the simple LIFE card

Howdy.  thank you for stopping by.  I know that I have been absent, so I truly appreciate your patience, and willingness to stick around.  I was getting some craft supplies in order, when I found this pretty pattern paper that I had had stashed for almost a year.

I wanted to create something shabby, vintage, and country.  But, I also needed a little direction.  So I stopped by the Paper Players blog, to see their current sketch, and wow!  Very work-able!

See what I mean?  Beauty in simplicity!

I stopped by one of my all time favorite blogs, Word Art Wednesday, because they are always inspirational!  Their challenges are Anything Goes, and they will inspire you with both their crafting, and their scripture.

And finally, I went to Really Reasonable Ribbon blog to get some more inspiration!  Their theme is Anything Goes, just use trim, lace, and/or ribbon on your hand-crafted piece.  Easy-peasy!

and here is what I created:

The card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The pattern papers is actually one sheet of two-sided pattern paper.  This vintage beautiful pattern paper is from Adrienne Looman, called Dream Big.  I love the soft tender aqua color, with a sweet, deep pink, and pops of red.  Simply pretty!  The white doilies, flowers, and kites give this pattern paper a vintage nostalgic feel.

I machine stitched the two pieces of pattern paper onto the white card stock.  I added a scrap piece of white eyelet trim, and wrapped a pale aqua blue seam binding around the card.  How beautiful!  I tied a multi-loop bow with the seam binding.  I tied a red button to the bow with gold and white twine.  Simple, but beautiful!  

I hand-stamped a half circle in real red classic ink.  The stamp set is from the Farm House paper company.  The stamp set is called Country Kitchen.  

The sentiment is hand-stamped in basic black classic ink, right onto the pattern paper.  I used the Country-Born stamp set, by Close To My Heart.

I love how simple but pretty this card is, and I hope you do too!  I am truly happy to be crafting again {smile}.  My mind is at peace, and my heart is full.  Thank you for hanging in there with me, and for everyone's support and words of encouragement!  LOVE you all!!!

Evening Tea

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy.  I am trying to get back into my craft room, and create beautiful things again.  And yesterday, I was motivated to create something sweet, to share with a wonderful group of ladies.  As some of you know, I have started going to the gym.  Mostly, to help me with my running.  I still don't love running, but I want to improve on my time, form, and ease the struggles.  Anyways, I have met some of the nicest ladies there.  They don't judge, or sh*t talk about anyone.  They accept you for who you are, and encourage you to keep going.  How truly wonderful is that?  Anyways, I wanted to share a special treat with them, so I arranged to have an evening tea, to share with them.  (I made all of these arrangements back in April.  Thank goodness, because I am not sure I would have had the strength to do so now.)

And as you know, I can't just do a party!  There has to be favors!  But, first, let me enter my creations into a few challenges {smile}.  I love the challenges @ Really Reasonable Ribbon, basically, because they give you the freedom to just create, add ribbon, trim, or lace, and call it done.  Super sweet!

Then, I entered the challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday, because this group of talented ladies are inspiring with their words and creations.  They basically have the same philosophy: create something beautiful, made with your heart, and share it with the rest of us.  Simply wonderful!  Just like my gym ladies!

The theme for last nights evening tea, was Mid Summer's Night, by William Shakespeare.  The decorations were wonderfully right on point.  And the food was simply amazing!  I am never disappointed, or dissatisfied.  My friend Beth, always puts on the most amazing events!  So, my favors need to be worthy, and pretty, and shabby chic, of course! 

Here is what I made:

my favorite pink version:

and my favorite blue version:

Recipe:  I used simple 8oz mason jars.  I used various papers from the Jolee's Boutique paper pad, the Parisian Collection.  I cut pattern paper 8 1/2" x 2 1/2", and wrapped it around the jar.  I made sure the top edge of the paper went along the rim of the jar, to keep it straight.  I cut two strips, and used a lace border punch, to create the decorative kraft paper pieces.  I adhered them to the second strip of pattern paper 8 1/2" x 1 1/4".  I adhered these strips to the top center of the first pattern paper.  I wrapped seam binding around the jar, for decoration, and to help secure the pattern papers.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  I used hot glue to secure the bow to the pattern papers.  I stamped my word friends in basic black ink, on to the same kraft paper, and punched a tag shape.  I tied the tiny tag to a matching button with kraft twine and hot glued the button to the jar.

For the lid, I cut out a paper doily, and used the jar's lid to hold it in place, and hot glued a paper blossom to the doily.  Viola!  not to crazy involved, but simply pretty.

So, inside the jars are some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar cubes, and 2 Cinnamon Honey tea bags.

