Rustic Love

Howdy.  I've been busy.  Busy with life.  But, I imagine you have, too.  I went out of town for several days (had a GREAT time) and then it was back to baking, crafting, cleaning, laundry, working, and taking care of my husband and dog.  See, life.

I took almost a week off from my normal chores and headed to Phoenix with 2 of my granddaughters and daughter.  It's dance competition time of year.  But, we headed out a few days early, to enjoy some fun activities, and some girl time {smile}.  We had a great time.  Spent sometime in the swimming pool, ate some great food, enjoyed some education spots (think Children's museum), and tried our hand at golf.  Yes, golf.  We spent that time laughing more than hitting hole in ones!  Ok, none of us hit a hole in one.  {smile}

Now, I have returned to reality.  The chores never stop, but moms know that.  Once back home, I had to get busy with a few cupcake orders and the never-ending chores.  I also wanted to get some crafts completed.  I am working on an altered art piece.  It's a wooden book-box.  But, I needed some direction, so I headed over to Mojo Monday to get a sketch going.  I loved their sketch so much so, that I actually used it for the cover of the box.  (this sketch is expired)  Here is what I made!

I am using some 'old' pattern paper.  I think, it may still be available at some on-line paper sources.  The Rustic Elegance collection, by Carta Bella, is a beautiful mix of mint, blush, green, and neutrals.  There are mixes of florals, chevrons, circles, text, and flourishes, with a country flair!  Mason jars, bicycles, floral wreaths, wooden plank backdrops, and so much more!

I used various pattern papers from this collection (Rustic Elegance) added a paper doily, some paper blossoms, and lace.  I added simple machine stitching around two of the main pieces, to give it a homespun look.  The sentiment 'love' is lifted off the piece with foam tape.  I haven't yet, but I am thinking of adding some sparkle to the paper blossoms.

I have added white wax to the wooden book box, and now I am adding my paper pieces.  Yes, I will photograph it once it's done.  Hopefully, I get a chance to work on it this week.  But, I have a few cupcake orders to work on late this week.  So, we will see how well I can manage my time.  {smile}

I hope you have a great week!  and Happy May Day!

Holiday Stitching

~ photo heavy, long post ~

Howdy.  Whew, what a crazy, busy weekend.  But busy in a great way!  I had a very successful holiday arts & crafts fair, this past Saturday!  Very exciting, and very enjoyable!  It was sweet to meet so many wonderful folks.  And I had a chance to chat with everyone!  Who wouldn't love that? {smile} 

I started off this week, at getting back to the gym and running.  Yes, it's never ending.  But I love it.  The gym gives me a chance to work out some aggression.  If you work in corporate america, you know exactly what I mean.  And running, gives me a chance for me.  It's just me, my music, and the road.  Some quality time for me to sort my thoughts, and get some clean, fresh, mountain air, and take a break from corporate america.  {smile}

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things I crafted (and sold) from last weekend.  So, I will post today, most likely tomorrow, and maybe another day this week.  It all depends on my energy level. 

I am entering my large gift card holder in the Word Art Wednesday : Anything Goes challenge!
*my large gift card holder was selected as a 'Top Three'!  Thank You Word Art Wednesday.
I am also entering my large gift card holder in the Retro Sketches challenge.  it's a sketch!

I love fabric (along with paper).  But, I don't sew garments.  I don't sew toys.  I sew on paper.  And I know a lot of folks who make wearables.  Not me.  But I understand the thrill of finding a gorgeous print.  Or the perfect shade of pink (or any other color) to finish a project.  

I collected some pattern papers from Carta Bella, the Sew Lovely and So Noted.  I wanted to make something sweet, pretty, and practical.  

a sweet gift tote (to hold fabric, or supplies):

a covered notepad (to jot down sketches, supplies, etc):

and finally, a large gift card holder (it holds a pre-packaged gift card):

I just loved how the green stripe and the blue ruler pattern papers looked together.  Not really christmas-y, but simply pretty!  And if you craft (any kind) you know if you find something that works really well together, you don't 'un-do' it.  

I used a variety of stuff from my stashes, so it would be ridiculous to name everything.  But, I'll list a few.  And as always, if you have a question about a particular product, please just ask.

The blue-ish solid card stock used for everything is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!  The cream cotton embroidered trim is from an internet purchase.  The stamping for the gift card holder is from Paper trey Ink (no peeking: holiday friendship jar.  homespun: love lives here holiday).  I stamped in Mint Macaroon and Basic Black classic inks by Stampin' Up!  The pink seam binding is from Stampin' Up!.  However, it is retired: Pink Pirouette.  The sewing theme fabric brads are from LemonCraft.  (LemonCraft is an eastern european company)  The silver scissor 'charm' is an internet purchase.  The large snowflake is a die from PaperTrey Ink, and the glitter paper is from Stampin' Up!.  The green check pattern fabric strips are from an internet purchase as well.  It was listed as fabric ribbon.  And as always (ok, almost always, always) I did machine stitching on my projects.  I think it adds a 'homespun' touch! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by!  now, I am off to finish some holiday shopping, and to get a few items out in the mail!  I hope you have been inspired, or at least the creative wheel is turning!

Thankful for You Card

Howdy.  The holiday crafting continues.  But, I took a break from Christmas trees, and wrapped presents, and made a card for a customer {smile}.  I knew that I wanted to use some of my 'Sewing' themed pattern paper, and a mini post card.  I just needed a little direction.  So, I headed over to Mojo Monday to take a look at their current sketch, and yeah, I made it work {smile}.

and here is what I made:

Before I get to the recipe of my card, I just have to say, that I am still trying to hang of this new and improved photo editing program.  Today's edit went a lot smoother.  But, I don't feel like I am truly proficient at it, yet.  {smile}

Recipe:  I started with Blush Blossom card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  This solid card stock has been retired for almost a decade.  So, I hoard it like gold!  It's a soft, and creamy pale pink color.  Not quite pink, and not quite peach.  And I love the heavy weight of it!

The yard stick,  the pink polka dots, and the scissor pattern papers are from Carta Bella, their Sew Lovely collection.  The yard stick pattern paper is 4" x 5 1/4".  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  The pink polka dot and scissor pattern papers are 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".  I adhered them together with a small overlap, so that their finished size is 3 1/2" x 4 3/4".  I added a double border with my sewing machine.  (I just love this look.)

I layered a scrap piece of cream embroidered trim and a mauve pink scallop trim, at the top of the card.  I secured these two trims to the card front with my sewing machine, too.  I tied a small piece of pink sequin trim to a white button with gold bakers twine.  I adhered the button to the card front with my hot glue gun.

I cut my mini post card down, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I hand-stamped my sentiment directly on the mini post card.  I used baked brown sugar classic ink.  I wanted my sentiment to look faded and vintage.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  And viola!

I am pretty happy with how my card came out.  Thank you for visiting!  And I hope you have been inspired to play along with this super talented group over @ Mojo Monday.   {smile}

Shabby Peppermint Christmas Card

Howdy!  Wow, I've posted a few times already this week.  You would think that I have a better 'understanding' of my new photo editing software.  Well, before we start to celebrate, I still can't figure out how to add text to my photos.  {ugh.  deep breathes.  One step at a time.}

Anyways, I am still playing with this beautiful pattern paper from Prima; Sweet Peppermint.  It is simply beautiful!  

I am entering a few challenges with a card I made this morning.  I used some scraps and added a bit of machine stitching, and viola!

The first challenge I am entering is a new challenge for me.  It's the Paper Play Sketch Challenge.  They have a straight forward sketch.  But, you know me.  I love layers!  here is their sketch:

The second challenge I am entering is a theme challenge: Get Ready for Christmas @ Crafting by Designs.  And at this time of year, that is pretty much all I do during my waking hours.  Craft, craft, and a bit more crafting.  Almost all Christmas themed.  I'm getting ready for holiday craft fairs.

The third, and last (for today) is a challenge site that is near and dear to my heart:  Word Art Wednesday.  Their theme is typically Anything Goes.  But they have a 'family friendly' site, so super friendly and easy to look at.  They always provide a scripture that is NOT required, but very inspirational!

and here is what I created:

The blank-inside greeting card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  It will be for sale at my holiday craft show.  I just loved it next to the little shabby house I made with the same digital Bingo card.  {smile}

Recipe:  The card base is made from cream heavy weight card stock from Paper Trey Ink. (notice how the card stands on it's own, even with the layers.)

I used two match-y pattern papers from the Sweet Peppermint holiday collection by Prima - the mint polka dots, and the white snowflakes on a mint background.  (there are polka dots on the snowflake pattern paper, to help repeat the polka dots on the initial pattern paper.)

I adhered these two patterns together and ran it through my sewing machine.  I just love how the stitching adds such a warmth and homespun look to my paper crafts.  I wrapped a scrap piece of this beautiful black houndstooth pattern paper from the Christmas Delivery collection by Carta Bella.  I just love the contrast between the black and cream and the mint and white patterns.

