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

Be sure to click through all the Creative Blogs this week at:

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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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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

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

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. 

Marigold - Flower of the Month for October

October's Birth Flower is the Marigold.  Their warm and cheerful colors are long lasting in the Autumn garden and signify Affection and Grace.

Cindy Rippe's Crown Fold with Marigolds from a previous post.

The botanical name, Calendula officinalis, refers to the latin word for calendar.  Calendula means "the first day of the month" and they say that the marigold blooms on the first day of the month.  (I'm not sure about that, once mine bloom there are new flowers every day)  Early Christians called them Mary's Gold, and placed them by statues of the Virgin Mary. 

They have medicinal qualities, are used by gardeners as an insect repellent, and by cooks as a spicy seasoning.  Their bright colors are used to make brilliant dyes for fabrics, cosmetics and foods according to 1st in Flowers.com.

Photo credits: flowers.vg - orchidflowers.wordpress - ohmygarden.com

Marigolds are said to symbolize sorrow or sympathy.  I prefer to think of that as being sorry that summer is coming to an end but their bright and cheerful colors are happy soaking up the Autumn sunshine while it lasts.

The hidden meaning of the Marigold during the Victorian era was "My thoughts are with You."


"There ought to be gardens for all months in the year, in which, severally, things of beauty may be then in season."   -  Sir Francis Bacon

How long does a Sunflower Centerpiece last?

Sunflower Centerpiece

 I picked up this small bunch of Sunflowers at the Farmers Market over the weekend.  So cute, just trimmed the flowers and placed them in a vintage blue Ball jar!  I did add a loose rubber band around the stems, near the top, to hold them together.

The Bunny likes it too.   I think I'll paint this grouping some day.


So... back to the question in the title of this post.  Just how long does a Sunflower Centerpiece last?

"I didn't do it!"

About 24 hours if you have a hungry Squirrel!  I thought heard him knock it over this morning, the little troublemaker.  Should have checked to see what the noise was.

Flowers whisper "Beauty!" to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall.
                                                                                                                                     ~Dr. SunWolf

September Flower of the Month - Aster

Asteraceae -anythingwithplants.com

The Aster is September's flower of the month.  The name comes from the Greek word for Stars which is perfect for this delicate little flower.  There are more than 600 varieties available in almost every color except bright yellow and orange.  The violet, pink and white shades are most popular.

The Aster symbolizes afterthought, daintiness and love of variety. In China they symbolize fidelity.  They are also called Star flowers or Frost flowers (probably because they are one of the last to bloom before the autumn frosts).

Kim Willis - life123.com

The butterflies can't get enough of their tasty nectar that's hidden in the tiny yellow flowers clustered around the flower's center.  This row of flowers separates them from the chrysanthemum family.

Beautiful in an Autumn bouquet

 Their long stems and full flower clusters make them perfect as a filler flower in large bouquets. I love the cool touch of lavender amongst the warm autumn colors in this bouquet.

"A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year."  -   William Longgood

Gladiola Centerpieces

Continuing with my August Flower of the Month post.

After I purchased my Gladiolus from the Farmer's Market I arranged them in a huge vase.
Did I remember to take a picture?  No... sorry.  Here's a photo, from ftd.com,except mine were all a soft peach color.

White Gladiolus in a Glass Vase - Traditional arrangement

Loved it - Enjoyed it while it lasted- but I know that you can do so much more with Gladiolus. I've used the single flowers before.  Most of the time I float them in a shallow bowl.  I took a trip around the internet today and found a few great ideas to share.

In this arrangement the Gladiola leaves were left on and large leaves were added around the base for a nice full look.

www.weddings.theknot.com

The addition of Gerbera Daisies around the base really updates the look.

www.laosflower.com

You've probably seen orchid submerged in a tall vase of water.  Gladiolus are just as beautiful but cost less. You'll need to wire the stems to putty on the bottom of the vase so they don't float.

www.mocharosedesigns.blogspot.com

Since the flowers are so beautiful you can use them individually in small arrangements.  Love this DIY project for decorating the vases with printed papers.

www.oncewed.com

And finally; this pretty red and white arrangement.  Just fill vases with fresh cranberries and water and tuck in single white Glads.  A beautiful look for your holiday table or contemporary dining room.

www.tothegathering.blogspot.com

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.  ~The Koran

Gladiola - Flower of the Month for August

The Birthday Flower for August is Gladiola.   It’s a member of the Iris family that’s also known as Sword Lily.  The pointed leaves and tall stalks of flowers with pointed tips and the Latin name “Gladius” give reference to the Gladiators of ancient Rome.

 I love all the colors that are available.  There are over 250 species to choose from including some with ruffled petals.  

