Snow Globe Paperweight... Shake it Up!

During a recent visit to a local craft store, I discovered a very pretty set of snow globe stickers from K&Company (SW Botanical Snob Globe Stickers).  As soon as I saw them, I knew they'd be perfect for creating instant snow globe paperweights.

The set of stickers (shown above) includes 13 pieces that feature the watercolor paintings of Susan Winget. The pieces include a large snow globe sticker (2 1/4"), four smaller snow globe stickers (1 7/8"), and eight small, coordinating stickers.

For this project I used the 2 1/4" snow globe sticker.  Because it was slightly smaller than the paperweight kit's mounting board, I covered the mounting board with coordinating paper. (The Paper Company, Metallic Cover 12 x 12, Blue Bell).

The snow globe sticker was applied directly to the colored paper on the mounting board.  Here's a tip.  If your snow glob sticker has an unsmooth edge.  Use a pair of scissors to carefully trim any jagged areas.  Just be sure not to open the seam.

Here's how the paperweight is assembled:

Figure 2:  Place your artwork image-side down into the recessed area on the bottom of the paperweight.

Figure 3:  Cover the base of the paperweight with the pre-cut, self-adhesive bottom pad.  This piece is also included with each paperweight kit.

I love this paperweight because it has a lot of beauty and sparkle.  When it's on my desk, it's hard to resist picking it up and shaking it throughout the day. 

A Beautifully Tattered Trading Card

I believe all of us have a soft spot in our hearts for particular items we've found ourselves collecting over the years.  Victorian trading cards have been a favorite of mine for more than a decade.  There's just something about these pieces of card, beautifully printed with decorative advertising.

This die cut trading card, advertising Clark's Mile End thread, has taken up residency in a box of ephemera I've had for years.  The ladies have been through a lot over the past century, and are showing a few wrinkles.  Their colors are still very vibrant, though, as if they were just printed yesterday.

Because the card was quite delicate, and had layers paper on the back, I applied white glue to the reverse side and spread it evenly.  Avoid applying too much glue towards the edges.

I wanted to set the card on a background that would truly compliment the vibrant colors of the artwork.  I did this by using a sheet of scrapbooking paper in bright kiwi.  The paper is slightly metallic, giving the design a slightly modern twist.

The photo above shows the paperweight kit's mounting board covered with kiwi paper.  The trading card was glued to the kiwi paper and allowed to dry completely.  (Tip:  Place the top surface of your paperweight on the item to weigh it down as it dries.)

Here's how the paperweight is assembled:

Figure 2:  Place your artwork image-side down into the recessed area on the bottom of the paperweight.

Figure 3:  Cover the base of the paperweight with the pre-cut, self-adhesive bottom pad.  This piece is also included with each paperweight kit.

A New Life for an Art Deco Birthday Card

 

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last blog post.  I've collected so many wonderful finds over the past several weeks, I can't wait to get started on my new projects!

This paperweight design is all about finding beautiful, useful artwork on items you may otherwise overlook when you're rummaging through bins at the flea market.  Once you spend some purpose-driven time looking for items to display in your paperweights, you'll be surprised how quickly things will begin to catch your eye.

This birthday card was in a box of assorted greeting cards and other paper I purchased at the Long Beach Antique Market (Long Beach, CA) this winter.  This card is extraordinary because it features hand-painted flowers, a metallic gold banner, and an stunning ribbon in the most beautiful shade of blue. 

The photo above shows the artwork after it was attached to the paperweight kit's mounting board.  The mounting board is pre-cut to fit the Heirloom Rectangle paperweight.  Because the board is self-adhesive, no glue was needed.  The portions of the card that extended beyond the edge of the mounting board were trimmed off.

The only adhesive used for this project was a small amount of hot melt glue to attach the ribbon to the card.

Here's how the paperweight is assembled

Figure 2:  Place your artwork image-side down into the recessed area on the bottom of the paperweight.

Figure 3:  Cover the base of the paperweight with the pre-cut, self-adhesive bottom pad.  This piece is also included with each paperweight kit.