Boho Chic Upcycle Lantern

Hi again everyone.  This month I am excited to be a part of the collaboration between the Altered Pages Design Team and Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko Design Team.  Imagine Crafts was so kind to share some of their amazing inks, tools and sprays with us.  We get to play with the fun and innovative products and you get to learn a new technique or two.



Today, I have for you a boho chic diy candle lantern made with products from both Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko and Altered Pages.
 

For this project I used my StazOn Midi ink pads to add color and dimension to various sizes of sheet metal. I also used charms, chain and hand dyed seam binding to create the look I was after.

A very important step in colorizing metal with StazOn is to always use GlazOn after each layer of StazOn ink. StazOn...GlazOn (like wax on...wax off...as John from Imagine Crafts would say.) They go together!

Apply your desired color of StazOn ink to the sheet metal remembering to cover the surface with GlazOn after and let each layer dry before moving on to the next.

If you so choose you can easily add your favorite collage images sprayed with Goosebumps to give that embossed and textural look.

Just hole punch and add a jump ring or three to create a unique charm or dangle out of your desired image or images. Goosebumps makes it so fast and easy.  I ended up not using these this time around, but they turned out so cool and they on the workspace front and center just waiting for the perfect project

Once I had my sheet metal inked and dried I began wiring up the actual lantern. I started with a glass globe...the kind you can find at your local hardware store. I actually have a few on hand after replacing various light fixtures over the years. I knew these little gems could have a much more posh life than just hanging out with a dated fixture on the back porch. I used a nice chunky silver chain and wired it snug to the globe.  

Next, I created the hanger that my lantern would suspend from using the same chunky chain.

 



I then created my charms that would dangle and catch the light from the candle inside.

This was for sure the most fun part of this project...wiring all kinds of goodies together creating color and movement. In the next few pictures below

you can see all the fun. You can find all the charmy goodness here.



Then, it was time to attach the charms. One by one I just kept adding.



This is where I added the hand dyed seam binding as well.

To create the hand dyed ribbon I spritzed the ribbon first with water and then with Dylusions Ink in Polished Jade.  I love this combination.  The seam binding takes the ink so nicely and the color options are endless.



In the picture below you can see my new Boho Lantern perched so prettily with all of the embellishments and additions glowing in the candle light.





Ooooohhh pretty...


Supplies used for this project can be found here; 



Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko Supplies Used:

StazOn Midi in Blue Hawaii, Emerald City, Citrus Green and Midnight Blue

GlazOn

Goosebumps

Ink blushers

Sheet metal in various sizes

Altered Pages Supplies Used:

Various Charms

Dylusions Inks

Quick-Stik

Seam Binding

80's Baby!

Hi there and welcome!

Stephanie here and man is this a very exciting month at Altered Pages.  You may have already heard, but this is worth repeating.  We are very honored to partner with IMAGINE Crafts for the entire month of June!   Make sure to check back all month long to see what these two talented groups create for you.

When I was going through my stash of goodies from IMAGINE Crafts there was a set of inks screaming at me to be the focal point.  I knew I had to use the Radiant Neon Ink Pads.  I loved the colors and they immediately took me back to the 80's...hence my title "80's Baby!"   You can see in the picture below I used the Electric Pink and Purple inks with small daubers to get a bright background to kick off this piece.

 

My project is a continuation of my creepy baby book, that you may have seen in a couple previous posts here  and  here , using the Arched Door Book from Altered Pages.  These fun little books are very popular and are back in stock after recently selling out!

 

While working on this the neon colors inspired me to load up my playlist of music with all my 80's favorites, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Stray Cats, and some Bronski Beat.  The ideas came rolling in and it even reminded me of a few concerts back in the day so I knew where to head with this and I knew I had to give these 80's rock star babies tickets to a show of their own.

 



I had fun creating neon tights, full length lace gloves and Madonna inspired jewelry in this project.  I hope you enjoyed this fun node the 80's, an amazingly fun time in my life, recreated with amazingly cool supplies and tools from IMAGINE Crafts  and  Altered Pages.

