taming creative chaos

Hi everyone, this year one of my goals is to tame the "creative chaos" by getting my studio space more organized. I spent some time at the beginning of the year cleaning, organizing, and quite honestly, simply putting things where they belong. It seems that the more creative I am, the more of a mess my studio space becomes and the harder it is to find things that I have set aside for a specific purpose. To that end, I need a place to keep all of my handmade cards. I seem to have quite a pile and yet when a birthday or holiday rolls around, I am always searching. 

Today I am on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts blog sharing this card organizer with you. There are so many ways that it can be used. The trim organizer (as it is titled in the GSLC shop) is very generous in size. The base measures 11" by 5" and has a central divider creating two equal compartments. These compartments easily fit A2 cards, and even slightly larger. The organizer comes with 12 dividers. These are shaped like flat bobbins, so could technically be used to store ribbons or trim; however, I am using them as simple dividers between types of cards. The box arrives arrives flat (6 pieces) and requires assembly. The twelve bobbin cards can be used as bare chipboard or finished with paints or papers as I have.

I always find it easiest to test assemble the piece, this way I can better understand what areas will be visible as well as facilitate the order in which things should be glued. I sort through my paper stash and select a design that I think will work well for my purpose. The interior surfaces can be covered with smaller sized pieces; however, a 12x12 sheet will work best on the long exterior sides (one sheet will cover both the front and the back.)

Before I begin adhering my chosen papers, I paint all of the edges with black soot paint. This will create a finished appearance along the edges where the different papers meet as well as conceal any cuts that may be just a bit too short. Then I begin cutting the papers to size. Oftentimes, when there are multiple sized pieces and they are close in size, I turn them over and give them a designation (letter or number) then also write that onto the chipboard at the location it will be adhered. It helps to keep everything from getting mixed up when it is time to assemble.

I like to add may papers to the Chipboard pieces white they are flat. I find it easier to adhere the papers correctly and, when necessary, weigh them down until dry to keep the edges from curling. On this particular piece, I realized that it would work better to attach the two long exterior paper pieces after the box was assembled. There are no "right" and "wrong" ways to assemble the Gypsy Soul Laser Cut pieces, generally whatever works best for your project. The main piece of advice I always follow is: to ensure the tabs are able to connect easily, do not cover with paper, the added thickness generally does not allow for the tabs to insert into one another.

Once I have all of my paper pieces adhered to the interior surfaces of the box pieces, I begin to assemble. I spread clear, quick dry multi-purpose glue on the tabs and flat areas to be joined, then insert the tabs into the corresponding slots, beginning with the central divider. Next, I attach the front and back box sides and clamp together at the central divider until dry.

The final pieces I assemble are the two end pieces. I use clamps to secure these as well; however, it is not necessary.

With the box assembled, I add the final papers to the front and back exterior sides. (Note: I always ink the edges of any cut pieces so that the white does not show.)

I consider adding feet to the base of the box for a more decorative look, but decide on adding a piece of crafting felt to the very bottom of the organizer. This will allow the box to be situated on a solid or wire shelf, as well as protect any surfaces that it will be set upon. Once assembly is complete, it is time to begin work on the bobbins. 

 My original thought was to divide by months of the year (there are 12 dividers/months), but I believe what would work best for me is to sort by occasion or theme. To this end, I keep the dividers simple. I have learned over the years that my storage solutions are often evolving and this will allow me to change things up easily (if necessary) at a later date. I select some of my favorite worn wallpapers, and paper stash designs for the bobbins. The edge of each bobbin is painted with black paint and allowed to dry. One side of the bobbin is coated with collage medium, I secure the desired paper in place, and weigh down until dry. Once dry, I trim the paper edges with an Exacto knife. All of the bobbin pieces are covered on both the front and back sides.

 

I finally have a special place where I will be sorting and storing miscellaneous cards I have made. There will be no more searching amidst the piles, only flipping through my organizer to find the correct one.

