here's how I got started...

here's how I got started...
a 20 minute podcast by Crazy BeYOUtiful

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

from the bottom of my heart...

THANK YOU ALL
for the hundreds of emails, comments, Twitter & Facebook birthday wishes...
YOU ALL made my heart so happy...

we had a very fun FRIGID day...
SHOPPING of course...
we braved the brutal Illinois weather...

HUGE thanks to the guy who invented cars with butt warmers...
I REALLY love you...
seriously LOVE YOU...

as we were driving, Rick asked what was going on with all the dinging from the IPad...

well it was message after message...
and then more messages...
WOW!!!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

and speaking of hearts...

here's a holiday gift card holder I made for my friend...

the base is grungepaper covered with Claudine's sticky back canvas...

I must admit that when this canvas first was released...
I was a little intimidated...
but now that I've used it & found out that it's not hard...
I'm REALLY enjoying it...
& now the ideas are brewing for more canvas projects...
and there are 5 sheets in the package...
so a good deal...

and...
the color washes are PERFECT for canvas...
just my opinion, but it's quick & easy...

anyway here it is...


and here's a little quick HOW TO...
I made just for you...
my blog friends...

cover a piece of grungepaper with sticky back canvas...
I used the natural again...

die cut 2 hearts...

PLAN B, if you don't have the Sizzix die...
would be to trace 2 hearts onto the grunge & cut them out...
or even 2 squares would be just fine...
2 pieces of the same size are the ingredients to start with...


mist the hearts with red pepper color wash, then mist with water & a squirt or 2 of heirloom gold Perfect Pearls Mist...

dry with the heat-it tool...

use the blending tool to add red pepper PIGMENT ink to the edges to accent them...
I frayed the edge just a tiny bit...

use the red pepper PIGMENT ink to stamp polka dots across the top of the heart...

use coffee archival to stamp the lower heart with this background...

tip...you'll also want to color the insides of the heart, because they are visible & everything should be colored for a more professional look...


hey...
how did Ranger sneak in here?
this guy thinks he's a dog...
he follows me everywhere...
this is the bathroom...

on a funny note, since he thinks he's a dog, I'm training him to come when I call...

if he DOES...
he gets a bit of COOL WHIP...
I work for stamps...
he works for Cool Whip...

we're quite the family here...

ok...back to business...

put the 2 hearts together & use the Crop-a-dile to punch holes to attach the link chain...
(this is a great tool...ask Santa to bring you one)

add eyelets in the holes...

add pen stitching detail around the heart...

it's simple to make perfectly coordinated ribbon...
just start with a piece of tim's trimmings...

moisten with water, scrunch it up, mist with red pepper color wash & a blast of heirloom gold perfect pearls mist...

dry & then randomly stamp with the text stamp , using jet black archival...
I keep it all squished/crushed up & just stamp randomly...

attach the ribbon with the tiny attacher to the front...(another tool to ask Santa for)...
then wrap around the heart & tie on the right...

add 2 rhinestone swirls (ZVA, I think?)...

add grunge holly...
I highlighted the berries with barn door distress stickles...

add an initials to personalize...

add the link chain to hang & a vintage button or 2 @ the top of the chain...

stuff with black tulle...
(JoAnn's)

note to self...
don't forget the gift card!

here's the final again...

and a closeup...
I used this tiny text on the leaves...


the die really makes it a quick project...

if you're a blog friend, you'll see that I use polka dots a lot...
I like them...

a lot...

but I DO NOT like polka dot windows...



stay warm & be merry while you...

make art!
wendy

59 comments:

TheLastOfNine said...

This is a great gift for any time of the year, with a little customizing. Never worked with sticky-back canvas, does it warp when wet and/or when heat dried (I wonder). It looks like fabric, linen to be more specific.
Gloria

Elaine A said...

Wendy -

I hope your birthday was very special and that you really enjoyed yourself! And I so agree with you, gotta love the person that invented the "butt warmer" in cars - LOL!
I adore today's project! I mean, look how cute it is! The person who gets this is very lucky. I love all the special little details you've added. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Elaine Allen

SusanK said...

Glad your day was so special! This is an adorable gift envie! Or even like a tussy mussy!

2amscrapper said...

So you braved the weather to go shopping--what did you buy with flowers on it? Glad you had a very happy birthday! Lovin' this heart project, too!

Scrapthat said...

Very pretty! TFS and happy belated Birthday!! :)

~* steph :) *~ said...

glad you had a wonderful birthday, wendy!! ooh, fabulous project! i was a little hesitant to work with sticky back canvas as well, but when i tried it out for the first time on one of my tim tags, i loved it. super cool. thanks for sharing! love that ranger will do things for cool whip, too cute. have a great day! *hugs* steph :)

Cim Allen said...

It sounds like a wonderful birthday, any day that includes shopping is wonderful !! I love this project, I was not sure about the sticky canvas too, but it didn't stop me from buying it :) Thanks for the idea. Have a great day Wendy ..stay warm !

Unknown said...

