Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Trust Your Crazy Ideas

Hi all! Even though this year's CHA was three months ago, I still have quite a few cards and projects that I haven't shared! I know it's frustrating to see stamps and other products that haven't been released yet, so I like to save them until you're able to purchase the supplies when inspirations strikes.

This was probably my favorite card that I created for the Stampers Anonymous booth using Tim Holtz's new stamps. This set is called Dapper and it is truly a must-have collection of images!

The background of the card was created using Tim's Eroded Metallic technique (from Compendium of Curiosities III). On top of that, I used Jet Black and Potting Soil Archival inks to stamp the images. I added some of the new Dapper Design Tape and a quote from the idea-ology Small Talk stickers. The little cigar box stamp was cut from the new Dapper paper collection. Finally, I mounted it on a piece of black Kraft Core'dinations (my fave!).

I think this would make a cool art journal page, or an awesome masculine birthday card or Father's Day card!

The supplies I used can be found at Simon Says Stamp and Amazon via the links below.




Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Monday, March 28, 2016

You're Not Old...You're Classic!

Hi all! Today I'm sharing a vintage masculine birthday card that I created for my dad. He's celebrating his 76th birthday today! He just bought a classic car to fix up and I thought that would be a fun theme for his card. The front sentiment was computer generated and die cut using one of the labels from Karen Burniston's Katie Label Pivot die set. The key was die cut from foil-covered cardstock using the key from Karen's Heart Pivot Card set.

Even though his car is from the 40s, I thought this vintage car from Tim Holtz's new Vintage Auto set would be perfect inside the card. I stamped the car with embossing ink, embossed it with black embossing powder, then cut it out. I used Karen's Lucy Label pop up die for the platform and attached the car to it with foam dots to give it even more of a 3D effect.

The inside of the card was stamped with Tim's new Tiles stamp. The tag was cut from Tim's new Dapper paper using one of the dies from Karen's Tags Pivot die set. The word 'happy' is a Chitchat sticker and Birthday was cut from black Kraft Core'dinations using Karen's script die from the Happy Birthday set.

My dad loved the card, which thrilled me. I know a lot of people have a hard time with masculine cards - hopefully this will inspire you in your own creations!

The supplies can be found at Elizabeth Craft Designs and Simon Says Stamp via the links below.




Thanks so much for stopping by today - have a great week!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Sizzix Paper Leather Train Case

Hi all! Today I'm sharing a fun project made with Sizzix's new Paper Leather and Ink Sheets and one of my favorite dies from Eileen Hull. You would totally think this is tooled leather, right? But it's made completely from paper!

Of course, any vintage train case needs a pretty fabric lining. I used one of Tim Holtz's gorgeous travel patterned fabrics to completely line my mini case. A die cut piece of idea-ology Mirrored makes a perfect little mirror.

Here's a quick tutorial on how it all came together:

Begin by cutting two pieces of brown Paper Leather and two pieces of chipboard to approximately the size of the side panels of the case. Crumple the Paper Leather and adhere to the chipboard.

Next, die cut the panels using Eileen's Train Case die. Using Tim Holtz's Regal Flourishes Texture Fade and a black Ink Sheet, emboss the panels. The Ink Sheets transfer the embossing pattern to the Paper Leather - so cool!
Note: by adding the Paper Leather, it makes this sandwich a bit too large for the Vagabond. I played around with shims until I got it to fit, but I don't want to recommend that in case it stresses your machine. Instead, I recommend embossing the Leather Paper separately and then adhering it to the chipboard. You should still get the embossed leather effect without any chance of damaging your machine.

After all pieces have been embossed (I left the side panels of the lid plain to give some contrast), use Ranger Distress stain to color the Paper Leather. Die cut the handle from chipboard that's been covered with black Paper Leather and paint the edges with black paint. Die cut the hinges and closure from chipboard and emboss with gold embossing powder (not shown). Assemble the case completely.

Now we can line the case! Cut an extra case top/bottom from chipboard and trim slightly so that it fits inside the case. Cover with fabric.

Measure the inside of the bottom half of the case and cut a piece of fabric to fit, adding about 2" to allow for a hem and extra fabric for the bottom corners. Fold one edge and press to create a finished edge.

Add tape or glue around the top of the case and adhere finished edge of fabric. Adhere the fabric covered bottom piece, using a strong glue. Repeat the process for the top of the case.

Add a die cut piece of idea-ology Mirrored and you're done! I also used a Distress Marker to touch up any areas where the raw chipboard showed and inked the edges with brown distress ink to give it an aged appearance.

To finish off the top, I added a length of idea-ology Linen Ribbon, a key, and one of the new Cameo Frames. Pefect! The finished box measures just 4" H x 5" W, perfect for storing a few favorite embellishments, or as a very impressive gift card holder. Truly, the possibilities are endless with the cute little case!

The supplies I used are available from Sizzix, Simon Says Stamp, and Amazon via the links below.




Thanks so much for stopping by today! Be sure and check out Eileen's blog for more great ideas using Sizzix Paper Leather and Ink Sheets - they are both really cool products!