Cherry Money

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I can't believe that it has been so many weeks, since I posted.  YIKES!  Well, I haven't stopped crafting.  Apparently I have stopped photographing my work.  I will get some photos uploaded soon.  I have been working on a few baby themed items.  I'm using the Heaven Sent 2 collection by Prima.  Oh my, is it gorgeous and a lot of fun to work with! {smile}  I am working on some non-holiday items for a few Holiday Craft Fairs, this year.  And well, I was afraid of running out of time, so I started in June.  We will see how this goes.

Anyway, I took a break from baby stuff, to create a sample money holder.  If you have been to my booth at a craft fair, you know that I alway have a sample of what is packaged, so you can play with it, see how it works, get a feel for the dimensions, etc.  Sometimes, the gift is cash.  Not always a bad idea.  Sometimes, that's what works for the occasion, the recipient, or what you want to give.

It is a simple money holder, in that you open the 'card' and there is a slot for cash.  See, super simple. No bells or whistles.  Clean, easy, simple, and sometimes just the perfect gift.  {smile}

here it is:

Recipe:  I used True Black card stock, by Paper Trey Ink, as the base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  It will stand-up to my embellishing.  And that's a good thing.

I used pattern paper from the Cherry Blossom collection by Prima.  I wanted something soft, feminine, and pretty.

I machine stitched a simple border around the main panel.  And then I machine stitched the three trims: pale pink seam binding, white crochet trim, and a black & white check ribbon.  

The banner piece is a different pattern paper from the same collection.  To help give it structure, I matted it with a scrap piece of the True Black card stock.  I added foam tape to the top and flag end of the banner piece.  To keep it from squishing the trio of trims.

I hot glued a large pale pink paper blossom, I picked-up from a large box craft store, earlier last year. I added a pink and gold glitter leaf from Prima.  And tied a thin gold string through a tiny pale pink vintage button, and add those to the banner piece, as well.

I used my die-cut machine & a die, to create the sentiment piece.  I also used a different pattern paper from the same collection.  I selected a pattern paper that wasn't too busy, but still had the same color scheme.  I inked my sentiment stamp in Basic Black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! and hand-stamped the sentiment.  I adhered this sentiment piece to the money holder with foam tape, as well.  

I tied a triple bow with the pale pink seam binding, and added a faux pearl brad to the center of the bow.  I adhered the bow to the front of the money holder with hot glue.  And my final touch, is a trio of pink faux half-pearls.

I am still trying to decide if I want to add some white paint and glitter to the tips of the large paper blossom.  Let me know what you think.  I'm kinda on the fence with that one.

Now, I'm off to make a few baby-themed money holders, and a few small gift card holders.

I hope you have a chance to craft today!  I know my soul always feels so much happier when I do!

Pastel Christmas Greetings

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I've been a bit busy completing some special orders, and other everyday chores that all of us have {frown}.  But, I did have a chance to create something (I think) is sweet, and pretty {smile}.

I am entering my creation into two challenges:  Merry Monday Challenge  and  The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge .  

The Merry Monday Challenge, is a Christmas card challenge site, all year long!  How sweet is that?  Their current challenge is to use pastel colors.  And they have an inspirational photo to help get the creative juices flowing.

I just love the vintage ornaments that create the wreath! so pretty!

My next stop is the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge.  Their current challenge is anything Christmas.  This provides you with the ability to just create.  And so I did!

and here is what I created:

My 'card' is a packaged gift card holder.  That might sound a bit confusing, but it really only takes a few seconds to explain.  You know those packaged gift cards you purchase at the grocery store, or the 'always open' pharmacies?  Well, that's what fits inside!  Now, you don't have to rip open the packaging to get to the gift card.  Just simply slide the whole package inside this cleaver little card.

Recipe:  I used Dark Chocolate card stock by PaperTreyInk, for the card base.  I just love this creamy, rich brown color.  And their card stock is heavy weight, so it will stand up to being embellished.

