Scrap N Grow

Archive for July, 2012

Good afternoon everyone.  How is your weekend going?  Mine has been pretty busy as I have been working on a flower bouquet which has a few thousand small cuts. I hope to complete and showcase that project later this week.  I need to stop tomorrow after work to replenish supplies that I ran out of.  This afforded me the opportunity to complete my entry for this week’s Compendium of Curiosities II hosted by the lovely Linda Ledbetter over at Studio L3. Click here for more information. This week’s challenge is being sponsored by the Funkie Junkie Boutique.  This week’s technique challenge can be found on page 39 of Tim Holtz’s Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2.  The technique is called guilded kraft glassine, a new technique for me.  Below is my submission.

Compendium of Curiosities II Challenge Entry Week 14

I began by coloring 8 sheets of kraft glassine paper following the instructions in Tim’s book.  I created 4 different color schemes: red, orange, green, and yellow.  Below are close up samples. I apologize that the photos do not actually showcase the vibrancy of the guilded kraft glassine sheets.

Close Up of Guilded Kraft Glassine Sheets Colored

Afterwards, I used Tim’s Sizzix Alterations Tattered Leaves die and die cut the colored sheets.  I completed the technique’s remaining steps.  Below are the completed guilded kraft glassine leaves. I plan to use them to surround some fall colored flameless candles come fall.

Close Up of Guilded Kraft Glassine Leaves

As I was cleaning up my studio’s table, I could not bear to throw away the negative from die cutting the leaves.  I thought that the negative might make a good card front.  For fun, I cut a mat for the negative and found that I really liked the effect.  I then wondered what it would like if I were to stamp behind the negative for added interest.  I used Tim’s new Autumn Blueprint stamp set to try it.  I did not like the result. Instead, I found that I liked the effect on the scratch paper that I used as a mask to ensure that I did not stamp onto the card front’s mat. Because I liked the effect, I decided to create a sample card to test drive my idea.  I stamped directly onto the mat as well as the interior of the negative.  I really liked the sketchbook result and just love the new stamp set.

I then proceeded to select and cut coordinating card layers to coordinate with each color of guilded kraft glassine. Each card is 6X6. I used Jet Black Archival Ink to stamp the images. Afterwards, I accented the corners with Ideaology Mini Fasteners and adhered an Ideology Pen Nib in the lower right hand corner of each card.  I am pleased with the way the cards turned out and decided instead to submit my cards for the challenge rather than the leaves pictured above. Below once again are my completed cards. Click on image to see a larger view.

Close Up of Completed Kraft Glassine Cards

Thank you for stopping by.  Feel free to leave a comment below.  Have a great day and please visit again soon!

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  How was your weekend? Mine went by way too fast.  I had a chance today to complete my Compendium of Curiosities II challenge entry for this week.  This challenge is hosted by the lovely Linda Ledbetter over st Studio L3.  This week’s technique is called Spritz and Flick distress.  Instructions for this technique can be found in Tim Holtz‘s book, Compendium of Curiosities II, on page 42.  The book is chocked full of inspiration and techniques. This week’s sponsor is Simon Says Stamp.  They are offering a $25 gift certificate to shop there online store.  I am a regular customer with Simon Says Stamp and can attest to their awesome service and that they ship fast.

Compendium of Curiosities II Challenge Entry Week 13

This week’s technique is a great background technique.  Look into the sky region to best observe the technique.  Colors I used for the background: Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass, Mustard Seed, and Forest Moss Distress Ink.

I stamped the trees using Sap Green and Olive Archival Ink by Ranger.  The trees are from 2 different Stampers Anonymous stamp sets, Just Believe and Reindeer Flight.

Sentiment is Stampers Anonymous too and is from Good Thoughts and is stamped with Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger.

The birds are from a newly released Sizzix die called Birds On A Wire.  I placed pop dots behind each bird prior to attaching them to tag.  Like the added dimensional effect.

Lastly, I added a Thoughts Ideology Muse Token.

That’s it for today.  I have been busy working on another bouquet.  I hope to post that later in the week.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you stop back again soon.  Have a great evening and see you soon.

Michelle

Good Evening Bloggers.  How are you?  Well today is special for a few reasons. First, I think I am finally starting to kick the summer cold I have been fighting for the past 2 weeks.  Second, I was able to catch up weeding in my gardens earlier today. Lastly and most importantly, I completed my configurations box for Linda Ledbetter’s Studio L3 special edition challenge.  Up for grabs is a giant goodies package from  Tim Holtz and Mario. Click here  for Linda’s blog.

Participants were given 2 weeks for this challenge as it is a big one and takes a bit more time to complete.  The directions for this technique can be found on pages 33 and 34 of Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2.  My completed configurations box has a garden/nature theme.

