Snowflakes

Well the weather finally decided to turn today. :)  We are seeing our first set of snowflakes and bursts of cold gusts of wind.  I figured why not share my snowflake ornament created for Darkroom Door using their new Snowflake background.  I even have a few step by step shots for you.

 This all started with a series of white snowflakes cut using the Sizzix Snowflake die. The bigger the die cut the easier to put them together.  Also you need an image that is symmetric for this to work.

Then I stamped each snowflake with the snowflake background using the Versamark embossing ink.

 After I stamped the snowflake with the ink I sprinkled a shimmery clear embossing powder. (I used Stampendous Kaleidoscope embossing powder one of my favorites.   You could also use clear embossing powder and sprinkle ultra fine crystal glitter onto it while it was still warm to get a shimmer.

 I then played with different dye inks to see what color I wanted my snowflakes to be.  I chose a gray dye ink, but I have to say the coral was really pretty!

 I did make a mistake because I didn't sponge the back side of the snowflakes in the same color. If you do this when you put together your ornament and if you don't line it up perfectly you won't be able to tell. :)  If you do sponge the dye ink on the back side.  Do this first before you stamp the other side and heat set the dye ink so when you assemble them the tape/glue will stick. I find that the dye ink has so much moisture that sometimes tape won't stick unless I dry (heat set) the ink.

Now to start the folding process...

 You will need to crease the snowflake down the center. I used my bone folder and my cutting board to line up the center. It is tough on those small ends to get it folded but work on the main crease and you can then work on the ends individually. 

You need to fold all your snowflakes.  I used five snowflakes on mine but you can decide how many you want and how full your snowflake is.

Once they are all scored you can now attach them to each other.  I used tape on mine but work with whatever medium you like. I used a stronger tape and my tape gun to get them to stick together. 

 Keep attaching them together until you have one left.  Then you are going to put your hanging device in the center with any charms you want dangling below the ornament.

I just used some thread and created a loop on one end and left the pieces hanging out the other end to tie my pearl charm to the bottom. 

 I really had to lighten the photo up for you to see the snowflake shape.  This makes me appreciate the cold weather as the snowflakes are beautiful!

Keep warm,

Suzz

Merry Christmas!

 

 I have been doing quite the clean up in my crafting space the last couple of days. Two big bins of stamps and other items to go to the stamp store garage sale.  During the rummage and cleaning  I found a lovely unfinished  ornament in my alterable items.  

I used one of my favorite retired Hero Arts stamp with the Madonna and child to create an ornament to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I started with a mistake of course where I got some glimmer mist from the other side of the ornament on the bottom of the image.  I just worked with it and made the background the same blue and luckily it was only around the edges.  

The image was stamped using a black archival ink.  The ornament had no glossy finish so I was able to stamp and color the surface and finish it with a couple of coats of clear embossing powder. I colored with a combination of glimmer mists, watercolor pencils an dye inks.  

The surface was covered with versamark at the end and heat embossed using clear embossing powder. Before I embossed using the clear embossing powder I sponged brown dye ink around the edges over the versamark.  

Now the other side I used a different Hero Arts Christmas set and a much simpler scene: 

Have a blessed Christmas! 

Suzz

Trimmings...

We are getting prepared for Thanksgiving.. Part of that is planning to pull out all the Christmas decorations and setting up the tree.

In that spirit.. I created this ornament for the Trimmings challenge on the HA blog. I apologize up front because I am sure this has been done and I have seen it somewhere but can't credit the site I saw it on. (Probably Spellbinders Blog)

I shared two versions of the picture one without contrast:

One with the contrast applied:
Really simple. Stamp the design block background (Hero Arts - Antique Flower Background) on white card stock. Heat emboss with Enchanted Gold Embossing powder. Die cut 5 Pendant shapes (Spellbinders - Shapeabilities -Fleur De Lis Pendants) with the smaller pendant shape centered in the middle.

After all the die cuts are cut and all the little pieces are knocked out (Very tedious and time consuming) you can assemble. Fold the large and small pendent shapes with the plain white side facing out in half. Glue together white surface to white. Continue until the last piece which you glue to the ornament.

The only thing to remember is to run your string through the center before you close out your final pieces.

I would have to redo mine as I didn't get clean cuts on my dies for all the pieces but wanted to share how it will look. :)

Hope you have a fabulous day!

Suzz