Izbzee

paper quilt - week 3

These have really been fun!  Rather enjoyable!  Here's a peek at week 3's Skitch a Day (from the Gourmet Quilter) doings.

Once again these are all done in paper.  I used the eclips2 and eCal3 to cut the "appliques."  An old SU background stamp adds a little interest on the background pieces and all coloring is done using Tombow markers and the eBrush.   Details and faux stitching added using an ultra-fine sharpie where needed. 

Here are a couple of my favorites from this week's seven (click on the pic for a larger version of the image):

I'm looking forward to next week's 7 "skitches" and hope you don't mind taking this journey with me in 2019! 

Carve out some creative time in your schedule for some "play" in a medium you love to work with -- or try something new! 

If you're interested in an eBrush, you can find more information at http://craftwellusa.com and click on the Shop tab. 

This sale is good until February 6th.  Don't miss out! 

paper quilt - week 2

Another week of creative play using the eclips2, eCal3, the eBrush and Tombow markers. and let's  not forget to throw in a background stamp and a mini dotted stencil just for fun!

These were fun and I enjoyed coloring them using the markers and eBrush.  Adding a little detail here and there too.  Here's a closer look at a few of the images.  You can click on the images for a closer look. 

Remember, all the appliques started out as white cardstock -

Hoping you're enjoying some creative time this week!  Check back with you soon! 

 

paper quilt - week 1 completed

Just a quick post to share all 7 of the completed sections for the Skitch-a-day quilt class.  These were so fun to "paint" using Craftwell's  eBrush. Tombow markers are used in this project. 

I created this simple mat  for display purposes using a piece of poster board that I cut using the eclips2 and eCal3 software.  All shapes for the appliques were also cut using the eclips2. 

All skitches (a Gourmet Quilter design) are cut using white cardstock and colored using Tombow markers and the eBrush by Craftwell.  Stitching lines added using an ultra-fine Sharpie.  One of the things I have enjoyed about doing these is that I can create my own fabric using a palette of colors in my marker stash! 

STAY TUNED:  Weeks 2 and 3 are  now completed!  Can't wait to share! 

#eclipsecalmaker

Paper Piecing for <3 day

This file has been in my digital cutting file archives for a very long time.  I was happy to re-discover it and put it to good use.

The file is from Paper Piecing by Nikki (PPBN).  It was a fun image to put together and pretty straightforward.  And a breeze to cut using the eclips2 and eCal3 software. 

No real instructions necessary and it's a pretty good way to use up some of those scraps. 

Inking the edges adds dimension and a little more interest.  I added a little sparkle with a clear sparkle pen from Spectrum Noir, but you could use Wink of Stella or brush on some mica for that bit of shimmer on the tumbling hearts and wings.  I added a small swipe on the nose and in the eyes...but it doesn't show up much.   Add a piece of twine for the bucket handle and slip it under the arm to hold it in place. 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner

but at our house we'll be celebrating a little early. 

I'm so excited that the eclips2 and eCal3 software was able to do the "fussy cutting" for me!  There's no way I could have tackled that after last week's fall and hurting my wrist! 

All of my tags are now completed and ready to add to the goodies we're sharing with the grands.  I'll share that post at a later date when the "gifts" are all put together.  Here's one of the 10 I made.

 

• I used some images I've had in my digital stash for a very long time - images must be in png format for this to work
• Open eCal3 and under the FILE tab in the tool bar ribbon, use the IMPORT command. Select the image
• Size as needed, preview to make sure all of the images have the cut line around them properly. 
• Then use the print 2 cut feature - print then cut your images.
• The tags are also print 2 cut and I used the Funky Mother font for the lettering.  I added a heart to dot the 'i' by using the break apart command under OBJECT.  Remove the dot, open basic shapes and select the heart you want to use.  Resize and place over the 'i' as desired, making sure that all the lettering is set to print 2 cut print. 

Made this project so easy!  Using the import command will also work in eCal2 if you haven't upgraded yet.  

 

 

 

 

Keeping it simple

I had to spend a couple of hours looking for something that was appropriate for a couple of friends experiencing losses in their families.  Pinterest, the eclips2 and eCal3 to the rescue once again. 

I've created a short stack of these cards for this year.... really hoping we won't be using all of them anytime soon. 

Simple to create, cut and put together.  The eCal software made short work of this one.  4 card fronts to a single sheet of 8.5 x 11 white stock.  2 card bases to one sheet of the same size.  Scrap to cut for backing the heart cut out.  The inside of the card can be personalized with a sentiment of your choice before cutting or left blank for a handwritten note.  I used Tombow tape runners to secure my pieces together.

January is usually my month to make stacks of cards -- Right now, I have the makings of the next stack on my table now.  I started stamping and coloring last evening.  I'm glad I finally caved and got a stamping platform.  Pictures and details coming soon.... 

Thanks for dropping by!  Hoping your next creative session brings you some joy!  Keep on nurturing your creativity! 

 

 

2019 - a fresh start

My first projects for the new year are a couple of cards... This interactive peek a boo card using Lettering Delights Bee Knees was fun and easy to accomplish.

Jennifer McGuire's card was the inspiration.  I just translated it into a cut file using her measurements.  Placing the images directly to the mat and resizing them allowed me to place and center them on the pieces cut pieces.  One thought I have now, is just to place them directly on the card stock rather than have two additional cut pieces, however, I'll keep this file as is for the time being. 

P2C (Print 2 Cut) using eCal and the eclips makes for a very easy completion. 

 

Hoping your new year is filled with lots of inspiration and joy!  Happy Crafting! More to come in a couple of days....

 

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

Hi Gnomie!

 Simply Crafty SVGs has the cutest file for a 3D gnome.

Thought I would drop in and share this with you in a quick post.  You'll find the svg file here.

All pieces were cut using the Sizzix eclips2 and eCal 3.  paper from Paper Studio, Fun Stampers Journey, Neenah)

I opted to use some white on white print for the beard and trim on the hat.  Sandy has some nice directions in her video - If you've been putting dimensional pieces together for a while, you could probably put this together without viewing the video on her youtube channel. 

Inking the edges gives the nose and body panels a little more dimension. 

This piece is sitting at the base of our Gnomie tree this year.  The littles really like it and the tree.  Pics of the tree coming in a couple of days. 

 

 

 

 

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