the Scent of Roses

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope each of you has a chance to create.  Create something fabulous!  Something pretty.  Something you love.  {smile}  I use the word, 'create' because I think it encompasses all forms of self-expression.  Because isn't that what we are doing?  Doing what makes us happy, what calms us, what gives us joy!  I also don't mean this for just those of us who paper craft.  I want to wish everyone who crafts, joy!  Bakers, quilters, painters, paper-crafters, wood-workers, auto mechanics, welders, . . . everyone who creates something with their hands, uses their free-time to practice their 'craft', and everyone who finds pure joy in what they do!  {smile}

I had time today to create a greeting card.  And yeah, in my favorite color: pink.  I don't have a particular occasion for this card, but rather just the desire to create something pretty {smile}.

I stopped by Crafting by Designs to see what these talented ladies have been crafting.  The current challenge is: Pretty in Pink.  I got this!  This is an inspirational challenge site!  So check it out!

I also stopped by Retro Sketches, because these ladies are sure to inspire!  This is the current sketch:

The thing that I love the best about their sketches, is how simply beautiful they are!  It encourages clean and simple designers, and everything all the way to me!  Love the layers!

and here is what I created:

and here is how I created this card:  I started with Pink Pirouette card stock (SU!) for the card base.  The pink floral music sheet pattern paper, is actually a digital download.  I trimmed this paper and then sponged Soft Suede classic ink (SU!) along the edges, so that no white paper would peak through.   [all digital downloads are printed on whisper white card stock(SU!) and the edges are sponged with soft suede classic ink (SU!)]

I cut a piece of the cream/kraft polka dot pattern paper to 3 1/4" x 3 1/4".  (And yeah, another digital download.)  I added some machine stitching all the way around.  I wrapped a piece of Venetian crochet trim (SU!) around the polka dot piece.  The wrapped a piece of blushing bride 1/4" cotton ribbon just over the top edge of the crochet trim.

I printed the ticket (another digital download) and fussy cut the ticket out.  I added foam tape to the back of the ticket to 'lift' it off the front of the card.

I took a plain white paper blossom, and plucked the center out of the blossom.  I sponged Blushing Bride classic ink (SU!) on the tips of the petals.  I brushed picket fence paint (Ranger) to the petal tips, and then sprinkled the paper blossom with Dazzling Diamond glitter (SU!).  I adhered the paper blossom to the card front with my glue gun.  (love my glue gun!)

I added a strip of champagne colored half faux pearls just over where the two trims join.

I tied a simple bow with the same pink cotton ribbon, and adhered it just below the paper blossom with my glue gun {smile}.

I cut a strip of Very Vanilla card stock (SU!)  5/8" wide  (just over a half-inch) for my sentiment.  I stamped the sentiment 'Have a SWEET day.' in soft suede classic ink.  The sentiment comes from the Garden Variety stamp set (PTI).  I used my scissors to create a shallow flag-end to the banner.  I used my tape runner to apply some adhesive to the back of this sentiment banner, and added one lone staple to the left of the sentiment.

And finally, (right?) I adhered a trio of clear iridescent sequins to the card front.  At this time, I finally added the card front to the card base.  That way, the machine sewing and staple are not viewed on the inside of the card.

I am happy with how my card turned out.  It's not what I originally set out to create, when I walked into my craft room and sat at my craft desk.  I actually began working on a pink Christmas card.  It never came together.  {frown}  Oh well.  But I am really happy with what I did create! {smile}