Tag Archives: Altered Art

Little Birdie Crafts Poppies & Roses Altered Box

Little Birdie Crafts Poppies & Roses Altered Tag Box by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Little Birdie Crafts Poppies & Roses Altered Box: Good Things in Small Packages

Hello, Friends!  If you love little things, then you are going to be very happy with this Little Birdie Crafts Poppies & Roses Altered Box.  It definitely falls into the “good things come in small packages” category of crafting.  Do you save cute boxes?  I do.  Seems like I just can’t find it in my heart to toss a well made box.  I blame it on my mom, who used boxes to make everything from baby beds to bookshelves.

True story!  When my little sis was born in the 60’s there were no fancy little baby seats.  But my mom fashioned one from a cardboard box and pillows.  She used one of my dad’s old belts to keep Sissie tucked in safe and sound!  Ingenuity!  Gotta love that.

When this same sweet sis presented me with a cute box of gourmet tea bags this Christmas, I knew immediately that I wanted to make it into some sort of project.  So into the Closet of Shame it went.  I actually painted all the edges of the 3″ x 3″ x 3″ kraft box with ivory chalk paint before stowing it away because I knew I would be more likely to use it if I’d done a little prep work in advance.  Sure enough, as I was perusing the shelves this weekend, there sat the sweet little box, just begging to be used.  And that’s how this project came into being.

How to Alter a Box with Little Birdie Crafts Poppies & Roses

This is a quick and easy project.  You’ll need to change your measurements if your box is bigger or smaller than mine, but the process is the same.

  • First paint all the edges of the box, inside and out, with chalk paint. Set the box aside to dry and forget about it for 5 months.
  • Next, cut (6) 2 7/8″ square panels from the 6×6 Poppies and Roses Paper Pad.  Ink the edges with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink, or dry brush them with chalk paint.  Or just leave them as they are.  It’s all good.
  • Now, cut (6) 2 3/4″ square panels from another 6×6 pattern.  Use these to line the box interior.
  • Then trace the little tabs on the sides and closure onto a piece of printer paper.  Use this as a template to cut out designer paper for those areas on the box.
  • Fussy cut a border from the 12×12 paper pad.  Adhere this around the middle of the box like a belt. It will be a little bit short, so start in the center front and wrap around the sides, ending up on the front of the box.  We will cover the gap, so no worries.
  • Now, attach crochet lace with 1/4″ Scor-Tape above the fussy cut border.
  • Alter mini bronze box feet with Little Birdie Antique Gold Metallic Wax.  Adhere to the bottom of the box and set aside to dry.  I use my Dries Clear Adhesive for this task.

TIP: Set the box upside down while the feet are drying.

The Fun Part: Decorating the Box

While the box is drying prepare the decorative elements.

  • Fussy cut flower clusters, wreath, door,  and butterflies from the 6×6 pad cut apart page.
  • Accent the Ornate Clock Chipboard with Gold Metallic Wax.  Back this with a couple of layers of waste chipboard or foam adhesive. Cut the wreath in half and adhere behind the clock so that the flowers can be seen.

  • Next,alter the grass chipboard with Glimmer Moss Metallic Wax.  Cut apart.
  • Locate some pretty red Little Birdie Flowers.  I used Meadow Red and Candy Embossed Daisies.
  • Once the box feet are dry, arrange the elements in a way that pleases you.

To make the box lid stand upright, use this clever trick I learned from my crafty pal, Ginger Ropp.  Wrap a panel of chipboard with designer paper.  Then adhere along the back side of the box.

Creating the Tags and Tag Card

I decided I wanted to fill my box with a trio of decorative tags.  Two of the tags are just simple tags that I made by cutting  2 3/4″ wide cardstock and decorating with designer paper.  I staggered the height.  The first tag is 2 3/4″ x 4″.  Make the 2nd tag 4 1/2″ tall.

How to Make  a Tag Card

Here’s how to make the 3rd tag.

  • First cut (2) 2 3/4″ x 5″ panels of cream cardstock.  Crop out the corners with a corner punch.
  • Next, cut a 1 1/2″ x 4″ strip of designer paper from your scraps.  Score this at 1/2″ and 1″.  Now fold to form a little hinged spine.
  • Adhere the left hand flap of the hinged spine on one tag and the right hand flap on the other.
  • Then cut a little strip of designer paper to cover the the inside center of the spine.
  • Next, cut panels of designer paper to fit the tags.  Remember to crop out the corners to match the tag base.
  • Now adhere the patterned paper panels to the tag card.
  • Create a little pocket on the right hand side to hold chocolate or a gift card.
  • Cut apart one of the journal cards from the 12×12 collection and use it to decorate the inside of the card.
  • Use a scalloped punch to cut out one of the small doilies from the 6×6 pad.
  • Punch holes in the tops of the tags and decorate with ribbon, charms and flowers.
  • Trim journal cards from the 12×12 pad to fit the tag fronts.

Extra Goodies

Since I had more room in my box, I also “gift wrapped” a little cookie in a punch out doily.  A scrap of designer paper makes a cute bag for a honey pouch.  One of the tags has a tea bag attached to the back side.  The other is backed with light colored wood grain so that a note can be written.  And I dressed up one of my vintage silver spoons with ribbon and a posy.

This makes such a lovely gift!  It is not expensive to make, and you can honestly put it together in an afternoon.  It’s great for Mother’s Day, birthdays, party favors, bridal showers…just change out the paper to match the occasion.

I hope I’ve shared some tips and tricks you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment box below.  You’ll also find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Queen Mum Mother’s Day Gift Ensemble

Authentique Flawless Queen Mum Mother's Day Gift Ensemble by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Authentique Flawless Queen Mum Mother’s Day Gift Ensemble for Authentique Group Post

Hello, Friends!  Mother’s Day is literally just around the corner.  Moms should be treated like royalty on this special day, so I created this Queen Mum Mother’s Day Gift Ensemble with the Authentique Flawless Collection.  I had my own precious mother in mind while creating these paper pretties.  Her favorite color was pink…so I think she would approve.

I know Mother’s Day is not always a happy day for every woman out there.  For those of you who find it hard to get through this day because of bad memories, grief over the loss of your mother, or sadness at never having been able to become a mom, I offer you a gentle hug.  My own mom passed in 2015, so it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to celebrate with her.  My goal each year is to spend some time remembering her and celebrating her life.

A Tribute to My Mom…the Queen of My Heart!

My mom had every reason in the world to be a real “stinker.”  Born into very humble circumstances, her parents divorced and gave her away when she was only 4 years old.  She was sent to live with a very cold and aloof aunt.  She was never hugged, never tucked in at night, never told she was beautiful or smart or loved.  Yet she did not become bitter or inflict her sad life on the life of her 5 children.

My mother was joy personified.  She was always singing, always ready for a good laugh, always ready to lend a helping hand, always quick to embrace us, praise us, encourage us and sacrifice for us.  Her heart was open to those who needed a mother’s love, even if they were pretty unlovable.  A brilliant mind, creative soul and adventurous spirit made her into a remarkable mother.  So I celebrate her on this special day.

Queen Mum Shaker Trinket Box

The first item in this ensemble is the Queen Mum Shaker Trinket Box. This is 5″ x 7″ altered book box with an acrylic shaker frame on top.

TIP:  Cover the foam adhesive sides of the shaker frame with 1/4″ strips of patterned paper.

Because my mom was an avid letter writer, I designed a set of simple note cards and matching envelopes to go inside the box.

And because my mom loved to make lists, I created a little matching note pad to tuck inside, too.

Mom would have loved all this pink!

Queen Mum Easel Shaker Card

Use the same image on the easel card.  This ties it together with the trinket box and makes for a lovely presentation.

Die cut a border from the black damask pattern.  Then back it with pink cardstock to create a stunning border.

Here’s a look at the inside of the card.  All of these quotes make me think of my mom.

I had just enough room to add a box style treat pocket on the top of the easel.

Create a 3″ x 3″ envelope for tea and chocolate with an envelope punch.  Then tuck in a special demitasse spoon to complete the trio.

Years ago I found a quote from Pearl S. Buck, one of my mom’s favorite authors.  I think of it every Mother’s Day because it is so true.

“Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together”

May you all be treated like a Queen on Mother’s Day!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album

Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album Project Share

Hello, Friends!  Let’s share a cuppa and take a look at this sweet Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album Project together.  This lovely collection has captured my imagination.  The ideas keep flowing, the papers seem to be magically multiplying, and I just keep on making.  Are you tired of this collection yet?  I find the colors so soothing and the patterns so lovely that I think I could keep right on working with it until every last scrap has been used up.  This boxed mini album doubles as a home decor piece, which is always nice.  Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Home Again Boxed Mini Album:  The Box

Have you ever covered a Graphic 45 Book Box?  It’s such an easy way to make a home decor piece.  This is the old style ivory book box, measuring 7″ x 5″.  Layer up some chipboard, ephemera pieces, and patterned paper.  Then accent with flowers, ribbons and metal embellishments.

TIP:  Chalk paint is a great finish for metal embellishments.  This Prima Door Plate was originally brass, as was the key.  The thing I love about chalk paint is that you don’t have to prime the base, the paint goes on smoothly, and dries to a lovely matte finish.

Finish the inside of the box with papers from the 12×12 collection.  Then add feet.  These Tim Holtz Idea–Ology box feet were the perfect finishing touch.  I didn’t even have to paint them.

TIP: If you add feet to your box, you must first adhere the spine of the book box  cover to the back side of the box cavity.  Use 1/2″ Scor-Tape or other strong adhesive for this step.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album:  The Album

I built this little album from scratch.  The shaker cover took some figuring out.

