Thursday, June 30, 2011

Creative Sketches Style

Happy Thursday, and thank you for stopping by to see what I've been crafting.  I want to thank everyone who had posted a comment on yesterdays blog candy post.  Good Luck!  But, now it's time for another challenge from Creative Sketches!  The challenge this week, is pretty easy - create a new card showcasing your style!  Easy Peasy!

I know what you're thinking, 'this really isn't you, Sharon.'  but take a closer look.  I've used vintage-style paper, a piece of text paper, a hand-made flower, some ribbon, and some sparkle.  It's me, just not my usual color combo.  
close-up of the tag
 A fellow paper crafter had made a comment to me a few weeks back, that she didn't know that blue was my favorite color.  And it's not.  Red, is my favorite color.  I love the color itself.  (To me it evokes strength, power, passion, and love.)   So, she wondered why I don't use it.   If Red is my favorite color, then why does 80% of my cards have no red.  They have Pink, Blue, and Crumb Cake.; this is my typical color combo.  But, they don't have Red.  When I paper craft, and I don't have to follow a style, I love vintage/shabby chic.  And you really don't see alot of red.  But I love Red.  
And then, I found this new paper in my local scrapbooking store, Authentique.  I had to have at least one sheet of each pattern paper that is in the collection.  And I LOVE it!  For some odd reason, this paper makes me think of my grandmother.  Don't know why, but it does.  And so, I have had a smile on my face the whole time I have worked with it. 
Thank you for stopping by and for looking.  Let me know what your favorite color is.  Even if it doesn't make numerous appearances in your crafting.   Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Blog-iversary & Blog Candy! #4

Happy Wednesday!  This is my fourth post to give all my followers a chance at winning some blog candy!  And to be eligible, is soo super easy!  Just follow these two steps and your name is entered in the proverbial hat!  #1 sign-up as a 'follower'.  (already a follower, thank you!)  #2 post a comment on 'Blog-iversary' posts!  These post will have a paper crafting question in them.  So, just answer the question and your name is entered in the drawing.  Easy peasy!

Blog-iversary Question:  If you use dies, do you use them to cut shapes (circles, curvy frames etc.) or cut objects (leaves, flowers, etc.)?

My Answer:  I mostly cut objects!  flowers, leaves, mini envelopes - you get the idea!  I'll be adding a Sizzlit Branch with Leaves die to the grand blog candy prize!

Now, lets read your answer!  Post your comment, and have your name entered to the blog candy drawing.  But hurry, you only have today to answer!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Gabrielle - ish

Howdy!  As my mind races, so does my stamping.  If my mind is running in a thousand directions, it shows in my stamping.  July is going to be a super crazy, busy month, and I'm starting to brain storm about a hundred different projects at the same time!  
A lady saw my papercrafting, and has asked me to participate in a limited swap @ convention.  How could  I say 'no'.  So, its vintage, 15 + 1.  Easy peasy, right?  I belong to a group that is organizing a swap, and have been asked to participate, also.  How could I say 'no'.  Anything current, 75 + 1. Yikes!  And I have my newsletter, a virtual club kit, two Open Houses, a card club meeting and my Blog-Iversary posts and winners.  Whew!  So, you can see why my mind races?  
Here is my card I created with all this racing thru my mind.
To create this card, I used 6 different stamp sets.  I used three stamp sets from Stampin' Up! (Friends 24-7, Delicate Doilies, & Nature Walk)  I used three other stamp sets, 2 from 7 Gypsies.  I used 6 Stampin' Up! neutral inks (whisper white, sahara sand, crumb cake, soft suede, chocolate chip, and basic brown), and two colors: Cameo Coral and Island Indigo.  I used the First Edition DSP and a scrap of Crumb Cake DSP.  I found a scrap piece of a new Webster's Pages paper.  I added a different hand-made polymer clay flower, made with my sparkle white clay.  I think it came out beautifully.
Thank you for looking!  Leave me a comment, and let me read your thoughts.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Blog Candy Photo

Happy Sunday!  As I promised earlier this month, I have a photo of one of the blog candies I am giving away next month (July 22, 2011)!  There will be at least 2 Blog Candys to be given away.  One valued @ $25 and one valued @ $50.  If I obtain triple digits in followers I will add another $25 blog candy to be given away on my Blog-Iversary.
Here's the details:
To be eligible for my Blog-Iversary Candy Give-away, you must complete two steps!
#1 - sign-up as a follower.  If you already are, thank you, and the next step is even easier.  If not, click on the 'follow' button (above the photos of my followers) and follow the quick and easy steps to be a follower.  Easy Peasy!  And thank you.  I hope as a follower you do come back and visit.
#2 - post your comment on the 'Blog-iversary' posts that happen each Wednesday.  There is a paper crafting question in these posts, so just answer the question.  You will only be allowed to comment on the day of the post.  Each time you comment, your name is added to the proverbial 'hat' and that's where names are selected.  So, if you comment each Wednesday, you increase your chances of being a winner!

