Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Skeleton Picture Home Decor

Happy Halloween
This is my final project for Halloween 2012.   I cannot believe how fast this year is going! 
 This starts as simply a cheap Frame from Target.   I pulled the glass out and used it to play with Alcohol Ink Resist.
This was a Compendium challenge a few weeks ago.  I made this tag:
Which gave me an idea….

Thankfuly Tim has a tutorial on his blog here.
I used the Skeleton from Stamper's Anonymous Haunted Mansion and the script from Apothecary.  The alcohol inks are Black, orange, small amount of a dark blue.  
I wanted to Halloween-ify the frame but you know I haven't felt good and I really wanted to get this up.

I glued the glass to a piece of patterned paper to protect it.  Otherwise the ink could be scratched off.

This could be taken so many other ways for Halloween….Imagine on the front of a mirror as a temporary decor item….Use another layer of glass instead of paper to sandwich the ink between then tape the edges using foil tape.  For Christmas  I can envision the mirror with snowflakes…To think I never used alcohol ink until a few weeks ago.


Laters Baby….

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Business Card Holder: A Tutorial



I started making this Business Card Holder Book YEARS ago…as in 15 years ago…before my kids for sure.  This was back in the prehistoric days of crafting when finding pretty paper was very difficult and I had never heard of Matte Medium.  Back when Chipboard was called Cardboard and one would NEVER use it for an artistic project.  Back when paper, glue and book board all had to be ordered from specialty stores.  Now days, it's so much easier so I'm gonna show you how.
You will need:
Chipboard: My books were made with Medium Weight Chipboard.  For the smaller album, I used 2 pieces of 8 1/2x11 in chipboard I purchased at JoAnns.  For the larger album, I used 4 sheets (more below).

Business Card Inserts: These inserts are made to go in folios such as a Day Planner.  They are readily available but can be tad pricy.  I got mine at Office Depot.  They come in different sizes and formats- it comes down to just preference.  But be sure that you choose inserts that have holes that you can either thread the ring or sew the ribbon through.

My large pages are Office Depot brand (I used XXXX Sheets) while the smaller ones are Day-Timer brand (I used 2 packages).
Adhesive: I used both Ranger's Glue N Seal and Redline tape.  You would use just about anything you are comfortable using.  Be aware that Mod Podge has a lot of water in it which will require more time to dry and more care to ensure you get out all the bubbles.  Even if you chose a dry adhesive, I recommend sealing the papers with something like Glue N Seal or Mod Podge to help protect it.  This is NOT a project for a Glue Gun.
Redline Tape
Papers: I sued Heidi Swapp's Color Magic paper and some of Tim Holtz's Core'dinations papers.  It doesn't really matter what you use, any decorative paper will work.  I used Color Magic because it is very sturdy paper and I knew it would hold up to being used frequently.   In the past I used marbled papers and even beautiful wrapping papers from Papyrus.  
The Color Magic papers have a white background with inked designs as well as varnished areas.  The varnished areas repeal any color you try to apply giving the paper another texture.  The varnish (as opposed to embossing powders) won't melt under a heat gun.  
I will post a short tutorial on coloring the papers on Thursday. 
Misc
Foam Brush
Ruler
Bone Folder
Seam binding or silk ribbon
Ring binding clips
Large Eye Needle: Bookbinding or Upholstery Needle
To Begin

  • For the large book I needed to laminate two pieces of chipboard together to make it sturdy enough to hold up to use.  My chipboard was labeled "medium weight" but felt pretty flimsy to me.  For the smaller book this isn't necessary.   Allow the glue to dry- preferable with the chipboard under something heavy to keep it flat. 
  • Measure the size of your inserts and add 1/4 to width measurement and 1/2 inch to length.  I always line up the left binding edges flush so you only need overhang on the opening edge.  You will need the overhang on both edges of the length.
  • Cut the chipboard covers.  I use a Zutter Cutter because I cannot get a straight cut with an X-acto and straight edge no matter how hard I try.  
  • Cut your front and back cover paper leaving 1/2 overhang on all 4 sides (add an inch to width and length).
  • You need to apply adhesive to the entire surface where the papers meet.  If you are using dry adhesive you need to apply it to the entire surface of the paper OR the chipboard.  If you are using wet glue you must apply it to the backside of the paper AND the chipboard.  If you don't you will end ups with air pockets which look bad and will rip easily. 
  • To get the cleanest corners, you need to push any overhang portion up over the point before you fold the sides up.  
  • Color Magic Paper is very thick, making it perfect for this type of project, but this makes it not want to lie flat after it's folded over.  The answer?  Clothes pins or binder clips. 
  • Work your way around the cover.  Use a bone folder for crisp edges and to be sure the glue is in good contact with the chipboard.  You may need to reapply glue because it starts to dry very quickly and you need very good contact with wet glue to ensure a good strong bond. 
 
