Blog - Ann Butler Designs

August 4, 2016 By Design Team Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Placemats with Background Basics

For today’s project, I am sharing some Quick and Easy Placemats with Background Basics Stamps.

I just love Ann Butler Designs Background Basics because they are so big you can use them for so many background ideas. Just by playing with different patterns and colors you can use them for creating quilts or scrapbook pages. The possibilities are endless! I’m a practical gal so I always look for projects I can create and use them later. Don’t get me wrong I love art and I create a lot of canvases and art journals for fun but I also like to create what I call useful art. Something that is not only pretty but also useful.

So I started thinking about types of backgrounds. If I can use Background Basics to create a quilt or a scrapbook page why not create a background and turn it into a placemat? I stamped a 8.5″ x 11″ paper with different designs of Ann Butler Designs Background Basics using the same color of Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Ink. Once the paper was stamped I covered it with plastic to make it waterproof. That’s it my table mat was ready!

It’s a great way to add some color to your table without buying new dishes. You can create a few placemats with the same color or change the colors. You can even match the table mats to your dishes or table cloth. It’s also a great idea for a handmade gift. You can also combine some square photos instead of some of the stamped squares. It’ll be fun to have dinner or breakfast with the faces of people you love looking back at you!

Don’t worry about the size. If you need bigger or smaller mats just change the size of the paper you are using. And if you don’t have the plastic wrapping machine any Office Depot or similar store has them and can do the waterproofing for you 🙂

Have fun creating!

Einat

July 28, 2016 By Ann Butler 21 Comments

Gel Press Stamped Resin Coaster

Today we are Blog Hopping with ETI Resin and Gel Press! I am going to share how to create a Gel Press Stamped Resin Coaster. The plus side is that it is a Faux Quilted design!

You are going to love how easy this it to create!

Here’s how to create it:

Gather all of your supplies!

Use a toothpick to apply several drops of Iridescent’s to the Gel Press. Then, take a brayer and blend the colors together.

Simply, place a piece of cardstock over the press and rub. Pull the cardstock away.

I love the result! I had not used a Gel Press before and LOVED how easy it was. I made several more background pieces, as it is quite addicting!

Stamp out a quilt pattern onto the dried cardstock with Deep Woods, and then. heat set it. Use a paper trimmer to cut it down to the size of the tile you are going to use.

Use Ultra-Seal™ to attach the design to the tile and then give it two generous coats on the top, letting it dry completely between coats.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, measure out equal amounts of EnviroTex resin and hardener…

Then stir for 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a second cup and stir for another minute.

Then, pour the mixture onto the tile (which I had lifted up off my work surface), and spread it out to the edges.

Wipe away any excess that may drip off the sides. Use a lighter to remove any air bubbles that rise to the top. Let dry 12 – 24 hours.

The end result is a beautiful Faux Quilted Resin Coaster!

Ann Butler Design Products used:

Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilting Stamps by Unity Stamp Company: 1″ Leaves All Over, 1″ Diamonds & Plaid, 1″ Str

Ann Butler Iridescents: Sunshine, Berry, Limelight, Lilac

Ann Butler’s Crafter’s Ink, Deep Woods

Partner Products:

other products:

Marbled tile
Card stock: white
Heat gun
Paper trimmer
Scissors
Lighter
Disposable brush
Measuring cups

Now be sure and check out the rest of the blog hop by clicking on the names below! Please leave a comment on each and every blog! Then be sure to tell use on either the Resin Crafts Blog or the Gel Press Blog which project you liked the most…for a chance to win an awesome prize!

Now let’s get started:

ETI Blog

Kathy

Ann Butler (you are here)

Cindi (Hop here next)

One winner will be picked, at random, Sunday, July 31, 2016, at 10pm CST. The winner will get both Petite sets of Gel Press plates and ETI Jewelry Resin! Winner must be 18 or over and live in the USA.

Hop now through Sunday for a chance to win!

Follow Ann on Social Media:

July 26, 2016 By Design Team 3 Comments

Altered Canvas with Faux Quilting Stamps

Hi everyone, Tammy here with you today with a fun tutorial on how to use adhesive canvas fabric, a stretched canvas to create this cute Altered Canvas with Faux Quilting Stamps.

I have been wanting to play with faux quilted fabric on canvas for a while, I decided to make a fun greeting for our entry table.

Supplies:

Ann Butler Designs Faux 1″ Faux Quilting Stamps

Ann Butler Designs Stitch Stamps

Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Inks

Adhesive canvas fabric

Small stretched canvas

Silhouette machine

Silhouette cutting file for circles

Directions:

Cut out circles using this Silhouette cutting file

Remove circles and bend sides up

Use Ann Butler Designs Stitch Stamp and Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Ink to add a stitch look to edges of circles.

Use Ann Butler’s Faux Quilting Stamps and Crafter’s Inks to add designs to each circle

Remove the backing from each circle and attach together with the side pieces.

Cut out “Welcome Friends” saying with a Silhouette machine

Add Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Ink to top of canvas letters in a random pattern

Place letters on canvas in a position pleasing to your eye.

Remove backing from each circle and attach them together to form a “quilt”. Attach to the canvas and attach a denim flower to the corner with a Glue Dot.

That’s it! So easy to make, and so cute to welcome friends when they come through the front door. I hope this gives you some ideas on how to alter a stretched canvas with Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilting Stamps and Crafter’s Inks.

Let’s be friends!

Pinterest – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

Save

July 21, 2016 By Vishu Reberholt 1 Comment

Up-Cycled Album Cover with Faux Quilting

Hello everybody, Vishu here today to share an Up-Cycled Album Cover with Faux Quilting using Ann Butler Designs background basics and stitches stamps.

I am really happy with the way this Faux Quilt Album Cover turned out and it was such a quick project. These background basics by Ann Butler just make faux quilt look so easy to create and use in all the projects. I tell you the more I use them the more they inspire me to create some quilting patterns.

Products Used:

ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs – Checks 1, Picnic 2, Basket 2, Stitch
ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs – Berry, Limelight, Tangelo, Deep woods, Bark

Canvas Album

Instructions:

I stamped the Faux quilt pattern using the ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs and ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs .

Once I was happy with my quilt pattern I used the stitch stamps and deep wood ink to imitate the stitches and this beautiful and quick Faux Quilt Album Cover was ready.

Here are a the before and after shots

I think the Album looks gorgeous and would make for a wonderful gift which can be easily customized to give that personal touch.

Hope I have inspired you to create some of your own Faux Quilt art, these stamps are an absolute must haves.

Thanks for stopping by……….

July 19, 2016 By Steph Ackerman Leave a Comment

Monogrammed Gift Card Set

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today with a Monogrammed Gift Card Set using fabulous products from Ann Butler Designs.

Supplies:

ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler – Checks 1
ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler – Canyon
EZ-De’s Stamps – 2″ Flourish
Scor-Pal
Bazzill cardstock
Prima Flowers
Hero Arts sentiments
Spellbinders dies

I wanted to create mini cards so I cut black cardstock 3″ x 6″ and scored to create 3″ x 3″ cards. Using the Checks 1 Background Stamp with Canyon Ink, I stamped it 3 times on white cardstock, then inked the edges before assembling the cards. This stamp was the perfect size for 3″ x 3″ mini cards.

I added flowers and an assortment of die cut sentiments on each card. The sentiments were also stamped with Canyon Ink and then matted with black die cuts for a pop of color.

Next, I needed to create a little bag to hold the cards so it could be given as a gift. Using my Scor-Pal, I scored black cardstock to create the bag, adding a 1″ handle. Additional stamped backgrounds were added to the front and back of the bag to coordinate with the cards. A monogram was also stamped with Canyon Ink, die cut and adhered to the front of the bag.

The 3 cards fit perfectly inside.

I think this would be a perfect gift set for a friend or even a teacher, don’t you think? Just change up the monogramm so you can create a personalized Monogrammed Gift Card Set for the recipient.

What will you create today?

Thanks for stopping by today.

July 14, 2016 By Design Team 2 Comments

Simple Hello Card with Background Basics

Hello everyone! Paula here today, showing you a Hello Card using Ann Butler Designs Background Basics.

OK, crafters – do you ever start with one idea in your mind and the final project took a complete 180? This one did for me. I still like the final project, so I guess that original idea will have to come to fruition at another time. Here’s how I made this card.

I started with a piece of canvas paper and the Colorbox Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs in Picnic 1. Using ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler Designs in Ocean Breeze, Evergreen, and Aquamarine, I stamped nine squares. These were not lined up. I wanted a distinct line in between them, so I used a paintbrush and blended the 3 colors. Then using a sponge and the same colors, I started blending colors all over. The texture of the canvas paper seems to blend the image and colors well.

After getting the background the way I wanted, I added Iridescents by Ann Butler Designs and EarthSafe Finishes in Snow. I used a paintbrush,but only applied it sporadically. It was enough to give it a nice shimmer.

Since this piece will be for the main background of my card, I wanted to use the stamps again to create an embellishment for the card. Using the Colorbox Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs in Basket 1 and Checks 1 designs, and multiple ink colors, I over stamped each on some scrap cardstock in coordinating colors. After stamping the pieces, I used a die cutter to punch some flowers.

I assembled the card by adhering the background image to a white piece of cardstock. Adhere punches of flower designs and place on the side of the card and add sticker sentiment. That’s it!

Thanks for checking out today’s project. Have a great day!

Paula

July 12, 2016 By Steph Ackerman 1 Comment

Stamped Patchwork Friendship Cards

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today to share 2 stamped patchwork friendship cards.

Supplies:

Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Ink – Berry, Desert Sand, Canyon, Blueberry, Deep Woods, Ocean Breeze, Tangelo
Ann Butler Designs for Unity Stamps – 1″ Diamonds and Plaids; 1″ Leaves All Over
Spellbinders Dies
Joy Clair Stamp
Machine Stitching

These Unity Faux Quilting Stamps are perfect for creating faux quilted patchwork background for cards.

I stamped rows of the 1″ stamps in assorted colors. Then I used a 1″ punch to punch squares from each strip. Each square was then inked with Desert Sand.

