WaterColor Blossoms; Card

Hello.  I made a card to say 'Thank You' to those ladies who placed orders @ Ashley's KEEP Collective party.  {smile}  The ladies she invited were funny, personable, and friendly. 

The wonderful ladies over @ The Paper Players have a current challenge that fit this bill!  Their theme for their current challenge is to create a clean and simple card with a Spring theme! Yahoo!

And, the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge have a similar challenge: Welcome Spring, and use ribbon, lace, or trim on your project.  Easy!

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used crumb cake card stock for the card base.  The matt is made with crisp cantaloupe card stock.  I just love this color.  It's a softer version of the Coral.  

I stamped the floral image in Black detail ink, on to white shimmer card stock.  I used re-inkers to water color the blossoms with aqua painter.  I used crisp cantaloupe, pink pirouette, blushing bride, coral, pear pizzazz, and pistachio pudding.  

Once the blossoms were water colored, I sprayed the panel with a shimmer mist.  I really wanted the sparkle!  Finally, I hand-stamped the 'thank you' from the hand-scripted stamp set by Amuse Studio in Basic Black classic ink.   

I used my paper piercer to create two tiny holes on each side of the blossom stems, and strung a thin, sheer, coral ribbon, and tied a simple, single bow.  I wanted another embellishment, so I added a trio of marshmallow sequins.  The water colored panel was adhered to the cantaloupe card stock with foam tape.

I plan on dropping these beauties in the mail, once I hear from KEEP Collective, that Ashley's party orders have been shipped.  {smile}  I hope the ladies really do love their cards and unique jewelry.  {smile}

Cottage Chic Shaker Card

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy!  It's 100 degrees here in the southwest region of the United States of America.  However, up in the mountains, its about 10 degrees cooler.  I know 90 degrees doesn't sound 'cooler', however, here in the desert, it is {smile}.  I did get a few Craft Fair applications out this week, so I am starting on my holiday craft fair materials.  Yes, Christmas in hot June!

I love old stuff (vintage), and anything farmland.  That includes mason jars, lace, seam binding, buttons, twine, and paper blossoms.  And so I set out to make something pretty, and feminine.  I did stop by a few international challenge sites, and oh my, there is a lot of inspiration out there!

I am using the current sketch from Vintage Cafe Card Challenge.  The ladies on this design team love vintage, shabby chic, and provence style crafting.

Look at this beautiful sketch.  I love the layers.  The circle element will be easy to work with.  And the sentiment label, adds the finishing touch.  Love it! and check out the crafts from the design team.

I also stopped by SaratovScrap to see what their current inspirational board looks like.  And oh my, you would think it was made just for me!

I love the sparkle, the hay bales covered in lace, the translucent balloons, the pearl and glass dangles, and all the flowers.  Very pretty, very country chic!

And finally, I stopped by Paper Ladybirds, to use their current color challenge, again.  

A pale pink, a spring green, and a warm toffee/kraft color.  Take a look at what the design team made!  Very pretty, and inspirational!

and here is what I made:

and a different view:

Recipe:  I used a warm, soft, beautiful kraft cardstock; Paper Studio.   [The card measures 4 1/4" x 6".] I used a pink, wood-grain pattern paper with pink blossom clusters on it.  I love pink, have I mentioned that? {smile}  I did a simple, double-border, machine stitch along the sides.  I then added a scrap piece of white cotton trim, and a scrap piece of vanilla lace trim.  I machine stitched them to the  card front, too.  

I cut-down a birthday cake recipe, collage paper to 3 1/4" x 5".  I did another double border machine stitch on it, too.  I added a kraft paper doily to the top 2/3 of the recipe paper.  

I created a 'shaker' mason jar from my Friendship Jar stamp and die set by Paper Trey Ink.  I added sequins from Pretty Pink Posh, and Stampin' Up!  I decorated the jar with a pale pink material that has a scallop edge.  I layered a white crochet scalp trim on top of the pink material.  I tied a light kraft bakers twine around the mouth of the jar, and tied it into a simple bow.  I made a tiny tag and hand-stamped 'wish' onto it.  I added a trio of tiny paper blossoms I purchased from LemonCraft.  I also inserted a white star decorative stick pin.  I added a paper blossom to the bottom right corner of the jar.

