Evening Tea

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy.  I am trying to get back into my craft room, and create beautiful things again.  And yesterday, I was motivated to create something sweet, to share with a wonderful group of ladies.  As some of you know, I have started going to the gym.  Mostly, to help me with my running.  I still don't love running, but I want to improve on my time, form, and ease the struggles.  Anyways, I have met some of the nicest ladies there.  They don't judge, or sh*t talk about anyone.  They accept you for who you are, and encourage you to keep going.  How truly wonderful is that?  Anyways, I wanted to share a special treat with them, so I arranged to have an evening tea, to share with them.  (I made all of these arrangements back in April.  Thank goodness, because I am not sure I would have had the strength to do so now.)

And as you know, I can't just do a party!  There has to be favors!  But, first, let me enter my creations into a few challenges {smile}.  I love the challenges @ Really Reasonable Ribbon, basically, because they give you the freedom to just create, add ribbon, trim, or lace, and call it done.  Super sweet!

Then, I entered the challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday, because this group of talented ladies are inspiring with their words and creations.  They basically have the same philosophy: create something beautiful, made with your heart, and share it with the rest of us.  Simply wonderful!  Just like my gym ladies!

The theme for last nights evening tea, was Mid Summer's Night, by William Shakespeare.  The decorations were wonderfully right on point.  And the food was simply amazing!  I am never disappointed, or dissatisfied.  My friend Beth, always puts on the most amazing events!  So, my favors need to be worthy, and pretty, and shabby chic, of course! 

Here is what I made:

my favorite pink version:

and my favorite blue version:

Recipe:  I used simple 8oz mason jars.  I used various papers from the Jolee's Boutique paper pad, the Parisian Collection.  I cut pattern paper 8 1/2" x 2 1/2", and wrapped it around the jar.  I made sure the top edge of the paper went along the rim of the jar, to keep it straight.  I cut two strips, and used a lace border punch, to create the decorative kraft paper pieces.  I adhered them to the second strip of pattern paper 8 1/2" x 1 1/4".  I adhered these strips to the top center of the first pattern paper.  I wrapped seam binding around the jar, for decoration, and to help secure the pattern papers.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  I used hot glue to secure the bow to the pattern papers.  I stamped my word friends in basic black ink, on to the same kraft paper, and punched a tag shape.  I tied the tiny tag to a matching button with kraft twine and hot glued the button to the jar.

For the lid, I cut out a paper doily, and used the jar's lid to hold it in place, and hot glued a paper blossom to the doily.  Viola!  not to crazy involved, but simply pretty.

So, inside the jars are some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar cubes, and 2 Cinnamon Honey tea bags.

I wanted to make something sweet for my hostess Beth, so I added some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar pieces to smaller mason jars (4oz), and created a simpler version of the jar decorations.

and a 'gift' for the hostess and her helper:

I added a strip of pretty pattern paper around the jar, tied some vanilla crochet trim around the jars.  I made the same tags, and tied them to cream vintage buttons.  For the tops, I added pale mint velvet leaf, and two paper blossoms in black and cream to match the pattern papers.

There were two ladies who did not make the tea, so I left their favors for Beth and her assistant.  I hope everyone enjoyed their time last night.  As we got a chance to sit and chat, and talk about ourselves, and what makes us happy.  Of course, we laughed, and shared our time together.  The food was delicious, the tea selected was a perfect pairing, and the company was unforgettable!  

I hope you get a chance to create something pretty and share it with the rest of us!

Sew Glad We're Friends, Gift Card Holders

Howdy!  If you stopped by the other day, I shared with you a greeting card, and a decorated mini notebook I crafted using some special pattern papers from Maja Designs and Pion Designs.  Well, I didn't stop there!  I used some of the scraps to make two different, but equally beautiful gift card holders.  I am entering them in a current challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday.  They have an 'Anything Goes, Family Friendly' challenge.  The ladies on this design team, as super talented.  They always include a scripture from the bible, and provide a clip art of the verse to use in your paper crafting.  I however, did not include the scripture.

here is my entry: friends

For this gift card holder, I used a seriously retired pale plum card stock from Stampin' Up!.  I thought this color of card stock matched the background on the pink floral pattern paper.  The scraps I had were a bit narrower than I wanted, so I matted them onto Heather card stock from Amuse Studio.  I like how it compliments the pale plum card stock.  

Anyways, I did some machine stitching, added a scrap piece of white lace.  I have just a few of these half spools left over from a Tilda purchase last year.  [yes, I hoard some things {smile}].  I wrapped a scrap piece of cream crochet trim from Stampin' Up! I had laying on my craft table.  I created another double bow from this pale lavender seam binding.  I stuck in a button stick pin, from a recent Etsy purchase.  I also added a tiny hand made tag, that is hand-stamped with 'friends' in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  The inside of this gift card holder is hand-stamped and heat embossed with 'Wonderful You', in pewter embossing powder.

