How to Make a Shadowbox

Over Christmas, I experimented with making shadowboxes and found that they were a lot of fun. I have had some people ask me how I make them so I thought I would put together a quick tutorial.
I usually use unfinished wood shadowboxes from Michael's, but they were having a sale on the nicer ones in the framing section, so I will be using that in this example.

First, I added scrapbook paper to the sides and the inside back part of the box using gel medium. You will just have to measure to cover whatever size box you get. In this case, I cut the paper on the sides a little small, so you could see some of the black from the box. You could also sand, gesso and paint the box instead of using paper.


I also added some left over fake fur I had and lined the bottom with a heavy white glue.

Next, I took the elements I made for the box (a girl and tree I painted on heavy watercolor paper) and attached a heavy strip of paper (I used the same heavy watercolor paper) to the back of them with strong white glue. Before you glue, You will want to bend both ends of the paper to the length you want your element to stick out of the box. I just kind of keep folding the paper and place my element on the back until I like how far it sticks out. In this case, I wanted the girl to stand out more than the tree, so I cut the paper for the tree shorter.

After I attached the back piece to the inside of the box, I embellished the outside.I added some flowers and a heart pick to the top with hot glue.
This is a sticker I have had in my stash for years (It feels so nice to use old embellishments).

I added some cute wooden hearts to either side of the box.

I also wrapped ribbon around the bottom.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. If you decide to make one, Let me know; I would love to see it.

Shonna Bucaroff

One Sheet Mini Albums - 4 sizes

As I mentioned in a prior post....okay, I know it's been awhile because I presented these mini albums at Rita Holmes' SW Ohio Gathering. LOL! Sorry it took so long stampers. Anyhow, I would like to share the simple instructions for these quick and cute ONE SHEET mini albums. I have a SLIDE show below for you to view. Remember to pause the slide show, hold your mouse over the picture.

I've listed four different size papers you could use. These are so much fun and easy and they do make great quick yet elegant-looking gifts! Use your favorite patterned papers... because the patterned papers used here are so beautiful, there's not much embellishing to do. I like that.

Using your Scor-Pal scoring tool, score as follows for each of the different size patterned papers:

For 12x12 paper: Score at 3-1/2" and at 9"
For 9x9 paper: Score at 2-1/2" and at 6-1/2"
For 8x8 paper: Score at 2" and at 5-1/2"
For 6x6 paper: Score at 1-1/2" and 4"

After scoring you will fold...please use your bone folder for crisp creases. Place some red tape on the end of sheet and adhere. At this point it will look like a tube. Fold this in half using your bone folder. That's it! See Slide Samples. You basic album is complete. You can then staple the back spine, hole punch it and thread ribbon thru it. Or you can use your Zutter bind-it-all spiral wire rings. Decorate as little or as much as pleases your taste.

Your turn to share. Link up to this post so we can all see your wonderful works! Thanks again for coming over to visit me. God bless you abundantly during the NEW YEAR!!!

Rustic (Scruffy) Flower

I needed a rustic unfussy looking flower for this card I was making, had a play and came up with this rustic looking flower.

I punched out 3 circles - 1 x 1.5" in blue, 1 3/4" in gingham and a 3/4" in blue

Distress the edges of the circles with a distressing tool and a nail file. Don't be afraid to crumple/crease the discs, crumpled and bashed is GOOD! Edge the discs with a matching ink and add a few more bends and creases for good measure. Assemble with a brad - the one I've used is from the QVC Cosmo Cricket TSV and was perfect for the look I wanted.

A really quick and easy embellishment that matches perfectly with whatever colours/papers you are using on your project (apologies for the blurred picture).

Bev

Bubbles!!!

Many people have used the bubble wrap and paint to create a design on their layouts. I decided to try Tim Holtz's distressing ink. This may not be a new technique to many of you ,but it's the first time for me. I've used paint before but the ink made nice lightly colored bubbles on the paper.

Here are some pics I took when I created my layout.

I inked the bubble wrap...
...then I layed it on the paper and lightly pressed on it......and this is what it turned out like! Here is the layout I created.

Deanne

Gift Card /Treats Bag

Easy and Quick!! You can use this to put a gift card, money or a small gift such as a pair or earrings in.



1. Seal an envelope.2.Using a tag punch or a tag that you have in your stash, cut out tags on each side of the top of the envelope. You may have to play with the amount of paper you want to cut away. You want it to look like a little basket or bag. 3.Once you get it looking like you want, then it's time to embellish!4.Here's my gift bag that I made. Cute idea!!!

May you have the gladness of Christmas - Which is Hope ;

The Spirit of Christmas- Which is Peace;

The Heart of Christmas - which is Love

Deanne

Flip Square Album Video Tutorial

Hope you have a Great Xmas !

Jana

Shaving Cream card background

What do you think? When I first read in a magazine a couple of weeks ago about marbelling using shaving cream I thought the magazine was run by madmen but it actually works out really well. I've since played around with the technique and created an easier way of creating my backgrounds with acrylic paints instead of inks!!

To create –

1. Cover the base of your container with shaving cream and spread it so that it is roughly covering the bottom of the container by at least a centimetre.

2. Squirt paint over the surface of the shaving cream. I used 2 different coloured green but you could easily use more than two colours or even use different contrasting colours like red and green.

3. Use the back of your paint brush and swirl the colours together through the shaving cream until you are happy with the effect you are seeing.

4. Place you card flat on top of the shaving cream mix and gently press the card onto the surface of the mixture. Using both hands, lift the card straight up and place onto a flat surface. Use the scrapper to gently scrape away the excess mixture on your card to reveal a swirly paint effect on your surface, much like marble.

5. Leave to dry thoroughly then use to create your card.