Ah Nature - Let It Be Your Inspiration

 

How can a "theme" like nature not be inspiring?  For this months post, it was suggested to use any of Eileen's dies to create a nature themed journal, other then the dies specific for journals. It seems my idea could not be made without the use of those journals dies! The thought behind this project was to make a version of a "star book" with a few twists. Like many of the projects I create, sometimes there is a need to change, or a want to change things up in the "making process". Crafting can sometimes bring a flow of ideas and then it does it's time to “go with the flow”!

This post will share more of the process with tips, hints and hacks to use as you create your projects with any or all of these versatile dies for any theme.  

Materials

Eileen Hull die, Folio Journal

Eileen Hull Notebook Journal

Eileen Hull Waterfall & Tag Thinlit 

Eileen Hull Journal card Thinlets Flower, Leaves, Hearts

Eileen Hull book plate Thinlit

Sizzix Thinlit Alphabet, #665182

Mat board

Decorative textured papers

Water color papers

Assorted decorative papers

Card stock, neutrals

Rinea solid foil, merlot

Double sided adhesive sheets

Double sided adhesive tapes

Gel Medium, matte

Verse stamp

Stamp ink, black permanent 

Distress inks, assorted, coordinating colors

Fabric strip 

Fine jute cording

Rubber bands

Paper brads

Brush

Dried naturals (optional)

BEFORE STARTING, PLEASE READ

The process of cutting and assembling the book will be given throughout the explanation of this project for the most part. Tips and hints used for this journal will follow the symbols *** and typed in italics. 

Choose papers for the covers and inside pages. ***Because of the Nature theme, the papers I chose where natural and organic looking. 

Cover the mat board for covers with double sided adhesive on both sides before adding you the papers and die-cutting the pieces. ***Because of the texture of the papers, the use of double sided adhesive gives a good bond. A wet adhesive could warp the mat board (but the warp may give the project even more of a natural look!)

Cover watercolor paper with a lighter weight paper for the pages, adhering with gel medium and allow to dry well before die-cutting the pieces needed. ***The papers used were more the weight of rice papers. If only white is available color with inks or dyes, use sheets of torn tissue paper, use sheets of paper towels that were used for wiping up paints or inks. Collage torn scraps to the watercolor paper.

Die cut the mat board pieces for the covers with the Folio die.  Die cut the watercolor papers for the pages with the Notebook die. ***When cutting the 2 cover pieces, the entire cover does not need to be cut since it will be trimmed at the end with that joins the covers and Six pages were cut for the narrow book that I made. (The explanation for this will be referenced further on.) Refer to photo showing what parts will not be needed. 

When cutting the inside watercolor sheets, only the collaged or decorative paper side will be seen and these are all folded down the center of the die cut piece. The top folded edge will need to be glued or adhered to hold with doubled sided tape. 

To go along with the Nature theme, four of the inside pages will have a reference to the four seasons. ***On one side of each of these pages, 5 cuts from other light weight decorative papers were made  with the Waterfall die in coordinating colors. Fold the papers in half and place the folded edge just to the inside of the lower edge of the waterfall die, hold in place with washi tape to keep it from moving, cut shapes. Tag shapes are cut from a solid neutral colored card stock.  They can be inserted into the pocket that is created when the decorative papers are cut on the fold. **Refer to photo for cutting.**  

For the opposite side of the page, die cut letters from an alphabet die for each season and add to the top with gel medium. Later a poem, verses, photos or quotes can be added onto the page as well as the tags if desired. 

Each of the page inserts will be adhered together except for the ones at the front and back of the book remaining unattached. ***Connect one to the other with either glue (and clamping till attached) or use double sided adhesive tape on edges of top, front side and bottom to hold together. (Do not add any adhesive to back/folded spine.) 

ASSEMBLING THE COVERS AND ADDING PAGES

Pierce or punch a small whole into the center of both front and back covers to push a paper brad through.  

Use rubber bands to attach each of the pages to the back cover. Add a strip of double sided tape down along the inside and outside of the narrow spine of the back cover.  Remove backing paper on each.  Add each page, with rubber band at center fold, to the book spine with the bands fitting into the top and bottom slots. ***Carefully place each rubber band onto the spine so they line up next to each other on the adhesive front and back. Press the bands into the adhesive strip on both sides of spine to hold in place. **(They will overlap each other at the area of the slots on the top and bottom.)**  

To add the front cover, align the holes of the front and back covers on the spine. Add one paper brad into the added center hole to the inside and spread the ends to hold together.  Add a paper brad into the top and bottom holes from the inside spine to the outer spine and spread the ends open to hold the covers in place.  ***Before adding the covers, the inside pages may have to be clamped into place firmly with binder clips or similar to compress the pages tightly. This should help in adding the covers with the paper brads. 

