Tombow's April Challenge

I saw a post on Tombow's blog about a new monthly challenge by designer Debbie Fisher. I needed some craft therapy, so I decided to give it a try.

I decided to create a Teacher Appreciation Gift Bag for some friends. 

All the pieces were cut using my eClips. The bag is from the Albums, Bags and Boxes cartridge. The book and thank you are from the Starter and Rockin' Janie Cartridge.
The background on the bag I stamped with Distress Ink in Festive Berries using the Mixed Media set from Stampers Anonymous.

The challenge was to use three Tombow products to create a tic-tac-toe on the game board. I used the Tombow Multi Liquid glue to fasten the side of the bag. I let it get just slight tacky before joining the seam. By doing this I don't have to hold it as long.  I also glued the apple button to the top of the flap.

The Fastner Tab was used to create the closure on the bag. I now what I but inside the bag won't fall out on the way to school. I used the Mono Permanent Adhesive to attach the book and words to the front.

Inspired by Tim Holtz's April 2013 Tag

LOVE the new Distress Paints!!!!!

I really like that you can dry a layer then add more color without changing the first layer. It took a little practice (first background didn't quite turn out, but I did save it to use later). 

It works great on the metal embellishment pieces. The number 13 almost looks the the paint has started to peel off. For the corner piece, I used the Distress Paint, dried the paint and sanded the raised areas. It created a worn metal look. I didn't use the Metallic Distress Stains because they haven't arrived yet.

Meet Craft Matt

Tina and I had the opportunity to take a series of classes sponsored by Globecrafts Memories and Piccolo Decor.  Among the list of supplies we needed to bring was a craft matt. Of course we realized it must have been a typing error, but thought it would be fun to bring a craft matt. So begins the journey for Craft Matt....

with a long drive to Midland, Michigan. When we arrived at our hotel, we thought we might have taken a wrong turn or two because in front of the hotel was a red double decker bus, a red phone booth and a funny looking mailbox. Did we cross the ocean in the dark? Maybe it will look different in the morning.

 

No they were still there. So we took a few minutes to take pictures for Craft Matt's scrapbook. 
Now it was time to head to our classes. 

Our first project was an home decor project with the clear globes.

We used 3D enamel gels to add color and dimension to the butterfly and an ultra thick UV resin to finish it off.

We used vintage copper embossing powder on the frame.

On to the next project, a card using the vintage copper and gold embossing powders to make book board embellishments look like old metal. Love the patina look to the embossing powders.

Matt was excited about making the next project. He was able to help change bookboard embellishments into rusted gears. It was an involved project as there were multiple steps.  The rust embossing powder created a neat effect. In some steps we heated it, while in others we just used it loose. To finish off the project we added Piccolo Ultra Thick Instant UV Resin. Now it is ready to wear.

The last project was a pendant and earring set. This used the embossing powders, 3D enamel gels and the Ultra Thick Instant UV Resin. The finished piece looked that a heavy metal piece. I did wear them out to dinner, everyone thought they were metal and couldn't believe I made them.

DIY Slider Bracelets

I was impressed at how easy the Cousin DIY bracelets were that I went to Joann Fabrics and purchased the slider bracelet pieces.

I wanted to try something using the Tim Holtz Tattered Floral dies. 

First, I cut an assortment of flowers from some old pairs of blue jeans. 

Next, I used the Tattered Angels Glam in Chandelier to add some sparkle and stiffness to the flowers. After they dried, I stacked them some right side up and some wrong side up to vary the colors. 

 

 I sewed them together with a waxed linen thread with copper beads for the centers. I attached them with the waxed linen tread to the band. Last, I followed the directions to attach the clasp. It was very easy to do.

Fashion in a Flash with DIY Slider Bracelets

I received a box of goodies from Cousin with samples of their new DIY Slider Bracelet line.  All the options in this line make it easy and fast to create beautiful bracelets to match every outfit and mood!  The best part is – No Experience is needed to create the perfect bracelet!

The first one I made uses a Trinkette Metal Chain bracelet as the base.  All that is needed for this is to add the Cousin Trinkette Glass, Metal or Clay beads that match your outfit, put it on and you are ready to go.  It can be easily customized with spacers, beads and charms.  The design of the bracelet lets you easily change out beads, charms and spacers as often as you like.  Collect your favorite beads and change out your accessories to fit the occasion. 

A set of Sliders

The second one I worked on started with a black leather band.  I had to choose which sliders to use and in what combinations. Yes – the sliders slide around on the band. Cousin has thought of that and included on the leather band 2 small rubber stoppers that can be placed on the band before and after your sliders to keep them “in place”.  After adding the sliders, I measured the bracelet to my wrist and trimmed off the excess leather with a pair of wire cutters.  The longest part of the process was waiting for the glue on the clasp to dry so I could wear the bracelet.

Jeweled Slider Option

Owl Slider Option

Permanent on Leather!

The third one is my favorite.  As soon as I saw the white surface I knew what I wanted to do – this was the perfect surface to tangle on and create a wearable ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art)!  I tried several different types of pens to find one that would not smear on the leather and still write with a fine tip.  I settled on the Identipen as it is permanent and has a fine tip.  This one took the longest and is the most unique.  I can see this making its way into future Zentangle Classes at Café Crop. (All Zentangle classes are taught by a Certified Zentangle Teacher!) I did most of the tangling before I attached the clasp.  When I was close to the ends I measured the leather band to my wrist, cut it and glued the clasp ends on. 

Left

Middle

Right

Stop by Café Crop to see any of the bracelets in person.  The DIY Slider Bracelet line is the perfect way to customize a bracelet to match a dress for prom.  Then there are wedding day options for matching bridesmaid's attire.  They would also make excellent custom gifts for your bridesmaids.  Or maybe you are just looking for an excuse to have a fun Girls Night Out making your own jewelry, and enjoying time with just "the girls". 

You can find all of the pieces you need for your own DIY Slider Bracelets at Joann.  I might see you there . . . I need a few more leather bands.  The next one will have bling on it!

Happy Crafting
Tina