Boo Banner Graphic 45 Style

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year!  The crisp air, the hayrides, bonfires, leaf piles to play in, the colors, mmm and the apples!  But really, when I think fall, I think Halloween!!! 

Getting to dress up,  all the spooky decorations,  the stories and history behind it all! 

Simply Magic! 

That is why I decided to create a Boo Banner using Graphic 45's Kraft Envelope Album.

To help you capture the spirit of the season, I have also created KITS that are available for purchase in my etsy store!

As well as a tutorial for creating the aged Spiderweb's on the envelopes.

So let's get started....

The best part about creating a banner using Graphic 45's Kraft Envelope album is the ability to hide things inside!  Create tags, or cards, fill with Halloween decor or candy! 

Either way,  your guests will love it! 

These fun little witch tags were created using the leftover Graphic 45 Staples packages and metal brads.  Each tag has a different little seasonal saying, and each witch is a wearing a tiny handmade paper hat complete with trim!

Now onto the Partial Embossing Technique to create a haunting look on your banner!

Kraft Envelope Album

Colorbox Decades Ink Photogenic

Embossing Folder

This technique can be used with any embossing folders! For this banner, I wanted an elegant yet haunted look, so I went with Cuttlebug’s Spider web Embossing Folder.

Step 1: Take apart album book by bending the binding and remove the pages. Remove cover, and use pages from the inside making sure they all have the same size tabs for hanging.

Step 2: Cut desired paper to size of envelope only, don’t include the tab, this will be decorated separately. I used Tour De France and Well Groomed for my banner.

Step 3: Adhere paper to envelope, and angle cut bottom on both sides, meeting at the center to create a v or flag shape. Make sure not to cut too high, or your tag will hang out!

Lightly Adhere bottom closed to create a pocket.

Step 4: Place envelope partially into embossing folder, angling to make sure paper doesn’t hit die cutting machine before envelope is embossed.

This takes a lot of turning and flipping to get it just right, and don’t be surprised if there is A LOT of your envelope still hanging out. 

Step 5: Crank die cutting machine partially to emboss, making sure to stop before envelope hits machine and becomes crushed.  

Step 6: Repeat to desired effect

Step 7: Once embossing is done, create a little age using a blending tool and Colorbox Decades Photogenic Ink. Ink to desired effect

Step 8: Using Ink Pad, directly drag ink across embossed area’s and edges of envelope to really make them pop.

Once complete, allow ink to dry, and decorate as desired!! Repeat for desired length of banner, alternating embossed area’s on each envelope!

Also, for added strength of your banner, trace shape onto chipboard, cut out and adhere to the back!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers

An ABC Primer: Calico Kids, Building Blocks

Le Romantique: Well Groomed

Magic Of Oz: Magic Of Oz

Fashionista: Haute Couture

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Button Staples, Envelope Tags, Kraft Envelope Album, Trim

Colorbox: Graphic 45 Decade Inks, Photogenic

Hampton Arts: Flourishes and Flowers Clear Stamps

May Arts: Black lace, fringe black ribbon, white roping, small black seam binding

Cuttlebug: Spiderweb Embossing Folder

Sizzix: Big Shot

Spellbinders: Eyelet Squares Nestabilites

Ranger: Platium Stickles, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, repositionable adhesive

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Other: Clipart, Font(Old English), Printer, metal star stamping, vintage watch faces, crepe paper garland

.

Thanks so much for stopping by on this gorgeous fall day!! 

Happy Haunting your craft room!!

And don't forget if you are interested in purchasing a Boo Banner Kit, head over to

www.Sunnyskyecreations.etsy.com

Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives Are Taking Over!

Welcome tthis week to another inspirational duo! 

Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives have joined up to bring you TONS of mind blowing creations from their incredible design teams!! 

Join in the fun for not one, but TWO weeks of great techniques, beautiful projects and of course some outstanding prize packs!! 

So make sure to stop by BOTH sites everyday for your daily dose of inspiration!!

Here is what you could win!

To enter into the giveaway,  just venture on over to the Graphic 45 Facebook Page and leave  them a comment. Scrapbook Adhesives is also offering a great prize this week!  Check out thier Facebook page and tell them that Graphic 45 sent you! 
 So have fun and get inspired with Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives!

For my hop projects,  I decided to use the leftover packing from Graphic 45's Chipboard buttons for a shaker box and Metal Staples packaging to create Christmas Gift Tags!  Also I have created a fun technique to share using your repositionable dot roller to create a "snowy" look! 

This tag was created using a mix of Wonderful Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium papers, combined with Hampton Arts matching cling stamps and Colorbox's spectacular new matching Decades inks! 

