Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop - Flower 3D Wrapped

Welcome to another day, another die, featuring Eileen Hull's Fresh Vintage dies from Sizzix. Today's selection of Eileen Hull's Fresh Vintage Dies is Sizzix Bigz Die - Flower, 3D Wrapped.   When I received this die, I immediately had an idea of how I wanted to use it.  Sometimes you never know if your idea will pan out in the way you would like.  I like the experiment of trying and it came out pretty cool.  It is being used as a new autumn decoration in our house.

The die-cut pieces make the perfect little shade for miniature lights.   I chose to use both of the sizes for the shades, but use two different papers and two different colors.  The type of papers used were parchment paper, used for baking, and orange glassine paper. The two-tone shades on the lights looked fine, but I needed to take it a step further and add some leaves.  So what better leaves to add but those cut from Eileen's Fresh Vintage Leaves die. The leaves were cut from dark green velvet paper and fabric that was fused together with an iron fusible.  (I used Steam a Seam.)  The velvet paper leaves were embossed with a Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

To attach the flower shades to the lights, I began with the larger flower shape.  Use small pieces of red line tape to form the flower shape. (NOTE: I overlapped the ends by one scallop.)  Complete all before adding the smaller shape. Attach the smaller shape the same way as the larger, except, overlap the ends over two scallops.  I cut the flower cap out of green vellum, any lightweight paper can be used.  Clip the shape so it can be placed around the top.  Slightly overlap the cut edges and glue with Beacon Zip Dry glue. To add the leaves, I slipped the stems of the leaves through the wires and glued the stem to the back of the leaf with Beacon Fabric Tac glue.  Alternate the groups of the leaf die-cuts between the lights.  Hang the strand up for display or wrap the strand around a post or find another interesting area to display the light strand.

I was also sent some fun products from Epiphany Crafts. I was not familiar with these until receiving them. Some fun embellishments can be made with these products. The products I used along with Eileen's dies were the round shape tool, the scallop circle tool, the corresponding epoxy shapes, felt flowers and vintage  settings embellishments.

I combined Eileen's flower die, the Epiphany Crafts tools, one of Karen Burniston's dies and older Sizzix alphabet dies to create this three-dimensional table decoration.

To see all the other creations for the "Wrapped Flower" die, all you need to do is click forward or backward on the "Fresh Vintage" button that is located to the right of this post at the top of the right column.

You can see the previous creations by others with more of Eileen's new line by going to her blog to check them out in case you missed them. Also, go visit Oh My Crafts blog and please leave a comment for a chance to win this die.

EXTRA! EXTRA!  Visit Sizzix.com today only (10/13/2011) and receive 25% off all Eileen Hull dies.  Promo Code is:SZEH25.  This offer excludes "Outlet" items and cannot be combined with other discounts. Check out this link to read about Eileen and the dies.

October's Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop - PINK

This month's blog hop is being officially sponsored by Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools.  As part of "breast cancer awareness" month, we received an assortment of pink Westcott cutting tools. VELCRO® Brand Fasteners and The Duck Brand® also supported this challenge by providing materials.

I love a challenge and love working with interesting materials, so what follows are ideas I came up with using all these wonderful products.  This was the first time that I have used Westcott® products and have to say they proved to be great to use for cutting.  Working with the very sticky duct tape was made extremely easy using the Westcott® Non-Stick scissors that were provided.  No sticky residue was left on the blades, unlike other brands that I have used in the past.

To see all the other ideas from many other designer participants, click forward or backward on the blue "Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop" button at the right of this post and hop through many, many creations.

Pink Tiger Stripe Bag

I realize I could have used only the Duck Tape to make this bag, but being someone who likes to recreate usable items from something I have available, here's my take!

This canvas bag was covered with the pink tiger stripe, Duck Brand® Patterned Duct Tape Roll.  Each strip of tape was butted along the edge. The tape also continues to the inside about half way down.  The handles were also covered with the tape.  A length of VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back™Fastener was cut with Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors, then applied along one side of the bag.  Small squares were cut to stick  just below the handles on both sides of the bag.  Lengths of 3/8" black with white ribbon was glued over the tape seam on the handles with Beacon Dazzle Tac Glue. Additional ribbon was glued near the top edge and bottom edge of the bag.  A pink metallic 3/8" ribbon was glued around the inside of the bag for a finished look.  Flower shapes were cut from black and pink felt by National Nonwoven.  The flower pieces were stitched together with a button center.  A corresponding small square of black VELCRO® was attached to the back of each flower and placed onto the bag for embellishments.

Kids On The Go

For this project I again used something reusable for part of this idea.  Cut a piece of thick, clear vinyl to the size of a placemat (17" x 12").  Place a strip of the "Hello Kitty" Limited Edition Duck Brand® Duct Tape along each edge of the vinyl piece.  I began with one of the longer edges, placing the tape about one inch onto the vinyl. Turn the placemat over and place another strip of the tape along the edge.  Line up the tape carefully to match the edges to the strip on the opposite side.  Repeat this on the other long edge and again for the two shorter sides.  Cut two pieces of clear vinyl: one measures 4" x 8", second measures 4" x 10".  Line the two vinyl pieces up, with sides and bottom matching. NOTE: the two extra inches on the back piece will form a flap for the closure.  Cut a 4" piece of VELCRO® pink plant ties.  Place the VELCRO® strip 2" down from the top front edge.  NOTE: a small rolled piece of duct tape was placed under the VELCRO strip to hold it in place. Tape one side edge together with the duct tape, start at top with a straight cut. Trim any access tape at the bottom away. Repeat for the second side.  Repeat with a shorter strip of tape for the bottom. Cover the inside of the flap with a piece of duct tape, trim.  Cut another piece of VELCRO® pink plant tie about 6" long.  Form another rolled piece of tape to hold it in place along the inner edge of the flap. NOTE: the extra inch of plant tie on each side will be held down by the top piece of duct tape.  Cover the outside of the flap with another piece of duct tape. Cut a 3" piece of the white VELCRO® Sticky Back Hoop & Loop Fastener and place onto the back top edge of the silverware holder.  Place and stick the holder at the top of the placemat near the center of the mat.  NOTE: trim tape  and cut the sticky back VELCRO® using the the Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors.  For the scalloped edge on the mat I used a Sizzix border die and cut a pattern from heavy paper to match the sides of the mat.  Using a fine point marker, I traced the scallop edge onto the tape then cut the pattern using the non-stick scissors by Westcott®.  For a placemat closure, cut a length of the pink plant tie long enough to wrap around the mat twice.  To hold the tie in place to the mat, I punched two smalls holes into the tape and laced ribbon through the holes and a decorative button and tied a bow.  Finished the end by sewing another smaller button near the end.

To carry along drinks, eats or treats while on the go with little kids, I reused a insulated lunch bag.  The closures on the bag were removed and the blue surface of the bag was covered with the Hello Kitty duct tape.  To give the bag a finished look, white mini rick-rack was glued around the edges.  Two small red bows were added to the front corners.  A large red button was sewn on and a loop of black cord elastic form a new closure for the bag.

Art & Craft Stuff

What can you make with "Pink" duct tape, to support breast cancer awareness,  a large piece of quilting vinyl, and the shipping box the tapes were mailed in?  I thought why not recycle the sturdy box that the tape was shipped in and make something useful for my grandkids to use when they visit.

After measuring the size of strips I would need to cover the box, I cut them one at a time with the Westcott® Non-stick scissors and covered the box.  NOTE: I opened the box to make it easier to cover with the tape.  I folded the flaps from the cover inside and taped them down.  I began the strips at the top of the box (not adding tape to the front flap). Each additional strip overlapped the previous one just slightly.  Once covered with the tape, cut a slot in the front top flap using Westcott® Hobby Knife and punch two holes into the inside front of the lower box.  Cut a length of ribbon for a handle.  Feed the ends of the ribbon through the holes and knot inside.  For closing the box, push the ribbon through the slot.  Add a strip of VELCRO® Sticky Back Fastener in white along the front flaps of the box for a closure.  NOTE:  Pieces of VELCRO® can be added to the inside top of the cover in desired to hold some supplies.  Add any type of embellishment to finish off the box.  For this project I used packaged foam letters and other designs.

