Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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











Thursday, November 10, 2011

Storybook Inspiration w/ Graphic 45

Hello and Welcome on this marvelous Thursday!! 
Hope that everyone has been having a fun filled week..  The week hasn't been lacking in excitement here.  On Tuesday my daughter Skyler turned 6 and we had an amazing fun filled day with presents and special dinners.  Wednesday there was no school, so we even got to stay up late. 
Followed by conferences Wednesday, then off to finish up some last minute projects before
Horror Hound Weekend. 

Today will be all about packing up, creating signs, pricing and any last minute craziness that involves making my house look more like it has been ransacked. 
Then Friday at noon I am off to set up my new home with my Bestie Lesley for the next 3 days.
Super excited and looking forward to the Interesting people I will meet at Horror Hound. 
From what I understand there are lots of freaky and bazaar costumes, so I will make sure to take TONS of pictures to share!!! 
Whew Tired already and it's only Thursday..
Time for a little pick me up inspiration to keep the creativity coming!


For this layout I wanted to create a surreal feel that takes you right into the storybook.
Created using a pleasant mix of Halloween in Wonderland and An ABC Primer with little touches of 
Once Upon A Springtime.  This layout captures a lot of the wonderful storybook characters that make Graphic 45 papers so amazing! 


Instead of going with traditional leaf colors I decided to mix it up a bit with blues and purples that just help to reinforce the storybook feel. 
Each tiny leaf was loosely hand cut then inked and slightly folded in half for more texture. 
Hidden amongst the leaves are mechanical gears, clocks and even a few surprises..

Here Alice is searching for her storybook ending.  As the Cheshire cat peeks from the branches above.  Did you ever think Alice In Wonderland would mix so well with Beatrix Potter Images?? 
Only Graphic 45 could create such Magic!!!


The image of the mother reading to her children inspired this whole layout!! 
I wanted it to feel like the children are envisioning these things as they hear the story.
 For the title, I wanted to create a storybook looking title that also partially blended into the scene. 
Like the sign post that is pointing 2 different directions. 
One says "Create", the other "Your".  Signifying the choices we all have to make in life. 

The image of my daughter are actually from her first day of school this year.  Sitting outside on the front step for pictures, this one couldn't have been more meant to be.
Adding the butterfly wings to her picture was the perfect thing to really make the title have so much more meaning! 

Well Crafters, that's all I have to share today! 
Off to pack up and make some messes..
Make sure to stop by Graphic 45 for lots more layout inspiration today with my amazing design team members Hilde and Gloria!!  

Thanks so much for stopping by, and don't forget to..
Create Your Storybook Ending!
Nicki Chicky



Monday, November 7, 2011

And the Winner Is!!!

It's that time already to announce the winner of the Holiday Blog Hop Prize Giveaway!!!
First I would like to thank everyone who stopped by and took part in the Hop! 
Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments and support left along the way!!
Ok drum roll please.....
And the winner chosen at random is...
Cindy Lou
Cindy if you could please conact me at Scrapaholicmania@aol.com with your mailing info I would Love to send the prizepack your way!!
Again, thanks to everyone for joining in the fun!
XOXO
Nicki Chicky



Sunday, November 6, 2011

Handmade Holiday Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome to the Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!!

Calling all crafters! We ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could make for the holidays, all in one place on this Hop!

To sweeten the Hop, we're offering a gift for you! For every comment you leave on the blogs in the Hop, you'll be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors!
 I am here representing Graphic 45, and here is the amazing prize pack they have to offer!
 Beautiful Christmas Emporium collection 12 x 12 and 8 x 8 paper pads along with the 5x8 Altered Art Box, Altered Art Metal Tin and a Metal Ornate Metal Door Plate. A $75 value!


There are lots more chances to win! Visit the blogs of these fabulous companies including Clearsnap and leave a comment saying that Graphic 45 sent you! Each company is offering a fabulous prize pack and your comment is all you need to enter to win their prize pack! The winners will be randomly drawn from the comments left on all of the blogs.  There a lots of chances to win with this fun Holiday Blog Hop! Have fun and soak up the craft joy!

Deadline: comments to be left on each blog by Nov 7, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST for your chances to win BIG!!!


