You Have My Heart

Howdy! and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  Here is where I craft, bake, sew, and share.  I love creating pretty things.  Umm, that sounded a bit odd.  Who wants to create ugly things?  Anyways, I love pink, seam binding, roses, pearls, crystals, distressed wood, and everything shabby chic!  I also love all things country! Barns, tractors, farm animals, aprons, and wooden screen doors.  What can I say, I am girl-y girl at heart and soul!  And that is where I find my inspiration, and put my soul into my creations.  Regardless, if its baking from scratch, or paper crafting.  {smile}

I visited a personal favorite challenge blog last week, and completely fell in love with their inspiration board: Scrap Therapy.  What I love about this challenge site, is their openness to just create!  Sometimes that have mandatory elements, and sometimes that want you to be inspired.  Either way, their boards are gorgeous! The design team is incredibly creative and talented.

from this Inspirational Board, I loved the pink & white color scheme.  The roses, and the tenderness.  

I also stopped by a new-to-me, challenge site:  Viva la Vista.  This challenge site, has some cleaver challenges, and the design team deserves a second look!  Their current challenge is to use a heart(s).

I also stumbled upon another new-to-me challenge site: Candy Floss.  This refreshing challenge site, has a super talented design team, and a beautiful inspiration boards.  Their current challenge is to give a gift: Gifts for beloved.  How sweet, and tender.

Now that I have some inspiration, a required element, and a theme, I set out to get some direction.  So, I stopped by one of my all-time favorite challenge sites: Mojo Monday.  They always have user-friendly sketches.  And this weeks, fits the bill perfectly!

and here is my card:

Recipe:  My card measures 4 3/4" x 4 3/4".  The card base is kraft card stock.  

I used a soft sky card stock for my matt.  I just love how this soft, sweet shade of blue matched the blue in the floral pattern paper.  The pink gingham and the floral pattern paper are the same paper.  The pink gingham is the reverse side.  This pattern paper is from My Mind's Eye.  It's several years old.  I only have one whole sheet left.  I matted the floral pattern paper onto the same soft sky card stock.  

For my circle piece, I used a 4" white paper doily.  I just love this soft, delicate, vintage doily.

Instead of adding two squares to my card front, I simply added a rectangle and tied seam binding around the middle, creating two 'pieces'.  {smile}  I tied a double bow to add a little more softness.

For the heart shape piece, I added a fabric heart ornament.  The pale floral print is a discontinued Rachel Ashwell cotton fabric.  I backed my heart ornament with sweet blush felt.  I machine stitched the two fabrics together, along with the pale pink ribbon.  The pale pink paper blossom is adhered to the middle of the heart with hot glue. 

For my small green 'round' element, I created a paper blossom with another doily, and button.  I wanted my card to still be 'pretty' if the ornament was removed, so I added a swirl of pearls.  My sentiment is simple: love.  And it is done with a charm.

Thank you for looking!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any or all of these challenge sites.  

Read, Drink (tea) & Be Merry Card

Good Morning! I hope all is well in your home.  Here, doing ok.  I have a few errands to run today, along with a few chores to accomplish.  But, all in all, it should be a productive day.   As I sit here, getting coupons together, and making my lists, I notice that I forgot failed to publish a blog post.  UGH!  A bit late, and I missed a few challenges, but, here it is.  {grimace} The card that I created did make it into my Etsy shop, HERE.

I need to create a card for a special friend who is hosting an afternoon tea for me and a few (ok, 10) of my girl friends.  She is super talented, creative, and an all around dear lady.  And I stumbled upon a few challenges, that will help get me creating!  So, here we go!
My first stop is Mojo Monday. This sketch is for a tall and skinny card, but I love the layout!  this challenge is currently closed.  I missed their deadline.

My next stop is The Card Concept.  The inspiration for their current challenge, a tea cup with a gorgeous blossom inside.  How stinking cute is that?  Did I mention the color of the tea cup? Vintage blue.  Yeah, and the blossom is this pale pretty pink.  Who could have asked for a better color combo?  The title for their challenge:  Sweet Tea.  this challenge is currently closed, as well.  UGH!

My next stop is Crafting By Designs.  This group of talented ladies really know how to craft a card.  The design team is inspirational and super creative.  Their current challenge:  Anything Goes!  Awesome!  

here is what I made:

I made a typical A2 size card. (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").

I used a single sided card stock, in Latte by Amuse Studios, for the card base.  

The card was then created with scraps of various pattern papers I had on hand.  The beautiful worn wood pattern paper is Paper Studios, County Floral.  The text pattern paper is Melissa Frances.  I added a scrap piece of white cotton trim and did some machine sewing.  

The 'tag' piece is actually a journalling card from the Coffee Break collection by Prima.  I simply trimmed it down and added a banner end.   I added an embellishment from the same collection and adhered it to the 'tag'.  Just to give it a focal point.  The words are in gold.  So, that added some sparkle.

I wrapped some seam binding around the top of the card.  Adhered it to the card front with machine stitching.  {smile}  It is an antique rose color.  But I wanted some bling, so I added some retired silver bakers twine from Stampin' Up!  

I tied a simple bow with the seam binding, but it appeared to need something more, so I also tied a simple bow with my pale pink tinsel.  I think it helps add some sparkle, some vintage flair, and help balance the card.  I tied a tea cup charm onto the stacked bows with some of the bakers twine.  A hidden treasure!

And finally, I added several flat back faux pearls to the card front.  To give it, a feminine touch.   I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink, from Stampin' Up! to help give the card some aged charm.  I thought the stark white edges looked to 'modern'.  

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have been inspired to play along in these challenges.  I did use the sketch challenge from Mojo Monday for the layout.  However, I missed the deadline to that challenge.  Have a great day, and craft something beautiful!

Chalkboard Sentiment; Card

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

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

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

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

here is what I made:

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

different view

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charming Neutrals; Card

Welcome.  I have another card to share, that I created.  I most likely won't share any holiday crafts, until it becomes a little cooler.  I think folks would rather enjoy the warm weather, bbq's, and other relaxing patio activities before I start bombarding them with jingle bells, and 'baby it's cold outside' projects {smile}.

I wanted to get a start on crafting a variety of greeting cards, before my minds turns to snow.  So, I set out to find some inspiration and a few challenges to enter.  And here is what I came upon:

My first stop: Cardabilities.  These folks always have some great, user-friendly sketches.  And here is the current sketch challenge:

My first thought when I saw this sketch, was another birthday card.  Or a 'thinking of you' card.

Then I stopped by the Mistress Owl Craft, to see what these ladies were crafting.  And they have an challenge set around an inspirational photo.  Very beautiful and all neutral colors.

This challenge does not require you to create a wedding themed project.  I love the lace, the pearl clusters, and the sparkle from the rhinestones.  Very beautiful and very feminine.  A little shabby, too!

here is what I crafted:

As you can see I did not make a Birthday card.  Instead, I ended up going with the wedding theme.  I am super happy with how my card turned out.  I used materials in the inspirational photo, as well as pearls, rhinestones, and other sparkly items.  

Recipe:  I started with Soft Suede card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love this heavy weight card stock.  

The main panel is from Melissa Frances.  I used a thread cutter to rough up the edges, and then sponged brown ink.  There were a few places I had a heavy hand when distressing, and the paper tore.  So, I simply added a scrap piece of white lace trim, and kept going.  I heat embossed the sentiment in early espresso powder, by Stampin' Up! in the right upper corner.

The long lace piece I machine stitched to the card front.  I added about 5 random pleats.  I also added a piece of white lace trim over that.  And finally, machine stitched a thin piece of cream crochet trim over the white lace trim piece.  

I used scraps of neutral pattern paper for my banner pieces.  The black and white floral pattern paper is from Authentique.  The script pattern paper is from Paper Studio (HL).  And the cream and white decorative pattern paper is from Recollections (M).  I matted each of these pattern papers onto a scrap pieces of soft suede card stock.  I sponged the edges of the pattern papers.  I also machine stitched a cream pom pom trim to the top of the largest banner piece.

I tucked a bow to the right of my trio of banners, that I tied my hand.  It's a triple bow with cream colored crinkled seam binding.  I tied a kraft bakers twine to the seam binding bow, and added a tiny tag, that was sponged and stamped with 'Joy'.

My focal piece is this beautiful white resin frame.  I added a Prima zipper pull, that has this beautiful crystal dangle.  I then added a brown paper blossom and an off white paper blossom.  Both blossoms were sprayed with shimmer paint, to give them a bit of sparkle {smile}.  I then tucked in a pearl and crystal stick pin, and a few rhinestones and half pearls.  Finally, I tucked in a brown shimmer leaf stick pin to the left of the frame.  I thought this helped pull the browns forward.

I wanted to add something more; so I added faucet dots to the right upper corner and the left lower corner.  And finally a trio of marshmallow sequins near the seam binding bow.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you have been inspired to either play along with these challenges, or simply craft something special.

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.

More Favor Bags

Howdy!  I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  I have been a bit busy crafting.  And I want to share the last two trios of favor bags.  ~ a little back story: I am hosting Bunco at my house this week.  And I need 12 favor bags.  But not all of these ladies like pink.  Shocking, I know.  And I know that variety is the spice to life.  So, I have made 12 different, but similar favor bags, so each lady can choose which bag she would like.

I used pattern paper I already had on hand, as well as the paper bags that are on the inside.   I tried to keep close to the same layout, and use the same label.  That way, they all look like they belong, but still have their own character.  So, without further ado, here are the last 2 sets:

For this trio, i used crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up! for the front and back panels.  I added paper blossoms, pearls, vintage buttons, and various crochet trim, and machine stitching.  I really love the mix of pattern papers I selected for this trio.  I think it fun and funky.  {smile}

For this trio I used garden green card stock by Stampin' Up! for the front and back panels.  I wanted to bring out the green in the floral pattern paper.  I thought the mix of polka dots and flourishes added to the over-all feminine look of the bags.  I used tag shapes to hold the antique gold embossed labels. I used various paper blossoms, vintage buttons, and crochet trims, again.  I added machine stitching and pearls to soften the over-all look.

Thank you for stopping by.  i am working on a fabric strip wreath now.  I'll photograph it and give a quick tutorial once I'm done.  I'm also making scallop envelopes to hold a tea bag for each place setting.  I'll photograph that, too.  {smile}   

I'm starting to get a bit nervous and anxious for my party.  I just want everything to be beautiful and perfect.  {fingers crossed}

Vintage Blue Bags

Howdy!  I have another trio of party favor bags to share with you today.  These are a bit different in color.  But, the same large label is heat embossed in antique gold.  I know not everyone loves pink.  Shocking, but true.  

The front and back panels are made from Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!  I love their solid card stock.  Its a very nice heavy weight.  So, it stands up beautifully.  The pattern paper is a mix from a pad by Color Blok: Signature.  I love this pattern paper collection because of the beautiful graphics, the mix of polka dots and floral, and the colors themselves remind me of days past.  

I added paper blossoms, vintage buttons, pearls, and a strip of crochet trim.

I have two more trio sets left to share.  I'll post them tomorrow.  Enjoy your weekend!

 

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}.

'O' What A Magnetic Monogram!

Howdy!  I'm glad that you stopped by.  I have been busy getting things done post craft fair.  It always takes a bit of work to get things organized and set up for the start of the craft fair.  But it takes a lot of work once you have everything packed up and ready to head home.

You see, products that I don't sell at the craft fair,  need to make sure everything is wrapped correctly. Everything is photographed.  And organized so that I can not put it in my virtual shop over @ Etsy.

I want to share a magnetic monogram that I created.

and here is another view

The magnetic monograms that I sell are a big hit.  The letters measure roughly 4" square.  I paint the letter first.  Then I glue the pattern paper to the letter.  A bit of filing, sanding, inking, and tender care, these letters look wonderfully aged.

I add strips of lace, trim, or multi-loop bows of seam binding.  Or a collection of it all {smile}

I try to make a large variety of letters.  However, I can not find a 'Z'.  So that is about the only letter I don't have.  I'll be busy making more of these gems this weekend.  

I also do custom orders.  So let me know the letter, and then things you love and hate.  An example:  'T', florals, polka dots, buttons and vintage.

Thank you for looking.  I have added this letter and a 'T' to my Etsy shop.  Let me know what you want!

I Won't Forget, Card

Welcome.  I wanted to take a quick break from my craft room, and share a card I made for a special friend; Denita.  We have been getting together once a month to craft.  Now, who wouldn't love that? {smile}.  And this sweet friend, is pretty creative!  She makes me craft better!  Anyways, when we got together earlier this month she shared a book tutorial.  And she made it simple, easy to follow instructions, and even cut out 'sample' pieces for me.  How super awesome is that?  Well, I wanted to send her a thank you card for everything! Lunch, the tutorial, her time, her friendship, and just being a very giving, considerate, and friendly person.   

Anyways, to help get some of those creative juices flowing, I stopped by a favorite sketch challenge site:  retro sketches.  I love this site, because their sketches are easy to use, and the design team is very inspirational.  Here is the currently sketch:

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I started with kraft card stock from a big box store.  I love the color.  The weight of this card stock is on the light side, so I added a matted panel to the inside to balance out the weight, so the card will stand.  

different view: straight on

I still have a few scraps from my LemonCraft purchase: Forget Me Not.  So, I matted the two different pattern papers onto some Tim Holtz texture steel blue solid card stock.  I did a single machine stitch border.  

For the half circle element, I added a tea dyed paper doily.  [yes, I tea dyed several paper doilies to have on hand when white is too bright.]  I also added some pale blue seam binding to the doily.  I just had to.  I tied a simple bow.  But you know me, there is nothing simple about it.  I tied a simple bow with cream twine to the seam binding bow, and then topped it off with a white clay blossom I had made and baked a few weeks ago.  [I always make extras when I make any clay embellishments.]

The sentiment is heat embossed in early espresso.  I wanted a stark contrast, but not black.  I added a flair button, and then some blue pearls and clear rhinestones.  

This card is pretty simple for me, but I think it still has a lot of pizzazz!  Now, I need to head into town to get this gem off to the post office.  Thank you for looking! and I hope you have been inspired to play along with the talented ladies over @ retro sketches.

Shabby Rose Birthday

Howdy, I hope this post find you well.  Me, yeah.  It really feels good to have less stress, less madness, less anger, less yucky stuff going on in my life.  Life is too short, to obsess over stupid, thoughtless, ignorant, and plain selfish people.  So, I have taken a vow, to choose happiness, choose love, choose friendship, and leave all that non-sense behind me.  I need laughter, love, companionship, and a place to express my creativity.  So here we are!  

I woke this morning around 3a with Mojo Monday's current layout rolling around in my mind.  I did resist the fierce urge to get up and creep into my craft room.  Instead, I went back to sleep, to give my body a change to rest, and to re charge.  And well, I bet you can guess what I did this morning!  Yeah, I headed into my craft room, and executed the 'idea' I had earlier this morning {smile}

If you haven't headed over to Mojo Monday this week, here is their current sketch.

here is what I created:

I have to admit, when I first saw this sketch, I didn't really like the circle piece so high from the banner piece.  But, after playing around with a few different arrangements, I'm embracing the height.

Recipe:  I started with Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Love their heavy weight card stock.  The pattern papers (all three) are from a new collection I picked up a few weeks ago: Shabby Rose, by Our Daily Bread.  Love the soft colors, and the beautiful graphics.

I used my thread cutter to distress (rough -up) the edges of the pattern paper.  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I took two simple, polka dot-ish pattern papers, and torn thin strips.  Each strip is roughly 3/4" wide.  I also sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.

I had a short strip of this beautiful white cotton trim sitting on my craft table, so I add this wide strip first.  Then I layered the two pattern paper strips.  I added a short cream crochet trim, by Stampin' Up! and then a shorter strip of white crochet trim.  I did a zig zag stitch over the white crochet trim to hold all these layers together. {smile}  I hand stitched the pearls to the front panel.  I used brown thread, to give it some contrast.  But, now, I'm not too sure if I like the contrast.  I took an extra pink paper blossom sitting on my craft table and added some silver glitter to the edges.  Set the glitter with Aqua Net hair spray.  I used hot glue to add the pink paper blossom.  I really wanted to emphasize the pretty blue tone in the main panel, so I added an aqua blue multi-loop bow tied with seam binding.  I tucked the seam binding bow in under the paper blossom.

For my sentiment piece, it is actually an extra Birthday banner I created last week.  I originally wasn't sure what color I wanted this sentiment, so I stamped and heat embossed this sentiment in a few different colors.  {smile}.

And as always, this card remains blank on the inside.  That way, you can add your own hand-written message.   And this card is created for the craft fair coming soon!  May 2, @ La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, NM.

I hope you have been inspired to play along with this challenge.  I'm sure you will create something wonderful! Have a great day!

hello, you Card

Welcome!  Sorry I have been absent lately.  I haven't really been paper crafting.  Shocking, I know.  But, I have been trying some different recipes to use the Meyer Lemons a sweet, and dear friend sent me {smile}.  I tried an 'easy' lemon chicken, from the barefoot Contessa.  And it was delicious!  and a Lemon Glazed Zucchini Bread.  I loved it! {smile}.  And a favorite: Lemon Bundt cake by Martha Stewart.   Cooking always gives me a break from the hum of life.  It allows me to slow down and concentrate on creating & crafting.  {smile}  Several of the grand kids did spend a few days at our house.  Anyways!  I did get a chance to head into my craft room, pull out some supplies and craft!  Yahoo!

To help give me some direction, I went to the internet and went to find someplace to play {smile}.  I stumbled upon a challenge site, that I don't believe I have ever played along with.  the Card Concept.  But, I do love their inspiration boards, and their design team will certainly inspire you.  And well, this weeks board really spoke to me!  Look at this!  I was inspired by the blossoms and the colors! (pinks, blush, and green)

I also stopped by a favorite sketch challenge site:  Cardaabilities.  These talented ladies, always have a great sketch, and the design team is sure to inspire you.  Here is their latest sketch:

here is what I created:

To start I need to give you the disclaimer -  this card was not created in simply an hour.  It was rather a labor of love {heart}  I will give you the supplies and tips of creating this card from the base to the last layer.

Recipe:  I used white card stock from Paper trey Ink.  They make great heavy weight card stock that will stand up to an embellished card.  The creamy, tan card stock, is actually Toffee card stock by Amuse Studios.  I just love the soft color.  The floral woodgrain pattern paper, is actually a digital download from a favorite shop of mine @ iralamija.  I added a simple machine stitch along the edge to create a sweet border.

The circle, is actually a cross stitch hoop shape.  I used a die from Paper Trey Ink.  It has a hoop and banner in the set.  I used a piece of a wood sheet, by Stampin' Up! (these wood sheets are retired. {frown})  I brushed clear crackle paint on the wood and then dipped the whole piece into my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I cut a 2 1/2" circle from a canvas sheet, by Stampin' Up!.  I sponged some crumb cake classic ink on the canvas circle to help give it some dimension.  I used a liquid glue to hold the canvas piece and the wood piece together.  

I used flowers from Prima marketing.  The larger pink blossom is from their Symphony Blend Amoraso Pink collection (#537852) and the two littler blossoms are from the Cabriole Aqua collection (#566807).  I used my hot glue gun to adhere them to the wooden hoop.   I tied a multi-loop bow with some old ribbon I had on hand.  Its a sheer shimmer vanilla 1/4" ribbon.  I tucked the bow just under the larger pink blossom.

For my banner piece, I stamped my sentiment onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I used Versa Mark ink, and gold embossing powder by Stampin' Up!.  I cut a flag end and an arrow end on the sentiment strip.  I used foam tape at each end, to attach it to the card front.  

I cut my leaves with a leaf die, using some retired pear pizzazz polka dot dap from Stampin' Up!.  And finally, I added a trio of white half faux pearls, by Mellissa Frances to the card front, along with a pair of clear sequins.

This hand made greeting card will be for sale in my Etsy shop.  Thank you for stopping by!  I hope I have inspired you to play along with either of these challenge sites, or simply craft something pretty! {smile}