Designer Crafts Connection

Layering with Style

I know, it's right smack in the middle of the summer but I just had to post this little cutie. Besides, October isn't that far off now!  So here's a little Halloween cutie to make you look forward to the fall months ahead.


Painted an 8x8 canvas first....lifted areas of paint in spots.  Now comes the FUN part!  Have I ever told you that I love recycling!  Most of the paper here to create the background is from old books meant for the trash heap.  I used ColorBox to color the pages & then using punches, cut out all the leaves for the tree.  The little cutie holding the pumpkin & black cat is a vintage piece cut out & layered on the canvas.  For further layering effect, I stamped swirls over the sides & front & added a trim at the bottom.  The little cutie's hat has a crystal at the tip top to add some shine....for every girl needs some bling in her life!

Wedding Favor

 The upcoming months are very popular for weddings! I'm asked often of what I can make in the way of wedding favors. This one is my favorite! Armed with 2 Sizzix dies, handmade paper, gold vellum paper, a few words......this favor is a snap to create! The handmade paper gives this favor quite a bit of depth and the little layered flowers makes for a nice dainty touch. And of course, to go with the wedding theme: Together now forever, says it all. Nestled within the frame is a little bag of rice to be thrown at the bride & groom as they leave the church.


Materials:


Sizzix Dies: Flower, Daisies #654981
Easel Frame #656143
White Mat board 6" x 13"
Big Shot machine
Handmade paper
Gold vellum paper
Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry
Krylon 18KT Gold Leafing Pen
4 office supply gold brads
1 small gold brad

Directions



Begin with cutting out your pieces. I used the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, handmade floral paper, gold vellum paper, Sizzix Bigz Die - Flower, Daisies, and the Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Frame, Easel. Before cutting the Easel Frame out, adhere handmade paper to the matboard with Beacon's Zip Dry Paper Glue

1. Cut one piece handmade paper to fit 6" x 13" mat board.

    Cut two 5" x 6" pieces of gold vellum; handmade paper.
2. Adhere 6" x 13" handmade paper to mat board using Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry.
3. Cut out easel frame with one pass through the Big Shot.
    Cut 2 sheets of the gold vellum using the Daisies die.
    Repeat cuts with the handmade paper.



Here all pieces are cut & ready to assemble!  Along with the handmade paper daisy pieces I also used a gold vellum paper and cut several sheets to have plenty of flowers to layer.


4. Edge frame with Krylon 18KT Gold Leafing Pen.

    Don't forget to edge the inside frame area.


5. Using 3 large brads, assemble the easel frame.




6. Layer flowers using the gold vellum & the handmade paper as you desire.
    Large brad through center to hold together. Small brad for small flower.
7. Adhere using Beacons Adhesives Zip Dry.


8. Fill small bag with rice and tape to the inside of the easel as shown in photo.

9. Select words you desire & adhere with Zip Dry adhesive.
Wha La! A wedding favor you can personalize any way you wish!

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2011 Winter Craft & Hobby Association (CHA)

WOW, what a show!

What I loved MOST about this show was hanging around the best Designers in this industry!  Just when it seems it can't get any better........boom, it does!  I met so many new faces that I've befriended via Internet........now they are truly my friends!

I took part in the Craft Studio for the first time at this show.  The chance at letting us "shine" was wonderful!  Here is a picture of my set up.  I was sent some black 16 gauge artistic wire by CHA.  I was to design keeping the wire as a focal point.  I must say I believe I achieved this with this necklace.  I must thank Beadalon for their donating the tools you see here. 




Below is a close up of the necklace design.


Paper and LOTS of it was a MAIN attraction at this CHA show.  I ran upon dresses & more dresses created with nothing but PAPER.  Awesome!  I think you will agree.


What can I say?  Sizzix has done it again!  Here are samples of their jewelry made with brand new die cuts and WOW what a statement they make!


When you think you've heard the last of Bottle Caps, here they come again in full force!  I couldn't get over the variety of bottle cap sizes.  There was a bottle cap size for any occasion!  Here is an array of necklaces.


Bottle caps made into ornaments (as shown below), curtain pulls, used as name plates near hooks to hang your coat, bracelets, earrings, belts, magnets, oh I could go on & on here! 


I participated in the Designer Showcase along with 50+ other awesome Designers...... 
That experience alone is priceless.