All Occasion Card

Hello to all of my crafty friends! What are you up to on this lovely day? Are you crafting, cooking, baking, or gardening? Maybe off having lunch or shopping with friends? Or best of all, curled up with an amazing book? Whatever you are doing, I hope it is something that makes you smile! 

We recently returned from a mountain getaway. We've made frequent visits to the Smoky Mountains over the last 27 years. It's our special place. A place where worries seem to melt away. We finally took the plunge and closed on our own cozy cabin on July 31st! Now that the stress of house hunting and never ending paperwork is over, we are totally excited. Not one ounce of buyers remorse. We hope to make happy memories here with family and friends.  

Today is especially exciting because we're kicking off a new challenge at the Frilly and Funkie Blog! Sue is our hostess for the next two weeks, and her Challenge Theme is: A Stitch in 'time'. Sue asks us to incorporate stitching (real or faux) and a timepiece into our projects. We're inviting everyone to play along with us! For full challenge details and exciting prize information simply click on the link above.  

I can't get enough of Maja Design's Vintage Summer Basics, so I layered and distressed their gorgeous papers, then added some stitching with my sewing machine. It's fortunate that shabby chic doesn't rely upon absolute perfection, because my stitches are never perfect. I did NOT inherit my mom's talent as a seamstress, though she patiently tried to pass her gift along to me.   

My timepiece is tucked away among a bounty of summer blooms, growing wild and unchecked in a long forgotten garden. As a child I read Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, leaving me forever fascinated with hidden gardens and magical places. I love cultivating them in my projects.    

I wove twine randomly in and around the flowers, finishing with a pretty bow in the center. If you look closely you'll also spot some Prima pearls and cheesecloth peeking out here and there. The flowers were plain white ones I found in my flower basket. I colored the flowers and cheesecloth using Tim Holtz Distress Markers.  

Thank you for visiting with me! May you be surrounded by love, peace, and beauty as you go through your day.

Hugs,  

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
Through the Purple Haze - Flowers
Glitter n Sparkle - add some flowers
Tip Top Tuesday - Ribbon and Pearls
Let's Craft and Create - Pearls or Lace
All Sorts Challenge - Inspired by Summer (summer flowers)
Crafting from the Heart - Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes, Family Friendly
Creative Inspirations - Flowers

Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 9.5" Titanium Scissors	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents	Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape - 1/8"	RANGER MIXED MEDIA CARDSTOCK 8 1/2" X 11" 10PK
KAISERCRAFT Pearls - Self Adhesive - Snow	Dina Wakley Media Mediums - White Gesso	Maja Design 6x6" Scrapbook Paper Pad - Vintage Summer Basics	Prima - Say It In Pearls Collection - Mini Flourish with Roses	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Markers - Full Set - $129
Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Ranger Water Brush, 1/2" Broad Tip	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	KAISERCRAFT Wooden Flourishes - Roman Clock Face	Ranger Tim Holtz Ground Espresso Distress Paint
Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint - Worn Lipstick	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint - Shaded Lilac	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint - Antique Linen	Natural Jute Twine