Saturday, December 30, 2017

fa la la Peppermint

Howdy! and welcome.  I hope you all had a great holiday.  Me, I got the flu.  I have been in bed sick for a week now.  And for those who know me, I don't do well being 'down' or laid up in bed.  So, today, I decided, I'm getting up.  I am getting on with life.  Change your mindset, and you body will follow.  It's like when you have been running for 4 hours, and you have 3 miles left, and your legs are tired and heavy, and your mind is screaming at you to stop.  Just stop.  But, you have to turn down the volume in your head, push forward, and keep going.
I made another gift card holder this morning.  I am entering it in three of yesterday's challenge post.  I just loved the themes - Sparkle, Lace & Paint, and the sketch was super easy to work with.  So, here we go again!
First stop:  the wonderfully talented ladies over @ As You See It Challenge, have a fun challenge: Sparkle.  You have to add an element of sparkle to your project: glitter, sequins, glimmer paper, etc.  And let's just be honest here, who doesn't love sparkle?  It just makes you happy!


My next stop is Mistress Owl.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  It was super easy to work with yesterday, so why not use it again today.  This challenge site, is from Russia.  They do have a translate button, to help with the language barrier.  I just love their easy-to-work-with sketches.


And finally, my last stop is Shabby Chic.  Another challenge site from Russia, and again, they have a translate button.  This design team will certainly inspire you!  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  The mandatory elements are: Lace & Paint.  And your entry must be in Shabby Chic or Provence style.  (they have their definition of these styles on their challenge site)


and here is what I created:


different view:


Recipe:  I used Fine Linen card stock by PaperTreyInk for the gift card holder.  I thought it matched the angels in the pattern paper beautifully.  Again, I used Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk for the matts.  Its a deep red with orange undertones.  I used the red stripe pattern paper from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima, again.  I just love the look of the stripes. {smile}  The pattern paper I used for the main panels is a digital paper.  I printed it onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love using their white card stock to print my digital papers.  It takes the ink very well, and the card stock is light weight; making layering a breeze.
I used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch around each panel.  I think this little element adds a lot of homespun charm.  {smile}
I did a better job of lining up my trims.  I layered a white crochet trim, a taupe lace trim, and a mint ribbon.  I machine stitched them to the panels with silver thread.  The silver thread is beautiful, but quite a pain to work with.  The metallic in the thread gives it a bit of stretch, with little tension, so it breaks easily and frequently. {frown}.
I stacked two small journalling cards to the top panel.  I selected the 'fa la la' girls, and a December Bingo board card, this time.  I like how the 'fa la la' color matched the reindeer in my pattern paper.
I die-cut, stamped, and heat embossed the wreath.  I die-cut the wreath from Fine Linen card stock.  I stamped the wreath in VersaMark ink, and used my fine detail  white embossing powder.  This delicate wreath takes a steady hand in stamping.  My trick: place a contrasting color of card stock under the wreath, so when you stamp, you have a better view of lining-up the image.  I adhered the wreath to the front panel.
I tied a double bow with the mint ribbon.  I tied a small plastic peppermint candy to the mint bow with silver twine.  I wanted a bit more red on the card, so I adhered a red button to the bow's center.  To add a bit more sparkle, I added a mirror plastic star just above the button.
The paper blossoms were painted and glittered.  I used a white pearl paint to the petals, and while the paint was still wet, I dunked the blossoms into glitter.
I painted two silver jingle bells with gesso, and glitter.  I tied them with silver bakers twine.  Then tucked them under the larger blossom.  Again, I wanted more red, so I tucked in a red pom pom by the cream paper blossom.
My sentiment was not hand-stamped.  The sentiment is actually from a holiday tag.  I simply trimmed it down with scissors, and did a double matt: pure poppy and fine linen card stock.  I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment.  I wanted it to be lifted off the card front.
Thank you for looking!  I hope this last weekend of 2017 ends just how you want it to.  For me, I will be enjoying the quiet time at home.  And I am sure you have guessed that I will be out running.  I am going to do my best at getting in 10-12 miles tomorrow. {smile}


