Remember me?

Hello, all!

I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since I last posted anything.  I'm so sorry.  This Summer has flown by and I can't even remember what happened.  I've missed you!

I guess I've been adjusting to my new work schedule.  I did get a large order in July and that has had me busy, too.  It seems like after the book project and the craft fair, I just fizzled out and found myself in desperate need of a break. Unfortunately, life doesn't really give you many breaks.

On another note, I have reluctantly become a vegetarian.  I got really sick about a month and a half ago and I realized I needed to do something drastic.  So I've also been busy with trying to feel better and finding healthier options that'll make vegetarian living easy for me and my family.  They can have meat whenever they want, but I'm not cooking it!  I'm happy to report that I am actually feeling better.  Still not 100%, but I can feel a difference.  When you have a chronic illness, you kind of get used to always feeling crappy.  I don't want to feel that way anymore, so I keep trying to find ways to get better.  Here's to not giving up!

Ok, in paper related news (cuz I know that's what you're here for) I'd like to share my first pattern with you all here on this blog, as well as some work-in-progress pics of that order I've been trying to hammer (or, roll) out.

I created this card for some friends who just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.  I figured it was a great time to clear my head of all the cameras I've been rolling and do something different.  It was so easy I figured I'd share the pattern with you all:

You will need:

9 strips of white quilling paper

1 small sheet of white metallic paper

a tiny flower punch

2 strips of black quilling paper

1 strip of dark brown quilling paper, or black, yellow or orange (depending on hair color)

1 strip of peach (or brown) quilling paper

Quilling workboard or ruler

Tweezer to handle small pieces

Your favorite white glue

So, for the cake I made 4 layers (yum).  The bottom layer is made up of 3 strips.  I didn't use the quilling board for this one because I wanted it to be big.  So I just allowed the strips to roll out as I controlled them a bit with my fingers.  I think a 1 3/4 - 2 inch circle would work great.

The second layer gets 2 strips and, also a bit bigger than the number 0 circle (1 inch) on the workboard.  Probably about 1.5 inches.

The third layer is also 2 strips but this time I used number 0 on the workboard (1 inch).

The last layer is 1 strip and I used number 1 on the workboard (3/4 inch).

You don't necessarily have to have a workboard.  You can use a ruler and just allow the coil to relax up to the desired measurement.  But workboards are really convenient to use, especially if you're making more than one of anything.

Now that you've got all your circles, you can then shape them into rectangles.  Pinch into a marquise and then pinch again at 2 more points.  For more on making rectangles and most other shapes, click here.

Now you just glue all your pieces in ascending order.  Punch out some tiny flowers and assemble on the cake in whatever pattern you like.

For the bride I used 1 strip in the size 1 circle (3/4 inch) and made an isosceles triangle.  I used half a strip of peach quilling paper in the size 3 circle on the board (1/2 inch).  I cut an extra flower out for her hair and added a tiny bit of bling for the center.  I created her hair by using two-half strips of brown quilling paper, size 2 (5/8 inch) on the board and creating very double-curved marquise shapes.

There is no guide for this.  Just keep shaping your paper.  

It'll do what you want it to, trust me! ;)

For the groom I simply used 1 strip of black paper at size #1 on the board (3/4 inches) and shaping it into a long rectangle.  He also got the same size head as the bride a full size 3 on the board.  I made his hair with an inch of black paper that I zig zagged to make a spiky 'do.  His bow tie was the cream on top of the whole deal because it took me the longest to figure out.

Use half a strip in the size 5 circle (3/8 inch)  created a tight rectangle and then pinch the middle part in with a tweezer (step 4 in picture below).  Also pinch in the sides with your nail to create a bow effect (steps 5 & 6 below).  I used a tiny strip of paper I cut in half length-wise as the center of the bow. Glue that to the center and there's your bow!

Voila!  Your cute wedding/anniversary card.

It was nice to make something different and with no pressure for time or preference.  Anybody else ever feel that way?

But, I still have 20 calendars to churn out so I have to say bye for now.  Here is a compilation pic of the 60 cameras I had to make for the card portion of the order.  Now I have to finish 240 more cameras.  You gotta laugh it off and keep on rolling!

I have lots more to catch up on, like my recent trip to Chicago, my special news about the book project and even special-er news about the Sweet Spot and a few changes coming soon.

I can't promise any specific dates when I'll share these things, but I do hope to do so very soon.  Enjoy your last week of Summer, if you're in the North, and make it a SWEET one!

Please note:  The pattern shared if for personal use ONLY.  Please do NOT sell items with this design on it and do not redistribute these instructions without proper accreditation. Thank you!