Susan's Garden Notes Blue Bonnet

I am always blown away with how realistic flowers look when created with Susan Tierney-Cockburn's dies.  This is Susan's Blue Bonnet.

 

This is a picture of the Garden Notes Blue Bonnet/Lupine die set I used.  I have not created the Lupine, which comes in many colors, but I really love how realistic the Blue Bonnet looks.  The height of this finished flower is approximately 3 1/2 inches.  This is such a  perfect size for cards and assembly does not take long since it is a smaller flower.  I die cut all the pieces, using white card stock and colored the petals with Copic Markers and Pan Pastels .  I posted a tag at this LINK explaining how I colored the petals for this flower.  

This is a 6"x6" card.  For the background I used the Elizabeth Craft Designs Agatha Edges dies for the shape at the top of the card.  The die cut piece (the part cut out) was used at the bottom of the card.  Before gluing on that die cut flourish, I used the ECD Lots of Dots Embossing Folder to emboss the card stock below the die cut top border.  A narrow piece of blue card stock was glued across the top line of embossing.  This white background was glued to a blue card stock slightly smaller than the card.  

To create the ovals for the Blue Bonnet, I used the Accordion Oval Card dies.  The largest oval is actually part of the accordion, but was cut away to be a backing for the smaller white oval.  I used the "stitched" die in that set for the lines on the white oval.  These ovals were attached with dimensional tape.  The Blue Bonnet was attached with glue dots.  The sentiment is an ECD Sticker.  Blue pearls were added to complete the card.

The products used from Elizabeth Craft Designs are:

993 - Garden Notes - Blue Bonnet/Lupine

808 - Susan's Flower Tool Set

810 - Susan's Large Molding Pad

811 - Susan's Leaf Pad 

782 - Agatha Edges

E114 - Lots of Dots Embossing Folder

772 - Accordion Oval Card

 324 - Assorted Words Peel Off Stickers

Floral Heart

We still have a lot of snow and I want to think about beautiful flowers instead of the cold! I have been busy creating a lot of small flowers with my Susan's Garden dies, to create this pretty heart shaped wreath. They look so real, I can almost smell them.

This is a wood heart shape I found in the craft store and immediately thought it would be fun to cover it with realistic flowers.  The heart measures 9x9" from widest/tallest measurements.  To create the flowers I used Susan's Mini Petals (Roses), Mini Daisy, and Rhododendron (small purple flowers)  dies.  Once all the flowers were created, I used hot glue to attach them to the wood frame.  Small leaves were inserted around the flowers, then dried baby's breath tucked in.  

Hope you are having a great weekend.

LOVE

 Valentine's Day is not far off.  Today I used the Marianne Design LOVE (LR0301) die for the center attraction.  I used red glitter card stock for the die cut.  

This is a 6"x6" card.  On the background I embossed a piece of white cardstock with the Anna Griffin Smitten Embossing Folder.  On top I added the beautiful die cut doily by Marianne Design Anja's Squares (LR0242). The layers were attached using dimensional tape.

To create the flowers, I used the Susan's Garden Cistus dies (659658).  They were die cut using white card stock and the base of each petal colored with a very pale yellow Copic marker.  I used store bought stamens in the center.  Under the flowers, I added the Marianne Design Leaves CR1272, LR0192, LR0245, and LR0117.  For the corners, I added the Cheery Lynn B162 die cut corner. 

To give sparkle to the card, I used the Ivy Hollow ScrapFusion Needle Point glue to add small amounts of glue to the leaves, around the edge of the hearts and the top of the flowers, then sprinkled on Ranger Distress Stickles Clear Rock Candy dry glitter.  I know it is hard to see the glitter in the photo.

Have you started on your Valentine cards?

Marianne Design LOVE die 

Marianne Design Anja's Squares Dies

Susan's Garden Cistus (Rock Rose) dies

Spring Bouquet

 

It is snowing outside but I am ready for Spring.  Today I worked with Susan's Garden dies to create a Spring Garden.

I love to follow Dr. Sonia on the "Cards, Crafts, Kids Projects Blog". She creates some of the most beautiful projects.  One that I loved recently was a 3-D Pop Up Card that I used for a base for this project. My project does not fold flat;  I inserted a bottom (floor) section.  The box is 4" square so I cut a piece of card stock 5 inches square then scored at 1/2 inch along each side to create tabs i could fold down and attach to the sides.  The tabs were attached below  (folded down) in the 4 inch square so they don't show when looking inside the box. I used ScorTape to attach the side of the box together and to attach the "floor" piece.

Along the base of the die cut windows, I created a daffodil garden using Susan's Garden "Spring Bouquet" dies.

The flowers in Susan's Garden Spring Bouquet die set are very miniature compared to the original daffodils from Susan. You can see the difference in size in this picture.

 These little daffodils were so easy to create; they will work perfect on any project including cards.  I know you will have fun with them.  There are also dies to create mini tulips, in the Spring Bouquet die set.

