Brenda Walton

Mira Marvels

Last weekend, my normally quiet and peaceful studio was transformed into the destination for a gregarious group of ten amazing crafters! We all had so much fun the whole afternoon, creating paper crowns and gifts using products from my colorful Mira Collection designed for K&Company.

We started with a table full of Mira papers, stickers, die cuts and Grand Adhesions, as well as ribbon, rhinestones, sequins, glitter and other colorful goodies. Using the template from a post in March on crowns (and making some creative variations on the shape), we cut, pasted and xyroned our way to some fabulous and regal creations.

We used metallic florist’s wrap to create shimmering medallions, which serve as a lovely focal point on several of the crowns.

Thanks to Doug for taking all these great photos, and thanks Aaron, Kat, Theresa, Tiffany, Lisa, Grace, Wendy and Dottie for a fabulous day of laughter and friendship!!!

ps: To see additional crown projects visit A Midsummer Night's Dream, posted in June 2007.

And, the winner is . . .

Thanks to all of you who sent comments on recent posts, especially regarding the Mira Collection. It's very satisfying to know that crafters have as much fun using these products as I have creating them.

Congratulations to the lucky winner of our Mira Giveaway, Maura J. Zimmer!! I hope you enjoy all the Mira goodies that are coming your way.

Bedazzled

If you're looking for a way to spice up your next papercrafting or scrapbooking project, you might just want to check out the Mira Collection. Since its release earlier this year, we'€™ve heard lots of feedback from paper crafters who love the happy, brilliant, saturated hues. It is, indeed, the most colorful collection I have ever designed, and quite a departure from my previous work. The shimmery metallic foil printing, rhinestones, glitter and sequin embellishments add to the bling factor.

To celebrate the beginning of summer, we'€™re hosting a giveaway of goodies from the Mira Collection. To enter, simply leave a comment between May 11 and May 24 on any post. The winner will be announced on May 26. Good luck to everyone!

The following projects were created by the talented design team at K&Co. It'€™s a thrill to see what they have created with this collection!

This lovely little book combines several different papers with jeweled Grand Adhesions and glittered stickers. The colorful, oversized diecut cardstock titles make a big statement!

The sparkly Grand Adhesions shimmer with sequins and rhinestones.

You can use all your scrap papers to create a small accordian book, an easy project that will go together quickly, using Mira Grand Adhesions and Speciality Papers.

This sweet accordian book combines glittered word stickers, glittered alphabet stickers and beaded flowers.

Here'€™s a great little project: create a small scrapbook prior to your summer trip, and fill it with photos and stories when you return. The colorful flowers on the cover were made from a variety of Speciality and flat papers, many of which are already glittered.

With its detailed patterning and rich textures, Mira provides a lovely backdrop for photos. Check out the die cut edges on the citrus paper!

A sweet mini album using patterned papers, diecuts, Grand Adhesions and bejeweled beaded flowers.

These stunning cards were created with Mira'€™s glittered papers, Grand Adhesions, glittered stickers, Tag Pad, and Stitched Tags (with real stitching, sequins and ribbon!).

It'€™s easy to transform a plain cork bulletin board into something sensational. Using the Mira patterned papers, run them through a xyron to get a strong, smooth adhesive bond on the wood frame. Embellish with fabric flowers, ribbon and mementos. Voila...a stunning addition to your studio or kitchen!

Discoveries

Every now and then, I find a shop that embodies all of the things I love under one roof. Fleuri, located in Carmichael CA, is just such a place. For the past ten years, a very talented group of women designers, collectors, and artists has showcased their talents inside this distinctive, Parisian-themed shop. These women are amazing stylists and create an inviting and inspired atmosphere.

Celebrating ten happy years in business, Fleuri continues to amaze its clientele with rare vintage finds, including large furniture pieces, home accessories, china, and unique gift ideas. It’s nearly impossible to venture in without finding something special to take home.

Delightful Victorian-inspired boxes, created by my dear friend Patricia Loftus, make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day. The charming shop owner Sonia greets visitors with a smile and a cheery welcome as they enter.

One of the wonderful things about Fleuri is the carefully selected assortment of gifts and accessories. There’s the distinct feeling and aroma of being in a Paris brocante (antique shop), with all the excitement and fun of discovering rare and beautiful items.

I appreciate the creativity and talent behind Fleuri's beautiful displays. This shop is truly a marvelous gem, with something to delight the eye, everywhere you look!