Summer Time

I was at a loss as to what to call this post . . . after a while the titles seem to be redundant or bordering on ridiculous. Today's project is a clock that I created by stamping on a CD (hence, the use of "Time" in my title). A few years ago, my local stamp store held a class for stamping on CDs and turning them into clocks. I enjoyed the class, but was not extremely thrilled with the outcome of my clock (I still have it as a reminder of what NOT to do!). We used CDs--the ones that used to come unsolicited in the mail from AOL and other internet service providers--and painted the surface of the CD with acrylic paints. I was not impressed with the finish--it was flat, matte, unattractive and you could see all the brush strokes, despite efforts to get rid of them. But I liked the idea, so I continued to play with CDs at home; however, I used CDs that I bought at the store--and not just any CD, these CDs have a white surface, and are known as "printable" CDs. If you have fancy printing equipment, you can print logos or labels right onto the CD--no paper labels required.

For this CD, the background colors were created using Brilliance pigment inks and my color dusters. I then stamped the image using StazOn Jet Black ink and the Embrace Life stamp set by Stampin' Up! The leaves and flowers were colored using chalks and a blender pen. Yes, you read that right -- chalks and a blender pen. The words "embrace life" were stamped with VersaMark and embossed using gold embossing powder. Once the CD is finished, I spray with a Krylon satin finish sealant.  The clock works were purchased at my local craft store and are very easy to assemble. I do have to trim the length of the hands, but that is easily done with a pair of scissors. I have made clocks in several different themes . . . golf-themed for the golfer in your life (the word "Fore" was stamped where the numerical four would appear on the clock face); baby-themed for a baby shower; floral, autumn, lighthouses, etc. There really is no limit to your creativity with these CD clocks--and if you don't want to turn it into a clock, burn some of your favorite music to the CD, decorate the CD to coordinate with the theme of the music, and give it as a gift. I have used various coloring mediums on these CDs--the above-mentioned chalks and blender pens, pigment inks, I have even used dye inks and heat set the ink with my heat gun. I have embossed on the CDs; embossing can warp the CD a bit, but if you turn it over and heat from the other side, it flattens right out. I have applied glitter, used Stickles, etc.; however, I would strongly suggest that you do not use glitter or Stickles on any CDs that would be going into stereo equipment!! One thing I suggest doing is to cut out CD templates (I use an EK Success Circle Scissor Cutter; I have an older version which has measurements in millimeters, so the size of my circles is 118mm) and practice with stamp placement on the templates. I find it easier to see how the stamp image fits on the CD template before actually stamping onto the CD. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact me through my email. Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! Have a great day!!