Simple Inspiration // "All in the Family" Altered Shadow Box (Part 1 of 2)

 

Hi all!  Wendy here to share up & inspire you with an altered project special technique share using the CHA summer release "Generations" collection!  This collection just takes my breath away with the colors, designs, and timeless embellishments.  This collection would be perfect for genealogy albums, family theme albums, heritage albums, and family events (i.e. reunions). 

I couldn't resist thinking on a twist with this collection an altered shadow box. I'm lovin' the 6x6 mini pad which even gives you mini versions of the 12x12 collection.  The 6x6 pad is PERFECT for cutting up smaller pieces to tuck away in the cubby holes of the shadow box. 

Be sure to check out the FULL supply list at end of post.

In this special technique share I'll share up 3 amazing techniques in altering shadow box including the following in this post: 

• Foil embossing
• Altering up vintage findings from your local thrift/vintage store
• Exploring with alcohol inks to create distressed & antiqued photo fragments

I won't go into ALL the details to make the complete project because this post will be plenty long enough but just to share up some unique techniques to inspire you to create your own version.  

1 - The Tim Holtz Configurations box has several options on the back of the packaging for re-arranging the boxes how you choose.  As you can see above, I actually took out completely some of the boxes and others I left in.  So you move them around as you want in considering your picture sizes, choice & height of embellishments, etc.  I planned to use some of the Tim Holtz bottles, so I wanted to make sure the cubby hole used for this had enough height for this.

 
 

2 -  Grab up the "Generations" collection (6x6 pad) & choose which papers you want to use.  Aren't these papers divineeeeeeee?!  Go ahead, cut & measure the papers you want to use in which cubby holes & where before gluing down in Step #3.

3.  Print up & select your pics to use.  I measure some out with a ruler & then trim up to size with my trimmer to fit nicely inside the cubby holes.  Mini pics are perfect for these boxes!  Also, I had lots of mini pics from previous projects and never throw them away so I re-use pics a lot for different projects. I like to measure & cut all my pics and measure & cut all papers of choice FIRST before glueing & adhering into the cubby hole boxes.  

I love the Glue & Seal Multi-Medium in MATTE by Ranger (see Supply List at end of post) for adhering the papers on altered projects because it dries clear & yields a strong hold.  I glued in all my papers with this adhesive (that you will nto see in the pic above) but you can go ahead & do this step.  I reinforce pics & heavier embellishments a bit with glue dots for a bit more of security due to the embellishments that will be layered in later.  

4.  Select up your choice of embellishments - I use a mix of new trendy stuff, resin flowers, hardware, and lots of vintage.  The photo above was a lucky strike at the local vintage thrift for the buttons & lace - scoreeee! :)

5.  Technique #1 - Antiqued Photo Fragments In this first technique, I used some Ranger clear fragments, various colors of alcohol inks that would work well for the sepia tone & coordinate with the colors of papers + Ranger Alcohol Blending Solution.  

6.  Ink up the sponge of a Alcohol Ink Blending Tool with random colors of alcohol ink.  I used Raisin, Latte, and Meadow.  Don't worry about the colors blending & bleeding into each other on the sponge.

7.  Apply to clear fragment (the size I chose will work with the photo that will fit underneath the fragment).  So take this into consideration when selecting the fragment size to use.  Now, don't worry about the inks drying before you can attach your photo because the next step will show you why.

8.  Apply just 1 drop of Alcohol Blending Solution in center of fragment.

9.  Then, this happens. The Alcohol Blending Solution spreads out the inks and you can basically re-ink again with the Blending Tool if you don't like the color bleed, want to add more this/that color Alcohol Ink, re-do, drop solution, until you get the look you want.  You can't go wrong in this step, just sayin' ;-)

10.  Then, apply Ranger Glossy Accents to the INKED side of the fragment and adhere to the fragment.  Your Alcohol Ink colors will spread & bleed to create this aged, worn & timeless fragment.  One of my FAVORITE techniques!!!  (this photo is of my sweet mom & dad back in the days of their "courtin'" as they say in the South aka "dating") :)))

11. I attached with glue dots inside this cubby hole of the box.

12.  Technique #2 - Foil Embossing - This next technique is really fun & reminds you of vintage tin!  Grab up some thin metal sheets.  This one I found on a clearance aisle at a local craft store but Ranger also makes metal sheets that are thin enough to glide through your embossing machine.  I use the Sizzix Big Shot + a choice of embossing template.

13.  "Sandwich" your foil as directed with the diecutting system you use to emboss the foil.  Crank through the machine.

14.  And HOW COOL IS THIS?!!!  You can also jazz it up with some alcohol inks if you like.  I chose to keep it plain.

15.  Here is how I used it in the cubby hole of the box.  Also layered up some printed paper under a fragment, vintage game pieces, rubons applied to a mini Tim Holtz bottle, vintage buttons, and Tim Holtz mini bulbs.  I glued all down with glue dots.  

16.  Technique #3 - Distressing Metal with Paint - I applied white acrylic paint to a metal label holder.  Apply the paint generously & making sure to get into the grooves of the holder.  

17.  You can take a dry towel to wipe away the paint (while it's still wet) but I use a little bit of Alcohol Blending Solution to wipe away the paint a bit more.  Allow to dry. I love this quick distressing technique to really age an otherwise plain label holder.  It's all about getting a bit messy sometimes! :)

 Here are some close ups so far - 

Check back in here on Monday & I'll share up some additional techniques to this projects including:

• Spritzing & distressing with acrylics, Smooch Spritz, Smooch Paint, and Zutter Corrugated Book Board 
• Distressing with Pearl Ex

 along with more close up pics!

If you want the full supply list for the entire project here you go with a list of recommended supplies - 

Simple Stories - Generations - 

• 12x12 Designer Cardstock - Always & Forever #1808, 6x6 Generations assorted pack

Other - 

• Configurations Box - Panorama - 5.75”x10.75” - Tim Holtz #TH92882 (any size will work but this is the size I used in the project)
• Papers - Crafty Chronicle - Donna Salazar Designs
• Canvas Fabric - Prima - Donna Downey
• Alcohol Inks - Ranger - Adirondack (recommended colors:  Raisin, Latte, Meadow)
• Alcohol Blending Solution - Ranger
• Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool - Ranger
• Clear Fragments - Ranger
• Corrugated Board - Zutter - Donna Salazar Designs
• Acrylic Paint - White (recommended brand:  Liquitex)
• Distress Stickles - Ranger (recommended color:  Fired Brick)
• Smooch Paint - Clearsnap (recommended colors:  Lettuce)
• Smooch Spritz - Clearsnap (recommended colors:  Mossy Mist)
• Fairy Dust Glitter - Clearsnap - Donna Salazar Designs (recommended colors:  Pralines & Cream)
• Tissue Tape - Tim Holtz
• Glue Foil - Aluminum (any type of embossing foil will work that is compatible for use with Sizzix Big Shot  or embossing machine, i.e. Ranger also has foil embossing sheets)
• Glossy Accents - Ranger
• Glue Gloss - Clearsnap
• Glue Dots - Glue Dots International (recommended:  Memory Book)
• Glue N’ Seal Multi Medium - Ranger - MATTE Finish (not glossy, this multi-medium will yield a smooth finish - a little goes a long way with this product and not “buckle” your papers or you can use Mod Podge MATTE if you have this in your stash)
• Perfect Pearl Pigments - Ranger (recommended color:  Heirloom Gold)
• Perfect Medium Ink Pad - Ranger (the multi-pack of the Perfect Pearls includes a small medium ink pad as noted here but also Versamark will work as well)
• Small paintbrush (will use with the Perfect Pearls Pigments - the multi-pack of the Perfect Pearls normally includes a couple of brushes noted here)
• Sizzix Big Shot (or compatible machine - i.e. Cuttlebug, etc) that can be used with embossing folders)
• Embossing Folders (recommended brand:  Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades - Regal Flourishes)
• Color Catcher - Clearsnap (we will use this for our misting or you can use an old cardboard box)

Recommended Embellishments:

• Framed Silhouette - Jolee’s Boutique - EK Success #50-20465
• Stamps - Technique Tuesday (recommended:  your choice of quotes/greetings/one-line phrases)
• Ink - Ranger (recommended:  Archival Ink - Jet Black)
• Pearl Strands - Prima
• Ornate Metal Label Holder - Tim Holtz
• Mini Alphabet Glitter Chipboard Letter Stickers
• Flowers (several Prima styles available on www.scrapbook.com)
• Resin Flowers (recommended brand:  Prima)
• Metal Clock & Watch Hands - Tim Holtz
• Sprocket Gears - Tim Holtz
• Metal Number Tab - 7 Gypsies
• Game Spinners - TIm Holtz
• Corked Vials (recommended items:  Tim Holtz or 7 Gypsies)
• Pearls & Bling Baubles - Tim Holtz, Kaisercraft
• Trinket Pins - Jenni Bowlin
• Light Bulbs - Tim Holtz
• Mini Thread Spools (recommended brand:  Maya Road/Jenni Bowlin, you can also find these at your local vintage/thrift)
• Game Pieces (recommended brand:  Tim Holtz/Maya Road; you can also find these possibly at your local vintage/thrift)
• Buttons (or local vintage/thrift)
• Old Lace (local vintage/thrift)
• Sewing Thread 

• Shop your stash! Don't let the supply list overwhelm you :) Think of creative adaptations, especially for the trinkets to decorate the inside of your shadow boxes.  Try scouting out neat objects at your local thrift/vintage shop(s).  Substitution is encouraged! Adapt this supply list to make use of what you already have on hand.

• Support your local scrapbook store! If you need to go shopping, take this printed list with you (after you’ve crossed off or marked everything you already have at home, of course).

• If you prefer the convenience of shopping online, check out www.scrapbook.com.

See you back Monday for more on this project!

Comments

[Ally]

Wow!

[TanishaRenee]

This is such a beautiful project! Love all of the little details!

[Heidi Mireles]

Love your shadow box. Very nice.

[Lynn Darda]

gorgeous! love how you used the clear "fragments" and the embossed tin, perfect for the vintage vibe. tfs

[Barbara Staradumsky]

I agree with Ally, Wow!

[emily pitts]

gorgeous project wendy!

[Bev Code]

OMG .. this is amazing, stunning and so beautiful.... so inspiring