June, 28 - Keepers Cottage by Linda Elbourne

PROJECT: Keeper’s Cottage

DESIGNER: Linda Elbourne

I don’t know about you guys ... but when I see a house blank ... I just have to have it! I have used a Maya Road Town House in my sample ... but you can use any house blank you like really ... just adjust the measurements accordingly!
I chose this project to share ... as it is one of those that can last as little or as long as you like ... and it is sooooo rewarding when you get it finished.
I hope you have as much fun with this project as I did designing it!
If you would like to see further examples of my work ... please visit me at http://acraftingjourney.blogspot.com

MATERIALS LIST
Stamps I used…
• Stampers Anonymous Wendy Vecchi: It’s More Flower Art (LCS018); Well Worn Art (LCS024)
Other materials …
• Claudine Hellmuth’s Multi Medium (Matte);
• Kaiser Colour Acrylic Paint (Black);
• 4 Pieces White Card (two 14cm (5 1/2’) by 6cm (2 3/8’) and two 10cm (4’) by 6cm (2 3/8’));
• Ranger Distress Ink Pads: Spiced Marmalade; Mustard Seed; Peeled Paint; Fired Brick;
• Ranger Archival Ink: Crimson; Olive;
• Grungepaper (15cm X 30cm (6’X12’));
• Red Line Tape;
• Small length of black lace/ribbon;
• Idea-ology: Key hole; Memo Pin;
• Sizzix On the Edge Die: Any; I used Ornate;
• Corrugated Card
• Scraps of decorative paper and white card;
• Any Flower and Butterfly Paper Punch or Stamp.
• Flat backed gems


Step-by-step…Keeper’s Cottage

1. Cut three circles from the corrugated card approximately 9.5cm (3 6/8’) in diameter. I used the large Nestabilities circle as a guide, but not to die cut with as this flattens the card too much. Stick together using Matte Medium.

2. Paint the house inside and out as well as the roof, windows and door in black paint with either Cut and Dry or a paint brush. Paint your stacked circles at this point too. Set aside to dry.

3. Take the two largest pieces of white card and mark 10cm on the long edge on both sides. On the short side mark the halfway point. Then join each mark with a ruled line to form a house shape and cut.

4. Blend Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade Distress Inks on all four pieces of card. Fill your palm with water from a Mini Mister and drop water randomly from your hand onto the card. Blot the card with Paper Towel.

5. Stamp the card with the lined background stamp and Crimson Archival Ink. Add the foliage stamp along the bottom edges with Olive Archival, this is ideal for covering stamped joins. Attach the card to the house with Double Sided Tape.

6. Cut a strip of Grungepaper about 4cm wide. Using a Bull dog clip as a guide cut a series of random length triangles into the paper to form the grass. Always cut Grungepaper before you colour it.

7. Cut another circle and two 3.5cm squares from white card. Using Peeled Paint colour the circle and the grass. Colour the two small squares the same colour as your house. These will form the insides of you window.

8. Stamp the background stamp on your green circle. Cover the back of your lace with Multi Medium and attach to your layered card circles. Ensure any over hang is at the top and then cover with the green circle.

9. Attach the Key hole to your door and the small squares on the inside of the windows. Curl the pointed ends of your grass and attach these pieces to the house with Multi Medium. Stick the house to the base.

10. Using the On The Edge Die cut 10 strips of Grungepaper and colour with Fired Brick. Stamp background with Crimson. Attach strips of Red Line tape to the straight edge. Start at the bottom and layer on the roof.

11. When you reach the apex cut a double width of Grungepaper and die cut each edge. Mould this over the apex of the roof. Use three strips of Red Line tape to ensure it adheres firmly.

12. Punch flowers from paper scraps and attach around the grass area with Multi Medium. Add flat backed gems if desired. Stamp/print some text for placing in the Memo Clip in front of the cottage. Add butterflies and beads to finish.

What an absolutely fab design with such detailed info. Thank you very much for finding the time to share such detailed information with us, I will have to have a go when I get more free/crafty time comes available.

Thanks again a real pleasure to read and follow

What a lovely project. Makes such a great decor. Love the colors chosen and all the mebeliishments espeically the sentiment . TFS

A lovely project, thank you for sharing.

Linda Elbourne wrote:

PROJECT: Keeper’s Cottage
DESIGNER: Linda Elbourne

WOW this is absolutely gorgeous. I just love the colors and the detail you put into this little house. Love the roof and the little flowers in the grass..... this house is wonderful!

What a great project must see if I can find a house blank and have a go at this thanks for sharing

Just wanted to stop in and say what a great project, Love all the c9lors and design work, thanks for sharing!

Penny