Create With M.E.

Pansy and Petite Petal Flowers ~ Making Fancy 3D Flowers The Easy Way

My friend Teresa inspired me to create these beautiful flowers this week.  She shared a beautiful handmade book/album she had made for her granddaughters first birthday. I fell in love with these tiny flowers she had on the book.  They were made out of paper and they were glittery and they were a beautiful keepsake.  She shared that she had bought the stamps and dies from another company so I quickly went to work seeing what I could do with my Stampin' Up! supplies.  This is only the beginning ladies and gentlemen.  So many possibilities.

Let's start with the supplies needed: 

• A Pansy Punch
• A Petite Petal Punch
• Spritzer filled with water
• Ink color of your choice (I used Watermelon Wonder) 
• Sponge Dauber
• Embossing Stylus from the Simply Score Tool
• Liquid Multipurpose Glue
• Stampin' Pierce Mat
• Whisper White or Very Vanilla Cardstock scraps. 

Start by punching 3 flowers from each punch for the bigger flower shown on the tag. This totally can be changed to make buds or bigger flowers. This is just how I started and I liked the way it looked. 

Next you will need to color your flowers with the sponge dauber.  I start in the center and work my way out highlighting the edges.  The 3 Pansy punches (the bigger of the two flowers) you only need to color one side.  The Petite Petal punches I recommend you color both sides since you will see both sides of the petals on the buds. 

After you color the punched flowrs turn them over and spritz them with water, spritzing one at a time.  Using your embossing stylus with the smaller tip pounce the edges of the back of the flower making the petals turn toward you. View my short video to see how this looks in action.  After you have "pounced" all of the petals turn flower over and using the larger end of the embossing tool pull each petal in from the outer edge in to the center.  Set aside to dry. Repeat on the other flowers. You will see in my video that I accidentally tear off one of the petals but notice it's a quick repair and no one is the wiser. :)

Now it's time to glue your flowers. Use plenty of Multipurpose adhesive to glue your petals together.  Don't be stingy.  Usually I am known to say less is more but not in this case. Form each flower as shown in the video.  Attaching each layer so they petals alternate.  Now you have a beautiful flower as is, or add some glitter with a little fine tipped glue to the edges of your petals, sprinkling with dazzling diamonds. Oh Yes!

When your flower is completely dry it will be very firm.  The combination of wetting the paper and the glue makes your flower very stiff and your flower will last for a very long time.  Like I said this is only the beginning.  You could stamp the flowers with the coordinating stamp sets for more detail or what about using vellum?  It is gorgeous when you emboss on it but that is for another day.  I hope you will enjoy making some of these flowers and then let me know what you plan to put them on.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. 

Now for another "Quicky Create With M.E." video for you to see how it all comes together.

Product List

Pansy Punch [130698] $16.00	Petite Petals Punch [133322] $13.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.00
Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] $5.00	Simply Scored [122334] $30.00	Liquid Multipurpose Glue [110755] $4.00	Stampin' Spritzer [126185] $3.00
Sponge Daubers [133773] $5.00

Enjoy!

M.E.

Jolly Friends ~ Moose Munch Yumminess!

I love getting fun homemade things from friends, don't you?  Today's share is a fun bag of yumminess I received at a retreat I attended recently.  This treat was from Aimee Slocum.  So cute and Yummy to eat! Thanks Aimee!

I just love how Aimee used the cute little moose from the Jolly Friends set and turned him into the perfect tag for this treat.  Some watercoloring and added words to tell me what my treat is using one of my absolute favorite little alphabet sets called Labeler Alphabet.  You get 101 photopolymer stamps for only $17.00 Check it out in the Product list below. 

The little touch of glimmer with the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper is a perfect addition to "Santas" hat. 

Look what Aimee put in her Moose Munch!  Pretzels and Carmel corn and little candy pieces.  What would you fill your cellophane baggies with this holiday?  I know what I would give away in mine, something that has been affectionately known as "Crack" around here.  You can find the recipe here: Crack Recipe.  AKA Crispix mix just so there is no strange google search issues Bwahahaha #notfunny It's a real winner, trust me just go try it and plan to double the recipe.  Use half crispix and half cinnamon chex. (a new delicious twist)

 Enjoy!

M.E.

