Izbzee

gobble gobble

Thanksgiving is just around the corner... I saw this cute and whimsical wood cut in an ad and figured why not?  :) 

I think it turned out pretty cute.   The turkey has his own personality... Love the eyelash yarn I found in my stash leftover from some projects a number of years ago. He might need a little trim on top though.  I haven't quite decided. 

And I decided to make some printable Thanksgiving postcards  using the eCal3 software and basic shapes library. 


You'll Need:
Turkey Time  WoodCreations. 
Gesso
White paint
Tack cloth
Foam brush
Paper  or paint
glue
Yarn
white gel pen
ink (optional for edges)
glue gun
eCal3 (basic shapes library and fonts of your choosing)
eclips2
printer

Thanks for dropping by.  Hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are.  We're looking forward to an early celebration with our family this weekend.   

Nurture your creativity and create space and time to do it! 

quick gifts

SimplyCraftySVGs has some simple but cute mason jar boxes available.  They are easy to put together and make for a quick gift box. 

Two of the grandsons are starting fresh with a new list of "jobs" at their house.  Their mom wanted something similar to this that she saw on Pinterest.  I created a stencil and etched on the bottles and then using the Mini-maker, I etched a couple of tags.  Love the way this project turned out. 

The etching doesn't show well on the glass, but it's there! 

8 1/2 x 11 cardstock (Fun Stamper's Journey)
12 x 12 sheet for panel (from stash)
Lineco glue
Sizzix eclips2 / eCal 3

pint size mason jar
vinyl /  removable shelf liner
transfer tape
Armour Etching cream

wood tag (Craftparts.com)
Mini Maker laser etch machine

b-day construction

It's T's birthday week.  He was all smiles and laughter when he saw his birthday sign yesterday! 

And the birthday banner make in his honor too.

The large sign designed with the SCAL software (SCAL 5 Pro) for the sign since it needed to be tiled due to sizing and the banner was all done on eCal3 using shapes from the library and a font on my computer.  And cut using Sizzix's eclips2.  Vinyl applied to a piece of yellow foam core from Hobby Lobby

Paper from Fun Stampers Journey and AC Cardstock.  Lineco glue and some ribbon from my stash.  Vinyl from Paper Studio (HL)

 

 

 

happy "hello"

The wreath I posted earlier this week is too small to stand on it's on in a large space -- Right now, I don't have a grouping or small place it can stand out as a focal point.... so another shelving piece upcycle to the rescue. 

Super simple... a little bit of white acrylic paint, vinyl and sandpaper.  A hook for hanging (and it also will make it easier to switch out wreaths each season! 

I used the Gracias font and Gracias Stylized Font for the lettering. 

Open your software, and type in your lettering.  I stretched it to 18 inches.  Weld all the letters together.  When you add the glyph from the Stylized font, use the Union Command under the Path tab.  Be sure to check Preview to make sure that all the letters are connected and will cut as one.

Cut using the vinyl setting.  Weed the excess vinyl away and apply some transfer tape.  For best results, apply the vinyl first...  burnish as needed. 

Dry brush some white acrylic paint on the board.  While the paint is still not quite dry, lightly brush another light coat.  This will cause the paint to crackle a bit and add some additional texture.  Let dry. 

Using a piece of sandpaper, scrub some of the paint away.  Wipe away the dust.  Repeat that process as needed. 

My piece isn't going to be subjected to weather or extreme temps, so I chose not to seal it at this point.  Add a cup hook to the board and slide the wreath on the hook.  My board is setting on the mantel -- you could add hangers to the back of your board BEFORE you paint and hang if desired. 

Products used*:
Sizzix eclips2, eCal2
Expressions Vinyl - white 651
Apple Barrel White paint
foam brush
cup hook
sandpaper (120 grit)
wreath details can be found in this post. 

No affiliate links are used in this post.  Some of the materials used in the wreath were provided by MixedMediaSupplies.

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!