Sunday, December 23, 2018

Rustic Christmas

Happy Holidays to everyone.  I created a card for one of my favorite challenge sites.  And this has 2 happy endings - I got the opportunity to get back into my craft room, and I am a guest designer!  The wonderfully creative ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have asked me to create a card for their current challenge {yahoo!}.
So, without further ado, here is my card:


Recipe:  this blank-inside card is a typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I used a soft kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this true 'cardboard' color.  I used a 'peeled paint' pattern paper as my first matt.  I love this worn look.  It reminds me of old country barns.

The second matt, is a soft, vintage plaid of red, green, and cream/vanilla.  It looks so country, and so home-y.    I did add a kraft matt, to this plaid matt, and then used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch to this piece.  I wrapped a piece of red buffalo check ribbon around the pattern papers, and then tied a simple bow.  To keep with the over-all look of the card, I tied a wooden button to the bow with thin silver cord.  There is a tiny charm tied to that wooden button.  It is a vintage holy leaf with a bell.
To add a little flair, I added a candy striped poinsettia just above the button-bow combo.  This paper blossom is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima. I thought the stripes matched beautifully with the plaid in the matt, and that vintage silver glitter just adds the right amount of nostalgia {smile}.  I used the word file provided by Word Art Wednesday for my sentiment.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  And it works just beautifully!
My card is simple.  But, I think it has a lot of flair and country charm!  I hope you are able to play along with us @ Word Art Wednesday.  Because I know we just can't wait to see what you create!
I hope everyone had a nice Christmas holiday, and was able to spend time with family and friends.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

YOU are special card

Howdy.  I wanted to share a card I made, not for anyone specific.  Just to craft.  I wanted to make something pretty, feminine, and special.  {smile}
I picked up some pretty floral pattern paper, and a metallic polka dot pattern paper at a local big box store.  One sheet each.  It had to be the cheapest, I had EVER walked out of a craft store.  Under $2.  I think my minimal purchase was so worth the trip.  Here is what I made!


Recipe:  I used Stampin' Up! card stock for the card base and matt.  I used a simple rectangle of the floral pattern paper for the card front.  The floral paper is just so pretty, I didn't want to cover it up.  I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, to help convey the homemade feeling.
I used my Top Note die to cut the decorative piece out of the silver metallic polka dot paper.  I wrapped some white cotton trim around the top note piece, and machine sewn the trim in place.  I wrapped some navy blue corduroy ribbon around the white cotton trim.  I adhered the decorative piece to the left side of the card, to showcase both the floral pattern paper, but to have the decorative shape peeking out.

I did a two-step stamp for the sentiment.  I did a silver metallic embossing powder for the main word: you.  I stamped the rest of the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  I cut a simple, shallow flag banner to the right side of the sentiment rectangle.
I added a Prima blossom, I had in my stash, because I love pink.  {smile}  I tied a simple bow with the blue corduroy ribbon, and tucked it under the blossom.  I used my fabric scissors to cut a banner edge to the ends of the ribbon.  I thought this pop of blue really shows off the blue accent blossoms in the pattern paper.  
My final touch, was the trio of iridescent, structured dots.  Viola!  and now, I want to make more pretty things with this beautiful pattern papers!  Let me get back into my craft room!  See ya soon!


Saturday, October 6, 2018

Classic Thank You

Good Morning.  And welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I am still crafting with what I have in my craft room.  Let me just say, that it can be both overwhelming and liberating at the same time.  I have grown into quite the paper craft hoarder collector.  I believe with all honesty I could open my own paper crafting supply store with what I have on hand.  {yikes}
But, one of my New Year's Resolutions, has been to start using what I have instead of purchasing new supplies.  Now, don't get me wrong, I still make purchases, just a lot smaller in quantity and $$$.  {a whole lot smaller}  
I am playing along with two groups of wonderfully talented paper crafters today.  
My first stop is @ Paper Craft Crew Challenge #309.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  And I love a good sketch.  To me, a good sketch is one that is super versatile and can be embellished or clean and simple.  Here is their sketch:
(Stampin' Up! products used: card stock, glimmer paper, and thin silver cord)

See what I mean!  The circle can be any shape, or item (blossom, doily, star, witch, etc) and the scallop border can be just that, or any other decorative border, or lace.  Can you see it?
My next stop is over @ Word Art Wednesday  This beautiful challenge site, is always Anything Goes, Family Friendly.  Now who wouldn't love to play along with them.  They provide a scripture that you can use with your paper craft, but is not required.  

and here is what I created:


