Colorful and Out of the Box : UPDATE

I decided I needed to do something with the Sticky Back Canvas from Claudine. And I wanted something BRIGHT!!! Yes, this is very bright. Bill says it's even brighter in person than on the Blog...

But I like it. It's different for me. We all need to "work outside of the box" and in something way different from our comfort zone.

My first epiphany came with the use of the old sewing pattern papers. I've saved several and  used them with bees wax collages a few years back.

I painted the unfinished wood frame black....some things we just can't change I guess....then tore pieces of the paper and added to the frame with Matte Medium.

I LIKED this, but I was going for BRIGHT...so I sprayed it with some Perfect Pearls Mists that added some sparkle. You'll see that in later pics.

Now, here comes the BRIGHT spots!!!

I cut a piece of canvas the size of the insert for the frame and swiped the Wild Honey Distress stain across the middle randomly. The green here is actually a mix of it with the spray.

Then I used a chipboard cutout of the dress form as a mask, stuck it to the canvas, and sprayed Adirondack Spray colors Stream, and Purple Twilight, while the Distress Stain is still wet.

These blended on their own as you see them. Leave some white for contrast and don't get too carried away with the spraying. Less is better. (unusual for me, but I learned)

After it dried, I added Worn Lipstick Distress Stickles over the piece. It changed the tone a lot! I liked it. Spread it around with your finger. Really cool look here.

Then start making your black pen marks with a Fine Point Sharpie. I tried other pens, but I was happiest with this one. Write some fun words from patterns.

Just a note. I also tried to add the pen before I added the Stickles but I didn't get the sharpness of contrast that I liked.

I cut the dress form with the Tim Holtz Sewing Room set out of chipboard and used Vintage Photo Distress Stain on the very top and stand portion.

I added Rusty Hinge Distress Stickles, too. The body is cut from the canvas and painted it with Lisa Pink acrylic paint from Delta.

Some Dusty Concord Stain was added over the pink paint in spots, and I stamped with Black Archival Ink and the Papillon stamp.

I used the  Snow Cap paint Dabber over the lower section for more contrast. Pen marks were added to the edges of the canvas section in black and green fine Sharpies.

The Lavish Trimming flowers are Distress Stained, and the Lace Chain and beads were added.

I cut a piece of black chipboard with the Dress Form die and glued as a shadow behind the decorated one. Hence the "Cut 2" name of the collage.

A bit of white paint was added to the edge kind of smudgy-like. (is that a work?)

The Fancy Accoutrement button with a bit of Eggplant Alcohol Ink is layered onto a paper flower. The purple ink makes it stand out more.

Sequins and rhinestones are glued to fill space, and a Melissa Frances piece was added to the top.

The little spool from the Sewing Room set was die cut from black chipboard, painted white with a Dabber and stamped with a stamp from the Haberdashery set. Scuff it up a bit, too.

Wind some died ribbon around it and tie on a Locket Key. A little Distress Ink on the edges makes it pop.

And that's my COLORFUL "out the box" piece for you to try. Let me know what you think...we all LOVE comments.

Hope you enjoy....still waiting for Spring here....again.

Linda

UPDATE: Booked 2 classes at Scrapaganza for Aug 27th. Check the sidebar.

Who Wants Another Tutorial???

Want to learn about some Adirondack Color Washes and Distress Stains on Sticky Back Canvas with lots of other great stuff???


I'll work on a tutorial and post tomorrow if you like.  Then again, maybe if you don't like.

Linda

Embossed Metal Tape Tag Tutorial

Time for a tutorial.  This is the tag I made for SNR a couple of weeks ago. It's based on the piece I created for Ranger's booth at CHA using their new Metal Foil Tape.

It is fantastic to work with!!! And with the Texture Fades and Alcohol Inks....Well, you be the Judge.

Way easy, and Way fun!!!

