Dreamy Mint Card

I know that I have been absent lately.  Life has gotten crazy.  I went to Phoenix last week, and was gone the whole week.  I had a blast, did some junking, shopping, swimming, and spending some really great quality time with my oldest granddaughter.  These moments are precious, and don't happen often.  So, I was totally present, and we had a blast!

So, now that I am home, and back into the groove of working, and unpacked, I wanted to create something.  So, I headed to a couple of  my favorite challenge sites, and created something beautiful! {smile}

I started with a great sketch @ Mojo Monday Challenge.  And I love this current sketch.  Very user friendly, and easy to work with regardless of the pattern paper you select.

My last stop was @ Crazy 4 Challenges, to check out their current theme: use springtime flowers.  

and here is what I crafted:

First, let me give the disclaimer: this is NOT a square card.  I don't do square cards.  I know, how crazy.  But, I just don't. {frown}

The card base and the journalling card are matted with my favorite kraft card stock - Paper Studio.  I love the color.  But the weight isn't as heavy as I love, so I always add card stock to the inside of the card.  

I wanted something mint, something girl-y, something pretty, and I found a sheet of this beautiful mint and gold foil polka dot pattern paper from My Mind's Eye, from their On Trend collection.

I added a peach-pink pattern paper for the belly band.  This pattern paper is from Authentique, the Grace collection.

I added some machine stitching.  I did a double border stitch.  Nothing fancy, just super sweet.

I used a journalling card from the Coffee Break collection by Prima.  I did my hand-stamping to the journal card before I adhered it to the card front.  I used the Loving Thoughts stamp set by Stampin' Up!  I also used basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!  I adhered the journalling card to the front of this card with foam tape.

I wrapped some pale pink seam binding around the card front and tied a multi-loop bow.  To add some sparkle, I tied some thin gold tinsel around the bow and tied a simple bow.  I adhered a pale blue/aqua mist paper blossom to the top of the bow.

And finally, I added a black cork coffee cup to the upper right corner.  

Well, thank you for looking.  This card is actually for a very special girl friend.  We are spending a whole day crafting next weekend! and I got her a little gift. {smile}  I hope she loves it!

Altered 'V'

Ok, so I have uploaded my new blog header.  I don't know if I'm totally happy with it.  So, if you come back another day, and it has changed a bit, you'll know my answer to that question.  I thought I already had the codes for the blog background.  Appearently not.  I'll be working on that, too.  In the meantime, here is something new and pretty for you to see!

Have you ever set out to create a few different paper crafts, because you saw these wonderful challenges?  You know what you want to make.  Now, all you have to do is find some crafting time?  That happens to me, more than I would like to admit.  I found a few several challenge sites that have beautiful vintage/shabby chic challenges this week.  The design team really has inspired me to play along.  Now, all I have to do is find the time.  And that obstacle is looking more and more impossible, as this week moves on. {frown}.

So, I'm pulling up my boot straps, and tackling what I can.  (time wise).  Because I don't have any extra free minutes here and there that I can shave off.  You see, I have a few extra requirements placed on me this week.  I know that I will be able to play along in a challenge tomorrow.  And that's about the best I can do this week.

I did want to share a little surprise I have been working on behind the scenes.  I have altered another chipboard letter.  It is for sale in my Etsy shop here.  Here are a few photos:

I used some beautiful pattern paper from Authentique, Grace.  This pattern paper reminds me of my grandmother.  I know that sounds kinda crazy.  But it does.  This small floral print reminds me of her wallpaper.  And the other papers encourage other memories.  So, I went with it.  My grandmother's name was Vivian.  It's easier for me to alter a letter if I know someone who has the same first initial.  And then I create/alter the letter with them in mind.  It's a little weird.  But, its my process.  And I have been quite happy with my results.  

I added a rectangle rhinestone buckle ribbon slide to the front, and weaved my mint green seam binding through it.  I tied the seam binding into a multi-loop bow.  I added some pearls, a button, and a butterfly brad.  I loved how the butterfly had the same colors as the tiny blossoms in the print.

For the paper blosssom.  I started with one of those 'naked' blossoms.  It was white.  So, I sprayed some peach Tattered Angels shimmer mist on the paper blossom, until I was happy with the shade.  I used my picket fence distress paint to the tips of the petals and dunked the whole blossom in my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a scrap piece of crochet trim.  The leaves I punched with my Build-a-Blossom punch.  I distressed the edges in the same manner as the blossom.  I added a few drops of crystal effects, to give the illusion of dew drops.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to carve out some crafting time for yourself, and enter a challenge or two.  It really feels good to create something you love and share it with other paper crafters.  Have a good week, and happy crafting! 

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