My First 3 Stick Pins

I entered a stick pin swap over at Crafters Digital Art Center. We are to make 3 different pins for the other people on our swap list, which is 5 other people. There were 2 categories to choose from, Love or Spring. I chose Spring. Pizzazz Aplenty is sponsoring the challenge. There is still plenty of time to join if you would like.

The first 2 are butterflies. Everything used on them are from Pizzazz Aplenty with the exception of the tear drop ones on the yellow pin. Those are from Stampin' Up, which I purchased eons ago. They come clear, so I used my copics to color them to match.

The 3 beaded pin also came in white, so again I used my copics on them. Using my metallic gel pens, I went around the top pearls, the pink silver, the yellow gold.

I love this tiny butterfly. I am so glad it matched the rest of the pin.

For the 3rd one, I wanted to use flowers. Everything here is again from Pizzazz Aplenty with the exception of the large Prima flower, the charm and jump rings. I seem to grab these where ever there is a good price for ones that I like, so I have no idea where I got them.

To get the flowers on the pin, I simple wrapped the stem around the pin 3 or 4 times. I cut off the remainder of the stem and added glue to the back of the flower and kind of squished it against the stem to keep it from sliding down. I thought it would look cute to have the flowers smaller as they went down the pin.

I love these tiny rose buds. I only have them in white and red, so, of course, I colored it with a copic.

Lastly, I wracked my brain about what to do with that hole at the top of the pin. These have always made me think I did not want to make stick pins because I had no idea what to do with it. How in the world would I cover it. I could just leave it, but it looks unfinished to me when it is. I decided to add a charm to the pin. I have none of those chains others seem to have (not really sure where to get them) so I used some jump rings. After going through my gazillion charms, I found these leaves.

I really hope the others in my group really like these. I know that styles/colors of paper and embellishments change all the time, but I doubt that butterflies and flowers will ever end up on the old style list.

I thought that all three pins could be packaged together in one box per person, but after rereading the "rules" I think they need to be wrapped individually. Grrrrrr, I purchased some really pretty gift boxes that are the perfect size to hold all 3 from, yes, Pizzazz Aplenty, so I hope my first thought was right. I just posted the question on the forum...wish me luck on that, lol

I hope you all have a super duper weekend...Hugs...Sandy O

Inchies Perfect Flowers

Finding items for making a pretty inchie can be difficult, especially flowers. I have taken up making tiny, tiny, itty, bitty flowers, mostly for egg making. These tiny flowers, though, are the perfect embellishment for an inchie.

As you can see by the dime next to them, they are TINY. These are the first dogwoods I have made. I also made some lily of the valley, which you can see on my blog post here.

These flowers are made from paper that has been punched out with punches made specially for creating flowers this size. To adhere them to the stem, 2 glues are used. First, holding the petal or leaf with tweezers, the tip is inserted in some tacky glue. Right after, it is inserted in some super glue and quickly attached to the stem. The super glue causes them to adhere instantly. I am really not sure why only super glue is used, lol, but they are always made with the 2 glues.

Aren't they cute! I made 11 so far and have a few more to make. I will be making many of these, as well as many others between now and next October. The plan is to get a table at next years Egg Art Show and sell them to those attending the show.

I could not help but notice that they would make a lovely inchie. I decided to use an old pre-cut chip board square and cover it with some of the lovely and shimmery Paper Temptress paper.

Now, I will confess to you that this is not a true inchie since it measures 1 1/4" square instead of 1" square. I did not have a pre-cut 1" to use, so thought this would be close enough, lol.

I had such a difficult time tying this knot! Four leaves ended up falling off and I had to reglue one petal. Other than that, this inchie was super fast to make.

I am sure that you could purchase some small punches at your local craft store to make some of your own.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
Cute Card Thursday: Make your won embellishment
For Fun: Something you never used before
No Time To Stamp: Back to nature, any season
Stamp Something: Something punchy. use a punch
Tuesday Throwdown: Chipboard

Have a super weekend!!!

