Monday, October 12, 2015

Christmas Inspiration: Feathered Wings

I was so inspired by Emma's post from the Christmas Inspiration series, that I thought I might explore the Feathered Wings die a little more in depth today.
The Feathered Wings die is a Bigz L die, which means it is a 6 x 9" steel-rule die that can cut through chipboard, fabric, felt, leather, etc.  I ran the die using plain chipboard to show you a few ideas:
The die cuts 10 pieces or 5 sets of wings for layering.
This is what the die will look like once all the layers are glued together (about 3 1/2" long).
However, there are variations you can make to easily change up the die. For instance, only using some of the layers  - here I removed the top two layers leaving a more streamline pair of wings.
Or you can remove the largest wings to create a shorter set (it's about 1/2" shorter without the longest layer). 
Now that we know the ins and outs of the wings - lets talk color and texture!  I have created a variety of Feathered Wings that will just scratch the surface of what can be done with this die.  I've listed the products used at the beginning of each one as well as some tips for certain techniques.

 Fig. 1 - Ranger gold paint + Ground Espresso Distress Ink

Once the paint is dry, sand and ink the edges.
I like to bend each piece so that the wings becomes curved.  Can you use the wings flat? of course.  But if you're like me, you like a little dimension and definition.  This technique works best with heavy cardstock or chipboard...surfaces that will keep their shape after the bend.


Fig. 2 - Ranger Pearl Metallic paint + Ranger foil sheets (vintage colors)

 
Pearl Metallic paint has been around for a long time but I really just discovered it this year.   It looks white in the bottle, but don't let that fool you.  The highly reflective color makes a great first layer for the wings.
You are probably wondering why I've pulled out the Foil Sheets...well a long time ago I found that you can get foil to stick to a painted surface with a very simple (and cheap) adhesive...glue stick.
If you randomly add glue stick over the surface, then burnish the foil with your fingers...the foil will sick to the glue.
When you peel the foil away, you are left with random pieces of foil on the surface of the wings.  I used the light blue foil over the Pearl Metallic paint for a wintry effect.

 Fig. 3 - Core'dinations Kraft-core Metallic cardstock
This one is super simple - Metallic Kraft-Core (I LOVE this stuff).  It is metallic on the front and kraft on the back.  You can sand it to reveal the Kraft core for a distress look or leave as is.
For the wings that I created, I crumbled the cardstock in a ball and then unfolded it and flattened it out for cutting.
After you run the die, choose how many layers you want and glue them together.  Just that simple.  This would be an easy way to make multiple Christmas cards with wings!
  
Fig. 4  - Antique Linen Distress Glitter
I wanted to show here that even using the just the largest layer, the wings can still be stunning.  The photo does not do this glitter texture justice.
 Fig. 5 - Distress Glitter Dust in Vintage Platinum
Loving the new Tim Holtz Distress Glitter Dust that was released last week from Ranger.  It really is the PERFECT color of glitter for Christmas.
Some hints to using the glitter: I always paint the chipboard before adding any type glitter.  I also apply a thin layer of Glossy Accents with my fingertip to adhere the glitter (it's a great glue to keep everything in place).
 Fig. 6 - cotton batting
The beauty of a steel rule die is it can cut many different thicknesses and textures - like fabric, felt or cotton batting.  It might not be the first texture you think to cut but in the right project or card, the fabric wings could be just right.

My tip here is to use white glue (I like Scotch Quick Dry) to adhere the layers together.  You only need a bit so squeeze the glue out on your craft mat, then add it sparingly with your fingertip. 
 Fig. 7 - Ranger Metal Foil Tape + riveted metal texture folder
Steampunk anyone?  I had to try it!  These came out even better than I thought they would.

I adhered the Metal Foil Tape on chipboard, then ran the die.  I painted them with Ground Espresso, rubbing the paint into the creases and wiping away the excess.  Once dry, I added a little Weathered Wood and repeated the technique.
Once the Weathered Wood paint was dry, I pounced over the wings with Mushroom Alcohol Ink.  Then finished them off by lightly sanding the edges with my Sanding Grip.
I hope you have caught the vision of the Feathered Wings die!  There are still so many ways to change up this die - I haven't even touched on Embossing Powder, texture paste, or Perfect Pearls!
Remember, to check Tim's blog daily for continued Christmas inspiration from other wonderful designers that have created projects using the seasonal products!
now carry on,
paula


62 comments:

  1. Love all your examples! They are fabulous! Really I can't choice!!! I adore all! This die is absolutely beautiful and your ideas fantastic!! Barbarayaya

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  2. What a fabulous post! So many ideas, so many different looks and all with this one die (which I don' have but am now going to order).
    Thank you so much for giving us all this inspiration - my mind is running on overtime now - just got to make lots of these - wow ... can't wait. Angels, birds etc etc here I come.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  3. I really didn't think I needed this gorgeous wings die but after seeing all the lovely techniques you have used to such wonderful effect, I think I'm changing my mind!! A fabulous post Paula x

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  4. these are beautiful ... simply totally beautiful!!!

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  5. Who knew you could have such an amazing assortment of wings ... these are awesome ... jaw dropping actually ! I like ALL of them ... the technique tutorial is awesome... don't know which ones I like the best but you sure make me want to try them all. I don't have wings ... I might need these feathered wings ... OMG !!

