Arnold Grummer's Papermaking - Creating with Handmade Papers

This is my first post for the Arnold Grummer's Papermaking Blog.  I will be posting a project the second and fourth Monday of the month from now through June.  Just a little information before discribing the project I have to share.  I would consider myself very fortunate to have had a little history with the Grummer Family.  Several years ago I was very happy to work at a CHA show with the Grummer Family in their booth demonstrating paper casting along side Arnold himself showing the wonders of making your own paper.  It was a delightful experience to work for them and with them. Learning how to cast paper and make sheets was fun and I used both forms in design work and personal projects through the years.
I am so very happy to have reconnected with Kim and Greg and to help share ideas for paper making and paper casting.  My hope is that the projects I create will give you the desire to try your hand with this medium or help you think "out side the box" with what you can do when making handmade sheets and casting of paper.

While considering an idea to share, I went through my stash of handmade paper supplies.  There I found several samples, that I made a while back, just playing around with different inclusions and seeing what results I would get.  That is where I started this little project.  Handmade papers are unique and beautiful on their own, but, I have this tendency to play around and experiment with other things I love to work with and see what happens.

Starting with three different papers, I then used inks, paints and cutting dies and embossing folders to cover a plain paper mache box to make a one of a kind container.  Using two of the plain sheets of paper I used embossing folders by Sizzix to make the impressions.  Then I lightly applied Ranger Distress Inks in different colors to the flowered sheet to make the design stand out.  The handmade papers made nice embossed designs.

I then took another sample and brushed it with green inks and spritzed it lightly with water to made the inks bleed together. (NOTE: I used a small mister to spritz on water and then dryed the paper by pressing with a craft iron. It is important to use water sparingly in this process so not to make the papers fall apart.)  Leaves were die-cut.  The edges of the leaves were highlighted by applying a darker shape of green to the leaf shapes.

To create the flowers, I used the lavender tinted papers.  Again two colors of Distress Inks were applied with a foam applicator randomly to the papers.  Here I took some Distress Paints and spritzed them with water to thin them out.  Using a foam applicator and a tapping motion, the paints were applied randomly also.  The water thinned paints caused the inks and paints to mix together, giving the paper a mottled affect.  (NOTE: The dampened papers with need to be dryed using the same method as mentioned above.)  Flowers are die-cut from these papers and the edges are also highlighted with ink.

Strips were cut from the "dot" embossed papers for the bottom of the container and applied with glue. A circle for the top was cut from the "flowery" embossed paper and glued to the top cover.  A length of decorative trim was glued around the edge of the lid.  Put the flowers together with paper brads.  Glue the flowers to the lid in any desired arrangement, add a button or other embellishment to the center of each and finish by glueing the leaves into place around the flowers.

I feel that the embossing, inking and painting added some nice affects to the paper, while still allowing the textures and inclusions and base color of each paper to show through.

What better way to give a gift to someone you care about then by creating a special container!

NOTE:  I saved all the small leftover pieces for another time of mixing up some pulp for more sheets of paper.  You never know what it could create!

This month you can use the COUPON CODE: LOVE20 and save 20% on your entire order, so head over to the website and place an order today so you can create some wonderful handmade papers for yourself or for gifts.

Blog Hop - Stamps and Inks by Ann Butler

How lucky I am to have been asked by Ann Butler, once again, to be a part of this blog hop using her stamps by Kelly Crafts and her inks from Clearsnap.  This is the first of two "hops" showcasing these products.  (I'm keeping the other new set under wraps till the next blog hop in January.)

My idea was to use this wonderful EZ-De's Flourish 2" Alphabet stamp set for personalizing gifts.  Here I made a sweet pillowcase for one of my granddaughters.  (I will be making another for her little sister too.)  I love the size and the style of the letters.  They are so versatile and can see them used over and over in any variety of projects.

I also used another set of Ann's stamps from her line of "faux quilting" stamps in this project to show how easy they can be used to make an fun and interesting design.  By changing ink colors you can create your own personalized look. This project uses both of the color of Colorbox Crafter Inks by Ann Butler.  I decided to add a few more embellishments to make the pillowcase a bit more decorative.  I went to another of my favorite tools - Sizzix Big Shot and Dies.  I fused fabric to a iron-on interfacing and then die-cut some flower shapes and some flourishes.  Completed the flowers with small, smooth buttons and some fabric ties as pillow closures.

This alphabet set is easy to use and line up.  I can see using it to personalize any wearable or other object with a name or monogram.

Here is another easy project I was able to make this afternoon.  This little banner will be a nice addition to my many handmade Christmas decorations and would make a sweet gift.  For this project I used a double-sided fusible batting, that I sandwiched between two pieces of fabric.  Then rectangles 4" x 6" were cut from the fabric.  The bottom of each was cut into a "V".  Using regular card stock, I cut 3" x 3" squares and stamped with ink the letters.  The edges of the paper were trimmed with pinking shears and "dashes" were made around the square to look like "faux stitching".  The letter squares are glued onto the fabric rectangles, then finally embellished with die-cut holly leaves and red shiny berries.  They attached to a simple red cord with tiny wooden clothespins.

I love banners and I can see using these Alphabet stamps in many different banners.

Now you can simply start or continue to hop through the blogs and find some wonderful ideas for these wonderful new stamps.

Here is the list to follow:

Ann Butler

Cindi Bisson

Lisa Fulmer

Cheryl Boglioli

Madeline Arendt

Plucking Daisies

Lisa Rojas

Candice Windham

Sharon Reinhart 

Theresa Cifali

Just A Thought Or Two...: Holiday Decorations - Designer Craft Connection December

Just A Thought Or Two...: Holiday Decorations - Designer Craft Connection December

Holiday Decorations - Designer Craft Connection December

When Thanksgiving falls the very last Thursday of November I am not very "thankful".  Yes, I am one of those people who pulls out the Christmas stuff the day after Thanksgiving.  This year not only did Thanksgiving the last week of November, but I decided to host dinner for 21 family members here.  With the help of many, it was a wonderful day!

On Friday the house began the transformation.  Today is the final day of decorating because I decided to scale back a little and there are several things that will remain packed away this year.  Even with that the house looks pretty festive.

Candle Jars on Mantle

The mantle usually takes on a different look each year, but most of the time in includes candles.  This year is no different.  NOTE: the candle jars are in place but some batting and snow needs to be added.

Back in November I was asked, by our women's group if I would like to share an idea for a holiday decoration with the community.  So I created a variety of samples to display and now those samples became part of my own holiday decorations this year.

Everyone was asked to bring a pint size mason jar, along with a tea light candle.  I supplied the rest.  With some ribbons, raffia, snips of greens, tiny pinecones, berries, bells, snowflakes and felt cut-cuts, each jar becomes unique. The snow is a mix of epsom salt and a small amount of artificial snow with some sparkle.  A snowflake shaped candle rug was made with two different die-cut snowflake shapes that were glued together for a added touch.  Each and everyone was unique and festive.  It was a delightful craft for all.

Here is the display of all the samples I made:

Display of candles at home

Display of candles at clubhouse

NOTE: The runner is another project that the quilting group made last year.  Super simple!

Here is a cute, no water version of a snow globe:

Just a couple of the creations by the group:

The three very, very helpful friends that helped:

Love those Mason Jars!

Designer Craft Connection Challenge - The Robin's Nest & SmoothFoam

Accept a challenge and just go for it!  The product received from The Robin's Nest are new to me.  How would I combine the holiday papers and Dew Drops with SmoothFoam and create an ornament?  The end result is here:

I used a simple square of SmoothFoam cut the same size of the 6" x 6" paper stock.  One paper design is glued to the front and another to the back. A length of coordinating ribbon was glued around the outer edge of the foam square.  Attach a hanging loop from a short length of ribbon and attach to the top center, add a bow to finish the look. A small photo mat was glued to the front to hold a photo. Use any variety of the Dew Drops to add some embellishments to the surface.  NOTE: a similar smaller ornament could be made by trimming the Smoothfoam and papers smaller (4" or 3" squares are good sizes).

Here are four other versions of ornaments made from the papers and Dew Drops.

This three-dimensional hanging uses a 6 x 6  paper sheet of Black & White Glittered Pine Tree for the background.  The base of this hanger is recycled packaging from a Sizzix die, that was painted.  The verse "tis the season" is die-cut from one of the coordinating papers I received.  A white felt piece is die-cut using an "over the edge" die.
Assorted Dew Drops embellish the surface.

This snowflake ornament was die-cut using the Winter Glittered Snowflake designed paper. For backing the die-cut snowflake, I cut a circle from white glittered card stock and Winter Glittered Deer paper.  A length of white organza ribbon forms a hanger. The snowflake is embellished with a variety of the Dew Drops.

This ornament is die-cut from another coordinating paper to create a pointsetta.  Stiffened green fabric is die-cut to make holly leaves.  Small gold Dew Drops make the center of the pointsetta.

This 3-D die-cut ornament is made using two patterns of paper. When the ornament is formed, Diamond Dew Drops in Ruby Red and Jade are glued into the triangle area of each  of the eight discs.

The are several designers participating in this blog hop whose creations you should see.  Please go to The Robin's Nest blog to find links to all the other projects.  You are invited to enter to win a prize that will include SmoothFoam and Robin's Nest products.  NOTE: You must comment and become a follower on each blog, in order to be eligible to win.

Please hop through the links or use the Designer Craft Connection button at the right to move to the blogs and check out the projects and get some inspiration to create some fun stuff for the holidays.

(NOTE: I will be updating this post with new photos and another project.)

Designer Craft Connection Challenge - Sticky Sticks

Another product challenge came my way with "Sticky Sticks™".  My first thoughts were to begin by cutting them up or changing their shape in some form.  Instead I had settled on two ideas and this is the one I chose.

   (NOTE: Please excuse the one photo shot, having camera issue and had to use photo from iPad.)

The sticks were used to form the sides to make a basket.  The base of the basket is made from a piece of thin corragated board.  It was then covered on both sides; the inside with fabric and the outside with a decorative paper.  The Sticky Sticks™ line each side of the box.  Yarn was then wrapped around the sticks to form the sides of the basket.  Once the wrapping was completed, two sticks were sandwiched together, by applying some added glue to the area with no adhesive.  Then were glued into the inside, along the top of the basket for added support on each of the four sides.  This same step was repeated and placed inside near the bottom for added support.

I chose to paint the sticks with an acrylic paint to add more color, but the sticks could remain in their natural state. I bit of flat trim was glued around the top and lower edge of the wrapped yarn. A die-cut burlap flower and some felt leaves were added for a little extra embellishment.

The basket could hold rolled up napkins on a table or counter or be used to hold a short vase with flowers as a centerpiece or any other items desired.


Next up with remaining left over Sticky Sticks™ a wreath.

Autumn Celebrations - Designer Craft Connection October Edition

Each season brings with it some special moments.  Autumn has several. Like the other times of the year, I enjoy adding decorations to highlight the celebrations of the season.  Around the house are simple holiday related items.  There are several pumpkins, fall flower sprays, autumnal naturals and other collected pieces like witches and scarecrows.

Some handmade items that I have made for my home can be seen in these photos.  This cute and easy banner made just for Halloween was made using purchased foam shapes of pumpkins and ghosts, by punching a small hole near the top of each.  Thread a length of ribbon through the hole and tie each shape onto a long length of cording.

Another banner is made in a similiar way using purchased foam leaves.  Again they are clustered together and tied on cording with raffia.  This one can remain up for the entire Fall season.

One more banner that celebrates the season of Autumn is made from scraps of burlap, die-cut shapes, acorn embellishments and torn strips of seasonal fabrics.


Each of these banners along with a few natural items can be just enough to bring a little something extra to your home for the season.

Now hop on through the other blogs for more inspiration.

Thoughts on the Summer

WOW where did the time go? I guess you could say I took a little vacation from this blog for way too long.  So here I sit trying to do a little "catching up".  With "Autumn in the air" today I thought I would look back and write a bit about the past several weeks since my last post.

Since the middle of July there have been birthday celebrations, the traditional week "up north" with the family, deadlines for some designs, sad times, big family moments, catching up with dear friends and several artful experiences.

My youngest grandchild turned 3 and she is such a sensitive, fun-loving, daring, sweet little girl.  She will keep everyone on there toes!

Zoe turns 3

We continued with our usual family tradition of a week at Camp Nawakwa.  It was a bit easier this year then last to deal with not having our "keeper of the flame" there.  Though I sensed Mike there in many ways, many times.  We celebrated three more family birthdays during the week, Andrew, Alison and Andrea.

Kevin & Joe talk fishing

Breakfast with the group

Canoe Trip

The eternal fire

The week after returning we lost a member of the family and we came together to remember and morn the loss of "Nutty Aunt Sue".

I began to wonder where have the years gone with my oldest grandchild, Joseph, beginning High School and Tess, starting Kindergarten.  Through the years I have spent so much time with the four grandkids but both Joseph (Amy's) and Tess (Kevin's) I had the opportunity to spend much more time with. BUT, I love them all deeply and dearly!  A Gramma could not be prouder!

With Joseph on Graduation Night

Tess's First Day

I was happy to have some "deadlines" to meet with some design work.  It can be crazy, but I have enjoyed having to deal with moments like this again.  Here's two designs that were just published.

Crafts n Things Weekly Digital Issue

Crafts n' Things Winter Issue 2013

Finally found time for visits with some dear friends. It was great Sally F., Donna and Karan.

Now about those "artful experiences" -
While up north I was invited by a very dear family friend to share in a very interesting day.  We went to the home and studio of artist Jeanine Semon. She is known for her healing art.  She stirred us through two different processes.  After each, she gave us an interpretation of what she saw our work to show and feel.  It was a fasinating insight into myself that turned out to be a very emotional experience for this point of my life.

Jeanine in her studio/home in Lac du Flambeau

After returning home, I presented a card making workshop one evening for 30 women in our community.  It was a wonderful experience to share with the ladies.  This is the second opportunity I have had to share some creative time with community participants and hope there will be more. (We were so busy and having so much fun, I forgot to take photos.)

I treated myself to a day at a "CREATE"retreat in nearby Lisle.  It is sponsored by "Cloth Paper Scissors".  I took two workshops and enjoyed them both.  The first was with designer Rebekah Meier, who I am very lucky to call a dear, dear friend.  It was a wonderful time spent enjoying her process of creating along with several other lovely women.  The evening brought me a chance to try something a little new with a class by Kristin Robinson. We created jewelry pieces with solder and blow torch and also learn to use the interesting medium "Ice Resin" and "Iced Enamels" with the help of Jen Cushman.    Again, time well spent and the desire to learn more.  The next day I returned to the site for a "Artist Faire Sale".  Many wonderful vendors where there selling fun and interesting materials for anyone with a creative soul.  I was so very happy to reconnect and talk with Kim Schiedermayer and Greg Gummer, two of Arnold Grummer's children, who I met several years ago while working for them at a industry trade show.  An amazing, wonderful family that left it's mark on me.

To be completed with embellishments

Kim & myself

So in three days I leave for another opportunity to share some creativity.  Looking forward to the coming week in the Northwoods once again.  I am excited and happy to be participating in the first Camp Nawakwa Women's Week-end Retreat.  I will be offering a workshop where we will create a reusable journal cover.  It is my hope to make this a fun an non-stressful experienceand allow each person some easy way to express themselves through crafting.  I'm also looking forward to taking in the beauty of this area at this time of the year.  It's beautiful in summer and winter for different reasons, but with Autumn being my very favorite season, no matter where I am, I look forward to spectacular sights.