Izbzee

Mixed Media Scroll book

It's been a while since I've done much with mixed media, but this was a fun project and definitely something I'll be doing again.  

Way back when, I remember as a child building a cardboard TV with a scroll and filling the paper on the scroll with pictures.  And we'd have our own fun evening switching out the scrolls and laughing at our art.  Now, as an adult, it's a fun way to use digital images for backgrounds and the base for some mixed media painting and texture.  

You'll find all the details for this project, once again, on The Artistry!  I'm up for doing this project again and likely, sooner rather than later.  For a peek at all of my projects on The Artistry at Creative Fabrica, you can find them here.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll find some creative inspiration today!  

It's in the book.

SVGCuts' Attic Treasures Kit has one of my favorite go-to files. The book.  It's so versatile and can be made for any occasion.  Today's project is for a birthday and could also be used to celebrate meeting a reading goal.

You'll need:

Attic Treasures SVG Kit (SVGCuts.com)*
12 x 12 cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah)
EZ Sound Module (Light Activated) from InviteByVoice.com

Audio file (about 2 minutes long)
Adhesive, Lineco Glue, Scor-Tape, Foam Mounting tape
ink
blending tool
Scoreboard, bone folder
Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3)
Optional - printables

Cut all pieces needed for the book as well as an embellishment pieces.  I added an image to the spine of the book and used the print 2 cut feature in the eCal software before cutting. Ink the edges of all the book pieces for an old book look if desired.  My sister says this book looks "ancient!" 

Cut another piece at 4 3/8" x 5 1/4" to cover the sound module.  Use a 1/2 inch punch to create an opening for the sound module sensor. 

Lightly score the "pages" on the sides of the box in 1/8" increments and add a little ink with the blending tool to highlight the lines. 

Assemble the book and "pages" as shared in the assembly video here. Decorate the book cover as desired.  I chose not to use the panels in the file for this project or other decorative elements provided in the folder.

Following the directions included with the sound module, record your audio.  Remove the backing from the module and place in the box. 

Decorate the 4 3/8" x 5 1/4" piece of cardstock as desired. Apply some foam mounting tape to the back.  Do not remove the release paper.  If desired add a 2nd layer of tape. Set this layer in place and remove the sensor.  Close the book. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hoping your creative time is filled with a little magic!  Enjoy. 

*An affiliate link are used in this link.

Paper Fabric Part 2

Yesterday, I shared part 1 and shared the steps in making some paper fabric using one of the many digital images from Mixed Media Supplies.  Yesterday's post is here. 

I'm using the "fabric" as a book cover for a plain white small binder. 

 

You'll need
scissors
fabric paper (see my previous post here)
batting
spray adhesive
hot glue
Cardstock inserts for the inside covers
small binder

Cut a piece of batting just slightly larger than your binder.  You can trim it once it's applied to the outside cover.

In a well ventilated and covered space, spray one side of the batting.  Lift and apply to the outside of the binder.  Press to secure in place.  Trim excess.  Spray the backside of the fabric and carefully smooth the fabric on the batting, leaving about an inch or more around all sides.  Trim the area where the rings are and if you can slide the fabric under the metal on the spine  I couldn't do that for this binder, but did get a pretty clean edge.  Using the glue gun, glue the edges of the fabric to the inside of the binder.  Trim edges if if you need to clean things up a bit.  NOTE:  Don't pull the fabric too taut, but you don't want it sagging either after some regular use.

Measure the material for the inserts, cut.  Spray with the adhesive and press firmly into place. This binder has now been designated as my #30daysofgratitude2017 journal.  If desired add a closure. 

Hope you'll try your hand at creating some paper fabric and share your results!  Enjoy some crafting and creative time this week!  Thanks again to Peggy @MixedMediaSupplies for the fabulous images we have to work with. They're so amazing to work with. 

 

 

Planning Ahead

I've been stamping and crafting for a very long time...more years than I care to think of.  However, I recently  discovered that I really needed a way to keep some things a bit more organized in a more visual way. Stamps to the rescue!   Pink & Main's soon to be released Planner Stamp sets were perfect to help me notch it up.  I'm very happy to have been chosen to highlight two stamp sets for them from their Planner series. 

My life revolves around 4 distinct areas, 1,2) home and family; 3) work; and 4) my business. I assigned each area a color  and then the beauty of the process unfolded - there's still some tweaking to do, but I have been testing it for a month and it's working very well. I wanted to share just a little of this coming's month's calendar...

So choose your planner (I chose to print mine using a calendar feature in one of my editing programs (Print Shop - PC version). The calendar version I chose allowed me some space on the left side to trim the pages.   I used the 3 in trimmed piece as an add on for some notes and space to enter additional information that may not have fit on the page.  My accountant has been after me too... so I made sure to add some additional information for credits and debits for tax purposes under this decorative piece I eBrushed using stencils.  :)

And here's another sheet: 

The left margin of the page also allows me space to document hours worked or note feelings or the weather.... I'm taking advantage of noting our very active Spring weather here and doing a little doodling which is very soothing to me. 

I used my comb binder to secure all my pages... you could use an 8 x 8 photo album too and just punch your pages to  secure them on the posts.  I like that I can add additional pages as needed including photos if the mood strikes! 

please accept my apologies for the dark images.... our weather has been terribly cloudy and sunshine has been a rarity in recent days -- no, make that weeks!

Thanks for dropping by.  Stay tuned, as I have two more projects using these stamps to be shared soon. 

Related articles

Birthday with Bic Mark-Its!

sharing joy

Are You Up to the Challenge?

Shameless plug...

Catherine Stafford has just published her third book!  This one through her own publishing company, Growing Greatness Publications. 

  Her book is called, Your Greatness is Growing - Nurturing the Heart of Autism.  It's available through Amazon.com and is an excellent resource for parents and kids on the Autism spectrum.  Join me on Wednesday, Feb 29, 2012  and help launch this book to a #1 selling slot.  

On a side note, Catherine will be re-releasing her other two books very shortly!  So be on the look out for Nurture My Heart and  Teacher, Nurture My Heart also through Growing Greatness Publications.   

 

 

 

Bumpy night

We got off lucky again last night.  PHEW!  It's a little unsettling to watch and listen as the weather guys are telling you the rotations indicated by radar (nothing seen visually) are just a couple of blocks away from you.  Our hearts and blessings go out to all who were in harm's way last night during the storms.  We haven't heard from family members to the north yet who also were in the storms' tracks yesterday.  Hopefully, all is well with them as well.

With all the lightning, the computers had to go off last night for a time...so what do you do?  You make cards or do something else creative while we watch the storms and wait --

I did get another packet of cards completed, wrapped the 2 stacks of tumbled tile coasters and got a few things cleaned up.  There's a smattering more to do this morning.    Look familiar?  It should...same stamp set, just a different color way.  I also used the new border punch from SU. Mini Brads from OT, Ribbon from Crafts Etc (HL); papers, inks and stamps SU!  Repurposed acetate container from PaperTreyInk.  I'll be happy when the new ones arrive this weekend!  I'm loving this way of presenting a mini stash of cards! 

I've got a bit of packing to do this morning -- and can't forget to slip that new book in my carry-on.  I'm looking forward to some down time and maybe a little time reading and taking in a bit of sun during our weekend getaway.  This evening, however, we're meeting up with some long time friends we used to teach with in Idaho.  It will be nice to reconnect face to face rather than through emails and facebook!  See you soon!

Today's nurturing moment:
Be thankful for every flower you meet, every tree you meet, every being you meet, every person you meet in your life.  The more and more you appreciate you will see how beautiful the life is you are living in.  You will transform.  Your world will transform.  --Sri Vast

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous day and don't forget to Nurture your heart today!  :)

Music

  Several months ago I discovered a fabulous music station that offers inspiring and uplifting music and it's on the internet! http://yldsr.com  I often just turn it on knowing that I don't have to worry about the messages playing over the cyber and air waves and it so pleasant to  "tune in" too to the messages of the songs and instrumentals  :o)  No, Im not plugging for them, but I've never felt down after listening - and yes, it's what's playing in the background while we craft and create -- SWEET MUSIC IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!  I love that I can slip into this realm of music and find joy and  and lessons of God's love there regardless of what is going on just beyond the room's walls.  Just one more step on my joyous journey! 

