Let It Snow, in January

Howdy, and welcome back.  I have been busy crafting, but not busy photographing what I have created {frown}.  But, I will work on being better at sharing what I create here, and on my Facebook page.  To be honest, sometimes, its just easier to take a quick pic with my phone and upload it on Facebook.  Yeah, that makes me sound lazy.  Honest. But lazy.  So, a New Year's Resolution has been declared!

I am playing along with three challenges: Just Add Ink, Paper Craft Crew, and Word Art Wednesday.  So, let's get started!  I stopped by Just Add Ink blog, and they have a color inspiration photo for their current challenge.

When I saw this photo, I instantly thought of a new line of holiday paper from Prima: Santa Baby.

For a little bit of direction, I stopped by the Paper Craft Crew blog.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  Perfect!  Here is that sketch:

I'm pretty sure I can work with this! {smile}

Finally, I headed over to the Word Art Wednesday blog.  Their challenges are Anything Goes, Family Friendly.  And the design team will certainly inspire you!

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  I created a standard A2 size greeting card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  I used PaperTrey Ink's Aqua Mist card stock for the card base.  I just love this soft, pale water color!  I added a piece of the 'houses' pattern paper from Prima: Santa Baby.  I thought it looked sweet, and cozy.  

The next layer is the mugs of cocoa pattern paper from Prima: Santa Baby, matted with Autumn Rose card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  

I then wrapped a piece of cream lace and pale pink seam binding around the second layer (similar to the sketch), and then I machine stitched these layers together.  I added my layered stack towards the right (as in the sketch).  I machine stitched the sentiment panel to the Aqua Mist card stock.  I slipped on a 'tree' paper clip.  And used foam tape to adhere it to the paper paper layer.  

I tied a double bow with the pale pink seam binding, and tied a tiny pale pink ornament to the bow with some gold and white bakers twin.  I adhered a paper blossom from the Prima: Santa Baby collection just above the bow.  I punched out some leaves and stuck them in behind the paper blossom (as in the sketch).  

I added a trio of crystals (as in the sketch) from Prima to the front of the card; two below the bow and one next to the tree paper clip.  I thought that they added the right amount of sparkle, even tho they are two different colors: aqua and pale pink.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with any or all of these challenges!  Enjoy your weekend, and I hope to be back soon!

Happy Birthday Lynnette

Thank you for coming back.  I want to share a Birthday card, I made for my friend Lynette.  If you saw yesterday's post, you know my friend loves a good book, and all things vintage.  {smile}

I used the same paper collection for the card: Something Blue by Prima.

Recipe:  I used the same Kraft card stock for the card base, that I used to create her paper tote.  I love this heavy weight card stock!

I layered the kraft, grey, and white bird pattern paper as the matt.  I added a scrap piece of the mint text pattern paper as the main panel.  I just love the contrast.  

I cut a decorative shape out of the text & fauna pattern paper.  [using the same pattern papers on the tote, and through out the 'gifts' helps tie the whole gift collection together.]  Then I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.   However, when I came to the decorative piece, I wanted the machine stitching to be decorative, too.  So, I did a zig zag stitch there.  I love how machine stitching adds some much love to paper crafts {smile}. 

The floral library card, is from a digital piece.  I thought the library card really conveys the book theme {smile}.  Yes, there are methods to my madness.

I used a sentiment from the Book Club stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I stamped the sentiment in dark grey classic ink.  

To add a bit of pizzazz to the card front, I added a junk bow to the top of the library card.  I used scrap pieces of mint lace, cream crochet trim, gold velvet ribbon, chenille trim, gold striped ribbon, aqua seam binding, pale pink seam binding, silver stripe cream ribbon, and cream lace.  I tied the junk bow together with silver cord.  I added an aqua mist button to the center of the junk bow.

I wanted to repeat the aqua color, so I added an aqua paper blossom.  

As usual, I wrote my 'note' on a post-it note inside the card.  That way, the recipient can re-use the card.  Not everyone does.  I have a friend who frames her birthday card each year. {smile}

Thank you for looking.  I hope your week is going well.  Remember, to take time for yourself.  If not every day, at least once a week.  You are important! and loved {smile}.

Birthday Blue

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I hadn't realized that it's been a month since I last posted.  I have been crafting.  I guess life has me pulled in too many different directions.  Just like the rest of you.  Life gets busy, and we don't always have enough time in the day to get everything done that we want.  {frown}

This past weekend, a sweet, dear friend was celebrating her birthday.  And well, I wanted to craft something special for her. {smile}  My friend, is a lover of shabby chic, and a junking girl, just like me.  She also loves simpler things in life: a good book, afternoon tea, needle-work, family, and close friends.  

