Face Painting Fun

Face painting fun at Bella's birthday party ©CindyRippe2013

Our "MUSE Monday" challenge this week in the facebook Art Amusement group is - a FACE - it can be an animal, a person, a part of one - stamp, paint, stitch, it does not matter....

Well, with the way things have been going for me the last few weeks I thought, I haven't painted much of anything, never mind having time to paint a face!"  Then I remembered.... I painted lots of little faces this weekend at Bella's Carnival Birthday.  So sweet!

Little girls, like butterflies, need no excuse. Lazarus Long, from Robert A. Heinlein's "Time Enough For Love"

Daisy Centerpieces for a Baptism

My little nephew, Cash, is 4 years old this week.  I thought it would be fun to share the quick and easy floral centerpiece project that I made for his Baptism party.  It was a picnic and the decor was casual but I still wanted it to be special for Cash and his family.  So, I took a small picture of Cash, added wings with Photoshop, and printed a whole sheet of them.  After cutting out circles of glossy blue cardstock, I layered the photos (cut just a bit smaller) on top of the cardstock with Glue Dots.

Then I printed a Bible clip art image to reinforce the blue and white theme. After all the circles were finished I attached them to the centers of inexpensive daisy flowers with Glue Dots.  The daisies were sold as a bunch and I just popped them into the vases. Light blue twin sheets from Walmart ($4.00 each!) worked perfectly for tablecloths.

I used the same card stock to make the cupcake toppers.  Again, I used Glue Dots to attach the images.  This time I glued them to lollipops after trimming the excess cellophane around the candy.  So cute!  I wish my cupcakes were as tasty as they were beautiful.  I tried to be creative with the recipe and they turned out to be more like heavy brownies than light and fluffy cake.  Lesson learned!  Test and Taste before you serve dessert to a large group of people!

Let the little children come unto Me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Luke 18:16

Remembering a Favorite Picnic

I think the weather has finally figured out that it's June.  We had a beautiful day today and my thoughts turned to picnics.  One of my favorites was at Ravinia which is an outdoor concert venue near Chicago.

Our kids bought us tickets to the Moody Blues concert for our 35th wedding anniversary.  The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed the time spent with them.  Of course we enjoyed listening to the concert too!

 

Moody Blues at Ravinia

We've been fans of the Moody Blues since the early 70's and have attended over 20 of their concerts so you can imagine how nice this was for us!

          

We had Lawn Seats which is a part of the "experience" at Ravinia.  People pack picnic meals and bring all the portable comforts of home for an evening under the stars.  Although it's crowded, you feel like you are in your own little world.  After setting up our space  Lee and I took a walk around the park.

It's a beautiful venue with gardens, places to eat, shop and a wonderful Pavilion with traditional concert seating.

 

Many of the picnic spaces had the same small table that we have and simple centerpieces with tablecloths that helped to make the evening special.  The little plastic jug with flowers and a red tablecloth added a bright pop of color to this picnic.  Inexpensive, easy to transport, and the snacks looked yummy!  Candles of all types (including Citronella) are encouraged and added a cozy touch to the evening.

                         

Sarah told me that during some of the concerts (orchestras, etc) the picnics take on a more "upscale" look and silver candelabras like this are the norm.  I loved the combination of paper plates, bags of chips and the fancy silver together.  This group was really having a good time.

We were so busy that we actually pulled our own menu and tablescape together the afternoon of the concert.  Sarah and I did our usual phone "planning" session and prepared a delightful picnic that made for a very special evening. I'll share our table in the next post. Here's a list of the "Top Ten things to bring to Ravinia" that I found on their website. It gave me a better idea of what to expect when I got there.  If you ever have the chance I hope you make the time to spend a beautiful summer evening like this and create your own special memories.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. - Berthold Auerbach






 

Artistic Cakes

Artistic Cakes at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show

The Cake Decorating competition at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show this year followed the "Art in the Garden" theme of the show. There were some really creative designs.  I listened to many attendees commenting on the cakes and wondering if they were really made with frosting, sugar, etc.  The were looking at food in a new light.

When I took my first Wilton Cake decorating class years ago, I ended up painting the flowers instead of piping on 3 dimensional flowers, for the final project. I'm not sure it would have been a passing grade (if we were graded on what the teacher actually taught us) but it made me happy!  I just imagined my dessert looking different than the others.

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. Edward de Bono 

DIY Temporary Paint technique for a Party Tablescape

This is the technique that I use for temporary paint on glass dinner plates.  I've shared my St Patrick Day plates (click here) and this pink set for our Easter tablescape (click here) a few years ago.

I have a set of glass plates that I decorate according to whatever party theme I'm working on.  It's cheaper than buying multiple sets of dinnerware and pretty easy to do!  I mix DecoArt Americana Acrylic paints with Sta-Flo liquid starch and sponge the mixture on the back only. I prop each plate on a bowl after painting to dry.

Temporary Glass Paint Technique ©Cindy Rippe 2010-2013

It's best to sponge two coats of paint for opaque coverage.  Originally I planned to be really creative with this set and paint white tulips first (still on the back side so it would show first under the glass when the plate was right side up).  That didn't work......they blended away when they got wet again as I started sponging on the pink layers.   For the St. Patrick's Day plates I adhered printed scrapbook paper circles using the liquid starch for the centers. That worked much better.

1st and 2nd coats of Temporary Glass Paint Technique ©Cindy Rippe 2010-2013

I always let the plates dry overnight before using.  Then clean the front of the plate off with a mild solution of vinegar and water to clean them before setting the table.  There's usually a few finger smudges and sometimes a little paint by the time you're done with all the sponging.  This paint technique is durable when dry for handling and stacking the plates and pretty easy to clean off after the party.  I soak the plates in warm dishwater for a few minutes and wipe the paint off using a paper towels. (You don't want the paint to go down the drain, it's kind of stretchy plastic when it softens in the water.  It is acrylic paint remember?)  I think this is a really fun project and adds a special touch to a party.



Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.  Mary Lou Cook

Easter Tablescape with Painted Plates and Pink Tulips

After church this morning, and a busy afternoon, we went out to a local restaurant for Easter Dinner with Jon, Tawn and both of our Moms.  It was really nice to relax and have time for a long visit (and have someone else do the dishes for a change!)  When we got home we had a nice video chat with Jason and Bella after their day at the pool on vacation.  

A few years ago our Easter Tablescape was created on a budget with easy DIY projects.  Jason and Sarah made a delicious meal and Mary and I helped Sarah with the decor.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

We went with a pink and green theme and used what we had on hand (with a few changes of course, like painting the plates pink) and I got lucky with a last minute clearance sale for the napkins. 

Pink and Green Easter Table Decor ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

We were able to squeeze 14 at the table using folding chairs along the sides to save space.  I made the runner using $4.00 clearance fabric.  The edges were hemmed with iron on fusible web.  Mary knows how to sew now though so I'm sure she would have made a great double sided runner instead.  I had planned on making matching napkins but 1/2 price was too hard to resist so I bought them instead! 

Pink Tulips in Mom's Soup Tureen ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

A $10.00 bunch of pink tulips from the grocery store tucked into Mom's soup tureen.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape with Bird's Nest Cookies ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

Here's a close up of the painted plates.  (click here for the Temporary Painting technique post). The napkins are folded in thirds and draped across the plate to carry the green over the edge of the table.  Sarah made the bird's nest cookies which were perfect to tuck into the salad bowls as a party favor.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape with a touch of Vintage Silver ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

                          

The butter dish and salt and pepper shakers gave us our touch of silver.  My white ceramic bowls and garden birds pulled the look together.  I like how the embossed pattern on the bird coordinates with the paisley print.

Desserts on the Sideboard with the Pink and Green Easter Tablescape ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

Yummy homemade dessert buffet.  The folding three tier server, extra napkins and more of the white ceramic accents.  Sarah made carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, lemon pound cake and chocolate ganache frosted cupcakes.

May our Lord send his choicest blessings upon you and your family this Easter. Have a Blessed Easter. Unknown

My Interests are Linked to the Heart

Tablescape designed by Sharon Ringier Events - Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2013     photo by Cindy Rippe ©2013

This is the card, designed by Sharon Ringier Events, that's on the other side of the "Alice in Wonderland meets Breakfast at Tiffany's" tablescape.  Every time I look at the photos from the display I find something interesting.  You can tell they really take pride in their work, did lots of research and are very creative. In case you missed it yesterday, the Alice in Wonderland card is here.

When I researched quotes for the image above this one was perfect.  Everything I do, from spending time with family and friends to creating artwork, makes me happiest when it connects to my heart.

I am so happy to be creating that feeling again through my art and design.  As I prepare classes and projects for my website I can only hope that the heart connection comes through loud and clear.  That you feel the love and it makes you happy too!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Living in Alice's Adventure

Alice in Wonderland tablescape designed by Sharon Ringier Events - Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2013                photo by Cindy Rippe ©2013

Lately my life feels a bit like I'm living in the "Alice in Wonderland" story.  It's an adventure that is sometimes so strange that I can hardly believe the things that are happening to me.  Other times it's magical, with blessings beyond words.  I've been in a state of chaos both in my mental state and physical surroundings for months but there is the constant of my family (which includes some very special friends) and faith that give me the strength to carry on.

