Easy Gift Ideas Using Graphic 45's Tropical Travelogue

Hiyaz and Welcome on this Fabulous Wednesday!!  Today I have quite a few goodies to share with you, including a couple tutorials on creating quick and easy gifts for any occasion. 

With Valentines Day just around the corner, and another year full of bithdays headed our way,  it is never to early to arm yourself with handmade gift ideas!! 

And who doesn't love giving or recieving something handmade with love?!?

Also as promisd, a full reveal of just one of 6 of  my CHA projects...So onto the tutorials!!!

Business Card Case Tutorial

Blank business card holders and pill cases can be found at your local craft store, sometimes even Walgreens. Can also be found on etsy, shipped directly to your house!

Step 1: To create the business card holder you want a strong adhesive that will hold on the smooth metal surface.

I have found that Scor Tape works the best for this. To get started cover entire area you wish to decorate with strips of Scor Tape.

Step 2: Find and cut out desired image to the size needed. These images from Tropical Travelogue are almost the perfect size with minimal trimming!

Step 3: Once image has been cut to size, remove the backing from strips of Scor Tape and adhere.

Step 4: To keep your image protected, waterproof and long lasting paint a few light coats of Mod Podge overtop using a paint brush. Make sure to allow plenty of time for drying between layers

To Create the Bracelet or Pill Case

Bracelet Blanks can be found at Michaels or many other Craft Supply stores. Metal frames used also available at craft stores, or from etsy delivered right to your door!

Step 1: Find the desired Graphic 45 image you wish to use and cut to the size needed for metal frame.

Step 2: Adhere using Scor Tape as instructed for creating Business Card Case

(See Instructions Above)

Step 3: This time for protection you want a hard clear glaze that will keep your image sealed and safe forever inside the recessed area.

The perfect thing for this is Diamond Glaze. With a great tip for application, just directly apply over surface to create a glass like effect.

*Allow at least 12 hours to dry before touching or moving after application.

Once Glossy Accents has dried you will have a smooth glassy surface that looks truly professionally made!

Step 4: Last of all adhere your completed metal frame to bracelet blank using E6000 Industrial strength adhesive, and allow plenty of time to dry

* To create the decorated pill case, follow the steps 1-3 for creating the bracelet

Business Card Case Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Tropical Travelogue: Seaside Holiday

Sookwang: Scor Tape

Plaid: Mod Podge

Other: Paint Brush, Blank Business Card Case

Bracelet Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Steampunk Debutante: Steampunk Debutante

Sookwang: Scor Tape

JudiKins: Diamond Glaze

Other: Metal Frame, Metal Bracelet Blank

Pill Case Supplies:

Graphic 45 papers

Tropical Travelogue: Botanica

Sookwang: Scor Tape

JudiKins: Diamond Glaze

Other: Blank Metal Pill Case

Now onto my Little Darlings Sneak Peak!

This Brand New Baby Line from Graphic 45 is absolutely gorgeous!!!  Perfect for displaying pictures of that special little one in your life!  Classic Graphic 45 at is best, they have indeed done it again!!! 

And this is only one of three releases from them at CHA!!! 

I haven't even gotten to play with the New Kraft Reflections, oh the anticipation!

Also if you haven't gotten a chance to see the stunning booth G45 set up this year at CHA, make sure to watch this video for some amazing inspiration and just pure eye candy!! 

Might even see a few more sneaky peaky's of my projects in there too!!

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Lots to do this week, getting ready for a Big Art show this weekend. 

 Then time to work on a few new Top Secret Designs for Graphic 45's Design Team Call!!!  WooHOO!!

Have a Elerific Day!

Nicki Chicky

CHA and Catching Up!

WoW, I can't believe it is almost Feb, and I have been this far behind! 

 In December I did 3 shows before Christmas, and was looking forward to January for some Catch Up time.  Once January 1st hit, my store became super busy with flower and elephant pull toy orders, it was almost unbelievable how fast they were coming in! 

