Saturday, August 16, 2014

COMPENDIUM OF CURIOSITIES III ~ STAMPS AND FRAMELITS

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

Welcome to my blog and another challenge over at the lovely Linda Ledbetter's Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge

I have to say that I am continually BLOWN AWAY each week by the really beautiful and original art that everyone shares on our challenge. Sometimes it is SO HARD for the Curiosity Crew to choose just one winner. Truly...you guys are really creating some imaginative, BEAUTIFUL pieces! 

I also want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all of the really uplifting comments you leave me. I read each one and they truly mean the world to me! 

Tim Holtz and Mario have donated so many wonderful Tim Holtz products for these challenges. Did you see the pile of prizes for the last challenge?  Even a set of Letter Press blocks in a huge stash of goodies! A huge THANK YOU to Tim and Mario for their generosity!!

This week, we are diving into the world of Tim's Stamps and Framelits!  So, pull out your Compendium of Curiosities III books and turn to page 63.

Okay, confession time!!!  I was a skeptic of the framelits because I figured I can always stamp an object and just cut around it, right?  Why did I need a framelit to do that for me?  Well, after doing this challenge, I am a huge believer in framelits now! 

They are amazing little metal devices that make the edges around your stamped images so much more clean and precise. And it really cuts down on the time it takes to cut out your stamped images...especially if you are making more than one, as I have done on my project for you ...

A Halloween Candle Holder!


I literally made this project in about half a day.  It was one of those wonderful little times when you go to your craft room, all of the planets and stars align and you can just crank something out that you love.

(The progression of the creation of the sides of the candle holder.)

I began with eight pieces of black chipboard; 4 each cut to the size of Tim's Postage Stamp die cut and also his Window and Window Box die cut. 

I covered 4 of the pieces of chipboard for the postage stamp die cut with some Graphic 45 Halloween paper and 4 pieces for the window with orange cardstock using Glue N Seal to adhere the paper to the chipboard first. Then I cut them all out.

I used Tim's medium retangle from his Sized Retangles die cut in the center of the postage stamp die cut to create a frame effect. 

I used 1/4" Scor Tape to join all of the pieces together to create each basic side of the candle holder. It it hard to see in the photograph but I also added a sheet of heavy clear film  behind the window to create a glass window pane effect. After each side was finished, I die cut four more postage stamp frames out of black cardstock and backed each of the panels to cover all of my construction and give them a nice, finished look. 

Now...onto the Framelits and giving my candleholder some personality!


I decided to make all of the sides of my candle holder basically the same. So I stamped four of each of the images above from Tim's Retro Halloween Framelits set onto some Specialty Stamping Paper using Jet Black Archival Ink and then heat set it. I colored the witch face using my Detailer Water Brush and Shabby Shutters (face), Worn Lipstick (tongue), Tattered Rose (cheeks), Spiced Marmalade (hat) and a mix of Shabby Shutters and Evergreen (eyes) Distress Inks. This picture shows the images after they have been cut out using Tim's little Framelits still in place at this point.


The Specialty Stamping Paper is very white. I wanted my characters to be a bit more vintage looking, so I gently pressed Antique Linen Distress Ink all over them.  It is a bit hard to see but the top character in each pile does NOT have the Antique Linen rubbed over it yet. In person, you can see a big difference in the white being toned down.  Antique Linen also seems to "set" the colors of the witch so nicely.


I fashioned a "body" out of black cardstock for my witch. Then I simply glued each of the heads onto the body.  The other characters will be on the outside of the holder.  The witch will be on the inside, peering out of the window.  So, she needed a body!


Here you can see one of the four panels coming together. The witch is behind the window.  The black cat is prowling around outside. The skeleton will be added to the right side after I add the little Tattered Banners at the top.  These were constructed out of Sticky Back Canvas that was adhered to a piece of cardstock. I distressed all of the banners with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink then stamped either "BOO" or "EEK" onto them with Jet Black Archival. Each banner is wrapped around a piece of elastic black cording to create the banner. At the top corners of each panel, I used my Crop A Dile to punch a hole big enough for the cording to slide through and be knotted on the back side. 


Here are the completed four panels.  These would make really cute card fronts or embellishments for decorative trick or treat sacks, too. But, I had envisioned them as a candle holder so I continued on...


I joined each panel together at the top with some DMC Color Infusions Memory Thread.  I took the thread through the same holes as I punched to add the banners.


To hold the panels together at the bottom, I simply made some little strips of black cardstock and added 1/4" Scor Tape to them.  


Then I added four of these at the bottom and four in the center of each joint to hold the panels firmly in place.


I added a base made out of two pieces of black chipboard cut 5 1/4" by 5 1/2". I joined the two pieces together using 1/4" Scor Tape, sanded the edges and then colored them using a Black Soot Distress Marker. Then I simply set the candle holder on top of the base. Finally, I added four tea lights in each of the windows. 

Here is one of the finished "BOO" sides of the candle holder. 


And here is a closeup of and "EEK" side. 


So...there you have it...my fun and easy to make Halloween Candle Holder using Tim's Retro Halloween Framelits set among some of his other wonderful die cuts and products.

Now it is YOUR turn to pull out your Framelits and join in on the fun this week over at The Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge. The Curiosity Crew has some over the top cool ideas to get your creative juices flowing so go check them out.  Then join us and post your entry to our challenge. Be sure to link your project to our challenge and also to our wonderful sponsor's blog in your write up!  Speaking of our sponsor ....

This week, the wonderful folks at Inspiration Emporium are offering a 

http://www.inspirationemporium.com/

$50.00 gift certificate to their fabulous online store!  THANK YOU to Inspiration Emporium and Tim and Mario (and also our other sponsor, The Funkie Junkie Boutique) for all of the amazing prizes and opportunity for more than one person to win a prize each and every week.

Have fun with this challenge and GOOD LUCK!!



78 comments:

  1. I always love dimensional, useful things and this is fabulous. Bet your Halloween display is going to look outstanding this year. Framelets do take the stress out of mass-producing images.

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  2. Absolutely stunning Candy and such wonderful Halloween inspiration! Amazing use of the stamps and dies, I totally love what you did here!!
    xxx have a great weekend!

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  3. Love this Candy,wonderfully made. I always love your work as it's a real treat to see what you have created.

    Hugs
    Donna xx

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  4. Wow Candy!! Your planets certainly did align if you got all of this done in half a day. You are such a creative genius!! I love this. I adore the coloring on the witch's face. And I seriously love how you took these dies and came up with amazing window panel for each side. I am in awe. Love it sooooooooooooo much! -- Mary Elizabeth

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  5. This looks brilliant Candy! I don't have any of stamp / framelits sets but can see how super they would be for someone like me who just can't master fussycutting. Thanks so much for fab tutorial and photos that are so explanatory. Happy Weekend to you! Nicola x

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  6. Ohh I love your halloween project, so awesome and so full of things to look at.

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  7. Absolutely brilliant Candy, I adore the EEK and BOO banners around the edge and you have really opened my eyes about the framelets. The black and orange is so eye catching and perfect for Halooween. Fantastic design. Tracy x

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  8. I echo your feelings about the stamp/framelits sets. But they do make creating multiples SO much easier! Love your Halloween candle holder! I agree that Antique Linen lends itself very well to aging a piece of paper. Can't wait for my mojo to kick in and see what happens!

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  9. You are so darn creative, Candy! Love the way these panels come together and the witch peeking out of the window is one of the coolest touches, in my humble opinion. The banners are fantastic, too!

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  10. So cool would make a good candy box

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  11. I'm in AWE of your creative geniusness! Candy you nailed this! LOVE each side! The windows, the banners, and all the Halloween details make this a prize winner! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

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  12. I love Halloween and I really love this brilliant creation. It was such a clever idea to use the postage stamp with the window, I love the scary cat and the skeleton is just fabulous. Using the Antique Linen made the witch look like a real witch! The banners are just the most fantastic finishing touch, I think I need to get those framelits and make one of these now! Anne xx

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  13. I have to say I love everything about this but those little canvas banners are my favorite detail because they really pop against the grungy background.

