Patience

Howdy! I hope you had a good weekend.  We celebrated Labor Day, yesterday, here in the United States of America.  I had a wonderful weekend.  I did about everything I set out to accomplish.  So that always feels good.

I created a card during my break from 'work' (aka my paying job) and did some crafting.  So, that always makes me smile! {smile}   

A lovely lady, Karen L. had posted the sweetest compliment ever! on a recent post, and suggested that I give her card challenge (Word Art Wednesday) a go.  So, I did.  But, before I show you what I made, I have to admit, that I needed a bit of direction on my creation.  

I stopped by one of my favorite sketch challenge sites, Cardabilities and here is this weeks sketch:

I don't know about you, but I am a FAN of the banner.  Love it.  Don't know exactly why, but I do.

And here is this weeks challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday (challenges inspired by God's word):  

and here is what I created:

I was touched by the write up of the verse.  I don't know about you, but I really do need to learn to slow down, be patient, and give thanks for the moment.  I finally used this beautiful pattern paper I purchased from Poland - Lemon Crafts.  I used the pattern paper and paper blossoms from the collection.  I used a scrap piece of white trim, and white seam binding.  I created a simple bow, die cut some leaves, and distressed the blossom petal tips with white distress paint and diamond glitter.  I did some machine stitching (zig zag) to adhere the trim and seam binding to my banner piece.  I sponged all the edges of paper (pattern and solid card stock) with crumb cake classic ink.  I added a trio of sequins and tiny half faux pearls.
The card is too bulky to fit in an A2 size envelope, so I decorated a large glassine bag to hold the card.  And yeah, this little gem will be for sale in my Etsy shop, HERE.
I hope your week is good.  And don't forget to appreciate what you have, where you are, who loves you, and have patience with everyone around you.

Shabby Vintage Halloween

Good Morning!  A super quick post, I am running late for an appointment.  Anyways, I have made a paper craft kit for Halloween, that will be for sale in my Etsy shop, later today, for $12.00.

But, I wanted to give you a quick look.  I created two Halloween themed cards, and a goodie bag embellishment.  The two cards are my typical shabby style and cottage chic style cards.  One is more feminine than the other, but both are pretty.  The goodie bag embellishment is more retro.

For those who know me, I have an infinity for florals and polka dot pattern papers.  My favorite color is pink, and a soft aqua blue {smile}.
In this kit, I will include all card stock, pattern paper, and instruction sheet.  

For the cards:  You will need to cut your own flag ends.  I will cut all scallop pieces.  You will have to do your own distressing.  I will stamp the raven image in classic ink.  The girl pumpkin image is heat embossed, so you will need to do your own coloring.  All ribbon is pre-cut, however, you will need to tie your own bows.  

For the goodie bag embellishment:  The clothes pin will arrive glittered with black glitter.  I will also include the glassine bag.   The image you receive will vary, as this image is not the only one available on the pattern paper.  However, in each kit, two images are provided.

Not provided:  adhesive, foam tape, and the stamped sentiments: 'happy halloween' and 'boo!'.  However, I will provide you with cardstock, so you may stamp your own.  

Spring Window #167

Whew.  A welcome break to the daily grind.  It's good to schlep around the house and wonder in and out of my craft room.  I'm hope you get a chance to relax in whatever fashion you desire.  But, please do not forget the true meaning of this holiday.   As tomorrow is Memorial Day, so please take a moment to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have.

Earlier this week, I saw this fabulous paper craft challenge over @ the Shabby Tea Room, and let me say, my heart sang.   The inspiration photo is amazing!  When I first saw it, my mind already decided on the pattern paper that I wanted to use; Melissa Frances.  So, here is the inspiration photo:

See what I mean?  The colors are crisp and delightful.  It gives me a sense of warm and home.  Here is what I made.  Alert: not my typical card.  It's kinda simple.

The pale aqua honey comb pattern paper, as well as the collage and hydrangea pattern papers are all from Melissa Frances.  Her papers are soft in color and simply beautiful to look at (smile).  I matted the honey comb pattern paper onto a piece of white cardstock.  I really wanted the white in the pattern paper to pop.  I machine stitched the top half of the card.  I felt it was 'missing' something, and basically I still do.  The collage pattern paper is Pink Lady.  I cut 3/4" strips and flagged the ends, to create a banner.  Then I lined the up, alternating the heights.  I cut a piece of silver glimmer paper with a scallop edge.  I wanted some sparkle, but not a glob.  I added a thin crochet trim piece to soften the shine.  I edged a cream button with picket fence distressing paint and added dazzling diamond glitter, while the paint was still wet.  I tied a piece of cream twine through the button and made a simple bow.

I die cut a top note shape piece of chip board and a piece of Hydrangea pattern paper.  Adhered the two pieces together.  The window is from Prima Marketing.  One of their resin pieces.  Love the simple look, not too ornate, just a bit rustic.  

The blossoms were made my hand.  I used a die from Heartfelt Creations.  I die cut several pieces in a pale plum and plum card stocks.  I used a stylus to create the bends in the petals.  I edged the petals with picket fence distressing paint and dazzling diamond glitter.  I used a white brad to hold the blossom together.  The leaves were made with a sizzix leaf die.  I cut two.  I used my stylus to ends of the leaves, to give them some 'life'.  When they are just cut, they are pretty 'flat'.

I used foam tape on the top half of the top note shaped piece.  The glimmer paper and crochet trim make a high spot in the middle of the card.

The butterfly comes from the Kindness Matters stamp set.  I stamped it onto very vanilla card stock and added just a schmiggen of color to the body.  I fussy cut it out.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink to the edges to help camouflage the outline of the butterfly and the scissor cut edge.

I stamped a tiny sentiment on the lower corner of the card. It actually comes from Button Boutique by Paper Trey Ink.  Because of the height of the paper blossoms and the fact that some of the leaves hang off the edge of the card, I decided to create an 'envelope' using a large glassine bag and an altered clothes pin.  I thought it would be a 'fun' way to give this card {smile}.

I hope you get a chance to play along in whatever challenge inspires you.  But, if you need some inspiration, please stop by the the Shabby Tea Room.  Their design team is incredibly talented and sure to give you some eye candy to oogle over.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day.  And to all those serving our country, past and present; Thank You for your service and sacrifice, from the bottom of my heart.