Made even more wonderful by Scrapbook adhesives 3D Foam Squares for that extra pop of dimension, and their repositionable dot roller for a truly original aged background!! 

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 papers:

                      Christmas Emporium: Christmas Emporium, Joyous Noel, Believe, Tis the Season

Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Chipboard Tags 1

                     Hampton Arts: Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Cling Stamps 3

                            Colorbox Decades Inks: Antique Moss, Triumphant Red, Photogenic

                       Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, My Stik Repositionable Dot Tape

May Arts: Black and White Ribbon

                          Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Platinum Stickles, Xmas Red Stickles, Frayed Burlap Distress ink

             Martha Stewart: Apron Lace Border Punch

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

 Other: Leftover tag from Graphic 45 staples packaging

For the Second tag, I used an idea that has been nagging at me since I saw the plastic square and rectangle windows used to encase all the Yummy Graphic 45 Staples that I love!

This one was specifically created using the leftover tag and plastic square window from their Chipboard Buttons to create a Winter scene inside of a shaker box!

These little plastic pieces would have just ended up in the trash otherwise! 

So now you can put ALL your leftover packaging pieces to good use.

 And save the world too, one scrap at a time!  

And they come in a number of different sizes depending on which Graphic 45 staples package you use, so the creations could be endless!! 

Once shaken, the words "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" are revealed from underneath the lightly fallen snow.  Making this tag the perfect fun and interactive package tie on! 

Also these tags are just the right size for that extra special handwritten Holiday greeting!

Loving the combination of Hampton Art's Christmas Emporium stamps and Scrapbook Adhesives's 3D Foam Squares!  To create this effect, I first stamped the desired image onto my tag.  I then stamped the image again onto cream cardstock and cut out certain parts that I wanted to pop up. 

 Afterwards I lined up the cut images over top the prestamped image on the tag and adhered using the foam squares!  Also the Chipboard Button couldn't have fit more perfect into the stamped image center!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 papers:

Christmas Emporium: Christmas Emporium, Joyous Noel, Believe, Tis the Season, Santa Express, Happy Holidays, All I want for Christmas

Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Chipboard Tags 1

Hampton Arts: Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Cling Stamps 1

Colorbox Decades Inks: Venetian Lace, Triumphant Red, Photogenic

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, My Stik Repositionable Dot Tape Runner

May Arts: Red and White Ribbon

Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Platinum Stickles, Xmas Red Stickles, Frayed Burlap Distress ink

Martha Stewart: Apron Lace Border Punch

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Other: Leftover tag and plastic window from Graphic 45 staples packaging

And now last but not least, I have a fun technique I would like to share using Scrapbook Adhesive's Repositionable Dot Roller to create the aged "snowy" background used for both Christmas Tags!

Supplies Needed:

Scrapbook Adhesives Repositionable Dot Roller

Ink Blending Tool

Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Inks

Yummy Graphic 45 Papers

Leftover Tag From Graphic 45 Packaging

Step 1: Cut and Cover leftover tag with desired paper. I used Happy Holidays to start with a cream base.

Step 2: Using Scrapbook Adhesives Repositionable Dot Tape Runner, Cover the tag with repositionable dots to a desired effect. For these tags I covered them completely with repositionable adhesive.

This will act as a mask for step 3!

Step 3: Once tag is covered with repositionable dot adhesive, use an ink blending tool to blend Colorbox Decades inks over top of surface of tag and adhesive.

Blend to a desired effect, making sure to cover entire tag with color!

Step 4: Once Dry, using your index finger, gently rub away adhesive dots to reveal a tiny distressed polka dot pattern.

  Continue until all adhesive is removed, then decorate as imagined!

Well, that's it for today!  Thanks so much for stopping by for your daily dose of inspiration! 

I hope this gave you a jump start in creating all those one of a kind Gift Tags for your loved ones this Holiday season! 

Don't forget to stop by BOTH Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives to hop into all the fun for the next TWO weeks! 

Enjoy the Journey!!!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Trick Or Treat Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome all to day 3 of our wonderful Trick Or Treat Blog Hop!!

For those of you just joining in the fun, here is a little heads up on all the excitement!

All week long Graphic 45 is featuring a sneak peek of a fantastic Magic of OZ trick-or-treat bag designed by some of my incredible design teamies. To join in the fun, just click on the link to their blog and you'll be transported to a magical world of inspiration!

Stop by each design team member's blog every day this week to see their full unveil, and don't forget to leave your comments along the way for a chance to win some yummy Graphic 45 Prizes!!!
That's right, you heard correct, Graphic 45 will be giving away not one but TWO outstanding prize packages!

