Bunco Three & Two

~ lots of photos ~

Just a quick reminder:  we are counting down backwards from eleven.  Also, with several time contra instants and missed opportunities, these photographs are less than perfect.  Please look upon this post with a kind eye.  My deepest sympathy for the crummy photos.

prize three:

here is a close-up view of the gift card: 

 I used some sweet, country charm pattern paper to create an unique gift card.  I used some of the same elements when creating the altered spiral notebook.  I did add some machine zig zag stitching to this small gift card, and a small vintage button.

and here is a photo of the gift (prize) set:

I altered the front of a spiral notebook.  I took some gorgeous vintage-y pattern paper from Authentique.  I added some coordinating tags and paper embellishments.  I added some white resin architecture pieces, a resin blossom, a hand-made paper blossom, a hand cut mannequin, and a large white satin ribbon.  There is a pink polka dot ribbon book mark that is attached to the top spiral.  

prize two:

ok, another crummy photo, but I did want to add a pic of the prize set:

about the only half decent photo of the gift card.  I wanted to keep with the blue and white color theme.  I added two different, but I believe coordinating digital paper.  I added a neutral polka dot pattern piece of digital pattern paper, and topped it off with a digital collage pattern paper for the gift card front.  I added a metal rimmed circular tag with a pearl brad.  To help add another metal accent, to add a crisp element, I stapled a piece of crochet trim and seam binding to the left side of the sentiment banner piece.

the actual prize:

I truly enjoy crafting these little cuties!  I took an over-the-top rhinestone and pearl mini photo frame (2" x 2" square) and transformed it, into a pin cushion photo frame.  Yeah, it is functional, but it is intended for decorative purposes.  I added two different stacks of button pairs.  I stuck them into the pin cushion with a tiny vintage safety pin and a butterfly stick pin.  I thought that the mix of these two pieces added an unique farmland/country charm.  To help add some glam, I added a rhinestone-pearl stick pin.  My original thought for this is to hold a ring while doing dishes (kitchen accent), or washing hands (master bath charm).

I selected a fabric that is sweet, and sorta neutral.  I know it has some hard blues, but I think that the small pattern helps hide the boldness {smile}.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Again, my apologizes for the awful photo quality.  But, please return tomorrow, for the final reveal! Prize number one!

Bright and Happy New Year

I can't believe that this year is quickly coming to an end.  This is the last day for 2011.  The super talented Anna Marie @ Our Creative Corner wants you to make a card celebrating an event.  Here is her inspiration board. 

 And here is what she has said:  It's time to ring in 2012! Create a card for a celebration using this color combo. There are so many occasions that call for a celebration ...New Year's, birthdays, congratulations. Have some fun with these bright and happy colors!

Here is my non-card:

To be eligible to win this challenge, please make a card. 

Well, I was soo focused on the color combo, that I didn't notice that I was to make a card.  Usually, I'm very careful to pay attention to those little details.  I made instead, a pin cushion picture frame.  The fabric that I used celebrates the Day of the Dead.  And that, in itself is a celebration!  The frame is distressed metal.  I added a few buttons from my stash, and a few push pins.  I had a coursage pin in my stash, and so I added some crystals and jazzed it up a bit.

Thank you for stopping by.  I have some blog candy that I am giving away tomorrow.  Just answer the question posted on the 'Candy' post.  Good Luck!  and have a safe and happy New Year!

winning & sew glad we're friends

This is a two part post, so bear with me.
1. (first)

First, I want to say that I know how blessed that I am, that I have the opportunity to paper craft.  Paper crafting is my hobbie.  I love it!  I love the creative part, I love the challenge, and I love to put a smile on someone's face.  I have entered several challenges over these past two years, and I know that I am 'competing' with many, many other talented folks out there.  But, there is still an excitement and thrill, when you win.  These past two weeks, I have entered a theme challenge site, (one of my all-time favorites) the Shabby Tea Room.   I wasn't picked as the 'winner' or 'top three', but I was an 'honorable mention' two weeks in a row.  Here were my enteries:

Winter Picnic

the Magic of Christmas

I am #9 for both challenges.  There is a sense of pride and a thrill to see your name!  So, I hope that you, too, get to have that sensation, and enter a challenge.  Any challenge.  Show all of us what you can do!  

2. (second)

Now, I want to share with you a 'gift' that I made for a girlfriend.  There are 12 of us, who get together the first Thursday of each and every month, to share a meal, gossip, and play Bunco.  One of our new gatherings, has been during the month of December.  We each select a name, and do a secret Santa gift exchange.  We have a price limit of $25, so no one goes broke.  Here is what I made for my secret Santa gift:

picture frame pin cushion & coordinating card

also, a set of Christmas Thank You cards

I packaged the Christmas thank you cards, in one of the boxes I use at my craft fairs.  That way, it looks professional.  There are six cards - blank inside, and seven envelopes.  I usually make a mistake, so I figure that I can't be the only one.

Thank you for looking.  I'm off to get started on my next challenge entry!  Won't you join me?