Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #26--Year End Cards (Project 52)

For our final Iron Craft Challenge, we were asked to prepare something based on "Celebration." I chose to share my holiday Christmas card. I always celebrate Christmas by sending out handmade Christmas cards. This is the seventh in my series of Stained Glass Christmas cards based on the Twelve Days of Christmas.

These are done with hand tinted vellum and are designed to simulate stained glass. You can leave the card open on the mantel with a battery operated tea light and it looks like stained glass. The card is a tri-fold card with the first two panels (with the openings) fold upon itself to hold the vellum.

The insert is made from Japanese confetti mulberry paper made with silver and gold leaf. It is mounted on gold metallic card stock.

Project #51--Disney Projects: Lady and the Tramp

This is the final in the Disney series of paper cuts--The Lady and the Tramp. It has been fun cutting out all of this characters and there are several more to do but this will bring the year to a close on this series. The only project that I have left is the final Iron Craft Challenge and I will have completed all 52 projects for the year (26 Iron Craft Challenges and 26 projects of my own). It has been a very good year for crafting for me.

Have a great holiday season.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #25--Cupcake Ornaments (Project 50)

This week we where challenged for time. We had to create something in less than one hour. The implication was that were are so rushed with holiday plans, travel and commitments that we would have limited time to craft.

This is a craft that is similar to one of the projects that I shared last month.  For the Snowball Ornament, I used modeling paste and glitter. For the Cupcake Ornament, I decided to use modeling paste, acrylic paint (for the yellow and pink "frosting") and rainbow sprinkles. I will use hooks to hang them on the tree.

For display here, I used cupcake papers and would use these as name card holders for each place setting. I wanted to use the foil cupcake liners but didn't have any on hand. For each of the bulbs, I filled a different amount of rainbow sprinkles in each  to see which amount I preferred. You could also use candies (like red hots) or larger nonpareils.

Project #49--Disney Projects: Mickey and Minnie

Continuing the Disney cutouts, here is one of my favorites. I am mounting this for a Christmas present for someone special.

Just one more Disney cutout and two more Iron Craft Challenges left in the year. Where has the time gone?

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #24--Candy Advent Wreath (Project 48)

For this project, we were asked to create something for the holidays. I was a little stymied because I had just completed a 30 day series called Christmas in November (You can click on the label Christmas2014 below to see all of the projects in that series). So, for the Iron Craft Challenge, I needed to come up with one more project.

I have always been inspired by Kat and her Advent Calendar series so I decided to do an Advent Calendar but I wanted to do something that was quick and easy and readily accessible to anyone who needed a quick project.

Materials Needed
Flat Chipboard Wreath (I bought mine at Michaels--Floral and Craft Ring, 6in)
Wire edged ribbon
Individually wrapped flat candies (I used Peppermint Patties--non holiday bag)
Circle Labels (I used Avery Round Labels 8293, 1.5 inch diameter)
Number Stickers (I used EK Success Sticko Dimensional Stickers in black glitter)
Double sided tape

Assembly
First prepare your candies. I placed a round sticker on 24 separate pieces of candy. I then placed a number on each round sticker. The numbers ranged from 1 to 24. To complete this project, you will need the following quantities of numbers: ones--13, twos--8, threes--3, fours--3, numbers 5 through 0--2 each).

Once complete, set the candies aside. Take your wreath form and wrap wire edged ribbon in an up and over pattern until your wreath form is covered. Secure in place with double sided tape.

Start placing your candies on your wreath. There is no pattern here. Simply fill up the wreath form with one layer of candies. Make sure to start with your lowest number so by the time Christmas arrives your wreath will be empty. Adhere each candy with double sided tape. You can use a glue gun for this layer if you wish or if you need a more secure base. The stability of this layer is the most important.

Candies Ready for assembly.

Covered Wreath waiting for Candies

First layer completed

Once the first layer is completed, add a second layer using double sided tape. Be careful when placing these candies because you don't want the bottom layer to come off when these candies are individually removed.

Second layer completed

Once the second layer is complete, continue with the top layer. I ended up with three layers. Once all candies have been attached, Loop a length of ribbon through the center of the wreath to hang.

Read for December 1

As an alternative to the Advent Wreath, you can simply do a Merry Christmas wreath. This wreath is constructed in the same way as above but I used a 12 inch Floral/Craft form, holiday wrapped Peppermint Patties (in red, silver and green) and the letters corresponding to Merry Christmas. For this project, you will need the following letters: R--3, M & S--2 each, and A, C, E, H, I, T, Y--1 each.

Notes:
You can cut out your letters/numbers yourself rather than buy stickers. Similarly, you can print the letters/numbers directly on the stickers if you want. I just wanted to show a no-fuss, quick project that didn't involve paper cutting.

If you have nice handwriting, you could even simplify this even more my writing the letters/numbers.

Project #47--Disney Projects: Pooh

This is the continuation of the Disney series. The official story is that I made this for my friend who is a Pooh fanatic. The unofficial story is that I made this for myself since I am an Eeyore fanatic but don't tell her.

I can't believe that it is already the end of November. Where has this year gone?

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #23--Long John Shorts (Project 46)

Before

For this challenge, we were asked to be inspired by "coziness." With the onset of winter like weather here in the United States, we were tasked to make something that resembles "cozy." I was going to make something else but got behind due to a variety of other commitments.

One of the problems that I have with the winter weather is that I really LIKE it. I usually will be walking around in t-shirts when I can. I also sleep with the windows open because I am always too hot with the steam pipes and radiators blasting full strength in my apartment.

Another problem that I have is that many of the winter clothes are just too warm for me. I usually don't wear long johns because they make me sweat because they are so warm. To combat this problem, I decided to shorten a pair of long johns that I have.

So, I decided to break out my sewing machine and dusted it off. After practicing on scraps to get the tension right, I decided to attempt to shorten these long johns so they would of a similar length to my board shorts (here and here).

One of the parts that I was most anxious about was that I didn't want to have a hem. I decided to cut off the ribbed cuff from the bottom of the long johns and reattach it to the bottom of the shorts. Because this was such as stretchy fabric and since I didn't have a serger, I was a little skeptical. In the end, I just slowed down and practiced my patience.

Once the ribbed cuff was cut off, I realized that I need to tailor the outside inseam to taper it the knee where I would reattach the cuff.

After

Overall, I am very pleased with the way these turned out. I might have to start using my sewing machine more often. I do know that I need to take the machine to shop and to get a professional cleaning.

Project #45--Disney Projects: Bambi

This is a continuation of my Disney series. Bambi was one of my favorite Disney movies as a kid. I might try and turn this into a holiday card.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #22--Obi Paper Rings (Project 44)

This challenge was another color challenge and we are tasked to be inspired by the autumnal colors of red and orange. There were a variety of different projects that I was considering but I was asked to make some goody bags for a friend's holiday party for children (of which, some had food allergies). I decided to make some dollar rings after watching this video (clicking on the link will take you to a YouTube video).

Deciding that these rings weren't enough, I decided to make some more rings using Japanese Decorative Papers. These rings could be customized to fit my big fat Fred Flinstone fingers and since I didn't have to worry about framing the "one" from the dollar bill, I could make them any size I wanted.

Top View

Side View

I had these papers that featured Japanese Maple leaves which are a symbol of the changing seasons in Japan. There are some metallic elements in the paper that make them shimmer. I also decided to make a ring featuring Kat's favorite plaid paper (which also matches my light switch cover in my bathroom).

I made a whole bunch of these rings and actually wear them on my ring finger on my left hand. I call these Obi Rings since they resemble the obi (sash) that is used to fastened a kimono.

Image found here

Project #43--Disney Projects (One for the Boys)

This is a continuation of my Disney series. I finally got the name right on this one because it was included in the cutout. Also, this is one for the boys.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #21--Halloween X-Ray (Project 42)

For this challenge, we were asked to create something for Halloween. Last year, I did a 30 Days of Halloween series so I wanted to make sure that I didn't duplicate something that I had previously done. I decided to do a cutout but I wanted to add some dimension to it.

I was working on my Envelope a Day series and was finishing up my Alphabet series and came across the letter X. I decided to create an x-ray envelope. I then decided to create a larger version for the Iron Craft Challenge.

Supplies Needed:

Black Card Stock

cutting utensil

Rib Cage Graphic

Acrylic Box Frame (I used a 11 x 14 x 1.5 inch frame)

Vellum Paper (either clear or colored)

Cellophane Tape

Small battery operated tea lights

Painter's Tape

Assembly:
1.  Cut out the graphic using black card stock. There are a lot of images out there to use. I think that this would look great done with a skull as well.

