Rustic Love

Howdy.  I've been busy.  Busy with life.  But, I imagine you have, too.  I went out of town for several days (had a GREAT time) and then it was back to baking, crafting, cleaning, laundry, working, and taking care of my husband and dog.  See, life.

I took almost a week off from my normal chores and headed to Phoenix with 2 of my granddaughters and daughter.  It's dance competition time of year.  But, we headed out a few days early, to enjoy some fun activities, and some girl time {smile}.  We had a great time.  Spent sometime in the swimming pool, ate some great food, enjoyed some education spots (think Children's museum), and tried our hand at golf.  Yes, golf.  We spent that time laughing more than hitting hole in ones!  Ok, none of us hit a hole in one.  {smile}

Now, I have returned to reality.  The chores never stop, but moms know that.  Once back home, I had to get busy with a few cupcake orders and the never-ending chores.  I also wanted to get some crafts completed.  I am working on an altered art piece.  It's a wooden book-box.  But, I needed some direction, so I headed over to Mojo Monday to get a sketch going.  I loved their sketch so much so, that I actually used it for the cover of the box.  (this sketch is expired)  Here is what I made!

I am using some 'old' pattern paper.  I think, it may still be available at some on-line paper sources.  The Rustic Elegance collection, by Carta Bella, is a beautiful mix of mint, blush, green, and neutrals.  There are mixes of florals, chevrons, circles, text, and flourishes, with a country flair!  Mason jars, bicycles, floral wreaths, wooden plank backdrops, and so much more!

I used various pattern papers from this collection (Rustic Elegance) added a paper doily, some paper blossoms, and lace.  I added simple machine stitching around two of the main pieces, to give it a homespun look.  The sentiment 'love' is lifted off the piece with foam tape.  I haven't yet, but I am thinking of adding some sparkle to the paper blossoms.

I have added white wax to the wooden book box, and now I am adding my paper pieces.  Yes, I will photograph it once it's done.  Hopefully, I get a chance to work on it this week.  But, I have a few cupcake orders to work on late this week.  So, we will see how well I can manage my time.  {smile}

I hope you have a great week!  and Happy May Day!

Christmas Challenge

Howdy, I hope you are well.  I made my own Christmas cards again this year.  And I want to enter them into a few challenges during this beautiful time of year!

The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge have a Christmas challenge.

Also, the talented ladies over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge have a Holiday Cheer challenge.

And finally, the lovely, and inspirational ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have a family friendly anything goes challenge.

and here is my entry:

I used a variety of products for this creation.  Special mention to Stampin' Up! crumb cake & mint macaroon card stocks, along with Prima Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern papers.  I added a bit of machine stitching, and a big beautiful lace bow!  The complete recipe of products and such can be found on this post.  Thank you for stopping by, and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I want to take a moment, and wish everyone around this beautiful globe, a very Merry Christmas!  With today's technology we are able to reach out to folks across the globe, and to connect with other cultures, and through other languages, than our own native tongue.  I hope all people find hope, love, and happiness during this season of giving.  And that they start a new year, with a new purpose of forgiveness, love, and laughter.  Our globe is becoming more and more small, and our need to learn to  work and live together becomes stronger and stronger.  May we all find Peace!

I make my own cards, as you all know.  And I make my own Christmas cards, as well.  Typically, I make one card.  But there are years, and this one is no different, that I make 2 cards.  I can't decide which one I like better, so I make both, and it is generally a roulette as to which one you will receive. {smile}  I wanted to share them with you, here, @ my little piece of blog-land: Designs by Sharon.

This one I made first, and I loved the large sentiment piece.  

So of course, I had to add a large bow. {smile}

I wanted a smaller sentiment, but one just as 'pretty', 

to show-off that beautiful pattern paper!

Recipe:  I used Stampin' Up! crumb cake card stock as the base of these cards.  Their card stock is a nice heavy weight, that will stand up to my layers.  {smile}

The layers:  first piece is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this shade of blue green.  It is soft, sweet, and super easy to work with!  

