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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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

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

A visit to The Kintner House Inn for Lunch

I enjoyed a pleasant visit to The Kintner House Inn, a charming Bed and Breakfast in Corydon, Indiana, for lunch recently and thought you'd like to check it out.  You might want to stay there someday or join them for a bite to eat in the Tea Room.

The Kintner House Inn, Corydon, IN

 This historic Inn has 15 guest rooms, lovingly restored and decorated each with a different theme.  There are photos and descriptions of each one on the web site.   The Family and Staff were very attentive and worked hard to make our visit special.

The building has been restored to meet the guidelines for the National Register of Historic Places. They've succeeded in creating a lovely and peaceful Bed and Breakfast in Downtown Corydon.

The Kintner House Inn - Cindy Rippe - Art in Entertaining

Front Porch Swing at Kintner House Inn - Cindy Rippe - Art in Entertaining

A front Porch Swing and

Rocking Chairs at Kintner House Inn - Cindy Rippe - Art in Entertaining

a pair of Rocking Chairs invite you to relax and enjoy your visit.


As one of a group of Artists attending the Mary Jo Leisure Design Seminar at Cheri Rol's Studio, this was a nice little side trip during a very inspirational week.  We enjoyed the time together developing friendships and getting to know each other a little better.

It is around the table that friends understand best, the warmth of being together.  -Unknown
More about our lunch and visit tomorrow!

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

Memorial Day - Remember

Memorial Day 2011 - Cindy Rippe - Art in Entertaining

Both of our Dad's served during two different wars.  We honor the sacrifices of those who have served and currently serve our Country.

Happy Memorial Day

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!  ~Maya Angelou

Breakfast in Bed - Sarah's Summer House

Tablescaping can be as simple as fixing a special tray for breakfast in bed.  Wouldn't this be a wonderful way to start the day?

Sarah's Summer House HGTV

Take a few moments to gather a pretty tea pot and cups and arrange them on a colorful tray.  You can paint or decoupage the tray to match your bedroom and keep ready for those rare mornings that you have some leisure time.

I've been inspired by Sarah Richardson's decorating style for a long time and look forward to her new series that starts tomorrow on HGTV.  You can find the schedule for upcoming episodes on the HGTV website.

"A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one`s husband, but how seldom married people in the midst of life achieve it. "   Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Happy Easter - Spring Planter Box Centerpiece

I hope you have a blessed Easter Day.  We are lucky to be spending it again with family and realize what a treasure that is.  No completely decked out tablescape this year but I did create a centerpiece that I thought you'd like to see. It's been a while since I've dabbled in floral arranging but am pretty happy with how this turned out.

Easter 2011 Tulip and Hydrangea Planter box centerpiece - Cindy Rippe

The arrangement was inspired by the tablescape that I fell in love with at the International Housewares Show last month featuring Paula Deen's new dinnerware by Meyer. You can see a picture of it on her facebook page.

After finding a bargain on a flat of tulip plants ($4.00 at Lowes) and Hydrangea bushes (Michaels - 60% off) I was good to go!  Spring is my favorite time of year and the "New Life" theme worked out pretty well.

Afternoon Shadows on the centerpiece - Cindy Rippe

Dinner will be served buffet style with disposable dinnerware. We've all been going through some crazy, busy times around here and decided that easy cleanup would be the way to go for a change. (After my concerns about using disposable products I was reminded that they will be recycled)  I found these at Party City.  We'll use my stainless flatware instead of plastic and I chose the hand towels instead of napkins because of the way they are folded and the size is just a bit larger.  We'll alternate napkins and plates to make it easy for guests to pick them up in the buffet line.

Pretty Paisley Napkins and Leaf Green Plates from Party City - Cindy Rippe

Here's a link to last year's tablescape.  Enjoy!

From my house to yours: Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Life!

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Blog Hopping this week with:

Take some time to visit these cute blogs too please.

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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A Touch of Spring Inspiration

We ventured over to Sid's Greenhouse.  They were nice enough to let me take photos and since it wasn't busy we stayed for a while.  I gathered the warmth, the beauty and saw so many things for the garden that I could use for Tablescaping. 

Can you imagine how happy I was to see all of the stages of growth on the Amaryllis collection?  A Botanical Artist's dream come true!

 There were Gnomes everywhere!  At least three different displays. I'm sure the movie coming out has something to do with that. Do you see the famous Gnome in the center?  I didn't know he traveled to Palos, Illinois!

The Pantone Honeysuckle Pink pottery mixed in with red and white gathered for a cheerful display.

There were lots of fairies, another strong design trend, but one that has been a garden standard for years.  I took so many pictures.  I'll be using them for design inspiration.  Very soon I hope!

Trends on Tuesdays - Words

I'm working on new painted and stitched designs for kitchen, entertaining and holidays. My designs are inspired by words and inspirational quotes and I'm certainly not alone!  (see end of post for cookie info)

Another Designer friend is inspired by words to create her art and loves to research the meaning of the word, the feeling it conveys and additional words to get a message across.  KELLY HOERNIG, says; "I have to create and words are an important part of the inspiration. Discovering new "out of the box" ways to put the two together are always a challenge for me. I want to take you on an artistic journey so you can discover your own imagination by seeing things differently and through my eyes."   

 Peace Art - copyright Kelly Hoernig

While not a new trend, the use of words and inspirational quotes is incredibly popular in home decor, stationery and design right now.  Maybe it's the need for hope and happiness in our society, maybe it's the new year and a need for change, or just the desire to make your feelings known.  Whatever the reason; my Trend research this month allowed me to find several wonderful ways for you to get your own message across.

Upper Case Living - Vinyl Words - Cindy Wollenzien

Left to Right:  Studio 628 Hand Towels,  Dining Out Embroidered Pillow, BetsyGrace Manners Napkins

Left to Right:  Pottery Barn Comfort Food , DaySpring Life Collection , DaySpring Ever Grateful Collection 

Oh!  2 year old Isabella and I made the cookies at the top of this post using Sillycone molds.  Even though the cookie weren't perfect, (someone got a little zealous and overfilled the molds) we had a great time making them.  I like making ice cubes with the molds for parties to really personalize the decor.

I do have a few of the molds left in stock.  If you're interested in purchasing a set, email me for information at: CindyRippe@gmail.com or watch for them in my CHERISHED STUFF shop .  What words would YOU create with them?

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD...Psalm 19:14

Look for me on the FAVECRAFTS Blog Hop!  You'll find lots of inspiration there.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We sure did. A cozy evening with family and friends gave us much to be thankful for. Sarah and her Mom, Mary, prepared a delicious meal. The traditional family favorites that Tawn (Broccoli, Rice and Cheese) and Nani (Broken Glass - jello) added to the menu rounded out a feast that we all enjoyed.  My job was decorate and bring salad and cake.

 

The table's almost ready.  Sorry, I got busy helping and visiting and I forgot to go back for more pictures.

 

We alternated bowls and plates for the salad.  By mixing the limited amount of brown glass with clear we still got a nice look.  The Johnson Brothers Windsor Ware plates (heirlooms from Sarah's family) have an assortment of fruits and flowers on them.

The roses (they were actually more Rust than Red) matched the flowers on the dinnerware almost exactly.

The inspirational Thanksgiving sign that I made for the Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop looked very nice with the colors of the dessert and the bronze antique mirror frame.  (It's so great when things work out the way you imagine them to!)  I often display the beautiful desserts on a side board as part of my party decor.

Isabella and Nani (Great Grandma) check to make sure the Chocolate Fudge Cake was O.K. to serve for dessert.  Bella LOVES "choc-o-late".  We love to hear her say it.  :)  She decided she would like to eat cake first before the meal.  That's my girl!  She waited patiently until after dinner though.

For more beautiful tablescapes, many that are more elaborate than mine, check out Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps on the Porch. 

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 2 - Black and White Favor Box

Welcome to week 2 of 7 for the Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop!  I really enjoyed all the creative uses for Eileen Hull's Pop Up House from last week.  This week we're using Karen Burniston's Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Cube, Twist 3-D (Pop-Up) - #656739. 

I've been deep into research for 2011- 2012 color trends and have the Black and White color scheme on the brain so when I opened the kit for the Twist Cube this is what I saw as a finished project!

The box was sent already cut out of Black cardstock from Die Cuts with a View. It takes two 12 X 12" pieces to cut out the pieces for the box using the Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine. 

 

I chose to use my finished design as a gift box.  There is an opening in the back that's perfect to fit a party favor in.  Once you decorate and put the box together it twists easily to fold down flat.  Wouldn't it be cute to put inside of a greeting card or scrapbook?  Here's a PDF with the instructions for assembling the box.

After a practice assembly, with removable Glue Dots, I designed a branch of leaves and transferred it to the top and side pieces with white transfer paper. I used a fine liner brush to paint the design with DecoArt Americana Warm White acrylic paint.  For me, this was like sketching with a brush.  I started by pulling a curved line from the base of the stem to the top leaf. Next, I pulled smooth strokes for the vein lines and jagged strokes for the outside edge of the leaves.

I painted very fine lines to create shading from the outside edge of the leaf first and then pulling out from the vein lines. You can see on this close up that the finished design has a sketchy look and it's not really hard to do.  You could create a similar design using a paint pen or rubber stamps if you'd like. All that's left to do is to assemble the painted box, add a little name tag, tuck a gift in the back and you're finished!

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