Spotted Canary Blog

Things have been crazy busy here, I had a different post planned -- but that got thrown out of the mix when school vacation, Easter and lots of other to-do’s made it on my list. Don't worry though, I'm going to make sure to do my original idea next month, when things slow down. I hope they slow down soon, lol.

I thought a fun card tutorial might be a nice change for today. In the next few steps I’ll show you that you can make a beautiful card using just a few supplies!

     For this tutorial you will need:      

• K & Co. Flora and Fauna Mat Pad 30-599710
• Blank Card Base 30-137509
• Photo Labels Large Punch 54-30039  
• Cherry Blossom Vellum Stickers SPP1VEL01
• Corner Rounder PSPCR03C   
• 3D Dots SPAF/PS  
• Black Pigment Ink   
• Ribbon
• Twine  
• Birthday Stamp
• Die-Cut or large punch  

  

• To start you’ll need to prep your papers. I started with a card base and trimmed two piece of paper from the Flora and Fauna Mat Pad to layer together. I also trimmed a piece of cardstock and rounded the corners with the corner rounder, to add a touch of color I added a little pink ink on the edges of the cardstock. When the three pieces of paper are layered together with adhesive they should look like this.

  

• Next I use my die cutting machine and steel rule dies to cut a nice shape from another piece of paper from the Mat Stack Pad. I also cut a smaller shape using the same die set from cardstock and cut the top and part of the bottom circle off with my paper trimmer. I also added some pink ink to the edges and stamped a swirly pattern in the background with versamark ink.

• For the greeting; I stamped a birthday sentiment on the front of the die-cut shape and added 3D dots to the backside and layered it on top of the purple die-cut shape with a piece of pink ribbon in  between the two layers. When the sentiment block was done it looked like this:  

 

• Attach the sentiment block to the card using adhesive and wrap a piece of twine around the card a couple of times and secure in a knot on the left side of the sentiment. Don’t cut the ends yet.



• When I am making a card using a lot of elements that are the same I usually cut them apart so I can lay them out on the card to see how I want to arrange them. So I can see how they will layer I’ll put 3D dots on the back of the plastic they are adhered on so I can get a feel for how my card will really look.



• When I’m happy with the placement I start adding them to the card. I layered the different branches and flowers with 3D Dots. I cut some branches shorter and tucked the end underneath the sentiment block.   





• When all the flowers were added to the panel and I thought it was done, I stitched it to the front of the card base. To hide the thread ends I pulled the threads to the inside of the card and tie them in a knot and trimmed the excess away. 



• I also created a little tag using the smallest label from the Photo Labels Punch, cream card stock and some rub-ons. I punched a hole in the end and tied it to the twine.



• When you are done with the outside, add a left-over flower to the inside and your card is done.





This card took less than a half hour to make when I got settled down to it. Using layered stickers or pre-made embellishments is a quick and easy way to make a beautiful card!

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again next month! Make sure to leave a comment letting me know what you do to make a quick and easy card! 

Anybody who knows me knows that 9 chances out of 10 I am running late to be somewhere or I am behind on something … well, let’s be truthful, usually on everything. I have issues with trying to fit “one last thing” in before I head out the door and adding one more thing to my already overloaded to-do list.

All I have to say in my defense is … it’s genetic. I blame it all on my mother. It came with her DNA. And where I like the tenacity gene she passed on to me, I’m not that crazy about the inability to manage time characteristic she hampered me with.

Does anybody know the return policy on undesirable DNA? I’m sure there’s a 90 day limit … drat, I’m WELL beyond that window of opportunity.

The ingredients for this blog post have be collecting dust on my kitchen island for a month now and since about the second week of April, I have been collecting, formulating and thinking about its contents. The problem has been in the execution … my many attempts to complete and submit this post were derailed and now without my even realizing it, the month is almost over. How can it be the end of April?

Heavy sigh. On so many levels.

So, without prolonging your curiosity any longer, here’s the winner of last month’s Party Time Comment Challenge (insert drum roll):

Cynthia (aka Scrapestas) … you are the randomly generated winner!!! Woo hoo!!! She was very complimentary (thank you!) and commented “Some very delightful recipes and projects. Thank you for the inspiration”.

My pleasure Cynthia! And I hope you, as well the other 82 commenters will continue to come back here to the Party Time Blog for future celebratory ramblings from this perpetually tardy blogger!

Happiness is having readers : ).

Now, on to a topic that you all know is very dear to my heart.

Marshmallows.

About a month ago, these were anonymously dropped off on my doorstep after I had moaned and groaned my way through an eight week healthy living challenge.






What a sweet gift for someone who really didn’t deserve it … someone who had been a complete whiner the entire eight weeks and really should have been booted off the team challenge island for not posting high triple digit scores.

I mean, I would have kicked me off : ).

Like the second week : ).

But thankfully my team had patience with me and even believed that I warranted a reward for my tenacity to the challenge. Hmmm … tenacity … ok, I‘ll say it … thanks, mom!

Anywhoo, back to My Peeps.






Every Easter season, the mallows come out in full colorful force and taunt me everywhere I go. Chocolate covered marshmallow eggs beckon me. Peep chicks chirp at me. And See’s Candy Rocky Road eggs call to me in my sleep. There is mallowy goodness all around.

And of course I usually succumb.

Lack of will power … another DNA flaw … but this one goes to dad … I believe in equal opportunity blame.

This year however, those parading Peeps gave me an idea rather than a sugar induced coma. How about using them in my Easter décor and party planning? Why not? They’d be perfect! After all, they come in a myriad of colors, sure to match any home décor, AND they are way cheep! : )

Now lest you think I was the first person to come up with this brilliant use of those spongy sugar confections, I must tell you there is a whole world of Peep party ideas out there already and I’ve complied a few of my favorites below. (Click on the picture to hop over to its original web-site or scroll to the end of this post for a listing of the links.)


Peep Décor

Fresh flower centerpieces are all the more lovely when sweetened up with Peeps. The key is to line a larger vase with the Peeps first then insert another smaller vase into the center. This second vase will hold the Peeps in place as well as contain the flower stems and water.








Announce the party theme at your front door with this easy and inexpensive wreath idea. Or use the same concept to construct a topiary for a buffet table or fireplace mantle.








This felt garland is so C.U.T.E. Love it!







Peep Food


Check out this entire dessert table inspired by Peeps. Heaven! I can hear the angels singing each time someone approaches it.





How fun would these be wrapped in cello bags and handed out as party favors or as class party treats … oh wait, can you legally do that at school anymore? Maybe you have the kids come by your car in the parking lot after school to collect these.








Note to self: have cash in wallet that day just in case it’s needed for bail posting purposes : ).


This colorful cake would make a grand statement. I think it would be even more striking if done all in one color … more Marthaesque.





And what could be better than fondue Peeps? Um, that would be NOTHING! More angels singing. Can you hear them? I can : ).






Peep Party Favors


Here’s a way to cuddle your Peeps without getting covered in colorful sugar … unless you like that sorta thing. There is a great tutorial at this site on how to construct both the chicks and bunnies plush pillows. And I am in serious love with the idea of making some for my furry family members! Now that is SWEET!






Bunny bling. Perfect for shower favors or a little girl’s bunny themed birthday party.





Sugar coma in a convenient jar … nothing better to send guests home with! But maybe you could diffuse the effects by sticking a coupon for a free glucose screening under the lid ... just as a thoughtful gesture : ).






A Party with My Peeps


With all that Peep inspiration floating around my head and the constant heckling from the packages of chicks perched on my kitchen island, I came up with my own Peep party projects to share with you.






As always, start with an invitation. Do something simple, especially if you are sending out more than ten.






BTW, here’s the pattern I used for the projects.






Stitch up some appliquéd napkins one night while you’re watching TV. I didn’t have any fusible web, so don’t fault me for not having it in the picture. Use it! It will add stability when sewing AND when washing.






I am in love with this framed piece. It was one of those projects that actually finished up just like I had envisioned in my head. Woohoo! Where’s the glass you are wondering? I just removed everything, including the glass, then inserted the decorated cardstock piece in the front of the frame and replaced all the other flat pieces behind it. Once the season is over, I can remove the bunnies and still use the frame for other things. And oh, I just printed the sentiment directly onto the cardstock and then hot glued the peeps on. It took less than 5 minutes to create. LOVE THAT!






For more décor awesomeness, string Peeps on fishing line and drape on a mantle or between two wreath holders at your buffet table. Make sure you clean the stickiness off the line every so often to prevent the line from tearing the Peeps apart. You might also try hot gluing the peeps to a length of ribbon … less tearing that way.





Every party needs food … and of course food labels. Quick and easy … but I have to say, they look like they are protesting something rather than identifying something. Down with green-bean-casserole! Stop the deviling of eggs! Wahahahaha.




Have guests create and bring shoebox dioramas made from Peeps. Form a team of judges and award prizes for the best ones. Most local newspaper run contests like this every year, so do a web search for past entries to get ideas for themes and construction.

Keep little hands (or as seen here, husband hands) busy with a Perler Bead project. As always, have adults do the ironing.




But be aware … if left alone, those Perler Bead bunnies will multiply : ). Just sayin’ you might want to be prepared for the questions your kids will inevitable have …






Send guests home with a treat that comes right from the coup (aka the store shelves). A simple thank you tag is all you need to dress it up.





And last, but not at all least, the piece du Peep résistance … a Peep topiary! I am in total love with how these turned out. Especially the second one … my learning curve was better : ).





I secured the chicks to the Styrofoam ball with toothpicks and layered one over the other to hide the tail pick. Start at the top and work down towards the dowel in rows. The peeps are very malleable and you can squish them around to cover any holes left by the picks.









They are top heavy! So make a stand for them if you can. Hubby just drilled a hole for the dowel in wood blocks cut to fit the yellow tins. I added dried beans for more weight and thankfully they have stayed upright for a few hours now : ).






Well, dear reader, I hope you enjoyed this basket full of mallowy inspiration. Whether you get to use an idea or two this season or next, I hope you have fun creating with your Peeps! For more ideas … go here to the official Peeps web-site. It’s amazing what kind of happiness a little sugar can bring.

And speaking of sugary happiness, I hear the leftover peeps calling me … they have a date with some cute egg hunting friends of mine … and I don’t want to be late … well, more late than I normally am : ).

Happy Spring dear reader!

~ Elizabeth (ekb)


And P.S. Cynthia … We’ll be in touch about collecting your prize! Enjoy the shopping spree!



Inspiration Web Sites:

1. Peeps in a vase: mixmingleandglow.com
2. Peeps centerpiece: trinitydesignstudio.com
3. Peeps door wreath: i54photobucket.com
4. Peeps topiary: apumpkinandaprincess.blogspot.com
5. Peeps garland: favecrafts.com
6. Dessert table: hostessblog.com
7. Rice crispy treats: blogs.babble.com
8. Peep pops:gourmetmomonthego.com
9. Peeps cake: martieknows.squarespace.com
10. Peeps fondue:whorange.net
11. Plush pillow chick and bunny: dandelionsandlace.blogspot.com
12. Peeps bracelet: ourlittlepeapod.com
13. Peep smores in a jar: creativeholidaygiftideas.blogspot.com

Digging through my bin of Easter décor, I uncovered a special craft that my mom had made many, many years ago.

 She had blown out real eggs and painted them.

Our basement ping-pong table was full of fragile eggs ready for her artistic hand.

She embellished them with fancy trims and soft velvet ribbons. Each one had a crown of beads and a throne made from a brass candle holder.

These special eggs were gifts that my mom made for neighbors, friends, and family members.

She worked day and night crafting the tiny masterpieces.

I had forgotten all about them until my teenage daughter came home with a school project. 

Her task was to use a blown out egg to make a baby.

The assignment was to carry the egg with her all week at school to see how it fared. She was totally excited about the project and quickly blew out an egg.

She had her own ideas about decorating the egg.

 I told her all about the eggs that her grandma made when I was little. We also talked about how these hand painted eggs became an Easter symbol back in 988 when Christianity came to the Ukraine.

The most renowned eggs were the ones painted and jeweled by Peter Faberge for the Czar Alexander II.

So much history and art comes from egg decorating.

This Easter I decided to decorate my own blown out eggs as keepsakes for my family.

Here are the tips for getting started and dozens of “eggs-pert” ideas.

Let’s get started with the eggs.

• Less expensive eggs often have thicker shells than organic eggs.
• They make a stronger egg base for decorating.

Once you have your egg, follow these steps for decorating.

1. Begin by poking a small hole in the top of the egg using a pin or a bulletin board push pin.

  2. Carefully poke a hole in the bottom of the egg.

     3. Then blow the yolk and egg white out of the egg.

    4.  Add water to the egg to rinse out the egg residue.

    5. Blow out the water in the egg.

    6. Set eggs to dry.

   7.  Water down white craft glue and pour inside the egg to make the egg sturdier (a tip from Grandma after I broke 2 eggs).

   8.  Once the glue is dry, paint the eggs.

To embellish the keepsake eggs, pull out your scrapbooking and crafting supplies.

Because the eggs are so small, they take very little product for decorating, yet still look dazzling.

• Stickers: Using a sticker is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to dress up your egg. Simply peel and attach it to the painted egg base. Dig in your office drawer and pull out page reinforcement stickers to create a polka dot egg. Use letter stickers to mark family initials on eggs or to spell family members’ names. You can even use stickers to create silhouettes on your eggs. Securely place the sticker on the egg and then paint over it. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the sticker and view the unpainted silhouette.

• Rub-ons: My teenage daughter loved using rub-ons for her egg decoration. You have to have a light touch when applying the rub-on. A tip is to warm the area where the rub-on is to be placed. I especially like the rub-ons with gems on them.

• Glitter: While your paint is wet on the egg, sprinkle glitter. Then seal the egg with a workable fixative to keep the glitter from falling off. Make patterns or write initials using a glue pen.

• Punches: Edger punches and chain punches are great tools for creating patterns around the eggs. Use the same punch and alter the color of paper to create a rainbow egg or use several different punches and the same color of paper. Punch a small piece on which to display your egg. Try using border punches instead of ribbon. Look at your small punch collection. You can create polka dots using circle punches, a repetitive heart pattern, or maybe an egg with a paw punch to represent your pet.

• Pattern Paper: Brings richness and elegance or adds a touch of whimsy to your egg.

• Gems: Make me think of those famous Faberge Eggs. Use the sticker gems and wrap them around your egg. Trace a simple shape and add gems to its outline.
  
  
• Beads: Place beads on a corsage pin and secure them to the opening at the top of the egg. String beads on wire and wrap around your egg. You may want to create beaded charms to hang from the bottom of the egg if it is displayed on a tree branch.
  
  
• Ribbon and Trim: Use scraps to garnish your egg. It takes very little ribbon or lace to make your egg look fabulous.
  
  
• Photos: I have seen eggs where you can photocopy a picture and then transfer the image onto egg using a gel medium. I have not tried this yet but it is on my to do list.
  
  
• Broken Eggs: While working, I broke 3 eggs. The last egg had me thinking that maybe it was an opportunity instead of a disaster. I simply cut the hole in the egg bigger and made it into a shadowbox. No one would have guessed that it was an egg I considered tossing into the garbage after breaking.

I am sure you will discover many other items to use for embellishing and personalizing your eggs.

There is no limit to your creativity.

Visit HERE for a few more egg-citing ideas! 

Once your eggs are made, display them on little punched border strips or hang them from ribbon.

To store them, year after year, save the egg carton they came in. It is perfect for keeping them safe.

At family gatherings, create keepsake eggs together.

Each holiday display them in a basket on the center of the table or hang them from a tree branch secured in a pot.

I know year after year these keepsake eggs will bring smiles when they are displayed.

Who knows -- they may even become precious family heirlooms.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Happiness, Love, and Crafting,
~Miss Nifty Thrifty (Studio Pink) 

Kara Ward

Since my last post seemed to be so popular, I thought I’d spend this month talking a little bit more about stamping on the Expert Blog. By the way, thank you all for your lovely comments, I love reading everything that you have to say. For my next post I will answer the questions you asked, so if there's something you want to know about stamping, be sure to post it on the Stamping 101 post. 

If you’d like to be entered to win a stamping prize pack valued at $50.00 leave a comment on the Stamping 101 blog post letting us know what types of stamping techniques challenge you or what types of techniques you’d like us to do tutorials on here on the Expert Blog.  

In order to be eligible to win the prize pack, your comment must be posted by Friday, April 29, 2011.

________________________

I like stamping – and I like coloring too – and the combination of these two pastimes can result in something beautiful to keep, have or use! More than coloring, I like painting. Before I started scrapbooking and creating with paper I was a watercolor artist – I’ll be the first to tell you though – I never knew that painting a stamped image would be so satisfying to me!  

When you use watercolor paints to add color to your stamped image, you need to stamp using a solvent based ink. Solvent inks won’t run when you brush water over the image you stamped on the paper – resulting in a beautiful, crisp image when the color dries.

You don’t need to use watercolor paper to stamp on, but you can as long as the paper is Hot Press. This means that the paper has a fine-grained, smooth surface. The paint dries very quickly on hot press paper and you can get nice, even washes of color on it. When I don’t have watercolor paper around, I reach for a really smooth cardstock. (the samples I made this week were stamped on cream cardstock.) Other types of watercolor papers (rough or cold press) have a texture that makes stamping a clean, clear image nearly impossible.

Depending on the type of image I am painting, I typically use a small round watercolor brush (Sizes range from 1, 2 or 3) to apply detail colors. For applying color to larger areas – like the background around a stamp, I reach for a flat wash brush – as small as a ½” and as large as 1”. I also like to use a brush with natural bristles rather than synthetic. Natural bristles seem hold more water for a longer time than synthetic brushes do.

One of the attributes of watercolor paintings that attract me is the way the paintings seem so luminous and bright – so unlike many oil and acrylic paintings I've seen. If you think about it; watercolor is water PLUS color. It would make sense then that when you apply color to the paper you want to make sure to mix enough water with your color to allow it to wash delicately over the image. One of the ways I do that is to have a large puddle of water on my palette and dip my brush in color and add the color to the puddle. I can always add more water or color until I get it right, but if I try to mix them on my image might end up with a mess! I also try to leave areas of the image with no paint, so the cardstock shows through and creates a highlight on flower petal or a cloud in the sky.  That's where the luminosity comes from!

The samples I created this week show how you can create some lovely projects for Easter. The Cupcake Picks, a card and Easter Egg are made with one inchie set – if you look close you  can see where I added some Iridescent Paints to the Cupcake Picks.

If you are unsure about this technique, stamp several images on a piece of cardstock or scrap paper to practice on. Give yourself some time to play with the color, color mixing and brushing light washes of color over your paper.  If you have any questions, be sure to send me a private message (CMScanlon) and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the rest of your week!