Over-All White

Howdy.  Nope, don't check your calendar, I have posted 3 days in a row.  Shocking, but I believe that I have found my passion for paper crafting, again.  Thank you to everyone who sent words of encouragement, and support.  I appreciate everything everyone has done, to help me find my mojo.

I had so much fun crafting yesterday, I decided to craft another card today!  {yahoo!}  I stumbled upon two new-to-me challenge blogs, and decided to play along.  Oh,  yeah!

My first stop is a sketch challenge.  I needed a starting point, so why not start with a sketch {smile}.  I just love the simplicity of the sketch, but how simply work-able the sketch is.  Just take a look at what the design team created, and you'll understand just how user-friendly this sketch is:  Paper Play Sketches #50.  I love layers, and so working with this sketch was a joy!

My first thought was to use the narrow rectangle for my sentiment piece.  And the cluster of dots, I was thinking a large blossom.  Ok, so I have thought of how to get my card together, lets get a little more inspiration.  

I stopped-by another 'new-to-me' challenge site, and came across Double D Challenge.   This challenge site has an unique and creative collection of mood-boards for their challenges.  And their current challenge is no different - all white.

and here is what I made:

I used all white products.  A bit different for me, but if it wasn't a bit out of my comfort zone, then it wouldn't be a challenge {smile}.  I used white card stock from PaperTreyInk.  The card base and the dry embossed panel are their smooth card stock.  While I used their white linen card stock for the large matt.  I thought using all smooth card stock would make the card look too flat.  I wanted two different textures, but I need them to compliment them.  

I used dazzling diamond glitter paper for the scallop trim piece.  I also wanted some bling.  I wrapped white seam binding around the glitter piece, and machine stitched the pieces together.  I used the same glitter paper to punch a decorative piece for the upper right corner.  I added a double border machine stitch around the top portion of the dry embossed panel.  I adhered this panel to the front of the card with foam tape, to lift it off the surface.

I tied the seam binding into a triple bow, and tied a white button together with white and silver bakers twine.  Simple, but pretty!  I hot glued a satin blossom to the card front.  I also adhered the pair of white buttons, to the decorative piece.  

I stamped my sentiment in basic black onto the same smooth white card stock that I used for the dry embossed panel.  I cut a simple banner end, and adhered it onto the card front.

For a final touch, I added a trio of sparkle-y clear sequins around the blossom.  Viola!

Thank you for stopping by to take a look.  I hope that you have the opportunity to play along with either/both of these challenge sites.  Enjoy the rest of your week!

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}