I'm Sew Excited! Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

Okay, so technically I have not entered this card into a challenge and since these sewing themed cards are my current pride and joy I just had to join in the fun over at Moxie Fab.

Head on over, get inspried and take a look at the creative entries.  The black and white image on my card was downloaded from The Graphics Fairy.  The floral and striped paper are from The Thrift Shop collection (October Afternoon) and the last paper is from the Kaisercraft Timeless Collection.

Sentimental Sundays Challenge

Gosh, it has been a while since I have participated in a challenge but I could not resist this week's challenge from Sentimental Sundays.  The fact that my sister and I had made a set of cards this week using the most beautiful handmade flowers was an added bonus!

The tissue paper flower was made from a old pattern.  Simply cut out a few layers using a scalloped punch, staple them together in the centre and ruffle up the layers to "fluff" your blossom up.  If you read my post from yesterday you would already know that the crocheted flower was handmade, with love, by my mother.  Only a mother will do these things for you.  My sister and I packed up a an entire set of these sewing themed cards and our mother ended up making over 100 of these soft blossoms.  Sew sweet!

If you have never headed over to Sentimental Sundays then do yourself a favour and be sure to stop by for some inspiration and for a wonderful set of sentiments each and every Sunday.

Sew much fun ...

Hello all.  It has been a while since I have blogged but I wanted to stop in and share this card kit, which my sister and I put together for our shop, with you.  

I really enjoyed making these cards and love the quirky sentiments.  We even gave up our beautiful stash of vintage buttons to pack up the kits. Our mother was also roped into this kit and spent hours crocheting blossoms (more than 100 of them) for us.  

My mom is trying to teach my sister and I to crochet but I have to admit that it is not going too well for me.  I can barely get past making a chain and feel like I have 16 fingers on each hand with no comfortable way to hold everything.  Anyhow, I will persevere and hopefully one day I will be crocheting beautiful blankets for my own granchildren.  At least I have a good few years to learn before I become a grandma!

Winter is settling in here so hopefully more time indoors will mean more crafting.  In the meantime, my sister and I are kept so busy with projects and classes at the shop that I need to be content with that for now.

Thank you for stopping by.  Hopefully, I will be back soon.

A-tisket, a-tasket, a cute Easter Basket

Just stopping by to share this cute folded basket with you.  In fact you have probably seen it or come across it before.  This little basket was so quick and easy to make that it was almost disappointing.  A customer bought a basket like this into the shop and a quick search on the internet led me straight to a set of simple instructions on Splitcoast Stampers by Beate Johns.   This folded basket would make a great gift holder for all sorts of goodies and I will most definitely be using it over and over again.  If you really want to make it even quicker you could just use a sheet of double sided patterned paper and be done.  This one was made from a sheet of cardstock and embellished with squares of patterned paper with a contrasting cardstock mat.  Since the bunny has not been I did not have very much here to fill the basket but here it is.

One down and only a dozen or so to go. 

Baby Cards

I have been very busy this week preparing these pre-packed baby card kits.  Those gorgeous soft velvet frames are from the Making Memories "Pitter Patter" collection and they really add the finishing touch to these sweet baby images.  In fact, the cards really did not need much embellishing.  A pretty pearl here and there, a touch of cotton lace and some soft ribbon.

Ever wondered how many times you can remake the same card? Unfortunately, too many times if you ask me.  Because the cards were going to be packed as a kit they had to be remade with product that I knew for sure we could get in quantity.  It was fun but I think I have had enough of baby cards for now!

Each card had to be made up twice in order to mix up the sets.  One in pink ...

... and one in green.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you are all enjoying a restful Sunday.  I am off to hunt for some sweet royalty free retro/vintage kitchen images to use with the Kaiser release, Nan's Favourites.

 

Life and Card Kits

I have been prompted to share some personal stuff with you today after a message from a follower wondering where I have been.  This is what I love about the paper crafting industry - complete strangers being aware of the fact that you have not been around for awhile.  Unfortunately life has been in the way.  If you have the time and want to listen to me having a moment then read on, if not then skip to the good stuff at the bottom of this post.

