Matchmakers

My husband belongs to a wonderful group called the Santa Rosa East Rotary Club.  The people in this club are all truly wonderful and loving and we have become true friends over the years.  A few months back, one of the ladies, Phyllis, thought it would be a lot of fun to put together a group to play Bunco once a month and alternate around to different houses.  Last night was our Bunco at Ken and Judy's house, and I wanted to take some kind of a little hostess gift.  I decided it might be kind of fun to decorate a box of matches with some pretty paper, etc., so here is how my project turned out.

Matchmakers

I purchased an ordinary box of matches at the hardware store thinking that it would be fun project.  I cut polka dot paper (turquoise blue, green, orange, purple and red dots) the exact size of the matchbox top and then attached it using multiple strips of "Miracle Tape."  For the bottom, I cut a coordinating piece of paper (green with white stripes) and attached it the same way.  I then cut about a 1/2" strip of paper out of the green and white striped paper and then used my fancy scissors to trim the edges.  I chalked the edges of the strip with brown chalk and then mounted it onto the box using tape.  Next I had some lavendar rick rack that I glued to the top of the green strip.  Using a regular piece of sandpaper, I sanded the edges of the top and bottom of my box and then chalked the edges with brown.  For the top outside edges I glued some green fancy rick rack, which I think gives it a nice finished look.  I added some cute little flower stickers that look like they must be buds for some kind of a fruit.  I wanted to personalize the matchbox, so I cut a "C" out of lightweight cardstock and then covered it with a lavendar gingham paper and finally, I chalked the edges in lavendar.  The last thing was to stamp my personalized stamp onto the back, an artist should always remember to sign their work.

Pinecrest Birthday

It is almost time for us to head up to Pinecrest for our annual week at the Lair of the Golden Bear.  22 years and we are really looking forward to visiting with our friends and catching up on what has been happening over the year.  Of course, we always are honored to celebrate our friend, Mike's birthday while we are there.

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Pinecrest Birthday

I like the look of ripping paper and then chalking the edges, it's easy to create the look of sky or mountains, or whatever you like.  I used the Cricut cartridge "Camp Out" for the trees in the background.  Found the ribbon and the wine paper that I used at the Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I simply cut out the wine bottles and glasses that I chose from the paper and then mounted them onto the card.  The one in the upper left I cut out 2 duplicate copies and then put 3-D dots underneath to give it that raised dimensional look.  The wording, I typed on my computer and then added to the card.  "Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the rest improve with age."  Pope John XXIII

Butterflies and Lace

The one thing about making a generic card is that you can use it for any occasion.  I don't like to be linked into using a particular card for a specific day, there are just way too many other days that I like to send a note or special greeting to friends and family.

Butterflies and Lace

Amazing how we have so many beautiful little scraps, and of course, I can never throw them out, I just keep waiting for that special card to be able to mix and match those little pieces together.  As you can see on this card, I used 4 different patterened paper and then added the cute little lavendar ric rac and the 3-D butterfly to finish.  I added the matching yellow gingham to the flap on the envelope and then trimmed the edges with my fancy scissors.  Pretty and it's my creation, so it is one of a kind. 

Wish for Rocky

My friend and hairdresser for the last 23 years is having a birthday on July 14th, and I just had to make a card to let him know that I remembered.  He's just a little bit older than me, and because my birthday is in May, he always has to tease me when we are the same age for a couple of months.  Happy birthday Rocky, on the 14th you are older than me again.  :)

Wish for Rocky

I covered a blank white card in light gray cardstock.  I put together the star paper and the black and white diamond shaped paper and then added the red gingham ribbon and the "wish" coupon and a tag.  I then attached them to the card leaving a small bit of gray showing at the bottom.  Then I attached a little strip of polka dot paper on the side.  I was presently pleased with this card as sometimes it is really hard to come up with a masculine card.

Hibiscus for Penny

Our friend Penny just celebrated her "50th" birthday, and we were priviledged to be part of the celebration.  The theme was Hawaii 5-0, and because we all love Hawaii, I just had to make a card that went along with the Hawaiian theme.

Hibiscus for Penny

Began with a blank white card that I highlighted using blue and lavender chalks.  I then cut out hibiscus flowers and leaves using the Cricut cartridge, "Life is a Beach."  One of the flowers, I gave it a 3 dimensional look by adding an extra layer and putting a sticky 3-D dot underneath.  I also chalked the edges with a slightly darker shade to make them pop out.  Last but not least, why give a plain looking envelope with a card that you have spent so much time working on.  Make them match and use a pretty coordinating color to write the recipients name.  Fun card and what a fun party this was.

I'm Proud to be an American!

Happy 4th of July!  Don't you just love being able to create a card that not only is attractive to the eye, but really has a special meaning.  We celebrate Independence Day, but we really need to take to heart what we are celebrating the freedom that all of our men and women are fighting to give us.



I'm Proud to be an American!



Just a plain white cardstock card turned into a card celebrating freedom and independence.  A strip of red paper with white stars, added a small strip of plain blue paper and then I add a larger strip of the dark blue background paper with silver stars.  For the bottom edge, I ripped it with a rough edged ruler and then chalked the edge.  Cut the different sized stars from a templated onto blue felt and then backed them with cardboard.  Attached them to the card with a couple of them attached with a 3D dot to give them a little pop.  Backed the envelope flap with matching paper and it was ready to go.

STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER!

Happy 4th of July!  Loved being able to add the flags onto this card.  My cousin served our Country and is a very special lady.  She lives in Wisconsin, which is quite a distance from California, but I love being able to send her a note every once in awhile just to let her know that I am thinking about her.




Stars and Stripes Forever!



Paper, flags, as well as the blue star sticker were all purchased from the Paradise Scrapbook store.  Actually, my husband, Mike on one of our visits to the store, found the paper and surprised me later with what he had bought.  Good Job!  On the front of the envelope, I added a few sticker stars to make it cute.

God Bless the USA!

Happy 4th of July!  I loved working on cards for the 4th of July.  Loved cutting out the stars, the colors and thinking about what the whole concept of this card related to.  This card I made for a gentleman that lives at the Yountville Veterans Home.  A retired serviceman, a Rotarian, an amazing artist, and we miss not seeing him, but we appreciate that he served his country in the time of need, and want him to know that he is thought of often.



God Bless the USA!

The key really seems to be in finding that particular piece of paper that gives you inspiration to create.  The paper came from the Paradise Scrapbook store, as well as the plain blue base ribbon and the red & white striped ribbon that I added on top.  The blue stars, I traced from a template onto felt and then glued them onto heavy cardboard, cut them out and attached to the front of the card.  The envelope, I have found that it is a really nice touch to add a piece of coordinating or matching paper to the back flap.  I think it gives the recipient an idea that something special is coming their way.