Friends

Machine stitching isn't just for Layout's. It adds a unique and handmade quality to greeting cards. For this card I used three different stitches. When I use a zig zag stitch I like to layer it with a straight stitch to accentuate it's base line. Machine stitching isn't an exacting science. One is never QUITE sure if the edges will meet up or the machine will develop a hiccup during the process. Embrace the irregularities involved in machine stitching and have some fun. That's what papercrafting is all about anyway!!!



This card is made using Blissful, Foundations; Journey, Icons; and Gathering, Icons --- all by Authentique. I chalked the edges using Color Box, French Blue. Find this card sketch and the accompanying challenge here http://authentiquepaper.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-sketch-challenge.html

~charity becker~

just a note

When you need classy and scaled back reach for Authentique. Here is yet another card made with Blissful, Foundations and Journey, Icons. I inked the edges of Blissful with American Crafts, Charcoal pigment ink and used Doodlebug Designs twine. The buttons are random former residents of MIL's sewing drawer. :)
This took only a few minutes to make, but it's cheery colors and "made with love" air will leave a happy impression on it's recipient!

The sketch and challenge details can be found here.

http://authentiquepaper.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-sketch-challenge.html

You have till January 4th to play along.  Get Crafting!!!

~charity becker~

Sunday Picnic

Webster's Pages, the paper I love to covet!!! Here is a preview of Sunday Picnic, this yummy line goes on sale Monday. My favorite images are the kites and bicycles, and I ADORE the colors!



check out the link below...this scrumptious line could be yours for FREE!!!
http://websterspages.typepad.com/webstershome/2011/12/win-the-entire-brand-new-sunday-picnic-collection.html

~charity becker~

Pony Love

I am totally LOVING my three weeks off school. There are so many sketch challenges I have time to participate in now! Today I've got one from Sketchy Thursdays.

pony love

Of course this layout begs the question...how long can one hoard MME Lost and Found? Apparently QUITE A WHILE! The sketch was a fairly simple one, and this paper is already so embellished that there was little to add. I did fussy cut both birds and the cage as well as ink the edges with CTMH chocolate. The alpha is Webster's Pages, Letters from Paris (hoarding alert). Here is what the sketch looks like...

If you get a chance join in the challenge! Find Sketchy Thursdays page here: 

http://www.sketchythursdays.blogspot.com/2011/12/1229-sketch-challenge.html

~charity becker~

Dreaming of Voyage

The curvy design elements of Journey, Voyage (Authentique) are really fascinating me. It looks as if someone took a window opening from the Taj Mahal and painted a bit of blue sky around the edges.
Here's a simple card with lots of oompha. I fussy cut 5 levels of the same design and applied each set with dimensional adhesive. I adhered my center piece and sparkle ribbon to Blissful, foundations and inked the edges with Amercan Crafts, Charcoal pigment ink. The sentiment is stamped with Hampton Arts mini-stampers.

dream

~charity becker~

Rest and Relax

Totally loving the card and LO challenge over at Authentique this month. Here's a card inspired by the sketch:

Rest and Relax

Simple, to be sure, but sweet and to the point as well! I used Blissful foundations as well as Journey, Voyage. For the sentiment I added an Icons diecut from the Journey collection. The twine is Doodlebug Design...but looks like it was made to match the Journey collection.

Find the challenge here: http://authentiquepaper.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-sketch-challenge.html

~charity becker~



Christmas Deals

A trip home to Minnesota always includes a stop at Crafts Direct in St. Cloud. The place is HUGE!!! And they aren't afraid to flaunt it...

Not only do they have an unbelievable selection of Scrapbooking goodies, they have an additional "store front" for closeouts. What could be more fun?  Knowing that adhesive is on my 'most wanted' list I was on the hunt for bargains. And did I EVER cash in!!!

All that American Crafts adhesive...

$13.50!

Yep, I'm in LOVE. *sigh*
I also picked up a few other items, some Authentique Journey and Blissful as well as these trims, twines and tools...

But why no photo of my yummy new pieces of Authentique? ummm, I was in Minnesota for 4 whole days. It's mostly in pieces now! But starting tomorrow I'll feature the fruits of my labor.

~charity becker~