Tiny Shabby Wooden Houses

Howdy! I wanted to share a photo or two, of a few more sweet, tiny, wooden houses.  These houses are tiny.  They aren't larger than 3 inches wide or tall.  So, they take all those tiny embellishments and thin ribbons.  

Tiny = Sweet

and

I painted each wooden house with white chalk paint.  Once dry, I used a sanding block to smooth out the painted surface and distress the edges.  {smile}

I used each 'house' shape as a template to cut the pattern paper.  I also rounded the corners, to keep with the 'shape'.  Both pattern papers are from Maja Designs : Vintage Frost Basics.  I used the small pattern paper pad.  I wanted my images to be small scale.  I used 'Paper It' to adhere the paper to the wooden blocks.  I also used a cream sealant to help 'keep' this finished look.

I used various ribbons, and embellishments to create these soft, sweet, little shabby chic houses.  They will be for sale at my craft fairs {smile}.  Thank you for stopping by!

a Rosewood Vintage Christmas Card

Howdy.  Welcome.  yeah, I've been busy making holiday stuff; cards, bags, boxes, jar toppers, and altered salt shakers.  {smile}  I tend to do a lot of shabby chic holiday projects.  But today, I have a vintage holiday card.  {smile}

and while I was looking around on the internet, I found some very interesting challenge sites.  There are a few that are 'new' to me, so I really wanted to play along.  {smile}

My first stop was Retro Sketches.  They have wonderful sketches that are easy to work with and the design team is pretty talented.  So I am sure you will find some inspiration.  {smile}  

Here is their current sketch challenge (#189):

I stumbled upon Shopping Our Stash weekly challenge.  Their current challenge (#229) is to use items from your stash, but no stamping.  So, you can use all those little pieces and bits that you have collected over the years, and create something handmade but without adding ink.  Sounds fun!

I also stumbled upon Unicorn Challenge Blog challenge site.  Their current challenge (#3) is: Christmas is Coming.  Sounds perfect, right!  You should check out what their design team has created, very beautiful!

and here is what I made:

I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the right

A sweet, rosewood colored, vintage Christmas card.  I used what I had on hand.  No purchase necessary.  So, that made me happy!  My card base is kraft card stock from Paper Studio.  I just love the color.  I added pattern paper I had on hand from Maja Road - Vintage Frost Basics pattern paper.  The paper pad also has three sentiment/design cards, a trio of postage stamp size images and a pair of tags.  {smile}

I did a purposefully sloppy double border machine stitch around the matt.  I just love the homespun look it gives cards.  I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim to the snowflake pattern paper.  (the sketch has a row of xxx's there).  Instead of a button (in the sketch) I added a 'winter' blossom.  It is actually a trio of pink fabric blossoms that I added white paint, glitter, and flocking to, before adding the rhinestone brad.  

There are two 'ribbon loops' on the sketch, that I wanted to add.  But, I settled for a collection of pretty trims.  I first machine stitched a trio of white crochet scallops, and then a pair of pink pom poms.  I think they add a little bit of whimsey and fun to the card.  And why not?  The girls are throwing snowballs for their dog to chase!

As always, my card remains blank on the inside, to provide you with room to add either your own hand-stamped sentiment, or a hand-written message.  {smile}

The photo doesn't really show it, but the card with the sentiment is adhered to the kraft matt with foam tape to 'lift' that piece higher.  I thought it would look 'cleaner' than plastering it down on top of the two decorate trims, and having bumps.

Well, I'm off to my craft room to finish up some desk top calendars.  {smile} I hope you get an opportunity to create something beautiful, too!

Vintage Frost Christmas

Howdy.  Yeah, crafting, crafting, and bit more crafting for my next holiday craft fair.   I found some wonderful pattern papers that I had in my holiday stash, and super happy to create with them {smile}.  I had 'won' a 6" x 6" pack of Vintage Frost Basics pattern paper by Maya Design (from Sweden).  And I just love it!  This paper pack has vintage winter pattern papers in pink, blues, and brown, with images of angels, ice skates sleds, mittens, snowflakes, stars, and Santa {smile}!  Super special.  

The biggest draw back of crafting during this time of year, is that it is dark when I leave for work and dark when I return home.  So photography is difficult.  {frown}

One of my favorite European challenge sites is ScrapMagic.  I just love their inspiration boards.  Very inspiring, and really gets your crafting mojo running.  Here is their latest inspiration board:

No. 13 : Beige & Blue

Color requirements:  blue and beige

Mandatory elements: rhinestones, pearls, and lace

challenge closes November 30th.

I am using a sketch from Retro Sketches:

this sketch challenge is now closed.  I missed the deadline.

I am also entering A Snowflake Promise challenge:

theme: Christmas/Winter

and here is what I created:

I took two sheets of the pattern paper (one blue and brown snowflake, and brown check) and torn each in half diagonally.  I didn't want to waste any of the patten papers, so I made two cards with my two torn papers.

Each card was made the same way, just changed the sequence of the papers, the snowflake embellishments, and the sentiment.  I made two 6" x 4 1/4" blank greetings cards.  I adhered the two torn pieces to the blue distressed pattern paper, and did a double border stitch with my sewing machine.  

I then stacked the crochet trim and light blue taffeta ribbon, and machine stitched the trims to the card front.   I tied the blue taffeta ribbon into a simple bow.  I tied a snowflake to the bow with thin silver cord, and added a silver rimmed pearl to the silver cord bow.

I stamped my sentiment in Early Espresso classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock, both by Stampin' Up!.  I matted the sentiment block onto the same distressed blue pattern paper as the main card.  I also added a double border stitch.  I adhered the sentiment block to the card front with foam adhesive.  I added a pearl swirl diagonally below the sentiment block.  I also added a wooden snowflake and rimmed pearl to the sentiment block.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope that I have been inspired you to create something beautiful.  {smile}

Roses and Butterflies: Card

Howdy!  I am still working with my vintage spring pattern papers by Maja Design.  {smile}  This pattern paper I selected today, doesn't have pink or aqua colors in it.  Surprised?  It actually has purples, blues, and yellows in it.  The front side of this pattern paper has a faded calendar with yellow birds and April written in blue.  The other side of this pattern paper is paisley print.  

To help me get a direction on the construction of this card, I stopped by the Crazy 4 Challenges, to get a peek at their sketch.  And boy, am I in love with the sketch!  So many possibilities, and the design team did an awesome job with their inspiration.  {smile}

When I first saw this sketch, the circles look like the flowers, buttons, and pleated rosettes.  The white rectangle at the top looks like the perfect shape for a sentiment banner.  And here is what I made:

I made this card for my sweet daughter.  She loves blue.  It's her favorite color.  So, I was a little nervous about the faded color accents of blue, yellow, and purple.  But, I think she will love it {smile}

Recipe:  I started this card with my favorite kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  I just love the color and texture of this card stock.  I used one piece of pattern paper.  I just used both sides of the paper (not too clever, just resourceful).

My design allows me to showcase all three circles.  The large yellow paper blossom occupies the white circle shape.  And then I used a pair of yellow paper roses with leaves to occupy the small upper circle.  Then I added a multi-loop bow of pale lavender seam binding, and a white resin button to occupy the space of the small circle on the right.

I added a wide cotton trim to the left side of the top panel.  I however must confess that I cut my panel too short.  {grimace}

I machine stitched a double border around the center panel, and distressing to help the card look vintage.  I added some brown ink sponging along all the edges, along with a thread cutter and my finger nail to rough the paper edges.

The blossoms and seam binding were very 'clean'.  So, to help distress, I added some white acrylic paint to the blossom petal tips, and randomly on the top pieces of the seam binding.

I cut leaves with two different hand held punches.  I sponged the edges of the leaves with more brown ink.  I added a white butterfly stick pin I easily purchased 8 years ago at a local scrapbook store.

For the sentiment I stamped the greeting in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  Then I matted the sentiment onto a scrap piece of heather card stock by Amuse Studio.  I adhered the sentiment to the card front, but also added a staple to help add in the overall look.

To add a little sparkle, I added two sets of sequin trios.  Both trios consist of one 6mm marshmallow sequins, and two 4mm lemon meringue sequins, by Pretty Pink Posh.

Thank you for looking at my creation.  I hope you have been inspired to craft a beautiful card using this current sketch, and paper crafting supplies you already have on hand.  {smile}

Sew Glad We're Friends, Gift Card Holders

Howdy!  If you stopped by the other day, I shared with you a greeting card, and a decorated mini notebook I crafted using some special pattern papers from Maja Designs and Pion Designs.  Well, I didn't stop there!  I used some of the scraps to make two different, but equally beautiful gift card holders.  I am entering them in a current challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday.  They have an 'Anything Goes, Family Friendly' challenge.  The ladies on this design team, as super talented.  They always include a scripture from the bible, and provide a clip art of the verse to use in your paper crafting.  I however, did not include the scripture.

here is my entry: friends

For this gift card holder, I used a seriously retired pale plum card stock from Stampin' Up!.  I thought this color of card stock matched the background on the pink floral pattern paper.  The scraps I had were a bit narrower than I wanted, so I matted them onto Heather card stock from Amuse Studio.  I like how it compliments the pale plum card stock.  

Anyways, I did some machine stitching, added a scrap piece of white lace.  I have just a few of these half spools left over from a Tilda purchase last year.  [yes, I hoard some things {smile}].  I wrapped a scrap piece of cream crochet trim from Stampin' Up! I had laying on my craft table.  I created another double bow from this pale lavender seam binding.  I stuck in a button stick pin, from a recent Etsy purchase.  I also added a tiny hand made tag, that is hand-stamped with 'friends' in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  The inside of this gift card holder is hand-stamped and heat embossed with 'Wonderful You', in pewter embossing powder.

For this gift card holder, I used Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Instead of using solid card stock for my matt, I used a scrap piece of this pattern paper.  Its this wonderful grey, charcoal-like color.  It matches the colors in the leaves of the blue floral pattern paper.  [the reverse side, is what I used for the pink lady on the previous gift card holder.]

I added some machine stitching, as well.  I also added a scrap piece of this white crochet trim I recently purchased from Etsy.  I added a pale pink triple-bow, and tied a vintage cream button to the bow.  I made another tiny tag, and hand-stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!  This inside is also hand-stamped with 'Wishing you all the Best', and heat embossed with pewter embossing powder.

Thank you for looking!  I am really working on using what I have, and that includes scraps.  I know these are all one-of-a-kind creations, so it will be hard to reproduce them without making another purchase.  I'll have to cross that bridge when I get to it. {smile}

Vintage Butterfly

Welcome.  I opened a pattern paper purchase, I have been saving.  Yes, saving.  I imagine all of us who have a passion for paper crafting, we save special, pretty pattern paper for just the right project.  And, I really need to use what I have.  {smile}.  

This pattern paper is Maja Design, and Pion Design, both companies are from Sweden.  Yes, I ordered paper from a cross the pond.  And yes, paper is heavy.  But, I am truly happy with my purchase from almost 2 years ago.  {smile}  Vintage Spring (butterfly pattern paper), Vintage Summer (floral pattern paper), pattern papers from Maja Design.  The text paper is from Pion Design.

Ok, so back to my crafting.  I wanted to make several items with these papers, but needed a little inspiration.  So, I stopped by Cardabilites to get a peek at their current challenge.  The design team really craft some gorgeous paper crafts.  You should check out their creations.  {smile}

here is the card I made using this sketch:

I am also entering the challenge over @ Just Add Ink.  Their current challenge is to use sequins.  I love adding these little sparkly gems {smile}.

I also covered and decorated a mini composition notebook.  The notebook is also lined with this beautiful blue floral pattern paper.  The text paper was added to the barrel of the pen. {smile}

I used a  thread cutter to rough the edges of this heavy weight pattern paper.  I sponged all the edges with corduroy distress ink.  I did machine stitch these pattern papers together.  I just love how home-y machine stitching gives a craft.

The fancy oval frame I stamped onto vellum card stock and used pewter (card) and antique gold (notebook) embossing powders.

I used a pale pink seam binding to make my double loop bows.  The greeting card also has a pale cream seam binding bow tied around the pink bow.  I tied a button to each multi-loop bow.  I also added these faceted pearls.  On the greeting card, I added pink and marshmallow sequins to the card front.

The butterflies are actually cut with an embossing die.  I used some retired wood sheets from Stampin' Up! for the added rustic charm.

Thank you for looking.  I will try to get some beautiful photos of the gift card holders I crafted, using these pattern papers.  And yeah,  these items will be for sale at my Spring Craft Fair Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Albuquerque, NM, @ La Cueva High School.  My booth assignment is M-31.  Main concourse.  Hope to see you there!

Endureth Forever

Welcome.  I'm so happy that you stopped by.  I have been busy creating, and I wanted to share with you my latest creation {smile}.

I recently played along with a great group of ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, and well, I had such a great time, I decided to play along again this week.  Their challenge blog is very inspirational, and I would recommend playing if you can.  You will have fun, promise {smile}.  

This is this weeks scripture:

I found their words very inspirational and motivating:  'When we base our lives on the truths of God's Word, on His precepts and His plans, our lives are rich in purpose and meaning.  Our foundation is rock solid and eternal.  God Himself is our foundation.'   and in these times, we do need some sense of it ALL.   

I also stopped by the Craft Hoarders Annonymous challenge blog.  This week it is to use all those pretty flowers you have been hoarding collecting.  I don't know about you, but I do have quite a 'collection'.  I purchase what looks pretty to me, and in hopes use them on a wonderfully creative project.  {smile}

And finally, I stopped by Mojo Monday for this week's sketch.  If you aren't aware, the first Monday of each month, is a contest challenge.  That means that you can potentially win a prize if your card is randomly selected {yahoo!}

here is the sketch:

and here is what I created:

I used some more of this beautiful pattern paper I ordered from Sweden: MajaDesigns.  I love it!  The collection is called Vintage Summer.  And it is just gorgeous!

The paper blossoms are from a store in Poland: Lemon Craft.  I really do love the colors and the style of this collection of different blossoms. {smile}

I started with Pastachio Pudding card stock from Amuse Studios.  The card stock is not double sided, therefore, the inside of the card is white.  I machine stitched on both pattern papers.  I matted  the floral block onto bashful blue card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I also did a double stitching around the edges.  I printed the verse on whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  And used some of the scraps of the the green and blue and matted with those, too.

The paper blossom petal tips are brushed with clear crackle paint and sprinkled with dazzling diamonds glitter.  I added a strip of light blue seam binding around the card, and created a multi-loop bow with it, also.  I added a trio of light green half faux pearls to the left side of the card.  I also added a faux green rain drop to the blossoms on the upper right side of the card.

This card is now available for purchase in my Etsy shop, HERE.  Also, stop by my shop to see more photos of this beautiful card.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you are having a restful weekend!