friend

If you are looking for a new sketch challenge, and a chance to win some blog candy, I have the perfect sketch challenge site:  Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  This sketch challenge site isn't brand new.  We have been playing for over 30 weeks now.  But, we'd like to have more folks play along with us each week.  So, by submitting a paper craft in our sketch challenge, you are entered in winning some blog candy.

Here is this weeks sketch challenge:

One of the things that I just love about these sketches is the empty space.  This allows you, the artist, to create an unique and wonderful paper craft.  Remember, just because there are two specific shapes, doesn't mean that you must use those shapes.

Here is my card:

I replaced the rectangle piece with one of those accent pieces from the Beau Chateau note package.  I just love this saying about your Friend.   I added a paper blossom for my circle piece.  

I also used my favorite color combination: soft suede and pretty in pink.  I used a scrap piece of soft suede polka dot pattern paper from the Mocha Morning DSP collection.  I added some half faux pearls to add a feminine touch.  You can't tell in this photo, but the whole card was spritz with home made shimmer mist.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Now head to your crafting space and play along with us this week,  You never know, you could be a featured stamper and win some blog candy!

For the Newlyweds

Happy Friday to all of you out there in blog-land!  This is the eve of our daughters' Baby Reveal Shower, and we are busy getting things finalized and completed.  We have a great event planned and a bit more work to get it all done.

Anyways, I am playing along in the sketch challenge over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Angela is the creator of this weeks sketch.  It's a fun sketch to work with.   Here is the sketch:

See what I mean?  There is a lot of empty space, giving you a lot of opportunities to show us what you can create.  Here is my take of Angela's beautiful sketch:

I used pattern paper from: Mocha Morning DSP, Attic Boutique DSP, Beau Chateau DSP, and first Edition DSP.  The ribbon is pool party seam binding.  I added a neutral button to the center of the multi-loop bow.  The heart piece was made with the scallop heart die and the large heart punch.  I created the paper blossom with the trio flower punch.  The tiny tag was made with the Tiny Tag stamp set and the Jewerly punch.  I added a mini clothes pin to the heart.  I first rubbed the top edge across my white craft ink pad, and while the ink was still wet, I dipped it in some dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a tiny butterfly and half faux pearl.

I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set to add my sentiment.

Now head over to Tammy F.'s blog to see what she has created.

Feminine Ruffles

Hello.  I hope this weekend is not jammed packed with chores and requirements.  I hope that you are able to paper craft.  The wonderfully talented Anne Marie, has some pretty inspiration boards for this weeks Our Creative Corner challenge.  Here is what she has given us to work with:

How pretty, huh?  I think ruffles are soo pretty and soo girly.  The perfect accent!  

I wanted to make something pretty, girly, and special.  So, I decided to work on a hand-made book for my oldest grand daughter.  She is very precious, and she is a girly-girl.  Here is the cover of my hand-made book:

So, here is the cover of my hand-made book.  It's a work in progress.  I used products from a hundred different companies.  Here are some close-up's:

 All edges were sponged to give everything an aged look.  I have added all my favorite embellishments:  ribbon, buttons, bling, flowers, and more.

I have added a lot of different items to this cover.  This first close-up is on the small vintage tag.  There is a white resin architecture piece.  Hand-dyed seam binding, pink of course.  A vintage brad.  A small paper flower.  And a beautiful rhinestone ribbon dangle.  The large round image tag is beautiful.

This second close-up, shows the personal monogram I created.  I used a tag die to make the original cut.  I stamped the 'H' and then used a hand-held punch to create the center of the tag.  I also wanted to add that vintage card, 'G girl'.  So, it is sandwhiched between the two tags.

This close-up shows the ruffle/pleat I made with my satin ribbon and sewing machine.  I just love how tailored it looks.  I added this sewn piece to the top border of a paper piece I did a box pleat and large scallop on.   I just had to add this winnie the pooh quote stamp I have.  'sometimes it's the smallish things that take up the most room in our heart.'

I hope you find time and inspiration to play along with us!

Antique

My craft fair season is winding down.  I have two craft fairs left.  One tomorrow and one on Saturday.  Whew.  This has been a busy time.  But, I hope you have carved out some paper crafting time for yourself!  And, if you need a little inspiration or a challenge to play along with, check out Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Not only do you get to use all those fabulous Stampin' Up! supplies, but you also get to exercise your creativity.

Here is the sketch:

Here is what I made:

So, I'm sure that it is not a surprise that I used Timeless Treasures, and Elegance Established stamp sets.  I wanted the card to look 'old', like you stumbled upon it in the attic.  So, I sprayed some Log Cabin smooch on the one corner.  I also wanted some twinkle, so I added a short strip of rhinestones.  The seam binding has been crinkled to continue the 'look'.

Continue this blog hop, and stop by Tammy B.'s blog to see what she has created!  So, break out your Stampin' Up! supplies and create a paper craft item! and share with us! we'd love to see what you do!

Feathered Friend

On this 'hump' day, I find myself feeling a bit of relief.  I'm really looking forward to the weekend.  I have two craft fairs that I am participating in (Friday and Saturday) with two different locations.  But, my work's Christmas Party is this weekend!  How fun is that?  I work with a great bunch of folks, and so celebrating the holidays will be a welcome change.

But enough of those ramblings.  You came to see a card.  And the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have an easy to use sketch for you to play with.  Just remember to use your Stampin' Up! supplies.  If you need a Stampin' Up! 'store', click HERE. (click on 'Products' and then 'shop now'.)

Here is this week's sketch:

 

Looks pretty fun, huh?  I'd love for you to give it a whirl.  And, if you need some inspiration, the ladies on the design team, have some super ideas.  Here is what I did:

First, let me apologize for being late on this post.  After work yesterday, I had a few errands to run, and well I ran into an old friend, we got to talking, and when I finally got home (after 6p) my focus changed from the usual chores, to other things, and well, I completely lost track of time.  

Back to my card.  I used some favorites.  The card base is Baja Breeze.  I matted the First Edition DSP onto some Soft Suede card stock.  I added strips from two different pattern paper packs: Beau Chateau and Springtime Vintage.  I used two different stamp sets: Timesless Treasures and Clearly for You.  For my little bow, I used a scrap piece of the crochet trim and attached it to the card with a vintage trinket.  I used a die to cut the scallop circle, and a hand-held punch to cut the very vanilla circle.  The soft suede and baja breeze circles were hand cut.  I used the cone die to cut the banner.  I just trimmed down the very vanilla piece, so the baja breeze piece would matt it.  That's pretty much it.  I would suggest that you first have some sort of idea as to the occasion of card that you would like to make.  Then, select a stamp set that will work with your circle shape.  And then coordinate papers/ribbons to take place of the strips.  Let your focus of the cards main image dictate the direction your paper crafting goes in.

Thank you for your continued encouragement, and patience.  If you have a moment this week, please play along with us.  Take some time out of your busy schedule to sit and paper craft.  

hugs, sharon

Memories

Happy Friday, to you all.  This has been a crazy week, but arriving to Friday feels pretty good.  It feels good to have another week in the rear view mirror, so to speak.  

To talented group, @ Sketch Frenzy Friday have another creative sketch for you to play with.  Robbie R. is the designer of the sketch this week.  She did a fabulous a fabulous job.  This week was a challenge for me.  And this sketch really made me think, play, and try a new technique.  So, thank you Robbie, for making me stretch my creative wings.  :)

Here is Robbie's sketch:

 

Here is the card I created:

Yeah, I still have some Beau Chateau DSP left.  I just love this DSP!  It has to be my all-time favorite DSP.  I have been using Stampin' Up! products for over 7 years.  I have seen Stampin' Up! make changes both in their red rubber images, as well as, their business end.  I am very happy with their new style of red rubber images, and with the support/help I receive as a SU! demonstrator.

I used one new stamp set, and one background stamp.  I used only 2 colors of classic ink.  I stamped the frame in chocolate chip craft ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used my craft knife to cut out the frame.  I adhered a scrap piece of Beau Chateau DSP with dimensionals behind the cut-out frame.  I used the First Edition DSP to create the flower.  I used the Birds & Bloom die to get the flower shape.  I added a vintage trinket (button brad) to the center of the flower.  I added two small scraps with prominant patterns above and below the frame.  

My faux-half pearls were created with a new technique.  At the SU! convention this year, we were given a crafting idea, by adding crystal affects to an empty re-inker bottle.  The ink that is inside the bottle actually 'dye' the crystal affects, and the crystal affects adheres to whatever you add it to.  So, your rhinestones, and faux half-pearls can be colored!  I added a few sprays of Vanilla Smooch to give my card some glimmer and pizzazz!

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, don't forget to visit Tammy B. blog and she what she is up to!

Happy Moments

Hello!  It's Wednesday, and we are half way through the work week.  On the local news of Albuquerque, New Mexico, yesterday, said that the United Postal Service is working over budget, and can't seem to figure out how to control it.  Also, that folks get an average of one hand-written piece of mail every 7 weeks.  WOW!  That story made me almost cry.  And so, I have set a goal for myself to craft some hand-made cards and mail them out to my girl friends.  I will work on creating some 'flat' cards, so I don't exceed the 64 cent postage. :)

Anyways, the wonderfully talented Cristena @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge has a great sketch for us this week.  The sample shows a Christmas themed card, but, you know me... I do the obvious!  So, I created a 'friendship' card.  Probably because that news story made me so sad.

Here is the sketch

Here is the card I created

I used 'happy' colors: Calypso Coral, and Pink Pirouette.  I had a few scraps from Beau Chateau DSP.  I made some 'flowers' with various circle sizes.  I made the two centers different, to add some visual interest.  I punched leaves, using the 2-step bird punch.  The glitter butterfly is made from the silver glitter paper and the Beautiful Wings embosslit die.  I think the shine with all that silver glitter only makes you smile!

I used the Lots of Tags die to create this pretty tag.  I used the You're Cherished stamp set for this simple sentiment.  I stamped it in Soft Suede classic ink, on a scrap from the Beau Chateau DSP.  I think it looks soo appropriate with the First Edition DSP.  And yes, I sponged all the edges with Crumb Cake classic ink.  I used the 2-step owl punch (pupils) to create the faux rhinestones.  And, yeah, it was from the scrap piece that I used from the butterfly die. :)

As always, thank you for stopping by.  For those who are looking for some direction or guidance on how to create a balanced/better card, I am working on a on-line class.

Fancy Five #207 & #80

Happy Saturday!  Well, I'm the hostess this week over @ Our Creative Corner.  I really do like being the hostess.  I love creating a challenge for everyone to participate in.  I think that if the challenge makes you think, take inventory as to what you have on hand, and/or use products/colors that have been neglected, then it is a good challenge.  So, this weeks challenge is to use a 'number' in your paper craft item.  Sounds easy, huh?  I think it sounds fun!

To help me get my creative juices flowing, I selected the current layout from Mojo Monday #207.   I also needed a little more guidance, so I selected the color challenge from Shabby Tea Room #80: white/cream, kraft, and brown/black. 

Here is the sketch from Mojo Monday:

Here is the inspiration photo from Shabby Tea Room:

 Here is my card:

I really liked that both the sketch and the inspiration photo had oval frames in them.  I also loved the various flowers and all the white-wash-ness in the inspiration photo.   For the OCC challenge, I used 'No. 5'.  Now, 5 doesn't mean anything to me, except that's my oldest granddaughter's age.  But, I just LOVE the font!   It's so pretty and elegant.

