Izbzee

Getting a start on some Halloween projects

This idea has been formulating for a couple of months.  Lots of different iterations, but I do like how the "idea" ultimately came together.

 

I asked Sandy Stark at Simply Crafty SVGs for the design of the egg shape***. She graciously accepted and created the SVG file for me.  Sandy's design skills were spot on and the design worked perfectly. 

The teeth were made using basic shapes from the eCal library (triangle and horizontal rectangle, Union)

All of the leaves were cut from heavy white crepe paper using a template created in the eCal3 software and cut with the eclips2 using a heart shape from the library and the knife to cut the shapes in half and the close path command. 

Since the eclips doesn't cut crepe well, I invited a friend over to cut the crepe since my tendonitis is still in flare mode. Wires were glued to the crepe paper pieces before coloring using a technique from a Lia Griffeth you tube video. The leaves were colored using the eBrush and Bic Mark-it markers.  

The tongue was a hand cut shape.  A  highly texture paper would work, or you could use some paper twist or heavy floral crepe paper and have it work. 

The Feed Me sign was made using a font from Creative Fabrica - Halloween.  (affiliate link)

An 18" dowel was attached at the back of the head and the wired leaves added using floral tape and hot glue.  Secure in the pot (10") and add any finishing touches. 

As you know, I love to add lights and music to a lot of my pieces, and this one was no exception.  An InviteByVoice sound module with push button was added with a little  bit of an instrumental version of "Feed Me" from Little Shop of Horrors recorded on the module.  A string of fairy lights under the lip of the pot and through the center were added as well. 

 

I hope you enjoyed this bit of whimsy and fun!  Thanks for stopping by.  Have some fun in your creative world this month! 

***NOW AVAILABLE IN THE SIMPLYCRAFTYSVGS SHOP!*** 
https://www.simplycraftysvgs.com/shop/holidays/halloween/venus-flytrap/

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! 

 

Holiday Ornament house #2

Hi everyone!  The Christmas House ornaments have been well received by a few friends and family members.  I found some fun brick and rock digital papers on Etsy and the eCal2 software makes it very simple to resize the images to fit the dimensions of this small ornament house, print,  then cut with the eclips2.  .

The file is from Lori Whitlock's shop.  I decided to keep the original dimensions and remove the window from the back panel and add an elongated half circle cut to  accommodate a tealight or some fairy lights.  I added a tree from the basic shapes library and colored with Bic-Mark-Its and a silver sharpie.  Vellum in the windows and a small brad for the doorknob. 

I'm looking forward to creating some this week to celebrate New Year's and get a start on some Valentine ones too! 

 

Make it fast! Halloween tags

Just stopping by to share this quick and easy Halloween tag --

 

A couple of years ago, I bought some wooden tags -- in bulk!  What was I thinking?  Well, I'm glad I did!

No affiliate links used in this post.

You'll need:
Wooden Tags
Stamps (retired - House Mouse Halloween and SVGCuts Halloween)
Ink (FSJ)
BIC Ultra Fine Marker (I chose to use one that was the same color as the ink I used)
Twine, wire or ribbon
Sealer

Make sure that the tags are clean and free of dust and dirt.


Stamp the tags - let the ink dry.  I only stamped part of the images on a few tags.


Personalize if desired, lightly spray to seal if desired.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you'll stay tuned - I have a new project to share on Monday!

 

Snow season just ahead.....

We were so excited to see some "flakes" this last week, that we just had to get a start on some winter decorating!  I'd seen something similar on Pinterest and wanted to create one of my own.... Even T was excited to see this project come together! 

This is so quick and easy.  Grab a few markers, your eBrush, some vinyl and your electronic cutting machine. 

Using your designing software, and favorite font (K26ScribbleScrawl).  Cut the stencil and apply to your prepped* wood piece.  We're still finding a few shelves from some old bookshelves that were damaged in our move --- so I used one of those.  

*Clean, sand and wipe any sawdust away before applying the vinyl or spraying with markers.  This project would also work well using acrylic paint in the siphon adapter for the eBrush. 

Once your vinyl has been weeded and you've applied it to your surface, begin the spraying process with the eBrush.  It's quick and easy.  I layered on the color -- 2 coats of color. 

Once the marker has dried, carefully remove the stencil -- We're adding some extra snow to the bottom of this piece to cover up some of the damage on the shelf with some acrylic paint and adding some "snow texture."  -- And since this piece will be outside and exposed to some weather, we'll apply some clear acrylic sealer to add a little protection.  Two light coats should do it for the covered porch area. 

