Tutorial - Creating Backgrounds using UTEE

Let me tell you, UTEE is far more than just an embossing powder. This is one amazing product and definitely one of my all-time favourites under the Ranger umbrella. The versatility of this single product is actually mind blowing. You can use it for regular embossing or to make incredible embellishments using the melting pot. As much as I love all of that I'd like to share my personal favourite techniques using this product which is creating backgrounds. I have three effects I'd like to share with you, two of which don't require a melting pot so sit back and enjoy.
 Supplies
UTEE in several colours
Heat gun
Melting pot
Cardstock or triplex board
Toothpick

 Marble Background

 Step One: For my demonstrations I'm using an ATC size background base on some recycled cereal boxes cut down to size. Apply embossing ink to the entire surface area, add UTEE powder and emboss using the black UTEE with your heat gun. Using the black UTEE as a base provides a great contrast against the metallic colours I'll be adding. You will need to repeat this step 3 times for a nice thick and solid base.

Step Two: While your black UTEE is still hot start adding some of your first metallic UTEE which is the platinum in my sample. You need to only add a very little in small areas around your base. You'll notice that the UTEE starts melting almost instantly. Use your heat gun to melt any powder left.

Step Three: Using a toothpick while the embossing powder is hot and almost liquid like on your base start swirling it around mixing the metallic powder with the black creating a marble like effect. If you feel it starting to harden then just zap it with the heat gun again long enough for it to melt again.

 Step Four: You can leave your project as is or you can add a second metallic colour to the mix as I did using the bronze UTEE powder. Again swirl the melted bronze powder around with the toothpick creating a multi toned marble effect....isn't this just gorgeous?

A practical use for this technique would be to alter some chipboard lettering or shapes. This would make a perfect accent to a layout and just look at how delicious that marble effect looks.

 Drizzled Background

 Step One: For this technique you will need a melting pot and three or four different colours of UTEE. You can use whichever colours you like according to your own personal taste. Melt just a little of your first colour in your melting pot and once it's completely melted drizzle it onto your non-stick craft mat in a random pattern as shown above.

Step Two: If you have project pan then you can go ahead and use a new pan or simple clean out your pot and add the second colour UTEE. Again let it completely melt and then drizzle that over the first layer.

Step Three: I added a layer of black in between steps and then as my final layer used some of the pearl UTEE. Again melt your UTEE and drizzle over the previous layers.

Step Four: Once the UTEE is completely dry, which only takes a few seconds, you can lift your drizzle sheet from your craft mat and add it to your background base. If you're using it on a ATC, card or tag then just cut down all the excess bits. You can attach it to your base using some gel medium or a glue that will dry clear.

 I made my pattern quite condensed but you can obviously spread it out more for a less bulky effect.

Peaks and Valleys background

Step One: For this technique you'll need to start with a black base as we did for the first technique. Three layers will provide a nice thick and solid foundation.

Step Two: Now add two more colours to the base while the Black UTEE is still hot. Use your heat gun to melt any excess powder.

Step Three: Now for the fun part, using your heat gun very close to your project surface and at various angles start blowing the melted UTEE around so that peaks begin to form. If you use the metallic powders you will notice how patterns start to form in the direction that you blow the melted UTEE.

Step Four: Continue doing this until you have created the pattern you like. It's difficult to show the peaks and valleys in a picture but if you run your finger across your project surface it will definitely feel the uneven surface and the patterns make for a gorgeous finish.

 These are just three of my favourite background technique using UTEE. Each has a unique finish and can be adapted to whatever project you decide to use it on. Chipboard and ATC's deliver some of the best results. The Drizzle technique is perfect for a layout background too. Mix and match your colours and above all, have fun.

Here's a layout I did using these techniques on the DA Rustic Frame Set

I'm hosting a DIY challenge over at STTG - $20 STTG gift card prize

I've started a new monthly challenge over at  STTG called Getting Messy D.I.Y. Style.

This challenge is all about creating homemade embellishments and/or incredible backgrounds for your scrapbook layouts. The aim is to hopefully inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new techniques and styles or fine tune some of those you may have already tried.

Each month will have it's own theme so to get started the theme for Aprils Challenge is

TEXTURED MADNESS

So.....it's time to get your hands dirty with some pastes and colour mediums

It's important to note that the theme based tutorials and techniques are OPTIONAL and not required to be eligible to enter the challenge BUT if you do use them you will be given an EXTRA VOTE.

Challenge Prize: $20 STTG Store Gift Card

There are 2 options available to qualify to enter the challenge.

OPTION 1 - Create your own BACKGROUND PAPER

Create your very own unique scrapbook layout background paper using embossing, stencilling, masking, stamping, misting or any other creative techniques.

Textured Madness Technique Option: To earn an EXTRA VOTE use some molding paste, textured pastes/gels or gesso together with any type of colour medium to create your background.

To help inspire you here are some examples done by my fellow DT and myself

Rock Star Attitude by Wendy Greenaway

Here I jumped in head first and covered the entire piece of cardstock with molding paste and and resin gel which I then stamped into. I used metallic acrylic paint as my colour medium

Journey To You by Adrienne Ford

This stunning piece was done by Adrienne using molding paste and micro beads to create the butterflies. Adrienne used some homemade mists as her colour medium.

Easter 2011 by Gerry Van Gent

Typical of Gerry's beautiful whimsical style, she created this adorable Easter layout background using a combination of mists, fussy cuttings, molding paste and puffy paint.

OPTION 2 - Homemade Embellishment

Your layout must have at least one homemade embellishment clearly visible. This can be anything from a homemade paper/fabric bloom, pearl/rhinestone flourishes, polymer clay molded embellies.... The sky is the limit here. As long as you made it yourself and it's clearly visible on the layout, it counts.

Textured Madness Tutorial Option: To earn an EXTRA VOTE make a textured paper flower using the following tutorial.

Textured Flower Tutorial

In the tutorial I used alcohol ink as a colour medium but this can be substituted for any other colour medium.

Challenge Rules

1. Challenge runs from 7th April to 7th May. Entries must be posted by midnight PST on the 7th May
2. Entries MUST have at least one clearly visible homemade embellishment OR uniquely create background paper
3. Themed techniques and tutorials are OPTIONAL and NOT required to be eligible for the prize. Using the techniques and/or tutorials will however earn you one extra vote.
4. Please post your entries on this thread as well as in the main gallery. When posting to the main gallery please include "D.I.Y. #1" in your title.
5. Winners wil be selected by the STTG design team and fellow contestants. Please send me a message on the 8th May with your TOP 2 votes. You need not vote for yourself as you will receive a vote for voting. Winners will be posted on the 9th May.
6. Tracy will contact the winner with the STTG Gift card details soon after the winner has been announced.

Good Luck and have FUN!!!

This Challenge runs from the 7th to the 7th of every month

STTG #3 Challenge - $50 in pizes up for grabs!!

STTG #3

3 levels to play... and 3 prizes to win!! :)

ends at midnight on April 30th pst!!

This month we're featuring images from Hannah Nicole Portrait Studio!!
Please see below for more info!! :)

Colors...

Sunflower ~ Butterscotch ~ Auburn ~ Rosy Red ~ Rosebud Pink

Embellishments...

Roses ~ Velvet ~ Chipboard ~ Canvas ~ Metal

Textures...

Embossed ~ Wrinkled ~ Torn ~ Crackled ~ Puffy Paint

Techniques...

Lidia's Deep Distressing Technique

You can find her tutorials here!!

One of Wendy's NEW Stamp Techniques.....yes, that's me!!

You can find her tutorials here!!

Gerry's Puffy Paint & Dusty Attic Chipboard Technique

You can find her tutorial here!!

How to play!!! :)

Level #1

Pick at least 2 colors, 1 embellishment and 1 texture

Prize is a $10 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be randomly drawn

C'mon you can do it... just try... you'll have FUN!! :)

Level #2

Pick at least 3 colors, 2 embellishments & 2 textures

Prize is a $15 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Hey look you could win more $$... but you've got some competition!! :)

Level #3

Use all 5 colors +black, 4 embellishments, 4 textures & 1 technique

Prize is a $25 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Think you're ready for a real challenge?? Want to win even more $$$ Try taking on this one!! :)

Using additional colors...

You may use additional colors as long as the challenge colors are REALLY evident!! However... when it comes to judging level 2 or 3... the more you limit your use of other colors... the more likely you are to WIN!! :)

When uploading your image to the gallery...

Please include STTG #3 in your title... (including other sites)

Please put STTG_3 (exactly as shown) in the tags... so we can find you in the search!!

Please include which level you're entering in your description

Have FUN and try something NEW!! :)

You have until midnight April 30th PST

Winner will be announced on May 1st

Don't forget to checkout the STTG STORE. These gorgeous new Dusty Attic Blooms have just arrived and they're selling fast!!

You can also Pre-order some of the new Dusty Attic release pieces. They should be on their wy from Australia as we speak. Here are some of my favourite pieces I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival of

You'll find all sorts of hidden treasures in the store and don't forget that all US orders max out at $5.45........BONUS!!!!

STTG #2 - Level 3 DT Project

This is my DT layout for the STTG #2 challenge which close 31st March 2012. I did this for level 3 using all four colours. I selected lace, pearls and flowers as my embellishments and the Pink Paislee resistable paper has a damask print on.

For the homemade flower I used my own No Sewing Fabric Bloom tutorial. I used some cream crushed satin fabric and made 8 cones for a lovely full bloom. I altered all the flowers and chipboard pieces using some creative inspiration paints mixed with a white pearl acrylic paint. For the chipboard pieces I added a think layer of paint which I then dabbed with the paint brush to create the uneven textured finish.

To give the photo a more distressed looking finish I dabbed some of the ice blue paint around the photo edges.

Items available in the STTG Store

Cream crinckled ribbon

Petaloo Mini Canterbury collection

DA Scroll border #1

You have until March 31st to post your entries for the challenge. Remember that there are 3 different levels so this challenge is open to paper crafters of all skill levels. Hope you'll come join in the fun.

TFL

STTG #2 - Level 1 and 2 DT projects

Level 1 - Select 2 of the four colours provided plus 1 embellishment of the four options

STTG # 2 Challenge options

Colours to select from: Ice Blue, Lavender, Gray, Cream

Embellishment options: Flowers, Pearls, Lace, Bling

For my DT project for Level 1 I knew it would be virtually impossible for me to create a LO using only 2 colours and 1 embellishment so I decided to go another route and create a card for a friend's baby's upcoming first birthday. Because it's for a boy I decided to select Ice Blue and Gray as my colours and used flowers as my embellishment.

I misted some of the white crinkle ribbon with Licorice Shimmerz mist and painted the white Zva mini roses I had with some light blue Creative Inspiration Paint which also has a beautiful shimmery finish.

I altered my chipboard pieces by first painting them with a light blue acrylic paint which I then coated liberally with some Ranger Rock Candy crackle paint. Once the crackle paint had dried I went over the pieces with some black soot distress ink to provide more definition to the cracks. I wiped away the excess ink with a paper towel so that only the ink between the cracks remained.

Items used from the STTG STORE

Ranger Distress Cardstock

Zva mini roses

Petaloo Canterbury Collection

Crinkle Ribbon

DA - Cameo Ribbon Slide

Level 2 - Select 3 colours and 2 embellishments

For my level 2 project I again decided not to do a LO but chose to alter a wooden memory block I've had lying in my cupboard for several years already. I added a picture, title letters for my DD's name, a frame jounal piece listing her birth details and then another jounalling piece with some memories of what she was like as a baby.

 I selected to use lavender, gray and cream as my colour combination and chose flowers and pearls as my embellishments.

I was originally going to use one of Erins baby pictures but then decided to use this family shot instead. This picture was taken only hours after Erin was born. It was a very significant moment for me because I had been a single mom for over 4 years before my DH and I met so my DS Jarrod had been used to having me all to himself. I worried throughout the pregnancy about how he would react to having a baby in the house so we wanted him to meet his sister as soon as possible so that they could form a bond. By the look on his face in the pic and the strong bond they have today, 6 years later, I'd say it was a wise decision.

I created the cool textured finish of these DA alphas by simply add a thick layer of metallic lilac acrylic paint to each letter and then dabbing the paint brush into the paint creating peaks.  It looks really beautiful IRL.

This is a snap shot of the other side of the block. I was rather dismayed to realised that I had missed painting over several spots of my red Zva roses. I was working on this project late at night and obviously got too tired to notice the finer details like the roses and some of the sides of the chipboard pieces weren't painted properly. But then again, it's mistakes like those which make projects all the more real to me rather than being purely show pieces.

Items used from the STTG STORE

Distress Cardstock

Zva roses

DA Alphabet set- Dusty Curls

Now that you see how easy level 1 and 2 for the STTG #2 challenge is, I hope you pop in at the new STTG NING  site and jpin in the fun. The challenge is open until the 31 March.

I'll be back to post my level 3 project soon so watch this space!!!

DUSTY ATTIC - GET IT WHILE STOCK LASTS!!!

Tracy from STTG has finally received her long overdue orders of Dusty Attic. The STORE is bursting with stock but I must warn you that STOCK IS MOVING FAST!!!!!

SO GET SOME DELICIOUS DUSTY ATTIC CHIPBOARD DESIGNS WHILE THEY LAST.

Here are some of my favourite which are IN STOCK and ready to be shipped (for now, that is.....better hurry!!)

Tutorial - Grunging up Darjeeling

 The Petaloo Darjeeling collection is made up of some amazing warm colours and unique styles definitely makes them one of my all-time favourite collections. The flower style and colours already lend themselves to a soft grungy look and with just a little extra help you can transform them into something really grungy, perfect for a masculine project. The technique I'm sharing with you will also help put those box loads of eyelets I'm sure every paper crafter has hidden in the bottom of their stash somewhere to good use.

Supplies
Darjeeling Flower
Eyelets
Eyelet tool
Metal flower centre

Step One: Select your flower. Ideally you want a flower that has wide petals so that you have a good surface to work on and can add several eyelets to a single petal.

Step Two: Using your eyelet tool punch your holes for your eyelets. You want to punch the holes far enough away from the petal edges that the petals don't tear. Make sure that your holes are spaced wide enough apart so that the eyelets won't overlap when you add them.

Step Three: Now add the eyelets to the petals and close them off at the back. Work carefully when doing this so that you don't tear your petals. You can now ink the petals with some walnut stain distress ink to add a little more definition if you like. I also chose to remove the clay flower centre and replace it with a metal and pearl one.

This is the Layout I used my newly altered grungy flower on.

I chose to use eyelets in the same shade as my flower but these look just as good if you add some brass or copper eyelets. You could also spice it up a bit by colouring your eyelets with some alcohol ink first. Whatever your taste, once you try this I'm confident that eyelets will go right back onto your shopping list.

Here is another layout I did using the Darjeeling collection on to create a Grungy Feminine layout. I did not use the eyelet technique on these but instead coated them with some gel medium which gives the flowers a leathery appearance once it dries. The gel medium also stiffens the petals which makes it easier to manipulate them to create a fuller looking flower.

On this layout, using the Darjeeling collection once again, I added the gel medium to the blue flowers and removed the flower centre it came with and replaced them with some vintage brads. I also used some of the Petaloo Color me crazy flowers on this which I inked brown with some distress ink.

These truly are some of my favourite flowers and I just love that you can add them to regular shabby chic styled layout or you can be a little adventurous and grunge them up a little and then use them against a corrugated board background as I have done with my three layouts for a completely different look.  
TFL

STTG #2 Challenge is up and OPEN!!

Colors...

Lavender ~ Ice Blue ~ Cream ~ Gray

Embellishments...

Bling ~ Flowers ~ Pearls ~ Lace

Shapes...

Damask ~ Diamond

Techniques...

One of Wendy's NEW stamp techniques

You can find her tutorials here!!

A handmade flower

You can find tutorials here!!

How to play!!! :)

Level #1

Pick at least 2 colors and 1 embellishment

Prize is a $10 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be randomly drawn

ahhhh c'mon... just try... it'll be FUN!!! :)

Level #2

Pick at least 3 colors and 2 embellishments

Prize is a $15 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Little bit more challenging with some added competition!! :)

Level #3

Use all 4 colors and at least... 3 embellishments, 1 Shape & 1 Technique

Prize is a $25 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Push your creativity with this one and you've got even MORE competition!!! :)

When uploading your image to the gallery...

Please include STTG #2 in your title... (including other sites)

Please include which level you're entering in your description

Have FUN and try something NEW!!

You have until midnight March 31st PST

Winner will be announced on April 1st

A note about the photo from STTG owner Tracy Gutierrez

My girls and I have Tea Devotionals with this tea set. It's a great time to relax, focus on God, talk about things and really encourage & lift each other up!! I encourage you to have some quiet time with God each & every day too. Our relationship with God grows stronger when we spend time with HIM!! :)

My daughter Katie took this photo... thanx My Little Miss!!

I created the flowers out of organza fabric and followed Wendy Greenaway's awesome tutoral!! You can find the link here...

Tutorial - Fluffy Ballerina Blooms

Thank you Wendy!! :) (It's a pleasure Tracy, glad you liked them and yours look fantastic!!)

STTG #2 Challenge link - Come on in and register and join the FUN!!

**STTG #1 Challenge** Thankful 4 ur Girly Girl Smile

This is my first DT project for STTG. As I posted earlier, Tracy is hosting a monthly challenge with a $25 gift card up for grabs. Her first challenge was to create a LO, card or altered project using the word "Thankful" or "Thank You". Growing up I was a little bit of a tomboy so I never got to appreciate all the fun girly girl things. When I had my daighter I was a little worried that she may be the same because she had an older brother she idolised. But much to my relief she turned out to be the best of both worlds. She loves fashion and dressing up and being a girly girl but is just as capable to playing rough and tough with her 2 brothers.

For my flower clusters I really wanted the misted look but didn't want to necessarily mist my bg papers so I decided to experiment and built my clusters on some scrap chipboard, misted them with several different colour mists and then added the misted clusters to the LO. I really like how it turned out and I'll be putting a tutorial together shortly for the technique.

I finished my chipboard pieces off by dabbing some textured molding paste onto the entire surface area to create a rough textured finish. Once the paste had completely dried I painted over it with some Creative Inspiration Paints. I tucked the Dusty Attic dress form (available from the STTG store) behind the flower cluster and added some more mini roses to the waste.

To finish the LO off I added some lacing down the right using two colours of silk ribbon. This is a simple but eye catching lacing technique and a great way to fill empty space on a LO.

All the Dusty Attic pieces and Glitz papers in this LO are available at the STTG store so pop over there, you'll be pleasantly surprised.