Pink Winter Tablescape

I decided to re-post a project I did a while ago using the Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets by the talented Brenda Pinnick. As always; I'm looking for new ways to dress up the table using craft techniques. This is is what I decided to make. I'm not sure if this die is still available. You could also cut out simple frames freehand.

My challenge this time was to work with pink and white card stock die cuts. I decided that they would be great hanging from the ceiling or chandelier over the table. So feminine and "Wintery" with the crystal glitter.

I used a variety of paper punches and decorative scissors by Fiskars to cut snowflakes out of copy paper, ironed all the little folds out, embellished everything with glitter and attached the snowflakes and pre-cut frames to the ribbon. I used Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue for everything.

Maybe the black background will help.

I used my winter white dishes and pink depression glass. So sweet!

A pink napkin, accented with one of the snowflakes and tucked inside the cup, acts like a little nest for the tiny ceramic bird. The bird would be a perfect little keepsake for your guests.

I added interest and different heights to the tablescape by using the ceramic birds on pedestals and a small bowl tucked under the champagne glass filled with cookies.

To do this for your own party please remember:
1. Cut the frames from card stock.
2. It's easier to cut the snowflakes out of thin paper like copy paper. Anything heavier than that makes it hard to fold. (How to cut out paper snowflakes)
3. Embellish both sides of the paper. The idea is to hang the pieces from the chandelier or ceiling over the table.
4. Vary the ribbon lengths.
5. Don't be afraid to make the ribbons (or fishing line works too) really long. Some should be almost to eye level over the table. They are delicate and will be turning slightly with the breeze. They probably won't interfere with the dining experience.
6. Don't get them too close to candles! :)

This is what the Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets was designed for originally. Really cute, isn't it? Can you think of creative uses for the die cuts?

Tea Party for Bella's Dolls

Mini Tea Set, Kid's Crafts, Faber Castell, Ceramic Painting, painting with girls, Tea Party, Cindy Rippe

Painting with Isabella - Ceramic Tea set for her Dolls ©CindyRippe2013

Bella and I spent a few days together this week while her Mom and Dad worked. We always look forward to doing at least one craft project when we have the time. I bought this Mini Tea Party kit for her at Christmas and it was the perfect day to work on it. This photo shows the difference in painting stages from her love of mixing layers of paint on the tea pot to the last pieces painted. I finally convinced her to slow down a little and help me paint dip-dot flowers on the creamer and sugar bowl.

Everything was included in the kit except for the aluminum foil. The two days together were perfect since the painted pieces need to dry for 24 hours before baking in the oven. She knew we'd bake them after school the next day. We placed the painted pieces on plastic wrap to dry. The next day we put the dishes on foil on a cookie sheet in a cool oven and turned the oven to 250 degrees. After it reached temperature and then baked we let it cool down inside the oven.


Bella serves tea to one of her American Girl dolls ©CindyRippe2013

Bella spent a very long time serving her dolls "tea" (water) and Cuties mandarin "oranges". I found that it was best to let her use a plastic water bottle for refilling the teapot and placed everything inside a large cookie sheet lined with a dish towel. No spills to worry about! She used her imagination making up stories to share with her doll friends and even explained how one of them didn't like the tea and would only eat all the foods with "sugar". She tried to tell her it was junk food but the doll didn't care. (she was frustrated with that girl!)

Cranberries - Fresh or Canned? Thoughts about trying something new..

I'm shopping for Thanksgiving dinner supplies tomorrow. As I wrote the list I started wondering...how many other families serve both fresh and canned cranberries? Our family serves both. There are some who insist that we need the jellied version because that's traditional, others like the freshly made sauce. I like them both.

There are 912 cranberry recipes at AllRecipes.com, 49 at CooksIllustrated.com, 685 at FoodNetwork.com, and 111 at OceanSpray.com. So many uses for cranberries. The possibilities make me wonder why most of us only eat them at Thanksgiving with Turkey.

I think it's a combination of tradition and routine. We are used to doing the same things, they same way, all the time. I guess I'm a little more reflective about things like this as I'm working through some changes in my own life. Maybe a little nervous about trying new things.

Here's hoping that you'll be blessed with the opportunity to enjoy the familiar and experiment with something that's just a little different. You might like it!

Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Vintage Stoves and a Thanksgiving Blessing

As much as I love looking at vintage stoves it's so much easier to cook Thanksgiving dinner with modern appliances. There was one similar to the Bartlett (upper right) in our basement when we moved in. Since the house belonged to my husband's Grandparents we kept it for a while but gave it up as we needed more storage in the house. I wonder what kind of holiday dinners were cooked in that stove? Wonderful, I'm sure, since I know that family was there to help with the prep and share in the love.

Abundant Blessing

We thank you for the turkey,
The gravy and the dressing.
Dear Lord, this table overflows
With Thy abundant blessing.
Let us always be aware
That all gifts come from You,
And may we serve Your heavenly will
In everything we do. Amen.

-Joanna Fuchs

Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes - For Isabella

We celebrated Bella's Birthday this past weekend at The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor. The kids got to make their own sundae, the adults indulged in ice cream cake. Both desserts got rave reviews and my family was checking out the Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, that they sell in the store, so I think we'll be back some day.

Sarah and Bella made these cupcakes inspired by Bakerella. So cute and yummy too! It was a sweet and special day for our little granddaughter. Happy Birthday Sweetie! Love you Much!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Indoor Summer T-Shirt Project - Great for a Child's Party

After a morning outside in the Summer heat I thought it would be a good idea to have an indoor project ready for the girls. Pentel Arts - Fabric Fun Dye Sticks and white T-Shirts were the answer.
This would be a great party activity and becomes the party favor for attendees. (I just remembered the first time I did this for a party was at Bella's Momma's Baby Sho wer 4 years ago!)

It's best to pre-wash the shirts or use an older shirt with stains that you want to cover up. Prep the shirts by ironing a large sheet of freezer paper inside which will stabilize the fabric and create a smooth surface for drawing. Then just let the kids draw whatever they want with the Fabric Fun.

I used the Gel Roller Pen for Fabric to write names and add a few simple details (or in Bella's case, helped her write her own name).

These Dye Sticks can be washed out of fabric before they are heat set, if there is a mistake (or they end up somewhere they don't belong), which makes them perfect for kids. The Gel Roller Pens are permanent immediately so are NOT so good for kids to use on their own but are great with adult supervision.

After the artwork is completed, set the dyes by ironing for a few minutes while the kids eat dessert. (Use a pressing cloth or paper to cover the drawings and protect the iron , use a hot setting - cotton). When the shirts are cool the kids love to peel the paper off and will probably put the shirts on right away!

©Bella's Happy Colors - 2012

A happy heart makes a face cheerful. Proverbs 15:13

Bridesmaid Purses instead of Flowers

Our theme this month for the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop is "SUMMER CRAFTS". Since this seems to be a popular time for weddings I thought I'd share this fun idea for Bridesmaids.

You can purchase an inexpensive clutch and decorate it with Fabric Pens and Paint. A purse with a personalized design that matches the theme of your wedding could be carried down the aisle instead of flowers. These would be perfect as a gift for your attendants or the Mom's too.

I sketched the designs free-hand but you can copy a pattern and use transfer paper to apply it to the purse. Trace the linework and then fill in with fabric paint if desired. I used a Pentel Gel Roller for Fabric and DecoArt So Soft Fabric Paints.

Make sure you click through see more creative ideas from the other Designers on the Hop! Click the logo in the right column or go directly to the next Designer here.

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. Martin Luther

Designer Craft Connection - Bright Floral Decor

This month's theme for the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop is Picnic. A gathering of artificial flowers glued to a styrofoam ball would add a bright pop of color to your party decor. This grouping, from the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, would be perfect for a Wedding Shower or Tween Birthday party. Add a few butterflies on wires and hang a grouping of three or more with ribbon from a trellis or chandelier. It would also be a great project to brighten up a corner of your enclosed porch for the summer if you don't have time to care for live plants.

Make sure you hop forward by clicking on the DCC logo in the column on the right or go directly to the next Designer, here. Have fun!

"When bright flowers bloom
Parchment crumbles, my words fade
The pen has dropped ..." - Morpheus

Dance Like a Chicken in the Kitchen

I just realized it's "Dance Like a Chicken" Day today.

In honor such a fun event I thought I'd share the Poultry themed tablescape and kitchen display created by a new store in Chicago called The Hutch. They sell vintage and collectable kitchenware and showcased some of their items at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. So cute!

“Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it.” Eileen Caddy

Tablescape Thursday - Between Naps on the Porch

Last Minute Wine and Cheese

I went out to the deck, after a long stressful week, with a new magazine to wait for Lee to come home from work. All of the sudden I realize it's the first evening that it's warm enough to actually sit out and relax! I jumped up and checked the fridge to see what we had for an appetizer. Just a little bit of cheese, some dried cherries and crackers. Yes! The bottle of wine we chilled a few months ago is still waiting for us.

No planning, no elaborate prep, but 15 minutes later I decided to cut a few hosta leaves and add a centerpiece to the table because it looked so nice. As I was cutting the leaves Lee pulled up. Perfect timing!

We even got our daily exercise in on our walk to Giuseppi's to pick up a dinner to share. Lit a fire, invited the neighbors over and stayed outside till 11pm eating chocolates, drinking wine, and catching up with friends.

"The little things? The little moments? They aren't little." - John Zabat-Zinn