Classic

My apologies, for this being tardy.  There has been a bit of a jumble in our household, and it has thrown me off my schedule.

This is week #51 for the talented ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  I know what you are thinking . . . #51, what's the significance.  Well, at this point in time, #52 will be our last challenge.  Sad, huh?  There have been some real gorgeous challenges to play along with, and some real tuffys!  So, all in all, it has been wonderful, challenging, and full of creativity!

this week's challenge:

Oh yes!  a card full of banners!  Yahoo! what a gorgeous sketch, if I say so myself.  And yes, I had to add a little bit of my style to my finished card.  Here it is!

I have a girlfriend who just adores black and white, with a splash of color.  Any color, she doesn't care. And so, with her in mind, I created this card to go with this week's sketch!  And I have to admit, that the splash of color really makes this card look classy and elegant!  Thank you, Nichole {smile}.

The card base is basic black cardstock.  I wanted to add a splash of a soft, pretty color, so I added soft sky cardstock.  But the blue became over powering, so I matted a piece of very vanilla cardstock on top of the soft sky cardstock.  I cut my banners from the Modern Medley DSP.  Love this paper.  The possibilities are endless.  I made the banners in various widths.  The middle music sheet is 2 inches wide.  There are two @ 1 1/2" and two @ 1 1/4" wide.  I stacked, layered and staggered them.  There is a tiny piece (1/2" wide) of soft sky card stock at the top of the banners.  I cut a strip of silver glitter paper with my scallop edge.  That piece is butted right up to the soft sky cardstock.  I didn't have the energy to dye my seam binding with soft sky re inker, so I left it vanilla.  I machine stitched a strip across the card front.  I made a multi-loop bow.  (love those bows!)  I also added a new subtles button to the center.  I used a skinny strip of vanilla card stock as my 'thread', and adhered it to the center of my bow.

The sketch doesn't have a sentiment 'spot', so I improvised.  I created a label with my four frames stamp set.  I stamped the frame in basic black classic ink.  The sentiment comes from a new hostess stamp set, 'Express Yourself'.  I really love the font in this stamp set, and can you really have too many sentiment stamp sets?

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you find some inspiration to play along with our challenge over @ NAC.  I know we would love to see what you create with our sketch!

Have a wonderful day.  Stay cool, and see you soon {smile}.

this card is for sale in my Etsy shop, here

Vintage You

There are a few colors that I just love.  Yes, love.  I love the hue, the depth of the richness, the feeling it provokes.  LOVE it.  Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Aqua Mist, Latte, Shell, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Sweet Blush, and Vanilla.  These colors are soft, sweet, and perfect for shabby or vintage paper crafts.

But, there are other colors that pair so nicely with these, that it is amazing how wonderful they look together.  My case in point, is this card that I made for the Nacho Average Challenge, this week.  The wonderful ladies over @ NAC, have a great sketch for you to try this week.  

here is this week's sketch:

here is what I created:

I started with Calypso Coral cardstock.  This color is rich and beautiful.  I thought that it help high light my accent colors.  The main panel is actually very vanilla cardstock matted with River Rock cardstock. I used the Very Vintage wheel and River Rock classic ink, to create the background stamp.  I wanted to add some contrast, so I used the Music Notes wheel and basic black classic ink.  I added three separate lines of music notes.  

The blossoms were made from very vanilla card stock, and sponged with calypso coral (outer petals) and pretty in pink (inner petals) classic inks.  I added a pearl jewel to the centers.  I used whisper white craft reinker and painted the tips of the petals and then dumped the whole blossom in dazzlling diamond glitter.  I used old olive cardstock and the build a blossom punch to create the leaves.

For the sentiment strip, I used lace border punch and whisper white card stock to create a decorative edge.  The very vanilla cardstock strip is only 1/2" wide.  I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink, using the Loving Thoughts stamp set.  I added a strip of very vanilla seam binding and a neutral glimmer brad to attach this multi-loop bow to the sentiment strip.  

The butterflies were stamped on very vanilla card stock using the Kindness Matters stamp set.  I fussy cut two of the butterflies out.  I scrunched the cardstock to create 3D butterfies.  I didn't want them to look too flat.

I sponged all the edges of all the cardstock with crumb cake classic ink.  I wanted everything to have some depth, and I didn't want the edges to look too 'clean'.  I gave the whole card a spritz (or two) of my home-made white frost shimmer mist.  (Sparkles are pretty!)

Each of us, on the design team, have shared our own  takes on this sketch @ NAC.  However, a majority of us did blossoms {frown}.  But don't let that stop you from using any other object for the cluster.  I know that I would love to see hearts, or a cluster of butterflies, or . . .

~stop by Sunday, May 12th, for your chance to win some blog candy~

Shabby Thank You

Happy Tuesday.  I hope this week has gotten off to a wonderful start for you.  Me, busy like usual.j  So, I'm not sure how any other speed feels.  The weekend was good.  I had a chance to relax for an afternoon.  So, that allowed me a chance to recharge.

The wonderful ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have another wonderful sketch challenge for you to try.  The sketch is pretty basic.  So, you do have some room to embellish and create a busier card.  Or, leave it clean and simple {smile}.

this week's sketch:

I just love the row of circles.  There is so much potential here.  Keep the row of objects as circles, and use buttons, flowers, or soda pop caps.  Or change it up, and replace the shape with another shape: stars, rectangles, hearts, etc.  The only suggestion that I have, is if you change the number from 5, to keep it an odd number: 3.  I think the same type of number stays true to the sketch.  

Ok, so for the rectangle strip, this can easily be replicated.  Make it a banner of pattern paper.  A strip of wide ribbon.  A stamped piece.  I would make sure that the bottom isn't straight.  So a decorative end.  A hand-held punch can easily be used to create that decorative detail.  Like I said, 'a sketch with alot of potential'.  Love it.  And so will you {smile}.

here is what I did:

I'm not a generation X, Y, or any recent name.  All that white space makes me crazy.  So, I dry embossed a piece of crumb cake cardstock with the houndstooth embossing folder.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink on all four sides.  The card base is basic black card stock.  I love how these two neutrals look together.

I cut my banner piece out of vanilla card stock.  I stamped the large sentiment piece is basic black classic ink.  This large sentiment pieces comes from the From the Heart stamp set.  I just love the font and the decorative curves.  I wanted to continue the black on vanilla look.  So, I stamped the flourish frame in basic black classic ink on very vanilla cardstock.  I used the matching label punch, to punch the shape.   

For the five circles, I selected the blossom trim from the Spring Mini Catalog.  I love the clean lines.  But, I'm a fan of layering.  So, I cut a strip of the fabric burlap ribbon, and created a box pleat.  Then I machine stitched the pleated ribbon.  I used red sticky strip to hold the pleated ribbon and the row of fabric blossoms to the card front.  I then wanted to add a splash of color to the field of neutrals.  So, I hand-dyed vanilla seam binding with pink pirouette re-inker.  I used my heat gun to speed the drying time.  I created a multi-loop bow with the hand-dyed seam binding.  To hold it all together, I used a black glimmer brad.  

I hope that we have inspired you.  I know that I would love to see what you create with our sketch @ NAC.   Please, play along with us. {smile}

Shabby Chic Style

Yahoo it's Saturday!  This has been a killer week at work.  But, I am happy to say that I did get to spend some time in my craft room.  I am the hostess over @ Our Creative Corner.  I wanted to make this challenge with a theme or a style, and let you use the products you have on hand, and either try something new, or really dazzle us with your talents.  The style for this weeks challenge is 'Shabby Chic'.  

The new year has arrived, but let's not forget about the things from our past.  So, create a paper craft item (3-D, scrapbook page, tag, a card, etc.)  in a 'Shabby Chic' style.  Here are some guidelines for this style: Shabby Chic style is generally characterized by a time-worn look that is achieved by inking and distressing.  There are layers of softness that is achieved by the use of ribbon, lace, and crochet trim.  There are feminine embellishments, such as buttons, pearls, glitter, and other sweet embellishments.

Here is what I created: 

I used crumb cake cardstock as the card base.  I just love Stampin' Up!'s version of this color.  It has a creamy richness that is amazing.  I added a soft pink layer, blush by Amuse Studio cardstock.   And then I layered some pattern papers on top of that!  The pink floral pattern paper is a new line from Authentique.  The text paper paper is from Paper Studio.  You can find it at a big-box craft store.  I wrapped a piece of very vanilla seam binding and some new pink lace trim from Stampin' Up!.  I then did a simple machine stitch all the way around the card.  I just love this look.  I added a banner piece of aqua houndstooth pattern paper.  This pattern paper is a new line called vintage chic.  I just love the color and pattern.  I did a few zig-zag stitches.

I took an aqua mist button and added some glue and then dunked it in a tub of fine glitter.  I added a flower shape of text paper under the button.  Then I tied it to the front of a multi-loop bow.  The tag is cut from a tiny tag die.  I purchased this laundry stamp set and have been waiting for the perfect piece to stamp.  So, the three stamps I used are: hand wash, do not iron, made with heart.  I added three blossoms from a flower  trim.  Love the flowers!

I am a big fan of doilies on cards.  So, I added one of Martha Stewart's doilys.  I cut a 1 1/2" circle from a digital download.  Very pretty.  I added some half-pearls, and a silhouette postage stamp.

Not too many layers, but I think it's pretty.  I am really happy with this little gem.  Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with us @ OCC.

Happy Crafting! hugs, Sharon W.

(love this card? you can purchase it, here)

Thank You Greeting

My last Arts & Crafts Fair for the holiday season is on 

Saturday, December 8, 2012.

It will be at the North Valley Academy from 10a to 3p.

Hope to see you there!

