Embossing Diffusers

Have you heard of Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Embossing Diffusers?  If you haven't, this is a product you will definitely want to look for!  Embossing Diffusers are featured in this 27th Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge, so get out Tim's book by the same name and play along! Still don't have the book?  You may still purchase your autographed copy here.  If you don't have the embossing diffusers,  head on over to The Inspiration Emporium and order one!  The Inspiration Emporium is also the sponsor of this week's challenge and is providing a $50.00 shopping spree to one lucky randomly chosen winner!

Tim and Mario have another amazing prize package waiting for the winner of the Curiosity Crew's Choice.  I have noticed that several people have just bought the book and are playing along now!  Goes to show you it's never too late!  You will find this challenge on Page 61 of the book.

Without further ado, here is the project I created with the Embossing Diffuser:

I lOVE this butterfly image from Tim's Stampers Anonymous Perspective set!   Many people have already featured it in their artwork.  I have just been biding my time waiting for the perfect moment and I think this is it!

I started by using the paint marbling technique on manila card stock.  The paint colors are Cracked Pistachio and Pumice Stone.  I then filled in with Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

Before I began the embossing diffuser technique.  I also used the paint marbling technique on three more pieces of manila card stock for the butterfly.  So sorry I didn't get a picture of these pieces!  I used Cracked Pistachio, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed and Dusty Concord Distress Paints.

I followed the technique on Page 61 using Tim's Sizzix Alterations small oval embossing diffuser found in Set 1 and his Sizzix Alterations Trellis embossing folder.  Using Tarnished Brass Distress Paint, I then lightly touched the paint to the raised parts of the embossed piece.  I love the contrast with the open area of the oval!  To finish it off, I found some gold fiber in my stash I adhered around  the oval to make it stand out even more!  It was easy as the shape was clearly defined on the card.  Finally I added three small flowers I die cut from a portion of the prepared marbled card stock using Tim's Alterations Tattered Floral Garland die and some ivy from the Spring Greenery die.  For the flower stamens I put some matte medium  in the center of the flowers and sprinkled some coppery colored micro beads inside.

I stamped the butterfly three times on the marbled card stock and cut out all three.  I added a bit of slightly watered down Tarnished Brass Distress paint to the wings close to the edges and then adhered all three butterflies together using matte medium.  To finish the butterfly, I wanted it to connect "color-wize" with the metallic colors in the flower stamen, so I used the same micro beads for the butterfly's body.

Here are some close ups:

I am finding it quite interesting how the different lighting conditions affect the color of the project....

The last step was to adhere the completed butterfly to the card piece.  Once again here is the completed project:

As always, we REALLY enjoy seeing all the clever things you do with your artwork!  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site for all the details and make sure to follow the rules!  Most of all, 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

Collection Folio Challenge!

Here it is - the 23rd challenge for the Compendium of Curiosities III - the Collection Folio found on Page 34 of Tim's third book!  I will confess I was a bit nervous about taking on this challenge on as it looked like quite the task!  However, it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding challenges I have done!

I decided I would use my maternal grandmother, Eunice Blanch Wood, as my inspiration as she was truly one of the strongest people I have ever known.  She was also kind, loving, faithful and patient, attributes that I will always remember.  I was also blessed to be the granddaughter she wanted to have her photos, so I have lots of wonderful photos to work with.  It was hard to fit them all in!

Here is the cover of the folio:

I originally resisted using Tim's Wallflower Stash as I use it quite frequently, however, it is truly my all-time favorite paper and I couldn't bear not to use it for this project!  Don't ever discontinue it, Tim!  I removed the elastic closure and covered the entire folio with the paper with the exception of a few of the "fold-over" areas.

I then cut out my favorite picture of my grandmother with an oval die and oval scalloped die and mounted it on green and brown card stock.  I used Tim's Alterations Typeset die to cut the letters for her name.  After this was done, I reattached the elastic closure through the designated holes, adding a Word Band to the top before threading it through the last hole.

Now it's time for another confession!  I tend to generally "play it safe" with colors and textures.  However, I finally decided I needed to step out of my comfort zone and go crazy!  I did this with the inside piece of the folio that the photos and ephemera are attached to.  Here is what it looked like when I started:

I used Tim's Frameworks Trellis Die as well as the Latticework stencil along with Peeled Paint, Antique Linen, Forest Moss and Gathered Twigs Paint.

