Izbzee

Family Reunion

We were trying to explain to the 92 year old that he had quite a posterity.... but he couldn't wrap his head around the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had.  So what better way than to create a visual of that -- and who belonged to who!  

We've done family group shots in previous years -- But that isn't quite the same and doesn't make it any easier at times... so after looking around for the perfect SVG of a tree that could be used as a background for the project, I found one on Creative Fabrica that would work.  It needed to be big... the 8 x 8 original size of the file wasn't going to allow me to put a large enough image for each grouping... so resizing in SCAL 6 Pro was easy enough and the final size of the tree is 20 x 20 inches.  Hobby Lobby has sheets of watercolor paper in different weights in the 23 x 30 inch size and that was perfect for what we needed to cut the tree -- and having a mat in the right size made it possible to cut the tree as one piece.  

The tree is painted with watercolor paint.  We let it dry overnight before taking the next steps.  

The sentiment at the bottom of the tree is foil quilled using a Single Line Font -- I think Gma would have given a thumbs up on that choice.  

We gathered images from family FB pages and special email requests and could fill all but a very few of the spots -- we still have a couple of blank spots yet.  I'm hoping they'll help us "fill" the circles in over the course of the next few weeks.  The goal was to have the tree finished by the 20th in time for the reunion and share at our gathering.  I initially planned on using hearts to showcase the family photos, but found that difficult with many of the photo choices I had -- so we bagged that went to a circle with a shadow behind it.  We popped up pictures depending on the generation for a little more interest and dimension. 

The frame was one we found on Amazon -- we'd purchased it for another project, but the puzzle didn't fit into it -- so the frame has been sitting for over a year waiting for another opportunity to be used.  

It's a keeper!  Gpa loves it and points out many of the pictures he can identify individuals in.  

Holiday card making - part 2

Trying some "new to me" things this year for our yearly card.  Just not sure if I'll make it through 70 handmade ones or not at this point.  We'll have to see.

I found this idea on Pinterest, this is not my image......

My first thought was I can't  use that much printer ink (magenta) to print the plaid cardstock.   Then, I thought, my hands wouldn't like me if I had to draw each of those lines - white, silver or gold gel pens and I have a love hate relationship - even when using a pen tool with my cutting machine.  So how could I accomplish nearly the same design element and hopefully, save the angst of using pens.... AH!  Foiling!  But then again, using the foil quill would take a bunch of time.  What if....... well that might work -- but let's start at the beginning with the basic design, shall we?

I placed two horizontal rectangles onto the mat in SCAL.  I sized the bottom one to 5.50 w x 4.25 h.  The second rectangle is sized to 5.25 w x 4.00 h. 

Selecting the 2nd rectangle (the smaller one)  I chose one of the bolder fonts from the Avenir Collection I have on my MAC.  I typed in JOY and then using the wrench (STYLE) palette, I added a rounded shadow.  Once I had the letters spaced and sized as desired, I used PATH > Back minus front and had the basic panel created for the card front.  

Using the Ultra Light font in the Avenir collection, I created another  JOY.  You will have to ungroup the font to center in each of the cut areas on the 2nd rectangle.... but first center the the second rectangle over the first -- you should have a narrow border showing on the 1st rectangle.  Before ungrouping the second JOY, try changing the LEADING a bit and set the Text in the center of the cut areas.  Ungroup and adjust as needed.  Set the font to print to cut print only in the Style palette.  You will be foiling the text on this piece.  Group the text and rectangle.  You're ready to print using the software's instructions for Print to Cut Print.  Make sure that your rectangle stroke line is set to white or none in the software before printing.   Since this is on white stock, you shouldn't have too much trouble with your machine reading the registration marks when you're ready to cut.  

Returning to the 2nd rectangle.  It's time to create your plaid.  I used the vertical lines found in the library and created a pattern of 8 lines, all lines set to print.  I grouped them and then using OBJECT > Duplicate > 3 columns, adjusting the spacing slightly, placed those three groupings on the rectangle.   I copied one of the groupings and turned it 90 degrees and resized it to 5.25w and placed it on the rectangle.  (Check preview now to make sure each of those lines is set to draw.)  Make any adjustments needed.  Set the stroke line of the rectangle and cut outs to none.  

We tried using the laser printer, foil and laminator -  I haven't used the laser printer in over a year.... it has a pretty full toner cartridge in it.  After some fiddling and discovering that the USB cable needed to be replaced  (since this printer doesn't have WiFi capabilities) I was able to get successful test print on plain copy paper.... 

After testing a few options, I decided that I'd print on letter sized paper. Since our printer is an older one, we could only feed one sheet of cardstock through at a time.  The registration marks were dark enough for the camera on the skycut to read - thankfully!

Complete the cutting process for your card panels on your cutting machine. 

Now you can laminate using the toner process shared by the manufacturer of the foil you use.  We're using Deco Art, and you can find some basic instructions here.  

