St Patrick's Day Foiled Wooden Sign with the Xyron Glaminator

Hey, Crafty Friends!

I'm back again with Team Xyron today!

St. Patrick's Day is approaching and I have an easy home decor for you that will also make a great gift. 

In many ways, friends make our world a better place. And when you find a good or even great friend, you are very blessed beyond measure. Here's a simple gift idea to show them how much you appreciate them.

Supplies Used

Glaminator (Xyron)

Light Green Glaminator Metallic Transfer Foil (Xyron)

Creative Station (Xyron)

Honey Dear Stack (DCWV)

Mix the Media  8x10 Wood Panel (Jillibean Soup)

Other Supplies Needed

St. Patrick Dingbats Font- Digital File (Lori Whitlock)

Ecal Software(Craft Edge)

PC or Laptop

Laser Printer

Before I could put my sign together I had to print out what I wanted to be foiled. I found a Lori Whitlock FONT FILE called St. Patrick Dingbats Font that contained dingbats in the form of adorable little images and word art that you can use instead of letters that I wanted to use. The problem is I don't have Microsoft Word downloaded onto my computer. But what a lot of people don't know is that, if you have a digital cutting software, you can use it to open those special characters.

Here is how I used my ECal software to do that...

Open the ECal software. Click on the LIBRARY button on the upper screen toolbar shaped like a STAR.

The library window will pop open. Click on the FONT tab. Scroll till you get to your desired font, in this case, LW StPatrickDingbats.

For this particular WordArt that says " A good friend is like a four leaf clover... ", I clicked on the very first option box. It will insert it onto your virtual mat.

I resized it by clicking on the 4-headed arrow in the right-hand toolbar section, pulling up the POSITION & SIZE window. Then adjusted the sized to 5.25" wide and made sure the KEEP PROPORTIONS box is checked.

After I sized it as desired, I clicked on FILE then EXPORT and saved it as a PNG.

Now you can INSERT your word art as an image into a blank document file without losing any resolution or distorting it.

Once you sized it appropriately, click PRINT. Make sure your the SAVER TONER checkbox or option on your LASER PRINTER is set to OFF. You need the toner to activate in the Glaminator to activate and grab the foil.

I used the crosshatch patterned paper from DCWV's Honey Dear Stack, it reminded me of burlap, and laser printed my design onto it.

I inserted the paper, pattern side up, into a Glaminator carrier sheet (included with the machine and works like a folder) and covered the entire word art design with Light Green foil (pretty/ shiny side up). 

Then, turn the Glaminator switch on, pushing the lever all the way to the STAR, and wait for the indicator light to turn green.

The green light lets you know that the machine is at the proper temperature for FOILING.

Insert your you carrier sheet loaded with your materials. Once you feel the folder start to pull, let go and let the Glaminator do the rest.

Once your material is cooled, remove it from the carrier sheet and run the materials through the Xyron Creative Station.

Attach foiled sheet onto the wooden sign and trim off any excess overhang. 

At this point, you can also take a nail buffing block or fine-grit sandpaper to the edges and smooth down and distress the edges. This part is totally optional and isn't necessary.

I added a big striped bow to the corner of my sign to give it a bit of farmhouse appeal.

And here is my finished sign...

Look how amazing that shine is!! It is even more vibrant in person!

Your friend will absolutely love this gift! Or... you might love it so much you might make another for yourself!

Hope you all enjoyed today's DIY project!

Thanks so much for stopping in!

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

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

Deep Red Stamps and Xyron Designer Blog Hop

Hello, Crafty Friends!! Welcome to the 3rd day of the Deep Red + Xyron Designer Blog Hop!!

I am so excite that you dropped by because I have an amazing project for you today repurposing old/ used Frappuccino bottles!

And if you are not already excited... here is a little motivation for ya... the awesome people from Deep Red and letting me give away a $25 in stamps to one lucky person!! WOOHOO!!! How AMAZING is that??!!

And...

I'm not the only gal giving away a gift certificate...

13 other talented crafters will be joining the fun!!! Each participating blog in our hop will EACH be giving away $25 !!

You can find the complete line-up and addition details HERE!

Aaaaaaaaannnnnd....

As a special treat, Deep Red is also giving away another bonus prize at the end of the week!!

WOOT WOOT !!

