French Country by Grapic 45 - Altered cabinet

 

 

 

French Country by

Graphic 45

Primitive Cabinet by

Unknown (hehe)

 

 

 

I found this cabinet, while out looking at collectible and antique items, several months back.  It has been hanging around since.  I know when I found it I wanted to make a really cool but functional display case for my store and some of the goodies I carry.  All I needed was just the right paper.  Along came Graphic 45 and their newest release, French Country.  The colors were perfect because the cabinet was painted in a soft green and then distressed with a darker green. I really like the colors and did not want to have to repaint the entire thing.  French Country filled the bill. 

 

 

Here are some "before" pictures.

 

 

 

 



 

 

Green and not really pretty but there was so much potential.  I just simply loved how it was made.

 

 

Here are some "after" pictures.

 

 

 

 Ok it is looking better but you need to see some of the close ups.  I spent some time on the metal flowers from Graphic 45.  I used several different embossing powders to color them and fit them in with the paper line.  I also used sprays from the Petaloo line. I fussy cut the Rooster and placed him against the mesh so that he sat back off the front of the door.

 

Here are some close ups:

The Rooster:

 

 

 

This cluster is on the bottom of the cabinet.  I used soft embossing powders to use with the paper flowers from Graphic 45

 

 

 

In this cluster, I used black and white embossing powders and clustered the flower with flowers from the French Country collection.  This is on the right side of the door.

 

 

This cluster is on the top of the cabinet.  Using Red and Sea Foam white and Celery embossing powders, I wanted to pick up colors from the paper flower collection in the French Country line.

 

 

This cluster is on the left side of the door.  Using Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade embossing powders this flower went in with the Sunflower cluster from the paper line.

 

 

Here are a few more pictures from the sides and other angles.

 

Left side of the cabinet. 

 

 

Right side of the cabinet

 

Full top of the cabinet.

 

I hope you enjoyed viewing my project and I really hope it inspires you to do something really cool with a piece of furniture that you may have that you really want to change.

 

Always remember, we have a lot of really cool stuff to buy over at The Hens Den. 

 

Have a VERY crafty day

 

Near and Far Album using Graphic 45 - Secret Garden Collection

Near and Far Album

Created by Charlie LaBonte

Featuring Graphic 45 Secret Garden Collection

I had so much fun making this album.  A young lady that I work with is getting married this June (actually they got married in Las Vegas in December..hehe) and they are such a sweet couple to know.  Nils is in the Army and is so far away, yet close enough for Elena to fly to see him on long weekends.  We had her bridal shower recently and she is so not comfortable in large groups.  So nice so see such sweetness.  This album will give her something to documents special moments and keep for years to come.

I love this picture.  It has such a statement if you really look at it.  Near and Far...Coming and going... I am very proud of Nils and Elena.  They have  been apart and have never lost their love for each other.  I wish them many blessings for their future. 

 Love playing with paints, embossing powders and bling.  This paper line also fit right in with her colors.

 Different picture sizes make for better attention getters, I think. 

I kept the embellishments light so that they did not over power the importance of the story.  There is a story about the back side of the ribbon on the left page.  I tattle on myself later on.

 Love Corrugated paper. You can do so many things with it but for this I kept it very simple.  But I can tell you I really wanted to ink, paint and mess it up... a lot!

 Journaling cards are so cute in this collection.  I love the softness of this entire collection.

 I used one of Martha Stewarts photo corner cutting tools.  Folded them and then taped them in place. Now all Elena has to do is slip in the photo and if she wants to change it out or move it, she can.

The journaling cards are so sweet in this collection.  I love the soft color that are in this entire collection. 

Elena's bridal invitation made for a perfect subject on the canvas page.  I also used Petaloo's Color me Crazy Corner  piece, coloring it to match her invitation.

Here is where I have to tattle on myself.  I had cut the binder holes on the wrong side and having already put the paper and photo mat in place, I hid my boo boo by placing a nice big bow there.  Now, tell me that you have never had to hide a mistake....lol

I also used Tim Holtz Curio Knobs and Graphic 45 Key Hole and keys.  Small accents to add depth and texture. 

Thank you for stopping by and remember, we have lots of goodies for sale in the store and would love it if you would shop with us.   Have a super day!!!







Generations by Simple Stories

 

 

 

 

 

Generations Collection by Simple Stories

Serving Tray

Created by Charlie LaBonte

 

 

 

 

 

I love snooping around in collectible/antique stores.  You can find some of the most wonderful stuff and then ideas spring to life.  I was in on of our local stores, Pole Barn Primitives, and found this really cool serving tray.  It was pretty ratty, as the felt under the glass had rotted away and in the process discolored the glass.  I took it home, dismantled it and scrub the glass real good and tore out all that ratty material. Now all that is it is missing are the pictures. (you won't be serving coffee with this now)

 

 

All the paper is under the glass.  Once I had the layout completed, I put it all back together and then added my embellishments to the top side of the glass. 

 



 

Here is a close up of the corner cluster.  You can also see that I left the paint in it "Old" condition.   I love playing with this stuff, makes my heart sing.

 

 

Products used:

Simple Stories Generations collection

Petaloo Canterbury Spray Collection

Petaloo Darjeeling Mini Mix 

Maya Road Small Organza Roses Ribbon

 

I hope you like my inspiration project and that it opens your eyes to other possibilities.  Please keep The Hens Den in mind for your shopping needs.

 

 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Minds Eye - Follow Your Heart Layout

My Minds Eye

Follow your heart

12 x 12 layout

Created by Charlie LaBonte

We just got back from spending 3 days with my Son and his beautiful family.   Brandon and Melanie are such wonderful parents and they have blessed Glenn and I with 3 wonder Grand Children.  Logan and Ethan will 8 years old in 2 months and I am having a very hard time grasping just how fast time is flying.   This past weekend we celebrated our Grand Daughter's birthday. Autumn Grace turned 1 year old on December 1st.  She is such a sweet baby.  We all say that but honestly, we know of some babies that are not so sweet but we love them none the less.  Autumn smiles and giggles and gets into EVERY THING!.   She surprised her Mom by laughing at me.  What did I do to bring out such a reaction you ask?.  Not a darn thing.  Grandma's do not do anything to make their Grand Children laugh.   Especially at themselves.....If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you ....lol

In this picture she is 6 month old.   Barely being able to stand in this picture, she is walking and getting around quite well.  She will be running any day now, I just know it.

Products used:

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Paper Clips

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Gems

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Stamps

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Honey Pink Paper

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Be Joyful Paper

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Adorable Paper

My Minds Eye Follow Your Heart Your Song Paper

Tim Holtz Idea-Ology- Label Pulls

Petaloo Floral - Chantilly Velvet and Lace Flowers **These are new in the store**

 There a wonderful new flowers from Petaloo...one collection is ready to wear!!! 

Please stop by the store and check out all the goodness we have for sale and we would love it if you would post your projects to our gallery.  



 



Tuesday Spotlight - Simple Stories Baby Steps Album Kit

New Kit in The Hens Den Store

Simple Stories Baby Steps

Album Kit

Created by Charlie LaBonte

My Grand Daughter turns 1 year old on December 1st and we have so many pictures, that this was a perfect kit to put together.  Keeping the colors neutral, I used lots of ribbon, tags for marking special occasions and room for your journaling as well.  

This kit is made using The Hens Den Classy Chic Album.  There are 8 pages to this album.  That means you have 16 pages to document and tell your story,  There are single photo pages and multiple photo pages.

The flowers are by Petaloo and we carry a wide variety in the store for your other projects.  The ribbon is from May Arts and we have a large section in the store as well.

I painted the edges, this is optional for you.  You can ink the edges as well.  We have both products in the store.   Claudine Hellmuth and Tim Holtz

there is even some intricate cutting for you fussy cutters. The kit comes with full instructions and pre-cut pages.  There are also extra tags that you can switch out to personalize the kit more to your liking.

Priced at $22.00, this kit is very reasonably priced

We have limited quantities, so you will want to order yours now.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to add The Hens Den to your on-line shopping stores for your craft needs.

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Happy Haunting by Graphic 45 - Winners announced!!

Happy Halloween!

October 31st 2012

All month long we have featured a wonderful collection of paper by Graphic 45.

Happy Haunting Collection

This is the first time since the start of The Hens' Den that we took on the challenge of featuring one line of paper. Each of the Design Team members rocked their designs. They each had a different style and way of looking at this amazing paper line.   It was so awesome to see some of the projects not even look "Halloweenie".   The versatility of the paper line is amazing.   Every one of DT members kept their projects a secert so as not to "stimulate" others projects and the sneak peaks were as much of a tease to us as they were the our fans.   We had such a great time.

So.... We had so much fun, we are giving away a complete collection of Happy Haunting to one lucky person.  It was really hard to keep this collection together because is was so popular, it sold out when we were at the Scrapbook Expo in Portland Oregon mid October.

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Our winner:   Shannon Drake Edwards

Please email us at info@thehensden.com with your mailing address

Grand Prize

In the beginning of the month, we featured a chest that we are giving away to one lucky person. Along the way, one part of the chest has a horrible accident, a big spider came along and scared the crow away.  (actually, the crow fell off)  But I like the idea of a big spider scaring the crow off.  LOL!

(Hopefully the winner will not be to dis-appointed)

So many of you commented all month long and it was so much fun reading all of them.  I wish we had lots of gifts to give away but we only have the one chest.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Katina Hronas, you are our winner!!!

Please email info@thehensden.com   with your mailing address

Thank you all so much for your love, comments and friendship.  We look forward to hearing more from you in the future and we so appreciate each and every one of you!



7 gypsies tray with Graphic 45 Happy Haunting Design team challenge

This challenge was unique, each team member was given the same exact product to create something with! It is very interesting how different they both are!

Challenger #1 we have design team member LORI: 

 

What a FUN challenge, and now I have a unique one-of-a-kind home decor piece.  I have never done a printer tray project, but this was simply enjoyable.  My advice is there are no rules.  Just start.  Don't be afraid to try things.  I added elements and stickers to the outside of the box.  You don't have to make everything fit in the boxes.  I love adding pop dots to give the elements some dimension.  If you have not tried a printer tray, get one today from The Hens Den.  This is such a fun project and would make a great gift!

Challenger #2 we have design team member Charlie:



All I was allowed to play with were the stickers off the 12 x 12 sheet and one sheet from this paper line.  I wanted more to play with but it was fun with the limitations that were set.  It made me think about what I had in front of me and how could I tell a story with just the stickers and one sheet of paper. I would do this again in a heart beat.  What a fun project.

Great job ladies!!