Faux Metal Embellishments

Looking for sophisticated but budget friendly embellishments? You'll want to check out pages 84-85 of the February 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things for striking examples.
At first glance, you'll think that these projects are adorned with pricey metals and their lightness may cause slight confusion. The foundation is simple and one that is in the supply closet of many paper crafters. The secret is Perfect Pearls™ and great die cuts by Spellbinders.
The first of my projects is this "Key to My Heart" card. The Distressed Floral background (Tim Holtz™ Collection, Stampers Anonymous) provides a lovely back drop for the lock and key. Both glisten in the light like the real thing.

Next, my "Illuminata Tag." The rusted effect of the die cut is the perfect enhancement for the classic Illuminata stamp (Inkadinkado®).True sophistication.

Last, but by no means least, a "Regal ATC" featuring Tim Holtz Creative Block #25 (Tim Holtz™ Collection, Stampers Anonymous.) The green patina seems to ooze from the flourish and fleur-de-lis just as it would from the real thing.

If you have never tried Perfect Pearls™, I hope these projects will encourage you to add them to your supply stash. Whether you want to include a sparkle of glitz or the impression of aged metal, you'll find a them "perfect" fit for your needs.

ATCs - Beyond Trading: I Love Lucy

Welcome to my new column on pages 90-91 in the February 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things: ATCs - Beyond Trading. If you've been looking for ways to showcase these miniature pieces of art, I hope that you will find inspiration here.

When I first saw the Lucy stamps from the Stampsmith, I knew that they would fit my dollar store frame. With glitz, glitter, swirls, and curls supplied by the Filigree Heart from the Artful Stamper, this will be the perfect gift for the one in my family who "Loves Lucy." See what you think.

Now, all that I needed was a matching card. The stamped image below will bring back memories of happy hours spent together watching I Love Lucy. The Glitter Mat Stack(DCVW) provides the perfect sparkle.

You probably won't be surprised to find that the keys to success for these projects are Ranger® products: Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads, my favorite Archival™ Ink, Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper, and Ancient Golds™ embossing powder. Of course, as a Ranger Educator, I'm a little prejudiced!
The ideas are swirling around in my head for additional ways to display ATCs. The new year has yet to arrive and I can't wait to show you the April 2010 issue. Be sure to check back with me. I think you will find it "Eggs-actly" perfect.

Better Backgrounds: Never Distressed

Looking for an easy technique that can stand on its own or form the background for a variety of projects? The secret is in the product, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads. You'll find the details in my Better Backgrounds column at page 92 of the February 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things.

Simplicity can be seductive as shown below with this image from My Story by Oxford Impressions. Tim Holtz™ Distress™ Embossing Powders provide the alluring texture.

If the flame of love needs no further illustration, you'll enjoy creating this colorful background. The rich full colors need no further embellishment.

I've shown you two great color combinations but half the fun is experimenting to see how these wonderful inks work together. Choose subtle and light as with my "In Love with You" card or rich and warm like my "Shades of Red" card. You are in control.

30 Minute Card Ideas: Love

This was a first for me. I finally decided to take the challenge to submit a couple of projects for the 30 Minute Card Ideas section of Crafts 'n Things. Both these projects as well as other quick creations can be found on page 63 of the February 2010 issue.

The "Love Tag" employs one of my favorite color combinations, black and white with a punch of red. The elegant paper from DCWV and paper sticker made this a quick go together. (Instructions here.)

For a totally different look, try my "Love Poste." The postage collage stamp (Dawn Hauser™ for Inkadinkado®) made this another easy project. Pop dots and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™ give added dimension to the butterfly postage. Of course I've used my favorite Adirondack® inks. (Instructions here.)

The instructions for these projects and many more are available at craftsnthings.com. (Look under the drop down menu for the "Free Stuff" tab.) You'll find hours of inspiration as well as close-ups of these projects.

Better Backgrounds: Faux Handmade Paper

Need a little help to get into the holiday spirit? This background technique lends itself to the glitz and glitter of the season while being perfectly adaptable to simple designs. The key to this technique is to provide a background with the tooth needed to "grab" the synthetic fibers. The thick, creamy Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints are perfect for this. Look at how the paints and fibers enhance the sparkle of the Christmas Light stamp by Penny Black (3054K).

Below, you see the background with absolutely no embellishment. You must agree. Still gorgeous.

For details on this technique and added holiday inspiration, see the December 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things.

Ravishing Red Desk Set

I've always thought that red and black were stunning together, and I think that this desk set proves they are a dynamite combination. You'll find the details of how to create this budget friendly set - less than $10 for the eight pieces if you have the flowers by Creative Imaginations on hand - at page 113 in the October 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things. With the key ingredient of Adirondack Pigment Ink, you won't want to stop until all your flowers are gone.