I just want to say Thank you for all your inspiration...especially at this busy time of year! I too was intimitaded by the sticky back canvas, but can't wait to get to my lss to buy some now. Happy Holidays! ~Patti~

Marijane said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (belated)!!! Somehow I missed that in your blogs. How lucky are you....birthday & Christmas in the same month? Another darling gift card holder eliminating from your creative little (or big) mind. I think I have that die and had forgotten all about it. Time to look for it and put it to good use. Your friends & relatives must just love getting gifts from you...and it's what's on the outside that counts as much, or more, as the inside!

Unknown said...

haha! cat works for coolwhip! tooooo funny ;) thanks for the giggle! oh...and your gift card holder....beautiful!!

Meme said...

I love that the cat works for cool whip! You gift card holder...Sweet!I had a feeling you would be shopping on your birthday. Who Knew? just all your blog followers!
Love the window even with polka dots!

Stephanie said...

Love the gift card holder...what a fantastic way to give a seemingly boring gift! Love your cat...and the name...sooo cute!

Kathy Eddy said...

Another great little gift and handmade to boot! Can't beat that. Glad you had a nice birthday.

Helen said...

Glad you had a great birthday, and beat the cold with your butt warmer!!
This gift is adorable, I love the colour. I just got some colour washes so am going to try this.

Julie said...

Birthday wishes and say Hi! to Ranger for me! Cute heart and just in time for Feburary which is coming up fast!

Lisa Somerville said...

Beautiful gift card holder, I'm sure your friend loved it!

Vic said...

I love the cute heart! Happy Birthday (a day late)!!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Sounds like a great b-day! Your project is great...I need to buy some of this canvas!

Playing with Paper said...

Oh Wow!!! I love this project it is really beautiful. Happy belated Birthday from a fellow Sagittarius :)

Shoshi said...

Lovely, Wendy! I really love the colour, and how you've decorated it.

rhonda said...

Wendy, Happy Belated Birthday! Sorry I missed the actual day. Beautiful project and beautiful cat too! Putting sticky back canvas on my wishlist.

Tona said...

It sounds like you had a great birthday. Belated birthday wishes!
Love this girly project. I'm sure that your friend will too.

Hels Sheridan said...

Corrrr, this is LUSH... and... I have changed my name to Mels... just so it is easier for you to send it to... ME ROFL
LOVE all that snow... love snow! And... Ranger, he thinks he is a dog? I think he has been talking to AlfieCat cos he really is a doggy in a catsuit... and... he comes when I call and follows me about like a mutt too... bless 'em, who said we can't train our kitties! Glad you had a FAB birthday... keep warm!!! xx

Marilyn L. said...

Love the project. It seems pretty straight forward. Can't wait to get my sticky back canvas. Happy belated birthday!

Pat said...

What a nice project - perfect "wrapping" for a boring gift card or even jewelry! I love the way you layer your stamps (I'm a polka dot & stripes gal too). Give Ranger an extra dollop of Cool Whip - just for being so darn cute!

Bethan said...

Really belated birthday greetings! better late than never eh! hope you had a fabulous day..loved the gift card idea, very verstaile. ..hmmm...and Rangers' sooo cute!!xxx

jan metcalf said...

Hope your birthday was all you wanted it to be!!! Thanks for sharing your art!

Debby said...

Another beautiful project. Don't have that die but I do have a cool Wendy heart stamp that would work. Yes it is frigid cold in Illinois! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a cat that thinks he is a dog. Both of my boy cats follow me into the bathroom. The girl will too if the boys are not around. Hope your birthday was a great one!

Linda Kay said...

Glad you had a great birthday and thank you for the timely project! This one can be changed up a million ways to suit the recipient!
Ranger looks like he's a real sweetheart and I bet a cuddle puss in this cold weather....Cats are definitely trainable... I have one that's learned to ring a bell for catnip and the other 3 come when they hear the bell so they can get some too!
Stay warm!

Karla Anderson said...

Great gift card holder - I am always happy to find unique ideas for thesw, I always give my daughter, niece and nephew a little iTunes card along with their presents.

Lillian Child said...

Hope your birthday was filled with all those things you love the most! LOVE LOVE LOVE the manilla tag project - I'm gonna try my hand at those after the holidays. It seems like forever since I've been on your blog. My dad has been in and out of the hospital for months, so I haven't had time to check on my favorite blog friends. So now that dad is coming home tomorrow, I'm able to sit for a spell and just breathe ... AND look over your prevous posts and see all the wonderful things you've been creating. Happy Holidays to you!

Gerrie Johnnic said...

First, belated Birthday wishes, I don't Twitter or FB, so you had to tell me right here, I'm sure it was a goodie! The project is just perfect, I have the perfect recipient who will luv it the most, thanks always for the BEST instructions, you ALWAYS make it so EZ to CRE8TE! ...and I gotta' share my Coolwhip story, I have a little parrot named Tequlia (ya like that name! lol) and his fav thing in the entire world is Cool whip! Ranger and Tequlia, what a COOL couple!(and T luv's the bathroom also)

Anonymous said...

very cute as always! Im loving this canvas too...need more already! geez!!!!! ty for another tut! xo cher

Angie Lentz said...

Way cute!! I think you are doing so many great things I can't keep up.

Tara C. said...

I'm feeling your polka dot pain here in Mid MO. I went to STL to visit my favor Scrap store today and the temp was a balmy 13 degrees. Love the gift card idea. I received my first bottle of spray wash in the mail last week and I have to say it won't be my last. I am hooked!!!! It won't be long and yes I will have them all. Yes I must have them all.

Larissa Heskett said...

I just love the heart gift card holder!! I think this would be fun for VALENTINES DAY TOO!! =)
I wanted to say a late HAPPY B-DAY!! I didn't know!! Anyway, have a FABULOUS day and I can't wait to see more!! =D

Lori said...

What a wonderful gift idea! Love the color, and the stamping on the canvas! That Ranger sure is a funny cat! lol!

slbt17 said...

WOW! Thanks again for all the tutorials and inspiration.
Love your style.
Glad you had a fun birthday despite the cold!
Stay warm and make more art to share!
Sandra ltb

Jill J said...

Happy Birthday Wendy! Lovin the heart gift card holder...you are quite amazing. I received my prize yesterday and I must thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the goodies!!! I had no idea that I was so lucky...Christmas came early to ND, for sure!!! I will be sending you a proper thank you soon, but just wanted to express my appreciation for all the loot! Oh, and Ranger is a dolly...our daughters cat looks just like yours...his name is Marley and he is a sweetie too! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

Sharon Secor said...

Belated Birthday Wishes!! This is so very cool. I love your sense of humor and you are right - butt warmers in cars!! You make my day Wendy!!

Sherly said...

Wendy,
this is so cute....love it!
Have a wonderful Christmas and blessed New Year!
Sherly

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Birthday!! Hope you had a great day, but at least you had a warm but!! This gift card holder is so nice and such a unique way of presenting a gift card too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us :)

Diana said...

OH Wendy if only i had the time i would make one of everything you make and give away to my friends and family.. but wait a minute i would need the time to make TWO of everything cause i want one for myself as well (yes, sometimes it is all about me.. well okay not just sometimes!!) LOL
thanks again for yet another fantastic idea!

Janet L. said...

Happy belated birthday, Wendy! I love your little hanging heart gift card holder. I've not worked with sticky backed canvas or grunge paper either one, yet, but after seeing your tutorial, I'm thinking that it's way past time for me to try both!! I also love polka dots and stripes, so this one was a winner for sure!!

Dorothy said...

Sounds like you had a great Birthday!!
Love the project!!
Thank You Wendy!

Larajc said...

hope you had a special birthday...and butt warmers, got to get me some of them because it is brutal here in MN. I love the little heart and thanks for the directions to make it!

Liz in MO said...

I absolutely agree with the butt warmers, that guy should be given sainthood! Cute project. Glad you had a great birthday.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful project!
Yes, butt warmers are great, except when it's August, and you're in an unfamiliar car, and while trying to adjust the seat you accidentally push the wrong button and.....well, as your butt heats up you think you're having a medical issue. (Ask me how I know all this)
Anyway, glad you had a great day!
Eileen in NYC

Karenliz Henderson said...

I've never used sticky back canvas but I think this would be a good project learning how to use it. I love what you made. Oh no, there goes my credit card running away. Must catch it! Thanks!

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

Ooo, gorgeous. Sorry, I missed your birthday. I hope it was wonderful.

Art By Wanda said...

Too funny about the cat... cool whip, lol!!!! The heart is wonderful!!!!

Unknown said...

Were you blogging while in the bathroom? Never mind ... I don't wanna know! lol Love the gift card holder ... they're always my favorite projects to make. If I save time shopping by buying gift cards, then I have more time to make holders!

Unknown said...

I don't even want to ask why you are blogging in the bathroom (better internet reception I am sure) - but had a good laugh when you said "back to business". I love the heart and your polka dots. Have a great time in sunny Cleveland this weekend. Remember to pack your sunscreen!! Safe Travels Wendy!!

Melissa

Kristy Hansenwi said...

Hope you had a great birthday. I love this little gifty idea. could use it anytime. How lucky for us. Love the red pepper--don't have it yet, but this project makes me want to go get it now. You are right the heat warmer inventor should be given a giant award. Love mine too right here in Illinois. Thank you again for the sharing. KSH

KAT said...

Now that is one smart kittie - forget the milk - I work for cool whip!!! Love your gift card holder and I have also warmed up to the sticky back canvas! Happy Holidays - eaakkkkkk - only 9 days away!!!

sue said...

Happy belated Birthday Wendy. I have been out of Blog commucation for a few day. Glad you had a good day.

Suzanne Bouchard said...

I love this project and your cat is so funny! Have a wonderful holiday time Wendi!

Karen Goulet said...

Happy Birthday Wendy...I hope you are like me and celebrate for more than just the one day...see a lot of friends and keep celebrating!
This is a very sweet project. I love the colour and the bling!

michelle said...

I heart that project sorry I could not help myself!

It is a perfect little gift holder for all year long!

That Ranger is such a ham. .

Happy weekend I hope you have a great one!