Color Combos Galore #181

This challenge was a little more difficult, and took me a lot longer.  But, here is the challenge from Color Combos Galore:

And, here is my Layout:

This challenge was great because these are colors I don't usually use.  Which means that I also do not have a whole lot of products in these colors.  So, the page is mostly cardstock, and that is good, because I have a huge stash of it.  I embossed and punched the cream background, and I also made the cream flower from cardstock using a technique from the most recent issue of Scrapbooks, Etc.  Also, I made the banner from paper scraps. I just cut some 2 inch by 3/4 inch strips, folded them in half, cut a wedge out of them, and then taped them close together.

That's it, thanks for looking!

Creative Scrappers sketch #144

I'm not usually big on challenges, or sketches, but I have come across a couple of interesting sites, and have decided to give both a try.  One of those sites was actually a blog called Creative Scrappers and they have weekly sketches.  Here is this weeks sketch:

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

My problem with sketches is that I do follow them quite literally, and usually have a hard time 'making it my own'.  But, it all did come together pretty quickly , and it was fun to do.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.  Anyway, check out the blog...they have a gallery with previous sketches, too.

      TFSB,

Envelope Treat Bag

So, I had to make an 'altered item' for one of my MW Express kit projects, and I figured what's more altered than making something out of something else?  This is actually an 'oldie'...I was shown how to do this about 10 years ago, and I think they are perfect for Valentine's Day. Here is the finished product:

Start by sealing the envelope closed, and cutting of one of the sides with decorative scissors, or a border punch:

Measure in 1/2 inch, score and fold (in both directions) on remaining 3 sides:

Push in bottom folds, and shape into a bag:

Tape down the little triangle tabs:

And...that is how you make an envelope into a bag! Embellish as desired :)

        TFSB!

My Favorite Pattern

I've enjoyed this sweater pattern from the Spring/Summer 2006 issue of BHG's 'Knit It!' I've made it about 5 times now, starting with one for my niece in these exact colors:

I've made it in these colors a total of three times:

Between those two color combinations, I had enough scraps from both to make this one:

When I first started, I was very skeptical that these colors would look good together...but, by the time I was half way done with it, I was loving it.  It reminds me of icecream.

I didn't even have to buy buttons for it, I had enough mismatched ones in my scrapbooking supply that matched the colors perfectly.

So, don't throw away those scraps...use them on your favorite pattern.  It is fun to see what you come up with :)

       TFSB!

Box Envelope

 Awhile back I made this card:

Find the original post here:
Handmade Flower Tutorial

It was a lot of fun to make, and very pretty to look at, but not very practical to send through the mail.  But then, I came across this over at Split Coast Stampers, and it is just too perfect:

Here is my version:

(Tip - I made my horizontal scores at 2, 3, 7 1/4, and 8 1/4 so it would overlap)

All of your bulky card problems are solved :)

       TFSB!

Unexpected Inspiration

 I recently completed this page:

 Inspired by this baby blanket:

I love everything about this blanket...the colors especially. If you find a pattern or something that you really love, take that opportunity to try out some techniques, instead of focusing so much on design.  The design of my page is pretty simple, I think, but it's colors, and texture that make it pop.  I cut some circles and put them in a polka dot embossing folder, and colored the dots with a white paint pen...and it ended up mimicking the blanket perfectly.  It's also a mostly cardstock LO, which I love, because I have a ton of it. So, if you are in a  slump, take a moment to glance around, and see what inspires you.

      TFSB,

Poinsettia Tutorial

This isn't my original idea, I saw it somewhere else, but I honestly can't remember where I saw it.  Anyway, I thought this paper poinsettia was really pretty, and so easy to make.

 I started with a 1.5 inch paper strip:

 Cut four pieces on the diagonal:

 Pinch each diamond together in the center, you'll have to play with it a bit:

 Hold them together and wrap the pinched part with wire:

 I used Prima leaves, but if you don't have any, you can make some leaves the exact same way.  Except for pinch the ends together instead of the middle, and clip off the end:

 Add several small buttons, or one large one to the center, and it's done:

Just in time for some last minute holiday cards.  Have fun!