Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop Day 2!

Good Morning Everybody!

It's going to be a Fun day! Actually a FUN week!  We are having a Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop!  Yahooo!

 

Here's the scoop...Graphic 45 and May Arts will be hopping all week long!  Today we will be hopping with two of my G45 teamies, Arlene Cuevas and Betto Cesare as well as the AWESOME Design Team at May Arts!  

Get this coolness too!!!...Graphic 45 will be giving away two prizes that will be randomly selected from comments left on one of our blogs!
So make sure you get your coil-a-lator shoes on and get ready to hop!

I'm having a giveaway of my own too!!

To win, simply become a follower of my blog and leave a comment under this post.

If you are already a follower just let me know in your comment.

That simple...

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, June 25th from their comment left here on my blog. 

WOW!!!  Three chances for prizes!!!  Cool Beans!

Here is what I will be giving away!

1- 12x12 ABC Primer Paper Pad, 1- 8x8 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Paper Pad, 1- 5x8 Altered Box, 1- Black Ploicy Envelope Mini, 1- Mini Clothespin Embellishments, 1- ABC Primer Chipboard Die Cuts, 1- Old Curiosity Chipboard Die Cuts

So Lets Get Started.....

The Challenge, to use Graphic 45's Beautiful Papers and May Arts' Incredible Ribbons.  If you know me, I had to make the project functional!  LOL!   So, here's what I came up with....

May Arts/Graphic 45 Sunflower Birdhouse Ribbon Dispenser (Say that one five times fast!):

Materials Used:
Graphic 45 ABC Primer Paper Collection
Graphic 45 Happy Haunting Paper Collection
Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brads
Graphic 45 Metal Butterflies
Assorted May Arts Ribbons
Tim Holt Idea-ology Faucet Knobs
Brads Assorted sizes
Med. Weight Chipboard
1/8" dowel
Wooden Clothespins

This crafty birdhouse flowerpot is bedecked with a summer sunflower made with the gorgeous ribbons from May Arts!  Of course I had to make it functional, so I glued a box to the back, added some feet and placed my ribbon inside.  Through the hole in the flowerpot birdhouse, I can now pull ribbon out as I need it.  Here's how I did it...

The Flower:
First off, I cut two sizes of circles out of chipboard. For the smaller, I covered with Graphic 45's ABC Primer paper and glued brads to it starting with the smallest brads.  As I worked my way out to the edge, I added larger brads and Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brads.  I then glued a black May Arts lace around the edges.  I set this aside.  For the larger circle, I cut 4 inch lengths of the wired May Arts yellow ribbon and glued these clockwise around the edges.  Next, I glued a second smaller layer of loops in the May Arts yellow wired ribbon and a few loops of May Arts golden ribbon for depth. Once this was dry, I added the reserved "brad seed" circle and glued into place.  I took the 1/8 - inch dowel and cut it to the height I wanted and painted it green.  Once dry, I cut some leaves from the Graphic 45 Happy Hauntings paper and glued them to the dowel.

The Flowerpot:
For the flower pot, I cut a piece of chipboard that was wider than a box I had on hand.  I angled the cut to form the flowerpot shape.  I then cut a 2- inch piece of chipboard that was about an inch wider than the top of the flowerpot piece. Next, I punched a 1-1/2 -inch circle with a punch and used this as a template to trace onto the face of the flowerpot.  I then cut the circle out with a craft knife.  I painted all pieces with black paint and set aside to dry.  Last, I covered the front and back of my pieces with the ABC Primer paper and glued the pieces together.

The Birdhouse:
I took a box I had on hand and removed the lid.  I painted the insides completely black and painted the edges of the exterior black as well.  I let it dry and covered the sides with the new Graphic 45 Happy Hauntings sunflower paper and the top, back and bottom with the ABC Primer paper.  I made a hinge with Kraft cardstock and Scor-Tape and adhered it to the bottom of the flowerpot and the box, thus forming a door to place my ribbon stash inside. I placed a catch at the top of the box to hold the flowerpot door in place.  Last, I punched an 1/8-inch hole into the center top of the box and inserted the May Arts sunflower and glued in place.

The Embellishments:
First I painted some wooden balls for feet and adhered them to the bottom of the box.  Next, I painted clothes pins black and let dry.  I then cut the Graphic 45 Metal Butterflies in half with my Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors.  I bent the butterfly body down with some needle nose pliers and glued the wings inside the clothespin legs.  I adhered the clothespin butterflies to the flower pot. Last, I added the black May Arts ribbon to the top of the box, the May Arts leaf ribbon to the front of the flowerpot and then wrapped a length of it around the dowel.

I balled up my ribbons leaving a few inches and placed them inside the birdhouse and pulled them out through the hole.  My ribbon is now easily "dispensed" and ready for another project!

Pretty Simple Gang!  Hope you liked it!

Please take a moment and review the schedule of blogs and Make Sure You Hop Over to All My Buddies Blogs Today!

Here is this week schedule:

Monday, June 18th:
Alberto Juárez : http://vintageodyssey.blogspot.com/
Gloria Stengel : http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/
Nicole Eccles: http://www.nicoleeccles.com/
Jingle: http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/
Charlene: http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/

Tuesday, June 19th:
Arlene Cuevas: http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/
Jim, The Gentleman Crafter: http://thegentlemancrafter.typepad.com/
Betto Cesare: http://scrapguys.blogspot.com/
Vera: http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/
Latrice: http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/
Karen: http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 20th:
Clare Charvill: http://mycreativespirit.blogspot.com/
Kristin Wilson: http://www.kristinwilsonhandmade.com/
Sharon Ngoo: http://glooshmoo.blogspot.com/
Jenifer: http://stitchcutcreate.blogspot.com/
Tiffin: http://www.linwoodavenue.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 21st:
Denise Hahn: http://www.inmyblueroom.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison: http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/
Susan Lui: http://luv2scrap-pages.blogspot.com/
Jen: http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Candy: http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/
Kimberly: http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 22nd:
Maiko Miwa: http://shiny-scrap.blogspot.com/
Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/
Jinky: http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/
Leah: http://1alabasterowl.blogspot.com/

Thanks Tons For Coming To Visit!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Comments

[Barb E]

Jeez Jim! I thought I was a subscriber. Guess I was just a lurker! Another great project by you! Looking forward to that new show, too!

[Cassandra]

Wow brilliant!!! I love that sunflower! Such a great idea!

[Patti]

OMG Jim....another super clever idea executed to perfection!!!! Love it and thanks for sharing. Like Barb said...looking forward to your show too.

[Kim]

You never stop amazing me. Jim your sunflower is the best. I am a subscriber to your blog, it is awesome. Thanks for all of the inspiration and tips. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Kim
[email protected]

[cathy]

Too cute, always a gret idea with you. Love the paper of G45 and the ribbon of May Art.

[martica gonzalez]

Wow I love the planter its gorgeous very inspiring.....

[Patti n SLC]

Jim you hit it out of the park with this one. Boy,if I lived in Texas you probablly wake up one morning to find this one missing from your beautiful home. I know that it is rude to ask but I can I have this? HaHaHa Can you tell I love your use of the great Graphic 45 products and May Arts ribbon

[Kat Ancheta]

WOW! I just love this. Your sunflower with all the beads for the center...just WOW!! Thanks for sharing. I am also a new subscriber for your awesome giveaway

[Cheryl Hutcherson]

This is fabulous. Love it!

[Kay(Texfolkart)]

What a great piece! You never cease to amaze me! As you know I'm a subscriber to your blog....and I hope to win this giveaway.....there is nothing I wouldn't just love,love,love to have!!!!!!

[KONNIE WREN]

Guilty as poster #1. I thought that I was subscribed but no I wasn't. I am now. I visit your site daily often more than once just to see if you posted anything new. This is another awesome project. Thanks for sharing!

[mary puskar]

Good morning Jim. I'm a follower and thought I'd leave a comment to enter your fab contest. Such a generous gift. I'd love to be the winner but good luck to all who enter!

Mary

[Mary]

So creative!! That flower blossom is fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!!!

[Marilyn B. Hughes]

I love your creations. You never fail to astonish and amaze. Wonderful flowerpot/birdhouse!

I'm a follower.

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

You are amazing!!! WOW!! This is GORGEOUS! I loveeeeeeeeeee that flower!!!!

PS -- I am a follower :)

[Karen]

Oh my gosh! I love this sunflower JimBug! I am a subscriber to your awesome blog and love visiting often. You have out done yourself! What will you come up with next? Can't wait to see!

[Sharon Y (sharona62)]

Very creative. Functional beauty. Love, love the sunflower! I'm a follower and wouldn't miss a post. Thanks for your generous giveaway.

[Sheilakj99]

you are absolutely amazing. i love your projects. i have even done several of the tutorials you have shared with us. thank you. i love following you.

[Kim Baker]

Completely and amazingly beautiful. You are my ner addiction!!! Thank you for sharing your awesome talent with us!!

Hugz, Kim

[Angie Ayres]

you are a great inspirer of ideas Jim, and i`m a big fan, always been a lurker, but now i have my own blog! (very new!) i can become a follower! xx

[Cheryl]

I LOVE your blog Jim! I'm such a big fan of yours!

[cathy]

Jim you always do beautiful projects. It is so nice to see a mans point of view in scrapbooking. I check in everyday to see what you have done.

[Carol Gib]

What a great project. Thanks for the chance to win.

[CatMyers]

Love it - it's fun, funky, multi-functional and has kind of a saucy attitude! And what's not to love with G45 papers, beautiful ribbon and a sunflower? Nice work!

[linda williamson]

you never sease to amaze me Jim,you know I'm a big fan. thanks for sharing.

[Jeannie]

Very clever Jim! I like it!

[Margie Visnick]

I follow you in my Google Reader! I love this sunflower ribbon dispenser, so pretty!

[Aline]

Beautiful project
I love all your projects that inspire me!

[beckiev]

Pure genius! Everyone else does a layout or card and you do a blooming flower pot! Very unique, as always! That's why I am a subscriber.

[Conisu]

So cool! I am now following you too :)

[Tanya]

Amazing work as usual :) I'm following you!

[Charlotte Zweigoron]

What a trip! This is so funky and fun!

[Danielle Trippeda]

Amazing. What a creative way to use the products. I would have never thought to use the brads this way.

[Tracy]

Fab project - I love sunflowers

[Judy Crites]

I love this kind of design! Your idea's are so creative, my kind of thing!

[heidig]

I'm a huge fan of your projects! Love the ribbon dispenser!

[Miriam Prantner]

Ok, you're a genius! Love this. The ribbon on the flower is stunning, and I love all the brads in the center too, and SUCH a functional piece. Great work! I'm a new follower :)

[Suzanne Shinji]

I never even thought of using ribbon as flower petals... always had bought the fabric flowers from the local box stores! Thank you for sharing that idea with all of us Jim. And the use of your metal brads!!! WOW... I guess they aren't just used for reports anymore...You da man Jim Bug

[Kim]

Wow, I'm digging that ribbon sunflower and your cool ribbon dispenser!
Kim

[Di]

Yes you do very very nice work would Love it all...I am glad to be one of your followers...Di

[Sara Nell Langland]

Firstly, I thought I was the only person who used the expression "Cool Beans" any more! LOL

Secondly, I love this project especially all the wonderful details on the sunflower--I'm very partial to sunflowers and I absolutely love yours with the graduated brads and the ribbon loops.

Made me really smile this morning!

[Val P]

Where do you get all your fantastic ideas? Very nice work Jim! Val from IL.

[Sarah]

I absolutely love the middle of the sunflower with all of the brads...fantastic idea! The whole flower is gorgeous!
I follow you through Google reader. Never miss a post.

[SHEILA RANDEL]

Jim, you are so clever and creative. I love your ideas. I'm happy to follow your blog.

[Linda from Lockbourne]

Jim, I love the freshness of this project, especially your use of the ribbon for the flower. It is perfect, as always. Of course, I'm a regular follower of your blog (I visit it every morning). In fact, I referenced your site today when I wrote about scrapbooking in my blog on Word Press.

[Smokie]

Pretty cool and thank you for a chance to follow your blog and win a great prize.

[Jess-c]

Awesome work! I love your projects stinking awesome.. Typepad wont allow me to follow your blog I keep getting an error message from them. I will try again later thanks bunches for sharing your creativity

[Solveig Myking]

Wow! Love that sunflower! And what a great giveaway. So generous.

[Marlea Ulrich]

What a great idea Jim, you are da'bomb when it comes to crafty ingenious ideas...love it and you too of course. Keep up the great ideas my friend.

[Charo]

Very nice!!!! Love this flower!!!

Charo

[D]

Hi Jim, what a fantastic giveaway ( I am following your blog ) & what a beautiful, novel, functional project. I love to make things that I can use in my craft room. They are great sources of inspiration when crafters block hits. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Danielle Copley]

What a fun idea! Great job!

[Charlene]

Amazing use of product and ribbon! Love it!

[angelaB]

Wow! Fabulous project! You did make me laugh though when you wrote: "Pretty Simple Gang!" I say Stunning but not simple!!! :) I just joined your blog and I added you to my blog reader so I can keep up with your posts easily!

[shari (cricutrookie)]

Jim, You have impressed me again, WOW!!! This project is ADORABLE! I'm a subscriber and would love a chance to win your giveaway.

[Danielle Copley]

Just wanted to add I am subscribed!

[Sar Tann]

Really lovely and creative project. I would have never thought of making flowers like that from ribbon, Simply beautiful!

Thank you for sharing.
Sar Tann

[Barbara Albrecht]

Hey Jimbo...LOVE the sunflower...the center is so clever!!! Love the idea of using it as a ribbon dispenser.

I think I just signed up to follow but not sure...will you check for me.

I know how you can save on postage for the wonderful prize...LOL!!!

[Denice Metz]

love all the beautiful things you make, what a mind you must have. thank you

[Sar Tann]

I'm a follower of your blog.

Thank you,
Sar Tann

[Cait]

Good morning!
I already follow your blog and have for some time. This is an adorable project...on a smaller scale it would work for the heavier twines, too! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Sheri]

that so cool! love it! love the flower

[Helena]

Fab project! it is delightful!
I'm a follower of your blog. Thank you. Helena

[Brenda S.]

Oh, this is just too cool! I LOVE the flower center, it's terrific. This project is fabulous!

[Cheryl Lommax]

OMG I just LOVE your blog and the cute sunflower ribbon dispenser it was awesome, thank you for sharing your beautiful work, Cheryl Lomax

[Candy]

What a great blog! I am now a follower. That sunflower is to die for. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Beth Arp]

I have been a follower forever it seems! Love the new project, especially the Sunflower.

[June-Marie (mermaid49)]

OH - it's so stinking cute Jim - another goodie I will just have to make....and thanks for being so generous and giving us the opportunity to win something....you know we would leave a comment with or without a gift!...lol

[Jeyatha]

Jim, your work is just out of the world.. Love it.. keep doing the great work.. Its so much of inspiration and fun to just look at your blog.. Lots of technique and ideas.. Absolutely love your work..

[Paula]

Flippin beautiful! Love all you do : )

Paula

[Saint Yvonne]

AB FAB!!!!! Thanks for some much needed inspiration!

[Frances Smith]

Well, Of Corse you made it Functional! :D We would exspect no less from the great Jim Bug!!!!! It's an Awesome Project. I've been stalking you for a couple of weeks, Guess today I made it official! I'm following you now :p
LinFes

[Melissa H.]

What a beautiful Sunflower! And what a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win.

[Cheryl Walker]

Beautiful project and I LOVE the design paper and your design here!!!! I am a new follower of fb, since it wouldnt let me , i dont have a typepad only a blog :(
Thank you for sharing :)
Hugs,
Cheryl Walker

[Marie Despeignes]

Beautiful flower. How inventive !, love your style.

[Lynn Wild]

Brilliant!!! I love the centre of the sunflower made from brads (and I have loads of those lurking in a cupboard somewhere)!
I check your blog every day, but haven't been able to do the official follower thingy for some reason :(
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!

Lynn

[Mary Werner]

What a happy project! Love that flower.

[Dawn]

U R awesome, the project is beautiful and the prize is fabby, I am already a follower and so glad I am you are very inspiring, your projects are GORJUSS!!(and yes the mispelling is intentional)

[Laura Cox]

This is an awesome project! Love, love, LOVE it! That sunflower is coolio! Love the center!

[alice hancock]

What a fun idea!

[Sleigh]

OMWow!!! Love sunflowers, including this one. The feet at the bottom are too cute... thank you for sharing your creation and for the fabulous giveaway! :)

[Dee]

Hi! I absolutely love your style in crafting! I have been following you through the site of Graphic 45 for a while now and you are my example in crafting! The work you do is my goal in crafting; altering objects, functional design, vintage/steampunk; It is exactly what I like to do and what I'm going for. I just have to keep going and learn more technique's to get there! I became a follower and added your blog-link to my blog. I'm always excited to see your newest project and so far, you have never failed to amaze me! Thank you for sharing everything you do, you are my inspiration!

[Ramona Walter]

Wowie, Your projects are always over the top. Amazing Talent.
Thanks for sharing.

[Lisa T.]

Now that's thinking out of the box! Love the idea.

It is so nice of you to host your own giveaway too!

Lisa T.

[Tammy Predovic]

Wow I am constantly amazed at your talent and your ability to create practical and fantastic works of papercrafting genius! I love this project, especially the flowerpot ribbon dispenser..so very cool!

[achairnadream]

Cleaver Boy!!!! Flower Pot Ribbon Holder, who would have thunk it. Oh yeah, you did!!! Great as usual. Also this is your friendly Non Follower, Follower...I have tried and tried and I still can't get signed as a Follower however I did subscribe but now that I think of it I have not received any email updates. What's up with that?

[Kimberly]

The sun flower pot is awesome! Thanks for the inspiration !!!
I'm a follower....thanks for the chance to win....
Kimberly

[Brenda B]

So brilliantly breathtaking! I love that flower!!! The beaded center is so very striking....wow! I keep returning to your blog because of projects like these!

[kk]

What a fun way to store ribbon. Would look great in any scrap room. Been following you for a while now, love your projects & adventures.

[Maria]

Great project!! Thanks for sharing!

[Gloria L.]

Really great projects! I'll try not to follow too closely!

[gloria l]

Jim, I'm already a subscriber, and am always looking forward to what you come up with next. Love your creations!

[Jacquie]

wow - LOVE the sunflower!

[Alisonbomber.blogspot.com]

Love the quirky brilliance of this... happy to join your merry band of followers! Thanks for a great hop...

[Arlene]

LOVE it, Jim! ❤

[Natalie Laney]

Jim, just love this sunflower. Never would have thought of it. Just wonderful.

[deedee ld]

Creative, inspiring, and gorgeous sunflower. What a great idea to store ribbons and a fun tutorial on how to make the sunflower. Thanks. I'm a new follower to your blog so I can see what else you come up with,

[Dorina D]

Oh my! What a gorgeous flower. I love the how you made the seeded center. Great tutorial on making the flower and the project. TFS

[Debbie Tuttle]

I love the way you come up with the "unexpected" with paper collections! This is beautiful and fun!

[Lourdes]

Wow Jim!!...that's really gorgeous!!!....I really like the style of this sunflower, especially the center which is very curious!

The first time I saw one of your projects was in the G45 NING site, a heart shaped box....absolutely stunning!

Thanks for the chance to win!

With my best regards

Lourdes