The next layer, is a retired piece from Stampin' Up!.  It came from a holiday collection last year.  I just love sheet music!  

The next layer, is a candy stripe from Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern paper by Prima.  I just love the red and white diagonal stripes.  The shade of red is vintage, and really pops with the mint macaroon.  

And the top layer, is this fun, festive advent calendar holiday print from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima.  It has numbers, words, images; everything you would find, or need on an advent calendar.  I thought this paper was just divine, with a bit of nostalgia.  {smile}

I added a simple machine stitch border all the way around.  And yes, sewn through all the layers. {smile}

My sentiment pieces are on whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love both the weight of this paper and the feel.  The weight is light, so it won't add bulk to your projects.  The feel is super smooth.  It takes ink (any variety) beautifully!  I matted the sentiment piece with another piece of mint macaroon card stock.  I thought it would help give some definition for that piece, and repeating the same color help solidify that color as belonging to the project.  I kept my sentiment colors, to those I used in the layers of pattern papers.  I didn't want to distract the eye.

I tied bows in either mint macaroon lace or a vintage red gingham print.  The mint lace repeats the mint color from the layers, and the red gingham print repeats the red candy stripes, anchoring both ribbons to the project.  I then tied the embellishment to the bow with thin silver string.  I wanted a sparkle of metallic.  I used either a frosted candy cane or a shiny pine cone.

The cards remain blank inside, and this year I actually wrote in them.  Shocking, I know.  If you didn't know, I never (until now) write in my cards.  I add a hand written note, or typed note to the inside of the card.  That way, you have a card to give.  It's like receiving two gifts in one {smile}.

Well, I am off to the kitchen to get a few dishes started for Christmas dinner.   I hope you are able to share this beautiful season with family and friends.  I think being surrounded by those who love you, and care about your happiness, is enough to bring you joy!  And my heart goes out to those who are serving abroard and can't be with their love ones.  It is a sacrifice to keep our nation safe.  So be vigilant and guard us well.  Merry Christmas! and Peace on Earth.

Holiday Stitching

~ photo heavy, long post ~

Howdy.  Whew, what a crazy, busy weekend.  But busy in a great way!  I had a very successful holiday arts & crafts fair, this past Saturday!  Very exciting, and very enjoyable!  It was sweet to meet so many wonderful folks.  And I had a chance to chat with everyone!  Who wouldn't love that? {smile} 

I started off this week, at getting back to the gym and running.  Yes, it's never ending.  But I love it.  The gym gives me a chance to work out some aggression.  If you work in corporate america, you know exactly what I mean.  And running, gives me a chance for me.  It's just me, my music, and the road.  Some quality time for me to sort my thoughts, and get some clean, fresh, mountain air, and take a break from corporate america.  {smile}

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things I crafted (and sold) from last weekend.  So, I will post today, most likely tomorrow, and maybe another day this week.  It all depends on my energy level. 

I am entering my large gift card holder in the Word Art Wednesday : Anything Goes challenge!
*my large gift card holder was selected as a 'Top Three'!  Thank You Word Art Wednesday.
I am also entering my large gift card holder in the Retro Sketches challenge.  it's a sketch!

I love fabric (along with paper).  But, I don't sew garments.  I don't sew toys.  I sew on paper.  And I know a lot of folks who make wearables.  Not me.  But I understand the thrill of finding a gorgeous print.  Or the perfect shade of pink (or any other color) to finish a project.  

I collected some pattern papers from Carta Bella, the Sew Lovely and So Noted.  I wanted to make something sweet, pretty, and practical.  

a sweet gift tote (to hold fabric, or supplies):

a covered notepad (to jot down sketches, supplies, etc):

and finally, a large gift card holder (it holds a pre-packaged gift card):

I just loved how the green stripe and the blue ruler pattern papers looked together.  Not really christmas-y, but simply pretty!  And if you craft (any kind) you know if you find something that works really well together, you don't 'un-do' it.  