So, here is one of the $25 Blog Candy give-aways!



Because I Care (Stamp Set - clear mount) - #120118  (valued @ $10.95)
Flower Garden (Embossing Folder) - #123113 - $7.95
Very Vanilla Seam Binding (Ribbon) - #120999 - $6.95 - my favorite
Good Luck!  I hope to hear from you on Wednesday, for the next paper crafting question.  Also, don't forget to tell your friends!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I hope that you can carve some time out of your busy life to sit and craft!  It's wonderful to do a little creative expression for yourself, or someone special!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

My Style

It's Saturday!  That means its time for a new challenge @ Our Creative Corner challenge blog.  This is a new and different challenge this week.  It's a Design Team call!  So, the challenge is to create a new card showcasing your abilities and talents!  So, use whatever colors inspire you, and use any layout that showcases your talent!  This design team call challenge closes July 8th.  So, what are you waiting for?
here is my style

If you look at my blog posts from previous challenges, you will see that my style is generally vintage/shabby chic.  I love to stamp on pattern papers, if I'm not making my own.   My two favorite card additions are a button and soft ribbon/crochet trim.  I really enjoy using those doily tags, too.  I generally make my own flowers out of cardstock or synthetic fabric.  If I add a corsage pin, I usually make my own, and that is what I did this time, too!


I cut two pieces of pattern paper to fit off-set onto my card front.  I added a piece of First Edition DSP as the matt.  I made a wide scallop trim border from a coordinating pattern paper.  I added a slim strip of crochet trim over the scallops.  I stamped 'ADORE' in Jet Black Staz-On onto the bottom pattern paper.  I punched a 1 3/8" circle from the First Edition DSP, and added it to the center of the doily tag.  I punched 4 scallop circles from River Rock cardstock, sprayed them with my home-made white shimmer mist, crumpled them, and hot glued a button to the center of the flower.  I distressed the edges of the paper flower with white paint, and gave them a few spritz of vanilla shimmer mist by Smooch.  I made my own push pin, and stuck it behind the flower.  I punched some leaves with the 2-step bird punch.  I cut the butterflies from the same blue pattern paper I used for the scallop trim, and added some faux half-pearls for their bodies.
Thank you for looking.  Now, its your turn!  Create something that showcases your style, and submit it to us @ Our Creative Corner.  As part of the design team, you will need to submit an entry weekly to for our challenges.  You will also need to take a turn at hosting a challenge during your 6 month term.


Friday, June 24, 2011

A Garden Variety Thank You

Good Morning, and thank you for stopping by!  I have had some wonderfully nice comments on my blog lately, and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to make a comment and make my day!  Wow! Thank you!  I have made another Thank You card.  Just for fun.  No challenge.  This card will be posted for sale on my Etsy shop this weekend, along with a few more that have been posted here:  Thank You #1 and #3.


All the supplies used to create this card, minus the bird, are from Stampin' Up!  I used the Sanded background stamp on the Crumb Cake cardstock, for the base of the card.  I took a scrap piece of Baja Breeze DSP and attached that across the middle of my card.  I had a scrap piece of First Edition DSP, that I wadded-up and then flattened, to give it a weathered-look.  I edged my Baja Breeze cardstock in white paint, to distress it.  The Very Vanilla panel, is layered with different stamps: En Francais in Crumb Cake classic ink.  The flower from Because I Care set is colored with markers: Marina Mist and Old Olive.  The Elizabeth stamp in done in Chocolate Chip classic ink.  I stamped the Thank You in Chocolate Chip classic ink, across a scrap piece of the twill ribbon and stapled it to the card.  I also edged the Very Vanilla panel in white paint.  I added the sticker last.  I thought that my card needed something more, but didn't know what.  And then I came across this sticker when I was looking thru my various stashes of stuff.
Enjoy your Friday!  I have a special order from Webster's Pages that has arrived, and I'm picking that up today after work!  I'm soo excited!  So, stay tuned!  I know what I ordered, but it was out of a catalog, and I haven't seen their stuff in real-life.  
Tomorrow is Saturday, and that's the first day of another challenge from Our Creative Corner!  And, it's not too late to submit an entry to the Creative Sketches challenge!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Wedding Creative Sketches Style

Well, its Thursday! And that means another challenge from Creative Sketches.  It's time for another 'holiday' themed sketch challenge!  The rules are super simple: make a paper craft item with a holiday theme and follow the sketch.  See, super simple!

