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!
A current challenge on the eclips & eCal Facebook page was the basis for creating this fun interactive card. The challenge requires use of a shaker element. The shaker must be created using eCal and cutting with the eclips cutting machine.
This idea has been in a sketchbook for over a year --the challenge was perfect timing and the opportunity to bring this project to the top of the list opened a bevy of other ideas! The shaker for this card had to be transparent all the way to the base of the card -- as that would be where the sentiment would be adhered under the shutter elements.
You'll need: Bazzil cardstock: 2 8.5 x 11 sheets for the card base (5.5 x 8.5) , 2 panels (1.875 x 5), clasp (optional), shutter mechanism pieces (1 6 x 6 piece) 1 6 x 6 inch for camera 1 3 x 4 inch piece for foil quilled sentiment 1 6 x 6 inch piece for Lens and bar 1 6 x 6 inch transparency for lens
Foil quill standard tip Foil sprinkles for the shaker Foam for back of camera to adhere to card base. Foam for the shaker.
Assemble card base, create a gatefold card. The gatefold will be used in landscape orientation with the flaps being on the top and bottom. You can add the panels to the front of the card now. In this version, the panels were dry embossed. Open the card base. Form the shutter mechanism and adhere to the card base. While the card base is open, adhere the foil quilled sentiment. It should be centered in the opening of the shutter when fully opened.
This card also features an LED light for a flash - using a simple circuit using copper tape, battery and light. (Check out Chibitronics for the basics.) A 1/8 inch punch was used to create the spot for the LED to shine through. Apply foam tape around the 2 outside short edges of the camera - and around the battery to keep it in place. Adhere to the card base, making sure the sentiment is centered in the lens opening.
Create the shaker, Glue both of the lense cardstock shapes together -- this provides a firm top for the shaker. To the back of these, adhere on of the transparency circles.
Adhere the 2nd transparency shape to the front of the camera, centered over the opening in the camera. Add a foam tape circle to the transparency. This version used thin strips of 1/8 thick tape - stacked with a second layer of tape. Add some sprinkles and then place the top of the shaker over this piece.
Add the clasp and closing (if desired). Many of the cards you can find using the gatefold method use a belly band. The clasp used her consists of a rounded rectangle and a decorative piece. Adhere about 1/3 of the clasp piece to the top fold of the card base. Glue a small hook and loop to the clasp and bottom flap to keep the card closed.
Plans are to make several versions of this card. The shutter element is perfect. If desired the shaker element could be left off and just the lens piece with one transparency piece used. Change the sentiment to a stamped image or even a selfie that would fit in the opening area of the shutter.
Hoping you have some time built into your schedules to do a little creating this week. Nurture your spirit along the way too!
Coming soon: 5 Spring Tags! Annual challenge reveal.
With Christmas just around the corner, this #eclipsecalmaker 12 Tags of Christmas Challenge is getting things off on the right footing!
Today's tag is called Christmas Peace and it has a surprise - it lights up with the help of the Chibitronic LED.
You'll need: Sizzix eclips 2 and eCal software (I'm using eCal3) White 110lb cardstock (Neenah) Digital paper Printed Vellum Chibitronic LED, copper tape, battery (as per manufacturer's direction) Scor Tape sequins (optional) Glue
Using basic shapes (triangle and a rectangle) create a tree. Copy it two additional times. Adjust sizes as desired. The tag is found in the basic shapes library (mine is oversized and measures 3.5 inches x 6.5 inches). Then place one of the trees in the desired spot on the tag to cut out. Cut 2.
Using the pattern option in the color palette, fill the other two trees with digital paper as desired and set the two trees to print2cut print. Use the preview option to make sure that all of the pieces will cut as desired -- if not, then create a shadow set at 0.00 and change the color to none and the stroke to none. to the trees you have set with the print2cut print command. The shadow should be set to print2cut cut.
NOTE: Your print2cut print layer should have the stroke set to none. If your machine is calibrated correctly, you should be spot on with your cuts and no white will show around the cut edges.
I cut a rectangle of vellum to put under the tag with the cutout. Adhere in place. If desired, add the LED and battery. Mine is pressure sensitive and will light when a slight amount of pressure is applied to the left tree.
Glue a second tag to the back for more stability and to hide the LED circuit.
Add a bit of ribbon to decorate and create a hanger if desired.
Thanks for dropping by... stay tuned, Tag 2 will post tomorrow!
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