Chipboard Frame Magnet

Hi everyone!

For this week's project, I used Father's Day as the inspiration.

My husband loves working on puzzles during the winter. I had these chipboard frames that kept getting set aside and moved from place to place, so it was time to use them. They are 4 inches square.

I started by painting on Green pearl 3D Crystal Lacquer directly onto one of the chipboard frames.  The second frame will be the back, so I felt it could stay the way it was as the puzzle pieces would totally hide the frame.

I layered the puzzle pieces - some had text on them and some were from a child's puzzle.  I flipped the child ones over and used those.

I used the Blue Pearl 3D Crystal Lacquer all over the puzzle pieces once they were glued down.

I glued 4 pieces of the magnet strip onto the corners of the unpainted chipboard frame.  I, then, glued 3 of the sides of the two chipboard frames together to create a pocket for a photo.

This frame is now on our fridge.

Don't forget - for June, you can get 20% off your total purchase at Sakura Hobby Craft for the entire month of June by entering coupon code Crystal06 when you check out! 

Milk Tin of DREAMS

Hi there!  I hope everyone is has had an AWESOME creative week!!

Today, before I begin my project I want to tell you about this amazing small business - Sakura Hobby Craft.  I was given this opportunity to be on their Design Team to showcase their products.  
I have never met them in person, but they do everything they can to please the customers and if we have a question.
All they ask in return is to check out their products and hopefully order from them.  Their products are not available anywhere else in my area and YOU are missing out if you haven't tried them!!!

OK - on to my project for this week.......My Milk Tin of Dreams.

As some of you know (those who follow me), I LIKE TREES!  I am concentrating on working on MY DREAMS this year and so what better way to have my dreams front and centre in my studio than on a Dream Tree.  The little milk tin from Sakura is the perfect container!


Its the perfect time to get branches around here, and before the ban on the Elm trees takes effect.  I cut one that had several off branches.  
In the bottom of the milk tin, I added some old metal printing letters I have had for ages - they are the perfect thing to weight down the milk tin so it doesn't become top heavy.
I filled the milk tin 3/4 full of an old matte medium that I was not happy with and its still not fully dry (I filled it last Friday)...its thickened more and more every day.
On the tin, I added a vintage scrapbook paper and glued on buttons.

On the tree, I added 2 strands of flower sequin string I made using the little flower sequins and perle cotton.  I made a knot between each sequin as they were added with a needle.

For the ornaments on the tree, I used some tags that I added photos to and then used the 3D Crystal Color Lacquer for added colour and dimension around the edges.  

I then tied more perle cotton on the tags and placed them randomly on the tree.  
I had small paper flowers in a little container asking to be used and so I glued them randomly onto the tree branches along with the butterfly.  

The Dream Tree can be images of all your dreams, or would make a great gift for the Mothers in your life with photos of all their children or grandchildren.

When you order this month, use the discount code: Sakura05 you will receive 20% off your total order.

CD Magic

Hi, Lea here!  This is my first post for Sakura Hobby Crafts, but not my first works and other blog posts working with 3D Crystal Lacquer.  I look forward to sharing ideas and art to help motivate your creative MUSE!

As you see above, a March SALE!  Yes, key in "Shimmer 03" when you check out and receive 20% off your order.

As I promised on my blog, my project is this fun and ecclectic CD Pin.  Learn how to work with CD's and use TS Mixers with 3D Crystal Lacquer for shimmery color and as an adhesive!

Terri Sproul Shimmer Mixer's Set
3D Crystal Lacquer


Working with CD's:

Creating with CD's (or DVD's) gives you a surface in which to create jewelry. 

You will need:  A clip or oven mitt to hold CD, heat tool for stamping, and scissors (more utility, not used on paper).
     *Use the clip to hold CD or hold CD with the oven mitt. 
     *Heat CD for 30-40 seconds to get it hot.
     *Once heated, immediately cut the shape with scissors.  The CD might break, but don't worry the shapes are always interesting.  Drill a hole with a Dremel Tool or Hand Crank Drill.
     * Let the CD piece cool and then clean surface with any cleaner.  I use permanent ink cleaner.

 

 

 

Creating the Art:

1.  Mix the color/colors of TS Mixers with 3D Crystal Lacquer.  I use a palette cup to do so.  The ratio I used is 3 parts lacquer and 2 parts mixer.  I want the consistency a little thicker so I can push the elements into the surface.

2.     Use a palette knife (or any tool you want like old credit card, foam brush, etc.) and "frost" the surface of the CD.  Use one color or mix a couple!

3.  Press a small piece of art mesh into the surface first.  I have different sized beads and types, with and without holes.  Gem particles and Glitter Pieces work great with this design!  Stock up on a lot of different Sakura products to have on hand when needed.  Use an awl or tweezer when needed to push various pieces into the surface.  Do Not Cover The Hole you drilled.  Let dry.

4.  Edge CD with a color of Metallic 3D Crystal Lacquer.  It adds contrast and dimension to your art.  I went over the mesh following the lines with metallic lacquer as well.  Let dry.

Note:  If you are impatient on letting your lacquer dry (especially in humid states) Sakura Hobby Crafts has a UV Light which will dry your projects quicklly.

5.  Take 19-22 gauge wire, string beads and charms, attaching it through the hole of the CD.  Once it is all set, adhere a pinback to the opposite side of the CD so you can wear it!!!  The photo doesn't reflect the beautiful shimmer of the art.  Blingy without being too Blingy!!!

I am really Happy to be a part of this team.  I love to do unusualy art, lots of mixed-media and altered.  Even beyond that, when I want to create a dew drop or tear; Sakura products are there to help me create the way I want!!!

Cre8tiveLea Yours - Lea

Until March 19th, enjoy the wonderful works of the DT!!!  Enjoy and may your March Shimmer.