On top of all the excitement of business picking up, it was time to get creative on Graphic 45 projects for CHA using their fantastic new lines!!!

WHEW! 

Everything is now COMPLETELY caught up, including 2 boxes of goodies shipped to CHA containing:

2 Layouts

2 Altered Art Boxes

2 Tags

1 Altered Canvas

And I can't wait to get to share them with you!  Here are a couple insy sneaky peakies to wet your whistle!!!

Sorry, that's all the sneaky peakies for now, can't let the cat out of the bag too soon!!!

Lots more to come as CHA begins, and Graphic 45 begins sharing too!!

Here are the latest creations made either for special orders, or local retail stores! 

This was a special order Halloween box from a lovely individual who found me in Just Steampunk Magazine!!  She had inquired about a smaller version of the box that had been published.

 An altered book box depicting scenes from the Salem Witch Trials.  Created with my niece as a school project.  She got an A!

One of a collection of Altered Canvas's heading to shows, local stores and my online shop!

14x16 Mixed Media Collage

 Created with a friend and photographer, Johnnie King, for a local restaurant holding a design contest!

  Winners receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant, as well as art work chosen is painted on a HUGE brick wall for everyone to see!!

Winners to be announced at the end of the month...keeping my fingers crossed!

The last of the elephants have been made up and shipped out! 

Sadly, I only have one more remaining elephant in stock. 

 Unless I can find someone to create a 3 part mold to make more of these Cute little elephants, I will have to say good bye to these creations for good... 

This one was created for the top of a cake at a baby shower!  Made with super bright colors to match this amazing cake with only a few alterations...

Now that all my CHA projects are shipped, it's time to change focus to another Show!

Super excited about this one!  Should be a lot of fun!! 

Now off to work on projects for the show!

More CHA sneaky Peaks to come in the next few days, so stay tuned and enjoy all the excitement!!

Have an amazing weekend!

Nicki Chicky



Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop - Day 5

Hello and Welcome on this wonderful Friday!!!

Thanks for joining in on this incredible journey put together by Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Graphic 45 and May Arts have teamed up for a super fun blog hop December 12-16th! With tons of inspiration, fabulous prizes, incredible crafts and so much more! Behold the magic that happens when Graphic 45 vintage-inspired papers and embellishments join forces with gorgeous May Arts ribbons! Our design teams have gone all out to bring you the most enchanting crafts! Along the way you'll discover lots of fabulous new ideas to inspire your holiday season! So have fun and get inspired every day of this fantastic blog hop with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

And don't forget to leave your comments on each designer's blog to be entered for your chance to win some outstanding prize packs. One random comment will be chosen from one of our design team member's blogs and announced on Monday, December 19th!

There's also an exclusive Facebook prize! Check out the Graphic 45 Facebook page and leave a comment for your chance to win!

May Arts is also offering gorgeous prizes on their blog and Facebook page! So you'll definitely want to check it out! Just tell them that Graphic 45 sent you! So much inspiration! So many chances to win prizes! This is going to be a great week!

Here is what you could win from Graphic 45!!!!

The Gorgeous, and Brand NEW  Tropical Travelogue 12x12 paper pad, coordinating chipboard die-cuts 1 & 2, and some gorgeous May Arts ribbons!

Want to learn more about Graphic 45 and May Arts? Here's some fun information about these two fantastic crafting companies!

Graphic 45 an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company­— owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. Together we create vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of the 1920's and 30's - with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that's both fresh and familiar. Let our products inspire your next scrapbook layout, card, album, altered art project, or home decor DIY project.

May Arts is a ribbon wholesaler, based in Riverside, Connecticut, serving over 16,000 customers worldwide. We offer an exceptional selection of ribbons, including sheer, satin, grosgrain, silk and a variety of patterns and prints. We also maintain a steady stock of inventory so that orders can be fulfilled immediately. As one of the country’s leading wholesalers of decorative ribbons, May Arts has been providing superior products and the highest level of customer service for over 25 years.

And Incase you are just jumping in today, here is a complete schedule of the entire week so you don't have to miss anything!!  Plus you still have till Sunday night to get your comments in for a chance a chance to win those prize packs...So what are you waiting for!!!

Monday, December 12th
Lynette Carroll - http://www.lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Jane Tregenza - www.janetregenza.blogspot.com
JackandCat Curio - jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com
Candy Rosenberg - http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/
Latrice Murphy - http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 13th
Ellen Sosnoski - http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison - www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com
Charlene Driggs - http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/
Melaine Forbes - www.melanie-forbes.blogspot.com
Jen Shears - http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 14thRobin Shakoor - http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Cowles - http://scrapbooking-n-more.com/default.aspx
Gloria Stengel - www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Jingle - http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 15thJinky Kowalski - http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Britta Swiderski - http://brittaswiderski.com/
Hilde Janbroers - http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/
Karen Baker - http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 16th
Tara Orr - http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com
Kimberly Jones - http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/
Nancy Wethington -  http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com
Peggy Cain - http://www.createwithbubbe.blogspot.com/

 Nicole Eccles - www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com  <----YOU ARE HERE
Vera Yates - http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/

Now enough sneaky peaky teasers, onto the real deal!

For my project I decided to alter a Bell Shaped Glass Ornament.  Found at most local craft stores, including Michaels and Hobby Lobby, also available at some Scrapbook Stores released by Melissa Frances. 

The glass ornament comes with a precut Chipboard base that can be decorated with any materials, and turned into an ornament, or a wonderful piece of altered art with a scene underneath!

For mine, I decided it was a woman's skirt!! 

Created by layering strips of May Arts yummy white lace side by side and on top of itself, then hand stitching them along the top, binding them all together. 

For easy placement upon the Bell Shaped Ornament, simply sew a small key ring to the top of the presewn skirt.

Now it will sit perfectly atop your ornament, and keep the perfect "skirt" shape, and now may be adhered into place using a high tack glue.

Trim ends of lace to desired length of skirt once adhered to ornament.

The woman was hand cut from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante Line, wings were stamped separately onto dictionary paper, cut out and adhered. 

*To add strength to your angel, firmly adhere a popsicle stick to her back!

For smaller paper projects, use toothpicks!!

Under the skirt I wanted the appearance of a peaceful snowy scene.  Using miniatures found at my local craft store, I was able to create the feel I was looking for.

 

First I covered the chipboard base using Vintage Silver Flower soft.

Once dry, I adhered my tiny white Christmas Tree, and decorated it using vintage looking wooden beads found from my local craft store. 

And last a tiny plastic deer lazing about placed right in front of the tree.

Super simple for such an elegant effect!!

Last, I adhered the decorated chipboard base atop a rusty looking cast iron candlestick using E6000.

Allow plenty of time to dry

Finish the whole thing off with a Cream Satiny Sweet May Arts Ribbon tied around the center, and set into a worn ceramic dish.   For effect add a few glass ornaments and a Pine Cone, or even some fresh greens or Potpourri and you have an instant Elegant Christmas Buffet or Mantle Piece!!! 

Also, for easier storage, do not glue the glass ornament to it's base, instead treat it like a Cloche that can just be placed over top.  This way it can be wrapped safely away from the weight of the cast iron, and won't accidentally get broken!

Thank you so much for stopping by today on your amazing journey with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Don't forget to visit all the other incredible designers that have been featured today, and not to mention all week long!! 

And leave those comments along the way for your chance to win some goodies!!!

Stay Warm this weekend, and take some time to Alter Your World!!!

Nicki Chicky

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

Steampunk Debutante: Eclectic Emporium

Colorbox Decades Inks: Photogenic

May Arts:  White lace, Cream Satin Ribbon

Stampers Anonymous: Angel Wings

Flower Soft: Vintage Silver

Other: Bell Shaped Ornament w/Chipboard Base, Cast Iron Candlestick, Wooden Beads,

Miniature Xmas Tree and Deer, Dictionary Paper

Spring Cheer to Brighten Those Gloomy Winter Days Using Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime

Hello and Welcome on this Super Cold Thursday!! 

Today I have a fun project for you using Graphic 45's Once Upon A Springtime!  This is a great little project to brighten up those winter days, and even have a quick and fun technique to share!

So onto the inspirations...

This fun little fairy block was created using a 2" wooden block, 2 Maya Road Bottlecaps, 2" for the mushroom garden and a giant bottle cap for the block to sit into, and some wooden spools for feet! 

Notice the mushrooms created out of Graphic 45 Doorknobs and Metal Brads!!!!

The mushrooms are super easy to create with just a little copper refrigeration tubing, purchased at any local hardware store..

  To create the mushrooms, simply cut a length of tubing using a pipe cutter, add a little E600 to one end, and slide it over the back of the metal brads or door knob. 

 It's really just that simple...

Cut your tubing to different lengths and create a whole mushroom garden!

If you have trouble with the brads bottoms, simply snip the fasteners off using wire cutters  and you will be left with a blank stem to slide tubing over... 

For the cute wooden block I covered it in wonderful Once Upon a Springtime papers.  Simply accented by a few handcut images..LOVE the frog with his flower!!

To fill in the spaces around the block inside of the bottlecap I used

 some dry moss, adhered with hot glue. 

And for an added magical touch sprinkle a little mica for shine, like a light layer of snow melting into the spring!

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 papers:

Once Upon a Springtime: Woodland Fantasy, Primrose Cottage, Once Upon A Springtime, Tags

Le Cirque: Extravaganza

Graphic 45 Staples: Doorplates(knob), Metal Brads

Colorbox Decades Inks: Triumphant red

Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Glossy Accents

Maya Road: Giant Bottle Caps

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares

Tombow: Glue Stick

Other: Copper refrigeration tubing, moss, tinsel, mica snow, wooden spools, beads, E6000, Hot Glue Gun

 Thanks so much for stopping today for a little inspiration!

Wishing you a safe and warm weekend!

Nicki Chicky



A Wooeing We Go With Graphic 45 ABC Primer

Hello and Welcome on this, the first Monday of December!

It's hard to believe we are already counting down the days to Christmas, then OMG followed by the New Year..WOW..Honestly the years just seem to go by faster and faster these days...Always leaving me wondering, Where did the time truly go?!?

Well for me it has been busy, busy, busy!!!

And loving every minute of it. But sometimes in all my busy times running around getting ready for shows, teaching classes or just creating I forget about the people who mean the most to me.  It's good to just take a moment and let someone know you love them.  Expecially during those long, gloomy days of Winter.

This cute little card is perfect for the occasion.  Super quick to create and super sweet!

Created with a wonderful mix of Graphic 45's An ABC Primer and The Magic Of Oz.  I absolutely LOVE this image of,  A frog He Would A-wooeng go, cut from an An ABC Primer line.  Great for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, or Just to show your love...  Trimmed with luscious May arts ribbon. 

And complimented by Graphic 45's Metal Tags displaying the tag 1 + 1...  

Supplies Used:

Graphic 45 Papers:

An ABC Primer: Building Blocks, Bedtime Stories, One Two Buckle My Shoe

Magic Of Oz: Tenderhearted Tin Man

Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags

Fiskars: Postage Stamp Edge Borger Punch

May Arts: Ribbon

Spellbinders: Classic Scallop Rectangle Small Nestabilities

Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink, Glossy Accents, Platinum Stickles

Ideology: Grungeboard Flourish

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, repositionable adhesive

Tombow: Color Glue Stick

Other: Silk flower

So whether you are already thinking ahead to  Valentine's day.  Or just thinking about the one's you love, this would make the perfect little reminder! 

Thanks so much for stopping by Today!

Have an outstanding week getting ready for the Holidays!

Nicki Chicky



Getting Out the Christmas Decor with Graphic 45

Hiyaz and Happy Tuesday All!!!

Hope you all survived Thanksgiving with full bellies and lots of naps!  By now, most of you are starting to get out the Holiday Decor, if not fully decorated.   Taking a family trip to pick a tree, decorating your mantle, or just getting out while you can to hang all those lights on the house. 

