Running With Scissors...

Handmade Vintage Frame

I worked on this labor of love the last few days, as time allowed.  I considered altering a purchased frame, but every now and then I feel compelled to create fully from scratch, simply for the pleasure of working with my hands and heart.  Pearl flourishes, glittered Prima roses, satin ribbon...

...and a quote from Flourishes' Falling Leaves set... My Mind's Eye designer paper and some cardstock from my stash, Spellbinders dies, and a bit of heavy cardboard...

Planning and measuring and figuring on the construction.

One of those tiny details which is barely noticed.

 
The opening is cut for a 4 x 6 photo.  I found that 4 x 6 photos are not exactly 4 x 6.  One really needs to use a photo as a guide and cut the opening slighly smaller than the photo in order to cover the edges.  The opening could be placed anywhere on the frame, not necessarily centered.  Measuring would be easier if it wasn't centered.  I haven't provided all the details and dimensions because we'd never come to the end of this post were I to get too detailed.

I cut all the frame parts from heavy cardboard.  The openings were cut with a utility knife.  The opening on the frame back is cut larger to allow insertion of the photo.  The removable back cover was made with the piece I cut from the center.  It was necessary to trim it down a little to accomodate the paper which covers the parts.

I used Mod Podge for adhesive.  Cover the entire piece, opening and all.  Cut an X through the opening and fold the paper to the back side.  Trim any points that may overhang, then adhere in place.

 

 
This is the piece I cut from the back which shows how I trimmed the corners before folding to the back.  This removable piece was lined on the inside, too.

I painted a Mod Podge finish on all exterior surfaces, then sprayed with a matte acrylic sealer.  Both of these products were purchased at Wal-Mart.

The photo turns were attached, then the front and back glued together with Mod Podge.  A little Crazy Glue along the edges assures no popping apart later.

The kick stand was attached with a hinge and brads.

The inner mat is removable.  Crystal Clear Cardstock was cut to cover the photo within the frame.

The photo is my sister at age 14.  She fell victim to a brain aneurism when in her 20's.  She was a pretty little thing, wasn't she?  We were 20 years apart in age, so I was just a little shaver when she died, but I remember her, I grew up loving her, and her picture has always been where I see it every day.

All my embellishments - Pearls, Primas, ribbon -- are from Flourishes, though some items may be temporarily out of stock.  Dawn is sharing more floral creations on the Newsletter today, too.  I don't know what she's cooked up, but I know it will be pretty and I'll be heading over there to take a look.  You may also enjoy visiting the other Flourishes girls who are sharing cards or projects: 
 

Christine Okken

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Laura Fredrickson

Stacy Morgan

I'm so glad you could visit with me today.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Spring Pretty

Just a little something from the garden.  I took this photo last weekend on a beautiful day.  It has since been raining and the cherry blossoms look much better from a distance than they do up close.  The ground is pretty all sprinkled with pink petals, though.  Have a beautiful day!

Ruby Tuesday: Violets for a Friend

Still working with those Stella Ruby papers, and since I had this image already colored I thought I'd see how I could coordinate it with some of my remaining scraps.  I think this is the last of the stripe.

The image is another from my JustRite Breath of Spring set.  Again I colored with Copics and sponged blush ink on the panel while the die was still in place.  This time I applied the cracked glass technique to the image oval -- pressed into my Versamark pad and embossed with ultra-thick embossing powder, repeated two more times, cooled in the freezer a few minutes, then bent to crack.  After cracking I rubbed some chocolate ink into the cracks to define and age them.  I didn't ink all the cracks as I thought it might make the image appear too dirty.  Didn't want to dirty up those pretty violets!

The sentiment is something old and retired from Stampin' Up!.  I made this card for a specific purpose and that's what I needed it to say.  I hang onto sentiments forever.  I don't think you can ever have too many.

My JustRite set is from Stampers Dream, the paper is, of course, BasicGrey Stella Ruby, and everything else was pulled from the vast supply I keep in the toy box I call my stamp room.  Isn't it fun?  Love that room!

Hope you're having a great day!  I'll see you later in the week.  Take care!

Stamps:  JustRite Breath of Spring, retired SU! sentiment  Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Classic White, BasicGrey Stella Ruby designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, SU! hardware, ultra-thick embossing powder, vanilla embossing powder, Spellbinders Classic Oval and Big Scalloped Oval dies, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Daffodils and Tulips

Welcome to Monday!  I thought I'd make something bright and cheerful to chase away the Monday blues.  I've got several new JustRite sets from Stampers Dream and I spent some time this weekend coloring the images from Breath of Spring.

