Tutorial Thursday: Zipper Flowers

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Melissa Samuels · 8 Comments

It's Thursday, that means tutorial time!! Today I'm going to show you how to make those cute little zipper trim flowers you've been seeing everywhere.

Start by threading a large needle. I used book binding thread, but any thick thread will do (ie upholstery thread). You'll need about 24" of zipper ribbon trim.

Make a running stitch along the trim edge of the ribbon. It will naturally want to spiral up, that's what you want! Once you've stitched the entire length of trim, adjust the tension of the thread to get the perfect looking spiraled flower.

Once you are happy with it, flip it over and run several stitches in the back side of the flower to hold all of the layers together. If you need a little Scor-tape or Fabri-Tac to hold some of the layers together, that's not a problem. Then thread the needle up the center of the flower to sew the button on. Done!

These little flowers are perfect for mini albums, layouts, and even cards!

Shop Announcement

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Melissa Samuels · 4 Comments

Hey guys! Just a little note to let you all know that my store is going to be set up on site at my Retreat this weekend, therefore, I'm going to have to shut the online store down starting Thursday night (July 14th) around 10pm (EST). If you're thinking of placing an order, you must do it before that time. All orders placed this week will ship as usual (same or next business day, depending on what time you place your order). My online store will reopen on Monday, July 18th, however any orders placed from July 18-22 will not ship until July 25th when I return from CHA. Speaking of CHA, make sure you check the blog often next week for pics and videos of the new product releases deputing at CHA. I'll be showing you my purchase for the online store, so stay tuned…

Here's a little peek at my desk. In between working, I'm putting together name badges for my retreat. I have to admit, for some strange reason, this is one of my favorite things to do.

And, on a personal note, my DH and I have been working crazy long hours lately, so we both took the day off Saturday to take the kids on a trip to the zoo. We only live 15 minutes away, so you'd think we'd remember to go more often. And, don't ask me what was going on in the goat enclosure…no idea…maybe a jail break in progress!

Retreat Preparations

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Melissa Samuels · 4 Comments

Boy, is the excitment building at Melissa Samuels LLC!! My upcoming The Art of Scrapbooking Retreat is only a week away! Can you believe it! The elves have been very, very busy preparing. Here's a peek…

Swag Bags being filled!!!

Chris hard at work.

I have so many wonderful things plan, I'm just gitty with excitement! Can't wait to tell you guys all about it. Also, after my Retreat I'm flying to Chicago for CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Conference and Trade Show. I'll be bringing you videos live from the show floor. So, be sure to check the blog often July 19-21.

Eileen Hull Diecuts

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Melissa Samuels · 1 Comment

Hey guys! Today I'm going to show you another card I made using more of the Kaisercraft 6.5" paper pad that I used yesterday. I just love the textured paper.

The other very cool thing about this card is the layered flower. If you've been following the blog, you may have noticed I'm getting hooked on diecuts. This flower diecut is a perfect example of why! It's made from the Sizzix Bigz Flower Layers #9 Die designed by Eileen Hull.

Isn't it gorgeous?! Eileen herself was kind enough to send me a box of wonderful goodies from her newest line called Fresh Vintage. Keep an eye out in my online store, because I'm so impressed I'm hoping to carry some soon!

I cut the die out of scrap paper, and then cut it again out of Webster's Pages Netting. I inked and slightly curled the edges of the paper with a pencil. I then taped all of the layers together. So simple, so pretty! I just love how you can make a coordinating embellishment out of your scrap paper in a matter of minutes with diecuts.

Here's a little matchbook notebook I made as a make n take for my upcoming retreat. I thought it turned out so cute.

I hope you enjoy! XO

KaiserCraft Card

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Melissa Samuels · 3 Comments

As promised, here's a quick little card I made over the holiday weekend. I made it using KaiserCraft Chapter One. It's kind of hard to see from the pics, but the blue background paper I used has a really pretty glossy embossed image on it. The papers in the 6.5" pad are embossed, foiled, and flocked. (The 12×12 is just plain, but the designs are amazing.) The pad also comes with label and saying cutouts, as well as border strips. Pretty neat! The flower is Prima Madeline with some pleated Melissa Frances Crepe Paper underneath. I hope you like!

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