Izbzee

Still creating

*No Affiliate links are used in this post

It's been a sort of crazy week around here.... but one of the things I did get accomplished was to make some wobblers -- you know, those springy things that allow your cards to be a little interactive.  I made 30 of them, only to find out that I was a little heavy handed with the glue gun.  I've been able to fix a few of them, but not all.  Oh well... I have the mat set up to cut the discs and a spool of wire for the next batch and will remember to use a lighter hand on the glue using my go to machine, the Sizzix eclips2 and eCal2.

But that didn't stop me from making the fun card above that still has a little bit of action.  I used Stampendous' Spring Short Stack set that has been waiting to be inked up for much too long. 

Images colored with watercolor pencils and blended using a water brush.  Background sheet is blended using ink and a blender.  Hand lettered sentiment for a little more hand crafted look.  Glue Dots and tape runner used for adhesive on this card. 

And this project, the Heart Lock Box file from SimplyCraftySVGs was a very quick cut and put together project.  It will now be our Valentine "O" on the mantel.  Paper from an old stack with no cover or identifiers.  (Bummer).  But it was perfect for this project and I have enough paper left to make a couple more. 

And since I had a broken leg last year, I didn't get much crafting done or our Valentine porch sign made -- but I took care of that yesterday!  Nothing fancy, but fun to make using a recycled shelf and some vinyl from my stash!  A little bit of red jute finishes it off. The font is a little funky, but looks pretty good.  The heart cut outs were from the Sizzix eCal2 library of basic shapes.  Vinyl cut using the eclips2.  Transfer Tape for this project can be found here (and yes, I buy by the roll!) 

Now to finish the wreath and banner this coming week!  Hope you have some crafting time scheduled in this coming week! 

 

boxes and bands

Just a quick stop to share. 

This free box file from Dreaming Tree is a new favorite of mine.  Simple to put together and so many opportunities to embellish and make it special.  Originally a Halloween box, I adapted the band for Valentine's Day using the eCal2 software. and a heart shape from the basic shapes library.   

I had prepped some paper with Gesso for another project or two but decided to see if the eclips2 would be able to make the cut... and it did -- smooth as silk even though some of the texture wasn't smooth in a few places.  I was able to foil and stencil on the gesso'd heart. 

I'll have more on the process in a few days.... in the meantime, I hope you'll find some time to craft and create and join us on the Facebook Sizzix eclips and eCal page for some fun this year.  This is a consumer based support group. 

A new challenge begins on Monday!  Come join us and learn more about the ins and outs of the eCal2 software and using your eclips cutting machine. 

build a stash part 2

I'm really not trying to go for the blur look, but it appears that the camera is having a bit of a problem with the focus.  My apologies.

This mixed media card is perfect for some upcoming birthdays in 2018 as well as some other occasions.  I'd love to share this quick card with you.

You'll need:
Gesso
Stencil
Mica Powder (Mixed Media Supplies)
2 Watercolor prints (8.5 x 11 inches)
Electronic die cutting machine and software (Sizzix eclips2 & eCal2 software were used in this project)
Basic Shapes (circle, heart)
Xyron X
Star confetti, rhinestones
glue
tape runner
cardstock
stamp (WPlus9 Designs) optional

No affiliate links are used in this post. 

Using your die cutting machine,
1) Print the sentiments using eCal and cut the card fronts (Happy Birthday on a 4 x 5.25 inch rectangle) with the eclips or cut the card fronts with a paper trimmer
2) Create the background papers using the Pattern Fill option in eCal2.   Print.  
3) Cut the decorative shapes using the eclips and the printed paper; 
4) If desired, stencil a thin coat of gesso on the card front.  Set aside to dry. 
5) When dry, add a bit of Mica Powder to the gesso and spritz lightly with water to spread it around a little bit.

6) Stamp the desired sentiment if you did not print your card front previously. 
7) Run the circle with the heart cut out and one of the smaller circles through the Xyron. 

8) Use foam squares on the small heart and two of the small circles. Apply as shown and add the star confetti and rhinestones.  Apply the card front to the card base and your card is ready to personalize and send on it's way. 

This is also a Pinterest inspired card... I like the added texture of the stenciled gesso and  shimmer of the mica.  These are simple, sweet and easy to complete. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Hoping your week is filled with crafting goodness!  Check the Mixed Media Supplies blog frequently for more mixed media projects this month and more. 

 

February came a little early....

First of the Valentine projects is now completed!  1 dozen of them!  Feeling accomplished!

This is a file from Lori Whitlock's shop -- I've just changed it from a Halloween house to a Valentine one...  So now there are 3 in my collection so far. 

Happy Crafting and creating!

Let's get cutting!  #sizzixeclipsecalmakers
Designer Paper from stash
White Cardstock (Neenah)
Sizzix eclips2, eCal2
twine
score-tape
Deco-Art foil glue pen
Deco Art foil
Scotch Quick Dry Glue
ink, blender tool
mini brads

tag along

We're having a Tag Along challenge on the FB eclips & eCal page... if you're an eclips user, come join in the fun!  (There's even a free file - (optional to use) for those in the challenge.

