Bella Carta

Tea staining your papercrafts

Years ago I used to work in a design/home interiors shop (yes, this really was a long time ago) where we carried a HUGE array of Battenburg lace items (curtains, drapes, pillows, bedspreads, etc) that we would custom tea dye for our clients.   Its the "technique" du jour or at least its the demonstrator's challenge technique on SCS (WW085).  So ... here's my tea stained card.

This is insanely easy!  Just brew a very strong cup of tea - I recommend 3 teabags in one cup of water and let brew till its dark.  Use a pan that you can place your cardstock in (this is 3.75 x 5.0 in) so I used a square 8 x 8 pan but a loaf pan would probably work also. Put your cardstock in and then place the brewed tea over top.  Let it soak in a few minutes remove and air dry.  For extra "umphhhhh" when you remove the cardstock, you can take one of the tea bags and drag it over the cardstock.    I used just regular Stampin' Up! Whisper White cardstock, but different cardstocks will give different results.  If you need detailed, step by step directions - you can find them here:

http://www.craftathome.com/Instructional/teastainingpaper.html

I also used a stamp set that I'm embarassed to admit I haven't yet used - yep, till this weekend it was still brand new in the package - Flight of the Butterfly. I paired my tea stained paper with Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant for the butterflies.   These are colors I don't use very often - not sure why as they're perfectly lovely but with 56+ colors to choose from (in the SU Color Families) they just don't get used very often.

 For the grass - I used the large stamp from Inspired by Nature set (*note this stamp set is not in the new Spring/Summer 09 catalog but is available for purchase!  Still scratching my head as to why it went on the "dormant" list).  Anyway - the grass is stamped in Mellow Moss and Almost Artichoke, I "stamped off" to vary the colors (i.e. stamp on a scrap of paper when inked, then without reinking, stamp again - gives a lighter image). I also uses a Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware frame for the sentiment.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post where I'll do this same card (at least the same stamped image) in a totally different color combo for a totally different look. 

 

Sweet sparrow scarf {HHH week of Jan 9, 2009}

I just love this sweet sweet bird from Unity Stamp Co (they call him "Flying Blue Bird") if you're looking to acquire this stamp! 

For this project, I took a white silk scarves (these are from Dharma Trading) and Adirondack alcohol inks.  I think the Adirodack sprays would work best, but I didn't have the color washes on hand -  but I did have my alcohol inks - so I experiemented.

First, gently wash the scarf - if you have a handwash setting you can use that, or just pop it into the sink wiht some mild detergent and line dry, iron if necessary.

Next ....  I selected three colors (Stream, Lettuce, Butterscotch) and working with one color at a time - just gently shook the inks over the scarf,  I had about twenty layers of newspaper below it to protect the floor. Then I took the alcohol blending solution and gently shook that over the ink, as it soaks in - it mottles and softens the color, you can also completely saturate the scarf with the blending solution.  {This is also where I recommend working in a WELL VENTILATED area}.  Keep doing this till you have your colors/patterns as you like them.  Let this air dry, then wash again (this gets the alcohol solution out and leaves just color), air dry and iron if needed.

Next - select your stamps and stamp away with any PIGMENT based ink.  For this project I used Archival Brilliance in Graphite (black).   Allow to air dry.

Finally - heat set your inks, I prefer to use an iron and lightly iron over the stamped images in the hottest heat setting you can safely use.  You may use a clean pressing cloth to help reduce scorching. 

I might go back and add in one more color ..... just to see what happens!  This is a work in progress!

PS Unity has a free shipping sale today!  Use this code when checking out to get FREE shipping on ANY purchase!

 

 

 

The project where paper arts and jewelry collide!

  I ♥ ABC projects (Anything But a Card!)  but with papercrafting :-) I make alot of cards!  *** I really wish I would scrap more ..... I love seeing scrapbook layouts - maybe that will be a holiday resolution to scrap more! 

Anyway - back to the topic at hand!  Before papercrafting, I was a "beader" and did all sorts of jewelry (beading, wire work, etc).  I still bead, although I've moved away bigger beads - I adore stitched beading like peyote or right angle weave.   Anyway.... while flipping through a magazine, I came across a christmas bracelet that Keri Lee Sereika (<---- click it to go to her blog) had made using some metal Christmas themed brads and was inspired to go create!

I usually use only sterling silver and didn't have this style in bulk sterling chain, but I did race down to my local craft store and this silver tone chain was ON SALE!  And then dug a bit for some silver tone clasps (I figured there was no use putting a sterling clasp on it).  I am going to order this chain in sterling, since I have a hard time wearing metals.  I am happy to report that I did wear this yesterday and I didn't turn green nor did the bracelet turn black :-)

The concept here is to use brads to decorate your bracelet.  I had some marvy ones from K & Co. fabric brads with a bit of bling to them.  I inserted the metal prongs through the circle, then used my rosary pliers (round nose) and twirled the prongs (one at a time) up and around the outer metal band to secure it in place.  This leaves them a bit loose, with just a bit of movement.  However, I realized that the brads may need to be more secure, so I put a drop of crystal effects (diamond glaze or whatever brand you buy!).  I think jeweler's cement would work here too, or a great all purpose epoxy like E3000. 

I added a little tag that says "live" near the clasp.  I plan on making a few more of these this weekend, and doing some wire work to make a few little beaded charms to hang off the rings, too. 

PS If you're a twilight fan ... don't forget to check here for great blog candy!  <----click to go check it out

Dig out your craft and rubber scissors!

Now that the stamp sets (at least the newest ones) are die -cut, you may be wondering what to do with your craft and rubber scissors!  They're actually great for any type of heavy duty cutting you might want to do.  In addition to cutting soda cans apart - they're great for this project - a hodgepodge hardware frame bookmark.

I used my scissors to cut off one of the two ends (keep one for attaching your ribbon).  This is an easy-peasy project 1-2-3! The hardest part will be choosing your paper!  I used the Baja Blue from Urban Garden, with a scrap of the NQN, and a scrap from the Bella Rosa- piroutte pink pattern - in fact you can use ALL scraps for this.

I'm stumped for a title! {Sorry, I can't pick just one!}

I just need to say this .....

"*IF** you're not absolutely convinced that the Big Shot is the BEST die cut machine on the planet - read on .....

**IF** you have absolutely no intention of buying the Big Shot - you might want to step away now (there are plenty of other projects to blurf in my blog).

**IF** you're awaiting your Top Note die (they are backordered - at least for a short time) have no fear ..... there are plenty of other Sizzix dies to play with.

**IF** you have put away your Craft and Rubber Scissors now that Stampin' Up is selling die cut stamps .... you might want to dig them out!

**IF** you have a pair of gardening gloves, you might want to grab those too!

**IF** you love the color RED .... you might want to check out this project.

**IF** you look at EVERYTHING and think "I can make something with that" .... this may be the project for you :-)

**IF** you drink soda ... this is a great way to recycle!

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Have you read enough? Good - let's talk about today's card!

Any guesses as to what the large snowflake is made from?  If you guessed a Coca Cola can, you're correct!

Here's how:

1) After consuming your favorite canned beverage, rinse your can out real good and let it air dry.

2) Take your craft/rubber scissors (and this is the part I suggest getting out your gardening gloves for - preferably the kind with some grippy things).  Pierce the blades into the can, near the top seam, then cut the lid off.  Your goal here is to cut the top and bottom off - and then cut straight down.  This will leave you with a rectangular piece that you're now ready to die cut.

3) Lay your aluminum can sheet out on top of the die, as flat as you can go.  Your sandwich will be - clear plate, Sizzix Original - large snowflake die, metal, clear plate and roll it through the machine. 

Please be very careful or wear protective gloves.  The metal is very sharp.  You'll want to very carefully peel the die cut can away from the plates and very gently punch out the snowflake.  You can use a tweezers or pliers if you need to - although when I did this, all pieces separately easily.      

4) Once you've got your die cut snowflake, take off your gloves and choose some coordinating cardstock.

For this project I used Pure Poppy cardstock from Papertrey Ink for the card base.  I ♥ this color - its a beautiful, intense red.  The ribbon is the satin perfect match Pure Poppy also from PTI.  Next is a layer in Basic Black CS (SU) and a brushed silver CS mat (SU).

5) Start with the silver CS and wrap your ribbon.  Adhere that to the black mat.  Use the designer label punch (SU) to punch out a label in Pure Poppy, add your hodge podge hardware silver frame (SU).  Then add dimensionals to the words and adhere them within the frame.   

