Altered 'V'

Ok, so I have uploaded my new blog header.  I don't know if I'm totally happy with it.  So, if you come back another day, and it has changed a bit, you'll know my answer to that question.  I thought I already had the codes for the blog background.  Appearently not.  I'll be working on that, too.  In the meantime, here is something new and pretty for you to see!

Have you ever set out to create a few different paper crafts, because you saw these wonderful challenges?  You know what you want to make.  Now, all you have to do is find some crafting time?  That happens to me, more than I would like to admit.  I found a few several challenge sites that have beautiful vintage/shabby chic challenges this week.  The design team really has inspired me to play along.  Now, all I have to do is find the time.  And that obstacle is looking more and more impossible, as this week moves on. {frown}.

So, I'm pulling up my boot straps, and tackling what I can.  (time wise).  Because I don't have any extra free minutes here and there that I can shave off.  You see, I have a few extra requirements placed on me this week.  I know that I will be able to play along in a challenge tomorrow.  And that's about the best I can do this week.

I did want to share a little surprise I have been working on behind the scenes.  I have altered another chipboard letter.  It is for sale in my Etsy shop here.  Here are a few photos:

I used some beautiful pattern paper from Authentique, Grace.  This pattern paper reminds me of my grandmother.  I know that sounds kinda crazy.  But it does.  This small floral print reminds me of her wallpaper.  And the other papers encourage other memories.  So, I went with it.  My grandmother's name was Vivian.  It's easier for me to alter a letter if I know someone who has the same first initial.  And then I create/alter the letter with them in mind.  It's a little weird.  But, its my process.  And I have been quite happy with my results.  

I added a rectangle rhinestone buckle ribbon slide to the front, and weaved my mint green seam binding through it.  I tied the seam binding into a multi-loop bow.  I added some pearls, a button, and a butterfly brad.  I loved how the butterfly had the same colors as the tiny blossoms in the print.

For the paper blosssom.  I started with one of those 'naked' blossoms.  It was white.  So, I sprayed some peach Tattered Angels shimmer mist on the paper blossom, until I was happy with the shade.  I used my picket fence distress paint to the tips of the petals and dunked the whole blossom in my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a scrap piece of crochet trim.  The leaves I punched with my Build-a-Blossom punch.  I distressed the edges in the same manner as the blossom.  I added a few drops of crystal effects, to give the illusion of dew drops.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to carve out some crafting time for yourself, and enter a challenge or two.  It really feels good to create something you love and share it with other paper crafters.  Have a good week, and happy crafting! 

~stop by Sunday, May 12th, for your chance to win some blog candy~