Mother's Day is just a few days away.  I pulled out the CD of Mom's birthday celebration from a couple of years ago and watched it again yesterday afternoon.  Her artwork continues to blow me away and I love her smile and so many of the sweet memories that weekend provided as we all gathered to celebrate not only her birthday but motherhood!  Her unconditional love for each of us regardless of our choices continues.  I just wish that Alzheimer's wasn't taking her away bit by bit.  I feel sad that she knows what's happening and sees things slipping away and her independence is being stripped away piece by piece...she does understand that it's for her own safety, but that doesn't make it any easier.  Mom, I love you and will love you always -- thank you for teaching me so many wonderful and valuable lessons about being a mom and a step-mom.  I am honored to not only call you MOM, but my Hero today!  Thanks so much!  (and I promise, no remember whens?)

On the crafty side:

The bookcase was cleared moved and refilled with essential supplies before the gals arrived to play.  We played, talked and played some more last night until 9:30 or so.  Everyone did their very own thing -- from stamping and inking to glueing and layering components to create their works of art for gifting and sharing!  I have a stack too...nothing fancy, sweet and simple and not a whole lot of stamping going on either.  My head was still wrapped around trying to find those missing pictures!  I moved and searched several more places yesterday -- but still can't locate the binder and folder.  It was fun and I'm looking forward to more crafting and creative time on Saturday.  

 This card uses paper from Provo Craft; Flowers and brad from Oriental Trading. Rhinestone, Hobby Lobby; Scallop border punch from SU.  Not a bit of stamping on this one.  I'll probably leave off any sentiments from the front and

I really like this stamp set from SU.  The pierced/stitched look of the trio of embossed hearts goes perfectly with this patterned paper I found at HL  last year.  I'm thinking I'll try to make another one of those and use some real stitching instead of faux.

Guess that's about it for this morning...time to get myself started on some work -- those mailing lists are staring at me.

Today's nurturing moment is:

  Confidence on the outside begins by living with integrity on the inside.  -Brian Tracy

Enjoy a day filled with GREATNESS and don't forget to Nurture your heart today!

Sunday sorts....

The sun is shining in the bright blue skies this morning here in the central plains.  It's Gorgeous, though still on the nippy side as far as temps go.

We're looking forward to a wonderful day.  Sharing time with friends and family at church a little later and enjoying some time together this evening. 

Here's hoping you'll be doing a bit of the same!

Today's thought is:  Life is no brief candle to me.  It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.  George Bernard Shaw

 

 

Yesterday's cardmaking was lots of fun!  There were yellow Easter Peeps all around as Ms T made lots of them with feathers, wiggle eyes and pompoms.  A few punches got a work out to make their bases.  We also made a quick and easy gift -- you could put a calendar in between the covers or a small pad of post-its if you'd like.  We used the Bind-it-All to put the covers together once we covered the coasters (oh, and they were a close-out deal at  25 cents per package of 6!)  If you're looking for some quick and easy gifts for under a couple of dollars when all is said and done --- here's something to look at!     I added a charm and some ribbons.  The edges are inked and the SU stamped flower (Easter Beauty) is layered and on popdots for some added texture.  The charm is something I picked up at the bead store in Scottsdale a   couple of years ago -- yep, still have a few of those treasures from that trip still on hand waiting for a perfect place or gifting.    We also thought after making these that you could also just use one coaster, decorate it as desired add some magnet tape to the underside, add either the calendar or pad of paper and have a neat fridgie!  I don't reccommend having something like that too near to the computer -- even though it would be handy!  These would also be really cool with special quotes  attached too....which reminds me that this week we're working on this very project!  Wish us luck as we try to get them organized and ready to put on the background and maybe even do a mini print run for Ms P who is flying in this week so she'll have something tangible to take home with her.  I think that's a great idea!  

Thanks for dropping by and reading.  Feel free to leave a note too.