Today I will show you a quick and easy way to make your own personalized Wall Canvas.

The supplies I used were…

A canvas, matte photo paper, scissors, ModPodge, Black craft paint, paintbrush, distress ink, some ribbon, glue gun, edge distress tool or sandpaper.

The digi supplies were…

Photo Editing program, I use PSE8, a printer, the Sideliners Word Art Set by Jan Hosford and the Fabrications Classic paper pack by Quirky Twerp.

The first thing you need to do is measure your canvas, then open a new file in your photo editing program that is the same size as you canvas. Design your creation with your word art and some digi papers. I put a few pictures on mine too. Then print it out on your matte photo paper. If it doesn’t fit quite perfectly just trim it down a little.

Then you want to distress the edges of it a little bit, use and edge distressing tool or some sandpaper and rub it all around the edges. Then take your distress ink and rub it all over the edges too. Like this…

Then put a coat of Mod Podge all over the top of of it to seal it. Let it dry.

While that is drying take some craft paint and paint the edges of your canvas, like this…

When both the paint on the canvas and the ModPodge on your paper is dry you will attach the paper to the canvas with some more ModPodge. Just put the ModPodge all over the canvas with your paintbrush, lay the paper on top of that and press down real good, smooth out any air bubbles. I turned mine over so I could get it nice and flat and rub any bubbles out. Like this….

You will have this…

Now add some ribbons to jazz it up a bit, I put some little pieces of ribbon on the corners, wrapped a piece all around the edges and used another piece for a hanger. You are done! Hang it on your wall and enjoy!

Supplies:

• A Beautiful Life Collab by Wendy Page Designs and MKC
• Bazzill Basics white cardstock paper
• Metal ring (you can get these at any craft store)
• Plastic beads
• Clear sewing string
• Pearl beads
• Inkssentials Glossy Accents dimensional glue
• Ranger Stickles
• Tombow Mono Adhesive
• Pliers
• Scissors (I recommend Tim Holtz’s Tonic scissors with the very fine tip)
• Ribbon

Now you’re ready to get started!

Step 1. Printing out the flowers

I loved the one dimensional flowers used in the A Beautiful Life kit and thought it was perfect for the mobile. In CS5 I created a new sheet using a transparent background; this way it doesn’t print the white background since you’re already printing on white cardstock. Because the flowers on the mobile are going to spin you want to make sure you use a double sided image. I decided to keep keep the flowers somewhat “touching” when arranging them in CS5 for ease of gluing.

Step 2. Applying dimensional glue and glitter

After you’ve meticulously cut out each set of flowers it’s time to do the fun stuff! Grab your dimensional glue to give your flowers more dimension. You can choose to add dimension to certain parts of the flower or all of it. I opted for a subtle look by adding them in certain places of my flowers. But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to add your mini pearls for even more dimension!

What’s a scrapbooking project without glitter, especially if they come in a no-mess bottle. Since the big flowers already have dimension from the dimensional glue I wanted the smaller flowers to stand out by using the glitter. This will make your flowers shine when it’s blowing in the wind!

Step 3. Adding the flowers to your mobile

Now you’re ready to start piecing your mobile together. First decide on the length of your clear sewing string then attach it to the metal ring. Make sure to tie several knots so it doesn’t come apart. Using your Tombow glue, glue one side of the two set flowers. Put the sewing string in the middle of the flower and fold in half to seal the flower together. You’ll need to press the edges together really good so the edges don’t come apart. Alternate big and small flowers until you get the desired look.

After you’ve finished add the plastic beads on the ends with your pliers. Snip off any loose sewing string to make your mobile pretty.

Step 4. Add ribbon

The final step in making your mobile is to add the ribbon so you can hang it from the ceiling. I cut 3 pieces of ribbon each 15 inches in length. After tying each of the ribbon to the metal ring I held up the mobile holding the ribbon to ensure the mobile is straight before I tied the ends together. Snip off any pieces sticking out of your knot that’s tied to the metal ring to make it more clean looking.

The end result should look like this:

There are so many possibilities with this. I can’t wait to make my next mobile!

Supplies I used for the flowers:

• Old Phone Book
• Red Line adhesive
• Basic tools (scissors, circle punch, paper cutter)

Supplies I used for the shadow box frame:

• Endless Summer by the Digichick Designers
• Craft knife
• Ruler
• Cutting Mat
• Red River Linen Paper

I knew I wanted to make three flowers that were all different.  For the first flower, I took about 4 or 5 phone book pages and inserted them into my circle punch.  I also took my paper cutter and cut some long strips of paper for the second flower and came up with this.

Then I took an round item that was larger in diameter than the punched circles and made three circles in some basic cardstock and a phone book page.  I don’t have a large circle punch so this is how I achieved making the base for each flower.

The next step was to add adhesive to the base so a phone book page could be the background an no white would show through any empty areas.  Then I added more adhesive on top of the phone book page so the actual petals would stick.

I took a punched circle and rolled it and then placed it on the base.  When I was done going around the entire base, I took my scissors and cut along the edge of the base so there would be nothing over the edge and all even.

For the second flower, I took some more punched circles of phone book and crumpled them up in my hands and then added them to a flower base.

For the third flower, I took the strips of phone book paper I cut earlier and folded them in half and went around the entire base for the flower.

For each flower, I added some embellishments courtesy of Martha Stewart crafts and Jolee’s.

The next step in the process was creating the background and matte for my shadowbox.  I chose some papers from the Endless Summer kit that would go well with the colors in my family room and this is what I came up with!

The fun thing about this is that I can change this up as I please – take a different kit and make a different background or matte for a fresh look every once in awhile.  I hope you enjoyed learning how to make flowers with an old phone book!

-Paint Extender:  a small bit of this mixed in with your paint will keep it from drying up without affecting the colors hue or tint.

-Decoupage: Run out of Mod Podge?  No worries!  This can be used in exactly the same manner!

-Adhesive or Sealent:  The same with Mod Podge, this can be used to adhere your project together and seal it from the elements.

Ok, so how can a hybrid scrapbooker use gel medium?  Today, I will show you how a small bit of this amazing product can tranform your hybrid scrapbooking projects!

Supplies:

-Gel Medium (I have used Golden Regular Gel (Matte).  I find that it dries completely clear and maintains awesome flexibility!)

-Foam Brushes

-Canvas bag  (You could use a small mounted canvas for this project as well!)

-Image printed on a transparency

-Brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool.

The first step in this process would be to create an image that you would like to transfer to your project.  I used TKWhimsy‘s Space Dog kit for this project as my son is obsessed with anything space related at this momment.  You could use anything from frames, to word-art, or even patterned paper; just create an image that means something to you. 

When printing on transparency, you want to make sure to always check your printer’s settings and follow the instructions on the package or you may wind up with an image that does not transfer well.  Also, remember that when printing on a transparency, same with an iron-on sheet, you need to select “mirror image” prior to printing.  Remembering this step will save you a lot of wasted paper, trust me!

Next, prepare a flat surface for your project to sit on.  When using a base that contains multiple layers, if possible, insert a flat surface between layers to prevent sticking and/or wrinkles.

Mark off the areas that will need to contain the gel medium.  You will want to make sure that the ENTIRE area that your image will be transfered to contains a thin, even layer of this product.  Too little and your image won’t transfer to the area; too much and your image might smear. 

Using your brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool, make sure that the entire area of your image has been pressed firmly to the base and gel medium.  Lift corners as you rub to make sure that you are covering in the entire area.  Once completely smoothed over, slowly peel back one corner until the transparency is free from the base.

At this point, you can continue to add layers of images with additional transparencies or you can let your project dry completely.  After it is completely dry (normally an hour or two), feel free to add additional embellishment or layered dimension to the surface!

As I said before, Gel Medium can be used in a WIDE variety of different ways!  From techniques involving photos to vinyl, this product will be one that you will want to have on hand!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Every other day she had a step by step tutorial showing how to create her awesome Doilies. I tell you it is inspiration at its best! It inspired me to create a set of Cutting Files for your Digital Die-Cutter to make your very own doilies – Doilie Shapes Set 1.

Well naturally there where a few who wanted to create these Doilies but did not own a cutter. Today I have a solution for you!

All my Cutting Files include both PNG and PSD so you can still hand cut if you wish (although I would not recommend it with this specific shape) or you can use the easy way out which I will demonstrate today. So I hope I have you inspired…lets get started!

Supplies:

DIGITAL

• Doilie Shapes Set 1
• Beautiful Life Collab between MKC and Wendy Page (Doilies are included in this kit!)

PHYSICAL

• Red River Polar Matte
• 12×12 Coordinating Cardstock
• Trimmer and Scissors
• Adhesive
• Dimensional Glue Dots
• Glossy Accents
• Embellishments (Brads, Flowers etc.)

STEP 1

I created 9 4×4 inch canvasses in my photo editing program. I decorated them with digital papers and embellishments. I also printed out additional embellishments to layer and add dimension.

STEP 2

Print out all your 4×4 squares and extras. Arrange them on a 12×12 Cardstock. This already looks pretty just as it is!

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 1

I cut out 2 extra flowers to layer onto this doilie with a nice big jewel brad. I added some Glimmer Mist to make it shiny.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 2

I cut out a few more stickers and adhered them with some dimensional glue dots. I also added a jeweled brad for some bling.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 3

I cut out a few more flowers and adhered them with a jeweled brad and glue dots.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 4

I cut out a sticker and adhered it with a glue dot and a pretty brad.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 5

I layered a hand cut flower with a felt flower and a pearl brad. I did the same with the larger sticker.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 6

I punched out 4 circles and made this pretty paper flower. I also cut out one of the gem brad included in the kit and with Dimensional Glaze I added some dimension to the brad making it look almost like the real thing. I had to wait for this to dry before I took the final photo…

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 7

Another set with Hand cut flowers and stickers layered with some felt flowers and brads.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 8

I layered a gorgeous flower with a jeweled brad. I curled the edges of the paper to create the illusion of real flowers. This one turned out really well.

EMBELLISHED DOILIE 9

Another Paper flower this time using a scalloped circle punch, which I layered with felt flowers and brads. I also added a tiny bow for added dimension.

So do you see that even though this looks difficult it is very easy to create!

Want to see the final project?

Now I just need a Shadow Box frame for this guy…and an idea of where I want to hang it? lol!

Here are some more close ups…

I hope you enjoyed this and that you will try it at home! You dont have to attempt a big project like this you can also just do 3 hanging from a piece of ribbon or send it as a card.

SUPPLIES

• DIGITAL PAPERS/ELEMENTS – [Jenna's] Day at the Zoo Kit,  She Sells Seashells, Partysaurus Designer Kit
• TRANSPARENCY SHEETS – I USED COMPUTER GRAFIX BRAND TRANSPARENT PLASTIC SHEETS
• PRINTER/INK
• ADHESIVE, RED TAPE, TEA LITE, DECORATIVE PUNCH, CARD STOCK

In Photoshop, open up a new page and assemble your scene the way you choose. My finished piece ended up about 8 1/4 inches square. I am making a child’s night light in a zoo theme so I chose to use the [Jenna's] Day at the Zoo Kit for this one.

Make sure that you leave a margin along the top and bottom edge of your scene,  I left about 1.5 inches at the bottom and 1 inch at the top. Print this on your acetate sheet using the transparency setting on your  printer. Let this dry completely before handling or it will smear.

Once dry, add the red tape along the short side.

Remove the red covering from the tape and roll the sheet into a tube.  You will want to roll it so that  the printed side is on inside of the tube.  This will protect the image from being inadvertently rubbed off by tiny hands.

NOTE -You will make two of these, one for each end of the tube. Cut a strip of card stock 8 3/4 inches long and 1 3/4 inch wide.  Score at 1/4 inch parallel to the long edge.  Use a decorative punch or scissors along the other edge.

Cut into and up to the score line at about 3/8 inch intervals along the entire length of the piece.

Using a compass or punch make a circle 2 3/4 inches in  diameter and run a bead of glue along the wrong side.

Take the strip and run along the length of it with your fingers, gently giving it a rounded shape.  Adhere the strip to the circle.

Trim off a bit of the edge of the clipped bottom portion so that it will fit along the final part of the circle.

Cut or punch another circle about 1/8 inch smaller than the first.

Adhere the smaller circle inside to cover up the inner edges.

Place a strip of decorative paper along the bottom to conceal the raw edge of card stock.  Place a tea lite inside.

I didn’t attach the bottom cup to the acetate so that it could be removed to turn it on and off. I did however place a little piece of red tape on the inner part of the top portion to stabilize it.

It makes a fun, functional decoration for a child’s room.

Having a beach party or luau? These make great, inexpensive  table centerpieces.  I added some additional interest by cutting out some surfboards from the  She Sells Seashells kit and tucking them into the edge of the trim.

I think this one is my favorite made for my son’s birthday from the Partysaurus Designer Kit. The smaller, finished size of the piece is 5 1/4 inch by 4 inch so you can fit 4 on a 81/2X11 inch sheet.

I made a little X with a craft knife and threaded a light from the string through the top placing them on every other light.

I think it’s time to party!

Happy crafting!

(For maximum safety, best to use these with flameless, battery operated votive candles.)

SUPPLIES:

• Digital Scrapping Kit of your choice – I used “Where the Heart Is” by Jennifer Labre Designs, available 7 July 2010 at the Digichick.
• Vellum Paper – I used Vellum Cardstock from Stampin’ Up!
• Paper/cardstock for printing on – I used Red River Polar Matte Cardstock
• Digital Photo Editing Software – I used Photoshop
• Printer
• Adhesive and cutting tools of your choice
• Optional – Border punches – I used Pinking Hearts Border punch and Scallop Trim Border punch by Stampin’ Up!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Select and print papers and elements of your choice.  I printed the decorative papers onto the cardstock, along with the flower element.  I printed another element directly onto the vellum cardstock, first decreasing the opacity of the image in Photoshop and then printing in draft mode on my printer.  (I didn’t want the image to be too bold on the vellum).

2) I used the Pinking Hearts Border punch along the top edge of the vellum, and added a strip of one of the papers to the bottom edge of the vellum.  I left about 1/4″ of the vellum exposed so that the seam wouldn’t be too bulky…

3) I added a strip of adhesive along the edge of the vellum and formed the vellum into a tube and sealed.

For the “boat” type votive cover, I selected two different patterned papers.  I cut two pieces of one paper to 5.5″ x 2″, and two pieces of another paper to 5.5″ x 1″, which I edged with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  I used vellum that was 5.5″ x 3″ (approximate height, you can choose whatever size you prefer) and used the border punch again.  I adhered all the pieces together:

I then took one of the sides and added adhesive to the two vertical edges of the cardstock, stopping before where the vellum shows above it.

I then adhered the two identical sides together, then added a flower embellishment from the kit that I cut out and adhered.  That’s it!  Pop your votive inside and enjoy the ambiance!

SUPPLIES

• PhotoFabric 100% Cotton
• INK JET PRINTER/INK
• DIGITAL PAPER -   Girlfriends by Nicole & Mari
• 4 – 4X4 STRETCHED CANVAS ARTIST BLOCKS
• FABRIC GLUE,LACE, MARTHA STEWART BUTTERFLIES

Before you begin make sure that your hands are clean during this process and that you maybe wash them in between steps.  You will be working the fabric around the blocks and even though your hands may look clean the natural oils from your skin can transfer smudges onto the fabric that are difficult to remove.

One of the things I like best about digi kits is that I have a group of coordinated papers and elements all together.  Since I  really stink at putting colors together this helps me tremendously.  I chose four coordinating papers from the gorgeous choices in the GIRLFRIENDS digi kit.

I sized them down from 12X12 to 7X7 inches in Photoshop and printed them on to my fabric sheets. I first pressed the sheets flat by gently going over them with my iron.  This helped them go through my printer a bit more easily.

The unprinted edges of the fabric sheet were trimmed off and were then ready to be attached to the canvas squares.

The fabric was flipped over.

And the block was centered on the wrong side.  The edges were then attached to the block with fabric glue.  I prefer this brand because, as it states on the front, it is fast grab and quick dry.  It really does what it says which makes this easy to complete quickly.

The edges were folded pretty much like you would do when wrapping a present.  It helps to apply the glue directly to the fabric instead of the block.  This helps the glue attach the fabric but not spread all over the place particularly all over your hands. Also, if you run the glue along the folded edges, it helps to make a nice flat attachment. Meaning it helps eliminated bumpy stuff.

Fold.

And fold again.

There is a bit of a bumpiness to the two sides but I will be adding some lace so it’s all good.

The lace was attached with a thin line of glue all around the edges.

Complete the remaining squares as above.  I used four but you can make as many as you like to create a much larger focal point.  I think they look pretty cool “as is” but I wanted to dress them up just a bit.

So, I added some glittery, 3D, Martha Stewart butterflies to liven things up a little.

I kept my design pretty simple but just imagine the endless possibilities in decorating the blocks.  Not only do you get custom colors and prints to go with your decor (after all there are so many incredible digital choices at THE DIGI CHICK) but you can decorate exactly as you choose.  Sea shells or fishies for a bathroom, cars and fire engines for a little boys room……see what I mean, simply endless!

Have a super day!

Although this tutorial focuses on inserting images into a frame, by the time you watch the video, you will learn how to insert an image, resize/rescale, move, and print.

Enjoy!

With the aid of Mari Koegelenberg  Whats Cooking? The Collection kit, a fun new stamp from My Favorite Things called WTG Goes Green, and some non~digi items, I did just that.

Here’s what my project looks like finished.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Whats Cooking? The Collection by Mari Koegelenberg
• Self~Adhesive Vinyl Cover (I used Kittrich Clear Magic Cover Self~Adhesive Vinyl Deocrative Coverings)
• Dry Erase Board
• Eraser Pen/Eraser
• Ribbon
• Grocery or Kitchen themed Stamps (I used My Favorite Things WTG Goes Green)
• Patterned Paper or Color Card Stock
• Staz~On Ink
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• Copic Markers
• All Purpose Glue
• Magnet Tape
• Brayer

Step 1: Make sure your Dry Erase Board is Clean and set it aside to work on your shopping list and menu planner sheet. From the Whats Cooking? The Collection  you’ll need the following:

• Shopping List 001
• Menu Planner 001
• Divider 001
• Flower 007
• Brad 001

Step 2: Arrange as many Shopping List images as possible on your canvas so that you’re able to utilize as much as the paper as possible. Here’s what it looked like on my screen.

Print it and cut it out…set aside to work on the planner sheets.

Step 3: The bottom layer of the planner is the divider, followed by the menu planner image and on the side, I added the flower and brad (I showed you in post HERE, how I put the brad and flowers together). Here’s what the planners look like arranged and ready to be printed out.

Print it and cut it out, set it aside. Grab a couple of pieces of vinyl cover big enough to cover the shopping list and menu planner. Here’s what it looks like before applying it to the Shopping List.

Step 4: Peel off one edge of the vinyl cover and adhered it to the shopping list just above the edge (you will cut this later) and using your Brayer to assure complete adherence.

Cut off any extra vinyl and grab some magnets ~ I found some that are in a tape dispenser which is so much easier to apply to projects. Now you will be able to use this same sheet over and over again with a dry erase pen…don’t you just love that?!

Step 5:Add a piece of magnet to the top and bottom of the shopping list and two pieces to the board.

Step 8: Repeat the same process with the menu planner sheets and stamp image onto lower right corner off board with Staz~On ink. Set it aside to dry.

Step 9: Stamp the image on patterned paper and/or whatever color card stock you decide to use and paper piece the image on the board. Set it aside to work on the marker.

Step 10: Cover the marker with ribbon and hang it from the top of the board with some twill or ribbon. On the twill I stamped the recycle sign to continue the theme and hammered a small nail to hang it. Here you will also see that I used the same flower/brad combo to decorate the pen as well.

With that, you are done! Here’s a closer up of the image paper pieced.

Here’s the finished board once again.

Thanks so much for stopping by and feel free to let me know if you have any questions.  Also if you make your own version of a menu planner board, make sure to link it up here so we can check it out!