Up, Up and away!

The title comes from a 1967 song from a band called Fifth Dimension which was part of the soundtrack of my early childhood. The second half of that line is, of course.....'in my beautiful balloon' which is where we start today's post.

Why 'Beautiful' balloon? Well, it has been designed by none other than Brenda Walton and it is one of several beautiful Thinlits dies sets in her new collection. This set also comes with a set of gorgeous text stamps which compliment the dies perfectly.I will probably showcase some of the others in the coming weeks but for now we are looking at Framelits Die Set 9PK w/Stamps - Hot Air Balloon which will be in shops from the beginning of October.

I'm also using my old favourite Mixed Media die set which always comes in very handy for mixed media and shabby chic style projects.



I am using a lovely paper pad from Studio Light which is perfect for the style that I want together with the die/stamp set. Apart from a few Distress Ink pads and some white card, that's pretty much it!

I cut a rectangle of blue patterned card and applied a few shades of brown Distress Ink around the edges before distressing and scrunching the edges concentrating on the corners. I used a fine sanding pad over the creases to add further contrast. Next I added the stamped sentiment in dark brown ink.

 I used a couple of my Mixed Media die set to add detail, I don't know what happened to the exposure on the second photo but they are the same, honest!

Time to cut the separate parts of the balloon which I then inked before putting together.

For my cloud (one of two in the set) I wanted to give the impression of sunset so I applied some Distress Inks to the base of the die-cut shape.

I took the bunting die and cut half a dozen triangles before inking the edges and gently curling up the tips. I attached them to the assembled balloon following a gentle curve.


Using double sided tape, I applied some short lengths of cotton to join the main body of the balloon to the basket.

I attached the cloud and the balloon to the background using adhesive foam pads before mounting onto a white base card.

If you like this card, and I hope you do then I must give 90% of the credit to Brenda Walton for creating such a beautiful and well thought through set of dies.

"What's in a name....

....That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" 

One of Shakespeare's most quotable lines from Romeo and Juliet. Lets hope this blog post ends better than the aforementioned play?

In case you haven't guessed we are working with roses this week, paper roses that is. I first used this Thinlits die set back in December and I am sure that it is going to be a huge success because it's such stunning value for money.

The set comprises of 15 separate dies, six leaves and nine spiral flowers three of which are the roses I have used today. The set is called Thinlits set 15pk w/Quilling tool - Tiny Tattered Florals and is the brainchild of Tim Holtz. I didn't have access to the quilling tool at the time of writing this blog which is a shame because it makes things a whole lot easier; if you want to see the set together with the tool, follow the link above. Although spiral flower dies are nothing new the style and scale is perfect for smaller more intricate detail so beloved of mixed media and collage fans.

There are three sizes of rose in total and I die-cut a couple of each from medium weight white card. To turn the flat spiral flower into a beautiful miniature rose couldn't be simpler. First grip the end with your tweezers (Quilling tool is preferable) and start to twist in a clockwise direction until you arrive at the centre. At this point, you can allow the rose to relax making it as tight or as loose as you prefer. I like to use a hot glue gun to secure the flower as it is both quick and permanent. Once secure you can then use your tweezers to curl back some of the individual petals to create a more realistic bloom.

Crease each leaf down the centre and pinch in the centre as shown below to add realistic detail and dimension before attaching a couple to the base of each assembled rose. For the next stage, I wanted the card to be less absorbent so I painted each assembled rose with white gesso which dried in no time at all. To add a little vintage colour, I pressed my Broken China Distress Ink pad onto my craft sheet and gently spritzed with clean water to thin the pigment down before brushing it onto each flower allowing the colour to pool in places. this gives the flowers a shabby chic appearance.

To create the background, I started by applying Broken China and Shabby Shutters Distress Ink to the white base card using a sponge applicator.

Next, I applied clean water using a mister allowing the water to run down the front of the card as shown below.

Next I used a combination of stamps from the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous range, the grey splats which you see are actually created using a rubber stamp!

Finally, I used a Dear Lizzy roller stamp to add the multiple phrases.......

 ...... Before attaching the roses to the face of the card with a glue gun, 

I'm sure that if Romeo had given his fair Juliet a card like this one, the story would have had a very different outcome? If only the bard had access to a Sizzix Big Shot! I guess we'll never know?

Romantic framed card



Hello everyone! Today is again my turn for sharing a Sizzix inspiration! This time it will be a card (again!). I'm in cardmaking mood recently, so I trying some new tools, dies, techniques, colors or tricks. My today's card is very feminine, sweet and romantic. 

Besides the (obvious) flowers, I wanted to keep my style, so I created a few 3D layers. I used fantastic dies from Framelits Die Set 6PK - Enchanted, starting from cut out the card shape and then a few next layers. I have not used all the dies from this set, but I encourage you to try out all the decorative frames in one project, I bet it will be a real layered masterpiece! In addition to the use dies in frames shapes, I decided to use one of my favorite and most versatile (in my humble opinion) motifs - butterflies. I just love the butterflies from the Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Winged Beauties, they are so beautiful and delicate - perfect match for projects in the romantic style!

Below you can see the close-up on an additional butterfly wing, this time from the Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Heavenly. Absolutely fantastic dies, that already had the opportunity to recommend to you earlier. On both sides of my card you can see the banner elements, glued horizontally. I cut them with a Bigz Die - Pennants. Definitely this is one of the most versatile sets - with its help you can create not only hanging banners but also just such a small decorative elements. 

Sizzix supplies used:

658300 Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (Powder Blue & Teal)

659702 Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK - Enchanted

659739 Sizzix Bigz Die - Pennants

659707 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Winged Beauties

659704 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Heavenly

Thank you for visit us today! 

Have a lovely, creative weekend! 

~~ Karola ~~ 

****************************

Witajcie! Dziś znów moja kolej na inspiracje Sizzix, tym razem będzie to kartka (znów!). Jestem w kartkowym nastroju ostatnio, zatem staram się spróbować różnych nowych technik, rozwiązań, trików, kolorów i oczywiście narzędzi, a szczególnie - wykrojników. Moja dzisiejsza kartka jest bardzo kobieca, słodka i romantyczna. 

Postanowiłam, jak zwykle, stworzyć kilka przestrzennych warstw i tutaj pomocą posłużyły mi wykrojniki z zestawu: Framelits Die Set 6PK - Enchanted. Zaczęłam od największego, którym wycięłam fantazyjny kształt kartki oraz wzorzyste tło, następnie skorzystałam z kilku mniejszych wzorów z tego zestawu, aby stworzyć kolejne, "piętrowe" warstwy w mojej kartce. Nie wykorzystałam wszystkich wykrojników jakie kryje ten zestaw, ale Was gorąco do tego zachęcam, jestem pewna, że powstaną prawdziwe przestrzenne i warstwowe arcydzieła! Kolejne wykrojniki, które wykorzystałam to jedne z moich ulubionych, ponieważ ze zdecydowanie (w mojej skromnej opinii) najbardziej uniwersalnymi motywami - motylami. Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Winged Beauties - Fantastyczny zestaw, który już wcześniej miałam okazję Wam polecać. Po obu stronach kartki przykleiłam chorągiewki, które mogą być zarówno elementami wiszącej dekoracji, jak i takimi właśnie, niewielkimi elementami dekoracyjnymi, kiedy przykleimy je poziomo. Wytniecie je za pomocą wykrojnika Bigz Die - Pennants. Na koniec, do mojej warstwowej, kwiecistej i romantycznej kompozycji dodałam niewielki ale znaczący element - dodatkowe skrzydełko, wycięte wykrojnikiem z zestawu: Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Heavenly. I to wszystko - prawda, że nieskomplikowane?

Wykorzystane produkty Sizzix:

658300 Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (Powder Blue & Teal)

659702 Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK - Enchanted

659739 Sizzix Bigz Die - Pennants

659707 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Winged Beauties

659704 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Heavenly

Dziękuję za dzisiejsze odwiedziny na naszym blogu!

Życzę Wam cudownego, kreatywnego weekendu!

~~ Karola ~~

Bente's shabby chic page




Hi there.
Today I have a shabby chic scrapbook page to share with you.
I primed my bautiful paper with gesso and a little mist using a stencil as well for added texture.

I cut two large circles using decorative scissors and stitched them to my paper. With a paintbrush I added gesso diluted with water to tone down the background music pattern. It could esily look very busy. I cut and embossed a smaller circle and used it as a mat for my two photos.

I made these gorgeous flowers in two sizes with the Tattered Florals die set that I love. It is just soo good for when you need some flowers to tone in with your papers.

I made my flower clusters tying in a swirly chipboard piece and also a light blue lace ribbon rosette.

I also fussy cut some pretty butterflies from a matching patterned paper using the Susan's Garden Tool Kit which has become one of my absolute favourites to use when I craft. All the tools in the kit are really very useeful!

Thanks for looking and I hope you'll enjoy the rest of your day!! :-)

I used these Sizzix products for my page:
Sizzix Big Shot starter kit (Powder Blue and Teal)
Sizzix Accessories Susan's Garden's Tool Kit
Sizzix Bigz Die, Tattered Florals
Life Made Simple, Sizzix thinlits basic set (I used the small heart)

Patterned papers: Inkido Beautiful Memories, Spring Time
Mini roses: Papirdesign
Lace: Papirdesign
Other flowers Prima, Petaloo
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hejsan!
Idag har jag en shabby chic scrapbooking layout att visa er.
Jag preparerade det vackra papperet med gesso och lite mist och använde dessutom en stencil för att skapa lite mera tekstur.
Jag skar ut två större rundlar med mina dekorativa saxar och sydde dom fast på papperet med min symaskin.Jag spädde ut lite gesso med vatten och målade lite på musikpapperet för att göra mönstret lite mera diskret. Jag ville inte att mönstret ska ta för mycket uppmärksamhet. Jag skar ut en mindre cirkel som jag embossade och använde som matta för mina två foton.
Sedan gjorde jag dessa underbara blommor i två storlekar med Tattered Florals Bigz dies so jag ju är sååå förtjust i! Denna die är ju helt perfekt när du vill ha blommor som passar dina papper perfekt!
Jag skapade mina blomsterklungor och blandade in en fin chipboard swirl och en liten ljusblå spets rosett.
Dessutom klippte jag ut några fjärilar från ett matchande papper med saxen som ingår i Susan's Garden Tool kit. Detta kit har snabtbt blivit oumbärligt för mig och jag vill helst inte skapa något utan att ha mina favoritverktyg till hands!! Alla delarna är bara helt suveräna :-)

Tack för att ni tittar inom och ha det så fint under resten av eftermiddagen!!

Jag använde dessa Sizzix produkterna på min sida:
Sizzix Big Shot starter kit (Powder Blue and Teal)
Sizzix Accessories Susan's Garden's Tool Kit
Sizzix Bigz Die, Tattered Florals
Life Made Simple, Sizzix thinlits basic set (Jag använde det lilla hjärtat)

Mönstrade papper: Inkido Beautiful Memories, Spring Time
Mini rosor: Papirdesign
Spets: Papirdesign
Andra blommor: Prima, Petaloo

Shabby chic cards with Bigz dies



Hello everyone! It's Karola here and today is my turn for bring you some fresh Sizzix inspiration! For today, I created 2 very layered and dimensional shabby chic cards, using Bigz and Frameworks dies and... a cardboard. I just love when my cards are very dimensional and love to create using cardboard. Very often we throw useless cardboard boxes, but today I have for you an idea that will make you collect them!

Sizzix supplies used:

659429 Sizzix Frameworks Die - Courtyard

658039 Sizzix Bigz Die - Ornate Plate

659436 Sizzix Bigz Die - Garden Greens

658922 Sizzix Bigz Die - Doily, Classical Lace

I decided to build my cards using thick elements with openwork motifs. I cut out patterns using the above-mentioned Bigz and Frameworks dies from the kraft cardboard. Then I painted elements using white gesso to add them a special shabby chic look. To add even more texture I used sponge brush. Some of elements have an only inked edges (leaves). After drying all elements, you can decorate your cards as you want. I made it layered, because I love when the cards are thick and dimensional.

Thank you for visit us today! 

Have a wonderful, creative weekend! 

~~ Karola ~~~

****************************

Witajcie polskojęzyczni fani Sizzix-a! Tu znów Karola i dziś przypada moja kolej na dostarczenie Wam odrobiny świeżej inspiracji. Do dzisiejszego posta przygotowałam dwie, bardzo przestrzenne, warstwowe kartki w stylu shabby chic, do stworzenia których wykorzystałam wykrojniki Bigz i Frameworks oraz... tekturę falistą. Uwielbiam kiedy moje kartki są bardzo przestrzenne a jednocześnie uwielbiam pracować z tekturą, szczególnie z tą z odzysku, ze starego niepotrzebnego kartonu. Zwykle takie bezużyteczne kartony, pudełka wyrzucamy, ale dziś mam dla Was pomysł, który sprawi, że zaczniecie je zbierać! 

Wykorzystane materiały Sizzix:

659429 Sizzix Frameworks Die - Courtyard

658039 Sizzix Bigz Die - Ornate Plate

659436 Sizzix Bigz Die - Garden Greens

658922 Sizzix Bigz Die - Doily, Classical Lace

Zdecydowałam się zbudować kompozycję moich kartek, wykorzystując grube, ażurowe motywy, które wycięłam z tektury falistej za pomocą wyżej wymienionych wykrojników. Następnie pomalowałam część z nich dość niedbale białym gesso, aby nadać im specyficznego stylu shabby chic (przetarcia). Aby nadać nieco więcej tekstury, malowałam elementy za pomocą pędzla gąbkowego. Niektóre z elementów (liście) mają jedynie potuszowane na brązowo brzegi. Po wyschnięciu elementów, można je wykorzystać do kompozycji na kartkach. Ja zaaranżowałam je warstwowo, ponieważ lubię kiedy moje kartki są grube i przestrzenne. 

Dziękuję za dzisiejsze odwiedziny na naszym blogu i życzę Wam 

wspaniałego, kreatywnego weekendu! 

~~ Karola ~~

Shabby, dimensional tag - with Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits

Hi, It's great to see you here again! 
How about a small but nice project today? I have to admit that cards are not my favorite projects - I think I'm far better at other things such as layouts, journal pages or ...tags:) And today I'm willing to share one of my new tags with you - I hope you will enjoy!

I really like the tag shape - and with Sizzix Framelits you can cut out tags of all sizes you need without a problem. Yo don't have any manila tags left? Just cut out a tag shape from thick white cardstock or watercolor paper and play! That's how my grungy-shabby gift tag came to life too!

As you can see - I used the Framelits set of tag dies not only to create a base, but also patterned papers which I layered on the base to create dimensional composition. Other cut-out elements were doilies and a circle. I inked all of the paper elements on the edges with Stormy Sky and Walnut Stain Distress Ink and layered one on another using 3D Foam Squares. The final touches were some paper flowers, metal embellishments, thread and Liquid Pearls.

Here is the full list of the dies used for this tag:
- 658611 - Sizzix Framelits Die Set 9PK - Tags #2
- 659109 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK - For the Record 2, Documented 

All the papers I used are new, coming releases of my products with Prima Marketing -  Vintage Vanity A4 Journaling pad. Metal embellishments are my Mechanicals and Junkyard Findings, flowers are small roses - all from Prima.  It was finished using a bit of Ranger Distress Inks and Liquid Pearls.  For sticking the elements and dimension I used products from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: 3D Foam Squares and Crafty Power Tape.

I wish you all a beautiful weekend!
hugs
Finn

Hair Rim for Girl


Hi all!

Today I would like to show how you can easily and quickly decorate the hair rim or hair band.

Items used: 

Big Shot Machine (655268)

Sizzix Originals Die - Circles #4 (657020)

Chiffon or Organza

Felt

Needle, thread

Buttons, brads or pearls

Cut 6 big organza circles and 1 felt circle using Circles #4 die.

