Tulips

A few weeks ago I went with a friend to take some photos of the tulips. A few of them turned out. I need some more practice. That is going to be a part of my summer bucket list.

Grand Bloom Belt

Introducing the Grand Bloom Belt! It is the newest addition to my sash belt collection in my Etsy shop! So far I have only made the belt in yellow, purple, red, and pink but it is available in your custom colors for your special event. This belt is perfect for weddings and bridal parties, Prom and other dances, cocktail parties, or just your Sunday dress. You can contact me to choose your color of fabric and ribbon. Please contact me before ordering one of the colors below to check availability.

Red

Wine

Cranberry

Orange crush

Mustard yellow

Yellow

Celery

Dark green

Lime

Misty aqua

Turquoise

Teal

Light blue

Sapphire blue

Royal Blue

Navy blue

Electric blue

Periwinkle

Lavender

Purple

Eggplant

Pink

Rose (darker than pink)

Carnation (darker than rose)

Hot pink

Peach

Coral

Brown

Molasses (light brown)

Flax (light tan)

Ivory

White

Black

Silver

Gold

Antique gold (pale gold)

Butter (very pale gold)

You may also order the Mini Bloom Belt, or original Blooming Sash Belt in these colors as well. I am so excited about these belts! Spread the word to anyone getting married... I discount the belts for order of 4 or more!

Giant Paper Flower

I made this giant "wallflower" as a decoration for my craft room. I love the contrast of the pink and the bright green (although on my monitor it's looking a little olive green... you?)

I used the same technique that I used in the Valentines' Day book page flowers. Just cut all of the circles a lot bigger. I used 12 X 12 cardstock and traced a mixing bowl. Also be sure to get the cardstock moist (not completely wet) so it scrunches up.

You can see how big it is in comparison to the spoon. I think something like this would be really pretty as a center piece for a wedding or similar event- super cheap and easy. It would be even better with nicer paper, maybe two kinds of paper with contrasting textures...

I think I (husband) will hang it up by putting a nail through the center of the flower where it can't be seen.

If I can ever decide where I want to hang everything.

Don't forget about this week's Shop Your Closet challenge! We are wearing something hardly ever or never worn. I have already worn my outfit. I'll give you a hint... zebra print. Come link up on Saturday!

P.S. I am linking up to these parties.

Quick and Simple: Charms (Mother's Day Gifts)

This is a bit late in posting, but for Mother's Day this year I made these charms for all the mom's in my life. I put beads on headpins, attached them to a metal ring and attached the ring to a lobster clasp. Now she can put it on whatever necklace she wants. My mom got the pink bird one and wore it with some other charms and it was super cute. I made each charm around the personality and/or favorite colors of the receiver.

This is a great idea for a simple gift that you can make right out of your bead stash!

I wrapped them very simply by putting them in clear jewelry bags with handmade paper roses (find the tutorial here) as an alternative to a bow.

Refashion #12 Flower Shoe Clips

I bought these sandals on clearance at Walmart, but thought they needed a little dressing up. I purchased a little bit of extra fabric when I made the gray wedding jewelry because I thought it might match and I could make some shoe clips.

I started by cutting a whole bunch of circles out of the fabric. I used 4 of each material for each shoe clip. I just use a cardstock pattern and do my best. They don't have to be perfect.

You will want to melt the edge of each circle using a candle to prevent fraying.

Fold one circle into fourths and put the needle and thread through it.

Continue adding circles until it gets full enough to make you happy! : ) Like I said, I used 8.

Stitch it a few times to secure it, then sew the flower onto the shoe clip (I bought mine at this Etsy shop).

Ta da! You have a beautiful flower!

I made two clips for each shoe to fill up the space.

Much better, don't you think?

Happy Monday! I only have one more Monday left until summer break!!!

In bloom!

I finally have tulips in bloom. Spring has now officially sprung.

Fully open at mid-day

Pretty soon, the entire row will be in bloom.

Pink tulips are so pretty!

Husband was hard at work fixing the doorbell while I was playing with my camera. He is such a hard worker. He teaches school, own his own flooring company, serves others all the time, and is always doing chores around the house. Truth be told, he does more housework than I do... love you!

Upcycled: clothes into accessories

I have been compiling some ideas on recycled crafts for an upcoming church activity. This is what I have made out of old clothes.

#1: Jersey necklace. This necklace was made by cutting long strips of a t-shirt and pulling them to stretch them out. I got my inspiration from The Sisters 4 Say More is More. They are the queens of jersey necklaces. Here is a link to their fabulous jewelry tutorials. This necklace took mere minutes to make! (picture is sideways)

#2 T-shirt flowers necklace. I made this using the same technique as an Anthro knock-off necklace shown at this link. I just used more petals this time and used ribbon instead of chain. Pretty for spring!

#3. Denim flower. This idea came from Tea Rose Home. This flower can be used as a brooch or hair accessory. I found it easier to scrunch up after I sprayed it with water.

#4 T-shirt flower. I sewed a pin back on this one because it is a little big for me to wear in my hair. I will post a tutorial for this simple flower soon!
Upcycling is fun! Do you have any other ideas that I could use for my activity? Leave a link in your comment!

Valentines Book Page Flower Tutorial

As part of my book page Valentines Day decor I made these lovely paper flowers. Aren't they so pretty?

All of the credit for the following tutorial goes to Dawn at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.

First, cut eight flower shapes from your paper. I did four out of cardstock and 4 out of a book page. I punched circles and then scalloped the edges by hand to make the flower shapes.

If you are using cardstock, spray it lightly with water so it is more pliable. (You may want to use a paper towel so they color doesn't bleed onto your counter top. Just sayin'.)

Crumple each flower shape, then smooth it back out.

Stack each flower onto a brad. Be sure to start with the paper you want in the middle of the flower. I started with a book page and then alternated with the red cardstock.

Close the brad and it should now look like this.

Starting with the top layer, squish the paper around the brad in the center.

Continue for each layer until the entire flower is scrunched together.

Now flatten the petals back out just slightly until the flower takes the shape you want it to. If you have used wet cardstock, it will harden nicely into the shape when it dries.

I made 7 flowers and will be putting one on each person's plate at my Valentines dinner.

I still have 2 more book page Valentines crafts to post. I made book page hearts to hang from my chandelier and some 3-D book page and cardstock hearts for the center piece. If you haven't seen my garland yet, click here to check it out!

A Variety of Headbands for Your Viewing Pleasure!

Someday Crafts is sponsoring a headband linky party this week. I checked it out and was inspired to whip up a few headbands of my own! I hope you find some inspiration here!

Black Lace Flower Headband

Gold Flower and Lace Headband




Red Rose Headband

White Lace Headband

(All headbands are available in my shop. All are $10- except the gold flower will be $10.50- with $2.50 shipping.)