Now, if you notice, not only did I flip the sketch, but I also did a mirror image.  I made a shabby chic wedding card.  For the main panel of aqua blue cardstock, I created my own background pattern paper.  I stamped the flourish repeatedly from the Friends 24-7 set and then stamped the Sanded background stamp. I wanted my paper to have some depth.  I had a scrap piece of First Edition DSP that I used to create my decorative square.  For the circle, I punched out the circle shape from a tag that was originally a rectangle,.  I wanted to add my sentiment on the circle and not the square, so I stamped the wedding congrats in Chocolate Chip classic ink.   I stapled the  scrap piece of crochet trim to the circle, I thought it added some shabby style to the whole look.  I also used my hot glue gun to attach the button.   I made the multi-loop bow out of Crumb Cake seam binding.  I wanted the  center of the bow to be a bit jazzy, so I made the pearl center myself.  I strung some loose pearls with beading wire and created the circle shape, then I used my hot glue gun to attach the pearl center to the bow.  I thought that the left corner seemed a bit bare, so I added a butterfly and gave it a rhinestone body.  To continue the pearls, I added two trio faux half-pearl lines to two different areas of the card.
Please join our challenge.  Let your creative spirit dictate your piece.  You never know, you could be our next 'winner'!  

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Blog-iversary & Blog Candy! #3

Happy Wednesday to everyone!  
Here is the 'Blog-iversary' scoop:  follow these two super easy and quick steps, and your name is entered into a drawing for some blog candy.  there will be at least 2 prizes!  One valued @ $50, the other one valued @ $25.  If I reach over triple digits in visitors, I will throw in an additional 'candy' valued @ $25!
#1) sign-up as a follower.  Already a follower, then you are half way there!
#2) post a comment on the 'Blog-Iversary & Blog Candy' posts that arrive each Wednesday.  These specific posts will only be open for comment on Wednesdays.  Every time you comment, your name is added to the 'hat'.  
On July 22, 2011 I will select names from the 'hat' and you could win!  

Today's Question: Do you own more punches or dies, and why?
My answer:  At the current moment, I own more punches than dies.  However, it has been several months since I have purchased any punches, while my die collection grows.  I think punches are more obtainable due to their size, and easy of use.  100% of my punches are Stampin' Up!, while 95% of my dies are Stampin' Up!  I love Stampin' Up! products, because they are of such great quality, and can help me create beautiful things!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Thank You #3

Like I have promised, here is another card, that my co-worker can choose from.  It always helps to get some inspiration.  So, I stopped by Mojo Monday.  I used the current sketch: #196.  I however, flipped the sketch on its side, and did a mirror image.


Here is my take on the sketch:

I stamped the leaf background in Black ink first.  The ribbon is Black satin.  I added the row of rhinestones to the ribbon to help dress it up, a bit.  The tag was easy; stamp the design first in black ink, then stamp the 'thank you' in hollyhock ink.  The flower was fun to create.  I used three different flower shapes.  I used this pretty pink shimmer paper.  I strayed each flower shape with my home-made shimmer mist and crinkled the flowers.  I used my heat gun to speed the drying time.  I used a Stampin' Up! vintage brad to hold it together.  And I used my hot glue gun to hold the flower on to the card.
Thank you for looking.  Remember, if this card doesn't sell tomorrow, it will go in my Etsy Shop: Designs by Sharon

Monday, June 20, 2011

Thank You #2

Ok, as promised, the second card.  (Please stroll down to the previous post to 'catch-up')
I needed a some inspiration, to make a different card, so I headed over to Card Patterns for a little inspiration.                                         
Here is their sketch:


And here is my card:
Card #2
For this card, I used more neutral colors.  The card base is Linen from Paper Trey Ink.  The mat is Stampin' Up!:  Early Espresso cardstock.  The main pattern paper is from Stampin' Up!, and has been retired for 3/+ years ago: Brocade Background.  I stamped En Francais in Crumb Cake classic ink.  The stamp is not 'solid', because I did that 'finger tapping' technique.  The scalloped pattern paper is a scrap.  Don't know the maker, or name, sorry.  The top pattern paper is from the Brocade Background stack.  The pretty ribbon isn't stitched to the card, its stitched, tho.  Beach Front Ribbon Originals.  The button is from Stampin' Up! : Neutrals.  I used the Stampin' Up! Tiny Tags stamp set to make the 'thanks {so much}' tiny tag.  I used Linen Thread to tie the tag to the button.  I used the banner from the Stampin' Up! : Petal Cone Die.  The three pearls is from my faux half-pearl stash.  The 'Note of Thanks' stamp is from Stampin' Up! : Kind Thanks stamp set.
Let me know what you think.  If my co-worker doesn't purchase this card, it will go up for sale on my Etsy Shop : Designs by Sharon 
I would like to make at least one more card, for my co-worker to select from.  I'll need to post that one tomorrow.  Come back to see what I have made. :)

Thank You #1

A lady at work, ask me (yeah, ME! - I'm pretty excited, too) to make her a Thank You card.  She needs it in a few days.  And, she likes my work.  Wow super wonderful, huh?  Here's the catch, she said that I can make it any way I want, no particular style, theme, or colors.  Just 'thank you'.  Sounds rather 'free', huh?  But, I find it a bit challenging.  So, I have made two cards.  (both are posted today, just different posts)
I looked for some inspiration, and found it @ My Favorite Things blog.  Here is their sketch:
Here is my card:
Card #1
I really love making girl-y girl cards!  Pinks, flowers, crochet trim, seam binding, oh my!  I used Basic Grey pattern papers.  Both are from my scrap stash.  So, at least 2/+ years old.  The typewriter paper is from Stampin' Up!: First Edition DSP.  The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock.  The brown mat is Soft Suede cardstock.  The pink mat is Pink Pirouette cardstock.  The flower is from Prima flowers.  It's sitting on top of a tag from Martha Stewart.  The crochet trim piece is from a big box craft store.  The multi-loop bow is made from seam binding.  The color of seam binding I use is actually Very Vanilla.  I dyed it.  I used Pretty in Pink classic re-inker and Regal Rose re-inker.  I think that it matches really well!  The button is from my 'fancy/wedding' button stash.  The 'Thank You' is from Stampin' Up!: Fresh Cuts; which is retiring this month.
Give me your opinion.  Let me know if this is a card you would love to give/get.  If my co-worker doesn't purchase this one, it will go up for sale in my Etsy shop: Designs by Sharon.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day


Happy Father's Day, vintage farm-style!   I have a old french-style weakness, in that, I love all things French, and vintage!  Just so you know where this card is coming from.  I needed a card for Father's Day, and who doesn't.  So, I always struggle with masculine theme cards.  Always.  I'm just too girl-y girl.  I love buttons, ribbon, flowers - girl stuff.  And you throw in something French, and it gets all girl-y girl romantic.  So, for my card, I went farm-style French.  Ok, I don't know if there is such a category.  But, if there isn't there probably should be.


The flourish stamp comes from my ALL time favorite stamp set:  Friends 24-7.  I love how versatile it is. Super pretty.  The blue paper in the background is another one of my ALL time favorite DSP:  Presto DSP.  Ok, this paper comes white, with the design already embossed on it.  So, all you have to do is ink the paper in ANY color you want, and it matches whatever project you are working on.  Couldn't be any more convient or easy.  You can do direct ink to paper, use a brayer, use a sponge, water color with your re-inker.  Super easy!  Both of these items are retiring from Stampin' Up! this month.  So, once they are gone, they are gone.  How sad.  So, I had to ink them up one more time.  (Ok, this won't be the last that you see them.)



I did a little distressing/aging.  I also did a little stamping on the inside:

I thought it would help 'complete' the card.   There is also a close-up of the little banner-style tag I made.  I first stamped the polka-dots, and then the sentiment.  I curled the banner over a pencil and then under, to give it that wave-y look.
Thank you for stopping by today.  Enjoy this special day, with that special male person who was a great father to you!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

a punchy color challenge, with a twist

 It's Saturday! And  that means it's time for another challenge from Our Creative Corner.
Lori, from The Diva Stamper has given us a color challenge with a twist.  So, here's the colors:  
Ok, so here is the twist:  you MUST use at least 3 punches, and one of them needs to be a border punch! 

