Another Ribbons Card

Before we get started today, I want to remind you of my catalog Preview Party this Saturday, May 31, as well as several super fun classes I have planned for June.  Be sure to check them all out.  Now, for today's card ...

I used some more of my layered ribbons scraps to create another colorful ribbons card.  This one has no stamping at all ... yet ... as I want to wait and personalize it when I'm ready to send it to someone special.  I've decorated the inside of the card and the envelope flap so they all coordinate.

As I mentioned before... I'm loving the new In Colors!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Loving our New In Colors!

Before we get started today, be sure to look over on the left on my blog page and see sneak peeks for my next classes!  I really am loving our new In Colors!  They are rich and vibrant and gorgeous.  Today, I have some more fun projects I want to share with you that I've been doing with our new In Colors.  First of all, it was love at first sight when I saw our new In Colors ribbons.  They feel so silky smooth and are just beautiful.  I covered a piece of CS with a strip of each of our new In Colors ribbons.  After smoothing down all the strips of ribbon, I trimmed the layered ribbon piece to fit a couple of card projects I had in mind.  

Then, I started to work on my first card.

The 'Hi' greeting comes from our new photopolymer alphabet called Metro Type Alphabet.   Because it's photopolymer, I could line up both letters on my clear block and stamp the word all at one time.

I added several layers to the front of the card, to pull together all the ribbon colors.  I added a decorative look to the inside of the card, as well, along with a coordinating flap on the envelope.  The striped DSP is from one of our new paper stacks, Moonlight.

Then, I stepped up the card for a nice, finished look.  Just adding 3 little flowers with pearl centers changes the entire look of the card.  The adorable little flowers are from our new trio of punches:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.

So... I had more pieces left, after I cut the ribbon layered piece for my card.  What else could I make?

Come back for my next post and see another card I made with the ribbons layer.  I still have these little strips left.  What should I make with these???  Wouldn't you agree with me?  These new colors are yummy!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Meet the New 2014-2016 In Colors

It is my pleasure to introduce you to our brand new In Colors.  I've been playing with them and, the more I work with them, the more I love them.

Our new In Colors are:

Hello Honey

Blackberry Bliss

Lost Lagoon

Mossy Meadow

Tangelo Twist

Would you like to see what I've made so far?  Take a look.

The framed butterflies show ALL our In Colors... carry-over colors on the left and brand new colors on the right.  I've also made tags (Scalloped Tag Topper punch) from watercolor paper and spritzed each one with one of our new In Colors.  I spritzed them with a mixture of reinker and alcohol.  The filter paper flowers were also spritzed in the same way and then I added additional accents of deeper colors by gently brushing the ink pads directly over the tips of each of the petals.  Super fun and super pretty!  In real life, you can see they have a shimmer to them because, after they dried, I spritzed them again with a mixture of Vanilla Shimmer and alcohol. 

Aren't the ribbons gorgeous.  In one of my upcoming Monday Night Stampers classes, I'll be sharing with you how I made the sparkle on the mini clothespin.  The little gift box has another flower on it made in the same way as the other flowers.  In my next posts, I'll share some brand new card projects I've been making, using our new In Colors.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Ribbon Techniques, Part 6

We have another chilly day here.  I've been holed up in my studio working on new projects using brand new products and having a ball.  I've also enjoyed some time to curl up with some good books this week.  I've knocked out 3 huge books and am well into another good one.  My husband, on the other hand, is going fishing today.  Yikes!  I'll stay here and stamp.  I can't believe that we're now at the end of my Ribbon Techniques Album already.  Are you ready for the last 4 pages?  Let's get right to it!

Page 20 ---
Left:
This is one of my most favorite ribbon techniques ever!  It's called a Levi tag... like the Levi tag on a jeans pocket.  You can attach it to the back or get sassy with a staple.  It's a great way to use up little scraps of ribbon.
Right:
This project features a way to attach vellum and use ribbon as an accent for it.  Remember, you don't want adhesive to show through when using vellum.  Cut your vellum piece at least 1/4" wider on each side, score it and fold it around to the back of your project.  Attach it to the back.  The ribbon also wraps around the project and is attached in the back.
TIP:
You can always add a layer of adhesive to attach vellum and then hide the adhesive by adding ribbon over it.

Page 21 ---
Left:
This technique uses a tiny scrap of ribbon as an additional accent on your project.  V-cut both ends.  Lay down a line of adhesive and then press the ribbon into it to secure it.
Right:
Another way to use a small ribbon as an accent is to make it into a 'flag' piece on your project.  Wrap it up and over the edge of your project and attach it in the back.

