Authentique Design Team Valentine Blog Hop

If you are looking for the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop, click HERE.

Good morning, everyone! Happy Valentines Day! I created this fun home decor project as part of a special blog hop the Authentique Paper team is having today. I always love when we get together and do a group post! There is always so much goodness to look at!  

I am starting to be able to spend some time in the studio again! {YAY!} I was trying to think of something fun to make that would not take dog's years to accomplish, and hit on doing some fun home decor for Valentine's Day.

This little try arrived filled with some goodies from my mother-in-law, and it was so cute that it made me really want to use it for something. The tray is about 8" x 12", and it started out as plain wood, so I painted it white. (This is a really flimsy tray, but it's good enough for a little seasonal decor piece.) I trimmed down the Romance One paper to fit the tray, then added it after the paint dried. 

Once I had the tray finished, I decided to add some other goodies to it. I poked around in my craft closet to see what I had in there. Since I am still not allowed to lift anything heavy, I could not get to my big bins off the top shelf, but these items were in a bin on the floor: an empty frappuccino bottle, a pink candy dish (with ugly cupcakes around the edge), and part of a Graphic 45 matchbook box. Hmmmmmm.... 

I decided to start with the frappuccino bottle. It had been on my mind to try some chalk paints on glass. About 2-3 years ago I purchased some chalk paint...and never got to the project! Sadly, when I pulled out the paint, most of it was sludge and unusable! (Why do I buy stuff and then never get around to using it until it's too late???!!!)

I did find some pink and white paint that was still...paint, and used that. I poured some thinned paint into the bottle and swished it around. I did a few coats, letting it dry between. It took forever to dry with the damp weather we've been having! 

I glued some bobble ribbon around the top of the bottle and also glued one of the Romance punch-outs to the bottle. I also painted the lid and had my husband drill holes in the top for my dowels. I covered the top of the lid with a paper circle.

I was out of dowels, which required a trip to the home improvement store! Luckily we were headed there anyway to buy paint for our master bedroom! I got three 12" long dowels from each length I purchased, which is pretty good for about 80 cents each for the 3-foot dowels. 

I painted the dowels white and then added some pizzazz to the top of each one. 

I die cut doilies, circles, hearts, and more and added them to the dowels. The paper and punch outs made it super easy! I also added a few flowers. 

I love how milky-pink the bottle looks! (Sorry, I had to photograph it on its side due to how tall it is! I had a hard time fitting it into my light box thingie!)  

The little pink candy dish got a new suit of clothes as well to hide the hideous cupcakes that were around the edge. I wrapped the dish in Romance Five and added the same bobble ribbon around the edge. 

I could not find any Valentine candy so I put things to make tags into my little dish! Cut apart images, tags, ribbon, and so forth.  

The little Papier-mâché box is bottom half of a Graphic 45 matchbook box. I have no clue where the top is! This had already been painted white, which was a plus! I simply added the Romance papers to all the surfaces and then glued one of the punch-out sentiments to the box. 

I filled the box with more things to make tags: flowers, sequins, pearls, enamel shapes, and so forth. I also allowed some of the little items to spill out onto the tray for extra decor. (They are actually glued in place so that I can move the tray around without spillage!)

I had a blast getting all messy in the studio after so long away! I hope you had fun visiting the blog! 

To see all of the projects from the team, follow the list below:

Daniela Costa
Ginny Nemchak
Gloria Stengel - You are HERE
Heather Conklin
Kathy Clement
Kay Fatula

Pam Bray

Authentique Supplies:
Romance Collection Pack (12x12 paper and Elements Punch-outs)

Other Supplies:
Chalk paint: DecoArt Americana Decor Innocence, Promise
Acrylic paint: Plaid Fold Art Wicker White
Ink: Ranger Distress Spun Sugar, Festive Berries
Box: Graphic 45 small matchbook box (retired)
Sequins, enamel hearts, beads: stash
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts  
Candy dish: Michael's $1 spot
Bottle: Starbucks
Ribbon: craft store
Dowels: Lowe's Home Improvement
Dies: My Favorite Things Stichable Heart Stax, Stitched Circle Stax; Spellbinders Heart Circles; Cheery Lynn Designs French Pastry Doily
Adhesive: white glue, hot glue, ATG tape, Scor-tape, foam tape

Really Reasonable Ribbon February Blog Hop

If you are looking for the Authentique Valentine's Blog Hop, click HERE.

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon February Blog Hop! I had to sit out last month, but I am back again this month with a ribbon pretty! I am slowly returning to the studio! I am not yet up to a big mini book project, but I am working up to it! 

You should be coming to my blog from the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog. (For the complete blog list, scroll to the bottom of the post.) After visiting me, hop over to the spectacular Ginny's Blog next!

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win the February Ribbon Club Assortment shown below. (The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!)

The February Ribbon Club Assortment is called Purple and Green. I have been with Bonnie and the Ribbon team for a long time now, since about 2011...so, I look forward to certain collections each year. I always love the green collection that she does for February, and when she pairs it with purple...oh happy day! Look at how pretty those ribbons are! I always hate breaking open the package and messing them up! {Bonnie, will tell me to USE THAT RIBBON INSTEAD OF HOARDING IT!}

Like I said, I am not up for making a big project yet, but I can handle a card! And I can make a big ol' bow! Authentique sent me my DT boxes for the past few months, regardless of my ability to create anything. (They are an AMAZING company! Beyond compare!) I have tons of papers to play with now that I am feeling better! This is the new Clover collection! It has the most adorable prints and images! You all know how I love vintage images!

As much as I love the purple and green combination, I instead did a monochromatic green card. I made three green, loopy bows and stacked them together. I used Apple Green Diamond Satin, Kiwi Satin, and Kiwi Swiss Dots Satin. I create each bow individually, and then hot glue them in place. Pretty pretty!

I found a fun button and a green flower in my stash and added those to pull all the shades of green from the paper together in the bow element.  

This card went together so easily! I used a sketch from Becky Fleck to help me out! Since I was just out of surgery, I was not able to make any projects for the CardMaps Winter/Spring sketches, so I will use some of them when I am able. 

I used this cute sketch, but changed the circle to a square. I always love using Becky's sketches! 

Thanks for joining me today! Now, hop over to Ginny's Blog to see what she has for you!

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!

Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings (REMEMBER, LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE RRR BLOG FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!)
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!

Ginny

Cheryl

Bonnie

Karen

Kathy
Linsey
Cherry

Trims: Really Reasonable Ribbon February Ribbon Club (Apple Green Diamond Satin, Kiwi Satin, Kiwi Swiss Dots Satin)
Printed paper and die cuts: Authentique Clover
Cardstock: WorldWin Papers Natural; Midnight
Flower: Petaloo
Leaf: Prima
Button: stash
Dies: My Favorite Things Jumbo Flag Stax, Flag Stax and Layers
Ink: Ranger Distress Mowed Lawn
Adhesive: white glue, hot glue, ATG tape, Scor-tape

Copic Coloring Series - February

Check me out! All on time and everything! I am hoping that by the end of February I can be back to my normal schedule and posting at least weekly. My husband is keeping a close eye on me so that I don't over do it!

For those of you just joining me, I will be coloring one image each month, using the Power Poppy digital flower images, found HERE. If you missed any of the previous projects, see the links at the end of the post. 

February's project is so special to me, because tulips are my favorite spring flower!

I do not have tulips in my yard or garden because they don't "winter" here. Since it's not cold enough for them to have a dormant time, the only way to keep tulips is to dig them up and put them in cold storage, then replant them. Gloria ain't got time for that! I could just buy pots of them, but...instead my husband brings me bunches of cut tulips all during the spring, starting with my birthday on February 2nd! 

I love this bouquet of various colors of tulips, which inspired my coloring. 

I love these colors together, but it was hard to find the correct pinks! I find Copic pinks very difficult to blend. This combo turned out very nice, with lots of shadow and highlight. I usually have a hard time leaving enough highlight, but I was careful with the pinks to do so! 

The Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher digital stamp set I used for my February image is currently a $6 download. This image is also part of a clear set called Loving Tulips. 

I actually purchased this image a few years ago, and colored it once before to make a card, which you can see HERE. 

Using Adobe Illustrator, I created my panel at about 5 1/4" x 5 1/4". I rotated the image slightly and sized it at approximately 4 1/4" wide. I ended up having to size this guy a few times to make it all fit into my square die. The "February" sticking out there threw a monkey wrench into the works!

The finished panel is 6 1/8" x 6 1/8". I have used a stitched square die to cut out the main image panel (which measures 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"). My plan is to display each monthly image at my desk, as shown below.

I am using "Great Vibes" as my font, which I sized at about 45pt. I printed the panel onto Hammermill 100# cardstock with my Epson ET-3700 using black ink. (So far, I have had excellent results using Copics with this printer ink and paper combination.)

My image is colored with a combination of Copic Markers and Prismacolor Pencils. I first lay down the Copic markers, and then go back and add depth and highlight with the pencils. I finish with more highlights using a white pencil or a gel pen.

You probably know that tulips rival roses for the sheer number of colors and styles in which they bloom! I think pretty much any color you can think of would be fine! I chose a bright pink, pale yellow, and a peachy orange for my bouquet. Tulips also have lovely green leaves and stems. I wanted the pitcher to look like dingy pottery, something old and well loved. 

Here are the color combinations I have used for the finished project (listed in this order: Copics, then Prismacolor Pencils by name):

Pink: R39, RV19, RV17, RV10, RV000; Crimson Lake, Process Red, White
Orange: YR16, YR14, E93, E01; Cadmium Orange Hue, Salmon Pink, White
Yellow: Y15, Y13, Y11, Y00; Canary, White
Leaves: YG01, G99, G46, G43, G29; Chartreuse, Green Ocher
Jug: C05, C03, C01, BG78, BG75, BG72, BG70, Y26, E81; 70% Cool Grey

Background: W03, W01, W00, B000, B000), Colorless blender

My cardstock panels are black, dark pink, and pale pink. I added a twine and a button, plus some enamel dots for decoration. 

I started this project series back in September 2018. (There is a bit of August peeking out of the pile...sneaky peeky! You will have to wait for it!!!) If you missed any projects click the month below. 

January

SEPTEMBER. 

OCTOBER.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER

Thanks for stopping by! I will have a new image Friday, March 1st!

Digital image: Power Poppy Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher
Cardstock: Hammermill 100# Digital Color Copy; dark pink, light pink (unknown); WorldWin Papers Midnight
Markers: Copic (see list above)
Pencils: Prismacolor (see list above)
Gel pen: Sakura Gelly Roll White
Twine: unknown
Button: stash
Enamel dots: Echo Parck Celebrate Easter, Simple Stories Emoji Love
Die: Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Squares
Tools: We R Memory Keepers Guide Layers
Adhesive: ATG tape, Scor-tape, hot glue

Monthly Coloring Series - January

Well, my darlings! I am getting the January project up before January is finished! The surgery recovery is going very slowly, but I am able to do a few things in the studio now. Very few, but still. It's better than nothing! I am doing well, according to the doctor. I see him again in mid-February for my 8 week check up. I hope I am fully healed by then! 

For those of you just joining me, I will be coloring one image each month, using the Power Poppy digital flower images, found HERE. If you missed any of the previous projects, see the links at the end of the post. 

Let's see the long-awaited January project! 

Winter and winter flowers mean something totally different here in Southern California to what it probably means to most of you reading this. Many of you may be in the winter freeze and your plants may be buried under mountains of snow! 

This time of year, at my house, the bird of paradise are blooming, and with all the winter rain, everything is green! 

So...I decided to choose this bouquet of snowdrops, crocuses, and pussy willow branches for my January project. It reminds me of my mom's garden in Pennsylvania where snowdrops and crocuses were the first flowers to bloom in the spring. 

The Winter Pick-Me-Up digital stamp set I used for my January image is currently a $6 download. I actually purchased this a few years ago, and colored it once before, but somehow a huge blob of ink was right in the middle of the project! But I did use my original for color ideas for this month's project.

Using Adobe Illustrator, I created my panel at about 5 1/4" x 5 1/4". I rotated the image slightly and sized it at approximately 4 1/4" wide.  

The finished panel is 6 1/8" x 6 1/8". I have used a stitched square die to cut out the main image panel (which measures 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"). My plan is to display each monthly image at my desk, as shown below.

I am using "Great Vibes" as my font, which I sized at about 45pt. I printed the panel onto Hammermill 100# cardstock with my Epson ET-3700 using black ink. (So far, I have had excellent results using Copics with this printer ink and paper combination.)

My images are colored with a combination of Copic Markers and Prismacolor Pencils. I first lay down the Copic markers, and then go back and add depth and highlight with the pencils. I finish with more highlights using a white pencil or a gel pen.

I wanted the crocuses to be purple, but not a deep purple. I think this pale version of blue-violet is more "wintery" and fits the winter mood better. I think snowdrops are usually white or maybe pink, but they do come in yellow! I colored mine yellow because I wanted that bit of sunshine on the image! The pussy willows are a pale, warm gray rather than white. 

Here are the color combinations I have used for the finished project (listed in this order: Copics, Prismacolor Pencils, Gel Pens.):

Snowdrops and Stamens: Y15, Y13, Y11, Y00; Canary Yellow
Crocuses: V25, BV0000, BV000, BV00, BV11; Parma Violet
Pussy Willows: W00, W01, W03, W05
Branches: W07, E47
Leaves: YG06, YG09, G07

Background: B0000, B000, Colorless blender

My cardstock panels are black, purple, and pale yellow. I added a twine bow and a button for decoration. 

I started this project series back in September 2018. If you missed any projects: 

SEPTEMBER. 

OCTOBER.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER

Thanks for stopping by! I will have a new image Friday, February 1st! (It is already finished! No waiting!)

Digital image: Power Poppy Winter Pick-Me-Up 
Cardstock: Hammermill 100# Digital Color Copy; purple, yellow (unknown); WorldWin Papers Midnight
Markers: Copic (see list above)
Pencils: Prismacolor (see list above)
Gel pen: Sakura Gelly Roll White
Twine: unknown
Button: stash
Die: Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Squares
Tools: We R Memory Keepers Guide Layers
Adhesive: ATG tape, Scor-tape, hot glue

SPAM Gets Us All in the End

Hello, lovely Readers! 

I have had to turn on comment moderation due to someone spamming my blog lately. As soon as I feel they've gone away, I will turn it off again. So, if you post a comment, you won't see it straight away as I will have to give it the ol' thumbs up each time. What a drag! 

Update and 2018 in Review

Hello, Crafters! I have a small update on my surgery. Tomorrow I will be 4 weeks post-op. I am doing well, so far. Still healing, still having some pain, still needing to take it slow and easy. But, the grafts seem to be holding and I am progressing along! I am adding small things each day, and slowly getting back to my life. I finally managed to get the Christmas tree and decor put away, with major help from my husband and younger son! (Mostly, I bossed them around from the couch and they did all the work!) I also managed to get my every day decor back in place! Slow and steady, with lots of rest wins the race! I see the doctor next week for my 5-week check up, but I don't expect any issues. 

Thanks for all of your comments and prayers! You may notice all my comments for the last 5-6 weeks have disappeared! I was trying to delete some SPAM (using my tablet rather than the computer), and accidentally deleted a bunch of legitimate comments. There was no way to retrieve them! ARRRGGGG! Technology! User error! 

Now, since I am not able to get into the studio yet, I thought you all may like to see a year in review of my favorite projects from 2018! So....here they are! (To see the full project posts, click on the month.)

January: Set of Piggy Note Cards

My favorite project for January was this set of piggy note cards. I was trying my hand at coloring onto kraft paper with pencils and these turned out super cute. They were to be a gift for my sister...but they are still sitting here...patiently waiting! 

I love to create sets of note cards, but I don't do it very often. I hope to be able to do more of this type of project so I can donate some card sets to charity. 

February: Best Wishes Card

My favorite February project was this card I created for Heartfelt Creations. I used a layering technique to create a scene, plus I used flower soft to make the background flowers. I simply adore this sweet card. It is not in my normal "bag-o-tricks" but it was so fun to make!

March: Sun Kissed Mini Album

This project posted the last day of March 2018. I always love a mini album, and this one was a fun one to make! I used some mixed media techniques on the front cover, which is not something I do very often....because it's so messy!

The inside of the album is pure "Gloria" style! 

April: Sewing Mini Album

One of my favorite projects of the whole year was this sewing themed mini album. This one is actually an 8" x 8" mini. I loved working on something this size! It took loads of paper, but the end product was amazing! {If I do say so myself!}

I did a tutorial for the binding of this mini, but not a full tutorial. I want to make it again in 2019 and do a full tutorial. Stay tuned! 

May: Down on the Farm Mini Album

My favorite project for May is this country-style mini album. I had been saving the denim and the other fabrics for a special project, and this was the one! I loved making this book so much! (I see a pattern forming...I love making mini albums!)

Authentique Paper sends me the most wonderful papers to work with! I love every collection. 

Part of why I cut way back on my design team commitments was to ENJOY the process! I had really become so burned out on making, that I needed to take a step back! I am so happy that I did. I really have rediscovered my JOY again! Having just a few commitments a month means I can not only enjoy my DT work, but I also have time to create just for fun! What a concept!! {smile}

June: Graduation Cards

I always need masculine cards for my card stash. I created these two masculine graduation cards, and wouldn't you know, I only need feminine cards this year! But, these are in my stash for the future! 

July: Christmas in July Mini Album

I called this a giant mini album! It is a tri-fold mini with two waterfall features! And the paper...totally adorable! Retro vintage! Yum!

This is another project that I would love to find time to do a full tutorial for you. Fingers crossed!

August: Pop-up Card

I think this is my favorite card of the year! Not only do I love how the front turned out, with all the layers...but it's a pop-up card! 

This style of card is one part card, one part gift card holder, and one part scrapbook! I adore these vintage bathing beauties! And...distressed wood paper? Get out! 

September: Fall Flowers Panel

I chose this as my favorite project for September, because one of my goals is to get back to coloring more! I love how this turned out! I am in awe of myself sometimes! {giggle}

October: Christmas Card

I did have two different Halloween projects that I liked, but this sweet Christmas card won for my favorite of October! I love the papers, the image, and the sweet bow I made! 

November: Christmas Layouts

I confess, I loved every project I made in November! It was a good month, creatively speaking! But, these amazing 12x12 page layouts stole the show! 

December: Poinsettia Panel

Because of my surgery, I did not make much in December. This coloring panel was my favorite thing of the month! I am still amazed that I was able to color such a velvety red! Sometimes I amaze myself, sometimes I look for my glasses when I am wearing them! 

So, that's my year in review! Let me know in the comments which of my projects is your favorite. Maybe you love one not on my list!