Gypsies Journal

facebook friday: nicolle kramer

2012-03-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Nicolle Kramer

your fetch layout is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

facebook friday: Oto Tusia

2012-02-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Oto Tusia

your solo tray is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

guest post: Connie Fong!

2012-02-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Library Drawer Turned Shadow Box

- Connie Fong

A couple years ago, I found the posts for Deb and Paula’s Junk Drawer Advent Calendar, and I was hooked! Deb and Paula are designers for 7gypsies and I’ve been following their blog (http://www.2gypsygirls.com/) ever since. I've been inspired by their many creative ideas.

So fast forward to last month when Deb asked me to create a project for the 7gypsies booth at CHA. I was full of emotions: happy, excited, nervous and scared. How fun it would be to receive a box full of 7gypsies product; but how nervous I was to create a project for them that would live up to their standards.

My assignment was to make a shadow box from the library drawer. I felt that was doable and allowed me to focus in one area.

I have to share with you how I started the project. I layed out and sorted all the product on my kitchen table. I stared at it all day and then went to bed, not doing anything with the supplies yet, but just allowing the ideas to crystallize in my head. In the middle of the night the ideas came to me and I got up and sketched this.

The sketch got me going and the next day I put it all together. It’s so much fun to be able to take an item and try to use it in a unique way, such as using the rulers as my dividers.

Here's some close up shots. One of my favorite items are the apothecary bottles.

I was happy with how it came out and hoped they were, too. (we were SO happy!)

Visit Connie's blog for more fun! http://artfulplay.blogspot.com/

facebook friday: irit shalom

2012-02-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Irit Shalom

your mini travel album is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #6

2012-02-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Our final peek at the new 7gypsies products is showcasing some of the new surfaces for artists of all types to create with.

Many of you may have heard of "tryptichs" these often have religious association and are often seen in renaissance art. Really, the term tryptich is used to describe a 3 panel work of art.

We were quite inspired by the works of tryptich art that we've seen in our travels and are now starting to see many mixed media artist using gravitating towards these as new art forms.

We developed a tryptich house kit. There are 3 house shaped panels in our kit along with all of the pieces that are diecut from the window panes. These little extras are great for creating layers or even transforming the openings into shadowboxes.

We also created an arc version of the tryptich kit.

This clever gypsy artist chose to use the kit as a cover for an art journal. There are so many fun ways to transform these kits~ create a 3 panel project, use the shapes as pages in a book or even stack them on each other for a layered effect.

Another fun kit made from sturdy bookboard is the new banner kit. We've all seen how popular banners are for home decor, parties and more. This a slightly larger version of a banner and here's a little gypsy tip: if you need more shapes that the 6 included in the kit, you can use the pieces as tracing templates to create more banner shapes from paper, fabric, bookboard, metal~ whatever suits you!

This limited release collections binder is a mixed media artists' dream. Because both the cover and all 10 pages are made from thick bookboard, you can paint, mist, staple, sew and collage to your hearts content and the pages won't warp.

A few last additions to the new release include 2 brand new tickets. Our tickets are HOT! We pulled some of our favorite vintage designs to create the vintage tickets and the journal tickets are a slightly larger version with plenty of space to add your own thoughts. Don't forget to layer them into our ticket holder along with photos and other findings for a unique desk display.

And finally~ one last set of metals. These mini vintage clips are so DARN cute we can't stop using them on everything! Think banners, papers, clipping a photo to a page, wall displays, magnet boards and much much more.

We hope you've enjoyed a little peek at our latest collections from the journey!

xoxo, the gypsies

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #5

2012-02-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

New SHADOWBOXES!

Many of you have already fallen in love with our vintage inspired wood display trays. Well, we have too and just had to give you a couple of new ones to create with!

These basic shadowboxes are done right~ with an added distressing and just the right thickness and depth. They become gorgeous showpieces for your precious belongings and latest creations.

We offer a 12x12 version in black.

and the 8x8 version in a natural wood.

The 8x8 shadowbox also has accompanying inserts in both round and square. Simply slip the inserts into the shadowbox and fill with your latest findings. Or perhaps create a project using the insert like one of our talented gypsy artists shown below!

We'd LOVE to send 2 lucky gypsies a shadowbox of their own.

Simply comment on your FAVORITE new product from the CHA release and you'll be entered to win.

good luck gypsies!

facebook friday: einat kessler

2012-02-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Einat Kessler

your family tray is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #4

2012-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

a few more goodies to share from our latest CHA winter release!

we've gotten LOTS of requests for more metal embellishments so we just had to pull together 2 new sets. The gypsy frames and tiny flea market findings.

And a new set of journal pages~ we incorporated some of our favorite elements from Trousseau into a 2 sided set of journal pages. These fit perfectly inside all of our small vintage book covers AND the new small vintage frame cover shown on the left.

Look at this gorgeous mixed media tray using our collage tissues and the new Trousseau journal pages!

More of the Vintage Frame Covers in a larger size~ these were designed to allow for binding along the top. You can see how cool they look with a vintage photo tucked inside the opening on the front cover.

Once you've complete a new journal with the frame covers you can display it in our new Vintage Book Stand. It's designed to hold a book, 5x7 photo or even a cleverly crafted sign... we were inspired by the vintage sign holders we've seen at flea markets and this stand was a HUGE hit at CHA!

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #3

2012-02-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

We apologize for the delay in our posts - we had such a great and busy time at the CHA Winter trade show....

we know you've been patiently waiting to see more and here you go gypsies!

introducing the Trousseau collection

a few of the inspiration boards for our newest collection

lots of soft colors and textured surfaces

mixed patterns, photos, found book pages and fine laces

vintage patterns and papers

hand tinted and sepia photos~ many came from our own personal archives!

we flipped when we found trousseau in the dictionary~ we couldn't think of a better name for this collection. do you agree?

Lots of fun patterns, drawings and vintage photos on the front of these designs, with classic vintage patterns on the back

you can really see how the soft tones and color blend together in these 2 designs. and we LOVE the strawberry on the top of the "always" paper

Love love love the vintage photos covering the back of "grace"~ lots of fun images to work with in your mixed media designs.

all papers are available in 8x8 and the ever so popular 6x6 designs

coordinating clear stamp (the strawberry!)

and paper tapes.

collection and alphabet stickers

DARLING printed scalloped tags

and naked versions as well for stamping and altering

these are simply delicious little envelopes to tuck the scalloped tags inside or your own mini masterpieces inside of

and finally ANOTHER Tattered Angels paint system, custom formulated just for the 7gypsies Trousseau collection...

old pages glam, mercury glass glaze, silk glimmer mist and sterling glimmer mist.

Check back Thursday for more fun new release items!!

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #2

2012-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

The journey through the postale collection continues... we have SO many new products that are part of this collection!!

A fun new clear stamp along with 3 new papertape designs. Now if you haven't tried our papertape yet, you MUST. It is NOT washi tape, it is paper tape~ it actually works like tape AND looks great too!

