Christmas Challenge

Howdy, I hope you are well.  I made my own Christmas cards again this year.  And I want to enter them into a few challenges during this beautiful time of year!

The wonderful folks over @ Brown Sugar Challenge have a Christmas challenge.

Also, the talented ladies over @ Merry Monday Christmas Challenge have a Holiday Cheer challenge.

And finally, the lovely, and inspirational ladies over @ Word Art Wednesday have a family friendly anything goes challenge.

and here is my entry:

I used a variety of products for this creation.  Special mention to Stampin' Up! crumb cake & mint macaroon card stocks, along with Prima Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern papers.  I added a bit of machine stitching, and a big beautiful lace bow!  The complete recipe of products and such can be found on this post.  Thank you for stopping by, and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I want to take a moment, and wish everyone around this beautiful globe, a very Merry Christmas!  With today's technology we are able to reach out to folks across the globe, and to connect with other cultures, and through other languages, than our own native tongue.  I hope all people find hope, love, and happiness during this season of giving.  And that they start a new year, with a new purpose of forgiveness, love, and laughter.  Our globe is becoming more and more small, and our need to learn to  work and live together becomes stronger and stronger.  May we all find Peace!

I make my own cards, as you all know.  And I make my own Christmas cards, as well.  Typically, I make one card.  But there are years, and this one is no different, that I make 2 cards.  I can't decide which one I like better, so I make both, and it is generally a roulette as to which one you will receive. {smile}  I wanted to share them with you, here, @ my little piece of blog-land: Designs by Sharon.

This one I made first, and I loved the large sentiment piece.  

So of course, I had to add a large bow. {smile}

I wanted a smaller sentiment, but one just as 'pretty', 

to show-off that beautiful pattern paper!

Recipe:  I used Stampin' Up! crumb cake card stock as the base of these cards.  Their card stock is a nice heavy weight, that will stand up to my layers.  {smile}

The layers:  first piece is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!.  I just love this shade of blue green.  It is soft, sweet, and super easy to work with!  

The next layer, is a retired piece from Stampin' Up!.  It came from a holiday collection last year.  I just love sheet music!  

The next layer, is a candy stripe from Sweet Peppermint collection of pattern paper by Prima.  I just love the red and white diagonal stripes.  The shade of red is vintage, and really pops with the mint macaroon.  

And the top layer, is this fun, festive advent calendar holiday print from the Sweet Peppermint collection by Prima.  It has numbers, words, images; everything you would find, or need on an advent calendar.  I thought this paper was just divine, with a bit of nostalgia.  {smile}

I added a simple machine stitch border all the way around.  And yes, sewn through all the layers. {smile}

My sentiment pieces are on whisper white card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I love both the weight of this paper and the feel.  The weight is light, so it won't add bulk to your projects.  The feel is super smooth.  It takes ink (any variety) beautifully!  I matted the sentiment piece with another piece of mint macaroon card stock.  I thought it would help give some definition for that piece, and repeating the same color help solidify that color as belonging to the project.  I kept my sentiment colors, to those I used in the layers of pattern papers.  I didn't want to distract the eye.

I tied bows in either mint macaroon lace or a vintage red gingham print.  The mint lace repeats the mint color from the layers, and the red gingham print repeats the red candy stripes, anchoring both ribbons to the project.  I then tied the embellishment to the bow with thin silver string.  I wanted a sparkle of metallic.  I used either a frosted candy cane or a shiny pine cone.

The cards remain blank inside, and this year I actually wrote in them.  Shocking, I know.  If you didn't know, I never (until now) write in my cards.  I add a hand written note, or typed note to the inside of the card.  That way, you have a card to give.  It's like receiving two gifts in one {smile}.

Well, I am off to the kitchen to get a few dishes started for Christmas dinner.   I hope you are able to share this beautiful season with family and friends.  I think being surrounded by those who love you, and care about your happiness, is enough to bring you joy!  And my heart goes out to those who are serving abroard and can't be with their love ones.  It is a sacrifice to keep our nation safe.  So be vigilant and guard us well.  Merry Christmas! and Peace on Earth.

