Creative Challenge

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try” – Dr. Seuss

I am what you might call a craft shopaholic.  I looked around my craft studio and took inventory of all the die cuts and stickers that I have.  At first I thought book you purchased a certain die that it could only be used one way. Oh and if you purchased at a scrapbook store then it only could be used for scrapbooking.  

To my amazement I started playing around with different ideas.  Let me just say die cuts are not just for scrapbooking or card making. Now do not get me wrong I love to make cards especially pop up or cards that have movement.

Let me show you the fun that I have been having lately.

 So I got to thinking what could I make using Shimmer Sheetz, Die Cuts, metal, faux flowers and a planter box.  

 I made dragonflies using Elizabeth Craft Designs Small Dragonfly die cut, Shimmer Sheetz, and springs.  the butterflies I used Karen Burniston Butterfly Accessory Dies (a part of her new collection with Elizabeth Craft Designs), Shimmer Sheetz, small metal jewelry items.

With the cold days we have been having lately here in Texas, I guess I must have Spring Time on my mind.  

I had purchased some Gelato Colors and had only used them once or twice.  Let's just say that is about to change.  I had so much fun playing with different textures on this project.  I also have all this tissue paper left over from Christmas gifts. ( Look Honey I found something to do with my stash)  On this project I used the Gelatos, tissue paper, water, Mod Podge, Elizabeth Craft Designs peel off stickers, can you tell I love the dragonfly and butterfly die cuts.  The dragonflies are made with Shimmer Sheetz and Bazzill paper, the butterflies are made with Shimmer Sheetz that I embossed and their bodies are mad with bazzill paper, Transparent double sided adhesive.  Using the adhesive I was able to use the silk microfine glitter to give their little bodies a little glitz.  The bees wings I used Shimmer Sheetz.  Next to making the background I think making the flowers was one of my favorites.  The flowers are Peel-off stickers adhere to Bazzill white paper.  Found a new way to use my distress inks either the pad or markers and a water brush pen.  I like the watercolor look.  So yet another way I can use my markers and ink pads.  I love it when I can use a product for more than just one way. I feel like I have used my money wisely.  

This was a fun card to make.  What I like about this die is that you can make as many as you would like.  what I mean is do you only want two ovals or do you want more.  So you can use this die to make a card or a banner.  I decided to make a card.  I am into Shabby Chic and Country.  It must be the Texas Girl in me.   When I make a card it normally is not just made of paper.  Note on this card I have burlap under the boots on the front and I have rope on the back of the card.  I used Karen Burniston's Oval Flourish Frame Edges die to give it a little bit of lace look.

My family thought that I was crazy this year.  I did not wrap my Christmas gifts with Christmas wrapping paper.  I used regular brown shipping paper.  I decided to devote my time into the tags. For a make n take project 

(tag in the upper left hand corner) I used Bazzill card stock and Elizabeth Craft Designs Ornament Set 2 die.  Note the middle ornament has a little bit of dimension to it.  I adhered several ornaments together to get the effect of an old fashion ornament I would see on my Grandparents Christmas tree. The tag in the lower right hand corner I once again used the Transparent double sided adhesive so I could add the silk microfine glitter.