Sakura Hobby Crafts

My first Crystal Lacquer and Terri Sproul Mixers Post!

2012-03-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

Hello all of my blog lovin’ friends! I truly hope that you all enjoy this project today. I was recently chosen as a member of the Sakura Hobby Craft design team and this is my first post as a member of that team. As I’m sure the majority of my followers know, I love to create Gourd Art. So it’s really no surprise that I’ve incorporated a gourd into this first project. To start with though I made a mold using my Amazing Mold Putty. I used a clay lizard that I had and created a mold using equal parts of A and B putty which was well mixed together:

Once I got the lizard molded, I filled the mold with Creative Paperclay®. While the clay was still semi wet, I popped it out of the mold and applied it to the gourd because the clay could still be bent at this point. See?

The lizard shows up pretty bright in this picture! But now the really fun part starts! I poured some Crystal Lacquer in a small plastic cup and added just a little Terri Sproul Mixers in it (Bronze) and stirred it up with a small wooden popsicle stick. Using a paint brush I applied the bronze mixer/crystal lacquer to the gourd itself. I did apply more than one coat but did it in very light coats, letting each layer dry before the next one was added. You don’t have to do that though. I think it dried faster in the long run doing it this way plus I put it in front of a fan to dry. I next painted my lizard with green mixer/crystal lacquer mixed up. The color was more turquoise than green I thought but just the right color for this lizard. What do you think of this beautiful gourd? This was a fairly small gourd but it didn’t take a lot of the crystal lacquer/mixer combination to cover it.

That little lizard is going to climb right inside that gourd isn’t he? Didn’t you just Ooooo and Ahhhhh over the colors? They are even more beautiful in person. There are just so many uses for the Sakura Crystal Lacquer and the Terri Sproul Mixers !! You’ve just got to get you some of both! They can be purchased from www.sakurahobbycraft.com and also at www.stampo.com . I can’t wait to try even more projects with this stuff!

Barbara

Painting Everything over the Rainbow with Crystal Lacquer and the NEW Terri Sproul Mixers

2012-03-07T00:01:00.320-08:00

Hello my name is Susan M. Brown {my web handle is sbartist} and I'm one of the new additions to the Sakura Hobby Craft Design Team. I will be sharing my projects with you on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Today I am going to share with you this first part of a TWO-PART post. Make sure to come back and see PART-TWO on March 21, 2012.

Being fairly new to Crystal Lacquer and the new Terri Sproul Mixers from Sakura Hobby Crafts, I needed to play. I have many ATCs and two Altered Books from my local swap and altered book club round robins to work on this month - so I decided to work on applying these wonderful products to my altered art projects. As a result, I have a few tips and tricks to share as well.

First thing I did was to mix up a sample of each color of Terri Sproul Mixers and paint them on the top and side of each pot of glittery goodness.

These are the six pots of Shimmers that I have. The colors look different on dark and light colors so I applied some on the dark lid and also a stripe of the color on the side of the white part of the label.

I also painted a swatch of each onto a piece of gloss cardstock labeled with each color and coordinating Sakura Hobby Crafts part number. I realize that my little color cards are not pretty - but they work for me. We would love to see how you make your color cards. Post yours on the Sakura Hobby Crafts Facebook page {CLICK HERE}.

These are the six pots of pearls colors and gold dust labeled on top and sides. Aren't they so lovely???

Meanwhile, since I mixed up about a quarter size of each, I didn't want the all the gorgeous colored Crystal Laquer to go to waste. So I got out some leftover papers from cutting out a drawer in an altered book. These are the perfect size for ATCs.

I put down a paper brushed with a little water and picked up the mixer color and painted it on. For most colors, I painted on both sides. This resulted in an aged paper look which has some translucency to it. I repeated for each color I made - this is how I ended up with all the lovely papers at the top of this post. AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY: Some of the colors {the green, red, pink and yellow pearls} pigment seeped straight through the paper, saving the step of painting both sides. The backside was lighter and not as strong - but an interesting and surprising result that was totally unexpected.

After painting - I set aside to dry on waxed paper - this absorbed
the excess moisture and kept my little colored pages from sticking.

Another experiment: I made a test of just Crystal Lacquer on the book page to see if I could achieve the same look of an oil or resin coated paper. The result is YES!!! I poured about a quarter size of Crystal Lacquer on the page and spread it out on both sides. I let it set for a couple minutes, then dipped the tip of my brush in water {very little} and brushed it over. The Crystal Lacquer soaked through the paper and became translucent with the feel of vellum when dry. This will be a nice starting surface to work on for altered projects.

This piece above is two pieces that I laid on top of each other

and were fused before I could pull them apart. I love how the

translucency of the two papers are visable.

OK - on to the next burning question:

CAN YOU MAKE AN IMAGE TRANSFER

using CRYSTAL LACQUER????

YES!!!

In part two on March 21st, I will go more in depth with a full step-by-step of this process. Basically I followed the same process as you would with an acrylic gel medium. Paint four or five layers in alternating directions {horizontal, then vertical, then horizontal, then vertical, etc.}, letting each layer thoroughly dry before adding next layer. Then after waiting 24 hours to dry, soak in a shallow dish of water and in a circular fashion, rub away the paper fibers from the back side of the image until paper is removed. Then you let dry ANOTHER 24 hours. TOO MUCH waiting to dry! I will say - with Crystal Lacquer - this process is accelerated by not only hours...but days! I love making image transfers, yet the process of it is so dragged out unless you do a box tape transfer {with this you are limited to the width of your tape and you get a super high gloss sheen from the tape}. I will be doing this so much more now! So I made a couple image transfers one of me at about 2 1/2 and the other of a photo of my father and I.

Image transfer being removed from water after paper is rubbed off.

With the painted papers and the completed image transfer I created a tag. All items are adhered down with Crystal Lacquer {you may want to wear gloves for this - its quite sticky}. **A TIP** I use a plastic heavy-duty brush that I purchased at a beauty supply store - the kind that is used to apply hair-coloring at your hair salon. These sturdy plastic brushes don't break down from adhesives and are really durable. If the Crystal Lacquer dries in this brush - no worries - I let it soak in water ovenight, then scrub it with my dishbrush to get the glue fibers off. And no bristles to be picked out of my work in the process.

On a base tag - I glued down three of the painted
papers with Crystal Lacquer.

The Crystal Lacquer dries relatively quickly. I added some white pastel in the area where the face of my image transfer will be placed to mute some of the text. I brushed over with Crystal Lacquer, then after misting lightly with water, I applied the image transfer and gently rubbed into place with Crystal Lacquer on top as well to seal. I mixed up some more Voilet Shimmer Mixers and painted in the background around my adorable self. I learned to paint at a very young age...my first paint being Chocolate Cake!

A couple unexpected BONUSES!!!

The paper towel I had been using to dab off my painted papers dried to be a lovely shimmery pastel modeled gem to be used in the future. This will be lovely as a background in a vintage fairy altered book I will be working on very soon. Nothing goes to waste in this studio.

AND....look at what was left from rising my brush after each color...

a beautiful pearly mixture of Crystal Lacquer, multiple mixer colors

and water...A GIFT!!!!

Introducing my very own HAPPY ACCIDENT...

Terri Sproul MIXERS MIST!!!!

I just poured my paint liquid into an empty spray bottle

and I have a lovely, sheer shimmer spray. YAY!

I hope you enjoyed today's post. I encourage you to take a look around through the projects from the other Sakura Hobby Craft Design Team members for some great tips and ideas! Make sure to come back and see PART-TWO on March 21, 2012.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment, select receive e-mail follow ups on comments and I will respond. If you would like to see more of my creations, please visit my blog sbartist : painting in the dark by clicking here.

Have a wonderful Wednesday : )

Diorama with Sakura ®

2012-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope this little tutorial help you create OOAK dioramas.

I love to make these the inspiration for this project was my Dad he love trains and railroads. So I created this special project and found out

how amazing Sakura is to create unique designs.

It can be use on Railroad Layouts, School Projects, Displays, or Any Other Diorama

the possibilities are endless so Happy Crafting !

Sincerely ,

Gloriann Irizarry

www.byglori.com

Daisy 3D Crystal Lacquer Earrings

2012-03-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

By Amanda Marks

Welcome to my first Design Team post for Sakura Hobby Craft! I am extremely excited to be apart of this amazing team. This is an extremely easy project but the drying time is 12-48 hours so I would allow a couple days to make these.

Materials:
Silicone Mold
3D Crystal Lacquer
Terri Sproul Mixer - Glitz Effects - Vintage Glass Particles - Purple
6 Seed Beads
2 Jump Rings
2 Fish Hook Earrings
Round pliers

1. Take 3D Crystal Lacquer and squeeze it into the mold.

2. Scoop the Vintage Glass Particles into the 3D Crystal Lacquer. Push the particles down. The particles will sink to the bottom of the mold. Depending on the effect you are trying to achieve you may want to do it in layers. Allow to dry for 12-48 hours depending on the mold size.

3. Un-mold piece trim away any excess dried lacquer. Using a pin or a craft pick poke a hole for a jump ring. Add jump ring and beads.

4. Add fish hook earring to the jump ring.

Winner

2012-02-28T09:59:00.002-08:00

Thanks so much for all the great comments on

our Blog hop with the

Sakura Hobby Craft Design Team

did they do wonderful work???

WOW...

Now here is our winner.

Debra Buckland

please contact Terri Sproul

Terri@ultimatescrapbookretreat.com

to claim you mixers...

Winner of the most votes

Lyneen Jesse

with a close second

Amanda and her amazing Vase

Terri Sproul and her Steampunk Doll

and Leslie Rahye project...

Thanks again for join us.

Posies & Paper Dolls with Terri Sproul's Mixers and Sakura 3D Lacquer

2012-02-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I created a necklace for a challenge using Graphic 45 papers and Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D Crystal Lacquer. My daughter really wanted it for herself...I however thought this smaller version with Terri Sproul's Mixers would be more her style. I hope you enjoy it!

paint over printed papers with coordinating colors. here I used Shimmer Red
for the petals, Citrine for the center, Citrine mixed with Tanzanite Pearl for the petals
and Shimmer Pearl for that added glitter on the background.