Here's a couple of my samples and a quick run down of how I made them.

Create the top tag using basic shapes.  Position a heart on the tag, resizing if needed.  I flipped mine.  Select all and using the PATH dropdown, select Back minus Front.  Select the desired font -- I chose one that is called Stencil.  Position as desired and once again, use PATH > Back minus Front.  Add a small circle near the top of the tag and centered.  Again, repeat the PATH ? Back minus Front command.

You can add a another layer  - but the easiest for me was to choose EFFECTS >Shadow (Contour Cut). Adjust the width to .09 and change the shadow to rounded shadow and select BLACKOUT SHADOW.  Click on OK.

Go back to the basica shapes library and select a circle.  With both layers showing on the mat, center the circle on the top where the hole is and then in the layers' palette, hide the top layer (Click the eye in the layers palette, selecting the layer with the heart and sentiment).  Select the shadow layer and the circle and choose PATH > Back Minus Front. 

At this point, you can separate the two pieces for cutting.  Cut with your machine. 

I wanted to make some custom backgrounds, so I added a layer of Gesso to each of the pieces.  Using some dye based inks and a blending tool, add colors and blend lightly.  Spritz with water lightly and dab with a cloth or paper towel for a little more texture and to remove a little bit of color.  Add additional sparkle using a glitter pen and white gel pen.  Repeat for the bottom layer or shadow and then adhere the top to the bottom using your favorite adhesive.

 

For this single layered tag, I colored directly to the stock.  Spritzed lightly with water and let dry.  I used a stamp from Purple Onion and sentiment from the same set.  Using the decor art foil glue pen, fill in the heart and let dry according to manufacturer's directions.  Apply foil and burnish.  I colored the flower using Tombow markers.  Quick and easy. 

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: 
1) Choose a digital stamp, trace and use the Print2CutPrint feature in the eCal software instead of stamps and ink
2) Choose a digital stamp, trace and use the DRAW (pen) feature in the eCal software

 I still need to laminate them and add my ribbons and a charm.   

Join us in the challenge! You'll find all the details on the Facebook page in the pinned post. #sizzixeclipsecalmakers

 

 

 

RG Studio 360 Magic Unicorn - #rgmagicaldreams

 

Ok, I have to admit it, I'm loving this free download from RGStudio360.  It's been fun to play with and I'm excited to be a part of his online class tomorrow (Saturday, January 6, 2018). 

Dabbling a little more with some mixed media options and had so much fun "glazing" the card stock with a thin layer of Gesso to give it a little more "tooth" for coloring.  While this background is simple and basically smooth, the colors were much easier to blend (without a tool) and just a small piece of felt. 

I used Tombow Dual Brush markers to color the unicorn in this project, colors:  N89, 173, 533 and 451.  Some now retired SU ink spots for the background on the paper. 

The "bling" is from my stash, but I think they were from a Michael's or HL clearance a few years back. 

You  still have time to sign up for the #RGMagicalDreams class... and it's free! Register here. 

 

Thanks for stopping by and maybe I'll see you in class, Saturday, January 6! 

 

EDITED to ADD:
The class was fun!  RG offered some great ideas for creating backgrounds.  I didn't like my samples too much, but did get 2 additional cards made today. ... I now have 4 cards made with this digi set and I'm sure I'll re-try some of the techniques again in the near future with much more success. 

This last card has a lot of sparkle and shine.... but it's stormy outside and the lighting just doesn't pick it up. 

 

*No Affiliate links are used in this post --

Terra Cotta Textured Pendant

Hi everyone!  I'm so excited about this project using oven bake clay, a texture stamp and Mica Powder.  Both the stamp and Mica are available at Mixed Media Supplies. 

 

You'll need:
Oven Bake Clay (such as Sculpey III)
Diamond Fence Background Stamp (Mixed Media Supplies)
Bronze Mica Powder (Mixed Media Supplies)
Mod Podge (Matte)
shape die
craft knife
wire
bead
wire cutters
needle nose pliers
Essential Oil (optional)

 

Steps:

1)  Condition clay according to manufacturer's directions. 

2) Cut the clay using the die or a pattern with the craft knife.  Smooth the edges and create a bale using the extended stem folded over. I used a toothpick to make sure that there would be ample room to pass the wire through for the hanger.

3)  Add texture using the background stamp on half of the shape.  Using the craft knife, add additional texture

4) Bake according to the manufacturer's directions.  My oven is just slightly under temp, so I bake for about 20 minutes.  Let cool. Sand lightly if needed.

5)  Mix a little Mod Podge and some mica powder, and brush on one side of the front of the shape.  You can use your finger or a wipe for a little less coverage.  Let dry completely

6)  Thread the wire through the bale.  Bend and twist at least 3 times.  Thread the wires through a bead.  Create a loop and twist the "tail" around the wires.  Using the needlenose pliers, adjust the rounds as needed.  Cut the excess with the wire cutters and secure the ends. 

Thanks for joining me today ... be sure to check out more projects this month by the Mixed Media Supplies Design Team.  And feel free to drop by here for more projects and hopefully, some inspiring ideas for you to take to your craft room.

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