Tonight was a special evening. Art 'n Soul's entire staff was able to celebrate Christmas and we were blessed with the addition of two very special people . . . Helene Metivier with Magenta and John Petersen with Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko. I didn't think of taking the group photo until half of the party had driven off, so John recommended this photo . . . !

The "after the party" is over photo!

If you're not taking advantage of the after-Christmas sale at Art 'n Soul, you only have a few days left before the end of the year! Christmas stamps are 25% off and all 12x12 papers are 35% off! We're open on Saturday and Sunday, and closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow our staff to enjoy the celebration of ringing in the new year



From Graphic 45, an outstanding example of making something beautiful out of something used for another purpose. This shadow box is made from an iPod box!

'Next up is another splendid Nutcracker Sweet creation! This is a magnificent altered iPod box by Denise Hahn! Don't throw away the boxes for your electronic devises! Upcycle them with Graphic 45! This dreamy creation is full of so much beauty and cheer! Here Denise explains her inspiration behind this stunning project! Follow her fun and easy instructions and get inspired to create one of your own! Take it away, Denise! 

"Coming up with inspiration to alter items is easy for me. When I am working on a projects I keep a little bowl on my desk that I put little scraps and bits of things in that I think I might use. Inevitably at the end of the projects I have a color coordinated little bowl of goodies. Then it's just a matter of finding the right "thing" to alter.  I have to say I am little attached to my Apple boxes. My iPad, my MacBook my iPhone. I am so attached to these items I can't even throw away their boxes. They always have unique design elements to them that are super conducive to altering! My only problem is that Apple makes their boxes out of some super secret plastic style cardboard that does not like ink, gesso or acrylic paint. With that said, if you want to color your box (mine is actually a cream colored base) prime it with Krylon Fusio  for Plastic first, that's the only thing that seemed to stick. What other little treasured boxes do you keep? Why not alter one with all of your leftover bits and pieces from you last project?" -Denise Hahn

Directions:

Spray paint box and let dry

Cut to size scrap paper to cover outside and inside

Run through Xyron sticker maker and adhere to box

Cut an 8inch by 1.5 strip to accordion fold

Hot glue accordion fold to top of box-add and embellishment (I used the metal crown) to hold into place

Arrange your little leftovers into your box, fussy cut some G45 images and hot glue into place

Embellish outside - I hot glued some pearls onto the front

Attach candle base (make sure no candle wax residue on the holder) with hot glue

Wrap some ribbon around the base and add a Graphic 45 Chipboard Tag or cut out your own from Card stock

  

Supplies:

iphone box

Scraps of Nutcracker Sweet or any other Graphic 45 Paper scraps you can't bear to throw away

Krylon Fusion for Plastic

Bits and baubles from your stash

Hot Glue

Xyron Sticker Maker with permanent Adhesive

Candle holder from Thrift store

Left over trim'

That's all for tonight. I'm off to bed since I was up until 4 a.m. today from last night. The wall has just made its presence known! Talk to you tomorrow!