INTRODUCING….THE ACRYLIC PAPERWEIGHT!! Specially manufactured by Maria Colosimo at Kitchen Sink Stamps as a request from me to go along with the other great acrylic blocks we love so much. This beautiful oval paperweight is flat on both sides so it is easy to alter and gives you a lot of versatility in ways that you can use it! The block is only $4.95!! This project is also accompanied by two beautiful new stamp sets from Kitchen Sink that are being released today along with some fabulous Easter sets. These new sets, “Mix it Up Monograms and Alphabet” and “Playful Ovals” that coordinate well with nestabilities and your Giga Marvy oval punches. What can YOU do with this paperweight? Let me know and you could win a free one! Please comment below and share your thoughts!! I would love to see what you come up with and may just try it myself! I will pick one winner on Wednesday at 11am and you will receive an oval from me and the new “Honey Bunny” stamp set from Kitchen Sink! I hope you enjoy this lovely project!
I just love how versatile the new mix it up monograms & alphabet set is! There are THREE different sizes of the entire alphabet!! How versatile!! See how that “B” in THAT size oval fits so perfectly in that spot on the paper! It looks like it was printed that way! All of the ovals fit in the nestabilities!!
How did I do it?
With this classic paperweight, I prepared the stamped image and adhered it to the patterned paper. I used crystal effects and liberally applied it to the block. With the crystal effects applied I put the block down onto the applied paper and swished it around until the air bubbles came out and had a towel handy for any seepage that happened to spill out of the sides. You must work quickly. If you happen to get a fingerprint on the front of the blog because your hands are messy with crystal effects, do not worry. Ultra Clean seems to magically take these marks away! Just put some onto a tissue and give it a good rub. This should work well, as it did for me. Just try and clean it off in a timely matter and don’t let it sit for too long, just in case. As always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
Supplies:
Stamps: Kitchen Sink “Playful Ovals”, “Mix it Up Monograms and Alphabet”
Ink: Black stazon
Paper: American crafts, PTI white CS
Ribbon: American Crafts, pearls dyed with crystal effects and re-inkers
How did I do it?
In the following technique I used a foam brush to apply the crystal effects just to the outer scallops of the piece in even limited strokes so it would not leave streaks when adhering to the block itself. lining it up very carefully I smoothed it out with my fingers gently but quickly along the edges. If any crystal effects or glossy accents gets oozed out a little, you can carefully spray a little ultra clean on a towel and it will take it off!!
Supplies:
Stamps: Kitchen Sink “Mix it Up Monograms and Alphabet” , “Playful Ovals”, “Never a loss 4 words”
Paper: River Rock, Whisper White SU! CS
Ink: River Rock SU! , White Chalk ink, white gel pen, clear glaze pen
Ribbon: River Rock SU! stitched grosgrain
In this picture, I added stamping to already beautiful patterned paper by American Crafts. This gives it a nice tough and helps incorporate and lift the color black that I wanted to add. Once again, the little oval goes a long way in bringing the pattern together and giving yourself a place to add a beautiful initial.
Here is a lovely door hanger for a baby girls room. It is so nice using these monograms because of the size differences. Very appropriate in how it looks for a nice classic monogram look. I employed the same technique of applying the crystal effects to the block on this. When you are finished, you can finish off the back of the block using the same patterned paper or a coordinating paper. Try using velvet paper. It is so soft and wonderful.
On Wednesday when I annouce the winner of the oval and stamps, I will also show you a more masculine paperweight suitable for a male boss using the small diamonds found in the “Playful Ovals” set. And just as a surprise…
MELINDA BREIN…You TOTALLY guessed what this project would be!! For that my friend…you are going to get a free paperweight to play with from me!! I will need you snail mail address which you can e-mail to me at oehlers@verizon.net This is what Melinda wrote:
I think it is a paperweight made out of one of those clear acrylic blocks you have!!! (which reminds me I still don’t have any …. and they are sooooo cool) Ok, that’s my guess – Melinda
Hemidemisemiquaver { a few short notes on my everyday life} 
March 3, 2008 at 5:06 am
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous!! Love them all! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
March 3, 2008 at 5:09 am
You’ve done it again Beck!! LOVE all of these – they are gorgeous! That black one is just stunning!! Now I have to shop! 🙂
March 3, 2008 at 5:28 am
Becky, Becky, Becky! You are amazing. I LOVE these. I think what would be great is to put a really inspiring sentiment under the block in place of the monogram. I could then hang it in front of me at my craft table or even at my desk at work. It would be such a nice touch to give to people as a gift along with a card.
