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Tag 2 - Spring Tag Challenge

 

Tag 2 -- A bit oversized, however, this shaker tag will make a nice statement on a gift basket.  

Isolation/social distancing isn't too bad when you have a stash of craft supplies and who knew that they would come in handy this spring when our local craft stores are closed or doing limited business - order online and they'll deliver curbside... great for some things, but if you're a shopper who likes to see and touch things to make sure these embellishments are the right size -- well... I'm sure you get the drift.  

The Mandala egg SVG was from Creative Fabrica.  You'll find it here. I used front minus back to incorporate the egg into the tag shape.  There will be a few detail pieces you will want to glue to the front of the transparency - so don't scrape all those bits and pieces off the mat just yet.

Using some scor-tape, adhere the transparency to the back of the tag front.  Add those detail pieces from the cut to the front of the transparency with a dab of glue.  Let dry.  Add foam tape to form a box on the back of the tag front to keep the sequin mix in place once the tag back is added.  I love the window effect in this piece.

The white paper was a bit too stark and needed a little something.  So I drew some swirls using a Versa-mark pen.  It was perfect!  Very subtle but when the light hits things just right you can see those swirls.  Next time, maybe stamp a doily or mandala using versa-mark.  Let dry a bit to avoid smearing.  You can heat set if desired.  

 

Add a bit of ribbon and fiber to the tag and you're set to add to that gift bag or basket for a special delivery.  
Hoping you are able to find some creative time  -- keep nurturing your soul.  Stay safe and be well.  

Spring Tag 2020 Challenge

It's that time of year again - with all the chaos that Covid-19 has been causing, this challenge has offered a bit of respite during this period of self-isolation and social distancing.  The first cases of the virus wreaked havoc in the stores as people hoarded certain items and made it nearly impossible for the general public to have access.  One of the items was toilet paper -- and in true crafter fashion Whimsey stamps offered this digital freebie!  

eCal3's Print 2 cut feature was perfect for this tag using the digital image from Whimsey Stamps.
Creative Fabrica's font library provided the font, name of font.  Font was "filled" with the line fill command and printed (I had originally planned on using the foil quill, but my quill broke and I didn't want to wait for the delivery (yeah, some days it's just like that.) You just have to keep crafting.  

Rembrandt colored pencils were used to color Dudley and the print 2 cut feature was used to cut both the tag and Dudley.  

Run the lower 1/3 to 1/2 through an embossing folder and the Big Shot for a little extra texture.  I decided to add a little more dimension using the eBrush and a light gray marker.  Just a little color added enough dimension.  

Using some strategically placed pop-dots place Dudley as desired on the tag and embellish as desired.Add a for a hanger.

 

Hop on over to the eclips/ecal FB page to see what others are making this year.  It's time to get some more crafting on!  Hoping you're finding some time to do the same.  Enjoy!

the music box

It's been a while -- and this project has been in the making for several months.  Just kept hitting some snags with the build. I do need to thank Sandy Stark from SimplyCraftySVGs.com for the hexagon box and base.  They're perfect!

 

 

You'll need
Hexagon box and base file (currently not available for retail sale)
African Violets (Dreaming Tree - Alluring Floral Bundle)
Cyclamen Leaves (Lia Griffith)
Wood Texture Background (digital file)
cardstock
printer
electronic die cutting machine and software (eclips2 and eCal3)
WRMK's Foil Quill
Gold Foil
4 x 2 round styrofoam
box knife
Music box with turntable (the forks for the music box in this instance have been disabled) NationalArtCraft.com
EZSound Box - Front Play from InvitebyVoice.com
Audio file (MP3 - MelodyLoops - Spring Flowers)  or track of your choice (make sure you have the appropriate license for use)
Lineco Bookbinder Glue

Print, foil, cut and assemble the box and base, leaving the top of the box off. Do not glue the box and the base together yet.  You'll have two pieces. 

Add music to the EZSound Box according to manufacturer's directions from the instruction card on the packaging or from the video on the website.  It's really easy!   

Position the music box without the turntable attached on the top of the foam, with the turntable spindle as near the center of the foam as possible.  The spindle should be facing up.  Trace around the box with a pen. 

 

Place the EZSound Box on the top farthest from the music box and trace.  Using a craft knife or box knife, trim out that area.  Trim out the area for the turntable as well.  The foam and boxes should fit snugly in the foam. 

Secure the foam and boxes in the hexagon box.  Glue the hexagon box to the base.  Using a little dye or pigment ink pad, apply a little ink to the top of the spindle of the turntable box.  Carefully lay the top of the box centered and press lightly.  This will mark the placement of the hole in the top.  Using a punch, place that hold and glue the top to the tabs of the hexagon box.  Secure the turntable to the music box spindle.  you will need to turn the turntable to wind it up so it will spin.  I have about 1/4" of space between the top of the box and the turntable.  




Add your choice of decor to the turn table.  

Spring always reminds me of my Grandmother's yard and the violets that grew wild in the grass.  I'm using a file from Dreaming Tree from the Alluring Florals Bundle - African Violets (file pieces were reduced by 50%).  The leaves were from a file from Lia Griffin's site (paid membership).  

 

Hope this inspires you to do a little Spring crafting.  Nurture your heart and soul with creativity this week.  

It's been a fun week!

Thanks for stopping by this week during the #eclipsecalmaker Bunny Hop for 2019!  Hoping you spent a little bit of time in your craft room too! 

Here's a quick recap if you're wanting to review the week. 

 

Links to the posts below.
Tag #1

Tag #2

Tag #3

Tag #4

Tag#5

 

Again, thanks for joining us!  Be a maker in your own creative way!  Ready, set, PLAY! 

Bunny Hop Day 3

Welcome back!  So happy you stopped by for day 3's tag.  I just love this one!  Hope you do too!

You'll need:
White cardstock
Chocolate cardstock
Tombow Markers
Ink (light green and sky blue, oatmeal)
Easter Grass (Sizzix eShape Store)
Tombow markers
Flower shaped sequins
Clear and white seed beads
Glue (Lineco)
Foam pop dots (1/4 inch)
Scissors
Blender Tool and felt
Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3

CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY:
Size and cut the shapes from the Easter Grass file and a tag from the Shape Library.   

Color the background of the tag using the ink and blender tool.  Set aside.

Put the basket together.  I glued the vertical splines at the bottom only and did a over/under weave.  Make sure the top edge is open and not glued shut. 

Color the "grass" using markers.  I crumpled mine up a bit and glued to the back inside of the basket.  You can't really see it, but it's there for a little bit of filler.

Using the brown/oatmeal ink, add a little bit of color to the edges of the bunny pieces.  Color the pads of the feet with a bit of pink.  Glue the pads to the feet and add the tail using a piece of the foam pad.  Glue  the body to the grass, tucking the bottom of the body into the basket.  Add a pop up to the feet.

Glue the basket to the tag.  Glue a few sequins to the basket and add some seed beads to the sequin centers. 

You can see a little more detail in this image -- the weave on the basket is pretty tight and the seed beads are a perfect fill if you're not stitching the sequins to the paper. 

The Sentiment was created in eCal3 as a print 2 print.  Super easy and the font is Bodini.  Just fill the font with the desired color and set the stroke to none.  Size the font, make sure it is set to print*; add a rectangle (Fill is white and stroke is set to none and layer to the back).   Print and cut according to the step by step instructions in the software. 

*Check preview to make sure the sentiment will print and the rectangle cuts. 

 

Hoping you have some more creative time set for this coming week.  Don't forget to stop by the FB page for more inspiration and if you'd like to participate, we'd be happy to have you join in the fun too! 

Bunny Hop Tag 2

It's day 2 of the hop -- have you stopped by the eclips/eCal page yet?  You'll love all of yesterday's tags and enjoy the ones that will be shared today.

Here's my tag for today.

 

You'll need:
White cardstock (8.5 x 11)
Green Textured Cardstock (Bazzil)
Green watercolor print paper (Bazzil)
Ink
Tombow Dual Brush Markers
Sizzix Shapes Library (Bunny, Boot, Tag)
Xyron X (permanent adhesive)
Glue (Lineco)
Foam pop dots (1/4 inch squares)
Ribbon
Sizzix eclips2 and eCal3

CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY:
Select the tag shape from the library.  Size as desired.  Draw a line the same width as the tag and apply the Wave effect and place on the tag.  Group.  Copy and paste to cut 2 from the green papers.  Cut a tag (hide the wave line) from white stock. 

Place the bunny on the mat, using the knife tool cut the bunny just below the paws. Select the top portion of the image and close path.  You can delete the other portion of the image.  Copy and paste the head to cut 2.  Create a small flower, stem and leaves using shapes from the library.  Select the boot from the library and size to fit the rabbit.  Make sure it will fit on the tag.  Cut the boot, flower, and two rabbits from white card stock.

Using the white tag as the base, choose one piece from each of the two green cuts.  I used the plain textured stock for the top portion of the tag and the print for the bottom of the tag.  Before gluing in place, using the blender tool, blend a little color to the edges of the pieces.  Glue in place.  Be sure to rub a little more color along the edges to hide the white paper a bit more. 

Pick one of the rabbit cuts and put through the Xyron.  Apply to the other rabbit head. Add an eye and nose using markers. 
Color the boot and add some dots to the boot and line the sole with a darker color.  Using some ink, add a little more color along the edges to cover the white. 

Fold over the front ear and glue the rabbit to the boot.  Secure the folded ear to the front of the boot with a little bit of glue.  Add the flower after you have colored it.  Add some pop ups to the back of the boot and secure to the front of the tag.

Add your sentiment as desired.  Add a ribbon hanger.  And it's all done. 

