Appel Quilling Garden

Quilled Blue Malaysian Flower Necklace

2012-02-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

Wow, it amazes me how time flies! The last few months of last year were really busy, taxing and just plain crazy. And, while I had projects for Custom Quilling (this is one of them), I did not post them. I want to thank all who follow my blog and apologize for not attending to posting and I DO appreciate you stopping by to visit my projects!!!! Sometimes it is hard to "get back into it" as they say after an absence.

So I will catch up on the projects not posted and then start with fresh ones for this year! I have been lurking around the web and have seen some amazing quilled projects from all over the world. Quilling is really coming into it's own with some unique styles from this new generation of quillers!

While browsing some those world wide quilling sites I found this little flower that is called a Malaysian Flower. So called for the Malaysian quillers who created it and use it in some beautiful projects!!!! Here is a link to the flower tutorial (scroll down to find it). I decided to use it in a necklace and this time not gild the edges with metallic paint. I loved the blue and white color pearly papers and I think it makes a striking statement. Click on pictures to see larger view.

I wish I could capture the sparklyness (I know that isn't a word lol!!) of the crystals and dangles. Even the flowers shimmer from the pearly papers. These flowers are easy and fun to make and I know I will be using them often as they are lovely in any color combination.

My first online quilling class for My Creative Classroom was such great fun! I loved the students and am looking forward to seeing their quilled projects for years to come!!! I will be adding new quilling project classes in the coming months, but for now my original class,

Quilling, Twirled Paper!

is being offered again and is open for enrollment now here. Classes start March 2, 2012 but you can start after the official first day of class. You can see a description of the class, a supply list and kits on the link above. I am looking forward to the new class and hope to see some of you there! If you have any questions please email me!

More posts to post in the coming days, so check back soon! Thanks for all the comments that everyone left for me in my absence!!

Shalom,

Sonya

Falling Leaves Quilled Necklace

2011-10-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I have neglected my poor little blog and will be posting about the same amount for a couple of more weeks. I am working on the classes for my online quilling class for My Creative Classroom and there are two more weeks to go. So after that I should be back to posting regularly : ) !

I do have a post for today though and at the first of each month I have projects that I have created for the Custom Quilling Newsletter. The kit for October had beautiful fall colors in it and I couldn't resist making another jewelry piece. I used oval filigree jewelry pieces as my base for the quilled leaves. Each quilled gold gilded leaf gives a flash of fall color when seen from the side.

The leaves are "falling" down the necklace to the last one that dangles. Fall color beads dangle amongst the leaves while beads and crystals give it sparkle. I am very ready for fall and we are just now getting some milder temperatures here in Texas, although not any rain! This is my first online class and I have been enjoying it and the students so much, and they are doing so well!!! Some of the students have quilling experience and others are just trying it out for the first time. They are very creative and their projects are wonderful!

I still have two projects from the newsletter that I have ready to post and I will get them up later. Thanks to all who visit and leave such nice encouraging notes! See y'all later!

Shalom,

Sonya

Quilled Decorative Bottle

2011-08-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I have another project to share using the new technique, curled loops (tutorial here). I love pretty glass and when I saw this red one I new that I had to make a project with it. I used the decorative paper and strips from the August Custom Quilling kit to make the embellishments. Simple 6 petal flowers are accented with curled looped flowers upon the bottle "label" that wraps around the middle of the bottle.

This time I didn't encircle the loops and curled them for a fan like shape. I really like this technique it has soo many possibilities. I added a bit of the same to the neck of the bottle along with a tassel.

Try this new technique and post your picture links in the comments! I have put a link to my online quilling class with My Creative Classroom, Quilling, Twirled Paper! on the sidebar. Registration is now open and the class starts September 15, 2011. You can register after the class opens and you have access to the class lessons, gallery until December to finish up. If you have any questions about the class or projects, just email me at appelquillinggarden@yahoo.com . Another project tomorrow.

Shalom,
Sonya

Quilled Letter Holder

2011-08-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I have neglected my poor little blog but have been working hard behind the scenes getting my online quilling class for My Creative Classroom ready for registration. It is now finished and I am excited that I can now reveal the link to the class. But first the project above that I made for the Custom Quilling Newsletter this month. I used a purchased letter holder and added the quilled embellishments. The technique that I used for the center flower was from this blog and it uses looped flowers in a new and very pretty way. Asma has a great tutorial on how to create them plus many wonderful projects using them! Stop by and visit her blog you will love her projects. I know I will be using this technique again.

Now for the quilling class, it is named Quilling, Twirled Paper! It will cover the basics, intermediate and some advanced quilling techniques and will be 6 weeks long. There will be a class project(s) each week with week's 5 is a quilled keepsake such as I feature here on my blog. Week 6's project is a quilled necklace that used the technique that combines jewelry pieces and quilling such as this one. You can visit My Creative Classroom Quilling, Twirled Paper! class site here to see the full description, cost, and supply list (which Denise at Custom Quilling has a copy of and can help in ordering any supplies, Thanks Denise!). If you have any questions about the class, just email me at appelquillinggarden@yahoo.com and I will be glad to answer. There are also many other wonderful papercrafting classes offered this fall through MCC.

I should be back to creating on a regular basis now that the class is up for registration. I will be back tomorrow with more projects! Thanks for all the comments, I have and do read them all.

Shalom,
Sonya

Quilled Butterfly Necklace

2011-07-24T00:38:00.000-05:00

Here is another of the project for the Custom Quilling Newsletter this month, a quilled butterfly necklace. I used a butterfly filigree piece for the base and used pink strips to quill teardrop shapes to follow the pattern on the base piece. I then gilded them with a silver pen.

The butterfly's body was made from beads and silver wire which also made their antennae. AB and pink crystals give it some sparkle as well as the butterfly dangles. Click on the pictures to enlarge. I love making quilled jewelry with these filigree base pieces and the possibilities the extra foundation that it gives to the piece. Short post for today, thanks for all the encouragement!! Back later with another project.

Shalom,

Sonya

Back Again!

2011-07-21T20:39:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, sorry for the long MIA. I have not been blogging, but I have been working on a project that has been taking a lot of my attention and that I am excited about. I'll tell you about that in a just a minute. First I want to share a project for this month's Custom Quilling Newsletter, an altered ribbon spool with a quilled fan. I have seen several of these altered spools and have been collecting them to try my hand at one.

I used the shades of pink strips and card stock that came in the kit to create the fan and floral punch flowers. I used a quilling grid with circles and angle lines to lay out the spirals that make up the spokes of the fan, pinning them in place. I then made the looped portions at the top of the fan, again pinning to hold them in place while drying and keeping the fan shape steady. The two wing butterflies in the middle give the fan more stability as well as the teardrops between the spokes where they meet. A gold tassel hangs from the bottom of the fan.

It is a delicate design and if I do one again I will have to make adjustments to the double spiral spokes. You can see that a couple of the spirals are separating. I think I needed to glue the ends together so that they stay spiraled next too each other and do not separate. But, that is for next time. Three teardrops and a flower help stabilize the point where the spokes meet even more. At this point I could un-pin the fan and it held it's shape well. A few more tear drops at the tips of the spokes and some bling and it was finished.

The spool was covered in decorative paper around the center and has scallop circles out of the same paper on the ends. To cover the bottom end I die cut the center of a scallop circle with a circle die the diameter of the center, cut between two scallops and hid the seam with embellishments. I wound the wide pink ribbon from the kit around the spool and added pearls, buttons and lace at the ends.

Next came the more quilled flowers and butterflies mixed in with the pink lilies. Aurora crystals, more buttons and pearls make it frilly and feminine.

Now for the news that I have been waiting to tell you about. This fall I will be teaching a 6 week quilling class with -

I had taken two Tombow marker background classes through MCC and loved the format, the classes and the teacher, Kim Teasdale! The class was online and while I was considering taking a class, I wondered if it was going to be worth my time and cost. It was and I was not disappointed! There was a lot of content, easy to follow and understand and you feel as if the teacher is right there giving you private lessons even though it is a PowerPoint presentation with added videos. Kim, as well as all the instructors, were also there to answer questions and give feedback on our projects that were posted to the class gallery.

There are many like me who would like to take a class but have no teacher close by or giving a class when you would like to or able to take one. I wish there had been a class like this when I first started quilling. One where the basics of quilling, using the tools, through the varied techniques of husking, looping, 3D etc. were taught and demonstrated. The online format with MCC gives you that opportunity and the freedom to sign in on your schedule and view the weekly lessons when the class semester is open. And you have the added time of two weeks after the last posted class to go back and review any lesson, post your projects, get questions answered, and download the class PDF lessons.

The class that I will be teaching is 6 weeks and covers quilling basics, using the tools, shaping coils, fringing, domes, bells, folded roses, looping, husking, 3D quilling. Each week there will be a guided project to showcase your new quilling skills. The last two weeks you will be completing a Keepsake quilled project and I will teach you the quilled jewelry technique that I used to make the necklaces and bracelet posted here, here, and here. All with class lesson PDF's.

The class will be open for enrollment on August 23rd 2011 and I will have more info later. Until then, if you would like to get a preview of the projects and explore the other classes at My Creative Classroom click here. and see if the classes are a match for you. And anytime you would like to go to MCC to see what great classes are offered, from my blog, just click the MCC blinkie on the right sidebar. If you have any questions please email me at appelquillinggarden@yahoo.com.

Tomorrow I will post another quilled jewelry project. Thanks for all the sweet comments while I was MIA.

Shalom,

Sonya
Your comments are read and appreciated!

Magnolia Box

2011-05-08T18:43:00.002-05:00

Hi all. Did you think I was never gonna post again? I thought so for a while! It has been crazy here with some family issues, health and other things. And I have been trying to get caught up and the stomach virus caught me!! I still have some lingering issues here and there but I am getting back to the craft room finally. I have had this to post for weeks but just didn't have the umph to get it written, sometimes one more thing, is, well too much. So, here is a project that was made for the Custom Quilling Newsletter, last month.

The kit had a black and white theme and since I had been wanting to alter a chest type box, I thought the time was now. The box is decorated and stays open to see the punched magnolias and quilled flowers. I'll keep it short so if you would like to know any details let me know in the comments and I'll edit this post to answer them!!

I had a lot of fun creating this box and have another little one to do also. I guess this break has done my creativity some good as I have several "ideas" sprouting for projects along with some of the not-yet-posted finished projects. Back tomorrow with another post and some announcements!!

Shalom,
Sonya

Quilled Spring Mini Album

2011-03-01T09:54:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with the first of this month's Custom Quilled March newsletter projects, a mini album with quilled accents.

A while back I had purchased several chipboard albums with a ring at Michael's and stashed them away for a later time. One Youtube video caught my eye and I started looking at more of them and their creators blogs. I fell in love with these little album's with their many surprises, pockets and pullouts. I love the shabby chic ones, the steampunk ones, the ornate ones that have something new to find every time you open it.

One of those video tutorials here, shows how to paint the chipboard that has edges too detailed for covering with paper. Also it shows the binding technique that will expand with the embellishments and future addition of pictures/keepsakes etc. I painted the pages a light green and bound each page with a binding piece, card stock piece and then DP and then started to make the pockets and tags.

Again I went to Youtube to find all the pocket ideas and tutorials. Some I changed other I used as they were. Most pockets in my album have many more places to tuck more tags or pictures into.

The tags are a combination of manila shipping tags and ones that I cut out with my Criuct and Picturesque cartridge. All of the tags have simple 5 petal quilled flowers and leaves as embellishments that were made from the shades of spring strips in the March kit. All the flowers have rhinestone centers for sparkle. Edges of the tags were inked and some have gold gel pen stitching.

The front of the album has a frame for either journaling or a special picture. It was fun to make and I will be making more of these. There are so many ways to create pockets, foldouts and tags and even the shape of the albums are endless. With the expandable binding it allows for the dimension of quilling and all of it's versatility. If you make one, link a picture in the comments section below to share!

Also don't forget to stop by Custom Quilling to see the super cute projects that Sue has also made for the newsletter! Back tomorrow with another of the projects!

Shalom,

Sonya

Y'all are so sweet to leave me such encouraging comments, THANKS for all of them!

Quilled in Blue Bracelet

2011-02-27T21:56:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with another quilled jewelry project. This bracelet was on of the projects made for the February Custom Quilling Newsletter that I haven't posted yet. I used the navy strips that came in the kit to quill the motifs. These strips are a little heavier weight and I think it gives the quilling more stability for jewelry.

I used oval shaped antique gold filigree pieces as the bases for the quilling. The motifs have alternating rounded and softly pointed petals with light and medium blue crystal centers. Bugle beads and peacock beads accent the bracelet ovals for additional sparkle.

The motifs were gilded after completion and before adhering to the filigree bases with an 18KT gold pen. I love the way the filigree bases expands the possibilities of quilled jewelry and have more ideas and shapes to play with! Back later with another project!

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for the lovely comments!!

Rose Garden Diorama Card

2011-02-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

Hi all, sorry to be MIA for a while. My husband had surgery on his knee that kept me busy and I had to be his chauffeur and runner on his job while he was unable to do it. Early mornings and exhausting days! But I did manage to get a couple of projects done and I still have some to show you.

This is one on my "want to do" list and Tracey's pre-colored roses were first on my list to try it out with. You can find the tutorial on how to make a diorama card here. It is really easy and the hardest part is deciding what to decorate it with. I wanted it to be like looking into a climbing rose garden and used a Martha Stewart punch for the rose mounts.

I printed out the single rose spray in pink, red and peach several times and then cut out the different roses to layer. Some I layered the largest rose and others the smaller to give them dimension. They are all popped up on foam tape. The butterflies are from the Fred She Said Ornate Butterfly and Tattered Rose set. It has a digi file and a cut file for your electronic cutter. I used only the bottom blackout file of the butterfly and glimmer misted them with pink and gold.

The sentiment was stamped and embossed in gold on a Cuttlebug tag. The bow looks blue but really is a in shaded greens. The original card design easily folds flat for mailing, but with all of the pop dots on this one it doesn't really lay flat enough for a regular envelope. It has a lot of depth that the camera doesn't pick up well. The pre-colored images makes it super easy and vibrant and a design that has lots of possibilities.

Tomorrow another quilled jewelry piece. Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for your comments, I read them all!

Quilled Arbor Perpetual Calendar

2011-02-08T19:22:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with another of the Custom Quilling DT projects. This is a different perpetual calendar than the previous one that I did. I saw several of these handy little block style calendar made from wooden blocks or paper and decided to give one a try. The basic design of these calendars is blocks and bars that have numbers and months that can be mixed and matched for the correct date.

There are many square box templates and tutorials on the Internet and you could also use your Cricut to cut them if you have one. Here is a good tutorial, with cute examples, that shows how to cut and assemble one of these calendars from card stock. The month blocks are smaller and the base design is different but you can alter the design as you like. If you alter the month blocks to be larger be sure to add to the end flaps as well so they will close properly.