Product List

Jolly Friends Photopolymer Bundle [143511] $29.50	Jolly Friends Photopolymer Stamp Set [142112] $17.00	Labeler Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp Set [141936] $17.00	Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper [135315] $5.00
Lots Of Labels Framelits Dies [138281] $27.00	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [120953] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119685] $8.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [126966] $6.50	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad [126979] $6.50	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [126978] $6.50
Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00	6" X 8" Cellophane Bags [102210] $5.00	Candy Cane Lane Baker's Twine [141983] $6.00

 

Yummy Little Christmas ~ Treat Pouch

You have to see this adorable little treat pouch that I created from our Kraft Tag A Bag Gift Bags.  I received two alternative ideas in a swap I did recently. They were from Karen Selby Reed.  So adorable. I created my version for our last Demonstrator meeting.  Keep reading, I have a new video posted showing you a quick "how to" and I really value your feedback.

This Pouch can hold your favorite homemade treats and a note of love or thanks to that someone special.

Mine held some totally adorable mini homemade chocolate chippers! Yummy and cute! The images are from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  The Stamp Set is called "Yummy Little Christmas" and since baking is a big part of what I do I knew I had to have this set from the get go.

I used the Layered Oval Framelits that are on sale right now on the front, so you will want to add those to your shopping list because I can't get enough of these and I know you will love them just as much. All the Products and colors that I used are listed below so you can click on them to see more details.

Look at how cute this little "kitchenaid" mixer looks on this card.  I am a huge fan of both the mixer and the stamp!

I added a little personal note to that one I gave away.  It's kind of my "trademark" saying.

Before you watch my video here are the measurements for the pouch project:

1 Tag A Bag Gift Bag

1 Strip of Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Paper that is 4 3/4 x 1/2"

I Strip of Paisley and Posies Designer Series Paper that is 4 3/4" x 2 1/4"

I used the 3" x 2" scalloped Oval Layered Framelit (Cajun Craze) and the 2 1/2" Matching Oval (Very Vanilla) on sale right now so click on the link below to save.

The Inside Note piece is 4" x 3" rounded on the corners with the Project Life corner rounder punch.

I highly recommend when doing a box or a pouch that will hold treats that you always use Tear n Tape.  It will keep your box, or pouch in this case, from falling apart. No one wants that!

I have one more fun trick to show you.  I used Washi Tape and a small piece of floral wire to make my own "twist tie" on my treat bag. This way I can coordinate it with whatever project I am making. 

Can I ask a favor? I am going to be trying out something new in the way of my videos.  I would love a little feedback.  I am hoping that with my full details on my blog watching this type of video will be perfect for you to understand how my projects are made without all the time spent watching a "how to" video (that means more time stamping!)  Can you please leave me a comment here or on my youtube channel? While you are on youtube make sure you subscribe to my channel I already have other videos ready to go and I don't want you to miss out. I really appreciate it!

Can you watch it all the way through? (it's just around 2 minutes) I did a little funny at the end.  It's from one of my all time favorite movies...do you know which one? If you do comment below. 

 

 Enjoy!

 M.E.

 

Product List

Yummy Little Christmas Wood-Mount Stamp Set [142128] $27.00	Yummy Little Christmas Clear-Mount Stamp Set [142131] $19.00	Kraft Tag A Bag Gift Bags [138315] $3.50	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00
Big Shot [143263] $110.00	Punch Corner Project Life [135346] $8.00	Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper [142017] $13.00	Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Paper [142029] $5.00
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.00	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119684] $8.00	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [126965] $6.50	Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin' Pad [138327] $6.50
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974] $6.50	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] $7.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	SNAIL Permanent Adhesive [104332] $7.00
Guesseted Cellophane Bags [141704] $4.50	Affectionately Yours Designer Washi Tape [141635] $8.00

Paper Corsage~My Babies Junior Prom

I posted a question Friday to my Facebook Business page because I was truly concerned on whether my love of paper crafting was going too far. ...WHAT?!

I had made this paper flower corsage for my 17 year old daughter who was attending her Junior prom. 

 

Most of the girls who attend alone (with friends not a "date) don't usually wear a corsage so we had not really talked about it prior to the event so there was no expectation on her part other than the fact that she knows I am a florist by trade.  Even though I could have gone and picked up some fresh flowers and put together a corsage I had an epiphany and thought why not put my love of paper together with my trade as a florist and surprise her. 

I loved how it turned out but that thought of how I felt as a child when I had to wear homemade clothes that my mom sewed instead of the purchased clothing my friends got to wear nagged at me.  I started second guessing myself on whether a 17 year girl would be totally embarrassed by it.  I then posted to Facebook to get peoples opinion before giving it to her in case everyone said "UM, NO, you better go make fresh flowers".  I think the response was overwhelming that she would love it!  Those that know my daughter Abby were of the opinion that my Artsy Fartsy daughter would love it and thankful she did!

