Only two weeks until Father's Day is celebrated here in the US. This project was inspired after a stroll through some images on Pinterest.
All cuts were made using the eclips2. The eCal3 software and library provided a few of the basic shapes (triangle, tie, tag) used. Lots of digital paper and themed cards were used (Carte Postale, Carta Bella - Our Family, Lori Whitlock Life Cards, MSC Moustaches, and a free download for the library card digital) and the Print 2 Cut feature in eCal made it so easy to fill the shapes, print and cut.
Close ups of a few of the pieces below:
Lots of fun and a relatively quick project to mat and put together.
Thanks for dropping by. Hoping you've scheduled some creative time this weekend. Enjoy and nurture your creative spirit this week.
It's been a busy sort of spring with all sorts of fun projects .... however, I haven't published a post in nearly a month! And here's the reason why: I have an agreement with Invite By Voice not to publish anything I create for them until they have published it on their social media. It's hard to sit on so many fun ideas for this long, but I hope you'll agree that it will be well worth the wait once they publish....
AND: Mom care has sort of taken over our lives too. Things are changing a bit here and we have had to "up our game" to stay on top of things regarding her care.
Now back to crafting again so let's see: a recent ATC Challenge brought this little goodie forth. I'm still hoping to add a few little details, like a book and some reading glasses, but for now, this project was a fun create using the eclips2 and eCal3.
The adirondack chair is a free file from SVGCuts.com and the umbrella is from the Summer folder in the Basic Library on eCal. I purchased the vintage label shape from the eShape Store and the sentiment is from Creative Fabrica. The blanket is a rectangle and just folded and crunched a bit. The background image is a photo I purchased for commercial use and modification -- I used photoshop to add the watercolor filter. and removed a couple of people from the photo. Then placed the image on the mat in eCal and created a clipping path using a rectangle the size of the ATC card and used the print 2 cut option in eCal3. So much fun!
I really enjoy playing with the ATC size cards -- and here's the link to a grouping of ATC's I made last year.
Father's Day is just around the corner - a couple of weeks away. Haven't sent out this year's cards yet, but they are made and I'll create a separate post for those in a couple of days. In the meantime, how about checking out the cards we sent out a couple of years ago.... the post is here.
And lastly, as we gear up for summer holidays, last year's fun included a fun 4th of July marquee --all the details are here.
Thanks so stopping by and I hope you'll enjoy revisiting some of my past posts and will be looking forward to what's coming in the next couple of weeks. It just might turn into project OVERLOAD!
Fall has definitely arrived here. The leaves are beginning to fall from the trees and the vibrant colors are beginning to fade a bit too. That's not all that's changed... we're celebrating a huge change for our family! T starts a new job today! We're so excited for him! And for part of our celebration, I made this fun combat boot from SVGAttic's My Hero collection.
I made it extra study since we're loading it down with a couple pounds of goodies.
His BDUs and dress blues are now out of storage for what I hope is his dream job. He's excited and looking forward to this teaching experience - middle school math and possibly coaching X-Country again.
You'll need: JGW My Hero Collection from SVGAttic Sizzix eclips2 and ecal 3 12 x 12 cardstock (stash) White scrap for "dog tag*" Shoe lace (I used some ribbon from my stash since the regular shoelace was too thick for my holes) eyelets (15) eyelet tool adhesive (Lineco book binder glue) Xyron Markers (Tombow - blue, Spectrum Noir - black) optional
*I created a print to cut dog tag using the rounded rectangle shape in the library and didn't use the one supplied in the kit.
Follow the directions posted here to put your boot together. I think I would add the toe to the boot before adding gluing to the sole piece. My fingers had a difficult time getting into a couple of places to make sure that the tabs were in place correctly.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you will be creating and crafting soon! Check in with you again soon!
Zombie Wedding from SVGCuttingFiles.com was perfect for this year's anniversary celebration for our oldest son and his wife.
The paper-pieced figures were eBrushed using Tombow Markers and a few glossy highlights were added using SN Clear Sparkle pen and Journey Glaze from Fun Stampers Journey. one 12 x 12 sheet was enough to cut both figures. I left the cuts on the mat and masked and sprayed until all the color was applied.
