Saturday Step x Step - More Christmas in July

It is Cec here and today I am presenting the Saturday Step x Step.

Since the current challenge is Christmas in July I thought I would make something Christmas to share with you and this time it is another one of my ornaments.  These are really quite easy to make and can be made to look very simple or fancy, whichever suits your tree.  Let me show you how this one came together.

First I grabbed an old CD and got my husband to drill a hole in the top and the bottom, directly across from one another.  Then I cut two circles from the Graphic 45 paper called A Christmas Carol.  This time I just used a bowl to draw the circles and then fussy cut them because I didn't feel like dragging out my Cameo machine so they are slightly bigger than the actual CD.

Next I glued the CD to the wrong side of one paper circle using Super Thick Slap it On (IndigoBlu) and then re-punched the two holes.  Note:  It is easier to open the holes in stages like this or you might not be able to find them once you add the other paper circle.

I adhered the other circle to the CD and punched the holes again. I didn't worry if the two paper circles lined up perfectly and when they didn't, I just used my scissors to trim them knowing the embellishments would hide any imperfections.

This time I decided to only decorate one side of the ornament because I wire all my ornaments to my tree and it won't spin.

I started by dying some venise lace with Antique Linen Distress Ink and then attaching it to one side of the ornament. Next I did some stenciling with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink through a Poinsettia Mini Stencil from Tim Holtz set 19.

I die cut some poinsettia leaves using a Marianne Creatables die and paper from Graphic 45 St. Nicholas pad.  The petals were then shaped and layered.

Some "greenery" was die cut from the Tim Holtz Holiday Greens set and some scrap card stock.

I used my fingers to rub some Classic Treasure Gold wax paste on the edges of the poinsettia petals and the "greenery". I also added some to the outside edges of the ornament. To finish the poinsettia I added some seed beads in pearly white and gold to the centre.

Next I dyed some seam binding with Fired Brick and Aged Mahogany Distress Ink but it seemed a bit pink so I sprayed it with Aged Mahogany Distress Spray Stain and to get the depth of colour I was looking for.

To finish the ornament, I cut some little stamps from A Christmas Carol, inked the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and added them in a row down the side. Next I folded the ribbon over and wound some wire around the top to hold it together and then added a button to hide the wire before I added that next to the stamps. The poinsettia was added next with the "greenery tucked underneath. I scattered some pearl stickers and gold gems around.

Finally I made a simple bead chain for the top and a more substantial one with dangles for the bottom. To attach them to the ornament, I looped some chain through the holes and used jump rings to attach the bead work.

I hope I have inspired you to get a start on your Christmas preparations.

Friday Focus on Graphic 45: Children's Hour Altered Notebook and Card

Hello, Friends!  It's Kathy here, and I'm excited to be sharing today's  Friday Focus on Graphic 45.

For the next two weeks, all Graphic 45 products will be on sale for an additional 15% off the already discounted price at The Funkie Junkie Boutique!  If you all know me even a little bit, you know that these glad tidings make my crafty little heart go pitty pat as I adore all things Graphic 45!

To whet your appetite for this lovely sale, I've created an altered notebook and card duo using the September papers from the Children's Hour collection.  (You'll find product links to the Funkie Junkie Boutique below this post.)

 

Children's Hour Altered Composition Notebook

 This is a standard composition notebook that I purchased at a Back to School sale.  It measures 7.5" x 10".  The cover has been altered to look like old leather.  This process involves sanding the cover then inking it up with Copper Mixative, Espresso, Ginger, and Pesto Alcohol inks.  The sanding gives the cover a lovely texture while the Alcohol inks cover the boring black and white background and blend colors to look like vintage leather.

 You get a good look at the album base in this shot.

I layered stickers and fussy cut elements from the 8x8 and 12x12 collections to create the vignette on the cover.  Petaloo flowers, burlap and ribbon add lots of lovely texture.

I used the alcohol ink to color the edges of the notebook pages so that they all look deliciously aged. Then, on this inside, I added more patterned papers, tags, a policy envelope, and layered elements.  I love the way the ribbon and crocheted lace look inside the notebook.

I designed the notebook to hold photos and a journal of the school year.  It seems that the years go by so quickly, and it's easy to forget those little moments that make life so special.

Children's Hour September Card

One of the main problems I have with Graphic 45 is that I just can't stop playing with it.  I was about to clear off my desk when my eye fell on some scrap pieces.  Instantly, my brain saw a card just begging to come to life.  How could I resist?

One comment that I often hear from folks is that while they love all the beautiful patterns and images in Graphic 45 papers, they feel lost when it comes to using them.  With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful for you to see how I layered all these different patterns and images together to create a cohesive design.  That's where the Snapguide tutorial comes in.

You can draw attention to your focal image by "framing" it with burlap string.  The eye is instantly drawn to the main feature of the card.  To keep the smaller image from disappearing in the mix, I framed it inside one of the small filigree frames from the Funkie Junkie Boutique.  Adding the red border and black chipboard sentiment also help to focus the eye on the main image.  I could not resist adding in a used pencil and a burlap string wrapped pen nib, just for fun.

I'm known for adding lots of fun details to the insides of my cards.  I love using Tammy Tutterow's Deco Mini Envelope Die to create a small gift or note pocket.  The envelope is held shut with tiny magnets.

Here's a peek at what I tucked inside.

The base of the card interior holds a large pocket that I've filled with sweet tags.

These interactive elements and extra goodies make the card a worthy gift all on its own, but if you wanted to, you could tuck a gift card or small wrapped chocolate and tea bag into the pocket.

I hope this post has inspired you to break out your scissors and get busy with the gorgeous G45 papers you've been hoarding. This sale presents the perfect opportunity to add to your stash, as all the new collections will be shipping any day.  So, I don't know about you, but I'm going shopping!

Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
Check out How to Make a Graphic 45 Children's Hour September Card by Kathy Clement on Snapguide.

Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour Ephemera Cards 4501259	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour Decorative Stickers 4501257	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 8x8 Calendar Pad 4501250	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 12x12 Pad 4501249	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 12x12 Calendar Pad 4501251
Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour - 8x8 Pad 4501248	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour - 6x6 Pad 4501247	May Arts Crocheted Lace - 1.5" Ivory	Burlap String - 12 Colors	Natural Jute Mesh (Burlap)
Petaloo Botanica Collection Textured Elements Blossoms x 4 Red	Petaloo Botanica Collection Mini Blossoms x 9 Red	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pen Nibs	Message Charm Pendant - Antique Bronze "never never give up′ - set of 4	Ranger Tim Holtz Mini Distress Ink Pad - Walnut Stain
Adirondack Color Wash Dye 2 Ounce Spray - Espresso	Tim Holtz Ranger Idea-ology Sanding Grip	Tim Holtz idea-ology Refill Pack for Sanding Grip (4 sheets)	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Copper Mixative	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Ginger
Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator, Stamp Handle and Felt	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Bottle	TammyTutterowDecoEdgeEnvelopeDie	Graphic 45 Children′s Hour Decorative Chipboard 4501255	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents
Scor-Pal Scor-Tape 1/2" x 27 Yards

Saturday Step by Step: Faux Metal Mailbox

Hello and welcome to all my crafty friends! It's Nancy here, and I'm honored to be hosting this weeks Saturday Step by Step. 

I wanted to try something totally new to me - a weathered metal technique. It was risky, because I didn't know how it would turn out, but I persevered until I got the look I was going for. I embraced a rich, seasonal color palette for this altered 'cornucopia' style mailbox overflowing with earthy autumn delights. I made two of them. One is to be a gift for a dear friend. I'll be using mine as a centerpiece on our Thanksgiving table.      

We'll transform this paper mache mailbox in to a rusty, weathered metal finish. You can find this mailbox at Michael's, AC Moore, or Hobby Lobby. I've had mine in my craft closet for a couple of years! You can also use this technique on any chipboard or paper mache piece you have in your stash.  

When fall is in the air I start craving hot cider and pumpkin donuts. But it doesn't end there. My other addiction is this Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die. If you've been to my blog you may have noticed I've used it on several creations this season. For this project we will cut 7 leaves of your choice using this die. 

You'll  need a few simple supplies. Here I have a tiny bird's nest from Michaels, some purchased paper flowers, and a twine bow. Feel free to improvise with your embellishments depending on what you have on hand.

Some moss, lichen, and berries add elements of nature to the project. I picked these up last year at Michael's when they went on sale.  

Now it's time to prepare the embellishments. I dampened the nest with water then sprayed it with Vintage Photo Distress Ink to darken it a little. After it dried I adhered small pieces of moss here and there. 

I dampened the paper flowers with my mini mister and sprayed them with Tim Holtz Distress Inks in various colors. I used three different colors on each flower for a variegated look. I'll leave a complete list of the colors I used at the bottom of the post. 

The leaves receive the same Distress Stain treatment as the flowers. I like the way the orange leaves turned out the best. I also pressed the orange leaves into the paper towel I used to spray on. It left a nice pattern on the leaves.    

I guess I got over-excited about trying a new technique, because I totally forgot to take photos of the first three steps. I'll demonstrate each step on a piece of chipboard instead. 

I started by prepping the mailbox with a light coat of gesso. 

My next step was to spread random areas of texture paste and whipped spackle, then left it to air dry. 

After the mailbox was completely dry I gave it a coat of brown acrylic paint. When it dried I noticed a some tiny white spots remaining. They will be completely covered in the next step.   

Now it's time to apply two good coats of Antiqued Bronze Distress Stain. Some of the brown paint continues to show through. This exactly what I wanted. I dried the stain with my heat gun. It caused the paint to bubble, adding even more texture.   

Finally I sprayed on a light coat of Walnut Stain Distress Spray and dried it with my heat gun. 

I re-attached the mailbox flag. I had to punch new holes because the original ones were covered in coats of paint. 

When adding embellishments I work from largest to smallest. In this case I started by adhering the nest at the opening of the mailbox, placing it as far to the left as possible. 

The leaves came next. I placed them in three areas, fanning them out to form a semi circle around the mailbox.  

The leaves become a guide for the placement of the flowers, as shown in the photo below. 

In the below photo all the flowers have been added. 

Now add some moss and lichen... 

The final touch...berries and a twine bow! 

I've included a few close ups below.   

Thank you so much for joining me! Don't forget to check out our latest challenge here on the Frilly and Funkie blog. Sending wishes to all for a happy Thanksgiving!

Hugs,

Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 9.5" Titanium Scissors	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents	Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape - 1/8"	RANGER MIXED MEDIA CARDSTOCK 8 1/2" X 11" 10PK
Ranger ADHESIVE - WHITE FOAM ROLL 1/2" X 1/16"x 2.1 YDS.	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap	Ranger Heat It Craft Tool	Dina Wakley Media Mediums - White Gesso	Sizzix® Accessory - Precision Base Plate for Wafer-Thin Dies
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Spray Stain - Carved Pumpkin	Ranger Tim Holtz Ground Espresso Distress Spray Stain	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Spray Stain - Fossilized Amber	Ranger Tim Holtz Twisted Citron Distress Spray Stain	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Gathered Twigs
Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Walnut Stain	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Wild Honey	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Crushed Olive	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Vintage Photo	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Tea Dye
Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Spiced Marmalade	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Tarnished Brass	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Rusty Hinge	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Peeled Paint	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Antiqued Bronze
Tim Holtz Ranger Metallic Distress Stain - Antiqued Bronze	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves Die	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Ranger Water Brush, 1/2" Broad Tip
Tim Holtz Idea-ology Jute Twine