Recipe:  this blank inside greeting card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The card base is made with Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the hue of this blue.  The blue pattern papers are from American Crafts.  I just love the aquamarine color.  And those grey and white blossoms are just gorgeous!
I used some glitter paper from Stampin' Up! for both the scallop trim and a small banner piece under the sentiment to add sparkle.  I had a scrap piece of a grey plaid pattern paper, so I'm not sure who the manufacturer is, but I believe it is core'dinations.  
I did a slim dark grey matt under the blossom pattern paper, and machine stitched all the layers together.  I also machine stitched the ribbon across the card.  I tied a double bow with the ribbon, and tied the bow to a vintage Aqua Mist button, by Paper Trey Ink, using  thin silver cord by Stampin' Up!.  I hot glued the bow-button combo to the card front.  I added a light grey faux half pearl to the center of the double bow.
I stamped my sentiment: Thank You, in a basic grey classic ink onto a scrap piece of shimmer white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I used a favorite stamp set by Altnew: Label Love.  I used foam tape to lift the sentiment off the front of the card.
I used my one and only dark grey fabric blossom by CTMH.  I thought it worked perfectly.  And my final touch, was the addition of a trio of brushed silver sequins.
Thank you for looking, and I surely hope you get a chance to create something beautiful today! {smile}


Thursday, September 13, 2018

Something Blue Plastic Money

Welcome.  If you were here the last few days, you saw a paper tote and a Birthday card I created with the Something Blue collection by Prima.  And today, I want to share the large packaged gift card holder I created with the same collection.  I know that this paper collection has a wedding theme.  But I just love the patterns, colors, and images.  It has that shabby chic, vintage look.  And we all have used themed collections for different projects. {smile}


Recipe:  This gift card holder, holds one of those gift cards that you purchase at the grocery store, or Walgreens that comes 'packaged'.  So, instead of ripping open the packaging and pulling out the gift card, you simply slide the whole thing inside.  Like a big, beautiful 'pocket'.  [yes, I make quite a few of these for craft fairs - it makes gift giving easy.]
To keep each part of these 'gifts' coordinating, I repeated the colors, the pattern papers, the embellishments, and the little touches.  It's the easiest way to make all parts of the package look like they all belong together.  [repeat, repeat, and repeat.]
I started with Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  [I can't rave enough about the quality, strength, and durability of this card stock.  It holds up to all of my embellishing!]
I used the dark grey polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I just love the simple beauty of polka dots.  I then used the dark grey, white, and kraft bird print pattern paper as the main panel.  I love the birds!  I did pay close attention, to make sure all my patterns are oriented in the correct direction.  [Little details like this, do show your love.]  I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine to the layered papers.  Now, before you get anxious, it really isn't that hard.  I always have my sewing machine out, so access to it, is a breeze.  I add a little adhesive to the middle of the stacked papers, and stitch along the border.  It doesn't have to be perfect - actually that adds visual interest.  But please don't be sloppy.  There is a difference between sloppy, tailored, and allowing the machine to run in its own direction.  {smile}
I used one of the journalling cards as my sentiment piece: true story.  I wanted something already printed, to add to the 'finished' look.  I used a few different 'book' themed stamps for my sentiments, but wanted something more personal.  So, I used a fancy script stamp set from PaperTrey Ink: Penned Elegance.  The sentiments are general, but have this beautifully fancy font.  
I didn't want to compete with the beautiful pattern paper, so I simply added trims that complements the paper.  I used a scrap piece of cream lace.  It's about 2" - 2 1/2" wide.  I then layered a mint striped ribbon over the center of the lace.  
I wanted to make the white accents in the pattern paper pop, so I added a white paper blossom.   This big, beautiful paper blossom, is from the 1$ bin at one of those big box craft stores.  [yes, I have a few packages of paper blossoms from these bins, always on hand.]  I added a mint glitter leaf from Prima to the paper blossom.  I believe these glittered leaves are from the Peppermint collection by Prima.  I felt the blossom needed a little more, so I added a simple bow to the upper left of the blossom.  But I wanted it to have a presence, so I added it upside down.  I just love how this little change in orientation adds something pretty!
All of my metallic additions to this birthday package collection have been silver.  So here is where I made a change.  Something I usually don't do.  But these large white blossoms came with gold accents.  I didn't want to fuss too much with the blossoms, so I ran with it.
I added two vintage buttons just below where the journal card falls.  I selected one mint and one white.  Both to tie in the color theme.  But since the paper blossom has gold accents, I used gold cord to tie the buttons.  I only added two buttons, because I added the clay star.  Yes, the star is made from clay - glitter clay, by me, and baked.  
Inside the gift card holder, I used the same dark grey classic ink, to hand stamp Happy Birthday.  I used a stamp from the same collection: Penned Elegance, so the stamping would match in font.
Thank you for looking.  I hope you have found some inspiration.  Inspiration to either create something new, or use a color you aren't fond of, or use a collection in a direct direction, or simply get back into your craft room.  Whatever you do, to express your creativity does speak volumes to your soul.  {smile}

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Happy Birthday Lynnette

Thank you for coming back.  I want to share a Birthday card, I made for my friend Lynette.  If you saw yesterday's post, you know my friend loves a good book, and all things vintage.  {smile}
I used the same paper collection for the card: Something Blue by Prima.


Recipe:  I used the same Kraft card stock for the card base, that I used to create her paper tote.  I love this heavy weight card stock!
I layered the kraft, grey, and white bird pattern paper as the matt.  I added a scrap piece of the mint text pattern paper as the main panel.  I just love the contrast.  
I cut a decorative shape out of the text & fauna pattern paper.  [using the same pattern papers on the tote, and through out the 'gifts' helps tie the whole gift collection together.]  Then I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.   However, when I came to the decorative piece, I wanted the machine stitching to be decorative, too.  So, I did a zig zag stitch there.  I love how machine stitching adds some much love to paper crafts {smile}. 
The floral library card, is from a digital piece.  I thought the library card really conveys the book theme {smile}.  Yes, there are methods to my madness.
I used a sentiment from the Book Club stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I stamped the sentiment in dark grey classic ink.  
To add a bit of pizzazz to the card front, I added a junk bow to the top of the library card.  I used scrap pieces of mint lace, cream crochet trim, gold velvet ribbon, chenille trim, gold striped ribbon, aqua seam binding, pale pink seam binding, silver stripe cream ribbon, and cream lace.  I tied the junk bow together with silver cord.  I added an aqua mist button to the center of the junk bow.
I wanted to repeat the aqua color, so I added an aqua paper blossom.  
As usual, I wrote my 'note' on a post-it note inside the card.  That way, the recipient can re-use the card.  Not everyone does.  I have a friend who frames her birthday card each year. {smile}
Thank you for looking.  I hope your week is going well.  Remember, to take time for yourself.  If not every day, at least once a week.  You are important! and loved {smile}.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Birthday Blue

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I hadn't realized that it's been a month since I last posted.  I have been crafting.  I guess life has me pulled in too many different directions.  Just like the rest of you.  Life gets busy, and we don't always have enough time in the day to get everything done that we want.  {frown}
This past weekend, a sweet, dear friend was celebrating her birthday.  And well, I wanted to craft something special for her. {smile}  My friend, is a lover of shabby chic, and a junking girl, just like me.  She also loves simpler things in life: a good book, afternoon tea, needle-work, family, and close friends.  
My favorite styles of crafting are shabby chic, retro, and vintage.  So, crafting something for this special girl friend, is easy.  I pulled out some pattern paper by Prima: Something Blue.  I know, this is a 'wedding' themed collection.  But, I think I can make it work {wink}.
I am sharing with you a gift tote that I created.  I also crafted a Birthday card, a bookmark, an extra card for her stash, and a packaged gift card holder.  Let's start with the tote:


Recipe:  The card stock tote is made from Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  I just love their heavy weight card stock.  Sturdy, and strong!  I layered the pink and cream polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I then added the text & fauna printed pattern paper.  I love how the two pattern papers contrast each other.  I added a simple border stitch to the pattern papers.  
I wanted to add some visual interest and design, so I decided to add two large banner pennants.  I wanted to keep with the contrast, but to play-up the main floral pattern paper.  I used the mint text and black text pattern papers for these banner pieces.  The pattern paper that I truly love, is the floral pattern paper that was added last.  I wanted a decorative shape, so I went with a 'top note' shape.  
I wanted to soften the contrast of the black pattern paper, so I added a small piece of a white paper doily peeking out of the bottom of the pretty floral pattern piece.  To help add a little feminine touch, I added a pair of pale mint half faux pearls parallel to the edge of the tote.
This dear friend, has a love of books.  So, I wanted to include 'books' as an underlining theme.  I pulled out my All Booked Up stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I inked the 'tag' portion of this sentiment piece in Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment and circle piece in Dark Grey classic ink.  I used foam tape to the back of the circle piece and sentiment piece, to lift them off the front of the tag piece.  
I tied a simple bow with rose seam binding to the top of the 'tag'.  I tied a faux pearl and an aqua mist button to the bow with silver cord.  I wanted soft, shabby colors that contrast (rose and aqua), but also a feminine touch (pearl).  To help add some bling & metallic, I selected the silver cord.
I wanted to continue with the softness that trims can add, so I selected a white lace, a rose cotton scallop trim, and a kraft seam binding.  To continue with the metallic, I added a piece of cream and silver bakers twine across the kraft seam binding.  I added a paper blossom from the same Something Blue collection by Prima.  I tied a simple bow with the silver metallic bakers twine just behind the paper blossom.  I used a small snippet of the rose cotton scallop trim, in place of leaves.  This continues with the rose color with the seam binding and cotton trim.
Thank you so much for looking.  I'll post an image and write-up for the Birthday card tomorrow.


Thursday, August 9, 2018

Baby Boy Collection

Howdy.  I purchased a few items from the Heaven Sent 2 collection by Prima.  Let me start by saying how sweet and beautiful the pattern papers, blossoms, and the embellishments are.  So, it was very easy to create a variety of paper crafts using this collection.  



I created a gift bag, a small gift box, a pizza box, a greeting card, and two different sizes of gift card holders.  I used Kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink as the base for all of these items.  I did use two different blue matts: Aqua Mist by Paper Trey Ink, and Lost Lagoon by Stampin' Up!.  I used silver as an accent only on the large packaged gift card holder.  I used gold as the accent metallic on everything else.  I mostly liked white paper blossoms, but there are two blue blossoms.  
And yes, all these items will be available at my craft shows.  Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have seen something that makes you smile.  Have a great day, and I hope you have a chance to create something beautiful!

Monday, August 6, 2018

Cherry Money

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I can't believe that it has been so many weeks, since I posted.  YIKES!  Well, I haven't stopped crafting.  Apparently I have stopped photographing my work.  I will get some photos uploaded soon.  I have been working on a few baby themed items.  I'm using the Heaven Sent 2 collection by Prima.  Oh my, is it gorgeous and a lot of fun to work with! {smile}  I am working on some non-holiday items for a few Holiday Craft Fairs, this year.  And well, I was afraid of running out of time, so I started in June.  We will see how this goes.
Anyway, I took a break from baby stuff, to create a sample money holder.  If you have been to my booth at a craft fair, you know that I alway have a sample of what is packaged, so you can play with it, see how it works, get a feel for the dimensions, etc.  Sometimes, the gift is cash.  Not always a bad idea.  Sometimes, that's what works for the occasion, the recipient, or what you want to give.
It is a simple money holder, in that you open the 'card' and there is a slot for cash.  See, super simple. No bells or whistles.  Clean, easy, simple, and sometimes just the perfect gift.  {smile}
here it is:


Recipe:  I used True Black card stock, by Paper Trey Ink, as the base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  It will stand-up to my embellishing.  And that's a good thing.
I used pattern paper from the Cherry Blossom collection by Prima.  I wanted something soft, feminine, and pretty.
I machine stitched a simple border around the main panel.  And then I machine stitched the three trims: pale pink seam binding, white crochet trim, and a black & white check ribbon.  
The banner piece is a different pattern paper from the same collection.  To help give it structure, I matted it with a scrap piece of the True Black card stock.  I added foam tape to the top and flag end of the banner piece.  To keep it from squishing the trio of trims.
I hot glued a large pale pink paper blossom, I picked-up from a large box craft store, earlier last year. I added a pink and gold glitter leaf from Prima.  And tied a thin gold string through a tiny pale pink vintage button, and add those to the banner piece, as well.
I used my die-cut machine & a die, to create the sentiment piece.  I also used a different pattern paper from the same collection.  I selected a pattern paper that wasn't too busy, but still had the same color scheme.  I inked my sentiment stamp in Basic Black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! and hand-stamped the sentiment.  I adhered this sentiment piece to the money holder with foam tape, as well.  
I tied a triple bow with the pale pink seam binding, and added a faux pearl brad to the center of the bow.  I adhered the bow to the front of the money holder with hot glue.  And my final touch, is a trio of pink faux half-pearls.
I am still trying to decide if I want to add some white paint and glitter to the tips of the large paper blossom.  Let me know what you think.  I'm kinda on the fence with that one.
Now, I'm off to make a few baby-themed money holders, and a few small gift card holders.
I hope you have a chance to craft today!  I know my soul always feels so much happier when I do!

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Heaven Sent Baby

Howdy! and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I have been creating, and running.  So, to say that I have been busy, would be correct {smile}.  But, today, I moved my running to tomorrow, so that I could paper craft.  It feels like forever, since I've paper crafted, and so the whole experience was well deserved, and surely needed {smile}.
I am entering my creation in two different card challenges:  Word Art Wednesday & Cupcake Inspirations.  I am happy with my creations and happy to have had this time to create.  {feeling blessed}
My firs stop is @ Cupcake Inspirations.  If you haven't stopped by their blog, please do.  This design team will certainly inspire you, and the cupcakes for inspiration are beautiful!

And then, I stopped by one of my favorite challenge sites:  Word Art Wednesday.  If you haven't stopped by this challenge site, I encourage you to do so.  This design team is very creative, and their challenges are always: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  

and here is what I created:


Recipe:  blank inside card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").
I used Kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base, due to the heavy weight.
I used pattern paper from Heaven Sent 2 by Prima.
I layered three different pattern papers and machine stitched them together.  
I added white embroidery trim and pale aqua seam binding across the card front.  I added a double bow tied with the same seam binding.  I added a tiny safety pin to the center of the bow.  I added a hand-stamped tag and metallic charm.  
I tucked-in a cream paper doily by Stampin' Up!.  I simply cut the doily in half, so I could use the other half on another card - see below.


I added a tiny embroidery hoop by Stampin' Up!.  I used pattern paper by Prima to back the hoop.  I hand-stamped 'Sweet Baby' in classic black ink by Stampin' Up! onto a scrap piece of pattern paper.  I added this little sentiment to the inside of the hoop with foam tape.  I hot glued a tiny white paper blossom inside the hoop.   The blue blossom is from Prima, and coordinates with the pattern paper.
I added a trio of tiny vintage buttons, tied with gold and white twine.  I hot glued the tied buttons to the card front.  

here is the other card I made with the same materials:


I am planning on creating a few more items with these materials, tomorrow.  Fingers crossed that I have the time needed.
Thank you for looking, and I hope that you have a chance to play along with either or both of these challenge sites.  

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Mother's Coupon

Howdy.  I hope you are well.  Me, I'm busy, tired, training, and still working.  I don't always get to craft as much as I want.  But, I did carve out some time, to get this card created, and in the mail.  It's a hand-made card I made my mom, for Mother's Day.  I used items I already had.  Because sometimes you just need to stop spending $, when your stash is overgrown.  {smile}
here is what I created:


an angled view:


The card base is made from Pink Pirouette card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  Sturdy, and holds up to embellishing.  And the soft sweet color is perfect.
The plaid pattern paper is Chicken Scratch from Paper Trey Ink.  It's a River Rock or Fresh Linen color.  I thought it matched the leaved in the pattern paper almost perfect.  The floral Pattern Paper is from American Crafts.  
I took one paper doily and cut it in half and adhered it to opposite corners.  And then machine stitched the pattern papers together.  I just love the homespun look cards have with machine stitching.  I took a scrap piece of cotton trim and wrapped it around the pattern papers.  I added a piece of soft pale pink seam binding to the cotton trim, and machine stitched them to the card front.  
I hand-stamped the coupon onto a scrap piece of white linen card stock, in crumb cake classic ink.  I adhered the coupon onto the card front with foam tape.  I hand-stamped the 'Love You' onto a scrap piece of vellum card stock, in Versa Mark.  I used Early Espresso embossing powder, and heat embossed the sentiment.  I cut the the vellum card stock with scallop scissors.  (yeah, I still have several pairs of those scissors.)
I added two different, white, paper blossoms to the right side of the coupon.  I tucked in some leaves that I hand-punched from a green and mint card stock.  I tied a double bow with the same pale pink seam binding, and adhered it to the card front just under the paper blossoms.  I adhered a white glitter clay rose to the center of the bow.
Thank you for stopping by.  I mailed this card to my mom earlier this week, and super happy she received it before today {smile}.  I want to wish all the moms out there Happy Mother's Day!  Being a mom is hard work, but super rewarding!  


Thursday, May 3, 2018

a bowl of cherries

Howdy, and welcome.  I am super excited today to share with you some happy news and a card!  I recently won the challenge over @ Tic Tac Toe Challenge and was given the opportunity to be a guest designer!  How fabulous is that, right!  So, without any delay let's get to their current challenge #tttc046!

right column: fruit, watercolor, free
Now, before you get discouraged, here are some ideas.  For the 'fruit', you could add apple(s) and create a Teacher Appreciation card.  Or lemon(s)/lime(s) for a Summer themed card.  Or add a pineapple for a Hostess card.  For the 'Free', simply add your favorite item: machine stitching, a button, sequins, a paper straw, etc.  The list is almost endless.  Don't forget to use what's in your stash, and most importantly have fun!  This Tic Tac Toe card, really does lean towards a Summer theme.  I can't wait to see what you create.  Here is what I made:


Recipe:  my card, is a typical A2 size greeting card.  (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  
FRUIT: cherries, WATERCOLOR: color wash on watercolor paper, FREE: machine stitching, button, seam binding, and lace.
The base of the card is made with Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!, due to their lovely heavy weight card stock.  The main panel is made from a linen plaid card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I love this soft color!  I added a piece of 6" lace over the main panel.  I 'attached' the lace with some machine stitching along three sides.  I did a quick, purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  I love adding machine stitching to my crafts.  I think it adds a homespun look/feel.  
I adhered a 4" paper doily to the right side of the card.  I simply folded the over-hang around the main panel.  I machine stitched a strip of pale blue seam binding along the lover third of the card to help anchor the seam binding to the card front.  I tied a double-loop bow, and tied a 'swirl' red button to the center of the bow with some gold twine.  This 'fancy' button reminded me of a cherry with its imprinted design.  {smile}
The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed on a scrap piece of white card stock.  I rounded one end, and pointed the other end.  I thought this shape looked like one of those garden/plant markers.    Super sweet, right? {smile}
I made my own embroidery hoop.  I used a die to cut the shape.  I used a scrap piece of wood veneer 'paper'.  I just love this stuff.  But my shock is dwindling.  {frown}. For the inside of the hoop, I took a scrap piece of watercolor paper and stamped my bowl in Versa Mark ink, and added white detail embossing powder.  I used Versa Mark ink to stamp the cherries, and added deep red embossing powder.  I heated the paper, and my bowl of cherries came to life!  I misted the water color paper heavily with water, and then washed it with a pale blue color.  I wanted the cherries to pop! and the bowl to have some contrast, to showcase the bowls design.  I used a fine tip brown marker to create the cherry stems.  (hand drawn)
The final touch was the trio of wood grain printed sequins.  I felt that they helped tie the wood-grain hoop to the card.  I adhered the main panel of this card to the card front with foam tape.
I believe that if you repeat elements/colors, it helps tie that element to your card.  The color I washed the watercolor paper with, matches the seam binding.  The red in the cherries is repeated with the same color of the button.  The wood grain of the hoop is repeated with the sequins.  The white doily and card base are repeated in the plain paper.
I hope that you join this beautifully talented group of ladies over @ the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  Just let them know which row you are using on their tic tac toe card, and don't forget to have FUN!  Create something beautiful to share with us, but to also share with your family and friends!  Trust me, they will appreciate your efforts in creating something handmade!


Sunday, April 8, 2018

Office Boss Card

Howdy, and welcome.  Sorry that I have been 'missing' from my blog.  I have posted a few things on my Facebook page.  You are always to welcome to check that out.  I try to post different images there.  Only to help keep it fresh {smile}.
I made a card today for my bestie.  She is a terrific lady, and our lives have gotten very busy with our own families.  So, we haven't been hanging out as much as we use to.  We have started scheduling 'dates' each month, just so we don't loose touch.  Todays world has become so hectic and overwhelming, that most of us don't have time for ourselves, let alone some of our most cherished friends.  {frown}  It's not always by choice, but rather a simple lack of time.  
I am entering my card into three different, but equally beautiful challenges.
Let's start with the sketch.  I headed over to the Paper Craft Crew Challenge.  Their current challenge is a beautiful sketch.  One that is simple, but easily expandable.  Great, right?


My next stop was to get a bit more direction.  So I stopped by the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  A super fun and creative challenge site.  They use tic tac toe boards, so it allows you structured freedom.  Gotta love that!

stripes, ribbon, floral

And last, I wanted a bit more influence, so I stopped by the Double D Challenge.  This creative site has themes, items, and just a great variety of different challenges.  Their current one: twine!  How super fun is that? and twine is very easy to work with.  Give it a go!


and here is what I created:


Recipe: this card is a typical A2 size (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  Blank inside.  
I used bashful blue card stock by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  (its a discontinued color)  I just love the softness, and the true blue color.  I also used not quite navy card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matting.  For the same reason.  The pureness of the blue, the beautiful heavy-weight of the card stock.
The pattern papers are from a digital collection I purchased.  I printed the stripes and small print onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  The slick-ness of this card stock takes ink beautifully.  The large print, base pattern paper was printed onto white linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  The sturdiness of this card stock, along with the texture, makes it beautiful to print on.  {smile}
The stripe panel is adhered to the card front with foam  tape.  The sentiment is adhered to the card front with foam tape, as well.
I tied bashful blue satin ribbon from Stampin' Up! (retired) to the 'tag' piece.  I tied a blue button to the center of the bow with a copper & cream twine.  The star I made.  I used sparkle white clay, and a star mold.  
The sentiment is hand-stamped.  I used ultra detail antique copper embossing powder for the sentiment.  I used the Label Love stamp set by Altenew.  And the final touch was the trio of copper sequins by Prima.
Thank you for looking.  I need to get this card in the mail!  Have a great day!  And I hope that you have a chance to play along with any/all of these challenges.  {smile}

