Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Sewing Album

This is my last post as a member of the Imagine If Design Team. It has been an amazing journey and I have enjoyed creating with the fabulous products Jo has available and I have learnt so much from the other amazing team members.  It has been a great year but as Jo has already explained she is making changes to the way she does things and I am looking forward immensely to the monthly challenges and can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.  

For my last project I have made an altered book journal using some of Jo's stencils as masks and some of her gorgeous chipboard dress forms and dresses.





To begin I covered an old book with gesso, then glued white sewing pattern paper over the top.


Using the cutouts from the stencil as masks I then painted the whole thing black.


I then covered the dress form and the other chipboard dresses with scrapbooking paper.
I used the dress form on the cover and the other dresses inside the album. I also added a pair of chipboard scissors and other sewing related embellishments to the cover.






I covered the inside of the album with brown sewing pattern paper and used the envelopes the patterns came in to make page dividers.  I glued a chipboard dress to each divider.






I used a tape measure as a bookmark and created other pages using pattern papers and pieces.with tags, pullouts and flaps for journalling.






I made a charm using a pice of tape measure, a bobbin, a thimble, hooks and eyes, buttons, a scissors charm and a small cotton reel which I added to the spine using a covered button to anchor it all,




I hope everyone has enjoyed the journey with all of us on the Design Team.  I will miss the fabulous ladies who have been on this journey with me they have been supportive and inspiring and I wish them all the best for the future. I would like to thank Jo for her generosity and her faith in me when I headed in a different direction with some of my projects. While this is the last project I will be making as a Design Team member it will not be the last project I make using the fabulous products from Imagine If. I would like to say thank you to everyone who commented on my projects your positivity and praise makes it all worth while.  I am also looking forward to SENZ this year as I will be taking two classes and the projects are going to be amazing.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Newsletter and school holiday program

Hello, I hope you just had an awesome weekend, I spent it stocktaking, doesn't that sound awesome.  All those little little metal embellishments and paper, luckily I have friends that jump in and help me out.

This has been a very busy year for us so far, Classes have been keeping us very busy and we are being asked for more and more kits, so that is positive.

One of the things we have been asked for is Children's kits, this is something we are working on.  So if there is anything on Kids craft holiday list that you would be interested in, as a kit for your child, please email me and we can see what we can do.

I have also been asked about the Teddy bear shop as a kit for adults, yes there will be an adults version of this kit.  This one is very easy for children to do,

Senz:
Sneak peeks get emailed to VIP customers soon, so if you havn't got your tickets you need to get them.

New Products arrived in stock:

This is our new wardrobe, it is big enough for a 6x6 book.  It also has a piece of ornate decoration that sits on top if you want to make it more decorative.  http://www.imagineif.co.nz/imagine-if...mdf-3d-projects/ it is $26.00.

Classes
These run in conjunction with the school terms.  Bookings essential


Wednesday Morning 10am - 12pm Scrapbooking classes  last class for this term this week.

Thursday night class 6pm - 8pm Play and do what you want to do, with either Pauline, Alysha or myself there to help you.  $5.00 Bookings essential. 

NO CLASS THIS WEEK DUE TO EASTER

Cards Class - One class a fortnight - this Friday March 27th  10am - 12pm - $12.00
This week we are are using stencils for paper piecing, and making a screen card.  
Back next term.  .
I
School holidays  Classes:

Wednesday April 8th - 10am - 12pm $30.00 Memory box for Mothers day about A4 size.
This is a MDF Box, which will be put together, covered and decorated, as pictured below.  A great gift for storing all those precious memories.


Friday April 10th 10am - 12pm $30.00 Mixed Media Fantail, butterfly or dragonfly.  You choose which one.  We will be decorating and colouring a large piece, over 30cm creature decorated with all sorts of products for lots of mess and fun.  please note is just what the fantail looks like, not how big it is and it is made from MDF not chipboard as pictured.  Please advise when booking which creature you want to decorate.


Monday 13th - 10am - 12pm Teddy Bears Shop - $35.00 This is a new release for us, and we have designed it especially for little hands to do.  This model shop gets put together from scratch, and then all the teddy bear elements are added.  All paper is precut.  Limited to 9 only.


Wednesday 15th - 10am - 12pm Castle Book $30.00 Decorate a castle book, covering the book, and then decorating fairies, dragons, butterflies and more to add to your book.  This can be changed to a pirates castle book with ships and dragons and pirates for boys
if wanted.  Note:  we are precutting all of the paper, so you child doesn't need to know how to cut well to be able to do this class.  Once decorated the child can add photos of themselves or add pictures from magazines etc at home.    Please advise when booking boys or girls kit. 

