Shabby 3x3 notes Part Duex

I posted a little swap from 2 Shabby Sisters a bit ago, here is the other set of cards I made to go along with it.  Remember, the presentation for these had to be a little special... so I went to my stash of cute bags and dressed one up to hold this set of 3x3 cards.  I am still using up the last of that amazing Prima Primrose paper, added a great metal filigree from Butterbee Scraps on Zibbet (my new favorite obsession), and  a great paper flower that came to me in a swap from the super generous Amelia.  I layered that all on to a couple of top notes and edged everything with Black Soot
I just love how these note cards turned out.  I stamped one of those sweet $1 stamps from Michaels on a softly patterned paper, edged with black soot and layered on a bit more shabby pink.  That black trim is a pleated trim from May Arts Ribbon which I just love.  Finished off with a simple flower to draw your eye right to the stamped image.

 Six of these tucked in a little bag on their way to my swap partner - hope she enjoys!!

Pocket Full of Hope

Your Paper Pantry has a 'Pocket for Your Thoughts' swap... which your's truly will be hosting for a few months come August.  But in July, Roxy asked us to make three little pockets for someone in need of some Get Well Wishes.  I focused on the cancer treatment gals.  Sadly, we all know someone who is going through the horrors of trying to get and stay healthy - and their bag of love is a little different from chicken soup and cough drops.  .  I filled it with a few things like hand sanitizer and airborne - because staying healthy during treatment is so hard and so important, added some tums... never enough of those, chapstick and hard candies.
To make the bag topper I cut a piece of card stock as wide as my bag and 5 inches long - then scored at 2 inches so I had a good base to fold over the top and staple it all closed.  The HOPE was cut on my cricut and then I just had fun layering pretty pink/white/black flowers and brads.

 This beautiful metal filigree is from Butterbee Scraps, which I love these days and topped off with a large bit of bling.  I sure hope these help make someone's time in 'the chair' just a touch more pleasant.

Altered Book Cover

More swapping fun with Your Paper Pantry - I love this altered book cover idea.  Originally, I was going to go super crazy and make a mixed media collage.  But as I started with it, I just LOVED the way the pretty blue of the book was showing through the Gesso.  On the spine I added a brad from Tim Holtz called Ring Fastener; this makes hanging a charm ... charming!  Lots of metal from Butterbee Scraps - the corners and two pieces under that AMAZING flower that came to me in a fabric flower swap.  On the bottom is a bit of antique lace topped of with ribbon from Love Bug Creations

 Here is an up close of that flower - isn't it beautiful!!  As much as I hated to part with it, it was a little easier knowing my swap partner would appreciate it.  Head to YouTube to check out the video

Pretty Congratulations

I just can't tell you happy I am to have found these card kits by Anna Griffin... When I need a special card these are my go to pieces.  The way they layer and all coordinate make the cards look so finished and artful, in a very quick... run out the door kind of time!!  Seriously, this card took me less than 3 minutes start to finish!!
I have made so many of them, I am finally starting to see where other products, like Butterbee Scraps metal fits right in.  And of course, every special girl deserves some bling on her big day.

Open for Business

I live in an AMAZING city... and super fortunate to live across the street from a great little BYOB place that I have loved since they day they opened their doors.  They had this sad little hand written "OPEN" sign and I told them... I am going to have to fix that...  Well, I finally did.
I watched hours and hours of mixed media canvas tutorials on YouTube - especially those from Arlene who is Butterfly Kisses on YouTube.
I have never done something so unsctructured but I LOVED using all these great little finds from my stash.  Here is the finished piece and some detail shots below.  It won't be possible for me to call out every detail... just keep looking - like an I Spy game :)
I finished it off with watered down Gesso and a variety of ink sprays to highlight different aspects of the canvas.

 Here is a bit of a crown, some filigree and a huge paper flower.

 A wooden dress form, a collage of paper flowers and metal pieces.  As I got close to finished, I realized I needed some parts undiluted with the Gesso - so this blue bling added a great sparkle

 

 Here is a collection of paper flowers and metal pieces and a large 'chunk' of ribbon trim.  Honestly, that is the one thing I won't do again.  It didn't adhere as well as smaller pieces, though the effect of the Gesso in the roses is kind of coo.

When I got it all done the OPEN part faded a way.  So I went over the chip board letters with a versa mark pen and very delicately added perfect pearls to give a pop