Art & Designs By Nicole Eccles

Graphic 45's A Nutcracker Sweet Cup of Cocoa Gift Box

2012-12-27T10:33:00.001-05:00

Greetings and Salutations on this lovely Thursday morning!!

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful week celebrating the joys of Christmas with family and friends!! I know we sure did!!! And just around the corner, the beginning of a New Year, and new possibilities for everyone, so start making all those New Years resolutions to find more time to craft!!! Today, I have a little project that would be a perfect crafty start for the New Year. Great as a house warming gift, for birthdays or even just because.

This little gift box is great for all those coffee, tea, or cocoa drinkers out there! Super easy and inexpensive to make, it even makes a cute little Christmas decoration too.

Simply made with a chipboard cone found at any craft store and a hand cut chipboard circle. The cone was cut down a tiny bit at the tip, then wrapped with yummy Graphic 45 papers and adhered to the chipboard circle for it’s stand!

The little handle was also hand cut from chipboard, decorated to match and adhered, adding the perfect little spot for a gift tag!

To adhere the handle I used Glossy Accents. This has a quick drying time that is great for connecting things. Just run a bead a Glossy Accents around the edges of the handle once attached. This will help to secure it even more, and keep it from wobbling. Plus, once the whole cup is covered in Mica glitter, you won't be able to see the shine of the adhesive anymore.

And to top the whole thing off, I made a drippy looking border of Hot Cocoa for the top edge and covered the whole thing with Mica for that simple vintage shine.

Super quick, super easy! I just think these would be great little party favors, stuff some little toys or treats inside, maybe even make it look like an ice cream sundae.

The variations to this project are limited only to your imagination!!

I would love to hear your ideas of what you would do with this little treat!

That's it for today!! Wishing you all a Happy New Year and lots of Love!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and for all your amazing support!!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

A Nutcracker Sweet: Land of Sweets, Christmas March

Nutcracker Sweet Tags 2

Colorbox Decades Inks: Triumphant Red

May Arts: Ribbon

Ranger: Xmas Red Stickles

Martha Stewart: Dripping Goo Border Punch

Other: Chipboard cone, extra pieces of chipboard for handle and base, tinsel, Mica

Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Blog Hop - Day 2

2012-12-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome to day 2 of a masterful team up with Graphic 45 and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L!!

And just like every other amazing blog hop, there is always loads of inspiration an even more amazing Prize to be won!!!! Today, and all week long make sure to stop by BOTH companies websites and leave your comments for a chance to win this unbelievable prize pack!!!

Graphic 45 will also be giving away two smaller prizes on their Facebook and Pinterest pages so there's lots of opportunities to win!

www.Graphic45papers.typepad.com

www.scrapbook-adhesives.com/blog

Here is what you could win!!!

Place in Time 12x12 paper pad, both sets of coordinating Place in Time chipboard die-cuts, but sets of Place in time stickers, Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys, Graphic 45 Chipboard Buttons, 3 packs of Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares and a Scrapbook Adhesives MyStik! We will also be giving away two smaller prizes on our Facebook and Pinterest pages so there's lots of opportunities to win!

Alright, now time for a little inspiration! And don't forget it doesn't stop here, there are multiple designers being featured on each blog all week long, so don't miss out on all the fun to be had!!!

It's collage time again! Sometimes I just go through these phases of making tons of collages. I think it could be just how fun they are to make, and the techniques for creating are endless! This collage was designed using Graphic 45's A Ladies Diary combined with An ABC Primer. The background was created using layers and layers of inks followed by gesso, then acrylic paint. Matte medium was mixed with the paint to give it a more transparent look, allowing us to see the yummy G45 papers used.

The Ladies were my inspiration for this collage. Once they were cut out they looked like they were standing on a corner together. Adding dimension with Scrapbook Adhesives 3D foam squares gave it so much more depth, and giving the view from an angle that I was looking for!

After figuring out their positioning, the ladies needed to be doing something. So I found this wonderful train image I had, that just seemed to be the exact angle I needed.

To tie the whole thing together, I added this little advertisement strip cut from A Ladies Diary. Oh, and the cute little dog that just needed to be there was cut from An ABC Primer. Now I feel like it is an old fashioned advertisement on canvas, with the women modeling their wears!!

I love it when things just fall into place, sometimes these collages can be a little unforgiving.

Well ladies and gentlemen, that is all the inspiration I have for you today! I sure hope you enjoyed my project today, and are having a wonderful time Hopping. Don't forget, the hop is all week long, so lots more inspiration and lots more chances to win that wonderful prize pack!!

Many thanks, and lots of love!! Have a outstanding Tuesday!!!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Graphic 45 Place In Time Calendar Tutorial October

2012-12-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Today I have for you a calendar page created using Graphic 45's new A Place In Time line and their 12x12 easel album. All month long G45 has been sharing a tutorial for each month's page in the Calendar. And the good news is, the tutorial will stay up on their site indefinately to let you jump in at any time to follow along!!! Just click here to get started, or catch up on anything you may have missed !!! This calendar has been a fun collaborative project, where each design team member created a page for their assigned month, so it captures the style of all the G45 designers all in one project! Also this would make a wonderful gift for the Holidays, so you don't want to miss out!!

My assigned month is October, and focuses on the fun of Halloween of course!

There are lots of instructions to follow, so make sure you read everything before moving ahead!!

So let us waste no time and get right to it!!!

Supplies Needed:

Graphic 45 Products:

A Place and Time : 1 Calendar Foundation

1 October Foundation

1 Sentiments

2 October Cut Aparts

1 Alphabet sticker sheet

Olde Curiosity Shoppe: 1 Optical Oddities

1 Counting Down

Happy Haunting Collection: 1 Midnight Magic

1 Fright Night

1 Alphabet stickers ( if you want to use different colored numbers on calendar to help mark special dates)

Core’dinations Vintage Series: Black Magic Houndstooth

Martha Stewart: Drippy Goo Punch

Detail Cutting Scissors

Paper Trimmer

Lg. 10 1/4 inch dinner plate, or convenience of a Cricut Machine

3D Foam Squares

Desired Adhesive

Pencil

Step 1: Start with the October Foundation page from the A Place in Time collection, and turn it over so you do not see the words October. Using your Paper Trimmer or scissors, cut along the outside edge of the printed border, removing any excess crème along the edges.

Use your detail to scissors to simply snip out the rounded corners.

Step 2: Ink along all the edges and adhere the directly to the easel book using desired adhesive.

Step 3: Using a paper trimmer, cut Olde Curiosity Shoppes, Optical Oddities to 3 1/4” x 11/1/4”, making sure the stripes are going vertically.

Step 4: Lay the cut piece of Optical Oddities along the left border edge of the background. It should fit just inside the border with an exception to the corners.

Step 5: To remove the corners, use your detail cutting scissors to blind cut following the curvature of the exposed border.

Step 6: Ink and adhere to the background using desired adhesive

Step 7: Using your Cricut machine, or a Dinner plate, cut a large circle at 10 1/4” from Core’dinations Vintage Black Magic Houndstooth paper.

Step 8: Adhere directly to the center of the layout using desired adhesive.

Step 9: Cut and remove the orange striped paper from the A Place in Time Cut Apart Sheet. Once removed, turn lengthwise in your paper trimmer and trim length to 11 1/4”.

Step 10: Ink edges and adhere just below the center of background page using desired adhesive.

Step 11: Cut fence strip and clock from Happy Haunting’s Magic Midnight paper. Once removed, cut fence strip length to 11 1/4”. Set aside clock for later use.

Step 12: Fussy cut Owls and Haunted House from Happy Haunting Fright Night paper. Set aside owls for later use.

Step 13: Flip cut out haunted house over and place 3D foam squares just along the top of backside. Along the bottom use a small line of permanent adhesive.

Step 14. Ink fence strip cut from Magic Midnight paper and adhere horizontally, just 1/8” from the bottom of the orange striped strip. Working quickly, adhere the haunted house just right of center, tucking the bottom adhesive edge just under the top of the fence strip.

Step 15: Cut the following images from the A Place and Time; October Cut Aparts sheet.

Orange word border

Black word border

Running girl block

Saturday Evening Post Image

Step 16: Fussy cut out the image of the running little girl. Set aside

Step 17: Cut length of Black word strip to 11 1/4”. Flip over, and place 3D foam squares along the backside of the strip.

Step 18: Adhere Black word strip just over the bottom edge of the orange striped strip, covering over the remaining orange showing.

Step 19: Ink the Saturday Evening Post image and flip over. Place 3D foam squares along the back, leaving a horizontal strip in the middle open from foam squares, to place over top the black word strip that was just adhered to the background page.

Step 20: Adhere in left corner over top black word strip.

Step 21: Separate the words Trick or Treat from the orange word strip, and set aside.

Step 22: Ink and adhere the Orange Word border, just underneath the Black Word border, lining the right edge against the Saturday Evening Post image.

Step 23: Using the Martha Stewart Drippy Goo border punch, punch a strip of Core’dinations Vintage Black Magic Houndstooth approx. 10” in length.

Step 24: After the border has been punched, trim off using your paper trimmer to approx. 3/8” wide, measuring from the ends of the goo.

Step 25: Adhere the punched Drippy border along the top of the Orange Stripe. Trim the right side using scissors to match curvature of the Lg. Black circle.

Step 26: Fussy cut the #31 from Olde Curiosity Shoppe’s Counting down.

Step 27: Ink and adhere along the Drippy goo border, inside the Lg. Back circle, on the right side.

Step 28: Grab fussy cut owl from the set aside pile. Flip over and place 3D foam squares on the back of the owl images.

Step 29: Adhere owl image over top the #31, lining the branch up to the inside of the border

Step 30: Cut the October mini Calendar from A Place and Time; Calendar Foundation.

Step 31: Cut the word October and the small black decorative square from A Place and Time; Sentiments.

Step 32: Adhere the cut October title, to the mini October Calendar.

Step 34: Using the remaining piece of October cut aparts, line the mini calendar up along the checkered paper, leaving 2 rows of checkers around the calendar, on each side.

Step 35: Cut out the checkered background, and ink and adhere the calendar to the checkered background.

Step 36: Adhere the decorative black square in the right upper corner of the orange striped border.

Step 37: Grab the clock from the set aside pile. Flip over and place 3D foam squares along the top edge, and a small strip of adhesive along the bottom.

Step 38: Place the Clock behind the left corner of the Mini Calendar. Adhere to the orange striped paper, along the left side. Adjust the clock if necessary to make sure there is no hang off of the book.

Step 39: Using the A Place in Time Alphabet stickers, place the dates on the mini calendar. Begin with the 1st, on the 1st Tuesday, and ending with 30, leaving 31 blank.

(If you have other G45 Alphabet sheets, use other colored numbers to make special dates like birthdays, or Sweetest Day on the 19th)

Step 40: From the remaining Oct. Cut apart sheet cut the words Jack O’ Lantern from the Black word strip.

Ink and adhere above the clock

Step 41: Grab the orange strip that says Trick Or Treat from the set aside pile. Flip over and adhere 3D foam squares along the back.

Step 42: Adhere to the right of the clock, just over top the punched Drippy goo border.

Step 43: Fussy cut the pumpkin from the Happy Haunting; Halloween Greetings page.

Step 44: Adhere the pumpkin on the mini calendar, in place of the #31, to mark Halloween!

Step 45: Grab the image of the Running little girl from the set aside pile. Flip over and adhere 3D foam squares along the top of the back of the image. Run a strip of adhesive along the bottom.

Step 46: Complete the page by adhering the little girl, running away from the pumpkin.

That's it for today!! Thank you so much for stopping by and for all your wonderful continued support!

Don't forget you can follow along at your own pace to create the entire G45 Calendar on their blog!

Wishing you all an outstanding week!!

Happy Scrapping!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Paper Crafter's Library Special Feature With Graphic 45

2012-11-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

Greetings!!! Happy Wednesday and Pre-Turkey day!!

Today, I have a quick little sneaky peaky of a project that is being featured over at the Paper Crafter's Library. Complete with tutorial to make sure your Thanksgiving day doesn't have to be spent watching football, unlessyou want it to be! Or maybe you just like to craft while you watch, either way, I think you will get a kick out of this fun little tutorial!!!

Just click the link below to jump into Christmasy Bliss!!

http://blog.papercrafterslibrary.com/

Wishing you and your Family an very Thankful and Memorable Thanksgiving day!!

Thankful you stopped by!

XOXO

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 and Petaloo Christmas Gift Blog Hop Day 1

2012-11-12T08:28:00.002-05:00

Hello, and welcome on this fabulous Monday!! Today you are in for a treat, it is not only the start of a new week, but the start of a 8 day Blog Hop with Graphic 45 and Petaloo!

Of course there will be prizes, TONS of Christmas gift inspiration and LOTS of yummy Graphic 45 papers, all in the spirit of things!

Here is what you could win, and don't forget, to participate you need to leave your comments of love to everyone along the your journey this week!!

Also, make sure to stop by G45's Facebook page to find out another way to win some goodies!!

Now onto the schedule...

All week long you can hop along with the schedule, jump in at any time, or use it to come back and visit for that little bookmark of inspiration! Either way, I hope you enjoy the journey!!

Monday, November 12:
Alberto Juárez: vintageodyssey.blogspot.com
Nicole Eccles: www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com <-------- You Are Here

Lisa Valentine - http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Tuesday, November 13:
Arlene Cuevas: www.butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com
Maiko Miwa: http://shiny-scrap.blogspot.com/
Sharon Ngoo: http://glooshmoo.blogspot.com/

Lynne Forsythe : http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Wednesday, November 14:
Clare Charvill: http://www.mycreativespirit.blogspot.com
Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/
Susan Lui: www.luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com

Eva Dobilas : http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Thursday, November 15:
Denise Hahn: inmyblueroom.blogspot.com
Kristin Wilson: http://kristinwilsonhandmade.blogspot.com/
Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com

Christine Ousley: http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Friday, November 16:
Gloria Stengel: www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Jane Tregenza: http://janetregenza.blogspot.com/
Betto Cesare: http://scrapguys.blogspot.com

Irene Tan: http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Saturday, November 17:

Alice Carman: http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Sunday, November 18:

Helena Johansson: http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Monday, November 19:

Mireille Divjak: http://petaloo.typepad.com/

Now onto my Christmas gift idea!

This shabby chic shadowbox is a wonderful gift for all those Christmas collectors! Capturing the wonderful wintry feel of Christmas, with splashes out yummy purples and teals of A Ladies Diary combined with the Nutcracker sweet, and the brand NEW A Place in Time collection!

The whole thing was inspired by the gorgeous purple Petaloo flowers that I received in my care package. Combined with their cream flowers, the idea was born!

Using a Graphic 45 art box for the top,, and one of their Metal film canisters for the base tied the whole thing together. In the middle a hand painted candle stick creates the perfect vintage decorative stand. Plus, the film canister still opens, making the perfect place for a handmade mini book, ornaments, or other fun little gift!

Inside the shadowbox is Christmas in Paris. With small traces of ice all around,

and an image of the Eiffel Tower. The word Joy captures the moment, as one of G45's Ornate Key Holes and keys frames the date, December 25th. And don't forget the ice forming on the outside of this box to help create that lovely vintage feel, by using ground up Mica Glitter.

This is a super simple gift that requires very little fussy cutting, and has such an elegant feel.
Here is where it all began, with the little bird resting in the frosted flowers. This little birdie was perfect, with untones of purple, he was cut from the New Place in Time line.
These companies pairing up will always be something magical!!!

Thank you so much for joining in the hop today, and stopping by! I hope you have enjoyed my project and are ready to get into the swing of Christmas creations!!
Lots more to see from here today, and don't forget, for the next 8 days as well!!!
Wishing you many visions of sugar plums and happy designing!!

XOXO
Nicki Chicky

Supplies Used:
Graphic 45 Papers:
A Ladies Diary- Lasting Impression, Garden Stroll
Kraft Reflections: Bits and Pieces
A Place in Time - May, January, October Cut aparts, Calendar Foundation,
Place in Time Sticker Alphabet
A Nutcracker Sweet- Nutcracker Sweet

G45 Staples: 8x8 Matchbook Box, Metal Film Canister, Ornate Metagl Key Holes,
Ornate Metal Keys, Metal Door Pull,Trims

Petaloo: Paper Flowers and Stick Pins
Ranger: Frosted Lace Stickles
Scrapbook Adhesives; 3D foam squares

Other: Paint, Sandpaper, Candlestick, Mica gitter, Metal Star

2012-10-22T08:26:00.002-04:00

Today’s the start of the blog hop between Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft and 100 Proof Press! We’re very excited for our first collaboration with them! Hop with us today for a blog hop packed with inspiration and techniques!

We’ll also have prizes for those who participate. Be sure to visit leave a comment on each designer’s blog. When you’re finished, comment on the company’s blogs to be eligible for the following great prizes:

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft will be giving away a $40 prize pack, and 100 Proof Press will be giving away a $30 gift certificate!

Want an extra chance to win some prizes? Tweet Design Memory Craft at @DesignMemCraft about a technique you learned on the hop for a chance to win their NEW Stamper’s Big White Pen! Or like 100 Proof Press’s Facebook page (https://console.mxlogic.com/redir/?2ehpsjvuodELcIICzB4QsCOsVHkiP2DeXrO5qBunNrifQN6ZOUmzmHFsbh-B2Ubr84fyn69x2C8ELffFIfL8LfLLfCyATvAXTLuZXTKrKrFIt1idXHhHlRqfQFOVJNZAQsCQmm3hOed79EVsd7bVJ5MS2_id47EiDW1EwB2sqCV-7PNo_pgdFCQn3qbPbbbMUsr6_PziGQo for a chance to win the calendar you saw on this hop!

The blog hop will be open until midnight on October 26th, and the winners will be announced on October 29th on the company’s blog/twitter.

Here is a complete schedule of the entire Hop incase you are just joining in, or would like to keep coming back for more!

100 Proof Press http://www.100proofpress.com/_blog/Blog

Tiffany Johnson http://iheartartblog.com/

Jennifer http://justjingle.blogspot.com/

Jen Matott http://arttalk-sigmagirl.blogspot.com/

Tracy Evans http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.co.uk/

Colleen http://artbythelake.typepad.com/my-blog/

Gladys http://gladyschia2010.wordpress.com/

Mou Saha http://collagecollagecollage.blogspot.com/

Sara http://zemphira.blogspot.com/

Amy http://tsurutadesigns.blogspot.com/

Rita http://letsembellish.blogspot.com/

Gerri http://gerriherbst.blogspot.com/

Alexa http://alexalett.blogspot.com/

Nicole http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/ <------- YOU ARE HERE

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft http://designmemorycraft.typepad.com/design-memory-craft/
END

Now onto the inspiration!

From Faber Castell, I recieved sampler packs for Mixed Media Collageing. From Gesso, to gel medium, water color pencils and glaze, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make another MM Collage.
This mixed media collage was created on Heavy Chipboard. The background has been handpainted using Acrylics, gesso and watercolor pencils.

This wonderful large fish from 100 Proof Press is so fun to play with! There are so many ways he could be colored or used, and he is HUGE and stamps so crisp and clean !!

Fish really do make the best form or travel! With a great ocean floor view, and beautiful bubbles skittering about and heck, they are pretty fast when they think something is chasing them!

That's all for today! Thanks so much for joining in the Hop today, I hope you are running to play with all your stamps and goodies now!

Have an amazing Monday!!

Nicki Chicky

Day 2 w/ Gauche Alchemy and 100 Proof Press Hop

2012-10-16T08:06:00.000-04:00

Well made it through another Monday, and here we are Tuesday already!

Today is day two of a fun little Hop with 100 Proof Press Stamps and Gauche Alchemy!

Here is a little info about both companies

Gauche Alchemy is all about the art - really fun art supplies! They have mixed media kits, that are filled with fun artistic finds, papers, ephemera, embellishments, fabric, and more. Gauche Alchemy "is for those that create outside the of the box, those that create inside of the box, and those that tear the box a new one..."

100 Proof Press The stamps are manufactured right here in the Midwest, with attention to detail second to none. The images are deeply etched and then expertly trimmed on a Hagner scroll saw, thus providing an amazingly close and perfectly perpendicular cut. Nothing prints better. The wood mount is smooth hard maple, 3/4" high with curved sides. The design is never bulky; we always use a mount which is custom cut to fit the image that goes on it. The index on top is permanently stamped in jet black printers ink. It's sharp looking and will never come off. We believe in selling a high quality product that sets industry standards

Make sure to stop by both their sites today and find a little inspiration along the way! There's even a special offer going on now - you can use the code 100ProofPress10 to get 10% off your order in the Gauche Alchemy store!!!

Now onto my project!!!

For my project I decided to alter the back side of an 8 x 10 canvas, turning it into a framed shadowbox.

The Gauche Alchemy papers were used for the background, the frames border, paper piecing all the clothes and all the fun cut out words. Oh and don't forget that perfect little dove!

There was so much fun stuff to use, from old magazine clippings to fun little nick knacks, and you will definitely be seeing more with their product!!!

Everything has been dimensionally placed to create wonderful depth. It's a little hard to see all the depth, but hopefully this picture helped to capture it.

