Thursday, November 10, 2011

A Little Gypsy Inspiration

I am going to preface this post by saying that I have been having considerable problems with Blogger this morning.  This will be my third time writing the post and adding in the links.  great, right?   I am going to attempt to post this, but if there are some things missing (like all the words), please bear with while I go back to bed and pull the covers over my head for a few hours.

The 7gypsies Design Team was asked to create something that could be used for a holiday gift.  We could make whatever we wanted and had 5 different structures to choose from.  After some thought, I picked the white 4 x 6" tray as my structure.
I had this stack of glass leftover from some thrift store picture frames (this is the point when you're probably saying, does she throw anything away?).
Anyway, I dug through the glass (very carefully) till I came up with three, 4 x 3" pieces of glass. 
Next step, clean the glass.
I used decorative scissors to cut 4 pieces of Inkssentials Memory Foil Tape per glass.
I picked up these Provo Craft scissors at Michaels for a couple bucks.  They work fine for this because they have a really small scallop.
Starting at the outside edge, wrap the foil tape around to one side.
Burnish with a bone folder or a popsicle stick.
Work your way around the glass one piece at a time.  Repeat steps on two more pieces of glass.  SO here is where you have to make a decision.  Do you want the foil tape on the front (as it is shown here) or the back of the glass?  I chose the back, so I flipped the glass over before continuing on to the next step.
Time for Alcohol Ink.
Remember to put the tip of the bottle directly onto the felt and give it a squeeze (count one, two... and that's enough ink).
Pounce and twist, pounce and twist.
Add another color and a bit of Blending Solution.  This will change the look of the all over color by making it puddle.  Really cool stuff.


I added 7gypsies metal corners to the top of each glass (and no, I didn't break even one).
Here's how I did it:
1.  add a bit of liquid glue to the inside of the corner.
2.  start tapping closed (just a bit)
3.  slip corner onto the glass and continue tapping closed.
I wasn't able to get it close it like you would on book board, but it was enough so the glass could lay almost flat on the tray.
Finished corner.  Set aside to wait for glue to dry.  (This is where I go put some laundry in to wash)
Once glue is dry I added 7gypsies colored butterfly rubbings to each of the three pieces of glass.

I picked up these 6 x 6" cork tiles from Joann's (that means only one cut per tile)
I used my craft knife to cut a 4 x 6" pieces.  They fit into the tray nice and snug, no glue needed.
Now back to the glass.  I used E-6000 to secure to the tray.
First mark the square with a pencil mark (I used the glass as a reference) so you will know how high to run the glue.
Add a bead of glue to the tray, wait 2 minutes then add the glass.
This happens to be a photo of the bottom glass but you get the drift.
And here is all three pieces of glass.  Obviously you could do any number of glass pockets or cork.  You could even paint the back of the squares with chalk board paint.
I added 7gypsies rubbings directly to the back of the tray.
Then added stickers, tags, note cards and envelopes.  Love how it turned out.
There are more Christmas project ideas over on the 7gypsies blog this week so check it out here.

cheers!
paula

15 comments:

  1. Wow! This is just lovely. And useful. The glass with the alcohol ink is something I need to try. Very cool idea and wonderful execution. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow that is beautiful! I seen these the other day in Hobby Lobby and just kinda walked by, I was in a hurry, but man I want to go back and get one now!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is so beautiful Paula!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this! Someone is going to be very happy when they unwrap it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very beautiful! Just a question: do you seal the rubbon in any way? or just as it is? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful, creative, and useful! TFS!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my that is just gorgeous, I love it. Will be making this for sure. Thanks for sharing this technique.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is FABULOUS! Love every.thing about it.

    So...are you coming to St Pete to visit Whim So Doodle any time soon?!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is an amazing project - love it! And, if I did make it, I would NEVER give it away!!! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow- just gorgeous and love the techniques you shared. Never thought about the cork and using glass -

    ReplyDelete
  11. veronica asked about sealing the rubbing.
    I did not seal it. The 7gypsies colored rubbings are nice a thick so I wasn't worried that it would come off the glass.
    hope that helps!
    paula

    ReplyDelete
  12. Paula, I don't know how you think of all these things but once again you have created a beautiful project. Thanks for the great demo.
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  13. Totally fabulous project! I love, love, love it! I wish I had half of your creativity. Thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sooo Gorgeous !!
    Love Elna
    South-Africa

    ReplyDelete