The fun then began!  I have to admit that it took me two full days to put this together, however, I wanted it to be extra special.  I also had lots of photos I wanted to incorporate.  You certainly don't have to put as much as I did into this project - just select a theme you like and go for it!

For the inside cover of the folio I used one of Tim's Mini Cabinet Cards and placed my grandmothers baby's picture in it!  I always laugh when I see it as she looks so startled.  I used this photo for the first challenge and turned the photo into a birthday card.  I die cut a banner from Tim's Sizzix Alterations Tattered Banners strip and hand wrote her birthdate.  To finish this cover I added two photos of the farm where she was born in Alva, Oklahoma.

On the right side I sandwiched two new Elementary Flashcards, one that said "family" and the other "story" over the first cascading flap.  These Flashcards have such wonderful words on them!  Love them!

On the right hand side of the second cascading flap I attached two photos of my grandmother's family.  I used an Industrious Frame from the new Gallery set to frame her parents' wedding picture.  Some photo corners from the same set were used in all four corners of the family photo.  I used the Alpha Parts: Newsprint letters to spell out the word "Family" at the top of the photo.

For the back of the second cascading flap I added two more photos which I adhered to not only the flap, but also the reverse side of the photos on the opposite side.  I used the Life Quotes Remnant              Rubs to add some words.

The right side of the third flap features my Great-Grandmother Mamie.  I used a library pocket I had in my stash.  I laid it on its side and covered part of it with paper from the Wallflower Stash.  After placing the photo on a brown mat, I adhered it over the paper and added some Alpha Tiles to spell out her name.  I tucked in a tag I colored with Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress Inks and stamped with a B-Line Designs Gorgeous Fabric background.  I added another Elementary Flash Card and then a Remnant Rub from the Botanical set to the card.  I finished the front of the flap die by cutting and adding a Tim Alterations Distressed Doily die cut and  fussy cutting a rose image from the Wallflower Stash paper (one of my favorite things to do).  The last touch was the addition of an ephemera piece from the Emporium Ephemera Pack.

Close up of the tag:

I used the reverse side of the third flap for one photo plus another Flash Card and some fussy cut images from the Wallflower Stash paper to create a nature collage. 

I also stamped the tag on the reverse side with a stamp from Wendy Vecchi's The Beauty of Art stamp set.  Here's a close up of the reverse side of the tag:

On the right side of the fourth flap I used two large #10 tags.  I adhered a reduced size copy of my grandmother's graduation certificate to the top tag.  I used two B Line Designs stamps for the bottom tag, Women are like Buttons and Button Collage that I stamped lightly with Antique Linen Distress Ink.  Another photo was placed on this tag along with a Life Quotes Remnant Rub, Stencil Mark and Chit-Chat sticker.   Both tags were finished with a strip from the Industrious Gallery Stickers, two bows made from Crinkled Ribbon, a Ring Fastener and a Graphic 45 Shabby Chic key.  Another                      Flash Card with an image from the Botanical Remnant Rubs can be found in the center of the flap.

The left side of the fourth flap features two #8 tags to which have been added Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress inks and adhered to the larger #10 tags on the opposite side.   I decorated the tags with another photo, my grandmother's wedding announcement, a flower from the new  Emporium Ephemera pack, two bows made from burgundy seam binding that was crinkled, an photo is an oval frame from the Industrious Gallery Stickers with a photo, a Flash Card with a Botanical Remnant Rub and a metal key (sorry - not sure where this is from) and a floral stem from Nature Adornments.

The left side of the fifth flap was adorned with photos of my mother and uncle in Industrious Gallery Frames and finished with words from Chit-Chat stickers.  The back of the library pocket on the opposite side was decorated with another photo and Label Letters spelling my mother's name.  I also attached a gingham ribbon bow by Creative Impressions to the tag front.  Here's a close up of the tag front:

 Finally the back of the tag was stamped with a border from Wendy Vecchi's The Beauty of Art set and a stamp from Wendy's new Art and You set.

Close up of the reverse side of the tag:

Finally, the last flap was adhered to the back of the folio and a large photo of my grandparents on their honeymoon was placed on top.  A later photo of my grandmother was adhered to the top inside flap and a photo with me in it was adhered to the inside bottom flap and a fussy cut image from the Paper Stash was glued over the photo and onto the paper. 

I had to move from my small studio to the dining room table to spread everything out for this project. Here is what it looked like (I'm embarrassed to say):  I would bet that many of you can confess to the same thing!  Am I right?

Wow, that was a much longer post than I had intended, however, there are so many details I wanted to share with  you.  Now it's your turn to create something beautiful with this wonderful Collection Folio and share it with us.  As usual, head on over to the lovely Linda Ledbetter's site, read the rules for the challenge and start creating!  For this 23rd Challenge,  Inspiration Emporium is sponsoring a shopping spree in the amount of $50.00 for one randomly chosen winner.  Tim and Mario have a fabulous prize package for the winner of the Curiosity Crew Choice.

Good luck to everyone and have fun!

Susan

Dimensional Cutting Pad Fun!

Hello Everyone!  I have a new technique (to me anyway) to share with all of you for this 22nd Challenge for the Compendium of Curiosities III!

Has anyone used Tim's Sizzix Dimensional Cutting Pad before  If not, you might want to take the time to order one for yourself and start playing!  I will confess, when I first saw this product, I thought it would be good for nothing more that cutting out butterfly wings, however, when I started to experiment with it, I discovered that I could create so much more!

Here is my finished project using Tim's large pocket watch and the dimensional plate:

Here is a view of the dimension created by using the plate:

Isn't that cool?  It really make the watch come to life, doesn't it?  This technique for using the pad can be found on Page 62 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III book.  It's never too late to order here.

My husband loves trains and requested a train theme for the card, so I happily obliged!

I first created a fun background using Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap Distress Inks.  I thought it might be fun to use the round blending tool to create circle on the background to mimic the  shape of the pocket watch.  I used Frayed Burlap for this background technique.  After following the technique on Page 62, this is what I started out with:

I added some black around the edges of the pocket watch and then cut a dial from Tim's Eclectic Elements Fabric and adhered it to the center of the watch.  Finally, I cut another pocket watch from a piece of scrap card stock and added Frayed Burlap Distress Ink.  I finished with a coat of Tarnished Brass Distress Paint that I dabbed over the Frayed Burlap to give that old metal look.

As  you can see, I added some Idea-ology Game Spinners for the clock hands.  I then went on to decorating the rest of the card.

I first stamped railroad tracks on the top and bottom of the card and added Tim's rick rack over the top.  I stamped and cut out a train on an extra piece of card stock that I had colored with the Distress inks as before and added a little tarnished brass Distress Paint to parts of the train.  I then adhered the train over the rick rack at the bottom right of the card.

I added a strip of Tim's Tissue Tape to both the right and left hand sides of the card.  Then I got busy with the Idea-ology Gears (I just can't get enough of them!) and glued them to several areas of the card, including on the pocket watch itself.

I used an Idea-ology Swivel Clasp and attached a Philosophy Tag to the end.  The clip was threaded through the top of the watch and a drop of Glossy Accents here and there to adhere the token to the card.

Finally, I had fun with Tim's Remnant Rubs, adding them here and there to the background for some fun detail.  I finished the whole card off by backing it with a black mat and adding two Idea-ology          Corners painted lightly with Tarnished Brass Distress Paint .

This 22nd challenge is generously sponsored this time by the Funkie Junkie Boutique.  Linda is providing a wonderful $25.00 shopping spree in her online store to a randomly chosen winner.  As always Tim and Mario have another great prize package waiting for the Curiosity Choice winner of this challenge.  Good luck.  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site to refresh your memory on the rules and play along!

Hope you enjoy this project!  Now let's see what you create.

Rock Candy Distress Glitter

For this 21st challenge I couldn't wait to create a Valentine themed project using this technique found on Page 55 of Tim Holtz's Comdendium of Curiosities III book!  I have noticed that we have some "newbies" (yay!) who have recently joined us for these challenges, so, as they discovered, it's not too late to get your own autographed copy of Tim's book here.  Then head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site to read all the rules!

Rocky Candy Distress Glitter is awesome!  It is just perfect for anything that needs a bit of sparkle!  Here is my project:

I started off by following the technique on Page 55.   I used Tim's Stampers Anonymous Flourish stamp and Victorian Velvet.  The background is Antique Linen.  The tag looked like this:

Don't know if you can see the sparkle very well on this photo.  Here is another look at it:

I stamped the "With all my Heart" image (B Line Designs) with Black Archival ink at the bottom of my tag over the background.

