Saturday, April 15, 2017

Printed Flowers in My Garden

Howdy.  I hope you are well.  I have been working on my 'month of happiness' goals.  I hope you have, too.  Or at least journalling what you are grateful/thankful for each week.   I have.   I think that, recognizing what has brought me joy, or what has lead me down the road to joy, makes my heart feel rejuvenated.  {smile}
I needed to make a card for a girl friend.  You see, I mailed her one a few weeks back, and it never made it to her house.  Super sad.  It was a 'Thank You' card, for her support on a fund raiser.  So, I set out to find some inspiration on the internet, to get me started.  I stopped by a few favorite challenge sites:  Crafting by Designs, Really Reasonable Ribbon, and Mojo Monday.
I stopped by Mojo Monday, first, to get the sketch!  I thought that their current sketch, looked easy to work with.  And, as always, it's 'user friendly'.

My next stop, was Crafting by Designs.  I wanted to see what their current challenge is:  Girls or Flowers.  How super sweet, and I can do flowers!

My last stop, was Really Reasonable Ribbon, and they have a Flower theme challenge.  But, remember, you need to include ribbon, lace, or trim on your paper craft!

and here is what I crafted:



Recipe:  this is a typical A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The two pattern papers, is actually the same paper.  I used both sides {smile}.
I cut the pink pattern paper too short, (as illustrated in the sketch).  But, to me, it looked 'too short'.  So, I added a strip of champagne glitter paper, and used a lace edge hand-held punch, to create the decorative border.  I love how it looks.  The glitter paper adds the right amount of interest and sparkle.
I used my sewing machine to add a simple border around the pink pattern paper.  I then adhered the floral pattern paper.  I added a simple machine sewn border to that paper, as well.  
I sewn the seam binding to the card front, to secure it.  I just love how the sewing machine adds so much character and homespun look and feel, to a card.  {swoon}
I cut a rectangle of very vanilla card stock, and stamped my sentiment using soft suede classic ink.  I used a favorite stamp set from Paper Trey Ink; Choose Joy.  I adhered the sentiment piece onto a scrap piece of the champagne glitter paper, and adhered the sentiment to the card front with foam tape.  
I tied a double loop bow with the seam binding, and tied a vintage button to the bow with kraft twine.  To finish the card, I added a cluster of clear sequins to the right side of the card.
I hope that my friend likes the card I made her.  Unfortunately, if I don't purchase tracking, I can't count on the United States Postal Service to deliver my cards.  I have had bad luck, when it comes to mailing my hand made cards.  My cards require extra postage, and require hand canceling, and they seem to get 'lost' at the post office.  How frustrating, and annoying.  So, I won't focus on the lack of professionalism, or providing the service that I have paid for.  Instead, I will look at this as an opportunity to hand deliver my card to my friend {smile}!
  

2 comments:

Karen Letchworth said...

This is beautiful, Sharon. I love that shimmery border and the gorgeous ribbon. Thanks so much for sharing in our Flowers Challenge. I hope that you'll join us again soon.
Karen L
Really Reasonable Ribbon

www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

cherry said...

So sweet...thanks for playing with us at RRR!