A Book Of Spells

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

2017 is my year of creative exploration!  So far, I have found two new loves: Gelli Printing and Bookbinding.  A few years ago, I created a small book using Graphic 45's® A Ladies' Diary Collection and wanted to explore bookbinding in more depth.   This is my first effort and I was pretty pleased with the outcome.  I have started a new book and, hopefully,  my techniques have improved 

A STEAMPUNK JOURNAL

I used the Graphic 45® Collections: 

Steampunk Debutant and Steampunk Spells.

The book is composed of 14 signatures and 4 Dividers.  There are two signatures before and after each divider and one signature inside each divider.  

I use these beads sparingly but thought they were perfect for this book.  I wanted to cover the strings from the binding in a fun way.

I added extra stitches across the bottom to draw my strings together because I did not want to put beads on the bottom.

The front and back inside flaps are convenient for tags and other miscellaneous materials.  

I plan to embellish the pages in my journal as I use them!

DIVIDERS

Here are some shots of my dividers and how I used the G45® papers to decorate them.

Tutorials:
Buttonhole Stitch: Sea Lemon
Hardcover: Alexandra M.

Thanks for stopping by! 

HUGZ,

CHANA MALKAH

Steam Punk Amy! - A SPECIAL REDESIGN

 Hello, Crafty Peeps!   

Today I am showing how I redesigned a project that did not hold up to use.

PRODUCT REDESIGN

A few months ago, I made a note holder for my friend, Amy!  She loves Steam Punk and I thought an ensemble made for G45's Steampunk Spells would be perfect!   

This is what the set looked like when I gave it to her.

Pretty, but unfortunately, the paper was not strong enough and the seams began to split.  She brought it back and  I was so embarrassed!  Take my word for it, it was AWFUL.

See, AWFUL!

This is the revised wallet:

I even added a pen holder and this neat box to hold the pads.  Business Cards fit behind the PUNK

THE BIG DO OVER!

So I started again, using the heaviest weight of cardboard I could find.  I also increased the size of the note wallet and gave it more of a book binding.

The panels were coved with a heavyweight kraft paper.

I used three large magnets as closers.

I used large clamps to square the box.

I cut a piece of Steampunk Spells paper to size and covered it with clear shelf liner. 

This will reinforce the seams and protect the wallet from stains and tearing

The inside was also covered with corresponding paper.

 I have opened and closed this wallet at least fifty times; it seems that the construction is holding.

Amy is an infusion nurse and this wallet will get a work out from her.  It is great, she can be my product tester.   I am currently working on a wallet using faux leather.  Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGZ,

CHANA

Starry Night Steampunk Clock Plate - Earth Safe Finishes

Hello, Crafty Peeps, today I am sharing 

"Starry Night" Steampunk Clock Plate.  

I am thoroughly enjoying my time on the Earth Safe Finishes ® DT!  This week, I focus on Ann Butler Designs™ Iridescents "Lagoon."  This Lagoon color is rich and elegant.  I am already looking for new ways to use it.  The pearls on this plate were originally bright white but a light coat of Iridescents "Sheer Gold" helps them blend into the palette.

Once again, my hubster was my hero!  During dinner, I mentioned that I wanted to attempt to create a steampunk clock.  He went to the Goodwill, came back with this plate and asked: "Well, can you use this to make a clock?"  It's nice to know that he actually listens to all my craft blab! I have also included two of those fabulous glass beads he picked up for me a few weeks ago. .

SUPPLIES USED:

Ann Butler Designs™ Iridescents:  Lagoon and Sheer Gold

Earth Safe Finishes® Chalk It Up™: Licorice, English Tea Cake

Earth Safe Finishes® Gesso

Earth Safe Finishes® Pigments: Organic Yellow, Permanent Red

Embellishments:  Pearls, Flowers, metal clocks, gears (From my stash)

Die Cuts:  Tim Holtz® Alterations "Weathered Clock" and Marianne Design® Craftable Die "Clock Work"

HOW I DID THIS

STEP ONE:

Bore hubster to death at dinner talking about your project.  Maybe he will visit the local Goodwill Store and come back with a great idea. The plate cost $.39 at the Goodwill (5 min drive from my house.)
Cover plate with two coats of Gesso.

:

STEP 2:  

Select the Ann Butler Designs™ Iridescents color (I used Lagoon.) I did two coats, drying between each coat.  After the paint dried, I used Earth Safe Finishes® Chalk It Up™ to trim the outer and inner edges of the plate lip.  I added my "stars" using a Sharpie Fine Point Marker.  Note: This is the water based poster marker.  You can use a flicker brush, but you have better design control using the marker.  Gesso on the tip of a cotton swab also works.

  

STEP 3:

Add your contrasting "Moon Color" around the inside edges.  Here I mixed Organic Yellow, Permanent Red and White.  I smeared/blotted the paint with a moist paper towel.  Determine the best focal arrangement, adhere to plate and spray entire project with sealant( 2-3 applications.)

STEP FOUR:  DISPLAY

So now, this plate joins my collection on the fireplace mantel

Thanks for Stopping by!
Please visit our store Earth Safe Finishes®

613 Avenue Create Challenge #105 - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Create a Matching Envelope

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

613 Avenue Create is having a Design Team Call.  

We are looking for Designers, GDT, and Educators.  

This CALL will remain open until all postions are filled.

~~~~~~~

The Optional Twist this week is to create a Matching Envelope. 

I was already working on a template for a wallet for my Infusion Nurse, Amy.  

Since I needed to get it done quickly, I decided to make it a note folder.

I will post the wallet version in a later post.

~~~~~~~~

It takes a lot for me to cut into my Graphic 45 Papers, but I thought Steampunk Spells would be the perfect choice for this design.   I can't wait to get the kinks worked out of the wallet template.

With her name added!  She wanted it personalized!

Amy really liked my BS Repellant and the Stamp Cut Outs in the Steampunk Collection fit perfectly.

Of Course, Really Reasonable Ribbons, had the perfect match for the papers.  I found a great place to purchase bottles and spray tops for my homemade shimmer mists.  These sprayers work better than the fingertip fine mist sprayers.  They don't clog as much and they are very affordable.

I have a large key chain collection.  It is fun to cover them and add to projects.  This one was an old Texaco promotional item.  

I forgot to take a picture before I transformed it, but it looked sorta like this:

Thanks For Stopping By!
Chana!

CHALLENGES ENTERED:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes
StampArt Papel - Anything Goes

Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes

Love To Create Challenge - Anything Goes

Not Just Cards - Anything Goes

Monday Mood Board - Color Challenge