Let It Snow, in January

Howdy, and welcome back.  I have been busy crafting, but not busy photographing what I have created {frown}.  But, I will work on being better at sharing what I create here, and on my Facebook page.  To be honest, sometimes, its just easier to take a quick pic with my phone and upload it on Facebook.  Yeah, that makes me sound lazy.  Honest. But lazy.  So, a New Year's Resolution has been declared!

I am playing along with three challenges: Just Add Ink, Paper Craft Crew, and Word Art Wednesday.  So, let's get started!  I stopped by Just Add Ink blog, and they have a color inspiration photo for their current challenge.

When I saw this photo, I instantly thought of a new line of holiday paper from Prima: Santa Baby.

For a little bit of direction, I stopped by the Paper Craft Crew blog.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  Perfect!  Here is that sketch:

I'm pretty sure I can work with this! {smile}

Finally, I headed over to the Word Art Wednesday blog.  Their challenges are Anything Goes, Family Friendly.  And the design team will certainly inspire you!

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  I created a standard A2 size greeting card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  I used PaperTrey Ink's Aqua Mist card stock for the card base.  I just love this soft, pale water color!  I added a piece of the 'houses' pattern paper from Prima: Santa Baby.  I thought it looked sweet, and cozy.  

The next layer is the mugs of cocoa pattern paper from Prima: Santa Baby, matted with Autumn Rose card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  

I then wrapped a piece of cream lace and pale pink seam binding around the second layer (similar to the sketch), and then I machine stitched these layers together.  I added my layered stack towards the right (as in the sketch).  I machine stitched the sentiment panel to the Aqua Mist card stock.  I slipped on a 'tree' paper clip.  And used foam tape to adhere it to the paper paper layer.  

I tied a double bow with the pale pink seam binding, and tied a tiny pale pink ornament to the bow with some gold and white bakers twin.  I adhered a paper blossom from the Prima: Santa Baby collection just above the bow.  I punched out some leaves and stuck them in behind the paper blossom (as in the sketch).  

I added a trio of crystals (as in the sketch) from Prima to the front of the card; two below the bow and one next to the tree paper clip.  I thought that they added the right amount of sparkle, even tho they are two different colors: aqua and pale pink.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with any or all of these challenges!  Enjoy your weekend, and I hope to be back soon!

Something Blue Plastic Money

Welcome.  If you were here the last few days, you saw a paper tote and a Birthday card I created with the Something Blue collection by Prima.  And today, I want to share the large packaged gift card holder I created with the same collection.  I know that this paper collection has a wedding theme.  But I just love the patterns, colors, and images.  It has that shabby chic, vintage look.  And we all have used themed collections for different projects. {smile}

Recipe:  This gift card holder, holds one of those gift cards that you purchase at the grocery store, or Walgreens that comes 'packaged'.  So, instead of ripping open the packaging and pulling out the gift card, you simply slide the whole thing inside.  Like a big, beautiful 'pocket'.  [yes, I make quite a few of these for craft fairs - it makes gift giving easy.]

To keep each part of these 'gifts' coordinating, I repeated the colors, the pattern papers, the embellishments, and the little touches.  It's the easiest way to make all parts of the package look like they all belong together.  [repeat, repeat, and repeat.]

I started with Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  [I can't rave enough about the quality, strength, and durability of this card stock.  It holds up to all of my embellishing!]

I used the dark grey polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I just love the simple beauty of polka dots.  I then used the dark grey, white, and kraft bird print pattern paper as the main panel.  I love the birds!  I did pay close attention, to make sure all my patterns are oriented in the correct direction.  [Little details like this, do show your love.]  I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine to the layered papers.  Now, before you get anxious, it really isn't that hard.  I always have my sewing machine out, so access to it, is a breeze.  I add a little adhesive to the middle of the stacked papers, and stitch along the border.  It doesn't have to be perfect - actually that adds visual interest.  But please don't be sloppy.  There is a difference between sloppy, tailored, and allowing the machine to run in its own direction.  {smile}

I used one of the journalling cards as my sentiment piece: true story.  I wanted something already printed, to add to the 'finished' look.  I used a few different 'book' themed stamps for my sentiments, but wanted something more personal.  So, I used a fancy script stamp set from PaperTrey Ink: Penned Elegance.  The sentiments are general, but have this beautifully fancy font.  

I didn't want to compete with the beautiful pattern paper, so I simply added trims that complements the paper.  I used a scrap piece of cream lace.  It's about 2" - 2 1/2" wide.  I then layered a mint striped ribbon over the center of the lace.  

I wanted to make the white accents in the pattern paper pop, so I added a white paper blossom.   This big, beautiful paper blossom, is from the 1$ bin at one of those big box craft stores.  [yes, I have a few packages of paper blossoms from these bins, always on hand.]  I added a mint glitter leaf from Prima to the paper blossom.  I believe these glittered leaves are from the Peppermint collection by Prima.  I felt the blossom needed a little more, so I added a simple bow to the upper left of the blossom.  But I wanted it to have a presence, so I added it upside down.  I just love how this little change in orientation adds something pretty!

All of my metallic additions to this birthday package collection have been silver.  So here is where I made a change.  Something I usually don't do.  But these large white blossoms came with gold accents.  I didn't want to fuss too much with the blossoms, so I ran with it.

I added two vintage buttons just below where the journal card falls.  I selected one mint and one white.  Both to tie in the color theme.  But since the paper blossom has gold accents, I used gold cord to tie the buttons.  I only added two buttons, because I added the clay star.  Yes, the star is made from clay - glitter clay, by me, and baked.  

Inside the gift card holder, I used the same dark grey classic ink, to hand stamp Happy Birthday.  I used a stamp from the same collection: Penned Elegance, so the stamping would match in font.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have found some inspiration.  Inspiration to either create something new, or use a color you aren't fond of, or use a collection in a direct direction, or simply get back into your craft room.  Whatever you do, to express your creativity does speak volumes to your soul.  {smile}

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}.

Birthday Blue

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I hadn't realized that it's been a month since I last posted.  I have been crafting.  I guess life has me pulled in too many different directions.  Just like the rest of you.  Life gets busy, and we don't always have enough time in the day to get everything done that we want.  {frown}

This past weekend, a sweet, dear friend was celebrating her birthday.  And well, I wanted to craft something special for her. {smile}  My friend, is a lover of shabby chic, and a junking girl, just like me.  She also loves simpler things in life: a good book, afternoon tea, needle-work, family, and close friends.  

My favorite styles of crafting are shabby chic, retro, and vintage.  So, crafting something for this special girl friend, is easy.  I pulled out some pattern paper by Prima: Something Blue.  I know, this is a 'wedding' themed collection.  But, I think I can make it work {wink}.

I am sharing with you a gift tote that I created.  I also crafted a Birthday card, a bookmark, an extra card for her stash, and a packaged gift card holder.  Let's start with the tote:

Recipe:  The card stock tote is made from Kraft card stock by PaperTrey Ink.  I just love their heavy weight card stock.  Sturdy, and strong!  I layered the pink and cream polka dot pattern paper as the matt.  I then added the text & fauna printed pattern paper.  I love how the two pattern papers contrast each other.  I added a simple border stitch to the pattern papers.  

I wanted to add some visual interest and design, so I decided to add two large banner pennants.  I wanted to keep with the contrast, but to play-up the main floral pattern paper.  I used the mint text and black text pattern papers for these banner pieces.  The pattern paper that I truly love, is the floral pattern paper that was added last.  I wanted a decorative shape, so I went with a 'top note' shape.  

I wanted to soften the contrast of the black pattern paper, so I added a small piece of a white paper doily peeking out of the bottom of the pretty floral pattern piece.  To help add a little feminine touch, I added a pair of pale mint half faux pearls parallel to the edge of the tote.

This dear friend, has a love of books.  So, I wanted to include 'books' as an underlining theme.  I pulled out my All Booked Up stamp set by PaperTrey Ink.  I inked the 'tag' portion of this sentiment piece in Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment and circle piece in Dark Grey classic ink.  I used foam tape to the back of the circle piece and sentiment piece, to lift them off the front of the tag piece.  

I tied a simple bow with rose seam binding to the top of the 'tag'.  I tied a faux pearl and an aqua mist button to the bow with silver cord.  I wanted soft, shabby colors that contrast (rose and aqua), but also a feminine touch (pearl).  To help add some bling & metallic, I selected the silver cord.

