Thursday, April 10, 2008

Garden of Life (5)

It's official...another PTI countdown. Don't you just LOVE the 10th...and then of course the 15th?!!! This month's release is called Garden of Life.
Garden of Life is truly inspired by my personal life. Growing up mum exposed me to MANY hours of gardening. I was always touched by the first signs of spring, the buds in the ground and new life on the verge. When I bought my first house a few years ago you can bet that I hit the garden in a big way. After all I had to show my mum up *smiles* either that or show her that I actually did listen when she told me about gardening *lol*

Some of the flowers I created for Garden of Life actually represent some lovely ladies in my life: my mum, my grandmother, and my best friend Ellen. In fact, my projects today showcase those 3 flowers: a rose, a mum and a wild flower.

I just LOVE giving gifts (and cards for that matter) and what I love about hand crafted gifts is that you can personalize them (colour, size, etc). Since I am also interested in home decor I knew I could combine my passion to make a special gift for my friend.

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I began with a simple card. I prepared a card base of 5.5x4.25 base using white cardstock, a berry sorbet 5.25x4 layer, and a one inch spring moss paper strip.

Using my white craft ink, I stamped the Berry Sorbet cardstock (it is actually a pretty pink but the camera shows it more orange)



Using my 1 1/4 inch square punch I punched a square and stamped a "mum" in the centre.



To give the "mum" a little more depth, I coloured in some of the petals using the R20 Copic marker.



To finish off, I punched a 1 3/8 square Berry Sorbet and adhered the "mum" to it. Then I stamped a sentiment on the 1 inch Spring Moss strip. You'll also notice I decorated my envelope too (I like things that coordinate *lol*)





Now onto my hand crafted gift. You are going to LOVE this because it is so easy to do!!!!

I purchased a 6x12~4x10 soho frame created by nexxt. Then I removed the glass and pulled out the matting. I stamped my sentiment in the centre of the matting.



Then I adhered a piece of white cardstock to the back of my matting using double sided sticky tape.



Then I punched 12 1 3/8 inch squares (3 berry sorbet, 3 aqua mist, 3 spring moss, 3 sweet blush)



Once I had my 1 3/8 squares, I prepared my 1 1/4 inch white squares. As you can see I stamped the flower images randomly in the square.



Here is a close up of the finished product. Did you see that sentiment???? I {heart} that sentiment. It's my favourite in the bunch.



Here is the finished frame.


Here is my duo! A present and a card for a friend.


Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White Cardstock by PTI, Sweet Blush by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI, Aqua Mist by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
ink:
Sweet Blush by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI, Aqua Mist by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
stamps: Garden of Life (Urban Design) by PTI
accessories: Copic Markers
tools: 1 3/8 inch Square Punch by EK Success.
1 1/4 inch Square Punch by EK Success

Thanks for stopping by and be sure you tune in again tomorrow.

Before you leave, I'd love to hear which out of these three flowers you like the most.

103 comments:

Anonymous said...

Alli, this gift set is so gorgeous! I'd have to say the wild flower is my favorite. Sort of resembles a daisy and gerbers are my favorite! Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Double wow. I love this set already even with this little peek. Fave is probably the solid flower but love them all.

Anonymous said...

I love what you did with the frame! Can't quite decide between the mum and the wild flower... I've never seen a mum look so pretty! We have lots of them here in Singapore and never quite thought they looked very pretty till I saw yours! I guess if I really had to choose my favourite would be the wild flower. Lovely flowers! I can't wait to see the rest of the set!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Awesome projects! I love the set and can't wait to see the rest of it (and get my hands on it)!

Anonymous said...

Love the new set, my favorite is the wildflower then the mum. I can see lots of beautiful cards made with this set. Linda

One Creative Life said...

That frame is awesome! I so have to make one for my house. I think my favorite flower hands down is the mum! This is going in my cart!!Thanks for sharing!~Erica

K said...

Ummm....WOW! I just love these flowers and the frame is just so nice! I love the mum...it has lots of possibilities.

Anonymous said...

OMG! I absolutely love what you have created here and I just know that I am going to fall in love with your new set!! I know I am going to be in trouble again on the 15th, lol!!!! Can't wait to see the whole set and pop it right into my cart!! Thanks so much for sharing:)

Cheryl said...

I looked and looked to see which I like the best, but I can't make up my mind. First I say the rose, then the mum, and then I say, but the wildflower is really cute. Guess you have a winner there!!!
Cheryl Sims

Cynthia said...

I love all three!! And I heart the sentiment too. What a great idea and a great set can't wait to see the rest! Cynthia

Unknown said...

Love it Ali!

Unknown said...

OMGosh I so love that frame!!! I am totally going to have to copy that, it's such a great idea.

LeAnne said...

What a cute idea, so fresh-looking! I like all three flowers so far, but the wildflower is probably my fav. Can't wait to see the whole thing!
LeAnne

Anonymous said...

I love that wildflower. I love the detail of the wider outline of the flower. I really makes the color you use pop. Can't wait to see the whole set.

Anonymous said...

I'm partial to daisies, but I like the look of all the flowers in the picture frame as it makes it look like a garden. I REALLY like the sentiment about what the flowers stand for. I think I'd cry (out of happiness) if I received such a special gift!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, Alli! So, so cute! Love those flowers, Girly!

Stacy said...

I think I love that mum. I love your project, that would make a great gift. Thanx for always inspiring.

Bethany Paull said...

Oh Alli! I'm dying to see the rest of the set now. Those flowers are perfect. And I love your frame project. I'm REALLY particular about what I'll put in my house, and I would hang that frame with pride.

Ruth Shanahan Allmart said...

Alli - your project is so beautiful, I love it. I can't wait to see this entire set :o) I think my favourite flower out of those three is the wild flower. Thanks for all your hard work. I'm lokking forward to the 15th!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a stunning gift. That mum is amazing. I have got to have it!!

Leigh OBrien said...

Just gorgeous, Alli. I am holding my breath until we can see it all! I'll be checkin' in on your countdown.
Leigh

Anonymous said...

Oooh, love all three! The mum I guess... however, I love the wildflower, too! Can't wait to get my hands on it :)
Kellie

Kelly Braund said...

The rose is very pretty! But, the mum would be my favorite! I just love that you could give it many different looks depending on how you color in petals. Love your frame project.
KellyB

Mindy said...

I love the flowers, but the picture/frame is just so nice. Thank you for the inspiration, can't wait to try my own.

Holly said...

Love the mum! Thank you for such a beautiful set.

Lisa H. said...

another great set you designed, Ali. I love the mum, the best, but all three are beautiful! what a wonderful gift,too.

Anonymous said...

Love the rose just because you took a very 'classic' flower and made it look modern and fresh!

Pegg S said...

What a beautiful set - can't wait to see it! I love the solid flower the most -- though each one is so great!

IamDerby said...

This is so pretty! I love the mum best of all.

Jen Cozz said...

Tough choice - I like them all~ but maybe the wildflower best!

Sally Watkins said...

What an amazing gift. I am really impressed with the new images and how you use them.

Allison said...

I have to say I love the mum the best! It's just perfect!

Michelle said...

I love the frame - it is gorgeous, what a wonderful gift.

I love the Mum first, than the rose!

I can't wait to buy this stamp set.

Anonymous said...

Alli, the frame is soooooo pretty! Love it! Can't wait to play with the new set...lokks great so far!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see the rest of the set. I LOVE flowers! THe projects you made were awesome. I'm trying to figure out who in my life I could make that for, wait a minute why not ME!

InspiredByInk said...

Hi Alli,
Long time no email! I LOVE this set! I don't normally like roses, but I have to say... I think that's my favorite out of the trio! Then the mum and then the wildflower. You have such a GREAt creative mind. It amazes me! Thanks for being such a GREAT source of inspiration!

Hugs~~

Bobbie *Ü*

Martin and Wieska said...

i love it!

Jan Larson said...

Wow, you've been busy! Our flower designs are beautiful!

Jan

Anne said...

It's a tough choice because I really like the fresh, funkiness of the wildflower, and roses tend to be a favorite of mine. Sorry, I can't decide because they are all lovely!

Amy said...

I like the rose because it also looks like a lotus blossom to me. I know I'll NEVER catch up to my mother's flower gardening. She has thousands of flowers - over 300 varieties of iris alone!

Anonymous said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the wild flower!

Anonymous said...

Looks like another winner! How special to have created a stamp set that celebrates the people you love in life... Congrats again!

I think the rose is my favorite (today, anyway)...

Anonymous said...

