Rustic Christmas

Happy Holidays to everyone.  I created a card for one of my favorite challenge sites.  And this has 2 happy endings - I got the opportunity to get back into my craft room, and I am a guest designer!  The wonderfully creative ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have asked me to create a card for their current challenge {yahoo!}.

So, without further ado, here is my card:

Recipe:  this blank-inside card is a typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  I used a soft kraft card stock for the card base.  I just love this true 'cardboard' color.  I used a 'peeled paint' pattern paper as my first matt.  I love this worn look.  It reminds me of old country barns.

The second matt, is a soft, vintage plaid of red, green, and cream/vanilla.  It looks so country, and so home-y.    I did add a kraft matt, to this plaid matt, and then used my sewing machine to add a simple border stitch to this piece.  I wrapped a piece of red buffalo check ribbon around the pattern papers, and then tied a simple bow.  To keep with the over-all look of the card, I tied a wooden button to the bow with thin silver cord.  There is a tiny charm tied to that wooden button.  It is a vintage holy leaf with a bell.

To add a little flair, I added a candy striped poinsettia just above the button-bow combo.  This paper blossom is from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima. I thought the stripes matched beautifully with the plaid in the matt, and that vintage silver glitter just adds the right amount of nostalgia {smile}.  I used the word file provided by Word Art Wednesday for my sentiment.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  And it works just beautifully!

My card is simple.  But, I think it has a lot of flair and country charm!  I hope you are able to play along with us @ Word Art Wednesday.  Because I know we just can't wait to see what you create!

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas holiday, and was able to spend time with family and friends.

Sweet Peppermint Kisses for Santa

~ photo heavy ~

Howdy, and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I hope your new year has gotten off to a roaring start!  Me, I've been doing what I always do: crafting, baking, running, and chores.  So, not much of a change.  But, I am ok with that.   

For my holiday break I got the Flu, and boy was that awful!  I was in bed for a week, and couldn't get  the energy to do much of anything productive.  Then, it was back to work, back to marathon training, back to life.  I have been working on a few special orders: cupcakes, and crafts.  Let's just admit it, those are my two favorite things!

I am entering one of my creations in three paper crafting challenges:  Paper Story, As You See It, and Word Art Wednesday.  We will start with International first, and finish at home.

I stumbled upon this incredible paper craft challenge site while following a favorite paper crafter overseas.  And I am happy I did!  The folks over @ Paper Story have a super talented group of designers who I am sure will inspire you!  This challenge site is from Russia, but they have a 'translate' button, so it is super easy to play along!  Their current challenge is called: Olivier.  It is a 'recipe-based' challenge.  They have given you mandatory elements, just like in a recipe, but with an option to switch one 'ingredient' with something else, just like a recipe.  How super fun is that?  Here is their recipe: Paper, Flowers, Lace, Beads (brads, buttons, chips, dots, sparkles), Chip (chipboard), Tape (cord/braid ok), and Machine Line.  

My next stop:  As You See It.  This challenge site has some very creative challenges, and their design team has a range of styles, so no matter yours, you will be inspired.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  (Love these)

I rotated this sketch 90 degrees left, and then mirrored it

And my final stop was Word Art Wednesday.  I just can't brag about this site enough.  The design team is super talented, the write-up is inspirational, and the site is just plain NICE!  Their current challenge is: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  Who wouldn't want to play along?

and  here is what I made:

Paper: Sweet Peppermint, Flower: manufactured, Lace: two kinds, Beads: button and sequins, Chip: chipboard mittens, Tape: thin silver cord, and Machine Line: machine sewing on both panels.

another view:

Recipe:  This gift card holder was made with pattern paper from the Sweet Peppermint holiday collection by Prima Marketing.  The base of the 'card' is crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love the heavy weight of it.  The matt is real red card stock by Stampin' Up!, as well.  

I used the tiny green dot pattern paper for the panels.  I didn't want any distractions from the focus: Santa!  I machine stitched this pattern paper to the red matt.

I then layered 4 different pattern papers from the Sweet Peppermint collection: the red stripe, the multi-check, the snowflake, and the multi-colored dot.  I did matt the snowflake pattern paper with crumb cake card stock, to give the layered rectangles a 'base'.  The sentiment/journaling card is adhered to the front with foam tape.  I also added a file tab, from the Sweet Peppermint collection, to the side of the Santa journalling card.

I wrapped two different lace trims around the top portion.  I just love the softness this brought to my 'card'.  I tied a double bow with one of the lace trims.  

The flower and leaves are both from Prima Marketing, as well, and yes, the same collection: Sweet Peppermint.  I just love the contrast between this mint color and the reds.

I added a chipboard piece from the same collection.  I thought mittens were a nice touch.  And the silver outline adds a nice sparkle!

I added some silver sequins to mimic the sparkle from the glitter on the flower and the silver on the chipboard.  I added an aqua vintage button to the lower right corner of the journalling card.  I thought it matched the flower beautifully, and tied it with some slim silver cord.  

here is what the 'card' looks like opened:

I love making these 'packaged' gift card holders, because it makes gift giving super easy.  Now, when you purchase your gift cards from the store, you no longer have to rip them open, to give the card.  Just slide the whole thing, right into the pouch, and viola!  I make a lot of these for my Holiday Craft Fairs, and folks seem to really enjoy them.  {smile}  My crafts are 'one-of-a-kind', in that I do NOT mass produce.  It makes each item special.  Now, I do make similar, but not match-matchy, carbon copies.  

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have been inspired to play along with any/all of these challenge sites.  Enjoy your weekend, and take care!

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}

Holiday Sweet Peppermint

~  photo heavy ~

Howdy!  I wanted to share with you a craft I made during the holidays.  I think it turned out super sweet, and well, I was really in love with it! {smile}  So, I want to share it with you!

Now, along with sharing this craft with you, I am entering it in 5 different challenges.  Wow, five.  That's a lot.  But, why not share what you love with the world, right?!  And so, grab a cup/glass of something: coffee, tea, champagne, or simply water.  

My first two challenge site stops are from Russia.  Yep, all the way over there!  I just love how different cultures 'see' paper crafting.  Simply gorgeous work, from all aspects of the world.
My first stop in Russia, is a challenge site:  Shabby Chic.  Their current challenge is Magic Frost.  You should really check out this group of talented ladies work.  Their work is very pretty, shabby, and super sweet.  Their current challenge has two required elements: paint and lace.  That just sounds like a fun, and creative!  (They have a translate button)

The next challenge site from Russia is Mistress Owl.  This wonderfully creative design team has sketches, and mood boards, that are very user-friendly!  Their current challenge is a sketch.  (They have a translate button)

Now, the next two challenge sites are Anything Goes.  First one, SugarPeaDesigns.  The thing I love about this challenge site, is the time it allows for challenges - a month.  Very accommodating for all of us living busy lives, but still find time to craft!

And the other Anything Goes challenge is Crafting By Designs.  The challenge site is very family friendly, and encourage the best of everyone who crafts.

And my final challenge site, is As You See It Challenge.  This challenge site provides sketches, themes, and color challenges.  So a little bit of a variety to keep you interested in playing along with each new challenge.  Their current challenge is a theme challenge - Sparkle.  So, you can add sequins, glitter, shimmer, etc.  And who doesn't love glitter/sparkle? {smile}

Now, before I reveal what I created, let me say, I hope all of you had a wonderfully grand holiday!

my paper craft project:

and a different view:

It's a packaged gift card holder.  Here is a view of this gift card holder opened:

Recipe: I started with Crumb Cake card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Only because they have a great heavy weight card stock, that won't buckle with embellishments.  The red card stock matt, is actually Pure Poppy card stock by PaperTreyInk.  Again, another great heavy weight card stock that won't collapse.  

The pattern papers that I used as both from the same collection: Sweet Peppermint by Prima.  Yeah, it's a Christmas collection.  It debut last year.  Once I saw what Frank Garcia did with it, I just had to make a purchase.  To add a homespun look to my paper project, I added some machine stitching to the pattern papers.  Then, I simply added various embellishments to make it both fun, and pretty! {smile}

I also machine stitched some cotton scallop trim lace to both flaps.  I then added some red and white striped ribbon.  I just love the red color and the stripes on this cotton ribbon.

I edged the chipboard wreath in white paint and glitter.  I tucked a Bingo card behind in behind the wreath, just a bit off-center.  I thought the layer added some visual interest.

I added a scrap piece of the pattern paper to the inside of a small resin frame.  I had quite a few different selections (sledding children, bird, girl, santa, and others), but decided on the Santa Claus, because let's face it, Santa is King!

I added some paint and glitter to a pair of red jingle bells.  Once dry, I threaded some silver bakers twine through the jingle bells, and strung them to the left of the wreath.

I painted a white, creamy Prima paper blossom with more paint, and glitter.  Then adhered it just above the left side of the wreath.  A loop of the silver twine is peaking out of the upper right of the painted and glitter paper blossom.  I thought it added additional visual interest. {smile}

I tied a simple bow with that beautiful red striped ribbon.  And then tied a tiny plastic candy cane with thin silver twine to the center of the bow.  The bow was adhered to this projects front with my hot glue gun.  I selected to add the bow here, because my strips of red stripe ribbon didn't quite line-up as well, as I hoped they would.  So, why not turn a 'mistake' into 'an opportunity to embellish'!

I hand-stamped my sentiment with basic black archival ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I used a sentiment from the Love Lives Here Holiday stamp set by PaperTreyInk.  Then matted it with a scrap piece of the Pure Poppy card stock.  Finally, adhering it the gift card holder with foam tape.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you have a chance to play along with any (or all) of these challenge sites {smile}!

Christmas Challenge

Howdy, I hope you are well.  I made my own Christmas cards again this year.  And I want to enter them into a few challenges during this beautiful time of year!

The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge have a Christmas challenge.

Also, the talented ladies over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge have a Holiday Cheer challenge.

And finally, the lovely, and inspirational ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have a family friendly anything goes challenge.

and here is my entry:

I used a variety of products for this creation.  Special mention to Stampin' Up! crumb cake & mint macaroon card stocks, along with Prima Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern papers.  I added a bit of machine stitching, and a big beautiful lace bow!  The complete recipe of products and such can be found on this post.  Thank you for stopping by, and Merry Christmas!

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}

Shabby Peppermint Christmas Card

Howdy!  Wow, I've posted a few times already this week.  You would think that I have a better 'understanding' of my new photo editing software.  Well, before we start to celebrate, I still can't figure out how to add text to my photos.  {ugh.  deep breathes.  One step at a time.}

Anyways, I am still playing with this beautiful pattern paper from Prima; Sweet Peppermint.  It is simply beautiful!  

I am entering a few challenges with a card I made this morning.  I used some scraps and added a bit of machine stitching, and viola!

The first challenge I am entering is a new challenge for me.  It's the Paper Play Sketch Challenge.  They have a straight forward sketch.  But, you know me.  I love layers!  here is their sketch:

The second challenge I am entering is a theme challenge: Get Ready for Christmas @ Crafting by Designs.  And at this time of year, that is pretty much all I do during my waking hours.  Craft, craft, and a bit more crafting.  Almost all Christmas themed.  I'm getting ready for holiday craft fairs.

The third, and last (for today) is a challenge site that is near and dear to my heart:  Word Art Wednesday.  Their theme is typically Anything Goes.  But they have a 'family friendly' site, so super friendly and easy to look at.  They always provide a scripture that is NOT required, but very inspirational!

and here is what I created:

The blank-inside greeting card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  It will be for sale at my holiday craft show.  I just loved it next to the little shabby house I made with the same digital Bingo card.  {smile}

Recipe:  The card base is made from cream heavy weight card stock from Paper Trey Ink. (notice how the card stands on it's own, even with the layers.)

I used two match-y pattern papers from the Sweet Peppermint holiday collection by Prima - the mint polka dots, and the white snowflakes on a mint background.  (there are polka dots on the snowflake pattern paper, to help repeat the polka dots on the initial pattern paper.)

I adhered these two patterns together and ran it through my sewing machine.  I just love how the stitching adds such a warmth and homespun look to my paper crafts.  I wrapped a scrap piece of this beautiful black houndstooth pattern paper from the Christmas Delivery collection by Carta Bella.  I just love the contrast between the black and cream and the mint and white patterns.

I wrapped a scrap piece of Mint Macaron ribbon by Stampin' Up! around the middle of the card.  I just love the color and the added texture.  I also wrapped another new ribbon from Stampin' Up! it's their silver stripe ribbon.  The metallic really adds some elegance to the card.

I added a shabby Bingo card, as my focal piece.  (foam tape helps elevate this piece off the front of the card.)  I printed my digital Bingo card onto linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink, to help give it some texture and keep it from looking 'flat'.  I thought that the pink and green color scheme of the Bingo card really added a feminine touch.  

I wanted a sentiment but just couldn't figure out where to stamp it!  So, I made a quick tag from a scrap piece of the initial matt pattern paper.  (repeating the pattern and design.)  I stamped my sentiment on the tag and tied a simple bow with the silver stripe ribbon.  (repeat, is my middle name! ya'll)  I used a new-to-me stamp for the sentiment.  I just love the font.  It's so pretty, and elegant, and flow-y.  And I didn't have to purchase a $17/$22 stamp set to get it.  It is the Mini Christmas Holiday polymer stamp from CTMH, and it was under $3.  Perfect.  Right?

My final 'touch' was the pair of dual rhinestones at opposite corners of the Bingo card.  Yep, silver rhinestones to repeat the metallic in the silver stripe ribbon.

I used the edge of my scissors to 'rough' the edges of all of the papers.  I then sponged all the edges with Crumb Cake classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  

Well, thank you so much for stopping by my little piece of Blog-Land.  I appreciate the company.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with any or all of these challenges. {smile}

Shabby Houses

Howdy.  Welcome.  I purchased these tiny wooden blocks, shaped like houses.  They were plain, and irregular.  Probably not too inspiring.  But look past the blah, the blank, the irregular sides, the tinniness.  Just add some paint, paper, and embellishments, and viola!  Sounds pretty simple.  And fun!  You get to use all those pretty scraps and bits & pieces to create something pretty.  Easy.  Right?

a tall, wide house:

a short, wide house:

a tall, narrow house:

Recipe:  I painted all the houses with white chalk paint.  Left it dry (and that's the hardest part)!  Use a sanding block, and distress the paint on the edges and smooth all of the flat areas.

Use the 'house' as your template: trace the shape onto pattern paper.  I cut my paper too small.  I wanted the block edges to be seen.  I also sponged crumb cake classic ink on the edges of the pattern papers.  I used Paper It to adhere the paper.  I like it better than Mod Podge.  

The tall, wide house: I adhered a digital Bingo card to the front.  I wrapped a pale mint green seam binding ribbon around the house and tied it in a simple bow.  I adhered a white, resin, large key hole by Melissa Frances to the house.

The short, wide house:  I adhered a scrap piece of pattern paper from Prima Sweet Peppermint.  I adhered a silver and rhinestone crown to the front.  I tied a natural and silver stripe ribbon into a simple bow and adhered it to the top of the crown.

The tall, narrow house:  I adhered book print pattern paper.  I wrapped a piece of pale pink seam binding ribbon around the house and tied it in a simple bow.  I adhered a white resin architect piece, long ways to the front of the house.

I will have these for sale at my holiday craft fairs.  I haven't decided if I am going to sell this trio as a set, or individually.  Please use the 'comment' to let me know your thoughts!