Beautiful You Card

Howdy, and welcome!  Today I wanted to share with you a card I hand-crafted.   I wanted to make something pretty, with a generic sentiment.  This card isn't for anyone, so nothing specific.  I just wanted to paper craft.   I set out looking at a few of my favorite paper challenge sites to get some direction, and I found some very fun challenges.  So, let's get started!

I wanted a bit more direction, so I decided on a sketch challenge.  I knew what I wanted to use, I just needed a little more direction.  So, I stopped by the Paper Craft Crew challenge site.  This challenge site mostly does sketches.  But every now and again they will throw in a theme, or tic tac toe board, but they will always inspire you!  

I didn't rotate or flip their current sketch.  I used it as is!  I also did not switch out the blossom images for any other shaped item.

Since I already knew what pattern paper I wanted to use, and I now have a sketch to work with, I decided to play along with the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday.  Their challenges are : anything goes, family friendly.  

You will be pleasantly surprised by this design team.  They are very creative and talented, and the submissions are pretty great too!

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  this blank inside greeting card is the typical A2 size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  This card stock is a beautiful heavy weight, so it stands up to my embellishing!  The main panel matt is Kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  I just love the neutral soft color of kraft. {smile}

The pattern papers are digital.  I use my at home printer to print these.  I used whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up! for 3 of the pattern papers.  This card stock has a 'slick' feel to it, and allows the card stock to take the ink from my printer beautifully! I have zero complaints.  The small square that has the sentiment on it, I shrunk down.  It would have printed 6" x 6", but I wanted the whole sheet of paper to be my focal piece.  And I just love the sentiment.  That piece I printed on Linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I felt the added texture would help give my card some depth, and not be so flat.

I cut my top pattern paper, so that the mix of floral images would have some blues in it, to help tie the bottom pattern paper that is a blue collage with copper dots.  

I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  I think it adds a 'homespun' look/feel.  

To hide the seam where the two pattern papers overlap, I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim, and topped that with a scrap piece of pale pink seam binding.  I added a little machine stitching there too.  It holds the card front together, and continues with the machine stitching along the card's edge.

The pink polka dot pattern paper, I flagged the end, for visual interest.  

To make my 'tag' piece, I simply added my pattern paper square to a scrap piece of the same Kraft card stock I used for the main matt.  I used my scissors to make the tag shape at the top.  I used a traditional hole punch to give my tag that finished look.  I threaded a piece of pale pink seam binding through the hole and tied a simple knot.  I then tied a simple knot of pale pink tinsel to a rich brown button, and hot glued it to the top of my seam binding bow.  I adhered the tag to the card front with foam tape, to help elevate it off the front of the card.

The paper blossoms are from my stash.  The brownish blossom is from Prima.  I just loved the color.  Not quite brown.  Not quite copper.  The white paper blossom and the little pink paper blossom are from LemonCraft.  I added some white paint and glitter to the petals, of both blossoms.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look at what I created.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with either or both of these challenge sites.  Enjoy your Friday!

Pretty Little Birdie

Howdy.  I want to share with you another gift card holder I created for a very special someone.  I hope you like it {smile}

Recipe:  I used digital pattern paper, that I printed on both white Linen & whisper white card stock.  I used the textured (Linen card stock) to print the taupe pattern paper and the cream pattern card stock. I just love this added texture of the paper.  I added some machine stitching to help convey the homespun look and feeling {smile}.

The card base was made from Sahara Sand card stock.  I just love the soft color, and the heavy weight card stock is strong to hold up for these projects.

I matted the blue pattern paper to a pale pink card stock.  I wanted to highlight the pale pinks {smile}.  I also added a thin strip of the pale pink pattern paper to the top of the gift card holder, over the bow & scallop white cotton trim.   The pale pink pattern paper has taupe colored birds, flying in multiple directions on a pale pink background.  Super sweet!

The main panel was matted with a light taupe card stock, to help highlight this piece from the card front.

I added a sweet, delicate, paper doily to the main panel.  To help off set it, I added a piece of light blue pattern paper behind it.  This pattern is that taupe-y color hearts on top of the pale blue background.  I thought this heart pattern paper mimics a polka dot pattern paper, and so I just fell in love with it!

I added a large pink crepe paper blossom on the delicate paper doily.  To help tie the colors together, I added a triple bow tied with coconut seam binding.  I thought this color really matched the over-all taupe color.  To help the pale pink color to pop, I added a pale pink button to the center of the bow.  I also wanted to add some sparkle, so I tucked in a rhinestone charm.  It's a silver floral shape with a rhinestone center.  Just the right amount of sparkle.

The sentiment was hand-stamped in basic black classic ink, onto a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock.  I used a very retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! I just love the font!

Thank you for stopping by.  This gift card holder has already been mailed, and I hope the recipient is happy with my work {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}

Sweet Floral Holiday Bags

Howdy! I wanted to share with you a project I did.  I made a paper tote and gift bag.  But, I used non-holiday pattern paper, to make holiday themed bags.  Because like a lot of us can't always afford to purchase another collection of pattern paper.  And lets face it, I really need to start using the paper I have, and not keep adding to my collection {smile}.  I am entering the current challenge over @ A Snowflakes Promise Challenge - Anything Goes.

and here are my projects

the paper tote:

and here is my gift bag:

~ disclaimer:  I was crafting late into the evening, and lighting was scarce. ~

Recipe:  I used Cocoa Bean card stock, and snowflake die, are by Paper Trey Ink.  The pattern papers I have used are digital papers.  The sentiment is a stamp.  The vellum card stock, Early Espresso embossing powder, seam binding, ribbon, and champagne glitter paper are by Stampin' Up!.  The tulle trim is Mellissa Frances.    The two peach blossoms (on the tote) are from Recollections.  The beige blossom (on the bag) is from Prima.  The tiny pink ornament bulb is from a big box store.

The Tote:  I used a die from Paper Trey Ink to die cut the tote.  I layered the pattern paper onto solid card stock, and added some machine stitching.  I adhered the floral circle paper to the front of the tote with foam tape.  I tucked the snowflakes between these two layers.  I hot glued the blossoms to the corners.  To create the sentiment piece, I heat embossed the sentiment onto vellum and adhered it off center of the blossom circle.  And lastly, wrapped the ribbon around the tote, to help give it a finished look.

The Gift Bag:  I only had scraps of this pattern paper, so I wanted to use them up, before I started printing again.  The large floral pattern was a 6" x 6" piece.  So, I cut my piece 4 1/2" x 6", to use more of what I had.  I added two different polka dot papers, both of which were scraps.  I added some machine stitching to give it a homespun look.  I added the tulle trim and seam binding to help hide the seam where the two papers meet.  I tied the seam binding into a multiple loop bow, attached a bulb, and tucked in a paper blossom.  I created the sentiment piece, just like I did for the tote (heat embossing).  To hide the seam, at the top, where the two pattern papers joined, I added a scallop trimmed pattern paper.  I adhered the card stock panel to a paper bag.

These two types of bags were for sale at yesterdays craft fair.  I hope these two samples have given you some inspiration to use the non-holiday themed pattern paper for your next holiday paper craft.  {smile}

A Shabby Country Christmas

Howdy, and welcome.  This post is a bit long, so grab a cup of tea, coffee, or any other favorite beverage.  Today, I felt like 'talking'.

For those who know me, or follow me regularly, you know that I have a weakness for pinks, blues, creams, and trims.  I think I can make just about anything shabby chic, with little to no effort.  Just give me a hot glue gun, a jar of buttons, my basket of seam binding and cotton trims, and watch out! {smile}  I also know that it is not the 'love' of everyone. (not quite sure why not, but oh well.)

I posted a decorated notebook I made last night, and well, I just HAD to make more.  I ended up decorating three large notebooks (5 1/2" x 7"), and three little ones (3" x 4 1/2").  They all ended up being just as sweet as can be.  But, I figure you already knew that {smile}.  So, this morning I woke up and started decorating a few more notebooks, but wanted to use some of this 'new to me' pretty paper.  So, I am sharing my creation with you and a few challenge blogs:  Scrapslet, Your Next Stamp, and Word Art Wednesday.  Here we go!

My first stop was Scrapslet.  Their current challenge is a color challenge.  This challenge is from Russia, but they don't have a translate button {frown}.  However, this collection of crafty ladies will certainly inspire you!

My next stop was Your Next Stamp.  Their current challenge is both a sketch and an inspirational photo.  You can use either, or both.  I am using the sketch.  I love their sketches, because they allow you to add your own style to these super user-friendly sketches.  This challenge is no exception.

I rotated the sketch 90 degrees.

And my last stop was Word Art Wednesday.  This is a constant for me.  Their challenges always have a scripture and the warmth and acceptance from these ladies is contagious!  I have never met any of them in real life, but I imagine they are the kind of ladies you invite over for tea, and sit and chat for hours.  Just plain lovely folks.  Oh, their current challenge is anything goes - family friendly.

and so, here is what I did:

decorated notebook (5 1/2" x 7")

Recipe:  I started with an ugly black notebook.  Then, I grabbed supplies from my craft room, and made it pretty!  {smile}  I used a chocolate brown card stock as my base, and layered on some pretty digital paper.  I used my corner rounder punch to round the bottom corners of a few of the papers, to mimic the notebook cover.  

My firs layer of paper is this beautiful blue winter pattern paper.  I added a strip of tiny polka dot paper across the top.   I then cut a rectangle piece of the brown reindeer pattern paper and adhered it on top.  The sketch has this piece under the band.  But, I wanted it to peek out of the top of the trim.

I next used a die to cut the decorative piece of pink pattern paper.  And a different die to cut the sentiment piece.  I thought that the various decorative edges would work well together, and break up the repeating pattern of rounded corners.  I hand-stamped my sentiment onto the scallop trimmed rectangle and adhered it to the front of my paper stack with foam tape.  I then took this stack of papers to my sewing machine and started sewing.  I did simple borders on all the pattern papers, except the scallop rectangle (due to the foam tape).  

I wrapped the cream cotton trim around the band at the top.  And wrapped a pale pink seam binding piece around that.  I tied the seam binding into a simple know.  I didn't want the bow to compete with any of the embellishments.  (To me Junk Bows are eye catching!  so that is why I kept it simple.)

I used a medium size snowflake die to cut a snowflake out of white glitter paper.  I cut the snowflake in half, to embellish my blossom.   For the blossom, I stacked three 4-petal flowers on top of each other, staggering the petal placement.  I secured the three blossoms with a brad.  I hot glued a faux pearl & rhinestone gem to the center of the blossom.  I hot glued the blossom and the two pieces of snowflake to the lower left corner of the notebook.  I also hot glued a silver decorative snowflake to the right upper corner of the sentiment piece.  

And the big finale is the snowflake charm on the spiral and a coordinating pen.  I cut a thin piece of pattern paper, rolled it up tight, and stuck it in the barrel of the pen.  I hope you like it.  I think it came out beautifully.  Oh, and here is a photo of the second notebook I decorated with the same pattern paper.

Thank you for stopping by to have a look-see, as to what I crafted.  And yeah, I'll post again soon.  Sometimes its just hard to stop crafting and take a photo.  But, I'm working on it! {smile}

My one and only holiday craft fair is December 2, 2017 @ La Cueva High School (Albuquerque, NM) from 9a to 4p.   Come out and see my crafts in person.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

Shabby Blue Bingo

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

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

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

and here is what I made:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shabby Pink Bingo

Howdy!  I've been busy training for a few races, but you know me, I can always carve time into my day for a little crafting and baking {smile}!

Today, I did some paper crafting!  I need to make 16 cards, to say 'Thank You' to various folks who help support the North Valley Academy PTO.  So, I set out to get some inspiration.

I stopped by Mojo Monday to see their current sketch.  And I have to say, it's pretty exciting!  The possibilities are truly endless.  You can use either rectangles to showcase pattern papers, embossed papers, text papers, emphoria, and so much more.

here is what I made:

I am also entering this card in another card challenge:  Word Art Wednesday.  Their challenges are: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  So, how can you say no to that?  The design team will certainly inspire you!

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

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

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

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

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

Viola!  Not a 10 minute card, but not too incredibly daunting to make over a dozen cards.   And yes, I made a green version and a blue version.  Variety is the spice of life, right?

Thank you for looking!

Love Pink

~ a few photos ~

Howdy, I have been busy making a few different cards, getting my tasks organized, and getting some running done. {smile}  But, I want to share with you, the a card I made today {smile}.

I stopped by a favorite challenge site, for some direction: the Card Concept to see what their current challenge is: Vintage.  I have to say, I am a sucker for text pattern paper, and I just love hearts!

My next stop, is an Eastern European challenge site:  Art-Kladovaya.  These talented ladies have a unique and creative take on paper crafting, so please stop by to see what they have created.  Anyways, their current challenge is:  Shabby Chic.

I used their inspirational photo as my palette.  I love the blossoms, and the pink & white color scheme.
I also want to play along with the wonderful ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  They include a scripture to include in your paper crafting.  And their post are always inspirational!

and here is what I created:

This is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I added layers of my favorite papers: text, gingham, calendar, and floral.  I inked all the edges of all my papers with a tea stain ink pad.  All of my digital papers were printed on whisper white card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  I love the weight of this card stock, and how beautiful it takes ink.

I started with kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love the color, and the weight.  My first matt, is a text pattern paper from Melissa Frances.  I really like the softness of the cream and deep brown color.  My pink gingham matt, is a digital pattern paper.  I just love this pattern.  I think it adds a softness and vintage look.  {smile}

I machine stitched a taupe swiss dot lace and pale pink seam binding to these layered pattern papers.  I also tied a double bow, with the pale pink seam binding.

