Holiday Candle Centerpiece with Gwen Studios Ribbon

 Holiday Candle Centerpiece

I have to be honest - I'm a craft supply hoarder, literally. Years ago (and just a little bit now, lol) I made and sold crafts. It was a very successful business, we were called "Professional Crafters" way back then. It was while I was a Professional Crafter that one of my handcrafts was discovered (Spoolie Dolls), and I went on to write a book for a publisher, then work for that publisher and author over 200 how-to craft books! From there, I taught at Industry Trade Shows, and finally worked with manufacturers and became a product developer.

It was a long road....with lots of supplies. My goal this year is to sort through supplies and to make some new and upscaled projects to give as gifts and use in my own home. Over the years I've saved way too much!

When unpacking a closet, I found half a dozen of these LARGE coffee table candles. With the holidays approaching, I decided to make a gift for my daughter, who is a bit of a rebel and doesn't decorate in the traditional Christmas colors, but in Blue! Actually, I like this, especially for winter projects like this one in Blue and White carries through the entire winter season.

There is simply no project that ribbon doesn't enhance and this one is no different. I used Gwen Studios Double Faced Satin Ribbon for the decorative touches on this candle setting - and I think it came out beautifully! The ribbon is shiny and luxurious, perfect for my project.

Did I say this project is EASY to make? Yes, it is. I created this one in less than 30 minutes and you can too! Whether you use the Light Blue Double Faced Satin Ribbon I used, or traditional Christmas Colors of Red and Green Ribbon, Gwen Studios ribbon will make it simply elegant! You'll find Gwen Studios ribbon on Michaels.com or on Walmart.com

Supplies Needed:

Gwen Studios 1 ½” Double-faced Light Blue Satin Ribbon

Pine Garland (Dollar Tree)

Ivory and Silver Silk Poinsettias, 2 Sprays (about 6 Poinsettias total)

Ivory Berry Spray

Glitter Greenery Spray

Frosted Snow Greenery Spray

Silver Chenille Stems, 3

6” Diameter Ivory Candle

 

Instructions:

1.     The pine garland from the Dollar Store comes in a coil. I simply removed the hang tag! If you are using other greenery, coil it so the candle will fit inside.

2.     1. Make three bundles of poinsettias and greenery. Twist a silver chenille stem around bundle to secure. Arrange and glue bundles to wrapped garland as shown in photo.

3.     2. Make an accordion loop ribbon bow and secure through center loop with a silver chenille stem (refer to photo). Add an 18” ribbon streamer. Spread bow loops, then attach bow to pine greener wreath at center area of floral elements. Weave streamers among floral elements.

4.     3. Add candle to center of wreath. That was easy! I think I'll use up those other 5 candles I found, this was too easy! Happy Crafting!

.

Celebrate Autumn Garland

Fall has got to be my favorite time of year. I grew up in New England, where we always had beautiful, colorful change of season. Here in Texas, we just get a little color. I wanted to add some color to my porch and Gwen Studios™satin and grosgrain ribbon was the perfect answer to creating this Autumn Garland. You'll find Gwen Studios ribbon on Walmart.com and Michaels.com. These are large rolls of ribbon, so you'll have enough for multiple projects!

The ribbon is simply looped and knotted onto a length of jute. You can make it as long or short as you want, to hang horizontally or vertically. You could also wrap this garland around a wreath or flowerpot. I added a few painted wood shapes to decorate it. Look at those autumn ribbon colors...beautiful!

Supplies needed:

Gwen Studios 7/8" or 1/5" Satin Ribbon - Yellow, Brown, Burgundy

Gwen Studios 3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon - Orange

Jute Twine

Wood Cutout Shapes with Hole - Pumpkin and Acorn (I got mine at Dollar Tree)

Chalk Paint - Orange, Yellow, Brown, Moss Green

Sanding Disc, Paintbrush, Scissors

Instructions:

1. Paint acorns Brown and tops Moss Green.

2. Paint pumpkins Orange; dry brush  pumpkins with Yellow. Paint a pumpkin Yellow; dry brush with Orange. Paint stems Moss Green.