Friday, December 29, 2017

Holiday Sweet Peppermint

~  photo heavy ~

Howdy!  I wanted to share with you a craft I made during the holidays.  I think it turned out super sweet, and well, I was really in love with it! {smile}  So, I want to share it with you!
Now, along with sharing this craft with you, I am entering it in 5 different challenges.  Wow, five.  That's a lot.  But, why not share what you love with the world, right?!  And so, grab a cup/glass of something: coffee, tea, champagne, or simply water.  
My first two challenge site stops are from Russia.  Yep, all the way over there!  I just love how different cultures 'see' paper crafting.  Simply gorgeous work, from all aspects of the world.
My first stop in Russia, is a challenge site:  Shabby Chic.  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  You should really check out this group of talented ladies work.  Their work is very pretty, shabby, and super sweet.  Their current challenge has two required elements: paint and lace.  That just sounds like a fun, and creative!  (They have a translate button)


The next challenge site from Russia is Mistress Owl.  This wonderfully creative design team has sketches, and mood boards, that are very user-friendly!  Their current challenge is a sketch.  (They have a translate button)

Now, the next two challenge sites are Anything Goes.  First one, SugarPeaDesigns.  The thing I love about this challenge site, is the time it allows for challenges - a month.  Very accommodating for all of us living busy lives, but still find time to craft!



And the other Anything Goes challenge is Crafting By Designs.  The challenge site is very family friendly, and encourage the best of everyone who crafts.


And my final challenge site, is As You See It Challenge.  This challenge site provides sketches, themes, and color challenges.  So a little bit of a variety to keep you interested in playing along with each new challenge.  Their current challenge is a theme challenge - Sparkle.  So, you can add sequins, glitter, shimmer, etc.  And who doesn't love glitter/sparkle? {smile}


Now, before I reveal what I created, let me say, I hope all of you had a wonderfully grand holiday!
my paper craft project:


and a different view:


It's a packaged gift card holder.  Here is a view of this gift card holder opened:


Recipe: I started with Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Only because they have a great heavy weight card stock, that won't buckle with embellishments.  The red card stock matt, is actually Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk.  Again, another great heavy weight card stock that won't collapse.  
The pattern papers that I used as both from the same collection: Sweet Peppermint by Prima.  Yeah, it's a Christmas collection.  It debut last year.  Once I saw what Frank Garcia did with it, I just had to make a purchase.  To add a homespun look to my paper project, I added some machine stitching to the pattern papers.  Then, I simply added various embellishments to make it both fun, and pretty! {smile}
I also machine stitched some cotton scallop trim lace to both flaps.  I then added some red and white striped ribbon.  I just love the red color and the stripes on this cotton ribbon.
I edged the chipboard wreath in white paint and glitter.  I tucked a Bingo card behind in behind the wreath, just a bit off-center.  I thought the layer added some visual interest.
I added a scrap piece of the pattern paper to the inside of a small resin frame.  I had quite a few different selections (sledding children, bird, girl, santa, and others), but decided on the Santa Claus, because let's face it, Santa is King!
I added some paint and glitter to a pair of red jingle bells.  Once dry, I threaded some silver bakers twine through the jingle bells, and strung them to the left of the wreath.
I painted a white, creamy Prima paper blossom with more paint, and glitter.  Then adhered it just above the left side of the wreath.  A loop of the silver twine is peaking out of the upper right of the painted and glitter paper blossom.  I thought it added additional visual interest. {smile}
I tied a simple bow with that beautiful red striped ribbon.  And then tied a tiny plastic candy cane with thin silver twine to the center of the bow.  The bow was adhered to this projects front with my hot glue gun.  I selected to add the bow here, because my strips of red stripe ribbon didn't quite line-up as well, as I hoped they would.  So, why not turn a 'mistake' into 'an opportunity to embellish'!
I hand-stamped my sentiment with basic black archival ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I used a sentiment from the Love Lives Here Holiday stamp set by PaperTreyInk.  Then matted it with a scrap piece of the Pure Poppy card stock.  Finally, adhering it the gift card holder with foam tape.
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites {smile}!


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

It's a Blue Wednesday

Welcome.  I am so happy you have decided to stop by today.  I have some good news.  I am a Guest Designer, again, for the wonderful ladies @ Word Art Wednesday.  {smile}  How absolutely fabulous is that?
If you have a chance, you really must play along with this challenge site.  The ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, run their challenges for 2 weeks, provide you with a scripture to add to your paper craft, and their theme is generally Anything Goes - Family Friendly!  How wonderfully different.
here is what I created:


Recipe:  This blank inside greeting card is a typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I used crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up! as my card base.  I just love this creamy kraft colored, heavy weight card stock for card bases.  
I then layered two pattern papers from Prima Marketing Something Blue collection.  I just love the vintage look of these papers.  I layered the vintage, faded green text pattern paper on top of the distressed black text paper.  I added a simple single border stitch, with my sewing sewing machine.


I wrapped both a matching seam binding and a soft, delicate lace trim around the front of the card.  
I printed a digital library card, that I believe matched these pattern papers beautifully.  
I printed the scripture onto whisper white card stock, then matted it on a scrap piece of crumb cake card stock, and adhered it to the card front with foam tape.
I selected a few pale blue-green blossoms to add to the front of my card.  But first, I painted the petals with a pearl white paint and then dusted them with fine glitter.  I adhered those paper blossoms to the card front.  And then tucked a double bow tied with the seam binding, just below the largest paper blossom.  And the final touch was adding a clear faceted button just below the bow.  Viola!
I hope that you have an opportunity to play along with the wonderful ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday.  {smile}


Saturday, December 16, 2017

Welcome Christmas

Howdy.  I hope this post finds you well, and still have some holiday spirit left after countless hours standing in line, searching for a parking space, and logging in your required hours at work.  {smile}
I, like so many of you out there, I have different groups of friends, and they all want to get together for the holidays.  So, the crafting for family and friends doesn't really stop until, well, never.  It does slow down the few days between Christmas and News Year.  
For this particular group of friends, we always do a white elephant gift exchange.  There are only 2 requirements, $10 limit, and must be something craft-y.  Check, and check.  I grabbed a package of white coffee filters, and the ring from a mason jar.  
I am entering my creation into a 'new-to-me' challenge:  Crafty Calendar Challenge: It's Christmas.  You are free to create anything, JUST make sure, your creation matches their theme.  Check.
And here is what I came-up with:


Ta-Da!  I made a Holiday Ornament.  I cut each coffee filter into quarters, and then a rough circle.  I dyed the cut coffee filters with tea.  Dried them in the dryer; its fast and super easy.
I added the silver star and thin satin ribbon 'hanger' before adding the coffee filter folds.
Then, I created rough folders with each 'circle', and hot glued them to the ring of a mason jar lid.  I lined them up, and got them pretty close, so there wouldn't be any gaps.
I took tiny cream colored paper flowers, and painted them with a shimmer pearl paint.  Then I added glitter while the paint was wet, so the glitter would adhere.  I added an odd number of blossoms, to keep the wreath 'interesting'.
The final addition, is the 'Merry Christmas' banner.  I hand-stamped the sentiment in archival black ink onto white card stock.  I cut flag ends, and bent the strip into this fancy looking banner.  {smile}
Viola.  Something sweet, vintage, shabby chic, and with a bit of country charm.  {smile} Just my style!  Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to create something beautiful for those special folks in your life.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

A Chocolate Hug & Kiss

Howdy, I hope this post finds you well, organized, and in the holiday spirit!  I wanted to share with you a little project I did, for several sweet folks in my life.  
I wanted to 'package' some chocolates in a fun and festive way.  But, something a little different, and sweet.  So, I headed to Pinterest.  (who doesn't these days)  And I stumbled (happily) across these tiny little chocolate packages.  When I say 'tiny' that is exactly what I mean.  T I N Y !!!  But super cute!  Ok, let's just admit somethings are just more adorable when you shrink them.  These little packages are no exception to that rule.  So, I set out to my craft room, and whipped up 13 of them.

here they are:

the whole lot

Now, when I photographed them, I forgot to add something to the photo to show scale.  So, I will just describe the tininess.  Each little teeny tiny package holds one Hershey Kiss and one Hershey Hug.  And you have to put them in point to point, or you won't be able to close the little 'box'.  That's how teeny tiny they are.  But, the adorable-ness is off the charts!
I found a tutorial on-line, so I quickly made one 'sample', and then some whipped them up.  Super fast, and easy.  And they used scraps to complete.  So more bonus points. {smile}  
The original designer is Dani Dziama.  She is a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and on their official design team for 2017.  So, just a quick pointer if you make these: random pattern paper works best.  But if you use directional pattern paper, cut your pattern 4 1/4" wide, and pay close attention as to which end you put the closure.

a close-up

I wrapped the tops with various Stampin' Up! ribbon I had on hand.  These narrow ribbons work best.  Also, I added a dimensional adhesive (aka foam tape) to the back of each small oval sentiment.  Just to elevate it off the package.  I think these turned out super sweet!  And who knows they just may make an appearance at next years holiday craft fair!  {smile}
Well, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to create something unique and sweet for the folks in your life.  I am off to baking cupcakes.  A super sweet friend has placed an order of milk chocolate cake, sweet whipped filling, and green vanilla buttercream icing with tiny red hearts.  So, let's get this baking party started!  {smile}  They are for a Grinch-themed holiday party.  How fun is that?

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Guest Designer


Now, for the most exciting news:  I am the Guest Designer @ Word Art Wednesday!  How super fabulous is that?  I know I am blessed to have this opportunity to share my paper crafting with all of you, and I hope I don't disappoint you!   My crafting style is vintage, shabby-chic, with a little country flair thrown in.  Let me explain.  Vintage, because I like everything to look worn, used, old, but not grungey.  Think peeling paint, scruff marks, weathered.  Shabby-chic, because I like to add buttons, seam binding, machine stitching, pinks, blues (or any soft hue), and a splash of elegance/bling.  Country flair, because I like 'farmland' imagery: milk caps, chicken wire, vintage scales, mason jars, burlap, chickens (birds), and some recycled items.  I hope that makes my 'style' a little easier to understand/translate. {smile}

The lovely, and super talented ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, have an Anything Goes - Family Friendly challenge for you to participate in.  The challenge runs for two weeks, to help give you time to play along.  They provide you with a piece of scripture that you are welcome to include in your paper craft, but it is NOT required.  The design team has a wonderful collection of different style of crafters, so I am sure at least one of these creative ladies will inspire you to play along!
Here is the current challenge scripture:


and here is what I made:



Recipe:  I used vintage cream card stock as my card base.  I just love this heavy weight card stock.  It's thick, so it will stand up, even with all my layers and embellishments {smile}.
I used pattern paper from Prima Marketing.  It's not holiday themed paper, but this paper is easy to work with!  
I added a paper doily peaking out of the bottom of the top layer.  Then added some machine stitching.  
I wrapped some pale pink seam binding around the card front and tied a multi-loop bow.  I then tied a pink button to the center of the bow.  I also added a trio of sweet buttons along the bottom left corner.
I printed the scripture onto very vanilla card stock and adhered it over the seam binding.
I cut out a snowflake using champagne glitter paper.  I tucked it in under the sentiment piece.  I then stamped some pine braces using light grey and light pink ink.  I added glitter to the paper blossom, and then adhered it over the pine branches and snowflake.  To give my card a bit more sparkle, I added some sequins around the blossom.
Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you visit again! 


Sunday, December 3, 2017

Sweet Floral Holiday Bags

Howdy! I wanted to share with you a project I did.  I made a paper tote and gift bag.  But, I used non-holiday pattern paper, to make holiday themed bags.  Because like a lot of us can't always afford to purchase another collection of pattern paper.  And lets face it, I really need to start using the paper I have, and not keep adding to my collection {smile}.  I am entering the current challenge over @ A Snowflakes Promise Challenge - Anything Goes.


and here are my projects
the paper tote:


and here is my gift bag:


~ disclaimer:  I was crafting late into the evening, and lighting was scarce. ~

Recipe:  I used Cocoa Bean card stock, and snowflake die, are by Paper Trey Ink.  The pattern papers I have used are digital papers.  The sentiment is a stamp.  The vellum card stock, Early Espresso embossing powder, seam binding, ribbon, and champagne glitter paper are by Stampin' Up!.  The tulle trim is Mellissa Frances.    The two peach blossoms (on the tote) are from Recollections.  The beige blossom (on the bag) is from Prima.  The tiny pink ornament bulb is from a big box store.
The Tote:  I used a die from Paper Trey Ink to die cut the tote.  I layered the pattern paper onto solid card stock, and added some machine stitching.  I adhered the floral circle paper to the front of the tote with foam tape.  I tucked the snowflakes between these two layers.  I hot glued the blossoms to the corners.  To create the sentiment piece, I heat embossed the sentiment onto vellum and adhered it off center of the blossom circle.  And lastly, wrapped the ribbon around the tote, to help give it a finished look.
The Gift Bag:  I only had scraps of this pattern paper, so I wanted to use them up, before I started printing again.  The large floral pattern was a 6" x 6" piece.  So, I cut my piece 4 1/2" x 6", to use more of what I had.  I added two different polka dot papers, both of which were scraps.  I added some machine stitching to give it a homespun look.  I added the tulle trim and seam binding to help hide the seam where the two papers meet.  I tied the seam binding into a multiple loop bow, attached a bulb, and tucked in a paper blossom.  I created the sentiment piece, just like I did for the tote (heat embossing).  To hide the seam, at the top, where the two pattern papers joined, I added a scallop trimmed pattern paper.  I adhered the card stock panel to a paper bag.
These two types of bags were for sale at yesterdays craft fair.  I hope these two samples have given you some inspiration to use the non-holiday themed pattern paper for your next holiday paper craft.  {smile}

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Craft Fair

Howdy! and welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I hope this post finds you well.  Wow, the first weekend in December.  Whew, where does the time go?  I am at my one and only Holiday Arts & Craft fair today @ La Cueve High School, in Albuquerque, from 9a to 4p.  I am in my usual spot: B-Hall.  Stop by and see my paper crafts in person.  


Just like most craft fairs; arrive early for the best selection.  Remember to wear your walking shoes, and bring a bottle of water.  I hope to see you there!  And remember, I do take special requests/orders.  So, if I have made something that you love, but want more of the item (aka: a set of 8, etc) just let me know.  I don't charge more for these requests.  We can work out a time frame, and any other particulars.  Last year, I had a lady ask me to make her a few covers for her kleenex boxes.  Done.
I tried to take photos of various items I made threw out this paper craft extravaganza, so I will be posting them through out the upcoming weeks.  But, as always, if you are interested in any one item or a collection, just email me.  I will get back to you as soon as possible.  Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!


Thursday, November 30, 2017

Christmas Past

Howdy.  Yeah, I've been crafting! and it really makes me happy! {smile}  Sometimes, I need a task, and sometimes I just want to make pretty things.  This is task orientated.  But, it's good to have a focus {smile}.
I am entering my paper craft in three different challenges:  Double D Challenge, and If You Give a Crafter a Cookie.
My firs stop is Double D Challenge.  Their current challenge is: Here Comes Santa - Santa must be present on your craft.  You will certainly be inspired by this creative design team.


Next, the lovely folks over @ If You Give a Crafter a Cookie, their current challenge is a photo inspiration.  (santa's suit)  How perfect.  Oh my, the creativity and sweet Santa's.



and here is what I made:

card stock gift tote

decorated mini composition book

Recipe:  I used Kraft card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  Especially when creating boxes/bags.  {smile}
The pattern paper and tags are from Melissa Frances, the Countdown to Christmas collection.  I just love this vintage, nostalgic look of this holiday paper.  (I believe that this paper is from 3 years ago.)
I matted with Stampin' Up!s Very Vanilla card stock.  
I did hand-stamp the sentiment, for the card stock tote.  The sentiment on the mini notebook is actually a rub-on.  Yeah, I still have some of those {smile}.
I added machine stitching to both projects.  I felt that a simple border stitch would work nicely with this pattern paper collection.  
The tags are adhered to the front of the projects with foam tape.  
I used retired Stamping 'Up! ribbon for each project.  And I simply added odds and ends from my holiday embellishment stash - buttons, tinsel, jingle bells, fringe trim, chipboard stars, flat-back faux pearls, and tiny candy cane.
Thank you for looking.  These items (and so much more) will be for sale @ my holiday craft fair - held @ La Cueva High School.  Saturday, 9a - 4p.  Shop early for the best selection!



Monday, November 27, 2017

a Bright Pink Holiday

Howdy.  I hope you are well.  Me, I've been busy crafting.  I have a craft fair this weekend coming up, and so it's a 'craft-apolooza' here {smile}.  I have to stop myself, and take photos, or I'll just keep crafting.  Not, that that is a bad thing.  It just means I can't share what I've made.  {frown}
I came upon this bright pink and blue pattern paper.  Now, I'm not a bright any-color kind of person.  But the graphics in the patterns were just too sweet!  To me, it looked like something my oldest granddaughter would love.  So, yeah, I purchased the paper.  and I crafted a few things for the craft fair, too!
To help get my work out there, I am entering three different challenge sites: Get Creative Challenge, A Snowflakes Promise Challenge, and Word Art Wednesday.  My typical style is shabby chic.  But, this paper is just too sweet to pass up!
The folks over @ Get Creative Challenge, current challenge is: Holidays.  The design team will certainly get you inspired with their creative work.

The folks over @ A Snowflakes Promise, current challenge is: Anything Goes.  But don't let that stop you.  The design team has created some sassy paper crafts {smile}

And last, but certainly not least; the folks over @ Word Art Wednesday, current challenge is: Anything Goes - Family Friendly.  This group of super talented ladies will certainly inspire you.  They start each challenge with an explanation of a specific scripture.  And they provide you with a word document to add to your paper craft.  But it is not required.  

and here is what I made:


Let me first apologize for the photography.  It was getting late, and the lighting  in my house is awful for photographing, but wonderful for romantic evenings.  {smile}  The photo shop program I use, will lighten up the shadows, but washing out the bright hues of the colors.  So, this was a happy medium I found.
Recipe:  I used Mambo Pink & Tempting Turquoise card stocks from Stampin' Up!.  I used a die from Paper Trey Ink, to 'cut' the tote bag panels (front and back).  I used a snowflake die set by Paper Trey Ink to cut the snowflake pieces.  I used Dazzling Diamond glitter card stock from Stampin' Up! for the snowflakes.  Bermuda Blue ribbon from Amuse Studios.  The paper blossom is from a big box craft store.  The button is from the vintage aqua mist button collection, by Paper Trey Ink.  And finally, the silver snowflake charm and silver twine is from Stampin' Up!.
I just love the pink stripe pattern paper, so I used that as my main panel.  To introduce the bright blue, I added a strip of triangle pattern paper as the belly band piece.  I wrapped a piece of white cotton trim around the triangle pattern paper, to accent the softness & femininity of the collage pattern paper. 
I added some machine stitching to the main panel.  I just love how sweet it makes my paper crafts {smile}.   But, my heart just swoon over the holiday collage paper, so I made that my focal piece.  I matted the collage piece with Tempting Turquoise card stock, to help pop that blue!   And you know I just had to add some machine stitching to this piece, too!  I used foam tape to adhere this piece to the front of the 'tote'.  To add some sparkle, and tie into the theme, I cut out two snowflakes, using glitter paper.  I added a bright pink paper blossom to the larger snowflake, and an aqua button to the smaller snowflake.  I tied a silver snowflake charm to the vintage button, using silver twine (more sparkle).  I used hot glue to adhere the snowflakes and blossom/button, to the front panel.
And once I had the 'tote' put together, I wrapped the 'tote' in Bermuda blue satin ribbon.  This is a single sided satin ribbon.  That means that one side is shiny and the other matt.  I kept the ribbon shiny side up, to help add more sparkle.  (But, I just love the contrast of the matt side.)   Viola! that is my sweet bright pink holiday tote!
Now, don't forget to photograph your creations, or at least do it when the light is better, and then share what you made with all of us!  Have a great week!


Saturday, November 25, 2017

A Shabby Country Christmas

Howdy, and welcome.  This post is a bit long, so grab a cup of tea, coffee, or any other favorite beverage.  Today, I felt like 'talking'.
For those who know me, or follow me regularly, you know that I have a weakness for pinks, blues, creams, and trims.  I think I can make just about anything shabby chic, with little to no effort.  Just give me a hot glue gun, a jar of buttons, my basket of seam binding and cotton trims, and watch out! {smile}  I also know that it is not the 'love' of everyone. (not quite sure why not, but oh well.)
I posted a decorated notebook I made last night, and well, I just HAD to make more.  I ended up decorating three large notebooks (5 1/2" x 7"), and three little ones (3" x 4 1/2").  They all ended up being just as sweet as can be.  But, I figure you already knew that {smile}.  So, this morning I woke up and started decorating a few more notebooks, but wanted to use some of this 'new to me' pretty paper.  So, I am sharing my creation with you and a few challenge blogs:  Scrapslet, Your Next Stamp, and Word Art Wednesday.  Here we go!
My first stop was Scrapslet.  Their current challenge is a color challenge.  This challenge is from Russia, but they don't have a translate button {frown}.  However, this collection of crafty ladies will certainly inspire you!


My next stop was Your Next Stamp.  Their current challenge is both a sketch and an inspirational photo.  You can use either, or both.  I am using the sketch.  I love their sketches, because they allow you to add your own style to these super user-friendly sketches.  This challenge is no exception.

I rotated the sketch 90 degrees.

And my last stop was Word Art Wednesday.  This is a constant for me.  Their challenges always have a scripture and the warmth and acceptance from these ladies is contagious!  I have never met any of them in real life, but I imagine they are the kind of ladies you invite over for tea, and sit and chat for hours.  Just plain lovely folks.  Oh, their current challenge is anything goes - family friendly.


and so, here is what I did:

decorated notebook (5 1/2" x 7")

Recipe:  I started with an ugly black notebook.  Then, I grabbed supplies from my craft room, and made it pretty!  {smile}  I used a chocolate brown card stock as my base, and layered on some pretty digital paper.  I used my corner rounder punch to round the bottom corners of a few of the papers, to mimic the notebook cover.  
My firs layer of paper is this beautiful blue winter pattern paper.  I added a strip of tiny polka dot paper across the top.   I then cut a rectangle piece of the brown reindeer pattern paper and adhered it on top.  The sketch has this piece under the band.  But, I wanted it to peek out of the top of the trim.
I next used a die to cut the decorative piece of pink pattern paper.  And a different die to cut the sentiment piece.  I thought that the various decorative edges would work well together, and break up the repeating pattern of rounded corners.  I hand-stamped my sentiment onto the scallop trimmed rectangle and adhered it to the front of my paper stack with foam tape.  I then took this stack of papers to my sewing machine and started sewing.  I did simple borders on all the pattern papers, except the scallop rectangle (due to the foam tape).  
I wrapped the cream cotton trim around the band at the top.  And wrapped a pale pink seam binding piece around that.  I tied the seam binding into a simple know.  I didn't want the bow to compete with any of the embellishments.  (To me Junk Bows are eye catching!  so that is why I kept it simple.)
I used a medium size snowflake die to cut a snowflake out of white glitter paper.  I cut the snowflake in half, to embellish my blossom.   For the blossom, I stacked three 4-petal flowers on top of each other, staggering the petal placement.  I secured the three blossoms with a brad.  I hot glued a faux pearl & rhinestone gem to the center of the blossom.  I hot glued the blossom and the two pieces of snowflake to the lower left corner of the notebook.  I also hot glued a silver decorative snowflake to the right upper corner of the sentiment piece.  
And the big finale is the snowflake charm on the spiral and a coordinating pen.  I cut a thin piece of pattern paper, rolled it up tight, and stuck it in the barrel of the pen.  I hope you like it.  I think it came out beautifully.  Oh, and here is a photo of the second notebook I decorated with the same pattern paper.


Thank you for stopping by to have a look-see, as to what I crafted.  And yeah, I'll post again soon.  Sometimes its just hard to stop crafting and take a photo.  But, I'm working on it! {smile}
My one and only holiday craft fair is December 2, 2017 @ La Cueva High School (Albuquerque, NM) from 9a to 4p.   Come out and see my crafts in person.  I promise you won't be disappointed!


Friday, November 24, 2017

Sweet As A Peach

Howdy.  I found some time to decorate a spiral notebook.  I printed this pretty pattern paper, added some sparkle, and then added various trims:  cotton trim, satin ribbon, and a junk bow.  
I am entering my decorated notebook in the current challenge posted @ Word Art Wednesday.

I just love soft pinks, and pale blues, with vanilla/cream.  The mix of stripes, chevrons, polka dots, and florals.  So, you know that I just had to purchase this digital paper package.  And, I had a fun time putting this little work of creativity together {smile}.  Here is my creation:


This notebook measures roughly 5 1/2" x 7".  The paper inside is lined.  80 pages.  

I cut the pattern paper and adhered to the cocoa bean card stock.  I then added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  I love the homespun look it provides my crafts.  I machine stitched a wide section of cream cotton trim.  I wrapped a piece of gold satin ribbon around the front cover.  I tied the junk bow to a gold and rhinestone buckle.  I could not get the buckle to show in the photo, but it's there.  The sentiment is matted onto Cocoa Bean card stock.  I tucked a vanilla doily behind the sentiment piece.   
I added a trio of buttons that coordinated with the colors in the pattern paper to the bottom right corner of the notebook.  I added a trio of pale pink sequins to give the cover a little more sparkle.
Thank you for looking.  Oh, I also decorated a mini composition notebook.  



Thank you for stopping by.  I'll share more soon.