Hugs,

Unique Handmade Flowers

So, what makes these roses so unique. Well...they are made of fish scales. I know....uggggg and yuck...but wait...the people who make these get them from their local fishermen for free, which make them extremely affordable. After arriving home with them, they are thoroughly cleaned. Once they are cleaned the scales take (2) 24 hours baths in bleach. When dry they are colored various colors.

If you saw and touched them, you would NEVER guess what they were. They feel very much like a thin plastic. What is the best part of using them is that they are bendable, shapable and cutable. They truly are a fun medium to work with.

I took a class on how to make these roses at the egg art show I attended last week. With it came 3 full ziploc baggies of different color scales. I think there are more in these baggies than I will ever use, lol.

The texture and natural pattern of the scales make them perfect for flowers. When looking at them from the side you can see the texture adds a look of a really petal.

To use the flowers, all I need to do is clip the toothpick off. Glue adheres really well to these which I find to be another benefit. When using some other flowers, such as Prima, many glues just don't hold them. I usually use my glue stick and find that getting the glue on the spot I desire is quite a challenge. I will never give up using my Prisma! I do find these little flowers to be a nice change from the standard though.

I will be using these flowers on a card or project very soon and am excited to show you just how lovely they look in use.

Do you venture out of the norm when adding embellishments to your projects? If not, give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised.

I am entering these in the Top Tip Tuesday Challenge.

Hugs,

Paper Stitching and Paper Piercing/Pricking

I was up to some challenges this week so I searched though all my bookmarked challenge sites. It really is quite interesting to see all the unique challenges as well as the paper crafters take on them. Among all the unique challenges, I did find 5 challenges that I could use just one card for.

Here are the challenges I am using this card for:

Pile it on: One color and a neutral

Crazy 4 challenges: Paper piercing

One stop craft challenge: Sew simple

Stampin' B's designs: Spring or Easter

Splitcoast stampers: Ways to use it challenge WT261, to use something that is new to you

Here is the complete card:

The piercing pattern is from Fred She Said and the butterfly pattern is from Stitching Cards. Combined they really look stunning. To compliment the sheen of the embroidery floss, I used Paper Temptress White Diamond (you will find this under the "drop dead gorgeous" category) and Mountain Rose Glimmer paper. I love how the Mountain Rose peeks just a bit through the paper piercing.

For my something new that I needed to use for the Splitcoast Stamper challenge, I used the Stampin' Up Beautiful Wings embosslit die. This fantastic die has been on back order and I finally received mine this week! I absolutely love it!

 
 

Once run through my big shot I was able to layer 3 of the smallest butterflies for a pretty embellishment inside the card.

I hope this week has encouraged you to try something new or to think a bit outside your comfort zone. It took me a while, but I am loving all these new techniques, projects and site that I have been sharing with you. I know you will love the new, too!

Hugs, Sandy O
 

 

Comments from before moving to Blogger Wow, very pretty!!! Thanks so much for playing along with PIO. Trish Posted by: Trish | March 18, 2010 at 03:05 PM Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for playing with the Stampin B's! Posted by: vicki dutcher | March 16, 2010 at 10:00 PM Very pretty! And thank you for your comment on my blog. The image I used from Mo's is called Angel Michael. If you do even a general search on the web site for her stuff and type in 'angel' it should pop up on the page. HTH. Have a great Sunday!!! Posted by: peggysue | March 14, 2010 at 05:46 PM Wow! Beyond gorgeous!!! Posted by: lisa808 | March 13, 2010 at 10:13 AM So absolutely beautiful! Love the pretty, soft colors :) Thanks for piling it on with us! Posted by: Andrea M | March 12, 2010 at 09:05 PM Your blog is very inspiring. Your butterfly card you posted on SplitCoastStamper is amazing. Thank you for directing me here. ~Just Jo Posted by: Just Jo | March 12, 2010 at 04:58 PM

Under The Sea

Just click on the photo to see details better :o)

Isn't she the cutest and prettiest mermaid. Lookie at the adorable girlfriend she has. This is one of the newest digital stamp from Wink Wink Ink. I know I show Melanie's stamps often, but I am not on her design team. Actually, she has her first design team call going on right now. You can apply until February 20th.

