Izbzee

You Are

I first started making these cards in 2011.  Over the years, I've changed them a bit - However, I really do like this new iteration -- and part of that is because I'm able to use the scans from some of my gel prints and have added a new feature to these very special personalized cards -- an EZ Sound Module from InviteByVoice.com.  The module allows additional opportunities to personalize for the perfect final touch.   

You'll need:
EZ Sound Module (InviteByVoice.com)
Print Shop® (or another editing program)
Fonts (I used a few for this one, Noteworthy, Edwardian Script, Andrea, CK Emily Hand, Century Schoolbook, Calibri)
Cardstock (8.5 x 11 for printables, 12 x 6 for card base)
Digital scans (I used gel prints for mine) -or designer paper
Scor-Tape
Bone folder and score board
Paper Trimmer

Printer
Optional:  Electronic Die Cutting machine (eclips 2 and eCal3 software) for inside sentiment

The set up for the card front is pretty easy in PrintShop®.  Just create a Headline with the letter U.  Adjust fill, shadow and stroke as desired.  Create another headline with the word ARE, rotate to the left 90 degrees and adjust sizing as needed.  Adjust fill, shadow, and stroke to match the U.  Create a text box and begin typing in your descriptive words.  Once you have your box filled, you can highlight individual words and change the font within the box.  You can print 4 card fronts per 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of cardstock.  I used white, but I have also used an offwhite and marbled vellum as well for the card base.  Once printed, cut the cardstock, trimming to the size needed.  

Next:  Score the 12 x 5.5  piece of cardstock at 4 inches, 7 .5 inches, 8 inches and 11.5 inches along the long edge.  Fold and crease with the bone folder along each line well. 

  Add sentiments, embellishments and personalize now.  The "Thank you" sentiment was created, print and cut in eCal3. using the eclips2.  The letters are filled using an original gel print pattern.  I printed a 3.5 x 4.5 copy of my scanned gel print and added the thank you cut to that and trimmed it just a little bit more. 

Following the manufacturer's instructions add your music to the EZ Sound Module and secure to the inside back piece with the button facing up by removing the release paper on the back of the module.    The folds allow some "breathing" room for the module and the card will nearly fold flat when it is put together. 

Apply some double stick tape on the last 1/2 fold and line up the edge with the first fold at the 4 inch mark and secure. 

I'm using a free ringtone download  snippet of Bette Midler's The Wind Beneath My Wings. TIP: You can move the play button and place exactly where you need it for best access to fit the card size. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hoping you're set aside a few hours for some creative time this week.  We'll catch up with you again soon! 

Celebrate your creativity today! 

 

 

fairy tales

Life gets a little crazy around here with birthdays in the spring and with 10 grands I need to come up with something a little different for each.

Since I started the year with Holden's interactive card, I figured I'd best get designing a few more for the rest of the grands that have birthdays coming up on the calendar.  It's going to be a busy Spring!

This card is inspired by a card I saw on Instagram (MFT Stamps).  Reminds me of a fairy tale.  How about you? 

eCal3 has a gradient tool and it makes it easy to add colors to make the perfect sky!  You can save your presets too!  Fill a rectangle using the gradient tool and set it to print to cut.  Create a shadow layer, set as print 2 cut cut layer.  I made the castle turret using basic shapes and using the pattern fill, and also set that as print to cut.  I used one of the unicorns from a Crafting Desert Diva digital set -- resized to fit.  You can also fill the hills and trees using patterns from your digital paper collection OR use scraps from your patterned papers.   All pieces are cut using the eclips2.  Have a stash of foam squares for added dimension ready -- you'll need them!  I used the eBrush  and Tombow USA markers to add a little shading to the clouds and to the 'hills." 

If desired, create a sliding tab mechanism and attach the braid to the slide.  Pulling the slide will pull the braid up a bit inside the turret.  Pulling the end of the braid lengthens the braid for the interactive component. I added a couple of layers of primary colored card stock to add a little bit of contrast and secured to a card base. 

I know the stamping is a little messed up....  dang it all!  Will try a little more blending to see if I can fix it for a more shaded look. 

Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your busy day and stopping by.  Hope you have some creative time scheduled on your calendar and soon!  Enjoy!  We'll be back again soon... there's more Spring birthdays ahead! 

Paper Piecing for <3 day

This file has been in my digital cutting file archives for a very long time.  I was happy to re-discover it and put it to good use.

The file is from Paper Piecing by Nikki (PPBN).  It was a fun image to put together and pretty straightforward.  And a breeze to cut using the eclips2 and eCal3 software. 

No real instructions necessary and it's a pretty good way to use up some of those scraps. 

