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This year the kids and I decided to dye our Easter eggs with out the mess of traditional dyes. My oldest son, John, cannot stand to get dirty, so most holiday traditions become more of a hassle for him than fun. So thanks to Martha Stewart and her staff member, Jackie Manzolillo, and her family traditions we were able to change things up for him this year. Jackie's family dyes their eggs using old silk garments. You know a little Christian Dior, a little Oscar De La Renta. This is a perfect use for the silk tie you gave dad last year so that you can replace it with a new one this year. Dad will love it! Don't you agree?
It is very simple to do. You just take a strip of silk fabric and wrap it around a raw egg. I found the reds and blues worked better than paler colors. Then you wrap the fabric wrapped egg in a tight knit white fabric and secure with a twist tie. Place in an enamel or glass pot cover with water and 1/2 cup of vinegar and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for about 25 minutes.
After that you remove them from the water. Let them cool and unwrap them. And behold the most amazingly simple decorated eggs. While they may have imperfections, they are still elaborate. And way more detailed than I could have ever done myself, let alone a child.
The kids loved it. With each one they unwrapped they ooh-ed and ah-ed! And there was no dye to wipe up. Just silk and cotton to let dry and re-use next year. Works for me!
Just like this card I made for last months design team challenge. The challenge was to follow this simple sketch, that was so simple even I couldn't do it. That's right, I could not follow the sketch. But that is the beauty of a good sketch challenge ( at least in my opinion) is the ability to see the design and run with it and make it your own. So below is the sketch challenge that I came up with and then my sample and those of the other dt members that took part in the challenge.
February Sketch Challenge
My card: Cream Cardstock, Aquamarine Stardream - layer and antique label die, Bronze Stardream, Rose Quartz Stardream - Flower tag die small and Ashley "U" die, Basic Grey Lili Kate 6x6 paper, Basic Grey Rub Ons.
& last, but certainly not least, Carla Mayfield.
Aren't they all wonderful? So many different styles and textures. That is the beauty of having such a diversified design team and an equally diversified paper selection. Did you know that Creative Cuts & More offers their dies in more than a dozen different mediums, such as Bazzill cardstock in smooth, canvas, criss-cross, felt, vellum, velvet and chip board just to mention a few. And when you add up the different colors the combinations are just endless! There are about 270 different colors in all. So many colors even the Easter Bunny would be jealous.
Happy Easter!
Dusty
Thanks to everyone who purchased a March class kit. The first installment of the class was a huge success and received great reviews. I will be teaching the second installment on Sunday, March 16th, however, the class is sold out.
The next class being offered is an adorable clear acrylic class. Acrylic albums are hot, hot, hot. And this one is no exception. This class consists of a 6" x 6" clear acrylic album complete with cover, dividers and multiple pages, Basic Grey Lili Kate papers & ribbons, Rub - Ons, gems and so much more.
I am encouraging each participant to bring 15 to 20 photos to class. The album is perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, girlfriends, daughters, family gatherings, or a spring theme. So you are not limited on what you can put in it. Since Easter has not happened yet, I used images from some of my favorite old magazines. However, these pictures and the lay-out will definately get you inspired on new and exciting ways to scrapbook your most cherished memories.
The class will be held on two different dates. The first class will be on Saturday, April 12th from 9 am to 1 pm in Parker, and the second one will be held on Sunday, April 13th from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in Southwest Denver. Seating is limited and will be granted on a first come, first paid basis. You may "pencil" your name in, but to hold your seat you will need to pre-pay. The class fee for the album is $35 and includes the album, select ribbons and papers from Basic Grey and Bazzill, die-cuts, 1 pkg. Doodlebug jewels, 2 pkgs Basic Grey Rub-Ons, and a helpful hints idea sheet filled with tried and true techniques and tips. The finished product may vary from images shown. Classes are non-refundable. A credit will be issued in the event of a cancelation, provided a minimum of 24 hours notice is given. The instructor may cancel a class if a minimum attendance is not reached within 48 hours of the said class. To reserve your spot, call Creative Cuts & More at 303-840-1744.
If you have suggestions of kits, classes or posts you would like to see, I would love to read your comments.