Friday, August 31, 2012

Ladies Roll Top Desk Video

Hello All,

Sorry a quick post tonight...  I'm still trying to sterilize the house before mom get's here tomorrow.  LOL!  Why am I laughing?!  It's so true!  Ok, I might as well laugh....I think the smell of Pine-Sol has gotten to me!  BTW, Thanks for all the cool comments on Mom y'all!

Anyway, the reason for the post...I was about to pack up the box with the desk in it when I thought, I never did a video of it, so I pulled it out and did one real quick.  It's going to a friend of mine in Singapore and I hope she likes it.  Also, so many of us are visual learners....ME FOR ONE...and thought this might help.

The Ladies Diary Roll Top Desk...





Thanks For Stopping By!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter



Thursday, August 30, 2012

Box in The Round

If there is one thing I'm not is SQUARE!  A little round and bubbly maybe, but not square! At least that's my point of view!  LOL!

For my YouTube subscribers this is old hat, but for my blogging buddies, I did a video last night on how to make a round box.  You guys, I have to say here and now that I completely hacked this video to pieces!  LOL!  Let me explain if you will....It's tough to keep a video to 15 minutes to slide by the YouTube requirements!  TOUGH!  I SAY TOUGH! :) especially when you have a lot to say!  :)
the video was 26 minutes and some change and by golly I set about hacking away around 11:00 p.m. last night.  An hour to cut approximately 12 minutes!  Bahahaha!  Finally done, I started the upload to YouTube and once it was almost done, the electricity flashes off and back on for a second.  Well,  needless to say, It didn't save the video nor upload it!  BLAST!  LOL!  I went to bed and dreamed of better days!  hahahaha!  SO this morning, I hacked away again and put it up on YouTube successfully! Hall-lay-luyer!

I had received quite a few emails from folks having troubles finding round boxes to make the Happy Haunting Panorama.  So I hope this little video tutorial helps you guys out.  It's pretty simple.  Even if you aren't into the panorama, this might be something to put on the back burner for the day you might be in need.

So here it is....




Oh yeah, I wanted to share one last thing with you!  My mom is coming to spend the weekend this Saturday and she has agreed to do a project with me.  I told her I was going to video tape it....She said, "Well Jimmy, I'll have to get my nails done!"  Got to love her!  Soon you will be able to see what shenanigan's we get up to in the studio.

One last GREAT BIG THANKS for purchasing the Ladies Roll Top Desk pattern!  You guys ARE THE BEST!!!  :)

Thanks for coming by y'all!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A Couple of Thoughts For The Evening!

I know the title scares you huh?  LOL!!

First, thank you so much for purchasing the Ladies Roll Top tutorial y'all!  I cannot begin to tell you how awesome that makes me feel!  It's a lot of work to write those blasted patterns or I would do it more often.  Time...Oh for more time!  Thanks again for supporting me!  Y'all rock!

Next, I wanted to share some pictures that I received from a friend, Sharka Leigh over at www.paper-capers.blogspot.com.  She did an excellent job on the Halloween Panorama!  






Last, I just received the new Mini 8 punches from We R Memory Keepers!  I love them and thought I would share them in action.  Here we go...



Thank You All Once Again!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Roll Top Desk Tutorial... Now Available!

Good Morning Everybody!

For All Interested....The Ladies Diary Roll Top Tutorial Is Now Up On Etsy....





Thanks and Have An Awesome Day!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Monday, August 27, 2012

Inspiration Emporium - Shrink Plastic Challenge Done!

Good Evening Y'all!

The August Designer Challenge for the the Inspiration Emporium's Inspiration Team was to do something with Ranger's Inkssentials Shrink Plastic!  Now, I remembered this stuff from when I was a kid and loved it then.  As an adult, I think I had even more fun with it!  I still think I probably needed the adult supervision with the oven though!  Kitchens and I don't get along!  Let's just say I really like the kitchen,  but it hates me and be done with it!

You can do so many things with shrink plastic!  It's totally amazing and really a lot of fun to watch the process!  Ok, I'm still a boy at heart!!  :)   I decided on some Man Jewlery!  LOL!

Here's what I came up with...

First Up, Globe Cufflinks-



Supplies Used and ALL Available at Inspiration Emporium:

Inkssentials Surfaces Shrink Plastic
Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 2PK - Vintage Fan & Globe Set
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Forest Moss
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Vintage Photo
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Broken China
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Tumbled Glass
UTEE - 8 oz - Clear
Cuff Link Blanks from Michael's (Thanks Sharon Y. for sending these to me!  You Rock!)

Step 1:
I cut two pieces of the Inkssentials Shrink Plastic with the Sizzix Mover's and Shapers Fan and Globe Die.

Step 2:
Once the globes where cut, I used the Distress markers to color the film.  I used Vintage Photo for the frame of the globe, Forest Moss on the continents and mixed Broken China and Tumbled Glass for the oceans.

Step 3:  
I used two types of heating elements for the shrink!  I think it's the mad scientist in me!  LOL!  I placed one in the oven and heated one with my Ranger, Heat It Craft Tool!  They both did a great job.  However, what I found with using the Heat Tool, I was able to control how it melted better.  Meaning, these little guys have the ability to morph, so with a craft pick and the heat tool I was able to ensure it melted the way I wanted.

Step 4:
Once the globes were melted to the perfect cufflink size, I spritzed them with a bit of water and immediately dipped them in the UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel).  I then melted the UTEE with my heat tool and the effect I think was really cool!

Step 5:
Last, I adhered the cufflink backs to the globes and allowed to dry.




What do you think?

I had so much fun shrinking the plastic,  I wanted MORE!  So, I thought what else would be good for some Man Jewelry?  

Ahhhhh, Dog Tags!  




Now, I really do wear this.  There is meaning behind this necklace to me.  Without getting too deep and too artsy, If you read the tag correctly, it says, "Time 2 Live The Life You've Imagined."  And really at 46 years old y'all, I've finally decided to jump out of the box and stop being so scared of the unknown and embrace it firmly and go forward.  For me, it is definitely Time 2 Live The Life I've Imagined!  My New Personal Affirmation that I can wear!  LOL!  I'm having a great time trying to live this daily!


Supplies Used and ALL Available at Inspiration Emporium:

Inkssentials Surfaces Shrink Plastic
Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Silver Mixative
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Pitch Black
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Numerals
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Game Spinners
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Adornments - Regal (Crown)
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Timepieces
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Ball Chain
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Word Sticks
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Word Bands
Inkssentials - Glossy Accents

Step 1:
Cut the Inkssentials Shrink plastic with the Sizzix Movers and Shapers Tag and Bookplate Die.

Step 2:
Using the Heat Tool, I melted the plastic.  Once melted and cooled, I rounded the bottom corners with a sanding block.

Step 3:
Ink one of the sides with the Silver Mixative and Pitch Black Alcohol Inks daubing it on and mixing the colors together.

Step 4:
I first adhered the crown from the Regal Adornments to the top of the tag with Glossy Accents.  Next, I adhered the Timepiece under the crown, added the "2" numeral. Last, I adhered the Game Spinners  together in the two o'clock position and then added them to the tag.

Step 5:
I took the Word Band and nipped off the end loop with wire cutters.  I then sanded it smooth with my sanding block.

Step 6:
Last I simply slid the "Live" word stick on the ball chain, then the Word Band and then added the tag.

DONE!



I hope you can find some inspiration from these pieces.  The possibilities of the Shrink Plastic are endless.  Try it out...It's so much fun to play with!

Have an Awesome Evening!

Time 2 Live The Life You've Imagined!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter




Saturday, August 25, 2012

Fun Fall Project- Part 2

I'm back!  LOL!  Finished up Part 2 of the Fall Leaves Box video.  Actually, it just finished downloading!  You know how that goes around here...SLLLLLoooooWWW!  Very slow! :)

So, here's Part 2.....



Now that I look at the box, it's screaming for more, especially something on the sides!  So off to try and solve that little ditty!

Hope you all are enjoying the weekend so far!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter


Fun Fall Project- Part 1

Good Afternoon Everybody!

I'm thinking Fall today! I may be dreaming of Fall today!  What is it 98 in Texas?  Hahahaha!  I love Fall, because the plants and flowers get a break from the harsh temperatures and everything starts to bloom it's last big show for the season.  It's also the beginning of the Holiday Season and let's face it, it's coming!

In the studio today, I have my normal 5 projects going on!  I'm inky and loving it!  One that I can share with you right now is a multi part post on a fun project I am doing actually as I write this...Hence the multi part.  LOL!

When I was watching Fiona (jennings644 on YouTube) do that cool technique with the molding paste and the striations in it, it got me thinking about other ways to use this awesome technique.

