Thursday, December 27, 2012

Ribbon Rose Vintage Pin Tutorial


Hello Friends!!
 I hope that everyone is enjoying the Holiday season!
My family, like many of yours I'm sure...has and will be really busy for the next week.  We just celebrated Christmas at our house with family, next week we celebrate both New Years, and a Birthday, and the following week another birthday...LOL.  We get lots of family get together time, at this time of year!
Well, it is my turn for a tutorial, and we just had our first snow (that counts..lol), and it took me 2 hours to drive home from work.  I already find myself thinking of spring!
Here is a Ribbon Rose Pin Tutorial that I created using some fabulous Ribbons and Trims from
Really Reasonable Ribbon!!
Pin It!
Here is a list of goodies I used to create my pin, if you would like to gather some supplies and create a long with me.
Recycle a cereal box, scissors, embroidery thread, tapestry needle, glue gun, ink pen, pin back, scrap of fabric, and of course some Moss Green leaves trimmoss green jute ribbon, pink and white stripe ribboncotton candy baker's twinecream seam bindingbaby pink seam binding and green pom pom trim from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I also used a heart metal charm, antique button, porcelain rose, drop pearl and glass seed beads.
Here is a photo of both my pins below.
Hopefully today is one of those days that you can relax a little before the next holiday!  So grab your favorite beverage and a snack, and have fun watching my tutorial!
Vintage Ribbon Rose Pin Tutorial
Have a fabulous day!!
Hugs!!
Heather

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Shabby Chic Vintage Holiday Sled


Hello Friends!!
Today I would like to share with you another one of my painted projects.
This is one of MANY sleds that I purchased many years ago....and finally gave it a quick paint job.  
  The one thing that has always bothered me about the sleds, were how plain the sides would look.  
I could of added more painting to the side but the wood is ruff on the sides...and I don't like to ruin my brushes.  I am all proud of myself...because I am happy with how my sled turned out!!
Pin It!
First I sanded, sealed and then gave it a coat of pink paint!!
Then I did some quick roses, leaves and whitish blue green looking lilacs.
Next I added some vintage buttons for depth.  I tied the tiniest sweet little bow out of the 
cotton candy baker's twine from Really Reasonable Ribbon!
Awww.....I just love tiny things!!
I also used some of the pink with polka dots ribbon from the December Ribbon Assortment, I LOVE it!!
You will also see some of the 1/2 inch pink crochet lace...I love it too!!
Above you can see why I am all proud of myself.  I used some of my NEW favorite 
Juliet Crochet Lace , moss green leaves and "chocolate & marshmallow" candies  to dress up my sides
 all from  Really Reasonable Ribbon..
Bonnie has the Best Assortment!
 Now...no matter how I hang it..the sides will look fabulous as well!
As usual I went ahead and inked all my candies..and most of the ribbons with Ranger's Vintage photo distress inks, to give them an older look.
Here are a few close ups of the front.  It's hard trying to get a decent photo of
 'long and narrow" creations...LOL  I like big photos...LOL.
Here is one last look at the bottom! 
I forgot to mention...I could not decide what I wanted in the center. 
I think I have finally settled on the word
"NOEL"...going...Vertically.
Now to decide..if that will be painted or paper??  LOL
Don't forget to link up your 
Anything Goes and Ribbon Creations to our challenge!!
For those of you new to blogging...I have two new "blogger" tutorials
(I have other blogging tutorials as well)
How to center your blog header
and
How to add a "Pin it" button to your blog post
Thank you for visiting today!!
Hugs
Heather!!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sugar Creek Hollow Week 42 & Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge: Anything Goes and Ribbon

Happy Pink Saturday Friends!!
Today I am doing another "Two in One" Post.
It is Week 42 at Sugar Creek Hollow...and we have an Excellent Challenge for you this week!!
We would love to see you create Gift Boxes, Gift Bags or Enclosures in a Vintage or Shabby Chic style.
This ties in so well with the "Anything goes and Ribbon challenge" that starts today at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  So I thought instead of two posts...I would do one.
I just love the little Christmas Gift bag that I created below!  It is Vintage, Shabby and for one of my favorite online Peeps!  Actually I call her my BOLB (bestest on line buddy).  She knows who she is...so I don't have to mention that...LOL.  I was trying to think of what to make her...and I was SOOO happy when she "Sticky Noted" my Mitten Ornament....so I took it out of my etsy shop..and will be sticking it in this little gift bag :0).  
Pin It!
There are so many goodies on this little creation that I want to share with you!
Lets start out with the fabulous vintage post card from Gecko Galz!!  I just LOVE this month's sets of vintage post cards...Leanne really out did herself this month!!  I used one of the digital papers from last month's digital paper pack, to create my little text boxes.
I used a lot of goodies from Really Reasonable Ribbon!!  Bonnie has the shabbiest ribbon assortment out this month!!  
I used the Pink and white polka dot ribbon and aqua diamond from the December KOTM as well as the  white pom pom trim and chocolate & marshmallow candi and candi foam dots.  The chocolate & marshmallow candies look like little brads....I LOVE them!!
Here you can see the sweet little text boxes I made with the Gecko Galz Digi Paper and vintage post card image.  I started off with a big bitty pink polka dot bag from RRR, used some more candi  and candi foam pads, and score tape to adhere everything together.  I embellished with my hand painted holly leaves, and moss green jute trim and May Arts moss green leaves trims all from RRR.
I inked all my edges with Ranger's Vintage photo distress inks.  I used a couple stamps from Gecko galz "Garden Mandela acrylic stamp set" a random pattern of snowflakes on the bag.  You can see one of them located at the center bottom of the bag below.
I used more ribbon from this months assortment, and some fushia curly ribbon and peppermint baker's twine as well as pink leaves all from RRR.
I also created a few ornaments for my tree.  I started out with some cut out shapes, painted them pink and then added some roses!
I used the fushia curly ribbon and new coral double faced satin ribbons to add some shabbiness to my Ornaments!!

 Well....I hope that one of these creations inspires you to come and play along at Sugar Creek Hollow or Really Reasonable Ribbon this week!!  Not only that ...if you use a Gecko Galz image or one from one of my collage sheets...you can take part in MY Challenge here...for a chance to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Gecko Galz!!

Also I want to let you know that we have a Guest Designer at SCH this week ....Jytte and it would be so sweet of you to stop by her blog and leave her some love!

Sugar Creek Hollow will be taking a break for the Holiday season, so this will be our last challenge of the year!  We will start back up on Saturday January 5th!!

I will be playing along in some challenges too!!
(snowman in my digi image)
Thank you for visiting!!
Hugs!!
Heather

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop


RRRBlogHop[1].jpg

Hello Friends!!
I am so excited to be participating in my 2nd
Hopefully you are visiting me from Cherry's Blog.
If you are just joining the blog hop, then you will want to start at the 
Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.
That way you can see what you can win!!  
Through out the hop you are going to see some fabulous creations using this month's
Here is a photo of it below!! 
I just love the soft and yummy colors!!
I thought I would do something a little different this month.  I found one of my mitten cut outs, painted it a shabby pink, then added a pink rose and some hydrangea.
Pin It!
Here is a close up of the fabulous ribbons from RRR.  I used the cotton candy baker's twine to top off my ornie and dress up my antique button.  The cream seam binding, Juliet Lace, Pink and Aqua ribbons from the assortment for my mitten cuff.
 It looks like a yummy cookie.  You may of noticed that the last couple posts, my creations have reminded me of cookies....LOL.  I am going on my One year anniversary of being Vegan, and I miss all the Christmas cookie baking!  
Here is a close up of the simple stroke rose, rosebud, leaves and hydrangea.
The back is painted a darker pink and I left it plain, so that I can sign it.  The Juliet lace and pink ribbon with polka dots do show up on the back.  This Ornament is available for purchase in my Etsy store, unless my mother comes over and claims it...LOL.
**Next stops on the Hop**
Time to hop on over to Jeanne's blog,
 see what she has created, and leave her a little love.

