Quick and Easy Easter Card

Its getting close to Easter. If you still have a few people left on your card list, this is a lovely Easter Card that can be created in minutes.

Materials Needed:

White card base
Green cardstock
coloured image (I used the Gecko Galz bunny stamp and coloured it with Spectrum Noir Markers)
Embossing Machine (I used my cuttlebug)
Embossing Folder
Circle Die
Scalloped Circle Die
Large Blossom
Greenery
Bow
Ribbon
Button

How To:

1. Emboss the coloured cardstock using your embossing folder and adhere it and the ribbon to the card base, ensuring the ribbon end are tucked securely behind the cardstock.
2. Put the circle die directly on the coloured cardstock and wrap the back of the card base behind the cutting plate.
3. Use the scalloped die to cut a frame for the circle and adhere it.
4. Arrange the image on the inside of the card so that it peeks through the cut out area and adhere it.
5. Add your large bloom, bow, greenery and button to finish off the embellishment

Canvas Corp Brand and Bella Blvd Blog Hop

We are hopping again here at My Grandma's Teacups. This time we are welcoming guests from the #BBCCBTEAMUP

Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy my creations made using a combination of products from Bella Blvd and Canvas Corp Brands.

This adorable bunny is ready for his big day thanks to the cute products from Bella Blvd and Canvas Corp Brands.  

I know you are very busy hopping now, but be sure to come back this week to find the how to information for both of these projects. Thank you Bella Blvd and Canvas Corp Brands for sponsoring this super fun Blog hop.

Rules:

1 – to be eligible for the prize please leave a comment on one of the Facebook, instagram or Canvas Corp Brands Blog Post and use the #BBCCBTEAMUP

2 – prize will be chosen randomly from all of the comments based on the #BBCCBTEAMUP

3 – prize is open to USA and International hoppers

4 – retail value of over $100

Girls, Giggles, Glitter and Glue Spring Blog Hop

Welcome all Blog Hoppers!!!!

There is nothing like some beautiful new Spring artwork to get your crafting mojo going. I hope you are having fun visiting all the talented ladies of 4G. They are my inspiration every day. You never know what beautiful creation they will come up with next. You have probably already made yourself familiar with the rules, but just in case I am the first stop on your travels I have posted them here for you as well. Remember to check in at the end of the hop Girls, Giggles, Glitter and Glue Event Page.

Here is my Spring Project! I have been working on this forever it seems. I used cold porcelain to make the roses, leaves and tree stump. The little fairy (who was very camera shy it seems, is a digital download from Gecko Galz. The mirror base and glass are from my favourite spot....Dollar Tree. Enjoy!

I tried this colour technique so you could see the little fairy peeking from behind the branch. She is just the cutest little thing with her sparkly wings and arms filled with pink roses. 


I used the cold porcelain recipe that I shared a few weeks ago to create the decorative top and the base of the tree. I loved how I could use my plastic greenery and wrap the clay around it to create the tree. Not so easy with oven bake clay. By adding Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze to the dried pieces I was able to achieve a finish very close to a kiln fired piece.

This piece was time consuming only because I worked in small steps allowing the clay to dry before moving on.  I used the Craft Medley Premium Glue from the Dollar store to hold the clay to the base and the glass. It is secure enough to lift it using the leaves.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules:

Welcome to the 4G's Spring Themed Blog Hop! We hope you find inspiration in the projects our members have shared. Please subscribe to each channel or blog and then comment on each project and letting us know that you have subscribed for a chance to win prizes. Winners will be announced on blog pages and channels on Monday, March 21 so be sure to check back to see if you're a winner. If you are not a member of our group (Girls, Giggles, Glitter, and Glue) please PM Dawnette Cress on Facebook. We welcome new members always. Thanks for hopping!

This blog hop will be spring themed and will be for two days - Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20. The line up is below for both days . There will be prizes given to those who complete both days of the hop (must comment on each blog visited). Each blogger will be selecting a winner, the day after the hop, from those who have met the above requirements.

There may be additional entries given to those who "like" and/or "subscribe" to each blog. 

