Happy Moments of Spring

Hello.  Welcome.  I want to share an altered notebook I hand-crafted.  I started with an ugly notebook I found in a $1 bin, and decorated it, to give it a new look! and I am super happy with how it turned out!  I am entering my altered/decorated notebook in three different challenges (one in the US, and 2 overseas).

My first stop was the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  They use a tic tac board, and you choose which row you are working with.  Super fun, and it gives you options {smile}.

I went diagonal with Floral, Gold/Silver, & Sequins

My next stop is a new favorite challenge site from Russia.  They also have a translate button, so it really makes it easier to play along: Paper Story.  They have given us an inspiration board, and you pick what inspires you.  You gotta love that!  Their theme:  sweet inspiration

inspired by the colors, and blossoms

and finally, my last stop is at SaratovScrap.  They have given us an inspiration board as well.  Their theme is:  March banner, freshness of the spring day, tenderness of the first flowers, letters about love.

inspired by the softness, the colors, the blossoms, and the notecard

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used a pink and cream pattern paper from Bazzil.  I loved how the random pattern was vague and pretty at the same time.  I had a scrap piece of a digital floral pattern paper, that was just the right size to matt with kraft card stock.  I added cut pieces of different 'tickets', and layered them. 

At the top, I added a scrap piece of cream cotton trim.  I wanted to bring out the pale aqua color in one of the tickets, so I added a scrap piece of an aqua and cream pattern paper and layered a cream text pattern paper on top.  I also added a 'notebook tab' piece of aqua and cream polka dot pattern paper to the top left of the notebook.

I loved the floral pattern from the cream cotton trim, so I added a cream button with the same design to the top of a double bow of pale pink seam binding.  I tied the button to the bow with kraft twine, to help add a little contrast, softly.

The fabric blossom is actually a warm taupe shade, to help help blend it into the background, and not take center stage.  I added a pair of champagne glitter leaves to the blossom, to help add some sparkle.

I added a pair of flat buttons tied with the same kraft twine.  I also added 5 pale pink sequins, to help add a little more pink (my favorite color).  I wanted more sparkle, and found a short piece of rhinestone trim, and so I added it to the  bottom of the top 'ticket'.  

I added a 'hair tie' to the bottom of the notebook, to hold it close.  I just love the pale taupe color and the sparkles is just a bonus.  I did some machine stitching to help hold the pieces together, and to give it a homespun feeling.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenge sites!  

Sweet Little Moments Card

Welcome.  I'm so happy that you had a chance to stop by {smile}.  I needed to make a card for a friend who is having a birthday this week.  And I needed a little direction, so I stopped by two Russian paper challenge sites, and one of my favorites here in the USA.

My first stop is @ CharmedScrap.  This challenge site, is from Russia.  They do not have a translate button, but there is always Google Translate {smile}.  CharmedScrap, gives you either a mood board, or sketches.  I  love their sketches, because they include layers and little pieces of interest.  Here is their current sketch:

My next stop is @ InterNitka.  This challenge site, is from Russia also.  And again, they do not have a Translate button.  But InterNitka, has some very creative challenges.  The current challenge is a romantic gentle moldboard:

And finally, I am entering my card @ Word Art Wednesday.   This challenge site, is always a Anything Goes, Family Friendly challenge.  This challenge site will certainly inspire you.  They always provide a scripture that you can use in your paper crafting, but is not required.  {smile}

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  I used various scrap pieces of pattern papers from the Rossibelle collection by Prima.  I just love the splashes of copper metallic on the pattern papers, the distressed, worn patterns, and the soft tones.  This collection has pinks, and a vibrant peach hue.  I started with a Cantaloupe card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Their card stock is heavy weight, and stands up nicely to embellishments.  I cut and tore different pieces of the pattern paper, and layered them together.  Some staggered, and some layered.  I roughed-up the edges with the edge of a pair of scissors.  I inked the edges with tea stain ink.  The grey polka dot pattern paper peaking out under the cream cotton trim, is a scrap piece from a holiday collection by My Minds Eye, from 3/+ years ago.  I did a simple double border stitch along most of the card edge.  I purposefully didn't complete the border.  I brushed white paint across the Bingo card, and the Ticket.  I added foam adhesive to the back of the 'sweet' piece.  I layered these pieces in a way to look random. The blossom is from the same collection: Rossibelle.  I added white paint and glitter to the petal edges, and brown ink to the back of the petals, so help show separation.  I tied a double bow of cream & black bakers twine to the dark button and tucked it at the top of the paper blossom.  The wooden disc, was hot glued to the top right corner of the sentiment cluster.  I brushed white paint and tea ink to the edges.

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenge sites.  {smile}

It's a Blue Wednesday

Welcome.  I am so happy you have decided to stop by today.  I have some good news.  I am a Guest Designer, again, for the wonderful ladies @ Word Art Wednesday.  {smile}  How absolutely fabulous is that?

If you have a chance, you really must play along with this challenge site.  The ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, run their challenges for 2 weeks, provide you with a scripture to add to your paper craft, and their theme is generally Anything Goes - Family Friendly!  How wonderfully different.

here is what I created:

Recipe:  This blank inside greeting card is a typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I used crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up! as my card base.  I just love this creamy kraft colored, heavy weight card stock for card bases.  

I then layered two pattern papers from Prima Marketing Something Blue collection.  I just love the vintage look of these papers.  I layered the vintage, faded green text pattern paper on top of the distressed black text paper.  I added a simple single border stitch, with my sewing sewing machine.

I wrapped both a matching seam binding and a soft, delicate lace trim around the front of the card.  

I printed a digital library card, that I believe matched these pattern papers beautifully.  

I printed the scripture onto whisper white card stock, then matted it on a scrap piece of crumb cake card stock, and adhered it to the card front with foam tape.

I selected a few pale blue-green blossoms to add to the front of my card.  But first, I painted the petals with a pearl white paint and then dusted them with fine glitter.  I adhered those paper blossoms to the card front.  And then tucked a double bow tied with the seam binding, just below the largest paper blossom.  And the final touch was adding a clear faceted button just below the bow.  Viola!

I hope that you have an opportunity to play along with the wonderful ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday.  {smile}

Welcome Christmas

Howdy.  I hope this post finds you well, and still have some holiday spirit left after countless hours standing in line, searching for a parking space, and logging in your required hours at work.  {smile}

I, like so many of you out there, I have different groups of friends, and they all want to get together for the holidays.  So, the crafting for family and friends doesn't really stop until, well, never.  It does slow down the few days between Christmas and News Year.  

For this particular group of friends, we always do a white elephant gift exchange.  There are only 2 requirements, $10 limit, and must be something craft-y.  Check, and check.  I grabbed a package of white coffee filters, and the ring from a mason jar.  

I am entering my creation into a 'new-to-me' challenge:  Crafty Calendar Challenge: It's Christmas.  You are free to create anything, JUST make sure, your creation matches their theme.  Check.

And here is what I came-up with:

Ta-Da!  I made a Holiday Ornament.  I cut each coffee filter into quarters, and then a rough circle.  I dyed the cut coffee filters with tea.  Dried them in the dryer; its fast and super easy.
I added the silver star and thin satin ribbon 'hanger' before adding the coffee filter folds.
Then, I created rough folders with each 'circle', and hot glued them to the ring of a mason jar lid.  I lined them up, and got them pretty close, so there wouldn't be any gaps.
I took tiny cream colored paper flowers, and painted them with a shimmer pearl paint.  Then I added glitter while the paint was wet, so the glitter would adhere.  I added an odd number of blossoms, to keep the wreath 'interesting'.
The final addition, is the 'Merry Christmas' banner.  I hand-stamped the sentiment in archival black ink onto white card stock.  I cut flag ends, and bent the strip into this fancy looking banner.  {smile}
Viola.  Something sweet, vintage, shabby chic, and with a bit of country charm.  {smile} Just my style!  Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to create something beautiful for those special folks in your life.