Supplies you will need:

·         Alcohol Inks and Ink Applicators with Felt of your choice – I used Lettuce, Denim, Wild Plum, and Purple Twilight

·         Distress Inks – Dusty Concord, Rusty Hinge, Chipped Sapphire, Broken China and Black Soot and Blending Tools

 ·         Various Texture Fades plus Artful Dwellings, Tattered Florals and On the Fence Dies– Tim Holtz Alterations

·         Gold Acrylic Paint Dabber, Metal Foil Tape, Jet Black Archival Ink,  Manila Tag, and Glossy Accents from Ranger

·         Fine Grit Sanding Block and Distress Tool

·         Fragment Charms, Chain Tassels, Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint , Grungepaper, Kraft Resist Paper, Alpha Parts/Ransom-Tim Holtz

·         Stamps of your choice – I used Elegant Ledger from Stampington for background

·         Chipboard, Pop Dots, Ribbons, Rhinestone Brad, White Pen, Embossing Machine-I used   the new Vagabond

Here we go!

 

I start with 3 different dies from Tim. The On the Fence, the Tattered Florals and the new Artful Dwellings. 

Here I cut the fence out of thick chipboard and added Picket Fence Crackle Paint. Set aside to dry. Trim to width of tag.

Next I cut the tall skinny house out and added a piece of Kraft Resist Paper Stash. Glue to the bottom and trim. I added Rusty Hinge Distress Ink to edges. Add white pen dots and a stamped image as you like.

I took a large Manila Tag #8 and added Distress Inks Dusty Concord, Chipped Sapphire, and Broken China. A bit of Black Soot over the distressed edges makes the colors pop.

The stamp is Elegant Ledger from Stampington & Company stamped it twice with Jet Black Archival Ink...(couldn't live without that ink)

Cut a piece of metal and emboss it with the Texture Fades Damask. I have the Vagabond and it's a dream to work with...I'm just sayin'.

Using the the Ink Applicator and felt apply alcohol inks of several colors. Let dry and add a 2nd layer. This creates back washes of patterns that are very cool! 

Sand off top layer with fine grade sand paper or leave as is. I also use a brush to add ink into the crevasses where I can't get the color I want.

Lay the metal face down on worktable and peal off backing paper. Lay tape over top part of house at roof level. Trim edges and add ribbon trim.

I like to add the house to black heavy chipboard and cut out 1/8" all around.

Add the tape to Grungepaper, die cut with Tattered Florals die, emboss, and add Alcohol Inks as before. Use Distress Inks on the backs.

Curl and pinch the flower petals and layer up with a Rhinestone brad.

Add glossy accents to back of Fragment and glue to vintage picture. Let dry. Cut around edges and add Chain Tassel with a jump ring. (I trimmed mine here a tiny bit)

Add with pop dots to the house.

Use Gold Metallic Paint Dabber to add a light dab of paint to the black Ransom Letters.

Now we're ready to assemble!!!

Glue the house to the tag with peak slightly above the top. Add more white pen dots.

Use pop dots to add the fence and flower.  Add the letters down the side.

Tie 2 ribbons to the tag top and you're done!

Hope you enjoyed this project. Let me know what you think, and if you make one, we'll share!

Linda



Haberdashery Tag



Haberdashery Tag

Well, we seem to have a new layout and set of options for the blog.

So far, pretty cool!!!

I kinda like the new options where we can upload pics as we go.

And Preview along the way, too.

This is using the new Tim set of stamps Haberdashery.

I love the way they jump out from the bright colors I used. 

We have Mustard Seed, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany, and Broken China with just a smidge of Chipped Sapphire.

The green is created by blending the China and Mustard.

Pretty Cool, heh?



I used the Tattered Floral Die with Metal Foil Tape on Grungepaper...this stuff is too fun....and a Texture Fade Dot Matrix to emboss.
Then apply the Denim and Lettuce Alcohol Inks to the metal.

Add some Silver Paint Dabber to the Philosophy Tag to make the letters and numbers show up better.

The little neckline piece is a piece of Lavish Trimming cut in half. Kind of cute.

The Trinket Pin is hung with Jump Rings through the tied bow.

Now this was the fun part. I took the Manila Tag #8 and the new Die Mini Scallops and Pinking to trim the bottom.
That's the blue color on the bottom.

Then the piece that was cut off is turned over and inked with Distress Inks in Reds.
Stamped with the Millinery stamp from Adverts set and glued over the tag to form the contrasting reverse scallop.

I raised the Ruler Ribbon onto heavy Chipboard for dimension.
The little Snaps are from my stash. Discontinued, I think.

Add the Baubles to the flower with a couple of Jump Rings.
Three tiny pearls were added to the neck of the dressform.....and that's it.

I did layer it onto black cardstock. I like that for contrast with the colors.

I am scheduled to be the Featured Artist today on Scrapbook News and Review, so check it out for a fun tutorial with embossed metal and alcohol inks on an Artful Dwelling house. Post goes up at 8PM.

Have a great week out there.

Lovin' the ease of the new format here!!!!

Linda

Tag Time

Decided after kitting up 3 classes last night until 2AM, that I would play today. Yes, I get my energy at 10PM and then sleep late the next day. I wake up, and then, without getting out of bed, take my nap for the day for the next 30 minutes....therefore saving time in the afternoon from having to lay down like most people.

Take your nap BEFORE you get out of bed....saves time!

Anyway..........here's a little play time I had this morning, yes I do get up when it's still morning!!!

I started with a small manila tag and the new Distress Stains randomly swiped around the tag...let just a tiny bit blend here and there. I used Wild Honey, Fired Brick and Dusty Concord. These colors are nice and bright!!!

Dry and spray with Perfect Pearls Mist Sunflower Sparkle. The picture is a bit dark since it's without a flash using regular light, but otherwise you can't see the sparkle of the PP. The photo does not show the PP nearly as well as they show up in person.

Then I used my new King from the Poker Face Texture Fades set for ATCs. Who said they had to be used JUST for ATCs?????

Take a craft knife and slit the top enough to slide the tag to where you want the embossing to go...a great idea from Tim. Then run through the VAGABOND...love that thing to pieces.

Next apply Black Soot Distress Ink to hit the high points of the embossing. I added white pen dots and accents to give some contrast, and a couple of Bingo line stampings to the edges.

Now, as you can see from the picture, I have the new Scallop and Pinking die from Tim's Alterations. I took the Metal Foil Tape and ran a piece on the edge to create a little strip of pinked edges. I LOVE this new die!!!!!

Then you can emboss with the Matrix Dot Texture Fade....COOL! Add a strip to the top and bottom of the tag.

I cut a piece of Manila cardstock to lay the tag on and used the Scallop side of the die to cut the bottom edge. Add Wild Honey Distress Ink and a touch of Vintage Photo to the tag. Punch a hole through the bottom tag.

Layer up the embossed tag, add a few dots in the scallops, tie a shiny ribbon through the top, and you're done!!!!!

Then I have to show you the gorgeous tag I got from Chelle who's on the Design Team with me for Inspiration Emporium. It's outstanding!!! And see the little Green Stamps at the top???? Ha! I used to love to cash them in for stuff down the street from my office building. Something for nothing. Days gone by.

Anyway, that's it for today.

Monday should bring my tutorial on Scrapbook News and Review using the Artful Dwellings and Metal Foil Tape on a tag. Check it out.

Have a great weekend........Spring will be here shortly according to Emma!

Linda

Shall We Play???

Yes, we shall, and yes we did! This is a combination of new and old buys. I love to pull out drawers and just put collages together.

This has mostly new Tim Holtz pieces combined with his new Artful Dwellings Die. I LOVE this thing. It has sooooooooooo many possibilities.

I used lots of little things to embellish this piece. Couldn't even tell you where some are from. It's really got tons of pieces in it as does the class that's similar, but much larger, that I'm giving.

** Classes are up for Memory Bound Scrapbook Store. Check out the Newsletter and give them a call in Ankeny Iowa. http://bit.ly/f20zGz

Here's some of the newer things:

Tattered Florals die, Kraft Glassine Paper, Foliage Idea-ology, Locket Keys, Plaquettes, Shabby Chic and Lost and Found Paper Stash, Hitch Fastener, Salvage Stickers-Crowded Attic, Tissue Tape-Journeyman, and Alpha Parts-Ransom.

Then I HAD to mess with my new stamps from Tim-Papillon. Are these Butterflies and Moths gorgeous or what??? They are stamped on a yellow cardstock, embossed with Verdigris Antiquities, sprayed with Copper Perfect Pearls Mist, and stamped in various spots with Jet Black Archival Ink. IT SPARKLES!

I love contrast, and this baby has got it. Especially up against the new Graphic 45 paper Let's Dance from Curtain Call. Lovin' that paper collection.

This is a closer shot of the Moth. I am a sucker for Turquoise and Brown together.........you may have noticed.

Be well........be good to each other..........Create ART!

Linda

Configurations Playtime-Just a Couple of Ideas

I've had this laying on a tray with bits and pieces for MONTHS....yes, I started it before CHA. I was not happy with it, and had to get it off my desk, so I put it on a tray, hoping for a better day. The little mesh purse is another find from Phil. Bless his heart.

So today I decided, give it a try. I added Sandal Alcohol Ink to the little bulb and cut a round hole in the top of the Configuration box to push it into it. The little Game Piece bingo chip has black paint swiped across it.

I love this little guy. He's from Collections in Australia. He fit perfectly in this old piece I found in my "collections" drawer. It's full of things from the past that I've hoarded. Love Julie van Oosten.

The stars are wooden buttons from JoAnn's. I was going to add twine, but I liked the naked buttons better. But that's just me.

Speaking of naked...this is my actual vintage doll from Phil on the left, and Tim's Fractured Doll reproduction on the right with some Alcohol Inks giving her a bit of color. Tone it down with some Blending Solution.

Now this is so cool. The little bottle was one I added a couple of drops of Rust Alcohol Ink to, then swirled it around to add an aged look.

This bag of clear glass blobs came to me from my friend Susan Hanks. She gave them to me after a class in Bloomington. I put some in a little plastic bag, added a few drops of Cranberry Alcohol ink and shook it up.

Spread it out after a bit onto a piece of paper to dry. I added a bit too much, so you may not have to do this if you're smarter than me...

Then you put it in the cute little bottle that you had sitting there with the Rust AI ...now dried.

Add to your little box for the Configuration, or do whatever you like.

Create Something Today! And Have a Great Weekend!

Linda

Crossing off things on my "TO DO" list

I've never been much on saving the paper towels that I painted on, or baby wipes I used to clean this or that. Mine really never looked worth saving. They looked more like muddy colors all globbed together. BOY do these babies sparkle!!!!! You've got to click on them and enlarge to see the wonderful detail that I had nothing to do with!!! Just luck...

But recently, while using my

Tim Holtz Adirondack Color Washes - Sailboat, Stream and Denim,

and Perfect Pearls Mists - Sunflower Sparkle, Forever Green, and Forever Blue,

to create the pieces for my classes, I discovered some really gorgeous backgrounds on the large cardboard pieces I used. The reddish spots are just reflections and are actually black...I have no idea how that came about. This is before I sprayed the flowers.

They can't be cut up and put into a collage, or used as background papers, because they are, after all, just corrugated cardboard.....and wouldn't last well I'm afraid. But the thought did occur to me after I stepped back and saw the random creations that were there.

The metallic gold and blues are over the tops of the flat deep blue colors on the boards. The flowers and wings combine into gorgeous patterns. This is after I sprayed the flowers.

Just thought I'd share before I sprayed something else and lost the beauty here.

Still waiting for spring........

rain, rain, and more rain....

would love some sunshine for a change.

A good day to CREATE ART, don't you think?

Linda

Let's Get Caught Up!!!