For this gift card holder, I used Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Instead of using solid card stock for my matt, I used a scrap piece of this pattern paper.  Its this wonderful grey, charcoal-like color.  It matches the colors in the leaves of the blue floral pattern paper.  [the reverse side, is what I used for the pink lady on the previous gift card holder.]

I added some machine stitching, as well.  I also added a scrap piece of this white crochet trim I recently purchased from Etsy.  I added a pale pink triple-bow, and tied a vintage cream button to the bow.  I made another tiny tag, and hand-stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!  This inside is also hand-stamped with 'Wishing you all the Best', and heat embossed with pewter embossing powder.

Thank you for looking!  I am really working on using what I have, and that includes scraps.  I know these are all one-of-a-kind creations, so it will be hard to reproduce them without making another purchase.  I'll have to cross that bridge when I get to it. {smile}

Blue Butterfly

Ok, don't fall out of your chair.  I know, what, Sharon has made two posts in the same week?  Yeah, I had a little alone time (thank goodness this time, it really recharges me) and sat down at my craft table, and just played {smile}.

I stalk follow some very inspirational blogs/websites, and just had to play along this week!  I went to My Favorite Things blog.  They have separate color and sketch challenges.  How fabulous is that? Anyways, I am playing along with the sketch challenge this week.  Here is their sketch:

I just love the layers and flag end banners {smile}.  Here is what I created:

I am currently working on two different parties, both with a country & western theme.  So, I imagine that is how the burlap print paper ended up on my card {smile}.  My youngest grandson will be turning one, so we are having a cowboy themed party for this little buck-a-roo.  And I am hosting Bunco in July, and my theme is 'farmland' (shabby chic style).

Ok, for this card:  I purchased some burlap pattern paper from a big box craft store earlier this year.  I felt that it grounded the card.  Gave it some visual interest without distracting your eye.

The blue pattern paper that is machine stitched to the burlap pattern paper, is actually a digital download.  (I use digital papers more and more.)  I purposefully ran a random/crooked stitch line.

close-up of the button-tag combo

The small text print is from My Mind's Eye, I believe it is from the Sweetest Things collection.  I created by own flag end with a pair of scissors.  The blue butterfly collage is another digital download.  (I print my digital papers on whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love the how clean the colors come out of my printer, and I love the weight of their card stock).  I stamped the tag in going grey classic ink by Stampin' Up! , using the tiny tag stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.  The sentiment in the tag in basic black classic ink.  I fussy cut the tag out my hand.  Not hard, just follow the borders {smile}.  I used some linen thread by Stampin' Up! to tie the white vintage button from Paper Trey Ink, to the tiny tag.  I tied the linen thread into a simple bow after I tied the button to the tag.  

close-up of the sentiment banner

I created by sentiment using a new stamp set by Inspired by Stamping.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey classic ink, by Stampin' Up!  I adhered the sentiment banner with foam tape to elevate it off the front of the card front.  All edges (yes, all) were sponged with crumb cake classic ink.  I also distressed the edge of the blue butterfly collage sheet with the blade of my scissors.

Thank you for looking.  Please, visit those blogs/websites that inspire you, and take some time to create something beautiful for you.  You deserve this creative time, and a little break from all of the hassles life throws at you.

Hand Crafted for a Friend

close-up of the tags

Howdy!  Thank you for stopping by to see what I have been crafting.  As some of you may know, I really enjoyed the whole experience of creating my own chicken wire message board.  I enjoyed it so much, I went out looking for another frame.  Well, my excitement got the best of me, and I cracked the frame during the chicken wire installation {frown}.  So, I am out searching for another.  It was kind of an expensive lesson to learn, but it has been learned.

Anyways, while I was altering that one, I also altered a smaller frame for a different project.  My poor husband, he must think I have lost my mind.  This new frame is a lot smaller than my message board frames.  But, it punches a lot of pizzazz!  The 'opening' of the frame measure 3" x 3".

I started with a silver frame (sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it), I spray painted it in Ivory Satin finish.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  Applied my antiquing glaze.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  Applied a sealant.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  And put it all back together.  During the various drying times, I worked on the insert, and accomplished other chores, including going to work, and participating in the swap meet last Sunday.

a Bunco prize

This creation was inspired by a very similar picture frame Tammy Roberts had done.  I actually read her specific blog post and followed her process.  Upon locating her blog post for this post, it appears that her blog is down. {frown}  So, I am not sure what has happened.  But Tammy R. is a very talented person, who shares what she knows and is very inspiring to me {smile}.

a different view to show the detail on the frame

Anyways, here how I put it all together:  Tammy recommended that you cut your fabric, batting, and chipboard 3 inches wider and longer than your photo frame opening.  (I did 2 inches.)  Stack your materials from the bottom up: chipboard, batting, and material right side up.  Sew a basic quilters square.  I don't quilt, so I did a basic diamond pattern.  I started on the two longest diagonals and filled in from there.