I wanted to make something sweet for my hostess Beth, so I added some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar pieces to smaller mason jars (4oz), and created a simpler version of the jar decorations.

and a 'gift' for the hostess and her helper:

I added a strip of pretty pattern paper around the jar, tied some vanilla crochet trim around the jars.  I made the same tags, and tied them to cream vintage buttons.  For the tops, I added pale mint velvet leaf, and two paper blossoms in black and cream to match the pattern papers.

There were two ladies who did not make the tea, so I left their favors for Beth and her assistant.  I hope everyone enjoyed their time last night.  As we got a chance to sit and chat, and talk about ourselves, and what makes us happy.  Of course, we laughed, and shared our time together.  The food was delicious, the tea selected was a perfect pairing, and the company was unforgettable!  

I hope you get a chance to create something pretty and share it with the rest of us!

Printed Flowers in My Garden

Howdy.  I hope you are well.  I have been working on my 'month of happiness' goals.  I hope you have, too.  Or at least journalling what you are grateful/thankful for each week.   I have.   I think that, recognizing what has brought me joy, or what has lead me down the road to joy, makes my heart feel rejuvenated.  {smile}

I needed to make a card for a girl friend.  You see, I mailed her one a few weeks back, and it never made it to her house.  Super sad.  It was a 'Thank You' card, for her support on a fund raiser.  So, I set out to find some inspiration on the internet, to get me started.  I stopped by a few favorite challenge sites:  Crafting by Designs, Really Reasonable Ribbon, and Mojo Monday.

I stopped by Mojo Monday, first, to get the sketch!  I thought that their current sketch, looked easy to work with.  And, as always, it's 'user friendly'.

My next stop, was Crafting by Designs.  I wanted to see what their current challenge is:  Girls or Flowers.  How super sweet, and I can do flowers!

My last stop, was Really Reasonable Ribbon, and they have a Flower theme challenge.  But, remember, you need to include ribbon, lace, or trim on your paper craft!

and here is what I crafted:

Recipe:  this is a typical A2 size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The two pattern papers, is actually the same paper.  I used both sides {smile}.

I cut the pink pattern paper too short, (as illustrated in the sketch).  But, to me, it looked 'too short'.  So, I added a strip of champagne glitter paper, and used a lace edge hand-held punch, to create the decorative border.  I love how it looks.  The glitter paper adds the right amount of interest and sparkle.

I used my sewing machine to add a simple border around the pink pattern paper.  I then adhered the floral pattern paper.  I added a simple machine sewn border to that paper, as well.  

I sewn the seam binding to the card front, to secure it.  I just love how the sewing machine adds so much character and homespun look and feel, to a card.  {swoon}

I cut a rectangle of very vanilla card stock, and stamped my sentiment using soft suede classic ink.  I used a favorite stamp set from Paper Trey Ink; Choose Joy.  I adhered the sentiment piece onto a scrap piece of the champagne glitter paper, and adhered the sentiment to the card front with foam tape.  

I tied a double loop bow with the seam binding, and tied a vintage button to the bow with kraft twine.  To finish the card, I added a cluster of clear sequins to the right side of the card.

I hope that my friend likes the card I made her.  Unfortunately, if I don't purchase tracking, I can't count on the United States Postal Service to deliver my cards.  I have had bad luck, when it comes to mailing my hand made cards.  My cards require extra postage, and require hand canceling, and they seem to get 'lost' at the post office.  How frustrating, and annoying.  So, I won't focus on the lack of professionalism, or providing the service that I have paid for.  Instead, I will look at this as an opportunity to hand deliver my card to my friend {smile}!

  

Springtime in Primrose

Howdy, I wanted to share another Thank You card I made with the Primrose collection by Bo Bunny. I stopped by a few challenge sites to get some inspiration.  I used the same pattern papers in the same sequence.  I just added different paper blossoms, and different ribbon.  {smile}

I stopped by a new to me craft challenge site: Paper Craft Crew Challenge.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  Their sketch is easy to use.  I flipped the sketch upside down.

I just love the current challenge over @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge, Spring/Easter theme.

And one last final stop, is Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  a typical A2 card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").  I used kraft card stock as the card base.  I love this soft, neutral color.  I used 3 of the pattern papers from the Primrose collection by Bo Bunny.  I just love the soft, innocent colors: spring green, warm vanilla, and a sweet pink.  The polka dot, and honey comb patterns add a sweet vintage, shabby chic appearance.

The floral pattern paper and the green honey comb pattern paper were machine stitched together.  I did a purposefully sloppy double border stitch.  

I used the pink trefoil pattern paper as middle stripe.  I wrapped white cotton trim, and this beautiful brown check ribbon around the pink trefoil pattern strip.  I machine stitched them to the paper.

My circle piece is actually a 2 1/2" circle layered onto a paper doily.  I just love these delicate doilies from Stampin' Up!.  

I stamped my sentiment onto a decorative label piece.  Instead of a button, I used a bow for my other circle element.  I thought it added a special softness, and femininity.

I added a white clay bee, for the small circle element on the opposite side of the large circle element.  

I also jazzed up my large circle element.  {smile}  I stamped several leaf trios, into two green inks.  I added a larger mint green blossom, as my main blossom.  I tucked 2 tiny pink rose buds at the top of the main blossom.  I added a pink rose and a brown blossom to the lower left of the main mint blossom.  

And finally, I added a trio of flat back half pearls.  

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!

Pennant Birthday!

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I am having a good week!  Hope you are too!  One of the changes I have made this year, is to start each week writing down three things I am thankful for, from the previous week.  It is a way to reflect on my blessings.  By taking my life in smaller pieces, and reflecting, I am truly able to see the good.  And I am super happy with how this small step to 'count my blessings' is working for me!

I had a few moments, ok an hour, to create a card.  And I am sure you all can understand the drive to get your ideas made out of paper {smile}.  And I do know how truly blessed I am, to have a hoard stash I can craft from, when I can't get to a store.  {wink}

I am entering this card in four challenges.  I have to say, I typically don't enter this many, but I will relish in the oddity of this opportunity!

My firs stop is Mistress Owl.  This is an Eastern European challenge site.  They can a sketch for you to work with.  I strongly encourage you to pop on over to the their challenge site.  The design team will inspire you!  Their sketch was easy to work with, so that is always a huge plus in my book.

My next stop is Cupcake Inspiration.  I am always intrigued by their challenges.  This design team will knock your socks off!  Between the very user-friendly inspiration board, and the creativity of the design team, you will be crafting in no time!  I just love their photo this week!  Theme: Chalkboard!  And who doesn't love chalkboard.  It instantly reminds me of school days.  So retro, shabby, vintage.

Now, I just HAD to stop by another favorite challenge: Really Reasonable Ribbon.  This design team will certainly get you to add ribbon, twine, trim, and lace to everything!  The creations will inspire you to try a new technique, and put a bow on it!  Their current challenge is Celebrate!  So birthday, anniversary, new baby, new couple, etc.  You get the idea.

And finally, I stopped by Brown Sugar Challenge.  This challenge site encourage all crafting styles.  And the design team works with their sponsors, to showcase their products.  I think that's wonderful! Their current sponsor has digital images.  I just love digital paper.  And I am starting to embrace digital images/stamps.  Their current challenge is: Birthday!  And who doesn't need a birthday card in their stash?  So, please stop by and see what they have created.

now, roll all these challenges together, and here is what I created:

~ disclaimer: photographing a card with a flair button, is a bit of a challenge in itself!

my card was selected as a 'top 3' for the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog challenge!

Recipe:  This card is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  And yes, it fits inside its envelope.  The card base is kraft card stock.  I just love the color and weight of this paper.  It looks so 'old school'.  

I added this beautiful light blue and pink rose digital paper as my main layer.  I did dampen the edge of the paper (top right corner) and scrunch it a bit.  I also distressed the edges, and tore the bottom edge. I sponged a tea stain ink on all four edges.

I added a lace doily from Stampin' Up! to the top left corner.  I just love it peeking out from behind my journalling cards.  (I used two 'chalkboard' journalling cards for my Chalkboard element.)  I also inked the edges with the tea stain ink.

I stamped my sentiment onto the top journalling card in white craft ink, and then added clear embossing powder and used my heat gun to set the embossing powder.  

I fussy cut a digital tag and added it to the lower right of the journalling cards.  

I originally wanted to add my sentiment across the card, very similar to the sketch.  And place my bow to the left of the journalling cards, but I don't have anything that would have worked.  {frown}  I guess I need to go paper craft shopping! {wink}

And then, I layered trims!  Oh my!  My first layer is a cream cotton eyelet trim.  Then a white sparkle tulle box pleat trim.  Then a mint swiss dot lace.  And finally, a pale pink seam binding.  Who doesn't love seam binding?

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and added a silver metal button to the bow.  Then I tucked in a cupcake flair button just above the bow.  Viola!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these creative challenge sites.  You will not be disappointed in both the talent and the inspiration!

For the Love of Coffee and You

Howdy, well, I had a little free time this morning to craft, before I had to run.  Literally.  I ran my first race of the year, this morning.  10K.  I'm not a fast runner.  11 minute miles.  But, I also don't think that I'm slow.  Anyway, the group of folks who ran today's race, run faster than me.  But, I am happy with my time.   And it was a beautiful day, to hit the pavement.  {smile}

I made a sweet pink heart card yesterday, and wanted to make another.  But this time a little less shabby, but still all girl!  So, I am playing along with a few of my favorite challenges.

The wonderful folks over @ Verve Stamps, have a free digital stamp set they are giving away.  And, it is perfect for all you coffee lovers.  So, that's me {smile}!  So the challenge on their blog, is to use the free digital stamp set.  No other requirements.  Well, except to have fun!  Check.

I also stopped by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog to see what their current challenge is - Hearts and as always, use ribbon, trim, lace, or twine on your project.   Check.

I always love stopping by the wonderful Word Art Wednesday challenge blog.  These ladies are sure to inspire you!  Their current challenge is (as always): Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  Check.

And finally, a challenge site I visit often for inspiration: The Paper Players.  This group of super talented ladies, will certainly inspire you!  Their current challenge is: will you be my Valentine?  

and here is what I created:

I am pretty happy with how my card turned out.  {smile}  I was having coffee with a few girl friends on Saturday morning, and yes, we were at a Starbucks.  They had these pink heart gift cards, along with red heart gift cards.  I just couldn't pass these beauties by!  So, I picked up the pink one, and knew I wanted to make a Valentine's Day card with it on the front.  

Recipe:  The card measures the traditional A2 size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I used kraft card stock for the base.  The matt is Lavender Moon card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  The pattern paper is from 10 yrs ago, and I only had a 6" x 10" piece left, before I started.  I am not sure of the manufacturer or the name of the pattern.  The pattern paper has large, medium, and small blossoms, in various shades of pinks and purples, with a few orange blossoms.  The leaves and stems are all this beautiful deep, rich brown.  There are also some cream colored swirls and blossoms.  Just beautiful, and I hope you understand why I kept my scraps.  {smile}

I printed my digital stamp set, from Verve Stamps, onto white linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  I just love printing on textured card stock.  It gives my projects a beautiful and rich touch.  I matted my sentiment rectangle onto a scrap piece of Lavender Moon and Kraft card stocks.  Those adorable coffee cups are included in the digital stamp set.  I used my markers to color the coffee cups.  I used Pumpkin Pie classic ink, and Regal Rose classic ink, by Stampin' Up! to give the hearts on the cups a coordinating color wash.  I used my Pink Pirouette classic ink marker to color the coffee cups.  For the coffee cuff, I used scrap pieces of the main panel.  This darker pink and orange circle pattern paper is actually the reverse side of the floral main panel.  I used foam squares to 'pop' the coffee cups off the card front.  

My beautiful pink heart, is actually a new gift card from Starbucks.  I just love how creative and inventive these folks are.  There was already a hole in the heart, so I simply tied some Chocolate Brown twill ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink into a simple bow.  I used a few foam squares to help 'pop' the heart gift card off the card front.

Now, I will need to swing by Starbucks tomorrow morning, on my way to work, and pick up a red one, to add to the front of a Valentine's Day card, too!

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these challenges.  

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.  

WaterColor Blossoms; Card

Hello.  I made a card to say 'Thank You' to those ladies who placed orders @ Ashley's KEEP Collective party.  {smile}  The ladies she invited were funny, personable, and friendly. 

The wonderful ladies over @ The Paper Players have a current challenge that fit this bill!  Their theme for their current challenge is to create a clean and simple card with a Spring theme! Yahoo!

And, the wonderfully talented ladies over @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge have a similar challenge: Welcome Spring, and use ribbon, lace, or trim on your project.  Easy!

and here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used crumb cake card stock for the card base.  The matt is made with crisp cantaloupe card stock.  I just love this color.  It's a softer version of the Coral.  

I stamped the floral image in Black detail ink, on to white shimmer card stock.  I used re-inkers to water color the blossoms with aqua painter.  I used crisp cantaloupe, pink pirouette, blushing bride, coral, pear pizzazz, and pistachio pudding.  

Once the blossoms were water colored, I sprayed the panel with a shimmer mist.  I really wanted the sparkle!  Finally, I hand-stamped the 'thank you' from the hand-scripted stamp set by Amuse Studio in Basic Black classic ink.   

I used my paper piercer to create two tiny holes on each side of the blossom stems, and strung a thin, sheer, coral ribbon, and tied a simple, single bow.  I wanted another embellishment, so I added a trio of marshmallow sequins.  The water colored panel was adhered to the cantaloupe card stock with foam tape.

I plan on dropping these beauties in the mail, once I hear from KEEP Collective, that Ashley's party orders have been shipped.  {smile}  I hope the ladies really do love their cards and unique jewelry.  {smile}