This creative tablescape, by Sharon Ringier Events, at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, was definitely magical.  It was entitled "Alice inWonderland Meets Breakfast at Tiffany's". The time and talent needed to create this display was evident to all who took the time to see it.  I commend them for a job well done! (for the other side of the table CLICK HERE for the Audrey Hepburn Queen of Hearts card post)

I found a wonderful set of Life Lessons based on Alice's Adventures at Positively Present's website. It's bookmarked for me to read a few more times and I encourage you to visit and read the insightful messages for yourself.  Read Wonderland's Wisdom: 5 Life Lessons from Alice's Adventure by clicking HERE.

Here's my favorite:

#3
Believe in what seems impossible.

"There's no use in trying," Alice said, "one can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen.
"When I was your age, I always it it for half an hour a day.
Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Which one do you like?

White Castle Valentine

Image adapted from my Art in Entertaining blog - ©CindyRippe2013

We drive past the local White Castle restaurant almost every day.  The sign is up again reminding everyone to make their reservations for Valentine's Day. We laughed the first few times we saw the sign years ago, it sounded so silly!  For fun one year I made reservations and surprised Lee with the news on Valentine's Day.  We had such a nice time that we invited both of our Moms the next year.  The staff decorates the restaurant, prints up menus and waitresses take your order.  Flowers and paper doilies on the table added to the mood.

I couldn't help making a little ketchup heart to commemorate the meal.  You know, it's not always about expensive flowers, gourmet chocolates or a fancy restaurant.  It's about letting your family know you love them and having fun.  Lee and I spend lots of time laughing at the silly things in life.  Joy and laughter make love fun!  What silly and fun things have you done to celebrate Valentine's Day?

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.   Rose Franken

Garden Tea Party Tablescape with DIY flower decor

Garden Tea Party – “Mad Hatter’s Delight”
Another CHA Designer Tablescape that I helped with.
Designed and Created by: Kelly Hoernig-Lead Designer and Cindy Rippe

You are cordially invited to the “Mad Hatter’s” Garden Party where size does matter! Another tablescape that I worked on for the Craft and Hobby show. Our theme is loosely based on Alice in Wonderland where you will find all things big and small. Enchantment and creativity will fill this garden table with everything from tiny creatures to extra large blooms. It’s a party you won’t want to miss!

Kelly Hoernig's Floral Punch Bowl

Kelly created giant petals from felt to make the base for the punch bowl.  She also made felted flowers for each place setting.

My giant cupcake with fondant flower decor

Felted Caterpillar and flower cup cozy by Kelly Hoernig

My cupcake was really made with air dry clay for the show display but can be made with fondant as a desert or party favor.  More of Kelly's felting techniques wereused to make the adorable caterpillar. The placemat is made of moss with felt flowers by Kelly as a cup cozy.

 

I decorated a vintage magnifying glass with beads that can be used to read the miniature note "drink me". 

Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Family Tree - DIY Baby Shower Tablescape

 

As part of the Craft and Hobby Show the Designer members created a special display of tablescapes made with craft materials that featured Manufacturer member products.  It was a way for us to showcase our skills as designers and encourage DIY projects for parties and events.  This is one of the tables that I worked on entitled "Welcome to the Family Tree". I had a great time working with my fellow designers and was really impressed with their creativity.

Baby Shower - "Welcome to Our Family Tree"
CHA Designer Tablescapes #1 -Designed and Created by: Cindy Rippe,Elaina Pecora, Kelly Hoernig and Phyllis Sandford.  Notice how the flowers and crafts that look like flowers play a big part in this design.

 

Gifts for the baby are used to create the tablescape. Receiving blankets for the tablecloth, "burp" pads for the placemats, diapers for the cake centerpiece, little toy birds sewn for napkin holders, crocheted blanket, photo album, scrapbook organizer bag (to be used for a diaper bag) and more. Moss baskets used for the fabulous "Family Tree" centerpiece (mini babies were tucked into the roses!) and the cookie basket can be used to store baby items in the nursery. Roses on the diaper bag and cake are made from baby socks. Little felted nests are tucked into baby shoes, a memory box (tube), crocheted baby booties, a punch needle onsie, painted dinnerware and so much more could be found in the display . The floral decor on the back of the chairs can be reused to decorate the curtains or windows in the nursery. Guests are invited to paint little fabric squares instead of playing games. The finished squares will be made into yet another gift for the baby, a special quilt! Once they are told how the tablescape is created, Moms to be love to search for all the items they'll be taking home from the table! 

Crafts make us feel rooted, give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history. Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun, to make money and to express ourselves. Phyllis George