Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Design team goodness!


One of my very favourite aspects of designing for my wonderful women bosses is CHRISTMAS! Today, I have several things to share with you.

These candles were done for the first ever Quietfire Design Team blog hop. I love love LOVE Suzanne's beautiful hand calligraphy, and since I am not similarly talented, it delights me that she makes her magic into rubber stamps for us to use. If you like her work, you really MUST enter her fabulous...and very generous... contest!

There are GREAT rubber stamp prizes being offered throughout the week. Here are the rules:

On EACH blog (see the daily list below) please leave your comment in the comments section for a chance to win a daily grab bag of Quietfire Design Rubber Stamps.

A name will be chosen randomly from the list of comments on each blog entry and the name of the winner will be posted on that blog the following day. Then hop on over to the next blog on the list to see the fabulous art work done with Quietfire stamps and to leave a comment to enter the drawing for that blog.

When the grand announcement is made, the winner needs to ontact suzanne@quietfiredesign.com to claim the wickedly FABULOUS grand prize...so stay connected!
Here is the list of participating blogs...visit each one of them to see their wonderful Christmas work!

Monday, Nov 16th - Yogi Grunwald

Tuesday, Nov 17th - Kristy Christopherson

Wednesday, Nov 18th - Kim Prince

Thursday, Nov 19th - Deborah March ...right here!!

Friday, Nov 20th - Suzanne Cannon ...our leading lady and purveyer of all things beautiful at Quietfire Design!

Saturday, Nov 21st - Wanda Hentges

Sunday, Nov 22nd - Becca Feeken

Monday, Nov 23rd - Monica Black

PLEASE NOTE: You need to take note of every rubber stamp used on each designer's blog. At the end of the blog hop, go back to Suzanne's blog and list all the stamps used this week on everyone's cards to win a fabulously wicked, wickedly fabulous...GRAND PRIZE.

Now, here are my candles:


These are so easy to create, and they make lovely little gifts for dinner parties and such. I stamped the sentiments on tissue paper with black StazOn ink, cut closely around the stamped image, and positioned it on the candle. Then I wrapped ordinary waxed paper tightly around the stamped image, and waved my heat gun over it, which causes the wax to melt around the image. Then you simply peel off the waxed paper, and voila! It looks like your image is stamped directly on the wax candle. Then, of course, you decorate to your heart's content. These particular candles are not meant to burn, but will just be used for Christmas decoration.

Stamps used for this project are:

Hold on to the spirit of Christmas

Merry Christmas snowflakes

Now I need your opinions here! I showed these to my dearly beloved, who said "Mmmm, nice dear, but you shouldn't add the ribbon." So... if you decide to leave a comment, please do tell me what you think about the ribbon (lol)! Positive or negative...no problem...really!

Now here's another project I created for our Quietfire blog hop. I LOVED this textured paper, and knew exactly how I wanted to use it as soon as I saw it! I created an easel card, and used some die-cut snowflakes.



I used a gold embossed Silent Night stamp for this card. I like that this stamp comes in two sizes...so versatile...and I LOVE all those decoratice curlicues...so festive for the holidays!
So, that's it for my part of the Quietfire Design blog hop. Thanks so much for visiting; I hope you've enjoyed your journey so far...let us all know what you think.

Hopefully, you'll have a little time to visit another post I'll be creating soon...about another designer challenge!

HAPPY CREATING!

112 comments:

Alcyon said...

I love the tissue-paper transfer to the candles--thanks for posting that technique!

Ann Harvey

Suzanne C said...

Stunning! As always... Love the card it is oh so elegant! The candles are beautiful and I think they need the pop of color from the ribbon! :)

So glad you are posting again and feeling better.

Isabelle Norris said...

both stunning !! candles and card!
hugs,
isax

Sandy said...

I LOVE your candles and your card. Calligraphy is something I have never been able to accomplish. It looks beautiful on all of your projects. I am so glad that I found your link!
Sandy

AntoinetteJaydrianne said...

Love the candle technique & the stamp you used on your projects! The ribbon looks fine on the candles, you family might just looking for more xmas looking ribbon. Thanks for shatring

Shirley said...

Gorgeous card! The paper is outstanding too. I don't miss a ribbon! I love the candles too!

Nadia (nadkos@yahoo.ca said...

Love your creations, they are fabulous. The ribbon is great, gives it color. I shall have to remember the tissue-paper transfer for the candles and give it a try. Sounds like a great gift idea for sure....

Far North said...

Fabulous!...I love your candle with the added pink pop! It sure works...it is okay DH has another preference but they need a bright color. Love your card too!

Anonymous said...

Your card is beautiful and and the ribbons are very decorative on the candles.
Margriet

Lynn Stevens said...

Stunning work, I Love your candles!and the card well who dosent Love snowflakes!

Nancy S. said...

Great design on the candles, I love the color and design of the Christmas card!

Sharon said...

Hello Deborah!

Your work is absolutely stunning. I love to decorate candles too! The tissue paper techniques works like a dream!

Thank you so much for the opportunity of winning such wonderful stamps.

Regards,
Sharon Neill

Casey said...

I love the wax paper technique on the candles. You said that the candles were not for burning. Can you light them if you don't add the ribbon?

Jenny L. said...

Deborah,
Both projects are gorgeous! I like the ribbon on the candles, it gives a pop of color. Thanks for sharing your talent.

Jenny L.

Unknown said...

What a great idea for Christmas candles - this creates great inspirations. Keep up the great work

Lindart said...

LOVE the card and the candles! What a great idea to have the card stand like that!

nise said...

Love the card! Your candles are great, too, and thanks for sharing HOW to create them. I think the ribbon helps give them much needed color. Maybe it's the polka dots (size is perfect). How about a classy plain red or green velvet? I'm not much good with ribbon, but I'm wonderful with opinions!

Mary-Beth said...

Deborah, I love both the candles and the card, just gorgeous!

paperbrd said...

The candle decoration is wonderful but I love the card. The easel idea is so cool.

paperbrd

Vicki Holdwick said...

Such lovely eye candy.

Thanks for the opportunity to win.

xoxo

Sally Taylor said...

Lovely work. I must have a go at doing some candles now! The card is fab.

lizzie said...

lovely candles and great card. I think the candles would look good with or without the ribbon

newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Thanks for sharing your work both projects are beautiful.

newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Both projects are beautiful. Thanks for sharing

Polly said...

Gorgeous candles...I do have to agree with your husband..I prefer without ribbon..I think the beautiful calligraphy can stand on its own.Thanks for the chance to win!

Val said...

Love the candles, I think the ribbon is definitely needed; just gives it that added touch. This is a technique I still haven't tried. Great snowflake card - I have an aversion to snowflakes.

Val B.

Linda Carson said...

Love those candles! I've not tried this so I thank you for the inspiration! Your card is beautiful and again inspirational!

Yvonne said...

WOW, Deborah, these candles are drop dead gorgeous!!

Gail O said...

The candles are so elegant and my vote is for the ribbon to be part of the design. Thanks for sharing the technique. Your card is decorated beautifully with the pearls and snowflakes giving a wonderful 3D effect to the design.

Gail O

donna said...

I think your creations are fabulous! I think you could go either way with the ribbon. I think the ribbon is a good reminder not to burn the candles. Your easel card is very elegant. Thank you for the inspirations!

SherylH said...

Wonderful projects Deborah -- love the simple but elegant design of the snowflake card. I like the ribbon on the candles -- it makes a nice finished border.

Kathy O said...

Lovely card and candles! I like the ribbon.

Anonymous said...

Your candles, with ribbons!, are beautiful. I hadn't heard of using the wax paper over the tissue paper before - I will have to try that. And your card is great too. Thanks for the ideas and technique.
Debbie, Bothell

Froggietalks said...

Love the candles Deborah.. they're gorgeous!! Since the family is allergic to most scents, I haven't tried stamping on a candle.. I love the effect though.

And the snowflake card is wonderful... I have a love of snowflakes.

Karen G (BC)

Robyn said...

I love the ribbon. thanks for the inspiration

Colynn Krull said...

Beautiful projects! I love the textured paper on the snowflake cards. Perfect!

Have a good Day
Colynn

Rhonda said...

Wow! Wonderful inspiration, Deborah. The candles are beautiful and the snowflake card is perfection. Cheers!