 

It was not hard, it really did not take me very long and seriously with the right tools anyone could make one.  Maybe we will start a trend?! Here is what I used to make it and after the Product list I will give you a few tips so keep scrolling.

Product List

Big Shot [113439] $110.00	Originals Flower Spiral Bigz Die [129379] $18.00
Botanical Builder Framelits Dies [140625] $33.00	Petite Petals Punch [133322] $13.00
Pool Party 3/8" (1 Cm) Glitter Ribbon [140561] $5.50	Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments [119247] $5.00
Sponge Daubers [133773] $5.00	Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] $5.00
Simply Scored Stylus [125624] $4.50

I wasn't sure how I was going to assemble this paper corsage.  Normally my corsages are made with wire and florists tape.  This one was different. These flowers did not have stems, they were just flower heads.

I had recently seen a leather band bracelet at a store and thought this idea might be the way to assemble this corsage.  I had some "fun foam" sitting on my desk (hey I am a crafter!) so I cut it down to 1 1/4" strip about 9 inches long (use your recipients wrist as a guide, you will want about an inch to overlap each side) I created my 2 main flowers with the spiral die and sponged them with a coordinating ink.  Then use your bone folder or the edge of the scored stylus to break the fibers on your paper to make assembling the flower a little easier.  Also bending each petal back makes the flower look more realistic when you put it together. I used hot glue to assemble my flowers because I wanted it to last a very long time.  I mean there was dancing that was going to be happening, right?!  She gets to keep it as long as she likes hence the term "keepsake".

A tip on the punched flowers is to use your Stampin' Pierce mat and stylus tool.  I start in the middle of the punch flower with the larger end of the stylus tool and with steady pressure I go around and around the flower in a circular motion until I get to the petals. It makes the flowers less paper-like and more realistic and easier to manipulate because again it breaks the fibers down and makes them little cup like.  I finished each flower off with some pearls in the center.  I made a bow and hot glued everything to the "fun foam" band.  To make it into a bracelet I used 2 antique brads to finish it off. 

 

I hope that you will play with this idea not only for a corsage but it would make a fantastic wrap on a candle, vase or anything cylindrical for that matter.  This one was just very near to my heart.

Enjoy!

M.E.

Berry Basket Bigz~Time For A Visit From The Bunny

Easter is less than a month away and it's time in the craft world to start planning our gifts and treats for the loved ones in our life. I just LOVE this Berry Basket Die and all the possibilities that it brings to my crafting world.  Here is one of my new favorites.

So how about a picture tutorial on how to put it together and what pieces you will need.  Start by die cutting the basket pieces with Baked Brown Sugar paper if you want to match mine.  Start by gluing the scallop strips together as shown.

Leave the scallops up on your work surface just like in the picture above.  Now it's time to add the basket pieces.

I was re-introduced to Fast Fuse last Friday at our all group meeting by my wonderful upline Meg Loven.  She reignited my passion for it.  Now I know a better way to use it.  Instead of ending with the check mark she said to roll our tape and then make a sharp 90 degree swipe at the end. This works perfectly.  I used it on these pieces of the basket.

Hold your basket inside your scallop edging.  Center the basket on each side of the edging and adhere.

Set your basket aside now it's time to make Mr. Rabbit!

 

You will need the above punches and pieces to complete your basket like mine. Be creative I think the ear and feet pieces could easily be interchanged.

Now you need to do a little modifying to the bunnies feet. 

Using the 1/2" circle punch you want to take the die cut image on the right to something that duplicates the image on the left.  To do this you need to do the following:

And then this:

Sponge all your bunny pieces on the edges with pink pirouette ink and a sponge or blushing bride it's really a personal preference on how dark you want your edges to be.  Now it's time to put him together.  you can put your feet and tail where ever you would like.  Here are a couple of different ideas.  I like them both.

Or

I kind of split the difference in my final bunny.  NOTE here that I added some little pads to his feet with a Blushing Bride Marker

Sorry for the blur but I think you can see that I double stacked my Stampin' Dimensionals on my bunny head so that I get some depth so my bunny really looks like he is jumping into my basket of goodies!

Then I used my fringe scissors to make it look like he is jumping right out of the grass into my basket.

Don't forget to use the Hostess Code when you order your products that way you can be entered into my weekly Stampin'-versary give-away!

Hostess code:4TCCWW6U

Enjoy!

M.E.

 

Product List

Berry Basket Bigz L Die [137366] $37.95	Flower Fair Framelits Die [133731] $24.95
2-1/2" Circle Punch [120906] $16.95	1-3/4" Circle Punch [119850] $16.95
Large Oval Punch [119855] $15.95	7/8" Circle Scallop Punch [129404] $12.95
Fuse Fast Adhesive [129026] $9.95	Liquid Multipurpose Glue [110755] $3.95
Calypso Coral Pompom Trim ` [137898] $5.95	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [131172] $5.95
Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker [131265] $3.50	Stamping Sponges [101610] $3.50
Fringe Scissors [133325] $9.95	Baked Brown Sugar 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131296] $6.95
Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111351] $6.95	Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131201] $6.95

 

Balloon Bash~B.Y.O.P. (Buy Your Own Present)

Don't know what to buy someone so you end up giving them a gift card yet feel a little guilty about it?  No more guilt when you give them a gift card in this fun treat bag with this perfect saying that tells it all!  Who wouldn't want to receive a gift card when you tell them you were doing it because you wanted them to have all the fun! Not to even mention the packaging is totally adorable.

Did you know you could take our clothespins and color them to match your projects?  Ink Refills dropped into a small container of rubbing alcohol. Drop your clothespins in and they take color almost instantly.  Scoop them out and let them dry.  The more ink the darker they become so you can even have 50 shades of Grey. Disclaimer, never read it, never watched it, just can't help reference it because it's everywhere these days.

Pull on the fun Calypso Coral Pompom trim to reveal the special message and gift card.  The B.Y.O.P. stamp set covers it all.  Weddings, Babys, Graduation, Birthday, Thank You and the greetings are just fabulous.  Check them out below. 

 

I added this blog project to a new challenge check it out!

Enjoy!

M.E.

Product List

Balloon Bash Photopolymer Stamp Set [137144] $25.95	Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper [137783] $12.95
Bow Builder Punch [137414] $16.95	Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies [137547] $39.95
Clothespins [133764] $3.95	Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim [137910] $4.95
Calypso Coral Pompom Trim ` [137898] $5.95	B.Y.O.P. Photopolymer Stamp Set [137159] $24.95
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [126983] $5.95	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad [131171] $5.95

 

Perfect Blend~It's my cup of Joe!

The minute I saw the stamp set Perfect Blend I knew it would be at the top of my wish list.  As soon as I was able to order it I did, no questions asked.  I really love my morning cup and that's why when I received this delightful gift from my friend Kim Peck I was thrilled!  It's has taken two of my loves, coffee and paper crafting and made them work together!

Isn't that just adorable?  It's a actually a very fancy gift card holder!  That's right it was stuffed with a heavenly gift card to Starbucks! Yum, I will enjoy every cup Kim and think of you as I indulge! Thank you!!

Look at the beautiful detail on top using the Spiral Flower Originals Die #129379 which I am thrilled to announce is carried over to the new catalog coming out next month.

She could have left the Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper #132994 just the way it was but no, not Kim she stamped with the Flower Shop Stamps #130942 Clear or #130939 Wood that really made it all come together. 

The following week my friend Teresa Rogers made this Crisp Cantalope matching doilly for me!  Yes, I do have some very creative friends.  I am Blessed! If you love Perfect Blend as much as I do you can click here and order it now Perfect Blend #130745 Wood and #131392 Clear

Enjoy!

M.E.

 

Gift Giving~Is it Better to Give than Receive?

What a joy it was this last weekend to have an awesome friend and fellow demonstrator, Betsy come and visit me for a few days.  We attended our Annual Stamping meeting together.

She may KILL me for posting this picture!  Silly us didn't get a picture together anytime over the weekend!!!  This was our selfie right at the airport when she landed after a 3 hour rain delay. I personally think it's an awesome picture of two strong, beautiful women.  Yep, I said it! :)

I was my usual busy self all weekend and thought I am going to get to bake for her and cook for her and show her lots of midwest hospitality.  Not so much :(  We were SO super busy the whole time.  I told my husband on Sunday night I feel so bad like I didn't really get to do much with Betsy.  He said "Honey, weren't all the activities you were busy with, with Betsy?"  Well, yes. "Well, then why do you say you didn't get to do much with her?" Ha Ha as usual he is right. (shh, do NOT tell him I said that! He doesn't read my blog...) We did have a grand ol' time together even if we weren't always together!

My reason for this post was to show you some LOVELY gifts my guest gave me throughout the weekend.  It was pure joy to M.E.

