Vintage Valentines For Two Challenges

So today's cards aren't what I had in mind when I chose to participate in the Paper Players Challenge 788 (PPC788) and the Sunday Stamps Challenge 387 (SSC387). But sometimes cards have a way of making themselves and that's what happened today.

Originally I wanted a brighter card using the colors at Sunday Stamps. But when I saw "patterned paper" as a slot over at the Paper Players I went digging through my 12 x 12 box.

That's when  I came across these two pieces of patterned paper that were given to me years ago. One piece was mostly used up, but the other seemed to have all the colors, so I went in a different direction. I cut out the two hearts, didn't like the look and was going to trash it but decided I'd at least make something from it. 

Valentine's Day came to mind so I went with that. Then there were enough extras on the table that I decided a second card could be made and there's no sense throwing the extras out.

I used the middle column in the Tic-Tac-Toe board (flower, free and patterned paper) but also included a die cut and layers.

Here are both of the cards I made:

Without using my envelope board, I made a matching square envelope from the remainder
of the patterned paper. I cut it straight up and down as I didn't have enough paper to make it the traditional way. The second envelope is embellished to match that card too.

And here's my supply list:

• Unknown Patterned Paper
• Speckletone Madero Beach Card Stock
• Speckletone True White Card Stock
• Spellbinders Dies
• Kohls Rubber Stamps (how crazy is that!)
• Stampin' Up! Border Die
• Misc. Rhinestones
• Misc. White Plastic Heart
• Dollar Tree Double Paper Heart
• Gifted Sheer Ribbon
• Stampin' Up! Cherry Cobbler Ink

I really do like to create cards based on the current season, but sometimes these craft supplies have a mind of their own! Next February I'll be glad I made these, but now it's on to some more bright and summery cards! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Valentine’s Phone Wallpaper & Cards

I wanted a new wallpaper for my phone that would reflect the Valentine’s Day season, but I wanted it to go even deeper than chocolates and hearts. Valentine’s Day can be difficult for many, especially if you’re alone in life. But the one thing that we can hold onto is that all of us have God‘s Love in our life.

Sometimes I struggle with feeling the love of God. Maybe it’s because of my current struggles in life. Or perhaps I’ve had too much condemnation in my life and think that He’s just like everyone else. I know from scripture that’s not true, but getting it from my head to my heart is often another story. But each day I try to understand and grasp it more and more.

The scripture that this inspiration comes from is Romans 8:35-37 which says…

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Here are three paper cards I made using this image.

So no matter what we’re facing today, let’s always remember that despite it all, God truly and deeply loves us. 

May this phone wallpaper be a blessing to you today.

And for more Phone Wallpapers, click HERE.

Valentine House Cross Stitch Freebie

Here’s a really quick and cute Valentine’s Day house that I stitched last year, but never posted it. I used leftover linen and Turkish Red Floss by Weeks Dye Works. I then bought some red felt and made a little pillow out of it.

I found this pattern on Pinterest, but couldn’t trace it back to its original owner. I did a reverse image search but couldn’t locate anything. There are many freebies like this floating around, and if anyone knows of any copyright infringement, please let me know in the comments below.

Otherwise, I guess it’s free to use, and I’m so glad that I found it because I think it’s a really cute and quick pattern. I’ve included it below for your convenience. The quality isn’t the best, and the top is cut off, but it was pretty easy to figure out how to continue the pattern.

Wishing you a wonderful and creative day! 

Valentines Day for Mom

Perhaps we were all card makers back in elementary school. Remember creating those adorable homemade Valentines with scraps of construction paper and doilies? Those were such carefree times! And while life’s much more complicated these days, letting loose and making a frilly Valentine is a wonderful destresser. 

That’s where this card comes in. I wanted to make something really special for my mom this year. With my Dad having passed, she needs some extra love. 

In addition to Stampin’Up!’s Heart Happiness, which is one of my favorite sets, my supply list also includes:

• SU! Real Red card Stock and Ink
• SU! Poppy Parade Ink
• SU! Melon Mamba Ink
• White Card Stock
• Dotted Ribbon
• Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst Card Stock and Ink
• Glitzy Paper with Silver Dots
• Punched Paper Lace
• