Spring Challenge

Welcome.  I am sharing a post from an international challenge site, that is preparing for a project-based challenge for the month of March.  The site:  Shabby Chic.  This challenge site says:

Привет дорогие читатели нашего блога! ♥

Сегодня мы хотим рассказать о нашем новом совместном проекте - SWEET HOME! Стартует он 1 марта, в первый день долгожданной весны! И как вы догадались - мы будем украшать свой дом! И творить будем альтер-объекты! А что и как - вы скоро узнаете! Одно пока можем открыть - у нас будет 4 этапа, на каждый из которых будет отводиться по 10 дней, и творить мы будем в неизменных стилях нашего блога - шебби шик и прованс! Почитать и ознакомиться с этими стилями заранее, а также посмотреть примеры работ и мастер-классы вы можете в нашем блоге. И нашими мастер-классами можно и даже нужно пользоваться! :)

♥

Today we want to tell you about our new joint project - SWEET the HOME ! He starts March 1, the first day of the long-awaited spring! And you guessed it - we will decorate your home! And do we alter the objects! But how and what - you'll soon find out! Until one can open - we will have 4 phases, each of which will be given for 10 days, and we will do in the unchanging styles of our blog - Shabby chic and Provence ! Read and become familiar with these styles in advance, as well as see examples of work and master classes you can on our blog. And our master classes could and should use it! :)

inspiration board:

and here is their schedule:

So, you're in 4 stages:

Phase 1, March 1 

Stage 2 on March 12,

3 phase, 22 March 

Stage 4, 2 April 

So, stay tuned, to see what I enter, and don't forget to play along.  And yes, this challenge site does have a 'translate' button, so you won't be left wondering the guidelines.  Finally, your entry must be done in Shabby Chic or Provence style.  See you soon!

Vintage Chic Cards & Bag

Howdy!  My crafting frenzy continues.  I needed a little inspiration and guidance, so I stopped by a few of my favorite challenges.  Ok, three {smile}.

I stopped by the Cupcake Inspirations to see their inspirational photo.  And their color combo, is perfect for this new-to-me Vintage Chic collection by Heidi Swap.  I know, it's not holiday themed, and I should be crafting for my last craft fair.  But these colors, are just perfect!

*my card was selected as a 'Sweet Six' winner!

To help with my 'direction' in crafting, I stopped by the ever easy-to-work-with sketch @ Retro Sketch Challenge.  These ladies have very adaptable sketches that will work with almost any style of paper crafting you create.  Here is their current sketch (they are having some issues with Link)

My final stop, was @ Brown Sugar Challenge.  This creative design team, has a current challenge: anything goes.  So, super easy to play along {smile}.

and here is my card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matt.  I just love this color, and it helps highlight the mint color on the Vintage Chic collection, by Heidi Swap.

I used the steel polka dots on cream pattern paper as my 'band'.  I matted this pattern paper onto steel texture solid card stock.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.   

I added a quick and simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  When I reached the 'band' piece, I did a zig zag stitch.  I wanted to add some visual interest {smile}.

I wrapped my last remaining piece of steel gray silk ribbon around the card 'band'.  I tied it into a simple bow.  I added a rhinestone brad to the bottom of the bow.  I added a pale blue-mint paper blossom to the top of the bow.

I added a digital Bingo card in place of the tag.  I added a rhinestone 'blossom' to the lower right corner of the bingo card.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment on cream linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  I hand-cut the banner ends, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I matted the sentiment banner with early espresso card stock by Stampin' Up!.

I had so much fun and creativity flowing when I was creating this card, I made another.  But I turned it 90 degrees. 

and I also made a gift tote:

I really enjoyed working with this paper collection: Vintage Chic.  The soft neutrals gave my projects a soft feminine look.  The extra card and gift tote, have gold satin ribbon.  I added little pieces of mint toned embellishments to help pull it all together.  I used a 'gift tangle' on the tote.  It's the crystal-like dangle from the taupe dot lace trim.  {smile}

I hope you have been inspired to play along with any of these challenges.   I am off to the grocery store.  I am making a pumpkin pie, and need a few baking items.  And then the crafting will continue!