What a great set...I love them all, but the wildflower in particular. Thanks for the great inspiration!! Tracey A.

Unknown said...

Such a wonderful project, love the colors you used and your new set is ROCKIN! My fave is the wild flower, great sentiment.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful project, and one I can do, also! I love the mum image. Can't wait for the 15th!

Niki Estes said...

Love your new flower set, Alli! Can't wait to get it! Love the frame you made, too!

Anonymous said...

Flowers hurray!!! Can't wait to see the whole set but I know it will be on my list. I love the Mum because you can alter it with coloring. TFS a spectacular project. Ann

Anonymous said...

I love your project. The frame is absolutely beautiful. My favorite flower is either the Mum or the Rose. Both are so striking. I cannot wait until the 15th ... can't wait to see more ideas.

Kelly Schelske said...

Woweeee!! Awesome card and frame...I would have to say my fav is the wildflower!

Anonymous said...

Love it!

Anonymous said...

Alli,

I love the mum the best, and I love the project you did with the stamps!!!

Jen said...

beautiful - can't wait to see the whole set

CaraDee said...

What great projects!! At first, I had seen the mum and LOVED it...then I saw the rose. Can't decide. Way to go! Gotta have this set.

Elizabeth Bracco said...

Do I really have to choose just one? ;) I think the mum wins. I love how you colored parts of it to give it some 'life'. Great job!

Anonymous said...

I think the mum is my favorite. I love the project idea.

Charmaine

Geny said...

Wow, these are both gorgeous Alli! I can't wait to see what else you create with this set. I love it so much and have been creating with it like mad:)!!

Theresa Tyree said...

Alli, these flowers are so flippin' gorgeous!! I can't wait to see the set in its entirety.
I would have to say that I love the mum stamp. The intricate details of the petals are phenomenal! Well done!

Kerry Johnson said...

Oh Alli! This set looks gorgeous! I can't wait to see the whole thing - and your project is fab (as usual)! I love the mum. I love them all - but especially the mum!

Bee's Zen Garden said...

I like the big fat flower the best, it looks like a peony to me and they're among my favorite flowers. :-)

stampmonkey said...

Oh, Alli -- these projects are SO beautiful!! Another 'must-have' stamp set...uh-oh -lol. I love the wildflower, but I think, if I have to choose, I'd have to say the mum is my favorite.

Kim said...

I like the crysanthymum the best! I can't wait to get my hands on this stamp set and CASE that wonderful gift you made for your friend! Great job!

Maria said...

Wow! Beautiful projects. Hard to pick a favourite out of the 3 but I'd have to say - wildflower.

Anonymous said...

You've created another gorgeous set of stamps that I can't wait to get my hands on! Love your frame.

By the way, I'd have to say my favorite flower of the bunch in the wildflower. There's just something very retro about it that I like.

Take care - Regina Davis

Anonymous said...

Okay wow that is an amazing project! Gonna have to try that! And the stamp set? Fabulous!

Anonymous said...

You do such fantastic work. It is hard to pick a favorite but I love the wildflower and mum! The frame was a great idea too!

kris said...

Oh My Gosh! I am new to your blog but I am amazed at what I am seeing!You are definately one of"the best" out there!I cannot wait to *own* this set!Kris

Anonymous said...

Love this idea as I'm looking for great personal gifts for mother's day! Love that 'mum', it has such great detail, can't wait to see the whole set!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the wildflower! This is such a clever and simple gift for a special someone... Thank you for sharing...
FYI- in Texas during the months of April - late May, you are not permitted to cut down any wildflowers or you will be fined by the state... the state later cuts your frontage to make Texas neat again (not that it wasn't pretty to begin with) - Started by First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson!
by Marilyn in Texas!

Anonymous said...

This is so awesome. I love the mum - it is so different than other flower stamps that I have. Oh...the decisions I will have to make when all the stamp sets are unveiled...

Christine McMullin

Anonymous said...

They are all gorgeous, but I like the solid flower stamp best.
C Burke

Unknown said...

Oh my! They are all gorgeous, but I'd have to say that the mum is my favorite!!! Simply beautiful!

Cindy @ Creating at Home said...

Congrats on another beautiful set, Alli! I like the rose the best.

Cindy

Bridget said...

Alli...
I love, love, love this set!!! First off..the name rose is significant to me..it has been carried down in my family for several generations..the youngest now..my daughter, Nora Rose...and my blog name..Rosebuds..So, of course my favorite flower by far is the rose!! I just love how you made it look more modern and trendy!! I can't wait to get my hands on it..Thanks for the great projects!!

Bridget Rose

Melissa Flieg said...

First of the set looks great. I think it is my favorite so far and I love both the other ones too. I can't decide if I like the mum or the wildflower best. They are both beautiful.

Jamie Tyson said...

Loving the "mum" but the others are beautiful as well. Love your projects!!!

wilber said...

I love this set, and of course, it comes just after I have vowed not to purchase any more "Flower" stamps. I guess I will be breaking that vow on the 15th. I love the mum and the rose. Thank you for all the time and energy you invest in your stamp sets!
Lynn

Karen Kelly said...

I LOVE that framed gift! And, I have to say the rose is my favorite because it's the first rose stamp I've seen that doesn't look like it's outdated--the image looks nice and modern so I like that about it!

Unknown said...

Love the finished frame - how can I choose!

Fab stamps - congratulations

Charlene Austin said...

INCREDIBLE! What an amazing frame and gift! You go girl! I love that rose. And the mum. Oh and the wild flower! Yep, love 'em all! A girl CANNOT have too many flower stamps.

liannallama said...

oh, pretty! I love your card and project! I think my favorite is the chrysanthemum.

Kristine said...

Definately the MUM!! :) As most have already said, it has the most detail and it's sooo CUTE! :D

Deanna said...

Hellur the frame is gorgeous! I have to say the third flower is my favorite... it has a retro feel to it!

PS... I love how stained teh stamps are all ready!:)

Marlou McAlees said...

wow!!! Alli, this is just stunning, thanks for tutorial :) x

Anonymous said...

the picture and card are gorgeous! love the simplicity of them! i can't wait to see the whole set, i know it is gonna be right up my alley!!! :)
thank you!
chelle

Unknown said...

This frame is gorgous Alli! So wonderful. I do like all the flowers, but I love that I can use my copic markers with that mum in particular. You're brilliant my friend, can't wait to see what this full set looks like!

Rose Ann said...

Beautiful projects Alli!! I think I like the mum most....but all are beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is definitely the mostly solid flower! I told myself no more flower sets, but this one is calling my name!

CraftyMomOf3 said...

Gorgeous beyond gorgeous!!

Kristy said...

What a beautiful gift! I love all the flowers, but in particular, the rose. My mom has a lot of rose bushes and cuts fresh ones for the house all season. Love them!

Unknown said...

Wow!! look at you with 89 comments! :) The set looks beautiful Alli!! Congrats!

Libby Hickson said...

Love your project, very cool! And the mum is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

Hi Alli,

Love this new set and the sentiments behind it - my favorite image is the wild flower. And thanks for sharing the great gift idea. I'm going to replicate it for my sister using a mix of stamped images and pictures of my niece.

Christina Fischer said...

HOLY COW, Alli -- you've outdone yourself on this one!! This frame is fantastic!! The set looks amazing, and I love that the flowers represent the special women in your life. It's hard to choose a favorite, but I think it might be the wildflower! I'm looking forward to the 15th!

Anonymous said...

Alli - the frame and card are beautiful!! I can't wait to get this stamp set!!

Anonymous said...

I love your frame. I think the rose is my favorite, but it could be the mum tomorrow. k prakken

Anonymous said...

I love the mum! It's such a beautiful flower and lends itself to gorgeous shading!

Karen said...

what a great gift set - love the colors you paired up too! not sure which flower is my fav - I love all floral sets and couldn't pick just one of these great flowers!!

Anonymous said...

thanks for the guide, it's really pretty!

Arlene,
West Bremerton florist

Debbie Olson said...

Ohhh, ahhh! Alli! These are amazing--especially the framed piece! the mum is my favorite, I think. . .

huntla1 said...

This set is fabulous. I love the picture. The colors, the graphic detail, just everything about it! Love, love love it!

Angie said...

This is a beautiful new set! Great job. The rose is probably my favorite.

Anonymous said...

OMWord!!!!!! I LOVE IT!! FABULOUS!! STUPENDOUS!! I'm just in awe as what you just did here. Thanks so much for sharing!
Alice

Jane Smith said...

Hi Ali, Just popped in from Australia. Love your work. Thankyou for sharing and inspiring. XXJ