Lately, I have been on a scrap kick.  I have been using scraps to create my cards.  I know, that sounds aweful.  But, you should see the size of my scrap box!  

The card uses 75%/+ stampin' up!.  The card base is Crumb Cake card stock.  The black matts are Basic Black card stock.  I used Very Vanilla card stock and the new frame embossing folder.   I stamped the 'No. 5' in Basic Black classic ink.  I used First Edition DSP to create the rolled flower.  I used a small piece of Beau Chateau to make the leaves.  So the kraft polka dot and black/cream pattern paper I have used before.  But, at this point I don't remember who makes either paper.   The brown crochet trim is a scrap piece,  and I attached that to the card with a staple.  I added a wooden button.  I tied some linen thread to the wooden button and added a faux half pearl.  The multi-loop bow is made with Vanilla seam binding.  I held it together with a vintage brad.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope that you have a chance to play along with us this week!

Always

It's Friday! That means its time for another sketch challenge from Sketch Frenzy Friday!  This weeks sketch is brought to us by Maria V.  

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

At Sketch Frenzy Friday, the design team does a blog hop.  That means you must visit each design team member's personal blogs to see what they created.  However, you post on the team challenge blog.  Each member submits a sketch for the team to work with, and to present as the sketch challenge.  So, this week, Maria V. has given us this sketch.  I love the graphics she used in the sketch.  It really helped me visualize a card.

The card base is baja breeze cardstock.  I matt the very vanilla cardstock on soft suede cardstock.  I used some scraps from Beau Chateau DSP, for this card.  I used the pennant die to created the scallop circle.  I added some of the new velvet ribbon as one of my 'stripes'.  I stamped 'always' in soft suede classic ink.  This stamp is from the Always Elegant stamp set.  The flower I made from first edition DSP.  I used the 2 1/2" circle and cut a spiral and rolled it.  The leaves were made from another scrap of the same DSP.  I sponged every edge with crumb cake classic ink.  I like how this card turned out.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, head on over to Tammy B.  blog.  And please join us for this sketch challenge.  Happy Friday!

It's Friday!  that means two things for me.  First, the wonderfully talented folks over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday have a sketch challenge for us.  And second, my husband is the best man, in a wedding this weekend.  So, we get to get all dressed up, and attend a beautiful event  But, before we head into the weekend, Kim Innis has this fabulous sketch:

Here is my card:

Before we get into the card recipe, please stop by Tammy B.'s blog to see what she has created.

Now, back to the card.  I used the Beau Chateau DSP, First Edition DSP, and Creative Elements and Established Elegance stamp sets.  Shocking, huh?  I used Crumb Cake and Soft Suede cardstock.  I have to admit, these two cardstocks are my all time favorites. :)  

I stamped the larger random swirl and the 'No. 3' in Crumb Cake classic ink onto the First Edition DSP.  For my circles, I stamp the seal in Marina Mist classic ink and used the 1 1/4" circle punch.  Stamped the crown in Soft Suede classic ink, and used the  1 3/8" circle punch.  I punched a circle with the 1 3/4" circle, then stamped the body form in Crumb Cake classic ink, the swirl in a 2nd generation stamp in Baja Breeze classic ink.  The fountain tip is Soft Suede classic ink, and the Established is stamped in Sahara Sand classic ink.   

For the ribbon, I used Baja Breeze seam binding.  I frayed one end, and pulled one thread to create the scrunchy.  

For the sentiment, I stamped the saying in Soft Suede classic ink, and added a faux half-pearl at each end.  

To give my card that aged look, I sprayed some water in the upper right corner and scrunched the DSP.  I also sponged every thing in Sahara Sand classic ink.

Thank you for stopping by.  I will post some photos on the Bunco prizes I created soon.  Possibly next week.   Have a wonderful Friday, and a safe weekend.  And, please play along with us @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.

