Jacob and his Ladder

This month I am looking at the Jacobs Ladder block.  This variation is traced back to Grandmother Clark 1932, a series of booklets published by W L M Clark Inc of St Louis.  Such a simple and effective block, using just 2 dies along with the BigShot Plus.  I thought I would tell you a little about my process too!

It all starts with an idea, an image that caught my attention, in a book, magazine, pinterest ... the options are endless, I have even been known to draw upon architecture and nature for inspiration.

Depending on where I am, I might grab the nearest bit of paper and jot down my thoughts ... that happens a lot!  I will often then convert those thoughts onto the computer in EQ7 to see how it looks, play with layouts and colours until I am sure about where the idea is going, or surprised where it takes me.

this was my basic layout, the plan was to use some new fabrics, just arrived in the studio

(but you know how hard it can be to cut into new fabrics, right!)

So these pretties were my alternative!

Except,when I was piecing them, they didn't quite have that oomph, ok, that clear contrast that I was looking for,  though I did carry on.

So I chose some more fabrics from my scrap box.  Really that's all this runner takes, and of course

660020 BigShot Plus machine

657607  square 2" finished die

658319  half square triangle  4 1/2" assembled die 

Each block is a combination of  4 patches and half square triangles, I like to chain piece all the pieces together in one go.  

I position everything at the sewing machine so it is all at hand

and in no time at all the four patches units are made

Repeat the process for the half square triangles

then with my scrap of paper at the ready, lay out the block

once I've laid that first block out, I will layer up all the pieces so that I can take the piles to the machine and start chain piecing the pairs together

Those blocks are pieced in no time at all

join the blocks together

add a couple of borders and hey presto! 

A table runner is born!

Back to those second choice fabrics ...

you can see the contrast just isn't there,  but I still love it!

This such a versatile block, that once you start playing around with colour and value, direction and placement of fabrics, all sorts of designs are created! 

I hope you'll give this one a go, and let me know how you get on. 

(I'm off to quilt those runners!) 

Live the moment... Layout

Hi Sizzix friends!

Today I show you a special layout for me. It is in a clean and simple style, I have used only a few materials, the ones which I found necessary to accentuate the feelings in the moment of taking the pictures.

As you can see, I’ve only used two dies, the circles Framelits and the Decorative Strip Scallops designed by Doodlebug. And then I’ve played with the papers and their colours to match the picture.

Here are some details: 

I’ve die-cut circles in different sizes and combined patterns and colours. I’ve positioned the circles around the heart button to simulate the circles created by skipping stones on the surface of water. By doing this I wanted to give my son the message: “live the moment with your heart and grow happy”

I’ve die-cut this decorative strip and glued partially to give some movement.

I have used the following Sizzix products:

• 660515 Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (White & Gray)
• 657551 Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK – Circles
• 660395 Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Eyelet Lace & Scallops

I hope you have enjoyed this clean and simple layout. Thanks for your visit!

Have a creative and happy Friday!

Raquel

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¡Hola a todos!

Hoy os quería enseñar un layout muy especial para mí. Es una página muy clean and simple, con muy pocos materiales, tan solo los necesarios para poder resaltar el sentimiento que me invadió al hacer las fotos.

Como podéis ver he utilizado dos troqueles, los Framelits de círculos y la cenefa decorativa de Doodlebug y he jugado con los papeles y sus colores combinándolos con las fotografías.

Algunos detalles:

He troquelado los círculos en diferentes medidas y colores. Los he situado bajo el botón del corazón posicionados como si se tratara del movimiento que surge tras tirar una piedra en el agua, que se va haciendo más grande. Con esto quería transmitir el siguiente mensaje: "vive el momento con el corazón y crece feliz"

He troquelado esta cenefa decorativa y la he fijado parcialmente para darle un poco de movimiento.

He utilizado los siguientes productos Sizzix:

• 660515 Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (White & Gray)
• 657551 Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK – Circles
• 660395 Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Eyelet Lace & Scallops

 Espero que os haya gustado esta página clean and simple. ¡Gracias por la visita!

¡Feliz y creativo viernes!

Raquel

Party Favor Box using Big Shot Plus Starter Kit

Hello everyone, It's Anna posting today.

This Friday I want to show you a project I made using the wonderful Big Shot Plus Starter Kit!

I created this favor boxes for communion of my niece.

My sister in law and my nieces helped me to assemble two dozen boxes. Pleasant afternoon!

For any event, these favor boxes will compliment your ceremony beautifully. Simply fill with your choice of yummy treats or fun trinkets.

As I said, for this project, you will only need Big Shot Plus Starter Kit!

Die cut all the boxes out of lilac cardstock using Big Shot Plus and Thinlits A4 size. Using the square intricate die create the window opening with flowers.

Fold along the crease lines to assemble the boxes and glue.

Fill the Box with candy. Wrap a ribbon around the Box and tie into a bow. Attach the crochet flower to the ribbon bow with glue.

And that’s it! With just two die, I created easy party favors. Watch my video tutorial!

 

 

Hope you had an awesome time making favor boxes with me today! What would you create with this super cute die?

 

Box - Items used:

Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (White & Gray) (660515) (machine A4 size+dies)

lilac cardstock

ribbon

crochet flower

 

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Per le amiche italiane! :)

Buon Venerdì a tutti, sono Anna ed oggi tocca a me postare.

Questo Venerdì voglio mostrarvi un progetto che ho creato con il meraviglioso Big Shot Plus Starter Kit!

Ho creato questo scatoline come bomboniere per la comunione della mia nipote più piccola.

Mia cognata e le mie nipotine mi hanno aiutato ad assemblare una ventina di scatoline, non male! E così abbiamo passato un pomeriggio piacevole giocando con la nuova Big Shot!

Queste scatoline, sono facili da fare e vi aiuteranno a rendere speciale e personalizzata la vostra cerimonia. Provare per credere!

Una volta assemblate, non rimane che riempire le scatoline con un sacchettino di confetti o un simpatico oggettino.

Come ho già detto, per questo progetto, si avrà bisogno soltanto del Big Shot Plus Starter Kit.

 

Come fare:

Con la Big Shot Plus e la fustella Thilits formato A4, tagliare tutte le scatole di cartoncino lilla. Utilizzando anche la fustella quadrata con fiori si può creare l'apertura decorativa, sul fronte della scatola.

Piegare lungo le linee di cordonatura per assemblare le scatole e incollare.

Riempire le scatole con I sacchettini di confetti. Avvolgere un nastro intorno alla scatola e fare un fiocco. Fissare un fiorellino all'uncinetto sopra il nastro con la colla.

Finito! Con solo due fustelle, ho creato velocemente delle bomboniere. Vi può essere utile visionare anche questo mio video tutorial.

Spero vi siate divertiti a fare le scatoline con me oggi! Che cosa altro si può creare con questa fustella carinissima?

Vedremo più avanti di trovare altre idee ;)

 

Bomboniere - materiali:

Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (White & Gray) (660515) (macchina formato A4+fustelle)

cartoncino lilla

nastro

fiori all'uncinetto

Cinderella Card

Hello Sizzix fans!
For this thursday I created a wonderful card using a very nice die!!
What our daughters want for their birthday??? A princess party I believe!!
And for a princess party we will also need a suitable invitation. So I thought at the story of Cinderella.

I used:
Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit 660515

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 16PK - Card, Birthday Pop-Up

Craft Asylum cardstocks
White and pink cardstocks
Scissors
Glue
cord
white ribbon

Die cut the card using the thinlits and pink cardstock.

Die cut the castle, three balloons, the magic wand and the crown!

Assemble the card as I did. Cut three pieces of cord and paste ballons.

Create a little bow with the ribbon and paste it at the base of the cords.

Created the pocket for the ticket and paste on card.

Paste the crown and the magic wand on the castle.

Your Cinderella card is ready!!! Do you like it????

See you next thursday!!

-PER I LETTORI ITALIANI-

Ciao a tutti!!

Per questo giovedì ho creato una meravigliosa card con una carinissima fustella!

Cosa desiderano le nostre figlie per il loro compleanno??

Ma una festa da principessa, io credo!!

E per una festa da principessa abbiamo bisogno di una card adatta!

Così ho pensato alla favola di Cenerentola.

Per questo progetto ho usato:

Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit 660515

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 16PK - Card, Birthday Pop-Up

Cartoncini Craft Asylum
cartoncino bianco e rosa
forbici
colla
cordino
nastrino bianco

Fustellare la card usando la fustella adatta e il cartoncino rosa. Fustellare il castello, tre palloncini, la corona e la bacchetta magica. Assemblare la card come ho fatto io. Tagliare tre pezzi di cordoncino e incollarli sulla card, poi incollare i tre palloncini. Con il nastrino creare un fiocchetto e incollarlo alla base dei cordoncini. Creare la tasca per il biglietto e incollarla alla base della card. Incollare la corona e la bacchetta magica sul castello. La vostra Card Cenerentola è pronta!! Si può festeggiare!!!
Grazie a tutti per i commenti!
Un abbraccio
Giovanna

Little birds for a baby

The long anticipated baby has arrived - and it's a boy - James Arthur, brother to 3 beautiful girls!

So there will be a quilt for him - but I really must finish the quilts for two of his sisters and one of his cousins before I start his ( the good news is that all 3 tops are made - I just need to layer them up and quilt them!!)

So a quick gift is what I need - so here it is -

a little string of birds that can fix across his pram - I did think of adding some little bells to this but know that my daughter, Naomi, wouldn't appreciate it.

I used Bigz die 657685 http://www.sizzix.co.uk/product/657685/sizzix-bigz-die-birds-3 and the Big Shot http://www.sizzix.co.uk/product/660200/sizzix-big-shot-machine-only-white-gray  to cut the birds in felt - I chose grey and aqua - cutting 4 birds, 2 wings and 2 eyes in grey, and 2 birds, 4 wings and 4 eyes in aqua.

I started by stitching the eyes and wings in place, using a small running stitch, but this can also be stitched on a machine. ( remember to make pairs of birds)

Then I stitched 2 grey birds together, with a length of grey ric rac running through the middle, and adding a little toy stuffing before completing the stitching -

it just remained to complete the other 2 birds in the same way.

I now have a little gift to take when I visit again tomorrow.

An alternative would be to make the birds into a mobile - hanging the birds from ribbon attached to the back.

I could also make a little quilt to match - or even add a bird to a tiny t-shirt - I'm sure my granddaughters will help me decide on the next thing to make for him.

So that's all for this week, have fun sewing.

Angela





Exotic layout by Karine

Hello!

Are you up to a sunny page? That is what I will show to you this Thursday with a new page, size 12x12 for a change!

Supply list:

Cardstock: American Crafts

Stickers: Crate Paper

Labels: 4heures37

Stamps: Bloomini Studio, Stampin' Up

Inks: Adirondack Citrus, Clover

Black Versafine

Spray ink: Studio Calico

Stabilo Pen68

Masking Tape

Dies:

650515 :  Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit

660815 :  Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK-woodland-leaves

659957 : Sizzix Original Die-Phrase, Love #3

I start by gluing three small black & white pictures on my white cardstock. Then I had fun printing pretty green foliage patterns around my pictures (Bloomini Studio stamps).

I cut two dies out of white cardstock: the word LOVE and a pretty seasonal foliage pattern. With a very colourful background, these elements will stand out in a perfect way.

I made some splashes with black spray ink to spice the whole up and I stapled a scooped-out butterfly. It is stapled, not glued, to keep all of its volume.

The background will be worked with anise green & citrus Adirondack inks.

I hope you will feel like going through your latest holidays’ pictures!

Have a nice day,

Karine

Bonjour !

Une petite page ensoleillée ça vous dit ? C'est ce que je vous propose aujourd'hui, jeudi avec une nouvelle page au format 12x12 cette fois !

Matériel :

Cardstock : American Crafts

Autocollants : Crate Paper

Etiquettes : 4heures37

Tampons : Bloomini Studio, Stampin' Up

Encres : Adirondack Citrus, Clover

Versafine noire

Encre en spray : Studio Calico

Stabilo Pen68

Masking Tape

Dies :

650515 :  Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit

660815 :  Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK-woodland-leaves

659957 : Sizzix Original Die-Phrase, Love #3

Trois petites photos en noir et blanc sont dans un premier temps collées sur mon cardstock blanc, je me suis ensuite amusée à tamponner tout autour de jolis feuillages en divers coloris verts (Tampons Bloomini Studio)

Dans du cardtock blanc, j'ai découpé deux dies : le mot LOVE et un joli feuillage de saison.

Avec un fond des plus coloré ces deux éléments ressortent parfaitement.

Quelques éclaboussures à l'encre en spray noire pour relever le tout et un papillon évidé qui est agrafé et non collé pour conserver tout son volume.

Le fond de page sera retravaillé avec les encres Adirondack vert anis et Citrus.

J'espère que cette page vous aura donné envie de vous plonger dans vos dernières photos de vacances !

Bonne journée

Karine

Simplicity...

.... is Beauty! That's what is says on the rubber stamp and who am I to argue?

Although we love to marvel at incredibly intricate works craftsmanship, nothing quite compares to a simple artistic statement.

At times I love to listen to a fabulous symphony orchestra yet nothing quite compares to a simple 12 bar rock and roll tune bashed out by young musicians on cheap instruments.

I adore the complex flavours of a great curry with it's careful blend of herbs and spices creating a fireworks display on your taste buds but you can't beat fresh bread and olives?

I have made many large ornate projects for trade shows and magazines, most of them have been very well received but it's the still simple things that excite me.

Today I'm going back to the Thinlits Die Set 15PK w/Quiling Tool- Tiny Tattered Florals by Tim Holtz which we used last week, this time I'm using just ivory and green card and letting the dies do the talking.

I set out by die-cutting about 30 separate leaves before curling them on a foam mat using a large ball end stylus. This softens the card and adds those lovely little creases around the edges. Next, I creased each one down the centre. 
I die-cut each of the three spiral rose dies three times each from ivory card. To see how the flowers come together you will have to skip back to last weeks blog.

I cut an 11 x 13 cm rectangle of the same ivory card that I used to cut the flowers and stamped my sentiment across the base in grey ink using the New Day Stamp Set from the Precious Remembrance Shop before marking a circle in pencil using a circle Framelits die, you can use a compass if you don't have one!

I attached the leaves individually following the circle while trying not to be too precise. Next, I distressed the edges of the card with the blade of my scissors and added a faux stitched effect around the perimeter using a pattern makers wheel.

Once the flowers where all assembled, I attached them one at a time using my glue gun.

All that was left was to attach the rectangle to a  12 x 14 cm base card. It's tough to resist the temptation to add a few adhesive pearls or a little Distress Glitter but I managed somehow!