Rustic Christmas

Happy Holidays to everyone.  I created a card for one of my favorite challenge sites.  And this has 2 happy endings - I got the opportunity to get back into my craft room, and I am a guest designer!  The wonderfully creative ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have asked me to create a card for their current challenge {yahoo!}.

So, without further ado, here is my card:

Recipe:  this blank-inside card is a typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I used a soft kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this true 'cardboard' color.  I used a 'peeled paint' pattern paper as my first matt.  I love this worn look.  It reminds me of old country barns.

The second matt, is a soft, vintage plaid of red, green, and cream/vanilla.  It looks so country, and so home-y.    I did add a kraft matt, to this plaid matt, and then used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch to this piece.  I wrapped a piece of red buffalo check ribbon around the pattern papers, and then tied a simple bow.  To keep with the over-all look of the card, I tied a wooden button to the bow with thin silver cord.  There is a tiny charm tied to that wooden button.  It is a vintage holy leaf with a bell.

To add a little flair, I added a candy striped poinsettia just above the button-bow combo.  This paper blossom is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima. I thought the stripes matched beautifully with the plaid in the matt, and that vintage silver glitter just adds the right amount of nostalgia {smile}.  I used the word file provided by Word Art Wednesday for my sentiment.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  And it works just beautifully!

My card is simple.  But, I think it has a lot of flair and country charm!  I hope you are able to play along with us @ Word Art Wednesday.  Because I know we just can't wait to see what you create!

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas holiday, and was able to spend time with family and friends.

YOU are special card

Howdy.  I wanted to share a card I made, not for anyone specific.  Just to craft.  I wanted to make something pretty, feminine, and special.  {smile}

I picked up some pretty floral pattern paper, and a metallic polka dot pattern paper at a local big box store.  One sheet each.  It had to be the cheapest, I had EVER walked out of a craft store.  Under $2.  I think my minimal purchase was so worth the trip.  Here is what I made!

Recipe:  I used Stampin' Up! card stock for the card base and matt.  I used a simple rectangle of the floral pattern paper for the card front.  The floral paper is just so pretty, I didn't want to cover it up.  I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, to help convey the homemade feeling.

I used my Top Note die to cut the decorative piece out of the silver metallic polka dot paper.  I wrapped some white cotton trim around the top note piece, and machine sewn the trim in place.  I wrapped some navy blue corduroy ribbon around the white cotton trim.  I adhered the decorative piece to the left side of the card, to showcase both the floral pattern paper, but to have the decorative shape peeking out.

I did a two-step stamp for the sentiment.  I did a silver metallic embossing powder for the main word: you.  I stamped the rest of the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  I cut a simple, shallow flag banner to the right side of the sentiment rectangle.

I added a Prima blossom, I had in my stash, because I love pink.  {smile}  I tied a simple bow with the blue corduroy ribbon, and tucked it under the blossom.  I used my fabric scissors to cut a banner edge to the ends of the ribbon.  I thought this pop of blue really shows off the blue accent blossoms in the pattern paper.  

My final touch, was the trio of iridescent, structured dots.  Viola!  and now, I want to make more pretty things with this beautiful pattern papers!  Let me get back into my craft room!  See ya soon!

Happy Birthday Lynnette

Thank you for coming back.  I want to share a Birthday card, I made for my friend Lynette.  If you saw yesterday's post, you know my friend loves a good book, and all things vintage.  {smile}

I used the same paper collection for the card: Something Blue by Prima.

Recipe:  I used the same Kraft card stock for the card base, that I used to create her paper tote.  I love this heavy weight card stock!

I layered the kraft, grey, and white bird pattern paper as the matt.  I added a scrap piece of the mint text pattern paper as the main panel.  I just love the contrast.  

I cut a decorative shape out of the text & fauna pattern paper.  [using the same pattern papers on the tote, and through out the 'gifts' helps tie the whole gift collection together.]  Then I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.   However, when I came to the decorative piece, I wanted the machine stitching to be decorative, too.  So, I did a zig zag stitch there.  I love how machine stitching adds some much love to paper crafts {smile}. 

The floral library card, is from a digital piece.  I thought the library card really conveys the book theme {smile}.  Yes, there are methods to my madness.

I used a sentiment from the Book Club stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I stamped the sentiment in dark grey classic ink.  