Two winners comments will be chosen by G45, randomly picked from all the design team member's blogs and will be announced on Friday, September 30th! 

Here is what you could win!

 A Magic of Oz 12x12 paper pad, Chipboard Button Staples, 3 chipboards from Imaginarium Designs, and some beautiful bling by Want2Scrap! Remember, there's two chances to win this week! Wow!

In case you can't make it every single day this week, or you may have missed something along the way here is the schedule for the featured design team member blogs. This shows you who will be featured on what day so you can check out all the fun! Don't forget to leave comments for your chance to win!

Monday

Lynette Carrol: http://lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/

Jane Tregenza: http://janetregenza.blogspot.com/

Tuesday

Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/

Robin Shakoor: http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com/

Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/

Wednesday

Sherry Cheever: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Jack & Cat Curio: http://jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com/

      Nicole Eccles: http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/  <---YOU ARE HERE

Thursday

Nancy Wethington: http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com/

Hilde Janbroers: http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/

Yuka Hino: http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/

Friday

Melanie Forbes: http://melanie-forbes.blogspot.com/

Gloria Stengel: http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/

Now onto my Trick or Treat Bag, and even a little something extra!!

I absolutely LOVE the image of Glenda flying on an airplane cut from Goblin Gazette.  I am always attracted to all the wonderful vintage black and white advertisement images G45 creates!  They are perfect with any papers or colors, and add such a dramatic effect!

Also with the release of the Magic of OZ stamps, I didn't want to completely cover my bag with paper.  So instead I stamped the word wicked all over and lightly inked the bag in oranges and teals. 

The Imaginarium chipboard frame was something that I remembered last minute, and couldn't have been more perfect! 

LOVE this little saying too!  So cute combined with Glenda on her airplane!!
 Graphic 45 is so inspiring!!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

G45 Magic Of Oz Line: Goblin Gazette, Magic Of Oz, Scatterbrained Scarecrow

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags, Metal Buttons, Magic of Oz Chipboard Tags

Hampton Arts: Graphic 45 Magic of Oz Cling Stamps 3

Spellbinders: Lace Circle Nestabilities

Ranger: Rusty Hinge, Frayed Burlap, Black Soot Distress Inks, Glossy Accents, Rock Candy Distress Stickles

Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard Frame   

Colorbox: Turquoise Cats Eye

      Tsukineko: Staz On Jet Black
Marcy Uchida: Tiny Star punch
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares 

 Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Scor Tape

Other: Doily, paper bag, pipe cleaners, Black Toile, Seam Binding, Hemp Twine, White Paint

Also in the excitement of the season I decided to create a Steampunk Masquerade mask,

as well as my very first video tutorial that I am super excited to share with you!!

This mask was created out of heavy chipboard.  Drawn then cut out with a razor knife.  Covered in a layer of tissue paper using another one of my aging techniques(see video below). 

Smaller mask was drawn onto Le Romantique's Celebration paper, cut out and layered over top. 

The wonderful Fleur De Li at the top is a left over from our Want 2 Scrap blog hop, and don't forget all the sparkly bling!  LOVE leftovers!!

For the handle, I used a 1/4" dowel rod, painted it black, covered it with Rusty Hinge Distress Stickles and adhered ribbon around it using Scor Tape. 

At the bottom I attached a small wooden bead with a decorative stick pin! 

And now I would like to share with you my very first technique video! YAY!!

  Last month I shared a creepy aging technique using gesso and the response was incredible!  I had a lot of people asking if it would work well for altered books? 

Well this technique is great for creating a rough, yet flexible and leathery feeling surface absolutely perfect for books! Or "bat" Masks.. Super simple to do in only 2 easy steps, all it takes is a little tissue paper, a paint brush and some  acrylic paints!!

                               

Supplies Used for Mask:

Graphic 45 papers:

Le Romantique: Celebration

Graphic 45 staples: Metal Brads

Colorbox: Decades Inks: Photgenic

Want 2 Scrap: Fleur De Li and Bling

                                               Ranger: Platinum Stickles, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Rusty Hinge Distress Stickles,Glassy Accents(Used For Adhesive)

Maya Road: Chipboard Flourish

7 Gypsies: Metal Gears

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Tsukineko: Staz On Jet black

Cornish Heritage Farms: Music Note Background stamp

Stampers Anonymous: Spiderweb Stamp

Other: Feathers, Tissue Paper, Acrylic Paints, Dowel Rod, ribbon, razor knife, wooden bead, decorative stick pin

Thanks so much for joining in on the Graphic 45 excitement this week! 

Make sure to head over to my other Teamies Blogs today for a full scoop of inspiration!

And don't forget to leave all your love along the way!

Sherry Cheever: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Jack & Cat Curio: http://jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com/

Nicole Eccles: http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/  <---YOU ARE HERE

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Wishing you all an outstanding rest of the week!!
Happy Hopping!
Nicki Chicky

                                               

Graphic 45 and Fiskars Join Forces!!

Happy Tuesday!!  Today is an exciting day, it's day 2 of a great teaming!  Graphic 45 and Fiskars have joined forces to bring you some out of this world inspiration all week long!!! 

With the chance to win a Gargantuan prize pack filled with gobs of goodies from both Graphic 45 and Fiskars.  You don't want to miss out!

Make sure to stop by both their facebook pages and leave a comment.

All you need to do is write "Graphic 45+Fiskars=______." Fill in the blank with your own words.

Graphic 45 Facebook

Fiskars Facebook

And don't forget to stop by both blogs all week long for tons more inspiration!

Graphic45

Fiskars

It really doesn't get any better than this!! 

So on that note, let's head off for a little crafty fun..

off to Paris to experience the delight of the circus! 

Created using Graphic 45's brand new Altered art boxes.  These boxes are super easy to create with. 

Great for so many altered art projects, and even with a little mini book for those extra special memories! 

To create the top of the circus tent I made a large paper rosette.  Then instead of glueing it flat, I let it create a cone shape and glued the ends flat to the front of the box.  Using bamboo skewers I created posts that appear to be holding the whole thing up!  At the top, a  metal brad has been inked blue using colorbox pigment inks, then sprayed with a layer of clear coat for protection. 

For the front I wanted the look of a layered stage.  Using left over tape rolls cut in half, some chipboard and a small round gift box cut in half, it was actually fairly easy to create.  using the precut holes already in the front of the box to help support and build off of.

Once decorated with all the paper layers on the inside, I found the box didn't close tight.  So I added a bent metal tag closure.  Using G45's metal tags and hinges.

The first thing you see when you open to the inside is a Paris scene.  This flap on the altered box is not created with a window.  This is something I added by cutting with my razor knife from the top layer, and extending by tracing the open area of the frame used. 

Once completely opened you get the full circus experience!!

Clowns dance about on high wires.  Another metal tag makes the perfect platform.  Decorated wonderfully with a punched border from Fiskars Postage Stamp  Border Punch.  An elephant stands on a ball, while a trainer stands ready with his chair and whip inside of another circus ring. 

Love these stamped metal lion heads.  Super light weight, paintable or let them rust for a more vintage look. 

This fun nook was created when I made my stage.  This is actually the back side of the tape roll decorated.  So fun!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Le Cirque: Greatest Show On Earth, Extravaganza, Dazzle and Delight, Under The Big Top, Circus Parade, Le Cirque, Le Cirque Tags

Fashionista: Vintage Cherries, Tres Chic

An ABC Primer: Calico Kids, Bedtime Stories

Renaissance Faire: Romantique, Renaissance Faire Frames

A Proper Gentleman: The Sophisticate

Steampunk Debutante: Victorian Transformer, Fantasy Floral, Steampunk Debutante Frames

Curtain Call: Applause, Top Billing, Moulin Rouge

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags, Metal Buttons, Metal Hinges, Chipboard Button

Graphic 45 5x8 Kraftboard Altered Art Box

Hampton Art: Graphic 45 Le Cirque 3, Flourishes and Bloom Clear Stamps

Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Inks: Triumphant Red, Photogenic

Fiskars: Postage Stamp Border Punch, Fiskars Non Stick 5” Scissors

Clearsnap: Siren Smooch

Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard letters, Paris, and fence

B Line Designs: Large Elephant Cling Stamp

Lost Coast Designs: Dressed Animal Cling stamps

Ranger: Frayed Burlap Distress Ink, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Fired Brick Distress Stickles, Platinum Stickles

May Arts: Black Lace Trim

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, My Stick repositionable Adhesive

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Other: Metal Frame, Metal Star, Stamped Metal Lion Head, Flat and Metallic Acrylic Paints, Wood Skewers, Leftover Cardboard Tape Roll, Chipboard round gift box, Chipboard, Misc. Circus stamp found junking,

Artists Colored Pencils, toothpicks, Wooden Bead, Clipart( Cemerony.etsy.com)

Whew, that's it for today!!  Hope you don't have input overload... 

Thanks so much for stopping by, and leave a comment to let me know what you think!

Always grand hearing from you!

Enjoy the rest of the hop this week!

