A New Direction

This is a tough post for me to write. For a while now, I've felt this 'stirring' inside. It's hard to explain, but I knew 2008 would be a year of change for me. This past year has been amazing. Last June, I set a couple of goals for myself. I wanted to design for a company and I wanted to get published. These goals seemed unattainable at the time and I didn't know if something like that could actually happen for me. But, amazingly enough... before the summer was over, I had been asked to design for two paper crafting companies! And to my amazement... I even had a few things picked up for publication. I still can't hardly believe it!

So, once I had met my goals, I decided I would set some new goals for myself. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to use my creativity for more than a hobby. So... that is my next goal. I don't know what my future holds... but I would love to be able to meet this goal one day! Wouldn't that be amazing!?!

I've had to make some very difficult decisions this week. You might have noticed that I haven't posted as much as I normally do -- and that's because I really wanted to take some time and sort through some things. I've decided to step down from my design positions with Rubber Soul and Paper Pretties. This decision was so hard because I've made some great friendships through these companies this past year. I wish both companies continued success and can't wait to see what this new year holds for them!

Stamps: We Must Be Willing - Rubber Soul

Paper: My Mind's Eye Bohemia Collection (Blue/Red Paisley); K & Co. Wild Saffron Collection

Accessories: Marvy punches; Prima Flower; gold organdy ribbon; Ranger Distress Ink - Fired Brick; paper piercing tools; Spica Glitter pen (black)

Sunflowers

My sister came over a couple of days ago and wanted to know if I could make something to hold several candle tarts. She needed a last minute gift for her boyfriend's mom --- who loves sunflowers. Of course, being the craft stasher that I am, I had a paper mache box that was the perfect size... but didn't have any sunflower-themed paper or accessories.

I remembered seeing a flower made from scraps of patterned paper on Michelle Giraud's blog and thought it might be the perfect thing! I pulled out some of my favorite papers from K & Company's 'Wild Saffron' collection and thought the print resembled the colors in a sunflower.

These flowers are really pretty simple to make! I cut 12 1.5" squares and 12 1" squares -- and then adhered the opposite corners together using glue dots. I found that it helped to use the tip of my bone folder to help mold the "cone" shaped pieces.

Once all of the pieces were formed, I began to create the flower. I cut a large circle out of neutral cardstock to use as a base. Then, using glue dots, I started placing the petals on the base (starting with the largest petals and working up). I created paper leaves by cutting random sized pieces of green patterned paper and adhered to all of the bare spaces left on the base. I used extra thick dimensional foam to adhere the flower to the box top.

I cut a circle out of chocolate cardstock and punched four small holes in it to create a paper button. The chipboard letter "S" originally was blue, so I sponged over it with Palette Hybrid inks to achieve the color I wanted.

I was really excited about how this box transformed! My sister was able to package a dozen tarts in it and found a tart warmer that coordinated. Sometimes I love to work with limitations!

**chipboard letter, patterned paper & paper ribbon all by K & Company (Wild Saffron Collection)

You Move Me

This week's Bloggers Challenge was to make a card that moves. I thought I would try something different, so I stamped my little lamb and added a "stick" by punching out some thin chipboard with my Word Window Punch. I added some sparkle with my black Spica Glitter pen.


Here is my finished card. The little sheep can be lifted and move along the "meadow" (attached with dimensionals on just the right and left sides).

Stamps: Rubber Soul (A Day at the Zoo);
Papertrey Ink (Spiral Bouquet) - sentiment

Paper: K & Co. Amy Butler - Belle Collection; Pixie Pink CS (SU)