Monday, September 26, 2011

Two Fall Challenges


Today's project combines two challenges, the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge to IMPRESS (embossing folder, heat embossing, letterpress plate) and the SUO Challenge  to use fall colors.  As part of my Fall Stamp Camp, I had participants make a candle.  This one uses different colors than in my camp and is also a taller pillar.  This way, I can show off more fall colors!

I stamped the leaves onto white tissue paper (waxy side up - don't know why - someone recommended it) then cut them out leaving about 1/8" tissue paper on the perimeter.  You don't have to be precise about your cutting. 

I used a More Mustard ink pad and Cajun Craze and Early Espresso markers for the maple leaves.
I used the Pear Pizzazz ink and Always Artichoke and Soft Suede markers for the oak leaves.
I used More Mustard and Early Espresso for the aspen leaves.

Be careful to clean the stamp after you stamp each leaf, so you don't contaminate your ink pads.

I used a small bit of adhesive on the center of each leaf (waxy side facing candle) to hold the leaves in place.  Then I wrapped a piece of waxed paper around the entire candle. (The width of a piece fits nicely around the candle to give you a "handle.")  Next, using a heat tool, heat the candle until the image gets glossy and the tissue paper melts into the candle.  Be careful not to overheat the candle or the wax will start dripping.  I heated one leaf at a time.  Reposition the waxed paper as needed to get each leaf to adhere to the candle. Watch Dawn Griffith's video to see the process in action.  Then I embellished the candle with fabric, ribbon and a tag. Note to self: These candles would make great gifts for teachers!

Stamps: Gently Falling, Fabulous Phrases
Paper: white tissue paper, Very Vanilla
Ink: More Mustard and Pear Pizzazz ink, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede and Early Espresso markers
Accessories: heat tool, waxed paper, Spice Cake designer fabric, Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon, hemp twine, Tag punch

We've got a busy week for the Carlson family.  Fall swim lessons start today.  It's only twice a week for five weeks.  It's right after school.  So I've got to start cooking supper at lunch time if we're going to eat on time.  Good thing is that Bradley's cross country practice is over at the same time that swimming ends.  Kim's workshop is tomorrow morning and I'm ready for it.

On a sad note, my Aunt Carm passed away over the weekend.  She's one of my dad's nine siblings, and the first to pass away.  She had cancer.  She's finally reunited with her husband who passed away in 1992.  I know she's not suffering anymore.  Please say a prayer for her nine brothers and sisters, six children and 14 grandchildren that she left behind.

Happy Stamping!

Susan

12 comments:

Krista said...

Very pretty! This is going to look great on display. I like that you also reminded everyone to clean their stamps. :) Good thinking!! So sorry to hear about your Aunt. Sending you and your family prayers!! Thank you for joining us at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Shannon said...

Susan, this is gorgeous. It would be perfect on the table with a garland around it for Thanksgiving. LOVE it! Thank you for joining us at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Ange McKay, North Shore Stamper said...

So gorgeous! I've been dying to try this technique and now you've inspired me to give it a shot! Thanks so much for playing with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments this week, and we hope to see you again next week!

Anonymous said...

I too love stamping on candles and you did a fantastic job with the images and the stamping. The candle would be beautiful for a Thanksgiving table. Thanks for the inspiration and for playing at Hand Stamped Sentiments!

inkedx2 said...

I'm impressed. I tried this once and it did not work out. Maybe I need to have you teach me! :) Thanks for joining us this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Robbie

Anne Marie Hile said...

Wow Susan! This is beautiful! This would make a great hostess gift, too. Thanks for sharing the link...I have to try this out. Thanks for joining us at Hand Stamped Sentitments!

I am so very sorry to hear about your aunt. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Brown said...

Sorry about your aunt Susan.

I love your candle and the use the fabric...what a nice touch! Thanks for joining us in the SUO challenge!

Jen Timko said...

This is just beautiful! The fabric and ribbon really add that special something! Prayers for your aunt and her family. So glad you joined us this week at SUO Challenges!

Michelle Laycock said...

Great job on the stamped candle! This is not easy to do! I did candle stamping once and messed it up! I bow down to those who can do it!

Pam Staples said...

Gorgeous candle! Such a wonderful fall theme with beautiful colors. Thanks for playing along with the SU! Only Challenge and offering a non-traditional fall item.

Margaret said...

So sorry to hear about your aunt. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Your candle is absolutely beautiful and would be a perfect gift for just about anyone! TFS!!

France Martin said...

OH yours is way pretty!!!!!