#3 Stampin' Queens

It's Wednesday, and so it's time for another sketch challenge @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  If you have some time, you should participate in this challenge.  We provide you with a workable sketch, and the only restriction we have, is that you use Stampin' Up! supplies.  I have added to this challenge for myself.  During these hard economic times, I have noticed that folks aren't spending like they use to.  So, for the last two challenges, I opened the Beau Chateau DSP, and used the Creative Elements and Elegance Established stamp sets.  I wanted to see if I could do more than one challenge with the same supplies.  And I used the same supplies for this challenge too!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

The card base is soft suede card stock.  I matted the rooster pattern paper on marina mist card stock.  I stamped the typewriter in crumb cake classic ink, on very vanilla card stock.  This stamped image is matted on crumb cake card stock and then again on a blue flourish pattern paper.  I wrapped crumb cake seam binding onto a pink chicken wire pattern paper.  

To make the sentiment tag, I stamped the circle in pink pirouette classic ink and then 'create' in soft suede classic ink.  I punched the scallop oval out of a scrap piece of brown/pink pattern paper.  

To make that cute 'prima' flower, I punched three tiny scallop circles and added a rhinestone jewel to the center.  I sponged all the edges with sahara sand classic ink and distressed a few edges, randomly.

Thank you for looking, and please join us for a fun, and work-able sketch challenge!

Triple Challenge

Happy Saturday to you!  To me, the best part of the weekend, is not sleeping in, but rather getting into my craft room and 'playing' for several hours! and this weekend is no exception!  I have 11 gifts to create by Wednesday, so I need to get crafting.  I will post photos on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for sure.  The rest of the week, I have design challenges, but who knows, there may be two posts on any of those days :)

The wonderfully talented Holly is our hostess this week from Our Creative Corner.  Holly, has a clever challenge for us: she wants us to stamp on our pattern paper and create something new.  I know what you're thinking, 'this should be easy, because I stamp on pattern paper alot.'  Well, it was a bit of a struggle for me, but once I got started, it was like riding that old bike!

I also used some inspiration from two other challenges: Mojo Monday for a sketch, and CR84FN  for a color challenge.  Here are their inspiration boards:

And here is the card I made for all three challenges:

So, for this card, I used a hundred different products.  Sorry.  It was a collaboration of what I have on hand in the craft room.  I didn't want to go out and buy anything.  Boy, does that make me sound cheap!  Ok, I'm a super big fan of Stampin' Up! so I used quite a bit from them.  

Cardstock:  soft suede, bashful blue, first edition DSP, beau chateau DSP, and bashful blue DSP.  Also, a scrap piece of a soft blue pattern paper.

Ink:  classic inks: soft suede, tempting turquoise, sahara sand, bashful blue, early espresso.

Stamp sets: friends 24-7 (flourish), established elegance (body form, and  small flourish), kindness matters (butterflies), clearly for you (butterfly, No. 5, and Amour),    you're a gem (friend), hero arts (clock, and swirl).

Misc. items: SU! rhinestones, tim holtz embossing folder, spare parts crochet trim, prima flower, and the push pin was created with a variety of different items: the pin came from wal mart,  the pearl is from my stash, and the square rhinestone bead is from a big box store.

I sprayed the whole card with some home-made shimmer mist: rubbing alcohol, sahara sand classic ink re-inker, and champagne shimmer paint.

I love to create unique and pretty things, and I'm sure you do too.  So, join us over at Our Creative Corner for this weeks challenge: stamp on pattern paper to change the original look, and create something unique and pretty, and share it with us!  

Have a wonderfully fun, and relaxing weekend!  Let me know what your plans are.  And be safe, we cherish you!

Take Note, it's Friday!

