Vintage Echoes; Card

Welcome.  Sorry for the lateness on this post.  I  have been crafting.  However, our internet has been spotty.  We live in the mountains, and well, we go thru motoms like crazy.  Don't really know why.  But when you really NEED the internet, your motom is usually 'bad'.  UGH!  And this time, we just couldn't get into town to purchase one more.  So, we are using a 'hot spot'.  You would almost think we were off grid.  Nope, we aren't.  Well, I guess we are! {half smile}

Anyways, I wanted to share with you a card I made a week ago.  I received this gorgeous stamp set from Verve.  And I just love it!  It's named: Kind Words.  here

Anyways, I really wanted to make a card with the large sentiment.  So, I searched the internet for a sketch that would allow for the large panel.  One of the best things I love about international challenges, especially ones in eastern Europe, is that their challenges last a few weeks to a whole month.  Allowing you time to play along! {sweet}

The lovely ladies over @ Scrap-Pygovka, have themed challenges, sketches, and color challenges.  So, there is always a variety to choose from, and the design team is incredible!  This group of ladies are talented, clever, and super creative!  I just love their work!  Here is the current sketch:

Look how beautiful this sketch is!  I thought it was super easy to work with.  And this challenge site is just my style!  Layers!  Not only layers of paper, but layers of lace! and little sweet trinkets: buttons, sequins, rhinestones, pearls, pins, twine, ribbon, and so much more!

I am also playing along in the Creative Colors Challenge blog.  These ladies have some great challenges themselves.  Their challenges are generally color based.  But super easy to work with.  And their design team is sure to inspire you!

X, marks the color I chose

Their requirement for this challenge: pick 4 colors from the color box, plus twine, and create something beautiful! How super sweet is that?  

(My four colors: crimson red, caramel brown, pale blue, and aqua blue.  I also added silver bakers twine.)

and here is what I created:

I didn't create this card for anyone in particular.  So, I just created using what I love!  This card came together fairly quickly.  Roughly within an hour.  (a 60 min card is quick for me. )

Also, I used what I had on hand.  I didn't shop for anything.  Yep, I have a LOT of stuff on hand.  Some call it 'hoarding'.  And that just sounds so awful!  I like to refer to it as 'collecting'.  Because I do plan on using what I have.  I just haven't found/created the right project, yet {smile}

Recipe:  The card base is Kraft card stock from Paper Studio, purchased at the big box store.  The pattern papers are scraps from my scrap box.  The largest one with the vertical pattern is Nostalgia from My Mind's Eye.  The blue circle pattern paper is from Carta Bella, Baby Mine collection.  And the smaller, tannish, circle pattern paper is from Teresa Collins, Save the Date collection.  And the floral pattern paper is from a My Mind's Eye pad; Stella Rose.  

The pattern papers were machine stitched.  I think it just adds so much sweetness, softness, and vintage feel to the card/project.  

I added a few circle elements, to help pull it all together.  I layered a white paper tea doily under the layers of pattern papers.  To keep with that, I also added a mini bottle cap above the seam binding bow, and a clock flair button at the top of the sentiment square.

I added a trio of scrap materials to the top of the sentiment square:  light brown fabric mini blossoms, cream pleated tulle, and cream vintage crochet trim.  I stapled this 'collection' to the card front.  For a pop of color, I added the crimson paper blossom, and a text print leaf sprig.

For the embellishment at the opposite corner, I added a multi-loop bow made from aqua seam binding.  I tied on a heart shape tag with silver bakers twine.  I hand-stamped the sentiment: Hugs.  I added a mini bottle cap to the top of the bow.  I thought the silver bottle cap and aqua center help pull the card together.  

The sentiment was heat embossed in silver, on cream card stock.  And the final touch was a trio of rhinestones at opposite corners of the sentiment square. 

Thank you for looking.  I will have this card posted in my Etsy shop for sale.  Also, I have discounted my stamp sets, to their lowest price possible: 40% off retail price.  I have also added more stamp sets to my shop.  Enjoy your weekend!

