Friday, May 31

Feole Wedding Invitation

I am very pleased and excited to write about my latest project:  60 summer wedding invitations.  In my previous post, I wrote about how I got to this point.  In just a few days, the details of the inserts were finalized, and now the invitations are done!

I really like how the inserts peep out when the invitation is closed.






To me, it's like a gate being opened to see what's inside.  There are 5 inserts in this invitation, one of which is the RSVP post card, ready to be mailed at any time.


Of the 5 inserts, only the first has the decorative top edge.  The other 4 are just plain squares. In the end, it looks nice and clean when assembled.


This is one of my favorite wedding invitations that I have made so far.  I am very happy with the result.

'Til next blog!

Thursday, May 23

Wedding Invitation (in the works)

Yep, I was busy in my craft space this month.  It's been a while since I've had this crafty happy feeling.  My friend has picked the final design for her summer wedding, and I've been working on this project at every chance I get.  I consider this project a refresher to using my tools, as it has been a long time since I've had a big project like this.  Not to mention the effects of epidural... haha!

For this post, I want to share with you the process of making the lot of 60 wedding invitations.  

First, I made the base with Anna Griffin embossing folder.  After running each card stock through my Big Shot machine, I manually trimmed both ends to follow the design of the embossing. 


Next, I worked on the sliders.  I stamped the sentiment by Unity Stamp, then cut with Spellbinders die.  I also cut a background shape for the sentiments. 


Then I cut the base of the slier with the Swirly Back Sizzix Die.  Not sure if this still exists in the market.  After that, I put together the main front portion of the slider. 


This is how the sliders look like, assembled.



Then I fold the card stock base to a tri-fold card.  The excitement builds up at this point.


Next step is the inside pocket, which I cut with Spellbinders Classic Elegance Tall Pocket die.  This was designed by Amazing Paper Grace, one of my favorites in the paper crafting industry.  I am not too fond of this step, because cuts like this involve a lot of mess.  


Now the invitations have been assembled, and are ready for the inserts.


To make it look more professional, instead of stamping my "handmade by" image on the back, I made individual seals to attach.  This is when my Xyron sticker machine comes in really handy.


I am still working with my friend for what details to put on the inserts.  Once we are done with that, I will post the final product.

'Til next blog!

Friday, May 10

Great Lakes Mega Meet 2019

I have been out of craft circulation from quite sometime.  I know there has been a lot of new products in the market that I'm most probably not aware of.  I remember back then, I was updated with everything paper crafts.  I would sit hours on the computer to check what's latest - being active in the message boards and online communities.  Now, I am not sure if these boards and communities are still existing.  I am slowly learning that some of the brands have ceased production.  Even the monthly scrapbooking, stamping or card making magazines are mostly gone too.

So this year, as a treat to myself, I made it a point to go to a crapbooking/stamping show in Michigan.   One of them is the Great Lakes Mega Meet in Novi.  I think this is the biggest show in my state, hosted by Great Lakes Scrapbook Events.  The venue is over 3 hours away from me, so I expect a limited time at the event.  



Every time I go to a craft show like this, I always feel like a kid entering a gigantic candy store.  I can't believe that despite my age, the excitement is still there.


Of course, I studied the layout and the vendors of the show ahead of time, so I know where to go and what to buy.  I conditioned my brain not to do any impulsive shopping, unless it's really a good good deal.  As always, I have to see everything first.  Kinda like speed shopping.  I did find some good deals, but was able to buy the ones that I really need for my new craft space.

Above all, I wanted to visit Our Daily Bread Designs.  This brand has a special place in my heart because I worked for a couple of their shows here in Michigan many years ago.  Just very recently, they changed their name to Divinity Designs, which I really like.  They started out with rubber stamps, but have expanded their product line to thin dies and other paper crafting products.  I really love their dies!


It's always a treat to see the creations of their designers!  I always get inspired that I want to go home right away to play with my new Divinity Designs dies.


I have to share with you the numbers that came out at the cash register during my purchase.  These multiple ones have been showing up in my life lately.



It was so great to see owner Kelley doing her magic at the show.  The time we had catching up was so short!


I was surprised to see Tim Holtz doing a demo at the Stampers Anonymous booth.  I wish I could stay longer, but it's almost time to go.


I really had a great time at the Great Lakes Mega Meet.  I am crossing my fingers to be able to attend and actually participate in the crop and classes next year.

Wednesday, May 8

Planet's New Additions

I have been glued on to Facebook Marketplace looking for the right shelf fixture for this spot in my new craft space.  A few weeks later, I found the right one - a little over an hour away.  And most of all, it's only $20.  It's originally a shoe shelf for a walk in closet, which is perfect for my stuff having 13 shelves.  It was a Saturday when I contacted the seller, and because I really wanted it, I said I would drive down to his place first thing next day.  And I did.  I didn't want anyone else to beat me for this find.  


The night after getting this beauty in my hands, I did the first coat of white paint right away.  So I can do the second coat the next day.  It really looks great!

Now for the spot to the left of my new shelf, I had to find a certain width of a drawer cabinet.  I looked everywhere - Walmart, Ikea, Home Depot, Lowes... but I found the perfect size from Amazon.  And because I have Amazon Prime, it shipped for free in just a couple of days.


My planet's new location is getting there... slowly but surely.  There's a new member too, as you can see.

'Til next blog!