On the other side of the camera

I don't suppose anyone is ever completely comfortable in front of a camera but when the camera guys let you snip away while you chat, it's like a visit with your favorite neighbors.

By the time this shot was snapped, all my art and the interesting props had been removed and the camera geniuses were photographing the paper crafting products about to be released by Sizzix. 

This round is for the eClips machine, a collection of wonderful art that you can actually cut in a jiffy on a truly amazing machine. 

It's so close to my own original hand cut look you won't believe it.

 It'll be introduced in January at the Craft and Hobby Association's big trade show in California, where I'll be doing live demos.

Busy snipping away for the remaining items yet to be finished.

Do you have something you'd like to snip lightning fast on a Sizzix machine?

If you do, let me know what it is and I'll see if I can fit it into the last few images. Wouldn't that be fun?

The joy of creative weekends

Near me is the most amazing nursery a gardener could wish for:

Christianson's.

 

So when they asked me to snip in one of their greenhouses during the annual Arts Alive weekend I could not resist. Creative inspiration is always guaranteed in a greenhouse.

It was a sparse crowd. I should have been disappointed, but it gave me extra time to visit with my gifted friend Laura, who was beside me making wreaths.

I bought one, but since one is never enough, I had to go home and make more myself.

Want a quick tutorial?

I thought so!

I took long flexible strands of viney plants (honeysuckle, climbing rose, kiwi, wild rose and grapevine) and simply twisted and coaxed them into a circle. If they're not fresh enough, you'll have problems with breakage.

When you have a fairly complex and sturdy shape, toss it to the ground, which enables you to see if it's nicely symmetrical.

Gather spindley twigs, rose hips, berries that will dry well, or anything else that suits your fancy.

I found that only nature's shopping cart worked for this project... nothing store bought. 

You'll want a sharp pair of clippers.

And wear gloves.

 

I raided my neighbor's drying white hydrangeas. Perfect.

Ditto for the birch branches that fell during a storm.

Weave their stems into the structure of the wreath, working your way around until it's a pleasing arrangement.

Soon you'll have a gorgeous wreath. 

Or call Christianson's in LaConner and ask for one of Laura's beauties.