Izbzee

some fun cards

Summer is just around the corner.... but the weather has been warm enough to flip the switch and turn on the AC for a few hours every afternoon.  

Sandy at Simply Crafty SVGs has put out a new batch of cards in the last week --  fun box cards.  

I've made a couple of these cards from the new files.  Love them!

I added a shaker element in the pitcher and literally filled it with polymer clay sliced lemons I found on Etsy a couple of years ago.  So fun!  
Used some collage podge on the pitcher and the lemon slices.  The digital paper is from Creative Fabrica.  It was perfect and grounded the card.  The basic box elements for the card can be cut from a single 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper!  Lots of inking and a little watercolor painting.  I love the design of the glass in this file.  It looks dimensional.  

And then there was this one... who doesn't like donuts?  

I used several mediums on this one.  Inking, Dimensional Glaze, nail art bits and pieces and Pearl Luster Lumiere.  It was fun - but was hard to wait for everything to dry!  The original file does not have the transparent window.  I created on for a little more fun and will likely add a sentiment to the window to personalize it when it is gifted.  

Both cards were cut on the Skycut using SCAL6 Pro software to set up the SVG files for cutting.  Paper from AC Cardstock.  Bearly Art Glue and Scor-Tape  were the adhesives used.  

Both cards will fold flat and fit into a standard invitation envelope.  If you choose to add a shaker component, there is a little bulk, so extra postage may be needed if you add any dimension like I have done.  

more Halloween decor

The Topsy Turvy Cake file from Simply Crafty SVGs was the perfect base for this fun project.  It also pairs really well with the Shrunken Head Candlesticks found in this post.  

It was fun using a digital striped paper (from Creative Fabrica) to fill the pieces for that section.  The SCAL 5 software makes it so easy and the Skycut cuts a printed image perfectly!  We added a "stripe" of light gray marker along each side of the stripe.  This adds a little more depth to the striped pattern on the paper.  

Assemble the cake as demonstrated in the video found here.  We used Bearly Art Precision Craft glue to adhere most of the pieces in this project.  

The "eyes on you" border was created in SCAL 5 and is simply a series of duplicated circles evenly distributed on a long narrow rectangle.   The union command was used to make it all one connected piece.  Cut.  Ink the edges with some mid to dark gray ink.  Create additional circles in slightly smaller sizes for the remaining 2 pieces of the eyes.  Assemble.  Add some white gel pen details if desired.   and coat lightly with some glaze.  We used Mod Podge Collage Medium.  Let dry and then using some narrow double stick tape, adhere to the edge of each of the cake layers after assembling the cake.  We made 5 strips (23 circles) measuring 11.5 inches in length cut on the diagonal and used most of the strips to decorate the edge of the cake layers.  

The "It's Show Time" marquee is simply 3 pieces of paper cut to the width of the top layer.  2 white and 1 black slightly larger in size.  You can cut the text on both pieces of white -- however, we chose to use it only on one piece.  Sandwich the black between the two white pieces.  We added a toothpick to each end and slid the picks between the border and edge of the top cake layer.  

Since we plan to fill the cake box with some goodies for our upcoming family dinner, we decided to add some weight and strength to the cake base.  We cut an extra bottom for the base and filled a sandwich bag with about 1/2 cup of rice.  Seal the bag and carefully stuff into the base.  Add an additional circle under the doily piece.  This will add a bit more strength to the entire base and stiffen the edges a bit.  

The cake with the marquee in place is nearly the same height as the candlesticks... so together, they work quite well.  

Hoping you're enjoying some creative time in your space this weekend.  Enjoy and relax!  Crafting is a great way to destress.  

Thanks for stopping by!  There are a couple of additional ideas coming together here ... can't wait to share in the next week or so.  

Spring Pitcher of flowers

Sandy's been a super support lately and I really appreciate her help with this project.  I'm sure at some point the pitcher design will be in her shop -- so stay tuned!

 

 

After perusing Pinterest a couple of weeks ago, I found an antique pitcher shape I really liked... however, there wasn't much in the design shops that I could find that looked close to the shape and would be simple to put together without using panels.  Sandy had already started something similar and she was gracious enough to send me a test version of a file.  

Needless to say, I fell in love with it and the shape was near spot on to what I had in mind.  This was created in Blender and Pepakura.  NitWit Collections Lilac Blossoms collection was a perfect fit for a Spring look.  I used SCAL5's option for print 2 cut and added the Lilac spray to the base of the pitcher cut.  

Assembly is easy for someone with a little experience.  The handle is 3 strips of paper glued together and shaped before the glue dries. It is attached to the back seam wall of the pitcher with some white washed brads I've had in my stash for years!  

Apply a coat of gloss Mod Podge to the outside for a nice finish and a little more strength.  If you plan to use live flowers, you do need to seal the interior of the pitcher BEFORE you assemble.  A tall pharmacy prescription bottle fits nicely inside and a 2 inch styro ball can be scrunched into the bottle to help with placement of your paper or silk floral pieces.  

Did you know that only one shop has a design for 3D lilac flowers? And that site requires a paid membership to access.  Budget being what it is, I looked for something that I could use - and found the Filler Flower at Maison Gregoria's Etsy shop to be a great fit.  Lots of tiny flowers, all cut on the Skycut using sketchbook paper.  Assembly is a bit tedious since each bloom is on it's own wire.  But it's worth the time and effort.  Once everything is wired and bundled into groups, it was time to use the eBrush for a little color.  Tombow markers in three shades of purple (623, 620, 636) were used to add some texture and depth to the shapes.  Even bundled the color went on fairly evenly.  PLUS:  it didn't take but a minute for the bundles to dry with the layered colors and you're ready to start putting your arrangement together.  

Add some additional greenery from the Poinsettia Wreath file (also from Maison Gregoria on CreativeFabrica.com) which I downsized a bit and also cut using the Skycut.  Wired and ready for use.  I used some chalk for a little extra color and used my exacto knife and a pair of craft tweezers to add the veins to the greenery.  While most of it is too tiny to see in the images, it was worth the time and effort to make it happen.  




The pitcher and floral arrangement stands about 8.5 inches tall and would be perfect for a side table, tablescape tray or open tiered tray or riser decor.  

 

Thanks for dropping by today.  Hope your day is filled with beautiful things!  Wishing you a creative day!  

 

Faux China Plate Heart

This was such a fun project to make and I'm glad that it's now live on The Artistry.  Check out all the details here.  I've also done a couple of other similar projects using paper mosaic pieces and They will post shortly here on the blog.  

Here's what this final piece looked like:  

A second heart:  

Using the same paper, just a different part of the cut photo paper.  Not sure which one I like better -- but both are heading out the door as gifts in the next few days.  Wood for both hearts is from Thoughts in Vinyl.  

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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