Altered Clipboard- Utility Board with Best Wishes

Hello everyone...Happy New Year to all the readers. Hope all are crafting great !!!! 
Today, I have an altered project to share with you all. The creation is my Design Team post for for Itsy Bitsy 
I have altered a wooden clipboard , to create a utility board with loads of good wishes to everyone for 2020 !!!

Let's get started with a step wise tutorial. For this creation, I have used the new 12 x 12 inch paper pack -Sunshine & Lemonade. This paper pack from Itsy Bitsy has lovely pastel shade papers with great designs. 

First step was to cover the wooden clipboard with chalk paint Teal Tango, love the colour !! As you can see in the picture below, the clipboard has provision to be hanged on the wall. So decided to alter it to a wall hung, utility board.

Once the chalk paint dried, next step was to decoupage a sheet from the Sunshine & Lemonade paper pack. Have done so using Little Birdie's Decomagic Decoupage Glue matte. 

Have decoupaged, leaving some border and gaps as seen above. This created a beautiful background for further work. Have sealed the paper with decomagic decoupage glue to prevent it from yellowing over the period of time.
To add further interest to the background, I decided to stencil some doily patterns. Did so using 2 in 1 modelling paste, slate colour and stencil Doily Dou.

Once the paste dried, added some wishes...Stamping wonderful wishes for all the readers !!!!

Have used one of the new released clear  stamp -Wonderful Wishes, with black  archival ink to do so. Randomly stamped on the board as seen in the picture above.
Now is the time to add utility to the board ....have adhered a piece of laced burlap roll, with silicon glue. While doing so, have left a gap to hold a pen. Have a look.

Next, prepared some tags- one using 2020 calendar printout  and another is a ready tag from the paper pack. Decided to make a pocket, to hold these tags. To do so, have cut a small paper piece from the cover page of paper pack.  Also fussy cut some elements from the pack.

Here's a picture of the clipboard with pocket and tags.

Added a layer of chipboard Chevron between the background on the clipboard and the tags as seen below.

Calendar tag is very useful for planning. Similarly To- do- list or Notes tag can also be inserted in the pocket, to help organizing. All these make the board a great utility wall piece, to enhance productivity. Have also added a wooden peg to pin a message.

For now, have hanged a mini bag, that carries just a little something...How cute is this bag embellishment from the store !!!
Now is the time to embellish. Itsy Bitsy has wide range of party supplies. Confetti Cubes pack  from the party supply section is very interesting. The pack has paper cubes of lovely pastel shades and each cube has a wonderful wish written on it !!!

Have a look at how, I have adhered the cubes to give a dimensional effect. Have adhered with silicon glue. Silicon glue works best to adhere all kinds  of materials like paper, metal, fabric, beads etc in a jiffy !!!

The Confetti Cubes are open able, this allows to add further interesting details.

Wishes are incomplete without flower bouquets. So added some mini moonlight flower bouquets in the confetti cubes !!!

Also have hung, couple of confetti cubes from the clip of the board. Covered the steel clip with pink polka dot tape and twine from my stash.

Finally adhered a burlap border at the bottom of board. Added some chipboard shapes (thriving thistle), mini flowers and some stitched lines with black permanent marker.

Check out the  hanger chipboard that says- 'HELLO' to everyone in the close up pic below-

Here's the final look of the  Clipboard after complete alteration, with all utility elements. A beautiful wall décor piece, that makes a unique gift as well !!!

Another look …..with the tags off the pocket. Love the  adorable toucan pen topper !!!

Some close ups- 

Unique shelf effect created with Confetti Cubes !!!!

So here's the Wishing Board with all my heartfelt wishes to all the readers. Sending you all loads of love, hugs, smiles, happiness, success and best wishes. Thank you so much for always showering so much love, support and appreciation. It truly means a lot to me !!!
I enjoyed altering the clipboard and adding utility to it. Hope you liked my creation too.

Create, Express, Enjoy !!!

