Monday, September 30, 2013

Farm Antique Show

I can't believe that tomorrow is Oct. 1st.  Whew, where has this year gone?  As most of you know, National Card Making Day is also quickly approaching, October 5th.  But, before we get to all of that...I wanted to share a little indulgence with you:  The Marburger Farm Antique Show, which opens tomorrow!  If you are like me, you have never heard of this event.  So, grab a cup of coffee, a cold beverage, pull up a chair, and get comfy.  
I originally heard about the Marburger Farm Antique Show, while reading my first copy of Where Women Create.  I picked up this magazine, because I wanted to read about talented, creative, successful, crafty women, who have turned their passion into a thriving business.  The whole thought, of making a living crafting, creating, and designing home-made gifts sounds delightful.  I am smart enough to know, that I can't make 'Nuclear Medicine' money, crafting.  But, to make a steady paycheck doing what I love, what I have a passion for, is rather intoxicating.
I degress.  Ok, so there is a european-style flea market held every fall and spring in Round Top, Texas. Sounds interesting.  Sounds fun, adventurous, and a true treasure hunt!  
here is their guide:


This outdoor Texas antique show features more than 350 dealers from all over the United States of America.  The farm antique show, sits on a 43-acre field, and that houses 9 tents, and 12 historic buildings.  Alot of space, alot of stuff to see, touch, feel, buy!  This show also claims that it is 'an extraordinary place to shop of a variety of antiques', which translates to an opportunity to explore and discover treasures of all sorts and sizes!
When I first read about this show, I wanted to call up some wonderfully sweet girlfriends, and organize a road trip!  But, we all have busy lives, so I didn't even tempt them.  I tried to recruit my daughter, but this isn't her sorta thing.  I did a bit more digging, and they have a spring show, too.  So, I am making travel plans to go to Round Top, Texas in April.  I really want to go, to browse the tents/buildings of vintage treasures that long for a new home, a little care, and some TLC.
So, this spring, I will gather a few girlfriends who can appreciate this type of flea market, and travel to Round Top, Texas.  We will need to catch a flight to Houston, and then driving across a brilliantly decorated Texan landscape covered with bluebonnets, making our journey beautiful and memorable.  To shop 'booths' of  antiques, vintage dealers, artisan exhibits, that include American, French, English, Continental, modern, industrial, architectural, fine art, jewelry, silver, western, garden, textiles, Texan crafts, and so much more!



Saturday, September 28, 2013

Shabby Vintage Halloween

Good Morning!  A super quick post, I am running late for an appointment.  Anyways, I have made a paper craft kit for Halloween, that will be for sale in my Etsy shop, later today, for $12.00.
But, I wanted to give you a quick look.  I created two Halloween themed cards, and a goodie bag embellishment.  The two cards are my typical shabby style and cottage chic style cards.  One is more feminine than the other, but both are pretty.  The goodie bag embellishment is more retro.


For those who know me, I have an infinity for florals and polka dot pattern papers.  My favorite color is pink, and a soft aqua blue {smile}.
In this kit, I will include all card stock, pattern paper, and instruction sheet.  
For the cards:  You will need to cut your own flag ends.  I will cut all scallop pieces.  You will have to do your own distressing.  I will stamp the raven image in classic ink.  The girl pumpkin image is heat embossed, so you will need to do your own coloring.  All ribbon is pre-cut, however, you will need to tie your own bows.  
For the goodie bag embellishment:  The clothes pin will arrive glittered with black glitter.  I will also include the glassine bag.   The image you receive will vary, as this image is not the only one available on the pattern paper.  However, in each kit, two images are provided.
Not provided:  adhesive, foam tape, and the stamped sentiments: 'happy halloween' and 'boo!'.  However, I will provide you with cardstock, so you may stamp your own.  