Better Backgrounds: Swirling Texture

Texture never bores me, and when you add the glimmer of Perfect Pearls™ to Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™, you can create a background that is unforgettable. You'll find the details of this technique in the October 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things. The two cards featured on page 112 are below.
First, the Believe card demonstrates the results you can achieve through an underlying layer of stamping. The stamps are two of my favorites: Block of Words (Postmodern Design) and Cracks Grunge Background (I Brake for Stamps).

Next, see the results you can achieve by adding simple embellishments like rick rack and this flower from K&Company.

Here are two additional cards. The first card demonstrates the dramatic results you can achieve with no added embellishments while Queen of the Road is (stickers by EK Success) is just plain fun.



You don't have to jump on your Harley to create these backgrounds.The right products are all you will need to fire up your imagination.`

Better Backgrounds: Irresistible Resist

Techniques have a way of morphing. I remember a demonstration of faux antiquing I saw years ago: white paint applied over a clear image embossed on black cardstock. Definitely shabby chic. Later, I learned a technique called kaleidoscope or Joseph’s Coat: black ink brayered over a clear image embossed on marker-colored cardstock, a similar process.
While experimenting recently, I believe I achieved a completely different look with Adirondack® Dye Inks, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, and Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper. Two cards resulting from my experiment may be found on page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. Both feature stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, my "Wonderful Peppers" card. I think these pepper stamps are wonderful! I hope that you will click on the card to see the details. The Classic K Bailey Ornamental Rub-On (K & Company) is a perfect complement for this hot number!

Next, "Simply Shrimp." I'd admired the Lori’s Shrimp stamp and think that Lil’ Flying Fish is a nice partner. The rich colors of the inks provide a sharp contrast to the pastel paint. No further embellishment required!

Below, two cards that you won't see in the magazine and more stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, "Testing the Water." I wanted to use the rather large sticker (EK Success) and that required large stamps, Blue Bobo and Big Kelp. Big stamps also mean that lots of color shows through the paint. Take a peak!

Now, "Through the Window." I wanted to see how a transparency might work with this background and thought the Printables ERA Transparency by Prima fit the bill. It looks to me like the Mushroom and Ground Ivy are peaking through the window.

For detailed information, see page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. With or without further adornment or with the embellishment of your choice, this resist technique is irresistible!

Altered Paper Mache Pair

I might as well admit it before someone asks.
No, the "Fairyland" box and the close-up of the lid are not the same. I thought it was packed carefully, but the elephant that must have stomped on the box crushed the wings on my precious fairy. I only redid the lid, and it turned out a little differently from, my original submission. To find pictures that match, you'll need to look in the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. Here's the original box.

Now for a closer view. Actually, I think that I like the new lid better than the first. (Next time that I go to the post office, I'll have to thank that elephant!) I never cease to be amazed at how simple charms and buttons can be used with Melt Art™ Mold-n-Pour® to form a mold for Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel™. I added highlights with Perfect Pearls™ and Stickles™ Glitter Glue.

My second altered paper Mache creation was this "Dragonfly Delight" box. Look closely and what appear to be openings in the metal lid are actually cut-outs lined with mesh wire. Coordinating colors of Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, and Adirondack® Pigment Inks made this a quick and easy project to finish. If you're wondering about the texture on the sides of the box, that's one of my favorite stamps, the bark stamp from the Grunge Background set by I Brake for Stamps.

You can find complete directions for these projects on page 90 in the August issue of Crafts 'n Things.

Inspiration: DJ Pettitt

Recently I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone through two mixed media workshops with DJ Pettitt. First, I would like to thank Joyce Vance for taking the time out from her very busy life to to coordinate this opportunity for all of us. Normally, my only real option for classes of this caliber has meant a day long drive to Random Arts in the Asheville  area. Random Arts is definitely one of my favorite artsy places, but Birmingham is sooooo much closer. Many thanks to Joyce and her helpers for taking care of all the details to make this a fabulous experience!
The first two days were spent in a workshop entitled "Mingled Elements," a collaborate effort between DJ and Deryn Mentock. The description alone was enough to create excitement: "After creating a beautifully gilded art piece in class, we will send you home brimming with enough technique, information and inspiration to use in a wide range of artwork; from jewelry making to journals, including decorative elements that can be used in book making, assemblage, collage, altered art and everything in between!"
The first day focused on painting a face. I'm not a painter, so this was the most intense of the four days for me.  DJ's focus on shapes and shadows was insightful. I don't think the world's great portrait painters need worry about competition from me, but I learned techniques and concepts that I know I will put to use in mixed media creations.
Day two was all Deryn. I found this a relaxed day. I'm neither a jewelry maker nor a wire worker, but I was enthralled with the unique framework the wire provided the portrait samples and definitely inspired by Deryn's jewelry. While I'd left a better hammer at home, I just decided to go with the one that I had and see what happened. Here's my finished creation. I was pleased with the end result and know that I have tucked away a lot of information for future use.

