Friday, October 28, 2016

DIY Shadow Box by Angela Jose

Hello All, today we have an extremely talented blogger & crafter on our blog, Angela Jose!


Angela absolutely loves crafting & DIY. She inspires others to create pretty things, through detailed tutorials. Hope you enjoy reading :-) Over to Angela.

Hello All, I have been looking for a very long time to make a crafting den on my own but never ever have I seen a messier place than my crafting table! I have hence decided to add some shelves for extra storage space and some crafts to fill up blank work space. Well this tutorial is for DIY shadow box which I made for use as photo frames for my wall. They are simple and easy to make except for a little math that I have covered up for you :) So shall we start?
Materials required to make DIY shadow box:
  • Pattern papers of sixe 16"x16" : The patterns I have are from ItsyBitsy
  • Score and trim board (or alternately an empty pen, ruler and pair of scissors)
  • Glue

How to make these simple DIY shadow box :
As I told you, the math is a little confusing but otherwise, its a very simple craft. I advise you to blindly follow the measurements given here and try out a shadow box using any scrap paper that you have so that you can understand the exact math and create boxes of your own sizes.

For now, I have given the measurements for DIY shadow box of size 6"x 8" and inner frame size 5"x 7" and you can try these out. For variations in measurement of the boxes, keep reading and I tell you how to calculate.
Place your paper and score at positions : 0.5", 1",1.5",2" and at 10",10.5", 11", 11.5" . Turn your paper 90 degrees and score at measurements 0.5", 1",1.5",2" and at 8", 8.5", 9", 9.5" and 10". You need one more scoring of length one inch at measurements 2.5" and 9.5". Rotate your paper 180 degrees and score one inch at measurement 2.5" and 9.5"
Now that you are done with the scoring, lets start marking out the cutout. Follow the image and mark with a pencil for all four corners and then cut them out with your scissors. ( Doesn't look like its understandable as to where to mark! Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a link for pdf file from where measurement template can be downloaded). https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B42e08tqCj2CRXZGMFdTc01sdUE
Next fold along all of the score lines and lets get started with sticking them. I tried sticking with red tacky tape but I couldn't realign once pasted and that was a major drawback so I used glue which was easier.
Start with the side where the scored portion has straight cut. Apply glue to the edge of the folded panel as seen in the picture. Make sure you apply glue all over the strip especially towards the score/fold so that the frame stays well. Fold the sheet and hold it tight for 1 minute so that the glue sets right. Make sure your fold looks like a perfect square shape like in below photograph when seen from the side. If your alignment is wrong your frame will end up wobbly and unsymmetrical so while you are doing, take utmost care- after all its just a matter of few minutes!
Once you have completed these two side, you can start the other two sides the same way. The only difference this time will be that the shape will be a bit different to add a small triangular portion. While applying glue this time, you can apply a tiny dot at the triangular area as well so that the frame on all sides stays together.

While I made the box first, I did not apply glue at the triangle area so this was the result. I could see gaps at the corners because the shadow box frame of all sides weren't holding together.
I used tacky tape pieces at the triangle are to hold them together but alternately, while you are sticking the frame itself, you can apply glue at the triangle area. I have also used Itsy Bitsy's embellishments like bows, chipboard shapes, metallic paint.
So thats it. If you have the measurements in hand, making these DIY shadow box is a cakewalk. Lets get into the math behind these DIY shadow box then :-D
Measurements to make DIY shadow box
Paper size = 12"x12"
Maximum inner frame size of shadow box = 7"x7" which means your W& L shouldn't be more than 7 inches. If you have understood the math, you can extend it to any measurement of pattern paper and any frame size.
Say width of your proposed frame = W and length = L then your score lines will be at :
1/2", 1", 1 1/2", 2"  and (3+W)", (3+W) 1/2", (4+W)", (4+W)1/2", (5+W)" , (5+W)1/2
rotate paper 90 degree and score at
1/2", 1", 1 1/2", 2"  and (3+L)", (3+L) 1/2", (4+L)", (4+L)1/2", (5+L)", (5+L)1/2
Don't forget to score a one inch line at 2 1/2" and (2+L) 1/2"

If there is any extra paper beyond your last scored line, you should trim them out before starting to fold at the scored lines.If these are too confusing, don't worry I have a prepared a standard chart for all measurements of shadow boxes that you can create from a 12"x 12" paper. 

