Simple Vintage Card

This card is a very simple vintage style one.

The main images are a two digital stamps merged. They are free digital vintage images from Tid Bit Trinkets, The background is also a vintage digital image.

The computer generated sentiment (obcsured a little by the ribbon, sorry) says "Be good, and if you can't be good - be stylish."

Challenges I'm entering this in are
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #127 - Dieing for a punch (no punches or dies allowed) (Sept 2nd)

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Challenge #106 - Let's Get Digital (September 5th)

Stampin For The Weekend - Challenge 45 - Anything Goes

Crafty Girl Designs Celebrations

Crafty Girl Designs is celebrating her blogaversary. 

She has a great idea to spread the celebrating around.. She's doing 5 small, easily postable giveaways for 5 separate people. Lighter things can be sent anywhere less expensively - makes a lot of sense and very generous. The stamps pictured are just one of the giveaways over 5 separate posts.

Other prizes include Cuttlebug Folders and a gorgeous cling stamp.

Head on over to Crafty Girl Designs to find out more. Some close on Monday August 30th, and the rest on September 6th.

How Many Types Of Ribbon Are There? A Roundup

I've been reading The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts. 

They list ribbons I hadn't thought of, so just for fun, I thought I'd explore. Here's a bit of a list of the different type of ribbons and tying fibres available these days. Still a lot I need to try out.

Isn't it wonderful to have so many crafty choices? Any others?

Types of Ribbon Roundup

• Satin
• Taffeta
• Picot Edge
• Grosgrain
• Twill
• Jacquard
• Sheer - Organza, Georgette etc.
• Velvet
• Chenille
• Silk
• Metallic
• Wire Edge
• Synthetic (Curling Ribbons etc.)
• Paper, Jute, Raffia, Other Fibres including recycled
• Knitting Ribbons
• String, Baker's Twine, Wool
• Cord
• Lace
• Ric Rac
• Wrinkled Ribbon
• Suede
• Fancy - Pearls, Sequins, 
• Shaped - Leaves, Flowers etc.
• Punched Metal e.g. Sequin Waste

 And that's without thinking of patterns and other variations such as stitched ribbon etc.

Can you think of any other types of ribbon I've missed?

Cute Teddy Thank You Card

This cute Teddy Thank You card opens out with the double half fold. Not sure if that is called a gatefold?

I used a Nelllie Snellen Multi Die for the circle. I love these dies. They are so versatile, reasonably priced and give a nice effect. The edge of the circle is sponged with blue ink and the plain blue paper is cuttlebugged with one of the Asian Cuttlebug folders.

The teddy is a digi stamp from the wonderful Mellissa at MelJen's Designs


Challenges I'm entering this card in are
CES - Challenge #1 Anything Goes
Bee Crafty - Challenge #37 - Anything Goes (September 11)
Aud Sentiments - Challenge #9 - Anything Goes (August 31)

Clean & Simple Challenge Card

I've made this card for my sister's birthday. She likes clean, stylish but simple lines. Apologies for the shadow in the photo. You can click to enlarge it, to get a better idea if you like.

It was very easy, but I like how it turned out - quite elegant, I think.

It's white Swiss Dots paper layered onto a black edge. The Martha Stewar doily punch softens the lines. The flower is from Dover.

I rubbed a spoon on the back of the flower to curl it a bit, for more of a dimensional effect. I added a single pink rhinestone in the middle, and kept the ribbon simple too.

I'm entering this into the Totally Papercrafts Challenge 31 - Let's Keep It Clean & Simple.
If you want to enter the challenge, it closes on Friday, September 3rd.

Pink Card Making Inspiration

 

Aren't they gorgeous?

I photographed these beautiful pink begonias in the Begonia House in Ballarat, Australia.

I was all set to come home and grow begonias myself, I was so in love with the delicate blooms. Alas, I found out they won't grow in my area, as it's too hot.

Pink Inspiration Card Making
Next best thing, make some pink flower inspired cards, and a good excuse to buy all things pink. I've gathered yummy pink ribbons, flowers and paper in all shades. Oh and yes, of course pink bling.

I have the pink inspiration and the card making materials. Now, I just have to get to and actually make the cards.

I may not have pink begonias in my garden, but I still have the gorgeous photos to inspire me. Can you grow begonias in your area?

Etsy Wish List Craft Gossip Giveaway

Who wouldn't want a blank cheque to spend at Etsy?

The Craft Gossip Etsy Wishlist Giveaway
I bet we all have an Etsy wishlist. It's a great place to browse at all the wonderful goodies.

Craft Gossip is a network of craft blogs, including Scrapbooking and Stamping. They are giving 3 people a chance to win a $100 gift voucher each to spend at Etsy on their Etsy Wishlist. Check out my Wishlist for the Giveaway below.

They cover shippping too, which is a real bonus. Find out more at the Craft Gossip Etsy giveaway post on their site.

What I'm Looking At
I'm keen to make some more cards and papercraft projects, especially experimenting with Vintage, French inspired and Oriental themes. I found the perfect selection for my Etsy wishlist for the Craft Gossip giveaway.

Here's my $100 Etsy Wishlist
Cute Japanese Stamp - Traditional Pattern - $10.50
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Bird  - $26.00
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Paris - $26.00
Duet Stamps - Bird & Bird Cage - $9.00
Duet Stamp Set - Angel - $9.00
Duet Stamp - Lace - $9.00
Cute Japanese Stamp - Flowers - $10.50

Comes to $100 exactly and all from the one Etsy store... Karaku - one of my favourites.

Gosh. that was fun choosing. Hard to stop though! It would be so fun to play with this little selection of goodies. I have some ideas already.

Do you have an Etsy wishlist?
Head on over to Craft Gossip to find out how to make your own Etsy wish list. Winners announced September 1st and open worldwide.

Mini Books Know How Links

The very talented Kerri at My Scrappn Addiction reignited my creative juices with this fabulous envelope book, pictured above.

She runs all sorts of papercraft classes too if you're in the Melbourne area (Australia).  Check out her site for lots of wonderful creations and ideas. I'm also looking  forward to seeing the Recipe Book that Kerri's going to make soon.

I've recently tried making a tag book, also known as a flag book.  I'm just dipping my toe in the water with mini books, but enjoy experimenting, especially as I now have my new Bind It All.

Over 60 Mini Book How To Videos
So I went on a search. Wow! Check out Card Making Accessories for a feast of mini book goodness. There are over 60 individual videos of mini books there. That should keep us all busy for a little while. :)

First though, I'll be making Kerri's yummy envelope book!  Thanks for the inspiration, Kerri.

Envelope Book Image: © My Scrappn Addiction - Used With Permission

Free Downloadable Word Art Sentiments from Papercrafts Magazine

Papercrafts Magazine has a section on their site with great free downloadable sentiments, patterns and other downloads. Many are in colour. 


I've made it easy for you, by doing a very broad listing of some of what you'll find there.


The word art sentiments I spied include -

2010

• September/October- Halloween
• July/August - Thankyou, Gratitude & Inspiration
• Card Creations Vol 8 - Christmas, Birthday, Thankyou, Dad and more
• May/June - Mothers, Fathers and A Good Laugh
• Go To Sketches - Birthdays, Best Wishes, Friends, Thinking of You
• March/April - Baby, Love, Marriage, Congratulations, Thanks tag
• January/February - Valentines

2009 

• November/December - Christmas, Holidays, Thanksgiving
• September/October- Halloween
• July/August - Earth, Tree, Mother, Thankyou
• May/June - Mothers, Fathers, Graduation
• March/April - General
• January/February - Success, Wisdom, Happiness, Education

2008

• November/December - House, Home
• September/October- Halloween
• August - Flowers, Birds, Colours, General

Here's an article with links to cards done with these free word art sentiments. More cards are shown with the actual sentiments in the download section. Enjoy browsing... some great ideas there!

For more free digital stamps and downloads check my Free Digital Stamps List

Please Note: Check rights and terms of use for freebies or downloads before use.

CalligraFUN - Callilgrafun Brush Marker Lettering

I'm thinking of doing Martha Lever's online Calligrafun workshop.
It's fancy lettering with brush markers. Others who've done the course have given positive feedback. I'm a long time reader of Martha's blog, Art Du Jour. She is delightful and super talented.

I also enquired about the course and Gail from Shabby Cottage, which hosts the courses, couldn't have been more helpful with my questions. So all is sounding good. Now, I just need to get myself organised.

In the meantime, here are some Calligrafun videos from YouTube. Enjoy!