~Holiday Hugs~
It's Friday and once again, I am so happy the weekend is here. This past week seemed so very long. Looking back, I cannot believe how much has been done in terms of packing, planning, coordinating...Our little place has been stripped right down to the very basics. A few pots and pans, limited items in the pantry, daily bathroom supplies, clothes, shoes and winter gear, of course.
The bare walls and echoing rooms remind me each day how close we really are to saying goodbye to our home of 8 years...And it somehow makes all of this feel very real. I suppose in the hustle and bustle, one forgets to sometimes stop and just feel the moment, so reminders like this help me to do just that :) Feel the excitement, the promise of new memories and adventures, and to slowly start saying our goodbyes...The feeling is bittersweet, as we will miss so much about this wonderful little home...The location, our dear neighbors, all of the touches that made this place our home. But we are so very excited about all that lies ahead.
On another note, my momma has traveled home, and her being here was just so immeasurably helpful. I can't say that I have been the most pleasant or patient person to be around lately, with ups and downs and a rollercoaster of emotions in between...But her support and unconditional love is always the thing that gets me through all the tough times. She was certainly there for me this past week and I am so, so grateful.
I also had a very happy surprise in my mailbox a couple of days ago, and even a few minutes to sneak in some crafting, so I used what I had on hand to make a few cards. It has been a while since I have had to create with so little...Definitely had me thinking outside the box :)
Oh and I think this will be last crafty post I do for a while, so I hope you enjoy and I will see you all very, very soon.
I used the beautiful new Vintage Frost Basics from Maja Design. It is one of the most beautiful winter collections I have ever seen. The colors so soft and sweet, the images full of vintage holiday scenery...I love every bit of this collection. When it arrived, I could barely keep myself from dropping everything and just plopping on the floor that instant to make something pretty. I just wanted to get lost in the beauty of these papers.
To make the first card, I used several papers from the collection (8th of December, 5th of December, Days of December, 3rd of December), along with the pretty Spring Wreath die from MFT, Love Lives Here: Holiday stamps from Papertrey Ink, and lots of lace and ribbon.
I just love these number tiles and so wish I had more time to make an advent. The colors, shapes and vintage numbers are just so soft and beautiful. I can already picture what the advent would look like....Oh well, maybe next year :)
This is about as close as I got to one...An advent-y card.
I added some more PTI die-cuts, like the pretty Filigree border die. I added one of my handmade buttons, with some painted silk ribbon, a felt heart, and a few branches of that pretty wreath.
Next up, I use some of the darker colors in the collection, and this beautiful, soft image.
Some sequins, a star pin and some patterned tape help to finish off this card.
This next card is my favorite of the bunch. The image is just so sweet.
Along with the sweet prints, I used some lace, felt, crystals and ribbon to embellish this card.
On the side, I made a miniature wreath using felt, paper bows, and die-cuts. To make the felt base, I used PTI dies (the scalloped circle from the Sweet Baby dies, and little heart from Heart Prints), and a teensy portion of the bigger wreath, cut and glued to make a miniature version.
I stamped the sentiment using Love Lives Here: Holiday PTI stamps in Scarlet Jewel ink.
The last card is another favorite. Again, my heart flutters at the sight of that pretty, pretty image. Sigh.
I used many of the same bits on this card.
Seeing as I was short on embellishments, I wanted to make a few to add to this card.
I have seen the lovely new dies that make bow creating so easy, and as soon as I saw the long ornament from this MFT die set, I knew it would work just as well to make a cute little 3d bow.
I also stamped and fussy cut the frame, followed by the bough under it.
I used the little heart die-cut to add some sparkly sequins to the design, and stamped a few stars as accents.
Lastly, I created a matching tag and felt heart for some sweet holiday packaging.
I used the Love Lives Here: Holiday stamp set once again, to stamp the sentiment and the adorable mitten.
I must admit: I am smitten with this mitten :)
A bit of felt, buttons, lace and sequins finish off these two pieces. I can just picture them tied around a kraft paper packed gift, twinkling under the tree.
Since I won't be back for a while, I wish you all the happiest of these wonderful days leading up to the holidays.
To my friends South of the border, I wish you a beautiful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, laughter and yummy food.
Biggest Hugs,
*Ivana*
Wonderful work and such creative and beautiful use of borders and paper.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creations ... I love your work
ReplyDeleteWishing you good luck and much happiness on your move ...
Oh my, these cards are all truly stunning! I love the soft and cozy look of them!
ReplyDeleteIvana, I love the vintage feel of this set of cards and with your usual touch of elegance in all the little extras, these will truly be treasured by their recipients!
ReplyDeleteYour style and the Maja papers work perfectly together - these are all absolutely beautiful. Good Luck! Nicola x
ReplyDeleteHello Ivana~
ReplyDeleteI have been OOT for a while but upon
returning to work was able to check in and see your
new creations!!! Oh my word you have
made some beautiful cards! I wish I could express
how my heart fluttered! :) when I saw what you did with
the new Maja! --- and all w/o the use of your studio!~
You amaze and inspire me!
I wish for you and your family a blessed Christmas and hopes
for a smooth transition into your new home.; well - as smooth
as possible:)!
Will be looking for pictures next year! I know you'll make it your
own~
Karen
Your cards and tags are so gorgeous! I love those papers and the beautiful shabby chic style.
ReplyDelete