3D Flower Card

FrugalGrannie 3D flower made with two size flowers.  A half of 3/4 inch round styrofoam and a 1/2 inch size. It is a cross between an Allium and Hydrangea flower. so I'm calling it a FrugalGrannie 3D Flower. I didn't have a starburst die for the Allium or mini-5 petal flower for the Hydrangea. So I used what I had a mini-eight petal flower hand die. I got the idea from "McGill How-to-Flower" Videos. The attached link shows you how to make the Allium. It is such a pretty flower and comes in so many colors.

I've always loved Hydrangea flowers with the sweet memory of my Dad picking up a planter for my GrandMother for Mother's Day and Easter.

I hope this encourages you to make it work with whatever you have. I believe in being frugal and making altered projects. Haaaaa..I just never thought I would be creating my own flowers.  I love the way this came out and it was quite easy. Hope you give it a try.

I  did use the McGill flower tools only because I knew of no other..Besides it is hard for me to get out and buy so I ordered these online from Hobby Lobby with their 40% coupon and free shipping. If you love flowers and want to attempt making your own. I suggest you check out McGill How-to Videos. They have a big variety of beautiful flowers to make.  If I can do it... you can. I have added Sunflowers to my To-Make list...love them.



Thought I would close showing you what a real Allium Flower looks like. They come in several colors and breeds.

 Well, I hope you enjoyed and are encouraged to make your own. So what if they are original..it makes it more interesting and we are artist..in our own right. Be blessed until next time. Leave a comment and come back again.

To Dye for Projects in Beautiful Black

I am so excited to share this fun project..I have been wanting decorative black colored clothes pins to show off and display some projects. I have painted  by hand, spray painted, even painted with markers. So tedious and not the look I wanted.  I got this idea from another Blogger called 'Raising Oranges', she inspired me with her concept. She dyed hers pretty colors of pink, orange, blue, etc., but no black..I wanted black but her concept was there. I gave it my tweaked version..and got it done. I am sure you can do whatever color you want as she did and/or using her technique.

Instructions For Dyeing Natural Wood into a Beautiful Color Black as follows in Part 1 & 2:

Part 1:

Need Microwaveable Bowl - that holds more than 6 cups of waters

Newspaper for placing items to dry
Papertowels(I actually didn't have to use to many)
Apron for splattering on you..or wear an old t-shirt..

Ingredients in bowl: Part 1

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup vinegar
• Mircowave for 299 seconds---SECONDS

 Have handy:  spoon/ladle for spooning dye over items in bowl, tongs, oven mittens. Be careful, will be very hot to a boiling point. FYI..don't use wood utensils..will dye them

Part 2:

Add Additional Ingredients:

• *2 tablets of *blue egg dye/ will bubble as dissolving_stir well
• 1 box  Rit All Purpose Concentrated Tint & Dye/ Black15_stir well

Place clothes pins in and let soak for 5 minute or so..thats right..doesn't take but 5 minutes. 

* the 2 blue tablets of egg dye was before I decided to add the black dye/tint..(Her version had a dye tablet/water only process..so if want to leave these tablets out you can try it..let me know because i would like to know if it effected my color processing)

You can pick up one from top and bottom to make sure IN long enough & took dye.

They came out such a pretty black..some of them the silver clip did oxydize..I can easily like that look..But noticed it was taking longer to take color when the dye fluid got cold..so I rewarmed dye fluid to very hot again and the color dyeing picked up again...5 minutes or less..I did ladle dye over items because I over stuffed bowl...THE MAIN CONCEPT WAS TO KEEP DYE FLUID HOTS SO NOT TO OXYDIZE METAL AND TAKE SHORTER TIME TO PICK UP COLOR.

I had so much fun and it was so much easier than painting...I dyed a few more projects I've been putting off because not wanting to paint so many different coats. So here are a few more items I dipped in dye.

I did one more..my favorite $1.50 find at Michaels..As you can see I love birdhouses.

I bought two but only wanted one black.  Notice the metal birds..once I finished dyeing the birdhouse and layed on the paper I put a few extra drops of the black dye on tips of the birds here and there and got a distressed oxidation look..and it worked.

  Oh yes..almost forgot an important part to keep the glitter from shedding.  Lightly spray on each side with clear coat spray.Well, I hope you found this project useful..I know I did..the main reason was so I could have fancy black clothes pins..and add colored glitter to topsides for my blingy/girlee projects. 

Hopefully you will check out 'Raising Oranges' Blogsite..because she has some great ideas and has her blog setup to show you some other interesting blog projects on the bottom of her page.  She was a blessing sharing and helping me get this project done. Its been a project I have longed to get done.

In another note..so happy there are crafters out there that are willing to share their ideas....and wanting to be a blessing to others.

Blessings to you as you visit me on my joyous walk sharing my love of arts & crafts.

Don't forget to leave a comment or check off the 'interesting', 'cool', or 'blessed me' poll options.

Paper Angel

 Here is a peek at a paper angel I put together in the wee hours of this morning. I've been out of it the past week. Can't seem to get my body to cooperate to do anything for long periods.  So on with the good stuff.

I love how the first draft of my paper angel came out. Look for more to come.  Not sure if I've seen one on a card if so..here is my version.

Enjoy these couple of pictures apologies for a not so complete card..just mainly wanted to share my paper angel.

Until next time:

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  Psalm 91:11

Bubble Gum Pink-a-delic

Different sized pieces all the same pretty bubble gum pink color with different Cuttlebug embossed designs placed in a collage form with pop dots to give several layers of dimension. Lightly sanded to bring in another wave of dimension.  Delicately surrounded by pearls.  The butterfly is by McGill a hand diecut glittered with Martha Stewarts  'Bubble Gum' pink glitter flakes.                                                                                               

                                                    

It's an easel card.

Embossing folders are Cuttlebug, with a Martha Stewart 'Antique Lace' handheld diecut.

Hope you enjoyed my use of Cuttlebug folders. "Follow Your Dreams"  even if they are different from everyone else.  Be yourself and add to the rainbow of colors.

Until next time..thanks for stopping by.

Follow Your Dreams...

This card project was inspired by one of several blogs I love to visit for growth and challenges in developing my 'heart-art' cards. It's a bi-weekly Alphabet Challenge Blog choosing a letter then using a word as inspiration, this period being J with the word Journey. This is the first time I enter their challenge.

The first picture that came to mind was one of my favorite stamps by 'LaBlanche' a tranquil scenic stamp with a bicycle that puts me in a peaceful mode enjoying the beautiful creation around  with the sentiment 'Follow your Dreams' and a 'key'. I used USArtquest watercolors, Vintage pallete.

Lifes a Journey...as I made this card

  Fitting the challenge of 'Journey' I went on a thought journey thinking, what do I want on this new journey of creativity I am on and loving?  I am new to Card Challenges and have been noticing the majority of blogs I visited have prizes for the top winner. The catch to lots of them is that they let a random number system choose the winner.  Then the next top 3 get to copy a banner and place it on their blog..Heeee..I got to be one of three..I was so honored.

Then a change happened in my thought process to creating my cards. I found 'greediness' wanting to be a partner in my challenge entries finding myself wanting to enter as many as I could to win the goodies. Thank goodness as I visited some of the other entrants blogs I found a new avenue of Blog Hopping so I started Blog Hopping this past month of May and found so many talented and wonderful artists..I mean there are some jaw-dropping, uniquely beautiful in another level, gorgeous and creatively made pieces of art, keepsakes, notions etc. out there.  I was and still am getting so inspired. I felt I needed to decide what direction I wanted to take my creativity.  I also needed to decide what kind and where I wanted these challenges to take me.   

