A Secret

Hello crafty friends!  It's Susan, here on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts blog.  I'm fascinated by the secrets people keep, from big whoppers to little things that can cause big misunderstandings.  I'm all for honesty and communication, even when it's hard.

Allow me to reveal all...

This "secret" key had been hanging around my stash for at least 5 or 6 years (if not more).  I had the chance recently to work with Stamperia's 'Time is an Illusion' paper, and set aside a small image of a woman's face.  I figured it could be a big element of a small project... then I found the key.  Bingo.

I started with the GSLC Tiny Little Shadowbox Houses #1.  This comes as a set of two houses.

I gave it a coat of white gesso first.  I thought at first I'd do a light base color, hence the white gesso.  I quickly decided to go dark, and repainted the seams with black.  (I took the photo after the shingles were added, so ignore them for a minute.)

And a minute's up!  It's shingle time.  I used Tiny Shingles - Standard, alternating the seams.  (At this point, I thought I would hang something from the roof, but ended up skipping it and covering the hole.)

Once one side was fully shingled, I added shingles to the other side but left the last one off to give the scissors room to trim.  Before cutting, it's best to allow the glue to dry completely overnight.  Trim the shingles on both sides, then add the final layer.  I held that final piece in place until the glue set up, in order to ensure there wasn't a gap at the top.  Once dried, I trimmed that one, too.

The keyhole got a coat of Lumiere brown metallic paint, then I lightly swooshed my finger across the high details with a little copper metallic paint.  It took a few swooshes to get the coverage I wanted.

By this time in my project, the papers are adhered with modge podge, except the inside bottom.  The night before, I used E-6000 to attach the painted black base to the shadowbox, with the intention of adding the final paper once the E-6000 dried.  The next day I realized the weight of the key would have made this top-heavy with such a small base, so I added a metal washer and wider wood.  Once that cured overnight, I painted with black gesso then acrylic.

I'll share a secret with you:  I use the washer trick a lot.  I really makes a difference for the stability of shadow boxes, altered Altoids tins, and the like.  Plus, layering wood bits in this way helps give projects their own uniqueness.

Now, back to the face image... I love that she's right behind the key.  Does she have secrets, or is she the secret?

Thanks for your visit today!

Cheers
Susan

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Used
Tiny Little Shadowbox Houses 1 - #C20A
Tiny Shingles Standard BB57A
Keys Engraved D12Q - coming soon

Other Supplies Used
Stamperia Time Is An Illusion
black gesso
black acrylic paint
wood bits
E-6000
TH "secret" metal key
Tiny eye screw
White glue
Black twine
Metallic paints
Pilot gold marker
Tiny gold balls

7Gypsies & GSL Junk Journal by Sandy Trefger

This is a special project that I created out of products from both 7Gypsies Canvas Corps and GypsySoulLaser Cuts for a cross promotion.  Each GSL designer received different products from 7Gypsies and were given free choice on GSL chippies to use.  After looking at all the goodies that I was sent, I decided to create a Junk Journal using the fun blank book from 7Gypsies. (In case you wonder, the BC on the finished book are not my initials.  I decided that this would be a perfect birthday gift for a friend.  She's already received it and it's okay to share it with you today.)

To get started, gather up all your supplies that you might want to use on your Junk Journal.

My Supply List:

• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Keys Engraved, D12Q - Contact Store
• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Fashionistas: 1930, RB16
• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Double Window Ornate, D32C
• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Typewriter Set, D6C
• Canvas Corp Burlap Fabric
• Canvas Corp Blue Stripe Fabric
• 7Gypsies Blank Composition Creative Note Book 
• 7Gypsies 12x12 Paper, Gypsy Moments Collection-"A Novel Thought"
• 7Gypsies Architextures Trinkets China Tea Cups
• Assorted 7Gypsies Architextures Treasures and Stickers
• 7Gypsies 8x8 Serengeti Paper Pad from my stash
• 7Gypsies Naked Tri-Fol Journal Cards from my stash
• 7Gypsies Vintage Journal Pages from my stash
• Nuvo Embellishment Mousse, Mother of Pearl, Black Ash & Indian Gold
• Black Distress Ink
• Black Fine Tip Sharpie Marker
• Scor-Tape & Glue
• Glossy Accents
• Crackle Accents
• Metal Hitching Post
• Clear Wink of Stella
• Jenni Bowlin General Store Stickers
• Paper Clips
• Charms
• Charm Pin
• Prima Pearls
• Wood Initial Letters
• Assorted silk flowers
• Rhinestones
• Prima Tag Me Cartographer Tags

Let's get started!

Step 1: Select your chipboard pieces for the project.  Use a damp cloth to wipe the laser residue from the edges of the chippies. Note: I chose to use only the back layer of the window for my project.

 

Step 2:  Alter or paint the chipboard pieces as desired. My favorite is to rub Nuvo Embellishment Mousse on to the pieces with a damp baby wipe.  I added gold to the window, key and key hole.

Step 3:  Use a black Sharpie marker to paint the typewriter.

Step 4: Place the lady chippie face down on the back side of patterned paper and trace the shape for the dress.  Cut out with scissors and a craft knife.

Step 5:  Use black distress ink to lightly add a darker color to the gold chippie pieces.

Step 6:  Place scor-tape on the center of the front and back cover of the blank book.  Peel the tape backing off.

Step 7:  Cut or tear a strip of fabric and attach to the front and back cover as shown on to the scor-tape.  Make sure to leave long enough tails for tying the book closed.

Step 8:  Color the lady's face and legs with the Platinum Embellishment Mousse and color her hair and shoes with a black Sharpie.  Begin layering your elements and attaching with glue to the front of the cover.

Continue to add elements and flowers.  Add rhinestones, small notes and other elements and stickers.  Also add a hitching post to the top of the window frame if desired.

Step 9:  Use a clear Wink of Stella pen to add sparkly to some areas especially on the chipboard elements.

Step 10:  Add Glossy Accents to the window frame and allow to dry.

Step 11:  Once dry, add Crackle Accents to the window frame.  Allow to dry over night or several hours to achieve a nice crackle.

Step 12:  Add pockets, torn pieces of papers, stickers, stamp stickers, tags etc. to your pages on the inside of the book.

Your Junk Journal is finished!  Use the fabric "ribbon" to tie it closed.

I hope I've inspired you to check out the products that you can find at 7Gypsies and Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts for your next project.  I will be back on October 4th with another GSL project.  Until then...

Happy Crafting!

Sandy

P.S. Please visit my blog/website for more of my craft creations at  www.sandytrefger.blogspot.com

Rusty Wings

Hello, Jennalee here today!! I have been seeing faux rust projects everywhere. The wheels started turning and inspiration struck. This set of Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts wings were the perfect piece to "rust" up. If you haven't figured it out yet I love keys and locks. The engraved keys (coming soon) are full of detail and so beautiful.

Begin by painting wings both front and back with Raw Umber. Allow the first layer to dry. Once dry apply a second layer of Raw Umber. While paint is still wet apply ground cinnamon to wing. Once the second layer was dry I sprayed my wings with hairspray to hold on the cinnamon layer. 

Once the wings are dry add some touches of gold Metallique wax. Emboss lock and key with Burnt Copper Leaves and highlight with gold Metallique wax. The details on the lock and key really pop once embossed. 

Cut out a primitive dress shape and stamp with Distress Oxide in Vintage Photo. I sprayed the dress with a mix of instant coffee. The combination of coffee and Distress Oxides provides the perfect mixture for a vintage look. Messy stitch around dress. 

Layer the engraved lock on top of a coffee stained crocheted medallion. Apply the layered piece to dress. 

Apply wings to back of dress using strong hold double sided tape or hot glue. 

Attach engraved key with a couple stitches using thick floss and needle. 

Thank you for stopping by!! I hope you enjoyed this rusty project. I forgot to mention it smells heavenly. The cinnamon on the wings and the coffee stained dress create such a pleasing scent. Happy Creating ~ Jennalee 

Starry Tag Set with Tutorial

This month for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts I've used their 3 tag set(stagger tags, coming soon) to create something starry and dreamy.

With some layers of paint, chipboard stars and glitter those kraft coloured tags are transformed.

They are the perfect backdrop for the sentiments and vintage images found on THIS Stars and Dreamers Collage Sheet (which is totally free to download because I love you.)

If you need a little guidance putting these beauties together, I've put together a video tutorial for you.

I do use a fair few layers of colour... but I honestly think that multiple washes add a depth of colour and visual interest that is incomparable to a slap of thick paint.

But hey! if a thick coat of acrylic is your thing... go for it! Art and craft is all about YOU, the maker. I wholeheartedly encourage you to do what works for you.

Here are all the bits I used to create these starry sparkly tags:

Gypsy Soul Tags

Keys Engraved
Printers Ornament Corners
Swirl Medallion Small

Deco Stars

Acrylic Paint (also used 

Glue
Glitter

Metal Ring
Ribbon/Fibers
Stars and Dreamers Collage Sheet  FREE DOWNLOAD