I wrapped a scrap piece of Mint Macaron ribbon by Stampin' Up! around the middle of the card.  I just love the color and the added texture.  I also wrapped another new ribbon from Stampin' Up! it's their silver stripe ribbon.  The metallic really adds some elegance to the card.

I added a shabby Bingo card, as my focal piece.  (foam tape helps elevate this piece off the front of the card.)  I printed my digital Bingo card onto linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink, to help give it some texture and keep it from looking 'flat'.  I thought that the pink and green color scheme of the Bingo card really added a feminine touch.  

I wanted a sentiment but just couldn't figure out where to stamp it!  So, I made a quick tag from a scrap piece of the initial matt pattern paper.  (repeating the pattern and design.)  I stamped my sentiment on the tag and tied a simple bow with the silver stripe ribbon.  (repeat, is my middle name! ya'll)  I used a new-to-me stamp for the sentiment.  I just love the font.  It's so pretty, and elegant, and flow-y.  And I didn't have to purchase a $17/$22 stamp set to get it.  It is the Mini Christmas Holiday polymer stamp from CTMH, and it was under $3.  Perfect.  Right?

My final 'touch' was the pair of dual rhinestones at opposite corners of the Bingo card.  Yep, silver rhinestones to repeat the metallic in the silver stripe ribbon.

I used the edge of my scissors to 'rough' the edges of all of the papers.  I then sponged all the edges with Crumb Cake classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  

Well, thank you so much for stopping by my little piece of Blog-Land.  I appreciate the company.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any or all of these challenges. {smile}

Traditional Holiday Card

Howdy!  I know that it feels like  f o r e v e r  since I last posted my crafting.   And I apologize for not getting photos uploaded earlier.  But, I am still not completely happy with my upgraded photo editing software.  Maybe I'll get use to it soon, and quite all this belly aching.  {smile}

I am creating some beautiful {to me} holiday paper crafts.  And I actually look some photos.  {smile}.  So, please have patience, and stay tuned.

I created some cards that I want to enter in a Christmas Card Challenge, over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge - Dig out your Plaid.  What a fun theme, right!

*at the time of this post, the challenge has already closed.

I used some new pattern paper Christmas Delivery by Carta Bella.  It uses traditional red and green, with some black accents thrown in.  Black?  Black.  They managed to made it very chic and stylish!

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used Cherry Cobbler card stock by Stampin' Up! to create the card base.  I also used this card stock to matt the journaling piece.  

The pattern paper with presents and white polka dots on green, and the journalling piece are all from this collection.  I found it to be traditional with a bit of uptown style with the black accents.  Very chic and very stylish - I think.  The plaid ribbon is left over from last years holiday crafting.  I purchased it at one of those big box craft stores (M).  

I sponged crumb cake classic ink on all the edges, to help give each piece of softer line.  I don't really like how abrupt and stark card stock looks once its cut.  

I did make an 'adjustment' to my pattern papers.  The journalling cards are 3" x 4".  And that is just too large for my A2 size card.  So, I copied them @ 75% onto white linen card stock.  This reduced their size to 2 1/4" x 3".  Much more 'workable' for tis size of card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").

here are a few more:

I ended up making a total of 8 cards, with the four sheets of 12" x 12" pattern paper of Christmas Delivery by Carta Bella.  I wanted to make several different cards.  I was very observant as to how I cut my pattern papers, because I won't have another opportunity to purchase more.  And I have enough paper left to create a few gift bags and a few gift card holders.  I'll post a photo of them soon.

Thank you for stopping by.  I will be posting some photos of some crafts I have been working on, soon.  Please stay tuned.  I will be sharing my photos with you here, on InstaGram, and on Facebook. But please be aware, these won't be going into my Etsy shop, as I am working on increasing my inventory for holiday craft fairs.

Mint Sew Pretty; Card

Howdy.  And welcome.  I took out some vintage silk fabric the other day, and wanted to craft something pretty with it, and so I decided to make another fabric strip banner.  And the color combination was just so beautiful and inspirational: mint green, black, and cream! These colors really spoke to me, so I also crafted a card.  (I'll share the banner soon.)

I headed over to one of my favorite international craft sites for a beautiful sketch, and I Love Scrap has a wonderful sketch for you to work with.   Here is their sketch

*Their challenge is two part, use the sketch, or the image requirement, or both.  

Their image requirement is a forrest creature (fox, deer, fairy, etc)

Here is what I made:

I only used the sketch

I only used the sketch for their challenge.  I was originally thinking of a sweet nursery creature that can be found in the forest.  But, like I said earlier, I fell in love with this color combination: mint, cream, and black. {smile}

Recipe:  The card measures: 4 1/4" x 6".  The card base is True Black by Paper Trey Ink.   Love the heavy weight of this card stock.  See how tall and straight my card stands up, even with the large metal embellishment?  Beautifully thick card stock.

I used three pattern papers from Carta Bella, Sew Lovely by Carina Gardner: the mint green yard stick pattern paper, the cream and black scissor pattern paper, and the sewing machine journalling card.

I matted the cream and black scissor pattern paper onto a beautifully black and cream striped pattern paper by Stampin' Up!: Always Elegant.  I love how it makes that pattern paper pop, and brings some 'interest' to the card.  I added a simple machine sewn border to help convey the sewing theme, and give my card that home-spun touch.  {smile}

I adhered the sewing machine journalling card to the front of the card, slightly above center.  I did that to make room for my trims.  

close-up

I made my own sentiment tag with a word document on my computer.  I don't have any sentiment stamps with a sewing theme.  [shocking that I don't have something]  I used three different fonts.  And assembled them creatively.  I used peeking sheers to give the ends of the sentiment piece some interest, and keeping with the sewing theme.  And I added some machine stitching along the ends to replicate a 'label'.      I did a light tea staining on my white seam binding, to help give it a vintage look and feel.  [the white was just too white].  I machine stitched the seam binding and crochet trim to the front of the card.  I tied a multi-loop bow with some of the tea stained seam binding, and tied a button to the bow, and around a pair of faux scissors with cream twine.  The faux scissors are adhered to the card front.  I die cut and stamped a thread card.  I used the Hanging by a Thread stamp set and matching die set, by Paper Trey Ink, to create the thread card.  I stamped the image in Mint Macaroon classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, both by Stampin' Up!.  I wrapped some baker's twine around the thread card.  This baker's twine has cream, black, and silver threads in it.  To complete the thread card, I added a black and silver button by Bo Bunny, and tied the button with silver thread.

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned for the fabric scrap banner I made using the same colors.  Hint: it is in the back-ground of this card.  I'm in love with it!  But, it will be posted in my Etsy shop, as will this card.

Also, don't forget, I have a new segment to my blog: Triple T Tuesday.  I share tips, tricks, and techniques in this segment.  And this Tuesday, I am going to do a water coloring technique, so please come back!

A Sweet Pink Christmas Card

Howdy.  Welcome.  Well, the sun is out this morning, so I took advantage of the daylight and snapped a photo of a card I made last night.  I LOVE pink, and shabby chic, so why not put those two together to make a sweet, pink, shabby Christmas card?  {smile}

I used the current sketch challenge over @ Mojo Monday.  They have some very user friendly sketches.  And the design team is just so talented!   Here is the current sketch: 

today's the last day for this sketch challenge

I also wanted to enter another challenge.  The current challenge over @ A Snowflakes Promise, is Winter/Christmas.  This challenge site, has some very creative folks on their design team as well.  So, I am sure you will find some inspiration there, as well.

this challenge ends this month

and here is what I made:

So, let me just dive right in, with how I made this card {smile}!  This card is 4 1/4" x 6".  So, its larger than an A2, but smaller than an A6.  I like this size of card, because the A6 envelope allows for bulk from embellishments.  (I know I have made flat cards before, but its been so long ago, I can't remember the year {smile}).

I started with Vintage card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock, to use for card bases.  Their vintage card stock, is a bit lighter than Very Vanilla by Stampin' Up!, so that is why the two vanilla pieces don't match.

I used two pattern papers from Tilda (Christmas, and homemade), and one pattern paper from Carta Bella (baby girl).  

I added two different white cotton trims to the top and bottom of the middle panel. I added a double border stitch with my sewing machine.  I also machine stitched a white crochet trim to the bottom of the middle panel.  

I used some scrap pieces to create my flags (I hand-cut my flag ends).  I made a larger flag for the sentiment piece.  I hand-stamped my sentiment, using a stamp set by Paper Trey Ink; Season's Greetings.  I heat embossed the sentiment with silver embossing powder.  It's beautiful, but a bear to photograph.

I stacked two pale pink blossom pieces.  The bottom blossom is glittered, while the top blossom is flocked.  I added a pink cotton rosette to the center, and used a square rhinestone to hold it all together.  I had a scrap piece of that shimmery chenille trim, so I tied it into a bow.  I added a silver-tone ice skate charm, and tied it to the trim with cream twine.

Thank you for looking.  Now, I'm headed back into my craft room, to create another vintage style piece for another challenge!  Yahoo!  I love days like these!  No obligations, or chores.  Just crafting! I hope you get the opportunity to create something wonderful, too!

Bigger Gift Card Holder

~ photo heavy post ~

welcome.  I hope you are well, and finding time to express your creativity.  Me, yeah.  I love cooking/baking, as much as paper crafting.  So, I have been busy making bulk meals.  You know, where you make 3-4 dinners of the same dinner, and freeze them for later.  That way, when you are running late, you just pop them in the oven, and viola!  Lasagne, casseroles, meatloaf, enchiladas, and roasted chicken are what I make.  I do a traditional lasagne and a 'white' lasagne.  The white lasagne has chicken, an alfredo sauce and green chili in it.  A 'New Mexico' spin on a wonderful dish.  I also roast chicken breasts and thighs.  I prefer mine with the bone-in and skin-on.  Rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper, in an 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.  De-bone the chicken, cut up the meat, package in 2 cup freezer bags, and viola!  Now you have chicken available to add to recipes and go!

But through all of this, I did stop and craft {smile}.  I make gift card holders to sell at my craft fairs.  But these holders hold just the gift card.  You know, the kind you get at Starbucks, or a major retailer. I have a girl friend who buys all of her gift cards at the grocery store or Walgreens.  And well, those gift cards are 'packaged'.  And she doesn't want to rip them open to get to the gift card to put in one of my gift card holders.  So, I am making some of the holiday craft fairs, to see how well, or not so well they do.  

I made one last year for this particular friend, (see post here) and she just LOVED it!  So, I am on a crafting mission.  However, when I made that one, I didn't write down dimensions, because I thought that I would remember.  Well, I didn't and I didn't show images of it opened.  {frown}  

so without further ado, here it is:

I am not too set with the straight edges.  But, I am happy with how the front looks.  I used this beautiful pale aqua blue color card stock in solid and two various patterns for the front.  The polka dot paper is from Paper Trey Ink, and the interlocking circle pattern paper is from Carta Bella.  The floral pattern paper is actually a digital paper.

I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, around a few pieces.  I just love the look it gives my crafts.  {smile} homemade!

Here is the flap open, to 'present' the gift card.  I continued the polka dot pattern paper on the inside.  The 'label' is heat embossed with the sentiment: happy birthday, in silver.  That panel is not attached, so you can write something.  I'm not too sure about that either.

I think I would like my 'holder' panel to have a higher bottom lip.  But, I haven't totally decided on that.  I also think that I would like a belly band.  But, I wasn't too sure when I created one, here.  Maybe a bow to hold it closed?  But, can everyone re-tie the bow?  UGH!

I tied a junk bow on the front.  I thought these little scraps of trim looked sweet with the front.  And yeah, I do have seam binding that matches that pale purple textured card stock.  

The polka dot brad I had on my craft table, and unfortunately, I can't remember where it came from.  If I had to guess, I'd say My Mind's Eye Nostalgia collection.  But, I could be wrong.  The silver rim makes me think that it could be from Carta Bella.  {frown}

My other 'problem' with this gift card holder, is that it is a bit flimsy.  Because the top and bottom flaps have layers and embellishments, the over all holder seems light in the back.  And that makes me want to add pattern paper to the back.  And I don't know if I want to do that.  Maybe, I'll add a matt to the inside of the holder, where the gift card sits, to allow a space to write a note.  I know this shouldn't be this hard!  And I also need to have a price.  Let me get a prototype complete that I am super happy with first.  And then I can easily do a price.  And I promise, I'll share that one with dimensions!  But, I am sure that, that won't be this weekend.  

