Ribbon Wreath

I finally finished a project on my "really-really want-to-make" list!!! For those of you who have a 2010-2011 SU catalog handy, my inspiration comes from the ribbon wreath on p190. It's not like it takes a long time to make a ribbon wreath - I finished in a few hours. I probably would have finished sooner if I didn't take breaks to draw outside with chalk, lose a lightsaber battle, and have a snack in the shade... but those are some of the best parts of working from home  :}  It's just one of those projects that kept getting pushed to the side, but I had time today since I didn't want to get a ton of supplies out while the drywall was being sanded. For this project, all you need is a hoop, ribbon, and Craft & Paper Scissors. I have two of these high quality scissors - one for paper, and one for fabric and ribbon.

Isn't it pretty??? Since I have several miles spools of ribbon in my craft room, this is the perfect project for me! All of these ribbons are from Stampin' Up! ... some are current, some are old, some are really old. I chose a variety of pinks, yellows, oranges, and greens for a bright, summery look.

I started with a hoop (approximately 13" diameter) that I purchased from my local craft store (I think I found it in the same aisle as the mirror pieces). Then I tied all my ribbons on... that's it! So easy!! 

A few tips for you: 
I used approximately 1 to 3 yards of each ribbon.
Push the tied ribbons close together as you're working.
Trim the ends as you go; don't wait to trim them all at the end.
Use a good amount of the wider ribbons first; it's much easier to fill in with skinny ribbons.
Try to use a variety of ribbon textures (satin, twill, grosgrain, scalloped edges) on your wreath for visual interest.
Mixing solid, striped, stitched, and dotted ribbons of varying widths is fun!
If you are using Pleated Satin Ribbon, pull gently when tying.
Ribbons with a heavier stiffness hold up to being cut longer; floppy ribbons should be cut shorter.

I bought more than 1 hoop because I have plans to make more. I will definitely create a Ribbon Wreath for Christmas... what else... oooh! Fall colors would be pretty!!  :}  What colors do you think I should try next?

I'm back!

So, did you miss me? Don't answer that  ;)
I can not believe a whole month has gone by since my last post! As usual, it has been crazy busy here at home. Now that my computer seems to be co-operating, Aaron's asthma is somewhat under control, Sale-A-Bration is done, Ben's birthday and party are over, and spring break is on the horizon, I'm hoping for a little breathing room in April. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

April is the last month for the Occasions Mini Catalog, so be sure to order your favorites while you can. One of my favorites is a Hostess selection- the Simple Snapshots Digital Content CD. I wasn't sure about the colors at first (Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Lucky Limeade, Pink Pirouette, and Basic Gray), but once I started playing around with the content, I really liked it!

Soooo, I used Simple Snapshots to create the new look for my blog today  :)  Woohoo!! Cute, right??!

And I was having so much fun, I went ahead and made a scrapbook page of my beautiful niece. I LOVE how it turned out!

Seriously, have you ever seen a prettier baby??? She's so photogenic  :)

Well, here's to a better April than March. I can't wait to show you some adorable projects using the "sneak peek" products from the Summer Smooches Collection. Click here to order yours... the Summer Smooches promotion ends April 30th! Happy stamping  :)

Paper Doily - LOVE it!!

I had a few minutes today, before Aaron's little bus brought him home, to whip up this cute birthday card:

I've been wanting to play with the new Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die, so I grabbed that first. The rest of the card just sort of "fell into place." A layer of Pink Pirouette (punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch) is tucked behind the layer of Basic Gray card stock, which I dry embossed using the Elegant Lines embossing folder. The floral image stamped in Pear Pizzazz is from the new Bordering On Romance stamp set. I added Basic Gray 5/8" Satin Ribbon and a birthday sentiment from the Petite Pairs stamp set. The die-cut (Twitterpated DSP) doily is adhered to the card with a Dimensional, and a Twitterpated Button finishes the card.  *smiles*
The Paper Doily is beautiful! However, it was a little large for the card I wanted to make today. So, after I die-cut my DSP, I made a few snips and had the exact size I needed - yay!

What are you going to make with the new Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die???  :)

Pink Pirouette

Pink Pirouette was previously an 'In Color, ' and it made a return this July. It is now a Core Color in the Subtles Collection.

The "Creative Combination" colors are Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, and Early Espresso. The images on this card are from the Fast & Fabulous Hostess stamp set, which is a great set for the Two-Step Stampin'® technique. The sentiment is from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. I used two punches on this card: Eyelet Border and 2-1/2" Circle.


The "Sweet Set" colors are Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, and Always Artichoke... a perfect color combination to make this card for my brand new niece born this evening!!!! For some reason, this photo just doesn't do the card justice - my projects always look better in real life, especially this one. I stamped the image from the Four Frames stamp set and punched it out with the Decorative Label punch. Using my Blender Pen, I added a hint of color (Pink Pirouette) to the flower petals. I punched a piece of Pink Pirouette card stock using the Curly Label punch, and then cut it in half to layer behind the 'frame' image. Two Basic Pearls and a Seam Binding bow add the finishing touch. I can't wait to give it to her... well, to my sister-in-law... as I get to meet her for the 1st time tomorrow! Yay!! :)