For the calendar assembly I inked and stamped the edges of the number and month blocks before I put the them together. The numbers were cut from my Storybook Cricut Cartridge. I printed the months out on my printer and then used punched the ends with a MS punch, cutting off excess to fit the block front. In the tutorial the three month blocks sit on top of the calendar base and the number blocks fit perfectly on top of them. Since I wanted to print my month names I made mine a bit bigger and only two fit on top of the base, the third is stored in the base.

The calendar base is constructed from an open rectangular box and a back piece that forms the arbor. For the arbor back I started with a rectangular piece and used on of my circle Nestabilities that made a nice rounded shape on the top and ran it through my Cuttlebug only half way so it would leave a rounded top. next I took the next smaller Nestie circle and laid it on the rounded top and did the same half way cut and then used my craft knife to cut the straight edge at the bottom of the half circle to finish the arbor arch. The white lattice is a MS punch.

For the quilling I used the pretty shades of blue and green quilling strips in the CQ Feb kit and quilled the flowers and vines adorning the arbor. The grass on the front is made from hand fringing two strips of green card stock and layering them. It isn't a straight fringe but one of tall spiky grass like shapes. A blue bow and some Stickles to the centers of the quilled flowers finish off the design. It is an easy design and can be altered in so many creative ways for a calendar that you will get many years worth of use from, or give as a gift. Back tomorrow with another project a quilled bracelet. Until then,

Shalom,
Sonya
Comments and project links are always read and appreciated!

Rainbow Awning Card

2011-02-07T12:26:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with the projects for the Custom Quilling February Newsletter. The first on that I have to show you is a window card. When I saw the scalloped fabric like stickers in the kit it reminded me of the trim on a window awning and it inspired this card. I used a window stamp from Heartfelt Creations that I stamped, colored with Prisma Colors/oms and then cut out the "glass" portions. Here is a picture of what it looks like with the awning closed. (That little spot above the ribbon on the awning you see on the first picture is a glue dot that I used to hold up the awning to get a picture and forgot to take off!)

Here is what it looks like open:

I know that an awning is on the OUTSIDE of a window and not on the inside but for purposes of the design I put it on the "inside", and used some of that "artistic license". After the window panes were cut out I lined it with a piece of acetate for the glass and put foam tape on the back along the wooden parts of the window. I drew a rainbow shape on card stock that would fit into the window area and colored it in with my Tombows first. Then I applied clear glue to each band of the rainbow and glittered it.

Next the sky was done using a cloud template and blue ink, the rainbow was popped up on the sky. The outside of the "house" was made with a Cuttlebug folder and I cut out the place where the window would sit. The window frame was adhered to the cut out embossed panel and then I placed it over the sky and rainbow and finally onto the card front.

I used the green card stock from the Custom Quilling February kit and cut it to be a bit bigger than the window frame. It was edged with a EKSuccess punch and then embossed with a Cuttlebug folder about halfway down. Next I used that cute scalloped sticker and green ribbon to trim my awning. It was scored about an inch from the top so that it had the awning look and would lift up. The sentiment was stamped, inked and put on a scallop circle with the cute shamrock that also came in the kit.

The inside of the card also has a little awning and shamrock. The rainbow really sparkles with the light hits it, unfortunately the camera doesn't pick it up. There are so many things you could do with this window stamp and I will be using it more often. I think it is a cheery card to send to someone needing an encouraging lift.

Click the link here, and then "Newsletter" on side bar to check out what other projects were made by me and Sue, really CUTE, and what is in the February kit. I will be back tomorrow with another project, a different kind of perpetual calendar. Until then,

Shalom,
Sonya

Ribbon Flower Bracelets

2011-02-03T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hi all, hope you are enjoying the Fred She Said Blog hop that will run through tomorrow midnight. Click here if you would like to hop before it ends and enter for some great prizes. Today I have one of my ribbon bracelets to show you. This is one of the first ones that will be posted for sale in my Etsy shop this week. I have put a page at the top of the blog where you can find the link to the shop. This bracelet features a beautiful jacquard ribbon as it's base and has a variety of ribbon flowers. It is embellished with seed beads, Swarovski crystals, hand dyed lace and a beaded dragonfly. The ends are finished with bar clamps and has a bar and circle clasp.

This season of life and others have encouraged me to start this business venture that I hope will be successful. I will have many more ribbonry projects listed for sale along with quilling and paper florals in the shop as soon as they are finished. Working hard to get them finished, photographed and listed. I does take a while to get a selection, samples and examples of what will be for sale and is quite different than making them for fun. I love all things floral and have been in love with ribbonry flowers for some time and am enjoying getting back to these as well as my paper versions. There are several great books and video tutorials for making ribbon flowers if you would like to try your hand at them. Here is a link to Helen Gibb Ribbonry, a great site that has ribbons, books and supplies. Back later with another project. And a GREAT BIG THANKS to all who stop by and leave such sweet encouraging comments!

Shalom,
Sonya

Fred She Said January Blog Hop Chubby Girl Flinging Hearts

2011-01-28T01:18:00.001-06:00

Hi all! Are you ready to HOP again! If you made your way here from Nancy's blog, you are in the right place. Today, January 28 through February 4th, midnight is the Fred She Said January Blog Hop. The FSS Design Team has created some LOVE-ly projects for your inspiration using Tracey's wonderful digi images. As you hop along be sure to collect each DT's members special word and enter the completed phrase at the FSS Challenge blog, the last hop stop. If you would like to start from the beginning, go to the Fred She Said main blog here. There will be two lucky winners, one will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Fred She Said Store, and one will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to CropStop!

Here is the order to the hop in case you lose your way or want to revisit a blog:

1. Tracey-Lynn

2. Robin

3. Tracy McD

4. Danielle

5. Anne

6. Marlena

7. Nancy

8. Sonya - That Me your HERE!

9. Carol

10. Michelle

11. Darsie

12. FSS Challenge Blog - Enter your completed phrase here!

My project uses the new Chubby Girl I love you THIS much! precolored image. The front of the card uses the sentiment and the main image is in the inside to show off the surprise! When you open the card Chubby Girl flings heart confetti at the recipient of the card. I made a video so you could see the hearts flinging. I have been waiting to make this card for just the right image, and isn't she perfect! Here is where I found the great tutorial for making this card: http://www.hogwildaboutstamping.blogspot.com/.

I added two hearts on little springs to give added action. You can either put the card in an envelope or hand deliver so you can see the persons reaction. I hope you are having fun on the hop, here is my special word:

and

Don't forget to collect the words and enter for the great prizes. Your next stop on the hop is at Carol's blog where I know you will see some awesome eyecandy!! Back later with another project!

Shalom,

Sonya

Faith Prayer and Hope

2011-01-19T14:09:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with a card this time! I love fancy folds and this Joy Fold card fits the bill. I have had this on sitting about 90% finished on my table and couldn't get the right embellishments for it. I tried several different things and nothing grabbed me. Finally I was searching though some of my Fred She Said images that I had stashed from a previous project and came across one of the vellum flowers in just the right shade of purple. I cut 3 out and added a purple metallic gel pen accents and then layered them. I added the wispy punched spike flowers and a little flower punched out of 8 layers of tissue paper.

The sentiment is embossed in gold embossing powder and the edges of the card are edged with my 18KT gold pen. All the layers are sewn with a straight stitch using a variegated green thread.

You can see the card has a lot of room to write a message or to stamp on. I stamped a floral image on each panel in gold embossing powder for some simmer.

The left side panel folds down then the smaller right panel over that and it creates a pretty presentation when opened. It is done in a rectangle but you could do it in a square or any shape that will fold down correctly.

The ribbon is keeping the card closed and was a design challenge in itself. I put two eyelets on each side of the card and wove the ribbon through them. A knot at the end of the ribbon holds it in. In these days this is the perfect card to send for encouragement! I am working on a lot of things and trying to get samples and pieces done for my Esty shop, so check back, thanks for visiting!!

Shalom,
Sonya

Quilled Heart Necklace

2011-01-07T13:02:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back with another of the projects for the Custom Quilling Newsletter, a Quilled Heart Necklace. I have loved making quilled jewelry since I found that I could combine the brass/silver stamped filigree jewelry components with it. I used several shades of the pinks and reds quilling strips to create the heart. It started out a little smaller but "grew" with the shapes added. Click on any picture to enlarge.

The jewelry components that were used for the base of the heart were two angel wings glued together to form a heart shape. I traced a heart shape and then used curved teardrops shapes to frame the heart shape. Then I filled in the design with two smaller hearts and s scrolls. After it was dry I used my 18KT gold pen to gild the edges of the shapes.

Two filigree side pieces, red crystals and beads drops and chain drape were added to finish. I have so many more designs in work and will be offering these in my Etsy shop that will be opening this month, promise!

If you try your had at making quilled jewelry, leave a link in the comment section below to share, I and others who visit would love to see it! Working on some card projects to post soon. I have rearranged my craft room again, trying to get it better organized and user friendly. I have acquired a lot of rubber stamps that have never been inked and so I am going to try my best to make projects with them! I will also be working on the video tutorials that have been requested also. I am not a techie and it takes a lot of trial, error and figuring out how to do it for me, so it unfortunately takes me longer. Have a good day and thanks for taking the time to visit me and leaving comments!!

Shalom,

Sonya

Floral Punch Rose and Quilled Hearts Cake Box

2011-01-02T17:28:00.000-06:00

Hi, all! Wishing everyone a blessed and great new year! I have another project to show you, one that was made for the January Custom Quilling Newsletter, a Rose Cake Box. This is one of those projects that I have had on my "want to do list" for a bit. I used two paper mache boxes and painted them a light pink. Then I sprayed them with Glimmer Mist Bubble Gum for a pearly shimmer to the "icing". As usual that isn't showing up well in the photos. Next I added the border "icing" from a pre-pleated ribbon that looks like real cake border icing. For the top icing of the "cake" I used a light pink satin ribbon that has tone on tone circles. Click on any picture to enlarge.

The "cake" decorations are floral punch roses and punched accent flowers with textured pearl centers. I used the pinks and pearl papers in the January Custom Quilling kit to make these. To make the roses I used the medium pear punch and punched about twenty or so per flower. Then I inked the edges of each pear and snipped a bit from the stem edge. The pears were then shaped and mounted onto a green 6 pointed snowflake base.

I used about 1/3 of a styrofoam ball covered in pink tissue paper under the roses on top to give the cake embellishments some height. The rose leaves were inked and added along with the punched icing and pearl flowers. Quilled hearts, made from the strips in the kit, were added and were made from two teardrop shapes glued together with a crimped darker strip around it. Bits of the pre-pleated ribbon were added in among the roses like real icing would be. A multi loop bow was added at the back of the flowers on top and has accent flowers and a quilled heart nestled among it.

The roses, buds, flowers and quilled hearts cascade down the front and as an accent on the back. The top box is glued to the top of the bottom box so you can use each box for trinkets or gift giving.

I used these same punched flowers and quilled hearts to embellish the paper mache frame that came in the kit also. The only change from the cake is that I sprayed the frame with Glimmer Mist Red Apple instead.

Both were fun projects and I have one more to show you, another quilled jewelry piece that I will post this week. It has been hectic this last month with graduation, the holidays, visiting with family. My brother is down from Pittsburgh and we have been seeing the sights of Houston with him. The last time he has been down was about 20 years ago, he is loving the "warm" weather here in Houston! Thanks to all who have and do take the time to visit my blog and comment. It keeps me motivated and is so very encouraging to continue when I am stumped for creativity or down with pain.

Shalom,

Sonya

Birthday Shark and a BIG THANK YOU!

2010-12-20T11:36:00.000-06:00

Hi all! Several things I wanted to share with you today. First, A BIG THANK YOU to all who hopped all night with the LIME LIGHT CHARITABLE DT and EMBELLISH ME WITH QUILLING blog hops! Your response and comments overwhelmed me!!! Thanks to Gracie from LL and Linda for organizing the quilling hop!! Here is an announcement from the LLDT blog about the whopper prize packages.

From Gracie:
"I can't thank you all enough for participating in the Blog Hop. You left some wonderful comments that I and the other members of the team truly enjoyed reading. We couldn't ask for better supporters than those who took time to blog hop with us last Friday (and on to Sunday).

At this point, we have a grand prize worth at least $150 and seven other prizes worth $20-$50. We want to make the announcement on Wednesday, but please be patient with us. Everyone is sooo busy with the Holiday season, and it takes a while to verify that the randomly drawn winners are followers/left a comment on each blog on the hop. So if it takes us a few extra days, please be patient.

Thank you again, what an incredible group of hoppers we had."

ALSO, If you loved the Emma Snow Angel image I just wanted to tell you that you have a chance to win a $20 GC from Fred-She-Said that is in for the winning also! Good luck to all!!! There is also hop candy on the Embellish Me with Quilling hop that will be giving away!!

There were some questions and comments that I would like to respond to. Yes, I will be making a video and pictorial tutorial on how to make the Emma Snow Angel and it should be ready by the end of the week. I also will be doing one on the quilled jewelry, and one on floral punch flowers, not all in the same week!! If you left a comment on my blog I will be visiting your blog in the coming days if you have a site. It may take me a while though because I usually stay to explore and I have a long list of new ones now!!

Now for the Birthday Shark card. My grand son, the Dino Hunter, wanted to make his brother Anthony a birthday card and wanted me to help him make it. I gave him all my Cricut handbooks and he went though them one by one and picked images that he wanted to use on the card. He then drew a mock up and we went to the Cricut to cut out the images.

He chose to use the shark card from the Life's a Beach cartridge and we cut it out in a light blue. I inked the shark silhouette in grey and white for him and used a white gel pen on the teeth and highlights. A white scrap of card stock was put behind the sharks eyes and a big of black was colored in. I had a row of red crystals sitting on my craft table and he wanted to use them for the eyes, so they were next. The next image that dino hunter had picked out was an "A" for Anthony. That A was cut from the Storybook cartridge as well as the Happy Birthday letters. All of the letters had gel pen dots. He wanted the shark to be eating the A. The background behind the shark is a specialty paper that shimmers like water, I don't know what it is called, I purchased it at Hobby Lobby. We glittered the edged of the cut out and added the Happy Birthday floating around the shark. He was pleased with his creation and excited to give it to his brother.

Thanks again for taking the time to visit and leave such wonderfully encouraging comments! Y'all are truly awesome!! And glad to hear that many are inspired to give quilling a try! And hope you all visit the Lime Light blog and participate with us!!

Shalom,
Sonya

Embellish Me with Quilling Blog Hop

2010-12-17T23:00:00.004-06:00

Hi all, back again with the 2nd hop for today! Two hop posts for your inspiration and chance to win!

1st hop - LIME LIGHT CHARITABLE DESIGN TEAM happening now, see post below this post!

2nd hop - EMBELLISH ME WITH QUILLING - starts NOW.

Let's get started with our 2nd hop - the EMBELLISH ME WITH QUILLING BLOG HOP. If you came here from Emma's blog then you are in the right place. If you would like to start from the beginning click here. The hop runs from 11:00 pm CST Friday to Sunday the 19th. To enter for a chance to win the HOP CANDY click on the beginning hop link here for instructions.

Here is my Embellish Me with Quilling project, a Golden Floral Quilled Jewelry Set. I had decided to do another jewelry set for the hop before I knew what the blog hop name was and it worked out that it fits perfectly. It is a quilled 'embellishment' that you can wear!

After doing the first quilled set here, I knew that I would be doing more. This one uses antique gold bases this time and off white and beige gold edged strips in an off-center design. The metal bases were jump ringed together and the quilled motifs were glued onto them. I added topaz crystals, czech crystals and tube beads for accents and for, of course my favorite, sparkle! It really catches the light.

The earrings were made with the same method as the first set and are accented with the same crystals and beads. My oldest daughter is the model for this set, I wonder if I will get it back from her? I love the vintage feel and you will be seeing more of these sets as my mind is abuzz with all sorts of colors and variations.

Have fun on the hop and here is your next stop on the hop: Jessica- www.kinderstampo.com where I am sure you will see an amazing project that she has made for your inspiration.

Here is a list of the hop sites if you lose your way or want to revisit any site:

Linda- http://krazyquilling.com/

Momo- http://madebymomo.blogspot.com/

Jennifer- http://creativequilledcreations.blogspot.com/

Carri- http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/

Leesandra- http://sweetspotcards.blogspot.com/

Trish- http://techniquesbytrish.blogspot.com/

Christina- http://cardcreationsbyc.blogspot.com/

Emma- http://www.creativetimeforme.com/

Sonya- http://appelquilling.blogspot.com/ That's me, your HERE

Jessica- www.kinderstampo.com

Cheryl- http://cardsbycheryl.blogspot.com/

Carol- http://happyexpressions.blogspot.com/

Tracey- http://quillynilly.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/

Linda- http://krazyquilling.com/

If you have never tried quilling before I hope you will be inspired and encouraged to give it a try. Pre-cut packaged strips are easy but you can cut your own 1/8" strips from any text weight paper. Start with the slotted tool to get the feel of coiling the strips. Keep practicing until you get even pressure, this is the key for an even consistent coil. Any good craft glue is ok to glue the end of the strip to the side of the coil. Tearing the end of the strip before you coil it will give you a better finish and a will hide the end joining of the coil better. Experiment with looser coils and tighter coils until you find the look you like better, it is your choice.

Experiment with pinching the shapes and combining them into motifs. The needle tool will give you a smaller center but can be a little trickier to use. The needle is held stationary and the strips are "rolled" around the needle with your fingers instead of being "locked" into the center like it is on the slotted tool (the slotted tool is twirled in your fingers to make the coil). Think of the needle tool as the thread spindle on a sewing machine that allows the thread spool to turn freely. The same motion that you would use to rewind a spool of thread on this "spindle" is the same motion that the quilling strip makes on the needle tool. The Yahoo quilling group helped me with that info as I couldn't get the hang of the needle tool until I understood that it wasn't supposed to "lock" onto the needle. It is a great resource for quilling tips, encouragement and help. There are lots of online sites that show how to make the shapes and to get inspiration from. Give it a try!

For all of my quilling blog friends who are already hooked onto quilling and visit me often (and new friends), I hope you have a great time and get lots of inspiration from the projects!

If you missed the first hop of my double-header blog hop posts today, just look at the post below this one for the Lime Light Charitable Design Team Blog Hop that is still happening, with awesome inspiration and over $150 in great prizes! Have fun hopping and good luck!

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for all your encouraging messages and for visiting me!!!

Emma Snow Angel for the Lime Light Blog Hop

2010-12-17T20:00:00.078-06:00

EDITED TO ADD: Sorry for the mix up in the blog hop order, I had my post to auto-post because I am out of town and so I had to drive to find a place with internet access to fix it!!!! It is the right order now! Sorry for the mixup, HAVE FUN!! ALSO - for all those who commented before the mix up, I have added your names to the Lime Light blog for entry if it isn't already there!

ANOTHER EDIT TO ADD: Thanks to the response on the hop, we have this announcement:

UPDATE AS OF 10:30 AM SATURDAY MORNING: YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BLOG HOP THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT(MIDNIGHT EASTERN) AND YOU ARE STILL ELIGIBLE FOR ONE OF THE PRIZES. WE STILL HAVE THE GRAND PRIZE, AND ARE ADDING TWO MORE PRIZES TO THE FIVE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED. SO, INSTEAD OF 1 GRAND PRIZE AND 5 RUNNERS UP, WE ARE HAVING A GRAND PRIZE AND 7 RUNNERS UP. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US!!.

Hi all! It's a hoppin' day! Why? Because there are 2 blog hop's for today. What a surprise when I found out the date for the two hops that I had been asked to participate in were for the same day! Well you know what they say, "great minds think alike"! So a real treat to hop to your hearts content, lots of inspiration and chances to win great candy!

1st hop: LIME LIGHT CHARITABLE DESIGN TEAM starts NOW.

2nd hop: EMBELLISH ME WITH QUILLING hop posts at 11:00 p.m. CST tonight.

The first one starts right now and is the LIME LIGHT CHARITABLE DESIGN TEAM BLOG HOP and if you came here via Agnes's blog you are in the right place. I am honored to be chosen to be on the DT for Lime Light and to be able to share my papercrafting to bring a little light and hope to others.
If you would like to start at the beginning of the hop then click here, you will also find there the INSTRUCTIONS for how to enter for a chance to win the hop prizes, that are worth over $150 and to see what all the goodies are. I gave you a sneak peek earlier this week at what to expect on the Lime Light blog hop today and hope you are ready to hop! Let me tell you a bit about what the Lime Light Charitable DT does. From the web site:

"We are a design team with a unique purpose. We use our crafting skills to help and bring light to others. We invite you to visit the site often to find out whom we are crafting for and what we are planning in the months to come. We have exciting plans that include making cards and bookmarks for our men and women in uniform, making journals for families whose children are in the hospital, making cards for baskets that help raise money for playground equipment....and that's just the beginning. "

Here is a link to the Lime Light website (starting place for the blog hop) so you can see some of the charitable projects that the current and past DT members as well as other from around the US have participated in. As a way to introduce the current DT members we are hosting this blog hop so you can get to know who we are and what we do. And in a couple of days I will post a video interview of my first DT participation with the LLDT (as soon as it is edited, there was a bit of a challenge to this)!

On to the project for the hop! Click on any picture to enlarge. I chose to use Emma the Snow Angel pre-colored image from Fred She Said. I love this one, so much fun to do! This time I decided to make it an action card and used a little spring under the image of Emma that I cut out and layered on the bottom image. Below is a short video showing how it moves.

The base card is a fancy fold and instructions can be found here. I used my Cricut to cut the two large scallops. One is embossed with my Cuttlebug folder, Tiny Bubbles. The bottom digi image is popped up on foam tape. The side and bottom panels have punched trim that is again embossed with the Cuttlebug and has superfine glitter added. Faux snow was added to the base digi image and folds of the card that was dusted with super fine glitter for extra sparkle.

I punched snowflakes out of white card stock and then used my Diamond Dust clear glitter to give them that icy look. A polka dot grosgrain bow that matches the base layer paper with a sparkly gem at it's center finishes the front. The inside of the card has the same paper and punched panel for writing a message on.

I had this card sitting on my counter and the it would sparkle and shine just like snow every time I would pass by it and I could resist giving it a little thump to make it move! A fun card that would bring a smile to a child stuck in a hospital when they would rather be out in the snow making snow angels!

Your next blog hop stop is at back at the Lime Light DT blog -- http://limelightsrappers.blogspot.com/

Here is a list of the Design Team members and their blogs in case you lose your way or want to revisit any of their blogs:

Start at: Lime Light DT Blog -- http://limelightscrappers.blogspot.com/

Gracie -- http://everythingcricut.blogspot.com/

Sue (our training coordinator) http://suescricutandcrafts.blogspot.com/

Joanne -- http://www.bigislandlady.blogspot.com/

Joy -- http://cricutholiday.com/

Terry -- Director of Publicity -- http://inspire-a-tion.blogspot.com/

Peg -- http://pegscraftingcorner.blogspot.com/

Kim -- http://dontbothermeimscrapping.blogspot.com/

Kathy -- http://www.kathy-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/

Agnes -- http://flowerdiscosscraphut.blogspot.com/

Sara - - http://pinkcricut.com/

Sandra-- http://t42originals.blogspot.com/
co-project coordinator with Sue

Samantha -- http://samanthajdesigns.blogspot.com/

Sonya -- http://www.appelquilling.blogspot.com/ That's me, your HERE!

Lime Light DT Blog - - http://limelightscrappers.blogspot.com/

I am looking forward to the projects that the DT will be participating in and to light the world with love and hope!

Today is a busy day here on my little blog with 2 blog hops. If you would like to hop again come back at 11:30 p.m. tonight through Sunday the 19th for the EMBELLISH ME WITH QUILLING BLOG HOP and see my quilled floral jewelry set. Have fun hopping! And THANK YOU for all your very encouraging messages and visits!

Shalom,
Sonya

Dino Hunter

2010-12-16T00:49:00.000-06:00

Hi all! Just wanted to share a non-card, non-quilled project that my husband and I did for our grandson Ephram. He is a DINO FREAK and can tell you EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know (or not) about dinosaurs! He literally eats, sleeps and lives everything DINO! So my DH got the idea to re-do his bike in a dino theme after seeing my Dinosaur Tracks Cricut cartridge.

After taking the heat gun and scraping off all of the decals on his bike, we used yellow Cricut vinyl to make new ones. One of his favorites (and he does have them ranked), is the Spinosaurus, so I cut out a spino silhouette for the "shield" on the front. It is made from a piece of plastic 'cardboard' or is it call foamcore?, cutout in a fossil rock shape and spray pained brown. Then I cut out "DINO HUNTER" with the font on the cartridge and used only the negative letter shapes.

Next came his name and a spino charm with dino tracks. The vinyl cut great and with the help of the transfer paper it was easy to put them on them bike. He says his bike rides faster now. He can't wait to show it off to the park ranger at Dinosaur Valley State Park (his favorite place) when we go back there this spring. I see more requests for bike customization coming soon.

DINO HUNTER

Just a reminder that there will be 2 blog hops on Friday,the 17th. The first will be for the Lime Light Charitable Design Team at 8:00 p.m. CST and then at 11:30 p.m. the Embellish Me With Quilling blog hop! Two projects posts in one day, an action card and another quilled jewelry set! Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Lime Light Charitable Design Team Announcement

2010-12-14T16:05:00.002-06:00

Hi all, a little preview of what is coming up this week and an announcement of what has been going on here in the background. I have been chosen to be on the Lime Light Charitable Design Team and was able to participate in a very special way today. One of the charitable endeavors that the LLDT contributed projects to was, the Butterfly Project at the Holocaust Museum Houston. I was honored to deliver the butterflies that were made by the DT and from crafters all over the US. I have a video interview of that delivery and pictures that need to be edited and will post when it is finished. Just wanted to give you a sneek peek at what was happening and what is coming up!

As you can see by the title, the Lime Light Charitable Design Team (of which I am a card-carrying member now) is having a blog hop this Friday at 8PM. We want you to get to know us and what we do as a team, so we are having a blog hop so that you can visit the various team members' sites. We also have a couple of the top Cricut bloggers on the net -- Everyday Cricut and Pink Cricut, that will be stops along the way. The team came together a few years ago because of our love of Cricut, and we wanted to give you a couple of bonus's as these sites are top notch when it comes to Cricut creative inspiration.

At 8 PM CST on Friday, we'll be posting the instructions on how you get from blog to blog and what you need to do when you get to each blog (COME TO THE LIME LIGHT BLOG FIRST FOR INSTRUCTIONS). All simple stuff. Now, here's the fun part. We'll be giving away some very nifty prizes, including a grand prize stash worth over $150. And because I can't wait, I'm giving you a peek at the prizes. So sit down, take a look at the goodies, and then join us Friday at 8 CST for a fun time!

Here is a link to see the prizes! http://limelightscrappers.blogspot.com/2010/12/lime-light-charitable-design-team-blog.html

It is going to be a busy week here on my little blog with 2 blog hops (on the same day!), and here at home, my daughter is graduating from Stephen F. Austin with her BSN this weekend.

Shalom,
Sonya

Icey Flower Box

2010-12-13T21:03:00.001-06:00

Hi all, back with another project perfect for your gift giving! I saw this little cute box here on Cricut Chick's blog, and had to make one, or more! It won't be the last time you see it! It is easy to make if you don't get too ambitious with the embossing powder like I did and emboss EVERY panel! The box uses a 12 x 12 sheet of card stock and three different pattern papers. The link above has a great tutorial so I didn't think I needed to reinvent the wheel with another one. It can also be made smaller for smaller items.

I tipped it up so you can see the Fred She Said Icey Flower, pre-colored, image that is on the four sides. Using these pre-colored images is a time-saver and they are sooo pretty and easy to use! I printed it out and then cut out the three layers then glittered them. I used pop dots on the bottom layer and just folded and glued the top flower layer onto it, adding a blue crystal. The flower medallion is mounted on a Nestie scallop circle.

I had a question on what kind of printer and paper that I used to print out my digi images with. I print them out on Canon Pixma Matt Photo Paper, MP-101 and use a Canon ip2600 printer. I never could get the vibrant colors to print right on plain printer cardstock. When I changed to the matt photo paper the colors popped and were perfect! The right paper makes all the difference.

The panels are all embossed with a mix of white and silver holographic tinsel embossing powder and has a nice sparkle, which unfortunately the camera isn't capturing. The glitter on the flowers is Diamond Dust clear.

You can see the inside of the box in the above picture with the wire ribbons and tulle tied to the elastic that is holding the box sides up. I think I will go back and put more ribbons on the top as it isn't as full as hers. The tutorial link has a video also that shows how this is done. The box is roomy and would look great with homemade treats tied up in pretty cellophane in each of the sides. Or, put paper shreds in the bottom and fill the box with gifts of your choice. It is a very versatile box and could be embellished all sorts of fun ways! If you make one link a picture of it in the comments, I'd love to see it!!

If you haven't visited Fred's (Tracey) site lately, drop by and see her latest post and freebie, click here to see the cute angels! A lot coming up this week so drop back by for a visit. Thanks for all your encouragement on my last post, you will see more of the quilled jewelry!

Shalom,

Sonya

Quilled Floral Jewelry Set

2010-12-06T00:11:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back from celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary. I don't know where all of that time went! We didn't do anything extravagant, just went away for the weekend camping. It was nice to get away for a couple of days, we don't get to do it as much as we used to. My DH and I enjoyed our time together even though we didn't catch any fish, again!

I have a project that I made for this month's Custom Quilling newsletter and one that I will be making more of, quilled jewelry. I have seen many quillers who have made beautiful earrings and such, but I have never tried it. So when I was making one of the other projects for the newsletter out of the silver edge black strips in the kit and it reminded me of antique silver jewelry and I decided to gave it a try. The kit is sold out but you can get these great strips from Denise at Custom Quilling Click on any picture to enlarge.

For the necklace I used three filigree pieces as bases to put the quilled motifs on and give it a little more stability and attached them together with jump rings. The center motif is a two layer fantasy flower made from tear drop and marquise shapes. The two side motifs are buds with looped leaves and tight coil berries. There is a little dangle drop of looped shapes. I added aurora crystals to the centers and beads among the flower bud motifs. There are black crystals and bead drops from the black chain necklace.

The earrings use the same double layer fantasy flower motif. I used two premade wire jewelry pin loops in between the layers that help with the stability and even hang of the earrings. No filigree piece was used as a base. Looped leaves and tight coil berries were added to the bottom of the flower. Three dangles of chain and beads and aurora crystals finished the matching earrings.

The next piece in the set is a pin. For the base I used two solid fan pieces glued together. Another flower motif and beaded chain dangles and aurora crystals with a pin back.

They can be worn together or separately. I love the vintage look these silver edged black strips give the quilling and they are perfect for creating quilled jewelry. My youngest daughter is modeling the jewelry and my oldest daughter took the photos for me. I loved making this set and it will be the first in many. Back with another of the projects later! Thanks for all the comments!

Shalom,

Sonya

Golden Hanukkia

2010-12-01T22:47:00.001-06:00

Hi all back with a project that I was waiting to post until today, the First day of Hanukkah! It was one of the projects that was for the Custom Quilling newsletter last month. Tomorrow I will post a project from this months newsletter that I must say is my favorite so far. But back to today, I used 1/8" gold edged white quilling strips to make my hanukkia and mounted it on a gold cardstock die cut mat. It was very easy to do, much easier than the 3D hanukkia that I did last year! I took the picture at a slight angle so the quilling would show better and it looks a little catywampus, that is Texas for "a bit crooked"! The gold mat is popped up on another mat that was cut from a white pearlescent patterned paper. Some gold gel pen, gold pearls and ribbon and it was finished. These metallic edged strips are fast becoming a favorite!

Below is a picture of our hanukkia lit for the first night. I have my mantle decorated in silver and blue with blue lights. I changed the lights this year to LED's and they are really brighter and the second picture is with the lights in my den off and just the hanukkia lit with the blue lights. My husband says it's kinda erie looking but in reality it is very pretty. Blue is my favorite color so I like it!

I also have hanukkias and Star's of David hanging from the ceiling. The grand kids made them out of popsicle sticks that we spray painted blue then glittered in sliver and blue. The LED's shine little blue spotlights all over and my grandson Ephram commented how there were stars and menorah shapes in the lights. He was right, these new LED's shine throw shadows of the hanging menorahs and stars on the ceiling that dance in the spotlights. The "erie" picture shows these "spotlights" on the fireplace. You know me, I love anything sparkly and shiny!! Below is a picture of them from last year and you can see the mantle and my other hanukkia. We also have an electric one for the window that has flicker flame bulbs that one of our neighbor's little daughter watches from outside and loves to see each night lit.

I saved the best for last. My daughter sent these pictures to me today. I couldn't resist posting them. I as her nana, of course, am prejudice, but I think that this is the cutest Yoda baby there is.

Yoda baby aka Chaiya Violet uses the "Force" of cuteness to get what she wants and when she doesn't she starts to turn to the "dark side" to enforce her rule of the "empire". But the "empire strikes back" and uses the "force" for good and luls her into a nap. Cuddly as an "ewok". If you are wondering who she favors in the family, she is a "clone" of her daddy. He is the same one that I made the Star Wars Tie Fighter for and loves all things Star Wars. My daughter has always cringed when I watch my Star Trek reruns, and now DVDs, over and over, all the years that she was growing up, and still do. Funny how she married a Star Wars fanatic! Love it!

Thanks for indulging the nana with the "cute baby pictures" and Happy Hanukkah for those who celebrate this week! More later!

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for visiting, if you have any questions please email me at the link on the sidebar.

Winter Birds Tea Light Cover

2010-11-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hi all, are you ready for a Blog Hop? I hope so because the Fred She Said DT have some really awesome projects for your inspiration! If you stopped by my blog to visit and didn't know there was a hop today, and want to start the hop from the beginning it is with Tracey-Lynn and the Fred She Said Blog here. As you hop along, in the order given, to each design team members site you can collect their special CODE WORD. When you have all the special code words and you make the final hop stop at the Fred She Said Challenge Blog you will be given instructions on how to enter your cord words that now form a phrase for a chance to win:

This time 2 Winners will be selected, one to win a

$25 Gift Certificate to the Fred She Said Store

and the other to win a

$25 Gift Certificate to CropStop

Before we get to my project here is the order of the hop in case you loose your way or want to re-visit any site:

1. Tracey-Lynn Fred herself, the designer of all these lovely images!!

2. Ann

3. Carol

4. Danielle

5. Darsie

6. Tracy

7. Sonya, that's me, you are HERE!

8. Nancy

9. Marlena

10. Maria

11. Michelle our DT Leader, Thanks Michelle!

12. Lora

13. Fred She Said Challenge Blog

Ok, now to my project for the hop. I love birds as much as I do flowers and Tracey has created these lovely Winter Birds images. They come colored or black and white so that you can color them yourself. I personally LOVE the pre-colored ones. They are so vibrant when printed out on matt photo paper, or on vellum as I did here. These images are so pretty that I couldn't choose between them so I used all of them. I also love candlelight and thought that these images would be beautiful as a tea light cover. Note: use a battery operated tea light or tea light in a candle holder that does not allow the flame to rise above the rim of the holder, it is paper and we don't want any firey accidents!

I printed out two of the Cardinal images and one each of the Chickadee and Robins onto vellum. Each panel side is 5" and has a front and back piece. There is no bottom and the holder sets around the tea light like a ring. I laid two 5" side pieces down, one on top of the other, on my Cuttlebug and used one of my Nesties to cut both pieces together to get perfect window alignment. The vellum image was sandwiched between them. You could use your Cricut and cut any shape you desire for the window. I did use my Cricut and the Heritage cartridge to cut the scroll work on the top and bottom of the holder and is holding the sides together. Mini black brads, 6 on each side also help give it an ironwork look. There is also a strip on the inside along the corners for added support. You can see it in the picture below. I added red bows to each corner and a bit of red glitter to the berries on the bird images for sparkle.

Shows the holder with a tea light lit inside (with additional lighting of my box) just a bit of a glow showing.

This picture is without any extra lighting showing the tea light through the panels.

You could change this up and make any number of designs with countless shapes for the window panels and images! I will be making more of these! My special CODE WORD is: but ! Have fun hopping, your next stop is at NANCY'S, she has another great project with a Fred She Said image!! Don't forget to collect the CODE WORDS for a chance to WIN! If you want to see the wonderful images that Tracey has in her store, you can click here. Thanks for all the comments and I want you to know that I read and appreciate each one. If you have any questions please leave me a way to contact you so I can answer!

Shalom,

Sonya

Good luck to everyone!

Quilled Tassel Tag

2010-11-10T18:12:00.000-06:00

Hi all, back to share another of the projects that I made for the November Custom Quilling newsletter a quilled Tassel Tag. I have always loved tassels and beautiful tags. So I decided to combine the two and make a tag that is attached to a large tassel that can be hung from a doorknob, drawer pull or lamp. The tag can be changed for whatever occasion, season or holiday that you like. Both are oversize and are very versatile in the way you can decorate them. It is hanging below on the cabinet in my hallway.

For this first tag I chose to use the quilled poinsettias and scroll work in red and white. The tag is over 6" and the base layer was colored with Red Appel and Gold Glimmer Mist as well as the red top layer tag. The quilled poinsettias are made the same way as those on the Tea Box with the added scroll work. I love the dimension that these wider strips give. The snowflakes are stickers and look like they have been embossed onto the tag. I added crystals and holographic embossing powder to the sticker and heat set it for extra shimmer. In real life it is very sparkly and the crystals catch the light beautifully as well as the metallic edges on the quilling strips. It is just hard to get it to show in a picture.

The tag is attached to the tassel with a double bow in deep red and wine taffeta so it can be easily changed out for another. Be sure to check back Friday to hop along with the Fred She Said DT blog hop! Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Y'all are sooo sweet and leave awesome comments! If you have a question please be sure to leave a way that I can contact you to answer!

One in a Million

2010-11-07T00:04:00.001-05:00

Hi all! Back again with another card project. This is one that I made using my Cricut and the Lacy Labels (vine), Wild Card (card, sign) cartridges. I wanted to try out my new stamp and coordinating dies from Heartfelt Creations. The hydrangea was stamped onto water color paper and embossed in gold. I stamped the individual blossoms the same way and water colored the images with Tombow markers. The main image can be overlaid with the smaller blossoms for a dimensional flower but I wanted only the one blossom, in gold/gold crystal to stand out to use with my sentiment, Your One in a Million. The stamp set comes with a "one in a million" sentiment, but I used the one from a Flourishes set because of it's size.

The image was popped up with foam dots and then the sign with the sentiment is popped up with double foam dots on top of the flower on one side to make it level as you can see in the picture below. I added some doodles and accents with gel pens and colored my clear Dew Drops with a purple and blue Copic markers to match my flower.

When closed the pattern paper shows through the scallops on the front of the card and there is a lavender circle inside to write a message on. I will do another with this versatile stamp and die set with the smaller blossoms. Thanks for all the sweet comments!! Next post will be another quilling project. Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Quilled Tea Bag Box

2010-11-03T23:45:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with the quilling project that I promised! This quilled embellished 3D project is for all you who love to drink tea. I have seen boxes of tea bags that have a little pull out portion that allows you to "dispense" the tea bag packets right from the box and I thought it would be a great gift idea. I used the supplies from the November Custom Quilling kit for the quilled poinsettias, leaves, and box decorations (except pinecones and white punched flowers). I designed the box with lid and panel layers with SCAL2 and the cut file is emailed to you with your kit purchase.

After cutting box pieces and layers with my Cricut, I assembled the box and lid I inked all the card stock and designer paper panels, then added gold gel pen dots for some glimmer. The pretty holly paper gives it such a vintage look. For the quilled poinsettias I used the 1/4" white/red metallic edged quilling strips. I have never used this width for quilling before, only making roses. By the way they makes beautiful roses! When you make folded roses with these strips the petal edges have a shimmer. You can see the dimension that these wider strips give the quilled flowers.

The poinsettias are made by quilling and shaping a coil into a marquis, 5 for the top layer of petals and 6 larger marquis for the bottom layer of petals. The centers of the poinsettias are made from tight coils using the 1/8" white/gold metallic edged strips, either 3,4 or 5 coils. If you want you could make the centers and then add the top layer of red petals against them, or add the center to the top, either way. The leaves are also made from the gold edged strips and are the same marquis shape.

Next I added to these poinsettias, some punched flowers from a patterned white pearlized paper and added some cranberry colored beads for centers. Punched greenery is tucked in and around along with pine cones. The pine cone are made from punching the pine cone shape punch 7 times (or more for fuller one) and then scoring, folding down the middle of the pine cone punch shape. Glue all 7 folded pine cone punches side to side and you get a "book" like shape you see that fans open. I glued it flat against the box but you could add more "leaves" of punched pine cone shapes and then glue the first and last sides together and have a round 3D life-like pine cone.

I will be making more of these for gifts and one or more for myself as they could be made for any season and occasion with the change of paper and card stock and embellishments! The side panels would look so pretty embossed with embossing folders! Put it in a little basket with other tea goodies and your friends that love tea will feel so special!

If you remember yesterday I added the "disclosure" for my FSS DT projects. I also am disclosing that as a Design Team member for Custom Quilling that I recieve the monthly kit to create projects with and to review. I am not paid by either FSS or Custom Quilling to promote or recommend products, just images and supplies to create projects. As you can see I really do LOVE the kits that Denise puts together from Custom Quilling, and I have to tell you they are a great way to build up your stash to work with!! The contents always have generous amounts of card stocks, papers, embellishments and STRIPS, plus more! I have to narrow my project ideas to three for the newsletter! So I can honestly recommend them.

I still have more cards and the other two quilling projects to share, check back! If you are inspired to create any projects please share the link in the comments section below, I would love to see them!

Shalom,
Sonya

Phlippians 1:3-4 Sunflowers and Pumpkins

2010-11-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hi all, here is one of my projects for Fred She Said DT. I used the FSS Colored Sunflower Trio, Philippians 1 verse, Pumpkins and Sunflowers, and Sunflower Frame. Can you tell I love these images? You can find them here. The design of the card is one of my favorites of Bonnie McLain and she has a great tutorial for it here. There is a lot going on with this card and the surprise is when you open it. The inside reveals a V fold that holds pop up images in the window. Even the back of the card is decorated and holds a tag pocket.

I added some metallic gel pen highlights to the images for some subtle sparkle and gold gel pen to the edges of the embossed panels. The card has a lot of dimension and I used a lot of pop dots!

I love the way the striking colors of the images pop against the white background. The card is really easy to make and Bonnie's tutorial is great. I changed a few of the embellished panels and added the pop up in the window, but it is basically the same design. And it is so versatile that you can embellish and use whatever papers and card stock that suits your images and desire. You can see more of the images in the window in the picture below.

Here is a picture looking down into the card from the top when open so you can see the mechanism of it.

Here is a look at the back of the card with the tag pocket and tag that can be used to write a personal note as there isn't really any place to do so on this particular design. You could put pockets or panels for writing on the inside if you wish.

I enjoyed making this card and will make several more. I love this style of cards with the white embossed backgrounds. Bonnie calls them "Confection Cards" and I couldn't agree more, they look like elegant frilly eye candy confections! Tracey has awesome digi designs that come either pre-colored or ready to color. Either way I'm sure you will love them and you can see them here.

I have seen that other bloggers are putting "disclosures" on their blogs and so I will put one here. As you know I am on the Fred She Said Design Team. As a DT member I do receive images at no cost to create projects with. Having said this, I really do LOVE the images that Tracey creates, especially the pre-colored ones! I am not compensated to say that though! I recommend them because of their ease of use (you see me, who needs a "Didn't grow up with a computer" book for Dummies can use them easily) and wonderful designs.

I finally updated the side bar with the new FSS DT members and their blog links I'm sure you will enjoy exploring! And if you haven't visited Paper Craft Planet and the Fred She Said group, please do and you will see some eye poppin' creations using FSS images for lots of inspiration!

I still have unposted projects and new ones coming up, tomorrow I will post a quilling project. If you have any questions please email me or leave a comment where I can answer you! Until then,

Shalom,
Sonya
Thanks for all the super sweet comments!

Quilled Pecan Pie Slice Treat Box

2010-10-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hi all, it seems I can't win for losing with the health issues. The pollen count is really high here in Houston and there hasn't been any rain to wash it away. Which means ALLERGIES!! I have had a really annoying and interfering allergy attack this past week and hadn't felt like doing anything. I worked on two projects and didn't finish either one. Good thing I have some projects ready by not posted and here is one of them, a quilled pecan pie slice treat box.

It is one of the projects that I made for the September Custom Quilling Newsletter. When I saw the rich brown card stock in the kit I knew I wanted to use it to make a pie slice. I quilled two coils and shaped them into a "D" shape with slightly inward curled tips. Then a smaller coil was shaped into a marquise and used as the center portion of the pecan slice. Two different colors of brown strips were used for contrast on the pecans.

The crust of the pie was made from shaping quilled coils into a "C" shape, gluing two together to build up the height. Then alternate these to form the pinched crust look. You could even make it three high if you wanted a taller crust. All of these quilled shapes were put on top of a pie slice treat box cut from my Cricut using Tags Bags and More and the top of the pie slice box from the Tie the Knot cartridge, for the "doily" plate.

I added a wide gold bow just behind the crust and added another pecan slice on it for an accent. You can make it smaller or larger if you want and fill them with your favorite treats, it opens at the back. Easy and looks real, or at least my grandson thought so! It was so fun to make I am sure I will make more versions. Well I am still fighting the lack of energy because I can't breathe but I am GOING to finish those two projects tomorrow!!! Back with another project,

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks so much for the encouraging comments and for those who are waiting for the Tie Fighter file,Thanks for being patient, it is coming!

Tie Fighter 3-D Cricut Cut

2010-10-14T15:42:00.000-05:00

Hi all, This is for all the Star Wars fans out there. I'm back again with a project that isn't my normal card type project. Being able to create items for family and friends for those special days and events is one of the benefits of paper crafting. My #1 SIL's birthday was the occasion for this project and pushed my 3D construction experience. He is a big fan of and loves anything Star Wars. I knew I wanted to come up with some paper craft item for his birthday in the Star Wars theme and had considered a card. Using my Cricut was going to be a given and there is not much in the way of designs to choose from in this category. I had wanted it to be out of the ordinary and considered a pop up card but then I remembered seeing a paper 3 D tie fighter gift card holder on the internet, see link here. But, I wanted a little more of the realistic look for it and out came my Sure Cuts A Lot2 to attempt to make one.

The major hurdle for me was the ball shape of the cockpit and I am definitely not an engineer! Recently I have been researching pop up cards and such and had come across a pop up ball pattern. Well it didn't need to be pop up just keep it's round shape, so I studied the pieces and shapes that made the ball and went to work combining shapes that could be folded and glued together to form a ball. Actually it is a hexagon shape see here. After several trial cuts and revisions I had a one piece hexagon round box with open ends that could be covered with another hexagon shape to close it up.

The hex ball was originally designed to hold a gift card and it is just a tad bit small to hold it!! From wing tip to wing tip it is 8" and the wings are 8 1/2 hexagons. It was cut on a 12 X 12 mat and the one piece design just fits on it. So, to get a bit larger ball it would need to be cut on a 12 X 24 mat for a one piece design. Or, I think I will just make it two pieces that attach to match the original one piece design also so it can be cut on the 12 X 12 mat.

After that hurdle was finished I then tackled the arms for the hexagon panels and was relatively easy, a rectangle with tabs on each end to attach it to the hex panels and ball. Those large hex panels are not exactly the same scale as the picture and can be made larger, but for the purpose of a gift card holder it works. After working on the layered window, black triangles on the hex wings and arm struts, I had a working model that seemed to work! Only one problem, the gift card didn't fit inside!!! So we put the good old standby in it, real money! I had worked on this all day and time was running out before the party so I left the last tab on the ball unglued so that he could retrieve the money inside since I had no more time to add a flap closure. I closed it up the next morning for him. There are some changes and tweaks that I need to make to it to have a truly sturdy and perfected design for it to be a gift card holder. It can be made smaller and hung from the ceiling with the tab option on the perfected design.

When I revamp the cut file I will post another picture of it. Being in a hurry and trying to accomplish something the day of that I had never attempted before doesn't lend to getting it perfect! I think it could use a little more embellishments, like some small grey/antique silver/black brads for "bolts", a transparency layer for the window, something else on the black triangle panels, more detail pieces etc. This will be done on the next "model"! All of the pieces are scaled to work together so if another size is made, all the pieces would have to be grouped together and resized as one group to get the right sizes. As I said it did take me all day to make this imperfect design and I will spend a bit more time making the perfected one. It will take me a day or so to get it done and uploaded to a download site, so please be patient. Please remember that, and do not appropriate it as your own design! Star Wars is a copyrighted/licensed property and the design (and those modified from this one) can't be sold unlicensed, so credit for the designer (and modified ones) is appreciated.

NOTE: When I get a perfected file I will post a download link on this post in red.

Since this size (will be posted in this size) is too small for a gift card to fit in and also for the smaller (resized) version you could make a gift card sleeve from this awesome Clone Trooper SVG file here. She also has a Darth Vader version. I will be making a Darth Vader Tie Fighter version also in the near future as my daughter said the grandsons wanted to decorate their room in Star Wars. I am already dreading the "Death Star"!!!! Looks like I will be purchasing a lot of silver card stock! Let me know if you like it! I still have more projects finished and in line to show you!

Shalom,

Sonya

Quilled Ecclesiastes 3:1

2010-10-07T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back again with another quilled project from the September Custom Quilling Newsletter. September's kit had papers and quilling strips in shades of black, greys, white and cream along with some really pretty designer papers in shades of brown and faux stone designs. I choose one of these papers, the clock design, which fit perfectly to use as the background for the quilling embellishments for Ecclesiastes 3:1. Along with the quilled and punched flowers I wanted to add another distinct themed element to the project and a quilled clock was the natural choice.

I quilled a wide tight coil from several cream strips to get the clock face and added the black half pearls for the numbers. The hands of the clock are made from wheatear loops and a small shaped marquis for the point. The outer rim of the clock has tight coils and u shape loose coils facing each other. Then I wrapped several strips around them to finish the round part of the clock face. Some filigree accents on top and bottom give it an ironwork look.

The rest of the quilled embellishments are simple teardrop and marquis flowers with black pearl centers, fringe flowers and punched vellum flowers with white pearl centers. A few shaped leaves and spiral coils finish the frame around the computer printed verse that is cut out with a die cut.

In the picture above that is taken at an angle you can see dimension of the quilling and how the clock face is popped up with dimensionals. I just need to pick a frame and it will be ready to display and contemplate when "those" times come into my life! I still have several more quilling and cards projects finished and waiting to post so check back. Thank you for your comments and answer to my question on the last post. If you didn't get a chance to answer it, please do so any time, I always love feedback to improve my little blog!

Shalom,

Sonya

Red Roses

2010-10-01T17:03:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Did you have fun hopping through the wonderful projects the FSS Design Team had for you? If you haven't yet you still can, just see the post below and have fun! Today I have another Fred She Said card for you, I previewed it on my new blog header above. It was originally made for a contest but I didn't get it finished in time but I still can share it here!

I used the Fred She Said Roses and leaves svg cut file and cut the flowers and leaves out in several of the shapes and sizes on my Cricut. It is easy to resize the designs and make the flowers any size you would like. The roses were cut out in red card stock and sprayed with Candy Appel Glimmer Mist which has a golden shimmer. They then were shaped, layered and glued together. The centers of the roses are black seed beads to give them even more glitz and interest. The rose leaves are cut out in black card stock and inked with gold on their edges and have embossed veins.

The card base is 6 X 6 square and I took my round dies and traced out a wave pattern on a 6 X 6 piece of scrap card stock and cut it out for a pattern. Then I lightly traced the pattern on the card base front and used scissors to carefully cut off the wavy edge. I used the pattern again to cut a layer for the front by tracing it again on a 6 X 6 piece of card stock and then cutting the wavy edge off again, then cutting a 1/4" strip from the other two straight sides. It was then embossed with the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder and the layer as well as the card base was edged with a gold gel pen.

The wavy cut show the inside of the card when shut and there is another white gold edged layer on the inside of the card. I placed the sentiment on red, black, gold vellum scallops and circles cut with dies. White gel pen dots and black Pigma pen dots highlight the scallops along with a red crystal to accent the sentiment. With the wavy edge cut away when the card is opened you still see the sentiment embellishment. The left side of the inside has a stamped image in Distress Fired Brick accented with red crystals.

For the finishing touches I cut a butterfly in black card stock added some gold gel pen dots and perched him atop a bow with three loops. I like the way the cut out shape on the side looks and I'll have to do another!

Thanks for all the comments from the blog hop, sooo encouraging!! Posting is a balancing act as to how much or not to put in a post. Some like detailed descriptions others just want to see the card! So to keep things balanced, would you please let me know in the comments what you prefer, a detailed description; less description and what kind of info? It would really help me to know just how much to put in a post and have the Goldilocks amount for everyone! As usual if you have a question about any technique or supply used just email me on the link on the sidebar and I will do my best to answer it. More projects tomorrow!

Shalom,
Sonya
Love to hear from you!

Pumpkins and Sunflowers FSS September Blog Hop

2010-09-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi all, as promised I am back with the Fred She Said September Blog Hop! The Design Team Girls have some great eye candy for your inspiration so if you want to hop from the start you can click here. Here are the details for the hop:

The theme for this blog hop was for us to use our favorite Fred She Said image in your favorite YOU style. This is the first blog hop with our New Team and I am sure you will see some fantastic STYLE!

As you hop from blog to blog, collect each Design Team member's special CODE WORD listed in their post and make a complete phrase. On the last blog hop stop you will find instructions on where to email Tracey-Lynn with the completed phrase. The winner will be selected from all the emails that she receives.

PRIZES: $20 CAD from Fred She Said Store AND $20 Gift Certificate for CropStop, http://www.cropstop.com/ !

We all love comments and would love feedback on our projects! Please feel free to leave comments, suggestion on a project, technique or anything you like on the Design Team's posts.

Here is the Blog Hop Order in case you lose your way:

Tracey-Lynn - http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/

Nancy - http://inspiredbystamps.blogspot.com/

Shelly - http://jaspere-jaspereslittlecorner.blogspot.com/

Anne - http://stargrovesblog.blogspot.com/

Tracy - http://iwannabuildamemory.blogspot.com/

Sonya - http://appelquilling.blogspot.com/ That's me, Your HERE!

Maria - http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/

Lora - http://lorascards.blogspot.com/

Michelle - http://inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/

Marlena - http://www.marlenaspaperparadise.com/

Darsie - http://craftingwithdarsie.blogspot.com/

Carol - http://chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy.blogspot.com/

Dani - http://countyourbeautifulblessings.blogspot.com/

Fred She Said Challenge Blog - http://fss-challenge.blogspot.com/

Here are the details of my project:

We were to create a project with a technique or image that we love to do or just love! Tracey's colored images are sooo pretty and vibrant I love to paper tole them, so that is what I did with this gorgeous pumpkin and sunflower image. You can see from the picture above and below the layers of the pumpkin image. Click any image to enlarge.

It was printed out several times in the size that fit my design. Then each layer was cut out and layered onto the next one with a dimensional silicone glue (you could use foam tape etc.).

The image has beautiful sunflowers and I used my Twinkling H2O's to watercolor on coffee filter paper and dies to make the sunflower accent flowers which have a bit of Flower Soft centers. The flower leaves edges were embossed in gold embossing powder and crystals added for a bit of shimmer.

The inside of the card holds another of the pumpkin images along with a verse sentiment from the set. I love this set of digi images and it is so versatile for any fall crafting and decorating!

My special CODE WORD is MEET !

Your next blog hop stop is at Maria's blog at http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/ she has an awesome project for you! I hope you enjoy the hop and meeting the new Design Team members and visiting again with the veteran Fredders, sharing their special styles! If you want to see more Fred She Said images click here for the store.

I had a lot of fun working with this image and the wonderful way that it lends to paper tole. Visit me again I have several more cards and quilling projects that I will be posting this week!

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for all the sweet comments and have fun on the hop and don't forget to collect the special code words!!

Wedding Ensemble

2010-09-27T23:22:00.000-05:00

Hi, all!! Back to posting again, thanks for all the prayers and patience with my absence, my husband is on the mend and doing well now!!!! So I can get back to crafting. A short post for today, one that I thought I had posted before the break but didn't. It is the second half of the Wedding Ensemble that I made for the Custom Quilling Newsletter. Click on pictures to enlarge.

There are two quilled treat boxes, a bride/bridesmaid and a cake slice. A table place card, and cake knife (that is mine used 33 years ago!)

I used a purchased journal to make the Bride's Journal and quilled the flowers and cut the "Happily Ever After" with my Cricut. Next to it is a paper cone embellished with a matching quilled bouquet that can be used as a favor or for treats.

I have several other projects that haven't been posted and a blog hop coming up so check back, I'm back! Again thanks for all the support!!!

Shalom,

Sonya

Wondering what's up?

2010-09-06T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hi all, thanks for all the love you posted while I have been taking care of my husband. He is back on the mend now and we are hoping that it will last! I have had to help him with his part time job, being his chauffeur and runner while he is recovering, it is wearing me out!!. Since he is getting where he doesn't need that as much I will be back creating this week. All that time from creating has zapped my creativity!!! It is like I can't get a project together and it takes me so long to do, well, nothing!!! But today I have started a watercolor card that is about half finished and I also have the Custom Quilling DT projects to post also, tomorrow. I just wanted to pop in and let you know I'll be back posting!

Thanks so much again!!!
Shalom,
Sonya

Update

2010-08-18T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I am taking a bit of a break in posting until my husband gets better. He is having some medical issues and is hospitalized. I will be back, hopefully soon, your prayers for his recovery will be greatly cherished.

Shalom,
Sonya

Quilled Ring Bearer's Pillow

2010-08-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

Hi all, as you probably noticed I am doing some blog facelift(s)!?? But it is a work in progress and I want to create a new header etc. etc., and it is taking a lot time. Especially since I barely know what I am doing!!! lol! So bear with me until I get it back to "normal". In the mean time, here is the next project for the Custom Quilling August Newsletter, a Ring Bearer's Pillow, part of a wedding ensemble. Tomorrow's post has the rest of the wedding ensemble of quilled projects.

I made this little pillow from a lightweight cream satin with a lace ruffle, pulled down in the center, top and bottom with pearls. Then I used simple but elegant quilled and velum punched flowers to embellish it The parchment quilling strips that came in the August kit were perfect for a soft, vintage feel to these projects. You could change the colors and shape, maybe a heart whatever you like for the pillow and the quilled elements, for your specific needs. The pearls could be changed out for crystals or even buttons to change the look. The quilling is glued on the fabric with Zip Dry clear glue, and it holds well.

The corners of the pillow have the same motifs with satin bows also, and the rings are tied in the center. Maybe it will be carried in our family's next wedding. Saving it for my daughters or grandaughters to use. I loved working with these beautiful strips that have now become a must have in my stash! If you want to check out the Custom Quilling August Kit you can click the button on the side bar, it will take you to the site. Check back tomorrow for the other wedding ensemble projects.

Shalom,
Sonya
Thanks for the comments, don't forget to take the poll on the side bar!!

Rhododendron September Calendar Page

2010-08-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

Edited to add: My blog may look funny for a bit as I am trying to get the new Blogger Template Designer to work and I can't seem to see the preview. So, I have to "apply" the changes and look and see what it will look like!!!! Kinda like trying on clothes and they look good on the hanger, but not on you!! lol!!

Hi all! As promised here is the first of the Custom Quilling August Newsletter design team projects. This is the last of the perpetual Quilled and Floral Punch calendar. It has been so much fun to create these and I could keep on going with the wealth of designs! September features rhododendron flowers in pink and purple. These little puff balls are formed with a sakura flower punch and the small cosmos flower for the centers. They are formed like the hydrangea blossoms on a rounded 1" circle punch. The centers are shaded with a darker pink and purple before adding the stamens. The leaves are made from the lily punch.

I used the pink and purple card stock from the August Custom Quilling kit to make these striking blossoms but you could use the coffee filter/watercolor method also. Now that the calendar is finished it is time to replace the months with the new year and enjoy them all over again! If you were inspired to create a calendar, link it in the comments section to share it!! There are some other awesome supplies in the kit and I will be sharing the other projects made from them tomorrow and the day after. A hint of the projects is: it is made from fabric and quilling, so check back to see.

If you are looking for the Fred She Said July Blog Hop, it is the post below this one. Thanks for all the super sweet encouragement on the new DT FSS image projects!!! Good Luck!

Shalom,

Sonya

Pretty Please with a Cherry Blossom on Top

2010-07-30T00:30:00.001-05:00

Hi all, today is the FSS July Blog Hop to show you the great new releases! I have two cards for today! Here are the details of the Blog Hop and how to win some Fred She Said goodies:

How about some mid-summer fun with a Blog Hop?!

The Fred She Said Design Team girls have been busy creating and have some lovely eye candy for you ! Please leave them some love on their blogs.

At each stop on your way, there will be a special word... collect them up and there will be instructions at the end of your journey on how to enter.

The winning entry will receive $20 GC for the Fred She Said Store AND.... (AND!) ... a $20 USD Gift Certificate for CropStop so you can get that punch, or dies, inks, or embellishments you have been having you eye on :)

We will receive entries until Thursday August 5th Midnight EDT.

Here is my projects for your inspiration. The first card features the new Cup Cake image and I must thank Tracey for creating it for me and you! There is one cup cake image with a daisy on top and you can see it here, it is SOOO pretty! Also there is a plain version that you can put any Fred She said flower or whatever you like on, as I did on my card, using the red Cherry Blossoms. I also paper pieced the cupcake wrapper and added glitter sparkles on the top and the cherry blossom centers.

You can see the inside is decorated also with the birthday sentiment that I printed off of my computer that says, "Will you tell me your REAL age, pretty please with a cherry blossom on top?" So cute and versatile for many occasions as you can put anything on top your cupcake. You will be seeing more of this cutie.

Next is another card using the Burdy image. I just used the girl bird from the "Love is complicated" image to make this contrats on the news of an expectant baby.

I printed the bird with the nest thought on watercolor paper and watercolored it with Tombows. Then the image was glittered and Crystal Effects were added and was popped up. The scallop layers and the branch were cut from the Storybook Cricut cartridge and the lacy border is a Martha Stewart punch.

The inside has the sentiment, again printed off my computer that says, "A little burdy told me" and "Congratulations on your new nest". This is one that you could color in your favorite drawing/paint program or even paper piece for a whimsical look which I will give a try next.

Two cards with a different look for your inspiration. There is more in store for you along the way. My special word is: "crafty" . Collect all the words along the way and enter at the FSS Challenge Blog, the last stop, and here is your next hop stop:

SHELLY

Have fun and here is the order of Blog Hop participants in case you lose your way.

Michelle http://www.inspirationsblooms.blogspot.com/

Lora http://www.lorascards.blogspot.com/

Carol H http://www.chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy.blogspot.com/

Maria http://www.joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/

Darsie http://www.craftingwithdarsie.blogspot.com/

Sonya - That's Me,your here!

Shelly http://www.jaspere-jaspereslittlecorner.blogspot.com/

Tracey http://www.fss-challenge.blogspot.com/ ( end of your journey and blog hop entry instructions)

Good Luck and if you want to go shopping for some Fred She Said digi images, click HERE!!! Until tomorrow,

Shalom,

Sonya

Have fun on the hop!!! Please vote on the poll on the sidebar to pick what you would like as a tutorial!

Peach Peony

2010-07-26T22:05:00.000-05:00

Hi all!! Sorting through mounds of crafting leftovers, again, trying to find space on my main crafting table!!! I can't seem to create without making a mess! There is a place for everything and the things that I use most are in arms length to put away, but things never seem to get to where they call home. So I am left with bits and pieces of paper, card stock, paper pads out and all over, embellishments adorning places that I didn't intend, on and on. I see other's crafting spaces and they are so neat and organized, no mine, utter chaos! So I have to spend a day or two putting things away so I can have space to set something down without losing it on my table. Good thing I have some cards in the line up and photographed all ready to post or I wouldn't be able to find them, lol!

Here is one for today a new digi image from Fred She Said a beautiful pre-colored peach peony in a jar. I love these pre-colored images, so easy and sooo pretty!! I also love my new Cricut Expression and all the wonderful shapes, frames and just about whatever you want! I put it off for so long and now I find myself wondering why.

I printed the peony image twice onto Matt Photo Paper which gives the image amazing color. Then I cut it out with my Nesties and used a Cricut frame behind that. The peony flower and the vase are cut out and popped up for dimension. The flower was sprayed with gold Glimmer mist and the vase was covered in Crystal Effects for a real glass look which I hope you can see in the picture above. Instead of a bow I used my Cricut to cut the flourishes to wrap around the vase. All the gold highlights are made with a Gelly Roll gold metallic gel pen, my new favorite! The card base is a peach metallic card stock and the base layer is a sparkly designer paper.

The inside is decorated also with another of the peony flowers, flourishes and framed panel for writing. Tracey makes it so easy to create beautiful cards with her digi images, you can find them here. She has some more new releases which I will post cards with in the coming days.

I also posted another poll on the sidebar of my blog. Please take a moment and click on what you would like to see in a tutorial. The 6th poll question is not really an option but instructions to click on the "Comment" link on the bottom of the poll to leave your requests for a tutorial that is not listed on the poll. I am not sure but it may not show up until you hit the "Submit your answers" on the bottom first. But you can always leave a comment on any post with your questions or suggestions. Thanks for your visit and help!

Shalom,
Sonya

Blue Rocking Horse

2010-07-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

Hi all, Hope your summer is full of fun and stress reducing vacations! My dh started a new part-time job that makes just picking up and roaming with our travel trailer a little more difficult to do. We miss that "freedom" to do that now and won't get to go that often anymore. : ( . But my daughter and family moved about 1/2 block from us so now the grand-kids are at our front door most every day now to swim in the pool or to get an ice cream cup "to cool off"! But, back to the card for today. This is one that I made for my brand new great-nephew! Wow, makes me sound old! That's ok, my aunt Sandy and aunt Bonnie are great-great-aunts!!

I made it with my new Cricut Expression and the A Child's Year cartridge. At first I didn't think that I would use this cartridge enough to purchase it, but after looking through it I saw some really great possibilities for projects. I am still "getting-to-know" how to use the CE and what speed, pressure and depth for the blade to cut and which goes with what paper so it makes clean cuts. And this card is one of those try-outs. I love the rocking horse and my niece-in-law said the new baby was going to be a cowboy, so this is perfect!

I cut the rocking horse and it's shadow out and added silver gel pen highlights as well as to the other cuts. Extra fine holo glitter give the cuts some sparkle. The edges of the white pieces are inked in a coordination blue. The front base panels are cut to mimic a quilt pattern and have machine stitching around them as well as the inside panel. You can see the dimension of the layers in the picture below. I love popping up the images. But mailing them was causing some concern that they would get crushed by the postal service!! So I made a test box envelope and will be mailing it out to some family members to see if the cards make it there in one piece and not crushed. If they do, then I will post the pattern, it is really easy, for everyone to use! If not, back to the drawing board!

I have been experimenting with combining my quilling with the die cuts and will be sharing those as I finish them, there is even a project finished that has quilling and fabric together. It will post at the first of the month. The internet is a great place for inspiration and there are so many great blogs and forums nowadays that you can get "lost" exploring them. My bookmark of favorites is soooo long that I have to ration my time checking them out each day or I would have no time for anything else!

I love to look at what others are creating and seeing the new and fresh ideas and re-worked old favorites but I often don't have the time to leave a comment, especially if it is a blog where most of the projects I love and would want to leave a message saying so. I do read all the comments and love hearing from you! I wish we could all meet and play with paper and glue for a while and get to know each other! But with the distance this is the next best thing! I just wanted to thank everyone that comes by and visits for a few minutes whether you leave a comment or not, I know the time it takes and hope I the projects that I post will inspire your creativity.

I love doing all kinds of paper craft and am working on a regular weekly "schedule" of cards, quilling, stamping etc. Hopefully I will be able to stick to it. If you want to see something, a technique, design, etc. just let me know. Still working on what tutorial projects to do, is there a specific one(s) that you would like to see?? Again, let me know and I'll do my best to show you! Thanks for making it till the end of this long post! Until then,

Shalom,
Sonya

How've You Bean

2010-07-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Hi all, hope you are having a great summer! Have another card for you today. I have been wanting a tea/coffee stamp for some time and when the stamp sale was going on at my LCS I finally got one! This is one of the cards that will go in my Etsy shop as soon as I can work out the shipping details on the store. The coffee/tea cup was stamped onto water color paper and embossed with clear embossing powder, then water colored with my Tombow markers.

Then I inked the edges with Distress Inks, Antique Linen and a bit of a sage green ink also. The steam is accented with some clear glitter and the coffee in the cup has Crystal Effects for some shiny liquid look. I love the way the blue pops off the card! I cut them out with my oval Nesties and added some brads.

The matt layers on the base of the card are from K & Co. and I used two coordinating glittery and foil card stock/paper in a opposing triangle pattern. I used my new Cricut Expression to cut the flourishes out in brown with a black shadow. They are accented with a gold gel pen. A brown bow finished the front.

For the inside I stamped the row of coffee beans onto water color paper and again embossed them in clear embossing powder and water colored them with my Tombows. They are layered and matted with the same papers as the front.

The sentiment "how've you bean" was also from this cute stamp set and was embellished with two of the coffee beans. A writing space is made from oval Nesties atop the triangular matts, the edges inked with Distress Tea Dye for that "coffee" look.

It was a fun card to do and I love the colors! Tomorrow I will have a "shape" card to share with you and be sure to check back as I still have a stash of cards ready to post!

Shalom,
Sonya
Thanks to all who stop by and visit my little blog, I hope you enjoy!!! Leave me a comment or contact me a the link on the sidebar if you have any questions!

Quilled Black and Yellow Soap Box

2010-07-21T00:08:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Quick post to show the last of the DT project for July's Custom Quilling Newsletter. I used another one of my decorative soap boxes which I was wondering how I going to embellish and saw the shades of yellow in the kit were a perfect match! Someone must have been a quiller when they designed the pattern on the box. Any writing on the box was covered with die cut panels as bases for the quilling. I copied the motifs in quilled shapes adding the swirls and flourishes on top along with three tone fringed flowers. The butterfly was cut out of the designer paper in the kit.

A view from the front shows the flourish on the top and the side embellishment.

The inside is decorated also.

Close-up of the quilling on top.

I love the kits from Custom Quilling and look forward to seeing what they inspire me to create! Hope you are having a great summer! Still have more cards and projects finished and waiting to post so check back!

Shalom ,

Sonya

Thanks for the comments, post a link to your projects in the comments below, I'd love to see them!

Waterlily Easel Card

2010-07-14T15:06:00.002-05:00

Hi all, I have a card to post that I entered a contest with at Cuttlebug Challenge, and WON!!!! Thank you!! The challenge was to make an easel card and use a Cuttlebug embossing folder on it. The image is Flourishes Waterlily and has some beautiful images that I had yet to ink up. The water lily, lily pads and fish are stamped onto watercolor paper in black Stazon and then embossed with clear embossing powder.

I then water colored them with my Tombow markers and a waterbrush. The water the fish are swimming in is also watercolor paper sprayed with a blue and gold glimmer mist and Tombow markers. It has a really pretty shimmer to it. I cut the fish out and adhered them to the water. I wanted it to look like they were swimming under the water so I cut a piece of acetate the same size oval as my water and popped it up a bit with foam tape. Then I cut out all of my lily pads out and layered them around the edge of the "pond", popping some up with foam tape for dimension.

Then I cut out the water lily and blossom and attached it to the lily pads. The large lily at the base of the card was made with large punched sunflowers shaped, chalked and layered in a water lily look. The center is a 3/4" quilling strip that I fringed and instead of pulling out the fringes, I pushed gently down on the center of the fringed coil to make it bow out on the sides. I added some glitter for shine. The lily pads next to it are punched from a large circle punch with the edges cut off with paper shaper scissors. I then cut a wedge shape out of one side and added a green brad at the center. It is sitting on more "water" paper.

Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder was used on the back layer, glitter card stock layer and MS punched borders. A bright pink bow and CB embossed sentiment finish of this card. I love this flower and will have to make more of them in different sizes! Thanks again to the Cuttlebug Challenge site for picking my card!!!

I still have more projects finished and waiting to be posted, so check back to see!

Shalom,
Sonya
Y'all sure do leave some sweet comments, Thanks!

Strawberry Friends

2010-07-11T13:06:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with another project! This one was made with my new toy!!!! I finally broke down and got a Cricut Expression!! I have been putting it off and when I got a REALLY good deal on one and saw the new software Design Studio and such that allow you to manipulate the images to cut in a variety of ways, well, I got it!!! I have been playing with it and watching video tutorials on the ins and outs of how it works. So, here is a card that I made with the Wild Card cartridge and Fred She Said's luscious digi pre-colored Emma and Strawberries.

It is the Doily Card and is cut from the blackout option and then the actual card was cut from DP for the layers inside and out. There are scalloped Nesties in black, metallic red and white embossed with the Bubble Cuttlebug folder. You can't see it well because they are mostly covered up, but there are gold dots and inking on the scalloped layers.

These vibrant pre-colored digi strawberries were printed out on matt photo paper several times and cut out and layered at different levels for dimension. I then highlighted the strawberries seeds with Crystal Effects and dusted lightly with extra fine holo glitter. I added the Just Rite Friends stamp in red ink embossed with clear embossing powered. A Cricut cut butterfly sits atop a red bow. The inside is decorated with another set of strawberries that have their seeds glittered in a light gold. I am having fun playing with my Cricut and you will see more of it in my cards and projects! If you want the Emma and Strawberries design click here and you can see all of the wonderful pre-colored images!

