From Christmas to Flowers

 It's a gorgeous autumn morning and I'm really gearing up for the Christmas season but somehow how side tracked into trying my hand at homemade flowers for cards and layouts. I did "okay" for a first attempt however now that I've done them once I know what modifications I will make my next attempt. I found some fantastic tutorials at Swirlydoos.com and decided to try them. As I told you before I am frugal so I don't have many fancy supplies but enough to get by until I am once again employed! So tried their Paper Bag Flower tutorial. I didn't have the punches or templates so I set out on the internet to find them. Sure enough I found a free template for poinsettia petals on a Sunday school crafts website. I also found a paper bag and off to work I went. My next attempt I will use smaller petals which will give it a more compact appearance. I used Gold Glimmer Mist and it did give the petals a nice glow but I think I would try a second color next time around to give it a deeper, richer look. I used a smaller Cricut flower cut from Walk in My Garden for the center .

The jeweled center is actually a bead cap with a small pearl glued in the middle-it's all about improvising! I am anxious to try this one again and am confident with smaller petals I would be very happy wth it. Down side of it....I had to use scissors  to cut the petals. I'd much rather push my Cricuts' little button and be done with it!  I did just that with the flower below. This is a cut from Walk in my Garden. It was 6 cuts, 2 of each size-misted with Gold Glimmer Mist and the petals molded while damp. Again there are things I would do differently such as use a smaller brad.Hind sight is such a great creative tool! {{{Hugz}}}.........have a fantastic day!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

The temperature here in the Catskills is unusually warm for the end of October. It is 70 degrees and sunny but somehow or another the Christmas spirit overcame me and I just couldn't resist the temptation of making a Christmas card. I just love blue for Christmas. A bit unconventional but it is so pretty with white and sparkles! So I threw this very simple card together just to appease my craving!

 

Recipe:

White card stock for the base

DCWV Metallic dark blue cardstock for the first mat & matting around the picture

Embossed white cardstock (cuttlebug 5X7 folder) for the second layer.-sprayed with Frost Glimmer mist.

Picture from Lunagirls Victorian Holidays CD-Volume 1  Fur areas on the picture were highlighted with white Sparkly Fluff by Craft Lounge

Blue gemstones accent the snowflake  ( Cricut Winter Woodland Cartridge) and right side of card.

Satin ribbon...my weakness is bow making. I have the WORST time with it!

And that's it..........fast & easy!

Don't forget the many Blog Hops going on right now. I always said "I never win anything" however I won 3 times in the last hop I participated in....so guess I will have to find something new to whine about! You can't win if you don't play so get out there, look around. There is some fantastic talent out there and some really great blogs to follow!

Also.........make sure you use that Micheal's 50% off Martha Stewart Coupon. It expires 10/30/10. 

 Oh.......look what the Postman just brought me! Presents....who doesn't love presents! A dear friend sent me these for my birthday. Check out that card. Is that adorable or what? Thank you Susie....love it (& you {{hugs}})

Have a great one!