Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #13

It's time again for another great challenge from the fantastic technique book A Compendium of Curiosities Vol. III by non-other than Tim Holtz. We're on the 13th challenge and it's called Worn Cover which can be found on page 35 of the Compendium book. Have you been playing along? Even if you haven't, it's okay. You can jump in at any time! Just grab your book, try out the technique on a project, and upload it to the challenge here. It's a great way to learn new techniques and try products you might have previously been unsure how to use.

Remember there are specific rules you must follow in order to be entered in the challenge for a chance to win some fabulous goodies, so take a few minutes to read the rules here before you post. We on the Curiosity Crew have discovered some amazing projects submitted that didn't comply with the rules, and sadly have had to disqualify those entries. So be sure to read those rules.

For more info about this current challenge, keep reading to the end of my post today.

Okay, on to my project...

This challenge is more of a product intro rather than a specific technique. I selected the Worn Cover, Christmas Wishes to make a useful reference book of holiday cocktail recipes.

To adorn my cover, I used several Alterations dies (links below) to cut out festive holiday shapes like these poinsettias & leaves (the same die) and the number 25. Kraft Core card stock is perfect for sanding and distressing the flowers and leaves, and the 25 is covered with music note paper from the 8 x 8 Seasonal paper stash and I used the Merriment paper stash for the oval in the background. For dimension, all the shapes were also cut from Grungeboard except for the leaves. Oh, and that cocktail glass is a chipboard shape I found in the Michael's discount bin. A pack of 8 for a dollar. I painted it with Tarnished Brass Distress Paint and frosted the top with Distress Glitter.

I labeled my recipe book with this Observation Word Band and some pretty May Arts ribbon. The Crop-a-dile punches through the Worn Cover easily, and gold eyelets gave the holes a more finished look. I painted the word band's surface with Tarnish Brass Distress Paint and hand painted the recessed letters with red acrylic paint on a fine paintbrush.

I also used the Crop-a-dile to punch holes for the closure here. A hitch fastener on the cover and an elastic band comes around from the back cover.

As you'll see in a moment, I used the Large Ring Binder inside the book, affixed with a strong glue (E6000) then once the glue was dry, I weaved this pretty satin ribbon through and holes and tied them into a big bow at the outer spine. A trinket pin and jump ring are perfect for hanging my stamped red tag. 

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed a lot of cocktail pinning this past week. I selected some great recipes for holiday cocktails that I'd like to try, then pulled the photos and text into Photoshop and printed them on matte photo paper. I cut tags from green Kraft Core card stock to adhere my recipes. (You can find me on Pinterest here.)

Inside I put the recipe tags into Page Pockets. This will now be a quick reference guide during the holidays when entertaining.

I have six recipes now, but eventually I'll add more. So if you have a favorite you'd like to share, I'd love to try it out and add it to my book. Just e-mail me at AnnetteGreen@me.com with your recipe OR send me the link in your comment if the recipe is online. For those who send me recipes, I'll put your names into a drawing for a small prize package. Keep watch on my blog Tuesday the 14th and I'll announce the winner there.

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Do you have the fabulous Compendium of Curiosities Vol. III book by Tim Holtz? (the master of all things vintage and distressed.) If not, you can find one at your local craft store, scrapbook store, or you can get a signed copy by Tim himself by going here. 

You can find all the CC3 Challenge details and FAQs here.  The lovely Linda Ledbetter is our hostess of this fun series of challenges, and all you have to do to participate is create your project, and upload to her site. Be sure, though, to read through all the FAQs so you're eligible to win...

We're working our way through this fantastic book of techniques and tips, and challenging you to join in the fun. This round's challenge is sponsored by the great folks at Inspiration Emporium who have a fabulous gift voucher to give away to one lucky random winner. Also, the Curiosity Crew's Choice scores a giant prize pack of goodies straight from Tim and Mario!

And don't forget, you can find these great products I've used today at InspirationEmporium.com.