More Fun Tutorials: My Creative Scoop, Creative Smiles, and Ink On My Fingers

Hey, Crafters!

Here are some more fun blogs with creative tutorials!

1.  Mindy Baxter of My Creative Scoop!  If you are like me, you can always use help coloring with Copics.  In her fabulous step-by-step tutorial, Mindy shows you How To Color Grass.  If only my grass could look like hers!

Isn't this just too cute?

Pay Mindy a visit, give it a try!

Come back here and post your project in our Never-ending challenge!

2.  Donna Ellis of Creative Smiles!   Donna's fabulous Butterfly Flutter design is just off the chain.  I love tall cards, I love creative die designs and I love this project!  The tutorial is cogent and beautifully photographed.  

Lovely work and the palette is simply stunning!

3.  Billie, over at Ink On My Fingers, is one of my favorite designers.  Her designs are creative and fun!   Billie usually spotlights interesting techniques and this week she created a fabulous fall scene using the Masking Technique.   If you did not know differently, you would think it is a single stamped image.   Great Job, Billie!

I really thought the leaves and the ant were one stamp!

Stop by and leave a little love on the blogs of these wonderful designers!  Thank them for sharing their talent and inspiring us all!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Flower Petal Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

It has been a while since I updated this blog.  Illness and prior crafting commitments overwhelmed me and I had to take a break.  I am back now and the first thing I want to share is as link to Bonnie Garby's " Make Time To Craft" blog.    Bonnie is the owner of Really Reasonable Ribbon and she always has wonderful project ideas for creating unique designs.  Click the link and watch!

Kanzahi Video Tutorial - Create A Petal

Double-Embossing - A Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Folks!

I have been super busy this summer!   I was invited to be a Guest Blogger for ClearSnap®.  I am a long-time fan of the company and their inks were the first I ever used back when I began creating stationery.

Double-embossing is a technique I used to create a tutorial for the ClearSnap Blog.   I am sure there is another name for it, but I wanted to do something different and decided it would be fun to mix wet (heat) embossing with dry (embossing folders) embossing to create visual interest.

The process is simple.  If you are new to crafting, embossing is easy to learn.  For seasoned crafters, it is something you already know.  This tutorial  is to help you think differently about ways to use embossing techniques to enhance your creations.  

I find it more economical to create my own "faux" metallics with embossing.    ClearSnap® Copper Embossing Powder is my favorite.

This is a fun way to create visual interest and maintain a CAS design!  For this fun quilted design, I used ClearSnap® Silver Embossing Powder and We Are Memory Keepers' Next Level "Quilted" Embossing Folder.

To create a different visual on this card, I simply changed the direction of my embossing folder.   I created a fun detail on my word bubble by wet embossing the edges. 

I hope you will give this technique a try!  I would love to see your results!

Hugz,

Chana

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DIY - A New Life for some Old Jeans - The Miller's Daughter

Hello, Crafty Persons!
I have not posted here in a while and I apologize for that.  I have had a few health challenges but am feeling much better now and ready to jump off the deep end, again!  

I want to share a cute project that was created by Aurora Marco over at The Miller's Daughter.    Aurora is a legacy member of the Avenue 613 Design Team who recently had to step away to maintain balance in here creative and personal life.   Her final project with us was so creative and so adorable I wanted to share it here.   I know she would love to see how you repurpose your old jeans!
                AURORA MARCO of The Miller's Daughter

For lining this folder, I used the leg of some old jeans. I cut it open and draw around the folder for knowing the fabric that I needed. Than I prepared the fabric by adding some iron-on double side adhesive on paper carrier, like Bondaweb or whichever is the brand that you use.  This is the kind of adhesive used in patchwork for fabric appliqué.

Then I lined the folder in the same way that I would have done if I were using paper, only that I used my iron to stick it on instead of using double tape or glue.

You can find tons of fun projects on Aurora's blog!    Please stop by and leave a little love.  Remember, you can enter your project in our never ending challenge or, if you like, you can leave a link to your project in the comments section!

Hugz,

Chana  

Stencil Poinsettia

Hey, Crafty Peeps!

Thought I would drop in and share an idea!  Have you ever thought about using a stencilled image as though it were a die cut?  I do it a lot on my canvases and I have done it a lot with images created using my "old school" metal stencils but this was the first time I used a plastic stencil.

I think the results are great!   I needed a large Poinsettia and none of my dies were large enough, so I broke out my ColorBox Poinsettia Art Screen and went to work!

I used Neenah Natural White 80lb Laid Cover because the texture is canvas like and works well with chalk inks.  This paper also works well with watercolor

Supplies Used:

Stencil:  ColorBox® Art Screen, Poinsettia!  
Inks:      ColorBox® Paintbox™, Primary Colors - Pigment Inks
              ColorBox® Paintbox™, Chalk Ink - Mercantile
              ColorBox® Pigment Inks: Chamomile, Kismet
              Ann Butler Designs™for ColorBox® Crafts™Ink - Desert Sand
Embossing Folder:  WRMK, Next Level Folder - Butterfly
Tools:   ColorBox® Stylus Tool, Cotton Tipped Swabs

Visit ClearSnap® to see all the wonderful ColorBox products!

I would love to see your projects using a stencil as a die cut!  Some of the intricate stencils might be fun and create some really funky designs!

HUGZ!

CHANA

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

Challenge #8 - Color Challenge - Rusty Chairs

Hello, Crafty Folks!

This week we are tackling the old COLOR Challenge!

Draw your inspiration from this photo.  You can mix and blend the colors as you please.  

Your project can be a card, tag, altered object, scrapbook layout, or mixed media.  The purpose of this challenge is to increase your understanding of Color Theory in design.

Try to limit your neutral colors to 1 or 2

 

Turquoise  Red  Orange  Brown

MIXED MEDIA CHALLENGE TOP THREE

We only had two entries last week, but both were fabulous! 
Thanks, ladies for playing along.  I hope you will join in this week as well!
Don't forget to grab your badges!

HEATHER of MY ART JAM

DEONNA B of FOR THE LOVE OF CARDMAKING

THE MEANING OF COLOR

(excerpted from)

Understanding Color & The Meaning of Color

By Joel Lumon Black

Color meanings vary from culture to culture, and will influence the impact your design has on your targeted audience. Here is a list of a few meanings on how colors are interpreted by brands:

Color Wheel

Hue is the primary value of a color and how the color red, green, blue, purple, etc. is perceived through the eye.

Saturation of a color is the overall intensity or brightness of the color, any color that appears dull is referred to as desaturated.

Value is the lightness or darkness of overall colors schemes.

Blue: Security, Trust Worthy, Stability, Loyalty, Wisdom, Confidence, Trust, Friendliness, Preservation, Courage, Science.

Green: Wealth, Money, Calming, Trees, Ambition, Endurance, Healing, Calm, Generosity, Natural, Completion, and Protection.

Red: Energy, Power, Vigor, Leadership, Courage, Passion, Activity, Joy.

Yellow: Optimism, Childish, Freshness, Law, Education, Arrogance.

Pink: Romantic, Feminine, Love, Beauty.

Orange: Cheerful, Passion, Pleasure, Enthusiasm, Fascination, Creativity, Fun.

Black: Powerful, Mysterious, Elegance, Sophistication, Functionality. 

OTHER TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING COLOR THEORY

• Research Trends
• Read design magazines
• watch television commercial, see what colors are popular
• watch fashion trends
• Watch Tutorials
• YouTube Videos
• Design Gallery Videos and Tutorials (SCS, StampTV, etc.)
• Experiment
• Use the colors from your paper stash,.mix them up in unusual ways
• Keep a color journal with your favorite palettes

Project Specifications

Materials Used

Amber Bottle (Kevita® Sparkling Porbiotic Drink)

Designer Papers:

  Prima® Almanac Collection 6"x6" Paper Stack

  Simple Stories® Snap™ Basics 6"x6" Paper Pad

Dies:

  Sizzix® Alterations™ Alphanumeric (3/4" Tall)

  Memory Box® Open Studio™ Stitched Heart Layers

Select Your Bottle

   I Used Goo Gone and two cycles in my dishwasher to clean the bottle

I collect these bottles, so I have a supply on hand,  

You can skip the dishwasher, just make sure that no glue or other debris remains.   

 I cut my design papers down to 5".  Two sheets were required to cover the bottle.  I placed a 1/4" piece of Scor-Tape along one edge and joined the two sheets together.  I then wrapped the paper around the bottle and measured for a 1/4" inch over lap.  

Once I had the correct length, I added Scor-Tape around the edges.   

Cut your acetate circle a bit larger than your circle.  My acetate circle and my hole are the same size.  so, to hold the cover in place, I applied Scor-Tape.  I had to apply it so a litte is inside the circle.

 I played with my embellishment and other challenge colors.  I determined the position for my label and cut a hole in the paper.

 I applied a layer of Gesso to the bottle.  I made it smaller than the size of my paper.  After it dried, I applied Mod Podge to the back of my label and to the Gesso.  Gentle pressure was applied to seal.

Apply Designer Paper and Bottle Top Treatment.

I apologize for the bad photography!  I will try to get better pictures and post them later!

Thanks for stopping by!

Chana

An InLinkz Link-up

Challenge #7 - My Mixed Media Creation - Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

This is a rather lengthy tutorial, so I will keep my narrative brief!  

Today's project was inspired by a tutorial from Tammy Tutterow. 

