Izbzee

Enjoy a fun way to 'fuse' mixed media and some quirky digital images. Loved playing with them for this article on the Artistry! https://www.creativefabrica.com/the-artistry/mixed-media/a-trio-of-quirky-mixed-media-atc-cards/

Let's Paint! Party invites

It's that time of year and we have some painting projects that need a few extra hands to help make it happen.  That wheelchair ramp is a long one and it's needs a bit of refreshing!  I figured that using some fun invites would make the job seem a little more fun and we'd enjoy the company as we tackled the ramp.  You'll find more of the details on The Artistry!  

And while you're there -- be sure to check out this amazing 210+ Font Bundle! There are definitely some keepers in this one!  All have commercial use licenses!  I spotted a few that could be used with a pen or other draw tool, like the Foil Quill.  Scroll down the page to take a peek at all the fonts included - You won't be disappointed.  

Hoping you'll get some time to spend in your crafty space this week to nurture your creative spirit and soul.  Hope it's a great one!  

DIY Thickers

I had so much fun making this fun gift box.  

Cardstock, paint, a bit of glue and a dollar store white gift box.  
You can find all the details on the Artistry blog.  

Happy January -- 2020

The Christmas cards were a hit with the fam... and being able to share Mom's voice in a recording was the highlight at our family party. These 5 x 5 cards are actually a triple fold with an EZ Sound module with a recording on them.  We were able to get Mom to record a Christmas greeting -- we finally got a usable one after 3 tries.  We thought it would be a perfect touch to the cards we were sharing with my siblings this holiday season.  THEY WERE A HIT!  The image is one taken by a friend of ours and I purchased the rights for commercial use.  Printed on glossy photo paper and trimmed to 3.50 x 3.50 for the 5 x 5 card version.  The foil quill was the perfect tool to use to apply the foil on the vellum.  Trim the vellum as desired and using some vellum tape, adhere to the card front.  I used Print Shop to create the insert for the inside of the card.  


Materials:
Per card:
5 x 15 cardstock, scored at 5 and 10 inches (cardstock from Envelopes.com 11x17 in navy, matching envelopes are available)
EZ sound module (InviteByVoice.com), with desired recording (voice and music clip - a royalty free clip was purchased from Melody Loops)
Audio editing software (Audacity - it's free)
vellum
eClips 2 and eCal3 software
WRMK Foil Quill ( fine tip and adaptor for your cutting machine , heat activated foil (glimmer mist from Spellbinders)
Focal image 
Printer
glossy photo paper (4 x 6)
PhotoShop Elements (17)
Envelopes (I used a plastic box for cards from Clear Bags with an elastic band the same color as the foiling)

It's been a busy couple of months -- hopefully, as things slow down a bit now that the BIG work projects has been completed there will be more craftiness to come in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned!  

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.  

 

Terra Cotta Textured Pendant

Hi everyone!  I'm so excited about this project using oven bake clay, a texture stamp and Mica Powder.  Both the stamp and Mica are available at Mixed Media Supplies. 

 

You'll need:
Oven Bake Clay (such as Sculpey III)
Diamond Fence Background Stamp (Mixed Media Supplies)
Bronze Mica Powder (Mixed Media Supplies)
Mod Podge (Matte)
shape die
craft knife
wire
bead
wire cutters
needle nose pliers
Essential Oil (optional)

 

Steps:

1)  Condition clay according to manufacturer's directions. 

2) Cut the clay using the die or a pattern with the craft knife.  Smooth the edges and create a bale using the extended stem folded over. I used a toothpick to make sure that there would be ample room to pass the wire through for the hanger.

3)  Add texture using the background stamp on half of the shape.  Using the craft knife, add additional texture

4) Bake according to the manufacturer's directions.  My oven is just slightly under temp, so I bake for about 20 minutes.  Let cool. Sand lightly if needed.

5)  Mix a little Mod Podge and some mica powder, and brush on one side of the front of the shape.  You can use your finger or a wipe for a little less coverage.  Let dry completely

6)  Thread the wire through the bale.  Bend and twist at least 3 times.  Thread the wires through a bead.  Create a loop and twist the "tail" around the wires.  Using the needlenose pliers, adjust the rounds as needed.  Cut the excess with the wire cutters and secure the ends. 

Thanks for joining me today ... be sure to check out more projects this month by the Mixed Media Supplies Design Team.  And feel free to drop by here for more projects and hopefully, some inspiring ideas for you to take to your craft room.

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Izbzee: Ornaments for Christmas

Blessings beyond Measure - Altered Heart

I'm excited to be back for another Mixed Media Design Team post.... I hope you'll find this a fun project!

Not your traditional colors for this time of the year.... but oh, these digital journal pages were perfect for my "faux wood" heart.

(no affiliate links are used in this post, however, I have received some materials from Mixed Media Supplies to use in this post_)

You'll need:
cardboard
paper template, pencil, ruler
masking tape.
printed journal pages (Mixed Media Supplies)
Scissors
Craft knife
Mod Podge® (matte - PlaidOnline.com)
Foam brush (1 inch wide)
digital cutting machine (for words - Sizzix® eclips2 & eCal2)
Lumiere paint,
Mica (blue - Mixed Media Supplies)
Journey Glaze (Fun Stampers Journey)
Glue (Scotch® Brand Quick Dry)

Open the digital journal pages from Mixed Media Supplies.  I did resized and used only one page per printed sheet.  The images were perfect and the resolution was not distorted when I resized to a full sheet printed either landscape or portrait format. 

Cut desired sentiment on your cutting machine.  I chose blessings beyond measure for mine.  Be sure to weld all the letters together if you want one solid word.  The "s" in mine is separate...

Draw a heart shape on the paper.  Cut the shape out and trace onto the cardboard.  Cut the shape using the craft knife.  I didn't want open edges on the sides, so I used masking tape to "seal" the edges as shown in the image below.




Using the paper template, create your design to piece using the printed papers. Number each section and because I something get things turned around, I added an arrow pointing to the top of the cut. 

Cutting one piece from the template at a time, I placed the journal page face down and the template piece face down and traced.  Cut using fine tipped scissors or a craft knife.

Apply a bit of Mod Podge on your cardboard and place your journal page piece in place.  Make sure all edges are sealed.  You can apply a light coat of Mod Podge to the top of the journal page now or wait.  Repeat as needed using the remaining template pieces and Mod Podge. 



Let dry overnight.  Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the entire front of the piece.  Let dry.  I had a couple of areas that I wanted to add a little more distress to, so I sanded them just a little to add a little more distressing.

The Lumiere paint was next and with a small brush, I put a little bit here and there and around the edges of the entire heart for a little 'glow.'  I also use the paint on the lettering.  Let dry.  Glue the lettering as desired on the front of the heart.

Add some additional bling if desired with some mica and small accent pieces using some Glaze.  Let dry and sign your creation!




Hope you'll be spending some time in your crafting space this week... Be sure to stop by the MixedMediaSupplies blog for more designs from the team this month.  I'm sure you won't be disappointed. 

Oh Hoppy Day!

I've been wanting to make these for a very long time -- and even bought the Fall Pumpkin Blocks from MyScrapChick last Fall when it came out. I LOVE that the files go together as a dimensional project so easily!  Let's get started.

You'll need:
12 x 12 white cardstock (Fun Stampers Journey)
Fall Pumpkin Blocks (MyScrapChick)
Butterfly and flowers (unknown source)
Heart (eShape store)
Sizzix eclips and eCal software
eBrush
Tombow Markers
Scor-tape
Wood Grain embossing folder
Cut-n-Boss
Twine
Glue Dots
mini brads
Canvas
Scissors
Mod Podge

Open the cutting files for the blocks.  I chose to use all four blocks.  Cut at the import size for the Fall Blocks and resize the flowers and butterflies as desired.  The wings on the butterflies are pretty fragile so be very careful when you take them off the mat.  Cut 2 of each front.  One of each of the front cuts will be embossed.

Using the Wood grain folder and the cut-n-boss, emboss a front for each of the blocks. 

Since all my paper started out as white, now's the time to add some color!  Using the eBrush, TB marker adapter and Tombow markers, color as desired.  I used a light gray for the embossed block fronts to add a little more texture.  It doesn't show well in the photos, but it is there.  Using shades of yellow and orange and dark gray, color the flowers and butterflies.  With a pink marker, color the hearts. 

Using your favorite curling tool,  shape the flower petals and cup slightly.  Use a brad to secure layers.  I colored a small center and placed that onto the brad for a couple of flower centers.  Glue the butterfly top to the bottom cut of the butterfly.  Shape for a little more dimension.  I added a little bit of sparkle to the edges using the clear sparkle pen from Crafters Companion. 


Cut the canvas into a bunny ear shape as shown in the photo below.  Protect the surface of your table with some wax paper and brush the canvas with some ModPodge to stiffen.  Let dry overnight. 



But the blocks together.  Use the un-embossed front.  Use some scraps of paper and glue to the inside top flap for a little more bulk to support the ears.  Cut a slit or punch a hole in the flap.  Apply the embossed front to the block.  Add some whiskers using some twine.  With some pop up dots, add the heart cut.  Fold the canvas "ears" in half and secure in the flap. 

Depending on the weight of your cardstock, you may need to add a little weight to the base.  I used about 1/3 cup of rice* in a small plastic bag .  Secure the top flap in place with scor-tape.  

TIP:  If you wanted to use these as gift bags, you certainly could.  Just use removable glue dots on the top or bottom flap for ease in opening. 

Secure your embellishments using glue, pop-dots and/or glue dots as desired and display!

Enjoy some time in your happy place this week!  Hoping to see you again next week! 

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Sunny Sunflowers

Birthday with Bic Mark-Its!

Reclaimed table

We found this at a local thrift shops for just a few bucks.  It was definitely in need of some love, don't you think?

With some TLC, it now looks like this!

 

The hardest part was deciding what the finished top should look like.  I decided to put a doily on top.  The file is from SVGCuts and I cut it with my eclips2 using the vinyl settings. 

I wanted all the details to really pop, so I painted the top with black flat paint I had on hand with 2 coats after sanding and removing any the dust.  I let it dry overnight.  I applied the stencil to the table top, making sure that the rest of the table was not exposed to any stray spray from the eBrush and siphon adapter. 

I chose an opaque white paint from Createx. 

The coverage was awesome as you can see! 

I loved that the paint didn't drip and the mist provided nearly full coverage on the first layer.  The eBrush made this such an easy project!!!!
Once the paint was really dry (a couple of hours later), I removed the stencil/mask from the table top.  It was so much fun watching the pattern reveal as the vinyl was removed.  (Mom was totally surprised and in awe at the precise image -- she has Alzheimer's and these kind of things make her very happy). 

I applied 3 coats of a Mod Podge matte finish. Voilá! 

 

Loving this and I think I may head back down to the thrift store and look for a couple of other small tables.  They would be perfect to use downstairs! 

Thanks for dropping by... hope you'll take a peek through the archives for more eBrush projects!

 

Take a note

It's been so fun using SaborPapel this month.  The Amor Collection was my choice for this project.

For each, you'll need:
4" square coaster (pkg of 6 coasters from $ store)
cardstock (2 complimentary colors, white)
Amour collection -- try to choose just one design! 
die cuts from Ole collection
adhesive (double sided tape)
pop-up dots
Xyron permanent adhesive
sentiment stamp
ink pad
corner rounder punch
Clips
eBrush and marker adapter
Markers (Sharpies)
Stencil (retired - but there lots of stencils to choose from)

For each note pad, cut 4" square from your Amour cardstock.  (a 12 x 12 sheet will make 9 squares).  Round each corner of the square with the corner rounder. 



Run the cardstock piece through the Xyron. 

Apply to the coaster and if desired seal with a waterproof sealer. 

Set the coasters aside and get your eBrush and markers.  Cut the colored cardstock in the following dimensions:  White: 2 1/2" square; Middle square is 2 3/4" square; the bottom layer is 3" square. 

I colored the middle layer -- using the eBrush and a stencil. 

Stack the layers, add the sentiment and using the pop dots add a cut from the embellishment package

Those black clips aren't so pretty -- so to dress them up a bit, cut a few strips of scrap paper.  Run through the Xyron and apply to the clips.  You can add a little more bling with some embellishments or a glitter pen.

Place the note pad on the coaster, add your "card" and add the clip.  These make fun, easy and inexpensive gifts!  

Thanks for dropping by!  Hoping your creative time is nourishing!  Stay tuned, there's more eBrush fun coming through the summer!