Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 4 - What I Am Thankful For

Today is a day to give "thanks".  I feel very grateful to have a number of things to be thankful for. We will be gathering a little later, for a day with our children and grandchildren.  This will be the first Thanksgiving were we will not be with relatives that travel from out of state to celebrate this holiday. In other words it will be quiet and laid back with only eleven instead of as many as forty.  I love family, but I am thankful for the quieter time!

If you take some time to spend reading this blog today, I will be extremely thankful!

Thanks Kids!

So on to this next design ... I decided to change things up a little with this wonderful die, designed by Eileen Hull.  It's nice to design something for these "hops" that I can use or give away when it's done.  For this week's idea what better subjects to use but those sweet grandchildren that I am extremely thankful for.

The larger pieces from the die.

A 6"x 13" mat board for three frame backs

I used the majority of the pieces cut from the die.  The smallest frame back is cut using and Original Sizzix square die.  The middle two frame backs were cut from the mat board using an X-acto knife, then rounding the corners with a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper.

The frame line-up.

Again I wanted to show a variety of ways to finish the pieces. This project used mainly papers, paints and inks.

Tiny hinges hold the four frames together

I apologize for the "bad" photos. The ink supply in the printer was very low on a couple colors and there was no time to get replacements today.  (Busy with preparing several things for Thanksgiving dinner.)  If time had allowed and if I had another set of the die-cuts, I would have added additional frames and  photos to the opposite side of each square.

Back view - Another place for additional photos

So start the hop from my blog by clicking on the "Button" on the right of this post, or start at the Sizzix site to go alphabetically through the list.  Either way the "button" with guide you to each designers blog post to get some wonderful inspiration. (NOTE: If you have any questions about process or products, please feel free to ask.)

Happy Thanksgiving all you readers ... I will be very thankful if you leave a comment!

Materials:
Sizzix Scoreboard Pro Die Frame & Frame Back w/ stand by Eileen Hull
Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine
Sizzix Little Sizzles 12" x 12" Matboard, White (for Frame)
Sizzix Little Sizzles 6" x 13" Matboard, White (for extra backs)
Sizzix Original Square #2
Sizzix Bigz Tag, Super Crescent
SIzzix Original Super Crescent Tag
Sizzix Original Tag Set
Sizzilits Tag Set, Crescent
Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper
Cardstock DCWV "Crafty Stack"
Cardstock My Mind's Eye "Wild Asparagus"-"my family" stripe
National Hardware Decorative Hinges, 5/8" x 1" (7)
Mini Paper Brads
Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber - Willow, Hazelnut, Lettuce, Aqua, Metallic Copper
Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo
Ranger Distress Ink - Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen
Beacon Zip Dry Glue
May Arts Ribbon, Copper Metallic, Wired
May Arts Rick-Rack, Antique
Assorted Solid Cardstock
Transparent Adhesive Letters
Wire Clips
Paper Piercing Tool

Repost Of Week #3 Triple Play Blog Hop Design

Thought I would repost this spot before the next hop begins on Thanksgiving Thursday!Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 3 - Say It With Flowers

How can anyone not like flowers!  This next Sizzix die design would be a fun to tackle.  A couple of weeks ago I picked up three 100% wool sweaters at an area resale shop. The fact that Tuesday was America's Recycle Day, this project fits the bill! The color of one of the sweaters seemed the perfect base to use for my project using Brenda Pinnick's flower die.

Maddie, my oldest granddaughter modeling the headband and purse.

The package with the die-cuts we would be using, contained some pieces using some of Brenda's designed fabric, along with some burlap, stitched with gold thread and white paper pieces.  I was determined to using all of the pieces I received in some way.

So here's what I did ... After washing and drying the "wool" sweater, I started to cut it apart.  Just the sleeves were used to create the purse and headband.  Once the purse part was cut, I cut the cuffs off and another "slice" of the leftover to match the cuffs. The pieces were sewn to create both items.  The knitted sweater gives just enough to make a perfect headband for my oldest granddaughter.  (Actually the headband fit me quite well too.)

