Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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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18 comments:

  1. Very pretty Christmas card Joanne! Love your red crocheted flower paired with the fabric brad! What a great idea to get a jump on creating your Holiday cards! Thanks so much for playing along with CR84FN :)

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  2. How lovely - our colours work really well as a Christmas card. I love all the texture you've put into the card, particularly the crocheted flower!! Thanks for playing along with CR84FN this week!

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  3. Gorgeous holiday card Joanne! The crocheted flower is beautiful, love your choice of DP too, thanks for your kind words and thanks for joining us at CCCB again this week, and yes, Congratulations on your win for last week challenge!

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  4. Adorable again Joanne ... thanks for joining us again at CCCB

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  5. Another beautiful creaation.. I love your crocheted flower. So Pretty.. Thanks so much for joining us again over at CCCB!

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  6. A fabulous card, Joanne. And I love that you did Christmas rather than Valentines. It seems like I am getting "Valentined out" already and the holiday card was a welcome surprise. All of your embellishments are wonderful and that crocheted flower is the perfect touch. You must share your pattern.

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  7. This is a lovely card, looking wrapped up like a much anticipated present.

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  8. Joanne this is gorgeous. This card gives me a cozy feeling :) I love polka dots and it looks so lovely on this card. A perfect background for a beautiful Christmas card. Your bow is perfect and I love that crocheted flower!

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  9. Joanne, thought I was over Christmas until I saw your card! Ta Dah! It put me in the spirit again! LOVE the red flower with the corduroy button! Your papers and stitching are divine! THX for being a loyal player and playing again this week at CR84FN! LOVE seeing our badge on your blog!

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  10. This is beautiful! I love the crocheted flower, and I am like you - I am a sucker for new techniques to make my own flowers! Thanks for joining us at CR84FN this week :)

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  11. Love the beautiful soft flower and that cute star pin, fabulous card!

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  12. Love that crocheted flower!! Beautiful job dying the ribbon!! Love this card!!

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  13. Oh mercy, this is pretty! Love the tag and the crocheted flower! Great DPs!!! Great use of the challenge colors! Thanks so much for playing along with CR84FN!! We hope you'll join us again next week!

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  14. Another beautiful creation Joanne! You are one creative woman....dying your own seam binding and crocheting your own flower - now that's talent! :)

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  15. Lovely Christmas card, Joanne! Wonderful details! Thanks for joining us at CR84FN!

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  16. Such a gorgeous card! I really do need to learn how to make those crochet flowers!

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  17. Just lovely! LOVE that crocheted flower! Thanks so much for joining us at CCCB!

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