Altered Surfaces

We have arrived at the next to last challenge - No. 33 - for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge!  Say it isn't so!  I have been having so much fun with these challenges that I hate to say goodbye to them!

The current challenge, Altered Surfaces, can be found on Page 45 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III book.  It's never too late to get your autographed copy which can be found here.  Tim and Mario are also providing a fabulous prize package to the winner chosen by the Curiosity Crew.

The wonderful folks at Inspiration Emporium also have a generous $50.00 shopping spree just waiting for the randomly chosen winner of this challenge. You will love their product selection and customer service!

Now all of us on the Curiosity Crew want you to participate, so head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site here for all the rules!

Here is my project:

A lovely blog comment was made that she enjoyed my use of family photos in past blog challenge posts.  It made be realize that I hadn't incorporated any for awhile! Time to dig out more photos! 

I have always wanted to do something with the above hilarious photo of my mother (center) with her best buddies, Pat (left) and Ginger (right).  She has tried to convince me that this photo was taken in Wenatchee, Washington at the carnival during the Apple Blossom Festival.  However, I know better as I have this photo that shows what happened to these naughty girls:

Now for the challenge piece.  I chose to alter the large number 3 as well as the arrow.  I thought the technique would be most effective on larger pieces.  The number 3 is from Idea-ology Alpha Parts  Numeric and the Arrow is from Alpha Parts Framed.  I attempted to use the technique on the framed sentiment, also from the Alpha Parts Framed, however, I think it is much more effective on the more solid pieces.  I can't tell you how I accomplished this look as you have to find out yourself by turning to page 45 of the book, however, here are close-ups of the two altered surfaces:

I began my project by placing patterned paper cards from Idea-ology Pocket Cards behind the photo and adhering them to my Burlap canvas (also from Idea-ology)  I then adhered  a red strip cut from Tim's Sizzix Alterations Frameworks Courtyard die so that it would peek out from behind my photo as well as another card from the Pocket Cards.   I adhered my enlarged photo over the paper and die and added some Film Strip Ribbon on either side of the photo.   This is how it looked at that point:

Now I began to add more details to the canvas, including a Flash Card with the word "Friend" (I added an "s" from Alpha Parts to the end) from Flash Cards Elementary, Two Remnant Rubs from the Numbers Sheet, several pieces from the Ephemera Pack (Thrift Shop and Expedition), some tiny playing cards from my stash and a Word Band.  I threaded Correspondence Paper String through the Word Band and adhered blue eyelets.  The Paper String was wrapped around to the back of the canvas.  I did the same thing on the right side of the piece as well.  Here are some close ups of the details:

I used Distress Paints to add color to the Alpha Parts Framed "Good Times".  The red ticket is an actual raffle ticket and the other two are from the Ephemera Packs.

One last look at the finished project:

Looking at this piece in my studio will definitely make me smile!

Ok, now it's your turn to create a project using Altered Surfaces!  I hope you have as much fun as I did with this project!  My mother will either laugh or be horrified that I chose these photos!

Susan

Layering Stencil: Paint Resist

Challenge Number 31 - only three more to go!  The official countdown has begun!  It's never too late to join us, we would love to see your work!  I hope everyone has Tim's fabulous book, Compendium of Curiosities III, however, you may still order it here.  Tim and Mario also have yet another incredible prize package awaiting the Curiosity Crew choice winner!  It could be you!

This challenge is sponsored by the generous folks at the Inspiration Emporium.  They will be providing a $50.00 shopping spree for one lucky randomly chose winner!

Now for the challenge..head on over to page 47 of Tim's book, study the technique and enter to win!
Here is my project:

I decided to create a box to hold some of my stash as I seem to have so much of it - it's addicting!  I started with a paper mache box that I painted with Seedless Preserves Distress Paints.  I only added the paint to the edges of the sides and top of the box.

I painted the box inside as well as the lid inside and outside edges.

Next I applied the technique to five card stock pieces, one for the lid and 4 for the box sides.  I can't tell you how it was done, however, I can tell you I used Tim's Wildflower,  Flourish, Traveler and Bubble Layering Stencils.  I also  used Seedless Preserves Paint and Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Seedless Preserves and Peacock Feather Distress inks.

I then adhered all of the panels to the box and finished the box by adding one of Tim's Idea-ology Curio Knobs to the box lid.  Finally, I added some butterflies from B Line Designs to all the panels.  Here again is the finished project:

Now that you have seen my project, head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site here.  You will find all the rules for participating - hope to see your projects there!

Susan

Don't Worry, Bee Happy Alcohol ink Ombre Technique

The 28th Challenge for the CC3 Challenge has arrived - the Alcohol Ink Ombre technique.  This technique can be found on Page 57 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities III book.  Want an autographed copy?  Head on over to timholtz.com and Mario will make sure to get that off to you!

The wonderful Linda over at the Funkie Junkie Boutique is sponsoring this even numbered challenge with a $25.00 shopping spree at her site.  This prize will be awarded to one lucky randomly chosen winner!  Tim and Mario have another fabulous prize package awaiting the winner of the challenge as chosen by the Curiosity Crew.  Good luck to everyone!

Here is my project for this challenge:

I have used B Line Designs images on my card.  I knew I wanted to do something with their new Beehives stamp, so I checked out my stash of fabulous Ranger alcohol inks and found that I had Lemonade, Butterscotch and Honeycomb inks.  What better choices to go with a beehive!  Now I can't tell you how I achieved this effect - you'll have to turn to page 57 of the book to find out!

Sadly, I was so excited putting together this project that I forgot to take step-by-step photos!  I know, I'm, bad!!!!  However, I think you can get the idea after studying the technique.

I started out with a larger piece of glossy card stock and, after completing the technique, I stamped the Beehives and the Honeycomb from the Honeycomb/Wire duo onto the card.  I then trimmed off some of the card at the top and bottom and created strips which I backed with black card stock.  I started by adhering two thin strips to the sides of the card.  I then added two slightly wider strips to the top and bottom areas of the card.

I knew I wanted to add some bees as well as the round "Don't Worry -Be Happy" image from the Celebrate Dreams cube,  so I repeated the Alcohol Ombre technique on a small piece of glossy card stock and stamped the image four times.  I used the entire image for the top of the card and cut just the bees out to add to the bottom strip.  I was in fussy-cutting heaven!  The image at the top was backed with a slightly larger piece of black card stock and the bees were attached to the bottom strip!  Easy!  I love the effect!

Okay, let's see what you all come up with for your projects!  Head on over to the wonderful Linda Ledbetter's site for all the rules on how to participate.  We know we will see some beautiful projects and are sooooo looking forward to it!  You guys blow us away with your talent!

Here is one more look at my card:

Get out those alcohol inks and have fun!
Susan

Fabulous Frameworks!

Drumroll please!  We have officially arrived at the 25th, yes 25th Challenge for the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge using Tim Holtz's fabulous frameworks dies!  I honestly don't know where the time has gone as I have been having so much fun with these challenges!  Linda Ledbetter  has been doing an awesome job hosting them too!  If you haven't played along with us, it's never too late.  Head on over to her website for all the rules and information. You won't regret it!

I have been so happy enjoying our beautiful Springtime in the Rockies - the trees are in bloom as well as the daffodils and grape hyacinth. Therefore I knew my project had to be inspired by the beauty around me.  Here is the tag I created using the Lattice Framework Die:

Now here  is the irony.  This is what I woke up to this morning!

Somehow this just isn't right!  However, as they say here in Colorado, "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes".  It will change back to Spring again - our local meteorologist has assured us that it will in a few days.

Tim has multiple, and all wonderful, Frameworks dies by Sizzix.   I envisioned flowers and leaves on a trellis so I used his Lattice die to create the base for this project.  I began by cutting out two lattices from chipboard.  I then painted both of them with his new January release color - Cracked Pistachio.  Love this color!  Once dry, I added some Pumice Stone Distress Paint over the top.  I forgot to take a picture of both pieces before I adhere them to the tag.  However, I have a small piece leftover which hopefully will show the color.