Yahoo! It's Friday!  The weekend is almost here, and the talented ladies over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, have a sketch for you to try!  This week's sketch, is brought to us by Jennifer Weide.  And don't forget to stop by Tammy Baldwin's blog, to see what she has created!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

So, I wanted to use the same package of DSP that I opened a few weeks ago.  The blue pattern paper, and the rooster pattern paper are from the Beau Chateau DSP package.  I used the vintage wall paper embossing folder on the blue pattern paper to give it some more texture.  I used the tag die to cut the rooster paper.  I stamped the large notebook flourish in black craft ink and used clear embossing powder, then I heat set it.  I stamped the words and the body form in soft suede classic ink.  I stamped the crown in marina mist classic ink.  I edged both pieces in Early Espresso classic ink.  I stamped the oval piece in early espresso classic ink, the crown in blushing bride classic ink, and the 'for you' in soft suede classic ink.  I crumpled the baja breeze seam binding to give it that worn-look.  I took a piece of vanilla seam binding and dyed it with pink pirouette classic ink.  I squished the two multi-bows under the vintage brad.  I wanted to give my card some sparkle.  So, I added three tiny rhinestones; 2 randomly and the third on the oval tag.

Thank you for taking a look at my card.  Now, with the inspiration you have received from the design team, make a card using our sketch and your Stampin' Up! products, and lets see what you make!

CREATE with the Stampin' Queens

Happy Wednesday to you!  The Stampin' Queens have another very user-friendly sketch!  So, head on over to the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge blog, to see what that super creative design team have created!  Just remember to use your Stampin' Up! paper crafting supplies!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

Have I said how much I'm loving this Beau Chateau DSP?  Well, I'm a super big fan!  This paper has beautiful floral images, and fun different french farm patterns, that work super well together.  I believe this pattern paper has that vintage feel that I am soo loving right now.  

I used the Established Elegance stamp set and Beau Chateau DSP during last weeks Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  I have decided to use the same package of DSP and stamp set, for this week's challenge., too  I added a few different items tho, like Marina Mist cardstock, vintage hardware, and the Creative Elements stamp set.  I used the other crochet trim, and a different crumb cake ribbon.  

To help my card have that vintage feel, I scrunched a small section of the paper and gave my card some sponging on the edges.  I also added a few squirts of Lob Cabin and Vanilla Shimmer Smooch.

I did wad up the seam binding before I adhered it to the card.  I thought that if the seam binding was smooth, it would look 'new' and not 'worn'.   It's pretty simple, spray the seam binding with some water and roll between your palms.  I also tied on a double bow.  I thought it gave the card some pizzazz.  The two faux half-pearls were 'colored' with smooch.

I hope that you get a chance to play along with us Stampin' Queens!

Stampin' Queens 1st Sketch Challenge!

It's Wednesday, and that means that its time for the sketch challenge over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge  blog.  To make this sketch extra special, its the FIRST sketch for this challenge site!  This fantastic group of ladies love working with Stampin' Up! supplies and products.  So, we provide you with a sketch, and we welcome your submission of paper crafting projects using Stampin' Up! products and supplies!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

The sketch shows a square card.  My guess is that its a 5" x 5" card.  I kept my card a typical A2 card.  

I used the wonderful Beau Chateau DSP.  I just love it!  I also used  two stamp sets: Established Elegance and Tiny Tags.  I used the images from Established Elegance on the square very vanilla panel.  I used the Tiny Tags set on the small circle piece.  I used River Rock cardstock as my card base.  I used Pink Pirouette and Soft Suede cardstocks as my various mats.  There is a scrap piece of First Edition DSP die cut with the larger scallop trim.  I wrapped the thinner crochet trim around the card and tied a simple knot.  I also tied a scrap piece of Crumb Cake seam binding around the knot.  I then frayed the ends of the various trims to give them a 'worn-look'.  I sponged all the paper edges with Sahara Sand classic ink.  I also did some distressing on various pieces with the thread cutter in the distressing kit.  I used foam tape on both the square stamped piece and the round stamped piece.   I also added some faux stitching along the right side of the card.  (If you look closely to the sketch, it is there.)

Like I said, this is the FIRST sketch for the Stampin' Queens!  So, please join us!  We'd love to see what you create!  Use your Stampin' Up! supplies and products and play with us!

thanks

Hi! and thank you for stopping by this Friday!  So, the weekend is right around the corner, and Sketch Frenzy Friday has another challenge for us today.  The sketch was brought to us by Angela, and the sketch is pretty 'user-friendly', and your only requirement is to us Stampin' Up! products.  I decided to use all current products, so if you find some inspiration, you can purchase all these products today!  Don't forget to stop by Tammy B. 's blog to see what she has created.

Here is the sketch

Here is my card

For some reason, I have this urge to use this same color combo.  Sorry!  But, isn't it just beautiful!  Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Pink Pirouette, Peach Parfait, and Very Vanilla!  Before you say it, yes, that is Stampin' Up! seam binding.  I just dyed it!  First, I measured how much seam binding I needed  and cut that measurement.  I sprayed the seam binding with water, and then added several drops of Pink Pirouette classic re-inker.  Then used my heat gun to speed up the drying time.  I wadded up the seam binding to help create the crinkled look.  

The flower was made with circle punches.  I used peach parfait card stock, pink pirouette card stock and First Edition DSP.  I used a metal button brad to hold the card stock flower together.  I punched the leaves from a scrap piece of Beau Chateau DSP and First Edition DSP.  

I used three stamp sets: Clearly For You, Creative Elements, and Notably Ornate.  I used the Lots of Tags die to create the fancy tag design from Calypso Coral card stock.  I also stamped the 'take note' in Calypso Coral classic ink.  The 'for you' and 'thanks' were stamped in Soft Suede classic ink.  The scallop piece is made from the Tasteful Trim die.  I added a small faux half-pearl jewel to the tag to help give it a girly look.

Thank you for looking, and now go play with your paper crafting supplies, and join us in this sketch challenge!

Sketch Frenz

Its Friday!  Yahoo! and that means that it's time for another sketch challenge over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday Challenge.  This weeks sketch challenge is brought to us by Tammy F., and is very easy to work with, and fun to play with.  When you are done, please visit the next stop on our Blog Tour with Tammy B.'s blog.        

here is the sketch:

here is my card:

At first, I was going to rotate the sketch, but take just a minute to look at the sketch.  It's very user friendly in its original orientation and look at the embellishment used.  Very each to adapt.  

So, if you aren't familiar with my style, I have an infinity towards shabby-chic.  And I 'see' shabby-chic as vintage with some sparkle.  You know, something old, weathered, or worn, and something modern new added to it.  My favorite addition is sparkle.  

The only company I used for this creation is Stampin' Up!  If you haven't ever used their products, I can't stress enough to give them a try.  They are one of the leaders in paper crafting for a reason.  They make wonderfully heavy cardstock.  They color match their inks, ribbon, and paper.  So, there is no more guessing that everything will coordinate.  If you spend less time searching for stuff, you spend more time creating!

For the card base, I used chocolate chip cardstock.  I used a scrap piece of Beau Chateau DSP to help ground my card.  I love the curves of the top note die, so I die cut two pieces.  One in chocolate chip and other in very vanilla.  I trimmed the very vanilla along the perferated edge and used the chocolate chip piece as a mat.  I stamped the floral image from 'elements of style' in crumb cake classic ink, and used my soft subtles water coloring crayons to color the image.  (I used my aqua painter to blend the color.)  I just the Eiffel tower image from 'artistic etchings' and so I stamped over the the floral image.  I love to added ribbon and a button or two, but I didn't want just a line of ribbon, so I put some sticky strip across the lower third of the stamped panel, and did a free hand pleat with some crochet trim.  I didn't want to wrap the ribbon, so I cut the ends, and used one blade of the scissors to fray the ends and left those just hanging.  I thought it help soften the card.  I wanted some 'thing' on the ribbon, so I put a button.  But, i couldn't just put on a button.  So, I tied some linen thread through the button holes and made a bow, and added a faux half-pearl to secure the bow and add a girly touch.  The three tags are strung through the linen thread.  They are stamped with 'Mr & Mrs' '{love}', and 'hand crafted'.  'AMOUR' was stamped last.  To make sure the placement was right.  I needed to add some sparkle, so I sprayed it first with the vanilla smooch, and then the left side with log cabin smooch.