Left behind on a cliff, (haven't decided if the little girl made an escape, or she was the only one who could be rescued) The cliff was hand drawn and popped so this little lass looked like she was sitting in the forefront.

But, I guess it's all in the optics....

I really couldn't have planned all of these stamps to go together any better! Absolutely love the Bolt Hot Air Balloon!!

The background was inked using Distress inks. Hand cut shapes made the perfect mask to create fluffy white clouds.

And last, but not least this fun metal drawer pull from G45 is perfect for the words Close -Up, cut from some yummy magazine clippings from Gauche Alchemy!!

Stamps Used:

4584T, 4991T, 3240T

Thank you so much for stopping by today and joining in the Hop!

Have an amazing Tuesday!

Nicki Chicky

Paper to Canvas Transfer Using Graphic 45 Papers

2012-10-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

Hello. and Happy Monday!!

My day was already off with a kick, somehow ,my brain wasn't working last night, and I turned on the wrong alarm clock. We woke up just as my daughter's school bus was driving off. In a mad dash we ate, filled out any papers and drove like the wind to get her there on time! Whew, such excitement for 7:30 am.. And now for a little more excitement, because today I have a fun little tutorial to share with you!

This is a quick and easy little technique for creating unique Halloween Treat bags. It is also a great way to use up those left over little strips of paper too!

The small canvas bags can be found at any of your local craft stores and come in a variety of sizes. This technique is also great for transferring those original photos, or magazine images to fabric.

Once you get started you won’t want to stop, creating transfer images for clothes, hats or purses. Just make sure if your item gets dirty, to hand wash only!!!

Supplies Needed for Paper to Fabric Transfer Technique:

Gel Medium or Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Image

Fabric, or Canvas Bag

Step 1. To get started choose your image you wish to transfer and paint a heavy coating of Gel Medium directly over the image

Step 2. Place the image face down onto the canvas bag, rubbing firmly into place. Allow a few hours to dry, or speed up the process with a blow dryer.

Step 3 & 4 Once dry, use a small mister bottle or your hand to sprinkle water along the back of the surface and allow to soak in.

Step 5 Once the water has soaked in, use your fingers rubbing in a small circular motion to gently remove to top layers paper, slowly revealing your image

Repeat a small addition of water and rubbing to desired effect. But don’t rub too hard, you can rub right through your transfer image

For protection seal with a thin layer of Gel Medium.

*Note: If using images with words, they will transfer backwards.

This process also works with images you print off yourself, just make sure if it has words to reverse the image!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting- Happy Haunting,Jeepers Creepers, Halloween Greetings,Fright Night

May Arts: Ribbon and Ric Rac

Other: Gel Medium, Paint Brush, Canvas Bag, Halloween treats and décor

That's it for today! Thanks so much for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for a fun stamped project created for 100 Proof Press Blog Hop!!

Have an amazing Monday!!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45's Happy Haunting Ornaments and Tutorials

2012-10-09T08:08:00.001-04:00

Greetings and Salutations on the brisk, lovely Tuesday morning!!!

Today I have for you 3 different ornament ideas for the Holidays. Whether it be for Christmas or Halloween, these techniques can easily be used for any Holiday celebration!!

So lets waste no time getting to the good stuff....

First up are these classy, yet simple glass ornaments. The glass ornaments can be found at your local craft store, and lend lots of possibilities when it comes to decorating them.

Here is a little how to...

Supplies Used for Happy Haunting Glass Ornaments:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting: Man in the Moon, Pumpkin Time

G45 Metal Staples: Ornate Metal Keys

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Other: Confetti, tinsel, hot glue

Once your image is on, you can take the top off and add a little fun inside the ornament. Hang some Graphic 45 ornate keys at the top to add interest. Add some tinsel, or even just a ribbon.

The possibilities for decorating these babies is endless!!!

Next up, I have a couple bottle cap ornaments!!

Bottle Cap Ornament Tutorial

1. Cut out desired images for ornament from Graphic 45 Happy Haunting line

2. Adhere round cut image to bottom of bottle cap

3. Using hot glue, adhere tinsel around the outside edge of the bottle cap

4. Cut 2 different colored pipe cleaners to desired size for handle. Mine was 8”

5. Gently twist the two pipe cleaners together for a more decorative look

6. Bend into a U shape for the handle, making sure it is even at the bottom

7. Adhere handle into bottle cap using hot glue

8. Cut a scrap piece of heave chipboard to run along the back of your cut image to ensure stability. Bend slightly at feet.

9. Adhere image using hot glue on chipboard tab, place underneath handle making sure image is straight

10. Using hot glue, moss, torn paper, or tinsel cover the inside of the bottle cap for a finished look

11. Cut out small strip that says Halloween from G45 papers. Taper at the ends like a ribbon

12. Adhere to front of bottle cap

13. Create a small crepe paper rosette by pinching a little crepe paper at a time to create a circle. Glue in the center, and adhere to top of pipe cleaner handle

14. Peel and stick clock from G45 Happy Haunting Sticker sheet. Trim rosette if necessary.

15. Peel and stick the word greetings and place along the clock face. Hang and enjoy!!!

Supplies Used for Bottle Cap Ornaments:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting: Trick or Treat, Midnight Magic

Happy Haunting Sticker Sheet

May Arts: Giant Bottle cap

Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard fence

Other: Pipe cleaners, hot glue gun, tinsel, crepe paper, moss

And last but definitely not least, the vintage style pipe cleaner ornaments.

These are something that can easily be made with a little one. The characters you can create using G45 papers is endless!!

Pipe Cleaner Ornament Tutorial

1. Cut out desired G45 images for head and hat of ornament

2. Cut a slip in the hat so it can fit on the pumpkin

3.Open your slit up slightly by pinching the sides toward the center

4. Place hat on head of pumpkin and adhere. Set aside head for later

5. Bend pipe cleaner 90 degrees to the left to create the left arm. Leave about 1/2” sticking up for the neck

6. Bend pipe cleaner back on itself towards the center to create the left arm. Arm should be approx 1/2”.

7.Tuck the pipe cleaner behind the neck. This should leave it sticking out the right side, ready to create the right arm

8. Bend pipe cleaner back on itself towards the center to create the right arm. Arm should be approx 1/2”.

9.Tuck the pipe cleaner behind the neck again, this time bending the pipe cleaning downward to create the left leg. Pipe cleaner should resemble a t.

10.Bend pipe cleaner back on itself towards the center to create the left leg. Leg should be approx 1/2”- 3/4”.

11.Tuck the pipe cleaner behind the neck again, this time bending the pipe cleaner downward towards the right to create the right leg. Pipe cleaner should resemble a star. Trim down right leg if necessary to even them out.

12.Adhere head with hat using hot glue. Don’t leave a long neck.

13. Fold a short piece of crepe paper in half to create a skirt.

14. Gently pinch a pleated look to the crepe paper

15. Adhere to pipe cleaner person right at the cross over in the center. Wrap all the way around and snip off to complete.

16. Using scissors to create small slits in the skirt, this will give it a fluffier look

17. Tie a loop in a piece of bakers twine and adhere to the back of the ornament head

18. Add a fun Halloween sign from G45’s Happy Haunting Sticker Sheet. Hang and enjoy!

Supplies Used for Pipe Cleaner Ornaments:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting: Trick or Treat, Bewitched

Happy Haunting Sticker Sheet

May Arts: Baker’s Twine

Other: Pipe Cleaners, crepe paper, hot glue gun, scissors

That's all for Today!! I hope you have enjoyed the tutorials and are ready to try your hand at some Holiday Ornaments! Whether you give them as gifts, or just share in the fun with family, handmade ornaments are a very special treat!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have an amazing day!

Nicki Chicky

100 Proof Press Blog Hop!!!

2012-09-13T01:58:00.014-04:00

Hello and Welcome Hoppers!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining in on the fun on this lovely Thursday!

If you are just joining in, 100 Proof Press is holding a blog hop today jam packed with inspiration and of course some great prizes!!!

Here is what you could win:
One Pack of Postage Paper Style #5,
Postage Parts #5,
and a gift certificate to the shop for $30.00!!!
All you have to do is leave your comments along the way the be entered for your chance to win!!

If you are interested in finding out a little more about 100 Proof Press, click here!

They are a wonderful stamping company that I was lucky enough to find here in Ohio at Stampaway.

Now a year later, I have joined on in the adventures of stamping with the wonderful design team and all of their amazing rubber stamp creations!!

Here is a schedule for the hop so you can jump in at any time,
and keep coming back for more!

Jennifer Ingle http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com

Tracy Evans www.craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com

Gladys Chia http://gladyschia2010.wordpress.com

Sara http://zemphira.blogspot.com/

Amy Tsuruta http://www.tsurutadesigns.blogspot.com/

Gerri Herbst http://www.gerriherbst.blogspot.com

Alexa Lett http://www.alexalett.com

Nicole Eccles www.NicoleEccles.com<-----YOU ARE HERE

Today I have for you some quick spooky Halloween Inspiration to share!

This 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" Wood Art Block is simply made with only a few steps and some Mod Podge.

Combing the simplicity of black and white stamping with clipart.

I absolutely LOVE the glazed over zombie like stare of this Skeleton!! His eyes were just perfect for adding a touch of red with some yummy bling!

Stamp, or adhere paper along the edge of the block for a finished look. To make it look more warn an aged, sand down corners till rounded, then ink before sealing with Mod Podge.

Supplies Used:

100 Proof Press: 4553 R ( Skull)

Webster's Pages

Want 2 Scrap Bling

Staz On Jet Black

Ranger: Frayed Burlap Distress Ink

Other: wooden block, sand paper, Mod Podge, Clip art, Printer

Up next I have a delightfully toxic little Shadobox!

Though I love to color in my stamped images. There is just something about using black and white images with just touches of color that can really make your project pop.

Though it may be hard to tell from the picture, but each little image inside the box has been dimensionally placed using 3D Foam squares. This helps to give more depth, but to really bring the whole scene together.

Combining 100 Proof Press Stamps with clipart, scrapbooking supplies and other stamps is so easy, you won't want to stop once you get started!!!!

Supplies Used:

100 Proof Press: 3643 U (witch)

Reminisce Labels and Patterned Paper

Martha Stewart Halloween Stamps and papers

Scrapbook Adhesives : 3D Foam Squares

Ranger: Lime Stickles

Other: 4x4 Shadowbox

Thank you so much for joining in the hop today!!

Hopefully we have all left you running for the scrapbook room to get started on your next creative journey!!

Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend!!!

Nicki Chicky

Altered Steampunk Halloween Clock w/ Graphic 45

2012-09-10T08:42:00.000-04:00

Hello and Welcome on this gorgeous Monday!! Today I am excited to share with you some more Halloween inspirations using Graphic 45 papers!

If you didn't already know Halloween is my favorite Holiday, and I can never get enough of it!

So onto the inspiration!!!!

This is the clock before I got my hands on it. It used to work, but stopped working awhile ago so I decided to give it some new life. As you can see I took all the insides out so that I could start with a clean slate.

And now for the after......

Covered with a total of 6 different Graphic 45 lines. Then the whole thing was distressed by inking and then dry brushing with a little black paint and gesso for that old world look.

Up top, I created what looks like the insides of a clock by using plastic gears from a toy clock along with Chipboard gears cut from Sizzix/Tim Holtz gear die.

All hand painted to match with an aged silver acrylic.

To make my life easier, I created a false back out of chipboard to place inside the clock. This way I wasn't having to build 100's of layers just to get all the gears closer to the opening.

Once the false back was painted black and put into place, I then covered it completely with Chipboard gears, all interlocking for my base. This gave the appearance of depth and added more interest with layering. After that dried, I strategically placed all the gears, gluing as I went. If there was an open spot, I would try to figure out how to get more gears in until I felt it looked full enough.

I love the little added knickknacks to the inside. Decorated with a few gems from Want 2 Scrap and of course the wonderfully creeping skeleton hand. The cameo of the man was cut from G45's A Proper Gentleman line..Gives me chills just looking at it!

Down below a Halloween scene takes shape. Using the cover from a Want 2 Scrap mini book created the perfect spooky looking backdrop. Also it created the perfect frame for the spooky pendulum that really swings!!

The little lady from Steampunk Debutante is perfectly dressed for the occasion. With her dress of orange, and even her top hat she is ready for a Halloween party! The chair was a piece of clip art that I had and just worked perfectly into the scene. For stability, each hand cut image was backed with heavy duty chipboard and given a stand just like a paper doll.

A haunting scene, complete with pumpkins, potion bottles and even a creepy skeleton.

In the background you can get a glimpse of the Nutcracker Sweet Grandfather clock!

To make it look less Christmasy and more Halloweeny I used a Sharpie marker to color over all the Holly.

Up above, a tiny paper banner brings in the season. Created with the lovely Happy Haunting line and Girl Paperie Banner Stamp.

Along the outside, Skeletons stand guard with their backs against the pillars.

These are just plastic Skeletons you can find at any craft store from now till Halloween!

I was so happy that this clock had a drawer so I could use the brand new G45 Drawer pulls! They are just amazing!!! On either side are glittered decorative clock hands, just the perfect touch of black that tied right into it.

On the sides of the clock, G45's metal tags add a simple but stunning look. Topped with a sticker from the Happy Haunting line, then distressed using gesso to match the look of the clock.

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting- Trick or Treat, Jeepers Creepers, Midnight Magic, Fright Night Sticker Sheet

Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Race for Time, Apothecary

Nutcracker Sweet- Holiday Magic

Kraft Reflections: Bits and Pieces

An ABC Primer- Calico Kids, Jumping Joan, The Three R’s

Steampunk Debutante: Nuovou Artistry

A Proper Gentleman: Dressed To The Nine’s

Graphic 45 Metal Staples: Ornate Keyholes, Antique Drawer Pulls, Ornate Keys, Metal Tags

Want 2 Scrap: Bling, Chipboard lace frame

May Arts: Black and white bakers twine

Ideology: Mini glass vials, orange Adirondack Ink

Ranger: Glossy accents as adhesive, Black Soot Distress Stickles

Girl Paperie: Jubilee Clear Stamps ( Pennant Banner)

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Sizzix: Gear Dies, Big Shot

Bazzil: 12 x 12 Chipboard

Other: gesso, gel medium, sand paper, orange/black/silver acrylic paint, drill, clipart, printer, Halloween décor, pumpkin pods, Old clock, plastic clock toy for gears, stamped metal star

Well that's it for today!! Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my creations!!

I hope you are now running out to find some fun little clock to alter to bring in the Halloween Season!!

Happy Haunted Creations!!!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Altered Halloween Tag

2012-08-17T08:44:00.000-04:00

Hello Happy Scrappers!

Welcome on this glorious Friday!!

Today I have some quick inspiration to share with you using Graphic 45's Happy Haunting line and their left over packaging tags.

This fun little tag was created using the leftover packaging from G45's Metal Door Plates.

The extra large size lends tons of space for designing and is perfect for tying on large gifts.

This design is simply created with a little layering, some fussy cutting and 3D foam squares,

The frame was cut from a different G45 Happy Haunting image, then placed dimensionally to create a doorway. The dimension really helped to create the effect that she is walking through it.

I can't seem to get enough of these clocks!! You will definitely see them again in my Halloween designs this year!! They are just the perfect accent for so many things.

Down below this chipboard tag adds the perfect dimension and colors needed to really make the tag pop! Add a metal key for interest (also great to hide that little punched hole) and the tag is almost complete!

Underneath I spy a small Happy Haunting scalloped sticker too!!!

To finish it, tie the whole thing off with a bow! It's just that easy to create a gorgeous tag with only a few simple layers.

Halloween Tag

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers

Happy Haunting: Man in the Moon, Halloween Greetings, Midnight Magic, Bewitched, Trick or Treat, Jeepers Creepers

Happy Haunting Chipboard 1 & 2

Graphic 45 Staples: Ornate Metal Key

May Arts Ribbon

Colorbox G45 Decades Inks: Photogenic

Tombow: Glue stick

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Other: Left over G45 Packaging tag

That's all for today!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Hope you have a Scrap Happy Weekend!!!

xoxo

Nicki Chicky

Halloween Hooplah with Graphic 45 Papers

2012-08-13T11:29:00.000-04:00

Greetings and salutations on this wonderful Monday!

Today I am excited to share with you a little Halloween inspiration, along with a few photos taken from my show in KY this past weekend.

So let's get to it!

This fun card was created using Graphic 45's Black Policy Envelope book for the base.

Glued closed at the top, decorated and hinged together along the sides to create a tall greeting card.

For the front, I wanted the feel of a costume party. This little witch is all decked out in a handmade paper dress using G45 papers of course! With orange and purple leggings, matching wrist lets and even some high heeled black shoes, this girl is ready to haunt the dance floor!

Atop her head she is wearing a wonderful matching hat, cut directly from G45 papers!

LOVE!!!

This little chipboard tag added the perfect message, and little pop of white needed! Plus it was the perfect spot to prop this cute little pumpkin.

For the inside, I wanted to capture the feel of the season! With some favorite iconic images of Halloween along with a pop up effect!

Looking down on the card, you can see that only the edges of the papers are glued, leaving the centers to have a slight pop up dimensional effect on their own.

This pumpkin border was perfect for this effect, and I truly couldn't have planned the way it fit any better!!

Love the haunted house on the hill!! Since the card was created as an invitation, it truly was perfect!

And overhead, a flying witch of course!!

Oh how I LOVE Halloween!!

The best part of this little card is not only that it pops up, but it also has an interactive invite too!!!

How Peculiar...just pull the tab, and Presto!!!

The perfect little tag to hide all the info!

SO FUN!!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Happy Haunting: Trick or Treat, Halloween Greetings, Midnight Magic, Man on the Moon, Jolly Jack - O – Lantern, Jeepers Creepers, Bewitched, Fright Night, Wordplay

Happy Haunting Chipboard 1, Happy Haunting Stickers

Graphic 45 Staples: Trim, Metal Hinges, Black Policy Envelope Book

Colorbox G45 Decades Inks: Photogenic

Want 2 Scrap: Bling

Marvy Uchida: Bat Punch

Quick Kutz: Fashion Doll Die , Wedding Dress Die

Sizzix: Big Shot

Bazzill Cardstock

Tombow: Glue Stick

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Now I just want to share a few pics from this wonderful little show I did this weekend in Kentucky.

This was officially my first out of state show, and WOW, was it a good one to start with!

Set in the hills of Kentucky, just along the river, directly across from Rising Sun Indiana.

This is the tiny town time has forgotten, where the town Mayor is a dog!!

With only a few tiny buildings to call as down town, all kept original from the early 1900s.

All filled with lots of lovely antiques, and fun knick knacks, I was in heaven!!

Here is a little peek at some of my Halloween creations!

And more of my new art blocks!!

That's it for today! Thank you so much for stopping by and all your continued support!

Wishing you an outstanding week!

XOXO

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 A Ladies Diary Inspiration Continues

2012-08-08T09:56:00.000-04:00

Greetings and Salutations on this wonderful Wednesday!!

Today the inspiration continues, using Graphic 45's A Ladies Diary.

This is another creation that was made and shipped off to CHA. Designed with luscious layers of a Ladies Diary papers. Then topped off with their matching chipboard and sticker sheet.

This line is great for fussy cutting too! With so many gorgeous vintage images of people, I found myself wanting to keep on cutting. Also with such a luscious mix of colors and vintage patterns this line is perfect for so many occasions.

Here you can see 3 stickers borders and the word fashion all used from the matching sticker sheet.

I also added a pop of black using this fabulous matching chipboard tag!!

I love how versatile G45 products are!

These pearl flourishes from Want 2 Scrap add the perfect bit of charm. The color matches so well to G45 papers, with that vintage appeal!

All you have to do is just peel and stick your way to a perfection!!

And don't forget the inside of the card!! Easily decorated using elements from the sticker sheet and a few fussy cut images.

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers

A Ladies Diary: Moment in Time, Fashion Plates, Lasting Impression, La Gazette

A Ladies Diary Chipboard 2

A Ladies Diary Stickers

Want 2 Scrap: Bling Flourish

Tombow: Glue Stick

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Just a quick post today! Thank you so much for your continued support!

Lots of LOVE and Happy Scrapping!!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 A Ladies Diary High Heeled Shoe

2012-08-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome Welcome!!

Thanks for stopping by to begin your week with a little inspiration!

Today I have for you a fun creation that I made for the Graphic 45 booth at CHA.

This ladies slipper is easily created using chipboard. Decorated with the beautiful Ladies Diary papers from Graphic 45.

Each tiny detail has been layered to look just like an old fashioned shoe.

Using paper doilies, beaded lace and ribbon to create bold and beautiful accents.

The heel itself was created using a small cardboard ring leftover from receipt paper.

I simply cut the ring in half, then added a a piece of chipboard straight across the cut to resemble a heel!

For the front, a simple rosette topped with a little bling does the trick!

What is so wonderful about this shoe is all the different ways it could be decorated!

Made for so many different occasion, it could be used as wall decor, or even a fun party favor with a bag of treats pushed into the toe!!

It would even be great as a witches shoe done in blacks and browns!!!

Around the rosette and the shoe I used Platinum stickles to create a little pop of sparkle, but with a vintage feel!

Unfortunately I didn't create a tutorial with pics for this shoe, but I do have all the templates to share with a little advice too!

This is the template for the bottom of the shoe. To use it just left click and save picture as. Re size as needed and print off. Trace onto heavy chipboard, cut out and decorate.

Mine was 8 1/2"

The shoe is created flat, then after if you would like to add a heel you will need to gently bend to get the curve of the shoe. Once in shape add your heel!

This half circle is used for the toe of the shoe. This piece can just be cut from double sided patterned papers. It is just a half circle that has been placed round side to the toe, then wrapped underneath the shoe and adhered.

In creating I figured out the half circle can also be used to create the back of the shoe.

Shrunk down slightly and trimmed up a bit so that the straight edges of the half circle are gone.

Then you can wrap it around the back to get an idea of placement. Fold excess paper slightly under the shoe to get a crease. Remove from the back of the shoe and start cutting slits along the bottom of the circle stopping at the crease to make it easily wrap underneath.

Decorate as desired!!!!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

A Ladies Diary: Fashion Plates, Focal Point, La Gazette, Lasting Impression, Garden Stroll

May Arts: Ribbon and Lace pearl trim

Webster’s Pages: Bling

Ranger: Glossy Accents, Rock Candy Stickles, Platinum Stickles

Martha Stewart: Score Board

Other: Doily, Chipboard

That's all for today!! Thank you so much for stopping by!!

Have fun creating!!!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45, Want 2 Scrap & Art Glitter Blog Hop - Day 2

2012-07-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome on this wonderful Tuesday!!

All week long we have joined forces with not one, but two amazing scrapbook companies to bring you TONS of inspiration!!!

And of course, can't forget the prizes that could be won!!!

Graphic 45 will be giving away a total of 4 prizes this week!!!

2 Prizes could be won by just hopping along and being inspired.

Leave your comments along the way to be entered.

AND

Drop by Graphic 45's Facebook and Pinterest this week and see what other prizes you could win!!!

Here is what you could win from leaving comments along the Hop...

Definitely don't want to miss out on these wonderful goodies!!!

Here is a little info about all the amazing companies involved!

Graphic 45 Bio:

Graphic 45 an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company— owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. Together we create vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of the 1920's and 30's - with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that's both fresh and familiar. Let our products inspire your next scrapbook layout, card, album or home decor project.

Want 2 Scrap Bio:

Want2Scrap™ manufacturers rhinestones lines including the specialty Nestabling™ line along with the newly released Nestaboard™ chipboard line that coordinates perfectly with the Spellbinders™ Nestabilies™ die templates. Want2Scrap™ also manufacturers their own line chipboard albums and accents, acrylic albums, and multi-layered laser designs and other fine scrapbooking products. Want2Scrap™ brings ease of use and flexibility in their product lines by offering products uniquely tailored to its customers’ needs.

ART Glitter Bio:

Spread the Sparkle! Be it cosmetics, scrapbooking, t-shirts, cards, jewelry, quilts, rock star toes, home decor or even cement...everything is better with Art Glitter on it! Barbara Trombley opened Art Institute Glitter, Inc. in 1982 and now supplies artists and artisans, crafters and craftsmen with more than 400 brilliant cosmetic quality glitter colors and industrial-strength adhesives. Art Glitter products have been featured on “The New Martha Stewart Show”, “Carol Duvall Show”, HGTV, Home Shopping Network and several times in “Martha Stewart Living Magazine” including this upcoming December, 2009 issue. Thousands of retail stores throughout the world carry Art Glitter products. Barbara’s first book, “Glitter Artistry: Bags, Tags & Cards,” was warmly received by artists in 2006 and is still a big hit today (Sterling Publishing, Inc.). Art Glitter’s retail showroom is located in Historic Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona.

Now for a little inspiration!

For my project, I decided to play with Graphic 45's fun and wonderful Happy Haunting line with a mix of An ABC Primer to create a little Handmade Halloween Decor.

Lately I have been seeing more and more of these. This is an Art Block measuring 5 1/2" x 5 1/2".

Just a nice 1/2" thick piece of wood decorated for the wall or to set around.

Halloween is my favorite time of the year, so you can imagine how excited I was to see Graphic 45 release the Happy Haunting line!! With so many tiny little elements that can be cut out and used in so many ways, like this Halloween banner, or the checker boarder!!

LOVE!!

The Art Glitter made the perfect accent that tied the entire block together. Used as a border around the outside edge. Also, it was great for converting a plain metal star, into a Bright and Shiny orange star.

But my favorite of all was the purple chunky glitter used around the outside of the rosette.

Even had these little fun chipboard gears created from Imaginarium Designs that were the perfect addiction!!

And don't forget the addition of some amazing Want 2 Scrap Flourishes. These are great for so many things used as is, or cut them up to make them really stretch far!

And the whole thing finished off with a cute pumpkin center!!

That's it for today, thanks for stopping by and joining in the HOP!!

Don't forget to join in the fun all week long, and leave your comments along the way for a chance to win some wonderful prizes!!

Here is the schedule for today and the rest of the week!!

Happy Hopping!!

Monday, July 23rd

Jane Tregenza: http://janetregenza.blogspot.com/
Maiko Miwa: http://shiny-scrap.blogspot.com/
Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, July 24th

Alberto Juárez : http://vintageodyssey.blogspot.com/
Gloria Stengel : http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/
Nicole Eccles: http://www.nicoleeccles.com/ <----- YOU ARE HERE

Wednesday, July 25th

Arlene Cuevas: http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/
Jim, The Gentleman Crafter: http://thegentlemancrafter.typepad.com/
Betto Cesare: http://scrapguys.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 26th

Clare Charvill: http://mycreativespirit.blogspot.com/
Kristin Wilson: http://www.kristinwilsonhandmade.com/
Sharon Ngoo: http://glooshmoo.blogspot.com/

Friday, July 27th

Denise Hahn: http://www.inmyblueroom.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/
Susan Lui: http://luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com/

Inspiration with Graphic 45's New Bird Song Line

2012-07-20T09:03:00.001-04:00

Hello Happy Scrappers!!

As some of you may already know CHA just happened, where all the newest products are released into the crafting world!! Graphic 45 was there with their amazing booth, but sadly I wasn't able to attend this year. Their booth is always full of wonders and magic, and I feel like I have been stalking the Internet for glimpses of it all! This year I created 10 different projects for the Graphic 45 booth, including 3 layouts using Bird Song!!

And today I get to share with you one of those layouts!!!

Every time that Graphic 45 releases a new line, I find myself having a harder and harder time choosing favorites! I guess you could say I just LOVE them all!

But this new line, WOW is truly stunning in person. The colors are so rich and bold with some really amazing patterns that just take me away to Asia! Also what makes this line so great is it's mix of colors. From reds and greens to pink and light blue, this line has it all!

I absolutely LOVE the lanterns! Once this line was in my hands, the first thing I had to do was sit and fussy cut a little pile of these lanterns. The best part is there are SOO many different colors and styles of lanterns that they could be used for scrapping any occasion from birthdays to backyard BBQ's!!

Birds, birds and more birds!!! This one found his place among some flowers and stopped to enjoy the view. This line is exactly what I have been dreaming of for years! Graphic 45 never ceases to amaze!

If you are not familiar with this little blocks, they are generally the signature of the artist.

Though they aren't my signature, I thought they added the perfect touch!!

Absolutely LOVE the new ornate key holes. They are so dainty and just perfect for any kind of project!

Lots and lots of videos posted from CHA, hoping to share a few things this weekend!

Here is one featuring this layout, and 2 others created by me at CHA!!

One is green and pink, the other blue and pink..

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and taking a look at my work!

Such an exciting time of year for us all!!

Next week join in the Blog Hopping Spirit with Graphic 45/ Want 2 Scrap/ AND Art Glitter for triple the fun!!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Supplies:

Bird Song: Longevity, Good Fortune, Pearls of Wisdom, Tranquility, Bird Song, Jasmine Dream, Enlightenment, Joy Luck

Graphic 45 Staples: Ornate Metal Keyholes

Colorbox G45 Decades Inks: Photogenic

Tombow: Glue Stick

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Cutterbee: Detail Scissors

Fiskars: Paper Trimmer

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Graphic 45 A Ladies Diary Mail Organizer

2012-06-25T08:15:00.000-04:00

Good morning and Happy Monday!!

Today is an extra exciting day over at the Graphic 45 blog.

Starting today we are kicking off 3 weeks of reveals gearing up for CHA!!!

And don't forget all the amazing prizes you could win!!!

Graphic 45 will be giving out 4 prizes per day(M-F) everyday. That is a total of 60 WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT prizes packs! What, what!?!?!

This week stop by to see all the goodies of the NEW to be released, AMAZING Nutcracker Sweet!!!!

WOOHOOO!!! Can't wait!!!

Alright, hard to follow up after all that excitement!!!

First, I would like to shout out a HUGE THANK YOU for everyone who joined in the blog hop this past week!

And a super personal Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments and support, you all truly mean the world to me!!!

Second, all this talk about giveaways, I think it is time to annouce the winner from my little giveaway during the hop!

Drumroll please........And the winner from the G45/May Arts hop giveaway is....
Sue D

Congrats Sue!!!!!

Sue, if you could please contact me @ Scrapaholicmania@aol.com with your mailing info I would be happy to get this baby headed your way!!!

Next up on today's order of business I have a fun altered Mail Organizer that I made even more fabulous by using Graphic 45's A Ladies Diary!

What was once just a plain black mail organizer and hat rack is now transformed into something I would LOVE to use!

Embellished with the perfect combination of G45’s elegant new A Ladies Diary and Once Upon a Springtime lines. Each line complimenting the other with soft touches of color.

I wanted to keep the organizer looking clean and fresh, yet shabby chic at the same time.

My favorite part that ties the whole thing together is the strip of ladies in their vintage hats, just where a hat can be hung!

Just another example of how Graphic 45 papers can transform ANYTHING into fabulous with just a little time and love.

Supplies:

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers

A Ladies Diary- Lasting Impressions, Ageless Beauty

Once Upon A Springtime-Primrose Cottage

Want 2 Scrap: Pearl Flourish

Ranger: Frayed Burlap Distress Ink

Other: Mod Podge

That's it for today! Thank you so much for stopping by and seeing what's new!

More inspirations from Tara Orr, and her gorgeous layouts she magically creates!!

Heading out to the doctor, Strep Throat again, week 3...Sigh

Happy Crafting

Nicki Chicky

xoxo

Graphic 45 & May Arts Blog Hop Day 1 !

2012-06-18T08:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome Hoppers to the first day of this amazing duo!!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and joining in all the excitement!!

Graphic 45 and May Arts have joined forces to bring you the best inspiration ALL WEEK LONG!!

PLUS

Not only will you find some great ideas along your way, but there are tons of prizes to be won!!

Graphic 45 is holding 2 giveaways.

So make sure to leave your comments along the way!!!

Two winners will be chosen at random from their comment left on the designer's blogs.

Winners to be announced Monday, June 25th

Here is what you could win from Graphic 45 for leaving your comments....

12x12 Little Darlings Paper Pad, 1 Set of Little Darlings Stamps, 1 package of Chipboard Button Staples, and two spools of May Arts Ribbon.

Here is a little info about both fabulous companies...

Graphic 45 Bio:

Graphic 45 an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company— owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. Together we create vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of the 1920's and 30's - with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that's both fresh and familiar. Let our products inspire your next scrapbook layout, card, album or home decor project.

May Arts Bio:

May Arts Ribbon was founded in the early 1980’s in Riverside, Connecticut. The original products were high-end silk flowers imported from Taiwan, which were decorated using quality ribbons. The decorative ribbons proved so popular among customers that the business gradually evolved into a dedicated ribbon wholesaler.

As a family-owned and operated business, May Arts began a long-standing tradition of quality,affordability and exceptional customer service. We are dedicated to carrying on this same tradition by offering high quality products at competitive prices. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer your questions or to assist you in placing your order.

May Arts carries a wide selection of quality ribbons to choose from; such as grosgrain, silk, satin, burlap and a variety of prints and patterns. All inventory is held in stock, so we can ship orders out right away—typically the same day.

Also in the celebration of this masterful duo, I have also decided to hold a little giveaway of my own!

To win, simply become a follower of my blog and leave a comment under this post.

If you are already a follower just let me know in your comment.

That simple...

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, June 25th from their comment left here on my blog.

Here is what I will be giving away!

8x8 Pad Little Darlings, 8x8 Pad Tropical Travelogue, Little Darlings Chipboard, Want 2 Scrap flourishes, a yard of May art Ribbon and a set of my handmade paper flowers

Whew, now that we have all the excitement out of the way, how bout a little inspiration?

Today I have a handful of fun birthday inspired projects to share with you,

including a few quick tutorials!

June is Birthday month in my family, with a total of 4 Bdays, including one of best friends'..

Mom!

So I decided to create some handmade goodies, special made just for her using yummy Graphic 45 papers and luscious May Arts ribbon.

First off, I created a fun baker's twine cupcake. This is an idea that I had previously seen, and decided to take it to the next step by turning it into a gift box.

Created using a 3" foam ball, cut into half and a chipboard base.

The chipboard cupcake base was purchased at Michaels.

However, it could easily be duplicated using a terra cotta pot, or for smaller cupcakes use a dixie cup instead.

These would make great party favors for the little ones, and they can even help make them!

The cherry used for the top, is a Graphic 45 Metal Button stained red with Alcohol Inks.

Small beads and Want 2 Scrap pearls make the perfect sprinkles!

Add a bit of fancy May Arts beaded lace around the edge for a touch of elegance and the look of icing.

Here is how to make the cupcake top for a gift box.

If creating just as a cupcake and not a lid, DO NOT cut your foam ball!

Supplies Needed:

3" foam ball, May Arts bakers twine(atleast 3 yards), paint brush, Mod Podge

Step 1: Carefully cut the 3" foam ball in half using a sharp knife.

Step 2: Start creating a spiral of twine within your fingers. Coiling it into a flat circle around itself.

Step 3: Once your Coil is about the size of a quarter, paint a quarter sized thin layer of Mod Podge onto the center of your foam ball half and adhere coil to the center.

Step 4: Continue painting on small amounts of Mod Podge, coiling the bakers twine as you go until fully covered.

Once complete decorate the top as desired using small beads and brads for sprinkles.

To make it look more like icing, lightly sprinkle with fine glitter.

When I went to decorate my cupcake, I found the only colors of bling I had were white.

To make them pop, I added a couple small drops of Alcohol inks, let them dry a second, and then wiped away the excess.

What other sweet treats can you create with Bakers Twine!?!

Well here are a few little accents that were super simple to make that almost look like decorative cookies.

Cupcake Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

A Ladies Diary- Focal Point

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Frads

May Arts: Bakers Twine, Beaded Lace Trim

Want 2 Scrap: Pearl Bling

Ranger: Glossy Accents, Alcohol Inks( Periwinkle, Seashel Pink, Cranberry, Lemonade)

Scor Tape

Other: Mod Podge, Foam Ball, Paint Brush, Beads, Chipboard Cupcake bottom

Second on the list Mom's presents is this cute Paper Mache Flying Pig Pull Toy!

This chipboard pig was something that I actually found at Meijers in their dollar bins. (Gotta love those dollar bins). Starting out as a Kraft Colored pig, I decided to paint him soft pink and give him a nice distressed finish by dry brushing brown over top, and wiping away the excess.

His base is created out of two wooden blocks, glued together then covered with Graphic 45's New Ladies Diary paper. I then sanded the edges down, and inked to an aged perfection. Followed by a layer of Mod Podge for protection, then the final step of hamming it up with some distress stickles.

One of Graphic 45's Metal Tags made the perfect backdrop for the word When, along with flowers cut from A Steampunk Debutante line and finished of with a pearl flourish from Want 2 Scrap.

Once the blocks were dry I was able to add one of Graphic 45's Metal Buttons to create the perfect pull string connector. Using May Arts Bakers twine of course!

The wheels were then inked and added to the cart, topped off with Graphic 45's Chipboard Buttons for decoration.

And the best part of all, this toy really rolls!

The wings were created by stamping out the image twice.

One image was glued to heavy cardboard then hand cut out. The other was fussy cut first, then added to the other side of the pre cut chipboard wing. Bent slightly, then adhered using Glossy Accents for a quick strong hold. I then back it with a dab of Glossy accents and allowed them to dry.

Once they were dry I sealed both sides with with a few layers of Mod Podge for protection.

Top the whole thing off with a handmade paper top hat, and your pig is ready to take flight!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

A Ladies Diary- A Garden Stroll

Olde Curiosity Shoppe-When Pigs Fly

Steampunk Debutante- Fantasy Floral

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags, Metal Buttons, Chipboard Buttons

Coredinations: Sanding Block

May Arts: Ribbon and Bakers Twine

Want 2 Scrap: Pearl Flourish

Ranger: Glossy Accents, Distress Stickles (Tumbled Glass, Rock Candy) , Frayed Burlap Distress Ink

7 Gypsies: Metal Gears

Stampers Anonymous: Angel Wings

VersaFine: Black

Other: 2" Wooden blocks, Mod Podge, E6000, Wooden wheels, Chipboard, black cardstock, pink and brown paint,

And last of all, what gift is complete without a handmade card to go with it!?!

And what perfect papers to use but Olde Curiosity Shoppe that just happens to feature a flying pig.

Supplies Needed to create Center Step Card:

One 5 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock for card base

Scor-Pal™, or other scoring tool

Paper trimmer

Adhesive

Step 1

Line cardstock up in the paper trimmer so that the edge of the card is at the 1" mark. Position the cutting blade at 1" and cut from 1" to 6.5", creating a slit

Flip card over and do the same on the other side.

Step 2

Place the card onto the scoring tool horizontally and score along the long side of the card from the edge to the cut line at 1", 2" and 6.5".

Step 3

Repeat step 3 on opposite edge of card.

Step 4

Score between the cut lines at 5 1/2".

Once ALL lines have been scored and cut, it should look like this

Step 5

Fold at the score lines. The first, third and center score lines are mountain folds. The second score line is a valley fold. Reinforce score lines to make folds crisp.

Step 6:

Cut front of card to 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". Cut 1" off each side, leaving a 1"tab at the bottom.

Step 7: Flip over patterned paper to reveal black and floral paper.

Adhere ribbon along bottom strip, lining up along top edge

Adhere to front of card.

Step 8:

Adhere 1" pink strips along the sides of card

Step 9:

Cut a 3" x 3 1/2" rectangle from Little Darlings Baby Borders and adhere to the center of the black floral paper.

Step 10:

Cut out from paper, or remove Sticker moon from Graphic 45's Happy Haunting line and lightly adhere in right corner of blue paper.

Step 11:

Cut out frame from Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Parlor Wall, and remove center image using scissors or kraft knife.

Flip over and place pop dots

Step 12:

Adhere to card framing the blue background. Adjust moon if necessary and firmly adhere

Step 13:

Cut out pig from When Pigs Fly Paper. Flip over and adhere pop dots only to the top area of pig

Use adhesive to glue the bottom half of the pig to the card. This will help to create more depth to your card. Adhere flying over moon!

Step 14:

Cut clock borders from Bazaar of Wonders Paper and adhere along inside edges of pink border, trim if necessary

Step 15:

Cut out leaves and foliage from Tropical Travelogue line, adhere to card

Step 16:

Cut the letter B from An ABC Primer. Adhere to card and finish off greeting using A Ladies Diary Alphabet stickers

Step 17:

Create a small bow out of the black satin ribbon. Last adhere to the right side of card

Center Step Card Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

A Ladies Diary- Focal Point

Olde Curiosity Shoppe-Bazaar of Wonders, Parlor Wall, When Pigs Fly

Tropical Travelogue- Island Jewel, Rainforest

Graphic 45 Staples: Ladies Diary Alphabet Stickers

Happy Haunting Stickers

May Arts: Black Satin Ribbon, Bakers Twine

Colorbox: Aqua Cats Eye

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Tombow: Glue Stick

Martha Stewart: Scor Board

Fiskars: Rotary Paper Trimmer

Many thanks for your visit today and taking your time to join in the Hop!!!

Lot's more inspiration to come all week long!

See below for a schedule of where to go next, and what to look forward to all week.

And don't forget to leave your comments along the way for a chance to win a great prize pack from Graphic 45 Papers!!!

Plus leave your comment here on my blog for a chance to win my prizepack!

Happy Hopping!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Schedule:

Monday, June 18th:

Alberto Juárez : http://vintageodyssey.blogspot.com/

Gloria Stengel : http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/

Nicole Eccles: http://www.nicoleeccles.com/ U ARE HERE

Jingle: http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/

Charlene: http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/

Tuesday, June 19th:

Arlene Cuevas: http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/

Jim, The Gentleman Crafter: http://thegentlemancrafter.typepad.com/

Betto Cesare: http://scrapguys.blogspot.com/

Vera: http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/

Latrice: http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/

Karen: http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 20th:

Clare Charvill: http://mycreativespirit.blogspot.com/

Kristin Wilson: http://www.kristinwilsonhandmade.com/

Sharon Ngoo: http://glooshmoo.blogspot.com/

Jenifer: http://stitchcutcreate.blogspot.com/

Tiffin: http://www.linwoodavenue.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 21st:

Denise Hahn: http://www.inmyblueroom.blogspot.com/

Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/

Susan Lui: http://luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com/

Jen: http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Candy: http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/

Kimberly: http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 22nd:

Maiko Miwa: http://shiny-scrap.blogspot.com/

Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/

Jinky: http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/

Leah: http://1alabasterowl.blogspot.com/

Graphic 45 Old Curiosity Shoppe Mixed Media Collage

2012-06-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday all, and welcome on this fabulous Friday!!

