Thursday, April 24, 2014

Fusion Challenge - Paper Straws



A third Fusion in a row for me! I immediately thought of my favorite paper straws when I saw the Fusion Challenge photo, but I only have the red and white stripe straws. In order to incorporate some of the other fun colors from the photo, I used crystal beads (which I never use on cards since they're bulky, but hey, I've already got the paper straws on there!) I only had clear crystal beads, so I used alcohol markers to change their colors.




Since the beads are just about as wide as the paper straws, they looked a little lost. I added the flowers on both sides of the bead. The rectangle that I cut from the middle of the card is framed with 1/8th" strips with mitered corners. Initially I used string to thread the straws and beads, but I found there was still a little give to the thread, and they sagged. Using wire helps combat this.

I was so happy with the straw/flower/bead combo, that I thought it needed to be used for something else.
 

 
It looked so festive, that a cupcake or cake topper came to mind. A number hanging from the middle is all you need to customize it for the birthday boy or girl's age. 


I think this would be great for celebrating on the actual birthday, when you're saving the big cake for the birthday party. Still fun and special!

Here are some fabulous cards by our design team!


WinnersWill be chosen by all of our teammates in two weeks. We each will choose one favorite. The winners will be announced at 4 am (PST) in two weeks!


Thanks for looking!
-Kelly



23 comments:

  1. WOW!!! This is pretty darn COOL! ;) Love the use of the straws and the beads are such a sweet touch!

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  2. You're the best, love your straw projects. I made the mistake of buying 2 boxes of those cute straws and need to use them up! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  3. What a fun take on the image! I love the strung straws/flowers/sequins, perfect on the cupcake too!

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  4. You and me both with the straw inspiration Kelly! I was inspired to purchase the straws when I saw your cute photo frames (I linked to your post in my post) this is just SO fun with the flowers and the wonderful 3D design for your happy card! and the cupcake banner is just awesome! what a great way to really punch up a humble cupcake!!

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  5. Love the custom colored beads - the flowers make great spacers!

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  6. What a creative way to use the image, you ROCK Kelly!!

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  7. Uniqueness is your middle name, Kelly.

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  8. Oh, and unless you think that's a bad thing, it's not. lol

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  9. Wow, this is so fun and soooo creative, Kelly (of course!) ... love those little daisy additions between the straws and beads! Anita :)

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  10. Kelly, you are beyond clever (always). Love these two fun projects.

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  11. Kelly, there is seriously no end to your creativity! AMAZING! I love the card, and I'm head over heels in love with that cute cake topper! :-)

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  12. You always make thee funnest projects! I always hold my breath when I visit your blog and do some serious monkey clapping! Can you picture that??

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  13. Always thinking way outside the box Kelly! This is amazing! Love the cupcake topper too! I always smile when I come to your blog.

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  14. Well you must be so used to hear this by now!!! But still... U r a genius :) I love what u create and some day would love I meet you and exchange brains ;) lol

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  15. That is some ingenuity and such creativity!!!!

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  16. Brilliant! I just love your style!!! : )

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  17. This is so fun - love it! What a great take on the challenge :)

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  18. You always have the best ideas! So much fun - love it!

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  19. Okay, Kelly, this is amazing!! I have so many straws that I never use not since a bridal shower I did last year-- just like looking at them, though! But now you have taken these straws to a new level!!! AWESOME UNIQUE job!!! xo Kate

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  20. Oh, my. This is just too fun!

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I absolutely love reading comments. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave one! - Kelly