Well today I have a fun quick little Holiday creation that would look great on the mantle, or would also make a beautiful little heartfelt gift!

This tussy mussy was created using a heavy duty chipboard cone found at any local craft store. 

Easily decorated into a one of a kind gift for a friend.  Fill it with handmade flowers, or stuff all kinds of little goodies inside and turn it into a gift cone! 

Decorated with stunning papers from G45's Christmas Emporium line. 

Just wrap cone with paper, glueing as you go.  Trim down excess paper and seal with a thin coat of mod podge or gel medium. 

Once seal coating has dried, just decorate using vintage looking crepe paper garland and a little bling with a crystal. 

And don't forget to add a pipe cleaner handle for hanging..

Fill with handmade flowers all created from G45's Christmas Emporium to match!

It's really that easy!!

Papers: G45 Christmas Emporium Line

All I want for Christmas  

Joyous Noel

Believe

A Chrismas Carol

Dies: Spellbinders Blossoms 2

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks( Frayed Burlap)

Adhesives: Tombow Mono Glue Stick

Hot Glue Gun

Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares

Glossy Accents

Other: Heavy Chipboard Cone, Crepe paper garland, Vintage Metal Ribbon, Vintage Crystal, Pipe Cleaner,

Fabric Coated Wire Stems, Tim Holtz Distress Stickles( Rock Candy)

Thanks so much for stopping by on this Brisk Tuesday!!  Make sure to stop by Graphic 45 to see more inspiration from my wonderful Teamie Sherry Cheever!

Have an amazing week!

Nicki Chicky

Sending Christmas Joy- Graphic 45 Style

Hiyaz and Welcome on this Wonderful Wednesday! 

Life has been crazy here between shows, getting sick and just trying to get ready for the Holidays..

Tomorrow my little family and I will be celebrating at home this year, so today will be filled with lots of baking!!  Since we couldn't all get together for Thanksgiving, Skyler and I will be heading to Grandmas to bake pumpkin pies and breads with my nieces!! 

MMM...I can smell the goodies already!! 

But before heading out, I wanted to share a little Christmas Card making inspiration..Just incase you have a little time to sneak off tomorrow while the men are watching football...

This first card was created with a recessed window effect with a quarter inch inward depth. 

Tutorial available at SplitcoastStampers. 

For my card I re sized my window area to the size of the image I wanted to use. 

I absolutely love this picture from Graphic 45's Christmas Emporium. 

It really just captures the spirit of Christmas as home!

After cutting my window, I found that Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle was the exact size to create a decorative edge by using the negative.

I just adore that little elephant pull toy cut from Graphic 45 papers...So stinking cute!

For the inside I decided to create a pocket that would be great for a gift card.  Even stuck one in there for effect in my pictures and forgot to remove it before sending off to CHA.  A few months later, after my card has traveled to the Netherlands and Australia and now returned home, I was pleased to find it was still there!!!

This next card was also created for CHA Summer 2011 upon the release of Christmas Emporium. 

Created with a playful, yet elegant feel, this is one of my favs..

I absolutely love these little children dancing around the Christmas Tree...So Joyful!!

And last but not least, the most elegant of all, yet so simply made.  With a luscious mix of black and cream that Graphic 45 does so well....

The buckle used for the front was from my Grandmother's sewing collection.  I used it not only because it was hers, and well it matched but because I remember hearing stories about when she was young,  getting all dressed up to go window shopping.  This image definitely makes me think of those simpler times...

For the inside I wanted to continue the same elegant feel.  These little sheet music pages cut from Graphic 45 were simply the perfect thing too! 

Last I really wanted to tie the whole thing together, so I cut out and added the little girl playing with her pull toy from Santa!

That's it for Today!

Hope my ideas have inspired you to pull out all those wonderful Graphic 45 papers and play.

Wishing you and your Family a safe and memorable Thanksgiving!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Nicki Chicky