I cut a blossom shape out of felt.  I used a spiral blossom piece. (Tammy layered her blossom pieces.)  Tammy also stitched only the very edge of her petals.  I did the best stitching I could.  I am no pro at using a sewing machine, so you can't really see my stitching (its not so much at the edge {frown}).

Adhere a rhinestone to the center of your blossom.  Tammy did the same.  Now add whatever embellishments that catch your eye, tickle your fancy, and have fun!

While I was working on this picture frame, my goal, was to create a porcelain looking frame.  I just love that vintage look.  I applied the antiquing glaze to help showcase the detail on the frame.  Without that definition, the frame looked too flat.  And not from my type of paint, but rather the detail got lost.  

close-up of the butterfly stick pin

The fabric was purchased at a big box sewing store from the remnant bin.  The leaves were hand cut from cream burlap.  The ribbon was purchased at a small craft boutique during a recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona, when my oldest granddaughter had a dance competition.  The tiny clothes pin is from Stampin' Up!.  The tiny tags were made with a tiny tag stamp set and coordinating punch by Stampin' Up!  The kraft vintage button is from Paper Trey Ink, and the rhinestone is from Jolee.  The butterfly stick pin is from Maya Road.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have found something of beauty and possibly have been inspired as well {smile}.

Baby Blue

Whew.  It's been a week since I posted.  My apologies.  I have been busy crafting, and getting some new items in my Etsy shop.  But, I did sit down and craft some projects in blue.  The wonderfully talented ladies over @ the Shabby Tea Room have a super fun and creative challenge this week, entitled: Spring is Near. 

Here is their inspiration photo:

Ok, how gorgeous is that?  The requirements are to use baby blue, a bird and spring flowers.  I'm all over that.  {smile}

here is what I came up with:

Ok, I kinda took the requirements literally.   I don't have any embellishments that are flowers, but I have used some floral pattern papers {don't know if that counts}
Anyways, I used some new and not so new pattern papers.  The  bottom main panel is Melissa Frances.  As for the banners:  Paper Studio, Stampin' Up!, Melissa Frances, Authentique, and My Mind's Eye.   That gorgeous saddle stitch ribbon I used is retired Stampin' Up! and so is the stork image {frown}.

How funny that I used a stork for the 'bird'.  Anyways, I stamped the stork in Jet Black Staz-On solvent ink.  I used my blender pen to 'color' pieces of the image.  The baby is colored with blush blossom classic ink.  The baby's sash and ribbon is Bashful Blue classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I matted the main image onto a piece of sky blue card stock.  I used a watermark stamp and stamped some random water marks.  

The 'It's A Boy' stamp is from Crafty Secrets.   It's probably 5 yr old, so it may not be available any longer, also.

I used my silver metallic thread to sew the saddle stitch ribbon.  I thought it would add a nice sparkle. {smile}

This pretty organza ribbon is bashful blue by Stampin' Up! and it's retired, too.  Good golly, you'd think that I hadn't shopped for a paper craft item in over 2 years.  I created a simple double bow with the organza ribbon.

I created the tiny tag with the tiny tag die by Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the punched heart piece.  The tag sentiment is from a retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! too; tiny tags.  I stamped 'baby' in Jet Black Staz-On, only because I didn't want to get out of my chair to grab my basic black classic ink.  

To attach the tag to the bow, I simply used a tiny safety pin, in distressed silver.  Nothing fancy, but I thought the addition was quite cute {smile}.

Well, that's all for now.  I'll post a few of the other crafts I have been working on, probably tomorrow or the next day.  Just a heads up, they all use about the same pattern papers and ribbons.  Once I got everything out and started crafting, I just couldn't stop.  I don't typically like things to look too similar, but I am beginning to embrace 'change'.  {smile}

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have found some inspiration, and play along with the Shabby Tea Room challenge.

Baby Girl

I have been busy crafting products for sale at my Spring Craft Fair next month.  And well, I've been making baby themed stuff.  I made a card this time.  I just love how it turned out.  

Anyways, sometimes I need a little direction/inspiration, so I search out some of my favorite 'spots' and it does help.  I knew what papers I wanted to use.  I knew what I wanted to make.  I just needed some guidance to put it all together.  So, without further ado, here is what I created:

I used the same papers that I used for the Card-Gift Combo I created earlier this week.  But, I added a few other 'pieces'.  I kept the main color pink.  Just love pink.  But I also wanted to highlight the aqua mist color, so I matted my yellow pattern piece on Aqua Mist card stock.  I am in love with the pink text/flourish pattern paper from Teresa Collins, so I used it as my main piece.  I'm also loving this silver metallic thread I purchased recently, and just had to use it!

