Christmas {V}

For my Christmas V I have used the word Victorian.

I wanted to include some facts about how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times so I made a simple layout and used pockets and mini books.

The finished pages look like this:































And here is the slide show. Hold the mouse over the pictures for instructions.

Inspiration {U} - UTEE

For {U} I've chosen UTEE or, to give it it's full name, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel.

This is such a versatile product to use, and it's not fussy what you use it on.... chipboard, metal brads and other objects.

To use it you'll need to have a heat embossing gun and an inkpad like a Versamark or other pad that stays sticky for a while. I use a cheap non-stick baking tray to put my item into to heat up my powders so that the end product doesn't stick to it. You use it pretty much the same way as you would embossing powder but it's a bit thicker and can provide the most wonderfully thick, glossy finish.



I've added a few photos to show you how it can be used.

I die cut a flower from some chipboard and painted it with gold acrylic paint. I then inked it and coated it in UTEE before melting the first layer. You can (if you're quick) pour some more UTEE on top of that layer, but as I've been burnt in the past by picking it up (and it is VERY hot!) I let it cool for a few seconds before re-inking and coating it again. The first layer tends to give an 'orange peel' kind of texture, becoming smoother the more layers you add. I find that 3 layers are adequate for a smooth, glossy finish.



On this one, I added some beads between the second and the final layer for a bit of colour and added texture.



This is simply a brad which has been triple embossed with UTEE to give a raised 'wet' look to it. Mind your fingers when heating metal - use long nosed tweezers.



It would be lovely for you to show us what you have made with UTEE. Why not post them over on the gallery {here}

Christmas {U}

For the letter {U} I have had some fun by making a waterfall page about when Santa got stuck Up the chimney!




I love this song and have so much fun singing it with the children at work Instructions to make a waterfall card/ page are on this link HERE

Inspiration {T}

For Inspiration T I was going to do a bit about Templates and how to use them.

Instead though I am going to provide you with a link which says it all really. It shows how templates can be used and with a little creative imagination they can be an invaluable asset to your craft stash....

Click {here} .........