I cut down a calendar card, to allow the pink gingham pattern paper to show.  I then cut three squares (1 1/2" square) from another digital pattern paper.  I matted each square with a different digital pattern paper.  I just love the mix of patterns & texts.

I added some sparkles to the pale pink & brown paper blossom from Prima.  I adhered the paper blossom to the area on the card, that the missing square should have been placed.

I hand-stamped my sentiment in basic black classic ink, onto whisper white card stock.  I adhered the sentiment with foam tape, to give it some height off my card.  I used a new stamp set: Label Love of Altenew.

I added the champagne glitter hearts to the card front with glue dots.  I felt that it added balance and visual interest to my card.  And finally, I adhered the bow with hot glue.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites.  Now, I'm off to get a few chores done before bed.  

Birthday Tag Card

Howdy!  I had such a good time making my last Thank You card, that I decided to make a few more cards with more of my tags and sentiment blocks.  I made a holiday card, and a birthday card.    The trick for me, was to keep the cards looking fresh, and not a carbon copy of the previous.  I hope you like these!

the birthday card:

and the holiday card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by PaperTreyInk for the card bases.  I used a neutral background digital paper for the main piece.  I printed the digital pieces (background pattern paper, tags, and sentiment blocks) on white linen card stock, by PaperTreyInk.  All of the edges of the papers (printed and otherwise) were sponged with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  

I did a simple border stitch around the top portion of each card.  I included the doily in the stitching.  I made simple random pleats with the cream cotton trims.  I even machine stitched the ribbon to the card fronts.  (I do this, so I don't have to add adhesive to my ribbons/trims.  I also think it adds a homespun touch/feeling to my cards.)

The sentiment blocks are adhered to the card fronts with foam tape.  To help give the card some dimension, and not look so 'flat'.  

For the birthday card: I added a scrap piece of lace and tied a button to the tag.  I added a 'splash' of flat back pears, and a paper blossom to the card. 

For the holiday card: I added a large rhinestone clip.   

Thank you for looking.  Now, it's time for turkey and pie!  I hope this day is spent with those who truly mean the most to you!  And remember to reflect on your blessings.  {smile}

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!

Sweet Blush Thank You; Card

Howdy! and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  Here, is where I share my passion for card making, and sometimes cupcakes {smile}.  I really do find joy, and peace when I am creating.  And it doesn't matter if it is baking or paper crafting.  The joy is the same.  

I wanted to make another card to add to my Etsy shop, located HERE.  But I needed some inspiration, so I set out to a favorite challenge site, and stumbled upon a new (to me) challenge site {smile}.  

One of my favorite challenge site I visited, Just Us GirlS #333.  It's their 'word week', and this week's word is FLOWERS! On my! I love adding flowers to my paper crafts, so I am playing along with these beautifully creative ladies!

The last challenge I am entering is a 'new' challenge site for me.  I stumbled upon this challenge from visiting a fellow blogger that I follow.  This challenge site is eastern European.  They do not have a 'translate' button, so copy and paste the text into Google Translator.  Shabby Scrap - use rose(s). 

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used Cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  This card stock is a heavy weight, and wonderful as a card base.   The card size is A6 (4 1/4" x 6").

The three pattern papers are digital papers.  I just fell in love with the pale pink, and blush colors!  I sponged the floral digital paper with crumb cake classic ink.  I trimmed and sponged the library card digital paper.  I rounded two of the corners for a different look, other than a right angle.  I adhered these two digital papers together before I added the machine stitching.  I also added dimensional glaze to the 'front' blue bird.  I loved the pop of color!

I added cream twine to the trio of blush vintage buttons, and adhered them to the card front with my glue gun.  

I used a leaf punch and some shimmer green textured card stock to create the leaves.  I tucked the leaves under the two pale pink paper blossoms.  The larger pink blossom is from Prima Marketing.  The smaller pink blossom is a 'carnation' from an on-line shop.

I trimmed the journalling piece into a tag.  I sponged the edges, and added a hole for the seam binding.  I did a simple loop of pale pink seam binding and tied a simple bow with a pale pink/blush colored thin tinsel.  I added a pale blush paper blossom to the bow.  The tag was adhered to the card front with foam tape.

I stamped the sentiment onto vellum card stock and adhered to the front of the tag.  (I added my adhesive where the lettering is, so that the adhesive wouldn't show through.) 

I used the Signature Greetings, by Amuse Studios.  I heat embossed the sentiment with antique gold embossing powder.

Thank you for looking!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any or all of these challenges!  I will be adding this card to my Etsy shop in the next few days.  {smile}