Faux Wood Locked Box

When

I first saw the Sizzix/Tim Holtz “Engraved” embossing folder it reminded me of carved wood. This is the idea that came to mind. (I also used the “Lumber” embossing folder the same way) I took a Ground Espresso ink pad and ran it over the raised areas of the embossing folder and a water spritzed piece of Kraft cardstock. This helps to keep the paper from tearing. I ran it through the Big Shot, the ink goes into the recessed areas and really highlights the design. I ran a Rusty Hinge Distress Ink pad over the raised areas. I took the Distress Embossing Dabber (a embossing pad would work) and ran it over the entire thing, then clear heat embossed it. I did this once for the Engraved top and 2x for the Lumber sides. You end up with shiny faux wood.  I could easily see skipping the clear powder if you want a bare wood look but I like the shine and the extra sturdiness the heat embossing provides. 

I made a cute flip top box based on one I saw on YouTube by DaveHax. He makes the coolest “DIY Cardboard Gift Box” watch the video even if you don’t want to hand make a box, you can thank me later😉.  Mine is bigger so I had to use 2 pieces of cardstock  I apologize for the lack of good pics, I’m not good at the blogging thing.

Two pieces of 8x10 Kraft cardstock, on the short side scored at 2” and 6” turn and score at 2” and 8”. Cut the short tabs as seen above, I cut a little wedge off the end tabs so when glued together it fits better. I used wet glue and paper clips to just hold in place. You can used strong tape, but I like glue so I can adjust it as necessary. On the second piece of cardstock, the only difference is you can cut the square tabs off on the long side and just glue the rectangle to the the 1st piece of cardstock to create a flip top.  

Flip top box

I then cut the embossed panels to fit the top and sides of the box, used glue and tape to adhere. The lock and key is by Idea ology Locket Keys, adhered with Distress Collage Medium. The sentiment is from Tim Holtz Tiny Text stamps.

 Faux, faux, faux! Happy Holidays!

Hero Arts Slimline Card

 

I love this Hero Arts Fancy die, called Joy Ornament. There are 3 of the ornament dies, the other 2 are Love and Cheer. I wanted all 3 but budget constraints, you know. 

This month’s Hero Arts’ challenge was to make a slimline card, my mind started whirling. It only makes sense to make a slimline card if you need the extra space to tell a story. So mine is a faux shaker card with a leak. The stars are at the bottom of the ornament and then a string of stars are falling out. 

I made an alcohol inked Yupo background using Ranger Blending Solution, and alcohol inks in Tranquil Pearl, Denim and Indigo. I let the inks move as they wish using an air tool, then I like to go back with a blotting tool with felt attached, add a few drops of blending solution and pounce over the inks to leave a textured look. I let it dry and then took Martha Stewart Sterling Glitter paste and Tim Holtz’s star stencil and placed the stars where I wanted.

I used the negative space of the diecut to mask off where I didn’t want to stencil, after it dried off I went removed the mask and stencil the stars trailing down from the ornament. 

In other words, Spread Joy!

Susan

Thanksgiving cards

I made this card for Instagram - Susanbcards on Instagram and decided I loved it so much I’d make more, something I rarely do. I used a stamping platform and just kept working assembly style.  I decided to heat emboss each of these leaves and after it cooled I used Tim Holtz Distress inks as watercolors and went back to add more color. ( Crackling Campfire, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Twisted Citron and Evergreen Bough) I used Speckled Egg for the background. The leaves are from Tim Holtz/ Stampers Anonymous “Pressed Foliage”.

I have so many people to send Thanksgiving cards, I’m so thankful for so many people in my life, both family and friends, so many I haven’t been able to see this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving!