A RAVENSCAPE - THE RAVENS CHALLENGE AT GINGERSNAP CREATIONS

I haven't entered a challenge for ages and when I saw the Rogue Redhead Ravens Challenge over at Gingersnap Creations  (http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com) well I just had to play!  Do go and check out the marvelous creations!

I admire my crafty friends who can sit down and plan out their projects ahead of time..sigh  I never quite know what I am going to do until I spread out a good pile of stuff and just dig in!  My friend Marilyn split a paper mache witches hat with me so that is where I started...along with the silhouette of a raven that she sent me.  That woman can cut a template or stencil like no ones business!  I took the easy route printed the silhouette out on card stock, backed that with another piece of black card stock and fussy cut it.

I painted the hat orange, mostly covered it with some Soot Crackle Paint and then all of that with Rock Candy Crackle Paint.  Considering how the raven would show against the dark background is how I came to the idea of cutting out a witchy Halloween tree (MME) and using that as a major part of the background.  Added subtle texture with lots of opaque black glitter on globs of Glossy Accents, some Straw Distress Ink and then dimension with bits of Halloween floral trim.

I built up the forest floor first with a ragged strip of cheesecloth misted a pale orange and dabbed with Orange Crackle Paint and some green acrylic paint, then topped that with a row of grey Bloomers (these came on a card with other colours, honestly I never thought I would use grey! and it a mouldery mummy grey to boot), dabbed a bright lime green acrylic paint here and there which I topped with green glitter (MS) while wet and finally a bit more of the Orange Crackle Paint.  I also used that green (with glitter) to sponge in a bit of foliage around the tree.

The raven has one foot upon a tiny pine cone.  Behind that I layered together a big orange flower - really just to create some contrast. The glittery net, paper flowers and button were part of the Bella Creations Halloween Embellishment kit.  I couldn't resist cutting out a crescent moon, adding a bat and wiring that above!  I didn't set out to do a Ravenscape but I do think it is fun!  A bit of a diorama on a hat - who would have thought LOL

BOO BELLA! An October Challenge - HALLOWEEN CRACKERS!

It`s time for some new challenges at Bella Creations!  Why don't you join me in one of the groups I moderate, Celebrer la Fete, and have some fun making Halloween Crackers!

Here in Canada many of us follow the English tradition of having decorated  "crackers" at Christmas dinner.   These have paper poppers in them that you and someone sitting next to you pull, this sounds like the noise from a cap gun! They are typically filled with a tissue paper crown (which is worn throughout dinner), a riddle or joke, a small candy and gift.

Doing a Halloween version has been on my list for awhile.  I have taken the idea of a Halloween countdown and done seven.  Each one is filled with 3 tiny treats (keep it simple!) and are meant to be opened one every day on each of the 7 days before Halloween.  These are for my daughter`s three children who are 5, 3 and 18 months - I think winding them up towards Halloween for 7 days before is enough! 

I have used toilet paper tubes (these are 4 inches), sheets of crepe paper (cut 10 inches long and wrapped 3 times around for fullness), scraps of patterned paper (cut this a quarter inch or so short of 4 inches wide so it is not right on the edge of the tube) , narrow ribbons, Stickles, I made the rosettes using the Tim Holtz die and chipboard numbers.

I think these will look great in a big bowl!  As these are meant for children, I made them as simple as possible; no inking, inexpensive ribbons, scraps of paper and went for a mix of colours instead of trying to match everything up.

I am still using Christmas Crackers that I made with fabric about 15 years ago.  You can use tissue paper, gift wrap, fabric etc instead of crepe paper.  I know my daughter will let the kids open one end of these to tip out the candies and then they will be whipped out of sight and saved for next year!

Your challenge is to make at least one Halloween Cracker by October 31st.  The prize determined by draw will be a fall themed RAK from me.  Come along and have some fun with us!

BELLA CREATIONS TRES CHIC CHALLENGE SEPTEMBER

It's reveal time!  Lacee has put together her second "inspiration packed" monthly embellishment kit "Sew Vintage" (see sidebar) and set out the details for the three monthly challenges at Bella Creations!

This is my design team submission for the Tres Chic challenge (sponsored by Copic markers) using the new kit.  I rarely do cards but the sweet bits were perfect for this.  I have been taken with the versatility of Lacee's kits as it has been so easy to pull together different colour schemes in addition to the obvious.  For this card I have put a wedgewood blue with the gold ribbon, crocheted flower and silk thread in the kit and played down the pinks.  The exclusive die cuts created by Heather are absolute treasures!  I am loving the thread spools!

The patterned paper is Stella Ruby from Basic Grey - perfect here!  You know I have been hanging on to (hoarding) that for awhile LOL   I used Distress Inks to match up and age the bit of doily.  A first for me, I smudged the ink around a bit and then hand washed it.  Faded to exactly what I was looking for.   My faux stitching is around the edges of the pp and then with black pen around the dress form chippie which is topped with Stickles.   The stickpin is created using my vintage stock of florist pins and a Prima pebble picture adds the last bit.  Check out this kit, the value and versatility in each of Lacee's creations has been incredible!

SCHULTUTE - A FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TREAT

To give the little ones a Schultute or Schultuele (sugar bag or sugar cone) on the first day of first grade is a German tradition.  These are typically filled with a few sweets and small treats.  Allison found this on-line knowing I would be as taken with this as she was.  With two of the grands, McLean and Maddison, starting first grade this year - a perfect new project!

I have used 12" paper mache cones, school themed stickers from 7Gypsies, Cosmo Cricket "Circa 1934" patterned paper, red crepe paper, some vintage ric rac and pom pom fringe (luv this stuff!), red Stickles and a bit of washi tape around the very tip.

There are any number of patterns for  cones on the internet if you need a pattern.  I simply laid the cone on the pp, rolled it across the paper while tracing the path with a pencil.  Cut it all out with pinking shears.  I found double-sided tape held the best and was less fussy.  I cut the end of a flat fold package of crepe paper at about 8".  Rolled that up and adhered it about three times around the inside of the cone.  The trims could be anything you imagine and as always do search out your scraps and stash!   Do have fun and let me know if you give this a try!  Post on your blog and I will send folks your way.

PINK FAIRY FANTASY - CREPE PAPER TREE

I posted this link originally in December but so worth posting again - here is the Original Crepe Paper Tree Tutorial!

http://creativechaos.typepad.com/creative_chaos/2010/12/my-entry.html

I used a 12" paper mache cone for the base.  Ruffled the crepe paper on my sewing machine with the baste and pull method.  I made it easy on myself and used double sided tape to hold the ruffles.  Note:  on another version I will put the ruffles closer together for a fluffier look.  The edges are "trimmed" with Platinum Stickles, I went over these a couple of times to build up a nice layer.  Some bits of flowers including teeny gold ones in the background, several colours of pink DewDrops, milnery bits, fussy cut black stamped fairies.  I've gone back and added teeny gold butterflys since taking the picture.   A good spraying of Pearl Glimmer Mist over everthing!  This just invites adding more and more! 



HEY CUPCAKE! A BIRTHDAY CROWN - GINGERSNAP CREATIONS VISITING ARTIST SUBMISSION

HEY CUPCAKE!

It is an Inspiration Challenge this  week at Gingersnap Creations  and the inspiration is Crowns.  I have been wanting to do a crown for several years after seeing some done for a Silver Bella event.  Truly I thought this would be beyond me.  But with the Inspiration Challenge right there in my face and an upcoming 1st birthday for the littlest GD (Olivia) soon - well that was it,  my submission was going to be a birthday crown.   Isn't every little one a prince or princess?  So I'm still in keeping with the overall theme of "Royalty"..:)

The birthday theme is "cupcakes".  I found some white paper with cupcake images embossed on it.  The images are purposefully ink resistant.  Sturdy paper with the right image - perfect for my background.  I purchased a paper crown at the dollar store which became the framework and pattern.  I drew and handcut the swirls out of plain turquoise card stock and encrusted the crown with "diamond", "pink tourmaline" and "aquamarine" jewels and plenty of glitter.  The "cupcake" I cut on my Cricut and covered the pieces using glitter, micro beads and double sided tape.  I covered the original head strap with coordinating card stock and adhered the new front piece.  I will adjust the strap with elastic to fit Olivia's head.

