Christmas Spirit Recipe Set

Much of the time, I begin a project with an eye toward the end result. I may have a plan in mind, but materials sometimes create a detour. Such was the case with this recipe album. As usual, my dollar store had several styles of photo albums to choose from, but I particularly liked this one, a ring binder with a linen-like cover. I decided to embrace the imperfections and see where they would lead. The result may not be what I first intended, but I love the effect. Another case in which experimentation was half the fun.

After completing the recipe album, I decided that a mini clipboard would be a perfect match. You'll find directions for both of these projects on pages 88-89 of the December 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things. You'll need Ranger® Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink and the following Claudine Hellmuth products: Studio Creative Layers clear stamps; Studio Gesso; Studio Paints.

Steampunk Treasures

I felt like I'd found buried treasure when I discovered this faux leather backgammon set at the thrift store for only $1.00. I knew that I wanted to use steampunk images to decorate the exterior, but the brown surface had to go. Thus began my experiment with materials that generally are not compatible with a synthetic surface, but perseverance and a light hand created the results I was seeking. I love finding inspiration at a bargain price. Here are the results.





I love the Oxford Impressions stamps: The Deep, Steampunk Works, and Steampunk Elements. This was a simple transformation with Claudine Hellmuth Studio products, Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Color Wash, and Archival™ ink. You'll find the details on pages 96 - 97 of the August 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things.

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.

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.

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!