Monday, October 27, 2014

LAYER IT! ~ A CRAFT HOARDERS ANONYMOUS CHALLENGE

It's Monday!  
Welcome to my blog and my other Guest Designer Spot for Gloria Stengel's Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge.  The name of this challenge blog cracks me up because there are SO MANY OF US HOARDERS OUT THERE!!

This challenge is being sponsored by Lindy's Stamp Gang and Add A Little Dazzle. THANK YOU to these fine folks for their sponsorship!

For this challenge, we are asked to pull out all of our hoarded goodies and layer them up!  It could be papers, laces, buttons and trims.  It could be inks, texture pastes, paints and glitters.  It could be stamps, rubons, dies and punches.  Whatever you've got ... layer it up and join in on the fun of this challenge.

Grab a cuppa something and I hope you will enjoy this creative journey I am sharing with you as I definitely "LAYERED IT"!

The project I created is truly fitting for this challenge as it is layers upon layers of pockets and tags and flaps. Half of the pockets have layers upon layers of all sorts of things to create unique designs on each one.  I will open the box and reveal all of the layers in a minute.  But first, let me tell you about the box itself ...

This is a wonderful pattern by my friend, Jim The Gentleman Crafter.  It is appropriately called "The Falling Photo Box" and the pattern is available in his Etsy Store. Click HERE to whisk you away to the store and all of his amazing patterns. 


The box is a very showy piece measuring approximately 7 1/2" x 5 1/2". From the outside, it looks like an interesting but regular vintage box. But ... open it up and ...


Wha-lah!  The sides fall down and there are cascasdes of pockets and flaps and tags for journaling and matting treasured photographs!  Now you see what I mean about layers upon layers??


Just the exterior of the box contains several layers:  heavy chipboard, glue, Scor Tape, patterned cardstock, ink, lots of Tim Holtz Ideaology pieces including Box Corners, Pedestal Legs, a Pull Knob, a Monocle, Vial, Light Bulb, Link Chain, Enamel Tag with Rubons and ink, Type Charm, Cash Key and Collage Keys.  

While I would love to give you the step by step in creating this fabulous box, that would not be fair to Jim The Gentleman Crafter.  So, I will share as much as I can about the layers involved. You can purchase the easy to follow instructions from Jim and get all of the construction instructions from him.

After creating the exterior box and covering it with some papers I've had for a long time from Tim Holtz' French Industrial and Prima's Engravers, it was time to make all of the components for the interior.  I used papers from Prima's Ledger Pad to create all of the pockets.  


There are 17 pockets in all.  They all started out as pictured above ... the Ledger Pad paper that I then distressed with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  I used the lesser scripted papers to give half of the pockets their own special look.


For example ... here is one of the pockets in the beginning stages. I pulled out and tore some old book text; then distressed it with Gathered Twigs ink. Since this is a photo box, I really liked the sentiment on this piece of ribbon that I've had forever. So, I added the distressing with Gathered Twigs. I also liked the Prima brads. I would add more layers to this pocket, but this seemed like a good start.


Here is the finished pocket.  There are at least FOURTEEN layers on this: the base cardstock, the ink, the glue and Scor Tape used in adhering all of this pocket together, the "journey" stamp and ink, the distressed book text, the sentiment ribbon, the brad, the Journaling Ticket, the Remnant Rubons on the Journaling Ticket and the harlequin design on the pocket, the Tissue Tape of the eye glasses, the filmstrip, the measuring tape, the butterfly and dragonfly stamps, the Perfect Pearls Powders and water to colorized the butterflies and dragonfly and the lace. 

As you can see, each layer adds something of interest to this pocket and contributes to the design.  Don't be afraid to layer!  It adds so much!  

In this Falling Photo Album, I used primarily Tim Holtz stamps but there are some other random ones as well. I also used a variety of tissue/washi tapes that I have had for a long time, old buttons and laces; whatever I thought might look neat. Nothing is new.

So, how do you build layers?  
Well, here is a step by step example of how I did another pocket:


I began with the basic distressed pocket made from the Ledger Pad.  Using Jet Black Archival Ink, I stamped this beautiful face from one of Tim's Classics stamp sets.


I cut a "mask" out of manila cardstock and laid it over the face image.  Then I laid this beautiful Finnabair Prima vintage doily stencil on top of the pocket and masked face.  The color spray is Heidi Swapp's Teal (my favorite color) Color Shine.


Removing the mask to reveal this lovely subtle shimmery pattern, I then colored the face using various Distress Inks and a Detailer Water Brush. You can already start to see the "warmth" that the added layers provide. I also added a striped ribbon using 1/4" Scor Tape across the bottom of the pocket for interest and also to hide the obvious line at the bottom of her neck.


Next I added a piece of torn fabric that I gesso'd on the backside of the fabric so that it would soften the color and allow me to stamp a sentiment on it. I have a friend, Andrea Ockey Parr who does some AMAZING stuff with fabric. This is one of her little tricks; to turn the fabric to the wrong side. You still get the color and pattern.  It's just not as vivid.  Adding the gesso on top further softens the fabric color and patterns and gives you a good base to stamp a sentiment. Leave the stringy stings. They are fun!

  
I added a little almost dry brushed gesso over her head to try to remove the obvious line up there. Next I did a little more stenciling above her head and blended the colors of the pocket with distress inks, further erasing that line. Now, it almost seems as if her face is emerging from the background, not stamped on top of it.  Here you also see the added sentiment to the fabric strip (glued on using Matte Multi Medium) and a vintage button with one organza rose from Tim Holtz' rose ribbon trimmings (sprayed with pink) that was hot glued in place.

So this pocket has a total of at least TWELVE layers: basic cardstock, glue, Scor Tape, hot glue, ribbon, vintage button, sprayed organza rose, torn fabric strip, gesso, inks, stamps, stencil (spray). 

  
Here is another pocket with stamping, Remnant Rubons, Filmstrip Ribbon, stamped images and sentiments, stencils (done with Distress Inks), Tiny Attacher staples, Perfect Pearls Powders (mixed with water and used more like a paint), Distress Inks to color the gentleman with a Detailer Water Brush. 


Still more stencils, stamps, Perfect Pearls Powders used as paints, Distress and Archival Inks, Tissue Tape, a button

  
A pocket mainly done with stamping and both Archival and Distress Inks, a ribbon running across the top held in place by 1/4" Scor Tape. There are less layers here but sometimes not as many layers is still very effective.


A little more "artsy fartsy" design using Tim Holtz' dressform and sentiments paired with red washi tape, Dina Wakley's script stamp and Tim Holtz' Queens Gold embossed wings stamp. The little red circles are from a little stamp set that I've had for ages and ages.


I love this washi butterfly tape and I thought it went perfectly with Tim's Papillon butterfly stamp.  All are colored with Distress Inks and a Detailer Water Brush.  The black circles are from dipping a paint lid into black paint and randomly "stamping" it on the pocket. The script is added using Texture Paste and a Crafter's Workshop 6x6 script stencil. 


I HAD to include this sweet little gentleman from Tim Holtz' Paris Memoir stamp set. He is one of my favorites. I masked the center of Tim's famous Weathered Clock stamp so that I could add the sentiment. I like the way it turned out. The elephant at the top of the clock face is from Tim's Tiny Things stamp set. I really like his randomness as well. 


Here are all eight of the special pockets I created for the Falling Photo Box.  I love how different each one is and it is the LAYERS that really give them depth, color, interest and design.


Once the pockets are all made, they need to be attached to the opposite sides of the box so that when the box opens, they will cascade out.  I used 1/4" Scor Tape to attach each of the pockets to their perspective "tabs" created out of black cardstock. 


Here is one side of the Falling Photo Box with all of the pockets in place.  See how they cascade?  Isn't that cool? The opposite side of the box also has this same arrangement of cascading pockets. To the left, you can see the back of the box with the "tabs" in place to attach large tags for journaling.


And here are the large journaling tags attached to the back side of the falling photo box.  They will also be layered in between the photo pockets when the box is folded up. Each is distressed and stamped with various (mostly Tim Holtz) stamps at the tops.  But, they are mostly left blank so that lots of journaling can be done ... or more photos or other ephemera could be added here as well.


When the box is folded up, this what the interior looks like:  layers upon layers of pockets and large tags. 


Yet ANOTHER layer coming up!  These are the blank tags made from manila cardstock that are slipped into each one of the pockets.  Photographs are to be mounted to them.


And here is the way the tags look inserted into the pockets as they cascade.  I love it!


And again ... here is the Falling Photo Box when it is removed from the legged base, the top is removed and the box is left to open similar to a square "exploding box" design.

NOW do you see why this Falling Photo Box was such a perfect project for this Layer It Challenge?  Layers, Layers Layers!!!

I hope that you've enjoyed this blog post and that somewhere in all of this, you found some inspiration to start rummaging through your hoarded goodies and create something with layers for the challenge.  The link up your design to the challenge.  You may be a winner!

Thanks for sharing part of your day with me and GOOD LUCK with the challenge!










38 comments:

  1. I checked out all the photos several times! What a creative mind you have and how beautifully this all came together. Each little pocket is incredible and the actual falling photo box - AMAZING! Love this, Candy! Hugs and Happy Monday!

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  2. this is amazing... thank you for sharing and for the inspiration

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  3. amazing project and stunning details!!!! congrats on being a GDT at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!!!

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  4. OMG this is fantastic, amazing detail. This must have taken you ages Candy and worth every minute of your time. I adore this and the gorgeous embellishments and stamped images and details. Tracy x

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  5. WOW! Absolutely gorgeous, a brilliant idea :-)

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  6. Candy, as always, not only is your project stunning but your description is fabulous too ! Sue C x

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  7. In haste... but oh my - WOW - coming back to visit this one. Nxx

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  8. And it is an OMGoodness from me too. I have been sitting here looking at this for so long my tea has gone cold! Candy, I know it was Jim's pattern but what you have done with it is just genius. I know it must have taken ages to make but it was so worth every single minute you spent on this fabulous creation. I love the box and I like the way they all fold in so beautifully. Your layers are brilliant - I am so, so impressed with this! Anne xx

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  9. I cannot even imagine the time and energy that it took to create this masterpiece! I feel so blessed that you shared it with us on Craft Hoarders! I love all the tags and pockets, plus all the vintage goodies you added! If you need my address..... Thanks so much for being one of our spectacular guest DT for October at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  10. Oh my goodness Candy, what a totally terrific layered creation. It's got more delicious layers than my favourite yummy mille feuille!! Brilliant use of the oh so clever design. I really love all the pockets, tags etc and your wonderful how-tos are a joy to see, read and learn. Just love the way you share your creative genius Candy. It's an honour to feature in a guest design lineup alongside you. Have a super week. Nicola x

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  11. quel merveilleux travail de créativité, merci pour ce partage.

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  12. This has definitely been a labor of love. I'm afraid I would have fallen by the wayside on this one. The finished product is absolutely awesome and you have layers, and layers and pockets and tags and oh my goodness it just makes my fingers itch! Thanks for being a guest designer at Craft Hoarders Anonymous for October!

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  13. Oh, Candy! This makes my heart skip a beat! I love the wonderful vintage color palette you chose, and I cannot wrap my brain around the hours and hours and days and days of loving, thoughtful creating that went into this work of art! I love the step out where you explain how you build your layers, too. Your creativity truly is contagious! Thank you so much for designing such a beautiful project for us as our Guest Designer at Craft Hoarders Anonymous! xo

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  14. WOWWWW this is totally awesome an amazing and very beautiful project, I am blown away by your superb creativity and talent.
    hugs
    lorraine x

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  15. Wow.... WoW!!!
    I'd love to see a Video about this... Really!

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  16. This is one brilliant work Candy! Love it :)

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  17. Absolutely stunning work Candy, your stamping is beautifully done. Always a delight to visit your blog.
    Julie x

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  18. Невероятная работа! Браво!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  19. It is a piece of paper art,great job.