The flowers bloom from the bottom of the stem toward the top.  As cut flowers in a vase you can just pinch off the spent flowers and enjoy each new bloom above.

The meaning of the August Birth Flower, the Gladiolus, is sincerity and symbolizes strength of character.  In Victorian times there was a hidden meaning, "Love at first site".  I know that the pink ruffled variety pictured above was love at first site for me!  

I don't have enough sunny garden space to grow them in my own garden but look forward to the Farmer's Market each summer where they sell armloads of these gorgeous blooms for $5.00 a bunch. Lovely!  

What's your favorite color?

"Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into."   Henry Ward Beecher

Mixed Media Zinnias

As part of the 365 Days of Crafts link party this month we were asked to post a project using a technique that we love to do.  If you've read my blog before you know I love flowers, drawing flowers, painting flowers, decorating with flowers and growing flowers.  My favorite creative technique would be called Multimedia.  I use my original drawings and quotes to create art with paint, colored pencil, pen & ink, etc.

Multimedia Zinna on paper copyright Cindy Rippe Art in Entertaining 2011

The words behind the flowers are - "Zinnias: An old fashioned annual that just makes me happy.   I’m sure the memories I have of them in the gardens of family and special friends have something to do with that.  The seeds are easily dried and shared to create a special connection with those you love."  

While I love this orange flower, if I could grow Zinnias in my yard (I don't have enough sun) they would be pink.  That's who I am. 

To continue through the Designers Craft Connection Blog Hop click on the link to the right in the side bar. 

You can also find me at House of Hepworths  and Tatertots and Jello: Weekend Wrap Up this week!

Larkspur or Delphinium? Which do you like?

I'm still enjoying the Flower of the Month - Larkspur.  Thought I'd share a few more photos with you.

There are so many varieties available.  I think of the original, more delicate, Larkspur with the fern-like leaves to be more of a wild flower.  The cultivated variety, known as Delphinium, has a full leaf and more flowers.  It looks great in a cottage style garden and does well as a perennial in some areas.  Mine have only come back for one year and then I have to purchase new plants. 

I like them both and love the cottage look.  Guess it's time to start a new sketch!

Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue?  James Montgomery

4th of July Flowers

Sunrise Seeds American Flag Mix - Botanical Interest

I found this mix of Larkspur colors that would be perfect in a patriotic garden!  Now I wish I would have grown them for a 4th of July Centerpiece.

Here are a few other ideas for Red, White and Blue Centerpieces.  Click on the photo for more information.

I hope this inspires you to dress up your table with flowers that have a little Patriotic color.  I found the perfect quote for this post!  Enjoy!

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.  ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Larkspur - Flower of the Month

Since I love to draw botanicals and birthdays are a reason to entertain, I thought it would be fun to do a series of "Flowers of the Month".  I've been researching the Meaning of Flowers, Birth month Flowers, State Flowers and more for about 10 years.  The Romans were probably the first to include flowers as part of birthday celebrations. The Victorians gathered flowers into Tussy Mussies (a small bouquet) with careful thought as to what each flower meant as they shared the bouquet with friends or enemies. 

Blue Larkspur

The Birthday Flower for July is Larkspur. It's a wildflower and grows in late spring in a variety of colors  I love the Blue, no surprise to those who know me, especially the very pale blue.  It's  also known as delphinium with even more varieties available now.  The name comes from spur of the flower, which reminded some people of the parts of the lark.  The plants have very tall stems with many branches.

The meaning of July's Birth flower is an open heart, levity, lightness and ardent attachment.

There are hidden meanings based on color:

Pink symbolizes fickleness

White is Joyful, happy-go-lucky

Purple - You have such as sweet disposition and first love.

You can find more information about July's Birth Flower at Birthstones.org.  I've taken lots of pictures of Larkspur and Delphinium over the years.  I think I'll start a new sketch!

God has sown his name on the heavens in glittering stars; but on earth he planteth his name by tender flowers.  Jean Paul Richter

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

Can you draw Geraniums?

Sure you can! If you have been wondering what I've been up to lately this is a little peek.

Drawing Botanicals Class by Cindy Rippe at the Society of Dec Painters Convention.

I'll be teaching this class at the SDP Convention and look forward to the happy students that will learn techniques to create their own designs or just want to trace mine and finish it with blending and shading tools.

Cindy Rippe's Geraniums ready to be sketched at SDP 2011

What does that have to do with Art in Entertaining and Tablescapes?  Well, since I love to draw botanicals I've been working on a new website with Botanical, Inspirational and Seasonal Decor for the home and entertaining.  There will be projects and finished designs of all types for crafters will all skill levels.

Click FOLLOW on the right side of the page for up to date about the project that YOU can create to personalize your home and table.

"The 'Amen!' of Nature is always a flower."
-  Oliver Wendell Holmes

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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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!