Now this certainly isn't as intricate and complex as the crowns I saw several years ago but for a first effort I am pleased.  Now let's see if this crown stays intact long enough for a picture of Olivia wearing it while eating her birthday cupcake!

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART - A VALENTINE COLLAGE PROJECT

As part of the "Impressionists" (collage) group activities at Bella Creations   Bella member Heather Hudson provided a step by step for us on this simple project meant for beginners in collage.  Click on the title of this post to visit Heather's blog and check out her project but do also come and join us at Bella Creations

I have done this on a 6x6x2 inch canvass, the bird, scrolls, sentiment and frame are all from a Tim Holtz stamp set. The cardboard heart I freehand drew, ripped the top layer off and spritzed with several reddish mists, then copper and then dabbed with gold paint and gilt pen.  A Prima flower, some metal charms and vintage slip edge (lace).  Simple, sweet and fairly quick!  Thanks Heather for a great little project!

CREPE PAPER TREE

Click the title of this post to go directly to Creative Chaos for the tutorial.  Love and adore these!  I have some REAL vintage pink crepe paper that I have been saving - I had no idea what I would be doing with it until I saw this, courtesy of a post by Susie Jefferson for Blade Rubber Stamps

Copyright Karina Guirre at Creative Chaos

PAGES IN TIME VINTAGE BOOKMARK SWAP

The Tags and Things group at Pages In Time had a Vintage Bookmark Swap earlier this fall.  It is so interesting to see all of our different takes on this project.  This first sweetie is from Carrie Taylor along with the card she sent it in. I love how the image just peeks out.  The butterfly is such a truly Victorian bit to add on.  And Carrie I am "lifting" your card design!  Carrie is working on a blog I will post her link soon! (Get going girl!)

My second bookmark is by Sandy Ang.  Oh so Belle Epoch - and Sandy claims she doesn't do vintage. The feathery fibers are perfect for the theme.  Sandy also created a "cradle" of sorts inside of the card for the bookmark to nest in.  Another card to "lift".   Do check out her blog for amazing inspiration.

The bookmarks I did:  Vintage Movie Theme (see posting of October 4/10 for details) which went to Sandy

And "See Spot Run" which went to Carrie.

BATS, BONES, BOO! A CHIPBOARD HAUNTED HOUSE!

Hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoyed making this one!  I'm entering this into the GINGERSNAP CREATIONS (GC74) Spicy Supply Challenge - VersaMark.  Click on the title of this post to go directly there.

The structure is a kit from Retired Let's Do Lunch.  I've used their kits a couple of times and love the simplicity of assembly and sturdiness.  While I also ordered the Halloween Kit all I used were the ghost cut-outs, the cardboard circle base  and the sheet of vellum for the windows. 

I heat embossed the sides of the house using VersaMark, Distress Embossing Powder in Weathered Wood and a faux bois stamp from CTMH as a starting point.

I inked the shutters with Spicy Marmalade Distress Ink, then stamped a brocade design with VersaMark and used  black American Crafts Zing embossing powder to heat emboss.  The "Juliet" balconies I made using the Martha Stewart Halloween fence punch to which I added a bit of glam using Platinum (my favorite all around!) Stickles.  I added a bit of white faux stitching for a bit more definition.  I added some black paper flowers to the two side balconies, touched again with a bit of the Platinum Stickles.  The ghost cut-outs I covered with Crackle Accents and a tiny bit of the same Stickles and black faux stitching for accent.  I love the way they curled.

The skeleton in the doorway was stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed with white Stampin' Up embossing powder.  I then inked the door with Black Soot Distress Ink and the embossed skeleton "resisted" the black ink.  A bit of my signature  faux stitching round the door frame.  The door was then coated with Crackle Accent and a bit of warm highlights glitter from Glitter Ritz.

