Something Blue Plastic Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastel Christmas Greetings

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I've been a bit busy completing some special orders, and other everyday chores that all of us have {frown}.  But, I did have a chance to create something (I think) is sweet, and pretty {smile}.

I am entering my creation into two challenges:  Merry Monday Challenge  and  The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge .  

The Merry Monday Challenge, is a Christmas card challenge site, all year long!  How sweet is that?  Their current challenge is to use pastel colors.  And they have an inspirational photo to help get the creative juices flowing.

I just love the vintage ornaments that create the wreath! so pretty!

My next stop is the Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge.  Their current challenge is anything Christmas.  This provides you with the ability to just create.  And so I did!

and here is what I created:

My 'card' is a packaged gift card holder.  That might sound a bit confusing, but it really only takes a few seconds to explain.  You know those packaged gift cards you purchase at the grocery store, or the 'always open' pharmacies?  Well, that's what fits inside!  Now, you don't have to rip open the packaging to get to the gift card.  Just simply slide the whole package inside this cleaver little card.

Recipe:  I used Dark Chocolate card stock by PaperTreyInk, for the card base.  I just love this creamy, rich brown color.  And their card stock is heavy weight, so it will stand up to being embellished.

The pattern paper I used, is from a digital collection I purchased last year.  I just love this collection of rustic, holiday images in pastel hues.  Simply beautiful.  I printed the pink pattern background onto white card stock by PaperTreyInk.  I printed the deer pattern paper onto white linen card stock by PaperTreyInk.  I love the texture.  I matted the deer pattern paper onto white card stock.  

I machine stitched the three layers of paper together.  I just love how machine stitching gives my paper crafts that homespun look {smile}.  On the bottom panel, I also machine stitched the white glitter snowflake to the layers.  I wrapped the top flap with white crochet trim, and an aqua polka dot satin ribbon (polka dot side down).  I tied a simple bow with the ribbon.  I tucked a half white glitter snowflake in behind the crochet trim at the left upper corner.  The main panel, was a 6" x 6" sheet of digital pattern paper, that I shrunk down 50% before printing.  That way I could print that sheet as a 3" x 3" piece.  I matted it with Mint card stock by PaperTreyInk, and then with Dark Chocolate card stock.  I used foam adhesive to lift this beautiful piece off the card front.  I added this piece to the right of the simple bow.   My pink satin blossom, is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima.  I just love their blossoms.  And with the pretty rhinestone blossom center, it is perfect for this paper craft.   I hand-stamped 'joy' onto a scrap piece of the pink background pattern paper I used for the first layer. And then adhered it to the back of a tiny Melissa Frances resin frame.  The finishing touch was that tiny white present bow.  I thought is help tie-in all the white, and give my card a little more 'pretty' {smile}. 

Well, thank you for looking.  I hope you have a chance to create something beautiful this weekend.  I'm in the mood to bake some scones.  I found this delicious sounding recipe for Apricot & Brie scones.  YUM!

fa la la Peppermint

Howdy! and welcome.  I hope you all had a great holiday.  Me, I got the flu.  I have been in bed sick for a week now.  And for those who know me, I don't do well being 'down' or laid up in bed.  So, today, I decided, I'm getting up.  I am getting on with life.  Change your mindset, and you body will follow.  It's like when you have been running for 4 hours, and you have 3 miles left, and your legs are tired and heavy, and your mind is screaming at you to stop.  Just stop.  But, you have to turn down the volume in your head, push forward, and keep going.

I made another gift card holder this morning.  I am entering it in three of yesterday's challenge post.  I just loved the themes - Sparkle, Lace & Paint, and the sketch was super easy to work with.  So, here we go again!

First stop:  the wonderfully talented ladies over @ As You See It Challenge, have a fun challenge: Sparkle.  You have to add an element of sparkle to your project: glitter, sequins, glimmer paper, etc.  And let's just be honest here, who doesn't love sparkle?  It just makes you happy!

My next stop is Mistress Owl.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  It was super easy to work with yesterday, so why not use it again today.  This challenge site, is from Russia.  They do have a translate button, to help with the language barrier.  I just love their easy-to-work-with sketches.

And finally, my last stop is Shabby Chic.  Another challenge site from Russia, and again, they have a translate button.  This design team will certainly inspire you!  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  The mandatory elements are: Lace & Paint.  And your entry must be in Shabby Chic or Provence style.  (they have their definition of these styles on their challenge site)

and here is what I created:

different view:

Recipe:  I used Fine Linen card stock by PaperTreyInk for the gift card holder.  I thought it matched the angels in the pattern paper beautifully.  Again, I used Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk for the matts.  Its a deep red with orange undertones.  I used the red stripe pattern paper from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima, again.  I just love the look of the stripes. {smile}  The pattern paper I used for the main panels is a digital paper.  I printed it onto whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love using their white card stock to print my digital papers.  It takes the ink very well, and the card stock is light weight; making layering a breeze.

I used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch around each panel.  I think this little element adds a lot of homespun charm.  {smile}

I did a better job of lining up my trims.  I layered a white crochet trim, a taupe lace trim, and a mint ribbon.  I machine stitched them to the panels with silver thread.  The silver thread is beautiful, but quite a pain to work with.  The metallic in the thread gives it a bit of stretch, with little tension, so it breaks easily and frequently. {frown}.

I stacked two small journalling cards to the top panel.  I selected the 'fa la la' girls, and a December Bingo board card, this time.  I like how the 'fa la la' color matched the reindeer in my pattern paper.

I die-cut, stamped, and heat embossed the wreath.  I die-cut the wreath from Fine Linen card stock.  I stamped the wreath in VersaMark ink, and used my fine detail  white embossing powder.  This delicate wreath takes a steady hand in stamping.  My trick: place a contrasting color of card stock under the wreath, so when you stamp, you have a better view of lining-up the image.  I adhered the wreath to the front panel.

I tied a double bow with the mint ribbon.  I tied a small plastic peppermint candy to the mint bow with silver twine.  I wanted a bit more red on the card, so I adhered a red button to the bow's center.  To add a bit more sparkle, I added a mirror plastic star just above the button.

The paper blossoms were painted and glittered.  I used a white pearl paint to the petals, and while the paint was still wet, I dunked the blossoms into glitter.

I painted two silver jingle bells with gesso, and glitter.  I tied them with silver bakers twine.  Then tucked them under the larger blossom.  Again, I wanted more red, so I tucked in a red pom pom by the cream paper blossom.

My sentiment was not hand-stamped.  The sentiment is actually from a holiday tag.  I simply trimmed it down with scissors, and did a double matt: pure poppy and fine linen card stock.  I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment.  I wanted it to be lifted off the card front.

Thank you for looking!  I hope this last weekend of 2017 ends just how you want it to.  For me, I will be enjoying the quiet time at home.  And I am sure you have guessed that I will be out running.  I am going to do my best at getting in 10-12 miles tomorrow. {smile}

Some Goodies for my Envelope

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy! and welcome.  I have completed some items that were stuffed in my over stuffed envelope.  Just a quick heads-up, I used papers from the Linen Closet collection by DCWV.  Grab that cup of Joe, and settle in.  The eye candy is gorgeous!

I will start at the top left, and move to the right and down.

So, at the top left, I have two decorated paper clips.  I used the bow punch by Stampin' Up! to create both.  The blue one is a double bow.  I used a pale blue brad to hold all the pieces together, and attaching to the paper clip with hot glue.  The yellow one is a single bow.  I tied a small vintage button to the center of the bow, and applied hot glue to hold the paper bow to the paper clip.   Both can be used with your office supplies, your planner, or to hold a tag to a gift.   I think they came out super sweet!

Next up is a gold mini envelope.  I added a rhinestone clip to it.  The clip can be used in your office supplies, or planner, or as a book mark, or anywhere you want to add some sparkle {smile}.  The envelope is just large enough to hold a gift card, cash, a note, a tag, or any other small treasure.

The glassine envelope is holding a kraft tag wrapped with two different colors of satin ribbon: blue and gold.  I included 2 years of each color of ribbon.  To decorate the glassine envelope, I simply wrapped a scrap piece of pattern paper around the bag, and adhered together.  I added a blue glass clip to the bag.  You can use the clip on any paper craft (card, project, scrapbook page, etc) in your office supplies, as a book mark, in your planner, etc.  The glassine bag is small enough to hold a gift card, cash, or any other small treasure.  

The next item is a stack (4) of four different tags.  These tags can be added to gifts, cards, scrapbook pages, paper projects, etc.  The backs of the tags remain blank.  So, you can either add your own hand-written note, or adhesive, etc.

The next item on the far right is a covered notepad.  The notepad is a long and narrow pad.  The perfect size for those folks who love to make lists, or to write down a quick note.  I layered pattern papers, and a long word: Notes, to the cover.  I punched a 'ribbon slide' hole in the right upper corner, and strung the blue gingham ribbon through.  I tied it in a simple bow.  I love the blues and gold, so I added a tiny tag punched from the gold pattern paper.  I tied a gold twine into a simple bow, around the ribbon.  I cut off the legs of a butterfly brad, and used hot glue to adhere it the center of the bow.  I added a trio of vintage buttons tied with scrap pieces of the gold twine, to the cover, to help give the notepad a homespun look.  

The covered notepad opens like a book.

I added two blank greeting cards to the loaded envelope.  I wanted to make the cards easy to use, and something generic, to ensure that they would be used {smile}

I cut the pattern paper to fit the front of each card.  I added a long word block that was simple, and generic.  I added two different ribbons: satin, and seam binding.  I wanted something a bit rustic and something a bit fancy.  

The last item (so, far) is my first-ever Lolly.  I have a whole board dedicated to them.  I just love them.  They look so pretty, and can easily be added to a gift bag, clipped to a package, or simply added to a vase.  But, I haven't made one before.  I just admired them from afar.  Until today!  I actually sat down and made one.  I used pretty pattern paper, a few paper doilies, and a tag from the paper pack for focal piece.  I added gold satin ribbon, blue seam binding, and gold sequin trim.  All of this pretty paper pieces sit on top of a light blue paper straw.  I did hot glue a gold and pearl brad to a double-bow tied with the blue seam binding.  I am pretty happy with how my first Lolly turned out.  So, look for these beauties at my local craft fairs!

Thank you for stopping by.  I do have a few more items that I want to make for my loaded envelope.  

Free Sweets

Howdy.  I have had a busy few weeks with party planning and executing, as well as some time to re-group.   {deep breath}  I am trying to re-find my mojo, to get back on the crafting wagon.  {wishing, fingers crossed, and eyes closed}

I also, needed to create a 'card' and thank a frequent buyer of my cupcakes.  So, I bit the bullet, and just dove-in!  Into my craft room, that is.

I didn't want to chop-up full sheets of 'new' pattern papers, so I went straight for the scrap box.  I knew that I would be able to find something pretty, something that worked with my 'coupon'.  I did.  And now I needed a sketch.  I found an easy-to-use sketch, and reached for my tape runner.

I found this very workable sketch @ Sketch Saturday #472.  I love how you can add little 'pieces' of your own personality to this sketch and create something beautiful!  And, if you can't 'see' your masterpiece, check out what this design team has created.  You will be inspired! {smile}

and I just HAD to stop by Word Art Wednesday to see what their design team has created.  This paper crafting challenging site always has an anything goes theme.  And they have an inspirational quote that you are free to use (but don't have to).  You deserve to reward yourself and see what this clever design team has created.  {smile}

and here is what I created:

recipe:  this is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  

I used two different, but coordinating pattern papers. I selected pattern papers that would not compete with the coupon.  I simply adhered them to vanilla/cream card stock, and machine stitched them.  I wanted a double border stitch, to give the card character without distracting.  I inked all the edges of the papers/cardstocks with kraft ink.  Not so much to give it a 'worn' look, but to define the edges.  I wrapped some sparkle-y ribbon around the card front.  I tied a simple bow, and trimmed the edges of the ribbon on the bias, to give the bow a bit of flair!   I used sparkle-y baker's twine to tie a vintage yellow button to the bow.  I selected a yellow button to match the accent on the coupon.  The sentiment banner piece, was adhered to the card front with foam tape, to 'lift' it off the card front.  Viola.  done.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you still have your crafting mojo.  If not, I really want you to do what needs to be done to find it.  We all have battles, and together, we can find our own strengths!  I know that I am blessed.  But, I too, struggle with the realization of that fact.  I need to feel those blessings in my heart, and not just my head.  I am working on that, everyday.  The struggle is real.  But I will win!

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!

Home Spun Joy

Howdy.  Sorry this is so late.  I thought I had already taken photos of my card.  {frown}  I made this little beauty on Tuesday, and apparently I forgot to take a few photos.  I've been working longer hours, so it's dark when I leave for work, and dark when I get home.  Which makes photographing anything other than the stars are bit rough.

Well, let's not dwell on the negative.  Let's get right to it!  I wanted to play along with a few of my favorite challenge sites, and they are still open for submissions! Yahoo!

My first stop is Mojo Monday.  I just love their sketches!  And this week's is super fun!

when I first saw this sketch, I was thinking of adding two different papers and using the green strip as their borders.  But, I wanted to add ribbon {smile}, so I changed it up a bit!

My next stop is Sugar Pea Design's Mix It Up Challenge.  This beautiful site gives you a sketch and an inspirational photo.  You can use either or both.  Very easy to work with.

and their current challenge is Anything Goes.  I love that option, because it gives me a whole lot of freedom to use whatever color palette I am currently loving, and what ever embellishments I can't seem to use enough of.  {smile}

And my last two challenge sites, are near and dear to my heart:  Word Art Wednesday, and Brown Sugar Challenge.  These two challenge sites are Anything Goes.  So, I can play along if I can get my post written {wink}.  Both sites are different but equally inspirational.  The wonderful folks over @ Word Art Wednesday have faith based quotes for you to use.  They are a family friendly site.  But their design team will certainly inspire you!  The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge, use more digital images and coloring.  But they too welcome all types of entries: tags, projects, journals, altered items, cards, pages, etc.  Whatever your heart desires to create!

and here is what I created:

and a different view:

I just couldn't decide which view I liked best.  So, I have given you both.   And here is the recipe:

I used Crumb Cake card stock, by Stampin' Up! as my base.  Love the heavy weight of this paper.  The main panel is a pattern paper, Oriental Chic, by Ruby Rock-It.  I just love the woodgrain and floral motif.  I roughed-up the edges with my scissors and sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges before adhering it to the card front. 

I wrapped white lace and a baby blue gingham ribbon around the card, and tied the ribbon into a simple bow.

For my square panel, I simple cut my second pattern paper, Quilt, by Ruby Rock-It, into a 3" x 3" square.  I matted it onto a scrap piece of crumb cake card stock, and machine stitched along the quilting squares.  I think it adds a special homespun look and feel to the card.

For my rectangle piece, I simply cut a very vanilla card stock piece, and stamped my sentiment.  I used another sentiment from my (new favorite) stamp set: Choose Joy, by Paper Trey Ink.  I used basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  Since the piece is rectangle but my sentiment isn't, I stamped it high, to leave an empty space at the bottom.  I added a strip of washi tape from my collection.  I was happy that I had some washi tape that coordinated with the quilt pattern.  {smile}  I added a double matt to my sentiment rectangle: bashful blue and crumb cake card stocks by Stampin' Up!

For the circle piece, I didn't like how a paper blossom looked.  But, I wanted something soft and sweet.  So I did a double layer.  I first added a white doily sticker to peak out from both the square and rectangle pieces, and topped it off with a metal rimmed flat back large brad.  I was surprised, that I had a brad that worked so well!

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you  have been inspired to play along with any, or all of these great challenge sites.  They each have their own unique style, and creativity, but they are ALL beautiful!  This card is going to one of my best friends.  She has had a few struggles this past week, and I want her to know that I care for her, and that I want her to find peace, and happiness.  {smile}

Birthday Tag Card

Howdy!  I had such a good time making my last Thank You card, that I decided to make a few more cards with more of my tags and sentiment blocks.  I made a holiday card, and a birthday card.    The trick for me, was to keep the cards looking fresh, and not a carbon copy of the previous.  I hope you like these!

the birthday card:

and the holiday card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by PaperTreyInk for the card bases.  I used a neutral background digital paper for the main piece.  I printed the digital pieces (background pattern paper, tags, and sentiment blocks) on white linen card stock, by PaperTreyInk.  All of the edges of the papers (printed and otherwise) were sponged with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  

I did a simple border stitch around the top portion of each card.  I included the doily in the stitching.  I made simple random pleats with the cream cotton trims.  I even machine stitched the ribbon to the card fronts.  (I do this, so I don't have to add adhesive to my ribbons/trims.  I also think it adds a homespun touch/feeling to my cards.)

The sentiment blocks are adhered to the card fronts with foam tape.  To help give the card some dimension, and not look so 'flat'.  

For the birthday card: I added a scrap piece of lace and tied a button to the tag.  I added a 'splash' of flat back pears, and a paper blossom to the card. 

For the holiday card: I added a large rhinestone clip.   

Thank you for looking.  Now, it's time for turkey and pie!  I hope this day is spent with those who truly mean the most to you!  And remember to reflect on your blessings.  {smile}

Happy Birthday T

Howdy! and welcome.  It was my daughter's birthday yesterday.  So, we spent half the day together {smile].  I got up early, and made her a dozen of ButterBeer Cupcakes.  She is a fan of Harry Potter.  On my way over to her house yesterday morning, I brought her, her favorite drink from Starbucks to start her morning.  Along with some roses and a hand-made Birthday card.  We spent a few hours, yesterday morning sitting at her dining room table chatting, like ol' friends.  It was a very good morning.  Then, I took her to lunch.   

I wanted a little direction on creating her birthday card.  She isn't a 'shabby chic, vintage' kind of girl. She is more clean and simple, with a flair for modern.  

I stopped by the CAS(E) this Sketch challenge site.  Their current sketch, #168, was pretty easy to work with.  {smile}.

here is what I made:

Recipe:  I used one of my favorite kraft card stock for the base.  It's by Paper Studio.  Love the color! I added the last two scrap pieces I have of this beautiful pattern paper.  My daughter loves blue, and the confetti pattern paper looks festive!  I matted the confetti pattern paper onto a scrap piece of Indigo card stock by Stampin' Up!.  

I tied some thin pink ribbon around the card front, in place of the horizontal strip.  I also added a tag in place of the 'notch'.  I hand stamped the tag outline in baked brown sugar and the sentiment in basic black, both classic inks by Stampin' Up!.  and viola!  modern, and clean and simple.  

Yeah, I wanted to add some machine stitching, a button, and some sequins.  But, my daughter loves clean and simple.  And the card is for her.  {smile}  Happy Birthday!  

We are going out to dinner tonight.  My mom is in town, so it will be nice to have the whole family together.  Her birthday present is a bread maker.  She has been asking for one.

Banner Love Card

Welcome.  I had a few minutes this morning, to create a blank greeting card.  So, it was a good morning {smile}
I am entering this card in three different challenges.  A color & theme, a tic-tac, and an anything goes.
So, let's start with the color & theme challenge:  {Cupcake Inspirations}
The colors are kraft, cream, white, and a sweet vintage blue/mint.  And don't forget Banners!

The next challenge is the tic-tac challenge.  These are always fun, because you decide what 'squares' you want to play with.  Just Us GirlS wild card challenge.

ribbon, die-cuts, buttons

And finally, the last challenge, is an Anything Goes themed challenge: Brown Sugar Challenge

and my card:

Recipe:  The card base is made with mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this vintage color.  I added a piece of background text pattern paper by Melissa Frances.  To jazz up the text paper, I did some stamping onto the paper.  I inked two stamps from the Timeless Texture stamp set by Stampin' Up!  I inked the flourish stamp with mint macaroon classic ink, and the rings stamp with baked brown sugar classic ink.

I had a scrap piece of this laurel printed kraft paper, so I cut a banner end.  I machine stitched some taupe lace and lost lagoon striped cotton ribbon to the top.  I added a trio of buttons tied with light brown bakers twine.

And now, time for the banner!  I used the gold bakers twine by Stampin' Up! and then strung various banner pieces.  I cut two short banner pieces with a hand held punch (by Stampin' Up!)  I die cut two tags from gold glitter paper and music paper.  I used a banner die to cut the two long gold foil pieces.

I wanted to add some bling to the banner, so I strung two charms: black bow, and white love pendant.  

Finally, I added three banner trims: thin gold tinsel, and thick twine in baked brown sugar.

I'm off to get a few chores done.  I hope you have been inspired, to play along with any or all of these challenges.  {smile}

Nostalgia Fabric Banner Finished

Whew.  So, I finished my Nostalgia Banner.  YAHOO!  I ended up adding some silver/grey double faced satin ribbon.  I added silver/grey, because I had added some silver sequin trim.  And, it is for Sale in my Etsy shop, HERE.

The particulars:  I used five different, but coordinating patterns of fabric in pinks and purples from Moda.  I also added, pink seam binding, purple seam binding, white velvet ribbon, silver/grey double faced satin ribbon, silver sequin trim, lavender tinsel trim, two patterns of white lace, purple chevron cotton ribbon, pink satin ribbon with silver piping, and pink sparkle tulle.  The fabric portion of the banner measures 4 feet wide.  The strips measure approximately 9-inches long.  The fabric has been cut 1-inch wide.  The banner is strung on thick jute twine.  There are 18-inches of twine at each end of the fabric banner to allow plenty of room to secure it.

Use this hand-made, homespun banner to dress-up a window, a headboard, a wall, or crib, etc.  You can also use this decorative piece to decorate your next party!  Hang this banner at the edge of a cake/gift table, use as a backdrop for the cake table, or photo booth!  Let the pinks and purples add that special girl-y touch to your next birthday party/tea!

I'm making a fabric wreath with the same materials.  Stay tuned!  But don't fret, I'm also making more, but with different colors (red/pink, blue/brown, cream/gold, mint/cream, and a few more!) and patterns.  I have my cream and gold material washed and dried, now all I have to do, is cut it into strips!  {smile}  I'm making fabric strip banners and wreaths.  These will be for SALE in my Etsy shop and @  this year's Trash to Treasure Trunk Show (Jan. 23, 2016) in Albuquerque, NM.

is Christmas over?

Howdy.  Whew, I don't know about you, but this holiday season came up fast and went by in the same speed. {frown}  I had so many plans, wants, desires, and items I wanted to craft.  Well, I didn't get the time to do all of those things/crafts.  One of the most disappointing crafts I didn't get to, was my paper ornaments for the grandkids.  I had everything purchased and on hand, but didn't get the time to die cut shapes, and stamp items.  {frown}  It kinda breaks my heart.  I haven't totally let go of the idea, so who knows I just might make them anyways.  Let's see what kind of time the new year brings.

I did finish a gift card holder very (and I do mean VERY) last minute, and I wanted to share with you.  {smile}  But, I want to enter a few crafting challenges:

Crafting by Designs : Here Comes the Holidays

a Gem of a Challenge : Christmas & Anything Goes

My Time to Craft Challenge : Last minute Christmas Makes

Just Add Ink : Gift Card Holder

here is my Christmas gift card holder:

(due to the constant snow fall, and lack of natural light,
my photography skills were really challenged)

'drawer' is pushed open

Ok, my little gift card holder, is actually a match box with a decorative top and matching bottom.  How super cute is that?  The thing I love about these little boxes, is that you can embellish and decorate the whole box, and you don't have to untie the bow to open it! {smile}

here are a few different views:

Recipe:  I cut the top and bottom panels out of real red card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the depth and richness of this red.  The 'sleeve' that holds the box was cut with a scrap piece of holiday pattern print card stock.  It is a vanilla color with charcoal santas.  

The top piece is actually a printed 'tag'.  It looks like a Poinsettia stamped tag layered on black and white polka dot paper.  How super cute, and easy to work with.  

I added a few stands of decorative trim to the real red ribbon through the tag hole.

I added a strip of silver sequins, red pom pom trim and olive green striped think twine.   I tied them together with silver cord, and added a plastic tiny candy cane.   To help with the silver accent, I also added a rhinestone brad to the tag hole.  And then added a trio of loose silver sequins.  I also tied a mini plastic peppermint patty to the big black striped bow on the side of the box, with another length of silver cord.

For the sentiment piece, I stamped the greeting in basic black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! onto white card stock, and used my scissors to fussy cut around the words.  I did add some sponging to the edges of the sentiment piece.  I did that to cut down on the stark whiteness.  I added foam adhesive to the back of the sentiment piece to elevate it off the front of the box.  I didn't want it to look too flat.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I hope I have inspired you to think of a different way to present a gift card.  {smile}  I am having an End of Year Sale in my Etsy shop, HERE.  So, please check it out.  I need to make room for some new crafts.  {smile}  Also, if you are going to be in Albuquerque, NM around the end of next month, stop by my Trash to Treasure Trunk Show!  Come see my crafts in person!