Monday, November 10, 2008

When You Miss a Make and Take...You Take.

ORNAMENTS
I went to Archiver's on Sunday and thought I would be in time to participate in some of their make and takes. I really liked their $10 Clear Frame one, but, as usual, I missed out by a moment or thirty. So what do you do when you miss a make and take you really wanted to do? You harrass the employees into giving up their secrets. Well, I don't harrass. I whine. Actually, I did neither. They were just nice enough to let me know how to do it and I will share it with you.
NAMENTS
The ornaments and frame above are my take on their project. The Archiver's project was much larger. An example is no longer on their website, but if you live near an Archiver's you can run in and take a peek at the one they have on display. While looking at theirs, I came up with the idea of making smaller ones and using them as ornaments for the tree.
ORNAMENT
They are pretty self-explanatory, but here are some tips to get you started. You will need a photo sized to fit, a scrap of pattern paper, ribbon, thread/floss for the ornaments, a sheet of Wonder Tape, rub-ons and other embellishments and an acrylic stamp block. Yes, you heard me right. The whole she-bang is put together using a stamp block. Like these:


The ones I did measure 1.5" x 1.5" and 2" x 3" and I found them in the $1.99 bins at Archiver's, but you can find them anywhere even at Target. I mentioned earlier that they made larger frames. Well, you can use any size stamp block you want. Just scale your photo and paper to the block size. I used what I had on hand to make these and realized that I needed sheets of Wonder Tape to make it correctly. Supposedly you can stick the sheets of Wonder Tape right over the photo and then adhere it to the back of the block and it should still be clear. Since I didn't have the sheets of Wonder Tape, but instead had the 1/4" Wonder Tape on a roll, I strategically placed little of pieces of the tape onto the corners of the pattern paper and then adhered it to the back of the acrylic block. Then upon decorating I hid where it showed with rub-ons and embellishments.
AWESOME
That should get you started. Just remember the photo is adhered on top of the pattern paper and the combination is then adhered to the back of the block. I hope I haven't confused you. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them. I plan on purchasing sheets of the Wonder Tape tonight and try it out. I am hoping by placing it completely over the photo and pattern paper you won't see the little tape splotches. I'll let you know, if it works.

11 comments:

mommy2alex said...

Isn't that the cutest?!!?! Thanks for a great idea!

corriebear said...

Cute ornaments! Have you tried spray adhesive too? I've tried it with paper on acrylic, but not with photos yet....just a thought. (stopped here by way of Studio calico)

Nicole said...

saw those there this weekend...LOVE your versions Denise!!

Greta said...

Thank you so much for sharing the secret! I love them so much. All three kids are equally cute, but my favorite final product is the last one - so elegant!! I am so adding this to my holiday craft list. :)

Jenn said...

THese are great Denise! I may have to try one or two!

Anne aka Anniescraps said...

Oh MY I love them, thanks for sharing how to make them! You rock! Wish I lived near an archievers, have you spoken to the owners yet about expanding to Massachusetts?

Anonymous said...

Love them Denise. I think I'll be making them as gifts for my 12 preschoolers!!!!

Kristii said...

What a great idea!! We don't have an archivers anywhere near here, so I miss out all together! I love your take on this and may have to give it a try!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Dawn said...

Yes we would like to have an Archivers here in MA! LOVE your take(s) on the project. They are super cute! :-)

Larajc said...

What a great tutorial. THank you for that. Now that info is useful...and much less expensive...and I thought the project a A's was too much for that...So thanks Denise!

Anonymous said...

That is really cool! I love using the block - really gives it a nice weight. Thanks for sharing the idea and examples.