G45 Featured Elephant Pull Toy

Good morning, and Thanks for stopping by on this glorious Monday morning!  Today I have a G45 project that I am super excited to share with you!!  This is something I came up with after finding the cutest paper mache elephants at Michaels.  Just like a kid, I envisioned dressing him up.  And from there I knew he had to be a G45 Le Cirque Elephant! 

The idea to make him into a pull toy came to me when I remembered a box of 2" wooden blocks that I had purchased at Christmas time for altering.  Once I saw how well he fit on the block, I knew it was meant to be! 

The G45 Le Cirque Collection was perfect for this creation!  With all the bright, fun patterns and colors.  I really think he would be perfect for a Birthday decoration set on a cake plate surrounded by cupcakes. 

He could be holding a number instead of the flag.  Or there could be a number on the block.  The possibilities are truly endless.

A little tiny steampunk bracelet created out of a Tim Holtz gear adds just the perfect touch. 

For the wheels, use tinker toys, or just create your own using small wooden circles from the craft store and some tiny dowel rods.  Tiny paper rosettes finish off the wheels wonderfully, and tiny paper flowers make the perfect hub caps. 

Once faced with "How was I going to attach the pull string"  and still make it look fancy was a little challenging.  Until I remembered G45's gorgeous Metal Brads.  This one is just perfect for tying the string around the center.  Sealing it off with a little Glossy accent to make sure it won't pull out. 

And Voila, instant pull toy with an elegant pull!

Every detail decorating the Elephant is handmade using G45 Papers. From his little hat, to his flag. His saddle, and even the little tassels. And as you can see we are at the END of the tail err tale.  For more info on how to attach your wheels, or decorating tips head over to Graphic 45. If you are interested in purchasing this little piece, he will be available in the future at my etsy store.  And keep an eye out for LOTS more elephants to come!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I would love to hear some ways you would like to decorate an elephant pull toy if you had one.  And who knows, maybe there will be little treat too!

Have an awesome Monday and head back Wednesday for more G45 goodness!!

Nicki Chicky

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day everyone!  Hope that you have had a wonderful day with family and or friends today celebrating the wonderful Father's in our lives!  Today my Dad was working, so my Mom and I decided to head out a do a little junking earlier in the day.  I snapped tons of pics of strange and obscure finds to share. But first I have a little Father's Day card that I would like to share with you, that I created using TJ Designs stamps and papers.

Supplies Used:

Papers: Scrapbook & Collage Papers, The European Collection, by TweetyJill Publications

(#59 French Script, #77 Ephemera and Embellishments)

Black and Cream Cardstock

Stamps: Vintage Collage Rubber Stamp Collection by TJ Designs

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass, Rusty Hinge, Frayed Burlap)

Ranger Adirondack Ink (Sunshine Yellow)

Tsukineko VersaFine Inke (Black Onyx)

Images: From Rescued Relatives Collage Pack by TJ Designs

Dies: Sizzix/Tim Holtz, On the Edge Dies (Ornate Edge)

Embellishments: Tim Holtz Ornate Plates and Gears & Sprockets, 7Gypsies Industrial Gears, Graphic 45 Chipboard Buttons

And now onto some fun finds while out junking, and some weird ones too!

One thing I have ALWAYS wanted in my house is a phone booth!!!  I know, not very practical, expecially when currently living in a 900 square foot house, but a girl can dream! 

Until I set my eyes on these beauties! 

Yea, so they just look like red phones, but read closer.  They are battery operated rotary phones! 

So not only do you look sweet with your retro red phones, but with the convenience of a portable phone!!

Oh the technology!  Love it!!

Here is a completely original idea!  That's right, it's a sewing machine tractor/lamp!!

Sew, when you are working, your lamp will follow where needed! 

I wish!!!

I just fell in love with the Life Like Grass.  I think this is a must have in every household!!!

There must be over 1000 uses! Love IT!

This cash register is gorgeous, but just don't think it would be too practical for shows. 

I could just see myself trying to tote it around during set up and tear down. 

Love anything that has to do with science!  Always my favorite subject in school.  Focused on Zoology in college.  Anything with diagrams, old bottles, surgical instruments you name it, I LOVE IT! 

And this last picture is a reminder to you to stop back tomorrow to check out one of my projects created for Graphic 45 this month!  And also this is a little hint!  So don't forget, because Elephants Never Forget!!

Have a wonderful Father's Day!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Featured Layout - Let Your Spirit Soar

Welcome back for another day of inspiration featured on the Graphic 45 blog!!  YAY!! Hope wherever you are your not melting away!  I know here it has been 95 degrees with high humidity and smog alerts, which means hiding out in the house making more G45 creations, and only going out if you have to.  Unfortunately the grass needs mowed so tomorrow early morning is the time.  Maybe it will be early enough I won't just melt away! 

Things here have been hectic with teaching classes, doing shows and keeping up with sales on Etsy.  Sometimes I feel like a one man band, but am really loving every minute of it!  And I can't forget to mention all the amazing help my boyfriend David has been giving trying to get us caught up!  The last week exhaustion has taken me, and I have broken out with cold sores in my nose of all places and am having a really hard time staying awake all day long.  On top of that this week has been nothing but hectic trying to find missing boxes through UPS, and just plain getting caught up!  Whew!  Really looking forward to relaxing next week and playing with G45's NEW Magic Of Oz line.  If you haven't had a chance to set your eyes on this wonderful line make sure to follow the link and check it out!  Shipping is starting very soon!!!

Now onto the inspiration!

This layout is all about my daughter Skyler.  She is a ray of sunshine that is always just happy as can be.  Always singing songs, dancing around and just being silly.  She is never shy, making friends with anyone she meets in public no matter their age or possible handicap. 

She sees the good in everyone and Let's her spirit soar.  This is something I hope she hangs onto as she grows.  Growing up can be so tough at times, but being positive and keeping the right mind set can make all the difference in the world!

Supplies:

Papers:

G45 A Proper Gentleman Collection

-Man About Town

-Dashing Debonair

G45 Steampunk Debutante Collection

-Victorian Transformers

-Modern Marvels

-Time Flies

-Fantasy Floral

-Ephemera Extraordinaire

G45 Curtain Call

-Leading Ladies

G45 Le Cirque

-Bohemian Floral

Pink Paislee Daily Junque Collection

-Junque

-Tabs

Title: G45 staples Alphabet Stickers

Basic Grey Capella Alphabet Stickers

Font: Script MT Bold

Embellishments: G45 Staples Chipboard Buttons

Tim Holtz Idea-ology precut grungeboard shapes

G45 Staples Lace trim

Dies:

Tim Holtz Alterations/Sizzix Gadget Gears

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Frayed Burlap

Black Soot

Rusty Hinge

Adhesives: Tombow Mono Gluestick, Ranger Glossy Accents, Scrapbook Adhesives 3d foam squares

Other:

White Gesso

 That's it for today!  Thanks so much for stopping by, and look forward to lots more Graphic 45 goodies to come soon! Wishing you wet swimming pool wishes! 

Keep Cool!

Nicki Chicky

Giveaway Winner and Rocket Age Cards

I just want to start off by saying Thank You!  For your support, your kind words, your inspiration and just for being you!!!  I hope you are enjoying a spectacular Friday!!  Here in Ohio it is a comfortable 75 degrees with a nice breeze and no humidity(for once).  But the hot weather will roll back in tomorrow, and I will be hiding away working on some G45 design team goodies! 

Today it's time to announce to winner of my blog giveaway, and I would like to share some cards I created using the New October Afternoon Rocket Age Line. 

First for the winner...And the winner is:

Carol! 

Congratulations Carol!!!  Super Excited for you!!  YAY!!

