One of my absolute favorite things to do is to brainstorm with Karen about the images that she is thinking about drawing. It is so fun to share ideas back and forth - then I wait... wait to see what it is that she will draw. When she tells me they are ready, I just cannot wait until I get to see them. She always has them colored - I literally sit and stroke the papers - LOL!
I loved her last apron and asked for another one. I was SO excited when she shared this vintage apron with me!!! She shared how she has designed it so that we can make all types of alterations to it! We can shorten the skirt by taking off the ruffle and remove the little sleeve ruffles - can you just envision this with the sentiment "hot stuff" - LOL! I will be sharing another post that showcases some of the different alternatives, showing you different ways that you can color this image soon.
The thank you note that I created to go in this month's orders uses this apron. I colored it with Copic markers and created a type of "eyelet" pattern on the fabric. It truly was so much fun to color!
When putting this month's stamp of the month packet together I knew that I wanted to use this image. We had just received in the new Wisteria paper (yummo - as Rachel Ray would say!) It just felt perfect with this vintage apron stamp. I felt the need to paper piece it - LOL!
Using Susan's fabulous sketch made putting this month's project together so incredibly easy! I used the sketch exactly as shown. The wonderful thing about sketches is that you can twist them, turn them, or slightly alter them to make them your own. They are like little blueprints that help you get a good start on your project.
To paper piece is quite simple. I stamp my main image first - I selected a small print to give it that vintage feel. Next, I stamped the image again on the darker eggplant purple paper included in this set of papers. I then set these little pieces on various patterned papers in the collection. I just loved how it looked on this peapod colored polka dot and so opted to use this as my background and apron pocket. There are so many different combinations that you will be able to create with the papers in this pad and with this apron! I can hardly wait to see what YOU create!
To cut out such "delicate" projects I use my snips to cut around the outside edge. I find that by turning my paper, rather than my scissors, it makes it simple to cut the more curvy lines. Then I pull out my self-healing mat and the newly discovered Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife. I am wondering what rock I have been living under??? This little tool rocks. I am finding that I have so much more control over this blade then the blade that is on my retractable blade knife. I'm not throwing that one out because the retractable blade feature makes it wonderful to pack and use when traveling - I am notorious for loosing my lids, but this little Fiskars tool is fast becoming my favorite for the projects that I need more control.
After I had the little trim pieces cut out I glue the little accent pieces on to my apron. I find that there are two glue "tools" that I grab when I am paper piecing. First is the 2-way glue pen shown above. When you first open your pen you will need to "pump" the glue in to the tip by pushing it against a piece of scrap paper. This glue pen is fantastic for small pieces. If the pieces are "REALLY" small I prefer to us my Quickie Glue Pen.
To create the tag I prefer to stamp my image first. Using one of the Mother's Day Centers I stamped and then quickly trim my piece of paper down. This is so that I don't waste any of it with the other dies that are attached to this die plate. By placing my words face up and centering my die over the stamped image I am pretty much guaranteed a perfectly placed image each time. For more information on how to put together the entire "sandwich" you can read more about it here.
One last little tip that I would like to share will help you get perfectly spaced brads. By piercing your paper first you can be much more precise in the placement of your brads. Simply insert the brads in to the pierced holes.
In selecting the supplies for the stamp of the month packet I try to include everything "unusual" that you will need to create 10 cards. These packets are always a great value because they are discounted 20% from the retail cost. It is our goal to help you have cards ready to give at a moments notice. These packets are in limited supply. The first set sold out almost within minutes. Once this next set of supplies is sold out (we hope to have everything in again by Thursday, and so they are now available as a preorder item) we will most likely not be able to get anymore together for this month. We produce a specific number of these and once they are gone, they're gone. So be certain to get yours right away if you would like one.
This card was prepared as an example for mother's day, but it can also be used as a hostess thank you, attached to some homemade goodies with an especially for you sentiment, don't forget about that "romantic hot stuff" idea (LOL), and so much more.
I hope that you have enjoyed our spring fling! The girls have created such beautiful projects!!! Now it's your turn :) Be certain to join in our Sketch Challenge and this month's stamp of the month packet could be yours. Stay tuned for the winners of our games - I hope to have the names all posted on Monday!
