Paper flower bouquet with a special twist

This week on Wednesday, our office acknowledged Administrative Professionals (a.k.a. AP) Day. We didn't "go all out" with this day as our AP didn't want to make a big deal.

I knew I wanted to do something different than a card and thought a paper flower bouquet would last much longer than fresh flowers, so I got to work.

I wanted our office to be included in the gift so I thought of creating a special twist by creating some folding petals with the petal punch so each of my co-workers can write a thoughtful word that would describe our AP.

This is an example of what one of my co-workers wrote.

 I gathered enough petals to make 3 flowers then added a few more simple ones. This is what the final outcome was. What do you think???

I am happy with the turnout. I love the color combo: so saffron, gumball green, primrose petals, and pool party.

My tips:

• to create the petal with the message inside, fold a small piece of designer paper (not cardstock since it's too thick to punch) in half and punch the petal just so a small section of the fold won't get punched. See illustration below.

• create the smaller paper flowers using Stampin' UP!'s tutorial as shown HERE. 

• I used green floral wire and a hot glue gun to create the stem of the flowers.

Supplies Used:

• cardstock: smoky slate, whisper white, so saffron, gumball green, primrose petals.
• paper: winter frost designer paper (retired from 2013 Holiday catalog)
• ink: black stazon, gumball green,  primrose petals,
• punches: blossom, blossom petals builder (retired from 2012-2013 catalog), 1 3/4 scalloped circle, 1 1/4" circle (to cover glue/brad behind flower), hexagon (to flag ends of "fabulous" phrase)
•  stamps: I am (a demonstrator exclusive)
• embellishments: crushed curry 3/4" chevron ribbon, linen thread, summer smooches fabric brads (retired), rhinestone brads (retired). 

Thank you so much for stopping by. I'd love to hear what you think by commenting below.
Until next time... 

Stampin' UP! Retired Lists

 

The day has arrived and while it's sad, it's also exciting!

We're saying goodbye to hundreds of retiring products from the 2013-2014 annual catalog. Get your favorite  retiring products before they're gone for good! ALL products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early! 

Also, make sure to take advantage of  

 

Click on the links below to view each list.

Retiring Stamps (PDF)

 Retiring Stamps (EXCEL)

Retiring Accessories (PDF)

 Retiring Accessories (EXCEL)

Contact me to get your retiring products with FREE shipping before they're gone!
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On another note: my blog-candy winner to win the Sale-a-bration stamp set is...............CHERYL COX!
Congratulations! I will be sending you your stamp set soon!!!

 

Mothers Day card

We're practically half-way thru the month of April and before you know it, May is here and Mother's day will be coming up. I decided to get a head start on this one so I can be well prepared.

As I was waiting for my turn at the pharmacy, I decided to browse around the card isle (naturally). BAM! I saw my inspiration card for my mother's day card.

I really loved the layout, the colors, and the stitching of this card so I decided to use those three elements in my project.

I went ahead and started planning... below is a glimpse of how I plan before I start a project. Believe me, I don't always go thru this process but sometimes you gotta plan ahead of time, right?

As you can see, the card sketch I had didn't exactly come out that way and IT'S OKAY! That's the fun part of creativity.
I am pretty happy with the finished product. I was able to include the three elements I wanted to incorporate in my card. It looks simple and clean.

finished card size: 5.5" x 4.25"

 My tips:

• I used my Silhouette Cameo to create the stitching around the "M"s then cut them out in white cardstock by using the print n' cut feature. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my silhouette!
•  stamp the pattern you want onto your letters; in my case I used the six sided sampler stamp set to create a fabric look on the letters, similar to the inspiration card.
• I broke down the flower stamp into two layers by 1st stamping directly onto the card front. 2nd, stamp the flower again onto white cardstock and trim out the inside part of the flower after coloring it in.
• use the bird builder punch  to create a simple and quick leafs for the flower.

Supplies Used:

• cardstock: whisper white, strawberry slush, pistachio pudding
• ink: strawberry slush, blushing bride, soft sky
• stamps: petal parade (2014 Sale a bration), six sided sampler
• punches: scalloped border, bird builder
• embellishments: pearls 
• non-SU!: silhouette cameo 

BLOG GIVEAWAY!!!!!!
Do you love the Petals Parade stamp set?! If you didn't get a chance to earn this free set, I'm giving it away!!! Simply comment on this post what 3 elements of the inspiration card you would use on your project. I will select a random winner on Friday, April 18th to receive this beautiful set.

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Thank you for taking the time to read today's post. Until next time...