Category Archives: Mixed Media

Tell the Bees Altered Bottle and Hanger Card

Craft Consortium Tell the Bees Altered Bottle and Hanger Card Deep Roots Workshop Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Tell the Bees Altered Bottle and Hanger Card for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  I’m “buzzing” with excitement over this Altered Bottle and Hanger Card for today’s Throwback Thursday post!  It is a collaborative effort between our son Peter (Deep Roots Workshop) and Kathy by Design!  Peter turned this lovely apothecary bottle on his lathe, He was trying out some new carving tools and showed me the results.  The minute I laid eyes on this beauty, I saw a honey comb.  So I asked him if he would let me play around with it…and he trusted me!  Yay!

The Bee Bottle

Bee Bottle Deep Roots Workshop Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Peter creates his art pieces from reclaimed wood.  This poplar wood bottle was once part of a 100 year old barn here in North Carolina.  There’s nothing like starting a project that has weathered years of history!  After turning the wood on his lathe, Peter carved the little circles with carving tools.  Then he treated the bottle with his homemade Danish oil.  This is a mystery concoction of  his that really brings out the grain of the wood.  Then he handed the bottle over to the Kathy by Design Day Spa for a little face lift .

First, smoosh Speckled Egg Distress Oxide Ink onto a non-stick craft mat.  Spritz it with water until small droplets form.  Then pick up the ink with your fingertip (or a sponge if you don’t like inky fingers) and tap it along the edges of the bottle.  Then lightly dip the sides of the bottle into the inky puddle.  Let the ink run, and spray with more water to fade it out.

Next “pollinate” the honey comb design with some mica gel medium.  I used Stamperia Glamour Gel.

Making the Tag

Next I pulled out my Craft Consortium “Tell the Bees” paper collection.  I purchased this ages ago along with the matching linen ribbon, stamps and a shaker mix.   Here’s how I made the decorative tag.

  • First,  create the background. Swipe  a 4×4 panel of manila cardstock in a lovely puddle of Speckled Egg Distress Ink.  Create the puddle of ink by smooshing the ink pad onto a non stick craft mat and spritzing with water.
  • Now dry the tag.  Then go in for another dip.  This time just tap the panel lightly in the ink to add layers of color.  Heat dry again.
  • Then look for little beads of ink and lightly tap the card into them to pick them up.  This creates a gorgeous speckled effect on the background.  Heat dry.
  • Now sponge on a little Wild Honey Distress Ink in a random fashion.  Spritz the card lightly to blend the colors.  Spatter water droplets for an even more distressed look.  Heat dry.
  • Use bee themed stamps (mine came in the bundle I purchased way back when) and stamp the panel.  Archival Ink works best for this.  I used Coffee, Saffron and Black.
  • Finally, die cut the panel into small tags.
  • Tie a tag around the bottle neck with waxed linen thread.  Add embellishments.
Tell the Bees Hanger Card

Craft Consortium Tell the Bees Hanger Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Because I already had all the supplies out on my work table, I decided to go ahead and make another Hanger Card.   This one measures 5″ x 7″ and I love the way it turned out.  The burlap is stitched to a panel of cardstock.  Then I just layered up some scraps from Tell the Bees, stitched a pocket in place and embellished.

Several of you asked about these little metal hangers.  They were a closeout item on the Melissa Frances website.  There are a few left if you are wanting to add them to your stash.  This one has been painted with Speckled Egg Distress Paint.

Here’s a look at the  mixed media tag and a little note card I tucked into the pocket.

Creating this project reminded me that I actually do like to ink and stamp.  I think maybe I need to schedule a day every now and then to get inky!

Peter and I enjoyed this little project so much that we are already planning our next caper.  We want to shoot some video next time to show you the turning process and the altering process.  If you’d like to learn more about Peter’s artistry, you can check out his ETSY shop.   You can watch him salvage the wood used to make this apothecary bottle on his YouTube channel, He’s always posting something interesting on his Instagram account. And if you’d like to follow him on Facebook, you can keep up with his antics there.

I hope you enjoyed this slightly different take on Throwback Thursday.  It certainly was fun for me to share this crafty adventure with our son.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Carta Bella Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal

Carta Bella Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Carta Bella Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal Mixed Media Card

Hello, Friends!  This Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal Mixed Media Card celebrates my favorite winter bird.  I just love the way a cardinal’s bright red plumage brightens up a dreary winter day.  And they have such a cheery song.  So when I found this vintage rusted cardinal embellishment in a local flea market, I just had to add it to my stash!

This is a simple 7″ x 5″ top fold card base.  Stitch together layers of the patterned papers to create the background.  Then get your Mixed Media Boots out of the Closet of Shame and have fun!

Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal

I decided to take Carta Bella’s Christmas Market into the woods this time.  Our son kindly cut me some thin-ish slices from a Bradford pear that fell in their front yard.  This one is about 1/2″ thick and about 4″ in diameter.  Here’s how I created this rustic cardinals lofty perch:

  • Begin by thinning white gesso with a little water.  Then brush lightly over the surface of the wood slice.  Don’t forget the bark!  The white gesso will immediately winterize the wood.
  • Next, while the gesso dries, die cut a whole pile of festive greenery.  I like to use scraps of designer paper for this as the patterns add interest to the grouping.  This time, I used Tim Holtz Skeleton  Leaves and Mini Greenery.  (Links below)
  • Once the gesso is dry, tap the surface of the wood slice randomly with Versamark Embossing Ink.
  • Now, sprinkle the surface with Seth Apter Blizzard Baked Texture and heat emboss.
    • TIP: Keep heat embossing until the Baked Texture melts completely.  These chunky powders can take a while to fully blossom.  You can stop at any point, of course, but I really baked this one, and I loved the effect.  Experiment and find the perfect stopping point for your personal taste.
  • Next, tap the cooled surface with Art Institute Dries Clear Adhesive.  Then immediately sprinkle with Rajni Chawla’s Crystal Clear.  Looks just like freshly fallen snow!
    • TIP: cut a piece from a make-up sponge to dab on the adhesive.  Rinse and re-use!
  • Pile on the greener, then tuck in your cardinal and berries.

Christmas Market Rustic Cardinal: A Peek Inside

Here’s a fun way to use washi tape to hold a honey stick in place! And who wouldn’t love a buffalo plaid treat pocket?

Chocolate, tea and honey?  Sa-weet!  So you get eye candy and tummy candy all in one!

To see more projects made with Carta Bella Christmas Market, look HERE and HERE.

I think this card would be gorgeous on a Christmas mantel or side table, too.  In real life, it glistens and sparkles like fresh fallen snow.    You can find this one in my ETSY shop!

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and techniques that you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Ephemoire Queen Bee Mini Album

Farmhouse Style Queen Bee Mini Album with Ephemoire Digital Designs

Hello, Friends!  Let’s add some sweetness to your weekend with a Farmhouse Style Queen Bee Mini Album made with digital designs from Ephemoire.  As a tea drinker, I love honey.  And as a honey love, I love bees!  And as a country girl, I love farmhouse style.  So why combine all these loves together in a scrumptious, made from scratch mini album?

I wish you could hold this 5 3/4″ x 7 3/4″ x 3″ album in your hands.  With its warm honey hues, rich textures and buzzing bees, it may just be my favorite mini album of all time.  Let’s look at the details, shall we?

Queen Bee Mini Album: The Shaker Box

It is a well known fact that I love a shaker element.  I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate them into my work.  And in preparing the Tim Holtz Lace Frame for this shaker box, I stumbled upon a new technique.  Here are the steps to follow in case you feel like putting on your mixed media boots.

