Challenge #10 - Creating Stationery Ensembles

Hello, Crafty Folks!

THIS CHALLENGE WILL END ON
APRIL 4, 2016

I love creating Stationery ensembles as gifts for friends and family.  I think what I enjoy most is personalizing the sets.  We all enjoy seeing our names displayed (maybe not in lights) but personalized stationery does makes a statement.

As always, I will have a link at the bottom of this page to share your projects, if you like.  This is a information blog and I hope you will find articles and projects that will both inspire and educate. 
The challenges are just for fun and inspiration.

This ensemble was create for my Sister-In-Law

HOW IT WAS DONE

Materials:

6 oz nut can (or other canister)

Empty corrugated cardboard box

Americana® Decor™ Chalky Finish - Serene

DecoArt® Dazzling Metallics - Glorious Gold and Splendid Gold

Americana® Decor™ Créme Wax (Clear)

Americana® DuraClear™ Matte Varnish

Text Weight Stationery Sheets - (or a collection of your handmade Cards, ATCs, and Tags)

Designer Papers:  I used Graphic 45 Gilded Lilly (you will need the sticker sheet)

Tissue paper

Alterations Box Corners

Misc. metal embellishments.

ONE: Box Preparation

I am a big fan of repurposing.  Two of my Ranger Inks Distress Kits was shipped this way.  I held on to them for stationery ensembles.  Your box can be any size or shape.

I painted the lid, allowed it to dry, and then applied a coat of Decou-Page™

I crumpled a piece of light green tissue paper, opened it and applied to the still wet Decou-Page™

Using an Emery board, I removed the excess tissue. This method also works on canvases.

You get a very clean edge!

My goal was to create a lid that resembled old slightly cracked marble. I played around with the paint job until I arrived at a result closest to my vision.  I sealed this with both wax and varnish.

THE CANDY CANISTER

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL

(IN THE TUTORIAL, I COVER THE CANISTER WITH DP.  IN THIS PROJECT,  I PAINTED THE CANISTER AND APPLIED GILDED LILLY STICKERS.

THE VASE

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL

I hope some of you will get a chance to create your own ensemble.  Remember, you can enter projects until the end of the year.

THIS CHALLENGE WILL END ON
APRIL 4TH  but the link up will be available until the end of the year.

An InLinkz Link-up

Challenge #9 - The Quaker Oat Box Challenge - Repurpose A Cardboard Food Container

Hello, Crafters!

Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2016 begins at 2:00 AM on

Sunday, March 13

Repurposing is a great way to help save our environment.
  This challenge to both beginner and seasoned crafters, is:
Create a project using a Quaker Oats Canister or any cardboard food container.
This Challenge runs for two weeks

March 7th - March 20th

 

I realize not everyone will have a quaker canister, so, feel free to use any cardboard food container.   I am going to use a Quaker Oats Canister for my project and will post it here when it is done.  At this point, I think I am going to create a holder for my tea light candles.

Here is a list of supplies you will probably need to complete your project:

Gesso 

Chalk, Milk, or Acrylic Paint

Mod Podge® or some other Decoupage Glue

Decoupage Paper or Designer Papers

Wax or some other Sealant (you can use Mod Podge, if you prefer)

One key to repurposing is to have a clear idea of the new purpose of your canister.

Another important element is identifying a theme and building your design around it.  For instance, I think my tea light holder will live in my dining room, so I am looking at colors, papers, embellishments, etc., that will work well with the decor in that room.    

If you are creating a gift, take into account the personality of the recipient and, of course, the occasion.  And, finally, you must make sure that your creation will be durable, so construction is very important.  I always reinforce the bottom of my canisters by adding a piece of heavy duty chipboard or  corrugated cardboard. 
BE CREATIVE AND THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

HERE ARE LINKS TO A COUPLE OF FOOD CONTAINERS PROJECTS
HOPE IT PROVIDES SOME INSPIRATION.
CARDBOARD CANDY CANISTERS
REPURPOSED QUAKER OATS BOX 

Lighting the Shabbos Candles was my first Mitzvot observance.  

When a Jewish woman lights her candles and welcomes Shabbos into her home, she ignites the spiritual light that will guide her family, not only through Shabbos, but also through the ensuing week.

I created this project to hold the tea light candles that I use to welcome the Shabbos Angel.

The silhouette represents the Jewish woman who safeguards the spiritual integrity of her family.

The clock represents Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

The matchbox fulfills the Mitzvos to use beautiful things to honor HaShem and the beauty of the Shabbos Commandment given to the Jewish people.

The Step Tutorial will post to my blog on Saturday.
This project was completed in my capacity as a blogger for DecoArt®.  All paint and decoupage products used were provided free of charge by DecoArt®

An InLinkz Link-up