"Life Doesn't Have to be Perfect ... To Be Wonderful" Tag

Morning Friends,

Today I'm sharing some creations I made for my secret sister in Goodie Bag Swap being hosted by Martica at scrapbook.com.   We were challenged to create the following items for this swap and I highlighted the items that are pictured in this post:

Here are the categories and I've highlighted what I did for each category: 

1. Funny (could be a funny card, mask etc.)/   Bookmark
2. Shabby chic (could be a card, album, box etc.)/ 2" Beautiful Embroidered Lace
3. Something to be used for crafting (anything scrapbook related, etc.)/ "Handmade with Love" and Vintage Cream Ribbon
4. Something to wear (could be a piece of jewelry, scarf etc.)/  Long Vintage Birdcage Necklace
5. Inspirational (could be a book, home decor, tag, bookmark etc.)/ Tag
6. Unique (well its up to you)/ Silver Swirl Goodie Bag
7. Something Vintage (anything altered)/ See "Vintage Dress Form Mirror" Post
8. Something to be displayed (like a frame, canvas, hanger, bottle any size)/ See "FRIENDS" Altered Blocks Post
9. Misc. item your choice/ See "Traveler Mini Album" Post
10. Miniature/ Tibetan Silver Scissors  

With a list of 10 items, this is one of the biggest challenges I've participated in, but I know my secret sister so that made it especially fun and easy for me to play along. 

Let's start things off with my "Inspirational" item which I decided to do as a tag.  I created this using Teresa Collins new Nine & Company paper collection.  I love the inspirational sentiment which reads:  "Life Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Wonderful."  Oh so true!!!    

I love how charming this tag came out and I'm sure my secret sister will like it too.  Here's a few close ups that I hope you enjoy:

Top Flower Cluster Close Up

Sentiment Close Up

Bottom Flower Cluster Close Up

I just love Prima's new fretwork leaf dies, they are so pretty!  And they are easy to shape too.  For the flower clusters, I  used Prima's "Something Blue" wedding flower collection.   I love this color combination, it's so fresh and summery.  You can also see the little curlies made from Prima's wired thread shown here in "Dusty."  

To finish the tag off, I added a little rose ribbon and used my new favorite Martha Stewart punch set called "scalloped teardrop" to edge the sentiment mat and tag.   Isn't this punch set pretty too?  

I put an aqua pearl in the center of the five butterflies that are scattered around and used some stickles to give them some sparkle.  I also sparkled up the edges of the pretty fretwork leaves too.  Then I added an aqua satin bow and ribbon hanger.  

Lastly, I included a clip just in case my secret sister wanted to clip it up somewhere.  And, although there isn't a picture of the back side, I created a gift tag pocket just in case she decided to gift it to someone or tuck a note in it.  

Here's a picture of the other little goodies I included for my secret sister:  

Well friends, that's it for this post.  There are three more posts for items 7, 8 and 9 to go with this challenge so stay tuned for more goodness!  Thank you so much for dropping by and I hope you have a perfectly wonderful day!   Big Hugs ~ Dawna

March Brithday Card Swap

Mirrored Angle Tag for Martica

Hi Friends,

So much has happened these past few months, that I'm way behind on my blog posts.  So its quiet this evening and I'd like to catch up on a few projects.  There were two birthdays in our swap this month.

First let me start with my very sweet and very talented friend Martica.  She adores tags and the shabby chic style.  I'm new to shabby chic but Martica is a real inspiration to me,  so I really wanted to do something special for her.  This is only my second attempt at something shabby, so I incorporated a few more shabby elements in this creation.  I hope you enjoy Martica's gift:

Mirrored Angle Tag for Martica

Close Up of Crystal Knob, Stick Pin & Mirror

Next up is my dear sweet friend Jolean (aka Pinky).  She has been a sweet angel to me this year too.  Always checking in on me not matter whats going on in her life.  I'm lucky to have her as a friend.  She's form Italian decent and owns her won family pizza business.  She loves pinks and whites and the shabby chic style too.  Are you starting to understand why I need to learn this style!  lol!

I was in such a rush to get Jolean's  card out on time it slipped away without a picture.  She has promised to send me one as soon as she figures out her new camera!   When she does, I'll happily update my post to add pictures! 

We'll that all the birthday notes I have to share today.  If your not a regular blog follower,  I'd love to have you sign up for email alerts so you can see whats next.  Until next time, live life inspired my friends!  ~ Big Hugs

Graphic 45's Old Curiosity Shoppe Mini

I'm participating in a cigar box and mini swap at SB.com and I'm very excited about my very first mini!  I love these papers and they are the perfect collection to use for a mini.  You can find this beautiful collection at Scraputante!

Page 1 - Front Cover:  Used Prima Feathered flowers and "Family" Bird Trinket with a touch of sparkle and bling.

Page 2 & 3:

Page 2 Detail:  Used black corded lace, Dusty Attic Dragonfly colored with Copics and added a bit of stickles and scallop bling for sparkle. 

Page 3 Detail:  Used K&M Company Keys along with Prima's fall butterfly collection.

 Page 4 & 5:

Page 4 Detail:  I thought I would change up each page so this one is a bit different with no picture pocket.  I ultimately decided that I liked the post card pocket's best so you will see them throughout the remainder of the mini.  Added some pearls, Prima butterfly and a little eye chart for our Flying Pig page! lol

Page 5 Detail:  I used Prima's fall feather flowers, and added some corner bling to the pocket and added crystals to the dragonfly body. 

 Page 6 & 7:

Page 6 Detail:  I used the Bo Bunny ETC trinket with a little glitter button bling in the remainder of the pocket corners. 

Page 7 Detail:  Love this beautiful Dusty Attic butterfly painted with Copics.  Also added K&M Company Key with three earth tone buttons for sparkle!

 Page 8 & 9:

Page 8 Detail:  I added this beautiful piece of Dusty Attic.  Colored it with my Copics and added these buttons for extra pop and sparkle!

Page 9Detail:  It would appear that I put this pocket on upside down...Oh well!  Craft and learn!  Added these pretty little buttons for sparkle and the K&M Company Key and Prima Fall feather flower.

Page 10 & 11:

Page 10 Detail:  I used a Prima butterfly that I inked and misted to get it the right color.  Then I added the frosted button bling in the corner of these pockets.

Page 11 Detail:  This detail is a bit hard to see since it's sitting in it's stand.  But I used a brown Prima feather flower and used golden rhinestones for some pop and bling!

Page 12 Back Cover:  Used the flying pig sticker framed with two brown satin buttons for sparkle!

Overall I am very happy with how my first mini came out.  A few mistakes, but nothing too serious so I hope my swap partner, Martica, likes it!  Thank you so much for dropping by my gallery to have a look!  Make it a happy day!!!  Hugs to you dear friends...Dawna