One of the things I love about this image is the easy in adding bling! Yes, I am a bling alcoholic. She is fun to color too. I cut out another sea horse and the 2 shells on the bottom to layer them. To me they look closer to the viewer than the mermaid and her friend, so popping them up seemed appropriate.

The corners of the card are actually made from cleaned and dyed fish scales. I know...sounds gross, but they really are pretty and very sturdy. The scales are very thin but do not break. Some of them are curves making it a bit tricky to glue on. I used Aleen's clear tacky glue, this adhesive works very well on just about anything. To fill in the areas between the shells, I added glue with my glue pen and sprinkled glitter on it.

I bought the scales at an Egg Convention last spring. Yes, they really decorate empty and sterilized eggs! All kinds too. How fun it was. I learned a lot about decorating eggs  and making tiny, tiny flowers. You can see one of my first eggs here and my first flowers in my post here. These flowers are lily of the valley and I am currently working on some dogwoods. Both are my favorite flowers since I could never choose between the two.

I digress, so back to under the sea. Here is the completed card:

 

 

As always, you can click on any of the photos to see more detail if you would like.

I would love to hear what you think, so leave me a comment, OK, they really make my day! I am off to check out some other blogs and leave them some fun "mail" :o)

Have a really great Monday. Hugs, Sandy O

 

Comments from before moving to blogger SO ADORABLE!!! LOVE the added bling and of course those fish scales ... who would have thought to use fish scales on a card ... Why YOU of course! This is totally awesome Sandy ... and your coloring is perfect! GREAT, great job!!! Posted by: Darlene (akronstamperdpk) | February 09, 2010 at 09:32 AM I don't think I have gotten past the fish scales yet. I'm not particularly squeamish but don't know if I could craft with fish scales...no mater how wonderful a card I could produce and you have a beauty! Love the little sea horses' bubbles and your coloring is wonderful. Posted by: Lori | February 08, 2010 at 05:51 PM Sandi, Fantastic coloring job! She makes a cute blond! LOL Love all your special little touches and bling too! Fish scales! LOL Can't believe the amazing ideas you come up with! Love it! ;o) Posted by: Melanie Montes de Oca | February 08, 2010 at 12:46 PM Oh wow!! This is just gorgeous!! I love how you've colored her in and all the accents make it so awesome!! TFS! HUGS Posted by: *Vicki* | February 08, 2010 at 11:18 AM Real fish scales...? I have to say this is one of the most unusual things I've seen used on a card. The colors are lovely, though, and coordinate beautifully with your design. Posted by: Judi M | February 08, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Soft Dreamy Chocolate

Most women LOVE their chocolate.  I say most because I have met some that do not particularly like it. Well, this project is for all of the women, lovers of chocolate or not.

Isn't this yummy! The design is by none other than Lauren Meader .

The delicious chocolate brown and metallic bronze paper are from Paper Temptress.

The bottom is made using the Plastic Touch Plike Brown. You can click on the photo to see the box full size. When I look at it I think of the Dove smooth chocolate. Mmmmm Mmm!

Not only is it smooth and gorgeous...it feels so soft.  Hmmmm..how can a paper be soft? You just have to feel it! When I run my fingers over this paper, I think of Mole Skin fabric. Mole skin fabric is right up there with my favorites, cotton and linen.

Mole skin is a win/win fabric; machine washable, beautiful and versatile. Now, I not advocating that you run this paper through the washing machine, but it sure is versatile as well as beautiful.

Some of the amazing things about this paper:

It...

holds creases wonderfully for a professional look every time. 

is strong enough to be used in a multitude of projects.

can be stamped on.

can be heat embossed.

cuts like a dream when using scissors, a cutter or manual die cutting machine such as the Big Shot

enhances accessories/embossing due to the matt finish.

currently comes in 10 different colors.

comes in cardstock and text weight.

text weight dry embosses magically by hand or in a manual machine such as the Big Shot

And that is only some of them. Pictures and descriptions just can't do it justice.  One really needs to see and TOUCH it to truly appreciate it.