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  14. I absolutely, positively - LOVE this box Candy! what marvelous retro Halloween images - and the windows are the perfect setting to show them off - the stars sure did align for you on this creation! The banners are so cute - and the little pumpkins on the paper - LOVE IT!!

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  15. What a great Halloween box ! I don't have any framelits, so sadly I cannot play this time...

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  16. Such a great project - the little witch peaking out the window is so cute. You have done such a superb job with this challenge

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  17. Your halloween project looks gorgeous, Candy! Thanks for your great tutorial and the step by step photos... as always!

    Gaby <3

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  18. What a brilliant ATB, Candy - this has put a huge grin on my face. Amazing attention to detail as always - the witch peeking through the window is a delight! Fantastic!
    Alison xx

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  19. Oh candy - this is such fun and so very creative - love it to bits!!! Hugs rachel xx

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  20. Love it. Thank you for this wonderful inspiration.

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  21. wonderful candle holder. I love Halloween... we are getting closer :-))
    thanks for putting me in the scary mood ;-)

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  22. Candy, this is awesome!!! I am in love with this block. The details and stamping are amazing. I love the banners and the cats!!! Great idea.

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  23. Oh Candy, you are speaking' my language with this fabulous Halloween candle holder project. I am a BIG Halloween freak and this is so clever, functional and do-able. I agree there is nothing better than having the time to create and it all coming together just as you hope. It's the best! And this project really reflects that your mojo was spot-on! (I may be swiping this idea for inspiration for my Halloween workshop I love it so much!)

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  24. Love this project. The little witch peaking throught the window is so cute! Lots of amazing layers.

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  25. Fantastic spooky creation Candy!!...LOVE what you did with the stamps and framelits!! Fabulous details!!..love the banner and the scary witch peeking through the window!!.. Awesome inspiration as always!! Jan x

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  26. Love your Halloween project. So many fun little details that really pull the whole thing together.

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  27. Still giggling... this is too cute, I love the paper print ... polka dot adds to the whimsy of this candle holder ! The banners are cute as well ... what a fun project !

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  28. This is such a wonderful project Candy! I love your halloween makes and this is another wonderful one!

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  29. That is amazing! So glad you had one of those days when…it all works!! Gotta love that! My only framlet is the halloween skull oh yeh and the tree, so not sure what one I will use. I LOVE halloween so….

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  30. Fantastic, Candy!! I LOVE this spooky Halloween candle holder!! OH--I've gotta add that Retro Halloween Framelits set to my wish list!! This is just too much fun and that witch--she kind of freaks me out a little ;) I can hear her cackling!! Thank You for sharing such a GREAT CC3 #9 creation! XOXO-Shari T.

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  31. Candy, this Halloween House candle holder is awesome! I love all the detail you put into your projects and this one doesn't disappoint! I love looking through the window and seeing fun witches as well as cats and skeletons on the outside! great job as always!

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  32. Great Halloween candle holder Candy. I love everything about Halloween projects. Cute framelits for Halloween. Love the witch and the shading you did for her face. No fuzzy cutting with these framelits. Always a great tutorial Candy.

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  33. Love Halloween! Your creation is amazing and I love the use of the "stamp" die. I would have never thought about making a box with that!!

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  34. My favorite part is the fun little banners! They make it seem like a party house....love all the special touches you always add to your wonderful work!

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  35. Candy, Love your piece for CC3C! Just a super idea and it really came together so well. Love everything about it Candy.

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  36. WOW Candy, this is amazing, I love how you see flat stuff and construct it into something that is so way out there... you are amazing!!! x

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  37. WOW this is totally amazing Candy, what an awesome project, I am not a big lover of Halloween but I am loving this very much, I bet it looks real cool with the light shining in it when it is dark, superb creation
    hugs
    lorraine x

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  38. What a lot of fun this is , can just see the box full of sweeties :-) great project

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  39. Gorgeous project Candy, suitably spooky but loads of fun :D I love this :D Great to see you over at my blog, thank you for your kind comment :D Gay x

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  40. I love Halloween and this is a fab project. I wanted to get the Retro Halloween set and wanted to know if they are a decent size for use on cards and layouts.

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  41. Very fun piece Candy! Love all the details...Nicely done. Love it.

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  42. WoW! This is one 'super cool' project! I LOve your colours and design.
    Totally awesome with all your images and the light it perfect.
    My Grand children would LOve this {I do}
    Chrissyxx

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  43. Candy, you are just so darn clever! I love the Halloween themed candle holder! Not only is it fun, but so festively detailed. This really rocks, GF! Happy Weekend!

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  44. Ghosties, Goolies and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night! What a wonderful Halloween candle holder, every trick or treater will be afraid.

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  45. Your candle holder is soo much fun!! I love all the components you used....You definitely had all astral bodies in place...even following your steps it would take me a few days! LOL!

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  46. This is just amazing I love everything about and yes the framelits are amazing

    I've finished mine today and have just added it to the link

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  47. What a great idea for a treat "bag" or even a holder for assorted candies on that spooky holiday.

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  48. Your masterpiece anticipates Halloween and it is fabulous, I love every little detail! fantastic as usual! BArbarayaya

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  49. It's brilliant, Candy!! And it's perfect in every details, gorgeous use of the framelits!

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  50. Wonderful spooky creation. Love it.

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  51. This is so cute. I am going to have to lift this idea and make some of these.

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  52. You are just amazing. I think you should change your name to Crafty Colwell. This is so YOU and your tutorials are always awesome. <3 <3 <3

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  53. Oh Candy! This is amazing! And such a clever construction. Love it!

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  54. Another brilliant piece Candy! Fantastic piece for Halloween which is just around the corner. Thanks for the tutorial too. Karen.x

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  55. What a great piece Candy! The detail is amazing. I bet this looks really spooky with a lit candle. Thanks for sharing all the steps!

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  56. It totally cracks me up to see the witch peek out of the window . .. that set is awesome the witch and cat are too cute. Your project is AMAZING !! So many details

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  57. Stunning project, love it, thank you for sharing the tutorial.

    Warm hugs
    Maarit

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  58. WOW! Your stuff is amazing Candy, I feel very honoured to be in your company on Kim's blog this week. Cx

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  59. This is really fabulous! I love how you made the structure with the postage stamp & window dies.

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  60. what a cool project. Love the witch!

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  61. Wow, wow, wow, this is amazing! This framelit set is one of my faves and you've made the cutest candle holder, love the witch peeking out of the window! You're right, you would have been hand cutting forever to get all the pieces cut out.
    Super cute!

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  62. Candy, this is a-w-e-s-o-m-e!!! I love every single element, from the cut-out pieces to the crazy adorable banner. You Curiosity Crew gals never cease to amaze with your talent and creativity!

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  63. Candy when I visit your blog I always know I'm going to see something sensational ! This is a fabulous project and I thank you for sharing the details of it's construction. I love it !!! x

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  64. Candy, love your Halloween Treat! You are always so creative and amazing, I love visiting your blog and getting a peek at your new projects! Have a great weekend!~kim

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  65. This is SO much fun Candy! Love the design and the images are terrific. LOVE this!!!

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  66. Wonderful Halloween project. That will be a really fun candle holder to enjoy the Halloween holiday.

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  67. This is SUCH an amazing project! Thank you for the super detailed instructions!!

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  68. Your Halloween creation is wonderful. I love that Framelit set. Thanks for the inspiration

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  69. Your candle holders are adorable!! So much detail I think their awesome

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  70. Fab, fab, fab...but I have to say that I admire every single project you make...awesome creative mind! hugs from Slovenia

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  71. I love your projects! I want to make this! Great idea and I have this framelit set so I'm excited! Thanks so much for the tutorial and the fun ideas!

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  72. awesome creation!!!! WOWWOWWOW!!!! =)

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  73. Having seen the step by step for your spooky delight I can see the whole reason for these framelits Candy - imagine fussy cutting each of those images by hand! There aren't enough hours in the day. LOVE the end result here. Jenny x

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