DIY 3D Carrot Canvas

Hey, Crafty Friends! 

I may not be Peter Cottontail but spring has sprung and, hippity-hoppity, Easter is on its way! Before I start on making Easter baskets for all the little boys and girls (a.k.a. my children), I figured I'll set the mood by making a little Easter decor for my home first. So today I'll show you how I created this simple 3D Carrat Canvas.

Supplies Used

8"x 10" Stretched Canvas (Derwent)

Creative Station (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

Fall Basics Stack (DCWV)

Natural Burlap Stack (DCWV)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull's Flower Layers w/ Heart Petals Die (Sizzix)

David Tutera's Greenery & Flourish (Sizzix)

ColorBox Dyestress Inks- Tomato, Moss (Clearsnap)

ColorBox Art Daubers (Clearsnap)

Paper Blossoms Collection-Tool Kit (McGill) 

Jute Twine

Orange Button (Buttons Galore)

Guillotine Paper Trimmer (Swingline)

Farmhouse chic decor can get on the pricy side. Let me show you how you can recreate the look using scrapbooking supplies... Believe it or not, this carrot is made from FLOWERS & LEAVES!! And **Spoiler Alert** this used less than 2 whole sheet os scrapbook paper!!

First, I gathered my supplies. I knew I wanted to make a canvas. something I could hang on my wall or place on a shelf or mantle. And I knew it absolutely had to have burlap. Burlap screams farmhouse and shabby chic! Then I threw in my love for all thing paper-crafty... bring on the paper stacks!! 

I found this Fall Basics stack from DCWV (yeah, yeah- I know Fall has long since past) but bear with me... this stack had tons of greens, yellows, purples, and oranges... the same colors we also find in Easter!! Score! These are PERFECT! Check your stash, you may have paper stacks that you can use for more than one occasion!!

Once, I had everything in arm's reach I prepped my canvas. No priming here!! I did, however, cut a 7"x 9" piece of burlap and ran it through my Xyron Creative Station and applied it directly onto the center of my canvas!

 I love the different plaid papers that came in the Fall Basics stack. These 2 sheets were deep shades of orange and green that would be absolutely perfect against the burlap.

I used Big Shot and this long stemmed leaf die from David Tutera's Greenery & Flourish set from Sizzix and die-cut 6 stem from the green patterned paper.

For a more natural look and to add depth I shaded the stems and the inner parts of the leaves with ColorBox Dyestress ink in Moss using a sponge dauber. Then shaped the leaves using a ball stylus from the McGill Paper Blossoms Tool Kit.

I free-hand cut out a carrot shape from orange cardstock. Then ran it through my Xyron Creative Station. This will give me a general shape of where to place my flowers. I attached it to my canvas and made sure to leave some room at the top for the stems. Then attached all 6 stems to create the carrot top.

I used the medium sized flower on the Eileen Hull Flower Layers w/ Heart Petals die and cut out about 24 flowers from the orange plaid paper. Then shaded the edges using ColorBox Dyestress ink in Tomato and a sponge dauber.

To add dimension to the flowers, I first folded the flower in half, and then half again. Then in each quartered section, I folded it into thirds. So when opened there's a crease line in between each little scalloped edge.

I used my Mega Runner and applied adhesive to half of each flower, partially folded the flower and attached the flowers into my carrot cut-out. I continued to fill the carrot with flowers but left a small section open at top to attach a bow I made with jute twine and a button.

And here is my finished 3D Carrot Canvas...

I love how darling it turned out...

And the dimension of those flowers really pops off the canvas! Picture does not do it justice!

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial and it inspires you to create Easter canvas art of your own!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

Canvas Art Using DIY Foil Paper

Hello, Crafty Friends! It's been a while since I've been crafting. I took a short break to take care of my son had surgery on his leg. He's getting better tons better and his poor little leg is getting stronger every day. Which is just in time too! Warmer weather has been peeking its head and soon Spring will be here. And you know what that means... lots of flowers blooming!!

So, to celebrate Spring's arrival, I created this Flower Bloom Wall Art Canvas using...of all things... wait for it... Aluminum Foil!!

Yup, the same stuff you wrap your leftovers with! I used this kitchen staple and made my own DIY SHEET METAL EMBELLISHMENTS that look and feel like, well, metal!! Unlike the foiled cardstock from the craft store, which is just a thin plastic coating. 

AAANNND, it die-cuts like a dream!! 

Let me show you how...

Supplies Used

Creative Station (Xyron)

Big Shot Machine (Sizzix)

Big Shot Plus Machine (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Leaves Die (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Stitched Circle Die (Sizzix)

Textured Impressions Plus Embossing Folder- Botanical Swirls(Sizzix)

16"x 20 " Canvas

Gesso (Liquitex)

Black Chalkboard Paint (Prima)

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

Clear drying liquid Adhesive

I started my project with a plain 16"x 20" Canvas and applied a coat of gesso. Most canvases come pre-gessoed but I like to add an additional coat anyway, it seems to help my paint go on smoother and helps spread my paint further (at least it does to me, anyway).

I zapped the canvas with a heat gun to speed up drying time.

Then, applied a layer of black chalkboard paint over the entire surface (including the sides).  Then zapped it again once more.

Here is where it gets really good...

I knew I wanted to make metal embellishments but didn't want to just run the foil through my Xyron. NOPE, it would crinkle up in a heartbeat! Even though I used HEAVY DUTY FOIL, IT still didn't have that heft and standing power that I wanted.

So, to firm things up a bit I attached the foil to 110 lb cardstock. Nice, thick, and sturdy 110 lb cardstock!

I simply ran each individual sheets through my Creative Station, peeled the film backer, and attached the sheet to the aluminum.

 When attaching sheets of adhesive start from one end and kind of roll it toward the other end. If you attach straight down you are a more likely to catch air bubbles. 

Smooth out any tiny lumps and bumps with a rubber or silicone brayer.

Look how shiny and smooth it is!! Ooooh, pretty!

Next, I cut my sheets to die-cuttable sizes. I'm saving myself a lot of tears by die-cutting all my petal pieces instead of cutting them by hand. I once hand cut 50 take out boxes for a birthday party once, um, yeah, NEVER AGAIN!!

I had bruises and calluses for weeks. My poor hands took a nasty beating! I'm so glad someone invented die-cut machines and dies! ENTER the Big Shot Machine ...

I knew I wanted "petals" but didn't have any huge petal dies. So, I used an Eileen Hull Leaves Die instead. I die-cut out the foiled sheets then cut off the little stem.

 I also knew I wanted more texture (just not the crinkly kind) to my petals. So I loaded up this HUGE Texture Impressions Plus  Botanical Swirls folder with all my little stemless leaves. This time using my Big Shot Plus machine. These embossing folders were just way too big to fit through my regular Big Shot!

 These metal sheets even emboss like a dream!! 

**SWOON**

And look how well the stitched details show up on these Tim Holtz Stitched Circle Dies! I used this die cut as the center of my bloom.

Starting from the center, I attached the petals with liquid adhesive smallest to largest and worked my way outward.

I made sure to continue even along the sides of the canvas. Anything left overhanging got a bent and tucked over the side and glue down in place. With small children in my house, I didn't want to worry about any sharp edges. So tucked away they went.

LOOK AT ALL THIS GORGEOUS TEXTURE!!

The embossing in person is absolutely STUNNING!!

HAnd here's my final piece. Already up and mounted on my wall!

I hope you enjoyed this project and it has inspired you to create a canvas piece of your own!!

Thanks for stopping in!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

DIY Christmas Canvas Art

Hey, Crafty Friends!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at my house. I'll be honest... I'm a bit slow at getting my Halloween stuff down and put away. In fact, there may or may not be grapevine pumpkins still sitting on my front porch. But I did manage to clear all the skulls and tombstones off my fireplace mantle and drape garland and put up and decorate the tree. So, that has to count for something right?!

I'm not the type to scale my house and hang lights and neither is my husband. So I think I'll stick to simply decorating indoors. Sometimes finding decor to fit you can be hard to do. I wanted something that was festive yet motivational... aaaand... I LOVE PUNS!!! And I knew I wanted to use Santa's SLEIGH in place of the word SLAY... as is KILLIN' IT, OWN IT, SEIZE THE DAY... SHOW THEM WHO'S BOSS!! So I created this totally "punny" Christmas canvas using some Derwent art supplies and my Xyron Creative StationLite. 

Keep reading to see how I created this Christmas Canvas that absolutely slays... I mean, SLEIGHS!! 

