Handmade Legacy; Card

Holy Toledo!  I didn't realize I had been absent so long.  My sincere apologies.  I have been crafting Christmas items, and working on a few blank journals, and started some desk top calendars.  And I haven't photographed any of it.  {frown}

But, I did make this card yesterday, and didn't get to photograph it until late today.  See, my life is crazy.  I have started a new venture, so to speak.  Well, I didn't just 'start' it, I have been 'busy' with this since the middle of March.  My new venture: Running.  I know, you must be thinking: seriously? Yeah.  I spend three days a week running, and swim laps one day a week.  I still work full-time, still take call at the hospital 2-3 nights a week, cook, clean, take care of my dog and husband.  And carve out time to craft.  Crafting keeps me sane.  But so does running.  Running gives me a chance to just do that.  Nothing else.  I can't start laundry, get dinner started, vacuum, or walk the dog.  I can only RUN.  And it does give me a chance to clear my head, and think of crafting, layouts, colors, figure out sketches, and think about Christmas crafts.  

My running has taken a front seat to my life.  And it will soon slow down.  I am running 12 miles now.  And that takes just under 3 hours, each day I run.  Yep, three hours devoted to this only 'thing'.  I can't do anything else.  And so, once I find the time to do this, I really do need to complete it.  I am training for a half marathon.  And that race is quickly approaching.  I plan on staying with running even after this race.  However, on a modified schedule.  I'm looking at running for an hour or two 2 times a week, swimming laps one day a week, and then do a spin class one day a week.  To stay in shape, to do this for me.  It gives me an hour for a 'healthier me'.  And it helps clear my mind from work, and to help concentrate on crafting.  

I knew I wanted to make a card for a very special friend, so I went searching the internet for a layout to really show off these pattern papers I picked up recently.  And found this beautiful sketch from SaratovScrap.  here is the card sketch:

What I love about this sketch:  The layers, and the bits and pieces just under the blossom.  

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  The card base is made from Kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  One of my all time favorite kraft card stocks.  Its a beautiful color and easy to work with weight.  

The pattern papers are from Simple Stories:  Legacy.  Instead of adding strips of pattern papers I decided to layer them.  I roughed up the edges with a thread cutter and my finger nail.  I sponged the edges, with a light brown ink.  

I added some machine stitching to one side.  I thought that it would add a home-made feel to the over all look of the card.  

I added an old (1870) French theatre ticket to the lower portion of the card.  I thought the color and the 'print' help 'age' the card.  The 'handmade' label I hand-stamped using the Boutique Accessories stamp set by Paper Trey Ink, using Mint Macaroon classic ink by Stampin' Up!.

I added a Prima blossom.  I cut a pair of leaves to help make the blossom look more natural.  And finally, I added a trio of wood grain sequins.

I finished the inside of the card with a piece of vanilla card stock matted with Mint Macaroon card stock.  

I won't write inside the card.  Instead, I add a hand-written note on a post-it, and add it to the inside of the card.  That way, the person who receives it, can re-use the card.  Sometimes, it is nice to have a card or two (sometimes more) on hand for special occasions.  This card is off to the post office, to be mailed to my very special friend.  {smile}  Thank you for stopping by!  I'll share more crafts soon!