Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #32

It's been a while since I've had time to play along over at the Studio L3 Blog, so I thought I'd try to fit one in tonight.  It's actually 8 p.m. as I speak, so I guess I'm officially late with my post, but the project is done, so I'll link it anyway:)

Here's my take on page 59 from the Compendium of Curiosities book.  I've used this technique a few times (and even taught it) and it was FUN to revisit it.  Thanks, Linda for such an awesome challenge!

Faux Metal Embellishments

I was inspired by a post I saw over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog where there were links to tutorials on how to make faux metal embellishments.

Now, I know that my "take" on it doesn't "really" qualify as "faux metal", but it's DEFINITELY a frugal approach to the ready made metal embellishments we all know and love:)

You really need to visit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog and try their techniques for accomplishing great faux metal results.

In addition, feel free to try my idea:)  For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you may have seen me use this technique before.  On this post, I want to offer you another tutorial on how to make your own "faux" metal embellishments.

All you need to start with is a few basic items:

• A die cut (the shapes that are often metal work best)
• Chipboard
• Xyron create-a-sticker machine (size depends on the size of your diecut)
• Aluminum foil

For this demonstration, I'll use a few different methods that will give varying results.

For this first diecut, I made sure my piece of aluminum foil was no wider than the width of my xyron (in this case 1 1/2 inches)...remember for this to work properly, your diecut must be less than this width, too.



Once the aluminum foil is run through the xyron, gently pull it away from the waxy paper and apply it to a piece of chipboard that was cut just a bit bigger than the resulting die cut.

Next you just run it through your diecutting system and your done!  There are a few variations you can also use to get slightly different results. I've shown three different results below.



One was run through with a smooth finish on the foil.

One was run through the xyron using a piece of foil wider than the Xyron opening.  As the foil funneled in to the opening of the Xyron, it crinkled, thereby resulting in a crinkled diecut.  This is especially cool when working on Halloween projects.

The last one was run through smooth and then run though an embossing folder.

Bonus ideas:

• You can use the "insides" of the keyholes as photocorners.  Just pierce a hole in the round part and attach with a brad.

• You can use alcohol inks on your embellishments to change the color since aluminum foil is a non-porous surface.
• You can sand the tops (be gentle because the foil is thin) and then you can use distress inks on them to age them.
• You can add stickles, distress stickles, etc.

Enjoy:)

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog...February Kit Challenge!

I have to tell you all, this new blog, Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog is my NEW favorite blog right now...I love the way, they allow all of us "frugal crafters" to put kits together using some fabulous kit of the month inspiration...furthermore, though, I LOVE the way they also list MANY awesome kit club websites right on their blog...so whether you are inspired by the creative inspiration of the kits and create your own...or just want a place for a "one stop shop" to visit these awesome kit clubs directly, I think it's a win/win for all:)

In my TRUE frugal style, I have chosen to use the February kit of choice from http://www.scrapsofdarkness.com/, which I have to say, is an AWESOME kit.  Here is a pic of the kit:

I just LOVE that frame around their pic...gonna have to find me one of them, lol...

Now here is my "counterfeit" kit right out of my stash:

The first thing you may notice is that I don't have the beautiful large flowers in my counterfeit kit...but see the paper scalloped circles?...now ya know, they WILL become my version of those flowers, right?

Now to try and list my products:

• Basic Grey - Stella Ruby Line - Dining with the Daveys - ste - 725
• American Crafts (I think) - this was a paper packet (the red/black piece)
• Some scraps from Teresa Collins - Travel Line
• Pink Paislee - Bayberry Cottage - borderlines
• Quick Quotes - Rub-ons
• Hambly - Screen Print - All mixed up
• Prima - silver swirls & shapes (not sure of the proper name...don't have pkg anymore
• Sizzix - sizzlets die - Bird-Swallow
• Little roses from The Fabric Barn in Long Beach
• Random fibers and embellies from various crafting stores

I will also be using some of my favorite TH products to alter the paper, embellies, etc.

Now to get started on the challenges:)

Go over and visit Counterfeit Kits Challenge and play along:)



Frugal Scrappin' February Class:)

I'm so excited about February's Frugal Scrappin' Class!  (You'll need to scroll through my "gab" to get to the pics).

While I was at CHA, I saw a few AMAZINGLY familiar embellies...FLOWERS!...now these weren't just ordinary "perfectly shaped" flowers, you know...they were flowers that LOOKED like they were HOMEMADE...Whoo Hoo!

Now ya know I had to study them for a while to see HOW I could replicate them and make them into a FRUGAL project, and I've done just that:)

I then saw some tips 'n tricks using the Tim Holtz Alterations diecuts (you, too, may have seen some videos on the subject).  So we will be making our VERY own STAMPS!  Yes, out of fun foam AND "trash" (well acetate packaging).  Each Frugal Scrappin' attendee will go home with their very own STAMP!

Also, while at TNT in February, the make 'n take was doing something I've been thinkin' about for a while...making our own decorative PINS!  Thank you, Jacquie (our Fearless TNT Leader) for hostessing such a GREAT TNT meeting AND an AWESOME make 'n take!  I love it when I can take an idea I've just learned and share it with my Frugal Scrappin' class!

So let's summarize...you'll be learning THREE awesome techniques:

• We'll make homemade flowers TWO different ways
• We'll make our own homemade decorative pins
• We'll make our own STAMP

We will also use some of my FAVORITE products in class:

• Gold Paint Dabber
• Perfect Pearls
• Studio 490 stamps
• Paper from one of Tim's Paper Packs
• Distress inks

In addition, for a BONUS, I will show you how to use an ordinary brown paper lunch bag to make card envelopes and embellies.

Please join us for frugal scrappin' on:

Date:  February 24, 2011

Time:  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Place:  Ever After Scrapbooks

Cost:  JUST $15

Now for a sampling of the cards we will make along with the supply list:

Supply List:

• Gold Paint Dabber
• Liquid adhesive (that dries clear)
• Your favorite tape runner
• Adhesive Pop Dots
• Distress Inks in Fired Brick, Black Soot, and a cool brown like Brushed Corduroy or Frayed Burlap
• Mini mister
• Black pen or thin black marker
• Scissors
• Paper Trimmer
• Paper Distressor

Challenge...it's just a word

So I've been thinking over the last 5-6 weeks about WHAT my word is this year...

You know...there's alot of BUZZ in the crafting world about chosing "your word for the year"...and I've FINALLY settled on mine (with a little help from my hubby)...

C H A L L E N G E

That is my word for 2011.  I LOVE that word...I embrace THAT word...I am PASSIONATE about that word...

Now, I can't wait until this weekend, when I get to CHALLENGE myself to create some AWESOME projects to complete the next Frugal Scrappin' class on Feb 24th.

Stay tuned!