Izbzee

Create One-of-a-Kind Backgrounds with Layering Stencils - Creative Fabrica

via www.creativefabrica.com

I'm in love with this stencil. Hope you'll enjoy the results of using it too!

a little mixed media

Playing with a little mixed media in this card... loving the gelli print background, stamping, edge die, clay (Sculpey) and mica (Mixed Media Supplies) for this dimensional card front.    

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The print background paper is a copy of an original gelli print with a stamped image (retired SU).  Scanning the prints has really been a blessing.  It's fun to be able to incorporate the digital image in lots of projects.

The heart is crafted from black sculpey clay heart with a leaf imprint.  The mica was transferred directly to the heart using the leaf.  Baked and sealed with clear sealer from Sculpey.  This heart is one of several I made a while back and didn't give away - but wasn't quite sure how to incorporate into a project.  Thankfully, it's found a home and it's perfect for this card which was sent to someone needing a little cheer last month.  

It was also quite nice to have a stash in place and not have to worry about placing an order and waiting for items to come through the mail or delivery services.  Dear hubby was pleased as well to know that there were a few cards he needed in the stash too.  

As you've probably noticed, crafting has been a little sparse the last few months. The mojo has been elusive and time as well.  Hoping with summer approaching I'll be able to get back into my weekly routine of crafting and creating on Wednesdays again with fabric, fiber and paper... and maybe even begin some additional digital stuff as well.  Fingers crossed that things will come together as planned and sharing some of these ideas soon.  

Hoping you'll find or make some time available to nurture your creative spirit this coming week or during the month if this week has already been filled to capacity....  Be safe, stay well and remember: 

 

 

ATC and a little mixed media

The eclips/eCal Facebook page is having another ATC challenge - CELEBRATIONS!   and all of the elements used to create the ATC must be designed and cut using the eclips and eCal. 

Here's my finished card.  It was inspired by a find on Pinterest --

I started with a plain piece of cardstock that had a light layer of Gesso.  I masked off a section of the gelli plate slightly larger than the ATC dimensions, brayered on some paint and pulled a print.  I added a few additional pulls of color  to the print using some stencils (cut with the eclips) and additional pink and white and yellow paints until I got the desired results. 

Using the eCal software, size a vertical rectangle to 2.5 x 3.5, set the line to Print 2 Cut Cut.  Create text on an arch.  I used Funky Mother for the fun text.  Fill the text with color (I chose black) and set the stroke to none.  Change from cut to Print 2 Cut Print.  Print, make sure you select registration marks.  Since the cardstock has some tooth from the Gesso and gelli print, you can opt to use some embossing powder and a heat gun to add a little more texture to the card.  I used some Ranger Black embossing powder. 

Now for the cutting.  Place the gessoed paper on the mat and following the print 2 cut directions, cut the ATC. 

I found a fun cupcake graphic at Creative Fabrica and decided to use the base of the cupcake as the stencil.  Size it to approximately 2 inches high with keep proportions checked. Cut using stencil material or regular cardstock.

 

Position the cupcake stencil on the ATC base as desired and using some watercolors and a water brush, add some additional colors.  Let dry. 

Add some sprinkles to your frosting.  I used the sprinkles in the original design, grouped them together and created a small stencil for those and added a little more color. 

 

Add additional details using a Micron pen.  For a little extra shine, use a sparkle brush and let dry.

 

Thanks for dropping by!  Hoping you have built in some creative time this week! 

 

 

 

 

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

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

playing with clay.... again.

I was pretty excited to win a sampler pack of clay from Polyform Products aka Sculpey.  I was excited to see all the colors and wanted to start playing as soon as they arrived, but life had other plans..... until this morning.  This piece is ATC size, loaded with mica and involves a real live leave from the sycamore tree that shades our west facing yard.

Let's get started.

You'll need:
Clay - black or brown
Mica (Mixed Media Supplies)
Leaf (from a tree or plant)
Gelli Print (stash)
Digital stamp (Mixed Media Supplies)
Tombow Markers
Glossy Resin
Xyron Creative Station (permanent adhesive)
1/4" double stick tape (ScorTape)
soft bristle paint brush. 
Pasta Machine (for clay conditioning)
Acrylic roller
Craft Knife
Card stock (white 3 x 4 inch piece)

Condition clay as directed by manufacturer, beginning at 1 and finishing at 3.

If you need to, clean and dry the leaf to remove any dirt or chemicals.  Apply a coat of mica powder to the back of the leaf (there is more texture there). 

Place the leaf on the clay with the mica facing the clay.  Using the acrylic roller, roll the leaf lightly into the clay.  Leave in place and trim the excess clay using the craft knife.  Remove the unneeded clay and remove the leaf. 

At this point bake the clay according to manufacturer's directions.  Let cool and remove from baking plate. 

Print the dragonfly on vellum in the desired size.  Color on the wrong side (non-printed) as desired using Tombow markers.  The color is transparent on the vellum.  Cut as close to the outside lines as you can.  Apply a light coat of the glossy resin to the printed side of the dragonfly.  Set aside to draw.

Assemble the background.  Because my gelli print is done using copy paper, I add an extra backing of cardstock the same size as the ATC (2.5 x 3.5 in).  Then I add another backing that frames the gelli print (3 x 4).  Adhere using your favorite method.  I run the gelli print through the Xyron for edge to edge coverage.  Adhere the clay leaf to the gelli print, add the dragonfly and frame as desired. 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek today.  Hoping you have some creative time on your calendar this week!  Nurture your heart! 

where stencils and gelli prints meet

Hi everyone!  It's been a crazy few weeks here and crafting time has been limited, but I wanted to share this quick and fun ATC with you. 

