Scottish Terrier - Head Study

I just finished the Scottish terrier today - it measures 5.5" x 8.5" - my client is going to frame it in a 7"x11" custom frame. The picture next to it is from a "real" Scottie - I altered the photo to make it look like an oil painting so I could better design a pattern for it. I know it doesn't look exactly like the original - I added an eye - it just didn't look right covering up the second eye completely, and I didn't make any neck on my dog - it's strictly head! Also, as you can tell, the angle is a little bit different, too. Mine is a bit more shaggy, too. I got kind of carried away. LOL. Oh well - all that matters now is that my client likes it.

I'm SOOO glad she's done - yes, it's female - my client had a female Scottie named "Dolly" who lived 14 years and this is done in memory of her. I am really pleased how she turned out - I was worried for a bit, not having ever done anything this shaggy. I used the wheatearing technique for the shag and layered it - some tucking into the first layer, some laying directly on top - using both 1/16" and 1/8" width paper. I also used black, pearlized black, and charcoal black colored strips. The picture doesn't show well the disparity of colors, but believe me it looks really nice in person.

Shoutout to Sheetload!

I just found the most amazing site/blog for card makers EVER!!! It's called "Sheetload of Cards". They have card sketches and....this is the best part...the measurements for a bunch of cards (anywhere from 6 to 10 dependent upon the layout) and/or for a single card. I love it because (1) I am not good at making card "sketches" (never knew that's what they were called prior to finding this blog) and (2) it really does cut down on the amount of leftover scraps when making your own cards.

So, this post is dedicated to my SHOUT OUT TO SHEETLOAD contest - anyone entering has a chance at winning cool Fiskars border punches! Your opportunity to enter ends February 28th. The current issue of SheetLoad of Cards is out now : February '09 - Unity Stamp Company sponsors the February '09 issue.

Check out this site. Truly worth your visit if you enjoy making your own cards.

Franklin Intermediate Quilling Class

Here are pictures of my students and their work from Saturday's class - with their permission, of course. Joyce left early, so we didn't get a picture of her completed project.

Above from left to right: Marti, Joyce & Helen. Small class, but loads of fun!

Above, Marti and Helen working on arranging their flowers for the wreaths.

Marti's completed wreath.

Helen's completed wreath - sorry the image is so blurry. I didn't realize I hadn't gotten a good shot until after I was home and reviewing the pictures. The wreath turned out beautifully, nonetheless!

Purple Wreath - Directions

I decided to post the directions for this wreath I'll be teaching in my class this Saturday. Please note, however, that I am horrible at writing techniques (it's so much easily just to demonstrate to a live audience) - so I'll just tell you the size strips you need rather than explaining the technique for roses and fringed flowers. If you don't know how to do these things - most good quilling books have the techniques explained. One of my favorites is Alli Bartowski's "Paper Quilling for the First Time" - it explains both folded roses and fringed flowers in it.

Supplies Needed:
5”x10” lilac (I used Bazzill Basics “Cool Heather”) cardstock folded into 5”x5” card
5/8” wide quilling strips (lilac, purple)
3/8” wide quilling strips (lilac, purple, deep violet, blue, ivory)
1/8” wide quilling strips (yellow, green)
4 ½” diameter vellum circle (printed greeting optional).

Fringed Flowers:
3 – 6” lilac fringed (5/8) with 6” (1/8) tight roll yellow centers
3 – 6” purple fringed (5/8) with 6” (1/8) tight roll yellow centers
3 – 3” deep violet fringed (3/8) with 3” (1/8) tight roll yellow centers
3 – 3” purple fringed (3/8) with 3” (1/8) tight roll yellow centers
3 – 3” lilac fringed (3/8) – no center
3 – 3” blue fringed (3/8) – no center
Roses:
4 – 6” purple folded roses
4 – 6” ivory folded roses
4 – 6” deep violet folded roses
4 – 6” blue folded roses
Greenery:
10 – 4” green marquis
5 – 8” green marquis
9 – 3” green loose scrolls
6 – 4” green v-scrolls
6 – 2” green loose scrolls

Directions:
Glue vellum circle to the card (using a clear adhesive roller) - I use a ruler to make sure it's centered on the card before sticking it down. Assemble flowers around the edge of vellum – prior to gluing them down. Assemble large fringed flowers first. Then, assemble other fringed flowers and roses as looks good to you – keeping in mind that you want to have a fairly even “thickness” for the entire wreath. After flowers are assembled as pleasing to you, glue down flowers. Finally, add greenery, again I suggest dry fitting it around the wreath prior to gluing it so you make sure you have it where you want it.

Have fun with it! The only thing I ask is that you use this card/wreath for your own personal use only. Unless, of course, you want to sell it at a local craft/art show. In that case, go right ahead! Please don't sell it online. It wouldn't be fair to me as the designer.