And 2 new stickers~ a classic black alphabet and a MUST have collection sticker.

These "tags" also double as cute journaling cards and inserts for the new tag envelopes! SO darn cute in a 2.5"x 2.5" size. (you'll want to wallpaper your craft room with these when you see them)

These envelopes are made to fit the new tag inserts and are CUTE (we just can't say it enough)

What is also FABULOUS about these new envelopes and inserts is that they fit perfectly in our mini library drawer and the artist printers tray!

Here's a beautiful project showing the mini library drawer stuffed with the new postale inserts & envelopes.

Next up are the index inserts. These are made to fit our the new index envelopes (below) These are a great size for journaling and cards.

We also just had to throw in a naked version of the index cards~ create your own design by stamping, inking, collaging and journaling on these! AND they have a scalloped edge!

The index envelopes are designed to fit the index inserts. At 6"x5" they'll also hold photos and fit perfectly in our Librarie Drawer!

And since we've got lots of fun new goodies to fit the librarie drawer, we figured that every gypsy needed a new set of Librarie Drawer tabs to complete a fun librarie drawer project. Check out the project below!

And.....

New 7gypsies/ Tattered Angles Paint system!!

We were so excited to get to formulate and design our own custom 7gypsies paint system with Tattered Angels. It coordinates with the Postale collection and has a bit of everything~ glam, glaze, glimmer mist & chalkboard mist!!

Are you excited to play with these???

Check back Tuesday for a look at the new Trousseau collection!!

from our workshop: cha winter sneak peek #1

2012-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

We are packed up and headed to CHA and excited to share the new release with gypsies at the show!

Be sure to check our facebook for pictures and updates from the show floor.

While we're traveling we've got the blog setup to share our new release with all of you that won't be attending the show. Enjoy!

Our newest collection is called Postale.

It is a 12 paper collection, yes 12 fantastic postale papers to choose from!!

Here's a quick look at some of our collection inspiration boards.

We drew inspiration for this new collection from all things postal~ stripes, colors and more. We not only loved that it allowed us to bring in elements of this new trend, but that the collection speaks to the written letter and its journey from sender to a far off destination.

We also LOVE the strong clean look of typography and the design elements associated with letterpress and felt that this would also work well with the postal theme.

Vintage signs, arrows, the swiss cross and the textures of worn paint and metal were also part of our inspiration for the paper designs.

You'll see that what transpired in our designs was 6 postale papers with fabulous, rich color layered under crisp whites for an authentic vintage look. But because we know every gypsy loves the antiqued look we also created 6 designs with an antiqued finish and call those Antiquaries Postale....

POSTALE

ANTIQUARIES POSTALE

The paper collection is also available in 6x6 and 8x8 paper packs. You'll get 4 of each design in these scaled down versions of the 12x12 papers. Perfect for ATC, Cardmaking and mini albums!

POST a comment and let us know what you think of the new paper line!! You never know when we just MIGHT giveaway a set to our most enthusiastic gypsy.

Check back Sunday for a look at all the fun Postale collection products that coordinate with our papers and hear more about the inspiration behind the design!

contests & giveaways: winners & sneak peek!!

2012-01-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

we were SO excited to see all the comments all of our fellow gypsies posted!!

we think you will all be very pleased with our new release...

the comments were too wonderful, too fun and it was too difficult to choose the winners - so we just HAD to randomly picked our four winners!

congratulations to the following FOUR lucky gypsies!

Deb Neerman - West Palm Beach

Diddy Jones - North Carolina

Mrs. Cherry Heart - Michigan

Leah - Texas

(email us at info@sevengypsies.com with your shipping address)

what's that gypsies?? your sitting on the edge of your chair waiting to see the new 7gypsies release? well....you won't have to wait much longer - stay tuned to the Gypsy Journal for the next two weeks to see all the fabulous gypsy junk that has been created in our workshop for CHA Winter!

here's a little preview at what our amazing design team came up with using our new products!!

contests & giveaways: spread the love!!

2012-01-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

we are doing some spring cleaning and getting our workshop ready for our new CHA release items coming in!

it was so exciting to go through our older products, it felt like we were taking a journey through the 7gypsies product lifetime.

we found some of our old favorites and decided it was the perfect time to give something away....

here's the trick, we want to hear from YOU!

what would you like to see from the 7gypsies designers next?

comment below and we will pick FOUR winners from your comments to receive one of these fun bundles full of some real 7gypsies classics.

facebook friday: julie wolek

2012-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Julie Wolek

your dreams canvas is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

news & events: check this out!

2012-01-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

we are SO proud of our design team here at 7gypsies...

and not only for the wonderful projects they create for us,

but for all the fabulous things they create outside of 7gypsies....

take a look below, these are just the most recents ones we've seen,

but three of our wonderful gypsies have been published in Creating Keepsakes magazines!

this was Janelle's, published in the Jan/Feb 2012

Mou's layout was published in the Scrapbooking for Every Season special issue by Creating Keepsakes

Ranjini's layout was published in the Scrapbooking for Every Season special issue by Creating Keepsakes

Creating Keepsakes is a fabulous magazine - a must have!

you will have to purchase the whole magazine for more details on these lovely projects!

projects & inspiration: creations of 2011!

2012-01-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

we LOVE when our fellow gypsies post their projects on our Facebook page or tag us in their images!

to say thank you to all our creative gypsies out there, we are dedicating this post to all of you and sharing a sample of the creations that were shared with us in 2011....

enjoy and please remember to continue sending us your beautiful projects.

facebook friday: jamie dougherty

2012-01-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Jamie Dougherty

your mixed media canvas is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

spotted & hearted: stationery & envelopes

2012-01-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

our gypsy caravan has been busy traveling and we just had to share some of the fabulous stationery sets, envelopes and notepads we are seeing everywhere we go!

these days with technology, it's sometimes hard to see why we would need paper and pencils, but sometimes, picking up that old ink pen, writing a little love note, thank you, congratulations or a simple hello, is just what's needed to make someone's day just a bit more special.

how about the simple monogram sets or the use of photos and paper to create a vintage polaroid look? very gypsy...

know someone that loves to write sweet nothings (or wish wrote more sweet nothings) or likes create homemade cards?
this sectioned wood trinket box is a perfect match for a complete stationery set.

take a peek at the tiny envelopes, packages and notes? such a cute little creation!

place a simple note on the front, vintage style wedding invitations wrapped in string or a little set with all the necessaries.

what gypsy doesn't love a 1920's-monopoly man-makes-me-giggle mustache?

how about grabbing some of our Global collection papers and creating your own map paper envelopes?

burlap envelopes? we think those are pretty spectacular....

from the studio of: ranjini malhotra

2012-01-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

ranjini created this gorgeous winter display with our classic atc & photo display....

we love the way that she has incorporated pieces of nature into this project...

how adorable are those little birds nests with the tiny blue eggs? swoooon

frosting the tips of these acorn ornaments gives this such a winter wonderland feeling

our princesca dangles create a lovely icicle look when combined with all the blue and silver in this project!

we are so tickled that we can always count on ranjini to create these one of a kind, gorgeous, vintage style projects!

facebook friday: denise van deventer

2012-01-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Denise Van Deventer

your CELEBRATE YOURSELF layout is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

this month: january

2012-01-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

beauty surrounds us...

