Jumping Back In... my Gorgeous Winter Wreath

After the very unexpected death of my husband's sister and the events following that, it's hard to know where to begin, so I'll just jump right in and start by showing you the gorgeous Winter Wreath I made just before all these events.  I absolutely love it.  It's based on the one in our big catalog.  Of course, I had to put my own take on it, to make it truly mine.

I added lots more ribbon because I just love ribbon.  I added subtle sponging and lots of silver glimmer paper.  I also changed out the Soft Sky (used on the wreath in our big catalog) for Pool Party.  The reason I did this is so that it would coordinate with the Joy Banner we'll be making at my Christmas Retreat --- on November 16 (10:00-4:00) or November 17 (2:00-8:00).  They will look great decorating your home for Christmas.

So, what do you think?  You'd be amazed at how easy it is to make it.  We'll be making this one at my November Stamp Club on November 4.  The beauty of doing something like this in a class is that I prepare everything for you and you just show up and dig in.  You'll have a beautiful wreath for the holidays by the end of the class.  It involves a lot of materials but, by sharing them in a club, it cuts down on the expense for each person and you don't have to worry if you don't have a tool or die needed to make the 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.

Let Stampin' Up! Products Help You Create A Party!

Today is Olive Jane's birthday party and her mom and I have kind of a tradition going of getting together and making all her party decorations.  Olive Jane is all about Minnie Mouse right now, so that's our theme.  Years ago, I learned from a fellow church member that, once you do something for two years in a row, it becomes a tradition.  We're there now!

Using Big Shot dies and circle punches, it was easy to come up with our decorations.

We've had a lot of rain and/or wind here lately, so I had to shoot these inside.  I realize that I forgot to take a photo of the birthday hat and the thank you, so I'll have to post those later.

 

 These are the favor boxes.  They will have treats in cello bags inside them.

The banner is held together with dotted ribbon pieces between each circle.  It will hang from the window (curtain rod) behind the party table.

It should be a really fun party.  Can you keep a secret?  We're giving her a big wagon for her birthday.  Shhhhhhh!

Happy Spring ... with a Spring Banner

Happy first day of Spring!  My Spring Banner is sure to promote a touch of Spring, even if it doesn't feel like it so much today.

Remember my Spring card in my previous post?  While I was making it, I stamped extra pieces that I could use to make a banner.  I used the Scallop Circle die for the backing, added our paper doilies, layered on the medallion pieces and then made some butterflies to place here and there along the banner.

The letters were die cut using the Typeset Alphabet with the Big Shot.  I did not use any dimensionals for the banner, as I did with my Spring card, because I wanted them attached securely with Liquid Tombow, so the banner would hold up for a long time.  There are so many layers, that you really don't need dimensionals.  I only added the adhesive in the center of each layer, so all the edges of the pieces are actually fluffed out a bit.  It also made it easier to attach the letters on top by having the layers behind them flat in the centers.

My color story:

• Regal Rose
• Wild Wasabi
• Daffodil Delight

Tip:
I cut 2 scallop circles (with the die) for the backing, so I could encase the ribbon between the 2 layers.  This hides the ribbon and holds it more securely in place.


So, did I put you in the mood for Spring?  If not, go make a banner of your own and you'll be smiling all through the day.

I had a really productive day yesterday.  It is SUCH a good feeling to cross off items on your 'To Do' list!  I'm off to work up a storm again today.  This is Day 3 of my Work Like a Dog mission.  I'll let you know tomorrow how it all came out for me.  I'm pretty pleased.  Sometimes, you just have to dig in and "git 'er done" and you'll be glad you did.  No, I'm not finished with taxes yet, but they're coming along a bit.  I would much rather stamp:)  Have a great day and come back soon.