Sneak Peek Two - Tonic Studios Brand New Buildables Dies Sets - Time to Sleep Canvas

Hi Everyone

I have another sneak peek for you today showcasing the wonderful NEW Buildables Die Sets from Tonic Studios.  I just can't put them away!  So today I thought we would do a little 8" x 8" canvas project using the gorgeous Hedgehog from the collection - he is soooo sweet :)

So let's get started.....

What I Did

• Take an 8" x 8" canvas and using the Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in Spring Green add a little colour all over background.
• Next take some distress ink - Mustard Seed first, then Candied Apple lightly over corner edges.
• Cut out the leaves, whole base leaf and the verso leaf too,  using the Autumn Die Collection Die Sets.
• Using distress inks in Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Candied Apple and Aged Mahogany and cut and dry foam (or ink blending tools) colour the leaves.  Once dry glue leaf pairs together.  The twig bits are from the verso leaf cut coloured with Vintage Photo ink.
• Using a hot glue gun add leaves to centre of canvas front.  Put aside.
• Die cut the pieces needed for the Hedgehog, glue together.  Shape the cute one you now have to round him up a little and attach to centre of leaves.
• Now he is ready to sleep ..... awwww!
• Enjoy!

What I Used

Tonic Studios Buildables Die Set

Tonic Studios Autumn Die Collection

Tonic Studios Nuvo Embellishment Mousse - Spring Green

Distress Inks - Mustard Seed/Ripe Persimmon/Candied Apple/Aged Mahogany/Vintage Photo

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xxx

Thinking of You - Tonic Studios Autumn Die Collection

Hi Everyone

Mandy-Jane here.  Well today I am sharing my last project that I made for Tonic Studios Autumn Die Collection.  I really have enjoyed creating all my projects with these fab dies.  They are a great size.

So here's my offering for you.

What I Did

• Take a 7" x 7" white blank and cut a dark teal piece of card to 6 5/8" x 6 5/8".  Glue to font of card.


• Cut a 6" x 6" piece of white card.  


• To create the front aperture; measure and cut 1/2" in from the the outside edges and 2 1/2" across.  Join between the points to cut final inner edge.


• Next cut a piece of black card at 3" x 5 1/2".  Create a frame by measuring and cutting in 3/8" on all edges.  Glue this frame to the front of the white aperture.


• Cut a piece of white card at 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" and using distress ink colour half blue and half green.  Glue this panel to the centre of card front.


• Take the frame piece, add 3D foam to the rear and attach to front of card.


• From black card die cut three solid corn pieces.  Then cut three white ones cutting the detail out using the verso part of die.  Cut off stems from the white die cuts.  Glue these pieces on top of black solids.


• Add the corn layered die cuts into centre of frame.


• Die cut the wording in black and teal.  Shadow and glue together.  Add to front of card.


• Finish with black Nuvo drops.


• Enjoy!

What I Used

Tonic Studios September Harvest Die Set - 1432E

Tonic Studios Sentiment - Thinking of You - 1255E

Tonic Studios Super Trimmer - 153E

Nuvo Drops - Ebony Black - 650N

We hope you been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

Xx

Best Friends - Autumn Die Collection by Tonic Studios

Hi Everyone

It's another wet day here in not so sunny South Wales!  But it's  not getting us down :)

Today MJ is sharing another on her designs that she made for the launch on Create and Craft TV using the Autumn Die Collection from Tonic Studios.

So here we go..

What I Did

• Using a cream 8" x 8" card blank cut a piece of brown card at 7 3/4" x 7 3/4" and glue to front.
• Next emboss a piece of cream card using the chevron embossing folder.  Cut off the border and glue to front centre of card.
• Using the Autumn Die Collection cut out three yellow maple leaf solid shapes plus two maple leaves with the verso centre.  Glue the two detailed leaves to two solid ones.
• Cut out 4 branches from brown card.
• Cut out five yellow solid bramble leaf branches and then use the verso centre pieces on two of them. Glue the two detailed leaves to two solid ones.
• Cut out five yellow solid oak leaves and then use the verso centre on two of them. Glue the two detailed leaves to two solid ones.
• Use Distress Inks to colour the two layer leaves - Scattered Straw, Shabby Shutters, Dried Marigold, Ripe Persimmon and Aged Mahogany. Then on remaining leaves colour with the Shabby Shutters ink.
• Die cut Best Friends from cream card and colour with Dried Marigold and Ripe Persimmon. Die cut another one from brown card.  Shadow together.  Die cut a panel in brown and cream and add wording.  
• Arrange leaves and branches as you like and glue into place.  Add wording panel to finish using 3D foam pads.