2.  Cut out a frame for the image so you can mount the image to the frame. The frame should be the exact side of the frame. (In the image below, you can see my guidelines (in pencil) for cutting the frame.

3.  Mount the image to the back side of the frame with cellophane tape.

4.  Mount the Vellum paper to the back of the cut out. Be sure to cover all of the open spaces in the cutout.

5.  Place the framed image face down into the top of the box frame.

Back view of the image and frame

6.  Cut out a section of the cardboard backing used for the hanging of the box frame. Some box frames have a single sided cardboard hanging piece and some have a double sided hanging piece. My had double sided cardboard. Cut out a rectangle so the light will shine through the back of the cutout. Be sure to cut the side that does not have the mounting holes or you won't  be able to hang your picture if you want to. 

7.  Using painter's tape, turn on the tea lights and mount one to the inside top lip and bottom lip of the cardboard hanging piece. You want to use a low tack tape so you can repeatedly turn on/off the tea lights when not in use or when you want to replace the lights. Since the cardboard backing is very thin, a stronger tape will tear the cardboard.

The cardboard cut out and
mounted tea lights.

8.  Place the cardboard with the tea lights facing down into the box frame and then mount on the wall.

Notes:

The only difficulty is making sure that your tea lights are not larger then the depth of your box frame. I had small tea lights that were able to fit. I had two other versions of tea lights that were too wide to fit.

If you don't want to light up your x-ray, you can mount the cut out to a contrasting color of card stock. I was think about mounting this cut out to an acid green colored card stock.

Project #41--Disney Projects (Jasmine--not quite)

This is the continuation of my Disney Series mentioned here. When I posted this on my Facebook page, I mistakenly attributed this as Jasmine (only to find out it was Ariel). An animated Disney intervention ensued.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #20--Felt Mitten (Project 40)

This challenge was based on motivation--motivation from other Iron Craft contributors. My project was based on the monthly mittens that one of our hosts (Kat) is making. While she knits hers, I decided to make mine out of felt.

I decided to make a miniature rustic/chic ornament out of my mittens. I cut two pieces of craft felt (not the thick wool felt). I ran a running stitch with a white 6-strand embroidery floss and kept a small opening in the heel of the mitten. I sewed the mittens with wrong-sides together.

I stuffed the mitten with fiberfil and sewed up the bottom opening. After the mittens were stuffed, I decorated with Swarovski Hot Fix Crystals in three colors.

Once the crystals were set, I ran a loop of floss to form a hanging loop.

While not as fancy as Kat's mittens, I am very happy with the way that this turned out.

Project #39--Disney Projects (Cinderella, Not Really)

For this week's project, I decided to do the cutouts from a book that I mentioned in an earlier post. Originally, I had reservations about showing the projects but I have reduced the size to such a degree that it would very difficult to copy the image to use for any other purpose.

The funny story behind this project was that it was dedicated to my friends who were leaving the Broadway show Cinderella. I posted it to my Face Book page only to find out that it was Sleepy Beauty rather than Cinderella.

Oh well, hopefully it was the thought that counted. Regardless, on a better background, I think this would be a lovely addition to any young girl's room.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #19--Decoupaged Switch Covers (Project 38)

Decoupaged Switch Plate Covers

UFOs. Challenge #19 was dedicated to Unfinished Projects. I had so many unfinished projects I was almost paralyzed with indecision.First,  I decided to hang up my artwork from previous challenges. Since I have been doing Iron Craft Challenges since 2011, I have many of my projects stored in art bins. So I decided to hang some of my challenges on the walls for decoration.

One Wall

Second Wall

After I placed as much of the artwork as possible, I felt that I really hadn't completed the challenge so I looked around for something else to do. I am ashamed to say that I had an uncovered light switch in my bathroom that I finally decided to cover.

Uncovered light switch

Finally covered.

Once I covered the light switch, I decided that it looked a little plain. I then decided--I can do better than that. I took a scrap piece of Japanese paper and decided to decoupage my new light switch cover.

Decopaged Light Switch Cover
(using Japanese Paper)

Once I started, I couldn't stop myself. I decided to keep on going and tried experimenting with different materials.

For one cover, I decided to use decorative 3D stickers and colored tissue. In this example, I glued a base layer of hand tinted tissue. Once the glue dried, I applied 3D lady bug stickers. I then placed another layer of tissue on top of the stickers. Once the glue dried, I applied another coat of glue.