For the table mat, cut a piece of clear vinyl, 30" x 18".  NOTE: Any size is fine.  Strips of the pink duct tape are placed on the two shorter sides first.  Cut the strips about two inches longer then needed (access can be trimmed away).  Lay the tape onto the edge covering the vinyl about one inch.  Turn the mat over and carefully bring the tape over the edge and press in place.  Repeat the process of covering the two longer edges with the duct tape.  Cut a length of VELCRO® pink plant ties to wrap around the rolled mat for storage.

Precious Gold 

To make this frame for a photo of my precious little granddaughter, I used four 5" x 7" photo mats that I saved from other frames.  Use a glue stick to hold the mats together before covering with the new gold Duck Brand® Duct Tape.  Cut a back for the frame from foamcore board, 1/2" larger on both sides then the mats ( 7 1/2" x 5 1/2"). Cover the mats with the duct tape, starting with the 7" sides.  Cut the strips of tape about 2" longer (9").  Cut at the corners and bring tape around the center opening and outside edge  to cover the edges.  Press the extra tape onto the back of the mat.  Repeat with the shorter sides.  Cover the foamcore board back with the duct tape.  Start the tape at the center of the back piece that will be the inside of the frame.  (The photo will cover the area where the tape will meet.)

To hold the pieces together, cut three lengths of VELCRO® Sticky Back Fastener.  One will be 5", one 6 1/2".  Use the  Westcott® Non-Stick Scissors to cut the VELCRO® strips in half.  Apply the 5" piece to one side of the frame only (the other 5" side will become the opening to insert the photo).  Apply the two longer pieces to the mat.  Once applied to the back side of the mat piece, remove the backing plastic and position the frame onto the foamcore piece.  Form a stand from a scrap of matboard, cover it with the duct tape,  cut a piece of VELCRO® to hold the stand onto the frame.

To make the flowers and the leaves, I added taped two pieces of the gold tape together.  I made several strips.  I made patterns of flowers and leaves using my Sizzix dies.  Trace the patterns onto the duct tape and cut the shapes out using the Westcott® Non-Stick Scissors.  Use Ranger® Alcohol Inks to color the flowers and leaves.  Sew on a button for the flower centers.  Cut small strips of VELCRO to place on the back of the flower/leaf clusters, then place on the frame.

I must say this challenge was fun.  I want to thank Marisa Pawelko for organizing this challenge and giving me the opportunity to work with great products.

Actual prize assortment may vary slightly

There is a product giveaway from Westcott®Brands, view the above photo.  To be eligible to win you must comment on the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop at http://westcottbrand.blogspot.com/ before November 1st.  Westcott will choose and then annouce the giveaway winner on November 1, 2011.  Prize must be shipped to a U.S. address.  Also take time to check out Westcott's Facebook page for an additional chance to win.

Westcott has teamed up with Charity Wings.org for an online auction.  Designer items  made for this hop will be auctioned and the funds raised will go for breast cancer awareness.  Please go to the online auction link: "Charity Wings" here:
http://charitywingsnews.blogspot.com/2011/10/westcott-brand-and-friends-auction-for.html   
The auction will be ongoing through the month of October.  Go to the link above and read about the auction and see the items available to make bid.

Link to:

Westcott® Brands on Facebook  - http://facebook.com/WestcottBrand
Velcro ® Brand on Facebook - http://facebook.com/velcrobrand
Duck Brand® Tape on Facebook - http://facebook.com/ducktape

Fresh Ideas Coming Your Way

This new post is announcing another "blog hop" that is coming very soon.  Thanks to Eileen Hull, a very creative "girlfriend", who has added more wonderful designs in her line of Sizzix dies, this will again be possible.  This is really a very fun way to showcase the great products from Sizzix.

I can honestly say that the investment that I made several years ago, when I purchased my first little red Sizzix machine, was the best one I ever made.  Of course I graduated to the "Big Shot" and hope to add the "Big Shot Pro" to my workspace. 

In most of my creative work I have in some way incorporated the use of my Sizzix products in my work.  In my work area I have a cabinet dedicated to Sizzix dies and accessories and have the machines out and ready for work.  From the "Original" dies to all the newest, speciality and "Designer" dies available, they are used over and over and over.

Whether I'm working with fabrics, paper, felt, metal or other interesting medium, I love the way these tools work

Hope you will take the time to browse through all the wonderful blogs by a creative group during this latest "hop".  Eileen's new line is called "Fresh Vintage".  Check them out on the Sizzix website to see them, along with other wonderful dies that can be used in so many creative ways.  You can count on getting many ideas by taking some time to check out these blogs in the next several weeks.  

I thank Eileen for inviting me to share in this wonderfully, fun and creative opportunity!

Just a couple of my favorite ideas from previous hops:

Autumn

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face."
-John Donne

September first to me ushers in Autumn.  This is the season I enjoy the most. Because of family health issue the Summer season came and went for me.  Honestly with the extreme weather we had this year, just like much of the country, I missed much of the hot temps, and that is OK with me.

There is a change in the air the past few days and signs that seasons are changing.  I spent a little time today bringing out some of the seasonal decorations.  I think a banner needs to be created for the fireplace mantle.  What material should I use? What should it say?  I'll share the finished project as soon as it's complete.

I came across a wonderful magazine a few weeks back while making a quick stop at the store. I'm always looking for new magazines to browse through. This is a new one to me but enjoyed all the wonderful ideas throughout the publication. The photography is wonderful and filled with decorating ideas for many styles. Autumn Cottage is one of those magazines that I will place where all can share and enjoy flipping through.

Some other favorites that will remain on the coffee table for constant viewing during the season:

 Country Sampler - love reading how others decorate with the country style and seeing so many interesting country designs.

Midwest Living - especially at this time of the year, this magazine shares many ideas for areas around us.

Martha Stewart Halloween (Special Edition) - always filled with many ideas that I can learn from and share with family.

Flea Market Style Fall/Winter 2011 -  a must have for anyone who loves to hunt for "junk".

Check them out!

Designer Craft Connection-September Post: Celebrations

Though I'm not participating in this months design ideas, I still wanted to add a short post to stay in the ring connecting one blog to another.

With so many things to celebrate, the ideas that the designer group will share here should be fun and varied.  Whether it is a holiday or a family event, I enjoy making my own invites and other co-ordinated decorations for any celebration.  Sharing some ideas that I have made in the past for baby showers, weddings and holidays to share with photos only.

Baby Shower Invite

Invite For Baptism

Wedding Invite and Extras

Wedding Shower Invite

Shower Favors

Wedding Favor

St. Patty's Day Invite

Please hop along through the blogs for fun and creative ideas from the designers connected with this group.  Move forward or back through each using the "blue button" to the right of the post.  Come celebrate good times!

...In Good Times And Bad, In Sickness And In Health...

Sorry for my lack of posting for that past couple of months.  My personal life took a quick and crazy turn this summer.  I have debated whether to post here about something so personal, but now feel it could be a little therapeutic to write about.  I realize that I have made reference to my husband's health a couple of times but never went into many details on this blog.

When I started this blog my intention was to share ideas and thoughts on a variety of topics, but mostly along the creative lines. What I will write about may seem a bit "off topic" but it may explain how everyday life can change one's priorities.  And, I'm sure that many others have faced something similar.

Those that do know me personally, are aware of the issues that have faced our family since June of 2010. It was just a few days before the Memorial Day holiday (the official beginning of summer) that we found that "the greatest guy" I know was diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumor.  It's been a fight against a nasty unknown, that he has faced courageously and quietly.  As he continued this fight, it was early this June that he had to face an additional difficult time. He was admitted to the hospital June 27th, for what was supposed to be a easy procedure that began with complications from diverticulitis. What followed was days and weeks of surgeries, hospitalization, rehab therapy and more hospitalization.

