Sunday 30 June 2013

A Gift Box by Gerry van Gent



Happy Sunday Sizzix friends!
Today I want to share with you a gift box
which I created using a few new Sizzix dies.

657900 Sizzix Big Shot Machine
658520 Sizzix Sizzlits Dec. Strip Die Sew Cute
658521 Sizzix Sizzlits Dec. Strip Die Venice
658524 Sizzix Bigz Die Classique
658526 Sizzix Bigz Die Elisse 
657524 Sizzix Sizzlits Die Set Card Phrases Set #3

This is what I did to make the gift box

1. Die Cut the bigger label 8 times:
- 4 times using corrugated cardstock
- 4 times using pattern paper

2. Attach the labels to one another by using 
double-sided tape.

3. Cut out of corrugated cardstock a square
 (approx. 7cm x 7cm) to use as a bottom.

4. Begin decorating the sides of the box:
- use flowers, cut outs, embellishments
- add the die-cut swirls, phrase, heart button, 
- add twine "handle" and decorate it with a 
die-cut heart border.

I also die cut the smaller size labels and add to 
two of the sides of the gift box.
Once again I die cut them from corrugated 
cardstock and pattern paper.


OTHER PRODUCTS I USED:
Prima Marketing - "Fairy Belle" collection
Prima Marketing - flowers
Ingvild Bolme - Jeans Buttons vintage trinkets
Ingvild Bolme - Bird Homes resin

*  *  *
I hope you enjoyed my project today!
Have a great Sunday!
Gerry

Saturday 29 June 2013

Floating banner card


Hello!

I am back with a floating card, one of my favourites effects using acetate for that effect.

For this card you will need:
657900 Sizzix Big Shot Machine Only
658293 Sizzix Framelits Die Set 2PK w/Stamps - Labels, Flourish
658297 Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 2PK - Banner & Flowers Set
658607 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 13PK - Flowers, Intricate


The above embossing folders match the die set, also is worth notting the Lovely flowers match the embossing folder that come with the Banner folder.


You can see here, on the left, how it works. I die cut the largest banner and then embossed using the banner texture embossing folder.


Because it matches the die it has anice framing effect. Then I added some solour by using distress inks.


 I then die cut the flourish, I was only interested on the centre of the die, because it matches perfectly the inside of the embossed banner. This is great because I usually get unwanted distress in the centre and this way I can perfectly cover it up.


I attached the banner to the front of a folded acetate card - just a piece of acetate folded in half and then trim to the desired size. I die cut another white banner and attached it to tje inside of the folded acetate card. Finally I added the sentiment and a flower I made using the Intricate Flowers framelit set.


I hope you like it!

Jolly Santa Tag



Hi there! It's Rachel here from a cold and rainy Australia... perfect weather for crafting! I know Christmas is a few months away but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas cards! Especially if you have lots to make!

Today I'm sharing a project created by Marjie Kemper who is on the Darkroom Door Creative Team. Marjie has used the Sizzix Tags & Bookplate die as the main element to work on for her tag:

KemperSanta07072013


Marjie used the Darkroom Door Jolly Santa Collage stamp and the Sizzix Snow Flurries texture fade to create this wintery tag. The tag was cut from white cardstock using the Sizzix Tag & Bookplates die. Next she added texture with the Snow Flurries texture fade, running it through the machine twice to cover the entire tag.

DSC03434

She stamped the Jolly Santa and added some of the Snow Flurries around the edges by carefully positioning the stamped image in the Texture Fade, one snowflake at a time.

DSC03436

Here the reverse side ~ she ended up with Snow Flurries just around the Santa image, and not on top of him.

DSC03439

Layers of Distress Inks build up the background.

DSC03453

Marjie used Distress Markers to color Santa and his bag. Some twine and plastic snowflake bits finish it off.  

Darkroom Door Products used:
Jolly Santa Collage Stamp

Sizzix Products used:
656938 - Tag & Bookplates Die 
656944 - Snow Flurries Texture Fade

The Snow Flurries Texture Fade is no longer sold in the UK, so if you don't already have this in your stash, you could try using either of these as an alternative:



I hope this has inspired you to get started on your Christmas projects soon :) 

Happy stamping!

