Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New and Quick

I'm finding more time to craft this week.  Hopefully this trend cares over to next week and next month.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  
I am playing along in a shoe box swap.  The theme is to use new products out of the Spring Mini Catalog.  Sounds easy.  Oh, and since it's a shoe box swap, your card needs to be constructed in 10 min or less.  Even better.  
To create one of these cards, I have to change my thinking a little.  I can't spend all day in my craft room, tinkering around, and just creating.  I need to change my focus.  Most of my focus is on a simply beautiful layout and limiting my products to whats new in the Spring Mini Catalog by Stampin' Up!
So, I used a layout I have used several times over the last several years.  I wanted to add a beautiful banner.  Banners are big and very popular. 
Here is what I did:

I started with Pink Pirouette card stock.  I just love this shade of pink.  I then cut a piece of the new Tea for Two DSP to a 4" x 2 3/4" piece.  But, I wanted to give the DSP a bit of pop, so I matted it on Lucky Limeade card stock.  I used a new embossing folder, Needlepoint Border, to create the stitched and scallop edge.  For the sentiment, I used a scrap piece of card stock.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey classic ink.  I tapped the VersaMark ink pad on both ends of the banner piece.  I then dunked the ends into the silver embossing powder vial.  I used my heat gun to heat the embossing powder.  I used dimensionals to adhere the banner.  
These days, white space is a good thing.  For those who know me, I'm not a fan of white space.  I always see this 'white space' as empty space.  I always want to 'fill' the 'white space'.  But, I refrained.  So, I left it empty, blank, 'free'. 
I hope that you like this card.  It was super quick and easy to create.  


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Vintage Thanks

Howdy, and thanks for stopping by.  As usual, life is busy.  But, I really want to play along with some different challenges.  I think it will help me get out of my funk.  I want to re-new my passion for crafting, and so I think I need to  get some inspiration.
The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge, have a wonderful sketch for you to try.  I just love these sketches, because the possibilities are endless.  
Here is the sketch:

Now, before you get frustrated.  Just take the sketch apart, and it isn't so intimidating.  The large blossom head, can be roughly any large stamp.  Think a background stamp, or a selection of stamps that could easily create a 'background', or a large main image panel stamp.  Got something in mind?  Good.  Now, for the sentiment, think lower third or upper third of the card.  Now, you can stamp your sentiment right on top of your main panel.  Or, you could make a horizontal banner, or similar shape.  I would suggest that you keep this card front simple.  Even clean and simple.  Or, mildly embellished.
here is what I did:


My favorite style of card making is typically shabby chic.  But, as I stated earlier, I wanted a change.  so, I went vintage.  Some of you might think it's shabby chic.  But, look closely.  There aren't many feminine embellishments or soft girly colors.  Rather, it has a more neutral or masculine tone.   
I started with soft suede cardstock, to create the card base.  I stamped the background stamp in Old Olive classic ink.  I used the edge of my scissors to distress the edges.  Which also help with bits and pieces being torn.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I added small scraps of First Edition DSP to the torn pieces, to give the illusion that there is a hidden page beneath.  I stamped the label piece twice, so I could layer this piece.  I stamped the 'THANKS' in Early Espresso classic ink.  I wanted to 'dress-up' this piece, so I added a text banner piece, a small piece of crochet trim, and a small piece of soft suede taffeta ribbon.  I did some machine stitching to attach the ribbons to the label piece.  I thought the ribbon piece looked bare or empty, so I added a fabric blossom to the front of this ribbon bundle.  I attached the label piece with foam tape, to give the card some interest.
I hope that you can join us this week @ NAC.  I'd love to see what you do with our sketch!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Lone Bird

Whew.  This has been a weekend packed with several, all most too many obligations.  And then there was some creative block.  For the life of me, I could not get a challenge to work.  So, I went CAS (clean and simple).  Sometimes, less IS more.
This week, over @ Our Creative Corner,  Lini, is our hostess this week.  She wants you to use woodgrain somewhere on your paper craft project.  And include a button.  (the button, was the easiest part for me.  Maybe that's why they call it a challenge.)
here is what I created:


This is not my typical card.  Typically, I have some sort of ribbon or trim, and it's generally girl-y.  But, like I stated earlier, this was a challenge for me.  Not sure why.  Maybe the woodgrain really through me.  I don't use woodgrain pattern paper, embossing folder, or background stamp.   I like it.  But not something I have or use.  Sorry.
The bird is actually a digital download, and I adhered it to a piece of chip board and then cut it out.  I used a sanding block to help smooth out some of the edges.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges to help define the edge.  I added an embossed real red heart.  A tiny button with some linen thread run through and tied in a knot.  I added a tiny black half pearl for the eye.  I added a decorative cut piece of text paper.  The 'true love' piece, is actually cut from a Basic Grey wax seal set.  It's part of the logo at the top of the package.
Thank you for stopping by.  Please do find some time to play along with us @ OCC.  I'm sure you will create something wonderful!

Friday, January 25, 2013

thinking of you friend

Another week cruising by at a quick pace.  I really need to figure out how to sleep less, so I can get more done in one day!  EEK!  But, if nothing else, I did carve out a few minutes to give my blog a face lift, so to speak.  I added a new header and the a new post break.  I wanted something with a splash of color, and since red is one of my favorites, I thought, why not!  I think it brightens up this space. {smile}
Today is Friday, and that means another beautiful sketch challenge!  This week, Kim is our sketch designer, @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Kim has a way of making interesting and user-friendly sketches. 
Here is the sketch:

Here is what I did:



I started with a piece of Summer Starfruit card stock.  This yellow, is a deep rich color.  
I used some of the new DSP from Stampin' Up!  This pattern paper is from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  (When you purchase $50 in products, you can select any item from the SAB catalog, FREE!)  I used two different pattern papers from this package of Sycamore Street DSP.  The Rich Razzleberry chevron stripe paper is matted on a piece of rich razzleberry card stock.  
I used two different stamp sets for this card.  The postage stamps are in the Big Catalog,  'Postage Due' stamp set.  The ticket pieces are from the 'That's the Ticket' stamp set.  The images are stamped and then punched with cordinating hand-held punches.
The sentiment is actually two stamps from the 'Teeny Tiny Wishes' stamp set.  One stamp says, 'thinking of you' while the other stamps says, '{friend to friend}'.  So, to create the custom sentiment, I used my basic grey classic ink marker, and 'colored' each word before stamping. I will let you in on a little secret: to get the words lined up, just so, I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  This amazing positioning tool allows you to stamp just where you want to, without second guessing.
I lightly sponged the edges of the postage stamps and tickets with basic grey classic ink.  I wanted the borders of the tickets and stamps to have some definition.
To add a little eye candy, I tied some white bakers twine thru a Sycamore Button and used a glue dot to secure it to the front of the card, at the top, with the cluster of stamps and a ticket.
Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with us @ SFF.
This card will not be for sale in my Etsy shop.  Rather, it is going in the mail for a very dear friend.  I missed an important date with her, and I really need to make it up to her.  So, I am sending her a hand-made card done in bright, cheery colors to brighten her day, and to say 'I'm sorry'.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Texture and Hearts

This is one of my favorite times of the year.  I love to see all the new Valentine's Day themed products out.  The hearts, the glitter, the sweet sentiments, and all the girl-y touches.  It just makes my heart happy {smile}.  
So, when I saw the new color challenge from Nacho Average Challenge, I knew I wanted to make a Valentine's Day card.  
Here are this weeks colors:

Here is what I did:

Stampin' Up! has come out with some new and wonderful products, and I  have used some of them.  The card base is pool party cardstock.  I just love this shade of blue.  It's soft, has a bit of green in it, and just so pretty!  I then added a matt made from the new Core'dinations cardstock in pool party.  This new texture paper has a white core, so when you sand it, the white core is revealed, and gives such a pretty contrast.  I used some of the new Designer Series Paper (pattern paper), too!  This collection is called More Amore DSP.  I just love the colors and the patterns.  I matted the tiny heart paper onto some real red cardstock.  Then I layered some of this beautiful double heart paper onto some primrose petal card stock.  I added an embossed heart, made with real red cardstock and the Fashionable Hearts embosslit.  The banner piece I made myself.  I cut a piece of very vanilla cardstock to 1/2" width, and stamped my sentiment in basic grey classic ink.  I used a square punch to flag the end.  Matted this sentiment piece onto some primrose petal card stock.  Then I layered a pool party decorative button from the Artisan Embellishment kit.  I used some plain white bakers twine to tie the bow through the button.  I wanted to add a feminine touch, so I added some of the pearl jewels to opposite corners.
This card was quick and easy to put together.  Stampin' Up! makes it simple.  There is a color chart with each pattern paper collection (DSP) that lets you know which colors of solid cardstock will cordinate with each collection.  All you need to do, is add your own personal style {smile}.
Please join us this week @ Nacho Average Challenge.  As we would love to see what you create with this week's color challenge!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Monochromatic

Whew!  I hope this day finds you well.  Me, a bit tired, from work, but, then again, what's new this year.  I am a bit late posting this, but I really liked how this card came out.  
It's Saturday, and so it's time for a new challenge over @ Our Creative Corner.  Now, when I say this is a challenge, that is exactly what it was for me.   The lovely and talented Liliani, has a super creative challenge for you this week.   Monochromatic white with a decorative edge!  
So, this is what I came up with:


For those who know me, using one color is really hard.  On a variety of different reasons, including my lack of white paper, embellishments, and trinkets.  But, this is how I did it!
 I started with heavy-weight white cardstock from Paper Trey Ink.  Then, I used my decorative edge die and embosser to create that beautiful edge.  Then, I used the same decorative edge die to cut the mat for the front of the card.  The mat is made from a 'white' texture paper.  I think the texture paper gives the large space some visual interest.
Then, to add a decorative piece, I took the same heavy-weight white cardstock, and a doily die from Paper Trey Ink, and cut a cardstock doily.  I sponged white craft ink, from Stampin' Up! along the edges of the doily, and then dipped the edges in dazzling diamond glitter.  A little sparkle makes very thing better {smile}.
I used a leaves die and some silver glitter paper, from Stampin' Up!  to create the folage piece.  I added some glass beads that I found in the wedding section of a big craft store to represent some floral pieces.  
The white paper blossom is not hand-made, but very easy to do.  Punch a floral shape from white card stock, and punch two daisy type floral shapes from white card stock.  Matt two tiny circles as your center (one white and one silver, or glittered).  Pretty simple. 
For the sentiment piece;  I cut white cardstock to 1/2" width, and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position my sentiment.  I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set from Stampin' Up! and Basic Grey classic ink.  I thought that black would be to harsh.  I used a square punch to create the banner end.  I took some crinkled white seam binding and created a multi-loop bow and a Recollections rhinestone brad to attached the bow to the sentiment banner.  Adhered this piece to the card front and Viola! a pretty white monochromatic decorative edge card!
I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week.  And don't let the challenge discourage you.  Use what you have, and I'm sure you will create something fabulous to share with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.
(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Friday, January 18, 2013

Circles of Love

I hope this post finds you well.  Me, I'm ok.  I can't believe this month is racing by.  Where is the time going?  Oh well.
The talented Jennifer, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a wonderfully creative sketch challenge for  you to try this week.  I had alot of fun with this one.  And I hope that you will join us!
Here is the sketch:


Here is what I did:


Pretty shocking, that I didn't change a thing from the sketch, huh?  I really enjoyed working on this card.  I received a few goodies from Stampin' Up! and I just had to play with them.
The pattern paper is called More Amore DSP.  I love all the hearts and the colors are so pretty.  I matted the largest circle with real red card stock.  I matted the two primrose petal pattern papers with primrose rose card stock.  The top circle is matted in basic grey card stock and the tiny hearts pattern paper is matted with pool party card stock.  I added a heart and a simple bow for my embellishment cluster.  For the sentiment, instead of stamping directly onto the card front, I made a little banner.  
The card base is Basic grey cardstock.  The main panel is the new textured pool party cardstock.  I used hand held circle punches for the pattern paper (1 3/4", 1 1/2", 1 1/4", 1", and 3/4").  Then I adhered them to scraps of solid card stock and hand cut the matts.  I used my sanding block to smooth out any bumps or wayward scissoring.  I added dimensionals (foam tape blocks) to the backs of the matted circles to give them height.  To give the circles a little bit of interest, I added three stray rhinestones.
As for the heart and bow cluster, I used the largest embossed heart from the Fashionable Hearts emboss lit.  The ribbon is the black taffeta ribbon.  I adhered the bow to the embossed heart with a glue dot.
For the banner piece, I cut a strip of very vanilla card stock to 1/2" wide.  I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to center the sentiment.  The sentiment is stamped in basic grey classic ink.  I used a square punch to create the tail.  I matted the very vanilla card stock onto a scrap piece of basic grey cardstock.  And viola!  Easy peasy!  
This card was fairly easy to assemble and was alot of fun to create.  I hope you join us!  Don't let the sketch fool you.  The circles could easily be replaced with hand made paper blossoms, or butterflies or any other shape you fancy.  Your circles could be pattern paper (like mine) or you could do some stamping.  Circle Circus, stamped in coordinating colors would look wonderful, too!  Alot of different possibilities, so get creative and join us @ SFF.

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January Paper Craft Kit

I wanted to share more of my crafting with you, so I have decided to start a monthly paper craft kit.  I will be selling my kits @ my Etsy shop.  That way, you can shop on your time. I will be posting a photo the kits here, each month around the 15th.
The January Paper Craft Kit, is a small collection of 3 Valentine's Day cards.  This kit will provide you with all the paper craft supplies needed to complete these three cards.  Envelopes are included.  You will need to supply your own tools.  The tools needed for this months kit, are: scissors, adhesive, foam tape, hole punch, and a square punch.  Here are the completed cards:


Supplies used to create this paper craft kit are from Stampin' Up!.  I have created three different, but very pretty Valentine's Day cards.  You can also use these cards for an Anniversary, a wedding, or even an engagement.  In the embellishment bag you will also find a rose-pink heart doily and a small cream fabric blossom.  I have added these two items as a 'surprise'.  The 'ticket' on the embellishment bag was adhered with foam tape, so you can remove it, and use it on another project, or add it to one of the cards.  
Complete directions are included in the kit, along with a photo of the finished cards.  These cards are easy to assemble.  Click HERE to purchase this card kit.
Thank you for looking.  If you would be interested in a specific kit, please leave me your suggestions.  You never know, your idea could be the inspiration for next months paper craft kit!

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

School Days

I hope this week has started off nicely for you.  Me?  well, I think I will always be busy until I retire from my paying job.  So, until then, the lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge, have a great sketch for you to play with this week!  Here is the sketch:


Now, don't let this bold, plain sketch deflate your creativity.  Let's take a closer look.  The rectangle shape of the main piece can easily be changed into a shape.  The thick matt can easily be changed to a thinner matt.  The space on the main panel can easily showcase a large stamp, show-off a background stamp, or allow you to wow us with a technique.  
Here is what I did:


If you have searched the internet recently, you have seen alot of paper crafts with this faux chalkboard technique.  I think this look is 'old school', since most public classrooms have dry eraser boards than chalkboards.  A crime I say!  Anyways, I saw this fabulous tutorial, and decided to use the open space on this sketch to illustrate my take on the faux chalkboard technique.

I used one of my favorite 'thank you' stamps from the From My Heart stamp set.  I first stamped the image in Versa Mark ink and used white embossing powder.  Heat embossed this fabulous image.  I then sponged basic black classic ink along the edges.  I then sponged whisper white craft ink over the embossed image to represent chalk dust.  I then stamped over the image with the same image again with the stamp inked in whisper white craft ink.  I love how this turned out.  I used the top note die to create this fabulous shape.  I wanted to add something to the corner of this piece, so I did another layering.  I stamped the double-line heart from the Hearts a Flutter stamp set onto very vanilla card stock and fussy cut it out.  I added a multi-loop bow made from pool party seam binding.  I attached the bow to the front of the heart with a vintage trinket brad.  I added a blossom from the Flower Trim and a tiny tag, that says, 'Thanks'.  The school line paper is from a DSP pack.
I hope that you have found some inspiration, and join us this week with this fun sketch @ NAC!
Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.
(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Shabby Chic Style

Yahoo it's Saturday!  This has been a killer week at work.  But, I am happy to say that I did get to spend some time in my craft room.  I am the hostess over @ Our Creative Corner.  I wanted to make this challenge with a theme or a style, and let you use the products you have on hand, and either try something new, or really dazzle us with your talents.  The style for this weeks challenge is 'Shabby Chic'.  
The new year has arrived, but let's not forget about the things from our past.  So, create a paper craft item (3-D, scrapbook page, tag, a card, etc.)  in a 'Shabby Chic' style.  Here are some guidelines for this style: Shabby Chic style is generally characterized by a time-worn look that is achieved by inking and distressing.  There are layers of softness that is achieved by the use of ribbon, lace, and crochet trim.  There are feminine embellishments, such as buttons, pearls, glitter, and other sweet embellishments.