Four and a half years ago I began a journey of self, self, self!  Mostly it involved me going through a crisis of never following my dreams, of never indulging in my own needs and of me never having the courage to take a chance.  Besides my children and family the one thing I am most passionate about is paper crafting and so I decided it was time to start turning some dreams into reality.  My sister and I decided to open a specialty scrap book shop together.  Not just any shop.  A shop where woman could come and escape, create, enjoy good coffee and great company.  A beautiful shop with fantastic service, awesome lessons and up to date stock.

It was a huge leap of faith opening the shop and with absolutely no money in hand and many declined loan applications I convinced my husband to loan the money on our mortgage.  It seemed like a good idea at the time but brings me to my current situation.  Despite the fact that we have managed to keep our doors open, the shop has not made a cent of profit and it has been so stressful trying to keep the doors open.  At some point I think we both realised that it was time to let go but we just could not walk away.  It is so hard to come so close but at the same time be so far.  My sister and I have worked hard, made many mistakes, laughed, fought and cried.  This business has proved to be a true test of all the relationships in our lives and a real challenge to our own well being.  It has been the most difficult road that I have ever travelled and at the moment it is completely breaking me down.  It has also been one of the most fulfilling things that I have ever done and we have met the most incredible people and friends along the way.  I am so proud of our shop and in many ways feel like it really has been a huge success and personal fulfillment for me.  However, the financial situation just keeps getting worse.  Online stores offer prices we cannot compete with, the economy keeps getting worse and the bills are mounting.  We cannot sell the business under the current conditions and our debt is overwhelming us.  My passion for creating is buried under all the stress and I just feel completely numb over the current situation.  I know this is unrealistic and I am so grateful for my health and for all the blessings I have in my life but unfortunately money is evil and creeps right into your spirit.  It keeps you up at night, makes you feel nauseas, causes strain on your marriage, turns you into a very grumpy mom and steals your creative mojo.  It is time to let go.  It has been on my mind all week and I am now at the end of the road and not sure which direction to take.

We have another 5 months left on our lease and we are doing all we can to keep it going.  There is a little crafting happening in between though so now that my therapy session is over (thanks for being such great listeners) I can show you what we have been up to.

This set of cards was created using the American Crafts Botanique range.  The collection was on sale and although it is not a range I would normally gravitate towards I like the end result.

We used the Tim Holtz Alteration Paper Rossette die which really is such a pleasure and well worth purchasing.  I think I am going to get lots of use from it.

The sentiments were printed onto the paper and cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Small.

We kept the cards simple and just added a few pearls, buttons and ribbon.

Of course we just could not resist adding a little Tim Holtz Tea Dye to the edges even though it really did not need it.

There are six cards in total.

Wow, that must be the longest and most emotional post I have done to date.  I am off to work tonight.  We packed 32 of these card kits and the classes are more social than work.  Everything is pre-cut and ready to stick.

Thanks again for stopping by.  

Tis the Season ...

I have been AWOL for awhile and being back here feels a little strange. We have been doing some renovations to our home and it has consumed me.  Who can believe that it is this time of the year again.

Before I head off to work this morning (which I am actually looking forward to as it is a welcome relief from being in the house at the moment) I thought I would share today's class with you.  Today we are doing Christmas Cards.  The card classes are always very relaxed and social.  My sister and I make a set of cards and then pre-pack everything into a kit.  We used the Kaisercraft Tis the Season collection to make up our cards.

We just added a few vintage Christmas images, some glitter die cuts and a little bling and they came together with a lovely vintage feel to them. Happy Saturday and enjoy your weekend.

Just Us Girl's Template Challenge #48

It feels good to be back on here.  It is like visiting an old friend!  I have been feeling less than creative lately and most of my energy has been focused on work and our home renovation which I am finding a little overwhelming (all the decisions).  Anyway, I could not resist this weeks challenge over at JUGS.  It is template week and this weeks challenge has been sponsored by Clear & Simple Stamps.  Just pop onto their blog and find the FREE templates in their sidebar.  I picked the Apple Basket designed by Sue Berker.  It will make a great year end teacher gift.  I just wish I could find those sweet little wooden handles locally! 

Since I had no suitable stamps or embellishments, I went in search of the perfect apple.  I found a template for a card designed by Imprintables for Real Living Magazine.  I just downsized it and covered it with my patterned paper.  

I have to say though that those little Riesen chocolates were a very bad idea.  I have single handedly polished off every single one of them.  

At last ...

... Martha Stewart punches are being distributed in South Africa.  You girls are probably having a giggle as these must be old news for you already but I am excited!  There were so many to choose from that it was a really tough decision.  Normally, I make really safe choices when purchasing tools and punches.  I think long and hard about how many times I am going to use it, how pratical the design is, etc but it all went out the window as I purchased my first "Around the Page" set.  Since I have a thing for birds (not live ones) I decided on the Woodland Branch.  

I had a moment to play today and have been wanting to make some cards with this gorgeous image so here it is.  I wanted to add a sentiment but as luck would have it, one of my ink cartridges ran out. Of course!  

Let's get digital - JUGS 37 Technique Challenge

I love lazy Sundays.  It is 11:23 and I am lazing around in my PJ's cutting paper and enjoying my 3rd cuppa.  Hopefully, you are doing the same.  This week the challenge over at Just Us Girls is to use a digital stamp, image or even paper on your project.  If you have never tried digi before you will find loads of freebies out there to get you started.  It is great if you do not have loads of stamps for card making.  Go to the JUGS website for more information on this challenge.  There is also a direct link to some free goodies from Lauren Meader over at  My Time Made Easy.  So, I headed straight there and downloaded her free digital stamp.  You can find these adorable little sea creatures over here. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Hopefully, you are also enjoying a lazy day. Cutting up paper or watching the soccer?  Ayoba!  It is great to be South African at this moment in time.  Even though I am not a soccer fan (my man is) I cannot explain the atmosphere in Africa right now.  It is awesome!

Just Us Girls Challenge #36

This card is for the JUGS Challenge #36.  Pop on over here and see what it's about.  Every Saturday they post a new challenge.  It is great fun and a good way to play with something new.  I very often end up making cards with colors, designs or digital images that I would never have thought to use or which are not exactly my thing.  This weeks sponsor is a company called *Wink *Wink Ink and they are offering a free image to play with.  This sweet image immediately made me think of this piece of patterned paper and I made my card in record time.  

Thank for stopping by to take a look.  I have to run ...  We have wine club tonight and the hosts have decided it will be fun to dress for the occassion so I need to go and find something black and white with a hint of fabulosity (I think it would be easier to make a card)!

Thinking of You

I cannot believe how awesome these colors are together.  Really, I am not a fan of yellow but this Color Q challenge, #33, is stunning.  Go on over and take a look at the beautiful cards the design team put together as well as all the other fabulous creations submitted.  I have just made it in time to post mine.  I actually finished the card about an hour ago but have been fiddling with ribbon ever since!  I just could not find the right one and would have loved to have used some of that gorgeous vintage seam binding I am seeing everywhere.  Unfortunately, I have none so this rather large satin bow will have to do.  The sweet image is from The Graphics Fairy, of course and I used this great sketch from 2S4Y.

You're so Sweet

Whenever I post a card on my blog and I get all these sweet comments from people all over the world that I have never met it really makes me happy. So thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment on my cards. You're so sweet!

This card almost ended up in my scrap bin.  I am not sure why, but it has lay around on my desk unfinished for the better part of this week. Initially, I was inspired to make the card based on last weeks Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge and this cute digi stamp from Tiffany Doodles.  Anyhow, I missed the PPA challenge but this morning I was determined to finish it.  So, here it is and I am going to submit it to the Cards Blog as they posted a challenge looking for cards with berries on them.  The sketch is from Card Positioning Systems and it is this weeks sketch (#167).

Ahoy

Today I am sharing this Sail Boat shaped card which I will enter into this weeks Just Us Girls Color Challenge #33.  Although I will not be celebrating Memorial Day I loved the color combination and immediately thought I would go with something nautical.  I have been itching to try one of these shaped cards from The Cutting Cafe and loved this adorable Sail Boat.  My card also qualifies for Challenge #3 over at Sentimental Sundays. The theme is "New Beginnings" and you will also find a free set of digital stamps over at Whimsy Stamps.  This weeks stamp set is designed by Raindrop Echo Designs. 

Thank You So Much

Just a quick one for the Color Q Challenge #32.  I used a sketch from Card Positioning Systems.  It came together quickly and I was loving the leaves which I have seen on so many cards.  Since I do not have that punch (I think it must be a punch), I cut my own.  I also had to use some initiative on those colors.  Stampin Up is not available in South Africa and I really wish they were.  Anyway, here is what I came up with:

PS:  I have to admit to actually cutting up a full sheet of 12 x 12" last night to make this so I guess I will no longer be able to insist that I am not really a "card maker"!

Thanks, Owl Owe you One ...

I really enjoyed putting this card together for the Caardvarks May Challenge.  They provided a choice of two sketches designed by one their crew, Heidi van Laar to work with.  This month prize is sponsored by Tiffany Richards over at Tiffany Doodles.  Pop on over and take a look.  She very generously offers a freebie every Thursday so there is no excuse not to try out her awesome stamps.  I have personally never used a digital stamp but found it very convenient and will definitely be going back for more.  I used the Tree Set on this card.  

Three Cheers for Chairs

This card has been created for the Three Cheers for Chairs Challenge over at The Moxie Fab World.  It was quick and easy to put together and I incorporated a great technique using a Memento ink pad and a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  If you haven't tried this before then you may want to give it a go.  Just ink up your embossing folder (most inks will wash off no problem after), sandwich your card stock in between and run it through your machine.  Viola, super simple but very effective.  

Right, I have some time so I think I will finish off another card.  My gorgeous man has taken the wee ones with him to the football club and I am cutting paper as fast as I can.  

Happy Mother's Day

I made this card for the Pals Paper Arts PPA40-Monochromatic-Blues Challenge and I have to say it really was a bit of a challenge.  I wanted to added a "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment but just could not seem to find the right space for it.  I used a quilting technique, which I keep seeing amongst all of your fabulous creations, to piece the background paper together.

I would have liked to have used a piece of blue ribbon but unfortunately I did not have any on hand.  This was a shock to the system since I have just about every other color under the sun.  Funny how you never have what you need on hand.  Anyway, a very happy Mother's Day to all of you on Sunday.  Personally, I think everyday should be Mother's Day!

Bless this Nest

Wow.  Three posts in one day.  I cannot believe how much I have managed not to do this week and yet I have indulged in not one but two challenges.  The joy!  Here is a card I made for the Color Q Challenge #30 and for the 2 Sketches 4 You Challenge.  I would never have picked this color combination but I really love the end result.  I kept it very simple using only cardstock and a stunning image I found at The Graphics Fairy.  To be honest there are so many layers of cardstock on this one that I don't think I could have got much more on it.  Well, maybe a few pearls.  

Moody Make-Up Mom

That's me!  My gorgeous daughter is studying special effects make up and did her first "shoot" earlier this week.  Unfortunately she ended up in a state this afternoon because her photographs did not come out so ... she had to do an emergency re-do this afternoon and I was the only available canvas.  The thing is it took some serious persuasion as there is one small problem.  I am camera phobic if there is such a thing.  My face takes on an instantly frozen look of something which resembles shock and I start to feel physically ill.  Ridiculous I know but never the less true.  She begged and pleaded while I found every excuse under the sun but I am proud to say that I managed to get through it and now have a photo of grumpy old me looking almost like me.