Laura said...

Your candle project is so very nice Deborah!! I've seen these but I've never made any. I have a couple of elderly ladies that I make things for each Christmas, this is what they are going to get this year from me ~ thanks for the inspiration! Your 'silent night' card is so beautiful and soft
looking. Also, I would 'keep' the ribbon on the candles, just as you have it. It really does 'top it off' and adds such a nice, festive touch. After all, what do 'men' know ..... hehe
Hugs, Sandi

okanagan_spirit said...

Both projects are lovely and I like the ribbon on the candle, makes a nice finish.

Shirley said...

What beautiful candles..and cards. The stamp used in this has such amazing and gorgeous flourishes!! Thanks for sharing these ideas with us!
SHIRLEY

Anna said...

I love calligraphy, so I think your candles are beautiful. I also like simplicity, so I would probably leave the ribbon off, if it were me and let the callig be the only decoration. Using the tissue paper technique, without the other decorations, can the candle be burned as usual? Just curious. Loved the snowflake card too
Thanks Deborah,

Lynda Miller said...

Beautiful card, love that paper and technique. Beautiful sentiments on the candles. I would probably have used deep Burgundy ribbon, but definitely keep the ribbon.

Marla said...

Beautiful project and stamps. Love the candle.

Anonymous said...

Both wonderful Christmas projects. I agree that the ribbon is a bit overwhelming for my tastes because the candles are so elegant. IMHO just a nice cream colored ribbon would suite them. The card is outstanding, colors, work everything. Thanks for sharing. Maxine

Kathleen Barnes said...

The ribbins make the candle design pop. I love them.This is a beautiful idea and just right for a recession Christmas !!! The card is beautiful. I love the soft blue and the Silent Night stamp. Wonderful, wonderful

Wendy said...

I like the ribbon on the candles, but contrary to many of the opinions expressed I would prefer it to be silver. It would go with any decorating scheme and I think look more elegant.

Chookarooni said...

Who burns the candle? - love the ribbon and the card! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Mary-Jane

Shannon said...

Wow! Never heard of that technique for candles and you've inspired me to try it on some of mine that have been waiting for decorating. Loved the simplicity of the card too. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon

Daphne said...

I love the candle idea! It seems like a very easy technique, so I will have to do it (not try).
The ribbon looks cool, and I love the button.
Daphne

stampernancy@hotmail.com said...

lovely, lovely - and I think I could pick up the prize - should I be so lucky - since I am down the road in Bridgewater, NS - I always enjoy your creations!
stampernancy@hotmail.com

Cynthia said...

Keep the ribbon..it really adds to the whole design...they look great.
Gorgeous textured paper card...wow, it looks just like frost.
Cynthia J.S.

Lady North said...

I love the ribbon too! Makes the candles sing IMHO (lol) and just a thought..if the candles are big enough, you can carefully burn the candles down just a bit so you can insert a tea candle (with metal container)and that way, save the outer shell so to speak yet still have that lovely flame flicker inside.
Blessings of the Season
LN

Izabela P. said...

Hi Deborah,

Beautiful candles and lovely icy looking card.
Thank you for sharing.

Izabela, Iceland

CreativSpirit said...

Both the candles and the card are beautiful. I love the ribbon.


Rob Keogh

juli (sweetpz) said...

Very neat how you put tissue paper on the candle. I haven't tried that yet. As for the ribbon, maybe a red or green would go better with the Christmas theme! =)

I LOVE your snowflake card! i've been trying to use blues/whites/silvers in my cards.. this is great! thanks for sharing.

Nancy McElroy said...

Your photography makes me realize I have a lot to learn!

Dawn said...

I agree with your Dad - maybe a more elegant ribbon - in black or silver. To enhance but not take attention away from your beautiful calligraphy. I do like the framing effect of the ribbons. Just not the color/style. LOVE THAT CARD!!!

Maralee said...

Love the candles. Thanks for sharing the tissue paper technique. I like the ribbon but even more the ring of silver dots.
Maralee

kameramuse said...

the candles reminded me of the ones I had for my Christmas wedding many many years ago ... they would be a wonderful surrounded by evergreens for a wedding or a church stain-glass window

Anonymous said...

