Tag shaped accordion fold card...

This is the photo inspiration for this week's challenge at the City Crafter Challenge Blog. The photo is called 'Inspired by the Garden' by Leslie at A Creative Mint. So the challenge is to create a card or project using any color from the photo and it must include something mail related (e.g stamp, text, envelope, postcard etc). I chose the lovely violet color with a touch of soft green for my card. I also made this with the Moxie Fab World Card Style Week Shabby and Vintage Challenge in mind.

Ok, there's a lot going on with this card both inside and out so that's why I took so many pics. It'll be like a little journey, a voyage through my card!! : ) Ok, here we go, hopefully I won't lose my internet connection in the middle of this!! On the front, the printed paper is from Webster's Pages Petite Pages, I went with the lavender tones from there. 

I stitched the edges and softened with blending chalks in soft green. I layered some lilac lace and added all those sequins. The stamped detail above the lace is from Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used more from this set throughout the card.

The love tag is a Studio G stamp I stamped on some Webster's Pages paper in Green Olive Creative Inspirations Paint, I painted the border with Light Purple paint and I over stamped the text part with some VersaMagic Spring Pansy Ink. The flower I made from circles of purple chiffon and satin fabric. (I've described the method in a previous post and I'm hoping to get around to a tutorial soon!)

As you can see from this profile pic there's lots of stuff inside the card so I decided to make a simple ribbon closure with some pretty distressed ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique at Etsy. (I think it must be dyed with coffee because there's a lovely aroma from it!!)

Inside I used a postcard digi image for a place for someone to write a special message. The postcard is from the Honeychurch set by Kenner Road available at Two Peas in A Bucket. I distressed the edges a little more with blending chalks and inks. 

The oh so cute little crochet heart is from Annie Design at Etsy, a lovely Irish lady makes these adorable hearts and a wonderful array of crochet flowers in every color imaginable. I'm addicted to her stuff!! I added the little lavender bow myself.

So, here's the full view of the inside and the back. I painted the little paper rose in Light Purple and Lavender Creative Inspirations Paint. The buttons are from my big bag of buttons!!

I stamped a little more from the Victorian Fripperie set by Waltzingmouse Stamps on the back of the card. The pretty paper is from Webster's Pages again. I think the button and touch of ribbon make a nice full stop at the end of this card. 

Just in case you were wondering what was on the back of the accordion fold I just used some lovely striped paper from Anna Griffin Old Paris Palette Decorative Impressions Paper Pack. I softened the edges with some lavender blending chalks.

SO, that's it I think I'm done with this card. Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post!! : )

I need a cup of tea!! AND a biscuit (cookie)!

Supplies:

Card/paper: Anna Griffin - Decorative Impressions Paper Pack (Old Paris Palette), lavender card, Webster's Pages Petite Pages (triple pack Nature's Storybook, Seaside Retreat & Garden Gala), digital paper Honeychurch by Kenner Road at Two Peas in a Bucket

Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps, Studio G Clear Stamps series 41

Ink: VersaMagic Spring Pansy, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen

Other: Creative Inspirations Paints in Green Olive, Light Purple and Lavender, blending chalks, sewing machine, natural twine, purple chiffon fabric, purple satin fabric, selection of buttons, lavender sequins, lilac lace, lavender seam binding, lavender organza ribbon, distressed ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique at Etsy, lavender satin ribbon, flat backed pearls, crochet heart from Annie Design at Etsy, paper rose.

Two little doves!!

It's my final week as Guest Designer at Sharon's Stamp Simply blog. I've had such fun playing along with all the great challenges! Thanks for having me! This week's challenge is a color challenge, we were given this photo for inspiration. The colors we were to use were green and yellow with white or ivory as the neutral color, a touch of black was an option if desired! Here's my little card.

I also used this week's sketch (Laura's Sketch 57) from 2 Sketches 4 You. The fab green papers are from The Berry Meadow Pack by Quirky Twerp at The Digichick. The music sheet is from The Thrift Shop (October Afternoon) available at the Stamp Simply Store. The border I painted at the top at bottom is Evergreen Creative Inspirations Paint.

I hadn't intended there being any birds on the card but I got the idea from the music sheet 'The Little Doves'. I had this felt laser cut table decoration I bought ages ago, it had birds in it, so I just snipped them out of the design. I rubbed the edges of them with Versamagic Tea Leaves ink pad. I just drew the little wings on some of the music sheet paper and cut out. I did soften the edges with a little blending chalk.

The pretty crochet lace and cream silk ribbon are both from the Stamp Simply Store. The buttons are from my big bag of buttons! I added a little zigzag stitching on the sewing machine. The sentiment is from Anna Griffin In the Garden set.

You can play along too, just use the keyword ssnotime150 when uploading to any public forums, don't forget to upload to Sharon's Mr.Linky too!

Now, for some inspiration have a look at some of the wonderful creations from the Stamp Simply Design Team, just follow the links below.

Sharon Johnson:  No Time To Stamp?

Deb Neerman:  Paper, Ink, Scissors & Stamps 

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits 

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat.

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden 

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color 

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover 

Supplies:

Card/paper: White card, Music sheet from The Thrift Shop (October Afternoon), Digi papers from Berry Meadow by Quirky Twerp at The Digichick

Stamps: Anna Griffin In the Garden (sentiment)

Ink: VersaMagic Tea Leaves, Brilliance Archival Ink Moonlight White

Other: Selection of buttons, sewing machine, Creative Inspirations Paint in Evergreen, felt birds, crochet lace and cream silk ribbon from The Stamp Simply Store, natural twine.

Vintage corner bookmark

I'm such a big fan of these corner bookmarks by Beate Johns (here's the link to the tutorial), they slip simply over the corner of your book to mark your spot. I gave the last one I made to my mum but I really wanted one for myself so I made another!! You need so little to make them and you can make them as fancy or as simple as you want! I went for the fancy option!! I also made this with the Moxie Fab World Card Style Week Shabby and Vintage Challenge in mind.

I just love this little chair image, it's one of my favorites from Webster's Pages petite papers Garden Gala pack. The petite papers are just perfect for cards and these bookmarks, the images are just the right size!! So I went with a nice peaches and cream color scheme to pick up the colors in the paper. The trim is an old trim I had in my stash. I added the flat backed pearls.

I distressed the edges with some Creative Inspiration Paints in Mango, Caramel and Chocolate. I don't know if you can see it but I did stamp a little motif from Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps and embossed in silver pearl. I stitched around the edges of the bookmark on the sewing machine.

The beige shabby ribbon is from Prairie Bird Boutique at Etsy and the peachy ribbon is from Memrie Mare also Etsy. It was a pale pink color but I sponged a little Mango Creative Inspirations Paint over it to give it a peachy hue! The lace is from my stash (I usually buy big mixed bundles on ebay!)

The flower I made from circles of cream organza fabric and cream lining fabric. They're really easy to make (a little dangerous, make sure there's no kids around!), the edges of the fabric circles are heated next to the flame of a candle so the edges melt. The fabric never touches the flame, always about 1cm from the edge of the flame. It only works on synthetic fabrics. It's an amazing process, the edges curl up just like petals!! Then you just layer the circles and add a centre. I brushed the edges of mine with some PVA and dipped into some ultra fine glitter!!

So, there you have it, the corner bookmark. I'm definitely addicted anyway!! Give it a try, it's really easy!!

Supplies:  

Card/paper: White card, Webster's Pages Petite Pages - Garden Gala

Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps

Ink: Versamark

Other: Ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique and Memrie Mare at Etsy, lace from stash, natural twine, flat backed pearls, pearl button, organza fabric, cream lining fabric, trim, Creative Inspirations Paint in Mango, Caramel and Chocolate, Silver Pearl embossing powder, heat gun, ultra fine glitter.

Dublin Style - PDCC#39

There's a lovely color challenge at the Play Date Cafe this week, 'Dublin-Style' with colors from the Russell Court Hotel. I just loved working with these beautiful muted tones. I did have a pretty bad day yesterday (creatively speaking) NOTHING was working for me. So I started fresh today, it took a while to make but I finally finished it. I've fancied making a handbag(purse) shaped card for a while, so here's what I came up with.

I just love this butterfly print from the Mariposa Stack DCWV, I thought the colors were pretty close for the challenge too. I didn't have any card in that lovely warm biscuit color so I just rubbed my Distress Ink Pad in Antique Linen over some white card and sponged the edges with Tan Creative Inspirations Paint. Most of the bag I drew freehand but I used the envelope template from my previous post to get the shape at the top of the bag.

The motif I stamped at the bottom of the bag is from Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used the same motif on the tag, which I embossed in silver pearl. The sentiments are from the same set.

As you open up the card, you see the same motif I used earlier, this time stamped in black. I also painted a border around the top section in Onyx Creative Inspirations Paint.

As you open the card completely, you can see I used the same butterfly print to compliment the exterior of the card. I stamped the smaller motif from the Victorian Fripperie set in a row in black just above it. I left a nice area of warm biscuit to write a personal message in.

For the handle I used some strong black ribbon I had in my stash. I used some fabulous black silk ribbon from the Stamp Simply Store to make the bow (they just got some gorgeous new ribbons in too!) The clasp I made from a black button and a large vintage pearl clip on earring. I added a little stitching detail around the edges of the card. I do love shaped cards. I have a couple of slightly more complex bag templates that I'll have to give a go now!!

Supplies:

Card/paper: White card, Mariposa Stack DCWV
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Versamark, Archival black ink, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen
Other: Creative Inspirations Paint in Onyx and Tan, sewing machine, black satin ribbon, black silk ribbon, super glue, black button, vintage pearl earring, flat backed pearls, embossing powder in silver pearl, heat gun.

Two's Company!

This week at Sharon's Stamp Simply blog the theme is 'Two's Company'. The challenge is to use two of something, two different patterned papers, two different stamps, two brads, two flowers, two bows.... you get the idea! No third just two, so I went with two colors, Black and off White and two stamps. The pretty digital dress stamp and sentiment are from 'Sew Fabulous' by Nina Brackett at Squigglefly. I also made this with the Moxie Fab World Card Style Week Classy & Elegant Challenge in mind.

The stunning patterned digi papers are from Fabrications Classic Paper Pack by Quirky Twerp from the Digichick. I used two different patterned papers to paper-piece the dress, I heat embossed the bodice by painting it with some Onyx Creative Inspirations Paint, sprinkled with black embossing powder and heated. I also made a matching envelope to go with the card.

The template for it (Rectangular Envelopes Set 1 from The Cutting Files) is from the Digichick. I distressed the edges by sponging with the same Onyx paint I used before. I embellished it with some diamontés and a black button.

The big bow I made from beautiful black silk ribbon from The Stamp Simply Store. I attached the sentiment tag with some of the narrow black silk ribbon also from The Stamp Simply Store. I added a little shimmer border on the tag with some Creative Inspirations Paint in Winter Frost.

I used the same Winter Frost to paint the background the dress is on. I stitched a little border on the sewing machine and I sponged the edges of the card with Onyx the same as the envelope. I like how this turned out!!

You can play along too, just use the keyword ssnotime149 when uploading to any public forums, don't forget to upload to Sharon's Mr.Linky too!

Now, take a peek at some of the lovely creations from the Stamp Simply Design Team, just follow the links below.

Sharon Johnson:  No Time To Stamp?

Deb Neerman:  Paper, Ink, Scissors & Stamps 

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits 

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat.

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden 

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color 

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover 

Supplies: 

Card/paper: White Card, Fabrications Classic by Quirky Twerp at The Digichick

Stamps: Digital stamp set -  'Sew Fabulous' by Nina Brackett at Squigglefly

Other: Creative Inspirations Paint in Onyx and Winter Frost, Black Silk ribbon from The Stamp Simply Store, buttons, diamontés, glue, black embossing powder, heat gun, foam pads, sewing machine, envelope template - Rectangular Envelopes Set 1 from The Cutting Files at the Digichick.

Into the woods...

* I made the TESC Top Crops with this card!! *

This week's Creative Inspirations Paint DT challenge is 'Into the woods' and we had to use metal or plastic embellishments on our projects too. I combined this challenge with Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #121, an interesting layout this week with lots of circles. This is also for Moxie Fab World Card Style Week Challenge: Shabby and Vintage.

There's lots of layers in this card! I used a combo of papers, Webster's Pages Petite Pages and some digi papers from Girlfriends by Nicole and Mari (Sugarplum Paperie) at the Digichick. I also used some lovely ribbons from the Stamp Simply store and vintage lace from my own stash. I distressed the edges of the card by sponging Creative Inspirations Paints in Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna and Copper.

I gathered some lace into a fan shape with a needle and thread. The little paper rose I painted with Burnt Sienna Creative Inspirations Paint. The sentiment I stamped with Green Olive (over stamped with Raw Sienna) and the border is painted with Winter Frost with a wash of Raw Sienna over it. I also painted some narrow cream ribbon with Green Olive Creative Inspirations Paint (I love the sparkle effect on ribbon). I made bows from the cream silk ribbon and the green ribbon I painted. I clipped them together with a vintage clip on earring (they make great embellishments!)

Oh yea and I added a little embossing behind the sentiment in Silver Pearl with a motif from Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps. I added some stitching on the sewing machine, a few buttons, flat backed pearls and some twine. I think this would make a lovely anniversary card.

Pop over to the Creative Inspirations blog to see the lovely creations from the rest of the Design Team.

Don't forget I'm Guest Designer for the month of July at Sharon's Stamp Simply blog and I'll be posting my creation later tonight!

Supplies:

Card/paper: White card, Webster's Pages Petite Pages Triple Pack (Seaside Retreat, Garden Gala, Nature's Storybook), Girlfriends by Nicole and Mari (Sugarplum Paperie) at the Digichick

Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps, Studio G Clear Stamps

Other: Creative Inspirations Paints in Winter Frost, Green Olive, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna and Copper, sewing machine, natural twine, flat backed pearls, silver pearl embossing powder, heat gun, buttons,  cream silk ribbon and beige twill from the Stamp Simply Store, selection of lace, paper rose, vintage clip on earring and glue.

Fun Rotating Flower Cards!!

Ok, some of you may not know but I recently became a Hybrid Chick. I get to combine traditional card making materials with digital products to create fun and interesting projects!! They've so many lovely goodies over at The Digichick I love working with their stuff!! So, all the Hybrid Chicks post an article at The Hybrid Chick every month and today my first article goes up at The Hybrid Chick site. I made some cards that have fun rotating flowers on them, here's a peek.

If you want to know how to make the rotating flower (which is a card mechanism you can apply to anything you want to rotate on your card) pop over to the Hybrid Chick and have a look at my tutorial!!! Full details are there! I also made this with Moxie Fab World Card Style Week: Fun & Cute in mind.

I made a couple of variations in the same style, the flower still rotates, it's just smaller! The flowers and lovely papers (except the yellow, which comes from The Thrift Shop, October Afternoon) all come from the Berry Meadow Pack by Quirky Twerp at The Digichick. Such a cheery set with fab papers in it!! And of course that great flower!!

So, it'd be great if you could pop over and check out my article at The Hybrid Chick. It'd be even better if you could give me some support and leave me a comment there!!! I'd be very grateful!! Thanks!! : )

English Rose

** So delighted my card WON at the City Crafter Challenge Blog!! **

When I saw this stunning pic at the City Crafter Challenge Blog, I just had to take part in their challenge this week 'English Rose'. A great color challenge of Red, Blue and White with the option of Rose. A great palette to work with! So here's what I came up with!! (This is also for Moxie Fab World Card Style Week: Shabby & Vintage Challenge)

I'm a big polka dot fan so I couldn't resist adding them in! The digi paper is from the Flutterbies Dots pack by MKC at the Digichick. (it's a great paper pack I use it all the time!) I distressed the edges with sandpaper, rubbed some Distress Ink over them and sponged a bit of Garnet Creative Inspirations Paint on the corners. I used bits from the map of London page from the Thrift Shop (October Afternoon) to tie in with the theme.

The gingham and stars papers are from Cupcake Cards and Crafts. I used the sentiment and circle from Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps which was just perfect for this challenge!! The sentiment I stamped with Sapphire Creative Inspirations Paint. The flower I made from circles of fabric and a button. (I'll be putting together a tutorial on how to make these flowers soon, they're sooo easy!!)

The bunting was easy to make, just triangles with a sticky fixer on the back joined together with some twine. I layered some lace, ribbon and some bakers twine behind the flower. I added the little buttons at the end and they finished it off nicely!! A cheery card!!

Supplies:

Card/paper: Flutterbies Dots pack by MKC at the Digichick, The Thrift Shop (October Afternoon),  Gingham and Stars papers from Cupcake Cards and Crafts
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Ink it Up True Red, Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Victorian Velvet and Antique Linen
Other: Creative Inspirations Paint in Garnet and Sapphire, lace, selection of ribbons, natural twine, red and white bakers twine, sewing machine, buttons, red fabric.

Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz!

Hello!! This is my FIRST ever blog waltz, how exciting!! The Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz theme is the colors of summer... BLUE and GREEN (any shades you like!!) I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. So without further ado, here's my creation!!

I decided to make a large tag shaped card, handy and pretty to attach to a gift! I went for a fairly soft palette of blue green, petrol blue and a soft turquoise blue, well it kinda all blends together! The green base card is from the Mariposa Stack DCWV, the dotty paper is The Thrift Shop (October Afternoon) and the pretty floral paper is a gorgeous digi paper from a set called Girlfriends by Nicole and Mari (Sugarplum Paperie) at The Digichick.

Of course I used some of the very beautiful Victorian Fripperie set by Waltzingmouse stamps (my favorite stamp set!!) to stamp along the bottom of the card in green. I used a little more of the digi paper to make the little circle tag and I stamped the circle and sentiment in the same green. I ran a little stitching around the edges of the card on the sewing machine.

To add a little extra something, I sponged the edges with some Creative Inspirations Paint in Sage, it softens the edges nicely and catches the light nicely (It always goes well with a bit of satin ribbon too). I didn't have any blue lace (who does?) so I painted some white lace with a bit of Sky Blue Creative Inspirations Paint, turned out pretty.

The flower I made from some plain green fabric (from my mom's stash!), it's a Kanzashi flower, I have used them on my cards before. They're not too hard to make once you've made a couple. I have a book 'Kanzashi in Bloom' by Diane Gilleland, there are great tutorials in it for all different styles of kanzashi flower but there are some good video tutorials online too! I backed mine with a little circle of card to make it easier to attach to the card. The buttons are from my 'big bag o' buttons'! I did paint the top button with Sky Blue around the rim.

I layered some lace, blue organza and a bit of blue embroidery thread behind the flower. Ok, I didn't intend to have such a long post, I just got carried away! Enjoy the rest of the blog waltz!!

Waltzingmouse Stamps July Blog Waltz - List

Supplies:

Card/paper: Mariposa Stack DCWV, The Thrift Shop (October Afternoon), floral digi paper from the Girlfriends kit by Nicole and Mari (Sugarplum Paperie) at The Digichick
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie by Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Versa Magic Tea Leaves
Other: Creative Inspirations Paint in Sage and Sky Blue, hole punch, blue embroidery thread, petrol blue satin ribbon, pale blue organza ribbon, selection of lace, sewing machine, green fabric, buttons.

* Ok, I found a tutorial that looks pretty good at 'Cut out and keep', here's the link *