It's a Cozy Christmas

Howdy!  Welcome.  I know, it has been a while (eek! 11 days) since I posted last.  My apologies.  But, I'm sure that you all can relate.  It's that crazy, busy time of year.  We all have obligations, commitments, and festivities to attend.  And todays share is just that.  {smile}  I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and my team gets together periodically to share creative ideas, and to socialize.  It's always way too much fun!  Anyways, we always get together during the holidays to do a gift and card exchange.  So, I am sharing with you the gift I made for the exchange.  I am also entering my project into a few challenges {smile}.

My first challenge entry is @ {Cupcake Inspirations}: CIC388.  They have this beautiful cupcake inspiration photo.  The required colors: red, gold, and cream.  How beautiful together!

What a gorgeous cupcake, right? and how inspirational!  And if this photo isn't enough, check out what this wonderfully talented group of ladies have created!  Amazing!

My next challenge entry is @ Word Art Wednesday #260-#261.  Their challenge is typically Anything Goes.  Which allows you to get creative and just make something.  This is a family-friendly site.  This wonderfully talented group of ladies provide you with a scripture (not required).  But the write-up will be spiritual.  So, it's always a good idea, to grab a cup of coffee, and read their beautiful words. {smile}

and here is what I made:

cupcake inspiration entry #22 & word art wednesday entry #237

Yes, it is another one of my holiday totes.  I just love these!  The decorated front has two coffee cups, because the inside in coffee themed.  Pretty sweet, right?

Recipe:  I used all Stampin' Up! supplies to create this, except the die to cut the tote and the clear box to hold my goodies.

The card stock to make the panels, Cherry Cobbler card stock (#119685).  I just love the depth of this red, and the heavy weight of the paper.  {smile}  The pattern paper for the tote and coffee cuffs is a new holiday paper Warmth & Cheer designer series paper stack (#141991).  This paper 'stack' comes in a 6" x 6" pad.  So the patterns are a smaller scale for cards and other projects.  The main panel is white card stock that was run through an embossing folder to give it the appearance of a sweater.  I thought it was a perfect pair! The embossing folder is Cable Knit (#143537).  This new embossing folder is 6" x 6", which I just love.  I machine stitched the embossed panel to the main pattern paper.  Then I wrapped a scrap piece of another pattern paper from the same pack: Warmth & Cheer.  

I used Delightful Dijon 5/8" mini Striped ribbon (#141430) to tie a simple bow to the tote.

The coffee cups from the Perfect Blend stamp set (#130745) were stamped on white card stock and then again on more pattern paper from the Warmth & Cheer collection.  I used foam tape to 'lift' one of the coffee cups off the front of the tote.  I didn't want it to look too flat.  I tied some kraft twine through a wooden button (retired) and adhered it to the cuff with a glue dot.

I made my sentiment with the same pattern paper as the belly band.  I stamped my sentiment in black classic ink, because that is what I used to stamp the coffee cups and cuffs.  I used a retired holiday stamp set Cozy Christmas (#139779) for the sentiment.

The tote contains: homemade Peppermint Bark, Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, and Cinnamon Nuts (almonds and pecans) packaged in clear (food safe) cello bags, along with a Starbucks coffee cup Christmas ornament, and a Starbucks gift card.  

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have been inspired to play along with these challenges.  I am off to cut card stock to make my Christmas cards.  Yeah, I am over a week late at this task.  But, they will be in tomorrows snail mail.  {smile}  I also need to get a few more totes made to go into the mail.

Have a wonderful day, and enjoy whats left of your weekend!

Christmas Tiny House

Howdy!  I wanted to share with you a project I made, that isn't all paper.  I made these tiny wooden houses for my holiday craft fair.  (Yep.  Me.)  But, I cover them with paper and fun embellishments.  My husband does a little wood working, and so he did help me in the beginning.  But, I'm a quick learner {smile}.  I made a few dozen of these for my holiday craft fairs.

I started with a scrap piece of MDF.  (please, I don't know what that stands for, or what it means.)  And I cut house shapes out of it.  My house shapes aren't perfectly symmetrical.  Which, is how I like it!  I think it helps add character, and interest to the finished product {smile}.

here is one of my holiday favorites:

Recipe:  The tiny wooden 'house' roughly measures 2 inches wide (at the base) and 1 1/2 inches tall (at the peak) and 3/4 inch thick.  Super cute size!  I painted the block (all over) with white chalk paint.  Just one good, thick coat.  Then I took my sanding block and sanded it smooth.  This took off some of the paint, giving my naked block a distressed look.  It also help soften the corners.  Then I applied a cream sealant.  I didn't want the block to continue to 'loose' its paint.  

Now the fun part! Decorate!  I used two scrap pieces of my Tilda pattern paper. (love, love, love this paper!)  I used my Paper It to adhere the pattern paper to the block, and it also seals the paper.  To help cover the seam of the two papers, I added a scrap piece of white crochet trim.  I added this beautiful rhinestone flat-back snowflake.  It has so much sparkle in real life.  I tied a tiny bow with a scrap piece of pink silk 1/4" ribbon and adhered it to the other side of the snowflake.  I added a trio of flat-back faux pearls; one in the attic, and two on the side.  (I thought it added a fanciness, and a sweet feminine touch.)  The word 'NOEL' is actually a rub-on.  My final touch, was to add 'snow' to the roof.  I adhered glitter to the roof, and then sealed the glitter with an application of Paper It.  I didn't do anything to the back.  So, it is left plain, well, distressed {smile}.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look!  I will get busy making a few things for some challenges I want to enter.  Hopefully, I can get some 'good' photos (fingers crossed).  So, please come back again soon!  But, until then, happy crafting!

Holiday Stitching

~ photo heavy, long post ~

Howdy.  Whew, what a crazy, busy weekend.  But busy in a great way!  I had a very successful holiday arts & crafts fair, this past Saturday!  Very exciting, and very enjoyable!  It was sweet to meet so many wonderful folks.  And I had a chance to chat with everyone!  Who wouldn't love that? {smile} 

I started off this week, at getting back to the gym and running.  Yes, it's never ending.  But I love it.  The gym gives me a chance to work out some aggression.  If you work in corporate america, you know exactly what I mean.  And running, gives me a chance for me.  It's just me, my music, and the road.  Some quality time for me to sort my thoughts, and get some clean, fresh, mountain air, and take a break from corporate america.  {smile}

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things I crafted (and sold) from last weekend.  So, I will post today, most likely tomorrow, and maybe another day this week.  It all depends on my energy level. 

I am entering my large gift card holder in the Word Art Wednesday : Anything Goes challenge!
*my large gift card holder was selected as a 'Top Three'!  Thank You Word Art Wednesday.
I am also entering my large gift card holder in the Retro Sketches challenge.  it's a sketch!

I love fabric (along with paper).  But, I don't sew garments.  I don't sew toys.  I sew on paper.  And I know a lot of folks who make wearables.  Not me.  But I understand the thrill of finding a gorgeous print.  Or the perfect shade of pink (or any other color) to finish a project.  

I collected some pattern papers from Carta Bella, the Sew Lovely and So Noted.  I wanted to make something sweet, pretty, and practical.  

a sweet gift tote (to hold fabric, or supplies):

a covered notepad (to jot down sketches, supplies, etc):

and finally, a large gift card holder (it holds a pre-packaged gift card):

I just loved how the green stripe and the blue ruler pattern papers looked together.  Not really christmas-y, but simply pretty!  And if you craft (any kind) you know if you find something that works really well together, you don't 'un-do' it.  

I used a variety of stuff from my stashes, so it would be ridiculous to name everything.  But, I'll list a few.  And as always, if you have a question about a particular product, please just ask.

The blue-ish solid card stock used for everything is Mint Macaroon by Stampin' Up!  The cream cotton embroidered trim is from an internet purchase.  The stamping for the gift card holder is from Paper trey Ink (no peeking: holiday friendship jar.  homespun: love lives here holiday).  I stamped in Mint Macaroon and Basic Black classic inks by Stampin' Up!  The pink seam binding is from Stampin' Up!.  However, it is retired: Pink Pirouette.  The sewing theme fabric brads are from LemonCraft.  (LemonCraft is an eastern european company)  The silver scissor 'charm' is an internet purchase.  The large snowflake is a die from PaperTrey Ink, and the glitter paper is from Stampin' Up!.  The green check pattern fabric strips are from an internet purchase as well.  It was listed as fabric ribbon.  And as always (ok, almost always, always) I did machine stitching on my projects.  I think it adds a 'homespun' touch! {smile}

Well, thank you for stopping by!  now, I am off to finish some holiday shopping, and to get a few items out in the mail!  I hope you have been inspired, or at least the creative wheel is turning!

Last Holiday Craft Fair

Howdy ya'll!  Just popping in real quick to let you know that my last holiday craft fair, (ok, any craft fair) this year is TODAY!  I will be at La  Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The craft fair hours are 9a to 4p.   So, if there has been anything I've posted on my Facebook page, InstaGram or Twitter that you just have to see in person, I suggest you shop early!  I have reduced some of my pricing, to move everything!

Also, if you can't make the craft fair but are interested in anything I have posted, please let me know. If it hasn't sold, I will sell it to you.  PayPal can generate an invoice, or I can post it in my Etsy shop.

Thank you for stopping by.  And I hope to see you at the craft fair!

Cyber Monday

It's 'Cyber Monday' !  It's the virtual shopping holiday like Black Friday!  So, for all of those who prefer to shop on-line, here is my SALE @ my Etsy Shop.

all orders will be processed as soon as possible, because I am placing my shop on 'vacation' this Thursday thru the beginning of next week, to get prepared for my last craft show.  Happy shopping!

Vintage Chic Christmas Card

Welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  Grab a cup of coffee/tea, and scroll through my posts.  I have been busy crafting and posting what I have created.  I was browsing a local paper store, and stumbled upon this beautifully neutral pattern paper by Heidi Swap: Vintage Chic.  A beautiful collection of pattern papers in cream, black, grey, teal, and pink.  Amazing.   Now, if you scroll down a few posts, you will see that I have crafted two notebooks, a gift tote, and a few cards.  But, I am not done crafting with these beautiful pattern papers, yet! {smile}  

While surfing the web, I stopped by one of my favorite eastern European challenge sites: Scrap Magic.   Their current challenge is kraft & pearls, it is part of their 'contrast' challenge.  They also have a beautiful inspiration board.  And if you need a little more creative eye candy, please check out what the design team have created.  You will be pleasantly surprised {smile}.

*there is a translate button for this site

This challenge and my 'new' Vintage Chic pattern paper, are perfect together!

I also stopped by the Christmas Card Challenge.  I wanted to see what their new challenge is.  Their current challenge is Anything Goes.  Easy to work with {smile}.

and here is what i created:

*my mix of textures, and **my repeat of color

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink, for the card base.  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matt.  I used 3 different pattern papers from the Vintage Chic collection by Heidi Swap: kraft & cream stripes, grey polka dots on cream, and ledger print on cream paper.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  It's a soft kraft color ink.

I adhered the kraft & cream stripe paper onto the mint macaroon card stock, and sewn a simple border stitch on the main panel.  

I used my Tasteful Trim die to create the large scallop panel with the grey polka dot on cream pattern paper.  I wrapped a piece of mint macaroon taffeta ribbon around the large scallop die cut piece.  

I used one of my digital bingo cards and matted it on mint macaroon card stock.  I tucked it just under the large scallop piece.  

I used a mini banner punch by Stampin' Up! to create my trio of banners.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I used a scrap piece of mint macaroon card stock to matt each banner piece. I adhered them to the main panel, and then used my stapler to secure them to the card front.  (*I love mixing different textures: paper, fabric, metal, pearls/rhinestones, etc.)  I tied my bow upside down.  I like how the bow sat, upside down, better then right side up.  

I stamped my sentiment in baked brown sugar classic ink by Stampin' Up!, onto white card stock.  I wanted a soft, creamy, kraft color, and love how this color looked.  I used mint macaroon as my matt. I used foam tape to 'lift' the sentiment block off the card front.  

I used one of my Prima: Coffee Break fabric blossoms, to add a feminine touch to the card.  I just love the lace and pearl center.  So delicate and pretty.  

For my final touch, I added some kraft-colored, flat-back pearls, and some mint-colored, flat-back jewels in two clusters of three.  (**Kraft and Mint are the two main colors, and so I repeated these colors whenever I could.)

Thank You, for visiting my blog.  I hope you have found some inspiration.  And I hope you have the opportunity to play along with either of these challenges.  I know that they would love to see what you have created {smile}.

Vintage Chic Cards & Bag

Howdy!  My crafting frenzy continues.  I needed a little inspiration and guidance, so I stopped by a few of my favorite challenges.  Ok, three {smile}.

I stopped by the Cupcake Inspirations to see their inspirational photo.  And their color combo, is perfect for this new-to-me Vintage Chic collection by Heidi Swap.  I know, it's not holiday themed, and I should be crafting for my last craft fair.  But these colors, are just perfect!

*my card was selected as a 'Sweet Six' winner!

To help with my 'direction' in crafting, I stopped by the ever easy-to-work-with sketch @ Retro Sketch Challenge.  These ladies have very adaptable sketches that will work with almost any style of paper crafting you create.  Here is their current sketch (they are having some issues with Link)

My final stop, was @ Brown Sugar Challenge.  This creative design team, has a current challenge: anything goes.  So, super easy to play along {smile}.

and here is my card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink for the card base.  I just love the heavy weight of this card stock.  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin' Up! for the matt.  I just love this color, and it helps highlight the mint color on the Vintage Chic collection, by Heidi Swap.

I used the steel polka dots on cream pattern paper as my 'band'.  I matted this pattern paper onto steel texture solid card stock.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink.   

I added a quick and simple border stitch with my sewing machine.  When I reached the 'band' piece, I did a zig zag stitch.  I wanted to add some visual interest {smile}.

I wrapped my last remaining piece of steel gray silk ribbon around the card 'band'.  I tied it into a simple bow.  I added a rhinestone brad to the bottom of the bow.  I added a pale blue-mint paper blossom to the top of the bow.

I added a digital Bingo card in place of the tag.  I added a rhinestone 'blossom' to the lower right corner of the bingo card.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  I stamped the sentiment on cream linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  I hand-cut the banner ends, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I matted the sentiment banner with early espresso card stock by Stampin' Up!.

I had so much fun and creativity flowing when I was creating this card, I made another.  But I turned it 90 degrees. 

and I also made a gift tote:

I really enjoyed working with this paper collection: Vintage Chic.  The soft neutrals gave my projects a soft feminine look.  The extra card and gift tote, have gold satin ribbon.  I added little pieces of mint toned embellishments to help pull it all together.  I used a 'gift tangle' on the tote.  It's the crystal-like dangle from the taupe dot lace trim.  {smile}

I hope you have been inspired to play along with any of these challenges.   I am off to the grocery store.  I am making a pumpkin pie, and need a few baking items.  And then the crafting will continue!

Vintage Chic

Howdy & welcome to my little slice of blog-land.  I am still crafting {smile}.  I am preparing for my last craft fair next weekend.  Saturday, to be exact.  But I wanted to share with you a new decorated notebook.  I went to our local scrapbook store, and stumbled upon this beautiful pattern paper collection by Heidi Swapp - Vintage Chic.  It is basically all neutrals with a teal blue shade.  So, I pick up a few sheets of this beautiful (to me) pattern paper and headed home!

here is what I came up with:

Now, I have a lot of paper crafting supplies, so the pattern paper is all I had to purchase (at this time).   I selected embellishments that were sweet, rustic, french, and/or simple pretty!

Recipe:  I used mint macaroon card stock by Stampin; Up! for the matt.  

I cut strips of each of the pattern papers in the Vintage Chic collection.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  I cut a 4" burlap doily in half, and adhered it to the right side.  I added a simple border stitch around the front panel.  I did  a zig zag stitch at each pattern paper seam.  I tucked a black and white French tag in behind the doily.  I added a bingo card.  I hand-stamped my sentiment.  I hand cut the banner.  I sponged the edges to help give the sentiment banner some definition.  The 'vintage chic' sentiment tag is actually the pattern paper label.  I adhered it to the front of the notebook with foam tape.  I added a scrap length of teal velvet ribbon to a rhinestone heart ribbon slide, just below the vintage chic label.  I added a Prima holiday paper blossom.   I added a white resin floral garland.  I wrapped some cream crochet trim around the notebook cover, and looped it through the metal word bar.  I used black pearl brads to secure the ends.

I am super happy with how beautiful (to me) this decorated notebook turned out.  So, I made a matching gift tote.  {smile}  I had so much fun creating this notebook, that I made another.  I used some of the same pattern papers, and added pink as my accent color.  Stay tuned for photos of my other creations!

Season of Peace & Joy Combo

Howdy! and the holiday crafting keeps keeping-on! {smile}  I needed a new focus (aka layout) so I headed to an old favorite: Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  They always have some easy-to-work-with sketches, so it was a no-brainer!

and, see what I mean?  easy-to-work-with sketch!

and here is what I made:

matching card and gift tote

I made a matching card (blank on the inside) and gift tote, using Mojo Monday current sketch!  Once I saw their sketch, it did not take me long to whip this up!  When I started with this sketch, I created the card first, so let's start there!

Recipe for the card: for the card base, I used Mossy Meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Its this rich deep green, that is just gorgeous in real life!

The pattern papers I selected are old.  Probably 5 years old.  The main deep red, and the sentiment block are both Basic Grey.  The striped paper and the blue polka dot paper are Bo Bunny.  I matted the striped paper onto Marina Mist card stock by Stampin' Up!.  Did a quick and easy single border stitch with my sewing machine.  I also sewn the cream cotton trim and green seam binding to the pale blue polka dot pattern paper.  

I hand-stamped my sentiment onto a journalling block.  I used early espresso embossing powder to give the sentiment a presence.  The stamp is another old-y.  It is an Anna Griffin from 10/+ yrs ago.  I matted the journalling block with a scrap piece of the mossy meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I adhered the journalling block to the card front with foam tape.

I kept the snowflake embellishment from the sketch, and used a wooden snowflake from Stampin' Up!.  I believe it is 2 years ago.  I also included a retired Stampin' Up! brad, from their Occasions catalog (4/5 years ago).  I didn't add any adhesive to the snowflake.  The brad is what secures it to the card front.  (That way the snowflake will turn.)  And viola!

Recipe for the tote:  I wanted these two items to match, so I used Mossy Meadows card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I had a large enough scrap piece of the same papers, so I used them.  

I ran out of thread, so I could not do any machine stitching on the stripe pattern paper.  (We live 28 miles outside of town in the mountains.  So I did not jump in my car and drive into town for thread.  Especially on Black Friday with all the crowds.  Sorry.)

I matted the stripe paper onto Marina Mist card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I just love how this blue highlights the blue in the striped pattern paper.

I cut a wider strip from the pale blue polka dot pattern paper.  This time, I didn't add the green seam binding.  Instead, I used Ocean Tides polka dot ribbon, by PaperTreyInk.  I flipped the ribbon over, and used the solid side.  I like how this 'softer' side of the ribbon matched the blue polka dot pattern paper.  This ribbon wraps all the way around the tote, and ends on the side at the banner's end.   (and yes, I have too much ribbon.  And no, I am not a hoarder.  I am a collector {smile}.)

I used the same journalling block for my sentiment piece.  I hand-stamped the sentiment and heat embossed it with early espresso embossing powder.  I matted the journalling block with a scrap piece of mossy meadow card stock by Stampin' Up!.  I adhered the journalling block to the front of the tote with foam tape.

I added another large wooden snowflake by Stampin' Up!.  and secured it to the front of my tote with a retired brad by Stampin' Up!.  

Thank you for looking.  I have a few more projects to complete for my last upcoming craft fair!  And yes, I am getting more and more comfortable with my new upgraded photo editing software.  {smile}

Final Craft Fair

Howdy!  this is my final craft fair, this holiday season.  I have reduced the price on everything!  I don't want to take anything home.  Remember to shop early for the best selection.  I will still take special orders.  

I have gift bags, gift card holders, cards (holiday and other) tiny wooden houses, mini christmas trees in salt shakers, magnetic monograms, dry snow globe jar toppers, my fabric wreaths and banners, and so much more!  I am in B hall. Please stop by, take a look, and say 'hello'.  

Birthday Tag Card

Howdy!  I had such a good time making my last Thank You card, that I decided to make a few more cards with more of my tags and sentiment blocks.  I made a holiday card, and a birthday card.    The trick for me, was to keep the cards looking fresh, and not a carbon copy of the previous.  I hope you like these!

the birthday card:

and the holiday card:

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock by PaperTreyInk for the card bases.  I used a neutral background digital paper for the main piece.  I printed the digital pieces (background pattern paper, tags, and sentiment blocks) on white linen card stock, by PaperTreyInk.  All of the edges of the papers (printed and otherwise) were sponged with crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  

I did a simple border stitch around the top portion of each card.  I included the doily in the stitching.  I made simple random pleats with the cream cotton trims.  I even machine stitched the ribbon to the card fronts.  (I do this, so I don't have to add adhesive to my ribbons/trims.  I also think it adds a homespun touch/feeling to my cards.)

The sentiment blocks are adhered to the card fronts with foam tape.  To help give the card some dimension, and not look so 'flat'.  

For the birthday card: I added a scrap piece of lace and tied a button to the tag.  I added a 'splash' of flat back pears, and a paper blossom to the card. 

For the holiday card: I added a large rhinestone clip.   

Thank you for looking.  Now, it's time for turkey and pie!  I hope this day is spent with those who truly mean the most to you!  And remember to reflect on your blessings.  {smile}

Thanksgiving Thank You Card

Howdy.   I am still crafting for my last holiday craft fair.  December 3rd, @ La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  But, I did stop for an evening to bake some pies that were ordered for today, and of course I had to make a Thank You card to go with them!

Typically, my baked goods are hand-held, aka small.  But a wonderful co-worker asked for 2 slab pies.  A slab pie, is a pie made in a jelly roll pan.  So, it has the ease of a sheet cake, but it's pie!  When we have pot lucks at work, and I am asked to bring dessert, I bring either cupcakes or slab pie.

I made my version of SummerTime Harvest Pie.  This pie has strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, red raspberries, green apples, and peaches.  I omit the top crust for a sour cream topping that is baked.  I feel that this keeps it 'light and sweet'!

here is the card:

When I was photographing this card @ 5a yesterday (no sunshine or full moon light available) I just loved how my white sweater Starbucks coffee-to-go ornament looked sitting next to the card, so I didn't edit it out.  I'm happy I left it.  I think it helps add some warmth to my photo.  {smile}

Recipe:  I used kraft card stock for the card base.  The heavy weight card stock is from Paper Trey Ink.   The polka dot pattern paper, is actually a digital paper that is printed on Linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  

I sponged crumb cake classic ink, by Stampin' Up! to the edges of all the papers and the doily.  I printed a sheet of floral tags (digital), and sentiment cards (digital) onto whisper white card stock, by Stampin' Up!  I layered the sentiment card on top of the floral tag, but left the blossom at the bottom showing, along with the text at the top of the tag.

I added a simple, single border stitch with my sewing machine around the top portion of the card.

I sewn a 'messy' pleat with a 2-inch wide cream cotton embroidered trim.  I then sewn a scrap piece of this pale pink seam binding over the cotton trim.  I didn't wrap the cotton trim or the seam binding around the card.  I wanted it left 'messy' with unfinished edges.

I tied a triple bow with the same pale pink seam binding.  I tied a snowflake dangle embellishment with kraft twine around the seam binding bow.  This 'bow' is adhered to the card front with hot glue.