  • First, die cut the round frame from the small navy dot print.
  • Next, die cut a clear cardstock (acetate) circle using my Spellbinder’s Small Standard Circle Die.
  • Now adhere the clear cardstock circle to the back of the frame die.
  • Because the sides of the frame are very thin, even 1/8″ foam strips will show around the edges.  And we don’t like that.  The solution?
  • Die cut 2 leafy wreaths.  Place small pieces of foam strips on  the larger leaves and sandwich them together so that the edges are slightly staggered. You will be able to see small bits of the foam, but once you add the flowers and embellishments, they will be hidden.

Here’s a look at the cover details.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album: A Peek Inside

There are 6 pages in the album.  Each page has a side pocket with photo mount insert.

Fussy cut the flower cart from the 6×6 pad.  Adhere just the bottom edges to create a little tag pocket.

Magnetic flap pages give you a good spot for photos or hidden journaling.

Both the front and back covers have pocket spots.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album Video Tour

You can see all the pages, details and tips for making this project in this short video tour.

WATCH HERE

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.

To see more Home Again Projects, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Button Farm Club January 2020 Kit Reveal

Carta Bella Home Again Altered Tim Holtz Etcetera Tag and Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for The Button Farm Club Photo 01

Button Farm Club January 2020 Kit Reveal: Carta Bella Home Again Altered Etcetera Tag & Folio

Hello, Friends!  I’m so excited to share my Button Farm Club January 2020 Kit Reveal with you today.  This idea has been rumbling around in my head for weeks, and I’m truly tickled with result.  It’s home decor, it’s an organizing tool and it’s a folio all in one.  I think you are going to love this Carta Bella Home Again Altered Tim Holtz Etcetera Tag & Folio!

If you’ve never worked with a Tim Holtz Etcetera Tag before, you are in for a treat!  The tags are made from thickboard: a thick sturdy surface that is perfect for collage, altering and embellishing.  The small tag we use in this project measures a generous 5 1/2″ x 10″; a perfect size for  home decor. And what collection could possibly be better for home decor than Home Again?  The fresh farmhouse vibe, the pretty patterns and the soothing color palette are delightful to work with.

You all know me so well…I like pretty…but I like practical, too.  So I designed this tag with a big ole slash pocket to hold an altered notebook.  It’s the perfect place to jot down a to do list, menu plans, emergency contact numbers, grocery lists….or a little daily gratitude journal.  There’s room to tuck a pen into the pocket, too so everything you need will be right at your fingertips.

 

Button Farm Club January 2020 Kit Reveal: The Folio

The flip side of the tag houses a delightful tri-fold folio.  You’ll learn how to paper piece this adorable little house on the cover…and just wait til you see what’s inside!

This sweet little folio is filled with flips, flaps, pockets, tags and room for loads of lovely family memories.

The waterfall feature will house (18) 4″ x 4″ photos.  And the other photo spots are designed for photos ranging in size from 4″ x 6″ to 3″ x 5″.  And, if you add a little bulldog clip to the sides, the folio will stand upright so you can display your beautiful family photos.

I think this would make a wonderful bridal shower gift, house warming present, birthday gift and…Mother’s Day will be here before we know it!  The color palette almost reads as a neutral, so it would go with almost any home color scheme.

YouTube Video Tour

To help you get a feel for the flow and function of this lovely kit, I’ve created a very short YouTube tour.

What Comes in the Kit?

As always, you will receive everything you need to complete this project with the exception of your adhesive of choice and Distress Ink, should you choose to sponge a little on the edges.

  • Tim Holtz Small Etcetera Tag
  • Carta Bella Home Again Collection
    • 1 sheet 12 x 12 Journaling Cards
    • 1 Coordinating Solids Pack
    • 1 6×6 Paper Pad
    • 1 Chipboard Phrases
  • Little Birdie Heleen Amor Mio Flowers
  • Bay Leaf Seam Binding/2 yards
  • October Afternoon Buttons (blue/3 per kit/small, med, large if possible)
  • Farmhouse Small Notebook
  • 2 pearl stickpins
  • Full color printed tutorial with easy to follow step by step instructions.

The price of the kit is just $39.99, which is a great value given the contents! The tutorial will give you some new techniques that you’ll be able to use in other crafty adventures as well.

The kit is available now at The Button Farm Club. This is a limited release, and I expect it to sell out rather quickly because it is so stinkin’ cute!

For those of you who have been asking for more card tutorials…stay tuned.  There’s a birthday card kit in the works even as I write this.  It’s going to be really, really cute!

I have spent a good bit of time imagining kits for 2020…and I am so excited to share them all with you as they are released.  2020 is going to be a year that just overflows with creativity.  Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement in this venture.  If you have kits that you’d like to see in 2020, please let me know, and I’ll take them into consideration.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

 

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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