So what are Inchies, you ask? I had never heard of them when Ellen Hutson & Karen Lockhart first mentioned them to me. They are a tiny, 1-inch square canvas to create or highlight your artwork, similar to ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). You can place them on chipboard, fabric, tiles, swap them with friends . . . the possibilities are endless!
At first, I thought how in the world can you do much with a 1" square?!! But then just as Debbie Olson did, I created masks by punching a 1-inch square and circle in a piece of cardstock and started by placing them over the images I thought I might like to work with. It's fun to see the same images you may have worked with before take on a whole new perspective when cropped. Be sure to click on Debbie's name above, to see her take on Inchies -- she created beautiful note cards to showcase hers!
Then I started rummaging thru my craft stash (we all have those, don't we?!!) and pulling out anything that might frame or otherwise enhance a 1-inch image and tons of ideas started popping into my head! This is the first one I came up with, since the holiday season is upon us -- A Christmas Tree Album to showcase my Inchie Ornaments!
The tree album was a gift from my sweet friend, Julie Brooks, is by Melissa Frances, and measures 11.75 inches tall by 11.25 inches across the base. Julie carries these albums in her online store, Doodliedoo, and by clicking on that link, you'll see what the album looks like unfinished. Below are the covers opened up so you can see both the front and back. I think I'll be filling this album with some favorite Christmas photos of my girls thru the years!
The album's covers are chipboard and I began by removing the binding and covering the covers with torn pieces of BasicGrey's Figgy papers -- I LOVE the nostalgic feel to these papers! Then I highlighted the torn edges of the papers with Frosted Lace Stickles, to resemble snow. Next, I trimmed the edges of the tree with this great white chenille ball trim and a fun new green scalloped velvet trim I found at my local scrapbook store by Creative Imaginations.
Here are some closer looks at the tree sections and then I'll tell you more about each individual Inchie (for a larger view of any of these photos, just click on them). First, the top portion of the album:
Middle 1:
Middle 2:
Bottom Right:
DETAILS: (All images are by Lockhart Stamp Company and are linked to that stamp by clicking on the bold red text, so you can see what the full stamp looks like). Most products used are available from Ellen Hutson's online store, unless otherwise noted. Most ribbon & trim can be found at StarLitStudio:
Starting back at the top left -- Believe Santa: This is a round Inchie (I'm not sure if "round" is a true Inchie or not, but I'm sayin' it is, LOL!) that I placed inside a bottle cap. The image is colored with Spica Glitter Pens and Santa's fur trim is Stardust Stickles. I topped the bottle cap with a metal photo hanger and tied May Arts red striped ribbon on it.
Child's Stocking: Maya Road silver frame. Colored with Spica Glitter Pens. The inside (image) dimensions are 1-inch, so overall this measures about 1.25". Again, I used a hardware clip as a hanger and tied on some red Wrights baby rick-rack.
Mama Flurry: Colored with Copic markers and added Stardust Stickles on her snow parts. Bling button on her jacket is a blue A Muse Creative Candy Twinkle Sticker. Hardware is a round 1-1/8 inch (interior image size) copper book plate from We Are Memory Keepers -- I just trimmed off the bottom brad holder with Tonic/Tim Holtz' awesome serrated scissors -- they'll cut thru just about anything! A bit of Flair Designs blue velvet ribbon tops it off.
Noel Angel Poinsettia: This is actually a 3/4 of an Inchie (LOL!) -- I wanted more of the paper Making Memories poinsettia to show. Colored with Copic markers and accented with a flat-backed pink pearl (only color I had) that I colored green with a Copic marker -- it matches the angel's dress perfectly now! The edges of the image is inked with a marker, to create a faux mat.
Ribbon of Lights: The overall size of this small Maya Road silver frame is 1-inch (the image size is just a little over 3/4-inch) and it showcases just a portion of this 5.25" long string of Christmas lights border stamp. They are colored with Spica Glitter pens and accented with Sunflower Dew Drops. The Dew Drop wasn't as bright of a yellow as I would have liked, so I colored it with a Copic yellow marker to darken it! Again, I added a metal hardware hanger to the back of the frame that I tied Stampin' Up's green stitched ribbon thru.
Wreath Angel: Colored with Spica Glitter pens and blinged with A Muse Creative Candy Twinkle stickers. Stampin' Up's Antique Brass hardware book plate has the bottom brad holder cut off and allows for an image size of just under 1-inch. May Arts green swirled ribbon.
Nicholas Flurry: 1-inch round of sweet Nicholas was colored with Copic markers and a Making Memories 1-inch Page Pebble placed on top. He's secured to a Making Memories paper snowflake that measures 1.75" that I highlighted with Stardust Stickles. The snowflake is then given some more stability and lift with a 1-inch chipboard circle underneath it.
