Winter Stag Journal

Hey there, Crafty Friends!

Do you make gifts during the holidays? There's nothing quite like a handmade gift. Sure, buying gifts still take time and consideration to select and purchase. Navigating stores, fighting crowds, and waiting in long lines can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.  That is why I like to handmake gifts and avoid some of the hustle and bustle. 

Journals have been on a hot streak and it doesn't seem like it's going to cool down anytime soon. And I absolutely LOVE making them. I pour lots of love and thought into each one. Today, I created this gorgeous Shabby Chic Winter Stag Journal with the help of my Xyron Creative Station Lite. This little machine has been a HUGE timesaver... Move over decoupage, Xyron adhesive has a permanent place in this crafty girl's heart!!

Supplies Used

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Dashing Dear Die (Sizzix)

Printed Corrugate Cardstock (DCWV) 

Patterned Paper (DCWV)

Chipboard

 White Peony,  (I Am Roses)

Small Spring Cottage Flower (I Am Roses)

Achillea Cottage Flowers (I Am Roses)

Cherry Blossoms (I Am Roses)

White Maple Leaves (I Am Roses)

Elastic Cording

4" x 6" Notebooks

Jeweled Brads

Guillotine Trimmer (Swingline)

Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers)

Hemp Twine

Self-adhesive Iridescent Flowers 

Liquid Glue

Clothes Pins (Optional)

I started by die-cutting my journal covers. I used the Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die and my Sizzix Big Shot to die-cut two pieces of medium weight chipboard.

Then added a small amount of liquid glue to the spine and attached the two covers together, I made sure to line up the holes on the spine so that the covers were straight and laid properly when closed.

To ensure the covers dried in the correct position, I clamped them together using mini clothespins- but regular-sized ones would work too.

I usually cover my chipboard entirely with patterned paper, but this time I opted against it. Instead, I opted to make "card-front" like panels. Again, I wanted this to be "Shabby Chic" so by leaving the chipboard somewhat exposed it gives it a more rustic feel.

I cut two panels each of white cardstock and patterned paper. 

White Cardstock- 3 7/8"x 6 1/2"

Patterned Paper- 3 3/4" x 6 1/4"

 I layered and attached the patterned paper over the white card stock using my Xyron Mega Runner. Then attached them onto the outside flaps of my cover.

I ran a 5.5" x 8 " piece chipboard through my Xyron Creative Station, then flipped it over and ran it through a second time to add adhesive to both sides. I left the protective film on and cranked it through my Big Shot machine using the Tim Holtz Dashing Deer Die.

Then, I die cut another deer from corrugated cardstock and adhered the two pieces together to give my deer more bulk and dimension.

Then I attached the deer onto the front of my book cover. and attached a multi-looped bow made from hemp twine.

 I created a swag of flowers and leaves under the deer. I curled the leaf stems before I attached them for a bit of interest. Then surrounded the bow with an assortment of flowers.

I made sure to use muted tones throughout to keep with the Shabby Chic feel.

I used my Crop-a-dile tool to punch holes through the thick chipboard on both the front and back covers lined up on both flaps and looped a piece of elastic through it for a closure that hooked onto a jeweled brad on the front cover.

Lastly, I threaded elastic strands through the pre-cut holes and inserted four premade notebook inserts. 

And here is my finished journal...

I covered all pre-cut holes with jeweled brads to give a more finished look.

I hope you enjoyed today's project and that it inspired you to create your own beautiful handmade gifts... there really isn't anything like giving a piece of your heart to your loved ones this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Mitsyana 

Shabby Chic Love Journal

Hello, Crafty Friends! I'm back again for my LAST post of the term for Team Xyron. It has been a incredible year. One that I won't soon forget. As our term comes to an end, we were asked to make our last post about our FAVORITE Xyron product. And let me tell you, it was not an easy decision.

It was extremely hard to choose... why? Because Xyron makes tons of awesome products. Many of which I use on a daily basis and all of which are my "go-tos". So, I had to approach this question from a different angle... Which of my favorites had the most versatility, which one could do more? Because if it can do a lot more than the rest then surely it would reign supreme.

