Happy Father's Day

I had the kids come over to make Father's Day cards today.  This is the best time to bring out those alphas, stickers, pens, markers, stamped images and other embellishments for them to use.  It's amazing and inspiring what these kids were able to make for their dads.

I liked crafting ever since I was a little girl.  But back in the Philippines, I didn't have access to craft supplies, except during art class. Now that I have all these tools and materials, I love to share them with friends and family, especially the kids.  I want them to experience this one thing I never had during my younger days.  I can't wait to do this with my own kids.  It won't be that long.

'Til next blog!

Got Flowers?

So... I have been working in my new craft space, sorting out and organizing things.  I really, really, really want to finish this so I can sleep better.  You know that feeling when you have a goal and you want it done so bad that your brain keeps running with ideas and what ifs?  Yeah.  I've been having that.  And as I always say, RL gets in the way.  I already accepted that this goal won't be reached soon because of a lot of friends and family lined up to visit us in the next 4 months.

Anyway, my attention was focused on all the flowers I have hoarded for many years.  Previously, I was storing them by brand for blogging purposes.  Now I realized it's best to just store them by color.  So I started with my jar of Prima flowers.

 

Man, I tell you, it's like therapy.  I was so intent at the task that I didn't even realize I was drooling... hahaha!  It feels good after they're all sorted out.  

'Til next blog!

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!

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!

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.