Just Dandy

Fabric flower tutorial

A few of you have contacted me about those fun fabric flowers I created on one my cards during the Papertrey Ink countdown. They are so fun and easy to make...I thought I would put a little tutorial together for you.

Of course, the first thing you are going to need is fabric. I picked this pattern from one of my favorite fabric designers, Joel Dewberry. This is from his Notting Hill collection.

After you have selected your fabric you are going to need a backing for your flower. I have been using Papertrey Ink's Vintage Cream felt. It's neutral so it's goes with just about any fabric I use and it also goes through my die cut machine like butter. You could hand cut a piece of felt free hand but I find it easier to run it through my machine then to sit and try to create a perfect circle by hand. I use one of the Spellbinders circle dies to die cut my felt to create all of my flowers like the one I'm sharing with you today.

Now, here is where your free hand cutting will come in. I cut about 45 circles out for each flower....give or take depending on how full you would like it. Die cutting fabric isn't as smooth as die cutting felt so that's one of the reasons I just hand cut them. Also, they do not need to be perfect...in fact the less perfect, the better.

To start your flower you will need to gather the very middle of each of your fabric circles....just like you see me doing above.

Then you can start adhering them around the outer part of your felt circle. I use a hot glue gun when making these but you could use whatever method of attaching these that you would like. Hot gluing works best for me.

This is what it will look like after the outer part of your felt circle is filled in. You do the same thing on the inside. Work your way around until you have reached the middle. You really can not mess it up!

Voila! This is the finished flower. You could leave it just as is...

or fancy it up a bit with a button and felt leaves!

I hope this helps those of you who were curious how they were made. I've made about 75 of these babies so far and can't seem to stop. They are scattered all over my craft studio!

Happy creating!
~Melissa

Flower Fusion #1 - Day 5

Hi everyone! Well, we finally made it to the final day of the Papertrey Ink February release countdown and the peeks of my latest set, Flower Fusion #1. I have really enjoyed sharing all of my projects with you and hope that I've been able to show you just how versatile this $5 set can be. I want to thank you all again for your comments and e-mails during these past 5 days. It means the world! I am super excited about this flower series and I hope that you all are too!

**The release party starts tonight at 10pm EST on the Papertrey Forum!**

Here is a recap of the set:

• 7 images: 2 flowers, 1 stem & leaves, 4 sentiments
• will retail for $5
• has a coordinating flower die (sold separately)
• will be available for purchase starting Feb. 15th

Let's get started with todays project, shall we ....

Felt...who doesn't love this stuff!? I'm sort of addicted to it and find myself hoarding it...even those bitty pieces that are left over I tend to keep and find a use for. I created a red felt flower on day 2 when I created the tags and one of my sweet online friends (Hi Alice) asked how I created it. I thought I'd create another project for today with more felt flowers and do a little tutorial to show you all how I create mine.

 

So for today I'm using the Papertrey felt colors you see above for my project...Fine Linen, Harvest Gold, Melon Berry and Vintage Cream.

 

Using the coordinating Flower Fusion #1 die I created all these flowers with the felt. For the project/tutorial I'll be showing you today you will need 4 flowers of each color.

 

You will need to fold each of the flowers in half...

 

and then in half again.

 

You will need to add a dot of adhesive in the second fold. I use my glue gun a lot when it comes to creating with felt and it works perfectly. Just a little dot will hold your flower in place.

Here is my first set after being folded and glued.

 

Next you are going to need to attach them all together. Again, I used my glue gun here. I just added a little dot to the solid side of each flower and adhered them all together. I didn't plan on adding anything to the centers of my flowers so when attaching them all together mess with them a little to make them come together in the center. You don't want them to be totally flat.

 

Here is the bunch of them all together. They remind me of the cabachon flowers you see everywhere. I thought it would be fun to mix the colors up when making these but you could easily make each flower just one color.

