multi-Medium, Sticky Back Canvas;  Perfect Pearls - Sour Apple, Blue Raspberry, Mandarin, Pink Gumball, Biscotti; Faber-Castell PITT Big Brush & Artist Pens - #146 skyblue, #171 light green, #113 orange glaze, #118 scarlet red, #199 black

Creating Seasonal Luminaries Using Alteration Dies and a Simple White Envelope

Simple, clean, crisp decorating can be so beautiful! I don't know if you remember the article I shared showcasing how to turn a simple white envelope into a gift bag, but this is a very simple project that is based off of that idea. The wonderful thing about these luminaries is that you can use them as gift bags too :-D

To create a seasonal luminary use a Movers and Shapers die and an On the Edge die, together with a crisp white office envelope.

 

Begin by cutting off the top end (flap end) of the envelope. Varying the length at which you cut this line can add interest to your luminaries. If you prefer a more standaradized look then simply cut 3" from the top.

Use the Scor-It to create nice, deep score lines 2" from each side and 2" up from the bottom edge of the envelope (as shown above.) Fold over sides along score lines. Run a teflon bone folder along each crease to add crispness and ensure that folds will remain in place.

  

Fold the sides over and position the bag top directly beneath the On the Edge die as shown above. As you can see I wanted my bags shorter and so I placed the die further down the bag. Make certain that the die is centered on the bag. Because I was using the Snowflake die and there is only one edge style on this die it was easy to determine placement. As you can see the lettering or title of the die is positioned as shown.

 

As you can see the cut came out beautifully! I did send it back and forth through my Big Shot a couple of times before releasing it from the rollers, to make certain that it cut through the many layers.

 

For the luminary window I positioned the Mover die in the base tray making certain to center the die and place it face up as shown. It is best to also not the position of this die either visually or with a little black mark along the edge of the tray to know where to position the bag.

 

Next insert the On the Edge Cutting Pad inside the envelope, making certain it is in the area that the Movers and Shapers die is located.
 

Position your sandwich as follows:

• base tray
• Movers and Shapers die - face up
• 1 layer of envelope with 1 On the Edge cutting pad inserted within
• remaining layers of envelope
• 1 Sizzix cutting pad

Hold cutting pad carefully as you begin passing through the rollers to avoid moving the die beneath.

 

Pop open the envelope and secure the bottom corners using Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape. For more thorough directions on making this bag please see previous blog post here.

 

Now comes the fun part - the embellishments.

Apply Matte Multi-Medium randomly to the snowflakes edges and to the word opening using a paintbrush. Sprinkle with Vintage Glass Glitter and allow to dry.

For my luminary I used the die and traced the shape on to Fantasy Film, cutting out ovals to cover the openings.

 

Simply adhere to the inside of the bag as shown.

 

Use a battery operated tea light and turn the lights down --- simply magical! You can use these down the center of a party table, or place outdoors to welcome your guests. Luminaries don't necessarily have to be for the Christmas season only - birthday's, New Years --- the possibilities are truly limitless!

 
accessories: white office envelope 9" x 12", Tim Holtz Base Tray, Movers and Shapers Wish Die, On the Edge Snow Flurries Die, On the Edge Cutting Pad, Sizzix Cutting Pad, Matte Multi-Medium, Silvery Moon Vintage Glass Glitter, Mother of Pearl Fantasy Film