Compendium of Curiosities II Challenge Entry Weeks 11&12: Garden Configurations Box

I used Ideaology’s largest box and followed the instructions inside the book. Afterwards, I preselected my trinkets and pre planned each of the boxes.  I decided to print off coordinating background images from Google.  This is a fine thing to do so long as it is for personal use only.  Below is a picture showing the configurations box with just the background papers.

Garden Configurations Box With Background Papers

Below are close ups of the individual boxes along with a brief summary of supplies or techniques used. Starting in the upper left hand corner is a fractured girl doll. I used Ranger’s Alcohol Ink Filled Pens to give the girl clothes, skin tone, hair, and added a sunflower garden hat similar to one I wear while working in my gardens. The rusted watering can is a trinket from my stash.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of Girl and Watering Can

Next is a seeds miniature display that I picked up awhile back on a shopping trip.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up Of Seed Packet Display

Upper right hand corner are Scrabble letters distressed using Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Below are miniature terra cotta pots that have been altered using Vintaj Patina. Inside each pot is a mini Styrofoam ball that has been painted green.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of GROW and Garden Pots

Next is a miniature garden desk scene.  Scene includes an Ideology timepiece and a couple Maya Road Bingo motif pieces for accents. The desktop surface has a garden journal and pencil.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of Garden Desk Scene

In the middle is a garden bench and tree.  The tree is a jewelry charm from Michael’s.  I altered the tree using Vintaj Patina.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of Garden Bench Scene

Over to the the far left are some mushrooms, a watering hose, and a faucet.  The mushrooms are from Melissa Frances.  I added Walnut Stain Distress Ink to grungy them up and placed them into some Earth Textures by Elements to simulate dirt.  I love the effect.  The hose is a Jolee’s embellishment and the faucet is from Ideaology.

Garden Configurations box Close Up of Mushrooms and Faucet

In the lower left hand corner is a bird feeder suspended from a tree branch and a bird nest. I made the bird feeder from a piece of rolled mesh tape, painted it silver with Ranger Paint Dabber and used Glossy Accents to adhere feeder to a painted button.  I cut and painted toothpicks for feeder ports and filled the feeder with a few black oil sunflower seeds. The birds were created using a mini Punch A Bunch punch.  Lastly, I added a wire hanger and another button for the feeder’s cover.  For the nest, I started with a plain unadorned pre bought nest to which I added various feathers, excelsior, grass, twigs, strings, and 3 eggs.

Garden Configurations Box Close up of Bird Feeder and Bird's Nest

Bottom center is a trellis filled with Recollections roses.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of Rose Trellis

Lastly, is a bird bath and a bird house.  The bird bath is a trinket filled with Glossy Accents to simulate water .  The metal bird house is from Michael’s.  I altered it using Vintaj Patina.  Afterwards, I added a bit of nesting material inside the house.

Garden Configurations Box Close Up of Bird Bath and Bird House

Afterwards, I completed the box by adding some Ideaology foundation feet.  I altered these with Vintaj Patina.  Below is the completed garden configurations box.

Compendium of Curiosities II Challenge Entry Weeks 11&12: Garden Configurations Box

The box was a lot of fun to put together.  To date, I have made a few and the possible themes for a box is endless. I invite you to make one yourself.  Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave me a comment and tell me what you think.  Please stop back again soon.

Michelle

Good morning everyone!  How is your weekend going?  I am still battling my summer crud.  You would think I would begin to feel better after nearly a week of this.  Sick or not, I am determined to carry on as I have looming deadlines to meet this week. But first, I wanted to share a project I recently finished, an ostrich egg bird house.

Ostrich Egg Bird House

Earlier this spring, a dental patient of mine had gifted me several ostrich eggs.  Back in April, I experimented using various mediums on the outer surface of the shell. Click here to view that post.  Today’s project goal was really a personal challenge, to see if I could somehow re purpose an ostrich egg into a bird house.  I feel that I was successful and am pleased with the results. See the close ups below. All pictures can be clicked on for larger view.

Close Up of Ostrich Egg Bird House Bird Nest

Close Up Of Ostrich Egg Bird House Sign

Close Up Of Ostrich Egg Bird House Roof

Ostrich Egg Bird House Back View

Supplies Used:

Ostrich Egg

Roof: Balsa Wood purchased from Michael’s

Utility Knife and Ruler

E6000 Adhesive

6X6 Woodgrain Crafter’s Workshop Stencil

Windsor and Newton Acrylic Paint Raw Umber and Vandyke Brown

Liquitex Light Modeling Paste

Sign: Stampendous Clear Stamp Set- Nest Egg

Jet Black Archival Ink from Ranger

Walnut Stain Distress Ink for the edges

Screw Eye and Jump Ring from Tim Holtz’s Ideology Line

Scrap of Brown Card Stock

Nest: Bird Nest with Eggs came from my stash.  I added an assortment of  Twigs, Excelsior, String, Dried Leaves, and Feathers (Michael’s)