Friday 17th - 10am - 12pm Children's scrapbooking pages $20.00 limited to 9 only.
3 pages to make using Bobunny paper and glitter paste.
  this is just one of the 3 pages.

Other classes may be added if these classes fill up.
Bookings are essential for all classes, please book in as soon as possible to ensure a space for your child. 


New Competition
Monthly competition with prizes - April theme is Autumn. autumn the colours, autumn leaves, autumn ?
We don't have to many rules, except you must follow the brief... and it will be a brief brief.  It can be scrapbooking, art, mixed media, off the page, cards or albums or ? Surprise us.
There is only one thing that we ask, as we are a manufacturer of chipboard, MDF and stencil products if you are going to use those products, they need to be from our range please.  Other than that, no other rules.  However if someone enters something inappropriate we reserve the right not to publish it.   Easy..

Email your entries to imagineif@xtra.co.nz by the 20th April and we will put you into the competition.

Adults classes Next term:
Hot air balloon canvas
Butterfly card class on a Saturday as requested
House canvas
8- 10 layouts in one day class

Don't forget to follow us on facebook for updates, blog details, and other bits of information.
https://www.facebook.com/ImagineIfNZ

Have an awesome week, hope you get a chance to craft.

Jo

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Pocket Letter and Autumn Tag - Tasha

Hey guys
 
This week I have 2 projects created using supplies from Imagine if....
 
First up is a Pocket Letter.  I have been hooked on these things since I heard about it so I wanted to create a pocket letter using these awesome chipboard Pieces.  If you are not familiar with the Pocket Letter Craze that is trending the crafty scene right now.I have more info on my FB page.
 
 
So as you can see on each card I have embellished and used some chipboard pieces that I have inked from Imagine if...
 


 
This is so much fun...you can create the Pocket Letters in whatever style you choose or if you have a swap partner maybe challenge yourself and create one in a style of their choice :)
 
 
My second project I have created an Autumn tag.  We have Autumn swaps going on over at my swap group - With All My Art and Soul Swappers.
And I thought these felt leaves and chipboard pieces would be perfect to use on mine :)
 
 
I love these autumn colours.
I inked my chipboard pieces up with ink and then with my finger I rubbed in some bronze and gold metallic paint.
 

 
So there you go guys so many things you can create with supplies from Imagine if...
 
This is actually my last post as a designer for Imagine if.... but certainly not the last time I use their great crafty goodies.  Just want to say a big thank you to my fellow design team mates...I have been so inspired by all of your work and am always amazed at the creations you guys come up with using what really is "cardboard shapes" :)
 
In the future Jo will be holding competitions to win spots as Guest Designers and I think that is an awesome opportunity for some of you talented crafters to show us all your amazing work.
 
Thank you so much Jo for this time I've spent designing for you and of course for all the awesome goodies you have sent my way to play with.
 
Be sure to click here guys to go directly to the Imagine if... shop and grab yourself some goodies.
 
Tasha xxxx

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Steam Punk Mermaid - Lilian Clifton

Hi everyone welcome back to my happy place and the last Design Team project for Imagine if!
I have truly enjoyed my crafting journey for the last 12 months creating pretties with the laser cut chipboard and MDF from Imagine If..

Remember to go visit for all your crafting supplies!

This weeks design Team Project Theme is Dolls and Tails.
I also had some wings to play with from one of my other projects.




Firstly I used some texture paste and a stencil to make the little circles aka barnacles or scales.
Once this was dry I used Tim Holtz distress ink 'peeled paint' over the area of circles I then painted with Inca gold, this gave a lovely effect.


For the tail I had a spare piece of paper that looked like scales which was of course perfect!
 I went around the edges with Tim Holtz distress ink 'pumice stone' to give a slight dirty/grunge look.
I then wrapped some string netting around her tail to look a little like she had been caught in some debris.


I  used some more of the same netting to make her hair, Painted her wings to look like scraps of metal, attached a few chains and an anchor, painted some lips on and placed a heart in her hand.



She makes a great journal cover don't you think?