I wanted to continue with the softness that trims can add, so I selected a white lace, a rose cotton scallop trim, and a kraft seam binding.  To continue with the metallic, I added a piece of cream and silver bakers twine across the kraft seam binding.  I added a paper blossom from the same Something Blue collection by Prima.  I tied a simple bow with the silver metallic bakers twine just behind the paper blossom.  I used a small snippet of the rose cotton scallop trim, in place of leaves.  This continues with the rose color with the seam binding and cotton trim.

Thank you so much for looking.  I'll post an image and write-up for the Birthday card tomorrow.

Cherry Money

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I can't believe that it has been so many weeks, since I posted.  YIKES!  Well, I haven't stopped crafting.  Apparently I have stopped photographing my work.  I will get some photos uploaded soon.  I have been working on a few baby themed items.  I'm using the Heaven Sent 2 collection by Prima.  Oh my, is it gorgeous and a lot of fun to work with! {smile}  I am working on some non-holiday items for a few Holiday Craft Fairs, this year.  And well, I was afraid of running out of time, so I started in June.  We will see how this goes.

Anyway, I took a break from baby stuff, to create a sample money holder.  If you have been to my booth at a craft fair, you know that I alway have a sample of what is packaged, so you can play with it, see how it works, get a feel for the dimensions, etc.  Sometimes, the gift is cash.  Not always a bad idea.  Sometimes, that's what works for the occasion, the recipient, or what you want to give.

It is a simple money holder, in that you open the 'card' and there is a slot for cash.  See, super simple. No bells or whistles.  Clean, easy, simple, and sometimes just the perfect gift.  {smile}

here it is:

Recipe:  I used True Black card stock, by Paper Trey Ink, as the base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  It will stand-up to my embellishing.  And that's a good thing.

I used pattern paper from the Cherry Blossom collection by Prima.  I wanted something soft, feminine, and pretty.

I machine stitched a simple border around the main panel.  And then I machine stitched the three trims: pale pink seam binding, white crochet trim, and a black & white check ribbon.  

The banner piece is a different pattern paper from the same collection.  To help give it structure, I matted it with a scrap piece of the True Black card stock.  I added foam tape to the top and flag end of the banner piece.  To keep it from squishing the trio of trims.

I hot glued a large pale pink paper blossom, I picked-up from a large box craft store, earlier last year. I added a pink and gold glitter leaf from Prima.  And tied a thin gold string through a tiny pale pink vintage button, and add those to the banner piece, as well.

I used my die-cut machine & a die, to create the sentiment piece.  I also used a different pattern paper from the same collection.  I selected a pattern paper that wasn't too busy, but still had the same color scheme.  I inked my sentiment stamp in Basic Black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! and hand-stamped the sentiment.  I adhered this sentiment piece to the money holder with foam tape, as well.  

I tied a triple bow with the pale pink seam binding, and added a faux pearl brad to the center of the bow.  I adhered the bow to the front of the money holder with hot glue.  And my final touch, is a trio of pink faux half-pearls.

I am still trying to decide if I want to add some white paint and glitter to the tips of the large paper blossom.  Let me know what you think.  I'm kinda on the fence with that one.

Now, I'm off to make a few baby-themed money holders, and a few small gift card holders.

I hope you have a chance to craft today!  I know my soul always feels so much happier when I do!

It's a Blue Wednesday

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

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

here is what I created:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You in Primrose

Howdy!  I needed to make a few Thank You cards, and set out to find some inspiration.  You know me, I have my favorite challenge sites.  So, let's get started.

My first stop was Mojo Monday Challenge.  They have very 'user-friendly' sketches, and this week, was no exception.  

Now, I needed a little more inspiration.  So, I stopped by Candy Floss Challenge.  They have a great inspiration mood board.  Beautiful colors, and images.

And a little more direction.  I stopped by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge.   Their current challenge is: Spring/Easter, with a ribbon, trim, or lace required element.  I can do that!

and here is what I made:

Typical A2 size card: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this warm kraft color.  For the pattern paper, I used a new paper collection from Bo Bunny - Primrose.  

The first layer (matt) is this beautiful soft green honeycomb pattern.  I love the subtle pattern, but the soft green spring-like color is just beautiful.

My favorite pattern paper in this collection, is this stunning rose and polka dot pattern paper.  The roses are a mix of cream, soft pink, and a soft green.  The colors say, 'Springtime' to me.  But this pattern paper also has a romantic, shabby chic, look.  I machine stitched a purposefully sloppy double border stitch all the way around.  I just love the homespun look, this gives my cards.

I used the medium pink trefoil pattern, for the strip across the card.  I machine stitched a white cotton eyelet trim, and spring green satin ribbon.  I just love how this ribbon matches the green color scheme in this pattern paper collection.

I added a cream delicate paper doily to the back of my large circle.  To make it the base to the paper blossom, I stamped the leaves in two coordinating green colors (pistachio, and pear).  I first sprayed my paper blossom with shimmer mist, to give it some sparkle.  (I love sparkle).  I hot glued the blossom to the large paper circle.

I stamped my sentiment in burlap ink.  I first cut the decorative shape from a die, and then stamped.  I added a bow to the card front, and finally a trio of flat back pearls.  Viola!

Vintage Chic Cards & Bag

Howdy!  My crafting frenzy continues.  I needed a little inspiration and guidance, so I stopped by a few of my favorite challenges.  Ok, three {smile}.

I stopped by the Cupcake Inspirations to see their inspirational photo.  And their color combo, is perfect for this new-to-me Vintage Chic collection by Heidi Swap.  I know, it's not holiday themed, and I should be crafting for my last craft fair.  But these colors, are just perfect!

*my card was selected as a 'Sweet Six' winner!

To help with my 'direction' in crafting, I stopped by the ever easy-to-work-with sketch @ Retro Sketch Challenge.  These ladies have very adaptable sketches that will work with almost any style of paper crafting you create.  Here is their current sketch (they are having some issues with Link)

My final stop, was @ Brown Sugar Challenge.  This creative design team, has a current challenge: anything goes.  So, super easy to play along {smile}.

and here is my card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matt.  I just love this color, and it helps highlight the mint color on the Vintage Chic collection, by Heidi Swap.

I used the steel polka dots on cream pattern paper as my 'band'.  I matted this pattern paper onto steel texture solid card stock.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.   

I added a quick and simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  When I reached the 'band' piece, I did a zig zag stitch.  I wanted to add some visual interest {smile}.

I wrapped my last remaining piece of steel gray silk ribbon around the card 'band'.  I tied it into a simple bow.  I added a rhinestone brad to the bottom of the bow.  I added a pale blue-mint paper blossom to the top of the bow.

I added a digital Bingo card in place of the tag.  I added a rhinestone 'blossom' to the lower right corner of the bingo card.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment on cream linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  I hand-cut the banner ends, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I matted the sentiment banner with early espresso card stock by Stampin' Up!.

I had so much fun and creativity flowing when I was creating this card, I made another.  But I turned it 90 degrees. 

and I also made a gift tote:

I really enjoyed working with this paper collection: Vintage Chic.  The soft neutrals gave my projects a soft feminine look.  The extra card and gift tote, have gold satin ribbon.  I added little pieces of mint toned embellishments to help pull it all together.  I used a 'gift tangle' on the tote.  It's the crystal-like dangle from the taupe dot lace trim.  {smile}

I hope you have been inspired to play along with any of these challenges.   I am off to the grocery store.  I am making a pumpkin pie, and need a few baking items.  And then the crafting will continue!

Peach Matthew Card

Howdy.  I needed to get a card in the mail this weekend, and needed a bit of inspiration to get those mojo juices moving.   I am entering my card into five different, but very inspirational challenges.  Lets get started.  I stopped by Scrap Magic to work with their current inspirational board. 

Mandatory to use Peach and Green, you must also include floral pattern, fabric or gold.

I stopped by Sugar Pea Design to check out their sketch challenge.  These ladies are sure to inspire you with their creativity.

I stopped by the faithful challenge of Word Art Wednesday, to see what scripture they are using this week.   The scripture of Matthew 11:28 is perfect for my card.  {smile}

I stopped by the Brown Sugar Challenge, to see what this talented challenge site has for their current challenge: Anything Goes!  Well, that couldn't be simpler!

And finally, I stopped by Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog for their current challenge:  Flowers & Trim.  They don't have a required number of flowers, so this one will do {smile}.

and here is what I made:

this card was selected as a Top 3 Winner @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge Blog.  

Recipe:  I used crumb cake card stock for the card base.  I used a green polka dot pattern paper from Authentique.  The peach blossom pattern paper is from Authentique, from the Grace collection.  The peach pattern paper used for the scallop trim, as well as the peach text pattern paper are from the Grace collection, as well.  I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, to help convey that homespun feeling.

I tied peach seam binding around the card, and added a little more machine stitching.  I tied a multi-loop bow with the same peach seam binding.  I added a green paper blossom, from Kaiser crafts, just above the bow.  I tied a scrap piece of gold thin tinsel around the multi-loop bow.  

To help tie the gold accent, I added a trio gold sequins.  I printed the scripture onto whisper white card stock.  I cut the scripture into a tag, and adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I added a scrap piece of peach seam binding.  I tied the seam binding with a scrap piece of pistachio twine.

Thank you for looking.  I might be able to get a better photo tomorrow.  

a few more months

here are a few more months of the latest desk-top calendar I crafted:

more machine stitching, and a decorated paper clip 

 I created the ruffled lace trim by hand, while sewing.

The kraft twine is tied through the button and paper blossom, before tied into a simple bow.

 more staples

I loved this pattern paper so much, that I didn't want to 'hide' any of images by layering other pattern papers on top of it.  The cluster of images are just gorgeous to me.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the calendar pages.  More will be posted tomorrow.

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!

Bigger Gift Card Holder

~ photo heavy post ~

welcome.  I hope you are well, and finding time to express your creativity.  Me, yeah.  I love cooking/baking, as much as paper crafting.  So, I have been busy making bulk meals.  You know, where you make 3-4 dinners of the same dinner, and freeze them for later.  That way, when you are running late, you just pop them in the oven, and viola!  Lasagne, casseroles, meatloaf, enchiladas, and roasted chicken are what I make.  I do a traditional lasagne and a 'white' lasagne.  The white lasagne has chicken, an alfredo sauce and green chili in it.  A 'New Mexico' spin on a wonderful dish.  I also roast chicken breasts and thighs.  I prefer mine with the bone-in and skin-on.  Rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper, in an 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.  De-bone the chicken, cut up the meat, package in 2 cup freezer bags, and viola!  Now you have chicken available to add to recipes and go!

But through all of this, I did stop and craft {smile}.  I make gift card holders to sell at my craft fairs.  But these holders hold just the gift card.  You know, the kind you get at Starbucks, or a major retailer. I have a girl friend who buys all of her gift cards at the grocery store or Walgreens.  And well, those gift cards are 'packaged'.  And she doesn't want to rip them open to get to the gift card to put in one of my gift card holders.  So, I am making some of the holiday craft fairs, to see how well, or not so well they do.  

I made one last year for this particular friend, (see post here) and she just LOVED it!  So, I am on a crafting mission.  However, when I made that one, I didn't write down dimensions, because I thought that I would remember.  Well, I didn't and I didn't show images of it opened.  {frown}  

so without further ado, here it is:

I am not too set with the straight edges.  But, I am happy with how the front looks.  I used this beautiful pale aqua blue color card stock in solid and two various patterns for the front.  The polka dot paper is from Paper Trey Ink, and the interlocking circle pattern paper is from Carta Bella.  The floral pattern paper is actually a digital paper.

I did a simple border stitch with my sewing machine, around a few pieces.  I just love the look it gives my crafts.  {smile} homemade!

Here is the flap open, to 'present' the gift card.  I continued the polka dot pattern paper on the inside.  The 'label' is heat embossed with the sentiment: happy birthday, in silver.  That panel is not attached, so you can write something.  I'm not too sure about that either.

I think I would like my 'holder' panel to have a higher bottom lip.  But, I haven't totally decided on that.  I also think that I would like a belly band.  But, I wasn't too sure when I created one, here.  Maybe a bow to hold it closed?  But, can everyone re-tie the bow?  UGH!

I tied a junk bow on the front.  I thought these little scraps of trim looked sweet with the front.  And yeah, I do have seam binding that matches that pale purple textured card stock.  

The polka dot brad I had on my craft table, and unfortunately, I can't remember where it came from.  If I had to guess, I'd say My Mind's Eye Nostalgia collection.  But, I could be wrong.  The silver rim makes me think that it could be from Carta Bella.  {frown}

My other 'problem' with this gift card holder, is that it is a bit flimsy.  Because the top and bottom flaps have layers and embellishments, the over all holder seems light in the back.  And that makes me want to add pattern paper to the back.  And I don't know if I want to do that.  Maybe, I'll add a matt to the inside of the holder, where the gift card sits, to allow a space to write a note.  I know this shouldn't be this hard!  And I also need to have a price.  Let me get a prototype complete that I am super happy with first.  And then I can easily do a price.  And I promise, I'll share that one with dimensions!  But, I am sure that, that won't be this weekend.  

Enjoy your weekend!  I'm headed into my craft room, to create my 'book' to hold my 5 x 5 weekly challenge (here)! I think I'll be using the current sketch from Mojo Monday.  {fingers crossed}

Kitten & Buttons Notebook

Howdy!  I had an urge to make a few more altered notebooks last night.  I don't know if it the fact that I had a few hours alone at home (aka: craft room) or that I got to work with a wonderful lady yesterday {smile}!  Either way, no matter the spark, I took advantage of the creative push!

I noticed that the wonderful ladies over @ Paper Ladybirds have a beautiful color challenge.  This challenge site is from Russia, but don't let that stop you!  This design team is very talented and inspirational!  Here is the color challenge board:

and here is what I made:

Beautiful, right?!  So, I selected papers from Tilda: Happiness is Homemade.  This pattern paper collection is just so gorgeous!  It reminds me of vintage wallpaper, and fabrics prints.  Just so calming, pretty, and very easy to use!  The button card is from Tilda, also.  The buttons are from Paper Trey Ink: vintage buttons: ripe avecado and sweet blush.   The buttons are actually stitched to the cover of the mini notebook.  I just love their button collections.  You get 150 buttons of a particular color in various sizes.  The saddle stitch ribbon is from Paper Trey Ink: sweet blush.  I just love the pale, sweet pink color, with the contrasting white stitching.  Just so sweet!  I also added a scrap of the pattern paper to the inside of the pen barrel, so that the pen 'belongs'.  

I added a neutral paper doily from Recollections under the button card.  I thought the open loop design added a feminine touch to the cover.  I also added a Junk Bow to the top of the button card.  I used some scrap pieces of lace, fabric, seam binding, and crochet trim to create the junk bow.  I added a single mini paper blossom to the top of the junk bow, to add a little more sweetness.  {smile}

Thank you for looking.  I hope you get a chance to play along with this current color challenge.  It's quite beautiful!

Blah

Howdy.  I wish I had a more positive post to write, but, . . .  I don't.  A fellow blogger, that I follow religiously, wrote recently that she didn't feel like creating anything.  It's hard to believe that I am not the only one!  And the blogger asked, 'who else felt the same'.  I really wanted to scream 'ME'!  

I don't know if its the weather (it has snowed at my house the last two Saturdays), the barometric pressure, the sadness in my heart, or the hurtful words spoke at work (towards me), or the simple busy-ness in my mind.   Either way, or whatever reason, the desire to craft has escaped me.  So unfortunately I don't have a new craft to share with you.

I made twelve cards for my Bunco ladies, to send to them, to remind them that I am hosting Bunco in June.  The theme for my host night is 'High Tea'.  And well, I want to share two of my favorite cards.  And yeah, it wasn't the one I originally created for a challenge 10 days ago.

here is the pink one:

and here is the blue one:

so real quick.  the card base is made from kraft card stock from a big box store (HL).  The page isn't from a cook book, but rather a digital download.  As is the tag, the ticket, and the tea circle.  I did add a bit of sparkle by heat embossing the sentiment in unique gold embossing powder.  The paper blossoms are from the dollar bin at a different big box store (M).

Well, let me say, that it does touch my heart when you 'visit', and when you leave a comment.  It really does bring a smile to my face., and fill my heart with happiness.  Thank you!

I have been tinkering with some decorations, gift packaging, and place settings for my Bunco night.  I'll take some photos, and share my creations.   Thank you! and please visit again!  hugs!