Hello everyone . . . so wonderful to see you here again on the simply fabulous CricutFANatics Blog! It's Melody(aka as kauaimelody on the cricut boards, and CricutMelody on my blog) and as always, I can not wait to share my super fun project with you today. It is all about mouse traps and a share to show how I used them to embellish an Asian Frame. It is meant to inspire you to try something different. One word of caution, the mouse trap can snap you if you are not awake or vigilent. But that is what makes it so exciting, it's crafting on the edge, and being a crafting ninja, I love a little challenge. Seriously, I have not gotten nipped once, so jump right in and be the fearless crafter that I know you can be. It is a great little project that can be used in a myriad of ways (as wall decor, stationary, note holder, or anything you can think of). It is so simple and unique.
One mouse trap was used as a three dimensional base for the blinged up key. It was stripped of all it's hardware and covered in designer paper. The key was adhered to the mouse trap with two part Epoxy.
The second mouse trap is holding the stamp, and adds a little unexpected pizazz to the overall design of the Altered Frame . The pics show close ups of the top and bottom. (Don't look too close, I don't want you to see any glue mishaps).
I placed the base mousetrap at the base of the Altered Frame.
And here is the full view of the Asian Altered Frame, adorned with the two mouse traps. The Expression2 was used to cut out the pagoda from The Pagoda Cartridge.
Have you ever altered a mouse trap before, or taken one apart, all the way or partially? Well here is a brief description so you know where to start, and hopefully you will jump on the Mouse Trap Band Wagon and try one or more yourself. It gives you one more skill set for your crafty bag of tricks and techniques. REMEMBER TO HOP OVER TO YOU TUBE TO CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS. (Preparing the mouse trap to alter is as simple as removing staples!!!)
I like to use an ATG gun on the paper and then press into place on the trap. I remove the staples with small plyers. This is where watching a youtube is especially helpful.You can find the technique that most appeals to you. Have fun and add embellies, or leave as is, if you are a minimalist. You can ommit the paper, and just paint it, distress it, bling it, twine it, stickle and glitter it,write on it, or ??? This is where you can really express yourself and add your personal touch.
I love the fact that you can use the '"snapper" as a holder for sentiments,photos, momentos etc. I am mindful that the snapper could display my fingers as well, so I do count them frequently to make sure they are all there while creating - just kidding!!
You know you want to try this. :)
Joyful Crafting Always,
Melody
Designer: Melody
Project: Mouse Traps/Asian Altered Frame
Machine: Expression2
Cartridge: Pagoda
Materials: Mouse Traps, Frame, Designer Paper
Tools: ATG Gun, plyers, Embellishments of Choice
WOW!! This is just SO creative. I can't wait to see what you do next. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! This is definitely a work of art!
ReplyDeleteI would not have thought to use mousetraps. So very clever!!
ReplyDeleteWOW and OMG!!!!! To say that this is a "thinking out of the box" & "over the top" project would be an understatement...I'm almost speechless!!! But, no, I will not be trying to use a mousetrap in any of my projects...do you have any idea how much my DH & DS worry about me using my ATG?????!! I'm not overly clumsy or anything, but, Good Lord, playing with mousetraps?????!! I don't think so...maybe when someone designs faux mousetraps ; ) !
ReplyDeleteNever would have thunk it! TFS
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I have never thought of using a mouse trap in my crafting. Somehow your projects have made them look edgy!
ReplyDeleteMelody, you always come up with the best and most unique ideas for altered art! I am very excited to try this out and see what happens!
ReplyDeleteColleen
My reply capability is frozen so I will do it here. First of all, a very special thank you to all of you who left some love.
ReplyDeleteSarah Andrews, your compliments made me smile. I do have something very exciting planned for next week M
Julie, so happy that you thought it looked like a real work of art. I try to make everything extra special for the fans of the CricutFanatics Blog, to help inspire, and your comments make it all worth while. :)
ReplyDeleteblurobin, you are so sweet to come by and comment. Just wait till you try this - you will be smitten.
ReplyDeleteScrappyMama, you made me laugh, dangerous with an ATG !!!Actually, the trap is never set, and you remove the part that would set it. It is no different then working with a clip board. You just gotta try this. It sounds scary, but really not. So go ahead and be adventurous. Maybe have DH oversee to calm his nerves LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetpea, it makes you wonder what else can be decorated and altered. Be on the look out for surfaces on undiscovered items that can be crafted. It is so much fun to push the envelope!!!
ReplyDeleteDonna, I just love that, the thought that crafting mouse traps is edgy. Let's be partners in crime and think of other edgy items to alter. Your comments made me chuckle. Thank you for making my day.
ReplyDeleteColleen, so many kind words, thank you for stopping by and sending all the TLC, so sending it right back at you here. So glad you are going to try this, once you do, you will not be able to stop. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic. Thank you for sharing it with us. It's amazing the things you can put into a craft project that look fabulous even though it has absolutely nothing to do with the item's original purpose!
ReplyDeleteWow! Love see your altered art projects. Very inspirational.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and so interesting to look at! Looking at your projects is like taking a mini vacation! You are so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteMelody, I didn't think you could make a mouse trap look beautiful but you did :) I am glad you have all your fingers because that mean you can still share ideas with us!
ReplyDeleteCrafting on the edge - love that phrase!
I had to laugh out loud when I saw your "altered mouse trap." Those things always creeped me out when I was a kid, but your's is absolutely lovely. Your projects always intrigue me...thanks for sharing.
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