Shabby CD Box

The Shabby Tea Room Blog has become one of my favorite places to get inspired to create. This week, the site is having an “audition” of sorts…”Send us your ‘best‘ work,” they said and they’ll choose a few new designers to represent and inspire others. The challenge came from the inspiration here…

I ruminated on that image for a while and knew I wanted to create a flower that began as the same shape as the top of the tea pot. It was the point that inspired me. The flower I had in my mind did not to want to be on a card so I rummaged for something to ALTER. I grabbed a CD holder and began transforming it:

Now I have a place to put my photo CD’s…so if I can just find them, they will have a new home…and a cute one, I might add.

Well, I found a couple.

Check out my tutorial from THIS post and create one for yourself.

Cheers, Eli

Snowflake Coasters Tutorial

Christmas is on its way and many of us “creative-types” have been cutting, gluing, printing and wrapping for weeks in anticipation of the big season, focusing on red, green, red, green. With only a few variations.

Today, I thought outside the box for a gift that would endure beyond the season.

First, I wanted to focus on some other colors… I chose three rich, earthy colors from CutCardStock.com: Olive, Teal and Dark Purple. I added Classic Natural White to give it some punch. Second, I remembered a pack of paper coasters I recently bought at Michael’s for 90% off…yep, only $.10 a pack…I bought four of them. Here is the finished project.

Except for some drying time, this is a quick project. Here’s how:

• Gather your supplies (see list below)
  
• Sand the coasters
  
• Cut 8 pieces of Classic Natural White card stock 4×4″ and adhere to coasters.
  
• Trim excess paper by flipping the coaster over and trimming with a craft knife.
  
• Cut 8 pieces of the colored card stocks 3½x3½” {I cut 3 Olive, 3 Teal and 2 Dark Purple.}
• Punch corners of colored mats and adhere to the center.
  
• To smooth out the edges and corners, sand.
  
• Die cut/emboss a plethora of snowflakes from Classic Natural White {I used three or four flakes on each of the coasters.} and adhere them to the coasters.
• Add a nickel-size amount of Liquid Laminate onto the top of the coaster. Use a foam brush to spread the Laminate. To create a bit of texture, wipe horizontally and then vertically. Smooth, slow strokes will help reduce bubbles.
  
• Allow to dry. Apply another coat.
• When the coasters are completely dry, wrap and give to a loved one!

Here are all the coasters. The first one was taken before it was sealed with Liquid Laminate.  The second was taken after.

Important Stuff
Paper Neenah Classic Crest 80# Classic Natural White; Basis 80# Olive, Teal, Dark Purple (CutCardStock.com)
Die Cuts S4-224 Snowflake Borderabilities® Petite, S4-085 Snowflake Wonder, S4-222 Create a Flake One, Papercut snowflakes, Wizard (Spellbinders Paper Arts)
Adhesives Liquid Laminate (Beacon Adhesives)

Other Stuff Sandpaper, paper coasters and drinks, of course!!!

A Banner Day!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. One might call it a “banner day”. And since banners are all the rage in the crafting world, I decided to make one. First, I want to share my thanks for Cut Card Stock (.com) for sharing some of their amazing cardstock with me. Ooh la la! I just created a Thanksgiving banner with some of the Basis colors and the metallics and I am thrilled. So without further delay… introducing CutCardStock.com “Happy Thanksgiving” banner.

{click on the photo to see the gallery of pics. Then click on any photo to enlarge it.}

I really love this cardstock. The colors are rich and stately. The text weight “works” with many different techniques {as I hope to show you from time-to-time} but for this project I’m featuring die cutting and embossing. The edges cut perfectly and the embossing was deep and crisp.

Remember, you can use these instructions to create any number of banners including holidays, names, special events or locations, etc. Just imagine the possibilities.

Instructions:

• Begin by cutting/embossing Basis Brown #80 with S4-127 Scalloped Squares LG. You’ll need to cut 18 for this project. If you are careful, you can get them out of two pieces of the 12×12″ paper, just cut each sheet into nine, 4×4″ squares.
  .
• Next, using the Shazzam font (retired) from Spellbinders™ or similar font cutter or computer program, cut the  letters from various colors of metallic papers (#60). I used Stardream Metallic 81# text in Gold, Antique Gold, Copper and Cognac.
  
• Emboss each of the letters in the texture plate by layering the following in the Wizard™:
  Master mat, texture plate facing up,  die-cut letter face up, embossing pad, blue mat from the Charm Embossing Kit.
• Sand each letter to bring out the texture.
  
• Cut 6 squares (3×3″) from each of the 8-1/2×11″ sheets of Tan, Olive, Brown Paper Bag.
  
• Adhere the straight edge squares onto the scalloped squares. Leave one scalloped square and one olive square for the flower and leaf.
  