The metallic thread adds just the right amount of sparkle, without looking over done.  I used a sentiment and frame set from Paper Trey Ink: Boutique Borders - Baby Stamp Set.  I just love that piece.  It really gives your sentiment rectangle a bit of flair!  Gotta love flair, right?  I love pairing buttons and bows with baby girl cards/projects.  There is something about the softness, the simpleness of them, that just seems to make it all work.

Anyways, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired, or at least loved the eye candy, so to speak.  I'm working on a few 'Spring' themed items (think Bees and Bunnies) for the Spring Craft Fair March 15th, so stay tuned for those.  I should have some photos up by the weekend, if not sooner.  We'll keep our fingers crossed for sooner {smile}.

Sweet Valentine

Welcome.  On this Friday, Patrice, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a wonderful sketch for you to try this week.   This sketch has alot of potential!

Here is this week's sketch:

This sketch looks pretty straight forward.  But, what if you replaced the squares with. . . .?  

Sometimes, you need to think out side of the perverbial box.  You could replace the squares with tags, hearts, circles, butterflies, etc.

here is what I created:

I replaced the right lower square with an oval.  I also replaced the right upper square with a rectangle.  I added a few hearts, a button, a blossom, and a few tiny tags!

The card base is basic grey card stock.  I ran the main panel of very vanilla card stock throught my swiss dot embossing folder.  I wrapped a piece of basic grey taffeta ribbon around the top of the main panel and tied it in a bow.

To start, I created the largest piece.  I used pink pirouette card stock and an oval embossing folder.  I tore around the edges.  I used basic black card stock and white craft ink to added the faux chalk board technique.  I used a clear heart-shape button, a tiny piece of real red card stock, and white baker's twine to add a whimsical embellishment.  

The two square pieces that I kept, are the postage stamps.  Those I stamped twice, and layered.  I wanted to add a sweet embellishment to the 'Paris' stamp, so I created my own blossom from card stock.  I sponged some pretty in pink classic ink.   I added an embossed grey heart, to help 'connect' the hearts.

The top right square, I replaced with a rectangle.  I have a weakness for ticket stubs.  Just so nostalgic.  I wanted to add something, but I didn't want to distract from the ticket.  So, I embossed a pink heart, and added two tiny tags, stamped with 'Love' and {love}.

The sentiment, was actually the easiest piece to create.  I took a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock, and cut it 1/2" wide.  I used my stamp-a-ma-jig, to position the sentiment.  I used a square punch to create the banner ends.  I used some dimensionals to lift the sentiment banner off the front of the card.

So, give Patrice's sketch a try, over @ SFF.   Let's see what you create!

Wedding Wishes

As this week gets rolling, I hope each of you has a chance to spend some valued time with family and friends.  I know first hand, how the holiday season can pull you in several different directions, and you feel like you are drowning in obligations and responsibilities.  So please take time (even a half an hour will work) to spend it with those who mean the most to you.  In 30 minutes, you can read a book to your child, enjoy a meal with your significant other, or sit and chat with a friend over a cup of coffee.  Not only will this give you a chance to re-charge, but it will show those who mean the most to you, that they DO mean the most to you.

Now, lets craft!  The wonderfully talented ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge, has a color challenge for you to try.  The colors for this weeks challenge say snowflakes to me.  And so, I wanted to give you a different take of the colors.  However, my card isn't 'out of the box' original, but it's not a Christmas card.

Here is the color challenge:

and here is what I created:

When I first saw this color challenge, I thought snowflakes.  And so, I didn't want to make a snowflake card.  And what if you don't own a snowflake stamp, or you just want something different?

So, I created a wedding card.  However, my wedding card, isn't all that original either [ :( ].

The card base is Night of Navy card stock.  The panels are Bashful Blue card stock and DSP.  I matted the DSP with Night of Navy card stock to give it some pop, and keep the pattern paper from melting into the solid card stock.  I used a die to create the fancy strip.  I used the silver glitter paper.  I tied some white taffeta ribbon around the glitter strip and created a multi-loop bow.  I secured the bow to the strip with a glimmer brad.  I added a tiny tag, stamped in Jet Black Staz-On ink.  I used the same pigment ink to stamp the birds and sentiment.  I colored the image with my aqua painter and re-inkers.  This card is easy to assemble and looks quite cute; I think.

I hope that you have been inspired to play along with us @ Nacho Average Challenge.  And I hope that you have a chance to sit and recharge, anyway you can.  

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.