Sunday, March 30, 2014

the Sky's the Limit

Ok, so here is another craft I finished today (sunday).  I have been wanting to do this project for quite a while now.  But, finding the time, and the right paper has been a challenge.  I wanted to altered some blocks.  Now, this isn't a ATC piece.  So, there isn't any objects on the blocks.  Just paper.  Pattern paper.  Pattern paper from My Mind's Eye: Sky's the Limit.


I originally selected this pattern paper, because the graphics are just gorgeous!  I love the polka dots, the florals, and the little stacked text papers.  Just so pretty!  Each block has the same 6 patterns, I tried to show case the different designs.  I first cut the blocks.  Yes, it is real wood.  Not card stock folded into a cube.  I then painted on 2 layers of gesso.  I cut and distressed each piece of paper to fit the blocks perfectly, if I say so myself.  I then brushed on glossy mod lodge sealant.  That way the papers are sealed and protected,  and a final touch to complete the project.  
This project, along with the wall hanging earlier posted will be for sale at my Arts and Craft Fairs.  Come out and see what else I have created!


Shabby Wall Hanging

So, I finished this project this morning.  But, photographing it was difficult.  I either had too much light, or not enough.  So, I went with the black backdrop in my photo-tent.


I used pattern paper from 4 different collections, which is four different companies.  The largest pattern paper is from a romantic pattern paper collection: The Primrose by DCWV.  The text paper is: A Night at the Theater, from Melissa Frances. The dictionary pages is from Stampin' Up!, and the blue polka dot paper is from the collection: Sky's the Limit, by My Mind's Eye.
I used only one stamp:  Love Lives Here, by Paper Trey Ink.  The sentiment is: Home, is where the heart is.
The house is stamped onto a beige card stock and heat embossed in white.  I machine stitched the house to a cut piece of cream felt by Paper Trey Ink.  I adhered the felt to a piece of blue polka dot paper from   .  I added a white resin frame that I sponged some kraft ink on the raised areas to show some detail.
I added a half doily to the left side of the frame.  I added a material piece to the right side of the frame.  I  used some tulle trim from Melissa Frances (GN580), a tea stained lace trim and some white crinkled seam binding from Tim Holtz.  I ran the three layers through my sewing machine to add some stitching.  I added a multi-loop bow made with the white crinkled seam binding, and held the bow together with a pearl and rhinestone broach by Melissa Frances (BR005).
I used white paper blossoms for the floral cluster.  I sprayed them with a Tattered Angels spray: Burnt Red.  I brushed on some picket fence distress paint and dazzling diamond glitter.  I cut some leaf shapes from the dictionary page and distressed the edges with the paint and glitter.  I added two tiny blue blossoms, that were distressed the same way.
I tucked in a few buttons, a collection of clear sequins, a trio of pearls, a linen banner piece, a tiny bottle cap, and a heart bingo piece.  This wall plaque, is clipped to a vintage inspired hanger.  


thoughts . . .

Good Morning peeps.  Just a quick post to pop-in and say, "howdy! and thanks for stopping by!'  I have been busy this week creating and trying to complete a few different projects.  So, today, Sunday, is generally my 'catch-up' day.  You know, catch-up on laundry, cleaning, and trying to get a few crafts completed.  So, stay tuned, or simply check back with me later, and I'll have some photos.  I am  currently trying to get a 2 projects completed, and one photographed.  How exciting, to share those projects with you {smile}.
I am still working on my '100 days of happiness' and so far it is good.  For the first few days I was stressing over which photo to post, and which moment best showed my happiness for the day, and then I just came to the conclusion, that I am just going to post all my happy moments and not one specific moment of the day.  This little 'exercise' or 'challenge' as it is deemed, is really a way for one person to see just how 'happy' they are, and to tap into that feeling.  (or at least, this is how this challenge has evolved for me.)
Thank you for your continued support and viewing.  Now, I am off to my craft room to put some finishing touches on an almost completed craft, and get busy finishing another.  While I am getting the laundry done, get the dishes washed, and making home-made bread dough for dinner rolls tonight {smile}.  And if I get a chance, I'll run the vacuum {smile}.

Oh, a side note:  I will post a card I made on Monday.  That way you have something to look at for a few posts!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

100 Happy Days

Howdy and welcome to my little piece of blogland.  I was looking at posts on InstaGram, and saw some photos people posted with the hash tag 100 happy days.  Curiosity got the better of me, and I went looking to see what it was all about.  Then I stumbled upon this web site:  100happydays.com
The challenge is relatively easy.   Document what makes you happy every day for 100 days.  Sounds fun, creative, challenging and enlightening.  I registered yesterday with a start date for today.  
Now, if you were to ask me if I were 'happy' I'm not too sure how I would answer.  I mean, I'm not depressed, suffering, or euphoric either.  But am I 'happy'?  That's pretty hard for me to answer.  I'm busy, I'm working 40/+ hours a week at a paying job, I'd love to have a raise, I exercise several days a week, I'm married to a man who isn't a douche bag or a theft, I have grandchildren who are energentic, I live comfortably, but am I happy?  Uhm.  I don't think anyone has asked me that.  I find joy in creating: baking, sewing, crafting, accomplishing chores, interacting with my dog, and spending time with my family.  
So, I am actually looking forward to this challenge.  I want to find more joy in my life.  I'd love to tell folks that I am happy.  And I'd like to feel happy.  But, I really want to find happiness in my life, and to acknowledge and 'see' the blessings I have.  So, follow me on InstaGram, and look for my post with #100happydays.  To see what makes me happy!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

May Craft Fairs

Hello, and welcome.  I just wanted to let you know that if you are near the Albuquerque, New Mexico area in the beginning of May (2014) you should attend one both of my craft fairs!  I am going to be at two different locations, so please drop at least one of them {smile}.  
On Friday, May 2nd, I will be in Rio Rancho at the Rock Rio Church, on Golf Course, SE.   And then the next day, I will be at the La Cueva High School on Saturday, May 3rd.  I will have a good selection of Card-Gift Combos, along with a variety of greeting cards, gift packaging (bags and boxes) and an assortment of different altered items (blocks, frames, and hopefully I get some canvas's done).  The theme for the La Cueva High School Arts and Craft Fair are 'Mother's Day' and 'Home Decor'.  But, I will also have a variety of other occasions on hand (birthday, anniversary, thank you, etc).



I will be adding this event to my Facebook page.  So, look for it here, like it, and get a reminder!



Monday, March 24, 2014

Text, Flowers, and Buttons

Oh my.   What a busy weekend.  Let me start by saying that my two passions in life are paper crafting and baking.  Both of these activities give me joy.   P u r e   j o y!  
I just love creating.  Creating beautiful things of the eye, heart and soul.  And beautiful things for the palate, tongue and stomach.
Sunday, I participated in a baking competition @ the Chocolate and Coffee Fest here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I made a dark chocolate cupcake, spiced with cinnamon and cayenne pepper, dunked in dark chocolate ganache, topped with a sweet cinnamon whipped topping, and drizzled with dark chocolate ganache.  I didn't win. {frown}  And I didn't remember to take a photograph of my cupcakes.  {double frown}
Today, however, I want to share a paper craft project I made as the Guest Designer for the Shabby Tea Room, this week.  I know, how wonderful to be a guest designer, right?  This week, we are asked to make a paper craft item, using the inspirational photo and required products:  text, flowers, and buttons.  I got this!


how sweet is this inspiration photo!
and here is what I made:


We (the family) were celebrating our mother's birthday this past weekend.  (yes, in conjunction with my baking competition.)  Our mother turned 70 on her birthday.  And that fact alone makes me feel super old.  Ok so back to the paper crafts I created.


Let's start with the card.  I used crumb cake card stock for the card base.  I matted the pattern paper onto very vanilla card stock.  I then ran this stack of card stock and pattern paper thru my sewing machine.  I just love this touch.  I used a running stitch.   
The decorative shape of text paper is from Melissa Frances.  I wrapped a piece of white lace trim around this text pattern paper.  I topped the lace trim with a kraft polka dot ribbon.  I added two white buttons to the ribbon, and then tied a kraft button to the bow with cream twine.  I added a small tag that was stamped and cut from very vanilla card stock.
I added a piece of floral grid paper on top of the text paper.  I just love the curves of this shape.  I added three paper blossoms to the left side of the blossom grid paper.   I cut leaf shapes from a different text paper.  I added a hand-made white glitter button to the left side of the large pink paper blossom.  
I stamped my sentiment in soft suede classic ink, using a stamp from the Water Color Trio stamp set.  I added a silver glitter butterfly, to add some sparkle.  For the final touch, I added a trio of cream diamond cut pearls.  I added the same decorative pearls for the body of the butterfly.

and the bag:


I used the same patterns of papers and the same shapes.  However, I changed the paper blossoms.  I used a cream large paper blossom.  The two smaller paper blossoms were white.  However, I wanted to change the color.  So, I sprayed the paper blossoms and then added glitter.  I also added a hand-made white glitter clay button to the left side of the cream paper blossom.  
I added a trio of silver glitter butterflies.  I added the same decorative cut pearls to the bodies of the butterflies and then a trio near the sentiment piece.  I also added a Maya Road butterfly pin to the trio of paper blossoms.
Finally, I added a 'made with love' banner to the bottom of the bag.
The bag is held closed with a painted and glittered clothes pin and tied with a wide kraft polka dot ribbon.  Inside the bag is a jar of home-made, rough-cut, vanilla-sugar cubes.
Thank you for looking.  I hope that we have inspired you to create something wonderful  using the inspirational photo.  Remember, you need to use text somehow, buttons, and flowers.  And join us @ the Shabby Tea Roon.  Can't wait to see what you create {smile}.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Birthday Wishes, Friend

Welcome.  Glad you have a chance to stop by.  I have been busy this week, working on a recipe for a local baking contest (Sunday).  But I also had a chance to craft a Birthday card for a special friend.  
I used some new paper I received in the mail a few weeks ago.  The paper is called Vintage Bliss.  Ok, doesn't it just sound wonderful?


I did a little machine stitching, using my new favorite silver metallic thread.  Mostly a straight stitch, but I added a little zig zag stitching to add some interest.  I just love this text paper with floral images.  And I have a weakness for the pink polka dot paper and the multi-colored criss cross pattern paper, too {smile}.
I added some Lemon Whip satin ribbon, and added some machine stitching to that too!  I added a half doily under the satin ribbon.  I stamped the sentiment 'Birthday wishes' in a light grey classic ink.  I added a trio of half pearls under the sentiment.
The prize ribbon piece is actually a sticker.  It says, 'H is for Happy'.  I felt it needed something more, but I just couldn't figure out what.???
I made some home-made vanilla sugar cubes the other day.  I know.  How crazy, huh?  Well, I love to make, create, and cook.  What I figured what the heck?
I packaged some of these rough cut sugar cubes into a small craft bag and added a little decorations:


I folded a paper doily over the top edge and created two banner pieces from the same pattern paper.  For the sentiment I used the For a Friend Occasion stamp set by CTMH.  I stamped the 'MADE WITH LOVE' banner in crumb cake classic ink, and grey classic ink, then I fussy cut it out by hand.  I used Shell satin ribbon and added a sparkle clay button I made.

Thank you for looking.  {smile}  I'm pretty sure that my girl friend will love her gift.  She is a big tea drinker, so that was my direction in the gift. 


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Shabby Heart

Welcome.  I had a good time yesterday selling my hand-made paper crafts at the Spring Craft Fair, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I met many nice ladies who liked my crafts and bought a few items.  Thank you for your support and words of encouragement {smile}.  I am working on getting things lined up for two more craft fairs in May.  So stay tuned for those announcements!

I hope your weekend is enjoyable and that you get to do the things that make you happy.  For me, that's playing in my craft room {smile}.  
If you are like me, you have your favorite web places to visit.  Stop, look, be inspired, but generally don't 'play along' for whatever reason.  Today, I did stop, look, get inspired, and then did 'play along' {smile}.  I think I should have some bonus points, somewhere.  Right?
One of the blog challenge sites that I like to stalk visit is Sugar Creek Hollow.  They are a vintage and shabby chic challenge blog.  I think I should live there.  Anyways, they have a photo inspiration challenge this time (2 weeks).  Here is their inspiration photo:

use the colors or theme or both
Ok, how gorgeous is this photo?  Pinks, cream, white washed, green, vintage lace, a crystal chandelier, soft fabrics - oh my!





I made a covered notepad!  
The narrow pad of paper is from Paper Trey Ink.  It's a narrow pad of 25 pages of lined-paper.  The perfect little pad for jotting down grocery lists,  to-do lists, shopping lists, chores, any list!
I covered the note pad with blushing bride card stock (retired from Stampin' Up!).  Then I matted the pattern papers onto a piece of very vanilla card stock.  For the pattern papers I used a scrap piece of Lost & Found 2 pink and white criss cross-pattern paper, and a digital pattern paper for the bottom half.  I machine stitched both pattern papers together.  I thought it really added a home-made touch.  I covered the seam with a scallop trimmed piece of silver glitter paper from Stampin' Up! and a scrap piece of this beautifully gathered cream ribbon (retired Stampin' Up!).
For the 'label' I stamped the polka dot frame in Pear Pizzaz classic ink, and the used the Four Frames stamp set, both are from Stampin' Up!.  I have to say that I just love this label-style stamp set.  It is very versatile and the open oval is a nice size for most sentiments to fit.
I stamped the inside of the framed label with another Stampin' Up! stamp set: Water-Color Trio.  But this one is retired.  I just love the font used in this sentiment: FROM THE Heart.  Beautiful.  I 'lifted'  the label off the cover with foam adhesive.
I punched both the heart and the flower pieces from hand punches: Trio of hearts, and Boho Blossom (both retired punches from Stampin' Up!)  The heart shape is from silver glitter paper.  I wanted to repeat the same elements so it looks like these pieces belong.  The flower shape is cut from a text paper.  I added a pink vintage button and tied it with some cream twine.
I wanted to add a little more shabby-ness.  So I added a trio of half pearls to the bottom right corner.  I just love how delicate and sweet these little half pearls look {smile}.
I also wanted the notepad to be versatile.  So, I decorated a simple paper clap with a scrap piece of the pink and white criss cross pattern paper from Lost & Found 2, that I used on the top portion of the pad.  I tied a piece of crochet trim to the clap.
The clap holds the notepad closed if I need to throw the pad in a bag/tote.  And it also allows me to hang the pad from a message board, if I move the clamp to the top of the pad.  Very functional, and very sweet!

Thank you for looking.  I hope you get a chance to play along with the ladies over @ Sugar Creek Hollow .  I'm sure that they would love to see what you create!


Friday, March 14, 2014

Stork Delivery

Oh my goodness.  Time just flies these days.  I have a craft fair tomorrow, and I feel like I haven't made a thing to sell.  {frown}   So, let me share with you a sweet baby boy card, and then I must head into my craft room and start creating! {smile}


I opened a delightful package of papers and embellishments from Melissa Frances the other day, and created some soft sweet cards, earlier this week.  Well, I just had to create one more.  Here it is!


Ok, a quick overview and then I must get started on a few other crafts.  I wasn't too wild about this one particular pattern paper.  The colors are soft and pretty but the design is kind of abstract.  So, to soften the whole look, I added a piece of vellum over the pattern paper.  I hope that isn't rude.  To help add some visual interest to the card, I also added some machine stitching using this wonderful silver metallic thread in a zig zag pattern.

Ok, so I have a few of these retired Tattered Angels frames.  LOVE THEM!  I used my TH Picket Fence distress ink to add a bit of a whitewash over the manilla frame.  And while the ink was wet, I dunked it into a tub of dazzling diamond glitter. For the sentiment I stamped and heat embossed in glacier white detail, 'Welcome Baby', onto a scrap piece of pool party card stock.  I added a small piece of a doily to the bottom.
I made two rolled flowers from (2) 1 1/2" circle of vellum card stock.  I added a pearl center, from MF.
I used a die to create the leaf shapes from SU! Neutrals DSP, with the gray polka dot pattern.

I wrapped a piece of white crochet trim over the seam of the vellum card stock.  I added a piece of this gorgeous pool party stitched saddle trim.  To add a little homemade-ness, I used my silver metallic thread and some machine stitching.
I used the same sweet pool party saddle stitch ribbon to make a tiny double bow.
I cute a tiny tag shape from a scrap piece of a pale blue pattern paper.  Stamped the 'Stork Delivery' with an old Crafty Secrets stamp.  I attached the little tag with a tiny safety pin.  I thought it added a little sweetness.  So why not?!
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my little piece of blog-land and have a look around.
I will have todays card, and many more, available for sale at tomorrows Spring Craft Sale!  Hope to see you there!


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Together Forever in Blue

The talented ladies over @ the Shabby Tea Room have the most beautiful inspiration photo, this week.  Just one look, and I am sure you can create something fabulous {smile}.  I typically don't use baby blue color.  However, the application of spring flowers and a bird; easy peasy!
take a look at their inspiration photo:

my disclaimer:
I did not add any spring flowers as embellishments, but rather I used a floral pattern paper.


I used a blue floral/text pattern paper from Melissa Frances, as the main panel.  Love the look.  I used my sewing machine to add some zig zag stitches with some silver metallic thread.
I used a string of hearts die to cut the decorative strip at the left top of the card.  I felt it needed some pizzazz, so I cut a banner piece from My Mind's Eye and stapled it the front.  I thought the crispness of the metal would add some visual interest.  I adhered a single blue button to the banner.  
I took a Tattered Angels flourish frame and covered it with picket fence distress ink and dazzling diamond glitter.  I backed the frame with a script text pattern paper by Paper Studios.  The large '&' is actually a wooden embellishment.  I used the picket fence distress ink and dazzling diamond glitter on it, too {smile}.
The sentiment pieces are from a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set.  I stamped the words in Jet Black Staz-On ink.  I stamped them on whisper white card stock and matted them with pool party textured card stock.
The swallow (bird) was actually cut with a die from Amuse Studios.  I used silver glitter paper from Stampin' Up!.  I cut the leaves from a light grey polka dot pattern paper.  I distressed the edges with picket fence distress ink and dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a light blue button tied with cream twine, and a white button to the middle of the card, to help add some visual interest to the empty space.  
Thank you for stopping by {smile}.  I hope you have been inspired and get a chance to play along with the challenge over @ the Shabby Tea Room.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Baby Blue

Whew.  It's been a week since I posted.  My apologies.  I have been busy crafting, and getting some new items in my Etsy shop.  But, I did sit down and craft some projects in blue.  The wonderfully talented ladies over @ the Shabby Tea Room have a super fun and creative challenge this week, entitled: Spring is Near. 

Here is their inspiration photo:

Ok, how gorgeous is that?  The requirements are to use baby blue, a bird and spring flowers.  I'm all over that.  {smile}

here is what I came up with:


Ok, I kinda took the requirements literally.   I don't have any embellishments that are flowers, but I have used some floral pattern papers {don't know if that counts}
Anyways, I used some new and not so new pattern papers.  The  bottom main panel is Melissa Frances.  As for the banners:  Paper Studio, Stampin' Up!, Melissa Frances, Authentique, and My Mind's Eye.   That gorgeous saddle stitch ribbon I used is retired Stampin' Up! and so is the stork image {frown}.

How funny that I used a stork for the 'bird'.  Anyways, I stamped the stork in Jet Black Staz-On solvent ink.  I used my blender pen to 'color' pieces of the image.  The baby is colored with blush blossom classic ink.  The baby's sash and ribbon is Bashful Blue classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I matted the main image onto a piece of sky blue card stock.  I used a watermark stamp and stamped some random water marks.  
The 'It's A Boy' stamp is from Crafty Secrets.   It's probably 5 yr old, so it may not be available any longer, also.

I used my silver metallic thread to sew the saddle stitch ribbon.  I thought it would add a nice sparkle. {smile}

This pretty organza ribbon is bashful blue by Stampin' Up! and it's retired, too.  Good golly, you'd think that I hadn't shopped for a paper craft item in over 2 years.  I created a simple double bow with the organza ribbon.
I created the tiny tag with the tiny tag die by Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the punched heart piece.  The tag sentiment is from a retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! too; tiny tags.  I stamped 'baby' in Jet Black Staz-On, only because I didn't want to get out of my chair to grab my basic black classic ink.  
To attach the tag to the bow, I simply used a tiny safety pin, in distressed silver.  Nothing fancy, but I thought the addition was quite cute {smile}.
Well, that's all for now.  I'll post a few of the other crafts I have been working on, probably tomorrow or the next day.  Just a heads up, they all use about the same pattern papers and ribbons.  Once I got everything out and started crafting, I just couldn't stop.  I don't typically like things to look too similar, but I am beginning to embrace 'change'.  {smile}
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have found some inspiration, and play along with the Shabby Tea Room challenge.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

homemade #335

I have been in my craft room getting ready for the Spring Craft Fair this month.  I really wanted to use some of this new pattern paper I received in the mail yesterday. . . Vintage Bliss.  It's the new collection from Simple Stories.  To say its gorgeous, is an understatement.  Or at least it is for me.  This pattern paper has all my favorite graphics: polka dots, text, florals, chevrons, doilies, canning jars, and prize ribbons!  Oh my!  
To help get me started into a creative mood (aka mojo) I turned to no other than the creative gals over @ Mojo Monday.  Seemed like the logical step.  Right?  Here is this weeks sketch.  Oh, and its a prize week (the first week of the month).

the sketch:

and here is my card:


I used crumb cake card stock for my base.  I then added pieces of the polka dot and plaid to a piece of whisper white card stock.  I added a thin strip of scallop bordered pool party texture card stock to separate the two patterns.  Then I ran this piece through my sewing machine and used more of that beautiful silver metallic thread around the border.
I took a piece of the floral text pattern paper and matted it with some more crumb cake card stock.  For my banner piece, I just had to add some crochet trim.  I really wanted to add that piece.  To give it some character, I stapled the crochet trim at the edge.
For my sentiment piece I used Country Born stamp set by CTMH.  I used Vintage Labels stamp set and matching die set by A Muse Studio, to create the decorative sentiment label.
For my butterfly, I stamped the image in versa mark, then added pool party embossing powder.  Heat set it onto vellum card stock and fussy cut it out by hand.  I added a small pearl to the butterflies body.
For my blossom, I hand made that.  I used two cotton candy colored sheer fabrics.  I cut 3-4 circles of different sizes.  Then I used my heat gun to melt the fabric.  I'm not a fan of using a flame to create the look, and my heat gun heats up rather nicely for this affect.  I added a single rhinestone bead I had left over from another project.  I used a blossom builder punch for the leaf shapes.  I used a green polka dot pattern paper for those.
Thank you for looking.  Hope you get a chance to head on over to the Mojo Monday blog and play along.  You could win their challenge!  Anyways, I hope I have inspired you, or at least gave you some eye candy {smile}.


Sunday, March 2, 2014

Spring . . . New Begining

It's not officially spring, yet.  But the weather in certain parts of the country make you think it is.  And what a perfect time to celebrate the arrival of a new bundle of joy!  
I selected some pretty pattern papers in some beautifully soft hues of spring.  Now I have 3 grandsons, but my granddaughters out number them 4 to 3.  For me, making girly stuff, is sooo much easier than making boy stuff.  So why fight it.
I looked around the internet, and found a super usable sketch for this particular creations, over @ Cardabilites.  Here is their sketch:


I just love all the banner pieces, staggered, and a variety of patterns.  It even has a sentiment banner!


This card was really a lot of fun to make {smile}.  The difficult part was photographing it.  The embossed piece would either look 'black' or a shadow.  urg.  
I heat embossed the sentiment in pewter embossing powder onto vellum card stock.  I used pattern paper from a variety of different companies.  I used a half 4" white paper doily for the scallop trim pieces.   I added a multi-loop bow under my corduroy button for the embellishment.   I added some machine stitching around the border of the card.  I thought it would add a little homespun creativity.
My ribbon piece, is actually two pieces.  I machine sewn the ribbon to the front of the card, with the bakers twine under, created a multi-loop bow, and used the bakers twine to secure the button to the bow.  Here is a photo:


Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with the wonderful folks @ Cardabilites.  This card will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair at the Albuquerque Christian School, March 15, 2014.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Life is Good . . .

Life is Good in the Country.  Wow.  That pretty much says it all!  Life is good out here.  There is a peace, a calm, but also a workable energy.  
I created a little framed sentiment today.  I used some pretty paper from Prima Marketing.  And then I added embellishments from my stash.  I'm still working with what I have, and not purchasing any new stuff with family money (another new year's resolution).

here is what I made:


I had a scrap of the Prima paper sitting on my craft table, and I thought the abstract images were the perfect back drop to my sentiment.  The frame I had left over from last year.  I made quite a few pin cushion frames, and this one hadn't been converted yet.  I used some seam binding, a vintage button, a clay rose, a tulle spray and a few paper blossoms.  
The sentiment I heat embossed, with an espresso colored embossing powder.  I really like how it turned out.  Sweetly simple!
This item will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico, later this month (March 15th).  I'm still trying to get the permits settled to sell some cupcakes.  Hope to see you there!