Thursday, January 5, 2017

Easily Distracted by Eclectic Elements...

Hi folks...I can't wait to get started on some projects with the gorgeous bundle of Eclectic Elements fabric Tim sent me and have downloaded a few patterns for tote bags and such but this "not very good with instructions" crafter will have to wait for a day when the brain is plugged in and firing on all cylinders and the crafty list isn't looking so hectic.
But I couldn't leave this precious cargo lying around in the cubbyhole and as luck would have it...I had the ideal storage solution right there...staring me in the face. I'm a big fan of the Sizzix Tim Holtz Die Storage Boxes...very sturdy and high quality

but unfortunately not always available to buy in the UK so I was over the moon when I managed to grab the last 2 in a half price pre-Christmas sale...orginally intended to store On The Edge or Decorative Border Dies they are just the right length and a perfect fit for storing the Eclectic Elements fabrics...

and you know me...it doesn't take much to distract me from the crafty work list and before you know I was planning some customised storage for my Eclectic Elements threads. I've fallen in love with these threads...strong...chunky....they don't tangle and are perfect for adding hand-stitching to projects. They are available in packs of 4 in 3 different colourways so while I wait for the other two packs to arrive...I set to work on the make-over of a Christmas Gift box giving it 2 coats of Gesso to prepare the surface...

for it's Eclectic Element overcoat...
I didn't want to use up my Distress Collage Medium Matte on such a large project so I looked out my huge bottle of Decoart Decoupage Medium...Distress Collage Medium Brush and used my Ranger Brayer to make sure it was well stuck down...added the printed section from the selvedge edge and gave it a protective coat of Decoupage Medium which dries in about 20 minutes but best left overnight to fully cure. 
And then the fun bit...a little bit of decoration and of course Tim has the perfect stamps...
I stamped the images on to Ranger Natural Sticky Back Canvas and the sewing thread image again on to Plain Tissue Wrap,,,coloured on the reverse with Distress Markers...cut out and fixed in place with Distress Collage Medium Matte...
 and then die cut the panel using Sizzix Tim Holtz Stitched Rectangles Thinlits...
I had to keep the decoration fairly simple...no 3D type elements so I just added Design Tape and Label Letters and fixed the panel to the lid with Distress Collage Medium Matte...
Now here's the really cool part...there was no measuring or pre-planning involved when I embarked on this transformation...I just knew the box was going to be big enough to hold all the spools but hey I'm over the moon that my usual rush in where angels fear to tread has worked out...check out how snugly they fit into their designated spaces with left over spaces for Eclectic Elements findings and needles...the box came with flimsy corrugated dividers which were not going to stand the test of time so I used them as templates to cut my favourite go-to product for constructions such as this...Sizzix Little Sizzles Matboard...
and I'm thrilled with the latest "a place for everything and everything in it's place" cubbyhole storage box...


You can find links to all Tim's Eclectic Elements products below...
Today is the day that the VERY VERY SPECIAL PARCEL
will be arriving so it's "tidy up the cubbyhole/clear the decks" time
ready for a woohoo I'm very excited stamping adventure
Have fun whatever you're doing
Hugs Kath xxx

13 comments:

  1. Good Morning Kath,
    What a fantastic way to create a storage box, much nicer than a plain one. I think I may need to get my hands on some of that thread.
    Enjoy your day in the cubby hole.
    Chris xx

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  2. What a fab box Kath and I really like the look of those threads. I am intrigued re your stash arriving.......I look forward to seeing the contents xx

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  3. What a transformation! Fabulous project! xx

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  4. Love,love,love, this fab transformation Kath, and it's reminded me to go get some of that cotton....keeps slipping mind.....Have a good day..x

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  5. Wonderful storage solution Kath - it looks fabulous.
    Toni xx

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  6. So impressed with the incredible precision on this transformation - look at those corners! Perfection. Fabulous work Kath xxx

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  7. Good Morning, Kath,
    Wow, you are so clever. Your make-over of the gift box is truly beautiful. I wish I was as clever as you are! This is going to be the year I finally dip my foot into the vast pond of mixed media. I have NO idea what I'm doing so I'll most likely get totally stressed out about it until I've actually produced something I'm not ashamed of lol. I think it will end up being fun though and the next step up from just card making. Keep your fingers crossed for me lol.
    Love to Buddy, I've a feeling that he'll be watching you working hard any time now and can hear him sighing a bit. Mine hates it when I go into my crafting space, especially as the kitten has his own box in there but she has nothing - she won't sleep on the floor and she's never ever been in her bed lol. So she sulks on the sofa until I decide to stop playing. They're worse than kids at times aren't they.
    Looking forward to seeing all your new projects when you are able to share with us.
    Happy crafting.
    Bejay xx

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  8. WOW,look at all the work in that.Awesome transformation,love it.Huggles and Cuddles for Buddy.xx

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  9. Good Afternoon Kath, WOW what a transformation and loving the material. The inside looks fabulous too and loving your construction for the different compartments.
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

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  10. Happy New a Year! This is awesome! xxx

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  11. Kath,
    You are over the top! Glad you just went with the creative path you were on. What an inspiration. I'm going to follow in your finger step and make myself one.
    all I can say is WOW! and thank you.
    Have a creative weekend.
    Diane

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  12. Apologies for my lateness, you have done a beautiful job transforming the box, I love it! Waiting patiently for my threads to arrive now.... Hugs, Anne xx

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