Blog Hop and December Releases from ODBD!

Where did November go?! It's December first already and that means new stamps and ODBD Blog Hop!!! Once again, Kelley has thrilled us with two new beautiful sets this month, just in time for those winter and holiday projects! The first set is "His Gift"....thank you to Dina Kowal for such a gorgeous poinsettia image!! The second, used for my project below, is "Peace and Joy"....aren't these the coolest snowflakes?

As soon as I saw these snowflakes, I KNEW I had to break out the Polyshrink!! I won't bore you with all of the photos, but here are some quick instructions on how to use Polyshrink to make plastic charms, etc. Polyshrink comes in 8 1/2 x 11 clear sheets....use a sanding block across and up & down on the surface....marring the surface helps the ink to adhere. I used Olive Green Stazon to stamp the small and large snowflakes onto the Polyshrink. After cutting out the flakes, small circles were punched where the cord will be tied.
Once your cut pieces are ready, either bake them in a 350 oven for a few minutes, or use a heat tool. Each piece will shrink approximately 40% of its original size....the punched holes will remain after shrinking. The two larger snowflakes fit together perfectly (I got lucky at guessing the size of the cut-outs!!)and the small snowflakes were hung using silver cord which was unbraided.

Now, on to the hop!! If you have hopped here from Deb's blog, you're in the right place. If you here by chance, please go to the ODBD blog for the starting point. Kelley has generously offered to give TWO lucky winners the stamp set of their choice. To be eligible, visit each design team member's blogs, leave a comment, collect each "secret word" along with the DT member's name, return to the ODBD blog to let us know you have finished, then email the secret message to Grace, our wonderful DT Coordinator. You have until 8PM EST on Dec 2nd to send your entry to Grace for a chance to win.
My secret word is: THE
Your next hopping point is Becca's Blog. Betcha can't wait to see what she has in store for you!!

Happy hopping and have a blessed day!!!

Day Three of ODBD Anniversary Celebrations!

Welcome to day three of Our Daily Bread Designs' one year anniversary celebration!!! Don't forget to check out the ODBD blog every day to see what's happenin'!!! (Psst....the scavenger hunt is still going on....don't forget to play!)

Check out Chris' blog to see more of her classy creations.....dang, that girl is good!!! Chris will be featuring a lot of the new items from the ODBD store....don't miss it!


TODAY IS THE DAY FOR MY VERY FIRST TUTORIAL!!! I will show how easy it is to use Polyshrink, the grown-up version of Shrinky-Dinks! I never knew there was a difference in shrinkable plastic, but once I tried Polyshrink, I will never go back to another brand. The items you make keep their shape perfectly and do not warp!!! Anyhoo...here we go!




Supplies you will need:

Polyshrink

Sanding Blocks

Stamps

Permanent Ink (I chose Stazon)

Markers (Permanent if possible)

Cutting System, punches, scissors, etc.

Heat tool or your oven




Step One: Using your sanding block, lightly sand horizontal and vertical stripes on a sheet of Polyshrink. This helps the ink to adhere to the slick surface.




Step Two: Stamp your image(s) onto the sanded side of the Polyshrink. I stamped the flowers close to the edge in order to use a punch.




Step Three: I used the Creative Memories' Cutting System to cut out the stamped verse. If you choose to make a tag, or pendant, etc., this would be the time to punch a hole. After shrinking the plastic, the hole remains, although smaller. I usually use a 1/4" hole punch, but for this project....no punchie!




Step Four: I used a scalloped circle punch for the flower images...wait until you see how cute they are when they're finished!!! You can also cut the image out with scissors or exacto knife if you choose.




Step Five: Color your image(s) if desired. Permanent type markers are preferred to insure that the color doesn't rub off after heating, however, it's fine to experiment with whatever you have on hand....even colored pencils!




Step Six: Bring on the heat!!! Since I had multiple items, I used my toaster oven instead of my heat tool. Both work fine, but the little suckers can get away from you when you use your heat tool on them!!! ***Note: most children and some husbands :) like to watch the baking process!!! Don't worry......they always curl up like that, but settle right down. It only takes a few minutes for the baking process. If they are a little curly, you can press down with an acrylic block while they are still warm. If they are TOTALLY out of shape, you haven't heated them enough.




Last step: Finish your project with your fun little charms!!!! Have fun! Don't forget to pick up your Polyshrink supplies at the ODBD store today!!!




Recipe for my card:

Sing to the Lord stamp set from Our Daily Bread Designs
Sugardrop series paper from Memory Box (ODBD)
SU Chocolate Chip and Whisper White
Watercolor Paper
Ribbon
Gold flower shaped bead caps
Pearls stickers (ODBD)
Gel Pen
Ink: Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust

Now....about that Blog Candy! Leave a comment on this post by midnight Friday and you will be entered in a drawing to win Sing To The Lord from ODBD!!! Good Luck! Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a blessed day!!!