View of open book and pages

FINISHING THE FRONT COVER

For additional texture, if desired, add a few pieces of dried natural elements to the cover with gel medium. Layer interesting elements to the center of the front cover.  This project used a scalloped cut (Journaling card) of Rinea merlot foil sheet, topped with a Book plate cut in a heavily textured brown paper, finishing with a stamped verse as the top piece.  Flowers and leaves are cut using the dies from other Journaling cards. Color added with inks and glued to the cover.  Add  closure of any type to the book.  ***The closure for this project is a strip of torn cotton fabric that coordinates with the colors of papers for this project.  It’s layered between the pieces on the front cover in a way to have it wrap around the opening of the book and back, then tied in a bow at the side spine.  

TIPS & MORE

The double sided tapes used are 1/8”, 1/4” and 1/2”.

Using mat board for pages would made them too thick to place in a one thickness spine, making a heavy weight watercolor paper a better choice and also sturdy.  

Using mat board for the covers makes a sturdy book but not easy to turn back on itself and tie like a normal “star book”.  An idea to make this possible would be to use something different. A heavy canvas, paper leather or heavy interfacing could be flexible substitutions for the covers. 

Other Ways With Thinlit Dies

The newest scoreboard die by Eileen Hull is the Folio Book die which is another wonderful addition to her collection of creative dies.  Along with the main folio die are different thinlit sets. The first of these are the Mandala motif and a set called page pocket and flowers. These thinlet dies were used for this card design and will share some of the uses in this post. 

NOTE: This card uses a gel press print that was previously created along with several others on a day spent playing with gel printing and stamping. The print was large enough to use the majority of the print as elements on the outside, inside and envelope. Again, I chose to include a bit of fabric. A torn piece of homespun muslin becomes the first layer on the card front. The inside message also has a small piece of fabric as a layer. 

The flower embellishment instructions can be found it the previous post from this blog called, "Working With Cereal Bags".

Here are the steps to create the card:

• Prepare the fabric for the layer on the front and inside. Iron and reshape if neccesary. 
• Tear the the gel-print to fit. Tear the paper randomly or use a tearing ruler or deckle edge decorative scissors. 
• Make a mask/stencil with the mandala design. TIP: I used the release paper from iron-on fusible to make my mask. It is a thin paper, but the coating on it works well for cutting and stenciling with paint. 
  
  
  
• Use the mandala mask/stencil to add the design as a shadow to the print. The design can also be used on the inside of the card if desired.
• When all components are ready, position them to the front of the card. TIP: They can be put in place with glue, double-sided adhesive tape and even stitched on with a sewing machine. 
• Add a strip of coordinating washi tape onto the front, vertically, before adding and embellishment of choice.

For the inside of card: 

• Use the mandala mask if desired to stencil the pattern onto the inside of the card if any fashion.
• Stamp a sentiment/verse onto paper or other material.
• Layer the stamped image onto a torn piece of fabric.
• Layer these onto a torn piece of the gel print paper.
• Run a strip of the washi tape horizontally across the inside.
• Attach the three layered piece over the washi strip. 
  
  
  
  
  

Additional ideas:

• Add a corner pocket to the card using the pocket thinlit.
• Cover a square of card stock with a coordinating washi tape.
• Die cut the corner design from the tape covered paper piece.
• Use a bone folder to go over the crease line at the 2 sides to help with folding them in.

Attach the folded corner design with double-sides adhesive or glue to a corner of the card. Use the pocket to insert a gift card, check or personal note. 

• Add a strip of washi tape and a strip left from the gel-print to the envelope flap.  

Materials 

Dies - Thinlit die set, Folio page pocket and flowers

          Thinlit die, Mandala

Big Shot

Washi tapes

Fabric scrap, muslin 

Metallic paint

Sponge applicator

Blank card with envelope

Card stock, off white

Verse stamp

Double-sided adhesive tape or glue

Any extra embellishments of choice 

The Great Outdoors ... Brought Inside

The term "the great outdoors" can conjure up many different ideas.  At this moment, and for this project it is to create something to bring bits of nature inside.  Using the Eileen Hull Tiny Book Case die, I came up with this banner to represent a tiny bit of the outdoors for display somewhere in the inside, plus with a twist.