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  20. CANDY! THIS IS CRAZY! I am in awe! Just speechless! (And THAT'S saying something!) What an absolutely spectacular work of art! Your talent is mind boggling! Thanks for sharing this beautiful treasure!
    Hugs,
    cathy

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  21. wow candy - this is awesome - I love it to bits - looks like a lot of work but well worth it - brilliant make - big hugs to you and thankyou for your kind words xx

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  22. Thud! I just fell on the floor. I don't know how you do this time & time again, but you do. The time you must have put into this masterpiece is mind boggling! When I first saw this project on Jim's blog, I really wanted to try it. Time slipped away & I didn't get it, but now I really want it again. Not that I could ever, ever make anything like you did. I just love every single layer, all 6,547,823 of them. :) Hugs!

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  23. Wow, wow Candy!! I was struck by the box , then I saw the pockets, the details, the colours, the perfect coloration, and I fell in love with them too! Brava brava brava!

    I entered the challenge :-)

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  24. Oh my good heavens to Betsy! You know I love all of your projects, but this one takes the cake...and the waffles...and the donuts...and the pie...and anything else that's fabulous and take-able! Even without the cool box structure, those pockets alone are mini masterpieces! But put it all together and it becomes holy-cow-worthy! Truly- you are incredible! Thanks, too, for the kudos to me and my fabric, but really the student has become the master! I love how you let the pattern show through just enough, but not too much. Brilliant! Now if you don't mind, I'm going to leave the comment section and go back and drool some more at this box o' beauty!!! Really stunning, Candy!

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  25. Oh my goodness!! Saw this on the Craft Hoarders site and I had to come and see it for myself! I am completely blown away and now I'll have to follow your blog :) http://art-without-anxiety.blogspot.com/

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  26. Hello, Candy,
    I saw your craft on Craft Hoarders Anonymous challenge blog and I couldn't believe what I saw... This is just one of the most beautiful and creative things I have ever seen! The idea is just original, something never seen before, and the way you made it is so precise, the papers, stamps, techniques and embellishments so vintage and elegant, just as I like! I have no words, I need an English synonimous dictionary to repeat how beautiful it is!

    Mariangela ^___^

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  27. Not sure quite where to start! SO much to love, admire, adore, inspire, my cup runneth over with adoration for your incredible creation here Candy! Jenny x

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  28. WOW, let me join the masses in saying how fantastic this creation is Candy! Goodness knows how long it took to make but the result makes it well worthwhile. Just brilliant, I LOVE every detail!!!!

    Gaby xo

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  29. This is so fantastic!! I have no words enough to say how I love this!

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  30. Wow, what a project, so many layers and so much goodness in your project. I can tell many, many hours went into this design, beautiful Candy.

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  31. Absolutely stunning you certainly filled the "Layers" brief love all the pockets and images and fabulous papers a fantasic result
    Carol x

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  32. Candy! How could you EVER outdo yourself? Well, it has been done with this incredible, lovingly made project. You have certainly cracked your stash wide open! This wonderful project is EXACTLY why most times I do not look at the inspiration until after I am done with a challenge; otherwise I would throw up my hands and say--how in the world do I even come close to making something worthy. So here I am visiting after the challenge is closed, and blush in embarrassment over what I have entered.

    But embarrassment aside, I am so thrilled and blessed by your work here, as always! I know this must have taken so much time, but it was time of joy, for sure! I can almost see the work being done, and the smiles when it was complete!

    Can you tell I cannot find words to express my amazement over your awesome box? All I've got to say is you are one talented lady. Each pocket is an incredible work of art! Give this a place of honor in your home and enjoy it every day! You ROCK, Candy! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  33. Wow- your work is amazing! Love the details and beautiful craftsmanship :)

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  34. OMG and OOOH LAH LAH!!!!! This is stunning, Candy. A labor of love with incredible results. Off to pin!

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  35. My jaw hit so hard...ugh it hurts lol. You are amazing Candy and you have my mind in such a buzz. Going to make one of these for someone special very soon. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent, this project leaves me speechless. :-)

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  36. Found this on Pinterest, what can I say? ....
    WOW! This is an amazing labour of love. It must have taken you ages to complete. I love it! Each and every piece is so detailed and gorgeous.

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I am so happy that you stopped by my blog! I truly appreciate your time and thank you for leaving a comment! Have a wonderfully blessed day!