Monday 20 January 2014

The Smallest Things - a belated Sunday Snippet

Morning Folks,

I intended posting this card yesterday, the day it was made, for Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 108 but the day just ran away from me and it seemed it was time for bed all too soon!
This card was made from old stash ... yes, no new stash was harmed in the making of this card :)

To make the front, the patterned paper, Roses in Harmony, Hot of The Press - free with a Scrapbook Magazine some time ago, was cut to measure slightly smaller than the front of the Kraft card base to create a border. Then a die (a C-Art Us set) was used to cut the oval shape from the paper, after which the edges were inked with Rangers DI, Brushed Corduroy and then glued to the front of the card.

To make the topper, a scrap of smooth white card was stamped with Verve's Smallest Things stamp in VersaFine Vintage Sepia ink and this time cut with a smaller oval, A mat was created by tracing round the same smaller oval die from brown card. Foam pads were added to the back of the stamped topper and adhered to the brown mat, then glued to the oval on the front of the card.

To create the floral embellishments, a rummage in stash unearthed some old Prima flowers in appropriate shades. The tips were inked with Rangers DI Picked Raspberry, then they were layered and clipped together with glittery green brads (Docrafts) before arranging them around the topper. I used glue gel for this as it made it easier to arrange the rose buds, pink heather spray and cream stamens (most of these from The Works).


I used the oval that was cut from the patterned paper and a leftover strip cut in half to decorate the inside and back.

For those who know me it will come as no surprise to learn that this year my main crafting goal is to buy no new patterned paper and embellishments. I know, I say it every year! But all too often I succumb to temptation and add yet more gorgeous goodies to the mountain of stash.

This year, no more! I have a ton of gorgeous and oh so stroke-able paper, boxes of fabulous embellishments, enough embossing folders, dies, paints, inks, etc., etc., etc., to keep me crafting for several years, never mind 2014.

To be absolutely straight I should state now that I did have a wee spending spree just before Christmas ... well, The Boss did the spending as she treated me to some goodies that were on sale :) And I did receive a gift of a craft voucher from the EM too ... that was exchanged on Saturday just gone for a considered purchase of some die sets and a new corner punch - the one I have had since 1996 has finally given up and died on me - all intended to help me keep to my target of using only what I have already.

So watch this space! See if I can keep to my goal ... I promise to be totally honest and confess if ever I lapse. But I won't ... put simply, the craft budget is needed elsewhere. It's earmarked for our new garden. It's been sorely neglected over the last few years and I guess it is going to take a lot of time, effort and pocket money to whip it back into shape.

Before I go, I'd like to welcome my newest follower, Melody - nice to have you along and I hope you continue to visit whenever you can.

Happy Crafting everyone,

13 comments:

Sarn said...

Hi Elizabeth . . . what a pretty and romantic and feminine card you've made here. Utterly delightful.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Hettie said...

What a pretty card you have created Elizabeth. Such pretty soft shades.
Now as for buying no more, tools (dies, punches) are allowed within reason as a treat, however, papers (but not white stuff) is not allowed. And if they are presents they don't count either. So don't feel guilty!
Hugs
xx

Di said...

Absolutely beautiful card Elizabeth! Fabulous sentiment and such gorgeous flowers. Top marks from me!

I was going to email you as you seem to have been quiet recently so was pleased to see this.

We have a corner rounder punch coming up as a prize in the Playground soon - ain't it always the way :)

Hugs, Di xx

Sandra H said...

Ooooh this Elizabeth is so beautiful its amazing how you have put this together with snippets just goes to show how creative you are it truly is beautiful well done xx

KandA said...

Hi Elizabeth, this is a really beautiful card. Love the way you've put it all together with the wonderful sentiment and such a great way to use up your patterned papers. I really need to use up some of my old stash too but I can't resist buying new xx

scrappymo! said...

I so admire your will power and your garden is going to look wonderful once you are done! Too bad I am not closer as I could give you buckets of snowdrops and other pretty spring bulbs.

I have tried this before,(tools and dies,and other non consumables allowed plus glue) but failed miserably as I did not have the will power.

I think having a goal for the funds is a fabulous idea...that will keep you on track as you sketch and plan and draw out for shopping lists for the garden beds.

Your card is beautiful...I love the layered openings for your sentiment. I have made something a wee bit similar last week...will post it soon too.
The floral paper is so pretty and your flowers look fabulous with it. Inking the tips looks great!

Sue said...

Hi Elizabeth this is such a beautiful card it really is gorgeous huggles Sue xx

Marie-Louise said...

Gorgeous card Elizabeth. I admire your intention of using up all your present craft stash. If only I could do that. Hope you all are well. M.L.

MaryH said...

Hi Elizabeth - this is so lovely. YOur pretty flowers remind me of the Dogwoods that bloom in the Carolina areas in my country. Loved your papers, & especially enjoyed the use of your oval cutout as an inside decoration. Had to chuckle at your honest confession about the pre-purchase prior to your 'mission statement'. Oh - now those buys don't count! That was before you set your goal. And if you use gift cards, that doesn't count either!!! Your card is beautiful, and TFS. TFS & Hugs

Greta said...

This is absolutely stunning! I'm also on a mission to minimize my spending as I look toward retirement--not to mention the fact that I have way more than I will use the rest of my life--LOL! The new stuff sure tries to get me, though!

Jackie said...

What a beautiful card, so pretty. Good luck with your "no patterned paper buying", I haven't bought any for about 5 years now and still have a mountain because I hardly ever use any! :o)
Jackie xx

coops said...

so stunning elizabeth.beautiful pretty design and colours :D

xx coops xx

Dragon said...

What a work of art Elizabeth, love it.