Happy Crafting !!!

Vaishali Khandwala.

Kindly check the link here for list of materials

All that you need to know about Fabric Decoupage

Hello everyone. Hope all are doing great !!!
Blogging after a long time and it feels great to be in the blog space....I completely enjoy writing them.

This post is about Itsy Bitsy's recently launched and the most awaited product - DECOMAGIC FABRIC DECOUPAGE GLUE. I am sure this review post will help many crafters who are keen to explore Fabric Decoupage.
As you can see in the image below the Itsy Bitsy's  Decomagic Fabric Decoupage Glue, like all other products from the store is manufactured by Itsy Bitsy's home brand Little Birdie. The product comes with QR code. When one scans the code, it provides a link. Follow the link to see the video that shows ways of using the product. This is a very useful feature that all Little Birdie products carry. 

Let's start with knowing the uses of the product.

USES OF FABRIC DECOUPAGE GLUE- 
As the name suggest the product is used in Decoupage art to create projects involving fabric.

1. The fabric decoupage glue is used to adhere decoupage napkins and decoupage papers on any fabric surface.
2. The glue is used to adhere different types of fabric on various surfaces like wood, glass, metal, clay, chip boards, plastic, etc
3. The glue is interestingly used to adhere fabric on fabric, where the two fabrics may be same or different. 
4. The glue can also be used to decoupage on leather and rexin surfaces.

Considering the above uses of the fabric decoupage glue one can decoupage to create various handmade products like tote bags, cushion covers, place mats, lampshades, pouches, banners etc. You can also give a personaised touch to wearables like canvas shoes, t- shirts, denims etc.

One can also up cycle old handbags, alter diaries, add fabric to homedecor products like trays, coasters, boxes, clocks, frames etc.

FABRIC COASTERS

FAUX LEATHER PASSPORT COVER

FABRIC CLOCK

FABRIC TOTE BAG

There are many creative options!!!!

Let's get on to knowing the important features of the Decomagic Fabric Decoupage glue, that will help you use the glue.

CONSISTENCY OF THE GLUE-

The Little Birdie Decomagic Fabric Decoupage glue has perfect consistency and smooth flow.

The regular all surface decoupage glue has flowy consistency whereas the fabric glue has gel like, creamy consistency. Advantage of this type of consistency is that one can press the paper well with ease at the time of adhering. As a result thin papers like decoupage napkins sit well into the texture of fabric surface, on which they are being decoupaged. Have a look.

The paper sits so well that it looks almost like a part of fabric, like printed on the fabric. This feature is enhanced when the base surface is of fabric with texture or when working on canvas or burlap.

Next the Decomagic fabric glue is very creamy. This gives a very smooth flow, when it is applied as a top coat.

STRONG ADHERING PROPERTY-

The Decomagic fabric decoupage glue has very good sticking property. This enables to adhere thick fabrics and also fabrics with heavy texture and weaves with ease.

Here in the picture below, I have altered a notebook cover using thick, curtain fabric. The fabric stuck in a jiffy with glue.

STIFFENING PROPERTY OF THE GLUE-

The Decomagic fabric decoupage glue has mild stiffening property. This is a very important feature when it comes to cutting the fabric without fraying.

Sharing two examples here to explain the above-

1. FABRIC COASTERS- To make fabric coasters, cut a piece of fabric of your choice. Always cut the fabric a little bigger than the size of the wooden piece to be used as base for coaster. Now adhere the cut fabric piece to the wooden circular piece, using fabric decoupage glue. Leave overhangs as seen in the picture below. (picture shows backside of coaster after adhering the fabric).

Now apply fabric decoupage glue on the overhanging fabric. This will stiffen the fabric and as a result you will be able to cut off the excess fabric with scissors without fraying. Also you can sand off the overhangs with medium density sand paper easily without the fabric fraying.

This method gives a wonderful neat finish and the stiffened overhangs makes it easy to achieve the desired result.

Have given a golden acrylic paint edge to the cotton fabric coaster. Also stamped couple of butterflies with black archival ink for interest.

Coming to the second example-

2. ADHERING A FUSSY CUT PIECE OF FABRIC-

Here I had a very thin fabric piece with beautiful flowers. Its very difficult to fussy cut (meaning cut as per exact shape), such a thin fabric. So, first I applied decomagic fabric decoupage glue on small area of the fabric (area from which I wanted to cut flowers) Apply glue on back side of fabric.

As a result of applying glue, the fabric stiffened, making it easy to cut shapes from it.  This is a great way to create fabric embellishments also !!!

Having cut the flower shapes from the fabric, I adhered them to a fabric pouch, again using the fabric decoupage glue. Have a look.

I love adhering fabric on fabric using this glue. The result is unique. Have also done some stamping to complete the pouch.

Coming to the most important feature of the Decomagic Fabric Decoupage Glue- 

SEALING PROPERTY- 

The glue also works as a  sealer meaning it is applied as top coat to seal the adhered piece of paper or fabric. As a result the paper or fabric does not yellow over the period of time.

As a  last step, the glue can be applied all over the creation to seal the product and to make it washable. You do not need any additional extra varnish. The Decomagic Fabric Decoupage Glue creates the required protective layer. Apply two coats, covering the entire surface (including the areas where there is any stamping, stenciling or colour blending also ).

Wash the product only once the applied top, final layer of glue dries completely. Drying time may be more in humid weather. The surface should feel completely dry to touch and not tacky.

Avoid machine wash. Hand wash in cold water is recommended.

SOFTNESS RETAINED-

As mentioned earlier, the glue mildly stiffens the fabric. However, that does not add any unwanted hardness to the product. The fabric products made using the Decomagic Fabric Decoupage Glue retain their fabric feel to a very large extent, even after the entire decoupage work and sealing is done.

Having shared the key features of the product, here's a quick step wise procedure of making a decoupaged fabric pouch-

Material required-

Fabric pouch, decoupage napkins, decomagic fabric decoupage glue, chalk paints, stencils, stencil brush, stamps, archival ink.

Above is the picture of three main materials to be used.

Procedure-

1. As the pouch is cream, there is no need to apply any base colour to it. In case of using a darker colour pouch, apply a layer of cream or white chalk paint. This needs to be done if you plan to decoupage it with napkin. As all napkins look good on lighter base.

2. Decide on composition and cut pieces from the napkin.

3. The napkins are 2 ply or 3 ply and what you will need is only the top printed layer. So separate the white plain layers, once the napkin is cut into desired parts.

4. Adhere the top printed layer of cut napkin pieces to the fabric pouch, using Decomagic fabric decoupage glue. Apply the glue with synthetic hair, flat brush. Do not apply too much glue. Use optimal quantity of glue and adhere one piece at a time. Press the napkin well, light handed.  The gel like consistency of the fabric glue will help you adhere the napkin well into the texture of the fabric pouch.

5. Apply a top coat of fabric glue over the adhered napkin pieces after about 15- 20 mins.The fabric glue dries clear. The top coat will make the napkin archival and prevent it from yellowing.

6. Now is the time to work on the background. Have done stenciling using chalk paints, to create oneness.

Have used stone and geometric patterned stencil. Use stencil brush for good stenciling effect. Have used the chalk paint colours that match the adhered napkin. Have further stenciled a circular pattern as well with pink chalk paint.

7. The final look of the pouch after stamping. Have used Ranger black archival ink and clear acrylic stamps to do so. Have also defined the stone stenciling at the base of pouch with black permanent marker.

8. The last step is to seal the entire surface of pouch with Decomagic Fabric Decoupage Glue, to make it washable. Follow the tips already mentioned earlier, for washing.

The pouch is ready for use. Hope you liked the creation and find the post informative. Looking forward to your amazing creations.

Happy Crating

Create, Express, Enjoy !!!

