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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

It’s All About BEEs – Domino Books, Accordion Book Box & Coasters – Tutorials & New Collage Sheets & Giveaway

Let’s hear it for the fuzzy buzzing bees that make our lives so sweet!  I love everything about bees.  I’ve used the tiny busy creatures as inspiration for four projects and two new collage sheets. 

The projects include two different domino books; which I’m giving away (details below), an accordion folded book in a box and a set of coasters.  I’m thinking any of these projects would make great gifts.
NEW – Bee Themed Collage Sheets

Colorful bee themed medallions and faux postage fill this sheet.  The medallions make great labels for bottles, jar lids and on coasters. The faux postage can be used as ephemera on your artwork or to jazz up envelopes.

This sheet is loaded with bird and bee themed art.  Included are 12 small panels are sized to fit on a 1” x 2” domino and a long panel that can be accordion folded to fit inside two 1” x 2” dominoes like a book.  There are also ATC sized collaged images and extra birds and flowers.



TUTORIALS

Accordion Fold Domino Book
I started by painting the domino's front, sides and edges of the backs with a combination of Patina Paints.
Next, I glued a panel from the collage sheet onto what will become the back of the book and glued a strip of Dresden around the edges of each domino.
Using E6000, I attached the brass leaves to the bottoms of the dominoes to serve as feet.
To the backsides of each domino, I attached ribbon which is used to tie the book closed.  Don’t worry if you see the glue seeping through the ribbon as it will be covered with the accordion folded pages.
On the front domino I collaged images from the collage sheet (flowers & bird), various brass leaves, paper roses and a bee.
The long panel on the collage sheet measures 1 7/8” x 7” which is slightly shorter than a standard 2” tall domino and long enough to create an accordion folded strip with 8 panels.  If you are not using the image from the collage sheet for your book just be sure that when you fold your strip you end up with an even number of panels (to facilitate attaching it to the domino covers).

Mark and score along the panel every 7/8” and accordion fold the panel.  
Ink the edges and the back of the panel.  I used Vintage Photo Distress Stain.  Cut 8 panels from decorative paper and glue to the back.  I cut my panels 1 5/8” x 6/8”.  You could also use the small panels on the collage sheet but you would need to reduce them first.
The final touch to decorate the back is the addition of some of the faux postage from the collage sheet.
The last step is to glue the end panels to the inside of the dominoes and you are finished!

Hinged Domino Book
To Bee or Not to Bee…Queen (always a tough decision)
This type of domino book is much simpler to put together as it consists of simply hinging two decorated dominoes.
Start by coloring your dominoes on all of the surfaces that will remain exposed after embellishing.  I used Onyx Patina to paint mine.  I used panels from the collage sheet to cover the backs and fronts of both dominoes and glued Dresden around the edges. 

Dresden Note: In the case of a hinged domino book use sturdy glue like E6000 to attach the Dresden so that when you attach the hinges to the sides (onto the Dresden) the Dresden won’t pull away from the dominoes when you open the book.

I also added the crown (with jewels) and the bee banner from the collage sheet.
Once I had finished decorating each of the dominoes, I glued two small hinges to the sides of the dominoes (using E6000).  In the hinge holes I glued small brass beads.  Make sure you let the glue dry completely before trying to open the book.
The final touch are handles (glued in place with E6000), which are made from bead caps, eye pins and Victorian drops.

Accordion Fold Book in a Box
The idea with this project is to use the box as the covers for an accordion folded book.  When you lift the cover off of the box it opens the book.  The book is attached at one end to the inside lid of the box and at the other end to the inside bottom of the box.  The box I used measures 3" square.
Start by assembling the box.

Next, I inked all of the edges inside and out.  Tip: to get in the box crevices use alcohol ink and a brush.  I have brushes dedicated to using the ink as once they are use with ink you can’t use them with other products.  I used a combination of Vintage Photo Distress ink and Caramel alcohol ink.
I applied decorative paper to all of the surfaces, inside and out.  Be sure to glue the paper down securely so that when you open and close the box it does damage or lift the paper.  Don’t use thick paper or card stock as the lid won’t fit back on the box.

I used Distress Ink and a honeycomb and bee stencil to decorate the sides. 
MASONITE BEES
For an additional decorative touch I used Masonite bees.

I started by painting the bees with Ocher Patina paint.  I didn't completely cover up the brown of the Masonite but tapped the paint on with a brush.
Next, while wearing a rubber glove, I used my finger to lightly brush on Espresso Alcohol Ink.
For a final touch I used Onyx Patina paint to paint black stripes.
To make the book, cut strips of decorative paper 2 7/8” tall and as wide as the paper.  Cut as many strips as you like based on how many panels you want in the book.  The only restriction to the number of strips is the size of the box and you must have an even number of panels to facilitate gluing the book to the box.  I suggest using 12x12 paper as the strips will be longer and you will have to cut and glue fewer together.

Score and fold the paper strips every 2 7/8".  You should end up with a short piece at the end of each strip which will be used to connect the strips together.  For the sample piece, I cut 4 strips.
Connect the strips together.  Cut away any short sections that you didn’t use to connect the strips.  I decided to go with 14 panels.  Notice the direction of the folds and how the end pieces lay flat on the surface (this means the book is folded in the right direction.  Decorate the pages.  Be mindful of the bulk of the book to make sure it will fit in the box.  In addition to using images from the collage sheets I also used bee poems.
Glue one end of the book to the inside bottom of the box and the other end to the inside lid of the box.
Lastly, I added a stained wooden knob to the top of the box.

Coasters
After creating the Bee collage sheets with the round medallions, I was thinking that they would be perfect for coasters (I need a new set of coasters).  I think they would also make a great gift.
To make each coaster I cut 3 pieces of heavy chipboard 3 ½” square.  I glued the 3 pieces of chipboard together to form one coaster.
I sanded the edges to make sure they were even and that there were no loose bits.  Next, I applied a product called Texture Magic to the edges so that you could not tell that there were 3 pieces layered together.  I used this product because it was handy but you could use anything that you might have like Gesso, wood filler, embossing paste etc.; anything that hides the layers.
I lightly sanded the edges one more time to make sure they were smooth.

Next, I used Vintage Photo Stain to color the edges (you could also paint them).  Depending on the product you used to cover the edges, you may or may not be able to stain them.  I glued decorative paper to each side and then the medallions from my Bees collage sheet.  I sealed the coaster by painting it with multiple layers of Mod Podge.

59 comments:

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How sweet of you! I would be so happy to win these. Thanks for the tutorials too! You always make things seem doable! Enjoy your week! Hugs, Diane

Carolyn said...

Thank you for sharing the details for making these projects. It would be difficult to select a favorite as all three are exceptional. Wouldn't be a thrill to actually hold one!

Carol McCready said...

Fantastic tutorials and inspiration.
Thank you for the chance to win.

lorhen82 said...

Love these! Thank you for sharing the tutorials!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Absolutely stunning work Anita! To bee or not to be! Said the Queen! What a delightful domino book. In Tasmania Australia they have the most delicious bumble bees they are HUGE. I would love to capture some and keep them for my own enjoyment. Thanks for the chance to win. Your work is BEEUFIFUL! Karen.x

Anonymous said...

So sorry I meant to put Laura. That will teach me for multi tasking. Karen.x

Deb said...

Wonderful bee creations Laura, where would we bee without our busy, helpful friends? The box book is brilliant, love it! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win one of your amazing creations and looks like I'm off to Alpha Stamps to buy some new collage sheets! Deb

Annie said...

Stunning and inspiring creations. I adore bee's too and your projects have depicted them beautifully in such a regal way. Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial and for the chance to receive one of your gorgeous makes.

Crafty hugs Annie x

Karen Buchanan said...

Love the new sheets and what stunning projects! Thank you for sharing the details and a chance to win a Laura original!

Healing Woman said...

I can't believe that you can part to give away the very, very creative books. I love the bee sheet and especially appreciate the time it took you to create the tutorials. Thank you!
I would love to win the drawing for anything you ever make!

Patty Antle said...

Fantastic tutorials! I love bees too and dominoes! Great projects!

Annette said...

wow what a tutorial, gotta try some of these, you are so great for sharing so much to us. A giant thanks and please put my name in the hat for the drawing. I know we don't put names in hats anymore but love the saying oxoxoxox

Diane at Craftin Your HeART Out! said...

As always these are beautiful. The details are wonderful and I love the new Collage Sheets. Just love your style. Thanks for the tutorials and the Give Away!

JillO said...

You always have the most wonderfully creative ideas. Very inspiring. Thank you.

FredaB said...

Your projects are just gorgeous. I can't wait to get started. I am going to place an order right now.

thanks for the inspiration and you are very generous in sharing your know how.

Hugs
FredaB

barbara macaskill said...

Oh my goodness! It would Beeeeeeeeeeee so awesome to win one of these incredible and adorable creations!!! I bet your comments and email will be buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing with responses to your giveaway!! As soon as I saw that you were giving them away I thought it WASP a wonderful thing!
fingers crossed and good luck to everyone!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love these, Laura! They are bee-utiful! : )

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love these, Laura! They are bee-utiful! : )

Holly Day said...

Wow--incredibly beautiful! Just stumbled onto your blog today and am absolutely flabbergasted. What wonderful projects!

Jennie said...

I love all of these projects, but the To Bee or Not to Bee book just makes my heart sing. (And I'm dying to try my hand at a set of Bee Coasters!) Beautifully done my dear.

lizzie said...

Love these projects and thanks so much for the tutorials. I have always loved bees.

Maureen said...

Bee-utiful Laura! What great projects; just love the Birds and Bees themes. Your images are so lovely - and your tutorials so easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, everything is so bee-yoo tiful!
The colors and themed techniques are inspiring.

traci said...

Laura you are amazing I love your beautiful bee projects and I a definitely buying the new collage sheets. I am also looking forward to this years Halloween project-can't wait to see what you have in store this year. Thanks for all your inspiration.

Diane D. said...

Your beeautiful bee projects are wonderful. I love everything about bees. Your domino books are so adorable. I have to run over to Alpha and purchase them now!
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
DianeD

dyeandpigment said...

What great projects you've created with this collage sheet. I would love, love to win one of your domino books; they are so very cool. All of your art is.

Marissa said...

That bee book is SO cool! Thanks for the chance to win!

Elaine said...

Wonderful projects. Mi love the bee domino books, would love to win!

Karen Mallory said...

More fun project Laura! Sure would love to win one! I am hoping to make at least one new piece for my Halloween Carnival this year!
hugs Karen

Anya said...

Amazing and beautiful creations as always, Laura! And how generous to offer them as a giveaway. It would indeed be an honor to own one of your works of art! Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

I love all your project and I would be thrilled to own one so thank you for a chance to win, Hugs,

Unknown said...

I love all your project and I would be thrilled to own one so thank you for a chance to win, Hugs,

Unknown said...

How exciting to have the chance of owning one of your projects!! I'd be over the moon if I won. . .or over the bush? Hive?

Anonymous said...

You have a super way of incorporating natural history into art!

Virginie said...

Wonderful dominoes and tutorial, it's really inspiring! Gosh, I'm such a fan of your work, you're my muse <3 I was to shy for posting comments but I will not be shy anymore!
And thank you for the chance to win those gorgeous pieces of art!
Virginie

7DreamsLeft said...

Recently subscribed to your blog. I absolutely love the richness of your art. Thank you for sharing.

Singtatter said...

I have just made my 1st domino book, thanks for the tutorial giving me more ideas how to decorate the dominos ! Such lovely works you do, it will be great to see them in person, hope I will be lucky!

Judy in OKC said...

These are all so lovely! Such beautiful detail. Thank you for a chance to win!

nelda said...

I love your domino books! Thank you so much for the tutorials.

Retta B. said...

Wonderful projects! I love the bees and the colors used in these.

mamablitger said...

Laura... These tutorials are awesome. Gosh a lot of details. You are so clever and you are making fabulous ART !!!
Thank you for a winner option... How sweet of you.
Hugs from SPAIN

Sonya Badgley said...

Your creations are always so beautiful, Laura. And I would love to win one of your stunning domino books! Thank you so much for sharing your tutorials with us and the collage sheets are wonderful. I just love bees! I want to make coasters like yours too!

Jackie PN said...

Laura, these have to go to my top of Laura's Art favorites!! I adore Bees and the Bee theme! They are so good for us and they are as cute as a bugs bottom!! thanks for the chance! xoxo

steffi said...

Such fantastic pieces! I always love your work and these are right up there in your top 3!! What a great giveaway too - whoever wins will be really lucky :o)

Ginger said...

Always look forward to your projects and tutorials. You have such a great eye for detail, I'm impressed as usual.

ps, anything exciting for Halloween 2014?

Michele said...

I am blown away by your gorgeous creations. the subtlety and beauty in color and design frankly make me drool. I also greatly appreciate the explanations. I would be so honored and thrilled to win some of your amazing art. thanks for the chance to win! xo

Unknown said...

What bee-utiiful and inspiring creations Laura! I especially love the bee-woman. It is always so intriguing to see humans and nature combined. I hope you keep a copy of your artwork for yourself--but then no two pieces are exactly alike. I would be so honored to own one of your creations for display and future inspiration!

Hester said...

Hi Laura,

Yes I spent most of my time on planet earth. Count me in

Primitive Seasons said...

Can you hear me squealing??? Bees are one of my favorite motifs and this work is beyond fantastic. Love the little domino books and the sheets are beautiful too. Hope I'm lucky....crossing fingers and toes!

Mary

RJ said...

Love your artistic flair!


RJ

Blue Tourmaline said...

Love these! THank you for your generosity in sharing your methods.

TaraDid said...

What great directions you give! I also appreciated seeing those patina paints in action. Thanks for the opportunity to win such beautiful work!

Unknown said...

All your stuff is just bee-u-tiful' Makes me want to do some bee-thing.

Unknown said...

How sweet!

CindyB said...

Your tutorials have my buzzing with excitement! Thank you for the chance to win one of your creations.

Leslie G said...

Laura, as always you have created some amazing projects. Thank you for sharing your talent and tutorials.

Geordie said...

Wow! I have just found your site and your work is amazing. I watched the altered book clip using tissue paper and was so impressed i will have to try this.

Linda Lee said...

I am SO inspired! Thanks for the BEE-utiful ideas with exquisite crafts(wo)manship!

Seahorse Ranch Girl said...

Laura, absolutely spectacular. The bee theme is a delight. The books are beautiful and perfectly done...as usual.