Two Swaps to Share

Hello bloggers,

I've been busy finishing up some swaps and finally got them in the mail on Monday.  Both of these swaps were at http://yourpaperpantry.ning.com">Your Paper Pantry .  The first one was in the Correspondence group titled:   "Pocket for Your Thoughts".  We had to make 3 file folder mini albums, preferably all different and we will received three different ones back.  I had alot of fun making these and they hold ALOT of photos and/or journaling spots. 

I used three different paper packs--to the far left I used the Bo Bunny "Gabrielle" collection-- in the middle I used the 12x12 Colorbok "Rosewood" paper pack which can be purchased at Walmart and

the far right mini uses the 7 Gypsies 'Conservatory" paper pack (6x6). The tutorial by Michelle of The Paper Addiction, was very easy to follow and can be found here:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZMxfvLOJtc   (Part One)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_hVYS_nno  (Part Two)

Here's my video of my three completed minis:

The other swap I sent out was for the Embellishments group and the swap was March Grab Bag Embellies--Steampunk.  I made flowers and journal spots, five of each.  

I used the Sizzix Tattered Flower diecut (a Tim Holtz product) and cut the flowers from copper cardstock and foil especially made for crafting.  I then embossed the flowers and 'aged' the foil ones by smudging black ink, gold rub n buff and copper ink to get rid of the shine.  I then coiled some copper wire for the flower center and added a TH ideaology mini gear.  I also added a TH ideaology memo pin and glued a gear onto that.  I attached a clip and I apologize that I can't remember who makes the product, but I used that to attach a smaller flower.  I had some screening left over from a Tim Holtz class I took last year and I used it to make the leaves.  Perfect!  I like how they came out and am hoping the girls who receive them like them too!   

 

Above is the journal card I made.  I embossed steampunk clocks and gears over an entire sheet of 12x12 black cardstock that had a bit of a shine to it.  I believe the paper is made by Recollections.  The embossed a butterfly, added some wire for the antennae.  I had some bolt style brads and added them for effect then glued on a spiral paper clip, a large eyelet, an eye screw, a TH mini gear and a TH memo pin.  When the card is opened it looks like this:

The inside left is covered in copper embossed paper with a stamped Steampunk lady.  On the right is a spot to journal with stamped gears.

I have one more swap to complete and then I won't be swapping until the Fall.  I have bouquets to make for my daughter's wedding and a bridal shower to plan.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll visit again to see what else I've been crafting!

I'm Baaack!

Hello friends,

I'm finally posting after being away from my blog for two and a half weeks.  It seems as though I've been MIA for longer.  Anyway, alot has been going on.....working, counseling and helping my daughter with her wedding plans.   I've been spending my extra time looking for some tutorials on paper roses and found some great ones.  Here's one that I am nearly 100%  sure of using:

You'd think that this rose was real, wouldn't you, but in actuality it's made from coffee filters.  Yes, coffee filters!  I just love the look of this and can't wait to start making some.  

I'm also thinking of make these as well:


My daughter doesn't want any sort of print on the flowers, but this gives me an idea of what to make.  I believe these are made from ordinary printing paper.   I'll post pictures of my flowers when they're done.

Other than researching flowers, I've been busy with appointments, working and just life in general.  I've also started working out to lose 30 pounds as well.  It hasn't been easy but I'm doing my best to stay on track. 

Well, there isn't much more to share, so until I post again, I wish you a wonderful day (or days ahead).