Handmade Holidays Blog Hop

I am so very pleased to get to participate in the Third Annual Handmade Holidays blog hop through Graphic 45.

This is a three day event filled with amazing talent from the best crafters and designers in the industry.  We have all come together to share a series of handmade gifts for the holidays with the hope to inspire you to create something from the heart this winter season.  We also intend to show how to use products in innovative ways. I hope my offerings are up to par!

I could not help but showcase my favorite medium, assemblage.  I had a table full of scraps from another project, which is what triggered this small thoughtful collage quote box.

Supplies:

7 Gypsies Solo Shadowbox Tray

Typography 12x12 paper

Typography 8x8 paper

Typography Chipboard

Graphic 45 Ornate Keys

Graphic 45 Keyholes

Metal Clothespins

gilders paste; silver and black

Distress Stain: Black Soot

Petaloo Flowers

chipboard

Industrial Chic Charms (pencil, wheel)

large domino/Scrabble tiles

Found objects: thimble, typewriter parts, metal jack, watch part vial

Strong adhesive

The project I am sharing with you today is a sentimental quote box made with Typography paper from Graphic 45.  To start off, I used my go to art item for altering paper, metal and wood: gilders paste.  I simply apply with my finger and buff all along the edges.  I do not mind getting messy, but if you do, a soft cloth or rag will do the trick.

Then, to add interest to the sides of the quote box, I applied tissue tape.  I wanted this to act as "noise" or pattern along the inside edge.  To push it back a bit, I added another layer of gilders paste over the tape. Notice my work is not perfect, sometimes you just have to embrace imperfection.  I will also strategically place my objects so that it covers any unsightly sloppy spot.

To make my quote stand out with dimension, I backed the paper on heavy chip board.  Please note, this project would work well with a photograph in place of the quote if that is more your style!  I tried to pull in some holiday hues, while still creating a project a friend could display year round.

The edges of the statement were coated with black stain and more gilders paste.

Now it is time to add the background layer of papers for your box.  I chose coordinating patterns with a holiday palate in mind.

To make my image stand out I hot glued an old domino in my box for dimension.  You can also use foam or any other object you have on hand.  Use what you have!

Here you can see my focal has now been affixed.  I was on a hot glue kick, which is great for speed, but it is not always the most steadfast adhesive.

I then started to plan out my little cubbies at the bottom.  I chose to use a few treasures I had on hand that went with the theme.

In the smaller bottom compartments,  I used old Scrabble tiles to pop out my statements.

Continue to add elements, being mindful to balance your composition.  Use odd numbers of objects and be sure to have different heights, depths and placement.

If your embellishments don't match your color palate, a little bit of gilders paste can solve that quandary.  I actually ended up only using half of this clothespin because it would not lay flat in my tray.  The spring was allocated to another cubby and I saved the other side for a future project.

Keep on adding elements until your feel your piece is finished.  I chose to add some flowers from Petaloo, customizing them by adding a few bits of the Typography Chipboard.

Another Ornate Metal Key gets dusted with gilders paste so that it matches the festive palate.

I love that I was able to locate one of my vintage typewriter keys to match the saying "A stitch in time, saves nine."

It is hard to tell, but inside the tiny bottle is the definition of the word "friend."

I hope you enjoyed seeing how easy it is to make a memorable collage as a holiday gift.  Please follow along to the other blogs below to see a ton more holiday gifting inspiration!  P.S.  There are prizes to be had so please comment below!

Clearsnap

Craft Attitude

Smoothfoam

Donna Salazar

Walnut Hollow

100 Proof Press

Graphic 45

Ice Resin

Stampendous

Eileen Hull Designa  Sizzix 

 Mistra Hoolahan Donna Salazar Designs 

 Elise Durneburger 100 Proof Press 
Lexi Grenzer Ice Resin

Graphic 45 Rhea Freitag *** You are Here
Debbie Cole Clearsnap
Vickie O'Dell  Smoothfoam

Teresa Abajo 100 Proof Press 
Amy Bowerman Sizzix
Jo Deserio Jones Ice Resin 
Lisa Fulmer Smoothfoam 

Cheers,

Rhea

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