For my sentiment, I hand-stamped my greeting, and hand-scissor the banner end.  I did a double machine stitch to the right side of the banner.

I added clear sequins and half pearls to both the upper right and lower left of the shaker jar.

I haven't made a shaker card before, and so I know a few things to do differently.  I would have used a thicker foam tape, and added a little glitter.  I am happy with how this card turned out.  But, I think I would like to do another shaker card, with the trim having a random pleat, and possibly a seam binding bow.  

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired! and have an opportunity to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites.

Jumbo Gift Card Holder

Howdy! and welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I'm so happy that you could visit.  Sit a spell, have a look around, and hopefully I have inspired you {smile}!

Yesterday, I confessed that I have already started thinking about next years holiday arts and crafts fairs, and a few new items I would like to sell.  Well, today I have a little sneak peak.  {smile}

If you are like me, you do give gift cards to those who either love them, or you aren't quite sure what they would like from their favorite place.  And if you are like me, sometimes these gift cards are purchased from grocery/drug stores.  And yeah, they have this big cardboard piece that advertises who they are, and they have that 'gorgeous' hanger hole at the top.  Sound familiar?  Well, the gift card holders I sell at my booth, only have space for the card.  Crazy, right?  Well, sometimes, you just don't want/can't tear that thing apart to get to the card.  So, I have made a 'Jumbo Gift Card Holder' for just that situation!
Well, to get some direction, I stopped by the Divas by Design challenge blog.  And well, they have a great challenge this week!  Seeing Red!  So they ask that you use lots of red!  And I think I have!

Ok, lets get started.  This is my version of the jumbo gift card holder.  {smile}  It measures 5" x 5 1/2".  In this view, the measurements look 'wrong', but they aren't.  Promise.  Anyways, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  I am thinking of possibly making a belly band, to help hold the flap closed, but haven't 'married' that idea yet.  I'm also thinking the belly band could potentially give me another pattern paper, to help give this large piece some more pattern.  I could attach the 3" x 4" 'tag' to it, also.  Hmmm, options, options, options.

Anyways, back to this one.  I used kraft card stock by Recollections for the base.  I used this new 'vintage'-y pattern holiday paper 'Snow Village' by Pink Paisley.  I just love the soft pretty colors and hip patterns.  {smile}

I cut a medium snowflake with the fancy snowflake die by Paper Trey Ink.  I used the gold glitter paper by Stampin' Up!.  Love the glitter/sparkle and shine!  I wrapped some of the new holiday Cherry Cobbler Sheer Linen Ribbon, by Stampin' Up! through the center of the snowflake and tied a simple bow.  I stamped the sentiment onto a tiny tag in Cherry Cobbler classic ink, by Stampin' Up! The tiny tag was made with the Tiny Tag die, by Paper Trey Ink.  The sentiment came from the Holiday Friendship Jar stamp set, by Paper Trey Ink.

I altered a jingle bell, and tied both the bell and the tag to the large bow with some thin silver cord, and made a simple bow with the silver cord.

Just like my other gift card holders, the inside flap of these will be embossed with a holiday message.  

This sentiment card came in the paper pack.  I did stamp the 'Love & Laughter welcome here at Christmas and all year', in cherry cobbler classic ink.  I felt the tag piece needed a little something more.  I hope my friend likes it! {smile}

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, I am off to cut card stock.  I have finished my 'sample' for our holiday Christmas card, and I need to get those made.

If you placed a special order, I will be working on those tomorrow and Tuesday.  Don't fret, I will have those done and ready to wrap by their guaranteed delivery date.  So, until we meet again, happy crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

Sprite Mojo

my sprite in a jar

Welcome.  I have been a bit busy.  I have been asked to teach a class at a private retreat next week, and well, I have been making a few samples of a mini album I am teaching.  Anyways, along this journey to find some inspiration for my mini album, I stumbled upon this wonderfully creative challenge site.  And, so I have taken a break from creating mini albums to play along.   Sometimes, its good to change your focus, so you can get back on track.

I'm not quite sure how I stumbled upon this challenge blog: Aurora Wings, but I am certainly glad that I have.  This challenge site uses digital images.  I have embraced this new type of images lately.  And this challenge site, asks that you hand color your digital image.  I have to admit, I do love coloring.  There is a certain peace that goes with this activity.  You can't really focus on troubles, or worries.  You need to focus on the task at hand - coloring.  It gives your mind and soul a chance to take a break from the worries and busy-ness of everyday life.  A small retreat for your mind.

I needed a little direction for my creation, so I went to Mojo Monday, because they have some very easy-to-use sketches.  Here is this week's sketch:

Aurora Wings provided a free digital image this week, for the Sprite challenge.  I want to thank them for doing so.  Their generosity for providing everyone with a free image, is rather sweet {smile}.   I downloaded my free image, and set out to color my little sprite.  This is my first attempt at coloring a digital image.  I typically stamp an image in Staz-On, or heat emboss an image.  Because I typically love to water color.  I wasn't sure how the 'ink' from my printer would hold up to water, so I used my color pencils instead of watercolors.  It was really fun to sit and color.  Here is what I created:

The recipe:  The card base is Cream Cardstock from Paper Trey Ink.  I used Ocean Tides card stock (PTI) for the matt.  I used some scraps I had in my scrap box for the panels.  The yellow pattern paper is from My Minds' Eye and the polka dot pattern paper is from Heidi Swap.  I added a small open scallop trim border with whisper white card stock from Stampin' Up!.  I added some random machine stitching along the sides, and a zig zag stitch across the top of the scallop border.  I used a scrap piece of Melissa Frances pattern paper for the back drop of the jar.  I matted this piece to Ocean Tides card stock.  I added a simple single machine stitch to the piece.  (I repeated the ocean tides card stock matt and machine stitching to keep everything connected.)

I stamp and heat embossed the jar (Friendship Jar stamp set by Paper Trey Ink) onto Vellum Cardstock (Stampin' Up!).  I stamped and fussy cut the jar banner and adhered it to the vellum.  I stamped the bee in Staz-On and used my coloring pencils to color in his body.  The bee is adhered to the card front with foam tape.  

I printed my sprite onto shimmer white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I adjusted the size of the image to 1 1/2" x 1 3/4".  To color my digital Sprite image, I used four different yellows, two greens, two browns and a black.  I fussy cut him out, and used foam tape to adhere him to the jar.  

I stamped my sentiment from the Garden Variety stamp set (PTI) onto a scrap piece of shimmer white card stock, inked the edges and cut a banner end.  I used hot glue to attach my sun flower and leaf.  I sponged linen ink on all of the edges of card stock and pattern paper.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to play along in either of these challenges, or both!  I have another post today of the second mini album I finished.  Please look for that.  But be aware, it is a photo heavy post.

Bunco Eight

Whew.  Sorry this is so late this morning.  My youngest granddaughter sleeps over a few Mondays a month, and yeah, yesterday was her sleep over day {smile}.  She will be two next month, so as you can imagine, her activity level is a bit higher than this grandma's.  

So, back on track with our Bunco prize countdown, from #11 to #1.  (#11 prize is the least in dollar value, and #1 is the largest.)

You have seen this prize before, it is my altered salt shaker photo holder and trinket holder.  I have to admit, I just love this!  I foresee me having several of these on hand at my holiday arts and crafts shows.  {yeah!}

Since I have shared a few photos of the altered salt shaker with you before, I'll start with a close-up photo of this adorable gift card.

I have to admit, I really love these two pattern papers together.  The mustard yellow and shades of blue pattern paper, remind me of wall paper in a country kitchen.  I know that sounds pretty weird, but I really like these two pattern together, and I think they fit my theme perfectly!

The mannequin is die cut and stamped from one of my favorite sets from Paper Trey Ink.  The little banner is stamped with the Friendship Jar stamp set by Paper Trey Ink, as well.  The buttons are a mixture of Stampin' Up! (two yellows) and Dress It Up.  