What I Used

Autumnal Oak Die Set -  1431E

September Harvest Die Set 1432E

Modern Chevron Embossing Folder 1440E

Best Friends Sentiment Die - 1241E

Gift of Love Die Set - 779E

Tonic Tangerine Die Cutting Machine

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

If Friends Were Flowers Decorative Daffodil

 

Hi Everyone

Another busy day today – prepping classes and workshops and some are for 2016!  Where has the time gone? 

MJ has a quick card to share with you today that she recently made for the launch of the Double Detail Die and Stamp sets.

This is a pretty card.  Unfortunately, the bright yellows and greens do not show up in the photo.

 

What MJ Did

• Create a card blank so that it is a little taller than the die panel allowing room for mat and layers from white linen card.
• Cut two white panels that will fit the length of the stencil and use Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint Distress Inks to colour through the panel.  Dry.
• Next place the stencil back in place over the dried ink, tape down and spread a clear drying paste or glue gel medium thought the stencil.  Carefully remove stencil (put into water to clean) and whilst still wet pour micro brads on top.  Leave to dry.
• Whilst panels are drying use the cleaned stencil and some Mustard Seed ink to create a background design on the card blank.
• Once panels are dry, ink around edges lightly with some of the Mustard Seed ink and layer onto some green card. Raise both panels with some 3D foam and add to front of card.
• Die cut centre layers and sentiment and add this to front centre of card.
• Add a bow to finish.  Enjoy!

What MJ Used

Tonic Studios Decorative Daffodil Double Detail Die and Stencil Set – 1137E

Tonic Studios Essentials Die Set – Just for you – 189E

Tonic Studios Sentiment Die Set – If Friends were Flowers – 025e

Tonic Studios From Me to You Topper Die Inner Set – 174e

Distress Inks – Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint

Clear Microbeads

Prims Art Basics Glue Gel Medium – Gloss

 
We hope you have been inspired.
 
Thanks
for
Popping By
xx

Sneak Peek – NEW Tonic Patchwork Perfection Collection

 

Hi Everyone, MJ here

To say I am excited is an understatement!  I love, love, love these new die sets and so will you.

Join Jodie for the Tonic. Pick of the Week on Friday 18th September starting at 12 noon on Create & Craft TV.

Show times:...
Friday - 12 noon, 3pm, 5pm & 6pm
Saturday - 8am & 1pm
Sunday - 12 noon & 5pm
Monday 12 noon & 3pm
Tuesday 8am

So here is my offering for you tonight.  I loved doing this card.  The papers work beautifully with this style of design.

 

 

What MJ Did

• Start with an A4 piece of Kraft card folded in half to make card base.
• Cut another piece of Kraft card to 5 1/2” x 8” and emboss it using your favourite Tonic embossing folder.  Colour around the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and glue onto front of card.
• Create a tag shape using Kraft card. Next choose some toning papers and die cut squares.  Glue these to cover tag.  Trim excess paper away.  Lightly ink around the edges once again with same ink as before.
• Add lace to bottom and across middle of tag.
• I used a chipboard piece for dress form which I made a skirt for from the same toning papers by cutting strips and gluing into place.  Add ribbon for belt.
• Die cut the buttons, cotton reel, needle and flowers from Kraft card.  Ink around edges.
• Use some string or wool to wrap the cotton reel with plus extra to thread through needle and to finish buttons. 
• Glue tag onto card and add embellishments and pearls to finish.

What Was Used

Tonic Studios Patchwork Perfection – Square Stitch Die & Emboss Set – 1089E
 
Tonic Studios Patchwork Perfection – Quilted Quarters Paper Set – 1090E
 
Tonic Studios A4 Embossing Folder – Rosalyn – 518E
 
Tonic Studios Funky Glue Pen – 29.5ml – 421E
 
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Teal/Blue - Neptune Turquoise - 661N
 
Kraft Card
 
Ranger Distress Ink – Vintage Photo
 
 
We hope you have been inspired.
 
Thanks
for
Popping By
xx
 
 
 

Beautiful Blooming Blossom Arch Tutorial

Hi Everyone

Today we have a great project for you from Debbie (it's her turn at last...lol)

It's a fantastic tutorial so let's get on and show you :)

 

Blossom Arch

 

 

This was so much fun starting with the blossom & seeing what developed.

Starting with a MDF trellis arch from Anna Marie Designs, paint with gesso as a base for a coat of Snowflake colour Fresco paint from PaperArtsy. For the base of the trellis I coloured the Snowflake paint with a little Peeled Paint Distress Ink to give the impression of grass as you would have in a garden.

The Cherry Blossom is made from the Cherry Blossom die set (1006) from Elizabeth Crafts Design’s Susan’s Garden range. Google Elizabeth Crafts Designs & select their You Tube Channel & scroll down to the Susan’s Garden section &  watch the video tutorial for the cherry blossom.  Debbie made two branches of blossoms. To colour tip the stamen a Spectrum Noir pen BP6 from the pinks set was used.

