When it comes to decorating styles, my mother loves the French Country style. Mine is more 'eclectic'. Which is a nice way of saying "cast-off and garage sale chic". Any of you who have more than one Y Chromosome running around in your house, probably have the same decorating style. Boys can make any area resemble a war zone in mere minutes. One day, I may develop a style, but only on that day when the last one turns 18 and I change the alarm code for the last time, will I be able to figure it out.
Today's inspiration challenge is 'Country Curtains' and I genuinely like the website. I loved the seaside lines and toile, but I wanted to push myself out of those comfort zones and work with patterns I didn't really care for. I picked up this 6x6 paper pad at Hobby Lobby a year ago. It was half-price and, comfort zone notwithstanding, I ain't turning down half-price!! It's the only one of its kind in my craftroom, and has never been used til today. I saw this quilt pattern on the website http://www.countrycurtains.com/categ...+collection.do and it became my inspiration. Not only was this a first in color and style for me, it's the FIRST time I used the sewing machine I purchased a year ago and JUST FIGURED OUT HOW TO USE!!! Sort of. I managed to keep it sort of straight around the edges and did NOT injure myself!! That's SUCCESS in my book, people! After the fact, I realized I should've used a navy thread but I let it go...I'd had ALL the success I needed for one day.
The paper I sewed to the mat was so pretty, I couldn't think of anything I could do that would make it worth covering up. So, I took a second sheet and fussy cut several balloons, which I attached over each one's mate with mounting tape. Then I set 2 eyelets, punched out 5 banners with letters spelling "Merci" and glued them to the twine I strung through the eyelets. I feel like I totally cheated but DANG!! That was GREAT paper!!! I totally blame the paper company for making such spectacular paper. Feel free to do that as well.
Loved the challenge, as always!! TY!
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2014 GMT Views: 1678
Favorited:5
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50468
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 @ 1:53 PM
Your sure made the most of that "unwanted" but darn cheap paper! Your resulting card is outstanding! The dimension of the balloons is fab and who cares if the Merci banner was easy..it looks great!! Glad you finally got out your sewing machine..I expect to see it used on future projects....did you know you can use it without thread to paper pierce? It's a fun way to do a border or design and you don't need matching thread ;)
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82296
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 @ 2:36 PM
Wow - this is totally amazing! I love it. You know it qualifies for the MIX challenge this week! I have a BIG love of balloons having been on a traveling balloon team in my younger days. Loved it! Your card is going into my faves for sure! Hugz!
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Wow! Lots of love and work went into this. Glad you got out of your comfort zone. perhaps this will be a new zone for you. Love all those fussy cut balloons! Beautiful paper too--glad it was half price!-- and you took the chance on it. Anyone would be thrilled to get this work of art!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131503
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 @ 3:41 PM
Love the banner, especially that it's in French (my mother was French). I love it when paper can carry a card all on its own. And for your first attempt at sewing - congratulations. I usually try to avoid zigzag stitch because it's the hardest to get looking neat at the corners!! If you're planning on often using different colours, my best tip is to get a reel of clear nylon thread (usually sold for quilting, I think) and use it in the bobbin.
Registered: May 25, 2006 Location: So. Oregon Posts: 121711
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 @ 4:27 PM
YAY for figuring out your sewing machine PS I only have clear thread on my bobbin for the back sides too!
too funny I think a whole lot of people start out with family hand-me-down style and I have not outgrown it yet even with the boy child being over 18... what I love best about this is the patchwork look to the balloons.
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 22598
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 @ 7:11 PM
Your card really caught my eye! I love balloons and patchwork and your card has both! What a fantastic use of a paper stash and love that banner! Your writing is equally as fun as your card! I look forward to your descriptions and great sense of humor! You always make me chuckle!