Decorative Cans

Here's something I have been working on. These were once canned foods. The top of the can was opened with one of those 'safe' can openers that allow for smooth edges around the open edge.

Other supplies included a Crop-o-dile, jumbo eyelets and designer paper. You should try these yourself. It's a great way of recycling. Hopefully the images I took while working on the cans will help.

Here are three cans I completed. Two use the Ginger Blossoms designer paper and the other Le Jardin.

Here's a close-up of the flowers cut from the Ginger Blossoms double-sided designer paper.

Those who purchased my "Le Bon Oeuf" kit will recognize the stamp set used here. The outside of the can is covered with a vanilla strip of cardstock stamped with olive and artichoke inks.

The tissue stuffing the can was also stamped to match the outside, so it all coordinates.

Now, how did I get those holes? Simple. First start out by punching a hole with the hole punch on your Crop-o-dile. Remember, there is a screw and slide measure located below the punch so you can decide how deep you want to make your hole from the edge of the can. Simply unscrew, slide to your desired depth and then tighten.

Here's what the hole looks like from the inside. The image on the left already has an eyelet in place.

Push your jumbo eyelet in place.

Adjust your 4-way dials on your Crop-o-dile and seal your eyelet. The directions for sealing on are the packaging for the Crop-o-dile.

Here's the eyelet in place with a ribbon running through.

Basic Floral Arrangment

I spent some time creating this floral arrangment today. There are a least a half-dozen things on my "To-Do" list, and this was NOT one of them. Still, it was fun to make.

I delivered some orders today but not before stopping at HobbyLobby. I had to buy some embrodiery hoops for my next project. There was a sale 50% off sale on all the floral bunches (imagine that....a sale at HobbyLobby). I have been meaning to create another floral arrangment for the urn in our bathroom. During Christmas I made a velvet poinsettia topiary (of sorts). The urn has been sitting empty since then, so, I decided today was the day to fill it.

Here is what I started with. There's the Urn (another HobbyLobby purchase years ago), the garden foam and the flowers. The flowers of course came in a bunch, I simply used wire cutters to seperate them.

Aren't the colors wonderful! Beautiful chartreuse and rich nectar pinks. I knew when I saw this particular flower bunch is was the one I needed.

Here are the cuttings lined up according to color and size.

Here is the final composition. What do you think? It seems kind of crowded because of the angle but it really isn't. I love that big green flower at the bottom.

Here is another bunch I purchased, only because the flowers were so heavenly. You know, so many crafers seek the vintage millinery flower silk flowers have come such a long way...I think they're just as beautiful as the softness and beauty as the vintage flower.

Look at the green sprays coming out of this. The leaves have various shades of greens and textures to make it all look more natural.

Look at the colors in this! Me thinkeths this particular batch will be used to cheer up the grey walls at the office.

This my dear friends, is my Spring Door Wreath. I purchased the "Spray" for $.25 at a garage sale and the grapevine wreath was purchased several years ago for $2 in a clearance tub at HobbyLobby (where it was discarded to the attic until now). I just wired the spray around the wreath. I had intentions of adding birds and such...but, Spring will be here for a while so I have time to finish it. Not to worry....it's on my "list".