Scrapbook Layout, Greeting Cards and Bookmarks with Lollydoodle!

APRIL IS THE MONTH FOR LOLLYDOODLE!

Lollydoodle Papers - order #X7183B

"Owls" stamp set perfect with Lollydoodle papers!   Order # B1450

Lollydoodle Complements - Order # X7183C

1.  Scrapbook Layout

Lollydoodle papers, Lollydoodle Complements, on Colonial White Cardstock background.

                       2.  Close-up view of lay-out

Card #1

Card #2

Card #3

http://marilyngossettdesigns.ctmh.com/Retail/Category.aspx

Card #4

Bookmark & mini bag holder

Bookmark, back view

May, 2014 Creative Hearts Class will feature Timberline papers, X7183B and Timberline Complements, X7182C.  Stay tuned for project previews!

Visit my online shop to order or send me a message!  Have a Lollydoodle Day!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop

"April Showers bring May Flowers!"   If you are checking out the designer blogs today, you will see that flowers are blooming early!

Tissue paper, ribbon, paper and foam are some of the craft supplies I have used to create flowers.  Over the years, fads have come and gone, but I love the fact that there are a plethora of ideas and techniques left in their wake that we can implement in today's world of crafting!  There are sooo many tools available to us just a drive away to our favorite craft stores!

In the early days of my design career, I thought that I had to create every single bloom and blossom that went on my designs.  I chose to create ribbon roses for the most part as embellishments.  I realized that no one would know if the ribbon rose was made by me or purchased at the store, so that light bulb moment cut a lot of time off of my "create" time!  Whew!

Having said that, I still love creating flowers and I decided to share some recent (and not so recent) designs that feature handmade flowers.

 The cork board wall decor pictured above is embellished with punched-out flowers that are layered to create a dimensional effect.  Punched out flowers and die-cuts are featured in most of the pictures that are posted below.  The fun part is in layering, and choosing various colors and sizes.

To add more depth, apply some ink to the petal edges using a sponge and inkpad, or/and use dimensional adhesive between the layers.  I like to add a little bling to the center of the bloom.  Rhinestones, pearls, glitter and cabochons work great!

Above are some flowers with an embellished CraZy TACKz in the center.  These can be attached to a bulletin board or put directly into the wall to hang jewelry, belts, etc.

Above is a set created to accommodate jewelry.  The CraZy TACKz were attached to each flower.  Pretty and useful!

More of the same.  Paper blooms and CraZy TACKz.

Ribbon flowers....below.....I used a needle and thread for these.

Below are some flowers made out of chenille stems and felt.  The ribbons are from JoAnn's.  They have CraZy TACKz now too!

I coiled the chenille stem into the shape I wanted.  After gluing to a piece of felt, I cut out around the design, making a complete flower.  These can be used to embellish whatever you like.  The CraZy TACKz were glittered and then glued to each flower to make this into a useful wall hanging.  Jewelry, etc. can be hung on the hooks!

Hope you enjoyed browsing through these flower ideas.  You will find lots more as you travel through the blog hop.  Just click on the blue DCC button to go forward or backward to see what our other designers are highlighting today.

Happy Crafting!

Marilyn

Check out CraZy TACKz at www.crazytackz.com for project instructions and more ideas!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Smoothfoam Easter Basket! It is also a Bonnet!

Easter is just around the corner!  Remember dressing up for church and putting on your Sunday best?  My mom used to wear hats to church, especially on special days.  I always looked forward to a new Spring dress and patent leather shoes.  I grew up in the 50's and 60's.  Those days are now considered to be "vintage" to the younger generations.









Smoothfoam has added some half spheres to their line.  Our designers were having fun with them at the CHA Tradeshow, putting them on their heads and dreaming about the glorious head gear they could create. Thus came our Easter Bonnets on Parade Blog Hop!

My daughter Lauren is an aesthetician.  When she was in school, she got a mannequin head.  The mannequin started out as a girl....then after a time got a hair cut and a mustache.  The mannequin is now known as "Marv", and has graced the top of her Christmas tree adorned with all cat decorations.....well, I digress......

Here is a little addition to Marv's bonnet.  A clue of what is to come.  First, let me take you through some steps it took to create this lovely bonnet.

 I gathered the following supplies:

One 6" x 1" thick Smoothfoam disc
One 8" Smoothfoam hollow dome
DecoArt Americana Paints:  Khaki Tan, Olive Green
Paintbrush
Paper flowers, die cut or purchased (1/2" - 1-1/2")
Scalloped die-cut paper circles, 1-3/4"  (paper punch or die-cut machine)
one yard pink Rosette Trim  *Optional
Wooden skewers
Disposable plastic containers, paper plates
Glue gun

Directions:

1.  Paint the inside of the dome Khaki Tan using the skewer for a handle.  Paint the entire disk the same         color.  Let dry.

2.  Paint the outside of the dome Olive Green.  Let dry.

3.  Place a dollop of glue in the middle of the disk.  Center and adhere the bottom of the sphere to the disk.  Push a skewer through both. trim the excess skewer (above the Smoothfoam).

4.  Glue the flowers to the outside, top rim of the sphere.  I adhered three flowers at a time and then filled in the spots that needed it.  The largest flower had a green scalloped circle glued to the back.

5.  Invert the sphere (like a hat), and adhere the scalloped circles all around the sides of the Smoothfoam disk, slightly overlapping the side edges.    Turn upright (like a basket) and adhere the paper flowers around the bottom edges as shown in the photo given.

6.  *Optional: Adhere the rosebud trim to the top of the open sphere.  Adhere around  middle of the scalloped circles (above the paper flowers).


Once this beauty is finished, you will have a bonny bonnet for Easter.  But, Easter is only one day!  There has to be another way to behold this wondrous sight after the Holiday is over!  Surprise!  Turn the hat upside down, add some shreds, eggs, a cute Easter critter, and Voila'!  You have a cute Spring basket!

Can you see that the chick's feathers look a little slicked back?  My cat was licking it when I walked in the room.  Wishful thinking, I guess!  Here she is, looking all innocent.  She is my studio cat and hangs out with me every day.

I hope you have a Happy Easter and enjoy all of the festivities with family and friends!

Happy Day!

Marilyn

Shabby Chic Bookmark Wedding Favors

Planning a Wedding or Shower?  Here is an idea for favors that the guests will enjoy!  Sticky Sticks are perfect for this project.  The adhesion is strong enough to hold the decoration without worries about it popping off.  Works great for pieces of chocolate too!  This is an idea that can be adapted for a Baby Shower, Birthday Party, Holiday Party, etc.  There is a saying I love!  "Whatever the mind can conceive and perceive it can achieve!"  I would love to hear about your ideas too!

You will need:

*Sticky Sticks:  At least one package
 (depending on how many favors you will need)
*One 8" Smoothfoam hollow dome
*DecoArt paints:  Americana Decor:  Chalky Finish: Lace, New Life, Crackle Medium
*Package of 2-1/2" kraft scalloped chipboard tags with ribbon embellishment
*1-1/4" Paper Flowers: one for each stick, cut with Cricut Machine or purchased
*2" Flower cut-out (for contrast) one for each paper flower
*Rubber Stamp with saying
*Ink Pad, Clear stamp Block
*Cardstock:  Colonial White (for 1" scalloped edge), two sided floral pattern
*Chalkboard labels (1)
*Glue
*White Fine-point Permanent Marker
*Paper Punch for corners
*Paint Brushes, Disposable Plastic container, paper plates, paper towels
*Cricut Expression Machine (optional)

Instructions:

1.  Invert the dome and poke slots in it using a Sticky Stick - poke one in the top middle, then make even rows for the number of favors you will have.  Paint the outside of the dome Green; let dry.  Apply the Crackle Medium following the manufacturer's directions.  Apply a top coat of the Lace chalk paint.

2.  Paint each of the Sticky Stick's with the Chalk paint, front and back.  Let dry.

3.  Dry brush Lace chalk paint to each Chipboard Tag to give it a "vintage" look.

4.  Glue a flower to one contrasting background flower.  Adhere to a chipboard tag.  Remove the adhesive strip from one Sticky Sticks, adhere the tag.  Repeat for each.

5. Stamp the message/saying on the stick (with the flower end to the left.)

6.  For the sign:  Adhere one Sticky Sticks to the flat edge of a second Sticky Sticks to make it about 10" long.  Cut and Layer the papers for the "sign".  Adhere the chalkboard label to the front of the sign and write the couples' name on the label with the white marker. Round the corners of the sign using the corner punch.

 

 Here are some closer views to help with the details.

Above is a side view......

Below is a view from "above".

If you have any questions or comments about this project I would love to hear from you!

Hope you are inspired now to "go forth and craft!"

Warm regards,

Marilyn

Product Credits:
Sticky Sticks:  Self-Adhesive Jumbo Craft Sticks
Smoothfoam:  Half Ball spheres
DecoArt:  Chalk Paints
Darice:  Tags and Labels

Close To My Heart: Papers, Rubber Stamps, Inkpad, "Artiste" Cricut Cartridge

Celebrate the Month of Love!

Let's have a Valentine's Party!

Too early to think about Valentine's Day?  Never!  We have two whole weeks before we will be celebrating this day of love.  I like to decorate my house for the holiday theme when appropriate and be ready for friends popping in, a spontaneous party, or just for my family to enjoy! 

A pictorial tutorial is always welcome for us creative types.  Being a "visual" type myself, I find this useful when putting together any project.






Here is what you will need:

*Sticky Sticks, flat wooden 1-1/2" circle (I used a Woodsie circle)
*8" Smoothfoam disk (1" deep")
*Memory Cardstock papers:  green, dark pink, white, red, light pink, yellow; patterned paper with a coordinating print on the back side.
*pencil, piece of paper
*white glue or other adhesive
*jute twine
*paper cutter, score, scallop paper punch, crafting scissors
*Acrylic Paint, lt. peach, black, white, red
*Paint brush, water bucket, paper towels, paper plate, toothpicks
*Optional: Cricut cutting machine for hearts and pennant and cartridge with matching shapes

*Note:  The hearts and pennant  can also be cut out with a handmade pattern.  Remember how we made paper hearts as a kid?  Fold plain paper in two, cut half of a heart on the fold then unfold and trace around it onto red construction paper?  This still works and can look really cute! The same for the triangle shaped pennants!

Ready to start?  Here is what you do!

GATHER YOUR STICKY STICKS.  LAY THEM OUT AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS GIVEN.

 Shoulders: Cut one Sticky Stick from the adhesive end in, 2-1/4".  Hips: Cut a second length at about 2-1/2".

Lay the pieces out with the adhesive side up as shown. They will help you know where they will be placed as shown in the next photo.

In the photo below, I laid the pieces out .  You will remove the release paper and turn each piece over before adhering everything together.

You will need a little glue to attach the bottom of the middle stick to the "hips" piece you cut earlier.

Then, remove the release paper and adhere each "leg" Sticky Stick to the hips piece as shown in the photo below.

Now you are ready to trace around the body on the plain piece of paper and create a clothing pattern for your girl!  Lay her on the paper, trace around the body, making the pattern larger around the middle. Allow just a little extra room around the edges. Refer to the finished project for some help here.  Once you have front and back for the shirt and the pants, lay the pieces aside.

Paint the head, neck and hands, lt. peach.  Paint the bottom of the legs black.  Paint on the front and the back.  Apply a black dip dot with a tooth pick of stylus for each eye.  Dot the mouth with red.  When paint is dry, apply some powder blush to each check using your finger.

Hair:  Cut two 2-1/2" circles from the yellow card stock.  Refer to the finished project and cut a triangle out of one circle.  Place over the face to make sure the opening is large enough for the face to show.  Take the triangular piece and cut a fringe.  This will be the "bangs".  Place and adhere the bangs to the top of the head, place and glue the yellow hair to the head.  Adhere the "whole" yellow circle to the back of the head. 

 *Note:  You can change the hair color to brown, black or auburn.  Whatever your prefer!

This is a picture of the pattern I cut out for the outfit I dressed her in.  There are two pieces.  The shirt and the pants.  I traced around the pattern onto the memory paper for the shirt; reversed the paper and cut out the coordinating pants.  Reverse the pattern and cut out matching pieces for the back of the outfit.

I didn't have the painting done when I photographed the step shown above.  Make sure the painting is done, then adhere the outfit to the doll, front and back.  I chalked the edges using a grey ink pad and wedge sponge.  This is optional.

Cut a piece of jute twine and tie one end to each wrist.  Leave it a little bit slack in the middle.

I cut the pennants using my Cricut machine and cartridge.  You can also make them by using your own pattern.  Fold your dark pink cardstock in two, place the flat side of the pattern on the fold.  Trace around the triangle pattern, and cut out the pennants.  Fold over the jute twine as shown and adhere.  Layer and adhere the punched hearts to each pennant as shown.

I adhered two sticks together to make a longer stem for the paper rosettes.  Do this for two of the stems and stagger the lengths as shown. Below is a pictorial tutorial for paper rosettes.  Adapt the width to the size you want to make your rosette.

You have options here!  You can make bigger hearts and adhere a front and back to each Sticky Sticks stem.  I made rosettes and adhered three different sizes of hearts to each.  The "stems" are covered with 1" strips of green cardstock.  I glued a 1" strip of green paper around the edges of the Smoothfoam base.  The finished project has scalloped circle paper punches adhered all around the top of the Smoothfoam.  You can also use glitter, moss, or just a flat piece of paper cut to fit the top of the Smoothfoam disk.

I hope this project gives you a great start to your Valentine's planning and decorating!  If you have any questions, please leave  a message.  May the New Year be off to a great start and many blessings lie ahead!

Live Life with a Flourish,

Marilyn

New Year happenings!

American Country Mercantile is a little gem hidden away in Keizer, Oregon!  The store is filled with vendors with a passion for all things Prim, Country, and Romantic Country.  The latter would be me, however; I am focusing on paper designs and crafts in my booth for now.  I sell cards, favors, gifts and home decor, all made out of paper and maybe a little wood!  Each design is original and handmade in my smoke-free studio. If you live within driving distance, it is well worth a trip if you enjoy this kind of store!

Below is a picture of my booth.  The fans coming down from the ceiling are mine...the shelf on the wall behind it belong to my friend, Cindy Goff.  I will show you a pic or two of some of her booth too.

So, that was a little preview of what I have been creating for Valentine's Day.  There are some "everyday" items in the booth too, but I like to focus on a theme for each month.

If you live out of the area and like the Valentine's items, I also have an Etsy Shop and take special requests for items on there if you do not find just what you are looking for.  Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/stuffandthingsandco

Cindy's home-y little spot!

The above two photos are a little peek into Cindy's area that is right behind me.  Lots of handmade goodies along with the vintage items; there is something for everybody!

So, this is a "snapshot" of one of the things I have been doing to start off the New Year.  Hope you are enjoying 2014 and get plenty of time to shop and craft!  :-)

Here's to 2014!  May it be filled with lots of good things, and may we have the sensitivity to enjoy the small blessings that are often overlooked!

Happy Crafting,

Marilyn

http://www.marilyngossett.com/