Hope you enjoyed watching the tutorial. I used these shadow boxes to hold few of my favorite photographs and also a few quotes. This pretty handwritten quote with handmade embellishment one was sent to me by my pen friend Piyu :) Do check out few more simple crafts on my blog and let me know if you want to see any specific craft.

Until next time
xoxo Angela


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Crafter In The Spotlight 21 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello friends!! Itsy Bitsy brings you "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT" – a unique way of encouraging and appreciating the talented crafters. We recognize talented crafters week after week, turn the spotlight on them & feature them in our "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT"! We love what you talented crafters create & are amazed at each of your unique creations every single day! We love the way you use Itsy Bitsy products & give life to those products.

We are delighted to introduce & feature yet another Crafter this week ! This week’s crafter in the Spotlight for October 2016 is “Vinita Jain”! She is extremely talented & well known in the crafting industry. Card making, mixed media & altered art are her favourites. This ex-Kindergarten Teacher say, “Crafting is my passion since childhood and my mother always used to encourage me in the field of art & craft.” 

She does not restrict herself to a particular type of craft & has a varied style. Her favourite quote, how would she contribute to crafting world if she had magical powers?? To know all these & more about her exciting journey, please read the interview & leave your comments for her.


Here are excerpts of my interview with Vinita:

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy : Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?
Vinita Jain : First of all, l Thank u so much Itsy Bitsy for such an honour! For giving me a chance to showcase my work at this wonderful platform!
Hi, all! I am Vinita Jain from Delhi, a retired Kindergarten Teacher by profession, mother of two grown-ups, living with my in-laws and a sweet hubby who is a senior professor at Delhi University. Crafting is my passion since childhood and My mother always used to encourage me in the field of art & craft. I have always excelled in the drawing and colouring. I took my art forward to my nursery teaching job with lots of opportunities to get involved in crafting work!

RC : How did you get into crafting?
VJ :  After retiring, one day I was searching for craft materials on the internet and found some craft challenges in card making field. I discovered a whole new world with this fab crafting community and started blogging about 3 years ago. From there, little by little my blog grew and developed my creative skills. Challenges and card chains are good motivation to make more :) and I think I'm more efficient when I can feel time pressure on me (lol).

RC : What is your favourite type of craft?
VJ :  I predominately love card making, mixed media, altered art, my own handmade flowers using different techniques and fabric and oil painting too.

RC : What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?
VJ :  This is tough question to answer:)
I love all the products from Itsy Bitsy which is essential for my crafting and requirements, especially, dies, stamps, chipboards, 3D stickers, MDF cutouts, Wow embossing powders and lots of embellishments, my list is very long.......!

RC : If you had magic powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?
VJ :  Oh my - I'm afraid my wish list is too long to use Magic powers. My own craft studio where I can teach to other interested people with my crafting abilities and made their dreams come true through crafting! If they wish anything, my magic wand would appear and fulfil their requirements! Lol

RC : Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?
VJ :  Oh! My first purchase and love is my die cutting machine from Itsy Bitsy - Big Shot with a load of dies and stamps!

RC : How would you describe your style of crafting?
VJ :  Varied.......Lol - I love all sort of styles and techniques. The balance of the design for the eyes is the most important thing when putting together in your projects!

RC : How do you organise your time for crafting?
VJ :  I am a whole day crafter :) I always tried to balance between work, hobby and personal life. I craft as much as possible. It's one of my most favourable things to do and luckily my family really enjoys it too!

RC :Tips for people who want to craft?
VJ : Try to be yourself and not slavishly imitate others, however, good they might be! If you are a beginner, visit other crafters work and pick something you love to follow for inspiration. And try to give it your own style, don't have to recreate it step by step, it will help you to build up your confidence! Keep creating and being uniquely you even when things are difficult !

RC : Your all -time favourite quote?
VJ :  A day Without Crafting is a Day Without Sunshine!

Here is a gorgeous project by Vinita & step by step description :

Method:

1. Take MDF name letters and give them a thin coat of gesso for the front and heavy gesso for the back. Let them dry properly.
2.  Trace the letters on Pattern papers and cut it out. Paste them using Mod Podge. Apply Moda acrylic paint- Tempest grey at all the edges of the letters.
3. Now before start embellishing them, collect all the materials according to your imagination. As I am making this for an 11-year boy and love roaming around, cycling etc, So I selected blue colour theme papers, Itsy Bitsy travel theme chipboards, Itsy Bitsy rub on, some Itsy Bitsy cogs, 3 D stickers and metal charms.
4. On letter V, Adhere an MDF sentiment in Chocolate paint colour and embellish it with travel chipboards and  give them  a natural look.
5. Letter A is embellished with school fun, so I attach a magnetic chalkboard with a cool rub on and a red felt fence which is precut.
6.  Die cut some leaves from green coloured jute sheet. Apply some Inka gold on a chipboard tree and glue these leaves. The bicycle is also burnished using Inka gold with bumpy road rub on sentiment and brown coloured zig zag bumps. And there is a fun 3D sentiment too.
7.  Decorate the letter U with lots of cogs chipboard which is also burnished using Inka gold , a chipboard sentiment tied with a jute cord, a cute photo frame sticker to stick the photo, a rub on sentiment placed on a die cut circle and a fun part is that there are some metal charms attached with a chain to a ring for a funky look!
8. Now collect all the letters and tied them with a natural jute rope. Have fun!

Here are a couple of Vinita's other awesome creations:



Many congrats Vinita for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher :-) :-) & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms.

Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Festive Gift hamper

Hello friends ,

Its October and its festival time Diwali , Halloween all make way to our homes. It brings with it the joy of giving gift , favors to your near and dear ones. What better than to give away hand made ones and make them feel special . I have today a few favor boxes which can be used for the same.

Pillow boxes is one which always catch my fancy. 

I have made this using Craft brown Paper Cylinder Itsy Bitsy. Its so sturdy that the gifts packed in it will remain unaffected during transit . Itsy bitsy has a huge variety in terms of size too. Once I decided on to the length and size of the cylinder, covered it with lovely pattern paper. Yes you will not fall short of choices at Itsy Bitsy for the same. Pinch the sides of the cylinder towards the interior as shown. 


Do the same for both sides. The substrate being sturdy you may find it difficult but  not impossible. Wrap your gift and place it inside. Tie a dainty ribbon along and place your wishes or flowers to make it special .


Halloween reminds me of trick or treat. So , I wanted to make a candy favor bag. But can a Craft brown Paper Cylinder be converted into it. Well Yes! Join the edges of the cylinder at one end as shown using Silicon glue. 


Punch holes on the two sides on the other end. Tie ribbons and we have a cute little candy favor bag to play trick or treat who come along your doors.

Hope you enjoyed this little party favors. Waiting to see your creations.
Remya


To check my previous post click here

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Color Splash sprays fanfare!!

Good Morning crafty heads,its me Lekha here with a quick and fun project using the amazing new range of Itsy Bitsy Sprays ...
And we also have a launch offer - 15% on the entire range & 25% if you buy all 12 colors!

If you still have not tried them you are missing out on some colorful splash. These are ideal for your mix media, scrap booking projects. Our DT member Tanvi has some very cool ideas for creating great backgrounds for your cards and scrapbook pages. These are rich and vibrant in color. I have used few Color Splash sprays for this mix media project. Working with these sprays and whitewash alterable box.

 

I painted the box with black gesso. These sprays are rich and vibrant even on black gesso.
I have used  modelling paste and chevron stencil to create a wonderful texture on the box lid to give a little dimension. Once dry used Lemon Zing,Hot PinkOcean Mist color splash sprays.





 I used these sprays with crochet lace and they work wonderfully dying the lace trims.



I am amazed at the versatility these sprays have. They remain true to color with even these jute burlap flowers.


Since these react well with water you can use them directly for vibrant color or dilute them with little water for a more subtle shade. You can spray two shades to form a new color. 