Then create a flower.

Use spray onto your flowers (if you need).

Add centres onto your flowers and glue or sew them to the rim. I think the rim is very beautiful!

 Have a nice day,

 Daria.

Всем привет!

На улице весна, и мне хочется, чтобы моя дочка была самой нарядной в школе. Я решила украсить ее ободок на волосы, который в общем-то и был симпатичным, но с моими улучшениями заиграл и стал уникальным.

1. С помощью ножа Circles #4 я вырезала 6 кругов из органзы и 1 круг из фетра. Круг из фетра должен быть меньше диаметром, чем круги из органзы.

2. Затем я создала цветы, складывая круги из органзы в лепестки и пришивая их к кругу из фетра.

3. Таким образом я создала 4 цветка разного размера (для меньшего размера цветов, вырежьте круги меньшего диаметра). Я побрызгала эти цветы розовым спреем, чтобы придать им нужный оттенок.

4. Для серединок я использовала пуговицы и жемчужинки. Пуговки я пришила, а жемчужинки приклеила к цветам. Затем готовые цветы я приклеила к ободку, создав цветочную композицию. По-моему получилось очень мило :) А уж дочка моя от обновленного ободка в полном восторге.

Материалы:

Big ShotMachine (655268)

Sizzix Originals Die - Circles #4 (657020)

Шифон или оганза

Фетр

Нитки, иголка

Пуговицы, брадс или жемчужинки

Всем хорошего дня,

Дарья.

Shabby Chic metallic card

Hi, everyone! Elena here. Today I want to show you a Shabby Chic card I created using the wonderful Iron Gate Thinlits die and some foil tape.

Supply list:

• 655268 Sizzix Big Shot machine
• 659005 Sizzix Thinlits Die - frame, Iron Gate
• 659072 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Tags
• Cardstock: Mahé
• Adhesives: Glue dots, foam squares, liquid glue
• Ink: Ranger Distress Ink, Staz'on Ink
• Others: Foil tape, decorative ribbon, pearl head pins, paper clip, adhesive pearls, papel flowers, tag

First you have to cover some white cardstock with foil tape. Don't worry about the winkles, they will disappear one you run your cardstock through the Big Shot :)

Then ink your metallic Iron Gate with some Staz'on ink, so it has a more aged appearance and glue it on a yellow card base with some liquid glue.

Now is time for embellish, for me this is allways the fun part! Here I have die cut a heart tag to stamp my sentiment on it and I have created a cluster or embellishments in the center of my card. And don't forget to put some flowers and some pearls to achieve a really delicate and whimsical look!

Happy Monday!

............................................

¡Hola a todo el mundo! os escribe Elena. Hoy os quiero enseñar una tarjeta en estilo Shabby Chic que he creado utilizando el maravilloso Thinlits Iron Gate y un poco de cinta metálica.

Materiales:

• 655268 Sizzix Big Shot machine
• 659005 Sizzix Thinlits Die - frame, Iron Gate
• 659072 Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Tags
• Cartulina: Mahé
• Adhesivos: Glue dots, foam adhesivo, pegamento líquido
• Tinta: Ranger Distress Ink, Staz'on Ink
• Otros: Cinta metálica, cinta estampada, alfileres de peral, clip de papel, perlas adhesivas, flores de papel, etiquieta.

Primero hay que forrar un poco de cartulina blanca con la cinta metálica. No os preocupéis por las arrugas, porque desaparecerán cuando paséis la cartulina por la Big Shot :)

Después hay que entintar la Iron Gate metálica con tinta Staz'on para que tenga un aspecto más envejecido y pegarla a una base de tarjeta amarilla con pegamento líquido.

Y ahora ya es el momento de poner los adornos, que para mí siempre es la parte más divertida! Aquí he troquelado una etiqueta de corazón para estampar mi título en ella y he creado un cluster de adornos en el centro de la tarjeta. Y no olvidéis poner algunas flores y perlitas para conseguir un look muy delicado y caprichoso! 

¡Feliz lunes!