Season of Peace & Joy Combo

Howdy! and the holiday crafting keeps keeping-on! {smile}  I needed a new focus (aka layout) so I headed to an old favorite: Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  They always have some easy-to-work-with sketches, so it was a no-brainer!

and, see what I mean?  easy-to-work-with sketch!

and here is what I made:

matching card and gift tote

I made a matching card (blank on the inside) and gift tote, using Mojo Monday current sketch!  Once I saw their sketch, it did not take me long to whip this up!  When I started with this sketch, I created the card first, so let's start there!

Recipe for the card: for the card base, I used Mossy Meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Its this rich deep green, that is just gorgeous in real life!

The pattern papers I selected are old.  Probably 5 years old.  The main deep red, and the sentiment block are both Basic Grey.  The striped paper and the blue polka dot paper are Bo Bunny.  I matted the striped paper onto Marina Mist card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Did a quick and easy single border stitch with my sewing machine.  I also sewn the cream cotton trim and green seam binding to the pale blue polka dot pattern paper.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment onto a journalling block.  I used early espresso embossing powder to give the sentiment a presence.  The stamp is another old-y.  It is an Anna Griffin from 10/+ yrs ago.  I matted the journalling block with a scrap piece of the mossy meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I adhered the journalling block to the card front with foam tape.

I kept the snowflake embellishment from the sketch, and used a wooden snowflake from Stampin' Up!.  I believe it is 2 years ago.  I also included a retired Stampin' Up! brad, from their Occasions catalog (4/5 years ago).  I didn't add any adhesive to the snowflake.  The brad is what secures it to the card front.  (That way the snowflake will turn.)  And viola!

Recipe for the tote:  I wanted these two items to match, so I used Mossy Meadows card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I had a large enough scrap piece of the same papers, so I used them.  

I ran out of thread, so I could not do any machine stitching on the stripe pattern paper.  (We live 28 miles outside of town in the mountains.  So I did not jump in my car and drive into town for thread.  Especially on Black Friday with all the crowds.  Sorry.)

I matted the stripe paper onto Marina Mist card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how this blue highlights the blue in the striped pattern paper.

I cut a wider strip from the pale blue polka dot pattern paper.  This time, I didn't add the green seam binding.  Instead, I used Ocean Tides polka dot ribbon, by PaperTreyInk.  I flipped the ribbon over, and used the solid side.  I like how this 'softer' side of the ribbon matched the blue polka dot pattern paper.  This ribbon wraps all the way around the tote, and ends on the side at the banner's end.   (and yes, I have too much ribbon.  And no, I am not a hoarder.  I am a collector {smile}.)

I used the same journalling block for my sentiment piece.  I hand-stamped the sentiment and heat embossed it with early espresso embossing powder.  I matted the journalling block with a scrap piece of mossy meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I adhered the journalling block to the front of the tote with foam tape.

I added another large wooden snowflake by Stampin' Up!.  and secured it to the front of my tote with a retired brad by Stampin' Up!.  

Thank you for looking.  I have a few more projects to complete for my last upcoming craft fair!  And yes, I am getting more and more comfortable with my new upgraded photo editing software.  {smile}

Printed Blossoms

Howdy!  Ok, I'm getting 'better' at this new updated photo editing program.  I didn't spend too many hours fighting with it figuring it out.   So, I photographed a new card I made, uploaded it, and sorta happy with it.  

I am playing along in two challenges.  Each challenge is on different sides of the world.  How cool is that?  My first stop is in the USA:  Sugar Pea Designs Challenge.  This challenge site has a clever challenge idea.  They give you a theme, an inspiration board, and a sketch.  You can play with any one element or match them all together.  Pretty creative and super clever.  Here is the current (and soon retiring) challenge #8.

(I used the sketch)

And the other challenge I am playing along with, is from Russia: scrap-pygovka   This challenge is to use the colors and elements in the inspiration board.  You can use any theme, and I believe any project: tags, cards, albums, etc.  Love the 'freedom' to just create!  Here is their inspiration board:

(I used pale green and various pinks)

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I made a standard A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I sponged some distress linen ink to all the edges of the card stocks, and pattern papers.  The card base is made from Cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  (have I mentioned that I love this heavy weight card stock for card bases?)  My matt is made from mellow moss card stock by Stampin' Up!.  It was retired probably 5 years ago(?).  I just love the vintage look of this green.  It more of a grayish green.  The two pattern papers I used are from Anna Griffin, the Camilla Collection.  Very pretty, soft, and very feminine.

When I was constructing this card, I adhered the green pattern paper first.  Then I added the cream cotton trim.  I adhered the floral pattern paper.  And then I machine stitched the Coconut Seam Binding to the front of the card.  I then added my single border stitch all the way around the card front.  I love the way machine stitching looks on cards, and it also adds a little more staying power.  

I stamped my sentiment in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!, onto a scrap piece of cream card stock, and layered a scrap piece of mellow moss card stock.  The sentiment banner is adhered to the card front with foam tape.

I tied a double bow with another length of Coconut seam binding, and adhered the bow to the card front with hot glue.  

I painted the tips of the deep pink paper blossom with some shimmer paint.  Then adhered the paper blossom to the top of the bow.

One final touch, was the trio of creamy taupe-colored flat back faux pearls.  Viola!  Pretty, elegant, and simple.  Well, this is about as clean and simple as I get.  

Thank you so much for stopping by to see what I have created.  I am off to get started on my shabby chic utility apron.  I'm excited to start, but also kinda nervous.  The fabric I am using was shipped from the Netherlands, so I need to make one cut, and not mess this up!   Pressure!  Fingers crossed.  Stay tuned!

Rustic Rose Happiness

Howdy!  As you know, I work at a local hospital.  This is Nurse's Week.  The nurses who work in our Radiology department, are wonderful.  All of the nurses there, are incredible.  They always greet you with a smile, and they are always willing to help where they can.  Super group of ladies, and gent.

I am making them lunch tomorrow.  A simple gesture to show my graditude.  And I have to make a card as well! {smile}

I wanted to make a quick card, so I stopped by CAS(E) this Sketch.  This wonderfully talented design team will certainly inspire you, and encourage you to play along.  

and here is what I crafted:

Recipe:  I used crumb cake card stock as the card base.  I used the same sheet of pattern paper for both of the matt and the main panel:  Rustic Harmony by KaiserCraft.  I added some machine stitching around the border.  I wrapped a piece of taupe lace trim, and pink rose vintage seam binding.  I added a multi-loop bow with hot glue.  [My bow, replaces the blossom in the sketch, and my lace & seam binding replace the sentiment piece, in the sketch.]

For the sentiment, I added a sentiment block pre-made by Anna Griffin.  I added this rectangle to a scrap piece of the rustic harmony pattern paper.  I adhered these two pieces together with foam tape.  

I wanted a little bling (and what girl doesn't?), so I added a trio of rhinestones.  I adhered the rhinestones in locations on the card, similar to splatters on the sketch.

Now, all I have to do, is add my hand-written note!  This is as 'clean and simple' as I can do.  For those who are use to my style, know that I would love to add another layer of lace/trim, a paper blossom (or two) a button, and most likely some twine.  But, I am pretty happy with how this CAS card turned out.  {smile}  I hope the nurses love it too!

Chalkboard Sentiment; Card

Welcome.  I'm so happy you stopped by and take a look at what I've created today.  If you didn't see my precious post, I've been running.  And running takes a lot of my time.  So my crafting was not been as productive as I'd like it to be. {frown}  However, during my last run, I was able to clear my head, and re-ignite my creative spark.  

I stopped by Mojo Monday late yesterday, to get a peak at their current sketch.  And then last night, I dreamt of a card.  {yeah, I dream about paper crafting.}

And this week, @ Mojo Monday is a prize week.  {yahoo!}  The thing that I love about Mojo Monday sketches, is that they are so easy to use.  Here is their current sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, my first reaction was to rate the sketch 90 degrees right and mirror it.  That would change the sketch to be landscape, and orient the diagonal piece to be on the right side of the card, and the circle piece to more center.  But, then I changed my mind last minute.

here is what I made:

Now, if you know me, or follow me, you already know that I mostly use scraps and pieces that I have on hand, and this creation follows that rule.   I am a paper crafting hoarder.  I could give Hobby Lobby a run for their money.  Don't believe me?  ask my husband.  {smile}  This card is a thin A6 size (4 1/4" x 6")

different view

Recipe:  The card base is made from Paper Studios Kraft card stock.  I just love the color and feel of this card stock.  It's a bit light weight, so I line the inside of the card, to help it stand-up without falling forward.

For the main panel, I cut a 5" x 7" digital paper down to 4 1/8" x 5 7/8".  I added a scrap piece (2" x 4 1/4") of aqua mist polka dot paper, from Paper Trey Ink.   I adhered these two pattern papers together.  I trimmed the overhang from the polka dot paper.  I used a thread cutter to distress the edges.  I then sponged the edges with a light brown ink.  I used my finger nail to make little tears in the papers. 

The square, green, floral paper, is actually a digital download.  It is originally 'coaster' size (4" square). But, I didn't want to cut down the paper, because I love the whole look of this square.  So, I printed it @ 80%, to shrink it down to roughly 3" square.  I distressed the edges with a thread cutter and sponged ink along the edges, too.

I took a scrap piece (4 1/4" x 3") of a text paper from Melissa Frances, and tore the paper into a diagonal shape.  I distressed the edges with a thread cutter and added sponging to the edges.  I adhered this piece across the lower third of the card.  It also helped hide/mask the seams. {smile}

I then added my machine stitching.  I did a double border stitch.  I didn't sew across the text pattern paper, to help give the card a finished look.

I wrapped a scrap piece of aqua colored seam binding around the diagonal piece into a diagonal. 

I have a box of chalk board sentiment tags (circle, rectangle, and square) from Anna Griffith.  I used foam tape to elevate the sentiment piece off the card face.

I added a double loop of kraft twine loop where I wanted my bow.  I tied a simple bow with the same seam binding, leaving room for some tiny paper blossoms.  I cut the legs off of a white enamel brad, and hot glued it to the center of my bow.

I added a trio of tiny pink paper blossoms between the bow and the sentiment circle.  I added a pale green, heart stick pin by Fancy Pants.  I hand-stamped a tiny 'Friend' tag, and adhered it to the bottom portion of the bow.

For the final touch, I added pearls and sequins in a 'random'-ish pattern.  I added a pair of pearls with one pale green sequin above the sentiment circle, and a trio of pearls with a pair of sequins below the sentiment circle.  

Thank you for looking.  I'm pretty happy with how my card came out.  And I hope I have inspired you to create something beautiful!  Don't forget to play along with Mojo Monday challenge, as this is a prize week!  Yahoo!

Love Pink

Howdy.  Yeah, busy crafting.  {smile} I have to admit it, I really love it!  I enjoy the whole creative process.  But, I did want to take a break and share with you what I made.  It's small, and very sweet.  It is a magnetic wallet-size photo holder.  Before you say anything, let me explain.  You know those very unique and memorable school photos you have of your children?   You probably have a hundred.  You order enough for grandparents, neighbors, friends, and your children's friends.  But some how you always have extras.  Right?  Well, why not display them with pizzazz!  Either on your locker at work, or your frig, or how about providing a way for your child to 'frame' her BBF's pic?

And look!  I made a few.  And the others I made,  aren't so shabby chic, feminine, girly.  But, I really love this one {smile}.

I used Camilla pattern paper by Anna Griffin.  I just love how beautiful and elegant this paper collection is.  I cut a scallop trim piece from Silver glitter paper.  (Love the sparkles.)  And I took some pale pink scrunched seam binding and machine stitched them together (seam binding and glitter paper).  I also made a multi-loop bow from the seam binding.  