I think the card with the ribon is great. I like them really "done". The embosed stamp is lovely. I'd never have thought of using a stamp to decorate a candle! Gladys Love

Anonymous said...

The candles are lovely, WITH the ribbon. It adds the finishing touch. And I love the snowflake card. It looks like frost.

Jeri said...

Lovely candles and a pretty card!

Anneke klerks said...

hello
You have made very pretty card and candelaar

good night

greetings anneke

Marcia P. said...

I have decorated candles before, but your instructions are a bit different than I way I did it. I like your way better. Beautiful card.

Linda said...

Hi Deb,

First let me say that your candles are beautiful. What a wonderful gift they make. By the way, I like the ribbon on them because I think the ribbon makes the writing stand out more, gives color and adds more elegance to the candles. Also your card is just beautiful. I love the shade of blue you used and the background texture is fabulous behind the snowflakes. Great job. Linda Epstein

Rena Sawatski said...

I think the ribbon adds the perfect touch to the candles with a little "pop" of colour.

The card is lovely, simple and elegant.

Anonymous said...

I love the candles. How about using the ribbon only at the bottom to avoid an awkward setting-fire-to-the-holiday-table incident? It is beautiful though.
KatieK

PaperCat said...

Love the candles ("yes" to the ribbon), and the idea of the easel card. Nice work.
Moe

Sue said...

This is my first time on your blog, Deborah. I have admired your stunning cards on the CoC site. With regards to the candles, I think they would look even classier if you were to either leave off the ribbon or else use a solid black ribbon. It might be interesting to try one against the other and then decide.

DWA @ Studio Z said...

The calligraphy is so beautiful and adds just the right touch to these wonderful projects! Thanks so much for sharing.

Delores Azary

Anna said...

I tried to post a comment earlier, but the computer flashed an error sign at me, and I see the comment has not appeared. Second try--I like both the candle and the card. If I was making the candle, I would probably let the elegant calligraphy stand on its own, without any other decoration, but that is just my taste. And if it is not to be burned, then decorate away, as you said. Thanks for the excellent ideas Deborah.
Anna

Connie K said...

Great technique to decorate candles. I think the ribbon adds a burst of color. The card is lovely!

Irene said...

I love the candles, and I think the ribbon is great. What an awesome technique. and the easel card well WOW!

Kay Healey said...

I love both projects! Using the wax paper to bond the tissue paper and candle was so clever; how did you come up with that? The easel card is darling. I haven't tried that yet, but plan to use it on my Christmas cards. The background paper is just perfect. Thanks, thanks!!
Kay Healey

third-cat said...

I've been working on the calligrapny, but in the meantime...

I love, love, love the radial stamping around the button(?) on the first candle. I could not figure out the steady hand and was soooo relieved (and happy) to read about the tissue paper!

Thanks!
Jan

third-cat said...

I've been working on the calligrapny, but in the meantime...

I love, love, love the radial stamping around the button(?) on the first candle. I could not figure out the steady hand and was soooo relieved (and happy) to read about the tissue paper!

Thanks!
Jan

Elaine A said...

Deborah -

Adore the candles, so very sweet and elegant. I like the ribbon, it "finishes" the art piece. Because that's what these candles are, pieces of art.

Elaine Allen

Anonymous said...

The ribbon on the candles is the finishing touch. Love the card, it looks like frost.

Wendy said...

Beautiful candles, I am going to try this for Christmas gifts. Thanks for the idea.

Kathy Eddy said...

Gorgeous! I love the ribbon added. I think it dresses it up! I also love the snowflake card. Wow! Kathy Eddy

Laura said...

I like the ribbon. Your cards are beautiful and inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Snowflakes are among my favorite things. Guess you know that I like what you've done, especially the snowflakes. Decorating the candles with ribbon is a great idea--makes a great design since you are not burning the candles. Thanks for sharing, Pat

Lorelei Heisler said...

What lovely inspiration! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! The stamps used are 2 of my favorites. The ribbon is a nice touch of color. Will the top ribbon be an issue when the candle is burned?

JMCarter, Issaquah

Beach Girl 115 said...

I love the candles and am tempted to make some for gifts myself. As long as you are planning not to burn the candles, I think the ribbon is great.