Friday, September 27, 2013

Kindness in Blue

Whew.  This week was hectic!  I have been crafting up a storm.  I have a few holiday craft fairs coming up, and need to build my stock.  This time of year, finds me a bit overwhelmed.  It seems like I never have enough time to get stuff made.  That darn  'j-o-b' takes me away from home, and out of my craft room {frown}.  (just kidding.)  I am grateful to have work.  I just need to figure out a way to get an extra hour out of my day, to get an extra paper craft done.
I took a break from making holiday themed paper crafts, and created a card that seems like a complete opposite of Christmas.
The lovely and talented Robbie, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has a creative sketch for you to work with this week. 


here is what I did:


I have to admit, that I did get my inspiration from a Pottery Barn Baby catalog.  I know how crazy, huh?  But, they have some beautiful pages.  Their pages are filled with a clean, elegant, modern look.  I wanted to add bits of grey.  This color is showing up everywhere!
The card base is pool party cardstock.  I added a matt with slate cardstock under the dry embossed white cardstock.  The white panel looked to 'flat', so I jazzed it up a bit with some polka dot dry embossing.
I cut a piece of pool party dsp with the top note die.  I added a strip of pool party seam binding, and tucked in a decorative scallop trim border using some silver glimmer paper.  I wanted to add some sparkle. 
For my blossoms, I heat embossed silver embossing powder onto shimmer white cardstock.  I color washed the blossoms with pool party re inker and my aqua painter.  I fussy cut the blossom, and adhered them to the top note piece.  
For my sentiment flag banner, I stamped my sentiment in slate classic ink onto white card stock.  Then matted the sentiment piece with pool party cardstock.  I adhered the sentiment banner to the card front, then stapled it to the card front, to give it some visual interest.  
Instead of a photo corner, as in the sketch, I added some butterflies.  I finally added some pearl jewels to the center of each blossoms, and for the butterfly bodies.
I hope you get a chance to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see what you create with Robbie's sketch {smile}.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Pumpkin Latte #56

I am a huge fan of starbucks.  So much so, that I am a re-occuring Gold card member.  Each 'year' I purchase more than enough coffees to keep my card.  And this time of year, their famous Pumpkin Spice drinks are available.  These drinks were what was on my mind, when I saw this weeks color challenge over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  I don't do very well with color challenges.  I find the whole process a bit frustrating.  And I'll add, this was not my first attempt with these colors (smile).


here is what I created:


For those who are familiar with my work, this card is pretty clean and simple for me.  In that, there aren't layers, machine stitching, buttons, and various different little trinkets (smile). 
The card base is early espresso cardstock.  For the matt, I layered a piece of cajun craze card stock, and a scrap piece of pool party dsp.   I wrapped some early espresso bakers twine around this matt and tied it in a simple bow.
I stamped a text leaf in cajun craze classic ink, onto very vanilla cardstock.  I don't own the dies to cut out the leaves, so I used my scissors and fussy cut the leaf by hand.  I stamped the coffee cup in early espresso onto very vanilla cardstock, and fussy cut that out too.  I stamped the cup onto pool party dsp and cut out the cuff.  I stamped a button in cajun craze onto very vanilla and used my 1" circle punch to get the shape.  I layered the button onto the coffee cuff, and layered the coffee cup onto the leaf.  
I stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, onto pool party cardstock.  I matted the sentiment banner onto a scrap piece of cajun craze cardstock.  I stapled the sentiment banner to the lower corner of the card.
I hope we have inspired you, and given you alot of creative ideas to help get you started in participating in our color challenge this week @ NAC.



Sunday, September 22, 2013

what's in a name . . .

Branding, cont.
Yahoo! my large custom stamp arrived yesterday, and I just couldn't wait to stamp something.  So, I stamped the receipt that came with the stamp.  (I know, what a dork.)
Ok, so before you say anything, I didn't 'test' the stamp, or ensure the stamp was completely inked before I stamped.  So, please excuse the 'worn' look at the top left corner of the stamp.  My excitement was hard to control.


I took this photo with the ink pad in the shot to help show scale.  I am super happy with the end result.  I purchased this stamp to stamp bags with, to 'brand' my 'shop'.  I just love how the stamp turned out.  Did you notice the handle on the block? and the front plate, so you know the orientation before you stamp?  Great details!
I purchased this custom stamp from an Etsy shop save the date.
Here is how I started.  I first decided what I wanted, and what I truly did not want.  I wanted a simple border.  I wanted three lines.  I wanted the top line to have my 'motto'.  The second line to have my 'name'.  The last line to have my web address.  I knew that I wanted a vintage typewriter font and a elegantly-rustic font.  I didn't want any images, or shapes.  Basically, I am using this stamp to stamp shop bags.  So I needed something 'easy', simple, but custom.  I decided on a size.  I had a minimum size in mind, and a max, and then just went from there.
By figuring out what you do and don't want, it will help narrow done the zillions of choices.  Ok.  Now, search for custom stamps.  There are a zillion different companies.  Some create on large, and I mean LARGE scales, and some do small scale production.  I didn't have a preference, I just wanted something specific.  I love the attention to detail from small shops, but appreciate the turn around time for large businesses.
I started by looking through different shops @ fonts, layouts, and designs.   Once, I found the elements I wanted, I emailed the shop (save the date), let them know that I was looking for.  They emailed me back promptly.  I sent them my $, they sent me my first 'draft'.  I did  request a small change.  They did just that.  and after my approval, my stamp went right to production.  I received my stamp in the mail, and in a protective, padded envelope, and I LOVE MY STAMP!  I can't wait to start stamping my bags!
I used a different company for my custom papercraft stamp, post found here.  I love this stamp, too.  They came from different manufacturers, but both are great!
Thanks for stopping by! and I hope this helps you decide on creating your own custom stamp!


Friday, September 20, 2013

Black Bird

Happy Friday.  As I write this, I am working on 'cleaning-up' my blog.  To me, it looks a bit cluttered, overwhelming, and a bit disorganized.  Or, Maybe, I'm just feeling a need to get things cleaned up {smile}.  Either way, please stay tuned for a more stream lined look.
Now, back to the real reason you may have stopped by... a new creation!  The ladies that I design with over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, create some of the most creative and lovely sketches.  If you have not played along wit us before, I encourage you to do so.  These sketches are so versatile and fun!  Take this week's sketch:


So, this week, we have a wonderfully pretty sketch to work with.  I always start by 'taking the sketch apart', so to speak.  The main panel has a pattern on it, a bit of sewing above and below the ribbon, and a cluster of shapes for the sentiment.  
here is what I created:


Before we start with the card, I do have to admit, I am not a big Halloween card maker.  If you have visited my blog recently, you probably notice that's about all I have made : black and orange cards, or cards with 'happy halloween' on them.  I know that it is the season to start crafting this celebration, and well, I didn't want to be left out.  
My favorite color is pink.  I know, I really use pink.  But, I am a sucker for that soft, cuddly shade of innocence and femininity.  I also love the contrast between pink and brown, or black for this card.  I used just a smiggin of pattern paper.  I used the houndstooth pattern from Modern Medley DSP for my lollie. 

I used one of my all time favorite background stamps Ex Libris.  I inked the stamp with crumb cake classic ink, and then did the 'finger tap' technique, to get a 'worn/weathered' look.  I inked my background builder text stamp with basic black classic ink, and randomly stamped on the card stock.  I used my distressing tool, to rough up the edges and adhered this panel to a piece of pink pirouette card stock.  I did a simple border with my sewing machine.  I machine sewn the ribbon onto the card front next, leaving me a piece to make my bow.
I inked the 'label' stamp from Everything Eleanor in soft suede classic ink, and fussy cut it out.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink, to help camouflage any mis cuts.
I made a 'lollie' out of some pattern paper.  I punched a 1 3/8" circle from champagne glimmer paper.  I stamped the bird in basic black classic ink, onto the text pattern paper, and I used my 1 1/4" circle punch.
For my sentiment, I simply stamped 'happy halloween' from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of very vanilla cardstock, and used scissors to trim around the words.  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.
I added two pearl jewels to the 'label' piece, to help add a feminine touch.  But, as I look at my card, to me, there seems to be something 'missing'.  Or maybe it is just me.  I sometimes add alot of stuff to my cards.  If you don't know, I am not a fan of 'white space' either {smile}.  Wow, I kinda have some issues, huh? {smile}.
I hope we have inspired you, and you get a chance to sit down with your craft supplies, and create something beautiful, something 'you', and join us this week @ SFF!


