Beholden To None

Monday, February 11, 2013

Make Something Monday, 021113: Chinese New Year Edition

Welcome back to Make Something Monday! =)

In honor of Chinese New Year [the year of the Snake begins today],

today's project is Paper Lanterns! =oD

What you will need for supplies:

2 pieces of contrasting scrapbook paper (I used 8x8) for each lantern
Scissors
A ruler (and a pencil to mark your measurements)
glue or tape
ribbon

First step, we'll work on the outside... Take the paper with the pattern you would like to see on the outside of the lantern. Fold it in half, like so:

Then, cut along the folded side, evenly across the length, to about a 1/2" from the end.

I personally am a visual person, and needed to measure it out, and make light pencil marks at the right intervals. ;) But if you can eyeball it, go for it! =)

Next unfold the paper, and wrap it into the shape of the lantern, meeting the edges, with the cuts you made showing lengthwise:

Now tape or glue the ends together:

Great! =) We have half our lantern!

YAY! =) ...Oh, before we move on, Miss Sassy has something to contribute... ;)

I think it's beautiful Mumma! Carry on... ;)

Te-hee..OKay...

Next, do the same with the inside sheet, as you did with the outside.

The one difference here will be the size of your cuts. You'll want to vary them from the size you did on the outer sheet, so that you get to peek-a-boo at both patterns. =)

Then when it is ready, slide the inner lantern, into the outer lantern:

...Tape them together...

Add your ribbon...

And Voila'! =) Now you have a pretty paper lantern to help you celebrate the Chinese New Year celebration! =)

Was that fun? ..And really easy, right?? Even the kids can get in on this one! =)

Enjoy the week! Until next time...
May your imagination light your way,
~xo~StacyLynn a.k.a. AllAmrcnWldFlwr [Flower]

Sunday, February 10, 2013

ProjectLife365: PL365 - Week 6

Happy Sunday! =)

You know what that means... #ProjectLife365 weekly update! =)

So here's what inspiration brought me this week...

I am having SOOO much fun with this project!! =)

Until next time,

May your imagination light your way,

~xo~StacyLynn a.k.a. AllAmrcnWldFlwr [Flower]

Friday, February 8, 2013

Red Friday, 020813: God Bless America

Happy Friday!! =)

I received an email from my Uncle this week, and I decided to share what it was about here today for "Red Friday."

In 1938, at the height of tension in Europe over Nazi Germany and the looming threat of war, a new song was introduced to the people of America. Kate Smith, famous radio singing star of the time, recorded the first version of "God Bless America" on her radio show, on the 20th anniversary of Armistice Day (now Veteran's Day here in the U.S.).

The song was written by famous songwriter and composer Irving Berlin, originally in 1918 (though he didn't published it), and then revised it for Ms. Smith for release in 1938. Times were still challenging (from The Great Depression) for many families, and in addition to worry over the turmoil taking place in Europe, the population was in dire need of uplifting.

The song "God Bless America" is, in essence, a prayer to keep our nation safe, as well as an homage to her beauty. It was extremely well received upon its initial release, and has been recorded by many artists over the years. It is also considered to be our country's second national anthem, often being played either instead of or in addition to "The Star Spangled Banner" at major sporting, cultural, and other, events.

This is a video of the first recording of "God Bless America", by Kate Smith. It is very moving, and still stirs the hearts and swells the patriotism of Americans to this day.

Also [I LOVE this little fact =)], Irving Berlin gave all proceeds of royalties from the performance of this song to the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the Unites States of America, which still stands today.

All-in-all, if this doesn't get your patriotic juices flowing, ...well, I just know it chokes me up~ every time! ;)

Have a great weekend! =)

May your imagination light your way,
~xo~StacyLynn a.k.a. AllAmrcnWldFlwr [Flower]

Thursday, February 7, 2013

New Shop Items, 020713

Heureux Jeudi! =)

(Translation: that's French for "Happy Thursday!" ;oP )

It's Thursday again (anyone else loose a week??!), and this week that means a peek at new shop items!! Yay! We have been crazy busy in the studio, creating SO many new, lovely "pretties" to bring to the shop (hence the "loosing" a week there! ha! ;oP)...

So here's a peek...

And THIS item, along with a bunch of other beautiful finds from artists all over the Etsy community, is being featured in a St. Paddy's Day Treasury on Etsy... YaY! GO AmrcnWldFlwr Designs!! =oD