Page 22 ---
Left:
This technique shows how you can stamp on ribbon.  I've simply wrapped the ribbon around the project and attached it to the back, after stamping my design.  You can experiment with different colors of ink to see which ones you like the best for the look of your project.
Right:
This is similar to the pleated technique on page 12 (left side), but perhaps even easier.  It's a zig-zag.  Lay down a line of Sticky Strip on your project.  Take your ribbon and attach it in a zig-zag pattern across the Sticky Strip, leaving both ends longer.  Wrap the ends around to the back and attach onto the back.  Add glue dots under the 'folded' parts of the ribbon to help secure it.

Page 23 ---
Left:
This is a clever little technique to do with a ribbon.  Loop a longer piece of ribbon and tie a knot fairly close to the looped end.  Feed the knot up through a small hole in the flower.  Attach the ends to the back of the flower and then angle cut them to come out from the flower.
Right:
I've ended my album by simply showing how you can tie a ribbon around just part of the layers of your project.  It's a nice look and, of course, super simple.

In my class, we also learned how to make a 'pants bow,' so I added a pocket page for keeping our pants bow maker.

I truly hope you've enjoyed seeing all my ribbon techniques.  Please do me the honor of leaving a comment about them ... question, suggestion... whatever.  I value your feedback.  Remember, I've used different styles, sizes, textures and colors of ribbons for each of the techniques.  Some of them you can vary and some of them... not so much.  Experiment and see what works best for you.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Ribbon Techniques, Part 5

Another chilly day here and another great day to hole up in my studio and create.  I have new products, new colors, new fun things to make and do... What fun!  We're almost finished with my Ribbon Techniques Album, so let's get on to the next to the last group of 4 pages of techniques for using ribbons ...

Page 16 ---
Left:
This is a super simple technique that just adds a fun touch to your project.  Take a length of ribbon, tie a knot in it and then wrap it around your project.  This technique works well with a skinnier ribbon.
Right:
Another super simple technique involves a twist.  Take a length of ribbon, twist it once and then wrap it around your project.  This technique works well with wider ribbons.

Page 17 ---
Left:
I love adding little banners to my project.  This banner uses v-cut ribbon pieces and DSP.  They are all attached to a line of Baker's Twine and then secured to the project.  Add a little bow of Baker's Twine on each end by attaching with balled up glue dots.
Right:
This technique is pretty much the same as on page 15, left side.  It's wrapped horizontally instead of vertically and I've used different ribbons, to show how much this can change the look of your project.  Wrap a ribbon around your project.  Before you tie it for the last time, add in a couple sprigs of looped ribbon.  This example shows a bolder contrast, where as my page 15 sample shows a softer look.

Page 18 ---
Left:
This is a super easy technique that works well with any ribbon, but I think it looks especially nice with a wider ribbon.  Simply wrap the ribbon around your project and secure in the back.  Pinch off a little piece of the ribbon (off-center looks best) and tie with Baker's Twine.
Right:
This one is a bit of a fooler and it's even easier than it looks because it's TWO pieces of ribbon.  Wrap a piece of ribbon around your project and secure to the back.  Take a shorter piece of ribbon and tie it around the first ribbon.  That's it... just that simple.

Page 19 ---
Left:
This one couldn't be any easier.  The ribbon is just tied through 2 punched holes.  It has an important purpose though, as it serves to hold the vellum layer to the layer behind it.  Now, you don't need adhesive, which would show behind the vellum and look pretty awful.
Right:
This technique uses ribbon as an additional layer on your project.  Attach rows of ribbon to form a solid layer that shows through a punched opening in your project.  Because it becomes bulkier than a flat layer, I've attached this layer with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I've also added a sprig of ribbon (at the top, left of the project) to accent the ribbon layer and tie it all together.

Be sure to come back for my next post.  We only have 4 more pages in my album.  You won't want to miss the last ones.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Ribbon Techniques, Part 4

It's downright chilly here today... definitely a great day to hole up in my studio and create away.  I'm going to play with watercolor techniques today, work with our new In Colors, and play around with some more ribbon techniques.  Before I go, let's look at 4 more pages of my Ribbon Techniques Album ...

Page 12 ---
Left:
Lay a line of Sticky Strip across the entire width of your project.  Gently push ribbon into soft pleats along the Sticky Strip, wrapping the end of the ribbon around to the back of your project.  Add glue dots under each pleat to help keep the pleats in place.  Optional:  Add a little flag piece or other embellishment over part of the ribbon, as shown in my sample.
Right:
Loop 2 pieces of ribbon together (different colors and/or textures) and hold together with the prongs of a brad.  Gently pull the looped part of the ribbons apart so you can see both.  The ends are all angle cut in the same direction.

Page 13 ---
Left:
Baker's Twine makes an easy accent on any project.  Wrap around your project and tie (at center or slightly off-center)  Pull the sides apart, so you can see all the layers.  This look works well with Linen Thread, also.
Right:
This technique works well with skinny ribbon, linen thread and/or Baker's Twine.  Before wrapping the ribbon around your project, punch 2 small 1/2 circles - one on each side.  Wrap the ribbon or twine around the project, letting the indentations help hold it in place.

Page 14 ---
Left:
Cut 2 short pieces of ribbons, contrasting colors, and tie them together.  Attach the knot with Liquid Tombow.  This is like the knotted 'sprig' on my album cover and on page 6 (left side) but with double ribbons.  Angle cut the ends of the ribbons, keeping the ribbon ends in the back slightly longer.
Right:
Show off an embellishment, such as a cute clip, by tying a short piece of ribbon around it.  Angle cut the ends of the ribbons.

 

Page 15 ---
Left:
This technique is a variation of 2 previous techniques - combined.  Tie a ribbon around your project.  Before making the final tie, add in 2 looped pieces of ribbon and secure them in with the first tied ribbon.  This makes a beautiful, soft look for your project.
Right:
This is a fun and easy technique.  Punch 2 holes, fairly close together, at the center of your project.  Take a length of ribbon and thread each end straight down through the holes, from the front of the project.  In the back, cross the ribbon ends over to the opposite hole and come up through it to the front.  This makes a bow look to your project.  V-cut the ribbon ends.
NOTE:
Since this technique actually will hold the layers of your project together, it is a good technique for adding vellum to a project (no adhesive to show).
TIP:
To get ribbon ends to go through tiny holes, cut the ends at a very sharp angle.  Leave enough extra ribbon that you can cut again if it starts to fray too much before you're finished.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Ribbon Techniques, Part 3

It's a rather dreary day here today, a good day to hole up in my studio and work on some new projects and techniques, not to mention my upcoming Preview Party on May 31.  Before I get to work, I want to share 4 more pages of my Ribbon Techniques Album with you.   Here we go. 

Page 8 ---
Left:
This is a good technique for using up tiny ribbon scraps.  Just v-cut the ends of a little piece of ribbon and slip it under one of your project layers.
Right:
Wrap ribbon around your project, attaching additional layers over the ribbon.

Page 9 ---
Left:
Wrap a ribbon entirely around your project, bringing a longer end up and over the top.  V-cut this end.
Right:
Attach a v-cut piece of ribbon, like a 'flag' piece to your project.  Wrap the top end over the edge and attach on the back of your project.

Page 10 ---
Left:
Simply tie the ribbon around your project and showcase the beautiful ribbon.  Angle cut the ends.
Right:
Wrap the left-hand side of the ribbon piece around your project and attach to the back.  Pinch in a part of the ribbon, with Baker's Twine, as you attach a button to the ribbon.  Leave the v-cut end loose.

Page 11 ---
Left:
Fold over a piece of ribbon, in a loop.  Tie, as shown, using Baker's Twine, and attach to your project.
Right:
This is a good technique for using 1, 2, or 3 pieces or ribbons.  Tie several knots into the ribbon and then simply attach the ribbon around your project.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Ribbon Techniques, Part 2

At the end of today's post, I have lots of exciting news about upcoming events to share with you.  Be sure to read everything today.  Now, let's look at the next 4 pages of my Ribbon Techniques Album.

Page 4 ---
Left:
Tuck 2 short pieces of ribbon (angle cut ends) together under the edge of a button or stamped piece, for an embellishment.
Right:
Wrap a piece of ribbon completely around the top layer of your project, letting the ends extend together on one side.  Tie the ribbon pieces together, close to the project, with Baker's Twine and v-cut the ends of the ribbon.