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!

Pretty Little Trees

Aww, the holiday crafting season is upon us.  And yes, I have been a busy little bee.  Today, I am working on my tiny christmas trees.  I dye them, then flock them, and the final touch is to glitter them.  They are just so sweet, and pretty, its hard to move past this task and get started on the next.  {smile}

For those who normally follow me, you all know that I am a sucker for pink, and anything shabby.  But this year, I wanted to broaden my horizons, and dye a few trees some other colors.  And I have happy I did!  Just look at these little gems!

I am so happy with how they turned out.  So, the tiny cherry red, mauve, and teal blue ones are new-to-me this year.  As well, as the tall dark pink.  I think they will be a hit this year.   But my heart still swoons over the pink ones.  {smile}  Which one is your favorite?  

Thank you for looking.  I need to get these in little jars, and put some final touches on them.  I hope your weekend is a good one!  I'll share more of my holiday crafting soon.  {smile} 

Harmony & Grace Card

~ second post today & photo heavy ~

Howdy!  I needed to make a card for a special friend, so I set out to find some inspiration.  And you know I found some! {smile}

My first stop is Mojo Monday.  Because let's face it, they have some great sketches, and the design team will certainly inspire you! (I turned the sketch 90 degrees)

I also stopped by As You See It Challenge.  Their current challenge is Spring has Sprung.  How super fun is that?  And the best part, you get to decide what spring means to you!  Me, I see it as a 'new' time.  Flowers, snow melting, more sunshine.  Everything fresh!  (weathered wood, blossoms, distressed elements, and a little sparkle)

I also stopped by Word Art Wednesday for their current challenge - Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  This creative and inspirational challenge site gives you a free bible scripture that you can use, but is not required.   (I'm using an inspirational sentiment and thought it fit perfectly with this design team.)

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge, for their current challenge - Anything Goes.  Because let's face it, this design team is creative and very innovative!

and here is what I created:

spring to me, means exposed weathered wood and blossoms

Recipe:  This is a typical A2 size greeting card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used kraft card stock as the card base, because let's face it, the color is just so creamy, and sweet!

I used one pattern paper, blossom pattern paper from the Harmony Collection by Bo Bunny.  I just love this weathered wood looking paper!  So sweet, and shabby chic!

I used the weather wood side for the large panel, and the blossom print for the main panel.  I machine stitched them together.  I sewn a purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  I thought it adds some depth to the weathered wood print.  

I wrapped some cream lace trim and Lyric Rose seam binding around the card front.  I also machine stitched these two trims to the card front, in place of adding adhesive.  I tied a single bow with the lace trim and layered a double bow tied in the seam binding.  I tied a vintage cream button with kraft twine and added it to the stack of bows.  

I stamped my sentiment in soft suede classic ink, onto cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I used the Scripture Medley 4 stamp set by Verve.  (I 'won' this stamp set from a challenge-yahoo!)  I cut the sentiment into a rectangle, and matted it with a scrap piece of the Harmony Collection paper.  I added a piece of a paper doily to the bottom of the sentiment piece.  Then, I added some zig zag stitching to the sides of the sentiment piece.  I just love how these little touches gave my card a shabby chic look and feel.  {smile}

Finally, I added two embellishments, I felt conveyed the shabby chic look: a lock from Melissa Frances.  The white, distressed embellishment just looks at home here! {smile} And who doesn't like a little sparkle?  So, I added a glitter heart!  You know, my heart is locked in shabby chic!  {smile}.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenges, and find some peace and happiness creating!  I think it does a lot of good for our souls.  {smile}  Have a great day! and hopefully you can stop by again soon!

Joyful

Howdy.  Welcome.  Well, so far, this year, I am still on track with my new years resolutions, and loving my planner.  So much so, I have decided to make a few of my own embellishments.  Partly because I don't have local access to anything I've seen on the internet.  I could purchase thru an online store, but I'd like to look at things in person.  Check color, composition, and if I am really in love with it. {smile}  And partly because I want to create something beautiful!

I saw these shaker inserts for flip books a few days ago, and I have to say, I fell in love!  The thought of having an inspirational message in a pretty package, just made my heart swoon.  {smile}

So, I decided to make one myself.  I'm pretty smart.  I have a nice collection of supplies.  I can do  this!  I watched a video.  {smile}

The clear pocket is actually a Project Life pocket.  I don't have a fuse tool, so I machine stitched the pocket closed.  To help protect the stitching, I covered it with Washi Tape.  

Now here is how I did it:  I sandwiched two pieces of the gold metallic stripe vellum paper back to back.  I made sure the stripes were lined up, before I adhered them together.

I cut the green 'dot' and floral paper, from Petticoats & Pinstripes collection.  I machine stitched them together, and then adhered them on top of one side of the metallic stripe vellum.

I added a mix of green metallic, and marshmallow sequins, with a pinch of clear seed beads, and a sprinkle of fine glitter.  I machine stitched the pocket closed, and covered the stitching with Washi Tape.  I thought it looked too plain, so I cut a white doily sticker in half.  Then cut that half into quarters, and adhered the two quarters to opposite corners of the pocket.

I stamped my sentiment onto vellum card stock, and adhered it to the outside of the pocket.  I used the Choose Joy stamp set, by Paper Trey Ink, stamping with basic black classic ink by Stampin' Up!.

Viola! and it didn't take me an hour to make this beautiful addition to my planner.  The tab at the left side, is how I will 'attach' it.  I will punch two holes, and adhere 'hole protectors'.  

Hope your weekend is good, and you have some time to do what makes you happy! {smile}

hello, you Card

Welcome!  Sorry I have been absent lately.  I haven't really been paper crafting.  Shocking, I know.  But, I have been trying some different recipes to use the Meyer Lemons a sweet, and dear friend sent me {smile}.  I tried an 'easy' lemon chicken, from the barefoot Contessa.  And it was delicious!  and a Lemon Glazed Zucchini Bread.  I loved it! {smile}.  And a favorite: Lemon Bundt cake by Martha Stewart.   Cooking always gives me a break from the hum of life.  It allows me to slow down and concentrate on creating & crafting.  {smile}  Several of the grand kids did spend a few days at our house.  Anyways!  I did get a chance to head into my craft room, pull out some supplies and craft!  Yahoo!

To help give me some direction, I went to the internet and went to find someplace to play {smile}.  I stumbled upon a challenge site, that I don't believe I have ever played along with.  the Card Concept.  But, I do love their inspiration boards, and their design team will certainly inspire you.  And well, this weeks board really spoke to me!  Look at this!  I was inspired by the blossoms and the colors! (pinks, blush, and green)

I also stopped by a favorite sketch challenge site:  Cardaabilities.  These talented ladies, always have a great sketch, and the design team is sure to inspire you.  Here is their latest sketch:

here is what I created:

To start I need to give you the disclaimer -  this card was not created in simply an hour.  It was rather a labor of love {heart}  I will give you the supplies and tips of creating this card from the base to the last layer.

Recipe:  I used white card stock from Paper trey Ink.  They make great heavy weight card stock that will stand up to an embellished card.  The creamy, tan card stock, is actually Toffee card stock by Amuse Studios.  I just love the soft color.  The floral woodgrain pattern paper, is actually a digital download from a favorite shop of mine @ iralamija.  I added a simple machine stitch along the edge to create a sweet border.

The circle, is actually a cross stitch hoop shape.  I used a die from Paper Trey Ink.  It has a hoop and banner in the set.  I used a piece of a wood sheet, by Stampin' Up! (these wood sheets are retired. {frown})  I brushed clear crackle paint on the wood and then dipped the whole piece into my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I cut a 2 1/2" circle from a canvas sheet, by Stampin' Up!.  I sponged some crumb cake classic ink on the canvas circle to help give it some dimension.  I used a liquid glue to hold the canvas piece and the wood piece together.  

I used flowers from Prima marketing.  The larger pink blossom is from their Symphony Blend Amoraso Pink collection (#537852) and the two littler blossoms are from the Cabriole Aqua collection (#566807).  I used my hot glue gun to adhere them to the wooden hoop.   I tied a multi-loop bow with some old ribbon I had on hand.  Its a sheer shimmer vanilla 1/4" ribbon.  I tucked the bow just under the larger pink blossom.

For my banner piece, I stamped my sentiment onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I used Versa Mark ink, and gold embossing powder by Stampin' Up!.  I cut a flag end and an arrow end on the sentiment strip.  I used foam tape at each end, to attach it to the card front.  

I cut my leaves with a leaf die, using some retired pear pizzazz polka dot dap from Stampin' Up!.  And finally, I added a trio of white half faux pearls, by Mellissa Frances to the card front, along with a pair of clear sequins.

This hand made greeting card will be for sale in my Etsy shop.  Thank you for stopping by!  I hope I have inspired you to play along with either of these challenge sites, or simply craft something pretty! {smile}

Love Pink

Howdy.  Yeah, busy crafting.  {smile} I have to admit it, I really love it!  I enjoy the whole creative process.  But, I did want to take a break and share with you what I made.  It's small, and very sweet.  It is a magnetic wallet-size photo holder.  Before you say anything, let me explain.  You know those very unique and memorable school photos you have of your children?   You probably have a hundred.  You order enough for grandparents, neighbors, friends, and your children's friends.  But some how you always have extras.  Right?  Well, why not display them with pizzazz!  Either on your locker at work, or your frig, or how about providing a way for your child to 'frame' her BBF's pic?

And look!  I made a few.  And the others I made,  aren't so shabby chic, feminine, girly.  But, I really love this one {smile}.

I used Camilla pattern paper by Anna Griffin.  I just love how beautiful and elegant this paper collection is.  I cut a scallop trim piece from Silver glitter paper.  (Love the sparkles.)  And I took some pale pink scrunched seam binding and machine stitched them together (seam binding and glitter paper).  I also made a multi-loop bow from the seam binding.  

I made a blossom out of white sparkle clay, and distressed it with white paint and dazzling diamond glitter.  I also did the same distressing on the two white pearl vintage buttons.  

I added a little hand-stamped sentiment piece.  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of digital pattern paper in basic black classic ink.  Matted the sentiment circle with the same pale pink cardstock as the photo matt.  The sentiment is sweet, and fancy {smile} 'Absolutely Fabulous'.  Basically to 'match' the design and feel of the pattern paper.

Oh, I almost forgot.  The finished size of these little gems is 4" x 4".  Small and very sweet.

Thank you for looking.  Just a heads up, tomorrow I will post a few photos of a few crafts I created using red and green.  Yep, no kidding.  Traditional Christmas colors.  Real red and garden green.  See you tomorrow.

Blessed

WOW! what a crazy week!  Work, has been . . . work.   But the other time of my life has been busy with crafting, grandchildren, children, husband, and a few more!  Early this week, I looked at comments you all have posted on my creations.  And well, my heart was overjoyed!  Your words really do touch my heart, and give me joy! {smile}

And then late this afternoon, I went to see what this weeks challenge is over @ Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge blog.  And to my surprise, I was announced as their winner in the last challenge:  pretty flowers.  I am pleasantly surprised and super excited!!!  Me!  I won! How exciting and totally cool is that! {smile}  HERE is my original post.

I wanted to show you a different view of the card that I won with {smile}.  I just can't quit smiling!

Now, break out your office/school supplies, and play along with the talented ladies over @ Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge blog.  And create something beautiful!

I want to send out a heartfelt 'Thank You', to the Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Design Team members.  You have made my month!  

Wooden Pins

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you are well.  I have been busy crafting, and photographing.  The holiday craft fair season is quickly approaching, and so I have been trying to get as much crafts made as I can.  I also want to make my crafts available in my virtual shop HERE.  Remember, if you live/work in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, and don't require shipping, please use the coupon code: ALB87, and no shipping costs are acquired.  Just leave me a note as to how to contact you so I can get your order to you {smile}.  Also, don't forget if you are a previous customer to my virtual shop, you have been emailed a special coupon code to reduce your merchandise total.

I made another recipe of my home-made chalk paint.  And painted some wooden clothes pins.  Then I used sand paper to distress them.  I also did some hand-stamping.  (I sealed the stamped area.)  The paper blossoms have been painted and glittered before added.  I tied some seam binding into multi-loop bows and adhered them just below the paper blossoms.  And finally, I added a single half faux pearl.  

Some of my altered/decorated pins have push pins, magnets, or plain to simply hold messages together.  The magnetic clothes pins aren't quite dry yet, so they aren't available, at this time.  But come back soon.

If you have any questions, please contact me.  My virtual shop will be closed the day before, day of, and day after my craft fair schedules.  Early shopping ensures the largest selection.  However, if you are looking for something you don't see, please convo me, and maybe I can make a custom order for you!

It's a Shaker

close-up of the multi-loop bow

Howdy.  I have another Bunco prize to share with you today.  Along with a party decoration.   So, the above photo is a close-up of the multi-loop seam binding bow I used on a Bunco prize.  For those of you who don't know, I am hosting Bunco at my casa (home) next week.  I like themes, and this year, my theme is 'farmland'.  So, my prizes/gifts are vintage, shabby-chic, country ~ 'farmland' themed.

Let me start with the prize photographed at the top of this post.  I took an ordinary salt shaker and altered it.  I added some buttons, a few tiny wooden spools, some stick pins, tiny safety pins, a clothes pin, a rhinestone piece, a few loose pearls, and a sprinkle of some glitter {smile}.  Because who doesn't like glitter?  I am using the body of the salt shaker as a holder of trinkets, while the top holds a photo.  And here is the front:

I used a piece of neutral pattern paper to hold the intended photo.  I know what this is, but I'm not sure if someone else will.  So, that is why it is labeled.  Anyways, I tied some aqua mist colored seam binding around the top of the shaker and created a double bow.  I then tied some cream crochet trim around the seam binding.  I used some cream twine to tie the glass bauble and twin tags (Smile & Adore) to the bow.  I used my hot glue gun to attach the paper blossom to the center of the bow.  The paper blossom is painted with white distress paint and glitter was added before the paint dried.

I saw these on Pinterest, and thought they looked so clever.  So, I made some!  I thought that these little cuties would be great to hold table numbers, so I made a trio of matching shakers to hold the Bunco table numbers (1, 2, and 3).  And yeah, I had to use pink!    Here they are:

I did add paper to the tops of the shakers, on the inside.  That way, if they were to get knocked over, the glitter wouldn't get spilled.  I tied a simple bow around each top (2 in vanilla and 1 in crumb cake seam binding).  I added a different crochet trim to each one.  That way they are a little unique {smile}.   I like things to look like they belong, and 'go together'.  I'm not too comfortable with 'whatever'.  So, I used the same paper blossom for the center of each seam binding bow.  I also used the same metal rimmed tag.  I also stamped the sentiment in the same color ink: soft suede classic ink.  I also used the same pattern paper for the middle of the tag.  I used sentiments from the same stamp set, so the fonts would be similar.  I used E6000 glue to adhere the trio of rhinestones just below the sentiments.  I also added the same amount of glitter to each shaker (1 1/2 teaspoons).  Yes, I did measure it out.  We all have our own versions of OCD.  {smile}  The tags say: Wishes, Blessed, and Sparkle.

Well, thank you for looking.  I haven't created a gift bag for the photo holder yet, but I will post a photo or two when I do.  {smile}