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

Mother's Day Centerpiece - Designer Crafts Blog Connection Blog Hop

I don't drink coffee myself and don't have a set like this but wouldn't a vintage coffee set make a great centerpiece for Mother's Day?  This one was part of a display at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show recently.

The theme for posting crafts this month at the Designer Crafts Connection group is "Fun and Easy Mother's Day gifts".  Most of the designers are focusing on jewelry. Since that's not something I craft I decided to share this simple floral arrangement. A tray, lined with a vintage doily and acrylic gems, creates the perfect base to showcase a few perfect roses for your perfect Mom!

As for the jewelry part, here's a jewel of a quote.  


Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels...
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
He husband also praises her:
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.   ~ Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

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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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I'm also hanging out with my friends at:
TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - Between Naps on the Porch

Stop on by and visit!

Hello Kitty Party Projects for PreTeens

 As promised here are the details for the Hello Kitty Projects seen in my previous post.

Hello Kitty Journal - Cindy Rippe

I used the Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors to cut The Duck Brand® Duct Tape Sheets and Tape Rolls and cover the journal.  I folded the tape upon itself to create the tag and attached it to the cover with VELCRO® Brand Hook and Loop Fasteners.  A little bit of ribbon trim and a heart charm add just the right amount of whimsey.

Inside Cover of Hello Kitty Journal with Pocket - Cindy Rippe

After covering the inside cover with the printed duct tape, I made a pocket by leaving most of the backing material on the sheet of duct tape (to allow for a non-stick area).  I decorated the top edge with the printed tape and trimmed the backing away on the sides and bottom edge of the pocket to stick it to the book. 

Mini Hello Kitty Pennant - Cindy Rippe

To make the Mini Pennant I just folded pieces of the printed tape over a length of narrow ribbon and trimmed each into a triangle shape.

Hello Kitty Hair Bow made from duct tape - Cindy Rippe

and finally; I made a small bow from the tape and used a hair clip to attach it to the gift bag.  I cut two slits through white card stock topper and the bag using the Westcott Hobby Knife.   Favor bag decoration and a cute hair accessory in one!

Don't forget to add your comments to the WESTCOTT Brand Blog for your chance to win an assortment of cutting tools.

I was provided with samples from Westcott Brand Cutting Tools, Duck Brand Duct Tape and VELCRO Brand Hook and Loop fasteners for this Blog Hop and enjoyed designing with them all.  Thank you to all the participating sponsors and to Marisa Pawelko Craft Designer & Founder of Modern Surrealist for organizing this project.

Westcott Brand is the official sponsor of the October Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop! The Non Stick Scissors really did work great with all the adhesives.  I look forward to using them in future projects.  Here's a little information about the Cutting Tools that I used.

Westcott Brand® Scissors are the WORLD’S FAVORITE SCISSORS™ meaning Westcott sells more scissors than any other manufacturer in the world!
Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors are the BEST Non Stick Scissors on the market that never get stuck and can easily cut through Sticky Back VELCRO®, Duck Tape and multiple layers of fabric and other materials!
Titanium bonded blades are 3 times harder than stainless steel and never need sharpening!
Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools have the best performance! The 3” scissors can even cut through 5 layers of fabric!
Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools are ergonomic and come in several different color options!
 
" Life is not a written book you can pick up and read.
It is a journal waiting for you to fill it's pages."  Dana Atkin

 

 

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Hello Kitty Party for Preteens

Hello Kitty Party - Favors and Decor by Cindy Rippe

October's challenge is sponsored by:  

  AND

I went with a girl's party theme this month since I was inspired by all the pink goodies sent for me to design with. This is perfect for a preteen party. They can create the journal as a party activity.

You'll find the project details in this POST and find out how to get your chance to WIN a fabulous collection of  Westcott Brand™ Cutting Tools.

They are providing a giveaway of a deluxe assortment of Westcott Brand Cutting Tools to a random winner who comments on this post during the month of October. Please also show your support by posting comments about this blog hop their Facebook Fan Page!

*Giveaway winner must provide a valid US street shipping address.

