Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!!!

EDIT: "Thanks to everyone who entered the Spellbinders' 5th Anniversary Party to win my Die Template release. You can no longer enter to win my release. Please check out the links below to enter the contest on other blogs. Check Spellbinders Blog for the announcement of Daily Winners. Grand prize winner will be announced on January 30th."

I still remember how excited my friend Bonnie (of Bonnie's Best Art Tools) was when she came home from the 2004 CHA Show about a new tool called the "Wizard". After demoing it for her that year at consumer shows, I too was excited and even went to work making a book of examples of all the cool things you could put through the Wizard.

I continued to use my Wizard and was very excited with the Nestabilities that were introduced summer of 2007. Now, Spellbinders is celebrating their fifth anniversary by sharing sixteen days of sneak peeks on different designer's blogs and I am pleased to be introducing a new set on the third day. It is said that "three is the charm", so I hope you will find these die templates and my creations charming.

As always, there will be LOTS of drawings for free die templates! Each day an additional die template is added to the daily give-away list for a grand total of sixteen die templates on the 16th day of reveals! So, one lucky person from my contest will win these three sets along with my release set.

Commenting on this post is welcome but does not enter you into the contest. This contest is sponsored directly by Spellbinders Paper Arts. Please read the post to find directions for entering the contest. If you have any questions, please e-mail ContestQuestions@spellbinders.us.

Blog Roll List
Here is a list of all the remaining sneak peeks and their blogs:

Jan. 8 Sherry Cheever http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Jan. 9 Heidi Blankenship http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/
Jan. 10 Becca Feeken http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/
Jan. 11 Jennifer Ellefson http://createdfrompaper.blogspot.com/
Jan. 12 Sharon Harnist http://paperfections.typepad.com/
Jan. 13 Jeni Calkins http://studiojeni.blogspot.com/
Jan. 14 Wendy Weixler http://wickedlywonderfulcreations.blogspot.com/
Jan. 15 Beth Pingry http://bethping.blogspot.com/
Jan. 16 Keri Lee Sereika http://pinklemonade.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Jan. 17 Sally Lynn MacDonald http://inkyheart.typepad.com/weblog/
Jan. 18 Donya Schroeder http://donyas.typepad.com/puckish/
Jan. 19 Linda Duke http://lindaduke.typepad.com/lindas_works_of_heart/
Jan. 20 Trudee Sauer http://trudee.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Yesterday's sneak peek was http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/.


You have until midnight CST January 7th to sign up for the give away on Michelle's blog!


Now, for the Spellbinders' die template I am introducing....it is called Floral Accent # S4-199.
I hope you fall in love with it just as I have! Here are the images of what the die template looks like and also a photo on a grid showing the sizes. I have completed a lot of projects with these dies, so I hope you will see just how versatile they are. Since each is loose, you can use them independently of each other and use the negative space they create as well as the fantastic die cuts they create. With Spellbinders die templates, you also have the option to use the die as a stencil, either the negative space the die leaves or the small spaces that are embossed with the die. I also love the fact that you can choose to just emboss and get a great design that way too! This die will retail for $19.99.

When I get a new die, I like to cut several pieces of each one and play with them. I like to name them, so they become like old friends! Here are the names I assigned these dies: "decorative C", "lotus with leaves", "long symmetrical lotus", "simple lotus", "floral flourish" and "pointed flourish". I will refer to these names and you can use them or make up your own names.

Today's Creations

My first series of projects involves photos and items that include my grandmother, Estelle. She was one of the most fun people to be around that I have ever known! Time truly did fly when you were with her!

I created two photo holders that have photos of her and my grandfather in them. I also adorned several home decor items using the die template to show how many different ways you can use it and how much it adds to a purchased object. The die that I named "decorative C" was used in a series of monogram cards to show more ways to use Spellbinders die templates. My last name happens to begin with a "C" so I had a great time with that particular die. It is pretty no matter which direction or formation you use it in!

