Sue Smyth November post

Christmas Canvas and Super Star Layout 

By Sue Smyth 

This month as we head towards Christmas I have made a dimensional 

canvas from cheap children's wooden blocks.

(be sure to check out Decembers post to see what I did 

with the rest of the blocks)

I have used Imaginarium Chipboard to alter the fronts of some of 

the blocks to spell out Merry Christmas and 

other appropriate words.

Some of the blocks have been cut in half with a saw for a 

lower profile and give a variety of dimension.

I have tucked some red wood fibre along the sides 

to hide the gap between the blocks and the 

canvas edge 

Cover some blocks with small squares of scrap patterned paper

 and use buttons and small decorations to add to blocks

that do not have an alpha on them 

I have reversed the canvas and arrange the blocks inside the cavity

then adhered them in place with strong glue.

When dry I have painted with gesso and sprayed 

with Red Dylusions or similar 

Then cover with spray adhesive and sprinkle liberally

with white glitter.

Decorate as above.

We all love a good boy page, so this month I have made a layout 

about my middle child who is quite the rock star.(well in his mind anyway )

I is talented with the guitar and I wanted to capture his

first performance in a layout.

By placing the arched window over the photo I 

am directing the viewer to notice the middle of 

the photo where the face and guitar is.

Add the Super Star title and of course lots of gold embossed stars and you have your own Super Star layout. I have covered the title with dimensional magic and black glitter.

Glitter comes in wonderful colours these days and is under rated as a medium 

Here I have added a splot of distress ink for anenamel red arrow to sit.

I have used a bright red Utee to get that gorgeous glossy colour.

Emboss stars with a variety of gold powders for a great variation in colours 

To emboss the arch I have randomly applied embossing fluid, sprinkled with 

an aged gold embossing powder and heat set.

Once cool rub over black in to cover the areas that the 

powder has missed. Wipe off excess ink with a wet wipe.

Some candid shots of my work space 

I need to have all of my materials where I can see them so I remember where they are! So I store the majority of my things in clear glass jars including my ribbons.

I have  a huge corkboard which I pin layouts onto, and I have just added the white cane bird cage for displaying  small items. I like to display my work to keep me inspired. 

All of my punches and dies, again I like to see them to be inspired as I work 

Other side of my garage( it is a 2 car garage) are 2 banks of  book shelves with papers, projects and books in them

My three tables are usually only clean in between projects and classes, never during them lol

My newest purchase was this multi drawed cabinet which holds all of my tools and then some.

Each draw is labeled and though I cannot see the tools, the labels work well for me. And 

it makes putting away so much easier.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of my works space

I think it is important to have it as creative as you can, 

to inspire you all of the time.

Happy Crafting 

Dont forget to leave a comment to go in the 

running for an Imaginarium chipboard prize