Here is my card:

The punches I used are: Curly Label for my tag.  3/4" Circle punch and the 1/2" Circle punch for my 'buttons'.  Scallop Trim Border punch to hold my ribbon.  
close-up of the buttons

This challenge was just that for me - a challenge!  Whew!  I'm pretty happy with what I created.   When I first stamped the buttons, I thought that they looked pretty 'flat', so I punched out some chip board and glue sticked the 'button' onto that, to help give them some substance.
I hope the Design Team has given you some inspiration, and you play along with us!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

life happens . . .

First, let me say, Thank You for stopping by, for a visit!  I am grateful for each and everyone of you!  Well, I thought last week was a rough week at work.  This one is crazier!  This card was suppose to be posted this morning before my spin class, and well, that didn't happen.  
The talented ladies over at Creative Sketches have both a sketch and a technique: Masking.

My Card

This card is pretty simple, but I really wanted the focus to be on the flowers utilizing the masking technique!  This technique is super easy, and very pretty!  I love the perspective of it! I used all Stampin' Up! supplies: classic ink (baja breeze, and pear pizazz), stamp set (vintage vogue), cardstock (baja breeze & very vanilla), pattern paper (baja breeze DSP), glimmer brads (subtles), and crochet trim.  Even my punch, scallop trim border punch, is from Stampin' Up!

close-up of the masking technique
So, if you have the chance, please play along with our challenge!  You just may be this weeks winner!  Please stop by and see what the Design Team have created.  You just might be inspired!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Blog-iversary & Blog Candy! #2

Good Morning!  Wow, this is late.  Sorry.  
Ok, for a quick re-cap:  My Blog Anniversary is next month, and I want to celebrate by giving away Blog Candy (free stuff).  To be eligible to win you must complete two tasks: 1) sign-up as a follower.  If you already are, cool.  Thank you.  2) post your answer to the Wednesday question entitled 'Blog-iversary & Blog Candy'.  Easy peasy.  All questions are about paper crafting.

Today's question:  What is your favorite cardstock?  By this, I mean, plain cardstock; solid colors.
Mine:  I love the weight and feel of Stampin' Up! solid cardstock.  Because of the weight, you can create all sorts of projects with it, and it won't crumple or fold when you don't want it to.  However, the white and vanilla cardstock are a bit light in weight for my taste.  So, my favorite heavy weight white/vanilla cardstock is from Paper Trey Ink.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sweet Birthday

We are celebrating one of my 'sister's birthday on Tuesday!  I can't wait!  There are 6 of us, and we all are the bestest friends!  We all get together as often as we can, and we ALWAYS have the greatest time!  We meet for dinner, and laugh, and eat, and talk, and laugh!  We are not blood related, but you wouldn't be able to tell by how much we get along; like sisters!  So, this month we are getting together for Ronda's birthday.  Ronda's favorite paper crafting company is Basic Grey.  

Her hand-made card


Ronda, loves shabby chic, and girlie.  So, this is what I made her.  I loved creating this card.  I found this wonderful sketch on the Waltzing Mouse challenge blog.  I don't own any of their stamps, so I didn't enter this card into their challenge.  But, I just loved the sketch.  I made the white flower out of clay.  I purchased a mold from a store @ Etsy: MoldMuse.  I used a white polymer clay that has sparkles in it.  How pretty, huh?  It was fun and super easy to make.  I added a small scallop sticker trim to the brown panel.  I found a lone faux half-pearl swirl in my bling drawer, and it worked sooo well, I attached it.  
The fabric and paper flowers were purchased.  I thought the colors really worked with the colors in the card.  The trim is both crochet and seam binding.  The multi-loop bow I made myself.  That sparkley button, is out of my million dollar stash.  (I call it that, because they are $11 for 2 buttons.) Yikes, right? But, Ronda is a 'sister', and she's worth it!  I attached that pricey button with my hot glue gun.
The the 'Happy Birthday', I used one of my ALL time favorite Stampin' Up! stamp sets: Vintage Labels.  I love the swirls!  I hope that she does too!
I added a corsage pin, as a last touch.  I have these clear crystal corsage pins, so I added a small pink button and a cream pearl.  I keep the whole decorative pieces in place with my hot glue gun!  I love that thing.  The oval HB tag is attached with foam tape.  So, I stuck the corsage pin thru the foam.
Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you have seen something that inspires you to create your own pretty paper craft item!  I haven't quite decided if I'm going to make a matching 'bag' or not.  So, check back before Wednesday, to see what I've decided.  And don't forget, Wednesday, is another Blog-iversary Question!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Inspirational Challenge

Inspiration Photo
Those wonderfully talented ladies over @ Our Creative Corner have an Inspirational photo to challenge you.  And to help with what or how we have gotten our inspiration, each DT member have given a little blurb about how they were inspired.   Please check out what the other DT members have created!  You will be inspired and aw struck!