Here is what I created: 


I used crumb cake cardstock as the card base.  I just love Stampin' Up!'s version of this color.  It has a creamy richness that is amazing.  I added a soft pink layer, blush by Amuse Studio cardstock.   And then I layered some pattern papers on top of that!  The pink floral pattern paper is a new line from Authentique.  The text paper paper is from Paper Studio.  You can find it at a big-box craft store.  I wrapped a piece of very vanilla seam binding and some new pink lace trim from Stampin' Up!.  I then did a simple machine stitch all the way around the card.  I just love this look.  I added a banner piece of aqua houndstooth pattern paper.  This pattern paper is a new line called vintage chic.  I just love the color and pattern.  I did a few zig-zag stitches.
I took an aqua mist button and added some glue and then dunked it in a tub of fine glitter.  I added a flower shape of text paper under the button.  Then I tied it to the front of a multi-loop bow.  The tag is cut from a tiny tag die.  I purchased this laundry stamp set and have been waiting for the perfect piece to stamp.  So, the three stamps I used are: hand wash, do not iron, made with heart.  I added three blossoms from a flower  trim.  Love the flowers!
I am a big fan of doilies on cards.  So, I added one of Martha Stewart's doilys.  I cut a 1 1/2" circle from a digital download.  Very pretty.  I added some half-pearls, and a silhouette postage stamp.
Not too many layers, but I think it's pretty.  I am really happy with this little gem.  Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.
(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Friday, January 11, 2013

Shabby Love

I have to admit that I am happy it's Friday.  I have this weekend off and I am looking forward to relaxing, doing some baking, and spending time with family.  But, if it's Friday, that means its time for another great sketch from the Sketch Frenzy Friday crew.   Deb, is the creator of this weeks sketch:


The sketch looks pretty straight forward and unassuming.  But, it also has LOTS of potential!  The banner piece alone could be your focus and embellish it pretty.  Or, you can  use the large center panel as your canvas to create your own background pattern, or showcase a large/background stamp.  
here is what I did:



When I first say the sketch, I knew what I wanted to do.  I used two of my favorite colors of cardstock for this card; Pool Party, and Crumb Cake.  I received a few new goodies from Stampin' Up! recently and well, I just had to play with them.  The black lace doily stamp is Gossamer Lace stamp, found in the large catalog.  I stamped the doily in basic black ink onto very vanilla cardstock.  I used detail scissors to cut out the doily.  The banner piece is from a new stamp set: Hearts a Flutter.  I stamped the banner in pool party classic ink onto very vanilla card stock and used the Hearts a Flutter embosslit to die cut the image.  The scallop trim heart piece is from the Hearts a Flutter stamp set, also.  I stamped the scallop heart in soft suede classic ink onto very vanilla card stock and die cut the image.  The floral lace trim, I folded in half and machine stitched it across the embellishment stack.  I added two flowers from the Flower Trim, and a button from the Artisan Embellishment kit, to the top-center of the scallop heart.  I tied the button on with linen thread and made a tiny bow.  I added a little tag made with the Lovely Little Labels stamp set.  LOVE, is stamped in basic black classic ink on very vanilla cardstock and sponged the edges with soft suede classic ink. 
For the main panel of the card, I used pool party card stock.  I used the Lacy Brocade embossing folder to give this large space some texture and visual interest.  I sponged pool party classic ink along the edges.  I used a sanding block to rough up the center and then also randomly sponged some whisper white craft ink.  
I used my liquid white glue to 'draw' my flourish in the lower right corner.  Then I added some faux half-pearls.
Thank you for looking.  I hope we have inspired you to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see what this sketch allows you to create!


Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.
(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Pretty in Blue

Whew, it has already been a rough week at work, and it's only Tuesday!?  The wonderful ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a great color challenge for you to try this week.  Here are the colors:


here is how I put the colors together:


For the card base, I used Island Indigo cardstock.  I wanted the darker color to be the base of this pretty color combo.  I used some of the new DSP paper for the main panel; Tea for Two DSP.  Its a text paper (my favorite!), except there are some colored texts.  How pretty is that?  I used some Marina Mist DSP polka dot paper and the top note die to create the decorative piece on the left side of my card.  I added a doily and blossoms from very vanilla cardstock.  I used Lucky Limeade cardstock for  the leaves.  I added a rhinestone center.  That gorgeous floral lace trim is actually a new product from Stampin' Up!, too.  You can get this in the Artisan Embellishment kit, along with three other fabulous trims.  I used Lucky Limeade ruffle ribbon to tie the whole card together {smile}.  
I hope you get a chance to play along with us over @ NAC this week.  We would love to see what you create, and we hope we have inspired you!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Interactive and Beautiful

Howdy!  Well, this year has started just as busy as last year ended.  I was so hoping this year, I'd have a better grip on my time.  And, as you can tell by the tardiness of this post, that hasn't happened yet. {:( }
I am the hostess over @ Our Creative Corner this week.  (super excited about that).  And well, I have known for a  l o n g  time what I wanted to do.  I already had the papers picked out, and the template laying on my craft table.  And well, life got in the way, so I had to push that project aside and tackle some other pressing matters.  But, I stuck in there, and finished it early this morning.
So, the challenge for this week over @ OCC, is super easy and hopefully you have a grand time crafting!   "I thought it would be fun to start off the new year with a gorgeous paper craft item, made with some pretty colors!  The challenge this week, is to use 2 specific colors and a specific object.   The main colors to use for your paper craft item (3-D item, a scrapbook page, a card, a tag, etc.) must be aqua and pink - and any shade will do!  All neutral colors are welcome: white, cream, brown, black, and grey.  And you must include a flower, any kind of flower.  The flower can be hand-made, a stamp, a picture, a digital download, an accent, etc."
To help get you inspired, I created an 'Inspiration Board' that has some very pretty photos in it, with Aqua and Pink, and flowers!
Inspiration Board:
(photos courtesy of Pinterest)

Here is what I created:

For this challenge, I decided to make a Card-Gift combo.  Well, that's what I call them.  They are a combination of a card and gift box.  So, the front of this contraption is the front of your 'card', but when you open it, you reveal the 'gift box'!  I just love making these!   


inside:

outside:

So, on this one, you slide the 'box bottom' out.  How super cute is that?   I have made one that had a flap at the top of the box, here.   This is how I did it:
I used Aqua Mist cardstock (Paper Trey Ink) as my base.  I just love this color.  The blue is cool, light, and easy to pair with.  I then put matts of Blush card stock (Amuse Studio) on all three sides.  I love this color of pink, because it is so soft in its color.  I used one of my all time pattern papers as the main panel, Blush (Lost & Found 2).  I then added a white cotton trim to a dark aqua polka dot pattern paper to the bottom third of the front.  The pink checkered piece is the back side of the floral piece.  I also matted the pink checkered with Blush cardstock.  
The white doily is actually a stamp: Gossamer Lace (Stampin' Up!).  I stamped this image in Versa Mark ink, onto a piece of Latte cardstock (Amuse Studio).  I used ultra detail white glacier embossing powder and heat set the image.  I used my detail scissors and cut it out.  
The 'Cherish' piece is a stamp: Cherish the Moment (Close To My Heart).  I stamped  this image in basic black classic ink (Stampin' Up!), onto a piece of very vanilla card stock (Stampin' Up!) and then hand-cut this piece out.  I matted it onto a scrap piece of Aqua Mist cardstock.  
I added little pieces here and there.  I added 2 trios of faux pearls at opposite corners.   I tied and added a multi-loop bow with Pool Party seam binding (Stampin' Up!).  I added a soft pink paper blossom.  I die-cut a tiny tag (Paper Trey Ink) from very vanilla card stock, and hand-stamped the 'for you' at an angle.  I used a heart-shaped pearl brad (Reflections) to hold the tiny tag to the front of this little cutie.  Finally, I added a round glass 'gem' (Jolee's Boutique) to the bottom right corner of my 'cherish' piece.
I used a Spellbinders die to cut the 'window' out of the box holder.  The 'positive' piece it used as my 'note' area.  I added a scrap piece of the same floral pattern paper to the bottom.  I used my Lots of Tags die (Stampin' Up!) to cut the label piece.  I hand-stamped the simple sentiment from a 'Winter' stamp set (Close To My Heart) in Soft Suede classic ink (Stampin' Up!).  I added a little heart cut from the main floral pattern paper.  I used some First Edition DSP (Stampin' Up!) and a vintage white button (Paper Trey Ink) to create the 'button flower'.
These little 'Card-Gift' Combo's are actually very fun to create.  I purchased a template for this creation @ Creations by AR.
I hope you have been inspired by our design team, and you get a chance to sit down and create something pretty using Aqua, Pink, and a flower!  I hope you join us @ OCC.  

