the last few months

and here are the last few months of the desk-top calendar I created earlier this week.

gold rim pearl brad

the tiny safety pin is stapled to the page

love all the layers

I added tiny holiday treasures, along with more machine stitching

the back cover.  Love these images.

thank you for stopping by!  I hope you loved what I created.  Now, I need to craft several more, using different paper collections.

a few more months

here are a few more months of the latest desk-top calendar I crafted:

more machine stitching, and a decorated paper clip 

 I created the ruffled lace trim by hand, while sewing.

The kraft twine is tied through the button and paper blossom, before tied into a simple bow.

 more staples

I loved this pattern paper so much, that I didn't want to 'hide' any of images by layering other pattern papers on top of it.  The cluster of images are just gorgeous to me.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the calendar pages.  More will be posted tomorrow.

Legacy Desk-Top Calendar

Welcome.  I have been busy crafting items for several holiday craft fairs.  I didn't get a chance to finish the cover to this calendar, until today {smile}.  I didn't find a sketch, or a layout that I liked, and wanted to use with these papers.  I looked at a few sketch challenge sites yesterday, to see what was new, and I was pleasantly surprised.

I stopped by Vintage Cafe Card Challenge, and instantly fell in love with their current sketch challenge.  These wonderfully talented ladies are sure to inspire you, if you aren't instantly inspired by the sketch.

Their requirements: vintage or shabby chic styles, and your creation must remain horizontal.

here is what I created:

I crafted, by hand, this desk-top calendar.  This is the cover.  I used Legacy pattern papers by Simple Stories.  I used a digital 'ticket', a blue vintage button, mustard twill trim, and kraft twine.  I used my Rol-a-Desk punch to create the unique holes on the floral pattern paper, and added two staples to add a metal embellishment.

here are the first few months:

yes, the circles are machine stitched

gold glitter hearts add pizzazz

the polka dot pattern paper was torn to resemble washi tape

I added machine stitching to almost every page.  I kept the pages as flat as possible, so that the calendar wouldn't become too bulky.  For those who know me, this 'flat' style was 'difficult' for me.  I love to add multi-loop bows, paper blossoms, buttons, and pearls.  This pattern papers were fun to work with, but different for me.  I typically 'collect' pink, vintage, shabby chic inspired pattern papers.  You know, sometimes, it is really nice to stretch your creative muscle {smile}.

Thank you for stopping by!  I'll be posting more photos over the next few days.  I am still working on my box advent calendar.  I have been stuck for several days.  I don't know what to add to each flap, so the recipient knows the direction the boxes open.  So, if you have any suggestions, please comment.  The boxes are 2" cubes.

Handmade Legacy; Card

Holy Toledo!  I didn't realize I had been absent so long.  My sincere apologies.  I have been crafting Christmas items, and working on a few blank journals, and started some desk top calendars.  And I haven't photographed any of it.  {frown}

But, I did make this card yesterday, and didn't get to photograph it until late today.  See, my life is crazy.  I have started a new venture, so to speak.  Well, I didn't just 'start' it, I have been 'busy' with this since the middle of March.  My new venture: Running.  I know, you must be thinking: seriously? Yeah.  I spend three days a week running, and swim laps one day a week.  I still work full-time, still take call at the hospital 2-3 nights a week, cook, clean, take care of my dog and husband.  And carve out time to craft.  Crafting keeps me sane.  But so does running.  Running gives me a chance to just do that.  Nothing else.  I can't start laundry, get dinner started, vacuum, or walk the dog.  I can only RUN.  And it does give me a chance to clear my head, and think of crafting, layouts, colors, figure out sketches, and think about Christmas crafts.  

My running has taken a front seat to my life.  And it will soon slow down.  I am running 12 miles now.  And that takes just under 3 hours, each day I run.  Yep, three hours devoted to this only 'thing'.  I can't do anything else.  And so, once I find the time to do this, I really do need to complete it.  I am training for a half marathon.  And that race is quickly approaching.  I plan on staying with running even after this race.  However, on a modified schedule.  I'm looking at running for an hour or two 2 times a week, swimming laps one day a week, and then do a spin class one day a week.  To stay in shape, to do this for me.  It gives me an hour for a 'healthier me'.  And it helps clear my mind from work, and to help concentrate on crafting.  

I knew I wanted to make a card for a very special friend, so I went searching the internet for a layout to really show off these pattern papers I picked up recently.  And found this beautiful sketch from SaratovScrap.  here is the card sketch:

What I love about this sketch:  The layers, and the bits and pieces just under the blossom.  

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  The card base is made from Kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  One of my all time favorite kraft card stocks.  Its a beautiful color and easy to work with weight.  

The pattern papers are from Simple Stories:  Legacy.  Instead of adding strips of pattern papers I decided to layer them.  I roughed up the edges with a thread cutter and my finger nail.  I sponged the edges, with a light brown ink.  

I added some machine stitching to one side.  I thought that it would add a home-made feel to the over all look of the card.  

I added an old (1870) French theatre ticket to the lower portion of the card.  I thought the color and the 'print' help 'age' the card.  The 'handmade' label I hand-stamped using the Boutique Accessories stamp set by Paper Trey Ink, using Mint Macaroon classic ink by Stampin' Up!.

I added a Prima blossom.  I cut a pair of leaves to help make the blossom look more natural.  And finally, I added a trio of wood grain sequins.

I finished the inside of the card with a piece of vanilla card stock matted with Mint Macaroon card stock.  

I won't write inside the card.  Instead, I add a hand-written note on a post-it, and add it to the inside of the card.  That way, the person who receives it, can re-use the card.  Sometimes, it is nice to have a card or two (sometimes more) on hand for special occasions.  This card is off to the post office, to be mailed to my very special friend.  {smile}  Thank you for stopping by!  I'll share more crafts soon!

Pretty Pink Bags

Howdy, and welcome!  I am popping in real quick, to share with you some treat bags I made with some new pattern paper from Authentique: Legacy Collection.  These little bags will hold party favors for the High Tea I am hosting at my house next week.  I made four sets of these bags.  Each set of three uses different papers.  I'll share photos of the other bags soon.  {smile}

Pink Pirouette card stock makes the bag front and back panels.  I used the For a Friend Occasion stamp set by CTMH, for the 'label'.  I used the same 'label' of each of the bags.  I heat embossed it with antique gold embossing powder.  

I decorated each bag a little different, with paper blossoms, pearls, vintage buttons, crochet trim and a pink paper doily.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned as I share other creations for this party {smile}.