the Little Things

Happy Saturday!  I hope you are all well.  I'm busy just like usual.  But, I did carve out some quality crafting time.  The talented Paula over @ Our Creative Corner, have a creative sketch for you to play with this week.  When I first saw the sketch, I was a little intimidated.  But, hey, it's called a challenge, so here it goes:

Here is what I came up with:

I started working on this card, with the thought of creating a sweet card, that had a shabby chic feel to it.  I also wanted to add my own touches, without over doing it.  Here is the card recipe:

I used some of my favorite pattern papers.  The green pattern paper is Rose Garden by EP.  The two pink pattern papers are from the Lovely collection by Authentique.  The two different shades of pink paper is actually the opposite side of the two pink pattern papers.  I used my Top Note die from Stampin' Up! to cut the dark pink paper.  I used my Tasteful Trim die from Stampin' Up! to cut the light pink paper.  I ran my card through my sewing machine, and stitched along both edges of the pink floral pattern paper.

For the label piece, I used the decorative label die from the Lots of Tags die set, to cut the dark pink label piece.   The inner label piece is very vanilla card stock.   I stamped the flourish in crumb cake classic ink.  The flourish stamp came from the Established Elegance stamp set.  I then stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  The sentiment is from the Little Things stamp set by Unity Stamps. 

I tied some cream twine from Paper Trey Ink, through a vintage button by Paper Trey Ink.

I had a scrap piece of cream dyed crochet trim along the lower edge.  I hand-dyed some seam binding with my Blush re-inker, by Paper Trey Ink.  I machine stitched these two trims together.  Then, I tied a multi-loop bow with the Blush seam binding.  I added a pearl brad by Recollections to the center of the bow.  I added a 'hand-crafted' tag to the trim.  

I hope the design team has inspired you, and you have a chance to play along with us @ OCC.

love it? This card can be purchased here

Embellished Friend

Happy Friday!  I hope you are all well.  The new year has started with a fast pace.  But, I did carve out a few hours to do some crafting.  It's funny, you can be super swamped with a thousand obligations, and just sitting down at your craft table can bring a sense of focus, calm.

Tammy, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday has created a wonderful sketch for you to try.  The sketch has a lot of potential.  As you will see from the design team, the sketch can be used for a Clean and Simple design, or a layered embellished design, and everything in-between!

here is the sketch:

here is what I crafted:

This card was a lot of fun to create.  However, now that I look at it, there seams to be something missing.  Don't know what, and I couldn't figure it out when I was crafting.  I really wanted to add a button or two, a pleated piece of ribbon, or bakers twine, or something.  Here is my 'done' card.   The card base is Calypso Coral card stock.  I just love this color of pink-orange.  I added some new DSP.  The green pattern and the floral pattern paper is the same paper, just both sides.  The new DSP is called Tea for Two DSP.  This paper is very versatile.  

I matted the floral pattern paper on very vanilla card stock.  I added a scallop trim border done in Lucky Limeade card stock.  I used the scallop trim border punch.

The small doily is actually a stamp.  Very pretty and delicate.  I did a second generation stamp for the doily.  I cut the doily out with a pair of detail scissors and then sponged the edges with grey classic ink.  

For the 'button' I stamped the crown image from the Established Elegance stamp set in Calypso Coral classic ink and used the 1 3/8" circle punch.  I stamped the 'admit one' ticket in Lucky Limeade classic ink, and then used the ticket punch.  For the banner, I used very vanilla card stock and used the cone die for the banner piece.  I stamped the '{friend to friend}' in basic black classic ink.

I hope that you have a chance to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see what you create with our sketch this week!

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

Established Material

On this Tuesday, the design team @ Nacho Average Challenge have a color challenge for you to try.  The thing that I love about color challenges, is that you can use any stamp set, or layout, to create your master piece.  And, well, the color challenge this week, just happens to use one of my all time favorite color combinations.  Here is this week's color challenge, #18:

I love how soft suede and calypso coral look together.  And well, throw in some summer starfruit, and you have a great pop of color!  Here is what I created:

I started with a card base made from crumb cake card stock.  I then added a layer of soft suede and calypso coral.  I stacked a piece of first edition dsp, neutrals dsp, and comfort cafe dsp.

I stamped the dress form in soft suede onto very vanilla card stock.  I stamped the sewing label in calypso coral classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, and then matted that circle onto crumb cake card stock.  I rubbed some very vanilla craft ink onto a weeded button and used my heat gun to set the ink.  I made a multi-loop bow with very vanilla seam binding, that I crinkled myself.  

I did some faux stitching at various places on this card.  I did a criss cross stitch on two dsp papers.  And a straight stitch around the main panel.  

I hope that we have inspired you, and find some time to create and play along with us @ Nacho Average Challenge.  

Thinking of You

Happy Friday!  It's time again for another blog hop from Sketch Frenzy Friday.  The wonderful Deb C. has provided us with a this week's sketch: 

Deb has provided us with a very user-friendly sketch.  There is a lot of different possibilities to create something special, unique, and pretty.  Here is what I did with this sketch:

I wanted to make something pink and something vintage.  So, here it is!  I used crumb cake card stock as the base.  I added a panel of pink pirouette card stock under the First Edition DSP panel.  I stamped on the text paper.  I stamped a flourish in crumb cake classic ink.  Along with a splatter mark in pink pirouette classic ink.  I stamped the pen top in various lengths in basic black classic ink.  I wanted the text paper to be 'dressed-up' and a bit classy.

I stamped the typewriter in basic black onto a piece of very vanilla card stock.  I stamped the splatter in pink pirouette classic ink along two of the edges.  I also sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  The blossom was made from a retired emosslit: Birds & Blooms.  I crumpled the blossom and stacked them off-set.  For the center of the blossom, I added the small vintage faceted button tied with linen thread into a bow.

For the sentiment, I used a retired stamp set: Bird on a Branch.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink and sponged the edges (again) with crumb cake classic ink.  I used a square punch to create the banner ends.  I used a row of dimensions to pop the sentiment banner off the card front.  

Finally, I gave the whole card a sprtiz of vanilla smooch.

Now, head on over to Tammy F.'s blog to see what she has created with this fabulous sketch.  And don't forget to visit the blogs of the other design team members.  I'm sure that you will be inspired to play along with us @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Wedding Music

The weekend is upon us, and it's a beautiful day, today! The sun is shining and there are snow clouds in the sky.  It's a good day, to sit in my craft room, with the blinds open and view is beautiful.  I'm not sure how you craft, but me, I listen to music.  All kinds of music, everything from Van Morrison, Poco, to Creed.  And we all know how music changes your mood.  A nice simple beat of regae can turn an otherwise 'rough' day, into something 'happy'.  And the fast beat of metal can cause you to drive faster, and a bit more aggressive.  Well, for me, the same is true with how music can influence my crafting.  I tend to listen to 'old' music to create a calmer mood in my craft room.  It allows me to think clearer and not rushed.  

The reason I rambled on about music, is because Holly over @ Our Creative Corner, has asked us to: "take inspiration from a song and work it into any papercraft project you'd like. Just make sure your post includes the song title (and if possible the artist) that inspired you!"  What a creative idea!

Here is my card:

Angel from Montgomery by Bonnie Raitt

I wanted to make something 'pretty' and I wanted to use this fabulous sketch @ Sasya-Sketch, here:

I know, I wasn't very creative with this sketch.  But, it was just so beautiful, that I wanted to use it, in its original state.  No flipping, no changes, just keep it as is.

This card is also another one of my collaborations of a 'million' products.  No restrictions, just create.  So, here we go.  

I used pattern paper from Cosmo Cricket.  I used solid card stock from Paper Trey Ink and Stampin' Up!.  I used ink from Paper Trey Ink and CTMH.  I used crochet trim from Paper Studios.  My main flower is a collaboration from several.  The yellow one is from a company that is no longer around.  The white one, is a 'naked' flower mean for 'coloring'.  The next white flower below that one is one I cut from waffle paper and then adding dazzling diamond glitter to the tips.  The two white leaves came from a wedding floral sprig.  The tiny yellow flower comes from Webster's Pages.  The tag comes from Melissa Frances.  The buttons are a collection of Amuse Studios, Paper Trey Ink, and CTMH.  The stamps are from Stampin' Up! and Amuse Studios.  The label is from Amuse Studios.  I used a distress paint on the edges of the pattern paper pieces.  I made a cluster of various rhinestones at the top of the main flower.  The large half faux pearl was added at the end of this creation.  I added a string of half faux pearls to the bottom of the sentiment, and wanted to continue that elegance, that softness.  I think the scrap piece of crochet trim helped.

Thank you for stopping by.  Leave me a comment, I'd love to know what types of music help you create!

My Sketch

I can't believe that it is already Friday.  Wow, this month is screaming by.  I hope this post finds you all well, and happy.  I created the sketch this week over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Yeah, it's mine.  I hope you all can play along with us.  We would love to see what you create with this sketch and your Stampin' Up! materials.

Here's the sketch:

I wanted to use some new designer series paper, so I selected a new paper that is being featured in the Occasions Mini catalog; Attic Boutique DSP. 
Here is what I came up with:

I don't think that anyone is surprised that I have used a favorite stamp set of mine:  Established Elegance.  I just love the graphics on these images.  Very pretty, lovely vintage, and clean, crisp lines.  I stamped the maniquin in soft suede classic ink.  The flourish is a second generation stamp of baja breeze classic ink.  The crown is stamped in daffodil delight classic ink.  The 'label' is sahara sand classic ink.  I selected those colors based on the colors used in the pattern paper.  I just loved the pool party color, so that is why I selected the pool and white pattern paper, too.  I stamped the circle in very vanilla craft and heat embossed with clear powder.  I just love the new buttons, so I tied some white bakers twine through it, and then used a glue dot to hold it to the cardstock circle.  I added foam tape to the back to lift the circle off the card.  The 'congratulations' stamp is from a wedding set.  The inside of the card is blank, so you can say congrats on any new news!

Stop by Tammy B.'s blog and see what she has created.  Then continue the blog hop to see what all these fabulous ladies have created with my sketch!

I hope to see your creations!

Antique

My craft fair season is winding down.  I have two craft fairs left.  One tomorrow and one on Saturday.  Whew.  This has been a busy time.  But, I hope you have carved out some paper crafting time for yourself!  And, if you need a little inspiration or a challenge to play along with, check out Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Not only do you get to use all those fabulous Stampin' Up! supplies, but you also get to exercise your creativity.

Here is the sketch:

Here is what I made:

So, I'm sure that it is not a surprise that I used Timeless Treasures, and Elegance Established stamp sets.  I wanted the card to look 'old', like you stumbled upon it in the attic.  So, I sprayed some Log Cabin smooch on the one corner.  I also wanted some twinkle, so I added a short strip of rhinestones.  The seam binding has been crinkled to continue the 'look'.

Continue this blog hop, and stop by Tammy B.'s blog to see what she has created!  So, break out your Stampin' Up! supplies and create a paper craft item! and share with us! we'd love to see what you do!

Typed Christmas

'Tis the season.  I'm making another Christmas card.  This one is an invitation for all my Stampin' Up! Hostess's this year (2011).  For this card, I used all Stampin' Up! supplies.

I have an infinity for 'vintage' style.  So, when Established Elegance stamp set, came out, I had to get it! I paired it with this fabulous Christmas stamp set.  The pattern paper is Christmas Lane.  I've seen some holiday pattern paper with these fabulous red glitter swirls and just thought they were very beautiful and added just the right amount of sparkle and elegance.  So, I made my own.  I stamped the snow flake in Versa Mark.  Added heat and stick embossing powder, heat embossed, and then added the Real Red Glitter.  Viola!

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you visit again, soon!  Hugs.

hand-crafted Thank You

Happy Wednesday!  It's hump day, and that means we are half-way thru the week!  So, do you have any plans?  Me, I'm crafting every chance I get.  I two craft fairs coming up this weekend.  And then 2 more right after Thanksgiving.  So, I'm paper crafting like a crazy person.

The wonderful ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge, have another wonderful, user-friendly sketch for us to work with.  I encourage you to play along with us.  

This is week #13, and here is the sketch:

This sketch has alot of potential!  For the matts, you can use pattern paper, solid cardstock, or any variation in-between.  For the rectangle in the middle, I used a tag shape.  You can use a  rectangle/oval/tag, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  And the ribbon can be replaced with crochet trim, a strip of paper, or twine.  The sentiment doesn't have to be stamped right on  your paper piece.  As you will see, myself and at least one other design team member, made a little tag.  Now break out your Stampin' Up! supplies, and create something uniquely you!

Here is my card:

I used all scraps to make this card.  Now I figure no one is surprised that I used the Spice Cake DSP and the First Edition DSP, right?  These two pattern papers have got to be my all-time favorite!  And yeah, I'm almost out.  I used three different stamp sets; one for each sentiment.  The tag in the middle came from a scrappin' kit: tea time.  I used one of the tiny safety pins from the vintage trinckets to hold the tags together.  Both tags are adhered to the card with foam tape.   I used sahara sand and pool party texture cardstock for my matting.  The card base is soft suede.  The crochet trim is a 'poor man's bow'.  I also added some faux half-pearls to continue the feminine feel of the card. 

Thank you for looking.  Hope you play along.  :)

It's Friday!  that means two things for me.  First, the wonderfully talented folks over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday have a sketch challenge for us.  And second, my husband is the best man, in a wedding this weekend.  So, we get to get all dressed up, and attend a beautiful event  But, before we head into the weekend, Kim Innis has this fabulous sketch:

Here is my card:

Before we get into the card recipe, please stop by Tammy B.'s blog to see what she has created.

Now, back to the card.  I used the Beau Chateau DSP, First Edition DSP, and Creative Elements and Established Elegance stamp sets.  Shocking, huh?  I used Crumb Cake and Soft Suede cardstock.  I have to admit, these two cardstocks are my all time favorites. :)  

I stamped the larger random swirl and the 'No. 3' in Crumb Cake classic ink onto the First Edition DSP.  For my circles, I stamp the seal in Marina Mist classic ink and used the 1 1/4" circle punch.  Stamped the crown in Soft Suede classic ink, and used the  1 3/8" circle punch.  I punched a circle with the 1 3/4" circle, then stamped the body form in Crumb Cake classic ink, the swirl in a 2nd generation stamp in Baja Breeze classic ink.  The fountain tip is Soft Suede classic ink, and the Established is stamped in Sahara Sand classic ink.   

For the ribbon, I used Baja Breeze seam binding.  I frayed one end, and pulled one thread to create the scrunchy.  

For the sentiment, I stamped the saying in Soft Suede classic ink, and added a faux half-pearl at each end.  

To give my card that aged look, I sprayed some water in the upper right corner and scrunched the DSP.  I also sponged every thing in Sahara Sand classic ink.

Thank you for stopping by.  I will post some photos on the Bunco prizes I created soon.  Possibly next week.   Have a wonderful Friday, and a safe weekend.  And, please play along with us @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Triple Challenge

Happy Saturday to you!  To me, the best part of the weekend, is not sleeping in, but rather getting into my craft room and 'playing' for several hours! and this weekend is no exception!  I have 11 gifts to create by Wednesday, so I need to get crafting.  I will post photos on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for sure.  The rest of the week, I have design challenges, but who knows, there may be two posts on any of those days :)

The wonderfully talented Holly is our hostess this week from Our Creative Corner.  Holly, has a clever challenge for us: she wants us to stamp on our pattern paper and create something new.  I know what you're thinking, 'this should be easy, because I stamp on pattern paper alot.'  Well, it was a bit of a struggle for me, but once I got started, it was like riding that old bike!

I also used some inspiration from two other challenges: Mojo Monday for a sketch, and CR84FN  for a color challenge.  Here are their inspiration boards:

And here is the card I made for all three challenges:

So, for this card, I used a hundred different products.  Sorry.  It was a collaboration of what I have on hand in the craft room.  I didn't want to go out and buy anything.  Boy, does that make me sound cheap!  Ok, I'm a super big fan of Stampin' Up! so I used quite a bit from them.  

Cardstock:  soft suede, bashful blue, first edition DSP, beau chateau DSP, and bashful blue DSP.  Also, a scrap piece of a soft blue pattern paper.

Ink:  classic inks: soft suede, tempting turquoise, sahara sand, bashful blue, early espresso.

Stamp sets: friends 24-7 (flourish), established elegance (body form, and  small flourish), kindness matters (butterflies), clearly for you (butterfly, No. 5, and Amour),    you're a gem (friend), hero arts (clock, and swirl).

Misc. items: SU! rhinestones, tim holtz embossing folder, spare parts crochet trim, prima flower, and the push pin was created with a variety of different items: the pin came from wal mart,  the pearl is from my stash, and the square rhinestone bead is from a big box store.

I sprayed the whole card with some home-made shimmer mist: rubbing alcohol, sahara sand classic ink re-inker, and champagne shimmer paint.

I love to create unique and pretty things, and I'm sure you do too.  So, join us over at Our Creative Corner for this weeks challenge: stamp on pattern paper to change the original look, and create something unique and pretty, and share it with us!  

Have a wonderfully fun, and relaxing weekend!  Let me know what your plans are.  And be safe, we cherish you!

Take Note, it's Friday!

Yahoo! It's Friday!  The weekend is almost here, and the talented ladies over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, have a sketch for you to try!  This week's sketch, is brought to us by Jennifer Weide.  And don't forget to stop by Tammy Baldwin's blog, to see what she has created!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

So, I wanted to use the same package of DSP that I opened a few weeks ago.  The blue pattern paper, and the rooster pattern paper are from the Beau Chateau DSP package.  I used the vintage wall paper embossing folder on the blue pattern paper to give it some more texture.  I used the tag die to cut the rooster paper.  I stamped the large notebook flourish in black craft ink and used clear embossing powder, then I heat set it.  I stamped the words and the body form in soft suede classic ink.  I stamped the crown in marina mist classic ink.  I edged both pieces in Early Espresso classic ink.  I stamped the oval piece in early espresso classic ink, the crown in blushing bride classic ink, and the 'for you' in soft suede classic ink.  I crumpled the baja breeze seam binding to give it that worn-look.  I took a piece of vanilla seam binding and dyed it with pink pirouette classic ink.  I squished the two multi-bows under the vintage brad.  I wanted to give my card some sparkle.  So, I added three tiny rhinestones; 2 randomly and the third on the oval tag.

Thank you for taking a look at my card.  Now, with the inspiration you have received from the design team, make a card using our sketch and your Stampin' Up! products, and lets see what you make!

CREATE with the Stampin' Queens

Happy Wednesday to you!  The Stampin' Queens have another very user-friendly sketch!  So, head on over to the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge blog, to see what that super creative design team have created!  Just remember to use your Stampin' Up! paper crafting supplies!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

Have I said how much I'm loving this Beau Chateau DSP?  Well, I'm a super big fan!  This paper has beautiful floral images, and fun different french farm patterns, that work super well together.  I believe this pattern paper has that vintage feel that I am soo loving right now.  

I used the Established Elegance stamp set and Beau Chateau DSP during last weeks Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  I have decided to use the same package of DSP and stamp set, for this week's challenge., too  I added a few different items tho, like Marina Mist cardstock, vintage hardware, and the Creative Elements stamp set.  I used the other crochet trim, and a different crumb cake ribbon.  

To help my card have that vintage feel, I scrunched a small section of the paper and gave my card some sponging on the edges.  I also added a few squirts of Lob Cabin and Vanilla Shimmer Smooch.

I did wad up the seam binding before I adhered it to the card.  I thought that if the seam binding was smooth, it would look 'new' and not 'worn'.   It's pretty simple, spray the seam binding with some water and roll between your palms.  I also tied on a double bow.  I thought it gave the card some pizzazz.  The two faux half-pearls were 'colored' with smooch.

I hope that you get a chance to play along with us Stampin' Queens!

Stampin' Queens 1st Sketch Challenge!

It's Wednesday, and that means that its time for the sketch challenge over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge  blog.  To make this sketch extra special, its the FIRST sketch for this challenge site!  This fantastic group of ladies love working with Stampin' Up! supplies and products.  So, we provide you with a sketch, and we welcome your submission of paper crafting projects using Stampin' Up! products and supplies!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

The sketch shows a square card.  My guess is that its a 5" x 5" card.  I kept my card a typical A2 card.  

I used the wonderful Beau Chateau DSP.  I just love it!  I also used  two stamp sets: Established Elegance and Tiny Tags.  I used the images from Established Elegance on the square very vanilla panel.  I used the Tiny Tags set on the small circle piece.  I used River Rock cardstock as my card base.  I used Pink Pirouette and Soft Suede cardstocks as my various mats.  There is a scrap piece of First Edition DSP die cut with the larger scallop trim.  I wrapped the thinner crochet trim around the card and tied a simple knot.  I also tied a scrap piece of Crumb Cake seam binding around the knot.  I then frayed the ends of the various trims to give them a 'worn-look'.  I sponged all the paper edges with Sahara Sand classic ink.  I also did some distressing on various pieces with the thread cutter in the distressing kit.  I used foam tape on both the square stamped piece and the round stamped piece.   I also added some faux stitching along the right side of the card.  (If you look closely to the sketch, it is there.)

Like I said, this is the FIRST sketch for the Stampin' Queens!  So, please join us!  We'd love to see what you create!  Use your Stampin' Up! supplies and products and play with us!