My favorite styles of crafting are shabby chic, retro, and vintage.  So, crafting something for this special girl friend, is easy.  I pulled out some pattern paper by Prima: Something Blue.  I know, this is a 'wedding' themed collection.  But, I think I can make it work {wink}.

I am sharing with you a gift tote that I created.  I also crafted a Birthday card, a bookmark, an extra card for her stash, and a packaged gift card holder.  Let's start with the tote:

Recipe:  The card stock tote is made from Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  I just love their heavy weight card stock.  Sturdy, and strong!  I layered the pink and cream polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I then added the text & fauna printed pattern paper.  I love how the two pattern papers contrast each other.  I added a simple border stitch to the pattern papers.  

I wanted to add some visual interest and design, so I decided to add two large banner pennants.  I wanted to keep with the contrast, but to play-up the main floral pattern paper.  I used the mint text and black text pattern papers for these banner pieces.  The pattern paper that I truly love, is the floral pattern paper that was added last.  I wanted a decorative shape, so I went with a 'top note' shape.  

I wanted to soften the contrast of the black pattern paper, so I added a small piece of a white paper doily peeking out of the bottom of the pretty floral pattern piece.  To help add a little feminine touch, I added a pair of pale mint half faux pearls parallel to the edge of the tote.

This dear friend, has a love of books.  So, I wanted to include 'books' as an underlining theme.  I pulled out my All Booked Up stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I inked the 'tag' portion of this sentiment piece in Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment and circle piece in Dark Grey classic ink.  I used foam tape to the back of the circle piece and sentiment piece, to lift them off the front of the tag piece.  

I tied a simple bow with rose seam binding to the top of the 'tag'.  I tied a faux pearl and an aqua mist button to the bow with silver cord.  I wanted soft, shabby colors that contrast (rose and aqua), but also a feminine touch (pearl).  To help add some bling & metallic, I selected the silver cord.

I wanted to continue with the softness that trims can add, so I selected a white lace, a rose cotton scallop trim, and a kraft seam binding.  To continue with the metallic, I added a piece of cream and silver bakers twine across the kraft seam binding.  I added a paper blossom from the same Something Blue collection by Prima.  I tied a simple bow with the silver metallic bakers twine just behind the paper blossom.  I used a small snippet of the rose cotton scallop trim, in place of leaves.  This continues with the rose color with the seam binding and cotton trim.

Thank you so much for looking.  I'll post an image and write-up for the Birthday card tomorrow.

Vintage Green Birthday; Card

A little teaser of the card I made earlier today.  Yeah, still fighting with the internet.  Gotta love it!  It's teaching me how to have patience, and good old fashion reading from a book.  {smile}

Us ladies at work, are throwing a birthday party for one of our co-workers.  And, I was asked to make a card.  Me? Easy peasy!

I went to one of my favorite sketch challenge sites to help get the creative juices flowing:  Mojo Monday.  The sketches these ladies create are just so easy to work with.  And the design team will not disappoint you, they will inspire you!

here is the current sketch:

I did flip the sketch, so the star element is on the right side, instead of the left.

Here is what I crafted!

Once again, I used crafting supplies I already had on hand.  I originally started with a pink and green pattern papers.  But, something just didn't look 'right'.  So, I decided not to fight with it, and look at other options.  The pattern paper is Stella Rose.  I used three different papers, but four patterns.  The butterflies are the flip side of the dark wood grain pattern paper.

I used my favorite kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  This card is 6" x 4 1/4".  And uses an A6 envelope.  I layered the pattern papers, sponged the edges, and distressed.  

I used the Tasteful Trim die from Stampin' Up! to create that beautiful scallop piece.  I added a scrap piece of a delicate cream and gold lace trim to the scallop piece.  

For the star element, I used a teal paper flower.  I tucked a simple bow tied with Aqua Mist satin ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink.  

I added a trio of tiny vintage buttons is cream, aqua mist, and linen.  I tied a simple knot with kraft twine.

For the sentiment, I stamped 'Birthday Wishes' from the Watercolor Trio stamp set, in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink.  I hand cut the banner end.  I layered the cream card stock onto a scrap piece of kraft card stock, and adhered it to the top left corner of the butterfly pattern paper.

a different view

I hope our friend and co-worker likes her card, and our little party.  She is really sweet, easy to talk to, has your back, and is always willing to help you with whatever comes along.

