Smile! It's time for Bows!

My project for It's Jackie's turn to host the Stampotique Designers Challenges! 

Here's what she had to say about her challenge!

"Ribbons have been around since the Middle Ages. Merchants travelled the world, buying and selling ribbon, many of which had gold and silver in the silk. Ribbons were a sign of nobility and worn only by the rich. By the seventh century ribbon was part of the fashion industry and was part of clothing.
Today ribbon has numerous uses and it is a favourite crafting accessory. I have lots of it!

You can make fabulous bows with it to adorn your cards, scrapbook page, tags, journals etc.

So I would like to see you add a bow to your project. If you don't have ribbons, bows can be made out of many mediums such as paper, clay, string to name but a few!

I looking forward to seeing your creations with a bow!"

If you'd like the chance to win $30 worth of Stampotique stamps, you should play along. Visit Stampotique Designers Challenge blog and be sure to read the rules, so that you'll have the chance to win a great prize!!!

I have a metric tonne of ribbon, which I buy because it's pretty or if I think I might use it some day, which is rather like the rest of my crafting stash. However, my bow tying prowess is woefully poor. In fact, it's absolute rubbish. It's so bad that I bought the Bowdabra, which I can't figure out. I bought the Bow Easy with the same result. I've watched multiple videos and bought a large serving fork, which has become quite useful in the kitchen. So when I saw this challenge, I cringed. Big time.

Here's my project which has a bow. Please note that the tails of the bow are not behaving and the center of the bow is facing the wrong way. All I can say is "please be kind" or "if you can't say anything nice, best say nothing!"

My card features Karin (Daniel Torrente), who was stamped using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. She was outlined in yellow and then took a ride through my Big Kick inside a Large Rectangles Nestabilities die by Spellbinders. She was kept inside the die and a Post-It note was placed over the top part of the image, while Milled Lavender, Weathered Wood, and Black Soot Distress inks were sponged over the die and through my Dart Board stencil by The Crafter's Workshop (Currently 50% off!) . The Post-It note was moved to cover the newly stencilled area and Milled Lavender, Weathered Wood, and Black Soot Distress inks were sponged over the edges of the die towards the center of the piece. When I was happy with the coverage, I removed the Post-It note and popped the image panel out of the die. I added a bit more yellow Copic marker around Karin toward the sponged areas.

The patterned papers are from a very old 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye. It's good that I keep hoard my patterned paper pads since I usually find something to match my project. One day I might even get through all my pads. That is if I live to 258 years old. Anyway, I digressed. The patterned papers were die-cut, edged, and layered, then it was time to tie my bow and add ribbon.

I had some fun skullicious ribbon, which was purchased during Halloween. Since Halloween imagery is too good for just one holiday, I tend to collect hoard those supplies as well. I do the same thing with Christmas papercrafting product and I don't even really celebrate the holiday. 

Oops! Digressed again. So, I added a strip of ribbon, tied a bow, stuck a black safety pin through the center of the bow, and dangled a "smile" charm from the bow with Baker's Twine. I thought "smile" was the perfect sentiment for Karin, since she sports a wicked grin.

I should mention that the "smile" charm is at least seven years old. Maybe even older. I *think* that it's by KI, which has been out of business for a while. I love words and I love charms, so guess what I did? Yep. I bought a bunch of word charms and a gazillion other charms (an entire Iris cart drawer full), which I save hoard since I knew I'd need it one day. That  day came, which just goes to show you...something...or another. 

That's about it for now. Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Splitcoast Stampers' Dare to Get Dirty Challenge DTGD14cathymac
• Besties Challenge: Add a Charm or Something that Dangles
• Perfectly Rustics: Bow or a Ruffle