Sunday Playtime - "Thinking of You"

It's been a nice, lazy Sunday morning for us here at Camellia Cottage. And, though that is about to change for the rest of the day because I need to empty the dishwasher and start filling it up again, and get things going toward tonights dinner, I wanted to share with you what I've made today.


I used Bazzill cardstock as the base, and a wild paisley in pale greens and purples by Wild Asparagus. I did stitching around the perimeter in a variety of stitches with a dark green thread. For the centerpiece, I took a vintage looking picture of pansies, backed it on a buttery gold cardstock, then stitched around it on three sides to attach it.

I left the top open so I could slide a tag inside. See next picture for that. The tag is made from the same cardstock as the base, with a flourish stamped on using Versamark ink, and heat embossed with clear powder. The flourish stamp is from Autumn Leaves & Rhonna Farrer's 'Flourishes 2' set. I added a gold satin bow to the tag, inked the gold rectangle and stamped it with a tiny 'Thinking of You" stamp, from Kelly Panacci 'Sentiments' by Sandylion. To embellish the bow, I added a pale lavender flower from a piece of costume jewelery.



For other embellishments I used vintage purple velvet ribbon, silk hydrangea blossoms, pearl beads, and an old Avon earring of my grandmother's. I also added a few purple-y rhinestones for a little added texture.

Thanks for coming to visit, and I hope you've enjoyed looking at my latest creation. Blessings to you! Becky

Pia's September Tag Challenge on Scrapbook.com

Each month we have a tag-making challenge on Scrapbook.com, hosted by Pia from Sweden. For September, the challenge is to take a tag from clothing, and make it into a tag using scraps. Here's my entry 'before'.

Since the tag says 'look east', and has an Asian look to me, I ran with the Asian idea and used some scrap papers from Basic Grey's 'boxer' line, which to me have an Asian look to them. Here's the front of the finished product.

I'm not into Feng Shui, but having watched many home decorating shows, I knew a little bit about it, so I went online and found out a little more about the 'elements' of Feng Shui. There are 5 elements: fire (reds), water (blues), earth (greens), metal (grey and metallics) and wood (earthtones).

The colors of the paper had most of the colors, but I did add some blue blue bling for water, and attached the 'family' tag with a metal safety pin.

I also added some sisal twine, and a silk hydrangea blossom.

The center of the hydrangea is actually a stone from some old jewelery - very earthy. I inked the papers heavily with Distress Ink pad in Pine Needles color. The fibers are from an old, old kit.

On the reverse, I added a tag with a quote by Joyce Brothers: "When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses".

I hope you've enjoyed this little tag, because I loved making it. Come back to see me soon! Have a great Labor Day weekend! Becky

Sleepless Nights

Last night was horrible - just horrible! My dinner didn't set well, so tummy was a little irritable. We went to the local schools where we go to ride our Trikkes, and there were probably 200+ people there for some sporting event - darn! So we didn't get to ride. Then I came home, went to bed, and couldn't go to sleep for anything! I was restless, hubby was restless and to top it off he was snoring worse than usual - I'm exhausted!


















I finally got up @ 1:30, went into my playroom, closed the door, turned on the lights, and spent about 3 1/2 hours making a card. And if I do say so myself - it turned out just LOVELY! When hubby left for work about 4:15 I went to bed and slept about 3 hours or so. But - back to the card! Here's what I came up with in the wee small hours of the morning!

I called it "Home is where the heart is" because it's for a friend who is moving from her long time home. Actually this is my take on a card by Paulien710 on sb.com. The base is Bazzill cardstock, the base papers are old as the hills and I can't even start to tell you where I got them! I scissor distressed the papers and inked them with brown ink and frayed burlap Distress Ink.

The image is from clipart software, old lace, old buttons, a bit of gingham ribbon stapled on, and a couple of quilters pins. A red felt flower, some machine and hand stitching, and a bit of stickles on the dandelion bloom.

The blue button at top actually is attached to a tag which pulls out to say "Home is where the heart is". I made the envelope from some craft paper I crumpled up and inked heavily with brown ink and frayed burlap Distress Ink. The blue button is sewn onto the tag with yellow embroidery floss. The center of the red felt flower is a stone from an old, old piece of jewelery.

Now, this morning, after I got up, got a shower and felt a little more human, I got started on another card - while the inspiration was flowing! This card is for my aunt who is coming home after almost 2 months at their second home in Connecticut.





















For this one I used Bazzill as the base, Basic Grey's Boxer papers. The green is 'Fedora' and the red is 'Vintage Tee'. The image and the stamps are from clipart software. I inked all the papers with brushed corduroy Distress Ink and brown ink, stitched with machine in 5 or 6 different stitches - look closely, lol!

There's a hydrangea blossom with an old heart charm in the center, a couple of international postage stamps from clipart software, a gold crown charm from an old kit - who knows where, some velvet ribbon, and a dragonfly charm. The lace bow is attached to a tag that pulls out from under the rose picture - just above the velvet ribbon - and says "Welcome Home". You can't see it in the pic, but I attached the bow to the tag with a small safety pin. I also added the least little bit of 'diamond' stickles to the rose blossoms for accent.

I'm really proud of these two cards, and hope you have enjoyed looking at them. Thanks for visiting! Becky

Daring Cardmakers 'Dare' and another little something for Caardvarks!

I know that you will all understand this, because obviously you are a paperaholic if you are involved in scrapping and cardmaking. But you see, this new paper was equally 'burning a hole in my pocket' until I could use it, AND sitting to the side being enjoyed, because I was not wanting to cut it up! This was my first introduction to Daisy Bucket Designs, and I'm in love with their papers!

This little card was made using both sides of the 'Hadley' paper from their 'Perfect Harmony' line, and the pinwheel was made from the 'Avery' paper from the same line. The card is for the Caardvarks "Name That Tuna" music themed challenge. I am also submitting the card and the matching pinwheel for the Daring Cardmakers 'dare' called "A Side Order With That . . . ". The dare was to make something that matched the card as a little 'side order'. How cute is that!

First I distressed the Hadley paper using the scissors distressing technique, and inked the edges with black ink. Then I machine stitched around the edges with a bright purple-y thread. Next, I took some black grosgrain ribbon and wrapped it around the white section of the paper, then topped that with some black and white gingham ribbon and a cute bow. I topped the center of the bow with a white paper flower with bling from Petaloo. I also added a few more of the paper flowers down below the ribbon, in pink white and black. The bling comes on the flowers - isn't that handy!


I then took another small piece of the Hadley paper - the reverse side is a precious plaid - and scissor distressed and inked that as well, then crumpled it up and hit the high spots with a coordinating blue ink. After that I cut some music notes freehand from black Bazzill cardstock, added a few dots of silver with a metallic gel pen, and a dot of 'crystal' Stickles for a highlight.

The matching pinwheel was made using a plastic drinking straw, a 6 x 6 inch square of the Avery paper, a quilter's pin, and two Petaloo Tutti Frutti flowers. If you've never made a pinwheel, it's very easy. Simply take a square of paper, score it from corner to corner, making an X across the center. Cut the score lines within about 1/2 to 1 inch of the center point. DO NOT cut all the way through! Pull 4 corners to the center, pin with a pin or brad. If using a drinking straw, make a pin hole about 1/2 to 1 inch from one end, and once you've got 4 corners of the pinwheel pulled together, push the pin through the straw, cut the sharp end off and turn down the end with needle nose pliers so it won't slip out. Don't pull the pin all the way tight, because you will need a little room for the pinwheel to move when the wind catches it.

I hope you've enjoyed these creations. Come back to see me again soon! Becky

A Little Flower for CPS # 79

I'm so pleased with the card that I made for this week's Card Positioning Systeme, or 'CPS' sketch! It was just one of those where everything comes together. What do you think???

I used an aqua colored Bazzill cardstock, then made a matted rectangle using Jenni Bowlin Studios 'Tangerine Dream' paper.

The glittered frame is a piece of Bo Bunny's Bleached Bare Naked Chipboard, glittered with Sulyn Industries 'crystal' glitter. I then tied a bow of aqua organza dotted swiss ribbon, and added a bit of bling.

The flower is from a copy of a botanical print of a cabbage rose that I printed from clipart software, then cut very carefully! It is raised up off the card on various sizes of foam squares.

The quote came from Fancy Pants 'Fancy Free Collection' Free Spirit die cuts. And how right was Hans Christian Anderson!

Well, that's it for now. I hope you've enjoyed this latest creation. Come back to visit Camellia Cottage again soon. Be blessed! Becky

2 Sketches 4 You - Laura's Sketch 7, and Caardvarks "Name That Tuna"

Okay, I just love it when I can multi-task, especially when entering online challenges! And that's just what I've done for this week's 2 Sketches 4 You sketch, AND the Caardvarks "Name That Tuna" music themed challenge. And I have to tell you, I 'LOVE' this card!

But first, let me apologize for the poor quality of my pics. I usually take my cards outside into my garden and get pretty sunlight pictures, but at last Hurricane Fay's remnants are leaving us some much needed rain, so I had to improvise today.

The base of the card is a soft sage green Bazzill cardstock that matches a color in the floral paper on the front left hand half of the card. I've also used a cocoa brown Bazzill cardstock for matting the papers, and a pastel pink Bazzill for the lettering. Both papers are Wild Asparagus. The 'thank you' is a Scenic Route rub-on.

This lovely lady was printed from one of my clipart software programs. I touched up her jewels and feathers with a bit of 'diamond' Stickles. She is matted by the Wild Asparagus floral paper, then brown cardstock and machine stitching. She is so elegant and obviously talented as well, lol!

The flowers are from the Petaloo Dahlia Box Blend Large - Pink and Red. I accented the center with a tiny pearl.

The scrollwork is on pastel pink cardstock. I used one of the Autumn Leaves Rhonda Farrer 'Flourishes 2' stamps on the back side of the cardstock, cut it out, inked the edges with brown ink, then heavily coated it with 'diamond' Stickles.

Because of the thickness of the card, I used a Bo Bunny Bleached Bare Naked Chipboard photo anchor to keep the card closed. I inked it heavily with brown ink, then heat embossed it with Enchanged Gold embossing powder from Ranger. I attached it underneath the flower with a brown Basic Grey brad. Now there is a hidden anchor to keep the card closed.

The sentiment is topped by a musical score, then says "Your kindness was much appreciated. I just can't stop singing your praises! Thank You!" This was printed onto the pink Bazzill cardstock with my ink jet printer.

And one last picture to show you the card partly opened.

I hope you have enjoyed viewing this card as much as I enjoyed making it. Don't you feel great when you make something and just 'know' it came out well??? Thanks for visiting, and come back soon! Blessings, Becky

Happy Birthday Wayne, and 2 Sketches 4 You Cards

First, I have to say a very, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet hubby! We've been married for 23+ years, and he's still my one and only love! Love you!!!!


Now, on to the business at hand - 2 Sketches 4 You!!! They had two great sketches this week. First is my take on Kazan's Sketch # 7 >>>


The base is Bazzill cardstock. The pretty cross-stitched sampler looking paper is from Cosmo Cricket 's Twist and Shout line "Honey Pie: Megan". The pink scalloped journaling sheet is from Making Memories spiral journaling book - the {note}worthy line. The lace is some old lace I've had for ages.


The birdie is hand cut from felt, with a seed bead added for the eye. The rub-on is from Melissa Frances, flowers are Petaloo's Dahlia Box blend, and the large button is from buttonsgaloreandmore.com.



Next up is the bonus sketch, which came from Ingrid. I decided to make this sketch using a Joy Fold technique, and some Bo Bunny paper "Ella
















Enchanted", with a base of Bazzill cardstock. I loved the two coordinating sides of this Bo Bunny paper, so I used the floral side for the outside, and the polka dot side for the inside of the card.

I used my Cuttlebug and the Spellbinder's Nestabilities dies to make the perfect circles and inked them a bit with some matching pink ink. The flowers are cut from the Bo Bunny paper and added with foam dots.

The circles slip under the lower of the two flowers, and that holds the card closed. I added some red and white plaid ribbon for a pretty bow.

The rub-on is from Melissa Frances.

Once again, thanks for visiting my place here at Camellia Cottage. Have a great weekend, and come back for a visit soon! Blessings, Becky

CPS # 78 - Delightful Cherries!

Hi there! I've had a busy time this past week, so haven't made many cards, but I'm back at it again now, just in time for the new CPS #78 sketch. My take on this sketch was bright and colorful with primary colors!

I used a soft, buttery yellow Bazzill cardstock for the base, then the next two layers of paper are from a Paper-Azzi kit I bought from HSN a while back. The bottom paper is green with red cherries sprinkled over it. The top paper is pretty stripes in yellow, green, blue, red and white.

For the bottom, I cut some of the cherry bunches out of the base paper, and coated them with red microfine glitter from Art Accentz. A strip of vintage red ric-rack and a pretty ribbon of yellow, green and white finished the bottom section of the card.

I then used the Heidi Swapp 'delight' stamp on some of the green paper (back side of the cherry paper) and heat embossesd it with Ranger Embossing Powder in red. I trimmed around the word, attached it to more of the yellow cardstock, trimmed around it and attached it to the card. On top I added a few buttons in yellow, white and green.

This was a fun sketch to work from, and a fun card to make. Thanks for looking! Becky

2 Sketches 4 You - Laura's Sketch # 6

Yes, it's me again! Just wanted to share my entry in this week's challenge over at 2 Sketches 4 You. It's called "Joyous Birdie".

The paper is from last year's Christmas kit from WalMart. The branch is cut freehand from Bazzill orange peel textured cardstock. I traced a little birdie and the wing onto felt and cut it out, then added a green seed bead for the eye.

The tiny poinsettia bouquet is from a Christmas pick that I broke down into pieces and made into other, tinier picks! I used a little satin ribbon to wrap around the stems. I also used a little bit of Sulyn glitter glue in opal on the J and on the little snow dots.

I 'wrapped' the burgundy cardstock across the top onto a piece of cardstock, so it has a thicker, kind of padded look.

Well, enough for now - thanks for looking, and come back soon! Blessings! Becky

CPS #77 - Best Wishes in Blue!

Happy Monday! Mondays are happy for me! Hubby is back at work, I've got the laundry going, and since the laundry room is right next to my play room, I get to play with my paper, ribbons and bling while I keep an eye on the laundry. Makes sense, right!?! Anyway, on this Monday I'm sharing with you my entry for Card Positioning Systems (or CPS) sketch #77 >>>

I actually used the ribbon as my inspiration because I just LOVE the colors!

The paper is from an old cardstock/cardmaking kit I got years ago from QVC. The flowers and bling are from Petaloo - the Dahlia Box pink and blue blend. For the top and bottom flowers I used solid flowers with a polka dotted one on top, and the center one has a polka dotted one on bottom and a solid flower on top. I added just a light sprinkle of crystal glitter on the bling-y centers.

The chipboard swirl is from Bo Bunny's Bare Naked Bleached Chipboard collection. I glued it up nicely and added some Sulyn Industries 'crystal' glitter. The journaling sheet is from Making Memories Spiral Notebook.

Thanks for looking, and thanks for visiting Camellia Cottage! See you next time! Becky

Celebrate! 2 Sketches 4 You - Kazan Sketch 6

Don't you just love cupcakes??? There's just something about them that cheers you up and makes you hungry! But you can't eat this cupcake - unless you like paper and glitter, lol! Here is my entry for 2 Sketches 4 You - Kazan Sketch 6.



Materials:

• Bazzill orange peel textured cardstock
• Fancy Pants Celebrate 'Jubilate' papers
• Fancy Pants Celebrate 'Play' papers
• Fancy Pants Celebrate Rub-ons
• Sulyn Industries 'opal' glitter glue
• Yellow satin ribbon to thread the buttons
• Buttons from Buttons Galore

Thanks for looking! Becky

Pretty Papers

I love making cards! Obviously I wouldn't be making them if I didn't, but I also know other people love getting them! One of the challenges I do each month has a bonus category this month, and the challenge is to make a card gift box, or a gift box that will hold greeting cards. Here is my entry.
I used Bazzill cardstock, Fancy Pants Simplicity papers and rub-ons. I also made three matching cards to put into the box. They are also made using the Fancy Pants Simplicity line of papers and rub-ons, with other miscellaneous embellishments.















In the set, there's a friend card, a thanks card, and a generic card that could be used for almost any occasion. I thik this is a pretty gift, and most of my friends would love to have it. Making the cards and gift box was the easy part, deciding who gets it is the hard part!



Another challenge I participate in is a monthly tag challenge. Our challenge this month was to make a non-traditional shaped tag, and it must have stitching on it. Here's my entry for this challenge.

I cut the trunk from cardboard, topped it with brown Bazzill orange peel texture cardstock, then stitched a cross-stitch pattern up and down to resemble bark.

I cut the top of the tree from scrapbooking paper and backed it with cardboard, inked the edges then did a straight stitch around the edges. Next I did a vine and leaf stitch in sections all over the center.

I layered several of the Petaloo Flora Doodles foam flowers on the bottom of the trunk. I used different sizes and colors of brads for the flower centers.

I added three little birdies cut from felt, and sprinkled more of the foam flowers around the top of the tree. The felt birdies were easy to make - simply find a pattern you like, trace it onto the felt, and cut them out. They make sweet embellishments.



Lastly I printed a birdhouse onto white cardstock from a clipart software. I backed it with cardboard and inked the edges with brown. I punched a hole in top of the birdhouse and another in the tree, then used two jump rings to fasten the birdhouse so it dangles from the tree. I used a green varigated ribbon so I can hang the tag up on my scraproom door.


Once again, thanks for visiting Camellia Cottage, and come back again soon to see what's new. Till next time! Becky