For the piece of paper dolls, I used the same Citrine/Tanzinite Pearl combination.
The Tanzinite Pearl by itself for the blue dress and the Tanzinite Pearl mixed with
the Enhancer for the deeper blue of the "P." The background was again treated
with Shimmer Pearl.

Once dry, the glass tiles were attached with Sakura Crystal Lacquer. Once
dry, trim around the glass pieces.

I attached the heart style silver bails with Sakura Crystal Lacquer as well.

Once dry, I attached both pieces to a Silver Plated Bail Chain.
I think Samantha will LOVE it! The glittery shimmer of the Mixers is truly her.

Thank you for looking! I hope you enjoyed my project! ~leslierahye

Blog Hop

2012-02-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for join the Sakura Hobby Craft Design Team

on their Blog Hop

Each member of the Sakura Hobby Craft Design team

has been play with the brand new product just introduced at

CHA 2012 Winter show.

we are doing some really fun blog candy this time around

here how it will work

* Must go see each of the team project and leave them a comment

* then come back here and tell us which was you favoite

* Share this post on facebook

Winner will receive

a 3 pack of Terri Sproul's Mixers

and a Bottle

Crystal Lacquer
Here is a list of all the Design Team Blog.

Jazz up Your Chipboard

2012-02-23T21:00:00.001-08:00

I think everyone is in love with chipboard these days. And if you are like me, you are always looking for great ways to "dress" your chippies. I love the way this berry embellishment turned out, just by add Sakura Crystal Lacquer in Moss Green and Berry.

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping Sweet Aviary
Patterned Papers: Prima
Cardstock: Core'Dinations
Wow! Embossing Powder - Suzy West Bay Area Blue
Chipboard- Dusty Attic
Sakura: Crystal Lacquer in Berry and Moss Green
The Twinery Baker's Twine

Meet our New Desing Team

2012-02-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am proud to announce the New Sakura Hobby Craft Design Team for the New Six months...This Team will continue to post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday will new project for you to view. Under each of their Photo I will post their link to their blogs. Please stop by their blogs and welcome each of them..

Terri Sproul - Team Leader

This team is very excited about starting. So make sure you stop by and support them and all they do with Sakura Hobby Craft products....

Thanks for stop byTerri Sproul

Hats Off with Sakura ® by Gloriann Irizarry

2012-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love to create doll fashions and I have to say not outfit is complete with out the perfect hat and with this product you can achieve this and so much more in combination with the Terri Sproul mixers you will get an amazing metal look with out the metal work. You will enjoy to work with Sakura 3D crystal lacquer once your start you cant put the bottle down. I guarantee it

Happy crafting !

A Nautical Fix w/ Becky Conley

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome crafty peeps! This is my last post with the Sakura Team, (sad face) it has been creatively fun!
The New Design Team will be announced on February 19th, please stop by to meet them.

Today I've created a "nautical fix" to a keepsake box. There was a clock in the front, but it arrived damaged and had fallen out of it's socket. It is also supposed to be a memory keepsake with an area in the lid for a photo or small artful image, but I turned it into a pin cushion.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Blue
3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Sky Blue
3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Glitter Aqua
3d Clear Crystal Lacquer
Gem Particles -Blue Flash

Other Supplies:
Wood memory box, hot glue, fabric batting, broken watch part, brass dolphin charm, small piece of chipboard.

The clock was square, therefore so was the hold it left in the box. It was quite deep so I filled it about half full with hot glue before adding a layer of 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Blue and 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Sky Blue. When that was completely dry, I added a thin layer of 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Glitter Aqua and let it set for about 15 minutes before setting the charm on top.

After this step was completely dry, I added a layer of 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer.
I also used 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer to adhere the metal circle which is part of a broken wrist watch face and the Gem Particles -Blue Flash around the edge.

The pin cushion is chipboard with 2 layers of batting covered in fabric and inserted into the photo area of the lid.

Thank you so much for stopping by to share my project! I have really enjoyed this team, I'm just too busy :o) (Happy Dance!) Best of luck to all of you who do apply.

Please come back here to the Sakura Hobby Crafts Blog often for more projects and inspiration.

Cheers!
Becky

Get Your Grunge on...

2012-02-15T00:00:00.003-08:00

Grungy Heart Shrine

...by creating your own grungy textured heart shrine. When I created this grungy shrine I used the same color mixers as I did creating my Fly Away Torso Necklace and my Art Saves Torso Lamp

Supplies Used

Terri Sproul's Mixers

3D Crystal Lacquer

Washi Paper

Paper Clay

Color Mists

Plain Canvas

Stazon Ink Pad

Metal Shrine

Rusty Elements

Key Hole

Textured Background Technique

Step 1: I started with a white blank blank canvas and painted it with black gesso. I used gesso because I wanted a matte finish.	Step 2: Using a mixture of the, copper, Bronze and the pearl green Terri Sproul mixers I painted triangle sections on my canvas using a plastic throw away brush. Once the mixer dries it will harden and ruin your brush, it's better to use a cheap throw away brush.
Step 3: I used a plastic comb to draw texture into the wet mixture. Use whatever you have around.	Step 3a: Once you've combined the colors by combing through the wet mixture set aside to completely dry.
Step 4: Once again paint your mixture onto the dried canvas this time add dots of of the gold jewel effect.	Step 5: Using the end of a paint brush or stick draw swirls into the wet mixture blending the gold dots and allow to dry completely once again. Step 5A: Once your canvas has dried completely add 1-3 layers of clear 3D Crystal Lacquer over the entire canvas. This will fill in areas and give even more depth to your canvas.
Sides of Canvas
Step 6: Add some layers of washi tape to the sides.	Step 7: Paint the sides with more of your mixture and a couple of layers of clear then allow it to dry completely.
	Step 8: Now that the canvas is dry using a Stazon ink pad swipe it over the top and the sides of the canvas to give the piece a more grungy worn look.
Step 9: Draw an x on the backside of your canvas big enough to fit your shrine into.	Step 10: Cut an x into the canvas using an Xacto knife.
Step 11: Fit your shrine into the canvas.	Step 12: Glue the backside of the shrine, weight it and allow to dry.
Step 13: Next cut I cut some complementary Washi paper and glued it inside the shrine.	Step 14: Using paper clay I created a heart and allowed it to dry.
Step 15: I then colored the heart using Copper Kettle Color Mists.	Step 16: Next fit and adhere your heart inside your shrine.
Step 17. add a rusty chain for a hanger.	Step 18: And add a few rusty embellishments connected to chains so that they hang down from the base of the shrine.

Stop by Aileen's Musings to check out
more projects, tips and techniques!

Mixin' It Up with Sakura, Terri Sproul's Mixers and ATCs

2012-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit I have two new addictions. The first are these small little pieces of art known as Altered Trading Cards [ATCs]. The second is Terri Sproul's Mixers--I just can't stop sticking them into Sakura Hobby Crafts Lacquer products. I hope you enjoy these awesome effects you can achieve with Terri's Interference Mixers and Gold Dust.

This started with me die-cutting some ATCs from my Tim Holtz Alterations die.
I cut them out of 1/16th inch acrylic. I attached and trimmed where necessary
Outlines stickers from Starkraft. I did this with a technique for some
Holiday ATCs this fall and loved it! I had to update the look with Terri's Mixers

Rather than adding the Mixers to 3D Crystal Lacquer, I picked some colors
of the 3D crystal color lacquer to alter. Wait until you see!!

The "green" was a much darker green with the Pearl Green in it and the gold
is yellow with Gold Dust in it. The colors are so pretty and intense. I love the
pearlescent effects the green takes on with the Mixers.

On the side with the outline sticker, I color in the petals and leaves with the colors
mixed. I add just a smidge of the gold to some brown lacquer and paint the centers.
For the Dragonfly ATC below I colored on the sticker side with teal colored lacquer
with lilac pearl mixer added for the wings. The purple wings used the purple glitter
colored lacquer. The bodies of the dragonflies are black with Blue Pearl Mixer--YUMMY.

Then on this butterfly I decided to fill the Blue Pearl mixed in black over the
wings of the butterfly. The butterflies body was filled in with black straight up.
I really loved the reverse of this one and decided to do my background
treatment on what is normally considered the front. Wait until you see!!!

The background is mainly transparent but has spots
of shimmer where the interference is.

This one shimmers blue or purple pink depending
on how the light hits it.

Where the light areas are on this one, the background
has the glitter pink and it sparkles...the spots where the
Mixers were splattered into the wet lacquer make the little
spots of color...kind of like inclusions in rocks. Very fun!!

I hope you enjoyed my ATCs. The transparency and shimmer is just amazing on the acrylic ATCs

Cute As a Cupcake

2012-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have this sweet card to share with you today, that will give you a couple of different ways to use Crystal Lacquer on your projects. I used a heavy coating of the Crystal Lacquer on the frosting for the cupcake, and after it was dry, I added the Cerise colored lacquer for the "sprinkles" on my cake. On the tag, I colored the entire thing using the Cerise mixed with the Clear, and Terri Sproul's Interference Mixers. I painted this over the tag, and let it dry. Then I added the letter stickers, and put another layer of the clear lacquer over the top. It's really sparkly with lots of depth in person.

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping Cupcake Wishes
Spellbinders dies: Fleur De Lis Squares
Patterned Paper: Echo Park
Cardstock: Bazzill
Sakura Crystal Lacquer, Terri Sproul Mixers
The Twinery Baker's Twine

On the Wings of Love Tag

2012-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

First off, I have to say that I had a WONDERFUL time at this year's CHA....

There were SO many great new products - Terri Sproul's Mixers - of course being my favorite! I'm so filled with creative inspiration...that it was a little difficult deciding on a project for this week's post. In keeping with the upcoming holiday, Valentine's Day, I created this tag.

This is where I started - at this point, I had no idea what I was going to do with the button heart. I arranged the buttons in a heart shape, and then poured Crystal Lacquer over the entire surface, then sprinkled a tiny bit of Terri Sproul's Mixer in Silver for some shimmer. The picture shows what it looked like after drying overnight and before trimming it to a heart shape.

I used Tim Holtz's tissue tape to form the ruffle behind the heart, which was painted with Crystal Lacquer mixed with Terri Sproul's Mixer in Lilac Pearl. The tag was distressed with Tea Dye distress ink and I sewed patterned paper onto it. The tag and photo image are both Tim Holtz goodies and were also distressed with distress ink. I attached the photo with pop dots to add a little dimension.

Here's another view that shows the Red Crystal Lacquer shining on the number 14 of the tag. Hope you all have a very Happy Valentines Day!

Till next time.....be creative!

Karen

www.katscrapstudio.blogspot.com

Check out all the great Sakura Hobby Craft products here

SAKURA ® Picture Perfect by Gloriann Irizarry

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the photo frame I will be adding a ribbon thru the key holes once the SAKURA is completly dry for easier hangin on the wall.

Thanks for viewing this tutorial and Happy crafting!

Altered phone case

2012-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I live for practicality. Simplicity. Beauty. I love products that are versatile and reliable. With Crystal Lacquer, you know you're always going to get a great quality product.

I love my iPhone. It's never too far away. Well, except the few times I've misplaced it... but, shhh... ha! Anyways, I really love the Speck cases and how plain they are. Leaves room for me to alter the heck out of it! I saw some rub-ons and I knew they would be perfect to decorate my case. But, making sure the rub-ons don't 'rub-off' was the most important part. With Crystal Lacquer, I knew it would be no problem...

My case... plain Jane.

I've added the rub-on.

I like to use my fingers when covering a large area.

I squeeze a little on, and rub it all over.

Making sure to cover every area, with even coverage.

Then I let it dry!

I love my new case! Especially now that it has a little "me" on it! My hubby liked it so much he wants me to decorate his case as well! So now, I'm on the hunt for some masculine rub-ons!

What have you altered lately, did you use Crystal Lacquer?

Fun Jewelry with Becky Conley

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today, I've created some fun jewelry pieces with a few of the NEW Sakura products. I'm loving the new bales, findings and chains.

WILD CAT PENDANT NECKLACE:

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Silver-tone Heart Bale
Silver Plated Ball Chain Necklace
Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant
3D Crystal Lacquer -Clear

Other supplies: Postage stamp

Directions: Apply a thin coat of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer to the back side of the Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant and place on top of the image on the postage stamp. Let dry completely and trim. Brush a thin coat of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer along the back side of the paper to seal it, let dry. Use a small drop of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer to attach the Silver-tone Heart Bale to the front of the Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant. Viola!

CUFF BRACELET

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Antique Brass and Copper SteamPunk Elements: Jewelry Findings

Other supplies:
Duck Tape: gold metallic, cheetah, black
Black Velcro

Directions: Start with a strip of black Duck Tape, then add strips and triangles of gold metallic and edge with the cheetah. Assemble and affix the Antique Brass and Copper SteamPunk Jewelry Findings. Finish with black Duck Tape on the inside to cover the mini brads from the embellishments. Affix Velcro to the ends.

Thank you for stopping by the Sakura Hobby Crafts blog, come back soon for more project ideas and inspiration!

Craft on!
Becky

Valentine Steampunk Photo Holder

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine Steampunk Photo Holder

Supplies Used:

Artist Trading Block (ATB)	Nylon Throw Away Brush
Terry Sproul's Mixers (Bronze & Pearl Green)	Die Cut Frame and Flowers
3D Crystal Lacquer (Clear)	Sparkplug
Gears and Brads Plastic Knob	Gauge Camel Tin

Step 1: Paint your ATB with both the bronze, and the green mixer. Repeat until you achieve the desired color you like and set aside to dry.	Step 2: Clean and then paint the base of the tin (set aside the lid for another project). Set aside to dry.
Step 3: Assemble your lid to the base of the ATB--turn the knob over and attach with a washer and a screw to the tin and the base of the ATB.	Step 4: Drill a hole big enough for the gauge add adhesive and insert it into the block.
Step 5: Drill a hole for the sparkplug. Add adhesive and insert into the hole.	Step 6: Once your gauge and sparkplug are secured and dry. Lightly paint with the mixers.
Textured Frame Step 7: Set the die cut frame onto a piece of plastic and paint one side with the bronze mixter and let it dry.	Step 8: Next paint a coat of the green mixer over the bronze.
Step 9: Before the green layer is dry press a piece of textured paper on top of the wet frame and carefully lift off and allow to dry.	Step 10: Once dry follow my gold leafing pen process I used previously (HERE). Next add 2-3 coats of clear 3D Crystal Lacquer and allow to dry. Step 10A: Follow the above process for the die cut flowers-omit the clear lacquer coats.
Step 11: Assemble your frame with the picture and add any other embellishments you wish to add.	Here's the backside of the ATB showcasing the steampunk flowers with the gears added.

For more projects
and inspiration visit
Aileen's Musings

SAKURA ® Gears Up Bracelet by Gloriann Irizarry

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you have fun creating this OOAK piece. I enjoy to create these pieces. I included a whole set of instructions to create this Sakura Gear Up Bracelet .

Now have fun like I do with these wonderful SAKURA ® products and with the new Terri Sprouls Mixers these project will sure to have a SPARK.

Happy Crafting! :0)

CHA Sneak Peak

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

At the CHA winter show - Sakura Hobby Craft is introducing a new line of products. These "Jewel Effect" can be mixed into 3-D Crystal Lacquer and creates a paint like product. These Mixer work on Metal, wood, and paper.. If you are going to CHA - please stop by booth number 844 and see these in person. We have a total of 30 colors and if you mixed the color are endless....
We are coming out with

"Terri Sproul Mixers"

Jewel Effects

3 Interference colors

Ice Blue

Lilac

Green

Steampunk collection

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Copper Penny

Gold Dust

Red Satin

Pearls Collection

Red

Green

Sky Blue

Blue

Purple

Violet

Brown

Orange

Yellow

Pink
Rose

Shimmer Collection

Orange

Red

Blue

Sky Blue

Brown
Purple

Violet

Pink

Rose

Green

We also came out with a "Color Enhance" this helps enhance the color and give you a complete deeper richer look... and for my Blingy friends I came out with "Ultra Fine Glitter".
Here is a short video for you to enjoy.......

Thanks for stopping by.......

Terri Sproul

Kikoshi Cuties

2012-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

There is so much excitement going on right now over CHA - and I really wish I were going to be there! At least my work will be there in several booths -including the Sakura Hobby Craft Booth. Sakura will be introducing the new Terri Sproul Mixers - a fantastic way to add color into the Sakura Crystal Lacquer. I've used some of these on my card today - the Red Satin and Gold Dust. I was able to paint this onto my paper and stamp right over it. It gives a really cool, almost metallic look. I know you are going to love it!

Have a great weekend!

Mixer Magic

2012-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

My project this week is literally covered with the brand new Terri Sproul's Mixer's...beautiful mica powders that can be mixed with Crystal Lacquer for some pretty amazing results. I wanted to try it on several different surfaces to see what effects I could obtain....and what I got was really beautiful!

I started with these simple supplies:

light pink crepe paper rosette

a plain white paper flower

white plastic mini frame

a valentine cut out

a tim holtz rosette made with vintage sheet music

and I added the magic:

3D Crystal Lacquer

Terri Sproul's Mixer's in the following colors -

Red Satin

Silver

Gold Dust

Bronze

Here's a close-up of the pink crepe paper rosette with a layer of Bronze mica powder mixed with 3D Crystal Lacquer brushed on the top. I dipped the edge in Crystal Lacquer then dipped in Gold Dust mica.

I painted Red Satin mica powder mixed with Crystal Lacquer on a white paper flower, let it dry thoroughly, then stamped it with a handwriting rubberstamp using black StazOn ink. The little frame was white, and is coated with Silver mica powder mixed with Crystal Lacquer. I cut the word LOVE out and distressed it a little before gluing it to the backside of the frame. The little Valentine image was distressed on the edges, coated with Distress Crackle and then brushed with a small amount of the Silver mica powder. I layered a vintage music rosette, the Valentine image, then topped it with the frame and flower.

I'll be attending CHA this coming weekend and can't wait to visit the Sakura Craft Booth 844! I'll be sharing with you all the good stuff I see next time!

Till then.....stay creative

Karen

www.katstrapstudio.blogspot.com

Scrapbook Embellishments with Terri Sproul's Mixers

2012-01-22T23:00:00.000-08:00

This year I ~~plan~~ will scrapbook more. I LOVE to scrapbook and in the last year or so have gotten away from working on the memory books for my family. That is changing this year--more on that later. When I started playing with Terri Sproul's Mixers, I immediately noticed how versatile these will be in many areas of my arting and crafting. There are so many applications...the design team has only began to play!
Today I am combining my love of scrapbooking with Terri Sproul's Mixers. I hope you enjoy the effects!

for this project you will need: Sakura 3D Crystal Lacquer, Terri Sproul's Mixers,
scissors, tape, paint brush, diecut letters and flame in black, matching
paper and photos [I matted mine with black cardstock]

I tested the colors I wanted to make "flames"...Terri Sproul's
Mixers are perfect for creating the illusion of fire!

start with a base coat of Blue Pearl color...it is an interference
color so it looks white in the jar but paints on Blue on Black Paper

I painted the letters while they were still barely attached to the
page out of which they were cut.

In the test flame I painted the bronze and red satin separately. Here I mixed
the two to get an orangish color which I liked much better and used to paint
the letters and flames with on their 2nd coat.

flame with it's coat of orange.

I next painted with gold dust and gold. The flames
really started to come to life! I love this look too.

The letters with their treatment of Gold Dust and gold

The final touches included some Shimmer Pearl highlighting the flame!

I really love the Shimmer Pearl on the letters!

Here is the title for the page and the finished flames. These
"hot" embellishments are now ready to be placed on their layout!

These embellishments are perfect to tell the story about how "on FIRE" Will was at his 1st 4H Shooting Sports Competition--he placed 1st over all the junior shooters! I love how Terri Sproul's Mixers help me convey the story of that day! Thank you for looking!

I have posted a challenge over on my blog--leslierahye--to join me in scrapbooking this year. I plan to have 4 layouts (at least) a month done this year and this is my layout #3. Feel free to join my challenge and get some pages done!

Clay Jewelry with Becky Conley

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

WELCOME to my Sakura project.

This week I created a necklace from clay and blinged it with Sakura's new line: Terri Sproul's Mixers: Mica Powders = awesome metallic pigments.

SAKURA PRODUCTS USED:
3D Clear Crystal Lacquer
Ball Chain-gold tone
Terri Sproul Mixer Mica Powder: Gold & Bronze Satin

Other materials:
Makins Clay
Mono-filament 8lb clear

I cut the shapes from clay, let them dry and then painted with 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer mixed with Terri Sproul Mixer Mica Powder: Gold & Bronze Satin while they were still not assembled .

I had to sew the base pieces together with filament, then I attached the top layer of circles and stars with 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer.

Please become a follower of the Sakura's design blog for lots of inspiration and project ideas.

Cheers!
Becky

Art Saves

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Art Saves

Supplies Used:

Paper Mache Torso (craft store)	*Lamp fixture & Blub Optional**
Copper Wings	*Stand for your Torso Optional**
Terri Sproul's Mixers (Red Satin, Bronze, Pearl Green)	Rusty Chain and Keys *Optional
3D Clear Crystal Lacquer	Screws or Brads for Wings and chain.
Gold Leafing Pen	Nylon Throw Away Brush
*Rub-Ons & Lettering Optional**	Awl and Scissors

Step 1: Mix equal parts of the Red Satin and Bronze mixers together and begin liberally painting them onto your torso using a throw away brush. Close up shot of the patinaed technique on the torso (click to enlarge)	Step 2: Once your torso is dry begin applying the green pearl mixer over the rust in streaks and rub in with your finger (you want to give it an uneven streaky look like patina is). Step2A: Once the lacquer is dry using your gold leafing pen follow these previous directions (step 8) in applying HERE. Step 2B: Once dry apply at 2 coats of the clear 3D Crystal Lacquer.
Step 3: Once the torso is dry again apply rub-ons and lettering as desired (if you do apply the above mentioned items cover generously with another coat of 3D clear Crystal Lacquer.	Step 4: For this project I chose to use real copper embossed wings that first coated with the mixers using the same process in Step 2 an 2A.
*Optional	Steps*
Using your awl and scissors poke a hole and cut away excess to be able to fit your lamp fittings into the neck and on the side or back for the cord to come out of. For my lamp fitting I used pieces from an old lamp. The collar the blub fitting fits into was a part off of my husband's old drill that I colored with alcohol inks. Use what you have around, if possible. If you don't know how to do wiring (like me) ask someone that does for you, or you can buy a night light kit that is all in one.	For the torso stand I use a piece of rebar and an old faucet handle. Look around at what you have you'll be surprised at what you might be able to use.

I chose to use a bulb that flickered
like a candle to give it a vintage look.

**Don't forget if your going to CHA to stop by
Sakura Hobby & Craft booth #844 to see the
new mixer line and this project up close

For more projects
and inspiration visit
Aileen's Musings

2012-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

CHA Winter Show

Jan 29 - Feb 1st, 2012

Anaheim, CA

Booth number 844

We are proud to announce our new product line

"Terri Sproul's Mixers"

Mixing Your Creativity with 3-D Crystal Lacquer

Jewel Effect

These are powders that can be mixed into your Crystal Lacquer

colors include:

Ice Blue Pearl

Lilac Pearl

Green Pearl

Shimmer Pearl

Red Satin

Bronze

Copper Penny

Silver

Gold

Gold Dust

Here are a couple sneak peaks at the projects I have been working

on using my new line of products.

Steampunk Top Hat

This is a Top Hat made from Creative Paperclay® and painted with my new Mixers

"Golden Wings"

This is a small canvas painted with Gold and Gold Dust.

Made the wing with another part of the line

I will tell you about soon.

Hope you stop by our booth at CHA and visit me..

Terri Sproul

SAKURA ® Sea Scape 3D Art by Gloriann Irizarry

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday Art

2012-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

My friend has had this frame hanging out in his house for a long time and I've been DYING to alter it! It's white with a slight distressing.

And here's a close up.

And here's what I did. I used some colored lacquer to enhance the features of the frame.

Here's a detail shot. If you look closely at the frame, I used Terri Sproul Mixers to create the silver inside the frame. I mixed a little Black Lacquer, with a little clear Crystal Lacquer.

I had this great idea... I have three little kids and I thought it would be fun to make some Easter eggs we could keep year round. I went in search of plastic eggs and would you believe, I couldn't find a single one? So we went in search of an egg shape and we found something! I covered it with clay, and allowed it to dry for a few days. In the process, it cracked. :( Once it was dry, I covered it with the same silver from the frame. And added a little more Terri Sproul Mixers! After those layers dried I added some colored lacquer and this is what I came up with... I'm going to have to figure out how to do this so it doesn't crack!

I hope you've enjoyed my projects!!

Steampunk Canvas

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've got a project to share with you today that will show off the Terri Sproul Mixers - Jewel Effects that are premiering at CHA in a few more days. These powders add such richness to anything!

I made a canvas (although I may turn it into the cover of a mini-book later) The gears were cut with a Spellbinders die from Grunge paper, and colored using Sakura Crystal Lacquer and the new Terri Sproul Mixer Jewel Effects - Gold Dust, Glitter Red and Bronze Satin. I mixed these in with the Crystal Lacquer and painted them on. I was able to shade the gears using the Glitter Red.

Just look at the depth and textures you can achieve!

Well, since CHA is only about 2 weeks away, you don't have to wait much longer to get these Mixers! I know you are going to love them!

True Love tag featuring Terri Sproul Mixers!

2012-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is my first project sharing the brand new Terri Sproul Mixer - Jewel Effects by Sakura Hobby Craft - which will be debuted at the Craft and Hobby Association 2012 Winter Conference!! These mica powder colors are amazing and I've been having a blast playing with them!

Materials Used

3D Crystal Lacquer

Terri Sproul Mixer - Jewel Effects

Red Satin

Blue Ice Pearl

Lilac Pearl

(mixed with Crystal Lacquer)

Manila tag - size 16

scrapbooking paper

PaperClay

rubberstamps

clear embossing powder

ATC blank

min playing card

arm charms

mini paper flowers

girl & crown image printed from computer

a little bling

lace scrap

pop dots

'ck paris' font printed on white cardstock

distress ink - tea dye & vintage photo

sewing machine - off white quilting thread

This tag was a total blast to create. I used a lot of different techniques...even got out my sewing machine to give it a little touch of whimsy vintage!

This is what I started with....keep in mind that I usually don't have a clue what my project will develop into while I'm creating and taking these pictures. At this point I had painted on a layer of Blue Ice Pearl Terri Sproul Mixer over the stamped bird image on the paperclay.

Here's a close up of the bird image on the paperclay. I used tea dye distress ink of the edges and printed out the word LOVE and glued it on using Crystal Lacquer.

After roughing up the edges a bit with the Zutter Distrezz It All, I inked the edges with tea dye distress ink and ran it through my sewing machine....even sewing a little heart in the corner.

I painted inside the heart with Red Satin Terri Sproul Mixer and Crystal Lacquer and let it dry - stamped and embossed over it - then topped it with a nice layer of Crystal Lacquer and little pixie dust :)

This tiny bouquet was white originally - given a little spray with glimmer mist and then I painted the 3 light pink flowers with Lilac Pearl Terri Sproul Mixer.

Thanks stopping by!

Have a wonderful week!

Karen

www.katscrapstudio.blogspot.com

check out www.sakuracraft.com for more information

about Crystal Lacquer and all their great products!

Time Flies with Terri Sproul Mixers

2012-01-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

I have had this watch body for months now just sitting by my work area...I've been trying to figure out the perfect project to make with it and I think I've finally found it!! I L O V E how this turned out and the fact that I was able tp test-drive some of Terri Sproul's new product that Sakura will be releasing at CHA later this month just makes it more special!!! The shimmer you see in this is all from these yummy new mica powders called Terri Sproul Mixers!!! I adore the effects that you can achieve with them! Check it out!

For this project you will need:

Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D Crystal Lacquer

Sakura Hobby Crafts Black Lacquer

Terri Sproul Mixers in Blue Pearl, Lilac Pearl and Gold Dust

Watch Body & parts

Starkcraft Foil Stickers

I mixed a little Black Lacquer and Clear Lacquer with Blue Pearl Mixer
into the base of the watch. Already you can see how the interference
properties of this mica work!

I then sprinkled some gold dust and some lilac pearl onto the
semi-dry layer of blue pearl and applied more crystal lacquer
stirring gently to give the lilac pearl a swirl look.

you can see here as the lacquer dries the streaks and swirls of color.

After drying a while you start to see the layers--the blue pearl
in the distance with the lilac and gold dust floating on top in a
layer of clear lacquer. yummy!

To the crystal of the watch I added some of the beautiful gold
outline stickers in the dragonfly pattern from Starkcraft
Enterprises.

I mixed the lilac pearl mixer with crystal lacquer for the wings
and the gold dust with the crystal lacquer for the body.

When the lacquer was *almost* dry, I added a pinch of watch
parts--some from watches I had disassembled myself and
some purchased--into the bottom of the watch. some I pushed
gently into the lacquer so they would stick, the remaining
were left loose to shake around in the watch!

When the lacquer finished drying, I put the base on the
watch and voila! a fun shimmery dragonfly bracelet!

Be sure to go by booth 844 at CHA and check out these amazing new products that work amazingly well with Sakura Hobby Crafts line of products! So many possibilities!!!

