Brayer Embossed Frame

This was a simple, inexpensive and fun project to do. It was inspired by Tim Holtz. Basically, it is a wooden frame covered in foil tape. Underneath the foil tape, are shapes or letters made out of cardstock that you "emboss" by running a brayer over them. To color the silver foil tape, simply use alcohol inks. You can get some amazing results just by using the "pounce" method to apply the alcohol inks. The frames are unique because YOU design them!  The alcohol ink colors I used on this frame were Terra Cotta and Expresso.  I removed the alcohol ink on the letters to make them really "pop" by using a waterproof or solvent based ink and wiping over the raised letters in a circular motion.  Then quickly wipe away the ink with a soft cloth, leaving the letters exposed.

I love how this frame turned out! "Life Is A Journey" sounds like a Tim phrase, doesn't it? 

But, isn't it the truth?

I made this frame for the occasion of our first grandson's first visit with Santa. I love this picture and I love how it looks in the frame! Same technique...but totally different look, thanks to different lettering, shapes and alcohol inks! The alcohol inks I used on this vintage Christmas frame were Red Pepper and Bottle.

It's just about time to get this frame out again....Christmas will be here before you know it!

Take time to play!  It's SOUL FOOD!

A PERSONAL VETERANS' DAY NOTE...

I don't usually post a lot of personal writings on my blog but I felt compelled to post a picture of my sweet father who was so proud of his military service. He served in the United States Navy during WWII as a radio man and a gunner in the Pacific. He flew 51 missions in and around the Phillippines. He passed away in May 2001 and took a piece of my heart with him. He was a gifted artist; however because he had a wife and two little mouths to feed, he never realized his dream of really doing something with his amazing talent.

So, Daddy...I want you to know that I'm living my dream and I'm taking yours along with me!

And thank you to all those brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and fight for our freedoms!

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS BOOK

Several of the ladies in my area asked me have a Christmas book class.  They wanted a decorative little book to display family pictures or keep little keepsakes in. So, I created this special little vintage book that
is not only a book but can be a display piece for a mantle.

I also wanted to encourage my students to tap into their creativity even more by doing something a little different on the cover of the book. Rather than doing a chipboard cover, we're going to make 5x7 canvas covers. This is the basic cover and from here, my students can use their imagination to make this cover as ornate or as simple as they choose.

The inside features Graphic 45's beautiful "Christmas Past Collection". This is an accordian book that is finished on both sides. It features pockets, some blank spaces to attach a favorite Christmas picture and  flip pages for extra pictures.

I offered two classes for this Vintage Christmas Book Class. One will be held two and half hours away in Thayer, Missouri on November 20th. It is being hosted by a good friend, Lynn. She asked me to come to Thayer because there are so many ladies there who love the vintage style but there are no stores or venues in her area for the ladies. I look forward to the opportunity of meeting and sharing this book with those ladies! The other class is on December 4th in Ozark, MO. I am so humbled by the fact that both classes are already full. I look forward to these dates and spending a day teaching, sharing and enjoying the ladies while they create a wonderful Christmas keepsake.

Christmas will be here before you know it! Better start planning your Christmas projects now!