Shamrocks and Crowns

Thankfully I found some time to sneak away this past weekend and do some creating.  I've been crocheting Shamrocks (in various sizes) and was itching to use one.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I must admit I am pleased with the results.  I have some Irish background on my father's side of the family and since green is my favorite color ... well, the rest just came together.

As you can see, I spent some time playing with pink too.  Something "girly" to share ...

My Shamrock project includes gorgeous Striped Ribbon ... it comes in so many wonderful colors.  You can find assortments of buttons here.  I absolutely adore the Beau Chateau Designer Papers with the chicken wire, polka dots, and roosters ... what's not to love?!  I also included a mini clothespin in the bow - sweet as can be.  The links will take you to my Stampin' UP! website store - just in case you can't do without!

I am thankful for your visits ... enjoy the rest of your day!

A long weekend at home ...

Hello friends!  I've enjoyed a few days off from work to spend time at home.  The kids have a long weekend and we've been enjoying each others company.  It's been too cold for long walks in the woods but tomorrow promises to be better.  I spoiled myself and purchased a new camera....which I used for today's post.  I love the photos it takes and the quality of the zoom images.  However, there is soooo much to learn - my photos may suffer from quality issues for a while!

Since these both are for a special friend, I don't want to say too much and spoil some pending surprise.  So for today I'll simply share the photos and wish you all a wonderful evening.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... good night!

A heart to share

I admit I am crazy for hearts lately.  I'm crocheting them like mad and enjoying every minute!  I have friends coming over next weekend for our monthly get-together and I'll certainly have to plan a project that has a heart for everyone!  For now, I placed one on this Valentine to share with you today.

I love our striped ribbon as much today as when it first came out.  I love how it feels and it ties so beautifully.  Paired up with red satin makes for an incredible bow.  The white "doily" beneath is new - cut with the Paper Doily die...a touch of ink on the edges makes it shabby.  Layered on top is a calendar print from the Beau Chateau Side Notes collection.

I crocheted the heart with red twine and love how it turned out with a vintage country feel.  Another button and the perfect greeting with pearls makes it complete.

Thanks for your patience as I work through my Valentine craze.  How about something in pink?

Enjoy your weekend!

Soft Blue and Mint Green



Hello friends.  What a beautiful day ... the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, a perfect day for picking out pumpkins.  After many oohs and aahs (with lots of indecision in between) the kids finally made their selections.  Our porch is filled with spider webs, corn stalks, pumpkins, and mums ... I love this time of year....don't you?

The Design Team at Play Date Cafe have the most gorgeous color combination to inspire the artist in you.  Just look at this photo ... isn't it wonderful?  The colors are so soft ... sigh.

Here's what I was inspired to create.  I used the sketch from Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge - sweet and simple.  Plus I've always wanted to try the "gathered ribbon look" and this week - thanks to the Designers at Sweet Stampin' Challenge - I had a reason to try it!  Here I used Marina Mist Striped Grosgrain layered with Chantilly Crochet Trim.  It's a beautiful combination.  A little more lace and tulle behind the flower softened the look of the card.  The "thank you" from Because I Care Hostess Set was stamped in Marina Mist Classic Ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used one end of our Decorative Label Punch to give my sentiment a soft shape.  I've never used Shimmer Paint before ... it's one of those things I bought and never tried.  Sponged lightly around the outside of my card - it's gorgeous!  It adds the most subtle shimmer - well, I can see myself using this again soon!

My papers are retired but they were perfect for this challenge, don't you agree?  And I loved making the flower!  You can view a link to the instructions on my previous post.  Of course a bit of Mod Podge and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on each little petal is a must.  Click on the image to really see the sparkle.  I used the same Sage Shadow paper to create the leaves.  Using the 5 Petal Punch was the first step.  Then I cut the flower into 5 pieces (each petal becoming a leaf).  A quick fold down the length of the petal and VOILA .. a leaf!  You see the three "leaves" peeking out that I used for this flower.

Thanks for for visiting with me.  I hope you enjoyed your stay ... good night everyone!

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