So Sweet of You!, Card

~ PHOTO HEAVY POST ~

Howdy.  Welcome.  Yeah, I have been busy crafting.  Busy making paper crafts for my upcoming craft fair, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.  But, I took a few minutes and photographed a very special card I created for a current card challenge.   It is in my shabby chic style, with my favorite color: PINK {smile}.

I started with a sketch from a great challenge site: Just Add Ink.  These ladies are very inspirational, and creative working with their sketch.  Please take a moment to head over, and have a look {smile}.

And then I headed over to a very inspirational challenge site: Shabby Chic.  For this current challenge, they have a color challenge!  Remember though, that you have to create in shabby chic style.  Also, they are restrictive on neutral colors.  

and here is what I made:

different views:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock to create the card base.  I didn't want a color to compete with the main panel, so I choose to use a contrasting color.  The text pattern paper is actually from Melissa Frances.  I just love this paper.  The writing is in a dark grey color, on white paper, so their isn't any distractions.  Your eye moves over it very easy.

The main panel is a pink and white design and text pattern paper from Teresa Collins.  I sewn a double border simple stitch to adhere the two card stocks together.  I rough up the edges my finger nail, and the tip of scissors.

For the tag, I added the opposite side of the pink pattern paper by Teresa Collins.  This side of the pattern paper uses the same colors of pink and white, however, the pattern is all text.  I cut one white paper doily in half and adhered it to both sides of the tag.

I added 5 lace trims to the bottom portion of the tag.  (bottom to top) Cream wide lace.  White cotton trim.  Cream tulle fringe.  White lace.  White crochet trim.  These layers are machine stitched to the tag.  

I tied a multi-loop bow with some white seam binding.  Then I used some pale pink seam binding to tie the white bow to the front of the tag, and created a simple bow.  I tied some cream twine around the bows, and tied it into a simple  bow.  I cut the 'legs' off of a white sparkle brad, and used hot glue to attach the center of the brad to the bow collection.

I had a white fabric blossom laying on my craft desk, so I added it, just under the bow collection.

For the sentiment, I heat embossed my sentiment onto vellum card stock, using gold embossing powder.  I hand cut the banner ends to the sentiment piece.  I adhered the sentiment right onto the tag.

Thank you for looking, I hope you have been inspired to play along with either or both of these challenge sites.  You won't be disappointed {smile}!

Vintage Cars Card

Welcome!  A very special person, my step-father, asked me to make a very special birthday card for his brother, with a vintage automobile on it.  'Sure', was my response.  I'd pretty much do anything for a family member, if they simply ask.  I'm pretty sure, you would do something similar.  I hold family, and very special friends near and dear to my heart.  So, a simple request, like asking me to make them a card, is always a 'yes'.  However, masculine cards are extremely difficult for me.  And I hope and pray, that they don't want a style other than shabby-vintage.  Because then I'm seriously lost.  But, no style or color combo request was made.  Just add a vintage car.  So, a birthday card for a brother.  Easy Peasy! Right?  Ugh.   NOT SO MUCH!

I can add flowers, buttons, white resin embellishments to ANYTHING!  but not a masculine card.  And I need to add an image of a vintage automobile too!  Ummm, what to do!

Hand-made cards typically take me an hour or two.  And if it is a special request, can easily take me upwards of three hours.  So I set out to my craft room.  Looked through some pattern papers.  Looked through the scrap box.  Looked through some Tim Holtz embellishments.  Looked through some other odds and ends embellishments.  Looked through stamp sets.  And finally, looked at Pinterest.  Because, when I don't have a clue where or how to start, I can ALWAYS find some inspiration on Pinterest.  Right?  Well, Tim Holtz likes to do steam punk and tags.  And Frank Garcia has a more feminine touch.  Ummm. I'm kinda in the same position I was in before!

But, I am always up for a challenge and a dead line keeps me focused!  Here is what I made:

Ok, now some of the pattern papers are from my scrap box.  So, I can't guarantee that I have the manufacturer correct.  So, lets just get to it!

The card base is lagoon by Stampin' Up!  I use their card stock for almost ALL of my card bases.  They make this wonderfully heavy weight card stock that holds up to my embellishing.  (Always a good thing {smile})

The ledger paper is from a paper pad by Die Cuts With A View.  The large text paper is actually an eye chart pattern paper.  I believe its from Teresa Collins.  But I could be completely wrong.  The other side of this pattern paper has flourishes in the same lagoon blue color.  Very pretty.  I distressed the edges with both scissors and sponging.  I had a heavy hand with the scissors on a couple of spots, but it only added character.  Right?  I did some machine stitching to hold these two layers together.  And who wouldn't love a little zig zag stitching?  I thought the fussiness keeps it from looking too girly.

The green and blue polka dot pattern paper I truly have no idea.  (sorry) I matted it on a scrap piece of the lagoon card stock.  

The automobile photo is actually a digital download from Haute Graphique.  It's a shop on Etsy.  I wasn't sure what size of car photo I was going to need, so I wanted a digital image, that way I can create any size I need.  I matted the digital image onto pool party card stock.  I wanted to bring out the blue flames on the forward car.

I stamped my sentiment on two separate pieces of white card stock, in jet black star-on ink.  I used crumb cake classic ink and my sponge to add some color.  I didn't want the stark white paper.  I curled the ends of the banner ends to help give it a worn look.

I added a torn piece of text paper to the lower left corner of the card.  I thought it added some visual interest.

I stamped the 'water spots' in versa mark and dusted them with silver embossing powder and heat embossed.    Love the random look.

Ok, now for the embellishments.  I added a vintage price tag brad to the sentiment corner.  But it needed something, so I added a flat-back TH crown.  Love it!

I added a metal thunderbird wing set just above the text piece.  I tied a multi-loop bow with a dark blue seam binding, and adhered it just inside the wings.  And finally, I added a spark plug embellishment from Prima.  

I'm actually proud of myself for creating a beautiful masculine card.  Now, just don't ask how much time I spent on it, or how many days I had to walk away, or how much card stock/pattern paper I cut, matted, and un-adhered.  You don't really want to know.  Let's say, lots.  But, I'm very happy with my final card! and I hope the 'brother' loves it too! {heart}

Happy Owl

Hello!  I want to welcome my new followers: welcome, please have a look around, and I hope you find something pretty and inspiring {smile}.  And I hope I am inspiring my seasoned followers.  {smile}.  My style has changed over these last few years.  I have really embraced the shabby-chic, country-glamour 'look' of paper crafting.  I just love machine stitching, seam binding, buttons, bows, and polka dots!  But, in my craft endeavors I have learned that sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone, and spread your wings.  {smile}

Teresa Collins creates some very glamorous pattern paper lines.  And I have to say, that I was really drawn to the Stationary Noted pattern paper collection.  This line is crisp and simple.  Blues, grays, with bits of red, library pockets, simple sayings, and elementary designs.  I'm not knocking this line, but rather elevating the simple beauty of it.

I used a sketch from the wonderful sketch challenge site, Cardabilities.  Typically the sketch designs are beautifully simple.  So you can either embellish your heart out, or keep it minimalist.  And then everywhere in-between.  How wonderful is that?  Here is the current sketch challenge:

I used my Stationary Noted pattern paper, and made a more modern, clean lines card.  There isn't any machine stitching.  No seam binding.  No buttons.  But, I am really happy with how it turned out. {smile}

Recipe:  the card base is made with Bordering Blue card stock.  Retired from Stampin' Up!.  The blue is kinda dusty, soft, mute color.

The blue and white flourish pattern paper is the type writer paper reverse side.  I matted the typewriter paper onto true black by paper trey ink.  It has a clean black color.  