Well, let me get this posted while I still have working internet {smile}.

Sherbet Heaven

Howdy! I'm so happy that you could take a moment, and stop for a visit, here in my little piece of blog-land {smile}.  I went exploring the world wide web this morning, and decided to play along with some 'tried and try' challenges, and a brand-y new one to me {smile}.

Each Monday, the super talented ladies over @ Mojo Monday (#381) give you a sketch, and then give you some fabulous inspiration!  And well, this Monday, was no different!  The sketch is basic, but that only provides you with an opportunity to add your own flair!  here is this week's sketch:

And the wonderfully talented and gracious ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday (#166) share with us scripture each week, along with some very creative inspiration!  Their challenge site, has real life stories of people triumph and pearls and teaches us each, to have faith, to be good Christians, and in turn to be better human beings.  If you haven't had a chance to stop by their challenge site, I encourage you to do so.  You will not be disappointed.  And please, take a moment out of your busy day, to read their post.  It will truly inspire you!

Their challenge this week is Anything Goes.  So how fabulous is that? scripture and the freedom to create!  A true blessing to share your talents with them, and us {smile}!

Ok, and so I did stop by a 'new-to-me' challenge site this morning, to see, a wonderful color palette, right up my alley!  cure for the monday blues.  This week, we have been provided us with an inspirational board of pink, yellow, mint, and geometric shapes.  What fun!  and here it is:

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  I used Crisp Cantaloupe card stock, by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  I just love this soft peach-y color.  I used Lullaby DSP, by Stampin' Up!  Since the inspirational board has mint in it, I used the blue/green version of the polka dots.  I used Daffodil Delight card stock, by Stampin' Up! for my matts.  I just love this sunny shade of yellow, without a tinge of green.  I used the pink/brown version of the looped circles, as my main panel.

For the long rectangle at the top of the sketch, I used this to hold my sentiment, which is this week's scripture from Word Art Wednesday.  I added two aqua mist vintage buttons, from Paper Trey Ink to either side of the scripture.  I also threaded some 1/4" gold ribbon, from Stampin' Up!, through the buttons.

For the large circle piece, I machine stitched three different ribbons to a Martha Stewart doily.  I used a crochet trim by Stampin' Up!, an Aqua Mist satin ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink, and a pink, gold, and sheer ribbon I had in my stash.  The lacey blossom for the center of my doily is actually a 'flower' from Prima Marketing, their Coffee collection (#578527).

To help give my card a 'home-made' feel, I added some simple machine stitching around each panel piece, and finally to the rectangle.  I think it helps make the card look 'finished'.  To help tie in the pearl button center on the lace blossom, I added a trio of white half faux pearls, and a pair of clear faceted sequins.

Thank you for stopping by {smile}.  It is always great to have company.  If you see anything that inspires you, please let me know.  Your comments do make me happy! and helps motivate me to keep crafting.  Sometimes, we all need is a little encouragement, to know that what we do, does make a difference. {smile}  Have a great Monday!  Oh, and as usual, this card will be in my Etsy shop.

love u

Howdy!  I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday! and that you were able to share it with family & friends.  We did!  We had a wonderful Christmas.  My mom came into town, and as always it is wonderful to spend some time with her {smile}.  We got to spend sometime at our daughters house.  Her children are just so precious.   Anyways, one of my new years resolutions (typically every new years) is to spend less on crafting supplies, use what I have, and get my supplies in order.  So, before I head into my craft room to clean up the clutter of holiday crafting these past several months, I want to share a card I made this morning.

The wonderful ladies over @ Divas by Design have a final challenge: anything goes!  

And here is what I made:

I didn't purposefully set out to make a valentines card.  It just kinda happened.  So, lets get started with the recipe and a few close ups {smile}.

The card base is aqua mist card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the weight of their card stock - heavy, yet workable.

The matt is lagoon from stampin' up!.  I just love this new color.  The floral pattern paper is a digital paper I recently purchased.  Love the polka dots and the colors.    The middle panel is also a recent digital purchase, also.  I thought the blue 'love' piece matched the blue in the floral pattern paper.  i also loved the flowers on this piece.

I matted that piece onto a textured pool party card stock by Stampin' Up!.  

I did a little machine stitching.  I just love the look.  The top banner piece is actually a christmas pattern paper that I had a scrap of, so I just flagged the end.  I did a sloppy machine stitch.

I tied a blush button by Amuse Studios with a thin silver cord.  I added a white tag that I had laying around my crafting space.  I die cut the 'U' from silver glitter paper, by Stampin' Up!.  

I added a scrap piece of white lace trim piece I had left over from holiday card making.  I also added some pink pirouette seam binding, by Stampin' Up!. I tied the seam binding into a multi-loop bow, and added a vintage kraft button by PTI.  I hot glued a Melissa Frances key hole.  And I added a pink heart stick pin.  To finish off the card, I added several white faceted sequins.

All the edges of the different papers were sponged with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, I must head into my craft room, and clean up the mess I created from my crafting for the past holiday craft shows.  See ya soon!

Light Bubbles: bokeh

Howdy!  I hope you are well.  Me, yes.  Thank you.  I had another arts and craft fair this past weekend (Friday and Saturday) at one of my favorite places:  Tramway Community Church.  The folks there are so nice, helpful, and just a joy to be with.  {smile}

Anyways, my mom came up to spend some time with me, and help me sell my paper crafts.  And let me just say, that it was pure joy!  We talked, and sold, and talked some more.  It was really wonderful to spend some time with her, and just hang out!  I made a little money, which is always sweet, especially during this time of year.  So, pluses all around!

For those who don't know, I live in the east mountains of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  And well, we are just below 7500 feet.  Sunday it snowed like crazy.  So my husband got a chance to use his snow plow for the first time this winter season.  And the weather created a delay in my mom getting back on the road to head home.  It did give us a little more time together, but just not the same.  It's kinda like be held hostage at the airport.  You have food, a bathroom, and the people you are traveling with, but all you really want to do is leave.  [No hard feelings mom {smile}]

I wanted to make my mom a card, to say 'thank you' for her help, and let her know that I really enjoyed the time we spent together.  So, I went looking on the internet, and wanted to see if anything out there inspired me.  Well, of course I found something!  

I ran across this photography technique called: bokeh.  It's when parts of the image and/or light are out of the field of focus.  So, when you are photographing something and there is light in the background or side portion, and this part of the image just isn't in focus.  Looks pretty.  And so I ran with it!  

gold, is the accent color

silver, is the accent color

So, both cards are made with soft suede card stock as the base.  The 'blue' piece is aqua mist card stock.  I cut 3-4 branches from a Memory Box die.  I punched 1", 3/4", and 1/2" circles and a trio of snowflakes from vellum card stock.  I added several clear faceted sequins, and then added gold/silver sequins.  

I die cut the letters for 'JOY' out of gold glitter paper.  For the silver version, I heat embossed 'noel' in silver and then stamped 'JOYEUX' in soft suede classic ink.  

The final touch, was a spritz or two with iridescent spray.

But now, that I am writing this post, I think, why did I make my mom a holiday card to say 'Thank You'???  Ugh, sometimes my mind just gets stuck.  As I am preparing for yet another holiday craft show, my mind is stuck in holiday mode.  Sorry mom.  Let me get back into my craft room, and make something a little more appropriate. 

Anyways, I hope you like these, and I hope I have inspired you to create something unique and wonderful!

Watercolor Wreath

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy!  and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  A place where I craft, cook, and share.  Ok, I share more crafts than baked goods here, but I do both!  (I post more food photos on Instagram.  Don't really know why, but I do.)

Anyways, I want to share with you a card I made.  It's a Christmas/Holiday card.  I know, you aren't really surprised, are you?  I wanted to try a technique I saw on Michelle Wooderson's blog: Mish Mash.  She calls it 'embossing + watercoloring'.  I think it's beautiful in a eclectic way.  It's basically emboss resist but instead of sponging color (ink) onto your paper, you use water colors.  Now, how gorgeous and fun does that sound?  So, I wanted to give it a try.  But first, I need a challenge to play along with.  So, I set out into the vast 'land' of the blog world and found TWO great challenges to play along with:  Just Us GirlS and Divas by Design .

So, the lovely ladies over @ JUGS, have a wonderful holiday theme challenge:  Wreaths!  Oh boy! right up my alley!  Here is there inspiration board:

For those of you who have not been to the JUGS site, they have changed their challenges.  So, this week, it is a word challenge.  I love the different format they have adopted.  It keeps their site fresh and new!  So, join them this week.  Make something with a wreath.  Have fun.  Craft.  and share!

The wonderful ladies over @ Divas by Design, have a fun and easy challenge: anything goes.  So, craft something that makes your heart happy! and share it with us!

Ok, here is what I made!

Recipe:  I used Aqua Mist cardstock for the card base.  I used the pattern papers from the Library Ledger paper pack, by Paper Trey Ink.  I used the Tasteful Trims die by Stampin' Up! to cut the scallop trim.  I did some machine stitching along the edges of the top panels.  I tied some gold bakers twine from Stampin' Up!, around the middle of the card.  I used a vintage button to add a little something to the bow.  (Aqua Mist button by Paper Trey Ink)

The ticket at the top is a digital download.  Love those little things: tickets and digital downloads. {smile}  The sentiment was hand stamped in Soft Suede classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  It paired very nicely with the rich chocolate browns in the ledger paper.

I stamped the wreath in versa mark ink onto the pattern paper.  I heat embossed antique gold embossing powder, for the wreath.  Love the subtle shine.  I used my aqua painter for the water coloring.  First, I just 'painted' plain water over the embossed areas.  It's like prepping your work surface.  This allows the paint to 'move' over the area.  For the 'paint' I used a few drops of the Pool Party classic re-inker by Stampin' Up!.  I dipped the tip of the brush into the 'color' and simply washed the embossed wreath with paint (aka: re-inker).  To add a little more depth, I splattered some more color onto the painted wreath.  I used crumb cake and pool party for the splattered colors.

I had some much fun making this card, I made some gift card holders with the same technique:

I had a lot of fun making these.  But as you can tell, once I start something it kinda becomes what I do.  And I want a variety of items at my craft fairs, so I stopped at 4 gift cards.  I don't want everything to look the same.  {smile}  Making these gift card holders really allows me to use my scraps in a fun, and festive way!  

Sidetone:  I had so much fun with this technique that I didn't (couldn't) stop to take a photo.  That's why these gift card holders are already packaged for sale.  Sorry for the glare of the clear bag.

Thank you for looking.  I hope I have inspired you to create something new, and challenging!  Why not try emboss resist but with watercolors!

Table Set

~ photo heavy post ~

Whew.  Sorry for the tardiness of this post.  Life has gotten in the way of my crafting {smile}.  Hate when that happens.  

Anyways, I wanted to share with you how I did my plates for this years hosting of Bunco.  I wanted the table set to match my overall style and theme: farmland.  So, I selected a clear plate.  Pinterest had a lot of great images of doilies and clear plates.  However, they were all loose doilies.  I wanted my doily to 'stick' to the plate.  Because I plan on layering the plates.  (Also, another image I found on Pinterest.)  

I have to admit, I am addicted loving Pinterest.  Anyways, I decided to get the look I really wanted by doing a reverse decoupage technique to 'stick' the doily to the clear plate.  That way, the doily would go with the top (clear) plate, and then the user have another plate incase they needed another plate for seconds, or whatever.  However, I didn't want the bottom plate to be non-usable because of contaminants from the glue on the doily.

So, I applied spray adhesive to the middle of the doily, let it dry completely.  Then applied Mod Podge to the back side of the doily, to add some sticking power to the doily and clear plate.  It also sealed the doily to the clear plate, so there wouldn't be any lingering contamination seeping through the doily onto the bottom plate.

So, this 'farmland' color scheme is a sweet pink, a nice aqua mist blue, white, and silver.  So, I decided on using silver solo cups to tie into the metallic silver on the home-made napkin rings.  I added pink polka dot paper straws, and added a small strip of aqua mist blue diagonal stipe washi tape.  Since this tape is a bit transparent, the diagonal lines on both sides, look like gingham patterns. And, to make it all work, and look like it actually belongs, I selected a silver paper plate.  The clear plate is 9" circle.  So, I selected a 10.5" circle silver paper plate.  That way, the bottom plate, looks like a charger.  A bit more classy.  The plastic flatware I used has a metallic silver shine to it.  It looks like actually flatware, and not plastic.  Another touch to improve the overall look: picnic to party!  

The continuum of paper, plastic, metal, burlap, lace, and ribbon through out the overall table setting, along with the mix of patterns, (but keeping with the same color scheme) helps keep the table setting coordinated, and gives it some visual interest.  If everything matches, items get lost in the overall landscape. (blue plates, blue table cloth, blue flatware, blue napkins, regardless of the mix of materials.)

Also, I added these sweet, fabulous broaches to the bows on the floral arrangements.  I thought they also needed a little bling, to help tie in the silver metallic additions.

The broaches came from China, so I did have to order these 3 weeks in advance.  However, please be aware, that international shipping, does take a while.  So, the lesson I learned from this, is to actually have a finished plan.  

Here are the table number holders that I had shared with you earlier: altered salt shakers.  I made button cards, to label the tables {smile}.  [these will be for sale in my Etsy shop soon.]

I altered the salt shakers a few weeks before I knew what I was going to do for the table numbers.  But, I still love them {smile}.  The salt shakers look similar, so they look like they belong, and the table numbers are all button cards, but with a different color.  Additionally, the colors do work with the color scheme.  So, it gives them that 'looks like they belong' look, gotta love that!

Oops!  I forgot a photo of the dessert table.  So, here we go!  Yeah, I am a fan of choices.  So, there are three (yeah, 3!) desserts.  Also, I did the reverse decoupage on the dessert plates and added tiny tasting folks into mini canning jars!  [keeping the country shabby-chic charm of my party theme: farmland.]

From left to right.  A mixed berry pie (strawberry, blueberry and black berries).  Lemon bundt cakes.  And peach cobblers.  All are individually sized.  That way they are portable.  And sharable with the right person!
I took dollar store cookie trays and spray painted them a cream color.  I added a piece of pink gingham parchment paper under the food items.  I took small pink and blue distressed frames to hold the dessert name.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Hopefully, you return tomorrow to see more prizes.  Beware, these next few posts (3), the photography is less than desirable.  However, I wasn't able to double check these before entertaining. {frown}

Breakfast @ Tiffany's

The movie, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' is a classic.  The warerobe is classy, and the jewels re big!  One of my bestfriend's daughter's name if Tiffany.  And Tiffany is getting married next month.  Today is her Bridal Shower.  And yes, the theme is 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' {smile}.  The invitation asks that you wear your best little black dress and costume jewelry.  I picked out a tank style black dress with black sandles.  I put on my pearls, and made sure my hair was big and curly.  I selected a gift card from Soma, so she could get something just for her.  

And I needed to make a card.  I wanted to make something clean, classic and Tiffany blue.  I also needed to incorporate something wedding-ish.  I used black as an accent color.

Here is what I made:

  

The card base is Pool Party cardstock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this color.  I added a panel of pool party textured card stock, matted with basic black card stock, as the main panel.  I added a strip of script pattern paper by Paper Studio to the Right side of the card.  I added a strip of white crochet trim and Aqua Mist satin ribbon to the card front.  I added some machine stitching.  I machine stitched just under the top border of the white crochet trim, to hide the sewn line.

For the tag, I cut a tag shape out of the pool party card stock and heat embossed the wedding cake in white.  I puched some flower shapes out and distressed the petal tips.  I added pearl centers.  I made a multi-loop bow out of the aqua mist ribbon and attached it the tag with an antique pearl brad.

Thank you for looking!  I hope your weekend is classy and fabulous!

~stop by Sunday, May 12th, for your chance to win some blog candy~

Renew Ribbon

Happy Saturday!  Glad that you have stopped by.  This is a special day for a few friends, and a sad day for some other friends.  Let's start with the good news... a dear, and sweet family friend is getting married today.  He is a wonderful guy, who always has a special perspective on life, and a deep devotion to his friends.  And now the sad news... Linda, the owner of Our Creative Corner has had some changes in her life dynamics, and the challenge site is closing.  This challenge over @ OCC will be our last.   

Irena, is our hostess for this one last challenge over @ OCC.  Irena, has given us an inspirational board for this style challenge.   Here is her inspirational board:

And the lovely ladies over @ the Ribbon Reel, have a 'Mix and Match' challenge.  We are to use 2 pattern papers, 1 solid paper, ribbon and twine.  Here is their inspirational photo:

So, I combined the two challenges, and came up with this card:

I used some pattern paper from Authentique pattern paper, called Renew.  The colors are cool, crisp and quite lovely.  I used paper trey ink solid card stock.  The card base is lemon whip and aqua mist.  I used Stampin' Up! pool party seam binding, and pool party bakers twine.  The buttons are from the aqua mist vintage button bag.  I added some random rhinestones to the card front.  I used the signature dress form stamp set and matching die to create the mannequin piece.

I added some machine stitching to the border of the card.  Also I stitched the seam binding to the card, before I added the top note shape.

I hope that you get a chance to play along with us @ OCC, as this is our last challenge.

Enjoy your weekend.  I am off to the store to find the perfect pair of shoes to go with my dress to the wedding.

love this card? you can purchase it here

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}!