"birds have wings; they're free; they can fly where they want when they want. they have the kind of mobility many people envy." ~ roger tory peterson

our january picks: 1. mini ephemera - vintage 2. 6x6 conservatory paper pack 3. conservatory clear stamp 4. 12x12 conservatory papers 5. natural history rubbings 6. nature charms 7. conservatory 97% complete tags 8. ticket holder 9. conservatory alpha & numbers chip

Don't forget to join us or become a follower of our blog to stay current on all things gypsy.

happy holidays and our Christmas card winner!

2011-12-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

we had so many great cards show up at the workshop from our gypsies!

it was soooo hard to pick one winner - but we finally chose someone......

congratulations to Rhea Skomorowski,

you are the winner of our Christmas card contest!

click HERE to send us your shipping information and we will be sending you a box

full of all kinds of gypsy goodies from our workshop.

Thank you to everyone who submitted your cards - they were all truly wonderful!

facebook friday: alice dabush

2011-12-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Alice Dabush

your MIRACLES tray is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

projects & inspiration: paula cheney

2011-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

we received this unexpected surprise from gypsy Paula Cheney and just had to share it with you.

remember the atc & photo display?

paula took this gypsy classic to a whole new level....

see for yourself!

you can hop on over to her blog

she has been posting all kinds of holiday delights that any gypsy will NOT want to miss out!

from the studio of: vanessa spencer of stampington & co.

2011-12-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

we are so excited to share some gorgeous 7gypsies projects created by Vanessa Spencer of Stampington and Company.

click the links below each project for product details, a fun little explanation and more photos!

creative ephemera storage

daily calendar journal

monthly ephemera drawer

parisian notebooks

printers tray storage inspiration

facebook friday: Zuzu's Petals Altered Art 'n' Stuff

2011-12-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Zuzu's Petals Art 'n' Stuff

your GORGEOUS map project is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

spotted & hearted: Pinterest holiday recipes!

2011-12-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

we loooooove Pinterest.....

we can't live without yummy treats......

what happens when you put those together?

THIS!

this gypsies, is called "cuppa good cheer"

find the recipe HERE along with many more holiday sippers!

peppermint-brownie-trifle - say no more! this looks like heaven in a jar to us....

want to try it out? recipe is from the Dashing Dish blog!

these are totally adorable-Christmas morning (or anytime of the day really...and any time of the year) treats! you can find the full recipe Free-N-Fun Christmas

i just love all the Christmas-holiday-time smells! fresh pine needles, cinnamon sticks, sugar cookies baking in the oven....click HERE to find out how to get your whole house smelling fantistically holiday-ish!

how adorable is this Santa cheese ball? this website has SO many cute holiday appetizer, cookie, cakes and meal recipes that are all going to make you smile a LOT!

diy: paula's christmas tags!

2011-12-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

what you need: 7gypsies tissue paper, CLEAR silicon caulk (can get at Target for around $3), paper for background of tag
one. cut out the image on the tissue paper you want, leaving about 1/4" around the edges - does not need to be precise - and set aside

two. place silicone on the paper you chose for the tag background and smooth out again - set aside to dry

three. place a small amount of the silicone on the backside of your cutout

four. smooth out using an old credit card
five. place the cutout on top of the background paper and smooth out
six. cutout, punch hole, add ribbon and you have a tag!

for more detailed instructions (or just for some really crafty fun!)-

check out Paula's blog by clicking HERE! she has some realllly GREAT stuff gypsies!

gypsy life: holiday decor - candles, envelopes

2011-12-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

have you seen the Pottery Barn candles? well we absolutely love them and as we've discovered, so does our gypsy Vicki!

she created such a wonderful decor item using the 7gypsies life tissue paper and some cream colored candles! so simple...and probably 1/4 the price of the Pottery Barn ones!

we adore the way she dipped the bottom of the candles in epsom salt - it looks like snow!

such a cute ensemble wrapped up in a gorgeous ribbon, some fake holly, gypsy hardware and the JOY tag!

how perfect is this for a table centerpiece, sitting on a side table in a hallway or entryway or in a bathroom?! swooooon....

paula created this perfect little envelope to hold gift cards!

and this even larger envelope to hold a christmas card!

click HERE to see her tutorial on how she made these fabulous envelopes!

facebook friday: stepheney fenton

2011-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Stepheney Fenton

your crafty ticket holder is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

gypsy life: holiday decor - tags!

2011-12-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

after you spend so much of your time thinking and contemplating the perfect gift for all those special people in your lives and then finally wrapping those presents, you think, "how will people know who it's for?"

why not create a fabulous tag like our gypsies Mou and Paula did?

mou always does such a great job mixing in all sorts of fun elements into her projects, and this time is no different....

starting with our gorgeous gypsy tags, mou began adding pieces, layer by layer, to create these beautiful-one-of-a-kind gift tags!

look how she used a frame from our frames collage tissue and the Christmas stamp to add fun holiday statements!

paula created these vintage tags using our frames and silhouettes collage tissue!

adding some pieces from old song books behind to create such beautiful dimension..

want to know how she cut the images out so precisely? check out her blog for a how to!

we will be sharing holiday decor ideas all week gypsies!!

don't miss out on all the fun we are having here in the gypsy workshop

holiday decor: wrapping!

2011-12-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

there are so many fun ways to wrap presents during the holidays...

sometimes, okay well we actually think always - it's just more fun to get creative then spend all your money on expensive, pre-printed wrapping paper....

our gypsy Ann came up with some amazing wrapping ideas...take a peek.

how cute is the chipboard letter used as a tag on this present?

and don't forget the Christmas papertape to keep those little ones from peeking early!

the combination of the 7gypsies Paris tissue with the doily create a gorgeous holiday gift wrapping

using our Life tissue paper, Gypsy tags and Lille papertape with the perfect addition of pink ribbon and bells - Ann created a true Christmas morning treat - but you can't eat this one gypsies!!

simple, easy, beautiful...

gypsy Ranjini wrapped this gift with kraft paper and the Lille papers...

with the addition of the gypsy hardware kit, this will look absolutely gorgeous sitting under any tree this season.

this adorable little package incorporates our gorgeous conservatory collection with the gypsy hardware...

who wouldn't LOVE receiving this adorable gift? we love the way she attached the bottles to the outside to give it that special gypsy touch...

what will you be wrapping your gifts in this year gypsies?

stay tuned for more holiday decor this week!

gypsy life: office holiday decorations!

2011-12-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

decorating for Christmas has been a really fun time here in the gypsy workshop.

using plenty of gypsy goodies, along with some other trinkets we had laying around, we feel we did a pretty darn good job....take a look....

using our 12 days of Christmas tag kit and some ruby dangles, we hung this adorable garland up in our front window for all the passerby's to see...

we love this little display - an old mirror with speckle spray paint, bottles coated in white spray paint and epsom salt and stuffed with glitter sticks, two thrift store candles, "JOY" cutout of book board and covered in Savannah flocked paper - perfect little holiday display!

don't you love these styrofoam tree's? super easy to make and perfect for an anywhere-in-the-house and must-be-seen-by-all holiday display!

we attached these paper flowers to our window shade!

one of our gypsies created these using paper and our gears for the flower center

do you remember our DIY on the ruler stars?

if you missed it, click HERE to see how to make these adorable holiday decorations....

our tree is one decor item us gypsies are pretty proud of...we covered some clear plastic ornaments with our tissue paper (inspired by Ellen Hutson - click HERE for tutorial) and rubbings, created a paper chain with scalloped and glittered edges, some princesca dangles and our gypsy Christmas banner!

does it get any better than this?!

stay tuned to the Gypsy Journal Blog all next week for more holiday decor inspiration from the 7gypsies design team!

this month: december

2011-12-01T08:58:00.001-08:00

merry christmas...

"our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

our december picks: 1. nouveau book cover 2. 12x12 barcelona paper-catalonia 3. square hooks - antique silver 4. princesca hardware 5. color rubbings-tickets 6. 12 days of christmas tag kit 7. calendar tickets 8. 12x12 barcelona paper-terrassa 9. christmas papertape 10. display trim corners-antique brass 11. pearl binding rings

december in the pages of the gypsy journal:

gypsy holiday decor
christmas card storage

Don't forget to join us or become a follower of our blog to stay current on all things gypsy.

gypsy tip: christmas card storage & giveaway!

2011-11-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

holiday cards are always such a fun part of the Christmas season!

gypsies everywhere get beautifully creative with the pictures they put on the card, cute little blurbs about their family achievements for the year and sometimes a silly photo or saying to get their friends and family to smile.

one problem we've come across in the gypsy workshop is how to store and display them.

most of us run out of magnets on our fridge, counter space or cupboard space to display them, and there are those of us who just don't know what to do with these beautiful cards!

boy have we got some solutions for you gypsies...

how adorable do these cards look displayed in our large receipt holder?

you can see little pieces of all of them and stacking them makes for a colorful display!

how about using our amazing vintage ticket holder?

this is perfect for a table centerpiece or displayed in the living room on a coffee table....

we just LOVE how the cards look displayed inside our library drawer....

how about switching out which card is in the front each day of the month -

or even a couple times a day so that everyone gets some front row action!

and last but not least....the fantastic atc & photo display!

you can turn each level to see all the cards and adjust them to the height that best fits your cards...swoooooon

now for some real gypsy fun...

we would LOVE to be added to your Christmas card mailing list this year! send us your 2011 holiday card and we'll add it to our holiday card collage wall AND on Christmas day, we'll pick

one lucky winner

to receive a Christmas box from the gypsies, full of all kinds of fun goodies from our workshop!

please send your cards to:

7gypsies

175 East 200 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

happy holidays gypsies!!

diy: ruler stars

2011-11-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

what you need: heavy duty glue dots, 5 7gypsies rulers, chain to hang star
one. gather the glue dots and all the rulers (depending on how many stars you are making)

two. place a glue dot on one end of a ruler, place another ruler on top to create an upside down "v"

three. place a glue dot on the top edge of the ruler on the right and place another ruler on top at an angle to the left

four. place glue dot on top edge of the previous ruler and stick another ruler going straight to the right
five. place a glue dot on top edge of the ruler you just positioned and position the final ruler at an angle down to the left. place a glue dot on the bottom edge of that ruler to finish off the star
six. add chain, ribbon, string or yarn around the top edge to hang your star!

facebook friday: laura denison!

2011-11-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Laura Denison

your spooky castle kit is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

happy thanksgiving gypsies!

2011-11-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

spotted & hearted: place settings, menus, centerpieces

2011-11-22T06:53:00.001-08:00

it's holiday dinner time - lot's of yummy food, family, friends....

did we mention food???

we love seeing all the fun ways people display their menus, create centerpieces that are to-die-for and all the creative and inspiring place settings!

here are just a few of our favorites....

who remembers making these fun origami-paper-games when they were little?

well here's a fun grown up way to display the menu and give your guests a classy little game to find it!

love love love the bright shades of orange here....

classy, formal, textured and beautiful!

love the use of twigs, flowers, vases and twine....swooooon

as we've discovered here....fruit is not just for eating gypsies!!!

gypsies around the world are always using wine corks in such creative ways..what an adorable place setting idea!

antique tins and boxes...wood carved so that flowers may be placed inside and linen and burlap flowers....heavenly right?

what a fabulous way to use a vintage frame...

using mason jars in every way possible is so in right now....what a gorgeous table setting.

candles in glass always gives us that sweet-classy-romantic feeling...

hello doily menu!!!

if you are throwing a holiday party this year....we would love for you to post pictures on our Facebook fan page of your place settings, menus, centerpieces, chandeliers....we always love to see what our fellow gypsies are creating!

projects and inspiration: christmas cards and envelopes!

2011-11-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

holiday card time at the gypsy workshop!

need a little inspiration for those holiday cards you'll be sending out -

look no further gypsies...

this card and envelope set was created by gypsy ann mabee...
a quick, easy, simple and thoughtful way to say merry christmas, happy holidays, happy Hanukkah, or whatever it is you want to say to that special someone this holiday season.

love love love the dimensions ranjini added to her card and envelope!

how adorable is that flower?!?

mou is always so great at incorporating other elements into her projects!

the stitching around the edges of the card add just the right touch.

the combination of our venice and camden papers make you truly feel that it's finally the happiest time of the year!

paula created this tri-fold card! using our off the wall tape, barcelona paper and the holiday stamp set she created a fabulous card that even has room for that special family photo we all LOVE to take at Christmas time!

adorable how it stays shut with the button and green seam binding!

collage of holiday statements? we think paula made a fantasticly-vintage-so-7gypsies card here! how cute is that button tree??

start creating your cards gypsies and don't forget to post them on our facebook fan page!!!

facebook friday: suzanne bouchard

2011-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Suzanne Bouchard

your adorable mini journal is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

guest post: ellen hutson!

2011-11-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Easy Gifts for the Holidays
by ellen hutson

Thank you 7gypsies for the privilege of sharing these projects with your readers! With the holiday season upon us I thought it would be fun to share several ideas that I think would make perfect gifts.

The first project is this fun little "message center!" Using the solo shadowbox together with the wonderful display trims it was quick and easy to create this fun accessory for my home.

displaying Santa photos is something we love to do at our house - the letterpress tray is perfect for showcasing these special photos.

the optical lens can be turned into a fabulous customized ornament. what a wonderful gift this would be for a grandparent! simply create a custom rub-on of your child's silhouette, add a date and hang on their tree!

you can find complete instructions for these projects at the following links:
7 Gypsies Shadowbox Message Center
Waiting for Santa Letterpress Tray
Custom Silhouette Ornaments

projects and inspiration: christmas gift ideas part 2!

2011-11-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

we all know that holiday's can be a very stressful time.....

why not help someone relax a little?

grab some lotion, bath salts, whatever you prefer - find a fancy book knob to place on the front - place items in drawer and you've got yourself a pretty-adorable-can't live without-bath and beauty kit!

ranjini did a fabulous job displaying the kit in spectacular mini library drawer!

we love hot cocoa here in the gypsy workshop!

and what a perfect little gift for someone in your life that loves it as much as we do...

ranjini added those little extra touches that make this simple gift so fantasticly delicious!

vicki created this beautiful gift with our photo shadowbox tray!

the little details she added gave this a personal touch that you just can't forget...

just grab the 7gypsies photo shadowbox tray, some photos sized to fit the compartments and all the embellishments you can find....

and just start placing them in the tray to see what you can come up with!

don't forget to like our Facebook page!

from the studio of: sande krieger

2011-11-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

photo shadowbox tray

by sande krieger

we love the way sande always create such fabulous-detailed projects!

so many elements were put into this tray that we just HAD to ask her to tell us all about it....

sande: I had all these fabulous family photos that my friend Terra had taken of us but wasn't sure how I wanted to display them since there were so many that I loved from the shoot.

Then along came the photo tray which solved my dilemma. It had plenty of photo-sized windows so that I could put my favorites in and still have just enough room to put my vintage spin on it so that it would fit in nicely with the rest of my decor.

To add dimension, I used the metal hooks and loops to tie and hang things from. To add texture, I used a metal #5 (we have 5's all over our house), the 7Gypsies optical lens, domino, #8 medallion, metal clock hands, the 7Gypsies studs, waxed string, 7Gypsies charm, 7Gypsies ruler and some rhinestones.

The easel is perfect for displaying the tray in my living room on the sofa table since I have no wall space to hang it.

gypsies: thank you sande for sharing your creation with us!!!

facebook friday: barbara burgs

2011-11-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations

Barbara Burgs

your joyful solo tray is our

Facebook Friday pick this week!

projects and inspiration: christmas gift ideas!

2011-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

is it really almost Thanksgiving gypsies? PHEW!

time sure does pass quickly, sometimes quicker then some of us would like....

we are getting soooo excited for christmas here in the gypsy workshop,

our design team has already been busy creating a few gift ideas for our fellow gypsies...

this adorable ticket holder full of daily reminders was created by our gypsy Mou! can you see all those new years resolutions stuffed in here?

or little quotes for a beautiful way to remind someone to smile!! we love how she placed the rulers on the front...

paula created this inspiration board made from our 4x6 photo tray! don't you just love how she has the glass placed over the sections to create a "pocket" to store all those fun trinkets that inspire you!

add a little cork board to other sections and voila!

and don't forget about the gorgeous butterfly rubbings - swooooon.

didn't paula do such a great job?!?! we think so...

ohhhh who doesn't love a convenient recipe book - that is THIS adorable?!?!

so simple - our gypsy ann used a book cover for the back and front, then using the clear sleeves and tabs that come with the 4x6 photo stand to store the recipes. the clear sleeves protect the sacred recipes from messy cooking - because we all know creative cooking is always a mess :)

keep following gypsies we will be posting some more gift ideas throughout next week!

this month: november

2011-11-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

being thankful...

"blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting." ~ author unknown

our november picks: 1. 12x12 off the wall papers 2. hudson valley french ribbon 3. 97% complete sticker: grateful 4. 97% complete sticker: feast 5. binderie punch 6. book cover: gypsy 7. amber apothecary bottles 8. antique brass binding rings 9. surveyor rulers: brown 10. papertape: savannah naked 11. atc & photo display: vintage tags

november in the pages of the gypsy journal:

projects and inspiration: 30 minute gift ideas

tips and tricks: attaching items to shadowboxes

projects and inspiration: christmas card storage

Don't forget to join us or become a follower of our blog to stay current on all things gypsy.

facebook friday: scrap it girl!

2011-11-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Scrap It Girl
your totally layered-detailed-vintage layout is our
Facebook Friday pick this week!

artist advent blog kit: section #12 by the gypsies

2011-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #12 - by a few of the gypsies!

Materials: (all 7gypsies)

Paris Tissue

chipboard (or 7G packaging)

ATC Photo Display tag (ruler)

Tag Kit: Affirmations (#12)

Paddington chip alpha

(3") Venice gaffer tape

Other:

2"x3" photo

Instructions:

1. grab the letters "l o v e" from the paddington chip alphabet (or any word you want), coat the letters in mod podge (or other wet adhesive) and cover in glitter. set aside to dry.

2. cut 3 strips of tissue that are 4"x1" long and 3 strips that are 3"x1" long. scallop one edge of all 6 pieces.

3. use mod podge or tape runner to glue the straight edge of the tissue to the right and bottom inside edges and the upper edges of the receipt holder - one piece of tissue at a time, stacking on top of each other.

4. cut 3.5" of gaffer tape and cut a "v" into each end. stick this on the bottom of the receipt holder, on top of the tissue with the bottom scallop edges showing.

5. glue "love" on top of the tape.

6. grab the card with the ruler from the gypsy kit and your 2x3 photo. glue the card on the back of the picture so that the ruler is showing on the left edge of the photo. trim off any remaining edges of the card. slip the picture behind "love".

7. place the "#12" in the upper right corner with a glue dot.

Finishing touches:

1. fan fold Venice gaffer tape and wrap around the apothecary bottle.

2. tie black ribbon from ATC Photo Display tag kit.

3. weave the brown ribbon from the ATC Photo Display tag kit into the chain and attach crystal dangles (ones with 4 crystals on them).

4. fill apothecary bottle with glitter or item of your choice. using leftover brown or black ribbon, tie the apothecary bottle to single crystal dandle and clip to top center.

And there you have it gypsy friends! The project is now complete. We hope that you enjoyed creating with our design team and staff and can't wait to see pictures of your own version of this wall hanging. Don't forget to visit our Facebook page and post your projects!

artist advent blog kit: section #11 by the gypsies

2011-11-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #11 - by a few of the gypsies!

Materials: (all 7gypsies)
Tag Kit: Affirmations (good things, sow a character, #11)
(4") Venice gaffer tape
(4) Display trim pyramid studs
ATC Photo Display tag (calendar tag)
Lille clear stamp (3kr., ledger)
All the Lille scrap paper you've kept throughout the project
(3) black naked labels

Other:
index card print from developed film or 3 tiny photos (about 1/2"x1/2")
string
black stamping ink
mod podge (or other adhesive)

Project tips:
- you can substitute the 7gypsies packaging in the kit for any of the chipboard/book board needed. be very careful when opening the packaging if you would like to use it.
- keep ALL your paper scraps from each section, you will need them for section #11
- you can use scissors in place of all punches
- you can use the purple ribbon in the ATC Photo Display kit in place of any string and wire

Instructions:
1. If you haven't done this already, you will want to find the section #11 clip area and flip the receipt holder over. using pliers or other tool, bend the clips so that they come loose and the clip comes out completely.

