Justimization

The other day my very clever daughter coined a new term: "Justimization!" I asked her what it means and she said it is optimizing her justification of something. I told her I should re-name my blog Justimization, as it serves to optimize my justification of all the CRAFT STUFF I own.

So imagine my surprise when I took some classes at my local stamp store, Stampers!, last weekend and developed a newfound passion for metal sculpting. I am NOT looking for another craft that requires oodles of new supplies. I already have a fully equipped (read: no room to move) paper crafting and sewing space. But these classes looked pretty interesting and what made them even more intriguing was the opportunity to use many supplies and equipment I already own, like my Cuttlebug die cut and emboss machine and assorted dies and embossing folders.

We were instructed by pewter and metal artist Elitia Hart in how to free style doodle on soft aluminum sheets, then work the metal to enhance relief; to use TEN seconds studio molds to create shapes, and how to refine them; how to stamp and heat-emboss on the metal; and how to emboss the metal in the Big Shot or Cuttlebug machines. We also sanded the metal and colourized it with alcohol inks.

My samples are not anything to showcase here, but last night I needed a quick gift so I took some black metal and repurposed a 3 inch round tea tin to feature a molded monogram and the Cuttlebug D'vine Swirls embossing folder. One of the tricky bits with this work is if you have a large relief area, you don't want it to collapse. In class we discussed spackle, silicone and melted beeswax as support methods. However, at home I experimented with hot glue and was very pleased with the results. I can't recall the last time I used my glue gun for something. See, there's some justimization right there!

Working with the soft metal is very relaxing and fun. I am looking forward to expanding on my skills with practice. If you are on Facebook you can see many cards made from the samples we did in class. Just go to the Stampers! photo album there and check them out. More classes are being scheduled so if you are in the Victoria area you might want to inquire. For more inspiration visit the TEN seconds studio blog.

After making this tin, I realized I was subconsciously making something that looked an awful lot like this  tin that holds Clipiola Clips. Oops! Purely unintentional.

So inside this tin (remember, it was a gift) I put a bunch of 2-inch square cards and teeny matching envelopes. And there you have it, an almost free, upcycled gift that optimized the justification of my craft obssession! I am entering this in the Blog Birthday challenge focused on {Gift Packaging} over on Meredith's blog. What will you justimize today in your craft room?