Now, two different photos of that adorable altered salt shaker:

In this side view, you can see some aqua mist colored buttons, a tiny clothes pin, a pair of tiny safety pins, and a few pearls.
The glass piece hanging from the glitter paper blossom, was purchased from the jewelry section of one of those big box stores.  I wanted a dangle and I think I found the perfect one {smile}.

And from this view, you can see a tiny wooden spool, a few more loose pearls, a cream fancy button, a clear faceted button, and a few stick pins.  All of which are laying on a thin layer of super fine glitter.

Ok, now that I look at my photo, The back of one of the tags, I see I was thrifty!  In that, I stamped on the other side of a already stamped card stock piece.  UGH!  Let me get back into my craft room, and 'fix' that.  (AKA re-do the tag, and re-string it through the knot.)

Thank you for stopping by.  I will post another prize(s) tomorrow.  And on Thursday, I will share a few of my decorations.  Friday a few more prizes, and hopefully on Saturday, I will have some pre-party photos.  I hope you have been inspired to create something wonderful!

Bunco Reminder

Howdy!  Well, I have been a little busy getting stuff together for my turn to Host Bunco next month.  I know what you are thinking. . . next month, you have gobs of time.  Well, kinda no.  I have prizes to make, a menu to develop, clean the house, celebrate 4th of July, and everything else the rest of folks have to do (work, chores, raise children/grandchildren, and take care of ourselves).

I send out a reminder card, when it is my turn to  host.  And yeah, it fits my 'theme' {smile}.  This year's theme is 'farmland'.  I needed a sketch challenge, to help me get those creative juices moving.  So, I went to Retro Sketches.  They have some beautifully simple sketches, that allow you to really embellish, or keep it clean and simple, and everything in-between.  So, that's where I started!

See what I mean!  Simply beautiful and full of a lot of potentials.  And here is what I did!

The card base is crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love their card stock.  It is a nice heavy weight, that is perfect for card bases as well as another paper craft.

The wood-grain pattern paper is actually a digital download.  I just love the mix of wood-grain, florals, and text.  It's so pretty, country, and simply worn.  I matted this pattern paper onto a piece of Aqua Mist cards stock by Paper Trey Ink, and did a simple machine stitch along the four sides.

The pink gingham pattern paper is also a digital download.  I love this mix of patterns for the same reasons. {smile}

I wrapped a cream twill ribbon by Paper Trey Ink around these two matted pieces and machine stitched the ribbon to the card front.  I tied a simple bow.

The jar is stamped in crumb cake classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, both by Stampin' Up!  The jar is from Paper Trey Ink.  Then I stamped the polka dots onto the jar in Soft Sky classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I fussy cut the jar out, and wrapped some cram twine, by Paper Trey Ink, around the mouth of the jar.  I added a tag, by Paper Trey Ink.  I stamped the tag in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink, and the sentiment in the same color ink.  Fussy cut the tag out, and used a hand-held hole punch.  Tied the cream twine into a simple bow.

The burlap-lace ribbon is from a big-box craft store.  I thought it added a bit of country charm.   The sentiment banner is from a new stamp set I purchased from Inspired by Stamping.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey classic ink and used a square punch to create the flagged ends.

I added two vintage buttons (white and aqua mist) to the right side of the jar, and a white paper blossom to the left side of the jar.  I distressed the paper blossom by brushed some picket dense distressing paint on the petal tips and added some dazzling diamond glitter to give it some sparkle.  The leaves were cut from a text paper.

Thank you for stopping by.  Hope you found some inspiration, or at least something pretty to look at!

Altered Paper Mache Book Box Complete

~ photo heavy post ~

Whew.  A finished project!   I finished my paper mache book box this morning.  Took quite a few photos and now I'm ready to share with you, this labor of love.  I purchased a paper mache book box from one of those big box craft stores.  So, they should be relatively easy for you to find one.  You can always order one off the internet, but I'm not a fan of shipping costs.  (Frugal, one might say)  The book box measures 4" wide by 6" tall and 1 1/2" deep.  So, it's not huge, but the measurements are perfect when using 12" x 12" pattern paper.   I used a sketch from Cardabilities #91 for my inspiration to create the cover.

