Friday, August 30, 2013

kindness, makes a difference

Happy Friday!  I hope this last day in the work week proves profitable, and not so taxing.  This is the beginning of the Labor Day weekend.  Please enjoy this extra time off {smile}.  Me, I have plans on making starting my banner.  I have plans on making a banner for my booth space at this year's Arts and Crafts Fairs.  I'll share with you, on what I create.
But for now, it's time for another sketch from Sketch Frenzy Friday.  They have a new and beautifully easy sketch for you to try.  I know that we would love to see what you create.  I hope you have a chance to get into your craft room, and play around a little.
Deb, is the designer/creator of this week's sketch.  and here it is:


This sketch has alot of potential, and I'm sure you can find some fabulous ways to utalize this sketch!


This card was a lot of fun to create.  I used some polka dot blushing bride dsp for the large panel.  I just love this color.  Then, I matted a striped so saffron dsp with a solid card stock of the same color.  I used a square punch to create the banner end.  
For the main panel I used re-inkers and my aqua painter to create the color wash on the water color paper.  I inked the large blossom with my versa mark stamp pad, and stamped onto the color washed paper.  Then I dusted the stamped image with white embossing powder.  I used my heat gun, to melt the embossing powder.  I matted the water color paper on whisper white cardstock.  I took my gold ink pad, and tapped the edges of this pretty matted panel with the gold ink pad.  I wanted a more 'framed' look.  I tied some white bakers twine around the bottom portion of this piece and tied the bakers twine into a simple bow.  I adhered this focal panel to the card front with dimensionals to lift it off the card front.
I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink, right onto the blushing bride dsp.  The card base is pink pirouette cardstock.  I wanted a different, softer shade of pink, to ground this card.
Now that you have seen what we have created.  I hope that we have inspired you, to play along with us @ SFF.


Monday, August 26, 2013

Sew, it's Monday

What a busy weekend.   But, I'm sure that you had one, as well.  Saturday, we threw and attended a birthday party for our oldest grand son.  He turned 3 {smile}.  Spiderman, was the theme.  We did a great job, and my daughter, hired two college students to dress and act like Spiderman and Venom.   Very fun!
So, that left Sunday to me!  I set down at my sewing machine and started getting some crafts done for the holiday Arts and Craft Shows.  I know that it seems crazy to some folks to start Christmas crafts.  But, I have at least four craft fairs this year.  For my usual inventory, I have about 5/6 different crafts, but I like to have a wide-selection of each craft on hand, so almost anyone can find something they like {smile} and hopefully purchase.  
Today, I started working on my altered onesies.  It's super easy for me to create for little girls.  Boys, for some reason, are hard.  So, today, I focused on easy.  Here are a few onesies, that I finished.  I have half a dozen completed.

birdie
 The 'birdie' is machine sewn onto the onesie.  
The button 'eye' is hand sewn.

blossom
The 'blossom' was created with three different size circles, 
and three circles of each size.  
The ribbon leaves were machine sewn onto the onesie.  
The button center is hand sewn.  

snowflake
The snowflake was cut from felted wool.
French knots are sewn at each end.  
The button and twine bow are hand sewn to the center.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look.  I will be mailing out my Arts and Crafts fair schedule postcards, the first week of October 2013.  I will be selling at Arts and Craft Fairs in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   If you would like a postcard mailed to you, please email me your address, to: bachnucmed@excite.com  


Friday, August 23, 2013

Bunch of Blossoms

Happy Friday.  Glad you had a chance to stop by.  
The lovely talented Angela, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has a wonderfully simple sketch for you to use, and play along with us.  


When I first saw this sketch, the first thing that came to me, was a wrapped package.  And so, I almost created a card with that look.  But, then, I wanted to make something fresh, new, different.


I used crumb cake cardstock, as my card base.  But, I just love this pretty, bright, cheerful floral pattern paper:  Gingham Garden DSP.  I wrapped some daffodil delight seam binding around the main panel, and tied the seam binding into a multi-loop bow.  I made a simple sentiment banner from whisper white cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment using the Kind & Cozy stamp set.  I inked the sentiment in Island Indigo classic ink.  I used a square punch  to create the banner end.  I adhered the sentiment banner to the card with dimensions.
Now, it's your turn!  Let's see what you create with this week's sketch @ SFF!


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Prelude to Fall

The kids are back in school.  The weather will start getting cooler.  The days will get shorter.  The holidays will creep up on us.  So, to get a head start!  Start crafting those fall/autumn cards and 3-D items now! with the help from Paper Crafters Sampler.


The talented ladies over @ the Paper Crafters Sampler have a creative treat for you!  This e-magazine has all kinds of paper crafts to get you back into the swing of school days!
This little gem is chalk-full of back to school crafts, along with some autumn inspired paper crafts;  cards and a 3-D project.  Full color, and with complete instruction sheets so you too can complete this crafts! 
here is a sneak peak of the card that I submitted:


Each card/project comes with an instructional sheet, with a complete list of products and supplies needed to complete each craft.  Along with step-by-step directions on how to complete each paper craft.
Purchase your copy today @ Paper Crafters Sampler.  You can purchase an individual e-magazines or a full year!


Monday, August 19, 2013

Text Mannequin

I have 'fixed' this card.  A tiny change, but I believe that it makes the card looked 'finished'.  
I have not uploaded the 'new' card to either challenge.
This week is off, to a crafty start {smile}.  It feels good to get time in my craft room.  I have craft deadlines, and so any free time, to create what I want to create, is time well spent.
I am playing along in two of my favorite paper challenges this week: the Shabby Tea Room and Mojo Monday.  The Shabby Tea Room (#180), has a beautiful inspiration photo, along with a few requirements: fabric, flowers, and use the colors in the photo.  Mojo Monday (#307), has a sketch.  Sounds like a match made in heaven, huh?

the Shabby Tea Room challenge #180
use these colors, fabric, and flowers

the Mojo Monday sketch #307

here is what I created:  (original)

'fixed' card (not an additional submission to either challenge)

I used bits and pieces from different companies, and brought them all together.  I started with juniper cardstock by CTMH.  The matt is crumb cake cardstock by Stampin' Up!.  The main pattern paper is Out and About by My Mind's Eye.  The triangle pattern pieces is Grace by Authentique.
I machine stitched the triangle pattern papers to the main panel.  I just love this little touch.  The inside edge was distressed with scissors.  I used a narrow piece of crumb cake cardstock and used a heart border punch to create the decorative edge.  I layered this decorative edge piece under the distressed edge of the triangles.  I cut two 3/4" strips of Life Stories pattern paper by My Mind's Eye.  I added a scrap piece of crochet trim for my third banner piece.  
I added two buttons tied with cream twine from Paper Trey Ink.  The top button is from the vintage button collection by Paper Trey Ink, in aqua mist.  The bottom button is from Amuse Studios in Bermuda.
I did not use a circle for my large shape.  I really didn't like the look of the circle.  So, I changed the shape to a mini top note shape.  I really liked this look better.  I used a tiny blue floral print from Life Stories collection.  
I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  The stamp set, is from Paper Trey Ink, and is one of the Signature Series stamp sets.  The dress form.  This set is a treat.  I added a aqua mist button tied with cream twine, just below the sentiment.
I used the dress form die to cut the shape, from basic black cardstock.  I used the die, again to cut the body of the mannequin from text paper.  I used scissors to trim the shape, and adhered it to the black card stock.
I wanted to add some kind of trim to the dress form.  So, I did a random pleat with some Paper Studio crochet trim.  I machine stitched the crochet trim to the dress form, to help secure it.  
I used a thin, 1/4" pear pizzazz taffeta ribbon to create the rolled ribbon rose.  I adhered it to the dress form with my hot glue gun.
I printed a digital spool label, and used a 1" circle punch to cut the shape.  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  That way, there wouldn't be a stark white space.  I tucked this spool label just behind the dress form.
I had an aqua blue paper blossom in my stash from a purchase I made almost 2 years ago.  I brushed picket fence distress paint on the petals.  While the paint was still wet, I dunked the painted blossom into my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I used my hot glue gun to adhere this sparkly paper blossom to the bottom of the dress form.

I hope you get a chance to play along with both of these fabulous paper craft challenge sites: the Shabby Tea Room and Mojo Monday. 


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Mason in Pink

I don't know about you, but I have a love for mason jars.  I didn't always have this passion.  This new 'romance' has only been around for a few years, now.  I started canning a few years ago.  Nothing fabulous, just home-made goodies: strawberry jam, blueberry fruit, cranberry relish, and sliced peaches.  I do a water bath canning process.  I don't have a pressure cooker, and so vegetables don't get canned at my house {smile}.
I embraced this new 'romance' whole heartily.  That translates to mason jars can be seen in my paper crafting.  I now own 4 rubber stamps, that are mason jars.  I have embraced their sense of home, farm-land, comfort, and vintage implications.  
And so, I have a 'board' on Pinterest titled, Jars.  I love the creative look of altered mason jars.  Painted, wrapped in lace, or bits of burlap/twine.  All clever and beautiful!
here is what I did:


If you love these gems, and want to distress them, grab a drink, and settle-in.  There are hundred of different tutorials on how to distress these kitchen common items.  And there are just as many different techniques and tips to help you achieve this look.  So, my suggestions, are to look for a tutorial that provides you with a complete list of supplies, photos to show the process, and techniques that you are comfortable preforming.  To me, there is nothing worse, than spending a bunch of $ on supplies to 'try' something new, to find that you are incapable to completing the task.  The end product is hours spent in frustration, an uncompleted project, materials that you (now) have no use for, and disappointment.

I wanted to paint the outside of my jar.  That way, I can put flowers (and water) on the inside.  I also wanted to use materials that I already had on hand.  And, I wanted to utilize techniques that I am comfortable with.
So, I painted the outside of the mason jar with baby pink craft paint.  Two coats.  I also used a foam brush, instead of a bristle brush.  I let the jars dry for a few days, to allow for the paint to cure.  Then I used a few different grits of sand paper, to distress (remove the paint) from various portions of the jar.  Ok, I raided my husband's work shop {smile}.  I sanded the paint off the threads at the top of the jar, the raised lettering, the bottom rim, and then random places.  Then, I gave each jar a few coats of a clear sealant, to help protect the outer surface.  Tada!  I'm totally happy with how my painted distressed jars turned out!  
I hope your crafting attempt, inspired from Pinterest, is successful, too! 


Friday, August 16, 2013

On this Friday, Tammy is the designer of this week's sketch over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Tammy typically makes sketches that are generally considered Clean And Simple (CAS).  I love her style.  Her sketches allow you to add layers/embellishments, or keep it CAS.
here is  this week's sketch:


and here is what I created:


This card used some scrap pieces I had of the new Modern Medley DSP.  I love the classic black and white color combo.  And the images are just pretty.  But, I wanted to add a splash of color, so I selected a light color: pear pizzazz.  I felt this color 'grounded' this classic color combo.
I used pear pizzazz cardstock for the card base.  I added a basic black cardstock matt to the subtle dsp.
I also matted the black and white pattern papers with pear pizzazz.  I matted the white and black pattern papers with basic black card stock.  
I wanted to add a few embellishments to give some visual interest.  I wrapped some very vanilla seam binding around the music sheet pattern paper and did a zig zag machine stitch to secure the seam binding to that panel.
I created a paper blossom from pear pizzazz card stock and adhered it to the black polka dot pattern paper.  I added some leaves that were punched with the 2 step bird punch.
For the sentiment, I stamped the itty bitty banner onto very vanilla cardstock.  I inked the sentiment with basic black classic ink.  I fussy cut the banner out, and adhered it to the card front with foam tape.
I hope that you have been inspired to play along with us @ SFF.  I just know that we would all love to see what you create with our sketch!


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Mini Journal

For some folks, it may be weird to start thinking and crafting for the holidays.  But, that is where my head is, this month.  I've been looking for something to create for the arts and craft fairs that I am selling at, this year.  I already make: greeting cards, gift bags, gift boxes, food-safe bags, gift card holders, framed pin cushions, fabric coasters, altered journals, covered notepads, and altered boxes.  I also make a few pantry items: Christmas cranberry relish, blueberry spoon fruit, pumpkin-cranberry bread, and vanilla extract.  So, I already make quite a few different items.  But, I think you always need to change it up a bit, to help keep your items 'fresh and new' to your customers.
here is a mini journal




I took mini composition notebooks and covered altered them.  The inside covers are covered altered with the same card stock.  I wanted these little gems to have a 'finished' look.  I think I need want to distress the edges a bit more.  But, haven't made the final decision, yet.  I added a mini gel pen, to accompany the little book.  I thought that might come in handy.  The two layers on the front are flat.  I would typically use foam tape as my adhesive to give the round 'spool' tag some lift off the cover.  However, I thought that if the owner of this journal carries it around with her in a hand bag, pieces or parts may become dislodged if not secured flat against the cover.

I will be adding a few 'new' items: altered mini journals, altered clothes pins, and holiday gift tag sets.  I am also trying  2 new venues: Grace Church and Cleveland Middle School.  Wish me luck.  But even better than that, come out to the Arts and Crafts Fairs and say, 'hello'.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Pantry Peaches

I know that I have been absent, and I apologize.  We had an extended vacation to the east coast, and well, it's about that time to start planning for holiday arts and craft fairs {smile}.  It's also the closing of summer, and the bounty of this season's crops are ripe for the picking - peaches, and blueberries for me.  I have a love for blueberries and peaches.  My most favorite pie, is peach pie.  Home-made.  Fresh.  And my most favorite topping for pancakes is blueberries.  Fresh.  Plump.  Yum!

I went to the farmer's market last week, and the peaches were plentiful.  Large, juicy, and fresh.  So, I purchases several pounds, and started canning.  I added some spices and vanilla.  Peeled, pitted, and sliced the peaches.  Steralized the jars, and 2 piece lids.  Canning. 
Here is what my canned peaches look like: 


These fresh spiced peaches are delightful on pancakes/waffles:


I purchased about 5 pounds of fresh, ripe peaches, and they only produced four pint jars.  For canning, I added sliced, spiced peaches in the empty jars, two-thirds full, and added the juice to fill the jars. leaving an 1/2" head space.  These peaches are delicious!  I believe that I am going to swing by the farmers market tomorrow, to pick up some more fresh peaches, to can some more {smile}.
I have to admit, that I adore love, the whole process of canning.  To me, it is relaxing, humbling, and creative.  To start with a simple ingredient, that is nurtured by nature and man, and preserving it, to keep, to enjoy another season.  
I will be selling a few of these gems in my Etsy shop.  And a few, at one of my arts and crafts shows, this holiday season.  I will be posting my holiday Arts and Craft Show schedule, in October.


Friday, August 9, 2013

Celebrate with Me

This week, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, I am the designer of this week's sketch.  How cool is that?  I have to admit that I do love creating sketches.  I do try to keep them 'user-friendly'.  I do understand how frustrating it can be when a sketch stumps you, creatively.  So, I try to keep that in my mind when I design a sketch.
Here is this week's sketch:

and here is what I created:


The card base is made from baked brown sugar cardstock.  I love how this kraft-colored paper has a 'goldfish tint.  Beautifully neutral.  
I used pattern papers from Etc. DSP for the different pattern papers.  I used the scallop trim border punch to create the scallop trim.  I used my sewing machine to create the sewn borders.  I wrapped crochet trim around the layered pieces and tied the trim into a simple bow.  I created the buttons with clay and the new buttons and blossoms molds.  
I used the four frames punch to create the decorative edge to the 'tab' piece.  I also added a zig zag machine stitch to adhere that decorative piece to the card front.  I created the blossom with the floral fusion die and bent the petals and distressed the edges.  I added a pearl center.  The leaves were made with the 2 step bird punch.  I distressed their edges, too.
The sentiment was stamped with basic black classic ink and used the express yourself stamp set.  Of course, I had to use my stamp-a-ma-jig to ensure that the sentiment is straight.

I hope that you get a chance to play along with us over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  I would love to see what you create with my sketch!  
Hope that you have a fabulous weekend!  

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Pink Baby

I was looking at a few of my favorite crafting challenge sites earlier this week.  And well, one challenge site that I always look at, but don't always participate in, is celebrating their 200th post!  I think that is great! and I wish them continued success and I hope the next 200 challenges are more fun, more exciting, and have more and more participants!
Just Us GirlS challenge site, have a sketch this week.  All you have to do, is use the sketch, and enter!  


here is what I created:


Every now and then, I really need to play along in a challenge that doesn't require a specific manufacturer.  So, in this challenge, I used a little bit of products from quite a few different favorite manufacturers.
I started with crumb cake cardstock as my card base.  I just love this heavy weight card stock.  The two pink pattern papers are from Teresa Collins, Sweet Afternoon collection.  I just love this pretty, soft, pink with a variety of collage images.  I wanted to provide a break to the mirage of pink patterns and images.  So, I added a strip of polka dot pattern paper from Authentique, Grace collection.  
I matted the polka dot pattern paper with pink pirouette cardstock and machine stitched a simple border.  I did a zig zag machine stitch to adhere the seam binding to the polka dot pattern paper.  I wrapped some brown bakers twine around this panel.  I adhered a multi-loop bow, with a bakers twine tied button to the center of the bow.  I included a tiny tag, stamped with 'SWEET', in baked brown sugar classic ink.
I matted the variety text pink text pattern paper with crumb cake card stock, and machine stitched a simple border.  I inked a stork image with soft suede classic ink, and stamped it onto the pink text pattern paper.
I added three cream vintage paper trey ink buttons to the bottom lower right corner.  I wanted to repeat the pink, so I cut thin strips of pink pirouette card stock and threaded them through the vintage buttons.
I added a sentiment label to the pink text pattern paper.  I stamped the sentiment in soft suede classic ink and used my modern label punch to create the label.  I matted the label with pink pirouette card stock, and added half pearls to each end.  I adhered the label to the card front with foam tape.  Finally, I gave the whole card with a few spritzs of my home-made frost shimmer spray.  To help give this sweet baby card, a bit of sparkle!
I hope that you get a chance to play along with the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Just Us GirlS challenge.  I know that they would love to see what you create! 




Saturday, August 3, 2013

July 2013 - Paper Crafter's Sampler


Whew, where has this year gone?  I'm a bit late sharing this with you all.  Sorry.  
I am a monthly contributor to a paper craft e-magazine, 'Paper Crafters Sampler'. It has been alot of fun, and challenging.  Each contributor/designer creates a paper craft that follows a pre-determined theme, and only use current Stampin' Up! supplies.  Take several images of your finished product.  Write an instructional sheet.  And submit for publication. Everything is neatly organized and published into an e-magazine.  You can purchase individual e-magazines, or get a year subscription.

Here is a sneak peak at the project that I created for their July issue
Sand & Sea 2013.


To get the complete supplies list and directions for all the cards and 3-D projects, you must purchase the e-magazine, or purchase a subscription HERE.  You won't be disappointed!


Friday, August 2, 2013

Baby Buttons on Friday

wow, this year is going by fast.  I can't hardly believe that it is already August.  Can you?  So, to start off another month, the lovely Robbie, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has a wonderfully creative sketch for you to try.
this week's sketch

Ok, before you get discouraged, frustrated, or none of that, lets take a second look at the sketch.  The long vertical piece on the left hand side, can be almost anything.  Think: ribbon, box pleat, accent piece, stacked flowers, a row of hearts, a stream of butterflies.  See the new possibilities?  Ok, next, the rectangle piece with the arch.  The rectangle can be a matted piece, a tag, an accent piece, also.  The arch piece can be leaves, a bow, a doily, or an oval/circle accent piece.  Can you picture the card coming together, now?

  
The card base is pink pirouette cardstock.  The main panel is whisper white cardstock.  I used an embossing folder to create the texture.  For the vertical piece, I used the plaid wheel inked in pink pirouette classic ink.  I used the polka dot pink pattern paper from the subtles dsp and the scallop border punch to create the scallop edges of the plaid piece.  I used my sewing machine to make the simple border along both sides.
I love layers, and so I couldn't put one single sentiment banner.  So, I created a doily with the delicate doily stamp set, versa mark ink, white embossing powder, and vellum cardstock. Pretty, huh?  I used the That's the Ticket stamp set, to create the ticket.  I stamped the ticket onto pink pirouette cardstock and versa mark ink.  I heat embossed the text with white embossing powder.  And to create the curved banner, I used the Itty Bitty Banner set.  I 'colored' the outline of the stamp with my basic black marker, and the sentiment in soft suede marker, then stamped onto whitsper white card stock.  
To create the rectangle piece with a arch, I created a frame.  I used the designer frame embossing folder to create the 'frame'.  The crumb cake card stock has texture to keep this piece from looking flat.  I used foam tape to adhere the frame to the card front.
I made a trio of buttons from clay, using SU!'s new button & blossom mold.  I thought that they add a simple sweet embellishment.  
Now, for the arch piece, I added a dyed seam binding 'hanger'.  I used pink pirouette re inker to dye some very vanilla seam binding.  I tied a simple bow and used the tails to hold the frame.

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you have been inspired.  So, grab your stamping supplies, card stock, embellishments, and create a card using our sketch and play along with us @ SFF!



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Zipper Gift Card

Whew, it feels good to be home.  We spent 9 days on the Maryland coast, unplugged, and doing, nothing.  It was very wonderful!  If any of you get a chance to spend a few days recharging, I strongly suggest turning your cell phone, lap-top, and tablets off.  The absence of these devices is very calming.
Anyways, now onto crafting.  I celebrated Christmas in July a few weeks ago with my Bunco group.  And I wanted to share a popular item.

Zipper Card with matching Gift Bag




I just love gift sets that match.  To me, its a little thing that shows you put thought into what you assembled.  The gift bags are empty, just decorated with matching pattern papers. 

The zipper cards hold a Starbucks gift card.  To open, pull the tab and un-zip the card front to reveal your gift card!
Unfortunately, once unzipped, the card is ruined, but alot of fun to do!  So, I made an identical zipper card, that is un-assembled, so the recipient of the gift bag set, can add their own gift card/cash, and still give away this gift set.

I also included a post card, with the location, dates, and times of the holiday craft fairs that I will be selling my hand-made paper crafts at, this year.  I'm doing something a bit different this year.  If you bring your post card to any one of my craft fairs, and present it, you will receive an exclusive gift.  It's my way of thanking my loyal customers and friends.