Altered Spoons

Claudia made this one as an ornament for her daughter.

I shared my latest obsession of altering spoons with my friends at Sunset Shores on a recent retreat. They loved them as much as I did!

Sandy made this one … I love the paper cut to fit the spoon and the Piccolos behind the berries.

I wanted to share their beautiful spoons so you can see how any style or theme can be incorporated. These are made with an antique store or Goodwill found spoon, Piccolos, Piccolo Enamel Powder, ribbon, Art Glitter and leftover charms, beads and other items.

Marty made this one. She was frustrated waiting for the Glastique to dry, but it was so worth the wait! Just look at that shine!

I apologize for the quality of the photos … I was taking pictures in a basement, rather than in my light studio.

Christina made this one with Breast Cancer as a theme.

Claudia made this one for her other daughter.

Christina made the grapes to match her kitchen. I love how the paper mimics the shape of the spoon. Lynnette made the butterfly one — although my photo is awful, you can see how the ribbon became almost a little dress on it. Love it!

Halloween Spoons

I love altered art. It is my favorite type of paper crafting. There is just something super special about turning an unused, unwanted or common item into something beautiful. In my time, I have altered frames, books, boxes, trays, cupcakes and even a window. Naturally, when I saw Vicki Chrisman’s post about altered spoons, I knew I had to try them.

Vicki’s original altered spoons were elegant antique ones topped with birds and nests and such lovely things. I wanted to try it, but never found elegant spoons to work with. This time, Vicki made Halloween spoons, covered in glitter and ribbon and enough stuff that it did not really matter what type of spoons were used.

So, I headed to my favorite store, Goodwill, and picked up several spoons for .25 each. I found some with little teeth at the end, that I thought would be perfect for Halloween, and some that were bent kind of like a ladle. And, I found some plain ones, too.

I asked my husband to bend the handle on each one so I would have a hook to tie a ribbon to so they would hang. During this process, Matt decided the plain ones were unbendable and, since they were far better than anything contained in our silverware drawer, he confiscated them. While I am still waiting for him to reimburse me the .75 cents he owes me, I went ahead and decorated a few of the spoons for a little home-decor resale shop in Argentine. (The owner asked me to make some Halloween items for her to sell.)

I covered the spoons with Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and then glitter in orange. Then I cut out images from Graphic 45 and Reminisce paper and used dimensional foam tape to adhere them to the spoons.

I added twine to this one …

and tied a bow on this one …

 

And a little plastic flower from Maya Road to this one.

I love how they turned out — even if they are Halloween, my least favorite holiday.

One thing I can be sure of … there will be NO more Halloween crafts in my house this year! I am so over Halloween ….

 

 

 

Happy Halloween

I hate Halloween.

I don’t like spiders or vampires or things that go bump in the night and I find the whole holiday rather creepy. I know, it is supposed to be that way, but frankly there is nothing about being scared that appeals to me. So I avoid all things related to Halloween — normally.

But then new paper started arriving at Capture A Memory and I fell in love. So, when I was asked to make some samples for the store, I agreed and came up with these from the new line Hallowe’en by Reminisce.

 

This piece of Halloween art is made with a picture frame made for a 4×6 photo. The center is a giant sticker from Reminisce — yes, a 4×6 sticker! How perfect is that. I then used a bit of Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive to glue a bit of baker’s twine around the edge of the frame.

Then I added some orange buttons I found in my stash. I attached them with Glue Dots Pop Up because the thick adhesive allows them to attach firmly to the uneven levels on the frame.

Finally, I grabbed in old bottle cap from my stash, flattened it with a mallet and used a 1″ punch to cut a picture out of another sheet of Reminisce paper and then glued it to the frame.

Super simple, super easy and super cute!

Next, I turned my attention to a little altered book. I started with a mini composition book … Staples usually has these in stock this time of year for about .50 each. They are 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ — the perfect size for a pad to fit in the purse or for a little gift to someone special.

I covered the book cover with paper from the Reminisce line and sanded the edges so they matched the shape of the book. Then I cut out the little girl greeting from another sheet and attached it. I wrapped twine around a few times and added a little charm from My Mind’s Eye.

Another super easy, super cute project!

Finally, I used some of the papers to make a layout for the store. I cut the little pumpkin guys out and used dimensional foam to adhere them.

My dislike of Halloween is so great, I don’t have any photos to use, so it is going to the store without the picture!

Stop by Capture-A-Memory to see all of these projects in person, or click on the photos for a better view.

 

Butterfly Mornings

This project was inspired by the stamp by Darcie’s “Wishing you Butterfly Mornings and Wildflower Afternoons.” I thought it was so beautiful, I wanted to do something really special with it. So, I framed it in Globecraft Memories new card globes. These are made of cardstock and are about the size of a card, but come with an easel for propping them up, as well.

I added Authentique papers and some Art Glitter Champagne Glitz. Then, I coated each of the Piccolo chipboard pieces with enamel powder from Globecraft Memories. I love the way it turned it out.

Here’s a closer look:

I love the depth you can get from heaping the enamel powder on the chipboard pieces. I start with my heat gun up high enough that none of the powder blows and slowly move it closer to the piece until powder starts to blow and then back off again. After a bit, the powder melts enough that I can get close to the object without any powder blowing and then I can heat it until it is smooth.

It is important to let these cool completely before touching them. Some of the powders have large particles that will come off on your finger if you touch them too soon.

Thanks for looking and enjoy your own butterfly morning!

Growing Up Grandma

Whenever I see an iron birdcage or decorative fencing, I always think of my grandmother. It is a little odd, since she lived on a farm and never had caged birds or decorative iron fencing, but she grew up in New Orleans and for perhaps for that reason, I have attached the two in my head.

When I saw the Sweet Nothings Collection from KaiserCraft, I immediately thought of my grandma. Since I only have a few photos of her, I thought I would put them all in a mini album.

The pages (also from KaiserCraft) are actually wood — the same material they make their shelves, trays and photo frames out of. I love them because they can be painted, inked, covered with paper or whatever you want to do with them and they hold up well. I have pieces I made several years ago that still look brand new.

To start, I painted the edges of each page with Ranger Paint Dabber and then covered each one with paper. I used the UHU Stic to glue it all in place and then used my Crop-A-Dile to repunch the holes. A light sanding around the edges adds a bit of “time” to the album and gets rid of any paper hanging over the edge.

Then, it came time to decorate … For the cover, I added a few strips of paper and borders from the sticker sheet in the collection. Then I used Perfect Pearls Mists to color the flowers and glued them on the front with Designer Dries Clear Adhesive by Art Glitter.

The birds were stickers on the sticker sheet. I put a piece of dimensional foam adhesive on the back of each one and brushed them with baby powder (while leaving the protective coating on the foam. This “removes” the sticky. Then I removed the protective coating and attached them to the cover.

The cameo was also a sticker. I covered the front of it with Diamond Glaze to give it an epoxy appearance. I added a couple of pearls for a feminine touch.

For the inside pages, I used some of the same techniques — a combination of sprayed flowers, pearls, gems and sticker borders all from KaiserCraft.

Here is my grandmother as a girl and young woman:

Here she is married and with children:

And here she is the way I remembered her … the bottom photo was taken the year I was born:

Art Glitter Design Team 2012 Audition

I am excited over two things today …

The first is that I am applying for a position on Art Glitter’s design team. You probably know how much I love Art Glitter and Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and that I have served as a guest designer for them twice. Now I am applying for a DT position that will last an entire year. How exciting is that!

Secondly, I am excited to share this project, which I have been creating for a few weeks and I love how it turned out. It’s one of those things that you have in your head and then you jump in with both feet and try it and then it works and, well, you know the satisfaction and excitement I am feeling right now.

First, a little background … I have been wanting to make something to hang in the window that would reflect sunlight and make little rainbows in my house (just like in the movie, “Pollyanna.”) I think the cats will enjoy it. While I was milling that over in my mind, my husband brought home some pieces of acrylic that he planned to use for windows in the chicken coop he was building. Well, as soon as I saw them, I knew they would make a great piece of window art so I started asking questions — if he could cut it, if he could drill holes in it (it’s very thick) and if he really needed four windows in the coop. He agreed three would be plenty, cut down one of the pieces, added holes at the top for a hanger and holes at the bottom for hangings and presented it to me.

With the base obtained, I discovered a bit more inspiration in the Little Yellow Bicycle Saturdays collection. With that piece of paper in hand, I sat down to work and created this: (click on the photo for a larger view)

I hung it on a white wall to photograph it, but it will soon be hanging in a window.

I used a lot of products from a lot of different companies on this piece. That’s one thing I love about art like this — you can mix and match and use up little leftover parts. I also used quite a few techniques. So, if there is something I don’t explain here, please let me know and I’ll give you the directions. Otherwise, I am afraid this may be the world’s longest blog post ever!

First, I used a Crafter’s Workshop stencil and Alcohol Ink to create the background. Alcohol Ink will fade in the sunlight unless you spray it with a UV protector. But, I want to see the process, so I left mine uncoated.

Then, I added papers by Little Yellow Bicycle and BBP, each aged a bit with Distress Ink.

I used ColorWash to color the large blue flower (Prima) and the ribbon (Tim Holtz) and used Designer Dries Clear Adhesive to attach everything. Notice how it dries so clear you can use it to attach clear buttons (BBP).

I used a stamp set from Darcie’s to stamp the saying and the little birds. Then, I went back with Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and added Vintage Glass Glitter to the branch the birds were sitting on.

The candelabra is a wood cut from KaiserCraft. I painted it and then decided it needed a bit more something, so I covered it in three different colors of Microfine Glitter. (You will definitely want to use the fine metal tip for this) I left a couple of spots that weren’t covered completely with glitter just to add a bit of interest.

I added some transparent glitter to the edges of the flower for additional interest and some Vintage Glass Shards to the ribbon and around the clock face (Tim Holtz) to spice things up a bit. As a side point, the Vintage Glass Shards will change color in the sunlight as well … can’t wait to see that result!

I also added a hint of glitter to this little clipboard I made.

A friend gave me this little bird cage to go on my art piece. We all agreed it needed a bird, but no one had one, so I made one. I used the same stamp (the birds on the limb) and stamped them on cardstock. Then, I cut the bird out and covered both sides with glitter. Finally, I added a tiny bead from my jar of black Gala Glitz (Art Glitter) as an eye. Then I used Designer Dries Clear to adhere him to the cage and to keep the cage door open.

And, with the addition of some charms, beads, hardware pieces and ribbon, I can call it done. Naturally it’s been cloudy since I finished the piece, but I cannot wait to see how it reacts in the sun!

Remember to post any questions here and I’ll answer them shortly.

Thanks for looking!

March Classes

Here are the classes I have planned for March at Capture A Memory in Flint. I hope to see you at them!

You can find links to the store’s info and the times/dates of my classes in the sidebar at the right.

Heritage: Western

I absolutely this paper line from Authentique. It’s really a friendship theme, but it reminded me of a western and I knew it would be perfect with this picture of my husband dressed up as a cowboy. This class uses stamps from Tim Holtz, Distress Ink, ribbon and more.

Copic: Texture

In this advanced Copic class, we’ll use colorless blending solution to create a variety of texture in our images.

Cricut: Snow Day

We’ll use the Cricut machine to cut out masks, a title and a layered die cut. In this class, we also play with Faux Snow by Art Glitter, Stickles and Perfect Pearls Mists. You don’t have to have a Cricut (or this cartridge) to participate. Just let them know when you sign up and I’ll cut your elements before the class.

Art Glitter: Easter Mini Book

This mini book has room for 5 or more photos, along with three tags for journaling. It can also be used as part of your scrapbook page to hold more photos. During the class, we’ll learn to embellish die cuts and we’ll play with Art Glitter, Vintage Glass Glitter and ribbon.

Copic 101

This is a beginner class I offer each month that shows you how inexpensive Copic Sketch markers can be, how to build your collection, which colors to start with, how to color with them and much more. All supplies are provided, so you only need to bring a pencil for notetaking. Students leave with a variety of handouts, images to color, mediums to practice on, a color chart and more. This class (or something similar from another instructor)  is required before taking any of my advanced Copic classes.

Hope to see you in class soon!

Sparkly Valentines

Everybody loves to receive valentines.

The best ones have a little sparkle and come with a little treat.

I created this one to be simple enough that you could easily make enough for an entire class (or let the kids make them) — but interactive enough to make it stand out.

I started with a little white bag that I’ve been carrying around for years. I don’t remember where I got it from originally.

I added a piece of Bo Bunny paper to the front and then used my Big Shot to cut out a heart and foldable strip from QuicKutz/Lifestyle Crafts.

I used Close To My Heart alphabet stamps to stamp the sentiment on the inside and another stamp from CTMH to stamp the Happy. (It was part of a Happy Birthday stamp, but I only inked the happy portion).

For the heart, I spread a bit of Designer Dries Clear Adhesive with my finger and then covered it in Pink Azalea Ultrafine Transparent Glitter 147. When dry, I adhered it to the front of the folded strip. Then, using Designer Dries Clear Adhesive again, I attached the strip and the string (from My Mind’s Eye) to the bag. Tying the string into a small bow keeps the strip closed and invites people to untie it and read the sentiment inside.

I tucked three Smarties into the bag, but you could put in a sucker, a few Hershey’s Kisses, or any wrapped candy.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Glitter Lace Notebook

This glitter notebook is made from a mini composition pad of paper — the perfect size to keep in your purse so you always have paper on hand.

I created it using the lace technique created by Barbara Trombley, the owner of Art Glitter.

I love this technique because although it looks difficult, it is super easy! For a visual demonstration, click here …

First, adhere a piece of cardstock to cover the back cover of the book. I use a corner rounder to trim the right edge.

Now, to the fun part … Adhere a piece of Sticky Paper (with the protective cover to the sticky side up) to the front of the book and corner round the edges. Peel off the backing and position a piece of lace to the Sticky Paper. I used Lace Pattern 2.

Apply the background color (I used Crystal Ultrafine Transparent 85).

Carefully remove the lace and apply the second color (I used True Red Ultrafine Opaque 1)

Place a sheet of scrap paper over the top and gently run a brayer across the top to make sure the glitter is set well. Tap the book on a table to shake off the excess.

And now the finishing touches:

Cut the bookplate with a Tim Holtz Die out of cardstock and then painted it with Adirondack Dabber in Gold.

Stamp the quote (from Tim Holtz) in the center of the bookplate with Archival Black Ink and lightly color the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Adhere it with Designer Dries Clear Adhesive. Attach the bookplate with brads.

Using Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and the Ultrafine Metal Tip, designate places for the beads (Pearlies Glass Beads 817) including a very thin ring around the inside of the bookplate. Add the beads and let sit for a few minutes. Then, very gently, push the beads into the glue and shake off the excess.

For a final step, fill the bookplate with a bit of Glossy Accents and let dry.

(I received Art Glitter products in exchange for this post).

Classes, classes and more classes

Learning is fun — if you know where to look. And crafting classes are always great fun.

Personally, I like real classes — not ones that are more like project kits — but ones where the instructor provides tips and tidbits while helping you make a project or learn a new technique. It doesn’t really matter what I make, it’s the process that is rewarding.

I could listen to Wendy Vecchi, Colleen Schaan, Tim Holtz or other experts teach all day long. I could take the same class again and again and always learn something new.

Sure, I can follow the directions and place a brad at a certain spot, I don’t need an instructor for that. But when the instructor adds tips for lining it up just right or telling you what not to do (because they’ve done it and it was a minor disaster), well, that’s what I expect to pay for when I take a class.

I remember taking a class from an EK Success rep years and years ago. We were working with products that aren’t even made anymore and the layouts I created never did receive photos or make it to my album. But, that rep taught me how to tear paper — a simple technique that you wouldn’t think you would need help with, but I’ve taught it over and over again and everyone seems thankful for the tips.

It’s moments like that that make the class worthwhile. And, since that is what I expect, that is how I model my classes.

And, I have quite a few classes on the horizon … I’m going to add a space to my blog for them to reside permanently, but for now, here are the classes I have coming up:

Art Glitter Lace Notebook

Sunday, Jan. 22 1-2:30 p.m.

Copic Airbrushing

Tuesday, Feb. 7 5:30-7 p.m.

Heritage: Holding Documents

Sunday, Feb. 19 1-2:30 p.m.

Adding Texture with Copic Colorless Blender

Sunday, March 18 1-3 p.m.

Cricut: Layers & Masking

Tuesday, Feb. 21 5:30-7 p.m.

To register or for more information, contact Capture A Memory at 810-733-0716 or click here …

I look forward to seeing you there!