Along the top of the die cut windows I added Ivy created with dies from the Susan's Garden "Leaves, Fern & Ivy" die set. The smallest ivy leaves in this die set were glued to thin wire to create a vine.  On the inside, I added more ivy and some purple vine flowers create with the Susan's Garden "Forsythia" dies.  Inside the die cut box, I placed a small gift box which has a bird sitting on the  lid. You could add a flameless candle and use it for a home decor piece.   Butterflies were added to complete the project.

If you would like instructions on building the pop-up card, go to  Dr. Sonia's blog at this LINK.

I hope you enjoyed this project.

Susan's Garden Spring Bouquet Dies

Susan's Garden Sweet Peas

I never thought I would be able to create the delicate little sweet pea flowers, but with Susan's Garden Sweet Pea dies, it was so easy.  You can see her directions at this LINK. 

Here is a close up of these pretty little flowers.   I assembled the sweet peas then used a hot glue gun to attach them to some thin floral wire.  These flowers make such a pretty addition to any card or box. 

 

The sweet peas look beautiful placed on white background.  You can purchase these dies from Ellen Hutson, LLC at this LINK.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day.

Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia and Stamen Tutorial

 I love creating the Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia.  It is such a beautiful flower. 

  I used Susan's directions to create this flower but I did create the stamen a little different.  I promised you a tutorial on how I did it.  Here is the LINK to Susan's instructions for completing her magnolia.   Around the magnolia I added Susan's Garden White Pine Pine Cones and Pine Branches.  I created this card for a winter birthday card.

TUTORIAL FOR SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA STAMEN

 

This is a picture of a Southern Magnolia.

 When I started to create this stamen, I was not sure how many stamen pieces I would need,  so I die cut five pieces.  I cut each projection of the stamen twice to create 3 points.  This creates the frilly look needed for this stamen.  On one of the pieces, I colored the base brown to resemble the stamen in the picture.

 To get the stamen to have the curled points, I used the self-closing tweezers from Susan's Tool Kit and rolled down each point.  I caught the three narrow points and rolled them down.  You don't have to be real fussy about getting them exactly alike.  You can arrange them once the whole stamen is created.

 This is what the pieces looked like once the points were all curled down.

Add glue, on the back, to the bottom edge of one of the pieces that you have not colored the base, and roll it using the self-closing tweezers.  (You want the curls rolling out.) This will be the top of the stamen.

  Add glue to the next stamen piece and roll it around the base of the first rolled stamen.  The base is wide and this is very easy to do. This picture shows two stamens glued together.

 Depending on how high you want the stamen, you can use three or four pieces.  I only used a total of three.

 Next add glue to the back of the piece you have colored the base brown. Roll the piece around the bottom of the other stamens.  If the bottom is not perfectly straight, you can trim it with scissors so you can get it to sit straight in the center of the flower.  Add glue to the bottom of the stamen and place it in the center of the completed magnolia.

I know you will have fun creating these beautiful Magnolias. You can purchase Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia dies at this LINK.

Susan's Garden New Flowers

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.  Are you ready to start working on new flowers for your Spring Paper Garden? It is great to be back designing.  The past few days, I have been working with the new Susan's Garden Flower Collection.  What amazing dies she has in this new release!

Here is a list of the dies in this collection:

Sweet Peas

Camellia

Carnation

Southern Magnolia

White Pine Pine Cones

Spider Mum

Rhododendron

Christmas Holly

Cistus (Rock Rose)

Nasturtium

Spring Bouquet which includes dies for mini daffodils and Tulips 

Cosmos

Amaryllis

3-D Book (Sizzix Bigz XL Die)

Grid Works (3 7/8" Square)

Woodland Leaves

Lady Slipper Tag

 Each flower is very easy to create.  I watched each of Susan's videos for instructions and love all the little tips she gives us to create such realistic flowers.  I will be posting each flower individually, along with the link to Susan's instructions,  but today I want to show you the entire flower collection.  I included the 3-D book in this picture which is decorated with Susan's Garden Poinsettia, the White Pine Pine Cones and her Christmas Holly.  This little box is perfect for including a gift card, money, candy or other small gift.  It will be beautiful with any of Susan's flowers for other gift occasions.  

I previously posted the Southern Magnolia and will be doing a tutorial soon to show you how I created the stamen for this gorgeous flower. 

You can find all these dies at Ellen Hutson, LLC at this LINK.

Have a great weekend.

Susan's Garden 3-D Book

 Today I have a project I think a lot of you are going to love.  It is perfect for gift giving for the holidays.  It is the new Susan's Garden 3-D Book die that can be used for inserting a gift card or be used for small gifts.  It is a die you will be able to use year round. 

Here is a picture of the Susan's Garden 3-D Book package along with the box I created.  It is one of the long Sizzix dies that you need to use the Extended Cutting Pads with to die cut it.  To create a very solid box, I recommend purchasing Craft-a-Board from Ellen Hutson, LLC.  This board is thin enough to be used with most diecut systems and dies, yet sturdy enough to produce beautiful projects.  I covered the Craft-a-Board with Design Paper. 

 To decorate my 3-D Book (box), I created a poinsettia using Susan's Garden Poinsettia Dies.  I also used the Susan's Garden Christmas Holly and Susan's Garden White Pine Pinecones dies for fillers under the poinsettia.  A sparkly white ribbon was used to close the book.

I always have certain people on my Christmas List that ask for gift cards.  This little 3-D Book creates a beautiful box I am sure the recipient will love more than receiving a gift card in a little folder or envelope.

I still don't have time to post tutorials on the new Susan's Garden products, but if you have any questions, please email me and I will help you.

Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia

 I am so excited to show you the new Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia.  Doesn't it look real!!!   

This is a picture of the package of Susan's Garden Southern Magnolia dies.

 I wanted to see a closeup of the stamen in the Southern Magnolia to see exactly how it was shaped.  I found this picture on the Internet. 

 Susan has a video at this LINK showing you how to assemble the magnolia.  I love Susan's tips on creating very realistic leaves.  Be sure to check that out!

I followed Susan's directions on assembling the magnolia except for the stamen.  I looked at the picture I found on the Internet and tried to create the stamen very similar to the one in that picture.  I used three of her stamen die cuts.  I don't have time to do a tutorial right now, but if you leave a comment below and let me know if you are interested, I will do a post later with a tutorial.

I had asked Susan last Spring if she was going to have dies to create a magnolia and knew the dies for this gorgeous flower would be out this Fall.  When I received my package of new dies, this was the first flower I wanted to create.  Susan's flower dies always create such gorgeous and realistic flowers.  I know you will love creating this flower and all the other new ones in this collection.  I will continue posting the new flowers as I have time.  My husband will be in the hospital about one more week then I will have time to devote much more time doing my favorite thing -- creating flowers!

Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great weekend.

NEW Susan's Garden Fall 2014 Collection Dies

 

I have great news.  The new Susan's Garden Fall 2014 Collection is now available.  Here are the 17 new dies:

Rhododendron

Southern Magnolia

Cistus (Rock Rose)

Sweet Pea

Cosmos

Spider Mum

Nasturtium

Spring Bouquet

Amaryllis

Carnation

Camellia

Christmas Holly

White Pine Pinecones

Lady Slipper

3 7/8 square Grid Works (create a box)

3-D Book (box)

Woodland Leaves (10 leaves)

You can see all of Susan's new Fall 2014 dies at this LINK

I have anxiously been awaiting Susan's new dies, however they arrived the afternoon before my husband went to the hospital for a knee replacement.  He ended up with blood clots so has been in the hospital much longer than expected, so I have not had much time to work in my craftroom.  However, since I know you are all probably working on Christmas cards, I wanted to take time create and show you the beautiful Susan's Garden Pinecone and Pine Branches dies and the Christmas Holly dies.  If you go to the link above you will be able to view the videos Susan did showing you step by step instructions for these dies. 

Link to Susan's Pinecone Video

Here are the pinecones I created with Susan's dies. The pinecone and branches are beautiful just the way Susan's created them, but I thought I would show you an additional idea to give them a snowy effect.   I added Ranger Texture Paste and Distress Stickles Dry Glitter. 

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 Link to Susan's Holly Video

You are going to love all the different sizes of realistic holly in this set.  Susan will show you a tip for creating the glossy look of the holly leaf and also how to create the berries.  

Here is a close up of the holly and pinecones I created.  On the holly leaves I added Viva Inka Gold paste. 

In this picture I have created a Susan's Garden lavender poinsettia, with gold highlights, and surrounded it with Susan's Garden pine branches and pine cones.

My husband is expected to be in the hospital for another two weeks, but as I can, I will be working on creating all the other flowers and boxes with Susan's Fall 2014 Collection.  I will post a board showing all the new flowers, as I have done in the past.  

Have fun creating!

Box with Lilies

Today is a beautiful sunny day.  My husband is out getting in some last minute golf before he goes in for knee replacement surgery this week, so I decided to work on decorating a gift box with Susan's Garden flowers.  I used a little wicker box and created Susan's Garden Lilies for the main attraction.  The smaller mum type flowers were created using the Susan's Garden Dahlia dies and then for a third flower I used Susan's Garden Daisy Dies.  My sweet friend from the Netherlands sent me a "Kitchen Craft Buttons Fondant Mould".  This mold is perfect for creating realistic centers for flowers.  I used Martha Stewart yellow air dry clay.  After they were dry, I sponged on Aged Mahogany Distress Ink.  They look very realistic. 

Here is a closeup of the lilies.  You can go to this link to watch Susan Tierney-Cockburn's Lily Video.

 

 After creating all the flowers, I placed them on the box and started pulling things out of my embellishment box.  I added a variety of leaves and other floral pieces I had in my stash.  There is a piece of a net bag, that fruit came in, that is tucked under the items on the top of the box.  The three butterflies were fussy cut from some Graphic 45 design paper and attached.

This wicker box was purchased from Hobby Lobby.  They come in a variety of sizes.  I think floral arrangements on these boxes always look so pretty.

Thank you for visiting me today.  I hope I give you some inspiration to decorate a plain box, with flowers, for a beautiful gift.