Wonderful Weekend.

WOW..what a fantastic weekend. Yesterday I was at Cropalooza from 9-almost midnight, creating and stamping with a roomful of creative Women. So much fun and so much accomplished. Over the next week I will share what I got done.

Today we honoured my niece Kaitlan with a Bridal Tea shower. There were 100 ladies sharing tiny sandwiches, and their favourite tea. Everyone brought their own teacup and shared stories of why it held special meaning. We really are so blessed to have such great family and friends, as Kaitlan was showered with very generous gifts.

The project I am showing you today is how to use the Big Shot to make a fabric covered star. For this example I used some of the Candy Cane fabric from the winter mini. This is my first stab at a tutorial...please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification.

Step 1. Measure off and rip a 3" strip off the longest edge of your material. Then cut that strip into 5" lengths.
Step 2. Using a piece of chipboard (I use the white backing paper from our designer series paper)cut into 3 x 5" pieces.
Step 3. Using a glue stick...yep, that is correct, a glue stick, attach the fabric to the chipboard.
Step 4. Run each piece through the big shot, using the star die. Make sure your fabric is up!
Step 5. Using Tombo glue, attach each petal of the star together. As you can see in the pictures, I use office clips to keep them together while the glue sets...this is a very quick process. Leave the clips on while you decide how to embellish your star, by that time it will be dry.

These are great as a tree topper, or wouldn't they be cute with a letter in the centre spelling out a child's name. Your imagination is your only limit.

Please let me know if you make one of these stars. Also, let me know if you need to order a Big Shot and this die!!!

Pals Paper Arts

Happy Sunday Evening. What a fantastic weekend I had. Thanks to Karen and Lisa, I enjoyed 2 great days at their spring Cropalooza. So much fun. The venue was handy, the ladies were so lovely and I got a ton accomplished. For the last couple of weeks, I have played along with the Pals Paper Arts weekly challenges. This week is a sketch challenge and I have to say I LOVE IT! The card I am showing tonight is a show stopper. It turned out better than I expected...and was the last card I made this weekend. The flowers are punched out, then I snipped them and layered them to give the dimension. I used the little leaves embosslet for the Big Shot, and also some of the little birdie wings from the Bird Punch.

Be sure to play along...and let me know if were able to get a card made. I would love to see it.

Check back frequently this week as I have a lot to share....

Aren't these the most adorable little birdhouses? These were made using one of the new dies for the BigShot...the milk carton, and turned into these delightful decorations. Just think of the possibilities...all decked out for Easter, stuffed with mini egss, or how about next Christmas, hanging on your tree? There are so many ideas for these little gems...

Upcoming dates:

Feb 6th...Valentine's Crop at 745 York St

April 17th and 18th, Cropalooza in Nilestown. This 2 day crop is a great event run by 2 Scrapping friends of mine. Once I have the link to their site, I will post it here. Until then, if you want more details, let me know and I will send you an invite. They do a great job of hosting, tons of food, vendors, and plenty of space to spread out and scrap till the cows come home!

Crop-a-Looza

I have heard about these all weekend long crop fests, and have to admit, never really contemplated attending. However, my friend Karen asked if I would like to be a vendor at their retreat at beautiful Elmhurst. Let's just say...I am so glad I went....I had a wonderful time. Karen and Lisa had everything so well organized, the venue was beautiful and I got to play and stamp with alot of new stamping friends.

If you get a chance to go to an event like this...here are some tips from me to you!
* plan your projects, I had a list of what I needed and wanted to accomplish and I am so glad I planned ahead.
* take your camara...there were so many lovely projects and designs techniques (insert sad face, I forgot my camara!)
* Use ziplock bags to plan your pages or cards, and make a list of all the supplies you need. (that way you won't take 20 ink pads, and only use 6, voice of experience)
* Be open to sharing your stuff...the simple gesture of leaving my punches out, was so appreciated.
* Have fun..I sure did, and as soon as the next date is set, I will let you know. Nilestown will be the next venue, 2 days in April, not overnight.

The cards pictured were made using some left over designer paper. The DSP was cut at 3 x 4.25, and the matte is cut at 4.25 x 3.5.

Great way to use up some DSP for fast and easy card giving.