Sometimes there isn't time to create an elaborate project and you need just a little something to jazz up that special little space.  I'm a huge fan of Sizzix dies and this new die from Elieen Hull fits the bill perfectly!  It's a 3D bird die aptly named "Bird"!  You can check it out HERE!

A good plan would be to cut a bunch of these ahead of time so you have them ready to go at a moment's notice!

I used an assortment of papers from our August kit and ran them through my Sizzix using Elieen's fabulous die!

Use a bone folder and ruler to make a crease on the wing flap.

Then thread some ribbon through two holes in a larger sized button.

...then glue the ribbon and wings on either side of the bird body...

...and...

!!! like magic !!! 

You have a bird who kinda looks like he has a button and ribbon for feets and leggies!

I plan on hanging a TON of these from a branch I have hanging in my foyer!
These would also be an adorable decoration for a baby or bridal shower!

So believe or it not...  that's all there is to it!

I hope you enjoyed this quick little tutorial!

You can still get our August kit - Time Too... right HERE!

Until next time!

HUGS!

I used an old board that is about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long, and painted it black. Then I chose papers that would work in the kitchen, and proceeded to cut the pieces to form a house, used a covered button for the doorknob, added a heart, and then chose one of the flowers from the kit to add to it.

I wanted my wall hanging to include some scripture, so I added one of my favorite Bible verses to it, choosing two of the words to use the Pink Paislee Mistable alphas with.  For this project I opted to leave the alphas white, because they are striking on their own (I had lots of fun coloring them red for another project later, using Tim Holtz distress inks). :) I painted the rest of the words with a white paint pen.

See?  Super easy project! Until next time....

***DANCE***

First up...using my Cricut Expression 2 I cut a starfish shape and layered it on top of the felt flower.  I also added the tiny yellow buttons for added dimension and texture.  I added a swiss cheese punch from EK Success on the top and sides of my layout...always doing things in 3's, it gave it that perfect "water" feel and so easy to do!

I added a green silk ribbon in a random shape...trying to create movement in the title... out butterflies and placed them on and around the title using my Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Also don't be afraid to create interesting titles.  Rather then putting them on flat surfaces...give your titles a little dimension and layer them on embellishments you have used in your layouts. 

If you received your kit you know you have that fabulous cheesecloth included in it!!!  I LOVE this stuff!!!  So easy to use and manipulate and perfect for your beach/pool layouts from this summer!  I used it to create a "bottom of the ocean" look.  

Again using my Cricut Expression 2 and Life is a Beach Cartridge I added a few seashells with a touch of glitter, buttons and the adorable Cogs and Swirl chipboard pieces. I layered one piece under the cheesecloth and added the rest on top with a brad for added color and dimension.

Well that is all for me today! I hope you have fun giving your layouts a bit of texture, movement and dimension!!!

The first technique I want to show you is for the background layer of the card.  The card is a regular A2 black card and the background is a piece of white cardstock cut slightly smaller than the front of the card (4" x 5 1/4").  For this tutorial I used the Sizzix Postcard Alterations embossing folder (although I used the collage folder for the sample above).  

First you need to open the embossing folder and ink the top piece (yes, the folder itself).  You can use any ink, but I like to use Distress Inks because they stay wet longer than other inks and give you more working time.

 
Then center the white cardstock inside the embossing folder and run through the Cuttlebug.

Your cardstock will now be embossed as well as colored!

Here's a quick tip for you:  you don't need a fancy "reverse corner punch" - just use a small circle punch!

Now on to the little kraft cardstsock gears that were included in the kit.  These are exclusive Front Porch Kutz!  (If you purchased a kit and would like more, or if you didn't get a kit and would just like some gears, you can purchase the SVG file on the website for a minimal fee and cut as many as you would like on your Cricut.)  Here is a closeup of all three gears.

The gears were not very grungy looking, so I used three different techniques to get them to look old and used.

I inked the first one with Versamark (embossing ink).  The easiest way to do a small piece like this is to place it face down on the ink pad and press it into the ink. (Don't mind my dirty pad - it's well-used!)

Then sprinkle with Vintage Photo Distress Embossing Powder, completely covering the cardstock.  Tip: when using Distress Embossing Powder, be sure to shake it well before using to completely mix the release crystals in the powder.  Heat with a heat gun until set.  Cool, then gently wipe off the gear with your fingertips, removing the crystals that did not melt.  (Distress powder differs from regular embossing powder as it contains crystals that won't melt, thus giving the distresssed look.)

Use a blending tool to swipe Vintage Photo Distress Ink over the gear.

Your first gear should now look like this - nice and old and rusty.

I painted the second gear with black acrylic paint.  You could also just start with black cardstock and skip this step.

Once it is dry, ink it with Versamark ink by pressing it into the pad as shown above. Then sprinkle with regular silver embossing powder. (Tip: transfer those embossing powders you use often to a small plastic container for easier and faster application.)

Heat with the heat gun until "grainy" - not completely smooth, if possible.  While still hot, sprinkle with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) or place face down in UTEE in container.

Heat again with heat gun until it starts to melt, but not too smooth.  If it gets too smooth, you can blot it lightly with a paper towel to make texture. Cover with black acrylic paint, removing most of it before completely dry.  The gear will look something like tarnished metal. Remember, each will be totally unique!

I also painted the last gear, this time with dark brown acrylic paint. You could also cut the gear from brown cardstock to eliminate this step.

When dry, ink with Versamark ink as shown above.  Completely cover with Rust Embossing Powder.

Heat with heat gun until melted.  Then swipe over the gear with black Staz On ink, wiping any excess off if desired.

The gear should now look something like this - another rusty look.

 
Here are the three gears again. I think they look pretty cool and grungy!

I hope you will try some of these techniques to add some masculine flair to your projects.  Please share with us if you do!

Rhonda here today. 

Now that you have had "Time To" order your kit.  We are back to show you some of the amazing projects that the design team has made with their kits.  (If you would still like to purchase the Time To... kit go to www.frontporchkits.com or call the LBH at 817-431-7930 while supplies last.)

This kit is jammed packed full of crafting goodness. I was able to complete 5 different projects from the Time To kit, and still have enough paper to make another LO or two for my scrapbook.  (Plus lots of extra embellies.)

For now, I want to show you my Altered Frame.

At the Little Blue House we have had many classes for altering frames and I had yet to make one.  So I made my way to the craft store and they were nice enough to have a black frame similar to this one on the clearance rack for me.  I love when they do that!

I liked this frame for the wide area around the glass. It would allow me to show off the great patterns in the papers and made for a very quick and easy alteration too.  

All you do is measure the length of each side and divide by how many squares you want to run down the sides.  Mine were about 2-1/4x3-1/4. I picked 5 patterns to use: Basic Grey-Glicee, Tickets-Daily Junque by Pink Paislee(both sides), the pink side of the Basic Grey-Lithograph, and Cheerful Words from the Victoria Gardens by Echo Park.

I cut my squares(well, their really rectangles...anyway) and kept arranging them until I found a combination I liked. Attaching them to this frame I used the tacky tape because it sticks well on the smooth surface. 

For the large flower embellishment I used my new Sizzix Die, Flower Petal Power by Eileen Hull.

I cut about 9 large petals in the printed paper and 3 large in the solid pink cardstock. And 5 smaller petals from the printed paper and 3 small from the pink cardstock.

To give them their shape I used a skewer to pressure roll them.

Place petal in your hand laying flat.

Take skewer, and from the middle, start rolling skewer across the petals with moderate pressure.  (Use a sturdy skewer, too thin and the skewer might break. A dowel or pencil will work too.)

Curl all of your petals.

To arrange my flower, I punched out a 2 inch circle (from scraps) to give myself a base before placing on the frame.  This way I can move and make errors without damaging my framework.

Start with the large petals on the outer edge of your base circle and work inwards, staggering then as you go.  There should be two rings of the large petals and two rings of the small petals. 

I then embellished the middle of my flower.

That's it! Nice and easy, and gorgeous

Thank you for joining me today

and

Have a wonderful Labor Day.

Rhonda Merry

 
Time To...

Interesting title don't you think?!?! ...but perfectly fitting for this unique product offering! hmmm...it could be Time to Celebrate; Time to Play; Time to Create; Time to Relax; the list could go on and on!  You can create beautiful layouts, minibooks, and home decor, etc. with ease when you purchase a Front Porch Kit! Each Kit purchase includes an instructional CD which will give you step by step how to's and photos for a variety of projects! 

Here is Sneak Peek #2:

Pre-orders have begun! You may preorder online at www.frontporchkits.com or if you would rather preorder by phone or in person, simply give us a call or stop by the LBH.

The Little Blue House
118 W. Olive St.
Keller, TX 76248
(817) 431-7930

Please post a comment and it will automatically enter you into a random drawing for a chance to WIN a FREE Front Porch Kit! All comments from each sneak peek post are entered so you can comment as many times as you want to up your chances of winning! You must also be a blog follower to win so make sure you follow us to ensure you don't miss out! 

Happy Friday!
Miss Tracy :)

www.frontporchkits.com
www.frontporchkits.typepad.com
www.thelittlebluehouseblog.blogspot.com

Stay true to your passion -- Keep Creating!
Miss Tracy :)

P.S. love to hear your comments...keep'em coming!