Friday, January 27, 2012

Day 5 of Sneak Peeks

Well, here it is, the last day of sneak peeks before we all head off to CHA.  I hope you've enjoyed this busy week and that we've provided ideas and inspiration for you to try out these new stencils.   Here's what I've made for today's post.  Valentine's day is just a few weeks away and this is an easy way to make a lot of cards.
It's a little hard to see, but I used the Big Dots (LX7011) stencil and translucent embossing paste on several pieces of red and white card stock.  I also paste embossed the Heart stencil (LS80) with glossy red embossing paste.  When all the pieces were dry, I cut the dots on red paper into single strips, the white into a double row.   I then matted it on to red card stock and positioned it on to the card base with the red strips on each side.  Carefully cut out three red hearts and position them on to the white dotted paper.  And you're done.   And you'll have several smaller strips left over to make tags or smaller note cards.

Here are the links to my Dream Team sisters' blogs.  Be sure to check out what they've made for you.
Posted by Liz Martin at 2:58 AM 0 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade ,

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sneak Peek Day Four

The countdown to CHA continues with Day Four of the Dreamweaver Stencils Sneak Peek.  There's a great variety of styles in this release and today I'm showing you the cute mushroom stencil (LL3025). 


I began by paste embossing the stencil with matte black embossing paste.  When that was dry, I repositioned the clean stencil over the image and spread crackle paste over the entire surface.  As it dries, the fine cracks begin to appear in the white paste allowing the black matte paste to show through.  When the crackle paste had dried, I again positioned the clean stencil over the image and colored to my heart's content.

There's more to see and be inspired by on the blogs listed below, so be sure to check them out.

 See you tomorrow for the last peek.

Happy crafting,
Liz


Posted by Liz Martin at 2:00 AM 2 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade , ,

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Day Three

Can you stand to see more?  There are 17 new stencils being released this weekend and each one is better than the last.  Here we go with today's sneak peek.  

This is the gorgeous Tall Poppy stencil (LL3023).  Reminiscent of the fluid floral lines of the Art Nouveau period, I immediately fell in love with it at first sight.  In keeping with the theme, I knew there would be no glitter, but I needed something to make the image pop.  Glossy black embossing paste worked perfectly, along with a William Morris-like printed paper.  This is an extremely versatile stencil and I have more ideas to work on.  But that will be for another post.   In the meantime, check out the other Dream Team blogs and let us know what ideas come to you while you're blog surfing.  Here are the links to the other fab designers:


Happy crafting,
Liz
Posted by Liz Martin at 10:18 PM 2 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade ,

Sneak Peek Day Two

Welcome back for Day Two of our winter release sneak peek.  For those of you who are making your first visit, each day this week the Dream Team will be showcasing projects made with the 17 new stencils being released this weekend at the Craft and Hobby Association's winter show in Anaheim, California.   Be sure to check out yesterday's posts so you won't miss a thing!   Now, let's see.  Which stencil shall I show you today?
 It's Paisleys (LX7009)!  I embossed the stencil with glossy white embossing paste.  When that was dry, I repositioned the clean stencil and, using a large dauber, applied a light layer of Palette's Stamp and Stick adhesive.  Then came the fun part, applying all the gorgeous colors of Metallic F/X.  I chose to keep my colors on the soft side, but the variations are endless.   The Thank You stencil (LS1009) is pasted with Glossy Black embossing paste and matted with coordinating card stock.

Reminder:  For those of you playing along with the January challenge, there's one week left to go.  You have until January 31st, 11:59 PM EST, to post and link your creation(s) to the Dream It Up! Blog  Mr. Linky. The winners will be announced February 2nd, along with the February challenge. 

Be sure check out what the rest of the team has been working on

See you tomorrow,

Liz


Posted by Liz Martin at 12:33 AM 2 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade ,

Monday, January 23, 2012

Countdown to CHA is finally here . . .

I'm so excited you'd think it was Christmas.  Well, in a way it is, because opening a box from Dreamweaver Stencils holds as much fun and anticipation as opening presents on Christmas Eve.   And this week, we get to post sneak peeks of the new stencils to be released at the Craft and Hobby Association's winter show beginning January 29.

Before I got my box of goodies, word got out that there were cat stencils.  I couldn't wait!  These are the cutest kitties around:



In addition to the Retro Sitting Cat (LL3020) stencil, I used the new Waves and Dots (LX7012) for the background of the first card, and the new Thank You (LS1009) for the second. 

If you want more, check the rest of the Dream Team blogs.  We'll be posting new designs all week long.

 
See you tomorrow with another sneak peek! 
 
Happy crafting,
Liz
Posted by Liz Martin at 2:24 AM 2 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade ,

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A Fragrant Valentine

Here's a little something that will last long after the flowers and candy are gone . . . fragrant sachets filled with lavender and decorated with a glittery heart.    And they couldn't be easier to make.

