Monday, October 22, 2012

Victorian Exploding Picture Boxes, Christmas Villages, 2 New Swaps, & a GIVEAWAY!

 
Hi Everyone! Halloween is almost here, which means it's time for some winter holiday arting and crafting. I'm super excited to show you some of the new goods in the shop. You can see them all HERE! Some of my favorites are below. And make sure to go to the bottom of the post for a fun GIVEAWAY and info on our latest holiday swaps!

 
 You will love these Pine Tree Cut-Outs. Great on ornaments and so much more.

 
And what can't you use stars for? Our fabulous set has several different styles and sizes, a must have especially for Christmas art.
 
 
New collage sheets? Oh yes, we have 14. Including several to go with our awesome Theatre Shrine Kits!

 
I couldn't wait to play with the new goods. First I made some ornaments using our new Layered Chipboard Ornaments. We are also hosting a SWAP with these!
 
Here's how I made mine:
 
To create my ornaments, I started by spray painting the chipboard pieces red and gold. Super fast and easy. Next I stamped the pieces with a script stamp using archival ink, and added some white German glass glitter using a clear drying glue (Tombow Mono Aqua). I glued my collage images to the back pieces of chipboard using Mod Podge and then attached the front piece also using Mod Podge. I held the two pieces together with office clips until dry. Clothes pins would also work and this gives you a great bond! I painted my Reindeer Antlers and Star Cut-Outs using white acrylic paint. After the Antlers were dry, I covered them with Diamond Glaze for added dimension. The Masonite trees were covered in green glitter. I added a small bit of Mini Scalloped Dresden Border to the ornament top (love the look of this) and then attached a few of our new charms to the ornament loop. Finally I added my hanger and tied a mini glitter bell into the bow. These were so much fun to make!

 
Next came my glitter houses, using our fabulous new Chapel Hill Stand Up Village Kit! We are hosting a SWAP with these as well!
 
Here's how I made mine:
Supplies Used: Chapel Hill Stand-Up Village, Small Gothic Fence Cut-Outs (they fit perfectly!), Star Mix Cut-Out (on the church), Mini Bottle Brush Trees, and German Glass Glitter in Pink, Pale Blue, Silver, and White.)
 
This is really a piece of cake to make and looks gorgeous! I started by spray painting the fronts and backs of all of the pieces white. Next I glittered the house pieces, Star Cut-Out, and base using German Glass Glitter and a clear glue (Tombow Mono Aqua). I simply placed the pieces on a paper plate (one for each color), brushed on a layer of glue, and then covered them with glitter. Tap the pieces off and then pour what's left on the paper plate back into your container of glitter! Do any touch ups if needed. Once the pieces were dry, I glued on my windows and then popped my houses into the base with a bit of glue. Next I glued on my fence pieces, and the Gothic Fence Cut-Outs fit PERFECTLY around the corners. Finally I added some Mini Bottle Brush Trees. I didn't glue them down since it wasn't really necessary. I might want to change the scene later. And of course the village houses also look great covered in paper, stamped, collaged, painted, and more. I was just dying to play with some glitter! There is also a sweet Pine Lake Village Kit, and the houses are all interchangeable within each base and between both kits!


 
See that little light?

 
The other fantastic thing about the village kits is that a battery powered votive candle fits perfectly behind the middle house. I was fortunate to score a GLITTERED votive in the Halloween section last week. Since I was already planning my village, I snatched it up!
 
 
 
And since pictures just don't do it justice, check out the lit up house in this extremely short video!
 
 
And these you are just going to love. Victorian Exploding Picture Boxes! A few weeks ago I saw one on American Pickers and knew immediately that I had to make them! They come in 3 sizes too.
 
Here's how I made mine:

I decided that I wanted to cover my box in paper as a base. Of course you could also paint, stamp, emboss, cover with fabric, and so much more since they are made of chipboard. The box arrives flat, so simply use the flat box as a template and trace around on your paper. Cut out the paper and then attach to your box. You will want to cut your papers at the score and fold lines of the box so it folds properly. You can either do this before attaching, or after. I attached my entire paper piece first, using an extra strength Elmers glue stick and then I carefully cut my paper along the score lines and creases using and xacto knife. Just be extra careful that you are only cutting through the paper layer. If you're nervous, just mark you paper at the folds and attach them individually. Once covered I inked my edges and sprayed on a light coat of silver glitter spray for a sweet shimmer. I punched out my images using 2 sizes of scalloped punches. I attached my images with the glue stick and then went around the edges with gold stickles. I trimmed the box lid with German Dresden Baroque Border and attached my large Jewel Charm using E6000. For the inside bottom of the box, I layered 3 Star Cut-Outs, covering two of them with Inca Gold Gilder's Paste. You will have a blast opening and closing these boxes. They make exceptional gifts and/or gift boxes. How about personalize them with family photos! Your receiver will be delighted when they open the box!
 


I love the bit of shimmer!

 
The Halloween Tombstone Swap was such a blast that several of you asked for a Holiday Swap. Well, how about two? I just couldn't decide. The deadline isn't until December 3rd, so you have plenty of time. We have the Layered Chipboard Ornament Swap...
 
 
And the Artist Village Swap! I'm really excited about this one. It's a bit different, but that's why I love it! We will be swapping just the houses, and you will keep and decorate your own base. Come play in both and pay just one return shipping fee!
 

With all these new awesome things, I think a GIVEAWAY is in order!

1. Leave a comment on THIS post and let me know which of the NEW GOODIES you like best.

2. Next Monday, 10/29/12, I'll use a random number generator to select the winner of a gorgeous Pine Lake Stand-Up Village Kit!

3. If you are a winner and also a Facebook Fan, you'll receive an extra goodie too! Let me know in your comment if you are a fan, and please only leave one comment. Good luck and XOXOs to you all!

** Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, ALL Halloween Goodies are 10% for the next few days while supplies last. Stock up now, several of the goods may be discontinued by next year.**

43 comments:

  1. Chapel Hill Stand Up Village reminds me of the little glitter houses my parents put under the tree when I was little.

    VERY CUTE!

    If it wasn't for Facebook and your blog I would never know about your awesome stuff.

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  2. What a Fabulous Blog Post! You've been so busy!
    Wonderful New Products!!!!
    xoxo:)

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  3. LOVE LOVE LOVE the glitter on that amazing village creation! WOW. And how pretty it will look with the light coming out of the windows! And how fun are those exploading boxes!! Those are definitely my favorite! Thanks for sharing. I'm a FB fan too!

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  4. How can I possibly pick one? I do like that Victorian box. Love all the new products.

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  5. wow, love the little village - would love to win it!

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  6. Well, I love it all, but the houses are going to 'force' me to order again.....and I just placed an order. If I only knew what you had up your sleeve for the holidays. Cheers! And yes, I am a FB fan. :)

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  7. Oh, such an enabler! Love these all, but the exploding boxes really caught my fancy. Yes, I'm a FB fan too. Thanks Kristen. Your creativity is boundless.

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  8. I love the Chapel Hill cut out of the houses and I am a FB fan

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  9. Looks like the village is going to be the winner. I am a house nut so there is no question that I would love to decorate the houses. You did a fantastic job and would probably try to match your creation. Thanks, Sue

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  10. I absolutely LOVE those houses. I don't have room for a big village set up so these would be just the thing. I'm going to have to get my hands on these one way or another! Like you on FB too :-)

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  11. I'm in love with the village! I'm a FB fan and think your Random Wednesday is great.

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  12. Everything is fabulous!!! Love how you've done up the ornaments... and the village... and the box!!!! I'd have to say the ornaments are my favorite but the village is a very close second. Yes, I am a FB fan.

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  13. Waaaaaa....I can only pick ONE???

    Ok, I pick the Exploding Box. It is quite clever and a lovely little surprise could be in the center for a 'treat' for Halloween....or a tiny pretend holiday gift box for Christmas......

    SO many ideas! Please enter me and you know I'm a big fan of RCA.

    xoxox

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  14. I love the Chapel Hill Stand Up Village, so cute. And I'm a FB fan. :)

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  15. The houses are my favorite. I am definitely considering that swap!

    Smiles~
    Marilyn

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  16. Love the houses, I'm a fb fan too :)

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  17. WOW!!! I love what you did with the village! You can just send me that and forget about the give away. :-)

    The village and the exploding box are my faves. They both have so many wonderful things that can be done to them.
    I'm a FB fan also.

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  18. Fabulous goodies Kristin. Can't wait to get my little hands on the exploding ATC box. Yummy.

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  19. What delightful goodies...
    The Chapel Hill Stand Up
    Village is my favorite~Also,
    I am a Facebook fan!

    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  20. Your products are amazing,absolutely fabulous new products, I can't wait to get the exploding atc picture box, how cool is that! Thanx for the chance at your generous give~away!

