Provence-Style Rose

Howdy!  Hope this post finds you well, and enjoying your weekend.  Me, busy as a bee.  But, what's new.  I always wait patiently for the summer, because I tell myself, 'life will slow down, and I can catch my breathe.'  And we all know that is so far from the truth.  No one's life 'slows down' during the summer.  Actually, it is quite opposite.  We are all in a rush to get in some vacation time, and attend as many cook outs as possible.  {smile}

I did however, take some time for myself this morning to create a card for a challenge or two.  (ok, 3) So, here we go!  I stopped by the creative challenge site: Crazy 4 Challenges.  Their current challenge is a sketch.  Awesome!

I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the left

My next stop, was the beautiful challenge site:  Scrap Magic.  They always have great inspiration boards.  Their current challenge is to craft in Provence Style.  {I'm going to try it}

And last, I stopped by the Brown Sugar Challenge site.  Their current challenge is - Anything Goes.

here is what I crafted:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the base of the card.  I love the rustic look of this paper.  I used two different pattern papers, and both are years old.  (sorry, I'm trying to use what I have on hand.)

The main panel is a Valentine's day theme paper from My Minds Eye.  It has that weathered look to it.  The blossoms are done in a faint reddish purple color.  I used the edge of my scissors to distress the edges.  I then swiped some white canvas ink over the edges.  And finally, I added some machine stitching.  

The grayish polka dot pattern paper is from a Christmas collection.  (my scrap piece no longer had the manufacture name on it.  If I had to guess, I'd say another My Minds Eye pattern paper.  I matted that piece with a scrap piece of kraft card stock.  A little more machine stitching.

The cotton-rhinestone piece is actually from Prima.  And probably 6/+ years old.  I still have 5 of these left, in a cream, a brown, and this beautiful rose color.  [I know this sounds like I'm a hoarder, but, really just a collector.]  I painted a wooden button with white acrylic paint, and dunked it into a tub of glitter.  Once the paint was dry, I took a small piece of sand paper to the button, to rough it up a bit.  I tied the button to the card front with kraft twine, from Paper Trey Ink.  I tied a double bow between the card and button.

I added a scrap piece of cotton trim just above the cotton-rhinestone piece.  I felt that the card needed another layer of fabric.  

My sentiment piece is hand-stamped and machine cut.  I used a coordinating stamp and die set from Amuse Studios for that piece.  [Vintage Labels is the die & stamp set]  I stamped the outline, and sentiment with basic grey classic ink, by Stampin' Up!  The Hand Scripted sentiment stamp set comes with various words to mix and match.  The card stock I used for the sentiment piece, is actually the back side of the weathered blossom pattern paper I used for the main panel.  The grey streaking is a distressed look for the paper.

I added a white resin piece from Melissa Frances.  I thought the basket of blossoms was a perfect fit for this card.  I used a retired Pale Plum marker, by Stampin' Up! to color two blossoms and the bow. I thought this color of purple matched the cards overall look perfectly!  And finally, I added a trio of pearl halves.  {smile}

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope that I have inspired you to create something beautiful or simply to play along in any or all of these challenge sites!

Sweet Rustic Mother's Day Card

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy!  and welcome back to my little slice of blog-land.  I've busy crafting, and I love it!  It is very good for my soul!  As many of you know, Mother's Day is right around the corner!  And I wanted to make something pretty, soft, vintage, country, and over all sweet!  So, while surfing the internet, I stumbled upon two (new to me) paper craft challenge sites, and I'm anxious to play along! So, without further ado, let's get to it! {smile}

I stopped by an old favorite challenge site to get a sketch:  Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  These folks have some of the most user-friendly sketches out there!  And the design team will inspire you if you need it.  {smile}  Oh, and it's prize week!

My next stop is a (new to me) challenge site:  Crafting When We Can Challenge.  Their current challenge is: add flowers.  Oh my, YES!  The design team varies in styles, so I am sure that you will be inspired to play along with this talented group.

My last stop, is another (new to me) challenge site:  Robyn's Fetish Challenge.   This challenge is: Mother's Day Cards.  Thank you ladies, that's right up my alley!  This lovely group of designers will certainly inspire you with their soft, tender style!

and here is what I have created:

and different view:

Recipe:  The card base is crumb cake card stock by Stampin' Up!  I just love this soft kraft color and heavy weight card stock.  The perfect card stock for your cards!
I used Ocean Tides card stock, by Paper Trey Ink, for the matts.  I just love this different shade of blue.  {smile}  The wood grain/floral 'pattern paper' is actually a digital paper.  I love the colors and the sweet rustic look.    The pale kraft star pattern paper is from Tilda.    Ok, we'll start from the top and work our way down the card.

The canvas banner piece is from Maya Road.  I adhered it to the card front with hot glue just at the top.  I wanted it to have some movement.
I added a trio of paper blossoms.  Each blossom was painted with white acrylic paint and then dunked in a tub a dazzling diamond glitter, by Stampin' Up!  I adhered the paper blossoms to the card front with more hot glue.
The large white blossom and the pale blue blossom are from a big box store, different Reflections collections.  The tiny white blossom is from Kaiser Krafts.  To help add a little bling, I added a trio of gold sequins to the top half of this card.  Yeah, they are tucked in, to reveal a sweet surprise.
I stamped the sentiment onto very vanilla card stock, by Stampin' Up!  I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso classic ink.  I used a very retired stamp set:  Something to Celebrate.  I used a photo corner punch to create the banner ends.  I adhered the sentiment piece to the card front with foam tape.

For the lower half of the card, I layered a trio of different materials.  I cut a large scallop border out of a scrap piece of pale pink polka dot pattern paper with my Tasteful Trims die, by Stampin' Up!.  I added a strip of white cotton trim just above the pink polka dot pattern paper.  And then I wrapped a piece of this beautiful pale pink seam binding, that I purchased while junking in Phoenix.
I created a multi-loop bow with the seam binding.  I tied an altered wooden button* with kraft twine. (*white acrylic paint and glitter)  I created my own tag with the Tiny Tag stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.  I stamped the 'tag' in ocean tides ink.  (It is actually a second generation stamp) and I stamped the 'XOXO' in crumb cake classic ink.  I fussy cut the tag with a pair of small scissors.  I used sand paper to smooth out the rough edges of my hand cutting.  Strung the kraft twine through the tag and tied it to the multi-loop bow, and altered wooden button.  I cut a too long length of kraft twine, so I added a single loop of twine behind the seam binding bow.  I added a small piece of foam tape behind the tag, so it would be anchored to the card front.   I also added a pair of gold sequins around this beautiful bow.  {smile}
For those of you who are frequent visitors to my blog, you are probably wondering about the missing machine stitching.  And, all I can say, is me too!  I actually ran out of thread, and wasn't able to pick some up before creating this card.  So, I am trying to embrace this 'plain jane' card.
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope I have inspired you to play along with all or any of these challenges.  Hopefully your week is off to a great start!

Blessings

The holidays are quickly approaching! and I have been a little busy getting some crafts complete.  To be efficient, I have combined some challenges.  I know, I could probably make more stuff if I separated the challenges, but I am in a pinch for time.

We are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year.  And, well, I always do more than I have to, and I really like everything to 'belong'.  So, I do a place setting, a Thanksgiving trivia card, and of course a little 'party' favor.  So, I sent out to find some inspiration to get my decorations in order.

I went to some favorite challenge sites, and found some great inspiration!  First stop:  the Shabby Tea Room.  They have a great fall inspired photo to help get those creative juices flowing! oh, and a requirement: burlap and/or twine.  How country/shabby is that?  Awesome!

Here is their inspiration photo:

and then I headed over to Word Art Wednesday.  Their challenge this week is: Anything Goes!  They always include a wonderful scripture, and this week, it fits perfectly with the above inspiration photo.

here is what I made:

I needed to make 5 cards,  and well, the only 'thanksgiving' pattern paper I had, that had colors in it like the inspirational photo, were only scraps (Authentique).  So, that is what dictated the card layout.  I used Scarlet card stock for the card base, by Paper Trey Ink.  I matted the two pattern papers onto Linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  [it is very close to River Rock card stock by Stampin' Up!]

I machine stitched a purposeful 'sloppy' border stitch around the card twice.  I just love how random, and home-y it looks. {smile}

I cut a large scallop trim piece from kraft card stock, by Recollections.  I used this piece to hide the seam where the two pattern papers meet.  

I wrapped a piece of Scarlet satin ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink around the scallop trim.  Then I wrapped kraft twine by Paper Trey Ink, around the ribbon and tied on a wooden button.  (I used glue dots to hold the button in place, so it wouldn't flop around.)

I printed the scripture onto very vanilla card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  Then I did a double matt: scarlet and kraft.

Easy peasy, and pretty plain for me.  But, I do love it!  

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have been inspired to play along with both of these fabulous challenge sites!

Bunco Six

Prize number six.  Remember we are counting backwards from eleven.  Let's get started with our prize reveal!  [sorry, with a lot of last minute juggling of different problems, some photos were 'forgotten' to be taken, and therefore, I do not have photos of prize number seven.]
Now, with a lack of time, due to work, family, and some last minute decorating changes and menu items, these photos are not the greatest, or the clearest.  Deepest apologies!

A fabric covered composition book.  The greatest thing about this book cover, is that, once the book is used up, simply remove the book, and slide in a new one!

I used a mix of cotton and linen fabrics, along with a sweet trim.  The wooden button, helps keep it rustic!  While keeping the overall look shabby chic country!

To keep the gift card matching the gift bag, I used the same trim, and grey polka dot pattern paper.  I added a kraft seam binding to help coordinate the gift card to the kraft paper bag.  The added silver cord bows on wooden buttons, adds charm {smile}.

Sweet Leaves

Happy Friday!  Welcome and thank you for stopping by.  The talented Kim over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a creative sketch for you to try.  Kim, generally makes wonderfully playful sketches, and I have fun creating using her sketches.  

this week's sketch:

here is what I created:

The card base is soft sky cardstock.  I just love the softness of this blue.  I used soft suede card stock, very vanilla card stock, and soft sky dsp.  I machine stitched the soft sky dsp on to the soft suede cardstock.  I love the soft contrast.  

I used the label collection dies to cut the shape of the very vanilla cardstock.  I used the 2 step Gently Falling stamp set to create the leaves.  I stamped the outline leaves in soft suede classic ink.  I stamped the inside of the leaves in pear pizzazz classic ink and coastal cabana classic ink. I sponged the edges of the very vanilla cardstock with crumb cake classic ink.

I adhered the stamped very vanilla card stock, onto soft suede cardstock.  I took my detail scissors and followed the curve of the vanilla cardstock.  I used my sanding block to help smooth out any rough edges.

I stamped the sentiment piece, using the four frames stamp set.  Stamping the polka dot frame in crumb cake classic ink.  I stamped the two words: 'sweet' and 'friend' in soft suede classic ink.  I purposely didn't stamp the words with solid pressure.  I wanted a 'worn' look, so I stamped the words with a light-hand.  I tied a simple bow with pool party seam binding, that was slightly crinkled.  I tied a wooden button to the center of the bow with linen thread.

I hope that you like what you see {smile} and that you have been inspired to play along with us @ SFF.  We would love to see your creativity! 

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.  

Rotary Phone

This is a rare post.  I wanted to participate in a challenge, were I'm not on the design team.  I just wanted to create.  Have you ever had that urge?  I wanted to sit in my craft room, create something in my style, not for a deadline, not for a craft fair.  Just for me.  

I'm a big fan of the Shabby Tea Room #132, and I wanted to play along with them this week.  The requirements this week, are to use the colors in their inspirational photo, and include something rustic and something elegant.  This sounds a bit like shabby chic! and this is right up my alley {smile}.  

I also used a sketch from Crafting Life's Pieces #52.  I wanted to participate in their month long challenge.  So, I combined the two challenges and created a wonderful card.

Here are the challenges:

and here is what I created:

I used some 'vintage' styled pattern papers for this card.  I actually used pattern papers that I received as an attendant gift @ the Inspired Retreat, sponsored by the Hen House Paperie, last month; Market Street by Lost & Found. I just loved the floral-text papers, and I'm a super fan of all text papers.  I sponged some of the pattern papers with a kraft ink.  But, I wanted a different distressed look on the center green floral pattern paper.  So, I brushed picket fence distress paint along the edges, and then dunked the pattern paper in a tub of dazzling diamond glitter.

One of the requirements, was to include something rustic.  My rustic; the painted wooden button, the cream twine, and the cardboard butterfly.  Another requirement, was to include something elegant.  My elegant; the rhinestone brad at the center of the butterfly, the trio of half pearls, and the glittered distressed edged pattern paper.  I think that I did include the colors in the inspirational photo; brown, pink, silver, green, and white/cream.

That clever telephone stamp is from Unity Stamps.  I stamped the 'call me' stamp in a soft suede classic ink onto a piece of vanilla card stock.  I then matted it on a scrap piece of pink pirouette card stock.  I wanted the focal point of this card to pop, so I used foam tape behind this telephone piece.
I use a lot of seam binding on my paper crafts.  I just love the crinkled look, and the variety of colors, you can purchase.  This beautifully crinkled ribbon is from Prairie Bird Boutique, an Etsy shop.

Thank you for taking the time, to stop by and have a look.  Leave me a comment, and let me know what you think of this card.   Happy crafting!

Yellow Crown

Holy Moly, this weekend is running away from me.  As you know, on Saturdays, the super talented ladies over @Our Creative Corner have a new and fabulous challenge for you to try.  Liliana, has a new challenge for us.  She would like for you to use yellow and a crown on your paper craft item.  Sounds fun! and pretty clever, if you ask me.  She has also given us a photo for inspiration.  What a gal!

I have to admit, the very first thing I thought of was a Queen Bee.  I know, I'm so predictable.  But, I soon realized that I don't have a bumble bee stamp.  So, here is what I made, instead:

I used scraps, again, to create this card.  The card base is crumb cake card stock.  The yellow polka dot is from Authentique.  I had a piece of texture Wisteria Wonder, left over.  I thought the purple and yellow looked lovely together.  The purple/blue floral piece is from a pattern paper that is easily 4/+ yrs old.  The yellow tag, is from Authentique.  I used some yellow seam binding from Stampin' Up! to create the crinkled bow.  I painted a wooden button white and tied it onto my bow with some cream twine.  I edged all the pieces is either tea stain or white.  I stamped a pocket watch in the lower right corner of the floral piece.

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you get a chance to play along with us @ OCC.  Now, don't forget, we have changed a few rules on our challenges:  no more than three other challenge combos, and please turn off word verification.  Have a great weekend!

Falling Leaves

Thank you for stopping by on this fabulous Friday!  ANd won't you join us for a blog hop hosted by Sketch Frenzy Friday.  It's a fun, and easy way to get some inspiration to play along with us in our sketch challenge this week.  The talented Jennifer, has created a fun sketch for you to try.  Here it is:

here is what I created:

I used the Houndstooth embossing folder to create the texture.  I also used some subtler DSP to give the card some visual interest.  I stamped the leaf in two different colors, doing a rock and roll technique.  I crinkled some crumb cake seam binding and tied a multi-loop bow.  I tied a wooden button onto the seam binding, to give the card a masculine feel.
Now, continue with our blog hop by visiting Tammy F.'s blog, to see what she has created.

Resist Watercolor

I hope all of you have some wonderful plans for this holiday weekend.  Me, whew.  Too many things to get accomplished before I go back to work on Tuesday.  But, then again,  what's new?  

Lisa, over @ Our Creative Corner, has a fabulous challenge for us this week.  She wants us to do some type of resist stamping technique, and include some wings.  Sounds fun, creative, and pretty clever!

So, here is what I came up with:

I used some papers from Melissa Frances.  I wanted something that looked shabby chic.  I also added a kraft polka dot paper and a text paper.  For my resist stamping, I stamped the floral image in versa mark onto some shimmer paper.  I added white embossing powder and heat set it.  To add the color, I sprayed the embossed paper with water and then added water color to the wet paper.  I think this resist technique is called 'watercolor resist'.  but don't quote me.   I love the negative look of this technique.  For my wings, I cut a butterfly from some glitter paper and added a tiny button for it's body.  I made a multi-loop bow with some vintage blue satin ribbon.  I painted a wooden button with some distress paint (picket fence) and added some glitter.  I used some cream twine to tie the button to the front of my bow.  The tag is from Melissa Frances.  I stamped the sentiment on the tag in basic black classic ink.  I added a scrap piece of vintage crochet trim to the tag.  I distressed the edges of my card with a white pigment ink.

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you get a chance to play along with us @ Our Creative Corner.

Just Because

It's Friday, and so that means that we are having a blog hop over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  And, to help get things started,  I am the designer of this weeks sketch!  How cool is that?  Here is the sketch I created for this week over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.

and here is what I created with this sketch:

Now, head on over to Tammy F.'s blog to see what she has created!  And join us this week!

Fancy Five #207 & #80

Happy Saturday!  Well, I'm the hostess this week over @ Our Creative Corner.  I really do like being the hostess.  I love creating a challenge for everyone to participate in.  I think that if the challenge makes you think, take inventory as to what you have on hand, and/or use products/colors that have been neglected, then it is a good challenge.  So, this weeks challenge is to use a 'number' in your paper craft item.  Sounds easy, huh?  I think it sounds fun!

To help me get my creative juices flowing, I selected the current layout from Mojo Monday #207.   I also needed a little more guidance, so I selected the color challenge from Shabby Tea Room #80: white/cream, kraft, and brown/black. 

Here is the sketch from Mojo Monday:

Here is the inspiration photo from Shabby Tea Room:

 Here is my card:

I really liked that both the sketch and the inspiration photo had oval frames in them.  I also loved the various flowers and all the white-wash-ness in the inspiration photo.   For the OCC challenge, I used 'No. 5'.  Now, 5 doesn't mean anything to me, except that's my oldest granddaughter's age.  But, I just LOVE the font!   It's so pretty and elegant.

Lately, I have been on a scrap kick.  I have been using scraps to create my cards.  I know, that sounds aweful.  But, you should see the size of my scrap box!  

The card uses 75%/+ stampin' up!.  The card base is Crumb Cake card stock.  The black matts are Basic Black card stock.  I used Very Vanilla card stock and the new frame embossing folder.   I stamped the 'No. 5' in Basic Black classic ink.  I used First Edition DSP to create the rolled flower.  I used a small piece of Beau Chateau to make the leaves.  So the kraft polka dot and black/cream pattern paper I have used before.  But, at this point I don't remember who makes either paper.   The brown crochet trim is a scrap piece,  and I attached that to the card with a staple.  I added a wooden button.  I tied some linen thread to the wooden button and added a faux half pearl.  The multi-loop bow is made with Vanilla seam binding.  I held it together with a vintage brad.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope that you have a chance to play along with us this week!