Springtime Wind Chime with Ann Butler Designs

Today I would like to share a quick, inexpensive and musical project to brighten your porch or deck. 

This is my Springtime Wind Chime with Ann Butler Designs

What did I use?

• EZ-De’sTM Ann Butler Designs stamps by Kellycraft
• ColorBox Crafter’s® ink by Ann Butler in Limelight, Lilac, and Aquamarine
• janetdunndesign Hampton Art Love stamp
• DecoArt Americana Triple Thick brush on Gloss Glaze
• assorted beads and hardware from my collection
• Jewelry wire 20 ga

Michaels has a fantastic selection of wood shapes, items, die cuts and the prices are low. I grabbed this unfinished wind chime, sanded the edges (they can be a little rough) and got down to work.

I used Clearsnap inks to create the multi-colour impression of the Love stamp. I made sure to leave some border room for my EZ De stamp. 
Once the ink was dry I used a paintbrush to go over the sentiment using the same inks. Ann’s inks apply beautifully like a paint.
Using the ‘bars’ stamp I created my border.
Next I took the ink pad and applied it directly to all the edges.
Add charms, beads, etc.

I replaced the jute string with jewelry wire so I could attach my beads and fancy bolt. (and because it looks prettier). (You could easily ink the jute, by the way. )

Hang it up and let the music play!

~Roberta

Wonderful Crop at ‘The Workshop’ (Stouffville)

9 hours in a lovely scrapbooking store with lovely ladies, amazing food and tons of inspiration = how I spent Saturday.

It was a special day because it was to help support a friend’s daughter’s planned trip to Africa later this month.  Catherine (the Mom), as usual, is the most gracious and generous hostess and the owner of The Workshop, Sandra, graciously held the event. Of course I didn’t think I’d know anyone and my ‘crafter-in-crime’ Tina was away on business, but it didn’t take long to re-connect with familiar faces and make NEW friends.  ( You know how much I love meeting people – so it was great).

I managed to make some things, too! ( Yes, I stopped talking and socializing long enough to actually complete some projects).

I worked on building up my card supply but also preparing a special Smash book for Catherine’s daughter to take with her to Kenya.  Everyone wrote a special message in it to her to make it even more special:)

Of course I forgot to take pictures of it (dang).  I offered to jazz up the cover for her upon her return, so that’s something to look forward to do with her next month.

Here is the card I entered in the Card Challenge(use 4 different patterned papers, 3 flower elements, 2 buttons, one sentiment).:

What did I do?
I started by stamping my pretty yellow polka-dot cardstock with a Ditto background stamp using Ranger fired brick Distress Ink.  I added some distressing by dabbing some Ranger peeled paint and tea dye inks sporadically on the paper’s surface.
I used a Perfect Medium pen to go along the lines of the stem and branches of the stamp and then used Perfect Pearls in Forever Red.


The flower was a MITI and it was SOOOOOOOOO easy! By using an already-ruffled ribbon I didn’t have to keep twisting the fabric as I pressed it into a giant Gluber.  Starting from the outside and working my way in it took seconds to do. I sewed 2 buttons together with twine and glued them to the centre of the flower with Beacon’s 3-in-1 Craft Glue. I tied a bow with the remaining twine.
I made the 3D butterfly using the EKSuccess 3-in-1 butterfly punch.
The bottom strip of paper on the card was fringed using the tips of my scissors.

The scallop border was made using the Creative Memories border punch.

The flowers: rolling a paper spiral around a pencil and embellishing with Ranger Liquid Pearls.

And I came in 2nd. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by today,

~Roberta

Decorables

  

Let’s SMOOCH!

Come on a journey with me as we 

SMOOCH in SO many different ways!

Can you pick out all the techniques I used  and surfaces friendly to Smooch in making this frame?  I’ll give you a hint: 12.

  

  

Use inks to enhance stamped images

Decorate a card by applying mists to a wet sponge and stamping/smooshing it along the surface.

Marbling

Marbling

With Smooch you can: spray, stamp, mask, paint, marble, colour, enhance; you can spray/paint on paper, wood, fabric, metal, chipboard, grunge board.

WANNA SMOOCH??? 

Smooch is available for purchase from MICHAELS.

Smooch is made by Hampton Art

Thank you for stopping by,

~Roberta

 Decorables

Have you heard about mul-tex™? New Craft Product!

Using alcohol inks and my Cuttlebug, I was able to transform a plain sheet
of mul-tex™  into a functional clutch!

Being on the C&T Publishing Creative Troupe has MANY advantages.  One of them is being one of a select few who get to see and experiment with new products before they come to market.

mul-tex™ Craft Pack

Laminated Mulberry Fiber Sheet, 18″ x 1 1/2 Yard Roll

Notice the beautiful design embossed into the material.  I swear there’s nothing I won’t try to run through my Cuttlebug! 🙂

This is what mul-tex™ looks like when you get it. I placed it down on my cutting board, and using the large envelope as my template, I traced and then cut out my working material.

Ranger alcohol inks, Liquitex ink and Glimmermist sprays were applied liberally.

 Embellishments are needed!!!

Once the flowers were attached and glued to the front of the clutch, I added Liquitex glass beads which I coloured, and added Glossy Accents to the petals.  A few added gems (to match the one on the back closure) completed the project.

The material is pliable and very easy to work with. The flower is sitting on some plain mul-tex™ – do you see the fibres? I loved experimenting and playing with this wonderfully versatile material, and I’m sure you will too!

For more information or to order this wonderful, multi-use textile, visit C&T Publishing

Also, if you are interested in becoming a member of the C&T Creative Troupe, please click HERE for more information.

Thank you for stopping by,

~Roberta

Decorables