Christmas Inspiration: Feathered Wings

I was so inspired by Emma's post from the Christmas Inspiration series, that I thought I might explore the Feathered Wings die a little more in depth today.
The Feathered Wings die is a Bigz L die, which means it is a 6 x 9" steel-rule die that can cut through chipboard, fabric, felt, leather, etc.  I ran the die using plain chipboard to show you a few ideas:
The die cuts 10 pieces or 5 sets of wings for layering.

This is what the die will look like once all the layers are glued together (about 3 1/2" long).

However, there are variations you can make to easily change up the die. For instance, only using some of the layers  - here I removed the top two layers leaving a more streamline pair of wings.

Or you can remove the largest wings to create a shorter set (it's about 1/2" shorter without the longest layer). 

Now that we know the ins and outs of the wings - lets talk color and texture!  I have created a variety of Feathered Wings that will just scratch the surface of what can be done with this die.  I've listed the products used at the beginning of each one as well as some tips for certain techniques.

 Fig. 1 - Ranger gold paint + Ground Espresso Distress Ink

Once the paint is dry, sand and ink the edges.

I like to bend each piece so that the wings becomes curved.  Can you use the wings flat? of course.  But if you're like me, you like a little dimension and definition.  This technique works best with heavy cardstock or chipboard...surfaces that will keep their shape after the bend.

Fig. 2 - Ranger Pearl Metallic paint + Ranger foil sheets (vintage colors)

 

Pearl Metallic paint has been around for a long time but I really just discovered it this year.   It looks white in the bottle, but don't let that fool you.  The highly reflective color makes a great first layer for the wings.

You are probably wondering why I've pulled out the Foil Sheets...well a long time ago I found that you can get foil to stick to a painted surface with a very simple (and cheap) adhesive...glue stick.

If you randomly add glue stick over the surface, then burnish the foil with your fingers...the foil will sick to the glue.

When you peel the foil away, you are left with random pieces of foil on the surface of the wings.  I used the light blue foil over the Pearl Metallic paint for a wintry effect.

 Fig. 3 - Core'dinations Kraft-core Metallic cardstock

This one is super simple - Metallic Kraft-Core (I LOVE this stuff).  It is metallic on the front and kraft on the back.  You can sand it to reveal the Kraft core for a distress look or leave as is.

For the wings that I created, I crumbled the cardstock in a ball and then unfolded it and flattened it out for cutting.

After you run the die, choose how many layers you want and glue them together.  Just that simple.  This would be an easy way to make multiple Christmas cards with wings!

  

Fig. 4  - Antique Linen Distress Glitter

I wanted to show here that even using the just the largest layer, the wings can still be stunning.  The photo does not do this glitter texture justice.

 Fig. 5 - Distress Glitter Dust in Vintage Platinum
Loving the new Tim Holtz Distress Glitter Dust that was released last week from Ranger.  It really is the PERFECT color of glitter for Christmas.
Some hints to using the glitter: I always paint the chipboard before adding any type glitter.  I also apply a thin layer of Glossy Accents with my fingertip to adhere the glitter (it's a great glue to keep everything in place).

 Fig. 6 - cotton batting
The beauty of a steel rule die is it can cut many different thicknesses and textures - like fabric, felt or cotton batting.  It might not be the first texture you think to cut but in the right project or card, the fabric wings could be just right.

My tip here is to use white glue (I like Scotch Quick Dry) to adhere the layers together.  You only need a bit so squeeze the glue out on your craft mat, then add it sparingly with your fingertip. 

 Fig. 7 - Ranger Metal Foil Tape + riveted metal texture folder
Steampunk anyone?  I had to try it!  These came out even better than I thought they would.

I adhered the Metal Foil Tape on chipboard, then ran the die.  I painted them with Ground Espresso, rubbing the paint into the creases and wiping away the excess.  Once dry, I added a little Weathered Wood and repeated the technique.

Once the Weathered Wood paint was dry, I pounced over the wings with Mushroom Alcohol Ink.  Then finished them off by lightly sanding the edges with my Sanding Grip.

I hope you have caught the vision of the Feathered Wings die!  There are still so many ways to change up this die - I haven't even touched on Embossing Powder, texture paste, or Perfect Pearls!

Remember, to check Tim's blog daily for continued Christmas inspiration from other wonderful designers that have created projects using the seasonal products!

now carry on,

paula

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