Polka Dots Challenges

I was inspired by the challenge posted on the Little Red Wagon Challenge #11 and Hand Full of Stamps Challenge #12 that asked for projects using polka dots. The paper I used is from Me and My Big Ideas which I placed on medium tan cardstock. I cut the paper in sequence so that the graphic matched to the paper above it. The oval plaque was stamped with "birthday wishes" in Martha Stewart's Walnut ink and then centered on a larger oval using the co-ordinating polka dot kiwi green paper. I finished off by adding a small bow made from chocolate brown gross grain ribbon.

Enjoy! As always, your comments are always welcomed.

Pink & Brown Color Challenge

To me, nothing is more feminine for a girl's birthday card than pink. By using pink paper and a lovely pink bow, you're half way to making a fabulous card come to life. This card was submitted to the All Sorts Challenge Blog for Week 35 that called a project in pink and brown.

I selected chocolate brown cardstock as the backdrop for this card. I then used my new product from Sizzix, Texture Boutique, to emboss a piece of shell pink cardstock which I then distressed with a piece of sand paper. A smaller piece of the same shell pink cardstock was embossed using Cuttlebug's Texture Folder "Flowers". This embossed bouquet of flowers is the main focal point of the card. I used dimensions on both pieces of cardstock to give some definition to the front of the card. I added faux sticking with a white gel pen. I then took a length of soft pink glittery organza ribbon and threaded it between the layers to add a hit of softness to the front of the card. The stamped sentiment "birthday wishes" greets the reader on the inside of the card.

Although this was an easy card to make, it still has lots of style and sophistication. I gave this card to a friend of mine who loved it!

Enjoy!

Pleated Theatre Stage and Frosted Valentine Heart

I crafted this card when I found some pink and cream toile paper. French toile is a printed fabric that was made in one color usually depicting rural country scenes and of people from the 18th and 19th centuries. This took my thoughts to Europe and the theatre. I pleated the paper to resemble velvet drapes one would find in old movie theatres. I punch the edge of the drapes to give them a lace quality. Ecru twine and pearlized flower-shaped buttons hold the drapes in place. Next I added a top valance over the drapes to put the finishing touches to the 'stage'. The opened drapes showcase a large multi-layered glittered heart with a diagonal organza bow.

Materials used for this project:
toile paper - Anna Griffin Inc.
punch - Arch Lattice by Martha Stewart
buttons - Dress it Up
glitter - Crystalescent
natural twine - Darice
sheer ribbon - Michael's

This card was entered in the following challenges:
Charisma Cardz Challenge - "Something New" (New punch was used as was organza ribbon);
Simon Says Stamps Blog - Any card;
Dare U 2 - Challenge 29 - Buttons.

I hope you enjoy my 'showcase' of this valentine heart. Your comments are most appreciated. Thanks.

"Just for Fun" Valentine's Day Card

I thought this was a fun card. My starting point was the bunny rabbit (Cuttlebug Animal Embossing Folder) blowing heart-shaped bubbles. I followed that up with additional hearts cut out of striped paper (Me & My Big Idea). Gross grain ribbon in chocolate brown at the bottom of the card is held in place with a metalic brad. The words "just for fun" is stamped in chocolate brown and finishes off the card. It is now ready to give to the valentine of your choice.

This card was entered in the Simon Says Stamps Blog challenge - any card.

Enjoy!

Theme Challenge - Shabby Chic; Special Monthly Challenge - Paper Pleating

I read with interest the new challenge posted on Simon Says Stamps blog - "This week's challenge is "Shabby Chic" Shabby Chic is "showing signs of wear and tear, distressing, whites, worn or bleached out pastels, rustic" (courtesty of Wikipedia !!)." (http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/). When I heard the term Shabby Chic I immediately thought of something that is old, faded and distressed. I started researching the internet for inspiration which took me to viewing several vintage clothing sites and Paris haute couture. At the same time, this card is submitted to the Special Monthly Challenge using paper pleating as sponsored by Just Magnolia. (http://justmagnolia.blogspot.com/)

My neutral background cardstock is light tan. I pleated a scrap piece of designer paper (the manufacturer escapes me) and added a larger piece of the same paper. Next I tore strips of newspaper and tea-dyed them to obtain the look of very old newsprint. The fleur de lis gives the card a European feel. I added the chocolate brown gross grain ribbon to balance the left side of the card. More ribbon was added as well as a simple bow secured with a metallic brad. The word "love" was cut on my Cricut Expression using the Home Decor cartridge in the same paper as the fleur de lis and Martha Stewart glitter was applied.

I hope you enjoy my interpretation of "Shabby Chic". Your comments as always are very much appreciated.

Color Inspiration #57

Unfortunately, because I am a newbie to blogging, I accidentally deleted my original thoughts regarding Color Inspiration #57 hosted by Kristina Werner (http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?cat=13). I was really upset with myself. I am therefore re-posting my images but my dialogue was lost.