Look at this beautiful vase full of paper crafted flowers!  I love the color and I love the way she twisted the stems.  I just love everything about it! If you don't have the Big Shot and this Die to make these flowers you NEED them! Big Shot can be found here #113439 and the Spiral Flower Die can be found here #129379

The framed picture is a My Digital Studio Project she created.  Ok, isn't it just the perfect House Warming Gift for your friends who move?  Or a new Neighbor who moves in?  You can bet I will be making a lot of these!  I am happy to create them for you too, or if you want to learn how to make your own. Visit www.mydigitalstudio.net for a wealth of inspiration and when you are ready to try it out click here My Digital Studio #130647 you can also try it out for FREE here.  The Program is only $19.95 if you choose to purchase after your trial! That is what is so fun about this.  I am totally INSPIRED to create! Not to mention SO happy to have them gracing my house too!! :) Thank you Betsy!

Yesterday my Sister-In-Law texted me and asked me what I wanted to do about an Easter Egg hunt for the kids this year.  We have always had one for the 7 kids we have between us but now they are grown up, my youngest is 15 and a couple of hers are married and well, they really are getting a little too big for an actual hunt.  I told her I think I will just make them up a little something.

Wouldn't this little cutie be perfect?  I love it!  I know Betsy was thinking I would take these with me to the meeting and share but frankly I knew that one of my table-mates would have chocolate (and she did thank you Linda!) and I am selfish that way with my chocolate.  I love it that much.  But, these will be opened today while I am prepping for class tonight.  I guarantee it!

Check back in Friday for another post about the card we created at Friday's coffee class.  It's Ubber Cute!

Enjoy!

M.E.

 

 

Paper Wreath~Season of Style

Do you love to decorate your home for the holidays?  Who doesn't right? Here is a great way to get everyone involved.  You think I am going to tell you to grab the kids and pop the popcorn and start stringing popcorn for the tree don't you?  Not today.  Today we are using paper and making wonderful wreaths.  Grab your Paper Trimmer and a package of 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper (I love Season of Style #132340 out of the Holiday Catalog) some straight pins, a 12" wreath form (or size of your choice) and your bone folder.

Yep!, you too can make this in just a few hours of work and add the kids in to help and lickity split you can knock one out in no time at all.  Wouldn't this make a fantastic teacher gift? or any gift for that matter. The nice thing is this is definitely one of those projects you can sit next to the hubby while you watch Football or Baseball or Soccor or Nascar or hunting shows or Duck Dynasty or Dancing with the Stars or The Voice...whatever TV show he and you are into together.

1. Cut the whole package (12 sheets of double sided paper)  of 12 x 12 Designer Series paper into 1/2 x 12" strips.  
2. Using your bone folder curl that paper from each end just like you would if you were curling that curling ribbon you use for balloon strings or on gift baskets.  This will start the curl.
3. Then take your fingers and tighten that curl and just start a pile.  Keep going and going and going. 
4. When your pile is out of control and you just can't stand it anymore and have to start pinning...just start pinning these pieces of paper onto your styrofoam form with straight pins right in the middle of each piece of paper.  Willy Nilly is the key to this game.  You can always keep adding so don't worry if you are not close enough at first.  You will fill in as you go.  When I was happy with my wreath...
5. I took 3 inch pieces of burlap ribbon and glued them into a circle (roll see picture) and pinned them in here and there.  I could have gone glitzy with glimmer paper but this wreath just screamed rustic to me. 
6. Then finish it off with the little bow glued onto the form. I've seen lots of varieties of these so this is one project you can make your own.

I'd love to see what you have been inspired to make from this post.  Send me a picture on Facebook or drop me an email.  Maybe you will see your project posted here!

Joyful Christmas~A Christmas Gift Bag

I mentioned that a week or so ago I went on a Stamping retreat.  I had a host of projects I worked on but have not had a lick of time to get them posted for you.  Today I share one of my favorites.  I was looking at Connie Collins blog, she is one of the Artisan Award winners with Stampin' Up!, and just fell in love with the way she decorated her Mini Muslin Bags #132180

It's a process of Stamping the Joyful Christmas Stamps with Stazon on tissue paper, applying some decoupage medium, applying the tissue to the bag, applying more decoupage medium, letting it dry and then coloring with our Stampin' Write Markers.  It's that simple but with a great impact. I can't wait to try another one. When I do get around to it, I will be sure to post it in a timely manner.

You can check out Connie Collins You Tube Video here on how to re-create this technique.