Create in Shades of Blue

Howdy, howdy.  Hope your weekend was fabulous.  Mine, oh yeah!  I spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with 3 fabulous friends at the Hen House Retreat, aka the Inspired Retreat!  We had a ball.  We laughed until we almost peed our pants, paper crafted, ate, drank, sang songs, played games (and won big!) and gabbed until the cows came home!  It appeared that we all really needed the time away from home, and to regroup with crafty girl friends.  We all went home tired, and very de-stressed.  Recharged with a new energy, and tons of good memories from our silliness.  You know how that is, you remember a snippet of a line, or a crazy joke and just start laughing.  Either out loud or softly to yourself.  Either way, memories made that will leave smiles on our faces and a deeper friendship in our hearts.  

So, with this new energy and a re focus, it games me a new prespective on this week's sketch challenge, over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  A new way to look at color combos, and a new way to look at sketches.  

Here is this week's sketch, #41.

Before we get to my card.  For those who know me, would see this sketch and already vision a hand-made flower where the blue decorative circle is.  A shabby, vintage embossed background piece.  Vanilla, with crumb cake sponged on the edges.  But, that isn't what I did!

First, you will notice that I have rotated the sketch 90 degrees and mirrored it.  

I used mostly blues.  I just love the depth of the marina mist.  The color is so sweet, and soft.  I took a scrap piece of neutral DSP gray polka dot pattern paper and matted a baja breeze card stock under it.  I also tied a simple bow with baja breeze seam binding around the center panel.  I stamped the frame in marina mist classic ink.  I used the matching punch to punch out the label piece.  I matted the decorative label onto marina mist card stock.  I stamped the sentiment in basic grey classic ink.  The sentiment comes from the Creative Elements stamp set.  I love this word and how it is assembled.  I love the different fonts, and how they are off-set.    The pinwheel is made from the pinwheel die.  I used a tiny silver brad to hold that adorable pinwheel together.  For the large panel of the card,  I matted the floral print Twitterpated DSP onto baja blue card stock.  The card base is made from marina mist card stock.

  

I hope that the design team has inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.  I know that we would love to see what you create with this sketch.  And thank you for stopping by.  I will be sharing a book that I created over the weekend with you another day.  So, please come back again soon.  Take care.

love this card?  you can purchase it here.

Masked Beauty

Well, yesterday was almost uneventful.  I spent the day home with my doggie.  She is recovering from a bi-lateral knee replacement surgery.  She likes to be with people, so she followed me into my craft room, and various other locations.  And she has over done it.  She was limping by the end of our day, and now she won't walk.  Poor little girl.  Ok, so she isn't that little.  She is an English Mastiff, who weights in at 157 lbs.  So, when she doesn't want to do something, she usually gets her way.  My husband gets the joy of getting her to the vet today, so they can take some X-rays and check her out.  My heart breaks for her.  This has been a rough recovery for all of us.  But especially her.  I'm hoping she hasn't injured herself, and that she walked too much.

One of the crafts that I was working on, in my craft room, is the sketch for the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  The sketch we have to work with, is easily adaptable.   Here's a look:

 This sketch makes you want to grab your paper crafting supplies and get to work!  And that is what I did!  Here is my card:

I used some left over papers from the Twitterpated DSP.  I just love how easy these pattern papers are to work with.  After creating the tag, I fell in love with it so much, I couldn't tuck it in, behind the scallop piece and various trims.

To make  the tag, I stamped the floral image in Black Staz-On, onto a piece of shimmer white card stock.  I used a few re-inkers and an aqua painter to 'color' the image.  I really like how it turned out.  I used the masking technique to keep the script from stamping on the floral image.

This card doesn't have a sentiment on the outside of the card.  I couldn't 'find' a place to stamp a greeting.  So, I left it blank. 

Thank you for stopping by.  Won't you play along with us @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  We would love to see what you create with our sketch.  Also, I am giving away some blog candy, here.

In the Mail

Happy Friday!  I'm glad you are able to stop by and visit.  I was looking at a few different blogs over the past few days, and one of the blogs that I follow, posted that she made her card (for a challenge) to actually mail.  What a great idea!  I make quite a few cards.  But, I don't usually mail them.  I do have them for sale in my Etsy Shop, here, but I don't typically put them in the mail for someone.  Until now.  I started thinking, and my good friend deserves a card, to let her know how much I appreciate her.  

So, for todays blog hop, hosted by Sketch Frenzy Friday.  I made my card to mail.   Tammy F. is the designer of this weeks sketch:

One of the things that I love about Tammy's sketches, is that she gives you room for creative freedom.  And that is what I did.  Here is my card:

Here is a close up of the bottom third of my card:

I used all current products for this card.  The card base is basic gray card stock.  I used the 'held-over' Twitterpated DSP.  I just love this paper.  Its so pretty and very easy to use on a variety of products.

I didn't wrap my ribbon around the card.  Instead, I used the banner as my ribbon length.  I did put on a bow.  I tied a simple bow and attached it the card front.  I added a short row of pearls to the banner, to help girl-y it up!

Won't you join us for this week's sketch challenge?  We'd love to see what you create!  Now, head over to Tammy F.'s blog!

Vintage Kindness

Happy Friday!  I have a little exciting news!  I created the sketch this week over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  We actually take turns and this week, its my turn! {smile}

So, I want to encourage you to play along with us this week.

Here is this week's sketch:

When I was creating this week's sketch, I wanted to add a few shapes that could easily be interchanged.  I didn't want to clutter the sketch with specifics, so you could allow your creativity to flow.  I didn't add any embellishments, so you could place them anywhere you want, or not to include them.

Here is what I created:

I used all current products for this challenge.  The card base is basic gray card stock.  The main panel is matted on a piece of pink pirouette card stock.  The vanilla piece was embossed with the vintage wall paper embossing folder.  I sponged grey classic ink around the edges.  I had a scrap piece of the Twitterpated DSP and First Edition DSP.  So, I off set them, and added them to a lace trim punched pink pirouette card stock.  I wrapped a piece crochet trim around this portion and tied it in a simple knot.  For my decorative 'oval' piece I used the decorative frame embossing folder.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey classic ink, onto a piece of vanilla card stock.  I used the extra wide oval punch to create the shape.  I sponged the edges with the grey ink and adhered the oval piece with foam tape.  To create the flowers, I used the leaf die and lucky limeade card stock.  I then used the floral shape punch that coordinates with the clear buttons to create the blossom shapes.  I punched nine out of cherry cobbler card stock.  I added liquid glue to the backs of the blossoms and adhered them to the leaf stem.  I added half faux pearls to the blossom centers.  I also added two trio clusters of half faux pearls to the right corners of the card.  I added pieces of foam tape to the back of the leaves and adhered the sprig to the card front.  I gave the completed card a spritz of vanilla smooch.

Now, continue with our Blog Hop, and see what Tammy F. has created using my sketch!  And don't forget to join us!

Create Blue

It's Wednesday, so that means its time for another sketch challenge from the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  One of the things  that I love about these sketch challenges, is how versatile the sketches are. Here is this weeks sketch:

See what I mean?  I just love the simple sketches, so I can add my own flair!  Here is what I created:

I used all current products.  The pattern paper is Twitterpated DSP.  I just love it!  I created a card last week using pattern paper from this collection.  (see that card here.)  I am using  a new stamp set; Everything Eleanor.  The 'label' and flowers were created with this stamp set.  

I stamped the 'label' in baja breeze classic ink, onto white card stock.  I hand-cut this image, and sponged the edges with the same ink.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  I added a gray brad to the open side.

For the paper blossoms, I stamped the pink flower in rose red classic ink onto pretty in pink card stock.  I stamped it twice and hand-cut both blossoms, and stacked them.  The blue flowers were stamped in baja breeze classic ink onto baja breeze card stock.  The leaves were pretty simple.  I used the build a blossom punch to create the shapes.  I crinkled the card stock by hand, and then swiped the leaves with certainly celery classic ink.  I added a half faux pearl to the center of the pink blossom.

Thank you for looking, and i hope that you get a chance to play along with us!

French 'Thank You'

On this Wednesday, I think I have found my vintage soul.  I love the look of shabby chic things, but I don't think I have the skills to really show case this style.  Even tho I try!  But, practice makes perfect, they say.  And so, I have been practicing.  I spent some valuable time in my crafting room, playing.

The lovely ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have been hard at work, to create some beautiful cards, to help inspire you.  So, let's take a look at this week's sketch:

When I saw this sketch,  I saw: open space to create, embellish, or let a pretty piece of pattern paper take the center stage.  The diamond at the top, is a wonderful shape to add my sentiment or just 'pretty' it up.  And the bow is always a welcome sight!  I think I can create something just lovely.  

So, here is what I did:

I'm actually very happy with how my card turned out.  The pattern paper is Twitterpated DSP.  Yes, both pieces.  The subtle blue pattern on the card base, and the gray floral on the main panel.   I used Basic Gray card stock as my base.  I love the soft, smokey look of this card stock.  

I matted the floral piece on top of a Baja Breeze card stock.  The decorative label is from the Four Frames stamp set.  I stamped this polka dot frame in Cherry Cobbler classic ink.  The sentiment, is stamped in Basic Gray classic ink, onto a piece of very vanilla card stock, and then punched with an oval punch.  The Merci is a stamp, from the french version of Rue Des Fleurs: Grenier Victorien.  And yes, I own this stamp set in English and French.

The banner strip is cut from Baja Breeze card stock.  I made (another) multi-loop bow, and attached the bow to the banner piece with an Antique Brad.

Now, to get the worn, vintage look of this card, I distressed all the edges.  I used a thread cutter to wear the edges of the card stock.  I sponged all those edges with Crumb Cake classic ink and then Baja Breeze classic ink.  I then took a blank red rubber stamp and added some tea stain to various portions.  I had a small piece (2" x 2") of First Edition DSP.  So, I added pieces of my scrap piece to the holes made by my thread cutter.   For the top corner piece, I curled the edge with a stylus.

For the ribbon, I took the edge of my scissors and ran it under the seam binding ends, to help fray them.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have an opportunity to play along with us @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  

Note: I'm not French, but I do purchase some of my stamp sets in the French language version.  I just love the look of a foreign language on some of my cards.  I think it helps give them a romantic and 'worldly' look.

Hello, Butterfly

Howdy to you!  I appreciate the company.   Over at Sketch Frenzy Friday, we share some of the responsibilities, and we each take a turn at providing the sketches.  That way there is a variety of creativity, and no ONE person gets stuck with all that.  So, this week, Deb C. is the master mind behind this weeks sketch.  And I have to admit, I loved the sketch!

The sketch:

You will need to look close, but there are three different size matts: dark pink, white, and a light pink floral.  Also, don't forget the grey circle.  And for those who follow, know that I like to mix things up.  I don't change or disregard the sketch, I 'play' with it.  I'll show you my card, and then explain.

Ok, so to start.  I didn't add the pink floral matt.  I also didn't tie a bow with my ribbon.  But, don't let that throw you.  Pennants are big right now.  And I love that shape.  So, I did the chevron cut at the end of one of my matts - green polka dotted paper.  This new Twitterpated DSP is just sooo gorgeous, so I HAD to use it!  So, the floral pattern paper, the baja breeze pattern paper, and the blushing bride pattern paper are all from the Twitterpated DSP.  Aren't they just soo pretty?  The pear pizzazz polka dot pattern paper and the pear pizzazz pattern paper used for the butterfly are both from subtles DSP.   I wanted to make the butterfly pop, so I clipped on one of those tiny clothes pins for its body.   I used my two-way glue pen to adhere some dazzling diamond glitter to the clothes pin.  But, it still looked too plain, so I added a tiny scallop circle of DSP, a tiny scallop circle clear button, and tied them together with some pool party bakers twine.  

Thank you for looking.  Now continue with our blog hop, and see what Tammy F. has created!

Wedding Congrats #23 and #98

Wow!  Where has the week gone?  Some Most weeks I feel like I am playing catch-up.  And, it makes me wonder if everyone else does.  It's hard to gauge your busy-ness, if your schedule is the only one you see, or measure.  Know what I mean?  So, to make the most of my time, I  have created a card that will allow me to enter two (yes, 2) challenges.  One is a sketch, and the other is a color & inspiration challenge.

The talented ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have a great sketch this week! The ladies just ask that you use your Stampin' Up! supplies when you participate in their challenges.  And the wonderfully creative ladies over @ Shabby Tea Room have a pretty inspirational board and color challenge for us this week, entitled: Sparkle & Bright.  The colors are: white, cream, silver,  with a touch of pink!

So, here is what I made:

The inspirational photo made me think of either a vintage wedding, or tea with your grandmother.  So, I set out to my craft room.  I knew that I was going to use white and vanilla cardstock.  So, I pulled out a sheet of each.  Then, I wanted to see what I had for pattern paper in pink.  I wanted a simple, elegant pattern; not too bright, or too busy.  Twitterpated DSP worked.  The silver (a little glimmer) was easy-peasy: silver glitter paper.  

I wanted the card base to be white cardstock.  The panel to be vanilla cardstock with a design in white.  I inked up a large simple, delicate image in white craft ink, dusted the cardstock with white embossing powder, and heat set it.  Now the plain vanilla has a simple design to break up the empty space.  

I had a scrap piece of sahara sand textured cardstock, so I matted the blushing bride pattern paper to it.  That way, the pattern paper has defined borders.  I wanted some paper 'lace', so I used my lace-trim border punch and a scrap piece of first edition dsp.  

I kept my cut circle simple.  It started as a 3" circle of shimmer white cardstock.  I didn't stamp on it, to showcase the shimmer and keeping the card from getting cluttered.  I made the paper flower.  I punched the leaves using a textured sahara sand cardstock.  I cut some pretty, vintage ribbons (crochet trim, crumb cake seam binding, vanilla velvet ribbon) and added them just below my paper flower.  I have a weakness for those super cute mini vintage tags, so I stamped the word, 'love' from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set, in soft suede classic ink.  

I love this sentiment bracket from Creative Elements stamp set, so I stamped it in crumb cake classic ink, and the 'congratulations' from Wedding Sweet stamp set, in soft suede classic ink.  I tore around the bracket, sponged the edges with sahara sand classic ink.  I used foam tape on the back to lift it off the card.  

For the three tiny flowers at the upper left side, I first punched out the shapes, and then used my foam mat and a stylis to create the bend in the petals.  I added a half faux pearl to the centers.  I punched the leaves out of silver glitter paper.  

To finish the card, I gave it a spray (ok two) with my own home-made champagne shimmer paint.  I wanted the card to have a subtle glimmer.  A twinkle surprise, so to speak.

Thank you for looking.  And let me know how you start your creative process.  Let me know if you start with stamps or paper when putting a card together.  Or if it depends on the challenge requirements.  It's fun to see how our processes go.

It's week #22 over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge! and they have a super cute sketch for us to work with!  Here is the sketch:

This sketch has alot of potential, which is what I like.  I love a sketch that has shapes that are interchangeable and pattern that are easy to work with.  Well, this is it.  So, please play along with us.

I am also entering this card is an exclusive challenge that Stampin' Up! is hosting to those demonstrators who are attending Leadership this year.  The challenge, use a new stamp set from the Occasions mini, and win a prize.  So, here is one of the cards that I am entering in both the SU! leadership challenge and the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.

The new DSP is Twitterpated.  Isn't it just beautiful?  The stamp set I used is called Bordering on Romance.  It's an outline stamp, so you can use all sorts of coloring mediums to make this image so pretty.  To color these flowers, I did use the water color crayons and an aqua painter.  I love how smooth and easy it is to color with this medium.  I did cut the shape out of water color paper, with the new Labels Collections framelits die..  I stamped the flowers in jet black Staz-On.  I had to use the tasteful trims die with the first edition dsp. I love the soft feminine colors of this card, so I just had to add the mini vintage tag.  The 'hand crafted' stamp is from the Tiny Tags stamp set.  I just love the small size of these stamps.  And that cute little button is a Twitterpated designer button.  How cute is that?  So, play along with us and wish me luck on this challenge @ Stampin' Up!

Banner Thank You

It's Wednesday, and that means that the super talented ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have a clever sketch for us to work with.   If you have some crafting time, I encourage you to play along.

Here is the sketch:

I wanted to work with some new Stampin' Up! products, so here is a sneak peak at some new pattern paper, a new stamp set, and some new ribbon.  

The sketch is pretty user friendly.  Don't just see circles, but rather objects.  You could easily replace the circles for butterflies, flowers, hot air balloons.  The objects are virtually endless.  And since its not a color challenge, you have no limits.  Easy peasy.  Right?  Well, I loved how the circles were strung across the card, so I punched 1" circles out of this new beautiful pattern paper.  And strung them on some white bakers twine.  I didn't want a bow to take up some real estate on my card, so I grabbed the new machine stitched satin ribbon.  It's pretty, huh?  (but remember, you can create this look with your own sewing machine.)  I just LOVE the silver glitter paper, so I added a strip of scallop trim and a straight piece above and below the stitched ribbon.  The 'Thanks' is a new stamp, too.  I love how it looks all flow-y.  

Join us won't you?

Tomorrow, I will be posting a CAS card for another challenge, and announce a blog candy give-a-way.