So now comes the flowers ...  On the headband, the flower die was used to cut the remaining part of the sleeves, plus some white glittered organza.  It was handsewn to form the embellishment.  (NOTE: I am lucky enough to have this die in my collection and have used it often. All the materials used cut beautifully. I used a variety of combinations of petals to create all the flowers.)

Flower made from fabrics designed by Brenda Pinnick

This fabric flower is the one I received in my packet from Sizzix.  These are fabrics designed by Brenda.  Additional flowers were cut from wool and bamboo felts from National Nonwovens, along with the organza for some glitz.

Paper Rose Brooch

I created the flowery brooch with the other materials in the packet.  The white cardstock pieces were first shaped with a large ball-end stylus to crease and cup the pieces.  A variety of Ranger Distress Inks were applied to the petals to color.  The larger center was also tinted with ink and the tips have Distress Stickles applied to them.  The smaller center was painted with Espresso Adirondack Acrylic Paint.  The paper pieces and burlap pieces were glued together with Zip Dry glue and completed with a felt leaf and a pinback.

Materials:
Sizzix Flower, Beauty Bloom by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower, Wedding Foliage by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower Layers with Leaf
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
National Nonwovens Woolfelt "Naturally Inspired" Pink Violet
National Nonwoverns "XoticFelt" Passion Flower and Fuschia
Glittered Organza
Brenda Pinnick designed fabric die-cuts
Beacon Adhesive FabriTac
Repurposed Wool Sweater
Acrylic Purse Handles
For Flower Brooch:
Distress Inks
Beacon Zip Dry glue

Forty Years Ago

Without much hoopla, today Mike and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary.  In this day and age it's a pretty big deal to get to this point in a marriage.  Originally we were planning on a "celebration" of some type ... maybe a party, maybe a dinner, maybe a trip!  Without going into details, we are staying home and just enjoying another day together.

Last week-end we spent the day with the kids and grandchildren, getting pictures taken and then having a wonderful meal with everyone.  Thank you very much for the fun meal that included the kids version of the "Newlywed Game" and a fabulous tiramisu cake for dessert.

There is just too much for me to say about the last forty years. Anyone who knows us, realizes that we met in high school back in 1965.  We have had a good, happy life together.  I would be lying if I said everything was perfect and wonderful all the time ... there is NO such thing!  If anything, our years together have been "realistic".

With all the ups & downs that we have faced in our years together, I can honestly say I would not change it for anything else.  We have always thought of ourselves as fortunate people.  We are not rich, do not have many things others have, but we have each other and our family.  Our love has changed but it also has grown ... we don't know what else will come our way, but as always, we will do it together!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 3 - Say It With Flowers

How can anyone not like flowers!  This next Sizzix die design would be a fun to tackle.  A couple of weeks ago I picked up three 100% wool sweaters at an area resale shop. The fact that Tuesday was America's Recycle Day, this project fits the bill! The color of one of the sweaters seemed the perfect base to use for my project using Brenda Pinnick's flower die.

Maddie, my oldest granddaughter modeling the headband and purse.

The package with the die-cuts we would be using, contained some pieces using some of Brenda's designed fabric, along with some burlap, stitched with gold thread and white paper pieces.  I was determined to using all of the pieces I received in some way.

So here's what I did ... After washing and drying the "wool" sweater, I started to cut it apart.  Just the sleeves were used to create the purse and headband.  Once the purse part was cut, I cut the cuffs off and another "slice" of the leftover to match the cuffs. The pieces were sewn to create both items.  The knitted sweater gives just enough to make a perfect headband for my oldest granddaughter.  (Actually the headband fit me quite well too.)

So now comes the flowers ...  On the headband, the flower die was used to cut the remaining part of the sleeves, plus some white glittered organza.  It was handsewn to form the embellishment.  (NOTE: I am lucky enough to have this die in my collection and have used it often. All the materials used cut beautifully. I used a variety of combinations of petals to create all the flowers.)

Flower made from fabrics designed by Brenda Pinnick

This fabric flower is the one I received in my packet from Sizzix.  These are fabrics designed by Brenda.  Additional flowers were cut from wool and bamboo felts from National Nonwovens, along with the organza for some glitz.

Paper Rose Brooch

I created the flowery brooch with the other materials in the packet.  The white cardstock pieces were first shaped with a large ball-end stylus to crease and cup the pieces.  A variety of Ranger Distress Inks were applied to the petals to color.  The larger center was also tinted with ink and the tips have Distress Stickles applied to them.  The smaller center was painted with Espresso Adirondack Acrylic Paint.  The paper pieces and burlap pieces were glued together with Zip Dry glue and completed with a felt leaf and a pinback.

Materials:
Sizzix Flower, Beauty Bloom by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower, Wedding Foliage by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower Layers with Leaf
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
National Nonwovens Woolfelt "Naturally Inspired" Pink Violet
National Nonwoverns "XoticFelt" Passion Flower and Fuschia
Glittered Organza
Brenda Pinnick designed fabric die-cuts
Beacon Adhesive FabriTac
Repurposed Wool Sweater
Acrylic Purse Handles
For Flower Brooch:
Distress Inks
Beacon Zip Dry glue

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 2 - We Are Family

So what do you do with a box that twists?  This clever little box is looking for ideas. Here is my version.

It seemed a little complicated when looking at the pieces, but once I got the box together I had an "ah-ha" moment, actually a few. Since I could only make one project, I wanted to make something functional and that I could leave out on display.  In our house, it usually means something to do with family.  Since we recently celebrated Gramma's 90th birthday with a gathering of the family ... what better subject to use.

Besides Karen's very cool die, I included other Sizzix dies in the project.  I always seem to go for a challenge - My initial idea for the twist cube was a bit more than I bargained for, so I just did "simple".  (Though I'm going to keep trying and if I get it to work, I'll share.) I like the way it will collapse to make it fit nicely in a card, book or album.  The idea using it as a "box" without collapsing will be fun to experiment with too. Using the die either way with other materials besides paper is an exciting challenge that I'm up for.

What I ended up with is a small compact photo album, with a little "twist" at the end of the album, and filled with just enough memories of this family celebration.

Below you will find the list of materials I used.  If you have any questions about any part of my project, please feel free to contact me.  I am more then happy to respond.

The accordion album pieces were easily threaded together with ribbon, to hold the album together.  I used a paper that was already textured for the backs of each page, though I could have textured my own using the Sizzix texture or impression folders.  The parchment pages were aged with Distress Inks for a vintage feel.  The photos were changed using the effects in iPhoto for a slight antique look.  The twist cube states the title on the inside. I had other ideas for what to place on the cube, but went with "easy".  It folds nicely and is held closed with a wired trim, adorned with a flower embellishment.

Materials;
Sizzix Twist Cube Die by Karen Burniston
Sizzix Die XL, Album, Accordion
Sizzix Big Die, Flower Layers #6, for Basic Grey
Sizzix Big Die, Flower, Wedding Foliage
Sizzilet Alphabet, Groovy Girl
Papers: Chipboard, black texture cardstock, DMD Clay Parchment,
BoBunny Burnt Orange Dot,Graphic 45 Christmas Past Collection,
black smooth cardstock, Acrylic Packaging (recycled)
Ranger Distress Inks: Vintage Photo, Black Soot, Rusty Hinge, Forest Moss
Ranger Alcohol Inks: Terra Cotta, Raisin, Espresso
Ranger Perfect Pearls: Perfect Bronze
Thin Acrylic ( I recycled plastic from Sizzix packaging)
May Arts: Ribbon 3/8" Woven Bronze, 1/2" Jute Wired Trim
Beacon Zip Dry Glue
Double-Faced Line Tape
Reprinted Photos
Wooden Barrel Beads
Miscellaneous Beads & Wire
Flat Buckles, Nunn Designs
Green Fabric

***You can start at the Sizzix blog and hop your way through all the sites to see ideas, or here at my blog by clicking the word "forward" on the Sizzix button just to the right.

"... Be Kind."

I couldn't let today pass without writing a post about my "kind" friend Mary.  This morning we gathered to say our good-byes to her.

I met Mary many years ago while working at our near-by high school.  It's here where I, along with a number of others formed a "friendship".  While working there, Mary was a "teacher assistant", though she spent years before working as a "Special Ed" teacher.  Our little group worked in a variety of positions at school, but we had something that brought us close as friends.  Mary had many groups like this in her life and knowing her you could see why.

Cheerful and smiling and soft spoken are what I remember about her instantly.  There are many things I could say about Mary, those of us who knew her are likely feeling the same as I do today.  We are sad to see you leave all of us, though we realize you are at peace.

You have fought through a difficult time and I so admire your fight!

So I will remember her smiling Irish face, her sweetness, her thoughtfulness and so many other moments of laughing with friends.

In the obituary from the paper was a quote that she frequently used:
"If you have a choice to be right or be kind ... always be kind."  
And you were Mary and I love you for that!  Will miss friend.
Peace

Get Ready For A Little Twist

A new week brings another new idea.  Hope you enjoyed the first blog hop and loved all the ideas that we shared with you using a Sizzix die designed by Eileen Hull.

In two days we will be sharing the ideas for the next die.  This time it is one designed by Karen Burniston.  My "twist" on her die is just about complete.

Come back on Thursday around 12:00 EST (11:00 CST)  to do some more hopping!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 1 - Shine A Little Light

So it begins ... It was a tough choice on what to do with this "house die".  The more I looked at it, the more ideas started to come to me.  I haven't seen the other designers ideas yet, but as I write this post I'm thinking that you will see many varied ideas. This little house could have many variations. Just the surface alone could be painted, papered, glittered, stamped and embossed with impression folders.  Any variety of mediums could be used to complete this house and embellish it.  

I chose to use fabric to decorate my little house, seeing that I would make it for my little granddaughter's bedroom.  You see I made it into a little "night light" to sit on the bookcase next to her bed.  The roof opens on one side to insert a battery operated candle that gives off a soft glimmer.

Extra windows were cut.

Once I completed this, more and more ideas came to me.  I could see using the house as decorations for any of the holidays, just by changing the colors and embellishments.  Being used as place settings on tables for parties or other celebrations or, for holding a variety of "goodies" for your guests are just a few ways to use it.

Starting out with the Scoreboard Pro Die, of the 3D House, #65279, I also used the Sizzix Album Cover & Page, by Brenda Pinnick, as a base for the house, plus Sizzilit Butterfly #2 Die to create my project for Hop #1.  My list of materials follows:

        Sizzix 12 x 12 matboard, white
        Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine
        Fabric scraps

        Steam a Seam sheets
        Zip Dry glue
        Doodlebug Design Fancy Frills stickers
        Wooden heart buttons
        Wire
        Velcro pieces
        Paper flowers & leaves
        Battery operated tealight candle

I covered all the basic pieces with the iron-on backed fabric.  Because of the use of fabric, I glued the pieces together instead of using redline tape.  Once the house was together, decorating commenced.  Used leftovers of glittered stickers for edging and outlining.  When I have fabric, I seem to have to use buttons.  Wooden heart buttons were glued to the roof.  A length of wire was spiraled and attached to the underside of the house and to the die-cut butterfly.  Punched paper flowers add a finishing touch.  Small pieces of self-adhesive velcro were placed on one side of the roof and house edge to hold it closed.  Finally the house was glued onto the base.

It would have been fun to have a few more of these die-cut houses to play with!!
NOW - you can "click" on the Sizzix Triple Play navigation button just to the right of this post, near the top.  You can click the word SIZZIX and start with the official Sizzix blog, or click on "forward" and it will automatically take you to the next blog and so on through them all.

Enjoy the inspiration!

Recap

Just thought it would be fun to show projects from the last Sizzix Scoreboard Blog Hop from earlier this year.  Ideas using Eileen Hull's wonderful Scoreboard Dies.

Hint Of What's To Come

A hint of what's to come.
Check out this UTube video with Eileen Hull talking about the blog hop ... listen in!
CORRECTION:  The hop starts on Thursday, November 4th ... not the 3rd.

Countdown To Creativity

Three days to go!  Get your fingers ready to hop around the blogs to see wonderful ideas!
                            Can't wait to get inspired!!!!

First project will be using Eileen Hull's Scoreboard Pro 3D House Die by Sizzix.