Thank you for visiting!
Hugs!!
Heather

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Sugar Creek Hollow Week 41 Masks or Stencil


It is week 41 at Sugar Creek Hollow and this week our challenge is for you to use a stencil or mask in your Vintage or Shabby chic style creation.
I used a snowflake stencil, and some pink paint to add the snowflakes to my background.  Of course, I ended up covering up most of them.  
I used my favorite spellbinders die, and vintage photo and barn door distress inks.  The Peppermint and Holly, are images that I painted in GIMP.  Then used my Black cat cougar to cut out. 
I used some fabby vintage looking pink netting and peppermint baker's twine from Really Reasonable Ribbon
I can't wait to see what you come up!!
So get get those masks and stencils out and get creating, and come link up with us at Sugar Creek Hollow!!
Thank you for visiting!!
Hugs!!
Heather

Friday, December 07, 2012

Really Reasonable Ribbon Snack Sack


Hello Friends!!
 I  hope everyone is enjoying getting ready for the Holidays!
All I know is that, November 30th I was ahead of schedule, and all of a sudden I find myself behind schedule...LOL.  
I would like to share with you a "Snack Sack" that I created.  I thought this would be great to put a couple cookies, or candies in for a friend.  Then I thought maybe...just maybe if I accidentally left this at Ginny's, my BFF, she would fill it with a couple of my favorite oatmeal cookie sandwiches.  We have this thing about not returning bowls (hopefully gift bags will be included in this) empty...LOL.
I just love all the goodies I used from Really Reasonable Ribbon!!  
I used the Diagonal Striped Big Bitty Bags in RedRuby Red satin Ribbonred leaves, and peppermint baker's twine for my little cluster to the left.  I used the Candi foam pads Jute Ribbon in Moss, and Shimmer Satin Red Ribbon to add some colorful depth between my image, and my background.  I used the white organza to tie off my goodie bag!
I inked all of my edges with Ranger's Vintage Photo Distress ink.  I used the "Candi foam pads" between my layers.  I created the music and holly background paper myself in GIMP.  I matted all my papers with black card stock.  I thought it would set all the images off nice and vintage like from the red and white of the bag.
I really love how it turned out.
I used my crop o dile with some grommets to create the holes and then tie my white organza bow.
I can just smell those yummy oatmeal cookies now....Hint Hint...
I hope you enjoyed my post today!  I hope that you are ahead of schedule!!
Don't forget about our current White on White plus one other color Challenge and Ribbon going on now!!
at Really Reasonable Ribbon!!
Hugs!!
Thank you for visiting!!
Heather

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Gecko Galz Give Away!!

Hello Friends!!
Happy Tuesday!!
I have some exciting news to share with you today!
Leanne, the owner of Gecko Galz has given the Design Team members the opportunity to have a
 "$25 Gecko Galz Shopping Spree Give Away"
on our blogs.  The winner will be able to use the $25 Gecko Galz shopping spree to purchase any
 Digital Collage sets, Digital stamps or Digital Paper packs from Gecko Galz.

First....a look at something I created using the "Jesus is the Reason" Collage sheet I made.
  I only used two different images to create this piece, but it took 36 layers...LOL.  Here is the original image below.
I changed the wings of the left Angel, added more flowers cascading, and a lot of space to add my sentiment.  I also added a vintage star with rays. You can see some of the differences in the photo below.
First I inked all my edges with Ranger's vintage photoI used olive pom pom trim, white leaves (sprayed with Ranger's Butterscotch), and champagne organza (hanger) from
I added some Champagne pearls, and a golden rosette from my stash,  I also applied clear glitter to the edges of my ornament, angel's wings and baby Jesus's halo.
 Now I need to show you the back.
I used a scrap of patterned paper, and glued it to the back of my image, then I cut it out...much easier that way...LOL.  Then I added the Baby in the Manger image.  Here are some close ups.
 Now a look at the bottom!!
 Hopefully my tag will get you inspired to create something for my challenge!! 

How would you like a chance to win??
Those Pesky Rules
1.  One entry per person
2.  You may only link up your creation to my challenge and other NON Gecko Galz Challenges.
(sorry no linking up to other Gecko DT member's challenges with this creation, but feel free to link up to any other challenges).
3.  You can use any Gecko Galz Collage sheet image or an image from a Collage sheet I have made.
You can find
 4.  You will have till 11:59pm January 6th to link up!  I will chose a winner using Random.org for the Gecko Galz Shopping Spree.
5.  I will Chose my Favorite Creation, and that winner will get 5
Collage sheets of their choice from my Etsy.

Make sure you stop by Helene's blog to participate in her give away!!

I can't wait to see what you create!!
Hugs!!
Heather 

Saturday, December 01, 2012

SCH Week 40 and RRR Challenge

Hello Friends!!
Happy Saturday!!

It is the first of the month and a Saturday.  So I have two different challenges to share with you.  I thought of doing different posts, but then decided it would be easier to just do the one.  I also have another challenge on Sunday.  

It is week 40 at Sugar Creek Hollow, and  we would like to see you create a Vintage or Shabby Chic Creation with some DISTRESSING!!  I just love Distressing!!  
I decided to participate in the first challenge of the month at Really Reasonable Ribbon, starting today too.  We would like to see you use White on White with one additional color and ribbon.

Luckily for me, I had an idea that was going to work for both challenges!!  Here it is below.
Pin It!
I created my own template in Inkscape.  Traced it onto some cardboard from an old box in the basement, cut it out, added some white paint, and distressed the edges with Ranger's Vintage Photo.  I even removed some of the first layer of cardboard to expose the corrugated part.  I just LOVE how it turned out! 
At the top I have a darling little beaded stick pin that I threw together and vintage button.
 You can see where I did some distressing on the "Merry Christmas" and added a little glitter as well.
Here is an up close of the flower/button cluster with ribbons and trims.   Reminds me of a yummy frosted Christmas cookie :0)  I am making some of these to give a touch of "Christmas" to my everyday household plants that I love :0)
I am sure that you are all in "Christmas Card and Gifts Mode" just like I am.  Hopefully you will be able to fit something that you need to create, into these challenges.  You don't have to do both challenges together.  Feel free to do them separately!!  Who knows how many things you can get done and "checked off your list!"
Have fun creating!!
You can link up to
Sugar Creek Hollow Here
and 

LOL...I will also be participating in the following challenges

I will be sharing with 

Have a fabulous day!!
Thank you for visiting!!
Don't forget to check back tomorrow!!
Hugs
Heather

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Vintage Retro Christmas Angel Ornament


Happy Tuesday Friends!!
Today I would like to share with you my third 
Really Reasonable Ribbon blog post.
I'm in Christmas mode.  So today's creation is a 
Vintage Chic Christmas Ornament.
(I know you are thinking...she is always doing ornaments....lol).
I used some fabulous ribbon and trims from RRR.
Red leavesivory pom poms, peppermint baker's twine and aqua organza ribbon, really add to my retro Vintage Christmas ornament.
I used a two freebie Angel images from Gecko Galz.  You can find the original images on some of the other Gecko Galz DT blogs.  Leanne gave them to us for free to give to you, yesterday during our Cyber Monday sale.  I did some editing to it, then added it to a different background and shrunk it so it would fit with in my spellbinder die.  I used some candi foam pads to add a little dimension to the "letters to Santa" piece.
Here are a couple close ups.
I used ivory card stock for my piece that I used with my spellbinder die.  Inked my edges with Ranger's Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  I used Art Glitter Glue to add glue to my piece and I applied both red and crystal glitters (refer to photos for placement).
This is a super easy ornament that you can make.  
Hope you have a great day!
Thank you for visiting!!
Here is the collage sheet that I created, a lot of work goes into these, I get rid of backgrounds, add things, there are many layers to my work.  Collage sheets are more work than they appear.  I normally don't tell you all the deets on the changes etc, because it would bore you...LOL.  Feel free to watch some of my youtube videos on working with GIMP.  You will see what all you can do to alter images, and the time that it takes.

