Paper flowers

I like crafting from scratch. It takes longer time,of course, but I get more satisfaction from the final result. It is also less expensive solution, as we all know ready made materials can cost a bit. I will probably devote one whole post to the crafting materials I use, but in general I craft from anything and everything. That's why I need a hand by my imagination to create charming results from anything available. 

And this is why I've decided to devote a section in the blog called "Lovely and easy" to sharing ideas how to create various lovely and easy items to complete any crafting project.

Project number one: Lovely and Easy Paper Flowers 

Crafting Materials:

Paper, according to your ideas
Beads
Glue (I use two types of glue: all purpose glue for the paper and glue for porcelain for the plastic beads)
Fiskars squeeze punch - heart or simple heart template

Needed materials 

Steps:

1. You will need to cut six hearts with the help of the squeeze punch. I use the squeeze punch simply because I have it :), but if you don't have one there is no need to buy particularly for this project. You can make a heart shaped template and cut six hearts with its help. No big hassle.

Cutting the hearts with the squeeze punch

2. Layer and glue the hearts in two levels, using three hearts for a layer (shown on the picture below). The hearts will represent the petals of the flower. By crossing the layers, so they don't coincide, you can create an effect of a fuller flower. If you need a simpler one, only three hearts are enough. Then just move to the next step. Glue the paper hearts with a all purpose glue - it's just hold stronger and longer than ordinary paper glue. 

Layering the petals 

3. After the layers of the petals are ready, next step is gluing the beads. For this purpose, I use glue for porcelain - just holds stronger, and I prefer to be on the safe side, that it will not come off soon. Use any kind of beads you have - small, big, round, gems..... anything you like. 

Adding the beads

4. Create a 3-dimensional effect by simply bending the petals of the flowers. Simple! 

3D effect by bending the petals  

And..... you are DONE! 

Then place the flowers where you want to have them - cards, gift bags, hair clips, picture frames.... The list is endless. I, for example, have used the flowers to decorate this wooden candy box, which currently serves other purposes - it is the place I keep all the ribbons for my crafting projects.

Good Luck!

Number One

Well, post number one :) finally here.

If you are an amateur, it always shows not matter how well you try to hide it, so better then just admit it. That is my logic. I am an amateur blogger and this is my first post and I admit it :).

So wondering what to share first I decided, that a "Thank you" card, made for my yoga teacher will be an appropriate begging.

I like yoga, but I am not very active in my daily practice. After my pregnancy and birth I discovered the most relaxing and at the same time charging yoga practice, that helped me - both psychically and mentally. It was Vanda Scaravelli's yoga philosophy and I had the most wonderful teacher - Maaret. She made me feel comfortable, safe, helped me relax during our practice, and never ill at ease. It was wonderful to have her as my yoga mentor. A good yoga teacher, someone who can create a rapport atmosphere is a necessity for a successful yoga practice and I did trust Maaret completely.

After nine months of weekly yoga lessons, it was time to say "Good bye" to Maaret, but her wonderful lessons will always be with me. This is the "Thank you" card, I made for her. 

Materials for the card:

Pink card base
Paper by PaperPack  by Tiimari (a very common local Finnish crafts and gifts store)
Flower stamp by Sinneli  (probably my favorite store in Helsinki, it's a crafts store, for hard-core crafters like me, who are willing to waste time and money. I can probably live there :) )
Fiskars squeeze punch - heart
Fiskars corner punch
Fiskars crafts scissors
White transparent ribbon (a left over from our wedding crafts :) )
White acrylic paint
Glue and 3D adhesive foam squares

Technique: 

Acrylic paint gives very nice texture used together with stamps. Some rubber stamps are recommended to be used only with water based colors, but I found out that acrylic paint does not damage the surface of the stamp, and at the same time gives nice relief to the final result. Do not apply too much paint over the stamp, as it smears the image. Clean the stamp with warm water and a brush.

Well, I can't help closing that post with a wonderful message, I learned from my yoga teacher - to enjoy my breath.  So, close your eyes and enjoy your breath! We all have that magical ability in us :).

A picture taken at my yoga courses