Izbzee

let the celebrations begin!

As August comes to an end, we tend to gear up for lots of great things... whether it's back to school, more birthdays, more anniversaries, fall and winter holidays and of course, some plain ole "just because" days. 

I've seen the thought, "Until further notice, celebrate everything!"  making the rounds.  I started thinking that I might be able to put a new twist on it -- using some additional positive affirmations that might support T's classroom environment.  I had an old wooden poster frame with the glass still in really good shape and another piece of glass from another previously used frame that I could use and would still fit in the frame with the backing tightly masking them both together.  

Using eCal, I set up for a mat 12 x 24 and created the celebrate everything statement and cut it out with my eclips using vinyl and off centered is just a bit on the glass. I wanted a couple of rows the background words to show through at the top and at least one row at the bottom.  I used Howser font for that sentiment.

Then, I set up a custom mat of 17 x 24 in eCal for my background words on a new page.  Using all caps and a sans serif font set at about  a 1/2 inch, I started typing.  One line at a time.  I have a list of about 200+ plus that I use for some other similar projects and so I just started selecting the words.  I left about a 1/2 inch between rows to accommodate as many words as possible on the mat -- my word count for this mat was 73. I grouped the entire piece and centered it on the mat.  When I was ready for the cutting process with my eclips, I switched the mat to 12 x 24.  Ungrouped, and using the 'hide' option, hid the words that were off the mat.  I used white vinyl (651 - glossy) and cut the first group.  Once that cut was completed, I went back to eCal and unhid all the words.  Grouped all the words together again and moved the top part off the mat.  Ungrouped and hid those so the remainder of the words could be cut.  Once those were cut, I weeded the bits and pieces out of the words and then took off the remainder the vinyl that wouldn't be used in the transfer.  It was much easier than I'd hoped since the vinyl cut like a dream on my eclips! 

Once all the weeding was completed, I taped both pieces of the backing together making sure that there was similar spacing between rows.  Now the magic really begins.  Remember, we're using all white vinyl for the words for the second piece of glass....  I wanted COLOR!  So I got out some sharpies and used the eBrush to create my color.  I masked off the areas I didn't want colored and sprayed away using one color at a time.


I did leave some words white and I really liked the finished results and it's caught the eyes of everyone who watched the process.  Let them dry for a little bit.  The sharpie did not scratch off nor was it removed when I went to the next step. 

I know the second picture isn't very clear, however, it does show the vinyl after it was sprayed with the eBrush.  Then I put the transfer tape on and began the transfer to the 2nd piece of glass.  Burnish and voila!  You're almost done.  Now sandwich the glass in the frame.

Mine was tight and I didn't want anything distracting from the wording -- so I just used the kraft colored backing that came with the frame.  I used some heavy duty tape to secure everything in the frame.  This frame is very heavy, so we have plans to just lean it against the wall on a fairly large and deep shelf with a plate rail installed.  Plans to make smaller version in 8 x 10 frames are in the works.


You may want to take another look at the vinyl backing piece... maybe some additional ideas on how to use that will evolve! 

Event the vinyl backing was a keeper!  It's now hanging in the craft room!  There are a few blank spots for the missing vinyl pieces that were in white, but we LOVE IT! 

You'll need:
18 x 24 inch poster frame (hang on to the backing piece)
2 pieces of glass (unless you reverse cut the vinyl and apply to the back of the pane of the glass)
die cutter and applicable software (Sizzix eclips and eCal were used in the project)
Vinyl (Oracal 651 from your favorite source)
eBrush
Sharpies
Tape

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# 401

guess who's comin' to town?

happy

an early start to Halloween

quilting again?

an early start to Halloween

I have lots of plans for this Halloween... interior, exterior and gift giving.  The take-out box is such an easy and quick file to cut and put together.  Add a small rosette and a quick stamp, you're ready to fill the box with gooey goodies and gift away. 

The box file can be found in SVG Cuts' Crush On You Boxes SVG Kit.  The small rosette is from Vintage Rosettes also by SVG Cuts. 

The Sizzix eclips made fast work of all the cutting and the files are very easy to use and put together.  I used brads on the sides of the boxes, but will add some ribbon and wire before filling and gifting.

For the box you'll need:
1 12x12 inch patterned paper, patterned on both sides (Stampin' Up! In Color)
1 6 x 6 inch patterned paper for the front label  (stash)
1 6 x 6 black paper -background for the label
1 6 x 6 black patterned paper for the rosette  (stash)
1 4 inch white cardstock

Additional supplies:
Stamps
glue gun
die cutting machine

Enjoy a fun day of crafting! 

 

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time to update again...

Tagging times 2

back to school.... another new year

chevrons... all the rage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We've seen them used in all sorts of crafting media recently.  There are lots of ideas on Pinterest and in the craft magazines currently on  the market.  Online sources offer stencils, cutting files and even dies featuring this fun design. 

In this card, I used a free border design offered by Bird's Cards -- I did a little bit of shifting to create the desired effect on the card element.  I like the results and hope you do too.  The original design idea was created by,   and published in

 

I used some stuff from my stash from brads, the mesh (it's almost like dry wall tape) and ribbon.The Primas are new - thanks to Mitsy.  I did use the eBrush to put on a little extra color, but didn't have to do much. 

Using the stencil pattern, from Bird's website, I created several lines equally spaced apart.  You can spray one vertical column at a time, move the paper about 1/8 inch and then spray the next column and continue across the width of the element piece. You can begin either on the right or the left side.  Trim if needed.  My piece is 3.75 inches square.  Finished size of the card fron it 4.25 x 5.50

You'll Need:
Card stock
eBrush
Stencil  (Bird's Cards - Chevron Borders)
Markers (Spectrum Noir)

Embellishments:
RibbonPrimas (with a golden tint)
mesh tape or dry wall tape.  You can ink it or spray it the desired color

Other:
electronic die cutting machine if using an svg file for your stencil
Adhesive and pop-up dots

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Eek!

Ribbon and Roses....

Daubers out -- eBrush in!

back to school.... another new year

 

"T" officially started back in the classroom yesterday.  He was probably as nervous as the kids were.  He does love to teach and is excited that the curriculum is back to rights again! 

We even did the first day of school pictures yesterday...  he wasn't embarrassed at all holding the poster either; knowing full well, that they would be shared ONLY with family members at a future date. 

We have been busy crafting too... lots of fun on the horizons for future posts and shares.  Loving the time I've been blessed with being able to spend a few additional hours during the week. 

This is a really fun box file from SVG Cuts.  The box comes from Miss Baker's Classroom kit.  It's simple and only takes a couple of sheets of paper.  I used some 12 x 12 solid core paper from Stampin' Up!  I did add a few details to the stem and leave.  I also added a ladybug button and although this picture doesn't show, I added some wire curls for a little more embellishment since I didn't use any embossing folders on the panels for this example. 

The layered tag is also from SVG Cuts.  Mary made it so easy to use and all I did was change the sizing a little bit.  Embossed the top layer with an Alpha folder and then used the eBrush to add a little color to the white stock.  The apple is from the eCal basic shapes (Fall) library.  I used a simple leaf also from the library and resized it for the apple.  Once the shape was stamped with the background I used the eBrush again to add some color and shading.  I then added Crystal Effects to the whole surface of the apple and let it dry before adding it to the tag with some pop-dots.  All the ribbons and tulle are from my stash.  I used a stamp for the sentiment. 

The apple is just the right size to hold some yummy goodies, a gift card and or some basic teacher supplies for a fun gift. 

Additional supplies:
electronic die cutter (Sizzix eclips2 and eCal software)
your favorite adhesive (I used glue for the apple and tape for the tag)
pop dots
ribbons and fibers as desired 

Enjoy and have a creative day! 

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upside down...

I'm a believer...

A Child is born, Tags 11 and 12

scanning the horizon

We have been blesssed with some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets recently -- the colors have been amazing and I so enjoy taking those few moments to be awed by the glow in the sky and the beauty that we behold every day.

I've made lots of backgrounds using daubers and inks -- but it's hard to blend the colors at times and get just that look -- and to be honest, I never did master the brayer technique.  :)  However, I think that the eBrush offers almost the same look and I definitely had a little more control over the colors and the blending. 

You'll need:
watercolor paper (4 x 6 140 lb)markers, colors of choice (Spectrum Noir: LY1, HB1, Ib1, and BGR2)
water in a mister

eBrush
Painters Tape
Stamps (Gina K Designs), ink (Stampin' Up!) or markers
glimmer mist (optional)
paper (Stampin' Up!)
Adhesive (Xyron)

Mask any sections of the watercolor paper you do not want "brushed" with the painters tape. If desired, you can lightly pencil in areas of color as a guide.   Lightly spritz the paper with water and start layering your colors on starting with the lightest color and blending in each subsequent color. 
When you are satisfied, let your piece dry thoroughly.

Stamp and embellish as desired and trim and mat with a good adhesive. 
This is an easy project and if you paper has warped slightly, after it is thoroughly dried you can put it between a couple of heavy books or with a fairly light touch, press with an iron. 

Dryer sheets? You did what?

Right now, mulberry paper is not in the budget -- but I really love the stuff and have been doing my best to stay "in budget" craftwise. and frankly  I'm hoarding my limited stash of the stuff.  :)   So here's the next best thing -- used dryer sheets, flower dies (in this case they're from Spellbinders -- Donna Salazar's rose set).  I doubled the sheets and ran them through the die cutting machine (I used the Cuttlebug).  You may need to pass it through the machine several times to get it to cut all the way through.  I left each layer stacked according to size.  Then using the eBrush sprayed the edges with color (Spectrum Noir) and let dry -- that only took a couple of minutes! 





When all the layers were sprayed and dried,  create new stacks by separating the petals by size from largest to smallest and add a brad to hold all the layers today.  Two dryer sheets will make 4 roses.  You can crunch the petals for a little more dimension. You do need to use all the layers to hide the prongs of the brad, unless you choose to clip them a little shorter. 


Like it?  Create a garden of your own!  And you'll never have to worry about every running out of that precious mulberry paper again! 

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focusing in....

# 401

I'm a believer...

for us old timers, is the tune running through your head now?  Well, although this post doesn't really have anything to do with music from the 60's, I am a believer that the eBrush has found a permanent spot on my crafting table.  I'm having so much fun! 

Today's pics all have the same theme - Anniversary.  We have 5 kids who all have anniversaries within a 3 month period of time... 2 in August, 2 in September and 1 in October.  Hubby's folks have theirs in December.  I decided to use a file from SVG Cuts' Everyday Cards collection.  It's been a go to for several other dimensional folding cards over the past couple of years.  I love the flexibility it offers.  I switched out the bracket frame/cutout and replaced it with an oval and a narrow oval frame.  Even with a tiny bit of layering and some dimensional embellishments, the finished cards flatten and fit into a regular sized A4 envelope. 

for each card you'll need:
1 sheet 11 x 6in white card stock
background stamp of choice (I used one from Stampin' Up! retired)
ink (optional - you can spray the stamp with the marker of your choice and the ebrush)
markers (Stampin' Up!)
eBrush
adhesive (Xyron, tombow)
transparency
b/w photo
embellishments as desired

electronic die cutting machine and software (I used the Sizzix eclips2 and eCal)
Everyday Cards collection from SVG Cuts.com
paper trimmer


Here are 4 of 5 of the cards: 

 

The August anniversaries have come and gone with September's up next.  I love looking at the joy in their faces in these pictures and even better to know that the joy is still there in each of their relationships.  

All of the card bases are colored with markers using the eBrush.  No ink daubers were used to distress the edges.  I used my 5 in Xyron sticker maker to apply the photos and oval frame to the front of the card.  I also used a crimper to add a little more dimension to the narrow frame piece.  Other embellishments from my stash. 

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Daubers out -- eBrush in!

happy

Upcycled Coasters

Daubers out -- eBrush in!

My friend, Mitsyana threw out a challenge yesterday.  Yep, just what I needed to get a handle on all the birthdays that are coming up in the next couple of weeks.  One of the rules was that you had to use her stencil in some way on your finished project.  Are you game to try?  You can find it at http://upontippytoes.blogspot.com/2014/08/ebrush-challenge.html  Then join us and share your completed card, scrapbook page, altered or upcycled item using the stencil she has created. 