 

 

The ivy was cut from the Sue Wilson Trailing Ivy die set (CED1423). A big “thank you” to John Lockwood for the technique for colouring the card to give you  a realistic looking coloured ivy. Take a piece of white card & 3 or 4 different coloured green Distress inks – the less they seem to co-ordinate the better. Using Cut’N’Dry foam blend patches of all the green inks on to the card. It will look like a piece of camouflage – you will probably think it looks awful – Debbie did. BUT, the magic happens when you then cut your trailing ivy out.  Each one will pick up little sections of the different colour greens & it will look great. The key thing to remember is to make your inked piece of card dark enough to give you a realistic tone for the ivy.

 

 

Using Cosmic Shimmer glue stick your ivy in a pleasing arrangement over the top half of the trellis.

As the cherry blossom branch will be interesting & uneven shapes it is better to use Collal 3D glue gel to stick that over the ivy.

To give the illusion of a crazy paving footpath running through the arch the Pebbles die (1026) from Elizabeth Crafts Designs was used. It was cut twice, once from a light grey card stock & once from a dark grey & the light grey outline was used & in filled with the darker grey cobbles. Cut to size & stick to the base under the arch using Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear glue.

The statue (Marianne Designs CR1301) was cut twice from the dark grey PaperMillDirect card & highlighted using a silver gilding wax to make it look metallic. Make a small tube from cardstock & after having gently curved the statue die-cuts stick around the back & front of the tube to make a standing statue. Make an inch & half square box out of the same dark grey card as a base for the statue. Embellish each side of the box with pieces cut from the grey card using any small die (probably from the centre of a set that you thought you would never use!) Stick the statue to the base using the Collal 3D glue gel & the base to the trellis base with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.

 

The topiary sets were cut using Marianne Designs CR1303. Cut 6 pots from a fuchsia pink  card (PaperMillDirect was used here). The rest of the topiary plants were coloured to suit the look Debbie wanted. You will need to cut 10 stems & colour them brown (a Spectrum Noir pen from the browns set was used for this). To get the realistic looking colour for the topiary foliage Debbie coloured a piece of plain white card with Shabby Shutters Distress Ink using the direct to paper technique. Once the ink is dry,  cut out 2 x pyramid foliage & 4 each of the more rounded foliage. While each piece is still in the die colour through the die using an Ink Duster brush and Forest Moss Distress ink. Remove the die-cut from the die & lightly ink dust over the whole surface with the Forest Moss Distress Ink & then finish each piece by colouring more heavily on the right hand side to give the appearance of shaping. Stick a stem piece to each of the pots & add a 2^nd piece to 4 of the stems to give the height needed for the duo topiary. Cut 5mm foam pads down to stick the foliage to the stems as this give much more dimension to the topiary. The 2 pyramid topiary were fixed to the trellis arch using 2mm foam pads. To make the duo topiary stand further forward Debbie built little collums of stacked foam pads to give the desired distance from the trellis.

 And that’s all there is to it!!!!

 We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

Tonic Art Deco and Chocolate Baroque Stamps – a Winning Combination

 

Hi Everyone

MJ is back from holibobs and is striving to get stuff done which includes catching up on her blogging!  So here goes….

Today MJ has created a vibrant card project to inspire you she hopes.  She has used gorgeous Distress Ink colours of Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade and Shabby Shutters. 

 

 

MJ started by creating a base gatefold card from a piece of 12” x 6” white card.She then mat and layered both inside and outside of the side panels.   Next she created a second card for the inside by cutting a piece of card at 11 7/8” x 5 7/8”.  Folded it in half and then created a pop out step which was 2” wide by 1” deep i the centre of the fold.  Bent it over to create crease lines.  Then she went onto create the inside scenes with her Chocolate Baroque stamp collection.  Once dry she glued it in position so that the inside card falls down when opening the card. Added decorated side panels to match. 

 

 

MJ then die cut a greeting panel and a border strips using Tonic Studios die sets.  She then used ribbon as a tie for the card gluing the ribbon under the front borders to finish.

 

 

What Was Used

Tonic Studios Art Deco Collectable Die Set – 183E

Tonic Studios Deco Oval Trellis Base Die Set -

Chocoalte Baroque Stamps – Terrific Treescapes – CBCL0009

Chocolate Baroque Stamps – Loving Sentiments – UA5GW0258

Chocolate Baroque Stamps – Landscape Edges – CBCL0033

Crealies Stencils – No.19 Circles and No. 18 Sunrays

 

We hope you have been nspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

‘Use a Die Cut’ – Crafting Musketeer's Challenge #25

 

Hi Everyone

I am apologising for the lateness of this month’s challenge post as I was away at the weekend taking part in a series of fabulous workshops…which I lurved!

So onto the challenge details…..