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN A PRIZE, YOU MUST:

***Complete the hop - visit all blogs/youtubes and comment on each one
***Come back to this event page, no later than midnight PST on Sunday, March 20 and tell us what your favorite 3 projects were in the two day hop

Here's the line up:

Amanda Rhodes: http://salnclts76.blogspot.com/
Kim Norman: https://youtu.be/bho-n2TodyI
Christy Lepine: https://youtu.be/3UE8NPiSH9A
Tracy Sagriff: http://mygrandmasteacups.blogspot.com/2016/03/4gspringbloghop.html
Laurie Moore: http://mooreartfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2016/03/4gs-spring-theme-blog-hop.html

Sunday, March 20 ----

Michele Quam: www.Chelmariescreativecorner.blogspot.com
Germaine Fryc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVl33DV8kGA
Latanya Townsend-Poelinitz: https://www.youtube.com/user/Poelinitz1
Paula Driver: http://scrapyourworld1.blogspot.com/




Your Next Stop in the Blog Hop is Laurie Moore: http://www.mooreartfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Get Ready to Get Hopping for Spring!

I apologise that I was not able to post much on the blog this week. The studio has been a flurry of activity getting ready for not one but two incredible blog hops that are happening this weekend and early next week.

Join the ladies from 4G this weekend as they feature all their newest spring creations. There will be a prize on each blog you can enter to win and also prize entries from the 4G main event page for finishing the hop. Its a great chance to see some incredible artwork and also win some very cool prizes.

4G Spring Blog Hop Event Page

Be sure to come back Monday as we begin hopping with Bella Blvd and Canvas Corp Brands. There are going to be some amazing prizes and some of the worlds most talented designers from both design teams will be spotlighting their spring creations. Be sure to follow the hashtag #BBCCBTEAMUP on Instagram and Twitter.

So put on your favourite music and your comfy slippers and get ready to hop, hop, hop your way to Spring.

Gecko Galz Papercrafting Challenge:Moo??????

This is my sample for the Gecko Galz Challenge for March which required the creation of a MOO. This of course required a google search on the topic first to see what in the world a MOO was. I have become acquainted with ATCs, inchies, and twinchies but this was my first MOO ever.

Moo - 1-1/8" x 2-3/4" rectangles
Wasn't that helpful? I searched the forums and that pretty much sums it up. They are attributed to the tiny business cards made famous by the print company MOO. Makes sense right.

Here is my first attempt at a MOO. It was challenging to decide how to use the precious space available.

I don't believe I have said MOO this many times since reading my little ones Mr Brown can Moo can you, by Dr Seuss. I have a feeling that book may make a comeback at storytime tonight.

Ok, so get out there and create a MOO. Its just as much fun to make as it is to say. Be sure to share your pictures. MOOs are meant to be shared.

Who has Scrapfest on their Spring Bucket List ?

We have left the planning of this event a bit short on time, but sometimes they' re the most fun. We are currently seeking prices for a bus to get us up there. I know that the coaches can hold between 33-55 comfortably.

We would like to have the bus start in Kingston  and then make additional stops in Shannonville and Belleville,

We have received feedback that everyone wants to make the meals quick and inexpensive so my idea of a trip to the Mandarin would be out.

We will purchase market tickets for you and include it in the cost of the bus. But still enter to earn free tickets on yesterdays blog.

If you are interested in joining us in theory (so we have numbers for bus) please let us know ASAP.
(email mygandmasteacups@gmailcom)

Spread the news with your friends as Scrapfest is so much fun when you have your posse with you.

SCRAPFEST IN KITCHENER 2016 EXHIBITORS

The following are Exhibitors at ScrapFest in Kitchener 2016

Byrds Nest Paperie (Johnstown)  Class Act Stamps (Oshawa) Close To My Heart (Orillia) Country Escapes (Woodville) Creative Memories (Richmond Hill) Creative Scrapbooker Magazine [formerly Canadian Scrapbooker] EC Paper Crafts (Shannonville)  Four Seasons Scrap-Inn (Michigan) Frog's Whiskers Ink (Campbellford) House of Scraps (Breslau) Infinite Designs Scrapbook Studio (Orillia)  Karen's Creations Scrapbooking (Wiarton) Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps (St. Thomas) Linda's Photography & Scrapbooking (Lively) Local King Rubber Stamp (North Vancouver) MatScraps (London) Memories Manor (Michigan)

Ninabrook (Essex) One Crazy Stamper (Bolton) Pointer Gifts and Crafts (Markham) Sassy Scrapping (Oshawa) Scrapbook Niagara (Niagara Falls) ScrapMuch? (Brantford) Scrapping Turtle (Kitchener) Scraptures (St. Catharines) Southern Ridge Trading Co. (Kamloops, BC)  Stampin' Up! (Burlington) The Art House Studio (Cambridge) The Embellished Connection (Ottawa) Thirty-One Gifts (Waterdown) Two Scrapbook Friends (Waterloo) Younique Country Retreat (Guelph)/ Too Younique (Mount Forest) Your Next Stamp (Waterloo)

Check back regularly as more are signing up every day!!

Scrapfest Kitchener 2016

The countdown is on to one of the most fun scrapbooking and paper events of the year. Be sure to get your tickets early as you don't want to miss any of the fun.

My Grandma's Teacups along with Cathy Dafoe are putting together a group to attend. For more information email mygrandmasteacups@gmail.com

Groups are great but free is better! Scrapfest owner Lisa Sales-Furtney is giving us passes to the event to share with all our wonderful readers. Enter to win 2 Vip passes to Scrapfest Kitchener.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SCRAPFEST IN KITCHENER'S MARKETPLACE PASS INFORMATION

We have four different Marketplace passes available for purchase:

VIP Marketplace Pass  $20+HST
This is a two day event pass that allows you to join in our special Friday night VIP Marketplace and then come back and shop all day on Saturday. You also receive the VIP "scrap" bag which is filled with product from our sponsors. These tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. VIP Passes sell out quickly so be ready to register on Tuesday, February 9th at 8pm.
ScrapFest Crop  $97.50+HST
The price of the Crop includes: your VIP pass ($20 value) to the ScrapFest Marketplace (both Friday and Saturday), over 24 hours of cropping time, a "crop" bag filled with product from our sponsors, scheduled contests, giveaways, and more!! The theme for the Crop is "Super Heroes"! The theme for the Layout contest is "Who's Your Hero?"
Friday Marketplace Pass  $15+HST 
The pass allows you entrance to the ScrapFest Marketplace on Friday, April 8th, 2016. A "scrap" bag is included. It does not include entrance to the Marketplace on Saturday, April 9th.
Saturday Marketplace Pass  $10+HST (in advance) or $12 (cash at the door)
This allows you to shop in the ScrapFest Marketplace on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 from 9am - 5pm. It may be purchased in advance or at the door. You do not receive any type of goodie bag with this pass.
As well, you can purchase educational classes at an additional cost. A Marketplace pass is not included in the cost of any class and you must have a pass to enter the Marketplace.

ScrapFest Marketplace Hours:

The hours for the Marketplace are:

• Friday, April 8th: 3:00pm-10:00pm (Crop participants only)


• Friday, April 8th: 4:00pm-10:00pm (VIP and Friday Marketplace participants)


• Saturday, April 9th: 9:00am-5:00pm (Open to the General Public)

Thinking of You Card featuring Gecko Galz Ephemera

Yesterday my work table was covered in half finished projects that I just could not muster the mojo to work on. I decided instead to do the logical thing and push them all of to the side and start something new ;) 

My little guys program coordinator (she is amazing) had a funeral to attend yesterday so I decided to make a simple card to leave on her desk. Well, that was at 10:00, at 11:45 as I was rushing to get out the door for my appointment I realized I had overdone it just a bit.

Showers and combed hair are totally overrated anyway. I did take time to brush my teeth.

This is the card I created:

Materials: 

12x12 heavy cardstock (I used Bazzil)
(2 )12x12 design paper ( I used a design from the  Kaisercraft "Little Toot" collection)
White cardstock
Vintage Image (I used this image from the Gecko Galz spring release available in April)
Ribbon
Flowers
Leaves
Crystal Gems (mine are from the Dollarama)
Stamps (Close to My Heart S1601 Beloved Bouquet. D1584 Big Hug Occasions, D1476 Card Chatter-Sympathy Occasions)
Ink (Close To My Heart Indian Corn Blue)
Metal Charms
Teal Pearls
Multipurpose Glue (I used the Craft Medley Premium Craft Glue)
6x6 Envelope (For looks only, the flowers make it too puffy to put in, if you want to mail it use flat flowers)
2 Paperclips

How To:

1. Create a card base using the heavy cardstock (5 3/4 x 11 1/2)
2. Fold the base into a gatefold by scoring at 3 1/8 and 8 7/8 on the long side.
3. Crease all the edges using a bone folder for a crisp professional look
4. (Cut two of these pieces one for the front and one for the inside) Create the front mat using a 5 1/2 square and then a 5 square of the reverse side. Adhere the lighter patterned 5" square to the 5 1/2" square ensuring that it is centered nicely.
5. Cut the **1** of the matted squares in half and adhere on half to each side of the gatefold base's front
6. Using your vintage image, create another mat that will complement the size and shape of your image. Be sure to repeat the matting pattern you used for the front of the card. 
7. Place the matted image on the left panel of your gatefold. Move the image around until you are satisfied with its location. You want it to be as far to the right as you can, while leaving an inch on the left side and not going outside the mat on the right side.
8. Adhere only the portion that is on the left side panel.
9. Open the card and create mats for the inside of the card. You can now adhere the mat you prieviously created to the centre space of the inside.
10. Cut a 5 1/2 x 3 piece and then a 5 x 2 3/4" piece of the reverse pattern.
11. Adhere this to the inside right panel.
12. The final mat for the inside will be more challenging as you need to match it up with the overhanging piece with your vintage image on it. I cut a strip of patterned paper 5 1/2 x 8 7/8 and adhered it to the left side panel. I then used my scissors to trim away the excess paper, being sure to match the matting size on the other panels. 
    
13. Using white cardstock I created panels for all three inside sections and one to hide on the outside of the right panel under the vintage image. 
    
14. Using stamps I created a background type paper with the desired sentiment and inked it all with a piece of sea sponge.
15. Now for the fun part, add your crystals, beads, charms and flowers to create the look you like.
    
16. I added a paper clip between the base and mat on the left inside panel so I could attach a hand written note. This way the card can be easily regifted to the next person needing a pick me up.
    
17. The second paper clip I used to attach the envelope to the back of the card. Why? I am not sure, but it felt unfinished without the envelope.

Great job! I am sure the recipient of your card will cherish it.

If you like my card please share it, tweet it, instagram or pin it!

March Feature Day On Gecko Galz Blog- plus a free digi stamp

You are going to love the digital stamp that Gecko Galz gave for me to share this month. First off, welcome digital stamp collectors from the Gecko Galz blog. Make yourself at home, we love having visitors.

Secondly, how cute is this guy?

What will you be doing with your adorable digi this month?

I made a cute mixed media canvas. The roses are hand made from white cardstock and Tattered Angels glimmer mist.....and water....lots of water.... Then I covered them in UTEE and took my heat gun to them. The lace and trim are Value Village finds and all the beautiful background images are from Gecko Galz. Its hard to see in the pictures but the canvas is very distressed and has lots of texture that was created using Finnabair stamps and Faber Castel Gel Medium. I am having so much fun playing with that stuff. The little bits of floral fill are from that same stem I bought at Dollarama a few weeks ago. Best buy ever.

Easter Decoration using Gecko galz Ephemera

Do not be surprised if you see this adorable little guy on several projects this month. I think he is just the cutest little bunny ever. No offence to the other bunny I am working with for my March Feature project. I seem to never tire of colouring this sweetie. 

How to:

I printed the image from Gecko Galz on regular white cardstock then coloured it with my Spectrum Noir markers. You will remember that you have to be careful when colouring inkjet images with alcohol markers (for my technique see the post about my art journal found here).

I cut the Christmas wreath using my Cricut and then covered it with leaves and flowers from the Flower Shoppe Cartridge. I cut the leaves out in green bazzil cardstock and then added shading using my distress inks and Spectrum Noir markers. 