All you have to do is:

1. Follow my blog (I will use this as a means to contact you)

2. Leave a comment below (So I know you were here, each comment will count as an entry)

And, don't forget to visit 

Deep Red 

&

Xyron

on Facebook and like their pages!! It's not mandatory to "Like" their page but it sure is appreciated!! Make sure to tell them I sent ya!!

***Disclaimer***

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Facebook, Any and all information collected is for the sole purpose of contacting the winner.

And now to even more FUN STUFF...

How to make your very own recycle/upcycled 

Milk Bottle Vases

Supplies Used

Glass Frappuccino Bottles (Washed and Cleaned)

French Perfume Label Rubber Stamp (Deep Red)

Creative Station Lite with 5" Permanent Adhesive Refill (Xyron)

Gray striped Paper- Seaside Yacht Stack (DCWV)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Stamp-a-majig (EK Success)

Wooden Plank Whitewash (Mix The Media)

    1-1/2" Split Ring Hangers x 3

3/8"x 1" Hex Bolts x 3

Metal Washers x 6 (optional)

Drill with 3/8" Drill Bit

Phillips Screwdriver

I really like the look of antique Parisian and French country chic...  and these gorgeous stamps from Deep Red are just perfect for both!! And today, I am going to show you how to make wall vases that will work for either!

I started by stamping my image using The French Perfume Label, from Deep Red Stamp,  onto this soft gray striped patterned paper from DCWV's Seaside Yacht Stack. I used Versafine Onyx Black ink... the images come out crisp and clear and the ink when dried is permanent. Which means no smudging if it gets wet... YAY!!

 I want the stripes on my paper to run evenly with the words... but there are no images on the backside of the stamp... No problem. I have an easy fix.I used a Stamp position tool. 

First, I stamped my image on the plastic sheet included, lining the sheet flush against the side and corner of the tool. Then I too my plastic sheet and positioned it over my patterned paper, lining it up to where I felt it was "straight".

Keeping the plastic sheet in position, I placed the tool back flushed against the side of the sheet. 

Then slide my stamp down the wall of my tool using it as a guide to stamp.

 This tool is awesome... I can also fix some of my stamping faux pas... like the sunflower from the image on the left. All I have to do is line place the plastic sheet back down and line up the two images until they become one. place my tool back down and re-stamp again!! 

 Tah-dah!!! No mistake!!

I hand cut each label, leaving a small border around the image.

Then I gave all of my labels a quick run through my Xyron Creative Station Lite. I want these labels to stay put so I used a permanent adhesive refill cartridge inside my machine.

 Now that my labels are done it's time to stick them onto my would be vases.

I love the shape and size of the Frappuccino coffee drinks. They kind of remind me of old fashioned milk bottles. And I always have a ton of them laying around my house.

Just soak them in hot water and wash them up. The hot water make the labels easier to get off. I use Goo-gone to remove any leftover adhesive residue then give them another wash to get off that "industrial/petroleum" smell. 

Once dried, I add my labels. To make them line up evenly with each other I lay them next to one another and apply the labels to the next glass using the previous glass as a guide.

 For my backboard... I found this wooden plank and drilled 3 holes. Well, I should have stated this at the beginning of the project... Make sure your drill is fully charged!!! Mine wasn't... but luckily I have an awesome neighbor is really handy and he hooked me up!

 I tried to space them out as evenly as possible. These holes are meant to screw in my split ring hangers. One bolt screws in from behind and two screws are up front to hold the neck of the glass bottle in place.

I used a 1-1/2 " Split Ring Hanger for my bottles and it fits these bottles perfectly. The threading that screws the hanger in place takes a 3/8" hex bolt. So I used (3) 3/8" x 1" hex bolts. This was just right right length to get through my planks and screw securely in. The bolts DO NOT come with the hangers so you'll have to purchase them in addition to the hangers.

To get the bottles into each hanger, just undo the screws up front insert bottle, and rescrew. These screws in the front of the hanger ARE included... so , there is no need to buy any or play the guessing game on what size fits those tiny holes.

Mount as desired.

And now you can add your flowers!!

Here is my finished project...

And a closer peek...

I hope you loved my project!!

I really love how this recycled /upcycled project turned out!!

And I really enjoyed you joining us along our Designer Hop!!

Hope you all have a fabulously crafty day!!

~ Mitsy

Don't forget

FOLLOW MY BLOG 

and 

LEAVE A COMMENT

To enter to WIN $25 in Deep Red Stamps

Good Luck Crafty Friends!!!