Hoping your weekend has some creative time built in! 

Lights for Boo Night

Halloween colors, jack-o-lanterns and candles make for a great centerpiece for Halloween which is just around the corner.  This tray by Dreaming Tree and designer, Ron Gutman is perfect for this project.  Let's get started

You'll need:
eBrush, AD Adaptor with foam cushion hack
Bic Mark-its
Electronic Cutting machine (Sizzix eclips2 and eCal2 software)
Bella Halloween Strips Collection (SVG Cuts)
Hydrangea Tray (Dreaming Tree)
AC Cardstock (3 sheets)
Cut -n- Boss
Design Grid Embossing folder (Teresa Collins for Craftwell)
quick dry glue
Xyron Creative Station & permanent adhesive
greenery

Open the hydrangea tray file and cut with the electronic machine.  Cut the jack-o-lantern border from the Bell Strip borders collection.

Emboss the panels for the tray and the border pieces using the Cut-n-Boss and the Design Grid folder using the standard sandwich for the machine. 




Using the eBrush, color the borders and panels as desired. 

Before putting the tray together, run each of the panels through the Xyron machine and secure to the tray pieces.  Add the border pieces using the same method.  Glue the tray together as shown in this video. 


Fill the tray with the greenery.  Insert your short pillar candles (remember that you shouldn't light wax candles as seen in this photo).  It would be safest to use battery operated lights, but I didn't have any on hand for photos....



Enjoy some crafting time... using the eBrush makes quick work of coloring large pieces.  The texture makes it all the more interesting. 

Summer Sunshine

It's national Upcycling month and the Craftwell Design Teams are celebrating it too.  I hope you'll enjoy this fun prim project.

For this project I chose to recycle some material and a plastic bottle.  The eBrush, Tulip Fabric dye and white glue and hot glue were used on the flowers, leaves and a bit of tea for a little more vintage look. 

Cut the circles in the sizes desired.  I chose to add a little design to the flower centers using the glue.  Be sure to let it dry before you use the eBrush with the siphon adapter  to add color.  Once you've finished spraying, let dry.  Heat set the dye.  If desired you can wash out the glue, I liked the way it looked, so left it on. 

 

Cut the larger circles to make flower petals.  Do not cut past the stitching.  Dip the flower into some tea.  Add a little cinnamon to the tea -- squeeze out the excess tea and place on a parchment covered cookie sheet.  Repeat for each of the flowers.  Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees F.  Place the cookie sheet in the oven for about 20 minutes.  You will want to watch to make sure you don't "over cook" the flowers. 

TIP:  HEAT SET the DYE.  I didn't heat set the first batch of flowers to the dye faded a lot.  I re-colored the petals and center for a little more color.  The flowers looked a lot happier!  :) 

For the leaves, cut double the number of shapes and spray (or dip) with dye.  Let dry.  Iron if needed.  Using the glue gun, on one side of the leaf, draw in some veins.... put a leaf shape on the top, matching the edges as best as you can.  You may want to tap lightly to make sure that both pieces of fabric are "stuck."  Flip over.  You should be able to see your vein pattern.  Repeat as needed.  When all your leaves are finished, grab a sharpie and spray around the edges for a little more color and depth.  Using the glue gun,  glue the leaves to the back of the flower head OR glue to a "stem" you've added to the flower.    (Kabob sticks are my stems for this project). 

(no pics, sorry)

I chose to recycle a fruit juice bottle for my vase.  Just cut with an exacto knife at the height you want.  I wanted a copper look so grabbed a can of spray paint I found at my local home improvement store and gave the "vase" a quick spray (Hammered Copper was used in this project and it is safe on most plastics).  Spray a second coat following manufacturer's directions if desired.  It was a bit humid here the day I sprayed, so it took longer on the drying time.  Using a piece of recyled styro, I hot glued it into the vase and then added my flowers. 

 

While I liked the hammered copper look of the vase - I decided to take it a step further and add a little "patina."  Here's how it looks now.  Ranger's Vintaj Patina was perfect!  You can use the siphon OR a brush to apply. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope you're enjoying this month's projects... be sure to check the rest of the #eBrushteam's projects on the Craftwell blog. 

 

There's no place like Home

This month's sponsor is ClearSnap!  I love the ColorBox inks and the Glam Green and Gold inks were perfect for this project.

Let's get started with this 3D paper suitcase.

You'll need:
Cardstock
Electronic Die Cutting Machine, software
Embossing folder
Cut - n - Boss
Markers
eBrush
Glue
Chibitronics LED and copper tape
Ink (ClearSnap, VersaMark)
embellishments as desired
Stamp (world, by Teresa Collins)
Scoring tool and board

I created a cutting file for my 3D suitcase using basic shapes.  If you don't have an electronic machine, consider using the Eileen Hull die found here.  Cut the file using the heavy cardstock.  Cut another copy made with liner paper. 

Emboss the front as desired using the embossing folder and the Cut-n-boss using the standard sandwich as described by the manufacturer.  I chose to emboss a portion, not the whole front.  I then added two score lines by using my scoring tool and scoring board. 

Ink the craft release paper (freezer paper works too).  Spritz lightly with water.  Use the eBrush and disperse the ink as desired.  Smooch the embossed piece into the ink.  Set aside and let dry.  Heat set the ink. 

 

Cut the stencil.  Apply to the front and using the eBrush and markers, spray.  Remove the stencil.  If desired, heat set.  Turn the piece over and apply the liner piece. 

Create a circuit using the Chibi LED and copper tape as shown here.  I chose to add a pull tab to open the circuit once the gift was delivered. 


Line up the circuit with the stamped liner. Secure the circuit in the base of the suitcase.  Stamp the liner as desired.   Glue the side pieces together.  Put the base of the case together.  

Glue the tab on the front of the case to the base.  Add the liner.  Make sure that the lever on the battery pocket can be accessed.  Close the case. 

 

 Embellish the front of the case if desired.  Add the handles. 

 

 Thanks for dropping by.  Hoping you have some creative time planned into your schedule this week!  Join the rest of the team this week and next for more projects using ClearSnap and the eBrush! 

4th of July fun!

This Pikestreet.com inspired project was so easy to do and coloring was done using the eBrush and some Bic-Mark-its.  Let's get started!

 

You'll need: 

eBrush, SP adapter and foam cushion hack
Bic Mark it - Red and Blue were used in this project
Cut-n-Boss
Tim Holtz (Sizzix) Americana Background & Borders Set
1 cardboard roll (TP roll works great)Cardstock (I cut mine to 5 7/8" wide x 4 1/8" high)
double stick tape
Balloon (you'll be cutting it)
tape
scissors
confetti
punches (optional)

I dry embossed the paper using a couple of Tim Holtz holiday folders and the Cut n boss.  

Color the cardstock using markers and the eBrush as desired.  After you've completed this step, run your fingers across the paper and "train" the paper to go into the roll. 

Run a strip for the double stick tape on the back of one of the 4 1/8" high sides.  Add another strip to the other end.  Remove the release tape and apply to the cardboard roll. 

Cut the balloon.  You're going to trim the bottom of the balloon leaving the stem intact.  Tie a knot in the stem, just like you would normally if you were to blow the balloon up.  This will be your pull.   

Add another strip of tape to the bottom of the cardboard roll.  Remove the release tape.  Carefully pull the balloon's cut edge (the piece with the stem) over the bottom of the roll and secure on the tape.  You'll want to add another piece of tape over the balloon to further secure especially if kids will be using the launchers. 

 

Fill your launcher with a handful of confetti - you can cut your own using punches, a die cutting machine or use some holiday confetti from the party store. 

Pull and launch! 

 

So much fun!  Have plenty on hand for the kids to fill and refill!  Have a happy and safe 4th of July! 

Be sure to check back.  More creative fun coming! 

it's baseball season

and it's big at our house every year even if the "favorite team" doesn't win. 

I created a stencil  using eCal2 and cut it in vinyl with the eclips2.  The board is a scrap I had in the craftroom  - left over from another project a while back.  For personal use only, download the SVG file here. 

If desired, prime the wood, paint an undercoat in a dark color using an acrylic paint for quick clean up.  Let dry.  Lightly sand  if necessary. 


Paint a second coat... I used an antique white acrylic.   Let dry and sand just enough to let a little bit of the undercoat through along the edges. 

Apply the stencil (pattern for personal use only) to the wood and grab your markers and eBrush and get started!  I'm using Bic Mark-it's in this project. 

TIP:  Mask off areas using some transfer tape.  This will insure crisp colors and no overspray. 

When all your coloring is completed, carefully lift off any remaining transfer tape and the vinyl.  I will likely make a re-usable stencil for the future, but this vinyl one won't be reused, so just dispose  once you're removed it.   

I added some "glaze" to the wood -- to dirty it up a bit. 


It's a home run with T!  Happy Crafting!  June projects are lining up and I'm excited... stop by again soon!