Also, I have been playing with my Everyday Paper Doll cartridge and made my nursing student daughter a paper doll of herself. She attends Stephen F. Austin University and their colors are purple and white, so her scrubs are purple. I put a magnet on the back so she could put it on the fridge.

Back tomorrow with more cards!! Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya, thanks for the wonderfully encouraging comments!!

Quilled Fuschia Gazebo

2010-07-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with another project that I made for the Custom Quilling July Newsletter. The rich shades of purple quilling strips in this months kit made me think of fuchsias. I love flowers and these little beauty's are one of my favorites! I found this cute wrought iron gazebo candle holder at my LCS and even better it was on sale for 1/2 off!! I though it would be perfect to drape the fuchsia's on. It is quite large at 13" x 5" and the top flips back to allow you to put your candle hold of choice in. I decorated all four sides of the gazebo, a rather ambitious undertaking!

I added some folded roses out of soft yellow pearlescent strips and punched leaves to continue the arbor feel. The fuchsia flowers were made by quilling and shaping four coils into a "s" shape marquis for the top of the flower. Then I quilled a bell shape, gluing the inside to keep it's shape and added some flower stamens. You could use quilling strips for this if you like. Another small marquis for the very top of the flower and then some quilled leaves and tendrils.

The very top of the gazebo has just a small amount of embellishment because of the heat that rises from the tea light and I didn't want any problems with paper and fire!! After testing it and watching carefully, the openness of the top didn't pose any problems with the few quilled flowers at the top. I used the purple ribbon from the kit to finish off the finial. It casts a pretty pattern of candlelight when lit. Hop on over to Custom Quilling and see what other projects have been made with this months kit for your inspiration!

I have been working away and have about a weeks worth of cards already finished! I got a new toy and have been playing with it. I will show you in another post along with the cards the next few days, so check back and see.

Shalom,
Sonya
Your comments a so appreciated, thanks for visiting!

Day Lily August Calendar Page

2010-07-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with the next installment of the floral punch and quilled perpetual calendar. I can't believe that I have only one more month to go before it is finished! Again this one was made from supplies in the July Custom Quilling kit. I used the soft peach card stock from the kit to make these summery day lilies. They were punched using the lily punch that Denise carries in her store and chalked with Pan Pastels in yellow down the center of each petal. Then I took an Adirondack pen in a brown/red color and added the dots close to the stamens. The leaves of the lilies are from the same punch. The stamens have nutmeg Flower Soft on them for a realistic look. Next I quilled birds foot shapes and glued three of them together and layered two of these together with a pearl in the center for the accent flowers. The bright yellow strips from the kit were used. A lily bud in the top corner finished off this page.

This months kit has a generous assortment of quiling strips in sunny yellows and stunning purples along with a nice collection of card stock and butterfly designer papers. Tomorrow I will post the gazebo that has quilled fuchsias on it. Stop by Custom Quilling and see the July Newsletter for more projects using this months kit, Sue my DT sister has some great ones! Hope you have had fun with the calendar, if you have made one of your own, post it in the comments section below this post. I'd love to see it! Until then,

Shalom,
Sonya
Comments encourage my creative urge! Thanks for all of yours!

Fireworks Miss Bitty

2010-07-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I can't believe that I haven't posted in so long. Seems that I have been busy and have been making projects that I will post all this week. I have had to rearrange and reorganize my craft room with new shelves and tables because I have a new toy - a Cricut Expression and have been playing with it! It is so much more easy to put things where they belong now since they actually have a place to go!

Today's card is made with some of that playing around. I used Little Miss Bitty from Fred She Said and colored her with my Prismacolors and OMS in red, white and blue. She is glittered up and has sparklers attached to her antennae. I wanted there to be fireworks, or something that looked like them, so I used the Storybook Cricut cartridge and found the dandelion frame that kinda looked like it. I then glittered the ends and layered another glittered frame on it for a firework explosion look. Little Miss Bitty is popped up on top of these layers with her "OH" expression. The USA panel and letters were cut out from the same cartridge. I used a very sparkly silver holo paper for the base mat of the card for some real bling!

The inside of the card is decorated with the same frame and also two of the dandelion flowers cut out of the holo paper. This paper can be peeled off the white backing and can be used as a sticker which is what I did for the "fireworks" on the inside. Enjoy your 4th of July and remember all of those who are keeping us safe and free! I'll be back tomorrow with a quilling project and be sure to check back all this week for more cards and quilling!

Shalom,
Sonya
Thanks for all your sweet comments, I appreciate each and every one!

Shabby Tag Card

2010-06-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with another card. Trying to try new things, designs and techniques to keep things fresh. This card is really pretty in person. The camera doesn't do the depth of color and sparkle justice. I took inspiration from Sherry Cheever's card and tutorial here. Instead of stamping in colors on the tag I embossed a flower image in gold embossing powder and added some Stickles to the buds.

For the background paper I used a page from an old book. It was sprayed with glimmer mist to match the tag colors and inked with antique Distress Ink along the edges and some throughout the page. I then crumpled it up a bit and glued it down to the bottom layer stack. The dragon fly was stamped onto yellow vellum and embossed with bronze embossing powder, two times, one for the wings to pop up. His eyes are two seed beads and his wings are accented with Stickles.

I had some hydrangea blossoms already done in the colors that were just right and decided to use them along with some punched leaves. I also added the punch of blue ribbon just as Sherry did, along with a green lattice satin ribbon. The inside of the card has a tag for writing your message on and was sprayed with r Mist and inked and the image stamped in antique photo Distress ink. I also stamped the dragonfly image on the inside left panel in gold which gives it a shimmery watermark look.

It is finished off with a Nestie blossom that was inked and stamped with Thank You and blue crystal brads. I really like the colors in this card and will be using the Wrinkle Free Distress technique again. This is another card that will go into my upcoming Etsy shop.

Back tomorrow,

Shalom,

Sonya

Rose Teapot

2010-06-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back with a card that will be one of the listed for sale in my upcoming Esty shop! This is one that features a Fred She Said digi/cut file flowers and leaves , a freebie! I found pictures of antique silver teapots online and printed this one out two times. It was lightly shaded in spots with a Prismacolor pencil and OMS, then I used a silver gel pen to give it some brushed silver shine. The second image I only used the lid and popped it up on the first one and dangled the teabag end sentiment from underneath it.

The Fred She Said flowers and leaves were printed out onto patterned paper (backside) and cut out. Then I used my red apple Glimmer Mist and gave them some red/gold shimmer. The two large cut outs and one medium one were shaped and layered to form the rose. The center of the rose are three snowflake punches. The rose petals were given some sparkle with glitter and very eye catching. Blue and orangy accent flowers have pearl and glitter centers and were shaped with a ball stylus on a foam matt.

The flourishes behind the teapot were made with Spellbinders dies that were embossed,inked and colored with the silver gel pen. I wanted a punch of color for my bow but the blue was a bit bright with all the distressed inked pieces so I gave it a quick swipe with a sponge inked with vintage photo distress ink. Decorative edge punches were used to make the bands. I added some stitching with variegated thread to the base layer matt and the inside of the card was decorated to match.

It was a fun card to make and I will be using this layout again! If you haven't tried Fred She Said digi images and flowers, now is the chance with this great versatile freebie! Tomorrow another card all ready to go!

Shalom,

Sonya

Your encouraging comments keep my creativity up!

Quilled Napkin Rings

2010-06-13T00:40:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I have been playing with the new look of my blog. Let me know if you like it, I will keep this "try on" for a bit to see if it is the "one". But for now I have the final project for the Custom Quilling June Newsletter to share with you, quilled napkin rings.

Since this month's kit features beautiful green strips, I thought that I would do another "green" project and alter and recycle some cardboard rings that I had saved. While I had these sitting on my table I noticed that they were almost the exact size as the cardboard ring that my glue dots came on, so I will be saving those as well to make more! The ivy was made in the same way as the ivy for the Wisteria and Ivy Lantern from yesterday's post, except that I used three quilled marquise instead of one shaped coil for the leaf. The focal flower is an eccentric coiled flower and you can see how to make it in my tutorial here. It has a black dome shape tight coil for the center and two burgundy fringe flowers beside it.

I used some of the pretty ivy designer paper from the kit to cover the outside of the rings and then inked the edges and sides to give them some interest and hide the raw cardboard look. I didn't bother with the insides as it doesn't show when on the napkins, but I may go back and ink them anyway as you can see it when they are taken off, or just cover them with the same paper, which would be prettier. You can see the paper and the inking below.

It was an easy project that will look nice on my table and it goes perfect with a ceramic tea set that I made. I am working on more quilling projects and will be showcasing them here on my blog and on my new ETSY SHOP that will be opening soon! When I get it all ready to open I will post a link and have a page tab at the top of my blog for the grand opening! Tomorrow I will be back with another of the cards that I have finished and waiting to be shown. Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for your sweet comments!!!

Quilled Wisteria and Ivy Lantern

2010-06-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hi all back with another of the DT projects that I made for the Custom Quilling June Newsletter. I picked up this little yellow tea light lantern from Michaels and thought it would be just right for some quilled embellishments. I knew the lovely shades of green quilling strips in the kit would make the ivy that I had envisioned cascading down the side and I was right. For the pop of color and another draping element I quilled some wisteria blossoms intertwined among the ivy.

The ivy leaves are shaped coils that are glued onto a green fabric wrapped floral wire with quilled spirals. Then I bent the piece of wire with the leaves on it in a zig-zag fashion to resemble trailing ivy. Several sections of ivy were made and adhered from on the top and handle, trailing down one side. Next I took that same floral wire and made a coiled cone for the base of the wisteria flowers.

Using a lavender shade of quilling strips (from a previous kit) I joined two and three tear drop shapes together and used these as the individual blossoms. Starting at the bottom of the coil of wire I attached these "blossoms", layering upward and adding single teardrops where needed to fill in. Since the base is a coil of wire you can gently shape the flower by pressing or pulling in the area needed to achieve the desired shape of wisteria drape.

The leaves of the wisteria use the lighter green strips in the kit and were made by crimping the strip before quilling and shaped into a marquise. A small strip of light green was used as the main stem with one marquise glued to the end and four along the sides. The crimping gives these leave the real look of wisteria leaves. I used my favorite punched flower accent in pearlescent lavender, a three color fringe flower and soft yellow bow to finish. Look around and see what you can embellish with quilling and link your project in the comments section below, I'd love to see what you create!

Back tomorrow with another quilled project! I've been busy today and created another card that I will share later this week. Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Y'all encourage me with all your sweet comments, thanks a bunch!!!

Zinnia July Calendar Page

2010-06-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hi all, thought I'd fallen of the face of the earth? Well kinda, I lost the creativity spark and would walk past my craft room because there was a very, very small footpath to my desk which only had about 3 square inches of workspace! So, I got in there the last couple of days and went to organizing. It would be much better if I would just put the supplies up from the previous projects. I tell my grandkids that all the time! Well I do have several back projects that I haven't shared so I have about a weeks worth of posts!!!

First, today's project, the Zinnia July Calendar Page. For the next three days I will show you the DT projects for this months Custom Quilling Newsletter. I saw these green zinnias in the pretty card stock in the kit that had a beautiful array of greens. The pattern for these zinnias are in Susan Tierney Cockburns book Paper Bouquet, and it is the first flower that I made when I purchased it. I added the orange seed beads to the centers for a bit of sparkle. The little punched purple violet flowers are a nice contrast to the soft lime green of the zinnias. Well we are down to two more months and then the year of calendar pages will be done!

Check out all the other great projects and new products shown in this months newsletter and the great paper art supplies that Denise has at Custom Quilling. I loved working with all the great supplies that came in the June Custom Quilling kit and will be back tomorrow with another of the projects!! Have fun creating!

Shalom,

Sonya
Thanks to all of you who encourage me by stopping by and visiting my little blog!!

Hibiscus Sunset

2010-05-21T02:34:00.000-05:00

Hi all, I have been working on some quilling projects for the first of the month and also this card for the May Fred She Said blog hop!

Welcome to our "Here Comes Summer FRED SHE SAID" blog hop!!! If you just happened to drop by my blog and you are not aware of this wonderful event taking place, please go back to the "FRED SHE SAID" blog here and start your hop!

Please, we would love it if you commented on our posts.

Along the way, you will see a special CODE WORD. Collect them all up! Once you reach the end of the blog hop (which will be the "Fred She Said" Challenge blog), follow the instructions to make your entry and your name will go in for a draw for a $20 Gift Certificate for the Fred She Said Store!

My "Fred She Said" creation above is my "Summer Fun" inspiration. Summer vacation to the Caribbean and my favorite beach, 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman! I was in the tropical mind set and had to make tropical flowers for my card, so the hibiscus!

The hibiscus flowers that adorn the sponged Caribbean sunset are made from the Fred She Said Lovely Blossoms Decoupage Set. I printed the pink blossom sheet out on a peach text weight paper and then again on a red vellum. I cut each flower out and then cut the individual petal from the blossom. Then the petals were shaped with a ball stylus to give them dimension. Next I punched a snowflake for the base of the flower and reassembled the petals on it for a hibiscus bloom. The center of the hibiscus was made from a 5/8" red quilling strip that was fringed along one side just short of 1/2 of the strip. Then it was quilled as a fringe flower would be and fanned out. I added some gold and red flocking for the pollen and then some red beads to the tips for some reserved bling.

Next I added some punched leaves to finish off the flowers. The sunset panel is popped up with dimensional foam tape and set off angle from the base layer of inked edged tropical DP. Eyelets, twine, cotton twill bow and the sentiment of "Celebrate" finished off the card. These hibiscus flowers were fun and easy to make with the Lovely Blossom digi set, just print the colored blossoms on your paper and color of choice, cut out and add the stamen!

My special code word is: SUMMER

Here is a list of the blog hoppers in case you lose your way:

*FRED SHE SAID blog http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/

*SONYA http://www.appelquilling.blogspot.com/ That's ME your HERE!

*MARIA http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/

*SHELLEY http://jaspere-jaspereslittlecorner.blogspot.com/

*MICHELLE http://www.inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/

*CAROL L. http://www.bycarolivy.blogspot.com/

*DARSIE B. http://www.craftingwithdarsie.blogspot.com/

*JUDY http://scrampalot.blogspot.com/

*CAROL H. http://chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy.blogspot.com/

*LORA http://www.lorascards.blogspot.com/

*DEANNE http://a-scrapaddict.blogspot.com/

*FRED SHE SAID CHALLENGE BLOG http://fss-challenge.blogspot.com/

This blog hop will run from today, MAY 21st until MAY 27. On the 28th, the winner will be announced on the "Fred She Said" blog http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/ .

Thank-you for taking the time to play along. Now, to continue the blog hop, please visit MARIA, HERE to see her awesome Summer Fred She Said creation!!!

When you are finished hopping, why not check out the Fred She Said Store!

Hope you have fun and are inspiried to create on the Blog Hop!!! I'd love to see what you create with your Fred, share your link to your creations in the comments section for this post! Off to dream of beautiful blue water, palm trees and a beautiful sunset on Grand Caymen!

Shalom,

Sonya

Quilling Tole

2010-05-13T12:16:00.000-05:00

Hi, all. Do you ever have one of those days where you think that you can't win for losing? Well, I think that I am having one of those years! Saturday evening I was getting ready for bed and my chest started hurting. I have been having a few bouts of this but they wouldn't last long and while concerning, they were tolerable and so I wasn't too concerned. This time it wasn't. I knew something was very wrong. My husband took me to the ER and the results were a mild heart attack and a heart cath and stint was prescribed. They found a 90% blockage and three others that could be managed with diet and meds. I have never had heart problems and this was such a shock. After another stay in ICU I am home again and getting adjusted to the new medication and reality check that life is different now. I thank the Lord that he again healed and has given me more time to be with my family and friends.Come Monday I am to start back with the exercise program! Yea! You never know, so take care of yourselves!!!! Now, back to the fun stuff, I have another of the projects that I did for Custom Quilling I call quilling tole.

I call it this because it reminds me of the tole painting that I used to do. These way cool graduated strips in the kit give a shaded look to the coils and depending upon if you roll them from the dark end or the light end it gives a different look. I chose a Norwegian tole design to reproduce and used coils, loops, teardrops and tight rolls to mimic the painting strokes and designs and the graduated strips provided the shading. I will frame this piece in a gold frame with a matt. Check out this month's kit, newsletter and the other great things for quilling and paper art at the Custom Quilling site here. I'd love to see what you create, link your projects in the comments section!

I have another project to show you. My oldest daughter had taken an interest in card making and I helped her a bit to make a card for her mother-in-law for mother's day. This is actually her third card, but she didn't get a picture of the first two. The open roses are punched from coffee filter and painted with Twinkling H2O's. She chose the design, papers and made the flowers. I think she did a great job and she was happy with the results. So off to sit at my craft table for a bit and finish up a project that I started before all the drama! Back later.

Shalom,
Sonya
Comments welcome as always, I love to hear from you!

Cherry Blossom Emma

2010-05-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hi all, time does get away from you! I have been busy on some projects and didn't realize that I hadn't posted since the 1st. So here is the other promised project using the cherry blossoms. I had wanted to do a card with these beautiful little flowers and when Tracey created Cherry Blossoms Emma it was a perfect match. I had originally made this card for a Just Rite Stampers challenge, so sad I didn't win. I think because it didn't have the required stamps on the front of the card, I put them on the inside and they were not the main focus. But I thought that they were perfect for the paper lanterns on the inside, so that is where I put them.

The front has two panels that mimic a Japanese screen that were made by embossing the image in gold EP and edged with 24kt gold leaf pen. I printed out a pre-colored Cherry Blossom Emma and painted her sash, trim and flowers on the kimono with Twinkling H2O's to give it some shimmer like silk. Then I added gold gel pen to outline the flowers and some Stickles for sparkle. The image looks a bit washed as I took the picture to late in the day and the sun isn't favorable to show the rich colors and sparkle, the colors are so bold and pretty IRL. The close up picture is a bit better and gives you an idea, but still does not show the shimmer and deep colors.

The cherry blossoms were done in the same way as the calendar page and I added a gold die cut vase and black bow to them. Emma is popped up on Nestie layers to finish the front of the card. The inside of the card features paper lanterns that are circle and oval Nestie die cuts that I ran through my crimper for texture. The paper that was used is the Cherry Blossoms paper pack that has 33 different shades of this great design. I traced the edges of the cherry blossoms on the DP with a gold gel pen to make it look like washi paper and then added Stickles for sparkle.

As you can see the Just Rite Stamp was used in the center of the large lantern. I used a border from one of the new floral sets Plant a Little Love and then used my NTR fonts to make the center sentiment. I had fun making this springy Asian inspired card and hope you like it too! Tracey has a cute new Stawberry Emma release and that are really cute, check it out here. Tomorrow I will be back with a quilling project using graduated color strips. Until then,

Shalom,

Sonya

Thanks for the very encouraging comments, I love to hear from you! Share what you have made by putting a link to your creations with your comment!

Cherry Blossom June Calendar Page

2010-05-01T00:27:00.000-05:00

Hi all! It is the first if the month at time to show you the projects that I made for the Custom Quilling Newsletter. First the next installment of the quilled and floral punch calendar, Cherry Blossoms for June. This flower is one that I fell in love with when I took the floral punch class last year and I have been saving it to do until now. The blossoms and buds are punched out of coffee filter paper and water colored with Twinkling H2O's, shaped, layered and adhered to a wire branch. I added some Stickles to the stamens for interest. I inked the background with a pretty sky blue that makes those pink blossoms pop. So pop on over to Custom Quilling and check out the newsletter to see the other project that have been made by Sue and I with the May kit. Denise also has the punches needed to make these beautiful cherry blossoms and the other floral punch flowers shown on my blog.

Check back to see another of the DT projects that I created with the kit, I call "Quilled Tole". Plus a card made with cherry these blossoms.

Shalom,
Sonya
Comments are always welcome and very much appreciated! Link your creations in the comments section below.

Fred She Said April Challenge Purple Gift Box

2010-04-26T00:41:00.001-05:00

Hi all, back with this months Fred She Said Challenge - A 3D gift for a loved one. So here is my project to get you inspired, another of my little altered soap boxes, with a different look than the last. This box is in beautiful shades of purple and I thought it would be perfect to show off the Fred She Said Lovely Blossoms Decoupage set. The full sheet of pre-colored flowers and leaves were printed out on vellum for an airy and vintage feel and is also similar to parchment craft.

First I outlined the flowers and leaves with my gold gel pen to give them an embossed look. Then I layered two and three different sizes of the purple blossoms together after shaping them on a foam matt. Next I added some light purple glitter to the petals and crystals for the centers. The smaller white blossoms were left as a single layer and have dew drops as their centers.

I am showing the same view of the box because my camera is skewing the colors a bit and this one is the closest to the true colors. Again all I had to do to cover up any writing on the boxes was to just cut some card stock panels for the top, bottom and inside of the box lid. Ribbon and die cut accents finish off this gift box that is a gift in itself. Using the Fred She Said digi flowers made it quick and easy!

Now hop on over to the Fred She Said Challenge Blog to see what the other DT members have created for your inspiration! Now for the CHALLENGE details:

FRED SHE SAID APRIL CHALLENGE

A 3D Gift for a loved one!

You must use a Fred She Said digital image somewhere on your card.

This challenge will begin today and end on May 30th, the day before a new challenge will be posted!

See the FREEBIES section if you don't have any Fred She Said images right now.

Please use the Mr. Linky widget on the Fred She Said Challenge Blog to fill out your entry.

Please give the exact link to your post or photobucket/gallery image of your entry ( not just to your blog). It makes finding it a lot easier ;)

If you don't have a blog and would like to email your entry please send your card image with your name to Tracey and she will add your entry to the Mr. Linky as well as link it to a photobucket so others can see your wonderful projects :) Please, one entry per person for this challenge.

The prize again this month is...

a $20 gift certificate for the Fred She Said store! How sweet!

So get those entries in and remember you have until Monday May 30th to get it done! We are looking forward to seeing your creations this month!!!

New challenge coming up on May 31st!

Here are the links to the Fred She Said STORE (Owner Tracey Lynn Miller) and the Fred She Said BLOG, and Fred She Said Challenge BLOG (where you need to enter your project).

Good Luck!!!

Shalom,
Sonya
Remember comments and links here, while very welcome and appreciated, do not enter you for the Challenge, only those left at the Fred She Said Challenge blog do!

Dragonfly Thank You

2010-04-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hi all, back again with a card that was done for an online class that I am taking. The assignment was to use a die cut and ink that shape while masking the edges with the die. Then we were to add some "stenciled" elements using a paper punch.

The dragonflies were stamped with black Stazon and embossed with kaleidoscope embossing powder which makes them shimmer like real ones. I colored them from the wrong side with my Tombow markers and added seed beads for their eyes. I really like sponged background and the way it pops the white border of the die cut.

Thanks for all your sweet comments I really love hearing from you! If you have a question(s) you would like answered about a technique or anything else, please leave me contact info in your comment (blog/site address etc.) or email me at the address on the sidebar so I can answer!

Back tomorrow with another assignment from the class!

Shalom,

Sonya

Yellow Rose Gift Box

2010-04-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

Hi all, I'm back with another project, an altered box with floral punch flowers. A friend gave me several cute soap boxes to alter and give new life to. I covered up all the writing on the box with layered panels and that still left a lot of the boxes original colors and beautiful paper covering. Next I made the yellow roses and buds using the begonia punch from Punch Bunch.

I added some Stickles in the center of the roses for sparkle and dew drops with Crystal Effects. The floral stems of lacey white was made with a mini snowflake punch also from Punch Bunch. I stamped "faith" and "hope" on the front and back panels, pearls, creamy double bow and flourishes from Spellbinders to finished up.

It is a fun and quick recycle project and the gift box is a gift in itself! You will see more of the little boxes in the future, I so much fun making this one. Back later with another card that I made for an online course that I am taking.

EDIT TO ADD: Had a question about where I got the soap boxes, a friend gave them to me and I believe that she purchased the "designer" gift soaps w/boxes from Marshall's. So look over those sale aisles in these types of stores, you never will know what you will find that can be altered!

Shalom,

Sonya

Comments are always welcome, I love hearing from all of you!! Post links to your recycled/altered projects in your comments!

Quilled "A"

2010-04-17T19:20:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for the Fred She Said April Blog Hop, see the post below!

Hi all, here is another of the Custom Quilling DT Kit projects for April, an altered "A". Sorry for the pics not being the best, I had a hard time with the lighting and getting the quilling to show well for some reason. I purchased a wood "A" and then painted it a creamy white for the base of the quilling. The quilling strips are a beautiful gold and yellow/gold metallic. The combination reminded me of antique quilling projects that I have seen and so I decided to go with that theme.

The large flowers are husked with a domed coil center and there are smaller husked buds. These are paired with teardrop leaves and curling vines. The teardrop flourishes help give the design that antique feel while the fringed flowers and the punched metallic accent flowers with pearl centers update the design.

I loved doing this projects and working with these rich metallic strips and you can find the April Custom Quilling Kit here, that has more wonderful supplies in this regal color theme. Choose smaller letters for a whole name or just three for a monogram look, there are many other alterable items that you can embellish with quilling to give as gifts or use in your home decor. If you are looking for the Fred She Said Blog Hop, see the post below! Thanks for all the great comments for my creation for the blog hop, y'all are all so sweet and very encouraging!!!!

Shalom,

Sonya

Pink Tulips Mother's Day

2010-04-15T00:30:00.000-05:00

Hi all, we went camping for a few days to get away and see the beautiful display of bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country. Pictures do not do them justice, the color and smell of the waterfalls of blue that cover the hills are spectacular! We had a great time and are rested and refreshed! Below is a picture.

I finally finished this card for the Fred She Said Blog Hop and here are the details:

Welcome to our FOURTH "FRED SHE SAID" blog hop!!! If you just happened to drop by my blog and you are not aware of this wonderful event taking place, please go back to the "FRED SHE SAID" blog here ( http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/ ) and start your hop!

Please, we would love it if you commented on our posts.

Along the way, please leave a comment on the blogs, follow the instructions at the end of the blog hop, at the Challenge blog, to make your entry and your name will go in for a draw for a $20 Gift Certificate for the Fred She Said Store!

Here is my "Fred She Said" creation:

I used the tulips that Tracey created for Stars and Stripes Operation Write Home for this mother's day card. The image is printed out on water color paper four times and then water colored with my Tombow markers. I cut out a base layer from one of the images and then choose layers from each of the other three to layer and pop up the image of the tulips. I had some pretty embossed pink paper that I purchased at a local art store and I inked the edges with gold. The pink card stock was stitched to it and then lace trim, wide pink ribbon, velvet ribbon and sheer picot ribbon was added for a frilly feminine touch.
Next I cut the base for the tulips out of my Nestabilities and added faux gold stitches on the panel and along the top edge of the ribbons. Pink pearls and glitter on the lace finish off this pretty in pink card. I really love coloring Tracey's beautiful flowers!!! She has some great new images that I can't wait to play with, so hop on and check them out!

Here is a list of the blog hoppers in case you lose your way:

FRED SHE SAID blog http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/

~SHELLY http://jaspere-jaspereslittlecorner.blogspot.com/

~MICHELLE http://www.inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/

~CAROL L. http://www.bycarolivy.blogspot.com/

~DARSIE B. http://www.craftingwithdarsie.blogspot.com/

~JUDY http://scrampalot.blogspot.com/

~CAROL H. http://chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy.blogspot.com/

~LORA http://www.lorascards.blogspot.com/

~SONYA http://www.appelquilling.blogspot.com/ YOU'RE HERE!
~DEANNE http://a-scrapaddict.blogspot.com/

~FRED SHE SAID CHALLENGE BLOG http://fss-challenge.blogspot.com/

This blog hop will run from today, April 15th until April 22nd . On the 22nd, the winner will be announced on the "Fred She Said" blog http://fred-she-said.blogspot.com/ .

Thank-you for taking the time to play along. Now, to continue the blog hop, please visit DEANNE at http://a-scrapaddict.blogspot.com/ for more inspiration with Fred She Said!

When you are finished hopping, why not check out the Fred She Said Store! http://fred-she-said-store.blogspot.com/ to see more great digi images to inspire your creativity! Have fun hopping and I hope you enjoy all the goodies that the DT has created for you!!

Check back later to see more projects that I have finished!

Shalom,
Sonya
Don't forget to enter for your chance to win!

May Daffodil Calendar Page

2010-04-01T01:12:00.000-05:00

Hi all. Lot's of apologies today, and it's no April's Fools. First, as you can see it has been a bit between posts. Life has been a bit crazy and medication changes have left me down more than up. Pain management hasn't been managing much! But that is no excuse, next, I want to apologize to all who love the Custom Quilling Newsletter that Denise works so hard on each month, and to Denise and Sue also, for not getting my projects in on time, causing it to be delayed in transmission. It seems that I have been a day late, literally, for the last couple of weeks and can't seem to get caught up. So for those who were wondering where your newsletter subscription was/is, please blame me, not Denise! Denise is so wonderful to create for and has a great online store and resource for quilling and just about any paper crafting supplies! I sincerely regret causing it to be late as Denise is so efficient, timely and dedicated in everything that is involved with Custom Quilling and her customers, and I would not want it to reflect upon her! I did finally get my projects to her early this morning and your newsletter should be on it's way to you!

Here is one of my projects, the May Calendar page. The pretty yellow card stock in this months kit was perfect for these cheery floral punch daffodils. The petals are from the soft mottled card stock and the center of the daffodils are made from water colored coffee filter paper. Little blue accent flowers with yellow pearl centers give some contrasting softness. Now back to getting caught up! More projects later.

Shalom,
Sonya