I will be sharing with 
Make it Monday:  Anything goes Paper project
Graphic Fairy: Brag Monday
Thank you for the visit!!
Hugs!!
Heather

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday at Gecko Galz

Hello Friends
Happy
CYBER MONDAY!!

I just wanted to let you know that Leanne has some wonderful Cyber Monday deals for you at Gecko Galz.

Buy one Get one:  all regular priced items, when you buy one you get one of equal or lesser value for free.

$1 Collage sets:  selected collage sets will be only $1.00!!

Spend $50.00:  and get a Free Gift Pack:  this will be an exclusive gift pack which features a paper pack and collage set!!

$5.00 Gift Card:  when you purchase a gift certificate of $25 or more.  Give a gift, get a gift is what I say....LOL.

**It is important that you mention that Heather sent you.  I myself can get a little something :0)**

Leanne has given this fabulous Christmas image for me to share with you below.  Just so you know, some of the other DT members have free images on their blogs too, so you may want to pop on over to their blog and get their images too.
Isn't this just the cutest image ever??
To help you remember that Heather sent you, (lol) I have created this little collage sheet below using the image. I have it in the original size, and smaller.
Just click on the image, then right click and choose "save as"

I will be sharing with
(who doesn't like a free collage sheet)

Thank you for the visit!!
Hugs!!
Heather

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sugar Creek Hollow Week 39 Vintage Christmas


It is week 39 at Sugar Creek Hollow and this week our challenge is for you to create a Vintage Christmas Creation in the Vintage or Shabby chic style. 
I started out with a wood advent wreath that I picked up at
 Jo Ann. It has been sitting in my basement for a couple years waiting to be "beautified"  LOL.  
Here is a before photo
You can see how the original ivory color has yellowed and how  they had two doors for the 24th, instead of one for the 4th and 24th.  Obviously, I didn't realized this when I purchased it  (I bought it for $64.00)...LOL.  I had sold a few that I had painted (different style calendar, not as pretty) the year before for $224.00 on ebay.  I thought I would give it another try, boxed them up and forgot about it till this year...LOL.  
I gave it a beauty lift,  by painting it pink.  
I have it for sale in my ETSY.  
I have two actually, but the other one I will be hand painted all the doors, similar to the ones I did before.  This one is more Romantic and Vintage looking.
I added lots of fabby trim and ribbons and other embellishments to give it a great shabby vintage feel.
I did use some pom pom trims in green and ivory, some moss green leaves, pink leaves and white leaves  and a couple of the buttons have been tied with baker's twine in peppermint and cotton candy as well as teal, all from 
Really Reasonable ribbon.  I got the hand dyed seam binding from Debbie at the Shabby Tea Room.  I also used a lot of buttons and mica flakes.
I used a spellbinder die to cut out all my little pieces, then stamped on the numbers, which I then embossed with olde gold embossing powder. 
Here is a look at the top.  I did use a lot of my favorite embellies, and beads from my stash.  I think it has a great Vintage Shabby Chic feel.
So get creating!!  Come and link up your Vintage Christmas creations to our challenge at 
Sugar Creek Hollow.
Here is a photo with some of the doors open.

My other DT challenges you may be interested in playing in.
Really Reasonable Ribbon:  Anything but a card & Ribbon.


I will also be playing along with the following challenges
Shabby Tea Room : bingo
(embossing, seam binding and buttons)
DYSU: Numbers
Fashionable Stampers: Home Sweet Home
(shaped like a house, and Christmas decor for the home)
(all numbers were stamped) I will be sharing with 
Beverly's Pink Saturday
Make it Monday

Thank you for visiting!!
Hugs
Heather