Graphic 45 Trick Or Treat Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome all to day 3 of our wonderful Trick Or Treat Blog Hop!!

For those of you just joining in the fun, here is a little heads up on all the excitement!

All week long Graphic 45 is featuring a sneak peek of a fantastic Magic of OZ trick-or-treat bag designed by some of my incredible design teamies. To join in the fun, just click on the link to their blog and you'll be transported to a magical world of inspiration!

Stop by each design team member's blog every day this week to see their full unveil, and don't forget to leave your comments along the way for a chance to win some yummy Graphic 45 Prizes!!!
That's right, you heard correct, Graphic 45 will be giving away not one but TWO outstanding prize packages!

Two winners comments will be chosen by G45, randomly picked from all the design team member's blogs and will be announced on Friday, September 30th! 

Here is what you could win!

 A Magic of Oz 12x12 paper pad, Chipboard Button Staples, 3 chipboards from Imaginarium Designs, and some beautiful bling by Want2Scrap! Remember, there's two chances to win this week! Wow!

In case you can't make it every single day this week, or you may have missed something along the way here is the schedule for the featured design team member blogs. This shows you who will be featured on what day so you can check out all the fun! Don't forget to leave comments for your chance to win!

Monday

Lynette Carrol: http://lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/

Jane Tregenza: http://janetregenza.blogspot.com/

Tuesday

Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/

Robin Shakoor: http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com/

Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/

Wednesday

Sherry Cheever: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Jack & Cat Curio: http://jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com/

      Nicole Eccles: http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/  <---YOU ARE HERE

Thursday

Nancy Wethington: http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com/

Hilde Janbroers: http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/

Yuka Hino: http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/

Friday

Melanie Forbes: http://melanie-forbes.blogspot.com/

Gloria Stengel: http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/

Now onto my Trick or Treat Bag, and even a little something extra!!

I absolutely LOVE the image of Glenda flying on an airplane cut from Goblin Gazette.  I am always attracted to all the wonderful vintage black and white advertisement images G45 creates!  They are perfect with any papers or colors, and add such a dramatic effect!

Also with the release of the Magic of OZ stamps, I didn't want to completely cover my bag with paper.  So instead I stamped the word wicked all over and lightly inked the bag in oranges and teals. 

The Imaginarium chipboard frame was something that I remembered last minute, and couldn't have been more perfect! 

LOVE this little saying too!  So cute combined with Glenda on her airplane!!
 Graphic 45 is so inspiring!!!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

G45 Magic Of Oz Line: Goblin Gazette, Magic Of Oz, Scatterbrained Scarecrow

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags, Metal Buttons, Magic of Oz Chipboard Tags

Hampton Arts: Graphic 45 Magic of Oz Cling Stamps 3

Spellbinders: Lace Circle Nestabilities

Ranger: Rusty Hinge, Frayed Burlap, Black Soot Distress Inks, Glossy Accents, Rock Candy Distress Stickles

Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard Frame   

Colorbox: Turquoise Cats Eye

      Tsukineko: Staz On Jet Black
Marcy Uchida: Tiny Star punch
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares 

 Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Scor Tape

Other: Doily, paper bag, pipe cleaners, Black Toile, Seam Binding, Hemp Twine, White Paint

Also in the excitement of the season I decided to create a Steampunk Masquerade mask,

as well as my very first video tutorial that I am super excited to share with you!!

This mask was created out of heavy chipboard.  Drawn then cut out with a razor knife.  Covered in a layer of tissue paper using another one of my aging techniques(see video below). 

Smaller mask was drawn onto Le Romantique's Celebration paper, cut out and layered over top. 

The wonderful Fleur De Li at the top is a left over from our Want 2 Scrap blog hop, and don't forget all the sparkly bling!  LOVE leftovers!!

For the handle, I used a 1/4" dowel rod, painted it black, covered it with Rusty Hinge Distress Stickles and adhered ribbon around it using Scor Tape. 

At the bottom I attached a small wooden bead with a decorative stick pin! 

And now I would like to share with you my very first technique video! YAY!!

  Last month I shared a creepy aging technique using gesso and the response was incredible!  I had a lot of people asking if it would work well for altered books? 

Well this technique is great for creating a rough, yet flexible and leathery feeling surface absolutely perfect for books! Or "bat" Masks.. Super simple to do in only 2 easy steps, all it takes is a little tissue paper, a paint brush and some  acrylic paints!!