And the answer to my questions was a no-brainer... 

The Creative Station!!!

So, for my project today, I using the "Big Daddy" of Xyron Adhesive Machines, the Xyron Creative Station, to create another fave of mine... a journal!! A romantic, shabby chic, "Love" Journal to be more precise!

Supplies Used

Xyron Creative Station w/ 9" & 5" Permanent Refill

Eileen Hull Journal Die (Sizzix) 

Eileen  Hull Trinket Box & Frame Die (Sizzix)

Meet Me In Paris Stack (DCWV)

Chipboard

Embossed Felt (Kunin)

Rose Buds-Cream (Little Birdie Crafts)

Flower Clippings (Prima Marketing)

Paper Leaves (Recollection)

Mechanicals- Tin Hearts, Grungy Butterflies, & Vintage Trinket Flowers (Prima)

Tim Holtz- Word Bands (Advantus Corp)

Guilding Wax (Pebeo)

Tim Holtz Acyrlic Stamps 

Distress Inks- Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain (Ranger)

I start off with cutting my materials down to die-cuttable widths (6"x12"). Then I run my paper through my Creative Station and adhere it to the chipboard on both sides. I just created a double-sided patterned chipboard. I repeat that step on a second chipboard piece. Then I die-cut both these newly covered panels using Eileen Hull's Journal Die and set them aside.

Ok, so the BIG work was taken care of. I still need my adhesive machine but I don't need larger sheets of adhesive... what to do, what to do... easy, I convert it!! I switch out my Large 9" cartridge for a smaller 5" one. It's soo easy-peasy.

Simply push in the top latch to release the lid, grip the 9" cartridge and pull straight up. Next, lift the little green partition, then slide in the 5" inch cartridge. Make sure your adhesive sheet is in between your two rollers, and close your lide till it clicks. BOOM, DONE!!

 Now, this bad boy is ready to go! I can run smaller object through with less waste. Becasue let's face it... our adhesive is like gold!! And we don't wan to waste gold!

But just because it smaller or less wide, doesn't mean that this puppy can do less... Nope... not at all!

The Creative Station can create self-adhesive Chipboard (YAY, Chipboard Stickers)! It can turn cut out journaling cards into homemade stickers!! Do you know how much embellishments like these cost in store? Too much if you ask me... I can just make them at home for a few cents!

Look how gorgeous they are decorating this journal insert!!

I'm not even close to coming to an end of the list of things this "magical" mchine can do... yes, I said magical... because how else can you also add adhesive to FELT and CHEESE CLOTH?? YESSSS, you heard me right... I ran both through my Creative Station!!

I've made my own self adhesive chipboard sticker, self adhesive felt, and self adhesive cheesecloth!!

All of these thing make my journal making a breeze!! I don't have to sit around to wait for massive amounts of glue to dry! Just BAM, BAM, BAM!!

Felt on... Check!

Cheease cloth on... Check!

Chipboard Frame on... Checkity check check!!!

The only wet glue I used was for my flowers and if those were'nt stacked so high I'd probably try to run those through too! The Xyron Creative Station can take widths up to 1/4" (think the width of a nickel). But shhh, I'm going to tell you a little secret of mine... pop the lid open, just let it rest closed and don not click it  shut. This gives you just a little more "breathing room". And instead a cranking your item through, give the adhesive film a gentle pull from behind the machine. 

**Disclaimer** 

This is my personal method and is not advised or recommended by Xyron. Use this technique at your own risk and discretion.

Hahahaha... just had  to let you all know that!

And here is my finshed Journal...

I hope you loved this project as much as I did!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

***Disclaimer***

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

Feeling Grattitude Wall Art

Hello, Crafty Friends!

I'm back with Team Xyron today and we have been partnering up with Waffleflower all week to bring amazing projects featuring awesome products from both companies.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I thought I'd make myself a little reminder... to always express my GRATITUDE. Not just on one day out of the year but every single day. So today I have this framed piece of wall art tutorial to share with you all.

