Slow Stitching 2025 - Week 1

Here's my first piece for the Comfort Coverlet.

I made the fabric 12x12 inches and tea dyed it.

I have made several circles on it and stitched them with the stem stitch in several colors.

I am planning on adding elements on the circles to loosely represent women in my family that are important to me.

Not sure what to use for the elements.  If it turns out to be a comfort cloth they should be soft.

Options:

Buttons, beads, sequins, felt shapes, and probably many more.

See what this week brings.

Card - HB - Watercolor Oak Leaves

A watercolor for a guy who celebrates his birthday this week.

I created a warm watercolor background then let it dry.

I cut one piece for the background of the card, then cut the leaves and acorns from the rest.  

I then added definition to the leaves and acorns with watercolor. Painted the white edges with dark brown watercolor.I added gold accents as well from my new watercolor set.

The card base in dark brown measures 6x12 inches.

A white insert and a length of double sided tape with carrier on the flap.  Ready to go.

Cards - SC Christmas - Nativity

Another set of Christmas cards for the box. Again, self closing cards measuring 6x5.5 inches.

I did take one to the post office Monday and it was mailed with regular postage.

A dark green linen textured card stock base.  With a gold metallic Stampin Up Sunburst diecut adhered over a paste paper background.  This layer was adhered to the card with d/s tape.

I punched a red 2" circle and cut the Penny Black Manger die from ivory pearl card stock.  These were layered with QuickDry adhesive.  It was then adhered to the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and some d/s tape with carrier on the flap and it's done.

For this card I used a navy linen card stock cut to 6 x12 inches which was scored at 5.5 and just less than 1" for the flap.

I chose a piece of blue paste paper and cut the SU Sunburst die in silver metallic paper. These were adhered together with QuickDry glue then adhered to the card with d/s tape.

The manger scene was cut from ivory pearl cardstock and mounted onto a 2" circle punchie then mounted to the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and a d/s tape with carrier on the flap.

A monochromatic theme for this one.  I olive green linen card base with a coordinating paste paper. 

A 2 inch circle punchie from the same card stock to back the ivory pearl manger die cut.  Once adhered to each other this layer was adhered to the card over the center of the sunburst with 3D foam tape.

A white insert and a strip of d/s tape with carrier on the flap.

I have about 55 cards ready which is close to what I need.

Cards - Self Closing Card - No need for envelopes

I'm working on a new card design. 

It is a self closing card where the card closes onto itself and seals for mailing all in one go.

For this one I used a 1/2 sheet of 12x12 designer paper and cut it in half.  I chose to put the plain side out and the patterned inside.  I added a TH Cameo Frame die in red to coordinate then adhered one of my 4x4 photos from past calendars in the center trimmed to fit.  Then came the bling of gold star sequins on the top and bottom held in place with red tiny brads.

An ivory insert on the right hand side with a stamped sentiment.  These cards provide a good amount of room to include a few lines of greetings to the recipient. 

Once it is ready to go the card is closed and the double sided tape on the small flap seals the card.  Turn it over and address it, add a stamp and a return address and you are ready to mail.

I will cello them so the card front and sentiment are visible.  This allows the one to choose the one that fits the occasion the best.

Each will be an original and unique design.

I used the TH Caged Bird die for this card.

My background is a piece of marbled paper. I chose my colors based on it, so grey for the cage and branch and dusty purple for the bird. I then watercolored some handmade paper flowers to coordinate and place them at the top and bottom of the cage. They are held in place with tiny lavender brads. 

I added a strip of the card base card stock along the left hand side of the layout. Taped the ends to the back.  Adhere the element to the card with double sided tape. 

A white insert on the right hand side.

I thought I would try a landscape orientation and watercolor.  

The wide does not work so well because you can't see the art and the sentiment at the same time.  

A quick watercolor which worked out pretty well.

I spent most of the day making these cards then trying to decide if they are a viable product for the Christmas Store.

I go through this every year and I will just do what I like and not worry about who else might like it.

I need quite a few more Christmas cards so that works.

I love Bethlehem cards and I have not included a palm tree before.

The stamp is from a Stampin Up set in royal blue ink.

AAC Member Art Show - Value of Color

I dropped off my submissions for the Value of Color member show at the Spruce Grove Gallery on Saturday.  They requested that the pieces be 12x12 square with a predominant color in each piece.  I guess they plan on creating a changing wave of color on the gallery walls.  Should be interesting.

Since I did not have any square frames on hand I decided to try something new.  I purchased 12x12 Cradled Wood Painting Panels from Michaels. I bought some adhesive and decided to use a foam roller to apply the glue. It would be used to the adhere the photo to the board and then to seal the photo once it was dry.

The prints were expensive as well as the cradled panels so I hoped that this process would work. You can check another post to see the details and process.

Title: The Points

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Photography

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel 

Color: Grey

Title: Orange Center

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Photography with acrylic                      gold spatter

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel 

Color: Orange

Title: Tree Trio

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Mixed Media

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel

Color: Green

These will be on display October 30, 2023 – January 2024 and the reception is Saturday, November 04, 2023 at 1:00 pm.  I am looking forward to it.

Christmas Card Challenge - July - Trees

I found a set of these little trees when I was cleaning up.  I have no idea where I got them but they may have come from my niece.  I don't have this die so I did not cut them. They are Stampin Up Gumball Green.

I have chosen the same elements and arranged them slightly differently in each card. 

Trees - Gumball Green die cut spruce tree - die unknown

DSP - SU Winter Bright collection

Colors - Bashful Blue, Gumball Green, Whisper White

Tiny White Brads

Greeting - SU Artisan Label punchies in BB & GG

Card bases - Textured Gumball green 12x12 cut down to size

The greeting was mounted to card front with 3D foam tape. 

I added 3 tiny white brads to the main tree then adhered with double sided tape. 

The snowbanks were ripped from white card stock and I used a bit of Bashful Blue chalk along the rough edge.

The star is a punchie from white pearl card stock adhered with a Bling Zot.

The DSP was cut to leave a small border and in one case cut to 3 inches wide by 5.25 inches tall.

Major Clean Up, De-clutter, Storage and Organize - Craft space & Photo Studio

I did decided I needed to do some major clean up and de-cluttering with the goal of having ALL card making supplies in the craft space.  This necessitated getting rid of a lot of supplies.  I have been mulling this over for several months.  

 

Finally, I decided to keep my Stamping Up supplies and cull the unrelated stuff for this reason. I have card stock, designer paper, ink, watercolor, chalks, ribbon, brads, and some stamps that all coordinate.  I have enough to last me the rest of my card making career.  I am keeping 110lb for photo cards too.

I started by removing all the non SU designer paper from my 8 color coded drawers.

Then, I took the 4 drawers of SU designer paper which were crammed to overflowing and sorted them into the 8 color coded drawers. It was a bit tough because SU paper comes in sets which are organized by color collections - Brights, Subtles, Regals, and Neutrals rather than colors.

Now, I had 4 empty drawers.

I then looked at the Iris cases in the bedroom that held 12x12 designer paper.  I kept the special papers like metallic, no shed glitter, and vellum pieces which translate well to Stampin Up.  That is what is in that bottom drawers.   Look 3 empty drawers!

I have a large box overflowing of designer paper to get rid of.  I will hold onto it for a couple of weeks in case I remember a few pieces I want to pull back.

 

 

The card stock cupboard needed to be addressed as well.  A while ago I had moved 8.5x11 Stampin Up card stock to this cupboard but now the 12x12 card stock had to be moved as well.

It was being stored in the dining room secretary along with table linens so it was time it moved.

The left is 8.5x11 card stock and the right is neutrals and 12x12 card stock on the bottom.

The middle shelf holds the boxes for my 2 projects - Compassion House and Cards for Seniors.

Here's the bottom shelves of the secretary in the dining room.  

I have added a few plastic containers to organize. The top shelf holds small vases, small bottles, charger plates, place mats, and a grey box of table runners and doilies.

The bottom shelf is a container of napkins and table cloths on the right hand side.

There is room for a few pieces if I decide something new in the future.

I now have 7 Iris cases that are EMPTY!

This is the photo studio area and you can see in the right hand photo that I have filled some of them with Macro Monday props. Clear cases which are well labels so I can quickly find what I need.  

I don't know what I will use the empty ones for just yet.  I can live with them empty for a while and get used to the space.  Having spend the time to empty them I will be sure to fill them with plenty of thought!   SO HAPPY!

Exchange Cards - Spatter Cardstock

I made a couple of cards with the the great spattered card stock I made a while ago.  I loved how I was able to get ink splotches!  The original 12x12 card stock is by Teresa Collins - Giving Thanks.

I started with card bases in Stampin Up Bermuda Bay. 

I used Nick Bantock's Cerlean Blue and Chrome Yellow liquid acrylic as well as white pearl Gleams acrylic paint on this card stock. 

I found some large die cut flowers in aqua.They needed a bit of a texture so I used the same colors again on the large handmade paper flowers.  Then I added a pearl white flower die cut made with the Stampin Up Flower Fair thin-let set.  I layered a deep teal flower then a smaller deep yellow one held in place a deep teal mini brad.  This was assembled into an accent.

I cut the spattered card stock to 4.00 x 5.25 inches and adhered it to the card front.  I added  a ripped strip of silver metallic card stock.  I then adhered the flower accent with 3D foam tape. I added a quarter sheet insert.

 

 

This card as very similar pieces. 

The ripped strip is pearl white cardstock. It was adhered to the card from then trimmed it to the card edges.

The flower accent has a deep yellow mini brad in its' center.

I love the swirls of grey in this card stock.   I chose their layout to determine where I was going to place the flowers.

These are headed out to the mail box.

 

How To: 12x12 Splattered Decorated Paper

I'm finding it harder to use scrapbooking 12x12 paper for my card making.  I want original and unique paper.  I have so many sheets of designer paper so why wouldn't I use some of that to make something new rather than using plain white card stock to start with?  I went into my stash and chose patterns that I have lots of or that I am not too thrilled about. 

I chose the tools of the trade which are a collection of various paint brushes and tooth brushes.  

Some acrylic paint with a couple of plates to use as palettes.  A spray bottle to thin the acrylic paint.

I chose several sheets of designer paper.  I covered my kitchen area with a blue plastic sheet to prevent splattering the nearby surfaces.   You can see the before and after pictures below.  I just loaded my paint brushes with color and flicked the brushes toward the paper.

 

To the left are the 4 sheets that I decorated.  I think the light sheets have been very effective.  The orange and yellow ones I am not sure they are as effective. 

This new interface for blogger - I had to make sure that I chose a placement then I could have my text go beside my images.

Resizing is better and more adjustable.

Labels are a nightmare!  It is very slow and eventually it did not find labels which I know are there.

Recent Photos

The summer continues to be wet and each morning this is what the grass looks like. 

I love the way this image looks with the few in focus with the far and close ones out of focus.

The water drops create wonderful bokeh in the front.

I had to get down low so my knees got wet but it was worth it.





This is what the vase of yellow flowers looks like now.  When they withered I removed the water and let them dry naturally.

I took this photo in my living room as the sun started appearing through the window.  Of course, it is later in the morning than it used to be as we spin on our axis.

I love how the sun caught the bloom on the left!

The sun highlighted the wonderful art glass vase as well.  Made by artist Robert Held.












I caught this Black Capped Chickadee with very warm light one morning recently.

They are pretty skittish so I have had a hard time getting their photos this summer.

I try to have fermented food regularly in my diet.

I have been eating KimChi for years.  First discovered it at a Korean Restaurant in town.  It was the first spicy food I did not mind eating.

When I think of KimChi and I am reminded of a MASH episode. In the episode, Frank sees the locals were burying something in the field outside the fence.  Of course, he thinks it is a bomb and panics.  Upon the destruction of the underground device it was found to be a KimChi pot.

My sister has been making it for me for a few years.  She has a friend who grew the spicy peppers required to make it.  She started it when I has there and I brought the jar home to babysit until it was ready to put in the fridge.

The nappa cabbage, daikon radish, and green onion has to stay under the liquid at all times.  Everything in the preparation needs to be glass. I was lucky enough to have this glass lid which worked very well.  The liquid will bubble over the rim of the jar so there needs to be bowl under jar to gather that.  It sits on the counter for a few days and it bubbled faster as my house is warmer than my sisters.  Then it is stored in a plastic jar in the fridge. 

I have started working on some still life for greeting cards.  This was a dried bouquet I put together a couple weeks ago.  I had tied it with lace which I thought would work but it did not. I needed something warmer in color.  Raffia would be great. 

I have been cleaning up and getting rid of stuff that I don't use any more.  Mostly card making supplies.  The raffia went a couple weeks ago so No Raffia!   I did not stop to think of the other uses for it.  I came across that same thought with 12x12 scrapbook paper that I may use for photography backgrounds.  I am more aware and will vet the 12x12 paper headed out of the house  more carefully.  Card making supplies are seriously being culled.

I have taken props to the retaining wall of the walking path in the river valley a couple of times to have these wonderful old beams in the background.

They are fabulous but hauling props a several blocks without smashing and breaking them along the way has been the challenge.  For this shot,  I was depending on finding natural elements on my walk and it was not the best. 

I love the feel of the wood.  So, I will continue to work on the process to achieve the results I want.

Sharing with Mosaic Monday #41 hosted by Angie at Letting Go the Bay Leaf and Mersad at Through My Lens #204.

Silent Auction Donation

I am participating in our Mission Possible Sale this weekend and they requested a donation for the silent auction.

I am donating this photograph of a red poppy.  It was taken in July at the Community Garden in my neighborhood on my morning walk.  I generally don't leave the house with out the camera.

It is framed in a 12x12 inch black metal frame with a white mat with black insert.  The photograph was printed at 8x8 inches.

There is some great stuff up for auction.

Framed Art Canvas - Owl

I created this piece of art of my niece and god daughter who celebrates a birthday this week. 

The canvas was created by another niece who produces this wonderful pour art. Xyla Creations.  I purchased this piece back in May as it had the perfect colors for my god daughter.

I added the black frame. 

I created the tree trunk and branches from ripped black card stock. 

I added the circle moon cut from copper metallic card stock.

I added the brass owl pendant in front of the moon with his feet on the branch. 

I added the sentiment with vellum tucked into the bottom of the art with out being adhered.

I used glue dots to attach all the pieces only to find a day later all the pieces had fallen down.  Attaching stuff to acrylic paint has been a challenge before.  I resorted to tiny black brads but I really did not want to make holes in the wonderful canvas. 

The owl is a piece of jewelry so I gave my god daughter the matching chain in case somewhere along the line she wants to wear it.

I was able to deliver it in person and spend a day with her.  It was a wonderful time.

Lunch out is always a nice thing.

Note Cards - Victorian Paintings

 I made another gift set of  No8 note cards.  This time I used a set of images left over from a Paper Tole kit I found these at the ReUse center the other day.  When I saw them I thought their proportions would be great for these type of cards.  As you can see they were perfect.  

The images were created by Anton Pieck - a Dutch artist who painted the Victorian images who lived from 1895 - 1987.  The the sheets of images have the copyright notice of 1973 The Donald Art Co. NY Printed in Holland on them and there is these three per sheet.  The name of the images are The Inspector (l), The Smoker (c) and the Ship Painter(r). I chose an olive green textured card stock in 12x12.  This layer was cut 2 7/8 x 5 inches. The cards are cut at 3 3/8 wide and then scored at 6 1/4 inches.  I added a 1/2 inch strip to the bottom of the card front, taped it on the back then added this scallop washi tape across the join and brought the ends to the inside of the card.  It finishing off the front nicely.     Again, I created a structure to house the 12 cards from left over strips of the 12x12 card stock I used for the cards.  These were scored the width of 3 5/8 centered on the 12 inches.  I used 2 - one for the bottom and another on the top.  I created a small piece of paper to stick to the top of let people know what the package contains.  I again added a label on one of the sides with my contact information.
You can refer to this post of the stash busting concept for these cards. 

Stash busting - No.8 Cards

I have no idea when I acquired a box of 500 of No.8 envelopes so this is a stash busting exercise.

When my sister visited on the long weekend we brainstormed the options for making cards to fit these envelopes.

It measures 3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches. They cost a lot less than A2 Invitation envelopes. 

The idea I came up with was using 12x12 card stock to create three 6 1/4 X 3 3/8 inches cards. When scored at 6.25 inches you need to add an additional piece to the other side.



1. Single Side Designer Paper
You can just add a .5 inch strip of coordinating solid card stock.  This gives you an element you can repeat on the accent you add to the card front.
2. Double Sided Designer Paper
When using double sided designer card stock you can leave that color show through below the shaped bottom edge.
3. Either Type of Designer Paper
You can make a landscape card which folds in the center with the solid piece being anywhere along the card front.

Doing some calculations on cost it was determined that over all the cost is higher to make these cards but being in the place that the supplies in my craft space have been there for a long time and it is now a stash busting project.  For that reason, it makes sense to try to make the envelopes and 12x12 card stock leave the house.
It requires me to stretch my brain to design for a new size because I have been making A2 (4.25x5.5 inch) cards for years.  

Shower - Baby Girl Shadow Box Frame

I attended a baby shower for my nephew's daughter today.
I designed the personalized square in the center with all the pertinent details for placing into a black shadow box frame.  The information was color printed on 8.5 x 8.5 inch piece of Stampin Up Whisper White.  I chose Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, and Rose Red as my colors as well as a bit of Basic Grey.  I added a length of Pretty in Pink 1/4″ Stitched Grosgrain in the space I had allowed on the left and adhered the ends to the back.  I punched 3 Sweetheart hearts in Pretty in Pink textured card stock.  I added 3 large buttons and 3 small buttons in the same color held in place with Zots.  The hearts were adhered with 3 D foam tape.  The 8.5 inch printed square was adhered to a piece of pink paper from the Petals & Paisley double sided designer paper set which was trimmed to 10.5 inches square.  This was then adhered to a piece of 12x12 Pretty in Pink card stock. It was mounted inside the shadow box the the back put in place. I added a length of the same ribbon to the back hangers and knotted it to hang the frame on the wall.

The mother requested books instead of cards so I chose the Velveteen Rabbit with a nice pink cover. This is one of my favorite children's book.

Card Display - Show

I needed a display to hold my cards at my show on Friday.  After looking at what I had at home I came up with this idea.
I designed it with a 12x12 metal square I bought at a scrapbooking garage sale a couple of years ago.  I expect it was designed to allow a person to layout their page before adhering it.  I painted it acrylic spray paint.  I taped a 6x6 inch clear square box together then cut it in half with an exacto knife to create 2 pockets to hold the cards. The pockets are held in place with a couple rare earth magnets on the bottom of the frame.  The metal frame is mounted on a large metal easel.  The bottom of the easel supports the pockets as well as they are filled and get heavier. I added a piece of card stock identifying me and my process of creating decorative paper. It is held to the metal frame with magnets hidden behind the cards.  The pockets are great because they hold cards tall or wide. 
Having them well displayed, I hope I sell a few during the evening. 

Gift Card Holder - DSP 12 inches

I'm working on tri-fold Gift Card Holders.  I started with 12 x 5.5 inch piece of double sided card stock.  I scored at 4.25" then flipped it and scored just shy of 3.5".  This allows the front to be just a bit wider than the second panel.  I chose a pretty paper and added a square of teal, a Stampin Up Window Frame diecut in purple and a greeting from Stampin Up Just Thinking set.  I chose a ribbon that pulled another color from the paper and added the ribbon to match.  The ribbon holds the card closed.  I placed a quarter sheet insert on the center panel for the personal message.  I then added a white envelope on the last smaller panel to hold the gift card.  The variations of this card is limitless!!