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?

Beauty After the Storm

We stayed in for the next few days after the Blizzard.  It was really cold and for a change we didn't have to go anywhere.  On Saturday I looked out my window and saw this.

The squirrels had finally ventured out to play in the snow!  You can see where they hopped down from the tree started out and circled back. Fun!  I looked up to find them and noticed something better.

The sky was blue and the sun was shining for the first time in 5 days!  I called out "Lee!  Let's get out of here!"  I didn't have a plan. I just wanted to enjoy some of that sunshine too. After driving around town to survey the storm damage we headed for one of our favorite nature preserves, Lake Katherine.

This end of the lake is kept from freezing and flows to a creek and waterfall.  The ducks and geese were enjoying the sunshine too!

This is the creek with fast running water.  The waterfall is behind the trees but we didn't dress for hiking through the snow.

So pretty.  It was going on a little vacation!

Snowflakes and A Day at Home

Well we made it through the Blizzard of 2011.  

View from my front window.  I love this tree and I'm glad it weathered the storm.

Even though we lost power for 15 hours we were lucky that most of that time was while we slept.  Cozy and warm under a collection of quilts and an excuse to sleep late! That part was nice.  A rare mid-week day off with Lee was nice too! 

The wind was so strong it blew the drifts away from this side of the cars.

Shoveling and cleaning off the cars wasn't fun but that worked out OK too with some help from our neighbor, Adolph, and eventually a sympathetic pick up truck driver with a plow. (After the city plow reburied our parking spaces).

Our Garden Shed and Rose Arbor.  Lots of flowers waiting under that snow!

So grateful that we had no major damage and had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Winter.  I am totally ready for it to be gone though!  Come on Spring!  There are perennials waiting to grow!