Izbzee

2018 12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 6

Today marks the half way point in our #eclipsecalmaker 12 Tags of Christmas.  I hope this will become an annual event.  It's been so much fun! Check out what our other gals are creating on the Facebook page. 

Such a simple tag.  This one uses a tea stained sheet of white paper. Once again, use the Print2Cut Print feature in eCal3 (and in previous versions) for the sentiment.  I used pattern fill for the stocking (from the Basic Shapes library) on the right.  The stocking on the left is colored using the eBrush and Spectrum Noir marker. Color the holly and heart using markers. Add a couple of pop dots to add a little more dimension and tie a bit of twine around the cheesecloth. 

You'll need:
Tea -Stained cardstock *(1 8.5 x 11 inch sheet)
Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3 software
mica (Mixed Media Supplies)
eBrush (SN adapter)
Spectrum Noir markers
Digital paper
Blending tool
ink
Glue/adhesive
Glossy Accents
Unbleached cheesecloth, twine
Tea bags, water, ground cinnamon, water, foam brush

*Tea-staining your own cardstock is easy.  I use about 2/3 cup of boiling water and 3 regular size teabags and an 1/8 tsp of ground cinnamon for a little deeper color (and it smells good, too).  Let steep and cool a bit. You can dip the paper, but I prefer to use a foam brush and sweep across the paper.  After that has partially dried, I add a few drips and while the drips are still sort of "puddled" I use a lid or the bottom of the mug to create some additional markings.  Let dry.  If necessary, using a dry iron (no steam), press the paper to flatten.  You can also sprinkle with a little bit of water and wrinkle the paper.  Just be careful not to tear it.  Because I was doing some print to cut, I wanted a smooth paper for this one. If you want to wrinkle your paper, consider scanning and printing.  You can add some additional depth and texture with ink and a blending tool or the eBrush and markers. 

Hope you'll drop back again tomorrow!  Happy Crafting! 

 

 

leaf imprints

Before all the leaves fall from the trees, make a few imprints in your favorite medium!  Right now, clay is on my table, so I thought I'd take my heart-shaped cuts in a different direction. 

The imprints are crisp and clean and adding the mica metallic powder to the back of the leaf* before imprinting creates even more opportunities for adding color and shine.  Bake as directed by manufacturer and seal with a coat of Sculpey Clear glaze. Be sure to apply some glaze on the back of your piece as well. 

 

*For these imprints I used a leaf from our apple tree. 

I added a flat jewelry bail to the back so they could be used as pendants. 

 

 

clay, texture, mica

Time to get back to some clay.... it feels so good in my hands and is a good "stress" reliever for me.  I had a "brick" of black Sculpey III and some previous posts (here and here) reminded me of some things I wanted to try. 

Using some heart shaped cutters, texture stamps, mica and a bit of wire, some beads, I'd like to share two of the pieces I created during a recent play session. 

You'll need:
Sculpey III
Sculpey liquid clay (used as glue)
Sculpey Glaze
Heart Shaped clay cutters
Acrylic roller
Mica  Powder(Mixed Media Supplies)
Texture stamps
Wire
Round needle nose pliers
Wire cutters
beads and other pieces for embellishment
Paint brush
Baking tile or pan with aluminum foil

 

Condition clay according to manufacturer's directions. Using the acrylic roller, roll the clay to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Press the texture stamp into the clay and roll with the roller to get a good impression.  Cut with the cutters.  Smooth the sides of the clay.

Add beads, gems, embellishments. Use "glue" if needed. 

Brush on a little mica as desired. 

Optional:  Cut 2 pieces of wire about 3 inches long. Create a loop and twist the ends.  Repeat with the second piece of wire.  Flatten and insert into the clay. 

Bake as directed.  I generally add about 5 extra minutes to the baking process.  When the clay has thoroughly cooled, Apply glaze and let dry for 24 hours.  (If you chose not to add the loops, you can glue a flat backed bail to the back of the pendant or a pin back.) 

Add additional beads and chain as desired for a necklace. 

Thanks for dropping by and hope you'll be creating in your crafting space soon! 

Laser play

For the first time in many years, I didn't buy my own birthday present, T did!  Got to love a hubby that listens and says "let's do it!"

I've been wanting a laser engraver for a long time -- especially after seeing a model that also cuts, but the pricing was way out of our comfort zone.  When we saw this model, we couldn't help but make the purchase even though the cutting area is very small, it does suffice for what I wanted to do. 

Peggy at Mixed Media Supplies has some digital stamps that I'd hoped would have excellent results.  So, let the play begin.

 

You'll need:
Mini Maker by Nejetool.com
Rose Stencil Digital Stamp (Mixed Media Supplies)
wood cuts (1/8" birch) - from my stash
Tombow markers
Gesso
Cardstock
eBrush w/ Tombow adapter
Foam brush
Adhesive, ScorTape, Red Line heavy duty tape, Scotch Quick Dry glue
Fixative
Printer
Word Processing program
used fabric softener sheet (optional)
metallic rub on (gold)
Craft knife
adhesive
glue
ModPodge
twine (optional)

I don't have a lot of pictures for this project, but I'm pretty sure you'll figure out the steps on your own.

Begin by selecting and sizing the digital stamp in the NJ software (I enlarged to fill the design window) The finished design was 1 x 1.5 inches. As you'll notice in the pictures below, the image was engraved on a wooden tag I had in my stash.

Once the image has been engraved, remove it from the machine.  Trim if needed.  Set aside.

Gesso and ATC sized piece of card stock.  Let dry.  Using the eBrush and Tombow markers, color as desired.  I originally had plans to use the lighter edges as the top of the ATC, however, decided to flip it.  Color the engraved piece and the mini heart.

Open your word processing program and select the fonts and sentiments for your ATC.  I chose Summer Sunsets, the color of roses as a reminder of the beautiful sunsets we have been seeing in recent days and the garden of roses I pass by nearly every morning on walk through the neighborhood. 

Print on plain paper, Then using some repositionable glue/tape, place the ATC over the printing noting the placement.  Print again.  At this point, you can spray with a bit of fixative OR using some embossing powder, emboss for another layer of texture.

If desired, add a bit of gold metallic rub to the edges of the ATC. 

"Glue" some torn pieces of the used dryer sheet on the ATC with the mod podge.  Let dry.  Glue a small piece of the dryer sheet to the heart.  Let that dry as well.  When dry, add a bit of looped twine on the back of the heart.  Secure with glue or redline tape. 

When the ATC base has dried, secure the ATC to a base (3 x 4).  Add embellishments.  If desired add a light layer of ModPodge to the entire ATC, making sure that the edges of your wood pieces are also sealed.  Let dry and you're ready to sign and frame your work of art.  

 

stamping as a stencil

I thought I would drag out the woodburning tool and play for a little while after seeing a few ideas on Pinterest....  my skills are a bit on the rusty side and while I'm waiting for my laser engraver to land here at home, it sounded like some fun.

 

You'll need:
woodburning tool (mine is really old -- and not many safety features -- adult supervision is essential if you're letting kids do this)
Mixed Media Diamond Fence background stamp
water based inks (do not use a solvent based ink to stamp the background stamp on your wood)
blending tool
sandpaper
ModPodge matte finish
Wood (a Jenga or Tumbling Block wood piece is perfect)
eye screw
key chain ring

Prep the wood.  The wood I used is untreated -- no finish (therefore no toxic fumes). If it needs a little sanding for a smooth stamping surface, do it now.  Clean as needed. 

Using a black or gray ink,  lightly stamp as desired around the block.

