Junk Journal

Welcome.  I have been busy.  Busy in a few different directions.  1 - I have started planning my holiday craft fair items.  So that involves a lot of creative juices, ideas, and plans.  2 - I have been cleaning my craft room.  Not just the typical 'putting things away' type of cleaning.  But the 'over-haul' type of cleaning.  Taking everything out, going through everything to determine what I am going to keep, what I am getting rid of, organizing it, and then putting it back. and last, 3 - working on a few personal items.  I am pretty good at staying focused on each particular task, so I typically don't stray, and this week, it has remained the same {fingers crossed}.  Super happy to be so productive and focused.     

I purchased a digital junk journal 'a few' years back.  Ok, in 2012.  So I guess I should say 'several' years back.  I purchased the digital file, like so many of you; with a great plan to actually put it together.  Well, life gets busy, other crafts take president in the priority of completion, and the fear that I don't know what I'm doing. so I didn't put it together, because I simply didn't want to 'mess it up'.  My best advice to anyone who sits on this indecisive 'fence', JUST DO IT!  Jump in! Have fun.  Create something beautiful!  And when you are done, please remember to take a photo and share it with all of us!  Photography is another one of my down-falls.  I simply dread the uploading photos and editing.  That is EXACTLY why I don't do video.  I imagine that the more I do this, the more comfortable I am, and then the less 'scarey' the whole ordeal will be.  But, sometimes my fear is paralyzing.  Yes, me.  The lady who loves all things crafty!

I am entering my junk journal in the Word Art Wednesday, anything goes challenge.  I love this challenge blog.  They encourage you to simply create.  How fabulous is that?  Keep your craft family friendly, and they even provide a scripture to include in your craft if you like, but are not required.

and here it is:

The cover came printed with the bird sitting on the chandelier.  How super awesome is that graphic?  So, all I did was layer a few pieces at a lower corner of the cover: half a paper doily, a digital printed Bingo card, a digital journalling tag, an old paper ticket, and a banner piece.  I kept the pieces neutral in color, so not to distract from the chandelier.  

The Bingo card was printed onto white card stock, but out, and the edges sponged with craft ink.  The journalling card came with the junk journal.  I hand-stamped the 'Happiness is HOMEMADE' on to the card with black classic ink.  It's stamped a bit off center on purpose.  I thought it would add to the over-all character of the cover.  The old paper ticket I purchased from an Etsy shop a year (or so) ago.      I folded down the left corner, so that my hand-stamping wouldn't be covered up {smile}.  I simply adhered the pieces with a tape runner, and then added a few sloppy border stitches with my sewing machine.  The banner piece I created from printing the digital journal pieces onto white card stock.  I adhered it to the cover with foam tape, to lift it off the front.

The two white dots on the spine are for when you bind the pages inside.  Well, I did my binding a bit different.  So I will be 'covering-up' the two white dots.  I just haven't figured that out yet.  I know several of you are squirming in your chair with the thought of putting the album together, and I haven't finished the cover.  I promise, it will be a 'good' fix {smile}!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have the opportunity to play along with the wonderful design team @ Word Art Wednesday.  And create something pretty, even if it is just for YOU!

Thank You in Primrose

Howdy!  I needed to make a few Thank You cards, and set out to find some inspiration.  You know me, I have my favorite challenge sites.  So, let's get started.

My first stop was Mojo Monday Challenge.  They have very 'user-friendly' sketches, and this week, was no exception.  

Now, I needed a little more inspiration.  So, I stopped by Candy Floss Challenge.  They have a great inspiration mood board.  Beautiful colors, and images.

And a little more direction.  I stopped by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge.   Their current challenge is: Spring/Easter, with a ribbon, trim, or lace required element.  I can do that!

and here is what I made:

Typical A2 size card: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this warm kraft color.  For the pattern paper, I used a new paper collection from Bo Bunny - Primrose.  

The first layer (matt) is this beautiful soft green honeycomb pattern.  I love the subtle pattern, but the soft green spring-like color is just beautiful.

My favorite pattern paper in this collection, is this stunning rose and polka dot pattern paper.  The roses are a mix of cream, soft pink, and a soft green.  The colors say, 'Springtime' to me.  But this pattern paper also has a romantic, shabby chic, look.  I machine stitched a purposefully sloppy double border stitch all the way around.  I just love the homespun look, this gives my cards.

I used the medium pink trefoil pattern, for the strip across the card.  I machine stitched a white cotton eyelet trim, and spring green satin ribbon.  I just love how this ribbon matches the green color scheme in this pattern paper collection.

I added a cream delicate paper doily to the back of my large circle.  To make it the base to the paper blossom, I stamped the leaves in two coordinating green colors (pistachio, and pear).  I first sprayed my paper blossom with shimmer mist, to give it some sparkle.  (I love sparkle).  I hot glued the blossom to the large paper circle.

I stamped my sentiment in burlap ink.  I first cut the decorative shape from a die, and then stamped.  I added a bow to the card front, and finally a trio of flat back pearls.  Viola!

Pennant Birthday!

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I am having a good week!  Hope you are too!  One of the changes I have made this year, is to start each week writing down three things I am thankful for, from the previous week.  It is a way to reflect on my blessings.  By taking my life in smaller pieces, and reflecting, I am truly able to see the good.  And I am super happy with how this small step to 'count my blessings' is working for me!

I had a few moments, ok an hour, to create a card.  And I am sure you all can understand the drive to get your ideas made out of paper {smile}.  And I do know how truly blessed I am, to have a hoard stash I can craft from, when I can't get to a store.  {wink}

I am entering this card in four challenges.  I have to say, I typically don't enter this many, but I will relish in the oddity of this opportunity!

My firs stop is Mistress Owl.  This is an Eastern European challenge site.  They can a sketch for you to work with.  I strongly encourage you to pop on over to the their challenge site.  The design team will inspire you!  Their sketch was easy to work with, so that is always a huge plus in my book.

My next stop is Cupcake Inspiration.  I am always intrigued by their challenges.  This design team will knock your socks off!  Between the very user-friendly inspiration board, and the creativity of the design team, you will be crafting in no time!  I just love their photo this week!  Theme: Chalkboard!  And who doesn't love chalkboard.  It instantly reminds me of school days.  So retro, shabby, vintage.

Now, I just HAD to stop by another favorite challenge: Really Reasonable Ribbon.  This design team will certainly get you to add ribbon, twine, trim, and lace to everything!  The creations will inspire you to try a new technique, and put a bow on it!  Their current challenge is Celebrate!  So birthday, anniversary, new baby, new couple, etc.  You get the idea.

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge.  This challenge site encourage all crafting styles.  And the design team works with their sponsors, to showcase their products.  I think that's wonderful! Their current sponsor has digital images.  I just love digital paper.  And I am starting to embrace digital images/stamps.  Their current challenge is: Birthday!  And who doesn't need a birthday card in their stash?  So, please stop by and see what they have created.

now, roll all these challenges together, and here is what I created:

~ disclaimer: photographing a card with a flair button, is a bit of a challenge in itself!

my card was selected as a 'top 3' for the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog challenge!

Recipe:  This card is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  And yes, it fits inside its envelope.  The card base is kraft card stock.  I just love the color and weight of this paper.  It looks so 'old school'.  

I added this beautiful light blue and pink rose digital paper as my main layer.  I did dampen the edge of the paper (top right corner) and scrunch it a bit.  I also distressed the edges, and tore the bottom edge. I sponged a tea stain ink on all four edges.

I added a lace doily from Stampin' Up! to the top left corner.  I just love it peeking out from behind my journalling cards.  (I used two 'chalkboard' journalling cards for my Chalkboard element.)  I also inked the edges with the tea stain ink.

I stamped my sentiment onto the top journalling card in white craft ink, and then added clear embossing powder and used my heat gun to set the embossing powder.  

I fussy cut a digital tag and added it to the lower right of the journalling cards.  

I originally wanted to add my sentiment across the card, very similar to the sketch.  And place my bow to the left of the journalling cards, but I don't have anything that would have worked.  {frown}  I guess I need to go paper craft shopping! {wink}

And then, I layered trims!  Oh my!  My first layer is a cream cotton eyelet trim.  Then a white sparkle tulle box pleat trim.  Then a mint swiss dot lace.  And finally, a pale pink seam binding.  Who doesn't love seam binding?

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and added a silver metal button to the bow.  Then I tucked in a cupcake flair button just above the bow.  Viola!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these creative challenge sites.  You will not be disappointed in both the talent and the inspiration!

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}

Thanksgiving Thank You Card

Howdy.   I am still crafting for my last holiday craft fair.  December 3rd, @ La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  But, I did stop for an evening to bake some pies that were ordered for today, and of course I had to make a Thank You card to go with them!

Typically, my baked goods are hand-held, aka small.  But a wonderful co-worker asked for 2 slab pies.  A slab pie, is a pie made in a jelly roll pan.  So, it has the ease of a sheet cake, but it's pie!  When we have pot lucks at work, and I am asked to bring dessert, I bring either cupcakes or slab pie.

I made my version of SummerTime Harvest Pie.  This pie has strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, red raspberries, green apples, and peaches.  I omit the top crust for a sour cream topping that is baked.  I feel that this keeps it 'light and sweet'!

here is the card:

When I was photographing this card @ 5a yesterday (no sunshine or full moon light available) I just loved how my white sweater Starbucks coffee-to-go ornament looked sitting next to the card, so I didn't edit it out.  I'm happy I left it.  I think it helps add some warmth to my photo.  {smile}

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  The heavy weight card stock is from Paper Trey Ink.   The polka dot pattern paper, is actually a digital paper that is printed on Linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  

I sponged crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up! to the edges of all the papers and the doily.  I printed a sheet of floral tags (digital), and sentiment cards (digital) onto whisper white card stock, by Stampin' Up!  I layered the sentiment card on top of the floral tag, but left the blossom at the bottom showing, along with the text at the top of the tag.

I added a simple, single border stitch with my sewing machine around the top portion of the card.

I sewn a 'messy' pleat with a 2-inch wide cream cotton embroidered trim.  I then sewn a scrap piece of this pale pink seam binding over the cotton trim.  I didn't wrap the cotton trim or the seam binding around the card.  I wanted it left 'messy' with unfinished edges.

I tied a triple bow with the same pale pink seam binding.  I tied a snowflake dangle embellishment with kraft twine around the seam binding bow.  This 'bow' is adhered to the card front with hot glue.

Viola! done.  Not a ton of embellishments, and not a lot of 'stuff', and my card is done.  A 'quick' (for me) card that was completed in just under an hour.  

I tied each pie with a pink ribbon, and added a tag from the same sheet of tags I printed for this card.  That way, it all looks like it belongs together.  {smile}

Fast Time and Thanks

Howdy!  As some of you may know, I have started running again this year.  I have also started exercising and eating better.  Yeah, a New Year's Resolution.  I'm not incredibly over weight, but I'm not happy with my weight.  So, I decided that I needed to do something about it.  I joined a gym, lost 13pounds.  Not crazy.  I also learned what to eat for a healthy diet, a clean diet, and what foods actually make me feel better.  

My New Year's Resolution was for my happiness.  I have had several rough years at work.  To the point that I thought about quitting every single day.  But, I'm stubborn.  So, I decided, that I needed to do something for me, for my sanity.  And I am super happy I did.  {smile}  

Anyways, back to what I started with: running again this year.  I did a quick and 'dirty' training (6 weeks) for my first half marathon this year - May 1.  Not the greatest time, but one I am happy with.  {smile}  Well, that whole experience has only made me hungry to train harder, run faster, and feel better at my post runs.  So, I signed up for the local Summer Race Series, in Albuquerque.  I did a charity run this past Saturday - Polly's Run.  A quick pace, a quick distance.  5K [3.1 miles @ 36 minutes (11:16 min/mile)]  I also did this race with my bestie - Nichole B.  She has supported me and my 'pacing' since we started running, and I wanted to say 'Thank You'  to her for her enduring support this past Saturday.  So, I made her a card.  She is also a fellow crafter, so she can appreciate the effort and work that goes into making a card.

I stopped by Mojo Monday to use their current sketch, and get my creativity flowing.

here is what I created:

Recipe:  I created a A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")  I used Bashful Blue card stock (retired) by Stampin' Up! for the card base, and the matt.  The navy blue and floral pattern papers are from the same collection: Think To Remember collection by Photo Play Paper Co.

I wrapped a white doily around the upper left corner of the main panel.  The sentiment is from the water color trio stamp set (retired) by Stampin' Up!  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of white card stock.  I hand cut the flag end.  I adhered the sentiment banner with a single staple.  I tied a triple loop bow with pale blue crinkled seam binding and adhered the bow over the staple.  To add a little sparkle, I added a trio of silver sequins.

Clean.  Simple (for me).  And beautiful.  Just like my bestie!  I hope you find some inspiration and play along with the current sketch challenge from Mojo Monday its 'contest' week!

XO's For You

Welcome.  I hope you are having a good first weekend of the year!  Me, I'm doing good.  {smile}  I don't know if it is the 'freedom' I feel, now that my craft room is clean and organized, or I simply found some mojo.  Either way, I will take it!

I visited a favorite sketch challenge blog site this week, Cardabilites, and finally got a chance to sit down at my crafting desk, and whip up a card.  Ok, I don't really 'whip-up' a card.  For those who know me, a 'fast' made card still takes me an hour or so.  This one, a bit longer.  I wanted to use some pattern papers I had already cut.  So, I dug through my scrap box to find: colors that I liked, pattern that went together, and papers that made me smile.  Simple process, really.  Now, I just needed to sit and put it all together.  And that is not always so easy.  Three hearts later, and two different blossom centers, I found created what works for me.  

To start, the sketch looks easy to work with.  Use a doily, add a blossom, and you have your two circle elements.  Well, that isn't exactly the direction I went.  

Recipe:  The card base is crumb cake by Stampin'Up!.  The first text matt is from Melissa Frances.  The next blue matt is a pattern paper I received as part of a prize from playing along with the lovely ladies over @ Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge.  The pink main panel is the only piece of this pattern paper from Bazzill I have left.  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!, adhered them together and then did a purposefully 'sloppy' machine stitch.  I went around the card twice.

My first circle element is a doily.  The doily was cut with a doily die, by Paper Trey Ink, using glitter paper by, Stampin' Up!.  The second circle element is a circle {smile}.  I used a white text, aqua pattern paper I think is from Carta Bella.  (It's another scrap piece.)  I used a die to cut this 2" circle.  For the cluster in the second circle element, I built my piece.  I cut a heart shape from some cream felted wool.  I used a retired heart die, by Stampin' Up!   I cut the same heart shape from some silver polka dot vellum card stock.  The flower shape was cut with another retired die, by Stampin' Up!  I used a small scrap piece of another pattern paper from the collection by Bazzill.  The smaller blossom was cut with the same retired die, by Stampin' Up!, but I used some aqua mist felted wool, by Paper Trey Ink.  I ran this circle collage through my sewing machine, using a simple stitch.  

I tied some cream twine through a cream vintage button, both by Paper Trey Ink.  I used hot glue to attach the button.  The leaves were made with a scrap of green pattern paper from Nostalgia.

I added a scrap piece of cream crochet trim, by Paper Studio.  I didn't have a long enough piece to wrap around the card front.  But after 'playing' with this trim, I found I really like how it doesn't cover the card front.

I didn't add blossoms and banner for my sentiment.  Instead, I made a multi-loop bow with 1/4" silk ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink.  I also cut a tag from Whisper White card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  I used the tiny tag die, by Paper Trey Ink.  I stamped my tag with two sentiments from the same stamp set, by Stampin' Up!.  This set has been retired for over 6 years.  I sponged the edges of the tag with more crumb cake classic ink.  

And finally, to give my card a more feminine feel, I added a collection of white half faux pearls and clear rhinestones.

I originally set out to make a St. Valentine's Day card.  So, that is why the sentiment is 'XO's For You'.  This card will be for sale in my Easy shop, HERE.   I hope you enjoy the rest of your first weekend this year.  I am off to the kitchen to make some fresh bread.  Nothing fancy, just white bread.  But it makes the house smell wonderful! and it tastes amazing!  I'll post a photo on my InstaGram page, HERE.

  

Vintage Blue Clock

~ photo heavy post ~

Yahoo!  I have finally finished my altered assemblage clock!  For some odd, crazy reason, it is super easy for me to start a project.  But, finishing is sometimes a whole different story!  One of my very close crafting girl fiends says that's because I am a perfectionist.  Ok, is that a bad thing?  I love balance, and repetitiveness.    Now I can finish writing my tutorial on altering one of these clocks. (whew)

here is a front view

a few different angels:

I used several different stamps and stamped directionally onto the clock.  I added a variety of paper blossoms, rhinestones, and pearls.  The banner is made from taupe linen.  I started the fabric to make it stiff, and machine stitched the pattern paper pennants to the fabric.  

Thank you for stopping by.  This clock will be for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.  It if doesn't sell by craft fair time, it will be at the fairs.

I hope you have been inspired to alter, decorate, or simply repurpose an unused household item!

Table Set

~ photo heavy post ~

Whew.  Sorry for the tardiness of this post.  Life has gotten in the way of my crafting {smile}.  Hate when that happens.  

Anyways, I wanted to share with you how I did my plates for this years hosting of Bunco.  I wanted the table set to match my overall style and theme: farmland.  So, I selected a clear plate.  Pinterest had a lot of great images of doilies and clear plates.  However, they were all loose doilies.  I wanted my doily to 'stick' to the plate.  Because I plan on layering the plates.  (Also, another image I found on Pinterest.)  

I have to admit, I am addicted loving Pinterest.  Anyways, I decided to get the look I really wanted by doing a reverse decoupage technique to 'stick' the doily to the clear plate.  That way, the doily would go with the top (clear) plate, and then the user have another plate incase they needed another plate for seconds, or whatever.  However, I didn't want the bottom plate to be non-usable because of contaminants from the glue on the doily.

So, I applied spray adhesive to the middle of the doily, let it dry completely.  Then applied Mod Podge to the back side of the doily, to add some sticking power to the doily and clear plate.  It also sealed the doily to the clear plate, so there wouldn't be any lingering contamination seeping through the doily onto the bottom plate.

So, this 'farmland' color scheme is a sweet pink, a nice aqua mist blue, white, and silver.  So, I decided on using silver solo cups to tie into the metallic silver on the home-made napkin rings.  I added pink polka dot paper straws, and added a small strip of aqua mist blue diagonal stipe washi tape.  Since this tape is a bit transparent, the diagonal lines on both sides, look like gingham patterns. And, to make it all work, and look like it actually belongs, I selected a silver paper plate.  The clear plate is 9" circle.  So, I selected a 10.5" circle silver paper plate.  That way, the bottom plate, looks like a charger.  A bit more classy.  The plastic flatware I used has a metallic silver shine to it.  It looks like actually flatware, and not plastic.  Another touch to improve the overall look: picnic to party!  

The continuum of paper, plastic, metal, burlap, lace, and ribbon through out the overall table setting, along with the mix of patterns, (but keeping with the same color scheme) helps keep the table setting coordinated, and gives it some visual interest.  If everything matches, items get lost in the overall landscape. (blue plates, blue table cloth, blue flatware, blue napkins, regardless of the mix of materials.)

Also, I added these sweet, fabulous broaches to the bows on the floral arrangements.  I thought they also needed a little bling, to help tie in the silver metallic additions.

The broaches came from China, so I did have to order these 3 weeks in advance.  However, please be aware, that international shipping, does take a while.  So, the lesson I learned from this, is to actually have a finished plan.  

Here are the table number holders that I had shared with you earlier: altered salt shakers.  I made button cards, to label the tables {smile}.  [these will be for sale in my Etsy shop soon.]

I altered the salt shakers a few weeks before I knew what I was going to do for the table numbers.  But, I still love them {smile}.  The salt shakers look similar, so they look like they belong, and the table numbers are all button cards, but with a different color.  Additionally, the colors do work with the color scheme.  So, it gives them that 'looks like they belong' look, gotta love that!

Oops!  I forgot a photo of the dessert table.  So, here we go!  Yeah, I am a fan of choices.  So, there are three (yeah, 3!) desserts.  Also, I did the reverse decoupage on the dessert plates and added tiny tasting folks into mini canning jars!  [keeping the country shabby-chic charm of my party theme: farmland.]

From left to right.  A mixed berry pie (strawberry, blueberry and black berries).  Lemon bundt cakes.  And peach cobblers.  All are individually sized.  That way they are portable.  And sharable with the right person!
I took dollar store cookie trays and spray painted them a cream color.  I added a piece of pink gingham parchment paper under the food items.  I took small pink and blue distressed frames to hold the dessert name.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Hopefully, you return tomorrow to see more prizes.  Beware, these next few posts (3), the photography is less than desirable.  However, I wasn't able to double check these before entertaining. {frown}

Blissful Wedding Wishes

Oh, my face is red.  I was suppose to post this card on Monday, for you to look at.  But, I got busy and a bit side tracked.  Anyways, I needed a card for a good friends daughter wedding.  So, I went to two of my favorite challenge sites for inspiration and direction.

My first stop was Cardabilities #96.  I stopped there for their sketches.  I just love them!

Ok, now i need a bit of inspiration and a few requirements.  So, I headed over to another favorite challenge blog:  the Shabby Tea Room.  This challenge blog has some great design team members.

Here is their inspirational photo and requirements:

the theme for this challenge blog is Pretty in Pink.  The required elements are: white and/or cream, pink, green, flowers, lace and/or ribbon.  

Once I saw this inspiration photo, I just fell in love with the fabric blossoms.  They are so gorgeous! and the layers of lace and trim is so pretty, too!

Another card, that I didn't do a lot of stamping.  Just the sentiment: Love.  I distressed the edges of the tag with a sponge and classic ink.

I used a font pattern paper by Melissa Frances for the main panel.  I just love this paper.  It's so vintage.  I added some machine stitching along the edges, to add some home-made-ness to it {smile}.

I added a paper doily to the top of the card.  I wrapped a piece of retired lace trim across the card front.  I machine sewn some light green seam binding across the lace trim.  I thought it added a sweet touch.

I tied on a multi-loop bow using the light green seam binding.  I tied a button and sentiment tag to the bow with some cream twine.  

I tucked two cream fabric blossom shapes in with the pink blossoms.  

I added a white button just below the large pink blossom.

I added some fabric blossoms to the front of the card.  

I added three tiny silver glitter butterflies and three clear sequins.  I think this card turned out sweet, and perfect for a bridal shower.

Now, head over to these two challenge blogs, get inspired, and play along!
this card was selected as an honorable mention over @ the Shabby Tea Room, here.

Trio of Card-Gift Combos

I have to say, making these Card-Gift Combo's, is a lot of fun! 

Whew, I have been busy making some paper crafts for my upcoming Spring Craft Fair @ Albuquerque Christian School, in March.  Ugh, next month.  So, as you can imagine, I'm crafting every chance I can.   One of the new items at my booth, are these adorable Card-Gift Combos.  I've featured several of these little beauties here, here, and here.  Not to mention the one I made this week.

If you are a new visitor, These little beauties, open like a card, but they store a drawer, that can potentially hold a gift.  The drawer has a lot of versatilities.  You can store hand-made embellishments, a necklace, a bracelet , a gift card, a set of movie tickets, event tickets, a hand-made ornament, etc.  See, a lot of potential {smile}.

I love to mix patterns and colors.

to celebrate almost any occasion 

another any occasion ticket

no sentiment, so you can add your own

I love to mix pattern papers, and to added different and interesting embellishments.  But, I have noticed through the years, that if I sit and make several of the same items, they all begin to look alike.  So, I am taking a break from making these little beauties.

Today, I will be working on some altered magnetic initials.  And yeah, I will be selling these, too.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have found something you like, and maybe be inspired to create something, too!

Trio of Blossoms

Happy Friday!  Well, it's time for another sketch from Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Tammy, is the designer of this weeks sketch.  I have to admit, I welcome a clean and simple sketch.  This cold is really kicking my butt.  I can't seem to focus, or concentrate too long.

I copied the sketch literally.

I used Pool Party DSP for the main panel.  I just love polka dots!  Instead of a top note shape, I used half a doily.  I stamped the blossoms from the Fabulous Florets stamp set, in Versa Mark ink, and heat embossed with white embossing powder on shimmer white card stock.  I used my aqua painter and pool party re-inker to water color the blossoms.  I used my detail scissors and fussy cut them out.  

I used silver glitter paper and the leaf die to create the foliage.  

I wrapped Pool Party seam binding around the card front and tied a simple bow.  I wanted to jazz up the bow, but nothing I had or thought of, worked.  So, its left plain.

I wanted to add a sentiment, so I made a thin banner.  For the sentiment, I stamped some words from the Gifts of Kindness stamp set.

I did add a single pearl jewel to the center of each blossom.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see what you create with our sketch, this week!