When I reviewed the supply list, I found I did not have most of the items listed, including the 4" x 6" burlap panel.   I decided to make my own using chipboard and corrugated cardboard.  Other substitutions were made to  the paints, stains and sprays. I encourage new crafters to use what is at hand. Doing so will stimulate your creativity and extend your crafting budget. 

I enjoy fabricating elements for my projects.  Using machines to cut patterns that are simply glued or stapled together, leaves me with the nagging feeling that I have not "created" anything.  This project gave me a fun, messy, inky time. It started as a wall hanging and morphed into an easel display.

Supply List

Surfaces:

• 5 (Four)   4"x 6" light or medium weight chipboard panels.  (If you have heavyweight chipboard, use 2 pieces.)

• 2  - 4" x 6" pieces of corrugated cardboard

• DCWV 6"x6" Burlap Paper Stack

Stencils, Stamps, Dies, Inks:

• Layering Stencil (I used the Chevron from Hiedi Swapp's Mini Stencils Pattern Set)

• Dies:  Lattice Frameworks, Mini Tattered Florals, Sizzix Mini Bird and Cage Set, Base Tray (Movers and Shakers) 

• Distress Ink: Vintage Photo, Broken China, Bundled Sage

• Stains: Dylusion (Cut Grass, Cherry Pie); Adirondack Butterscotch Color Wash

• Homemade Distress Stain Sprays: Picket Fence, Fired Brick, Bundled Sage, Vintage Photo

Mediums, Embellishments and Tools:

• Mediums: Gesso, Luminarte Twinking H2O, Mod Podge, Aleene's Matte Sealer

• Embellishments: Mini Cabinet Cards (I fabricated my own), Paper Clips, Crinkle Ribbon, Prima Flower Elements #11, Prima Wood Elements - Romance Novel,  K&Company Life Jou Metal Art Keys

• Tools:  Cradt Sheet, Heat Tool, Ink Blending Tool, Sanding Tool, Stapler or Tiny Attacher, Die Pick, Misters, Palette Knife or Paint Scraper,  Cut and dry foam (I used make-up wedges), Big Shot or other Die Cutting Machine.

• Misc:  Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive, foam dots.

Fabricate Burlap Panel:

Glue 4 chipboard pieces together (1+1) to form the front and back of the sandwich.  Glue the two pieces of corrugated cardboard together to form the center of the sandwich.

Assemble the sandwich as shown above.  Your sandwich should measure approximately 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch wide.  Cut two chipboard strips to match the length and width of your sandwich.  These will be used as end pieces to cover the top and bottom.

 Remove one sheet of Burlap paper.  If you use burlap fabric instead of paper, cut your burlap so that it measures 6" x 8".

 Brush Mod Podge on the front of the panel and place in the center of the paper.  Apply even and steady pressure.  Turn over and smooth any wrinkles with a bone folder or ruler.

 Apply glue to the edges of the sandwich and use staples to secure the fabric.  I used a vice to hold in place until glue was dry.  It is not ncessary to do this.  I am just a little OCD.

Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the back of the panel and adhere the last 4"x6" piece of chipboard.

Cover the back panel with Gesso.  Allow to Dry.

 Use a palette knife or paint scraper to apply Gesso to the front of the panel. 

 Apply a final thin coat of Gesso to the front and sides of the panel.  Allow the panel to dry.

Create your desired background using inks, stains, sprays and stencils.  When satisfied, apply two coats of  Aleene's Matte Sealant.  Allow 15 minutes between coats.

LATTICE, FLOWERS, CABINET CARD

Cut a strip of manilla cardstock the width of the Framework Die and twice as long.   
Fold the strip in half and place the fold on the die just below the first cutting row.  This will give you and extended strip.

I did not have my fold down far enough and that caused the open design in the middle.  fortunately, it is covered up in this project.

Sponge Bundled Sage Distress ink over the Die Cut. While the distress ink was still moist, I used my finger to rub on LuminArte Sunflower for shimmer.  Dry with heat tool.  You can substitue TH Distress Glitter for the LuminArte.  My edges are not distressed, but if you want to distress yours, use your blending tool to apply TH Vintage Photos Ink to the edges of your lattice.

Die Cut Six Fabric Flowers.

Die Cut Six Fabric Flowers.  Or substitute paper flowers.  I die cut six red burlap flowers
 and used four Prima printed fabric flowers from my stash.

Straighten two small paper clips (or use TH Gem Clips).  Stack flowers as desired, insert end of clip through the fllower stack.  bend the end of the gem clip to form a loop making sure there is enough wire at the end of the loop to twist uderneath.  Place gem in the center of the flower.
Cover gem with Delmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.  Set aside and allow to dry.

CABINET CARD/FRAME

Determine the size for your cabine frame or use the small TH Cabinet Frame.

Paint and stamp as desired.

Assemble elements and do a mock up before adhering to Burlap panel.

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