Sizzix Christmas Magic

Today I'm sharing some of my very favorite holiday posts using Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations dies! The first two (in my opinion) are some of the very best ideas ever to be posted on this blog. Both posts were created by my friend Debbie Crouse.  You will be able to tell what a talent she has for the details! Be sure to click on the name of each post to go to the original tutorial for each project. Current links to the dies used can be found at the bottom of this post.

These chalkboard labels + brown mailing paper makes for the most wonderful Christmas packages.  Who would know they started with a just simple Sizzix die cut?

Let the Wrapping Begin

notice the gold eyelet detail?

Dies used to make labels for both "Let the Wrapping Begin" and Wrapping it up" posts

Another of my favorite posts... every time I see this photo I think, I want a gift wrapped like that!
Wrapping It up

Sizzix and Stampers Anonymous

Today's post is all about Sizzix and Stampers Anonymous.  First up is Sizzix!  Tim had a brand new demo table to work on, so we needed a great backdrop for it.  As you can imagine, it started out with just a big wood wall...so we brought a few props...lol.

I think we used every show prop we have and then some (some from my house, some from his...)  It turned out wonderful.  It was the best the "demo table" area has ever looked! 

The samples were beautiful! Even though there were multiple designers - Mou, Audrey, Tammy, Richele, Aida and Jan...the colors all worked really well together and made for a beautiful display.

 

Tammy Tutterow-  Tammy created a few samples for the booth, one of which was the darling Burlap Panel showcasing the new the Bird Silhouette Bigz die.  The words are from the Handwritten series of Thinlit dies.  There is so much detail to Tammy's work, including layers of Remnant Rubs, Ephemera and handmade flowers that really make this an extraordinary piece.

Aida Haron -Aida created two canvas panels using a combination of old and new dies.  The orange harlequin background is part of a new Thinlit set called, Mixed Media and the feathers are from the new Bigz/texture fade combo called, Feather Duo.  Be sure to click on the picture to see Aida's canvas larger because it was stunning in person.

 Audrey Pettit - Audrey made a lot of fantastic cards for our Sizzix booth, one of which was this coffee lovers card using the super popular, "Fresh Brewed" Bigz die.  I love the coloring she got on the cup on the right and the use of the corrugated paper that comes in the new idea-ology Texture Pack.  What a fun to card (Audrey has up close pictures of this card on her blog, just click here)

 

Richele Christensen - Richele created these cards using the new Globe and United States dies.   I love the layering of words on the Adventure card.  You might notice that the word Adventure is cut from cork (another surface in the Texture Pack)!  The USA card is super cool with red string that runs from coast to coast.  Clever!

 I love this group of projects by Mou Saha and Audrey Pettit that showcase more new travel dies; Mini Airplane and Clouds, Postage Dots and Adventure Words (as well as that fantastic globe again).  Loving the spring like colors Mou and Audrey used to create these!

Mou Saha - Throughout this review of projects you have probably noticed the large tags that were created by Mou Saha.  Every single time I have worked with Mou over the past 5 years or so, I am always blown away by something she creates.  Last year it was a series of Burlap panels using Found Relatives.  This time it was this series of #12 tags.  The pictures here do not do them justice.  I don't know how she does it, but know I love it.  

STAMPERS ANONYMOUS

Chelle Fowler - The majority of our Stampers Anonymous cards were made by the lovely Chelle Fowler.  Chelle's coloring with Distress Markers and use of the stamps for layering is just stunning.  I'm sharing my favorite card just because I love the bright pink flowers so much.  She also used the Dots and Floral background stamps (on the teacups) that will be released mid February.  You can see more of Chelle's CHA cards on her blog, just click here.

 Another of my favorite cards from Chelle!  The stamp set is called Bird Crazy.  Super cute!

Bobbi Smith - I loved this card by Bobbi that has the most perfect blue butterfly in the center.  This is from a set called Perspective, that is out now.  The background is Mesh and Linen, that stamp set ships in February.

