Flowers and Bridal Showers

I know, I know... I am falling behind on my posts. I must admit that it's flattering to see that my slacking has actually been noticed. :) I've been too busy lately to do crafts - but I'm sure you've already guessed that.

However, occasionally, crafting becomes a priority. My sister had to go to a bridal shower last weekend and she needed two cards. I promised to make them for her...and then ended up procrastinating until it was almost too late. As you can see from the picture above and below though, I made them just in time. (And even was able to take pictures before my sister had to bolt out the door!)

The design was simple and I finally got to play with a few of my unopened toys. First of all, I was excited to use one of my new embossing folders. I think the raised effect of the background makes it seem a touch fancier than usual. I embossed both the front and back but unfortunately, the pressure of doing the front flattened the design on the back so it wasn't as crisp. 

By the way, these folders were one of my few impulse buys. I was strolling through Michaels one day when I saw all of them for sale for well less than half price! The designs are basic and versatile and so I could not resist swiping them all. 

Yes, I know. I have a lot of craft supplies.

I punched out the flowers with a punch from my pack of 40 and stuck gemstone stickers in the middle of a few. I had originally planned to make the bow out of cardstock as well but my sister insisted on ribbon which, I must agree, works better. 

All in all, not bad for something thrown together in half an hour. :)

Fair or Fowl...or Fruit?

Some projects are finished in an afternoon. Others take two years.

Yep, that lovely pomelo sitting my cousin Patrick's hands was two years in the making. It all started when my ninth aunt bought a 3D origami crafting book from Hong Kong and my cousins and I ambitiously decided to make a figurine together. Originally, it was supposed to be a chicken (you can sort of imagine it...right?) but due to a little miscommunication it ended up evolving a bit over the course of two years. My cousin Patrick was responsible for the majority of the construction and was also the one who made the executive decision to change the sculpture into a pomelo.

A direct quote from the architect: "Since it didn't go into the shape of a chicken, I decided to make it into a fruit...[I'm going to put this] on my desk."

There are over 800 pieces in this figure. It took over 10 hours, 5 people, and half a bottle of white glue. It's hard as a rock and can seriously injure someone if thrown. I was tempted to try the latter out ;). 

I'm almost a little sad to see the end of this project but now, we're just going to have to plan something new.