Materials

Eileen Hull die, Tiny Book Case

Eileen Hull die, homemade alphabet, thinlit

Eileen Hull dies, book plate & labels, thinlit

Various Sizzix dies, 660694, 663607, thinlit

Fabric, lightweight denim

Fusible lightweight interfacing, Pellon soft-flex

Iron

Sewing machine

Thread

Hole punch

Eyelets

Eyelet setter

Jute cording, thin

Raffia ribbon

Metallic-like card stock

Coordinating card stock and decorative paper

Foam adhesive

Metallic foil, patina and copper

Velcro thin clear fasteners

Artificial/real elements for placing inside pockets.

INFO, TIPS & IDEAS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BEGINNING

• When creating with die-cut shapes by Eileen, I usually like to find ways to combine a variety of materials within the projects.  Experimenting is fun!
• When working with fabrics it is helpful to use some type of backing for many projects to add body to the fabricmif it helps the design.
• The type of backing can change depending on the project. There are a variety of fusible and backing adhesives that could be used. 
• If the design calls for sewing with a machine, use a backing/interfacing that is meant for sewing. (Some interfacings can “gum up” the sewing machine needles.) Be aware!
• The pockets can be filled with any variety of elements. Use all dried naturals or purchased plant-like stems or flowers or a mix of both.  If ambitious, create plant stems or flowers from die-cuts. 
• This banner can be made to be reversible if desired. Use the same fabric for both sides or a different color/type for the other. 
• To connect the pockets, they are tied together using a raffia type ribbon, but thin cord, jute, or ribbon can be used.
• Gather all supplies before beginning. 

Instructions

• Select fabric for pockets. Cut 2 pieces for each pocket needed of the main fabric and backing. 
• Add a backing of choice to the main fabric for each piece.

• When complete, die-cut each fabric backed pocket piece using the the Tiny Bookcase die.

• After cutting all pieces needed, mark each for trimming away part of the section with the "V" and the side box flaps. Refer to photo.

• Once all pieces are marked, trim the "V" section along the mark. Then fold the edge over, so the folded top edge of the pocket aligns with the top of the two side box flaps, as in the photo.  

• Press the folds of each piece before trimming away the side box flaps. Then stitch on the sewing maching across the top edge of each about 1/4" from the fold. 
• Match up two pieces, pin if necessary to hold in place. Stitch around the sides and bottom "V" to form each  pocket. Use about a 1/4" seam around the edge. 
• When all the pockets are formed,  punch a hole with a tool and add an eyelet into each hole.  These holes will be for connecting the pockets together with raffia, cord or ribbon. Refer to the photo to see the eyelet placement and the tying between the pockets.

• Add a length of thin jute cording to the last eyelet on each end before also tying a bow in each end eyelet. Refer to photo. The cord was looped through the eyelet, then one end of the cord was fed back through to tie a knot to hold it in place.

• Use clear, thin velcro circles for holding the letter labels on the front of the pockets. Align them on each as shown in the photo. This is side of the velcro circles that are a bit stiffer then the reverse piece. 

• To create the letter labels, I choose to layer together a decorative paper and a solid card stock with a foam adhesive sheet together.  Die-cut the shape for labels from the layered papers. NOTE: I choose to make 2 sets of changeable words, using a different die design for each. Plus used a different top paper. 
• Each of the labels are glued onto a die-cut frame, cut from metallic card stock.
• To make the letters to spell out the words, metallic foil was placed onto one side of foam adhesive, cut and then placed in the center of each label shape.

• Add the other side of the clear thin Velcro dots to the backs of the letter labels. Press them into place onto the pockets over the opposite Velcro dot. 

Now find a good spot to hang the banner and bring a little bit of the great outdoors inside!

A Favorite Thing

A favorite thing is using what I have and what I LOVE!  For me, that also happens to be the fun and the challenge that comes when creating with my favorite tools and materials and mixing it all up with ideas into something worth sharing.

A project from the past begins with a versatile surface to create from,  Eileen Hull Sizzix die, the Journal.  (One of the main reasons her dies have become my "go to Tools".)


