Sunday, May 31, 2009

Embellish It!

One of the main reasons that I began stamping, was to be able to recreate embellishments, tags, etc. for a fraction of the cost. I really liked how easy is was to mass produce invitations, cards and gift items without having to buy multiple packages of embellishments to get my projects completed. I was so thrilled with this month's Papertrey Ink Design Team challenge to recreate or create some embellishments from the fabulous products that Papertrey Ink carries.

Is it any surprise that I decided to include accordian flowers, ribbon and buttons? I had so much fun creating this fun embellishments that could easily be added to gift packaging, cards, tags, etc.




For those of you who are visiting for the first time or for those who may have missed it, you can check out a step by step tutorial on how to make accordian flowers. For these particular flowers, I used Papertrey Ink's Friend's 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper. Since this paper measures 8 inches, I cut two 2 1/2 inch strips for each flower. I simply joined the two pieces together into a long strip once I had accorian pleated each strip. I did use my pinking shears on one side to create more of a *flower* feel. I like how it turned out.

For the gathered ribbon, I simply cut 16 inches of assorted Papertrey Ink ribbon, baste stitched it with my sewing machine and pulled one strand of thread on each side to gather it. Once it had been gathered evenly, I tied the thread on each end in a knot, trimmed the thread and began attaching it to the ribbon.
To attach it to the button, simply add about 3 or 4 craft glue dots to the back of the pre-threaded button. Once you have the glue dots in place, begins adding the ribbon, carefully keeping the front of the ribbon on the outside (it can flip if it gets too gathered). Once you have the entire length of the ribbon on the button, use a few more glue dots to add it to the accordian flower. I would recommend having the project you will be adding your embellishment to, ready and available so that it can be adhered right away.

Do you remember those Target dollar spot magnetic frames from a few years ago? I kept quite a stash on hand and decided to add some magnetic strips to the back of my embellishment and create a fun frame to keep in my studio. Since the embellishment has so much going on, I kept the frame simple and plain so that it wouldn't detract from the photo.


I had so much fun with this challenge. I actually have another little something up my sleeve using this basic design, but in a different way that I can't wait to show you! You also won't want miss what the other gals have come up with...seriously amazing! You can see all of them here including Nichole's project as well!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies
Stamps: Mixed Messages
nk: True Black
Paper: PTI White, Friends 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper
Accessories: Assorted PTI ribbon and buttons, crochet thread, sewing machine and thread, glue dots

22 comments:

Unknown said...

OMGosh - just beautiful!!!! So classy and economical too. I love the accordian flower and you do a great job making them and embellishing them. I'm definitely going to keep your accordian flowers in mind when making mine. Nice work!

Erica said...

You have done a beautiful job on these. I'm sure your embellishments will be emulated.

Jenn said...

these are just darling, Kelly!

Cammie said...

What beautiful embellishments. I'm going to give this a try.

Sharon-The OKI StampQueen said...

They are adorable!!! I cannot wait to try these on the flower pot cards my friend Theresa just taught me how to make!! They will be perfect--particularly with the little message attached! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Sharon

Anonymous said...

I am so grateful to you for sharing the tutorial. I am a big fan of yours and love your stamping style!

papertrails leaver said...

Very cute! I like the frame you created and the flowers are on my to do list very soon!

Sherry said...

What beautiful flowers!I cannot wait to try this!

Christyne said...

WOW!!! GREAT flowers and a wonderful idea! TFS.

Brandi Parshley said...

Beautiful! What a fantastic idea for those magnetic frames! LOVE it!

Catherine Couch Doucette said...

I just love the flowers, thanks for the inspiration!

Elizabeth S. said...

These are fantastic! Love everything about. The frame is a terrific idea

Dizzy Broad said...

Gorgeous! I'll have to give these a try! TFS!

Carly said...

WOW! I just love these beautiful embellishements! I'm definitely going to have to try making a few. TFS!

Tamara said...

These are so pretty. I can see so many options for these.

Melissa said...

So very sweet!

Many Blessings,
M.

Paula Pascual said...

They absolutely gorgeous! Me thinks I want to make some!

Dawn Easton said...

Oh my goodness, how pretty are these embellishments Kelly?! Love the frame and picture of your kids too....so cute!

Jackie Pedro said...

These are fabulous!

Debbie Lee said...

Wow! Those are really gorgeous! I'd really like to make them and thank you so much for your tutorial, but I'm not exactly sure what a "basting stitch" is or how it works w/ the ribbon. Can you explain it a little better to me, please? Thank you! :)

Amy Rohl said...

Kelly, these are just the cat's meow; the bee's knees, you name it--they're adorably awesome!

So happy for the perfect match up with you and PTI!

Kelley Eubanks said...

These are so beautiful! I love them and am going to have to try to recreate them myself!