Lovely Thanks

~ second post for today ~

Welcome.  I have been waiting to use this 'new to me' paper pad from Prima: the Printery collection.  I know it's not a new release, but I only recently picked one up, back in August.  So, it's new to me.  {smile}.  I just love the abstract images, the little office supply introduction, and the lovely color scheme.  I also purchased some 'new to me' prima blossoms: Guava Peony Brahms, back in August.  So, why not pair them together!

Now, I just need a little starting point!  So, I headed to a sketch challenge site that I adore.  They make some of the most beautiful sketches I have seen.  Easy to work with.  Easy to embellish or leave simply beautiful.  Cardabilites.  The design team has some gorgeous creations, and a lot of inspiration to help get those creative juices flowing!  Here is the current sketch:

A lot of potential here!  Love the absence of required layers.  Love the emptiness to allow you to 'see' what 'speaks' to you creatively.  And who wouldn't love to add a sentiment banner piece?

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used ripe avocado card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love this shade of deep green.  Not to 'fresh' and not to 'old'.  Just the perfect shade.   I  took a sheet of 6" x 6" pattern paper and cut it down to 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".  Then matted it onto a piece of true black (by paper trey ink) cut to 4" x 5 1/4".  [Oh, sorry.  The card is traditional A2 size 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".]  

I wrapped a piece of cream lace around the layers.  Machine stitched some black seam binding to the front of the card.

I hand stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up! onto very vanilla card stock scrap.  I used scissors and hand cut the banner end.  I matted this piece onto a scrap of ripe avocado card stock.  I also hand cut the banner end.  [the stamp was a 'gift' from Verve Stamps.  It was a 'thank you' for an order I had placed a few years back.]

I used my hot glue gun to attach the flower first.  I didn't want any of the petals to hang over the edge of the card.  I then added the multi-loop bow made from the same black seam binding.  I wanted my bow tucked under the blossom, just a bit.  I attached the bow with my hot glue gun, too.

I used scor tape to adhere the sentiment piece.  And finally, to add a little visual interest, I added five clear sequins: there below the blossom and two above the blossom.  I adhered the sequins to the front of the card with a glue pen.

Not a lot of layers, or a ton of embellishments, but I really do like how simply sweet this card turned out.  Because lets face it!  Sometimes you just need to say 'thank you' without a huge production!

I hope that I have inspired you to use what you have in your stash.  I know it is super easy to 'want' the latest and greatest paper crafting products.  But why not use what you have in a different way?   Decorate a box.  Transform a tin.  Embellish a basket.  Dress-up your packaging.  Or simply make a card with a lot of character without spending a bankroll.  {smile} and no, that's not the Industries new motto! {smile}  Just me crafting on a budget.