In the Meadow

To start off, I have a fun story for you that was spurred on by PTI's "In the Meadow" coming in the mail. I fell hard in love with this set. And I think it goes back to my love for the song "Sleigh Ride". It seems like it is the song illustrated in my favorite form--stamps!

Being a diehard band nerd back in the day, I was thrilled every holiday season when the sheet music for "Sleigh Ride" got passed out. It seemed to be a perennial favorite and year after year, it was included in the holiday program.

The woodwinds got a primo part. It is so very lively and spirited. My fingers seemed to fly over those clarinet keys. An absolute thrill to play. And it was all punctuated several times with a member of the drum line "cracking the whip". One time in particular was at the very end of the song. We'd wait to hear it before we finish off with the last few accented notes. That whip crack signaled the end of a fabulous musical ride. I was always breathless, exhilarated, and transported.

Yes,  I realize I'm totally showing my nerd card here.

So here I am thinking about playing "Sleigh Ride" the other day while washing the dishes. And then it dawned on me--I just happen to be married to one of the guys in the high school drum line. I stopped what I was doing, turned to my beloved (whom I knew played a lot of the "auxillary" instruments because a) he can't read music after 8 years of band and b) was chosen for certain parts because he was so enthusiastic and never held anything back), and asked, "Hey, when we played Sleigh Ride in band, was it you who made the whipping sound?"

He just grinned at me. "Yeah, it was me. And I've been cracking the whip ever since Baby."

Eye roll. So much for romance, huh? But funny none the less. And apparently, it wasn't an actual whip but rather two 2x4 boards clapped together. Go figure. All my illusions have been shattered. I think I'll go cry in my cup of hot chocolate.

OK. Back on topic. Stamps. In particular, Nichole's amazing "In the Meadow". With it fresh out of the box and just to warm up, I made a card with the sleighing child. It really wasn't supposed to be for the release, just for my own amusement. What amazed me when it was all done was how effortless it was to create. And it turned out--not that I'm tooting my own horn here--stunning. I loved it. Guess I was using it for my group project after all. :)

Our assignment was also to create a "wrap". Which means a fancy way of decorating a gift. You see us do it all the time. To go with my theme--the one that really choose me--I thought about packaging up something warm and toasty. Target always has fun knee high socks...and thus the idea was born.

What I ended up doing, was buying and packaging up two pairs of knee highs. I took a paper towel cardboard tube and placed it in one of the socks. The toe and heel are stuffed up the hole, as make things look nice and neat. I went ahead and stuffed the matching sock up the bottom as a plug. Works well and looks presentable.

Another set, which you cannot see, was stuffed in the top of the tube and the main wrapping sock was gathered at the top of the tube and tied with a Pure Poppy grosgrain ribbon.

Maile's new Wine Tag and Tag Sale #5 were decorated to match the card. With the tube in the sock, it's just a bit too tight of a fit. Not a problem, just snip the back of the Wine Tag and it fits better and nobody is the wiser.

Other additional details from the card--the snow slope dies. Run a glue pen over the edge and dust with fine glitter for a realistic look. Delightful.

So, I'm thinking this whole sock and tube idea can be used in a variety of ways. Imagine giving tube socks to an athlete and using the All Star Team stamp set? Or socks and candy? Or when it is a little more in season, matching socks, gloves, and hat? Target and Old Navy will have these types of matching items here soon. Another month or so. A little early when I was looking, so I had to go with straight up socks.

Ok, hope you enjoyed this fun, economical, and "green" project (hey...we recycled a piece of trash with the paper towel tube, right?). Be sure to check out all the other delightful projects on the PTI Design Team blogs. Lots of lovely things to see, I've no doubt!



Nichole Heady
Jessica Witty
Betsy Veldman
Dawn McVey
Heather Nichols
Lisa Johnson
Melissa Phillips
Michelle Wooderson
Maile Belles
Danielle Flanders


Supplies:

Stamps: In the Meadow, Fillable Frames Additions 1
Dies: In the Meadow, In the Meadow Slopes, Wine Tag, Tag Sale 5
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, True Black
Patterned Paper: Men of Life
Button: Ripe Avocado
Baker's Twine and Glitter
Pure Poppy Grosgrain Ribbon