  • Let that dry for 20-30 minutes before you remove the clothes pins.  Prepare the inside cover. 
  •  Here I used Redline tape.  I should have applied it to the entire surface so pretend I did.  
  • Even though I used dry adhesive here,  I covered both inside and outside covers with Glue N Seal to protect it. 
  •  This is the back cover- made the same way. 
  •  Set all pieces aside to dry overnight. 
Binding 

  •  Line up the cover and one insert page- be sure to stack the left edges flush.   Make a mark- I used pencil where you want your holes to be. 
  •  Use a Crop-A-Dile or Martha Stewart Screw Punch to punch out the holes.  
  •  For this book I decided to use the Ring Binding Clips.  They are available at office supply stores  or if your husband is an Air Force Pilot they will be in every nook and cranny in your house (They use them to bind their flight book thingys do dads).
Thursday's post will include how to color the Color Magic and how I embellished the books. 

The Larger Book
Most of the process is the same…just bigger.  

 Until you hit the binding. 
  • Start with 3 yards of either seam binding or silk ribbon.  You need something that will withstand the repeat friction of the pages as they open and close.  Silk ribbon is available where they sell silk ribbon embroidery supplies.  
Look for silk ribbon packaged similar to this regardless of brand.
  • I usually use a large book-binding needle or upholstery needle to do this but it was late and I couldn't find mine so I faked it.  Make it easier on yourself and get a needle.  
  •  You begin by threading from the back cover, through the inserts and through the front cover.  Be sure to leave a tail for tying at the end 3-4 inches is sufficient. 
  • Zig Zag through the holes- if you have more holes than I did just keep the pattern up- until you reach the bottom.   Pull ribbon over to opposite side and begin the pattern again so that you end up with the ribbons crossing on the binding. 
  • When you reach the top again tie the two tails together in a note to secure.  You can leave it tied off with just the knot, tie it off with a simple bow, or add a multi loop bow like I did.

That's it for the basics.  Come back tomorrow for a final Halloween Project and thursday for the rest of this tutorial:  embellishing the book and coloring the Color Magic paper.


Laters Baby….
This post was linked to the following Linky Parties:
The 36th Avenue
Thirty Handmade Days
Just Us Four

Monday, October 29, 2012

Compendium Challenge Week 26: Kraft Suede

Ok, so I gotta level with you….when I saw that this was the challenge this week I was like "oh No" cuz what in the world am I going to want to make that has suede-ish in it?  Nothin' that's what.  But in the end I think I managed to make something that is worthy.

 Kraft Suede is on page 40 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosity Vol 2.  You probably know that LInda from Studio L3 is sponsoring the challenge and I know that you know that I cannot tell you how to do the technique- you need to buy the book.  But I will tell you that it is pretty simple.  This week Funkie Junkie Boutique is offering a $25 gift certificate to one randomly drawn winner.

Simon Says Stamp and Challenge just happens to be Leaves this week so I am linking this project there as well.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a tutorial on making a book to hold all those business cards you collect.  Yes, I know that CardStar is a terrific App, but if you are old fashioned and want the real deal, then this is one clever answer.  Wednesday I will post my final Halloween project.  
 
Laters Baby….

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Busy Gratitude

With the holidays fast approaching- of course specially Thanksgiving- now is the time we often take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for.  This year there is at least one cool way of making this process a little more formal and a littler more public.  Carla at Carla Kay White has designed  "30 Days of Gratitude" project for the entire month of November.  All the details and buttons are on her blog.  You can find out more by clicking on the link.  This project can be something you keep close to your heart, something you share with family and friends or something you take to social media and share with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr…it's all up to you.  
Because I just completed Paula's amazing Gratitude Journal, I sorta feel like I am meant to actually do this challenge.  Historically, I'm not always so good at completing challenges like this, but because my journal is complete, I think I can manage.  The idea is to document 5 things per day that you are grateful for.  The method of documenting can be whatever you want -journal, notebook, and she even designed an App if you want to go all Smartphone.  So who's in with me?  
On the "Other News" front I gotta tell you that my health isn't great.  Something is going on that is new and not fun.  So I've spent way too much time in bed- which means creativity is at an all time low.  I haven't even decorated for Halloween and that is Heresy in my house.   

So don't give up on me but keep expectations tempered.  I have a lot to do next month so I gotta get going- I have Tickets to see Madonna and fun. as well as an all-day Robert Sabuda Workshop (if you don't know who he is I suggest you hit the link major awesomeness).  My kids have appointments at University of Michigan and University of Toledo and my hubby is a Fed Ex Pilot- guess what months are their busiest.  On a positive note I finally received my order of Sizzix dies that include the snowflakes that had literally had me drooling for months.  Expect lots and lots of snowflake projects.  

I'm also taking two online classes with Heidi Swapp- the first is a 3-day, 4-project Memory File extravaganza.  If you have never take an online class then Heidi is a great first-time teacher.  She is so available and just so "out here" with her classes. 

She films at home with her hubby or one of her kids as camera man and she makes mistakes and is real.  Her media team and husband follow the chat and they are great about answering questions.  The "instruction only" version is still available for $19.99.  

The second class is a joint venture between her and Jessica  Sprague called {Mo}Tography: Rock Your Camera Phone.  It runs 11-9 to 11-16 and is also $19.

So I'm too busy to be sick damn it!  Lots of fun things going on. What are you planing on for the holidays
Laters Baby…