  • Begin by inking the inside and outside edge of the large oval shaker frame with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.
  • Next, use a mini blending tool to apply Fossilized Amber Distress Oxide Ink randomly over the face of the frame.  Follow this up with a generous application of Wild Honey Distress Oxide Ink.
  • Now, spritz the surface of the frame with the Distress Mister and let the Oxide Ink work its magic.  Dry thoroughly with a heat tool.
  • Then, apply a nice coat of Versamark Embossing Ink over the entire surface of the frame.  Place the frame on a large sheet of clean paper and cover with Seth Apter Vintage Beeswax Baked Texture.  Press the embossing powder lightly with your fingertips, then let the excess slide off onto the paper and put it back in the jar.  Heat emboss.  Repeat.
  • Now the real fun begins.  Apply Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink directly to the surface of the frame.  That’s right, just swipe the pad over the frame.  Spritz with water to activate and heat dry, using a clean paper towel to dab up any really big puddles of ink.
  • The most amazing thing will happen as you heat emboss.  The Vintage Beeswax will sort of open up and swallow the ink, then seal over as it cools.  So the ink goes from the surface to a lower layer.  It’s really, really cool, and you’ve got to try it if you love to play around with embossing powders!
  • Repeat the above step, but use Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Inks this time.  Yummy!
Queen Bee Mini Album: The Spine and Back Cover

The rustic feel of this album cover makes me so happy.  First you have the natural canvas layer…which is really cool all on its own.  But then I added burlap, a vintage lace handkerchief, and a linen panel…and giant wood buttons????  Stop already!  These photos are good…but they don’t begin to capture the true beauty of this album.

Queen Bee Mini Album: A Peek Inside

The inside of the album is black, white, cream and gold with pops of red.  I dug through my stash of specialty papers to find the faux embossed leather paper that you see here.  All the patterned papers are digital print outs from Ephemoire.  Aren’t they gorgeous?

The album has pretty to look at pages, photo mount pockets, and little folios tucked in.  It’s a very fun album to flip through.

I dug through my textile bin to find special vintage treasures that just seemed to be in waiting for this album.  Washi tape is used throughout to create borders.

This is my favorite page in the album.  A vintage handkerchief, folded and bundled together with gold crochet thread and topped with a sweet little bee. Stitch the vintage button through the folded hankie to hold all the layers in place.  I also love the little vintage ticket, which is an ephemera print out, topped with a vintage safety pin.

I topped laser cut lace paper with a lovely printed border and more ephemera bits from kit.  The cute little plaid guest checks in the slash pocket are actually folios.  And I tucked in a honey dipper, just for fun.

Queen Bee Mini Album Tour on Youtube

This mini is so loaded with goodness that I had to create a project tour to share it all with you.  You’ll get to see all the pages, and I’ll share little tips that you might find useful in your own crafty adventures.

I hope I’ve inspired you to get your craft on this weekend.  If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a joyful and creative weekend!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio

Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio

Hello, Friends!  Oh, how I love fall.  This Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio is so warm and inviting, I just had to share it with you!  It has everything I love: rich color, gorgeous textures, lush layers, machine stitching to add that homespun feel, and scrumptious patterned papers.  Yes, I had fun with this one!

Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design PHoto 01

Start with a 6″ x 6″ chocolate brown card base with a 1/2″ spine.  Them mat layers of Prima Autumn Sunset papers on cardstock and burlap.  Scurry over to the sewing machine and add some stitching.  Then heat emboss a Laserowe Love doily with Seth Apter Ancient Amber Baked Texture and pile on some fall leaves. (Prima) Place dimensionals on the back of the die cut deer and surround with gorgeous flowers.  Yummy!

TIP:  Build your card front before you adhere it to the base.  Then wrap the sides with twine and gold metallic string to create a wonderful contrast between rustic and elegant.  Top the twine with a Prima charm.  I always add my card fronts to the base as the very last step.  This way, I can finish the inside without crushing all those lovely dimensional elements.

Deer Autumn Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 02

Create a quick and easy pocket on the inside of your card.  Simply cut the liner panel 2 1/2″ longer than the card base.  Score and fold the overhang to form a pocket.  Add gussets to the sides so you have plenty of room to add treats and treasures.

Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 03

Use an Envelope Tool to make a little tea wallet .  Top it with a ribbon belly band to hold everything in place.  I tucked in one of my precious vintage gold plated enamel demitasse spoons and a bit of chocolate for a sweet afternoon treat.

Deer Autumn Card Folio: The Pull Out Mechanism

Prima Autumn Sunset Deer Autumn Card folio Accordion Mechanism Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 04

This lovely little accordion mechanism is held in place with ribbon.  It’s a great way to showcase the patterns from this lovely collection.  And it’s the perfect place to add a few fall photos and journaling.  I love it when a card is also a gift and a mini album, don’ t you?

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Autumn, Pumpkins and You Etcetera Tag

Autumn, Pumpkins, and You Etcetera Tag with Prima Autumn Sunset

Hello, Friends!  Let’s cozy up with a cuppa and take a look at this Autumn, Pumpkins, and You Etcetera Tag, shall we?  Autumn is all about rich textures, beautiful colors and layers.  I’ve incorporated all those elements into this lovely home decor piece.

Autumn, Pumpkins and You Mixed Media Etcetera Tag Prima Autumn Sunset by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Etcetera tags are huge.   This “small” tag measures 5 1/2″ x 10″ and it’s about 1/4″ thick. A perfect size and weight for home decor, and able to stand up to mixed media techniques, these tags are a favorite base.  I thought you might enjoy seeing how I prepared the tag base with mixed media supplies.  So I put together a little “mini tutorial” for you.

Autumn, Pumpkins, and You Etcetera Tag: Layer by Layer

Begin by painting the edges of your Etcetera Tag with DecoArt Copper Metallics Paint.  Dry with your heat gun.

Next, randomly apply Versamark Embossing Ink directly to the edges of the tag.  Then sprinkle randomly with Seth Apter Patina Oxide Baked Texture.

Now heat emboss, but don’t bake it all the way, as you will be adding another layer of embossing powder.

Let the first layer of embossing powder cool, the randomly apply Versamark to the edges again.  Then sprinkle lightly with Emerald Creek Burnt Copper Leaves Embossing Powder.  Heat emboss until you like the finish. This is a matter of personal choice.

I like to emboss my powders until they are like dark toast…not quite burnt, but rich and toasty!

Next, I cut a liner sheet about 1/2″ smaller than the tag.  Collage paper scraps and fussy cut images in layers, stitch on the machine and you’ve got a great base to work with.  There’s no real wrong way to do this.

Autumn, Pumpkins, and You Etcetera Tag: The Details

Cluster images and elements together to create a focal point.  This is important.  The eye needs a place to rest.

This vintage curtain tie back is made of tin.  I altered it with paint and embossing powders to add rich autumn hues.  Then I clustered flowers and autumn leaves around it to blend it into the collage.

Top the tag with gorgeous plaid ribbon, curly ribbon, acorns and more flowers.  The green balls are green peppercorns from my kitchen.

Autumn, Pumpkins, and You Etcetera Tag: The Flip Side

Prima Autumn Sunset Mixed Media Etcetera Tag Waterfall by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

There’s a lot of great real estate on the back side of these tags.  Finish the back side with a lovely little waterfall cascade.  Just add photos!

I have a few of these tags scattered around my home as decor.  This one sold in my Etsy shop.  I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST
  • Prima Autumn Sunset
  • Small Tim Holtz Etcetera Tag
  • Seth Apter Baked Texture: Patina Oxide
  • Emerald Creek Burnt Copper Leaves Embossing Powder
  • Versamark Embossing Ink Pad
  • Ribbon, embellishments and fibers from my stash