 

I created a sweet set of 4x4" cards using the stem and sentiments in the set along with the felt flowers. I kept them fairly simple so that my flowers would be the main focus on each card.

 

Well, my friends...that's a wrap for this months countdown. Be sure to stop by and see what Nichole, Dawn and Heather have to share today! Still lots to see.

I hope you've enjoyed this countdown as much as I have. Thanks so much for stopping by each day and I hope to chat with you tonight at the release party!

 

Supplies:

Stamps: Flower Fusion #1 (available Feb. 15th); Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Fine Linen; Patterned Paper: 2009 Bitty Dot Basics; Ink: Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry; Accents: Fine Linen, Melon Berry, Vintage Cream & Harvest Gold felt, twine, Fine Linen button, Vintage Cream ribbon; Tools: EK Success border punch

Papertrey Ink July Blog Hop

Evening everyone! It's time for another Papertrey Ink blog hop!! It has been such a long time since I last participated and certainly couldn't let this month pass me by without playing along. The challenge for this month was to create something using office supplies, which we seem to be seeing a lot of these days in papercrafting.  

 

Looking through my office supply/papercrafting stash I came across these large paper clips. They are the perfect size for bookmarks and since I'm SOOO into reading and my book club right now I thought I'd create just that! I knew I wanted a flower on top and reached for a few felt flowers I had by American Crafts.

 

To create these flowers I cut them apart, like you see in the picture above. You'll want to keep those little pieces for the end.

 

Next, using my glue gun I overlapped the petals and glued them down. I have been using my glue gun SO much when working with felt. Works like a charm and holds perfectly!!

 

I then layered each one over the next...working with the largest of the flowers on bottom...then the middle ...then the smallest.  And lastly adding those little pieces I talked about saving earlier.

 

I started by making just one but ended up making more. To finish each one off I glued a pearl in the center of each flower and made stems using the Delightful Dahlia dies, Simply Chartreuse & Vintage Cream felt. I just *love* this picture of them all bunched up together!

 

I hope you enjoyed! I can't wait to see what you all created with your office supplies. Have a great evening and thank you SO much for stopping in!!

Supplies:

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Orange Zest

Ink: Lavender Moon, True Black

Stamps: Background Basics: Geometrics, Year of Flowers: Daffodils

Accents: Lavender Moon ribbon, Simply Chartreuse & Vintage Cream felt, American Crafts felt flowers

Tools: medium scalloped border die,Delightful Dahlia dies

Background Basics: Retro Stamping

Hello everyone! I have had a few e-mails from some of you asking how you line up the 'INDIA' background from the Background Basics: Retro set. I've e-mailed most of you back but then thought that there may be a few of you left who are confused by this one image as well. So here's a rough tutorial on how to line this up. I hope it helps!

 

Instead of just showing you how to line up the image I went ahead and made a card while I was at it. I first cut 3 pieces of cardstock to measure just shy of 1.5" X 3" each. My colors...Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avacado & Ocean Tides. When I stamp with a long background strip, whether is be Polka Dot Basics, Background Basics: Retro or any other large image I always place my stamp on the bottom of my stamping block. This is just a personal choice. I find it easier to line my paper up against my image when the edge of my stamp is along the bottom portion of the block. You may find that another way is easier for you....play around til you find your 'right way'.

 

Now when I start stamping I always start at the bottom of my paper and work my way up. Again, this is just a personal choice and what works best for me. Some like to start from the top or even the middle...play around again to find out what works best for you and gives you the best result.

 

So you've stamped your first strip and now you're ready to move on up. This image is super easy to work with (although, I know it looks complicated). You will just need to bump the top curves from your first stamped image up against the bottom curves of the ones you are about to stamp. You can see what I mean in the picture above. I'm horrible sometimes at trying to explain something...Thank Goodness for pictures!

 

After you've stamped all the way up...this is what you will end up with! Pretty easy, huh?