Challenge #25, the theme is "Use a Die Cut"  and the sponsors  for this month are the fabulous JGD Crafts and The Hobby House.

So here’s a little about them.

"We are a friendly local business in the heart of Nottinghamshire, England. We specialise in both Card Making and Parchment craft products and tuition.

Janet Humphries (the owner) started her passion for what she does now as a hobby concentrating on mainly decoupage. After the shortage of local shops selling the goods she required, Janet then started running a business back in 2002 on a local market in Mansfield.

"Our retail shop is situated on the outskirts of Tetney, a small rural village near Cleethorpes. We also sell to Trade.

The Hobby House offers a wide range of craft supplies for you to browse and buy online,in our shop and around the country at craft shows. "

The prizes will be from JDG Crafts , something of the sponsors choice and from the Hobby House a voucher to use on their website.

So with the challenge of Use a Die Cut here we go and hope you like it.

 

 

This card has been made using a Creative Expressions die from the Sue Wilson Collection.  It has been cut into the card through the back and front and then just the edge cut on the outside edges of the card in white. It was cut again using black card for the centre front panel.  Also used was some Katy Sue moulds with Hearty Clay and coloured using Distress Inks before placing onto the moulds.  Once the elements were dry they were added to the card together with some Silky Crushed Ribbon for the luxurious bow detail.

Simple steps to reach a beautiful finish (even though I say it myself….lol).

What Was Used

Creative Expressions Die by Sue Wilson – Gemini Collection Orion

Silky Crushed Ribbon

Katy Sue Moulds – Design a Hat and Designer Bags

Papermill Direct Card – Black and Super Smooth White

 

Now it’s your turn and we are so looking forward to seeing what you come up with. xx

The challenge this month will end on 28th May at 8pm.  Good Luck!

And if you don't have your own blog , don't worry ,  remember we have a Facebook Page for you to post your entry onto. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafting-Musketeers-Challenge-BLOG/320703981385124

See The Crafting Musketeers blog for challenge rules and lots of inspiration from the Design Teams. 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

It’s a Man’s World – Crafting Musketeer’s Challenge #24

 

Hi Everyone

Woo Hoo, it’s Challenge #24 time, and the theme is "It's A Man's World"  and the sponsor for this month is JGD Crafts .

Here is a little bit about them.

"We are a friendly local business in the heart of Nottinghamshire, England. We specialise in both Card Making and Parchment craft products and tuition.

 

Janet Humphries (the owner) started her passion for what she does now as a hobby concentrating on mainly decoupage. After the shortage of local shops selling the goods she required, Janet then started running a business back in 2002 on a local market in Mansfield.
The business then progressed to a small shop and after a few years moved to larger premises and shortly afterwards opened a tuition centre. Local people who want to learn the art of card making and parchment craft currently use the tuition centre. The tuition centre also hosts event days for many professionals you may know i.e. Christine Coleman .

Along the way, the web site was born back in 2004 this originally serviced the UK, but has now progressed to supplying world wide as far as the USA and Australia."

The prize will be something of the sponsors choice.

 

 

For this challenge MJ has stuck to a palette of green, black and grey using papers from the Heartfelt Creations Celebrate the Journey range together with matching stamps and dies.  She has made a basic stepper card.

 

 

MJ layered the papers onto the base card and cut out some of the balloons from some left over pieces and using 3D foam pads she added them over some areas of the paper design.

 

 

She stamp the verses stamp onto white card using archival ink.  Then using Distress Inks in Evergreen Bough and Iced Spruce MJ coloured the stamped images to match the paper.  They were then cut out with the matching die.  Black Soot was used around the outside edges to give some definition.  The central greeting and the bottom strip were cut from one of the papers too.  MJ then arranged them of the card base adding a black organza bow to finish.  Even the man in your life deserves a pretty bow!

 

What Was Used

Heartfelt Creations Celebrate the Journey Collection – HCDP1 242

Heartfelt Creations Celebrate the Journey Sentiments – HCPC 3596

Heartfelt Creations Once Upon a Time Die Set – HCD 744

 

Now it’s your turn and we are so looking forward to seeing what you come up with. xx

The challenge this month will end on 28th April at 8pm.  Good Luck!

And if you don't have your own blog , don't worry ,  remember we have a Facebook Page for you to post your entry onto. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafting-Musketeers-Challenge-BLOG/320703981385124

See The Crafting Musketeers blog for challenge rules and lots of inspiration from the Design Teams. 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

3D Reach for the Stars Project – NEW Tonic Studios Dies

 

Hi Everyone

MJ has another Tonic Studios ‘Star’ themed project for you today but this time it’s free standing  and 3D!  She had already given you two card projects so she fancied doing something a little different from them this time.

This is actually an easy project but it takes a little time to do as you have to cut multiple frames out and glue together but that’s all there is to it.

