Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May Arts Design Team Call - ribbon plates Tutorial

There are 3 posts for today so be sure to scroll down.

Here we go!!..my final project for the first round of the May Arts DT Call.

Designer Plates!  Plates made from ribbon?  This idea just popped into my head and I'm so glad it did!  This project was pure fun and and an easy one to do with the kids this summer.

Now you can have designer plates to match any occasion!  May Arts has literally hundreds of ribbons to choose from so you'll never run out of inspiration.   Be careful though, they're addictive!   I already have my choices picked out for Memorial Day to be sure to stay tuned.  :-)

These would be beautiful accent pieces for display and set of 4-6 would make a wonderful "Thrifty Gift"!

                                    
Aren't they gorgeous?

I have a  printable tutorial for you here as well.  Let's get started!

Supplies:
Mod Podge
Small Sponge Brush
clear dessert plates (dollar store)
May Arts Ribbons (if using ½” ribbon and matching patterns you will need approx. 3 yards; wider ribbons with no patterns will require much less)
Waxed paper to protect surface

1. Assemble supplies. I used May Arts ABB Check Stitched Ribbon. Cover your work area with a sheet of waxed paper.  This will not only protect your surface, it will also keep the plate from sticking if you happen to get some Mod Podge on it.




2. Cut enough ribbon strips to completely cover your plate.  Wipe any fingerprints from the back of the plate with alcohol or window cleaner.  Beginning in the center, cover the back of the plate with Mod Podge and ribbon strips, working a line or two at a time.  Continue until plate is covered with ribbon, set aside to dry. 

                                       

3.  Once the ribbons have dried, apply another coat of Mod Podge.  Set aside to dry.  You can work on other plates as each one is drying. 


4.  Use scissors to cut away the excess ribbon.  Make sure to stay close to the border of the plate.


5.  Apply 2 additional coats of Mod Podge.  Be sure to allow the first coat to dry before adding the next one. 


Once  the plates have dried they will be clear and ready for use.  Clean the top with a damp cloth, dry then add something yummy! I had our local bakery match the frosting to the ribbon...is that cool or what?




Note:   Hand wash the top only.  If a more permanent water resistant coating is desired, cover the ribbons with several coats of polyurethane.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I can't wait to see your May Arts Ribbon designer plates.




Pin It!

May Arts Design Team Call - pincushions

Ok, on to project #2!  Here's a fun out of the box way to use the fabulous Cotton Striped Ribbon from May Arts.


I adore this cotton blend ribbon.  Since it is really just strips of fabric, I thought why not sew them together to make my own custom ribbon fabric!   I am totally addicted to it now.   I love these sweet little pincushion/pillows. 

I love how these turned out!  May Arts Cotton Stripes in red and blue pair perfectly with  May Arts Natural Jute Cord and Burlap String for a wonderful nautical look that would be perfect as a wedding favor, a beach house accent or for baby pins in a little boy's room.  I tied the pillow on the left with a square knot and  the one on the right with a figure 8 knot that I stitched in place.  The buttons are also tied with square knots.  The "Ahoy" sentiment is a rub-on that I added prior to stuffing the pillow.

Don't worry, I didn't leave the girls out!  Sugar and spice and May Arts Sheer Organza Ribbon and Crochet Lace are nice! I added beads to a safety pin then cross stitched them to this pincushion.


                              

This version features May Arts Elastic Plaid Ruffle Ribbon, more of that yummy Crochet Lace  and a bit of 3/16" String Loop.



I can't wait to combine more colors to make more ribbon "fabric"...Love you, May Arts!

Supply List

Red/Blue pin cushions
hand drawn heart pattern
Other:  heavy weight muslin fabric, buttons; plastic stars; beads/pin; flower; button; heavy duty thread;  Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; rub-ons (stash); sewing machine

Pink Pincushions
hand drawn pattern
Other:  buttons; safety pins; beads; pearl headed pins; paper flowers; rub-ons (stash) sewing machine


Thanks for popping in.  Your comments are always welcome and much appreciated!!


Pin It!

May Arts Ribbon Design Team Call - wedding journal

It's that time again!  May Arts Ribbon is looking for designers for the coming year.  You can find all the details here.

This will the first of 3 posts today.  I wanted to show how versatile May Arts Ribbon is so I've used different techniques for each project. 

If you've been following my posts on the May Arts Blog, you know how much I love "Thrifty Gifting".  I don't know about you but we're being deluged with wedding invitations!  I can understand why the first sweet months of spring are popular times for weddings.  The air is fresh and clean, the grass is greener and the flowers sweeter than any other time of year.  This special time is the inspiration for my first project.

I thought of all the activities that happen during the time of engagement and all the emotions a new bride-to- be shares with her fiancee, her friends and her family.  I thought having a place to record all the memories of the year of engagement and wedding planning would also be a wonderful keepsake.

I found a stash of these 7" x 5" notebooks on clearance at my local drugstore for $1.   Cha-ching!!  (Note: you can click on any photo for a closer look.)

 May Arts Silk  and Crochet Ribbons along with some gorgeous Graphic 45 Le Romantique papers and a few embellishments, helped me turn that utilitarian notebook into this elegant journal :


Inside is a bookmark and a pocket for photos or mementos.  I embellished random pages with romantic wedding themed rub-ons.



May Arts Crochet Lace and 1/4" silk ribbons pair up with more rub-ons and stick on pearls for an elegant bookmark.

                                      

I used May Arts Champagne Silk in the 1 1/4" width to thread through the binding wires and tie into a gorgeous bow.  May Arts 7/8" Crochet Lace was threaded with 1/4" silk and string pearls to form the border.  I hand made the flower using a pear punch and Bazzill Basics Linen textured cardstock. 

                                       

I think this would make a lovely, one of a kind wedding shower gift that can personalized in the bride's colors as well...sigh...sweet love and special memories captured.  Thanks May Arts!

Supply List
7" x 5 " notebook
Paper - Graphic 45 Le Romantique; Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow
Other - Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; string pearls; Versafine Sepia Ink; pearl swirl (gift); pear punch; leaf punch; Papertrey Ink  Filigree border die; rub-ons (Michael's $1 spot)


Thanks for visiting.  I'd love to know what you think.
Pin It!
01 09 10