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  21. I just discovered your site....what a fun surprise! I love the new products, especially the little Christmas villages. I can't wait to participate in the blog. What a fabulous new source for my altered art and Christmas houses. Thanks. Trudy Beard-Lazaroe

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  22. Well, you already know I love all of it! But my fav are the glittered houses. We put up a village every year here at our house and this will just add another element to it. Now to find votives that won't burn the house down. And yes, FB fan and had to place two orders you busy girl you. Whoo hoo can't wait, Christmas is coming.....:)

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  23. wow...I love so much it is hard to choose. I love the washi tape and the charms....oh and the glitter snow. Oh this list could go on and on. I love alot of it. lol..Love your projects too. They are beautiful...Oh and Im a fan on facebook too.... :)

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  24. Love the houses and stars! Definitely a FB fan too! Thanks for the chance!

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  25. Oh, the extremely glittery village of course, though the exploding box is a very close second. I love decorating for Christmas, but have limited space so the little village would be great on my windowsill.

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  26. I absolutely adore the village kit. The glittered ones are beautiful!

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  27. The Pine Lake Village homes are my favorite item, mainly because it reminds me of my neighborhood, and my city (Royal Oak). There's everything from bauhaus-y condo towers to charming and whimsical older homes.
    There IS a name for little homes or villages scenes that are decorated for Xmas; I think it's a german word. I LOVE what you've made, and your ideas for the swaps.
    PS, am a Fb fan.
    PPs, Wouldn't it be so nice if I MADE THE DEADLINES this time!?!?
    PPPS: Wouldn't it be fun (purely optional), if a person decided to decorate their masonite buildings/homes based on their own fave home, local or not, that they could also sent in a photo of their inspiration??
    All of your new Xmas items are totally groovy!
    Keep up the good work!

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  28. I love the little village and I am your Facebook fan!

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  29. Your little stand up glittery village reminds me on the little glitter houses our family put out at Christmas time. The villages are my favorite but I do love the exploding box also. I am a fb fan that is where I saw this.

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  30. I love the stars.I could use them in alot of my projects.Thanks for a chance to win !

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  31. I love everything, but my favorite has to be the village. I'm a facebook fan already.

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  32. Your exploding box is so pretty but your village is stunning. Just like a dreamy winter wonderland! I think the village kits are my absolute favorite of all the new goodies! I am a FB fan as well. Thanks for sharing these great project samples!

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  33. i like all the projects, but my favourite is the little village. What a great idea to put the votive light behind it so it lights up at night.

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  34. Oh My! What a wonderful new selection!
    I have to admit to being smitten with the Chapel Stand Up Kit - and the trees, well they ring my bells too!
    Thank for this opportunity to win a new chance for playtime!

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  35. What fun new goodies!!! The Chapel Hill Village is my favorite though closely followered by the nifty ornaments. Your rendition (of both) are beautiful which is why you make it so hard to choose!

    I am as always a Facebook Fan and will continue to be!

    (((HUGS)))

    Ink Stained Roni

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  36. Fabulous new holiday goodies! My fav has to be the village...but the exploding box is close :) Yep I am a FB fan too! Checking out some last minute Halloween shopping :) Hugs,

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  37. WOW!! First I am so happy to see Christmas Items and projects. (I am not a fan of halloween!)I love the ornaments! I love the village! I Love the trees and stars!, I love the Victorian Box! I am a fan and would love to win the village!!
    I check you out all the time on facebook!

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  38. WOW!! First I am so happy to see Christmas Items and projects. (I am not a fan of halloween!)I love the ornaments! I love the village! I Love the trees and stars!, I love the Victorian Box! I am a fan and would love to win the village!!
    I check you out all the time on facebook!

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  39. I love the exploding folded box..it would be something I would enjoy making and giving as a gift. I follow your blog and look at Facebook to see what is happening with your business.
    Kristin F.

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  40. Love Love Love the Christmas village, I checked out your short video, its amazing how much light one of those little votives put out. Now off to check out the size of that village.
    Of course I'm a face book fan too.
    hugs Lynn

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  41. I love the stand up village the most. Love your blog and tutorials. They are the best. I am a follower on FB. Keep up the great creative work.

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  42. I love the new Chapel Hill Stand Up Village Kit! It's so pretty all sparkly for winter! Loved the short video with it looking spooky too! Yup, I sure do like it on FB too :)
    Kindest regards,
    Jennifer

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