Inspiration Journal Challenge - Falling for Faux

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around much lately - I've been taking a much-needed break from the studio and have been working on lots of neglected house projects, as well as taking time to recharge my creative batteries. Now, my living room is repainted and I've read a couple good books and am ready to get inky!

Creating something for Inspiration Emporium's new monthly challenge was the perfect way to get my mojo restarted. September's theme is 'Falling for Faux' which is totally up my alley! I also couldn't wait to try an incredible new card technique from Karen Burniston. Her Flying Easel Card honestly made my jaw drop. I made a few changes to mine (mostly because I was trying to find the lazy crafter's way to do it!) and she graciously let me share my process.

How cool is that?! I love easel cards to begin with and this idea totally takes them to another level! The gears started turning the minute I saw Karen's and I knew that I wanted to make a card using Tim Holtz's Mini Bird and Cage dies that would dangle in the frame. Of course, I would have to use my all-time favorite technique - Faux Tarnished Silver!

Here's a quick little tutorial if you'd like to try this. Many, many thanks to Karen for the inspiration, and for letting me share my instructions with you. Be sure and check out this post on her blog for more info and details on her card.

1. Begin by cutting a card from cardstock using Karen Burniston's Ornate Square Card Pop 'n Cuts base die (no insert required for this). Fold in half and then unfold. Center the second largest of Karen's Funky Labels Framelits dies on the front of the card and cut.
2. Cover with paper. Fold the card in half again. Next, fold the front flap of the card as shown, making sure your fold is in the center of the cutout. (Note: I wanted to use this lightweight paper from My Mind's Eye on my card and needed the kraft cardstock for a stiffer base. If you're using heavier paper, you can just cut the card from that. I would also recommend covering the cardstock before cutting. Silly me!)

3. Now we'll create the frame for the card. Using the largest and second largest of the Funky Labels Framelits, place on lightweight chipboard as shown and cut.
4. Paint the frame with Picket Fence Distress crackle paint and let dry. I wanted a softer color, so I went back over the crackle with Antique Linen Distress paint. Tip: if you don't have the exact color of Distress Crackle paint that you need, you can always start with Picket Fence and tint it to your desired color using ink, paint, or stain.

5. Cut two bird cages and one bird from chipboard using the Mini Bird and Cage die. Give the cages the Faux Silver treatment and set aside.
6. Color the bird using Distress paints and markers. Insert the bird as shown and glue the two cage pieces together. Punch a small hole in the top.

To finish the card, apply glue to the bottom half of the frame, line up with the opening, and adhere. Attach the cage to the frame using a Ring Fastener. Tie a length of ribbon to the card and glue an idea-ology Button to the center. Finally, with the card folded into the easel position, apply two adhesive pearls to hold it into place.

Super easy, right? I love this idea and can't wait to try it with other dies and papers. Other than the paper (which came in a giant pad from Hobby Lobby), you can find everything I used at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% on your order!

Sizzix Pop 'n Cuts Ornate Square Card Sizzix Funky Labels Framelits Sizzix Mini Bird & Cage Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel 8 oz Ranger Silver Embossing Powder idea-ology Buttons idea-ology Ring Fasteners Kaiser Pearls - Pearl Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon Antique Linen Distress Paint Distress Paint - Mustard Seed Distress Paint - Peeled Paint Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint Barn Door Distress Stain Distress Markers Non-Stick Craft Sheet Inkssentials Kraft Cardstock Idea-ology Sanding Grip Vagabond Scotch Tape Glider

InLinkz.com

Looking for a little faux inspiration? I compiled a little list of my own faux techniques below - I hope you're inspired to try one!

Faux Tarnished Silver

Faux Crazed Porcelain

Faux Embossed Leather

Faux Copper Verdigris

Faux Metal Star

Faux Mercury Glass

Faux French Enameled Labels

After you've created something, be sure you share it on the Inspiration Journal blog - you could win a $50 gift certificate!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great week!