I also wanted announce that I am holding a little giveaway of my own in the spirit of the Holidays!!!
For your chance to win my prizepack, available only right here, all you have to do is Follow my blog and leave a comment letting me know! 
It's that easy!
If you are already a follower, just let me know in your comment and you will be entered!

One Winner will be chosen at random and announced right here Monday Nov. 7th @ 7pmEST. 

Here is what you could win from me...
Graphic 45 8 x 8 Christmas Emporium Paper pad, Graphic 45 Metal Brads, Envelope tags and Envelope album.  One Dozen of my stemmed handmade paper flowers created using Christmas Emporium Papers,  Clearsnaps Moonlight Smooch and Green Olive Smooch Spritz!!! 


Now onto my Handmade Gift Idea!


This is just a small wooden box with a door and 5 glass windows that you can pick up at any local craft store. 
It may look like something very detailed, but can be created in only a few easy steps!


To start out. I painted the trim on the windows white.  Then cut strips of paper to cover the small amounts of wood showing on the inside and ouside of the box.
For the inside I wanted the look of wallpaper, and for the outisde the look of a gingerbread house.

Here is what it looked like as a box covered with paper and just decorated on the front.
No Roof Added..
 After covering the walls with wallpaper you are ready to create the simple shadowbox scene inside. 
To get started right click the clip art provided and save it, size to box and print off.


Once image is printed onto heavy cardstock, cut out the fireplace including Santa. 
 For added depth, print image off twice and cut Santa out to pop dot over first image. 
Adhere to back "wall" of box using pop dots.
Should look like this...
Cut out and add Graphic 45 stocking from Believe paper, Christmas Emporium Collection.
Add some shimmer with Smooch Accent inks, and move onto to the next few quick steps:

Now add a pre decorated mini Christmas tree found at any craft store in front of the fire place.


In front of the Christmas tree, cut and add image of People from Happy Holidays Paper.


And Last of all for the inside, cut out the cute little rocking horse from Toyland paper and adhere on left, in front of tree. 


Now you have a gorgeous looking shadowbox with tons of depth that was created with very little cutting of images!
Now for the Roof...

To create this super easy roof all you need is some heavy chipboard a ruler and razor knife.


Measure the length of the top of your box and cut a piece of chipboard that is over half the size.
My roof was 4" long so I cut my chipboard to 8"long.
Once chipboard is to size, find the center width wise and lightly "score" the center by cutting only the top few layers of chipboard.
Fold in half creating a peak.
Paint Roof and glitter as desired, making sure to paint the underside that may show.


For strength create 2 triangles or "soffits" (in housing terms) out of heavy chipboard at the angle you would like you roof to be. 

Cover Triangles with paper on the outside, and adhere one triangle to premade roof to help keep shape.
Due to a slight roof overhang, and to make placement easier attach the second Triangle to the top of your box using heavy duty adhesive.
(I didn't decorate the top of my box since I knew it would be hidden by the roof)

  Add one more strip of heavy duty adhesive to the front of your box top where the other triangle that is attached to roof will rest. 
Make sure in placing your roof, to leave room for your door to open!


Last Attach your roof and add Santa in his Sleigh!


For the front cut out some Holly from G45's Christmas Emporium Papers. 
Use some matching Hampton Arts Stamps to create the wonderful stamped image inside a frame.
Add some G45 chipboard and a few little nick nacks, and don't forget adding a snowy look, or brightening up your berries using
Smooch Accent Inks!



Finish the whole thing off with 4,  G45 Metal Brads glued to the bottom as feet.  This will help your door to easily open and close rather than catching on the table. 



And that's how to make a simple box, into a simple fun Shadowbox Christmas House using yummy Graphic 45 products!! 
This piece is not only great as a gift, but would be the perfect centerpiece to your buffet set atop a cake plate with some fresh greens!  Or place it amongst some Greenery and strands of Christmas Lights on the mantle and watch the glass sparkle!

Please Scroll Below Supply List For Instructions On Where To Hop Next!!!

Supplies Used:
Finished project Measures Approx: 8 1/2" x 6"
Graphic45 Papers:
Christmas Emporium: Under the Mistletoe, Toyland, Happy Holidays, Tis the Season, Believe, Santa Express
Renaissance Faire: Awakening
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Brads, Christmas Emporium Chipboard Tags 1

Hampton Arts: Christmas Emporium Cling Stamps 1
Clearsnap Colorbox Decades Inks: Triumphant Red, Antique Moss, Photogenic
Smooch: Siren, Moonlight, Top Coat, Gold Lame, Frosted Aqua
Creamy Brown Fluid Chalk Ink

Fiskars: Scalloped Border Punch, craft knife
Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Ink Blending Tool
Melissa Francis: Mini Resin Frames
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares
Tombow: Glue Stick
Scor Tape

Other: E6000, Hot Glue Gun, mini wreath, bell, wooden box, chipboard, white paint, glass glitter, vintage clipart, mini candy cane, printer, ruler



Today
Nov 6 - Day 3


Sabrina Alery Clearsnap http://sabrinaalery.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison Graphic 45 http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/
Karen Taylor Donna Salazar Designs - http://creativeyearnings.blogspot.com/
Beverly Sizemore Hampton Art http://bevscreativepath.blogspot.com/
Kazan Clark Spellbinders http://nunutoolies.blogspot.com/
Janeen Shember Authentique Paper http://suburbngypsy.blogspot.com/
Charlotte Jenkins Clearsnap http://suepup.blogspot.com/
Grace Hester The Twinery http://gracehester.typepad.com/
Nicole Eccles Graphic45 http://nicoleeccles.blogspot.com/ <--- YOU ARE HERE
Audrey Pettit Donna Salazar Designs - http://audreypettit.wordpress.com/
Nan Paturzo Zutter http://scrappynan.blogspot.com/
Jeannie DeGruccio Authentique Paper http://polkacabana.wordpress.com/
Tamara Tripodi - Glue Arts http://happylifecraftywife.com/

                            Thanks so much for joining in on this Outstanding Holiday Hop!
Don't forget to leave those comments for a chance to win what all these wonderful companies are giving away. 
Plus Follow my blog and leave me a comment for a chance to win my Holiday giveaway!!
Remember to buy and create handmade gifts from the heart this holiday season!

Happy Hopping!
Enjoy The Journey!
Nicki Chicky





Tuesday, November 1, 2011

An Inspiring Duo...Graphic 45 and Coordinations Blog Hop

Hello and Welcome on this glorious Tuesday! 
I hope you have all overcome your candy hangovers and are ready for some Graphic 45 goodness! 
This week Graphic 45 and Coordinations have teamed up to bring you some amazing inspiration for a double dose of fun from both blogs, and some prizes too!
So make sure to hop to each companies blogs and Facebook pages
 and leave your comments along the way for your chance to win their yummy prize packs!
LOOK WHAT GRAPHIC 45 IS GIVING AWAY!!!
RIMG1749

Now onto the hop! 
For my project w/ Coordinations and Graphic 45 I really wanted to capture that vintage feel that is so great when using Coordinations papers. 
With just a little sanding, crumpling and tearing this amazing Core paper can turn any project from clean and fresh to old and grungy in seconds!! 
A must have for any scrapper, especially on all those handmade Christmas cards and gifts..

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This Christmas card is a fun mix of The Magic of Oz, Christmas Emporium and layers of luscious Coordinations Core Cardstock.  Finished Card measures 4 1/4” x 7 1/2”, also created with  Graphic 45's envelope tag on the front for a little gift card hideaway!!

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Supplies:
Finished Card: 4 1/4” x 7 1/2”
Graphic 45 Papers:
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Buttons, Metal Tags, Envelope Tags
Colorbox Decades Inks: Bon Voyage
Coordinations: Signature Series(Blue), Vintage Collection( Grey Damask) , Core Sanding Block
Ranger: Platinum Distress Stickles, Glossy Accents
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares
May Art: Black Lace
Sookwang: Scor Tape
Tombow: Glue Stick
Other: Small Snowflake Ornament, Pipe Cleaner Candy Cane

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 
Lots more inspiration from my wonderful teamies @ Graphic 45 and Coordinations so hop along and leave those comments for your chance to win!
Happy Scrapping!
Nicki Chicky