Friday 28 June 2013

What to do with cut-out leftovers?


Hi, here I am again :)
What to do with cut-out leftovers? don't throw the away for sure!!! They are just perfect for layering, little elements on your cards or tags, extra texture on your bigger projects... or  as a mixed-media background base on your journal page!

I usually  have a lot of leftovers on my desk - and it is quite natural for me to find them proper place to "shine" - from time to time I simply glue them on the pages of my journal and cover them with gel or gesso - just like I did on the page below. 



Pieces of paper, different designs mixed together get the new, unified look under the cot of gesso. They create simple, beautiful background to play on. All you need to add is some dimensional elements (why not some more leftovers? fabric? masking tape? chipboard? MORE CUT-OUTS???) and some color...



In the end - the finishing touches: hand journaling, stamping, some embellishments and a journal page is ready - how simple is that?



Here is the list of the dies which were used to create this page. Please note - These were random pieces I found on mu desk after finishing other projects!
- 657996 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Card, Scallop Circle Insert
- 658506 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Vintage Doily
- 658947 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Doily & Doily Border
- 659110 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 5PK - For the Record 2, Tailored
- 659109 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK - For the Record 2, Documented

All the stamps, canvas sheet and metal embellishments are new, coming releases of my products with Prima Marketing - Mechanicals (metal), Vintage Vanity and Elementals.

See you soon - I wish you all great, sunny weekend!
xoxoox
Finn 

“My Favorite Photo” Mini Album by Anna Draicchio


Hello! A new rendez vous with Anna. This is a super simple tutorial to create a customised coloured background that could be used for cover of mini album, layouts or cards.
I make a minialbum for a young bride. It is very easy to put together!

cafe creativo - Anna Drai - big shot sizzix - mini album (1)

Items used:

Big Shot Machine (657900)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/Stamps - Flowers, Daisies (657916)
Sizzix Bigz Die - Elisse by Prima Marketing Inc. (658526)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK - Circles, Scallop (657552)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK - Circles (657551)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/Stamps – Banners (658289)

cardstock: white, light pink
patterned paper
color mist: glimmer mist Tattered Angels
ink,  acrylic block
washi tape
bakery twine pink and white
notebook paper
paper doily
sequins
sewing machine, yarn

How to make:

To begin, take a rectangle of white cardstock (A4) and place some stamps of Framelits kit on the paper.
Take a bottle of mist and liberally spray all over the card stock. The stamps can be easily cleaned up with baby wipes or water. Carefully, pull the stamps back off the paper and clean them.

cafe creativo - Anna Drai - big shot sizzix - mini album (2)

After the mist dries, take the same stamps and place on your acrylic block and stamp the actual image into the negative area that was misted. For a mini album, you could embellish the cover, add a title and be done!
The cover of my mini is attached to the pages with twine. I used a needle to thread the twine through the holes and tied the twine into a bow.

cafe creativo - Anna Drai - big shot sizzix - mini album (3)
cafe creativo - Anna Drai - big shot sizzix - mini album (4)

This was a really quick and easy way to make a lovely little minibook.

cafe creativo - Anna Drai - big shot sizzix - mini album (5)

Thanks for stopping by!
I wish you all a great and inspiring weekend!

**************************************
Flag_of_Italy Per le amiche italiane! :)
Ciao!
Ecco un nuovo appuntamento con Anna. Oggi vi mostro un minialbum dove ho usato alcuni prodotti Sizzix, anche in modo un po' inusuale. L'album/quaderno l'ho realizzato per una giovane sposa, affinchè possa inserire ricordi, poesie, foto del suo matrimonio o del viaggio di nozze.
Vediamo come ho fatto...