 Mixed Media Journal

Let's begin...
To make this journal I used a Sizzix die designed by Eileen Hull and the Big Shot die cutting system that I like to use for most of my die-cutting.  I have added the material list that I used to complete this project.  NOTE: Use what you have available or other perferred materials.

Front Journal Cover

This cover was made using two different techniques from the book together for a layered look that still showed under the other embellishments.

Back Journal Cover

The back journal cover again uses a easy and fun background technique that will change with colors used, tools (such as stencils or stamps) and type of medium (paints and/or inks).

Front Journal Label

Another fun and interesting technique using foils that creates a lovely background, whether it is large or small.

Inside Journal Signature Covers

Transform double-sided card stock into something different using techniques found in the book along with a variety of stamps, stencils and various paints and other mediums.

Art Tape for Embellishments

Art Tape Foiling

Add coloring with inks or paints and then add stamped images to create "one of a kind" backgrounds for embellishments.  Add foil to the adhesive side for an intereesting affect.

To complete the journal a burlap ribbon band is added for texture, along with die-cut leaves from coordinating card stock.  The leaves have touches of various colored foils added to them before gluing in place.  A small bow was created from the Art Tape. The word "journal" is cut from fun foam.  The last element is an old jewelrey find.  Signature covers are made from the re-designed card stock, with inserts for each are  made by using copy paper.

NOTE: Techniques used to create this Journal can be found here: 
 ebook by Rebekah Meier's Paper Art Collage

List of Materials
Sizzix Dies:Eileen Hull Journal die
Sizzix Dies: Eileen Hull Journaling Words
Sizzix nesting label die
Tim Holtz thinlits bows, skeleton leaves, funky festive
Sizzix Big Shot cutting machine

Mixed Media adhesive sheets
Mixed Media art paper sheets
Mixed Media art tape
Mixed Media foil sheets - patina, antique pearl, old gold
Mixed Media medium
Double sided tape, 1/4”
TCW gold gesso, light & fluffy modeling paste
TCW stencils by RM 462, 462S, 768
Stamps RM mesh, mandala, Death Star explosion
Stamps RM F22011,G22006, F22003, F22000, H22014, H22012, L22013, CC18

Paints - DecoArt media fluid acrylics, assorted colors
Distress oxide inks, assorted colors
Mat board, 2 -  6" x 13"
Gelli arts plate
Brayer
Decorative papers, assorted
Assorted papers, Various weights and colors Black foam
Seam binding, white Various embellishments

Designer Craft Connection June Entry - Happiness is....

This month's blog theme, "happiness is...", could be completed in so many different ways.  Today, for me, it would have to be - "happiness is sharing time with friends".

This morning our small group of quilters gathered here for brunch and chatting.  It was a delightful gathering, filled with yummy food and the sharing of ideas.

There was "show and tell" as always.  We bring and share finished projects and even works in progress.  Two of the quilters are taking a class at an area store, working on a very ambitious project that will take a year to complete.  Some of our group decided to work on making a "friendship quilt".  We discussed our plan and how we will each make a certain number of quilt blocks and share them.  They will become a "friendship quilt", with each of us finishing our individual quilts in any way we desire later on this year.  (A good project for our midwestern winters.)

Each of my quilting friends were given a flower brooch that I made this past week-end. I found fabric among my scraps for both the flower and leaves. Then I used the  large size, Clover Kanzashi Flower Maker and some buttons from my stash to create a small gift for each.

The flowers became part of my simple table setting for brunch.  Each became part of a napkin ring.  I used a wired jute  ribbon and wrapped it around each napkin, then pinned the flower over the ribbon.
The flatware was included with the napkin at each setting.

 

The table runner is another project that we all made last year in a variety of fabrics.  Another easy project to make for yourself or to share as a gift.  This one is perfect for summer with watermelon slices.

So I could also say that happiness is sharing a little creativity with friends too!

Designer Craft Connection Hop - February 2013 - Handmade with Love

A new month and a new DCC hop addition.  This month the theme is "Handmade with Love". Hopefully we can find any moment for making and sharing any type of handmade love.  With Valentine's Day only ten days away this certainly a very good time though.

Once again I went to my favorite tools to make something to share.  My Sizzix Big Shot and dies came to the rescue.  I combined my love of the heart shape with papers and felt to create a simple collection of wearable jewelry pieces.  Plus a little heart gift box for presenting any number of small gift ideas.