I stamped the tag with Tim's Stamper's Anonymous Wood Grain background from the Wallpaper and Wood stamp set using a combination of Vintage and Antique Linen Distress Inks.  I then stamped the sentiment from Tim's new Life Quotes set in black over the background.

I used one of my favorite techniques, Paint Marbling, to create some flowers to add to my trellis.  I used Lemonade, Spiced Marmalade and  Festive Berries Paints.  Once dry, I used Tim's Sizzix Alterations Tattered Florals Garland die to cut out the flowers.  Here is what it looked like once I cut out the flowers along with a sample flower:

I then used Tim's Sizzix Alterations Spring Greenery die to cut out a variety of greens to creep up my trellis.  I cut them out of cream card stock and added color with Peeled Paint and Forest Green Distress Inks.

I stamped some tiny flowers from Tim's Stamper's Anonymous Watercolor set randomly over the background on the left side of the tag.  I used one entire trellis and parts of a second one to add over the top.   I wove some of the greenery through the trellises before I adhered everything to the tag.

Flowers were added to the greenery and trellis as well as butterflies from Tim's new Watercolor stamp set (one of my favorites!)  Here is a close up of the flowers and butterflies:

I finished the tag off by dying Tim's Crinkle Ribbon with Festive Berries Distress ink and Spice Marmalade and creating a bow which was adhered to the top.  I then adhered one more watercolor butterfly to the center of the bow.

Okay now, get out your Compendium of Curiosities III book and turn to page 64.  Still don't have the book?  Don't worry, it's still available here.  Come join the fun!  This challenge is generously sponsored by The Inspiration Emporium who will provide a $50.00 shopping spree at their online store for a randomly chosen winner.  Tim and Mario are also providing a fabulous prize package for the Curiosity Crew Choice as well!

Good luck to all!

Remnant Rub Resist

Welcome to my 24th post for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge.  This challenge is being sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique who is generously providing a $25.00 gift certificate to one lucky randomly chosen winner.  As they have with every challenge, Tim and Mario have another amazing prize package for the winner chosen by the Curiosity Crew.  Head on over to the lovely Linda Ledbetter's site for all the rules and details!

Here is my project using the Remnant Rub Resist Technique:

To tell you all the truth, I didn't think I was going to have time to participate in this challenge as I ran off to San Diego to help my parents as my mother had back surgery (all went well).  I started this project the day before I left, following the technique found on Page 51 of Tim's book which is still available (here).   I used the Botanical Remnant Rubs for the tag,  Tim's new Stampers Anonymous Watercolor set butterfly stamps and Scattered Straw, Peeled Pain and Broken China Distress Stains. The only other thing I did before I left was to dye Tim's Crinkle Ribbon with Broken China Distress Stain and create a bow.

I kept looking at my tag and thinking that I had gotten carried away with the Remnant Rubs and that I needed to change something or make another.  However, each time I looked at my tag I said to myself "I like it the way it is."  That is always my cue to stop.

When I returned home a couple of days ago, I set to figure out how to "bling up" the tag.  I decided I wanted it to be simple so I only added a Bauble with a Loop Pin to the bow, a Word Band and "Happy Birthday" by B Line Designs stamped on a scrap of cream card and colored with Scattered Straw and Broken China Distress inks.

This leads me to a topic I would like to discuss with all of you.  I kept looking at this project in the beginning and thinking it wasn't involved enough when, in reality, it was beautiful to me for its' simplicity.  That's what makes this technique so awesome!  Although involved projects with tons of ephemera that took us a long time to create are fabulous too, there is also something special about simple projects which can be created quickly.  My resist project was fast and easy to complete, making it an quick "go-to" project for a  Birthday or Thinking of You tag/card.

Here is one more look at my project:

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an experienced paper crafter, this technique is easy for everyone!  Pull out those books and get crafting!  All of us on the Curiosity Crew are looking forward to seeing your creations!  Come join the fun!

Susan

Pocket Pages

Remember when we were challenged to decorate Tim's Worn Covers?  Did you ever wonder when we were going to decorate pages to include in our journals, tag holders, recipe books, etc.?  Well, the time has finally arrived for Challenge No 18!  Even if you have already created your pages, there are more techniques to learn and more pages to add!  Here are my pages:

I previously created a Quote Book to store inspirational quotes along with my art tags.  I was SO ready to incorporate them into my book!  The techniques can be found on Page 36 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities III book.  If you don't have it, you can purchase it at Tim's site here.

While I can't tell you exactly how I used/altered these pages as you have to work from your own copy of the book, I can show you close ups of some of the things I did.  I'll start with the tags:

I used Tim's door die, thrift shop ephemera (flower), Tim's woodgrain stamp from the Wallpaper and Wood set and  "The Impossible is Often Untried"  from the clear stamp set Thoughts and Phrases                    along with crinkle ribbon died with scattered straw and Vintage Photo Distress Stains.

This tag is already shown in the pocket page - a perfect fit!  I used an old ready made library pocket and a number 8 tag.  The pocket was decorated with paper from Tim's French Industrial Paper Stash and the quote from Tim's Stampers Anonymous set  Way with Words stamped over the top of the paper.  The paper I adhered to the tag is from Tim's Wallflower Paper Stash.  I ran the paper through the  Gears Texture Fade, blended color using Peeled Paint,  Black Soot and Vintage Photo Distress inks and then added Idea-ology pieces - the arrow, chit-chat stickers, gears and the swivel clasp to the tag.  The finishing touch came from the bow from Tim's Bow-tied die.

The final tag uses the Paint Marbling technique for the background.  I added stamps from the Typography stamp set as well as an Idea-ology pen nib, a mini gear and a remnant rub from the Numbers set.

I had some some tags I wanted to incorporate into the 3 Pocket Page.  I really wanted them to stick out the side edge, so I carefully cut the side edge and sealed the top edge so that I could achieve this look.

Again, I used the Wallflower Stash paper on all of the tags (I absolutely can't get enough of that paper!).  The quotes are from Tim's  clear set Thoughts and Phrases with the exception of the Mother Teresa quote on the bottom tag.  She was and is such an inspiration to me!  The stamps are from Stampers Anonymous Nature Walk and Butterflies and the bird on the bottom is cut from the Thrift Shop Ephemera.

Here is another set of pages I created:

These are fold-out pages.  Check out Page 44 for more details.  The paper is from the Wallflower Stash.  I added a painted Idea-ology piece from the Nature Adornments set and a chit-chat sticker on the bottom right piece that says dreams.  The "Cross your heart and fly" quote is from B Line Designs and "The quieter you become, the more you came hear" quote is from Inky Antics.  I created the piece at the top left using the technique on page 44 as well.

Here is the back of this fold-out page:

More Wallpaper Stash goodness along with a quote on the upper right hand piece from B Line Designs ands the words "Live with Purpose" cut from part of the large stamp in the Stampers Anonymous Way with Words set.                    .

There you have it!  I can't wait to create more pages like these for my Quote book:

Now it's your turn!  Show us your magnificent pocket pages!  For all the rules, go to Linda Ledbetter's site and read up!  You could win a wonderful prize package from Tim and Mario if your work is chosen by the Curiosity Crew!  This 18th challenge is sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique who is generously providing a $25.00 shopping spree in their store.  Remember, you can't win if you don't play along!  Come join us!

Best Wishes
Susan

Woodlands & Tinsel Twine CC3 Challenge

I am still in a bit of shock that we have arrived at the month of December and the 17th Challenge!  Where has the year gone?

My husband and I managed to  get quite a bit of Christmas decorating done early this year, so I have been in the mood for a Christmas project.  The latest challenge found on page 60 of the Compendium of Curiosities III book (it's still not too late to get your own copy here) made this quite easy.  Here is the project I came up with:

I started with a shadow box frame that I already had:

I  painted the entire box with Gesso.  After the gesso dried,  I covered the frame with paper from Tim's Merriment Paper Stash.

Now for the technique.  I decided that the Woodlands tree would work perfectly inside the shadow box part of the frame.  It was just a bit too tall, so I cut the base off the tree so that it would fit inside. I followed Tim's technique on page 60 and then added some beads for "ornaments" from a red beaded garland I purchased.  Here is the finished tree along with the garland I used.

I knew immediately I wanted to have a 3D Santa Claus in my scene, so I used B Line Designs  Dear Santa stamp.  I stamped this image 3 times and colored the entire image on only one of them for the base.  I colored and cut apart a few pieces from the other stamped images, including Santa and the trim on his coat.  Some of the parts were cut out and adhered with foam tape to the ones below to create dimension.

Once I was done layering Santa I adhered the entire stamped image to the back of the shadowbox with several layers of foam tape.  I also slid the tree in next to Santa.

To decorate the outside of the frame, I began by following the technique for the tinsel twine and then I draped a section across the top of the frame, adding some red beads to several portions of the twine at the frame top.

I used some greenery I found in my stash and placed it at the top left and bottom right of the frame. I added some pinecones (so glad I hung on to those!) and berries to the greenery along with a silver snowflake.  Here again is the finished project.

What will you do with your Woodland and Tinsel Twine?  We can't wait to see!  Just remember to head on over to Linda Ledbetter's website to get all the rules and leave a comment on each member of the Curiosity Crew's website.  The Inspiration Emporium is sponsoring this challenge.  They have a hefty $50.00 shopping spree awaiting a randomly chosen winner.  The extremely generous Tim and Mario also have another fabulous prize package for the Curiosity Crew's choice!  Yay!

Now it's  your turn!  I can't wait to see what you  create with this challenge!  Have fun with it!

Susan

Layering Stencil:Embossing

Seems hard to believe the holiday are upon us and we have arrived at the 16th - yes 16th - Challenge for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge!  This challenge proved to be a fun one as always!  This time it is sponsored by our friends at The Funkie Junkie Boutique who have a $25.00 gift awaiting one lucky randomly chosen winner!  Tim and Mario have provided yet another "WOW" prize package for the winner chosen by the Curiosity Crew.

All of us at the Curiosity Crew have been so amazed at all the talent out there!  Thank you to each and every one of you who have been participating with us for all the challenges.  Did you know it is never too late to join us?  You can purchase your autographed copy of Tim's Compendium of Curiosity III book here.  The go to Linda Ledbetter's site to learn all about the rules.

This challenge can be found on Page 50 of the Compendium of Curiosities III book.  Here is the project I created for this challenge:

I decided to use the Festive Layering Stencil which went well with the Christmas-themed tag I wanted to create.  Here is the tag before I added all the embellishments:

As you can see, I stenciled the bottom and the side edges of the tag, leaving the center open.
Now to embellish the tag...  I die cut the Prancing Deer from cream card stock and colored it by blending Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress inks onto the deer.  Then I created two pinecones from brown paper using Tim's Pinecone die.

The "25" embellishment, the bells and ribbon and the "Merry Christmas" came from Tim's Christmas ephemera pack.  After adhering them to the tag, I added a Mirrored Star just above the number "25" and to the bottom right corner of the tag, a Gumdrop to "Merry Christmas" and I cut around the bottom of the bells and attached the bells and ribbon ephemera to the deer's neck.

I also used a Tidings Token that says Christmas Wishes" and attached it to a hand-made chain using jump rings.  The first jump ring is threaded through the knot in a red acetate ribbon bow I made for the top of the tag.  I adhered two die cut pinecones and 3 small "real" pinecones that I had in my stash just above the Tidings Token.

The last piece of ephemera I used was a snowflake that came in the ephemera pack:

There you have it!  This technique is quite simple yet striking.  We hope you will pull out your stash and get to creating!  We can't wait to see what you make!

Susan

Vintage Photo Tinting

Whether you are incorporating vintage photos into your artwork or would like to colorize some of those treasured old photos, this technique is for you!  Turn to Page 41 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities III book, learn the technique and join us for this challenge!

If this is your first time joining us or you would like to review all the challenge rules, please head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site (our fabulous hostess) to familiarize yourself with the rules.  This week's challenge (Number 12, can you believe it?) is sponsored by the generous folks at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  Tim and Mario also have yet another wonderful prize waiting for the winner of this challenge!

Here is my project:

I decided to use a photo of my mother when she was 2 years old.  (She is 85 now).  After following the tehnique on page 41, I then placed the photo in one of Tim's Cabinet Cards.

I didn't want to detract from the photo too much by getting carried away with embellishments, so I used a minimal number which I think accented the photo just right.  I started by placing two strips of scalloped trim from Tim's Industrious Stickers, Frames and Trims set on the top and bottom of the photo.  I then added some Tissue Tape - Elements to one side of the card (I love this one as it reminded me a bit of a growth chart). 

I spelled out M O M with Tim's Alpha Tiles Chipboard Letters tiles and adhered them directly to the photo.  The final embellishment was the lovely metal rose and leaf from the Idea-ology Adornments Nature.  I used Aged Mahogany and Peeled Paint Distress Paints to add color.  The last touch to the photo itself was to dye  thin fiber with Aged Mahogany Distress Paint, tie a small bow and adhere at the top of the letter "O".  Here is a close up:

Lastly, I used one of my all time favorite Idea-ology accents, a word band on the bottom of the card that says " Know in Your Heart that You are Loved.  Before adhering it to the card, I threaded through some Crinkle Ribbon which I had previously dyed with Aged Mahogany Distress Paint.  I was so thrilled that I could match the color I used in the bench my mother is sitting on with the rose, the fiber bow and the crinkle ribbon!  What fun!

The stamp I used as part of the tinting technique is from Stamper's Anonymous.  I think it fits perfectly and is a wonderful reminder to never stop playing!  

I hope my project will inspire all of you to pull out those vintage photos of  your family or look for "found" relatives to incorporate into your artwork.  All of us at the Curiosity Crew look forward to seeing all your beautiful and inspirational pieces!

Susan

Layering Stencil: Texture Paste - Does it Measure Up?

I couldn't resist using a play on words here...I used the Tim Holtz "Measured" stencil to create this tag for the latest CC3C challenge, Layering Stencil: Texture Paste.  Can you believe it is already the fourth challenge?!  This challenge is sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique who are generously donating a gift certificate.   As always, Tim and Mario have an awesome prize package that will knock your socks off!  Here is my project:

I decided to create a tag this time.  Following the technique instructions listed on Page 49, I used the Measured stencil to make the background along with Antique Linen, Evergreen Bough and Vintage Photo Distress Inks to color the tag.   I used the colors from the Kaisercraft paper that I used for the mannequin's skirt for my inspiration.

Once the tag background was complete, I die cut Tim Holtz's Mannequin from the Sewing Room die twice, once from dark brown cardstock and once from Ranger Sticky Back Canvas.  I peeled the back off the canvas and attached over the top of the mannequin's bodice.  I then cut a piece of Kaisercraft paper and scored every 1/2".  Once scored, I threaded some narrow brown jute into a large eye sewing needle and "gathered" the skirt at the top, starting in the center of the skirt and ending at the center.  Here's how it looked:

I placed the gathered paper over the top of the mannequin and then pulled the jute up carefully at the center, being careful not to tear the paper.  Once the skirt was pleated, I tied off the jute and made a bow.  I then added the matching rose.

I also used Tim's Frameworks Lattice  die which I cut once from cream cardstock, coloring it with Vintage Photo Distress ink, and again from the same Kaisercraft paper I used for the skirt.  I used the reverse side of the paper as well to place in the lattice openings.  Once glued down, I added the finished mannequin over the top with foam tape squares.

To finish the project, I added an Ideology Heart as well as a brad and paper clip hanger.  I also used Tim's Label Letters to spell out "Sew Special" and finally added some metal buttons to finish the piece.

I used some Creative Impressions tape measure ribbon along with some aqua narrow satin ribbon tothe top of the tag at the end.

I had so much fun creating this tag.  I must say, I am officially "addicted" to using Texture Paste!  I hope you have as much fun as I did creating your own artwork with this technique!

It's still not too late to play along!  You can still buy the book from Tim who will autograph it for you.  Head on over to the CC3C Challenge hosted by none other than Linda Ledbetter for all the information and leave a comment on all the Curiosity Crews' blogs to win a prize!  You'll be glad you did!