The World Belongs to YOU-Scrapbook Page by Becky Conley

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am loving the new Mica Powders! SO GORGEOUS!! You'll all be able to see them up close in a few weeks at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Show in Anaheim, CA Jan 29 - Feb 1.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Black Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer
3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Black, Violet
Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer
3d Crystal Lacquer -Clear
Terri Sproul Mixers: Jewel Effects - Gold, Lilac Pearl

This butterfly embellishment is gorgeous! I created it with black card stock. I mixed 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Black with Lilac Pearl Mica Powder and brushed in onto the bottom layer. The top layer has 3d Crystal Lacquer -Clear mixed with Gold Mica Powder. Details were added to the wings with Ice Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer and 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet. I also used a line of 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet behind the top wings to keep them dimensional. The body was done with Black Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer. The spots of color in the Star background cut out were made with 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet and Ice Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer.

Thank you for stopping by the Sakura Hobby Crafts Blog, become a follower and you'll receive notices for each post full of inspiration and project ideas!

Have a fabulous weekend!
Becky

Steampunk Copper Fly Away Necklace

2012-01-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

Fly Away

Supplies Used:

3D Crystal Lacquer
New Terri Sproul's Mixers-Coming Soon!
Gears and Brads
Square Glass Tiles
Brass Bail

Ball Chain
Washi Paper
2 Die Cut Kraft Torsos
2 Die Cut Kraft Wings
Gold Leafing Pen
Black Stazon Ink Pad

I'm very excited about Sakura's new products. You must stop by Sakura CHA booth this year #844 to see their exciting new product line! What I really love about this new product is that I was able to achieve a patinaed copper look on paper without having to use smelly chemicals!

Although, it is truly hard to see in my pictures it really does look realistic enough that it fooled my husband who works in metals!

Definitely stop by booth #844 to see this necklace up close!

Step 1: I started off with 2 die cut kraft torsos...1 plain and one embossed with gears.	Step 2: First cut off the stands on each of them.
Step 3: Using a plastic throw away brush paint your red satin mixer on the embossed torso (I did this on top of plastic).	Step 4: Once the red satin is slightly dry Paint the green Pearl mixer in streaks over the red satin. Don't be afraid to use your finger and work it around and really give it a patianed look. Set aside to dry.
Step 5: While your painted torso is drying cover your plain torso with washi paper and set aside.	Step 6: Take your dried patinaed torso and lightly run it across a black Stazon ink pad. Wiping off any heavy areas.
Step 7: Pump some gold leafing paint onto a piece of plastic paper.	Step 8: Next lightly slide your torso across the paper hitting the high points of your embossed design.
Step 9: Next go back in with more green and red of the mixer if desired then once it's dry add a layer of clear 3D Crystal Lacquer and allow to dry.	Step 10: Add another layer of 3D Crystal Lacquer and while its still slightly wet add your gears with brads, and any other elements you might like (I also added a copper chain I had, and a red heart to give it a pop of color).
Step 11: Next fill with more 3D Crystal Lacquer over the heart.	Step 12: Add your glass tile over the heart and adhere your bail to the top of the torso and allow to dry.
Step 13: Repeat torso patina process on a pair of embossed wings and once dry adhere them to the torso. Next adhere the washi covered torso to the backside of the torso.	Once your necklace is completely dry add your ball chain and wear your Steampunk necklace with pride!

For more projects visit

Aileen's Musings

SAKURA ® Mosaic Glass Fairy Wings

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

For these SAKURA ® Vanity Wings I had include the pattern for them . I didn't used a wire for each line drawn. I spread them apart more. I hope you guys have a great 2011 year and I wish you a new 2012 full of blessings, health and love, Happy Crafting! Sincerely Glori

CHEERS!

2011-12-27T21:00:00.001-08:00

This week's project is quick and easy....and a great way to dress up your decor for any occasion!

Materials Used

Crystal Lacquer Color - greens and brown

Sparkraft Enterprises Pine Tree Stickers in Gold

That's it! I said it was quick and easy!

It's very important to work on a non stick work surface. I use a craft sheet from Ranger. I placed the pine tree sticker on the craft sheet and then went to town with my colored Crystal Lacquer. I used 2 shades of green for the tree and a brown for the trunk and just filled in the blank areas. I let it sit overnight.......very important here. Once it's completely dry, it peels right off the craft sheet and almost has a vinyl window cling feel on the back. In fact, I was able to move it several times to make sure it was straight. This is such a great idea to turn an ordinary clear glass votive holder, wine glass, vase - virtually anything into a very nice addition to your decor or party theme.

Here are the same stickers on a votive candle holder......cute!

I added some plain gold stickers in the background for a little more interest.....love it!

Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year!

and 'till next time......stay creative!

Visit Sakura's amazing blog here

Find out about all their amazing products here

Celebrate the New Years with Drink Charms by Sakura!

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

For this project you will need:
Accent Gems [glass blobs]
decorative paper of your choice [two side is not necessary.
22 guage wire and rosary pliers
Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D Crystal Lacquer
a tin [I upcycled a BB container]
accent beads to match your paper [I made my own]

I adhered the glass blobs to my paper using Sakura 3D Crystal Lacquer.

I trimmed the glass blobs out of the paper

I fashioned a figure 8 out of wire using rosary pliers

I attached the figure 8 to the back of the marble with E-6000
for extra strong hold.

I then added a coordinating piece of paper to the back of the
blob--pre-trimming where the paper lined up with the finding.

I then trimmed the remaining paper from the blob. lightly
sanded the edges and applied Crystal Lacquer to the back.

To make the rings for the charms, I wrapped wire around a form
that would be perfect for the glass stems [a nail polish top]

I used my rosary pliers again to make a hook and loop--if
you plan to use small beads to decorate, you need to add them
now before making both ends so that they can easily slide on.

I pre-cut a matching paper to fit the lid of the tin. Attach
to tin with Crystal Lacquer.

I coated the lid with more Crystal Lacquer to have a snazzy tin
to house the drink charms.

I made paper beads to match using the technique I showed
you in my last post. This time I used my ½" bead template
to create the beads. I have made it available for you to

download, as well as a ¾" bead template.

Now, attach to your stemware to indicate
which glass is yours!

This works for mugs too!

Thanks for looking! May your New Year be filled with crafty goodness!

Heart Necklace

2011-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sakura Hobby Crafts has some really fun products to make unique accessories! For this sweet heart necklace, I started with the Glass Tiles and glued some patterned paper to the back using the Crystal Lacquer. While that was drying, I stamped and embossed a heart on some chipboard. I filled in the recessed areas of the embossing with the Cerise colored Crystal Lacquer. After that was dry, I coated it with the clear lacquer, and sprinkled some fine glitter around the edges. This was then glued to the front side of the pendant. One of the very small glass tiles was added to the front corner, after I embossed a small red heart on the backside of it. The bail was attached with the lacquer, the chain was added - and I had a quick gift ready to go!

Stained Glass Tropical Ornament

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bring a bit of beach home with
these tropical sand filled ornaments.

Supplies

3D Clear Crystal Lacquer	SPARKRAFT Stickers
3D Colored Crystal Lacquer	Iridescent Extra Fine Glitter
Glass Ornament	Sand and shells (you've collected from a beach visit)
	Ribbon

Step 1: Apply your SparkKraft sticker to your clean glass ornament.	Step 2: Begin applying your colored 3D crystal lacquer.
Step 3: While your colored lacquer is still wet sprinkle with the extra fine glitter and allow to dry in a level area.	Step 4: Once the colored lacquer is dry apply 2 to 3 coats of clear 3D Crystal Lacquer (allowing each coat to dry in between coats).
Step 5: Once your lacquer is completely dried make a funnel from paper and spoon in some sand filling it about 1/4" full.	Step 6: Add small shells into the ornament and then place a small amount of clear crystal lacquer to the rim of the ornament and add the top.

Add a ribbon and hang in

a window or on your tree.

For more inspirations visit

Aileen's Musings

Reduce... reuse... REPURPOSE!

2011-12-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

My husband jokes that if it isn't nailed down, it isn't safe! I can't say I agree... but, I certainly won't deny those allegations either!

The color Lacquer package... it's so strong! So sturdy, and thick, I just can't imagine throwing it away. So I didn't! I repurposed it! Created a snow globe of sorts!

I love Mo Manning's snowman and knew I wanted to do something with him. The 'tree' is from Making Memories, it was part of their Mistletoe collection a year or two ago. I gave the tree a good coat of Crystal Lacquer and added some Peacock Green gem particles. Once dry, I added 'ornaments' by using a variety of colored lacquer. The snow is flower soft, and the snowman was colored with Copics. Then of course, I tied it off with a big, beautiful bow!

Now I can use my packaging as a tag on a gift bag! I'd love to see how you recycle your packaging!

Paper clay stamp Sakura ® art

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear friends .

Here is one of my favorite techniques with paper clay and stamps.

I like to make OOAK charms. These style is very popular. Happy Crafting!

Artful Journal by Becky Conley

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello!! Welcome to my bi-weekly Sakura post. This week I created two embellishments to adorn my latest artfully covered composition book.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Oriental Paper (coming soon!)
3d Color Crystal Lacquer
3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer
Peacock Green Gem Particles

Other supplies:
Composition notebook
large postage stamp
Outline Sticker-Sparkraft Enterprises, Inc
Black & White Card stock
Cricut: Rock Princess cartridge
sheet of double-sided super sticky tape (Therm-o-Web)

The butterfly was cut from black cardstock at 3.5" in two layers and brushed with 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer in blue and gold. While it was still wet, I rubbed the gold layer through the Gem Particles then let dry. Then I assembled the wings and added more details with 3d Colored Crystal Lacquer and 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer. I added dimension to the body with black 3d Colored Crystal Lacquer.

I applied the sticker to white card stock, then colored in the open areas with 3d Color Crystal Lacquer and 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer. When it was completely dry, I trimmed it to the size of the sticker.