At this beginning stage of developing myself in my creativity I knew my main desire and inspiration was to use my life journeys stepping stones toward walking closer to my Heavenly Father, Savior and Creator. I have always been one to think out of the box in terms of being frugal using what I have and creating and altering old things into new and into more use. I am seen and taken to be different by my peers therefore always felt different or out of place. And at one time being bullied was hurtful and damaging to my self-esteem and wanting life.  But... I finally found the 'key' to survival in this cruel world.  I found encouragement, unconditional love, kindness and new joy through my Savior Jesus Christ. I am not telling you who or what to believe in.  You can believe in what you want but... I am here to share with you because I look back and longed that someone would have told me about this amazing God that sincerely cares. I am here today because I have found the 'Truth'. I have literally searched for love and a wholeness in  different churches and people and all have failed me.  Until I found Jesus Christ eventually I got directed to the right churches that sincerely were helping me develop and grow in him and feel truly loved unconditionally. I can say I did find and have a home church.

I find out more each day that it is ok to be unique. We are precious and intricately made and meant to be and see greater things.  Be encouraged to be yourself. You are loved where you are. Let God love you where you are. You have everything to gain...

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful

Jeremiah 31:3

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

********************************************************

I hope you enjoyed reading my walk along my creative journey and love of arts & crafts. When I visit your blog and leave compliments..they are from my heart and you are a blessing and inspiration...Keep up your beautiful heart art..I love coming by to visit. Until later..hugs.

Quiet Waters..Restore my Soul

I have given myself a Cuttlebug challenge to come up with designs at least one or more a week. To think outside the box from the straight forward folders. I used three differentCuttlebug folders to create this card: Texture Textile, Dots, Wavy Line, . And the Martha Steward hand punch with one of the long-mini Cuttlebug folders in the middle of the handcut design. The flowers are handmade by cutting a circle swirl.

I added a chipboard bird diecut. The butterfliy is a hand press diecut by McGill. I glittered and embossed with the Cuttlebug 'Textile texture' folder.

My calm and peaceful card with the sentiment/scripture from Psalm 23- The Lord is my Shepherd.

I am going to share the whole chapter of Psalm 23. It came to mind as I was sick with one of my Crohns disease attacks  last night. It filled me with peace and assurance that my Heavenly Father is with me always.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul,

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his names's sake.

Even though I walk through

 the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me,

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows,

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I hope you enjoyed my card and your visit..I pray you were blessed by the prayer and know that you are not alone and are loved.

Altered Container

To think this was an ugly container.

Thanks to inspiration from "Punky Sprouts Blog" and some of their emblishments it is now a new inspiration on its own to make me want to color, color, color even more.



Before look

The 'Before' picture.  Altered to be a color pencil holder.
Materials:
 PunkySprouts: Lil' Blooms & Lil' Blossoms Parchment
 Pink Paisle: ribbon & doodad's - 'My Love' felt sprocket sticker
 Design Paper: K&CO
 Spotted Canary: glittered swirls
 Modpodge, decorative crayons,
 Flowers: handmade along with other Miscellaneous


I love to color my drawings and now when I look at my container it will make me want to color even more. These colors were inspired by  "Punky Sprouts June Challenge'..I love these colors and have them in my craftroom so it turned out to be perfect. I am going to submit this altered piece for a chance to win more of their emblessments...they have a new online Store .  I am hoping you will go check it out.  I am also in the middle of working on a Punky Sprouts, 'Teenie Beanie' album.."would be nice to win some emblishments from them.

           

This project was fun..Next I am inspired in adding to my To-Do wish list is alter a cigar box with some of 'Punky Sprouts' new Lil Blooms/Lacy and their new Denim-Funky Punky line..they would look and be a great emblishment.  Along with Pink Paislee paper I have already  picked.  I don't work for.. just inspired by 'Punky Sprouts'...check out their Design Teams inspiration Gallery pieces..You'll get inspired.



The front side.

 

This is the backside.
This Altered project was entered into the Punky Sprouts June Challenge .

I hope this inspires you to recyle those containers that can safely be altered to a thing of beauty and reuse.

