Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Shopping Our Stash - Days of Yore!


Hello, Crafty Ones!
Shopping Our Stash  would like to see your
Vintage or Shabby Chic creations.
I look forward to seeing lots and lots of distressing!
Thes fabulous flowers were included in a bouquet of flowers given to us to lift our spirits. We lost The Hubster's mother and my sister within two weeks.  I just knew these would be wonderful in my Vintage Vase.
I love "engineered" projects!  This year I want to try as many new designs as I can find or think up in my own head.  I purchased these hinges to use on some cigar boxes I am up-cycling.  When I saw Alexandra's wonderful YouTube Video, I decided I would try her technique for using these closers on a standard box design.   I have a step tutorial for creating a post it note holder that creates the same box but the note holder tray can be made from less substantial paper (card stock instead of chipboard) and it does not require the closer.  You can find that tutorial here: RLD-Inky

Keepsake Box with Swing Hasp Closer
(using The Graphic 45® French Country Collection)
This elegant cut sheet from the G45 French Country Collection was perfect for the Crackled Bud Vase.  I love these bottles.  Good thing I like my probiotic drink.  Guaranteed bottle supply!
 Stamping on your crackled bottle will add to the vintage look!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to enter your project into our challenge this week at:  SHOPPING OUR STASH!

HUGZ,
CHANA MALKAH

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Shopping Our Stash - All That Glitters Is Gold!

Hello, Crafty Folks!
If it's Tuesday, and it is, then it must be Shopping Our Stash!
Our challenge theme this week is an easy one 
ALL That Glitters IS Gold
I am back with another one of my Gelli Prints!  I haven't had this much fun with manual printing since Mrs. Taylor let me run the mimeograph machine in the school office!  LOL! 
I am not really a glitter or gold kinda girl, but I am getting there! This challenge gave me the opportunity to work with another one of my Gelli plate prints.  I call this one Worlds because I love stories about alternate universes and non-linear existence.  I was watching "Fringe" while working on this print so I decided to create my own Alternate Art Universe!   The circles represent the earth and our parallel universes.  The glitter is a land mass and, of course, there is "My Art" in my world.


Stash Items:
Sentiment and Image:  Unity Stamps Itty Bitty "Little Moments"
Inks:  ColorBox® Pigment Ink-"Kismet"; Teresa Collins™ColorBox® Pigment Ink-"Gold Shine" and "Posh White."
Embossing Folder: WRMK Next Level Embossing Strip: "Thanks."
Stamp: Canvas Corp/Hampton Art "My Art"

Thanks for Stopping By!
Hugz,
Chana

Saturday, January 21, 2017

A Scrappy Little Tag! - Using my Gelli Print Scraps..A Salvage Operation

Hey, Crafty Peeps!
You have probably figured out that I am really into this Gelli Printing.  I made a resolution to use as much scrap paper as I could in my projects for 2017.  Gelli printing has helped me because not only can I print designs over old paper scraps or over designer paper that I do not like and will probably never use, I can also use the scraps for projects like this "cuffed" tag! 

Everything in this project, including the Eiffel Tower, was created using scrap papers.  

Who knows, this may be the year I become more proficient at creating collages.  Probably not but it is an encouraging thought!



To start my "salvage project,"  
I decoupaged a bit of script from a scrap napkin onto the tag.

To add shine to the edges, I used  ColorBox® Teresa Collins™ Gold Shine Pigment Ink Pad.

I embossed a scrap piece of Gold card stock and adhered it to the back of my tag!
An embossed scrap piece of Gold card stock and adhered it to the back of my tag added elegance!
To create the "cuff" I folded over a small back section. A piece of elastic gold cord was slipped through the fold to create the hanger.
I added the Eiffel Tower Die Cut and this tag was good to go! 
I am learning that not every project has to be super, super involved.  I have also learned that "forced" creativity can get your mojo back on track!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGZ,
CHANA MALKAH


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Shopping Our Stash -Fantastic Beasts

Hello, Ya'll!
Here at Shopping Our Stash, we are on the lookout for 
Fantastic Beasts: Unicorns, Dragons, Monsters...Et al!
This is Ms. London's SketchI
 I knew I had to craft a card using this fabulous Unicorn sketch by Ms. Tanya London.  Since I was playing around with my new gelli plate (made with my own crafty little hands) I decided to use one of my gelli prints as the background paper.
I chose a blue monochrome palette with gold and silver highlights.
I used a section of my gelli print to complement my sentiment!
I used Smooch™ Frost Glitz and Gold Lame on the horn.  (Unfortunately, the Frost does not photograph well.)
This background sheet is actually the paper I used to "roll off" paint from my brayer !
Creating gelli prints is a fabulous way to utilize paper scraps. Nothing is wasted and you can use any type paper to create your designs.

 Everything used in completing this DT piece is over 5 years old, except the paint which is only 3 years old.  And, of course, my Gelli Plate which I made last week!



Thursday, January 12, 2017

Thank You - Gelli Print

Hello, Crafty Peeps!
In accordance with my resolution to try new crafting techniques this year, I have entered the sphere of Gelli Printing and I must admit that I am hooked! 
As a beginner, I am mostly just playing around with colors, stencils, and a few texture pieces.  After a few more YouTube lessons, I might become more daring.

This is a thank you card I am sending to the lady who was the caregiver for my sister.  Last weeks, at age 96, my sister passed away.  Her caregiver shares in my family's grief and I just wanted her to know that her kindness is not overlooked in all of this.
I created this print using a mini Altoid tin.  
My photography does not do the print justice.
I used another scrap of the Gelli Print to anchor my sentiment!

 For my first plate, I used an Interdesign Makeup organizer tray.
This tray produced an 8" x 10"x 1/4" Gelli Plate
This plate has seen a lot of use.  I will melt it down and reset it!
My big new Monster Plate!  I doubled the recipe below to create what should be a 9"x12"x1/2" Gelli Plate when unseated!
You can use a plastic or metal tray.  The bottom must be smooth.
Here is my monster plate unseated!  A few small bubbles but this baby works like a charm. I plan to make one 8"x 8" plate and one 5"x 7" plate. In my OCD mind, if I have more plates, the less wear and tear I will experience on my main plate.

Are you adventurous?  Try making your own, here is the link to The Frugal Crafter.  The recipe is the same but her directions are for using a microwave. 
 I do not own a microwave, so I mixed all my ingredients in a stainless steel pot.

NOTE: Do not use alcohol it will cause your plate to develop mold. Gelatin, Glycerin, and Water are all you need.  Do not refrigerate!
Supplies:
Knox Unflavored Gelatin   Link to Amazon
Vegetable Glycerin  Link to Amazon

Here is the stove top recipe I used for my Monster Gelli Plate:
9"x 12"x 2" Pan
12 Tablespoons gelatin(14 packets)
  3 Cups cold water 
  3 Cups glycerin 
If you want to make the thinner Gelli Plate, divide the recipe in half!
I do not own a microwave, so I mixed all my ingredients in a stainless steel pot. 

STEPS:
Add cold water first then the gelatin, stirring after each packet to avoid lumping. Add glycerine and simmer until the mixture is clear.
If you are less cautious, you can just dump it all in stir it up and put it on your stove top.  I kept my heat low  
Do not over stir as this will cause your mixture to bubble.  
Place your container on a flat surface in a location where it will not be jostled. Pour your gelatine mixture into the receptacle and let set.  Use your finger or a toothpick to pop any small bubbles that may appear after you pour. 

I let my thin plate set up over night.  My thick plate has been setting up for two days (OCD.)

After Care:
If your plate gets too beaten up, cut or scratched (from use) just clean it and melt it for 1 minute in your microwave on high or on your stove top for 5 to 7 minutes (until it completely melts) and reset it. 

Cleaning Your Plate:
You can clean your plate with plain water, but I have found that hand sanitizer works best.  Baby Oil is also very effective for cleaning your plate.  Use a paper towel or baby wipe (cheap ones work best) to wipe away the sanitizer/oil.

HAVE FUN!
HUGZ!
CHANA MALKAH



Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Shopping Our Stash - Stickle Me Elmo

Hello, Crafty Folks!
Welcome to the Shopping Our Stash's
 "Stickle Me Elmo" Challenge!
We would like to see how creatively you can use Stickles or any glitter glue you have on hand!  

Here is my "Stickle" Me  "Faux Leather Tag"

The tag base was created using Chipboard (package inserts.)  The chipboard was painted with Ranger® Distress Ink (Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain.)  After it dried, I spritzed the tag with Tattered Angels' "Almost Black" Glimmer Mist and Color Box  "Mud Slide" Dye Mist Spray.  When the tag dried, I applied a light coat of Ranger™ "Rock Candy" Crackle.  I made an irregular tear along the bottom and then distressed the edges with Vintage Photo and Rub n' Buff "Pewter." 
I wish the Smooch™ and Glitter Glaze™ showed better in the photo (try clicking the photo for a closer look) because the effect is quite wonderful!  I cut 3 layers of dragonfly from Kraft Paper using Sizzix's® Layered Dragonfly Die and Embossing Folder.  I glued two dragonfly layers together and colored them with Ranger ™Walnut Stain and Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink!  The Top Layer Dragonfly was painted with Vintage photo and then I applied The Smooch™(Frost, Pumpkin, and Coastal) and Twinkle Glitter Glaze.  I basically tried to follow the lines of the embossed areas!
The nesting platform for the dragonfly was created by cutting five layers of the Hot Air Balloon Framelit Die (Sizzix/EP "Everyday Eclectic Framlit Stamp and Die Collection) I cut one additional layer from a scrap of black faux leather paper (from my stash.) All the layers were glued together I applied streaks of Rub n' Buff "Pewter" the top applied Crackle and when it dried added a piece acetate.  The brace across the tail was fabricated by applying two "hole reinforcements" to a small scrap of Kraft paper. I cut around the reinforcements to create the desired shape, then I just played with inks and sprays until I achieved the desired look!

Although I created this as a tag, I now intend to use it as the focal on a mini album cover I am designing!  I am not generally a "Glitter" kinda girl, but I must admit I had fun with this one!

Stop by and pay my teammates a visit.  I know you will find even more inspiration.
SHOPPING OUR STASH
STICKLE ME ELMO CHALLENGE

 HUGZ,
CHANA MALKAH!

Sunday, January 8, 2017

A Cute Mason Jar Makerover

Hello, Crafty Peeps!
I recently have found myself fascinated with up-cycling bottles!  I get such a kick out of mixing crazy paint colors with crackle and glue.  I am never sure of the result but so far I have not been disappointed with any of my outcomes.

For this little mason jar makeover, I decided to just do something simple for my SIL's fabulous blue and white kitchen.  We will fill the jar with more of her brother's "family&friends" famous J.R.'s All Purpose Rub!
I wish the photo showed the sparkle of the glass beads around the cuff of the jar.  The matte finish of the Paint gives the jar a real vintage look and feel!
I totally forgot that the color of my lid insert would alter the color of the glass bead on top.    I used Rub n' Buff® wax "Pewter" to alter the color of the mason jar lid.  Around the top of the cap, I used Inka Gold Hematite for more contrast between the lid lip and the lid insert.

This was a fast, fun, and simple project!  Hope you will make your own Mason Jar project and share with me at "A Place To Start" and/or my monthly challenge blog 613 Avenue Create!

THANKS FOR VISITING!
HUGZ
CHANA MALKAH!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Shopping Our Stash - Shape Up!

Hello, Crafty Peeps!
Welcome to the New Year!  I am hosting this week at Shopping Our Stash and in honor of all those "I will get in shape this year" resolutions, I figured creating a project using different shapes would be a solution to the failed resolution.

Create a shaped card or project or simply use shaped dies. The only NO NO is the shape cannot be Round or Square.


Hexagonal Trinket Boxes
I made this box as a companion piece to a "bud vase" I created for my neurologist last year.  The Graphic 45® Birdsong Collection is just so pretty!  I added one black flat back pearl to each of the panels and it really added interest to the design

~~~
 Trinket Box For My Dressing Table
 I am changing the accent colors in my bedroom from cream to oatmeal(ish.)  G45's Old Curiosity Shoppe paper works perfectly!

The Trinket boxes are constructed using heavy weight chipboard and Kraft Paper.  Once the boxes were constructed, I painted them black using Earth Safe Finishes® Chalk paint.

This Link will take you to the YouTube Video Tutorial I used to make this box.   I did not use a compass to draw my hexagons. Instead, I used templates that  I  created with heavy Duty Chipboard.  

Here are the GryphonArt Templates I used to create my hexagons. Be sure to print at 100%.   I hope Uploading this as a JPG will work.  I downloaded the PDF file. 

 After printing the templates, I cut and traced them onto heavy -duty chipboard.  I glued the template sheets to the top and marked the"Front."  I created other templates for my Lid Layers.  

Thanks for Stopping By! I look forward to seeing your project at:

HUGZ!
CHANA






Sunday, January 1, 2017

613 Avenue Create - Totally Technical

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the First 2017 Challenge at
613 Avenue Create
Our theme this month is Totally Technical!  
We would love to see projects created using your favorite crafting techniques.  I am sure our mixed media and 3D artists will have fun with this one.

Trying to choose a favorite technique would prove an impossibility for me.   I seldom meet a technique that I don't like.  But, for this challenge, I chose one that falls in my Top Ten:
 Creating Faux Leather using Kraft Paper and Glycerin.
 Front
The embossed Daisies were painted using Ranger Distress Paint and ClearSnap Smooch Pearlized Ink.
 Back
The "texture" of your faux leather depends on how you crumple your paper.  Glycerin breaks down the fibers and makes the paper easier to crumple and practically eliminates splitting.

Click Here to watch Sheena's Faux Leather Tutorial


More Notebook Designs
These little notebooks are wonderful as hostess gifts, RAKs, etc.! 

I lined the interior of these books with muslin, but in others, I used printed fabric scraps.  Adding charms and closers can elevate your design.

 Lining

I hope to update this post with better pictures.  I took these with my tablet and I am the world's worse photographer!
Thanks for stopping by! 
HUGZ,
CHANA!