So here we go...

Supplies:
  • Heavy Cardstock
  • Molding Paste or as Margaret Ann Moffat and Fiona Jennings suggested...try making a paste from flour and water.
  • Inks- I used reinkers from Tim Holtz Distress Inks
  • Water Spritzer
  • UTEE-Ulra Thick Embossing Enamel
  • Any Type box
  • Paint fot he outside of the box

Here's the start of the video...




See you with Part 2 soon...

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Dylusioned Again!

Good Evening Everybody!

 You know I love to laugh! I so enjoyed all your stories today about your on-road adventures! Thank you all for making my day!

 I have one more to share for the day...Have you ever been in the drive through lanes at the bank during lunch hour on Friday? You're with every other Tom, Dick and Harry waiting in the heat to simply deposit your money! Anything in front of you is entertainment because you have already read all your emails and texts on your cell right? Well, you finally pull up to the drop off... Let's just say Lane 3. You grab for the tube and the tube falls from your inky hands and rolls under the car. Smart people would spin off in embarrassment...Oh not I. I get out of the car, in my Sunday best mind you, and literally get down on all fours crawling under my car grabbing for the friggin' tube. The tube naturally decides to roll further to the other side of the car. Now you are forced to walk around in front of the NOW onlooking crowd and repeat the process all over again!! Yep...True story!

 Now to business... I've been Dylusioning again! My second attempt! Decided to use some good Ranger Manilla and go for it...This is what I came up with tonight....





My Splat Mat worked wonders for cleaning up the mess!

Thanks for Looking Y'all!  Have an Awesome Night!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Calling 611!!! & A Gift From Fiona!

Now Y'all, its been one of those days...Not a bad day, just a BAD highway Road Rage Day!! :)  Now do me a favor and let me preach from the pulpit for a second... I'm warning ya, I'm in a talkin'/writin' mood so either go check out what Michaels has on sale this week or sit and stay for a spell!

I have about decided I'm gonna get out my Dylusion sprays and use them for another reason by golly!  I'm gonna grab the London Blue spray, mix it with a little Crushed Grape and accent it with A LOT of Postbox RED baby!  Then onto my car windows I'm writing....BE NICE WHILE YOU DRIVE or I'm gonna kick your tail feathers!!  Is that polite enough?  LOL!  How many times a day do I mutter under my breath, "Jimbo, let it go, let it go son!  It's not worth your energy!"  :)  It works most the time, but just like chitlin's on rice, I'm still not learning to like it!

When two lanes of traffic merge folks, why in God's Good Gravy can't we let the person trying to merge into our lane... IN!  Now I'm not talking about letting two cars at a time in,  that's just plain ol' ugly! I'm talking letting one go in front of you, the next car behind you allows one person to come into the lane, etc!  It will make the traffic flow so much better!  Now here's the sermon...People, if you are EVER in Austin, Texas and you see a Silver Sage Honda SUV let you into his lane by the gentlemanly manners his mama beat (just kiddin' Mom) into him....By God All Mighty, wave, honk, stick your hand out the sunroof or somehow acknowledge the kind gesture. PLEASE!   Man, have we forgotten to do that these days!  LOL!  Let's freak people out and smile while we drive!  At a stop light,  look over at the person next to you and just grin like you won the lottery!  They WILL FREAK OUT, I promise you!!  They will probably call the police but it's worth a shot huh?  Just sayin' ... My thought for the day!

Ok, I'm off my box...Let's get serious shall we?  Now, how many of you have driven down the highway at approximately 65 miles per hour and literally run over a 10 foot aluminum ladder laying smack dab in the middle of the road during 5 o'clock traffic in Austin Traffic? uhhh huh, you guessed it, I'm sheepishly raising my hand!  I didn't see the blasted thing, I didn't see it! I mean ran the thing OVER! 'bout dragged the thing for a mile, sparks a flyin', car a shutterin'!  There is absolutely nothing to do except keep going as to not cause further harm to others!  It finally released and the poor person behind me ran over it....Obviously, this had happened to several other folks previously as they all pulled over to the side of the road checking out their cars.  I pulled over to the side of the road grabbed my cell and finally realized that 611 is NOT the non-emergency number to call!  It's 311!  Of course, I had to call 411 to get the information to call 311 but luckily the operator connected me!  Good Lawd!  I tell you I'm so thankful to be at home tonight!  Safe and sound!  :)

OK, if your still with me, thank you for sticking around!  LOL!  If you aren't, be sure to email me the specials at Michaels this week!  LOL!  Speaking of Michaels....Yeah, they are gonna love me for this, but when I'm on my box It's hard to get off...what in blue blazes causes a simple plastic storage container with no bells nor whistles to be $24.99!  Really? It's not any bigger than a bread box!!! Like when did the plastic plantations of the world burn causing the price of plastic to soar!  Even with a coupon, I hate to spend that much money on something plastic!  Stars!  Ahhhhh!  Ok, see I'm feeling better...Let it go Jimbo!  Let it go!

All that to get to the real reason for the post today.  LOL!   I  received an amazing gift, from Fiona Jennings of Jennings644 fame on YouTube!  Now this sucker was heavy and packed to the gills with treasures!  I wanted to share it's contents with you!  If you have a second, well actually 30 minutes to be exact, to watch the amazing things I received, here is a two part video....Thank You So Much Fi!!  You are such a kind and giving person!  I do not deserve such kindness, but am so grateful to you! You Rock!



Thank You All For Putting Up With My Shenanigan's!  LOL!

Have an awesome evening!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter


Gifts and Mats!

Mornin' Everybody!

Quick post....

Ran over to the FedEx Office last night to pick up a package from Fiona Jennings!  OH MY GOSH Y'all!  You wont believe it!  I taped it last night but hadn't had a chance to upload it.  Will do that tonight!  There was literally a mountain of goodies in there!  Thank You Fi!  I so appreciate your kindness!  So Video on that is coming tonight.....

I've loaded more old posts over under the tutorials tab of this blog.  I'm up to January!  Yahoo!  LOL!  I can't believe it's been so easy to move it over!  Like, why in tarnation have I waited this long!  :) 

I also ordered some more Dylusions stuff!  I couldn't stand it!  I cannot believe that no one sells it here in Austin Town!  When I went to the FedEx office last night in Temple, Texas..(Wouldn't you know that my FedEx Office is Temple!  45 minutes away ...But Worth It!!!)..I drove though Salado, Texas on the off chance that Stamp Salado might be open...Nada, made it too late...Yesterday, I did manage to snag the last Big Ol' PINK mind you...and I don't do PINK!...Tattered Angels Spray mat that is like 2 foot by 3 foot!  That ought to cover somethin'!  Back to PINK!  I truly wish it were another color, but a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause so I will deal and feel good that I helped in a very very small way! :)  Can you dye mats?  :)

Anyway, see you tonight with the video...

Have an awesome day!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Monday, August 20, 2012

First Attempt At Being Dylusioned!

Hello Everybody!

In celebration of finishing a September project for  Graphic 45, I gave myself a little treat!  Time to play with Dyan's, Dylusions inks and stamps!  Y'all I had a blast!  Once I got the blasted plastic off the bottles...(That was a trip!  LOL!) I went to town and sprayed everything including my hand...well, more like my arm, desk and shirt in Postbox Red!  So know I hear ya about overspray!  LOL!  Easily cleaned up!  I really got lost in it and had so much fun trying to figure out how to do it!  I've got a lot of learning' to do Lucy!  Now I've got to have more stamps!  WIll it ever end?  Guess not!

SO if you promise not to laugh, I will show you my first attempt.  LOL!


I used a white opaque pen to go around the leaves as I had seen Dyan do at CHA.  Pretty cool how it adds a little something...



You can see a little bit of the ghosting of the letters in the picture below.  Ok, squint real hard and look!  LOL!  I'm loving this technique and can't wait to do it again on better paper.



 Things I've learned...

  • I think I need to have a heavier/nicer cardstock.  It was as though my papers ate the ink.  I did spray the sheet first with water and then applied the ink.
  • Need to have more paper towels on hand for clean up.
  • Next time a larger craft sheet
  • Open your spritzer bottle away from your project LOL!
  • Don't wear your good white work shirts while doing this. :)
  • Have more time to play because it could be very addictive!

Well, That's It!  Y'all Have a Great Night and thanks for coming by!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter




Good Evening All!

Hello All!

Just a quick post...I am trying to move my old Typepad blog posts over here to my new blog!  God Help ME!  I'm just paying monthly for that blog to sit there!  LOL!  So I thought I better find out how to move them over.  I don't want to loose them....

I will be moving the tutorials over first, and have no idea if each time I publish an old post if you all get a notification.  If you do I apologize.  Would anyone be kind enough to let me know?  I would be grateful.  

I will continue to do this as time permits so hopefully one day they will all be over here for us all to reference.  You can find the old posts under the OLD BLOG POSTS! tab, right next to the HOME tab, which is under my tag logo.  So glad to find out how to bring them over.  Now it's really starting to feel like home again.  It's been kinda fun to read my old post!  Like long lost children!  LOL!  AHHHH, I forgot how much I loved Mr. Roboto...My First ever post!!  What got me into all this!  LOL!

Hope y'all have a GREAT EVENING!  I'm working on projects I swear!  LOL!

Thanks! 

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Good Saturday! Fun Dimensional Heart Tag!

Good Morning Everybody!

Would you believe that I am actually laying..(well, actually sitting up... LOL!) in bed sipping on some hot coffee reading blogs and catching up on emails! Love it! I so rarely allow myself to sit quietly and enjoy naturally getting up! LOL! Know what I mean! That blasted alarm clock of mine, I tell you I'm going to grab a meat clever and clobber it one day! I am! I have yet to figure out how to fix it where it wont wake me up on the weekend at the crack of dawn! Hate it! Ahhhh, I feel so much better getting that out of my system!

I think the reason for my slow awakening from my zombie sleep is two-fold! One, is that it is over-cast this morning! Something we rarely see in August in Texas! It makes for a cozy morning where you feel things are moving slower than norm. Well, that'll last for about 15 minutes before the sun decides to show it's face and break the clouds! LOL! The second reason is it was a late night! Actually, It wasn't too late, well kinda! I went to bed, perfectly ready to seek sleep right? I go to bed with my laptop blazing YouTube Videos until my body actually says, I'm done man! Well, I was on Fiona's Channel at Jennings644! Folks Don't do it if you want to try to sleep! Just Don't! Here's why..

I watched her make this tag with the heart a few days ago. I purchased some stuff to make it when I was coming home from my trip. You saw the video...Well, Yesterday I was busy trying to recreate the Ladies Diary Desk, as I'm writing the pattern for it (Almost done by the way!) and making my haul videos. So, long story longer, I couldn't do the tag! Then last night, when Fiona was doing a box using the same technique she did on the tag....Folks, I couldn't stand it!  I was up, back in my clothes and raring to go!!! Here I was at two o'clock in the morning putting glossy accents on the tag so it would be dry when I got up! Well, here is the fruits on my labor....LOL! Not exactly like hers, but I'm going to have to give it another shot today while I'm really awake! LOL!...


For the tag I used the Texture Magic Dimensional Paint from Delta.  I glopped it on the tag and smoothed it out with a palette knife.  Then I ran the knife through the paint making the striations.  I then inked it with Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain and Black Soot Distress Ink.  Spritzed it with water and let the colors meld together and then dried it.  I cut two hearts out of chipboard and adhered them together and again added the dimensional paint to the heart.  Once the heart was dry I painted it with Claudine Hellmuth's, Dash of Red paint and adhered the heart to the tag.  Last, I went over the whole thing with Glossy Accents as I didn't want to pull the Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel out!!!  It's 2 o'clock in the morning right?   LOL! That's it...

Well Better Get Up and Get Busy!  Happy Saturday By The Way!!!

Jim 
The Gentleman Crafter

Friday, August 17, 2012

On A Roll!

Hello Everybody!

Well, since I had the camera plugged in, I thought I would do some more videos of my haulage from The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie as well as Stamp Salado!  Why not right?  Also, I just received my Graphic 45 Design Team box for Fall and I'm sooo excited about all the new goodness they sent!  So a video on that too!

So, grab a Monster Energy Drink and sit down and let's get rolling!

First up is The Crafty Scrapper....


Next , is a video on Stamp Salado..I know I know...I didn't buy one stamp!  Forgive me!  LOL!  I bought other goodies!


Last but certainly not least...Graphic 45 Design Team Box!!!!




Thanks For Watching!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Happy Friday Everyone!

Good Morning and Happy Friday Everyone!  Let the crafting begin!  Yahoooo!

This morning, I wanted to show you how I made the Haunted Panorama!  A fast and easy project that really makes a nice addition to your Halloween decorations.  So lets get started!

The idea for the panorama came from being a candy, and gourmet foods buyer in my early life... LOL!  I used to purchase those sugar shell eggs at Easter that you viewed into to see the scene of the the Easter bunny, trees, grass and eggs made from royal icing!  Remeber those?  They were called Panorama Eggs.  Here's a quick look...