For a second example, I decided to use decoupage tissue. This is thin printed tissue specifically made for decoupage. This is a single layer of decopage tissue/paper. Once dried, I applied two coats of glue.

Left: Lady Bug Cover Plate
Right: Decoupage Paper Cover Plate

Still not satisfied, I decided to experiment a little more. Rather than use decorative stickers, I decided to see if my silhouette cutouts could be used. I wanted to do another boy and girl example. For the boy example, I decided to make a dragon cut out. I applied a layer of orange tissue paper. Once dried, I placed the dragon cut out on top. I applied another two layers of orange tissue on top (letting dry between layers). Once dried, I applied another coat of glue. The same process was used for the Victorian silhouette.

I am very pleased with the way all of these turned out. I will start selling these in my Etsy store very soon.

Project #37--Broadway Babies Card

Front of Card

Back of Card

The Broadway community is a very tight-knit group/family. When something happens to a cast or crew member, everyone responds. During Bullets Over Broadway, one of our cast members (and his wife) had twins born during the run of the show. To show our support, I made this card and everyone signed it.

The card is designed to be displayed in an open position. The back of the card becomes the left side and the front of the card becomes the right side. Therefore, we have a Broadway Babies card. The twins were a boy and girl so I lined one side in pink and one side in blue.  The greeting on the card is shown below.

Inside Greeting

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #18--Collaged Book Covers (Project 36)

Front Cover

Back Cover

For this challenge, we were given another Alphabet Challenge--the letter C. I had intended to do a totally different project but then life got in the way. My niece called me in a panic. She is attending the 6th grade in a new private school. She didn't realize that she needed to provide her own book covers for her textbooks. She didn't want to make the brown paper bag book covers that her mother and I grew up with. Nooooooo! She NEEDED to have custom Uncle Russ book covers.

I reached out to my Face Book friends to see what the tastes of a 6th grader were. I didn't know if they are into sparkle and glitter or something else. I then took my supplies to my niece's apartment and we got busy. Rather than glitter and sparkle, she settled on "artistic" and "artsy."

So C is for collage and cutouts.

Step One: Prepare the paper. We chose a plum Canson paper. It is a little thicker than craft paper bags so I felt that it should be able to withstand the semester. I then airbrushed the paper in five different colors.

In the process, I also airbrushed some collage pieces (here are pages from a Statistical Abstract book and pages from an A&F catalog.).

Step Two: Mount the pieces to the pre-folded book cover. I dry fit the book cover so I could see where the flat sides would be (and to get a sense of dimension). The pages were hand torn to size and the deckled edges were then colored with a Sharpie to coordinate with the paper and paint.

Working pallette

Cover with all sides folded down

Step Three: Mount the cut outs onto the collaged sheets. For this process, I placed the textbook inside the cover so I could center the final cutout.

Front Cover (without cutout)

Back Cover (without cutout)

My niece chose Victorian silhouettes for her book covers. These were cutouts that I had previously used for an Opening Night card. Once I enlarged the design, we were ready to mount them to the collaged pages.

Iron Craft 2014 Challenge #17--Paper Stained Glass (Project 34)

First phase

For Challenge #17, we were asked to contribute something to be judged at the State Fair of Minnesota.
In a previous challenge, I constructed a paper quilt. I was going to do so again but I couldn't decide upon a pattern so I looked at some of the other other categories.  After looking at the categories, I decided to enter something into the Fine Arts category--specifically, a stained glass piece of artwork (but out of paper).

Since I was working on Christmas projects, I decided to create one of the Dover Publications designs from the book Christmas Stained Glass. To create the project, you have to cut out the outlines (lead lines) out of black card stock. To create the colored glass pieces, you have to cut out the identical pattern for each of the colors you want to use. I used a total of twelve different colors (not including the black outlines).

Once all of the pieces have been cut, you assemble the final product.

I cut the black layer first. I then mounted it to a piece of good quality artists paper. Prior to cutting out the individual colors, I ran the colored card stock through my Xyron laminating machine so that adhesive would already be applied to the back of the pieces. Also, the paper backing from the laminating sheet keeps the pieces together and prevents me from cutting too deep into the card stock.

After all of the colors are cut, you simply fit the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle.

Finished project

I have to say that I am very pleased with the way that this turned out. I am going to hate to give this one away. I might have to make one for myself. Since all of the colored pieces are already cut, all I have to do is cut out another black layer and use the unused pieces that I already have.