Merry Christmas!

I am taking a few quick moments to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous Christmas!

Today is a very busy day of cooking, my sister and I prepare an Italian traditional Christmas Eve. We cook many variations of fish.  They taste best when prepared the same day, thus all the preparation and cooking.

This little elf likes to hang out in my plants... must be the extra oxygen :-)

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Quilled Nativity Ornament and Snowflakes for Newton

Good Morning Everyone!

Today I am going to share with you one of the new ornaments that I made this year... I usually share ornaments from prior years (lest someone get a sneak peak and ruin the surprise - lol)... I made an exception this year, because I think this ornament is perfect to go with the "Snowflakes for Newton" request I have included today.

I made this ornament (and have hand delivered it) to my friend Lucy.  I cut the nativity from my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine (yes, it is all Lucy's fault - lol)... The image is one I purchased during a sale they had recently... I am getting used to the cutting machine, and am still in the learning process...

I don't know how it works with you, but I truly believe that I am an "accidental" creator... Here is why... I cut the image from a few different colors, and as I peeled them off I placed them on the table I was working on, as luck would have it, I happened to place this one on a purple piece of scrap paper. As I laid it down, I was struck by the color combination and said that's it (see what I mean by "accidental")!

I have a cuttlebug (and you know how much I love my dies) so I whipped out my Spellbinders dies and tracked down my purple paper and cut an Oval and then layered that over a double sided paper that had that antiqued cream look to tie back in the image that I cut with the largest Lacy Oval die.

No project is complete without glitter, so I added glitter to the purple oval and then glued down the nativity.  I had my quilling supplies out and added a quick quilled element (we can call it a flower maybe - lol)... pulled out some pearls and added them as well.

Before I leave you today, I wanted to let you know about a special project I learned about from several online friends and bloggers.  This is for those affected by the recent tragedy in Connecticut.  If you are like me, every time you think about it your heart breaks.  So many lives and families hurt by the actions of one.  I have a young son, and cannot imagine him not returning from school one day.  That is why I selected the ornament above, it is through His mercy that these families will get through each day!

Snowflakes for Newtown

When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building.  There are many parent-volunteers who are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland.  They are doing this by decorating the new school with as many unique snowflakes as possible.  This is how you can help, and get everyone in the family involved young and old alike.

From the organizers: 

"We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA"

Here is the Address for those wishing to contribute:

Connecticut PTSA

60 Connolly Parkway

Building 12, Suite 103

Hamden, CT 06514

I know it is a small thing, and hope that those who return find some wonder and awe in the snowflakes that will surround them.

I am joining these linky parties:
One Stop Craft Challenge - A Christmas Carol - mine is "Silent Night" inspired
The Answer is Chocolate - Link Party #84 - anything crafty
Alderberry Hill - Tis the Season 2012 Holiday Link Party

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Lovely Quilled Winter Wreath Tutorial

Happy Wednesday Saturday! (as you may have guessed, I forgot to publish this post... you know what they say, the first thing to go is the memory... sheepish smile... but as a bonus, there will be 2 posts today :-)

It is a brisk day filled with sunshine today (it was, hope today will be too)! So nice to have the sun out and no rain in the forecast for the day :-)

I wanted to share with you a Winter Wreath project I did - this is one of my old ones... I used fringed flowers that create the wreath (this is an oldie but a goodie and there are lots of possibilities)

Wreaths are a lot of fun to make and use on your cards or as ornaments.  Or, if you go on a bigger scale, you can use them around your home...

The fringed flower at the top of the wreath is made in the following way:

• 1 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) tight coil
• 1 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) White fringed strip
• 1 - 4 inch (10.16 cm) Green fringed strip
• Glue the white and green fringed strips together at one end. At the end that is glued together, glue it to the red strip. Beginning with the red, roll the paper, keeping it tight and gluing it together.
• After the glue has dried, place the flower on a hard surface and gently push down on the fringe so that the fringes are spread apart.  A tip is to take your needle tool or a pin and curl the edges as this will add a little extra to the fringes (you can do this if you haven't fringed a very dense flower).

The remaining 5 flowers are arranged around the wreath and are made in the following way:

• 1 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) tight coil
• 1 - 2 inch (5.08 cm) White fringed strip
• 1 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) Green fringed strip
• Glue the red, white and green strips together end-to-end Beginning with the red, roll the paper, keeping it tight and gluing it together.
• After the glue has dried, place the flower on a hard surface and gently push down on the fringe so that they are spread out as shown.

To fill in the wreath, I did the following:

• 8 or more - 3 inch (7.62 cm) teardrops that are placed between the fringed flowers to fill in the design.
• 1 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) heart, see photo for placement
• 2 - 3 inch (7.62 cm) curled strips (see photo). Cut the ends at an angle, and weave through the wreath for added color

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Filigree Friday Christmas Card

Merry Christmas! 

I love making homemade cards, don't you? C'mon, admit it. I mean, how else are we going to attempt to use up all that lovely paper that is starting to take over your home one room at a time?

I love the crisp white and green against the red background.  The flowers are made using alternate side looping.  Alternate side looping is a technique where you don't use a tool, instead you fold your quilling paper  and wrap it to create the flowers.

I was going for a more modern look to this card, and placed a less traditional butterfly on the large flower... and let's not forget my scrolls, they are simple and easy to make and are so pretty.

The red card base is one that I bought at Michaels (a few years ago, when their $1 bin was actually a dollar).. yeah, what were they thinking when they made them $1.50? The cards were purchased embossed.

As I searched for a project to post, I selected this one because I really like these types of flowers and scrolls too :-)  I have to admit that this card was given as a birthday card, but the colors work for Christmas and I didn't take a picture with the sentiment - so don't tell :-)

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!

Enjoy!

Throwback Tuesday Quilled Wreath with Spiral Roses

Welcome to Throwback Tuesday! 

I  am truly enjoying "re-sharing" past projects with you.  I have a lot of wintery / Christmasy projects, so it is a perfect thing at this time of year!

I love wreaths, and I do think of them this time of year as the season of Advent kicks off.  This year we setup a wreath on our kitchen table with ribbons of purple and rose to ensure we had the correct colors (didn't plan correctly, so couldn't find candles with the proper colors)... No worries though :-)

Alas, I digress.... So this wreath was on a birthday card and is also an ornament.  I may have to pull up some other wreath themed projects I've made, but haven't yet shared... Let's plan on next week being "wreath focused" lol...

I created the wreath shape by taking 2 circle punches and punching one inside the other to create the general wreath shape (I used my 2 and 2-1/2 inch punches)

I then punched fern leaves from various green papers (I am one of the few people who purchased the Empunchler many many moons ago, and used their fern punch).  Some day I am actually going to remember to take out my punches and just punch the shapes over and over again so that I have a ready made stock pile, or I can do what I always do and make it at the last minute :-)

I made certain to punch a 1/16" hole at what would be the top of my wreath.  I do it after I add the greenery just in case it looks better with the hole positioned in a certain place... yes, I spend lots of time worrying and changing my mind.

I made 9 Spiral Roses (click here for a link to the spiral rose instructions)
you can make more or less, I actually created more than 9 and then played around until I found a grouping that I liked... that's what makes this so fun, you can change your arrangement and each wreath you make will be unique.

I then made about 20 - 3 inch (7.6 cm) green shaped teardrops for the leaves on my roses... again, I played with the arrangement until I liked what I saw.

Then I created a few spirals and sprinkled them around for good measure.

Finally, I added a jump ring, and later added ribbon for my hanger to complete the ornament.


I do enjoy creating pieces of my final project and each step along the way agonizing over how I am going to use it...  Truth be told, many times I will create the parts/pieces of my project, and lay the pieces down but won't glue it down right away, this gives me the opportunity to "sleep on it" - do you ever do that? I find that I sometimes get inspired to try something new or to try a specific layout... of course, sometimes the thoughts in my dreams work better than the actual end design - lol.

I'd love to hear from you!

Linking up here:
     Tuesday Talent Show #63 - Chef in Training - Share your Talent party
     Open House Link Party #82 - Answer is Chocolate

Enjoy!

So Much to be Thankful For

Hello Everyone!

This time of the year makes you think about so many things... taking stock in yourself and what you have to be thankful for is humbling, isn't it? We made it through the recent storm Sandy with minimal damage. We have family members who lost so much more, but compared to some who lost everything we are the fortunate ones.

I wanted to share with you a project I was fortunate to participate in... I recently collaborated with some talented women from the North American Quilling Guild, NAQG, on a project for the New York Times Style Magazine.  They have a signature "T" and they search for people to recreate it in various medium.  We were thrilled when they contacted us to create a quilled creation!!!!!

I joined Rita Anderson, Donna Del Giudice, Sherry Rodehaver, and Fredricka Whitman to create this sweet "T"... I contributed various flowers and leaves and the cute little lady bugs (they were just too cute not to include)!

Have a great day!

Throwback Tuesday Quilled Snowman and Birdhouse Ornament

Welcome to Throwback Tuesday!

This is an opportunity for me to re-share something that I've shared with you in the past... This being the holiday season and all, I am going to be sharing some ornaments and Christmas themed items from Christmas past... (did you like that little scrooge reference? lol)

My first re-share with you is an ornament that I have shown you in the past, this time I am also going to share with you the tutorial to explain how I created this little guy (you can tell it is a boy because he is wearing a top hat).  I want you to know that this is more of a guideline, since I created this guy quite a while ago and don't quite remember all the sizes...

First, I cut a Birdhouse shape out of designer scrapbook paper, I chose this paper because it was felted, and brown, and had the most beautiful scrolls on it... Ok, my paper addiction is showing :-)

So, I accented the birdhouse with a nice red roof and base, for the entryway, I added a sparkly red circle....

I hand cut the holly leaves from some wide quilling paper and then quilled some nice, red, berries.  I started with a strip approximately 4 inches long and quilled a tight roll.

The center piece is this sweet, little Snowman:
Large Bottom Snowball

• 4 full strips of white quilling paper

Snowball Face

• 1-1/2 full strips of white quilling paper
• I then punched several black "coal" buttons and eyes
• Cut a small orange triangle
• Added 2 wiggle eyes (they do make the snowman)
• For his top hat, I cut an approximate 1 x 1 inch strip of scrapbook paper
• ... and then cut a circle out of the same paper for the brim of his stylish hat
• Cut a strip of ribbon for his scarf
• ... and of course added lots of glitter

You throw in a little love and there you have it... a friendly snowman ornament!

I hope you are having a wonderful day!


Enjoy!

Cute Rosette Turkey

Wow! Where has the year gone? In the US it is already Thanksgiving time!!! Yikes!!! From here the end of 2012 is within sight :-)  If you are like me, you are looking around and thinking "Oh No! I haven't started getting ready for the other big holiday yet... lol"

I thought I would share a quick little project with you.  It is a very simple Rosette Turkey, the turkey itself is the result of a search on the keyword "turkey" I then picked one that I liked, and printed it 4 times (why 4? Well, I wanted to add dimension so I broke the image into the following pieces:

• Base image - colored in with colored pencils, what can I say, I still have a young child :-)
• Feathers and Body and Feet - colored again, but this time added glitter to the pieces that were going to be visible.... as you can see in the picture, I definitely played with the layers here, and cut a few of the feathers out with the next layer I cut.
• Wings - colored and glittered, and threw in a few feathers for good measure
• Cute little face - colored and glittered

Tip: For the base image, I colored the outside pieces and cut off his feet to make it a little easier.

So this is how the turkey was born... My sister-in-law doesn't understand and cannot imagine why I would go to all the trouble... Yes, I have a wonderful family who believes that I am completely batty to spend my time crafting... You'd think there would be one of them who would support me? But I digress...

For the Rosette, I punched a Martha border and then used my Martha Score Pad to score the lines... folded and made it into a circle... Ok, you got me... I didn't measure how long my strip was, probably 6 - 8 inches, because I have a lot of strips that length.

I then used a large scallop punch (Marvy Giga Punch 3") as my base and mounted everything on top.

For the card, I created a lip and used the turkey to hold it closed.  I was experimenting, as I included a gift card with it.  This little fella was part of a gift basket.

I hope you are enjoying day, and cannot wait to see all the fun turkey cards everyone has made!

Linky Parties:
Cupcake Craft Challenges - 219 Paper Pleating:  http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/11/cupcake-219-paper-pleating.html

Make It Monday - http://ppp-makeitmonday.blogspot.com/2012/11/mim116-with-meljens-designs.html
Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

World Card Making Day

Well, better late than never!  World Card Making Day - oh my!!!!

I wanted to sneak in a card that was made with some fun Make The Cut "Happy Birthday" art that my pal Lucy cut for me...

Isn't this a fun card? I tried a few different layouts before I ended up with the final arrangement... You can kind of see the progression and how I ended up with my final card...  Flowers, glitter and pearls for a sweet little girl!

Have a great day!

Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

Shadow Shot Sunday and Free Digi Printable

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted a Shadow Shot, but I hope you like this one... thought it would be funny to post something "cool" since it has been so hot recently - lol...

This photo was taken at night, with our outside light on... I was walking by and thought "what a neat shot" I'm glad I ran in to grab my camera :-)  I have been playing a little with picmonkey with my photos... still not picnik, but not too bad - lol

The following quote is free for you to download should you chose:

Do we not all spend the greater part of our lives under the shadow of an event that has not yet come to pass.

by Maurice Maeterlinck

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials and freebies / printables with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, because I would love to hear from you
• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)
• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.
• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!
• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 
• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

http://shadowshotsunday2.blogspot.com/

Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

Fabulous Friday Share The Memories Freebies

Hope you are having a Fabulous Friday!!!  Eeks, I won't mention what day it is... so instead I am going to offer you something fun and FREE so we can forget!!!!

I know some of you use the Share the Memories software, and they are such a generous group, they offer these wonderful freebies and great instructions for how to use them... isn't that sweet?

This wonderful birthday card that you see was created with one of their beautiful freebies! Yeah!!  The really nice thing is that you can use them even if you don't have their software because they share the digital files and not just the version that works with their software.  So, please read on to see where you can get them for yourself.

They shared these great papers (yes, they are the patriotic set) and cupcake liners - they are so popular now aren't they? As you can see from my picture at the top of this post, I used mine on a Birthday card for a 10 year old.  Now it worked out for 2 reasons, 1st his birthday is right around Independence Day and blues and reds work for boys... the stars are a bonus!!!

• I started with their background paper, after discussions with my "age appropriate consultant" (my son), I chose the blue background paper... because boys like blue (and red as well, but blue was better - lol)
• I then layered these beautiful "H" and "B" letter buttons (there is probably a more official term, but I'm going with this... these also from Share The Memories and are in my "digital collection" (that is just a fancy way of saying they are in my folder... and added the Happy Birthday to the card.
• I printed them out on this lovely cardstock I got from Couture Cardstock when I attended the Scrapbook Expo in New Jersey with Lucy (you remember her, she is my enabler and is partly responsible for my paper purchases at the expo, I mean I could have said no...not likely, but I coulda - lol)
• I then ran it through my cuttlebug Circles embossing folder (if any of you know the real name, please let me know)... I wanted to give it that extra bit of texture and I am glad I did! I was worried about circles, but then embraced the idea
• Then I added some bling - I mean really, I don't think I know how to make a card without it!!
• For the inside, I cut out some cupcakes from paper that I have, added a sentiment, finally used a tag I had, and yes, more bling and there you have it!!  A birthday card (for a BOY!!!)
• I hope you like it!

Now, onto the freebie that inspired this card... This is the picture that greeted me, I mean, who wouldn't think of a birthday party when they are looking at cupcakes, am I right?

Aren't these the cutest cupcakes? I wish I could get the cupcakes too, don't you?? This is the project that they featured with the freebies... If you want to make your own cupcake liners, simply follow these instructions they provided (with some editorializing by me - lol):

• Start with the cupcakes... you can bake them yourself (let them cool before you add the liner, I mean you want to eat one right away, oh I mean you don't want to burn yourself).  I would probably frost them afterwards, but if they are already frosted, throw them in the fridge and chill them before putting liners on because it is easier to put liners on if the frosting is cold.
• Print your Cupcake liner templates on cardstock and gather supplies (they recommend the following: small craft scissors, tape, foam squares, toothpicks and if you have them 1.25" circle punch and ribbon if you have it).  Note: Each printed page will have enough supplies for 2 cupakes.
• Using the scissors cut along outside line of the liner pattern
• TIP: You can use a 1.25" circle punch to cut out the toppers and it will make it super easy because this is what size they are if printed at full size.

• Wrap liner around cupcake and tape at seam.
• TIP: If using a smaller cupcake, just wrap around at the desired height. You can place a smaller cupcake at the bottom of the liner or make it tighter and wrap it around at the top.

• Using foam squares or tape, attach the front and back circles together to form the topper. Insert toothpick between the circles

• Add ribbon onto the toothpick or at the bottom of the front circle, if desired.
• Insert toothpick into cupcake.  Enjoy the finished cupcakes and share.  Don't forget to use your imagination.  The possibilites are endless!

YUM!!!  You may want to hurry, these freebies will be there until July 17th!  Just click here for the freebies and remember, if you order something, let them know you found them through me and don't forget to use my discount code STMMMS63090 to get your discount!!


I am linking up here:
The Answer is Chocolate Open House Link Party - http://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/2012/07/bff-open-house-link-party-62.html

Whipperberry Friday Flair Link Party - http://whipperberry.com/2012/07/friday-flair-link-party-inspiration-waffles.html

Sweet Stampin - Use the Colors of your flag - http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/flags-are-out-at-sweet-stampin.html

Cards for Men - Birthday Card - http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/2012/07/challenge-14-happy-birthday.html 

Craftionary Friday Fun Party - http://www.craftionary.net/2012/07/friday-fun-party-and-features-127.html 

Marvelous Mess #71  - http://www.marvelouslymessy.com/2012/07/marvelous-mess-71-and-features.html

Make it Monday - http://ppp-makeitmonday.blogspot.com/ 

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post, although I am an affiliate with Share The Memories for any purchases you may make with my discount code.  As always, my opinions are solely my own, quirky as they may be :-)


Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

Happy 4th of July 50 States Rhyme

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

I know, are you checking your computer and asking yourself is this really happening? A post from me??? :-)  I'm so sorry that it has been so long since I've posted...

One of our summer projects will be to learn the states and capitals, so I was searching with one of my favorite "friends"... google, and found this "50 States that Rhyme" song... figured we'd give it a try.  It won't help with where they are located on the map, but it is supposed to help with retention of what the states are... I suppose it is worth a try :-)  If you have any tips or hints, I'd love to hear them...

So, on this July 4th Independence Day I am sharing a printable with the rhyming song with you...

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials and freebies / printables with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, because I would love to hear from you
• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)
• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.
• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!
• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 
• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

Looks like rain this morning, but I think it is supposed to be another really hot day :-)  Hope you have a beautiful day wherever you are today!!!

Enjoy!
Antonella DeFalco

Simply Sunday Shadow Shot and Free Valentine Printables

I loved the fact that this entire photo is in the shadows, don't you? It is from a baby shower I recently attended, and there were some sweet little girls helping out the mommy to be :-)

Today I am sharing some Valentine hearts and a few sayings that you can use on those last minute projects or for your Wedding or Anniversary gifts... let's face it, you can use hearts any time of the year and I hope you find occasion to use these.

2.5 x 2.5 in heart	2.5 x 2.5 in heart	2.5 x 2.5 in heart	2.5 x 2.5 in heart
2.5 x 2.5 in heart	2.5 x 2.5 in heart	Love Stamp	2x5 x 2.5 in heart
2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart
Love Stamp	Love Stamp	Love Stamp	Love Stamp
2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart	2 x 1.5 in heart

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials and freebies / printables with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, because I would love to hear from you
• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)
• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.
• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!
• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 
• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Enjoy!
Antonella DeFalco