Inking the edges adds dimension and a little more interest.  I added a little sparkle with a clear sparkle pen from Spectrum Noir, but you could use Wink of Stella or brush on some mica for that bit of shimmer on the tumbling hearts and wings.  I added a small swipe on the nose and in the eyes...but it doesn't show up much.   Add a piece of twine for the bucket handle and slip it under the arm to hold it in place. 

2018 - going, going, gone

2018 has been a full year.  Lots of good things have happened overall and even the not to great stuff wasn't all that bad when you think about it.

I've really enjoyed my creative time so much more this year.  A few artsy and fun classes from penwork to gelli plate/art and general play with paper, clay and fabric.  Grateful for it all. 

I've decided that for me, it would be fun to recap the year with a few pictures of some of my favorite projects....  you can check the archives by the year and month for the whole year's worth of fun.   

January the Valentine Ornament box.  File from Lori Whitlock - Halloween house adapted for the holiday. 

February a little clay play.  Love using Sculpey, stamps, mica and more.  This was among my favorites for some mixed media play and design team work for Mixed Media Supplies. 

March Lots of pastel colors and a touch of non-caloric chocolate for this fun dimensional card from Simply Crafty SVGs  was a favorite for the month. 

April  A sweet shadowbox card using G45's Secret Garden.  File from SVGCuts.com

May  ATC sized gelli prints -- and digital stamps.  So much play fun! 

June  quick and easy card using a digital stamp from RGStudio360. 

July -  July porch decor using a recycled shelving side panel...

August - we got an early start with October crafting with this paper quilt. So much fun kicking up a few heels! 

September  The Geodesic Pumpkin from SVGCuts was a perfect addition to the mantel for September and October! 

October  brought more than a change in the weather.... it's also anniversary time for our youngest son. We went a little overboard on this year's card, but it was so worth it! 

 

November I couldn't pick just one project for this month, so I'm sharing two!  The first was a fun 12 Tags of Christmas challenge.  All of the details for this one including a video can be found here. 

Dreaming Tree also put out a bevy of great files to work with in 2018... among my favorites was this cutie! 

December   Our Gnomie tree - I love my laser etcher and I've loving having found a new way to showcase some digital artwork using wood pieces from my stash!  

I hope you've enjoyed this review of my year. Crafting is my respite -- my discovery for the year.  I've loved taking the online classes and exploring more ways to develop my talents and play.  I'm grateful to my family for their generosity in time, space and respite. 

We look forward to a fabulous 2019 -- carving in creative time each week. Hoping you're doing the same! 
My word for 2019 - Inspire

Our Gnomie tree

This year, I decided to expand on the gnome ornaments I created last year.  A quick hop over to 123rf.com for a fun black and white background image filled with 5 different gnomes.  I duplicated the file, cropped each of the 5 gnomes as single images and saved each as a jpg  Preview on the MAC makes it a quick process.  I transferred the file to my PC and changed the files to bmp in Paint.  No distortion or change in size needed.  The NEJE software for the laser etcher requires a bmp format and I included the dimensions in pixels in the bmp file and dropped those files in the collection folder of the software folder.

You can find the file here on 123rf.com  There's also a color version that would make a perfect backdrop for a card or holder for the ornament!

Set up the etcher, open the program and find the image you want to etch.  I didn't have to do much resizing for the etching size.  I burned the images on some small tags, added a twine loop and hung them on the tree. You could also color the tags using watercolor pencils or markers for a little pop of additional color if you wanted.

The snowflakes were another addition this year.  Also burned using the etcher on some shaped pieces we picked up at the local thrift store (about 100 shapes for 50 cents).  We definitely found a good use for them. 

Shhh, don't say anything about the lean of the tree.... the littles got a little rambunctious the other night and toppled it --- not the first time and won't be the last I'm sure. 

  Grateful for mostly unbreakable ornaments on that tree!  :)  And it sort of reminds me of the tree in a Charlie Brown Christmas.  I expect next year, we'll be adding a few more and tossing a few of the snowflakes in that basket on too.  :) 

Happy Crafting! 

 

 

Hi Gnomie!

 Simply Crafty SVGs has the cutest file for a 3D gnome.

Thought I would drop in and share this with you in a quick post.  You'll find the svg file here.

All pieces were cut using the Sizzix eclips2 and eCal 3.  paper from Paper Studio, Fun Stampers Journey, Neenah)

I opted to use some white on white print for the beard and trim on the hat.  Sandy has some nice directions in her video - If you've been putting dimensional pieces together for a while, you could probably put this together without viewing the video on her youtube channel. 

Inking the edges gives the nose and body panels a little more dimension. 

This piece is sitting at the base of our Gnomie tree this year.  The littles really like it and the tree.  Pics of the tree coming in a couple of days. 

 

 

 

 

Noel

Loving the layers in this card  - the last version of our cards for this holiday season. 

Created in eCal3 and cut with the eclips.  The flower measures an inch! 

You'll need:
eclips2
eCal3
White cardstock for all the cuts
12 x 12 Colored stock for card bases ( cut to 5.5" square card base)
Poinsettia SVG (a file in my SVG folder, no attribution given)
Spectrum Noir markers (DR5, DR6, JG6)
mini domed jewels (stash)
Glaze (FSJ)
Lineco glue
Scor Tape
Glue dot

Cut all the elements.  Weld the letters together for the base.  Cut another layer of letters -- I chose to unlink them and cut separately.  Glue the letters to the welded layer.  I started with the L and left the O to glue on last.  Set aside to dry.

I used the markers to color the flower.  Blend both reds together on the bottom layer, use the darker of the two reds for the middle layer and the lightest red for the top layer of the flower.  Glue the layers together and using a drop of the glaze, add the jewel.  Set aside to dry. 

Cut card bases.  I'm using a 5.5 inch base for these cards as they will be hand delivered.  Glue the letter layer to the base, using a glue dot, attach the flower.  Add a sentiment to the inside of the card.  Use a clear adhesive sticker to close the card and deliver to your recipients! 

Thanks for stopping by today!  Wishing you all the best as you continue to create during the month!  #eclipsecalmaker

Ornament card

I saw this idea on a Gelli Art video shared recently on their blog.  I just had to make a few.  I love gelli printing and figured it was worth the price to get a couple of small circle plates -- LOVE THEM and it was good retail therapy to boot!  LOL

 

 

You'll need:
Paint (colors of your choice)
brayer
stencils and other texture supplies
Gelli plate (circle, small)
Oatmeal/kraft color cardstock - FSJ
twine, ribbon
adhesive (Lineco)
white cardstock
Silver Sharpie
Mixed Media Supplies mica

eclips2
eCal3
printer/scanner (optional)

Create your prints using the gelli plate and paints.  Set aside to dry.  You can print directly onto your card front as shown in the video or stamp several onto a sheet and scan and then trace in eCal to cut. 

Create the ornament top using the basic shapes library and cut on white cardstock.  Color with the silver Sharpie.  My marker wasn't as juicy as a new one, and I was able to get the ridge lines with ease.  😊

If you printed directly to your card front, glue on the ornament top and add the twine or ribbon to finish off.  I used a stamp on the inside, but you could certainly print before you add your gelli print to the front of the stock. 

Because I desired some cleaner edges on most of my prints (I got a little heavy handed with the paint on a few of the prints), I cut my prints and glued to the front of the cardstock bases.  I added some mica to all the fronts for a little more bling even though it doesn't show up well in this image. 

Thanks for stopping by as we close out 2018.  I'm looking forward to more creative time in 2019!  #eclipsecalmaker

Cards of the season

This card inspired by this Z-fold card made by Lisa (found here) is our primary Christmas card for this year.  I love how it turned out.  I didn't have the dies for the label or anything I felt was quite similar, but I did have an SVG set of nested labels I'd gotten from Penny Duncan a few years ago in my SVG vault of files.  So, opening eCal3 and gathering all the needed files, I got started on creating my own z-fold version of this card.

You'll need:
eCal3
Sizzix eclips2
cardstock (script print-paperstudio, black-FSJ, white-Neenah 110 lb)
bone folder
adhesives (scor tape, Lineco glue, glue dots)
White or holographic gel pen
Nested Labels (Penny Duncan)
Bethlehem and Nativity SVGs (123rf.com)
Sentiment stamp

due to the fact that Penny holds the copyright and is the creator of the label file, I can't share my SVG file with you.  these were fun to make and once all the pieces are cut, it's very rewarding to put them together and see the final results.  I know our friends and family will enjoy them this year. 

Thanks for dropping by today.  Hoping you're enjoying some creative time in your craft space this month.  #eclipsecalmaker


 

gobble gobble

Thanksgiving is just around the corner... I saw this cute and whimsical wood cut in an ad and figured why not?  :) 

I think it turned out pretty cute.   The turkey has his own personality... Love the eyelash yarn I found in my stash leftover from some projects a number of years ago. He might need a little trim on top though.  I haven't quite decided. 

And I decided to make some printable Thanksgiving postcards  using the eCal3 software and basic shapes library. 


You'll Need:
Turkey Time  WoodCreations. 
Gesso
White paint
Tack cloth
Foam brush
Paper  or paint
glue
Yarn
white gel pen
ink (optional for edges)
glue gun
eCal3 (basic shapes library and fonts of your choosing)
eclips2
printer

Thanks for dropping by.  Hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are.  We're looking forward to an early celebration with our family this weekend.   

Nurture your creativity and create space and time to do it!