• Cut/Emboss the leaf from S4-157 Sunflower Set One using the left-over Olive square. Adhere it to the scalloped square using dimensional adhesive.
  
• Cut/Emboss four small flowers from S5-004 Sunflower Garden using Stardream Metallic Gold.
• Layer the first two flowers onto the leaf using dimensional adhesive.
• Cut the third flower as shown below. Create a small cone by overlapping two petals. Glue the overlapping petals together and adhere onto the first two.
  
• Cut the fourth flower in the same way. Overlap 3-4 petals and ad to the blossom. For a final touch, add a gem to the center, top.
  
• Arrange the banner scalloped squares, flowered square and letters on the table top before adhering the letters. Once pleased with the pattern of colors, adhere all the letters to their bases.
  
• Line up the Scalloped Squares, overlapping at top corners and punching a hole. Be sure to add in the flowered square in between the two words.
  
  
• Using a brad to secure, place a photo hanger at each junction.
  
• When all the letters are joined, string the photo hangers with wired raffia or similar product, leaving about 2 feet on either side of the banner for hanging.
• To finish, punch a hole in the lower half of several squares, add an eyelet and tie on some ribbons.
  
• Hang your banner and enjoy!
  
  

Important Stuff
Papers #81 Stardream Metallic Gold, Antique Gold, Cognac and Copper; #80 Basis Brown, Olive and Tan ; The Greengrocer’s Brown Bag Paper (CutCardStock.com)
Tools S4-157 Sunflower Set One, S5-004 Sunflower Garden, S4-127 Scalloped Squares LG (Spellbinders Paper Arts), Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers)
Accessories Brads, eyelets, photo hangers (Creative Impressions)
Adhesives Pop Up Glue Dots (Glue Dots International)

Other Stuff PVA Glue, ribbons, wired raffia ribbon

Love chipboard album (CPS 187)

I just fell in love with this simple yet brilliant sketch from Card Positioning System.

I wanted to use something besides a circle at the center. So I grabbed my Fleur de Lis Pendants die template. Here is the result of the cover for this chipboard album.

For the photo corners, I used the center die cut of the Fleur de Lis Pendant, cut in quarters. Since the paper was brown and white, it was hard to see on the pink. I added some brown patterned paper under neath to highlight the Fleur de Lis shape.

Here are some of the other pages:

If you get a chance, skip on over to my Etsy shop, Frolicasions, and see the whole journal {also see several other journals and paper crafts}. Thanks, Eli

Important Stuff
Papers Pink Pink Cover, dots(My Mind’s Eye); Script (Crafty Secrets)
Tools S4-204 Fleur de Lis Pendants die cuts, Wizard (Spellbinders Paper Arts), Crop-a-Dile hole punch (We R Memory Keepers)
Embellishments Cotton Candy Stickles (Ranger), atYou Spica Chocolate glitter pen (Copic)

Other Stuff PVA Glue, binder rings, brown patterned paper, sandpaper, ribbons

trick or treat (2S4Y 60)

It’s the beginning of September and Halloween is the end of October but all of a sudden, it’ll be here. I used the sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You (#60) to inspire this Pumpkin card. Here is the sketch:

And here is the result:

Making this pumpkin was great fun. Let me share how:

• Cut S4-227 Pumpkins with two pieces of patterned paper
• Remove one of the pieces and set aside. Then layer the following for embossing in the Wizard™: Cut mat, Impressabilities® template, Die cut with cut side up and paper in die, embossing mat, cut mat. Keeping the paper in the die will give the shape a flat edge. If you’d like embossing to go all the way to the edge, just take it out of the die.
  
• Run it through the Wizard.
• Then sand the pumpkin to enhance the embossed edges. This piece of patterned paper was a little fragile after all the “working” it. I think it just adds to the character of it. But if you prefer, use a heartier piece or maybe a colored core cardstock.
  Then just put it all together!

Important Stuff
Papers Fun in the Sun Matstack, Latte Matstack (Die Cuts with a View); Natural cardstock for card base (WorldWin)
Die Cuts S4-226 Harvest Borderabilities® Petite, S4-198 Flourish Accent, S4-227 Pumpkins, I2-1009 Flourish Impressabilities™ (Spellbinders™ Paper Arts)
Stamp/Ink Studio G trick or treat stamp (Hampton Arts), ColorBox Watermark ink (Clearsnap)
Embellishments Rust Fizz EP (Sparkle N Sprinkle), Sea Mist Glitter (PK Glitz), Orange safety pin (Creative Impressions)

Other Stuff Olive green cardstock

Sweet Holiday Tags (Caardvarks: August)

Caardvarks teamed up with JustRite® Stampers this month and challenged participants to create Christmas tags and Mini cards with their supplies. JustRite® is one of my faves, so how could I resist.

I chose to use the Christmas cup from the Something Sweet set along with the Sweet Holidays border. This is a 2-3/8″ set. Here is the set of six mini cards:

I think it would make a great gift or maybe it will find its way into my Etsy shop…hmmmm?

To create this set, I began by stamping the image and border onto white cardstock. I colored the cups with glitter pens to give them a bit of shine. {I liked how the pastel colors set off the image but didn’t overwhelm the design.}

I cut the images with Spellbinders™ circle die templates and matted them. Then each got a mini card to reside on {double sided papers cut to 3-1/2×6″, folded in half and torn bottom edge}. Check out the close up.

For some of the cards with dark interiors, I cut/embossed the S4-247 Labels Twelve die template (#3) from white cardstock and adhered it to the inside.

These were fun and quick to create! Thanks for the fun challenge, JRS and Caardvarks.

Important Stuff
Stamps Something Sweet, 2-3/8″ round stamper (JustRite® Stampers)
Papers Patterned papers (My Mind’s Eye)
Colorants Memento Rhubarb Stalk dye ink (Tsukineko); AtYou Spica glitter pens: Baby Blue, Blossom, Garnet, Gold, Lilac, Mint, Olive, Peach, Pink, Sand, Silver (Copic)
Die cuts S4-247 Labels Twelve, S4-114 S4-116 Standard Circles LG and SM,  Wizard System (Spellbinders™)
Adhesives Scrapbook Glue Dots (Glue Dots, Intl.)

Other Stuff Assorted ribbons

“Citrus” Memories Board Book (Color TD 104)

I love, love, love this color combination posted by Color Throwdown (#104). It reminds me of citrus fruits: lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, etc…and makes my mouth water with anticipation of a cold summery beverage. Check it out.

When I’m looking for some inspiration to start a project, I sometimes go to my “alter it” drawer. Today, I found a shaped board book just smiling up at me for some attention. I gathered some great papers and went to work.

To alter the board book, I cut the yellow, green and orange papers to 6×6″ and glued the squares using PVA Glue (used by book makers for its great holding power and acid free treatment).

After allowing then to dry a bit, I turned over the page, trimmed it using a craft knife and then sanded the front edges, tearing some pieces for a super distressed look.

To further decorate the pages, I cut/embossed scalloped circles and strips from patterned papers. I glued them to the page overlapping the edges and then allowed them to dry. I used the same trimming technique as the pages. Check it out.

I finished the pages with ribbons, gems and stickers. Here are a couple more images to enjoy.

In a couple of days, I’ll share my technique for airbrushing through Spellbinders die templates. Come back and see.

Important Stuff
Papers Green-Celebrate Pad (Me & My Big Ideas), Yellow (Provo Craft), Green and Orange cardstocks (My Mind’s Eye)
Colorants Sketch Markers YG23 New Leaf, YR09 Chinese Orange (Copic)
Die Cuts S4-252 Big Scalloped Ovals LG, S4-234 Ribbon Tags Trio Two, S4-125 Classic Scalloped Circles SM, Wizard™ (Spellbinders Paper Arts)
Embellishments Marcella by Kay, Essential Mini Word Stickers (K&Co.)

Other Stuff Shaped chipboard book, hole punch, ribbons, gems, sandpaper

Dream Clipboard (Color Throwdown #103)

I saw this color combination over at the Color Throwdown blog and it really reminded me of strawberries but for some reason (maybe the fact that I just got some new stamps, not including strawberries) when I put this little project together there were no strawberries. It’s funny how the brain begins in one place and ends in a totally different one.

Although I’m late to enter the challenge, I figured I might as well share with you all anyway.

And here are the papers and some of the other supplies I chose:

I had a mini clipboard hanging on my bulletin board above my craft table for some time…can’t even remember where I got it. I thought it would be a cute project (at least I hoped it would…you decide)

Want to make one? Here are some quick tips…

• Cover the back and front with tan cardstock, cutting the cardstock larger than the clipboard. Sand the edges of the paper to get a perfectly fitting edge.
• If you are unable to remove the clipping mechanics, measure and notch.

• Cut ruched paper with Spellbinders Labels One and Floral Accents. Cut celery paper with heart from Decorative Photo Corners. Stencil as desired.
• Trim a 2″ ruched paper strip for the front. Distress edges and adhere.
• Stamp Rubbernecker’s Woman with Parasol (three times) and Mystic Dream onto cut celery paper.
• Cut the stamped woman with Petite Scalloped Ovals, SM. Use Copic markers to color shoes and parasol.
• Use Air Brush System to color the dress. Cut it out. Cut out the woman’s arm from the third stamped image. Layer elements onto scalloped oval and add, along with the Labels One, to the back of the clipboard.
• Hand print “dreamy” words around the label on the back.
• Add heart to top of clip and Floral Accent just behind.