Keep hopping to see what the other Designers have created for you!

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Sketching Roses for Surface Design

I've been sketching designs for Wall Art, Dinnerware and Table Linens (future projects).  I'm lucky to have a lush perennial garden with lots flowering trees and bushes to study.  Our climbing rose bush is trained on a large arbor in the back yard and is probably older than me (and that's pretty old!).  It belonged to Lee's Grandma before we bought the house and we've lived here for over 20 years. 

Climbing Roses - Sketch by Cindy Rippe

The fully opened flowers didn't do well this year but I think the buds are pretty interesting. The smell is very sweet and one that I remember long before all the unscented but long blooming hybrids.

This design would look nice on dinnerware or as a border to an inspirational quote.  Whatever it ends up being will make someone happy I hope!

The rose that lives its little hour
Is prized beyond the sculptured flower.
- Bryant

Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop for June 6

I've been busy working in the garden and sketching flowers for future design projects. I'll post a peek tomorrow.

 I'm participating in the Designer Crafts Connection Blog hop this week and I don't want to break the link.  Our theme is Patriotic so I'm reposting my picture from Memorial Day.

Please click through, enjoy all the Creativity and come back again to see what I've been up to.

Memorial Day 2011 - Cindy Rippe - Art in Entertaining

Click Hop forward or Hop back to continue through to the next blog.  Thanks!

 

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A Mother's Day Card - Free Pattern

We have finally been blessed with some beautiful weather and I have lots of gardening to catch up on.  Not much time for crafting but I designed this card for Pentel Arts and thought it might inspire you to make one for your Mom this week.

by Cindy Rippe for Pentel Arts

I used scrapbook papers, Aquash Watercolor crayons , Metallic Brush Pens , some ribbon and a charm. You'll find the free step by step instructions and rose pattern on the Pentel Arts Website.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life. ~Ephesians 6:1-3

I'm participating in the Designer Crafts Blog Connection this week.  Click through and enjoy the Creativity!

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Daffodils and Easter Inspiration

I love spring!  The flowers and plants coming back to life after a long winter. The sunshine and promise of warmer weather.  Soft rain showers that seem to wash away the gloom of February and crazy March winds.

Daffodils - Multimedia on Bristol Vellum - copyright Cindy Rippe 2011

I've been spending much of my time lately designing, sketching and painting.  There aren't many new tablescapes right now but my Holiday and Seasonal designs (mostly botanical and inspirational) are destined for dinnerware, table linens and stationery.  In addition to teaching at National Conventions I've gone back to creating original designs for multimedia art (graphite, acrylic wash, pen and ink and colored pencil), painting on glass, ceramic and fabric.

So...along with celebrating Easter this month I guess I'm celebrating a rebirth of my own creativity.
Wish me luck!  It will be interesting to see which direction this blog takes us. Click "Follow" on the right side of this page to keep in touch.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”  – John 11:25-26

I'm joining the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Connection again this month.  You can go to the main page at 365 Days of Crafts Blog Hop or click on the Logo below. Click forward to go to the next Designer's post.  Keep clicking until you get back here and you will have seen all the wonderful Easter/Spring ideas.

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Easter Banners

Life's been a little strange lately. I have limited internet access and I've missed connecting with you all!

Since I won't have time to craft or write much until next week I wanted to share a few cute DIY Easter banners I found today while waiting for Isabella to wake up from her nap.

Isn't this adorable?  Looks like a fun family project from Holiday Snob.

Paper Plate Bunny Banner from Holiday Snob

And this Bunny Banner from Happy Clippings would be a great way to use some of my scrapbook paper stash.  Love the buttons on the tail!

Bunny Banner from Happy Clippings

And my favorite, from Jennie at Studio 1621 on Etsy.  Simple, elegant and the real reason I celebrate Easter!

He is Risen by Studio 1621

And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.  1 John 2:25 

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Painted Wedding Shoes - Wedding Week Part Three

After I painted the Wedding Dress with Dahlias (previous post - Wedding Week Part Two) I decided to paint a pair of matching shoes.  What woman doesn't want a pair of beautiful shoes?  My SIL, Elena, very kindly gave me a pair of shoes to decorate.

Wedding Shoes painted with Dahlias-copyright Cindy Rippe 2011

I used the Pentel Red Gel Roller for Fabric again.  The only problem I had was that after I sketched the flower on the first shoe I had to get the pattern off of it and reverse it for the other shoe.  (Reminder to self: Don't free hand a design on an uneven surface if you need to repeat it.)

I added Black Satin Ribbon and a bow using my favorite glue for fabric -  Beacon Adhesive's Fabri-Tac.  It grabs hold right away and stays on.  Perfect for a pair of shoes that would probably see lots of dancing at the Wedding Reception!

Close up of Dahlia on Dyeable shoes - copyright Cindy Rippe 2011

The music may have stopped but my heart beats to another tune, this rhythm called love.  ~A.C. Van Cherub

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Painted Wedding Dress - Wedding Week Part Two

I decided to continue with Wedding Week for the DESIGNER CRAFTS Blog Connection.  There are so many great ideas.  Don't forget to click on the link below to see them all.

Red is such a strong color trend I thought you'd enjoy seeing a Re-purposed Wedding Dress that I painted.

Ivory Wedding Dress Painted with DecoArt Fabric Paints - copyright Cindy Rippe

I really had fun with this project.  I used DecoArt So Soft Fabric Paints and and a Gel Roller for Fabric Pen by Pentel Arts.  After I sketched the flowers with the pen, I used the fabric paint to add shading and reinforce thick lines.  I also painted few of the flowers on the bodice and made a wide sash to update the look. (one of my few sewing projects)

Close up of Dahlia - copyright Cindy Rippe

Border Close up - copyright Cindy Rippe

This design would be nice for a Bride born in August.  It's the Flower of the August Birth month.

True love stories never have endings.  ~Richard Bach

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Maui Wedding - Easy Centerpiece - Designer Crafts Connection

Wedding Cake with Orchids for Julie and Joe's Wedding in Maui

It's Wedding Day at the Designer Crafts Connection!  Today's Blog Hop features projects for and about Weddings.  Life's been a little crazy around here lately.  I didn't have time to make something new but I thought you'd like this archived idea for a really easy centerpiece.

We traveled to Maui for my niece Julie's wedding.  After we arrived she asked if I could help her create some centerpieces with the box of orchids she was getting as part of her wedding package.  She wanted candlelight for the outdoor reception.

The glass vases, found in the floral department at the grocery store, were a bargain and would work out great!

Tucking orchids under ribbon.

After we filled the vases with sand from the beach (with help from the kids) I gathered leaves from the patio garden and used a double sided tape to adhere them to the vases. (you can see the plants behind Lee in the picture below) Ribbon tied around the leaves gave me a nice place to tuck in the flowers.

Happy to be crafting on the beach!

Lee patiently helping me with a project once again!

We looked at candles but I knew that the wind from the beach would play havoc on the candle flame so we bought Tap Lights instead. That was Lee's job. Assemble and install the batteries for all the lights.

GE Tap Light

Finished Orchid Centerpiece.  Can you see the Tap Light?

The hotel staff added the extra orchids when they set the tables. Very simple and sweet. Julie and Joe loved it so that's all that matters!

The Happy couple, Julie and Joe.

The Tap Light gave a warm glow after dark and the batteries lasted all evening.  Julie gave the vases to family members the next day as Wedding keepsakes.  Yes, I carried mine home on the plane and still use it often!

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.  1 Corinthians 13:13

To continue through the entire Blog Hop.  You can go to the main page at 365 Days of Crafts Blog Hop or on the Designer Crafts Blog Connection Logo below. Click forward to go to the next Designer's post.  Keep clicking until you get back here and you will have seen all the wonderful ideas this week.

The world is but a canvas to the imagination.
-- Henry David Thoreau

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I'm joining Tablescape Thursday this week too!

And the Shabby Nest for Frugal Fridays!

Don't forget Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday!