Let's Cook

Howdy! and welcome!  I've been a little busy getting some cards made, and well, I wanted to share the last one I made.  I had a request for some cupcakes, and you know me, I have to make them look delicious, package them pretty, and send along a card!  {smile}

I played along with two Anything Goes challenges, so I could create something simple, pretty, and just what I needed.  {smile}

I picked up this 'baking' pattern paper from our local scrapbooking store several weeks ago, only because I loved the paper.  And I finally got a chance to cut it!

I am entering my card @ Word Art Wednesday, for their Anything Goes challenge.  If you haven't played along with this talented group of ladies, you are certainly missing out.

I am also entering my card @ Brown Sugar Challenge, for their Anything Goes challenge, as well.  This design team will inspire you!  Please stop by and have a look.

and here is my card:

my card was selected as a 'Top 3' @ Word Art Wednesday

Recipe:  The card is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used my favorite kraft card stock as the base.  I love the color and feel of this heavy weight card stock.

I used pattern paper from Bo Bunny, Kiss the Cook collection.  I just love the colors, the nostalgic patterns, and the beautiful images.  It reminds me of a church picnic.  Everything homemade, and delicious!

I layered two different but coordinating pattern papers and machine stitched them together.   I think machine stitching adds some much character to the card.  {smile}

I wrapped some mint blue seam binding around the card front.  Layered a paper doily from Stampin' Up! on top of the ribbon.  I stamped an oven mitt in Mint Macaroon classic ink, by Stampin' Up! onto white linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.   I used  the Country Kitchen stamp set by FarmHouse Paper Co.  I fussy cut the mitt out with my scissors.  And adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I just love how this linen card stock gives the oven mitt the look of fabric!

Tied a multi-loop bow with the seam binding, and tied on a yellow button, to highlight the yellow in the pattern paper.

For my sentiment I used the Label Love stamp set by Altenew.  I am so loving this stamp set!  I stamped the sentiment  in basic black classic ink, onto vanilla card stock and fussy cut.  I adhered the sentiment bar to the card front with foam tape.

Viola!  My card isn't loaded with a pound of blossom, or trim, but I still think it looks sweet!  I hope you get a chance to create something beautiful and play along with these challenges!

Springtime in Primrose

Howdy, I wanted to share another Thank You card I made with the Primrose collection by Bo Bunny. I stopped by a few challenge sites to get some inspiration.  I used the same pattern papers in the same sequence.  I just added different paper blossoms, and different ribbon.  {smile}

I stopped by a new to me craft challenge site: Paper Craft Crew Challenge.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  Their sketch is easy to use.  I flipped the sketch upside down.

I just love the current challenge over @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge, Spring/Easter theme.

And one last final stop, is Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  a typical A2 card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  I used kraft card stock as the card base.  I love this soft, neutral color.  I used 3 of the pattern papers from the Primrose collection by Bo Bunny.  I just love the soft, innocent colors: spring green, warm vanilla, and a sweet pink.  The polka dot, and honey comb patterns add a sweet vintage, shabby chic appearance.

The floral pattern paper and the green honey comb pattern paper were machine stitched together.  I did a purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  

I used the pink trefoil pattern paper as middle stripe.  I wrapped white cotton trim, and this beautiful brown check ribbon around the pink trefoil pattern strip.  I machine stitched them to the paper.

My circle piece is actually a 2 1/2" circle layered onto a paper doily.  I just love these delicate doilies from Stampin' Up!.  

I stamped my sentiment onto a decorative label piece.  Instead of a button, I used a bow for my other circle element.  I thought it added a special softness, and femininity.

I added a white clay bee, for the small circle element on the opposite side of the large circle element.  

I also jazzed up my large circle element.  {smile}  I stamped several leaf trios, into two green inks.  I added a larger mint green blossom, as my main blossom.  I tucked 2 tiny pink rose buds at the top of the main blossom.  I added a pink rose and a brown blossom to the lower left of the main mint blossom.  

And finally, I added a trio of flat back half pearls.  

Thank You in Primrose

Howdy!  I needed to make a few Thank You cards, and set out to find some inspiration.  You know me, I have my favorite challenge sites.  So, let's get started.

My first stop was Mojo Monday Challenge.  They have very 'user-friendly' sketches, and this week, was no exception.  

Now, I needed a little more inspiration.  So, I stopped by Candy Floss Challenge.  They have a great inspiration mood board.  Beautiful colors, and images.

And a little more direction.  I stopped by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge.   Their current challenge is: Spring/Easter, with a ribbon, trim, or lace required element.  I can do that!

and here is what I made:

Typical A2 size card: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this warm kraft color.  For the pattern paper, I used a new paper collection from Bo Bunny - Primrose.  

The first layer (matt) is this beautiful soft green honeycomb pattern.  I love the subtle pattern, but the soft green spring-like color is just beautiful.

My favorite pattern paper in this collection, is this stunning rose and polka dot pattern paper.  The roses are a mix of cream, soft pink, and a soft green.  The colors say, 'Springtime' to me.  But this pattern paper also has a romantic, shabby chic, look.  I machine stitched a purposefully sloppy double border stitch all the way around.  I just love the homespun look, this gives my cards.

I used the medium pink trefoil pattern, for the strip across the card.  I machine stitched a white cotton eyelet trim, and spring green satin ribbon.  I just love how this ribbon matches the green color scheme in this pattern paper collection.

I added a cream delicate paper doily to the back of my large circle.  To make it the base to the paper blossom, I stamped the leaves in two coordinating green colors (pistachio, and pear).  I first sprayed my paper blossom with shimmer mist, to give it some sparkle.  (I love sparkle).  I hot glued the blossom to the large paper circle.

I stamped my sentiment in burlap ink.  I first cut the decorative shape from a die, and then stamped.  I added a bow to the card front, and finally a trio of flat back pearls.  Viola!

Coffee, Friends, and Birthdays

Howdy.  Me?  I've been crafting.  {smile}  Doesn't saying that statement, just make you happy?  It makes me happy!  One of my best friends, had a birthday last weekend.  And we celebrated today at work.  By 'celebrating' I mean, we had sweets, and ordered lunch.  I was going to make cupcakes, but she loves my fudge-y brownies.  So, I made brownies.  {smile}

I also made her birthday card.  I know that you are not surprised by that.  Right!  I was 'shopping' at a local paper crafting shop, when I spotted this new paper line by Julie Nutting French Flea Market.   This beautiful pattern paper collection, is perfect for both female birthday cards and Mother's Day cards.  

I stopped by one of my favorite sketch challenge sites: Mojo Monday.  This sketch challenge site is very user-friendly, and the design team will certainly inspire you with their creativity!

I love the large circle.  You know I instantly thought: doily!

I also stopped by another favorite challenge site: Word Art Wednesday.  I especially love this challenge site, because of their faith, creativity, and inspiration.    This challenge site, has Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  

and here is what I crafted:

Let me first apologize for the photography of this card.  I made the card @ 4a, and there was no natural sunlight.   And I was not able to download these images until after I delivered the card.  {frown}

Recipe: this is a typical A2 size card: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  I used the 'Accessories' paper for the main panel of this card.  I cut a narrow strip of 'Robe de Soiree' paper across the lower third of the card.  

I then sewn a simple border stitch around the card front.

For my large circle, I used a vanilla paper lace doily.  I thought it added a feminine accent.

I wrapped some pale blue seam binding around the card front, and tied a simple bow to the far right of the card.

I cut a scallop square from a die, using whisper white card stock.  I stamped my sentiment onto this scallop square.  I used the Prefect Blend stamp set by Stampin' Up! for the sentiment and the coffee cup(s).  I matted the sentiment square onto 'Belles Fleurs' paper.  

For the coffee cups, I did some stamping and fussy cutting.  I stamped the cups onto whisper white card stock.  And layered different pattern papers onto the stamped cups.  

For the bottom cup, I used back side of the of the 'Robe de Soiree' pattern paper.  I just love the blue damask print.  I used a scrap piece of the same paper for the coffee cuff.

For the top cup, I stamped the coffee cup onto 'Belles Fleurs' pattern paper.  I wanted to repeat the pink polka dots.  I stamped the coffee cuff onto a piece of 'Lettre D'Amour' pattern paper.  I adhered this cup to the card front with foam adhesive.  For a final touch, I added a tiny button to each coffee cuff.

Thank you for looking.  Again, my apologizes for the crummy photos.

Happy Butterflies

Welcome.  Today, I want to share with you a magnetic inspirational board.  I used a chipboard coaster.  You know, the kind you get at some restaurants.  (4" x 4")  

Recipe:

I covered the logo on the chipboard coaster with this teal, aqua colored pattern paper.  I distressed the edges with white acrylic paint.  Then I started on my main piece.  I used the other side of the white polka dot pattern paper, the butterfly side.  I distressed the edges with more white paint, and roughed them up a bit.  I added a purposefully sloppy double border stitch with my sewing machine.  I then added a strip of pale pink seam binding and a narrow cream cotton eyelet trim.  I machine stitched them to the paper.  I adhered this piece to the paper covered coaster with foam tape.

I printed a small Bingo card, and an ephemera piece.  The ephemera piece has butterflies, some washi tape, and a ticket that says, 'Happy'.  Who wouldn't love that?  I distressed the edges with more paint, and crinkled them.  I added more foam tape to these two ephemera pieces.  I tied a simple bow with gold tinsel, and layered a double bow tied with the pale pink seam binding.  I added some paint and glitter to a wooden button, and tied them all together with some gold bakers twine.  

I added my sentiment, or inspirational word just right of the bows.  I stamped the word in VersaMark, and used antique gold embossing powder, and heat set.  I also used the same heat embossing technique with a butterfly I stamped onto the ephemera piece.

And finally, I added some white paint to the seam binding bow.  Viola!  

Butterfly Notes

Howdy! and welcome.  I have been busy with work, and keeping up with chores and other obligations, that my crafting had to take a back seat for a quite a few days.  Seven, to be exact! {grimace}.  But, have no fear, I have carved out some time to create a card for a few challenges.  {smile}  I hope you haven't given up on me.

There are two of my favorite card challenges that typically have Anything Goes as their themes, and so it really allows me to just create.  You gotta love that!  So, here we go!

My first stop was Brown Sugar Challenge.  They have a talented design team, and let's face it, sometimes we just need some inspiration.

My next stop was Word Art Wednesday.  This group of ladies will certainly inspire you on a creative level and on a faith level, too!  

My last stop is Stampin' Royalty.  This card challenge site, has a theme this week- Spring.  When I think of the word, 'Spring' I think of flowers, butterflies, beautiful colors, and fresh air!

and here is what I made:

my card was selected as a 'top 3 honor' @ Word Art Wednesday!

Recipe:  My card is a typical A2 size:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  The card base is this beautiful kraft colored card stock.  I just love the 'brown paper bag' color!  I used three different pattern papers for the base layer.  I started with a beautiful butterfly pattern by Crate Paper.  Then I added a strip of text paper and a layer of music paper.  I distressed the edges of the papers and sponged kraft ink on them.  I did a messy machine stitch all the way around the card.  twice.  

I cut out a ephemera ticket, and distressed its edges in the same manner.  I also added a scrap piece of an aqua colored paper doily to the right side.  I adhered this piece to the card front.

I wrapped a piece of aqua blue seam binding around the card front.  I thought it matched the paper doily perfectly.  

I stamped my blossom cluster in soft suede classic ink, onto white linen card stock.  I used the coordinating die to cut it out.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I tucked-in my sentiment.  The sentiment is actually the pattern paper name, that I cut down and added a banner edge.

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and tied a cream button to the bow's center with kraft twine.  I made a large bow with the twine behind the seam binding bow, when I tied-on the button.

I added a trio of iridescent sequins and a few transparent sequins, randomly to the card front, just to give it a little more sparkle.  Because who doesn't love sparkle! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I'm heading back into my craft room, to create an inspirational magnet.  I love the small size of these.  I've made several before, but hadn't had an opportunity to photograph any before they were packed-up, and mailed.  {frown}

March Happiness

Howdy!  I completely forgot to share this months happiness challenge with everyone, my apologies!  I create a monthly happiness challenge to help me stay focused on staying positive.  It is too easy to stay mad, sad, upset, or frustrated with difficult dilemmas in our lives.  And, I just don't want to spend any more of my time or energy on this negative behavior. 

I can change my focus by running, baking, or crafting.  These activities are the easiest for me.  But they aren't the most practical.  So, I need some different activities.  For me, the easiest way to create happiness, is to do something that causes someone else to find happiness (aka: smile, laugh, or simply feel happy/blessed)!  So, here is this month's challenge.  

(my apologies again for being late in sharing this!)

Some of these activities are easy.  Some require more thought or planning.  But all of them are do-able.  I hope you can join me in completing one a week, or more!  My goal is to complete all of them each week.  {smile}

Butterflies & Tickets

Howdy.  Whew, I've been a bit busy!  I almost feel like I have been pulled in 6 different directions at once.  But, I am happy that my life is settling down, or will be back to 'normal' tomorrow.  I don't know how some folks live everyday with so much stress {grimace}.  

All of my grandchildren are in Elementary School, and well, that translates to several fund raisers from each grandchild.  Now, if the fund raiser is unique, or something a bit more creative than candy bars, I will schlep their products or schpeel to work and pitch to my co-workers.  My oldest grandson's class was selling car wash vouchers.  Everyone needs a car wash, and well, I haven't seen this one.  So, I took the order form to work, and went around pedaling car wash vouchers.  And viola! I sold over 30 car wash vouchers!  Now, I need a way to present them.  And let's face it, if the packaging is pretty, and you already bought the product, it just makes it better!  And now, I just need a little inspiration from some favorite challenge sites, to get the creative juices flowing!  This also gave me a chance to play along with a few of my favorite paper crafting challenges - sounds like a 'win-win'!

My first stop was Mojo Monday.   I needed a sketch to get me started, and it's contest week, so why not! Right!  These talented folks always have consistent user-friendly sketches.  And since this is the first full week in the month, it's a contest.  3 random winners are selected.  How exiting is that!  

here is their current sketch:

You know, when I first saw the sketch, I instantly thought of a doily for the large circle.  Well, so did everyone else.  And no one likes to be a sheep, so I switched it up!

My next stop was Word Art Wednesday.  Now, if I was to give an award, to a challenge site for having the nicest design team, they would win hands down!  This team, is talented, but also very nice.  You always feel welcome to join their challenges, and the inspirational quote is just begging to be used in your paper craft.   Their theme is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.

I don't always use the scripture that they provide, but it is always fun to see what their design team comes up with.  Very, very talented group of crafters.

here is what I created:

my card was selected as a 'winner' for Mojo Monday card contest

and as a 'top 3' for Word Art Wednesday challenge

I switched the large circle element for a rectangle.  

And I replaced the red blossom with a sentiment.

Recipe:  This is a traditional A2 card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  And it fits in the envelope beautifully!  I used a random butterfly pattern paper for the main panel.  This pattern paper is from Crate Paper, and is from the Notes & Things collection. I just love the artsy version of the butterflies.  

I used a 'ticket' for the large  circle shape on the left of the card.  It is actually a pattern paper of random tickets.  The 'ticket' pattern paper is from Crate Paper also, but from their Confetti collection.  I just cut a 3 3/4" x 3 7/8" piece off.   (when I find a pattern paper that is very versatile and easy to use, I purchase the whole package = 25 sheets.  And that is what I did with both of these collections.)

I didn't want too much pattern on my card, so I opted for a ribbon piece in place of the long rectangle.   And I tied my bow upside down, so you could see the silhouette I stamped.

I stamped my silhouette in Soft Suede classic ink, by Stampin' Up! onto white shimmer card stock.  I wanted a little more character from the card stock, so my circle wouldn't look too flat.  I picked up the silhouette stamp from a clearance bin @ a big box store for 72 cents.

I stamped my sentiment onto white card stock in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! and then fussy cut the sentiment.  I used my Label Love stamp set from Altenew.  I am really loving this stamp set.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  To help elevate it off the card front.  Viola.  Quick, and easy.  I had over a dozen of these to make, so I wanted something I could mass produce, but not too plain.  I had so much fun creating this card, that I will make a set of these and put them in my Etsy shop for sale.  I'll add some machine stitching and a few other pieces.  So, look for those soon.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you get a chance to carve out some crafting time, to create something beautiful!  It really does the soul good, to just create!  This weekend, I will be baking something sweet! and I'll share a photo or two!  Fingers crossed that it comes out just as I planned.  {smile}

Running

Hello.  I have been absent, but not sleeping.  I was preparing and running another Disney race.  This time I ran @ Disney World, in Orlando, Florida.  

I ran two races @ the Princess Weekend; a 5K (3.1 miles) and the half marathon (13.1 miles) during the same weekend.  This trip/race was run for fun.  If running 13 miles is fun.  {grimace}  The Princess theme for this years race was Beauty in the Beast, with medals that match!  I traveled with my best friend and running buddy: Nichole.  We travel very well together, and always have a great time. {smile}

5K medal: tea pot

This is us, after we ran our first race: 5K.  And yeah, Nichole made our shirts!  We typically wear our own 'pants', but we always want to look like we 'belong together'.  So, our navy wicking shirts, have large white Mickey ears on them, with the Princess Castle cut out of the bottom.  We enjoyed every mile of that run.  We ran through the amusement park, and enjoyed all the scenery!

We spend the next day looking through Disney themed stores, and other shops @ Disney Springs.  We did a little carb loading that evening, and went to bed early that evening, to prepare for our bis race.

Along the 13.1 mile route, we stopped at various mile markers for photo opportunities.  But, the most magical stop, was the half-way point: the Princess Castle.  It was truly magical! and unforgettable!

When we crossed the finish line, the announcer said my name!  It was very surprising and exciting at the same time!

half marathon medal: a cloche with a red rose

We finished the run without struggle, and alive with energy!  Oh, and yeah, matching outfits!  And yes, Nichole made these running shirts too!  The tiara and 13.1 were done in a coordinating pink!  How perfect!  

The weather was perfect while we were in the Orlando area.  The mornings were mid 50's for our races, and the afternoons warmed up to mid 70's, so we could enjoy walking around town.

Stay tuned, we are running @ Disney in a few months - May.  Look for more race photos then.