Christmas Past

Howdy.  Yeah, I've been crafting! and it really makes me happy! {smile}  Sometimes, I need a task, and sometimes I just want to make pretty things.  This is task orientated.  But, it's good to have a focus {smile}.

I am entering my paper craft in three different challenges:  Double D Challenge, and If You Give a Crafter a Cookie.

My firs stop is Double D Challenge.  Their current challenge is: Here Comes Santa - Santa must be present on your craft.  You will certainly be inspired by this creative design team.

Next, the lovely folks over @ If You Give a Crafter a Cookie, their current challenge is a photo inspiration.  (santa's suit)  How perfect.  Oh my, the creativity and sweet Santa's.

and here is what I made:

card stock gift tote

decorated mini composition book

Recipe:  I used Kraft card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  Especially when creating boxes/bags.  {smile}

The pattern paper and tags are from Melissa Frances, the Countdown to Christmas collection.  I just love this vintage, nostalgic look of this holiday paper.  (I believe that this paper is from 3 years ago.)

I matted with Stampin' Up!s Very Vanilla card stock.  

I did hand-stamp the sentiment, for the card stock tote.  The sentiment on the mini notebook is actually a rub-on.  Yeah, I still have some of those {smile}.

I added machine stitching to both projects.  I felt that a simple border stitch would work nicely with this pattern paper collection.  

The tags are adhered to the front of the projects with foam tape.  

I used retired Stamping 'Up! ribbon for each project.  And I simply added odds and ends from my holiday embellishment stash - buttons, tinsel, jingle bells, fringe trim, chipboard stars, flat-back faux pearls, and tiny candy cane.

Thank you for looking.  These items (and so much more) will be for sale @ my holiday craft fair - held @ La Cueva High School.  Saturday, 9a - 4p.  Shop early for the best selection!

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!

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!

Shabby Houses

Howdy.  Welcome.  I purchased these tiny wooden blocks, shaped like houses.  They were plain, and irregular.  Probably not too inspiring.  But look past the blah, the blank, the irregular sides, the tinniness.  Just add some paint, paper, and embellishments, and viola!  Sounds pretty simple.  And fun!  You get to use all those pretty scraps and bits & pieces to create something pretty.  Easy.  Right?

a tall, wide house:

a short, wide house:

a tall, narrow house:

Recipe:  I painted all the houses with white chalk paint.  Left it dry (and that's the hardest part)!  Use a sanding block, and distress the paint on the edges and smooth all of the flat areas.

Use the 'house' as your template: trace the shape onto pattern paper.  I cut my paper too small.  I wanted the block edges to be seen.  I also sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges of the pattern papers.  I used Paper It to adhere the paper.  I like it better than Mod Podge.  

The tall, wide house: I adhered a digital Bingo card to the front.  I wrapped a pale mint green seam binding ribbon around the house and tied it in a simple bow.  I adhered a white, resin, large key hole by Melissa Frances to the house.

The short, wide house:  I adhered a scrap piece of pattern paper from Prima Sweet Peppermint.  I adhered a silver and rhinestone crown to the front.  I tied a natural and silver stripe ribbon into a simple bow and adhered it to the top of the crown.

The tall, narrow house:  I adhered book print pattern paper.  I wrapped a piece of pale pink seam binding ribbon around the house and tied it in a simple bow.  I adhered a white resin architect piece, long ways to the front of the house.

I will have these for sale at my holiday craft fairs.  I haven't decided if I am going to sell this trio as a set, or individually.  Please use the 'comment' to let me know your thoughts!

Homemade Fancy Christmas

I had so much fun making my last gift bag, that I decided to continue working with the latest sketch from Mojo Monday.

I also stopped by the Merry Monday Christmas Challenge site.  Because let's face it, I'm working on Christmas crafts, so why not let them help inspire me to create something beautiful!