Page 5 ---
Left:
Use a piece of ribbon to hold closed a card or folded element of a card or project.  Just wrap it around the 2 layers you wish to hold together and tie it off.
Right:
Loop a piece of ribbon and then push one side up into a second loop/pleat.  Hold together by wrapping the prongs of a brad around the ribbon.   (Pinch the ribbon in where you're going to attach the brad.)  Place Liquid Tombow on the ribbon around the brad area on the back to attach the piece to your project.

Page 6 ---
Left:
Tie a knot into the middle of a sprig of ribbon.  Angle cut or v-cut the ends.  Attach to your project with Liquid Tombow.
Right:
Stack 2 pieces of ribbon and tie them together using a 3rd piece of ribbon.  Attach to your project with Liquid Tombow.  Notice that I've used 3 different sizes of ribbon for mine.  It makes a nice look.

Page 7 ---
Left:
Lay 2 different pieces of ribbon together.  Loop them and tie into a knot.  Attach to your project by applying Liquid Tombow to the knot.
Right:
Punch a small hole in the top, left corner of your project.  Thread a ribbon through the hole and tie it over the hole.  This is a fun and easy way to add a ribbon accent.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

My Ribbon Techniques Album is finished!

In spite of being a little 'under the weather' for 2 days now and cutting a hole in my finger, I've been busy working on finishing up my Ribbon Techniques Album AND setting up a new Project Life display on my library table.  The display is looking good and my album is so chubby that it will not close flat!  In the midst of it all, the doorbell keeps ringing and new goodies keep arriving.  This is a major challenge to my ability to focus:) 

First up:
My Ribbon Techniques album is all finished and, as you can see, it is sporting a new cover.  I finally got around to trying something that's been on my 'must try' list for a very long time --- stitching on CS.  It's so much fun!  I will be doing this a lot, now.  Here's a little sneak peek for you.  Hello, my chubby little album.  It is full of 46 samples of unique ways to use ribbons.  Can you believe it?  I've had so much fun making this!  Normally, I wouldn't want to put up with an album looking this full, but this is a technique album and I've made it to be interactive.  The reason:  I know I'll be adding more pages in the future.  At that point, I will probably split the album into 2 parts.  Oh the fun!  It shows all kinds of unique things you can do with ribbons, including a little bit of Baker's Twine here and there.  Isn't this pretty?  I just love it!!!

If you look carefully, you'll see that I've used ribbons in 5 different ways on the new cover.  Such ribbon goodness!  I wonder what could be in the pocket in the photo below?  I'll bet it's a special surprise!

Here's a view from the top.  Now, do you believe me when I say it's full of ribbon goodness?

This class is going to be so much fun!

Next up:
I've started working on a new display.  For the beginnings of my new display, I've made a banner from some of the new Project Life cards.  I've kept it simple, to showcase the products.  I'll be adding embellishments soon... because these cute little cards are just begging to have some 'embellies' on them:)  I'll be giving you updates on this as I add more details and more fun items to the display.

One thing to mention is that my studio is constantly changing and evolving.  It's already changed since I took this photo a couple of days ago.  That's what keeps me constantly inspired to create something wonderful each day.  I hope I can inspire you to make something beautiful, too.

Coming Up ... In my next posts:

More Project Life

Card-In-A-Box creations --- 5 sizes!

more samples and details for upcoming classes

7 Habits of Highly Successful Crafters

a Styles of Scrapbooking series

a new, updated Studio Tour

a new Spring Wreath  

more Spring cards and projects

cards and projects with some of our kits

more Ribbon Magic

cards and projects with brand new products!!!

Come back soon and come back often.  

You don't want to miss a thing! 

MY CLASSES FOR MAY:

Monday, May 5 / Monday Night Stampers / 6:00-8:30 / $18.00 / RIBBON MAGIC TECHNIQUE ALBUM

YOU MUST PAY TO REGISTER BY NOON (Sat.), MAY 3!!!

NO LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED.

Friday, May 9 / Friday Night Cards / 6:00-8:30 / $15.00 / BEAUTIFUL POOL PARTY CARDS

Monday, May 12 / Scraps and Prayers / 6:00-8:00 / $15.00 / SWEET SORBET LAYOUT

Pay to register at least 2 days prior to the class.

CLASS FEES INCLUDE ALL MATERIALS EXCEPT YOUR ADHESIVE.
GET A FRIEND TO SIGN UP WITH YOU AND YOU EACH GET A $10. BFF COUPON.
The BFF COUPON is good for shopping at my Prairie Treasures Boutique.

PEEK!

 

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blog world.

Have a great day!

Come back soon for more design inspiration.