It's OK to be different...God made us all unique and intricately made...if we all had the same ideas and looked alike can you imagine how boring we would be.  Let God love you where you are and you will see yourself Bloom.  It can be a good thing to be different, if you let it.. 

Thanks for visiting me, leave a comment..It's nice to know you stopped by.



Cuttlebug Bliss

I have chosen to make two birthday cards using a Cuttlebug Embossing folder as puzzle pieces.  Enjoy my blissful journey playing with my cuttlebug.
Materials:
-Recycled empty 6 pack of gum to make little gift box decoration for card.
-Flower made with Martha Stewart Die/Stamp punch.
-Cuttlebug embossing 'Happy Birthday' folder & mini 'Celebrate' folder

-Cuttlebug mini diecut tags

-Martha Stewart diecuts for trims & lace paper ribbon

Cuttlebug mini diecut tags 



I diecut, scored, folded and placed a lace paper ribbon underneath the little gift box and tags to give dimension to the blue card above. I cut different paper sizes to emboss specific areas on the Birthday folder to make my puzzle pieces.  Pop-dots were placed here and there to give dimension to both cards.

Another Card using Cuttlebug fun..with lots of bling. I did this one in two versions.

More bling..with a little princess crown.
 - Embossed paper sections on pre-chosen areas on 'Birthday' folder
 - Glitter sections were put through the Xyron machine to add glitter then embossed    again.

The  Second version with a butterfly. I am really happy the way the glitter adhered well using the Xyron machine and more so because I sent the glittered pieces through the embossing machine twice to clarify words since it had all that glitter. .

I hope this encourages you to use your Cuttlebug embossing folders more..I have so much fun using them in different looks.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting me. Hope you leave a comment..its always nice to hear from you.





Top 3

Hello Everyone,
It's my Birthday, today, Friday, June 8th!..
I wanted to take this time to share my chosen Top 3 cards I created in the past six months. I am proud and love them.  I consider these particular three to show my character in who I am.  It's been one good year that I have dedicated my love for making cards as my heart-art. I receive this as a blessing from God.
My days are short with what I can do so when I can I release my gratitude and love for my God through my "Heart-Art".

#1

#2

#3

I hope they inspire you as they inspire me to greater ways of creativity. I have one more to share that is really special. It is a tag I made for one of my sisters.

This one says it all..until next time.    1Peter 5:7  Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.

Please try to leave a comment as a smile you enjoyed, and a kind word or two as a hug. Be Blessed of the Lord.

Thank you for stopping by.

I take off my Hat to You..

I love hats..and I have so many hats, fancy hats,floppy hats, 40's hats, cowboy hats, lowrider hats, panama jack hats..OK..ok..you get the picture.

I love doodling but didn't realize it was an art. I thought it was just me scribbling and drawing doing what I love.

 I followed a Blog Hop last month call Viva LasVegas Stamps and found some outstanding, amazing, jaw-drawing, fantastico(heehee my spanish is coming out) simpatico cards,  stamps and drawings.  Oh my word..they were out of this world...Loving them.  I chose to go ahead and visit some of their personal blogs. I learned something new...Zentangle, Tangle patterns, Doodle art.  Wow..I am having a little heaven on earth.

During my physical down times I am reclined on my sofa or bed. Choosing a positive road those are the times I make my paper flowers for my cards. Now I can listen to music and tangle too...heeehee..get it..tango..tangle..I know I get a little to happy...they don't let me out much..heeeheee..just kidding..

Y'all are starting to wonder off on me....stay with me a bit longer.  So here is my "hat off to you" zentangle artist, doodle artist and tangle pattern creator artist. 

 I am on a new journey to drawing every which hat I can and...

Drawing hats to a joyful life of 'tangle patterns'..and hopefully get better at drawing a hat..heee

Love and Hugs...I'll be having an added combination of fun.  Praying there are going to be lots of hats you will be seeing..while my feet are dancing and praising my Lord Jesus Christ for this gift of art...I love so much.

Leave a comment as a smile...show me some love and leave a kind word or two. Until next time...hugs.