My Card
When I look at the inspiration photo, the objects that I instantly focused on, were those wonderful pillows!  I just love the stripes on the round pillow.  It has so much character and is simply pretty!  And, how can you resist those orange pillows!  The polka-dots, and those kraft pom-poms!  The colors remind me of nature, and the photo shows all natural materials.  So here is what I made.  

The card base is Chocolate Chip.  The main panel is a simple green pattern on green cardstock; simple and elegant.  The stripes are layered onto the green piece, just like the pillow sits on the green sofa.  The orange polka-dot piece mimics the adjacent pillow.  I felt that the kraft pom-poms made such an inpact, that I had to re-create the pom-pom and put it on my card.  I made the kraft flower out of 'natural' coffee filters and a scallop circle die.  I cut 12 scallop circles and stacked them.  Then I crumpled each one individually.  With all the natural materials in the photo, I wanted an 'earthy', simple material to wrap around my polka-dot piece.  So, I chose a thick hemp twine.  I kept the leaves simple, few and a 'background', just like the potted plant in the photo.
I used this weeks Mojo Monday Sketch, to help me with the layout.  All paper craft supplies are from Stampin' Up!  However, most are retired.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Birdie Birthday

I need a Birthday card for my son-in-law's mother, Barbara.  She is a wonderful lady, and very kind.  So, I want to make something pretty!  Something vintage.  Something 'girlie'.  So, I headed over to Cupcake Creations for some inspiration.  The colors for this challenge are:  Light Pink, Medium Green, and a Neutral.  

Here is their inspiration board:
Here is my card:



The card base is Sahara Sand cardstock.  The main panel is Pink Pirouette card stock.  I stamped a flourish and a 'Postale Carte' in Pretty in Pink classic ink onto the pink cardstock.  I ran the pink cardstock thru my Big Shot inside my Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  I sponged some pink ink randomly.  I used a sanding block randomly, too.  Then I grabbed my scissors and distressed a few spots on the edges.  I added some text paper behind the distressed edges.  I wanted to give this special birthday card some contrast.  I stamped Happy Birthday in Basic Brown classic ink, onto the Sahara Sand DSP.  I thought that it looked better without a tag.  To jazz-up the neutral DSP, I also stamped a fancy frame in white craft ink and used white detail embossing powder.   For the ribbon, I loved the crochet trim, but I also loved the seam binding, so I combined the two.  I used Pear Pizzazz seam binding, and Pretty in Pink dyed Very Vanilla seam binding.  I tied a double-bow with each color of the seam binding and put them together, with a vintage brad.  I used my glue gun to attach the vintage brad to the crochet trim.  The stamp multi-colored flowers/stems, I 'colored' my stamp with markers, huffed, and stamped.  To add a little sparkle I added some dazzling diamond glitter to the flower centers.  I also stamped a different swirl in Wild Wasabi classic ink, onto the text paper peaking out from behind the circle piece.  I tore the bottom edge and sponged with some sahara sand classic ink.
Thank you for looking.  I hope that you have seen something you like, and leave me some well-wishes.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Just a Note

I have made ONE card for THREE challenges!  How efficient!  So, check them out!
Color Challenge:  Creative Sketches has a color challenge this week.  The colors are:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede, & Whisper White!  These are beautiful together!  Please stop by and see what else the design team has created!  These are super talented ladies, and I am sure you will be inspired!
Sketch Challenge:  Just Us Girls, this week, it is sketch #87.  When you first look at their sketch, you think 'I can do that!' and you should!   I love user-friendly sketches.
Technique Challenge:  The Shabby Tea Room.  Week #65 - Embossing.  Wet or Dry.  See, how fun is that?
 Here are the inspiration boards:

   Creative Sketches - Color Challenge
 Just Us Girls - Sketch Challenge
 Shabby Tea Room - Technique Week

Here is my card:

close-up of the bird
close-up of the flower
Ok, alot is going on here, so grab another cup of coffee, (or other favorite beverage) and have a seat.  
The card base is Soft Suede.  I cut the main panel just slightly smaller than the card front.  Inked my Sanded background stamp in Soft Suede classic ink.  I then ran the stamped panel thru the Big Shot inside an embossing folder to give the main panel some interest.  And dry embossing!  Next, I made my tag.  I cut some Whisper White cardstock to an appropreiate size.  I first stamped the swirl in Soft Suede classic ink.  Then the flourish (Friends 24-7) in Wild Wasabi classic ink.  I sprayed the tag with Log Cabin Smooch spray, and one spritz of Gold Smooch.  I cut two circles from Wild Wasabi card stock and Wild Wasabi DSP, and used my Crop-a-Dile to create the hole and set my green eyelet.  I ran some Early Espresso Baker's twine thru the hole and tied a bow.  I made my flower with Real Red cardstock and used the Birds & Blooms die set.  I used some foam tape between the flower layers to seperate them.   I used the 2-step Bird punch and some Wild Wasabi DSP to make the leaves.  The bird  (Notably Ornate) is stamped in Soft Suede classic ink, and then again in Versa Mark, and heat embossed with clear EP.  I made the oval tag by coloring my stamp with both a Soft Suede and Wild Wasabi markers, and used the extra large oval punch.  My sentiment (Notably Ornate) is stamped in Soft Suede classic ink and I used the Modern Label punch to create the tag.  I lifted the tag off the card front with some foam tape.


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Blog-iversary & Blog Candy!

Hello!  My Blog-iversary (Blog Anniversary) is next month.  I am quickly approaching the 2 yr mark.  And I am still having a wonderful time!  I want to celebrate this mile-stone with some Blog Candy (free stuff) for my followers!
Here's the Details:
1.  Sign-up as a follower.  (If you are already a follower, thank you! the hard part is done.)
2.  Post a comment at any/all the 'Blog-iversary' entries (each Wednesday).  There is a questions in these posts, so, just answer the question, and your name is entered into the drawing for the Blog Candy.  So, the more weeks you comment, the greater your chances!
3.  There will be at least one grand Blog Candy worth $50, and at least 2 smaller Blog Candys worth $25 each, in crafting supplies!  Pictures of Blog Candy prizes will be posted later.  Most of the candy will be in current Stampin' Up! supplies.
4.  The names for these Blog Candy giveaways will be drawn on July 22, 2011.  That's the anniversary of my first post.  The winners of the Blog Candy will have 72 hrs to contact me to claim your prize (via email).

So, tell your friends!  One of my goals is to have triple digits in followers!  Please, help me make my dreams come true!

The Blog-iversary Question:  What kind of ribbon is your favorite, and why?
My favorite ribbon is Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla seam binding!  It's easy to work with, holds its shape, accepts ink (to change its color or to stamp on), it allows you to change its look by crickling it, or pulling a thread to give it a rouch look.  It's fabulous!   And there will be a new roll in one of the blog candy give-aways!

Monday, June 6, 2011

HB: SSC206 & CQC #87

It's Monday! and that means another week has begun!  And what better way to start, than with a fun Birthday card? 
I need a Birthday card, for a wonderful young lady, but I also needed some inspiration.  Here is where I went:   I went to Stamping 411, for the layout.  I went to Colour Q for the colors.
So, this young lady is pretty wonderful, and hip, so I need something 'fun' and creative.  So, I used a 'teen' stamp set from Stampin' Up!, Grunge Rock.  I used some retired DSP paper: Razzleberry Lemonaide.  

Here is her Birthday card:

I used Pumpkin Pie as the card base.  Layered a piece of DSP on the base.  I added a strip of Crushed Curry with the fancy scallop trim border, with another piece of the DSP on that.  For the main image, I stamped the harlequin pattern in Crushed Curry classic ink along the left edge.  I did a 2nd generation stamp of the 'no.1' in Soft Suede classic ink.  I stamped the guitar with a home-made Melon Mambo craft ink and heat embossed with clear EP.  The whisper white looked too white, so I gave it a sprtiz of my home-made Pumpkin Pie shimmer mist.  Instead of adding a button, I made a paper flower with Crushed Curry cardstock.  I stamped the crown in Melon Mambo classic ink, and used a 1 1/4" circle punch.  The 'Happy Birthday' is done in Soft Suede classic ink onto a banner from the petal cone die.  I added some random rhinestone jewels to give the card some visual interest.  Viola!