2. Grab all the scrap pieces of the Lille papers and cut them into uneven, crooked, strips of paper. find your least favorite card from the affirmations tag kit and start gluing the strips of paper to create a "striped" paper.

3. Use your distress ink (or stamping ink) to distress the edges of the card.

4. grab the 3kr stamp from the lille stamp set and stamp in black ink (or whatever color you prefer) on the card.

5. cut small slits in the #11 tag, vertical, one on each side of the #11. cut another piece of the leftover lille papers or a strip from an affirmations tag to the size of the slits you made and slide it through. start at the front to give the look of a belt. place two pyramid studs on either side of the #11 circle and glue to "striped" tag.

6. we used pictures from an old index print for the banner pictures. using three (or however many pictures you want) blank labels, fold them in half over the string about 1" apart, to create a base to stick the pictures on. using a small amount of the gaffer tape, fold that in half over the string in between the pictures and trim to give a penant look. glue the small pictures onto the blank labels.

7. grab the "good things come to those who wait" card from the affirmations tag kit. stamp the small listing stamp on the back of the card in the upper left corner. glue the small calendar tag from the gypsy tag kit at an angle over the bottom right part of the stamp - DO NOT glue the hole in the tag as we will be tying the banner to that later. cut out a heart from any leftover papers you have or the back of an affirmations card and distress the edges. glue on top of calendar piece.

8. coat the "s" or the letter or number of your choice, in mod podge (or other adhesive) and gently lay a piece of the tissue paper on top. allow to dry for ten minutes. using a small nail file or piece of sandpaper, gently file (rub) the edges of the letter until the excess tissue paper falls off.
tip: don't try to tear the tissue, just keep sanding or filing the area as it will eventually sand off.

9. glue the chipboard letter to the back of the "good things come to those who wait" card, over the heart.

10. tie one end of the string banner you created to the hole in the top of the calendar tag. grab the gaffer tape and cut to the height of the affirmations card. cut a scalloped edge on one side. stick the tape down in section #10, just before the spring starts. attach the tape to the edge of the affirmations card to create a door. add the two pyramid studs, one on top and one on bottom.

11. grab the card with the #11 on it, position the banner so that when you open the door, the banner will pull tight. cut a small slit in the card and slide string into it and tuck behind the card and fit snug in the receipt holder.

Join the gypsies Thursday for section #12 and all the final touches! Other items you will need:
2"x3" photo

artist advent blog kit: section #10 by ann mabee

2011-10-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #10 - Ann Mabee

Materials: (all 7gypsies)
(2.5"x3") book board or 7G packaging
6x6 Lille paper (life is good (not shown in picture below), crazy love, adventure)
Paris tissue paper
ATC Tag Kit: Affirmations (crown, #10)
(1) crystal dangle
(2) mini keys
(3) display trim pyramid studs
paddington chipboard alphabet
(3") Venice gaffer tape

Other:
Large and small scalloped oval punch (Fiskars) or scissors
small heart punch (Fiskars) or scissors
dictionary page (from an old, discarded dictionary)
glitter and glue
distress ink and blending tool
chipboard circle
needle and thread

Project tips:
- you can substitute the 7gypsies packaging in the kit for any of the chipboard/book board needed. be very careful when opening the packaging if you would like to use it.
- keep ALL your paper scraps from each section, you will need them for section #11
- you can use scissors in place of all punches
- you can use the purple ribbon in the ATC Photo Display kit in place of any string and wire

Instructions:

1. Cut bookboard or packaging piece to fit desired space. Cover with the red, rectangle area that says "Life is Good" from the Life is Good paper. Trim affirmations card to fit just inside the paper, leaving a small border. Ink all edges well.

2. Punch a large scalloped oval from the clock portion of the Lille paper. Punch a small scalloped oval from a dictionary page aligning the focus word within the oval as desired.

3. Ink the edges of the ovals. Mount the large oval on top of the affirmations card so that pieces of the card are visible behind the oval. Fold the small oval over the top of the card with the focus word at the top of the card below the fold.

4. Add the small heart that was punched from the red portion of the Lille paper. Tear a small strip of gaffer tap and attach across the large oval about 2/3 of the way down on the card. Add the pyramid studs in the other three corners of the card.

5. Ink desired chipboard letter and adhere to the bottom right of card. Cut a 1.25” strip of the tissue paper that’s the width of the sheet of tissue (about 18”).

6. Using a needle and thread, make a running stitch about 1/4” from the edge of the tissue, gathering it up to form a ruffled circle.

7. Carefully tie the end and knot to secure. Mount the tissue circle on the chipboard circle to reinforce.

8. Using a foam brush run a bead of glue along the outside edge of the tissue circle. Add glitter. Open the jump ring on the dangle and add two mini keys. Punch a tiny hole in the bottom of the 10 circle and attach the dangle. Adhere the 10 circle with the dangle onto the center of the tissue circle. This will then be attached to the clip portion of the receipt holder.

I chose to focus on the word unlock from the dictionary page and with the heart, the mini keys attached to the dangle and the letter M, it means that I would like to unlock the key to my husband’s heart! The number 10 has significance because we currently have 10 beautiful grandchildren!

I spend my days with my husband, since we are both retired now! Since he retired in May, we have been privileged to take a few trips and enjoy the beautiful country in which we live. We love to go junkin' together and we spend a lot of our time with our children and our grandchildren. We love to attend our grandchildren's sporting events, concerts, school functions and other activities. I enjoy working in my scrapbook room and getting lost in the creative process. My favorite projects are those I make just for fun. I also enjoy doing needlework, sewing and working on our family history.

A blog I check out frequently is http://www.u-createcrafts.com/. I always have enjoyed recreating things I see that I like. In my younger years, we couldn't always afford the things I wanted, so I generally figured out a way to make whatever I wanted. Now that I can better afford things, I don't always buy...I enjoy the creative process and the satisfaction of making things of my own and with my own twist to them. You can always take a good idea and tweak it a bit to make it uniquely your own! Nothin' better than that!!!

Join the gypsies Tuesday for section #11. Other items you will need are:
index card print from developed film or 3 tiny photos (about 1/2"x1/2")
string
black stamping ink
mod podge (or other adhesive)

facebook friday: katherine mcelvain

2011-10-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Katherine McElvain
your Halloween tray is our
Facebook Friday pick this week!

artist advent blog kit: section #9 by ranjini malhotra

2011-10-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #9 - Ranjini Malhotra

Hi everyone, Ranjini here to share my section of the Artist Advent Kit. I was so excited to do this project and was completely stunned to see the finished work of art, and surprised by how beautifully the piece worked in spite of having a number of different contributors - it's great fun and so inspiring to be in the midst of such talented artists! My section (#9) was quite simple to do:

Materials: (all 7gypsies)
6x6 Lille Paper (abundance)
Affirmations tag (with eiffel tower)

Affirmations "9" tag
Gypsy Hardware (wing)
Paris Tissue

Other Items:
Seam binding ribbon (8") or string
Glitter
White acrylic paint

Project tips:
- you can substitute the 7gypsies packaging in the kit for any of the chipboard/book board needed. be very careful when opening the packaging if you would like to use it.
- keep ALL your paper scraps from each section, you will need them for section #11
- you can use scissors in place of all punches
- you can use the purple ribbon in the ATC Photo Display kit in place of any string and wire

Instructions:

1. Cut 7 Gypsies Lille Patterned paper to size and glue to ATC sized card. Ink Eiffel Tower Tag if desired, and then cut tag with Eiffel Tower image as shown and glue to left side of card.

2. Brush the edges of the card lightly with a brush dipped in warm white paint (use the paint sparingly with a dry brush to get a lightly painted edge). Let dry.

3. Use a fine tipped glue pen to outline a portion of the flowers on the patterned paper and sprinkle with silver glitter, shake off excess and allow to dry.

4. Stamp card with "Beautiful" Stamp (I used Papertrey Ink Perfect Match Hybrid Ink in Fresh Snow). Apply white embossing powder, shake off excess and heat set with heat gun.

5. Brush number 9 tag with white paint on edges, allow to dry and then raise with pop dot, applying to card as shown.

6. Paint metal wing white and allow to dry, then apply white pigment ink to front of wing, apply white embossing powder and shake off excess, heat set with gun.
Tip: be careful not to burn fingers as the metal will get hot as you heat it.

7. Cover clip with glue and tissue paper.

8. Adhere wing as shown and add ribbon to the bottom of the clip area if you like.

A little about me... I have been crafting or creating things for as long as I can remember. I love flea marketing and antiquing. I lenjoy spending a Sunday afternoon at a bookstore or at home by the fire curled up with a cup of tea. I love celebrating holidays, looking for inspiration in the world around me and enjoying creative journeys. I want to travel the world, and am a gypsy at heart! You can see more of my work at http://www.scrapologie.blogs.com

A blog that I love reading right now is Paris Breakfasts, http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com for Carol Gillott's gorgeous watercolor renderings, especially of macarons! and her musings on her travels.

Join Ann Mabee Saturday for section #10. Other items you will need are:
Large and small scalloped oval punch (Fiskars) (or scissors)
small heart punch (Fiskars) (or scissors)
dictionary page (from an old, discarded dictionary)
glitter and glue
distress ink and blending tool
chipboard circle (or packaging)
needle and thread

artist advent blog kit: section #8 by debbie crouse

2011-10-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #8 - Debbie Crouse

What great fun to be able to do a project with the entire 7g design team. We have the best design team and it is great working with these talented ladies.

We were all assigned to do one of the twelve sections in an ATC receipt holder.
This is mine, section #8 -

Materials: (all 7gypsies)
Paris tissue paper
ATC Tag Kit: Affirmations (#8, tag with stamp image)
(1) princesca dangle
(1) mini key
(1) apothecary bottle - thinner bottle
Metal Charms Fortune (remove the wing and set aside for section #9)

Other:
chipboard (or 7G packaging)
tiny frame (2.5"x3.5")
page from old book
fabric (3"x5" - any color, will not show in project)
adhesive
mini tag (1/2"x1" - can create from scrap paper)

seam binding ribbon (or string)
antique brass chain (or string or ribbon)

To me the challenging part about this project was, what do do in the tiny space of 2.5"x3.5". I decided that it would be cute to use a small frame that would act as a shadowbox. Here's what I did:

1. Find a small gold frame at an antique or thrift store approximately 2.5" x 3.5" in size. (This is one of those little gold frames that your grandma displayed your school pictures in.)

2. Cut a piece of heavy chipboard the size of your frame using your frame as a template.

3. Cover the chipboard piece with a page from an old book. Ink edges.

4. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your frame. Add 1/2" in height (this is to turn under in step #5).

5. Turn under fabric 1/2" on one end and glue with glue stick.

6. On the back side of chipboard, run a bead of glue around the edge on 3 sides as shown.

7. Attach fabric to chipboard piece with folded edge on bottom. Do not glue folded bottom edge (this is where the wire arm on the receipt holder will be inserted). Trim any excess on edges.

8. Drill tiny holes in top of frame. This is where you will wire the chain and dangles to frame.

9. *Please note: This photo is showing the back side of frame. On fabric side of the chipboard piece, run bead of glue around 3 edges (Do not glue the folded fabric edge). Slip into frame and press so it attaches to back of frame. The open edge of the fabric is where you will slip the clip under neath fabric to attach to ATC receipt holder.

10. The label for bottle is cut from 7g "Paris" collage tissue. Gently glue to bottle and tie tiny tag to bottle neck. Screw mini eye hook into bottle cork.

11. Add "fly" word to wings charm and attach to crystal drop.

12. Attach bottle and wings charm to ends of chain and wire to frame as shown. Tie narrow ribbon on both dangles.

13. Postage stamp is cut from 7g tag and glued to background.

14. Cut a circle piece from bookboard to fit "8" piece and attach to frame.
That's it....really pretty simple!

a little about me...
I have been with 7gypsies since Donna and Steve Smylie started the company and feel lucky that I have been able to be a part of their journey. I am over the fabulously talented 7gypsies design team and also planning and decorating the 7gypsies booth at CHA shows. You can find out more about me on my blog - "One Lucky Day" that I share with Paula Cheney (also on 7g design team) at www.2gypsygirls.com. Paula and I have had the opportunity to travel around the world teaching classes that show off our favorite 7gypsies products. The best part of that is that we have been able to meet lots of fun and interesting people along the way.

blog that inspires me... I am loving Janet Hopkins blog. We have known each other for years and I hadn't been to her blog in awhile and recently checked it out because we found out we had done similar posts on each of our blogs on almost the same day. She is fabulous and always has great inspiration!

Join Ranjini Malhotra Thursday for section #9. Other items you will need are:
Seam binding ribbon (8") or string
Glitter
White acrylic paint

artist advent blog kit: section #7 by mou saha

2011-10-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Section #7 - Mou Saha

Hi there, Mou Saha here today :)

I am a happy member of the 7 Gypsies design team and a Contributing Writer for Creating Keepsakes magazine. I created section 7 of this collaborative creative project.

Working on this kind of a project was one of a kind experience for me! Let me walk you through my process in as much detail as I can because I just love details!

Materials: (all 7gypsies)
Tag Kit: Affirmations (#7, do your best)
6x6 Lille paper (life is good)
(3") Venice gaffer tape
ATC Photo Display Kit tag (have your fortune told)
Paris Tissue
(1) mini label
(1) mini key

Other Items:
Tim Holtz Worn Lipstick Distress Stickles (or glitter)
Pink acrylic paint
Faber-Castell metallic pink gelato
Tim Holtz Wild Honey Distress Stain
String (or black ribbon from kit)
Machine-stitching

Project tips:
- you can substitute the 7gypsies packaging in the kit for any of the chipboard/book board needed. be very careful when opening the packaging if you would like to use it.
- keep ALL your paper scraps from each section, you will need them for section #11
- you can use scissors in place of all punches
- you can use the purple ribbon in the ATC Photo Display kit in place of any string and wire

Instructions:
1.      Cut a 4”x3” piece of cream card stock (you can also use an index card)

2.      Apply Tim Holtz Worn Lipstick Distress Stickles (or glitter) to round Affirmation tag ‘7’ and set aside to dry

3.      Cut apart Affirmation tag ‘Do Your Best’ into ‘Do Your’ and ‘Best'

4.      Apply pink acrylic paint with palette knife to both parts making sure that the message isn’t covered up.

5.      Attach ‘Do Your’ to the top of the cream card stock.

6.      Stamp stars on the ‘Do Your’ piece using Lille clear stamp.

7.      Cut out the spectacled eyes out of 6”x6” Lille paper ‘Life is Good’ and attach between ‘Do’ and ‘Your’.

8.      Attach a piece of Venice Gaffer tape right below ‘Your’.

9.      Attach ‘Best’ overlapping the gaffer tape making sure that the tape still shows slightly.

10. Attach 10 cents tag sideways to cream cardstock below ‘Best’. Cut off the top part that sticks out on the right side of the base cream cardstock. Attach the cut off top above ‘Do Your’.

11. Cut a small piece of gaffer tape and attach it to the left side of the ATC tag.

12. Cut one 6”x1” strip of Paris Collage tissue and attach it below ‘Best’ overlapping ATC tag to make a ruffled border.

13. Write ‘Excellence on mini label naked black sticker and attach above ruffled border.

14. Machine stitch all around the piece to secure the elements in place as well as for a decorative touch. (optional)

15. Attach some tissue and gaffer tape on the tag top.

16. Tie a string (or black ribbon from kit) to the tag top and tie in an antique gold miniature key to one end.

17. Write ‘The key to success’ in a mini label naked black sticker and wrap it around the other end of the string.

18. Blend the elements together with a little more pink acrylic paint, metallic pink gelato and Tim Holtz Wild Honey Distress Stain. Ink the edges of the whole piece black.

19. Once everything is dry, slip the piece into the 7^th slot in the middle row.

20. Attach the glittered round Affirmation tag ‘7’ from step 2 on the white clip of the receipt holder spring with strong adhesive.

I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial. If you have an extra minute, check out the Decor8 blog where I often find inspiration and a lot of interesting creative details.

Join Debbie Crouse Tuesday for section #8. Other items you will need are:
chipboard
tiny frame (2.5"x3")
page from old book
fabric (3"x5" - any color, will not show on project)
adhesive
mini tag (1/2"x1" - can create from scrap paper)

seam binding ribbon (or string)
(6") antique brass chain (or string or ribbon)

facebook friday: maureen setters-williams

2011-10-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Maureen Setters-Williams
your gorgeous tray is our
Facebook Friday pick this week!

artist advent blog kit: section #5&6 by paula cheney

2011-10-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sections #5 & 6 - Paula Cheney

Materials: (all 7gypsies)

6x6 Lille paper (Elen, Abundance and Beautiful)

Paris tissue paper

ATC affirmations tag kit (#5 & 6)

(1) apothecary bottle (large)

(2) Display trim pyramid studs

Other:

chipboard cut to fit over two ATC receipt holder openings (5 3/4"x3", you can also use the back packaging for the crystal dangles in place of chipboard)
wire (or purple ribbon from gypsy tag kit)

string

glitter

ribbon

cream acrylic paint

toothpick

1. Cut 4 or 5 pieces of collage tissue (paris) 4 x 5". I like to fold up the tissue and cut the squares all at the same time with a rotary cutter. Super easy.

2. Fan fold the stack of tissue.

3. Cut a piece of wire (or purple ribbon) about 4' long. I like to use floral wire that is covered in string so that it does not cut through the tissue as easily.

4. Wrap the wire around the center of the fan folded tissue.
5. Round the ends with a pair of scissors.

6. Start to unfold each side of the stack.

7. Pull the tissue up, layer by layer, alternating sides, towards the center to create the flower shape.

8. Here is the finished flower. I did add a loopy bow to the floral wire made from seam binding (you can see it in the final picture). Then used the wire to attach the flower to the receipt holder clip. You can also use a glue dot to stick ribbon bow on and another glue dot to attach to the clip.

Base -

1. Cut a piece of book board or other heavy weight board to fit the opening. I wanted the board to span across two sections of the receipt holder so I cut it accordingly. I also rounded the edges which is just a matter of personal taste.

2. Use gel medium or Mod Podge to adhere Lille 6 x 6" paper (Abundance) to the board. Once dry add another layer of gel medium or Mod Podge to the top (don't skip this step).

3. Cover entire board with creme acrylic paint.

4. Working quickly, use a baby wipe to wipe away most of the acrylic paint. Because I sealed it with the gel medium I can manipulate the paint on the board without causing damage to the paper. If you don' like the look you can wipe it away and start over or even add another color.

5. Once I was satisfied with the painted board I cut up small pieces of the Lille 6 x 6" paper (elen), layering as I added them to the base (the eiffel tower part of the paper was used in section #1, so just use any other part of the paper). I also added a small piece of vintage dictionary paper to the left edge because no gypsy project would be complete without a bit of vintage.

6. I cut out the number 5 from the number circles that come with Affirmations Tag Kit and glued it to a toothpick. Set aside to dry.

7. I used the receipt holder clip on the left side to hold the board in position.
8. I cut out two free form leaves from chipboard (or packaging) and glittered them with silver glitter. Once the flower was secured to the receipt holder clip with the wire (or ribbon) I added the leaves and the number on the toothpick.

9. On the right hand side I added a small apothecary bottle. To complete the bottle as shown, I first wrote a note on vintage paper, rolled it up to that it could be seen from the outside. I cut out the 6 from #6 circle tag and glued it to the bottle and add the cork.
10. Next I added the little bottle to the board with wire, then tucked some cut out scrap paper behind the bottle.
11. The last thing was to add the pyramid studs to the right edge to complete the look.

junk girl, paper hoarder, shoe collector, wearer of many hats, and all around gypsy girl,
paula cheney

"inspired by" blog etymologie: where a one word become a visual jumping off point. Thank you Anthropologie!

Join Mou Saha Saturday for section #7. Other items you will need are:
Tim Holtz Worn Lipstick Distress Stickles (or glitter)
Pink acrylic paint
Faber-Castell metallic pink gelato
Tim Holtz Wild Honey Distress Stain
String (or black ribbon from kit)
Machine-stitching