Sunday, November 13, 2011

A Double Challenge

I really wasn't going to stamp today...really. I was going to do laundry and catch up on all the stuff I've been putting off. But then I saw Hels' Sunday Stamper challenge and the little gears in my mind started turning. That's all it took! With the theme being Trail of the Lonesome Pine, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to experiment with my new Sizzix Tattered Pinecone die from Tim Holtz.

I picked up a bunch of little frames at Michaels yesterday. At only a buck apiece, I couldn't resist. I had been trying to think of something to do for the Simon Says Stamp and Show 'Up-cycling' challenge and thought turning these frames into Christmas Ornaments might just be the ticket. A bit of Silver Adirondack Dabber paint and my frame was much prettier! While the paint was drying, I stamped these cuties from Artistic Outpost's Sleigh Ride collection on white cardstock and colored them using Evergreen Bough and Festive Berries inks from the new Winter Distress ink collection (I am crazy for this color combo!!). After covering the back of the frame with French text, I adhered the stamped image and added a few dabs of Rock Candy Stickles here and there.

The sentiment (also from Sleigh Ride) was stamped with Festive Berries onto a banner cut from white cardstock using the Tattered Banners die. I added lots of Rock Candy Stickles with a bit of Martha Stewart glitter added in for good measure. You can't see it well, but I dyed some seam binding with the Festive Berries ink to create a hanger for my ornament - the color is gorgeous!

Here is the real star of the show! I would love to say I was a pro at this the first time...but I would be lying, lol! I struggled quite a bit to get my pinecones just right. One of them is actually rolled up the wrong way - oops! Should have watched that video a little closer. :-) Once I practiced a little, it came together and I think they are adorable.

I decided to create my own paper for my pinecone (see below) and I love how it turned out! I also hand tinted my cedar branches (also cut using the Tattered Pinecone die) - I wanted them to have the same watercolor-y look as the girl's coat. To give the branches a layered look, I decided to cut the smaller branches from the Sizzix Festive Greenery die and add those on top. While I was cutting, I also cut the tiny flourish from white cardstock, adding more glitter before adhering it to the frame. That is one hard working die!

Here's a quick and dirty little tute on how I made the paper for my pinecone and how I altered the frame. I apologize for the pic quality - I took them with my phone.
















1. Purchase frames from $1 section at Michaels. 2. Remove easel back with pliers. 3. Paint with Silver Dabber.















For pinecone: 1. Swipe various brown shades of Distress Stain (I used Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, and Brushed Corduroy) across white cardstock. 2. Cut using Tattered Pinecone die and sand using Idea-ology Sanding Grip. 3. Flip over and ink with Gathered Twigs (from the Limited Edition Fall ink collection). BTW, Inspiration Emporium has both of the Limited Edition ink collections in stock, if you are still looking for them!

I have to say, that was way more fun than doing laundry and vacuuming! You can find everything I used here at Inspiration Emporium; make sure you use my discount code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

I'm also linking to Terri's Deck the Halls Sunday. Make sure you check out her tutorial on bleaching bottle brush Christmas trees - brilliant idea! I will be heading to Hobby Lobby soon to stock up on trees. :-)

21 comments:

  1. Shelly this is absolutely fabulous!
    Thank you for sharing.You are such an inspiration.
    I too am suppose to be doing the laundry etc...viewing your blog and stamping is definitely more fun :)

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  2. Oh, that housework can wait for this beauty! Love this! Those pine cones are really cool! Love the image you used too!

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  3. Shelly...this is just terrific----but everything you make is terrific!!! What wonderful results! (I just ordered that pine cone die....I wonder if I'll be able to figure it out??) Beautiful creation.

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  4. This is so very pretty, Shelly!
    Every time I see the pine cone die used, I decide I absolutely need it - and your post is no exception! lol

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  5. Oh WOW this frame is amazing every time I see the pine cones I can think why I need them! I love the colours you have used and the watercolour softness.

    You won't regret getting the pine tree embossing folder :-) thanks for stopping at my blog and our lovely comments.

    Maggie

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  6. Wow, Shelly, this is so pretty. I love everything about this gorgeous piece of art. Those pine cones are brilliant.
    Sue x

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  7. This is just adorable girl1 What a magnificent ornament. I love your pinecones.

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  8. I love it!!! I just ordered my pine cone die and I think it is lost in the mail:( Your project is so adorable. Can't wait to experiment now!!!

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  9. Wow! What a gorgeous ornament! I love all the amazing details you have embellished the frame with as well as the lovely children image. The pinecone looks hard to make! You did a fabulous job on them!
    Thanks so much for your comments on my blog and for linking up with Deck The Halls Sundays! Everyone will appreciate seeing your holiday art!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  10. How lovely, Shelly! You're so creative-the frame and stamping and embellishments are all so perfect!

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  11. Hi Shelly. This Christmas frame is just exquisite!! I love everything about it...especially Tim's new pinecone die cut. This is THE PERFECT way to use it!! Thanks for joining us for Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. <3 Candy

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  12. Ok, now I have to get my hands on this die! Those pinecones are really cute and I do a lot of nature-type stuff!

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  13. Hiya Shelly
    Sorry it's been a while, had no internet access in hospital.. Had a quick browse and as always you have been producing some fabby art, i especially love this ickle frame, and i just got the pine cone die today so can't wait to have a play :) xo hugs

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  14. A very creative use of the little frame, love the colour combination, fab! Thank goodness you left the housework and produced artwork instead.

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  15. OH Shelly! I love it. Love those cool colors. yum

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  16. So striking, Shelly. Love the colors and those pinecones!

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  17. I get lost in thought and viewing pleasure by the time I get down to comment! I came here for GM, but those little framed darlings below are quite amazing!! I may have sent you off in search of snowman and snowflakes, but now you got me pondering the pinecone and the trims!!!! The little deer is on flight to me as I write! Love the frosted effects on the pinecone embellishment and the crackled deer! The trees and colors in the background give such a woodsy feel. Love this!

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  18. Gorgeous decoration Shelly.. I have had a few probs getting those cones to go right too... am still trying lol Thanks for joining in with the Sunday Stamper and sorry I am a little slow coming to visit x

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  19. I wanted to get something done....I could stay and drool....I mean look at your blog all day......LOL I am very visual, so appreciate the pic tutorial of the pinecones....love this!!!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!