*I made this card on Saturday, however, I didn't want to post it too soon, as the recipient might see it.  Well, the submission day/time has passed for Colour Q, so my card is not visible at their site.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Thank You Etsy

my limited Thank You tag

I'm new to Etsy.  Well, less than a month new.  The only thing I have ever purchased were these molds that my wonderful new friend Jennifer, a fellow DT member from OCC, turned me onto.  Anyways, I made my mold purchase from MoldMuse and they attached this cute little Thank You note to my bag of molds.  I thought, how sweet! and I loved the fact that they went the extra mile to make me feel like my purchase was special.  So, now I have a dilemna.  Do I add a Thank You note to each purchase from my Etsy Store: Designs by Sharon, or a tag, or a card, or anything at all?  Do other 'stores' on Etsy add little somethings to individuals purchases?  Well, my Etsy exposure is limited.  Ok, extremely limited.  Well, if I do, what?  And what would be my price limit, and time limit.  So, here is what I came up with (see above photo).
I made a few tags that measure 4" x 2 1/2".  I used a Linen cardstock.  I stamped 4 different stamps from four different stamp sets and designers.  (My usual technique.)  I used two inks that were close in color, and two contrasting inks.  I added a sprayed stencil, just to give it some interest.  I used an orange shimmer mist I made myself.  And then I needed to make the 'hole' part.  I punched out a text from a scrap and hand cut a contrasting cardstock.  Used my Crop-a-Dile to set the metalic eyelet.  Easy Peasy.  So, this is my decision: if you make a purchase from my Etsy shop, I will include a hand-made 'Thank You' tag with each order.  Remember, they will all be different, and most won't be mass produced.  I only made 3 of these.  

Saturday, June 4, 2011

the Bride & Her Room #60

Well, I'm the hostess again this week, over @ Our Creative Corner challenge blog!  The theme this week, is weddings!  I figure its that time of year, and you probably need to crank-out a wonderfully hand-made card, layout, or altered 3-D item, so why not enter the challenge.  There are a few requirements, tho.  You'll need to add some sheer fabric (organza, tulle, etc.), some trim (lace, ribbon, bakers twine, etc.), a flower (hand-made, or purchased), a pearl (or two, or a swirl) and some stitching (faux, hand, or machine).  Whew!  Sounds like a long laundry list, but you'll be amazed at how easy it will all come together!

Here is my card:

For my card, I needed some color inspiration, so I went to the Color Room, to find some soft, pretty, elegant colors that I thought would work.  Here is the Inspiration Board, that I used.  This Color Room challenge is already closed, but aren't the colors just fabulous!


  Here is the Inspiration Board:
For the colors, I used:  Pink Pirouette, Going Grey, Peony, and Sahara Sand.  You will recognize the Stampin' Up! colors.  For those I used in cardstock.  The Peony, is actually the color name of the sheer fabric I used.  I used Sahara Sand as my card base.  I layered some Sahara Sand DSP together, added a strip of scallop trim borders in Pink Pirouette to two parallel edges.  The ribbon that hinds the seam is retired, Beachfront Ribbon Originals.  I added some of that wonderfully sparkly rhinestone trim.



For my three flowers: the large one is hand-made from Peony organza.  I cut 8 total circles.  (4 of 2 sizes).  I generally use a heat gun to melt the edges, but this time I used a lit tea light candle.  I melted each petal separately and then stacked them.  I threaded a pink pearl with some linen thread, and did a few quick stitches to hold it on.  I added two dressed-up corsage pins to this big beautiful flower.  I started with plain pins and just added small various beads I have in a stash.  Tied a thin Very Vanilla ribbon onto one pin.  The tiny grey flower is hand-made, I just used my hand-held scallop punch and hand-rolled it.  The other small pink flower I purchased a few years back.  


To make my tag at the upper left corner, I just stamped the 'Mr & Mrs' and frame in Whisper White craft ink, and used my Glacier ultra fine EP, and heat set them onto a scrap piece of clear card stock.  I added a flower-shaped pearl button to the upper edge of the tag, just to give it a 'finished' look.  The 'Bride' is actually a download from the Graphics Fairy.  They have some very nice free graphics.  I just did a search.  Easy peasy!  I hand-stitched the top and bottom borders of my card with some grey thread.  


Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that we, at Our Creative Corner,
have inspired you to create a wedding-theme paper craft and enter our challenge!  You never know, you could be our next top talent!