Cathy Childs Morrison - winner of Tim Holtz Die GiveAway

Thanks to all those who signed up to follow my blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel -- whenever I do a random winner for a giveaway I will have the winner randomly chosen by one of my nieces, nephews, or my son (so if you're already signed up then you're ready to be included in the next giveaway).  The giveaway winner for this round is Cathy Childs Morrison.  I had my niece pick out a winner right after she finished eating Thanksgiving dinner.  Cathy,  I'll send you a message through YouTube for you to private message me what address you would like the Toy Soldier die mailed to.  Thanks for playing along :)

I'm thinking the next giveaway should be charms or embellies of some kind.

Handmade Steampunk Top Hat (TopHat ) Treasure Box - ( using Tim Holtz circle die, alcohol inks and rivet embossing folder )

Started playing with some heavy chipboard and aluminum ventilation tape and just fell in love with the results.  It seems like when you use Tim Holtz fabulous products on anything, you just can't go wrong.  These started off as a way to pass a few moments and ended up being a new way for me to give tiny gifts (like a little baggy of charms in this case):  (short video on these at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSgDB92VXXk )

On this one I lightly scorched the ribbon flowers with an embossing gun to give it more of a "melty" look

Thanks for visiting my blog!  and remember to check out the GiveAway for the free Tim Holtz Toy Soldier Die (winner chosen 11-28-2013) :)

 

BLOG GIVEAWAY - TIM HOLTZ TOY SOLDIER ALTERATIONS BIGZ DIE by SIZZIX

( I will ship internationally as well as the USA)
2 Easy Steps to be eligible to win: 
FOLLOW this BLOG by clicking the "Follow" button to the right and
FOLLOW my YouTube Channel (here's a video link to make it easier to find)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qzKoKEh434  - just be signed in to YOUTUBE and click the SUBSCRIBE button under the video
That's it!  This die is soooo fun for the holidays.  I will have one of my nieces or nephews pick a winner on Thanksgiving - NOV. 28th - so you must be signed up by then.  I will post the winner's name here and will send them a message through their name link.   Here's a little about it:

VIDEO:

or read:

The finished toy soldier is approximately 1 3/4" x 4 1/2" tall - the die requires you to have a die cutting machine and was made specifically for the BigShot, BigKick or Vagabond machines (but I have friends who have used theirs in the Cuttlebug die cutting machine also ) ... you do have to have the basic plates to use it.  It cuts through cardstock, thin metals and foils, felt, material, leather, foam, craft magnet and more.  The die itself is 5 1/2" x 6".  Winner receives 1 (ONE) new die.  This die does cut eight parts so you can embellish your toy soldier.

ONE RULE:  I can not have met the winner in person - internet communications are ok just never have met face-to-face -- just don't think that's fair :)

DO I DARE say it this early ... yep

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Extreme Steampunk Spells Halloween Handmade Mini Album

Steampunk, the fabulous genre that mixes Victorian with futuristic sci-fi steam-powered Industrialism that occasionally adds touches of fantasy, magic and horror, has infiltrated the crafting world and I have to admit that it has sunk its riveted clutches into a huge portion of my brain.  If I lived in a more eccentric accepting area there's a good chance I would be shoving my chubby butt into a metal clad corset and Top Hat.  However, probably not such a great chance I'll do so being enveloped in the surrounding potato fields of Idaho. Thus, I'm left to incorporating my love for all things steampunk into my crafting.  My latest steampunk inspired creation is a Steampunk Halloween Mini Album.  

I plan on doing a little YouTube video on this album in the next day or two but in the meantime, here's some (some = a ton) photos.  I love comments and any thoughts you have, so don't hesitate to leave a message and "follow" the blog :) (HINT:  There's a Tim Holtz die give-away coming soon) 

This is the cover ... using Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells paper line and DCWV Tattered Time paper you just can't go wrong.  The die used for gears, the metal label frame, clock hands, and embossing folder used on the binding are by Tim Holtz, as was the Charlotte doll that I used to make my own silicone mold in order to make the resin flat backed doll.  I die cut corresponding gears out of ventilation aluminum Duct tape and embossed it before applying to the chipboard gears, then added color with Ranger alcohol and patina inks. I made the letters spelling STEAMPUNK out of resin using one of Martha Stewart's silicone molds.  If you would like specifics on any of the items please comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Here's the video or there's tons of pictures below:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qzKoKEh434

This metal skull and Top Hat were part of a ring that I "disassembled"  -  Also, the spine is heavily reinforced to be able to hold all the embellishments in this mini album without tearing or falling apart.

The tiny tiny gears you see (one over the eye and other on the wingnut) are in the Prima - Junkyard Findings collection.

I made the Top Hat  from polymer clay and added the dangle with beads and a penny-farthing (bike)

This little "cup" is from Stampin' Up and fits perfectly inside one of the gears.  The items inside can then move around as the book is turned.

A few of the interior pages below:

The little "light bulb" tag pulls out of a tiny pocket

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A thin magnet hidden under the paper helps keep these flaps held shut.

Lots of room for photos and journaling after you raise the flaps.

Untie the ribbon and there's so much space on the front and back of the fold out and more tags under the owl flap.

There's loads of goodies inside the raised clock and lots of tags in the little pocket.

 The tag that pulls out from under the photo mat of the balloons is part of a swap return from X. Montano.  I added  a few metal rivet eyelets and a little to the back but wanted to make sure she got credit for her beautiful addition.

One of my favorite parts is this lady  that I fussy cut from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante paper - I put in some tiny metal washers under the brads so she could have loads of movement.  Before cutting her out, I glued a piece of black cardstock behind her, added several layers of decoupage glue, then a coat of acrylic sealer so she would stay sturdy and not easily bent from wear and tear.

 This little Book of Spells is held in place not only by the chain, but also by 2 bent clock hands :)

Thanks for looking - adding a video soon.