Gilda said...

The candle - and card are great. I think the candle would look a little "naked" w/o the ribbon. I like what you did.

Charmaine Stack said...

Deborah, the candles and the easel card are exquisite. I just made an easel card the other day for the first time and they really have that "wow" factor. As for the ribbon question, I think the candles are very elegant because of Suzanne's beautiful calligraphy and the ribbon is too "country" feeling. I would try with a plain velvet or silk ribbon in black or a colour to match your embellishments (the studs or brads or whatever you used - can't really tell). Thanks for sharing!

Jan Castle said...

Ummmmmm Deborah...both projects are yummy! The candles are lovely since you will not burn them...the process you describe sound so easy, would love to give it a go. The second card is beautiful and delicate - Love it!
Jan Castle

sparkling stamper said...

Beautiful candles, though I would have chosen a different color ribbon, myself. The stamp designs are incredibly beautiful!

KarenK said...

Those candles have a huge WOW! factor. And such an elegant card. Love your work.

Karen Krumbach

susan cogan said...

I think your cards and candles are both so awesome! I do like the ribbon on the candle--it just gives it a boost to be festive for the holidays!

beverly said...

Love both candles and card, I would probably use plain red ribbon or silver to make it a more christmas look. Your card is lovely, very elegant.

Beverly

Nimue said...

LOVE that textured paper! You used it wonderfully - a truly lovely card. The candles are oh so elegant. The ribbon looks great on them but will happen when you light them? Wonderful work - Nimmy

Angelartistok said...

Love the candles, very classy and a great easel card.

Beth Akins said...

The tissue paper transfer is great! Like how the card has a built in display.
I think I'll make some candles, but leave the ribbon off so I can burn them.
Thanks for the technique!

Glenda Mollet said...

Wow what fabulous candles. This is a technique I have not tried.....yet! LOL and easel cards are my favourite right now. So easy but pack a big wow!
Thanks for your inspiration

chuckie said...

amazing projects!! The ribbon is okay coming down definitely on the fence on that one. :-)

Marlene Letendre said...

I'll have to try the tissue technique on a candle. I loved the calligraphy on the candle. I'd probably stay with just that and burn it. The card is gorgeous - loved the background paper.

Mary-Frances said...

Deborah, I really like both projects you shared. Personally I like the candles as you've done them, but see that by choosing different ribbons (or no ribbons) etc, you could really change the feel of the project for each recipient. I haven't seen an easel card before, and what a great introduction! Thanks for sharing your great ideas.
Mary-Frances

Jane said...

I love the candles and the card. Both are unique in their own right.
You have used the quietfire stamps beautifully.
Thank you,
Jane Super

Jane said...

Oh...forgot to mention the ribbon on the candles...it works well and adds a festive touch to them.
Jane

Shelly Schmidt said...

Love your beautiful card- and the pearls. Very pretty candle project too! TFS

Karen said...

These candles are wonderful! What a beautiful showcase for that lovely calligraphy. I laughed when I saw the bit about the ribbon - my DH never likes ribbon on my projects either! I'll have to tell him he's not alone. (And like you, I leave the ribbon on despite his objections!)

Anonymous said...

I love your candles! And the card is beautiful!

Yogi said...

Seems I've fallen behind. Your candles are really pretty and I love the card.

Daria said...

Gorgeous! At first, I thought you had stitched snowflakes on that paper. What a relief to know it came that way.

Sue McGettigan said...

Very beautiful projects Deborah, as always! Love the idea of using the pearls to accent fab calligraphy stamps!

Marianne C said...

Those are both beautiful projects. Such a neat idea for the candles. I believe I was also just admiring your work in the Winter 2010 issue of Paper Creations? Those are gorgeous!

Sara said...

Hi Deborah,
The candles are beautiful with those verses. Keep sharing and inspiring.

Sara

Donna said...

What a wonderful way to decorate candles--for every season! Love the snowflake card too!

Anonymous said...

These are fantastic!! I love the snowflakes!!!

Anonymous said...

Inspiring! I love the idea of using stamps to dress up candles! My grandmother used to make candles. Your technique is a perfect way for me to combine my own skills with one of hers.