No challenge... Just Playing

I wanted to play with these  exquisite hand made paper samples now in my stash. A collection of various paper textures both deeply embossed, stitched, foil embedded and some with petals and leaves.

Isn't it great finding something in your stash that causes a massive explosion of ideas. I started working on three separate ideas, pulling out  paper die cuts and embellishments for all three.

Starting with the burnished marigold strip I cut the length to 5.50". Lace lined with gold scallops was attached to the focal strip, then mounted on the black strip - embossed with a musical folder - then edged with gold. The magenta swede punched butterfly has antennae pointing to the sentiment "come fly with me"

 Up next is this magnificent - deeply embossed gray strip. The paper size and details dictates the design. I wanted only to showcase the paper and enhance it with complimentary elements.  I cut a strip of silver and punched 3 black circles topped with heart shaped jewels. The dragonfly is die cut using black glitter paper. I adhered the black satin braided ribbon to soften the hard lines and tied the bow. 

Sweet. At the same time I was working on this I was thinking of ways to use the last piece of the gray, I had to use it. What's really fun about this card is the  "u Rock! circle with the gem. Take a closer look. See the musical notes attached with dimensional s, see the shiny black dots between the gray and silver paper. Read on.

Personal Note.  As I walk about our community of condominiums I am drawn to the trash bins when they are piled high with boxes. The dumpsters are all neatly tucked in little shelters with recycle bins too! When they are full and I see sturdy boxes or shoe boxes on top I will investigate. A good box always comes in handy. I keep a rather large one in the laundry to collect items I will be donating. Anyway the other day I noticed this red boot box on top just calling my name.  This will be great to replace the sticky one I used to collect over spray from glue, ink and paint.

The really fun part was the tag on the inside; it was perfect for my 1.50" circle punch. Recycling at it's finest. I've found many treasures on the top of dumpsters, and happy for it. Yes this little bit of trash delighted me because I could use it. To find creative uses for discards is like getting something for free.

The third idea inspiration started with the beautiful Victorian Rose Print. I printed several of these free clip art images and fussy cut them. I've admired all the lovely shabby chic cards I see out here in the blog-e-sphere. I can pick out the designers cards that I most admire, but this is my first attempt at making one. I love using found items. The base card is covered with old pattern paper, topped with brown paper bag. A recycled green ribbon is the base for all the elements to rest on. The ivory sculpture like element on the top left corner is from perfume packaging.  Butterflies - ribbons - doilies - lace - paper fans - pearls is it too much? I don't care it was fun and I like it.

                                

 The other thing I've been playing with is this scrap strip of punched dots. First - after using the static pad - I attached it to a card base using blue painter's tape. With the  Versa Mark pad I stamped directly on the card. After removing the template of punched dots, I sprinkled black embossing powder over the watermarked dots. After heat embossing - this is the glossy effect.



Next  I secured  -the punched dots -  to a sheet of black card stock, then I made little drops of glossy accents and put it out of reach to dry. The next day I used the same strip of punched holes on acetate  and made drops of liquid pearls and black puffy paint. Having fun in drop a dot land.

Well if I still have your attention thanks for your interest. I haven't posted since last Friday so here's an update about the Pig Roast in Flintstone.

Our four hour drive through rain storms and underground tunnels had us reach the  mountain top - where my brother hosts an annual pig roast - around 4:30 PM Friday night. The pole barn is a large structure that houses a 1956 and a 1957 chevy. Both restored and shining hot rods.

It continued to rain sporadically but Zig did not want to take his shiny clean hot rod out in the rain to make room for the arriving guests. When he finally relented and fired up the monster engine we were left in a cloud of gaseous fumes holding our ears. Motor Head!

Later we retired to our cabins. My son and his family settled in their RV and my daughter Corina and her HH joined us for cocktails and stories in our cabin. We slept well and upon awakening we began to prepare for the day. A walk, a shower and a nibble.

 My oldest daughter Jennifer arrived around 2 PM on Saturday, pitched a tent among the other tent-er's and pumped up the air mattress. Grandson Wyatt's favorite thing was jumping on it.

Hula hoops, hiking, batting and pitching, eating and drinking, running and chasing yipping and a yapping.  At the end of the day we gathered around a fire pit and made S'mores, listening to the music and enjoyed family bonding.

The band was fun and had people up dancing. My brother even sang "The House of the Rising Sun." I refused any Moonshine offered...I saw what it did to them. No thank you. It really was a beautiful day. Thanks Ziggy.

Longest post to date. Sometimes its just great to work with what you have on hand with out a plan or competition.  


 "Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!"  ~Albert Einstein



Be well ~ Carole