Let's start with the cover:  

I first painted the box with gesso.  Then a light sand color paint.  I spritz the box with an alcohol mist, and rubbed some of the sand color paint off, to give it a worn look.  I also used fine linen distress ink on the edges.  I used pattern paper from Lost & Found - Market Street.  I machine stitched the main panel to a crumb cake card stock.  The chicken wire images are stamped from Distressed Background by CTMH.  The sentiment is stamped from On the Grown by Stampin' Up!.  The lilies and white rose are made from clay.  The butterfly is a resist chipboard piece from Heidi Swap.  The pale green paper blossom is from Kaiser Krafts.  The cream button is from Paper Trey Ink, and the gold sequins are from Stampin' Up!.  (If you saw yesterday's post, I hadn't added the button yet, its tucked-in, between the pink seam binding and the pale green paper blossom.)

a close-up:

Let's open the box.  Here is the inside cover:

I used the same pattern paper threw out this alteration.  To keep everything looking like it belongs.    I did however, use a tag from Prima - Almanac.  Love the chicken.  I did a little stamping:  some more chicken wire, and a country phrase along the left side of the tag from Country Born by CTMH.  I also  created a tiny tag using a stamp from Friendship Jar by Paper Trey Ink.  I added a pool party polka dot brad by Stampin' Up!  I created a banner with the same pattern paper; Market Street.  I added some sweet tiny cream buttons from Paper Trey Ink, that I tied with some cream twine. (if you saw yesterday's post, I had not finished the banner.)  I added a white resin key by Melissa Frances, to help balance the page, and to add a sweet little surprise.  (If you saw yesterday's post, I had to flip the key around, so that the box would close shut.)

the inside of the box:

I just love this floral pattern paper by Market Street.  It adds so much sweetness without giving you a cavity (haha).  I wanted to add a little surprise, so I placed a small white crochet doily and a pale pink paper blossom to the bottom right corner.  I also added a little bit of sparkle by including a link from a Melissa Frances dangle.

here is the close-up:

here is the back of the box:

I wanted the back to have a bit of charm, too.  But, I also wanted to keep it flat, incase the owner wants to lay the book box down.  I used the same pattern paper - Market Street.  But I used a part of a pattern text paper that had this open area.  So, I used a stamp from The Sweet Life by Paper Trey Ink.  I thought is was fitting for a memory box.  I also added my signature stamp along the bottom.  

here is the spine:

I stamped the 'title' with a stamp from Loving Thoughts by Stampin' Up! onto a scrap piece of the Market Street pattern paper.  I also added a white resin lock by Melissa Frances.

I used a scrap piece of some beautiful peach colored silk ribbon by Martha Stewart.  I purchased the ribbon probably 5 years ago from a local scrapbooking store.  I thought the ribbon matched perfectly.

All the edges of the pattern papers were distressed with ink or ink and scissors.  I used scor tape to adhere the papers to the box.  I used my glue gun to hold the various embellishments to the box.

oops! I forgot to show you the bow!

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking a look.  I am off to my craft room once again to finish my desk top calendars.  Yep, I still have 2 more to make.  And January is almost over!

Mailing List = Free Tags

Howdy!  I hope this post finds you well.  Me, busy as a little bee! trying to get more crafts made for my next upcoming Arts and Craft Fair show.  I'll be at Cleveland Middle School, in Albuquerque, NM.  I haven't participated in this craft fair before, so I hope to meet some new folks, and share my paper crafts with them.

Each year, around the summer time, I try to get my schedule of Arts and Craft Fairs together, so I know which venues I'm at, and give my customers a heads up.  Then in October, I mail out my Craft Fair Schedule postcard, to anyone who has requested to be on my mailing list.  

This year, I wanted to add something to the whole process.  So, when I created my post cards, I added a little blurb at the top, letting the recipient know, that if they bring my postcard, to any of the craft shows I am at, they will get an 'exclusive gift'.  It is basically a way for me to thank my past customers.  And here is a look, at their 'exclusive gift'.  

a pair of holiday gift tags:

As you can see, it is a matching duo of tags.  But, before someone gets the wrong idea, or I don't make it clear, the gift is one decorated glassine bag with the two coordinating tags (not both tag collections).