Vaishali Khandwala


All materials used for the projects are from Itsy Bitsy store. The post is my design team post for Itsy Bitsy. You can check the blog link here for the list of materials used,

INLAY WITH PEARL DROPS - DECOR PANELS

Hello friends. Hope all are crafting great.

In my post today, I have two decor panels using Little Birdie(Itsy Bitsy )Pearl Drops, in two different ways. The panels make beautiful gifts for special occasions. Have a look!

I have used plain  MDF panels of size 8 x 6 inches as my base. A size that’s good to hang and display on an easel as well. You can use canvas too, instead of MDF. 

I have a stepwise tutorial of both the panels  here

Some close ups of Love panel-

The perching bird on the base of sisal fiber, wooden peg to clip a message, twisted rope work and beautiful Pearl Drops, completed this panel. 

Having done the rope and twine work, it was time to use the wonderful Pearl Drops. I have added the drops at the joints of criss-cross lines. The colour which I chose for this was- Gray Sky. The pearl Drops work as fantastic embellishments. They added so much depth and uniqueness to the panel !!!

Close ups of Inlay Panel -

To do the inlay work, I have used the Pearl Drops. Filled the gaps, created by the chipboard shape, with 4 colours of Pearl Drops. The effect was very unique. 

The beautiful, greenish  stone effect, created with Stone Texture Paste Apple Mint was further highlighted with golden metallic paint.

Final look of each panel -

Love Panel with multi colour stenciling, stone texture paste, decoupage and pearl drops. 

Panel with Inlay pattern and chipboard jali

Hope you liked the decor panels.

Happy Crafting.

Create, Express, Enjoy !!!

Aqua Medley with Metallic Waxes- Coordinated Table Decor with Mix Media and Decoupage techniques

Hello friends...Hope all are crafting great !!

Sharing today my Desin Team post for Itsy Bitsy. It is also my inspirational post for their current month's Blog Challenge, where you can make -'Anything with the brand's newly launched Metallic Waxes'. I completely enjoyed using them and have crafted a coordinated set of tissue box and cutlery stand. This table decor  involves both mixed media and decoupage techniques, giving it a dual look. Do read till the end to see  different, interesting views of the creation.

About metallic waxes- The metallic waxes, available in awesome colours are used for adding shine and rich, metallic finish to various surfaces like wood, paper, clay, glass, fabric etc. They work great when you need to highlight textures. You can add a touch of colour with them as well, using a soft brush.  They create a water resistant surface after drying.

Using waxes obviously meant creating textures. Itsy Bisty has a wide range of mixed media supplies. So many choices to create amazing textures and this is overwhelming. Finally I decided to work with another wonderful product....a product that is not explored much - Fabric Stiffener. I love this product from the store and have used it in the past, in my decoupage projects as well. This time, have used it to create texture and add dimension to the plain wooden bases. To know how follow the link here. 

Closer view of the texture created with the fabric stiffener

The mix media side of tissue box - 

The decoupage side with grooved effect- 

The decoupaged and the mix media sides compliment each other perfectly. 

The teal and antique gold is a rich and elegant combination. 

The fall of fabric from one side to another, creating a beautiful texture.

It's school  holidays here and my daughter also got excited to use the waxes, observing me.  So decided to make a coordinated cutlery holder with the tissue box. Both would make a great table decor and the idea brought in so much happiness to my daughter.

The procedure for the cutlery holder is same as the tissue box. Have given it a dual look as well with mix media and decoupage. Here it is - 

The mix media side- my daughter enjoyed working with waxes. She coloured most of this !!!

The decoupage side- 

Grooved decoupage with design continuity- 

And this is how the coordinated set looks together- 

They enhance the table space and am so happy to have created utility products, that I always intend to.

Hope you like my creations with dual look and techniques and of course the metallic waxes. 


Happy Crafting,

Create, Express, Enjoy !!!

Vaishali Khandwala.