Well that is my favorite picks from the Sizzix and Stampers Anonymous.  I hope you had a great time pin pointing some things that might interest you.  I know I have some favorites already.  I think my Distress Markers better get ready, they are going to be getting a workout!

now carry on,

paula

Distress Glitter and the CC3C Challenge

It is hot here today, so I've got the windows open and the music playing...best time to get the creative juices flowing! 
I know Studio L3 has a challenge going on using Distress Glitter, one of my favorite products!  So, I thought I would create a project today to support the challenge.  Hoping that if you like what you see here, you might be inspired to make something yourself using Distress Glitter (and even enter the challenge!).
Follow along and I will show you what I created...

I cut a piece of chipboard using the Sizzix Alterations - Tarnished Trophies die.  The die has two different trophy shapes.  I am using the smaller of the two today (it is about 3 1/2" tall).

Once cut, I always paint the surface the same color as the glitter I am using, as it always looks better once finished.  I decided to use Pumice Stone to create a traditional trophy color.
I might mention a few facts about Distress Glitter:
1.  Distress Glitter mimics the look of glass glitter or mica, so resist the urge to press it down into the glue...it should be a bit uneven so the light can catch the layers of glitter.
2.  It is heat stable, meaning you can dry it with your heat tool and it will not melt.
3.  Distress Glitter is totally inkable, so once dry, you can ink the edges just like cardstock.
Seriously cool stuff.

While the trophy is drying, I cut four, 3 x 4" pieces of Wallflower paper (these are scaled down papers at the back of the Wallflower paper stash).

 I used the zigzag stitch on my sewing machine to sew them together, creating a patchwork effect.

Then a bit of edge distressing and ink with Gathered Twigs (you will find it in pack #6 of the Distress Ink Minis).

 Stitch the paper patchwork to a card front (I used a gray cardstock for my card).

Add the glittered trophy with thin foam tape.
NOTE: this is the part where I should have showed the trophy with Distress Ink on the edges.  Please note this step in the final photos.

 

I used some light pink cardstock to cut TWO strips of the Tattered Floral Garland, then sprayed each with Perfect Pearls Mists - Heirloom Gold (remember to shake before use).
I quickly dried it with the heat it tool...

then lightly inked the edges of the flowers.

I made little stacks of flowers, leaving the large sizes for another day (too big for this project).  I ended up making 5 medium flowers and 3 really small ones.

Once I have the stacks made, I lightly sprayed each side of the flower with water and crumpled each in my hand.  It does take a bit of crunching and smashing to break down the cardstock.

The water helps to break the paper down as well as "puff" up the cut edges.  If your flower is too damp, just dry it with the Heat it tool to stabilize it.

I cut some Ranger Manila cardstock using the Tattered Curvy Banners decorative strip.  I chose a small sized banner for this project and added ink and added a phrase from the Remnant Rubs sheet - Words. 
Just a tip here - since the words on the Remnant Rubs sheet are in a straight line, I cut the words apart.  I added "with",  and then "heart" on the other end.  Then I went back and filled in with "all my" to get the spacing right.

Okay, so time to fill the trophy with flowers.
I added a bit of French lace with a hot glue gun (I was impatient), then just started adding flowers one at a time.

 Like this...

Add the banner made previously with foam tape in only the center section.

I used Peeled Paint to ink up the pink leaves.  I like the way the Distress Ink saturates the cardstock and creates a good rich green color.

Crinkle the leaves and add to the bouquet (gosh they kinda look real, don't they?).

Love the way this turned out.  The lace just peeks out in between the flowers.

I know I could have added more rubs or other embellishments but part of creating is also editing.  Knowing when it is enough.  And this is just enough for me.

The Distress Glitter does not disappoint...looks like vintage glass glitter.  Just a wonderful effect.

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge

 Have you heard about the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge over at Studio L3?  Linda is working her way through Tim's new book, A Compendium of Curiosities III and challenging everyone to follow along.  A new challenge is posted every 2 weeks and of course someone is going to win a prize at the end of each challenge.  If you are interested in participating, you can read all about it here.

Well, I hope you will pop over a check out the challenge.  Maybe even enter to win!
now carry on,
paula

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