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.