Sharing the love

Last week I held another class. I really enjoy hosting craft classes for a few reasons:
1) I get to share what I know with people I like
2) I have an excuse to do some craft myself
3) I get to talk (and I really love talking)
4) I get to hang out with great people for an evening
5) I get a little pocket money to purchase more craft supplies

See? No good reason NOT to run classes more often!

This class was a 'Mothers' Day' theme, so lots of flowers and swirly things.

My lovely friend Marnie (Our Fields of Gold) took some photos for me to share with you all.

The first card we made was a real surprise. Looks like just a simple mothers' day card on the outside:

But open it up for a bunch of pop-up flowers (thanks to the amazing and talented Martha Stewart for that one)

The 2nd card requires a lot more precise measuring and cutting, but again, the effect is well worth it.

And neatly folds down to fit into a C5 envelope!!

(I will post a detailed tutorial for this one soon)

Marnie considers herself an inexperienced card-maker, but I think she's done an amazing job and there will be some very impressed mothers this weekend (perhaps she just had a really good teacher ;)

What have you been planning for your Mum this mothers' day? Or are you waiting to see what your own kids come up with for you??

Love Gubby xo

By request

I have had quite a few custom orders for canvases lately. I LOVE the challenge of finding just the right paper and embellishments for a special little person.

Here are 2 that were ordered from me last week. One sister loves fairies and the other was into flowers and butterflies.

The hardest thing about custom pieces is worrying that the customer won't love them. When you put your heart into something, its a real worry. But I am finding it easier than I thought to take feedback from my customers- its usually just a change in font or the colour of a ribbon or flower- so my ego can handle that :)

I have sent these photos to make sure they are right and the customer is happy. Now I can't wait to give them to her!

Flower power

I have been having fun recently making cards with pretty flowers on them- made from a round scallop punch.

So here are the step by step instructions to make one of your own.

You'll need some paper (preferably double-sided), an emery board or distressing tool, some small scissors, double sided-tape and mounting tape or glue dots, and some buttons or brads for embellishment.

Punch out 2, 3 or 4 scallop circles, using different colours and patterns from the paper. Then distress the edges (the side of the flower that will be facing up).

Using a fine pair of scissors, cut in between the scallops- either single or double width.

Then fold the 'petals' up, pinching them with your fingers- this gives the flower dimension.

Finally, stick the layers together.

And you have a lovely addition to a card... or make a whole garden of flowers for a card or off-the-page project.

Enjoy!

Love Gubby xo