As I sit here near his hospital bed, the month of August will soon be coming to an end. We are hoping and praying the the month of September will begin with him being at home and enjoying his favorite chair, sleeping in his own bed (without any interruptions), and enjoying any variety of his favorite foods prepared the way he likes.

This summer was a series of "ups & downs" that at times was difficult to understand and deal with. Moments like these we ask ourselves over and over "Why? Why? Why?"  I still don't know that answer to that!  What I do know is that in these moments, no matter how difficult, you find the strength to just keep going on when you know how special someone is to you.

As others began to hear of my husband's situation, the outpouring of prayers, good thoughts, support and love, for him has been so very welcoming and helpful.  He has touched many people in the 34 years of teaching, 40 years of marriage and 63 years of life.  Co-workers, former students, high school and collage classmates, neighbors (old & new), and many others (family and friends), who have sent messages and cards or have visited during this time, we are thankful for all you. You have helped us in more ways then you could know.

The other "loves & likes" in my life have had to be put on hold for some time now, though I plan to get back to spending time on all of them soon.  I have several other things I plan to share here in the near future ... please be patient with me as I get my everyday life back in order!  This special man has needed my time, my support and my love. If things were reversed - he would be doing the same for me.

Through all these weeks, I have watched this wonderful man deal with so much, and still have the determination, and muster the strength, to do what was asked and needed from him. You have taught us so much during this time!

August Designer Craft Connection - Favorite Technique

Once again I'm late to the party!  I apologize to my fellow bloggers for the delay.  Unfortunately, my everyday life continues to be taken up with dealing with my husbands health issues first.  This months topic was one I found fun I would love to share.  It's difficult to choose just one technique though.  Tough choice to make - mixed media, felting, stamping, crocheting or collage?

A quick look through my files and I want to share one technique that I find fun and easy.  Take any type of "box" and then use papers, fabrics or other found items or pieces of "this and that" to collage onto the surface.  Turn them into a keepsake box or a purse.

Take the time to hop through the blogs by using the "Designer Craft Connection" button that is just to the right of this post.  Leave a comment on Julie McGuffee's blog to tell her which technique you enjoyed the most, to win this collection of punches. 

             The winner will be announced on August 15th.

July's Designer Connection Challenge - Beads In A Bottle

What fun it was to challenge myself with a product that I have never used.  I anxiously await "hopping" through the blogs in this group to discover amazingly creative ideas.

My projects combined some of my other favorites: Sizzix dies, felt, buttons, fabric and altered art ideas.

Never having used this product before I know that it would take some practice. After some practice runs to get the "right feel" for forming the beads I created a few very simple items.

After die cutting two shades of aqua blue felt into flower shapes, I used only one color of the Beads in a Bottle to outline the pieces.  Once the beads were dry, the flowers were created and completed with a button center and felt leaves.  The flowers were glued to a narrow strip of felt.  This is then attached to a stretchy headband. This strip had a small Velcro closure attached, to make the flower accessory changeable.

Another similar hair accessory was made again by using felt, die-cut flower shapes.  Just by using only two colors of the Beads in a Bottle, another look was created.  The flowers were then glued onto a ribbon covered headband.

To coordinate with the "red,white and blue" headband, just perfect for celebrating the 4th of July, I used a very simple design on a T-shirt for my granddaughter to wear for the holiday.  Used Sizzix star die-cuts as a template and laid down masking tape for the red lines.  Finished off the look with star buttons and "stars and stripe" ribbon bow and fabric glued letters.

Finished off with a cigar box purse, collaged with papers on three sides and a canvas square on the front.  The shape of the butterfly is made with another Sizzix die.  Free form  scrolls designs with black "beads in a bottle".  I used Tulip fabric paints for coloring the butterfly and watered down inks for a light background.  Misted the entire canvas with gold Tulip glitter spray paint.

I like the look of a single color and simple lines but I would like to attempt a more intricate design with multiple colored "beads".

I did "love to create" with this fun product!