'Afternoon in the Garden' Card for Maja Design

Hello and welcome! I have a new card for Maja Design to share with you this lovely Tuesday. 

I'm overwhelmed with inspiration every time I pull out my Maja Design papers. My card today was influenced by the design of this elegant woman relaxing with her magazine. My minds eye flew away to Jane Austen novels and the manicured gardens of aristocratic Regency England. My sweet mom created an enthusiastic daydreamer when she instilled a love of reading in me, for which I will be eternally grateful.

The gorgeous papers are first distressed, layered, and stitched to form a base, then the pure joy of embellishing the card begins. The roses and leaves are handmade using the paper collection.

Prima's resin Shabby Chic Treasures are a perfect fit with the theme of my card.  The frame below has the feel of neoclassical moldings found in many of the finest homes of the era.

Below is a close up of the image that inspired my card. You'll find another Prima Shabby Chic Treasure tucked in there as well.

The frayed cheesecloth and bow lend a soft finishing touch.

Thank you for stopping by and for all of your sweet comments. When I read them my heart is so full of gratitude for my crafty family. Wishing you a gallon of love, two quarts of happiness, a pint of inspiration, and a sprinkle of fairy dust!     

Hugs,

Maja Design Papers Used: 

Other products used: Tim Holtz Tattered Florals dies, Tim Holtz Distress Tool, Magnolia Rose Leaf die and another leaf die with no manufacturers name, Susan's Garden Flower Shaping kit, Prima Shabby Chic Treasures, Cheesecloth, Twine, Adhesives, Sewing Machine, Thread, Heavy White Cardstock.

Did you know Maja Design is on Social Media?

Pinterest: Did you know that Maja Design has a Pinterest Page? You can find it right here.

Facebook: You can follow us on Facebook right here and of course "LIKE" us.

Instagram: Maja also has an Instagram account – majadesigninsweden.

(Use the hashtag #majadesigninsweden or the tag @majadesigninsweden

with your Maja papers so we can find you.)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MajaDesignChannel

Graphic 45 Valentine's Card for the Frilly and Funkie Challenge!

Hello to you on this wonderful day! What have you been up to? I've been a busy bee in my craft room preparing for our February birthdays and Valentine's Day.  

I'm excited to share our newest challenge at The Frilly and Funkie Blog! For the next two weeks Zoe will be our hostess with the theme of 'Love is in the Air'! She asks us to create a vintage or shabby chic project with love as the central theme. Think hearts, cupid, love, and romance in whatever color palette your heart desires.  

For complete challenge details and tons of inspiration from my amazing teammates just click on the blog link above. The winner will be featured in a guest design spot on The Frilly and Funkie Blog, plus everyone who enters will be placed in a drawing to receive a $25.00 gift certificate to The Funkie Junkie Boutique!  

I've had this Mon Amour paper collection from Graphic 45 in my stash since it first came out. It seemed perfect for this challenge. The collection is filled with romantic images, a rich color palette, and gorgeous patterns. The hardest part was deciding which ones to use. It appears my teammates and I think alike, because three of us chose the same paper collection AND the same image!   

The papers are layered to form a base for the card. Instead of a floral arrangement I created a bouquet of hearts in honor of Valentine's Day. The image is fussy cut from the paper collection. The vintage image, sentiment, and hearts are popped up with foam tape for added dimension.    

Below is a closer look at the layering. The final touches are a bow, rose leaves, and two tiny paper roses, because it just didn't feel quite finished without them.    

I hope you're having a great day! Thank you so much for joining me and taking a peek at my card. I also thank you for all of the sweet comments you left for me on my last project. I can't begin tell you how much I treasure hearing from you. Wishing you all things wonderful! 

