Polka Dot Gypsy - Guest Designer Day 1

Good morning everyone. Today begins my week as Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. I am so excited to be sharing with you all the fun projects that I've been working on. So, lets get started!!!

Tissue Cover

My first project is a decorative cover for the square box of facial tissue. Please note that because of the size of the scarecrow image I had to turn the box on its side. If using a smaller image, the box can be placed in it's normal, upright position. The cover was made with kraft paper used for mailing packages. The tissue box was wrapped and then tied with a ribbon made of brown tulle. The kraft paper was not attached to the box so that replacement boxes can slide easily in and out. Spider web edges were created using the Martha Stewart Spider Web punch. However, the spider web edging has a tendency to catch on the box flaps. So, caution is needed when changing boxes. Below is a photo of the side opening of the tissue cover. You can see how the pointy edges can catch on the tissue box.

For the front panel I stamped the "Happy Scarecrow" image from Peachy Keen Stamps. The image was colored with Copic Sketch markers.

I wanted the scarecrow panel to be the focal point of this project. So, I choose a more plain, patchwork type of panel for the top. I used the Nestabilities Pumpkin die and the Cuttlebug to create this cute polka dot pumpkin. A simple circle punch was used to create the moon and Vintage Photo Distress Ink was used around the edges to add a little dimension to it. I found this cute little bat punch from Studio g. It made the perfect accent for the harvest moon. The final accent is a ribbon tied around the fall paper.

Tools & Supplies

Copic Markers

Ranger Distress Inks

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink

Studio g Bat Punch

Martha Stewart Spider Web Edge Punch

1 1/4" Circle Punch

Nestabilities Pumpkin Die

Cuttlebug

1/4" Off White Ribbon

Strip of Brown Tulle

Kraft paper used for mailing packages

Various solids and patterns of cardstock and paper

Happy Scarecrow Variations

For this card I used the Pumpkin Nestabilities die to cut out the Happy Scarecrow image. For the rick rack I used the Rick Rack die cut from Cottage Cutz.

I used a lot of layers for this card and added some faux stitching around the center panel. The added bow embellishment was made from raffia.

For the final card I machine stitched around the edges of the center panel. The rosette was made using the Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosette die. The rosette was added to fix a blending experiment gone bad.

Copic Tips

I always loved the results that other crafters were getting using Copic markers and I just had to give it a try. I've been using them for a few years now and still consider myself a beginner. I know the basics and can use them, but alas I am a rebel and tend to break the rules. Sometimes that gets me into trouble. In the case of Copics, I blend colors not in the same family. Most, no probably all, of the blending that I did on this project is outside the blending families. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. So, here are a couple things that I do to help me when I am using my Copics.

Before I start a new project I like to warm up a little before coloring my actual image, especially if I haven't colored for a while. To do this I use what I refer to as a test card. To make test cards, I stamp a simple image multiple times on a piece of the cardstock recommended for coloring with Copics. I position them in an area about the size of a baseball card and cut apart, allowing room for notes. While working on projects I keep a card near me to practice, test color combinations, experiment with shading as well as testing for streaking or any color irregularities. Notes are written on it so that I can refer to it when working on other projects. The cards are stored on a ring to be kept as a resource for future projects. Below is a sample of my test cards. And yes, Patty Cake makes the perfect image for this.

When I stamp the image for my project, I stamp the image several times onto one page, leaving enough room to cut out the project and allowing for a panel or a scallop circle if needed. If I mess one up beyond repair, I have extras. If all goes well I can spend a quiet evening in front of the TV coloring the remaining images for other projects.

And now for the goodies! Peachy Keen Stamps has generously donated the "In Stitches Face Assortment" for some lucky winner. What do you have to do? Just leave a comment here, then hop on over to my blog, Polka Dot Gypsy and leave me a comment too. On Saturday someone will win this fabulous assortment of faces. Will it be you?

Wow, that was quick. My first day over already. I hope you have enjoyed my projects for my first day as a Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. It's been a privilage to share them with you and I hope that you will return tomorrow to see what other projects I have to share.

Have a wonderful day and I'll see you all tomorrow when I'll reveal my card for the PKS sketch challenge.

Jane - The Polka Dot Gypsy