Classic Thank You

Good Morning.  And welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I am still crafting with what I have in my craft room.  Let me just say, that it can be both overwhelming and liberating at the same time.  I have grown into quite the paper craft hoarder collector.  I believe with all honesty I could open my own paper crafting supply store with what I have on hand.  {yikes}

But, one of my New Year's Resolutions, has been to start using what I have instead of purchasing new supplies.  Now, don't get me wrong, I still make purchases, just a lot smaller in quantity and $$$.  {a whole lot smaller}  

I am playing along with two groups of wonderfully talented paper crafters today.  

My first stop is @ Paper Craft Crew Challenge #309.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  And I love a good sketch.  To me, a good sketch is one that is super versatile and can be embellished or clean and simple.  Here is their sketch:

(Stampin' Up! products used: card stock, glimmer paper, and thin silver cord)

See what I mean!  The circle can be any shape, or item (blossom, doily, star, witch, etc) and the scallop border can be just that, or any other decorative border, or lace.  Can you see it?

My next stop is over @ Word Art Wednesday  This beautiful challenge site, is always Anything Goes, Family Friendly.  Now who wouldn't love to play along with them.  They provide a scripture that you can use with your paper craft, but is not required.  

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  this blank inside greeting card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The card base is made with Lagoon card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love the hue of this blue.  The blue pattern papers are from American Crafts.  I just love the aquamarine color.  And those grey and white blossoms are just gorgeous!

I used some glitter paper from Stampin' Up! for both the scallop trim and a small banner piece under the sentiment to add sparkle.  I had a scrap piece of a grey plaid pattern paper, so I'm not sure who the manufacturer is, but I believe it is core'dinations.  

I did a slim dark grey matt under the blossom pattern paper, and machine stitched all the layers together.  I also machine stitched the ribbon across the card.  I tied a double bow with the ribbon, and tied the bow to a vintage Aqua Mist button, by Paper Trey Ink, using  thin silver cord by Stampin' Up!.  I hot glued the bow-button combo to the card front.  I added a light grey faux half pearl to the center of the double bow.

I stamped my sentiment: Thank You, in a basic grey classic ink onto a scrap piece of shimmer white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I used a favorite stamp set by Altnew: Label Love.  I used foam tape to lift the sentiment off the front of the card.

I used my one and only dark grey fabric blossom by CTMH.  I thought it worked perfectly.  And my final touch, was the addition of a trio of brushed silver sequins.

Thank you for looking, and I surely hope you get a chance to create something beautiful today! {smile}

Cherry Money

Howdy, and welcome.  Oh my goodness, I can't believe that it has been so many weeks, since I posted.  YIKES!  Well, I haven't stopped crafting.  Apparently I have stopped photographing my work.  I will get some photos uploaded soon.  I have been working on a few baby themed items.  I'm using the Heaven Sent 2 collection by Prima.  Oh my, is it gorgeous and a lot of fun to work with! {smile}  I am working on some non-holiday items for a few Holiday Craft Fairs, this year.  And well, I was afraid of running out of time, so I started in June.  We will see how this goes.

Anyway, I took a break from baby stuff, to create a sample money holder.  If you have been to my booth at a craft fair, you know that I alway have a sample of what is packaged, so you can play with it, see how it works, get a feel for the dimensions, etc.  Sometimes, the gift is cash.  Not always a bad idea.  Sometimes, that's what works for the occasion, the recipient, or what you want to give.

It is a simple money holder, in that you open the 'card' and there is a slot for cash.  See, super simple. No bells or whistles.  Clean, easy, simple, and sometimes just the perfect gift.  {smile}

here it is:

Recipe:  I used True Black card stock, by Paper Trey Ink, as the base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  It will stand-up to my embellishing.  And that's a good thing.

I used pattern paper from the Cherry Blossom collection by Prima.  I wanted something soft, feminine, and pretty.

I machine stitched a simple border around the main panel.  And then I machine stitched the three trims: pale pink seam binding, white crochet trim, and a black & white check ribbon.  

The banner piece is a different pattern paper from the same collection.  To help give it structure, I matted it with a scrap piece of the True Black card stock.  I added foam tape to the top and flag end of the banner piece.  To keep it from squishing the trio of trims.

I hot glued a large pale pink paper blossom, I picked-up from a large box craft store, earlier last year. I added a pink and gold glitter leaf from Prima.  And tied a thin gold string through a tiny pale pink vintage button, and add those to the banner piece, as well.

I used my die-cut machine & a die, to create the sentiment piece.  I also used a different pattern paper from the same collection.  I selected a pattern paper that wasn't too busy, but still had the same color scheme.  I inked my sentiment stamp in Basic Black classic ink, by Stampin' Up! and hand-stamped the sentiment.  I adhered this sentiment piece to the money holder with foam tape, as well.  

I tied a triple bow with the pale pink seam binding, and added a faux pearl brad to the center of the bow.  I adhered the bow to the front of the money holder with hot glue.  And my final touch, is a trio of pink faux half-pearls.

I am still trying to decide if I want to add some white paint and glitter to the tips of the large paper blossom.  Let me know what you think.  I'm kinda on the fence with that one.

Now, I'm off to make a few baby-themed money holders, and a few small gift card holders.

I hope you have a chance to craft today!  I know my soul always feels so much happier when I do!

Heaven Sent Baby

Howdy! and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  I have been creating, and running.  So, to say that I have been busy, would be correct {smile}.  But, today, I moved my running to tomorrow, so that I could paper craft.  It feels like forever, since I've paper crafted, and so the whole experience was well deserved, and surely needed {smile}.

I am entering my creation in two different card challenges:  Word Art Wednesday & Cupcake Inspirations.  I am happy with my creations and happy to have had this time to create.  {feeling blessed}

My firs stop is @ Cupcake Inspirations.  If you haven't stopped by their blog, please do.  This design team will certainly inspire you, and the cupcakes for inspiration are beautiful!

And then, I stopped by one of my favorite challenge sites:  Word Art Wednesday.  If you haven't stopped by this challenge site, I encourage you to do so.  This design team is very creative, and their challenges are always: Anything Goes & Family Friendly.  

and here is what I created:

Recipe:  blank inside card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").

I used Kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base, due to the heavy weight.

I used pattern paper from Heaven Sent 2 by Prima.

I layered three different pattern papers and machine stitched them together.  

I added white embroidery trim and pale aqua seam binding across the card front.  I added a double bow tied with the same seam binding.  I added a tiny safety pin to the center of the bow.  I added a hand-stamped tag and metallic charm.  

I tucked-in a cream paper doily by Stampin' Up!.  I simply cut the doily in half, so I could use the other half on another card - see below.

I added a tiny embroidery hoop by Stampin' Up!.  I used pattern paper by Prima to back the hoop.  I hand-stamped 'Sweet Baby' in classic black ink by Stampin' Up! onto a scrap piece of pattern paper.  I added this little sentiment to the inside of the hoop with foam tape.  I hot glued a tiny white paper blossom inside the hoop.   The blue blossom is from Prima, and coordinates with the pattern paper.

I added a trio of tiny vintage buttons, tied with gold and white twine.  I hot glued the tied buttons to the card front.  

here is the other card I made with the same materials:

I am planning on creating a few more items with these materials, tomorrow.  Fingers crossed that I have the time needed.

Thank you for looking, and I hope that you have a chance to play along with either or both of these challenge sites.  

Over-All White

Howdy.  Nope, don't check your calendar, I have posted 3 days in a row.  Shocking, but I believe that I have found my passion for paper crafting, again.  Thank you to everyone who sent words of encouragement, and support.  I appreciate everything everyone has done, to help me find my mojo.

I had so much fun crafting yesterday, I decided to craft another card today!  {yahoo!}  I stumbled upon two new-to-me challenge blogs, and decided to play along.  Oh,  yeah!

My first stop is a sketch challenge.  I needed a starting point, so why not start with a sketch {smile}.  I just love the simplicity of the sketch, but how simply work-able the sketch is.  Just take a look at what the design team created, and you'll understand just how user-friendly this sketch is:  Paper Play Sketches #50.  I love layers, and so working with this sketch was a joy!

My first thought was to use the narrow rectangle for my sentiment piece.  And the cluster of dots, I was thinking a large blossom.  Ok, so I have thought of how to get my card together, lets get a little more inspiration.  

I stopped-by another 'new-to-me' challenge site, and came across Double D Challenge.   This challenge site has an unique and creative collection of mood-boards for their challenges.  And their current challenge is no different - all white.

and here is what I made:

I used all white products.  A bit different for me, but if it wasn't a bit out of my comfort zone, then it wouldn't be a challenge {smile}.  I used white card stock from PaperTreyInk.  The card base and the dry embossed panel are their smooth card stock.  While I used their white linen card stock for the large matt.  I thought using all smooth card stock would make the card look too flat.  I wanted two different textures, but I need them to compliment them.  

I used dazzling diamond glitter paper for the scallop trim piece.  I also wanted some bling.  I wrapped white seam binding around the glitter piece, and machine stitched the pieces together.  I used the same glitter paper to punch a decorative piece for the upper right corner.  I added a double border machine stitch around the top portion of the dry embossed panel.  I adhered this panel to the front of the card with foam tape, to lift it off the surface.

I tied the seam binding into a triple bow, and tied a white button together with white and silver bakers twine.  Simple, but pretty!  I hot glued a satin blossom to the card front.  I also adhered the pair of white buttons, to the decorative piece.  

I stamped my sentiment in basic black onto the same smooth white card stock that I used for the dry embossed panel.  I cut a simple banner end, and adhered it onto the card front.

For a final touch, I added a trio of sparkle-y clear sequins around the blossom.  Viola!

Thank you for stopping by to take a look.  I hope that you have the opportunity to play along with either/both of these challenge sites.  Enjoy the rest of your week!

Vintage Red, White/Cream, and Denim Blue

Howdy.  I've been busy trying to get out of a funk.  Trying to stay motivated to keep running.  Keeping up with chores.  And trying to find my passion for creating.

This little project took me about a week.  Only because I didn't want to spend any money completing this project.  I am seriously trying to 'use what I have on hand' instead of just buying more stuff.

I have seen several beautiful 'vintage' american flags on the internet.  Mostly Pinterest.  And well, I felt a desire to create one.  I used scraps of various fabrics, lace, and trim to create mine.  I wanted something that conveyed 'old', 'americana', and simply shabby chic pretty!  Here is what I made:

2 1/2' x 4'

To display your American flag, the union jack is ALWAYS at the upper left corner, regardless of its vertical or horizontal.

The union jack (blue panel) is made from denim.  I machine washed it, to give it a soft feel.  And then I machine stitched various red and white fabrics & trims.  The stars were cut with a star die, using scrap pieces of the blue/white fabric in the flag.  I wanted materials that looked vintage, or had that Americana 'feel'.  I am happy with how it turned out.  I just don't know 'how' to hang it.  Any suggestions?

The 3 I's in the center is for my family.  My ancestors were part of the American Revolution.  The 3 I's represent the 3% of Americans who originally fought against the British.  After the war, these fighters were awarded land 'out west' as payment by our government.  Thank you for your bravery! 

Some of the fabrics were not long enough, so I simply stitched pieces together, to create longer strips.  I think that this piecing together, helps give it a 'worn' look.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Enjoy your American Independence weekend.  Thank a solider for their service & duty, and remember those who have sacrificed.

KEEP Collective

Welcome.  I just wanted to share with you, a new adventure I am going on.  I saw these beautiful bracelets with slider charms, and just HAD to make one for myself.  Anyways, I signed up to be a 'designer' and I am ready to help you create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry statement piece!

here are some ideas as to what you can create:

I just love the gold charms with the brown leather double bracelet 

a sweet collection of rose gold mesh bracelet, and ivory leather

or, a little something more grungy in black and white

a smaller statement, but a lot of impact

Please, check out my PAGE, and create your own one-of-a-kind, personalized jewelry piece!  Oh, if you would rather share this new discovery with your friends, host a party!  Just invite your guests, and we can spend an hour creating beautiful jewelry pieces OR host a party on-line!  Either way, you will get to enjoy the benefits and create something meaningful for yourself!

Cream & Gold Fabric Strip Banner

Howdy!  I'm having a lot of fun, and excited to share with you another fabric strip banner.  This one is a little more elegant.  I used all neutral colors: cream, vanilla, white, beige, taupe, brown, and gold.
I also used a variety of textures: linen, cotton, satin, sequin, and chiffons.

The particulars:  I used five different, but beautifully coordinated fabrics: taupe polka dot, beige diamond pattern, gold foil polka dot, cream, and gold sequin fabric.  I just love how pretty and elegant these look together!  This hand-tied fabric strip banner is 4feet wide.  There is 18 inches of twine at each end to make it easy to secure this banner.  The strips measure approximately 10 inches long.
So, I added some pretty trims {smile}.  I added a brown natural cotton wired ribbon.  I just love the texture that it adds.  I also added three different but beautiful laces: antique gold, cream floral, and white lace.  For the ribbons, I added two different satin ribbons: beige and vanilla striped.  I also added gold sequin trim and white rosette trim.  I love how the stripes and polka dots work so well together.  {smile}

Use this hand-made, homespun banner to dress-up a window, a headboard, a wall, or crib, etc.  You can also use this decorative piece to decorate your next party!  Hang this banner at the edge of a cake/gift table, use as a backdrop for the cake table, or photo booth!  Let the pinks and purples add that special girl-y touch to your next birthday party/tea!
This banner has been added to my Etsy shop, HERE.  This beautifully hand-tied fabric banner is ready to ship, but if it doesn't sell soon, you can see it in person at this year's Trash to Treasure Trunk Show @ Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque, NM on Jan 23, 2016.

Pink Sparkle

Welcome.  I've been a bit busy, so I apologize for my absence.  I ordered some crafting supplies from a few different places:  an Esty shop, and Stampin' Up!.  Stampin' Up! has started their Sale-A-Bration campaign.  They have some new pattern paper collections and some new designed rubber stamps.  Always a great purchase!  {smile}  

I haven't 'noticed' flair buttons before.  But lately I have noticed them everywhere!  and well, I want to see how fabulous they are to craft with.  So, I headed over to Easy, and found some that are reasonably priced, great graphics, and wonderful customer service, @ aflairforbuttons.  One of the packages of flair buttons I purchased, are these: {Aqua} Let Them Eat Cake.  I know that I am typically a 'pink person', but the shade of aqua, caught my fancy {smile}!

Ok, now that I have some great supplies, I needed a little direction, so I head to Mojo Monday, for their sketch challenge this week.  And since this is the first Monday of the month, it is a prize challenge.  Here is their sketch

and here is what I made:

Recipe: the card base is white card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  The tannish grey pattern paper (sahara sand and whisper white) is called Something Borrowed DSP, by Stampin' Up!.  The floral pattern paper is Sweet Christmas, from Tilda.  I matted the floral pattern paper on Rose Red card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  

The silver glitter paper, was cut with the tasteful trims die, both by Stampin' Up!.  I added some pale pink seam binding.  I attached these to the front of the card with some machine stitching.  I tied a thin silver cord into a simple bow.  I added a multi-loop bow of the pale pink seam binding.   The rhinestone flat-back button is also new this season.  

I cut a tiny tag from whisper white card stock, using the tiny tag die by Paper Trey Ink.  I stamped the sentiment in sahara sand classic ink, using the fancy flexible phrases, both by Stampin' Up!

I added a appliqué I found in the clearance section of a big box sewing store.  There were actually three in the bin, so I bought them all.  {smile}  I added a flair button to the upper corner of the appliqué.  I selected the Marie Antoinette image with an aqua polka dot background.  I loved the matching pink dresses.

I added a trio of white sequins and a trio of rhinestones to add some bling and some visual interest.  I have posted this card in my Easy shop: InkwoodDesigns.  I have also entered this card in the Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

Thank you for stopping by.  Hopefully, I get a chance to craft more items and I promise to share with you.  {smile}

Pink and Gold Glitter

Howdy.  Sorry I have been absent.  I have been busy crafting for an upcoming Arts and Crafts Fair.  I purchased some gold glitter paper from Stampin' Up! recently.  And well, a friend had asked what I was creating with it.  Because this glitter paper is really sparkle-y and yellow.  I was actually surprised of the color.  But, I had some crafts I wanted to create with it, so, I set out to my craft room.

I made a greeting card, a gift card holder, and a card-box combo.  Now, the photos don't really do these crafts justice.  Please look with a kind eye.

greeting card

card-box combo - closed

card-box combo - opened

gift card holder

The pink pattern paper is from Echo Park.  I used both sides.  The cream and white pattern paper is from Anna Griffin.  The white portion of the pattern paper is actually flocked.   Its easily 4/+ years old.  I had been hoarding saving this paper for a special project.  {smile}  The card bases are pink pirouette yardstick.  The ribbons are white seam binding, think gold ribbon, gold bakers twine, and the new gold sating ribbon from Stampin' Up!  The buttons are blush by Amuse Studios.  The glitter paper is actually gold.  It looks way better in person.

The snowflake die is from Paper Trey Ink.  The scallop trim die and the leaf punch are both from Stampin' Up!  The poinsettia die is from Heartfelt Creations.  The sentiments are a mix of different stamps I had on hand.

Thank you for stopping by.  I'll post some more of what I have been creating soon.   Oh, I will have some of those flip desk top calendars for sale at my next arts and craft fairs.