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!

the simple LIFE card

Howdy.  thank you for stopping by.  I know that I have been absent, so I truly appreciate your patience, and willingness to stick around.  I was getting some craft supplies in order, when I found this pretty pattern paper that I had had stashed for almost a year.

I wanted to create something shabby, vintage, and country.  But, I also needed a little direction.  So I stopped by the Paper Players blog, to see their current sketch, and wow!  Very work-able!

See what I mean?  Beauty in simplicity!

I stopped by one of my all time favorite blogs, Word Art Wednesday, because they are always inspirational!  Their challenges are Anything Goes, and they will inspire you with both their crafting, and their scripture.

And finally, I went to Really Reasonable Ribbon blog to get some more inspiration!  Their theme is Anything Goes, just use trim, lace, and/or ribbon on your hand-crafted piece.  Easy-peasy!

and here is what I created:

The card is the typical A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  The pattern papers is actually one sheet of two-sided pattern paper.  This vintage beautiful pattern paper is from Adrienne Looman, called Dream Big.  I love the soft tender aqua color, with a sweet, deep pink, and pops of red.  Simply pretty!  The white doilies, flowers, and kites give this pattern paper a vintage nostalgic feel.

I machine stitched the two pieces of pattern paper onto the white card stock.  I added a scrap piece of white eyelet trim, and wrapped a pale aqua blue seam binding around the card.  How beautiful!  I tied a multi-loop bow with the seam binding.  I tied a red button to the bow with gold and white twine.  Simple, but beautiful!  

I hand-stamped a half circle in real red classic ink.  The stamp set is from the Farm House paper company.  The stamp set is called Country Kitchen.  

The sentiment is hand-stamped in basic black classic ink, right onto the pattern paper.  I used the Country-Born stamp set, by Close To My Heart.

I love how simple but pretty this card is, and I hope you do too!  I am truly happy to be crafting again {smile}.  My mind is at peace, and my heart is full.  Thank you for hanging in there with me, and for everyone's support and words of encouragement!  LOVE you all!!!

Beyond the Page Cupboard

Howdy!  Welcome back {me}, and thank you for hanging with me {you}!  {smile}  I have been busy with all sorts of things.  One of which is a cupboard I have been working on.  Now, no, it hasn't taken me a month to get it done.  But each week, I think, 'oh, let me finish it, and photograph it, and then I'll post it'.  Well, as most of you know, sometimes life has other plans for you.  I actually have had this cupboard completed to this point for almost 4 weeks.  Ugh.  Time is going by too fast.

So, here is my latest project, not complete yet, but getting there!

front view

How gorgeous! right!  I painted the whole thing with black chalk paint.  I wanted black, but not black black.  and not any shade of grey.  So, a soft, not a deep black, is what I (believe) I achieved with the chalk paint.

side & door view

I used quite a few products from Prima Marketing, like the pattern paper collection {Rossibelle), the coordinating blossoms, and tags, and that large ornate resin frame.  I am in love with the rose gold accents!  I love the copper-ish color and the sparkle it provides!

back view

I started covering the bigger pieces first, then using the scraps to cover the two huge pieces.  The two huge pieces are the top and back.  The cupboard is 14" x 10".  And the papers I had are 12" x 12".  So, I tore edges and pieced them together.  

I did add some pieces from my stash.  The door knob, the ribbons, trims, brads, buttons, floral sprigs, and drawer pulls (which aren't finished, yet).

The whole project is rather simple to put together.  Just time consuming.  After I painted each piece, I let them dry for 24 hours (some cases more) and then hand-applied a sealant.  I sealed the paint, because chalk paint can be removed with water.  I then allowed the sealant to dry for another 24/+hours, before I could add the papers.  I used a paper glue to apply the pages.  I adhered the embellishments with hot glue.  The door knob is actually screwed into the door {smile}.  And yes, the whole inside is painted and sealed!

Well thank you for looking.  I just have two drawers left.  Easy peasy.  And to add the last 4 drawer pulls and viola!  Hopefully, I can get this completed before September!  {fingers crossed!}  Oh, this cupboard, and at least 2 others will be for sale at this years holiday craft shows, along with a few Christmas countdown calendars.  Yahoo!!!

Free Sweets

Howdy.  I have had a busy few weeks with party planning and executing, as well as some time to re-group.   {deep breath}  I am trying to re-find my mojo, to get back on the crafting wagon.  {wishing, fingers crossed, and eyes closed}

I also, needed to create a 'card' and thank a frequent buyer of my cupcakes.  So, I bit the bullet, and just dove-in!  Into my craft room, that is.

I didn't want to chop-up full sheets of 'new' pattern papers, so I went straight for the scrap box.  I knew that I would be able to find something pretty, something that worked with my 'coupon'.  I did.  And now I needed a sketch.  I found an easy-to-use sketch, and reached for my tape runner.

I found this very workable sketch @ Sketch Saturday #472.  I love how you can add little 'pieces' of your own personality to this sketch and create something beautiful!  And, if you can't 'see' your masterpiece, check out what this design team has created.  You will be inspired! {smile}

and I just HAD to stop by Word Art Wednesday to see what their design team has created.  This paper crafting challenging site always has an anything goes theme.  And they have an inspirational quote that you are free to use (but don't have to).  You deserve to reward yourself and see what this clever design team has created.  {smile}

and here is what I created:

recipe:  this is a typical A2 size card: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  

I used two different, but coordinating pattern papers. I selected pattern papers that would not compete with the coupon.  I simply adhered them to vanilla/cream card stock, and machine stitched them.  I wanted a double border stitch, to give the card character without distracting.  I inked all the edges of the papers/cardstocks with kraft ink.  Not so much to give it a 'worn' look, but to define the edges.  I wrapped some sparkle-y ribbon around the card front.  I tied a simple bow, and trimmed the edges of the ribbon on the bias, to give the bow a bit of flair!   I used sparkle-y baker's twine to tie a vintage yellow button to the bow.  I selected a yellow button to match the accent on the coupon.  The sentiment banner piece, was adhered to the card front with foam tape, to 'lift' it off the card front.  Viola.  done.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you still have your crafting mojo.  If not, I really want you to do what needs to be done to find it.  We all have battles, and together, we can find our own strengths!  I know that I am blessed.  But, I too, struggle with the realization of that fact.  I need to feel those blessings in my heart, and not just my head.  I am working on that, everyday.  The struggle is real.  But I will win!

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.

Evening Tea

~ photo heavy post ~

Howdy.  I am trying to get back into my craft room, and create beautiful things again.  And yesterday, I was motivated to create something sweet, to share with a wonderful group of ladies.  As some of you know, I have started going to the gym.  Mostly, to help me with my running.  I still don't love running, but I want to improve on my time, form, and ease the struggles.  Anyways, I have met some of the nicest ladies there.  They don't judge, or sh*t talk about anyone.  They accept you for who you are, and encourage you to keep going.  How truly wonderful is that?  Anyways, I wanted to share a special treat with them, so I arranged to have an evening tea, to share with them.  (I made all of these arrangements back in April.  Thank goodness, because I am not sure I would have had the strength to do so now.)

And as you know, I can't just do a party!  There has to be favors!  But, first, let me enter my creations into a few challenges {smile}.  I love the challenges @ Really Reasonable Ribbon, basically, because they give you the freedom to just create, add ribbon, trim, or lace, and call it done.  Super sweet!

Then, I entered the challenge over @ Word Art Wednesday, because this group of talented ladies are inspiring with their words and creations.  They basically have the same philosophy: create something beautiful, made with your heart, and share it with the rest of us.  Simply wonderful!  Just like my gym ladies!

The theme for last nights evening tea, was Mid Summer's Night, by William Shakespeare.  The decorations were wonderfully right on point.  And the food was simply amazing!  I am never disappointed, or dissatisfied.  My friend Beth, always puts on the most amazing events!  So, my favors need to be worthy, and pretty, and shabby chic, of course! 

Here is what I made:

my favorite pink version:

and my favorite blue version:

Recipe:  I used simple 8oz mason jars.  I used various papers from the Jolee's Boutique paper pad, the Parisian Collection.  I cut pattern paper 8 1/2" x 2 1/2", and wrapped it around the jar.  I made sure the top edge of the paper went along the rim of the jar, to keep it straight.  I cut two strips, and used a lace border punch, to create the decorative kraft paper pieces.  I adhered them to the second strip of pattern paper 8 1/2" x 1 1/4".  I adhered these strips to the top center of the first pattern paper.  I wrapped seam binding around the jar, for decoration, and to help secure the pattern papers.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  I used hot glue to secure the bow to the pattern papers.  I stamped my word friends in basic black ink, on to the same kraft paper, and punched a tag shape.  I tied the tiny tag to a matching button with kraft twine and hot glued the button to the jar.

For the lid, I cut out a paper doily, and used the jar's lid to hold it in place, and hot glued a paper blossom to the doily.  Viola!  not to crazy involved, but simply pretty.

So, inside the jars are some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar cubes, and 2 Cinnamon Honey tea bags.

I wanted to make something sweet for my hostess Beth, so I added some homemade Vanilla-Orange sugar pieces to smaller mason jars (4oz), and created a simpler version of the jar decorations.

and a 'gift' for the hostess and her helper:

I added a strip of pretty pattern paper around the jar, tied some vanilla crochet trim around the jars.  I made the same tags, and tied them to cream vintage buttons.  For the tops, I added pale mint velvet leaf, and two paper blossoms in black and cream to match the pattern papers.

There were two ladies who did not make the tea, so I left their favors for Beth and her assistant.  I hope everyone enjoyed their time last night.  As we got a chance to sit and chat, and talk about ourselves, and what makes us happy.  Of course, we laughed, and shared our time together.  The food was delicious, the tea selected was a perfect pairing, and the company was unforgettable!  

I hope you get a chance to create something pretty and share it with the rest of us!