Peach Matthew Card

Howdy.  I needed to get a card in the mail this weekend, and needed a bit of inspiration to get those mojo juices moving.   I am entering my card into five different, but very inspirational challenges.  Lets get started.  I stopped by Scrap Magic to work with their current inspirational board. 

Mandatory to use Peach and Green, you must also include floral pattern, fabric or gold.

I stopped by Sugar Pea Design to check out their sketch challenge.  These ladies are sure to inspire you with their creativity.

I stopped by the faithful challenge of Word Art Wednesday, to see what scripture they are using this week.   The scripture of Matthew 11:28 is perfect for my card.  {smile}

I stopped by the Brown Sugar Challenge, to see what this talented challenge site has for their current challenge: Anything Goes!  Well, that couldn't be simpler!

And finally, I stopped by Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for their current challenge:  Flowers & Trim.  They don't have a required number of flowers, so this one will do {smile}.

and here is what I made:

this card was selected as a Top 3 Winner @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge Blog.  

Recipe:  I used crumb cake card stock for the card base.  I used a green polka dot pattern paper from Authentique.  The peach blossom pattern paper is from Authentique, from the Grace collection.  The peach pattern paper used for the scallop trim, as well as the peach text pattern paper are from the Grace collection, as well.  I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, to help convey that homespun feeling.

I tied peach seam binding around the card, and added a little more machine stitching.  I tied a multi-loop bow with the same peach seam binding.  I added a green paper blossom, from Kaiser crafts, just above the bow.  I tied a scrap piece of gold thin tinsel around the multi-loop bow.  

To help tie the gold accent, I added a trio gold sequins.  I printed the scripture onto whisper white card stock.  I cut the scripture into a tag, and adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I added a scrap piece of peach seam binding.  I tied the seam binding with a scrap piece of pistachio twine.

Thank you for looking.  I might be able to get a better photo tomorrow.  

Holiday Gift Card Holders

Howdy, and welcome.  I have been busy making holiday gift card holders for a few upcoming arts and craft fairs.  

Crafting by Design has a get ready for Christmas challenge this month.  So, I am entering the challenge with my traditional holiday gift card holders.

I made a bunch of holiday gift card holders in red and green, using two different styles: retro and traditional.  Authentique has come out with two different holiday pattern papers: Tidings (shown here) and Christmastime (I'll share later).  Both collections are beautiful with retro and nostalgic images.  Simple Stories has created a holiday paper line as well: Claus & Co.  Their pattern paper is filled with retro style holiday images.  These paper companies really have created some beautiful pattern papers.  And here are the gift card holders I created with them:  {smile}

traditional:

Authentique: Tidings

I used holiday pattern paper that is red and green on kraft.  These are the 'red' ones I made.  I'm finishing the 'green' ones this morning.  I used gold accents on the fronts, because the sentiment inside is gold embossed.  I think the gold looks so elegant with the red and kraft.  Some have red cotton ribbon, some have red burlap ribbon, and some have lace.  I love the polka dots and deer heads, and the florals are precious too.  {smile}

retro:

Simple Stories: Claus & Co.

The holiday pattern papers that I used here are more nostalgic : plaids, wood-grain, music sheets.  I used cotton ribbon, plaid ribbon, and red burlap ribbon on these also.  I used silver accents on the outside, because the sentiment on the inside is embossed in silver.  I found these sweet tiny silver glitter light bulbs, so I just had to add those.  {smile}

Thank you for stopping by.  I need to finish the last few, get them packaged and ready for sale at my upcoming holiday craft fairs.  If you are in the area (Albuquerque, New Mexico) please stop by and say 'hello'.  It is always nice to see folks.  {smile}  If you would like a post card mailed to your home address, with my holiday craft fair schedule, please email me your address, and I'll drop a postcard in the mail, to you.  {smile}  My first craft fair starts the first weekend in November and my last one is the second weekend in December.  

Teal Newlyweds

Wow, this past week was crazy at work.  And I was unable to craft this week.  When the week is like this it really makes my heart sad.  I love crafting.  I actually love to 'craft' all kinds of things.  I made some cream puffs this week, but didn't remember to take a photo {frown}.

Anyway, back to paper crafting {smile}.  A lady placed a special order for a Black & White, with Blue wedding card.  She didn't care about the layout or any specific embellishment.  So, I had free rein.  Yeah!

I went to Cardabilities for the current sketch.  I pulled out this beautiful black and white/cream pattern paper from Authentique.  And some coordinating embellishments, and (hopefully) crafted a beautiful card.  

Here is the current sketch:

my card:

Recipe:  Ok, this is NOT an A2 size card.  I wanted a large card, to provide me with a large enough 'canvas' to create something beautiful.  My card is 6 1/4" x 4 1/4".  The envelope is for a 5" x 7" card.

The card base is pure black card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  The 'blue' matt is cabana by Stampin' Up!.   The black and cream pattern paper is from the Classique collection, by Authentique.  I used a thread cutter to 'rough' the edges.  I tore a small slit in the pattern paper and used a bamboo skewer to roll the torn paper.  

To add a delicate piece, I added a cream trim just under the tear.  I wrapped a wide piece of cream lace around the card front.  Then I added a simple border with my sewing machine.  I love to add machine stitching to my cards.  I think it helps convey a 'home-made' feel {smile}.  

I added a scallop trimmed piece of of aqua mist polka dot pattern paper, to keep the color on this black and white card.

The only black lace I have is a 1/2" Raven Lace Trim.  But, I wanted something a little thicker.  So, I just added two strips, back to back.

I added a large single blossom to the card front.  This is an old Prima blossom: Cherise Taos.  The bottom and top petals are velvet.  There is a layer of sheer fabric petals between.  And topped with white feathers.  For the center, there is a beautiful cluster of rhinestones and pearls.  I just love these blossoms, and hoard them {smile}.

I added an 'US' light bulb towards the left upper corner.  To help 'hide' the bottom of the bulb, I added multi-loop bow made with black seam binding.  I added an aqua blue pearl brad to the center of the bow.  To help balance that end of the card, I added a clear crystal dangle tied to the bow with thin silver cord.

I added two black pearl swirls to opposite sides of the large teal blossom.  I made sure I stayed inside the machine stitching.

For my sentiment, I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped with Jet Black StazOn ink, onto shimmer white card stock.  I used my scissors to create the banner end.

The inside of the card is also finished.  I matted a piece of shimmer white card stock onto Cabana card stock, both by Stampin' Up!.