The Boo Wreath - a Christmas bit converted with a little white acrylic paint, orange glitter and a metal Boo brad.   The Candy Corn flower beds - acrylic stickers I found at Michael's last year.

The roof I heat embossed with black Stampin' Up embossing powder and a spotty background stamp, which I then inked with several of the green based Distress Inks.  The gable and chimney are inked with the greens and then coated with Crackle Accents.  I then trimmed the roof and gable with black bat "ribbon".  The chimney cap I heat embossed with VersaMark, copper embossing powder and a cheesecloth background stamp from CTMH.  I topped the cap with a black paper bat which I wired and poked through the top. 

I've been without my notebook for the last several weeks hence the late posting.  Maybe you will bookmark this one for next year though.

VINTAGE MOVIE POSTERS - BOOKMARK

This is one of two bookmarks I`ve made for a ``bookmark mingle`` at Pages In Time.  The theme is "vintage" and I chose vintage movie posters.

This month is still all about Halloween for me - what is more nostalgic than our Halloweens as children - what was it that influenced costume choices?  Movies and TV.  Yep - born in the '50s.  (Hate to admit it but the '50s are vintage.)  Loved the old "Dracula and crew" movies, the hilarious but scary "B" movies which were on TV Saturday afternoons and of course WOZ was and still is a favorite!  Below this post are two vintage images of movie theatre tickets - just couldn't work them into these but do go and grab them.

I printed out the poster images - available in the public domain - wallet size and then arranged them into a collage 1 3/4 x 5 3/4" then adhered that to a black 2 x 6" mat.  Strengthened the whole with a few coats of Crackle Accent (tiny bit of warm highlights glitter thrown over) front and back and then wiped some Vintage Paper Distress Ink into the cracks.   The top is some vintage black seam binding.

"DEADLY MORSELS"

“I am participating in a GINGERSNAP CREATIONS Creative Connection. I heard about this month’s GCCC - Haunted is the inspiration - from HELENE  of  LOTSA SCRAPS. Why not play along? Post a creation to your blog mentioning my post and to the Creative Connection post on Gingersnap Creations. Let’s all craft it forward and see how far we can get this connection to go!”

Do check out Lotsa Scraps and Gingersnap Creations even if you are "shy" about posting your own project - you will get lots of inspiration!

The photo is a vintage one originally from Where Families Connect.  I've built this on a letter size piece of glossy chipboard.  The haunted house, fence, bats and moon are a sticker set from Martha Stewart as is the "Deadly Morsels" label which I popped up.  The witch is a stamp that I embossed with black Zing.  The bingo card is Jenni Bowlin and I used a Tim Holtz fragment over the 31.  The sparkly swirls are KI Memories and the "or Treat" was in my stash.  I used Black and Mimosa Glimmer Spray on the white braid to grunge it up a bit.  Both the braid and fringe were in my stash.  The background paper is from Making Memories.

I first posted this without a hanger - I love hanging projects like this one with an old pant hanger!  This is a chrome and wood hanger that the DH sprayed a flat black for me.  I want to look at it for a few days and decide whether I am going to decorate the hanger or not.  I like time to let things process and sift :)

COVERED BOTTLE - GRAPHIC 45 COMMUNIQUE

The challenge this month at "Our Vintage Affair" is to make a wine bottle cover.  (click on the title of this post to go directly there - do go have a look, the other entries are lovely and shabbified!)  I don't drink so instead I've covered a French water bottle that I use to hold lavender water for the steam iron.  Because I will continue to use it, I have kept the cover on the simple side.  Those of you who love and adore graphic 45 will recognize the papers and tags I've used on this bottle.  As the papers are double-sided they work great on a clear bottle.  Instead of doing a paper collar around the  neck, I've used tiny gold beads on wire and wrapped that around.  I stamped and copper embossed the main paper to add texture and go with the copper eyelets I used to secure the laces (vintage satin ribbon), the border is composed of several other patterns in the line and vintage silk threads were used to dangle the tags.  I adhered a number of the die cuts from the line around the main body (not visible in this pic).  Finally I used a sepia toned decoupage finish (3 coats) to antique the papers a bit more and provide some water resistance.  Thanks for providing an interesting challenge!  I enjoyed tackling something quite different.  

