a Good-bye to OCC

Wow, what a crazy week.  Last Saturday/Sunday, a person in Palo Alto, California had taken my domain. (their IP address: 74.125.139.121, 74.125.139.0/74.125.139.255.)  It took me almost 5 days to recover my blog, obtain a new domain, and be 'back-up and running'.

And on this Saturday, Our Creative Corner is saying 'Good Bye'.  What a whirl wind of events this week. 

Linda, who is the current owner of Our Creative Corner, is passing the site over to a new owner. (The new owner has already selected her design team, and I was not selected.)  So, this is my very last post as a OCC design team member. Linda, has asked the current design team members to post their favorite paper craft item that they created for Our Creative Corner.  My selection was actually a no-brainer.  I selected my very first paper craft item I designed for the team.  It is a window box that held chocolate covered cherries for a St. Valentine's Day gift.  

Here it is:

Jan 29, 2011  post

I remember the pressure that I felt to create something beautiful! and in my 'style'.  I actually still have this little box.  It sits on a shelf in my craft room.  I see it every time I am in there; crafting, creating, playing.  I am very grateful to Linda, for giving me the opportunity to be a design team member.  

Here are a few of my favorites that I crafted for OCC:
(the date of the original post, along with the link)

May 28, 2011  post

Sept. 3, 2011  post

Nov 19, 2011   post

Jan 28, 2012  post

June 23, 2012  post

July 7, 2012  post

Nov. 3, 2012  post

Jan. 12. 2013  post

  

I have really enjoyed working with the design team members @ OCC.  Each one of them are unique, creative, and very talented ladies.  I hope we have inspired you, and helped you step out of the 'box' and create something you really enjoyed!  

Thank you, to Linda, my followers, blog visitors, and the other design team members.  The encouragement that I have received has truly touched my heart, and given me the strength to create and share, with all of you!

haute bag

Happy Saturday!  I'm happy that you stopped by.  I need to apologize for the lighting for this photo.  I am not at home.  I don't have my photo tent, or my lighting.  So I was left to own devices.  aka the camera on my phone.

Over @ Our Creative Corner there is a color challenge with an inspirational photo.  Here it is:

When I first saw this color challenge, I was totally stumped.  I originally over thought the whole process.  But then, I just looked through the papers I had on hand, and mixed and matched.  

This is what I created:

I purchased this template a few years ago.  I love how easy this paper hand bag was to put together.  I ended up making 4 of these paper hand bags for my table mates @ the Hen House Retreat.  So, it was only a perfect project for this week's challenge over @ OCC.  I used Nostalgia pattern paper to create this Haute Bag.  I used the distressed teal polka dot pattern paper for the hand bag.  I used soft suede card stock to create the trim pieces.  The mustard diamond pattern paper for the envelope is from the same line.  I created a small pocket on the inside of this bag with the dark pink pattern paper.  I had a several antique pearl brads to add some vintage charm.

I hope we have inspired you to play along with us @ OCC.  Thank you for stopping by.  Enjoy your weekend!

and on that note . . .

I hope you are enjoying this weekend.  I also hope the weather cooperates with whatever you have planned.  Me? well, the surprise baby reveal shower is today, so I'm doing those last minutes items that couldn't have been done sooner: last minute food prep, decorating cakes and cupcakes, making the last few side dishes.  And then we load everything in the truck, drive into town and set it all up.  I just love the whole process.  and especially mingling with the guests.  LOVE IT! and I hope my daughter loves what we did.  I'll post photos tomorrow of our celebration.

Anyways, the lovely and talented Sue from Our Creative Corner has an interesting and very do-able challenge for us this week: kraft and music.  Any configuration of music and a kraft card.  How wonderfully creative and I'm sure the design team will inspire you to play along with us this week.