The card is done up in Spring greens with Prismatics Herbal Garden Light cardstock and My Mind's Eye Lush Green designer paper.  I used red sheer Twinkle ribbon for a bright splash of color.  It's called Twinkle because it has a notable shimmer, not so apparent in the photograph, but it catches your eye right away when seen up close and personal.

As for the image, it's colored with Copics.  I stamped just the pitcher and flowers first in Memento Tuxedo Black, then colored and cut out with a Spellbinders oval die.  With the die still in place I sponged blush ink around the edges.  I stamped the outer ring separately, in red, and cut out that oval with scissors.  I glued the two ovals together and mounted them on a Spellbinders Labels Thirteen mat.  Red rhinestones decorate the corners.

I hope your Monday is a happy one!  Thank you so much for your time today.

Stamps:  JustRite Breath of Spring  Paper:  Prism Herbal Garden Light, Classic White, My Mind's Eye Lush Green designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette L'Amore Red, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, rhinestones, Martha Stewart Arched Lattice punch, Spellbinders Classic Oval and Labels Thirteen Nestabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

There's No Time Like the Present

Happy Friday, all!  Today the Flourishes team has gotten together to introduce you to a new monthly challenge which will kick off in our SCS Forum on May 1st.  If you like prizes and you'd like to get a jump start on your Christmas cards, please read the details that Stacy outlines on the Newsletter.

I've made ten cards using this design which is very easy to mass produce.  The Classic White cardstock is a sturdy weight and the one small border of designer paper adds just enough to give it more color and weight while keeping it within the no extra postage limits.

The inside right panel has a matching vertical border.  With 1" borders inside and out, one 6x6 sheet of designer paper will decorate three cards.  The designer paper I used is BasicGrey Figgy Pudding.  It's been through a couple of Christmases with me, and I hope to use it up this year.

I used three different stamp sets to put this card together -- Thinking of You (foliage), Santa, I Believe (outside sentiment), and Holiday Greetings (inside sentiment).  A single red rhinestone decorates the front, and another of the foliage stamps decorates the envelope (not shown).  Very easy! 

I'm glad to have gotten a few of these simple cards done now, rather than waiting till the last minute to scramble for an easily mass produced design when I realize I've fallen short.  If I still find my supply lacking late in the season, it would be a small matter to make up a few more of these, perhaps in pomegranate or gold.

For all kinds of Christmas card inspiration, as well as a few beautiful Spring cards, please visit: 

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Laura Fredrickson

Stacy Morgan

Thanks so much for joining me here today.  Don't forget to check the Newsletter for challenge details.  Have a happy weekend!

Ruby Tuesday: Butterfly on Stella

Happy Ruby Tuesday and another day with Stella.  I could not make the card I had visualized for today as my stock of Stella's papers have dwindled to the point that I may as well not approach Ruby Tuesdays with any preconceived notions.  Instead, I decided to go very clean and simple, using the stamp set I had planned, but just a little spash of Stella.

I've used the butterfly from my new Fanciful Flourishes set.  It seems I hardly ever make a card without coloring anymore, and I do love to color, but how nice to be able to create such a pretty card element with so little time and effort involved.  It fit right in with the whole clean and simple concept.

I stamped the solid butterfly once in chocolate ink and then in caramel.  I cut out the chocolate image and adhered it to the card.  I over-stamped the caramel image with Versamark ink and embossed with brown embossing powder.  I cut out that image and applied little pieces of foam mounting tape under the wings close to the body.  On the underside of the body I applied a strong, adhesive.  I used Crystal Effects from Stampin' Up!, but any good tacky adhesive would work -- just something to make sure the body stays firmly flat on the card.  The foam mounting tape keeps the wings popped up and even after it goes through the mail the wings will pop right back up when it comes out of the envelope.  Three tiny pearls embellish the body.

As always when I make a clean and simple card, I realize how very satisfying the creative process is, even when it involves only a few minutes of my time.  Enjoy your day!  May it be a very Ruby Tuesday.

Stamps:  Fanciful Flourishes  Paper:  Vanilla textured, Classic Ivory, BasicGrey Stella Ruby designer paper  Ink:  Chocolate, caramel, Versamark  Accessories:  Silk ribbon, pearls, eyelets (ribbon is tied through), brown embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Charming Gardener

It seems I've been making a lot of childrens' cards lately, and today I have another to share with you.  This one will go to an eight year old girl who is struggling to deal with something she cannot possibly understand.  I think everything will be okay with her in the end, but today she could use an extra hug or two, some smiles, and a kind word of encouragement.

I've used this sweet Sarah Kay image called Gardeners Need Many Helpers, and paired it with a JustRite sentiment from the Seeds of Kindness set.  I'm not sure if this little character is supposed to be a boy or a girl.  It could be either/or, I think, and that's the beauty of it.  As for the sentiment -- you know, if you look at any of the Sarah Kay images and then look at the Seeds of Kindness sentiments, you'd think they were made for each other.  I used the sentiment without any of the decorative borders -- just stamped and punched with a 1 3/8" circle punch.  I wanted to be sure and let the flowers in this Jack & Jill paper show.  I do so love this paper collection.  There are two sheets (12x12) which are made up of a variety of border strips to coordinate with the other papers in the collection.  Instant card design!

My charming gardener is colored with Copics, and I used ribbon and buttons and linen thread from my stash for decoration.  I hope you enjoy!  Have a very pleasant Monday!

Stamps:  Gardeners Need Many Helpers (Sarah Kay design for Stampavie), Seeds of Kindness (JustRite)  Paper:  Chocolate, Classic White, My Mind's Eye Jack & Jill designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, buttons, linen thread, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape (to pop up sentiment circle)

A Spring Day at Home

Hello!  Today I thought I might like to share a little bit of home with you.  After the work week and all that time spent indoors there's absolutely nothing that makes me happier or more content than to spend a day wandering around the old homestead.  Wally and I went out with plans to work on our trails in the woods but, frankly, it was so pleasant and there were so many pretty and awesome things to see, we ended up mostly just walking and taking it all in, marvelling at the details and filling up with wonder.

The Allium is in its full glory, releasing its onion scent at the slightest brush of the hand.  I tend to get an appetite when I'm around it.  I like onion.

 
Gee, all those Flourishes Sweet Violets I've colored and I've never thought to do one in yellow.  These wild violets are growing and blooming abundantly in the woods behind our house.

These are wild rhodedendrons, not yet in bloom, but beautiful nonetheless.  Perhaps this photo gives you an idea of how tall they are, reaching for the light beyond the forest understory.  In the past, I've always viewed their blooms from my elevated vantage point at the edge of the garden -- a borrowed view which becomes part of the garden when you look beyond the honeysuckle at the turn in the path.  When I began creating paths through the woods as a way to extend Wally's territory (not that he needed the paths, but I did) I inadvertently wound up here at the mysterious rhodedendron grove.  The brush and the blow down was thick and in many cases when I started clearing I had only a vague idea of where I would end up.  The other day I scouted the uncharted territory past this point and found the grove to be much more extensive than I'd realized.  To think, they're out there blooming all pink and beautiful every year and I've never even favored them a glance.  If a rhodedendron blooms in the woods and no one's there to see it, does it still look pretty?

 
These are the days that heighten my awareness of my good fortune, being rich beyond measure in all things that really matter.  I have love and companionship in my family and friends, I have my passions, and I'm able to experience life with all five senses.  Yes, I have stressors, I've experienced loss and disappointment, but today those things weren't with me.  Maybe I can carry a little bit of today into the week with me.

Take good care, and I'll see you again on Monday.

The New Flourishes Sets are in the Store

The party's over and Flourishes' April releases are now available in the store.  Here's a full reveal of all four sets:

Around the Arbor

Hats off to You!

Fanciful Flourishes

Spring Bouquet

Beautiful, as always!  I hope you've enjoyed the samples this week.  Take care, and have yourself a wonderful weekend!

 

Flourishes Preview, Day 3: Spring Bouquet

Welcome to Day 3 of Flourishes' previews!  We've come around today to the fourth and final set in this month's batch of loveliness.  And what a lovely set this is!  It's called Spring Bouquet.

This breathtaking bouquet stamps beautifully, a well-defined image that's an absolute thrill to bring to life with color.  I used Copics and, once again, my Webster's Pages Life's Portrait & Lullaby Lane papers.  The ribbon is Seafoam organdy.  Such a pretty color and its sheerness lets the beauty of the image show through.

This was created as a Mother's Day set, but several sentiments are included for step-mom, grandmother, friend... to name just a few.  You'll love all the beautiful colors and designs you'll see when you visit the rest of the team:

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth (Brand new SCS Dirty Dozen Design Team member -- congrats, Dawn!!)

Julie Koerber

Laura Fredrickson

Stacy Morgan

You can win this set or all four of this month's releases -- visit the Newsletter for details.  Join the team and friends tonight at our Power Hour Release party on SCS for a chance at more prizes.  Again, all the information you need is right there on the Flourishes Newsletter.

I hope you've enjoyed the samples we've shared this week, and I wish you luck in the drawings.  Have an absolutely wonderful weekend!

Stamps:  Spring Bouquet  Paper:  CTMH peach, Classic White, Webster's Pages Life's Portrait & Lullaby Lane designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, cocoa, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, pearls, oval punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape