Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Baby Onesie-Side step card

Sometimes the internet is fabulous.  I've been lucky enough to reconnect with some friends from high school-OK I'm not afraid to say it- class of 1991.  One friend I've reconnected with is my home room buddy.  She is presently expecting her fifth child.  Makes me sound like a slacker with only one.  I know she is a great mom so I wanted to make her a sweet card.  The inspiration comes from Jackie Topa's blog http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/2010/07/side-step-dresser-tutorial.html
I added some elements I'd seen on other blogs.  The base is So Saffron with edges sponged in more mustard.  The stamp on the drawer fronts is from the SU set Noteworthy.  The DSP is old shades of spring.  The drawer pulls are gold nail head bling and the shelf is pearl bling.  I stamped the onesie from SU set A Slice of Life on the DSP and then onto the DSP Pawsitively Prints II (still available) to paper piece it.  I made the hanger with some beading wire and needle nose pliers.
The sentiment comes from teeny tiny wishes.  I wanted to add some more baby elements but didn't have anything to scale.  In the future I'll be on the lookout for items to add to the scene.  Thanks for looking.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mother's Apron Strings

I saw this card (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1948318) on SCS and was inspired to create this card and tutorial.  Sorry it's not much in advance of Mother's Day if you are sending a card but maybe if you are lucky enough to be with your mom you still have a few days to knock this one out.  It is really easy to do and you can adapt it to what supplies you have.  It would be really neat if you have an actual apron to match it to.
1. Cut a 6" circle out of DSP and cut the circle in half.
2. Make a mark 1 5/8" in on each side on the straight "top" of the apron.
3.  Fold at a slight angle out which makes the sides flare out of the apron.
4. Cut a 1" strip of paper and use a border punch. (you could also scrunch some ribbon or tulle)
5.  Make a series of darts and adhere to the inside bottom of the apron.
6. Add two holes and eyelets at the top.  Add some ribbon and make a bow.
7. Add pockets to the front (these are from the heart trio punch)

I hope these directions and photos help.  If you have any questions just leave me a comment with your email so i can send a reply back.

I want to include also the Apron Poem.

THE PRINCIPAL USE OF GRANDMA'S APRON WAS TO PROTECT THE DRESS

UNDERNEATH, BUT ALONG WITH THAT, IT SERVED AS A POTHOLDER FOR
REMOVING HOT PANS FROM THE OVEN.
IT WAS WONDERFUL FOR DRYING CHILDREN'S TEARS, AND ON OCCASION
WAS EVEN USED FOR CLEANING OUT DIRTY EARS.
FROM THE CHICKEN COOP, THE APRON WAS USED FOR CARRYING EGGS,
FUSSY CHICKS, AND SOMETIMES HALF-HATCHED EGGS TO BE FINISHED
IN THE WARMING OVEN.
WHEN COMPANY CAME, THOSE APRONS WERE IDEAL HIDING PLACES FOR
SHY KIDS.
AND WHEN THE WEATHER WA COLD, GRANDMA WRAPPED IT AROUND HER
ARMS.
THOSE BIG OLD APRONS WIPED MANY A PERSPIRING BROW, BENT OVER
THE HOT WOOD-STOVE.
CHIPS AND KINDLING WOOD WERE BROUGHT INTO THE KITCHEN IN THAT
APRON.
FROM THE GARDEN, IT CARRIED ALL SORTS OF VEGETABLES. AFTER THE
PEAS HAD BEEN SHELLED, IT CARRIED OUT THE HULLS.
IN THE FALL, THE APRON WAS USED TO BRING IN APPLES THAT HAD
FALLEN FROM THE TREES.
WHEN UNEXPECTED COMPANY DROVE UP THE ROAD, IT WAS SURPRISING
HOW MUCH FURNITURE THAT OLD APRON COULD DUST IN A MATTER OF
SECONDS.
WHEN DINNER WAS READY, GRANDMA WALKED OUT ONTO THE PORCH,
WAVED HER APRON, AND THE MEN KNEW IT WAS TIE TO COME IN FROM
THE FIELDS TO DINNER.
IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE SOMEONE INVENTS SOMETHING THAT
WILL REPLACE THAT 'OLD-TIME APRON' THAT SERVED SO MANY WORTH-
WHILE PURPOSES.
REMEMBER:
GRANDMA USED TO SET HER HOT BAKED APPLE PIES ON THE WINDOW
SILL TO COOL.
HER GRANDDAUGHTERS SET THEIRS ON THE WINDOW SILL TO THAW.
THEY WOULD GO CRAZY NOW TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW MANY GERMS
WERE ON THAT APRON.
I DON'T THINK I EVER CAUGHT ANYTHING FROM AN APRON---EXCEPT LOVE.