The Amazing Paper Grace Thinking Outside of the Box Blog Hop

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We're so excited!  For months we've been bringing you creative ways to use your dies to make stunning cards.  Not today!!  Today, we're showing you how to make anything but a card.  Becca issued the challenge that the creative team could pick any die and not use it in the way in was originally intended. What that means for you is everything we are showing today is pretty much outside of the box.  Dies are meant for this kind of inspiration and as you hop around, you'll be amazed at some gorgeous creations that will have your head shaking.  Yes there are prizes, but but have your gift list sitting by so that you can pick out the next gifts you might be making for someone special.

I'll tell you a little bit about my creation and will share a link list below so that you can see the creations of each person on the Creative Team as well as information on how three lucky people can win Amazing Paper Grace Dies.

I first started by die cutting 3 panels with the Spellbinders Emmeline Treillage Dies. 

Then using some Glossy Accents, I glued them together with just a little glue on each end of the die cuts, forming a circle. 

Then die cut some flowers from the Cinch and Go Flowers and Cinch and Go Flowers Two Dies. (From the Cinch and Go Flowers Die Set, I only used the larger flourish die. The flowers and leaves were made with the Cinch and Go Flowers Two Set.)  Hot glue the circle to a paper doily. (for added strength, add a circle of strong cardstock or cardboard underneath the paper doily.) Then just simply, hot glue them to the front of the lantern. Add a battery operated candle and you're good to go! 

This was super easy and fun to make! They would make great centerpieces for a wedding or shower.

The flowers could also be changed up to snowflakes for a fun Christmas/Winter centerpiece.

How to Win:
Hop around to each Creative Team Member and leave a comment on each blog, three lucky winners will win a die of their choice from the Amazing Paper Grace Vintage Elegance Collection.    In making the rounds, a comment should be left on the August 15th Blog Post of each Creative Team member - in your comments let us know if there is a project you would consider making.  

When to Check Back:
We'll pick and post a winner on Saturday August 19th on the Amazing Paper Grace Blog.

How to Claim:
The winner has two weeks from the time the blog post is published to claim their die.  Simply click on the contact tab at the top right hand corner of the Amazing Paper Grace blog, leave your mailing address and type the name of the die you'd like.  Becca will be sending out the winning die.  Please give us a month, we'll get it to you, promise!

Who can Play:
Any of our lovely readers including our international friends.

To start thinking Outside of the Box, hop to:Visit Becca      -  at amazingpapergrace.com/blog/
Visit Melissa  – at keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com
Visit Teresa    -  at victorianpaperqueen.com
Visit Anita      – at craftingforever-anita.blogspot.com
Visit Kristi      – at kristispapercreations.blogspot.com
Visit Joanna   – at joannakrog.blogspot.com

P.S.  These are all gifts you can make, yes you!! Please feel free to ask questions of all the designers in their comments because we all love to mentor readers through making wonderful gifts for their families.

Have fun hopping around!! ;)

hugs...

♥ Decoupage on Glass ♥ {Crafty Secrets Style!}

Hi there everyone!! I hope all of the moms had a wonderful Mother's Day! I spent a lovely, relaxing day with the kiddos and hubby at the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights. The Boardwalk was totally destroyed during Hurricane Sandy but it is like 75% done! The roller coaster is still in the ocean but once Prince Harry comes to visit today to look at it they are going to start to tear it down. I can't believe I forgot my camera that day! Just took some cell phone pics that came out pretty bad! :(

I always wanted a piano for my Foyer. And I am a lover of all things old and vintage. So what did I get for Mother's Day from hubby and the kids?? A Knabe Grand Piano from 1890!! I am in Love!! And it plays perfectly!!

I am back with some more fun DT projects for Crafty Secrets. My technique given to me this month is to use Decoupage. This time I decided to use it on glass. This makes for some really pretty decor and they also make lovely gifts.

First, I decided to make a pretty candle holder for my craft room. I printed out some more of the gorgeous rose paper from the Radiant Paper Collection. And I also used some beautiful Mini Vintage Creative Scraps as well.

Even though Mod Podge wipes away easily from glass, I found it a little less messy if you put the Mod Podge directly on the back of the paper and then apply it to the glass.

I then matted the Mini Vintage Creative Scrap to a piece of light pink cardstock and then it applied it directly on top of the rose paper. When dry, apply 2 coats of Mod Podge over the papers. It looks really pretty when a candle is lit inside.

Next, I printed some words from the new Digi Coffee and Tea Set onto some vellum. It wouldn't go through my printer, so I added a little piece of double sided tape to the back corners of the vellum and adhered it to piece of cardstock. It ran through the printer great then. At first, I didn't like the way it looked once the Mod Podge was applied but then I thought it gave it a rustic look and I actually like the way it turned out.

The fun thing about this Coffee Jar, is that it acts as a kind of room freshener! Fresh Coffee anyone? It gives off that welcoming smell of fresh brewed coffee through out the room. Just keep the lid open when you want the coffee smell in the room, close when done! :)

Next, I decoupaged some cute little apothecary bottles with some more of the Mini Vintage Creative Scraps. Love those beautiful images!

And finally, I decoupaged a large cylinder type glass with some of the Sewing ephemera from the Sewing Images and Ephemera Collection. This would look great with a candle inside or to hold scrap pieces of ribbons and threads.

Next week, I will have a fun and creative way to make a vintage style Charging Station for your cell phones, Ipad, etc using Decoupage and Crafty Secrets!!

Have a wonderful day!!

hugs...