Enjoy your weekend!  I'm headed into my craft room, to create my 'book' to hold my 5 x 5 weekly challenge (here)! I think I'll be using the current sketch from Mojo Monday.  {fingers crossed}

Vintage Echoes; Card

Welcome.  Sorry for the lateness on this post.  I  have been crafting.  However, our internet has been spotty.  We live in the mountains, and well, we go thru motoms like crazy.  Don't really know why.  But when you really NEED the internet, your motom is usually 'bad'.  UGH!  And this time, we just couldn't get into town to purchase one more.  So, we are using a 'hot spot'.  You would almost think we were off grid.  Nope, we aren't.  Well, I guess we are! {half smile}

Anyways, I wanted to share with you a card I made a week ago.  I received this gorgeous stamp set from Verve.  And I just love it!  It's named: Kind Words.  here

Anyways, I really wanted to make a card with the large sentiment.  So, I searched the internet for a sketch that would allow for the large panel.  One of the best things I love about international challenges, especially ones in eastern Europe, is that their challenges last a few weeks to a whole month.  Allowing you time to play along! {sweet}

The lovely ladies over @ Scrap-Pygovka, have themed challenges, sketches, and color challenges.  So, there is always a variety to choose from, and the design team is incredible!  This group of ladies are talented, clever, and super creative!  I just love their work!  Here is the current sketch:

Look how beautiful this sketch is!  I thought it was super easy to work with.  And this challenge site is just my style!  Layers!  Not only layers of paper, but layers of lace! and little sweet trinkets: buttons, sequins, rhinestones, pearls, pins, twine, ribbon, and so much more!

I am also playing along in the Creative Colors Challenge blog.  These ladies have some great challenges themselves.  Their challenges are generally color based.  But super easy to work with.  And their design team is sure to inspire you!

X, marks the color I chose

Their requirement for this challenge: pick 4 colors from the color box, plus twine, and create something beautiful! How super sweet is that?  

(My four colors: crimson red, caramel brown, pale blue, and aqua blue.  I also added silver bakers twine.)

and here is what I created:

I didn't create this card for anyone in particular.  So, I just created using what I love!  This card came together fairly quickly.  Roughly within an hour.  (a 60 min card is quick for me. )

Also, I used what I had on hand.  I didn't shop for anything.  Yep, I have a LOT of stuff on hand.  Some call it 'hoarding'.  And that just sounds so awful!  I like to refer to it as 'collecting'.  Because I do plan on using what I have.  I just haven't found/created the right project, yet {smile}

Recipe:  The card base is Kraft card stock from Paper Studio, purchased at the big box store.  The pattern papers are scraps from my scrap box.  The largest one with the vertical pattern is Nostalgia from My Mind's Eye.  The blue circle pattern paper is from Carta Bella, Baby Mine collection.  And the smaller, tannish, circle pattern paper is from Teresa Collins, Save the Date collection.  And the floral pattern paper is from a My Mind's Eye pad; Stella Rose.  

The pattern papers were machine stitched.  I think it just adds so much sweetness, softness, and vintage feel to the card/project.  

I added a few circle elements, to help pull it all together.  I layered a white paper tea doily under the layers of pattern papers.  To keep with that, I also added a mini bottle cap above the seam binding bow, and a clock flair button at the top of the sentiment square.

I added a trio of scrap materials to the top of the sentiment square:  light brown fabric mini blossoms, cream pleated tulle, and cream vintage crochet trim.  I stapled this 'collection' to the card front.  For a pop of color, I added the crimson paper blossom, and a text print leaf sprig.

For the embellishment at the opposite corner, I added a multi-loop bow made from aqua seam binding.  I tied on a heart shape tag with silver bakers twine.  I hand-stamped the sentiment: Hugs.  I added a mini bottle cap to the top of the bow.  I thought the silver bottle cap and aqua center help pull the card together.  

The sentiment was heat embossed in silver, on cream card stock.  And the final touch was a trio of rhinestones at opposite corners of the sentiment square. 

Thank you for looking.  I will have this card posted in my Etsy shop for sale.  Also, I have discounted my stamp sets, to their lowest price possible: 40% off retail price.  I have also added more stamp sets to my shop.  Enjoy your weekend!

Cute Baby; Card

Howdy!  I had a few custom orders to get completed and out in the mail.  Whew.  Love being busy.  It keeps me focused.  And on a personal note, I am up to 7 miles.  Running.  I am working on my time, and distance.  [If  you didn't know, I am training for a half marathon.  check out my InstaGram page.]

The easiest paper crafting style I can create, is shabby chic, with a bit of vintage thrown in for good measure.  I am a sucker for pink, vanilla, text, seam binding, lace, and paper blossoms.  And thanks to the world wide web, I can see what folks from a round the world create.  And so, for today's card, I am participating in two Russian challenges.  

To give me some inspiration, I chose to work with the inspiration board provided by Scrap Magic.

They have requirements.  Colors: Sand, & Pink.  Mandatory elements: rose, ribbon, metal, and wear.

What a beautiful collage.  I love the soft, sweet colors, and the little additions of gold.  Very pretty. This challenge closes on July 1st.  So, I may be submitting another paper craft {smile}.

Now, to give me some direction, I chose to work with art-kladovaya.  I love this sketch!  

I love the circle elements and the pattern piece at the top right of the sketch.  This challenge is almost closed.  this challenge site closed minutes before I could add my entry.  {frown}

And here is what I created:

Recipe:  I used a kraft yardstick from a big box store.  I love the softness of the kraft brown.  For the pink bottle pattern paper, I used Carta Bella latest baby girl pattern paper.  For the pink & brown polka dot  pattern paper, its a scrap from Impressions (at least 8 yrs old).

I did  a double simple border stitch.  I added a little distressing to the edges of the papers, including sponging.  I tore the paper and added a scrap piece of cotton trim in the tear, and then added some stitching along the bottom of the tear.

I added three different ribbon scraps under the heart brad for my sentiment.  I added a trio of paper blossoms (two pink, and one brown)  I thought the colors would go nicely with the card.  I added leaves cut from text paper, to give some contrast.  I added two kraft vintage buttons by Paper Trey Ink.  I added a 'cute' lightbulb and a scrap piece of cream tule.

Thank you for stopping by!  I'll get back in my craft room.  I have a few special orders to get out in the next few weeks.  {smile}  A little sneak peak, I ordered some beautiful holiday elements to add to my Christmas crafts for this years craft fair.  I'm super excited to see them in person!

Tiny Treasure Tin

~ photo heavy post ~

I had a fabulous afternoon, today.  I had a chance to craft more greeting cards that hold gift cards.  I know sometimes, you want to give a gift card, but want a beautiful way to present it.  {smile}.  I will have photos posted on my Facebook page in a day or two.  

I also got a chance to finish a blank mint tin.  I painted the tin with 3 different colors of chalk paint: burlap, cotton, and shell.  The top color is a beautiful pale pink.  I used a sanding block and 2 different grits of sand paper, along with a damp sponge to distress the tin.  Once I was happy with the distressing, I sealed the paint.  And then added pattern paper, embellishments, and sponged ink.

The wonderfully talented ladies over @ Brown Sugar Challenge, have a current challenge: distress!

closed lid

Recipe:  I painted Burlap chalk paint first.  I wanted this soft brown color to peek through.  Then I painted a soft white (cotton) chalk paint.  And the final color is shell chalk paint.  I did dry embossing first.  Then I used a damp sponge to do some wet distressing.  The final step is to add a sealant.  {smile} 

the lid

For the lid, I tore two pinkish pattern papers.  Adhered them together.  Sponged some brown ink all around.  To cover the paper seam, I added a die cut rose from the Tilda paper collection.  I added a scrap piece of cream crochet trim by Stampin' Up! , just below the die cut rose.  I added a simple bow tied with pink pirouette seam binding by Stampin' Up!.  And then I added a pink vintage button tied with cream twine by Paper Trey Ink.

opened

The inside lid, has two different pattern papers from the Corner Shop collection by Tilda.  I just love this paper collection.  The bottom pattern paper is an aqua blue pattern, to help bring out the blue blossoms in the floral pattern paper.  I added a strip of cream crochet trim and a scrap piece of pink pirouette seam binding to the pattern paper stack.  I added some machine stitching, to add to the soft, sweet look of the tin.  I added a sweet, adorable flair button, and a white heart pearl brad, before adhering it to the inside of the mint tin.  Finally, I added a trio of sequins from Pretty Pink Posh (marshmallow and mint).  I added a pair of soft green sequins to help bring out the green in the foliage of the floral pattern paper.

wide opened

The pink polka dot pattern paper is from Carta Bella, baby girl.  I sponged the edges of the pink polka dot pattern paper with brown ink.  I added a die cut teddy bear, from the Corner Shop by Tilda.  I sponged the edges of the teddy bear before adhering it to the inside bottom of the mint tin.

I am calling these little altered, decorated mint tins as Tiny Treasure Tins.  Because these adorable little tins should hold a tiny treasure {smile}!

Thank you for looking.  I will be making several more of these little treasure tins for an upcoming craft fair.  

Baby Girl Hoop

I am still crafting {smile}.  I am working on some 'home decor' items for the Mother's Day Craft Fair @ La Cueva High School.  This craft fair focuses on home decor items, and I always craft some special Mother's Day cards.

