Do you know the story of The Three Trees? It is a great story to read and share with your family at Christmas. I designed a die for my Homegrown & Handmade Line by Sizzix and a project to go with it that I am sharing with you today.
Here is a list of the supplies that I used but as always, I suggest using what you have.
- Sizzix - Homegrown and Handmade Collection - Christmas - Originals Die - Trees, Three
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Black Soot
- Chipboard
- Wood Block
- Hymnal Paper
- White Gesso
- Ranger Ink - Glue N Seal - Matte - 3.5 Ounces
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Paint - Broken China
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Paint - Picket Fence
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Paint - Peeled Paint
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Paint - Crushed Olive
- Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Paint - Broken China
- Assorted Washi Tapes
Start by collaging a block of wood with torn pieces of old paper. I used a few pages of Christmas music torn from a hymnal. Lightly scrape on/smudge a light layer of White Gesso onto the paper. (you do not have to dry between these steps)
Set aside to dry.
Cut Three trees from cardboard or chipboard.
You can do the following step two ways:
- Cover each tree with old paper and paint green
- Use different shades of Distress Paint, add color to scraps of paper and adhere to chipboard pieces.
Set trees aside to dry.
Going back to block of wood, lightly stain paper covered block with Distress paint & Stain in Walnut. Tip: also use this color to stain the chipboard "trunks" of each tree:While that is drying, use Distress stain and assorted stencils to add design to trees and to add depth to the edges of the trees. NOTE: trees are just "placed" on block of wood for this photo, not adhered:
Using more old paper, cut scallops from a die or free hand. Adhere 2-3 pieces to side of block with Glue N Seal. Add a light coat of Picket Fence Distress Paint or Gesso to each scallop "hump" and blot dry.
Smudge on Broken China Distress Paint in several areas of block with finger. Block/smear color in to keep it subtle and semi-transparent.
Use a dryer to dry block BEFORE next step. Using a Black Soot Distress Pen, add depth and shadows around the scallops:
Add small bits of Washi Tape to "blank" spots/area where you feel your block needs a little something. With a dab of Gesso on your finger, smudge over Washi Tape to blend in with background:
To finish, use foam pop dots to adhere trees into place. Add on little flicks of white paint or Gesso onto trees to blend trees into background.