Ronda Palazzari Designs

Halloween Tags

Hi there! It's Ronda here today to share with you three boo-tiful halloween tags. I love this time of year and especially love creating tags for this season. Tags are a great little project to get your creative juices flowing. I like to hang them up together as decoration and then use them either on my layouts or all together in a mini album.  

On the Little Monsters tag I painted the background purple. I like using pops of color with the typical orange & blacks. Purple is definitely one of my favorites to pair with those colors. Once my background was dried, I layered the frightful words paper on top, ripping the bottom edge to expose the purple. I added some burnt orange paint to the paper and then began layering my elements.

Those witch legs are so stinking cute paired with the banner! I wanted to bring some of the black color to the top so I added the little monsters banner along with the 31 pennant and two chipboard bats. The pumpkin brad looks great as the final pop of color.  

On this 31 tag I also started with a pop of color, a dark turquoise. I mixed the turquoise with a little bit of white paint to break up the dark color. I grabbed my 6x6 paper pad and picked out this frightful piece of patterened paper to layer on top. The white against the turquoise really stands out.   

I didn't think this tag needed much more so i just layered a few pieces here and there. The sticker arrow to the top is paired with the fun spider. Did you notice there are three around the page? Three is always a good number in designs. I adore the giant sparkling 31 chipboard frame so I made it my focal point of this tag. I love that it echoes the design of the patterned paper. I finished the tag with the chipboard "October 31," adding that touch of white to the bottom.  

The Boo Crew tag is all about pairing patterned paper. Again I went to my 6x6 patterned paper pad and pulled out a few sheets. I wanted an orange base and a pattern that wasn't too busy, so this orange chevron was perfect. Next I layered the same pattterned paper in three different strips across the top of the tag. By using the front & the back of the paper plus adding some purple paint, I really changed up the look and stretched my paper.  

i created a rosette "flower" out of patterned paper in a simple white & black design. i added the brad circle on top changing out the small brad for a larger one. Don't be afraid to change up these fabulous brads to suit your design esthetics. i added another brad element and a sticker circle design to the background before adding my rosette piece on top. The enamel dots around the page add that perfect pop of color and reinforce my circle elements around the page.  

Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Mini Butterfly Tutorial

Yes i know i have a thing for butterflies.  I just cannot help it.  After doing the large butterflies found on this post, i decided to go mini!  These butterlfies are the perfect size for layouts, cards, tages, bags, headbands, etc.  You get the idea.  I am going to show you how to make these butterflies in less than 7 minutes!  They are so adorable and you will be addicted!

Q&A: Designs, part 1

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about design.  Since this seems to be a hot topic, i decided to break it up into two parts.

What is your favorite color palette and how do you get inspiration for using color?

is RAINBOW an acceptable answer?  I do love ROY-G-BIV.  I love color.  I mean LOVE COLOR.  I love combining color.  I have studied color theory and taught color theory.  It's one of my favorite classes to teach.  Here are some thoughts on how be inspired by color.  Look around your home and in your wardrobe.  What colors are you drawn to?  Use the fashion industry as inspiration and notice what color combinations are in store windows.  Check out some color design sites. Here are some of my favorite color inspiration sites: Design Seeds, Jessica Tierney Designs, and Photocard Boutique.  Take on a Color Challenge with The Color Room.  Keep your eyes open and take notes. I also keep lots of Color inspiration in my Color My World board on Pinterest.

When creating, are you concerned about the design elements or do you put more weight on what you like?

The answer is yes.  I really place a lot of emphasis on what i like but i do know design elements.  There is a reason why they work.  Things do seem more pleasing in odd numbers, 3s, 5s, 7s.  a design triangle works.  But here's the  deal, I am also willing to break the rules and not let them define me.  If i have two elements on the page and it looks good, i keep it.  If something looks missing, i see i can complete the design triangle.  I trust my instincts and do what works for me.  Check out some of your favorite artist.  Ask yourself, what design elements do they tend to use?  What is it about the design you love?  Notice what you gravitate too and explore those elements.

How do you know when you have JUST enough embellishments on the project or when you need 'just one more'?

I think this is one of the hardest things in design but it becomes easier with practice.  For me i start with the background and then build up my embellishments.  Sometimes i will pull out a handful of items i want to play around with or i think might coordinate with my story.  I keep them sitting right next to my layout.  I will start adding them and subtracting them.  Here's a good way to help to know is it enough.  Add the element, take a look at the page and think does it work?  That's the first part.  Now take it away.  Are you missing it?  If so put it back on, you want it there.  If not, let it go.  It wasn't meant to be on that page.

My question is do you sit and complete these layered pages in one sitting or do you go back multiple times.

Depends on which kind of art we are talking about. Most of the time with scrapbooking, i do it all in one sitting.  I go go go until it's all complete.  Occasionally though i need to let it sit and brew.  It's usually when i am tired or need a break.  I will take my time with the mixed media/artsy pieces.  I need to let the gesso, paint and/or ink layers dry so that gives me time to think.  I will work on multiple mixed media pieces at once but only one scrapbook page at a time.  Crazy i know but it works for me.  I think it's because the scrapbook pages have become so instinctive for me.  That doesn't i don't push paper occassionally.  It just means i have become very comfortable with scrapbook.  With my artsy pieces, it's all about the process as much as the final product.  I enjoy getting my hands inky and messy.  I like adding layers of color and watching that slow build up.

Pointy Circle Tote

I couldn't resist creating some more with The Crafter's Workshop/Balzer Design Pointy Circles stencil.  This time i used it on fabric to create my own personal tote/purse.  I had a blast creating both the fabric background and tote.  I know how to sew.  I know how to follow a pattern.  I even have created my own patterns before but somehow this time was a lot more intimidating.  I think the first issue was settling on a design that would showcase my custom fabric well.  The second hurdle was to just cut the fabric.  I took that leap and created my happy little tote.  Here's a look at the process. 

I started with a piece of natural canvas and dyed it with Maya Mists.  I used a variety of blues to get the variegated look on the fabric.  I heat set the mists with an iron to set the color.  I love that Maya Mists heat set.  Next i grabbed the pointy circle stencil and stamped some Antiquated Collection Perfumery stamp in random circles.

I used some acrylic paints to paint random circles with a variety of colors.  So many layers of paint in each circle until i had just the right look. 

A few more random stamps over the background and then a few paint splatters. I also stamped onto the pointy circles adding yet another layer.

It was a good start but needed more layers.  I painted more pointy circles on another piece of canvas fabric and cut them out.  I glued them to the first fabric piece after i had randomly stitch in the background.  Then i took a deep breath and cut out my pattern. 

I am truly happy with the way it turned out!  I really want to make some more and experiment a bit more. 

Art + Journaling = Art Journaling

I have been keeping my promise of taking time for me and creating in my art journal.  I have been setting aside time specifically for it.  It's me time and i am important enough.  I have kept journals most of my adult life but i truly enjoy the intersection of the two.  Art + Journal = Art journaling.  Here are some thoughts about art journaling and getting started.

Just start.  This to me is the biggest hurdle.  Here's a quick way to start.

Let go of expectations.  Julie has a brilliant post on this statement. 

take an opportunity to just play around.  try out a new technique. try new mediums (watercolors, pastels, acrylics, etc)

work with what you have & become a master at it.  try uisng just one medium over & over and discover all the different ways to maniuplate it.

you don't have to share any of your pages unless you choose to.  it's your safe place.

backgrounds come in handy.  Another Brilliant post from Julie. below are some pages that are in the works. who knows what they will morph into.  i am ok with that.

which brings up the next point, use your leftovers.  Got paint leftover, swipe it across a page.  or use your leftover paper towels.  (see this post about paper towels).

scraps make interesting bits & pieces on your page.  i cannot even begin to count how many times some little scrap laying on my desk, destined for the recycling, has made it onto my pages

try an art journal collaboration.  Seth Apter is superb at this.  Check out his blog and his new book The Pulse of Mixed Media. I admit this idea really intrigues me. 

journal.  What to journal? your mood, your day, your thoughts, just start writing.  Maybe there are no words.  guess what? there are no rules!

make a themed art journal.  i have been kicking this idea around and cannot settle on a theme.  but i feel it coming closer. 

pick up an art journal magazine.  My favorite is Art Journaling by Somerset Studios.  So many wonderful articles and beautiful art pages in this magazine.

Browse the internet to find inspiration.  Some of my favorite art journalers include: Dina Wakley, Roben Marie-Smith, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Pamela Garrison, Junelle Jacobsen, Mumkaa, Ania-Maria, etc.  I could go on & on. 

Q&A: Organization

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about organization. 

I was wondering whether you set aside some time specifically for scrapbooking, journaling, and etc..?

Yes & No.  I admit organizing my time is one of my weaker areas.  I am getting better at it and have really tried to keep track of my time.  What i like to do is plan out my week.  I see what deadlines are coming up and then plan accordingly.  I do need to add in a specific day for scrapbooking but haven't done so yet.  I do set aside time to art journaling because it's for me.  If i don't, i won't.  I have to put me time on my list. 

how do you stay so organized?

Keep in mind to me organization is different from tidy.  I am not always tidy but i do feel organized.  So let's talk about organization.  You have to find something that works for you.  I purposely used open shelving so i could see what i have and use it.  I do have lots of drawers and they are organized by product.  I am also willing to change something if it just isn't working.  At one time I had my paper organized by manufacture in a 12 x 12 drawer.  It just wasn't working for me.  So I switched it to sitting on my counter, organizing it by color.  Perfect for me and i haven't looked back.  I am willing to try out new things too.  I still pin ideas and inspiration onto my "Studio ideas" board.  I am currently hunting down the perfect way to store my pens.  They really should be on their sides and not up & down.  I don't want them tucked in a drawer and would prefer to have them on my desk without taking up too much space.

I want to know if you prefer to create in the silence of your studio or with music?

I rarely create in silence.  I actually notice it when it's too quite.  I usually have music playing.  I have created a variety of playlists to match my moods and whims.  For example i have my easy going playlist, moody playlist, current music, pump me up music (sometimes i dance & create), etc.  Sometimes i will play a Pandora station.  Occasionally i have the tv on with movies or shows i have seen more than once so it's more like background noise but still entertains me.  Mostly though it's my music. 

How big/small is your space?

It is rather large.  I started out on the dining room table when i first started scrapbooking, pulling out stuff and then packing it all away.  My house now has a dedicated "studio" or "craftroom."  It has lots of shelving and a 14 ft desk to me to share with the kids, the hubby, or friends.  Emily can be found sitting there quite often.  I also am blessed to have a sink in the room.  I cannot even begin to tell you how useful that plumbing is.  I designed the layout and type of cabinets while Andy and my father-in-law Phil built it all.  This come after years of many different types of organization and spaces.  I am truly blessed to create in such a space.

how do you keep it so tidy?

It's not always tidy.  Trust Me.  I start creating and pull out lots of supplies and products.  i make a mess.  i shove things aside and sometimes fail to put things back in their places.  and then i get a bit cranky.  See this post about my messy desk. When the room/desk becomes too messy, i have to stop and clean.  Otherwise it impedes on my creativity.  I have gotten better about letting the mess get too big.  I have actually made myself clean up every week.  it's amazing how much more effect that has been for me to keep my room clean. 

what time of day you can work better? Morning, night, afternoon?

I like mid-morning.  I've had my cup of tea.  I have done some computer work.  I have answered emails and printed off pictures i need.  it's seems to be the perfect time to create.  However i work from about 8 - 5 during the week.  Of course household stuff happens throughout my day, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, errands.  But i try to stick to my schedule so that i have my evenings free.  I have a teen boy who still needs shuttling from here to there.  We both need that time together especially with Andy gone.  Anthony is sometimes gone on weekend nights so i will create then as well. 

Also what day of the week is your favorite if you have one that is.

Strangely enough i do. I like tuesdays.  It's not a monday which always seems like catch-up day.  I have my game plan for the week and the rest of the week holds so much possibility that i don't feel stressed to "get it all done."  Tuesdays!

I wondered if you designate specific times to creating art journal pages vs. mini albums and scrapbooking or do you just sit down and have fun and see what inspires you. I have so many different paper craft areas that sometimes its hard to decide what I feel like doing. 

i've partially answered this question above but would like to take a look at the other part of this question/statement.  First off having so many different ideas is such a blessing.  I usually write down my ideas so i don't forget.  If you are having a hard time deciding what to do, then schedule yourself.  Sometimes we need that motivation to just start creating.  There is nothing saying it is set it stone but you might find it helpful to get going on something rather than nothing.

Do you do the painting, spraying, & messy things in your studio or do you go to another room where messy is easier to clean up?

I do almost everything in my room.  I have pizza boxes from Cocoa Daisy that sit under my desk.  I discovered using these for mists a long time ago and completely love them.  I will add in paper towels to soak up the spray ink.  Those even get used in other creations.  See this post about using them in art journals.  The paint splatters i do in the box as well.  These boxes are also great for travel.  I take them along when i go cropping with my friends.  I recently added a white desk pad to my area to help when i create & paint.  I have this cool Chai tea jar on my table with water in it for my brushes.  When it gets too murky i rinse it out in the sink that's across the room.  (See the above picture with it on the table)  The only thing i won't do in my room is spray paint.  It needs a well ventilated area so i go outside when i use spray paints. 

Q&A: Technique

Beauty Canvas - Chapter 4, Art of Layers

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about technique.

What is your all-time favorite "go-to" technique?

You want me to pick just one?  I don't think i can do that.  The book is called Art of layers because i love layering on the techniques.  Ok if you make me pick just one i would say spray ink/paint splatters.  They can transform a page or project right before your eyes.

Which chapter from your book is your favorite, working with the paper, embellishments, etc?

I like it all.  I really do.  They each bring something different to the pieces.  A little touch of fabric, a stitch here and there, a piece of patterned paper, some bling tossed around, paint strewn about.  But alas you want me to pick just one....MESSY (aka paints & mists).  If i had just plain paper and tubes of paint, i can play around until my heart is content. 

I would love to know your thought process on painting your projects?

You want a peek inside this Dorkapolis brain?  Alright but you asked for it.  When i sit down to paint, i first have to decide what is being painted up....canvas, watercolor paper, wood, fabric?  Yes please.  Next up is my trusty drawer filled with tube paints.  I also have a spinner rack filled with liquid acrylics.  I usually pull out the gesso too.  I usually have a color story already in my head but it's not set in stone.  I feel like if i try to control the paint, color, and story too much it squashes the creativity.  Creativity needs room to breathe.  I'm a texture girl so that needs to be in there somewhere.  i have quite a few paintbrushes right at my finger tips.  I have draws filled with stencils both purchased and homemade.  I have lots of tools to create textures too both bought and homemade.  i often will throw my fingers into the mix.  there is nothing better than painty fingers finding their way around a canvas. 

What is your favorite tool you work with?

Again with making me pick one!  ok this goes along with paints, the paintbrush.  With paints in one hand and a paintbrush in the other (preferable the right one), i see a world of possibilities.  A piece of paper can become what ever pops into my head with a few strokes of paint and moments of creativity.

what tips do you have for stamping on layouts? I love the look of it, but have a really hard time pulling it off.

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."
Joseph Chilton Pearce

Here's the biggest fear with stamping on layouts..."what if i mess it up?"  so i ask "what if you do?"  Do you have more paper?  Do you have more ink?  I am guessing chances are you do.  So let go of the worries.  There will be times when the image isn't where you want it or you drop the stamp on the page by accident (guilty!) but it's ok.  You never know what masterpiece you could create if you don't try.  There are also some tips and tricks to help if this happens on a layout you totally love...Mess it up, Dress it up!  Cover it up with some patterned paper, a photograph, paint.  Still worried? It's totally ok. We all have (including me) worried about messing things up.  But if we don't take those leaps then we have nothing to gain. Begin with something easy.  Stamp an image on another piece of paper, cut it out, and place it on the layout.  See the above photo. The blue/green butterfly was stamped on white cardstock and colored in.  If you want to stamp on the background, either use the acetate printed sheet that comes in the packaging to see where you want the stamp.   Another option is to stamp the image on some acetate(transparency) and use it to find your perfect position. 

When you stitch on your projects, do you pre-pierce the holes or do you just let the needle do the work?

Always.  I use an old mouse pad and a paper piecer to pre-punch my holes.  I do this for two reasons.  1) I always know where i am coming up from the bottom.  If you do this without pre-punching the holes, you run the risk of coming up in the wrong spot.  2) the holes are more controlled and less tearing occurs.  You can use a push pin or your needle to pre-punch your holes as well. 

How do you select papers for your projects?

I have the story in mind when i select papers.  I know the mood i am trying to set.  Take for instance the above layout.  When i saw this picture of my sister, it seemed to me that life was much simpler then, softer.  So i pulled out soft papers.  Not all papers i pull make the page.  I usually pull more than i need so i have a selection.  The colors aren't the only deciding factors either.  Patterns matter too.  They have to work well together.  In this case i wanted to photo to stand out so the patterns are soft.  Think of your story, think of colors to tell your story, and then see how you patterned papers go together.

Do you have a favorite technique that you tend to go back to by default? and why do you thing you return to it often?

see question 1 for the answer ;)

What are some of your most favorite techniques?

 Ok now you are letting me pick more than one...GREAT!  i don't like to be boxed in.  Paint &/or Spray ink splatters, hand stitches here & there, torn patterned paper, layering of embellishments, clear embossing, paint layers.  A LOT of my favorite techniques are in my book Art of Layers.  It's some of my most trusted techniques. 

Layers of Love

Q&A: Inspiraton

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about inspiration.

What inspires you to create such beautiful artwork?

First let me say thank you for calling my work beautiful.  I have always had this drive, this need to create.  It started when i was really young with drawing, sewing, cake decorating, painting, etc.  I have come to realize too that it helps me express my mood.  I do not always acknowledge my feelings or what is bothering me but it comes out in my art.  I have learned to use it to renew myself.  When i am scared, hurt, or happy, i create.  They are not all masterpieces but they bring me peace of mind to have it out of my head and onto paper, canvas, etc.

What kinds of days give you the best inspiration?

I do love a good rainy day to create.  I love watching the weather in Colorado heading over the Rocky Mountains seeing what we are going to get in about an hour.  I love quiet mornings, especially in the winter.  There is something magical about the stillness of freshly fallen snow, a cup of tea, and a paint brush in my hand.

What inspires you the most? Is it the materials, techniques, books or something completely different?

As my friend Julie would say, the answer is yes.  My creative brain rarely shuts off completely so even when i am grocery shopping i notice packaging or displays.  I love reading home decor magazines and seeing colors, design elements, etc.  I have been gravitating towards a lot of Stampinton Magazines: Somerset Memories, Somerset Studios, Sew Somerset, Art Journaling, etc.  Another favorite of mine is Cloth, Paper, Scissors.  I watch fashion shows not only because i love them but because i get to see the latest trends.  i think what inspires the most is just playing around with my materials and seeing where they want to take me. 

how do you start a page, a mini, or card? Do you start with a photo or an inspiration piece, or what?

Most of the time I start with the story i want to tell.  If it is a scrapbook page, it's the story and photo.  Same with a mini album.  I have to be motivated by the story.  I start searching through my photos and see what hits me.  I recently just got back from my niece's wedding and i have all these stories to tell.  I get excited and want to get it on paper.  Here's a few post peeking into my process:

• walking through: a scrapbook page
• Reflections: a mini album tutorial
• Art Journal Cover
• Scraps to Cards
• Jumpstart Creativity Video

What seems to give you the most motivation when starting a project?

a story to tell, a product to play with, a technique to try, or even a deadline.  Once i start a project i really want to finish it!  I want to see the end results.  But i am careful not to rush it too much for there is something to be said about the journey there.

I guess you have many projects in mind to work with, how do you decide which one to do first?

This is admittedly hard for me.  I do have so many projects in mind.  I now keep lists so i don't lose any.  I prioritize my list by what is inspiring me the most at that moment, what deadline is next, and what product/technique i want to use.  I am a firm believer though in doing the one that is screaming at you "pick me, pick me."  Listen to intuition. 

Where's your favorite place to go for inspiration? Do you cruise Pinterest or other online sources? Or turn to nature? Or something else perhaps?

The answer is yes.  I am inspired by lots of things including but not limited to nature, fashion, magazines, pinterest,nature, color combinations, design elements, architecture, a story to tell, etc.  I have trained myself to keep my eyes wide open.  To see things in a whole new way.  Take for instance the photo and layout above.  I was at scrapfest last year with Maya Road.  The wonderful sweet lady who was doing a make & take allowed me to photograph the beautiful flowers on her sweater.  I knew i wanted to replicate them somehow.  A lot of french knots later (and one sore finger...someone forgot she knew how to use a thimble) and i had exactly what i wanted all inspired by a sweater.  KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN & TAKE NOTES.

What inspires you the most when planning a project.In other words how do you keep your inspiration FRESH?

Keep moving!  Keep trying out new techniques.  Something that scares you.  Fear is a great motivator.  Allow yourself to make mistakes.  Even if you don't like it, chances are you have learned something new.  Don't give up.  if at first you don't succeed, try try again. i sound like a bunch of cliches but it's true.  you can be content to say in what's comfortable or use the fear to create something magnificent. 

Do you have times when your heart feels like creating but your body does not? I have been in a funk :-/.

Find little ways to be creative.  When your body is ready, then jump in full force.  Sometimes it's helpful to take a little break.  If you are in a funk with scrapbooking, try art journaling, sewing, or some other craft adventure.  Don't let the funk destroy you. There was a great quote we (Julie, Emily, & Eileen) heard at the Denver Art Museum.

"I have had to train myself to turn my back on the fear that the stuck means anything. It means nothing.  It just human nature.  i'm tired.  I'm afraid it might not turn out.  I've learn to turn my back and sit down and start." Karen Kitchell. 

Project Life, my journey

 

Project Life is a phenomenon spreading throughout scrapbook world.  I admit i have been wondering whether it is right for me or not.  I decided to take a leap and try it out, knowing i was only willing to do what works for me.  I really loved the honesty of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's post on her journey into project life.  She keeps it real and shares some great tips.  So make sure you check out her post. Here are my thoughts into Project Life.

 

I'm not doing it monthly, weekly, or even daily.  I salute those who can and do.  It's quite an accomplishment.  But it is unrealistic for my lifestyle and i would never keep up.  I also don't want it to replace my "traditional" scrapbook pages.  What i am doing is using the pages in my current albums.  I know what you are thinking.  "Albums ronda? We all know a lot your layouts are on the floor."  True but i actually have been rectifying that situation (see above).  And i have bought some WeRMemory keepers Classic Leather ring Albums.  Love them.  I am going for a rainbow of albums.  I did purchase the Becky Higgins Big Variety Pack to use in these albums.  When the mood hits me, i pull out these pages and add them into my albums.  I like this form of storytelling and love the variety it adds into my albums.

 

I love pulling out my old supplies and using them in the pockets.  I have decided that when i have scraps, i will make up a bunch of 3 x 4 and 4 x 6 journaling cards to have on hand.  I love pulling out those old sticker sheets i refuse to part with or my beloved stamps that need play time.  I also have Cocoa Daisy kit remnants that go perfectly into these pages.

I also love that i get to creatively play with these journaling cards.  It's the perfect excuse to just play on some cardstock or watercolor paper with no rhyme or reason.  If i like the results then i can add it into these pages. If i don't, no big deal.  Also if there is a 12 x 12 piece of paper i have misted or painted that just didn't work out for my other pages, i can cut it down for the pockets.  I love to reuse and upcycle. 

I have been using my using my camera phone quite a bit especially with instagram.  I love it but also have a ton of everyday photos.  PERFECT for project life pockets.  They are square from the instagram but i also have my iPhone save them "uncropped" so i have the option.  (Settings, Instagram, save original photo). 

I love that i get to include epherma into my pages.  This postcard arrived from Sri Lanka days into Andy's visit home.  He actually picked it up from the mail.  He has been sending them home from around the globe. I've been collecting them but unsure of how to use them, that is until now.  They are sometimes bigger than the 4 x 6 pages but fit nicely into the 6 x 6 pages with a custom top! And the instagram photo looks so good blown up beside it.

So this is my journey into Project Life.  It works for me and that's important.  Next up is to try out some of the 6 x 6 washi tape page protectors Julie created on her blog.  I already have 6 x 6 pages but now they will have a home in my albums!  Have any cool ideas or tips for your project life pages?  I'd love to hear them!

an early irish blessing

 

i know i am early for St. Patty's day but i wanted to show you this quick tutorial for making a four leaf clover.  This clover is made from Maya Road Zipper trim, the new leaf green color.

You will need four 4 inches of leaf green trim and a hot glue gun.  Fold the ends together and put a dab of hot glue on it and hold it together. 

Pinch the center of the tear drop together and place a dab of hot glue in between the two loops.  Pinch & hold together until the glue sets being careful not to burn your fingers.

Repeat these steps with all 4 pieces.

Bring all the hearts together and now you have a four leaf clover.  You can hot glue them onto a round chipboard piece and put a pin on the back of it.  Wear it on St. Patty's day. 

 

I put it on an tag with an irish blessing. I love the pops of blue & yellow with this tag.  I stitched the stem in a similar color to the zipper trim and then added the blessing. Coming soon is a post about tags & what to do with them!