Here is what I did:

Here is my CAS (for me) card.  The card base is made from crumb cake card stock.  The polka dot pattern paper is from Christmas.  I can't remember the company or the line.  sorry.  But I love the worn look.  The music pattern paper is from my scrap box, so I can't say for certain who made it.  I added a delicate floral lace over the music paper.  The blossom is hand-crafted from card stock, two stamps and a die.  You stamp the floral image, then use a stamp positioner and stamp the veins of the blossom.  Use a template you created with the die, to line everything up, and die cut.  I painted the ends with some picket fence distress ink and then dunked the blossoms in dazzling diamond glitter, while the paint was still wet. I used a beautiful pearl brad from my minds eye to hold the three layers of blossoms together.  I also staggered them, to give the blossom some air.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  I used a hand-script stamp set from amuse studios.  I just love the font of these hand script sentiment stamps.

Well, I hope you found something useful here, and have decided to play along with us @ OCC.   Have a great weekend, and I'll post again, soon!

Analogous Birthday

I am so happy that it is Saturday.  This has been a brutal week at work, and the thought of not dealing with all that, is calming.  And so, with this renewed mind set, I have created a Birthday card!  The super talented Sue, from Our Creative Corner is our hostess this week.  This small group of wonderful ladies, who make up the design team @ Our Creative Corner will surely inspire you with their creations.  

For this week's challenge, Sue, has asked us to, to create a 4-sided regular polygon with all sides equal! Commonly known as a square.  And you must only use Analogous colors in your design.  These colors are in close proximity to each other on the color wheel that share similar hue and saturation.

Ok, I have to admit, when I first read the challenge, I was at a lost of what to create.  But, I quickly remembered that I need a few Birthday cards to create, so that is my goal.  Now, colors.  I had alot of fun creating a green-blue and copper card last week, so I gravitated to a green-blue combos.  I added a green and a blue.  Then a darker blue.  And a richer green.  Here is what I ended up with:  

I used five different card stocks: Lucky Limeade (Stampin' Up!), Old Olive (Stampin' Up!), Juniper (CTMH), Aqua Mist (Paper Trey Ink), and Twilight (CTMH).  I also used four different pattern papers, from four different design companies: SAB 2012 - Stampin' Up!, Cosmo Cricket, Victoria Gardens by Echo Park, and Crate Paper.  I used two different trims: seam binding and crocket trim by Stampin' Up!.  A button by Paper Trey Ink.  A metal button brad by Stampin' Up!, and a metallic paper clip by Basic Grey.  Along with several pearls, cream twine, and some machine stitching.

   a few close-up photos:

close-up of the layered trims and machine stitching

close-up of the sentiment panel and  more machine stitching

a new angle of this card

This card was alot of fun to create.  I am still working with just scraps to complete cards.  I took me about 50 minutes to find papers that worked together.  I know that sounds like alot of time, spent mixing and matching.  But, I didn't have to cut any whole sheet of pattern paper or card stock.   I did use my paper trimmer to cut down a scrap, but not to add to my scrap boxes. Yes, I have two.  They are empty boxes that hold a dozen reams of printer paper.   I organize my scraps into color families: blue, green, red, brown, and black/white.

The tiny blossom is actually a stamp and die set.  I first stamped the blossom base in Pool Party classic ink, and then stamped the veins in Twilight classic ink.  I used the die to cut the two blossoms out, and one foam square separates the two blossoms, so it has height.  I brushed some picket fence distress paint along the petal ends and then dunked each blossom into dazzling diamonds glitter.  For the leaves, I punched out the leaves from Lucky Limeade card stock with my two-step bird punch by Stampin' Up!. I sponged the leaf edges with old olive classic ink. Then I brushed picket fence distress paint on the leaf tips and then dunked the leaves in dazzling diamond glitter.

I hope that we have inspired you to play along with us this week @ OCC.  Who knows, you may be our next Top Talent {smile}!

HB, Paula

Happy Saturday!  It's time for another challenge @ Our Creative Corner.  Paula, has an interesting color challenge for us to try this week.  Paula, wants you to create a cake creation using Red, Blue, and Yellow with layer upon layer.  My first question was what shade of red, or blue.  The yellow, I pretty much have that covered.  But, Paula mentions super hero s, so the shades I selected are deep and bright.  

Here is my card: 

For those who know me, this is not my typical color combo.  But, this is labeled as a challenge.  I selected Not Quite Navy for my card base.  I thought this color would help ground my card and give it a starting point.  Not only as the card base, but a base for coordinating the other colors.  The blue/yellow pattern paper is from a Teresa Collins collection, I believe.  The text pattern paper is from Paper Studio.  I used my red to showcase embellishments.  I used an Authentique Valentine's Day themed paper for the red/cream polka dot pattern paper.  I added a scrap piece of the red checker ribbon to add a splash of color towards the bottom of the card.  I used my Utility stamp set for the cake and the sentiment.  I used white embossing powder and my heat gun to emboss the cake image.   I just love the shading.  I added a lady bug fabric brad to attach the multi-loop bow to the top of the birthday tag.
I hope you get a chance to play along with us @ OCC.

the Little Things

Happy Saturday!  I hope you are all well.  I'm busy just like usual.  But, I did carve out some quality crafting time.  The talented Paula over @ Our Creative Corner, have a creative sketch for you to play with this week.  When I first saw the sketch, I was a little intimidated.  But, hey, it's called a challenge, so here it goes:

Here is what I came up with:

I started working on this card, with the thought of creating a sweet card, that had a shabby chic feel to it.  I also wanted to add my own touches, without over doing it.  Here is the card recipe:

I used some of my favorite pattern papers.  The green pattern paper is Rose Garden by EP.  The two pink pattern papers are from the Lovely collection by Authentique.  The two different shades of pink paper is actually the opposite side of the two pink pattern papers.  I used my Top Note die from Stampin' Up! to cut the dark pink paper.  I used my Tasteful Trim die from Stampin' Up! to cut the light pink paper.  I ran my card through my sewing machine, and stitched along both edges of the pink floral pattern paper.

For the label piece, I used the decorative label die from the Lots of Tags die set, to cut the dark pink label piece.   The inner label piece is very vanilla card stock.   I stamped the flourish in crumb cake classic ink.  The flourish stamp came from the Established Elegance stamp set.  I then stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  The sentiment is from the Little Things stamp set by Unity Stamps. 

I tied some cream twine from Paper Trey Ink, through a vintage button by Paper Trey Ink.

I had a scrap piece of cream dyed crochet trim along the lower edge.  I hand-dyed some seam binding with my Blush re-inker, by Paper Trey Ink.  I machine stitched these two trims together.  Then, I tied a multi-loop bow with the Blush seam binding.  I added a pearl brad by Recollections to the center of the bow.  I added a 'hand-crafted' tag to the trim.  

I hope the design team has inspired you, and you have a chance to play along with us @ OCC.

love it? This card can be purchased here

Mushy Sketch

I hope you have been inspired this week, and are looking for an exciting and creative challenge.  Because I have the challenge for you!  The lovely Lisa M. over @ Our Creative Corner has a super fun and creative challenge.  She has provided a sketch, and she wants you to create a Valentine's Day card.  Sounds very sweet and appropriate!  So, break out those romantic and lovely paper craft supplies you have been waiting to use, and create a lovely St. Valentine's Day card using our sketch!

Here is Lisa's sketch:

Ok, before you get a little discouraged, this sketch isn't that difficult to work with.  For a large variety of inspiration, please stop by our blog challenge @ OCC.

Here is what I did, not unique:

I have to admit, I started off pretty slow.  I had a bit of a struggle with the selection of papers.  So, I turned to a lovely paper company that makes a wide range of gorgeous papers:  Authentique.  (I think there is only one collection that I haven't purchased.)  So, this slightly distressed red polka dot paper is from their Valentine's day line.  I love the rich red color, and of course, I have an infinity for polka dots {smile}.  I used a soft kraft color: Latte, by Amuse Studio.  I opt to change the rectangles in the sketch for squares.  I thought the postage stamp edge was decorative and pretty.  So, I cut 1-inch squares to layer on top of the 'postage stamp'.  Now, what to layer.  I selected different pattern papers that I thought looked good with this layout.  

For the circle images, I used circles.  One circle is a mini bottle cap with a Valentine's Day heart inside: Be Mine.  The other circle is a button with some cream twine tied in a bow.  

For the two banner pieces, I used ribbon.  I used some Spun Sugar dyed seam binding into a bow and pulled one tail down.  For the other banner tail, I adhered some rustic ribbon to the back of this stamp piece and ran this piece through my sewing machine.  I'm loving machine stitching on card stock.

For the sentiment, I stamped the saying in Basic Grey classic ink and used a hand-held punch to create the shape.  I wanted to jazz that piece up, so I also punched out another piece and off set the label piece.

I hope we have inspired you to play along with us this week @ OCC.

Lone Bird

Whew.  This has been a weekend packed with several, all most too many obligations.  And then there was some creative block.  For the life of me, I could not get a challenge to work.  So, I went CAS (clean and simple).  Sometimes, less IS more.
This week, over @ Our Creative Corner,  Lini, is our hostess this week.  She wants you to use woodgrain somewhere on your paper craft project.  And include a button.  (the button, was the easiest part for me.  Maybe that's why they call it a challenge.)

here is what I created:

This is not my typical card.  Typically, I have some sort of ribbon or trim, and it's generally girl-y.  But, like I stated earlier, this was a challenge for me.  Not sure why.  Maybe the woodgrain really through me.  I don't use woodgrain pattern paper, embossing folder, or background stamp.   I like it.  But not something I have or use.  Sorry.

The bird is actually a digital download, and I adhered it to a piece of chip board and then cut it out.  I used a sanding block to help smooth out some of the edges.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges to help define the edge.  I added an embossed real red heart.  A tiny button with some linen thread run through and tied in a knot.  I added a tiny black half pearl for the eye.  I added a decorative cut piece of text paper.  The 'true love' piece, is actually cut from a Basic Grey wax seal set.  It's part of the logo at the top of the package.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please do find some time to play along with us @ OCC.  I'm sure you will create something wonderful!

Monochromatic

Whew!  I hope this day finds you well.  Me, a bit tired, from work, but, then again, what's new this year.  I am a bit late posting this, but I really liked how this card came out.  

It's Saturday, and so it's time for a new challenge over @ Our Creative Corner.  Now, when I say this is a challenge, that is exactly what it was for me.   The lovely and talented Liliani, has a super creative challenge for you this week.   Monochromatic white with a decorative edge!  

So, this is what I came up with:

For those who know me, using one color is really hard.  On a variety of different reasons, including my lack of white paper, embellishments, and trinkets.  But, this is how I did it!

 I started with heavy-weight white cardstock from Paper Trey Ink.  Then, I used my decorative edge die and embosser to create that beautiful edge.  Then, I used the same decorative edge die to cut the mat for the front of the card.  The mat is made from a 'white' texture paper.  I think the texture paper gives the large space some visual interest.

Then, to add a decorative piece, I took the same heavy-weight white cardstock, and a doily die from Paper Trey Ink, and cut a cardstock doily.  I sponged white craft ink, from Stampin' Up! along the edges of the doily, and then dipped the edges in dazzling diamond glitter.  A little sparkle makes very thing better {smile}.

I used a leaves die and some silver glitter paper, from Stampin' Up!  to create the folage piece.  I added some glass beads that I found in the wedding section of a big craft store to represent some floral pieces.  

The white paper blossom is not hand-made, but very easy to do.  Punch a floral shape from white card stock, and punch two daisy type floral shapes from white card stock.  Matt two tiny circles as your center (one white and one silver, or glittered).  Pretty simple. 

For the sentiment piece;  I cut white cardstock to 1/2" width, and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position my sentiment.  I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set from Stampin' Up! and Basic Grey classic ink.  I thought that black would be to harsh.  I used a square punch to create the banner end.  I took some crinkled white seam binding and created a multi-loop bow and a Recollections rhinestone brad to attached the bow to the sentiment banner.  Adhered this piece to the card front and Viola! a pretty white monochromatic decorative edge card!

I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week.  And don't let the challenge discourage you.  Use what you have, and I'm sure you will create something fabulous to share with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Shabby Chic Style

Yahoo it's Saturday!  This has been a killer week at work.  But, I am happy to say that I did get to spend some time in my craft room.  I am the hostess over @ Our Creative Corner.  I wanted to make this challenge with a theme or a style, and let you use the products you have on hand, and either try something new, or really dazzle us with your talents.  The style for this weeks challenge is 'Shabby Chic'.  

The new year has arrived, but let's not forget about the things from our past.  So, create a paper craft item (3-D, scrapbook page, tag, a card, etc.)  in a 'Shabby Chic' style.  Here are some guidelines for this style: Shabby Chic style is generally characterized by a time-worn look that is achieved by inking and distressing.  There are layers of softness that is achieved by the use of ribbon, lace, and crochet trim.  There are feminine embellishments, such as buttons, pearls, glitter, and other sweet embellishments.

Here is what I created: 

I used crumb cake cardstock as the card base.  I just love Stampin' Up!'s version of this color.  It has a creamy richness that is amazing.  I added a soft pink layer, blush by Amuse Studio cardstock.   And then I layered some pattern papers on top of that!  The pink floral pattern paper is a new line from Authentique.  The text paper paper is from Paper Studio.  You can find it at a big-box craft store.  I wrapped a piece of very vanilla seam binding and some new pink lace trim from Stampin' Up!.  I then did a simple machine stitch all the way around the card.  I just love this look.  I added a banner piece of aqua houndstooth pattern paper.  This pattern paper is a new line called vintage chic.  I just love the color and pattern.  I did a few zig-zag stitches.

I took an aqua mist button and added some glue and then dunked it in a tub of fine glitter.  I added a flower shape of text paper under the button.  Then I tied it to the front of a multi-loop bow.  The tag is cut from a tiny tag die.  I purchased this laundry stamp set and have been waiting for the perfect piece to stamp.  So, the three stamps I used are: hand wash, do not iron, made with heart.  I added three blossoms from a flower  trim.  Love the flowers!

I am a big fan of doilies on cards.  So, I added one of Martha Stewart's doilys.  I cut a 1 1/2" circle from a digital download.  Very pretty.  I added some half-pearls, and a silhouette postage stamp.

Not too many layers, but I think it's pretty.  I am really happy with this little gem.  Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Interactive and Beautiful

Howdy!  Well, this year has started just as busy as last year ended.  I was so hoping this year, I'd have a better grip on my time.  And, as you can tell by the tardiness of this post, that hasn't happened yet. {:( }

I am the hostess over @ Our Creative Corner this week.  (super excited about that).  And well, I have known for a  l o n g  time what I wanted to do.  I already had the papers picked out, and the template laying on my craft table.  And well, life got in the way, so I had to push that project aside and tackle some other pressing matters.  But, I stuck in there, and finished it early this morning.

So, the challenge for this week over @ OCC, is super easy and hopefully you have a grand time crafting!   "I thought it would be fun to start off the new year with a gorgeous paper craft item, made with some pretty colors!  The challenge this week, is to use 2 specific colors and a specific object.   The main colors to use for your paper craft item (3-D item, a scrapbook page, a card, a tag, etc.) must be aqua and pink - and any shade will do!  All neutral colors are welcome: white, cream, brown, black, and grey.  And you must include a flower, any kind of flower.  The flower can be hand-made, a stamp, a picture, a digital download, an accent, etc."

To help get you inspired, I created an 'Inspiration Board' that has some very pretty photos in it, with Aqua and Pink, and flowers!

Inspiration Board:

(photos courtesy of Pinterest)

Here is what I created:

For this challenge, I decided to make a Card-Gift combo.  Well, that's what I call them.  They are a combination of a card and gift box.  So, the front of this contraption is the front of your 'card', but when you open it, you reveal the 'gift box'!  I just love making these!   

inside:

outside:

So, on this one, you slide the 'box bottom' out.  How super cute is that?   I have made one that had a flap at the top of the box, here.   This is how I did it:

I used Aqua Mist cardstock (Paper Trey Ink) as my base.  I just love this color.  The blue is cool, light, and easy to pair with.  I then put matts of Blush card stock (Amuse Studio) on all three sides.  I love this color of pink, because it is so soft in its color.  I used one of my all time pattern papers as the main panel, Blush (Lost & Found 2).  I then added a white cotton trim to a dark aqua polka dot pattern paper to the bottom third of the front.  The pink checkered piece is the back side of the floral piece.  I also matted the pink checkered with Blush cardstock.  

The white doily is actually a stamp: Gossamer Lace (Stampin' Up!).  I stamped this image in Versa Mark ink, onto a piece of Latte cardstock (Amuse Studio).  I used ultra detail white glacier embossing powder and heat set the image.  I used my detail scissors and cut it out.  

The 'Cherish' piece is a stamp: Cherish the Moment (Close To My Heart).  I stamped  this image in basic black classic ink (Stampin' Up!), onto a piece of very vanilla card stock (Stampin' Up!) and then hand-cut this piece out.  I matted it onto a scrap piece of Aqua Mist cardstock.  

I added little pieces here and there.  I added 2 trios of faux pearls at opposite corners.   I tied and added a multi-loop bow with Pool Party seam binding (Stampin' Up!).  I added a soft pink paper blossom.  I die-cut a tiny tag (Paper Trey Ink) from very vanilla card stock, and hand-stamped the 'for you' at an angle.  I used a heart-shaped pearl brad (Reflections) to hold the tiny tag to the front of this little cutie.  Finally, I added a round glass 'gem' (Jolee's Boutique) to the bottom right corner of my 'cherish' piece.

I used a Spellbinders die to cut the 'window' out of the box holder.  The 'positive' piece it used as my 'note' area.  I added a scrap piece of the same floral pattern paper to the bottom.  I used my Lots of Tags die (Stampin' Up!) to cut the label piece.  I hand-stamped the simple sentiment from a 'Winter' stamp set (Close To My Heart) in Soft Suede classic ink (Stampin' Up!).  I added a little heart cut from the main floral pattern paper.  I used some First Edition DSP (Stampin' Up!) and a vintage white button (Paper Trey Ink) to create the 'button flower'.

These little 'Card-Gift' Combo's are actually very fun to create.  I purchased a template for this creation @ Creations by AR.

I hope you have been inspired by our design team, and you get a chance to sit down and create something pretty using Aqua, Pink, and a flower!  I hope you join us @ OCC.  

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

Purple Christmas

This month is really racing by.  I hope all of you have some sort of handle on your chores, obligations, and other items that need to be completed.  Me, I get them done as I need to.  I feel like I am always behind, and trying to play catch up.  I think, as soon as december is over, I should be ok.  But we all know that that isn't true.  It will be the start of the new year.  So, there are those obligations.  Then, I wanted to re-start my virtual card class.  I also wanted to get some crafters together to start another stamping class, that focuses on techniques.  So, as the days pass, the list of things to get done or at least started grows.

Christina, over @ Our Creative Corner, has a delightful challenge for you to try.  She asks, 'make a last minute Christmas card or project featuring the colors Purple and Silver.  You may add other colors, but make sure purple and silver are the focus colors'.

Here is what I created:

Let me start by saying, I struggled with this one.  I don't know about you, but there are a few things I can't always wrap my head around.  I struggle with Purple and Orange, when crafting.  I also have some difficulty with some of Tim Holtz techniques.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a super fan of TH.  But, I just don't think like that.  He is super talented and does stuff that I can't figure out how he thinks of this stuff.  Now, as with purple and orange.  I really struggle with these two colors.  They aren't ugly, I just get a mental block.

I started with one of the only purple pattern papers I have, from Dreamscape.  (Yes, I had one sheet that had a piece missing from a special request.)  The card stock is Elegant Eggplant by Stampin' Up!.  The sentiment tag is from a die set, Lots of Tags, by Stampin' Up!.  As well as the sentiment and the ink I used to stamp it.  The Santa in a purple robe was a digital download.  The purple striped pattern paper is the reverse side of the purple flourish pattern paper.  The silver glitter paper is from Stampin' Up!.  I used the eyelet border punch to create the scallops.   The purple crinkled seam binding is a small scrap I found in my ribbon stash.  The rhinestone brad is from Recollections.  