There are so many things you can do to decorate this little dude. Why not pick some up today and give it a whirl.

Important Stuff
Papers Red ruched and Light Coffee Brown (WorldWin); Chloe’s Closet green patterned (Making Memories)
Stamps Woman with Parasol, Mystic Dream (Rubbernecker)
Colorants Memento Rhubarb Stalk dye ink (Tsukineko); Sketch R85 Rose Red, YR61 Yellowish Skin Pink, Airbrush System, Garnet Spica Glitter pens (Copic)
Die cuts S3-107 Decorative Photo Corners, S4-161 Labels One, S4-199 Floral Accents, Wizard System (Spellbinders Paper Arts)
Adhesives Glue Dots, EZ-Dots dispenser (Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L)

Other Stuff Sandpaper, PVA Glue

Thanks for stopping by…Cheers, Eli

You’re the Best (Sketch Challenge)

Stamper’s Dream and JustRite Stampers…what a fabulous combination. This week Stamper’s Dream is sponsoring a sketch challenge using JustRite Stampers. I couldn’t pass that up. You can see the info about the challenge and the sketch, of course, on Stamper’s Dream’s blog or on JustRite Stampers blog.

First, let me share the card I created. I had a friend in mind while I was making it and that always makes it so meaningful. I will give it to her today.

I was going for a shabby-chic look here and I think I found it.

Some features of this card, include: The embossed chipboard is a Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels and I lightly colored the embossing with a Copic Marker and then, using several thin layers, I added Liquid Laminate from Beacon Adhesives.

To make the Glimmer Chip stand out even more, I sandwiched it between a Scalloped Oval die-cut from Spellbinders and a die cut and stamped oval. (Here are my JustRite stamps). Add a couple patterned papers, a satin bow, a torn edge and there you have it: shabby chic-ness for a good friend.

Here’s a close-up of the medallion.

Important Stuff
Stamps: You’re the Best, Damask 1 Letter Borders, 1-5/8″ round stamper (JustRite® Stampers)
Die Cuts:  S4-217 In Spades Borderabilities™ Petite, S4-138 Petite Ovals (#2, counting from the center), S4-251 Big Scalloped Ovals, LG (#4), S4-202 Deckled Rectangle, LG (#5) (Spellbinders Paper Arts)
Paper: Orchid/Green, green and brown patterned papers (My Mind’s Eye), Clear Vellum (WorldWin), Glimmer Chip (Tattered Angels), Purple textured cardstock (Core’dinations)
Adhesive: Zip Dry, Liquid Laminate (Beacon Adhesives)
Inks and colorants: Sketch Marker V04 Lilac, E47 Dark Brown (Copic)

Other Stuff
Corner rounder punch, Brown Satin ribbon, White detail embossing powder, sandpaper

http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/petite-ovals-large.html

Retail Therapy! (Caardvarks Core’dinations)

Some days just beg for a little card making therapy. So send a day-brightener to a friend and encourage her to get a little retail therapy. Check this out!

The Caardvarks challenge right now is to create a new monochromatic card. I figured that green and retail therapy went together. I added black as my neutral and a little bit of sparkle (that you can’t see on the pic) with gold, silver, black and green glitter pens.

One of the techniques I really love doing with the Core’dinations cardstock is embossing with some kind of template. Here I used Spellbinders’ Circles Impressabilities™, sandwiching my paper in between the template and the embossing pad, along with the master mats, and I ran it though my Wizard™.

Instructions:

1. Stamp Fashionable Shoes ATC in black ink onto smooth side of light green cardstock.
2. Trim image. Color shoes and border accents with glitter pens.
3. Emboss medium green cardstock with Impressabilities™ template.
4. Sand template to reveal the colored core.
5. Cut embossed cardstock using S5-019 Labels Eight.
6. Cut/emboss S4-189 Labels Three from dark green cardstock. Edge cardstock mats with dark gray marker.
7. Tie an organza ribbon onto the Labels Eight die cut.
8. Assemble card as shown.

One last close-up look…

Important Stuff
Stamps Fashionable Shoes ATC (Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps)
Ink Magento Tuxedo Black dye ink (Tsukineko)
Paper Green Color Core Cardstocks (Core’dinations)
Dies/Templates Circles Impressabilities™, S4-189 Labels Three, S5-019 Labels Eight,
Pens/Markers atyou Spica Gold, Silver, Black and green glitter pens; Sketch marker W07 Warm Gray #7 (Copic)
Adhesives Craft Dots (Glue Dots)

Other Stuff Green organza ribbon, letter stickers, heart pin, sandpaper, letter stickers