For the tags in the top row, uses my favorite rustic holiday paper: Rustic Snowflakes.  The bottom row, used my favorite traditional holiday paper: Holiday Flourishes & Swirls.  I stamped the 'to' and 'from' onto the tags themselves, using the Holiday Fillers Friendship Jar stamp set.  That font just has a country charm to it.  For the middle sentiment, I used two different stamps.  The 'Merry Christmas' is from the Come to Bethlaham stamp set.  The 'Holiday Cheer' is from a decade old Anna Griffith holiday stamp set.

As for the decorated glassine bags, I simple wrapped a piece of coordinating pattern paper around the middle of the bag, and then I wrapped a piece of ribbon around the pattern paper.  To create the 'label' I  stamped a polka dot frame, using the Four Frames stamp set.  Then I stamped a sentiment inside.  I used the Berry Christmas and Heritage Holiday stamp sets.  I added a vintage button to the front of each bag, just to give it that home-made feel.

I had a few folks ask how much the tag sets are, and well, they aren't for sale.  They are my exclusive 'gift' for those folks who have come to my booth at various craft shows, and have asked to be on my mailing list.

At this point in time, I haven't decided yet, if this will continue to next years Craft show tour, so this may be your only chance to receive this little 'gift'.  I only have two crafts shows left this holiday season!

I want to Thank all the nice, lovely folks who have taken the time, to stop by booth, and take a look at what I have created.  I know that my 'style' is not everyone's favorite.  But, I do appreciate the lovely compliments, and the chance to get my paper crafts into your hands.

Shabby Spring

I am happy to say, that I have found a new spark to help me create.  Nothing actually 'new', just maybe some rest, and a few walks to clear my head.  {smile}  I think, it's just a change of focus, and a chance to let my mind rest.  

As usual, the super talented ladies over @ the Shabby Tea Room have a great inspiration board, as well as some wonderful eye candy to help get you inspired. They ask that you include the colors in the photo, and include flowers, lace and ribbon.

Here is their board:

here is what I made:

I used quite a few different products for this card.  But when I was creating, that was my focus, no limits, just add what I like.

I started with Sahara Sand cardstock by Stampin' Up!  They make some of the very best card stock out there.  It's a heavy weight to withstand front loaded cards, but it also is very workable (my old olive cardstock leaves).  I used a piece of Blushing Bride card stock (also Stampin' Up!) as the matt for the main panel.  I wanted to add some floral pattern paper.  But I couldn't find just the right paper.  So, I used a digital image:  Ledger Paper found here.   And while shopping, I found these wonderful Dream Tags, here.  I cut out one and matted it onto a scrap piece of Old Olive cardstock, by Stampin' Up!  I added a scrap piece of a cream ribbon.  I threaded my tiny clothes pin through.  I added a tiny tag that is stamped in crumb cake classic ink, using the tiny tags stamp set by Stampin' Up!.  I distressed a cardboard heart and added a vintage button by Paper Trey Ink.  And finally, for the other panel I used some beautifully shabby 'label's: Pink Sugar tags, found here.  I matted the label onto a scrap piece of pool party card stock, by Stampin' Up!

The inspiration photo has a Ball jar, and so I just HAD to add a jar!  I decided to hand-stamp my jar, using the Friendship Jar stamp set, by Paper Trey Ink.  I stamped the outline of the jar in soft suede classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, both products by Stampin' Up!.  I then stamped the polka dots in pool party classic ink.  For the jar lid, that was a bit of stamping and fussy cutting.  I stamped the lid cover onto a scrap piece of Grace pattern paper, by Authentique and fussy cut it out.  I then stamped the covered lid onto a scrap piece of Beautiful Moments by Carta Bella, and fussy cut the 'ribbon' out.  I stamped the tag in soft suede classic ink, onto another piece of very vanilla cardstock and fussy cut it out.  And stamped the 'bow' onto another scrap piece of Beautiful Moments by Carta Bella, and fussy cut it out.  I added adhesive and layered them.  I think of the cutting as therapy.  You can't think about the dishes, or laundry, or bills, or any other chore.  Just cutting.  Therapy.