If you could please contact me @

Scrapaholicmania@aol.com .

with you shipping info, I would love to get your goodies out to you ASAP!!!

Again thanks to everyone for playing along, and all your wonderful support and comments!! 

Now for a little quick inspiration, then off to a Bday party for my Mom!

I have just been dying to get my hands on the New Rocket Age Line by October Afternoon! 

Their cute retro children and images are just as fun as can be.  Couldn't you just see these used for invitations to a little boy's Bday party.  Or even Bday cards, they are just irresistible!!

Dates and locations of classes for this set TBA next week, so make sure to stop back by!

That's it for today, off to with my mommy a special bday.  We are having a picnic/grill out.  Skyler is so excited and can't wait to eat a big piece of watermelon!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Featured Circus Tent Tryptich

Happy Friday all!!  Thanks so much for stopping by on this wonderful day!  Today my second G45 design team project is being featured on their blog and I have been super excited to share it with you!

Also in celebration of hitting over 500 sales in my etsy store, Sunny Skye Creations, I have decided to have a little giveaway too!

So on with the show...

I like to call this creation a Bendy Fold Triptych card.  It has all the possibilities of folding flat just like a regular Bendy Fold Card, just with a little more pizazz added by using G45's hinges and the left over tags they use for their packaging. 

This was actually something I created for my Mom on Mother's Day.  She just loves all the vintage circus images and not to mention Graphic 45!!  Needless to say she LOVED it!  And the greatest thing of all about this card is with a few little changes this card could be for Dad, or Grandma!  Also with so many different large surfaces to cove,r this could easily be turned into a mini book.

I just love this little elephant drinking tea with a clown!!  He is a piece of vintage clip art I already had that just worked perfectly into the whole theme of things!

This flower was created using Graphic 45's flower staples.  I just love the versatility they offer!!

You really can do so many different things with them.

Now onto the backside!

For the backside I wanted to create a feel of circus posters and maybe a view as if looking into a tent in the distance. With dancing horses and a dazzling array of "lights" emanating from the tent.

Also I created knobs to open the tent by using G45's Metal Brads.  These are just wonderful.  So heavy duty and extremely decorative/vintage looking.  They would add the perfect touch to any project!

Once opened up you get the feeling that you are on the outside of the circus tent.  Experiencing all the mayhem and excitement of the action between the shows.  With brilliant advertisements and banners that seem to be blowing in the wind. 

To create the circus poster with the greeting I used a piece of clip art and just opened it into any photo editing program.  Typed my greeting, did a little font matching and text warping and now I have a perfect greeting that matches just the occasion! 

Also remember when I said it all folds flat, well here are all the flaps and how it folds down!

For step by step directions on creating the original Bendy Fold Card click here.

If you are interested in having me teach this class in your LSS

email inquiries to Scrapaholicmania@aol.com

If you are local in the Ohio area and are interested in learning how to make this Circus Tent, classes are available at Simply Scrapbooks on Saturday, June 25th. 

For information or to sign up please contact Simply Scrapbooks @ 937-299-6288

Kits coming soon!

Supplies used:

Papers:  G45 La Cirque( Under the big top, le cirque, Greatest Show On Earth, Extravaganza, Dazzle and Delight, Magnifique, Bohemian Floral, Circus Parade, Tags and Borders)

G45 Christmas Past Collection ( The Holly and The Ivy)

Dies: Spellbinders Inverted Square, Tim Holtz on the edge dies ( Plaque and Postage, File Tabs)

Inks: Tsukineko Staz on Black, Ranger Adironack Red Pepper ( for Tooth Picks/flag poles)

Embellishments: Metal Button Staples & tag, Metal Hinge Staples & tag, Flower Staples, Basic Grey Half Pearls

Clipart: Elephant drinking tea & Hot Air Balloon sign http://www.landofenchantment.etsy.com/

Font: Copper Black

Adhesive: 3M Pop dots, Ranger Glossy Accents, Tombow mono glue stick

Other: Tooth Picks, hand drawn paper flags

 

Now onto the giveaway!  Again in celebration of all my wonderfully supportive customers and followers, I wanted to give back to you! 

