May 20, 2014

Dried Flowers

Hi Everyone! 

Recently, Ms. Connie Stumm of Fannies Follies sent me a package with items made from Dried Flowers. The items were absolutely beautiful. I really love the bookmark she sent me. I will be using that for my Bible. After I looked into it, I discovered a whole new world of crafts using Dried Flowers. It is a very popular niche in the crafting industry. I found out that there are even nail artists who are using dried flowers in nail designs. Dried Flowers are also very popular among Scrappers who make scrapbooks, tags, and cards.


For More information about Dried Flowers with Fannies Follies, please click here.

Happy Crafting and God bless, Chan




Birdie Condo by Connie Stumm


May 19, 2014

Rubix Cube 40th Anniversary

Rubix Cube is 40 years old this year!  This combination puzzle was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor, Erno Rubik.  It was originally called the Magic Cube.  By the 1980s, this toy was being sold worldwide.  The main colors on the Rubix cube are Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and White.  Hey, they left out pink!  LOL

I had a Rubix cube in the 1980s.  It was a favorite of mine second only to the arcade game of Pac Man.  I only solved the Rubix Cube one time and I don't know how I did that.  I just kept trying until it happened. 

To this day, people are still paying the Rubix Cube.  In fact, they have annual Speed cubing competitions for the Rubix every year.  I love the Rubix Cube because it reminds me of the fun times I had as a child and I am very thankful for those memories.  Happy 40th Birthday, Rubix Cube!  I wish you many, many more! 

Now where's that Pink Rubix Cube?

God bless, Chan


Rubix Cube 40th Anniversary

May 17, 2014

Paper Roses

Recently, I've been making a lot of my own paper roses.  I am really enjoying myself because I have so much more options in color and choice for my flowers.  I've been using a variety of different punches and dies.  In addition, I've been experimenting with using different distress inks.  I've noticed that the color of ink that is used on the flower gives it a whole new look.  I am going to be uploading a video about my paper flower endeavor soon.  Until then, I'll be rolling and punching some more flowers and having loads of fun. 

Happy Crafting and God bless, Chan


Making Paper Flowers is Fun!  I made these last week while watching TV. 


These are peach coral flowers.  I stared with cream card stock and distressed the edges with hot pink distress ink.  I believe I used worn lipstick by Tim Holtz.   


Combination Flower.  I used a five flower punch combined with a swirl flower die to create this one. 




I call this my country flower.  I used wooden buttons with twine. 
 


Make a Paper Flower Buffet! 


May 15, 2014

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!  Oh Yeah!  Who doesn't love a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.  It is by far my favorite cookie of all cookies.  Chocolate chip was invented by Ruth Wakefield of Whitman, Massachusetts in 1938 so this year, it is 76 years young!  The cookie is also the official state cookie of Massachusetts.  Go Chocolate Chip!  I may just run out and get a box today!  

God bless, Chan 



 Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

Directions

Sift flour together with salt and set aside.

Cream together butter and sugars. Add the eggs mixing until combined. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add alternately with flour mixture. Add vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 36 to 48 hours.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Scoop out rounded tablespoonfuls refrigerated dough and roll between hands into a ball. Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet and press ball down to flatten. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden brown. Cool cookies on the pan for 2 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

May 14, 2014

How to Recycle Old Soap

Do you have a old soap pieces around the house?  Did you buy some soap a long time ago because it was on sale but you had to stop using it because it made your skin dry?  If so, I have the answer for you.  Recycle your soap, add lotion to the mixture, and use your old soap again.  After I added lotion pink soap, I took a bath with that soap and I felt like a newborn baby afterwards.  No dry skin and I didn't need rub on lotion either.  Watch my video about How to recycle old soap.  It is very easy to do and only takes about 15 minutes.  Recycle and Reuse!  

Items you will need to recycle soap:

Old Soap 
Cheese grater
Lotion to add moisture to soap (optional) 
a pot for melting the old soap 
water to put with the melting soap
muffin pan to mold the soap
butter knife to remove the soap from mold

Happy Crafting and God bless, Chan 






May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day Celebration

Happy, Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers around the world and in the heavens above.  Thank you for everything you have done and everything you continue to do.  I made some additional items for Mother's Day. I made a bouquet of white flowers for my Mom who is deceased.  I also made a floral postcard to send to heaven.

May God be with all of us today,

Once Again, Happy Mother's Day. . . . I love you, Mom

God bless, Chan



This is a picture of me and my mom.  As always, Mom is here showing me love. 
In the mother's day tradition, if your mom is deceased, you get white flowers. If she is alive it is red flowers. 


A Floral Postcard for my Mom.




To Mom "In Care of God"
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers! 



May 10, 2014

Anna Jarvis Who Invented Mother's Day

Who invented Mother's Day?

Miss Anna Reeves Jarvis (1864-1948) founded Mother's day to pay tribute to wonderful legacy of mothers.  During this time,  most holidays focused on Men's accomplishments only, so Miss Jarvis started Mother's Day to celebrate the accomplishments of women.  She had a very close relationship with her mother and loved her very much.  Although, Miss Jarvis had no children of her own, she still understood the significance of Mothers.


Anna Jarvis Quote

I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mothers day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.Ann Reeves Jarvis


First Mother's Day History

The first Mother's Day Celebration was held in 1908.  Miss Jarvis started the tradition of wearing a white flower and visiting her mom on that special day.  Soon after she started the holiday, merchants began selling flowers, candy, and cards.  Miss Jarvis was very upset with the commercialization of this sacred holiday and spoke out against the business owners who were profiting from the day. 

When did Mother's Day Begin

In 1914, Congress made Mother's Day an official Holiday. I'm sure there probably was some serious lobbying going on by the merchants to get this done.  They wanted to make more money from the holiday.

On Mother's Day Do I Wear White or Red Flowers?


Things have changed.  In the beginning, the white carnation was only designated for this day.  Now red flowers are used for living mothers and white are now reserved for deceased mothers.  But I feel like you can give your mom whatever color she likes.  It's what's in your heart that matters.

Anna Jarvis Quote

Its whiteness is to symbolize the truth, purity and broad-charity of mother love; its fragrance, her memory, and her prayers. The carnation does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies, and so, too, mothers hug their children to their hearts, their mother love never dying. When I selected this flower, I was remembering my mother’s bed of white pinks.  —Anna Reeves Jarvis


Mother's Day 2014 and Beyond! 

Since the very first celebration of this blessed day, Mother's day sales have skyrocketed.  Every year,  we spend billions of dollars on gifts and cards for our Mothers on this day. 

And guess what?  I think our Mamas are worth every penny! 

Happy Mother's Day! 

God Bless, Chan

May 9, 2014

How to Make a Rose Bouquet Out of Paper


If you need a last minute gift for mom, make a flower bouquet out of paper.  It is very easy and fun to make beautiful paper flowers for mother's day.  The nice thing about paper roses is that Mom will have them for a long time.  She can kept them in her home or office for many years to come.  In fact, these can be custom made in her favorite colors.  Making paper roses gives you a lot of flexibility in design.  I love using novels to make these roses because I like the storybook feel that it gives to the project.  This paper rose bouquet tutorial video I produced will show you have to make a simple flower bouquet in about 5 minutes.  
Let's get ready for Mother's Day! 
Happy Crafting and God bless, Chan 


This Paper Rose Bouquet Template Can also be used for the following occasions:

Weddings
Baby Showers
Graduations
Bridal Showers
Sympathy
Birthdays
Baptisms and Christening Ceremonies
Christmas
Easter
Mother's Day Floral Bouquet.  Show your mom that you care with this paper rose bouquet


This project can also be used for a paper flower wedding bouquet or used at bridal showers.


  These paper rose bouquets can be displayed in a variety of different bowls and vases.  Personally, I prefer the clear plastic or glass vases.  I like seeing both the paper flower and the paper stem.


Paper Rose Bouquets can be just as special as the real ones and they will last a whole lot longer.



Many different embellishments can be placed on paper rose bouquets.  Here I used a combination of lace and flat back clear acrylic beads.


When you make a rose bouquet out of paper you get to choose what colors and papers you want to use.


When you make a flower bouquet, you can choose what color and paper you use for the project.  This gives you a lot of room to be creative. 


Happy Mother's Day!



May 7, 2014

Mother's Day Cards For Mothers Who Have Passed Away

I made a Mother's Day card for my late Mother and it is my prayer that she will see this from Heaven.  I hope she is pleased with my efforts.  I just couldn't see not doing anything this year because she wasn't here with me in the physical world.  If you have a mother who is gone on, join me in cherishing your mother's memory with a handmade card.  

Happy Crafting to you And 

To all the Mothers worldwide

God bless all of you, Chan

This card was made from Butterfly Garden Paper from DCWV.  It's a beautiful stack perfect for Mother's day Cards.


The Flower was made from Brenda Walton Madeline Mat Pad put out by K&C Company


I used white flat lace on the front of the card to add some texture. 
I used the sizzix swirl flower die and the retro flower punch to make the large rose in the middle.  I added a little tag with a little flower so that the rose could have a little charm hanging from it. To see, how I made this rose, click on the video below entitled "How to Make a Rose"



I love cardboard cards because they are very sturdy and durable.  I also like the ridged and rough edges.  It makes good contrast for the soft flowers and lace.




This is the Martha Stewart Butterfly punch. 



My mother taught me many valuable things in life. And I cherish all the lessons she taught me.

Other Bible Verses about Mothers

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.   - Proverbs 1:8-9

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"  and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. - John 19:25-27

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.  The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.  - Proverbs 23:22-24

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--  "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." - Ephesians 6:1-3

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but a virtuous woman (Godly Mother) surpasses them all."  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a Godly woman and Mother who fears the LORD is to be praised.  - Proverbs 31:25-30 


Happy Mother's Day to all Mother's Living and Deceased.  God bless you call!


May 3, 2014

How to Make Flower and Roses out of Paper : Easy Crafts

Hi Everyone!

You know I had forgotten just how much fun it can be to make your own flowers out of paper.  I decided to use my large retro floral punch and stampin up swirl flower die.  I made one flower then I wanted to make more.  I ended up making over 12 flowers in one night.  Now I'm on a roll and making some smaller flowers now.  It is so much fun to make flowers out of paper.

God bless and Happy Crafting, Chan


How to make roses out of paper



Paper roses with tags - great gift for mother's day