Materiali

Big Shot Machine (657900)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/Stamps - Flowers, Daisies (657916)
Sizzix Bigz Die - Elisse by Prima Marketing Inc. (658526)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK - Circles, Scallop (657552)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK - Circles (657551)
Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/Stamps – Banners (658289)
cartoncino: bianco, rosa chiaro
carta patterned
colore a spruzzo
inchiostro, blocco acrilico per timbri
washi tape
spago bicolore rosa e bianco
pagine di schedari, notes
centrini di carta
paillettes
macchina per cucire, filo

Procedimento

1- Per cominciare, prendere un rettangolo di cartoncino bianco (mis A4), piegarlo a metà e disporre i timbri del set Framelits sulla carta.
2- Prendere l'inchiostro mist e spruzzare sul cartoncino. Togliere i timbri dal foglio con cura e pulirli. I timbri possono essere puliti con salviette o acqua e sapone. Non preoccupatevi se assorberanno il colore, è solo una questione estetica, perchè una volta puliti non rilasceranno più l'inchiostro.
3- Una volta asciugato il colore, usando le stesse sagome di timbri, posizionatele sul blocco acrilico e timbrare nella zona in negativo rimasta vuota.
4- Decorare la copertina con altre sagome di fiori e cerchi fustellati e cuciti. Raddoppiare la copertina cucendo a zig zag lungo i bordi un altro foglio A4. Finire di abbellire con centrino di carta, cerchio, washi tape e titolo.
5- Scegliere alcuni fogli differenti: carte fantasia, pagine di vecchi libri, notes, centrini di carta... di dimensione massima di un A4. Sistemarli uno sopra l'altro al centro della copertina.
6- Fare due fori con un grosso ago al centro per rilegare con un cordoncino bicolore.
7- Piegare a metà il mini album e decorare l'interno a piacere con altre sagome tagliate con la vostra Big Shot.

Fatemi sapere se provate a farlo anche voi!
Alla prossima :)

Thursday 27 June 2013

Master Chef in training



Well the title might be a bit ambitious but - I love baking with my grandchildren - although it is often quite a messy process - so I decided to make an apron

As you can see the apron was for her, not me!

I used a commercial pattern and cut 2 layers of just the front of the dress, a double layer of fabric would be more protection for her, and meant that I didn't need to stitch narrow hems.
I used one of my favourite Bigz dies for decoration - 657694 the owl, and for simplicity I only used 3 fabrics - one for the body and hearts, one for the beak, feet and wings and white for the eyes.
I applied fusible web to the back of the fabrics before cutting the shapes.
Then it was so quick to position all the pieces and stitch in place.
I pinned ribbons at the shoulder and armhole edges before pinning the 2 apron pieces right sides together. I used a 1/4" seam, with half of the lower edge left open for turning the right side out.
I then pressed and top stitched all the way round, and added a few buttons for fun.
The whole project only took a couple of hours and here if the finished apron  about to be used.

It's a good job I used cotton fabric because I think this will be in the wash quite a lot!
Now I just have to make another one for her big sister, and then maybe for my grandsons -maybe not such a quick make!
But it's made us all smile - and I'll soon be taking some delicious chocolate fork biscuits out of the oven.
That's what I call a good afternoon's work.
Angela.
 

Creating a card with scratch paper by Janna Werner.

Hello there, this is Janna. Today I´d like to show you a way of incorporating scratch paper onto a card.


Material list:
658300 Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (machine + butterfly die)
658363 Sizzix Framelits Labely, Wavy
657846 Sizzix Texture Fades Bubble & Honeycomb
cardstock: Tchibo, Stampin´Up
stamps: Hero Arts, Stampin´Up, Glitz Design
mask: Kesi´Art
sprays: Ranger Ink, Heidi Swapp
other: scratch paper, masking tape, liquid pearls (Ranger Ink), brush, modelling paste, sewing machine, ink


I had these two scratch papers lying on my desk - I used them for mixing Gelatos with water and testing sprays. In addition, I added pencil lines and masking tape, then I stamped different images on top of the paint application.


Afterwards I applied modelling paste, using a butterfly mask. This creates texture and depth. You could also mix the modelling with paints to create an even more colorful look.


I cut different shapes out of the scratch paper and cut a butterfly out of black cardstock. I embossed the butterfly with a bubble pattern to add more structure and details.


When layering the different pieces, I added a piece of vellum between the two papers to reduce the intensity of the first layer. Then I applied stitches with a sewing machine to create a shabby and artsy look which fits the scratch paper.


The last step was to add the details: a stamp and 3dimensional drops - I used liquid pearls for that, but you could also use small pearls or rhinestones, for example.

