Clean and Simple and NEW Stencil!

The Dreamweaver January monthly challenge, in honor of all those resolutions we hope to achieve, is "Losing the Weight...AKA Clean and Simple (CAS)". If we all try really hard to simplify our design-work without losing our creativity, we can all say at the end of the month that we've lost some weight! Maybe not off of our waistlines, but at least off of our cards! Gotta start somewhere!
Of course, CHA, the Craft and Hobby Association Convention was this past week.  I don't know about my fellow design team members, but I would definitely fall off the resolution wagon at that fun event!  For the purposes of my blog, though, I am going to continue my best efforts to be Clean and Simple.  I am also presenting one of the NEW RELEASES for Dreamweaver, and I couldn't be more excited about this beautiful heart stencil.

Yep, super simple and very clean.  I used two stencils:  the new and gorgeous LJ928 Swirly Hearts and the classic LS22 Congratulations.  The other materials that I needed were Fuschia Coated Mercart Aluminum, the Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat, a manual die cut machine (I used a Cuttlebug), Mercart Teflon Tool (optional, but from the Beginner Kit), sandpaper, scissors, adhesive and card stock.  How quick was it?  Well, it took me longer to write this post!  First, I ran both stencils through the die cut machine with metal and the embossing mat.  I just switched up the order.  For the heart, I put the stencil face down with the metal pink side down over it, followed by the rubber mat and the usual cutting mats.  The congratulations stencil was placed face up with the metal pink side up on top of it.  I made the word a little "crisper" by pushing the metal down against the stencil with the Teflon Tool.  I sanded it with the stencil still in place.  The stencil was removed from the metal before I sanded the heart.  Then, I simply assembled the card.  Done.  Seriously!
I would appreciate a comment if you get a chance.  Also, be sure and visit the blogs of my fellow team members, as everyone should be posting some new stencils this week (and you don't want to miss out on seeing those!)

Dream It Up! 

Laura Drahozal 
Lyn Bernatovich 
Pam Hornschu 
Heidi Erickson 
Louise Healy  
Cyndi Bundy

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day.

Tiny Treats Box

Welcome to a new month and a new challenge with Dreamweaver Stencils.  For the month of May, the challenge is "Tiny Treats".  The thought is that you can create a small token for teacher appreciation, graduation, party favors and the like.  Here is my take:

 MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil LX 7017 Stars
Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat
Mercart Metal (One sheet, any color aluminum)
Mercart Teflon Tool (in the Beginning Kit--optional)
Color Solutions Alcohol Ink in Lemoncello, Aquarius, Mojito Green, Iceberg and Cosmo Pink
Double-Sided Mounting Paper
Manual Die Cut Machine
Box (mine was $1 at Michael's)
Black Paint
Paint Brush
Sharp Scissors
Craft Knife

Sandpaper

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Paint the bottom and inside of the box.
2)  Run the metal with the stencil through the manual die cut machine.  You will be debossing the silver side of the metal.  You also need the Stamping Details Mat.  The sandwich for the Cuttlebug is A plate, stencil face up, metal color side down, rubber embossing mat and two B plates.
3)  Repeat step 2

4)  If desired, use the Mercart Teflon Tool to sharpen and deepen the "wells" you have created by using the stencil.  You can do that by running the tool around the edges of the shapes against the stencil.
5)  Drip Color Solution colors into the wells as desired.  Let dry.
6)  Sand the metal to remove any color that got outside the wells.

7)  Use the scissors to cut the Double Sided Mounting Paper to fit each of the sides of the box.  Be sure to cut out spaces for the hinge and the clasp.
8)  Decide on which portion of the metal pieces you want on the side.
9)  Remove one side of the coating on the paper and adhere to the back of the metal.
10)  Trim the metal to fit the adhesive paper, leaving just a little extra all the way around.
11)  Remove the backing of the adhesive paper and attach the metal to the box.
12)  Rub the slight excess metal around the corners, tuck up next to clasp and trim with scissors or craft knife where necessary.

13)  For the top, select two areas that you would like to feature.
14)  Place mounting paper on the back of the metal parts.
15)  Trim around the stars if desired, always making sure that the metal will cover the top.
16)  Remove backing and place on the top.

I hope you enjoyed this post today.  If you create a "Tiny Treat", be sure to send the picture to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com and you could win a wonderful prize!  In the meantime, you can find some more inspiration by visiting my fellow teammates.

Dream It up!

Laura Drahozal

Lyn Bernatovich

Pam Hornschu

Heidi Erickson 

Louise Healy

Jessica Griffin

Cyndi Bundy

A Fresh Start--A Resolution Worth Keeping

A good resolution for me this year (aside from getting more organized) is to take notes when I get a phone call, need to leave a message, or just think of a new idea.  To that end, I have decorated a cute little notebook.
MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Telephone Stencil LM2015
Dreamweaver Small Cathedral Windows Stencil LJ909
Mercart Black Coated Aluminum
Mercart Metals Teflon Tool (in Basic Tool Kit)
Double Sided Adhesive Paper
Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat
Manual Die Cut Machine (I used the Cuttlebug)
USArt Quest Notepad Holder
Graphic 45 Paper Botanica Bella Collection Paper (actually an expired collection, but any would work)
Graphic 45 Communique Collection Letters
Black Card Stock
Card Stock in Color Coordinating with Paper
5" Xyron With Permanent Adhesive
Scissors

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Run the Cathedral Windows Stencil through the die cut machine with the card stock using the Stamping Details Mat.  Spritz the back of the card stock with a little rubbing alcohol to loosen the fibers before you send it through.  The "sandwich" for the Cuttlebug is A Plate, stencil FACE DOWN, card stock face down, Stamping Details Mat, and then two B Plates. This is embossing.
2)  Run the Telephone Stencil through the machine, debossing the metal.  This is the "sandwich" for the Cuttlebug:  A Plate, stencil FACE UP, metal black side up, Stamping Details Mat, and two B Plates.  Do not remove the metal from the stencil.
3) Use the Teflon Tool on top of the metal to push it right up against the stencil on all the sides.  You are merely "sharpening" the image.  Do not remove the metal from the stencil.
4)  Sand the metal to remove the black coating from the parts that are raised on top of the stencil.
5)  Remove the metal from the stencil and place on one side of the Double Sided Adhesive Paper. Press the metal down on top of the paper. Trim with regular scissors.
6)  Trim papers and arrange. Don't forget the inside cover.  Use the Xyron to put adhesive on the back of the paper.  Adhere all papers and card stock.

7)  Use the other side of the Double Sided Adhesive Paper to adhere the metal piece to front cover.

That is it!  The stencils really did all the work.
Now it is your turn to create something that is "A Fresh Start".  Take a picture of it and send it to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com for a chance to win!

A Fresh Start

Welcome to a brand new year, and a brand new Dreamweaver Challenge Month.  This month, our challenge is "A Fresh Start".  To enter, follow the theme (it could be a new baby, a wedding, a resolution, or anything you can fit into this theme).  Then, take a picture and email it to Lynell@Dreamweaverstencils.com. Give it a shot.
So, how did I interpret the theme today?  Well, a birthday signifies a fresh start at a new year for the birthday person.  This week, it is the birthday of our Dreamweaver Queen, Lynell.   So, here it is:

 

and here is how it was made:

 



MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil LL 3027 Star Flower
Dreamweaver Stencil LS 1010 Happy Birthday
Double Sided Adhesive Paper
Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat
Mercart AC05 Christmas Green Coated Aluminum
Mercart Beginner Tool Kit
Mercart Embossing Backing Paste
Sandpaper
3"x5" Piece of Suede
Manual Die Cut Machine (I used the Cuttlebug)
Black Cardstock
Patterned Paper
Adhesive
Scissors
Globescraft Memories Vintage Copper Enamel Powder

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Use the manual die cut machine to emboss the flower stencil.  For the Cuttlebug, place stencil face down on the A Plate, then the metal, green side down, the rubber embossing mat and the two B Plates.
2)  Remove metal from stencil and place embossed side down on suede.
3)  Use ball end of tools from the beginner kit to push out the stems and flowers.  You are making them three dimensional.  Be sure to push out the parts that you want raised the highest with the most force.
4)  Flip metal over and place on a hard, smooth surface.  Use the Teflon tool on the top of the metal to define and straighten  the flat surfaces.
5)  When the metal looks the way you like it, flip it back over and fill the trenches with Backing Paste.  Let dry completely.
6)  Use the maual die cutting machine to deboss the words.  You run it through the machine with the stencil, face UP, the metal, colored side up, the rubber mat and the two B Plates.
7)  Leaving the stencil in place, use the Teflon tool to push the words in and define them.
8)  Sand.  Then remove stencil.
9)  Cut around the flowers.
10)  Place both metal pieces on larger Double Sided Mounting Paper.
11)  Pour copper enamel powder on the mounting paper that surrounds the metal.  Push it in a little with your fingers.
12)  Use heat gun to heat and melt embossing powder.
13)  Assemble the card.

So, be sure to check out the other blogs this week, and get to work on your own creation!  You have all month!

The Last Week of Frosty Fun

Welcome!  As 2012 comes to a close, so does the Dreamweaver Frosty Fun Challenge.  There is still time to enter and win a brand new stencil!  So new, in fact, that it won't be released until CHA!  All you have to do is interpret the Frosty Fun Theme any way you would like and email a photo to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com. You could win!
Here is my interpretation of the theme for the week

It is another metal creation--this time Double Embossed.

MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil LJ 923 Mittens
Dreamweaver Stencil LJ 922 Christmas Borders
Mercart Beginners Tool Kit
Mercart Metal Tool ADWF Flat Squares
Mercart Green Coated Aluminum
Blending Stump #6
Mercart Embossed Metal Backing Paste
Large Acrylic Block
A Piece of Suede, about 5" x 7"
Sanding Block
Black Cardstock
Adhesive

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Place mitten stencil face down on a flat surface and put metal green side down on top of it.
2)  Rub back of metal with blending stump until you can see the edges around the design.
3)  Push on back of metal with Mercart teflon tool (in beginner kit) until the edges of the stencil design are well defined.
4)  Remove metal from stencil and place green side down on suede.
5)  Push out raised areas with the ball end of the cup and ball tool (in the beginner tool kit).  You may want to use the smaller ball for the tie areas.
6)  Flip metal over and place on acrylic block.
7)  Use the teflon coated tool to go all the way around the raised design, sharpening the edges and flattening any raised areas outside the design.
8)  When metal looks the way you like it, flip it back over and fill the wells with the Metal Backing Paste.  It squeezes in like paste and is self levelling, so it doesn't have to go on perfectly.  LET DRY.
9) After backing paste is dry (time varies depending on the weather and the depth of your mittens, but will be at least a couple of hours), flip project over and place on right side up Christmas Borders Stencil. 
10)  Rub the backing with blending stump to create texture on the background.
11)  Place project on the suede, and, working on the top, run the Flat Squares Wheel tool all around the border of the project.
12)  Sand the project to enhance the texture and raised areas.
13)  Adhere to black cardstock card.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into double embossing.  Check out all the blogs for inspiration, and create a little Frosty Fun!  Check back next week to find an all new challenge!  See you then!

A Frosty Fun and Simple Snowflake Box

Frosty Fun, perhaps....but simple?  Absolutely!  Let me tell you how.

MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil Snowflakes LJ819
Dreamweaver Stencil Gothic Snowflake LL 396
Mercart Metal in AC10 Navy Blue
Mercart Beginner Tool Kit
Mercart Embossing Backing Paste
Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat
Manual Die Cut Machine (I used the Cuttlebug)
Sandpaper
Suede, approximately 4"x4"
Dark Blue Paint
Paint Brush
Small Premade Wooden Box
Two Small Pieces of Mat Board sized to fit into cut out area
Adhesive (I used Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear)
Scissors

DIRECTIONS:

1)  Run two pieces of metal through the die cut machine with the Snowflake Background Stencil and the rubber embossing mat.  The Cuttlebug sandwich is:  A Plate, stencil face down, metal face down, rubber embossing mat, and two B Plates.
2)  Repeat step one with the Gothic Snowflake Stencil.
3)  Put metal from step 2 blue side down on top of suede and use ball tool from the beginner tool kit to "pouf out" the snowflake areas.
4)  Flip metal over and place on a smooth, hard surface.
5)  Use teflon tool from basic kit to define edges around the snowflake.

6)  Squeeze embossing backing paste into the back of snowflake.  Let dry.
7)  Paint the box with dark blue, inside and out.  Include the latch.
9)  Hold metal up to sides of box to measure and cut out metal.  Be sure to cut around latch.
10)  Adhere metal to box.

11)  Place small mat pieces into the open square on the top (if there is one).
12)  Adhere snowflake to lid.  Trim around edges.
13)  Sand to reveal snowflakes and distress edges.

You are done!  So, now it is time to consider entering our Frosty Fun Challenge.  Take a look at what Lynell said:
Ahhh...December! Brrrr....!!! This month we are challenging you to design a wintery delight. It can be something other than paper, but again we will have two winners: "Best interpretation of the challenge" and "best usage of Dreamweaver products". This last month of the year we will award each of these winners a brand new stencil design we are releasing at CHA. (It's a secret until the very end of the month!)
So, if you have a minute, check out all the blogs and get inspired!

More Frosty Fun With Dreamweaver

More Frosty Fun this week.  The official word from Dreamweaver Stencils is this:

"Ahhh...December! Brrrr....!!! This month we are challenging you to design a wintery delight. It can be something other than paper, but again we will have two winners: "Best interpretation of the challenge" and "best usage of Dreamweaver products". This last month of the year we will award each of these winners a brand new stencil design we are releasing at CHA. (It's a secret until the very end of the month!)"
This week, I am presenting another metal creation.  This one is done with two different techniques.  Here is how it goes.

MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil LJ 849 Bare Trees
Dreamweaver Stencil LL 430 Buck
Mercart Metal--any color
Mercart Metal in Black
Mercart Beginners Tool Kit
Mercart Filling Paste
Stamping Details Rubber Mat
Manual Die Cut Machine (I used the Cuttlebug)
A Small (at least 4" x 5") piece of suede
Sandpaper
Cardstock
Adhesive
Alcohol Inks in a variety of blues
Alcohol Ink Applicator

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Use the manual die cut machine and Stamping Details Mat to run deer stencil through with black metal.  This is the Cuttlebug sandwich:  A Plate, stencil face down, metal black side down, rubber embossing mat, two B Plates.
2)  Remove the metal from the stencil and place face down on suede.  Push the metal out to create a 3D deer using the ball ended tools from the basic tool kit.  You are working from the back of the metal, so push out a little harder in the areas that you want to have more dimensional.
3)  Remove the metal from the suede and place on a flat surface, silver side down.  Use the teflon tool from the basic tool kit to define and flatten the areas around the deer.
4)  When deer looks the way you like it, flip it back to black side down and fill with the Mercart Filling Paste.  Let dry.
5)  Repeat step one, using the bare tree stencil.  Make sure to put whatever the colored side of the metal is down on top of the stencil .  You will be using the silver side of the metal and debossing.
6)  Leave the stencil in place.  Use the teflon tool to define any areas that you would like sharper and more pronounced.
7)  With the stencil still in place, use the applicator to apply alcohol inks all over the bare trees.  Let dry.
8)  With the stencil still in place, sand the metal.  It will remove the blue from the trees.
9)  Sand the deer.
10)  Trim around the outside of the deer.
11)  Assemble card.

This card was really fun to make, and I just love the look.  The best thing about it is that it can be used for the holidays, or every day and has appeal to both men and women.
Now it is your turn to try and make something. First, go to the other Dream Team sites (they are listed on the left), get inspired, make your project, photograph it and email it to Lynell@Dreamweaverstencils.com.  You could be featured on her blog and maybe even win a prize!  Give it a try!

A CAS Dreamweaver Christmas

This month's challenge theme is CAS Christmas, and this week I have made it about as clean and simple as possible.  Here is how:

MATERIALS:
Dreamweaver Stencil  LL589 Musical Christmas
Mercart Copper Coated Aluminum
Manual Die Cut Machine  (I used a Cuttlebug)
Stamping Details Embossing Mat
Mercart Cup & Ball Tool (optional)
Adirondack Alcohol Inks in Eggplant, Pesto and Espresso
Tim Holtz Blending Tool with felt
Sandpaper
Printed Musical Paper
Cardstock
Ribbon

DIRECTIONS:
1)  Run the stencil through the die cut machine with the metal and Stamping Details Mat.  With the Cuttlebug, the "sandwich" is A plate, stencil face down, metal copper side down, Stamping Details Mat,  and two B plates.
2)  Use the Mercart Cup & Ball tool to push out the scroll a little, if desired.
3)  Use blending tool and alcohol inks to lightly add a little extra color to copper.  I LOVE using the copper coated aluminum this way because it seems to be enhanced by almost every deep color. It becomes mottled and beautiful.
4)  Sand the embossed image to reveal the silvery aluminum underneath.
5)  Assemble the card.

See how easy that was?  Check out the other blogs this week and pick up a little more inspiration.  Then, you should create a beautiful CAS Christmas card of your own and send it to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com.  It could show up on the Dreamweaver Blog and you never know--you might just win!  See you next time, and stay inspired!

Woodware and Dreamweaver Hop--Warm Metal Mittens

All of this week, the Dream Team and the Woodware UK teams are celebrating the release of the new holiday designs from Dreamweaver Stencils. Of course, no celebration is complete without prizes...and there are some fabulous ones for those commenting on both sides of the "pond".

Each team will be providing the opportunity to win four prize packages of stencil designs, perfect for the holidays. Just leave your comments each day on each players' post as well as the Dream It Up! and Woodware UK blogs, and the Dreamweaver and Woodware Facebook pages. Two random commentors will be chosen from the batch of weekday posts, one each from the DW and WW Facebook pages, and from the big hop on Saturday...from each side of the pond!* That's a total of eight prize packages up for grabs! Here's what you could win:

 

 Here is my post for today:

 
 

If you follow my blog, you know that I have a love affair with metal. Of course, I truly enjoyed making this card.  It wasn't nearly as hard as it looks.  Here is the material list and the instructions:

 

MATERIALS:

Dreamweaver Stencil Mittens LJ 923

Dreamweaver Stencil Christmas Borders LJ 922

Cuttlebug or any manual die cut machine (optional--it makes this easier)

Stamping Details Rubber Mat (tan Spellbinders mat will work, but the embossing is shallower)

Mercart Green Coated Aluminum

Mercart Basic Metal Kit 

Drawing Blending Stump (any size)

Small Piece of Suede

Acrylic Block

Mercart Embossed Metal Backing Paste

Mercart Dec Wheel Flat Squares

Sandpaper

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

1)  Set up your die cut machine:  Place the mitten stencil face down on the bottom plate, followed by the green coated metal, green side down, then the Details Rubber Mat and flat top plates.  In my case, with a Cuttlebug, it was A Plate, stencil, metal, mat, and two B Plates.

2)  Run the stencil through your machine.

3)  Remove the metal from the stencil and place, green side down, on the suede.

4)  Use the ball tools from your basic kit to push the metal out.  You can get into the laces with the tiny ball that is on the pick looking tool.  The larger areas should be pressed outward with the larger ball.  You are trying to "sculpt" the metal, so push harder on the areas that need to be more 3D.

5)  When the metal appears sculpted, flip it over and place it on the acrylic block.  Use the Teflon Deer Foot and Refiner Tool to refine the areas around the "poufed" parts.  You will be using the fine point to outline the project and the deer foot to smooth down the larger parts.

6)  When the project is the way you like it, flip it over again and fill it with the Mercart Paste.  You will be filling the divots that you have created from the back.  It is a self levelling product, so you don't have to worry too much about getting it to lay evenly.  When it dries, it will make the embossed areas so hard that you can send your projects through the mail.

7)  Take a break and let that paste dry for a couple of hours or so (depending on the depth of the paste and the weather.....)

8)  When the paste is dry, set the project face up on the face up background stencil.  Rub the background with the blending stump and leave the stencil in place.

9)  Sand the background and raised bits, and you are DONE!

 

 I know that I often make projects that aren't for the faint of heart, but believe me when I tell you that this one is EASIER than it looks.  I promise.  Now, gather up the inspiration that you can, it is time to hop........



 



Don't forget to leave me some holiday cheer as you move on to the other players for today:

Woodware UK
 Dream It Up!
 Lee Kellogg
Cherylynn Moser
Dorothy Adam
Louise Healy
Debs Frost
Laura Drahozal
Terrece Siddoway
Cyndi Bundy
Wendy Jordan
Francoise Read
Liz Martin
Georgia Sommers
Siobhan Fyffe
Pam Hornschu

Kristi Van Doren
 

Remember to follow along with the challenges on the Dream It Up! and Woodware UK blogs for more prize opportunities, and more crafty inspiration, as well as "liking" DW and WW on Facebook.

*Winners selected must be from USA/Canada/UK only.

 

More Summer Fun!

This is the last week of the Summer Fun Challenge for Dreamweaver Stencils!  The weather here in Michigan has been really warm, so I chose a cool blue card to present today.  I made it with three stencils and one of my favorite techniques--metal embossing.  Let me explain:

I started by running my Mosaic Swirls Stencil LJ 901 through my Cuttlebug using a blue cardstock.  The sandwich went like this:  A Plate, Stencil LJ 901 face down, cardstock (with alcohol sprayed on the back), the Details Embossing Mat, and two unwarped B Plates.  This became my background.

Next, I did the same thing with the LM 220 Gecko Stencil and blue coated Mercart aluminum instead of cardstock.  I used a piece that was larger than the stencil.  I placed that aluminum blue side face down on the stencil (which was also face down).

While the Cuttlebug was out, I did almost the same thing with LS 1009 Thank You stencil. I placed the stencil face up and the blue side of the aluminum up as well, because I wanted it to be "debossed". (Debossing is to push the metal into the wells instead of out through the wells.)  I left the metal on the stencil. 

Now that I had the basics done, I put the Cuttlebug aside.  I started with the gecko.  I placed it face down on a piece of suede.  I used the ball end of some Mercart ball end tools to push the metal out and create the three dimensional lizard.  It is sort of like sculpting.  I used the larger ball end in the body of the lizard, ball number 3 in the head, arms. legs and tail,  and the tiny ball from the outliner tool in the feet and toes.  After I thought the lizard looked pretty good, I flipped it over to work from the top on a smooth, flat surface.  I used an acrylic block to work on.  The only tool that can be used on the coated side of the aluminum is the teflon tool.  I used it to "outline" the lizard, pushing down the metals that were raised on my last step while defining the lizard.  I also used this time to flatten the edges of the stencil that were embossed by the Cuttlebug.  When the lizard looked great, I flipped it back over and filled it with the Mercart Metal Backing Paste.  I set the lizard aside to dry.

I then finished the debossing of the thank you.  I set the metal with the stencil still attached on the acrylic block.  I used the fine side of the teflon tool and pushed the metal a little more against the stencil, defining the word.  I then sanded the metal to remove the excess blue before I carefully took the metal off of the stencil. 

When the backing paste was dry (in a couple of hours or so), I placed the lizard on top of the Mosaic Swirls LJ 901 Stencil.  I used a drawing blending stump over the metal behind the lizard, creating the background.  I made sure to get the design over the whole area.  Finally, I sanded the whole thing, paying special attention to the lizard.  I then assembled the card.

As you can tell, I just love working with the metals.  You don't have to work with metals, though, to enter the Summer Fun Challenge this month.  All you have to do is make a card and either get it online and link it to the Dreamweaver Blog or just email it to Lynell. She will put it on her blog for you.  Her email address can be found on the blog.  You could WIN a fantastic stencil prize.  If you need some inspiration, check out all the other blogs (listed on the left of this blog).  Get inspired and come join in the Summer Fun!

July is Summer Fun Month!

July is officially Summer Fun Month at Dreamweaver Stencils!  All month, the design team will be posting summery images--and there are plenty of beautiful stencils to choose from.  No special techniques required.  If you would like to win a brand new not yet released stencil, you should make a summer fun project, upload it, and link it to the Dream It Up! Blog.
Here is my post for the week.  I thought I would start with something undeniably summery.                       
I made this card with two stencils:  LM 106 Scallop and LJ 838 Waves.  I used blue coated Mercart aluminum.  I started by running the aluminum through my Cuttlebug with LM 106 and my Stamping Details Rubber Embossing Mat.  The "sandwich" for this was A Plate, stencil face down, metal blue side down, Details Embossing Mat, and two B Plates.  I only use flat plates for this, as curved ones will encourage the stencil to bend.  I then used my Mercart Basic Metals Kit to enhance the image.  I removed the stencil and placed the metal blue side down on a piece of suede.  I used the smallest ball in the tiny areas and the larger ball in the larger areas.  The balls were made to push the metal out and make it more sculptural.  I flipped the metal over and placed it on an acrylic block.  I used my teflon tool to flatten and sharpen the edges.  Do not use any of the metal tipped tools on the blue side of the metal--only the teflon tool or a blending stump.  When the scallop looked the way I liked it, I pasted the back with the Mercart Backing Paste.  I just put the paste in the cavity on the back.  I had to wait for it to dry. 
Once the paste was dry, I placed the metal blue side up on LJ 838 Waves.  I rubbed over the metal with a drawing blending stump.  I occasionally went around the inside of some of the larger open sections with the smaller pointed side of the teflon tool.  This refined the edges and created deeper wells.  Before removing the stencil, I sanded the background metal.  Then, I removed the stencil and sanded the scallop.  The metal portion was completed. 
I did a simple assembly on this card, with just a little "Scrapper's Floss" and a couple of beads knotted in. 
Now, for an exciting sneak peek of a new stencil--the one that YOU could win this month!  Here it is:

Keep in mind, this is only PART of the beautiful stencil that you could win.  So, get to work!  Make a summer fun project, upload it and link it to the Dream It Up! blog this month.  Also, check out the rest of the team (they are listed and linked to the left of this post). Get inspired.  Let's see what you've got!

Black, White, and a Pop of Color

The Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Team are playing with a new challenge, and we're hoping that YOU will play along! All of this month, we'll be creating for graduations and/or using black and white with a pop of color. May and June are typically the time for grads in the US, but to keep things even more interesting, you can choose to play with our colorway challenge instead.

So, here is mine. I am so excited to post it because I am absolutely in LOVE with this brand new stencil from Dreamweaver.  It isn't in stores just yet, but it is coming soon. It is the perfect Arts and Crafts style stencil.  It is LX 7015, and is all of the swirly black and silver part of this project.  The notebook is sort of black, white and a pop of color, isn't it, Pam?  Well, we should ignore the brown anyway, because it is part of the notebook.  I purchased the notebook from a craft store for two dollars and added the metal.  Here is how I did it:
1)  I used my Cuttlebug to deboss the metal.  That means that the sandwich went like this:  A Plate, Stencil LX 7015 face up, black coated Mercart aluminum face up, the Dreamweaver Details Embossing Mat, and two B Plates.  Then, I ran it through the machine and kept the metal attached to the stencil.
2)  I placed the metal and stencil on a smooth, flat surface (an acrylic block would do).  Using the Mercart Teflon tool, I refined the edges of the design by pushing the metal against the stencil.
3)  With metal still attached to the stencil, I sanded the surface.
4)  I remved the metal.
5)  Repeat step 1, but put the metal face down on the surfaces.  Use LJ 909 Cathedral Windows Small and the Fleur Di Lis LS 66. 
6)  Refine again.
7)  Add a little Color Solutions Alcohol Ink in Sugar Plum and Blue Vevet.  Make sure to use a blending tool with this one and try to get near the object.
8)  Sand with the stencils still attached.
9)  Attach using Double Sided Adhesive Paper.  I also used brads to hang the center one. 

You are done.  Pretty easy, huh?
Obviously, to play along with us, you do not have to have a complicated creation, so pull out your supplies and have some fun! Link your creation to the Dream It Up! blog, or email pics of your creation to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com. We love to post your submissions on the blog as well as the Facebook page. Even more, we love to provide you the opportunity to win one of two sets of two stencils by playing along. You have all of May to link as many creations as you'd like! Sorry...winners must be from the US or Canada.

A New Challenge!

It's May now, and the Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Team are playing with a new challenge, and we're hoping that YOU will play along! All of this month, we'll be creating for graduations and/or using black and white with a pop of color. May and June are typically the time for grads in the US, but to keep things even more interesting, you can choose to play with our colorway challenge instead.

 

This is my creation, and, as you can see, it almost fits both categories (no real pop of color here).  I actually taught this in one of my recent classes.  It was fairly easy, and the assembly includes an older Little Yellow Bicycle paper, some gray cardstock, white cardstock, and a silver and black ribbon. The other supplies are a Basic Tool Kit from Mercart Metals, Embossed Metal Backing Paste and glue.

One of the reasons that I had no "pop of color" here is that I wanted to keep it generic for everyone in class.  If it were up to me, there would have been a red ribbon and tassel in honor of the high school my nieces go to.

Anyway, the real reason that I taught it in class was to learn the technique.  The hat was "debossed" and the tassel and diploma were "embossed".  Here are the steps:

1)  Place a piece of Mercart black coated aluminum on top of Dreamweaver Stencil LL449 Graduation and an acrylic block.  The placement goes like this:  acrylic block (or any other hard and smooth surface), stencil face up and aluminum, black side up.

2)  Use a blending stump (a drawing tool) to lightly run over the top of the hat area until you can see where the edges are.

3)  Using a Mercart Teflon Tool, push the metal up against the edge of the stencil.  This defines the edges.  Use the larger end of the tool to flatten the area on the inside.

4)  Remove the metal from the stencil and trim off the excess.  You should have a defined cap with a slight edge around it.

5)  Replace hat into the stencil.  You can lay it on top and gently move it around until it "locks" into place.

6)  While metal is in stencil, sand lightly until you can see a silver lining around the cap.  Remove and trim closer.

7)  For the tassel and diploma, you will set up the acrylic block with both the stencil and the metal face down on the block.

8) Repeat steps 2 and 3.

9)  Remove metal from stencil and place black side down on a piece of suede.

10) Push the metal out with Mercart Ball tools.  Use a small one for the thinner areas (it is on the outline tool) and a larger one (on the small cup and ball tool) for the larger areas.  You can also use the tools more creatively, like making scratches with the small tool for the individual threads of the tassel.

11) Flip metal over and place back on acrylic block.  (It should now be face up.)  Use the Mercart Teflon Tool to define the edges and flatten the background.  You can do this by "outlining" with the tool.

12)  When you have the metal the way you like it, remove it from the acrylic block and fill in the wells you have created with Mercart Embossed Metal Backing Paste.  Let dry. 

13)  Sand off as much black as you like and attach to card.  I use just a little Designer Dries Clear Glue by Art Institute Glitter for this.

You do not have to have a complicated creation to play along with us, so pull out your supplies and have some fun! Link your creation to the Dream It Up! blog, or email pics of your creation to Lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com. We love to post your submissions on the blog as well as the Facebook page. Even more, we love to provide you the opportunity to win one of two sets of two stencils by playing along. You have all of May to link as many creations as you'd like! Sorry...winners must be from the US or Canada.

In the meanwhile, head out to the other blogs for some more inspiration, and I will see you here next week! 

Two Flower Cards With One Terrific Stencil

This is the last post for the Dreamweaver Flowers Challenge, and I had a little dilemma.  I had two cards with one of my FAVORITE stencils (LL 3023 Tall Poppy) and couldn't decide which to post.  So, I decided to post both of them.  Two techniques with the same stencil and even the same colors.  Here is how they are done.

CARD 1:  The Metal Look

1)  Run the stencil LL 3023 through your manual die cutting machine with Mercart Green Coated Aluminum.  You are DEBOSSING, so the metal goes on top of the stencil with the green side up.  Here is my Cuttlebug sandwich:  Plate A, Plate B, Stencil face up, Metal green side up, Dreamweaver Details Embossing Mat, Plate B.  Leave the metal on the stencil and set aside.

2) Follow step one again, but with white cardstock (spritzed lightly with rubbing alcohol on the back) and Stencil LX 7002 Plaid.  Be careful to run this one through with the stripes perpendicular to the opening and right in the middle of the plate.  This one will sometimes bend if you are not careful.

3) Go back to the metal piece.  Use a Mercart Double Teflon Tool to refine the interior edges of the metal, pressing them against the stencil.  Use a couple of drops of Alcohol or Alcohol Blending Solution inside the main parts of the flower to remove the green from those areas.  Dab lightly with a paper towel.

4)  Drop Alcohol Inks into the wells that should be relatively clean of the green.  Use whatever colors you like.  Let dry for a few moments.  With the stencil still attached, sand all the color from the background. 

5)  Assemble the card.

CARD 2: Foils and Metallic

1)  Place Stencil LL 3023 Tall Poppies on a piece of ivory cardstock.  Tape down with removable tape all the way around the stencil.

2)  Using the Paste Spreader LM 2010 and the Green Glossy Embossing Paste, emboss the image. 

3)  Remove the stencil and sprinkle with Metallic FX in 10 Kiwi and 11 Ivy Garden.  Set aside to dry.  Do NOT wipe clean until it is completely dry.

4)  Soap the back of the Thank You Stencil LS 1009 to create a resist.  I use the Dreamweaver Handmade Hawaiian Soap because I can just apply it dry and do not have to adjust the amount of water that I add. 

5)  Brush the "Crumblies" off of the stencil (this part you will know when you see).  Attach to the Double Sided Adhesive Paper soaped side down.

6)  Pour glitter on the words.  I used Art Institute Glitter in Microfine 500 Ruby Red.  I love using the Microfine Glitter on detailed portions, because it makes them look so beautifully crisp.  Rub it in with your finger, then use a large, clean stencil brush to remove any excess glitter.  Brush it a couple of times just to be sure.

7)  Place the whole thing stencil side down and carefully remove the adhesive paper from the stencil.  Leave the stencil on a flat surface and walk your fingers along it to make sure that the stencil lays flat.

8) Pour glitter over the top.  I used Art Institute Ultrafine Transparent in 197 Flax, which created a lovely light ecru color.

9)  When the paste is dry, rub it with a Swiffer Refill Sheet to remove all of the excess Metallic FX Powder.

10)  Place glue over the parts that you want to be red.  You should apply it lightly and carefully.  I used Art Institute Designer Dries Clear Glue with the Ultrafine Metal Tip.  Wait for it to dry until it looks clear.

11)  Once glue is clear and still tacky, place red Stampee Foil over the top of it.  Be sure to lay it dull side down.  Give it a slight rub and pull it off.

12)  Squeeze Buttercup Liquid Pearls on top of the seed area of the flower.  Let dry.

13)   Assemble the card.

Both cards done!  Which was your favorite?  I am not sure which I like better.  I can tell you though that you should definitely enter the Dreamweaver Flowers Challenge.  You have until the end of the month to make a floral card and post it somewhere online.  Then, just link it to the Mr. Linky in the Dream It Up Blog.  Too complicated?  Email a picture.  You can find the info on that blog as well.  If you do, you are eligible to win wonderful stencilling prizes! 

In the meantime, check out the other blogs this week.  Also, if you scroll down a little, you will find the Connie Crystal Post which also uses a Dreamweaver Stencil AND last week's post which was scheduled to go on time, but somehow got messed up by Blogger.  Get inspired.  Enter the flower competition.  You have nothing to lose!

My First Connie Crystal Post!

For anyone who saw my Connie Crystal Design Team Audition (the Crystal Egg and Mermaid Box), I made it!  It is so exciting!  I must admit that I enter this team with just a little trepidation.  After all, while I have done some jewelry work in the past, I now consider myself more of a mixed media or papercraft artist.  This new team should open up some wonderful new artistic challenges for me, but enough of my thoughts for now.  Lets take a look at the project.

This box started as a small, premade wooden box at Michael's.  It's original price was one dollar, but being that the mesh covering the open hole in the top was ripped, I purchased it for only twenty five cents.

Original box and Connie Crystals

While I enjoy a price as much as anyone else, the broken mesh discount was not required for my purchase of this box.  It did, however make the project slightly easier, as you can see in step one.
1)  Remove the mesh from the top of the box.  If you push down hard on the screen, it is a great way to initially break it out of the frame.  You can also cut it with wire cutters.  The most important part, though, is to make sure that you remove all of the wires from the frame of the lid by pulling them out with jewelry pliers.  You need to leave the wooden frame intact while completely removing the wire.
2)  Paint the entire box silver.  I used the Tim Holtz paint, but any acrylic paint should do the trick.  The silver on the inside of the box will reflect a little light and make the crystals sparkle a little more.  On the outside, it will show silver through any of the mistakes you make with the metal, making them less obvious.  Don't paint the hardware.  Leave the box open to dry.


Top showing "tile" sections, crystal units and placement



3)  Place a piece of Mercart Blue Coated Aluminum (blue side up) over the top of the box.  It should be slightly larger than that top.  Use an artist blending stump to press lightly around the outside and the opening.

4)  Remove the aluminum and put it face down on a piece of suede.  Use a small Mercart Ball Tool (on the back of the Refiner Tool) to outline the rectangle and the inside opening.  This should be easy to do, because you have just defined them with that blending stump.  Cut out the inside rectangle with small, pointed scissors. 5)  Using the same ball tool, divide the remaining metal into squarish "tile" shapes.
6)  Flip aluminum back over and place on a hard smooth surface, like an acrylic stamping block.  Define the edges of those "tiles" by using the Mercart Teflon Tool to flatten the areas around them. 

Machine embossed metal on back

7)  Flip the aluminum back over and fill in the raised edges of the tiles with Mercart Embossed Metal Backing Paste.  Let dry.
8)  Using your manual die cut machine and the appropriate "sandwich" run Dreamweaver Mosaic Swirls Stencil LJ901 with Blue Coated Aluminum twice.  You will want to deboss the insides of the tile like shapes, so make sure that the center of the "sandwich" is stencil, metal (blue side up) and soft embossing mat.  I use a Cuttlebug, so my layers go: A plate, B plate, stencil, metal, Dreamweaver Details Embossing Mat and B plate.
9)  Using 22 Gauge blue wire and Connie Crystals in square and in blue, create the crystal inserts. Make a "hook" with the wire and put it through the square crystal.  Then, twist the end around   for one side.  On the other, do the same thing, then add the blue crystal.  Make a small loop and then pass the wire end through, creating a "knot".  For both sides, leave a sizable tail, maybe about 1/2" of wire. Make 3 units.
10)  Bend the tail of the crystal units.  Stay close to the wrapped ends.  Bend the two different sides in opposite directions.  Place the crystal into the frame and push the tail wire into the groove in the wood.  Once you have placed all three units, use a small drop of glue to seal it into place.  I used my favorite Art Institute Designer Dries Clear.

11)  Go back to the metal.  Sand all three pieces.  Sometimes it is easier to put the metal embossed pieces back on the stencil before sanding.

12)  Place the embossed pieces up against the box to measure and cut around them.  Cut around each side of the box seperately.  You should have plenty of embossed metal for this portion. Then, place the metal against the side with the box opened and cut along the opening.  You should have 9 pieces of metal total (one for the lid).

13)  Select random "wells" in your tiled areas and fill them with Gloss Glastique by Globecraft Memories.  Then throw on some Art Glitter Ultrafine Transparent in 270 Chesapeake.  Use the same process to fill wells with Ultrafine Transparent 100 Sea Shell.  To create this effect, you must use transparent glitter.  It will reflect the background color and beautifully modulate the color.  Do this to all the metal pieces.  Let dry.

14) Glue your metal pieces where they belong.  I used just a little of the Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear.  It takes a little while to dry on metal, so press the metal down and be patient.  This is admittedly not my strong suit.

So, you are done.  I know it looks like a lot of steps, but it really isn't too difficult. It also wasn't very expensive, because Connie Crystals are reasonably priced.  This box is pretty, shiney, and yet not too feminine.  Best of all, it really shines.  Sparkle on folks, and enjoy your day!