Izbzee

so many smiles....

Our 23rd anniversary is just around the corner and I found this saying on CreativeFabrica.com and it's perfect for what I had in mind....  a not so mini way of sharing a bunch of photos we've taken over the years -- goofy smiles included -- yeah, I know you don't see any of those smiling images -- but you do see some fun embossed pieces using folders from Teresa Collins and Craftwell.  The sentiment was eBrushed using a stencil cut on my Sizzix eclips2.  Let's get started on the process....

You'll need:
eBrush and marker adapter
Cut-n-Boss
markers
vinyl
electronic die cutting machine -- Sizzix eclips2 and eCal2
So Many Smiles file
embossing folders (Decor Circles, Alpha, Beautiful Words, Stars,Twill Herringbone Preppy Houndstooth, Diamonds, Cabana)
Prepped Wood (I'm recycling another shelf)

fabric strips or twine
heavy duty stapler
Painters' tape
scrap paper or copies of photos  cut into 4 inch squares
binder clips
Transfer tape
Sawtooth hanger - and nails
Sealer

Open the So Many Smiles file in your machine's software.  Size as desired.  Cut using your machines settings for vinyl.  Weed, creating a stencil.  Apply transfer tape.  Set aside.  At this point, add the sawtooth hanger to the back of the board if you plan on hanging your board.  Apply the stencil to the wood.  Lightly burnish to make sure that no spray will bleed under the vinyl while you're spraying. 

Get your eBrush ready!  Seat the markers for an even spray.  Spray and color as desired.  Let dry. Remove the stencil carefully. Spray with two very light coats of sealer, letting the first coat dry for a few hours before spraying again.  This will add a little protection and keep the marker from scratching if your board has a really slick surface (My shelf was still a bit too "slick" and the marker scratched off in a couple of spots and touching up created another scratch instead of fill). 




I chose to use some fabric strips -- 1 inch by 45 inches tied together with a simple knot.  I knotted one end and secured it to the back of the board with a staple.  You could also use a glue gun to secure the strips in place....  Wrap the strips around the board as desired, securing with staples as needed.  Set aside

Gather your embossing folders  -- time to use the Cut-n-Boss. 

Using the 4 inch squares, emboss as desired -- using some fun folders in the Cut-n-Boss.  Attach to the fabric strips with a binder clip....

I'll add some photos  a little later....  I don't want T so see the pics until I give him the gift!  In the meantime, I hope you'll be enjoying some time in your creative space this week!  Hope you'll stop by again soon. 

 

 

Ringing in the New Year

CreativeFabrica.com has a growing "library" of fabulous craft files! Freebies and paid!  The freebies change often, so be sure to check them out and grab all you want.   I'm having a difficult time choosing which ones I want to use first! 

I found this file in the freebie section a couple of weeks ago... it's not there today, but I've no doubt you'll find something you like on their site! 

For this project, you'll need:
2017-file
vinyl (631 or other removable vinyl)
transfer tape
electronic die cutting machine (eclips2) and software (eCal2)
sharpies (Silver)
eBrush and SP marker adapter
black foam core

Open the file in your machine's software and size as desired.  Mine is approximately 9" W x 5" H.  My foam core is cut about 10.25 by 6.25. 
Cut in vinyl and weed. I removed the lettering, confetti and swirls creating a stencil.  Using transfer tape, apply the vinyl to your prepped surface (if needed).  I'm using some foam core, so no additional prepping was necessary.

Be sure that you're using a juicy marker in the eBrush.  Adjust as necessary for that perfect flow and full coverage.  You'll get an even spray and won't need to do a second coat on the black background. 





Carefully, remove the vinyl from the foam core. 

Use your finished board as desired.  I'm putting it together with jar filled with selected words of focus for the coming new year...  I've also added a string of "fairy lights" for a little more glitz on New Year's Eve. 


Thanks, CreativeFabrica.com for the fab file!  Join us in the Sizzix Eclips and eCal Users Challenge on FB!  Hoping you'll be doing some crafting soon! 

Snow season just ahead.....

We were so excited to see some "flakes" this last week, that we just had to get a start on some winter decorating!  I'd seen something similar on Pinterest and wanted to create one of my own.... Even T was excited to see this project come together! 

