Read, Drink (tea) & Be Merry Card

Good Morning! I hope all is well in your home.  Here, doing ok.  I have a few errands to run today, along with a few chores to accomplish.  But, all in all, it should be a productive day.   As I sit here, getting coupons together, and making my lists, I notice that I forgot failed to publish a blog post.  UGH!  A bit late, and I missed a few challenges, but, here it is.  {grimace} The card that I created did make it into my Etsy shop, HERE.

I need to create a card for a special friend who is hosting an afternoon tea for me and a few (ok, 10) of my girl friends.  She is super talented, creative, and an all around dear lady.  And I stumbled upon a few challenges, that will help get me creating!  So, here we go!
My first stop is Mojo Monday. This sketch is for a tall and skinny card, but I love the layout!  this challenge is currently closed.  I missed their deadline.

My next stop is The Card Concept.  The inspiration for their current challenge, a tea cup with a gorgeous blossom inside.  How stinking cute is that?  Did I mention the color of the tea cup? Vintage blue.  Yeah, and the blossom is this pale pretty pink.  Who could have asked for a better color combo?  The title for their challenge:  Sweet Tea.  this challenge is currently closed, as well.  UGH!

My next stop is Crafting By Designs.  This group of talented ladies really know how to craft a card.  The design team is inspirational and super creative.  Their current challenge:  Anything Goes!  Awesome!  

here is what I made:

I made a typical A2 size card. (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").

I used a single sided card stock, in Latte by Amuse Studios, for the card base.  

The card was then created with scraps of various pattern papers I had on hand.  The beautiful worn wood pattern paper is Paper Studios, County Floral.  The text pattern paper is Melissa Frances.  I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim and did some machine sewing.  

The 'tag' piece is actually a journalling card from the Coffee Break collection by Prima.  I simply trimmed it down and added a banner end.   I added an embellishment from the same collection and adhered it to the 'tag'.  Just to give it a focal point.  The words are in gold.  So, that added some sparkle.

I wrapped some seam binding around the top of the card.  Adhered it to the card front with machine stitching.  {smile}  It is an antique rose color.  But I wanted some bling, so I added some retired silver bakers twine from Stampin' Up!  

I tied a simple bow with the seam binding, but it appeared to need something more, so I also tied a simple bow with my pale pink tinsel.  I think it helps add some sparkle, some vintage flair, and help balance the card.  I tied a tea cup charm onto the stacked bows with some of the bakers twine.  A hidden treasure!

And finally, I added several flat back faux pearls to the card front.  To give it, a feminine touch.   I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink, from Stampin' Up! to help give the card some aged charm.  I thought the stark white edges looked to 'modern'.  

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to play along in these challenges.  I did use the sketch challenge from Mojo Monday for the layout.  However, I missed the deadline to that challenge.  Have a great day, and craft something beautiful!

Bea loves Tea

So, let me start by apologizing for not posting on my blog for a week. I should have posted these cards when they were finished, instead of waiting till the end. Hind sight.

I know this wonderful woman. She is very kind, giving, and generous with her time. She will be there for you, let you lean on her, she is just Great. Her birthday is this month, and yes it has passed. But, there is a small group of us, who get together for our birthdays. And tonight we are getting together to celebrate her birthday! As honorer, you get to pick the location, and if its lunch or dinner. (So, I am in the process of getting ready and posting this, its been a busy day.)

For those of you who know me, know I love coffee. So much so, I had to purchase my own super automatic espresso machine. I buy my bean whole. Well, my friend Bea is just as passionate about her tea. I saw this stamp set by Verve and its so perfect for Bea. So, I bought two. One to give her, and one to use to make her some cards.

The solid card stock, ink, background stamp, punches, and ribbon is from Stampin' Up! and the pattern paper is from Basic Grey (Cappella collection).

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful weekend, and post a comment. Share your thoughts.