Did you survive the holiday weekend? Some three thousand calories later and I think I might of survived it, though I'm still not certain..the house has been turned upside down and we have more "stuff" lying around than there is space to contain it all - my head is sort of in a muster and with Monday just around the corner, I'm feeling extra grateful that I have three more weeks ahead of me of "zero" school, which means there will be plenty of time to deal with the after effects of Christmas. Oh yes, it was a marathon...but a joyful one at that minus actual calorie usage. Laugh. I suppose the "real marathon" will be when I return to back to school and trek the six blocks back and forth between campus and the car...let's not even go there! Eek!
So, I pulled together a quick, easy note for you to follow today. It's technically not a project that entails a whole lot of details, but it still has it's perks! Who doesn't love a blazing red bird with purple tail feathers and a fuzzy heart center? She's just plain'ol cute. The only real challenge in replicating this particular note is the supplies - their extra specific, meaning you'll either have what's listed or you won't. If you're missing something, don't panic - most the items implemented today are still readily available. And if you haven't noticed already, I'm a huge fan of We R'Memory Keepers!! They're one of my fave manufacturers along with Crate Paper...can't get enough of their designs!! Note the Yellow Snowflake mentioned a lil' later on...
We're going to begin by my introducing you to the note's background - it's again fairly straight forward. Overlap the center area of a vertical journal card from Elle's Studio(or one similar) with light turquoise/blue solid paper. The background essentially consists of three parts (as shown) - the top dark turquoise border is trimmed using a handy dandy pair of Fiskars "mini scallop" scissors. Pre-measure the papers carefully to ensure a proper fit is had.
Apply a large yellow snowflake embossed tag (WRMK) nearly center on top of background with the help of foam core pop dots or....
If you're as unprepared as me and without "pop dots" because you keep forgetting to buy them, then trim a section of an empty "pop dot" insert and adhere the snowflake in place with it. Laugh. Actually, this came as a recommendation from a friend, which I think is total genius! I large piece of adhesive foam like this has more stability than a few measly pop dots, especially for a bigger item like the snowflake!
If I had illustrator, I would of had this sweet birdie available to you for quick download so that you could re-create your very own, though unfortunately, illustrator has been resigned to the basement along with my old PC. I'm without a MAC version of Illustrator - it's on my list of maybe's as it's insanely expensive, even with my student discount. Anyway, I drew the bird from hand directly onto dark pink paper and then trimmed it out. I matched it up with a pale purple wing and a pair of dark purple swirls trimmed from a single "s" swirl design (I cut the "S" in half).
Layer one of Elle's "Sweet Summer Scallop Circle Tags" with Yellow cardstock - Do this with scissors and a watchful eye. Lay the scallop circle tag on top a sheet of yellow cardstock and trim around it. If it's not perfect, don't worry because more than likely, no one will notice! You have to stand pretty close to the thing to see that it's not perfect..art is about imperfection anyway. Take a breather and let the scissors control the show once in a while. No one's going to notice..promise.
Adhere the scallop circle and bird directly on top the snowflake with wet adhesive. Make sure it's center as you probably wouldn't be too pleased to find out that the bird is off-center after it's already been sitting their for a half hour. Rearrange the circle and bird in their ideal spot before adhering them down permanently.
To finish up, apply a Basic Grey mini Red/Vanilla felt heart to the wing of the bird. Then acquaint the very top of the note with a "Made with Love" sticker from October Afternoon's "Modern Homemaker" sticker collection.
Now that you've had a chance to fully review what's been written and shown via photos, what do you think? The crisp bold colors are what truly enliven this note, not necessarily the layers, which I love. A little goes a long way!
I put on my brave face over the weekend and photographed myself with the help of my camera's photo timer. I was also recently told by a "friend" to take the camera out of the picture so that people could see my face! Laugh. Well, here I am...without the camera in front of me!! I plan to leave the new image up until I'm inspired to photograph myself again. I'm terribly afraid of the camera. Laugh. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. You'll always find me behind the lens - not in front of it.
Another holiday weekend behind us and I'm ready to enjoy the rest of my vacation! I've off all week as well, which is wonderful!! Well, sort of anyway. Crate Paper is in the midst of preparing for the upcoming show, so there's lot of behind the scenes stuff going on right now. Can't tell you how thrilled I am for you guys to see the new designs...you will love them!! As for now, have a fabulous Monday! Hope the holiday's are treating you well so far!
