Monday, April 16, 2012

Think Spring

When I saw the theme of the challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp Blog it reminded me of growing up in Minnesota.  April was always rainy, which brought the flowers in May.  But now that we live in the middle of the desert, things are quite different.  We've had only one day of rain here.  But, nonetheless, my roses are already blooming beautifully.

I do love this time of year.  It's not too warm, and not too cold - just right.  So, as I entered this challenge (several times, I might add), it made me think of Spring.  It's just a beautiful season.  And I hope that after my surgery, I will be able to go for long walks again and enjoy this weather before it does get too hot to be outside.


Here are the links to the different challenges I'm entering with this Spring card.

http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/simon-says-april-showers-bring-spring.html - Simon Says Stamp/April Showers Bring Spring Flowers (and butterflies)

http://www.sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/2012/04/sss154-april-14.html - Sweet Stop Sketches Challenge Blog/Challenge #154 - I chose to use Sketch #SSS-57

http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-74-spotty-dotty.html - Top Tip Tuesday Blog - Challenge #74 - Spotty Dotty.  I just LOVE this spotted paper from October Afternoon.  I used used little "spots" (mini pearls) on my butterflies.
Here is my TOP TIP:  I make all my own scrunched seam binding.  You will see it on most of my projects.  I know how expensive the glimmer mists can get sometimes, so here is a great idea for making your own.  Purchase some little spray bottles (I get mine at the Dollar Tree 2/$1) and fill the bottle just less than half way with warm water.  Next, you add about 2-3 T. of your choice of color Acrylic Paint (YES, the cheap stuff from the craft store).  Next, you add either Perfect Pearls, a few drops of white metalic paint or some ultra fine glitter, 1-2 T. of clear craft glue, and shake it up.  Moisten your white seam binding and scrunch it in your hand.  Then, lay it on a plastic mat and spray it thoroughly with this mixture you've made.  Then, scrunch it in a tight ball and wad it into the corner of a snack baggie.  Let it sit an hour or so, and then hang it out to dry.  POOF - you have scrunched seam binding of ANY COLOR you choose.  It not only saves you money, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Not to mention, I think it looks pretty fabulous.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today.  If you have tips you'd like to share, I would sure like to hear them.  You may even want to share them at Top Tip Tuesday Challenge Blog for a chance to win great prizes.  And if you click on the other entrants' links, you can get their awesome tips as well.  Thanks again for stopp by.

Have a blessed day,
Karen

18 comments:

  1. Very sweet card, Karen. Love the tip for the seam binding - super! All the best for your surgery - hope all goes well for you. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" Kx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a pretty card, Karen. Praying that all goes well with you surgery.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is beautiful!! I love the butterflies out of musical paper!!!
    Thanks for the tut on the scrunched ribbon!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Karen, I pray your surgery goes well and you bounce back quick! Your card is wonderful, I like the dotted paper also. Where do you buy the seam binding at, and is it white when you purchase it? Hugs, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is wonderful! I especially love your musical butterlies! Thank you so much for sharing the great tip on making your own special ribbon! 1 extra Q, how long does your spray last? Should it be used up quickly? I've never even used any of these types of sprays, but love the idea of making my own!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This really gives me a spring feeling, such lovely colours, lovely butterflies. You put a smile on my face. Hugs, Marion

    ReplyDelete
  7. This card is so adorable! I love the colors and paper. In fact all of your projects are done so well! I clicked to be a follower and found out I already was! heehee

    ReplyDelete
  8. tout en finesse et en délicatesse, biz

    ReplyDelete
  9. absolutely beautiful!
    Thankyou for joining us on Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog this week
    -x-

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is just awesome! and thanks for the tip too, I'm going to try it :)
    I fogot to put Tip beside my name but there is one if you would like to check my blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. So Pretty Pretty! Love the lovely dp's and Wonderful crinkly seem binding ribbon. Great take on the sketch too! Thanks for playing along with us at The Sweet Stop! 8-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful Card. Love the red it gives it that extra pop. Thanks for sharing your tip. Blessing AJ!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is gorgeous!! Love the papers and seam binding and such a great tip. Thank you so much for joining us at The Sweet Stop.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Karen, a terrific job - I really like it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello, Karen!
    I was glad to see you in my blog! Nice to hear such kind words about my cards ! I'll be very happy if we talk and visit each other's blogs!
    I live in Ukraine in Donetsk, skapbukingom doing 2 years is very fascinated!
    Pleased to meet you!
    write zaya00@mail.ru

    ReplyDelete
  16. Pretty papers and fun colors! Such a sweet card! Thank you for joining us in the Sweet Stop Sketch this week! Hope you have a fabulous week and will join us again!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great tip, that's such a great idea, thanks for the recipe! Thanks for sharing it with us at Top Tip Tuesday.
    Annette
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Totally awesome Card and Top Tip what a great money saving way to do your ribbon gonna try this for sure, Thanks for joining in with us at Top Tip Tuesday Challenge this time, Hope you can come play again soon, hugs Samantha :0)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comments. They mean so much to me.