Used silicon glue to stick the flowers, lace trim to the box lid.
Also added resin dots I made with Resin and some pearls.



Added quilled fringe flowers along with burlap flowers.





Remember you also have time to join our monthly challenge - ITSY BITSY CHALLENGE#1-2016
Theme - Anything Goes using the Itsy Bitsy LITTLE BIRDIE CHIPBOARD SHAPES


Hope you liked the little color splash ...
Thanks for stopping by and would love to hear from you.

Supplies used: 

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Crafter In The Spotlight 20 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello friends!! Itsy Bitsy brings you "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT" – a unique way of encouraging and appreciating the talented crafters. We recognize talented crafters week after week, turn the spotlight on them & feature them in our "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT"! We love what you talented crafters create & are amazed at each of your unique creations every single day! We love the way you use Itsy Bitsy products & give life to those products.

We are delighted to introduce & feature yet another Crafter this week ! This week’s crafter in the Spotlight for October 2016 is “Geetha Pai” ! She is very passionate about crafting & we would not be wrong if we call her a compulsive crafter/artist. :-) :-) She has been crafting & teaching from the past 33 years & has rightly been featured in a popular newspaper.

Geetha says, “Itsy Bitsy is like a treasure trove and I have a mini Itsy Bitsy at home.” Geetha has shared a gorgeous project & has given step-by-step instructions to make it. Thank you so much!!

Her favourite quote, how would she contribute to crafting world if she had magical powers ?? To know all these & more about her exciting journey, please read the interview & leave your comments for her.



Here are excerpts of my interview with Geetha:

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy : Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?
Geetha Pai : I am one among 5 siblings. My father was a banker and mother housewife. I am a BSc graduate brought up in Bangalore. Art and craft is my passion. After graduation came across an exhibition and was selected for 3months training and after that there was no stopping me. I have been teaching from past 33 years.

RC : How did you get into crafting?
GP : My mother used to sew and stitch and I got interested, later my elder sister was my inspiration, I got inclined to art and craft at a very young age. 

RC : What is your favourite type of craft?
GP : My favorite type of craft is paper craft and painting. 

RC : What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?
GP : Asking about your favorite products is like choosing among your children. Itsy Bitsy is like a treasure trove and I can spend hours looking at the products. I have a mini itsy Bitsy at home.

RC : If you had magic powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?
GP : lf at all i had magic powers i would initiate each and every one into art and craft as it is therapy and soothing to the soul. 

RC : Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?
GP : Again a difficult question all my stash is precious to me and i would not part it at any cost. 

RC : How would you describe your style of crafting?
GP : My style is not complicated and easily understood by everyone and people would like to do it as soon as they see it. 

RC : Tips for people who want to craft?
GP : l would advise people not to waste time or materials and use it fruitfully. Find art in each and every object and you will surely find it everywhere. 

RC : Your all -time favourite quote?
GP : Art and craft is a stress buster and therapy for all. 

Here is a gorgeous project by Geetha & step by step description :

Decoupage Keyholder
Materials Required :- MDF board round, Paper Napkin in floral design, Itsy Bitsy Decoupage Glue, Acrylic Paints, Modge Podge, Varnish, Modelling Paste and Brushes.

Method :- 

·        1. Take a MDF round board & give a thin coat of the paste. Allow to dry thoroughly.
·        2. Cut out the floral print from the napkin on the outline of the print, cut out leaves if any.
·        3. Slowly remove the two layers of the 3ply tissue.
·        4. With a small flat brush apply Itsy Bitsy Decoupage Glue’s thin layer on the board.
·        5. Stick the napkin cut outs carefully pressing with a soft cloth so as to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.  Allow to dry thoroughly.
·        6. Now with acrylic paints paint the background, extend the design by painting extra leaves and stems, buds composing the design.
·        7. Shade where ever necessary. Allow to dry thoroughly.
·        8. Give a coat of modge podge all over the board. Dry.
·        9. Lastly give a coat of varnish to avoid stickiness.
·        10. Get the hooks and clamp fixed. Your beautiful key holder is ready.


Here are a couple of Geetha 's other awesome creations:






Many congrats Geetha for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher :-) :-) & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms.

Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!