Bird: Purchased from Michael’s

Assembly: Everything was pretty straight forward  to create and assemble. I would like to comment about using E6000 adhesive. I used E6000 adhesive to adhere the roof top and the base to the ostrich egg because the product claims that it can bond anything together.  I agree, but one should note that E6000 has a profound odor and definitely would recommend to work with this adhesive in a well ventilated area.  The one drawback I found with E6000 is its drying time.  Until my adhesive initially set, I found that I needed to prop up things around the house to help ensure that the roof top dried in the right place as it seemed to want to slide back wards at an angle.  Same thing for the placement of the egg to the base, I surrounded the egg with props to ensure the correct placement of the egg on the base. I think the drying time is dependant upon your climate and for my are, it took a good day to dry.

I intended for this bird house to be purely decorative and am going to give it to the wonderful dental patient who gifted me a nice supply of ostrich eggs.  I think she will appreciate seeing her eggs transformed into works of art.

I encourage you leave me a comment and/or questions you may have about my ostrich egg birdhouse.  Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you will come back again.

Michelle

Hello blog readers. I am so happy to be back blogging. I came down with a nasty summer cold Monday and today was the first day I could actually think and see straight enough to create.

A lot of exciting things happened while was sick.  First, I received a very sweet thank you card from my girlfriend’s daughter who graduated from high school this year. Her thank you card included,”your card was the coolest card I have ever received and I am going to keep it and put it in my scrapbook”.  She is such a sweetheart and I am certain thatshe will do great as she heads to college in the fall.

Second, each month I have been diligent to complete Tim Holtz’s Tags of 2012. Click here to be redirected to Tim’s site for each month.  Each month’s  featured tag is chocked full of techniques and/or insightful ways of using a current or newly released product. Each participant can opt to upload their entry using a inlink tool on Tim’s website. Then at the close of each month, Tim selects a certain number of tags and each of these tag’s creator’s receive a package of goodies from Tim himself. Drumroll please……..I was one of the winners for June.  I was so excited and have already contacted Mario, his assistant, to receive my goodies.

I copied and pasted the text from Tim’s site below:

congrats to the winners from the june 12 tags of 2012 gallery posts.  if you see your name below and it links to your tag, please contact mario@timholtz.com to claim your prize!

1. emeraldradio
2. Barbara Ford
3. Dottie
4. Michelle Nun ME!!!! Yahooo!!!!
5. Miss Laballade
6. Antonia
7. Bararayaya
8. Creative Tara
9. Pamela Bennett
10. Anita Houston
11. Judy C.
12. stampersuzz 

Lastly, for great news.  I have been contacted by a publisher who is interested in using one of my featured projects in their upcoming magazine.  I am still awaiting to hear about the final details, but what great news to hear when you are under the weather.

So onto today’s featured tags.  Today’s tags are inspired from Tim Holtz. Directions for the tags can be found on his website, click here to be redirected.

The first one is my official entry.  I followed his directions rather closely and only changed up a few of the embellishments to what I had on hand.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2012 July Challenge Entry

I also did a second tag wondering what it would look like without use of compressed air and instead use my alcohol ink felt applicator tool. My results are below.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2012, July Version #2

Here they are side by side.

Tim Holtz Tags of 2012, July Challenge Entries

It is hard for me to decide if I prefer one tag more than the other.  I would love to hear what you think. Simply leave me a comment below, and as an added bonus and to celebrate my win. I have 2 unopened sets of Tim Holtz Distress Inks your choice of Fall 2011 or Winter 2011. I will draw 1 winner at the close of July.

Lastly, I invite you to subscribe by email if you would like to stay informed each time I post a new, inspiring project.  Thank you for taking time to visit and I hope that you will come back again real soon.

Michelle

Good morning readers.  Today’s post is another bouquet of poppies.

Papaver orientale 'Paperie' Bouquet

Papaver orientale 'Paperie' Bouquet Close Up

Previously, I showcased a bouquet of red poppies. Today’s poppies are a vivid orange-red color. I constructed these poppies in the the same fashion as my red ones.  Click here to see my red poppies post.  The flowers were die cut from the Giant Flower Cricut cartridge.  I do not feel it is necessary for me to repeat myself regarding technique and assembly as I did not do anything different in creating these from my red ones.  Click here for reference and details about how I assembled my poppies.  The only change in supplies used was the color of the card stock and Distress Ink used. For today’s featured poppies, I used a bright orange/red Bazzill card stock and applied Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink to add depth and color variation to each of the flower petals.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you stop back again soon for more inspiring ideas. Have a great day!

Michelle