I always loved these and still find and purchase them to display along with my Easter decorations every year.

Well, that was a little history on the inspiration and name, now onwards....

For times sake, I once again grabbed the video camera and did a short two part video on the highlights of making the Graphic 45 Haunted Panorama.  If you have any questions please email me if I didn't cover something that you would like to know.

The overall height of the Panorama is 8 inches.  The paper mache container used is 4 inches tall by
3- 5/8 in diameter.

So now for the videos....




Hope that you all give this a try!  I know I will be making more for gifts!  Especially for my friends that don't like sweets!  I can't even imagine!  LOL!

Hope you have a wonderful Friday and I'm off to do a few more videos on my Haul from The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie!  Yahoooo!

See y'all in a bit!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Back in the saddle again!

I don't think I have been this tired in quite a while!  I mean exhuasted!  Being a buyer for my real job is always very exciting!  New merchandise, new inspiration, new ideas, new merchandising concepts...But the price you pay...WOW!  It takes a toll on your body!  Walking miles, making decisions, do you think this will sell at this store, is this too pricey for this store, will they kill us if we try this at this store, is the yellow too yellow for fall?  Is the lampshade too modern for this store?  Would they be able to sell this quantity?  Have we stayed within budget?  Should we get this blouse in a 3X if it's sleeveless?  Tons of decisions to be made in rapid succession.  Got to keep moving!  Yep, add that to the miles of walking I mentioned above and you walk away at the end of the day mentally and physically drained!  LOL!

So I've got my feet up, laptop in hand  and finally some me time.  Hysterically, I find myself literally snoozing while writing this post!  LOL!   Soon I'm off to slumber land early!!  I have no doubt that I can catch some zzzz's tonight!  Looking forward to going to The Crafty Scrapper tomorrow in Waxahachie!  HIGHLIGHT!  LOL!

The main reason for this post was not to complain about how tired I was, that will go away with some good sleep tonight!  :)  The real reason was to thank you all for the kind comments I received today on the Haunted project!  I'm so glad you like it!  Tomorrow or Friday, I will post the tutorial for this project as it it totally easy to achieve and fast to make.  I would have done it here, but the pictures I took while making the project, reside on my camera at home.  Go figure...So please check back for that to be posted soon.

Have an awesome night and thank you all again!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Graphic 45 August Reveal- Haunted Panorama! -Done!

Good Morning Everybody!  It's been a wonderful week here in Dallas, Texas!  Hot as smitherines but always good to be here.

Today, please join me over at Graphic 45's blog to see a new project that honestly, I personally love!  I hope you do too!  It's the Happy Haunting's Haunted Panorama.  Actually a very fast and easy project that has a punch!  A wonderful decoration to help haunt your house for Halloween!  Also, please check out one of my favorite G45 buddies, Kristin Wilson's Blog as she also shows off one of her amazing projects!

Here the Graphic 45 Haunted Panorama....

Supplies Used:
Graphic 45 Happy Haunting Paper Collection:
  Pumpkin Time- Top
  Happy Haunting - Top
  Word Play - Top
  Hallowe'en Greetings - Main Box Body
  Bewitched - Box Bottom
  Jeepers Creepers - Interior Box Lining
  Trick or Treat - Witch Figure
Graphic 45 Happy Haunting Chipboard 1 - Tag For Top
Round Chipboard Box - Craft Store
Wood finial
Wood Balls - Feet
Assorted Halloween Ribbon
Battery Operated Tea Light
Black Brush Tree - Craft Store
Picket Fence- Craft Store
Black and Orange Crepe Paper









NOW FOR THE FUN...Pull off the top and turn on the hidden battery operated tea light.  Sooo cool when it's lit up!





Hope you like it!

Have an awesome day gang!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Graphic 45 August project reveal tomorrow!

Good Evening Everybody!

Please join me over at Graphic 45's Blog tomorrow as I reveal one of my first August projects...A Haunted Panorama using one of my favorites paper collections, Graphic 45's Happy Hauntings!

Hope to see you on the Graphic 45 and The Gentleman Crafter's  blog tomorrow!  It will be fun!

Have a GREAT night y'all!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter




Monday, August 13, 2012

Tim Holtz!

You guys, I have to blog really quickly!  You are not going to believe this!  I mean NOT!  LOL!  Ready?

As you know I have talked about being at Market in Dallas this week right?  Well, I drove up with my friend Vicki to Dallas, and we just checked in to the hotel.  I had seen from the Lobby that Michaels was having a convention here.  Too funny right!  Well, I rounded the corner to the elevator and guess who I bumped into...You guessed it TIM HOLTZ!...I thought gosh that man looks like Tim!  I just had to laugh!   I mean what are the chances of seeing this man twice in less than two months!  He is here for the Michaels convention.  Too Cool Huh?   LOL!

Ok, that's all!  But I wanted to share!  I'm just totally amazed!  LOL!

Have a great one!  I've got to get busy and earn my keep....

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Fun and Flowers!

Good Evening Everybody!

I promise this is my last post for the day!  LOL!   I received several comments and quite a few emails asking about the flowers for Fiona's Lace Mini.  I thought everyone had seen these flowers before and didn't want to share something you had seen before.  Well, my apologies to ya!  Here you go...A video on Fiona's Flowers....:)




Thank You all again for your kind comments on Fiona's Lace Mini!

Have an awesome night y'all!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Tying Up Loose Ends!

Happy Sunday To You All!

I totally forgot to take a picture of the spine of Fiona's Lace Mini!  Of course there is a story that goes with....LOL!

I have a new video camera in hopes that I can capture better video right!  Now, who in the dickens has enough time to actually read the 500 page manual that comes with it.  I always go for the Fast and Easy setup instructions that come with the gadgets these days!  Thank You God!  Well, needless to say, I should have taken the manual to bed with me as reading material to learn more about it!  Long story shorter...LOL...The last segment of the video from the mini which has the spine piece is exactly 3 minutes!  Somehow, and I honestly don't know how in blue blazes I did this, but it taped at an hour and 15 minutes!  Like I said it's 3 minutes and when viewed it's 3 minutes but when you go to upload it, Youtube hates it as it shows to be over an hour!  Now, I don't like to give up!  I really don't, so I guess that means I have to pull out the manual and start from scratch in future.

To finish up, you all never saw the spine piece.  I have received several emails saying you would like to see it...  Well, here it is...Sorry about that you guys!


To answer a few more questions, the flowers were made using the melting edge technique.  You have seen them done on YouTube a million times.  I still love making them! 


Cut various sized circles from a poly-satin fabric.  Cut into the center of the circle about 5 or 6 times forming the petals, chop off the corners of each petal with scissors and then melt the edges with a Bar-B-Q lighter.  Stack the layers together and glue each layer to the next with a glue gun.  Pop in a button or pearl and done!

So what's on the agenda today?  Well let me show you...


You may recall from my old blog, I think back in Febuary, I did a heart box that opened up sideways to reveal several accordion pockets that held tags.  I did this heart box from scratch meaning I made the heart from chipboard.  Which was really fun to do... however, I was trying to find a simpler way to make it and low and behold...Ok, don't laugh!....I saw a heart box at Michaels or Hobby Lobby!  Can't remember which!  See, I told you not to laugh!  How many times have I walked past these!  LOL!  The thing is, like you have read before, my joy comes from trying to figure out how to make my own! But to simplify things, I'm working on another heart box for a wedding present and thought this time, I would write it down!  My downfall!  I get going and can't stop!  Slow down Jimmy boy slow down!  So that is one of today's projects I hope to complete soon. 

I'm off to market tomorrow morning at the crack, so I have to pack things up and get ready to go! See you in Dallas tomorrow!

Thanks For Visiting!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter



Saturday, August 11, 2012

New Mini...Fiona's Lace Mini- Done!

Good Saturday Afternoon To You All!

Man, I love getting stuff done!  It makes me happy!  Working on about five projects at the moment and loving everyone of them!  It's so nice to have whole days to design and craft!  Got to love it!

Last night, I finished a fast little album for my friend Fiona.  Hence, the name, Fiona's Lace Mini.  LOL!  Yes, I know what you're saying...Jim, can you get any more original with a name? :) Oh well!  The mini was made with the Lucky 8 Punches from We R Memory Keepers. and it's fast and fun!  I've been trying to upload the videos that I made of this project and they are still uploading!  Good Lawd!  This Hi Def thing is going to kill me yet!  I'm trying to get the quality of my videos to be better, however my connection to the internet causes what should be maybe an hour to upload a video to half of a day!  So, I'm basically forced to turn what could be a beautiful picture into a grainy one.  But such is life.  :)

Here is a quick rundown of how to put the mini together.  Please check out the videos for more detail.  Please note, these videos continue to download as I write this and will probably all day!  So please check my YouTube channel for additional parts.






