Sunday, June 12, 2011

What to do with all of those Sizzix Movers and Shapers

As I said in my profile I have more craft supplies than I can ever use in my lifetime.  Those supplies include a Sizzix Big Shot machine AND a Tim Holtz Vagabond machine, both of which I love!  Along with the machines I have LOTS of dies including Movers and Shapers which I've been trying to figure out how to store so they are more accessible.  I was shopping recently in one of my favorite stores, Ballard Designs, and found a magnetic bulletin board covered in Parisian script fabric.  I thought it would be the perfect solution until I realized that the board was magnetic and the little holders weren't magnets but pieces of steel.  Magnets won't stick to a magnetic board but it gave me an idea to make my own board.

I went to my local home improvement store to look for a piece of sheet metal.  The only two options were a roll or sheet of steel flashing. I opted for the sheet of steel flashing...being unsure of how I'd be able to flatten out a piece from the roll.  Be very careful handling the flashing.  It's EXTREMELY sharp on the edges...I cut my hand before I had even left the store!  Cutting the flashing wasn't an easy job...I had to get help (Thanks, TBG!)...you basically have to measure out the size piece you want and then use a cutting knife to score the lines over and over...and over and over...and over and over...until you get to the point that you can break off the piece!

I wanted my board to hang down the side of the steel shelving where I store all of my Sizzix dies so my board is 11 inches by 24 inches.  Once the steel is cut all you have to do is decide what you want to cover it with.  I opted for a scrapbook paper collage and I used 7 Gypsies Conservatory paper.  I cut out pieces in various sizes and ran them through a Xyron machine to apply permanent adhesive to the back.  Then I applied them to the steel piece wrapping about a half inch of each piece around the edge and onto the back to cover up the sharp edges.

I used a Crop-a-dile to punch two holes at the top for hanging and then used a heavy gauge wire to attach it to the top rack of my shelf.  Below are pics of the process and the finished project:






I'm very happy with the way this turned out!  It was super simple and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon while watching a movie.

2 comments:

  1. Fabulous and practical idea that so many of us could use and copy. Keeping supplies within eyesight encourages using them more often and also sparks creativity. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I have to confess that I have completely filled this board with movers and shapers! I have a second piece of sheet metal cut and waiting for me to decorate it!

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