Nicki Chicky

Birthday Wishes To An Amazing Designer, Graphic 45's One & Only, Diane Schultz!!!

Thanks so much for dropping by on this fabulous Wednesday!!  Today is an extra special day of celebration!! Today I would like to wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Owner and Designer of Graphic 45, Diane Schultz!!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Diane, and the whole team this summer and would just like to say "Pure Delight"!!

Diane is an amazing woman of inspiration!!  From her incredible talent for making such wonderful Scrapbooking products, to her kind heart, and gentle nature.  She is a true bright spirit that lends inspiration to all! 

Happy Birthday Diane!

Make sure to stop by Graphic 45 today to wish Diane an Extra special day, and check out all the wonderful gifts made for the occasion..

I whipped up a little something special for the occasion too! 

Recently I stumbled across a company making shrines.  I think I missed the Memo, because I feel like the last one to find this fantastic company!

www.retrocafeart.com

I placed an order, and they arrived super fast. A few days later,  just as I was sitting down to make a present for the occasion , there was a knock at the door.  And to my surprise it was my mail man with the package of goodies!!  It was like a sign telling me this is what I needed to use to create the perfect present! 

And boy was I right! 

These little shrines are so easy to use, and so fun to decorate!  The possibilities are endless! 

And it was a perfect match combined with Graphic 45's Ornate Metal Doorplates!!

Like a match made in scrappy heaven if I do say so myself... 

The perfect paper combination to set my color palette was Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante and Curtain Call.  Inked with a fantastic mix of Colorbox/Graphic 45 Decades inks and Distress Inks for a almost magical feel!  For the flames I used a mix of acrylic paints and Metallic paints.  Layering colors lightly while wet.  

Probably the best part of the shrines is the ability to create a window with many layered images!  In my window I placed an image cut from Steampunk Debutante, then placed it underneath a layer of transparency that has been stamped and alcohol inked for a more mysterious effect.

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Steampunk Debutante: Victorian Transformers, Time Warp

Curtain Call: Top Billing

Graphic 45 Staples: Ornate Metal Door Plate

Colorbox Decade Inks: Triumphant Red

Ranger Industries: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Broken China Distress Ink, Metal Gears, Alcohol Inks

7 Gypsies: Metal Gears

Retro Café Art Shrine

Other: Acrylic Paint, Matte Gel Medium, Transparency

Thanks so much for stopping by on this special day and sharing in the celebrations! 

Have an inpirational week!

Nicki Chicky

 

Graphic 45 Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge

Have you heard?  Graphic 45 wants to see what you make!! 

This is your chance to be in the spotlight, and to win a HUGE prize pack!!!!

Halloween is my favorite, and mix that with Graphic 45 and altered art. 

This giveaway is like my dream come true! 

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

For Rules, Deadlines and to see what you could win,

read below what Graphic 45 had to say....

"Graphic 45 is pleased to announce our Halloween Rejuvenaiton Challenge! Fall and Halloween are definitely on the way and we thought it would be fun to have an altered art challenge that's inspired by this colorful season. We're asking you to take an old object and bring it back to life with Graphic 45! We've all got stuff around the house that could use a little dressing up. Maybe it's something you found at a garage sale, thrift store, or even an old item that's been sitting in the basement since forever. We want you to create a beautiful Halloween or Fall-themed altered art project from any old, random objects you might have using Graphic 45 products. It's the perfect craft challenge to jump-start your holiday crafting!

The submission deadline is September 25th. Email submissions to charee@g45papers.com. On September 26th all of the submissions will be uploaded to our Facebook photos and you will get to vote for your favorite submission by "Like"-ing it! Voting is from September 26th to 7am on Septmeber 30th. The TWO projects with the most likes win! Winners will be announced on Friday morning at 8am on our Facebook and on our blog.

The prize? You could win our entire Christmas Emporium collection! A 12x12 and 8x8 Paper Pad, both coordinating chipboard die-cuts and one of each cling stamp! That's a $76 value!

Wow! We can't wait to see what you create!

They are unbelieveable!!  Thanks so much Graphic 45 for giving this incrediblie opportunity! 

I hope you are all excited about this great challenge! I certainly am!
  Happy Inspirations!

Nicki Chicky

Getting Behind

I wanted to apologize for just falling off the blogosphere for a while there.  I have been super sick and way to busy to be sick.  Still not feeling 100%, but have to get my life back into action.  It's been over a week now, and though symtoms get better I still feel completely ziombieish.  I hope to have the blog back into action next week sometime! 

Till then, I hope everyone is well! 

Thanks for all your patience,

Nicki Chicky