Lily and dragonfly, framed quilling

My new paper quilling project, from the "Bugs and flowers" series :) The design is based on a picture from Embroiderer's Countryside, explanation of how to make a similar lily flower can be found in Jane Jenkins' "22 flower designs".

Quilled Hamsa pendant

The Hamsa is an amulet in the shape of a hand. It's believed to protect against the evil eye. It's usually hung in a car, at the door of a house, or worn as a jewelry. Often it has an image of fish, eye or The Star of David in its center. Blue color is also said to protect against the evil eye.

Paper punches collage for kids

Recently I've bought a few paper punches for scrapbooking. I haven't tried them yet, but my children have :)

Parchment craft, my first card with a butterfly and flowers

I got introduced to parchment craft or pergamano through the works and tutorial of lenka_kalinka. It's in Russian, but well worth taking a look, the author also speaks English. I had a small piece of pink parchment, which was used for my first attempt. Tools: a white colored pencil, home-made awl, embossing tools, small scissors. I also used the reverse side of a computer mouse pad to work on.

The pattern is from Embroiderer's Countryside by Helen M Stevens, one of my favorite books ever.

I know, the result is far from perfect, but wanted to share it as is anyway. For those, who decide to give it a try :)

Orchid again, framed paper quilling

I created my first paper filigree orchid when I receiver this amazing plant as a gift.

DIY: Make a storage organizer from old boxes and wrapping paper

For a long time I used to keep all my quilling tools and paper in chocolate boxes, as you probably noticed :) I had to do something about it, so I built this storage organizer. It's made from cartons and pieces of cardboard and covered with gift wrapping paper. The knobs are from plastic bottle caps and copper wire. Great! Now I have everything I need: two large drawers for paper sheets and strips, two smaller ones for tools, and three "cups" for pens, scissors, glue, etc. It's so convenient and lightweight that I can move it around easily.

I'm very happy with my new organizer and would recommend everybody who needs one to make it themselves. You can save a few pence in out tough times, get exactly what you need, and also go at least a little greener.

Spring birthday card with quilled flowers

This is my new birthday card. With paper filigree, as usual. You can find the instructions for making the base here, although I used the template from this Russian blog. You should use thick paper for it, since the quilled decoration is pretty heavy and the card may collapse. I had even to support it with a peace of card stock, attached one end to the bottom and the other end to the reverse of the bouquet.

I used pattern edged scissors to cut the background, hand-cut paper strips for the quilling, and a gel pen for the lettering.