I hope that you are finding time to get creative this year, I have found that even in organizing there are ways to exercise my creativity. Thanks so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate it.
~Ann
  xx

Supplies:
3M quick dry tacky glue
Distress collage medium - matte
Distress ink- brushed corduroy
Distress Paint - black soot
Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts - trim organizer
Tim Holtz Ideaology -
worn wallpapers (original and halloween), french industrial paper stash

emerald creek love

Hi everyone, I'm thrilled to be part of the Emerald Creek team this year. I am a huge fan of their products and, as you may have noticed, have been using them in projects for a very long time. I look forward to this new adventure.

Today I am on the Emerald Creek Dares Challenge Blog, sharing a panel that incorporates embossing powders from Seth Apter's BakedTexture line. These powders are really unique and create the most amazing finishes. I also use a long time favorite powder from the Allure line, Charred Gold.

When I listen to "hello you beautiful thing" I realize how sometimes, as creative people, we are our own harshest critics. I want this panel to be a reminder that it's so important to love your "self". This can make a world of difference every day.

I begin with a square piece of Bristol board. The focal point of the piece is a heart that rests atop the background. The square is divided into eight sections to accentuate the heart shaped piece that will be added later.
In the upper left corner I die cut the letters LOVE and remove them. These letters are set aside for later. I also use a script stamp to randomly stamp the background. I then select powders that I will use in each section.
Starting with the most translucent powders, I begin to coat one section at a time. I mask off the edges, fill the wedge with embossing ink, and cover with the selected powder. The masking is removed and the section is heat set before moving onto the next wedge.

One of my favorite things about Vintage Beeswax BakedTexture is the way the "color" builds with the addition of layers. In order to capture some of this color range, I embossed one of the sections with many layers of powder while the other section only uses two layers. It really is beautiful either way you choose to use it.

I proceed to fill in sections around the square with Ancient Amber, Deep Sea, Dirty Sand, Chunky Rust, and Patina Oxide. When complete, I emboss the LOVE letters with Rocky Road BakedTexture. 

 
The heart at the center of the panel has been painted and coated with a crazing medium. A strip of thin chipboard surrounds the shape. After the adhesive has dried and the edge piece is secure, I emboss this rim with Charred Gold. I have found the easiest way to do this is to use a paint bush to coat a small section with embossing ink, and then sprinkle the powder onto that section, heat set and move along, keeping to small sections at a time. This way you have more control over the powder and it's less likely to end up in the middle area. Two big chat stickers are coated with a layer of Vintage Beeswax and attached in the bottom right quadrant.

The square is then adhered to a piece of heavy weight chipboard that has been cut to fit exactly. This gives the panel stability and allows a thicker edge to attach the surrounding rim. I use the same method of embossing for this edge as I do for the heart surround. I love the way the Charred Gold exterior rim unifies the panel and gives a nice finished appearance.

I hope that you have enjoyed my tutorial and perhaps you are inspired to try your own. If you do, I would love for you to tag me and Emerald Creek so that we will be sure to see it.

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

love letters folio

Being that February is upon us, and everywhere we look we are reminded that Valentine's day is near, I am sharing a tutorial for my love letters folio on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Blog. This piece is something that could be used anytime of year, to store special love notes received, or even simply to store your favorite stationery for writing letters.

Before starting my project, I like to assemble the pieces I plan to use (without adhesive). This gives me a visual of how the final piece will present, as well as an idea of the areas that will be covered. I have really been enjoying creating my own papers lately. I am using these along with preprinted designs. This allows me to coordinate the colors exactly as I like. The GSLC folio and mini book has many surfaces that will need finishes.

With an idea in mind, I raid my stash of special papers and select some pieces to use as accents. Using distress oxide and distress inks, I create custom papers that coordinate; then, also gather some embellishments that I might like to incorporate.

 All of the edges of the bare chipboard base are inked with distress ink. This makes for a finished appearance at the edges where the paper and chipboard meet. Along the areas that will be opened and closed repeatedly, I add linen hinging tape and ink on top of that. This serves to reinforce the edges that will repeatedly be folded back and forth, thus extending the life of the folio.

Depending on the area of each surface, I determine what will be the best adhesive for attaching the finished paper. Along the spines, I use collage medium and in the larger, flat areas, I use sookwang double sided adhesive tape. I begin by covering the interior surfaces of the folio. Glittered washi tape adds a bit of interest along the edges of the paper at the fold locations, while sparkle ribbon edges the pocket that will hold the mini book.

In an effort to create more spaces to tuck special notes, a piece of my inked paper is attached only at the top and bottom, creating a central pocket and the two squares of decorative papers that flank either side are open at the top for additional secret compartments. A die cut heart is inked and wrapped with copper wire and beads, then attached to the special pocket.

Included with the folio and mini book set is a 4 page chipboard book base. Instead of creating a book to slip into the folio pocket, I use one piece of the folded base to create a stationary holder. 

To create the insertable holder, I adhere decorative paper to the outside cover and add "X" and "O" from the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts alphabet stencil blanks. These stencil blanks are so fun to incorporate into your project, they can be used separately (as I have here) or even as a complete set.

Each stencil blank is painted with copper colored paint and allowed to dry. I then attach a piece of distress oxide inked paper behind each stencil blank and the combined pieces are secured to the cover with decorative brads. The stencils are only attached at two corners to allow additional opportunities to tuck special things. 

The interior of this part is simply covered with papers. When open, each side contains a pocket along the edge to hold stationary and envelopes or, treasured, keepsake love notes, whichever you prefer. Pieces can also slip into the bands on the pockets.

As much as I had anticipated keeping the outside of my folio simple, I could not resist using the GSLC double hearts flourish as an accent. It's size fit so perfectly onto the back outer panel, and I saw it as an opportunity to bring a bit of the copper accents seen on the inside to the outside. This heart piece can be used in so many ways. Either layered (as I have) or separately, it is wonderful as a frame or even just as a decorative element.

 For the folio, I paint the top scrollwork heart with copper colored paint and allow to dry. Is is adhered atop the bottom layer which has been inked with distress ink and then crackled. After they are secured with collage medium, I wrap some copper wire around the edges at three locations to form "X"s. Then some spiraled pieces of wire are attached. This piece is adhered to the back cover (distress oxide inked paper) with hot glue. 

The folio and mini book set comes with a belly band; however, I did not use this piece. The front flap of my folio is secured by means of a piece of lace that has been inked. 

The colored lace, once dry, is secured with collage medium along two and a half inches in from each side.  The middle portion of the lace is not attached, which allows the flap to slide under it. Another die cut heart (inked and coated with crazing) is attached to the lace piece with mini staples in an "X".

 
I was so pleased with the way this folio turned out, I think it will be a beautiful way to store treasured notes and other things.

I hope that you have enjoyed my post, and perhaps it has inspired you to create something.
The design team and I'd love to see what you create with Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts. If you haven't joined already, please consider sharing your work on our Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Craft Group facebook page.
 Thanks so much for stopping by.
~Ann
  xxx

Supplies
copper 21 gage wire
Deco Art: metallic worn penny acrylic, one step crackle
Distress collage medium - matte
Distress ink: aged mahogany
Distress Mica Spray
Distress Oxide inks:
aged mahogany, dusty concord, gathered twigs, ground expresso, hickory smoke,
seedless preserves, victorian velvet, vintage photo
glittered washi tape
Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts:
alphabet stencil blanks, folio & mini book, double hearts flourish
LINECO linen hinging tape
Ranger Perfect Pearls: forever red, perfect copper
Scor-pal tape
Tim Holtz Ideaology: nailhead brads
Tim Holtz / Sizzix die: bigz love struck