Damask Wall Hanging

Hi Friends-
Tonight I would love to share with you my newest Sizzix project, a damask wall hanging.  I used lots of Sizzix dies and vintage ephemera to create.  With lots of layering and use of color, this makes for a very vibrant piece. 

To create, cut the embossed red paper to fit the oval frame.
Next die cut 9 baroque ornamental shapes out of handmade aqua paper.  Die cut 2 of the ornate frames out of aqua metal & the Italy map paper from Cavallini.  To create the embossed bracket, die cut the hanging sign out of copper sheeting.  Emboss the sign using the Subway embossing folder by Tim Holtz.  For the last die cut, create a rosette out of black paper from Melody Ross' Artsy Urban Collection. 

Once all the die cuts are made, round up all the vintage ephemera and ribbon.  Aside from the 18" tall frame, the vintage items I used are a bingo card, lots of cigar labels from Retro Art Cafe, a milk bottle cap and a black/white flower, with the perfect bling in the center.

Now is the fun part, assembly! I wanted the backgrount to look like vintage wallpaper.  To create great dimension, place foam dots behind the baroque ornament die cuts. Next, start layering everything in the center...starting with the bingo card, then the copper hanging sign, and then the ornate frames X 2.  To create the prize ribbon, after creating the rosette start folding cigar labels around the outer edge and adhere.

Fanning out 3 labels at the bottom, I added the red seam binding, aqua & black/white ribbons.  Once complete, adhere the prize ribbon to the very center of the frame.  Add the milk cap and the black/white flower for the finishing touch.

For me, the project was such a fun project to create and I am happy with the finished project.  I hope you like and I have inspired you to create!  :)

Supplies used:

Sizzix Dies: Tim Holtz Sizzlits Decorative Strip Rosette Die, Bigz Die Hanging Sign, Sizzlits Baroque Ornament, Thinlits Ornate Frame & Tim Holtz Subway & Stencil Embossing Folders

Paper:  K&Co Holly Vine Red Blind Embossed Paper, Mark Richards Aqua Jadestone Paper, Cavallini Italy Map Paper & GCD Melody Ross Artsy Urban

Ribbon:  May Arts black/white, Webster's Pages aqua/white & red seam binding
Vintage:  Brass oval frame 18" tall, bingo card, lots of cigar labels from Retro Art Cafe, milk bottle cap & black/white flower
Other:  aqua metal, foam dots, copper

Love Who You Are Card @ Sizzix!

Hi Friends!  Just wanted to let you know that I have a new post over on the Sizzix Blog!  I created this "Love Who You Are" Birthday Card for my niece's 15th birthday.  It was fun to create and the bird "flair" is a fun added touch for a teenager.  :)   Want to make this quick, simple card for someone special in your life?  Then head on over to Sizzix for all the details.  What are you waiting for! 

Happy Birthday Jordyn!

Keep Calm & Just Call Mom! :)

If an aqua rotary phone doesn't scream vintage, I don't know what does!  Awhile back I got my hands on the vintage telephone die.  I love die cutting shapes from unexpected materials.  I think that is why I love my Vagabond so much.  I am not the typical scrapbook and/or layout artist.  In fact I think I have only completed 5 layouts ever!  Being much more of a mixed media artist, I find myself always looking to incorporate other things than the traditional paper.  Looking around for the next "die cut" victim, my eyes fell upon a gorgeous aqua blue shoebox.  This vintage shoebox housed some crazy cool women's bowling shoes from the 1940's.  The box was really thick chipboard, and using the bigz die allowed the design to cut through it like butter!  :)  Then, I set it aside and admired my little aqua rotary phone until inspiration for that special piece would strike. 

I loved the aqua phone so much, I didn't want to use it on just a card.  I decided I wanted to create it into art...a home decor piece that could be admired again and again.  Being such an anxious person, I have really enjoyed the "KEEP CALM" poster craze you see everywhere.  You know, the "KEEP CALM & CARRY ON" to the "KEEP CALM & EAT A CUPCAKE!"  When I came across the "KEEP CALM & JUST CALL MOM," I knew this was the perfect caption for my sweet little phone.  The rest is history.

Now onto the details to create...
1.  Take a wooden window box frame and sand/distress all the wood's edges and corners.  I used an UMBRA frame.  It has 4 layers of glass and the display area is 5.5 X 7".

2.  Discover some fabulous ephemera for the background layer.  I found a 1959 Jonesboro, Arkansas phone directory at an estate sale.  It is loaded with cool vintage advertising and all the phone numbers are only 5 digits long.  The directory has white pages, yellow pages and another section that is a minty green/pale aqua color.  For me, it's all about the details.  If you notice, the page I chose to use has a greenhouse advertisement.  At the left is an illustration of mums.  Flowers and gardening always makes me think of Mom.  How about you?

3.  In addition to the telephone , die cut 3 sets of the vintage alphabet into black contact paper/vinyl.
Cut one more telephone out of the black vinyl too.  The center will be used later.

4.  Dip all the die cut letters in dark gray paint halfway down and set aside to dry.
5. Now it's time to assemble! As I said earlier, there are 4 glass panes that slide in and out of the frame. Starting with the first layer aka the back, place your 5.5 X 7" piece of ephemera on the glass. In this case, the mint/aqua directory page. Layer 2 will be the letters. Once the letters are dry, they are easy to peel and adhere.  Remember, they are created from contact paper!  :)  Measure the pane evenly and be sure to allow space for the telephone in the center.  The black letters dipped in the gray paint is a very cool added detail.  It almost looks ombre' and adds visual interest.  The 3rd layer is for the phone. Center it and adhere it to the glass.

The 4th layer is the very top layer.  Place the black center of the phone directly over the aqua one below. Create a 1" button out of map paper to tie in the colors. I added the American Crafts ampersand sticker.  The font goes perfectly with the vintage alphabet.  Don't you think?  Apply "just" script stickers over the base of the phone.  I love the contrast.  The last step is to cut a pointed finger out of Tim Holtz' washi tape and place directly left of "CALL."

As I said earlier, I am an anxious person and always have been.  May this picture be a gentle reminder for when things get rough.  Who am I kidding?  My mom is always my first call!  :)  Thanks Mom for always being there.  I love you!

Sizzix Dies:  Bigz Vintage Telephone, Sizzlits Vintage Market Strip
Paper:  Danny O
Stickers:  American Crafts Remarks Transparent & Sarah Script White Letters
Washi:  Tim Holtz
Other:  UMBRA Window Box Frame, Black Contact Paper (adhesive backed)
Vintage Other:  1959 Telephone Directory of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Aqua Shoebox for phone
Tools:  Vagabond, sandpaper, 1" button maker, foam dots
Paint:  Gray

World's Greatest Mom & Sizzix Debut!

Today is my official debut on the Sizzix Design Team!  Mother's Day is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate the special ladies near and dear to our hearts...with something handmade.  To see all the details on how I constructed this trophy rosette/ribbon combo, please visit my post over on the Sizzix Blog.  There you will find many detailed photos and how to create one of your very own!

Thanks so much

for stopping by, have a wonderful Sunday!  :)
Amy

I am excited to announce...

I am on the SIZZIX Design Team!  This is my first official design team gig for a big manufacturer, and I must say I am very excited and a little terrified!  :)  This is all new to me, but I know it will be a great experience and such a wonderful opportunity.  Each month I will be creating and sharing projects and how-to's using some of my favorite Sizzix products.  From tons of dies and embossing folders, I hope to create some magic and inspire you along the way.  Adding my own personal twist, you can bet there will be lots of vintage ephemera and tons of layering!  Wish me luck on my newest adventure! 

Thanks so much for your continued support!
Amy

Happy Easter!

I would like to wish each and every one of you a very blessed Easter tomorrow. May you celebrate the reason for the season with family, friends, and create many wonderful happy memories. :)

This pic is of 2 vintage lovelies my mother & I revived for Artifactory. Don't you just love that sweet sheep & bunny? I adore the way my mom added the perfect touch of millinery and velvet ribbon!

Thanks for stopping by! Check back tomorrow as I have some major exciting news to share!

Amy

Artifactory!

Hello my beautiful friends!  Just wanted to share a new venture I have been working on behind the scenes, Artifactory!  What is "artifactory" you ask?  I must say it is a very cool word my brother came up with...it encompasses everything I love...repurposing & redesigning old & vintage "artifacts" through clever transformation into works of art.  :)

My mother, is where my creative genetics come from.  She is extremely talented, and she has maddening skills with the sewing machine & painting/distressing furniture.  Her decor and holiday displays in her home are like no other.  Where my talent is lacking, she makes up for it.  We are a good team that definitely compliment each other's design styles.  From furniture & lamps, to home decor and unique vintage finds...we have something to offer many tastes.  Our dream is to someday open a storefront where we can sell our wares as well as teach our ideas and share our talents with the community.  Until then, we will be selling our vintage goods and creations up at the Rink Gallery in Bethany, OK.  We also plan on doing the Junk Hippy Show OKC in June.  This is definitely a bonding experience for my mother and I!  Not that we aren't already super close anyways.  :)

If you are up in the Oklahoma City area, you should stop by the Rink and check it out.  You will be glad you did!  Fellow Normanites, never fear as I hope to continue selling my antique windows at Tulips on Campus Corner!  Be on the lookout for Artifactory in the future!

Verdigris, a fabulous vintage store in OKC shared a wonderful quote the other day on Facebook.  I leave this for you to ponder..."We travel.  We collect.  We arrange.  We rearrange.  We mix the old with the new; the bought with the found; the passed-down with the picked-up-along-the way.  We create these beautiful little galleries throughout our homes that express our passions and curiosities to all who pass through.  And then, we start all over again."  Author Unknown

"Spring Into the Studio"

It's "Spring Into the Studio" over at Paper Issues!  The team has a fun blog hop going on just to get us excited for Spring.  There are some fabulous Spring project ideas they are sharing with you to get your creative juices flowing.  The project I would like to contribute is this "peace" window I created.  Bursting with loads of vivid color, this is definitely one of my faves.  I have noticed one of the hot color schemes for Spring is the melon & robin egg blue.  The fabulous paper in the background is a Paper Source exclusive, Marigold.  I love the navy vintage plate I used for the tile.  It pops off the marigold pattern beautifully.  I usually always try to get matchy matchy with my tile and papers, but this time I took a chance and tried something different.  I must say I was delighted with the outcome.

I hope that my window has inspired you, put a little spring in your step, or even just a put a little smile on your face.  :) Be sure and peruse the Paper Issues Blog Hop, not only will you get tons of inspiration, there is a fantastic prize up for grabs.  Studio Calico is the sponsor, need I say more? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Game Spinner Prize Ribbon

I love making prize ribbons and for this project, I wanted to showcase as many different Tim Holtz products as possible.  It is much larger than one might expect from looking at the pictures.  it measures approximately 14" so it definitely can make a statement all on it's own.  I love the way it was displayed at CHA.  They placed it on the waist of a big wire mannequin!  In fact, in Tim's CHA recap he shared pics of it on his blog.  As you can imagine, that was very exciting for me!  :)

Starting out with the rosette part of the prize ribbon, I wanted to create somewhat of a vintage game spinner.  Using the new picture wheel was the perfect start.  Tim uses a plethora of numbers in his product, and it follows through on his papers.  One of my favorite designs is definitely the one that is a huge collage of vintage game pieces.  Taking the picture wheel I created, I cut and placed the numbers in all the windows.  To add some height, I created a mini rosette using the decorative strip/mini paper rosettes die.  I then added all the fringe and fluff by creating loops out of the new paper tape, the paper stash 12X12 & the fabulous tissue paper.  I used a game spinner covered in 5 layers of embossing powder to give it that thick, red look.

For the dangling ribbons, I wanted a fun mix of texture, color and varying widths.  I love, love, love the cloth measuring tape.  It is so authentic, it felt sinful to even cut into it.  Adding the thick paper strips at the back and the journaling tickets to the front, I was almost done.  Taking the white seem binding and dying it in varying shades of red ink added the perfect distressed color I was looking for. 

I am pleased to say this entire creation was made using all Tim Holtz product...DIES:  NEW BIGZ Picture Wheel & Sizzlits Paper Rosette; PAPER:  Paper Stash Lost & Found 12X12, Paper Stash Kraft Resist, Paper Stash Collage 8X8; Tissue Wrap-Melange, Journaling Tickets, Game Spinner, NEW Compass Coin, Ruler Ribbon, Lavish Trimmings, NEW Elements Tissue Tape, Ranger Red Embossing Powder & Fired Brick Distress Ink.

This is the final project I created for Tim Holtz at CHA.  I wish that I had had more time to create many more projects.  This was my very first experience designing for CHA, and I must say that Paula and Tim made it very educational and exciting through the entire process.  This is a memory I will never forget.  Thanks again Paula and Tim for trusting in me and giving me such a great opportunity!

Until next time,

Amy

Earth Angel Card/Tim Holtz CHA Project #3

Since I am still loving the hot trend right now with globes & maps, I decided to create a card for a friend using the globe motif.  Back in December, I created a dimensional wall piece out of a vintage pediment you can see here.  It was the catalyst that inspired this card. Tim Holtz' style portrays worldly, ecclectic & nostalgic in such a wonderful way...I knew I could create something fun.  Coupling lots of Tim's product both old and new, I created this sweet card.  I think the colors are so fresh with the aqua and kraft, coupled with the sentiment, I am sure it would brighten a dear friend's day.  Don't you? 

Here are my favorite details of the card...1.  the blended ink around the edges evokes a light and airy feeling, sort of like the sky (I LOVE how the resist on the paper accentuates the intricacy of the design.)  2.  That little airplane up in the corner, it is so cute and is part of the NEW Element Remnant Rub-ons.  3.  Last but certainly not least is the ROCK CANDY GLITTER!  I love the glistening it adds to the wings...I had never even heard of it until Tim mentioned it.  Let me just say, I am in love!!!  :)

With the exception of the copper sheeting, all the products used are Tim Holtz...BIGZ DIES:  Vintage Globe, Heart Wings & Regal Crest;  Chit-Chat Stickers, Kraft-Core Core'dinations Nostalgic, Paper Stash Kraft Resist 12X12, Alpha Tiles, Rock Candy Glitter, Paper Stash Collage 8X8, Tiny Attacher/Staples, Paper Twine & the NEW Element Remnant Rub-ons. 
Thanks so much for stopping by, have a great evening!

Amy

Let Your Heart Take Flight...

Last summer I created a window box titled "Follow Your Heart" for my niece.  For my 2nd Tim Holtz CHA project, I decided to create a different version of the "Follow Your Heart" only this time using all Tim Holtz product.  You can check out the original version here.  It is amazing how different the second version looks! 

Since the entire creation was to be housed in a window box, there is tons of layering.  I challenged myself to see how many die-cuts I could incorporate into the overall design.  By the time I had it all laid out, I had used 5 different dies!  Nearing completion, I felt there was something missing.  Asking for a different set of eyes to brainstorm finishing touches, my mom suggested creating clouds in the background.  To her, the design had a steampunk feel...the star in the center reminded her of propellers on an airplane.  What a great idea mom!  Now, my challenge was to create clouds using Tim's product.  Playing around with my tools & scraps, I decided to create the clouds using the Layered Angel Wings Die!  I love finding different uses rather than the obvious sometimes, don't you?  By doing so, it can definitely turn into something magical!  :)

Just like the last TH project, I used tons of different product.  With the exception of some vintage flocked wallpaper for the wings, the cast iron star and the window box, everything is Tim Holtz.  In case you see anything you like, here is a complete listing of everything I used...Bigz Dies:  Layered Angel Wings, Regal Crest; Movers & Shapers Dies:  Mini Hearts Set, NEW Oval, & NEW Postage Stamp; Kraft Core'dinations Nostalgic Cardstock, NEW Paper Stash Collage 8X8, Paper Stash Kraft Resist 12X12, NEW Elements Tissue Tape (the pointed fingers around the inside of frame),  NEW Elements Remnant Rub-Ons, NEW Label Letters, Chit Chat Stickers, Journaling Tickets, Lavish Trimmings, Game Pieces & Ranger's Rich Red Embossing Powder.

Since Valentine's is just around the corner, I think this piece is perfect for this time of year.  Checking out some different challenges around the web, I found a Valentine's Day/Love & Ribbon Challenge over at Really Reasonable Ribbon's Blog.  I decided to enter my "Let Your Heart Take Flight" into the challenge.  Why not?  :)

Have a great evening!

Amy

Tim Holtz Card & Favorites @ Paper Issues!

As promised, I will start sharing the projects I created for Tim Holtz CHA 2013.  This thank you card is the first project I created.  As a designer, I was primarily chosen for my intense layering style and my use of Tim's Sizzix dies.  To start creating, I chose to incorporate all of my "favorite" things.  What are some of my favorite things you ask?  I knew I wanted to use the Regal Crest Die; as I consider that particular die a staple tool for me.  It is so versatile, as you can see from the many past projects I have used it in.  I also wanted to do lots of the layering, and lastly I wanted to create with my favorite color combination:  red & aqua.

As for details on the card itself, there are tons.  Every single element on the card is from Tim Holtz with the exception of the yellow, vintage flocked wallpaper.  The beauty of creating Tim Holtz samples is that you get to incorporate both old and new product.  I used 3 different texture fades, 3 bigz dies, core'dinations kraft, paper stash, a game piece, paper twine & some of the newer findings like the metal tags & coins.

When I create, it is a lengthy process.  I can't just start attaching, painting & cutting. Unfortunately for me, I tend to over scrutinize every. single. detail.  I seriously move things around over and over again.  When I think I finally have it just so, I take a picture and then begin the process of assembly.  The machine sewing, the distressing, the stapling and adding all the dimension are the finishing step for me.  Insane isn't it?  I really admire those of you out there that just dive into your projects with wild abandonment and wind up with a masterpiece.  I really do wish my brain worked that way, it would truly save me lots of time and less stress!  :)

Since there's lots of materials used on the card, here is a comprehensive list of all the Tim Holtz product...Embossing Folders:  Bingo, Bricked & Woodgrain; Bigz Dies:  Regal Crest & Ornamental Movers & Shapers; Kraft Core'dinations Nostalgic Cardstock, NEW Paper Stash Collage 8X8, Lost & Found 12X12, NEW Label Letters, Chit Chat Stickers, NEW Tissue Tape Elements (ruler), Game Pieces, Paper Twine, NEW Compass Coins & NEW Tag Labels.

Because this is the first project I created for Tim Holtz & it exemplifies lots of my favorite things, I thought this would be the perfect "favorite" project for me to share for our newest theme at Paper Issues!  There is a huge blog hop going on, so you want to miss out.  Be sure to share your favorite project from 2012, we would love to see!

I can't wait to share more of my "Tim" projects! 
Stay tuned!  Amy

Designing for Tim Holtz???

Can you believe it???  Yes, you read that right.  Still not even comprehending the magnitude of such an opportunity, I will give you a little history on how all this even came about...

I am sure most of you already follow the blog, One Lucky Day.  Last fall, I was searching the internet for some vintage inspiration, and stumbled across One Lucky Day.  It was love at first sight for me, I seriously spent hours looking through years worth of posts! 

In November, One Lucky Day created and sold the most fabulous "Oh Christmas Tree" kit.  Let me tell you, it has to be the most amazing kit/project I have ever laid eyes on.  As soon as I saw it, I knew my mother and I just had to have it.  After e-mail communication with the ever amazing Paula Cheney, the rest is history.

Paula Cheney is the Creative Coordinator for Tim Holtz.  She found my blog simply from our e-mails back and forth in regards to the kit.   A few weeks later, I received an e-mail from Paula asking me if I would be interested in designing some samples for the upcoming CHA convention, and specifically for Tim Holtz!!!  Hello, that was a no brainer for me, who wouldn't jump at the chance! 

Getting to play with amazing new product and dies, I created 4 samples that made it all the way out to California.  I hope my creations have done Tim & Paula proud.  I can't wait to see the booth displays as they are unveiled tomorrow.  From all this, I have found that opportunities arise when you least expect it.  You never know what amazing experiences await you around the next corner. 

I want to give a special thank you to Paula.  For if it weren't for you, none of this would have been possible for me.  Thank you for appreciating my design style, and for choosing me to be one of Tim's designers.  It has truly been an honor.  :)

To all my readers out there, stay tuned as I start unveiling all my projects using tons of Tim's new products!  Happy Friday everyone!
Amy