Thursday, October 24, 2013

All Things Altered Fall/Halloween 2013 Blog Hop!


Welcome to the "All Things Altered" Fall 2013 Blog Hop! You should be coming to me from Nicole's Blog. If you are lost, see the list of blogs at the end of this post to make sure you visit everyone!

Once again, Pam at Scrapbook Flair has organized a group of crafters for an altered art blog hop.She has put together an amazing line-up of designers, all making some sort altered project for you to use for fall or Halloween inspiration!

And there are PRIZES! Pam, our hostess (Scrapbook Flair), is giving away an AMAZING prize! Plus, some of the designers are also giving away prizes!


I am giving away a grab bag of Graphic 45 products!

To be entered to win the prizes, leave a comment on all the designers' blogs (include your contact information).  I would love for you to Follow me as well, but it is not required.

Disclaimer: This is a set of older projects from a few years ago. Due to my back injury, I am not able to make a new project, but Pam assured me that "my audience" would not care! {wink} 
I did update the project information for you.

This first project is an altered journal that I created using papers from many Graphic 45 collections.

I enjoy creating mini albums "from scratch." For this one I cut covers and pages from heavy weight chipboard and covered each chipboard page with Graphic 45 paper prior to decorating. I used the Cinch binding tool to punch the holes into the pages, and then bound it with an O-wire binding.

One of my favorite types of mini albums is the "waterfall" style of album. What that means is that each page is approximately 1/2" longer than the preceding page, creating a waterfall effect. To create your own album cut the following from chipboard (use heavy weight for the covers and lighter weight chip for the pages):

1. Two covers 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" 
2. One page 5 1/2" x 4 1/2"
3. One page 5 1/2" x 5"
4. One page 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
5. One page 5 1/2" x 6"
6. One page 5 1/2" x 6 1/2"
7. One page 5 1/2" x 7"

Once you have all of your pages cut to size, you can begin to decorate! Gather your papers, journaling spots, stamps, and other embellishments and have fun! Your album does not have to look like mine! It's the STYLE of album that you are going for!
I created a fall bouquet from floral picks purchased at the craft store. I added paper leaves and flowers. The little bouquet is the perfect accent for the cover. (I confess, I love to haunt the floral department of my local Michael's and find fun items to alter for my crafty projects.)

I decorated each page of the album with journaling spots and tags. You could use this journal to record your own thoughts and memories, or pass it around the table at Thanksgiving and allow everyone to jot down a few words about what they are grateful for this year.

I have a huge collection of stamps, and I made good use of them here. Don't be afraid to pick through your stash and see what you have that will work for a journal album. You may be surprised at what you have! (A full supply list is at the end of the post.)

I combined some premade items with items that I fussy cut from the papers I used.
I used elements from different size paper pads - 12x12, 8x8, 6x6. 
This sheet of Graphic 45 Bontanicabella Eden's Symphony paper contains postage stamp elements. I covered them with images from the G45 Place in Time November Cut-Apart sheet. The larger postage stamp is from the 12x12 pad and the small one is from the 8x8 pad. See, even my paper is ALTERED! {grin}

Several of the older Graphic 45 collections have "fruit themed" papers. I sorted through my stash of papers and picked out all of the papers that either had the color palette I wanted or contained fruit images. If you are like me and already have a vast hoard of papers, use them! Don't go out and buy more - just because a paper is "retired" does not mean that it is not pretty and useful. {said the woman who keeps buying more paper!}

I used some number stamps to create a journaling card.

One of my favorite older papers is this cherry print from the G45 Times Nouveau Collection (Bee's Knees). This is a retired collection, but I have lots of this paper in my stash. I think it was one of the very first Graphic 45 papers I purchased!

The cherries on this sheet of Times Nouveau Copacetic paper matches perfectly with the Place in Time August Cut-Apart sheet. I love how G45 repeats their themes, making it easy to use the older papers.

I also stamped onto the postcard. I used a dark brown ink, rather than black. Black can look harsh sometimes.

I used an envelope to create a pocket for tags. I cut the envelope down to size, then used a circle punch to cut out the notch. I filled it with some tags. 

It is no secret that I love postcards and postage stamps! {wink}

I also love bingo cards. I think this one is a Jenni Bowlin card. 
Mini albums are wonderful canvases for adding your lumpy embellishments. Since you don't need page protectors or need to worry that the album will lie flat when closed, feel free to "lump it up"! I used a bunch of Petaloo flowers for this page. The journaling spot is a sheer card - from Maya Road I think. It's pretty old. I have several sets of these guys.

I created a side pocket from this image from the G45 Place in Time September Cut-Apart sheet. Simply add adhesive to three sides of the image panel and slip the tags into the pocket.

