Something Blue Plastic Money

Welcome.  If you were here the last few days, you saw a paper tote and a Birthday card I created with the Something Blue collection by Prima.  And today, I want to share the large packaged gift card holder I created with the same collection.  I know that this paper collection has a wedding theme.  But I just love the patterns, colors, and images.  It has that shabby chic, vintage look.  And we all have used themed collections for different projects. {smile}

Recipe:  This gift card holder, holds one of those gift cards that you purchase at the grocery store, or Walgreens that comes 'packaged'.  So, instead of ripping open the packaging and pulling out the gift card, you simply slide the whole thing inside.  Like a big, beautiful 'pocket'.  [yes, I make quite a few of these for craft fairs - it makes gift giving easy.]

To keep each part of these 'gifts' coordinating, I repeated the colors, the pattern papers, the embellishments, and the little touches.  It's the easiest way to make all parts of the package look like they all belong together.  [repeat, repeat, and repeat.]

I started with Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  [I can't rave enough about the quality, strength, and durability of this card stock.  It holds up to all of my embellishing!]

I used the dark grey polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I just love the simple beauty of polka dots.  I then used the dark grey, white, and kraft bird print pattern paper as the main panel.  I love the birds!  I did pay close attention, to make sure all my patterns are oriented in the correct direction.  [Little details like this, do show your love.]  I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine to the layered papers.  Now, before you get anxious, it really isn't that hard.  I always have my sewing machine out, so access to it, is a breeze.  I add a little adhesive to the middle of the stacked papers, and stitch along the border.  It doesn't have to be perfect - actually that adds visual interest.  But please don't be sloppy.  There is a difference between sloppy, tailored, and allowing the machine to run in its own direction.  {smile}

I used one of the journalling cards as my sentiment piece: true story.  I wanted something already printed, to add to the 'finished' look.  I used a few different 'book' themed stamps for my sentiments, but wanted something more personal.  So, I used a fancy script stamp set from PaperTrey Ink: Penned Elegance.  The sentiments are general, but have this beautifully fancy font.  

I didn't want to compete with the beautiful pattern paper, so I simply added trims that complements the paper.  I used a scrap piece of cream lace.  It's about 2" - 2 1/2" wide.  I then layered a mint striped ribbon over the center of the lace.  

I wanted to make the white accents in the pattern paper pop, so I added a white paper blossom.   This big, beautiful paper blossom, is from the 1$ bin at one of those big box craft stores.  [yes, I have a few packages of paper blossoms from these bins, always on hand.]  I added a mint glitter leaf from Prima to the paper blossom.  I believe these glittered leaves are from the Peppermint collection by Prima.  I felt the blossom needed a little more, so I added a simple bow to the upper left of the blossom.  But I wanted it to have a presence, so I added it upside down.  I just love how this little change in orientation adds something pretty!

All of my metallic additions to this birthday package collection have been silver.  So here is where I made a change.  Something I usually don't do.  But these large white blossoms came with gold accents.  I didn't want to fuss too much with the blossoms, so I ran with it.

I added two vintage buttons just below where the journal card falls.  I selected one mint and one white.  Both to tie in the color theme.  But since the paper blossom has gold accents, I used gold cord to tie the buttons.  I only added two buttons, because I added the clay star.  Yes, the star is made from clay - glitter clay, by me, and baked.  

Inside the gift card holder, I used the same dark grey classic ink, to hand stamp Happy Birthday.  I used a stamp from the same collection: Penned Elegance, so the stamping would match in font.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have found some inspiration.  Inspiration to either create something new, or use a color you aren't fond of, or use a collection in a direct direction, or simply get back into your craft room.  Whatever you do, to express your creativity does speak volumes to your soul.  {smile}

Happy Moments of Spring

Hello.  Welcome.  I want to share an altered notebook I hand-crafted.  I started with an ugly notebook I found in a $1 bin, and decorated it, to give it a new look! and I am super happy with how it turned out!  I am entering my altered/decorated notebook in three different challenges (one in the US, and 2 overseas).

My first stop was the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  They use a tic tac board, and you choose which row you are working with.  Super fun, and it gives you options {smile}.

I went diagonal with Floral, Gold/Silver, & Sequins

My next stop is a new favorite challenge site from Russia.  They also have a translate button, so it really makes it easier to play along: Paper Story.  They have given us an inspiration board, and you pick what inspires you.  You gotta love that!  Their theme:  sweet inspiration

inspired by the colors, and blossoms

and finally, my last stop is at SaratovScrap.  They have given us an inspiration board as well.  Their theme is:  March banner, freshness of the spring day, tenderness of the first flowers, letters about love.

inspired by the softness, the colors, the blossoms, and the notecard

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used a pink and cream pattern paper from Bazzil.  I loved how the random pattern was vague and pretty at the same time.  I had a scrap piece of a digital floral pattern paper, that was just the right size to matt with kraft card stock.  I added cut pieces of different 'tickets', and layered them. 

At the top, I added a scrap piece of cream cotton trim.  I wanted to bring out the pale aqua color in one of the tickets, so I added a scrap piece of an aqua and cream pattern paper and layered a cream text pattern paper on top.  I also added a 'notebook tab' piece of aqua and cream polka dot pattern paper to the top left of the notebook.

I loved the floral pattern from the cream cotton trim, so I added a cream button with the same design to the top of a double bow of pale pink seam binding.  I tied the button to the bow with kraft twine, to help add a little contrast, softly.

The fabric blossom is actually a warm taupe shade, to help help blend it into the background, and not take center stage.  I added a pair of champagne glitter leaves to the blossom, to help add some sparkle.

I added a pair of flat buttons tied with the same kraft twine.  I also added 5 pale pink sequins, to help add a little more pink (my favorite color).  I wanted more sparkle, and found a short piece of rhinestone trim, and so I added it to the  bottom of the top 'ticket'.  

I added a 'hair tie' to the bottom of the notebook, to hold it close.  I just love the pale taupe color and the sparkles is just a bonus.  I did some machine stitching to help hold the pieces together, and to give it a homespun feeling.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenge sites!  

Christmas Past

Howdy.  Yeah, I've been crafting! and it really makes me happy! {smile}  Sometimes, I need a task, and sometimes I just want to make pretty things.  This is task orientated.  But, it's good to have a focus {smile}.

I am entering my paper craft in three different challenges:  Double D Challenge, and If You Give a Crafter a Cookie.

My firs stop is Double D Challenge.  Their current challenge is: Here Comes Santa - Santa must be present on your craft.  You will certainly be inspired by this creative design team.

Next, the lovely folks over @ If You Give a Crafter a Cookie, their current challenge is a photo inspiration.  (santa's suit)  How perfect.  Oh my, the creativity and sweet Santa's.

and here is what I made:

card stock gift tote

decorated mini composition book

Recipe:  I used Kraft card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  Especially when creating boxes/bags.  {smile}

The pattern paper and tags are from Melissa Frances, the Countdown to Christmas collection.  I just love this vintage, nostalgic look of this holiday paper.  (I believe that this paper is from 3 years ago.)

I matted with Stampin' Up!s Very Vanilla card stock.  

I did hand-stamp the sentiment, for the card stock tote.  The sentiment on the mini notebook is actually a rub-on.  Yeah, I still have some of those {smile}.

I added machine stitching to both projects.  I felt that a simple border stitch would work nicely with this pattern paper collection.  

The tags are adhered to the front of the projects with foam tape.  

I used retired Stamping 'Up! ribbon for each project.  And I simply added odds and ends from my holiday embellishment stash - buttons, tinsel, jingle bells, fringe trim, chipboard stars, flat-back faux pearls, and tiny candy cane.

Thank you for looking.  These items (and so much more) will be for sale @ my holiday craft fair - held @ La Cueva High School.  Saturday, 9a - 4p.  Shop early for the best selection!

Over-All White

Howdy.  Nope, don't check your calendar, I have posted 3 days in a row.  Shocking, but I believe that I have found my passion for paper crafting, again.  Thank you to everyone who sent words of encouragement, and support.  I appreciate everything everyone has done, to help me find my mojo.

I had so much fun crafting yesterday, I decided to craft another card today!  {yahoo!}  I stumbled upon two new-to-me challenge blogs, and decided to play along.  Oh,  yeah!

My first stop is a sketch challenge.  I needed a starting point, so why not start with a sketch {smile}.  I just love the simplicity of the sketch, but how simply work-able the sketch is.  Just take a look at what the design team created, and you'll understand just how user-friendly this sketch is:  Paper Play Sketches #50.  I love layers, and so working with this sketch was a joy!

My first thought was to use the narrow rectangle for my sentiment piece.  And the cluster of dots, I was thinking a large blossom.  Ok, so I have thought of how to get my card together, lets get a little more inspiration.  

I stopped-by another 'new-to-me' challenge site, and came across Double D Challenge.   This challenge site has an unique and creative collection of mood-boards for their challenges.  And their current challenge is no different - all white.

and here is what I made:

I used all white products.  A bit different for me, but if it wasn't a bit out of my comfort zone, then it wouldn't be a challenge {smile}.  I used white card stock from PaperTreyInk.  The card base and the dry embossed panel are their smooth card stock.  While I used their white linen card stock for the large matt.  I thought using all smooth card stock would make the card look too flat.  I wanted two different textures, but I need them to compliment them.  

I used dazzling diamond glitter paper for the scallop trim piece.  I also wanted some bling.  I wrapped white seam binding around the glitter piece, and machine stitched the pieces together.  I used the same glitter paper to punch a decorative piece for the upper right corner.  I added a double border machine stitch around the top portion of the dry embossed panel.  I adhered this panel to the front of the card with foam tape, to lift it off the surface.

I tied the seam binding into a triple bow, and tied a white button together with white and silver bakers twine.  Simple, but pretty!  I hot glued a satin blossom to the card front.  I also adhered the pair of white buttons, to the decorative piece.  

I stamped my sentiment in basic black onto the same smooth white card stock that I used for the dry embossed panel.  I cut a simple banner end, and adhered it onto the card front.

For a final touch, I added a trio of sparkle-y clear sequins around the blossom.  Viola!

Thank you for stopping by to take a look.  I hope that you have the opportunity to play along with either/both of these challenge sites.  Enjoy the rest of your week!

Beyond the Page Cupboard

Howdy!  Welcome back {me}, and thank you for hanging with me {you}!  {smile}  I have been busy with all sorts of things.  One of which is a cupboard I have been working on.  Now, no, it hasn't taken me a month to get it done.  But each week, I think, 'oh, let me finish it, and photograph it, and then I'll post it'.  Well, as most of you know, sometimes life has other plans for you.  I actually have had this cupboard completed to this point for almost 4 weeks.  Ugh.  Time is going by too fast.

So, here is my latest project, not complete yet, but getting there!

front view

How gorgeous! right!  I painted the whole thing with black chalk paint.  I wanted black, but not black black.  and not any shade of grey.  So, a soft, not a deep black, is what I (believe) I achieved with the chalk paint.

side & door view

I used quite a few products from Prima Marketing, like the pattern paper collection {Rossibelle), the coordinating blossoms, and tags, and that large ornate resin frame.  I am in love with the rose gold accents!  I love the copper-ish color and the sparkle it provides!

back view

I started covering the bigger pieces first, then using the scraps to cover the two huge pieces.  The two huge pieces are the top and back.  The cupboard is 14" x 10".  And the papers I had are 12" x 12".  So, I tore edges and pieced them together.  

I did add some pieces from my stash.  The door knob, the ribbons, trims, brads, buttons, floral sprigs, and drawer pulls (which aren't finished, yet).

The whole project is rather simple to put together.  Just time consuming.  After I painted each piece, I let them dry for 24 hours (some cases more) and then hand-applied a sealant.  I sealed the paint, because chalk paint can be removed with water.  I then allowed the sealant to dry for another 24/+hours, before I could add the papers.  I used a paper glue to apply the pages.  I adhered the embellishments with hot glue.  The door knob is actually screwed into the door {smile}.  And yes, the whole inside is painted and sealed!

Well thank you for looking.  I just have two drawers left.  Easy peasy.  And to add the last 4 drawer pulls and viola!  Hopefully, I can get this completed before September!  {fingers crossed!}  Oh, this cupboard, and at least 2 others will be for sale at this years holiday craft shows, along with a few Christmas countdown calendars.  Yahoo!!!

Hold My Photo

Howdy!  Just a quick post.  My computer did some upgrades, and I spent too much time figuring out how to get some of my applications to do what I need them to do.  UGH!  Not too happy with the upgrades.  A tough learning curve for me.  {so much so, I missed the deadline for a challenge.  Yeah, not cool.}  Anyways, enough of my complaining.  Let's get to crafting!

The first challenge I am entering is Freetany Flowers.  They have an adorable inspirational challenge board for their current challenge.  

I just love the pinks, and green.  The softness and the feminine touches.  very pretty!  And I can work with this!  

The second challenge site I am entering is Scrap Therapy.  Their current challenge is a sketch.

I just love the simplicity and the elegance of this sketch.  Pretty elements, beautiful shapes.

The last challenge site I am entering is Crafting by Designs.  Their current challenge is flowers & lace.  How simply pretty!

and here is what I made:

photographed stuck to a refrigerator

I made a magnetic photo holder.  The inside of the frame measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".  So, a tiny photo.  Maybe one that has been cut from a wallet size photo.  But precious anyway you trim it!

Recipe:  I used a text pattern paper from the Heart Painted collection, by LemonCraft.  I just love the shade of green.  It looks like the color of leaves in the spring time. {smile}  I painted some white acrylic paint along the edges, to give it a shabby chic feel. 

I created a ruffle with the cream cotton trim.  The trim is 2" wide.  So, it has a lovely workable length. Then I machine stitched it to the chipboard.  I added a pale pink cotton ruffle piece across the seam.

I tied a multi-loop bow from a pale pink seam binding.  I tied a flat metal safety pin to the bow, and added some tiny rhinestones.  I thought the rhinestones added some sparkle, and love it! 

I sprayed two pink paper blossoms with a shimmer mist.  I adhered them to the right of the bow and at the right lower edge of the frame.  I distressed a digital rose ticket and tucked it under the paper blossoms and pink cotton ruffle.  I also added a white floral shape button between the paper blossoms.  (its hard to see, because it blends in so well.  But think of it as a surprise found treasure.)

To the right of the white resin frame, I folded a white crochet doily in half and adhered it next to the frame.  I added a fabric brad to the bottom left corner of the white resin frame.  It adds some softness,  and a pop of a darker pink, just like the paper blossoms.

I adhered the magnet to the back of this chipboard piece.  The magnet covers the machine stitching, to help the back look 'clean' and finished.

Thank you for looking.  I'm running out the door, to meet some friends.  Create something beautiful!

She Reached Double Digits

Howdy, and welcome.  Yeah, been a bit busy with crafting, decorating, cooking, baking, and getting everything in place for my annual hosting of Bunco.  It was a success.  Everyone ate too much, and laughed too much, too!  {smile}  Is there such a thing?  Well, everyone had a grand time, and I am thankful for such wonderful friends!
And along the lines of celebrating, guess who has turned 10 years old?  Yep, my oldest granddaughter.  Crazy, right?  I don't think of myself as old.  But, I have 7 grandchildren.  So, maybe its their parents that are old, and not me.  {smile}
My granddaughter H, is such a wonderful girl.  She is kind, considerate, smart, talented, and simply beautiful!  She scored in the top 3 of the state during scholastic testing.  She reads at a much higher grade level then the one she is in.  She is in gift classes for math and science.  She dances competitively, and is so graceful.  She is creative and artistic - she has won some art contests at her school.  She makes bracelets and sells out during craft fairs.   She is such a warm, and loving kid, too!  Gosh, I could simply go on and on about how wonderful she is.  But, then it just looks like I'm bragging.  {smile}
I made her birthday card.  You aren't surprised by that, are you?  And I wanted to make something girl-y, something sweet, and beautiful.  

I am entering H's card in three challenges.  My first stop is Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is anything goes, and family friendly.   I just love the creativity of their design team.  

My second stop is The Ribbon Girl Blog.  Their current challenge is anything goes, but you have to use ribbon, and it has to be a card.   Easy peasy!

And the final challenge is Cupcake Inspirations.  Their inspiration is a cupcake!

I used the colors and not the flamingo. 

this card was selected as their 'winner' & 'sweet six'!  

I have posted my badge on my Awards page.

here is what I came up with!

Recipe:  I created an A2 size card.  (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The card base is made from Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this color of blue.  Its a blue green aqua color.  Very shabby chic.  The pink gingham pattern paper is from My Mind's Eye.  It came out about 4-5 years ago.  Yeah, I love this paper, and I have a few sheets left.  (when I run across a paper that I love, I buy a package = 25 sheets of the same 12" x 12" paper.)

I used the same pool party card stock to matt the smaller rectangle on.  I wanted it to look like it belongs, that is why I repeat colors and papers.  The beautiful floral, pink polka dot, text paper, is actually a digital download.  I printed it onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how beautiful my digital papers print on this card stock.  I used foam tape to lift this panel off of the card front.

I hand-stamped my sentiment onto the floral text paper.  I used basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up!, and the Number of Years stamp set.   I cut the numbers out, I  used the Number of Years matching die and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper by Stampin' Up!.   I used foam tape to pop up the numbers.

I wrapped and machine sewn some white lace and pale blue seam binding across the front.   I made a triple loop bow out of the same seam binding.  I used some pale pink bakers twine to tie a white vintage button to the bow.  I adhered the bow & button to the card front with hot glue.  I tied a scrap piece of the pink bakers twine through a small white blossom shaped button, and adhered it to the card front, too.  

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you have been inspired to create something beautiful today!

Happy Birthday Charlotte

Howdy, and welcome.  I've been a bit busy.  I have three parties in the planning: an afternoon Friendship Tea in just over a week,  a Dinner @ my house in 3 weeks, and a huge surprise birthday party for 100 guests in August.  So, if I say, that I feel that I am being pulled in a hundred directions, that's true!  Between invites, floor plans, menus, and party favors, my head feels like its swimming and I'm not making any ground.  Oh, and 4 birthday parties for grandchildren.  Whew!  I'm still working full time, taking care of a husband an ex-large dog (159#), cleaning house, cooking dinner every night, laundry, taking call at the hospital, oh yeah, working out at the gym and running.  Prioritizing tasks have now become my homework for the next day.  The cupcakes and cake I made for a friends daughter's wedding over the past weekend were a hit!  So much so, I have a new customer who would like to place an order for a party in July!  Yahoo!  All this hard work is paying off!

But don't fret, I am still here, making beautiful things out of paper!  You know me, a die hard crafter.  {smile}

A special girl friend is having a birthday today, so I decided to make her a card.  (It was mailed yesterday, so it should arrive in her mailbox today!)  I don't care what marketing says, hand made sweetness that arrives in your snail-mail, mail-box is happy mail!  And I still believe that folks LOVE it!

I stopped my a few different favorite challenge sites and decided to play along with the super talented ladies over @ Retro Sketches, with their sketch challenge.  Typically, these ladies do CAS (Clean And Simple) cards, and so my style typically doesn't go with their themes.  But today, I hope I have nailed it.  Maybe it's because I didn't have 2hours to make a card, or maybe I just wanted to do something a bit different.  Anyways, my card isn't my typical shabby chic, vintage-style, extra layers and embellishments.  But, I still like it {smile}!

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used a Crisp Cantaloupe (retired) card stock by Stampin' Up! for the base.  I love the softer color version of Calypso Coral.  The pattern paper is Charlotte by Close To My Heart.  I love the colors and the different patterns.  It was very easy to work with.  And that's a huge plus in my book.

The black pattern paper is cut to fit the front of the card (4" x 5 1/4").  I simply cut a white floral pattern paper 3" x 5 1/4" and adhered it right on top of the black pattern paper.  I used my Tasteful Trims die (retired) from Stampin' Up! to cut the rick rack piece of silver glitter paper by Stampin' Up!.  I adhered the rick rack to the left side of the card.   For the scallop shaped piece at the top, I used the Tasteful Trims die to cut that piece as well, from a creamy taupe pattern paper.  I adhered that piece to the top, and wrapped some grey seam binding around the top piece.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  

For my sentiment piece, I stamped the greeting in basic black classic ink, onto a scrap piece of shimmer white card stock, all my Stampin' Up! and matted it with a scrap piece of Crisp Cantaloupe card stock.  I cut this piece the same measurements as the floral pattern paper.  It is tucked under the rick rack.  I thought it looked more 'finished' that way.

I did sew my trio of buttons to the card front.  The black button is retired from Stampin' Up!.  The coral color button is from Amuse Studios.  And finally, the grey button is from an old paper collection by My Mind's Eye.

My card didn't look 'done' to me, so I added a flair button to the top of the card, just under the bow.  Its a light grayish blue flourish pattern, that I thought looked very similar to the over all look of the card.  

Well, I hope my friend loves her card.  And I hope you have been inspired to play along with this current sketch challenge.  I'm off to work my day job.  Have a great day, and make something beautiful for someone, even if that someone is YOU!

Think To Remember Card

~ Happy Mother's Day ~

Howdy!  I hope this post finds you well, and happy! {smile}  Me, YeS!  I have made several cards for today, for some very special ladies, and today's post isn't any different.  This card is for my daughter.  She is a very good mom to her children.  

I used the current sketch from Mojo Monday Card Sketch Challenge to create a card for my daughter.  The sketches here are easy to work with, and the design team will certainly inspire you.  

My daughter isn't a shabby chic enthusiast like her mom.  She is more of a clean and simple gal, with a modern twist.  So, I wanted to make her card in a style she would love.  I picked up some (new to me) pattern paper at my local scrapbook store, and set out to make her a card she would love. {smile}

this is what I came up with:

Recipe:  I used Pool Party card stock from Stampin' Up! for the card base.  I thought it matched the light blue in the chevron striped paper.  I used three different pattern papers from the Think To Remember collection by Photo Play Paper Co.  I just loved the mix of patterns: bold stripes, chevron, and a pretty floral pattern.

I used the Tasteful Trim die (retired) by Stampin' Up! to create the large scallop piece.  I wrapped some pale pink seam binding around the card front and added a multi-loop bow.  I positioned a fabric covered brad just below the bow.  (the fabric is navy blue, with a light blue circle and tiny rhinestones on the light blue circle)

I stamped the sentiment in Not Quite Navy classic ink (retired) onto a scrap piece of whisper white card stock, both from Stampin' Up!.  I used a photo corner punch to create the banner ends.  I adhered the sentiment to the card front with foam tape.

At the top of this beautiful floral pattern paper, I added a trio of buttons.  A large navy blue button, a pale pink button, and finally a light blue blossom shaped button.  I wanted to repeat those three colors that I used on this card.  

I also finished the inside:

I have started 'finishing' the insides of my cards lately.  I'm not sure what started this habit, but I really like who 'finished' the cards become.  I cut a piece of Marina Mist card stock, by Stampin' Up!, for the matt.  I added a piece of whisper white card stock for the main panel, and then I added two scrap pieces of the pattern paper at the bottom.  Simple, sweet, and super pretty.  {I have since added a hand-written message}

Thank you for looking, and I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!  

Mint Sew Pretty; Card

Howdy.  And welcome.  I took out some vintage silk fabric the other day, and wanted to craft something pretty with it, and so I decided to make another fabric strip banner.  And the color combination was just so beautiful and inspirational: mint green, black, and cream! These colors really spoke to me, so I also crafted a card.  (I'll share the banner soon.)

I headed over to one of my favorite international craft sites for a beautiful sketch, and I Love Scrap has a wonderful sketch for you to work with.   Here is their sketch

*Their challenge is two part, use the sketch, or the image requirement, or both.  

Their image requirement is a forrest creature (fox, deer, fairy, etc)

Here is what I made:

I only used the sketch

I only used the sketch for their challenge.  I was originally thinking of a sweet nursery creature that can be found in the forest.  But, like I said earlier, I fell in love with this color combination: mint, cream, and black. {smile}

Recipe:  The card measures: 4 1/4" x 6".  The card base is True Black by Paper Trey Ink.   Love the heavy weight of this card stock.  See how tall and straight my card stands up, even with the large metal embellishment?  Beautifully thick card stock.

I used three pattern papers from Carta Bella, Sew Lovely by Carina Gardner: the mint green yard stick pattern paper, the cream and black scissor pattern paper, and the sewing machine journalling card.

I matted the cream and black scissor pattern paper onto a beautifully black and cream striped pattern paper by Stampin' Up!: Always Elegant.  I love how it makes that pattern paper pop, and brings some 'interest' to the card.  I added a simple machine sewn border to help convey the sewing theme, and give my card that home-spun touch.  {smile}

I adhered the sewing machine journalling card to the front of the card, slightly above center.  I did that to make room for my trims.  

close-up

I made my own sentiment tag with a word document on my computer.  I don't have any sentiment stamps with a sewing theme.  [shocking that I don't have something]  I used three different fonts.  And assembled them creatively.  I used peeking sheers to give the ends of the sentiment piece some interest, and keeping with the sewing theme.  And I added some machine stitching along the ends to replicate a 'label'.      I did a light tea staining on my white seam binding, to help give it a vintage look and feel.  [the white was just too white].  I machine stitched the seam binding and crochet trim to the front of the card.  I tied a multi-loop bow with some of the tea stained seam binding, and tied a button to the bow, and around a pair of faux scissors with cream twine.  The faux scissors are adhered to the card front.  I die cut and stamped a thread card.  I used the Hanging by a Thread stamp set and matching die set, by Paper Trey Ink, to create the thread card.  I stamped the image in Mint Macaroon classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, both by Stampin' Up!.  I wrapped some baker's twine around the thread card.  This baker's twine has cream, black, and silver threads in it.  To complete the thread card, I added a black and silver button by Bo Bunny, and tied the button with silver thread.

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned for the fabric scrap banner I made using the same colors.  Hint: it is in the back-ground of this card.  I'm in love with it!  But, it will be posted in my Etsy shop, as will this card.

Also, don't forget, I have a new segment to my blog: Triple T Tuesday.  I share tips, tricks, and techniques in this segment.  And this Tuesday, I am going to do a water coloring technique, so please come back!

Banner Love Card

Welcome.  I had a few minutes this morning, to create a blank greeting card.  So, it was a good morning {smile}
I am entering this card in three different challenges.  A color & theme, a tic-tac, and an anything goes.
So, let's start with the color & theme challenge:  {Cupcake Inspirations}
The colors are kraft, cream, white, and a sweet vintage blue/mint.  And don't forget Banners!

The next challenge is the tic-tac challenge.  These are always fun, because you decide what 'squares' you want to play with.  Just Us GirlS wild card challenge.

ribbon, die-cuts, buttons

And finally, the last challenge, is an Anything Goes themed challenge: Brown Sugar Challenge

and my card:

Recipe:  The card base is made with mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this vintage color.  I added a piece of background text pattern paper by Melissa Frances.  To jazz up the text paper, I did some stamping onto the paper.  I inked two stamps from the Timeless Texture stamp set by Stampin' Up!  I inked the flourish stamp with mint macaroon classic ink, and the rings stamp with baked brown sugar classic ink.

I had a scrap piece of this laurel printed kraft paper, so I cut a banner end.  I machine stitched some taupe lace and lost lagoon striped cotton ribbon to the top.  I added a trio of buttons tied with light brown bakers twine.

And now, time for the banner!  I used the gold bakers twine by Stampin' Up! and then strung various banner pieces.  I cut two short banner pieces with a hand held punch (by Stampin' Up!)  I die cut two tags from gold glitter paper and music paper.  I used a banner die to cut the two long gold foil pieces.

I wanted to add some bling to the banner, so I strung two charms: black bow, and white love pendant.  

Finally, I added three banner trims: thin gold tinsel, and thick twine in baked brown sugar.

I'm off to get a few chores done.  I hope you have been inspired, to play along with any or all of these challenges.  {smile}

Blue Fabric Scrap Holiday Tree Gift Bag

Howdy!  Oh boy!  I had so much fun making my other 'tree', that I decided to make another. {smile}  The wonderfully talented and inspirational ladies over @ the Shabby Tea Room have a current challenge O' Christmas Tree, and the inspirational photo is just to die for!  Super adorable and simply country!

Look at these layered/stacked strips to create Christmas trees!  The distressing, the buttons, and the pretty stars make these simply beautiful!
I am also entering this holiday gift bag in the current challenge over @ Unicorn Challenge Blog.  Their current challenge:  Christmas is Coming, and I think these bags are perfect!

and here is my other fabric scrap 'tree':

I had so much fun making the first one, that I just had  to make another!  I used Pool Party, Real Red, and silver accents to create this ice-y holiday gift bag.  

I used fabric (retired) from Stampin' Up!.  The ribbons and trims are from various makers.  (notice the red velvet ribbon?  purchased that on sale!)  I tied on buttons (retired) from Stampin' Up! and Paper Trey Ink, using the current silver thin cord from Stampin' Up!.  

The snowflakes stamped on the shimmer white card stock are retired from Stampin' Up!.  I used going grey classic ink, by Stampin' Up! to create the background and sentiment piece.  

Once again, I added machine stitching.  I think it just adds that homespun look and feel.  I added a silver glitter star to the top of this tree.  And a silver tone snowflake charm to the sentiment piece.

These and many more gift bags will be for sale at my next holiday craft fair.  I hope you get a chance to stop in and pick up some wonderfully crafted homespun holiday gifts and packaging.

Thank you for stopping by.  Im heading back into my craft room to finish up on a few desk top calendars.  I love making these.  They add that special personal touch to your office space/desk.