For days three and four, we moved on to creating an altered fabric collage book. The techniques were different (and for me, less stressful than those in "Mingled Elements. I think that the smaller face had a lot to do with that. Less for me to mess up!) Take a look at the outside of my book cover.

You can see the inside front and back below. The Battenberg lace fan had been a Christmas ornament that my mother made, a sentimental addition. I split the canvas that was originally to be the outside back cover into two pieces to create the front pocket and a decorative back strip. The flower is one that I made while playing in the wire class. I love the way the Glossy Accents make it pop.
 

I'm not sure how I'm going to use my book. I got rather carried away in adding color to my pages, so they're a little bright for journaling. I'm looking forward to more fun play in the future as the book determines its purpose.
Here's one last picture that I snagged from DJ's blog. That's me concentrating on my work - head down midway on the left side at the middle table. You can probably tell by looking what a fun, inspirational group this was. Thanks to DJ, Deryn, and fellow artists for four wonderful days of escape!

Fanciful Wings Project Set

I love a bargain and regularly shop the aisles of the local dollar store for crafting inspiration. When I found these glow in the dark butterflies, my mind began to race. These four projects, featured in the June 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things, were the result.
I think that my favorite is this embossed card using Nick Bantock™ Dye Pads. I wish that you could see the beautiful sheen that the Perfect Pearls™ provide.


Here I’ve used Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Color Wash™ for a really easy card. Such rich colors.
 

With added color from Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads, Color Wash™ clean-up from the card above was the foundation for this journal. Below, you can see how I incorporated mulberry paper to finish the inside cover.

I found one more use for Color Wash™ in this butterfly paper casting.
 
Details for constructing these cards are on pages 98-99. With a little imagination, I’m sure you’ll think of other uses for this inexpensive find.

Rubber Stamper’s Studio: Deli Wrap Journals

Have you ever had the experience of trying to locate a supply and then forgetting why you wanted it in the first place? That was the case for me with deli wrap. I knew that I had to have some, and it took me months to locate a source. By the time that the deli wrap arrived, I was scratching my head to try to remember why I ordered it in the first place.
I now know why I started the search, but in the meantime, I've enjoyed some fun experiments. I love the translucency of the deli wrap, and I was interested to see what kind of backgrounds I could create with it. The painted backgrounds (using Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers) for these journals are the result of one of my play days. These three found their way into the June 2009 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.





Here are two more.



If you are admiring the photo stamps, they are all plates from fellow Tennessee stamper, Suzanne Melvin, and her company, Oxford Impressions. (You may remember that I used Suzanne's Bird's Nest collection in creating the birdhouse and card gift set in the April issue.) The stamps for “By the Sea” and “Afternoon Tea” are from plates of the same name. The photo stamps for “Sands of Time” and the house in “Remember” are from the Family Album plate. “Invincible Summer” uses stamps from Season of Giving.
One thing that I like about these journals is that the pages can be replaced when filled by simply untying the binding and inserting new ones. If you’re really adventuresome, collect those filled pages and bind them together for a totally new book. For details of journal construction, see pages 94-95.

Better Backgrounds: Masking with Tape

You may have thought of masking tape as a standard artist supply, but have you considered using it to create your backgrounds? Look at these two cards from my Better Backgrounds column in the June 2009 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.


At first glance, I think you’d be hard pressed to say how these backgrounds were created. Tape and Adirondack® Dye Ink pads are the answer. The details are on pages 92-93.

The two great stamps, Sherrie and Sharon, by B Line Designs were stamped with a Big & Bossy™ Two-tone Embossing Pad and embossed with Super Fine Detail™ Powder. (You could achieve the same result with the newer Adirondack® Pigment Inks.) This is also a perfect background for rub-ons as demonstrated by the addition of “thanks” (Creative Imaginations) to the card stamped with Sharon’s veiled image.
Here’s an example with colors that do not overlap. (Stamps: Time Flies, Stampers Anonymous; Eternity Slab, Postmodern Design. Nick Bantock™ Dye Pads: Chartreuse, Deep Turquoise, Vermillion Lacquer, Damson Plum, Chrome Yellow.)

For a completely different look, tear your tape to create the shape of your choice. After creating the grid background with tape and Clover Adirondack® Dye Ink, I added the flower effect with tape and Wild Plum ink. (Stamp: Printer’s Mark, LaPluma; Big & Bossy™ Two-tone Embossing Pad; Bottle Adirondack® Embossing Powder.)


Want to try something different? Let your tape be your guide!

Stamped Pinball Games

Need an inexpensive gift for Father’s Day? I have the perfect answer! Look no further than your local dollar store. In a matter of minutes, you can create the perfect background with Adirondack® Alcohol Inks to customize this toy with stamps of your choice.

Here are two examples you’ll find at page 102 in the June 2009 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.


And two more.



That special man in your life (or anyone who is a child at heart) won’t be able to resist playing with his personalized toy. What’s more, he’ll think you are wonderful for making it for him.