Baby Girl

I have been busy crafting products for sale at my Spring Craft Fair next month.  And well, I've been making baby themed stuff.  I made a card this time.  I just love how it turned out.  

Anyways, sometimes I need a little direction/inspiration, so I search out some of my favorite 'spots' and it does help.  I knew what papers I wanted to use.  I knew what I wanted to make.  I just needed some guidance to put it all together.  So, without further ado, here is what I created:

I used the same papers that I used for the Card-Gift Combo I created earlier this week.  But, I added a few other 'pieces'.  I kept the main color pink.  Just love pink.  But I also wanted to highlight the aqua mist color, so I matted my yellow pattern piece on Aqua Mist card stock.  I am in love with the pink text/flourish pattern paper from Teresa Collins, so I used it as my main piece.  I'm also loving this silver metallic thread I purchased recently, and just had to use it!

The metallic thread adds just the right amount of sparkle, without looking over done.  I used a sentiment and frame set from Paper Trey Ink: Boutique Borders - Baby Stamp Set.  I just love that piece.  It really gives your sentiment rectangle a bit of flair!  Gotta love flair, right?  I love pairing buttons and bows with baby girl cards/projects.  There is something about the softness, the simpleness of them, that just seems to make it all work.

Anyways, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired, or at least loved the eye candy, so to speak.  I'm working on a few 'Spring' themed items (think Bees and Bunnies) for the Spring Craft Fair March 15th, so stay tuned for those.  I should have some photos up by the weekend, if not sooner.  We'll keep our fingers crossed for sooner {smile}.

Welcome Baby Girl

I had a lot of fun creating this adorable baby girl card.  {smile}  But, I am running out the door, to an exercise class.  I am staying true to my New Years resolutions.  So, have patience.  I am leaving you with a sneak peak of sorts.  

Enjoy!

I will write an actual 'post' when I get home tonight.  I just love how this card turned out, that I just couldn't help myself and share a little sneak peak of it, with you!  I am totally loving this new silver metallic thread I purchased last week!  It adds a little sparkle to my machine stitching {smile}.

Baby Shower Card-Gift Combo

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy, I have been crafting like crazy.  I'm still working on my Card-Gift Combo's.  And todays share is no exception.  I saw this fabulous challenge over @ the Shabby Tea Room Challenge and I knew I wanted to participate.  Here is their gorgeous inspirational photo:

See what I mean?  I just love everything about it!  The banners, the ruffle icing cake, the pretty colors, the pretty food, the white stork, the distressed wood.  Just everything!  Oh, and their sponser this week is Creations by AR.  I used their card-gift combo template to create this little prize.

here is what I made:

Ok, where do I start?  I used various pattern papers from my stash.  A mix and match of Crate paper and Teresa Collins, I believe.  I love how sweet Aqua Mist  and Pink Pirouette look together.  So that was the determining factor in using the bird print paper.

here are some close-ups:

machine stitching on the banner with metallic thread

 I like to add sparkle, and purchased this metallic thread at the fabric store, and just had to use it {smile}.  So, I added some machine stitching to the tops of the banner flags.  I also added some machine stitching to hold the seam binding and crochet trim together.  I added a trio of buttons highlighting the three prominent colors: sweet pink, yellow, and aqua mist.

love the tiny wood frame, to hold my sentiment

I didn't want a sentiment to take center stage, so I kept my sentiments small. 

and here is the back

and the inside

the note piece is not attached, so you can add your own hand writing

I just had to add a tag with washing instructions.  I think its adorable, and helps translates how fragile babies are {smile}.

And if you were wondering, yes, this baby girl card-gift combo will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair, next month.  I haven't figured out how I am going to package these, or a price.  But, I'll post photos of them, most likely, the week before the craft fair.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look.  I hope you get a chance to play along with your favorite challenge, and get to spend time in your crafting space {smile}.

Trio of Card-Gift Combos

I have to say, making these Card-Gift Combo's, is a lot of fun! 

Whew, I have been busy making some paper crafts for my upcoming Spring Craft Fair @ Albuquerque Christian School, in March.  Ugh, next month.  So, as you can imagine, I'm crafting every chance I can.   One of the new items at my booth, are these adorable Card-Gift Combos.  I've featured several of these little beauties here, here, and here.  Not to mention the one I made this week.

If you are a new visitor, These little beauties, open like a card, but they store a drawer, that can potentially hold a gift.  The drawer has a lot of versatilities.  You can store hand-made embellishments, a necklace, a bracelet , a gift card, a set of movie tickets, event tickets, a hand-made ornament, etc.  See, a lot of potential {smile}.

I love to mix patterns and colors.

to celebrate almost any occasion 

another any occasion ticket

no sentiment, so you can add your own

I love to mix pattern papers, and to added different and interesting embellishments.  But, I have noticed through the years, that if I sit and make several of the same items, they all begin to look alike.  So, I am taking a break from making these little beauties.

Today, I will be working on some altered magnetic initials.  And yeah, I will be selling these, too.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have found something you like, and maybe be inspired to create something, too!

Card-Gift Combo, cont.

Howdy.  Thanks for coming back.  I have taken a few more photos of my Card-Gift Combo.  I just love these little 'packages' {smile}.  So, without further ado, here is some eye candy {wink}.

here is the back-side of the combo opened

I used the blue and green floral pattern paper from the Watercolor Wonderful DSP for the main pattern pieces.  I just love this collection of colors.  I used the green chevron stripes for my vertical piece.  I thought the mix of patterns compliment each other, without overpowering each other.  

I lined the inside of the drawer with the same green chevron stripe paper.  I also added a small piece of island indigo ruffle ribbon to the side of the drawer, as a pull.

here is a photo of the drawer partially pulled-out

I have a weakness for polka dots, so I used the light gray polka dot pattern paper for the cover focus piece.  I also matted the pattern paper with slate card stock, to help accent the gray.
I also love the softness of the seam binding, so I used it liberally {smile}.

Thank you so much to looking.  I'm off to make a few more Card-Gift Combo's, using some other beautifully pattern paper {smile}.

Mojo Card-Gift Combo

Welcome back {smile}.  I have been trying to craft something everyday/night, to build my inventory for the Spring Craft Fair.  I want several different, unique paper crafts.  So, I am trying some new items.  One of which, is my Card-Gift Combo.  I just love this little creation.  You open the box like a book, but a drawer is inside to hold your gift {smile}.  How super sweet, huh?  

So, I have the item I want to create.  But, I need a direction.  Color.  Layout.  Some type of inspiration and direction.  So, what better place to turn, than Mojo Monday .  This week, #333, is a wonderful sketch.  But, now I needed a color scheme or theme. 

here is what I came up with:

I used all current Stampin' Up! products to create this Card-Gift Combo.  So, I opened a package of Watercolor Wonder DSP, and put beautifully soft, pretty, pattern papers:  a green-blue floral, a soft gray polka dot, and green chevron strips.  

The base of this 'card' is made from Pear Pizzazz card stock.  The floral pattern paper is matted onto Island Indigo card stock.  I matted the light gray polka dot pattern paper onto Slate card stock.  I cut a doily out of Pear Pizzazz card stock and then matted a circle of Pear Pizzazz DSP polka dot pattern onto whisper white card stock.  I used pool party seam binding to add some softness to the cover.   I used pool party seam binding, again, to tie the 'box' closed.  I just love the new metallic accented bakers twine, so I tied a bow with the silver accent bakers twine to my front bow.  I'm also a sucker for clay and molds.  So, I used the new buttons and blossoms mold to create my clay blossom.  

open the Card-Gift combo

Thank you for looking.  If you love this paper, just click on my 'Shop 24-7' button, and purchase a package for yourself, along with any other Stampin' Up! products.I will be posting more photos of my Card-Gift Combo soon. 

Yeah, I will be selling these at the Spring Craft Fair.  I want to make more, but with various greetings and salutations.  So, stay posted {smile}.

Assemblage Clock

Ok.  I think I'm getting the hang of posting on my personal blog and social media.  Thank you for sticking with me, and having patience in my creative process. {smile}

I started altering a Tim Holtz Assemblage Clock, gosh, probably about 2 weeks ago.  I know, that sounds pretty pathetic.  But, I stopped after each step to photograph the process, and to jot down some notes.  I am working on writing a tutorial to sell on Amazon for Kindle.  I also had a few set backs, and various other obligations, that caused this clock to sit for days at a time with no work or progress going on.

I did finish it this morning.  But, again, I needed to take several photos of the final process, and get those loaded and edited.

full, front view

lower, right angled view

top, left angled view

Ok, I will give you the quick and dirty version of the 'how-to'.  For specific details, directions, instructions, tips and tricks, I will need to send you to the published tutorial @ Amazon.

I painted the shiny metal clock, added some paint, stamping, and used hot glue to add my embellishments.  I made sure that all sides are finished.

When I started this project, I wanted to use things I love.  So, I added all my favorite things: flowers, seam binding, butterflies, clay embellishments, pearls, rhinestones, and a variety of metal finishings.

Thank you for looking.  I hope this project has inspired you to create something, too!  I will add a link to my side bar, to purchase this tutorial, as soon as I get it done.  I'm looking at having this done this week, hopefully, fingers crossed.

my next Craft Fair

Whew.  I didn't realize that it had been so long since I have posted, almost 2 weeks.  I just noticed today, that it has been 5 days since I posted on Facebook, too.  Where has my time gone?  Let me know, if you find it.

Well, I have been busy working on another published tutorial.  Altering a shiny metal empty alarm clock.  And, well, its been a little bumpy.  I did a fabulous job altering it, making it all grunge-y.  But, that really isn't my style, or the look I wanted to put together.  The altering process kinda went on it's own.  Anyways, I removed some of the distressing, sand off the paint and gesso, and basically start all over.  I am hoping to have it finished this weekend.  But, we'll see.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Anyways, I wanted to share an event I will be at next month.  I am trying my hand at Arts and Craft Fairs that aren't during Christmas.  I'd like to create and sell some non-holiday themed items.  Spread my wings, so to speak.  So, here is a little 'banner' I made, to promote it.

Since my style is kinda vintage-y and a bit shabby, I went with this cute look.  Love polka dots, and the fact that they are on pink ribbon, just makes it all the better.  Love the bright yellow 'label' piece.  And the floral pieces add a bit of elegance.    I don't know if I'm totally happy with it.  But, here it is.

At this moment in time, I am working on making several card-gift combos to sell.  Some altered mini notebooks that fit perfectly in a handbag/tote.  I'm trying to finish a few altered clocks, boxes, and hopefully get a few houses done with a spring theme.  But, we'll see.  I'd also like to get some altered cloches made.  (I made a few Christmas ornaments out of 'ball' cloches.) I'll keep you posted, and take some photos.

I have started an InstaGram account.  I put a 'button' with a hyperlink embedded in it, on my sidebar so you can find me, and opt to follow.  I have a tendency to add more photos there.  But, they aren't all crafting pics.  There is a variety of different subjects.

I'll post some crafts soon!  Hopefully tomorrow!

SAB Card-Gift Combo

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy, howdy peeps!  Last week, I was pretty productive, I think.  I went to a get together with some crafty friends, and we did a gift exchange.  The rules were pretty simple: use current Stampin' Up! supplies.  Easy peasey, right?  

Well, I made a card-gift combo paper craft.  I posted a sneak peak on InstaGram earlier in the week.  But, I wanted to share the finished product with you, now.  I'm pretty happy with how it came out.  However, I must give you the disclaimer now.  The photos aren't the best.  I was running out the door, when I realized that I hadn't taken any photos.  So, I shot a few with my phone, because I couldn't quickly locate my camera.  (an organizing problem).

Anyways, back to my card-gift combo.  I call it that, because it acts like a card (open the flap) and has a drawer to hold a gift.  Simple.  But, a wonderful surprise!  Here are the pics and a little bit about it {smile}:

the cover

I used very vanilla card stock for the whole project.  But, I wanted to add a little more heft, so I matted all my pattern papers with pretty card stock.  The whole outside, is matted with pool party card stock.  I used a new pattern paper from the Sale-A-Bration catalog: Sweet Sorbet (#133521).

a close-up of my paper blossom

To create this paper blossom, I used the Flower Shop stamp set (#130942/130939).  I used the coordinating punch: Pansy (#130698) to punch out three stamped blossoms.  Then I cut, rolled, bent, and shaped the petals into this beautiful blossom.  I added some glitter to the petal tips, to add some sparkle.  I added a clay button I made, and tied it with some of the new bakers twine: Gold Bakers Twine (#132975).  I thought that the metallic threads added a little bit of glamor to the project {smile}.

the side

I used Pool Party Seam Binding (#125582) to hold the 'card' closed.  I think it adds a bit of softness.

open

the inside 

I used a Window Sheet (#144323) to hold the 'gift' within the 'box' portion of this project, and to provide a little sneak peak of the gift.  The 'gift' for this project are the hand-made embellishments.  The paper blossoms and clay embellishments are all hand-made and use exclusive Stampin' Up! products.  

The 'gift' is contained in a 'drawer', so you slide-out a tray, that holds the embellishments.  I kept the inside simple, so not to distract from the beauty of the hand-made embellishments.  (I stamped the 'box' portion before assembly, using Creative Elements (#128523/122647).

and the matching bag

I used the same pattern papers Sweet Sorbet to decorate the front of the gift bag.  I like things to match {smile}.  Then it looks like it belongs.  I did use the Blue Ribbon stamp set (#131964/125981) to make that adorable 'ribbon' for the sentiment piece on the bag.  I think it adds a bit of fun, to the over-all look.

I did stamp the back of the white bag with my custom stamp for branding.  I used pewter embossing powder and heat emboss the image.  It came out real pretty, but for some reason, I can't get that image to load.  UGH! how frustrating.  (the image is on my InstaGram acct.)

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you like my creation.  If you want to get your hands on these (and other Stampin' Up!) supplies, just stop by my shop here!  And receive a little surprise in the mail, from me, with every order during Sale-A-Bration!  (Jan 28th - March 31st, 2014)

Now go create something beautiful! {smile}