The ribbon was lighter than I would have liked but I am giving up buying craft supplies during Lent. My husband wishes Lent would last all year long.

The adhesive backed "pearls" were a Dollarama buy. They come attached by glue in long strings which is handy when you are making flourishes etc. By the time I had separated them I had to use a bottle of glue as they were no longer adhesive backed. My studio table was sufficiently covered in the adhesive though. 

Finally,  I added a bit of green glitter glue and a hand written sentiment. Nothing feels finished until it has a bit of glitter! 

Share Your Creativity Photo Contest

Sometimes it feels like I am posting all about me." Look at what I have learned.""Look at what I have made." Blech. I wanted to find a way to tell you all thank you! For the millions of things you have all created that have inspired me, instructed me and even made me stretch out of my creative comfort zone.

I wish I had a huge multinational company so that I could send a thank you gift to each of you. Unfortunately, that is not the case....yet ;) So instead I am hosting a contest for you to show off your favourite papercrafting creation. It's ok if its a card, scrapbook page, tag, atc, canvas,,,,you are all inspiring to me. So grab your camera and get a shot of your work and submit it to the gallery link that I will post below. Next, share the heck out of it on all your social media. You will have until the end of March to get votes. The winner will receive a $25 Gift certificate to use at My Grandma's Teacups Craft Supply.

Here you go:Papercrating Photo Challenge

Gecko Galz Feet Challenge

I laugh even now as I am typing that title. I wonder how many hits this post is going to get from people with medical issues with their feet? I assure you, all the Gecko Galz are in fine shape. Just in case you are here looking for foot advice, you may want to try The Mayo Clinic Page.

Ok enough of the silliness, this crafting business is serious stuff. Well, not really, but I need to get to the point of the post before you all think I am totally off my rocker.

This was my sample for the February Gecko Galz Challenge featuring Feet! Yep, Feet! Mine likely won't qualify as I can't honestly say that there is a foot in this boot for sure...but I thought it was as close as I wanted to get to having a foot as the focal point of a design.

This ATC was created using kraft cardstock with archival black ink and a finbair stamp and then going over it with tea dye and rusty hinge distress ink. I then adhered the lovely vintage boot from the Ephemera Fun Collage sheet. I have a bucket of vintage buttons and these two made me think of the buttons that women used to have to deal with on long boots such as these. I attached a metal corner flourish, the buttons, a mulberry flower and a bit of glitter to give it a finished look. I stamped the sentiment using Colonial White ink and a Close To My Heart stamp. Voila. My ATC was complete. I hope you like it. Be sure to go and join the Gecko Galz Papercrafting challenge group. It is a great place to put your 'BEST FOOT FORWARD" get it...sorry that was sad.

Cold Porcelain Recipe

Hey guys! Last week I told you that I had made my first batch of cold porcelain and I can't say enough about how amazing it is to work with. I have been using it for all sorts of creations. The large project that I have been working on is not quite finished. It is a mixed media assemblage of sorts. It is taking allot of time between drying times to get it actually assembled. That being said, wow, the cold porcelain is amazing to work with.

I had tons of left over clay so I decided to do some testing to see what the finish looked like using various mediums. I used tattered angels glimmer mist to colour one bunch of clay, I used distress inks on some and tattered angels glimmer glaze on others. I was really surprised by the different effects.

The cold porcelain is so much easier to work with than regular polymer clay. I have quite sever arthritis and I noticed a huge difference. Also, you don't have to bake the clay when you are done. This is huge for me as I have burned the faces off more than my fair share of cameos. I admit it. The no baking means that all the crisp edges that you get from the mould stay that way. That is a big plus when you are working with detailed moulds.

These are a few of the cameos I made. You literally just put some corn starch or baby powder in your mould and push it full of clay. Pop the item out of the mould and let it sit overnight to dry. I flipped mine about half way through the day so that it did not curl. The next day it was ready to play with. I mean decorate!

The top three are coated in the Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze. They looked like they were fired in a kiln with a glaze coat. They are really spectacular. The two bottom ones have distress ink as the base and then a white wash of diluted acrylic paint. I love both sets and could see them fitting on different types of projects. I found the glimmer mist did not have enough colour to be effective because you had to use allot which made the dough gooey. I am wondering if the high impact inks from Tattered Angels would work better? I will try that next time.

Here is a link to the vintage recipe card that I made for the cold porcelain. If you find it is too sticky or too hard just add more cornstarch or a bit of baby oil. Have fun and be sure to post your creations for us all to see.

March First With the Gecko Galz

Can you imagine, March already. I have already started my countdown to camping. Spring is by far my favourite season. The warm breezes and return of green grass lifts my spirits. It is also my favourite time to be a crafter. All the challenges become focused on soft palettes and flowy themes, My kind of themes.

Here is my sample for the March Customer Challenge on Gecko Galz: Shabby Chic Easter. Be sure to visit the blog for lots of inspiration and then enter your own creation to win a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S prize.

I decided on a tag, mostly because I only had one of this particular colour of rolled flower left and wanted to use it. I made a whole bunch of rolled flowers a couple of years ago so that I would be ready in case of a crafting emergency. That is my standard practice though, if I am cutting out die cuts or leaves or anything I always cut a few extra for future use. It has served me well over the years as I am able to quickly put together a card for a forgotten event in lightning speed.

Gecko Galz Pink and Blue Colour Challenge Sample

When you hear pink and blue do your thoughts immediately run to nursery decor? Once I got past that thought it was a pretty simple palette to work with. Gecko Galz has allot of vintage images that fall into that category. The challenge really was choosing just a few.

For this card I used the background paper from Bygone Days. I loved the soft flowy feel of the design. The two focal images came from the Beautiful Birds Collage sheet. Finally the sentiment is from the Close To My Heart stamp set "A bit of thanks".

Jane Austen Inspired Valentine Card using Gecko gals Digital Stamps and Ephemera

This is my absolute favourite project so far this month. The soft colours and imagery are so me. The lovely girl in the stamp caught my attention because she reminds me so much of Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. I don't think you would be shocked to know that it is my all time favourite movie. The first time I saw the movie (the A&E version with Collin Firth) was somewhere around 16 years ago. It was playing on A&E at some ridiculously late hour and they were in fact playing it like a true mini series. I ended up missing a couple of the chapters but fell in love with it none the less. I ordered the DVD series right away at a whopping $80 US plus way to much shipping to discuss in polite company. It arrived on my birthday and I sat down and watched all 5 hours in one shot. Then I invited my girlfriend over a couple of days later and we sat up and watched it again. It is now my birthday tradition to watch the entire 5 hours of this wonderful show. My husband has been a sport some years and sat up with me to watch it. My daughter has watched with me a few times. It is that special thing I look forward to every year. If you have a chance try to watch this classic and definitely read the book. They don't make love stories like that anymore (especially not in shades of neutral colours ;) )

To Make This Card You Will Need:

tiny pink rosebuds
sheer ribbon
white paper doily
5x7 card base
Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Tattered Rose and Victorian Velvet)
Graphic 45 stamp from Mon Amour
Gecko Galz Ephemera, Digital Stamp and Digital Design Paper
Glue or double sided tape

How To:

1. Ink the edges of your card base using the tattered rose distress ink
2. Print off your digital paper and trim it to 4 3/4 x 6 3/4
3. Ink the edges of the design paper
4. Using a length of ribbon just longer than the paper, adhere it to the lower third of the card and fold over and tape to back of the paper.
5. Adhere the paper and ribbon to the card base.
6. Ink the white paper doily and adhere it just to the left of the card centre and slightly closer to the bottom.
7. Adhere the pocket watch image slightly askew.
8. Colour your focal image using alcohol markers and then distress the edges with the tattered rose ink. Go back over the very edge of the image with the Victorian velvet to create some shadow.
9. Adhere the focal image just over the corner of the pocket watch.
10. Glue on the rosebuds and a bow to finish off the embellishments.
11. Stamp the sentiment on a piece of cards stock and ink the edges with both colours of distress ink.
12. Adhere to the bottom right of the card.

Valentine's Day 4x4 Canvas using Gecko Galz Ephemera

I like making special little pieces of art to give to bus drivers and teachers to let them know we appreciate what they do for our children. Unfortunately with three children all in separate classes and even schools it gets a bit hard on the family coffers. If you are like me, it's really important to be as thrifty as possible. This next project certainly fits the bill.

What you need:

4x4 Canvas (I picked mine up at the Dollar Tree 2 for $1.25)

Crystal gems (again $1.25 at Dollar Tree for a huge package)

Tissue Paper

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (I used Scarlet and Dazzling Diamonds)

Plastic Vines from the Dollar Store (One vine was $2.00 and I will be able to create hundreds of projects from it)

Rolled Paper Roses

Mod Podge (it's even thriftier to make your own)

How To:

1. Prep canvas with a thin even coat of mod podge (you can make homemade mod podge with equal parts white glue and water)
2. Take a piece of tissue paper slightly bigger than the canvas and scrunch it up in your hand. Really give it a good crumple. Then flatten it out slightly and use it to cover the canvas. Don't rub out the creases as it creates texture for your background.
3. Lightly dab mod podge over the tissue using a brush.
4. Spray it thoroughly with Tattered Angels glimmer mist.
5. Allow it to dry.
6. Adhere your Gecko Galz image and use the the crystals to create a frame around the focal image.
7. Attach your greenery (I used Craft Medley Multipurpose glue) and once it is secure and the glue has dried add your rolled flowers.
8. One last step, spray a light mist of Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds on the entire project.

This project definitely costs less than $1 to create if you are making multiples and will use up all the leftover supplies. If you want to turn it into a magnet just add a round magnet to the back of each corner using a strong glue. They are going to love it.

Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Tag Using Gecko Galz Ephemera

This cute tag is perfect for sending off to school with the kidlets with a little package of cinnamon hearts for their teacher. Its quick and easy and requires very few supplies.

What You Need:

Cardstock to cut out a tag shape
Glitter paper or glitter glue
small white paper doily
Red Ribbon or Lace
Foam squares
adhesive backed crystals

How To:

Cut a 51/2 by 3 inch tag out of red cardstock
Punch a whole in the top using a punch or scissors
Adhere doily to top of tag leaving space between the doily and the hole you punched.
Use your glittle paper or glitter glue to create a sparkly bottom to the tag and also create a couple of little glittery red hearts.
Add your crystals in flourishes around the tag. Be sure to press them down well.
Add your focal image (in my case ephemera from Gecko Galz) by popping the four corners up using foam squares.
Tie a ribbon on the baby and you are done.

Gecko Galzs February Feature Day

Welcome back friends visiting from Gecko Galz. We are glad you stopped in.  Here is the incredibly sweet image that Gecko Galz has provided as your freebie for the month.

I used it to make a really sweet shadow box. It looks like you are peeking out the window and catch the sweethearts smooching under the tree. It turned out so well my 13 year old son said he wanted it for his room but it was too girly. High praise from a teenaged boy.

If you are interested in using the image for a shadow box just follow the steps below.

 1. Prep your shadow box. I picked this one up at Dollarama for $3 which I thought was pretty cheap. Use painters tape (I also got that at the dollar store) to mask off the glass. I used newspaper to cover the centre of the glass pane. 

 2. Be sure to remove all the stickers. Do not use Goo be Gone or anything like that as it will create a spot that will not take the paint. (ask me how I know). Usually just a warm damp rag will get it off. Be sure to let it dry before trying to paint.

 3. Do 3 very thin layers of Gesso over the entire box. Let it dry well between coats. Then using your Tattered Angels spray colour the window with dark blue and greys. Be sure to make it splotchy and darker towards the corners. After the mist has dried apply a thin coat of watered down white acrylic paint. You should now have a weathered look on the box.

4. Now you can colour the image. I used spectrum noir markers but feel free to use whatever you like. Pencil crayons or watercolours would be lovely.

 Once I finished colouring all the little bits I placed the image in the box. Next I added some vines and paper roses to create the 3D effect. Finally I sealed the box shut so my boys could not come and dump out the girly stuff and take the box to put bugs in. (I'm no newbie Mama).

Enjoy your new shadowbox. Be sure to send me a picture of your creation.

Tracy

My Grandma's Teacups February Feature Project for Gecko Galz.