NURSERY ROOM DECORATION

ELEPHANT NURSERY CANVAS'

As Elephants seem to be the trending theme for Nursery Rooms, I decided to create a trio of canvas' for a Baby Shower Gift.

Step 1:  Find some inspiration from the Internet and then use the Silhouette Cameo to produce your own stencils for the project as seen in Image 1. Prepare the wooden canvas with a base coat. I usually use white and then sand for a smooth finish.

Step 2:  Paint your canvas the desired colour.  I chose a limited palette of Violets, Green, White, Grey and Pink. Use a spray mount adhesive (re-positional) to stick your stencil in place. This will prevent it from moving, whilst you are painting and using the texture paste.

Step 3: Ensure that you mark your stencil the right way up. Spread the acrylic texture paste as thickly as desired.  A palette knife works well for this. Allow the texture paste to dry ever so slightly before removing the stencil. Remember to soak your stencil immediately after use otherwise it will be difficult to reuse with texture paste stuck on it. Continue preparing your other canvas' in the same way. 

Step 4:  Placing the stencil back over the dried texture paste will allow you to easily paint the now raised image from your stencil and texture paste.

Step 5: Even though the texture paste is white, I still painted the texture paste wording white as this  helps to seal it and provides a neater finish. 

Step 6: For the elephants I used a coarse texture paste. However, I would suggest not covering the part where you want to add additional texture on top of an already set texture paste as it will make it rather lumpy. (As seen on the elephant on the left, bottom image).

Step 7:  Complete your canvas' with the finer details to finish them off.  Allow the paint to completely dry (you can use a hairdryer to speed-up the process, if you are as impatient as I am to view the completed project).  Lastly, and most importantly to preserve your master-piece, remember to seal the whole canvas, sides included with a few coats of varnish (each coat in a different direction).

The Gift is now ready to be presented and enjoyed. 

WONDERFUL WASHI TAPE

Washi 和紙  is derived from "wa" meaning Japanese and 'shi" meaning paper. Washi (Paper) is an old tradition in Japan of producing uniquely specialised papers obtained from wood-pulp from the mitsumata shrub, gampi tree or mulberry bark. Washi Tape is, however, typically made using the natural fibres from bamboo, rice, wheat and hemp. 

Not only will your projects (scrapbooking, gift-wrapping, card-making, decorations, ornaments, etc.) be transformed to the next level of awesomeness, this delicate tape can be utilised in everyday items as well. You can give your home, work and personal items a unique feel with your own supply of Washi tapes.  This versatile craft tape is acid-free, slightly transparent and has an array of designs, patterns and colours to choose from, which can be written on, torn, removed and re-positioned (not as sticky as traditional sellotape). You will find that Washi tape will become your next must have stock item in your craft room whatever type of creative you are.

My supply of Washi Tape all mixed-up in this basket to them being organised in this foil/aluminum recycled box.

Washi Tape transformed a very plain glass candle holder to a very pretty glass candle holder.

An orchid in a glass vase was easily made more attractive with Washi Tape.

This boring tin was up-cycled and given a new lease on life with Washi Tape.

Are your stationery supplies looking drab? Make them look fab with....you guessed it...Washi Tape.

Washi Tape your Scrapbook pages to give them a fun element.

Frame Washi Tape on your walls and cupboards.  Washi Tape now also comes as Blackboard Tape which can written with a Chalkboard Pen.

The possibilities are endless, but just incase you need more inspirational Washi Tape ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/Creativity2Art/creativity/

SVG FILES EXPLAINED

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

• Are used to define Vector-based graphics for the Web.
• The images can be scaled and zoomed without losing quality.
• Easy to find in your search box.
• Can be edited and created with text editor.
• The images produce high quality print at any resolution.
• Every element and attribute can be animated.

Tired of paying outrageous prices for your paper crafts? Well, the below mentioned cutting machines can solve that issue. Choose a project from thousands of SVG cut files, from online stores and free shared files, download the files, send it to your chosen cutting machine, cut it, put it together and hey presto, you'll have created your very own paper craft, such as cards, tags, gift bags, gift boxes, scrapbook layouts, 3D designs, etc. Emblish with glitter, ribbons, different kinds of papers, buttons, brads and so much more.  Don't stop at that, try cutting stencils, vinyl projects rhinestone projects, cork, foam, the sky's the limit.

The following are recommended compatible machines for SVG cutting files:

Silhouette Cameo

Circuit Explorer

Size Eclips2

Brother ScanNCut

Pazzles Inspiration

Boss Kut Gazelle

For free SVG cut files, tutorials, ideas and tips go to The Art Of Creativity 2 Pinterest page:

https://www.pinterest.com/Creativity2Art/silhouette-cameo/

Feel free to share your creations on The Art of Creativity 2's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theartofcreativity2

WHAT IS A SILHOUETTE CAMEO?

What is a Silhouette Cameo? It is a life changing craft device that gives you the opportunity to create all those amazing crafts that you wished you were able to do.

For instance, I liked this card design for my sister's birthday card and I was able to create it with the help of my Silhouette Cameo. I scanned the image onto my computer and took a screen shot of the image. Dragged that screen shot into the Silhouette Cameo's programme and then was able to ungroup the image to colour in the different cupcakes in the colours I liked, which I then sent to the printer to print.  After which, I placed the paper onto the sticky mat and sent it to the Silhouette Cameo to cut for me. No more sitting for hours cutting with a craft knife hoping that I don't cut the design buy accident and have to start over!  I was then able to assemble the card hand-made by me and created especially for My Sister.

This is just one of the amazing features on this machine. One is also able to cut stencils, create beautiful vinyl projects, 3D papercrafts just became a whole lot easier, from cutting paper to foam, magnets to card stock, your imagination is your door to a new world of endless possibilities.