JustRite Friday Challenge #111: It's in the Bag

JustRite is challenging us to create a bag (or any sort of gift packaging item) for their last challenge of 2013. I decided to re-purpose a gift box from the mall in shimmery white & gold as I happened to have those papers in my stash.

Simply using some of the box's existing design, I cut gold paper with JustRite's Custom Vintage Labels Four die, added white pearl trim and tied sheer ribbon around the lid before gluing down my die cut.
Atop that I stamped the elaborate frame from Birthday Vintage Labels Four stamp set in Encore Gold Metallic ink on white shimmer paper, added my sentiment from the same set in Memento black ink and die cut with another Labels Four die, centering that vertically over my larger piece.
I tied my two ribbons in bows at the left of center, added white shimmer paper roses (Spellbinders' Bitty Blossoms) edged in Antique Linen Distress Ink and a pearl-adorned gold butterfly (Spellbinders' Les Papillions) to finish off the box top. For the front-closing magnetic edge piece, I paired two Spellbinders' Classic Edge dies and added more pearls.
I think my additions make an already pretty box even more elegant for a lovely lady's special occasion, perhaps a birthday or even a wedding or shower! A fun challenge indeed!

JustRite Friday Challenge #110: Bleach Stamping Technique

JustRite's Friday Challenge was a FUN one this week requiring us to use bleach instead of ink to do our stamping.

I'd not done this in many years but it's a technique I've always liked, partly because its exciting to see what color the bleach will reveal. I used several different CS colors, but this was definitely my FAV, an 'old rose' shade from Stampin' Up, though I don't recall the exact color. I stamped in bleach using JustRite's Fleuriste Newsprint Background Stamp which left me with a cream BG image. I die cut the image with Spellbinders' A2 Matting Basics A largest die, sponged the edge with Black Soot Distress Ink and mounted it to a cream top-fold card. I then re-stamped my BG stamp on cream in black ink, hand cutting the butterfly and oval from the stamp. I added black wire antennae to my butterfly, a hand-colored seam binding double bow, 3 small paper roses and black swirls to complete this simple card.

My Sheri Crafts Challenge #124: Funky Christmas!

For our final challenge of this calendar year, our DT member, Raquel, has asked that we create any project using NON-traditional Christmas colors -- no typical green / red / white combinations or white / blue combination.  You can use those colors but MIX it up!

I started out thinking this would be really hard OR that I'd not really like what I created, but in the end I LOVE this non-traditional teal and pink card totally!!!  Michaels recently had stamps on sale, BOGO (buy one / get one free), so how could I resist, PLUS I had a 25% off entire purchase coupon -- WOO-HOO!  I chose two Hero Arts Christmas stamps, mainly because I liked the large A2-card-filling sentiments on one and the mistletoe branches on the other. Then, as luck would have it, a couple days later I happened upon the card on the right (perhaps Pinterest?) by Shari Carroll!

Changing up the colors and greeting using the 2nd Hero set, I started with PTI's Hawaiian Shores CS for my top-fold A2 card, adding a DP layer (7gypsies 'Venice' 6x6" variety pack). My large ornament is stamped using Encore Ultimate Metallic "Pink" ink, the smaller one & sentiment in Encore's "Teal" and all embossed in Martha Stewart Clear EP. After stamping my mistletoe in Memento Tuxedo Black, I colored my leaves using Copic #'s YG41 and BG11. A small teal seam binding bow and a sprinkling of pink Bazzill gems finishes it off.  Best part of all, I know exactly who's receiving this card -- another important one crossed off my list!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#5) (Oops, this s/be #7) . . .

paper --  this is the fifth seventh in my series of posting handmade American Girl doll clothing made from patterns from various sources, both free and purchased ones.  I'd intended to get this sweet little dress posted over a week or so ago, but my dear sweet hubby of nearly 35 years had a medical emergency. Thank God, he is much better and we hope to have many more healthy, wonderful years together!

This darling little dress modeled by Kirsten (an original Pleasant Company AG doll from 1990) is from the Feedsack Fun: ebook of 1930's patterns, available in several different sizes in one pattern -- all original designs created by JenWrenne. The above link is for her fabulous Etsy storefront!!!  She's a very lovely and TALENTED lady and her awesome blog (including lots of FREE patterns you'll LOVE!) can be found here!  Please go visit Jen's blog and her Etsy store -- you'll NOT be disappointed!  She also does fabulous contests every so often and has one open through November 22nd!