may technique challenge...

"may technique challenge" - tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: craft sheet, distress inks/brushed corduroy, ink blending tool, glossy accents (ranger); scissors, craft knife (tonic studios); cutting mat; foam board or fun-foam; favorite adhesive; favorite scrapbook paper; found object

step 1: select the found object to "embed" and place it on to a piece of foam board already cut to the size of your project (layout, atc, or card). *tip: i prefer using foam board because i think it's more durable and rigid.

step 2:  trace around the object leaving as much space as you want around it for a border. *tip: of course it's easier to use a ruler and draw a square or rectangle around an object to cut instead of sticking with the actual shape.

step 3: remove the object and place the foam board on to a cutting mat.  using a craft knife, begin cutting the foam board following the lines you traced. *tip: it's important to cut the foam board in layers instead of trying to cut all the way through it in one stroke so make sure you have a sharp blade.(i love my retractable craft knife from tonic it's so simple to use!) *tip: i prefer using a glass cutting mat because the glass allows the blade to slide when cutting.

step 4: when you get to a corner, be sure to cut past the marks so all corners intersect (this will help you remove the piece you are cutting out).

step 5: continue until all of your areas are cut and remove the piece from the sheet - this will be referred to as a "niche". *tip: you may have to go back and cut various areas a bit more - use a piece of sandpaper to smooth any rough cut edges.

step 6: choose the paper you would like as the main paper (this is what is shown on the top) and cut paper to same size as your foam board piece and place it face down on to the cutting mat.

step 7: apply adhesive to foam board. *tip: be sure to use adhesive around the niche.

step 8: adhere the cut foam board to the back of the paper also placing it face down.

step 9: using a craft knife, cut an line in the paper going down the center.

step 10: next cut various lines into the center cut line working from the corners and edges of your foam board to create several cut "pleats".

step 11: begin folding the "pleats" up into the niche

step 12: apply adhesive on to the back of the foam board around the niche area and fold over "pleats" securing to the back.

step 13: select paper you want as your background to show through the niche and trim to size of foam board.

step 14: apply adhesive to the back of the entire foam board piece.

step 15: flip foam board over and place down on to background paper. *tip: be sure to center foam board on to background paper.

step 16: using ink blending tool, apply distress ink to edges of the niche to create a shadow effect. tip: this step will make the cut out area look deeper and also cover up any possible cutting "issues".

step 17: continue inking all edges of project using ink blending tool and distress ink. *tip: by inking the edges, this will draw your eye into the niche.

step 18: adhere dimensional object into the niche using glossy accents. *tip: glossy accents can adhere metal, plastic, paper, glass, fabric, and wood objects and dries clear.

step 19: now it's up to you - let your creativity run wild!

now that you've followed the process, here's the same technique applied to an atc (artist trading card) or you could use this as a greeting card.  see...i told you this technique could be applied to any paper craft project...

Comments

[missy j]

You up this late, or just posting on the clock?
Goodnight.
Missy

[Shanna]

that heart key is greatness.

I have a couple of pieces of sea glass from our honeymoon that I've been having a hard time figuring out what to do with. I'll have to play around with this.

[Sherri Long]

What a fabulous idea! My mind is whirling with all of the possiblities! Memorambilia from the past, grandparents, kids, I can see a framed group on my wall.

[Lynn]

What better way to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day? It's also given me some great ideas for a LO for my husband who's addicted to his model railway. Thanks Tim! Have a great cruise.

[Lisa R]

love the technique! the embellishments are fabulous, too. :)

[Betina/Hotcat]

Hello

We are also here in Denmark trying to have a National Scrapbooking Day.... but then it must international now ;-)

Beautiful things you make, i just love my Grugeboards... now we can buy them in Denmark... it takes time to come over here...

Hugs fra Betina, Denmark

[Robin N (tqmnurse)]

another fabulous tutorial.....and here I am with all of this foam board and never thought of using it as a canvas....duh......must have been a real blonde moment! now I can't wait to use it and make both of my girls special "canvas'" for their walls...thanks for the inspiration!

[Jackie]

I love the card samples!all of it is stunning.I need this hardware;)Happy NSD!

[Jennie]

Fabulous techniques as always.. love the idea of embedding objects. Cannot wait to play with the new idea-ology embellishments when they hit here in the UK.
happy Scrapbooking Day!
Jennie x

[Linda van Vliet]

This is great. You won't believe it, but I still have a lock of babyhair from my two girls. Never used them because I didn't know what to do. You have given me a wonderful idea. Thanks a bunch!
Linda from Holland.