Holly (Holiday Millinary Embellishment): Image colored with Spica Glitter pens, placed beneath a square page pebble from Creative Imaginations that's 1.25" square. Then I made a faux frame on top of the page pebble using Zig's Gold Painty Pen, so it brings the stamped image size down to 1-inch. It is backed with a square piece of white chipboard I cut from a coaster (you know, that huge supply you had to have and still haven't done anything with?)!! I sandwiched some gold cord between the image and the chipboard backing, to serve as a hanger. A Muse Creative Candy Twinkler Stickers were placed on top of the page pebble.
Packages Bottlecap: 1-inch circle image punched and placed on the top of an antique gold bottle cap. Image colored with Copic markers & Spica Glitter pens. Image outlined with Stardust Stickles and topped with a Making Memories large green crystal brad.
Holiday House: Stampin' Up's Pewter hardware 1-inch book plate -- again, has one of the brad holders cut off. SU's pewter swirl clip & brad created this hanger. Image colored with Copic markers & Spica Glitter pens.
ETA: Details are complete now! Don't forget that most of the products you see here came from Ellen Hutson's online store, where she's having a 15% off sale this weekend, thru Sunday night. Just enter the code "CELEBRATE" upon checkout, to receive your discount.
Be sure to check out what Michelle Wooderson did with her Inchies and she also has previews of some new Lockhart stamp images that were just released for sale today! Click on that "new" link above and that will show you all the new images for sale in Ellen's store!
Cindy Lyles is also new to the Hutson-Lockhart team and she shares her beautiful take on Inchies, too!
wowza, Woman! This tree is FABULOUS - who would not want to display this for the holidays!?!? It is SO unique~and looks like it took a TON of time. You are so awesome, I tell ya
Posted by: Donna Baker | November 30, 2007 at 02:15 PM
OH MY GOODNESS Sharon! Your tree is so FUN, CREATIVE & just down-right AMAZING! It's about time Ellen made you a part of her design team!!! Your artwork ROCKS!
Posted by: Linda C. | November 30, 2007 at 02:15 PM
What a cool idea. The tree album would be perfect to add photos of those special ornaments. You know the ones the kids made at school or someone gave you because it meant something at the time. Will have to work on this.
Posted by: Gerrie | November 30, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Congratulations, Sharon, on joining Ellen's team! What an amazing group of talented ladies! I just love your Christmas tree album and your version of the inchies.
Posted by: broni | November 30, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Oh, my WORD, Sharon! This is one of the loveliest creations that I have ever seen! Everybody needs to see it!!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | November 30, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Sharon, I love what you've done with the inchies! Wow, you are are really getting creative!! Welcome to the team girlfriend!! I can't wait to see all your wonderful creations. Mish
Posted by: Michelle Wooderson | November 30, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I saw the inchies over on Ellen's blog...and my first thought was...what in the world would you do with them? Now I see!
Your tree is fantastic! Thanks for putting the possibilities in our heads :)
Posted by: Pat S. | November 30, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Oh my goodness...I was flippin' out when I saw this! So incredible, and must have taken a while...but what a beautiful result!
Congratulations on joining the team! ;)
Posted by: Rose Ann | November 30, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Oh my, Sharon! This is sooo pretty! What a terrific idea. I think those inchies are cute, but I never would have known what to do with them all. Great idea!
Posted by: Kelly aka Littlekel90 | November 30, 2007 at 04:33 PM
How adorable Sharon! Congratulations on joining Ellen's new team!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | November 30, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Wow! This is so creative! I love how you colored the inchies and put a little bling and different frames on them.
Posted by: Karen | November 30, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Yep...just as I suspected....blows me away.... :) You ROCK!
Posted by: Lori Craig | November 30, 2007 at 04:58 PM
oh, what an outstanding project!
Posted by: liannallama | November 30, 2007 at 05:16 PM
No way! This is the coolest...most gorgeous...album EVER!
Posted by: Regina Davis | November 30, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Okay, those are absolutely adorable!!
WONDERFUL - thanks so much for sharing them.
Posted by: Manybooks | November 30, 2007 at 07:08 PM
How long did this take you?? This is so fabulous -- thanks for sharing this. It's really gorgeous and you are just so talented!!
Posted by: pegg | November 30, 2007 at 07:27 PM
This is an absolutely beautiful album! I have looked at those before and thought "Why would I use a tree as an album???" NOW I KNOW! I am heading over to doodliedoo and ordering mine...if there are any left! HAH! Thanks for sharing! I have fallen in love!!!
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | November 30, 2007 at 07:42 PM
This is an absolutely beautiful album! I have looked at those before and thought "Why would I use a tree as an album???" NOW I KNOW! I am heading over to doodliedoo and ordering mine...if there are any left! HAH! Thanks for sharing! I have fallen in love!!!
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | November 30, 2007 at 07:43 PM
WOW! Sharon, it's beautiful!! Look at all that hard work!!! Your amazing!!