Supplies Used

Feeling Gratitude Stamp Set (Waffleflower)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

1.5" Sticker Maker (Xyron)

Paper Crafting Medley- Iona (Little Birdie Crafts)

Patterned Paper (DCWV)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

White Cardstock

Mixed Media Glue

Frame

Jute

First, I gathered my materials. I dismantled my frame and removed the photo mat. I used the mat as a template and outlined it onto the back of my patterned paper with a pencil. Then, I cut out the traced shape using scissors.

I used a craft knife to cut out the inside window. Then cut a back piece from more patterned paper to layer the frame onto. I used my Xyron Mega Runner to layer and attach the two pieces together.

I used Waffleflower's amazing Feeling Gratitude Stamp Set to stamp in the window area of the frame. I used a stamp positioning tool just in case I need to restamp and want exact placement.

I stamped a second time onto plain white cardstock. The second impression didn't need to be perfect. I just stamped it to cut the two banner images.

I ran the two banner pieces through my Sticker Maker. Then applied them directly to the matching areas in the framed sentiment.

Next, I attached my chipboard flourishes onto the frame using mixed media glue. Then attached my burlap flowers and jute bow. Once the adhesive dried I inserted the mat back into the frame.

And here is my finished framed art...

Now, it's good to go!! This baby is ready to be hung on a wall or placed on a mantle or tabletop!

This is such a beautiful saying that holds very true. Feeling and being grateful is wonderful... but unless you express that gratitude no one will ever know it. 

I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial and that it inspires you to create and to share and express your gratitude with those around you!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

***Disclaimer***

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

Altered Hoop Art

Hello, Friends!
Today, I'm bringing you this Altered Embroidery Hoop project I created for Little Birdie Crafts!

Supplies Used 

Paper Crafting Medley - Aurora 13pc
4" Embroidery Hoop
6"x6" Orange Tulle
6"x6" Pink Tulle
Mixed Media Glue
Alcohol Markers (I used Spectrum Noir Illustrators)
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen (Clear)
Distress Oxide Ink-
Crinkle Ribbon

I love these Papercrafting Medleys from Little Birdie Crafts! These are awesome little kits that come with almost everything you need to make a project. Flowers, leaves, stems... even chipboard embellishments! And all you have to do is assemble onto your choice of media. Today, I chose to alter a mini embroidery hoop but these kits would go beautifully on a card too!

The chipboard pieces are gorgeous and full of detail. They're even beautiful untouched and left plain!

I chose to color this little gorgeous fairy with my alcohol markers. These are chipboard pieces so the ink does tend to absorb into the material.

*Tip*: Applying gesso before coloring will minimalize the this and will make your color more vibrant. For me I kind of like the brownish undertones.

After coloring, I used my sparkle pen to color over the skirt and wings for lots of shimmer and shine.

Once my fairy was all colored I needed a place to perch her. she is in a sitting position and I thought placing her in a hoop would look like she was swinging.

I wanted the hoop to remain open and airy but needed a backing to apply my embellishments. This is where the tulle comes in. I blended two colors of tulle, one on top of the other, to get the right shade to coordinate with my fairy and my flowers.

I cut the tulle, one orange, and one pink, into 2- 6" pieces. Then layered them over each other. I opened the hoop and placed the material over the inner hoop and fastened in place with the outer hoop. I used scissors to trim away the overhanging excess tulle.

With mixed media glue, I attached my leaves in an arch directly onto the hoop.  Then laid down and glued the rose buds and corkscrew stems next. I added the bigger open roses toward the midway point of the arch and tucked the stems randomly in between.

I shaded the edges of my leaves with Walnut Stain Oxide inks and then I glued them under and around the open roses.

I applied mixed media glue behind my chipboard fairy and attached her direct onto the tulle.

Once she was secure, I attached a bow made of crinkle ribbon to the hoop closure.

Now, she is ready to dangle and sway in her floral swing.

And here is my finished project...

I love how she looks like she is kicking out her foot with her other one curved back. It really looks like she's trying to build momentum and swing!

I hope you liked today's project!

See you all next time!

~Mitsyana

***Disclaimer***

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

Dia de los Muertos Mini Art Journal

Hello, Crafty Friends!!