First I'll start with the Precious Metal Clay class I took. For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a very soft clay that comes in little tiny, weighed packages. You roll it, mold it, carve it, and sometimes (twice for me) break it, before you fire it in a kiln and it magically becomes pure silver!

Now, I thought, hey, I've played with Polymer clay. It can't be THAT difficult to make a ring! Ha! Boy, was I, and everyone else in the "beginners" class, totally wrong. This stuff dries out very quickly, cracks and breaks very easily, and is soft enough to make it difficult to make it into a completely even ring.

BUT, it was a real learning experience, and I'll go back for more. Teresa Kodatt the owner, taught the class, and she is AMAZINGLY talented as well as patient. Boy is she patient!!!

She fired the rings. Then we dropped it into Liver of Sulphur to add the etched color, polished it, and off I went.

It's a bit crude. But I love it. The texture is pretty cool, I think. Not at all what I envisioned, but really, really a fun piece.

Moving on......Tutorial on UTEE Embossed Metal Numbers!!! Yay!!! No, I didn't forget that I promised. (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)

1. Take a Numeral and push into embossing pad.

2. Using tweezers or just holding onto the sides, drop it into a jar of UTEE. Here I used Gold. Push it down all around to adhere UTEE.

3. Remove from the jar carefully. It will look like this. Not completely covered, but NOT to WORRY!

4. Using your Heat It Tool, heat on your Craft Sheet, until it all comes together. Don't overheat too much or it just slides off the number. See it starting to melt at the top? Scrape off extra from sheet with the Craft Scraper.

5. Add sprinkles of Platinum and Bronze as shown while it's still hot. Take Heat Tool away from this process or you will blow the UTEE all over the place. TRUST ME, I know from experience!

6. Add as much or as little as you like. Remember, this is metal, and it will get VERY hot!!! So let it cool a tad before touching. Clean off the edges with your fingernail or a wooden skewer while it's still warm. It cleans off very easily.

And you are DONE!!!

We're going to use these numbers in the Embossed Metal on Canvas classes I'm teaching.

Good news from Linda at Creative Cuts and Crafts today. The classes are 1/2 to 3/4 full already!!!!! I am so excited to get to go up there and meet all you great people. Getting kits ready to go as we speak!!!

So a fun little book I found yesterday while shopping with the Watercolor Chicks. Now I won't have to call my daughter and ask what the grouping of letters on FB meant in a post. Worth every penny.

Just a few of the bits of Tim goodness I got in on the doorstep Thursday. Whoo Hoo! Fun times ahead......

And this....my dear friend Ann's husband Phil has a museum of Farm Tractors from the family farm down in Southern Illinois. He is always finding me little bits of things that just make my heart race. They both think I'm WAY too EASILY amused, but that's OK!!!

I've gotten tiny metal purses, vintage cabinet cards, vintage buttons, cattle tags, print blocks, etc, etc, etc....but I nearly dropped my teeth when she handed me this little gem from Phil!!!

Can you believe it????? Grungy and broken. It's almost identical to Tim's reproductions. The head is a little smaller, but I know Ann thought I'd lost my mind until I showed her the new ones from Tim. Strange, very strange.....

So that's all I got! Just working away making up the kits for classes. Cutting paper, Grungeboard, Grungepaper, ribbon, chipboard, and all that fun stuff!!!

It's snowing on my tulips for Pete's sake!!!

Take care and be good to each other.

Linda

Look what Linda O'Connor did for me..WOW!

This just blew me away. Linda O'Connor up at Creative Cuts and Crafts sent me an email that said she'd made an announcement for the classes coming up. Click on the link to check it out. I mean, is she amazing or what????

She said she was a techie in a previous life....I was impressed. I'm lucky if I can figure out the fundamentals. This gal is fantastic.

***

This is the Artful Dwellings class that's on the agenda using Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante and Tim's Shabby Chic papers. It also has tons of Idea-ology pieces from Tim.

***

Anyway....I digress....take a look at the link. Call and sign up....and I'll see you there.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!! (yes, I'm yelling!)

Linda