I was going to add a bit more, and matt the santa image, but the challenge is to make something 'last minute' so to me that means quick and easy.  I can easily spend 2 hours making a single card.  But, that isn't last minute.  

I hope you play along with us this week @ Our Creative Corner.  We would love to see what you create.  I know you're pretty clever, and hopefully you won't struggle as much as I did.  I hope you have been inspired.  The design team has created some wonderfully gorgeous paper crafts.  You should stop on over, and take a look.  You just might be making a last minute purple and silver Christmas craft!

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

My Stitched Friend

My last Arts & Crafts Fair for the holiday season in

Albuquerque, New Mexico is today 

Saturday, December 8, 2012.

It will be at the North Valley Academy from 10a to 3p.

Hope to see you there!

For those who know me, this post is late.  Let me apologize to all who stopped by earlier, and there was nothing new to see.  I don't know about everyone else, but I totally under estimated just how busy I am this holiday season.

Now, on with the eye candy, and the inspiration!  The lovely and talented Liliana is our hostess this week over @ Our Creative Corner.  And her challenge this week, is right up my alley, so to speak.  Liliana, wants you 'create a project using fabrics and some stitching. You can use the fabrics in any part of your card, either as a flower, a small embellishment, or whatever you want.  The stitching can be either faux stitching or machine stitching.  Please specify where you used your fabric if it is not noticeable in the project.' 

Here is what I created:

(machine stitching and a fabric blossom)

You aren't surprised, are you?  I used a soft pale brown card stock for the base.  The pattern paper is from Lost & Found 2, Market Street.  The grey polka dot pattern paper is from Glitz.  I used the Tasteful Trim die to cut the large scallop trim.  I wrapped a piece of crinkled white seam binding around the card to hide the seam of the two pattern papers.  I used my sewing machine to stitch both the seam binding and the outline of the card.  I made a multi-loop bow with the same white seam binding and secured it to the card front with a Recollections pearl brad.  I made my tag from a new Paper Trey Ink stamp set, I received last week.  I stamped the tag outline in soft suede classic ink and the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  I sponged the edges of the tag and the card with crumb cake classic ink.  I added a hand-cut piece of champaingne glitter paper behind the tag to add a little sparkle {smile}.  I added three pale kraft buttons from Paper Trey Ink to the card front.  I tied each button with some cream twine.  The large blossom is made from fabric.  But I didn't make it.  Its a Prima Market flower.

I hope you have been inspired! and take some time to play along with us over @ Our Creative Corner.  We would love to see what you create!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Festive ABC

Thank you for stopping by.  I know everyone is super busy during this time of year, and I appreciate the company.  Irena, is the hostess this week over @ Our Creative Corner.  And Irena has a super clever and holiday inspired challenge.  She would like for you to creative a paper craft item where you use the ABC's {smile}.  A is for angel, B is for button, and C is for chipboard.  Of course anything goes for this challenge, not just cards.

here is what I created:

I used pattern papers Festive, and some holiday stickers, from Authentique.  This card was actually really fun to create.  I knew that I wanted to use some of the holiday pattern papers that I have, you know, to help use from my stash.  The buttons, and the library card download, are from Paper Trey Ink.  I used chipboard snowflakes from Pink Paisley.  The sentiment stamp, 'Enjoy the Season' was stamped in basic black classic ink.  This stamp set, Christmas Love, is from CTMH.  It was a set I received from a friend last Christmas.  The angel is a single stamp from a big-box craft store.  I stamped the angel in Versa Mark and used a rich red embossing powder to give the angel some depth.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, maybe you should play along with us.  Getting your creative juices flowing, could possibly spark the idea of your holiday cards, or a fabulous holiday wrapping.  I hope we see your entry @ OCC!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Foil + Alcohol

I think the title says it all!  The super talented Sue B. @ Our Creative Corner has a very fun challenge for us this week!  She wants you to try your hand at using alcohol inks and foil!  Ok, how fun does that sound!  Sue writes:  the technique of dripping alcohol inks onto foil has an amazing effect.  The item you make can be anything; a free standing decoration, or an element to place onto your project, experiment and have some fun, it is getting close to the silly season, so why not let go and free all those inhibitions and let rip with some color!  And she is right!  This technique is fun and unique!  It allows you to explore a different medium to paper crafting.  Here is what I did:

I made tags to go on the dinner table for Thanksgiving.  I thought these would be super chic at each place setting, in the middle of the dinner plates.

So, I'm pretty sure you can figure it out, but my foil and alcohol ink technique is the leaves.  I used 'terra cotta' and 'bottle' to 'color' my leaves.  I glued kitchen foil to a scrap piece of card stock.  Cut the leaves shapes with a die, and then let the ink drip!  I swiped the foil with some rubbing alcohol to help encourage the ink to spread.  I dipped the 'green' in the middle of the leaf and the 'orange' around the edges of the leaf.  I used my heat tool to speed up the drying time.  

I cut a tag from vanilla card stock.  I distressed it with a blank stamp and linen distress ink.  I stamped the text in crumb cake classic ink and the flourish in lucky limeade classic ink.  I edged the tag in corduroy distress ink.  I adhered the leaves, tied some beautifully dyed seam binding around the tag, and looped it through a brass button, and tied a tiny bow.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black craft ink and used clear embossing powder to help heat set the sentiment.  Viola!  easy peasy and a whole lot of fun!

I hope you can carve out a little time this crazy busy week, to play with your paper crafts! and I hope you play along with us @ Our Creative Corner.

Be safe this holiday season, and share this time with those who mean the most to you: family, friends, and neighbors.

Thanks Tag

Thank you, for taking the time to check back with me.  If I were to say, that this weekend was a challenge, I think I would be sugar coating it.  I created a tag for the challenge over @ Our Creative Corner.  Susan, wants you to create your own background on your paper craft, and absolutely NO pattern paper.  And don't cover up your background.  Sounds like a fun challenge, huh?  Well, I have been making paper crafts for the Arts & Crafts Fairs that I am selling at, and well, my focus has been on Holiday themed items.  I needed a little inspiration, so I headed over to Tim Holtz blog, to see what he has done for the November Tag.  And so, I basically did what he did.  I did a stamp resist technique and a color wash for my background color.  I used minimal embellishments, which was a struggle for me.  So, here is the tag that I created.  It is not my typically style, but I do like it.

Let me first apologize for the photo quality.  I took the photo of this tag earlier with my camera.  But then I lost my camera.  I know that sounds odd, but, I can't' find it anywhere.  So, I had to use my cell phone.  Then I had to email the photo to myself.  Then our modem crashed.  Replaced the modem.  (yes, we had to drive into town to do that.)  Then our internet went out.  Not sure if it is from the snow (yes, we got snow), or our mountain location (elevation 7500ft), or my luck.  Either way, I really had to work at this post.

Here is how I created this tag:

I cut a tag from Shimmer white card stock, 4 1/4" x 2 1/4".  I stamped the two leaves from the French Foliage stamp set, in Versa Mark, sprinkled on some ultra detail clear embossing powder, and then heat set it.  I sprayed the tag with water, and used my aqua painter to 'water-color' the tag with So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive re-inkers.  I did spray the tag with a spritz or two of more water, to help blend the colors.  I used my heat gun to speed up the drying time.  I stamped the sentiment in Jet Black Staz-On.  The stamp is a little off set.  I did that on purpose.  I used some crumb cake seam binding to tie the bow at the top of the tag.  I stamped the small thanks onto a vintage tag in soft suede, and used a tiny clothes pin to attach the vintage tag to the seam binding.  For the butterfly, I used a die to cut the shape from some beautiful pattern paper (city sidewalk from Pink Paislee).  I used picket fence distressed paint to edge the butterfly, and then dunked the painted butterfly into my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I had a beautiful black crystal brad left over from my MME lost and found 2 collection.  And viola!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with us this week @ Our Creative Corner.  I know you will have fun!  And if nothing else, it gives you an excuse to 'play' in your craft space {smile}.