Preheat the woodburning tool.  Following the pattern of the stamp, burn the pattern into the wood.  You don't need to go really deep, follow the inked pattern as closely as you can. The wood I used was pretty soft -- and I got a nice color quickly.  Once you have the pattern burned in, make sure you unplug the burner and set aside to cool.  If desired, grab that sandpaper again for a quick go over.  I didn't want a deep pattern, so I did a light sanding.  Wipe any any excess dust. 

Using a blending tool and desired ink colors, apply to the wood on all four sides. 

Let the inks sit overnight to ensure they are dry and won't move a lot when you brush on ModPodge sealer.  I coated half of the piece, let dry and then added a coat to the remaining sides, let dry.  Add the screw eye and key chain ring. 




I can see so many possibilities with other stencils and stamps for all holidays and these becoming ornaments. Hope you have set aside some creative time this weekend!  Thanks for stopping by. 

 

 

 

happy hi!

Been a little quiet around here.... but I've been able to spend a little bit of time crafting  Definitely not as much as I would like, but some. 

I did want to share this with you... My Scrap Chick offered this freebie this week in their newsletter.  Love it!  It's quick and easy using the eclips2 and eCal2 software to cut* and a stamp and blending some inks. 

*This card started from a 12 x 12 white piece of cardstock. 

Hoping you have some crafting time scheduled on your calendar soon!  Happy Crafting! 

 

 

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! 

more clay and texture

Clay is ranking a close second to working with paper.  Paper has been a fun medium to work with for the last 15+ years... but as you may have noticed recently, I'm delving a little deeper into some basic clay fun.  It's so relaxing to condition, shape, cut and add texture to the clay.

Today's project is a simple pin.  Made with some Sculpey clay, condition as directed by the manufacturer.  Create the desired shape.  Using the Mixed Media Supplies, Bark Background stamp, I added a bit of texture to the clay's surface altering directions a couple of times for a little bit of  "cross-hatching" effect.   Using a piercing tool, add some stems and leaves and add the beads for the flower heads.  I baked the clay according to the direction, adding a couple of extra minutes since the "handle" at the top of the piece was a bit thicker than the base was.  

After the piece has cooled, apply a wash of black acrylic paint, making sure you get a bit into the stem and leaf depressions.  Wipe off any excess.  Let dry.  Apply a light coat of Sculpey Gloss and let dry.  Once it is thoroughly dry, to finish, add the pin to the back with a good jewelry glue or add a large jump ring and chain to use as a pendant. 

You'll Need:
Sculpey Terra Cotta clay
Pasta machine (dedicated to clay use)
Acrylic Roller if  you don't have a pasta machine
Clay blades
Mixed Media Supplies Bark Background Stamp
Black Acrylic paint/water
paint brush for acrylic paints
paper towel
Piercing Tool
beads
pin back finding

July Welcome

 

We needed some new porch decor this month.  So I upcycled another side piece of a deconstructed shelving unit.  The Crackle background stamp from Mixed Media Supplies has always been a favorite of mine.  And even on this big piece, it added just the right touch.  

You'll need paint (Decor Art Multisurface satin- antique white, blue and red and dark gray - wrought iron)

Prep the wood -- I sanded to give the surface a little more tooth for the paint.
I used a based coat of Wrought Iron - let dry thoroughly. 

 

Mark off sections for the "stripes" of color.  Dry brush your colors on.  Let a little of the dark gray wrought iron color show through.  Let dry.  If desired apply another light coat and let dry. 

Base coat your letters, mine are 4 inches tall and about 1/4 in thick (Hobby Lobby) The star is about 6 inches in height and has some texture.  I basecoated with the antique white and then applied a coat of Krylon's Hammered copper paint (be sure to apply in a well ventilated area and let dry thoroughly. 

 

Glue the letters and star to the painted base.  Let the glue dry.  For final touches, brayer a light coat of paint onto a portion of the crackle stamp, press lightly to the edges of the board as desired.  It's a nice touch and added just the right amount of texture. 

Spray with several light coats of sealer, letting dry between coats.

 

Thanks for dropping by today and hope you'll set aside some time this week for some creative fun!

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.