Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop #6

Welcome to week 6 of the Triple Play Blog Hop. This week's featured die is the Sizzix, Bigz XL, Album, Brackets by Brenda Pinnick. This is another incredibly versatile die that had my imagination spinning.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I decided to create an advent calendar using the Album, Brackets die. Because the shapes are square, I immediately thought of pockets.


My advent calendar is made from felt. I bought half a yard each of four colors (red, pink, green and light green) for the pockets. I also bought a yard (possibly could make it with 3/4 of a yard) of the dark green background felt.

I first cut 5" square pieces, six of each of three color and seven of one color. I carefully planned out the colors on a piece of graph paper. If you look closely you can see the squares are in a diagonal color pattern. Red squares are #1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 25. Pink; #2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22.

Once I had the pocket pieces cut I then had the Album, Bracket shapes to cut and lay out. There is a pattern here as well. I used the large bracket shape in all four corners and in the center. I used the small bracket shape for all of the even numbers. Then I used the square bracket frame for all of the remaining odd numbers. Can you see the pattern? I also had to select what colors to use in what shape. This was a more random choice with the idea of not repeating the same color combination next to each other.


The numbers were die cut using Ellison, Sure Cut, 2" Block Numbers (education dies).

Once I had everything laid out I started sewing. I did not do any applique sewing since this is a seasonal piece that should not get a lot of wear and tear. I first sewed the Album, Brackets shapes to the squares then the numbers to the bracket shapes. Finally I sewed the squares to the background as pockets and sewed along the top of the dark green backing piece to insert a dowel.


I'm still not sure if I am going to give this away or not. I started thinking about all of the fun little gifts that could fit inside these pockets... art supplies, little toys, vintage goodies, jewelry... and now I just might keep it for myself.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed creating it. I love my Followers so please be sure to join and then continue on through the Blog Hop using the blinkie button to the right. I'm sure there are many amazing creations and fabulous uses for this die.

This project is linked to These Creative Juices.

13 comments:

  1. You should definitely keep this for yourself! It's a freaking masterpiece!!! (Or, I suppose, if you had a friend in Texas you could give it to her... heh) I love, love, love it!!!!!!

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  2. Wow what a great project using the die!!!

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  3. Great idea to show the versatility of this "album" die. Simply fantastic!

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  4. A really nice way to use the frame shapes. I like the delicate edge and using them with felt is so pretty. Very creative!

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  5. I think you need to keep this one! LOL
    Your project is a masterpiece, as Karen said! Thank you so much for showcasing my die in your fabulous project!!!

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  6. I love advent calendars! This one is particularly ingenious with the way you used the die

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  7. Lynda, oh yeah- definitely a keeper! What a cool idea. You could add another row and go to 30 pockets and use it for bill paying and keeping track of stuff. Fun and useful and pretty all in one!

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  8. OMG, this is just amazingly beautiful. I love the pockets, the colors and everything about it. keep it to yourself!

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  9. Lynda, there is too much work in this to give it away. Just arranging the colors so you don't wind up with three light greens in a row up and down is a nightmare. I love your idea and well as the colors you elected. Just beautiful!

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  10. what a fun idea - Thanks for sharing!

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