I placed the squares on black cardstock and then machine stitched between them. To finish them off, sheer black ribbon was tied around the cards.

Sentiments from JoyClair were stamped in Ocean Breeze and Canyon and then die cut to fit the card front. I inked the ovals with Desert Sand before adhering them to a larger black die cut. For dimension, the ovals were added to the card with foam adhesives.

Next time you need a perfect background, think about using these faux quilting stamps.

July 5, 2016 By Design Team Leave a Comment

Pinwheel Straw Party Favor

Hi everyone, Tammy Santana here with a fun pinwheel party favor for your end of Summer party. I can’t believe how early school starts in Southern California this year. We go back mid-August, so I”m starting my end of Summer party planning already. These pinwheel straw decorations really bring a fun and simple decoration for sodas at a party.

Supplies:

Ann Butler Designs Backgroud Basics Stamps
Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Inks
Cardstock
Label paper
Silhouette machine
Silhouette cutting file for pinwheel
Glue Dots® Adhesive

Instructions:

Use a Silhouette machine to cut out pinwheels from yellow cardstock and also from white label paper.

Use Ann Butler’s Background Basics stamps and Ann Butler Designs Crafter”s Inks to stamp fun designs on the label paper pinwheels. Attach the stamped pinwheels to the cardstock pinwheels for a two tone effect.

Bring sides of pinwheels with holes into the center and attach a flower brad.

Cut strips of label paper and add adhesive to back side of one end and then attach that side to the back of the pinwheel.

Peel off protective layer of label paper to expose adhesive and place a straw in the center. Fold over strip to attach straw to pinwheel.

You can use the straws as decorations, for centerpieces or to drink out of. I really love how festive these look with the stamped designs on them. They will add a fun element to my end of Summer party for sure! I hope this has given you some creative ideas on how to use the Ann Butler Designs Background stamps.

July 4, 2016 By Steph Ackerman Leave a Comment

Stenciled Patriotic Card

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today wishing you a Happy 4th of July with a Stenciled Patriotic Card.

Supplies:

ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler Designs – Blueberry, Canyon
ColorBox® Art Screens – By Ann Butler Designs – Stars
ColorBox® Crafter’s Full Size Inkpad – Stone
Magnolia Stamp
Spellbinders dies
Ribbon

I had this wonderful Magnolia stamp (I’m calling her Miss Liberty) so I used a water brush with inks to color her. Using a water brush allows you to add color exactly where you need it. And you can pick up the inks from the edges of the stamp pads.

Once my stamped image was colored, I die cut it with Spellbinder’s dies. Canyon Ink was used around the oval before matting with a larger die. The background was created by inking the Stars Art Screen with Canyon and Stone Crafter’s Inks using art daubers.

I inked the panel with Canyon Crafter’s Ink before matting it with black cardstock. Sheer black ribbon was tied around the panel before adhering it to the card. Then I adhered Miss Liberty in place.

Thanks for stopping by.

June 30, 2016 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts

Hi Crafters! Beth here on the blog today sharing these quick and easy Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts with Ann Butler Designs!

I was inspired by an actual Flag Quilt pattern that I found on Pinterest.

Measure and cut a large rectangle 8″ tall by 12″ long and a small rectangle 4″ tall by 7″ long, then fray all edges for a vintage look. Using the Ann Butler Designs 2″ Diamonds & Plaids and Doily Picnic Faux Quilting Stamps from Unity Stamp Company, stamp a square in the upper left hand corner of the fabric with ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs in Ocean Breeze, let dry.

Line up four stamps from the Ann Butler Designs 1″ Diamonds & Plaids, Leaves All Over and Doily Picnic Faux Quilting Stamps from Unity Stamp Company on one acrylic block. Load with ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs in Canyon and stamp across the top edge of the fabric. Repeat with four different 1″ stamps, load with Night Ink and stamp underneath the red stripe. Repeat on both rectangles until all the fabric has been stamped. TIP: If the cling on the back of the cling stamps isn’t clinging securely, then apply a line of Tombow MONO Removable Adhesive.

Attach Faux Quilted Flags to t-shirts with Therm-o-web Heat’n Bond Hem Adhesive. Cut in 12″ lengths, line up to form a rectangle and then place your Faux Quilted Flag on top.

Heat iron to medium temperature with no steam, according to package directions. Attach Heat’n Bond by placing iron on top of project, let sit for 5 seconds, lift then place down for another 5 seconds. Repeat until entire flag has been bonded. Turn inside out and repeat the ironing process. Let cool. TIP: I always check the edges with my fingernail to make sure that the entire edge has been bonded.

Select a variety of white star buttons, thread with white embroidery floss and glue onto flag with Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac for a permanent fabric bond. The Heat’n Bond makes it difficult to sew on the buttons. This step is quicker and easier than sewing!

I hope you have enjoyed my Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts. They were quick and easy to create in just a few short hours and I know my nieces will enjoy wearing them this weekend for the Fourth of July!

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out Ann Butler Designs Facebook page for tons more inspiration!