Happy Easter, every bunny

It's Saturday, and that means that its time for another creative challenge @ Our Creative Corner.  Marcy, is our hostess this week, and she wants us to design a card/project that is inspired by a frilly Easter bonnet.  In that, use elements that you would put onto your own bonnet, such as lace, flowers, pearls, etc.  I have to admit, that I was at a bit of a loss on this one.  So, I set out to make an Easter card, and add frilly stuff to it: lace, flowers, pearls, etc.

The talented ladies over @ the Vintage Cafe Card Challenge, ask that you create a vintage inspired paper craft item that has pearls.
So, with this task at hand, I set off to my craft room, and mix and matched this and that, embossed, sprayed, and sponged.  

Here is what I created:

I just love how all of this came together.  The pattern papers are from Prima.  They are from a 6" x 6" pad, so that's why the patterns are small in scale.   The vanilla card stock between them, was run through an embossing folder to give it some texture and visual interest.  I sponged it with crumb cake classic ink.  

The buttons are from the Spring Vintage Collection, and I used a cream linen thread to tie through the button holes.  The 'circles' that the buttons sit on, are actually floral images that were heat embossed with pink vintage embossing powder.  I used the Raining Flowers stamp set for those small bud images.  The 'label' piece the bunny is sitting on, was heat embossed with the same embossing powder.  I used the Four Frames stamp set to create the 'label'.  The Easter bunny was stamped in Jet Black Staz-On onto shimmer white paper.  I used an aqua painter and Pretty in Pink and Pear Pizzazz re-inkers, to water color this image.  

I stamped the sentiment in Black ink onto a vanilla piece of card stock and used my photo corner punch to create the banner piece ends.  I ran some silver glitter paper through my butterfly die to create the various sized butterflies.

As for the fibers that run through my card, I used a gold shimmer mess as my first layer.  I then added some white crochet trim onto of that.  I sprayed my vanilla seam binding with a shimmer paint and then wadded it up.  I wanted it to look crinkled.

For my bow, I made a multi-loop bow with my crinkled seam binding, and some pink taffeta ribbon.  I then added this 'bow' to the body of a larger butterfly.  The butterfly was added to the center of a fabric blossom.  I hot glued a small paper blossom to the center of the multi-loop bow.

As for my pearls, I added cream colored pearls to the sentiment banner.  I added white colored pearls to the butterfly bodies.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and take a look at what I have been working on.  I always love to hear from you.  Have a safe and fun Easter.  I hope you all find the 'golden egg'.

You're a Treasure: #130, #51, #159.

I hope all of you had a fantastic weekend.  Me, I really had a wonderful time.  I actually wore a 2-piece bathing suit, rubbed mud and baked in the sun.  I also soaked in various natural mineral water pools.  Totally relaxing.  Last night, it was snowing.  Snowing so long, that my husband will actually have to use the snow plow this morning to get our cars out of the driveway.  How crazy is that?

So, the weather actually kept me indoors, and sent me to my craft room.  This gave me an opportunity to participate in three challenges, with one card.  How sweet is that?

I wanted to try a different element, and Just Us GirlS challenge, is a Wild Card challenge this week.  So, I headed over there.

The wonderfully talented Elise has given us a challenge to make a zipper flower.  Sounds great! and a bit intimidating.  I have never made one, and so I did need to check out the accompany tutorial here.  Dana, did a fabulous job showing us how to create this great material blossom.  Dana, suggested to use a metallic zipper, to help with the contrast in materials.  However, I couldn't find one in our little town store.  So, I used a non-metallic zipper, and my material blossom didn't turn out half bad.

I wanted a fresh, new color combo, so I headed over to see what the creative ladies over @ CR84FN Color Challenge, have posted.  Here is the unique color challenge: Pink, Peach, and Blue.  Here is their inspiration board.  The pictures are quite pretty: a beautiful cake, a happily married couple, and refreshing drinks by the water.   The quote is quite inspirational, too:  Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens. ~ Epictetus

I used some scraps to create my card.  I didn't want to go to one more store on my way home.

Ok, I have a new, creative element: my zipper flower.  And I have a color combo for my card.  But, I need some guidance to help pull everything together.  So, I headed over to a favorite sketch challenge site:  Card Patterns.  Michelle is the wonderful designer of this sketch. I knew that I was going to use scraps, so this seems perfect!  I love to add ribbon, buttons, and I have a zipper blossom, so it just seemed perfect!  I love the scallop edge, and the row of pearls at the top.  

Here is my card:

I used some pattern paper from Lost & Found, for my pink.  I used Blush Blossom as my 'peach' color.  And I used Aqua Mist, as my Lt. Blue.  Ok, I didn't put on three 'blossoms', but instead two.  I made my first ever zipper 'flower' with a brad center, and paper daisy with a pink polka dot center with a glitter button tied with some pool party striped bakers twine.  I substituted a multi-loop bow with a peach butterfly brad center, as my third 'flower'.  I made two different 'leaves'.  The first set are up top, cut from white distressed pattern paper.  I crinkled them by hand and sponged.  For the paper daisy, I added 5 punches from a fern punch.  

For the center oval sentiment shape, I substituted it with a decorative label die.  I used a favorite Paper Trey Ink stamp set to stamp this wonderful sentiment 'You're a treasure' in black ink.  I used a scrap piece of pattern notebook paper that already had that wonderful blue print on it.  I adhered the label to the card front with foam tape.  I added the mini vintage tag to the bottom right corner.  I stamped 'you're too kind' on it.  I used a button brad to hold it to the corner of the label.  

Instead of adding a row of pearls/brads to the upper edge of the card I added an architecture piece.  I used a small paint brush and a gold ink pad, to add random gold distressing on the card edges and the architecture piece.  

I added a row of 5 mini half faux pearls to the bottom of the main sentiment.  I added three glitter butterflies to the card front, to help with the feminine feel, and I love the sparkle.

Thank you for looking!  I hope the weather were you are is wonderful.

Everyday Friend

It's time for another challenge from Sketch Frenzy Friday!  These talented ladies always have fun and creative sketches for us to play with.  Patricia, is the creator of this week's sketch!  Here it is:

This was an easy sketch to work with.  Here is the card that I created, with this sketch:

I wanted to use  some of the new DSP, and an 'older' stamp set.  Well, actually the text panel is a jumbo wheel.  I rolled it in Wild Wasabi classic ink.  That's the color of the cardstock, too.  The pattern paper comes from a new mini catalog.  The paper blossom I made with pure poppy and calypso coral cardstocks. The little banner was made with the You're a Gem stamp set.  

This card came together quick and easy.  Now hop on over to Tammy F.'s blog and see what she has created!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have time to play along with us!

Over the Edge for You

Happy Saturday! I hope that this post finds all of you in good health and enjoying your weekend.  For me, the perfect afternoon, is sitting in my craft room, creating something pretty.  I have a great view outside my window, and I always have my favorite music playing.  

And yesterday wasn't any different.  Tui, is the hostess this again this week, over @ Our Creative Corner, and she has a fabulous challenge for us  this week.  It's called, 'Over the Edge'.  Tui's challenge is for you 'to create a card, or paper craft item with a design element that flows off the edge of your card'.  How fun is that?  I encourage you to stop by the challenge blog and see what these fabulously talented ladies have created!  You will be inspired!

Here is my card:

For this challenge, I have two elements that flow off the edge of my card.  The seam binding and button embellishment at the top of the card.  As well as the sentiment tag, at the right upper corner.

I'm not completely satisfied with this card.  I'm pretty happy, but now I see something that I should have done.  There really isn't a defining border to either of the pattern papers.  So, I wish I had sponged the edges.  There are two different pattern papers with the same colors in them.  

I cut two different color butterflies.  I used crumb cake seam binding.  To create the tag, is used speckled cream paper.  I used a matching die and stamp set, from amuse studios.  The sentiment is from a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set, Kind and Caring Thoughts.  The flower is a left over from a scrapbook page I did over 6 years ago.  (yes, I hoard hold-on to unique scrapbooking materials.)  The text paper is from Melissa Frances.  The button came from my 'jar o'buttons'.  The pattern paper is from Wild Asparagus, and is easily 5/+yrs old.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you find time to play along with us in this weeks challenge.  

My Style

It's Saturday!  That means its time for a new challenge @ Our Creative Corner challenge blog.  This is a new and different challenge this week.  It's a Design Team call!  So, the challenge is to create a new card showcasing your abilities and talents!  So, use whatever colors inspire you, and use any layout that showcases your talent!  This design team call challenge closes July 8th.  So, what are you waiting for?

here is my style

If you look at my blog posts from previous challenges, you will see that my style is generally vintage/shabby chic.  I love to stamp on pattern papers, if I'm not making my own.   My two favorite card additions are a button and soft ribbon/crochet trim.  I really enjoy using those doily tags, too.  I generally make my own flowers out of cardstock or synthetic fabric.  If I add a corsage pin, I usually make my own, and that is what I did this time, too!

I cut two pieces of pattern paper to fit off-set onto my card front.  I added a piece of First Edition DSP as the matt.  I made a wide scallop trim border from a coordinating pattern paper.  I added a slim strip of crochet trim over the scallops.  I stamped 'ADORE' in Jet Black Staz-On onto the bottom pattern paper.  I punched a 1 3/8" circle from the First Edition DSP, and added it to the center of the doily tag.  I punched 4 scallop circles from River Rock cardstock, sprayed them with my home-made white shimmer mist, crumpled them, and hot glued a button to the center of the flower.  I distressed the edges of the paper flower with white paint, and gave them a few spritz of vanilla shimmer mist by Smooch.  I made my own push pin, and stuck it behind the flower.  I punched some leaves with the 2-step bird punch.  I cut the butterflies from the same blue pattern paper I used for the scallop trim, and added some faux half-pearls for their bodies.

Thank you for looking.  Now, its your turn!  Create something that showcases your style, and submit it to us @ Our Creative Corner.  As part of the design team, you will need to submit an entry weekly to for our challenges.  You will also need to take a turn at hosting a challenge during your 6 month term.

Wedding Creative Sketches Style

Well, its Thursday! And that means another challenge from Creative Sketches.  It's time for another 'holiday' themed sketch challenge!  The rules are super simple: make a paper craft item with a holiday theme and follow the sketch.  See, super simple!

Now, if you notice, not only did I flip the sketch, but I also did a mirror image.  I made a shabby chic wedding card.  For the main panel of aqua blue cardstock, I created my own background pattern paper.  I stamped the flourish repeatedly from the Friends 24-7 set and then stamped the Sanded background stamp. I wanted my paper to have some depth.  I had a scrap piece of First Edition DSP that I used to create my decorative square.  For the circle, I punched out the circle shape from a tag that was originally a rectangle,.  I wanted to add my sentiment on the circle and not the square, so I stamped the wedding congrats in Chocolate Chip classic ink.   I stapled the  scrap piece of crochet trim to the circle, I thought it added some shabby style to the whole look.  I also used my hot glue gun to attach the button.   I made the multi-loop bow out of Crumb Cake seam binding.  I wanted the  center of the bow to be a bit jazzy, so I made the pearl center myself.  I strung some loose pearls with beading wire and created the circle shape, then I used my hot glue gun to attach the pearl center to the bow.  I thought that the left corner seemed a bit bare, so I added a butterfly and gave it a rhinestone body.  To continue the pearls, I added two trio faux half-pearl lines to two different areas of the card.

Please join our challenge.  Let your creative spirit dictate your piece.  You never know, you could be our next 'winner'!  

Sketch Challenge Thank You

My most wonderful daughter threw me a surprise birthday party this past Saturday! And, yes she pulled it off! It was a surprise! (my birthday is this coming weekend.) She took care of the food, inviting my friends, and even had everyone make my birthday cards! (those will be posted later) Isn't she just the Greatest?! So, I wanted to make her a very special Thank You card. Thank You, for being so wonderful, thoughtful, and special. I came across Stamping 411 sketch challenge, and it seems the perfect layout for such a card. (click here, to see their sketch.)

The stamp set I used, is called Find Your Style. The pattern paper I used is from the Pink Plum collection. The solid card stock is from Stampin' Up!, as well as the butterfly embosslit. The ribbon is from Paper Trey Ink, and the buttons are from a mixed stash I have.

I stamped 'Beautiful' instead of 'Thank You', because my daughter is a beautiful person inside and out, and I really wanted to focus on that. She does alot of great things for people, and so I just wanted to let her know how truly special she is.

So, if you have gone to the Stamping 411 site and seen the sketch, you can tell that I did add a few things. In the sketch there is no 'ribbon' or 'flower' on the sketch. Those I added to jazz it up a bit. So, I'm not sure if I qualify for being selected as a 'winner'. But, I really do like their sketch. Its pretty versatile and easy to work with.

To make the flower, I just cut out the floral shapes with my Birds & Blooms die from Stampin' Up! I used blushing bride, pumpkin pie, and very vanilla card stock. I added some crochet trim from Stampin' Up! in the flower to give it some added texture. I used a rose red brad from Stampin' Up! to hold the flower together. The butterflies were made with very vanilla card stock and the Butterfly Wings embosslit from Stampin' Up! I sponged the butterflies and my stamped card stock with river rock classic ink. I also hand sewed the buttons onto the card stock, so I didn't use any glue dots. I thought that the linen thread would give the buttons some added interest.

Thank you for looking. And get your mojo moving and enter the sketch challenge over @ Stamping 411. Have a great week!

Bunco/Bunko July

It is my turn to host Bunco in July. I live up in the mountains, 28 miles outside of town. The rest of my Bunco Women live in town. So, I am mailing out reminder cards (along with directions) to let everyone know its at my house in July.

Some of us are a bit obsessed with themes. To the point that we coordinate everything to match our theme: dinner, prizes, they all 'match'. One of my favorite Bunco Ladies hosted this month, and her theme was birds! :) Our dinner was these super cute bird nests made out of oriental noodles, in a bed of salad greens. You could fill the nest with either chicken salad or egg salad. How fitting, huh? The prizes were potted plants with a bird hodge-podged on the pot, with some type of garden item. She even water marked out score sheets with birds, and our tables had birds holding a number. She is so clever, and the whole affair was super cute, super creative, and it made the whole evening super fun! I have a weakness of birds, so I'm glad I didn't start last month with gifts. So, I have chosen my second favorite...girly-girl, with a bit of shabby-chic. I haven't come up with a menu, yet. But I'm pretty sure that I can whip something up. The gifts are always hand-made items. I always make a set of note cards, gift bag, and matching item (magnet, candle, altered frame, etc) that coordinates together. So, this should be fun!

Anyways back to my card. Most of the supplies used to create this card are from Stampin' Up! The card stock is Sahara sand, pretty in pink, and whisper white. I used Friends 24-7, en Francias stamp sets. I used two hand held punches: scallop circle, and 5 petal flower. I ran the 'leaves' through a floral embossing folder and the butterflies were made with their embosslit.

Thanks for looking! Hope you are enjoying whats left of your weekend, and don't forget to tell the men in your life how special they are.

My 100th Post!

Clean and Simple. Here are three of the cards you will make if you attend my note card class. You will make one of each of these cards, along with a Valentine's Day inspired card, and a holder for these note cards (envelopes included). The class is Saturday, Feb. 6th at the East Mountains Library in Tijeras, New Mexico. Please contact me for details.

As always, Thank you for looking, and please leave a comment-they sure do make my day!