Vintage Scribble & Scrap

     Sunday morning -- the sun is shining and we had a bit of rain late last night (which we desperately need), and another new challenge starts today at Scribble & Scrap.  We always have an "Anything Goes" theme so there's absolutely no excuse not to play along.  You don't have to use a Scribble & Scrap image or digital papers to enter the challenge but they are all so lovely, why wouldn't you want to use one or the other or both?

     I used a wonderful image called "Vintage Beauty 2" and paired it up with papers from the "Fabulous Florals 2" set.  Wow, do I love the blue papers in that set!  Check this out --

 I used the sketch from Outlawz Sketch challenge this week.

     This vintage lady is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  I printed two of the blue papers from the set, and die cut one for the mat behind the image.  The second paper for the background is double printed at the bottom to make the darker strip but it's only one piece of paper.  I added no embellishments at all because I just wanted to show off that beautiful image and the gorgeous papers.  This has to be the most CAS 'vintage' card I've ever done but I think it qualifies as somewhat elegant, don't you agree?

     Challenges:
A Creative Romance -- Spring Flowers
Art Impressions -- Getting Girly
Crafty Catz -- A/G
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper -- A/G
Digistamps 4 Joy -- Vintage
Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- A/G
Graph'It -- Spring Pastels
I {heart} ProMarkers -- A/G
Just Inspirational -- Monochrome
MFP Simple Salutations -- Elegant
Outlawz Alcohol Markers -- A/G
Penny's Paper-Crafty -- Fav color combo (blue & white)
Red Rubber Inspirationals -- Vintage
Southern Girls -- Floral Frenzy
Stampin' for the Weekend -- Spring colors

     Come play along with us over the next 2 weeks, won't you?  We'd love to see your fabulous creations.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Dragon Babies for Mom

     Happy St. Patrick's Day!!  

     Spring is definitely creeping up on us and that makes me think of new life.  New life often means first time moms and birthdays -- and no 'birth'day is more important than the actual day you were born.  Each one after that is just a celebration on the anniversary of your birth, right?  So, today's card is dedicated to spring, new life, new moms, and milestone birthdays.  Yes, I'm celebrating mine today, too, even though it's not a milestone.  :-D

     The image comes from Aurora Wings and is called "Dragon Babies."  Aurora Wings has a fantastic FB page which you should visit for some wonderful inspiration.

I chose to use the sketch from Sketch Saturday.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  The mat is die cut from dp by K & Co. and the background dp is also K & Co.  The ribbon is grosgrain and was in my stash.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens.  The glittery border is actually made using "Design Adhesives" diamonds and green glitter.  I'm still experimenting with various gitter and adhesive techniques.  I really like this one!

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge -- Mother's Day or Special lady
AuroraWings -- Anything goes
Corrosive Challenge -- Go green
Craft for the Craic -- Something green
Craftitude -- Add green
Dream Valley -- Big birthday (the day you were born!)
DRS Designs -- You're a good egg
Glitter n Sparkle -- Green
One Stitch at a Time -- Use a digi
Outlawz Alcohol Markers -- Fantasy
Paper Sweeties -- Polka dots
Ribbon Girl -- Green
Robyn's Fetish -- Green & glitter
Sentimental Sundays -- Cute & cuddly
Simon Says Stamp -- Mother's Day or Special lady
Stampin with the Dragon -- Go green
Sunflowerfield Designs -- Birthday
That Craft Place -- Mother's Day

     It's Monday and I'm sure that means we're one day closer to spring.  I hope your weekend was relaxing and productive whatever you were doing.  Now we face the start of another work week and must wait a few more days before we can anticipate the weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Writing Squirrely Notes

     This is set to go live on Saturday morning and if it gets posted as scheduled, I'll be very happy.  We've suffered two power outages this afternoon, one just as I was getting ready to write up this post.  Boom, no power!  Then it came back on for about 10 minutes (just long enough to get everything reset on the computer and fix the two electric clocks in the house) and then, snap, out again.  It's back on now but who knows?  I've set the scheduler first thing and then added the photo and I'm hoping to get the post finished without any further problems.  :-D  But, if you're seeing an unfinished post, it went out again and I'll finish it when I can.

     Today is the start of our next challenge at Open-Minded Crafting Fun and this fortnight we want to see buttons on your creation.  That's it -- make whatever you like but be sure to add some buttons.  We have 4 wonderful sponsors, one of which is QKR Stampede and I used a fun image supplied by them.  Our other sponsors are:  Digi Darla, Gerda Doodles, and Oak Pond Creations.

     Here's my card using "Writing Squirrel" from QKR Stampede.  I'm probably going to use this card myself to write a real note to a friend.  Shocking idea in this day and age of e-mail, isn't it?

My sketch came from the Outlawz Wednesday Sketch challenge.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, and it really isn't done in blues.  Everything except his blue jeans is lavender and periwinkle, including the 'blue' CS.  Oh, well, I tried for more spring like colors but the photography really did that in.  I die cut and layered the image onto a mat which was also die cut.   The papers are from DCWV, but they were left over scraps so I'm not sure of the name of the stack.  The sentiment is computer generated, then around-the-corner-border-punched and matted, and I added my buttons to the sentiment piece.  The little bows in the corners are from the stash of bows I make.  Those are my last brown ones so it's time to make another dozen soon.  :-D

     Challenges:

Digi Makeover -- Buttons

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- Anything goes

Friends of Speedy TV -- Spring colors

My Craft Spot -- Cute critters

Paper Nest Dolls -- Anything goes

Papertake Weekly -- TicTacToe: Buttons/ free/ punched

Party Time Tuesday -- Anything goes

Vintage Stamping/ Flonz -- Just for you

     I'll keep it really short and hope that power stays on.  Come play with us this fortnight.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Birthday Roses

     Well, two posts yesterday and one this morning.  You know I've been making good use of my play time this weekend.  :-D  This next card I did using an image from Beccy's Place (theme: Anything Goes with Beccy's image.)  I discovered Beccy's Place images a couple of years ago and I just love them.  These roses seemed perfect for a birthday, and a friend of mine has her birthday on Mother's Day this year so this will probably end up in her mailbox.  :-D

I started with the sketch at Speedy TV (twist: add bling), turned sideways.

     The roses are colored with ProMarkers and die cut with another of my frame dies from Spellbinders.  The polka dot dp is from SU and the background has been lightly embossed with my "Linen" folder.  Can you believe there are no fewer than 6 shades of green on this card between the papers, the CS, and the coloring?  There are just so many challenges this week wanting us to do something with green.  I tried to satisfy them all.  :-D

     I added the pearl swirls and the metal brads for a bit of bling but the card is still flat enough to fit into a regular envelope for mailing.

     The following challenges all have themes related to "green":

Craft for the Craic

Craftitude

Cut It Up

Digi Haven

Get Inky

Pattie's Creations

QKR Stampede

Stampin with the Dragon

     Challenges with other themes:
Crafty Creations -- Birthday
Creative Moments -- Swirls/Pearls
Cuttlebug Mania -- For Mum
Digistamps 4 Joy -- Birthday sentiment
Fussy and Fancy -- Birthdays
Just Inspirational -- Photo of flowers
Loves Rubber Stamps -- A/G
Scrap It Girl -- Birthdays
Seize the Birthday -- A/G
Totally Papercrafts -- female birthday

     Back to my craft room now.  If you're in the USA, but not in Arizona, did you remember to move your clocks forward into Daylight Savings Time?  If not, better do it before you have to go to work or be at an appointment.  You'll be late if you don't.  BTW, can anyone tell me why we "save daylight" in the spring and summer when days are longer and we have more daylight anyway?  The farmer's cows still wake up with the sun, not the clock.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Spring, Spring, Beautiful Spring

     I know most of the country is looking forward to spring being here and I'm no exception so I'm making springtime cards.  I've been sniffling and sneezing and coughing with the last of the winter colds (I hope it's the last) so my crafting has taken second place to resting and getting better but I did manage to make this card this morning.   I used an image called "Bouquet Chick" by  From the Heart and also used their sketch.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, die cut and added to a die cut mat.  The background dp is from Anna Griffin, her "Georgette" stack.  That was one of those "must have" purchases which has now lain idle in my stash for more than a year!  Polka dot ribbon came from Really Reasonable Ribbon and the 7 flowers were in my stash.  I added a bit of color to each of them with a marker, then put rhinestones in the centers.  The leaves were cut with a die from Cheery Lynn.  Can you  believe all those flowers but still a ton of open space?  The sentiment is mine, printed with a computer font and ink outlined.  I added the stitching using a white gel pen.  Finally, I added 5 rhinestones to the lower corner.

     Challenges:

ABC Challenge -- "G" is for Girls

A&T Emerald Faeries -- Girly: Pretty in pink

Bearly Mine -- For the girls

Card Mania -- Sentiment

Crafting from the Heart -- Use dies

Crafty Sentiments -- Spot or Dots

Created with Love -- Think spring

Deep Ocean -- Just for a girl

Fairies -- Spring

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- Anything goes

Just Inspirational -- photo of flowers

Natalie and Amy's -- Flowers

Oldie but a Goodie --  Spring has sprung

Passion for Promarkers -- Flowers

Stamp and Create -- Ready for spring

Tok Bobok -- Spring flowers

Top Tip Tuesday -- Use 3, 5, or 7 of something (3 large flowers in image, 5 rhinestones in the corner, 7 embellishment flowers)

     I know spring is just around the corner now but we could use a lot more rain out here in the West before summer hits us with all its heat and sizzle.  Those of you with snow still in your yards, would you be so kind as to ship it out to us?  We need it and you don't !  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

'Tis a Sweet Irish Lassie

     It's Saturday and that means another challenge has started over at Open-Minded Crafting Fun.  We have four more fabulous sponsors this fortnight (Dilly Beans, Flat Friends, The Stamping Chef, and Whoopsi Daisy) and a great new theme, "Something Green."  Well, not only am I getting prepared for the green of spring, I'm thinking of St. Patrick's Day and my own Irish heritage.  Today's card is a tribute to all of the above.  The image is from The Stamping Chef and it's called "Louisa Mae."

I used the sketch from The Outlawz Sketch Challenge this week.

      I tried a new technique on this card which I learned about a couple of weeks ago.  It has to do with "velvet" glitters which I discovered over at Sparkle n Sprinkle (challenge theme -- use loose glitter, EP or flocking), which are micro fine glitters with an incredible look and feel.  Let me tell you about making my card and we'll get to the glittering technique in order.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, and then die cut it with one of my framing dies from Spellbinders.   I kept the outer (negative) piece, chalked the edges of it with mint green chalk, then laid it back around the frame piece.  I took a piece of sticker paper, peeled the paper off one side and laid the image and outer piece onto the sticker paper.

     All the open holes in the die cut frame were now "sticky" so I sprinkled on Mountain Mist velvet glitter, burnished it into the sticky holes with my finger, brushed off the excess glitter into a coffee filter I had put under the image piece, and then I cut the outside shape of  the chalked piece to what you see on the card.  Peeling off the paper from the back side of the image piece let me adhere the image right to the card front (after laying down the green newsprint paper, of course.)

     I added the triple bow and the shamrocks (also die cut from sticker paper and glittered), then the sentiment, pearl swirl, and gems in the corners.  I wish the sparkle of the velvet glitter showed up better in the photo.  I guess you'll just have to take my word for how sparkly it is IRL.  I love this sticker paper technique and plan to do a lot more practicing with it.  I want to try some other masking techniques with it as well.  In case you're wondering, yes, I had glitter everywhere!  lol  But that's because I seem to be a glitter magnet when I try to use anything more than the teeniest pinch of it at a time.

     Challenges:
Baffies Kreativladen -- Anything goes
Creative Moments -- Anything goes or swirls/ pearls
Divas by Design -- Sparkle
Digi Sketch -- Anything goes
House That Stamps Built -- Black, white & 1 color (green)
I {heart} ProMarkers -- Die cuts, no punches
Lexi's Creations -- Monochromatic
Paper Pretties -- New technique
Passion for ProMarkers -- Make it digital
Perfectly Rustics -- Shades of one color
Simon Says Stamp -- Pearls

     I have three posts today and one of them is as a new DT member so be sure to check out each one of them.  I assure you, you'll find lots of green so you can pretend it's spring or just celebrate the Emerald Isle.  :-D  Happy Stamping  NanaConnie

Bear's Best Friend

    So I have to ask, if kids love teddy bears and consider them to be 'best friends,' why shouldn't a bear-child have a teddy bear best friend?  That was my first thought when I spotted this image over at QKR Stampede, where their theme this challenge is "Friends are special."

I based my colors on the theme at CAS-Colors & Sketches.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and die cut with a die from Spellbinders.  Everything is matted with daffodil yellow CS.  The slate gray background piece is embossed with a folder from Sizzix.  I added a bit of twine and three buttons since this is a masculine card and it didn't need a lot of frills.  I thought it would be perfect for a young boy's birthday card.

     Challenges:
2 Sisters -- Embossing
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards -- Teddy bears
Crafty Little Fairies -- For the boys
Crafty Hands -- Embossed background
Created with Love -- Friends
Totally Gorjuss -- String's the thing

     This is supposed to be my post for tomorrow but I'm posting it now because I can't get Blogger's scheduler to work.  Sigh.  You don't mind seeing it a bit early, do you?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Something Great

     Back again with a second post today although it's been a lot of hours since my first post in the middle of the night last night.  In lots of places, it's already tomorrow.  :-D

     I was going through my stash of digital images and happened on the folder with Squigglefly images.  Realizing that I hadn't dug into that one in a while, I opened it and was delighted to find this curious cat who obviously can't keep any kind of secret -- Valentine or birthday!  Or maybe she's the gift?  I'd be thrilled if someone gave me a new kitten as a Valentine.  (No, no, nevermind -- I see all of you lining up to drop off your strays on my front porch!)

     The image is colored with ProMarkers and Copics, and I added clear glitter to the tissue paper in the image and another touch to the bow on the box lid.  Then I layered the image onto a piece of white CS which has been run through a Darise embossing folder, one of my new ones not used before.  The sentiment is mine and I added it before printing the image.  I added dots of red to the embossing and inked the edges before adding it to the card front.  The red bow is from my stash and is part of the latest batch that I made.  Between Christmas and Valentines, I was completely out of red bows, so I spent some time making another dozen.

     Challenges:
Animal Friends -- Dots
Cards Galore Encore -- Add glitter or a gem or candi
Cuttlebug Mania -- A touch of red
Emergency Crafters -- Pink & red
House That Stamps Built -- Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty
Scribbles Designs -- Sparkle it up
Sparkles Forum -- Show new stash (Emb folder & bow)
Squigglefly -- Red and pink
Sweet Stamps -- Pink, red, white
Whimsy Inspiration -- Something new (Emb folder)

     OK, tomorrow morning I'll have a different kind of project which has taken me well over 4 days to complete and I have 3 others still "under construction."  Not a card but something recycled.  Whew, it makes me tired all over just thinking of it.  lol  Be sure to peep in mid-morning or so.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Roses Mean Love

     One more card which could be for your special Valentine or just to show that you love someone.  It's a new challenge day at Scribble & Scrap, which always has an Anything Goes theme.  I used the beautiful Vintage Rose Bud 2 image.

     The rose is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  I cut a black mat with another of my new "vintage" frame dies from Spellbinders.  I really love the way those frame dies make the card look so fancy when they really are just CAS.  In this case, the image and the frames make for an elegant vintage card that's just 2 layers of CS and a bit of sparkle in each corner.  The sentiment is mine, computer printed and hand cut, then layered onto the die cut.

     Challenges:
Crafting for All Seasons -- For the girls
Creative Moments -- Add sparkle
Cuttlebug Mania -- All you need it love
Frilly and Funky -- Valentine w/o hearts
LEJ Designs -- Anything goes
Little Miss Muffet -- Love
Miriam's Crafting -- Flowers
Party Time Tuesday -- Anything goes
Passion for ProMarkers -- Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door -- Anything goes

     I hope your weekend is going well and that whatever your plans, the weather where you are will co-operate.  Personally, I'm staying in and watching the Super Bowl.  I may be one of the few who remembers the days when the Seattle and Denver teams were both in the same Division of the AFC.  Then Seattle got moved to the NFC and now the two teams are facing each other in the Super Bowl.  How odd.  :-D  Oh, well -- Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Strut Your Stuff -- A Birthday Card

      Good morning and welcome to February!  My gosh, 1/12th of 2014 is already gone.  But the good news is that the first of a new month means a new release of digi sets at Doodle Pantry.  Laurie always does wonderful sets but I am just so excited by the releases this month.  It was a really tough decision as to which one to use first.

     Let me introduce my card by telling you two things; I love peacock images and they intimidate me because I never know where to start on the coloring.  I'm always afraid I'll get the blues and greens in the wrong spots and there just no way to really capture the magical quality of the feathers.  But, this peacock comes fully pre-colored as well as in black and white outline form and that ended my intimidation.  :-D

I chose to use the sketch from Sunday Sketch & Stamp

and the colors are perfect for Sketchy Colors, blue, green and white.

  

     The dp is also from Doodle Pantry and comes with the "Pretty Peacock" set, along with several sentiments, one of which I used (see below.)  Inside I added a Happy Birthday sentiment but didn't photograph it.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens, however, this time it was white and I needed it to be that particular green so I colored it with a marker.  I always have white ribbon and bows on hand in case I need to color them to match dp or the colors of an image.  And that's your tip for the week.  :-D

     Challenges:
Artistic Inspirations -- A/G or Animals
Creative Creations -- Less is More
Digi Makeover -- Shades of blue
Dream It Up -- CAS
Eureka Stamps -- Anything goes
Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations -- Favorite embellie (the bows I make)
Nutcrafters -- CAS
Outlawz Greetings -- Anything goes

     Be sure to check out the Doodle Pantry challenge this month.  It runs through the 24th of February and if you use a Doodle Pantry digi (not just a sentiment), you'll get a free set just for playing.  If you win the draw, you can get another set of your choice.  And, finally, there's a free set with any purchase.  Below, I've added pictures of the challenge Freebie and the Free with Purchase sets.  Check out the entire new release collection -- more than worth your time!  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

 I used this set

 Challenge Freebie for using DP image

  Free with purchase

Sleepy Kitten

     Today I want to tell you about the second artist I found this week who's not new, just new to me.  I fell in love and did a second shopping spree so now I get to share this card with you.  The company is Aurora Wings and the image is called "Sweet Dreams."  OK, so you probably knew I'd use a kitten first.  :-D

I took the sketch from Digi Sketch, turned sideways.

     I colored the image with my ProMarkers (in my favorite purples, of course), die cut it, and colored the scallops to look like a frame.  The embossing folder is one from SU, I think.  The sentiment is mine, computer printed and hand cut, with inked edges.  I added glitter to the flower centers and the butterfly on the kitten's head.  The bow and the pearls came from my stash.

     Challenges:
Creative Crafts -- New (digi and kitten)
Fan-tastic Tuesday -- Feminine
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday -- In with the new (new digi, new kitten)
Outlawz Greetings -- New Arrivals (new digi and new kitten)
Papertake Weekly -- Add a bow and use a die cut
Passion for Pro-Markers -- Ribbon, lace, or twine (ribbon bow)
Through the Purple Haze -- Favorite colors (purple)
Top Tip Tuesday -- Use a sketch

     You really need to go check out all the different digis at Aurora Wings.  She does adorable animals but she also has a large variety of other images, many of which I bought.  Sigh...who could resist?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

New Arrivals

     I was so taken with this image from Delicious Doodles of a dragon mother tending her eggs and you just know that their hatching is imminent.  You can see by the look on her face that she's listening to the sound of scratching inside, right?

The design sketch came from A Creative Romance.

     The frame is cut with one of my new dies, and I colored it with chalks to get the light and dark variations.  The image is colored with Copics.  The dp is stamped with embossing ink and I used Shimmer EP from Sparkle n Sprinkle to make it sparkle.  That background was so fabulous that I decided it shouldn't have any other embellishment.  Here is another of those CAS designs that just doesn't look CAS.  Part of that is that the "open space" is dp rather than white.  I really love the way this turned out!  :-D

     Challenges:

Brown Sugar -- Anything goes

Card Mania -- Anything goes

Chalk-Ah-Lot Cafe -- Animal

Corrosive Challenges -- Career (Motherhood, the best career!)

Craft Your Passion -- Face the music (Puff, the Magic Dragon)

Crazy Challenge -- Fairytale

Created with Love -- Winged things

Eureka Stamps -- 3 Fav embellies (glitter, EP, die cuts)

Fussy and Fancy -- Monochromatic

My Craft Creations -- Anything goes

Sparkle 'n Sprinkle -- Glitter, EP or Flocking

Squigglefly -- CAS

Stampin' with the Dragon -- Anything goes

Wags 'n Whiskers -- Anything goes

     That's it for today and I'm glad to report that I really am getting better every passing hour.  The worst is over and today I'd don't even feel like I ever had the flu.  Must have been all those prayers and good thoughts you were all giving me.  Thanks.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Melting Snowman

     A happy Saturday to you and yours.  Another new challenge starts today at Open-Minded Crafting Fun and our theme is "Warmth -- Food or Clothing."  We have five different and fabulous sponsors and I've listed each of them with their badges at the end of this post.  They are:  Digi Darla's, Digital Delights, Digistamps 4 Joy, QKR Stampede, and Sentimental Susan.  Most of them supplied images for the DT members to use and you can find lots of inspiration from the team if you just go visit the Open-Minded blog.

     I'm using a wonderful image from QKR Stampede called "Melting Snowman" (digi #13712.)  It's just such a perfect image for the "Warmth" theme.  Even though he's only wearing a scarf and top hat, he's obviously waaaay too warm!  I'm sure he'd prefer more snow and ice.  Come to think of it, most of us out here in drought-worn California would love to see more snow and ice.  When it melts, it would help fill our rather empty lakes and rivers.  We've had record breaking, warm, January temperatures so we fit right in with this theme. :-D

My sketch is from I {heart} Sketches (reversed)

and I took my colors from the Alcohol Markers challenge at Outlawz.

  

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut and matted with another die cut.  The ribbon is sparkly and is part of a whole bunch of ribbon I bought in the after-Christmas sales.  The paper is from Colorbok and the snowflakes were also part of the after-Christmas shopping spree.  Although it's hard to see in the photo, I added sparkle to the snow, the water drips, and the edges of the sentiment.

     Challenges:
Crazy Challenge -- Cards for men
Cuttin' and Stampin' -- A/G about Winter
Eureka Stamps -- Bundle up
Everybody Art -- Snow
Going Grey with Scrap-Creations -- Snowman
Kaboodle Doodles -- Winter Wonderland
Stamp and Create -- Winter Wonderland
Without Words -- Spots or stripes

     Here are the badges for all our sponsors this challenge.  Just think, five sponsors means five chances to win!  So, dig out those warm images -- those with clothes or food that just shout warmth and comfort -- and come play along with us.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Hand Made Bows

     As part of my DT commitment with Scribble & Scrap, I get to do a tutorial once every 10 weeks or so.  So two things inspired today's post.  Volunteering to be the first of the DT members to do a tutorial for Scribble & Scrap was one, and the other was more personal.  For many moons now I've been promising to do a tutorial about the bows I make by the dozens and toss into my stash for future use.  It was impossible to do the steps and photograph them at the same time without a much more sophisticated system than I have.  But, now that I live in the same city as my daughter and her family, I recruited some help.  Thanks, daughter dear.  :-D  You're the best!

     I should note that for those of you who either don't have a needle and thread or don't want to ever sew anything, you can buy these types of bows at most of your local fabric shops in packages of 4 or 5.  They tend to be expensive if you use as many as I do on your cards and projects.  Being somewhat budget conscious and loving to sew, I learned to make these by taking apart one of those I bought and figuring out how to make them myself.  It took some practice, so don't give up after the first one.  I can now make about 15 of these in an hour.  Making them myself also means that I have a much wider variety than just blue, white, and pink, which is mostly I see in the fabric stores.

What you will need:
Ribbon
Needle
Thread - matching the color of the ribbon  (For demo purposes, I used black ribbon and white thread)
Small pearl or other decorative bead
Scissors for trimming ribbon tails

     For the photographs, I used 5/8ths inch wide ribbon but I usually use 3/8ths inch for the bows and that results in a tighter "middle" of the bow.  You can actually use any size or style of ribbon you choose but 'softer' ribbon works better than stiff ribbon.

 

Step 1. --  Cut a length of ribbon about 4 inches long (for 3/8ths inch ribbon -- longer for wider ribbon.  You'll be trimming it at the end.)  Fold it as though you were doing a "remember" ribbon, with a loop sticking up above the crossed tails.  The loop should be twice the length which you want for your finished bow loops (both measured together.)  Photo 1a isn't actually anything you're going to do but is there to show you that getting your needle in the exact center of the loop is vital!   What you will do is fold the very top of the loop down to the back of the center spot where the tails cross.

Step 2. -- Bring your needle and thread up from the back in the exact center of the crossed tails.  This will be done holding it in your hands but we had to lay it our on the table for photographic purposes.

  

Step 3. -- Wrap the thread around and around the mid-point (top to bottom), pulling it as tightly as possible.  The tighter the wrap, the smaller the middle and the closer together the tails will be when finished.  I've done two different angles just to give you a view of how it would look when completely wrapped.

Step 4. -- Bring the needle and thread from the back side up through the right side loop, close to the wrapped middle.  Add the pearl bead and pull the thread through.

Step 5. -- Push the needle and thread down through the left side loop, again close to the middle, pulling it tightly and centering the pearl.

Step 6. -- Sew a "tie-off" of the thread at the back of the bow, keeping the pearl as tightly against the bow as possible. Clip the thread.

Step 7. -- Trim off the excess tails to make them the appropriate size for your bow.  Some people like longer tails so trim them to your preference.  I happen to prefer shorter tails on the small bows I make which are approximately 3/4 of an inch across and only a smidgen taller than that.  Here's a photo of a finished bow I did using the 3/8ths ribbon.

     You'll notice that the tails are much closer together when I don't have them deliberately spread out to photograph the various steps.  However, I will advise you that either stiffer ribbon or wider ribbon will result in a wider spread between the tails and a larger mid-point because there is more ribbon in the wrapped center.  It's just not possible to wrap that much ribbon as tightly so you won't get a really tight mid-point.

     That doesn't mean the wider bow isn't exactly what you want on your project.  I have done many bows in different sizes and styles.  But when I sit for an entire weekend afternoon and sew these little bows together for my stash, I tend to do the smaller, tighter bows mainly because I have a ton of pearl beads in the smaller size and I intend to get rid of them by making as many bows as possible over the next decade!  :-D  It'll take that long to use them up.  Experiment with the basic idea and come up with something that totally pleases you.  It doesn't have to be what I make.

     Have a great day, my crafty friends.  NanaConnie

Snowman Fun at Tuesday Throwdown

     I'm doing something I very rarely do but this week I'm combining my DT card for Tuesday Throwdown  (Snowman Fun - use a snowman) with my card for a GDT spot that I'll be doing this whole month at the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge (pink, red, & black this week plus use a button.)  Our sponsor at Tuesday Throwdown is Robyn's Fetish and they supplied the digital images for the whole team to use.  I adore this new snowman with his warm winter hat and scarf.  If he doesn't watch out, he'll be so warm he'll melt.  :-D

     It isn't easy coloring a snowman with red and pink but I managed it since he had the scarf, hat, and gloves.  I even managed to turn the scarf from just stripes into a plaid.  More on that with a brief tutorial at a later date.  The "snowflakes" are done with one of my newest embossing folders and I 'painted' them with Fairy Dust glitter for a bit of sparkle.  I also added a bit of glitter to the snowflake button.  The image is die cut with a die from Spellbinders.  

     Challenges:

613 Avenue Create -- Colors, sights, sounds of winter

A Creative Romance -- Something new

Come and Get It -- Something new

Creative Knockouts -- All that glitters

Digitally Sweet -- Anything goes

Hanna & Friends -- Snowflakes

Polka Doodles -- Anything goes

     So, grab those pink and red markers plus a button, find a cute snowman stamp, and come play along at both Outlawz and Tuesday Throwdown.  Wonderful prizes could be yours if you're a winner.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

New Year Lovers

     OK, it's my first Friday since leaving the Delicious Doodles design team and I begged Teri to let me come back one more time as a Guest Designer so that I could do this card using her fabulous silhouette image, "Lovers."  She said "yes," and here I am!   The theme this week is "Let's Party" and I can't think of a bigger party than the one to start off the New Year every year.  I hope we'll see you playing along.

I chose sketch #173 from Sunday Sketch & Stamp.

     This image is also fantastic for a wedding, engagement, or anniversary card.  Or maybe a New Year's wedding?  Just change out the sentiment.  I printed the image, added some Stickles (Diamond) for a bit of glitz and sparkle, then double framed it with two negative die cuts, one black, one white.

     The embossed paper is a leftover from another project (you'll see it next year) and I used my brand new embossing folder from Sizzix (which actually is flowers, not snowflakes, but I thought it made great flakes, too.  :-D )  I have some wonderful new tools to use this year.

     The silver ribbon was in my stash and the background dp was made by painting a scrap piece of  paper with Royal Blue paint from Creative Inspirations and then adding snow to it with a white gel pen.  The sentiment is also an image from Delicious Doodles and is a freebie on the Facebook page over there.

     Challenges:
Artistic Inspirations -- Anything goes
Craft-Dee Bowz -- Anything w/ handmade bow
Crafter's Cafe -- New Year
Crafting by Designs -- New
Crafty Bloggers Network -- Girly
Crazy Challenge -- New Year
Creative Inspirations Paints -- Anything goes
Cuttin' n Stampin' -- Anything goes w/ leftovers
Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- Punches & dies
Friends of Speedy TV -- Wedding or engagement
My Craft Creations -- Anything goes
One Stitch at a Time -- Anything goes
Outlawz Monday Greeting -- Tie it up (ribbon/lace)
Paper Pretties Weds. -- New Year
Pink Elephant Monday -- Anything goes
Rhedd & Rosie's -- Snow
Robyn's Fetish -- Silver or gold
Scribble n Scrap -- Anything goes
Twisted Tuesday -- New beginnings + use something new (emb folder)
Vintage Stamping/Flonz -- Cold & frosty colors
Whimsy Inspirations -- Party time

     So, one last time as a favor for me, won't you play along in the "Party Time" challenge at Delicious Doodles?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie  

Santa Mouse

     A few days ago, I told you I had done my last Christmas card and, at the time, I meant it.  But then, I remembered this darling "Santa Mouse" image, drawn by Kathy at Stamp Art by Kathryn and available through Whimsy Stamps, which I had to buy the first instant I saw it.  I had bought it before Thanksgiving, printed it out and slipped it into my folder of 'Things to Color' which is always nearby, no matter where I am.  I forgot about it until I saw it again yesterday and then just had to color it and turn it into a card.  It's just so cute; I know it's now a favorite of mine and will get used every year.  So, let me share with you my absolutely, very last, Christmas card.  :-D

I followed this week's sketch from The Outlawz

and took my colors from Color My Heart: "ruby and juniper."

  

     I colored Santa Mouse with a combination of ProMarkers and colored pencils.  He was already die cut before coloring but I matted him and all the papers with black CS.   The background dp I used is scrap booking paper from Paper Pizazz, called "Santa Plaid."   The corner dp were just scraps which I cut to size.  I added strips of gold colored gemstones to each corner and then found the bits of ribbon and holly leaves in some dp and cut them out by hand, backed them with CS, and added them to the corners.

     Challenges:
ABC Christmas -- Make own embellies
A Creative Romance -- Sparkle at Christmas
As You Like It -- Fav Christmas digi & why (It's too cute to resist!)
Baffies Kreativladen -- Last minute Christmas
Catch the Bug -- Fav Christmas song (Here Comes Santa Claus)
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards -- Happy holidays
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas -- Last minute Christmas
Digi Haven -- Colors of the season
Di's Digis Designs -- Christmas
DL.ART Thankful Thursday -- Christmas
House That Stamps Built -- Last minute Christmas card
MilkCoffee -- Anything Christmas
Pumpkin Spice -- Anything holiday
QKR Stampede -- Happy holidays
Simon Says Stamp -- Bling
Stampin' w/ the Dragon -- Last minute Christmas
Stempelsonnen -- Anything goes
The Squirrel & the Fox -- Christmas
Whimsy Inspirations -- Party time (Christmas party)

     Well, it's the last Monday before Christmas and I'm totally ready.  No last minute shopping, not even at the grocery store.  My time is my own and I'm enjoying being close to family this year.  Merry Christmas to all my friends and followers.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie