Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Spring is in the Air! A New Wreath and Class


My newest book page wreath uses several different books including dictionaries, fiction novels, and children's books. I started making rolled flowers and folded/cut flowers.  No rhyme no reason.  Just making flowers that were pretty. 

The rolled flowers are easy to make and require little effort. When making them out of paper, you do need to have a glue gun or glue dots available to hold the centers in place but otherwise they are simple rolled spiral cut circles. For a great tutorial, check out Joanne B at Splitcoast Stamping/. 


The "crumpled" flower are even easier.  Use square pieces of paper -- any size -- I was using 4" squares for the bigger "petals".  Fold one in half, then half again to make a square.  Then fold the folded edge towards the two folded sides forming a triangle.  Remember when we made paper snowflakes as kids?  Same folding.  Then cut a little heart shape from the folded side to the two folded sides.  Unfold the "flower". 

You will make 4 petals like this for each flower.  Stack them and push a scrap-booking brad through all layers and secure.  You now have a flat 4-layer flower.  Starting with the top layer, crumple it around the brad, then do the same to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th layers around all of the layers before it.  Simply loosen the crumpled petals from around the brad and Voila! a flower.  Attach it to your wreath with hot glue.

Using pages from children's books, really adds color and texture.  Any paper will work - explore your collection.  Go on and do it.  

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Sweet Pennant Flags & DYI

A friend asked me to make a pennant to hang in her daughter's room.  So I thought I'd document the project and process.  It does require using a sewing machine but all straight stitches!









Each pennant flag is approximately 5.5" wide and and 7" long and double sided (two different fabrics).  Make your own template to cut out the triangles. I used 8 different fabrics to make a 175" pennant string. Pick two different flags and pin them together (back of fabric together).  Run a straight stitch about 1/2" from the edge of the two long sides.




Using your pinking sheers trim a bit off each side to give some texture. To assemble the pennant string, I used .75" twill tape folded over the open/top edge of each flag, stitched down, to string them together.  Just line up each flag side by side on the twill tape as you sew.

Now hang it up!  Isn't it adorable?  Wouldn't this look great in any little girl's room?  But wait, what if you make other fabrics that reflect your little boy's favorite things?  So cute!


Remember to hang it high enough out of reach of little hands.

Voilá!  The finished and hanging pennant.  Isn't it adorable?  According to her mom, the little girl who sleeps under it, points to it when people come into her room. I think she likes it too.  
  



Monday, March 2, 2015

Special Session -- Your Passion -- Your Career




Join us as we explore the power of a Renaissance Soul and what it can do for YOU!  Learn how to focus on your passions The Renaissance Way.  You will discover how easy it is to identify and articulate your heart’s desires.   

After this workshop, you will feel fully empowered and at ease to live as the swan you are meant to be and not as a duck.    Here is more of what you can expect:   

1.      Gain clarity in which direction to focus on to achieve the success you desire.
2.      Discover the values and beliefs that are limiting and in your way
3.      Visualization exercises to get you on your right track.    (meditation & vision board)  
4.      Develop a manageable step-by-step plan of action honoring your talents, interests, and passions. 
5.      Interactive activities to explore how to have a JOB compliment your passion pursuits.
6.      How to eliminate the competition between a JOB and your passion. 
7.      How to focus when faced with multiple choices.    
8.      Design a personal creative Renaissance visual journal as your map to following your heart’s desires
9.      Gain insight on the myths keeping you from living and embracing your uniqueness. 
10.  Be inspired and motivated that “yes you can.” 


Facilitators:  Theresa Maria Napa, CPCC, LOACC, Certified Career Coach & Shari Pontillo, Owner of Twisted Fiber Studio.