Grab a cup of coffee and join me as I share just a few of the possibilities there are with this great new die template!

First, let's look at this gate fold photo holder with a button closure. I have included some step out photos, showing how I created this piece.

Also pictured is another photo holder I created to replicate the old cabinet photo holders that were so popular early last century. I have made these for several years and was so excited when the Wizard came out, as I could use brass stencils on dark paper to add the decorative elements. Now, these particular new die templates are perfect for this project and help make the most beautiful closure.

Once I get started creating, I find it hard to stop. My motto should be "Somebody STOP ME!"...

maybe you attended my "garden party" last summer and know what I mean. I hope you enjoy looking at these photos of items from a button brooch to photo frames and many more items. I will let you look at them without much commentary, but notice the many ways I have used the die, from using fun foam to make stamps to using a stencil to make a design to be stitched or painted. Of course, I welcome your comments and questions. I will be happy to explain anything that is not clear to you.

Here are the insides of the photo holders....

To create the gate fold photo holder with a button closure, I used both a piece of solid cardstock and a piece of decorative paper. I cut the decorative paper smaller than the solid and folded the cardstock to make a 5 by 7 inch card.

To do background stamping, I used fun foam to cut one of the "floral flourish" diecuts to use as a stamp. I mounted it on acrylic block with double stick tape.

I did some background stamping on the edges of the solid cardstock where it would show outside the decorative paper. I thermally embossed these images with gold embossing powder. I cut the mats for the photos.

To distress the outside of the folder, I used a sanding block like is used on fingernails to rough up the paper.

Next, I applied shoe polish. This neutral polish will give a nice clear finish to the paper and make is feel and look much more substantial than just cardstock. I sometimes use tan or other colors of polish to age photographs that have been printed on mat cardstock. Apply the shoe polish as you would to shoes, allow it to dry a little and then buff it with a paper towel or rag.

I used the sanding block to also distress the mats that will go behind the photo.

The "decorative C" and "floral flourish" pieces were cut from gold metallic cardstock, embossed in the Wizard and then sanded with the sanding block. Paper that has a white backing will show the white when sanded, really showing off the embossing. This also will distress the pieces to go with the look of the photo folder.

Next, I used the negative space as stencils to create a background on the inside of the photo holder. Here I used metallic rubons, but you could stencil in paint or any creamy coloring medium. Stenciling gives a little different look than stamping does.

The photo and mats were mounted on the inside of the photo holder and the "floral flourishes" were added at the corners. This gives almost a look of a vine framing the photo. You can see the white areas where the diecuts were sanded.

In the next photo, you can see the sheen that is created by the shoe polish. You can use a purchased tassel or you can create your own. I used silk embroidery thread and gold metallic thread wrapped around a piece of chipboard to make a tassel. Secure the tassel at the top and then clip the bottom edges.

I used the two "decorative C" diecuts on the front of the photo holder and secured the tassel with an eyelet. I also added a gold metallic button for the tassel to wrap around. The button happened to be a great match for the "decorative C" shape. A circle punch was used to make notches for the button to fit through.

Here is the inside of the photo holder, finished.

When I sewed the gold button on the inside of the card, I used a flatter button on the back to help secure the button. This makes the thread less likely to tear through the two thicknesses of cardstock. Be sure to give the same treatment to the back of the photo holder (sanding and applying shoe polish) as you did the front.

Here is the front of the photo holder all closed up and secured....

Next is a photo of the inside of the cabinet photo. I think this die template is just great for decorating these photo holders. These patterns were achieved by embossing only rather than cutting a diecut and having to adhere it to the folder.

Next, pictured are some of the containers I decorated using the Floral Accent Die Template. I used the pieces as corners, borders or as an all around decorative element. Random pieces that were purchased separately look like a set with the use of decorative paper and the die templates.

The journal pictured next has the "long symmetrical lotus" and the "decorative C" used to embellish the front and binding.

Also, I used the negative space created by cutting two of the "simple lotus" die template to make a stencil. I then used a pen with disappearing ink to trace the design on cloth and embroidered the edges in a stem stitch and filled in the center with a satin stitch. These beautiful patterns work even for needlework!

This old button from my grandmother is now a beautiful brooch, accented with the "decorative C" diecuts. Notice also how the corners of the button box are embellished with the lovely "decorative C" diecuts!

Here is a closer look at the brooch. The base is a pendant that you would find in the beading section of a craft store. The diecuts here were cut from the same metallic cardstock used on the photo holder, but metal foil would work great also.

Brass was used to cut the "long symmetrical lotus" for this thread box.

This purchased frame and burgandy velvet mat has even more richness to them with the addition of the gold embellishments cut from the Floral Accent die templates.

Here is another photo of my grandmother holding me as an infant. I used the die templates both on the frame and the mat. I really like the way the diecuts look like vine wrapping around the corners of the photos. This time I used the "lotus with leaves" to create the vine look.

Here are some of the pieces grouped together. On the heart shaped box, after adhering the diecuts to the top of the box, I used metallic thread to run a stem stitch around the heart, tying all the pieces together. When you see the pieces grouped together you can see what an unifying element the diecuts can be.

On the tote bag pictured in the following photo, I used a stencil created with the negative space to paint acrylic paint around the top of the bag, forming a border.

The following are examples of monogram cards I made using the "decorative C" as well as an "H" I constructed out of the die. Let's look at this first monogram card a little more in detail. Notice how the "long symmetrical lotus" die template was used four times to create a frame for the monogram. The "decorative C" was cut twice so a shadow effect could be achieved. Even the tone on tone cream card makes a big statement with it's simplicity and it's elegance.

The next card shows an example of reverse stenciling (applying the ink directly to the die template) and reverse embossing (placing the diecut on the opposite side of the die template before embossing, thus creating a mirror image). Both of these techniques come in handy when (1)wanting to show the detail of the die template or (2)when you need a symmetrical embellishment.

Lest you think you can only use these die templates for a vintage look, I have included some fun papers and different looks. The opening left by the diecut is used as a window on one of the cards and on the other card, that diecut is used with the "backside" showing. These beautiful details really do inspire creativity!

Last but not least is a quilt card where the die template was used to replicate the look of quilting.

By now, I am sure you are beginning to fall in love with this die template set, just as I did.

Remember that you can use Spellbinders dies in other personal die cutting machines. Spellbinders does have videos linked on their site to help you out.

www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/videos

Now for all the details of the BIG CONTEST!!!

Spellbinders Five Year

Anniversary Celebration

Sneak Peek Party Drawing Information
Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 16 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the "Rules". This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed and any other dies listed as a part of said blog give-away. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.

Entrants visiting all 16 Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peeks Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 16 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a full set of all 28 NEW RELEASE dies debuting at the Winter Craft and Hobby Show in Anaheim, California on January 25-28, 2009!

Rules:

1. Participant must click on the provided drawing link on blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between January 5 and January 20, 2009.

2. Participant must type in the subject line the name of the die being revealed.

3. Particpant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on January 8, 2009.

4. Particpant is only allowed ot enter each of the 16 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for the grand prize entry, no exceptions. Please consider whether you will have access to the same e-mail address from January 5th through January 20th and plan accordingly.

5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for the drawing.

Any particpant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all the 16 blog reveals and follow the above rules.

Please note:

*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.

*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.

*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communications other than to contact the winner.

*Spellbinders will announce all daily winners and grand prize winner on the Spellbinders blog at http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/

*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage and sign up at http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/

Thanks again for stopping by and joining in on our celebration! I hope you will enjoy using this die as much as I have....and good luck on the contest! Even if you are not fortunate enough to win, I hope the ideas you gain from looking at the blog reveals will make you feel like a winner due to the knowledge you gained! Once you begin creating with the new die coming out, you will find that time flies when you are having fun!

Holly Craft