                               

Supplies Used for Mask:

Graphic 45 papers:

Le Romantique: Celebration

Graphic 45 staples: Metal Brads

Colorbox: Decades Inks: Photgenic

Want 2 Scrap: Fleur De Li and Bling

                                               Ranger: Platinum Stickles, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Rusty Hinge Distress Stickles,Glassy Accents(Used For Adhesive)

Maya Road: Chipboard Flourish

7 Gypsies: Metal Gears

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Tsukineko: Staz On Jet black

Cornish Heritage Farms: Music Note Background stamp

Stampers Anonymous: Spiderweb Stamp

Other: Feathers, Tissue Paper, Acrylic Paints, Dowel Rod, ribbon, razor knife, wooden bead, decorative stick pin

Thanks so much for joining in on the Graphic 45 excitement this week! 

Make sure to head over to my other Teamies Blogs today for a full scoop of inspiration!

And don't forget to leave all your love along the way!

Sherry Cheever: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Jack & Cat Curio: http://jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com/

Nicole Eccles: http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/  <---YOU ARE HERE

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Wishing you all an outstanding rest of the week!!
Happy Hopping!
Nicki Chicky

                                               

Graphic 45 and Fiskars Join Forces!!

Happy Tuesday!!  Today is an exciting day, it's day 2 of a great teaming!  Graphic 45 and Fiskars have joined forces to bring you some out of this world inspiration all week long!!! 

With the chance to win a Gargantuan prize pack filled with gobs of goodies from both Graphic 45 and Fiskars.  You don't want to miss out!

Make sure to stop by both their facebook pages and leave a comment.

All you need to do is write "Graphic 45+Fiskars=______." Fill in the blank with your own words.

Graphic 45 Facebook

Fiskars Facebook

And don't forget to stop by both blogs all week long for tons more inspiration!

Graphic45

Fiskars

It really doesn't get any better than this!! 

So on that note, let's head off for a little crafty fun..

off to Paris to experience the delight of the circus! 

Created using Graphic 45's brand new Altered art boxes.  These boxes are super easy to create with. 

Great for so many altered art projects, and even with a little mini book for those extra special memories! 

To create the top of the circus tent I made a large paper rosette.  Then instead of glueing it flat, I let it create a cone shape and glued the ends flat to the front of the box.  Using bamboo skewers I created posts that appear to be holding the whole thing up!  At the top, a  metal brad has been inked blue using colorbox pigment inks, then sprayed with a layer of clear coat for protection. 

For the front I wanted the look of a layered stage.  Using left over tape rolls cut in half, some chipboard and a small round gift box cut in half, it was actually fairly easy to create.  using the precut holes already in the front of the box to help support and build off of.

Once decorated with all the paper layers on the inside, I found the box didn't close tight.  So I added a bent metal tag closure.  Using G45's metal tags and hinges.

The first thing you see when you open to the inside is a Paris scene.  This flap on the altered box is not created with a window.  This is something I added by cutting with my razor knife from the top layer, and extending by tracing the open area of the frame used. 

Once completely opened you get the full circus experience!!

Clowns dance about on high wires.  Another metal tag makes the perfect platform.  Decorated wonderfully with a punched border from Fiskars Postage Stamp  Border Punch.  An elephant stands on a ball, while a trainer stands ready with his chair and whip inside of another circus ring. 

Love these stamped metal lion heads.  Super light weight, paintable or let them rust for a more vintage look. 

This fun nook was created when I made my stage.  This is actually the back side of the tape roll decorated.  So fun!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Le Cirque: Greatest Show On Earth, Extravaganza, Dazzle and Delight, Under The Big Top, Circus Parade, Le Cirque, Le Cirque Tags

Fashionista: Vintage Cherries, Tres Chic

An ABC Primer: Calico Kids, Bedtime Stories

Renaissance Faire: Romantique, Renaissance Faire Frames

A Proper Gentleman: The Sophisticate

Steampunk Debutante: Victorian Transformer, Fantasy Floral, Steampunk Debutante Frames

Curtain Call: Applause, Top Billing, Moulin Rouge

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags, Metal Buttons, Metal Hinges, Chipboard Button

Graphic 45 5x8 Kraftboard Altered Art Box

Hampton Art: Graphic 45 Le Cirque 3, Flourishes and Bloom Clear Stamps

Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Inks: Triumphant Red, Photogenic

Fiskars: Postage Stamp Border Punch, Fiskars Non Stick 5” Scissors

Clearsnap: Siren Smooch

Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard letters, Paris, and fence

B Line Designs: Large Elephant Cling Stamp

Lost Coast Designs: Dressed Animal Cling stamps

Ranger: Frayed Burlap Distress Ink, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Fired Brick Distress Stickles, Platinum Stickles

May Arts: Black Lace Trim

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, My Stick repositionable Adhesive

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Other: Metal Frame, Metal Star, Stamped Metal Lion Head, Flat and Metallic Acrylic Paints, Wood Skewers, Leftover Cardboard Tape Roll, Chipboard round gift box, Chipboard, Misc. Circus stamp found junking,

Artists Colored Pencils, toothpicks, Wooden Bead, Clipart( Cemerony.etsy.com)

Whew, that's it for today!!  Hope you don't have input overload... 

Thanks so much for stopping by, and leave a comment to let me know what you think!

Always grand hearing from you!

Enjoy the rest of the hop this week!

Nicki Chicky

Birthday Wishes To An Amazing Designer, Graphic 45's One & Only, Diane Schultz!!!

Thanks so much for dropping by on this fabulous Wednesday!!  Today is an extra special day of celebration!! Today I would like to wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Owner and Designer of Graphic 45, Diane Schultz!!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Diane, and the whole team this summer and would just like to say "Pure Delight"!!

Diane is an amazing woman of inspiration!!  From her incredible talent for making such wonderful Scrapbooking products, to her kind heart, and gentle nature.  She is a true bright spirit that lends inspiration to all! 

Happy Birthday Diane!

Make sure to stop by Graphic 45 today to wish Diane an Extra special day, and check out all the wonderful gifts made for the occasion..

I whipped up a little something special for the occasion too! 

Recently I stumbled across a company making shrines.  I think I missed the Memo, because I feel like the last one to find this fantastic company!

www.retrocafeart.com

I placed an order, and they arrived super fast. A few days later,  just as I was sitting down to make a present for the occasion , there was a knock at the door.  And to my surprise it was my mail man with the package of goodies!!  It was like a sign telling me this is what I needed to use to create the perfect present! 

And boy was I right! 

These little shrines are so easy to use, and so fun to decorate!  The possibilities are endless! 

And it was a perfect match combined with Graphic 45's Ornate Metal Doorplates!!

Like a match made in scrappy heaven if I do say so myself... 

The perfect paper combination to set my color palette was Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante and Curtain Call.  Inked with a fantastic mix of Colorbox/Graphic 45 Decades inks and Distress Inks for a almost magical feel!  For the flames I used a mix of acrylic paints and Metallic paints.  Layering colors lightly while wet.  

Probably the best part of the shrines is the ability to create a window with many layered images!  In my window I placed an image cut from Steampunk Debutante, then placed it underneath a layer of transparency that has been stamped and alcohol inked for a more mysterious effect.

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Steampunk Debutante: Victorian Transformers, Time Warp

Curtain Call: Top Billing

Graphic 45 Staples: Ornate Metal Door Plate

Colorbox Decade Inks: Triumphant Red

Ranger Industries: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Broken China Distress Ink, Metal Gears, Alcohol Inks

7 Gypsies: Metal Gears

Retro Café Art Shrine

Other: Acrylic Paint, Matte Gel Medium, Transparency

Thanks so much for stopping by on this special day and sharing in the celebrations! 

Have an inpirational week!

Nicki Chicky

 

Graphic 45 Halloween Rejuvenation Challenge

Have you heard?  Graphic 45 wants to see what you make!! 

This is your chance to be in the spotlight, and to win a HUGE prize pack!!!!

Halloween is my favorite, and mix that with Graphic 45 and altered art. 

This giveaway is like my dream come true! 

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

For Rules, Deadlines and to see what you could win,

read below what Graphic 45 had to say....

"Graphic 45 is pleased to announce our Halloween Rejuvenaiton Challenge! Fall and Halloween are definitely on the way and we thought it would be fun to have an altered art challenge that's inspired by this colorful season. We're asking you to take an old object and bring it back to life with Graphic 45! We've all got stuff around the house that could use a little dressing up. Maybe it's something you found at a garage sale, thrift store, or even an old item that's been sitting in the basement since forever. We want you to create a beautiful Halloween or Fall-themed altered art project from any old, random objects you might have using Graphic 45 products. It's the perfect craft challenge to jump-start your holiday crafting!

The submission deadline is September 25th. Email submissions to charee@g45papers.com. On September 26th all of the submissions will be uploaded to our Facebook photos and you will get to vote for your favorite submission by "Like"-ing it! Voting is from September 26th to 7am on Septmeber 30th. The TWO projects with the most likes win! Winners will be announced on Friday morning at 8am on our Facebook and on our blog.

The prize? You could win our entire Christmas Emporium collection! A 12x12 and 8x8 Paper Pad, both coordinating chipboard die-cuts and one of each cling stamp! That's a $76 value!

Wow! We can't wait to see what you create!

They are unbelieveable!!  Thanks so much Graphic 45 for giving this incrediblie opportunity! 

I hope you are all excited about this great challenge! I certainly am!
  Happy Inspirations!

Nicki Chicky

Getting Behind

I wanted to apologize for just falling off the blogosphere for a while there.  I have been super sick and way to busy to be sick.  Still not feeling 100%, but have to get my life back into action.  It's been over a week now, and though symtoms get better I still feel completely ziombieish.  I hope to have the blog back into action next week sometime! 

Till then, I hope everyone is well! 

Thanks for all your patience,

Nicki Chicky