Summer Projects

Thought I'd share some recent projects I've done over the summer. Balloons continue to be one of the more popular items in my Etsy store.

Wearable Art details

In my haste to post my Wearable Art I neglected to mention that I used my Cuttlebug embosser on the earrings and now on the larger hat flower. I also used Kryon Clear Glaze to coat the elements to increase stability and give them a better look. It's a challenge to photograph due to the high gloss but I'm pleased with them. The glaze will require at least two coats on matte or flat finished cardstock.

Simply Bookmarks

I have to say how much I like the simple but classic look of the Plantin Schoolbook bookmarks...my favorite way to do them is with a black background on a green border. The letter colors are either scrapbook paper or a part of a magazine page with interesting colors. I love the colorful mini tassels though I can't find them anymore...*sigh*...isn't that the way it is, you like something and then it's discontinued! Ugh!! Well I'll use what I have, no point hoarding them.

I also can't resist adding a little more texture by running the bookmarks through the cuttlebug with a couple of my favorite embossing patterns! Love the swirls!

Cuttlebug Crazy

I recently bought some beautiful cuttlebug embossing folders...
a couple of my favorites thus far are the swirls and paisley...
they add such a wonderful textural element to the papers.
Here are a few favorites.




In the top set I lightly sanded the paper to bring
out the swirl design more on the mini purse and shoe
and it looks fab on solid paper!

Easy Gift Card Envelopes

Since giving gift cards is popular I thought I'd size some envelopes to fit them and they work well for my gift certificates, too. Just creates an extra personal touch. The paper used is by Best Occasions, Punch-Out Pack bought at WalMart. The green band, rectangular tag are in the punch-out pack. The flowers are from Plantin Schoolbook cartridge and the Thanks tag is the Stamped cartidge.
I used ponytail bands so I cut a slit from the hole on tags so I could slip them on and used a small piece of invisible tape to secure the slit (though not necessary).
The thank you below is stamped and colored and the Thank Ewe just hand written. There is a sheep designed embossed behind but I need to add a little white to make the shape more obvious.

Pretty in Pink

I really do try and control myself but I just thought I had to try another shoe made with a paper heel (it was a challenge!) and of course, it had to be part of a set! So once again the Plantin Schoolbook bag with a large flower (2 petals at 3", 1 at 2½",and the last petal set on Italic at 1½" with a metallic flower accent in the center.) I opted for a pink heel...the paper,double-sided printed paper, DCWV 'the Spring Glitter Stack' from JoAnn's Fabrics.

For the basic shoe design check my sidebar label 'shoe' and you will find a link in an earlier post to the paper artist who inspired the shoes I've created. He provides a tutorial as well as a template. He provides instructions for creating a beaded heel so I had to experiment with a paper version, not perfect, but fun and challenging.

Here's a link to the Cricut Messageboard posts that shows some of the other shoe sets created by others!

Wire Name Gift Tags

I designed these using the tag from the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge from Cricut and bending flexible wire into names to personalize. Laney jolee was done with a single strand of wire, the others were a double strand which adds more stability to this lightweight wire. I also like adding a little flower motif and a bead at the center of the flower.

To attach the name to the tag I make two holes close to each other at strategic areas (like where letters loop) to secure it through the top tag only (a push pin on an old mouse pad works well) and then I tape the wire down on the back to flatten it and then glue the top tag to the back tag.

Bookmarks with Stamped Cartridge

I used a picture from a magazine for the bookmark but could easily insert a favorite printed saying or a digital picture of a friend or family member.

Purses with Plantin Schoolbook cartridge...

Posted here are some of the design I'm doing using my Plantin Schoolbook Cricut cartridge...I love, love, love the adorable little purses I can make!

These were done with some with beautiful rose gift wrap that I spray glued to card stock...on some I've added some additional flowers and leaves and on a few I stamped a design on the inside of the purse for an additional design touch.

Adding more purses...they are a perfect touch for giving a special gift...earrings, a necklace or a gift card.