Mixed Media Butterfly Box

I had so much fun really altering this box from Graphic 45.  

P.S. sorry about the moody morning light, I was under a deadline and had to work with what I had! 

I even made a tutorial on Snapguide so you can see how I achieved this lovely metal texture on plain old kraftboard!  

Check out How to Alter a Graphic 45 Mixed Media Box by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

The addition of all the microbeads at the end really adds to the texture I created on this project. I admit it was a little scary to slather my project in glue at the end, but it was worth it.

I am running low on those amazing butterflies from Graphic 45.  This is a great way to pay homage to a retired supply!

Here is a photo of the back of the project so you can get an idea of what my base looked like.  I even managed to stamp a little in this project, which rarely happens because I am a sloppy stamper.  I used the purposefully messy "technique."

While there is not a ton of paper in this project, I do love the snips of Artisan Style that I used in this project.  What a lovely paper line!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you found a little bit of inspiration to take into your next crafting session.

Cheers, 

Rhea

Come Away With Me Gift Bag and Card with Tutorial

Sometimes the simplest of tasks can prove to be a challenge!  This was especially true for me as I stepped out of the mixed media zone and into gift bags and cards for Graphic 45.  My mantra for this was simple, just keep it simple.  I have such a tendency to layer on so much stuff that would probably not hold up to the heavier use of a gift bag.  

Supplies:

Come Away With me 12x12

Come Away With me Patterns and Solids

Come Away With Me Stickers

Come Away With Me Journaling and Ephemera Cards

Twine

Distress Ink

Xyron Double Sided Tape

Paper Flowers

Recycled Cellophane Packaging

This project was created with a travel theme in mind.  I had planned on making a book or journal to go with this project, but did not have the time unfortunately.  Perhaps that project will still come to be!  I think that a junk book with these papers would be just lovely.

I pictured the recipient either moving away or heading out on a long voyage.  The Come Away With Me papers were a perfect choice for this idea.

Since I took the time to make a handmade card, I decided to showcase it a bit by making it part of the decoration on the paper bag.

A little bit of cellophane left over from craft supply packaging made for the perfect pocket for my note card.

Here you can see how it looks inside the pocket.  I just love finding useful ways to use my garbage/packaging in crafts!

I also created a snapguide on assembling this simple project.  Enjoy!

Check out How to Upcycle a Gift Bag by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

Raining Cats and Dogs Wall Decor

 

 

I am always excited to be able to work with the latest and greatest from Graphic 45!  One of their newer lines is Raining Cats and Dogs.  As you can see from this project these papers are very versatile as the end result is not dog or cat themed at all.  

 

 

The color palate here is just gorgeous.  I adore how the element of the paper banner here as well.  This was gifted as a late birthday gift to my dear friend Catherine and she seemed quite pleased with her treasure from her artsy pal. 

You can also see that I made good use of the die cut flowers that accompany this line.  They make for a nice detail around the branch of the Masonite kit I picked up at a local craft outlet. 

Sometimes I find it tricky to cover odd shaped things with paper, to that end I have created a simple snapguide with some of my tried and true secrets for completing this task.  It is easier than you think!

Check out How to Cover Odd Shaped Items With Paper by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

Xyron Shadow Box with Tutorial

I am so excited to begin my journey with Xyron!  For this assignment we were asked to recreate a project that was "Not Xyron, but should be."  This framed scrabble tile sentiment was a great inspiration for my little shadowbox.  I loved the simple graphic in the background paper, as well as the re purposed use for the scrabble tiles.

Here is the Pinterest pin.

And here is what I ended up with:

Supply List:

Frame

Scrabble Tiles

Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker

Xyron Mega Runner

Xyron 3/8" High Tack Adhesive Dots

Xyron 1/4" Double-Sided High Tack Tape

Xyron Glue Stick For Corners

 Graphic 45 Paper

Graphic 45 Washi Tape

Embellishments

Gold Dresden

The inspiration project had a simple frame without glass, however, I could not find something along those lines in my stash, so I committed to trying to use what I had.  I find that this can be so rewarding, and it can save you money too.

Since I had a deep inset with not too much planned for the inside I decided to use some decorative tape to add interest to the inside of the frame.

Be sure to burnish down your tape.  Many of these are very low tack (not very sticky.)  I used a ruler to push down each edge and smooth over my tape.

Next up I added a piece of scrapbook paper to the back of my box.  I used my Mega Runner for this, and it made really quick work of the task.  Here I chose a pattern with a similar flair as the inspiration project.

Here you can see I started to play with layout.  I decided after a few trials to matte my letters in order to add more grounding to the text.  Because of the depth of the frame, I decided this was best.

The Xyron Glue Stick for corners worked perfect to create the small mattes.  I went to my scrap box and found a few bits of Couture I had left over.  I am always so happy to utilize those small scraps!

I must admit, this part was fun.  I simply added the tiles to the Xyron Adhesive dots and I had my letters all lined up and ready to go in no time.

The double sided tape was used to hold each word element down to the background.

A note on my embellishment.  I made it from scratch.  It is a bit of burlap that I coated in gesso and let dry. Then I free form cut out my heart and wings.  The bits were then altered with all kinds of stuff until I liked the look: stain, ink, gilders paste, marker...I finished it off with a few old transistors to give it that industrial touch I like so much.

Once I put my piece together I realized it needed just a little something more.    I added tape to the outside of the box.

Then I decided to use some Dresden I had on hand.  I must say that the Xyron Sticker Maker worked great to stick this down.  I always struggle with glue showing when I use wet glue on Dresden.

One trick though:  rub down lots and peel slow in order to ensure that the adhesive comes up with the Dresden.

And that is it.  Simple and fun and using the stuff I had on hand!

I love how the decorative tape adds so much texture to the whole piece.

Here is a close up of the fun heart embellishment I was able to create from scratch.

I hope you enjoyed!  Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Fall Journal with Texture Tutorial

Fall is certainly my most favorite season ever.  For some reason, it just really inspires me.  With this in mind, I set out to create a fun Fall Journal to record my thoughts, memories and maybe even a few poems.

I will be sharing a few techniques along the way today as well.  On the cover you can see some great imagery from Alpha Stamps. For a full list of all the goodies I used from Alpha Stamps you can go right here. Another easy addition to this cover are French Country stickers from Graphic 45.

I love this cute little tiny oak leaf garland.  Also notice the great texture I got by layering stencils.  Here I used matte medium with my honey comb stencil and then aged it once the medium was dry.

Here you can see the detail of leaves I made with glossy card stock, alcohol inks and the tattered leaves stamps from Tim Holtz.

I started by choosing a few warm colors of ink.  I dropped them on the glossy paper and then blotted with a ink dabber doused with blending solution.

This is a few of the papers I made.  I did not mind that I still had some large spots on the paper, it ended up adding great interest to the finished leaves.

Here are the leaves after stamping them with permanent ink and then fussy cutting them out.  I am always happy when I can create my own embellishments from what I have on hand.

This tag below highlights the amazing texture you can get from using the different pastes that are now on the market.  Here I chose to use molding paste along with my stencil.

I started out by layering with my spray inks and stencils.

I then added layers of stain and inks. It helps to water down the stains before swirling the tags in the color.  I don't mind when my inks smear either, it adds interest to the piece.

 Another way to add a layer of color is with an ink pad and an ink applicator. This way it provides a softer and more reliable pattern.

Here are a bunch of my tags after playing with my inks and stencils. Notice I have gone back and added inks or stains to most of the edges of my pockets and tags.  This adds a great frame to any element.

Once there is a base layer of color and pattern, I take it a step further and add more texture with the paste. An inverted spatula works really well for this.

I like to use deli paper when I am doing this type of work.  I can mess up a sheet and easily clean up my spot with a quick toss.  Be sure to clean up your stencils promptly after applying pastes through them!

After the paste is dry I add more ink or gilders paste to provide yet another design element to the tag.

I am looking forward to curling up with a nice warm drink and journaling this past fall season.

I have entries planned for my recent Upper Peninsula vacation...

Perhaps a few fall poems...

And maybe even a doodle or two...

I hope you enjoyed this rather lengthy post of my Fall Journal filled with fun texture.

Cheers,

Rhea