Seriously, where did the last week go?!?

Between deliveries, shows, playing taxi driver, graduations and birthdays these past few weeks have been gone in a flash!

This past weekend I took part in a Dayton tradition, 5 years running now, Dayton's Zombie Walk!

Not only was this just a fun event to attend, but I also got to dress up as a zombie and sell my Halloween inspired goodies!

Here are a few pics from the event!

Yup, that's me!!! All zombied out and ready for the night walking.

It's amazing what you can do with a little toilet paper, elmers glue, Vaseline and acrylic paint to really create the Zombie mood!!!

And here is a quick pic of my setup taken by a good friend. Somehow I always mange to forget my camera, or forget to charge the battery...Sheesh, what is wrong with me sometimes?!?

Also getting ready for another show this Saturday, this one is set in Historic downtown Waynesville at an antique type street show.

Hopefully I can remember my camera this this time!!

Ok, now for some Graphic 45 inspiration using the Olde Curiosity Shoppe line.

This little ditty was created on a 12 x 12 Artist's Canvas using Core'dinations Black Magic for my base.

I think the image captures the Illumination we can create with our inspiration. Illuminating all of our lives by inspiring others!

All of the gorgeous butterflies were hand cut from Graphic 45's Butterfly Specifics Paper from

The Olde Curiosity Shoppe Line. Each one then gently folded in half and glued dimensionally to create the effect of flight.

Fluttering around the wonderful light bulb from Steampunk Debutante.

The glow of the light was created using Twinkling H20's. They are perfect for really catching the light, and making something pop. And wow do they pop on black!

The title was handstamped using Graphic 45's new Typewrite Font Wooden stamp set.

Layers cut from Kraft Recollections embellish the corner. With touches of blue Graphic 45/ Colobox inks and Hot pink.

Love those numbers from the Olde Curiosity Shoppe Paper. They are perfect for anything!

I could see a whole inspired layout numbering activities, or birthdays etc!

Even have the clip art lady to share to design your own creations!

Just left click and save picture as.

That's it for today, but there is tons more inspiration from Gloria Stengl and Robin Shakoor over at the Graphic 45 blog you don't want to miss!

Wishing you all a safe and inspired weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Butterfly Specifics, Genuine Article, Counting Down, Parlor Wall

Kraft Reflections: Bed of Roses, Bits and Pieces, Before Your Time

Steampunk Debutante: Time Warp

Graphic 45 Antique Typewriter Wood Stamp Set

Colorbox: Graphic 45 Decades Inks: Bon Voyage, White Chalk Ink

Core’dinations Signature Series : Photogenic, Sanding Block

Ranger: Adirondack Ink Wild Plum, Glossy Accents

Girl Paperie: Flower Stamp

Sizzix: Bigshot Gear Die

Basic Grey: Rubons

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Other: Matte Gel Medium, Chipboard, Twinkling H20’s, Black paint, 12 x 12 Artist’s Canvas, Clipart

Graphic 45 Curtain Call Vintage Vicrola and Tutorial

2012-05-29T08:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday All!!

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend filled with lots of crafting fun!

I had a lazy weekend myself, spending time with family and actually just doing some cleaning(had to do some deep exploration to find my desk again).

For some of you it was a three day weekend, now it's Tuesday again, and back to the grindstone...UGH!

Well, today I have an extra special tutorial to share with you, guaranteed to shake those back to work blues away!

This vintage looking phonograph was created using Graphic 45's 5x5 Altered Art Box, and a mix of their gorgeous papers. Designed in the style of a 1929 Vintage Victola Phonograph created from common household items! Complete with a turnable crank, an adjustable arm, and a drawer similar to phonographs of it's time, making this a great gift box/gift!!!!

The idea was inspired by a CD that was given to me free at a music store. Though the CD was not something I would regularly listen to, it was made to look just like a record from the top, and just one of things I just could NOT throw away!

And boy am I glad I didn't...

Just needed to add a little Curtain Call Paper, and I had an instant classic from the 20's!!

Decorated ornately with wonderful cut chipboard from Imaginarium Designs.

Graphic 45 Metal Tags are almost identical to the manufacturer plates placed on most Phonograph's created during that time period! Even more reason to LOVE Graphic 45 more and more!!!

Add some more Imaginarium chipboard, and you have something magical! And don't forget the metal buttons that make the PERFECT drawer pulls!!

And now for the

TUTORIAL!!!

Supplies Needed:

Graphic 45 5x5 Altered Art Box

Graphic 45 Metal Hinges, Metal Buttons, Metal Brads and Metal Tags, Metal Clothespins

Approx 7” wooden block, or box lid for base

Lid from a Sour Cream container measuring the size of a CD

Wire

Kraft Knife

Mod Podge

Sandpaper or Sanding Block

Drill

Pliers

E6000

Food Skewer

Wooden Bead

Black, Silver and Copper Paint/ Paint Brush

Imaginarium Designs Decorative chipboard pieces

Ideology Ornate Metal Feet

Chipboard Cone

Step 1 To get started measure and draw an outline for the size of the drawer you wish to have on your altered art box. To make things easier make sure the side you are cutting through has only 1 layer of chipboard to cut through.

My drawer opening is 3”x 1 1/4” *Note my box has the top cut out also, this is not required, this is just something I did for better lighting in photos

Step 2 Using a Kraft knife carefully cut and remove the drawn area for the drawer.

Step 3 Prepare your altered art box, and wooden base by painting all the edges black.

Step 4 As your paint is drying, cut a few pieces of leftover chipboard to stack inside your box to help your drawer from “falling” down while pulling it in or out.

* Note: Once your chipboard pieces are stacked together they should be flush with the cut bottom opening of your drawer.

After making sure they fit flush, Place inside the drawer opening, and adhere firmly

Step 5 Cut and cover the Altered Art box and Wooden Base with Graphic 45 papers, sanding the edges as you go for a smooth aged finish.

Once covered with paper, ink all the edges to a desired effect, and seal with a thin layer of Mod Podge. Allow to dry, repeat Mod Podge for better protection.

Step 6 As your Mod Podge is drying it is a great time to get your drawer made. Cut a piece of chipboard to 5 1/4” x 5 1/4”.

The measurements given are for a 3” x 1 1/4” drawer opening.

If you have created a different size opening then you can determine your size of chipboard needed for the drawer by adding your width + width + length – 1/4”

So for my box it would be 1 1/4” + 1 1/4”+ 3” = 5 1/2” Then to make sure once folded it slides smoothly inside the opening subtract 1/4”.

Making the starting piece 5 1/4” x 5 1/4 “

Whew!!! Glad all that math stuff is done!

Step 7: Now draw a grid on your chipboard showing where the center and sides will be. To do this measure 1 1/8” from each side drawing a straight line from top to bottom.

This should create a 3x3 square in the center of your chipboard grid.

Step 8: Using a craft knife remove the corners and score along all the fold lines. Once complete, fold it up to look like a drawer

Step 9: To attach the drawer together, cover with long strip of paper around the outside, pulling all the corners together tight.
Continue until the inside and outside of the drawer is completely covered

Step 10: To create the front of the drawer cut a piece of heavy chipboard to 3 1/4’ x 1 5/8”. Paint the backside and edges black, cover the front with desired paper to match.

Attach to drawer to center of cover using Glossy Accents of heavy duty adhesive. Seal with Mod Podge and set aside to dry.

Once dry attach Graphic 45 Metal Button as a drawer pull.

Step 11: Now that your Altered Art Box is dry you can now decorate it with Imaginarium Chipboard and desired embellishments. Paint chipboard embellishments using metallic colors for a fancy look!

Step 12: To create the crank use a small piece of craft wire and pliers to carefully bend into a Z, or crank shape. Or bend overtop a firm hard corner like a countertop or metal table.

Adhere a bead at the end, embellished with a tiny Graphic 45 Metal Brad

Step 13: Once your crank is made, decide where you would like it to go.

I placed mine exactly in the center of a decorative piece of Imaginarium chipboard, on the center of the right side.

Once you decide, use a Drill to create a tiny hole for your crank to be inserted. Cut crank down if necessary using wire cutters and insert.

Step 14: Now that your Altered Art Box is almost complete you may now adhere it firmly to it’s decorated base, and attach the metal feet to the base using E6000

Step 15: While everything is drying it is time to create the Arm and Horn.

To create the horn simply paint a small chipboard cone using desired colors and decorate using Graphic 45’s Metal Brads.

To create the “needle”, simply separate a Graphic 45 Metal Clothespin in half, and adhere to the inside of the cone slightly sticking out.

*Note: For easy placement of the brads, remove the brad backs quickly using pliers.

Step 16:To create the arm, and stand for the horn simply print off the provided shapes. ( Just left click diagrams, click save picture as or print)

Trace them onto heavy chipboard, cut out using a kraft knife or heavy duty scissors and paint silver.

Make sure to cut notches into each the stand and arm as per the diagram

The arm should measure approx. 4” long, and the stand should be approx. 2” long

Step 17 Once the arm is complete, attach a Graphic 45 Metal Hinge to the backside of the arm using E6000.

At this time the E6000 used on the feet for the base and the hinge on the arm will need to dry atleast 12 Hrs, a lot of Hurry up and wait at this point!!!

Step 18: After waiting all that drying time, your hinge should be dry on the arm, and ready to attach to the Altered Art Box.

First, slide your crank out and set aside, so you can turn your whole glued phonograph on it’s right side. Exposing the left side and making a flat surface for glueing.

Again, using E6000 adhere the arm to the left side of your altered art box making sure the placement is correct for horn.

Prop up using something sturdy and allow to dry another 12 hours.

Step 19: Wow we are almost there! Once the hinge is completely dry you may now attach the stand by sliding the two notches together.

Once together it should now hold the cone in place.

Step 20: To create the record and it’s turntable you will need a CD and a plastic lid the size of the CD.

The record/CD I used was already created, however you can just as easily create one out of black paper and a CD, or chipboard painted black etc.

Once created decorate the center with desired images from Graphic 45’s Curtain Call line.

Step 20: Paint the edges of the Plastic lid silver. Allow paint to dry and adhere record/CD to the top.