(Even though Part 4 says part three in the caption, just act like you didn't see it!  I flubbed it!  LOL!)




Fiona's Lace Mini









The mini was made with the Tatted Doily Purple Punch from We R Memory Keepers.  The paper collection I used for this was Susan Winget's Nature from K and Company.   I have to laugh to myself but I was calling this Southwest Nature!  Bahahahaha!  Sorry Susan!  :)

Info:
Here's a rundown of the steps.  These steps are just a reference to the video.  I made six pages for the album.  Repeat steps for six pages.  This album is best created in double sided paper.  NOTE:  If you do not have these punches, it is easy to create the pages by cutting circles to 11-1/2 inches and then scalloping the edges with a scissor.

Supplies:
Cardstock
Chipboard
Tim Holtz Idea-ology  Ring Binders -Large

Step 1:
Score a 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock at 3- 1/4 and again at 8-3/4.  Turn page clockwise and score once at 5-1/4.

Step 2:
Punch the pages with Lucky 8 Punch.

Step 3:  
Fold pages on score lines.  Fold on the 5-1/4 line first folding it basically in half.  Next, fold the left and right sides back behind the folded front page.  Pages are done!

Step 4: 
Make a binding strip from cardstock cutting it to 4 x 5-3/8.  Score the piece lengthwise downwards meaning, place the 4 inch piece at the top scoring down the 5-3/8 inch length.  Score at 1-1/4, 2 and again at 2-3/4 inches.  With a decorative punch, punch both sides of the binding strip on the 5-3/8 sides. Next, apply Scor-tape, glue or adhesive onto the backside of the binding strip on one of the 3/4 inch scored segments.  Fold in half and adhere together.  Using the binding rings as a guide, mark the binding strip 1-1/8 inch from each end and 1/2 inch down.  Next, punch a 3/16-inch hole on the marks.  Binding strip is done!

Step 5:
Fold the flaps of the binding strip open to the inside.  Apply a bead of wet glue to one side of the strip and adhere to the front of the lacy side of one of the pages.  Next, turn the page over and apply a bead of wet glue to the bottom and sides of the strip, leaving the middle unglued to form a pocket. Page binding  - Done!

Step 6:
From chipboard, cut 2 pieces to 5-3/4 x 8-1/4 and another piece to 2 x 5-3/4.

Next cut two pieces of cardstock to 6-3/4 x 9-1/4.  Butt the two pieces together on the narrower ends and apply a piece of score tape down the seam. Next, apply adhesive to the chipboard pieces and place onto the cover paper leaving a 1/2 border of paper around the entire piece.  Miter the corners leaving an 1/8-inch between the cut and the chipboard.  Apply adhesive around the edges of the chipboard.  Fold the 1/2 border paper up and onto the chipboard.  Do this around the whole piece.  

For the inside cover paper cut 2 sheets of cardstock to 5-1/2 x 9.  Butt the two pieces together on the narrower ends and apply a piece of score tape down the seam.  Apply adhesive to backside of cover paper and adhere to chipboard cover leaving about 1/8 border showing.  Cover is Done!

Step 7:
On the inside spine piece, measure, center and mark using the ring binder as a guide.  Punch 1/8-inch holes on the two marks.  Place the binder rings onto the spine and insert brads.  On opposite side fold brad legs back to secure.  Binder Ring Done!

Step 8: 
Cut a piece of chipboard to 1-3/4 x 5 1/2.  Using the same technique as in Step 6 above, cut a piece of cardstock to 2-3/4 x 6 1/2.  and cover spine piece.  Next, for the laced binding, measure and mark each side of the binding piece, 1/2-inch in from each edge at 3/4, 2, 3-1/2 and 4-3/4.  Punch 3/16 holes on each of the marks.  Apply 3/16 eyelets to each hole.  Cut a length of ribbon that coordinates with your project.  Lace the ribbon through the holes and tie a bow at the top.  

Apply adhesive to backside of spine piece and adhere to spine centered. Spine piece done!

Step 9:
Insert your pages into the album and cut mats to fit all pockets.  Decorate cover and you are DONE!

I hope you like Fiona's Lace Mini and will give it a try!
Thank you all for coming to visit!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Jim
The Gentleman Crafter