Butterfly Notes

Howdy! and welcome.  I have been busy with work, and keeping up with chores and other obligations, that my crafting had to take a back seat for a quite a few days.  Seven, to be exact! {grimace}.  But, have no fear, I have carved out some time to create a card for a few challenges.  {smile}  I hope you haven't given up on me.

There are two of my favorite card challenges that typically have Anything Goes as their themes, and so it really allows me to just create.  You gotta love that!  So, here we go!

My first stop was Brown Sugar Challenge.  They have a talented design team, and let's face it, sometimes we just need some inspiration.

My next stop was Word Art Wednesday.  This group of ladies will certainly inspire you on a creative level and on a faith level, too!  

My last stop is Stampin' Royalty.  This card challenge site, has a theme this week- Spring.  When I think of the word, 'Spring' I think of flowers, butterflies, beautiful colors, and fresh air!

and here is what I made:

my card was selected as a 'top 3 honor' @ Word Art Wednesday!

Recipe:  My card is a typical A2 size:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  The card base is this beautiful kraft colored card stock.  I just love the 'brown paper bag' color!  I used three different pattern papers for the base layer.  I started with a beautiful butterfly pattern by Crate Paper.  Then I added a strip of text paper and a layer of music paper.  I distressed the edges of the papers and sponged kraft ink on them.  I did a messy machine stitch all the way around the card.  twice.  

I cut out a ephemera ticket, and distressed its edges in the same manner.  I also added a scrap piece of an aqua colored paper doily to the right side.  I adhered this piece to the card front.

I wrapped a piece of aqua blue seam binding around the card front.  I thought it matched the paper doily perfectly.  

I stamped my blossom cluster in soft suede classic ink, onto white linen card stock.  I used the coordinating die to cut it out.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  I tucked-in my sentiment.  The sentiment is actually the pattern paper name, that I cut down and added a banner edge.

I tied a double bow with the seam binding, and tied a cream button to the bow's center with kraft twine.  I made a large bow with the twine behind the seam binding bow, when I tied-on the button.

I added a trio of iridescent sequins and a few transparent sequins, randomly to the card front, just to give it a little more sparkle.  Because who doesn't love sparkle! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by.  I'm heading back into my craft room, to create an inspirational magnet.  I love the small size of these.  I've made several before, but hadn't had an opportunity to photograph any before they were packed-up, and mailed.  {frown}

Pretty Pink Christmas Card

Howdy.  Welcome.  and yeah, I'm still crafting for my craft fairs {smile}.  I have been working on several more clear box totes.  But, I took a quick break and created an A2 card with more shabby chic pretty pattern papers from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima.  I also inked a new stamp set that arrived in the mail, yesterday.  

I am entering this card in three card challenge sites:  Brown Sugar Challenge, Word Art Wednesday, and Stampin' Royality.

The first challenge, I am entering is Brown Sugar Challenge .  Their current challenge is Anything Goes.  I am sure that you will be inspired by this creative design team.

The second challenge, I am entering is Word Art Wednesday.  Their current challenge is Anything Goes.  This is a faith based challenge site.  You are not required to use the scripture, but I am sure you will be happy to do so {smile}.

The final challenge, that I am entering is Stampin' Royalty.  The design team uses Stampin' Up! products, but you are not required to.  Their current challenge is All That Glitters - use glitter somewhere on your project.  Easy peasy.  And who doesn't like glitter? {smile}

*my card was selected as one of the 'top picks' for this challenge!  Thank You!

here is what I made:

Recipe:  The card base is made with the Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love the heavy weight of their card stock.  And the color is so darn beautiful!

The pattern paper is Sweet Peppermint by Prima.  I just love both os these patterns:  the soft pastel colored polka dots with some random sheet music print.  And the white snowflakes and white polka dots on a mint colored background is so pretty and sweet {smile}.  I added a quick and simple border stitch with my sewing machine to help convey a homespun look.  

I added a rose pink cotton scallop trim and a kraft-dyed seam binding across the bottom third of my card.  I just love the softness of these two colors together {smile}.  I crinkled the seam binding, to help give it a 'worn' look.  I created a multi-loop bow with the crinkled, kraft-dyed seam binding.  

I used a medium snowflake die by Paper Trey Ink and silver glimmer paper (aka glitter paper) by Stampin' Up! to create the snowflake focal piece.  

I made a little tag, for my sentiment.  I used a scrap piece of linen white card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I inked up a new stamp set I received in the mail: Rustic Wreath by Paper Trey Ink.  I inked the stamp set with Baked Brown Sugar classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the soft pale brown ink color.  I tied a scrap piece of pink sequin trim to the tiny tag, with a length of candy pink bakers twine.  

My card is pretty plain, but pretty {smile}!  Thank you for stopping by!  I have finished a few more little wooden houses, so I'll share a few photos soon.  {smile}