March 3, 2008 at 5:47 am
Okay… these paper weights TOTALLY bring back childhood memories for me. (And I know I’m going to regret telling this story, but here goes…) My grandma had a couple that were round, flat glass disks with a plastic base so you could put a picture or something in them. Similar to these only the picture just went in the base under the glass instead of being glued on. Anyway- my grandmother had to have a series of operations on her foot at some point and lost her big toenail in the process. I always thought it was sad that she didn’t have a toenail on that toe. When I was in 3rd grade I had a bit of a mishap of my own when I tried to jump over a large pile of smoldering embers. Landed in the middle of it and got 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my foot. Ouch! My big toenail fell off, too. So I lovingly, sincerely (though it sounds disgusting now! – Hey… I was only 8!) mailed my toenail to my grandmother so she could have it since she lost hers. She put it in one of those glass paperweights and she kept it (along with the letter I sent) until she died! So that’s what I thought of when I saw these – it’s been a while since I’ve thought of my grandmother. Thank you.
Along the lines of keepsake, I think it would be wonderful to press flower petals from a bouquet and make a wedding keepsake. It would also be beautiful to put two together and hinge them so they open to reveal an intricately cut pop up! I love pop ups and that’s what I would want to try!
Sorry to ramble, but I had to share my story, LOL!
March 3, 2008 at 10:59 am
This is terrific Becky…I am loving these stamps…off to check ’em out!
March 3, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I was thinking a sun catcher for my kitchen window but it would probably end up being a puck for my 3 year old son~ 🙂
Deana
March 3, 2008 at 2:08 pm
amazing projects, Becky! I specially like the first one, the black & white with just a touch of color… LOVE that!
March 3, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Depending on the size, it might make a cute soap dish to go in a pamper gift basket. After adhering the paper, adhere a piece of rubber kitchen drawer liners or something else of similar texture…something so it wouldn’t slide around.
What a cute product, Becky!
March 3, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Love this!!! I can see adding a photo of DS to give to the grandparents, either to use as a paperweight or a hanging “cameo” style ornament! You are SOOOOO creative, it makes me jealous 🙂
March 3, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I LOVE this product and what you did with it. Elizabeths story was so funny and her idea was great. I might use dimensionals to make a space with 2 of the paperweights. Then dried or pressed flowers or any other little keepsake. Cover the edge with lace, beads, pearls or whatever.
March 3, 2008 at 4:29 pm
G O R G E O U S !!!!!
Hmmm…I love the door hanger idea!
Christmas tree ornament, too heavy maybe for a magnent?
March 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Wow – all I can say is WOW! You are amazing! I’m thinking I would create some very pretty ornaments with these babies. I can also see creating custom business card and using as a customer give away.
Teresa
March 3, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Oh my word. . . .GORGEOUS! Totally!
March 3, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Wow!! Love these – each and every one! Ok, depending on the size, could do favors for a wedding (pretty paper with colors from theme of their wedding) or a baby shower (again, pretty paper with baby’s name if known at the time of the shower). What about putting a different letter on each one (maybe to spell “create”) and hang in your craft room? Three of them could be hung vertically on ribbon and used as a wall hanging with paper that would match the room they are in. Or, you could put a picture of a new neighbor’s house and give it to them as part of a “welcome to the neighborhood” gift. Just a few ideas!!! Thanks for sharing your awesome creations. Heather
March 3, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Oh Becky, you amaze me! Where do you think of this stuff? That is gorgeous. I would have never guessed. These would make great suncatchers or blocks for pressed flowers. I remember buying my mom some years ago when I lived in Boston. She hung them in her windows year-round. They were so bright and cheery. I bet you could recreate them with stamps & paper!
March 3, 2008 at 6:27 pm
You could also
* Put magnifying contact paper on the bottom and pretty it up to make a magnifying glass.
* Make an Easter egg with different kinds of patterned paper. You can use it as a small gift in an Easter basket made out of those scalloped punches like Lauren created or as a decoration in your home.
* Stamp an inspirational phrase and keep on your desk at home or work.
March 3, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I Love these!! So pretty. I have a question on the door hanger you made – what did you use to adhere the ribbon so that it holds the weight of the block when you actually hang it on the door?
Thanks!
– Meredith
March 3, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I used redline tape. It is very strong.
March 3, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Rock on, Beck! You knocked another one out of the park!!
March 3, 2008 at 7:42 pm
OH, I love the easter egg idea by Courtney….can you try that and show us?!?!
March 3, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Becky,
ALL your projects are sooo extremely gorgeous! I ordered several ovals along with the stamps that I bought from KSS! Keep the ideas coming!
Wendy
March 3, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I want some !!! I would definitely use two: one as a paper weight at home and at work! I would also use one (the oval) as a door hanger – that was an awesome idea!
http://www.wowprincess.com/anita/
March 3, 2008 at 10:11 pm
What a cool project! I never would have thought of this. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful techniques.