For the necklace, pin and bracelet I used the Flower Layers with Heart Petals (#658053) die from the "From the Heart 2013" collection by Eileen Hull. A printed paper of choice, with a coordinating felt, and  a "Steam a Seam" sheet to layer them before die-cutting into shapes. The layering of the paper with the felt makes the shapes malleable and sturdy.  Green felt was layered using "steam-a-seam" also, and then leaf shapes were die-cut with another die (Leaves #657119) from an earlier collection by Eileen Hull.

To make the heart shaped gift box, use Scoreboard XL, Heart Box (#658057).  Instead of using scoreboard, I layered two different fabrics and a heavy card stock with "steam-a-seam".  NOTE: This will not be as thick as scoreboard, but it can still be shaped into a sweet, simple box.  I die cut two extra heart shapes from card stock for gluing inside the box lid and bottom. NOTE: These hearts may need a slight trim to fit the inside.  Trim the top edge of the heart with a narrow trim or ribbon. Glue a very narrow trim or rick-rack around the bottom edge of the lower box.  Add a bow or desired decorative element to the top.

Fill the heart with sweet treats, either purchased or homemade, or any other small special gift to give a loved one.

Designer Craft Connection December - Handmade Holiday

Here we are with the holiday season upon us.  Decorations are up around the house. Those lovely twinkling lights are going on allover the neighborhood. We have celebrated the season of thankfulness just a couple of weeks ago.  Now we are coming upon the biggest time of the year for giving.

What better theme for this month then "Handmade Holiday".  I have always enjoyed the giving and receiving of handmade anything.

When it comes to giving at Christmas time I enjoy giving gifts that are for the season.

I have been knitting and crocheting scarves and they will make wonderful gifts for giving for the girls and ladies.  Here is a crocheted pattern that I came across at a wonderful new shop in the area.  The original pattern calls for only one skein of yarn to make the scarf.  This first scarf was made with the yarn bought from the shop.  I liked the look of it so much that I needed to experiment with yarns and length.

This second one is made with yarn purchased from Michael's.  Love the bright, variegated colors.  The longer length makes the scarf wonderful for wrapping.

The third version was made using a solid, neutral color, with the length somewhere in between the two other scarves.  It's a fairly quick project to crochet and many can be made in any variety to suit the receiver of the gift.

Here is a ruffled scarf that knits up easily with only one skein of yarn.  There are different versions of this yarn available and each yarn gives the scarves a different look.
This "blue" version was made using Sashay.  There is a wonderful selections of colors available  in this brand.

This second scarf was made using a similar yarn from Hobby Lobby.

All of these scarves were quick to make up and would make lovely handmade gifts.

My kitchen has been a busy place too, with mixing going on for lots of homemade holiday goodness.  Later today there will be loads of baking happening, with ten different varieties of cookies being made for more giving.  I hope to be sharing a post about the baking and making of more holiday gifts.

Here's one more handmade idea.  I found these great wooden cut-out trees at Michael's.  I painted them and glittered them, added ribbon for a hanger.  Strips of red and green papers were cut to make a 25 loop paper chain.  I made these reusable "countdown to Christmas" hangings for my two young granddaughter's.  Once the paper links get to the Christmas tree that special day will be here.  The top part with the tree can be saved from year to year and all they will need to do is add a 25 link chain each season.

I needed a new idea for my front door this year and the result was this pretty quick wreath made with a purchased wooden wreath form.  It was covered with scraps of white fabric, then adorned with snowflakes from the dollar store and a simple white bow.

Other family gets into the "handmade" groove too.  This tree was made by a brother-in-law from leftover pieces of willow from the bent willow chairs he makes.  There is another out front of the house with lights on.

These little reindeer are one of the last holiday projects my husband made.  He made them to decorate our very long table three years ago when many of the family were visiting for Christmas.  After, several were given to the guests along, with a handmade ornament that were at each place setting.

In our house "handmade" has always been big, especially during the holidays.  From handmade decorations for every purpose to crafting eatable gifts, all for our home and for giving.  We gave up the act of exchanging gifts among our many family members years ago.  For a while we were given a needy family through our church that we gave gifts to.  Now the next generation takes turns choosing  an organization of their choice and all family members can make contributions to it. With family across the country, each year brings a wonderful chance to help in different areas.

Giving comes in many ways, but "HANDMADE" has a special way of saying it comes from the heart!

So I will say this: Make Handmade, Give Handmade, Buy Handmade, Live Handmade.