More Bella Bleu

First, here's the card I made to go with the Washer pendant. It uses the Three Little Words set. It's a nice design to use with Messages for Mom too.

Now, on the the 'ensemble' of hostess gifts, Mother's Day gifts and Admin Professionals day presents I made recently.

I find myself in possession of an inordinate amount of Bella Bleu Designer paper which, although lovely, isn't going to suit my summer projects... That being said, I appreciate the fact that it's made without any retiring colours, so it will continue to be a useful bunch of paper even into the next Catty season.

neway, here are a few things I made in April and May featuring this DP, Hodgepodge hardware, Build-a-brads, a few basic jewelry findings and plenty of Crystal Effects adhesive/lacquer.

These can be either pendants or a bookmarks...

This one was fun - I made it using Build A Brads, Night of Navy ink, Bella Toille Stamp, CE and some old brass jewelry findings I had. Pretty snazzy eh?

Whadda ya' think?

Tutorial: how to make a Washer Pendant

This was one of our projects at my April Stamp Clubs, and it was sooooo easy. But there were so many people away in April, I have to post the instructions.

Here are all the things you'll need: Metal washers, circle punches (3/4" and 1 1/4"), Crystal Effects, Designer Series Paper, Sanding blocks and something to hang the washer - I'm using swivel fasteners on some hemp twine. 

Try taffeta ribbon - it looks beautiful too!

Start by punching a hole in your Designer Paper with your smallest punch. Then punch a circle around it - to make a doughnut shaped piece.

Now, adhere your circles to both sides of the washer, using Crystal Effects adhesive.

After it has dried, about 5 minutes, sand the edges around the outside and on the inside of the circle using the Sanding Blocks. Use an outward motion on the edges and a circular motion on the inside.

Now, put on a layer of Crystal Effects. Make sure it's nice and even, not too thin, and goes RIGHT to the edges. It shouldn't be too thick or too thin. Look at it from the side now and then to be sure you're covering it completely. This will take at least an hour to dry - best to leave it overnight if you can. Then, do the other side.

Finally, put the stringing of your choice and closure (if desired) on - and of course, make a lovely matching box and card!

Whoops, got to go get a picture of the card!!

Non-stamping post

Here's one of the things that has kept me too busy to blog lately. Before and after shots of me at the Mississauga 10k race! (aren't those cool sleeves? I got 'em for ten BUCKS at the Robena booth at the expo!!! They just slip on like a bolero over the yellow shirt. And I got the matching headband too! Who knew running was so much about the fashion ;o)

I hit my all-time best time of 1 hour and 2 minutes - an improvement of over 7 minutes for me! I loved it - I'm totally addicted to racing!!!