I was so excited when Ann Butler asked me to play with her stamps co-branded with Unity Stamp Company. For one, I’m a huge Unity Stamp Fan and two… I adore Ann as well. Besides, how cute are these Ann Butler {Faux Quilting} stamps? I rarely share any of my quilts online and have no idea why I do not, but I do love to quilt, so I have lots of ideas for these stamps. For this project though, I tried to think of a nontraditional way to use them and this is the project I came up with.
I started with a cradled 8×8 elephant board that I picked up during my travels in Maine. I coated the entire sides and top with a few layers of encaustic gesso, sanding between layers.
After the gesso was completely dry, I was ever so thankful for my KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square, especially since some of you know I broke a finger on my right hand – and I am VERY right-handed. LOL For those who don’t know, I was texting and walking (upstairs no less) when I fell. So, lesson learned – don’t text and walk. I used the KellyCraft Laser Square to line up my 1” grid with masking tape. Since the board was so thick, I set two boards next to it to support the level and placed an 8×8 paper pad under main board so the Laser Square could butt up against cradled board.
After it was all taped, I used my Tim Holtz ruler and Westcott Craft Hobby Knife with a micropoint blade to cut away the empty squares for me to stamp on.
Using Ranger Archival Ink and various 1” Ann Butler {Faux Quilting} stamps, I stamped a checkerboard pattern.
I removed all the painter’s tape and stamped sides with Ann Butler {Faux Quilting} stamps.
After board was completely dry, I coated the entire board (top and sides) with a few layers of wax, smoothing and fusing each layer.
Basic Gray Buttons were sorted into small coin envelopes and adhered to back of board with Velcro tape.
Are you ready to play? I am!
I hope you will take the time to see all the really great projects being shared today using these stamps. And, Unity Stamp Company is having a 50% off sale from May 2-May 6. Use coupon code UNITY5 I already placed my order.
If you want to hop along just follow the links here below.
Pearl Maple says
Great project idea, anything that looks like a quilt is fun in my book, makes for a unique personalise gift
Jen Goode says
oh my gosh, this is a brilliant idea and you’ve created it so adorably!
Barbara Rankin says
What a clever idea for a checkerboard. These stamps really make it, too. TFS
Lucy E. says
What an awesome idea! I need to make this for my grandson.
LaWanda Sutherland says
Love, Love, Love this!
I can’t wait to make one of these.
Myléne Hillam says
Love the canvas as a base for the checker board…. very clever.
Kristin Kelly says
Such a cute idea! I love it!
Teresa Godines #6857 says
Fun idea. TFS
Jean Bullock says
This is totally cool. A quilt checkerboard box. I love it. What a cool idea to use the buttons as checkers. Very creative. Now I want to make one. Hmmmm, I think I will pin.
Madeline Arendt says
Clever project and great techniques and instructions.
Eileen Hull says
What a fun idea- and so smary to use the ruler with it. Love love!
Jennifer Mitten says
Love this cute checkerboard and its button pieces!
Theresa Cifali says
I’m so sorry to hear about your finger, Cheryl! You are one dedicated lady for working right through it. Good for you. Your project is amazing and so creative. Love the color palette you chose as well.
Cindi Bisson says
Clever idea and love how you stamped the envelopes for the buttons too!
Debra says
What a fun and wonderful use of the stamps!
Gaylynn says
Great way to make your own board and play with buttons. So neat. Great patterns using these stamps. 🙂
Jonathan F says
This is genius. You’re a genius. What a great gift it would make.
Lisa Fulmer says
adorable
rebekah meier says
I love your colors and checkerboard. A unique way of using the stamps. I love it!
Candace says
How fun! Thanks for the inspiration, Cheryl!
denise clason says
what a creative idea to make a checkerboard…and use buttons for the game pieces. Love buttons and quilts…so it’s perfect!
Natasha says
I love this! It’s a great idea
Beth Watson says
Love your project, Cheryl – great idea!
Fab says
Wow Cheryl, that’s lovely ! Love the colour used, it’s a great project ! X
Cheryl says
Thanks, Fabrizio. This hop was a lot of fun. Thanks to for helping with our links
Lorine says
Great project Cheryl, the step outs were top notch. Thanks for posting and sharing.
Cheryl says
Why thank you, Lorine. Love your stamped flour sacks too!
Ann Butler says
Oh Cheryl I love this project and love the step outs you show in creating it…..Sorry about your finger but I am so happy you were able to make the hop!
Cheryl says
Thank you so much, Ann, and thank you for including me in your hop. The other designers were amazing. Congrats!