More bingo cards. These are cut from Simple Stores paper, I believe. Note: clear glue works pretty well for attaching clear and frosted journaling spots, sorta. Love the G45 chipboard tag!

Oops, blurry! Sorry about that. The background paper is from G45 An ABC Primer. Love!

This is the back cover. You can see the wire binding. To finish off the binding, I tied a few lengths of ribbon into a big bow. 

I also created a fancy tag with the leftovers from this project.
I always have the G45 packaging "tags" (and now they make the tags in kraft! See HERE.)
I just altered one of the packaging tags from one of the metal doorplates. (This is "all things altered"!)

Like I said, visit the floral department of your local craft or discount store. You never know what you can find there to cut apart and use on your papercraft projects! One of the floral picks may cost $2.59, but you can cut it apart and get 2-4 projects out of it!

To make these bows you only need about 12-18 inch lengths of ribbon. I cut 2-3 different colors and styles and glued the bows together to make one fancy bow. For this one, I glued one of the postage stamp images to the top of the bow.

The Place in Time Collection has some great sentiments printed on some of the papers. I trimmed them out to decorate my tag. These fabbie flowers are from Petaloo.

Because I love my Readers, here is one last project. 


The smallest Graphic 45 Matchbook Box is only 3 x 5x 1.5 inches, making it a quick and easy alterable item.

I decorated the matchbook box with paper and a few embellishments then enclosed three tea light candles in "fresh from the oven" scent. A perfect little hostess gift for the holidays!

To create your own gift box, first spray, paint, or ink all surfaces of the matchbook box.

I sprayed my box with ink mist, and then spread the ink with a foam brush. The effect is a soft, watercolor look. After the ink or paint has dried, use a gel medium to adhere your paper to the box. You may choose to cover all the sides or just a few and allow your inked or painted surfaces to show.

Use contrasting papers for a more interesting look. This is a great way to use your small paper pads or scraps from your 12x12 papers. I used papers from Graphic 45 An ABC Primer and Happy Haunting.

Use a few simple decorations for the top of the box, allowing your gift to peek through the hole. If your gift is small, you may wish to add a piece of acetate to the inside of the box, covering the whole. That will keep your goodies from falling out.

I trimmed a postcard from the G45 Place in Time 8x8 collection and decorated it with a few "fussy cut" images, a button, and some twine. 

The little girl is fussy cut from a sheet of G45 Happy Haunting paper. I used foam dots to pop her off the paper.

Stamp your sentiments onto some scrap paper, then die cut them and attach them to the box. The "Scent with Love" sentiment is perfect for a gift of scented candles!

I could not find any clear acetate, so too keep my candles from falling out or moving around, I just attached them to the inside of the box with some glue dots.

This little project is a quick and easy way to give a small gift (or even a gift card) for the holidays. Use up those paper scraps! To print a tutorial for this project, click HERE.

Hope you enjoyed my "from the vault" altered items. I am praying to be able to be crafting again soon. 


Now, hop on over to Jennifer's  Blog!

If you get lost during the blog hop (so sad to get lost!), here is the list of participating Designers! Make sure you leave a comment to be entered in the drawing!

Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!



Altered Journal:
Graphic 45 paper: Place in Time November, August, September, cardstock stickers, chipboard; Botanicabella Botanical News, Eden's Symphony, Summer Sonata; An ABC Primer An ABC Primer; Le Cirque Greatest Show on Earth; Times Nouveau Copacetic, Hot Tomato, Sitting Pretty, Bee's Knees; Old Curiosity Shoppe Butterfly Specifics; Bird Song Shanghai Girls; Steampunk Debutante Victorian Transformers

Ink: Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink Chestnut Roan, Yellow Cadmium, Blush Rose; Memento Rich Cocoa
Other paper: Simple Stories Harvest Lane paper and bingo cards; Basic Grey Basics Manila
Die cuts: My Favorite Things Sentiment Strips, Fishtail Flag Stax; Sizzix Tim Holts Alterations Ornamental; Papertrey Ink Button Card
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Gratitude Journal; Stampin' Up!; Unity Harvest of Memories; JustRite Autumn Blessings
Flowers, Leaves, other Floral: Petaloo; Prima; Craft Store
Ribbon: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Journaling spots: Jenni Bowlin Brown Memo Book; Maya Road; My Mind's Eye
Tags: Office supply store
Tools: Cinch
Bulk chipboard: Grafix
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape; Heidi Swapp Scrappy Glue; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Ranger Glossy Accents

Gift Tag:
Graphic 45 papers: Place in Time November; Botanicabella Summer Sonata
Tag: Packaging tag from Metal Door Knob Staples
Ink: Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink Rose Chestnut Roan
Die cuts: My Favorite Things Fishtail Flag Stax; Spellbinders Asian Accents border
Flowers, Leaves, other Floral: Petaloo, Craft Store
Ribbon: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Tools: Bow Easy
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape; Heidi Swapp Scrappy Glue; Beacon Fabri-tac, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares

Altered Box:
Graphic 45 Papers: Place in Time October Cut-Aparts, November Cut-Aparts; Happy Haunting Enchanted Garden, Jeeper's Creeper's; An ABC Primer An ABC Primer
Matchbook Box: Graphic 45 Altered Art Matchbook Box Staples (small)
Candles: Hobby Lobby
Twine: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Button: Buttons Galore and More
Spray Mist: Ranger Adirondack Color Wash Sunset Orange
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk Tangerine, Creamy Brown
Stamps: StampingScrapping Fancy Accents, Label Accents
Die cuts: Spellbinders Back to Basics Tags
Adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Heidi Swapp Scrappy Glue; Liquitex Matte Gel Medium; Beacon Fabri-tac
Tools: Foam brush (Michael's Crafts), Grand Calibur (Spellbinders), Microtip scissors (Fiskars)

64 comments:

  1. OMG, these are just awesome projects, thank you for sharing, can I say, that I hope your back improves...I am now following you..xxx

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  2. You know I love me a good mini album, and this one is spectacular. All the thoughtful details throughout just thrill me. You have such a gift for combining patterns, colors and images. Thank you for sharing, Gloria. You are precious!

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  3. love the idea of the gratitude journal! awesome projects!

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  4. Your projects are amazing! I love them both so much and just love Graphic 45 products anyway, so it's a total winner in my book!

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  5. I LOVE each and every project here! Thanks for sharing your talent Gloria!

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  6. WOW! This hop is full of fun!
    Love your altered box, tag and book.
    I really love the ribbon work on the tag, it is so full and colorful kind of like a kid version of turkey tail. I just love boxes of all kinds.
    Kristi
    kidshomelove at yahoo.com

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  7. Absolutely fabulous projects, Gloria. Love all the details in the mini book, the tag is awesome, and the gift box holding the tea candles is a winner. TFS so many projects with us.

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  8. wow amazing projects. the little gift box is so cute. the ribbon work on your tag blew me away. Love the mini album so cute.

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  9. WOW tones of work went into these. It's super crafty! Great hop project!

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  10. You never fail to amaze you have such beautiful projects I love looking at all your creative ideas.

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  11. Gorgeous album, love all of those breathtaking images, totally invokes the autumn spirit. Love the small matchbook altered as hostess gift also, great idea!! Hope you are better soon.

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  12. Oh, just in case my email is
    sarah_lynch2002@yahoo.com
    Thanks for the chance to win!~

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  13. you + G45 + mini albums + PERFECTION!!!! :)

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  14. I loved this post. You had such wonderful ideas and projects to share. I hope the change in weather does not make your back feel worse.

    Thank you for sharing some G45 lines I had not seen before.


    I will be back to visit again. You have a wonderful blog.

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  15. What's old is new again ... LOVE your projects. Sure do hope you are feeling better SOON!!! Hugs!

    http://lillianchild.blogspot.com

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  16. Awesome projects! TFS!!

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  17. Wow Gloria Fabulous projects!! Great gratitude journal! Loved the box too!

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  18. Gorgeous projects, so glad for you resharing your wonderful works of art and continuing to pray for you my friend for a quick healing on your back. Thanks so much for being a part of the hop.

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  19. Just love your album - I see some ideas I may have to "borrow" when I make an album similar to give to my mom for Thanksgiving. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm stealing your whole idea!
    It's just enchanting. I love it!

    I also love the idea of spreading the ink on the matchbox with a foam brush. When I think of the bazillion times I've misted and sprayed and never once thought to "smear" the ink!

    I'm a new follower of your blog - but I'll be back! Lovely lovely work.

    ... and I hope your back improves rapidly!

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  20. I love all of your projects but especially the nostalgic feel of your mini album. Mini albums are really fun to make and it looks like you really had a great time making yours, thanks for sharing!

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  21. I am in love with the matchbox! What a perfect idea for little hostess gifts. Thank you digging into the vault - I hadn't seen those before!

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  22. Beautifully Done! I adore the warm vintage feel of these, and that you created the album leaving space for Journaling. Every stop on this Hop is amazing....

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  23. Your creations are something I really needed to see. I am always buying paper because I love something I've seen somewhere. Than I forget what it was I wanted to make. I have many of the papers you featured here and I'm bookmarking today's entry in 2 different places so I won't lose it.
    I'm following you-again. I know I use to but think I somehow lost you when Google reader went away. Very glad to have you again!

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  24. Quelles merveilles !!!
    Le mini le TAG, la petit boite !!!
    J'ai cette magnifique collection et sais maintenant comment l'utiliser d'une manière originale
    Je ne sais comment vous remercier pour tous ces fabuleux projets
    Merci beaucoup
    A très bientot je le souhaite
    Bises

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  25. Gloria, you have no equal when it comes to this gratitude journal and every single project that you share with us. I'd be so grateful that your healing begins today!

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  26. Fabulous projects, no matter how many times you share them. I love your work and hope your back is better soon. I know how much your creating means to you. Just go slow. Thanks for always being so inspiring!

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  27. All your projects are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing them.

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  28. Great projects!! I LOVE the journal!

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  29. These are awesome projects, loved the tutorial and may try something on similar lines !!
    http://www.kalasirjana.blogspot.in/

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  30. These are awesome projects, loved the tutorial and may try something on similar lines !!
    http://www.kalasirjana.blogspot.in/

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  31. LOVE LOVE LOVE your mini-album!!! So refreshing to see something not Halloween!!! :) I thoroughly enjoyed the tour you gave us of your mini. The pages are lovely and the little touches you gave them are so gracious. Love the theme of gratitude, too.

    How lovely of you to offer delicious G45 blog candy to us!! You did not try to twist our arms to become followers in order to be eligible (which I VERY much appreciate) but I am a brand-new follower by Google Friend, nonetheless. Yippee!!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com

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  32. Oh My, a gal after my own heart. I'm addicted to the discontinued Graphic 45 papers too. I love how your book came out & the tealight box is perfect. Thank you for sharing.
    ~C8>

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  33. I love this book. The grouping on the front is beautiful. It makes me want pumpkin spice and fall!

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  34. You have quite the eye for just the right amount of embellishments on an album page. The candle gift box is great, too. Thanks for all of the pictures to follow along with the directions.

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  35. Gorgeous G45 projects. Can they ever be old? I don't think so. Just gorgeous

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  36. fabulous products Gloria you did good!

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  37. all the projects are fantastic but i love the matchbox the best - wonderful idea for little gifts.

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  38. So neat! I love seeing altered projects. I haven't tried any myself yet but I want to soon.

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  39. So neat! I love seeing altered projects. I haven't tried any myself yet but I want to soon.

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  40. Wonderful projects! Bought 2 wooden tea boxes at the dollar store today to alter them for two tea lovers christmas gifts... thanks for the inspiration!

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  41. So hoping the rest is going to relieve your pain. I love your projects and you are very inspiring. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Take care and God Bless!

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  42. This is wonderful! It's too late for me to make one for Canadian Thanksgiving, but I'm pinning it for next year. I hope that you feel better very soon as having your posts arrive in my email box makes me happy.

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  43. Wow, thanks for the chance to win.

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  44. HI Gloria!

    Two more fabulous projects! Thank you for the dims of your album. It is quite clever to use different size pages! Really adds a uniqueness to the album.

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  45. sweet tiny projects, so elegantly created.

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  46. What an amazingly detailed mini-album. It is certainly a treasure. I really like the gift box as well. I also like altering things but you are definitely the Queen. {grin}

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  47. Beautiful projects. I love it!!!

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  48. Gorgeous projects-no one can compare! You are the Queenof everything fabulous especially the land of G45!

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  49. Your talent always astounds me. Sorry to hear about your back. You'll be in my prayers tonight.

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  50. wow...your attention to detail on these projects is amazing!!!

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  51. Oh I sooooo wish I could make a decent mini album! Yours is beautiful as is your altered box for tea lights! Great colours for this time of yr! Thanks also for the opportunity! :))

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  52. Stunning album and box

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  53. If ever there were a divine pairing, it would be you and Graphic 45. Your perfectly balanced (and not overworked) sensibilities, allow both you and G45's styles to shine. I love that your book has just the perfect embellishments to enhance the page, but does not hinder the book's closing.

    May the holidays be filled with new joys made possible by your somewhat freer schedule. Thank you for the wonderful post.

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  54. Love the little hostess gift. Love anything Graphic 45. Would love to win the package

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  55. I love the matchbox idea with tea candles.. Super cute.. :)

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  56. Gloria, she was right, this audience loves the older stuff, too. Rest your back and I hope it feels better soon.

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  57. Love these projects. I am just getting into the Graphic 45 paper and projects, so this was very inspiring. Just so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  58. I simply love everything you do, but Graphic 45 is one of my favorite lines so these would be so special to win. Thanks for sharing your awesomeness with us.

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  59. wow i love mini albums and this one is really cute. Love the fall colors. thanks for sharing.
    Terry

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  60. Hope you get better Gloria, your projects are a huge inspiration to your fans...but health comes first. All the best to you:-)

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  61. Very Very beautiful!!!! love every inch of your work..

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