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:

Supplies Used: Layered Chipboard Ornaments, Oh Santa Collage Sheet, Happy Christmas ATCs Collage Sheet, Gold Mini Scalloped Dresden, Pine Tree Cut-Outs, Reindeer Antlers, Star Mix Cut-Outs, White German Glass Glitter, Mod Podge, 7mm Jump Rings, Snowflake Charms, Bell Charms, and Mini Glitter Jingle Bells.

 

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:

Supplies Used: Medium Victorian Exploding Picture Box, Christmas Sweeties I Collage Sheet, Christmas Sweeties II Collage Sheet, Christmas Angels ATC Collage Sheet, Large Green Jeweled Charm, Gold Baroque Border Dresden Trim, Star Mix Cut-Outs, and Gold Stickles.

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.**