Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Christmas decoupage and some challenges!

I recently posted a set of decoupaged  'robin Christmas cards' on here - and it reminded me of what a gentle and relaxing technique it is. 

I then spotted someone selling, in a FB 'Decluttering Group', a huge (24!) Christmas bundle of Katy Sue's die cut Christmas decoupage sheets. I've assembled a few images and really love them. This is the first completed card:

I used:

- 6" x 6" square white scalloped card blank, made by Craftwork Cards - it's years since I used a scalloped card and have fallen in love with them all over again - just as well as I have a box full of them in various sizes!

- decoupage sheet called 'Bear with Snowman' from the Katy Sue 'Christmas decoupage bundle' 

- popped out all the pieces, keeping them in their respective layers - snipping off the little 'pips' of card where they'd been attached to the whole sheet as I went

- and this is where things almost went askew (to put it politely) - I usually use thin snipped up sticky pads for the assembly process - but had a wild idea that Pinflair silicone glue for decoupage would be quicker and even cheaper and so had ordered some from Amazon

- I really love the end result but almost gave up in despair partway through - that stuff is sticky and oily at the same time and I hated using it!

- layered the completed decoupage panel, using Collall glue, onto a 5.5" x 5.5" square piece of Tonic 'Firestone Red' mirri card - having run a silver calligraphy pen around the edges of both the image panel and the red mirri card 

- then glued the whole panel onto the front of the card

- added a little tag which also came in the decoupage sheet, having also run a silver calligraphy pen right around the edge - I added the label using thin sticky pads as by then the silicone glue had been given its marching orders - amazing how quickly the tube goes down as well - not a money OR time saver

- before sticking the tag to the image panel I made a dinky little bow using red metallic cord and glued it onto the tag using a tiny drop of 'Glossy Accents', which I'd weighted down using a thick very heavy old acrylic stamping block to let it dry and not make a leap for freedom!

- finished off by adding a couple of the 'extras' including a border strip from the decoupage sheet to the envelope - not something I usually think of doing but am always impressed when others decorate their envelopes!

So, my big lesson was that silicone glue and I do NOT get along well together - it took ages to clean up my glass mat as well as any tool that had come near the stuff - thank goodness for  having a bottle of 'Sticky Stuff Remover'!

Another thing I realised was that some of the topmost layers on the few images I've assembled so far are too small and fiddly to add without jeopardising the look of the whole  thing. So I just glue those flat onto the topmost layer using a glue pen. I'm referring to really teeny, tiny pieces - and it doesn't spoil the 3D effect in any way.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:


Darnell's NBUS Challenge #54 - the whole set of decoupage sheets was my NBUS item 

22 comments:

  1. Oh what a fabulous purchase Di - I have seen a few of these sheets being used of late and they are beautiful. Love your end result, despite the fracas with the silicone glue...
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  2. That is adorable, I can see why you’re smitten. I have a couple of syringes specifically for silicone glue, works a treat, small nozzle, and to clean you simply wait for residue to dry enough so that you can pull it off xx

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    1. Also….may be a bad batch ?….

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    2. I used the syringe Lesley. Dread to think of the mess otherwise. Yet, it always looked so easy at craft fayres. Sigh. x

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  3. You and me both Sistah! I hate silicone glue. Sooo messy! Foam pads are my ‘go to’ for dimension.

    LOVE this pretty decoupaged Christmas card. Great find on FB.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  4. A lovely card Di, such a cute image.

    I used to use silicone glue with a syringe but now prefer foam tape. If using a lot of glue with layers it could make the card a bit heavy.

    Kath x

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  5. A beautiful result despite your experiences with the silicone adhesive - I'm not really a fan either although when I've used it in the past I always applied it with a syringe which I found was the least messy way. I didn't like the odour given off by the silicone despite claims that it doesn't smell.

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    1. Snigger, I used a syringe Val. Still managed to get it all over my paws and the tweezers, scissors etc. Dudley kept well out of the way, wise pooch. x

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  6. Wooo hooo, what a find! Lovely card, Di. Thanks for joining Kimberley and me at Christmas Kickstart, Jo x

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  7. Hi Di,
    Happy Rudolf Days.
    This card is so pretty and the image is gorgeous.
    I love Katy Sue's images they are all so very sweet.
    Love your wonderful design of it.
    Sorry to hear you had a hitch with the silicone glue I have used it for years with a coccktail stick not a syringe.
    Try using some rubbing alchol on your glass matt to see if it takes it off if it still there.
    Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge and your kind comments on my blog.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L. DT

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  8. A beautiful Christmas decoupage image and the finished card is really pretty Di. I do use the Pinflair Glue Gel but is is a bit sticky and you have to try to wipe your fingers and tools frequently and try not to get it on your fingers too much. I think that you can make the shaping of the finished piece more natural looking with it, but it's horses for courses really and we each have things we like and don't like when making cards. x

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    1. Totally agree about the shaping side Pat - that was one reason why I ventured into Pinflair glue Gel. Basically, I'm just a messy pup, one reason I don't do a lot of 'smooshing and other wet techniques'. Having said that, some new little Lindy's Magical Shakers are here waiting for a first outing - just as soon as I get gowned up and don the rubber gloves! x

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  9. Gosh a lucky and lovely purchase Di, I'm with you on the little images, love the border and those adorable snowmen. The red mirror card is lovely and the sound of the matching envelope.

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  10. Thanks for trying things that I would never have the guts to try Di!! I will definitely avoid the silicone glue! Love your sweet decoupage scene and that fun little border and tag. Hugs, Vicky xx

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  11. How cute, elegant and sweet card!! Lucky purchase! Love your decoupaging of those sweet characters, the elegant border and the cute tag! The red mirry mat is just perfect to add shine!
    I don't love silicone glue too. I have a tube with syringe unused by years, I think it is dried. Well done keeping Dudley out of zone. : )
    Hugs and my usual cuddles to my furry friend!

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  12. Super card, Di. I'm not a fan of silicone glue either. I've only used it once, but quickly reverted to my trusty foam pad/tape. Perhaps I should have persevered with it a bit longer. xx

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    1. Nope - it's an invention of nasty forces! Avoid silicone glue at all costs is my motto! xx

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  13. I'm not a fan of silicone glue either! This looks so very sweet, I can see why you got them.

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  14. FABULOUS card -love the added zing of the metalic red!
    Thank you for joining Dotty Jo, the hostess of the Kickstart challenge -and myself as I guested this month for the "Chillin" with the Gnomies" theme!!!!

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  15. Di this is a fabulous card and just love the images something l have never used is silicone glue but you seem to have mastered it with your card the end result as you say is stunning like the red on the background too before the image you imposed onto it xx

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  16. This is a lovely 3D card, Di. I like the image and know how much work they are to assemble! Yours looks great.

    Thanks for taking part in the Rudolph Days Challenge.

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  17. Such a pretty card Di. I hate silicone glue - seems to get everywhere!

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