Wrapping Paper Cards...

Last year for my birthday my sister, Marie, gave me several gifts and each of them were wrapped in doll themed paper.  She knows how I love dolls.  One of the wrapping papers had wonderful vintage dolls on it and she told me the story of the paper. 
You see, Marie is the most giving and kind hearted soul.  She cleans houses for elderly folks and also spends lots of time just listening to them and being a comfort.  One of her ladies knew that Marie was meeting me for my birthday (this was last August) and that I love dolls.  That sweet lady who doesn't even know me told Marie that she had some wrapping paper and went to get it.  It was a roll of vintage wrapping paper with these amazing dolls all over it.  How very thoughtful. 
So when I met Marie for our get together and she told me the story I decided that I would make some cards with the paper.  I made two sets...one for Marie and one for the lady who gave her the paper.  I made each card different and sometimes added lace or paper doilies.  I lined each envelope with pretty paper.  Then I tied the sets with ribbon and gave them to Marie for herself and to pass along to her client. 
This is such an easy way to use paper that would otherwise be thrown out.  I like to crumple the paper and give it a real worn look with all the wrinkles and character. Wrapping paper works really well because it is lightweight and easy to work with.  You can tear around the image for one look or cut around it for another version.  If tearing...remember the paper torn off away from you will leave a clean edge and the paper torn off towards you will leave a white edge.  That can also be part of the look for the finished cards. Try using tissue paper on cardstock.  You can either buy blank cards and envelopes or you can cut card stock and use that for the cards.  Envelopes are fun and easy to make from templates or just buy blank envelopes at the supply store. 
Hmmm...gifts for birthdays, holidays or next Christmas.   Make a few sets here and there and put them into that gift cupboard for just the right occassion. 
P.S.  It is always extra nice to stamp handmade on the backs of the cards.  I don't date them from experience of misplacing them and finding them years later...not good to give an old dated card set that has no vintage value. 
Do you make and give handmade cards?  Do you premake cards and keep a supply on hand for all those occassions that pop up at the last minute? 
Now I should do as I say and play in the studio making some card sets.
Joyful January 2012 to everyone...

Dashing December...

December is certainly dashing along...thankfully not in the snow.  This month has been very disconnected for me as Mr. C has been out of town helping a friend.  The last two weeks I was with him and staying in strange hotels, on the road and eating all the wrong foods in restaurants.  The very first week his computer battery charger died and that was bad as he needed it for the daytime and I was going to use it for the evenings to stay in touch with my blogging friends.  I am here to contest to the fact that Murphy's law has not been repealed!

Fortunately while sitting in my hotel room day after day after day I was able to prepare my Christmas cards and get them mailed.  Luckily I had begun in August and made my little gifties I was mailing.  The top photo is of some fabric I purchased and knew exactly what I would make with it.  Postcards.  I did add some red glitter bling before mailing them. 

This is one way that I like to send a gift.  Attached to a card and then wrapped in tissue for mailing.  I can show these now because I know the recipient received them and really likes the pink hearts. 

 I made a couple more Origami bags out of this fun girly fabric that jumped into my cart one day at the store. 

 I lined one with this fun zebra fabric.

The other one with the cheetah fabric.  Both turned out pretty with the red ribbon and button accents.  Filled with some little items and some moolah my granddaughters each liked them.  They are young adults but still girly after all.
I was feeling very disconnected while gone because I never seemed to accomplish anything...especially creative.  Even shopping can fill a void for only so long.  And believe me the shopping where I was...well let me just be polite and say it lacked a lot! 
No settling in by the fire for me.  Mr. C has come down with a bug and he is trying to share it with me.  There were tons of people sick everywhere we went and I really tried to stay on top of the sleep and pre-meds. 
I am doing my best to stay current with each of you and the beautiful things you are making and decorating your homes with.  I have lots of mail to get through and I feel so fortunate because I can see some really interesting envelopes addressed to me. 
Thank you to each and every one for your patience with me this December.  I can positively say that January 2012 will be a very good beginning to a wonderful new year. 
Jingle Bell Hugs to each and every fabulous friend in blogland...

Bottlecaps and Baking...

 This is a simple and easy gift item I have been making.  Bottlecap necklaces.  Unfortunately I did not contain my making to the studio and therefore I have glittered my entire kitchen table and subsequent wood flooring.  A tablecloth on the table hides the telltale glitter but what about the floor?  I have tried everything to clean it up.  Well at least it is pretty. 

I made a bunch of these for the upcoming elementary school sale.  My time and supplies are merely my donation as the sale price of the item gets donated to the school for expenses to help the kids. 

 Meanwhile this is my front yard.  A huge irrigation project the county is doing.  There is a 1920s water canal system from the gold rush days and current technology is replacing the old metal water pipe with larger concrete carriers that are dug down deep and tunneled under our road.  This is a very controversial project and my neighbors are mostly against it and make it difficult for the workers.  My husband and I realize progress must happen and we have been very helpful even though it impacts us the most as it is on our property.  Of course the NID (Nevada Irrigation District) does have easements to the canals.  We the property owners really have no say so in the matter.  Some have sued and gotten monetary settlement but that merely delays the project and increases the costs to all of us. 

So I spent a day this week baking four dozen cookies to give to the work crew.  You should have seen their eyes light up when they saw the cookies.  One of the concrete truck drivers took a big bite and immediately said, "These are Snickerdoodles!" and took another bite.  Why yes they are!  My very favorite cookie which I learned to bake when I was very young and visiting a relative in a lovely old two story farm house.  I had given the box to the foreman and he was eating one and all the other work crew were way on the opposite side of a huge dug out hole.  When they saw the cookies they literally came running around the huge hole and all the equipment to get to the cookies all while saying, "Thank you!" to me with big smiles on their faces.  Oh it felt so good to have spent a day baking and making the boys happy. 
I continue to make my lists and check them twice.  It seems that for each item I check off I am adding several more that need attention.  Why is this the way it goes? 
Blissfulling sewing, beading, glittering, gluing and getting ready for the holidays...

Happy Haunting Halloween...

 Last of the ATCs...well maybe.  I made these two folders for Roni and her Mom.  They hosted an ATC swap and the results of that will be posted next week.  If you have never participated in a swap I highly recommend it.  Lots of fun!

 Inside the ATC folder.  I kept this pretty simple and flat as I think my post office service is not fond of me or my artwork I pay extra to hand cancel and send safely. 
Here are the ATCs I included inside the folder. 

 Here is a piece of artwork I won from Lindsay.  Her work is unique and she has been published so many times I have lost count.  Please go see what Lindsay is up to in the creative realm. 

This is made on a Mahjong tile and I adore it.  Mr. C always says I ride a broom.

 Thank you Lindsay. 

 Here I am wearing my Halloween casual clothes.  Glittered pumpkin socks, a soft orange jacket my dear sister gave me that I get so many compliments each year when I wear it and my new Mahjong Witch pendant.

 Yes, another ATC that is in the mail.  By-the-way this is some of Lindsay's artwork that she got printed by Pinecone Press into 12" x 12" scrapbook papers.  Super cute drawings all over the entire sheet.  I only wish I had purchased many more pages. 

And you asked me to post my costume I wore at the local Chamber of Commerce Saturday as I hosted the Visitor Center.  Here I am in all my Witch glory...complete with Trick or Treat bag I made years ago. While I was at the CofC I had lots of people take a second look.  Several asked if they could take my photo and I said with a smile, "If you must".  :o)  It was a great day and I was definitely channeling my Grandma and Mother.  Grandma's birthday was October 30th and she finally gave in and always dressed up as a witch each year...of course creating her very own costumes and always out-doing herself every year.   So...
In the tradition of Halloween and my lineage I am continuing this Witch costume theme and enjoying it very much. 
Happy Haunting and Safe Trick or Treating to you all...

Fabrics, Laces, Inspirations...

I was browsing through my photo archives and found this folder of three photos.  These were taken one year ago.   My how time flies.  I had almost forgotten these fabulous purchases because they sit in a "Project" drawer.  Most of these pieces of fabric are small 1/8th yard of silks that I thought I would make some flower brooches with.  The gray rolled bit is elastic that is very sturdy and I did use some of it when I made some cuff bracelets.  This Autumn which is here already would be a really good time for me to dig out that "Project" drawer and get busy.  It is a shame that the money represented here isn't gaining any "interest" as it sits hidden away untouched. 

 Now this little pile is of delicious ribbons.  Very special ribbons that I just could not resist.  I was in Portland Oregon and absolutely had to visit a shoppe I had always heard about named "The Ribbonry".  Immediately upon entering the door I was on complete ribbon, lace and button overload.  The magic in that room was beyond what I could comprehend.  I just wanted to buy everything I saw in every direction I turned.  However this tiny bit of fluff I could not leave behind did come home with me.  After all it is my investment in my future happiness.  I have used a bit of this however it is definitely time to open the ribbon box and put some of this to good use.  I see some Autumn colors in here that I should definitely be enjoying. 

Then around the corner was a wonderful fabric shop.  Neat clean and ever so expensive.  I purchased these two pieces without having anything in mind.  Due to the outrageous prices of the fabrics I didn't buy very much and so I am struggling with what to make that will be timeless and fit me and not need much material.  The floral fabric has the softest touch and is in my favorite colors which remind me of a peacock. 
Well, this has been a trip down memory lane for me as I found these photos of a road trip we took and enjoyed very much just last Autumn.  Now I am inspired to actually so something with the beautiful fabrics and laces I have. 
Why is it so difficult for me to "Use the Good Stuff"?  I am always saving everything and then someone else gets to enjoy it instead of me.  This is something I shall work on changing. 
I am thinking of my 2011 word...NOW.  Now is a great time to use my beautiful fabrics and laces. 
Blissful inspirations to each of you...

Bottle Cap Necklaces...

 I have been having fun with some bottle caps.  These are not the purchased ones but they are real ones that my friends have popped off the top of their favorite bottle drinks.  Therefore the shapes are not perfect and the backs are original to the advertising or logo of the drink. I love the colors of them too. 

I purchased a sheet of bottle cap circle art...I apologize that I cannot give credit of manufacture name but with me "volume out" is the packaging and it goes first to make more room for art supplies.  I was hand cutting each little circle until I had a 40% off coupon and bought one of my favorite Fiskars easy ergonomic punches that cuts out the 1" circle perfect every time.  Some Ranger Glossy Accents and a little glitter and voila.  This one is particularly appropriate as September is following each of the months of this year as they really do fly past so fast.  I have used organza ribbon in place of the ball chain as I like this look and feel much better. 
This is such a fast and easy make.  Keychains would be this easy as well with just a short ball chain or a keyring loop.  Great gifts for all ages and genders.
Our weather has turned warm however still so perfect.  I am praying for all who are experiencing such horrific wildfires, no rain or too much rain, flooding, tornados and hurricanes.  This year has certainly been extreme for so many.
May creativity Fall into your minds and hands...

Fabic Pouch Obsession...

 These are the same Origami Pouches I have been making and sharing but with new fabrics.  This time in some gorgeous Christmas fabric.  This fabric has some gold sparkles in the threads and the colors are vibrant and elegant. 
I have used buttons in place of the charms on these and really like the look.  I also turned the flap up a bit to show the lining fabric and make it just a wee bit more fun. 

 Here are two of my favorite blue fabrics.  Each bag uses the exact two fabrics...Fairy Frost and a floral fabric my friend Margaret gave me after she finished her project.  It was merely a matter while making these which side I chose to be the feature leaving the other fabric to become the lining.  The floral pouch has beaded dangles while the blue one has buttons for trim. 

This is probably the most fun pouch I have made so far.  It all started with seeing the chocolate covered strawberry fabric at my local Ben Franklin.  I didn't buy it but my girlfriend did.  Then a few days later I was looking for a special bead and came across these glass strawberry "earrings" that my girlfriend had purchased but not done anything with.  Yes, I do have her bead box here in my studio as we almost always bead together and we share and divide most of our beads.  Well...I was obsessed with getting some of the strawberry fabric I had seen and making her this little pouch.  Hmmm...how could I do that without asking her permission to use her "earring" beads?  So I shared my idea with her and she agreed the two had to go together.  Back to Ben's I went and lucky day they had just enough fabric left on the bolt.  I lined this one with a very sweet black with red polka dots fabric.  The gathering ties are just right with the red and white polka dot ribbon.  An entire theme and I super love how it turned out.  So did Saucy Chick Lorraine when I gave it to her. 
I am having so much fun making these.  With my obesssion in fabrics I think I can make them until the world runs out of thread.  :o)
Enjoying my end of summer holiday weekend.  Staying home, visiting with friends, doing some much needed Fall cleaning (I probably missed my Spring cleaning since we never had Spring for all the seven months of winter), weeding which never seems to end and overall enjoying every moment of every day.  I even spent time organizing and putting away tons of stuff in the studio.  Amazing how my 4' x 8' work table can get so cluttered and I find myself working in a space of only inches. 
May you each have a safe and wonderful end of summer weekend and celebrate our Labor Holiday if in the USA. 
I am seeing lots of Halloween goodies...what are you working on these days?

Halloween Origami Pouches...

With less weeds to be pulled I am finding more time to be in my sewing room where I love to sew. There is something quite calming and relaxing about sewing...provided I am not attempting a new pattern or technique unfamiliar to me.
So here are a couple of Origami Pouches in Halloween fabrics.

This is very vintage fabric that I have owned forever. I added a cute charm to each side flap. The lining is the same bright yellow as the cording. These are so simple to make that I actually made two at the same time.

This is some new fabric I bought this year and I adore it. This photo does not do justice to the fabric but that is for another day...photography and I do not see eye to eye. It has such a graphic flair to the standard spider web look. "Hallowgraphix" by Jason Yenter for "In the Beginning" fabrics. I only wish I had bought more than one yard. Each little pouch takes an 18.5" square of fabric and lining.

On this one I sewed buttons to the flaps and like the look.

I am already planning a few more of these little fun pieces for gifts this year. With fabric choices and flap embellishments the options are endless.

Do you sew? Do you prefer fabric or paper or ???

Happy mid week to all...

Happily creating...

I just can't help myself. I keep making these little lace chickies and they keep flying off to new homes. This little lady is still here as she hasn't decided where she is off to.

This little gal just left on a very long trip. She has chosen to fly clear across the ocean to a far away country. Far away from here in California. In fact she is surprising someone who is celebrating a birthday. Little Chickie knew before I even knew. Funny how a real personality comes forth as you are creating something. Bits of paper, lace, trims, a button and some twine and before you know it her little heart is beating and she is full of wonder and smiles. She has a long trip and then must endure customs so when she arrives I know she will need a tender loving hug. Fortunately her new home will give her lots of hugs and love. A dear sweet lady will take very good care of Little Chickie.

This little beaded heart leash is for a lovely lady who gave me these pretty floral needle nose pliers. I use them everyday it seems. They are so handy and also add a flair of floral femininity to my workroom studio. This photo really does not show how pretty they really are in green and pinks. Her beaded heart leash is in pretty yellows as that is the color she was wearing the day she gave me the pliers and she looked so pretty in yellow. Yellow is a difficult color for some to wear...like me. I love how sunny and happy yellow is but it looks awful on me with my skin tones. So I like to craft with yellow and that satisfies my love of the color yellow.

The studio and sewing rooms have been busy of late. Lots of creating and making of gifts for thank yous and birthdays.

Is it just me or are these longer sunshine days just evaporating all too quickly? I have so much more energy with the sun shining however I seem to be so far behind in every area of my day. Before I know it the sun has gone to bed and the daylight has changed to darkness and I am still not done with my list of daily items to accomplish. I do know I am spending lots more time outside enjoying the great weather. After seven months of super cold, wet and snowy winter I am loving the outdoors with all the green grass growing, flowers blooming, birds flying from tree to tree, and lizards lounging on warm rocks or pathways. I can literally spend hours hand watering plants and just enjoying the calmness of it all. Mr. C always reminds me that he installed complete drip systems and I do not need to hand water however I always tell him I don't mind doing it...I actually love it! Hmmm...maybe this is where I am losing time each day. Well if so, I am not going to complain as it is a wonderful way to wile away the hours enjoying nature and all it has to offer.

How are you spending your time in this glorious season of ours called Summer?

Or Winter where you are in the world?

May you enjoy every moment of every day and feel good about what you are doing...

Ribbon Bookmarks...

Ribbon Bookmarks.

Very easy to complete.

Grosgrain ribbon...approximately 12".

Punched card stock hearts...large and small.

Needle with crochet thread.

Fold over top of ribbon.

Layer small heart over large heart.

Both front and back of ribbon.

Stitch through all layers.

Tie off and cut threads.

Done.

Very easy...right?

These will be part of the table favors for the 90th birthday girl's party. If you look closely you will see the bookmark in the center of the photo is special as it has both a heart button and a punched cardstock crown on the front and back.

Can you think of events that you might make these bookmarks for? Sunday school...birthdays...teachers...home bound seniors...library book groups, kids or adults...

We have finally had two days of glorious sunshine and I am Happy Creating...

May Baskets/Cones...

Yes, I realize this is June and May has come and gone (quickly I say) however I am running behind and I admit it. I made these for some May gifts just because. Remember the days of May baskets? Hanging a small gift of flowers on someone's door and ringing the bell and running off before they opened the door? Well I didn't do this with my cones. I thought about it and would have tried but I don't run so fast anymore and my vehicle is NOT quiet (at my request). I believe custom race car tuned exhaust helps warn the deer that I am on the roadways. But I digress...
I used hard paper cones that come from spools of yarn. Covered them in music paper. some lace and buttons and ribbon. Crinkled paper shreds for a "nest" and an egg to add ambiance. Very quick and easy to do. The ladies seemed to like them.

We had a beautiful day of sunshine which is so nice after the tremendous amount of rain and winter we have had right through yesterday. I understand we have had over 87 inches of rain in just under a year. No shortage of water table for us here. I tried to send rain to Texas and Florida but it never got that far. It made it to Utah where my aunt lives however she has had her fill too.

May you enjoy your week and make something creative...

Appreciation Gift...

Many of you have gifts to give at this time of year. Appreciation gifts to teachers is what comes to mind. That can get costly and truthfully what do you give that will be appreciated. This is something that can be done for either male or female. It can be personalized which really adds to the sentiment.
I didn't spend much money as I used mostly what I had on hand.
I did spend a little time to really "speak" to the recipient and let them know how much I truly appreciate who they are and what they do.

The entire little "book" is about 4" x 4". It can stand on a table or desk. It can be folded and put in a drawer or album. I presented this in an organdy bag.
The base is chipboard with holes punched and tied with ribbon to keep them together. I used chipboard alphabet letters to add the name to the front. Lots of stickers and punch outs in the theme of dragonflys which I know Cindy really likes. In fact the scalloped punch is from a card she gave to me so I know she really likes this dragonfly. Some meaningful words printed from my trusty label maker and my project is coming together.
I wrote my personal message to Cindy to tell her how much I appreciate her.
Finished and given. Well received and appreciated.
I hope this gives you some ideas for those numerous gifts that happen at this time of year.
Happy creating...

Quick Packaging...

Hello faithful followers. Do you ever have those days that just get lost? I completely lost yesterday while it was happening. Today I have decided that there is just no catching up so I shall merely move forward from here. Even my computer has been misbehaving for no known reason. Right in the middle of my post yesterday it decided to just lose all capability of functioning. Maybe my computer was relating to how my day was not progressing well.
I have always been told I am unfocused and therefore not able to stay on task. I like to think that is a good thing as I get more done...or not. :o) So anyway today I have been flitting from task to task to task and I will admit I feel like I haven't accomplished a thing, however I have cleaned and cooked and helped Mr. C put together a BBQ by fetching and holding, which is something I am very good at by the way, sewed two more lace bunnies as Easter is approaching quickly, opened the mail and paid a few bills, visited with a friend who stopped by, answered the phone several times and been able to put away some winter themed candles. Whew! Even I am impressed with all that I have accomplished and it is only early afternoon.
Let's get to the title of this post. Quick packaging is what I made for a couple of my Sister's birthday gifts. I used a beautiful ribbon that I knew she would like. Stitched the sides of the folded ribbon. Then I wrapped a blue Swarovski crystal tennis bracelet I made in tissue paper and slipped it into the ribbon case. I am sad I didn't take a photo of the bracelet as it really is stunning and Marie loves blue as much as I do. In the shorter ribbon case I placed a dragonfly key ring wrapped in tissue paper. As for the closure I decided to keep it very simple and used a small red colored safety pin that I attached a charm to for decoration. I am sorry my scan did not come out very straight or clear. I think you get the idea of how simple and quick these ribbon cases are for giving gifts inside of them. Next I will use the beautiful gold embellished ribbon Marie gave to me on my present as her next packaging for something I shall make and give to her. Ribbon is not only for wrapping around a gift. It can be the gift as well as the packaging. Now her delicate bracelet has a safe case for storage as well.
Let me see what shall I accomplish next? Maybe I better file the stack that has grown taller on my desk that also looks ready to take a dive over the edge. Of course better the papers than me. Oh thank you bloggers for staying with me as now I feel a little better realizing just how much I have completed today.
Happy mid-week to everyone...

April, Spring and Easter...

We are well into April and I am amazed at how quickly this year is passing. Happy Birthday to my sister Joyce today. And Happy Birthday to my friend Lisa tomorrow. April holds many birthdays for us to celebrate. How fortunate to be born in Spring. The surprise of new leaves and buds and blossoms all sprouting the excitement of fresh new life.

April this year is also the celebration of Easter. Very late in the month this year however all the same it holds lots of fun, parties, cupcakes, eggs and chocolate deliciousness.

These images are of some fabric postcards I made. I love to send these in the mail. The little bunnies having tea or picnicing or cooking were cut from some vintage fabric I had. They are so adorable. I do not remember who made the fabric so I apologize for not giving credit. I really enjoyed using this varigated thread to satin stitch around the edges. I honestly think satin stitching is a boon to thread sales.

May you have a wonderful and sunny week ahead.

Are you working on something special for Easter?

Wrapping Presents...

Wrapping presents can be quite the chore and take lots of precious time...unless you enjoy wrapping and making each gift look special. My mother was the best at wrapping each and every gift. She would make the paper look extra special and you would never see any tape and every fold was perfection. Then she handmade each and every bow the old fashioned way. I used to take forever to unwrap a gift as I didn't want to ruin her hard work. I would untape and unfold and save every piece of paper with no rips or tears. Her bows got reused for years until they litterally became shabby before shabby was chic.
These gifts I wrapped with paper and ribbons and an ornament and tag. I am quite pleased with them. Then in a very few minutes each was opened and all was tossed in the trash except maybe the ornament and some ribbon.

Now this is how I am having fun this year wrapping some gifts. I have used felt or flannel and serged the little bags to hold a gift. This bag holds a ceramic ornament and can also serve as storage to keep it safe during the year. The photo colors are off but I added a green button and string to close the bag.

This square bag I actually serged entirely closed with the gift inside. Then I wrapped it with green string and a green button to look like a real package with a bow. What is inside? A package of note cards for the recipient who by-the-way loved the packaging and didn't want to ruin it by opening however a pair of tiny scissors did the trick. Even after opening, this little bag will be reused for another gift and sent along it's way.

These fabric bags take no more time to stitch up than wrapping with paper. I really think they are quicker and a lot more fun.

What is your favorite way to wrap a package?

I am off to the studio to wrap some more as I need to get them in the mailing system very soon. I wish you a wonderful day of magic and creativity and hope you stop to enjoy the season.

Happy Holly Jolly Joy...

Easy Scrap Tags...

Here is my wonderful worktable once again. This time I am making some fun and super easy tags out of scraps.
See if you recognize some of the scraps I have used:
Green Hardanger cloth from the local thrift store costing $1 for all 15 tags.
Ecru ribbon from local thrift store 50 cents and most of the roll still left for more projects.
Buttons, thread, paper shapes cut from recycled holiday cards, used holiday postage stamps, fabric scraps, Bounce dryer sheets that tear or cut wonderfully, painted Lysol cleaning cloths, crocheted snowflakes, scrapbook paper scraps and tape transfers.

No two alike. So fun to just put each one together. I sewed most of them on the machine and some just with needle and thread.

Each one unique with a personality of their own.

As you can see...really anything goes to make these fun and easy scrap tags.

Cost involved is virtually next to nothing.

Time involved is truly fun and rewarding.

These tags are also easy to mail to those far away whom you wish to remember at this holiday season.

I do hope you have been inspired to make some fun and easy scrap tags. I hope you share photos of the tags you make. The possibilites are endless.

Happy creating...