Wishing you peace ...

  
Hello everyone!  The homework is done, studies prepared for tomorrow, my husband watching a movie, and me with time to myself.  Simplicity was key tonight.  I wanted to hide away and create - but not tax myself doing so.  It's been a tiring day, we all have them don't we?  Nothing too difficult tonight ... no, not for me ... simple and relaxing was what I needed.

Mona and her Design Team presented a wonderful challenge this week - you know they always do.  This one is so perfect for Valentines.  I turned it into Christmas as you will see ... but again, I kept it simple.  You can visit their gorgeous samples at CR84FN.  And Kirsty at The City Crafter has asked for handmade flowers in her challenge and I couldn't be happier.  You can be sure that I will be a repeat visitor this week ... I can't wait to see what everyone creates - you see, I have a soft spot for handmade flowers and am always searching for new tutorials.  Thank you, ladies, for the inspiration!

Here is what I have to share with you today, my friends.  The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock layered with Soft Suede cardstock.  The polka-dot paper is from the Jolly Holiday collection and the holly print paper is a retired pattern dug out from my scrap drawer.  Together I thought they were perfect by capturing the colors of Mona's challenge.  I guess the holly is where my Christmas theme evolved.  The Crumb Cake buttons are part of two collections - Designer Neutrals and Springtime Vintage.  I added some red hemp to "dress them up" a bit.  The greeting is stamped in Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink and is from A Wish for Peace stamp set.  Antiqued around the edges with Distressing Essentials .. it was then ready for my card.

 

The seam binding is hand-dyed with Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Classic Ink Refills.  Crinkled, wrinkled and dried to perfection.  The flower I crocheted with a 3-ounce red yarn I had laying around.  I think it's cute ... not exactly a poinsetta but a bright and cheery Christmas red none the less.  Corduroy buttons and brads are found here and one added to the flower center with a decorative star rising up from behind. 

Thank you all for stopping by.  I hope you find inspiration today and time to create too.

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