"Wizard of Oz" Altered Boxes

I love Graphic 45 scrapbook paper. These scrapbook pads are hard to find in Florida. Driving home through St. Augustine, I found a variety of these smaller pads. One pad I found illustrates the "Wizard of Oz." The Judy Garland movie just happens to be my all time favorite movie! It instantly triggered fabulous pictures in my head! I couldn't wait to get home to implement these ideas.

Each Graphic 45 pad includes two of each two sided designed page. This made it possible to design two pop up cigar boxes.

Not long before finding these pads, my granddaughter performed in a dance competition, where three other young dancers performed as a trio dressed as "Wizard of Oz" characters. My husband just happened to snap a photo of the children as they performed. Later he turned the snap shot into a drawing. He printed this drawing twice and we designed two cigar boxes, which show these little dancers making their way down the road! When these boxes are closed the kids are "sleeping" in the poppies, just like the characters in my favorite movie!

Here are my very special "Wizard of Oz" boxes.

New Etsy Store!

I just opened an Etsy store and the first item I have listed is an altered canvas similar to the pink/floral one, which was the perfect gift. The original one was enjoyed by my best friend, but you can have one too at my Etsy store!
Here is the link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlasCardsandCrafts
Save the link, I am sure to be adding more handmade items.

Dry Embossing Revisited

Months ago I used a 50% off coupon to buy a light box at Michaels, only I haven't used the box until now. I also picked up a new metal stencil at Hobby Lobby.

A friend recently asked for me to make some cards with ladybugs, bees and butterflies embellished on them. Since the stencil had butterflies and I had more stencils, I decided to make my friend's cards using these and the new light box.

Supplies:
Brass embossing stencil
Stylus (dual ended)
Light box
Clear Vellum or tracing paper
Card stock
Wax paper

Rubbing the wax paper across the card stock, which makes it easier for the stylus to glide across the paper. I placed the vellum on the top of the light box, so I wouldn't scratch to box while using my stylus. I used the stylus tracing around the outer edge of each open area, beginning with the larger end. Make sharper detail by following the larger point with the smaller end. There is no need to fill the entire area to be embossed. The outline serves to raise the interior surface as well. Make sure to press the stylus gently, so that the paper won't tear. The flip side of the card stock is the finished embossed side.

I used a Martha Stewart punch for the butterflies and my Cricut "Just Because," Cards cartridge for the ladybugs.

I enjoyed the new light box so much that I tried out all my stencils and came up with lots of new cards for my friend!

Simply Elegant Card

Passing through St. Augustine on the way home earlier this week, we stopped at Claire's Collectibles located at 78-A San Marco Avenue. You can check the store out online at Claires-rubberstamps.com. I'll be willing to bet she has lost count of the amount of rubber stamps on display in her shop! My fabulous find this time was a Rose Trio G454 stamp, a product of Great Impressions. That stamp combined with my Ballerina Silhouette GR1160 a product of Stampabilities, work well to make a lovely card for mom or even a birthday card for an avid dancer.

Tombow Markers, cardstock, card base, Beacon 3 in 1 glue and a bit of lace make a lovely composition, without the need of a sentiment. A quote or saying handwritten inside the card is all that's need.

Up Coming Art/Craft Show and Sale!

Come see my work and pick up some unusual Mother's Day gifts!
Show will benefit 3 N Motion Competition Dance Team
Carla's Art/Crafts Show and Sale:
Saturday May 12th from 4 to 7 p.m.
3 N Motion Dance Studio
5 Utility Drive, Unit 1
(the old Let's Play location)
Palm Coast, Fl.

The Perfect Gift

This special canvas made for my best friend Vickie, was made using the Fancy Frames and Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridges.

I've lived in Florida since 1998 and for many years since then Vickie and I have been good friends. I can easily say that my life would have been much different and pretty boring had I not met her. I've learned to love the stage and karaoke (get this straight now, no I don't sing well). I have other good friends due to my friendship with Vickie. I was and still am sad that she needed to move to Tampa, but I know being near her family is important to my best friend.

Five years ago we dressed up for a masquerade party and my husband snapped  a photo of Vickie fixing my costume, after I had popped a seam. I love this shot...aren't we cute?