Hugs,    

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
Ranger ADHESIVE - WHITE FOAM ROLL 1/2" X 1/16"x 2.1 YDS.	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap	Sizzix® Accessory - Cutting Pads, Standard, 1 Pair	Sizzix Accessory - Die Pick (Tim Holtz Alterations Edition)	Natural Jute Twine
Graphic 45 - Mon Amour 8x8 Pad - 4501212	Graphic 45 - Mon Amour 6x6 Patterns and Solids 4501211	Tonic Guillotine Comfort Paper Trimmer 8.5" By Tim Holtz 160E

'From the Heart' Card for Maja Design!

I wish you a happy hello and warm welcome! The days and weeks are flying by, and I couldn't be happier to see little signs of spring popping up all around. In a few short weeks the time will change and we'll have an extra hour of daylight in the evening! 

I'm back today with a Valentine's project for Maja Design! I was completely inspired by the cozy, rustic appeal of the 'Life in the Country' paper collection. Since my previous projects focused on handmade flowers, I thought I'd change things up with a cheery banner card.

The beautiful papers were distressed, layered, and stitched to form the base of the card. You can't distress just any design paper. Maja Design manufactures the highest quality paper I've ever found. The heavier weight allows you to work with it without ripping or tearing, and the double sided pages allow endless flexibility and options. I mist, twist, and even bake this paper when I make flowers. It stands up to everything!

There are actually two banners here. The first layer is frilly lace strung through with jute. Die cut hearts and tags complete the second layer.  The banners are anchored by jute bows on either end.

With the exception of the tiny rosebuds and buttons, all the embellishments were created using the paper collection.

I'm thrilled you stopped in for a visit! I treasure the kind words and support you share with me. I'm so thankful for my crafty family! May your day be filled with smiles and blessings!

Hugs,

Maja Design Papers used:

Additional Supplies: Lace, buttons, rosebuds, and jute from my stash; Tim Holtz sentiment stamp, heart and tag dies; Archival Ink, White Cardstock (for base of card), Gesso, Adhesive, Sewing Machine, Thread

Did you know Maja Design is on Social Media?

Pinterest: Did you know that Maja Design has a Pinterest Page? You can find it right here.

Facebook: You can follow us on Facebook right here and of course "LIKE" us.

Instagram: Maja also has an Instagram account – majadesigninsweden.

(Use the hashtag #majadesigninsweden or the tag @majadesigninsweden

with your Maja papers so we can find you.)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MajaDesignChannel

Maja Design February Mood Board Challenge!

Hello and welcome! Today begins a new month, and the unveiling of Maja Design's new mood board challenge! This is my first time participating, and I'm sooooooo excited about it!! Below you'll find  the mood board along with all the guidelines and a link for entering your gorgeous creations.     

This is how we use the mood boards:

Definition mood board – n

[a board used by designers on which samples of various colours and textures are mounted to help in deciding which elements complement each other]

We are using mood boards for our challenges. We truly believe in creativity and art at Maja Design. You are free to interpret the mood boards in any way you’d like. They are supposed to set you in an inspirational mood without too much controlling. We would like you to be inspired by the poems, words and photos. They are not given rules, they are just there as inspiration. Feel free to use any Maja papers you’d like as long as they follow the colour scheme.

We will pick a winner and present it here on the blog January 25th.

Have in mind that these challenges are a really great way for us to discover new talents and maybe some future Creative Team members…

How to participate?

♥ Create anything you’ll like – a layout, a card, something altered or maybe a canvas, take a nice picture of it and send it to moodboard@majadesign.nu. We also need to know your full name, address and a phone number. Please specify what collection you would like to win, if you are the lucky one. We will also want to know if you would like it in the size 12*12 or 6*6. Please send us the pictures in the size of 800 pixels on the width. We would be so grateful if you also could change the file name of the photo to your first and last name including your country.

♥ Feel free to send us more than one picture, from different angles or some close-ups – or why not more than one project?

♥ Publish the project/s on your blog (or/and any social media, e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) with a link to our site. Please also add the picture of the mood board.

♥ Feel free to combine your entry with other challenges.

♥ The winner will be revealed the last Monday each month, at the Maja blog. The winner will be sent one collection by their choice, and also a digital Winner’s Badge to use and brag with.