No, This is not a late Halloween post. This is actually right on time! Because this is a Day of the Dead (or Dia de los Muertos) themed project. 

Day of the Dead is a Mexican Holiday that celebrates family, love, and remembrance of those who passed. And ironically is not just a "day" but three days long. Each day is reserved for the remembrance of a child lost (Oct. 31) or an adult (Nov. 1) and for visiting of the souls at the graves of the departed loved ones (Nov. 2). Graves are cleaned and decorated. These shrines are often adorned with marigolds and sugar skulls and the favorite food or drink of the deceased. You can read more about this amazing holiday here.

I have come to love this wonderful holiday. I am drawn to the traditions, bright colors, flowers, and of course, sugar skulls. And though I am not of Mexican descent, I still have a huge respect for the culture. What's there not to love?? So I made this Dia de los Muertos inspired Art Journal to show my love for this amazing and beautiful holiday!

Supplies Used

Big Shot Machine (Sizzix)

 Eileen Hull Passport Die (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Leaves, Spring (Sizzix)

Crafty Chica Sugar Skull Framelits Stamps & Die Set (Sizzix)

Crafty Chica Hola Flower Stamps & Die Set (Sizzix)

Crafty Chica My Happy Life Cardstock Pad (Sizzix)

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Eileen Hull Blends- Nutmeg (ClearSnap)

Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Vintage Photo (Ranger)

140 lb. Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink Pad (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers - 60 pk (Kuretake/ Zig)

Chipboard

Hemp Twine

3D Dots (EK Success)

Tacky Glue (Collall's)

I start by cutting two pieces of chipboard down to 4.25" x 5.5" pieces. Then, I run both pieces through my Xyron Creative Station Lite machine and add adhesive onto both sides of each of the chipboard pieces.

I also cut my patterned paper, from Crafty Chica's My Happy Life Cardstock Pad to 4.25" x 5.5" pieces.

I peeled the protective film off and adhere a sheet of cardstock onto both sides of each cardboard piece.

I also repeated those same steps onto a 3" x 6" piece of chipboard. But only applied paper to one side of the chipboard piece.

Then, I laid both pieces onto my Eileen Hull Passport Die and cranked it through my Big Shot machine. Tip: Make sure to put whichever paper /side you want on the outside of your cover to be faced down against the blade.

Here I have the basic parts of the book all cut out.

I add tacky white glue down the spine and adhere the front and back covers together. To ensure and good grip and proper alignment I like to use mini clothespins to hold my pieces in place.

Then, once the glue set I inked the edges of the entire book with an Eille Hull Blends applicator in Nutmeg.

I stamped the skull image from Crafty Chica's Sugar Skull and Hola Flower Stamps & Die Sets 

onto mixed media paper using VersaFine Onyx Black ink.

Then, colored them in using my Zig Clean Color Real Markers.

Once I was pleased with my coloring, I die cut the images using the matching dies that came in each set.

I die cut a few leaves out of green cardstock using Eileen Hull's Leaves, Spring die.

I folded down the center to create a spine. Then folded at a diagonal to create the veins in the leaf.

I inked over the raised creases with distress ink and a blending tool.

Then attached the leaves, twine bow, and sugar skull onto the front cover of my book. Then I attached the flowers over those. I added foam dots under the skull and one of the flowers for a bit of dimension.

Now that the cover is done, I moved onto the inside.

I die cut the insert pages from the Eileen Hull Passport Die out of plain chipboard. Then simply folded and creased each chipboard page.

I fastened each page to the spine using hemp twine. I inserted each individual strand through the hole in the page, then, through the hole in the book. 

I gathered the strand on the outside of the spine and tied at a basic knot.

And here is my finished book...

I left all the pages blank because I plan on using this as a mini art journal. Chipboard is great at holding its shape against moisture. All I need to do is slap coat of gesso onto the page if I plan to paint. The gesso helps to prevent the paint from getting sucked up by the chipboard and makes your paint spread further. 

I hope you enjoyed this project for today!! 

Happy Day of the Dead Everyone!!

~Mitsyana