I'm a few days late for this post, but I wanted to get this posted before I got even MORE behind! (I'm busy working through my project list after being gone for a week!)
Last Friday's Blogger's Challenge theme was Ornament. A fun theme, and I didn't want to miss out! For my project I created this chipboard holiday ornament. It's kind of retro looking with the colors being red and turquoise. I have a die cut of the ornament shape that works GREAT for cutting out chipboard shapes and I used some of my other die cuts for the flower shapes to give the ornament some design and dimension.
I've had my Big Shot for almost a year, but because it's something I have to get out to use (it's not just out all of the time) I don't find myself reaching for it very often. I'm always thrilled with the results of my projects when I do use it, so I'm going to TRY and use it more often.
I've found that I really like the process of die cutting when I have patterned paper adhered to the chipboard before it's die cut. I like how the cutting process presses the patterned paper onto the chipboard, making it look like it's actually part of the chipboard. It slightly rounds the edges, and I like that finished look.
For this project, I adhered red designer paper to my chipboard, placed the covered chipboard into the machine with the die and cut out the red ornament shape. Then I adhered some blue designer paper to a scrap piece of chipboard, and cutout just the top portion of the ornament so I could layer the two together on my finished project. I did the same technique for the flower shapes -- adhering the paper to the chipboard before the cuts where made. Once I had all of my shapes cut, I inked the edges with coordinating inks and glued them to the ornament. I applied a layer of Glossy Accents to the large red area to make the ornament shine like glass. The blue topper and flowers are covered with a layer of Crackle Accents which makes the ornament look like cracked aged glass. While the clear layers were still wet, I sprinkled on some ultra fine glitter for lots of sparkle!
This would be a fun project to turn into a greeting card gift. The ornament could be added to the front of a card and then removed and hung on a tree. Or, it would make a great gift tag too!
Blog Candy: Sooo... how would you like to receive a dozen plain chipboard ornament cutouts from me? You'll be able to cover them with patterned paper, paint them, or alter them in any way. Use them for gift tags, cards, or ornaments for your own tree. I've cut a dozen plain chipboard ornament shapes for one lucky person! If you'd like to be considered for the drawing, leave me a comment on this post. Be sure you leave your name! On WEDNESDAY at NOON Central time I'll randomly select one lucky person to send the chipboard shapes to! And you never know... you might get a little something EXTRA from me in your package, too!
After you leave your comment, don't forget to check out the other Blogger's Challenge Friday posts! I already know there are AMAZING projects to be seen!! You'll find a list to all of the Blogger's Challenge sits on the right side of my blog -- scroll down. You'll see it!
Edited to Add: The ornament die I used is an Ellison Thick Cuts die called Christmas Ornament.
pick me, pick me!! The tip on using your die cutter to do chipboard so it gives a nice finished look is a great little secret! Thank you!
Posted by: elaine | October 21, 2007 at 01:23 AM
What a stunning ornament, I would love to win some. Thank you for the chance,
DeeRuger
Posted by: Dee Ruger | October 19, 2007 at 05:49 AM
awesome ornament Anna!! love the glitz!!
Posted by: Karen (stampin3) | October 17, 2007 at 01:44 PM
I LOVE the ornament! You are amazingly talented!! Thanks for sharing and a chance to win~~
Posted by: KristinaaLewis | October 17, 2007 at 07:04 AM
YES, I would love the chipboard ornaments and I am hoping the something extra is some of your awesome images (if I win...LOL)
Crossing my fingers!!
Posted by: Angel W. | October 17, 2007 at 06:50 AM
I love to cut out die-cuts with the patterned paper already glued to the chipboard for the same reason you do - it presses the paper to the chipboard. This is a great way to cut out die cut alphabets. All you have left to do is ink the edges a little.
Love your blog & beautiful cards!
Posted by: Ann C. | October 17, 2007 at 06:22 AM
This would be perfect!! I am going to have my OWN tree this year....decorated with scrapbooking and rubber stamping supplies as well as altered items! Very cool!
Thanks!
Posted by: Cheryl Kelly-Van Domelen | October 17, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Great ornament! I love checking your blog to see what you've created - especially your watercolored images - and to see what your menagerie is up to. Keep it up!
Posted by: Mary | October 17, 2007 at 05:33 AM
I love chipboard and always save the peices from paper pads, and when I get odd parts in packaging. Nice to play with and make covers etc. Recycling is a way of life.
Posted by: Jan Scholl | October 16, 2007 at 10:54 PM
This is great, Anna! These would look so cool with a photo on them too! :0)
Posted by: Tracy | October 16, 2007 at 09:44 PM
what a fabulous ornament! I love it! ~Aileen
Posted by: aileen (inkydiva cards) | October 16, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Adorable ornament! I'd love to play! :)
Posted by: ~Carla~ | October 16, 2007 at 08:45 PM
oo, oo, oo,.
What a great giveaway. I'm seriously thinking of getting a die cutting machine and have been researching various types.
Thanks for your ideas.
Posted by: Amanda Pedro | October 16, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Always enjoy your blog! TFS!!
Posted by: Sherrie | October 16, 2007 at 08:21 PM
That ornament is beautiful. I'd love to have some for myself to "play" with!
Posted by: Kristine | October 16, 2007 at 07:44 PM
What a fun prize. I love your blog - your creations and cards are so amazing. But your animal photos are such a delightful bonus and I appreciate your sharing the cute photos with us.
Posted by: Linda SS | October 16, 2007 at 07:41 PM
I love your ornament...thanks for offering us a chance to win some chipboard.
Posted by: Janet Allen | October 16, 2007 at 07:34 PM
Nice blog candy, Anna! Got my fingers crossed I'll be making some ornaments for the tree soon!
later, alligator!
- Sue B
Posted by: Sue B | October 16, 2007 at 07:31 PM
Stunning, Anna!
Posted by: Lori Craig | October 16, 2007 at 07:23 PM
I have always liked using coasters. Hope I win! Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Robbie
Posted by: Robbie | October 16, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Cute ornament, enter me for the candy!!!
Posted by: JanTink | October 16, 2007 at 07:10 PM
That ornament is beautiful! I'd love some die cuts. Enjoyed reading about your trip to Oregon - I notice you hit some of the stores I suggested.
NancyS (momsnack)
Posted by: NancyS (momsnack) | October 16, 2007 at 07:07 PM
Please enter me for this drawing. Tooo cute!
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | October 16, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Love your blog! My son and I enjoy all the animal stories and photos together. Your ornament is beautiful! I would love to be lucky with this blog candy!
Posted by: Leesa Berry | October 16, 2007 at 06:34 PM
I love what you did with the ornament chipboard...absolutely gorgeous...now I need them so I can try and make something as pretty as that :)
Posted by: kerianne | October 16, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Your ornament is just the cutest! I would love to make some also!
Posted by: Lorri Feidt | October 16, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Wow! Great idea. My family makes a christmas ornament every year after thanksgiving dinner. This would be fabulous! I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be the lucky crafter!
Posted by: dawnmercedes | October 16, 2007 at 04:16 PM
OOOO, me! Me! Pick me! LOL! I love your blog. Your creations blow me away. TFS! :)
Posted by: Donna McInnis | October 16, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Ohhhh, I would absolutely LOVE to win some ornaments to personalize for my tree....or better yet my son and new daughter-in-law's very first christmas tree...how special would that be......you've given me such a good idea, I may just have to go purchase some somewhere if I don't win..... :) Thanks so much for the inspiration and the chance to win....
[email protected]
Posted by: Anette | October 16, 2007 at 03:57 PM
would love to win these!! so many cute things on your blog today!
Posted by: sherri | October 16, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Pretty ornament Anna ! Would love to win your goodies ! Thanks for a chance !
Posted by: Lastel/STAMPINSTEL | October 16, 2007 at 03:21 PM
That is a super ornament! Sigh, reminds me i should be doing more die-cutting as well.
Posted by: tracy | October 16, 2007 at 03:13 PM
those baby chickens are adorable! I'd love to have a chance to win the die cut ornaments! too cute
Posted by: Donna Baker | October 16, 2007 at 03:04 PM
your ornament is just adorable - but those baby chicks - I don't know which is better!!! and great kitty pics too. love your site! eb
Posted by: Elizabeth B | October 16, 2007 at 02:53 PM
What a gorgeous ornament! I hope that my number will be picked so I can make some, too.
Regina Davis
Posted by: Regina Davis | October 16, 2007 at 02:37 PM
So cute! I couldn't even tell it was chipboard. That's amamzing!
Posted by: Cindy J | October 16, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Always fascinated by your work. I'd love to be able to doodle like you, but some things are just natural talent.
Posted by: Angie | October 16, 2007 at 02:21 PM
WONDERFUL ornament!! I love my Big Shot & keep it out all the time. I'll need to check out that ornament die.
Posted by: Linda Marie | October 16, 2007 at 02:08 PM
I absolutely love this idea! I'm new to die cuts and I'm gonna give this a try. What a neat idea for a small x-mas gift. Thanks, Anna!
Posted by: Michelle | October 16, 2007 at 01:57 PM
fun! fun! thanks for sharing! :D
Posted by: Leah | October 16, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Everything you do is so creative. You inspire me to try something new with each blog. Thanks for that!
Posted by: Annie Patrick | October 16, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Oh, oh, oh!!! Anna, that ornament is simply gorgeous!! I would LOVE to have some chipboard ornaments all my own.
~Crystal M.
Posted by: Crystal M. | October 16, 2007 at 01:40 PM
Girl, it's just amazing what you can do with paper!!!!! Thanks for sharing and... PICK ME!!!!!!!!! lol
Judy H.
Posted by: Judy H. | October 16, 2007 at 01:37 PM
I love your blog. The animals are so cute. Even if they are being pests you still seem to get a great picture each and every time. I have a sizzix machine and I know what you mean about it being hard to get out, so I don't use mine like I should either. Maybe I should try the blogger challenge also, even though I don't have a blog (yet)! ;)
Posted by: Caren | October 16, 2007 at 01:25 PM
So many ideas going through my head. Yours is stunning.. Thanks for the chance!!
Posted by: jodene | October 16, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Anna, I LOVE your blog, and visit it daily to see what's new on the farm! Eddie is adorable! Your cards and other projects never cease to amaze me. Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kathy McDonald | October 16, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Hi Anna,
I'd really love to play with some of those ornaments! So, please pick me!! My luck has run try of late... sigh... hehehe
Bobbie :)
Love the chickies! Esp. the one w/the black by her eye, makes her look egyptian! Walk like an egyptian... chick!
Posted by: Bobbie | October 16, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Wow count me in!!
Thank you
Crystal
Posted by: Crystal LaDoux | October 16, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Neat ornament you made but your kitties are "neater". Like the animal pics you share. tfs
Posted by: Maxell on SCS | October 16, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Anna, you continue to amaze with your creativity. I love this ornament. You didn't say but, if the back side is finished, this would look great on a Christmas tree with the shine and glitter reflecting the lights. Love it! Thanks for sharing and being detailed in the specifics.
Manetta
p.s. get out there and hug Eddie despite his condition. He looked adorable even as a mud ball. :-)
Posted by: Manetta Deggelman | October 16, 2007 at 11:46 AM
So pretty! What a great gift tag this would make...almost like an exta present! And I love all the photos of your animals....adorable!
Thanks for the blog candy opportunity!
Jane
Posted by: Jane R | October 16, 2007 at 11:35 AM
OOHH how wonderful does this ornament look! I would adore the opportunity to win some great chipboard ornaments.
So can I jump up and down and say "pick me pick me pick me" please.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 16, 2007 at 11:10 AM
I love your ornament...the colors are so perfect! I would love some die-cut ornaments...thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Erika H. | October 16, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Your ornament is really pretty! How cool you can cut out your own chipboard! I'm wild wasabi with envy! ;-)
Posted by: Amy Caraluzzi | October 16, 2007 at 11:02 AM
And will the "something extra" in the package be a baby donkey? Because I can't stop thinking about your baby donkey! I want one too. Love the ornament!
Posted by: Trish | October 16, 2007 at 10:59 AM
CLEARLY, you have to pick me, simply because I want to see Karrie Baker come to Texas and hold Eddie for ransom. I mean what an great photo op that would be Karrie slipping and sliding in the mud trying to hold on to Eddie. (I'll even give her ONE of the dies for the free show.)
Posted by: Sharon in Nebraska | October 16, 2007 at 10:58 AM
What a beautiful ornament Anna! I love your blog because of the cards and projects you post, but also because you share your life with us too! Thanks for the opportunity to win some chipboard ornaments!
Posted by: Suzanne | October 16, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Anna: Love your ornament. These would be fun to send to newlyweds or college students even elderly people who don't want to bother with too many decorations. Thanks for the chance to win them and the inspiration to make a few of my own. Your kitties are too cute.
Posted by: Troy Louise | October 16, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Great ornament, Anna! I'm working on lots of card designs with my 120 punches, but have yet to get a die-cutter of any kind. I luv your animal pics, too. I have 4 cats and they do the cutest things until I whip out my camera :)
Posted by: Cheryl R | October 16, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I would love to win! What a beautiful ornament you made, I need to do a lot of glass balls and other "giftie" things this year for Christmas and use up my stash. :) Thanks for all the inspiration!
Jennifer G.
Posted by: Jennifer-g | October 16, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I love the pictures of Curly and Junior. We call one of our cats, Bitch Face as she has such unfriendly looks sometimes. Her name is really Cassie and she really is a sweetie. I'd love those chipboard ornaments. I see I have 74 people ahead of me in this response so I won't hold my breath.
Posted by: Kittie | October 16, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Anna...What a cool ornament. Haven't tried any chipboard yet. I love your whole blog, cards, photos and critters! Thank you for sharing with us!
Posted by: Susan H | October 16, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I love your retro ornament that you created, and I could just see 10 ornaments all spruced up on my tree!! :)
Posted by: Megan Olsen | October 16, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Oh, what a wonderful idea. I love the use of the red and turqoise. I have noticed a lot of non-traditional colors for Christmas this year.
Posted by: Sandy H | October 16, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Wow!! Yours turned out so cute!! I hope I win!! =)
Posted by: Lauren Pittman | October 16, 2007 at 09:09 AM
AWSOME PROJECT!!! Love your site. Always look forward to visiting it daily.
Posted by: Lynda Thompson | October 16, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Such a great idea! You never cease to amaze me.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | October 16, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Oh, I can imagine the fun I would have creating all these ornaments. Your is so cute and what a great idea!
Posted by: Cathy Whiteman | October 16, 2007 at 08:31 AM
What a great idea love that ornament and the colors are great I would love to have some.
Posted by: jessica smith | October 16, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Gorgeous ornament. I love seeing all you animals. I am glad you are back. I miss reading your blog when you are gone.
Posted by: Linda Palmer | October 16, 2007 at 08:01 AM
WOW love your ornament. Thanks for the tip -- I would never have thought to apply the paper before cutting it. Love your blog and store.
Posted by: Angie DiMeglio | October 16, 2007 at 07:45 AM
I love it! Of course, I love everything you do! Pick me! Pick me!
Posted by: Mendi | October 16, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Oh how fun! I really enjoy your blog...Thanks for all of the inspiration! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! ;-)
Posted by: Michelle | October 16, 2007 at 07:36 AM
I love your blog! I'm a new reader on the blog scene but have found yours to be one of the nicest out there! Thank for the great ornament idea! Is the ornament die by sizzix?
Posted by: Jenny Ward | October 16, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Another idea for me to CASE! LOVE IT!
Posted by: Randee | October 16, 2007 at 07:03 AM
Fun! I've never done chipboard before! Thanks for the great idea!
Posted by: Cheri Mosgrove | October 16, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Loving the ornament! 'Tis the season to start playing around with ideas. I love the look of this one, it doesn't look like chipboard.
Posted by: Lynn | October 16, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Ooh - I'd LOVE chipboard ornaments! I could totally use them to dress up our house at Christmas - last year was our first Christmas here, and it was a tough one, so we didn't decorate much. I'd love to this year. LOVE LOVE LOVE your ornament, by the way! Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Shelby M | October 16, 2007 at 06:51 AM
Wow Anna,
These look like a lot of fun! These would be so cute on the tree. I'll put my name in the hat for a try at winning. Thanks for the opportunity!
Chris Hauck
Posted by: Chris Hauck | October 16, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Great ornament Anna! Well worth the wait to see it!
Kim
Posted by: Kim Howard | October 16, 2007 at 06:42 AM
Oh I love your ornament!! I am just in love with your blog - both with the beautiful cards as well as your amazing pics and those adorable animals! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kerry J | October 16, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Love the ornament. I would love to try some myself.....fingers crossed!
Posted by: Lois Michael | October 16, 2007 at 06:33 AM
Oooooh, so cool! I lOOOVE chipboard, but never thought to make ornaments with it...maybe this is my "oppurtunity?"...teehee! TFS!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | October 16, 2007 at 06:22 AM
Beautiful ornament Anna! I love the dimension of the multiple layers of chipboard. The sparkle really finishes it off.
Posted by: Stefanie (ssummerer) | October 16, 2007 at 06:11 AM
So pretty! I've yet to do anything with the chipboard...I'd love a chance to practice. :) Thanks for sharing with us.
Susan in TX
Posted by: Susan in TX | October 16, 2007 at 06:07 AM
These are great, they would be so much fun to make with my kiddies!
Posted by: Michelle Nadraszky | October 16, 2007 at 06:02 AM
Love your ornament. How sweet to offer some to your readers to make. Count me in on this sweet candy. I would love to try some of these. Thanks for the tutorial, it was easy to follow. Thanks for a chance.
[email protected]
Posted by: Cathy | October 16, 2007 at 06:00 AM
This is sooo cute.... great work as usual...
Beth
Posted by: Beth Jacobs | October 16, 2007 at 06:00 AM
What a great idea to add other little chipboard pieces on top of the chipboard ornament. LOVE IT. And of course I would be thrilled should I be the lucky winner of the chipboard ornaments ;-)
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | October 16, 2007 at 05:52 AM
That ornament is so cute, it would be great to win some of those! Thanks for the chance and keep up the great work, I check out your blog daily for inspiration!!!!
Posted by: Dawn R | October 16, 2007 at 05:49 AM
I love the retro look of this ornament - especially the colors!! What a great die to have!! Thanks for the tip to adhere the paper before cutting the chipboard - way cool!!
Posted by: broni | October 16, 2007 at 05:47 AM
What do I have to do to get you to decorate them too??
This is gorgeous! Great minds think alike (on the colors-ha! ha!)
Posted by: Lauren (mytime) | October 16, 2007 at 05:40 AM
Oh that is a cool idea! I also don't use my Big Shot as much as I should - it's covered up with all my other crafting supplies. One of these days I will organize......... :)
Posted by: Holly | October 16, 2007 at 05:39 AM
Great ornament Anna - love the fact that they are easy to mass produce.
Posted by: Lisa Somerville | October 16, 2007 at 05:39 AM
Very cool ornament! Love the bright colors. Count me in on the ornament blog candy!
Connie
http://inkspiredtreasures.blogspot.com
Posted by: Connie | October 16, 2007 at 05:37 AM
How fantastically fun! Love the turquoise!
Posted by: Amy | October 16, 2007 at 05:29 AM
This looks like a great project to do with the grandkids!! I love homemade ornaments and this is a great one!!
Posted by: Gail S. | October 16, 2007 at 05:28 AM
Love the ornament!! So many possibilities :) Thanks for the chance to win :)
Posted by: Dotty | October 16, 2007 at 05:27 AM
Oops don't know what happened. My comment went to lacyquilter. And mine was empty.
Posted by: Kathy Reed | October 16, 2007 at 05:26 AM
I love your blog - and those ornaments. It is a treat for me to read your blog every morning.
Thanks
Posted by: Kathy Reed | October 16, 2007 at 05:24 AM