Posted by: Julie Brooks | November 30, 2007 at 07:47 PM
Sharon...this is absolutely over-the-top gorgeous! Wow! I would have never thought that a little 1" canvas could look so good. This is absolutely fabulous!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | November 30, 2007 at 08:21 PM
What a darling tree, Sharon! Love what you did with the inchies!!!
Posted by: trudee | November 30, 2007 at 08:53 PM
How do you come up with these ideas? I haven't been especially impressed by the inchies or the tree albums, but you have taken the two and made into something really wonderful. Love it.
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | November 30, 2007 at 10:11 PM
How do you come up with these ideas? I haven't been especially impressed by the inchies or the tree albums, but you have taken the two and made into something really wonderful. Love it.
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | November 30, 2007 at 10:11 PM
How do you come up with these ideas? I haven't been especially impressed by the inchies or the tree albums, but you have taken the two and made into something really wonderful. Love it.
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | November 30, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Wow this is awesome !!!!
Posted by: Daniela | November 30, 2007 at 10:46 PM
so cool! love it! I sketched mine out on 12x12 chipboard and used my bind it all! Making a Christmas Tree of photos and inchies for Grandma! So excited! The kids will help decorate with their supplies...mission is to find a topper !
Lisa Dickinson (SCS user/stampalot)
Posted by: Lisa Dickinson | December 01, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Just INCREDIBLE!!!
Posted by: Tandra Boyer | December 01, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Oh my gosh! I am in awe. This is GOR-JUS! Your attention to detail is incredible! This is amazing. Each and every ornament is its own little work of art.
Posted by: Toni K (koolnkrafty) | December 01, 2007 at 05:49 AM
Wow Sharon that is just the cutest tree album. I have never heard of inchies either but they look so fun. Love what you did with them!
Posted by: Susan | December 01, 2007 at 07:04 AM
Sharon, this is absolutely amazing! SO much detail!!! It's fabulous!! Congrats on your new design team too! You're a perfect addition!!! Hugs!!
Posted by: Shel9999 | December 01, 2007 at 07:36 AM
Simple beautiful!!
Posted by: jodene | December 01, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Oh my goodness Sharon! This is GORGEOUS!
Posted by: Dawn Easton | December 01, 2007 at 09:24 AM
wow - what a work of art! this will be treasured each year you take it out of the holiday decorations box!
Posted by: Karen Sullivan | December 01, 2007 at 09:34 AM
What an absolutely adorable idea and project!!! Beautiful!!
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!
Posted by: Trena n Naperville | December 01, 2007 at 10:14 AM
what an inspiring and amazing project! I love it!
Posted by: Sarah Moore | December 01, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Sharon, this is amazing!! your work is beautiful, and the detail!!! perfect *wink*
Posted by: Linda Duke | December 02, 2007 at 01:55 AM
Oh my gosh, this project is over-the-top gorgeous! It truly knocks me off my feet! Thank you for taking such detailed photos.
Posted by: Beth Norman | December 02, 2007 at 03:15 AM
Just beautiful!
Posted by: twinks | December 02, 2007 at 03:38 AM
This is UNREAL!!! WOW!!! What a project!!! AMAZING!!!
Posted by: Sharon (notimetostamp) | December 02, 2007 at 05:44 AM
Absolutely STUNNING!
Posted by: Kathie Tice | December 02, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Absolutely amazing project! Thanks so much for the incredible inspiration!
Posted by: Cheryl Horton | December 02, 2007 at 08:59 AM
I have seen some pretty fantastic things but girl you really rock. This is so spectacular. I wish I had half you talent and imangination. Love looking at your blog everyday. Keep up the fantastic work you inspire me.
Liz
Posted by: Liz | December 02, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Simply Breathtaking!! I can't even pick a favorite!!!
Posted by: Otter | December 02, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Sharon! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Awesome details! WOW!
Posted by: Angel | December 03, 2007 at 11:39 AM
I love your tree, but I am not a scrapper. However, I for sure can see in my future an advent calendar made with inchies! What a great idea! TYFS
Posted by: kathynruss | December 03, 2007 at 04:51 PM
This is absolutely stunning! The details, the design, the innovative use of products (I'm a sucker for chenille ball trim and this is a perfect use for it.) Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent!
Posted by: Beth | December 05, 2007 at 09:53 AM
This is absolutely stunning! The details, the design, the innovative use of products (I'm a sucker for chenille ball trim and this is a perfect use for it.) Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent!
Posted by: Beth | December 05, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Sharon, you RULE! The detail in this is awesome and so plentiful. This must have been fun!
Posted by: Leslie Miller | December 05, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Whoa! I am absolutely in AWE, Sharon! No, I'm not surprised at all ... because I have the utmost respect for and faith in your talents. But this book is just such a delightful masterwork! Sure is making me smile to have savored this beauty today!
~Bev
Posted by: Tex | December 10, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Wow, it's absolutely amazing! I love all the little details.
Posted by: glitterangel (sharon) | December 18, 2007 at 09:06 AM