From "Home Decor" to 'Haute Couture" - New Episode of Behind These Eyes

In this latest episode of Behind These Eyes on When Creativity Knocks, I am sharing a simple idea for transforming pre-beaded decorative trims made for home-decor into unique jewelry. 

"Heart on Your Sleeve" Cuff Bracelet

Good bye January and hello February!  Another month closer to SPRING!  It's time for the monthly Designer Craft Blog Connection hop!  This month our theme is "Love".  Be sure to follow the link in the column on the right to see what other "lovely" projects the designers are sharing this month! Also, in celebration of March being National Craft Month, Julie McGuffee is going a giveaway of a selection of Fabscraps products featured on her show Scrapbook Soup!  And next Monday, be sure to pop in and see what the participating designers are sharing as part of the manufacturer challenge this month sponsored by Buttons Galore & More.  - Cindi

Materials:

Industrial Chic™ by Susan Lenart Kazmer™ changeable cuff bracelet
ICE Resin®, Jewelers Grade Molding Putty, Opaque Silk Ribbon
Earth Safe Finishes™ Gold Shimmer Opaque
ScraPerfect Best Glue Ever
Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigment - Micropearl
Filigree heart charm
Jewelry Pliers

Instructions:

ICE Resin’s® molding putty should come with a warning - it’s addictive!  One of my many molds was made by mixing two equal parts of the putty components and inserting a heart filigree charm.

Mix ICE Resin® according to manufacturer instructions.  Add Micropearl Pearl Ex Powdered

The result is a pearlized finish in your molded piece (this is the back)

Pigment in small amounts until desired opacity is achieved.  Pour into mold Let cure.


Use finger tip to apply gold Earth Safe Finishes™ Shimmer Opaque to the raised filigree areas on the molded heart.

Unscrew and remove elements from top of changeable cuff bracelet.  Set aside for another project.

Use jewelry pliers to cut screw back to approximately 1/8” from bracelet.

Cut length of wide red opaque silk ribbon to fit cuff.

Apply Best Glue Ever to center of bracelet, horizontally across entire surface.  Let dry until clear, yet still tacky. 

Mount ribbon, pushing screw through center.

Apply Best Glue Ever to center of bracelet around screw.  Let dry until clear, but still tacky.

Press molded heart onto center of bracelet, using light force to push screw into back of resin, and adhering to glue.

The Art Bra for Charity Wings

Another of those insane things I did for a good cause!   Charity Wings had a Mob Flash this year at the start of CHA to benefit the Be Aware foundation for breast cancer.   We were challenged to decorate a unique art bra, wear it to the Mob Flash (while dancing in a very uncoordinated manner to a choreographed tune), and then we wore them to an auction hosted by Westcott to raise money for the Be Aware foundation.   Angela Daniels sold hers super quick - those little toy soldiers battling cancer were a big hit!  Ann Butler modeled a Westcott creation, and mine had Expo International golden fringe, a floral Blumenthal Lansing button, and hand painted Jacquard Lumiere flowers with beaded accents and glitter. 

I'll share the link to the video of our dancing bra extravaganza as soon as it's posted!  - Cindi

Bloody Fingerprints, Maker Faire and Forensics!

Things are getting creepy around here - I LOVE Halloween!  Here's a link to my current Cindi's Simple Solution project on WCK.  It's simple to create your own "bloody fingerprint glassware" with Jacquard Pinata Inks and Earth Safe Finishes Eco Epoxy!  

The latest episode of When Creativity Knocks is a review of Maker Faire Bay Area 2012 - take a peak at some of the fun at this amazing event!   My book review for this week is The Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Experiments by Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson


 

Dress Details - A Closer Look at CHA Crafty Couture Gown

Roses in the Garden was the theme I chose for my gown this year.   From there I challenged myself to create a gown that was primarily made from repurposed materials, at a minimal cost, with hand made embellishments.   Little did I know that "challenge" would end up being a key word throughout this adventure.  From creating the dress without a true dressmaker's dummy to ensure it would fit the needed measurements (hey, I got creative  - meet "Beatrice" my personal mannequin), to transporting the gown to Chicago, to attempting to repair the extensive damage that occurred in transit on the hotel room floor, I persevered.  The result was this gown and coordinating pieces I think Mother Nature would be proud to have her daughter wear to the prom or a special event. 

A perfect color match!

The bodice was made from newspaper panels, layered with Plaid Mod Podge to seal and add structure.  The inside was lined with pink Duck Tape to add sturdiness.  After a layer of white paint was added, I began hand painting the freestyle climbing roses using blended shades of Plaid’s acrylic paints.  The colors of the roses themselves perfectly matched the colors of the actual climbing roses I have in my own garden.    When I was finished layering the roses, I enhanced each rose and leaf with Jacquard Lumiere 3-D Metallic Dimensional Paint & Adhesive for added shimmer and depth.   A light coat of Plaid Martha Stewart Sugar Cube paint added a tiny bit of sparkle all over to the finished painted bodice.   Makin’s Clay leaves were made with a push mold and added to the top and bottom edges.   The bodice was closed in the back and held in place on the mannequin using Velcro Brand Adhesive strips.

For the trellis skirt, individual strips of layered newspaper were Mod Podged, then woven to create the desired effect.   The trellis was spray painted with white paint.   The skirt liner was created from an old repurposed white sheet, and green floral organza material from a clearance rack at a fabric store.   The skirt was held closed, and held on the mannequin, with Velcro.

The vines for the climbing roses were made with jute rope and jute string painted with Krylon spray paint.    The vines were woven through the trellis skirt and hot glued in place.  Push molded Makin’s Clay leaves were mounted using Beacon Adhesives Felt Glue.   The individual roses were created from custom mixed shades of Makin’s Clay.  Each rose and rose bud is made from numerous tiny hand made petals, layered to create a cluster to mimic the actual tiny climbing roses in my garden.  Once dry, each rose was lightly accented with Lumiere 3-D paint for a bit of shimmer.  The complete roses were mounted to the vines and stems using Beacon Adhesive. 

Rubber stamped butterflies, embossed on vellum, were painted with USArtquest Pearl-Ex watercolor paints, then embellished with Darice beads using Judikins Diamond Glaze as an adhesive and sealant.   Diamond Glaze was also used to lightly coat the wings of each butterfly.  The butterflies were added as accents to the front of the top of the bodice, and on the trellis. 

The small clutch purse was also made from Mod Podged newspaper, lined with pink Duck Tape.  It was painted in the same manner as the bodice and has the same clay leaf accents.



The coordinating shoes began with an old pair of silver shoes.  Several coats of white paint altered them to a more subtle background for painted rose accents and clay rose accents.  In the trend of colorful soles, the bottoms were painted with the same yellow as the roses on the gown. The painted shoes were also given a coat of the Plaid Martha Stewart Sugar Cube paint for a tiny bit of sparkle. 

Laslty, here's a shot of the gown before I disassembled it into pieces for transportation to Chicago..... luckily I packed a fully stocked repair kit so I was able to apply some triage techniques before it hit the CHA Showroom floor!

I hope you enjoyed this behind the scenes information on what went into the creation of my gown.  I can tell you first hand that all the gowns on display were amazing - I can only imagine the time and effort that went into each one and would love to hear the stories behind each creation in the Summer 2012 Crafty Couture display!

Until next time, happy crafting and remember to "Dare to be Different!"
- Cindi

ABC Book Set on WCK & TLC's Craft Wars

My latest project for C&T Publishing is on today's new episode of When Creativity Knocks.  The Artful Fiber kit is stuffed full of mixed-media must-haves and we've used almost all of them in this cute personalized tactile ABC book set.  There's a downloadable .pdf with instructions and templates for the alphabet and the little critters too!

Ana Araujo and I also both reviewed the new TLC show Craft Wars which premiered last night.  Having crafting back on network TV is surely something to celebrate!   My complete review is here.

Check out the Ana's Creative Chaos blog to read her review, and see her cute altered composition book pencil pouch combo!

ImpressArt® Metal Stamps - Designer Craft Blog Connection Hop

I am so excited to be a part of this ImpressArt® Metal Stamps Designer Craft Blog Connection hop!  I received my product from ImpressArt®, opened the box and became almost immediately obsessed.  I have been adding metal stamped accents to almost every creative project I've made since receiving my product.  Today I'm sharing three jewelry projects featuring the lowercase Newsprint set of metal stamps, and assorted stamping blanks.   There are 3 projects, and I've included instructions and supplies for each - so I appreciate your patience with this long post :0).   Also, ImpressArt is hosting a great opportunity for you to win a fantastic prize package - The Grand Prize is valued at up to $120.00 and contains: 


        1- ImpressArt alphabet set of the winner's choice
        1- ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block, small
        1- ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer
        1- ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape
        An Assortment of metal discs

To enter the contest, you must go to the following link and follow the directions:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ImpressArt/155664424487844?sk=app_194975693850063
                                                       
I can promise you'll be seeing a lot more of my projects with metal stamping.  In the meantime, be sure to follow the Designer Craft Blog Connection link at the right to see what other creative projects have been shared by fellow designers!

Cobalt and Copper Pendant
Featuring Metal Stamps and Copper Offset Oval Washer Blank from ImpressArt®  

Materials:

ImpressArt® Design Stamp, Whimsy Heart Metal Stamp - Item #SC158-K-3MM
ImpressArt® Metal Stamping Blank, Offset Oval Washer w/Ring, 2” - Copper - Item #IAD12261
ImpressArt® Brass Metal Stamping Hammer - Item #SC711
ImpressArt® Stamp Straight Tape™ - Item #BC21-1520
ImpressArt® Steel metal stamping block
Cobalt glass beads, brown glass beads
ART Glitter - Cobalt Vintage Glass Glitter
Copper jewelry wire
Lumiere 3D Dimensional Metallic Paint and Adhesive from Jacquard Products - #219 Blue
Jewelry pliers, wire cutters, copper colored fiber, copper necklace closure finding, soft cloth

Instructions:

Cut two small pieces of Stamp Straight Tape™ and align on bottom of Copper Offset Oval Washer.  Holding upside down, stamp Whimsy Heart Metal Stamp radiating out from center opening in space repeatedly between tape.  From there, move each piece of tape in a radiating fashion and repeat stamping heart “upside down”. 

Use fingertip to apply small amount of blue Lumiere 3D Dimensional Metallic Paint & Adhesive over metal stamped hearts.  While paint is still wet, gently rub surface of copper with soft cloth, allowing blue paint to enhance stamped hearts. 

Use round end of hammer to gently distress outside edge of metal and around inner opening.

Apply thin lines of blue Lumiere 3D Dimensional Metallic Paint & Adhesive between each row of stamped hearts.  While wet, add cobalt blue vintage glass glitter.  Let dry.

Measure and cut copper colored fiber to desired pendant length.  Loop through ring on top of oval to hold in place.  String large blue glass bead onto fibers and directly to ring, tie large knot in fiber over glass bead. Add copper necklace closure.   Add 3 smaller descending sizes of cobalt and brown glass beads  to a piece of copper wire.  Arrange in opening and wrap around ring to hold in place.

© All images - Cindi Bisson - Behind These Eyes™

And on to Project #2 -

BLOOM Ring
Featuring Metal Stamps and Floral Stamping Blanks from ImpressArt® 

Materials:

ImpressArt® Alphabet Stamp Set, Newsprint Lowercase Stamp Set  - Item #SC1316-3MM
ImpressArt® Metal Stamping Blank, 5 Petal Flower with Ring Stamping Blank - Brass:  IAD12130 - TWO
ImpressArt® Brass Metal Stamping Hammer - Item #SC711
ImpressArt® Steel metal stamping block
Black Sharpie Marker
We R Memory Keepers Cropo-A-Dile Punch
Pearl Dew Drop embellishment from The Robin’s Nest
Jewelry pliers, wire cutters, soft cloth, E-6000 adhesive

Instructions:

Use lowercase Newsprint metal stamps to stamp two brass flower blanks - one letter on each petal, spelling out “BLOOM”.

Use wire tool to cut hanging ring from each charm.

Color stamped lettering with black Sharpie marker.  Gently rub
from surface of brass with soft cloth, allowing black to enhance
stamped lettering


Use jewelry pliers to gently bend petals upward and outward on one flower.

Gently bend petals of second flower backward.

Trace ring back onto scrap paper.  Cut circle of paper to cover ring back, adhere.  This ensures the silver toned metal from ring back doesn't show around brass flower.

      Use E-6000  Adhesive to mount flower with petals bent backward onto ring base, then mount flower with upward bent petals so that all petals show.  

Add pearl Dew Drop accent for center of flower. 

© All images - Cindi Bisson - Behind These Eyes™




And lastly, at least for today - Project #3 -

Take Flight Mixed-Media Pendant
Featuring Metal Stamps & Copper and Brass Stamping Blanks from ImpressArt® 

Materials:

ImpressArt® Alphabet Stamp Set, Newsprint Lowercase Stamp Set  - Item #SC1316-3MM
ImpressArt® Design Stamp, Square Swirl Stamp - Item #SC1510-P-3MM
ImpressArt® Design Stamp,  Whimsy Flower Stamp - Item #SC1514-K-3MM
ImpressArt® Metal Stamping Blank, Butterfly, 1 5/16” Brass - Item #IAD12142 - TWO
ImpressArt® Metal Stamping Blank, 6 Petal Flower, 1” Copper - Item #IAD12222
ImpressArt® Brass Metal Stamping Hammer - Item #SC711
ImpressArt® Steel metal stamping block
We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile Punch
Black Sharpie Marker
Rectangular Brass Hobknob bezel from ICE Resin
ICE Resin
Pattered paper from Belles Dames Francaise flip book from ICE Resin
Pearl Dew Drops embellishments from The Robin’s Nest
Jewelry pliers, wire cutters, copper colored fibers, gold/brass toned floss/fibers, small pearl beads, repurposed rhinestones, mica flakes, copper flakes, small paper flowers, copper necklace closure finding, soft cloth

Instructions: 

Punch small hole near top of copper flower using Crop-A-Dile punch. 

Use lowercase Newsprint letter stamps to stamp “beauty in flight”, somewhat centered, onto copper flower.  Randomly stamp flower with Whimsy Flower stamp.

Punch two small holes approximately 1/4” apart, centered on each brass butterfly using Crop-A-Dile punch. 

Use lowercase Newsprint letter stamps to stamp “fly”, between punched holes.

On each butterfly top wing tip, stamp Square Swirl stamp three times in a row, radiating upward, allowing to overlap slightly.  Stamp each bottom wing once in lower corner.

Use black Sharpie to color each stamped blank, wipe with soft cloth to remove from face of blank, allowing black to enhance stamped areas.

Use jewelry pliers to gently bend the wings of each butterfly upward.  Also bend the petals of the copper flower randomly upward and downward to add depth.

Line rectangular bezel with patterned paper.  Sprinkle in copper flakes on left edge and mica flakes on right lower edge.  Arrange repurposed rhinestones into dragonfly shape above butterfly image on patterned paper.  Set two small paper flowers in lower right corner, with pearl Dew Drop centers.

On copper strip of metal, use lowercase Newsprint stamps to stamp “wings”.  Trim around word, color with black Sharpie and rub with soft cloth to remove ink from surface of copper strip.   Place into collaged bezel as shown.

Mix ICE Resin according to manufacturer instructions, pour into bezel.  While wet, add 3rd small paper flower, coated with resin, with Dew Drop center onto lower right outside corner of bezel, extending beyond the center. Cure overnight.

Measure and cut fibers to desired length.  String copper fiber with pearl bead accents approximately 1” apart, knotting to hold in place.  Add stamped butterfly accents to hanging fibers.  Add jewelry closure.  Measure and
cut fibers to hold copper flower beneath collaged pendant.  Add pearl bead, tie to stamped flower and tie to ring on filled bezel.

© All images - Cindi Bisson - Behind These Eyes™