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Branding

Hello! and welcome to my little space of creativity!  
During the holiday season, I sell most of my paper crafts at a few local craft fairs. And, well, I love it!  It is rather very rewarding to me, to make this connection with folks.  I just love talking to people, and it is always encouraging to get a positive feedback from craft fair goers {smile}.  I won't lie, or be misleading, it takes time, energy, a lot of creative sparks, and frankly time away from my family to do what I love: craft!  But, the positive energy, the smiles on folks faces, and the compliments that I receive, really do fuel my desire to create more.
If you have purchased anything I have made in the past, you know that I practice my preaching about presentation. I believe that you can make anything more beautiful and special, with the right wrapping/packaging.  It shows that you are willing to go the extra mile.  That you 'care and value what you create'.
If you have purchased one of my card collections, then you know that they come in a clear plastic box, and always with an extra envelope.  If you have purchased anything from one of the craft shows I have sold at, you know that I always provide a good quality bag with handles to carry your purchases.  I take the time to wrap mini loafs of bread, or provide a wooden spoon with my Spoon Fruits/Relishes.  It's my way of added love to my hand-made, home-made crafts. {smile}

So, with this in mind, I thought, why not market my 'business'?  Make a brand.  And I have been busy doing just that.  I had a rubber stamp made just for me, to stamp my 'brand' onto my paper crafts.  It has everything I love: flourishes, a butterfly, vintage typewriter font, and a elegant-rustic font.


This stamp will now appear on the back of all of the paper craft item I create.  But, I haven't stopped there!  I gave the final approval on another stamp.  This one is larger, and a bit simpler.  I will be stamping those good quality bags that are provided when you make a purchase from me at this years Arts and Crafts Fairs in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  That stamp has the vintage type writer font and elegant-rustic font, too, but the border is a bit simpler, due to the size.
Currently, I am considering colors for my booth at Arts and Crafts Fairs, and creating a banner, to help 'brand' my crafts.  At the moment, I am leaning towards white table cloths with a burlap overlay, and white shelving.  I want something that says 'crafty, feminine, and home-made'.

Well, thank you for stopping by!  It is always nice to chat with a 'friend' {smile}.  If you will be in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area during the first three weekends in November 2013, and would like a listing of the Arts and Crafts Fairs that I am selling at, please email me [@ bachnucmed (at) excite (dot) com] your address, and I will send you a post card, during the first week of October 2013, with dates, times, and locations.   Thank you for stopping by.


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Homemade Happiness

Welcome.  
I had a little free time yesterday, so I created a card, to enter in two of my favorite challenges.  I have a few favorite challenge sites, that I stalk frequently stop by.   The first is Mojo Monday (#311)  Who doesn't love a great sketch?  The other is the Shabby Tea Room (#184)  The Shabby Tea Room, has some of the most wonderful inspiration photos.  Their photos are typically shabby chic in style.  But every once in a while they are vintage, and feminine.  Who wouldn't love that?


use white, cream, and neutral colors, and include twine

here is what I created:


I did use some creative liberties with this sketch.  I did keep the main elements, but it went together a bit different.   I pulled the circle element forward.  And, I turned the bow on its side.
I used the vintage wallpaper embossing folder to create some texture to the main panel.  To create the scallop edge on the vertical strip, I adhered the crochet trim with a zig zag stitch using my sewing machine.  For the ribbon, I crinkled some crumb cake seam binding.  I also used my sewing machine to attach the ribbon to the card front. {smile}  I just love sewing on cards.
I cut a scallop circle with the Perfect Pennant die, and adhered a lolly made from a black pattern paper.  I used the Stars #2 die, to cut a star out of silver glimmer paper.  To give the center of the star a little interest, I wrapped some linen thread around the star and tied a white vintage button and made a bow.
For the rectangle piece, I actually cut a decorative shape for my sentiment.  I used the Vintage Labels stamp set by Amuse Studios.  I stamped the border in soft suede classic ink.  Then stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.
I purchased the Country Born stamp set from a CTMH consultant several months ago.  When I saw the images and sentiments, I knew I just had to have it!  Unfortunately, this is the first time this stamp set has been inked.  (I imagine other crafts collect purchase stamps that don't always get inked in the first week month.  Right?)  The fonts for this stamp set, are beautiful.
Thank you for stopping by! and I hope you get a chance to play along with your (or mine) favorite challenge or two! {smile}.


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Grateful Heart

This Tuesday, the talented ladies have a new sketch over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday have a new sketch for you to play with.  This special design team has created some very pretty and clever cards.  So please stop by the blog and let us help you find some inspiration.
this week's sketch:


here is what I created:


For those who know me, Halloween is not a favorite holiday.  Don't get me wrong, I love passing out candy to the little trick or treaters.  I love to see what the children dress as, on this fun holiday.  However, I don't decorate my house, or typically create Halloween specific items.  
I ordered this new Sweater Weather DSP, and these colors make me think of autumn.  Also, if you looked through the holiday mini catalog from Stampin' Up!, the beginning of the catalog, has some very creative Thanksgiving crafts, to Thank those who you are grateful to.  And, that was my inspiration for this card; a Grateful Heart.  I also added a small strip of Modern Medley DSP and silver glitter paper.  I did use some of the yellow seam binding to continue the summer starfruit color.  I added a simple zig zag machine stitch to the seam binding.  
Use our sketch, to create something beautiful! something creative! something crafty! and share your creation with us! we would love to see what you create @ NAC!


Friday, September 13, 2013

Sweet Leaves

Happy Friday!  Welcome and thank you for stopping by.  The talented Kim over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a creative sketch for you to try.  Kim, generally makes wonderfully playful sketches, and I have fun creating using her sketches.  
this week's sketch:


here is what I created:


The card base is soft sky cardstock.  I just love the softness of this blue.  I used soft suede card stock, very vanilla card stock, and soft sky dsp.  I machine stitched the soft sky dsp on to the soft suede cardstock.  I love the soft contrast.  
I used the label collection dies to cut the shape of the very vanilla cardstock.  I used the 2 step Gently Falling stamp set to create the leaves.  I stamped the outline leaves in soft suede classic ink.  I stamped the inside of the leaves in pear pizzazz classic ink and coastal cabana classic ink. I sponged the edges of the very vanilla cardstock with crumb cake classic ink.
I adhered the stamped very vanilla card stock, onto soft suede cardstock.  I took my detail scissors and followed the curve of the vanilla cardstock.  I used my sanding block to help smooth out any rough edges.
I stamped the sentiment piece, using the four frames stamp set.  Stamping the polka dot frame in crumb cake classic ink.  I stamped the two words: 'sweet' and 'friend' in soft suede classic ink.  I purposely didn't stamp the words with solid pressure.  I wanted a 'worn' look, so I stamped the words with a light-hand.  I tied a simple bow with pool party seam binding, that was slightly crinkled.  I tied a wooden button to the center of the bow with linen thread.
I hope that you like what you see {smile} and that you have been inspired to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see your creativity! 


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Halloween Pockets of Inspiration


Halloween is quickly approaching.  And the wonderfully talented ladies who contribute to the e-magazine Paper Crafters Sampler have created some ghoulish  Halloween crafts for you!  All products and supplies used are from Stampin' Up!  
I created a non-traditional Halloween card, no black and orange combo.  It's soft suede and black, with a touch of pink {smile}.  You aren't surprised are you?
Here is a sneak peak of my submission:


Check out the other sneak peaks at their website, by clicking here.  You can also purchase the e-magazine there.  We have created all sorts of fun and beautiful Halloween crafts.  Everything from cute, to elegant, fun to whimsical, and then there is easy and playful!  Check out our sneak peaks and purchase your e-mag today!  We hope we have inspired and ignited your creative side!


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

#54 notes

Welcome.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a color challenge this week.  And, I really struggle with color challenges.  Don't really know why, but they always throw me for a loop.  I first look at the colors.  Then decide what I think of when I see the colors.  Try to figure out what Stampin' Up! products I have to create what I think of.  And then try to put it all together without looking blah.
here are this week's colors:


and here is what I created:


When I saw the colors, the first things I thought of were green foliage, blue blossoms and using soft suede for the sentiment and distressing.  (I also used my distressing tool to all the edges.)
Island Indigo is not a widely used color for me.  And so, I have very limited card stock.  But, I do love the soft gentle green color of pear pizzazz.
I used the postcard background stamp and soft suede classic ink to create the main panel.  And that led me to the idea of creating an old mail correspondence.  Something you would find in your grandmothers attic.  vintage, pretty, and delicate.  (I hope I succeeded in that.)
I wanted to add some type of writing, so I inked the text stamp from the background builders stamp set and masked the borders of the post card.
I made a postage stamp with the postage due stamp set, and pear pizzazz classic ink.  I used the postage stamp punch to create the 'torn' edge.  I adhered the stamp the to postcard front with a dimensional.
I matted the postcard to my last scrap of island indigo cardstock.   I adhered a doily half to the postcard.  I used very vanilla seam binding and dyed it with pear pizzazz re-inker.  I wrapped the dyed seam binding around the center of the postcard and did a zig zag stitch with my sewing machine.  I tied a multi-loop bow with some of the dyed seam binding.
To create the blossoms, I stamped the floral images in island indigo classic ink onto very vanilla cardstock.  I used the flower shop punch to create the blossom images.  I wanted to add some interest to the blossom centers, so I made some buttons out of clay and used the blossom and button mold.  I adhered the clay buttons to the paper blossom centers.  I adhered the blossoms to the front of the post card.
I was thinking about tucking a sentiment label within the seam binding/blossom clusters, on the front of the post card.  But, I couldn't think of what to stamp, or where exactly to add the label.
Well, thanks for taking the time to see what I have been creating.  I hope this new design team has inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.  I'd love to see what you create with this week's colors!


Friday, September 6, 2013

Ticket of Gratitude

Happy Friday.  The wonderfully talented Jennifer over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has a wonderful sketch for you to try this week.  The sketch has alot of potential, and alot of room for interrelation.


and here is what I did:


I used the background stamp Ex Libis and inked it with Soft Suede classic ink.  I did the 'finger tap' method of stamping, to achieve the random look.  I used Soft Sky card stock for the card base and for the bottom matt of the panel.  I used Modern Medley DSP for the music sheet piece.  
I heat embossed with white embossing powder the doily onto vellum card stock.  I used the circle punch to cut that piece out.  I used the large heart punch to create the heart shape from the  text paper, also Modern Medley DSP.  
I machine stitched the layered panel.  Then I machine stitched the heart and doily.  I created the rose from clay and the mold.  I punched leaves using the 2 step bird punch and soft sky card stock.
For the ribbon piece, I used pool party seam binding and pulled a few threads to create the ruffle.  I created a multi-loop bow and tied it with linen thread and then added a pearl.
I stamped two tickets from Thats the Ticket stamp set.  One ticket is stamped in soft suede classic ink and the other is basic black classic ink.  I stamped the sentiment onto the 'brown' ticket.
Well, I hope that we have inspired you, and that you play along with us over @ SFF.  I'm sure that you will have fun playing with our sketch!


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Coffee and Friends

Today, is the big day!  The Nacho Average Challenge site is back from our summer hiatus.  Personally, that was a welcome break.  The summer time is always super busy for me and my family.  It was very nice to focus on them.  Now, before we get to the new challenge, I'd like to welcome our new members.  Howdy, and welcome!  We have a sketch for you to try.  But don't forget to stop by our challenge site for some inspiration!
challenge #53


I have to admit, when I first saw the sketch, I instantly thought of a floral sprig.  But then, I thought that was too predictable.  I love the banner piece.


I have an infinity for distressing, and machine stitching!  The card base is crumb cake.  You aren't surprised are you?  I used some of the new fall themed DSP - Sweater Weather.  I love the soft, comfortable colors and patterns.  I distressed the edges of the soft sky polka dot pattern paper with whisper white craft re-inker and a brush.

For the chevron pattern piece, I used this beautiful blue plaid paper.  I matted it with soft sky card stock.  I used my distressing tool on all the edges, then sponged some crumb cake classic ink.  I tore the upper right edge, and then scrunched the lower left corner.  I added a scrap piece of the text paper under the imperfections.  I machine stitched the plaid and soft sky cardstock together.  I purposely didn't stitch those areas, to keep with the distressing.
For my banner piece, I matted a yellow pattern paper with crumb cake cardstock.  I distressed the crumb cake with whisper white craft re inker and a brush.  I stapled the banner piece to he plaid pattern paper.  I felt the metal embellishment added a grunge look, so to speak.
I stamped the coffee to-go cup in early espresso classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I fussy cut the to go cup out and used dimensionals to lift the cup off the card front.  I stamped the coffee cuff onto the yellow plaid pattern paper.  I stamped the sentiment right onto the pattern paper.
Thank you for stopping by.  Now, hurry to your crafting supplies, and lets see what you create!  Don't forget to upload your creation to the NAC site.


Sunday, September 1, 2013

wish Banner

If you live in the United States of America, this weekend is a holiday for us.  This weekend we celebrate the American worker.  So, there is no work on Monday, allowing us to recharge.  For me, it has given me another 'free' day to create and craft.  Lately, I have noticed that I need to give myself deadlines on certain crafts, or they just don't always happen.  I find myself 'playing' at my craft table doing everything else, except working on a specific craft or completing a certain task.  So, this weekend, my two goals are: 
1) to create a banner 
2) finish a frame.
I have seen quite a few gorgeous banners on the internet, and well, yes, Pinterest.  But, I have never made one.  Always wanted to.  But never sat down and created one.  I have a few holiday craft fairs coming up, and thought that I could make one with my name on it: Designs by Sharon.  That way, it gives my booth a personal touch, and a bit of flair.
I have also learned through the years of crafting, that you don't always make the best 'thing' your first time around.  A bit of a learning curved, so to speak.  And well, this is the perfect example.  I didn't rush through this.  It literally took me several hours.  When I started creating this banner, in my mind, I had the fabulous idea of making several of these and adding them to my sale items.
Well, I have to admit.  I love this one.  I don't think that I will sell it.  It doesn't have my 'name' on it.  I wanted to start with something small.  So, it says, 'wish'.  I used papers that I really love.  I added enough stuff to make it pretty, but not too much stuff that it's confusing and over cluttered.  I'm happy with how it turned out.  But, there are little mistakes.  So, don't look too close, and have a gentle eye.


here are the close-ups of each letter, remember, this is my first, so be kind.





I have read, that you can machine sew on chipboard.  I didn't sew the tops onto the chipboard.  I created the banner first, and then adhered it to the chipboard.  The lollies I created by hand.  The letters already came that color, I just added glitter.  I doilies are actually adhered to the paper, before adhering to the chipboard, also.  
I now see that the letters are not straight.  I also notice that the banner pieces are not cut straight, either.  UGH!  But, I really do love it!  So, it will be hung in my craft room for now.  And maybe in my booth at my holiday craft fairs, but NOT for sale.  
I'm heading back in my craft room to finish a craft that has been half complete for over a week now.  A few more  altered mini composition notebooks.  I tend to create these in pairs.  And I promise, I will get to that frame later today.  I hope that it turns out as wonderful in real life as it is in my mind.  Cross your fingers and wish me luck!  Enjoy your Labor Day, and have a safe weekend.