Creative Challenge: Frame It!

Our Design Team Creative Challenge is a monthly feature, where we challenge our design team to explore their creative side using a specific theme, product or technique. This month, we've been asked to Frame It! Be sure to check the MFT Blog for a list of all the designers who have put their MFT stamps and/or Die-namics dies to work to create a framed piece of art for you.

As I was preparing for this challenge, I went in a non-traditional direction.  I started thinking about all the shapes and sizes of Die-namics we have now and how they could be used to make frames.  I figured it would be a great way to highlight our sentiments or create a scene with our lined images.  I will admit, I'll have to explore the framed scene idea later, I was too distracted by the sentiment option.  :)  

I created a video tutorial on how to build your own frames for your projects.  As your going through your Die-namics, try making your own combination.

Here's the first card I put together for this challenge (you may notice I've been playing around with my photography and editing):

I used the Oval STAX Die-namics and the Framed Greetings Die-namics to build my frame.  I used the Square STAX Die-namics for the panel behind the frame with the Finishing Flourishes stamp set.  

Here's a detail shot of the frame and the button embellishment:

Here's a close up of the buttoned bow and some stitching:

And here's a detail shot of the frame popped up:

These are the Die-namics I used:

Next up is the card in the video:

I used the Traditional Tags STAX Die-namics and the Vertical Greetings 1 Die-namics to create the frame.  I used the High Tea Doily Die-namics with a piece of patterned paper in the background:

And there's a piece of grey felt cut with the Solid Bracket Border Die-namics peeking out, too:

Here's the Die-namics for this card:

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But that's not all I have for this challenge.  I follow a few scrapbooking (not primarily stamping) blogs and I came across this post by Christine Middlecamp titled Mapping Happiness.  I've linked the intro to her Mapping Happiness project and here is the first tutorial on how to prepare your frame.  I loved the idea!  I couldn't wait to get started.  What's even better?  I had nearly all the supplies on hand.  I had to buy a piece of mat board ($8, but it was on sale for 30% off this week!) and had them cut it to size.

Months ago I purchased this large open back frame for $3 (they're rarely that inexpensive) at Hobby Lobby.  It's been sitting in a corner without a purpose--until now.  I spray painted it white.  In her tutorial, she notes that you can have the mat board but to size and just fit it inside the frame instead of going her route.  I didn't read that until after I had cut my mat board, but it worked out perfectly since my frame is skinnier than hers.  Besides, this frame has those little prongs that made it really easy to attach the mat board.  

She also talks about using some large patterned paper, possibly from Paper Source.  I have three sheets of large rolled paper from Paper Source, but they were all too small for my frame.  I did find some painters paper (a large roll of kraft paper from Lowe's that painters use) that provided a nice neutral background--and I love kraft.  Note: this is most likely not acid free, but I'm willing to see how long it lasts.  I adhered the kraft paper to the mat board with spray adhesive and stapled on twill ribbon like she suggests in her tutorial. 

I really struggled with the next step.  Creating "happiness" cards.  I knew I didn't want them to be greeting cards, but little cards that I could tuck in my Project Life album with my pictures.  I sat.  I stared.  I dug through supplies.  I sat.  I stared.  I left my desk.  I returned.  I sat.  I stared.  It's really hard to do something you're not used to doing!  

My kickstart of mojo came from looking through a stack of printed photos.  These photos aren't the highest quality because I took all of them with my phone.  That said, they're some of my favorites because they aren't staged--they are our everyday life.  Little things that happen (which at this stage of my life, include my two kids) that are worthy of a photo and a little journaling.  These photos are a bit older, so they don't include my son, just my daughter.  I did receive two full envelopes from Postal Pix today, so he will be included soon!

I used the picture as inspiration and chose coordinating Die-namics and stamps that would work with it.  A list of products is under each photo.

Traditional Tags STAX Die-namics, Chevron Stripes Die-namics, Rounded Banner Trio Die-namics, Own Your Story and stamp set

Supplies: Pretty Pocket Die-namics and stamp set, Homespun Birdhouse Die-namics

Supplies: Fishtail Flags Die-namics, All Smiles stamp set, Butterflies Die-namics, Tag You're It Die-namics (fits in the small Project Life pocket!)

Originally, I had only planned on making one or two, but I got in a groove and it was such fun to make three.  I've got a great start here!

I hope to branch out and include other than things that make me happy or things that I am blessed by.  This project will not only help fill my albums, but be a visual reminder of things to be thankful for.  And I love that.