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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Home for the Holidays: Whimsical Wednesday Challenge!

Happy Wednesday, my sweet friends! Thank you for your loving support over the weekend... my family and I appreciate it. You are all amazing. :o) Hugs!

This week's Whimsical Wednesday challenge is Home for the Holidays! Create any winter, Christmas, or New Years themed home decor item to play along with us this week. With the big celebration this weekend, there's still some time to make that perfect accent or centerpiece with your own crafty hands. :o) Or as is the case with mine, one with a couple of Christmassy elements, but meant to stay put beyond that glorious day.

Made for my sweet, amazing mom... snowy flowers that will never wither. :o) (And a cute stocking tag, too!)
"Warm Winter Wishes"
This turned out to be a favorite project of mine! I happened upon a paper flower arrangement during a google search a couple weeks ago and instantly fell in love. I needed to make my own version and decided on a wintry wonderland bouquet with a couple pops of gorgeous festive red. All of the paper is Core Couture, so it is indeed sparkling like winter's beauty.

I sketched out some ideas, flipped through my little Cricut cart booklets to select a few different flowers... and five million pop-dotted layers later, my snowy bouquet was complete:
The Christmas ornament (and tag) hanging by a pearly snowflake contains the beautiful Whimsical Designs sentiment, which is from the Snow Much Fun set. I embossed it in silver to match the icy silver flecks in the flowers and also embossed some snowflakes from an Inkadinkado Christmas set. I love that I always have the ideal sentiment on hand with these magnificent stamp sets! :o) They make me happy, just like these enormous flowers. Oh these flowers... I practically cleared out my stash of pop dots. They range in sizes for a more realistic appearance. The smallest is 11 layers and the largest is 19 layers, with each layer being 1/4-inch smaller than the previous. To complete the arrangement I added a few different leaves, a couple of my favorite Cindy Loo flourishes, and added some pearls that my mom adores. (And of course a smattering of snowflakes.) The flower stems are made with rolled up white paper. Straws would have been much easier, but mine are all striped or neon... which just didn't quite coordinate. ;)

One side of the Cindy Loo basket contains another ornament, given to me by my sweet friend Jayne. I'm unsure what cart it is from, but I absolutely love it and think it's perfect for this project.
I backed the opening with a swirled golden paper, then covered it in Star Dust to make it sparkle with the Lord's light. Both of the ornaments are topped with silver Stickles and hung in silver. (And a winter butterfly wanted to be a part of this gift.) I made the basket from Cindy Loo and filled it with river rocks to prevent a tumbling accident. I admit it was a bit time consuming assembling the flowers with so many layers, but it was well worth it. Plus, this project was completely enjoyable and fun. I'll be giving it to my mom on Christmas Eve, along with a massive hug.

Since this project isn't exactly wrapping-friendly, I made a coordinating tag. I used the same papers, plus some sparkly Snow-Tex, microbeads, and ribbon. Why so snowy? Because this stocking has been dancing in the snow! :o) (Although technically the rain and fog came, so they are photographed separately. So unfortunate!)
If you view it larger, you'll see the pretty microbeads on the two bottom white sections. I wanted the stocking 'snowy' in a few different forms, so I used the microbeads on the bottom (lightly pressed into Glossy Accents), embossed the top section with a snowflake folder, and added some Glistening Snow-Tex along the trim. My mom loves ribbon and buttons (don't we all?), so I finished it off with some Prairie Bird Boutique crinkle ribbon, a shiny button from a goodie box I won from my sweet friend Pam, and a Peppermint Stick Trendy Twine bow. :o)

I hope you'll join us this week by linking up your winter, Christmas, or New Years home decor project to the Whimsical Wednesday challenge post! I am excited to see your creations. :o) Our very own Whimsical Designer Nanne is this week's generous sponsor, donating a prize pack of marvelous Webster Pages scrapping supplies. Thank you, Nanne! :o)

Be sure to flutter on over to the rest of the Whimsical Designers' blogs to see their beautiful creations. Thank you for visiting me today! I hope everyone has a sparkly, joyous, whimsical Christmas. :o)

Challenges entered:
 * Die Cuttin Divas~ Holiday Decor
 * Fantabulous Cricut~ Trimming with a Tag
 * My Craft Spot~ Tag... You're It!
 * My Sheri Crafts~ Let it Snow

Key Recipe Components:
 * Cricut cartridges: Cindy Loo, Create a Critter, Florals Embellished, Wall Decor and More
 * Cuttlebug embossing folder: Snowy one from Winter Wonderland set
 * Stamps: Sentiment~ Whimsical Designs~ Snow Much Fun; Snowflakes~ Inkadinkado
 * Paper: Core'dinations, K and Company
 * Ribbon: Prairie Bird Boutique
 * Twine: Trendy Twine (Peppermint Stick, purchased at My Craft Spot)
 * Microbeads: Recollections
 * Punches: Butterfly~ Martha Stewart Small Monarch; Snowflake~ Marvy
 * Miscellaneous: Glossy Accents, Pearls (Recollections), Snow-Tex, Stickles

Photobucket

30 comments:

  1. This is absolutely gorgeous!!! All the layers and sparkle are amazing. I totally love this project!! Tfs and have a great day. :)

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  2. I know you mom will absolutely LOVE this, not only because it is so beautiful, but because of all the love you have put into it for her. She is so blessed to have you for a daughter... I pray this I'll be the best Christmas ever for you and your family... Thank you for allowing me to hold your mom up in prayer.
    Love and hugs
    Sandy from ukiah

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  3. Your paper flower centerpiece is AMAZING -- WOW!!! Your Mom will truly love & cherish this and all the hours that went into creating it as she regains her strength. It makes me smile just to know that it will make her smile each time she sees it! Love that snowy stocking tag too. Thanks for sharing with us @ My Sheri Crafts!!!

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  4. OMG...this is just so BEAUTIFUL! I love the beautiful colors and shimmer!

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  5. Such beautiful creations:) Sandra H

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  6. Holy wow...that's about all I can say-- so awesome :)

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  7. Oh my gosh, this is incredible, Karen!! Wow, I am in awe!! I am so scraplifting this fabulous idea from you for my mom!! (I hope I can squeeze in some crafting time before Christmas to make it!!) The Core Couture paper is such a great choice...so sparkly and beautiful!! I love everything about this...the snowflakes, the hanging ornament, the sparkly stocking...just fabulous my sweet friend!!

    I hope you and your family have a very safe, happy, festive holiday season filled with much love and happiness!! I truly value your friendship, Karen - I am so thankful we met in blogland :)

    Lisa
    indymermaid.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh...I forgot to thank you for playing along at FCCB this week!

    Lisa
    indymermaid.blogspot.com

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  9. AHHHHHHHHHH!!! It looks sooooooooo gorgeous!!!

    *leans in closer to the stunning Christmas bouquet to see if it smells like Christmas* Yep. It surrrrrre does. Know why? Cause it is blossoming with endless petals of my Sunshine's Christas love, that's why!!! SQUEEE!

    *pets every single layer and every single sparkle* OMJ Sunshine! I adore this arrangement something crazy. I can't even imagine how much went into every single layer you made on these flawless beauties. And the vase couldn't be more gorgeous. Just look at the incredible details! GASP! And how did you make the swirling white accent in the arrangement, sis? OMJ! Such the ideal addition. It just makes the entire display pop right out...sooooooo amazing!!!

    And SQUEEE! I see a matching taggy too!!! *hugglers it tons* I can't stop staring at the pretty snowy touches you added to it sis! It looks so snowy real!!! *faints*

    Can we give it to your mommy now sis? I can't wait until Christmas eve for her to get it! *is so impatient* TEE HEE! It will be the best Christmas present she has ever received. EVER!!! And the one that will forever mean the very most because of all the love you put into every single bit of it just for her. I love you sooooooooooo much my sweetest sis. God bless you for making her Christmas so very special. I want to be there when she opens it!!!!!!!! *throws tantrum unless you wait for me* WHEEE!!!

    Endless Christmas hugglers and blessings for the forever Sunshine of my heart and her precious mommy and her entire beautiful family this week...it's going to be the best one ever!!!!!

    *forever red and green squishies*
    ~~~ Christina :)

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  10. Hi Karen, your projects are always sweet and I can feel the love you put into your work. I love the projects above


    Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas

    Catarina

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  11. WOW WOW WOW Karen! These flowers are GORGEOUS!!! Totally worth the 5 million pop dots! LOL! I love how sparkley they are and the oh so sweet tags! This micro beads are awesome on the stocking and I just love the flocking! Fabulous project!

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  12. What beautiful flowers, Karen! Love the snowflakes and ornaments on the sides of the basket! The stocking tag is adorable with the embossing and button and twine! I'm sure your mom is going to cherish this! So pretty! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi Karen,Your project is BEAUTIFUL!I LOVE all the pretty flowers,colors and all the layers, FANTASTIC job as always!!Have a wonderful Christmas my sweet friend:)

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  14. This is AMAZING!!!! Karen, I love all the flowers and the colors are gorgeous! I have to make one of these-such a beautiful gift or centerpiece....aaaw-fabulous my friend! Where do you find the time to craft...so jealous! I am so backed up with projects, just can't seem to get in my craft room:(
    Have a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  15. Your bouquet is GORGEOUS!!! Can I have it?! Kidding. I come from Whimsical Designs. I love the crisp, sparkling white and the deep, rich red! The bucket is perfectly adorned to accompany the bouquet. I just have to say WOW!!! I am going to give it a try--thank you for sharing the directions.

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  16. OMG, Karen! I could stare at this all day! FABULOUS creation. The velvety red and crisp white are a wonderful combination of colors and the dimension and shapes are just gorgeous! What an inspirational project!

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  17. This truly is gorgeous. How can you possibly pick a favorite project..they are so fabulous Karen. You picked the perfect pair of colors for this the red/burgendy is so rich! All of the shimmer you have added to this arrangement is so pretty, and is going to really catch everyone's eye. I am SURE this is going to be a huge conversation piece! Perfect way to finish it off with the flourishes, and the "Warm Winter Wishes" sentiment..the added snowflakes around the sentiment is just gorgeous! HUGS my sweet friend:)

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  18. Gorgeous bouquet Karen.Love all of your amazing flowers.I also love your stocking tag and the microbeads look fabulous.Thanks for joining us at My Craft Spot.Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.
    Jayne x

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  19. My sweet friend, your Mom will just LOVE this! I am so glad she is doing better, isn't that the best Christmas gift ever?!
    I love the white and sparkly burgundy you used and each flower creation is just amazing! The layers are incredible! I love the tag too. And the stocking is so pretty too and will match beautifully!
    So let's see if I can comment on other blogs after I post your comment. Yours is my first and then I tend not to be able to comment anymore after my first comment, grrr.....
    Hugs my sweet sparkly friend!

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  20. Just popping in to wish you a Merry Christmas my friend.. I hope it's extra special... Hugs

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  21. Wow Karen, this is so beautiful! What a good idea to make a floral arrangement from paper... You can enjoy it year after year... I love the sprakles and the pearls that you added! :)
    Merry Christmas!!!!
    Amy
    redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com

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  22. Just popping in to say you are in my thought and prayers.. i hope you had a Christmas that was filled with many blessings. AND i pray your mom is still doing well. love and hugs sandy from ukiah

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  23. Oh wow!! those flowers are amazing and so detailed.. must of taken forever to make :)
    sorry so late commenting
    Happy New Year
    Hugs
    Nanné

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  24. Wonderful bouquet of handmade flowers.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"
    http://CreatedbySunshineHoneyBee.blogspot.com

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  25. Absolutely beautiful flowers and tag!! thanks for joining the fun at My Craft Spot!

    Kimberly

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  26. What a lovely centerpice. It looks like you can use it for Valentimes too with those festive colors. Thank you for joining us at Die Cuttin' Divas for our Holiday Decor challenge.

    Happy New Year,
    Georgiana
    Carson's Creations

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  27. OMGoodness, this is absolutely Fantabulous! I cannot imagine the time and patience you had for doing this project! It looks like it would take forever, which is why it's so stunning, I'm sure! Thanks for joining us in our challenge at FCCB! Be sure to check out our Wednesday post. You won't want to miss it! ;) Great job! You have gained a new follower (and fan)!

    XO ~ Amy Jo (new follower)
    amyjrockstar at gmail dot com

    FCCB Coordinator - http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com
    Personal Blog 1 - http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com
    Personal Blog 2 - http://bestthingsivefoundinzines.blogspot.com

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  28. These flowers are absolutly gorgeous! You did an amazing job. I just can't say enough about how beautiful they are.
    Kerry

    mommakcrafts.blogspot.com

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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