Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Cigar Box Book Nesting Boxes

 Cigar Box Sweeties was the them for this months Alpha Stamps Kit
 I had purchased some Tiny Cigar Boxes and when this kit came out I knew I had to use them somehow. But y'all know me, I couldn't go simple and just decorate them...so I reached into my pile of books to alter and came up with this Nesting Cigar Box Book.
 In the past I have done tutorials on how to prepare a box for altering and how to create a box inside of a book (HERE).  This time I went with making two openings and I will be pulling together a tutorial soon.
 I love Dresden Flowers and Gold Dresden to me they make things look so rich and Victorian (my favorite time in history).
 When I saw the new Collage Sheets I instantly knew I wanted to use the Starry Queen image from the Small Cigar Labels and Bands Collage Sheet.
 I used texture paste to build up the clouds all around her and then sprinkled it with glitter.  Alas after all my excitement of working with this collage image I ended up disappointed with the outcome.  
 For my second tiny cigar box I again used an image from the Small Cigar labels and bands Collage Sheet.  This box just fell together perfectly and I absolutely love the outcome.  Inside each box is spray painted gold.
 I used a ton of different papers on this project from the Cigar Box Secrets Paper Collection. The papers are so rich and coordinate so well. To hold the tiny cigar boxes I built up two openings.  You can take the tiny cigar boxes out and use them or keep them inside this book.  
In the end I am really pleased with this creation.  It might just be my favorite so far this year, but then again I would have to go back and look at everything I've made. 

 I hope you are inspired by my creation.

You can purchase this piece in my Etsy Shop
I have also put all my Halloween items on a half off sale and lowered the cost of some ornaments I made last year.  

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog.  

Complete List of Supplies Used 
(available at Alpha Stamps)
Cigar Box Secrets Paper - perfecto, panatela, corona, figurados, robusto
Cigar Label Banners Collage Sheet
Gypsy Coin Mix
Pink Roses Dresden Scrap
Senorita Cameo
Halfround Dresden Boarders - Gold
Cigar Box Label ATC Collage Sheet
Red Roses Dresden Scrap
Narrow Gold metallic Braid
Tiny Cigar Box
Small Cigar labels and bands Collage sheet
Diamond Stickles
Tiny Star Sequins
Cigar Box Secrets 6x6 paper pad
Lumiere Metallic Acrylic paint - metallic gold
Texture sand paste
Cigar Box Secrets Ephemera
Gold Ric Rac Dresden Boarders Set

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Home for the Holidays Ornament Swap!

 Oh I am super excited about this one!
I am hosting the annual Alpha Stamps Ornament Swap and this year we are making mini houses.
 The little chipboard houses measure ATC size 2 1/2 by 3 1/2
 The swap is a 3 for 3.  You make 3 and will receive 3 in return.  All you have to do is use the chipboard houses and at least one Alpha Stamp Collage Sheet or Rubber Stamp.
Not a member of the Alpha Stamps yahoo group?  You don't have to be.  Email me at ouztshay@yahoo.com and I will send you all the swap details and sign you up.  
If you are a member Sign up HERE

Don't miss out on this fun swap.  
My tree is full of handmade ornaments and I cherish them all.