The folks over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge,  have a inspiration photo, and a color challenge: pink, green, and white.  I can do that!

here is what I made:

I rotated the sketch.  I also changed the circle element for another square element.  I used ribbon and trim for the long banner piece.  I did add a floral element but I tied on an ice skate!  I used a holiday image and sentiment.  Both of which are heat embossed with early espresso embossing powder, on shimmer white card stock.  

close-up

For the 'panels' I matted each of the pattern papers with kraft card stock.  I also added some machine stitching to these pieces.  I think this adds a homespun look and feel.  I used Happiness is Homemade pattern paper from Tilda.  The large pink blossom is a Melissa Frances item.  I used a light champagne shimmer textured card stock for the base of the bag.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired.  Now, I'm headed back into my craft room, to finish some jar toppers, desk top calendars, and some magnetic monograms.  Oh, and my trophy cups, and some altered salt shakers.  Whew, sounds like a lot, but once I get started, it moves along quickly.

Sweet Music Note; card

Howdy!  Today I had a rough time getting started.  I have a list of paper crafting projects that I need to get done.  Get done in 4 weeks!  Yikes!  But to be honest, I feel overwhelmed.  Very overwhelmed.  So much so, I don't know where to begin, so I spent most of the morning looking @ Pinterest.  And its a love-hate relationship.  {smile}  I love the inspiration and ideas.  But boy is it a time sucker. Ugh.  At this point in my crafting, I just have to sit down and start.  Start somewhere.  Start with a theme, a color scheme, a layout, a project.  Just START!  

And so that is exactly what I did.  I picked up a digital image I just printed, and used that as my starting point.  Either way, I need to get stuff made, because time is running out.  My other obstacle is that I don't just throw stuff together.  Cards easily take 1 - 2 hours, and other paper crafting projects take more time.   I like balance, I like cohesiveness, I like shabby chic, and I like pretty things. 

So with my digital ATC card in hand, I picked up a sketch I had printed from a favorite sketch challenge site: Cardabilities.  I love their sketches, because they are super easy to work with, and the design team will certainly inspire you!

Before I show you what I created, I need to give a few explanations.  I used a whole doily, instead of a half doily.  I used a rectangle piece instead of the circle element.  I figured that the shapes were interchangeable.  And I used another rectangle piece instead of the leaves.  I kept the lines long to mimic the spray of the leaves.

here is my card:

I kept the colors of the card stock and pattern papers neutral, so they wouldn't compete with the digital ATC card, as my focal piece.  

Recipe:  I used vintage cream cardstock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love the weight of this card stock.  The main panel is a ledger pattern paper by Melissa Frances.  I heat embossed some water spots on opposite corners of this pattern paper.  I added a strip of music paper.  I wanted to repeat the music script that is on the ATC card.  I layered a burlap doily over the music paper.  

For the trim, it's all machine stitched to the card front.  I first machine stitched the white cotton scallop trim.  Next, I machine stitched the rose pink scallop trim.  And finally, I did a zig zag stitch to attach the white crochet trim to the card front.  

I cut out an ATC size card, and used foam tape to adhere it over the layered card front.  I die cut a piece of card stock weight vellum, by Stampin' Up! for my sentiment piece.  I used a black ink and hand-stamped 'Just a Note' by Paper Trey Ink.  And then I added a white resin blossom, by Melissa Frances to the right of the sentiment piece.

To add a bit of sparkle, I added white, pale pink, and gold sequins to the card front.  

Thank you for looking.  This card will be for sale in my Etsy shop, HERE.  I hope that your weekend is going well, and that you get a chance to do a few fun things {smile}.

My card was selected as a winner for this sketch, on Sept. 29, 2015.
I'm super happy and proud! {smile}

Magnetic A

Welcome.  Yeah, I've been busy crafting! and all I can say, is, YAHOO!  I just love it!  It really does my heart and soul good to create something with paper, seam binding, and buttons!  happy, happy, happy!  {big grin}

All of the items I am sharing with you, are for sale in my Etsy shop, HERE.  And what doesn't sell, will be for sale at several local (Albuquerque, New Mexico) holiday craft shows.  [please note, that I have not shared everything I have made for the craft fairs on my blog.  some items either don't photograph well, or don't ship well.]

One of my top sellers, are magnetic monograms.  I take 4" tall letters, and alter them.  I use pattern papers I have on hand, and add various embellishments.  You know me, seam binding, and a vintage button or two, and always something feminine like a rhinestone(s) or pearl(s). {smile}

All I have left to do, to finish this monogram, is to adhere the two round, strong magnets to the back, and viola!  

I used a scrap piece (4" x 4") of my favorite text pattern paper from Melissa Frances.  I love the dark grey color of the text, and the beautiful font.  This pattern paper is very easy to work with.  You add the color you love!  I painted the letter with a pearl cream color paint.  I wanted to keep the letter neutral, so the color doesn't compete with the pattern paper.

I wrapped some white crochet trim around the lower portion of the wide leg of the letter.  I wrapped some pale pumpkin dyed muslin around the middle of the letter and tied it in a simple bow.  I added a light coral lace blossom from Prima, Coffee Break collection.  I just love the soft, beautiful look of these lace blossoms.  

I added a light coral paper blossom just above the lace blossom.  I added some of the pearl cream paint to the tips of the paper blossom.  I tucked in a clock stick pin from Prima.  And finally, I added two berry sorbet vintage buttons, from Paper Trey Ink.  And finally, I wanted to add some sparkle, so I cut the legs off a rhinestone brad, and tucked it in close to the muslin bow.

Want to see more photos of this gem?  Head on over to my Etsy shop!  and Thank You for taking the time to visit me, and I hope I have inspired you, to create something beautiful, and in your favorite color!

Inside Spiral Notebook

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy!  Well, I did finish my last blank journal.  I made the cover before I finished the book, and ran into a glitch.  I didn't want to put holes through the cover.  I thought the holes would look ugly through the beautiful cover.  So, I had to make an adjustment.  And thanks to Pinterest, I found my solution.  {smile}

the finished cover:

Recipe:  I made the cover and pages from my favorite kraft card stock by Paper Studio.  I used two pattern papers for the front: the text paper is from Melissa Frances, and the large polka dot ledger paper is from Bazzil (Vintage Market Place collection).  I matted the pattern papers to a piece of pool party card stock by Stampin' Up!

To add a home-made feel, I distressed the edges of the pattern papers with a thread cutter, and then machine stitched them together.

I added a half pink paper doily, and then wrapped a scrap piece of macaroon mint lace trim (Stampin' Up!)  I layered my sentiment piece just over the top of the lace.  I tucked a thread spool label in behind the sentiment piece.  I wanted to add a paper blossom to help balance the piece.  I added silver glitter to the petal tips.  And to add a sweet softness, I tucked a multi-loop bow made from a pale pink  seam binding just under the paper blossom. {smile} I tied a vintage kraft button with kraft twine, onto the multi-loop bow.  

I thought the top portion of this piece, looked bare.  So, I cut a line of hearts out the the same Bazzil pattern paper.  (It's actually the reverse side of the large polka dot ledger pattern paper.)  I did add some machine stitching, to help tie it into the cover.  I didn't want the line of hearts to look 'random' and not 'connected'.  

inside the cover:

Recipe:  I used Macaroon Mint card stock (by Stampin' Up!) for the matt.  I added a chevron pattern paper from Bazzil.  I had a scrap piece of that beautiful aqua polka dot paper laying on my craft table.  So, I hand-stamped the sentiment: 'memories', in black ink, and adhered this piece to the lower portion of the inside cover.  To help give it a 'finished' look, I hand tied a white vintage button with kraft twine.

For the first page, I wanted the author of this journal, to proclaim who they are!  I found my inspiration from Simple Stories, 'I AM' collection.  {smile}

I added 13 blank pages inside the journal.  Four of these pages, have side pockets.  That way, if you have some memorabilia you want to keep with your writing, you have a place to tuck them in.  {smile}  The blank pages are perfect for journalling, or to simply make the journal 'YOURS'.   Just add your own pattern papers, trims, embellishments and trinkets.  There is space, so you can decorate your pages to your heart's content.  {smile}

I did add some digital library cards into these pockets.  The pockets were created using other pattern papers in the same Bazzil collection.

the back cover:

Recipe:  I used the same pattern papers.  I also distressed the edges of the paper with a thread cutter.  I didn't add any machine stitching, so that it would appear 'sturdy'.

I did not create, this unique way of adding the spirals to bound my book.  I actually found a tutorial HERE.  I am very happy with how my journal did turn out.

Thank you for looking!  I will be making a few more of these, to sell in my Etsy shop.  I'll keep you posted!  I'm thinking of 'finishing' some of the 'pages' to help give the journals a more 'finished' appeal.  

Shabby Girl's Life; Book

Howdy, and welcome.  I set back into my craft room, to create another spiral bound book.  I wanted to make something girly, shabby-chic, and a pretty place to jot down what makes you happy!  To help give me a direction, and a bit of inspiration, I headed over to a favorite sketch challenge site @ Cardabilities .  The design team, will certainly give you some inspiration and the sketches are so easy to work with.  

Here is the current challenge (soon to close)

I found this sketch a breeze to work with.  The simplicity of it, allows you to do a little or a lot.  And the layers!  Who doesn't love layers?  I do!  And what about that sweet banner hanging across the top!  You know I had to use this sketch!  {smile}

and here is what I created:

I haven't bound my book yet, with the spirals.  Only because I haven't finished the covers.  And this challenge is closing soon!  I also haven't decided if I want to put the spirals at the ends, or add them to the center.  hmmm.  But, without the spirals, let me give you the recipe.
Recipe:  I used chip board for the cover.  I adhered pool party cardstock to the chipboard.  I just love this color of aqua blue.
The text pattern paper, is Melissa Frances.  I just love this paper!  Love it so much I bought a whole package of it!  Yep! 25 sheets of this one pattern paper.  I did a simple machine stitching along the border, and added a trio of zig zag stitches at the bottom right and upper left.  You know, to add some spice {smile}!
I layered the text pattern paper with a scrap piece of Bazzil pattern paper,  the Vintage Marketplace collection.  Love this collection of shady chic sweetness!  I did a double border with my sewing machine.  I added a half pink paper doily to the lower third of this pattern paper.  Then I wrapped a piece of mint lace trim, from Stampin' Up! to cover the doily seam.
I stamped my sentiment in basic black classic ink, on very vanilla card stock, both by Stampin' Up!.  I used a favorite stamp set; Favorite Memories by Technique Tuesday.  I cut the banner end with scissors.  I adhered this piece over the top of the lace trim.
I wanted to add a little something else, so I cut out a 1" circle of a thread label and tucked it behind the sentiment, but purposefully left the 'Handmade' visible.  I just love the aqua blue color with the typewriter font!
I hot glued the paper blossom, to the left of the sentiment.  I tied a kraft vintage button by Paper Trey Ink, to a multi-loop bow made of pale pink seam binding.  I hot glued this ribbon 'bundle' and tucked it in close to the paper blossom.
For the banner swag, I die cut a row of hearts, using the reverse side of the Bazzill pattern paper.  I also machine stitched this banner to the front of the cover.
I used a thread cutter to distress the edges of the pattern papers.  I also sponged kraft ink on all of the edges.  I haven't decided if I want to add some white paint and glitter to the paper blossom petal tips.
I haven't quite decided if I will be filling this spiral notebook with blank pages only, or adding a few pockets.  And, I'm not too sure how the spirals may 'alter' the cover.
Stay tuned, I might be able to finish this spiral notebook this week.  And yeah, it will be for sale in my Etsy shop once it is done.   Thank you for looking!

Chalkboard Sentiment; Card

Welcome.  I'm so happy you stopped by and take a look at what I've created today.  If you didn't see my precious post, I've been running.  And running takes a lot of my time.  So my crafting was not been as productive as I'd like it to be. {frown}  However, during my last run, I was able to clear my head, and re-ignite my creative spark.  

I stopped by Mojo Monday late yesterday, to get a peak at their current sketch.  And then last night, I dreamt of a card.  {yeah, I dream about paper crafting.}

And this week, @ Mojo Monday is a prize week.  {yahoo!}  The thing that I love about Mojo Monday sketches, is that they are so easy to use.  Here is their current sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, my first reaction was to rate the sketch 90 degrees right and mirror it.  That would change the sketch to be landscape, and orient the diagonal piece to be on the right side of the card, and the circle piece to more center.  But, then I changed my mind last minute.

here is what I made:

Now, if you know me, or follow me, you already know that I mostly use scraps and pieces that I have on hand, and this creation follows that rule.   I am a paper crafting hoarder.  I could give Hobby Lobby a run for their money.  Don't believe me?  ask my husband.  {smile}  This card is a thin A6 size (4 1/4" x 6")

different view

Recipe:  The card base is made from Paper Studios Kraft card stock.  I just love the color and feel of this card stock.  It's a bit light weight, so I line the inside of the card, to help it stand-up without falling forward.

For the main panel, I cut a 5" x 7" digital paper down to 4 1/8" x 5 7/8".  I added a scrap piece (2" x 4 1/4") of aqua mist polka dot paper, from Paper Trey Ink.   I adhered these two pattern papers together.  I trimmed the overhang from the polka dot paper.  I used a thread cutter to distress the edges.  I then sponged the edges with a light brown ink.  I used my finger nail to make little tears in the papers. 

The square, green, floral paper, is actually a digital download.  It is originally 'coaster' size (4" square). But, I didn't want to cut down the paper, because I love the whole look of this square.  So, I printed it @ 80%, to shrink it down to roughly 3" square.  I distressed the edges with a thread cutter and sponged ink along the edges, too.

I took a scrap piece (4 1/4" x 3") of a text paper from Melissa Frances, and tore the paper into a diagonal shape.  I distressed the edges with a thread cutter and added sponging to the edges.  I adhered this piece across the lower third of the card.  It also helped hide/mask the seams. {smile}

I then added my machine stitching.  I did a double border stitch.  I didn't sew across the text pattern paper, to help give the card a finished look.

I wrapped a scrap piece of aqua colored seam binding around the diagonal piece into a diagonal. 

I have a box of chalk board sentiment tags (circle, rectangle, and square) from Anna Griffith.  I used foam tape to elevate the sentiment piece off the card face.

I added a double loop of kraft twine loop where I wanted my bow.  I tied a simple bow with the same seam binding, leaving room for some tiny paper blossoms.  I cut the legs off of a white enamel brad, and hot glued it to the center of my bow.

I added a trio of tiny pink paper blossoms between the bow and the sentiment circle.  I added a pale green, heart stick pin by Fancy Pants.  I hand-stamped a tiny 'Friend' tag, and adhered it to the bottom portion of the bow.

For the final touch, I added pearls and sequins in a 'random'-ish pattern.  I added a pair of pearls with one pale green sequin above the sentiment circle, and a trio of pearls with a pair of sequins below the sentiment circle.  

Thank you for looking.  I'm pretty happy with how my card came out.  And I hope I have inspired you to create something beautiful!  Don't forget to play along with Mojo Monday challenge, as this is a prize week!  Yahoo!

Sweet Lilac; Card

Welcome.  If you don't know, I am training to run a half marathon later this summer.  And, boy does running take a lot of my time.  {grimace}  But, I have learned a few things about running:

1) you have to do it for yourself!  It has to be something you want.

2) encouragement from family and friends is intoxicating.

3) you should learn to love it, because it is just you and the road.  

I am running three days a week; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And that eats up a lot of my time.   Tuesdays and Thursdays have specific miles for those days.  And Saturdays, those are my 'long' days.  So, yesterday, I got up at 5am, and went running @ 6am.  I need time to drink coffee, take Sasha (my dog) out for her walk, make her breakfast, and get motivated to put in the time and distance.  Yesterday's distance: 8.2 miles.  My time was ok.  But that activity alone, just running, took up 2 hours of my morning.  Then, I still needed to eat breakfast, take a shower, and get ready to head out the door, for other commitments.   But, I imagine soccer (or another sport) moms, or dance moms have the same time commitments.  

So, today, after I had time to drink coffee and take care of Sasha, I set out to my craft room.  I really miss crafting!  I kept my focus, and crafted a card for someone specific.  I used the inspiration from two different craft challenges:  a sketch and an inspiration photo.

My first stop was Kafe Scrapo Mama.  This challenge has only one requirement: a lilac flower.  It can be stamped, photo, or an actual flower.  Easy enough.  Here is their board:

This challenge is open from 9 June to 9 July 2015.  So, I do encourage you to play along.  The design team has created some beautiful pieces to share! and these colors are so soft, and sweet!

For the sketch challenge, I am using a sketch from a past challenge.  This challenge closed yesterday. Just my luck, right!  But, I love it, so I am using it.  The sketch comes from Retro Sketches.

*

*Please be aware, that this challenge has already closed.  But, I just love this sketch!  I will most likely use it in the future for other items.

and here is what I created:

I was really inspired by the white elements in the Lilac inspiration photo.  Along with the books and the vase holding all those beautiful lilacs.  So I really wanted to use those elements where I could.

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this as an anchoring element.  I used a Teresa Collins white and light grey floral pattern paper as the largest pattern piece.  I thought this mimic the window/mirror in the photo.  I matted that pattern piece with a scrap of lilac colored textured card stock.  

I added two different but supporting pattern pieces for the 'tore' piece in the sketch.  One is a text pattern paper from Stampin' Up! that is retired, and no longer available.  I also added an 'old' Melissa Frances pattern paper to the 'stack'.  I distressed the edges and layered them crooked.

I wrapped a piece of pale purple seam binding around them, and added a scrap piece of white crochet trim.  I added a pale purple dangle to a multi-loop bow, and adhered it to the side of the lilac card.

The lilac card is actually a digital image that I printed from my computer.

I added two trios of sequins to opposite corners, and added a banner  tag.  I hand-stamped the sentiment onto white card stock.  I used my scissors and hand-cut the banner end.  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of the lilac textured card stock.  I added a scrap piece of the white crochet trim to the top of the banner, and stapled the banner to the card front.

Well, I now need to run into town to purchase a gift card to go inside this card, and get it out in the mail.  Thank you for stopping by!  I hope this weekend is enjoyable!

Beautiful Text; gift card holder

Welcome.  This will be a quick post, as I am busy trying to get several crafts finished for a local craft fair on Saturday.  [these will be present for sale]

I wanted to share a sweet pair of gift card holders I recently made.  I am entering this other gift card holder in a challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is 'Anything Goes' family friendly.

blue version

a little something for you

a pink version

a little something for you

Recipe:  I used vintage cream card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the base.  I love this heavy weight card stock.  Its nice and thick, and holds up to added embellishments.  {smile}
I used the same Melissa Frances text pattern paper.  I matted it with either pool party card stock, or pink pirouette card stock; both by Stampin' Up!  I did some machine stitching.  I stitched some scrap pieces of lace/toile trim to the fronts.  Made multi-loop bows out of seam binding.  And added a tag.
I used the same stamp on the inside.  Heat embossed.  One in blue. and one in blue.

Thank you for looking!  I hope you have been inspired to play along in either of these fabulous challenge sites.  {smile}