Izbzee

happy hi!

Been a little quiet around here.... but I've been able to spend a little bit of time crafting  Definitely not as much as I would like, but some. 

I did want to share this with you... My Scrap Chick offered this freebie this week in their newsletter.  Love it!  It's quick and easy using the eclips2 and eCal2 software to cut* and a stamp and blending some inks. 

*This card started from a 12 x 12 white piece of cardstock. 

Hoping you have some crafting time scheduled on your calendar soon!  Happy Crafting! 

 

 

playing with clay.... again.

I was pretty excited to win a sampler pack of clay from Polyform Products aka Sculpey.  I was excited to see all the colors and wanted to start playing as soon as they arrived, but life had other plans..... until this morning.  This piece is ATC size, loaded with mica and involves a real live leave from the sycamore tree that shades our west facing yard.

Let's get started.

You'll need:
Clay - black or brown
Mica (Mixed Media Supplies)
Leaf (from a tree or plant)
Gelli Print (stash)
Digital stamp (Mixed Media Supplies)
Tombow Markers
Glossy Resin
Xyron Creative Station (permanent adhesive)
1/4" double stick tape (ScorTape)
soft bristle paint brush. 
Pasta Machine (for clay conditioning)
Acrylic roller
Craft Knife
Card stock (white 3 x 4 inch piece)

Condition clay as directed by manufacturer, beginning at 1 and finishing at 3.

If you need to, clean and dry the leaf to remove any dirt or chemicals.  Apply a coat of mica powder to the back of the leaf (there is more texture there). 

Place the leaf on the clay with the mica facing the clay.  Using the acrylic roller, roll the leaf lightly into the clay.  Leave in place and trim the excess clay using the craft knife.  Remove the unneeded clay and remove the leaf. 

At this point bake the clay according to manufacturer's directions.  Let cool and remove from baking plate. 

Print the dragonfly on vellum in the desired size.  Color on the wrong side (non-printed) as desired using Tombow markers.  The color is transparent on the vellum.  Cut as close to the outside lines as you can.  Apply a light coat of the glossy resin to the printed side of the dragonfly.  Set aside to draw.

Assemble the background.  Because my gelli print is done using copy paper, I add an extra backing of cardstock the same size as the ATC (2.5 x 3.5 in).  Then I add another backing that frames the gelli print (3 x 4).  Adhere using your favorite method.  I run the gelli print through the Xyron for edge to edge coverage.  Adhere the clay leaf to the gelli print, add the dragonfly and frame as desired. 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek today.  Hoping you have some creative time on your calendar this week!  Nurture your heart! 

more clay and texture

Clay is ranking a close second to working with paper.  Paper has been a fun medium to work with for the last 15+ years... but as you may have noticed recently, I'm delving a little deeper into some basic clay fun.  It's so relaxing to condition, shape, cut and add texture to the clay.

Today's project is a simple pin.  Made with some Sculpey clay, condition as directed by the manufacturer.  Create the desired shape.  Using the Mixed Media Supplies, Bark Background stamp, I added a bit of texture to the clay's surface altering directions a couple of times for a little bit of  "cross-hatching" effect.   Using a piercing tool, add some stems and leaves and add the beads for the flower heads.  I baked the clay according to the direction, adding a couple of extra minutes since the "handle" at the top of the piece was a bit thicker than the base was.  

After the piece has cooled, apply a wash of black acrylic paint, making sure you get a bit into the stem and leaf depressions.  Wipe off any excess.  Let dry.  Apply a light coat of Sculpey Gloss and let dry.  Once it is thoroughly dry, to finish, add the pin to the back with a good jewelry glue or add a large jump ring and chain to use as a pendant. 

You'll Need:
Sculpey Terra Cotta clay
Pasta machine (dedicated to clay use)
Acrylic Roller if  you don't have a pasta machine
Clay blades
Mixed Media Supplies Bark Background Stamp
Black Acrylic paint/water
paint brush for acrylic paints
paper towel
Piercing Tool
beads
pin back finding

July Welcome

 

We needed some new porch decor this month.  So I upcycled another side piece of a deconstructed shelving unit.  The Crackle background stamp from Mixed Media Supplies has always been a favorite of mine.  And even on this big piece, it added just the right touch.  

You'll need paint (Decor Art Multisurface satin- antique white, blue and red and dark gray - wrought iron)

Prep the wood -- I sanded to give the surface a little more tooth for the paint.
I used a based coat of Wrought Iron - let dry thoroughly. 

 

Mark off sections for the "stripes" of color.  Dry brush your colors on.  Let a little of the dark gray wrought iron color show through.  Let dry.  If desired apply another light coat and let dry. 

Base coat your letters, mine are 4 inches tall and about 1/4 in thick (Hobby Lobby) The star is about 6 inches in height and has some texture.  I basecoated with the antique white and then applied a coat of Krylon's Hammered copper paint (be sure to apply in a well ventilated area and let dry thoroughly. 

 

Glue the letters and star to the painted base.  Let the glue dry.  For final touches, brayer a light coat of paint onto a portion of the crackle stamp, press lightly to the edges of the board as desired.  It's a nice touch and added just the right amount of texture. 

Spray with several light coats of sealer, letting dry between coats.

 

Thanks for dropping by today and hope you'll set aside some time this week for some creative fun!

more for the 4th...

This file from SimplyCraftySVGs is fun and quick!  Sandy's assembly video is great too!  Sandy has lots of other fun files to choose from and a large assortment of free files as well. 

Sizzix' eclips2 and software, eCal2 made cutting a breeze.  Cardstock from Fun Stamper's Journey and AC Cardstock. 

 

Once the pieces are cut, you can add a little more color and depth using the eBrush and Tombow markers.  I also smudged some color on the red panels on the box.  The tealight box inside the box is perfect and easy to put together and I envision a few more boxes with adaptations in my future.  I think I might use a taller tealight like the ones that Sandy used in her sample next go around....   

Have a wonderful holiday!  Happy Crafting and nurturing your heart in the process!