a sweet treat

As February nears, and I begin to see retailers' shelves filling with red and pink packaging, I am always reminded of the times when handmade love notes and Valentine treats were what the approaching holiday was all about. I remember, even with my own children, sitting and dreaming up ideas for what we would make to give out that year; then, gathering the supplies, setting aside some time, and enjoying the hours spent creating (and signing) each and every one. Valentines day makes me think of years gone by when candy boxes were ornately embellished, and the beautiful love notes were covered with lace and cherubs. It is these visions that are the inspiration behind today's project.

I use a Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts fold up box rectangle (coming soon) as the base for my project. The box arrives in two flat pieces that are perforated along the fold lines. I like to score over the perforated lines with a bone folder before folding the box into its 3D shape. 

 I select some vintage looking papers from my stash (four pieces of 6x6 paper) and then ink all of the chipboard edges (both interior and exterior) with a coordinating color.

I cut the outside cover paper to fit the sides and flat top plane, then using the chipboard piece as a template, trace the opening onto my decorative paper. This area is cut out with an Exacto knife. I also cut a piece of clear acetate approximately 1/8" larger (on all sides) than the opening. The acetate will be glued in place between the decorative paper and the chipboard box. This will allow the inside of the box to be viewed when in the closed position, as well as keep the items inside contained.

I begin securing the flaps of the fold up box base with adhesive and clamp until dry. I construct the box one side at a time. 

When the box top and bottom are secure, begin adhering the decorative papers. While glue dries securing the acetate piece in place, I add a thin metallic cording around the edge of the window on the decorative paper, tying the ends into a bow at the base of the opening. This piece is layered over the acetate. The box base is covered with a different patterned paper inside and out. A glittery vintage rose colored washi tape covers the exposed edge, creating a beautiful finished look.

I select one of the stacked labels from the set that has hearts within the decorative portion of the design. This piece is coated with embossing ink and sprinkled with gold tinsel embossing powder, then heat set. A red resin rose is attached to the embossed label. This decorative element is placed on the acetate window.

I create an extra embellishment for the interior of the box. What a sweet surprise it will be when the recipient enjoys all the treats that fill the cavity, only then to discover a little love note hidden at the bottom.

Hopefully my sweet treat box has inspired you to create some valentines for your loved ones. It means so much to receive something that comes from the heart. I look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.

Thanks so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate it.

~Ann

  xxx

Supplies

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts:

Fold Up Box Rectangle (coming soon), Stackable Labels Shape Set

a snowy winter's splendor

Happy New Year everyone!

I am looking forward to a creative 2019, and am excited to share this winter project with you that I created for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts. Up to this point, the winter season has been very rainy where I live. We have not seen much in the way of snow; perhaps that is why I have been dreaming of snowy scenes, where nature displays all its wonder, and envision a woodland scene with children discovering and snowflakes aplenty. 

I begin with the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts arch top cabinet with doors. The cabinet arrives flat in eight pieces. I always find it a good idea to assemble the pieces into the 3-D form (without adhesive) prior to beginning. This helps me to understand the size I will be working with as well as recognize the areas that are exposed and those that will be concealed.

This cabinet reminds me of the wardrobe from the Narnia series' books, I think it will be perfect to house my snowy winter scene. I lightly paint all sides of the chipboard pieces with gray chalk paint. The chalk paint will also be layered with crackle medium and gel stain; however, for the first step, I assemble the back, sides, top and bottom while there is only the thin coat of paint. This allows the tabs to easily fit into their respective slots. 

A multi purpose adhesive works really well to secure the chipboard pieces in place. I do not attach the front panel until all of my inside scene is completed. This allows me to easily access the inside cavity.  When adding all of the interior elements, be sure to keep the front tabs free from residual build-up or it may be difficult to attach the front panel later. 

Next, I cut and score a strip of Bristol paper to fit the inside cavity. This paper is inked with distress oxide in weathered wood and stormy sky to create the appearance of a winter's sky which will become our backdrop.

When the inks are dry, I attach a few painted mini snowflakes randomly on the background and secure it in place within the cabinet cavity.

I set this piece aside and work on some of the interior elements.

Using the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts framed tree panel, I emboss the tree tops with Emerald Creek moss stone green embossing powder. I repeat the process on both sides of the trees, multiple times. When I am satisfied with the look, I smear collage medium onto the front of the trees and sprinkle some of the raw embossing powder onto it, for a textured finish. The top and sides of the frame are snipped off, but the bottom edge left intact. I gently crease the bottom edge to allow the two trees to be slightly offset within the base. The base of the cabinet is covered with grit paste and the trees are set into the paste, then the extra edge is covered with more grit paste so only the two tree trunks and foliage are visible. Leaving the bottom edge intact for placement gives the trees more stability.

When the trees are in place, it is time to add the children. I select two paper dolls from the Christmas pack and color them with Copic markers. A resin ideaology deer is colored with mushroom and ginger alcohol ink, and stands with the children in the snowy (grit paste) base.

With the children and wildlife in place, I work on creating the falling snowflakes. Using snowflakes from the GSLC snowflake shape set minis, as well as from the let it snow set, I paint both sides with white acrylic paint. When dry, I coat the painted snowflakes with Wink of Stella clear glitter. The outside edges of the snowflakes are painted with silver metallic paint pen. A very thin wire is attached to the back side of each snowflake with hot glue. The thin wire is threaded through holes poked in a piece of silver metallic kraft that is cut to fit the inside top. when the snowflakes are hanging at desired heights, the metallic paper is adhered in place, securing all of the wires. 

When all of the interior elements are in place, the front panel is secured in place. A coat of crackle medium is applied to the exterior of the cabinet and, when dry, a layer of gel stain is rubbed into the cracks to create an aged finish. The doors are coated at the same time as the cabinet exterior to ensure a cohesive look. I add a snowy flourish (that has been finished in the same manner as the falling snowflakes) to each door panel.

 When the adhesive is dry, the hinges are fastened to the front cabinet panel, another snowflake is attached to the center of the arch top, and the winter wardrobe is complete. 

a snowy winter's splendor

As we enter this new year, filled with possibility, I would like to take a moment to thank all of my followers and visitors for your kindness, and wonderful, supportive comments. It is always such a pleasure reading your words and even learning that I have inspired you. I hope that your 2019 is filled with creativity! 

Happy New Year

~Ann

xx 

    

Supplies
acrylic paint: white
alcohol ink: ginger, mushroom
Bristol paper
Copic markers
Deco Art: one step crackle medium
Deco Art gel stain: walnut
Deco Color Premium metallic paint pen: silver leaf
Distress collage medium
Distress grit paste
Distress Oxide inks: stormy sky, weathered wood
Folk Art chalk paint: seriously gray
Emerald Creek Embossing Powder: moss stone green

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts:

Arch Top Cabinet with Doors

Framed Trees

Let it Snow

Snowy Flourishes 

Snowflake Shape Set Minis
Tim Holtz Ideaology:
decorative deer, hitch fasteners, metallic kraft paper, paper dolls-Christmas
Wink of Stella: clear glitter