EXPLORE WHO YOU ARE - AN 8X8 PAPERCRAFT PROJECT

My response to the August 15 challenge at The Studio, double click on the title to this post or see my links to go directly there.  The challenge was to use at least 5 different patterned papers on your project.

This little project is 8x8, I`ve used some heavy posterboard for the backing.  I`ve tackled this a bit like an inspiration board - decidED on the photo, the colors and then went digging for the bits.  This is a nice size to put out on a stand for awhile and then change it up when the mood strikes.

I used three different diecut papers to frame the picture, those and the strip in the bottom left are from Making Memories, the blue background is American Crafts.  The Explore bingo card and words are from Tattered Angels.  I`ve covered the words with an acrylic ``fragment`` from Tim Holtz.  The alpha is Jenni Bowlin, the numbers Making Memories.  The vintage velvet ribbon (yahoo!) is from my stash - have to say I`ve lucked into a bunch of vintage velvet ribbon in a number of colors just this week- and on a tip from the DH.

HALLOWE'EN IN WONDERLAND (graphic 45) - A PICTURE FRAME

Can't believe I was lucky enough to get my hands on some of this paper!  Woo hoo!  I used an inexpensive 7 x 7 frame from Ikea.  The outside front is covered in the striped pattern.  I adhered it with glue stick.  With an Expresso paint dauber I covered the sides (in and out) and distressed the pattern a bit.  I then used a sepia toned decoupage medium to cover all sides.  This helps keep the paper down and puts a bit of a protective finish on the works.

The black velvet ribbon is a vintage piece I've been saving, the flower is a couple of paper flowers layered, glittered on the outer petals, gunmetal stickles around the center - all held together with a glittery brad.  I used a StarBucks coffee wrap to make the photo corner, which I swiped with some blue ink and then glittered.  The tag is from the Hallowe'en in Wonderland line, I backed it with more cardstock for strength and then outlined it with Gunmetal Stickles.  The curly fibers I had.  The little Bingo card is from the back of a package from Jenni Bowlin.  Lovvvvvve those bingo cards!

When I gift this, I will include a 4 x 4 mat (which I have cut out of the double sided striped paper so two choices) and instructions to crop a picture down to 3.5 x 3.5 for Maximum Good Looks!   

SPREAD THE MAGIC!  SEE MY CONTEST POST OF JULY 31st FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A CUSTOMIZED BUTTON OR BLINKIE FOR YOUR BLOG!  GOOD LUCK! 

OLIVIA'S BANNER - PINK, BLACK AND SHABBY

I did this banner awhile ago but hadn't entered it in any of the challenges.  This week I am entering this into the "pink and black" challenge at Fussy and Fancy (click on the title of this post to go directly there).  The current efforts there are focused on the fight against breast cancer, so do go and have a look.

The papers used in my banner are "Sabrina" from Making Memories and the black/grey cardstocks are from Core'Dinations. I used every "shabby trick" I could think of on this on;  lots of ink, punches, Prima Pearls, pom pom fringe and flowers (layered paper, satin, net) galore! 

SPREAD THE MAGIC!  SEE MY POST OF JULY 31st FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A CUSTOMIZED BUTTON OR BLINKIE FOR YOUR OWN BLOG!  GOOD LUCK! 

LET IT SNOW (CHIPBOARD HOUSE)

This is my response to Week #21 "House and Home" Challenge at the Shabby Tea Room.  Double click on the title of this post or see my links "Challenge Sites" at the bottom of this page.  The Challenge was to create a card or project using soft blues, creams, whites and browns and/or with a house image on your design.

I've used "The Iddie Biddie Chipboard Gingerbread House" from Retired...let's do lunch as my structure.  Go check them out!  Little houses say "holidays" to me - it was either Halloween or Christmas and I went with snow.  Mostly it's been a little warm this summer, snow sounded refreshing.  One more holiday project done!!

I first painted all of the pieces with gesso - if you have ever had warped chipboard from paint, ink or glue this is the answer and it leaves a nice smooth surface to work with.  I then inked the house with Tumbled Glass distress ink, the roof with Scattered Straw and the chimney with Vintage Photo.  In the photo you can only see the chimeny cap which I gilded with a Krylon pen, I also gilded all of the corners and edges.  I also inked the shutters with Tumbled Glass but on bare chipboard so they are quite dark.  I used white rub-ons on the shutters and then free-handed a similar line across the front and back with a Quickie glue pen and glittered in light blue.  The star and scalloped circle are glittery bits I had, same with the dimensional starlight mints I used for windows.  The sign is a button that I repurposed (cut off the shank!).  The snow is large mica flake glitter from Martha Stewart.  If you want a picture of other sides just send me a note.

Don't miss your chance to Spread the Magic!  See my contest post of July 31st for a chance to win your own customized button or blinkie!  Good luck!

EAT SOMETHING CUTE - AN OFF THE PAGE PROJECT

You are What You Eat So Eat Something Cute".  This is my response to the July 18th challenge at "The Studio" to use your scrapbooking supplies to make something "off the page".  Double click on this post title to go to "The Studio" or see my Challenge Site links below. 

This is inspired by an e-zine I took from Teresa McFayden some time ago.  Love the saying!  This wall hanging is perfect for a bit of summer in the kitchen.  I used a 12x12 chipboard sheet covered with the word patterned paper, layered that with a chipboard frame (acu cut) covered in a matching pattern for a sturdy background .

I treated the "cupcake" like a picture with several mats - including one glittered using DST (double sided tape).  Tiny alpha beads comprise the title on a paper banner.  A bit of inking and faux stitching for added dimension.   Wire on a fork (this one I used Stazon ink in brown to antique) and add a ribbon to hang! 

Another great variation on this one would be with a baby picture...

CONTEST!  Spread the magic.  For a chance to win your own customized button or blinkie please see my contest post of July 31!  Good luck!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - A VINTAGE HOLIDAY PROJECT

This is an entry to the "Christmas in July" challenge at The Shabby Tea Room (see links at bottom of blog) and if you click on the title of this post it will take you directly.

The photo from 1949 is of my husband Bob on Santa's lap at the Woodwards Department Store in Vancouver BC.  I used some vintage music from a Children's Song Parade book as part of the background and scraps from my Christmas papers.  Lots of big mica flake glitter surrounds the entire piece.

Silver thread, glittery brads, a rosette also made from scraps tops a K&Co red glittered snow flake.  The hanger was fashioned from a wire clothes hanger.  This is inspired by a project I did on a Teresa McFayden e-zine sometime ago.  I used a 4x6 copy of the photo to make this a reasonable size.

ONE PICTURE TWO WAYS - A LAYOUT AND A WALL HANGING

Another ready made layout!  Out of the frame and into the album.  This is just the very sweetest photo.  I used the same in the project below, atually it was the inspiration!

It was Allison who put me to thinking about how to use/frame pictures in a different way for hanging.  This was a project class I did for Scrappers' Anonymous. 

The background is two pieces of chipboard, the very back covered in one sheet of patterned paper and then heavily shadowed with Espresso and Fired Brick paint  dabbers.  The front has been cut on AcuCut with the Antique Frame die.  All of the edges are antiqued with the Espresso paint dabber and then this is adhered to the 12x12 piece.  The scrolls, commas and diamonds are all from one FTI chipboard package - again colored with paint dabbers and laid out in a pleasing (to me!) pattern.

The picture was matted twice.  I laid down a 1/4 strip of double sided taple all around the inside mat and covered that with copper micro beads.  Punch two holes in the top, string with a nice ribbon and hang!  Even with drying time for the paint - a simple two hour project!