Start off by cutting out (counting from centre die) four frames made from dies 9 and 7.  Then cut 4 frames from dies 6 and 4. and lastly cut 4 solid pieces from die 2.  Run all pieces through an embossing folder and ink over with Distress Ink. Score each star in half with point at top and fold.  Glue the large framed together leaving on edge unglued.  Repeat for the small frames and the solid star shapes.  Cut a length of thin jewellery wire or ribbon and glue this through the centre of all the pieces (see below). Make sure all edges are now glued into place.  Before glue is completely dry twist the stars to face different directions.  Trim any excess wire. Cut out the sentiment twice plus an extra star and glue these into position.

 

 

What Was Used

Tonic Studios Star Layering Die Set – 528E

Tonic Studios Reach for the Stars Frame Sentiment Set – 27E

Crafters Companion Textures Art Collection Emboss Folder – Distress

Distress Ink – Brushed Corduroy

 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks

for

Popping By

xx

Classic Cameos and Thinking of You – Tonic Studios Newest Release

 

Hi Everyone

Snow has been and gone with us and was replaced with lots of thunder and flashing lights but at least it’s not snow..phew!!

MJ has been wrapped up all warm and cosy in her craft hovel creating a quick little project for you with a couple of the fabulous new releases from Tonic Studios launched this week live from California (lucky them we say!).

MJ has worked with elements of the ‘Thinking of You’ Die Set together with the ‘Cameo Creative Classic Cameos Set 1.  She says it each time but this is a fantastic collection with such value built into the sets with the amount of dies you get in one set!

To start this card she took a 6” square card base.  Embossed a piece of Co-ordinations card and inked over lightly using a Distress Ink to pick up detail and soften the colour.  Then MJ took some vintage pink toned ribbon, tied it in the centre to create the dip, and then wrapped it across the front of the embossed card before gluing to front.

 

 

Next she die cut the border from the ‘Thinking of You ‘ set together with a matching corner.  Also cut 3 sprigs from the ‘Royal Fern’ die set and 2 ovals using the basic set.  Layered the ovals together, added sprigs. 

 

 

MJ had to alter the colour of the cameo from it’s rich tan colour to a burgundy tone to match her card stock.  She did this by painting with some acrylic paint.  When dry it was added to oval plaque.  Using glue gel the cameo panel was added on top of the ribbon and left to dry. 

 

To finish the card MJ added the border, corners and pearls.  Voila! Done.

 

What MJ Used

Tonic Studios Thinking of You Die Set – 191E

Tonic Studios Royal Fern Die Set – 657E

Tonic Studios Mixed Oval Layering Die Set – 485E

Tonic Studio Cameo Creative Classic Cameos Set 1 –51E

Tonic Studios Funky Glue – 420E

Embossalicious 8” x 8” Folder – Regal Swirl

Co-ordinations Card

Distress Ink – Victorian Velvet

 

Watch out for more projects that MJ will be sharing with over the next few days.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Tonic Studios Rococo Dragonfly Brooch Project

 

Hi Everyone

MJ has a quick and easy project for you today using the new Dragonfly Brooch die simply as a brooch – who would have thunk! ..lol  The photo is not very good so we apologise for this now.  It is a lot bluer in the flesh…honest.  Am determine to show the blue…leave it with MJ a few mins!

 

 

The first thing you need to do is die cut three Dragonflies from card and glue together. Next take Distress Inks in Salty Ocean and Peacock Feathers and colour both sides of the piece.  Then use a flourish design stamp over the top in a toning ink.  MJ used Cobalt Archival Ink and an Indigoblu mini Vintage Flourish stamp.

This picture is a little better we think….

 

 

Whilst the ink is drying pop on your melt pot, if you have one, or use a foil pie dish and make a spout on the edge and hold it with a grab-it tool.  Add enough powder so that you will be able to dip the piece into it, once melted, without burning yourself (MJ much prefers her melt pot but has done it both ways). MJ used WOW Melt-It powder but you can use UTEE.  Hold the dragonfly using a Grab-It tool and dip it carefully in the pot until it is coated removing excess on the edge of pot.  Leave to cool – DO NOT TOUCH whilst still hot you don’t want to burn yourself!

When completely cold MJ added some Treasure Gold – Aquamarine gilding paste and attached a brooch back to rear using Tonic Tacky Glue.  There you have it!

 

 

What Was Used

Tonic Studios Rococo Dragonfly Brooch Die – 76E

Tonic Tacky Glue

WOW! Melt-It Powder – WA50

Treasure Gold Metallic Wax Finish – Aquamarine

Indigoblu Dinkie Vintage Flourish Stamp

Archival Ink – Cobalt

Distress Inks – Salty Ocean and Peacock Feathers

 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Tonic Studios – Forever Dream Canvas Project

 

Hi Everyone

Have you seen Tonic Studios latest releases?  We bet you have and aren’t they glorious!  We just love them (but we always do).  MJ was tidying (we know words you will never hear her utter in usual circumstances but it is Christmas so she can be forgiven) her craft hovel and basically, got bored of that!  So thought mmmmm new dies….mmmmmm let’s craft!  So MJ messed up her space again.  She says it looks far better now..lol xx

It had not to be a long long project as OH would not have been happy so a canvas it was.  This canvas took MJ almost 2 hours but that included all the die cutting too.

 

 

Firstly, MJ took some of the lovely Vintage Paper pack.  Using a border punch she added some detail to edges here and there and then adhered it with some gel medium to cover the canvas front.  Once dried it was time to add some paints.

She then applied the paint with her  fingers (she loves inky messy and a box of baby wipes).  MJ used a chalk acrylic in blue adding where it was wanted until she was happy. The next thing  was to use a stencil and some Grungepaste to add texture.  When this was dry some caramel toned chalk acrylic was added to warm it up a little over the raised areas of paste.  She then popped some script stamp in small areas.

 

 

The next task was the die-cutting.  Each element was cut out three times and glued together to form a chipboard like thickness.  MJ chose the Rococo Dragonfly Brooch, Butterfly Sprig, Delicate Dragonfly, Bunched Roses and the Inspirations Sentiments Dies.

 

 

All the pieces were distressed and stamped over with a script stamps in yellow to add warmth. These were then glued into place on the canvas.  Gilding waxes and Acrylic Glazes were added to both the elements and the canvas edges.  That was it finished.

 

 

What Was Used

30cm x 40cm Canvas

Tonic Studios Forever Vintage Decorative Paper Pack – 663E

Tonic Studios Dotty Geared Border Punch -

Tonic Studios Rococo Bunched Roses Die – 77E

TonicStudios Rococo Delicate Dragonfly Die – 180E

Tonic Studios Rococo Butterfly Sprig Die – 177E

Tonic Studios Inspirations Sentiment Die Set – 367E

Tonic Studios Forever Moments Gilding Blush – Gold Leaf – 37E

Tonic Studio Forever Moments Creative Storage Adhesive

PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints – Lake Wanaka and Caramel

PaperArtsy Grunge Paste

Silks Acrylic Glaze – Solar Gold and Watermelon Mist

Distress Ink – Mustard Seed

Archival Inks – Watering Can and Dandelion

 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Tonic Beautiful Buckle Die Set – New Release – Sneak Peek

 

Hi Everyone

MJ is back with a Sneak  Peek tonight of one of the new releases from Tonic Studios.  She choose to use the Beautiful Buckle with a twist!  Not a card this time but a Bracelet Cuff.

As soon as MJ saw this die set she thought it looked like a bracelet or a gorgeous watch strap so she got straight to it with this simple project idea for you.

 

Having recently done this painting technique with her classes MJ decided that it would fit what she had in mind perfectly.  So she gathered together her gesso, inks, paints and glue, put her pinny on and began.

Using the Beautiful Buckle die set MJ cut the inner part of the die from Grunge Paper and then cut the outer edges with the strip die.  Then she cut another band just using the outer strip die.  She gave these pieces a light coat of Vintage Photo Distress Ink and dried.  On reverse of plain piece paint with the Precious Metal Colour paint as this acts as a sealant.  Now she added some random streaks of Gilding Blush – Gold Leaf.  Applied on top of the wax was a light blue wash of colour. Leave to dry.  Using gesso and blue distress ink take a stippling brush and go over some of the areas removing any excess with a dry kitchen towel.  Once dry buff the pieces to bring out the shine.

 

 

Glue fancy cut-out section onto top of plain under section.  Cut to size required to fit wrist.  Add a hitch fastener to one end of bracelet and cut a small slit on the other end so that the fastener will fit through to secure.  Decorate to suit.  Enjoy!

What Was Used

Tonic Studios Verso Beautiful Buckle Strip Die Set

Tonic Studios Forever Moments Gilding Blush – Gold Leaf

Tonic Studios Forever Moments Creative Storage Adhesive

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Grungepaper

White Gesso

Viva Precious Metal Colour – Mother of Pearl

Distress Inks – Peacock Feathers and Vintage Photo

Tim Holtz Hitch Fasteners

 

We hope you have been inspired.

Don’t forget to pop over to the Tonic Blog to see more inspiration from the team.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Tonic Studios – Verona Creative Storage Project

 

 

Hi Everyone

Today’s project from MJ is from the Forever Moments range by Tonic Studios and she has loved doing it!

You get the complete kit to make your Verona Unit including pictorial instructions which make it so easy to put together and the Creative Storage Adhesive – a good quality glue with a grab fast action.

