Pretty Little Birdie

Howdy.  I want to share with you another gift card holder I created for a very special someone.  I hope you like it {smile}

Recipe:  I used digital pattern paper, that I printed on both white Linen & whisper white card stock.  I used the textured (Linen card stock) to print the taupe pattern paper and the cream pattern card stock. I just love this added texture of the paper.  I added some machine stitching to help convey the homespun look and feeling {smile}.

The card base was made from Sahara Sand card stock.  I just love the soft color, and the heavy weight card stock is strong to hold up for these projects.

I matted the blue pattern paper to a pale pink card stock.  I wanted to highlight the pale pinks {smile}.  I also added a thin strip of the pale pink pattern paper to the top of the gift card holder, over the bow & scallop white cotton trim.   The pale pink pattern paper has taupe colored birds, flying in multiple directions on a pale pink background.  Super sweet!

The main panel was matted with a light taupe card stock, to help highlight this piece from the card front.

I added a sweet, delicate, paper doily to the main panel.  To help off set it, I added a piece of light blue pattern paper behind it.  This pattern is that taupe-y color hearts on top of the pale blue background.  I thought this heart pattern paper mimics a polka dot pattern paper, and so I just fell in love with it!

I added a large pink crepe paper blossom on the delicate paper doily.  To help tie the colors together, I added a triple bow tied with coconut seam binding.  I thought this color really matched the over-all taupe color.  To help the pale pink color to pop, I added a pale pink button to the center of the bow.  I also wanted to add some sparkle, so I tucked in a rhinestone charm.  It's a silver floral shape with a rhinestone center.  Just the right amount of sparkle.

The sentiment was hand-stamped in basic black classic ink, onto a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock.  I used a very retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! I just love the font!

Thank you for stopping by.  This gift card holder has already been mailed, and I hope the recipient is happy with my work {smile}.

Junk Journal

Welcome.  I have been busy.  Busy in a few different directions.  1 - I have started planning my holiday craft fair items.  So that involves a lot of creative juices, ideas, and plans.  2 - I have been cleaning my craft room.  Not just the typical 'putting things away' type of cleaning.  But the 'over-haul' type of cleaning.  Taking everything out, going through everything to determine what I am going to keep, what I am getting rid of, organizing it, and then putting it back. and last, 3 - working on a few personal items.  I am pretty good at staying focused on each particular task, so I typically don't stray, and this week, it has remained the same {fingers crossed}.  Super happy to be so productive and focused.     

I purchased a digital junk journal 'a few' years back.  Ok, in 2012.  So I guess I should say 'several' years back.  I purchased the digital file, like so many of you; with a great plan to actually put it together.  Well, life gets busy, other crafts take president in the priority of completion, and the fear that I don't know what I'm doing. so I didn't put it together, because I simply didn't want to 'mess it up'.  My best advice to anyone who sits on this indecisive 'fence', JUST DO IT!  Jump in! Have fun.  Create something beautiful!  And when you are done, please remember to take a photo and share it with all of us!  Photography is another one of my down-falls.  I simply dread the uploading photos and editing.  That is EXACTLY why I don't do video.  I imagine that the more I do this, the more comfortable I am, and then the less 'scarey' the whole ordeal will be.  But, sometimes my fear is paralyzing.  Yes, me.  The lady who loves all things crafty!

I am entering my junk journal in the Word Art Wednesday, anything goes challenge.  I love this challenge blog.  They encourage you to simply create.  How fabulous is that?  Keep your craft family friendly, and they even provide a scripture to include in your craft if you like, but are not required.

and here it is:

The cover came printed with the bird sitting on the chandelier.  How super awesome is that graphic?  So, all I did was layer a few pieces at a lower corner of the cover: half a paper doily, a digital printed Bingo card, a digital journalling tag, an old paper ticket, and a banner piece.  I kept the pieces neutral in color, so not to distract from the chandelier.  

The Bingo card was printed onto white card stock, but out, and the edges sponged with craft ink.  The journalling card came with the junk journal.  I hand-stamped the 'Happiness is HOMEMADE' on to the card with black classic ink.  It's stamped a bit off center on purpose.  I thought it would add to the over-all character of the cover.  The old paper ticket I purchased from an Etsy shop a year (or so) ago.      I folded down the left corner, so that my hand-stamping wouldn't be covered up {smile}.  I simply adhered the pieces with a tape runner, and then added a few sloppy border stitches with my sewing machine.  The banner piece I created from printing the digital journal pieces onto white card stock.  I adhered it to the cover with foam tape, to lift it off the front.

The two white dots on the spine are for when you bind the pages inside.  Well, I did my binding a bit different.  So I will be 'covering-up' the two white dots.  I just haven't figured that out yet.  I know several of you are squirming in your chair with the thought of putting the album together, and I haven't finished the cover.  I promise, it will be a 'good' fix {smile}!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have the opportunity to play along with the wonderful design team @ Word Art Wednesday.  And create something pretty, even if it is just for YOU!

Shabby Chic Altered Monogram G

Howdy.  I hope you are having a great holiday weekend.  Please don't forget, to take a moment and thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, so you can enjoy your freedoms.   God Bless America!

I love to create, and make all sorts of items: cards, cakes, altered monograms, pies, altered art, gourmet dinners, and so much more!  I sell a fair amount of my crafts in my Etsy shop HERE.  And I will even create something special and custom for a client.   All you have to do is ask.  Easy Peasy.  Just let me know what  you like, what you hate, color(s), and any inspirational photos you may have. And that is exactly what I did for a special lady Lari.  She wanted a custom altered monogram, and sent me a photo of the space where it will go, and viola!  Here is what I did:

I covered the naked letter with this beautiful green and pink pattern paper.  I painted the letter a white-cream color.  And then added pretty little details!  There is a piece of pink cotton ruffle material.  And then a double white cotton ruffle material.   I tied a piece of pale pink seam binding around the letter, and made a triple bow.  I tied a white button to the bow with thin silver tinsel.  I tucked a flat back faux pearl and button at the bottom.  I tucked in a white resin frame, just above the bow.  I added white paint and glitter to the pink paper blossom, and then adhered it inside the frame.  I tucked in a little white tulle and pearls.  I painted a metal bird with white paint and dipped it into some glitter.  I took a piece of sand paper and distressed the bird a bit.  I adhered the bird to a stick pin, and tucked him in behind the frame as well.  I added a vintage button and another flat back faux pearl.   I added a trio of flat back faux pearls to the leg of the G.  

This is a custom order from my Etsy shop.  Distressed, vintage, shabby chic, feminine, and just plain pretty!  I have several different letters with slightly different looks.  If you don't see what you are looking for, just convo me, and give me the opportunity to create something one-of-a-kind, and unique just for you!   I don't charge more for custom orders.  Just ask that you give me a week, to create something beautiful just for you!