On this Friday, I am participating in the sketch challenge brought to you by Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Maria, is the designer of this weeks sketch.  Maria, does a fabulous job on giving us a very user friendly sketch.  Here is her sketch:

See, what I mean?  You can keep this sketch clean and simple, or embellish the heck out of it!

Here is what I created:

These past several weeks, I have been busy making many, many holiday themed paper crafts.  So, this week, I took a break from Christmas themed cards.

The card base is pool party card stock.  For the main panel, I used the polka dot background stamp.  I stamped the polka dots with Versa Mark ink and used white embossing powder.  I wanted a subtle and feminine background.  So, that is what I came up with.

I have to admit, that I really love pool party and summer starfruit together.  Just pretty.  So I added a strip of summer starfruit pattern paper for my horizontal piece.  I crinkled some very vanilla seam binding.  I wrapped the seam binding around the pattern paper piece, and then created a multi-loop bow.  I secured the bow to the card front with a sparkle-y black glimmer brad.  I stamped and attached the 'thanks' tag to the glimmer brad.

For my focal pieces, I stamped the 'Thank You' stamp off the very vanilla card stock piece.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink along the edges.  For my frame piece, I first dry embossed the frame in pool party card stock.  I distressed the edges with crumb cake card stock, too.  I cut the very vanilla piece to fit inside the frame.  I sponged the edges here, too.  I stamped the little girl in basic black classic ink.  I used my heat gun to speed the drying of the ink.  Then carefully, I used a blender pen to color the image.  I used crumb cake for her hair.  I used pool party of various portions of her outfit.  I used blush blossom to color her skin.  For the heart, I used pink pirouette classic ink.  Then, I used my 2-way glue pen and dazzling diamond glitter to the heart.

I hope that you have been inspired and can play along with us @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Happy Crafting!  hugs, Sharon W.

Established Material

On this Tuesday, the design team @ Nacho Average Challenge have a color challenge for you to try.  The thing that I love about color challenges, is that you can use any stamp set, or layout, to create your master piece.  And, well, the color challenge this week, just happens to use one of my all time favorite color combinations.  Here is this week's color challenge, #18:

I love how soft suede and calypso coral look together.  And well, throw in some summer starfruit, and you have a great pop of color!  Here is what I created:

I started with a card base made from crumb cake card stock.  I then added a layer of soft suede and calypso coral.  I stacked a piece of first edition dsp, neutrals dsp, and comfort cafe dsp.

I stamped the dress form in soft suede onto very vanilla card stock.  I stamped the sewing label in calypso coral classic ink onto very vanilla card stock, and then matted that circle onto crumb cake card stock.  I rubbed some very vanilla craft ink onto a weeded button and used my heat gun to set the ink.  I made a multi-loop bow with very vanilla seam binding, that I crinkled myself.  

I did some faux stitching at various places on this card.  I did a criss cross stitch on two dsp papers.  And a straight stitch around the main panel.  

I hope that we have inspired you, and find some time to create and play along with us @ Nacho Average Challenge.  

Kraft Postage

The creative ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have a wonderful sketch this week.  You are free to flip, rotate, or mirror the sketch.  What I found funny interesting, is that at least three of us used the same stamp set, just differently!  We aren't promoting you to purchase this stamp set, or doing a feature on this stamp set.  Think of it, as more options, if you ever considered purchasing it.  :)

Here is the sketch:

And here is what I created:

The card base is made of crumb cake (kraft) cardstock.  The main panel is very vanilla cs.  I stamped the collage stamp in crumb cake classic ink on the bottom 2/3 of the vanilla panel.  I used the postage stamp punch to cut the first edition dsp.  I cut 1" x 1" square very vanilla cs and stamped various objects and text using crumb cake and early espresso classic inks.  I made my own little collages, to keep with the theme of the larger stamp.  I crinkled some very vanilla seam binding and tied it around the top third of the card.  I tied a clear vintage faceted button onto the seam binding knot with some twine.  

Here is a close-up of the vintage faceted button & tiny tag:

Hope you get a chance to play along with us @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  We'd love to see what you create with this fabulous sketch!

Love Blog Candy

Howdy All!  I posted a project last week, and gave everyone  an opportunity to win some blog candy.   The original post can be found HERE.  I used a specific stamp set on an altered notebook that I made for a friend, who is traveling to France next month.  Here is a photo of that stamped sentiment:

To be eligible for the blog candy, you needed to tell me the name of the stamp set and who made it.  And Babe O'Mara, is the winner.  The stamp set was created by Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday, and the stamp name is Favorite Memories.  And here is what I have placed in the mail for Babe:

The card is a sweet, little size of 3" x 3" square.  There are 5 feet total of seam binding on the left.  Two feet of: baja breeze and very vanilla seam binding, and one foot of tea stained seam binding.  There are 7 feet total of ribbon on the right.  Two feet of:  pink pirouette taffeta ribbon, cream swiss dot ribbon and light blue ribbon, and one foot pear pizzaz pleated ribbon.
Hope all of you have a chance to craft something this week!