A couple of months ago I created a whole stack of gelli prints -- and began a journey creating some art  in ATC size.  I still have a stack of prints, albeit it's a tad bit smaller.  So let's start there...

I picked one with a pink, orange and yellow base.  The colors remind me some recent sunrises here and even an occasional sunset when the colors are high in the sky. 

Select a stencil.  My stencil is a new digi from Mixed Media Supplies.  I'm so excited to get to share the Alpha stencil.  There's also some numerals in the digi and it's created at ATC size  for perfect use on these mini sized canvases. 

I got my eBrush out and a Tombow® marker ( which worked well with the colors in my background.  Place the stencil as desired and spray.  Reposition and spray again 

Challenged to use some cardboard for another project, I cut a few hearts using a Sizzis® Originals die (Hearts, Primitive - retired) and removed a bit of the paper exposing the corrugated layer.  I "painted" a light coat of Gesso on the cardboard with a finger and let it dry.  Mix a little mica with some water and brush onto the dried Gesso for a bit more color and sheen.  

Print and color one of the beautiful butterfly digi stamps from MMS.  I used a couple of Tombow markers on the reverse side of the vellum.  Add some Glaze to the front of the digi and let dry. 

Once everything is dry, arrange as desired on your background and secure in place.  If desired, add an appropriate word or phrase to your artwork.  Sign, date and frame!

Thanks for stopping by today.... hope you'll join me again soon and don't forget to nurtured your creative soul as frequently as possible. 

ATCs again

A few more ATCs created using gelli prints (acrylic paint), digital stamps from Mixed Media Supplies printed on vellum.  Unity Stamps, Tombow Markers, printer, embossing powder, seed beads....

more coming.... 

More Mixed Media ATCs

So loving the play involved with these little pieces.  Today, I'm sharing 3. 

All pieces begin on printed copy paper, acrylic gelli print pull, embossing, vellum print and colored digital stamps from Mixed Media Supplies.

Add a bit of mica, sequins, gems or glitter for a little more "light" play.  Mount and sign.  Ready for framing!  

Supplies: 
digital stamps
printed copy paper
Gelli plate
Acrylic Paints
Gesso
printer
embossing powder, Black (Fine Detail), Clear (Find Detail and Ultra Thick)
Versa Mark Ink
Stencils
Stamps (Textured stamps from Mixed Media Supplies)
Tombow markers
eBrush ( with TB adaptor)
Metallic rubs
mica powder (Mixed Media Supplies)
sequins (iridescent)
Clear Glaze
brush
water
vellum
photo editing software
Computer
Xyron permanent adhesive, Creative Station 9"
cardstock
paper trimmer

ATC Oopsie

Learning to embrace the oops has always been an issue for me in the past, however, after taking a couple of classes from Carolyn Dube, I have been able to do much better about letting go of some things and let a few of the oops be visible and be a part of the finished project. 

Matter of fact - these oops have sort of grown on me. 

 

You'll need
Mixed Media Birds and Butterflies
copy paper
digitized dictionary page
cardstock (white)
vellum
laser printer
Gesso
foam brush
Gelli Plate
Acrylic paint
brush or brayer (optional)
Mister filled with water
Painters Tape
stencil (mini dot - my design)
stamps, (Texture stamps from Mixed Media Supplies, assorted sentiment stamps)
ink pad (black)
Markers (Tombow Dual Brush, SN Sparkle, clear or pearl mica mixed with alcohol or water)
Tape runner (Tombow)
Clear foam Tape (Kool Tak)
seed bead (optional)
Silver, gold mica in misters


Open your favorite photo editing program and size the digital bird and butterflies image as desired.  Print using a laser printer.  Open the dictionary page and print on copy paper. 

Cut the printed dictionary page into ATC sized pieces.  Trim as needed if your printer doesn't do a bleed print.  The pieces should be a finished size of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches.  Using the foam brush, apply a light coat of gesso on the printed side.  The print should show through.  Set aside to dry.

Print the butterfly page on a sheet of translucent white vellum.  Cut the butterflies and birds you will use for your project and set aside. 

Section off an area of the Gelli Plate using the printer's tape.  The area should be slightly larger than your ATC card.  Place small dabs of acrylic paint on the gelli plate, blend the colors with your fingers (brayer or brush) and lightly mist with some water.  Place the gessoed paper face down on the gelli plate and pull a print.   Pull a second print.  Repeat as needed. Let these pieces dry thoroughly.

Color the reverse side of the butterfly as desired using the markers.   The vellum may curl -- you can flatten it by placing it in a heavy book or pressing lightly with a craft iron between two pieces of copy paper.   Embellish with some sparkles using the SN sparkle pen.  Let dry. 

Add a little more texture to the front of your gelli print using a stencil (mini dot) and some ink and a blender or air brush.  Stamp the sentiment (I jiggled the stamp - creating my blurred image and the OOPS!)  Using the blender and some light brown, add a little color around the edges. 

Adhere your print to a piece of cardstock cut to the size of the ATC.  Using a blender or the ink pad, add a little more color to the edges of the card. 

Mist or fleck the mica on the ATC card as desired, add other embellishments  -

Using the clear foam tape, add the fussy cut butterfly and bird images  you've colored.  Name and sign your finished image. 

Thanks for joining me today... hope you'll stop by again soon.  In the meantime enjoy some creative time in your own studio, and remember, embrace the oops!