Once MJ had built the unit and the drawers (which are part of the kit) it was time to play and decorate it.  She used the Decorative Paper Pack – Forever Vintage which contains 20 unique double-sided 150gsm papers.  There are so many designs to choose from she was stuck as to which ones to go for.  After thinking about it for lots of minutes (!) MJ decided to go along the masculine route choosing the gorgeous clocks and keys designs.

First she painted the Verona in Olive Green acrylic paint from the Nuvo Collection.  She applied 2 –3 coats leaving each layer to dry in between.  She then painted the inside and outsides of all drawers.  Once all the paint was dry MJ cut and layered the Vintage design papers onto the project using the Pure Matt Adhesive from the Forever Moments range.

Next was the handles.  She loves these so much as they are simply attached with brads.  The handles are solid metal and are a good weight – very good quality.  MJ used two sets of the Bureau Handles.  Then she added some metal embellishments from her stash and added gold highlights on all edges of the Verona unit using the Gilding Blush in Gold Leaf.

 

And there you have it – MJ can’t wait to get hold of another one and try a different look!

 

What Was Used

Verona Creative Storage Project

Forever Vintage Decorative Paper Pack

Pure Adhesive – Matt

Nuvo Acrylic Collection – Olive Green

Forever Moments Gilding Blush – Gold Leaf

Forever Moments Bureau Handle 4 Set

 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

The Big Score – A Gift Box for More Inspiration

 

Hi Everyone

Wow, did you catch the launch of the Big Score as the One Day Wonder on Create and Craft today? – a sell out!

Tonight MJ is sharing a box project she made for the launch to give you further inspiration for when you get your board home.  If you did not manage to get it on the show they are now available to order from Crafters Companion and Dandie Crafts will be having them in stock in store very shortly too.

This would make a gorgeous presentation box for all sorts of gifts for your loved ones.

 

 

 

The top is a card which then opens into a box containing boxes – so you can put a different surprise in each one.

 

                     

 

This becomes the complete keepsake gift.

 

What MJ Used

The Big Score Board

A3 Centura Pearl Card – Hint of Gold

Every Day in Moonbeam Meadow CD – Printed Papers

Die’Sire Creat-a-Card Die – Elegance

Die’Sire – Corner Dies

Core’dinations Card – Reflecting Pool

 

We hope you have been inspired.

 

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Quick Inspriation with Create-a-Card Christmas Wreath

 

Hi Everyone

 

Think autumn has raised its head today here in South Wales...brrrrrrrrrrr!!

 

Today MJ is sharing a fab little project she made using the new Die'sire Christmas Wreath Create-a-Card die from Crafters Companion.



 

MJ has cut the Wreath out on green Adorable Scorable card leaving 1" either side to fold back to form a dome front card.  She has used Worn Lipstick Distress Ink through the die before taking out of the die.  The matts and layers are cut from Anna Marie Designs Spotty Papers onto a white 7" x 7" card blank.  To finish she added some small red pearls from Hobbyhouse and ribbons.



 

 

 

 

 

What We Used

 

7" x 7" White Card Blank

 

Die'sire Create-a-Card Die - Christmas Wreath

 

Anna Marie Designs Papers

 

Distress Ink - Worn Lipstick

 

Ribbon and Pearls

 

Collall 3D Glue Gel/Collall All Purpose Glue

 



A very quick and easy card to do.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

 

xx

Sneak Peek – New Brambly Hedge Collection – Crafters Companion

 

Hi Everyone

MJ is happy to share with you today a project that she has been working on for the Brand New addition to the Brambly Hedge Collection from Crafters Companion launching on 5th September on Create and Craft TV as Pick of the Week.  Her project will be available as a step-by-step project over on Crafters Companion blog very soon with a full ingredients list so you can play too.

 

 

She has used 2 mini canvases to make this cute little keepsake book.  All the paper designs used are from ‘The Secret Staircase and Poppy’s Babies’ CD and all printed on Satin Finish Paper by Crafters Companion.

 

 

There are 4 x A5 Rubber Stamp set; The High Hills, Sea Story, The Secret Staircase and Poppy's Babies.  Take the stamp image, add to a Rocker-a-Block with Stick and Spray, ink and stamp.  Use your Spectrum Noir pens and pencils to get fantastic results with your colouring but to get the best results use Neenah and Desert Storm card stock - it’s fabulous to use with the pens and pencils.

If you are a beginner colourerinerer (as MJ likes to say) then take a look at the Leann’s Spectrum Noir Tutorial CDs – they are packed with hints and tips to start you on your colouring journey.  You’ll be amazed at how far you will come in a short amount of time with Leann’s help.

Also in this collection there are 2 NEW CDs which are the stories of the High Hills/ Sea Story and Poppy’s Babies/Secret Staircase. As you would expect to find on a Crafters Companion papercraft CD loads and loads of printable elements!

•Alphabets
•Borders
•Card Companions
•Co-ordinating papers
•Design Sets
•Doilies
•Easel Boxes
•Embellishments
•Epiphany
•Exploding Boxes
•Fabric Companions
•Frames
•Rocker Cards
•Sentiments
•Shadow Boxes
•Spring Cards
•Topper Companions
•Toppers
•Tunnel Books

Please tune into as many shows as you can so not to miss any of the fab demos and to see all the wonderful ideas the Design Team has come up with – the samples are amazing!

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Heartfelt Creations Altered Box Project–Celebrate the Journey and Arianna Blooms

 

Hi Everyone

Hope you are all enjoying your Bank Holiday.

MJ was asked if she could do another suitcase project so she has!

So today MJ is sharing a project she created yesterday using an old Molton Brown Gift Box and some gorgeous Heartfelt Creations products.  Once again MJ is using two of her favourite sets; Celebrate the Journey and Arianna Blooms.

This is the box from the outside……

And this is the box from the inside..

 

This is what it looked like originally (although she said she had used all her goodies up!)

 

 

• First thing MJ did was coat the whole box with 2 – 3 coats of white gesso to cover the design on the outside and to cover the yellow inside the box too.  Then dried with heat tool.
• Next she lined the inside and outside of the box with papers from the Celebrate the Journey paper pad.
• Then she stamped the suit case onto one of the papers and cut out using the matching die and also cut one unstamped piece of paper for the rear of the suitcase. A 1/2” strip of paper was cut and folded in half and glued in to act as hinge. 
• Using the Arianna Bloom stamp and matching die MJ produced a mass of flowers which she shaped and glued together to form the flowers.
• Taking the Celebrate the Journey Sentiments stamp and the Once Upon a Time die set she cut out the round greetings and mounted onto card.  She also used the World Map PreCut Set to create the torn pieces inside the box and the Balloon and the Bicycle set to make the balloon piece.  The tags and tickets were cut from the paper pad.

 
• Once she had all the elements ready to go she glued them into place inside the box until she was happy with the finish.  Adding some floral detail to the inside and front of it too.

 
What MJ Used

HFC Celebrate the Journey Paper Pad

HFC Balloon and Bicycle PreCut Set – HCPC 3599

HFC Arianna Bloom Stamp – HCPC 3608

HFC Arianna Blooms Die – HCD 748

HFC Once Upon A Time Die – HCD 744

HFC Luggage and Tags Die – HCD 745

HFC Luggage and Sentiments PreCut Set – HCPC 3597

HFC Celebrate the Journey Sentiments PreCutSet – HCPC 3596

HFC World Map PreCut Set – HCPC 3598

 

We hope you have been inspired to alter one of your old boxes.

 

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Heartfelt Creations Celebrate the Journey Box and Card Project

 

Hi Everyone

Today MJ has been playing with her favourite paper and stamp range, Heartfelt Creations using the Celebrate the Journey paper pad together with the coordinating dies and stamps.

The outside opening box idea was inspired by John Lockwood’s fancy box and the original post is HERE. The card was inspired by the very talented Nikki Payne who was at Dandie Crafts demoing recently.  Thank you again Nikki.

So let’s show what MJ has done.

This project is; the box measures 5 1/2” x 5 1/2” and the card measures 5 1/4” x 5 1/4”.

Once the box structure was made she has used the pink tones of the 12” x 12” paper and layered top, bottom and sides after using Distress Ink around all edges. The inside of the box was lined with toning papers from the pad.

 

 

Now to see what’s inside the box…..ooo sounds like an old quiz game..lol

What a lovely surprise this will be for the recipient.

 

 

For the card MJ used the same pink toned papers for the front of card.  She then used the coordinating stamps from the Celebrate the Journey range stamping with a Sepia coloured ink onto white card.  The images were then coloured with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink. 

MJ then used the matching dies to cut out the fob watch and greetings etc.  Next she used the Luggage die set to make the suitcase (she loved that it was fun to make). The small tag was taken from the paper pad as was the ticket. The fun part was arranging it all on the front of the card.

 

 

For the front of the box MJ stamped the greeting and then used the luggage label die to cut it out.

 

 

MJ Used

Heartfelt Creations Celebrate the Journey Collection Paper Pad – HCDP1 242

One Upon a Time Die – HCD 744

Luggage and Tags Die Set – HCD 745

Luggage and Sentiments PreCut Set – HCPC 597

Celebrate the Journey Sentiments Precut Set – HCPC 3596

World Map Precut Set – HCPC 3598

Distress Ink – Victorian Velvet

Ranger Archival Ink – Sepia

Imagination Crafts Detail Sparkle – White Shimmer

A lovely project to pass an hour or two of ‘ME Crafting Time’.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx