Guest Designer

Now, for the most exciting news:  I am the Guest Designer @ Word Art Wednesday!  How super fabulous is that?  I know I am blessed to have this opportunity to share my paper crafting with all of you, and I hope I don't disappoint you!   My crafting style is vintage, shabby-chic, with a little country flair thrown in.  Let me explain.  Vintage, because I like everything to look worn, used, old, but not grungey.  Think peeling paint, scruff marks, weathered.  Shabby-chic, because I like to add buttons, seam binding, machine stitching, pinks, blues (or any soft hue), and a splash of elegance/bling.  Country flair, because I like 'farmland' imagery: milk caps, chicken wire, vintage scales, mason jars, burlap, chickens (birds), and some recycled items.  I hope that makes my 'style' a little easier to understand/translate. {smile}

The lovely, and super talented ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday, have an Anything Goes - Family Friendly challenge for you to participate in.  The challenge runs for two weeks, to help give you time to play along.  They provide you with a piece of scripture that you are welcome to include in your paper craft, but it is NOT required.  The design team has a wonderful collection of different style of crafters, so I am sure at least one of these creative ladies will inspire you to play along!

Here is the current challenge scripture:

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used vintage cream card stock as my card base.  I just love this heavy weight card stock.  It's thick, so it will stand up, even with all my layers and embellishments {smile}.

I used pattern paper from Prima Marketing.  It's not holiday themed paper, but this paper is easy to work with!  

I added a paper doily peaking out of the bottom of the top layer.  Then added some machine stitching.  

I wrapped some pale pink seam binding around the card front and tied a multi-loop bow.  I then tied a pink button to the center of the bow.  I also added a trio of sweet buttons along the bottom left corner.

I printed the scripture onto very vanilla card stock and adhered it over the seam binding.

I cut out a snowflake using champagne glitter paper.  I tucked it in under the sentiment piece.  I then stamped some pine braces using light grey and light pink ink.  I added glitter to the paper blossom, and then adhered it over the pine branches and snowflake.  To give my card a bit more sparkle, I added some sequins around the blossom.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you visit again! 

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!

Cottage Chic Shaker Card

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy!  It's 100 degrees here in the southwest region of the United States of America.  However, up in the mountains, its about 10 degrees cooler.  I know 90 degrees doesn't sound 'cooler', however, here in the desert, it is {smile}.  I did get a few Craft Fair applications out this week, so I am starting on my holiday craft fair materials.  Yes, Christmas in hot June!

I love old stuff (vintage), and anything farmland.  That includes mason jars, lace, seam binding, buttons, twine, and paper blossoms.  And so I set out to make something pretty, and feminine.  I did stop by a few international challenge sites, and oh my, there is a lot of inspiration out there!

I am using the current sketch from Vintage Cafe Card Challenge.  The ladies on this design team love vintage, shabby chic, and provence style crafting.

Look at this beautiful sketch.  I love the layers.  The circle element will be easy to work with.  And the sentiment label, adds the finishing touch.  Love it! and check out the crafts from the design team.

I also stopped by SaratovScrap to see what their current inspirational board looks like.  And oh my, you would think it was made just for me!

I love the sparkle, the hay bales covered in lace, the translucent balloons, the pearl and glass dangles, and all the flowers.  Very pretty, very country chic!

And finally, I stopped by Paper Ladybirds, to use their current color challenge, again.  

A pale pink, a spring green, and a warm toffee/kraft color.  Take a look at what the design team made!  Very pretty, and inspirational!

and here is what I made:

and a different view:

Recipe:  I used a warm, soft, beautiful kraft cardstock; Paper Studio.   [The card measures 4 1/4" x 6".] I used a pink, wood-grain pattern paper with pink blossom clusters on it.  I love pink, have I mentioned that? {smile}  I did a simple, double-border, machine stitch along the sides.  I then added a scrap piece of white cotton trim, and a scrap piece of vanilla lace trim.  I machine stitched them to the  card front, too.  

I cut-down a birthday cake recipe, collage paper to 3 1/4" x 5".  I did another double border machine stitch on it, too.  I added a kraft paper doily to the top 2/3 of the recipe paper.  

I created a 'shaker' mason jar from my Friendship Jar stamp and die set by Paper Trey Ink.  I added sequins from Pretty Pink Posh, and Stampin' Up!  I decorated the jar with a pale pink material that has a scallop edge.  I layered a white crochet scalp trim on top of the pink material.  I tied a light kraft bakers twine around the mouth of the jar, and tied it into a simple bow.  I made a tiny tag and hand-stamped 'wish' onto it.  I added a trio of tiny paper blossoms I purchased from LemonCraft.  I also inserted a white star decorative stick pin.  I added a paper blossom to the bottom right corner of the jar.

For my sentiment, I hand-stamped my greeting, and hand-scissor the banner end.  I did a double machine stitch to the right side of the banner.

I added clear sequins and half pearls to both the upper right and lower left of the shaker jar.

I haven't made a shaker card before, and so I know a few things to do differently.  I would have used a thicker foam tape, and added a little glitter.  I am happy with how this card turned out.  But, I think I would like to do another shaker card, with the trim having a random pleat, and possibly a seam binding bow.  

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired! and have an opportunity to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites.

Pretty Pink Bags

Howdy, and welcome!  I am popping in real quick, to share with you some treat bags I made with some new pattern paper from Authentique: Legacy Collection.  These little bags will hold party favors for the High Tea I am hosting at my house next week.  I made four sets of these bags.  Each set of three uses different papers.  I'll share photos of the other bags soon.  {smile}

Pink Pirouette card stock makes the bag front and back panels.  I used the For a Friend Occasion stamp set by CTMH, for the 'label'.  I used the same 'label' of each of the bags.  I heat embossed it with antique gold embossing powder.  

I decorated each bag a little different, with paper blossoms, pearls, vintage buttons, crochet trim and a pink paper doily.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned as I share other creations for this party {smile}.

Yellow Rose Bag

Welcome.  First let me say, thank you to everyone who sent me messages/comments of encouragement.  All of your sweet, warm, and incredibly kind words, really have brighten my life!  I also, appreciate the suggestions on my conflicts at work.  {love}

With all of the heart felt words, I have found some creative juices, and did get a chance to create again.  {smile}  As some of you know, I am hosting a game night at my house next month for 11 of my girlfriends.  [Bunco]  If you didn't know, I have selected a theme: tea party.  And my design style is vintage/shabby chic.  I made a gift bag for one of the prizes.  However, once I got this one done, I realized that I have no idea of the size and shape of most of the prizes, because I haven't shopped yet.  So, I stopped at this one bag, and headed into town.  I have a few ideas as to what the prizes need/should be, however, I have a limited budget.

So, while I continue my shopping/hunting in town and on the internet, let me share with you, the one prize bag I have finished.  {smile}

I did find a great sketch challenge to help get this project together @ Paper LadyBirds.  If you get a chance, you should swing by their challenge site, and have a look at the beautiful work done by the design team.  Very inspirational.

Recipe:  I used the Front & Center die (by Paper Trey Ink), to create the front panel on the lunch sack.  The pattern paper is from a big stack.  I chose the large polka dot and rose/doily pattern papers.  I wanted something at the paper seam, so I added some cotton trim.  

I added a white tea doily to give some interest.  I added a trio of cream paper blossoms and a yellow multi-loop bow made from yellow seam binding.   I created a 'label' that is heat embossed in antique gold.  I added a trio of sequins (2 green and 1 white).

I don't know which prize bag this will be, but I needed to decide how to display the number.  So the '8' is just random!  And yeah, I just love to use mini wooden clothes pins.  I simply added a strip of pattern paper, and then added a half pearl.  Viola!

Thank you for looking!  And I'm pretty sure, I can keep creating, from the love I've received. {smile}

Love: card-gfit box

If this is your first visit for this day (04/12/2015) Welcome!  I have an earlier post (today) that kinda helps explain my crafting.  If you stop by that post you can read my rantings here.  Now, lets get started with this post! {smile}

I created a few of these little gems.  I call them 'card gift combo boxes'.  Here is why:  You open them like a book, but there is a box inside to hold a gift (3" x 5 1/4" x 3/4").  Super sweet, right!  So the inside flap of the 'book' holds your hand-written message, just like a card.  The ribbon holds the 'book' closed.  Pretty sweet.

I needed some direction for the cover, so I stopped by a favorite sketch challenge site:  Mojo Monday.  For 2 reasons; 1) there sketches are easy to work with, 2) the design team is very inspirational!  These ladies are very talented, so if you need to get those creative juices flowing, just take a sneak peak at their work.  

here is the current sketch:

and here is what I made:

Now, before you say a word, I know that this is not my typical vintage country chic style, per say.  Sometimes its good to change things up.  And, I have the whole collection of this pattern paper and embellishments.  And I need to start using what I have.  But, lets take a closer look!

Recipe:  I used Real Red card stock by Stampin' Up! for the base.  LOVE their card stock.  The blue solid card stock is Taken with Teal (retired) by Stampin' Up!, too.

The pattern papers are from the Heart Strings collection by CTMH.

The embellishments, oh my there are lots, and from everyone.  The teal blue brad at the spine is from MME, the Nostalgia collection.  The white doily is from Martha Stewart.  The red fabric blossom is from a big box craft store (J).  The teal blue heart stick pin is from a big box store (J).  The teal blue velvet ribbon is from Stampin' Up! (retired, probably 10yrs).  The blue polka dot paper blossom is from a big box store, dollar bin (M), I also added silver super fine glitter on the petals.  The super fine glitter is from Martha Stewart.  The ticket is actually a painted wood ticket, from the dollar bin, at a big box store (M).  I added the letters, they are rub-ons from a different big box store (HL). I painted some mod podge over the rub-ons to help seal them to the wooden ticket.  The heart is Heidi Swap, I used silver metallic ink on this resist chipboard piece.   

The sentiment is stamped in basic black classic ink right onto the text pattern paper, using the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set by Stampin' Up!.  I also used the fancy label punch to create the decorative piece.

The grosgrain ribbon to hold this little gem closed is Real Red ribbon (retired), by Stampin' Up!.
My little card-box combo was selected as a 'winner' @ Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

different view

This will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair @ La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, NM, on Saturday May 2, 2015.  If you are in the area, please stop by my booth.  I'd love to meet you,  and show you what I have crafted!  

Birthday Balloon Card

Howdy.  Welcome.  A close, dear, and sweet friend of mine is celebrating her birthday this week.  And a celebration isn't complete without a card!

Recipe:  This sweet card was hand-crafted with various paper crafting supplies.  I started with solid card stock by Paper Trey Ink, in Ocean Tides color.  The pattern paper is actually both sides of the same page.  It is from the Birds and Blooms pattern paper collection by HeartFelt Creations.  

I added a tea dyed paper doily, a strip of ruffled cream tulle.  I added a strip of spring green seam binding and sewn the stack together.  I added a multi-loop bow made with the same seam binding.  I added a bow tied with pale blue twine.  I tied a vintage button to the center of this bow collection with a thin silver cord.  

I added a torn strip of music paper to the other side of the bow collection.  I stamped the balloon three times and adhered the pieces together, to give the balloon dimension.  I added a strip of white bakers twine to the balloon.  I stamped and fussy cut four tassels and adhered them to the balloon string.   I stamped the bow in silver ink and fussy cut it out, also.

I stamped the sentiment in Juniper classic ink, by CTMH, onto shimmer white card stock and cut a flag end.

Well, I hope my friend likes her card.  And now, I am heading into the kitchen to make her some cupcakes {smile}

Save the Date, Mom

~ photo heavy post ~

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  I am.  I wake up early this morning, because I had a paper crafting idea in my head and I just had to create it {smile}! Had that ever happen to you?   

When I was in Pheonix, I stopped into a vintage, shabby chic style shop, and picked up some gorgeous, and I do mean gorgeous! pattern paper by Teresa Collins: Save the Date.  So, I am set off to craft, and craft I did!  However, I had one little major hiccup.  No sticky strip/scor-tape.  And that is not like me.  I actually went into town yesterday to get some errands done.  And picking up more sticky strip/scor-tape, was one of the errands that I just didn't get around to doing.   Not that I didn't have time, just no motivation.  It was getting late and the thought of running into one more store and standing in one more line was over-whelming, and that errand was skipped {frown}.  So, neither of these two crafts are complete.  So, photographing them, was a bit of a struggle.

here is what I made:

and here are some close-ups:

This is not a card, exactly.  It's another one of those card-gift combo.  I just love making these {smile}.  

I added a soft, gentle brown plaid ribbon to hold the gift box closed.  I didn't want the ribbon to compete with the pattern paper.  I wanted a ribbon that matched, but gets lost with the large flourish pattern paper.

For the top of this tilted piece, I wanted to add something special.  So, I cut a paper doily, and machine sewed some aqua mist dyed seam binding across the top.  I added a multi-loop bow and a pearl brad.

I really wanted to show-off the aqua mist color.  I think it really it's a beautiful shade, and the coral floral print really pops against the aqua pieces {smile}.

I used Soft Suede card stock, by Stampin' Up! to create the outside, main piece.  I used the large flourish pattern as the main panel.  

I used Aqua Mist card stock, to matt the center, main panel.  I thought it really made the floral pattern paper pop!  I love roses, and the colors in this pattern paper is so inviting and refreshing against the cold weather.

I added two rows of machine stitching.  I purposely didn't make straight lines, to give a home-made look.

The reverse side of the rose pattern paper, is this beautiful aqua lattice print.  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of soft suede card stock.

The leaves were cut from soft suede card stock.  I thought it added a beautiful contrast.  I added three blossoms: Aqua, Coral, and Vanilla.  To add a little pizzazz, I brushed some Picket Fence distress paint along the tips of the petals and added some dazzling diamond glitter.

For the sentiment, I stamped 'happy mother's day' in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink.  I thought soft suede classic ink looked too dark.

And, a card I created with the same pattern paper: Save the Date.

This card, is roughly a copy of the card-box combo I created above.  I did do a 'less is more' concept of this card.  I did the same style of machine stitching on the floral pattern paper.  

I added a decorative edge to the soft suede matt and the aqua lattice pattern paper.  

I added the soft, brown plaid ribbon to the card front.  I tied it in a simple bow sideways, to allow room for a coral colored paper blossom.  I cut some leaves from Aqua Mist card stock.  I added some Picket Fence crackle paint and dazzling diamond glitter to the edges of the blossom and leaves.

A simple, but pretty Mother's Day card, made with some very beautiful pattern paper by Tersea Collins {smile}.  Stay tuned, I will be creating more crafts with these pattern papers.

Thank you for stopping by.  Both of these items will be for sale at my May Craft Fairs.  

I'll have more photos of more crafts soon.  Take care.  I hope you have a chance to craft, and create something beautiful this week!  I need to start working on some Easter themed paper crafts tomorrow {smile}.

Birthday Wishes, Friend

Welcome.  Glad you have a chance to stop by.  I have been busy this week, working on a recipe for a local baking contest (Sunday).  But I also had a chance to craft a Birthday card for a special friend.  

I used some new paper I received in the mail a few weeks ago.  The paper is called Vintage Bliss.  Ok, doesn't it just sound wonderful?

I did a little machine stitching, using my new favorite silver metallic thread.  Mostly a straight stitch, but I added a little zig zag stitching to add some interest.  I just love this text paper with floral images.  And I have a weakness for the pink polka dot paper and the multi-colored criss cross pattern paper, too {smile}.

I added some Lemon Whip satin ribbon, and added some machine stitching to that too!  I added a half doily under the satin ribbon.  I stamped the sentiment 'Birthday wishes' in a light grey classic ink.  I added a trio of half pearls under the sentiment.

The prize ribbon piece is actually a sticker.  It says, 'H is for Happy'.  I felt it needed something more, but I just couldn't figure out what.???

I made some home-made vanilla sugar cubes the other day.  I know.  How crazy, huh?  Well, I love to make, create, and cook.  What I figured what the heck?

I packaged some of these rough cut sugar cubes into a small craft bag and added a little decorations:

I folded a paper doily over the top edge and created two banner pieces from the same pattern paper.  For the sentiment I used the For a Friend Occasion stamp set by CTMH.  I stamped the 'MADE WITH LOVE' banner in crumb cake classic ink, and grey classic ink, then I fussy cut it out by hand.  I used Shell satin ribbon and added a sparkle clay button I made.

Thank you for looking.  {smile}  I'm pretty sure that my girl friend will love her gift.  She is a big tea drinker, so that was my direction in the gift. 

Spring . . . New Begining

It's not officially spring, yet.  But the weather in certain parts of the country make you think it is.  And what a perfect time to celebrate the arrival of a new bundle of joy!  

I selected some pretty pattern papers in some beautifully soft hues of spring.  Now I have 3 grandsons, but my granddaughters out number them 4 to 3.  For me, making girly stuff, is sooo much easier than making boy stuff.  So why fight it.

I looked around the internet, and found a super usable sketch for this particular creations, over @ Cardabilites.  Here is their sketch:

I just love all the banner pieces, staggered, and a variety of patterns.  It even has a sentiment banner!

This card was really a lot of fun to make {smile}.  The difficult part was photographing it.  The embossed piece would either look 'black' or a shadow.  urg.  

I heat embossed the sentiment in pewter embossing powder onto vellum card stock.  I used pattern paper from a variety of different companies.  I used a half 4" white paper doily for the scallop trim pieces.   I added a multi-loop bow under my corduroy button for the embellishment.   I added some machine stitching around the border of the card.  I thought it would add a little homespun creativity.

My ribbon piece, is actually two pieces.  I machine sewn the ribbon to the front of the card, with the bakers twine under, created a multi-loop bow, and used the bakers twine to secure the button to the bow.  Here is a photo:

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with the wonderful folks @ Cardabilites.  This card will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair at the Albuquerque Christian School, March 15, 2014.

Sew Creative

Welcome back, for another look at a card I have created.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a beautiful color challenge for you to work with, this week.  I always struggle with color challenge.  But, as you can see, the colors for this challenge are more my style, so it was a bit easier.

here is what I created

I started with a card base in Island Indigo card stock.  I used the same sheet of pattern paper from the Etc DSP collection.  One side, as those beautiful calypso coral polka dots, and the other side, pool party seamstress-ledger pattern.  I added a quarter of a tea doily to the side of the banner piece.

I used Creative Elements stamp set to create the 'label' and sentiment stamped cluster on the lower left side of the card.  I stamped the label in island indigo classic ink.   I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.

I used Notable Notions stamp set, to create the buttons and button card.  I stamped the button card in island indigo classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I used my detail scissors to fussy cut this piece.  I stamped the large button in calypso coral classic ink, and the tiny button in island indigo classic ink.  

To create my 'buttons', I stamped the image onto card stock.  Then I used a 1/2" circle punch and a 1" circle punch, to punch 3 circles out of the chipboard that accompanies each DSP packet.  Stacking the circles, I used my tape runner to 'hold' the circles together.   I adhered my punched, stamped image to the top of each stack. 

I also used dimensionals to pop up the button card.  I didn't want my card to look too 'flat'.  Finally, I tied a piece of pool party seam binding into a simple bow, at the top of the button card.

Now, it's your turn!  Let's see what you create with our colors this week @ NAC!

Thinking of You

Happy Tuesday!  I hope you had a good weekend, and that Monday was not too brutal.  Me, I had a fabulous weekend!  I spent three days crafting with two very wonderful ladies; Valerie and Nichole.  But, now it's back to work, back to the daily grind.  It's Tuesday, and that means that it is time for another challenge from Nacho Average Challenge.  This week, we have a color challenge.  And boy, color challenges are just that for me, a challenge.

here is what I made

I used daffodil delight cardstock for the base.  I used a pattern paper from the Gingham Garden DSP collection.  I also used the Kind and Cozy stamp set for this card.  I did a bit of machine stitching, to hold the banner piece to the card front, with a zig zag stitch.  

I cut a paper doily in half and used that to break-up the empty space.  I wrapped a piece of daffodil delight seam binding around the card front and tied it in a multi-loop bow.  I added a simple bow of white bakers twine.

The sentiment circle is stamped in primrose petal, and the sentiment is stamped in daffodil delight.  I used markers to color the floral images.  The  sentiment banner is stamped in midnight muse.  

I hope we have inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.

Sweet Nothing

Wow, it's already Friday, and the weekend is getting to start.  I don't know about you, but I feel like I have a thousand things to get done.  Ok, maybe not literally a thousand.  But quite a few.  So, before I start to tackle those, I wanted to share a sweet card I made for a sketch challenge:  Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Yep, I designed this weeks sketch, and I hope you get a chance to play along with us!

here is this week's sketch:

I don't know if you have noticed, but I have selected to stick with a few colors for my sketches: pink and brown.  I made the decision last year.  I felt it was a way to distinguish my sketches from the other ladies in the group.  If you noticed, they too, have stayed with the same few colors for the sketches that they design.

here is what I did with the sketch:

I know that it is not my typical style with a hundred layers.  But, if you look closely you will see my style shine through!  

I have a new love for machine stitching on my cards and other paper crafts.  And this card is no exception.  I did a machine zig zag stitch to the horizontal piece, and then a simple border stitch around the tag.  

I wanted my card to be clean and simple.  Or at least my version of clean and simple.

I used pink pirouette cardstock for the card base.  And a piece of floral and gingham pattern papers from the Gingham Garden DSP collection.  I actually cut the paper doily in half, and tucked the cut edge under the horizontal gingham piece.

The sentiment comes from the From My Heart stamp set.  Love the different sentiments and fonts.  Very pretty and easy to use.  

I matted a piece of very vanilla card stock onto melon mambo cardstock, for the tag.  I strung a piece of daffodil delight seam binding through the hole, and tied a vintage button to the seam binding with a piece of white bakers twine.  I adhered the tag to the front of the card with foam tape.

I jazzed up the tag with a simple floral stamp, from the Kind and Cozy stamp set.  I colored the stamp with different colors (markers) and stamped onto a very vanilla cardstock piece, then fussy cut the floral piece out with my detail scissors.  I adhered the floral bunch to the tag with some foam tape.

I think my card is simple and sweet.  What do you think?

I hope I have inspired you to play along with us over @ SFF.  Let's see what you create with my sketch this week!

Monochromatic

Whew!  I hope this day finds you well.  Me, a bit tired, from work, but, then again, what's new this year.  I am a bit late posting this, but I really liked how this card came out.  

It's Saturday, and so it's time for a new challenge over @ Our Creative Corner.  Now, when I say this is a challenge, that is exactly what it was for me.   The lovely and talented Liliani, has a super creative challenge for you this week.   Monochromatic white with a decorative edge!  

So, this is what I came up with:

For those who know me, using one color is really hard.  On a variety of different reasons, including my lack of white paper, embellishments, and trinkets.  But, this is how I did it!

 I started with heavy-weight white cardstock from Paper Trey Ink.  Then, I used my decorative edge die and embosser to create that beautiful edge.  Then, I used the same decorative edge die to cut the mat for the front of the card.  The mat is made from a 'white' texture paper.  I think the texture paper gives the large space some visual interest.

Then, to add a decorative piece, I took the same heavy-weight white cardstock, and a doily die from Paper Trey Ink, and cut a cardstock doily.  I sponged white craft ink, from Stampin' Up! along the edges of the doily, and then dipped the edges in dazzling diamond glitter.  A little sparkle makes very thing better {smile}.

I used a leaves die and some silver glitter paper, from Stampin' Up!  to create the folage piece.  I added some glass beads that I found in the wedding section of a big craft store to represent some floral pieces.  

The white paper blossom is not hand-made, but very easy to do.  Punch a floral shape from white card stock, and punch two daisy type floral shapes from white card stock.  Matt two tiny circles as your center (one white and one silver, or glittered).  Pretty simple. 

For the sentiment piece;  I cut white cardstock to 1/2" width, and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position my sentiment.  I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set from Stampin' Up! and Basic Grey classic ink.  I thought that black would be to harsh.  I used a square punch to create the banner end.  I took some crinkled white seam binding and created a multi-loop bow and a Recollections rhinestone brad to attached the bow to the sentiment banner.  Adhered this piece to the card front and Viola! a pretty white monochromatic decorative edge card!

I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week.  And don't let the challenge discourage you.  Use what you have, and I'm sure you will create something fabulous to share with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Vintage Artisan

Aww, it's Friday!  I have been super busy over the holidays, and so I missed last week's challenge over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, among other challenges.  Unfortunetely, I couldn't find time to craft.

I am this week's 'creator' of the sketch for the sketch challenge over @ SFF.  I hope you like this sketch.  I wanted to give you something different and something fun!  Enjoy! 

Here is this week's sketch:

Here is what I created:

I used all Stampin' Up! products to create this card.  I am sharing a sneak peak of some new products that will be available next month.  I started with crumb cake card stock as the card base.  The first layer is Pink Pirouette card stock.  I added a pieced  of Tea for Two DSP for the main panel.  I added a 'new' paper doily.  (I have to admit, I just LOVE these new products!)  The square piece is very vanilla card stock matted with pink pirouette card stock.  The stamp is available during Sale-A-Bration next month as well, in a set called Vintage Verses.  The stamp is done is basic black classic ink.  The paper flower and 'LOVE' ticket are available in the Artisan Embellishment kit.  I used a retired punch to create the leaves.  I used whisper white craft ink to distress the edges of the leaves.  I wanted to add some pearls, so I took my liquid white glue and made a thin line to create a curve, and applied the pearls.  I tied some pink pirouette taffeta ribbon around the bottom third of the card.  And viola! 

I hope that you get an opportunity to play along with us this week.  The new year will be celebrated in a few days, so please carve out a bit of time to play along with us @ SFF.

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.