I then stamped and cut out a heart and cupid image (B Line Designs) to add to my tag.  I used Barn Door Distress ink for the heart.  I created a black mat for the heart and attached it to my tag using foam tape.  I watercolored the cupid image with Distress inks (tea dye and tattered rose for flesh color) and used a Barn Door Distress marker for Cupid's sash.  I added some Rock Candy Distress Glitter to Cupid's wing too.  After cutting out Cupid, I attached him to the tag with foam tape and positioned him alongside the heart.  The final touch for the heart was the addition of an Idea-ology Arrow Adornment on the heart.

I used Barn Door Distress Stain to dye Tim's Crinkle Ribbon which was then crinkled and heat set.  A bow was tied using a thin piece of thread and an Idea-ology heart charm was added.

The final additions to this tag were the numbers 14 from Idea-ology Alpha Parts Newsprint, a small bunch of red rose buds tied with a red bow, a a small bit of lace trim adhered to the bottom of the tag!

Here's a close up of a portion of the tag.  I think you can see the sparkle a bit better from this angle:

A huge thank you goes out to the Inspiration Emporium for sponsoring this challenge.  They will be providing a $50.00 shopping spree to the winner of a randomly chosen entry for this challenge.  Tim and Mario have yet another fabulous prize package awaiting the Curiosity Choice winner as well.

Good luck to all!  We can't wait to see your entries for this glittery challenge!

Susan




























The Inspiration Emporium is generously sponsoring this challenge and has a $50.00 shopping spree on their site just waiting for one lucky randomly chosen winner.  Tim and Mario have yet another prize package for the Curiosity Crew choice winner as well.

Good luck to all.  Thanks for participating in this glittery challenge!

Distress Watercolor - Part 2

I know I say this every time, but I really can't believe we have arrived at Number 20 for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge!  I hope all of you are having as much fun as we are creating these projects!

I finished this piece just before I was lucky enough to go to the Craft and Hobby Trade Show in Anaheim, California with most of my dear friends and fellow members of the Curiosity Crew, including the lovely Linda Ledbetter (unfortunately several members could not attend this year).  We have returned with lots of new ideas and inspiration which we hope to share with all of you.

Here is the card I created using this wonderful Distress Watercolor Part 2 technique:

I have wanted to use this fabulous Tim Holtz dragonfly stamp by Stampers Anonymous for such a long time!  Even though we are still in the midst of Winter, I must say that, after being in California and returning to snow and cold, I am ready for some warmer weather and dragonflies!

Have you used Ranger's watercolor paper yet?   I love it! There is so much detail on the paper and the ink colors stand out so beautifully!  

I apologize I don't have a lot of step by step photos.  However, here are a few close-ups of the card details:

After following the technique found on Page 40 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III book which can still be purchased here, I added some more detail to the card.  This is a silver dragonfly brad from Creative Impressions to which I added some Seedless Preserves Distress Paint (my favorite color) and placed it inside the "dragonfly" circle which is part of the stamp.

I took a scrap piece of the watercolor paper and stamped Happy Birthday from Tim's Simple Sayings.  I cut the paper to the same width as my dragonfly piece and adhered pieces of aqua card stock to the backs to create two mats.

Next I had some beautiful Birdsong Cherry Blossoms paper from Graphic 45 which I thought would make a lovely background. I adhered both stamped and matted pieces to the G45 paper.   I also wanted to add a few extra flowers, so I fussy cut several of the flowers from the paper and layered them to some foliage cut from Tim's Sizzix Alterations Spring Greenery die using green card stock accented with some Peeled Paint Distress ink.  I then adhered more foliage to the base of the card underneath the Happy Birthday sentiment from Tim's Simple Sayings stamp set.

The watercolored dragonfly image and the Happy Birthday sentiments were both layered onto aqua card stock and adhered to Cherry Blossoms background paper.  To finish this piece I used Tim's crinkle ribbon which was dyed with Tattered Rose and Spun Sugar Distress Paint, tied into a bow and adhered to the bottom of the card.

This 20th challenge is being sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  A $25.00 shopping spree will be awarded to one lucky randomly chosen winner.  I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely owner, Linda, at the trade show.  What a wonderful and sweet person she is!

Tim and Mario have another prize package awaiting the winner of the Curiosity Crew choice for this challenge.  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site for all the rules on how to participate and possibly win this terrific prize package.

Come join us!  We would love to see your creations!

Susan