I hope you enjoyed today´s inspiration. I´ll see you next thursday for a new Sizzix project - meanwhile you might enjoy browsing my other papercrafting projetcs as well, like cards, scrapbooking pages, gift wrappings or wall decoration.

Take care,
Janna

*****

Hallo, hier ist Janna. Heute möchte ich euch eine Möglichkeit zeigen, wie ihr Schmierpapier zur Herstellung von Karten verwenden könnt.

Materialliste:
658300 Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (machine + butterfly die)
658363 Sizzix Framelits Labely, Wavy
657846 Sizzix Texture Fades Bubble & Honeycomb
Cardstock: Tchibo, Stampin´Up
Stempel: Hero Arts, Stampin´Up, Glitz Design
Schablone: Kesi´Art
Sprays: Ranger Ink, Heidi Swapp
Anderes: Schmierpapier, masking tape, liquid pearls (Ranger Ink), Pinsel, Spachtelmasse, Nähmaschine, Stempelfarbe

Ich hatte zwei Schmierpapiere auf meinem Tisch liegen, die ich zum Mischen von Gelatos und Testen von Sprays verwendet habe. Zusätzlich habe ich noch Bleistiftlinien aufgezeichnet, Masking Tape aufgeklebt und dann mit unterschiedlichen Motiven gestempelt.

Danach habe ich Spachtelmasse auf eine Schmetterlings-Schablone aufgetragen, dadurch entsteht Textur und Tiefe. Die Spachtelmasse kann man auch mit Farben mischen, dann wird der Farbauftrag noch bunter.

Aus dem Papier habe ich dann verschiedene Formen ausgestanzt, außerdem habe ich einen Schmetterling aus schwarzem Cardstock gestanzt und diesen mit einem Bubble-Muster embossed. So erhält die Karte mehr Struktur und Details.

Beim Stapeln der einzelnen Schichten habe ich eine Lage Vellum zwischengeschoben. So wird die Intensität des unteren Papiers abgemildert. Anschließend habe ich mit der Nähmaschine um die Karte herum genäht, um den shabby und artsy Look zu unterstreichen.

Zum Schluß habe ich noch ein paar Details hinzugefügt: einen Stempelabdruck und 3D Punkte - dafür habe ich Liquid Pearls verwendet, man kann z.B. aber auch Perlen oder Glitzersteine nehmen.

Ich hoffe, euch hat die heutige Inspiration gefallen. Wir sehen uns dann nächsten Donnerstag wieder, mit einem neuen Sizzix-Projekt. Währenddessen könnt ihr ja mal einen Blick auf meine anderen Papier-Werke wie Karten, Scrapbooking-Seiten, Geschenkverpackungen oder Home Dekor werfen. Viel Spaß :)


Macht´s gut,
Janna

Morocco mini book



Hello,

Today let me show you a summer and oriental album that I will teach in workshops during this first semester! Colour, textures and embossing!

Supply list:

Papers: Glitz Design
Alphabets: Jenni Bowlin Studio
Stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studio
Wood accents: Pause Créative, Sodalicious
Black Versafine ink
Adirondack inks: Watermelon, Sunshine Yellow
Others: Tags, cord

Here are the references for my pretty hexagons embossing folder, a very trendy pattern nowadays, and of my Bohemia embossing folder which is just perfect for the theme of my album: Morocco.

657900 Sizzix Big Shot Machine
657814 Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 2PK/Free Spirit Floral Set
657817 Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 2PK/Moroccan Daydreams Set

I used two Sizzix dies on my page that really were the main thread of my album and my source of inspiration!

Let’s start with embossing my white paper with the help of my Big Shot. Then I added colours to my background with a cut’n dry piece and my favourite inks (pink & yellow Adirondack).

I cut out each hexagon pattern, even the incomplete pieces, and I partially rebuilt the whole pattern on my background. The edges are underlined with a thin-tipped black pen to make the whole pattern stand out.

The rendering is cool, isn’t it? It brings volume and contrast to my creation which now is one of my favourite!

I used the same technique for the second folder. The patterns will be used along my pictures.







I hope that with this album you will feel like taking out your summer pictures and working on the embossing technique!

Have a nice day

Karine

Bonjour,

Aujourd'hui je vous présente un mini album estival et oriental que je donnerai en atelier au cours des 6 premiers mois ! De la couleur, des textures et de l'embossage !

Matériel :

Papiers : Glitz Design
Alphabets : Jenni Bowlin Studio
Autocollants : Jenni Bowlin Studio
Embellissements en bois : Pause Créative, Sodalicious
Encre Versafine noire
Encre Adirondack : Watermelon, Sunshine Yellow
Divers : Tags, cordelette

Voici les références de ma jolie plaque à embosser hexagones, un motif résolument tendance en ce moment et ma plaque à embosser Bohémia juste parfaite pour un album marocain.

657900 Sizzix Big Shot Machine
657814 Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 2PK/Free Spirit Floral Set
657817 Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 2PK/Moroccan Daydreams Set

J'ai utilisé deux dies Sizzix sur ma page mais je dois dire qu'ils ont été le fin conducteur de mon mini et réellement ma source d'inspiration !

J'ai commencé par embosser mon papier blanc à l'aide de ma big shot, puis avec mes encres préférées (Adirondack jaune et rose ) j'ai coloré mon fond à l'aide d'un morceau de cut' n dry.

J'ai ensuite découpé chaque hexagone, même les morceaux coupés et j'ai reconstitué partiellement mon motif sur mon fond de page. L'extérieur est souligné grâce à un stylo noir fin qui permet de faire ressortir l'ensemble.

L'effet est très sympa, vous ne trouvez pas ? Il apporte relief et contraste à ma création qui fait partie à ce jour de mes pages préférées !

La seconde plaque est travaillée selon la même technique, elle est envisagée en continuité de mes photos.

J'espère que ce mini vous donnera envie de ressortir vos photos estivales et de travailler l'embossage !

Bonne journée


Karine

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Card



Hi All!

Daria is here. Today I have a card to share with you. 

Items used:
Big Shot Machine (655268)

To create this card I used one of my favorites dies set - Banners #2. I cut a few banners from different papers and glued them to the card. After this I sew the banners using sewing machine. Then I added some paints and sprays to make my card more colourful.
I cut a flower using Tattered Flower Garland and placed this flower to the cap.

Have a nice day,
Daria.

Всем привет!

Сегодня я открыточкой, на которой оторвалась немного с красками и спреями, и конечно не обошлось без ножей. В этой открытке я использовала один из своих любимых наборов ножей - Banners #2. Вырезала разных флажков, приклеила их к основе, затем прошила на машинке. Приклеила остальные элементы и как следует забрызгала всё красками и спреями. :) Внутрь крышки я поместила цветок вырезанный ножом Tattered Flower Garland, а сверху приклеила пластиковый цветочек.

Материалы Sizzix:
Big Shot Machine (655268)

Хорошего дня!


Tuesday 25 June 2013

So Much More Than Paper...


Today I want to share with you some home decor ideas using the new Big Shot Starter Kit. It is so easy to forget that as useful as the Big Shot is for creating cards and scrapbook layouts, it is capable of creating so much more...my ideas are relatively simple and I am certainly not an expert when it comes to stitching but that goes to show that if I can achieve projects like this then anyone can!



 The heart used here to decorate the cotton reel was cut out of an old cork tile, I thought it may struggle going through the Big Shot but I needn't of worried!



Butterfly Frames are all over the high street and this one uses the Butterfly from the Bigz die in the Starter Kit which is a really useful size and gorgeous shape. I have cut out 9 different materials including cork, craft metal, fabric, sandpaper, thick felt, marquetry wood, tissue paper and leather.


To create this simple appliquéd cushion couldn't be easier. Attach iron on adhesive to the reverse of your chosen fabric and then using the Bigz die in the Starter Kit cut out a series of hearts. Peel off the backing and then use the iron to secure into position as shown above. Leave one space empty and simply draw around a die-cut heart shape with a light pencil mark. 


Fill the inside of your drawn heart shape with different sized buttons sewn on with neutral coloured thread.
I have created a very random running stitch, deliberately (honestly!) inaccurate around the perimeter of each heart shape using a deep yellow thread. Obviously all of these items can be created in colours to suit your home, maybe use remnants of curtain fabric that you have or scraps of left over wallpaper to tie the items in with your home.

I really hope that you like my ideas, have fun crafting!