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Good morning everyone and happy Friday! I want to first thank everyone for your inspiring compliments over the past week for my spring bulb garden box (shown below). Click here for link to last week’s spring bulb garden blog post.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Box

Today’s post is a bit unique in that it is not a finished project. Instead, it features an incredible product called VerDay that I have had in my stash for awhile. I bought it with great intentions…but never really used it, until now. VerDay is a specially formulated paint that has metal particles in it that when used with a chemical solution creates amazing patinas.  I have tried many of the patina paints on the market over he years, but I assure you , this VerDay paint is an exception.  I know, I sound like a commercial for them.  I will tell you up front, that I am not compensated by them, and have no affiliation with the manufacturer in any way…only that I am an avid fan of their product and unless they stumble upon my website…they have no idea that I am talking about them. Who is them? Who makes VerDay paint? Ten Seconds Studio owners Cheryl and Megan Darrow. They are the same duo whose metal art I fell in love with a couple of years ago.  I love their art metal product line of molds and tools.  Since I have had my blog, I have featured several embossed metal projects using many of their products. I included a few pictures below.

Metal Embossed Stainless Steel Coffee Tumblers

Metal Embossed Picture Frames

A few weeks ago,Ten Seconds Studio launched their first online class about VerDay.  I immediately signed up and knew this was the perfect way for me to break open my neglected VerDay product stash. The online class is 6 weeks long and each Monday, they will release a new set of technique and project videos.

Last week, in week one, Cheryl and Megan went into details about the properties and chemistry of VerDay.  After the technique videos, they suggested that participants (that’s me) to make a few samples. Translated…dive in and try it for yourself.  I went a bit overboard and made several samples for myself for each of their paints. VerDay product line has 4 paint colors: Iron, Brass, Bronze, and Copper.  I have included pictures below of my samples I made.  I experimented with several surfaces and made myself a sample ring of tags for future reference. Out of respect for myself and others who are paying to take the class, I will only share my final projects here.

VerDay Sample Tags #1

VerDay Sample Tags #2

VerDay Sample Tags #3

VerDay Sample Tags #4

Pretty cool huh? I do not think it is too late to join in the fun. I included a link above if you are interested. I am already in the midst of my week 2 projects…as well as a few of my own crazy ideas. I am so excited about this class and am afraid that I will need to buy more product now as a result. Cheryl and Megan made the comment that everything has VerDay potential. They are right! Especially as an avid gardener myself, I love and am drawn to weathered patina finishes.  I have paid big dollars over the years for containers, garden accents, and such.  No more! Now, I can make my own. Furthermore, I also feel good that this product is no longer sitting neglected in my stash.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I am also in the midst of finishing next month’s Paperie In Bloom for next week.  Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter everyone!

Michelle

Good morning everyone! How are you?  I am excited to share with you the final spring bulb for this month’s special Paperie In Bloom feature, build a spring bulb garden. The final spring bulb is the daffodil.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Daffodil Close Up

If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view crocus tutorial. We made tulips in week two. Click here to view tulips tutorial. Last week, we made hyacinths. Click here for hyacinth tutorial. Lastly, this week, we are going to make daffodils as pictured above and complete final assembly of our spring bulb garden. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Daffodils come in many colors and cultivars.  I chose to recreate dainty Jonquils. I used Diamond Bazzill card stock for the petals and yellow fabric for the center.

A 6 sided star flower die cut or shape punch for the petals.  I used Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge. I used my Gyspy and hid the center hole.  I made two different sizes for added interest. My flowers measure: 3.0 Height and 2.47 Width for one and 2.50 Height and 2.06 Width. You will need 1 flower shape and one circle shape for each daffodil.

I used a Sizzix steel rule die to cut 1 inch fabric circles for the centers.  There were a few loose threads after I die cut them. I found that I liked the slightly frayed edges that resulted from die cutting.

A coloring medium for petals and centers. I chose to leave my jonquil daffodils a pristine white. If you choose a different color combination, color them now. Examples of coloring mediums include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems if you do not have access to artificial stems.

Crop O Dile or other hole punch.

A container for your bulb garden.  I used a Smith and Hawken fresh bulbs box purchased from Target.