I put a sheet of super sticky tape on the entire cover of the composition book to apply the decorative Japanese paper, roll with a brayer to get any air bubbles out and to assure good adherence and trimmed the edges. Merely embellish the cover with artful elements. I kept this one relatively flat, I need it to travel well :o)

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, please become a follower to receive updates and notices for new projects posted.

Cheers!
Becky

A Christmas Wish

2011-12-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not - I created this ornament in about 30 minutes - beginning to end. Fortunately, I had time to let it dry overnight, before it and me ran off to a Christmas party and ornament exchange.....

Materials Used

3D Crystal Lacquer

1 vintage glittered star

white crepe paper streamer

gold and pearl glimmer mist

gold and silver find glitter

white cardstock

music rubberstamp

distress inks in vintage photo, tea dye & black soot

I was in a pinch - invited to a party & ornament exchange and make some creative goodness for my design team assignment. I had these vintage star ornaments arranged in a glass bowl as part of my Christmas decor - and a bottle of Crystal Lacquer...what more could a girl ask for?

I made the rosette using simple white crepe paper streamers using about an arms length doubled - that took like 2 minutes! I'm doing good! Sprayed it with a little gold and pearl glimmer mist and hit it good with my heat gun. Next, I poured a good amount of Crystal Lacquer on a paper plate and mixed gold and silver glitter on another. I dipped the edge of the rosette into the Crystal Lacquer and then dipped in into the glitter mixture - so pretty!

While I set that aside to dry (it did dry in just a few hours, but I left it overnight for good measure), I ran to my computer and printed the words "A Christmas Wish" in a fancy little font and cut it out in banner style - distressed the edges and used distress ink on it for a worn vintage look. Next, the star...easy peasy. Using the same scrap of white cardstock I used for the banner, I die cut a star, stamped it with a music stamp and distressed it using black soot and vintage photo distress ink. All I needed was a little doodad as an accent. I coated a scrap piece of plastic leaf stem - using Crystal Lacquer and my gold/silver glitter mixture. When I glued the whole thing together - I used a glue gun for speed - I added 3 tiny vintage glass ornaments from my stash and I was done and very pleased with the outcome.

Update: I've been asked to make more for the other gals at the party that didn't get my ornament!

Hope you take the time to make some creative magic this holiday!

Please visit Sakura's website for product info and more inspiration! -

www.sakuracraft.com

Till next time....stay creative!

Karen

www.katscrapstudio.blogspot.com

Lacquer Coated beaded bracelet!

2011-12-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! We have less than 2 weeks left for Christmas shopping and gift making! I am in full swing on my creating and will share with you this fun bracelet that I've made for one of my loved ones!

For this project you will need:
paper
BIC Mark-its
Washi Paper
Tiger Tail Cording
findings
Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D Crystal Lacquer
Glass Tile
Gold Tone Star Bails

For this project I affixed a glass tile to washi paper with 3D Crystal Lacquer.
After it dried, I trimmed out the glass tile and sanded the edges for a smooth finish.

I adhered the bails to the short sides of the rectangle to form a focus piece of a bracelet.

Next I created paper beads to match. I measured and marked my paper
at half-inch increments on one side and then shifted my ruler
a quarter inch so that the points would form a triangle when connected.

I cut the triangles with my paper cutter.

Following tips from a paper bead artist, I .used my BIC Mark-Its to edge the paper.

I then rolled the beads around a skewer, securing with 3D Crystal Lacquer.

I then coated the bead with the lacquer as well.

I allowed the beads to dry completely

and then strung them with accent gold-toned beads to form a bracelet.

Thank you for looking! I hope you enjoy my project!

Merry Christmas Tag

2011-12-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

It's tag time!! And today I've got a tag to share with you that I made using Unity/Samantha Walker's Greetings of Christmas stamp set. I made my tree background with gold peel sticker from Sparkraft Enterprises and filled it in with Green Pearl Crystal Lacquer.
I love the dimension that it created and I think that the way the light reflects on the pearl lacquer looks like pine needles.

Thanks for stopping by!

Glitzy Crystal Lacquer Christmas Trees

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Tis The Season

Christmas Train

I began with a package of sisal trees made by Darice. I found them at Michaels for $1.99. Lowes and Michaels also, have a 21 pack with larger size trees for $21.00.	Bleaching Trees Step 1: Start by filling a jar with straight bleach. Place the trees in upside down, and closed the lid (I left them between 10 to 20 mins). The longer you leave them the whiter they get.
Step 2: Once the trees are bleached enough, I used tongs to remove them and rinsed them under cold water, and allowed them to dry on a towel.
Step 1: This part was so exciting to me because of the endless color possibilities. The bleached sisal trees LOVE Outside The Margins Color Mists (they soaked them right up). Step 1A: While the tree is still wet sprinkle extra fine iridescent glimmer dust (this particular fine glitter will stick to anything wet) then allowed the trees to dry in a warm area. Caution- if you use a heat gun to speed up the drying process, make sure you keep it moving or else you will have a charred tree. Optional	Decorating Trees Step 2: Next using a nylon throw away brush and of course Sakura's 3D Crystal Lacquer. Step 2 Continued: brush 3D Crystal Lacquer heavily onto the tree.
As another option, after the glitter has dried on the tree, you can lightly brush white gesso onto the tips of the tree branches to give it a snowy look then sprinkle again with extra fine iridescent glimmer dust	Step 3: While the tree is still wet with the Crystal Lacquer sprinkled glitter onto the tree. To color the above trio of trees I used the following Color Mists colors: Margarita Magenta, Sterling Silver and Lime Jello.

Variation 2 Step 1: Start by squeezing a thick line of 3D Crystal Lacquer onto a piece of plastic and roll your tree around in it.	Step 2: Next using a plastic spoon heavily sprinkle the tree with a glitter mixture. (I mixed several different types of glitters in a dish along with tiny seed and crystals beads)
Step 3: Shake off any excess glitter mixture and allow it to dry.	Step 4: Using 3D Crystal Lacquer apply it in specific spots on your tree and adhere your choice of individual beads (I chose faux freshwater pearls and crystal beads for this tree).
Step 5: This next step got me very excited again because I lightly sprinkled Sakura's Raspberry Iridescent Particles over the tree that was still wet with Crystal Lacquer and it looks amazingly like tiny tinsel!	Here's my finished Glitzy Crystal Lacquer Tree. (I must warn you these trees are addicting with all the endless possibilities of decorating they have.)
Here's an close-up shot of three tiny trees that I colored using a combination of Margarita Magenta and Tahoe Turquoise Color Mists.	Here they are on my latest Artist Trading Block.

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Canvas art.

2011-12-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

I love this canvas! I made it for my husband, for our anniversary back in August. I wish I had step by step photos, but, it seems I do my best when I'm not worrying about photographing each step, or working on webcam. It just... comes together! I'm going to try hard to describe the steps, but if you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section, and I'll answer them the best I can!

I used a lot of products, so I’m going to try really hard to link to everything I used.
The flowers were made using grunge paper. Cut with a Tim Holtz die, and covered with book pages. I painted them with the stains (which will be listed/linked below) and added a button to the centers.

First, I covered the white canvas with book pages using PPA matte.
I adhered paper flowers and circles with intentions to paint over them, adding texture.

I used Maya Road’s sheer Luxe Stoney Island alphas.
I used Lindy’s Stamp Gang materials to paint the canvas… here’s a list of the products I used and the colors.

Color shots (I mixed the powder with rubbing alcohol):
Tiger Lily Red Orange
California Poppy Gold
Rhododendron Red Rose

Starburst Stains: Bells of Ireland

Mica Powder: Stellar Yellow Red

I used Crystal Lacquer to adhere the sheer alphas. I didn’t like that you could barely see them, (don’t ask… sheer, and I expected to SEE them, I don’t know!!) so I added some Gesso to the tops of the sheer letters and wiped the paint off them to more or less outline them. Then I started looking at it, and didn’t like it at all, so I pulled the letters up (while the adhesive was still wet!) and LOVED that, so much more!! So I basically used the alphas as a stencil.

I used USAQ’s 101 Craze and Crackle Paste.

I used reinkers to add color. You know, reinkers that are typically for ink pads!

To use the reinkers, I mixed them with a little water and used my brayer to roll it onto the canvas. When painting the canvas I worked from the lower left corner to the upper right corner. With my darkest color in the bottom, and my lightest color towards the top.

I mixed the Starburst Stain and the Chartreuse reinker and splattered it on in certain areas. The green really helped to break it up a little bit.

I typed out the words on the computer, printed them, and inked them up with some Antique Linen Distress Ink. Outlined them, and used some Crystal Lacquer to adhere them to the canvas. Then… I squeezed my WHOLE bottle of Crystal Lacquer onto my canvas… I used my brayer to roll it all around, and cover a majority of it. I really wanted this to have a glossy finish, I totally got it!! And
I love it!!

Crystal Lacquer works really great, not only as an adhesive but also as a finish. I love that the Crystal Lacquer doesn't diminish the texture at all, and actually enhances it by making it glossy!

Be sure to check out Sakura for Crystal Lacquer. They have a variety of beautiful colors, as well as an extremely FINE tip for their Crystal Lacquer.

Altered Photo ART by Becky Conley

2011-12-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hello All!
Are your photos flat? Let's jazz them up!
I'm in mixed-media HEAVEN! I printed one of my garden photos and altered it with SAKURA products and Sparkraft "outline" stickers.

This photo doesn't do the original art any justice, you have to see it in person to appreciate it's glory. The reflection of light on the Gem Particles is AMAZING.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
3d Clear Crystal Lacquer
3d Color Crystal Lacquer: Black
Gem Particles: Raspberry Iridescent, Peacock Green and Blue Flash

Other Supplies:
Canson Canva-Paper 12x16", Sparkraft dragonfly outline stickers, Matte finish Spray Sealant

DIRECTIONS:
1. The Canva-Paper is textured like canvas! Print the photo and heat-set to hurry the process if you are impatient like me! Then spray with a matte finish to seal the inks.
2. Apply the dragonfly "outline" stickers, apply 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer to the wing areas and sprinkle with Gem Particles. (Blue Flash and Peacock Green) Remove the excess, then fill in the body and head area with 3d Black Color Crystal Lacquer. Let dry.
3. Brush the flowers with a thin layer of 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer, sprinkle Raspberry Iridescent Gem Particles to the center areas only. Let dry and remove excess.