My card is made using 1 piece of 8 x 11 white stock and a 2nd piece measuring 6 x 8 1/2. Fold the full sheet of card sso it is 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches. Score the 1/2 sheet 1/2 inch from the left side. Crease. Apply some adhesive to the scored 1/2" and adhere to the back outer edge of the card so it will measure 11" wide. You will be folding this to meet the center of the card. Do not close.
Since my patterned papers had lots of black in them, I decided to use some additional black to frame the larger background piece. Add a smaller rectangle with backing to the front of the card at an angle. You'll need some foam tape under the heads and upper portions of the figurines when securing them to the front of the card. They make quite a statement I think.
I created a sentiment using Cherry Swash and Funky Mother fonts. I wanted the curl on the Cherry Swash "S" to be on the bottom of the letter, so I flipped it horizontally and vertically. The O's are merged and the command Union in the eCal3 software make them one. I created 2 inset shadows in different colors (green and white) and 2 eyes as well. After a little fiddling and a test cut, I decided to do a print to cut with the sentiment. The eyes were cut separately and glued in place. I think if I were to do it again, I would probably add a white stroke to all the lettering and maybe not weld any of the letters together. I did like the layered look of the first test cut, however, the Have a and Anniversary didn't cut cleanly enough for my liking. It was a paper issue, and not the machine or software. I've had success before cutting 1/8" high letters with no difficulty at all.... this paper just didn't cut clean.
To make this even more unique, I added a recordable audio button (light sensitive) to the card. This proved to be a bit of a challenge with the button I purchased and the software isn't compatible with MAC or with Windows 10. We were able to find an older PC with Windows 7 and complete the recording. There are other recordable buttons on the market. You might want to check a few of those if this is something you would like to try.
Once the button was secured in place, adhere the edges of the back piece at the top and bottom. You can leave the edge at the center fold open if desired.
Supplies used*: 1 - 12 x 12 cardstock, Whipped Cream (Fun Stampers Journey) Zombie Wedding (SVGCuttingFiles.com) Sizzix eclips2 / eCal3 software 2- 8 x 11 cardstock, white (stash) Patterned paper (stash) eBrush Tombow Markers Journey Glaze Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen (clear) Scor-Tape (1/4") Lineco Book Binding Glue (Amazon) Recordable audio button (Invitebyvoice.com) and audio file (Tubular Bells Ringtone was a free download)
No affiliate links are used in this post. I am not being compensated by any company/entity.
Hope you have some crafting and/or creative time planned into this week's schedule! Nurture your heart today!
Sorry about that. Lots of shifts, changes and I now have a new office and crafting space. Pictures to follow in a future blog -- however, there has been a little crafting happening around here - just not a whole lot of crafting.
Now that I have power and lighting in the area, I should be able to get some time in and leave the clutter out of the upstairs living area. My hubby is especially happy about that! We can see the top of dining room table again!
Father's Day is just around the corner... so I made a card for each of the boys. T's card and gift are cut - but not finished, yet. Next up!
The names were made using the eclips by Sizzix and using eCal2. So much fun and making the "titles" was easy using the Contour Cut (shadow) command.
Digital woodgrain paper I found on etsy for the background and an old alpha stamp set (retired) from Memory Makers.
The lettering was white and of course, I used the eBrush and Sharpies for the color. Paper from Fun Stampers Journey.
These were also done for a challenge on the FB eclips-eCal users board. I finished them late, but still decided to share them. We're spending the next several weeks getting to know the software better and learn more of the possibilities the program offers. It's been fun to watch participants take the challenge and come back with fun results through screenshares and completed projects.
I don't know about you, but I have lots and lots and LOTS of svg files that haven't been cut yet... so I'm hoping to cut at least one file every couple of weeks and get it put together within a month. While I was cutting the above titles for the cards, I also cut three additional files. This vase with buttercups from Dreaming Tree was my #2 finish last week. I have to admit, I'm loving the fact that these beauties are pollen free! Paper from FSJ and an stash.
And the 3rd project that I'm just finishing up is also from Dreaming Tree -- I've used some other portions of the file (you can see them here and here), but never completed the flowers - I was a little intimidated by all the blossoms required for the tops. Well, that's done now, but with a twist. I put the blooms on a stick and they will soon fill a lovely silver vase.
The "inked" edges were done with the eBrush and Spectrum Noir markers which made quick work of all the florets.
Please note that none of the links above are affiliate links. I trust that you'll find what you'll need or want by searching the individual website.
Happy Crafting! Create some time to be creative and nurture your soul!
Our 23rd anniversary is just around the corner and I found this saying on CreativeFabrica.com and it's perfect for what I had in mind.... a not so mini way of sharing a bunch of photos we've taken over the years -- goofy smiles included -- yeah, I know you don't see any of those smiling images -- but you do see some fun embossed pieces using folders from Teresa Collins and Craftwell. The sentiment was eBrushed using a stencil cut on my Sizzix eclips2. Let's get started on the process....
You'll need: eBrush and marker adapter Cut-n-Boss markers vinyl electronic die cutting machine -- Sizzix eclips2 and eCal2 So Many Smiles file embossing folders (Decor Circles, Alpha, Beautiful Words, Stars,Twill Herringbone Preppy Houndstooth, Diamonds, Cabana) Prepped Wood (I'm recycling another shelf)
fabric strips or twine heavy duty stapler Painters' tape scrap paper or copies of photos cut into 4 inch squares binder clips Transfer tape Sawtooth hanger - and nails Sealer
Open the So Many Smiles file in your machine's software. Size as desired. Cut using your machines settings for vinyl. Weed, creating a stencil. Apply transfer tape. Set aside. At this point, add the sawtooth hanger to the back of the board if you plan on hanging your board. Apply the stencil to the wood. Lightly burnish to make sure that no spray will bleed under the vinyl while you're spraying.
Get your eBrush ready! Seat the markers for an even spray. Spray and color as desired. Let dry. Remove the stencil carefully. Spray with two very light coats of sealer, letting the first coat dry for a few hours before spraying again. This will add a little protection and keep the marker from scratching if your board has a really slick surface (My shelf was still a bit too "slick" and the marker scratched off in a couple of spots and touching up created another scratch instead of fill).
I chose to use some fabric strips -- 1 inch by 45 inches tied together with a simple knot. I knotted one end and secured it to the back of the board with a staple. You could also use a glue gun to secure the strips in place.... Wrap the strips around the board as desired, securing with staples as needed. Set aside
Gather your embossing folders -- time to use the Cut-n-Boss.
Using the 4 inch squares, emboss as desired -- using some fun folders in the Cut-n-Boss. Attach to the fabric strips with a binder clip....
I'll add some photos a little later.... I don't want T so see the pics until I give him the gift! In the meantime, I hope you'll be enjoying some time in your creative space this week! Hope you'll stop by again soon.
I'm excited to be a part of this small but hoping to grow bigger blog hop featuring Sizzix' eclips machine. Hoping you'll enjoy your stops and the projects created using the Sizzix eclips and files from a broad group of designers and shops.
I chose to use a file from a recent release by Mary Rudakis at SVGCuts.com. The Game Day Marquee Signs Set is so much fun and for my Baseball fanatic hubby, it's a perfect addition to his growing collection of Baseball decor on the walls and shelves in his space. The title is my own design and you can download a copy of the file in SVG form here.
I used some SU 12x12" stock and the Grand Slam Mini Theme Collection from Echo Park. Some red floss for the stitching AND Old Paper distress ink by Ranger. Scraps for the title. The eclips2 and eCal2 software made matting and cutting a breeze!
Use a good quick drying glue as adhesive. I used Scotch Quick dry for this project. It's a good quality glue and still gives you a bit of time to adjust if needed before the bond is secure.
Following the excellent assembly tutorial here, Mary made assembly EZ!.... Assemble your title and using some dimensional pop up dots, secure to the front of the baseball.
Add the lights. Heidi Swap has several kits available for use with Marquee items. You'll need a set of 24 lights for this project. Don't forget those triple A batteries!
T caught a glimpse of this and gave it 2 thumbs up!
Thanks for joining us in the #sizzixeclips Blog Hop. For your chance to receive a free gift certificate, you must leave a comment. The more blogs you visit and comment on, the more chances you have to win! Our blog hop runs from 8/19/2016 12:00 am ET thru 8/21/2016 11:59 pm ET. Each participating blog in this hop will award 1 lucky commentor a gift certificate. 1 Grand Prize certificate will be awarded based on all comments from all participating blogs. Winners will be posted on August 22, 2016. Be sure to check back. You may be one of our lucky winners! You must claim your prize within 48 hours after the hop ends!