Thanks for stopping by again today!  If you missed yesterday's post, just scroll down the page a bit for yesterday's tag.

Hoping you have some creative time scheduled  this week and  be sure to stop by the Facebook page for a little more inspiration from other #eclipsecalmakers. 

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

Come, sit with me

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by.  I'm so thrilled to be back as a Design Team member for Mixed Media Supplies again this term and I wanted to share this project with you.

You'll need:
cardboard (about 8 x 6), with some of the corrugated areas visible
Printed book paper sheet - stash
Park bench (cut 5 times) - stash
Mica (Sapphire)
Texture Background stamps (bark background, diamond fence background)
ink
markers
e-brush with marker adaptor
leaf and vine punch
acrylic medium
flexible modeling paste
gesso
putty knife
brush
small spray bottle
gelatos (green, blue, lavendar)
white tube paint
flowers
small jewels (flower centers)
word processing program
micron pen - .01 black

Prep the cardboard, remove additional paper if desired exposing more of the ridges.  Apply a light coat of gesso and let dry. 

Rub the Gelatos on the gessoed surface.  Using a waterbrush, smooth the color a bit on the surface.  Let dry. Spritz a little of the mica if desired at this stage.

On a palette, shave a little bit of the gelatos and mix with a small amount of modeling paste.  The color should be a little lighter than the surface of your now colored cardboard.  Lightly spread the colored modeling paste for a little more texture on the surface.   Let dry. 

Stack the 5 cut benches and let the glue dry thoroughly. 

With the bark texture stamp, lightly add some texture to the bench.  I used some black and medium brown ink...

it was pretty stark looking so I dry brushed a bit of white paint on the surface to soften the tone a bit.  Set aside.

Tear the printed book page into strips and using the acrylic medium "glue" to the cardboard as desired. Apply a light coat of the acrylic medium to the surface of the project.  Let dry.  Glue the bench in place on the cardboard.  Let dry.  



Using the diamond fence stamp, lightly add the texture to the far right of the cardboard. 

Add flowers and leaves and vines as desired on the fence, secure with glue and or acrylic medium. 

Using the ebrush and a marker in a very light brown, lightly spray the edges and around the bench and on the book print.  Just for a little more aged look. 

Add the gems to the flowers, add vines and leaves.  Print Come, sit with me. and add a doodled box around the words.  Lightly spray the edges using the eBrush and glue to the cardboard. 

When everything has dried, lightly spritz with the sapphire mica for a subtle bit of shine. 

Sign your work and display as desired. 

Again, thanks for stopping by. Hoping you are enjoying some creative time this week!  I'll be back with another Mixed Media Supply project in a couple of weeks!  In the meantime, keep on creating!

*I have used products that were provided by Mixed Media Supplies - the project and opinions in this blog are mine and I have not been compensated otherwise. 

 

 

Spring in 3D

Hi everyone.  Thanks for stopping by today.  It's time to get caught up on a little crafting and I'm happy to say, it's been pretty productive. 

A while back, My Scrap Chick came out with their version of some 3 D letters.  They're small, portable and fold flat for storage!  You can buy the letters separately or bundled.  You know me, I had to have them all! 

I really wanted to get them cut and put together in one sitting, so I decided to just use a single color for each letter.  One 12x12 sheet will do it for each 4 inch tall letter and were cut on my Sizzix eclips and eCal2 software. 

I used paper from an AC Pastel cardstock pack.  To embellish the front panel and the inside back panel. 

I used a stamp from the Flower Swirls Stamp Set and some black ink.  It was a nice contrast on each of the panels and looks really nice.  I left the back panel plain, but it could certainly be decorated.

These are simple to put together - go quickly and I used Scor-Tape to adhere all the pieces. 

(No affiliate links were used in this post and no products were supplied by manufacturers for review)

 

 

with a little bit of luck...

These little "gift" boxes are perfect for the grands for St Patrick's Day.
(No affiliate links are used in this post)

You'll need
Small Gift Boxes from Simply Crafty SVGs
Lucky Charm - etsy shop
Die Cutting machine (software)
Cardstock (stash)
Patterned paper (stash)
Scor-Tape
Tombow tape runner
Black Micron .01 pen - optional
Tombow Markers (Dual Brush) - optional
Sakura White Gel pen
foam pop up dots (stash)


Using your die-cutting software, set up the lucky leprechauns for print 2 cut.  On a separate mat, create your sentiment and size as desired.  Print and cut.

Cut the boxes - I down sized mine a bit.  Cut the boxes and the panels.  I chose not to cut the decorative front panel, but you could certainly do that.

Cut or punch a 1 1/2 inch circle.  "stitch" the edge with a white gel pen.  Add a doodle along each edge of the patterned paper panel. 

Put together as shown on the pdf of the Small Gift Boxes file.  All 12 were a quick project and easy to complete in less than a day from start to finish. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Hoping your #CRE8TIME is going fabulously this week!  More fun stuff to come this month.... stay tuned!