6)  Stamp "Let it Snow" (from Coldplay stamp set - SU) in black and the snowflake in Pure Poppy, and use your paper snips to cut apart the words.   I used dimensionals (cut each one into quarters) on the reverse side of the snowflake.  This will give it some lift :)  Gently press it into place on your card.

*I recommend using a sheet of bubble wrap between the card front and the envelope, just to protect it.  And some extra postage for the post office to treat it with care (non machinable rate).

This card is one of a kind and availale for purchase in my Etsy store.  <---- click to go visit.

 

The Haiku Paper Rose How to ....

The Haiku Paper Rose How To ....  okay, say that 10 times fast!

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

     The Haiku Paper Rose How To

If I hadn't been so tired last night, I would have gladly shared the details on the paper rose embellishment.    My dear friend Helene created a gorgeous card using this project and I knew I had to do one! 

But the basic concept is to draw three circles - each one a bit smaller - on your cardstock or paper, but they don't have to be perfect.  *If you're like me and completely and utterly unable to draw a circle, feel free to use the attachment as a cheater!

Download circlesforpaperroses_rg.pdf

Then tear each one out, I found it easiest to grab the paper and tear with my right hand and position my left thumbnail along the inside of the circle as a guide.  You'll want to tear just inside the line so its not visible.  Then take your thumbnail again and gently roll the edges inward.  Stack your circles together and choose an embellishment.   You basically create the leaves in the same manner, just draw a football shaped thingy and use your bone folder to make a crease down the middle.

If you're a visual person, Julie Buhler, has a short video on her blog (click to be taken to it!).

The card features the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) set for this year "Say it with Scallops"  I recently learned that SU donates $100,000 a year to RMHC, and to date more than $700,000.  These funds are raised through the sales of a specially created stamp set.  This years stamp set also coordinates perfectly with the new scallop square punch.

I couldn't leave you without a pic, so here's one of a squirrel in my tree - it was early morning and he/she was LOUDLY eating a pinecone!  But notice the blue sky above!

Fabric Flowers

Here's how I made those fabric flowers - from the die cut shapes - for card embellishments!

After cutting your fabric, layer the pieces you want to use together.  I used a stick pin to hold them all in place.  I love the pearl headed pins, I use 'em for everything!  Run your thread through the needle, so that its two equal lengths, then tie a knot at the bottom.  I tied several knots to get a good, larger knot that wouldn't slip through the weave of the barkcloth.  Then, if you have to - pull on the needle to make sure its centered.  Start at the bottom, come up and go back down in a short distance.  You're going to want to make a running stitch in a small circle.  (I changed to black thread so that you could see it, but you'll probably want to use a thread color that matches). 

Once you've gone up and down and formed a circle, pass your needle back through to the bottom of the flower, and then pull - you'll be gathering up that stitched circle.  I used a stitch or two, to hold the "pucker" together.  Then top with a button (if you're using one) - if you're using a half back pearl, don't worry about it.  I tied a knot off by making a loop (put your needle through a small piece of fabric and pull almost all the way through, leaving a small loop) and then pass your needle back through the loop and pull tight. Google "sewing knots" on the internet for more ideas.  I've adhered my flowers to cards with the larger glue dots.

PS Check out my new signature!  Pretty great, eh?  Michelle Laycock made it to match my banner (and did you see my new background, also?).

Breathe life into those flowers (aka Dunk and Mash)!

When I first ordered my "Pretties" kit, I was in love with the half pearls!  They still remain, at least in my own mind, a great embellishment!  I just wasn't crazy about the flowers.  Yes, you could color them ANY shade you wanted to - that was a definite advantage.  BUT, I just wasn't happy with the results - the flowers, no matter what I tried (a blender pen, chalks, aqua painter, etc) ended up being very subdued and soft.  I wanted darker, richer colors!

And then, the other day while working on these cards - I had a Eureka moment!  I found that by putting the whole flower into the ink pad and using the back end of the aqua painter as a tool to press the flower into the ink pad - I could get vibrant results!  With a little further playing I found the best result was to just ever so slightly wet the flower, then "dunk and mash" into the ink pad, flip the flower over so that you're inking both sides.  Carefully remove it from the ink pad and let dry.  Then adhere to your project.  (My favorite way to stick them to  card front is glue dots!).

{all supplies Stampin' Up!}

This week has gone to the birds! Faux Airbrushing

Here's another card inspired by the latest Papercrafts issue ... if you look on page 89 (Aug/Sept 08 issue) you'll see a card that uses Copic Markers and their airbrush system.  I don't have copics .... nor the airbrush system.  But I do have the fun "color spritzer tool" that Stampin' Up! has.  So ... I figured I could make a similar card.

I seem to be currently fascinated by the bird in the "Always" stamp set, so I used that one!  Picking a color scheme (Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Night of Navy, Creamy Caramel, Mellow Moss) was the most challenging part of this project!  (Really it was!)  I wanted to work "outside" my usual comfort zone of colors ... so I dove into the earth elements and grabbed some navy, also.  Here's my step-by-step, with pics - for all of you who ask :-) for them! 

1)  After picking colors and cutting cardstock, I decided that I wanted to stamp my bird.  He has those beautiful flowers engraved into him.  I stamped in a light color (Mellow Moss) to just every so slightly bring out the colors I would airbrush (or in this case, spritz) around him.  So, I stamped the bird in mellow moss

2) Stamp another bird (I used a darker color - the ink doesn't matter) and cut him out using a good pair of paper scissors.  I used my Tombo repositionable (the green mono) to hold him in place, you want to use any type of adhesive that isn't permanent!  This bird is simply a mask, held in place while you spritz. 

3) Next ... pick up your color spritz tool and choose a marker.  I used the "lighter" of the two shades first (Really Rust and Night of Navy).  Spritz a little bit around your bird.  Reminder ... stay away from red :-)!  That probably wouldn't look sooo good spritzed on a bird. A flower ... might be okay.  Then change markers and spritz some more.  Rotate your paper when spritzing around the bird, you'll get a nice silhoutte that way.

4) When done with your spritzing, you're almost finished.  I left the bird mask in place, and inked up my En Francais background stamp in Creamy Caramel ink.  Stamp and you'll be perfectly masked for around the bird.

5)  Remove the bird ... gently brush away any residual stickiness.  Mat your layers and embellish away!  I used Chocolate Chip satin ribbon and the flowers/pearls from my Pretties kit.  I had some (retired) vintage brads in brushed pewter that completed the look.

I think the effect is really cool!  I love the colors (Cool Caribbean, Celery Green) used in Papercrafts, so I might try that next!  I'll have another fun version of this project to share ... stay posted!

 

Lily: Life's a Day at the Beach!

OMW!  I think I could have been Lily!  I swear this is *me* when I was a youngin' in a purple and green bathing suit.  I gave Lily brown hair and her swimsuit is done in purple glitter glue, just to give it that extra sparkle! What girl doesn't love sparkly?

In case you haven't spotted these .... these are new Rachelle Anne Miller stamps - available exclusively (in the US) at 7 Kids College Fund store.  I had pre-ordered these and they arrived less than two weeks later, from France :-) I thought that was impressive!   If you didn't get in on the pre-order, Tabitha does have a few in stock AND lots more on the way. 

The background is done with stipple brushes, torn paper and ink pads!  I used three shades of blue for the sea:  Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue and Tempting Turqoise.  Take scrap paper, like the kind for your printer, and tear randomly ... try to get some variation - that makes the waves!  Start at the top of your card, about 1/2 - 1 inch from the top and tap your stipple brush directly into the ink pad.  I started with ballet blue, and just pounced the ink on. Then without cleaning my brush - went to turquoise ... and again (without cleaning my brush) to the Brilliant blue pad.  I used the darkest shade the least amount and used it primarily to "hit" in the valleys to give it depth.  Once you're done with the first row, remove your copy paper.  Take another strip and move down an equal amount and start the process again!

For the water - I used "Naturals Ivory" cardstock.  This time I used the spritzer color tool and spritzed creamy caramel AND Close to Cocoa on the cardstock.  Tear, then sponge the torn edge with one of those two shades.

For Lily, she's "watercolored" using the aquapainter and the lids of ink pads.  I then *very carefully* cut her and the bucket out.  She's popped on the page with dimesional foam stickers.  The little sea shells are brads!