Daisies and Flowerpots

I saw this project on a few blogs last week, and figured I'd give it a try. It's definitely out of my usual league, but I saw it and thought it would be perfect for my mom. She's into gardening and flowers, so it totally works as a card for her. :)

Plus, I recently won a Fiskar Punch...and this project was perfect for using the daisy punch.

I've entered them into the following challenges:
Nutshells #12 -- Easter/Spring
Quirky Crafts Challenge #24: Flowers

"Bee Cheerful"

I've been looking for stamps that have thick lines because I have some embossing powder that isn't extra fine. I didn't realize it when I first bought it, but the fine-ness of the powder makes a big difference when stamping and embossing.

I went through some stamps that a friend of mine has when I came across two with extra thick lines. Totally perfect for my embossing powder. Plus, the stamps reminded me of spring/summer. So they're totally perfect for card making right about now.

I love the little bee -- it's soo cute!!! As I was making this card, I was thinking of using it for a "Bee Cheerful" or "Get Well" card. Just looking at it, I can see this card helping to cheer someone up -- or help make the healing process that much faster. :) TFL

Take a Survey -- You could Win!!!

Paper Fashions is trying to get some feedback on how paper crafters would feel about purchasing project kits. They have a created a survey -- and they want YOUR participation!!!

As a bonus, they have added a chance to win some candy!!!

The above photo shows a few items that will be included in the prize package. Each time they hit 25 survey takers, they will add two more prizes to the pack!
The start package ($40 value) includes:
a Cosmo Cricket Mini Deck
assorted ribbons
metal rimmed tags
acrylic stamp set
mini book
flower epoxy stickers
rub on letters
Thermo O Web Zots
Glue Stick
Mounting Tabs

Also, don't forget to mention that you heard about it on my blog! Referrals get extra entries!!! :) Thank you! :)

Click here to go to the Paper Fashions blog and survey.

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #3: The Tailored Bow

Once you've go the classics down (the knot and the classic bow), you'll want to add some diversity to your projects from time to time. Here's another variation that works well with cards -- and is pretty much the simplest bow tying technique out there! :)

The TAILORED BOW

First, cut a piece of ribbon twice the desired length of the finished bow. Then cut a ribbon about twice the length of the width of the ribbon. (it goes around the ribbon)

Form a loop and secure the ends together. Flatten the loop and secure in the center.

Now, take the smaller piece of ribbon and wrap it around the center of the bow, and adhere the ends to the back.

And there you have it -- another great looking bow to add to your card or project!!! :)


You can either use the bow alone, or you can adhere it to another piece of ribbon.

Enjoy experimenting with this new technique!!! Happy crafting! :)

A Sketchy B-day

I got some new papers yesterday...and borrowed some coloured ink. Stamped out a few images...and embossed them with my clear/sparkling embossing powder. I followed a sketch I found this morning -- and I think it turned out great! :) Love those papers!!!

I've entered this card into the Sketch Challenge #17. TFL :)

** HINT:
If you're new to stamping and embossing, here's a little hint when buying supplies: I bought some embossing powders awhile back (clear/sparkling and silver). I quickly learned that instead of buying coloured embosssing powders, it's simpler just to buy coloured ink...and emboss with clear/sparkling powder. Your image keeps its ink colour...and is shiny. :) So if you're trying to save money...this would be one way to keep things simple and less expensive.

Have a Daisy of a Day!

I won my first Fiskars punch last week. Man was I excited when I opened that box!!! LOL I took one look at the punch...and thought "DAISY!". Gotta love a punch that can produce your favourite flower!!! :)

This card came together soooooooo fast -- it may be simple, but it's so cute! And man! Do I love my new punch!!! I'm gonna have so much fun with it! :)

I've entering this card into challenges:
All sorts Challenge Blog: Spring
 Saturday Challenge: Spring has sprung!
Sweet Stampin Challenge: Spring is in the Air!
Frosted Design: Think Spring

Cute Daisy May Challenge: Anything Goes!
Creative Cottage Challenge Blog: Flowers

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #1 -- The Knot

I've had quite a few people ask me how I make the ribbons on my cards. If you are a follower or even looked a just a few of my cards, you will no doubt see that I used a few different techniques with the ribbons. Some are simpler than others, but whichever one I use...it just gives the cards and layouts a little something extra. :)

I've been leaving comments on other people's blogs about how much I love their tutorials (on anything and everything!). So I figured I should probably give it a shot as well!!! :p Not sure how good this one will be -- but as far as tying ribbons go -- that's how I learned the techniques I use myself!

Just remember, it takes patience...and if the ribbon doesn't look good the first time...try, try, try again! :)


On to the tutorial!

THE KNOT:
I know it probably sounds simple, but it took me awhile until I had finally mastered this particular tying technique. And as I discovered just awhile ago, there are a few different techniques to making the knot.

Technique 1:

First, take a bottle and tie the ribbon around the top. (double knotted and evenly spaced).

Now pull the ribbon off...and cut the loop at an angle (so you get a nice finished look to the ties)

Finally adhere the ribbon to your card.

Technique 2:

This technique requires two pieces of ribbon. Your first piece gets wrapped around the card and taped in the back.

Next, take a smaller piece of ribbon...and tie that piece around the first piece (wherever you want your bow to be).

And there you have it!!! All set to make those knot ribbons!!! Have fun!! :)