So far we’ve avoided the freezing rain but there’s a six hour period later today when that could still happen. The resulting build-up of ice can be quite pretty in the sunshine, but very dangerous to walk or drive on. So I’m taking Mother Nature’s suggestion that today should be another crafting day. Unfortunately the weight of ice build-up on power lines can bring them down so we need to prepare for that possibility. Meanwhile enjoy today’s simple Sunday project featuring the free Favored Flowers Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack.

FAVORED FLOWERS PIECES

I began this project with the intention to show a way to use up partial images that are often found around the edges of patterned paper. So from the Favored Flowers DSP I chose one of the sheets with floral images separated by areas of black. Then using my Paper Snips I cut one of the larger partial images leaving a thin black border around it.

As well as the dramatic floral patterns, the Favored Flowers DSP also has more subtle background designs on the reverse of each sheet. So next cut a 3″ x 3″ piece of the Petal Pink pattern. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I mounted this square onto a 3-1/8″ x 3-1/8″ layer of Evening Evergreen Card.

As I thought about how to place my floral piece I decided that it needed an extra leaf to balance my design. So I went back to the original floral sheet looking for a partial leaf along one of the edges. Once I’d found what I needed I cut it out with my Paper Snips. Then I simply glued it to the back of the larger floral piece so the leaf peeked out between the two partial flowers.

Now that I was happier with the arrangement I glued it along the bottom edge of the background layer and set the piece aside. This was when my project started to take on a life of its own.

COVER AND PEN HOLDER

Originally I’d planned to cover and mount the 3″ x 3″ Post-It® Notes pad onto a simple square of card. However now I began to think about adding a pen. So instead I cut a 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ piece of Evening Evergreen Card for the base. Then for contrast I cut a 3-1/4″ x 7″ piece of Petal Pink Card and scored it at 3-1/4″ and 3-3/4″. After folding the card along the scored lines I sharpened the creases with a Bone Folder so it opened like a book. Finally using liquid glue I inserted the Post-It Notes pad, gluing it onto the inside back section.

Now I needed my pen holder and I started by cutting a 1″ x 3″ piece of Evening Evergreen Card. Then going back to the Favored Flowers DSP I cut a 7/8″ x 3″ piece of the same Petal Pink background design. After adding a curve to both pieces with my Bone Folder I glued them together and wrapped the layers around a small pen. Then I fixed the two ends of the strips together before gluing them behind the back ‘cover’. With that done I glued the assembled ‘book’ onto the Evening Evergreen base.

It was time for the sentiment and I chose the simple “just a note” from the new Happy Labels Stamp Set. Using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped the sentiment onto a 3/8″ x 2-1/4″ scrap of Petal Pink Card. Then I mounted that onto a 1/2″ x 2-1/4″ strip of Evening Evergreen Card with liquid glue.

Finally, using Stampin’ Dimensionals I added the sentiment to the square layers, before attaching them to the book ‘cover’. Job done.

I’m always delighted when scraps of patterned paper become something pretty and useful. The Favored Flowers DSP has separated floral images in other colours too, so I might have to make a set of these… What do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Happy Labels Stamp Set together with the coordinating Happy Labels Pick-A-Punch (not used today). This amazing punch can cut strips of card in three different widths and with your choice of two different end designs. Using the single “bundle” item number when I ordered meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying these two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.

FREE STUFF – The Favored Flowers DSP is not available to buy as it’s one of the exclusive products in the Sale-A-Bration promotion. But you can get it for free simply by choosing it when you place a minimum $60 order (before shipping and taxes). Sale-A-Bration ends on February 28th, however all free Sale-A-Bration items are only available while stocks last. By the way this paper also coordianates with the new Fragrant Flowers Stamp Set and Fragrant Flowers Dies (also available as a discounted bundle).