This is so quick and easy.  Grab a few markers, your eBrush, some vinyl and your electronic cutting machine. 

Using your designing software, and favorite font (K26ScribbleScrawl).  Cut the stencil and apply to your prepped* wood piece.  We're still finding a few shelves from some old bookshelves that were damaged in our move --- so I used one of those.  

*Clean, sand and wipe any sawdust away before applying the vinyl or spraying with markers.  This project would also work well using acrylic paint in the siphon adapter for the eBrush. 

Once your vinyl has been weeded and you've applied it to your surface, begin the spraying process with the eBrush.  It's quick and easy.  I layered on the color -- 2 coats of color. 

Once the marker has dried, carefully remove the stencil -- We're adding some extra snow to the bottom of this piece to cover up some of the damage on the shelf with some acrylic paint and adding some "snow texture."  -- And since this piece will be outside and exposed to some weather, we'll apply some clear acrylic sealer to add a little protection.  Two light coats should do it for the covered porch area. 

Hoping your weekend has some creative time built in! 

quick update

Just a quick post to share a couple of projects that were completed this past week.  Feeling accomplished!

Using SVGCut's Football file from Game Day marquee collection.  Fun!  AC textured and smooth papers.  Title from Miss Kate Cuttables.   I colored in the word Football (cut in white paper) with Tombow markers.  I'm sure this will be a hit with our son especially since it's in "team" colors!

Treat cones SVGCuts' Party from Elm Street SVG Kit.  I chose not to use any of the additional panels but just add some ribbons and buttons for these quick and easy goodie holders.  Paper is from a stack (no cover) that I picked up a while back.  Tags are from an old graphic set I found buried in my files -- Need to make 4 more, fill, and get them in the mail this coming week.

Last project is a bit of vinyl... repurposing these shelves from the broken case has been fun! 


I chose to use the font Rustal Type for project.  It's a little "rough" around the edges, but the eclips2 cut it very nicely using the default vinyl setting.  Added a bit of Black Licorice ink to the edges of the board after applying the vinyl, -- let the ink dry overnight.  Added some hooks.  Can hardly wait until this is hanging on the porch!  😀

Hoping your week has been a creative one.  Looking forward to spending more time at the crafting table this coming week and getting a head start on some holiday card making... 

 

 

Mum's the word

 

Isn't he cute?  We used a shelf from a broken bookcase unit as the base for this recycling project and with the help of the eBrush, some markers, painter's tape and a "stencil" made with some mesh and cardboard, and a scrap of vinyl, this Halloween decor project can be completed in a couple of hours! 

Let's get started:

Prep the board - TIP:  I'd suggest a thorough cleaning and a light sanding to take off the finish of the shelf.  If you use sharpies, the alcohol paint has a tendency to be a little sticky for a while, especially if you're having to spray several layers of color.  So be sure to let it dry.

Mask the board with painters' tape in the desired patterns.  We just winged it - leaving a space for odd sized eyes - I cut a couple of vinyl circles using some dies in the Cut- n- Boss.  Burnish the vinyl on the board just enough to make sure that the ink doesn't bleed into the white space.

Now the fun begins... using the eBrush and some Sharpies, begin to fill in the spaces.  I used black for the larger "face" portion and gray for the space between the "wraps."  Let dry for a little bit, then remove one "wrap" at a time.  Using the stencil, lightly spray with a brown marker.  My color was pretty light when it first went on.  You don't need to fill in every space... leaving some openness adds to the charm, IMO.  

Add some details around the eyes if desired, I'm still contemplating adding a little more blue/gray around the edges and possibly a little bling that will show up while this sits with his companions on our porch the next couple of weeks.

Using a light touch, spray with a sealer -- and let dry for several hours. 


Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned there's lots of fun stuff ahead! 

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!

 

There's no place like Home

This month's sponsor is ClearSnap!  I love the ColorBox inks and the Glam Green and Gold inks were perfect for this project.

Let's get started with this 3D paper suitcase.

You'll need:
Cardstock
Electronic Die Cutting Machine, software
Embossing folder
Cut - n - Boss
Markers
eBrush
Glue
Chibitronics LED and copper tape
Ink (ClearSnap, VersaMark)
embellishments as desired
Stamp (world, by Teresa Collins)
Scoring tool and board

I created a cutting file for my 3D suitcase using basic shapes.  If you don't have an electronic machine, consider using the Eileen Hull die found here.  Cut the file using the heavy cardstock.  Cut another copy made with liner paper. 

Emboss the front as desired using the embossing folder and the Cut-n-boss using the standard sandwich as described by the manufacturer.  I chose to emboss a portion, not the whole front.  I then added two score lines by using my scoring tool and scoring board. 

Ink the craft release paper (freezer paper works too).  Spritz lightly with water.  Use the eBrush and disperse the ink as desired.  Smooch the embossed piece into the ink.  Set aside and let dry.  Heat set the ink. 

 

Cut the stencil.  Apply to the front and using the eBrush and markers, spray.  Remove the stencil.  If desired, heat set.  Turn the piece over and apply the liner piece. 

Create a circuit using the Chibi LED and copper tape as shown here.  I chose to add a pull tab to open the circuit once the gift was delivered. 


Line up the circuit with the stamped liner. Secure the circuit in the base of the suitcase.  Stamp the liner as desired.   Glue the side pieces together.  Put the base of the case together.  

Glue the tab on the front of the case to the base.  Add the liner.  Make sure that the lever on the battery pocket can be accessed.  Close the case. 

 

 Embellish the front of the case if desired.  Add the handles. 

 

 Thanks for dropping by.  Hoping you have some creative time planned into your schedule this week!  Join the rest of the team this week and next for more projects using ClearSnap and the eBrush! 

it's baseball season

and it's big at our house every year even if the "favorite team" doesn't win. 

I created a stencil  using eCal2 and cut it in vinyl with the eclips2.  The board is a scrap I had in the craftroom  - left over from another project a while back.  For personal use only, download the SVG file here. 

If desired, prime the wood, paint an undercoat in a dark color using an acrylic paint for quick clean up.  Let dry.  Lightly sand  if necessary. 


Paint a second coat... I used an antique white acrylic.   Let dry and sand just enough to let a little bit of the undercoat through along the edges. 

Apply the stencil (pattern for personal use only) to the wood and grab your markers and eBrush and get started!  I'm using Bic Mark-it's in this project. 

TIP:  Mask off areas using some transfer tape.  This will insure crisp colors and no overspray. 

When all your coloring is completed, carefully lift off any remaining transfer tape and the vinyl.  I will likely make a re-usable stencil for the future, but this vinyl one won't be reused, so just dispose  once you're removed it.   

I added some "glaze" to the wood -- to dirty it up a bit. 


It's a home run with T!  Happy Crafting!  June projects are lining up and I'm excited... stop by again soon! 

Cinco de Mayo Fun

We're excited to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo with SaborPapel!  Have you seen their fabulous papers?  They ROCK! 
I've had to much fun playing with them. 

Here's a peek at the collection I used for this project! 


Now that you've been introduced to this cool-lection of fabulous papers, let me share my project for today.




You'll need:
eBrush (marker adapter - sharpie)
Foam Core or canvas
contact paper for stencil, transfer tape
electronic cutting machine, software
image for tracing - cutting file in SVG format
Flower pot (Dreaming Tree - Love you Mom collection)
Frame  (optional)
additional dies and cutting files, as desired  (flowers, leaves and flourish/vine)
Sabor Olé collection
glue gun
brads
adhesive, pop dots
styrofoam

Let's get started:
Create your stencil using the word art image or file of your choice in your cutting machine's software.  Size to fit your base and your frame.  Cut in clear contact paper  - weed the lettering leaving the negative for the stencil.  Add the transfer tape and transfer the stencil to the foam core surface.  Make sure it's secure on the surface. 



Using the eBrush and the marker, spray the stencil.  Let it dry a little longer and then carefully remove the stencil.  Lift any remaining pieces from the now painted surface.  Be careful, the sharpie will smear or scratch.  It's best to let it sit a day or two before doing much more with this piece.





Download the image file here or download the SVG file here.

Now it's time to embellish.  Cut flowers, leaves, vines and any other embellishments as desired.   Add a little more dimension using the eBrush for some more color and pinch and shape to the leaves.  The florals came from 2 packs of  Ole cutouts.  Add some bling to each of the flowers for a little more fun.  Frame if desired.   

 To highlight the papers even more, I cut 1 flower pot from the Love You Mom collection, using my electronic cutting machine,  Fill a mat with circles in 3 different sizes and cut a few leafy branches. Using the eBrush, lightly edge each of the circles.  Run the circles through a crimper to "soften" the fibers, crumple, stack, insert a brad into the center.  You can add a "stem" if you'd like, but I just hot glued them to paper covered styro form in the pot.  Add some greenery and a flower from the cuts that come with your paper collection to decorate the flower pot.  


Wishing you a happy Crafty day!  Enjoy the rest of the blog hop!  It's been fun to be a part of the SaborPapel/Craftwell blog hop!  Want a chance to win a prize  for participating in the hop?

How to enter: 

1. Leave a comment on all participating blogs (required)
2. Become followers of the Craftwell blog and the Sabor Papel blog (required)
3. Like the Sabor Papel and Craftwell Facebook pages (optional)  
4. For additional entries, you can comment once daily on each blog, through the 8th of  May .  
5. Winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on all participant's blogs.
6. The comments will close at 11:59 PM  PST on Sunday May 8, 2016.
7. US and Canada entries eligible only.
   

Prizes to be given away:

(1) eBrush machine from Craftwell

(1) Set small embossing folders from Craftwell

(1) Sabor Papel paper kit from Sabor Papel

(1) Sabor Papel Ole' collection paper kit from SantanaCrafts.com

(1) Sabor Papel Amor collection Paper Kit from SantanaCrafts.com

(1) $25 dollar store voucher from Latina Crafter 

6 winners total!

*All requirements must be met to be eligible to win*

The winners will be announced on Monday, May 10th on the Craftwell blog and Sabor Papel blog.

Pam Bray is next... but feel free to start at the top if you've missed any.  Each of the links below will open in a new window. 

Blog Hop Roll:

Craftwell
Crystal Dominguez

Leticia Yvonne Arvizu

Laura Bray

Tammy Santana: (tammysantana.com) 

Santana Crafts:

DIYPlannerGirl

 

Erminda Dominguez

Connie Craig

Ruby Montes

Latina Crafter

Barbara Rankin

 

 

Peggy Oliver

 

Debi Tullier

 

Mitysana Wright

 

Tyra Babington

 

Jan Hunter (you're here!)

 

Pam Bray

 

JustYolie

 

 

Stay tuned May is filled with all things Carftwell and Sabor!  We've got some great things in store!

Creative moments

How often do you make time in your schedule for creativity?  Me?  Not enough some weeks... but I'm hoping that my new "plans" will allow for plenty of time in the craft room between now and the end of the year and beyond! 

This week has been fun -- designing, making cards, stencils, eBrush, markers, photo editing and more.  Here's a quick canvas I completed this week.  Just a couple of fonts and sizing to fit, and you're good to get a project done in a couple of hours. 

You'll need:
Sizzix eclips2
eCal2
Vinyl (or stencil material - use repositionable spray to keep in place)
Transfer tape
eBrush
Markers (BIC markers were used for this project)
Canvas (9 x 12 for this project)

Design your quote using fonts. My quote for this project is "Do Something Creative Every Day."  I used two different fonts for this project.  Pick and choose the ones that fit your style.  Size as needed.  Save your file!  Using the vinyl settings in the materials drop down of the eCal2 software, cut your design.  Weed (remove the segments you want to color)  Apply the transfer tape to the vinyl.  Transfer the vinyl to the transfer tape according to the manufacturer's directions.  Apply the vinyl to the canvas,  remove the transfer tape.  I left enough on the sides to cover any exposed edges.  Burnish the vinyl to the canvas enough that the color will not bleed under it.

Using the eBrush, adapter and markers, spray as desired.  If you're using alcohol markers, they dry almost instantaneously.  Remove the vinyl and if you desire, you can embellish or mount in a frame. 

Hope you have some creative time planned in your schedule this coming week!  Enjoy! 

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