Sunday, July 31, 2016

Printed Blossoms

Howdy!  Ok, I'm getting 'better' at this new updated photo editing program.  I didn't spend too many hours fighting with it figuring it out.   So, I photographed a new card I made, uploaded it, and sorta happy with it.  
I am playing along in two challenges.  Each challenge is on different sides of the world.  How cool is that?  My first stop is in the USA:  Sugar Pea Designs Challenge.  This challenge site has a clever challenge idea.  They give you a theme, an inspiration board, and a sketch.  You can play with any one element or match them all together.  Pretty creative and super clever.  Here is the current (and soon retiring) challenge #8.
(I used the sketch)

And the other challenge I am playing along with, is from Russia: scrap-pygovka   This challenge is to use the colors and elements in the inspiration board.  You can use any theme, and I believe any project: tags, cards, albums, etc.  Love the 'freedom' to just create!  Here is their inspiration board:
(I used pale green and various pinks)

and here is what I made:


Recipe:  I made a standard A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I sponged some distress linen ink to all the edges of the card stocks, and pattern papers.  The card base is made from Cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  (have I mentioned that I love this heavy weight card stock for card bases?)  My matt is made from mellow moss card stock by Stampin' Up!.  It was retired probably 5 years ago(?).  I just love the vintage look of this green.  It more of a grayish green.  The two pattern papers I used are from Anna Griffin, the Camilla Collection.  Very pretty, soft, and very feminine.

When I was constructing this card, I adhered the green pattern paper first.  Then I added the cream cotton trim.  I adhered the floral pattern paper.  And then I machine stitched the Coconut Seam Binding to the front of the card.  I then added my single border stitch all the way around the card front.  I love the way machine stitching looks on cards, and it also adds a little more staying power.  
I stamped my sentiment in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!, onto a scrap piece of cream card stock, and layered a scrap piece of mellow moss card stock.  The sentiment banner is adhered to the card front with foam tape.
I tied a double bow with another length of Coconut seam binding, and adhered the bow to the card front with hot glue.  
I painted the tips of the deep pink paper blossom with some shimmer paint.  Then adhered the paper blossom to the top of the bow.
One final touch, was the trio of creamy taupe-colored flat back faux pearls.  Viola!  Pretty, elegant, and simple.  Well, this is about as clean and simple as I get.  
Thank you so much for stopping by to see what I have created.  I am off to get started on my shabby chic utility apron.  I'm excited to start, but also kinda nervous.  The fabric I am using was shipped from the Netherlands, so I need to make one cut, and not mess this up!   Pressure!  Fingers crossed.  Stay tuned!

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Gracious Hostess

Ugh, have I mentioned that I am NOT a fan of this new upgrade on my photo editing program!  I hate it!  It is difficult to navigate and utilize.  And yes, that has kept me from sharing.  I spend more time using this new improved program, then I do creating a craft.  And that is awful!  Especially since I spend anywhere from 2-3 hours to complete projects.  I don't have this kind of time to sit and click, and click, and search, and click some more to be at the beginning.  UGH!  
Anyways, I created a card for a current challenge and wanted to take a quick photo, edit it, upload it, and move on with my day.  Now that I have been up for 4hrs 'working' on this. . .   I am DONE!
Mojo Monday Card Sketch challenge has a very creative sketch that I just couldn't wait to work with.  


here is what I made:



Recipe:  My card base is Cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock for card bases.  LOVE IT!
All the pattern papers are from Prima.  Yeah, I am still working with products I have on hand.  One of which is this beautiful pattern paper from Prima - Printery Collection.   Its a lot of text paper with vintage graphics on it.  The main colors are black, cream, and mint.  Just gorgeous!  Even those cute tags are in the paper pack.   (I used the 6" x 6" pad.) 
I also broke open a package of decorative brads by Spare Parts - Deer Assortment.  I used the 'gem' brad to secure my lace bow to the card front.   I sprinkled on some gold sequins by Studio Calico.  
And what card wouldn't be complete without some machine stitching and beautiful trims!  Yes, I added some beautiful cotton trim (left over from an earlier project), and some mint lace by Stampin' Up!.
I almost forgot!  I hand-stamped my sentiment onto a scrap piece of the pattern paper in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I used the Text Style mixed messages stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.  I used foam tape to 'lift' the sentiment off the card.
Well, I need to get out on the road this morning and run 6 miles.  My training hasn't stopped.  I have 3 more races this summer: a 10K, and 2 half-marathons.  So, I need to get out there before the temp reaches 85.  Because then its just brutal.
Thank you so much for stopping by.  I promise, I will get the hang of this updated photo editing program before the summer ends.  (fingers crossed)  Ugh, and now I  have a pop up to upgrade by blogger.  I think I will pass.


Monday, July 18, 2016

Hello There Friend

Howdy.  I made a card yesterday for a special girlfriend.  She moved to Yuma about 4-5 years ago.  I miss her most days.  She was always easy to talk to, and had such a great outlook on life.  A very positive person.  Anyways, I wanted to send her a card.  A very special card, for a special woman.
I am entering my creation into the current challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday, for their anything goes challenge.
I am also entering the current challenge over @ Crafting by Designs, for their flowers & lace challenge.  My flowers are digital, but my lace is real.  {smile}

here is what I came up with:


Let me apologize for the 'rough' photo.  I am still figuring out the new upgrade on my photo program.  

Recipe:  I used white card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love their heavy weight card stock.  It works great for card bases.
I used a scrap piece of baja breeze designer pattern paper, by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the faded blue color.  Very vintage, and works with shabby chic style paper crafts {smile}.  
I adhered a digital library card to the center.  I added a double border with my sewing machine.  I just love sewing on cards. 
I wrapped a piece of white lace and baja breeze seam binding around the lower portion of the library card.  I secured the trims to the card front with a double machine stitch.  
I tied a double bow with the seam binding.  I also tied a silver star with some thin silver cord, and created a simple bow.  I tied the silver bow and seam binding bow together with a pale pink button.
I inked the stamp with basic black classic ink, and stamped directly onto the library card.  
To add some softness (and hide an ink smudge) I added a trio of marshmallow sequins to the card front.  Now, I need to get this card into the mail.  Thank you for looking. {smile}
I really enjoyed working with these library cards, so I will be making a few to sell in my Etsy shop.



Saturday, July 16, 2016

Hold My Photo

Howdy!  Just a quick post.  My computer did some upgrades, and I spent too much time figuring out how to get some of my applications to do what I need them to do.  UGH!  Not too happy with the upgrades.  A tough learning curve for me.  {so much so, I missed the deadline for a challenge.  Yeah, not cool.}  Anyways, enough of my complaining.  Let's get to crafting!
The first challenge I am entering is Freetany Flowers.  They have an adorable inspirational challenge board for their current challenge.  
I just love the pinks, and green.  The softness and the feminine touches.  very pretty!  And I can work with this!  

The second challenge site I am entering is Scrap Therapy.  Their current challenge is a sketch.


I just love the simplicity and the elegance of this sketch.  Pretty elements, beautiful shapes.

The last challenge site I am entering is Crafting by Designs.  Their current challenge is flowers & lace.  How simply pretty!

and here is what I made:

photographed stuck to a refrigerator


I made a magnetic photo holder.  The inside of the frame measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".  So, a tiny photo.  Maybe one that has been cut from a wallet size photo.  But precious anyway you trim it!
Recipe:  I used a text pattern paper from the Heart Painted collection, by LemonCraft.  I just love the shade of green.  It looks like the color of leaves in the spring time. {smile}  I painted some white acrylic paint along the edges, to give it a shabby chic feel. 


I created a ruffle with the cream cotton trim.  The trim is 2" wide.  So, it has a lovely workable length. Then I machine stitched it to the chipboard.  I added a pale pink cotton ruffle piece across the seam.
I tied a multi-loop bow from a pale pink seam binding.  I tied a flat metal safety pin to the bow, and added some tiny rhinestones.  I thought the rhinestones added some sparkle, and love it! 
I sprayed two pink paper blossoms with a shimmer mist.  I adhered them to the right of the bow and at the right lower edge of the frame.  I distressed a digital rose ticket and tucked it under the paper blossoms and pink cotton ruffle.  I also added a white floral shape button between the paper blossoms.  (its hard to see, because it blends in so well.  But think of it as a surprise found treasure.)
To the right of the white resin frame, I folded a white crochet doily in half and adhered it next to the frame.  I added a fabric brad to the bottom left corner of the white resin frame.  It adds some softness,  and a pop of a darker pink, just like the paper blossoms.
I adhered the magnet to the back of this chipboard piece.  The magnet covers the machine stitching, to help the back look 'clean' and finished.
Thank you for looking.  I'm running out the door, to meet some friends.  Create something beautiful!


Sunday, July 10, 2016

She Reached Double Digits

Howdy, and welcome.  Yeah, been a bit busy with crafting, decorating, cooking, baking, and getting everything in place for my annual hosting of Bunco.  It was a success.  Everyone ate too much, and laughed too much, too!  {smile}  Is there such a thing?  Well, everyone had a grand time, and I am thankful for such wonderful friends!
And along the lines of celebrating, guess who has turned 10 years old?  Yep, my oldest granddaughter.  Crazy, right?  I don't think of myself as old.  But, I have 7 grandchildren.  So, maybe its their parents that are old, and not me.  {smile}
My granddaughter H, is such a wonderful girl.  She is kind, considerate, smart, talented, and simply beautiful!  She scored in the top 3 of the state during scholastic testing.  She reads at a much higher grade level then the one she is in.  She is in gift classes for math and science.  She dances competitively, and is so graceful.  She is creative and artistic - she has won some art contests at her school.  She makes bracelets and sells out during craft fairs.   She is such a warm, and loving kid, too!  Gosh, I could simply go on and on about how wonderful she is.  But, then it just looks like I'm bragging.  {smile}
I made her birthday card.  You aren't surprised by that, are you?  And I wanted to make something girl-y, something sweet, and beautiful.  
I am entering H's card in three challenges.  My first stop is Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is anything goes, and family friendly.   I just love the creativity of their design team.  
My second stop is The Ribbon Girl Blog.  Their current challenge is anything goes, but you have to use ribbon, and it has to be a card.   Easy peasy!
And the final challenge is Cupcake Inspirations.  Their inspiration is a cupcake!


I used the colors and not the flamingo. 
this card was selected as their 'winner' & 'sweet six'!  
I have posted my badge on my Awards page.

here is what I came up with!


Recipe:  I created an A2 size card.  (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The card base is made from Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this color of blue.  Its a blue green aqua color.  Very shabby chic.  The pink gingham pattern paper is from My Mind's Eye.  It came out about 4-5 years ago.  Yeah, I love this paper, and I have a few sheets left.  (when I run across a paper that I love, I buy a package = 25 sheets of the same 12" x 12" paper.)
I used the same pool party card stock to matt the smaller rectangle on.  I wanted it to look like it belongs, that is why I repeat colors and papers.  The beautiful floral, pink polka dot, text paper, is actually a digital download.  I printed it onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how beautiful my digital papers print on this card stock.  I used foam tape to lift this panel off of the card front.
I hand-stamped my sentiment onto the floral text paper.  I used basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up!, and the Number of Years stamp set.   I cut the numbers out, I  used the Number of Years matching die and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper by Stampin' Up!.   I used foam tape to pop up the numbers.
I wrapped and machine sewn some white lace and pale blue seam binding across the front.   I made a triple loop bow out of the same seam binding.  I used some pale pink bakers twine to tie a white vintage button to the bow.  I adhered the bow & button to the card front with hot glue.  I tied a scrap piece of the pink bakers twine through a small white blossom shaped button, and adhered it to the card front, too.  
Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you have been inspired to create something beautiful today!


Monday, July 4, 2016

Shabby Chic Feminine Magnetic N

Howdy, I had so much fun creating a beautiful monogram for a customer, that I just had to make another to put in my Etsy shop, HERE.
I take naked, plain, boring letters, and paint them, add paper, trims, buttons, and bows!  To create beautiful, one-of-a-kind, magnetic monograms.  Here is my latest creation, and yes, it is available for purchase!


These little beauties are approximate 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall.  I love to add layers of pretty pieces from my stash.  Unfortunately, the photography doesn't do them justice.  You can't tell in the photo, but that pale pink thin tinsel is actually tied around the khaki seam binding, with a button between them.  
If you would like a special magnetic letter, too! just convo me @ my Etsy shop.  Let me know what you love, what you hate, and attach any inspirational photo.  Give me a week, and see what I have created just for YOU!


Sunday, July 3, 2016

Shabby Chic Altered Monogram G

Howdy.  I hope you are having a great holiday weekend.  Please don't forget, to take a moment and thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, so you can enjoy your freedoms.   God Bless America!
I love to create, and make all sorts of items: cards, cakes, altered monograms, pies, altered art, gourmet dinners, and so much more!  I sell a fair amount of my crafts in my Etsy shop HERE.  And I will even create something special and custom for a client.   All you have to do is ask.  Easy Peasy.  Just let me know what  you like, what you hate, color(s), and any inspirational photos you may have. And that is exactly what I did for a special lady Lari.  She wanted a custom altered monogram, and sent me a photo of the space where it will go, and viola!  Here is what I did:



I covered the naked letter with this beautiful green and pink pattern paper.  I painted the letter a white-cream color.  And then added pretty little details!  There is a piece of pink cotton ruffle material.  And then a double white cotton ruffle material.   I tied a piece of pale pink seam binding around the letter, and made a triple bow.  I tied a white button to the bow with thin silver tinsel.  I tucked a flat back faux pearl and button at the bottom.  I tucked in a white resin frame, just above the bow.  I added white paint and glitter to the pink paper blossom, and then adhered it inside the frame.  I tucked in a little white tulle and pearls.  I painted a metal bird with white paint and dipped it into some glitter.  I took a piece of sand paper and distressed the bird a bit.  I adhered the bird to a stick pin, and tucked him in behind the frame as well.  I added a vintage button and another flat back faux pearl.   I added a trio of flat back faux pearls to the leg of the G.  
This is a custom order from my Etsy shop.  Distressed, vintage, shabby chic, feminine, and just plain pretty!  I have several different letters with slightly different looks.  If you don't see what you are looking for, just convo me, and give me the opportunity to create something one-of-a-kind, and unique just for you!   I don't charge more for custom orders.  Just ask that you give me a week, to create something beautiful just for you!