Thank you so much for stopping by, please become a follower for more inspiration and project ideas.

Cheers!
Becky

Stained Glass ATCs with Crystal Lacquer!

2011-11-27T22:45:00.001-08:00

For my post today, I wanted to share with you a quick and easy altered trading card [ATC] idea. Sakura Hobby Crafts recently teamed up with Sparkraft Enterprises to feature their outline foil stickers. There are so many possibilities with these stickers, and the stained glass look is really easy to achieve.

To complete this project you will need:
Gold Evergreen Sparkraft Enterprises foil outline stickers
ATC size acrylic
Sakura Hobby Crafts colored lacquer
Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D crystal lacquer

I removed the stickers from the sheet and placed it on the acrylic ATC.
I colored in the tree with Green Lacquer--when you go over the lines of the stickers, the outlines will take on the tint of the lacquer but you will still be able to easily see the foil outline.
I colored the trunk brown and the sky with blue lacquer.
For a "snowy" look, I added the 3D crystal lacquer. It goes on cloudy but will dry clear.
When the ATC is completely dry, it takes on the appearance of stained glass.
I can't wait to trade these ATCs with some friends!!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-11-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess the Christmas Season is officially here! Were any of you camping out last night to do your Black Friday shopping? Not me! To help promote the Christmas Spirit, I have a card to share with you today. I stamped/embossed a Kanban Crafts tree from Vintage Christmas onto their Mirror Reflective Gold paper. I added green over the gold with Copic markers, and then used my colored Sakura Crystal Lacquer to add my trimmings. The lacquer looks great over metallic papers - almost the effect of a foil-backed rhinestone. I hope you will try this technique!

Birdhouse Fun!

2011-11-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Route 66 stamp from Viva Las Vegastamps! was my inspiration this week for this cute little birdhouse ornament.

I started with some basic supplies:

Route 66 stamp from Viva Las Vegastamps!

3D Crystal Lacquer

Blue Flash Gem Particles

Wooden Birdhouse Ornament

Scrapbook paper scraps

Vintage Gold Fine Glitter

Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Distress Crackle Paint - Rock Candy

I cut scrapbooking paper just a tad smaller than each side of the birdhouse - distressed each edge and glued it down using 3D Crystal Lacquer. I inked the edges with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo to give it a rustic look and to take away the new look of the wood.

For the roof - I used paper that had small license plates (Tim Holtz) which look like shingles and gave it a coat of Rock Candy Distress Crackle to make it look aged. At the bottom I added a layer of Gem Particles and finished off the bottom edge with fine glitter. The stamped image was stamped and embossed, cut out and aged with Distress Ink in Old paper and Vintage Photo.

This was a fun FAST project!

For more creative inspiration - visit Sakura Hobby Crafts blog

www.crystallacquer.blogspot.com

and for product info, check out

www.sakuracraft.com

Enjoy!

Repurposed Soup Cans!

2011-11-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year, when the temperatures drop, and soup is a satisfying meal for my family!

(Secretly, please don't tell... I just love to repurpose the soup cans, I really don't care about the soup!)

I started with book pages, neatly cut them to fit my can and used Crystal Lacquer to adhere the pages to the can.

Then, I found a rub-on that was perfect for the can! So, I carefully rubbed it on, ensuring the rub-on would take on the shape of the can.

Then I sealed the rub-on with Crystal Lacquer, and I actually covered the whole can in Crystal Lacquer!

I love the finish. How shiny it is, and how smooth it is to the touch!

This project was pretty simple. I'm not sure what I'll do with the can just yet...

I was thinking it would make a great flower pot. Or pencil/pen holder.

Great place to put my five thousand pairs of scissors that I can never seem to find!! :)

For this project I used five products; book pages, a rub-on, tulle, a soup can, and Crystal Lacquer!

I've also made a a card using a Some Odd Girl digital stamp.

I've colored balloons with Copics.

Then coated the balloons with Crystal Lacquer to make them look more realistic!

To see detailed photos of the card, check out my blog!

Happy Monday crafty friends!!

Sakura Christmas Tag

2011-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the final piece and other tags.

Now you are ready to hang on your Christmas card or your tree.

This transparency paper technique is one of my favorites.

I wish everyone a very happy holidays and may God bless you always.

Fairy in the Forest Card with VivaLasVegasStamps!

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today, Sakura has teamed up with VivaLasVegasStamps!. I'm combining all the fun of Sakura's 3d Crystal Lacquer with the gorgeous rubber stamp image by VivaLasVegasStamps!

--I chased my muse into the forest and there flew the butterfly fairies--

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
3d Color Crystal Lacquer: Red, Yellow, Ivory
3d Pearl and Metallic Crystal Lacquer: Lilac, Gold

Butterfly Lady Rubber Stamp by VivaLasVegasStamps!

OTHER SUPPLIES:
Copper pigment ink, clear embossing powder, microbeads and glitter, fibers, deckle scissors and distress ink.
Palm Tree Border paper and Glitter Brown Paisley card stock by Robin's Nest

I was very happy to see that the Ivory 3D Color Crystal Lacquer made a perfect skin tone for my butterfly lady.

I stamped the image onto the Palm Tree Border paper with copper pigment ink and embossed with clear fine embossing powder. Then I cut it out, inked the edges and glued it to the background paper (Brown Glitter Paisley).

I applied Ivory first and let it set up for a few minutes and sprinkled micro beads and glitter to the body area. Then the Pearl and Metallic 3D Crystal Lacquer because it's a bit thicker. Finally I colored the rest of the areas with the translucent Color 3D Crystal Lacquer.

Add a touch of fibers and Viola!
I hope you enjoyed my little excursion, I needed a diversion away from the Holidays to a warmer, more serene place :o)

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, if you enjoyed this project, please become a follower to receive updates when new projects are posted.

Have an artful day!
Becky Conley

Sparkling Berry Necklace

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sparkling Berry

Necklace

~Sometimes simple
uncomplicated projects are the best~

Supplies Used

Clear 3D Crystal Lacquer
White Brass Jewelry Blank (9/16 x 3/4 x 1/16')
"Viva Las Vegastamps!" (Slient Night Sheet Music Stamp, Star Stamp)
Jolee's Holly Glittered & Rhinestone Stickers
White Tags ("Viva Las Vegastamps!")

Candy Box ("Viva Las Vegastamps!")Extra Fine Glitter Dust
Chain with Jump Ring
Gold Leafing Paint
Card Stock
2 Way Sticky Tape
Stazon Ink (Red)

Step 1: Start with a Sakura Hobby Craft jewelry blank, then cut one of the holly sticker's leaves off so it will fit inside the blank.	Step 2: Cover and fill the blank with 3D clear Crystal Lacquer and pop any bubbles you may have with a toothpick.
Step 3: VERY Lightly sprinkle extra fine iridescent glitter dust over the wet lacquer and allow to dry in a level dust free area.	Step 4: Once the first layer is dry add another layer of 3D Crystal Lacquer filling in any areas that may need it and allow to dry.
TAG & Gift Box Steps:	Step 1: Using red stazon ink load your stamp with ink and stamp your tag.
Step 2: Using gold leafing paint stamp the star stamp onto the candy box and allow to dry and repeat on the backside of the box as well.	Here is an example of both the tag and the box.
Step 3: Cut a 1/4" cut on either side of the tag.	Step 4: Once your sparkling necklace blank is dry add a jump ring and chain to your necklace and slip the chain between each slit you cut. Tape the backside of the tap to hold the reminder of the chain in place using 2 way sticky tape.
Step 4: Place the candy box on card stock and trace around the box and cut it out inside the lines you traced.	Step 5: Apply your tag with the sticky tape to the card stock and slide it into the candy box. You know have a fun gift for a friend ready to go!

For more projects visit

http://aileensmusings.blogspot.com/

Wintery Charms with VLVS! and Colored Lacquer

2011-11-13T21:36:00.001-08:00

Wintery charms with Viva Las Vegastamps! and Sakura 3D colored lacquer

As the coolor temperatures approach and winter is a little over a month away, I'm in full gear creating gifts for friends and family and items for holiday wear. When I chose the snowflake background stamp to work with for my project sponsored by VivaLasVegaStamps!, I knew I wanted to create some fun charms. These charms are super easy to make and can add fun wintery embellishment to any item.

For this project you will need:

Tim Holtz Fragment Charms

Marvy Black Ink Pad

Random winter colored cardstock--I used Basic Grey solids

VivaLasVegaStamps snowflake background

Sakura Colored 3D Crystal Lacquer
jewelry findings, sanding paper, scissors

Begin by stamping in black the background stamp
onto your card stock.

Apply a small amount of colored lacquer [either 1 or 2 colors]
onto Fragment Charms.

Add to stamped image. Slide charm around a bit until it stops moving.

I really like how the two colors mix on the page when it spreads .

Once dry, remove the charm by cutting them out close to the plastic edge.
Lightly sand the edges to remove extra card stock. Punch the hole in the
card stock to make charm usable. Print the backside of the charm with stamp.

Add findings to fragment charm. Here I've used homemade jumprings.

Add your charms to your item. Here I've chose to add them to a fiber necklace.

I hope you enjoyed my project! Thank you for looking!

Winter Wishes

2011-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

During November, the DT for Sakura Hobby Craft has had the opportunity to play with stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps! There are tons of stamps to choose from, but when I saw Lady with a Snowglobe, I knew this image would be the perfect companion for my Sakura goodies!

Any time a stamp has something that is supposed to be glass on it - I want to cover it in Crystal Lacquer! So the snow globe really caught my attention. I sprinkled some fine, transparent glitter around the edges, while it was still wet to make it look like the glittery snow inside. The other cool embellishment that I added were some of the Gem Particles to the confetti background. Weren't they perfect there?

I hope you will take a look at the tons of stamps that Viva Las VegaStamps has to offer, and remember how cool they are with you Sakura Hobby Craft products!

Summer Memories Vintage Tag

2011-11-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

This month I'm featuring a stamp from VivaLasVegaStamps! along with Sakura Hobby Craft products! I created this fun vintage beach tag using the following items.

3D Crystal Lacquer

Crystal Color Lacquer - brown

Rubberstamp from VivaLasVegaStamps!

Manila Tag

Scrapbook paper scraps

Flourish rubberstamp - Tim Holtz

Film Strip Ribbon - Tim Holtz

Vintage Ticket sticker

Hinge Clip - Tim Holtz

charms from my stash

Distress Inks - Old Paper & Vintage Photo

I started with distressing the edges of the manila tag using distress ink. I cut my scrapbook paper scrap the size of the tag and distressed the edges using a Zutter Distrezz It All to really rough up the edges and make it a little smaller than the tag. I stamped the girl image on plain white cardstock using black distress ink and embossed her with clear embossing powder. I aged the white cardstock with distress ink in old paper and vintage photo on the edges.

I stamped a flourish image over the scrapbook paper using StazOn ink in black and outlined some of the flourish with brown Crystal Color Lacquer. I set this aside for a few hours before I finished assembling the tag.

Creating the film strip was a little time consuming - but turned out really cool! I just cut small face images from scraps of scrapbooking paper - here I was using Graphic 45's Bathing Beauties - one of my all time favs! I placed a dot of Crystal Lacquer on top of the image and then pressed the film strip over it. To finish the tag, I adhered a vintage ticket sticker behind the clipped on film strip ribbon and added some fun charms.

You can find amazing rubberstamps from VivaLasVegaStamps! here

Visit Sakura Hobby Craft's website for product info & project ideas.

Have a great week!

Karen

www.katscrapstudio.blogspot.com

Viva Las Vegas card Sakura style!

2011-11-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning, and happy Monday!

When I saw the Cactus Alphabet and Cactus Numbers I had to have them!

The rose is the "O" in the Cactus Alphabet set, and of course, the numbers, are from the numbers set.

I colored one rose, and covered it with Crystal Lacquer to make it pop... and boy does it ever!

Un-Frog-gettable Memories

2011-11-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I hope this Monday finds everyone getting into the spirit of the holidays. I just spent my weekend working a booth at a craft show where shoppers were looking for festive items for their holidays shopping and yummy treats for their Thanksgiving table! After a weekend of that I could help starting getting in the mood for the impending holidays!

This November, Sakura Hobby Crafts is teaming up with Viva Las Vegas Stamps. We, the Sakura Hobby Crafts team, were given credit to spend in the amazing Viva Las Vegas Stamps store! What a treat! We got to shop the store for our favorites and use them on our Sakura DT projects. The first stamp I choose was this fun frog stamp. Something you probably don't know about me--I love frog puns. So when I saw this silly stamp I couldn't help but think what fun I could have with the frog puns. I hope you like my card. Read below to see how I did this.

For this card you will need:

Viva Las Vegas frog stamp & Marvey Ink

Sakura Hobby Crafts 3D Crystal Lacquer, color lacquer and metallic lacquer

BIC Mark-Its, Glitter Glue Pen and chunky glitter

Computer generated sentiment and digital card stock

Bazzill Basics and Coredinations cardstocks

I stamped my image on a piece of white card stock and colored him in using BIC Mark-Its. I went over the frog and lamp globe with Crystal Lacquer. I then went over the pole on the lamppost with the black lacquer. Finally I used the silver metallic lacquer for the snow flakes on the card. I matted the frog on some blue coredinations card stock and layered the computer sentiment on top of that. The bottom flap of the card stuck out under the matted frog so I put some digi card stock paper behind him that matched the color of his hat and his skin!

Thank you for looking! I can't wait to share my next Sakura/Viva Las Vegas project weith you!! You're gonna L O V E it!

Pandora's Box

2011-11-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Revisited with Becky Conley

2011-11-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hello all and welcome to my first post of the month!

I'm having a little fun sprucing up some old pieces of jewelry and mixing in some new creativity!

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
3D CRYSTAL LACQUER: Clear
3D CRYSTAL LACQUER: Primary Blue
3D CRYSTAL LACQUER: Metallic and Pearl
Fancy Glass Pendant Rectangle

OTHER SUPPLIES:
non-stick crafting mat
scraping tool
old piece of jewelry

I used this old piece of jewelry as the base of the pendant and colored it with Primary Blue 3d Crystal Lacquer.

Place Fancy Glass Pendant on a non-stick crafting mat, some product may run off. Create a mosaic design on a Fancy Glass Pendant with Metallic Black 3d Crystal Lacquer and color in areas with Pearl Colored 3d Crystal Lacquer.

I used a scraping tool to straighten out the edges and let it dry as shown then trimmed edges with scissors. Use 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer to attach the Fancy Glass Pendant to the base piece of old jewelry.

Thanks so much for visiting the Sakura Craft Design Blog , become a follower for more inspiration and project ideas!

Happy Crafting!
Becky
www.beckyconley.blogspot.com

Phenomenal Mini Star Ornaments

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

I recently made mini star ornaments for an altered

matchbox swap I'm participating in. While creating
them I had a unique phenomenon happen to them.

~~~~~

I began by using Staedtler's Fimo Microwave clay

to cut out my star ornaments. After I stamped a
design into the clay using "Viva Las Vegastamps!"
Christmas music stamp and poked a hole in each
one at the top for hanging, I then dried them in the
microwave according to the package directions.

~~~~~
Next I added some Krylon's gold leafing paint
I pumped out on a piece of plastic, and used my finger
to rub it across the high points of the stamped design.

~~~~~
Once the gold paint dried I added a lite layer of
clear Crystal Lacquer and some extra fine glitter dust

to each one while the lacquer was still wet. I let them dry,
and then I added a thicker layer of Crystal Lacquer,
a small red button. and a rhinestone.

~~~~~
Then something magical happened! When I went
back later I discovered that where ever the Krylon
gold leafing paint was on the stars AND wherever
the extra fine glitter dust and Crystal Lacquer was it
had changed to a turquoise blue color. Obviously there
must have been a chemical reaction, but what caused it?
From the best of my deduction its a reaction between the
clay, gold leafing paint and the clear Crystal Lacquer.
I've used both the clear Crystal Lacquer in conjunction
with the extra fine glitter dust many, many times
before and never had this happen, so it must be
the addition of the microwave clay.

~~~~~

To finish them off I added ribbons
to each of them for hanging.

I really love this happenstance, I only wish that I went

with my first choice of decorating my altered matchboxes

using turquoise and red like I was originally going to do,
then they would have all matched like I meant for it to
happen LOL

For more more of my projects stop by

Aileen's Musings

A Little Bubbly!

2011-10-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Shaped cards are really fun to make, and can have a big impact. This wine glass and bottle is from Flower Soft, but I decided to jazz it up a little using Sakura Crystal Lacquer. When, I noticed the wine in the glass, it was a given for me that I would like to add a layer of Crystal Lacquer over it, to make it look like liquid. To further embellish things, I made a medallion/greeting for the bottle. I stamped my image onto cardstock. Then I used the Copper Lacquer to trace over the lines of the stamp. The metallic lacquers are thicker than the clear and colored ones, so it really added some height. I let this dry completely, then I covered over the area with congratulations using the Cerise Lacquer . Again, I let this dry, and then covered the entire thing with a coat of Crystal Lacquer. It almost looks like Cloisonne when it's dry.

Wicked Fun with Crystal Lacquer

2011-10-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

This week Crystal Lacquer and I had fun creating one more Halloween decor piece for my collection - a wickedly cute mini witches hat!

Materials Used

3D Crystal Lacquer

Paper Mache Witches Hat

White embossed wallpaper - thank you Becky Conley :)

Assorted Glimmer Mist

Paper Flowers from my stash

Scrapbook paper - Halloween theme

Old dictionary pages

Colored glass ornaments in Halloween colors

Assorted glitters

Brads - for flower centers

Assorted Beads

Halloween Tulle Fabric

I started by covering the paper-mache hat with embossed wallpaper. In the photo, you can see that I had cut off the top part of the hat - my project started off in one direction and took a turn midway - and decided to glue the top back on. Funny how that works when you have an idea in your head of how you want something, and then "poof" right in the middle of creating, you change your mind. I love that part of the process and it didn't bother me at all to have to change directions. Anyway, I sprayed the entire hat with glimmer mist - in Raven. It has a very cool purple shimmer when dry.

Here's a close up of one of the flowers. I love this photo because you can see the purple shimmer on the hat from the glimmer mist. I bought a package of small glass ornaments in Halloween colors. I wanted to see what fun I could have adding glitter/beads to them using Crystal Lacquer. This green one was covered with fine green glitter. I did another one in chunky beads that turned out cool - and will be using it for another project. It was easy to brush on a thin layer of Crystal Lacquer and then just dipping them in the glitter or beads.

For the center of this flower, I coated a black glass ornament with chunky orange glitter.

For center of this paper flower, which I made using old dictionary paper and orange and black glimmer mist, I used Crystal Lacquer and orange seed beads. I coated a brad with the lacquer, dipped it in the beads and set aside to dry. I did this process twice as to get a bigger layer of beads.

I used my scallop circle Accucut Die and cut about 8 circles of Halloween themed tulle fabric to create this little number. The edges of the tulle were melted (I used a lighter) so they would curl up and make it more dimensional and added a brad that I coated with Crystal Lacquer and orange chunky glitter.

Here are my Crystal Lacquer creations for this Halloween - I can't wait to start on Thanksgiving and Christmas next :)

Till next time - stay creative!

Karen

www.katscrapstudio.blogspot.com

and please visit the Sakura Hobby Craft website

for more creative inspiration and product information.