So, I was looking at some of my left over baby girl scrap papers and embellishments, from Carta Bella.  I just love pink, with other soft colors and a splash of red!  I was looking through some of hoard stash.  And came across a few embroidery hoops.  Interesting, because I don't embroider, cross stitch, or other many needle crafts.  But, I know I wanted I had an idea, just don't too sure today.  So, I used paper in place of the fabric.  And I did add some machine stitching {smile}.

Recipe:  I started with a 5" hoop.  I cut my paper just a bit larger than the hoop.  I used scor tape to adhere the pattern paper to the outside of the inner hoop.  I machine stitched the scrap piece of white cotton trim.  And then I used my hot glue gun to adhere the chipboard pieces.  I added a trio of buttons to the opposite side of the framed girl.  I used one string of cream twine and threaded it through the buttons.  I added cream pom pom trim to the outside of the larger hoop.  I used scor tape to adhere it to the outside of the hoop.  I used tea dyed and pink seam binding to create a 'hanger'.  I tied a multi-loop bow out of the pink seam binding, and then tied it to the tea dyed seam binding.  

This little  treasure was quite fun to create, so I believe that I will make another one later this weekend.  I haven't figured out the theme, but I know it will be sweet {smile}.

Mr & Mrs, card

Howdy!  Holey moley is there a lot of snow outside!  I hope you are inside staying warm.  If you do need to adventure outdoors, please bundle up! be safe! and take your time!  Remember, 'arrive alive'! That use to be a DOT campaign many, many years ago.  I believe they used it, when they changed the interstate highway speed limits.  Anyways, I digress.
I have another Black, White, and Blue wedding card to share with you.   The lovely ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have an anything goes  challenge this week.

This week's scripture is from John 15:9, and speaks about love.  The love our Lord has for each of us, and how we need to share that same love with each other.  So, I thought it was fitting to share this card.  And here is what I made:

I really wanted to make something sweet, soft, and simply pretty.  I hope the bride and groom, love this!  Anyways, lets get to the recipe:  I used soft sky card stock by Stampin' Up! to make the card base.  This card is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2".  A bit large for me, but I am really starting to embrace this larger canvas!  This card fits wonderfully into an envelope made for  5" x 7" cards.

Ok, I did a pure black card stock matt, by Paper trey ink.  I added two scrap pieces of pattern paper.  The light blue text is from the Noteworthy collection, by Carta Bella.  The blue damask pattern paper is from Melissa Frances.  I added a simple machine stitched border, to help 'adhere' it to the black matt.

For my scallop collection, I added a strip of winter white scallop trim that I think is just lovely.  I added on top of that a scallop trim piece of blue texture card stock.  And to top that, I added a piece of Raven scallop lace trim.  I really love how these three trims look together. {smile}

For my blossoms:  The two tall blossoms are painted with white paint and glittered.  I sprayed these with Aqua Net hair spray to 'seal'/'set' the glitter.  I tucked these two tall pieces behind my big blue blossom.  That blossom is from Prima.  I added some white paint to the petals, to help give it a shabby look.  I tucked in a dark grey felt rolled blossom from CTMH.  I thought the contrast really worked well.

To balance the blossoms, I tucked in a white resin frame from Melissa Frances.  I just love her frames!  I don't have many, and they can be a bear to get your hands on, so I do hoard these.  I added a small blue paper blossom inside the frame.  I painted the petal tips with white paint and added glitter.  {smile}  I also added some blue rain drops inside the frame.  While adding these little gems inside the frame, glitter was adhered, too.

The focal collage looked 'open' at the bottom, so I made a multi-loop bow with some beautifully deep blue seam binding.  So, I tucked that bow in at the bottom of that big blue blossom.  At this point I noticed that I didn't have a sentiment, so I made a tiny tag that simply reads: 'Mr. & Mrs'.  I flagged the end, to give it a little pizzazz.

I thought the card looked a little flat, so I added some rhinestone swirls here and there.  The largest of the rhinestone flourish is at the top of the card.  I didn't want it to look odd or out of place, so I added a little strip of rhinestones inside the white frame, and then two rhinestone curves at the bottom of the card.

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to create something for yourself, or someone special.  There is joy in just making something beautiful, just for the sake of crafting {smile}.  

Well, I am off to my craft room.  I feel the need to sit and play with paper.  The snow outside is measured in feet, and its too deep for me to run errands.  So, inside I will stay inside.  Maybe later today, I'll adventure in the kitchen and make a beautiful pot roast with all the fixings for dinner.  And some home-made yeast rolls.  Ahh, this is what I need to relax, recharge, and find some inner peace and happiness.  Take care.  Stay warm.  Be safe.  See you soon!