Supplies Used

Derwent Academy Acrylic Paints, 24 pk  

Derwent Academy Stretched Canvas, 8"x10" 

Derwent Academy Artist Brush Set, 8 pk 

Derwent Academy Paint Palette, 10 Wells

Xyron Creative Station Lite 

Xyron 5" Repositionable Adhesive Refill 

Sizzix Big Shot

Brenda Walton Sleigh Die (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Alphabet Die, Letterboard (Sizzix)

Acetate Film (Grafix)

Blue Painters Tape

Gold Paint Pen

Feather Boa

Clear Liquid Glue

I knew I wanted to paint my canvas and not just glue paper to it. But if you don't have an artistic bone in your body, fret not. You can still use your die cuts without adding bulk. You can use them for stencils and masks. Let me show you how...

For my masks and stencils, I like to use thin sheets of acetate (the same stuff you use to make shaker card windows from). They are nice and thin and easy to die cut. I cut my sheets in half ( I kept the protective tissue paper on the back so you could see the sheet. Otherwise, it's very difficult to see by itself).

 I like running my sheets through my Xyron Creative Station or Creative Station Lite using a REPOSITIONABLE refill cartridge before die-cutting. That way the masks are good to go once the shapes are cut out and by using the repositionable adhesive you can use it over and over. Just save the backer once you're done and store it for future use.

 I love this sleigh die I have by Brenda Walton. It's actually part of a 3D box die but the side panels are also gorgeous on its own. And it was my inspiration for my canvas. I die cut it glossy/ shiny acrylic side down.

Before applying it to my canvas, I taped off a border using blue painter's tape. Then used a t-ruler to help with placement so my sleigh laid straight and not crooked like it was either gonna take off into the sky or descend for a landing. 

Then I removed the film backer and added the sleigh to my canvas.

I also die cut alphabets using Tim Holts' Letterboard die to spell the word EVERYDAY. Again I used the t-ruler (it was such a lifesaver) and made letter placement so much easier. 

 Then, I squeezed globs of Scarlet and Crimson Red onto my paint palette. starting with the lighter of the two reds, I painted over my masks. Then added the darker red to the outer edges and blended inward.

You'll notice a white gap where I didn't paint. that was my masked area so it wasn't going to be painted so I didn't need to cover the center completely. I did, however, go back and add more Scarlet red to blend out the harsh dark border. 

Once, I was satisfied I began to remove the masks (while the paint was still wet). I used my piercing tool to help get the pieces off easier.

Next, I removed the painter's tape. Then sped up the drying time of the paint with my heat gun.

 I decided I wanted a border of gold around the red center but didn't trust myself to make an evenly thick line and straight border. So I taped off one with more painters tape. First I edge up the red center, then I eyeballed it and gave about a 1/4" gap. I pressed the tape down firmly then colored in the gap with a gold metallic paint marker.

 After removing the tape, I outlined my masked areas with a black permanent ink pen. Then I filled in the word "EVERYDAY" with black acrylic paint. It definitely made a hige impact!

 Then, I added a black feather boa all along the sides of the canvas using a clear liquid glue. I love all the frou-frou!

And finally, I a satin polka dot ribbon to coordinate. 

I love the thin golden border. It gives definition and makes it oh so fancy!

This really looks like something you buy in a boutique... LOVE it!!

This piece would look great on a wall, on a mantle, or even in a tree like shown here...

I hope you enjoyed today's project and it inspires you to go out there and SLEIGH your winter crafts!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

DISCLAIMERS

**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.

***This blog contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run the Up On Tippy Toes blog at no additional cost to you..***

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.

True Friend Wall Art- Xyron + Waffle Flower Blog Hop

Hey there, Crafty Friends!! I am so excited to be participating in this week's 

Xyron + Waffle Flower Blog Hop!!

 We are continuing the week with amazing projects from both the Xyron and Waffle Flower Design Teams!

There is awesome Blog Candy to be won too!**

Both companies will be giving away FABULOUS PRIZES!! To enter the Xyron Giveaway all you have to do is head on over to the Xyron Facebook Page and "Like" and "comment" on any/ all of the Waffle Flower project posts.

And, Don't forget to head on over to Waffle Flower Blog to see even more awesome project from the Waffle Flower Team.

**Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way sponsored, associated or indorsed by Facebook or it's subsidiaries. 

For my blog hop project I made wall decor for a really good friend of mine. She and her family have shown what true friendship really means. They have been there for me through storms (literally and metaphorically). 

This pass June has been one of trials and tribulations. My town was hit with flash floods and tornadoes, one which ripped through my backyard. My friend, Christina Rust, and her husband (James) came over on two separate occasions to help us clear a tree that was knocked down from the storm, it laid across our yard but was still attached to the trunk. James, with chainsaws in hand, removed that and other surrounding trees. Then the following weekend they hauled off all the debris.

Shortly after that storm, I received shocking news that my baby brother had suffered from a massive heart attack which ultimately took his life. And there was Christina. She gave me a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, and endless hugs and reassurance that it was going to be ok. Her husband took care of the main food being served and their whole family manned the kitchen during my brother's funeral. They have done so much for me and my family and I am eternally grateful!

So, out of appreciation, I made her this shadowbox wall art for her home. 

I know this in no way will show her how much I truly appreciate her but I thought it was a great start. 

I knew I loved the quote and I felt it really encompassed our friendship. 

And the perfect companion to this quote and what really made this framed piece pop was this 3D Diamond Template Die from Waffle Flower.

 I wanted to stress that our friendship is a rarity, like a diamond. And I hold I cherish it dearly. And   

 I love the way that this die emphasizes the diamonds.

To make the diamonds, Waffle Flower suggests using a cardstock with a weight of 65 lbs or less for easier folding, but I used this paper that looked like mercury glass and has a weight closer to 110 lbs... this is on the really thick side.

First, I cut out all the diamonds from my cardstock. 

Then, I folded along the crease lines. Because this was a very thick cardstock, and because I wanted the folds to we defined, I used a bone folder to make those crease lines crisp.

Then I used a bit of liquid glue to attach the flaps.

Just a heads up... the back flaps attach to the little triangular tabs around back, not the long flap that goes across the top.

For those of you who need visual assistance, Waffle Flower also has an instructional video on youtube to help you assemble this template. You can find it HERE.

For the quote, I opened my computer software and electronic cutting machine. I used fonts already on my computer and typed out the quote in a bold print font, Then cut it out on my machine using black cardstock.

I removed the inside die cute letter and  used the entire negative cut-out.

I matted this piece with more if the same mercury glass paper.

Then used a corner chomper and gave the corners a ticketed edge.

Next, I ran the black/quoted cardstock through my Xyron Creative Station with a 9" permanent adhesive cartridge.

With the protective plastic still attached, I traced around each letter.

Then peeled the protective film and adhered it to the mercury glass cardstock mat.

Then,once again, ran it through my Creative Station.

I had purchased a 11"x 14" shadow box frame. I took it apart and attached my quote directly onto the canvas insert that came with the frame. Once secured, I glued three 3D diamonds below my quote. I To help with alignment, I used a T-Square Ruler and lined up the top edges with the tops of each diamond and used liquid glue to secure in place.

Once the glue was dried, I inserted the mat into the shadowbox frame.

And here is my finished project. A very special gift for a very special friend!!

WHO'S A TRUE FRIEND & A REAL JEWEL!

Closer View

Close-up of 3D Diamonds 

Supplies Used

3D Diamond Template Die (Waffle Flower)

 Creative Station w/ 9" Permanent Adhesive Cartridge (Xyron)

Black Cardstock- Black, White, Cream Stack (DCWV)

Mercury Glass Stack (DCWV)

Personal Die-cut Machine

Electronic Die-cutting Machine and Software

11"x 14" Shadowbox Frame (Studio Decor)

Stylus 

T-Ruler

Bone Folder

Clear liquid adhesive

I hope you really enjoyed my project for today! 

 DON'T FORGET...

To enter GIVEAWAY on the Xyron page by COMMENTING on any/all the Waffle Flower project posts!!

AND...

To stop on by the Waffle Flower Blog for even more amazing projects.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

AND THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!!

Oh gosh... Just a bit of an FYI (For anyone interested)... Xyron is also having a 25% OFF ALL PRODUCTS SALE. This is good till July 31, 2016 using
 COUPON CODE: SUMMER
at checkout.

Hope you all have a great SUMMER!! And Enjoy the rest of the BLOG HOP!!

~Mitsy