Izbzee

Featured Blog post on IkonArt Stencils

I was pretty excited to hear that an article was accepted and is now published on the IkonArt Stencil blog.  You'll find it here:  https://ikonartstencil.com/blog/airbrush-handmade-cards-with-ikonart-stencils/

It features a second grouping of cards made using a stencil with images from Creative Fabrica and Craftwell's eBrush and the Poetique refillable Watercolor markers.  It's very similar to this article posted on The Artistry last fall... matter of fact, they picked up the process video.

On a side note, the finished cards were a big hit with Mom.  Her face lit up when I showed her the finished cards (both sets).  Today would have been her 90th birthday.  I miss sharing my projects with her and getting her feedback -- the good and bad.  

"pewter" planter

I decided to give Simply Crafty SVGs Round Candy Box another go.  Last time, I used the box to make the pocket watch for the Wonderland Hat (found here).  This time, using only the bottom pieces, it's a planter hosting a small gathering of pansies from Maison Gregoria. * 

 

A renewed relationship with an often forgotten tool, the paper crimper was used on the "wall" of the box.  I added a band at the top and bottom of the box.  Added a couple of brads to secure the bands to the box for a little more strength.  

Sandy's assembly video is pretty straight forward for the basic put together of the box base.  The bands I used were  1/2 inch wide and about 1/2" longer than the box side.  glue them to the top and bottom of the side of the box.  For a little extra ornamentation, 2 brads were added to each of the bands where the ends meet and cross.  Once the bottom of the box is completely assembled, a coat of Lumiere (by Jacquard) in Pewter was applied.  Let that dry.  

I decided some flowers were in order and pansies seemed to fit the bill.  The studio is still in transition and a few of my coloring tools aren't available, but we made do with some paint crayons for color on white cardstock.  They turned out okay, but the colors aren't quite as bright as I would like.  The next bunch will be much brighter in color - yellow and purple, I think.  Jamie's tutorials for coloring, shaping and assembling are thorough - so be sure to take a look at the step by step tutorials he has.  I have enough flower and leaf cuts left to make another pot of pansies next week.  

I had a 3 x 2 inch round piece of styrofoam.  I cut the styro to about 2 1/2 inches so it would slide into the box and fit snugly.  No extra glue to secure is needed.  Add some moss and arrange the flowers, buds and leaves.  

 

*affiliate link used for this file.  A small amount will be paid to me if you use the link and purchase the file.  There is no additional cost to you.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you'll have some creative time soon!  

Framed Spring Themed Trio

I loved how this trio of framed projects came together.  I used a couple of techniques from a previous project (Farm Fresh) to pull it all together.  

You'll find additional details for each framed project at The Artistry - it's posted here. 

 

  

Play Ball part 2

Creating this sign for the "man cave" was fun and welcomed!  

The base is a piece of corrugated cardboard!  And I L. O. V. E. the texture it gave to the vinyl when it was applied to the painted base.  You'll find all the details on The Artistry at CreativeFabrica.com.  

 

Faux China Plate Heart

This was such a fun project to make and I'm glad that it's now live on The Artistry.  Check out all the details here.  I've also done a couple of other similar projects using paper mosaic pieces and They will post shortly here on the blog.  

Here's what this final piece looked like:  

A second heart:  

Using the same paper, just a different part of the cut photo paper.  Not sure which one I like better -- but both are heading out the door as gifts in the next few days.  Wood for both hearts is from Thoughts in Vinyl.  

2021 quick review

While 2021 was filled with lots of ups and downs, it was also a new start in many ways.  

My Top 9 projects created for Creative Fabrica:  

Over the course of the year, I was able to explore new techniques, use new products and explore a new cutting machine and put a twist on a few of the old techniques.  

To explore any of the photos in the collage above, go to my Author page at Creative Fabrica.  You'll find it here.  All of the articles for the year are posted there.  My crafting stash came in very handy and while we made a few new purchases, for the most part, we were able to stick to a pretty austere crafting budget over the course of the last 12 months.  

I'm looking forward to exploring additional techniques and creative play in 2022 and hope you will be able to do the same.  Keep nurturing that creative part of your being in the months to come!  It's time!

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 10

Hard to believe that we're coming to the close of this year's tags.  I know mine have lacked a bit this year... but I'm blaming it on lack of energy and surgery!  

At any rate, here's tag 10 -- a 2 layer pine cone.  Both layers were cut in the lighter paper.  Using Timber Brown Staz-On ink pad, I swiped the top layer with the ink.  Adhered the 2 layers together and topped with a bit of mica dusted on it. 

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 8

This tag is a little different.  it's definitely dimensional.  

The frame file is from Creative Fabrica - designed by the Gentleman Crafter.  Christmas Dictionary words and a retired stamp from SU.  The background plaid paper is from an old stack - 

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 7

Had to remember what day it was.  They're just speeding by with so many last minute things to get done in the next couple of weeks.  

Today's tag - 

didn't quite turn out as planned.  Creator error.  I didn't use the correct setting on the printer and the ink didn't dry like it should have on the transparency.  Oh well, it still adds a little bit of charm to this simple tag.  The base is embossed and some turquoise Staz-On ink is dragged along the surface to highlight the embossed snowflakes.  

Tag shape from the library, Buffalo check from CreativeFabrica, Embossing folder from Provo Craft

My cutting machine was acting up a bit so doing the print 2 cut option didn't go quite as planned, so I just stuck the transparencies to the cardstock with a tiny bit of vellum tape where it wouldn't be particularly noticeable.  

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 6

I love using cardboard for projects.  It's a great way to recycle those boxes and pieces added to protect product.  Sadly, my machine doesn't like to cut it -- so we changed things up a bit and used a paper crimper and glued the crimped pieces to a base.  

Basic shapes, back minus front to create the hat and brim.  Love using raindrops to make carrot noses.  Swipe all the pieces with some white ink and you're done!  Holly and berries are from an old punch that I wasn't sure was still going to work!  But it did.  That punch is over 30 years old!