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Embellished Friend

Happy Friday!  I hope you are all well.  The new year has started with a fast pace.  But, I did carve out a few hours to do some crafting.  It's funny, you can be super swamped with a thousand obligations, and just sitting down at your craft table can bring a sense of focus, calm.
Tammy, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has created a wonderful sketch for you to try.  The sketch has a lot of potential.  As you will see from the design team, the sketch can be used for a Clean and Simple design, or a layered embellished design, and everything in-between!
here is the sketch:

here is what I crafted:

This card was a lot of fun to create.  However, now that I look at it, there seams to be something missing.  Don't know what, and I couldn't figure it out when I was crafting.  I really wanted to add a button or two, a pleated piece of ribbon, or bakers twine, or something.  Here is my 'done' card.   The card base is Calypso Coral card stock.  I just love this color of pink-orange.  I added some new DSP.  The green pattern and the floral pattern paper is the same paper, just both sides.  The new DSP is called Tea for Two DSP.  This paper is very versatile.  
I matted the floral pattern paper on very vanilla card stock.  I added a scallop trim border done in Lucky Limeade card stock.  I used the scallop trim border punch.

The small doily is actually a stamp.  Very pretty and delicate.  I did a second generation stamp for the doily.  I cut the doily out with a pair of detail scissors and then sponged the edges with grey classic ink.  
For the 'button' I stamped the crown image from the Established Elegance stamp set in Calypso Coral classic ink and used the 1 3/8" circle punch.  I stamped the 'admit one' ticket in Lucky Limeade classic ink, and then used the ticket punch.  For the banner, I used very vanilla card stock and used the cone die for the banner piece.  I stamped the '{friend to friend}' in basic black classic ink.
I hope that you have a chance to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see what you create with our sketch this week!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

NAC Floral Thank You

Hello! and I hope you had a safe and joyous New Year's Eve!  I spent my time in Las Vegas, sin city! and WOW! did I have a great time!  If you have been a frequent visitor or a faithful follower, you know that I have a love for Paris.  I love the food, the cooking, the quant homes, the feminine decorating, and it's the language of love.  We stayed at the Paris hotel and casino right on the strip.  It was a lot of fun.  We had our New Year's Eve celebration @ Mon Ami Gabi.  We were out on the terrace, with a lot of heat lamps and champagne in our glasses.  We were able to view the fireworks let off by Ceasars Casino, the Cospolitan, as well as our casino.  It was spectacular and very exciting.  They closed the strip for all the foot traffic.  Very exciting!
For the new year, I have decided to re-start my virtual classes.  But in a different format.  I will be selling the class kits on my Etsy page, here.  That way, if you miss a month, or would like to purchase past month's class, you will be able if kits are still available.  I will also introduce each month's class in the middle of the month, the 15th.  So, please stay tuned!

Now, onto crafting!  There is a fabulous challenge for you to try this week, over @ Nacho Average Challenge!  It's a sketch this week, #27.  I love some guidance when I create cards.  It helps me focus on my creation, and helps directs me to a fabulous creation.  Here is this weeks sketch:


here is what I created:

I used some new designer pattern paper that will be available this week, called Tea for Two DSP.  The paper pack itself comes with a coordinating collection of different fun, and pretty patterns.  I just love how they paired this blue (Island Indigo) and yellow (So Saffron) together.  I just love polka dots and text, too!  The lower panel is First Edition DSP.  I added a strip of So Saffron card stock punched with the scallop trim border punch, to help accent the Island Indigo ruffle ribbon.  I colored a floral stamp with Island Indigo and Pear Pizzazz markers, and then randomly stamped on the text paper.  The 'Thanks' stamp is done in Island Indigo classic ink.  I used the scallop oval punch to create the piece. 
This card was quick and easy! so, I hope you can find a few moments to play with us this week over @ NAC. We would love to see what you create!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.