I thought about doing foiling on the kraft cuts - however, it proved much easier and quicker to run a 12 x 12 sheet through the inkjet printer and then cut 30 at a time.  When you have 70+ cards to make, time is a priority at the moment.

To assemble: 

Align and secure rectangle 1 to the prepared card base.  (5.5 w x 8.5 h scored at 4.25 and folded for an A2 size card) Sentiment to the inside of the card should already be in place.  If not, and you choose to foil the sentiment, now is the time to add it.  

Add some thin foam dots to place the panel on the card front. 

Add some additional foam to the back of the banner and center as shown below.

Nothing was wasted in this make session.....  3 different cards from one idea:

Thanks for dropping by.  Using some old tools has been fun!    Be sure to stop over on the FB page for more creative fun.  

12 Holiday Tags - #12

Today's the last day for this year's reveal.  I decided that this design would be my last tag -- well, sort of as I have a bonus tag to share too.  But let's get started with this Pinterest inspired tag.

The base tag shape of this tag is from Creative Fabrica.   I used the knife to cut a second tag and add a scalloped edge using the Object to path command.  I used pattern fill and a dark red Christmas Snowflake paper for the scalloped piece and the strip of red at the bottom.  These were glazed with a bit of  Mod Podge.  The stockings are from the SCAL library.  I added some Wink of Stella to the white tops of each stocking.  The sentiment is foil quilled and the edge of the rounded rectangle is inked. The garland is a clipping from a mini garland I found in my stash.  Hot glue was used to attach the garland to the tag and the stockings to the garland.  

I just couldn't stop and I still had some creative time to work with -- I decided to create Santa's sack.  I found a free image at Pixabay of Santa's sack.  I traced it in Procreate and then saved it as a png.  I took it into SCAL and traced it there with a p2c layer.  Once on the mat, I ungrouped and then started adding my final design elements.  Rectangles for packages, tree and an Elf digital stamp from Sweet November (Etsy) to build an interactive tag -- the pull tab allows the elf to put the star on the top of the tree.  Digital papers and bow svgs from Creative Fabrica.  

Here's the pic and a link to the short video follows:



https://youtube.com/shorts/S57M8KBDdxY?feature=share

Thanks for stopping by  and I hope you've had some creative time over the past 10 days to work on your own creative projects!  Have an awesome December and may the month bring you joy!  

12 Holiday Tags - #11

It's day 11 - and as always, it's sad to see this reveal come to a close -- but at least we have one more day of sharing to go!  Be sure to check out the album on our FB page for all the other shares and makes for this year's tags.  

Tag #11 for me is Simple and elegant - using vellum and gold.  

The base tag design is from Creative Fabrica.  I did stencil some gold stars to the base, however, they are hidden under the vellum and are not very visible, unless you look under the vellum shape.  Again, I used some snowflakes from a ProCreate rush set I found on Etsy.  They are foil quilled without using line fill.  I wanted a little more delicate look for this tag.  The word JOY is cut from white cardstock and was inked with a gold stamp pad.  The vellum is attached to the base using some clear tape that is about 1/8" thick.  I don't have a name for the tape any longer, but I do like to use it under the vellum as it generally doesn't show when you use a light background.  

Tomorrow is the final day of our 12 Tags reveal.  It's been a joy to create these tags and I've learned some new techniques along the way.  Some of which I plan to use again and a few more that I wasn't able to use that I will use in future projects.  

12 Holiday Tags - #10

Layers, layers and more layers!  Tags don't have to be boring -- and this year's reveal has been very inspiring!  Don't forget to check out the latest additions to the Reveal album on the FB page!  




Kraft, red and silver is the theme for this snowflake tag. 

The base tag shape was one created by Sandra CreateinSpain and was available through the Sizzix eStore a few years ago.  I created an inset shadow and used some paper I got about 15 years ago at Hobby Lobby.  It was time to use this piece.  The oval scallop shape was created in SCAL6 using the Object on Path command found in the Effects tab.  I used some vellum for the top oval and the  snowflake (is a brush I purchased on Etsy for ProCreate) is foil quilled using the line fill option in the Effects tab. Foam squares were used between the layers.  I added some gems from Queen and Co.  The satin ribbon is glued to the back of the base of the tag.  I added an extra set of tails for a little more interest.  

We're coming to the close of this year's reveal.  It's been fun to see all the creativity shared by the rest of the group that is participating.  If you'd like to see all the amazing art, please check out the following page - and if you're not a member, ask to join... we'd love to have you be a part of our group!    

12 Holiday Tags - #8

It's day #8 of 12... my, it's going by fast!  

 

I'll be Home for Christmas... one of my favorite holiday songs was the inspiration for this simple tag.  The tag shape and house are files from Creative Fabrica.  The sentiment is foiled using the Foil Quill.  The heart is from the library.  

I left the lettering unfilled.  The duo font used is Biscuits and Tea from fontbundles.net (it was free when I added it to my library).  I like the pop of colors with the teal colored foil and the read in the heart which is popped up on a double foam dot as the house is also on foam.  