Thank you for taking the time to have a look.  I appreciate the visit.  But, leave me a comment.  Let me know what you think!  

Mixing Pattern Papers

Hello!  A quick house keeping note: tomorrow, is your last chance to enter my drawing for some free Blog Candy!  So, please make sure that you stop by tomorrow.  All you have to do is sign-up as a follower, and if you already are - Thank You.  Then answer the last paper crafting question.  Your name is then entered into the virtual 'pot' and I will select 3 winners.  There are two $25 winners and one $50 winner.

Ok, now back to the business at hand.  I have a girl friend who ask me if I could help her with mixing pattern papers.   She likes some of the things I have done, and wants a few pointers.  

The first and easiest way to mix pattern papers, is to use products from the same company (i.e. Stampin' Up!, Basic Grey, Paper Trey Ink, etc.).  That way your colors will match.  Then, if you use pattern papers from the same collection (Tea Time, Sweet Threads, etc.) they all coordinate.  The company has basically taken the guess work out of the equation, and simplified it.  But, you can take papers from various companies and achieve this same effect, it's just a little trickier.  The other pointer I have is that the busier/large pattern papers tend to be the 'heaviest', and so these should be used on larger scale items.  To bring out a 'less used' color, repeat it (i.e. if you love the yellow used in a floral pattern, use that color on the mat).  

You can also use a repeating color.  My first card illustrates this tip.  The brown and vanilla are repeated, but they are also paired with different patterns.  The main pattern has the brown, and pink.  To introduce the vanilla, I added a brown and vanilla polka dot paper.   But this also repeats the brown, so it looks like it 'belongs'.   To 'anchor' the brown, I added a solid piece of brown.  I did the same for the vanilla by adding an accent piece in just vanilla, the crochet trim.  To give the card some visual interest, I added a paper flower made from a text pattern. 

You can also repeat a shape.  My second card is the perfect example of that.  There are circles in the main pattern paper, both accent pieces used at the top, the top layer of the butterfly, the doily, and the button.  

There you have it!  My quick and easy lesson on Mixing Pattern Papers!  I hope this helped, and Thank You for visiting today!  Don't forget to come back tomorrow for your last chance to enter my Blog Candy give-a-way!

Vintage, Shabby, & Birds

this is not the only post today.  please scroll down for this morning's post.

 (If you click on an image, it will enlarge, so you can see the detail!)

 For those who know me, know that I have an infinity for vintage/shabby-chic,  birds & butterflies.  Stampin' Up! has a new section in this year's Big Idea & Catalog named, 'elements'.  This section has dollies, borders, backgrounds, frames, labels, memorabilia, textures, flourishes, and tags.  Within these pages are four different product suites:  Flirtatious, Beau Chateau, Pocketful of Posies, and Well Worn.  All of these different product lines are fabulous and individually beautiful!  However, my new favorite: Beau Chateau!  And those who know me, are not surprised by this.  Here is what the super clever, creative design team of Stampin' Up! has done with this paper.

This section has wonderful graphics, pretty colors, delicate touches, and a sense of 'home'; comforting, and familiar.  If you own the new Stampin' Up! Big Idea & Catalog this year, please take a second look at this section.  If not, contact me and with any $30 order, I will send you a Big Idea & Catalog for free!

I am now off to meet with Lynn Pratt's group for the 3-D tutorial swap.  Have a wonderful day!  And I will post again later today!  Enjoy!