Category Archives: Sound of Autumn

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Tall & Skinny Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn: Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Folio

Hello, Friends!  Fall flowers are so very lovely, especially when you  make them by hand with Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn.  When Spellbinders asked me if I would be willing to play with a couple of the floral dies from this release, I did not hesitate for a second!  I was asked to choose 2 dies from the release to use in a project of my choice.  I opted for the Coreopsis and the Gaillardia dies because I thought the size and shapes would work well together in a floral cluster.

Next, I had to decide what papers to use.  After flipping through my stash of fall designs, I decided to use Ciao Bella’s glorious “Sound of Autumn” collection. I love the vibrant hues and artsy vibe this collection provides.

Autumn Flora Tips and Tricks

First gather up scraps of designer paper from the collection.  Then die cut loads of petals and foliage from those scraps.  Your flowers will match your paper collection perfectly.

  • Begin by lightly misting all your die cut flower layers.  This will make them easier to shape.  It also releases the starch in the paper.  When the flowers dry, they will hold their shape and be much sturdier.
  • Next,  shape each petal with a the Golf Groove Flower Shaping Tools.  Place the flower layer face down on a shaping mat (linked below).
  • Now, run the grooved tools from the tip of each petal toward the center.  The petals will curl in on themselves.  That is normal.
  • Then flip the flower over and cup the center with the round end of the largest Golf Groove Tool.  The curled petals will relax and take on a pretty shape.
  • Now add more detail with a straight tweezer.  Place the tweezer in the center of each petal and gently fold up or down.  Then gently grasp the tip of the petal and twist slightly.
  • Layer the petals together.  I used two of each large layer and 2 of each small plus the little bits that go in the center of each flower.  Stagger the flower layers to create fulness and dimension.
Finishing Touches
  • If desired, you can fill the center of each flower with Dries Clear Adhesive or hot glue and Go Mango Prills.
  • Brush the edges of the flowers with Gathered Twigs Distress ink to really amp up the fall vibe.
  • Then place the flowers in a box and mist lightly with Copper Perfect Pearls Mist and Jack-o-Lantern Glimmer Mist.
  • Follow the same steps for the foliage.  I always make extra foliage!
Tall and Skinny Box Pocket Folio

This tall and skinny folio base is made from one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ kraft cardstock.  Score it at 4 1/4″, 5, 9 1/4″, and 9 3/4.  Fold along the scored lines to create a 4 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ folio with 3/4″ spines on both sides. Ink the edges with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  Then brush a little Copper Metallic paint along the edges to add a soft autumnal glow.

Create the Frames by die cutting ivory cardstock with Spellbinders Picot Petite Ovals from Amazing Paper Grace. Back  the frames with designer paper and foam dimensionals.  Then layer them together as seen in the photo. Now you can cluster your flowers and foliage around the frames.

Our son cut me a pile of little oak branch slices.  I topped one with acorns, pollen stems, foliage, Prills and a burlap bow as an embellishment for the cover.  The acorns have been brushed with Copper Metallic paint.

Wrap the folio with ribbon to serve as a closure.

A Peek Inside

A pair of pockets fills the inside of the folio.  The standard pocket on the left holds a bookmark and a vintage silver plate demitasse spoon.

The box pocket on the right holds a tea party in a box.

It’s everything you need for a tea party for one: tea, cookies, chocolate, honey, and a little honey dipper.  There’s also a smaller 4″ x 6″  folio tucked in here.  Place photos or write a note inside.  When all the goodies have been consumed, this pocket is a great spot to tuck in some favorite fall photos.

Fall is absolutely my favorite season of the year.  And fall flowers are always extra special.  I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and flower shaping  techniques for these Spellbinders Autumn Flora that you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

To see more projects made from Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

 

Ciao Bella Time for Home Shaker Card

Ciao Bella Time for Home Winter Blues Shaker Card Reneabouquets snowflake frame by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

Ciao Bella Time for Home Shaker Card for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a Ciao Bella Time for Home  Shaker Card that is sure to chase away your winter blues!  The image inside the shaker frame reminds me so much of the home I grew up in.  Our house was situated in exactly the same spot as the one pictured here.    Living in Vermont, the streetlights came on around 3:30 in the afternoon during the winter months. The snow would glow with soft blue shades as the winter darkness closed in. And climbing that long icy hill in the dreary month of January was no picnic!  But there would be a hot cuppa, and a still-warm slice of Mom’s homemade bread waiting for me.  That promise of warmth and comfort kept me putting my feet one in front of the other as I trudged along past mammoth sized snowbanks, surrounded by the solitude that only winter provides.

Ciao Bella Time for Home Shaker Card: The Details

I’ve adorned this 5 1/2″ square card with lovely triple loop bow tied from grey plaid Really Reasonable Ribbon.  White Iridescent Metallic String adds a subtle shimmer to the bow cluster as well.   Tim Holtz Skeleton Leaves , flowers, pearls and a lovely snowflake frame add winter beauty to the card design.

TIP:  Adhere the shaker frame on the diagonal to create this pleasing diamond shape.

A Peek Inside

The inside of the card is very simply lined with more of the beautiful papers from this collection.  I created a small tea bag pocket and tucked in a fussy cut tag from the collection to complete the card design.

I have warm memories of my childhood home, but I must confess to you, I’m awfully glad to have married a Southern boy!  I find our North Carolina winters a LOT easier to endure than the ones from my childhood!

I hope I shared a some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Stay cozy!

Cheerio,

kathy