Configurations Tray

I hope everyone has survived these hot days. I have tried to stay either in the pool or in the AC whenever possible!!!
I joined a swap on the Cricut MB where we needed to alter a tray for a partner.
After taking the Tim Holtz workshop and making his configurations book, I knew I wanted to try the configurations tray and use some of the techniques I learned.

My partner's theme was Patriotic Vintage. After doing some history research and getting some input from my sister who is big into genealogy and history, I came up with my ideas. I went to various flea markets, yard sales and craft stores to find just the right embellishments to add to the little boxes. I found some game pieces, a horse, an eagle,  star and some military insignia. I also added a few things that were from my family but not sure if they were my Dad's, grandfather's or husbands.
 I used some digi patriotic paper in some of the boxes and then pictures of different historic events in others. You will see Betsy Ross, Statue of Liberty, American Eagle, signing of the  Declaration, & Paul Revere's Ride. I used TH tissue tape to lock all the boxes together. Inked and sealed it all before I added any of the items. The bottom right compartment has a battery pack so that Paul Revere's  lantern lights up.

 Now that my partner has received it, I can post some pictures.

Trays

I have been working on a tray for another Cricut message board swap. I will be mailing it to my partner next week so I can't post a picture yet. I recently had the opportunity to participant in a Tim Holtz workshop in nearby CT.

 While I have never been a super huge fan, I do like some of the techniques that he does and have lots of his inks, paints, stains and ideology trinkets. At the workshop we used his Configurations Book for our project. This was way out of my comfort zone because I like everything nice and neat looking and there was also no theme what so ever to this book. I actually thought the doll was creepy but then decided to cut her in half!!!!!! Here is my finished book. I think I did pretty good for a beginner.

Front cover

Inside cover

Inside

Back Cover

I had so much fun with this, that I did a configuration tray for my swap partner.
Try one  and see what you can create!!!!

 Here are a couple trays  that I made last year..  No comparison with the one made at the workshop!!!!! I can't get over how "simple" mine were.  I am tempted to add lots more stuff to the two Christmas ones!!!!!

This one I used all ATCs on

                                                         BEFORE pictures

                                                       AFTER pictures added