Sweet Lilac; Card

Welcome.  If you don't know, I am training to run a half marathon later this summer.  And, boy does running take a lot of my time.  {grimace}  But, I have learned a few things about running:

1) you have to do it for yourself!  It has to be something you want.

2) encouragement from family and friends is intoxicating.

3) you should learn to love it, because it is just you and the road.  

I am running three days a week; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And that eats up a lot of my time.   Tuesdays and Thursdays have specific miles for those days.  And Saturdays, those are my 'long' days.  So, yesterday, I got up at 5am, and went running @ 6am.  I need time to drink coffee, take Sasha (my dog) out for her walk, make her breakfast, and get motivated to put in the time and distance.  Yesterday's distance: 8.2 miles.  My time was ok.  But that activity alone, just running, took up 2 hours of my morning.  Then, I still needed to eat breakfast, take a shower, and get ready to head out the door, for other commitments.   But, I imagine soccer (or another sport) moms, or dance moms have the same time commitments.  

So, today, after I had time to drink coffee and take care of Sasha, I set out to my craft room.  I really miss crafting!  I kept my focus, and crafted a card for someone specific.  I used the inspiration from two different craft challenges:  a sketch and an inspiration photo.

My first stop was Kafe Scrapo Mama.  This challenge has only one requirement: a lilac flower.  It can be stamped, photo, or an actual flower.  Easy enough.  Here is their board:

This challenge is open from 9 June to 9 July 2015.  So, I do encourage you to play along.  The design team has created some beautiful pieces to share! and these colors are so soft, and sweet!

For the sketch challenge, I am using a sketch from a past challenge.  This challenge closed yesterday. Just my luck, right!  But, I love it, so I am using it.  The sketch comes from Retro Sketches.

*

*Please be aware, that this challenge has already closed.  But, I just love this sketch!  I will most likely use it in the future for other items.

and here is what I created:

I was really inspired by the white elements in the Lilac inspiration photo.  Along with the books and the vase holding all those beautiful lilacs.  So I really wanted to use those elements where I could.

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this as an anchoring element.  I used a Teresa Collins white and light grey floral pattern paper as the largest pattern piece.  I thought this mimic the window/mirror in the photo.  I matted that pattern piece with a scrap of lilac colored textured card stock.  

I added two different but supporting pattern pieces for the 'tore' piece in the sketch.  One is a text pattern paper from Stampin' Up! that is retired, and no longer available.  I also added an 'old' Melissa Frances pattern paper to the 'stack'.  I distressed the edges and layered them crooked.

I wrapped a piece of pale purple seam binding around them, and added a scrap piece of white crochet trim.  I added a pale purple dangle to a multi-loop bow, and adhered it to the side of the lilac card.

The lilac card is actually a digital image that I printed from my computer.

I added two trios of sequins to opposite corners, and added a banner  tag.  I hand-stamped the sentiment onto white card stock.  I used my scissors and hand-cut the banner end.  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of the lilac textured card stock.  I added a scrap piece of the white crochet trim to the top of the banner, and stapled the banner to the card front.

Well, I now need to run into town to purchase a gift card to go inside this card, and get it out in the mail.  Thank you for stopping by!  I hope this weekend is enjoyable!