Linen Closet Loaded Envelope

Howdy! and welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I am so happy you are here.  I have been working on a new-to-me project, and I couldn't wait to finish it, to share with you!  Now, please have a kind eye, as I said, this is new to me.  So, if you have any suggestions, please add in the comments {smile}.  I just love you guys!

So, a few years back, Loaded Envelopes were all the rage.  Me, I just couldn't jump on board, because I just couldn't see the loveliness of them.  Well, that all changes about a week ago.  (Hey, better late then never.)  

And, probably like a lot of  you, I didn't want to use 'reserved' paper for a new project.  So, I went hunting in my craft room, and found an unopened paper pad.  Shocking right? like that has never happened to you? {smile}

So, I am entering my new project in a few challenges, but wanted to share my uncompleted project now.  I will add some more photos as it progresses {smile}.  I have to admit, that I am super excited!

My first challenge entry is an all time favorite: Word Art Wednesday - anything goes.  This group of super talented ladies will certainly inspire you!

and my second entry is to the wonderful Brown Sugar Challenge Blog - anything goes.  Another great place to be inspired.

and here is what I made:

empty envelope

loaded envelope

So, like I said, a project in the process.  I did complete a few things, and added them.  But, I have a few more items that I want to add.  I used the paper pack: Linen Closet by DCWV (Die Cuts With a View).  I purchased this paper pad almost 2years ago, when Jo-Anns was having a huge paper sale.  I knew that I would eventually use it, just hadn't decided on what.  

I love this paper pad, because it all coordinates.  The papers are a mix of blues, cream/white, and yellow, with gold accents.  Simply beautiful.  

I didn't want to over load this post with a hundred photos, so I will be sharing photos throughout the week(s) to come.  (promise {smile}).

Before I head out the door to run errands, I have to give credit to my envelope construction.  I found this tutorial on Pinterest, by Michelle Randolph.  [And here is the link]  Easy to follow, and easy to make your own.  BRAVO!

Stay tuned!  Bye for now. 

Shabby Blue Bingo

I loved the pink and green version of this card, so much so, that I decided to make a blue version.  How wonderful! right?

Well, it is too late to enter this card in the Mojo Monday card challenge like the previous cards, so I am entering this card in two different challenges:  Brown Sugar Challenge and Crafting by Designs. The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge, have an Anything Goes challenge.  So, create something beautiful and enter!

The creative folks over @ Crafting by Designs, have a Spring Edition Anything Goes challenge.  Super fun! and why not make something 'spring-like' and enter!

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used my favorite kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this card stock.  The color, the feel, the ease of work.  Everything of it!  I added a matt of very vanilla card stock, by Stampin' Up! to give my main piece some contrast.  

I used digital papers, for all of my pattern papers.   I distressed the edges of all the papers with tea stain ink.  I adhered the pink floral paper onto the very vanilla card stock, and then added a machine stitch border.

I layered a floral tag and a bingo card off center, and angled in two different orientations.

I hand stamped the sentiment for my horizontal piece.  I used a very old stamp set by Technique Tuesday.  I added a banner edge to give the sentiment some visual interest.  

I replaced the circle element with a multi-loop bow.  I tied a vintage kraft button, using kraft twine to the bow.

Thank you for looking!  I'm off to make some cupcakes for a meeting tomorrow.

Harmony & Grace Card

~ second post today & photo heavy ~

Howdy!  I needed to make a card for a special friend, so I set out to find some inspiration.  And you know I found some! {smile}

My first stop is Mojo Monday.  Because let's face it, they have some great sketches, and the design team will certainly inspire you! (I turned the sketch 90 degrees)

I also stopped by As You See It Challenge.  Their current challenge is Spring has Sprung.  How super fun is that?  And the best part, you get to decide what spring means to you!  Me, I see it as a 'new' time.  Flowers, snow melting, more sunshine.  Everything fresh!  (weathered wood, blossoms, distressed elements, and a little sparkle)

I also stopped by Word Art Wednesday for their current challenge - Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  This creative and inspirational challenge site gives you a free bible scripture that you can use, but is not required.   (I'm using an inspirational sentiment and thought it fit perfectly with this design team.)

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge, for their current challenge - Anything Goes.  Because let's face it, this design team is creative and very innovative!

and here is what I created:

spring to me, means exposed weathered wood and blossoms

Recipe:  This is a typical A2 size greeting card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used kraft card stock as the card base, because let's face it, the color is just so creamy, and sweet!

I used one pattern paper, blossom pattern paper from the Harmony Collection by Bo Bunny.  I just love this weathered wood looking paper!  So sweet, and shabby chic!

I used the weather wood side for the large panel, and the blossom print for the main panel.  I machine stitched them together.  I sewn a purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  I thought it adds some depth to the weathered wood print.  

I wrapped some cream lace trim and Lyric Rose seam binding around the card front.  I also machine stitched these two trims to the card front, in place of adding adhesive.  I tied a single bow with the lace trim and layered a double bow tied in the seam binding.  I tied a vintage cream button with kraft twine and added it to the stack of bows.  

I stamped my sentiment in soft suede classic ink, onto cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I used the Scripture Medley 4 stamp set by Verve.  (I 'won' this stamp set from a challenge-yahoo!)  I cut the sentiment into a rectangle, and matted it with a scrap piece of the Harmony Collection paper.  I added a piece of a paper doily to the bottom of the sentiment piece.  Then, I added some zig zag stitching to the sides of the sentiment piece.  I just love how these little touches gave my card a shabby chic look and feel.  {smile}

Finally, I added two embellishments, I felt conveyed the shabby chic look: a lock from Melissa Frances.  The white, distressed embellishment just looks at home here! {smile} And who doesn't like a little sparkle?  So, I added a glitter heart!  You know, my heart is locked in shabby chic!  {smile}.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenges, and find some peace and happiness creating!  I think it does a lot of good for our souls.  {smile}  Have a great day! and hopefully you can stop by again soon!

Let's Cook

Howdy! and welcome!  I've been a little busy getting some cards made, and well, I wanted to share the last one I made.  I had a request for some cupcakes, and you know me, I have to make them look delicious, package them pretty, and send along a card!  {smile}

I played along with two Anything Goes challenges, so I could create something simple, pretty, and just what I needed.  {smile}

I picked up this 'baking' pattern paper from our local scrapbooking store several weeks ago, only because I loved the paper.  And I finally got a chance to cut it!

I am entering my card @ Word Art Wednesday, for their Anything Goes challenge.  If you haven't played along with this talented group of ladies, you are certainly missing out.

I am also entering my card @ Brown Sugar Challenge, for their Anything Goes challenge, as well.  This design team will inspire you!  Please stop by and have a look.

and here is my card:

my card was selected as a 'Top 3' @ Word Art Wednesday

Recipe:  The card is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used my favorite kraft card stock as the base.  I love the color and feel of this heavy weight card stock.

I used pattern paper from Bo Bunny, Kiss the Cook collection.  I just love the colors, the nostalgic patterns, and the beautiful images.  It reminds me of a church picnic.  Everything homemade, and delicious!

I layered two different but coordinating pattern papers and machine stitched them together.   I think machine stitching adds some much character to the card.  {smile}

I wrapped some mint blue seam binding around the card front.  Layered a paper doily from Stampin' Up! on top of the ribbon.  I stamped an oven mitt in Mint Macaroon classic ink, by Stampin' Up! onto white linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.   I used  the Country Kitchen stamp set by FarmHouse Paper Co.  I fussy cut the mitt out with my scissors.  And adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I just love how this linen card stock gives the oven mitt the look of fabric!

Tied a multi-loop bow with the seam binding, and tied on a yellow button, to highlight the yellow in the pattern paper.

For my sentiment I used the Label Love stamp set by Altenew.  I am so loving this stamp set!  I stamped the sentiment  in basic black classic ink, onto vanilla card stock and fussy cut.  I adhered the sentiment bar to the card front with foam tape.

Viola!  My card isn't loaded with a pound of blossom, or trim, but I still think it looks sweet!  I hope you get a chance to create something beautiful and play along with these challenges!

Butterfly Notes

Howdy! and welcome.  I have been busy with work, and keeping up with chores and other obligations, that my crafting had to take a back seat for a quite a few days.  Seven, to be exact! {grimace}.  But, have no fear, I have carved out some time to create a card for a few challenges.  {smile}  I hope you haven't given up on me.

There are two of my favorite card challenges that typically have Anything Goes as their themes, and so it really allows me to just create.  You gotta love that!  So, here we go!

My first stop was Brown Sugar Challenge.  They have a talented design team, and let's face it, sometimes we just need some inspiration.

My next stop was Word Art Wednesday.  This group of ladies will certainly inspire you on a creative level and on a faith level, too!  

My last stop is Stampin' Royalty.  This card challenge site, has a theme this week- Spring.  When I think of the word, 'Spring' I think of flowers, butterflies, beautiful colors, and fresh air!

and here is what I made:

my card was selected as a 'top 3 honor' @ Word Art Wednesday!

Recipe:  My card is a typical A2 size:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  The card base is this beautiful kraft colored card stock.  I just love the 'brown paper bag' color!  I used three different pattern papers for the base layer.  I started with a beautiful butterfly pattern by Crate Paper.  Then I added a strip of text paper and a layer of music paper.  I distressed the edges of the papers and sponged kraft ink on them.  I did a messy machine stitch all the way around the card.  twice.  

I cut out a ephemera ticket, and distressed its edges in the same manner.  I also added a scrap piece of an aqua colored paper doily to the right side.  I adhered this piece to the card front.

I wrapped a piece of aqua blue seam binding around the card front.  I thought it matched the paper doily perfectly.  

I stamped my blossom cluster in soft suede classic ink, onto white linen card stock.  I used the coordinating die to cut it out.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I tucked-in my sentiment.  The sentiment is actually the pattern paper name, that I cut down and added a banner edge.

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and tied a cream button to the bow's center with kraft twine.  I made a large bow with the twine behind the seam binding bow, when I tied-on the button.

I added a trio of iridescent sequins and a few transparent sequins, randomly to the card front, just to give it a little more sparkle.  Because who doesn't love sparkle! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I'm heading back into my craft room, to create an inspirational magnet.  I love the small size of these.  I've made several before, but hadn't had an opportunity to photograph any before they were packed-up, and mailed.  {frown}

Pennant Birthday!

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I am having a good week!  Hope you are too!  One of the changes I have made this year, is to start each week writing down three things I am thankful for, from the previous week.  It is a way to reflect on my blessings.  By taking my life in smaller pieces, and reflecting, I am truly able to see the good.  And I am super happy with how this small step to 'count my blessings' is working for me!

I had a few moments, ok an hour, to create a card.  And I am sure you all can understand the drive to get your ideas made out of paper {smile}.  And I do know how truly blessed I am, to have a hoard stash I can craft from, when I can't get to a store.  {wink}

I am entering this card in four challenges.  I have to say, I typically don't enter this many, but I will relish in the oddity of this opportunity!

My firs stop is Mistress Owl.  This is an Eastern European challenge site.  They can a sketch for you to work with.  I strongly encourage you to pop on over to the their challenge site.  The design team will inspire you!  Their sketch was easy to work with, so that is always a huge plus in my book.

My next stop is Cupcake Inspiration.  I am always intrigued by their challenges.  This design team will knock your socks off!  Between the very user-friendly inspiration board, and the creativity of the design team, you will be crafting in no time!  I just love their photo this week!  Theme: Chalkboard!  And who doesn't love chalkboard.  It instantly reminds me of school days.  So retro, shabby, vintage.

Now, I just HAD to stop by another favorite challenge: Really Reasonable Ribbon.  This design team will certainly get you to add ribbon, twine, trim, and lace to everything!  The creations will inspire you to try a new technique, and put a bow on it!  Their current challenge is Celebrate!  So birthday, anniversary, new baby, new couple, etc.  You get the idea.

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge.  This challenge site encourage all crafting styles.  And the design team works with their sponsors, to showcase their products.  I think that's wonderful! Their current sponsor has digital images.  I just love digital paper.  And I am starting to embrace digital images/stamps.  Their current challenge is: Birthday!  And who doesn't need a birthday card in their stash?  So, please stop by and see what they have created.

now, roll all these challenges together, and here is what I created:

~ disclaimer: photographing a card with a flair button, is a bit of a challenge in itself!

my card was selected as a 'top 3' for the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog challenge!

Recipe:  This card is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  And yes, it fits inside its envelope.  The card base is kraft card stock.  I just love the color and weight of this paper.  It looks so 'old school'.  

I added this beautiful light blue and pink rose digital paper as my main layer.  I did dampen the edge of the paper (top right corner) and scrunch it a bit.  I also distressed the edges, and tore the bottom edge. I sponged a tea stain ink on all four edges.

I added a lace doily from Stampin' Up! to the top left corner.  I just love it peeking out from behind my journalling cards.  (I used two 'chalkboard' journalling cards for my Chalkboard element.)  I also inked the edges with the tea stain ink.

I stamped my sentiment onto the top journalling card in white craft ink, and then added clear embossing powder and used my heat gun to set the embossing powder.  

I fussy cut a digital tag and added it to the lower right of the journalling cards.  

I originally wanted to add my sentiment across the card, very similar to the sketch.  And place my bow to the left of the journalling cards, but I don't have anything that would have worked.  {frown}  I guess I need to go paper craft shopping! {wink}

And then, I layered trims!  Oh my!  My first layer is a cream cotton eyelet trim.  Then a white sparkle tulle box pleat trim.  Then a mint swiss dot lace.  And finally, a pale pink seam binding.  Who doesn't love seam binding?

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and added a silver metal button to the bow.  Then I tucked in a cupcake flair button just above the bow.  Viola!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these creative challenge sites.  You will not be disappointed in both the talent and the inspiration!

Missing Mint

Howdy.  I hope your weekend was wonderful!  Productive!  Creative! and on track with your new year resolution.  Mine was.  {smile}

I am still loving my planner, and keeping my projects/tasks/chores organized.   I have also added my budget and menu, to my tasks.  It feels good to have those two chores organized.  {smile}

So, with my mind not on those items, I had some free time today to craft a little.  Gotta love that!

For starters, I stopped by Shabby Chic .  They have a color theme board.  The color theme is mint and their requirement is to craft in a shabby chic style.  And who doesn't love mint!  It is such a sweet, and refreshing color.  Mint pairs nicely with almost everything!

To help give me some direction, I stopped by a new-to-me challenge As You See It.  They have a sketch, as their current challenge.   I love working with sketches.  And this one is a good sketch.  easy to work with, and I did flip the sketch.

I stopped by my favorite challenge site:  Cupcake Inspiration.  This challenge site, always have some creative themes/inspirations.  Their current challenge is to use plaid.  Yep, plaid.  I just love their cupcake!  But, I wanted something a little more spring.  But those cupcakes look yummy!

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge.  Their current challenge is Anything Goes.  But please stop by to see what this creative design team has created!

All of these challenge sites, have very talented, creative folks on their design teams.  They will inspire you!

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  The card meausres 4 1/4" x 6 1/4".  The card base is made with a no name Kraft card stock.

The first matt is pool party card stock.  I matted the floral pattern paper with aqua mist card stock.  The mint & aqua plaid is actually a holiday pattern paper by My Mind's Eye.  Once these two pattern papers were adhered to the card front, I ran them thru my sewing machine to add a double border stitch, all the way around. I added a strip of mint lace, to cover the seam where the two pattern papers meet.  I machine stitched some aqua seam binding to the center of the lace.  I wrapped silver bakers twine around the middle.  I tied the seam binding into a double bow.  I also tied a simple bow with silver bakers twine. I added a trio of paper blossoms distressed with tea stain ink, and white acrylic paint.  They are adhered to the card front with my hot glue gun.  For the sentiment, I used a new-to-me stamp set by AlteNew: Label Love.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink,  and stamped on kraft card stock.  I used my scissors to cut out the sentiment piece, and adhered it to the card front with foam squares.  The final touch were these rain drops in mint.

Well, I hope you have a chance to play along with some (or all) of these challenge sites!

Home Spun Joy

Howdy.  Sorry this is so late.  I thought I had already taken photos of my card.  {frown}  I made this little beauty on Tuesday, and apparently I forgot to take a few photos.  I've been working longer hours, so it's dark when I leave for work, and dark when I get home.  Which makes photographing anything other than the stars are bit rough.

Well, let's not dwell on the negative.  Let's get right to it!  I wanted to play along with a few of my favorite challenge sites, and they are still open for submissions! Yahoo!

My first stop is Mojo Monday.  I just love their sketches!  And this week's is super fun!

when I first saw this sketch, I was thinking of adding two different papers and using the green strip as their borders.  But, I wanted to add ribbon {smile}, so I changed it up a bit!

My next stop is Sugar Pea Design's Mix It Up Challenge.  This beautiful site gives you a sketch and an inspirational photo.  You can use either or both.  Very easy to work with.

and their current challenge is Anything Goes.  I love that option, because it gives me a whole lot of freedom to use whatever color palette I am currently loving, and what ever embellishments I can't seem to use enough of.  {smile}

And my last two challenge sites, are near and dear to my heart:  Word Art Wednesday, and Brown Sugar Challenge.  These two challenge sites are Anything Goes.  So, I can play along if I can get my post written {wink}.  Both sites are different but equally inspirational.  The wonderful folks over @ Word Art Wednesday have faith based quotes for you to use.  They are a family friendly site.  But their design team will certainly inspire you!  The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge, use more digital images and coloring.  But they too welcome all types of entries: tags, projects, journals, altered items, cards, pages, etc.  Whatever your heart desires to create!

and here is what I created:

and a different view:

I just couldn't decide which view I liked best.  So, I have given you both.   And here is the recipe:

I used Crumb Cake card stock, by Stampin' Up! as my base.  Love the heavy weight of this paper.  The main panel is a pattern paper, Oriental Chic, by Ruby Rock-It.  I just love the woodgrain and floral motif.  I roughed-up the edges with my scissors and sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges before adhering it to the card front. 

I wrapped white lace and a baby blue gingham ribbon around the card, and tied the ribbon into a simple bow.

For my square panel, I simple cut my second pattern paper, Quilt, by Ruby Rock-It, into a 3" x 3" square.  I matted it onto a scrap piece of crumb cake card stock, and machine stitched along the quilting squares.  I think it adds a special homespun look and feel to the card.

For my rectangle piece, I simply cut a very vanilla card stock piece, and stamped my sentiment.  I used another sentiment from my (new favorite) stamp set: Choose Joy, by Paper Trey Ink.  I used basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  Since the piece is rectangle but my sentiment isn't, I stamped it high, to leave an empty space at the bottom.  I added a strip of washi tape from my collection.  I was happy that I had some washi tape that coordinated with the quilt pattern.  {smile}  I added a double matt to my sentiment rectangle: bashful blue and crumb cake card stocks by Stampin' Up!

For the circle piece, I didn't like how a paper blossom looked.  But, I wanted something soft and sweet.  So I did a double layer.  I first added a white doily sticker to peak out from both the square and rectangle pieces, and topped it off with a metal rimmed flat back large brad.  I was surprised, that I had a brad that worked so well!

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you  have been inspired to play along with any, or all of these great challenge sites.  They each have their own unique style, and creativity, but they are ALL beautiful!  This card is going to one of my best friends.  She has had a few struggles this past week, and I want her to know that I care for her, and that I want her to find peace, and happiness.  {smile}

Christmas Challenge

Howdy, I hope you are well.  I made my own Christmas cards again this year.  And I want to enter them into a few challenges during this beautiful time of year!

The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge have a Christmas challenge.

Also, the talented ladies over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge have a Holiday Cheer challenge.

And finally, the lovely, and inspirational ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have a family friendly anything goes challenge.

and here is my entry:

I used a variety of products for this creation.  Special mention to Stampin' Up! crumb cake & mint macaroon card stocks, along with Prima Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern papers.  I added a bit of machine stitching, and a big beautiful lace bow!  The complete recipe of products and such can be found on this post.  Thank you for stopping by, and Merry Christmas!

Vintage Chic Cards & Bag

Howdy!  My crafting frenzy continues.  I needed a little inspiration and guidance, so I stopped by a few of my favorite challenges.  Ok, three {smile}.

I stopped by the Cupcake Inspirations to see their inspirational photo.  And their color combo, is perfect for this new-to-me Vintage Chic collection by Heidi Swap.  I know, it's not holiday themed, and I should be crafting for my last craft fair.  But these colors, are just perfect!

*my card was selected as a 'Sweet Six' winner!

To help with my 'direction' in crafting, I stopped by the ever easy-to-work-with sketch @ Retro Sketch Challenge.  These ladies have very adaptable sketches that will work with almost any style of paper crafting you create.  Here is their current sketch (they are having some issues with Link)

My final stop, was @ Brown Sugar Challenge.  This creative design team, has a current challenge: anything goes.  So, super easy to play along {smile}.

and here is my card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matt.  I just love this color, and it helps highlight the mint color on the Vintage Chic collection, by Heidi Swap.

I used the steel polka dots on cream pattern paper as my 'band'.  I matted this pattern paper onto steel texture solid card stock.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.   

I added a quick and simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  When I reached the 'band' piece, I did a zig zag stitch.  I wanted to add some visual interest {smile}.

I wrapped my last remaining piece of steel gray silk ribbon around the card 'band'.  I tied it into a simple bow.  I added a rhinestone brad to the bottom of the bow.  I added a pale blue-mint paper blossom to the top of the bow.

I added a digital Bingo card in place of the tag.  I added a rhinestone 'blossom' to the lower right corner of the bingo card.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment on cream linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  I hand-cut the banner ends, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I matted the sentiment banner with early espresso card stock by Stampin' Up!.

I had so much fun and creativity flowing when I was creating this card, I made another.  But I turned it 90 degrees. 

and I also made a gift tote:

I really enjoyed working with this paper collection: Vintage Chic.  The soft neutrals gave my projects a soft feminine look.  The extra card and gift tote, have gold satin ribbon.  I added little pieces of mint toned embellishments to help pull it all together.  I used a 'gift tangle' on the tote.  It's the crystal-like dangle from the taupe dot lace trim.  {smile}

I hope you have been inspired to play along with any of these challenges.   I am off to the grocery store.  I am making a pumpkin pie, and need a few baking items.  And then the crafting will continue!