Thanks for your support and thanks for stopping by again.  It's been fun to spend time crafting and creating and playing with the software this year.  I'm looking forward to learning more in 2024!   Again, feel free to drop by the FB page for more inspiration -- 

12 Holiday Tags - #5

Welcome to day 5 of the 12 Holiday Tags reveal.  It's sure been fun to share some time with you.  Hope you'll take the time and drop over on the FB page to see what everyone else has been creating...

maybe you'll find some ideas for gift giving tags or tree or window decor while you're there.  

 

Holiday Hugs!  I love the green foiled sentiment on this one.  The foil quill has definitely paid for itself and then some!  I love using it and prefer it over using pens or markers at this point in time.  

The "leaf" file is from Creative Fabrica.  It is foiled and a shadow layer was created and cut for a little more definition and texture on the tag.  I used some Nuvo Drops (Metallic Rhubarb Crumble) for the berries.  Sadly, I brushed against the tag while things were drying and messed it up a bit, and just didn't have enough time to recreate the tag.  I used some organza ribbon for the hanger.  

Thanks again for stopping by!  Carve out some creative time and enjoy nurturing your heart and creative spirit every day.  

3 Tags of Fall - Tag 3

It's the last day of the 3 Tags of Fall reveal on our FB page.  It's been a fun couple of days to see what the other makers have created and while our numbers are few, we know that there are others creating, but not posting.  

For my last tag, I created this Pinterest inspired BOO tag using SCAL 6 and cut with the Skycut.  I filled the letters with some paper from Lori Whitlock's digital  I Love Halloween collection from Echo Park.  


The tag base was created in SCAL 6.  It has been inked and the sentiment (Avenir and Ballegand fonts) is foiled with black foil.  Using the Magic Moon Font, I've used the Pattern option to fill each of the letters.  Follow the print 2 cut directions for your software and machine.  I've added foam behind the printed letters which have been lightly inked with Black Soot (distress ink) and there are two shadow layers beneath the top layer.  The bottom is a blackout shadow cut in black paper.  The middle layer is a burnt orange color and is glued directly to the bottom blackout layer.  I've added a small wiggle eye as the period of the exclamation mark for a little more dimension and interest.  



Materials:
AC Cardstock
Printer
Distress Ink, blending tool
Foil Quill (standard nib)
Black Foil (Spellbinders)
Bearly Art Glue
Black foam tape
Wiggle Eye

2023 - 5 Tags of Summer - tag 5

For my last tag for this challenge, I created a nighttime mountain scene.  I found a couple of files at Creative Fabrica that would work.  I chose dark papers for this tag to remind me of my last trip to the mountains and looking up at the night sky.  Wouldn't it be neat to see the northern lights too?  Sadly, we hardly ever have the opportunity to see them where we live... but it would be fun!  

I used the same design for this tag as I used for the Summer Reads tag.  I didn't change the size of the tag.  To add the flap to the front of the tag, I added an altered tag from the basic library in SCAL.  This flap will also be the important to the interactive portion of the tag. 

The sentiment, Summer's last hurrah! is foiled using the foil quill.  

Before assembling the front of the tag, I marked the 2nd tag I cut so I could create a circuit for the chibitronics LED lights I planned to add for the interactive piece.  I created the circuit using conductive fabric tape.  Added the lights and secured the lights with an extra layer of tape.  To make sure the tape that would be placed on the back of the tag front would make contact with the battery and circuit, I added a small piece of foam tape and burnished a small piece of tape on the circuit on the back tag.  Add foam tape around the perimeter of the tag and make sure there is a border around the battery to hold it in place.  

Ink the layer pieces as desired.  I added some Pearl Ex mixed with water to the upper portion of the tag front.  Let dry.  Assemble and glue the remaining pieces for the front of that tag.   In the area where the opening is, place a piece of conductive fabric, making sure it aligns with the battery and the circuit.  Test to make sure the lights will light when the flap is pressed against the tag.  

Remove the release paper on the foam tape and align the tag front to the tag back and secure in place.  I used black foam tape.  

 

2023 - 5 Tags of Summer - Tag 4

This tag is pinterest inspired!  I wanted at least one circle shaped tag in this set.  Using kraft colored paper, I created a scalloped back and a circle front.  The circle front is crimped.  Both of these pieces are inked for additional color and texture.  For the larger heart, I used the foil quill to foil the word dream in black foil.  The flower is from the SCAL basic shapes library, but is  not cut using the small center.  The stem and leaf are handcut.  The leaf was also crimped for some extra dimension.  I added some clear Nuvo drops to the brown marker center of the flower.  The smaller hear is stamped with an old Stampin' Up stamp and inked on the edges as is the small pink heart.  All paper is from AC cardstock.

Using some watered down ink, I added a few splats to the hearts.  I had some metallic gold wax and added a little bit of that in a few places on the tag.  I used some twine to finish the tag.  

Fun to make and likely will be on the repeat for the future for a few gift bags later this year.