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

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..

Sarah's Cranberry Relish - photo by Cindy Rippe ©2012

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

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 Shower 4 years ago!)

Fabric Dye Sticks - T-Shirt project - ©2012 Cindy Rippe

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

Personalized Purses with Fabric Paint - ©Cindy Rippe 2012

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

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 

Mixed Media Daffodils - Countdown to Spring -Designer Crafts Connection and National Craft Month

©Cindy Rippe 2012 - Countdown to Spring

In honor of National Craft Month I thought I'd share my Mixed Media Daffodil Study; "Countdown to Spring".  There are so many creative techniques represented here that I thought it would the perfect piece to include on the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop this month.

I started with a streched Artist Canvas.  I then painted the background with thinned DecoArt Americana Acrylics.  Everything else including torn scrapbook papers, a soft green embroidered doily, my graphite sketch, and mixed media on bristol vellum "Daffodils in a Row" has been decoupaged in layers on top of the canvas with DecoArt DecouPage medium.  I even glued the buttons on with it! They would be cute sewn on with embroidery thread too.  I used the same acrylic paints to stamp the numbers across the bottom.

Let's see....painting, drawing, coloring, pen and ink, gluing, paper crafting, stamping, and sewing.  Yes, that's a nice collection of techniques!

I've shared my feelings about Spring and flowers over on my Floral, Family and Faith blog today and I'm partying over at House of Hepworths and Today's Creative Blog too!  


Make sure you click through the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop to see the way that other 365 Days of Crafts Designers are celebrating National Craft Month. I hope we've inspired you to get crafting!

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Valentine's Day Dessert Eye Candy

Valentine's Day Eye Candy - Cindy Rippe - Pinterest

I've been eating healthy for the last 18 months.  Oh... we still eat dessert around here but not too often.


After a visit to Bakerella's website this morning I just got a little lost while web surfing for more creative Valentine's Day desserts and thought you'd like to join me on my Pinterest Board - Valentine's Day Desserts. 

The talent and creativity in food just amazes me!  Love it!  While these desserts make my love of pink happy, if I'm going to actually eat a dessert my favorite is chocolate.  Almost any type of chocolate :)

I've shared a few simple Valentine's Day desserts in the past. You might remember my Valentine's Day Treats and Easy Valentine's Treats posts from last year.

Have you created a fabulous dessert that you'd like to share?  Please do!  I can always use a little Eye Candy.  It has fewer calories than the real thing.

There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

A Crafty Solution to a Complicated Problem

I've been struggling through the last few months with a broken camera.  You know how it goes, too expensive to fix, can't afford a new one right now, trying to use my small "point and shoot" cameras. So frustrating!

Camera "repair" by Cindy Rippe using Glue Dots

I was cleaning off my desk last night and noticed a thumbtack that was about the same size as my broken shutter release. Cool!  Grabbed a few Pop Up Glue Dots and headed to the photo corner to try it out.  Yeah!  It worked!

No, I don't expect to carry it around everywhere like I used to, but I'll be able to use it on the tripod and for still life shots in the photography corner in my studio.  Finally!.....I can get back to posting more often on my blogs and maybe my photos will actually look like the artwork that I'm taking a picture of. 

It's great to be a Designer/Artist with lots of fabulous craft supplies just hanging around waiting for inspiration!  So happy and grateful this morning.  I'm sure my husband will be happy too.  No more complaining about picture problems!

"When the solution is simple, God is answering."                    

Albert Einstein

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Amaryllis and Success - Flower Meanings

I think that Amaryllis is my favorite Christmas flower. I used to grow a few every year and really need to get back to doing that for myself.

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

 


There are many symbolic meanings for the Amaryllis. The one that I choose this month is: "Symbolic of success won after a struggle. These were often given in recognition of a job well done – particularly in scholastics, writing, and artistic endeavors." (source - http://www.whats-your-sign.com/flowers-and-meanings.html)

I think I'll buy one today.  I deserve it. (that was a rare pat on the back)  And my friend needs one too.  For encouraging me and not giving up on me.  Thanks Kelly.  You deserve one for your own success as well!

My personal success list for 2011 includes:

 - I am happy to be enjoying art and creativity again after one of those struggles that artists go through sometimes. I've submitted some great classes for conventions and look forward to sharing my love of botanical and inspirational art again next year.


- I had the opportunity to look back through 30 years of my sketches and completed artwork last week. Wow...there is so much!

- My "one pound a week" is finally starting to show!

The Amaryllis is the perfect flower to celebrate my success! I hope that you are ending this year with your own "job well done"!

 "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."       2 Chronicles 15:7

Pantone Color of the Year for 2012 - Tangerine Tango

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year - Tangerine Tango

Pantone announced it's choice for Color of the Year - 2012.  Tangerine Tango 

For Interiors and More:
Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.
You can read the rest of the Pantone Press Release on their web site.

Here are a few of my favorite dinnerware sets from around the web that will help you add this pop of color to your table.

Iris Orange Round 20 Piece Dinnerware Set by Brilliant

Noritake "Elements Coral"

Morocco by CB2 (no longer available on the site but you might find it on ebay)

Round + Square by Rachel Ray

 Red/Orange Floral Melamine by Target

 

Red Orange Floral - Target

Dinnerware, Fiesta® Square 3-Pc. Place Setting

Fiesta Tangerine Collection

My favorite is the Orange Iris by Brilliant. Which one do you like?  Can you recommend another pattern?  

November's Flower of the Month and Mom

Chrysanthemum photo - Flowers Magazine

This photo of November's Flower of the Month seems appropriate for me.  The single orange flower surrounded by the neutral white really represents my life this past month.  Mom had a mild stroke.  It was small, Thank God, and she's recovered from the physical effects but her Dementia took the turn for that next step.  The one where she seems OK to everyone else at first, but she needs someone with her all the time now.

It's been rough.  Lots of changes and I've felt like I was alone many times during her stroke recovery and transition to this new life.  The truth is, however, that my faith, family, (especially my husband) friends, and her medical team have been the white flowers.  The single flowers grouped tightly together that have held me up.

Also, during this time my sister fell seriously ill. We try to work as a team to care for Mom but she needs to care for herself.  I'm sure she felt like the orange flower too.  Alone but with a quiet team of support to hold her up.

Last, but certainly not the least is Mom.  I'm sure that she's happy most of the time.  We see to that. But I'm also sure that she feels alone when she truly believes the stories she's telling, when she is positive that she already took her meds (or ate, or bathed, or talked to someone on the phone).  Her self esteem hits a low point many days.  She gets angry and it's hard to remain patient with her.  But much of the time she's like the Chrysanthemum.  Cheerful and loving.  We'll hold on to that as long as we can!  Love You Much Mom!

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."  Deuteronomy 5:16 ESV

Thanksgiving and Autumn Glass Painting Project

The theme for this month at the Designer Crafts Blog Connection is Thanksgiving/Fall.  As usual, I'm sharing a quick and easy project with you.  I like to inspire you with an "I can do that!" attitude.  Hope you like this one as well as the other creative ideas on the 365 Days of Crafts Blog Hop.

I used the new DecoArt Glass Paint Markers, in Brown, to draw the leaves on a white ceramic plate. The charger was originally clear.  I painted the border with a sponge brush to create a blend of orange and yellow with Americana Gloss Enamels.  The swirls were stamped on using Brown Americana Gloss Enamels.

There's a matching glass and a folded napkin technique to come soon, I promise!  Mom's in the hospital and I've been there almost 24/7.  She's doing well and we hope to get her home soon.  Then it's back to posting the rest of my Thanksgiving tablescape ideas.

You might enjoy a few posts from last fall to keep you busy until I get back.
Autumn Napkin Folds - Chocolate Brown
Autumn Napkin Folds - Crown Fold
Autumn Napkins Folds - Cone Fold
Autumn Rose and French Fold Napkins
Thanksgiving Tablescape and Dessert Buffet
Blessed Family Gathering
Pause and Give Thanks

Don't forget to Hop through the rest of the blogs and see what the other Designers have been up to!

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TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - Between Naps on the Porch

Stop on by and visit!

Pumpkins are not just for Jack O Lanterns

Happy Halloween!
Did you know that you can decorate a pumpkin with flowers by poking holes in the sides and sticking the stems in?

Mumkin Pumpkins - Flower Shop Network

5 Easy Ways to Decorate Pumpkins - Southern Living Magazine

These would make a lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece as well.  I wonder how this would work with those artificial pumpkins from the craft store and silk flowers?  I'm sure the pumpkins will be on sale tomorrow!

Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; And only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.   – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Hop along with me at: House of Hepworths and Between Naps on the Porch this week. 

Halloween Dinnerware Shopping at HomeGoods

Skull Decor is a very strong trend right now and it's not just for Halloween!  Try a Google search and you'll find everything from Designer Clothing to Home Decor and even Wedding Cake Toppers.   While I was shopping recently I found this great set of dinnerware that's perfect for a Halloween Party.

Handpainted Dinnerware by MESA at HomeGoods

 This design actually covers a few trends including; Halloween Decor, Skulls, Glam and Black + White (even though the webs are silver they would still look great with a B+W theme)

Skull Decor crosses over into the Gothic, Steampunk and Vampire trends as well.

Love the rhinestones!

Of course, since I'm the Research Queen, I wanted to know more about who made this set.  When you shop at HomeGoods you need to buy it when you see it.  The things I usually fall in love with are in limited supply and not restocked.  The company, MESA Home Products, has a website.  No skull dinnerware there, but they do have some really great items for entertaining. I've bookmarked it for future shopping.

MESA Home Products label on Halloween Dinnerware

HomeGoods has been one of my favorite places to shop for tablescape decor. (I do still love those bargains at the resale store though!)  Now I'm headed back to pick up the pumpkin I saw covered in leaves..........I don't know why I talked myself out of it the first time!

Pumpkin covered in leaves - HomeGoods 2011

Eat, drink and be scary! Author Unknown

You can find me at: A Stroll Thru Life and the 166 Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch this week.

Halloween Birds Silhouette Shadow Box - Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop

Time for another Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop!   I received a sample of the adorable Sizzix Scoreboard Bird Die (designed by Eileen Hull) and used it to make this Halloween Bird Silhouette Shadow Box.  To see all the projects the Fresh Vintage Designers came up with and for a chance to WIN one of the Sizzix Scoreboard Dies be sure to check out the information at the end of this post.

As you can see; the original die cut is made to be a little more three dimensional.  It has two wings and a beak and is perfect for hanging from a string.  I chose to trim the wings and use the birds in a shadow box.

Sizzix Fresh Vintage Scoreboard Bird designed by Eileen Hull 

The dies are designed to cut through thick or thin paper, fabric and more.  I found some really cute Black Glitter Card Stock by doodlebug designs inc.  I cut one bird and then flipped the paper to reverse it so the birds would be facing each other.

 For the background I used a piece of scrapbook paper from my stash (sorry - don't know the manufacturer).  I liked the writing and the postmark design - which was in just the right spot for the moon.

First, I coated the paper with DecoArt Easy Float to make it easier to blend the Americana Acrylic Paints.  I then loaded my brush 1/2 and 1/2 with Easy Float and paint and blended the colors from Light to Dark and back again a few times until I was happy with the blending and the finished look.  The Easy Float made the colors translucent which allowed the lettering to show through.  The colors I used are; Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Orange Twist, Tangelo Orange, and Georgia Clay.

After the background dried I painted the moon with DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint in Lemon Drop Yellow to add to the glow (and to match the glitter on the birds).

After painting a branch with Lamp Black, I brushed on some DecoArt Black Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.

Artistic Wire from Beadalon  was perfect for the legs and feet. (Thank you Katie Hacker) I just wired it onto the branches and then glued the birds onto the wire.  (mine are a little wobbly looking aren't they?  I kept moving them around.)

Everything is arranged inside an old shadowbox picture frame that I had in storage. I made a little coil to glue behind the bird and put the whole thing together with Glue Dots! I used Pop Up Glue Dots® for the birds and branch for strength and dimension and Ultra Thin Glue Dots® to attach the paper inside the box.

Here's the Information I promised you for NAVIGATING through the Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop and for your CHANCE to WIN a Sizzix Die:

Please make sure to visit the blogs of the members of this hop. They have some great projects to share.  You can click on the Fresh Vintage blinkie on my sidebar. This will take you around to all of the designers on the hop OR you can click on the linky party on Eileen Hull's Blog for a look at all the projects.  

For a chance to win this die, answer the question about today's hop on the Oh My Crafts blog today. Don't forget! You have to leave a comment on their blog post to be entered in the GiveAway. There are lots of ways you can use this die and you are about to see some very cool ideas. Are you ready?

Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.  ~George Eliot

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