Let's go do a HOP

Welcome! I'm so glad you have joined us for the Fiskateer Orange Blog Hop! If you have come here from Lisa's (#5095) blog "Lisa's scrap site" then you are at the right spot...

If you happened here some other way... Please start at the beginning of the hop here---->Fiskateers Don't worry you'll get back here eventually! There are 43 of us participating in the hop filled with Orange inspiration, projects, tutorials, RAK's and more!

Hi! My name is Betsy and I'm Fiskateer number #2572. I've been a fiskateer now for 3 years? (Not sure how long anymore, time sure flies when you are having fun!) In the past three years I have continually been amazed at the amount of talent out there in the fiskateer community. As if the talent wasn't enough the support and encouragement between Fiskateers in the community is inspiring! I love when Fiskateers get together because there is always love, laughter and something crafty waiting to happen!

When I was asked to do this hop, I knew I wanted to share a very special project I made this summer! I love making things for my friends (especially my crafty friends because crafty peeps APPRECIATE handmade!) I knew I was going to see a ton of my fiskateer friends and wanted something that would be easy to make but cool at the same time so I decided to play with some etching cream and make ornaments for them. I know CHA was in July...but everyone has heard of "Christmas in July" right?

I took 2 inch mirrors and etched on them using "Armor Etch" but I didn't want a standard "shape" I wanted something that said "Fiskateers" and what says "Fiskateers" more than scissors. I created a stencil out of vinyl cut out with my cricut (I used the "A child's year" cartridge as well as "George and Basic Shapes".) I had to apply two different layers of etching cream to get both the scissors and the border on there but ended up being pleased with the final effect. Now if I wanted to just have it for a decoration I could have gotten a small plate stand to prop it up but I wanted to use these as Christmas ornaments. So I found "bail plates" in the jewelry making section and glued one onto the back, it gave me a place to secure a bit of orange and green ribbon as well as some fishing line so they can be hung up.

For me it's all about the presentation as well as the gift. (Plus I wanted to pad them somehow since I knew many of my friends had to take them home on the plane.) I cut down sheets of orange mulberry paper to stitch into bags. I love the look and feel of the mulberry paper...plus it holds up better than standard paper when using the sewing machine on it. A decorative stitch on the edges of the bag held it together nicely. Finish the bag off with a quick tag made using some glue dot layered punches (Square-a-licious and Block Party) and holiday stamps and you had a cute little package that was just as much fun as the present! (If I do say so myself ;)

So there you have it. A fun little project that was so easy to do (especially in bulk!!) Aren't those the best!

Thanks for visiting here today! I'm glad you decided to join us! I hope you won't be a stranger and come back to visit me! I always have something or another I'm rambling about :) Before you leave...add a comment and I'll draw a name at the end of the hop to win a fun RAK! (If you are a follower I'll add your name twice)

Your next stop on your fabulous orange journey is Marianne's (#6701)blog Number 1 Aunt