Supplies used from IMAGINE Crafts;
Radiant Neon Ink Pads in - Electric Purple, Electric Pink, Electric Green and Electric Yellow.
Staz On Midi in - Jet Black and Cloudy Sky
Ink Blushers
Small Daubers
Pssst! Sheer Shimmer Spritz - Sparkle

Supplies used from Altered Pages;
Arched Door Board book
My Head is Spinning collage sheet
Altered Paper Dolls collage sheet
Misc. embellishments

Thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie

Hello art lovers!  It's FRIDAY and I am ready to share.   In today's post I am taking a departure from the creepy baby doll head book I've been working on to take of something that needed replacing. My trusty cell phone case is all cracked...been dropped one too many times I guess.  So, today I am going to show you how to create your very own original cell phone case using mostly Altered Pages products.  We all have phones and why not make them as original as possible, right?  Right!

This project was so easy and I am thoroughly happy with the end result.  I really only used a few supplies and it didn't take too long at all.  Great for a quick crafting fix.  I used a Glitz paper that I love. It is the Glitz 8 x 8 paper pack "Enchanted Waters".  Honestly, I have gone to this paper pack so many times.  I also used the ever so fun Glitz Giant Gems in "Carpe Diem".  In the picture I show Dew Drops, but I ended up not using them, for this project, but who says I am stopping at one phone case?? :-)  I think you can add dew drops to just about anything...if it stands still Dew Drop it!  You can see in this picture that I used a blank cell phone case (which you can grab at most stores these days).

In the picture below you can see that all I did was trace and cut out the paper to fit the case just right and yes, it took a little tweaking here and there.  As usual it was better for me to cut the size a little larger than I needed and then I just kept trimming until it was just right, including the cut out for the camera.  My X-acto came in very handy here. 

In this next picture is the final project.  I got a little craft happy and for got to grab a couple more pics, but really it was just cutting out the paper as shown above and then blinging out the front of the case.  I stamped the word Love on the Glitz paper, fit it in the case and then came the embellishments.  I added my Glitz Giant Gem (using a little Crystal Lacquer for extra hold) and some black rhinestone cup chain from my jewelry stash.  I used a really strong super glue for that addition.  Not that I am terribly hard on my phone, but it is always and I do mean ALWAYS in my hands, so that was my thinking with the super glue.  I suspect that Crystal Lacquer would have been just fine for the cup chain too. 

I am really happy with the finished product.  I even got a "YOU MADE THAT!?!" from my teenager...I think I will take that as a compliment.  

I did want to show you other cute options with some fun combinations using paper and charms all from Altered Pages.  The following pic is showing the awesome boho chic Bohemian Bazaar paper collection from Graphic 45.  I also loved the idea of a little contrasting washi tape and more cup chain. 

The chevron paper below is also a Glitz paper.  This is from the Color Me Happy 8 x 8 paper pack.  I thought this one paired with some cute nautical themed charms adhered to the front of the case would be adorable. 

I hope you enjoyed the project.  I also hope you found some inspiration to DIY something useful into a little work of art all your own.  I think a fun, funky cell phone case would also make a great gift.  Just make sure you know what style and version of phone you are buying for when picking out your plain case. 

Be sure to check back with the blog...I always have something fun up my sleeve. 

Have a great weekend!

Steph

Took a break...

Hello art friends...Stephanie here. I feel like I say this far too many times, but it just fits...Happy Friday!!! I am posting today in conjunction with the Altered Pages Blog.

Okay, so the other day I was taking my son, Jake to go to the skate park. As we were headed out the front door I realized I was actually going to have some quiet time while he skated. I knew I could find a tree to sit under and just do whatever I wanted for an hour or two. So, as we were grabbing water bottles, sun screen and wrist guards I also grabbed my "art where you are" bag. I have posted about this before. It is a cute little tote that I always have stocked with my small journal, water brushes, water colors, mechanical pencil and a micron pen or two.

Am I happy that I remember this little gem of my art supply stash. I really do try to keep it either in the car or at least in and easy to grab location...'cause you never know when or where the mood or opportunity will strike to be able to create.

So, here is my take a minute to smell the roses, hold my breath while I watch my kid be a complete and total daredevil hopefully without breaking any bones (been there, done that more times than I prefer) and create art all simultaneously.

So, we get to the skate park, which is actually part of a much larger city park with lots of great amenities, I found a quiet little table in the shade and there just so happened to be a tree right there as a perfect subject to sketch. 

I grabbed my journal and got busy...busy relaxing and painting that is...now that is my kind of busy!

I am happy to report that I carved out some time for art, my son had a great time with his buddy's shredding the rails with front side ollies and tail grinds with not a single broken bone. Now, that is a great day! 

Make sure you check the Altered Pages Blog this entire month. Our Design Team is working together with Eileen Hull Designs and the "Artists on the Block" team and I just know it is going to be a great collaboration. So, don't miss it! 

As always remember to get all of your must have art supplies at Altered Pages. Supplies used for this journal page can be found at the links below:

Art Journal

Water brushes

Water colors

Micron Pen

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and remember stop back by the blog...you never know what we will be altering for you!
~Stephanie

Trending Tuesday - all about Moo's.

Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday!  It's Trending Tuesday over at the Altered Pages Blog.  I hope you are having fun seeing all of the work from the design team.  This Trending Tuesday is all about MOO's, or mini cards.  I am adding my moo's to the WIP "One Lump or Two" board book that I showed in an earlier post.    

This page is titled "Mama and Baby Moo".  It features the creepy cute baby doll heads, tiaras and my moos for the babies bodies.  I have added some bling, ephemera and a bit of lace as a veil.    

Here is the front cover of the board book. 

Collage sheets and tiaras getting ready for placement. 

I used my Art Anthology paints to finish out the tiara's

I hope you like it.  Make sure to check out all of the designers hard work.  And, as always, make sure to get all of your art and craft supplies at Altered Pages!!!

Here are links to just some of the supplies I used. 

Art Anthology Paints

Moo Collage Sheets

My Head is Spinning Collage Sheet

Arched Board Book

Crown Set from The Leaky Shed

So, it's Friday again. Yes! Thank you!

Today on the blog I am giving a sneak peek into a little Trending Tuesday fun. Most of you know that the Altered Pages Design Team has a monthly Trending Tuesday special post and I am preparing for mine. This months theme is, well, can you say multi-tasking? We are cross promoting with two other amazing groups. We are working with Unruly PaperArts and  Leaky Shed. The oh so fun theme is teacups and tiaras along with Moo's. How fun, right?

As I said this is just a peek, so you check back on Tuesday for all the amazing art brought to you by the Altered Pages Design Team. I am creating a board book and I took the cute teacup theme and turned it a bit on its side.

 Blank board book.

Board book with text page, distressing with ink and stamping to add dimension.

A little collage magic with...um... yeah, a baby popping out of an English tea urn. 

Some fun with ephemera, washi tape, silver charms and trim, etc. 

Be sure to check back Tuesday for more pages added to my One Lump or Two Altered Board Book. 

Here are just a few of the items used. Make sure to check out Altered Pages for all your craft and art supply needs.

Arched door board book

My head is spinning baby doll collage sheet

Tea Party Flowers collage sheet

Pocket Watch Charm

Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
Steph S.

Explosion box follow up

Hello and happy almost Saturday! 

I have for you today a follow up to the blog post from a couple weeks ago regarding the springtime explosion box. As mentioned a couple weeks ago we had an Altered Pages party hosting a class teaching all about explosion boxes. I can report that the class was a hoot, seriously we had a blast! We all had a great time and some wonderful explosion boxes were created. Here are some photos to give you just a peak. 

Altered Pages is teaming with Leaky Shed Studio's  and this month we are working with Tea cups and tiara's. In keeping with this months cross promotion I incorporated a sweet little decoupaged tea cup as the center piece of my creation. You can see that here. 

 This is an explosion box made by a class participant. She added paper flowers and metal charms to her "Explosion".

In the photo below I decoupaged some pretty tissue on to the Leaky Shed tea cup as mentioned above and later adhered it to the center of the box as part of my explosion.

Here you can see the bottom and middle layers. Who doesn't love a little bingo inspired paper!? 

In this photo below you can see tags that were made to add to the explosion box. These could be used as a sentiment or a base for photos if you choose to use this as a mini photo album.

This is the decorated lid to my box...the all important tool to keeping the whole project all in one piece. I adorned mine with silk flowers, giant gems, tulle and lace.

Here in the photo below you can see two finished pieces.  We had so much fun at the Altered Pages Party. Fortunately there will be many more to come as folks could not get enough!

In this photo below you can see the multiple tags made from left over scraps from the explosion box main pages. These are so fun to add into the little tag pockets...all made from the left over "scraps".

Projects used are as follows:

Giant gems from Glitz!

Crepe Trim

Collage sheets

Quick stik LOVE

Must have ScorPal!

Here are simple instructions for making your own explosion box. 

Check out the Mailbox Muse for detailed instructions on making your very own explosion box. Can you imagine this technique done with a mermaid, merman or OMG... merchildren theme. Please order your Mailbox Muse kit now in order not to miss any of the ocean fun! 

As promised...please find below the instructions below for making your very own explosion box.

Please read all of the instructions before cutting or scoring.  The steps are important & should be done in this order to ensure that your box & the very important lid work properly.  With that being said, it is just paper so if you make a mistake no worries, just start over.

 

INGREDIENTS:

(3)  12 x 12 pieces of cardstock.    

(1) additional piece of cardstock for the box lid that is at least 8 x 8. This will now be referred to as the lid at all times in the instructions.   

Cutting tool & scissors

Score Pal with bone folder

Ribbon, trim, silk or paper flowers, photos, tags, glitter & other misc. embellishments, etc.

Corner rounder

Double sided tape, tape runner, glue, glue gun, etc.

BOX CONSTRUCTION:

Choose which 12 x 12 sheet you want for the base of your explosion box, then the middle layer, followed by the top layer. Take the piece that you have chosen to be the middle layer, cut the top & right sides down to 11 3/4 x 11 3/4.  Next, take what will be the top layer, cut the top & right sides down to 11 1/2 x 11 1/2.  You now have a 12 x 12 page, an 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 page & an 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 page.  

Starting with the 12 x 12 page, score at the 4 inch mark, rotate the page & score again at the 4 inch mark. Repeat this process on all 4 sides.  Your page should look like a 9 square grid.  Repeat this exact process with the 2 remaining pages of card stock.  DO NOT do this to the lid.

Next, cut out the four corners of each sheet on the score lines.  You should now have three pages of card stock that form a lower case letter “t” or a cross.  Use your corner rounder to round all of the edges on each of the large sheets.  Fold your pages on the score lines & set these aside.  

LID CONSTRUCTION:

Take the paper you have selected to be the lid (at least 8 x 8) & cut the top & right sides down to 7 1/8 x 7 1/8.  Score this sheet at the 1 1/2 inch mark.  Rotate the paper & score again at the 1 1/2 inch mark. Repeat this process until all four sides are scored.  Cut the right side of each corner piece on the score line.  Stop when you get to the intersecting score line.  Only cut the right side of each corner.  You should now have a little flap at each corner.  Fold all the edges on the score lines.  Take the little corner flap, turn it in & up.  Add double sided tape to the outside or the front facing side of the flap & connect it to the edge next to it, just to the right of the flap.  Repeat this process on the remaining three corners. 

CREATING POCKETS:

Decide where you want pockets for tags & photos.  The pockets should only be placed on the outer flaps & not the center squares.  Trim the scraps down to size if necessary.  Apply double sided tape to the bottom, left & right edges only of the back of this scrap.  DO NOT apply tape to the top edge.  This needs to remain open to create the pocket opening.  Attach your scrap to create the pocket. 

 BOX ASSEMBLY:

Start with your 12 x 12 base. The side that you want visible when the box is closed should be facing down.  Use a strong double sided tape or adhesive & apply to the middle square ONLY.   Attach the 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 layer directly on top of the 12 x 12.  Now, add adhesive/double sided tape to the middle square of the 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 page & attach the 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 directly on top of that.  You should now have three attached layers of card stock that form a lower case letter “t”, or a cross, all connected together by the middle squares only.  The four outer flaps should all be independent of each other.  Now that all pieces are connected you can decide how you want to treat the center.  You can create a “centerpiece” of flowers that literally explode open when the lid is removed.  You may want to add dimensional bobbles or charms, such as an Eiffel Tower depending on your theme.  You can leave the center empty to be able to use this as a gift box & all of the tags you created can act as little cards to go with your gift.     

For more fun kits, classes & inspiration visit

www.AlteredPages.com

&

http://alteredpages-artsociates.blogspot.com/

Trending Tuesday Butterfly Tag

Hello there!  Welcome to Trending Tuesday.  The Altered Pages Design Team has a fun little excursion for you through stencils and collages.  This is the "trending" theme for today's hop.  I hope you have fun checking it out.  Make sure to stop at everyone's blog to see all the great examples that they have created using stencils and collage.

I have made a butterfly tag for you today.  I used the 6x6 Daisy Cluster Stencil and butterfly collages for my main theme. I also used Gelatos in the "Tropical" color family, a fun little stamp, turquoise beads to create dimensional flowers and UT embossing powder to give it a morning dew type of effect.

You probably are getting used to hearing us talk about our Gelatos...everyone just loves them and I am no different.  Here I used a very small amount of my Snow cone and Watermelon Gelatos.  I added a tiny bit of water to soften it just a touch.  I then simply used my finger over the Daisy Cluster stencil to add the paint.  

 

I stamped, in black Staz On, the "Altered" stamp.  I fussy cut my butterflies and mounted them with dimensional double sided squares.  This was an easy way to get the effect of them flying over the tag surface.  

   

I stamped the tag and butterflies randomly with clear embossing ink and embossed with clear UT.  All that was left was to add the flower bead accents and ribbon.  And, here is the finished tag.  I think this would be a cute little addition attached to a Springtime wreath, gift basket or gift bag.  

  

Be sure to get all your supplies at  Altered Pages.  You can find the specific supplies used in this post at the links below.  Thanks for stopping by!  Stephanie 

6x6 Daisy Cluster Stencil

Butterfly Collage
Tropical Gelatos
Dimensional adhesives

Explosion Box WIP

That moment when you realize it is FRIDAY! Yes, oh yes!

This weekend has exciting things in store and therefore today's post is going to be short and sweet and will showcase a work in progress. This is a WIP as it is going to be taught this weekend at an Altered Pages Event at Vintage Bliss, in Gilbert, AZ. I will be teaching a class on how to make an Explosion Box! 

I love this project because the possibilities are endless. It can be a totally fun greeting card. It could work as a vessel for gift giving or even a self contained mini scrap book. I am 100% for sure making these for just about every holiday...can you imagine Halloween?!?!

I will have a follow up post showing the finished project, pix of the gals having fun making it and all the instructions for you to make one of your own.

For now, I have attached a bunch of teaser pics of the beginning process. We will be adding many layers of embellishments as well as plenty of pockets for cute little tags that can include photo's or little stamped or hand written messages. We will be adding (to name just a few) collage images, crepe trim, seam binding,  ribbon, pearls, charms and just about anything else our pretty little hearts desire. All supplies are available at Altered Pages, of course.  

I hope you enjoyed the baby stages of what is sure to be a blast of a class this Saturday! I promise I will post the end result and all the fun creating it. Have a GREAT weekend...I know I will.   ~ Stephanie

Dreaming of Spring

It's finally Friday!  I know I'm glad that the weekend is just about here.  I'm also glad that next week is Spring Break for my kiddos. So we will be out and about having some fun. 

The Altered Pages Design Team is partnering with Robin's Nest and the two teams are coming up with some fun and imaginative art for you. The thought of warmer weather, fun in the sun and and all these Springy lovelies from Robin's Nest and Altered Pages that are sitting out on my desk put me in the mood for an over sized Springtime tag. 

The background of my tag was made using my turquoise and yellow Niji Oil Pastels. You can find them here. I love how easily the oil pastels blend. I just used my finger to smudge and blend as I went along...super easy. I did add a bit of crackle finish over the top of that and it gave it a neat finish. I rather like it. 

I then began adding layers of torn paper from The Robin's Nest. You can find this oh so pretty pink paper here. I then added a bit of Glitz crepe trim in yellow and a cute little duckling collage image. You can find the yellow crepe trim here and the Springtime collage image here.

I then HAD to add some twinkle. Dew Drops are perfect for this. I added one to the tip of the umbrella and the inset of a flower. I also added them to the crepe trim along with a little scrap of yellow baby ball fringe. You can find the dew drops here. Robin's Nest has every color dew drop imaginable and they even have diamond shapes...so pretty. 

I added a bit of turquoise glitter ribbon for an extra pop of sparkle. Next, was just to finish it off with some ribbon for hanging and done! I'm not sure if this will be given away attached to a gift maybe or kept and incorporated into an Easter display. I have time to figure that out...wait, did I just say that out loud? 

I wanted to show you that I also decorated the back as well using more glitter paper from Robin's Nest as well as their cute butterfly glitter stickers. They also have the cutest rub on's. It made it so easy to add a sentiment to the tag. I have to say that I have worked with a lot of rub on's and these really are awesome! The package came with a popcycle stick so I did't need to grab any other tools. The best part was it actually worked...the first time...without fail or missing sections of lettering. I really love the Robins Nest "rubon". You can find them here.  You can see a couple other colors (blue and yellow) of the glitter paper in the backdrop of the pictures I have taken.  

    

All ready to give away...if I don't decide to keep it. ;-) 

Happy Friday and Happy Spring, almost! 

Stephanie