To add a bit of pizzazz to the card front, I added a junk bow to the top of the library card.  I used scrap pieces of mint lace, cream crochet trim, gold velvet ribbon, chenille trim, gold striped ribbon, aqua seam binding, pale pink seam binding, silver stripe cream ribbon, and cream lace.  I tied the junk bow together with silver cord.  I added an aqua mist button to the center of the junk bow.

I wanted to repeat the aqua color, so I added an aqua paper blossom.  

As usual, I wrote my 'note' on a post-it note inside the card.  That way, the recipient can re-use the card.  Not everyone does.  I have a friend who frames her birthday card each year. {smile}

Thank you for looking.  I hope your week is going well.  Remember, to take time for yourself.  If not every day, at least once a week.  You are important! and loved {smile}.

Mother's Coupon

Howdy.  I hope you are well.  Me, I'm busy, tired, training, and still working.  I don't always get to craft as much as I want.  But, I did carve out some time, to get this card created, and in the mail.  It's a hand-made card I made my mom, for Mother's Day.  I used items I already had.  Because sometimes you just need to stop spending $, when your stash is overgrown.  {smile}

here is what I created:

an angled view:

The card base is made from Pink Pirouette card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  Sturdy, and holds up to embellishing.  And the soft sweet color is perfect.

The plaid pattern paper is Chicken Scratch from Paper Trey Ink.  It's a River Rock or Fresh Linen color.  I thought it matched the leaved in the pattern paper almost perfect.  The floral Pattern Paper is from American Crafts.  

I took one paper doily and cut it in half and adhered it to opposite corners.  And then machine stitched the pattern papers together.  I just love the homespun look cards have with machine stitching.  I took a scrap piece of cotton trim and wrapped it around the pattern papers.  I added a piece of soft pale pink seam binding to the cotton trim, and machine stitched them to the card front.  

I hand-stamped the coupon onto a scrap piece of white linen card stock, in crumb cake classic ink.  I adhered the coupon onto the card front with foam tape.  I hand-stamped the 'Love You' onto a scrap piece of vellum card stock, in Versa Mark.  I used Early Espresso embossing powder, and heat embossed the sentiment.  I cut the the vellum card stock with scallop scissors.  (yeah, I still have several pairs of those scissors.)

I added two different, white, paper blossoms to the right side of the coupon.  I tucked in some leaves that I hand-punched from a green and mint card stock.  I tied a double bow with the same pale pink seam binding, and adhered it to the card front just under the paper blossoms.  I adhered a white glitter clay rose to the center of the bow.

Thank you for stopping by.  I mailed this card to my mom earlier this week, and super happy she received it before today {smile}.  I want to wish all the moms out there Happy Mother's Day!  Being a mom is hard work, but super rewarding!  

a bowl of cherries

Howdy, and welcome.  I am super excited today to share with you some happy news and a card!  I recently won the challenge over @ Tic Tac Toe Challenge and was given the opportunity to be a guest designer!  How fabulous is that, right!  So, without any delay let's get to their current challenge #tttc046!

right column: fruit, watercolor, free

Now, before you get discouraged, here are some ideas.  For the 'fruit', you could add apple(s) and create a Teacher Appreciation card.  Or lemon(s)/lime(s) for a Summer themed card.  Or add a pineapple for a Hostess card.  For the 'Free', simply add your favorite item: machine stitching, a button, sequins, a paper straw, etc.  The list is almost endless.  Don't forget to use what's in your stash, and most importantly have fun!  This Tic Tac Toe card, really does lean towards a Summer theme.  I can't wait to see what you create.  Here is what I made:

Recipe:  my card, is a typical A2 size greeting card.  (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  

FRUIT: cherries, WATERCOLOR: color wash on watercolor paper, FREE: machine stitching, button, seam binding, and lace.

The base of the card is made with Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!, due to their lovely heavy weight card stock.  The main panel is made from a linen plaid card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I love this soft color!  I added a piece of 6" lace over the main panel.  I 'attached' the lace with some machine stitching along three sides.  I did a quick, purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  I love adding machine stitching to my crafts.  I think it adds a homespun look/feel.  

I adhered a 4" paper doily to the right side of the card.  I simply folded the over-hang around the main panel.  I machine stitched a strip of pale blue seam binding along the lover third of the card to help anchor the seam binding to the card front.  I tied a double-loop bow, and tied a 'swirl' red button to the center of the bow with some gold twine.  This 'fancy' button reminded me of a cherry with its imprinted design.  {smile}

The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed on a scrap piece of white card stock.  I rounded one end, and pointed the other end.  I thought this shape looked like one of those garden/plant markers.    Super sweet, right? {smile}

I made my own embroidery hoop.  I used a die to cut the shape.  I used a scrap piece of wood veneer 'paper'.  I just love this stuff.  But my shock is dwindling.  {frown}. For the inside of the hoop, I took a scrap piece of watercolor paper and stamped my bowl in Versa Mark ink, and added white detail embossing powder.  I used Versa Mark ink to stamp the cherries, and added deep red embossing powder.  I heated the paper, and my bowl of cherries came to life!  I misted the water color paper heavily with water, and then washed it with a pale blue color.  I wanted the cherries to pop! and the bowl to have some contrast, to showcase the bowls design.  I used a fine tip brown marker to create the cherry stems.  (hand drawn)

The final touch was the trio of wood grain printed sequins.  I felt that they helped tie the wood-grain hoop to the card.  I adhered the main panel of this card to the card front with foam tape.

I believe that if you repeat elements/colors, it helps tie that element to your card.  The color I washed the watercolor paper with, matches the seam binding.  The red in the cherries is repeated with the same color of the button.  The wood grain of the hoop is repeated with the sequins.  The white doily and card base are repeated in the plain paper.

I hope that you join this beautifully talented group of ladies over @ the Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  Just let them know which row you are using on their tic tac toe card, and don't forget to have FUN!  Create something beautiful to share with us, but to also share with your family and friends!  Trust me, they will appreciate your efforts in creating something handmade!

Pretty Little Birdie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!  

Celebrate YOU!

Welcome.  I wanted to use some of the scraps I had left over from a beautiful paper collection by Prima - Rossibelle.  I just love the flecks of metallic mixed in with florals, stripes, & texts.  I am entering my card in three different, but equally wonderful card challenges {smiles}:  Double D, the Card Concept, and Tic Tac Toe challenges.

My first stop was Double D challenge site.  They have some pretty clever challenges and their current challenge is no exception: sequins.  Now, who doesn't love sequins?  Not this girl!

I sprinkled my sequins

My next stop was the Card Concept.  I love this challenge site, because they have a theme and a mood board.  So, no confusion, and you are given a direction for your entry.  Easy peasy.  Their current theme: old fashion LOVE.  I can do that!

I used pinks, and a blossom

And finally, my newest interest: Tic Tac Toe challenge.  I like these types of challenges, because it helps give your crafting a direction and takes away some of the restraints.  LOVE that!  Here is their current Tic Tac board:

I went down the right side: Celebrate, floral, ribbon

and here is what I created:

still learning how to photograph shiny things

I just love the mix of metallic, pinks, cream, and pops of black - pretty!

and a different view:

Recipe:  This blank inside card is a typical A2 size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used a pale pink card stock for the base.  I believe its one of my last few sheets of Blush Blossom from Stampin' Up!.  

I layered a text pattern paper and a black design pattern paper from the Rossibelle collection by Prima.  Then I sandwiched a scrap piece of cream cotton trim between them, and machine stitched a simple border.  I rubbed some tea stain ink across the machine stitching to help it pop.  

Starting with the right upper corner:  I adhered a tag from the collection and hot glued a double bow tied with pale pink seam binding.  I found that sweet tiny button in my stash.  I believe it is from CTMH neutrals collection.  

The focal piece is actually a piece from the embellishment kit.  I adhered it to the front of the card with foam adhesive.

I adhered a fabric blossom to the left lower corner of the focal piece.  I then tucked in a cream button from Stampin' Up!.  I thought the button design matched with the cream cotton trim design.  {smile}

And the last two pieces from the Rossibelle collection to go onto my card were those two strips at the lower right corner.  The pink text paper is actually a strip from the text pattern paper.  The sentiment strip is a sticker from the same collection.

My two final additions were the metallic embossed sentiment piece, and the sprinkle of the copper sequins.  The sentiment piece was hand-stamped onto cream card stock and detail copper kettle embossing powder was used.  I adhered the 'CELEBRATE' to the card front with more foam adhesive.  I glued the copper sequins to the card front.  I added three tucked, so they would peak out, and the other four I wanted full view of.  {smile}

Thank you for looking.  I hope you get a chance to play along with any/all of these challenge sites.  Have a great weekend!  and do something that makes your heart happy!

Winter Wonderland in Blue & Green

Howdy.  I have another holiday-themed gift card holder.  I hope you are up for one more {smile}.  I am entering this gift card holder into two 'new-to-me' challenges: First Belarusian Challenge, and the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge .

My first stop is @ First Belarusian Challenge.  This is a challenge site from Russia, and yes, they do have a 'translate' button.  Their current challenge is Winter Fun.  You need to look at what the design team has created.  Truly creative and simply gorgeous!  They also have an inspirational board:

My next stop is @ the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge.  Their current challenge is Always Anything Christmas Goes.  This design team uses pattern papers and die cuts with a creative flair.  You will certainly be inspired!

and here is what I created:

and a different view:

Recipe:  The base of this gift card holder was made out of Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love this soft, creamy, pale blue color.  I used two pattern papers from the same digital pattern paper collection.  I used Mint card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the matt of the music & floral pattern paper.  I added a simple border of machine stitching, to give it a homespun look and feel.  I just love the music & floral pattern paper, so I wanted the pattern paper to be center stage.  I added a pale green seam binding and vanilla crochet trim.  I just love how soft, and vintage seam binding makes projects, and the crochet trim to echoes the same softness.  The paper blossom is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima Marketing.  I think this pink blossom goes very well with the pattern paper.  I added a double bow tied with the seam binding.  I tucked a sentiment chipboard piece to the opposite side of the paper blossom.  And finally, to add a bit more sparkle, I added several silver sequins.  I just love how shiny they are {smile}.  Once you open this 'card' you will find your gift.  Gift card, that is!

card opened:

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you aren't too tired of looking at Holiday/Christmas themed cards and projects.  I hope that you have time to play along with these or your favorite challenge site.  Crafting makes the soul happy {smile}.

Oh Deer, Winter . . .

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome back.  Yeah, some days I craft, and craft some more, and other days, I am busy with life's chores.  Lucky for me, this weekend has been one of those craft, and craft some more days {smile}.  Now, before everyone gets too excited, it's snowing like crazy here, and the wind is blowing harder/faster than a ________.  (I'll let you fill-in-the-blank)  So, I have re-arranged my running schedule: todays run will be run tomorrow, and tomorrows run will be run on Tuesday.  The treadmill work will be done . . . . not sure at this moment, but I need to get some miles done.  So, I am focusing on that.

Ok, now for some crafting!  I am working on a few holiday themed orders, and entering one of them in three (yes, 3!) challenges:  Catch the Bug Challenge, Time Out Challenge and Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  Now, I believe that the last two challenges are 'new-to-me' challenges, so this will be fun!

Let's start with Catch the Bug Challenge.  I see their sketches a lot, and have wanted to play, so I am not one hundred percent that I haven't played with them before.  But, just look at this current challenge sketch!  How beautiful!

The first thing that catches my eye about this sketch is the simplicity: aka easy to work with!  You can do so much with it, or leave it clean and simple.  Me, I'm more on the more is better.  And if you haven't fallen in love with this sketch yet, simply look at what the design team has created, and you will be running to your craft room.  (just like me!) 

Ok, now on to the Time Out Challenge.  Their current challenge is to be inspired by words.  Their words.  Here is their graphics:

I went with: Gift & Open it

Ok, I don't know about you, but this screams gift card holder to me.  Or how about Birthday, or a Thank You gift, or . . .  another endless possibilities challenge.  Oh, and don't forget to see what the design team has created.  Super fun!

And my last stop, is Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  Another fun, and creative group of folks.   This may be a regular challenge for me.  (smile)

I went diagonal: light blue, ribbon, and sequins

and here is what I made:

and another view:

This over-sized card, is actually a 'packaged' gift card holder.  It's for those gift cards that are purchased that have these think wrappers.  So, instead of ripping apart the packaging to get the gift card out, simply slide the whole package into the pocket of this gift card holder!  Ta-Da!

Recipe:  I used Cocoa Bean card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  Love the heavy weight of their card stock, it gives these types of projects stand-up power!  I used Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matts.  I just love this shade of pale/light blue.  The pattern papers I used were from the same collection: Oh Deer! by Close To My Heart.  (It was from 2016)  and yes, I hoard saved my scraps.

I did some machine stitching to hold the layers of paper in place, along with some adhesive.  The gold satin ribbon and cream crochet trim are also machine stitched to the cover.  I thought the gold satin ribbon matched the music pattern paper beautifully.

The sentiment rectangle is actually a journalling square that was cut down and matted with a scrap of Cocoa Bean card stock.  I added a retired mini paper clip to the top left corner of it, and a pair of silver sequins to the right corner.  It is adhered to the card front with foam tape to lift it off the card front.  

The paper blossom is actually from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima Marketing.  I just love how it adds just the right amount of contrast to the blue, without looking too gold.  

