Get Well, my friend...

One of my favorite students was recently hit by a truck and wound up in the hospital.  She's doing okay, but lives alone and that makes it very hard for her.  She does have a neighbor who looks in on her.  She's always been a special lady to me.  She's had knee and back problems and when she attends my classes, she has to sit up on a stool at the Art Bar.  This always means a lot of running around for me since class supplies are limited and I have to bring whatever tool, ink, stamp, etc. over to her every time.  Sometimes I'd forget she was there because I had my back to her.  We used to laugh it up when she'd very softly say to me, "Donna, can you bring that ink pad to me, please?"  Always with such understanding for her dimwitted teacher who kept forgetting she was there!  So, here's to a speedy recovery, Kay.  We miss you and look forward to having you back as soon as you are on your feet again.  I'll be sure to put flashing lights on the Art Bar so I don't' forget you!

Here's a sweet little get well card I sent to Kay.  This was done using vellum and a paper piercing tool.  The bow, of course, was created from tulle and a few little flowers added for more interest and dimension.   Just thought I'd share.

Have a bow-ti-ful day!

Donna

Poinsettia wire card

Hello bow makers!
I think you all are aware that Barbara and I have been playing with wire lately and Barb has posted a tutorial on a yarn wired flower in the past and I have posted a small wired flower card (see here and here).

Well, since I'm in full Christmas mode due to the many classes I teach, my sticky little fingers touched upon some red wire I had in the drawer (for safe keeping, you know) and the light bulb went off!  If I can make wire flowers, can I make a wire Poinsettia?  This card is simple in its appearance because I was so caught up in the fact that I did, indeed, create a Poinsettia on the Craft-Dee BowZ using wire (so please pardon he utter simplicity of the card).

Using a doily die from Cheery Lynn for a background and some corner dies from Lifestyle Crafts, I then proceeded to make the flower for the center.  I created two Poinsettia's - one in red and one in green and layered them together.   Once I fanned each "petal" out, I used my jewelry pliers and pinched the ends of each to mimic a Poinsettia leaf.   I added some bling for the center but felt something was missing.  So I hand cut some green leaves to provide more background, gave them some shaping and veining and tipped the ends in gold glitter.  Here's a close-up of the Poinsettia.  My apologies for the lack of sharpness, but I think you get the idea.

Here's a laugh at my self that I'll also share about this card.  I was writing this post and linking the picture of the card and I said to myself "gee, I didn't put a bow on it"   DUH!!!  I totally forgot the wire was the focus and took the place of a bow.  I don't think a ribbon bow would have done anything to enhance this card anyway. If anyone finds my mind, would you please send it back to me?   LOL!

Just thought I'd share more of the fun things this little tool does!

Donna

Trick or TREATS

 So Donna challenged us to make our Craft-Dee BowZ project a non card project but Halloween theme. Well we don't 'celebrate' Halloween at my house so I went way out in left field for my project.

I like to send in goodies with hubby for his co-workers so I decorated a "Treat" container for him to have on his desk that still looks "Halloweenie" but doesn't mention it at all.  Took some of the ribbon Donna sent us and made a triple loop bow by doubling up my ribbons.

 Instead of just laying the ends of the ribbon around the container, I decided to twist the two ribbons together. Using a spider web die, I cut out the spider web and attached it just by the corner. If you look closely you will see a small little spider (sticker) on the web. Printed out a pumpkin digi image from Paper Pretties that I colored and added in the corner.

Now what to fill the treat container with? How about Pumpkin Oreo Muddy Buddies? Oh my gosh! I didn't think I was gonna have any left to put in the mini baggies as this stuff is just that good! Tied each baggie up with some ribbon that I had (keeping with the black/orange color theme).

So there is my way out there "Halloween" project. Hope I have inspired you in some way to create your own treat container for your desk. (and who cares if you don't have co-workers... a desk is a desk! ;) )



Inky hugs,
Amber

Repurpose your old items with Craft-Dee BowZ

Hello Folks

Donna-Marie Here as a guest designer...whoo hooo!!

I am so honored that Donna asked me to join you today.

I use my Craft-Dee BowZ tool all the time to make perfect BowZ for all my projects both crafty and sewing.

Here is my latest project.  I picked up an old glass jar at my local thrift store and wanted to make something for the upcoming holidays to hold my candy.

I painted the jar with Gold 3D Stamp Paint from Viva Décor and then stamped all over with Library Green Archival Ink using a floral stamp pad.

(the trick is not to put the rubber stamp on a block use the stamp without the block so that it will wrap around curved areas).

I then got to work creating my small spools of ribbon and paper.  I strung them on twine and put them aside.  Then it was time to make my bowZ!!! I made a big green one for the top and added a brown one at the bottom to balance the jar and give it some nice proportions.

I added some flowers and a tag :-)

Then strung my spools up into the bow.

I had so much fun making something out of a .49 cent old jar!!

What a great way to help the environment by recycling and repurposing :-)

I have enjoyed spending time with you folks today and hope I have inspired you to make something out of nothing...all you need to do is add a few bowZ!! LOL

Peace and Love



Guest Designer Arriving Soon.

Hi everyone

We have a guest designer slated to join us this Friday.

Her name is Donna Marie and she is one talented lady. 

You may want to visit her blog to check out her work.

Donna Marie

Here is her Bio:

I have spent my entire life being "crafty"! My first scrapbook was when I was a Girl Scout and took a trip to Washington DC (sometime during the Ice Age LOL). With all of this creative energy I decided to choose a career in design. I chose Fashion Design and graduated from Massachusetts College of Art with a BFA. I owned and operated Donna-Marie's Bridal Designs in Boston for several years. The decision to close it and pursue teaching was a much needed change. I wanted to be a part of my daughter’s life on a more full time basis. I have been teaching art and design for 10 years (both high school and college) and could not be any happier! My family is a great source of support and my daughter is the apple of my eye!! ….. “Chef Liz”
My puppy, "Niko" is now my baby since I have an empty nest. 
I have been an avid scrapper for many years and love sharing and learning with the rest of my fellow "addicts"!!
I work and design for Wholly Scrap! This has provided me a great outlet to be productive with all this STUFF!!

Donna Marie is currently busy working on her PhD,but she has graciously agreed to post Friday as a guest designer.  So that is why her blog has had very few posts lately. 

We here at Craft-Dee BowZ are looking forward to seeing what project Donna Marie will be presenting!!!

See you Friday!!!

BEWARE!!!

Hi, it's Patti and I have a coupe ofHalloween cards to share with you today! Donna gave us some gorgeous ribbon this month, and we also got some super cute little stickers and a great spider web die!!! I wanted to do a layout, but I don't have many Halloween pictures and I have scrapped what I do have multiple times, lol! Anyway, here is the first card:

I made a big double loop bow with my Craft-Dee Bowz tool, this made such a pretty bow with the wide sheer ribbon. I did a three loop black one with the smaller ribbon on a smaller size as well.

You can see I added liquid pearl to the diecut frame and then placed my title sticker on that.

I used the cute little spider web die with some silver foil paper and put one in each corner of the card. I placed the larger bow on top left and then the smaller on bottom right!

 Here's the second! Purple cardstock back and orange Kromekote embossed center. The sentiment is Anna Griffin. The pattern paper as well. I added the sticker to the bow!!!

These were really simple cards to make, but I think it gives a dramatic look! I had a lot of fun making this one! Please check back to see what else the Design Team has done with these super fun supplies!!!

Thanks!
Patti

Supplies used:

From Craft-Dee Bowz:
Craft-Dee Bowz Tool
Orange Sheer ribbon
Black Sheer ribbon
Memory Box Die (Creepy Web 98158)
Recollections Glitter Sticker (bat & moon)

Other supplies:
WorldWin Kromekote paper (orange peel)
WorldWin Kromekote paper (black lizard)
WorldWin Kromekote paper (silver foil)
Anna Griffin Spooktacular collection Title sticker
Anna Griffin Reflected Damask Cricut embossing folder
Spellbinders Nestabilities Pearl Effects die
Ranger Liquid Pearl Onyx

Halloween Blog Hop Winner

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back!!!  

Time to announce the winner of the October Blog Hop here at Craft-Dee BowZ.

However, first, I  would like to extend a huge thank-you to all who visited and commented on the posts throughout the blog hop. 

 Next a big thanks to our talented design team on their awesome projects.They really make such fabulous projects don't they!! Our next blog hop is scheduled for December 4 and the theme is  Christmas. 
Everyone's favorite holiday. 

So save the date and plan on joining us for our next Christmas holiday blog hop.

OK, OK!!!! Let me announce who the winner is

Steph

Please contact Barbara at the email below by  October 26

bbruder@fuse.net

Please give me your name and mailing address so we can get you Craft-Dee BowZ tool out to you. 

Thanks so much for hopping with us and we look forward to seeing you again at our next hop.

Just a reminder,  stop back for our weekly posts (each Tuesday) hosted by our super talented design team members.  Also this month we have a guest designer, Donna Marie, 
who will be posting here on Friday, October 18

So stop in to see what this super talented lady will be sharing.

Halloween Blog Hop

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the October Craft-Dee BowZ Blog Hop. Our blog hop this month, celebrates Halloween!!.Are you getting ready for the fun holiday??? Decorating your home, sending out invites for your upcoming party or just sending fun cards to friends and family.All of the designers have created spectacular projects with the Halloween theme in mind. You will be seeing our theme carried out in all of the designers projects throughout the hop. We hope that we are able to inspire you and to give you some ideas for all your upcoming projects. 

Since our Design Team is small,  just 4 designers, it will be easy and quick for you to visit each and every one of the designers' blogs to view their wonderful creations. 

Just a reminder, please make sure you leave a comment on each designers blog and we ask that you leave a comment here as well to be in the running for the prize. The last stop on the hop will be back here at the Craft-Dee BowZ blog, please let us know your thoughts on the fabulous projects presented by our talented designers. 

One visitor who has left comments on all the designers blogs and here as well, will win their very own Craft-Dee BowZ tool.  The winner will be announced here on this blog on Saturday August 17. Be sure to check back here to see if you've won.

To claim your prize, you must notify us by email. You will have exactly one week to claim your prize, so don’t forget to check back on Saturday, October 12  to see if you are the winner!

Relax for a few minutes while you visit our talented designers blogs.Let's start over at the very talented Patty's blog  to view her newest project and please make sure to leave a comment.

Here are your blog hostesses 

Amber 

Brenda

Patty 

Barbara 

Craft-Dee BowZ  (to leave one last comment)

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

Good morning! Brenda here, with this weeks post. I hope you are enjoying a cool brisk morning, like I am. This is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather.

Okay, onto what I've created for this week. I'm getting a little off the grid this morning with a home decor item. My secret sister from church gave me a small artificial fall arrangement, so I decided to add a few things to it for Halloween. I added raffia, wire and I used skewers to add the K&Co.Pumpkins. Let's not forget about the bow. I used the Craft-DeeBowz bow maker to create this beautiful three ribbon bow.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful creative day! Hugs Brenda

Thought I'd do a quick post in between my DT's projects

You all know how much I love Graphic45 papers.  This is from their Steampunk collection and I just HAD to create something with it.  We actually did this card in class.  I've got their brains turning in every direction with the possibilities using this type of card.  So here goes my class rendition:

The outside...  a few dies thrown in (surprise, huh?  NOT!).  The long one on the left is by Sizzix and the spider web is by (who else) Memory Box!  I had some of that eyelash yarn in white and just went over it with Distress Paint, added a pretty black mesh bow along with the eyelash yarn and the little book was done!

The inside.  I added a few more spider webs and just cut up some of the G45 papers, including The Book of Spells, to add a little dimension and interest.  The frame inside the card allows you to tuck things (see middle bat).

This is a frame that you assemble and add on to the card.  I had taught a class 2 years ago with this same frame on a smaller scale with fish and seaweed and sea shells.  Think, birthday, wedding -- any occasion really.  It is such a fun card to make.  And of course I topped it all off with a bow made on the Craft-Dee BowZ.

Just thought you might enjoy something different!

Have a Bow-ti-ful day!

Donna

Trick or Treat

Welcome back!!!

It's Barbara here with my Tuesday...... er, Wednesday post. I usually post on the first Tuesday of each month but yesterday was the 1st of the month , which  is the beginning of the monthly challenge, so I postponed my post til today. October's theme for the design team is Anything but a Card...... so I want to show you a cute little Trick or Treat bag I made for my post this month..

I used a black gift bag that I picked up from Michael's and decorated it. I have a die that cuts out 3 different skylines and I decided a nighttime skyline would be a fun bag front. Recently I received a spider web die and added that to the scene. A vellum full moon adds to the early evening scene. And, I couldn't resist adding that spider by the web.

I added a single loop bow to this bag. 

This bow is a basic bow, maybe a little less frilly than my ususal bows,

 but none the less it is the perfect accent to this bag.

Just a reminder,

Craft-Dee BowZ is having a Halloween Blog Hop October 10-11. We hope that you will take a few minutes and join us for a fun time with inspiration for your Halloween projects. We have a small team so it won't take you very long to go to all the designers blogs.You could be the winner of the next give away of a Craft-Dee BowZ tool.

See you on October 10th at the hop.

DESIGN TEAM CALL!

Craft-Dee BowZ 

is putting out a Design Team call and we are looking for

 a team of 4 very creative people.

We are looking for talented crafters and artists who LOVE using ribbon and can meet deadlines.   If you are a card maker, scrapbooker,  paper crafter, bow artist, altered artist or if you do anything fun and unique with ribbon. please apply.  Our readers are looking for variety, so don't be afraid to show your creative side.  

Requirements

•   We ask that you commit to a 6 month term from January, 2014 through June, 2014

•   Be a versatile crafter who loves to work with bows.

•   Have an active blog and the ability to take quality pictures and post interesting entries directly to the Craft-Dee BowZ blog.   Our project requirements are minimal as follows:

•   Must have a Facebook page and be somewhat familiar with Facebook

•   We require one project per month posted directly to our blog. You must also post projects using the Craft-Dee BowZ on your own blog and promote Craft-Dee BowZ whenever possible.

•   You will be required to create a sample project for our Monthly Challenges  using the Craft-Dee BowZ tool. You are more than welcome to submit more than the required single sample per month.  We realize some designers are very prolific and like to “run” with a design or theme.  There is no added compensation for submitting additional projects at this time.

•   You will also be required to leave comments for our Monthly Challenge participants.  These will be assigned. 

•   You will be required to participate in and promote special events on your blog such as blog hops which will occur every other month of your 6-month term.  

•   You will be required to promote any upcoming Blog Hops one week prior to the actual hop to create interest and participation from your followers and link the Craft-Dee BowZ blog to your blog for these events.

•  You will be allowed full creativity with inks, dies, paper, etc.  The only criteria is to use bows in an “I want to make that” way!  You can create cards, scrapbook layouts, home decor projects, etc. as long as it features bows created on the Craft-Dee BowZ.

•  You will need the Translator feature engaged on your blog.

Rewards

- You will receive compensatory free product of ribbon, trim. bling and other surprises to coincide with your regular monthly theme.

- We will link your blog from the Craft-Dee BowZ blog.

- You will receive a badge to display on your blog stating that you are a Craft-Dee BowZ design team member.

• You will have access to our Facebook group where the design team can network and support one other on CDB projects and other design team work.  This will also be a place to share ideas, open discussions and just have fun.

• You will garner additional followers on your own blogs due to your exposure on the Craft-Dee BowZ blog.

Please submit the following:

- A paragraph telling us about yourself and why you want to be a part of the Craft-Dee BowZ team

- Three (3) good quality jpegs of your favorite projects where you've used bows that will show us the type of work you will create for the Craft-Dee BowZ blog.

- Your crafting resume  

- A link to your blog and galleries

- A list of any design teams you are currently on

- Your contact information including your complete name and mailing address

The deadline for this Design Team call will be open until November 9th.   New design team members will be notified by November 16th, 2013.

To apply, please send an email to deedee.maligno@gmail.com  with the above information.  Be sure and put “Design Team Call” in the Subject line.

For more information about Craft-Dee BowZ, please visit our Craft-Dee BowZ blog.