Assembly:

Die cut flowers and centers  for the number of desired daffodils.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Use a Crop O Dile hole punch in the center of each flower and fabric circle.

Then mold each shape. I prefer to use McGill’s tool kit and molding mat. I used their 8mm ball stylus.

Finally, layer all 3 parts of each daffodil together.  I started with artificial center stamens, then attached 1 inch fabric circle, and finally, the outer white flower petals. Each of my stems have 5 flowers. Jonquils specifically have small clusters of blooms on each stem. Many daffodils have single blooms.  It is a matter of personal preference.

In all, I made a total of 7 stems with 4-5 flowers on each.  I intermixed the sizes of flowers on each stem for added realism.

Grand Finale Assembly:

I gathered all my spring bulbs together: crocuses, tuilps, hyacinths, and daffodils.

I changed my mine from my original basket instead to a bulb garden box that I came across on a recent trip to Target. The box is from the Smith and Hawken line.

I lined the interior o the box with floral foam and top dressed foam with green excelsior purchased from Michael’s.

I arranged the spring bulbs in a pleasing manner and added grass filler stems for accent.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Box

I am so pleased with the results.  What a great way to welcome spring into my home…..now if the snow backdrop could only begin to melt.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  I would love for you to leave a comment and or subscribe to receive email updates when I post a new inspiring project.  Have a great weekend and I will be back next week with some Easter card ideas.  See you soon.

Michelle

Good evening everyone. Hooray! It is finally Friday! Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?  We are going to grout our bathroom floor and shower as well as prepare for a very exciting week ahead. Our engineered hardwood floors will be installed, furniture will be delivered, and our fireplace stone surround will be completed. After which, the basement/lower level should really begin to take shape and feel more homey.

Today’s featured hyacinths are part 3 of this month’s Paperie In Bloom, Build A Bulb Garden.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view week one’s blog post. Last week, we made tulips. click here to view week two’s blog post. This week, week three, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make hyacinths as pictured below. Ready? Let’s get started.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build A Bulb Garden, Week 3

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Hyacinths come in many colors. I chose to blue, purple, and pink hyacinths.

A 6 sided star flower die cut or shape punch.  My flowers measurements are: 1.82 Height and 1.68 Width. I used Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 14 flowers shapes for each hyacinth.

The centers are from an artificial stem that I had in my stash. A great substitute would also be a mini sunburst shape in a contrasting color from your flower.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Shaded Lilac and Picked Raspberries Distress Inks for the deep purple and pink hyacinths and Forever Blue Perfect Pearls to enhance my blue hyacinth.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems if you do not have access to artificial stems.

Alcohol inks if you are using artificial stems.  I used Purple Twilight and Raspberry.

Crop O Dile or other hole punch.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my hyacinth in a vintage glass bottle.

Assembly:

Die cut flowers  for the number of desired hyacinth stems.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Use a hole punch in the center of each flower.

Then mold each shape. I prefer to use McGill’s tool kit and molding mat. I used their 6mm ball stylus.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Week 3 Close Up of Hyacinth Flower

If using artificial stems- color the artificial centers using Alcohol Ink.

Next, slide 6 sided flower shape over colored center. If using a mini sunburst center- then adhere the sunburst to the center of each flower.

Finally, attach 14 flowers to each central stem. If not using an artificial stem, cut several short lengths of green wire, approximately 1/4″  and secure to larger center stem wrapped with floral tape in a stacked fashion.

Finally, place hyacinths in desired decorative container, arrange and add any filler for accents.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Week 3 Top View of Hyacinths

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with the completed spring bulb garden basket.  Wanna guess what the last bulb will be?

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  How was your week?  The weather was big news here in MN as we shoveled out from nearly a foot of snow on Tuesday. We are under yet another winter advisory tonight as a wintry mix is predicted overnight tonight before it switches over to heavy rain tomorrow. Only in MN can it snow one day and rain the next.  Don’t forget, this weekend is daylight savings time. Most states including Minnesota will spring ahead an hour Sunday morning at 2am CST.  Speaking of spring………..today’s featured tulips below definitely scream spring.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build A Bulb Garden Week 2

Today’s tulips are part 2 of this month’s Paperie In Bloom, Build A Bulb Garden.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view week one’s blog post. This week, week two, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make a bunch of tulips as pictured above. Ready? Let’s get started.

Supplies Needed:

Card Stock. Tulips come in many colors except blue.  I used Bazzill Sunbeam and Lemonade for mine.

A petal die cut or shape punch.  My petal measurements are: 4.58 Height and 2.61 Width. I used Giant Flowers Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 6 petals for each tulip.

The center is a star flower shape that is approximately 1 5/8  inches. I cut mine from Creative Memories Traveler Cricut cartridge.  I used the starfish shape and used the hide feature on my Gypsy to only cut the outline. You will need just one shape for the center of each tulip. I used Bazzill black card stock for mine.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Distress Inks for mine. I used Mustard Seed to enhance my yellow tulips and Spiced Marmalade to enhance my orange tulips.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems.

Adhesive.  I prefer to use Inkessentials Glossy Accents as it is durable and dries quickly.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my tulips in a leaf vase.

Assembly:

Die cut petals and star flower shapes for the number of desired tulips.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Then mold each shape.

Adhere 3 petals together in a triangular pattern.

Next, adhere the remaining 3 petals offset to the first three again in a triangular pattern.

Lastly, adhere the star flower shape to the inside center of each tulip and set aside to dry completely.

For the stem. Cut wire to desired length and wrap with green floral tape. I used 19 gauge stovepipe wire cut at about 12 inches long.

Once cut, I used a small jewelry pliers to bend the very tip 1/4″ at a right angle and adhered this to the base of each tulip.

Finally, place tulips in desired decorative container, arrange and add any filler for accents.  I added artificial grass to mine.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with another blooming bulb.  Wanna guess which one?

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  Today is March 1st and that means a new Paperie In Bloom flower.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I am going to change  things up a bit.

Later this month, March 20th to be exact, is the official first day of Spring. For me, spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, and as a northern gardener, bulbs including: Crocus, Tulips, Daffodils, etc. are typically the first blooms to emerge.  I love spring, for I love listening to the birds sing their songs, the smell of fresh air coupled with warmer temperatures, as well as the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming growing season.

So in anticipation of spring, I thought it would be fun to forego a flower this month, and instead create an everlasting spring bulb garden. So each week for the next four weeks, I will help you build a spring bulb garden of your own. This week, week one, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make Crocuses.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build a Bulb Garden. Week One, Crocus

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013. Build a Bulb Garden  Week One, Crocus Top View

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Crocuses come in many colors including: white, purple, and yellow. I used 2 shades of purple card stock and 2 shades of yellow card stock for mine.

A tear drop die cut or shape punch.  My tear drop measurements are: 2.38 Height and 1.19 Width. I used A Child’s Year Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 6 tear drops for each crocus.

The center is a snowflake that is approximately 3×3 inches. I cut mine from Don Juan Cricut cartridge. You will need just one shape for the center of each crocus.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Distress Inks for mine.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems.

Adhesive.  I prefer to use Inkessentials Glossy Accents as it is durable and dries quickly.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my Crocuses in an oval shaped moss bowl.

Assembly:

Die cut tear drop and snowflake shapes.

Next, color the front and back side of each shape as desired.

Then mold each shape.

Adhere 3 petals together in a triangular pattern.

Next, adhere the remaining 3 petals offset to the first three again in a triangular pattern and set aside to dry completely.

In the meanwhile, take a scissors and carefully fringe each side of the snowflake die cut. You do not have to be precise.

Next apply a small amount of adhesive about half way down the interior side of each snowflake, then adhere them together as a bunch. Once dry, adhere to center of Crocus petals and then refluff the fringe.  See my close up below.

Purple Crocus Close Up of Center Fringe

Lastly, for the stem.  Cut wire to desired length and wrap with green floral tape. I used 19 gauge stovepipe wire cut at about 12 inches long.

I used a small jewelry pliers to bend the very tip 1/4″ at a right angle and adhered this to the base of each crocus.  For a few of mine, I used left over artificial stems.  If you choose to do this, I would recommend to punch a hole in the center of each crocus, place a drop of adhesive on the end and then insert the stem through the hole. Lastly, adhere the central snowflake to the stem portion inside the crocus bloom.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with another blooming bulb.  Wanna guess which one?

Michelle

Good evening everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.  My fiance, Mike had dinner ready for me when I returned home from work.  He also bought me a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers…my favorite!

My Valentine’s Day gift to all my fellow blog readers is a bouquet of roses and a box of calorie free gourmet chocolates. Enjoy without the guilt!

Rose Bouquet and Chocolates

Roses tutorial can be found here.

I made the box of chocolates last year before I had a blog.  If there are enough requests, I will search for the exact materials and die cuts used.  Below are a few close ups of the chocolates.

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #1

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #2

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #3

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please stop back again soon for more inspiring ideas. Have a great evening.

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  Today, I have a quick Valentine’s Day gift idea for a loved one, a metal embossed picture frame.

Metal Embossed Valentine’s Day Picture Frame

This frame would also make for a great wedding or anniversary gift too.

Supplies Used:

Add A Little Dazzle Metal

Unfinished Frame from Michael’s

Mars Black Windsor & Newton Acrylic Paint

Black Velvet Ribbon from Michael’s

Embossing Folders: Romance (Provocraft), Conversation (Provocraft), Manhattan Flower (Stampin Up), and Valentine Background & Borders (Sizzix)

Thank you so much for stopping by. I greatly appreciate and welcome any comments or questions you may have. Please stay tuned later this week, for I am working diligently finishing assembly of this month’s Paperie In Bloom rose bouquet which I will feature on Thursday, Valentine’s Day.  Have a great evening.

Michelle

Good morning everyone! It is finally Friday! Today’s featured cards will conclude this week’s Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Cards week here at Scrap N Grow.

Set of 2 Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Background Cards

Supplies Used:

Add A Little Dazzle Metal Sheets

Valentine Background Embossing folder by Sizzix for Tim Holtz

Ribbon from Michael’s

Heart Trinkets from Stash

Close Ups:

Heavy Metal Valentine Background Card Close Up #1

Heavy Metal Valentine Background Card Close Up #2

Here is another card variation using the same embossing folder.

Set of 2 Heavy Metal Valentine Background Cards Variation #2

Supplies Used:

Add A Little Dazzle Metal Sheets

Valentine Background Embossing Folder by Sizzix for Tim Holtz

Embroidery Thread

Adage Tickets and Hinge Clips from Ideology

Close Ups:

Heavy Metal Valentine Background Card Close Up #3

Heavy Metal Valentine Background Card Close Up #4

Thank you for stopping by. I hope that you enjoyed this week’s Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day featured cards.  Next week, I will feature a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas.  Thank you again. Have a great weekend.

Michelle

Good morning everyone. Today is day four of Scrap N Grow’s Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Cards Week. Today’s featured cards focal image is from Provocraft’s Heart Blocks embossing folder. Metal is from Add A Little Dazzle and the die cut hearts are from Tim Holtz’s Sizzix Alterations line.

Heart Blocks Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Cards

Heart Blocks Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Card Close Up #1

Heart Blocks Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Card Close Up #2

Heart Blocks Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Card Close Up #3

Heart Blocks Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Card Close Up #4

Thank you again for stopping by. Please stay tuned tomorrow for another Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day card idea. Have a fabulous day!

Michelle

Good morning. Hope your week is going well.  Today, I have another heavy metal Valentine’s Day card to share with you.  I aptly named this card the Queen of Hearts.

Queen of Hearts Heavy Metal Valentine’s Day Card

The focal image is a Provocraft embossing folder called Queen of Hearts. I embossed white Add A Little Dazzle metal. Once embossed, I used various Faber Castell Big Brush Pitt Pen Markers to color the image. I referenced a playing card to guide my choice of colors. I am really pleased with the results.  This card was fun to color and create. I also answered a burning question that I have had for awhile. Will Faber Castell Big Brush Pitt Pens permanently color metal? The answer is yes!!!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Please stop back again tomorrow for another set of heavy metal Valentine’s Day cards idea.  Have a great day!

Michelle