I painted and glittered two silver jingle bells, and tied them with some silver and cream bakers twine.  I then tied a triple-bow with the same bakers twine, and tucked it under the paper blossom.  I added a retired Stampin' Up! snowflake charm to the knot.  I added one lone silver sequin just to the left of the paper blossom to help repeat the silver accents.

The three banner pieces peaking out from under the pinecone pattern paper are simply scraps of this beautiful collection.  I flagged the ends with a pair of scissors.

Since my focal piece is the sentiment, I decided to add some embellishments to the lower right corner, instead of a sentiment.  So, I took two silver foil embossed pinecone die-cuts from the Oh Deer! collection and adhered them.  The top pinecone is adhered with foam tape, so that they wouldn't be smashed on.  I tied some of the same silver and cream bakers twine to a snowflake charm, and hot glued it to the stacked pinecones.  

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these challenges.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Hope to be back soon {fingers crossed}.

Sweet Peppermint Kisses for Santa

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I hope your new year has gotten off to a roaring start!  Me, I've been doing what I always do: crafting, baking, running, and chores.  So, not much of a change.  But, I am ok with that.   

For my holiday break I got the Flu, and boy was that awful!  I was in bed for a week, and couldn't get  the energy to do much of anything productive.  Then, it was back to work, back to marathon training, back to life.  I have been working on a few special orders: cupcakes, and crafts.  Let's just admit it, those are my two favorite things!

I am entering one of my creations in three paper crafting challenges:  Paper Story, As You See It, and Word Art Wednesday.  We will start with International first, and finish at home.

I stumbled upon this incredible paper craft challenge site while following a favorite paper crafter overseas.  And I am happy I did!  The folks over @ Paper Story have a super talented group of designers who I am sure will inspire you!  This challenge site is from Russia, but they have a 'translate' button, so it is super easy to play along!  Their current challenge is called: Olivier.  It is a 'recipe-based' challenge.  They have given you mandatory elements, just like in a recipe, but with an option to switch one 'ingredient' with something else, just like a recipe.  How super fun is that?  Here is their recipe: Paper, Flowers, Lace, Beads (brads, buttons, chips, dots, sparkles), Chip (chipboard), Tape (cord/braid ok), and Machine Line.  

My next stop:  As You See It.  This challenge site has some very creative challenges, and their design team has a range of styles, so no matter yours, you will be inspired.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  (Love these)

I rotated this sketch 90 degrees left, and then mirrored it

And my final stop was Word Art Wednesday.  I just can't brag about this site enough.  The design team is super talented, the write-up is inspirational, and the site is just plain NICE!  Their current challenge is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  Who wouldn't want to play along?

and  here is what I made:

Paper: Sweet Peppermint, Flower: manufactured, Lace: two kinds, Beads: button and sequins, Chip: chipboard mittens, Tape: thin silver cord, and Machine Line: machine sewing on both panels.

another view:

Recipe:  This gift card holder was made with pattern paper from the Sweet Peppermint holiday collection by Prima Marketing.  The base of the 'card' is crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love the heavy weight of it.  The matt is real red card stock by Stampin' Up!, as well.  

I used the tiny green dot pattern paper for the panels.  I didn't want any distractions from the focus: Santa!  I machine stitched this pattern paper to the red matt.

I then layered 4 different pattern papers from the Sweet Peppermint collection: the red stripe, the multi-check, the snowflake, and the multi-colored dot.  I did matt the snowflake pattern paper with crumb cake card stock, to give the layered rectangles a 'base'.  The sentiment/journaling card is adhered to the front with foam tape.  I also added a file tab, from the Sweet Peppermint collection, to the side of the Santa journalling card.

I wrapped two different lace trims around the top portion.  I just love the softness this brought to my 'card'.  I tied a double bow with one of the lace trims.  

The flower and leaves are both from Prima Marketing, as well, and yes, the same collection: Sweet Peppermint.  I just love the contrast between this mint color and the reds.

I added a chipboard piece from the same collection.  I thought mittens were a nice touch.  And the silver outline adds a nice sparkle!

I added some silver sequins to mimic the sparkle from the glitter on the flower and the silver on the chipboard.  I added an aqua vintage button to the lower right corner of the journalling card.  I thought it matched the flower beautifully, and tied it with some slim silver cord.  

here is what the 'card' looks like opened:

I love making these 'packaged' gift card holders, because it makes gift giving super easy.  Now, when you purchase your gift cards from the store, you no longer have to rip them open, to give the card.  Just slide the whole thing, right into the pouch, and viola!  I make a lot of these for my Holiday Craft Fairs, and folks seem to really enjoy them.  {smile}  My crafts are 'one-of-a-kind', in that I do NOT mass produce.  It makes each item special.  Now, I do make similar, but not match-matchy, carbon copies.  

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these challenge sites.  Enjoy your weekend, and take care!

Holiday Sweet Peppermint

~  photo heavy ~

Howdy!  I wanted to share with you a craft I made during the holidays.  I think it turned out super sweet, and well, I was really in love with it! {smile}  So, I want to share it with you!

Now, along with sharing this craft with you, I am entering it in 5 different challenges.  Wow, five.  That's a lot.  But, why not share what you love with the world, right?!  And so, grab a cup/glass of something: coffee, tea, champagne, or simply water.  

My first two challenge site stops are from Russia.  Yep, all the way over there!  I just love how different cultures 'see' paper crafting.  Simply gorgeous work, from all aspects of the world.
My first stop in Russia, is a challenge site:  Shabby Chic.  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  You should really check out this group of talented ladies work.  Their work is very pretty, shabby, and super sweet.  Their current challenge has two required elements: paint and lace.  That just sounds like a fun, and creative!  (They have a translate button)

The next challenge site from Russia is Mistress Owl.  This wonderfully creative design team has sketches, and mood boards, that are very user-friendly!  Their current challenge is a sketch.  (They have a translate button)

Now, the next two challenge sites are Anything Goes.  First one, SugarPeaDesigns.  The thing I love about this challenge site, is the time it allows for challenges - a month.  Very accommodating for all of us living busy lives, but still find time to craft!

And the other Anything Goes challenge is Crafting By Designs.  The challenge site is very family friendly, and encourage the best of everyone who crafts.

And my final challenge site, is As You See It Challenge.  This challenge site provides sketches, themes, and color challenges.  So a little bit of a variety to keep you interested in playing along with each new challenge.  Their current challenge is a theme challenge - Sparkle.  So, you can add sequins, glitter, shimmer, etc.  And who doesn't love glitter/sparkle? {smile}

Now, before I reveal what I created, let me say, I hope all of you had a wonderfully grand holiday!

my paper craft project:

and a different view:

It's a packaged gift card holder.  Here is a view of this gift card holder opened:

Recipe: I started with Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Only because they have a great heavy weight card stock, that won't buckle with embellishments.  The red card stock matt, is actually Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk.  Again, another great heavy weight card stock that won't collapse.  

The pattern papers that I used as both from the same collection: Sweet Peppermint by Prima.  Yeah, it's a Christmas collection.  It debut last year.  Once I saw what Frank Garcia did with it, I just had to make a purchase.  To add a homespun look to my paper project, I added some machine stitching to the pattern papers.  Then, I simply added various embellishments to make it both fun, and pretty! {smile}

I also machine stitched some cotton scallop trim lace to both flaps.  I then added some red and white striped ribbon.  I just love the red color and the stripes on this cotton ribbon.

I edged the chipboard wreath in white paint and glitter.  I tucked a Bingo card behind in behind the wreath, just a bit off-center.  I thought the layer added some visual interest.

I added a scrap piece of the pattern paper to the inside of a small resin frame.  I had quite a few different selections (sledding children, bird, girl, santa, and others), but decided on the Santa Claus, because let's face it, Santa is King!

I added some paint and glitter to a pair of red jingle bells.  Once dry, I threaded some silver bakers twine through the jingle bells, and strung them to the left of the wreath.

I painted a white, creamy Prima paper blossom with more paint, and glitter.  Then adhered it just above the left side of the wreath.  A loop of the silver twine is peaking out of the upper right of the painted and glitter paper blossom.  I thought it added additional visual interest. {smile}

I tied a simple bow with that beautiful red striped ribbon.  And then tied a tiny plastic candy cane with thin silver twine to the center of the bow.  The bow was adhered to this projects front with my hot glue gun.  I selected to add the bow here, because my strips of red stripe ribbon didn't quite line-up as well, as I hoped they would.  So, why not turn a 'mistake' into 'an opportunity to embellish'!

I hand-stamped my sentiment with basic black archival ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I used a sentiment from the Love Lives Here Holiday stamp set by PaperTreyInk.  Then matted it with a scrap piece of the Pure Poppy card stock.  Finally, adhering it the gift card holder with foam tape.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites {smile}!