March 30, 2011

Blog friends are the best!


(Sorry for the poor quality of these photos!  I'm testing out a new camera which is nowhere near as good as my hubby's DSLR.  I hope I don't have to resort to using it for my cards very often!)

Hey there!  I have a "just for fun" kind of card to share tonight, something I don't have a chance to do very often.  Plus, I promised to share a couple of creations made by some sweet blog friends, so be sure to scroll down for those!

For this card, I wanted to pull out some colors that I rarely reach for (although I have actually used a lot of purple lately!).  Spring Rain is one of those colors that I love, but never seem to use.  I also chose Melon Berry and Fine Linen.  Very different, but I kind of like the way it turned out.

That absolutely gorgeous embossing folder I used on the Spring Rain card base is a generous gift from my sweet blog friend, Nance from Canopy Crafts.  I have swooned over a number of her cards using this folder, so I was thoroughly surprised and delighted when it showed up at my doorstep.  (Thanks again, Nance!)

With that element in place, I chose a beautiful Labels 18 stamp by Waltzingmouse that goes well with the embossed frame.  This was layered with a Fine Linen doily and a Melon Berry felt flower.  A punched tag is stamped with a tiny sentiment from PTI's Tag-its #2.

Cardstock:  Papertrey Ink (Spring Rain, Fine Linen, white)
Patterned paper:  Papertrey Ink (2008 Bitty Dots Basics)
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse (Labels 18), Papertrey Ink (Tag-its #2)
Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Perfect Plum)
Tools:  Stampin' Up! (Framed Tulip embossing folder), Papertrey Ink (Doily Details, Beautiful Blooms dies), McGill (tag punch), Fiskars (hole punch)
Accessories:  Papertrey Ink (felt, buttons, ribbon), DMC floss, thread

Speaking of my friend Nance, here is the lovely card she sent with the embossing folder.  Nance's attention to detail is always amazing, and I love the way she adorned the tulips with tiny pearls on this card.  And that wide striped ribbon?  Be still my heart...  This card will be brightening my craft space for a long time to come!


And as if I hadn't been blessed enough, I received the most darling little favor basket from Jessica at The Paper Parade when I met her last Saturday in Boston.  Is this not the sweetest thing?!  I just love the rich colors, the knotted twill, and that fun corduroy button.  Not only that, but this little cutie came bearing chocolate in the form of an Andes mint brownie!  Thanks again, Jessica!


Thanks so much for stopping by tonight, and for letting me share a bit of my good fortune with all of you.  It's the acts of kindness like these, between crafters who barely know each other in the "real world" or have never even met, that make this community so incredibly special.  

Okay, I'm off to enjoy some mindless entertainment in front of the DVR with my hubby before bed.  See you back here soon!

12 comments:

Jean Martin said...

These are great Christina! I know what you mean about the kindness of people who don't even know each other in the real world. Isn't it great?! :)

Karen B. said...

Blog friends ARE the best. Your card is so lovely and detailed!

Diane Jaquay said...

Oh wow Christina, this card is a knock out! Lovely colors, embossing, and layering, simply GORGEOUS! And you're so right about crafters, they're the nicest bunch of people I know :)

The Paper Parade said...

Oh wow, those colors are gorgeous together! I am so trying them. I'm always looking for color inspiration. I also love the ribbon with the button, another thing I need to try ;)

You are so right about the card your SU friend made you...totally cheery! I also love the way she has used the wide ribbon. I have that in a few colors and enjoy using it, although it has to be with just the right card because its so huge!

I'm glad you liked your treat bag, it was a lot of fun to make :)

Jen W. said...

I love all the detail and layers on your card! The colours are so fun and this card has everything - embossing, stitching, stamping, die cutting, bow, ribbons.... wow! Gorgeous!

Laura Pryor said...

Seriously, I have no words! That first card is so so SO beautiful! WOW!

Lindsay said...

Gorgeous card Christina! I love all the yummy colors and fabby details!

Amy Kolling said...

That is the embossing folder you told me about! That one almost jumped into my cart! LOL That was so incredibly sweet of your friend and a gorgeous card she sent too! Your card has a beautiful design and that large label stamp is beautiful! Yep have to agree on those blog friends! (wink!)

xiumaiyuki said...

I am, too, swooned over this beautiful embossing folder. It adds such elegance to this already gorgeous card! You are really making purple looks yummy to me. :o)

Smita said...

Love the colors and layout of your card!! That doily details set is gorgeous ;-)

Nance Leedy said...

SWOON...this card is gorgeous Christina! OK, I've been a comment slacker lately so I'm making up for lost time. I love that you used your embossing folder!! And how elegant it looks with your stunning color combination. I love, love, love the felt flowers stacked on the doily and label is just gorgeous! Thank you so much for your kind words and gratitude. I am so blessed to have friends like you! ((hugs))

Andrea M said...

Gorgeous card GF!!! Really fabby use of color and texture! That EF is so fabulous! What a sweet gift from Nance! Also love the sweet gift basket from Jessica! Blog friends are so sweet!!!! What a wonderful hobby this is!!!

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