Step 21: Use a drill to create a small hole in the center of the record on the turntable. This way you can create the post that would hold the record.

To create the post simply cut off a small piece of wooden food skewer, paint silver and slide through the hole.

Finally adhere the finished record to the completed Phonograph.

Step 22: Replace crank, drawer and horn to completion. Add any finishing touches with chipboard, or a Metal Tag to signify a manufacturer’s name plate etc.

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining in the fun!

Please feel free to message me if you have any questions or need any help concerning today's tutorial!

I am always happy to be a helping hand!

Hope you have learned some new things, and are ready to run off and create one of these musical masterpieces!

Giveaway to be announce later this week!!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Nicky Chicky

XOXO

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Altered Apothecary Cart

2012-05-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday Scrappers!!!

Thanks for stopping by Today, Hope you have all been having an amazing week!

I am still sick myself, something that apparently I will NEVER get over. After over 6 months of being sick off an on you would think that I would find some sort of immunity to all these colds. And if the weather doesn't start cooperating I believe it is time for a trip to Florida!!!

Now just to find some time.... Only 7 more days of school left for my little kindergartener and we are counting down the days to kick off the Summer!

Also hoping this will give me the break I need from her getting sick at school and bringing it home to me. Ohh the wonders of schooldays!

Today I am excited to share with you my Altered Apothecary Cart.

This was something my mom found on Etsy thinking it was A LOT smaller and insisted that I bought it.

Once it came I was pleased to find how big it really was! Measuring approx. 10”x 5”x 12” there was plenty of room to create a shadowbox. However, inside of the opening there were wooden pegs to represent a Calliope.

With a little work I was able to remove the wooden pegs and turn this little circus calliope into a full service Apothecary Cart!

Using Graphic 45’s Apothecary paper I created the look of a large sign advertising the wares.

And on the other side..

A whole Cartfull of wares!

With handmade boxes and shelves created from chipboard that house tiny glass bottles filled with concoctions. Tiny labels cut from Graphic 45’s Apothecary paper adorn the bottles filled with Distress Stickles and Embossing powders for effect.

Mini Metal Brads make the perfect knobs along the bottom of the shelf to hang your keys..

And in the corner a small bottle cap table sets atop a wooden spool base. A decorated wooden wheel serves as the perfect “pillow” for the crystal ball.

Resting atop the cart, luggage has been created out of heavy chipboard and stacked underneath netting for the long haul.

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Counting Down, Exquisite Motif, Optical Oddities, Parlor Wall, Apothecary, Genuine Article, Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Steampunk Debutante: Fantasy Floral, Eclectic Emporium
Le Cirque: Magnifique
An ABC Primer: Calico Kids
Renaissance Faire: Masterpiece, Venetian Lace
Graphic 45 Staples: Mini Metal Brads
Want 2 Scrap: Fleur De Li
Maya Road: Giant Bottle Cap
Ranger: Glossy Accents( as adhesive)
Scrapbook Adhesive: 3D Foam Squares
Tim Holtz: Corked Vials
7 gypsies: Tiny Metal Keys, Ornate Metal Strip
Other: Wolf Creek Calliope Wagon, E6000, Mode Podge, paint, sandpaper, wooden spool, wooden wheel, marble, Sharpie Markers, heavy chipboard, metal charms, gems, clipart

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my creations!

And most of all Thank you SOO much for all your love and support!!!

Lots more Amazing Graphic 45 inspiration today on their blog from Teamie Alberto Juarez, even a tutorial so you wouldn't want to miss out!

Have a Safe and Creative weekend!!

Nicki Chicky

XOXO

Graphic 45 Design Team Introduction and Final Projects

2012-05-09T10:11:00.001-04:00

Over the past few weeks we have had a chance to get to know all the AMAZING New Graphic 45 Design Team Members over at the G45 Blog.

Well today is my day to be in the spotlight with the wonderfully talented Maiko Miwa.

If you haven't already, make sure to stop by the G45 blog and read the great write ups they have given us today and catch up on anyone you may have missed along the way!

I feel truly blessed to be back with the BEST International Paper Company there is!

Thank you Graphic 45 for keeping me around, it is a truly humbling experience!

Ok, so for this year's application I created a little something new as well as used a few golden oldies!

This collage was created with a mix of Kraft Reflection and Olde Curiosity Shoppe. I have always loved this castle image, it first made it's appearance with the Botanica bella line many years past.

I was pleased to see it printed again in the new Kraft Reflections line.

The ornate black frame was cut with the Cricut Machine using the Sentimentals Cartridge.

For the title I used a mix of Chipboard, printed computer font and Graphic 45's New Antique Typewriter Wooden Stamp Set. The flying man is a clip art image that was cut out, and actually pop dotted at different levels to give more effect to his flight.

Layers, layers and more layers!

For my second project, I turned in a card favorite from the past.

This Center Step card was created for Summer CHA in Chicago last year.

Created with the fabulous Magic of Oz line featuring all of the memorable characters from childhood!

And the third project turned in was my magical Fairy Season Carousel Book.

This book was created for reapplying to the team, but was also featured in March as one of my monthly projects. With a mix of over 10 different Graphic 45 lines, each page has tiny hand cut images placed in scenes to portray the 4 seasons.

The best part about this book is how it opens up into a star shape, making all the images really Pop out!

I even hand wrote a short little poem about the seasons for each page!

That's it for today folks! Heading off to put the finishing touches on my May Graphic 45 projects.

It's back to being cold here again, my baby girl is sicky on the couch and there is always lots to do in my little creative world. Can't wait to share my April Projects with you!!!

Thanks so much for stopping in,

\Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Altered Post It Note Necklace

2012-04-27T13:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

It's been awhile since I have blogged, between being sick, shows, flower orders and Birthdays life has been CrAzY!!! A BIG THANKS to everyone who has sent well wishes and Bday wishes my way. You have all helped to brighten up my days!

After being sick off and on since August, and FULL on since January, I am happy to say that I am feeling GRAND again and almost fully recovered except for this drowning, lingering cough...(knock on wood) I had forgotten what it was like to not be sick and have energy to do things, it had really started to weigh me down. So very happy to be back into action!!

Currently I am still trying to get completely into the swing of things again, one baby step at a time.

Though I was sick, life never stopped and I know it is almost May, but to me this is the REAL beginning to my New Year, finally!

Now if the weather would just cooperate...But what can ya do...

Alright, with all that said..Whew...I have a technique video to share with you today!!!! Also still a little behind, I will be sharing my Altered Lazy Susan Carousel.

This little video was created for Graphic 45's Sneakie Peakie email sent out yesterday!

If you aren't signed up for their emails, then you are missing out on all the exciting things!

To sign up for their emails follow the link HERE directly to their facebook page.

I like to call this little ditty the Altered Post it Note Necklace! Super simple to create, makes an excellent gift, hey, and Mother's Day is just around the corner!

Plus you can follow along from to start to finish!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Butterfly Specifics, Parlor Wall, Genuine Article, Mercurial Masterpiece

Curtain Call: Tour De France

Tropical Travelogue: Botanica

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Hinges, Olde Curiosity Shoppe Tags 2

Hampton Arts: Paris Postage Stamp

Want 2 Scrap: Bling

Bazzill: Chipboard

Ranger: Glossy Accents(as adhesive), Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Distress Inks( Frayed Burlap, Tumbled Glass)

Fiskars: Craft Knife and Paper Trimmer

Font: Daulphin

Other: Mod Podge, Paint, Jump Ring, Chain, Clasps

Now onto the Fair!!

This was something I thought up last year right after making the team. At the beginning of the year it was my mission to complete it for this years tryouts, but it wouldn't fit in the box to ship this year around!!

The finished piece measures approx 14'” high x 12 1/2” wide. Created out of a double layer food carousel, or lazy Susan. The double layer worked out better than I had planned making it extremely easy to create the roof top.

Decorated ornately with dozens of tiny mirrors, 100 ‘s of gems and 6 different hand colored carousel animals. Each animal is double sided, both sides have been colored to match, cut out, then adhered together using pop dots. A painted food skewer was then slid between the layers of each animal to create their carousel poles.

The center chipboard “post” has been sitting on my desk for a few years now, leftover from industrial cling wrap rolls..just something I knew would come in handy some day and couldn’t throw out!

The finished piece probably took me way too long to create, but I am truly pleased with the results! I for see a circus inspired party in the future, and I’m already one step ahead with this interactive centerpiece!!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Le Cirque: Magnifique, Circus Parade, Greatest Show On Earth, Bohemian Floral, Le Cirque

Renaissance Faire: Bona Fide, Tudor Rose, Enlightened

Colorbox: Chalk inks- Warm Red

Want 2 Scrap: Bling

Staz On: Timber Brown

Maya Road: Canvas Flag

Fiskars: Scalloped border punch

EK Success: Giant Scalloped Border Punch

Ranger: Glossy Accents as adhesive

Tombow: Glue Stick

Other: Spray Paint, E6000, mini mirrors, cooking skewers, metal star charms, chipboard, lazy Susan food carousel

That's it for today!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wishing everyone a Happy Friday!!

XOXO
Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Design Team Finalists 2012

2012-04-01T08:02:00.000-04:00

Well you could definately say I am a little behind with posting. Though I am EXTREMELY excited to make the team again, I have been too sick to celebrate, or do anything but rest.

Sat and brainstormed ideas yesterday, was all excited to get started...Then the exhaustion hit and it was Nap time. Hoping the meds will kick in soon and I can start feeling better!!!

Thank you to everyone who believed in me, and has been sending your love and support my way!!

Creating art is first a passion, then a love for sharing and connecting with other!

You all mean more than you could ever know!

Ok, onto the amazing list of artists that is now the 2012 Graphic 45 Design Team!

1. Denise Hahn - USA

2. Sharon Ngoo - Singapore

3. Nicole Eccles - USA

4. Clare Charvill - UK

5. Alberto Juárez Díaz - Spain

6. Arlene Cuevas - USA

7. Tara Orr - Canada

8. Jim Hankins - USA

9. Maiko Miwa - Japan

10. Gloria Stengel - USA

11. Susan Lui - Singapore

12. Kristin Wilson - USA

13. Jane Tregenza - Australia

14. Roberto Cesar dos Santos - Brazil

15. Laura Denison - USA

This new team is going to be unreal!! With a strong base in Altered art and funkiness, these peeps speak my language!! I can't wait to be inspired by all they do, as well as really push myself even more this year, and this is the team to do it!! WOOHOO!!

Congrats to all the finalists, and all the applicants!

Hang in there, took me 2 tries before making the team!

Off to be lazy with my daughter!!

Happy April Fools Day, and Hope you have a lazy Sunday!!

XOXO

Nicki Chicky