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  6. All of these wings are gorgeous! Thank you for all of the ideas.

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  7. Addin ths die to my listof must haves! All of the wings are stunningly gorgeous, Paula.

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  8. Your tutorial is fantastic Paula! I didn't think I needed the wings ...WRONG! You've inspired me. :)

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  9. Beautiful Paula and great inspiration!

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  10. Awesome detail on the wings, Paula! Fantastic!!
    Christina

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  11. Well, those were ALL fun! Thanks for exploring for us. Genius!

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  12. Oh my, I love them all! I think I need this die. TFS Paula!

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  13. STUNNING!!! They are all fantastic but I absolute favourite is the riveted metal embossed ones, that colour combination is just soooo stunning!!

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    1. thank you Astrid -appreciate your kind words. I love the embossed metal too!!

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  14. These are all fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  15. Wow! Any angel will now be very well dressed with this most amazing tutorial!

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  16. Fun post--great ideas! I'm partial to the cotton batting (perhaps with a light dusting of Tim's new vintage glitter).

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    1. thank you Miss Bee - I think I might have to try that!

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  17. Quite simply brilliant!!! SO much inspiration and then some... now I need those wings! Thank you for sharing. Jenny x

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  18. This tutorial is awesome!! Thanks so much!!

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  19. Such a versatile die. Thanks for showing us some options. What a creative jumpstart. Thanks!

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    1. thanks Sharon - I sure appreciate you always commenting - you are too kind!

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  20. What a fantastic tutorial... I just love the delicacy of the felt wings and then the steampunk ones - wow, they are just amazing. Thank you for sharing some wonderful ideas.

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  21. LOVE your examples....now I want that die!!!! :)

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    1. I know it's an investment to buy dies but you will love it Theresa!

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  22. I think you've covered all the wing bases!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE each set!!! Fabulous ideas too! I can't wait to get this die...Thursday is the day! LOL!

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  23. These wings are heavenly!

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  24. thank you awesome tutorial now I need this die.Thanks for twisting my rubber arm

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  25. Wow--these are all gorgeous wings and I like them a lot just all in a row in your last picture. I'd slap those on a canvas just like that :) I'm putting this die on my evergrowing wishlist.

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  26. Wow--these are all gorgeous wings and I like them a lot just all in a row in your last picture. I'd slap those on a canvas just like that :) I'm putting this die on my evergrowing wishlist.

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  27. Now that I have picked my jaw up off the floor, these are ALL so stunning! I tell ya…without fail, every time I hop over to your blog I learn something new! Glue stick and foil, I would have never thought it...and such gorgeous results!

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    1. thanks Bobbi! Glad you liked it! Glue stick does not give you as fine of a texture as Emma got with Sticky Embossing Power but this is quick!

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  28. Wow, wow, wow, thanks for such an incredible post with so much to look at and great details. You are a star, no you are an angel with wings xxx

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  29. Wonderful tutorials! I love all the different ideas and textures for these wings! TFS! :)

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  30. WOW! Thank you so much for the tutorial! LOVE the variations of distressing!!! I can use these techniques on other chip board shapes as well!!!

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  31. They're all beautiful but I'm partial to the steampunk and foil wings. Who knew?!

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  32. These wings are heavenly! Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I'm anxious to make them all.

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  33. Didn't think I needed the wing dies but seeing your tutorial I changed my mind. They are beautiful. Thanks so much for the tutorial. Awesome!

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  34. Wow! thank you, thank you, thank you! Amazing!!

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  35. Wonderful and simple techniques for beautiful wings!

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  36. These are all wonderful Paula! Fabulous technique. Isn't the pearl paint nice, I've loved that for a long time. It looked stunning together with the foil.

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  37. Awe-mazing Paula! You've really showcased the beauty and versatility of this die, I love the steampunk wings! Thanks so much for this great tutorial, so many fabulous ideas. Deb xo

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  38. Paula: I want you to know that it truly was "one lucky day" when I discovered you. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for your tutorials, projects and photos. Now I can "Fly away to glory". Luv ya girl!

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  39. so many gorgeous options. I don't think i ordered the wings. 'I debated and debated...well now I must reconsider.

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  40. Wonderful inspiration Paula and I'm definitely going to be trying out all these techniques ~ every single wing looks amazing and it's so hard to choose a favourite! Love them all... :)

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  41. What great WINGS! And you just gave me WINGS to venture out into some new crafting territory! Thanks!

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  42. Wow oh wow Paula! These wings are so beautiful, I want to make them all. Gorgeous work as always.

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  43. LOVE the riveted metal wings. Have just received my wings, going to give it a try!

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  44. Ahhhhhhh Paula now I need this die!!!

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  45. AWESOME post! I am hosting a Christmas Craft event as an outreach to love on some lovely ladies in which we will use this die to create elegant cards:) in Tim's video he shares a card that was made with this die---the wings have Mica on them---could you possibly help me find what products were used on the wings and how they did them? be so blessed! Tammy

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  46. AWESOME post! I am hosting a Christmas Craft event as an outreach to love on some lovely ladies in which we will use this die to create elegant cards:) in Tim's video he shares a card that was made with this die---the wings have Mica on them---could you possibly help me find what products were used on the wings and how they did them? be so blessed! Tammy

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