January 10, 2011

ATCs - Beyond Trading: Steampunk Valentines

Recycling has a much nicer sound than dumpster diving. At least that’s what I claimed when I rescued this heart shaped box on the way to the landfill for the project on page 48 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. What better reuse than turning a box that once held chocolates into a repository for these non-traditional Valentine ATCs.
2011 02 LRoberts ATCs Beyond Trading Steampunk Valentine Heart Display Box
The box and the ATC below were designed with Ranger® products: Claudine Hellmuth Studio Gesso; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks; Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers.
2011 02 LRoberts ATCs Beyond Trading Steampunk Valentine Eye for You ATC
If you are unfamiliar with the genre, steampunk provides a perfect opportunity to exercise your creativity. When I created this project, Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions had one steampunk plate, Steampunk Elements. (Other plates used in these projects were The Dressmaker, Bonbon, My Story, and Fairy Sweets.) Now, Suzanne has two more exciting steampunk plates, Steampunk Works and The Deep. Two times the ways to create non-traditional Valentines!

Better Backgrounds: Illusions of Lace

If you’ve ever scorched your paper or burnt your fingers when using an iron to create wax paper resist, you’ll love this technique. No heat involved to transfer a lace impression or the die cut image of your choice in these cards found on page 57 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®.
2011 02 LRoberts Better Backgrounds From the Heart Card
2011 02 LRoberts Better Backgrounds Vintage Lace Card
With Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and the addition of Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink, no one will guess how you produced these fabulous results. Use your "resist" as is or add a stamped message from Hero Arts® as I did. The possibilities are limitless, and there's no safety hazard involved.

Exploring Image Transfers: Tape Transformation

Do you remember the first time that you saw heat embossing? It’s still a moment of wonder for me. I had a similar experience years ago when I first watched a demonstration of packing tape transfers. Now, when I share this technique, the reaction is always the same. People can’t believe that the process is so simple. I have to agree.
These projects are the first in a series of three articles on image transfers for Crafts 'n things®. First, a card featuring a stamp by Impression Obsession, Inc. , Hopes & Dreams. Perfect Pearls™ always provide an elegant touch.
2011 02 LRoberts Exploring Image Transfers Hopes & Dreams Card

Below, you'll find a necklace featuring patterned paper by DCWV and stamps by Hero Arts®, Manuscript Background and a simple heart. (The Hearts Ink and Stamp Set. is no longer listed, but a similar stamp is available in the From the Heart set.) I'm not a jewelry maker by any means, but this is a project that anyone could complete.

2011 02 LRoberts Exploring Image Transfers Beaded Heart Necklace

Want to know more? Pull out your "inky" supplies: Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Adirondack® Pigment Inks. You'll find the details on page 50 of the February 2011 issue.

30 Minute Card Ideas: Playful Cherub Tag and Tiers of Cupcakes

2011 02 LRoberts 30 Minute Tiers of Cupcakes Card
It was similar to an out of body experience. The only reason that I know that I made this card is that my name is under the picture on page 32 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. You wouldn't describe my stamping style as "cute," but this tiered cupcake card is cute and was fun to complete. The stamps are both by Memory Box, Tiers of Cupcakes and Sweet Cupcake, with color provided by Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads. The patterned paper is from the DeLovely Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket.

The mischievous cherub on page 30 definitely looks more like something I would create. Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Alcohol Blending Solution combine with Suzanne Melvin's Oxford Impression Bonbon plate for a spirited Valentine tag.

2011 02 LRoberts 30 Minute Playful Cherub Tag
Both card and tag use Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and Archival™ Ink. The details for 30 Minute projects are available on line. You'll find the cupcake card here and the cherub tag here.

Cupcake Presentation Box

Have you ever faced this dilemma: Is the present in the box or is the box the present? In this case, the answer to both questions is “yes.” I first saw this concept at one of my favorite places for inspiration, the local dollar store. Although the party favor was small and would only hold a tiny treat, my version, featured on page 74 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®, is large enough for a cupcake. Slide off the closure strip and watch my box open!
2011 02 11 LRoberts Cupcake Box Green
2011 02 12 LRoberts Cupcake Box Green Closure Close Up
2011 02 13 LRoberts Cupcake Box Green Closed
2011 02 14 LRoberts Cupcake Box Green Beginning to Open
After you slip off the decorative paper closure to reveal the box contents, you’ll want to reassemble the package for display. Here are two more examples.
2011 02 20 LRoberts Cupcake Box Striped2011 02 30 LRoberts Cupcake Box Pink Flower Circles
While sturdy enough for cupcakes, this box would provide elegant packaging for any treat or treasure. The Cosmo Cricket patterned paper is part of the DeLovely Collection. I know that you'll agree these projects are lovely!