Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and today I want to share my first project, a wall hanging, with you using the gorgeous Winter Tales collection by Stamperia. These papers are stunning and almost too pretty to cut! The icy baby blues and frosty whites along with the navy accents are the perfect combination for winter. The fairytale images give the entire collection a whimsical touch, and there are so many ways they can be used.
True to any Stamperia collection, Winter Tales has a variety of sized paper pads. In addition to the 12” x 12” paper, I will be featuring the Collectables pad in my wall hanging. There are 10 double sided sheets filled with images just begging to be fussy cut! They’re a great addition to just about any project. Also, there is a variety of ephemera to choose from including a package of clear die cuts, which are unique and remind me of ice. They’re perfect for the Winter Tales collection!
Making a Winter Wall Hanging
I am working with the 12” x 12” paper pad, and the most of the front sides have large images on them. So, I decided to make a wall hanging with one of the sheets and make a window scene. I want to make it look as if my window is overlooking a poinsettia plant outside on a snowy day. With that in mind, I selected my background sheet and trimmed off the left side piece. I designed the window for my wall hanging and cut it from white wood using my laser cutter. However, you could cut chipboard and paint it to get a similar effect. For the base, I used a white canvas panel measuring 9” x 12”.
Preparing the Pieces of the Wall Hanging
First, I cut two slits in the top of my canvas and added ribbon to create a hanging loop. Then, I added strong adhesive to the canvas panel and positioned my background paper in the center.
Next, I used the glue on the back of the window and glued it on top of the paper. In order to ensure a good bond, stack something heavy (I used a stack of bulk paper pads) on top of the window and let dry.
In the meantime, start fussy cutting images from the Collectables pages. For my wall hanging, I selected the poinsettia images and the Winter Tales sentiment that matches the one on the paper. I like to shape the poinsettias so they are not flat by cutting down the petals and curling them slightly. Next comes the fun part-adding Stamperia glitter paste to the images so they sparkle! I used a pointed-tip paintbrush to apply my glitter paste. Then, I selected a Tim Holtz leaf die set from my stash and cut leaves in white and green cardstock. Don’t forget to add a little sparkle to them using the glitter paste!
Once all of my pieces were dry, it is time to arrange the pieces on the window. I like to layer my pieces and move them around until I find the perfect spot. I envision my wall hanging to look like it is decorated with garland across the top of the window. To remember where the pieces go, I use my phone to snap a photo to look at later.
Assembling the Pieces
Using the strong adhesive, start layering the fussy cut pieces onto the window. I used foam squares to hold the Winter Tales sentiment up off the paper at the bottom of the wall hanging. Then, I started in the center with the large red poinsettia and glued it to the window. Continue adding the leaves and poinsettias around the top of the window.
I love the fairy clear die cut piece and had to use her on my wall hanging. Her feet are resting on the windowsill as if she is standing at the window looking out. Two of the clear poinsettia die cuts are tucked into the garland and two larger poinsettias are at the bottom of the garland. Within each of the windowpanes, I used Shimmerz iridescent snowflakes to add some sparkle.
Finally, I added a navy and baby blue bow to the bottom of the wall hanging. The navy ribbon helps to bring out the navy tones in the background paper. To keep the ribbon loops in the position you want them, lightly spray them with aerosol hairspray. The hairspray will stiffen the ribbon and maintain the shape you want!
I really enjoyed working with the Stamperia Winter Tales paper collection, glitter paste, and Shimmerz embellishments. I’m looking forward to creating more projects with the collection and sharing them with you. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the FotoBella online store to pick up this Stamperia collection and all of your other paper crafting favorites today!
Happy crafting!
~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team