I started out with all white cardstock (1 sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch).  In addition, you'll need:
eBrush
stencil (you must use the one at the link above -- please be sure to read the rules on Mitsy's blog)
markers in your colors of choice (I used Spectrum Noir's LY1, FS7, BGR2, HB3)
Ribbon, about 12 inches white satin
Champagne Mist Ink (Tsukineko) - optional
Embelllishments as desired
Ink, sentiment stamp (optional)

I used my Sizzix eclips to cut the stencil pattern and card front and the remainder of the cardstock cut at 5.50 x 8.50.  For this project, I decided to use the stencil as my card front -- so I resized it to fit in a 4.25 x 5.50 rectangle, leaving a little bit of extra room on the edges for trimming to a 4.00 x 5.25 rectangle after you get your "painted background completed.  If you are using an electronic cutter, you can certainly resize the stenciled rectangle to  4.00 x 5.25 and cut 1 stencil and 1 blank, leaving the rest of the paper for your card base if desired.

"Paint" your solid blank piece of stock starting with the lightest color first and work you way down the card to the darkest color.  My colors were fairly transparent using the eBrush and some broad sweeping strokes across the 4.00 width and I used a fine brush to put on a little bit of the Champagne Mist for a little more punch after applying the stenciled piece on top.  Run the stencil through your Xyron Sticker maker (5in or larger) and adhere to your painted card.  If you need to trim it, now is the time to do so. 

Paint your ribbon, using the same colors.  I cut my ribbon into 2 six inch pieces -- let them dry for just a little bit to make sure that the colors have penetrated the fibers and won't rub off on to your fingers.  Attach the ribbon securly  to the piece you just adhered together.  Then adhere the front with the ribbon attached to your cardbase.  Add the additional 6 in ribbon piece and tie in a knot.  You can slide on a clip or charm before you tie.  Trim the ends and enjoy.

I used a stamp from My Time Made Easy - All a Flutter Sentiments in the bottom right hand corner to complete the card front.  You can spray your stamp with the ebrush and then stamp as usual if you'd like.  More to come on that later. 

Have a happy crafting day! 

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Eek!

quilting again?

Upcycled Coasters

EEK!

Fall holidays are fast approaching.  This is a quick and easy Treat bag (it's also just the right size to stash a gift card).

You'll need:
eBrush
a piece of canvas about 7in x 3.75in  (Canvas Corp)
Fray check
Sharpie Marker
sewing machine
wire and assorted fibers
tag
circle stencil (circles sized at 3/4 inch - I made mine using my eclips, ecal and a transparency from my local office supply store)



Make sure that your work surface is covered to protect from any overspray.  If you're using a Sharpie, be sure that you work in a well ventilated area too. 

Set your marker in the eBrush using the SP labeled adapter and make sure that your stencil is in place.  I just held mine down, but if you're doing a larger piece of fabric, you might want to use some repositionable spray adhesive or painter's tape to hold it in place.  Using side to side sweeps, fill the circles with your color.  I used black on this example, but you might want to try some other fun colors that go with your particular theme.

Once you've finished filling in the circles, you can remove the stencil.  Let the fabric dry for several hours.  Iron to heat set the color.  I used cotton, no steam.  With wrong sides together, stitch the 3.75 inch sides together using a 1/4 in seam allowance.  Finger press the seam to one side.  Center the seam in the back and stitch along the bottom of  what will become your bag with a 1/4 in seam.  Carefully turn the bag right side out and make sure that bottom is square along the corners. 

Wrinkle up a little bit of paper and stuff into the bag and put a fine line of fray check on the open edge of the bag.  Let dry for about 24 hours. 

Embellish as desired.  I used a stamp (Stampin Up! now retired) to create the tag and added a wire handle, some ribbons, fibers and tulle and some stickles for a little sparkle.   


Thanks for dropping by!  Enjoy a happy crafting and creative day!

 

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Upcycled Coasters

happy

still playing catchup...