The ledger-owl piece is actually a cut out from another pattern paper from this collection.  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of bordering blue card stock, just to tie everything together.  The red houndstooth paper was added to help highlight the red label piece.  This red houndstooth pattern paper has rulers on the reverse size, and is also from Teresa Collins, but another collection.  

I added a coordinating brad, and a chipboard sentiment.  I love the bike and sentiment.  It reminds me of a wedding, or anniversary.  

I added my own black bakers twine.  I tied a bow first, and then looped the long tails through the brad's legs.

I love the open label piece on the pocket card piece.  You could stamp a date, or a word, or small sentiment inside.  Or simply leave it blank.  It doesn't look like it's floating, or that its incomplete. 

I hope I have inspired you to craft something using the sketch from Cardabilities.  And use a style of pattern paper that is different from what you typically use, and spread your creative wings {smile}!

Bingo!

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone had a tolerable week and is anxious for the weekend.  I know I am.  Well, my weekend already kind of started.  Today, I am at a Craft Fair in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  I haven't done this venue before, so my fingers are crossed that it will be successful.  Now for me, a successful craft fair, is that I make back my booth rental, and have a fair amount of foot traffic. 

I wanted to share a card I created, it will be for sale at the craft fairs this weekend.

I came across three wonderful challenges:  Sugar Creek Hollow (Bingo), Cardabilities (Sketch), and the Shabby Tea Room (Bingo).

and here is what I made:

Ok, lets get started on the particulars.  For the bingo challenge over @ Sugar Creek Hollow,  I used the right column down (sewing, distressing, and die cut) and the diagonal right to left (sewing, ribbon, and flowers).  For the bingo challenge over @ the Shabby Tea Room, I used the right column down (buttons, polka dots, and vintage trim) and the middle column down (fabric, ribbon, and flowers).

For the recipe:  I used this beautiful pattern paper, I believe it is Teresa Collins.  I like it, because it doesn't have too much going on, so it is beautiful as a supporting, coordinating pattern paper.  As for the gorgeous floral pattern paper!  Oh, my!  I now wish I had purchased 3 sheets of it.  I only bought one (frown).  And it was a purchase I made in Phoenix, so it's not an hour drive into town for me {frown}.  So, I have been hoarding it.  Notice the small scrap?  At first, I was going to accent the pink flower in the pattern paper, but the blue was so much easier to match.  The doily is Martha Stewart.  The white lace trim is from a local sewing store.  The crinkled seam binding is from my stash.  The buttons are Paper Trey Ink vintage in cream, white, and kraft.  The paper flower is from Reflections.  I added white distressing paint and dazzling diamonds glitter to it.  The sentiment is from Verve.  I purchased the stamp set probably 5 years ago.

I machine stitched my card, twice.  I guess for good measure.  (just kidding).  Sewing 'random' is very hard.  I guess it's a habit to sew straight.

Well, thank you for stopping by my little piece of blog-land.  I hope you get a chance to play along in all, some, part, on maybe one of these challenges.  All three sites have wonderful inspirational work by their design teams.  I am off to load the car for my 1st craft fair of the weekend.  

Birthday Wishes for A Sister

I'm running out the door, so excuse me for a short and quick post.  

I made a greeting card for a super good friend.  We are so close and so 'alike' that we consider our selves sisters {smile}.  We love the same foods, music, men, hobbies, and more.  But, we have one thing that we are complete opposites: card making.  She is not a big fan of pink, or a girly-girl style like me.   So, making her birthday card, more for her, and not my typical style, was a bit different for me.  I needed to have a specific focus and keep my head into the game plan for her card.

I stopped by Mojo Monday #341 for a sketch.  That way, I didn't have to struggle too much.

here is what I created:

I used various pattern papers.  I did add some machine stitching.  I sponged all the edges with a kraft color ink.  Hope she likes it {smile}.  I hope you get a chance to play along in this and other challenges!  Good luck!

Save the Date, Mom

~ photo heavy post ~

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  I am.  I wake up early this morning, because I had a paper crafting idea in my head and I just had to create it {smile}! Had that ever happen to you?   

When I was in Pheonix, I stopped into a vintage, shabby chic style shop, and picked up some gorgeous, and I do mean gorgeous! pattern paper by Teresa Collins: Save the Date.  So, I am set off to craft, and craft I did!  However, I had one little major hiccup.  No sticky strip/scor-tape.  And that is not like me.  I actually went into town yesterday to get some errands done.  And picking up more sticky strip/scor-tape, was one of the errands that I just didn't get around to doing.   Not that I didn't have time, just no motivation.  It was getting late and the thought of running into one more store and standing in one more line was over-whelming, and that errand was skipped {frown}.  So, neither of these two crafts are complete.  So, photographing them, was a bit of a struggle.

here is what I made:

and here are some close-ups:

This is not a card, exactly.  It's another one of those card-gift combo.  I just love making these {smile}.  

I added a soft, gentle brown plaid ribbon to hold the gift box closed.  I didn't want the ribbon to compete with the pattern paper.  I wanted a ribbon that matched, but gets lost with the large flourish pattern paper.

For the top of this tilted piece, I wanted to add something special.  So, I cut a paper doily, and machine sewed some aqua mist dyed seam binding across the top.  I added a multi-loop bow and a pearl brad.

I really wanted to show-off the aqua mist color.  I think it really it's a beautiful shade, and the coral floral print really pops against the aqua pieces {smile}.

I used Soft Suede card stock, by Stampin' Up! to create the outside, main piece.  I used the large flourish pattern as the main panel.  

I used Aqua Mist card stock, to matt the center, main panel.  I thought it really made the floral pattern paper pop!  I love roses, and the colors in this pattern paper is so inviting and refreshing against the cold weather.

I added two rows of machine stitching.  I purposely didn't make straight lines, to give a home-made look.

The reverse side of the rose pattern paper, is this beautiful aqua lattice print.  I matted this piece onto a scrap piece of soft suede card stock.

The leaves were cut from soft suede card stock.  I thought it added a beautiful contrast.  I added three blossoms: Aqua, Coral, and Vanilla.  To add a little pizzazz, I brushed some Picket Fence distress paint along the tips of the petals and added some dazzling diamond glitter.

For the sentiment, I stamped 'happy mother's day' in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink.  I thought soft suede classic ink looked too dark.

And, a card I created with the same pattern paper: Save the Date.

This card, is roughly a copy of the card-box combo I created above.  I did do a 'less is more' concept of this card.  I did the same style of machine stitching on the floral pattern paper.  

I added a decorative edge to the soft suede matt and the aqua lattice pattern paper.  

I added the soft, brown plaid ribbon to the card front.  I tied it in a simple bow sideways, to allow room for a coral colored paper blossom.  I cut some leaves from Aqua Mist card stock.  I added some Picket Fence crackle paint and dazzling diamond glitter to the edges of the blossom and leaves.

A simple, but pretty Mother's Day card, made with some very beautiful pattern paper by Tersea Collins {smile}.  Stay tuned, I will be creating more crafts with these pattern papers.

Thank you for stopping by.  Both of these items will be for sale at my May Craft Fairs.  

I'll have more photos of more crafts soon.  Take care.  I hope you have a chance to craft, and create something beautiful this week!  I need to start working on some Easter themed paper crafts tomorrow {smile}.

Birthday Wishes From the Heart

What a crazy week.  I returned from Phoenix, Arizona Sunday evening, and have spent the last few days getting caught up on household chores.  So, I haven't spent too much  time in my craft room.  But, I was able  to sneak away, and create this evening {smile}.

One of the sketch challenge blog sites that I religiously visit is Retro Sketches.  These lovely, talented ladies have a creative perspective on paper crafting.  Their sketches are simple.  But, your interpretation doesn't have to be.  

here is this week's sketch:

here is what I created:

I used Aqua Mist card stock from Paper Trey Ink.  Love this color.  It's a sweet, soft blue, with a tinge of green.  I felt that the card stock was too smooth.  Is that possible?  Anyways, I'm not a fan of CAS.  So, I added a piece of textured Pool Party card stock from Stampin' Up!.  The colors aren't exact matches, but the slight differences do make a good pair.

I cut a piece of the 'Save the Date' Bouquet by Teresa Collins (winter 2014) to create the rectangle piece.  I matted it with a scrap piece of Soft Suede card stock by Stampin' Up!.  The thing that really caught my eye about this paper is the beautiful coral-ish colored roses.  The mint green leaves.  The tan stripes.  The tiny brown blossoms.  and the texture!  

I added a small scrap piece of light brown plaid ribbon to the lower left corner.  I attached the ribbon with a staple, and then added a white vintage button.

The sentiment piece was created with the stamp set and matching dies: Vintage Labels by Amuse Studios.  I stamped the outline in Soft Suede classic ink.  The sentiment is from the Signature Dress Form stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.  I added a small piece of paper doily to the bottom portion.  I punched a heart shape from  the 'Save the Date' Ikat by Teresa Collins (winter 2014).  I adhered the heart with foam tape.  I added a button to the center of the heart with a glue dot.  To finish the card, I added a trio of facet cut faux half pearls.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to play along with the talented ladies over @ Retro Sketches.

Baby Shower Card-Gift Combo

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy, I have been crafting like crazy.  I'm still working on my Card-Gift Combo's.  And todays share is no exception.  I saw this fabulous challenge over @ the Shabby Tea Room Challenge and I knew I wanted to participate.  Here is their gorgeous inspirational photo:

See what I mean?  I just love everything about it!  The banners, the ruffle icing cake, the pretty colors, the pretty food, the white stork, the distressed wood.  Just everything!  Oh, and their sponser this week is Creations by AR.  I used their card-gift combo template to create this little prize.

here is what I made:

Ok, where do I start?  I used various pattern papers from my stash.  A mix and match of Crate paper and Teresa Collins, I believe.  I love how sweet Aqua Mist  and Pink Pirouette look together.  So that was the determining factor in using the bird print paper.

here are some close-ups:

machine stitching on the banner with metallic thread

 I like to add sparkle, and purchased this metallic thread at the fabric store, and just had to use it {smile}.  So, I added some machine stitching to the tops of the banner flags.  I also added some machine stitching to hold the seam binding and crochet trim together.  I added a trio of buttons highlighting the three prominent colors: sweet pink, yellow, and aqua mist.

love the tiny wood frame, to hold my sentiment

I didn't want a sentiment to take center stage, so I kept my sentiments small. 

and here is the back

and the inside

the note piece is not attached, so you can add your own hand writing

I just had to add a tag with washing instructions.  I think its adorable, and helps translates how fragile babies are {smile}.

And if you were wondering, yes, this baby girl card-gift combo will be for sale at the Spring Craft Fair, next month.  I haven't figured out how I am going to package these, or a price.  But, I'll post photos of them, most likely, the week before the craft fair.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look.  I hope you get a chance to play along with your favorite challenge, and get to spend time in your crafting space {smile}.

Favorite Fabrication

~ photo heavy post ~

I shared my latest  desk top calendar with you yesterday.  and today, I want to share my favorite months.   The creative block for me, was the use of these bright, bold colors.  But, once I started, it became easy.  

love the mix of orange and aqua

love how the yellow pattern paper adds a splash of brightness

a splash of aqua

love the different shades of aqua, and the mix of patterns

love the 'glass' star and bakers twine

love the ruler

love the black and yellow color combo

I was pleasantly surprised how lovely these colors are together.  Abstractly, you would think, 'Yikes!'.  But, it really does work.  The crushed curry is repeated in the main pattern paper.  The aqua and orange are repeated as well.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired.  Making a desk top calendar isn't hard.  Just takes a little fore sight.  Use what you have.  And experiment with products that aren't 'easy' for you to work with.  You just might be surprised!