I love the sound of a sewing machine.  Very soothing.  Well, to me.  I had a left over piece of some lace trim, that I had tea stained earlier.  The top edge is raw, so I used my sewing machine to attach the piece to the card front.  I just love the color of this seam binding, found here.  So I machine stitched that to the front, too!  I created a multi-loop bow.  I distressed a Bermuda button, by Amuse Studios, with some picket fence distress paint, by Ranger and some dazzling diamond glitter, by Stampin' Up!  I used some cream twine by Paper Trey Ink, to secure the button to the bow.  I also wanted to add a paper blossom.  So, I took a blossom from my Artisan Embellishment Kit, by Stampin' Up! and distressed it, just like the button.  I created leaves with old olive card stock and the build a blossom punch, both by Stampin' Up!
To create my sentiment banner, I used the Something to Celebrate stamp set by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock, then used a square punch to create the flag ends, all from Stampin' Up!
Finally, I gave the whole card a spritz of my home-made white frost glitter mist. What girl doesn't like a little sparkle, shimmer, and shine?  {smile}

Thank you for taking time to take a look.  I hope you have been inspired while visiting.  Enjoy what's left of your weekend, and I hope you stop by again.  {smile}

~stop by Sunday, May 12th, for your chance to win some blog candy~

Note Jar

Welcome.  I have been busy with several different projects and obligations.  I will be posting photos of my Valentine's Day projects this week.  

I also need to apologize to the wonderfully creative ladies over @ Our Creative Corner, as I was unable to play along with their Mardi Gras themed challenge this week.  I don't have an excuse other than life got away from me, and I was overwhelmed with other obligations.  My apologies.

I have been a fan of Paper Trey Ink since they started.  My following began with Nichole.  She is very creative and talented.  I would stalk visit her blog on an almost daily basis.  And from visiting her blog, I was introduced to Melissa Phillips and I instantly fell in love with her paper crafting style: shabby chic.  Melissa, uses machine stitching, felt, chip board, glitter, buttons, and seam binding/twill ribbon.  

This is the 6th anniversary of Paper Trey Ink, and they have an unique and creative challenge.  They have asked that their followers and fans, create a new project that is inspired by one of the Design Team Favorites projects.  And you are probably right, as to who I selected to inspire me: Melissa.

Here is what I created:

One of the main themes that I find alluring to Melissa's style, is the feminine touches.  So, I selected two different pattern papers, to build the main panel.  The music pattern paper is from Glitz, and the floral pattern paper is from Authentique.  I distressed the edges and added some text paper.  

To hide the seam of these two different pattern papers, I wrapped some white seam binding that I dyed with some Blush re-inker (PTI).  I machine stitched the seam binding across the pattern paper seam.  I created a multi-loop bow with some of the dyed seam binding, and added a single bow made from some crochet trim.  I tied a vintage button (PTI) with some cream twine (PTI) to the bow bundle.

I used the heart border die (PTI) and some cream felt (PTI) to create the 'string' of hearts at the top of the card.  To machine stitched the hearts to the top of the card.  

I used the Button Boutique stamp set (PTI) to create the button card.  I also used the Friendship Jar stamp set (PTI).  I stamped the jar in Versa Mark ink onto clear card stock (PTI) and heat embossed with pewter embossing powder.  I stamped the 'mail' onto vintage cream card stock (PTI).  I added a polka dot lid trim stamped in Blush ink.  I wrapped some cream twine around the lid.  I created the tag with the tiny tag die (PTI) and a sentiment from the Jar Spring Fillers stamp set.  I tied the twine into a bow.  I added a scrap piece of silver glimmer paper behind the heart cut-out.

To give this card a bit more feminine touch, I added a few half faux pearls.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope I have inspired you to paper craft something!  Don't forget, St. Valentine's Day is Thursday!

For those who love this card, you will be able to purchase it @ my Etsy shop, found here.