March 4, 2008 at 1:55 am
I would like to put a photo with a sentiment. (Obviously with decorations etc.) It would be great as a paperweight, or on one of those little stands, like for small decorative plates. Then you could enjoy the picture all the time.
March 4, 2008 at 2:15 am
Sweet! I can’t wait to try something cool!!!! Thanks Becky! -Melinda
March 4, 2008 at 2:45 am
Awesome projects you have made with those paperweights…beautiful and oooohhhh so creative.
You rock girl!
March 4, 2008 at 3:10 am
WOW! What a clever idea. A person can always use another paperweight, can’t they? I say YES.
March 4, 2008 at 6:38 am
Your projects with the new paperweight are so pretty! I would love to make the paperweight a magnet that features an inspirational quote on it.. with, of course, a coordinating card to go with it!
March 4, 2008 at 9:34 am
WOWSERS! They are stunning! I am so going to have to get me some of these to make now.
Mind if I add you to my blog roll?
March 4, 2008 at 12:54 pm
These are beautiful. I have a lamp that has a `swig`of metal that decorates the side and I know that the oval hanging from there would look fantastic. All who enter our family room would see it.
Retired Heather
March 4, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I love your projects! They are gorgeous! I am going to have to get me a couple! I have some wedding showers coming up…I think they would be great to use to make into a little hanging that has the a verse on it…like maybe Joshua 24:15 or one of the 1 Cor 13 verses…it would be small enough for the newlyweds to hang in their first apt/home! Hopefully mine would turn out as pretty as yours!!
March 4, 2008 at 6:32 pm
your projects are beautiful–I especially love the black & white and the ivory ones! I would make a pretty fabric weight for my mother. She is a seamstress and uses pretty crystal weights to hold the fabric still for cutting instead of using pins.
March 4, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I would definitely need this paperweight to keep my craft store coupons from getting lost!
I love your other ideas using the acrylic.
March 4, 2008 at 7:53 pm
This is so gorgeous and you do such a wonderful job with your projects. The black and white one is especially striking and so very beautiful.
March 4, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Wow, what an awesome project and I just love the new oval shape for the blocks, what a fab idea!
March 5, 2008 at 12:03 am
These would make great Christmas monogramed gifts for my coffee group or book club.
NancyS (momsnack)
March 5, 2008 at 12:52 am
These look fantastic, Becky! You made each one look so unique and wonderful. Great work!
March 5, 2008 at 12:53 am
These are so awesome that i am speechless! I love the idea of putting a black and white photo behind one. I think that would be awesome! Or maybe even one of those silouette pieces of your profile. I had those done when I was a kid, not sure what you call those, they are done in black paper..That would be a great way to display! Since proms and graduation are coming up, would be a great way to save some of those pictures/momentos!
Ok, I am done with ideas!
Love your blog!
Lori
March 5, 2008 at 2:28 am
Just beautiful Becky, as always !!
March 5, 2008 at 2:32 am
Fab idea Backy! I think these would be great teacher’s gifts!
March 5, 2008 at 3:09 am
I would use one for a new baby gift with a picture of the new baby and all her info. Great for the new mom who has to go back to work soon. Beautiful projects. Thanks for sharing.
March 5, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Oh my the things you’ve made are beautiful as always. I love that that possibilities go on and on. I would make a christmas ornament, or add a little photo for Dad’s desk like a few others have said. And yet, I am a huge Valentine’s Day gal so now I’m thinking a little heart in there would make a great romantic little gift or a special decoration in February. (hey I’ve got nearly a whole year to make it so that’s an added bonus!) Thanks for your great blog and endless inspiration.
March 7, 2008 at 7:07 am
Stunning, Becky–especially the black and white one!
March 8, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for sharing these great projects! The black & white is so elegant and the door hanger is adorable! I love these ideas. Lisa
March 9, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I haven’t read any other comments, but here is what I’d do. I’d hang a bunch of them in a wall arrangement, like a small plate collection. They are really beautiful!
March 15, 2008 at 5:09 am
That gorgeous black and white paperweightis gorgeous!
August 11, 2008 at 2:32 am
[…] Acrylic Paperweight Author: K. Rebecca Oehlers […]
September 24, 2008 at 4:51 pm
[…] Here for a tutorial on how to make this paper weight from Rebecca Oehlers. […]
February 9, 2009 at 11:44 am
im totaly disabled,and am looking for a hobby that i would like,have always been interested i paper weights and the mystery of how they got the objects in they,would like to try myself,i would be thankful for any info or tips. thanks Nick