 All you need to do is sign up to either Follow this blog, Subscribe to this blog, or Follow this blog on Facebook. Then leave a comment on this post. I will draw names from all comments posted. (If you are already a Follower, just leave a comment to be included.)  It's that simple! 

 

  One winner will be chosen at random from the comments and will be announced Friday, June 3rd

So you have a whole week!  Anyone can enter, International and here in the US. 

 So get those comments in now!!

And onto the goodies!!!

Included in the giveaway is:

1 Cosmo Cricket Upcycle Mini Deck

1 set of 7 gypsies gears- 14 gears in total

3 Fabric flowers by Pink Paislee

My very own fabric covered brads covered in Moda Fabric

3 of my very own handmade paper tea roses

  1 Yard Pink Dotted Swiss Ribbon from American Crafts
My very own handmade metal business card holder

 

On that note, I would like to wish everyone a safe and crafty holiday weekend!!  Thanks for stopping by, and Thank you so much for all your wonderful support!!

XOXO

Nicki Chicky

Graphic 45 Projects And Playing Catch Up

It's been so long since I have had a chance to blog!  I have been missing everyone, and just missing the writing.  Today I will try and catch you up with everything that his been going on here, classes, Florida etc. 

But to kick things off, today is my first Graphic 45 Design Team Project Post for the Month!

I am very excited!

If you came over from Graphic 45 thanks for finding me!  If you haven't made it over there yet please make sure to stop by and check out all the other wonderful creations by the other amazing designers today and see how this card is done.

So let's get things started! 

This card is something that came to me after hours of messing with another card.  One of my favorite techniques to use is paper piecing, and I knew I wanted it to be my first technique to share.  Starting out using a mix of blues and oranges the plan was to create a Father's Day Card.  Stamping out hot air balloons, cutting and taking pictures along the way, I was just having a hard time getting into it. 

So I decided to pull out the Once Upon A Springtime line and work with softer colors instead. 

And boy am I glad I did, this little card came together so smoothly.  I guess sometimes it is just better to start fresh, instead of trying to force things to work.  Sure can't use this one for Father's Day though! 

For step by step instructions on how to create this card make sure to stop by G45 

Supplies Used:

Paper: G45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection

Enchanted Forest, Once Upon A Springtime, Primrose Cottage

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Ink Frayed Burlap

Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black

Stamp: CC Designs Mushroom

Adhesives: Tombow Mono Glue Stick, Scrapbook Adhesives 3d Foam Squares

As well as completing my projects for Graphic 45 I have been hard at work getting together classes for the summer.  Here is a set of 5 cards that I will be teaching at Simply Scrapbooks in Kettering on June 7th using the adorable Emma's Shop line by Crate Paper. 

For info on signing up please contact Simply Scrapbooks @ 937-299-6288

Kits will be coming very soon to the blog!

Also look forward to lots more Graphic 45 inspired classes and kits to be announced next week!

If you keep up with the blog, you know that I have been buried by flower orders lately, and have only been slowly digging myself out.  Well I am happy to say that my order of 1140 paper flowers is complete!!!  Even took a quick trip to Florida for a little RR before diving back in to finish a few other small orders.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I am absolutely looking forward to being creative and not mass producing for a little while!!  WOOHOO!!

Here are some cute pics of  Skyler hanging at the beach. 

Can't wait to scrap these!  Just need to add a dog to the pic and she is the Coppertone kid!

Well that is all that's been going on here! 

Make sure to stop by Friday for another one of my Graphic 45 Projects to be posted, and a chance to win a giveaway in celebration of hitting over 500 sales in my Etsy store!

 Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Scrapping!!!

Nicki Chicky