3. When dry, sand edges of wood shapes to distress.

4. Tie 5" pieces of ribbon onto jute twine. When desired length is completed, tie a hanging loop on each end of the twine. Tie the pumpkins and acorns onto the garland.

Happy Fall Decorating!

Jean

Be sure to check out the other fun Gwen Studios Ribbon Projects on Designer Crafts Connection.

You'll find more ideas using Gwen Studios Ribbon on Gwen's Blog.

Back to School

 Back to School - Teacher Goodies!

It's that time again - Back to School! When my children were younger, this was an opportunity to get a head start on making Teacher Gifts for Christmas. Fast forward to this year, and it's my grandaughter who wants to make and give little gifts to her teacher. I love having project kits for her to make with me!

I have so much great ribbon from Gwen Studios, I decided to make a few ribbon embellished Teacher projects, then put together some kits for my grandaughter (she inherited the "craft" gene) to make. You'll find all the colorful Gwen Studios Grosgrain Ribbon I used in these projects on WalMart website or Michaels website.

Here are the ribbons I used in the projects:

Gwen Studios 1 1/2" Orange and Yellow Grosgrain Ribbons

Gwen Studios 1" Green and Black Grosgrain Ribbons

Gwen Studios 5/8" Red and White Grosgrain Ribbons

Gwen Studios 3/8" Yellow, Red and Black Grosgrain Ribbons

You'll also need:

Square, Oval or Round Container for the Crayon Bin

3 Packages of 24 Crayons

Assorted Wood Cut Outs 

Lo-Temp Glue Gun

Black Cable Tie

Instructions: Crayon Container

This cute crayon container had a humble beginning...a paper mache box with no top that I recycled for this project. You could use any square mini box (cardboard or wood), or even an empty tin can for this project. It's quick and easy! Now is the time to stock up on crayons for this project...most of the stores are marking them down in the Back to School section. I got several boxes for .50 cents at my local Wal Mart.

Use a lo-temp glue gun to attach crayons vertically around the box. Add 1" Gwen Studios Black and 3/8" Gwen Studios Red grosgrain ribbon around the box as shown. I had a mini chalkboard and 1-2-3 wood cutout I added to the front, but you could just use a bow instead. The completed project is perfect to contain cookies, candy, or treat bags. Afterwards, the teacher can use it on her desk to organize supplies.

Instructions: Red Tin with School Bus

This project could not be easier - Simply glue ribbon around the container (I used a Red tin) Then add a bow and school bus cutout to the top. To make the bow, I cut 6" lengths of assorted widths of grosgrain ribbon then bundled them thightly with a cable tie. Dovetail the ribbon ends, then fluff out the bow. Glue it to the top of the container. Tie a simple bow with 1 1/2" Orange grosgrain ribbon, then glue it behind the multi-strand bow. 

Glue the school bus cut out at the front and this project is done! For a teacher gift, I'd probably add some hard candies or chocolates.

Instructions: Mini Tin

This little tin is perfect to contain paper clips or push pins. Glue 1 1/2" Yellow grosgrain ribbon then 1" Green grosgrain ribbon around a white square mini tin. Glue an apple cutout on front and a 3/8" Green grossgrain ribbon bow to the top.

Adding a touch of ribbon to a project really dresses it up, and makes decorating the project quick, quick, quick! I'm sure you'll find lots of other ways to use this great ribbon from Gwen Studios as well.

Happy crafting!

Jean

Check out the Gwen Studios Blog for more great projects!

See what other Designers are making with Gwen Studios ribbon on Designer Crafts Connection!

Party Time with Gwen Studios

 It's Party Time!

Creating clever and colorful party favors doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive. With Gwen Studios Curling Ribbon and a few simple supplies, you can make your party table dazzle!

I made these favors for my grandaughter's birthday party. She had a butterfly fantasy theme, so these Butterfly tin favor pails (Dollar Tree) and the colorful swirl lollypop (Dollar Tree) were just perfect.

Curling ribbon is easy to work with, and practically goof-proof. All you need is a pair of scissors with a sharp edge. Cut curling ribbon in 18" lengths, then tie onto the object. You can use longer strands of ribbon for larger projects...a balloon bouquet for instance. The 18-24" length is perfect for most smaller items.

After you have tied the ribbon onto your surface, open the scissors and place curling ribbon against the edge. Since I was photographing alone, I'm just showing the ribbon against the scissors. You'll want to start at the knot where your tied on the ribbon, holding the scissors and the ribbon in seperate hands. drag the ribbon firmly in one long sweep, along the edge of the scissors to curl it. Practice first on a few strands and you'll see how easy it is!

If your ribbon is not as curly as you want it, simply repeat the process to add more curl. You can do up to three or four passes, but usually the ribbon very curled after one or two passes.

For the butterfly pail, I tied six 18" strands of curling ribbon on the handle (2 Pink, 2 Hot Pink, 2 White), then curled it. I filled the pail with cookies, but you could use candy or little prizes.

For the lollypop, I tied curling ribbon on the stick and curled it. I love this project! You could make a centerpiece of these using some foam in a painted flowerpot and it would be fantastic!

For the candy bag, I used a clear cello bag, filled it with candy, then tied six strands of 18" curling ribbon to close the bag. Curl the ribbon, and you are done!

I'm sure you'll think of lots of ways to use this fabulous curling ribbon...to make bows on gift bags and packages, for party favors, on ballon bouquets and so much more! Curl scraps of ribbon to make curly confetti...the decorating possibilities are endless.

You'll find the Gwen Studios Curling Ribbon in WalMart, but if you store doesn't carry it, check online HERE. It's only $2. a roll, so you'll want to get a few colors to work with!

There are  holographic and metallic styles as well!

I'm going to be making more projects with this ribbon, so be sure to check back!

Happy Crafting!

Jean

There are other fun projects from creative designers on the Linky Party for this product. Check out Designer Crafts Connection Blogspot for more projects!

You'll find lots more projects using Gwen Studios ribbons and trims on Gwen's blog. 

Sailboat with Ribbon Streamers

Sailing Away With Gwen Studios!

When I saw this chipboard sailboat in my local Dollar Tree, I knew it would benefit from a "design upgrade." Gwen Studios™ Taffy Stripe ribbon was simply perfect for this project.

You'll find this ribbon at both Michaels.com and Walmart.com. #makeitwithmichaels

The project itself is so simple, and requires just a few supplies:

Gwen Studios™ Taffy Stripe Ribbon

Gwen Studios™ Taffy Stripe Ribbon

Sailboat Chipboard Wall Decor (I got mine at Dollar Tree)

Painted Wood Starfish (Also from Dollar Tree)

Scissors, Lo-Temp Glue Gun or Craft Glue

As I mentioned, this project is simple and quick to make! First I cut strips of both the Taffy Stripe Ribbon about 16" long (you can trim them later if you want them shorter). Next, glue them across the back of the chipboard sailboat.

Cut smaller ribbon strips to embellish the white area of the sail. Glue across sail, spacing evenly, then trim ends flush with the sail.

Glue a starfish cut out on the sailboat and three of the ribbons (refer to photo for placement).

I had a little ribbon and a wood starfish left over, so I trimmed a blue glass jar with them. I'm going to add a candle and use it and the Sailboat Streamer in my utility bathroom. The Sailboat would also look great as a door hanger.

I just love upscaling simple Dollar Store finds. But I also like adding ribbon to embellish clothing! Check back to see my next project - a child's ribbon embellished T-Shirt dress. It's a cutie!

Happy Crafting,

Jean

Many thanks to Designer Crafts Connection for the opportunity to post on the Linky Party. Be sure to visit and check the other projects from some talented designers!

Gwen Studios™ provided the ribbon for this project. You'll find their ribbons on Michaels.com and Walmart.com. Gwen posts wonderful projects on her blog, be sure to check in often.

Spring Egg Tree Featuring Gwen Studios Ribbons

 Spring Egg Tree

I'm so ready for Spring! This winter in Texas has been full of up and down weather swings, but finally I think I see Spring on the horizon.

I love making gifts, and Easter is no exception. I made this cute Spring floral tree for my sister. She loves Easter so much and I thought this would be the perfect accent to some pastel flowers and ribbons she has used on her other decorations.

The tree is easy to make, takes just a few minutes with a trusty "lo-temp" glue gun and some basic supplies. And of course, the finishing touch with beautiful Gwen Studios™ Grosgrain ribbon makes it just perfect.

Follow these simple instructions to make your own Spring floral tree.

Supplies Needed:

Gwen Studios™ 5/8" Yellow, Light Blue and Pink Grosgrain Ribbon

Gwen Sutdios™ Light Blue 1 1/2" Light Blue Grosgrain Ribbon

6" Foam Cone

Green Moss

Pink Silk Flowers

Greenery

Floral Wire

Lo-Temp Glue Gun

Assorted Foam Glitter Eggs (Large and Medium)

Tin or Ceramic Container

Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Glue Green Moss around the foam cone. Insert toothpick into foam glitter egg, the insert other end of toothpick into foam cone. Space larger eggs at bottom of cone and smaller eggs toward top.

2. Glue greenery among eggs. Wire two loops of Pink ribbon at bottom, then glue among eggs. Tie Yellow and Blue ribbon bows, then glue among eggs and greenery.

3. Fill in any empty areas on the cone with Pink silk flowers. 

4. Nestle cone in a tin or ceramic container, hot glue to secure. If necessary, fill container with floral foam and glue cone to top of floral foam. My cone fit perfectly in the top of my floral tin.

5. Tie a bow of 1 1/2" Light Blue ribbon, then glue at top edge of container and bottom edge of cone.

I love the way this tree turned out! I'm planning on making more, but using teacups as the container. I'll tie some extra Gwen Studios™ ribbons on the handles. They'll make fun gifts for some special friends.

If you would like to see more projects for Easter using Gwen Studios™ ribbon, I have a project feature in the upcoming Spring Issue of Bella Crafts Magazine. The projects are a perfect compliment to this tree. I'll edit this article with a link when the issue publishes so you can download a FREE Issue of the magazine!

Some of my designing friends have done some lovely projects with Gwen Studios™ ribbon as well. Be sure to check out their projects on Designer Crafts Connection.

Until then, Happy Crafting and HAPPY SPRING!

Jean

Girl's Unicorn and Ribbon Purse

It's gift giving time and my grandaughter always likes something I make just for her. She has a fascination with unicorns, so when I saw this sequin unicorn patch by Gwen Studios™ in WalMart, I knew it would be perfect for her!

The bright, colorful 3/8" ribbons in the Gwen Studios grosgrain ribbon favor pack matched the colors in the unicorn, so I used these to make the fun ribbon loop trim.

This project is so simple to make, especially when you use a pre-sewn denim or canvas bag. Of course, you could always make your own with fabric you have on hand. It's just a simple square pouch with a front pocket and strap.

To make the purse as shown, you'll need these supplies:

Gwen Studios Sequin Unicorn Patch

Gwen Studios Polk Dot Ribbon Favor Pack

Liquid Stitch™ (or other fabric glue)

Scissors

Glass Head Pins

Pressing Cloth

Household Iron

Pre-Sewn Denim or Canvas Purse

Instructions:

1. Cut 4" long assorted colors of grosgrain ribbons from the favor pack. I used ribbon colors with polks dots similar to colors in the unicorn patch, you could alternate the solid grosgrain colors as well in your purse project.

2. Fold the ribbon in half and pin along the top edge of the purse as shown. Try to keep the bottom fold of the loops in a uniform line.

3. Pin the Unicorn patch in place at the center of purse.

4. If your purse has a pocket, pin a strip of grosgrain ribbon across the front of the pocket.

5. Fold back both of the cut edges of the ribbon and apply a drop of fabric glue. Repeat for the entire strip of ribbons. You could also tack the ribbon ends together with a drop of glue before pinning if you find that easier.

6. Remove pins one at a time, and glue the ribbon strip across the front of the pocket. Be sure to fold under the raw edges for a nice, finished look!

7. Let glue dry before proceeding to next step.

8. Using a pressing cloth, fuse the patch in place using a household iron and a pressing cloth following manufacturer's package instructions. Be sure to iron from the front, and the back side of the purse.

That's it, you are done! Wasn't that easy? As a side note, you could repeat this project on a T-Shirt, using the patch at the center of the shirt and the ribbon loops around the bottom hem of the shirt.

You could add the unicorn patch to the center of a hair bow, or use it to make ribbon sneaker ties...the possibilities for this patch and ribbon are endless!

I have some embroidered jeans I ordered for my grandaughter...I think I'm going to use more patches to decorate them, then she'll have the purse and jeans! I'll let you know how they turn out.

If you want to see more fun ideas and projects using these Gwen Studios patches and ribbons, visit Designer Crafts Connection. You'll see some quick & easy projects by some very creative designers.

Until next time...

Happy Crafting,

Jean

A huge thank you to Gwen Studios for providing the patch and ribbon used in this project. Thanks also to Designer Crafts Connection for publishing my design and those of other talented designers!

Bottle Gnome with Kunin Felt

 It's that time of year when I get the urge to craft for the Holidays, and Kunin Felt is a mainstay in my crafting supplies. I just love Kunin's bright holiday colored felt, so decided to make my project in those. You could also use one of the many other felt colors Kunin offers (so many choices...). In fact, I liked making this Bottle Gnome so much, I think I'll make another one with a Woodland Theme using "Forest" colors! Maybe I'll make two, I do love working with Kunin Felt - "no-sew" easy crafting, what could be more fun? 

I also had a small piece of the NEW Gwen Studios Die Cut Snowflake Silver Ribbon left over from some other Christmas projects I'm making for a NEW HOLIDAY CRAFT BOOK I'm doing for Bella Crafts Publishing and was delighted to see the snowflake ribbon piece fit nicely around the bottom edge of the gnome, adding a little sparkle. And of course, what would a holiday project be without a touch of "Peppermint" Taffy Stripe Ribbon (also from Gwen Studios)? I do love my ribbons, you'll find Gwen Studios Die Cut Ribbon in Walmart stores, and on walmart.com

Get your supplies together and let's make a Gnome!

Supplies Needed:

Kunin® Felt 9" x 12", Red

Kunin® Felt 9" x 12" Green

Kunin® Felt 9" x 12" White (If you don't want to use the Faux Fur)

Gwen Studios™Die Cut Ribbon, Silver Snowflake

Gwen Studios™Gwen Studios Red/White Taffy Stripe Ribbon 5/8"

White Faux Fur

Empty Plastic Bottle (mine was from the Walmart Flavored Water)

Three 3/4" Wood Doll Heads (half balls or wood balls will also work)

Pine Greenery (to make a little wreath, or a purchased mini wreath)

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors

Pinecones for Wreath, or a Pre-painted Sign Embellishment

Round Wood Slice (not shown in supply picture - for bottom of bottle, I found mine in Walmart in the crafts section)

3/4" Silver Jingle Bell

Ready to make your Bottle Gnome? You are going to love how easy it is!

Instructions:

1. Remove label from bottle, rinse out inside of bottle and let dry. When dry you are ready to cover the bottle with felt. NOTE: If you bottle Gnome is going outside, you'll want to weight it to keep it from blowing over. Rice, beans or kitty litter are good for this. Be sure to put the cap on the bottle after filling. My project is staying inside, or maybe going on a wreath, so I left mine empty.

