march

This is my favorite month because the weather here is spectacular this time of the year. Not a cloud in the sky and the cool breeze brings such energy with it. You'll have to forgive me if I overwhelm you with leaves, trees and flowers in the next few weeks, they are all just starting to bloom around here.

I need to restock my personal stash of cards so here is the first one of the month. No fuss at all. I just used natural colored card stock, green paper, a Sharpie of all things and my Xacto.



TIP!
I 'colored' the inside edge of the cut out leaves with a black colored pencil. The card stock is so thick that the white edge looked strangely unfinished. I didn't use the marker for this since it may bleed onto the front or the inside cover of the card.

By the way, did you know that this is National Craft Month? I just found out today! Where have I been?

making

I'm in the middle of a busy albeit invisible productive week. Invisible because most my work is tucked away in my sketchbooks. Some of you have asked to see them, but to be honest I totally shy away from being that open with my ramblings and doodles. It would be like showing my underwear drawer—although I'm sure none of you are interested in that! I've always admired people that open their sketchbooks to the world.

Now work in progress is another story... That I don't mind showing you at all. Strange?

You've seen these little animals before here (worked from my Animal Friends fabric). They were framed and completely sold out. I ordered some more of the same designs and I'm trying to figure out how I will work with them this time. A combination with paper is a sure bet and small bits of fabric are a possibility. We shall see.

For now, I do know that if I don't start on the little doll that C asked for I won't hear the end of it. But I'm honestly worried if I'm going to do the design any justice—specially since she wants me to combine two designs. Gulp.

• • •

Friday Tidbit
I'm completely inspired by Abigail Reynolds' work. Amazing.

Have a crafty weekend!

simple idea: gift wrapping with double-sided paper

I know what I'm about to say is something of a no-no to some people, but the truth of the matter is that I don't really enjoy gift wrapping as much as I should—or I think I should. It is a paper related activity after all... But, umm no. It doesn't really quite qualify as the most exhilarating of activities for me. Having said that, I do like showing up with something decent looking and that at least looks like I put some effort into it.



Over the weekend I needed to wrap a baby shower gift and I decided to take advantage of the fact that the 'wrong' side of the paper was white. Instead of hiding it, I made it the main feature.

The idea is really simple and one that can be used if you're either short on wide ribbon or extra colored strips of paper to achieve the same effect.

All you have to do is wrap the paper as shown in the side-view graphic below. Fold over the colored side/patterned side of the paper twice towards the 'wrong' side of the paper. Wrap the gift with the wrong side of the paper facing out and tuck the opposite end under the folded edge. Attach all paper (top and sides) with double-sided tape or a little roll of regular tape (sticky side out). I added a ribbon to give it a final touch.

Technically I didn't use double-sided paper, but if you happen to have some, all you need to do is decide which pattern you'd like to be dominant (the white) and which to be the accent (the dark blue) and fold accordingly.

That's it!

see? spring is really here!

Even if our hay looking lawns say otherwise. This is a gift from little C. I get several of these every year from her & our obliging yard.