 

And here is my finished card! I hope that this has helped those of you who were hesitant to begin stamping with this image. It truly is a lot of fun to stamp with and not as hard as you might think! If any of you need anymore tips or help with any of the background images don't hesitate to contact me!

Have a wonderful day!

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{YOU ARE WONDERFUL}

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Heartfelt Basics (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: Raspberry Fizz (Papertrey Ink), Noir Palette, Frost White (Colorbox)

Cardstock: Raspberry Fizz, Ocean Tides, Ripe Avacado, white (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories: True Black ribbon (Papertrey Ink), rhinestone circle (unknown)

Women of Life {Project 10}

The card I created for today isn't your usual card. I wanted to try something a little different. 

First, I cut a strip of Stampers Select to 5 X 2.5" and stamped my stems all the way across in Certainly Celery. Instead of using the flowers for this card I put my focus all on the flower  centers. I stamped them across in Toile Pink Palette Ink and Pixie Pink from SU! After stamping those I went over them with embossing ink and then sprinkled holographic embossing powder over them and heat set. Next, I trimmed a piece of green cardstock to 2.75 X 10". I scored and folded it in half and placed my stamped image on the front of it.

I then stamped 'Daughter' in Basic Black and punched it out using my large oval punch from SU! I placed the punched out word onto a scrap piece of green cardstock and trimmed around with my scalloped edge scissors.

When trimming with scalloped scissors I always make a little cut into the side of the image I'm cutting around.

Doing so always allows for an easier starting point and if the scallops don't perfectly align when you make your final way around then you can disguise the 'mess up' with a brad, button, flower etc.

                                                                                    

                                                                                    

Adhere 'Daughter' to the front of you flowers.

You will next need to trim a piece of white cardstock to 5 X 5" and a piece of patterned paper to 5 X 5". Adhere the patterned paper over the white. Since this is the base of your card it makes it studier by adding the thicker cardstock under the pp.

After I created my base I added a strip of Blush Blossom measuring 3 X 5" and adhered it across the center. I then attached my folded green 'card' in the center of that. I used my black Zig pen to create little black dots around each flower!

That's it! What do you think?!

Have a great day! Thanks for visiting!

Stamps: Women of Life from Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Stampers Select from Papertrey, Certainly Celery from SU!

Patterned Paper: Nana's Nursery from DCWV

Ink: Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink & Basic Black from SU!, Toile Pink Palette Ink

Accessories: Embossing ink & powder from Ranger, Zig pen

Tools: SU! large oval punch, Fiskars scalloped scissors

Women of Life {Project 6}

I realized as I was taking pictures of my latest project that I have used some shade of green in all but one of them. I guess you all know what my favorite color to work with is! *grin* Tomorrow, I PROMISE to use colors other than green.

For this project you will need a composition book. These are fun to alter and they are cheap....something we all look for when we are papercrafting. I picked this one up for under $1.

The front of this book measures 6.75 X 9.75". You will need a piece of patterned paper measuring the same.

After trimming your paper you will need to round the two corners on the right side. I used my corner rounder punch from SU! to do this. You could also just trim around the corners after adhering it to the front of your book with a pair of scissors or xacto knife.

For the front of your book you will need a piece of 6.75 X 3" cardstock. I use Stampers Select from Papertrey (the BEST IMO). I used Chartreuse Palette ink to stamp my stems. You will need to stamp these twice.

I then stamped my second largest flower in Rose Red, as shown.

Stamp your smallest flower on the other stems in Bravo Burgundy.

I then stamped the 4 larger flowers again with Rose Red on a separate sheet of cardstock. I stamped the centers with Chartreuse Palette ink and then cut the flowers out and adhered them. 

Next, I punched 12- 1/2" black circles out using my EK Success circle punch. I adhered them all and then used my white Souffle pen to dot the centers of each one.

I layered this on a piece of 6.75 X 3.25" Rose Red cardstock and attached it to the front of my book.

Can you see the dimension the flowers have? After adhering them to the cardstock I just gently bent each petal. Just adds that extra little 'oomph'! I'm all about adding dimension!!

Now onto the matching card.

I used the Spellbinders Nestabilities square dies again. After running it through my machine I stamped my stem and flowers using the same colors as on the composition book. I stamped two separate flowers like before and adhered them to the front of my square.

To finish this I cut and embossed a larger square with the Nestablities again. This time using Rose red. I embellished the flowers on the card the same as on the book. I tied black twill ribbon after attaching the Rose Red square and then attached my flowers over that.

For the greeting I stamped 'Sister' in Rose Red and 'Happy Birthday' in Basic Black onto Stampers Select again. I then used a Making Memories metal tag to finish it off. This card measures 4 X 9".

I want to express my gratitude towards ALL of you wonderful ladies for continuing to support me and my work! I read your comments everyday (more than once *wink*) and you all just lift my spirits and make me feel so good! So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! ((BIG HUGS))

Thanks for visiting! I'll see you all tomorrow!

Stamps: Women of Life from Papertrey Ink

Ink: Chartreuse Palette Ink, Rose Red, Bravo Burgundy & Basic Black from SU!

Cardstock: Stampers Select from Papertrey Ink, Rose Red & Basic Black from SU!

Patterned Paper: Scenic Route

Accessories: Nestabilities square dies, Making Memories metal tag, Souffle pen, black twill

Tools: Corner Rounder punch from SU!, 1/2" circle punch from EK Success

Women of Life {Project 5}

How about a few tags today?! I always love to create these and use them on gift bags.....adds so much more to gift giving! These are so simple to create and would be an easy mass production if you needed a whole bunch!

To create them I started with 4 - 2 X 4 pieces of Stampers Select cardstock. I stamped my greeting 'IT'S YOUR DAY' vertically on each one using basic black ink. I then stamped my large flower in Pixie Pink above the greeting. Using the large flower center I stamped the middle of each flower using Certainly Celery ink. Using my 1/2" circle punch I created the centers of my flower by punching out circles with black paper.

After a few little finishing touches they were complete. I added tiny white dots to the centers of each flower by using my white gel pen. I used my ticket corner punch from SU! on each corner and then adhered each stamped image onto a piece of Certainly Celery cardstock measuring 2.25 X 4.25" using dimensional adhesive. Lastly, I added the brads and ribbon!

This is how I created the bow for each tag....

Start with about a 2" length of ribbon. Turn one end over as shown and glue down.

Turn the opposite side over the other and glue down.

Take another length of ribbon and glue one end to the middle of the first one.

While holding both pieces in your hand wrap the second length of ribbon around the first and glue down. Cut off any that is overlaying.

And there you have it! I make these bows quite a lot. They are so simple and I love the look when added to a project!

Stamps: Women of Life from Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Stampers Select from Papertrey Ink, Certainly Celery from SU!

Ink: Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink & Basic Black from SU!

Accessories: brads from The Paper Studio, ribbon from Offray

Tools: 1/2" circle punch from EK Success, ticket corner punch from SU!

Women of Life {Project 1}

First and foremost I want to thank you ALL for all the wonderful comments and sweet e-mails about my previous post! I've read them over and over and I'm sure I'll read them over and over again.....you all totally made my day (gosh, my year). I'm on cloud nine and still can't really believe it all!

I'm SO excited to be sharing my first project with you all today. This is the first of many I will be sharing until the big release on the 15th. So much fun!

1. Start with a piece  of 8.5X11 cardstock. Scor  each side at 1". Scor again in the center at 5 & 6". Cut where the scor marks meet in the center to create two little flaps.

2. Fold where all the scor marks are and assemble the base of your box by glueing the sides together.

3. Take a second sheet of cardstock and trim to 6.5X11". Scor in the center at 5 & 6". Fold.

4. Attach your patterned paper to one side of you cardstock. Use a rounded object (I keep a paper plate on hand for projects like this) and trace lightly with pencil on the backside of your cardstock. Trim with scalloped scissors.

5. After trimming I put a tiny pencil mark in each scallop. Then flip your punch over so you can see each mark thru the hole...then punch. I find it makes for a much more accurate punch by doing it this way.

6. Attach this to the box base and this is what you'll have. I used a magnet from Basic Grey to secure the flap...kind of reminds me a women's handheld clutch (is that what those little purses are called?). I used my Spellbinders Nestabilities Square Dies on the white cardstock. After cutting and embossing my cs I stamped my flowers and then punched out circles from my patterned paper for the centers. The flowers and sentiment are all part of my new stamp set!

And there you have it! A nice boxed gift set for that special woman in your life! Depending how embellished your cards are you should be able to fit 5 to 8 cards and envelopes in there.

I hope you enjoyed this project! Be sure to stop back tomorrow....I have lots more to share with you!

Cardstock: Pale Plum by SU!, Stampers Select from Papertrey Ink

Patterned Paper: Nana's Nursery from DCWV

Ink: Lavendar Sachet Palette, Certainly Celery & Basic Black by SU!

Tools: Scalloped Scissors by Fiskars, Circle Punches by EK Success, Mega Circle Punch by Marvy, Scalloped Circle Punch by Marvy, Spellbinders Nestabilities Square Die

Accessories: ribbon, stickles, brad by Lasting Impressions, Button by Foofala

Chatterbox & scallops

Can you tell I'm loving anything scalloped at the moment!? I thought I'd try a little something  different today and came up with this card. I'm sure there must be a name for it somewhere out there but I'm not sure what it is. All I know is I love it! Here's the step by step of how I created it.....

1. Cut a piece of card-stock to 5" X 10.5".

2. Score each end at 2.75" and fold.

3. Cut 2 pieces of patterned paper for the flaps to 2.75" X 4.75".

4. In order to make the pp rounded I used the top of my ribbon jar. You could use anything   lying around your house that is round. I turned my piece of paper over (so the pencil mark wouldn't show) and I just placed the lid where I wanted and traced. I removed the lid and trimmed and then did the same with the other piece.

5. Adhere each piece to both ends of the card-stock.

6. Before I started trimming with my scalloped scissors I took my regular scissors and just lightly nicked the corner to give my scissors a good starting point.

7. Then just trim with your scalloped scissors and you're done! 

The paper is by Chatterbox from the Sun Room collection. To finish it off I used my paper piercer around each flap. I used a magnet by Basic Grey to attach the flaps together. The flowers are Primas and the sentiment is from Papertrey Inks Paper Tray set. The final dimensions ... 5X5!

Thanks so much for looking!

I'm back

I've been kind of MIA for awhile but I'm back and will be blogging more often....I promise! My family and our friends, The Grady's, went on a little getaway over the weekend. We rented a boat and spent Friday night, Saturday and Sunday on Lake Barren fishing, swimming and just enjoying the gorgeous weather. A very nice, relaxing weekend. We needed it!! It seems like it takes forever to prepare for a trip....not matter how long or short it is. Then you get to your destination and the time flies by so fast. If I could I would go back and spend a few more days. If only....

A few of you have e-mailed asking how I made the flowers on my 'Sweet Girl' scrapbook page using the Faux Ribbon set from Papertrey Ink.  They were so super easy and fun to create. I thought I'd do a little tutorial and try to explain it.......

I should have first made sure you could see the text on each picture....sorry it's so small. If you click on each picture it will bring it to it's full size and you can see exactly what it says.

I received my Little Lady set in the mail today and am  hoping to have some time this evening to sit down and play with it. Another set I'm easily going to fall in love with. I've already got a few ideas kicking around in my head for this set....can't wait to try them out.