This card is my interpretation of the mood board. I distressed, layered, and stitched Maja Design's Vintage Summer Basics papers to form the base of the card. All of my embellishments are created using the paper collection, including the handmade roses and eyelet lace. I randomly splattered a little watered down acrylic paint near the edges. I've included a few close up peeks below:  

The roses and lace are dusted with gesso. I layered several different papers along with the lace.  

The finishing touch is a rustic jute bow, because I adore them. 

A huge thanks for stopping by today! I hope you'll want to pull out your Maja papers and play along with the challenge. I send wishes for a heart filled with sunshine, no matter what the weather!  

Hugs,

Additional Supplies: Martha Stewart Punch, Rose Leaf die (manufacturer unknown), Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, Tim Holtz Distress Tool, Gesso, Jute, Heavy Weight Cardstock, Foam Tape, Sewing Machine, Thread, Acrylic Paints. 

Did you know Maja Design is on Social Media?

Pinterest: Did you know that Maja Design has a Pinterest Page? You can find it right here.

Facebook: You can follow us on Facebook right here and of course "LIKE" us.

Instagram: Maja also has an Instagram account – majadesigninsweden.

(Use the hashtag #majadesigninsweden or the tag @majadesigninsweden

with your Maja papers so we can find you.)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MajaDesignChannel

Tea in the Garden Card

Hello and a very happy Wednesday to you! Are you warm and cozy and creating something beautiful today? This is the second of three posts for me again this week! I'm trying to get a little ahead on projects and birthday cards, so I'll be enjoying some quality craft room time over the next few days. 

We're launching an exciting challenge at The Frilly and Funkie Blog! Jenny is our hostess for the next two weeks and has chosen the theme: Enjoy your Embossing. You may make any vintage or shabby chic project of your choice that includes embossing. Use your favorite embossing methods (wet, dry, heat, or any other techniques you want to share) - just enjoy your embossing!

For complete challenge details just click on the blog link above. The winner will be featured in a guest design spot on The Frilly and Funkie Blog, plus everyone who enters will be placed in a drawing to receive a $25.00 gift certificate to The Funkie Junkie Boutique!   

Maja Design's gorgeous 'Ska vi ta en Fika' papers are distressed, layered, and stitched to form the base of the card. I'm in love with the purples in this collection. The embossing is done with Wendy Vecchi's Crackled Texture Paste and a Tim Holtz Gothic Stencil. I included some 'super close ups' so you can see how well the crackle texture comes out with Wendy's product. The stencil is amazing, too. It held up well to the paste for a crisp, clear design.   

The blooming rose is handcrafted from the paper collection (tutorial here). The florals are dusted with Gesso. I love the shabby feel it gives them. The teapot on the bottom and coordinating flowers at the top are fussy cut from the paper collection.   

Below is a close up of the distressed layering and the absolutely scrumptious papers. This card is ready to send out to a dear friend along with a gift of assorted teas. 

I'm so happy you stopped by for a peek at my card. Y'all are my crafty family, and I treasure each and every one of you. Wishing you a day filled with joy!    

Hugs,

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
Ranger ADHESIVE - WHITE FOAM ROLL 1/2" X 1/16"x 2.1 YDS.	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap	Ranger Heat It Craft Tool	Dina Wakley Media Mediums - White Gesso	Prima - Say It In Pearls Collection - Mini Flourish with Roses
Sizzix Alterations Die - Mini Tattered Florals Movers and Shapers Die by Tim Holtz	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die	Tim Holtz Ranger Water Brush, 1/2" Broad Tip	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	Sizzix® Accessory - Cutting Pads, Standard, 1 Pair
Sizzix® Accessory - Precision Base Plate for Wafer-Thin Dies	Sizzix Accessory - Die Pick (Tim Holtz Alterations Edition)	Sizzix Alternations Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers Base Tray, L	Maja Design Paper - Ska vi ta en Fika? (Full 30 sheet set)	Natural Jute Twine
Studio 490 Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste - Crackle	Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Layering Stencils - Gothic