2. Wrap the Red felt around the bottle so that there is about a 1" overhang of felt at the bottom of the bottle. Glue felt onto bottle. I didn't bother to trim the excess felt as it was only 1" on my bottle, however if you are using a smaller bottle, you will want to trim away excess. Don't worry if the felt doesn't cover the top part of the bottle, as the hat will cover that area.

3. Next, tuck and glue the felt toward the center of the bottle. Work small sections at a time so your hot glue doesn't cool before you press the felt to secure. When finished, your bottle bottom will look like this:

4. Now, lets cover the bottom of the bottle. You could use a cardboard circle covered with felt and glue onto the bottle bottom, but I found these wood slices and decided to use one. Since I choose not weight my bottle,  I am using a wood slice that I found in Walmart's craft section. It will give it some weight and a flat bottom. A tip about cutting the fur trim: You don't want to use scissors - it's best to work from the back of the fur and use a craft knife to score away just the lining of the fur. That way, you won't have a straight cut edge on the fur. If you do use scissors, use small sharp ones and slide the blades through the fur cutting from the back of the fur. It will preserve some of the fur "fringe" using this method. The width to cut fur is 3/4" to 1" and of course it needs to fit around the bottle. 

5. Glue the wood slice to the bottom of the bottle. Be generous with the hot glue here so the wood slice is firmly attached to the felt. Next, apply the fur trim to the felt around the bottle bottom - leave the wood circle uncovered, we'll add ribbon later.

6. Now it's time to add the beautiful Gwen Studios Die Cut Ribbon above the fur trim. You'll need to brush fur away from the felt with your hand. I applied a dot of glue at the center of each snowflake to apply the ribbon to the felt.

7. Time for a hat! Fold the felt in half widthwise as shown. Draw a line diagonally from the bottom straight edge (opposite from fold) of the felt up to the fold as shown. I used a sliver of soap to mark the line on my Green felt. Cut along the line, save excess triangle felt scraps for another project or embellishment! Open out the folded felt. Bring cut edges of felt together overlapping slightly to make a cone shape, then glue along the cut edge. Don't worry if your edges don't align exactly, they will be covered with fur trim.

8. Glue the hat onto the bottle. You may need to stretch the felt a little as you snug it over the bottle top. After the hat is on the bottle, lift edge up and spot glue in place. Leave area at sides unglued as the arms will be slipped under the hat there. Again, don't worry if the back bottom edge of hat doesn't align, it will be covered with fur. Or, if it's bothering you, trim it away!

9. Here is a picture from the front of the Gnome:

10. Make a beard from Faux Fur - remember to use your craft knife to cut from the back, or use scissors as outlined in Step 4. I also cut two smaller pieces of fur to use as a mustache. The photo below shows the front and back sides of the Gnome's beard.

11. Glue the beard at the bottom front edge of the hat.

12. Make two arms from Red felt. Cut 2 pieces of felt 3" x 4". Make a tube arm by folding 4" long edges to meet at center, overlap slightly, then glue. Repeat for other arm.

13. Tuck arms under hat at sides of Gnome's body, set over just a bit away from the beard. Refer to photo. Lift arm, then glue arm to body, then spot glue hat to arm.

14. Glue a 3/4" doll head into each arm sleeve for a hand. 

15. Glue a strip of fur around the edges of the hat. Positon remaining doll head (the nose) over the mustache and beneath the fur trim. When you are pleased with position, glue in place.

16. Add finishing touches: Glue the Red/White Taffy Stripe Ribbon around the wood base. Make a circle wreath from the greenery. Tuck the wreath in the arm, then glue in place. Glue a Red/White bow on the wreath and add a mini sign or pinecones. For a final touch glue a jingle bell to the tip of the hat.

Happy Gnome Crafting,

Jean

If you are looking for more fun felt designs, visit Kunin.

Gwen Studios ribbons and trims are found at Walmart stores.

See more great projects with Kunin Felt with other great Designers on Designer Craft Connection. Click

HERE to see the other designs!