Guest Designing for Pebbles

Hello, friends! I'm excited to be on the Pebbles blog today, sharing Valentine's Day decor and cards with the new collection Forever Always.

First, I have to say how much I love that name. Forever Always. That's the best kind of love, isn't it? So of course I made Valentines for my kids, whom I will love forever and always no matter what.

I also made an X's and O's banner that I will stretch across my chalkboard in my livingroom.

I loved being able to use my trusty We R Memory Keepers tools to create this. The Banner Punch Board and the Alphabet Punch Board are the best! You can get all the details for making the cards and the banner at the Pebbles blog.

And you know what else is great? Being way ahead of the game holiday-wise. With baby coming in early February, I know I wouldn't have the time or energy to create for Valentine's Day post-Christmas. Now I'm ready :).

Thanks for stopping by today! Tessa

4th of July Summer Bunting - DCWV

Hello! My favorite holiday - Independence Day - is quickly approaching and I am in full decorating mode! I've decided to revamp all of my 4th of July decor this year. In the past, I've used an antique red, white and blue palette. The white was really ivory, the red was more burgundy, and the blue was navy. I loved it, and still do, but it's time for a fresh change. I like to keep my decor up at least part way into August, so I decided on a palette that is a little bit non-traditional so that it said "summer" more than just "Fourth of July" - real red, bright white, true blue and light blue:

My first project was this garland, made with papers from several different DCWV stacks.

To make this 12 foot long banner, I cut thirty-six total 4x3 rectangles from twelve different patterned papers. Using my scraps, I made ten prize ribbons:

Once you have your tails, secure them to patterned paper circles mounted on scalloped circles. I embellished mine with Prima flowers and DCWV bling.

To assemble my garland, I sewed the pennants and prize ribbons together with white thread, using a sewing machine.

I like the mix of papers not only for their patterns, but also for their textures. The corrugated pieces are my favorite. The other papers are either matte, glossy, glittered or embossed. I love the variety of DCWV textures available!

To find out exactly which stacks I used, and to get more Independence Day decor inspiration, be sure to stop by the DCWV blog today. Have a great day! Tessa

Christmas Garland

I'm really not the kind of crafter who is this far ahead of the game, but when I opened up my supply of vintage scrapbooking goodies from Scrap Rat, I was instantly inspired to create a Christmas Garland.

Amanda makes these fantastic typewriter words by meticulously typing each one on an old typewriter on vintage paper.  I used the Christmas set and added them to snowflake ornaments that I had left over from last year.  I misted them with Glimmer Mist for an aged look. 

Along with a canvas pennant album by Maya Road, I used Scrap Rat's small book pages as pennants.  Embellished with accordian flowers, velvet leaves, and sparkly letters, I'm kind of hoping that Christmas comes soon so that I can hang this pretty garland where everyone can enjoy it.

I think I'll hang it over an evergreen swag.  The deep green will really highlight the perfectly aged edges of the papers.  I strung each piece on a strand of cream pearl trim and the ends are tied with vintage ribbon from Scrap Rat.  I love the vintage-y look!

Scrap Rat is being featured on the Paper Craft Inspirations Magazine blog today.  The review is well worth the read, especially since you'll find a coupon code :).  I hope you'll take a look and then venture on over to the shop.  Amanda is filling her shelves with all sorts of fantastic things.  And more is on the way that I am really excited about (but can't share yet!).

I hope your Tuesday is a good one! Tessa