I used a variety of stuff from my stashes, so it would be ridiculous to name everything.  But, I'll list a few.  And as always, if you have a question about a particular product, please just ask.

The blue-ish solid card stock used for everything is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!  The cream cotton embroidered trim is from an internet purchase.  The stamping for the gift card holder is from Paper trey Ink (no peeking: holiday friendship jar.  homespun: love lives here holiday).  I stamped in Mint Macaroon and Basic Black classic inks by Stampin' Up!  The pink seam binding is from Stampin' Up!.  However, it is retired: Pink Pirouette.  The sewing theme fabric brads are from LemonCraft.  (LemonCraft is an eastern european company)  The silver scissor 'charm' is an internet purchase.  The large snowflake is a die from PaperTrey Ink, and the glitter paper is from Stampin' Up!.  The green check pattern fabric strips are from an internet purchase as well.  It was listed as fabric ribbon.  And as always (ok, almost always, always) I did machine stitching on my projects.  I think it adds a 'homespun' touch! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by!  now, I am off to finish some holiday shopping, and to get a few items out in the mail!  I hope you have been inspired, or at least the creative wheel is turning!

Vintage Chic

Howdy & welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I am still crafting {smile}.  I am preparing for my last craft fair next weekend.  Saturday, to be exact.  But I wanted to share with you a new decorated notebook.  I went to our local scrapbook store, and stumbled upon this beautiful pattern paper collection by Heidi Swapp - Vintage Chic.  It is basically all neutrals with a teal blue shade.  So, I pick up a few sheets of this beautiful (to me) pattern paper and headed home!

here is what I came up with:

Now, I have a lot of paper crafting supplies, so the pattern paper is all I had to purchase (at this time).   I selected embellishments that were sweet, rustic, french, and/or simple pretty!

Recipe:  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin; Up! for the matt.  

I cut strips of each of the pattern papers in the Vintage Chic collection.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I cut a 4" burlap doily in half, and adhered it to the right side.  I added a simple border stitch around the front panel.  I did  a zig zag stitch at each pattern paper seam.  I tucked a black and white French tag in behind the doily.  I added a bingo card.  I hand-stamped my sentiment.  I hand cut the banner.  I sponged the edges to help give the sentiment banner some definition.  The 'vintage chic' sentiment tag is actually the pattern paper label.  I adhered it to the front of the notebook with foam tape.  I added a scrap length of teal velvet ribbon to a rhinestone heart ribbon slide, just below the vintage chic label.  I added a Prima holiday paper blossom.   I added a white resin floral garland.  I wrapped some cream crochet trim around the notebook cover, and looped it through the metal word bar.  I used black pearl brads to secure the ends.

I am super happy with how beautiful (to me) this decorated notebook turned out.  So, I made a matching gift tote.  {smile}  I had so much fun creating this notebook, that I made another.  I used some of the same pattern papers, and added pink as my accent color.  Stay tuned for photos of my other creations!

Festive Reindeer Christmas Card

Howdy.  The crafting continues.  But, I did stop for a few minutes to take a few photos {smiles}.  I am really loving this sketch @ Mojo Monday  This sketch has given me a 'new' look at some of the pattern papers and digital images I have laying around my crafting space.  Let's take a look at their sketch:

The first few things I notice about the sketch, is the space.  The large rectangle can easily accommodate a stamped image, a tag, or any focal piece.  The oval, can be your sentiment piece, a floral cluster, a group of snowflakes, . . .  you get the picture.  And the long narrow rectangle, can be a scrap piece of ribbon, a coordinating piece of pattern paper, or any 'anchoring' piece/embellishment.

here is what I created:

and

Recipe:  I started with Garden Green card stock by Stampin' Up!  Love the heavy weight!  I used a pattern paper from Stampin' Up! that is retired from last year.  But, I just love the houses in snow.  

I machine stitched a burlap ribbon and mint macaroon dot trim/ribbon to the lower portion of the card.

The mini post cards are digital images that I printed on linen card stock (by Paper Trey Ink) and were matted on a piece of mint macaroon card stock.  I wanted to repeat the colors from the snowy scene (green and mint).  

I stamped my sentiment in mint macaroon classic ink, onto cream linen card stock.  I matted the tags with mint macaroon, too.  I wanted to add a pop of color (aka contrast), so I tied a 1/4" red silk ribbon to the tag.  But I wanted to add a 'vintage' piece, so I added these vintage Christmas bulbs.  The bulbs were a bit heavy for the delicate ribbon, so I 'anchored' them with a dab of hot glue.

I also made a matching pair of gift totes.  I'm getting excited for my craft fairs.  {smile}  My first craft fair is this FRIDAY, yeah, November 11th, @ the Tramway Community Church, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I hope to see you there!  and remember, if you see anything you just can't live without, I do take special orders!  Just convo me via email or @ Etsy.  The best part of Etsy, is that we can message each other, I can upload photos, and you can make your purchase with a credit card, paypal, or an Etsy gift card.  It's super easy!  Have a great day!

Clear Box - Gift Bag

Howdy!  I wanted to share with you a new gift bag that I am making for my Craft Fairs this year.  Typically, I add a decorative panel to a brown paper bag.  But, I wanted to add a new dimension to my gift bags.  So, I have added my decorative panel to a clear box, and made it a tote.  

Recipe:  The solid red card stock is Riding Hood Red card stock from Stampin' Up!  It is retired for a few years now.  But I just love the vintage faded red color.  The pattern paper is 25th and Pine by Basic Grey.  I matted the floral pattern paper onto a scrap piece of mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I added a single border stitch with my sewing machine.  The sentiment 'label' is actually cut from a sheet of pattern paper.  I added some sweet blush stitched ribbon from Paper Trey Ink.  I liked how this color of pink complimented the pink in the pattern papers.  I attached the sentiment 'label' with a pair of antique pearl brads from recollections.  And to add a little sparkle, I added a retro silver star mini ornament.

The clear boxes are 5" x 5", and 2" deep.  I left the top flap in tack.  That way, there is a way to 'close' the bag/tote so items don't fall out {smile}.  At first, I was struggling a bit, with how to 'package' these clear box gift bags/totes.  The clear boxes unfold, to lay flat.  Ta Da!  Now, all I have to do is slide these gift totes into a clear bag.  I need to figure out a price.  Don't fret, I will still have my typical paper gift bags {smile}.   Thank you for stopping by, to see what I have been working on.  Now, it's time to bleach some bottle brush trees!

Mint to Be Crown'd

~ Ikea Frame #2 ~

Howdy! and welcome.  I truly believe that when you are doing anything creative: paper crafting, sewing, crocheting, baking, or any other art form, that when you are in your groove, tapped into your mojo, that you keep going.  Because once you stop, that rhythm will stop.  {frown}  And that is why, I kept going with my frames.  I had the time, and I wanted them to 'match', so I let that creative juices keep flowing through me.  (my first frame was posted yesterday, HERE.)

For todays post, I want to share what I did with my 5" x 7" white, oval, Ikea frame.  I purchased some incredibly gorgeous shabby chic fabric from the Rachel Ashwell collection, while I was in Phoenix, last month.  I washed and dried the fabric, once I arrived home.  I didn't iron the fabric, because I really wanted it to show the 'worn' beauty of the print.

here is what I did:

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Heirloom White Pink Cotton Poplin

I layered two pieces of quilting batting inside the frame.  Then I added my shabby chic fabric on top. I tied a double loop bow with this beautifully sheer, mint, lace trim, by Stampin' Up!. {smile}  I just love this color!  I added this lace because it matched the mint blossoms on the fabric.  [It also matches the crochet doily in the other Ikea frame.]  The sheerness of the lace, with the scallop edge, and the swiss dots adds another level of femininity to the whole look.  {smile}

a direct 'view'

I didn't want to add another door knob to this frame.  But, I wanted them to look like they are a 'pair'. So, I repeated some of the same elements: 

1) shabby chic Rachel Ashwell fabric with mint design elements (leaves in frame #1, and blossoms in frame #2)

2) mint embellishment (crochet doily, and sheer lace) to accent the mint elements in the fabrics

3) white resin piece (bird in frame #1, and crown in frame #2)

4) some bling (rhinestone chain wrapped around bow in frame #1, and rhinestone broach in frame #2)

5) and finally the tails of the bows hang past the edge of the frames.

If you visited me yesterday, you read that I'm a hoarder collector of various items.  The Ikea frames I've had for 3 years, and the resin pieces I have had for a bit longer.  And that beautiful vintage inspired broach?  I've had that almost as long, as well.  A very dear, close friend had used the rhinestone broaches, as an embellishment on wedding announcements when her first daughter got married.  [She has 4 daughters]  I kept the ribbon the broach was pinned to also, because it is this beautifully bright pink color. And you never know when you will need a bright pink bow!

I adhered the bow first, using hot glue.  I used the bow as my 'anchor' for this simple, shabby chic piece.  I kept the tails of the bow too long, so that they would go past the edge of the frame.  I adhered the rhinestone broach just above the bow.  It purposefully looks as if it is secured to the bow.  But it is not.  I then tucked the resin crown in towards the top of the rhinestone broach.  The center of the crown is in line with the center of the frame, and the top decorative piece on the broach overlaps the bottom of the crown, on purpose.  I wanted this to look like one piece, and not three pieces clustered together.  And yeah, the dangle of the broach swings.  {smile}  

I am super happy with how beautiful these framed inserts came out.  Now, all I have to do is hang them.  {smile}  Thank you for stopping by.  I hope I have inspired you to create something you have been waiting to make, or to simply use something from your stash.  It is always a great feeling, creating something from what you have on-hand.  That way, you don't have to change out of your pjs {smile}.

Spring Macaroon: Card

Howdy/Welcome.  I created a card earlier today, to show how to add machine stitching to your card, without the stitches seen on the inside of card, HERE.  Anyways, I stopped by some favorite (new and old) challenge sites, to give me a starting point, and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how my card turned out!  

The first challenge site I visited was, Scrap Magic [No.16 Spring].  This is an old favorite.  I don't always play along in their challenges, but I just love looking at what the design team creates.  Very inspirational, and very creative!   This challenge site, creates a mood board, they give you primary colors and mandatory elements.

The primary colors: Turquoise and Pink.  Mandatory elements: rose/dessert, and delicate work.  Please be aware that this challenge site is in Russian.  They do provide a translate button.

The second challenge site that I visited was Retro Sketch Challenge [#203].  This is another 'old' favorite.  I just love their sketches!  They are super easy to work with, and the design team is sure to inspire you to play along.

My card was selected as the Retro Sketch Challenge Rock Star!  Super happy and excited!  I'll be posting my 'award' on my Awards page {smile}  I just can't stop smiling!

And finally, a 'new' favorite challenge site: Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge [#135 - Celebrate]. I had stumbled upon this challenge site while visiting a blog.  And I was intrigued as to what this site was about.  And well, I think you can figure it out too - Ribbon.  And I love ribbon! so I played along in one of their past recent challenges, and stopped by again, yesterday.  You will be inspired by their design team, and their wonderfully creative challenges.  Their current challenge: Celebrate!  Create a paper craft or project showcasing this theme (birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby, etc) and make sure you use ribbon or trim on your craft!

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  And this card is a bit 'large'.  It measures 4 1/4" x 6".  I believe it is considered a A6 size card.  I am really loving this larger size.  The first matt is Mint Macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how those two colors match the two shades of turquoise macaroons on the pattern paper!  

I took a piece (3 3/4" x 5 1/2") of whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up! to use as my 'base' for the focal piece.  I cut two strips (1" x 12") of different pattern paper by Authentique, Infused.  I selected the floral pattern paper and the macaron pattern paper.  I tore the ends of the pattern paper strips to add 'interest'.   

I hand stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I used a new stamp set: Birthday Blossoms.  I just love the simple, cursive font of this sentiment.

I added a bright pink seam binding, and fancy, white crochet trim.  I did a simple machine stitch to attach the seam binding and crochet trim to the front of the card.  And then, I added a simple border stitch around the top of the card.  

I added a journalling card to a different piece of pattern paper (mint stripe) from the Infused collection by Authentique.  I added foam tape to the back of this journalling card.

I tied a triple loop bow with the bright pink seam binding, and adhered it to the front of the card with hot glue.

I added a collection of marshmallow sequins to the bottom of the card.  I didn't want to distract the eye from the beauty of this card, celebrating a birthday!

Tag of Faith Card

Howdy!  This is my second post for today.  [previous post is my Tuesday tutorial segment HERE].   Today's tutorial was on a technique called water color wash.  I showed how to do this technique with a tag.  And well, I added the tag to a hand made, machine stitched greeting card. {smile}

I am entering this card in two challenges: a scripture theme challenge, and an element theme challenge.

Let's start with a one of my favorite challenge sites:  Word Art Wednesday #219.  This challenge site is faith based - this means that they provide you with a scripture for inspiration.  The lovely ladies on their design team, will certainly inspire you with their creativity!   The theme for this current challenge is 'anything goes', just make sure your entry is family friendly.

The other challenge site I am playing with has been one of my favorites for several years.  I have been playing along since I started my blog.  {smile}  Just Us GirlS Challenge #330.  Their current challenge is  trend week - tag.  And who doesn't love tags?  Their design team will inspire you, that's a guarantee!  

so without further ado, here is my card:

I just love the angle of this photograph!  The closeness, shows the machine stitching and the delicate mint lace trim.  The tag was color washed with liquid re-inkers.  [tutorial HERE]

a different shot:

Recipe:  I used Crisp Cantaloupe card stock, by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  I just love the soft coral color.  {smile}  I matted this beautiful vintage looking floral pattern paper by Authentique onto Mint Macaroon card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  I machine stitched the floral pattern paper and mint card stock together.  I did a purposeful sloppy double border with my sewing machine.  

I machine stitched the tea stained cotton trim and mint lace trim to the card front.  Then I machine stitched the vanilla seam binding to the card front.  

I tied some coral-colored ribbon and thin crochet trim to the top of the tag, that I washed with water colors.   The tag is adhered to the card front with foam tape.

I tied a double loop bow with the vanilla seam binding, and adhered to the front of the card.  I tucked-in a aqua mist vintage button, to help repeat the mint color.

I hope you have found some inspiration to play along with both of these challenges:  Just Us GirlS, and Word Art Wednesday.  It will be fun!

Christmas Wrapping

Howdy! and thank you for stopping by!  Glad you are here.   I have another gift I 'wrapped' and wanted to share with you what I did.  Typically, my favorite Christmas colors are Blue, Green, and Kraft/Brown.  And so, I have made a few gift bags using those colors {smile}.

The lovely ladies over @ Vintage Cafe Card Challenge  have a 'Gift Wrapping' challenge.  And so I want to play along.  If you want to play too, you still have time, as this challenge is open until Dec 26.  {yahoo!}  So even if you are finishing things up on Christmas Eve, take a photo and upload it as soon as you can, and you too, can play along {smile}

Their only requirement:  your 'play-along' must be in 

Shabby Chic, Vintage, or Rustic style.

*Please be aware, that this challenge site is in Russian language.
They do have a translate button. 

here is what I did:

Recipe:  I used a plain kraft handled bag as the bones of this gift.  I used mint macaroon card stock as my matt.  I machine stitched a scrap piece of the holiday kraft DSP from Stampin' Up! (retired).  I added a strip of holiday music sheet to the center, from Stampin' Up! (Home for Christmas DSP)  I added a strip of burlap ribbon and mint macaroon lace the center.  I machine stitched the ribbons to the front of the bag, but didn't stitch to the ends.  I tied my gold sating ribbon through the center of the large snowflake cut with a Paper Trey Ink snowflake die, using dazzling diamond glitter paper.  I tied a few trims to the bow: aqua pom pom trim, gold tinsel, and a gold sequin mini ornament.  For my tag, I wanted a pop of color, so I added a Starbucks gift card to the handle with thin gold ribbon.

closer look at the embellishment

This gift wrapping is for a very best friend.  N, has been through it all with me.  And I love her dearly.  She is the one who ran my first marathon with.  And she is the one who has encouraged me to join the Duke City Challenge.  She is my confidant and the one I turn to when I need a shoulder to cry on.   The gifts inside are trivial.  I have a small box of chocolates:  Lindt Peppermint Truffles, a small box of Christmas Jelly Bellys, a Doterra hand cream and lip balm, and a gnome Christmas ornament. The sweets are because I love her.  The hand cream and lip balm are for her soul.  And the Christmas ornament is something she loves: gnomes.  So, I made sure that the wrapping was special!  

N, paper crafting style is 'less is more' while I just want to keep adding things.  I hate 'white space', and N, she loves 'white space'.  I love all things shabby chic and vintage with a little retro thrown in there.  While N, loves classic and modern.  So, I tried my very best to make something a bit more her style.  

Well, I am off to another holiday gathering.  But don't fret.  I will be back to play along with a few more challenges I eye spied.  {smile}  And I need to get my Christmas ornament photographed.  Take care, and I hope you come back soon {smile}.

A Sweet Card For You

Howdy!  Well, don't fret, I don't have another gift bag to share with you {smile}.  I changed gears for a bit.  The switch up helps me re-evaluate what I'm working on.  And the change of focus, actually helps get stuff done, and the creativity can flow easier, or at least for me.
I stopped by Mojo Monday to see what their current sketch looks like.  And boy oh boy, does that design team come up with some fantastic sketches!

I have to admit, when I saw the break between panels, I was a bit stumped.  But, look what I made!

I did stay with the 'tall & skinny' sketch.  This finished card measures 3 1/2" x 5 1/2".    And the recipe:  I started with Mint Macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I used three different pattern papers from Authentique 'Infusion' collection.  The black text is the back/reverse side of the macaroon pattern paper.

I adhered the macaroon and floral pattern papers to a matt of mint macaroni card stock.  I added machine stitching to this piece, to add a little homespun touch.  {smile}

I added the scallop piece, where the break is in the panels.  

I added a dark pink paper blossom to the top of this main panel piece.  I added two leaves to the blossom in place of the banner pieces.  I wanted a little more sparkle, so I added a 'ribbon end' piece cut with silver glitter paper.  

I changed the small square with a 2" circle.  I also added my sentiment to the circle piece.  I stamped a sentiment from the Timeless Love stamp set, by Stampin' Up! in Basic Black archival ink.  I don't own a 2 1/4" circle punch, so I simply added the sentiment circle to a piece of mint macaroon card stock and hand cut the circle.  I used a piece of sand paper to smooth out the rough uneven edges.  I adhered the circle to the front of the card with foam tape.

And to add a little pizzazz, I added a trio of marshmallow sequins to the card front.

This card will be in the mail tomorrow for a friend (Cathy).  I've been thinking of her lately, and hope all is well.  And this is the best kind of snail mail to receive! {smile}