Here's the list of bloggers participating in this hop:
Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a gift certificate. AND be sure to check back on Tuesday, August 22nd for the winner's list!
Join us on the eclips/eCal FB page to participate in future hops and challenges. Using your eclips and eCal software can be lots of fun with this versatile machine! Wishing you some happy creative time in the very near future!
How about this quick frame (file from the eShape store) and accompanying tags for each day in October?
*Sizzix eclips2 and eCal2 software Easel file from Lori Whitlock Embossing folders from Sizzix, Provo Craft Big Shot Pro Print Shop for MAC (to print smaller tags) Craftwell USA eBrush, SN adapter Spectrum Noir markers
Last week, I shared the cover of the album here. Let's take a peek at a few of the pages on the inside.
Remember this photo?
You'll need: Craftwell eBrush Markers (I used BIC brand) Cardstock, white (110lb Neenah was my choice) Bella Blvd (Just Add Color! papers, Trinkets (stickers) B&W, Enamel DooDads (arrows, stars, photo corners, and hearts) die cuts (border, heart, flower, letters) Micron .05 pen, black Other embellishments as desired Adhesive - Xyron was used for this project
Remember all those pieces you cut for the pages, go ahead, center and layer them in. Add your words from the Trinkets pages. I also used some enamel DooDads on the pages with the pictures*. I've colored them using markers! Slick!
(*Due to some privacy issues, I'm not able to share the pictures that are included in this album. So I hope you won't mind.... )
Here are a couple of photos of the inside pages that don't have pictures on them. and below those you'll see the full page spreads without the photos.
The nice thing about this album is that you're not limited by the number of pages. You can continue to add as desired. My album lays relatively flat still, so I don't need any "ties" to keep it closed, however, if you want, I'd suggest a simple belly band to slip on OR just tie it closed with a ribbon.
Hope you're inspired to capture the spirit of some fun late summer memories or just catch up on an album. Enjoy some scrapbooking time. We'd love to see what you create too. So join us over on the FB eBrush page and share! AND don't miss out on the rest of this week's designs by the eBrush Team on the CraftwellUSA blog.
I was so excited when my package arrived with all the Bella Blvd goodies in it! I wanted to combine my love of papercrafting and scrapbooking (of which I'm terribly behind!). This accordion album seemed to be a perfect fit for the start of today's project --- I'll share more of it next week!
You'll need: Craftwell eBrush Markers (I used BIC brand) Cardstock, white (110lb Neenah was my choice) Bella Blvd (Just Add Color! papers, Trinkets (stickers) B&W, Enamel DooDads (arrows, stars, photo corners, and hearts) die cuts (border, heart, flower, letters) Micron .05 pen, black Other embellishments as desired Adhesive
I cut 4 white card sheets at 10.5 inches by 5 inches. Score at 5" and again at 10" on the long side. Repeat for each sheet. Use the 1/2 inch wide scored section as your gluing tab to create your accordion style book. Here's what mine looks like before adding any embellishments. Now the real fun begins. Cut your Bella Blvd Just Add Color sheets to 3.75" square. Enough for your cover and the number of pages you want to add them to. Also get a few more sheets of your white cardstock and cut as many pieces as you have pages at 4 7/8 inch and set those aside. Also cut 2 pieces white cardstock at 4" square. For this particular album, I'm only embellishing the front of the album, leaving the backs open for some journaling --
Get your eBrush, markers and let's get some coloring done.
I used my electronic cutting machine to make the items below. If you have dies or chipboard that would be perfect for you album cover, by all means use what you have on hand.
Now, that you have all your coloring done, time to get a few things put together. I chose to use some Xyron adhesive for this project. Run the white 4 7/8" pieces through the machine and apply to each of the pages. Add a colored square of Bella Blvd to the center of each page as desired.
For the cover: I have a roll of burlap and cut a square just a little larger than 5 inches. I chose to also put that through the Xyron machine for good coverage and to make sure it would stick! Added my cover elements as shown below.
I have to admit that since I'm crafting "on the run" this month, this didn't turn out all that bad. Next week, I'll share some pics of the inside. As much as I'm loving my current surroundings, I will be grateful to get back home and into my regular crafting space early next month! And I'm sure my sister will appreciate it as well. :)
Hope you have some crafting time set aside for the week! Don't forget to drop by frequently... you never know what you'll find!
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