The top is made using the Metallic Bronze. Now this paper SHIMMERS! You could use this paper alone and end up with a stunning project. It truly is just that, stunning. Over a year ago, I searched every store within 2 hours of my house looking for the perfect paper for my daughter fall wedding invitations. I found this paper and grabbed every sheet the store had.  It was costly, but it was also perfect. At the paper temptress, you can get this paper for a fraction of what I paid, how great is that!

Besides making the most breath taking wedding invitations, there are loads of things that make it one of  the "must have" papers always at arms reach. Some of them are that it:

not only comes in bronze, but comes in an amazing 33 colors!

can be heat embossed

gives a slightly different color when tearing

can be stamped on

colors exceptionally well with Copic and Prismacolor markers

retains it shimmering beauty even through the coloring mediums

comes in cardstock and text weight

text weight wonderfully dry embosses by hand or using a manual machine such as the Big Shot

text weight can even be run through digital cutters

beautiful alone or to compliment other paper used on you projects

makes the most beautiful accessories such as flowers

The metallic is very difficult to photograph due to the reflecting properties. So, again, you just have to see this paper to believe how magnificent it really is.

OH...and for those who do relish the flavor of chocolate...you can fill the tin with many kisses, Dove treats or the recipients favorite chocolate treat. For those who are not very fond of chocolate, you can fill the tin with the treat of your choice. Not only will you be giving a yummy treat...the gift box will be treasured for years to come!

I hope you can make it to the Paper Temptress Introduction Party next Wednesday night. You won't be disappointed.

Till tomorrow, HUGS, Sandy O

Introducing Paper Temptress: Join us for the PARTY!!!

THIS IS A STICKY NOTE AND WILL BE ON TOP OF THIS PAGE UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27th. TO SEE THE CURRENT POST...PLEASE SCROLL DOWN.

Paper Temptress is a paper crafters paradise.  What you will find there are not your average paper. Want to see what is already in stock and ready to be shipped to you? Go to

>>> http://www.papertemptress.com/ <<<

Patricia, the Paper Temptress, will be adding more than 50 new papers to the product line. Do you like bling? You need to come! Do you like to color? You need to come! Do you like to create the extraordinary with the best quality supplies? You need to come! Do you like quality at a budget friendly prices? You need to come!

Everyone is invited! We want you to be part of the excitement and among the very first to see the new products.

Where: Paper Craft Planet Paper Temptress's Paper Lovers Group (just click on the photo above and you will be brought right to it!)

When: Wednesday, February 25th

Time: 8:00 PM

SEE YOU THERE!!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Blog Candy Contest Is Still Going On!!!!

If this is your first visit, you can read about the contest/blog candy here, here, here and here.

This is your chance to win 5 of the brand new Dog Gone stamps!!!

Plus much more. Here are photos of what the winner will receive in their box. Detailed lists can be found in the links about. Good Luck!!!

Favorites

I must admit that I struggle with keeping accessories to a minimum on cards, scrapbook pages and altered media. I love to accessorize and bling anything. My all time favorite accessory, though, is lace.  I find it difficult to find, so I look for it everywhere I go.  Lots of ribbons to choose from, but not lace! When I do have lace, I plan out my cards specifically for using it.

A few months ago, I attended an Egg Art convention. Of course, there were lots of vendors ready to sell you egg accessories and bling, LOL.  Being a paper crafter, I did not see how to use them on eggs. I did, however, readily see how to apply them to MY crafts. 

Looking and looking at all the new to me items, I quickly spied rolls of LACE!! Not only that, but the rolls were in a clearance section of this particular table...YES!!! I scooped those up really quickly. I promised myself I would look at every thing before deciding to buy anything. No impulse shopping on this trip. RIGHT! LOL. These were impulse all right, but one I do not regret.

After making the Thanksgiving card in yesterdays post, I went right back to making Christmas cards. I have only 15 more to make...YEAH!!!

Also, I had just traded for the Stampin' Up Tree Trimmings set. I have to admit that it was not a set I would have chosen out of the catalog. It really is not my style. I have, however, seen many cards made with the set that I absolutely loved.

Deciding to utilize this set and my treasured lace on my next 5 Christmas cards was easy.  Here is the card I came up with:

I also used my favorite paper of all, white diamonds from Paper Temptress. Bling is really not needed with this paper, as it is the bling itself. Just beautiful! I am not sure how well you can see the shimmer in the picture, so you may want to shoot over to Paper Temptress and see. You can even order up to 5 free samples! Patricia is fabulous to deal with.

Here is a close up of my pretty lace and the embossed ornaments from the Tree Trimmings set:

As always, you can click on any picture to see it in full size. Isn't that ribbon pretty. Sadly, I only have a little left. I am pretty sure I saw some at Joann's last time I was there. It probably will be more money, but since I used the white so much it will be worth it. I still have my whole spool of vanilla, LOL. So my next Christmas card will be designed around that, LOL

Is there an accessory that you love to use. Maybe even design cards around like I did here? Leave a comment and let me know. I would LOVE to hear of the different items that are much loved.

Till next time, hugs

My "Ugly" Card

If you read my post from yesterday, you will understand the title to this post, LOL.  I mean....really....is it possible for a home made card to be "ugly"????

Well, my son, Patrick, is not partial to flowers, I guess.  It must be a guy thing!

So, as promised, I am sharing my "ugly" card today.

My DH, Paul, had a distant relative pass away not to long ago.  Not having a sympathy card on hand, I had to quickly put one together.  Here is what I came up with:

 
Personally, I love layers and bling, but just did not have time for them here. 

I have to also admit that I thought the coloring looked a bit flat, so I pulled out my spring green pearl-ex and gold perfect pearls to add just a little shimmer to the flower.

As always, you can click on the image to get a better look at how this added just the right amount of  bling for such a card.

I am not really sure what color this type of flower is in real life, or even what kind of flower it is! {{{blushing}}} Usually I would look it up on good old Google, but again, no time. I figured yellow was a subtle color.

I like to do a little something on the inside also, so I simply stamped the image with the sentiment inside.  Though it is not really a "water mark" the color is still light enough to write over.

Sympathy cards are the hardest ones to make. And even harder when you have less than an hour before needing to leave the house. Sooooooo....after Paul left, I quickly made 2 more of these to have on hand. 

I was fairly happy with this card, considering there is none of my favorite things...layers, bling, ribbon....you get it, I know I am not the only paper crafter who thinks...accessorize, LOL Some of us....my hand is raised hight here, teehehehehe, have a hard time not over doing the accessories. 

Good thing I only do that to paper crafts, can you picture a person walking around over accessorized in the fashion department, Hahahaha...I am picturing an older lady with the big, I mean REALLY big earrings made out of flat backed pearls and gemstones taken from the rhinestone brads and the round clear beads hanging off them. An over sized hat with a big bulky satin ribbon bow having been heat embossed with swirls and the rim surrounded with multi layered flowers from the pretties kit, not forgetting to decorate her bow with a round pearl laden hat pin. The bright satin paisley scarf  heat embossed to match the hat, and colored in with liquid glue and dazzling diamond glitter. Over the top make-up with 3 tiny gem just off the side of each eye.  Her shirt made with flowered fabric splashed with the new fleuretts flowers and baby bows spaced perfectly between the print and closed with designer buttons. Her vertically striped skirt with button holes going all the way down the front closed with the new designer hardware. A belt made from the satin ribbon, matching the hat and scarf, with a hodgepodge hardware holder and jumbo brads attached by using the crop-a-dial for the hardware to latch onto. Shoes that shine brightly in the sun from iridescent ice embossing, big multi layer bow tied on top with swirls to match her hat, scarf and belt, with rhinestones all around the bottom.  The pin on her dress over sized, of course, made out of chipboard covered with chunky glitter and a felt fusion flower in the center held on by a jumbo brad and attached to her dress with a 1/2" library clip.  HA HA HA haaaaaha, sure would be a conversation opener for her Stampin' Up business, Teheehehehehe

Do you have a card that you liked but your loved one did not, and actually told you so!?! I surly hope I am not the only one, LOL

The recipe for the card is in the card album, the link to it being in the right side bar.

Thanks for stopping by :o)

Till tomorrow, hugs, Sandy O