Xmas Project for my Folks! :)

Whew!!!!! I have conceptualized this project since October. But, you know me......... much thought, not a lot of action. (well, creativity-wise) I'm really happy with the result. I started the project once, had to rip everything off and start over.

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So, here it is....... the "COOKIE" project! :) :) :)

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I was thinking that most grandparents get all of the really nice, clean, immaculate pictures of their grandkids. Now, come on people, we all KNOW that isn't the "real" story!! :) I decided to give my parents a "reality" brag book for their wall (well, maybe their closet???!!!! )

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I found this saying last year "In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips". I modified it slightly to fit this project.

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I downloaded copies of pictures and cropped down to similar sizes. Pasted them all together into a word document and then had them laser copied. I cut them into 4.5x4.5 inch pieces and mounted onto primed masonite. (the finished piece is 12 inches x 12 inches). I used my Xyron to adhere the panels to the masonite. I then matted and Xyron'd the focal picture to the piece. Used my new Cricut to cut the flower layers. (Drilled holes into the masonite to fit the hanging rings BEFORE I adhered the pictures). I used picture hanging wire covered with fiber to hang the piece.

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Voila!

Here is a close up of one of the hanging rings:

Close ups of the flower corners...... ;)

Comments always welcome. Please leave me your email address so I can get back to you!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cricut Play!! :)

Some experiments using my new Cricut Create!! ;) I have been having a lot of fun seeing what I can and cannot do with this fun machine. So far I have probably tossed more that I have kept, but I just have to see what works/doesn't work for me!! :)

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First, some simple cards. I cut the images from some pretty wallpaper samples that have been sitting in my "storage area" for years. :) A few quick layers and you have some cute cards!!

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Ok. Have been trying several Glass Etching experiments. What I have found is that the large, open area image do NOT etch evenly. Very frustrating. Now, if I had actually READ the back of the jar of etching cream, I would have seen that they clearly state: NOT INTENDED FOR LARGE AREAS. Doh! My question for all of you etching gurus.......how in the heck to you get a nice etch on a large area????? (for example, the tree images above, or a pear, or a reindeer, or an ornaments..... etc etc)

Here is my one etched ornament that I did not toss in the trash. I used Alcohol Inks on the back.

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I had fun with these experiments!!! These are cheapo white plates (material seems to be very similar to a Glossy Bathroom Tile) I purchased from a thrift store. I cut my image on sticky back vinyl and placed on the plate. I then mixed up a concoction of StazOn reinker, Blending Solution, and PearlEx in a Mini Mister (a super shrimpy spray bottle) Shook it up and sprayed away. I then blotted the inks with a paper towel and let dry. I pulled of the vinyl and touched up the edges. Not perfect, but I think they turned out pretty cute! I edged with Krylon Leafing pen and then heat set for 20 minutes at 250 degrees.

You can definitely see the PearlEx shine in this plate. I blended Sunflower yellow and Forest green stazon inks to make a brighter green for this plate. I blotted a little more to create some extra texture.

Note on plates:

The plates should only be used for decoration!! The StazOn ink is solvent based and would not be a good combination with food. I have decorated some clear glass plates on the underside with acrylic paints (sealed with polyurathane), and those were food safe (gently handwash)

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS ALWAYS WELCOME!! PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I HAVE A WAY OF CONTACTING YOU!! :)