Begin with a trip to your local craft store for the organdy bags.  You'll find them in the wedding section.  To keep the organdy bag from slipping and sliding, place a piece of card stock inside. Trace the open Heart stencil (LS80) on to Double Stick Mounting Paper.  Cut it out, remove the protective layer on one side and adhere it to the organdy bag.  Remove the remaining piece of protective paper and cover with glitter.  I like to use Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter as it adheres well and doesn't rub off. Tap off the excess glitter then rub the glittered heart with your finger.    Remove the card stock stiffener and fill the bag with dried lavender,  a fragrant potpourri or, if you use a larger bag, Hershey's kisses or other small candies fit just fine.  Pull the strings and tie into a knot or bow, depending on the length of the ribbon.  And there you have it.

There's still time to submit a project for this month's challenge.  Check here for the details and then link your project to Dreamweaver's Dream it Up! blog using Mr. Linky.    For more inspiration, check the rest of the Dream Team blogs:


BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE.  The Dream Team is going to the winter Craft and Hobby Association trade show where 16 – that's right, 16 – new stencil designs will be released.   We're so excited about them we're going to be showing sneak peeks beginning this coming Monday, January 23.  Then, every day throughout the week, there will be a post showcasing a new design.   These stencils are so much fun to work with, I can't wait to show you. 

So don't wait until next Thursday to stop by, 'cause if you do, you'll have missed all the fun and excitement of the earlier sneak peeks.

See you Monday,
Liz
Posted by Liz Martin at 11:51 PM 8 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade , ,

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Hearts and Flowers

What better way to say Happy Valentine's Day than with hearts and flowers . . . and CANDY?  And here's the perfect card to go with those yummy chocolates.
Begin by paste embossing the Floral Heart stencil (LG712) white embossing paste (DEP).  When the paste is dry, position the clean stencil over the image and color to your heart's content.  I used a variety of inks (mostly Splendor Inks by Tsukineko), Metallic F/X and Metallic Gelly Roll pens by Sakura, to achieve the desired results.  Give the ink ample time to dry before cutting out the image.  Prepare your card base and mat, add ribbon and image and you're done!

And don't forget . . . there's still time to play along with the January challenge.  For the month of January, we challenge you to create something for Valentine's Day.  You have until January 31st, 11:59 PM EST, to post and link your creation(s) to the Dream It Up! blog Mr. Linky.  The winners will be announced February 2nd, along with the February challenge.

Need more inspiration?  Please visit the rest of our fabulous team:



See you next week,
Liz
Posted by Liz Martin at 12:54 AM 8 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade , ,

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Something new for 2012

Welcome to the first posting of the Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Team 2012 ! We're changing things up a bit for this year, and YOU can help. The first Thursday of every month will feature a new challenge that will extend throughout the entire month. This means that YOU have ALL month to play along with the one challenge, as many times as you want. Sometimes it will be a color challenge, sometimes a theme, and sometimes a technique. We are hoping that an entire month will give you plenty of time to be inspired, create, and link to the Dream It Up! blog . Each month we are offering TWO prizes . . .  one for the most creative version of the challenge (does not have to be Dreamweaver Stencils' product, but we sure are happy when it is!), and the second for the best use of Dreamweaver Stencils' product in the challenge. This could be stencils  (of course), Embossing Pastes , Metallic F/X , the new Color Solutions – anything you find on the Dreamweaver Stencils' web site, or in your local store. Don't know where your local store is? The list can be found on the web site. Not near any of the stores listed? There is an online site to purchase from, Stencil with Style!

For the month of January, we challenge you to create something for Valentine's Day! You have until January 31st, 11:59 PM EST, to post and link your creation(s) to the Dream It Up! Blog Mr. Linky. The winners will be announced February 2nd, along with the February challenge. Here is my version of this month's challenge:

I made a lot of single panel pocket cards for the holidays and decided to carry the theme through to Valentine's Day.   I began by paste embossing the Heart Swirls stencil (LL567) on glossy card stock with Glossy White Embossing Paste.  In order to make a top hinge so that you can open the heart and leave a love note, fold the glossy card stock and position the stencil so that the top of the design is at the edge of the fold.  When the paste is dry, apply Winter Red and Gold Star Color Solutions using a felt square attached to your applicator tool.  Carefully cut around the folded heart, punch a hole at the top and add ribbon.  As an added touch, you could line the inside of your heart with pale pink paper or just ink the edge with whatever ink is left on your applicator tool moistened with a bit of blending solution.   Using your favorite papers, cut two contrasting pieces: one 4.25" x 5.5" and one 4.25" x 3.25".  I edged both pieces with a Krylon Pale Gold Leafing Pen before attaching them to a 4.25 x 5.5" card stock panel.  And you're done!

Need more inspiration? Please visit the rest of our fabulous team:
Happy Crafting,
Liz

Posted by Liz Martin at 11:38 PM 9 comments
Labels:cards, crafts, handmade , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)