Viola! done.  Not a ton of embellishments, and not a lot of 'stuff', and my card is done.  A 'quick' (for me) card that was completed in just under an hour.  

I tied each pie with a pink ribbon, and added a tag from the same sheet of tags I printed for this card.  That way, it all looks like it belongs together.  {smile}

Vintage Noel in Paris Card

Howdy.  I haven't stopped Christmas crafting yet!  I have just been side railed with a few other obligations.  I was baking individual size Lemon Cream Coffee Cakes, 3-inch Traditional French Apple Tarts, and a few dozen Boston Cream Cupcakes.  And  yeah, I had to make pretty gift cards to go with them {smile}.

But, I did find time to make some holiday cards and a few gift bags to match {smile}.

I am playing along with two different paper crafting challenges:  Mix It Up Challenge and Brown Sugar Challenge. 

So, let's start with Mix It Up Challenge.  They have a sketch and an inspirational photo.  You can use either or both.  How sweet is that?  I used the inspirational photo!

I was inspired by the red and green colors of the holiday photo, along with the holiday theme.

The other challenge I am entering is Brown Sugar Challenge.  These talented ladies have an Anything Goes theme.  Always great ideas from the design team.  They use items from the current sponsor and create some of the most beautiful paper crafts!

here is the card that I made:

Recipe:  I used real red card stock from Stampin' Up!  I just llove the heavy weight.  The pattern paper I used is from a few years ago.  I don't remember who made it, but that is all I have left {frown}.  The green gingham pattern is the reverse side of the holy/polka dot pattern.  

I machine stitched a piece of cream cotton trim and red gingham ribbon to the card front.  Tied a double bow with the ribbon.  I tied a larger double bow with kraft twine and tied a silver Tim Holtz pinecone to the twine.  Then layered my trims:  rat twine and red ribbon.  

I added a dark green glittered paper blossom to the top of the bows.

My focal piece is actually a digital download.  I printed the image on white linen card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  I originally purchased the digital image to print on kraft card stock.  I haven't given up on the idea.  {smile}   I thought this image would look better on white.  To help accent the white polka dots (aka snow falling)

Thank you for looking!  I hope your weekend is wonderful! and creative!

Thankful for You Card

Howdy.  The holiday crafting continues.  But, I took a break from Christmas trees, and wrapped presents, and made a card for a customer {smile}.  I knew that I wanted to use some of my 'Sewing' themed pattern paper, and a mini post card.  I just needed a little direction.  So, I headed over to Mojo Monday to take a look at their current sketch, and yeah, I made it work {smile}.

and here is what I made:

Before I get to the recipe of my card, I just have to say, that I am still trying to hang of this new and improved photo editing program.  Today's edit went a lot smoother.  But, I don't feel like I am truly proficient at it, yet.  {smile}

Recipe:  I started with Blush Blossom card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  This solid card stock has been retired for almost a decade.  So, I hoard it like gold!  It's a soft, and creamy pale pink color.  Not quite pink, and not quite peach.  And I love the heavy weight of it!

The yard stick,  the pink polka dots, and the scissor pattern papers are from Carta Bella, their Sew Lovely collection.  The yard stick pattern paper is 4" x 5 1/4".  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  The pink polka dot and scissor pattern papers are 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".  I adhered them together with a small overlap, so that their finished size is 3 1/2" x 4 3/4".  I added a double border with my sewing machine.  (I just love this look.)

I layered a scrap piece of cream embroidered trim and a mauve pink scallop trim, at the top of the card.  I secured these two trims to the card front with my sewing machine, too.  I tied a small piece of pink sequin trim to a white button with gold bakers twine.  I adhered the button to the card front with my hot glue gun.

I cut my mini post card down, and sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.  I hand-stamped my sentiment directly on the mini post card.  I used baked brown sugar classic ink.  I wanted my sentiment to look faded and vintage.  I adhered it to the card front with foam tape.  And viola!

I am pretty happy with how my card came out.  Thank you for visiting!  And I hope you have been inspired to play along with this super talented group over @ Mojo Monday.   {smile}