The pattern paper I used, is from a digital collection I purchased last year.  I just love this collection of rustic, holiday images in pastel hues.  Simply beautiful.  I printed the pink pattern background onto white card stock by PaperTreyInk.  I printed the deer pattern paper onto white linen card stock by PaperTreyInk.  I love the texture.  I matted the deer pattern paper onto white card stock.  

I machine stitched the three layers of paper together.  I just love how machine stitching gives my paper crafts that homespun look {smile}.  On the bottom panel, I also machine stitched the white glitter snowflake to the layers.  I wrapped the top flap with white crochet trim, and an aqua polka dot satin ribbon (polka dot side down).  I tied a simple bow with the ribbon.  I tucked a half white glitter snowflake in behind the crochet trim at the left upper corner.  The main panel, was a 6" x 6" sheet of digital pattern paper, that I shrunk down 50% before printing.  That way I could print that sheet as a 3" x 3" piece.  I matted it with Mint card stock by PaperTreyInk, and then with Dark Chocolate card stock.  I used foam adhesive to lift this beautiful piece off the card front.  I added this piece to the right of the simple bow.   My pink satin blossom, is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima.  I just love their blossoms.  And with the pretty rhinestone blossom center, it is perfect for this paper craft.   I hand-stamped 'joy' onto a scrap piece of the pink background pattern paper I used for the first layer. And then adhered it to the back of a tiny Melissa Frances resin frame.  The finishing touch was that tiny white present bow.  I thought is help tie-in all the white, and give my card a little more 'pretty' {smile}. 

Well, thank you for looking.  I hope you have a chance to create something beautiful this weekend.  I'm in the mood to bake some scones.  I found this delicious sounding recipe for Apricot & Brie scones.  YUM!

Winter Wonderland in Blue & Green

Howdy.  I have another holiday-themed gift card holder.  I hope you are up for one more {smile}.  I am entering this gift card holder into two 'new-to-me' challenges: First Belarusian Challenge, and the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge .

My first stop is @ First Belarusian Challenge.  This is a challenge site from Russia, and yes, they do have a 'translate' button.  Their current challenge is Winter Fun.  You need to look at what the design team has created.  Truly creative and simply gorgeous!  They also have an inspirational board:

My next stop is @ the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge.  Their current challenge is Always Anything Christmas Goes.  This design team uses pattern papers and die cuts with a creative flair.  You will certainly be inspired!

and here is what I created:

and a different view:

Recipe:  The base of this gift card holder was made out of Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love this soft, creamy, pale blue color.  I used two pattern papers from the same digital pattern paper collection.  I used Mint card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the matt of the music & floral pattern paper.  I added a simple border of machine stitching, to give it a homespun look and feel.  I just love the music & floral pattern paper, so I wanted the pattern paper to be center stage.  I added a pale green seam binding and vanilla crochet trim.  I just love how soft, and vintage seam binding makes projects, and the crochet trim to echoes the same softness.  The paper blossom is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima Marketing.  I think this pink blossom goes very well with the pattern paper.  I added a double bow tied with the seam binding.  I tucked a sentiment chipboard piece to the opposite side of the paper blossom.  And finally, to add a bit more sparkle, I added several silver sequins.  I just love how shiny they are {smile}.  Once you open this 'card' you will find your gift.  Gift card, that is!

card opened:

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you aren't too tired of looking at Holiday/Christmas themed cards and projects.  I hope that you have time to play along with these or your favorite challenge site.  Crafting makes the soul happy {smile}.

fa la la Peppermint

Howdy! and welcome.  I hope you all had a great holiday.  Me, I got the flu.  I have been in bed sick for a week now.  And for those who know me, I don't do well being 'down' or laid up in bed.  So, today, I decided, I'm getting up.  I am getting on with life.  Change your mindset, and you body will follow.  It's like when you have been running for 4 hours, and you have 3 miles left, and your legs are tired and heavy, and your mind is screaming at you to stop.  Just stop.  But, you have to turn down the volume in your head, push forward, and keep going.

I made another gift card holder this morning.  I am entering it in three of yesterday's challenge post.  I just loved the themes - Sparkle, Lace & Paint, and the sketch was super easy to work with.  So, here we go again!

First stop:  the wonderfully talented ladies over @ As You See It Challenge, have a fun challenge: Sparkle.  You have to add an element of sparkle to your project: glitter, sequins, glimmer paper, etc.  And let's just be honest here, who doesn't love sparkle?  It just makes you happy!

My next stop is Mistress Owl.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  It was super easy to work with yesterday, so why not use it again today.  This challenge site, is from Russia.  They do have a translate button, to help with the language barrier.  I just love their easy-to-work-with sketches.

And finally, my last stop is Shabby Chic.  Another challenge site from Russia, and again, they have a translate button.  This design team will certainly inspire you!  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  The mandatory elements are: Lace & Paint.  And your entry must be in Shabby Chic or Provence style.  (they have their definition of these styles on their challenge site)

and here is what I created:

different view:

Recipe:  I used Fine Linen card stock by PaperTreyInk for the gift card holder.  I thought it matched the angels in the pattern paper beautifully.  Again, I used Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk for the matts.  Its a deep red with orange undertones.  I used the red stripe pattern paper from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima, again.  I just love the look of the stripes. {smile}  The pattern paper I used for the main panels is a digital paper.  I printed it onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love using their white card stock to print my digital papers.  It takes the ink very well, and the card stock is light weight; making layering a breeze.

I used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch around each panel.  I think this little element adds a lot of homespun charm.  {smile}

I did a better job of lining up my trims.  I layered a white crochet trim, a taupe lace trim, and a mint ribbon.  I machine stitched them to the panels with silver thread.  The silver thread is beautiful, but quite a pain to work with.  The metallic in the thread gives it a bit of stretch, with little tension, so it breaks easily and frequently. {frown}.

I stacked two small journalling cards to the top panel.  I selected the 'fa la la' girls, and a December Bingo board card, this time.  I like how the 'fa la la' color matched the reindeer in my pattern paper.

I die-cut, stamped, and heat embossed the wreath.  I die-cut the wreath from Fine Linen card stock.  I stamped the wreath in VersaMark ink, and used my fine detail  white embossing powder.  This delicate wreath takes a steady hand in stamping.  My trick: place a contrasting color of card stock under the wreath, so when you stamp, you have a better view of lining-up the image.  I adhered the wreath to the front panel.

I tied a double bow with the mint ribbon.  I tied a small plastic peppermint candy to the mint bow with silver twine.  I wanted a bit more red on the card, so I adhered a red button to the bow's center.  To add a bit more sparkle, I added a mirror plastic star just above the button.

The paper blossoms were painted and glittered.  I used a white pearl paint to the petals, and while the paint was still wet, I dunked the blossoms into glitter.

I painted two silver jingle bells with gesso, and glitter.  I tied them with silver bakers twine.  Then tucked them under the larger blossom.  Again, I wanted more red, so I tucked in a red pom pom by the cream paper blossom.

My sentiment was not hand-stamped.  The sentiment is actually from a holiday tag.  I simply trimmed it down with scissors, and did a double matt: pure poppy and fine linen card stock.  I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment.  I wanted it to be lifted off the card front.

Thank you for looking!  I hope this last weekend of 2017 ends just how you want it to.  For me, I will be enjoying the quiet time at home.  And I am sure you have guessed that I will be out running.  I am going to do my best at getting in 10-12 miles tomorrow. {smile}

Evening Tea

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy.  I am trying to get back into my craft room, and create beautiful things again.  And yesterday, I was motivated to create something sweet, to share with a wonderful group of ladies.  As some of you know, I have started going to the gym.  Mostly, to help me with my running.  I still don't love running, but I want to improve on my time, form, and ease the struggles.  Anyways, I have met some of the nicest ladies there.  They don't judge, or sh*t talk about anyone.  They accept you for who you are, and encourage you to keep going.  How truly wonderful is that?  Anyways, I wanted to share a special treat with them, so I arranged to have an evening tea, to share with them.  (I made all of these arrangements back in April.  Thank goodness, because I am not sure I would have had the strength to do so now.)

And as you know, I can't just do a party!  There has to be favors!  But, first, let me enter my creations into a few challenges {smile}.  I love the challenges @ Really Reasonable Ribbon, basically, because they give you the freedom to just create, add ribbon, trim, or lace, and call it done.  Super sweet!

Then, I entered the challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday, because this group of talented ladies are inspiring with their words and creations.  They basically have the same philosophy: create something beautiful, made with your heart, and share it with the rest of us.  Simply wonderful!  Just like my gym ladies!

The theme for last nights evening tea, was Mid Summer's Night, by William Shakespeare.  The decorations were wonderfully right on point.  And the food was simply amazing!  I am never disappointed, or dissatisfied.  My friend Beth, always puts on the most amazing events!  So, my favors need to be worthy, and pretty, and shabby chic, of course! 

Here is what I made:

my favorite pink version:

and my favorite blue version:

Recipe:  I used simple 8oz mason jars.  I used various papers from the Jolee's Boutique paper pad, the Parisian Collection.  I cut pattern paper 8 1/2" x 2 1/2", and wrapped it around the jar.  I made sure the top edge of the paper went along the rim of the jar, to keep it straight.  I cut two strips, and used a lace border punch, to create the decorative kraft paper pieces.  I adhered them to the second strip of pattern paper 8 1/2" x 1 1/4".  I adhered these strips to the top center of the first pattern paper.  I wrapped seam binding around the jar, for decoration, and to help secure the pattern papers.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  I used hot glue to secure the bow to the pattern papers.  I stamped my word friends in basic black ink, on to the same kraft paper, and punched a tag shape.  I tied the tiny tag to a matching button with kraft twine and hot glued the button to the jar.

For the lid, I cut out a paper doily, and used the jar's lid to hold it in place, and hot glued a paper blossom to the doily.  Viola!  not to crazy involved, but simply pretty.

So, inside the jars are some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar cubes, and 2 Cinnamon Honey tea bags.

I wanted to make something sweet for my hostess Beth, so I added some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar pieces to smaller mason jars (4oz), and created a simpler version of the jar decorations.

and a 'gift' for the hostess and her helper:

I added a strip of pretty pattern paper around the jar, tied some vanilla crochet trim around the jars.  I made the same tags, and tied them to cream vintage buttons.  For the tops, I added pale mint velvet leaf, and two paper blossoms in black and cream to match the pattern papers.

There were two ladies who did not make the tea, so I left their favors for Beth and her assistant.  I hope everyone enjoyed their time last night.  As we got a chance to sit and chat, and talk about ourselves, and what makes us happy.  Of course, we laughed, and shared our time together.  The food was delicious, the tea selected was a perfect pairing, and the company was unforgettable!  

I hope you get a chance to create something pretty and share it with the rest of us!

Spring Macaroon: Card

Howdy/Welcome.  I created a card earlier today, to show how to add machine stitching to your card, without the stitches seen on the inside of card, HERE.  Anyways, I stopped by some favorite (new and old) challenge sites, to give me a starting point, and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how my card turned out!  

The first challenge site I visited was, Scrap Magic [No.16 Spring].  This is an old favorite.  I don't always play along in their challenges, but I just love looking at what the design team creates.  Very inspirational, and very creative!   This challenge site, creates a mood board, they give you primary colors and mandatory elements.

The primary colors: Turquoise and Pink.  Mandatory elements: rose/dessert, and delicate work.  Please be aware that this challenge site is in Russian.  They do provide a translate button.

The second challenge site that I visited was Retro Sketch Challenge [#203].  This is another 'old' favorite.  I just love their sketches!  They are super easy to work with, and the design team is sure to inspire you to play along.

My card was selected as the Retro Sketch Challenge Rock Star!  Super happy and excited!  I'll be posting my 'award' on my Awards page {smile}  I just can't stop smiling!

And finally, a 'new' favorite challenge site: Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge [#135 - Celebrate]. I had stumbled upon this challenge site while visiting a blog.  And I was intrigued as to what this site was about.  And well, I think you can figure it out too - Ribbon.  And I love ribbon! so I played along in one of their past recent challenges, and stopped by again, yesterday.  You will be inspired by their design team, and their wonderfully creative challenges.  Their current challenge: Celebrate!  Create a paper craft or project showcasing this theme (birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby, etc) and make sure you use ribbon or trim on your craft!

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  And this card is a bit 'large'.  It measures 4 1/4" x 6".  I believe it is considered a A6 size card.  I am really loving this larger size.  The first matt is Mint Macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how those two colors match the two shades of turquoise macaroons on the pattern paper!  

I took a piece (3 3/4" x 5 1/2") of whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up! to use as my 'base' for the focal piece.  I cut two strips (1" x 12") of different pattern paper by Authentique, Infused.  I selected the floral pattern paper and the macaron pattern paper.  I tore the ends of the pattern paper strips to add 'interest'.   

I hand stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I used a new stamp set: Birthday Blossoms.  I just love the simple, cursive font of this sentiment.

I added a bright pink seam binding, and fancy, white crochet trim.  I did a simple machine stitch to attach the seam binding and crochet trim to the front of the card.  And then, I added a simple border stitch around the top of the card.  

I added a journalling card to a different piece of pattern paper (mint stripe) from the Infused collection by Authentique.  I added foam tape to the back of this journalling card.

I tied a triple loop bow with the bright pink seam binding, and adhered it to the front of the card with hot glue.

I added a collection of marshmallow sequins to the bottom of the card.  I didn't want to distract the eye from the beauty of this card, celebrating a birthday!

Tag of Faith Card

Howdy!  This is my second post for today.  [previous post is my Tuesday tutorial segment HERE].   Today's tutorial was on a technique called water color wash.  I showed how to do this technique with a tag.  And well, I added the tag to a hand made, machine stitched greeting card. {smile}

I am entering this card in two challenges: a scripture theme challenge, and an element theme challenge.

Let's start with a one of my favorite challenge sites:  Word Art Wednesday #219.  This challenge site is faith based - this means that they provide you with a scripture for inspiration.  The lovely ladies on their design team, will certainly inspire you with their creativity!   The theme for this current challenge is 'anything goes', just make sure your entry is family friendly.

The other challenge site I am playing with has been one of my favorites for several years.  I have been playing along since I started my blog.  {smile}  Just Us GirlS Challenge #330.  Their current challenge is  trend week - tag.  And who doesn't love tags?  Their design team will inspire you, that's a guarantee!  

so without further ado, here is my card:

I just love the angle of this photograph!  The closeness, shows the machine stitching and the delicate mint lace trim.  The tag was color washed with liquid re-inkers.  [tutorial HERE]

a different shot:

Recipe:  I used Crisp Cantaloupe card stock, by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  I just love the soft coral color.  {smile}  I matted this beautiful vintage looking floral pattern paper by Authentique onto Mint Macaroon card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  I machine stitched the floral pattern paper and mint card stock together.  I did a purposeful sloppy double border with my sewing machine.  

I machine stitched the tea stained cotton trim and mint lace trim to the card front.  Then I machine stitched the vanilla seam binding to the card front.  

I tied some coral-colored ribbon and thin crochet trim to the top of the tag, that I washed with water colors.   The tag is adhered to the card front with foam tape.

I tied a double loop bow with the vanilla seam binding, and adhered to the front of the card.  I tucked-in a aqua mist vintage button, to help repeat the mint color.

I hope you have found some inspiration to play along with both of these challenges:  Just Us GirlS, and Word Art Wednesday.  It will be fun!

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!

Christmas Roses Gift Bags

Howdy.  I hope this post finds you all well, and busy making stuff {smile}.  Me, of course!  I had such a great time making my previously posted fabric scrap 'trees' that I decided to make several more, using various fabric scraps.  Today, I want to share a new red gift bag.

I am entering this bag into these three challenges:  Die Cuttin Divas, Inky Impressions Challenge, and Crafting By Desings.   

The wonderfully talented ladies over @ Die Cutting Divas have a great holiday preparations challenge:  Tag, Bag, or Box.  Sounds perfect! and let's just admit it, something we need to get crafting, anyways.  {smile}

I am playing along with the creative design team over @ Inky Impressions Challenge.   Their current challenge is to use: Traditional Christmas Colors: Red, Green, and Kraft.  I believe this is right up my alley, so to speak.  The design team has done a wonderful job at providing us with some inspiration.  

I am also playing along with the ever inspiring design team over @ Crafting By Designs.   Their current challenge is themed: getting ready for Christmas.  I think all of us can create something beautiful to play along with their challenge, too. {smile}

Finally, I am using the inspirational photo from the card Concept.  I am not 'playing' along with their challenge, due to the fact, that their challenge site is for cards, and not projects.  But their inspirational photo is very beautiful, home-y, and a bit vintage-country. {smile}

and here is my Red Holiday bag:

close-up of the 'tree'

Recipe:  The outside of the bag measures 4 3/4" x 12" .  The 'bag' itself measure 4 1/2" x 9 1/2".  For the base of the gift bag, I used a rich, dark red card stock, very similar to Cherry Cobbler card stock by Stampin' Up!.
I used very vanilla card stock for the main panel, and matted that with my favorite Kraft card shock by Paper Studios.  I used a snowflake stamp set to hand-stamp the snowflake background in crumb cake classic ink.  I just love how 'soft' this color is on vanilla.  {smile}  I added a single border stitch with my sewing machine.  I think it really adds a 'finished' and homespun touch to my projects.
I used a kraft striped paper straw as my tree trunk/branch.  And then I just tied various fabrics, crochet trims, ribbons and trims to the straw.  I then added my tree topper (red velvet bow), and vintage buttons tied with kraft twine.
I trimmed the fabric strips in varying lengths to create the 'tree' shape.  I used hot glue to adhere the 'tree' to the snowflake stamped panel.
The sentiment is from a homespun holiday stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.  And then finally, I added a wooden snowflake to the sentiment rectangle and topped it off, with a green faux half pearl.

I finished the bag with a decorated mini clothes pin, and a gift tag.
Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to craft something beautiful for your holidays.

Scraps of Trim 'Tree'; Gift Bag

Howdy.  Whew.  I'm been busy.  Busy like everyone else!  This was a big week to cook; which I love!  I really do enjoy baking and cooking.  Creating beautiful, delicious food is one of my passions.  I think food should not only look great, but taste great!  Thanksgiving, is my husbands favorite holiday, because of the food.  Funny, huh?  

One of my other passions is crafting.  Mostly paper crafting.  I love to create beautiful things out of paper.  I made a 'tree' out of scraps of fabric, and totally loved how super cute they came out.  And while I was visiting some of my favorite challenge sites, I read the post of 'Lace' @ Shabby Chic .  It did give me an idea on making a 'tree' out of scrap pieces of lace, crochet trim, and ribbon.  I am pretty happy with they came out.  [they, I made two {smile}].

I am entering a few challenges today with my little creation:  Love to Scrap  , Die Cutting Divas , Scrap & Craft Inspiration , and Crafting By Designs.

The talented ladies over @ Love To Scrap! , will surely inspire you with they variety of creative styles.  Their current challenge:  Anything Goes.

The talented ladies over @ Die Cutting Divas, have a current challenge: Tag, Bag or Box.  You should see the great boxes, bags, and tags these ladies made.  Very inspiring.
The design team over @ Scrap & Craft Inspiration have a current challenge: Shabby Chic or Vintage.  These creative ladies are located in Europe.  and therefore, their styles of crafting is very layered, with lots of embellishing.  Very beautiful, very inspiring,  and very creative.
And finally, the lovely ladies over @ Crafting by Designs, have a current challenge: Get Ready for Christmas.  I strongly encourage you to take a look at this creative design team's entries.  Just lovely!

here is what I made:

I used crumb cake card stock for the 'bag'.  I used a gold card stock as my matt.  I think it adds a bit of  glamour to my bag.  I used shimmer white card stock for the main panel.  I stamped my three different size snowflakes in two different kraft colored inks: crumb cake classic ink, and classic kraft ink.  I used my sewing machine to add a 'homespun' look to my bag, by sewing a simple border.  

I collected my trims: crochet trims, cotton trims, ribbons, and thin tinsels, and tied them around a cinnamon stick.  I added a trio of buttons.  I tied them on to the cinnamon stick with a gold, silver, and cream twine.  And I added a Melissa Frances rhinestone button to the top of the cinnamon stick.

My sentiment is stamped and matted the same way I did the main panel of the bag.

close-up of the buttons:

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to create something beautiful, too!  And join these two challenges.  

a Rosewood Vintage Christmas Card

Howdy.  Welcome.  yeah, I've been busy making holiday stuff; cards, bags, boxes, jar toppers, and altered salt shakers.  {smile}  I tend to do a lot of shabby chic holiday projects.  But today, I have a vintage holiday card.  {smile}

and while I was looking around on the internet, I found some very interesting challenge sites.  There are a few that are 'new' to me, so I really wanted to play along.  {smile}

My first stop was Retro Sketches.  They have wonderful sketches that are easy to work with and the design team is pretty talented.  So I am sure you will find some inspiration.  {smile}  

Here is their current sketch challenge (#189):

I stumbled upon Shopping Our Stash weekly challenge.  Their current challenge (#229) is to use items from your stash, but no stamping.  So, you can use all those little pieces and bits that you have collected over the years, and create something handmade but without adding ink.  Sounds fun!

I also stumbled upon Unicorn Challenge Blog challenge site.  Their current challenge (#3) is: Christmas is Coming.  Sounds perfect, right!  You should check out what their design team has created, very beautiful!

and here is what I made:

I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the right

A sweet, rosewood colored, vintage Christmas card.  I used what I had on hand.  No purchase necessary.  So, that made me happy!  My card base is kraft card stock from Paper Studio.  I just love the color.  I added pattern paper I had on hand from Maja Road - Vintage Frost Basics pattern paper.  The paper pad also has three sentiment/design cards, a trio of postage stamp size images and a pair of tags.  {smile}

I did a purposefully sloppy double border machine stitch around the matt.  I just love the homespun look it gives cards.  I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim to the snowflake pattern paper.  (the sketch has a row of xxx's there).  Instead of a button (in the sketch) I added a 'winter' blossom.  It is actually a trio of pink fabric blossoms that I added white paint, glitter, and flocking to, before adding the rhinestone brad.  

There are two 'ribbon loops' on the sketch, that I wanted to add.  But, I settled for a collection of pretty trims.  I first machine stitched a trio of white crochet scallops, and then a pair of pink pom poms.  I think they add a little bit of whimsey and fun to the card.  And why not?  The girls are throwing snowballs for their dog to chase!

As always, my card remains blank on the inside, to provide you with room to add either your own hand-stamped sentiment, or a hand-written message.  {smile}

The photo doesn't really show it, but the card with the sentiment is adhered to the kraft matt with foam tape to 'lift' that piece higher.  I thought it would look 'cleaner' than plastering it down on top of the two decorate trims, and having bumps.

Well, I'm off to my craft room to finish up some desk top calendars.  {smile} I hope you get an opportunity to create something beautiful, too!