Friday, March 16, 2018

Beautiful You Card

Howdy, and welcome!  Today I wanted to share with you a card I hand-crafted.   I wanted to make something pretty, with a generic sentiment.  This card isn't for anyone, so nothing specific.  I just wanted to paper craft.   I set out looking at a few of my favorite paper challenge sites to get some direction, and I found some very fun challenges.  So, let's get started!
I wanted a bit more direction, so I decided on a sketch challenge.  I knew what I wanted to use, I just needed a little more direction.  So, I stopped by the Paper Craft Crew challenge site.  This challenge site mostly does sketches.  But every now and again they will throw in a theme, or tic tac toe board, but they will always inspire you!  


I didn't rotate or flip their current sketch.  I used it as is!  I also did not switch out the blossom images for any other shaped item.
Since I already knew what pattern paper I wanted to use, and I now have a sketch to work with, I decided to play along with the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday.  Their challenges are : anything goes, family friendly.  

You will be pleasantly surprised by this design team.  They are very creative and talented, and the submissions are pretty great too!


and here is what I created:


Recipe:  this blank inside greeting card is the typical A2 size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  This card stock is a beautiful heavy weight, so it stands up to my embellishing!  The main panel matt is Kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  I just love the neutral soft color of kraft. {smile}
The pattern papers are digital.  I use my at home printer to print these.  I used whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up! for 3 of the pattern papers.  This card stock has a 'slick' feel to it, and allows the card stock to take the ink from my printer beautifully! I have zero complaints.  The small square that has the sentiment on it, I shrunk down.  It would have printed 6" x 6", but I wanted the whole sheet of paper to be my focal piece.  And I just love the sentiment.  That piece I printed on Linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I felt the added texture would help give my card some depth, and not be so flat.
I cut my top pattern paper, so that the mix of floral images would have some blues in it, to help tie the bottom pattern paper that is a blue collage with copper dots.  
I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  I think it adds a 'homespun' look/feel.  
To hide the seam where the two pattern papers overlap, I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim, and topped that with a scrap piece of pale pink seam binding.  I added a little machine stitching there too.  It holds the card front together, and continues with the machine stitching along the card's edge.
The pink polka dot pattern paper, I flagged the end, for visual interest.  
To make my 'tag' piece, I simply added my pattern paper square to a scrap piece of the same Kraft card stock I used for the main matt.  I used my scissors to make the tag shape at the top.  I used a traditional hole punch to give my tag that finished look.  I threaded a piece of pale pink seam binding through the hole and tied a simple knot.  I then tied a simple knot of pale pink tinsel to a rich brown button, and hot glued it to the top of my seam binding bow.  I adhered the tag to the card front with foam tape, to help elevate it off the front of the card.
The paper blossoms are from my stash.  The brownish blossom is from Prima.  I just loved the color.  Not quite brown.  Not quite copper.  The white paper blossom and the little pink paper blossom are from LemonCraft.  I added some white paint and glitter to the petals, of both blossoms.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look at what I created.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with either or both of these challenge sites.  Enjoy your Friday!


Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Pretty Little Birdie

Howdy.  I want to share with you another gift card holder I created for a very special someone.  I hope you like it {smile}


Recipe:  I used digital pattern paper, that I printed on both white Linen & whisper white card stock.  I used the textured (Linen card stock) to print the taupe pattern paper and the cream pattern card stock. I just love this added texture of the paper.  I added some machine stitching to help convey the homespun look and feeling {smile}.
The card base was made from Sahara Sand card stock.  I just love the soft color, and the heavy weight card stock is strong to hold up for these projects.
I matted the blue pattern paper to a pale pink card stock.  I wanted to highlight the pale pinks {smile}.  I also added a thin strip of the pale pink pattern paper to the top of the gift card holder, over the bow & scallop white cotton trim.   The pale pink pattern paper has taupe colored birds, flying in multiple directions on a pale pink background.  Super sweet!
The main panel was matted with a light taupe card stock, to help highlight this piece from the card front.
I added a sweet, delicate, paper doily to the main panel.  To help off set it, I added a piece of light blue pattern paper behind it.  This pattern is that taupe-y color hearts on top of the pale blue background.  I thought this heart pattern paper mimics a polka dot pattern paper, and so I just fell in love with it!
I added a large pink crepe paper blossom on the delicate paper doily.  To help tie the colors together, I added a triple bow tied with coconut seam binding.  I thought this color really matched the over-all taupe color.  To help the pale pink color to pop, I added a pale pink button to the center of the bow.  I also wanted to add some sparkle, so I tucked in a rhinestone charm.  It's a silver floral shape with a rhinestone center.  Just the right amount of sparkle.
The sentiment was hand-stamped in basic black classic ink, onto a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock.  I used a very retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! I just love the font!
Thank you for stopping by.  This gift card holder has already been mailed, and I hope the recipient is happy with my work {smile}.


Monday, March 5, 2018

Happy Moments of Spring

Hello.  Welcome.  I want to share an altered notebook I hand-crafted.  I started with an ugly notebook I found in a $1 bin, and decorated it, to give it a new look! and I am super happy with how it turned out!  I am entering my altered/decorated notebook in three different challenges (one in the US, and 2 overseas).
My first stop was the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  They use a tic tac board, and you choose which row you are working with.  Super fun, and it gives you options {smile}.
I went diagonal with Floral, Gold/Silver, & Sequins
My next stop is a new favorite challenge site from Russia.  They also have a translate button, so it really makes it easier to play along: Paper Story.  They have given us an inspiration board, and you pick what inspires you.  You gotta love that!  Their theme:  sweet inspiration
inspired by the colors, and blossoms
and finally, my last stop is at SaratovScrap.  They have given us an inspiration board as well.  Their theme is:  March banner, freshness of the spring day, tenderness of the first flowers, letters about love.
inspired by the softness, the colors, the blossoms, and the notecard
and here is what I made:


Recipe:  I used a pink and cream pattern paper from Bazzil.  I loved how the random pattern was vague and pretty at the same time.  I had a scrap piece of a digital floral pattern paper, that was just the right size to matt with kraft card stock.  I added cut pieces of different 'tickets', and layered them. 
At the top, I added a scrap piece of cream cotton trim.  I wanted to bring out the pale aqua color in one of the tickets, so I added a scrap piece of an aqua and cream pattern paper and layered a cream text pattern paper on top.  I also added a 'notebook tab' piece of aqua and cream polka dot pattern paper to the top left of the notebook.
I loved the floral pattern from the cream cotton trim, so I added a cream button with the same design to the top of a double bow of pale pink seam binding.  I tied the button to the bow with kraft twine, to help add a little contrast, softly.
The fabric blossom is actually a warm taupe shade, to help help blend it into the background, and not take center stage.  I added a pair of champagne glitter leaves to the blossom, to help add some sparkle.
I added a pair of flat buttons tied with the same kraft twine.  I also added 5 pale pink sequins, to help add a little more pink (my favorite color).  I wanted more sparkle, and found a short piece of rhinestone trim, and so I added it to the  bottom of the top 'ticket'.  
I added a 'hair tie' to the bottom of the notebook, to hold it close.  I just love the pale taupe color and the sparkles is just a bonus.  I did some machine stitching to help hold the pieces together, and to give it a homespun feeling.
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenge sites!  


Thursday, February 22, 2018

Spring Challenge

Welcome.  I am sharing a post from an international challenge site, that is preparing for a project-based challenge for the month of March.  The site:  Shabby Chic.  This challenge site says:
Привет дорогие читатели нашего блога! 
Сегодня мы хотим рассказать о нашем новом совместном проекте - SWEET HOME! Стартует он 1 марта, в первый день долгожданной весны! И как вы догадались - мы будем украшать свой дом! И творить будем альтер-объекты! А что и как - вы скоро узнаете! Одно пока можем открыть - у нас будет 4 этапа, на каждый из которых будет отводиться по 10 дней, и творить мы будем в неизменных стилях нашего блога - шебби шик и прованс! Почитать и ознакомиться с этими стилями заранее, а также посмотреть примеры работ и мастер-классы вы можете в нашем блоге. И нашими мастер-классами можно и даже нужно пользоваться! :)
Today we want to tell you about our new joint project - SWEET the HOME ! He starts March 1, the first day of the long-awaited spring! And you guessed it - we will decorate your home! And do we alter the objects! But how and what - you'll soon find out! Until one can open - we will have 4 phases, each of which will be given for 10 days, and we will do in the unchanging styles of our blog - Shabby chic and Provence ! Read and become familiar with these styles in advance, as well as see examples of work and master classes you can on our blog. And our master classes could and should use it! :)

inspiration board:

and here is their schedule:
So, you're in 4 stages:
Phase 1, March 1 
Stage 2 on March 12,
3 phase, 22 March 
Stage 4, 2 April 

So, stay tuned, to see what I enter, and don't forget to play along.  And yes, this challenge site does have a 'translate' button, so you won't be left wondering the guidelines.  Finally, your entry must be done in Shabby Chic or Provence style.  See you soon!