Holiday Stitching

~ photo heavy, long post ~

Howdy.  Whew, what a crazy, busy weekend.  But busy in a great way!  I had a very successful holiday arts & crafts fair, this past Saturday!  Very exciting, and very enjoyable!  It was sweet to meet so many wonderful folks.  And I had a chance to chat with everyone!  Who wouldn't love that? {smile} 

I started off this week, at getting back to the gym and running.  Yes, it's never ending.  But I love it.  The gym gives me a chance to work out some aggression.  If you work in corporate america, you know exactly what I mean.  And running, gives me a chance for me.  It's just me, my music, and the road.  Some quality time for me to sort my thoughts, and get some clean, fresh, mountain air, and take a break from corporate america.  {smile}

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things I crafted (and sold) from last weekend.  So, I will post today, most likely tomorrow, and maybe another day this week.  It all depends on my energy level. 

I am entering my large gift card holder in the Word Art Wednesday : Anything Goes challenge!
*my large gift card holder was selected as a 'Top Three'!  Thank You Word Art Wednesday.
I am also entering my large gift card holder in the Retro Sketches challenge.  it's a sketch!

I love fabric (along with paper).  But, I don't sew garments.  I don't sew toys.  I sew on paper.  And I know a lot of folks who make wearables.  Not me.  But I understand the thrill of finding a gorgeous print.  Or the perfect shade of pink (or any other color) to finish a project.  

I collected some pattern papers from Carta Bella, the Sew Lovely and So Noted.  I wanted to make something sweet, pretty, and practical.  

a sweet gift tote (to hold fabric, or supplies):

a covered notepad (to jot down sketches, supplies, etc):

and finally, a large gift card holder (it holds a pre-packaged gift card):

I just loved how the green stripe and the blue ruler pattern papers looked together.  Not really christmas-y, but simply pretty!  And if you craft (any kind) you know if you find something that works really well together, you don't 'un-do' it.  

I used a variety of stuff from my stashes, so it would be ridiculous to name everything.  But, I'll list a few.  And as always, if you have a question about a particular product, please just ask.

The blue-ish solid card stock used for everything is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!  The cream cotton embroidered trim is from an internet purchase.  The stamping for the gift card holder is from Paper trey Ink (no peeking: holiday friendship jar.  homespun: love lives here holiday).  I stamped in Mint Macaroon and Basic Black classic inks by Stampin' Up!  The pink seam binding is from Stampin' Up!.  However, it is retired: Pink Pirouette.  The sewing theme fabric brads are from LemonCraft.  (LemonCraft is an eastern european company)  The silver scissor 'charm' is an internet purchase.  The large snowflake is a die from PaperTrey Ink, and the glitter paper is from Stampin' Up!.  The green check pattern fabric strips are from an internet purchase as well.  It was listed as fabric ribbon.  And as always (ok, almost always, always) I did machine stitching on my projects.  I think it adds a 'homespun' touch! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by!  now, I am off to finish some holiday shopping, and to get a few items out in the mail!  I hope you have been inspired, or at least the creative wheel is turning!

Choose Happy Card

Welcome.  I was looking around the internet yesterday, and ran across this challenge site.  It's not new, but I don't think I have played along with this talented group of ladies before.  CAS(E) this Sketch.  They create Clean And Simple cards.  So, I thought I'd try my hand at this {smile}.

here is this weeks sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, it seemed too simple.  But, then, after I looked at the design team samples, I was truly inspired!  And now I am a believer, that sometimes, 'less is more'!

here is what I created:

Recipe:  The card base is made from Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!.  The aqua script pattern paper is from Carta Bella, their 'so noted' collection.  The floral pattern paper is from Teresa Collins, I believe it is from their 'sweet afternoon' collection.  (But I could be wrong.  I only have a scrap piece left.)  I added a simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  I wanted it to have a home-made 'feel'.  

My sentiment circle with banner, is actually a chipboard piece from Heidi Swap.  I added a multi-loop bow from this blue-green ribbon I had on hand.  I tied a pink blush vintage button from Paper Trey Ink to the center of the bow.  I used bermuda bay bakers twine to tie the button to the bow.

I added a trio of pearls, and a trio of aqua blue rain drops, to the card front.  

This card was actually fun to create.  And I know its not my usual 'shabby chic' style, but I do love the mix of script, polka dots, and floral images.

If you have a chance to play along with the ladies over @ CAS(E) this Sketch, I am sure you will have fun, too {smile}.  I have also placed this card in my Etsy shop.  There are a few extra photos there, too.  

Roses & Reindeer

Well, the crafting hasn't stopped.  But, I am taking a small break to post a few pictures.  I love sharing what I create, but I always under-estimate the amount of time it takes to photograph, edit, and post images. {frown}

A wonderful lady who works at my Dentist office, came by my last craft fair (@ Tramway Community Church) and purchased all of the gift card holders I had created.  {smile}  It is very nice to 'sell out'.  And this gave me the push to create some new ones, using some different pattern papers, and embellishments.

These little cuties are a blast to create.  It really forces you to think differently.  The space to embellish is only 4" x 2 1/2", with a slope.  So, it needs to be minimalist, without looking bare.  It's always good to have a challenge, right?

I forgot to photograph these before I packaged them.  So sorry for the cello bag glare.  

Speaking of packaging.  What is stamped on the bag topper is what is heat embossed on the inside.  Also, there is a dot on the back of the bag topper, to show what color of embossing powder was used for the inside.

Recipe:  The top gift card holder:  I used the roses G45 Christmas paper for the outer flap.  The polka dot pattern paper is Aqua dots & stripes by Echo Park.  I used garden green card stock by Stampin' Up! for the base.  I also used the new real red cotton ribbon by Stampin' Up!.  It is soft and ties some beautiful bows.

The bottom gift card holder:  I used Eskimo Kisses by Basic Grey.  That paper is easily 3 yrs old.   I only had scraps, so the top panel piece wasn't wide enough to fit across the whole card.  So I made it into a panel.  I added a text pattern paper So Noted by Carta Bella.  The gift card base is made with Pool Party card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I also used the new cotton ribbon by Stampin' Up! in blushing bride.  

I tied on snowflake charms from Stampin' Up!.  Yeah, they are new this holiday season.

I created two different by equally perfect sentiment pieces.  I stamped both in real red classic ink onto whisper white cardstock; both from Stampin' Up!. 

Look for these and many more different styles of gift card holders at my next craft fair this Saturday @ La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Thank you for stopping by.  I'm heading back into my craft room, to finish some more gift card holders.  And a few more cards, gift bags, and gift card/box combos. {smile}