Ribbonista Blog Hop!!

(apparently my post neglected to go live as scheduled.. I apologize!)

Good Morning and welcome to my stop on the Ribbonista Hop!! I decided to share with you today a brand new tradition I've brought to my little family...

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!!

I start with a tube of some sort (old wrapping paper tube, toilet paper, paper towels.. you name it, it works!), then I cover it in vintage patterns, fill it with each person's favorite candy, close it off with ribbon..... and decorate with ribbons, tags, buttons and christmas stamps!

And this is the pile of my Christmas Crackers!!
All supplies used: May Arts ribbons (about 8 different kinds!), Viva las VegaStamps!, vintage buttons, archival ink, Embossing powder, distress ink, kraft paper, distress markers. 

Don't forget to leave comments everywhere (and back at the May Arts blog!) for your chance at the big prize!! 

Keep on Hoppin'! 

Jen http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Leah  www.1alabasterowl.blogspot.com
Monica http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/2012/12/its-ribbonista-hop.html
DeeDee http://umwowstudio.com - you are here!
Susan www.luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com

Craft Challenge!!!

It's time for another May Arts Ribbon challenge... The Ribbon Lady graciously hosts these challenges where folks submit their ideas based on criteria, she chooses 25 people to compete and they're all sent some beautiful ribbon...

This month's challenge is "Ink It" and May Arts has paired up with HELMAR! 

Check out the details here.

I was also given the opportunity to create a little inspiration for you and here's a couple of sneak peeks of the project that will air Tuesday!

Dear Child - Let your creativity SOAR tag

I recently got the chance to work with some fabulous Gauche Alchemy pieces.. they put together vintage and ephemera kits. Super fun!! I teamed up the VLVS! DT with the GA DT and fun was had by all :)

here is my finished piece for the team up:

p.s... yes.. that is my Goobaloo bent down coloring with chalk :) he loves it so!!

I used the Bird In Flight stamp from VLVS! and I used a star punchinella from GA as a mask. I also used some beads from a trim they sent me to form my clouds. Which by the way are held together using Gel Medium! What a super neat effect it is has so thick and "gloopy".

I also used Distress Ink in walnut stain, broken china, and pine needles, the TH ray embossing folder, TH soar alphas and bubbles, TH tags die, memento ink, white cardstock, an american crafts pen, turquoise wire, water, crystal lacquer, pop dots, hot glue and recycled packaging.

I'll be entering this in the Layered challenge @ SimonSaysStampandShow as well as the pastels with a pop of color challenge @CropChocolate.com 

Around the World - Sneak One

Check these puppies out!! You get one vintage map tag with my signature distressing!

Available 5 for $4 in the etsy shop in case you need extra :) 

Altered dress forms..

Here's a sneak peek of the post I have up on the Basically Bare blog today!

click here to see the full piece and details

What do you think of the new watermark? I'm trying to work on branding all social medias the same.. and I think pictures should definitely be included.. especially with pinterest being so popular!