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Katrina's goodbye

Hello and welcome to my final blog post for Imagine If, Jo has decided instead of running a whole Design team for 12 months she will hold competitions and a guest designer for the month, so make sure you keep an eye out over at Imagine If and enter the comps for some fun prizes.
I have been so busy for the last little while and I am sick ( sick= no mojo) so I thought I would just play in my journal, to me anything goes in my journal, no rules, and a little fantasy, just have fun and try something new. So here is my journal page using Imagine if's beautiful new chipboard wings.
I have really enjoyed my time on the Imagine If design team, and would like to thank Jo and the other team member for an amazing and supportive last 12 months, and wish everyone the best in their next part of their journey in life.
Happy Craftin
Katrina

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Farwell Imagine if - Brenda

It is bittersweet writing this post as it is the last project I'll be sharing in my capacity as Design Team member for Imagine if . .  .  These last 12 months have gone sooooo fast, its really unbelievable its over already.  It's been a fantastic ride as I've been amongst some awesome talent, Jo really picked herself a great bunch of crafters, and I think . . . no, I know we have all really grown from this experience.  Who would have thought 12 months ago the type of creations we have all come up with . . . . wow.  And it's a bit sad too now its all over, but I'm going to try to carry on pushing myself - after I catch my breath of course. 

So here's my farewell layout, using all the new chipboard Jo has produced for us this month.  She sent us dolls, keys & locks & wings to play with.


I've used Kaisercraft paper from the 'Precious Moments' and 'Just Believe' collections, and have finally used my Martha Stewart 'Round the Page' punch - LOVE IT.  I've used a DSD stamp under the paper doily, then had lots of fun creating this gorgeous doll.  Sadly I can't take all the credit for her as I have used the idea I saw on Gabrielle Pollacco's awesome blog (and used her dolls head also - thanks Gabbi). 



Its such a fun idea and so easy to do.  I then added the sparkling wings, which were painted then finished with a layer of stickles.  The padlocks and keys were heat embossed silver then touched up with TH Vintage Photo ink.  The heart was painted then clear heat embossed.



I've used lots of I am Roses blooms, so will be entering this into their monthly challenge also.  Blooms used are Daisy, S10 blooms, small daisies & leaves.

I'll also be entering this in the Artfull Crafts colour challenge for this month.

Imagine if . .  products used are Angel wings
                                                    hearts
                                                    keys
                                                    locks
                                                    doll

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Beth's Windows & Locks Canvas

Hi guys,

Beth here for my last post as an Imagine If... Design Team Member! It has been a good year - busy, varied and creative.

This month the new products are windows, keys and locks - perfect for a little reminder!



I started out with a 'burlap canvas' and all the lovely chipboard pieces. I laid the chipboard pieces out on the canvas, then decided which of three Distress Stains I was going to use to colour them (so the colours were spread out. I used Picket Fence, Antiqued Bronze and Tarnished Brass. I used the Distress Stains for this as it gives colour without the bulk of paint (it can take a few coats as the colour does soak in).



While the chipboard was drying, I cut the saying in black, then I started layering. I had taken a photo of my original layout of the chipboard on the canvas so I was able to use that to put everything back into the same place, and I then glued them down. Finally I laid out and then glued down the letters.



I'm really pleased with this little reminder, and it should help me look forward, not back. So now the Imagine If... Design Team has come to an end and that door has closed, it is time for me to look for the next open window!

Blog: www.bethbarnes.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethsinkyfingers
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bethbarnesnz/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethbarnesnz/

Monday, March 23, 2015

Newsletter time - school holiday list

Hi all

I hope you all had a great weekend, and it was better than mine.  This weekend I broke 3 of my basic rules in life.  Not one but three!.
No 1:  Never fall over in public..... FAIL.
Did that, straight on to my face in a car park full of people, on the gravel, not sure what hurts the most, face, knee, chest, hands or my pride.
No 2: Never go to a boxing match: Fail
My eldest daughter decided in her wisdom that she would take up boxing, after doing martial arts for years.  Mum had to go of course, even though she dislikes violence of any sorts. It was a good match however, and I was very surprised by my blonde blue eyed daughter, once she had her gear on, she looked tough, and when she was in the boxing ring I was very surprised how good she looked.  She didn't win, but it was her first fight.  I look worse than she does.
No 3:  Never condone violence.  Fail.
I promosed myself I wouldn't say those words HIT HER!.  I did in the third round, I said it.

So that was my weekend, now back to crafting where I can keep my golden rules in place.

Senz:
We have so far designed 9 classes for senz, that is right 9 classes. So if you havn't got your tickets you need to get them.  I am very proud of what we have designed.
Ngaere Bennets is teaching 2 classes, and Miss Boxer from above, Alysha is taking 1 class.  I will be taking the other 6.
So get your tickets.

New Products arrived in stock:
For all of you that ordered the colour lab, should get it today, so you will hear from me as soon as it is available.  
Flitterglu, Megaflakes has arrived, awesome product.
The glitter paste has sold out, and the 2nd lot as well, we are ordering more, so will advise when it is back in stock.

Classes
These run in conjunction with the school terms.  Bookings essential


Wednesday Morning 10am - 12pm Scrapbooking classes  ONE SPARE SEAT NOW

Thursday night class 6pm - 8pm Play and do what you want to do, with either Pauline, Alysha or myself there to help you.  $5.00 Bookings essential. 


Cards Class - One class a fortnight - this Friday March 27th  10am - 12pm - $12.00
This week we are are using stencils for paper piecing, and making a screen card.    .


Kits:
I have two of the book kits left as pictured.  $30.00 plus postage.


12 Cards using Graphic 45 Journal cards.  $35.00   2 kits available
Using the 12 journal cards from the graphic 45 Time to flourish range as a base, we will be making 12 cards.  These are not folded fancy cards, just basic cards, with different basic techniques to make a set of lovely cards, teaching layering, paper tole and other decorative ideas.   Suitable for beginners, and maybe a chance to play for experienced card makers.  One for each month of the year.  


School holidays  Classes:

Wednesday April 8th - 10am - 12pm $30.00 Memory box for Mothers day about A4 size.
This is a MDF Box, which will be put together, covered and decorated.  In soft shades of blue, wood and lace.  A great gift for storing all those precious memories.

Friday April 10th 10am - 12pm $30.00 Mixed Media Fantail, butterfly or dragonfly.  You choose which one.  We will be decorating and colouring a large piece, over 30cm creature decorated with all sorts of products for lots of mess and fun.  please note is just what the fantail looks like, not how big it is and it is made from MDF not chipboard and pictured.  Pleazse advise when booking which creature you want to decorate.


Monday 13th - 10am - 12pm Teddy Bears Shop - $35.00 This is a new release for us, and we have designed it especially for little hands to do.  This model shop gets put together from scratch, and then all the teddy bear elements are added.  All paper is precut.  Limited to 9 only.


Wednesday 15th - 10am - 12pm Castle Book $30.00 Decorate a castle book, covering the book, and then decorating fairies, dragons, butterflies and more to add to your book.  This can be changed to a pirates castle book with ships and dragons and pirates for boys
if wanted.  Note:  we are precutting all of the paper, so you child doesn't need to know how to cut well to be able to do this class.  Once decorated the child can add photos of themselves or add pictures from magazines etc at home.    Please advise when booking boys or girls kit.

Friday 17th - 10am - 12pm Children's scrapbooking pages $20.00 limited to 9 only.
3 pages to make using Bobunny paper and glitter paste.
  this is just one of the 3 pages.

Other classes may be added if these classes fill up.
Bookings are essential for all classes, please book in as soon as possible to ensure a space for your child. 


New Competition
The design team has just about come to the end of their term, and I wanted to let you know what was happening.  With the shop workload getting bigger and bigger we have decided that the design team is just so much work, that I cannot continue to run it, it it's current format.  I have decided instead to run a monthly competition with prizes.   I see so many talented ladies come and see me or email me and I have decided that it is time we got to see what everyone is working on.
We don't have to many rules, except you must follow the brief... and it will be a brief brief.  It can be scrapbooking, art, mixed media, off the page, cards or albums or ? Surprise us.
There is only one thing that we ask, as we are a manufacturer of chipboard, MDF and stencil products if you are going to use those products, they need to be from our range please.  Other than that, no other rules.  However if someone enters something inappropriate we reserve the right not to publish it.   Easy..

So we will be starting the competition in April, and seeing as it is that time of the year, I have picked Autumn as the theme.  Now this is a wide theme, autumn the colours, autumn leaves, autumn ?

Email your entries to imagineif@xtra.co.nz by the 20th April and we will put you into the competition.

Don't forget to follow us on facebook for updates, blog details, and other bits of information.
https://www.facebook.com/ImagineIfNZ

Have an awesome week, hope you get a chance to craft.

Jo

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Beneath the Sea

Here I am again with another project for Imagine If.  For this project I have used one of the new Mermaid art dolls from Jo's new product range.

The project is a decorated tin which began life as a container for a bottle of spirits.  I covered the container with white gesso, then I added some green and blue metallic paint and while the paint was wet I covered it with glad wrap.  Once the paint had dried I removed the gladwrap.  I then decoupaged some images from a calendar onto the container.  I decorated the art doll and added some netting and shells to the top of the container.  I also added some seaweed, fish and shellfish from Imagine If. then I glued the doll around the container.















Thanks for dropping by to see this project and feel free to leave comments or questions.  Until next time.