I made a blossom out of white sparkle clay, and distressed it with white paint and dazzling diamond glitter.  I also did the same distressing on the two white pearl vintage buttons.  

I added a little hand-stamped sentiment piece.  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of digital pattern paper in basic black classic ink.  Matted the sentiment circle with the same pale pink cardstock as the photo matt.  The sentiment is sweet, and fancy {smile} 'Absolutely Fabulous'.  Basically to 'match' the design and feel of the pattern paper.

Oh, I almost forgot.  The finished size of these little gems is 4" x 4".  Small and very sweet.

Thank you for looking.  Just a heads up, tomorrow I will post a few photos of a few crafts I created using red and green.  Yep, no kidding.  Traditional Christmas colors.  Real red and garden green.  See you tomorrow.

Roses

I had a little time to create something pretty {smile}.  So I used some of this new (ok, new to me) pattern paper from Anna Griffin : Camilla.  Just gorgeous!  For a little focus, I stopped by Mojo Monday to see what their sketch is this week.  And yeah, I can do this!

and here is what I made:

Ok, before you mention it.  The circle shape at the upper right corner of the sketch is 'missing' from my card.  But actually not really!  It's the sentiment ovals: Birthday wishes and Thanks so much 'labels'.  I basically couldn't decide if I wanted to make a Birthday card, or a Thank You card.  So, I made a card, and two sentiments {smile}.  The sentiments are hand-stamped onto shimmer card stock in basic grey classic ink.  I added adhesive to the backs, so just remove the protective layer and stick the sentiment on the card front.  Viola!

Recipe:  I used soft sky card stock for the card base.  Love this color of blue.  It's so soft and sweet.  Just a gorgeous hue!

I used the blue floral pattern paper from the Camilla collection.  I added a text paper strip across the middle.  I wanted something to break up the roses.

I wrapped a piece of white seam binding around the middle of the card.  Love how lovely it looks. (smile)  I tied a multi-loop bow with more white seam binding, and added a 'jewel' from a rhinestone strand by Melissa Frances.

The middle square, is actually a digital download that I shrunk.  It is originally 4" x 4".  But I reduced the size to 75% so it's now a 3" x 3".  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of soft sky card stock.  

To give my card a little more sparkle/pizzazz, I added 5 clear faceted sequins.  But felt that they needed a little more of something, so I added tiny half-faux pearls to the centers of the sequins.

here is how I envisioned the sentiment on the card:

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I appreciate the company {smile}.  Don't forget, if you are in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, I will be at Grace Church @ 6901 San Antonio Drive NE on Saturday, November 1, 2014.  It's my first holiday craft fair this season, so it will have all of my latest paper crafting creations, and much more!  Some pieces are just brutal to photograph.  Especially Tussie Mussies {smile} aka paper cones!

Runner-Up in Creative Colors

Hello.  {smile}  Welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I just wanted to pop in to share some sweet news with you all.  I created a card with some new pattern paper by Anna Griffin, and entered two challenges with it, and well, my card was selected as a runner-up in one of the challenges!  Yipee!
Thank you Creative Colors challenge blog.  and here is my badge!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have a chance to create something beautiful!

Elegant Birthday Wishes

~ photo heavy post ~

I am having a GREAT weekend!  I have had time to craft, and my husband and I went out on a date last night {smile}.  I am working on getting my crafts completed for the holiday arts and crafts fairs that I am participating in, this year.  So, I have been making Holiday and non-holiday crafts.  

One of the non holiday crafts that seem to sell fairly well, are Birthday cards.  So, I have created another one!

To help give me some guidance, I stopped by a new favorite challenge, and an old favorite challenge {smile}.

To give me a starting point, I stopped by Retro Sketches to see what they have this week.  And I LOVE it!

This will be a sketch I use more than once this week!  You can replace the 'tag' piece with a gift card holder, or add a small envelope holding confetti, or faux snow - just ALOT of possibilities!  And I am a sucker for sweet banners. {smile}

But I also wanted more direction.  A color combination.  An embellishment requirement.  Something.    I went searching the web for something, and I stumbled upon a color challenge I haven't seen before. The challenge blog is Creative Colors.  They provide an inspirational photo and some requirements.  Sounds fun!  Here is this weeks inspirational photo:

use pink, blue, and green.  include a pink banner/bow.

Oh my goodness!  The colors are just so shabby pretty! {smile}  I think I can do this!  So, here is what I created with the retro sketch and the creative color challenges:

For starters, I switched the tag for a thread card.  I added my bow to the bottom of my 'tag' shape.  I also added one more banner piece.  (So I have three banners instead of two.)  As for the colors, they are in the floral pattern paper.  The card base is blue.  The seam binding is pink, with a pink bow!
Recipe:  The card base is Rain by Paper Trey Ink.  The pattern paper is Camilla Collection by Anna Griffin.  Gorgeous, huh?
I used a scallop floral lace trim from Stampin' Up!.  It's retired for a few years now.  But I still had 6 inches.  I used pink pirouette seam binding (stampin' up!).  I machine stitched the seam binding and the lace trim to the front of the card.  I tied a white vintage button (paper trey ink) to the center of the bow with gold bakers twine (stampin up).  The bow is attached to the card front with hot glue.
For my banners I used a pink pattern paper and a gray pattern paper from the AG collection.   The gold/vellum stripe paper is from Stampin' Up!.  I used a photo corner punch to create my flag ends.
The sentiment is stamped in basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  And the stamp set is Occasional Quotes stamp set.  It was a hostess stamp set, but has also been retired for a few years.
The thread card is an embellishment from Tilda, the Happiness is Homemade collection.   I added a white paper blossom from my stash, and added some glitter to the petal tips.  I cut 2 leaf branches from green card stock.  I sponged kraft ink to the tips of the leaves and then added glitter.
I added a single plastic bead to the white paper blossom/leaves cluster, to add a sparkley surprise {smile}.  I have some gold sequins, but they aren't faceted, they are flat.  (ugh).  So I adhered 5 gold sequins to the card front randomly.  Then added a faceted clear sequin on top of the flat gold sequins.

This card won't fit in an A2 envelope.  So, I decorated a large glassine bag.  I folded a white paper doily in half.  I cut three different lengths and widths of the pattern paper I used for the card.  I flagged the ends.  Adhered them together in a staggered pattern.  I cut two banner pieces: one pink and one gold/vellum.  I stamped the same sentiment on the pink pattern paper.  I stapled the banners into their position.  I glittered the tips of another white paper blossom, and adhered it to the collection with my glue gun.  I wanted to add a little more sparkle, so I wrapped a generous length of gold bakers twine around the glassine bag.
Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you get a chance to play along with your favorite challenge, or try a new one {wink}!

Christmas Box

Silver and Gold.  Isn't that what the song the snowman sings in the animated show Rudolph?  I made a Christmas box in those colors: silver and gold {smile}.

I'm a paper hoarder collector.  I love paper.  I love paper crafts.  I love creating beautiful things with paper.  My name is Sharon.  

They say the first step to healing/recovery, is admitting that you have a problem.  Paper, is my problem.

I purchase this beautiful silver and gold holiday pattern paper by Anna Griffin about 5/+ years ago.  Saving it, for the perfect paper craft.  And today, I made that perfect paper craft. . .  a decorated gift box!  I am selling these at my craft fair shows, again this year.

I stamped and heat embossed the kraft boxes, with a variety of images: polka dots, doilies, text, and vintage wall paper.  (Just a lovely little addition.)  I wrapped each box with a different mix of pattern papers.  I added a 'bow' and a 'tag' (space to write the recipients name).  Complete!

So, all you have to do, is slide off the pattern paper (belly band), fold the pattern paper flat, and write a name/message, place the gift inside the box, and then slide the pattern paper back on.  Viola! This present is wrapped!

I'll be selling this gift box, as well as others that I have made, at this Saturday's Arts and Craft Fair @ Cleveland Middle School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Hope to see you there!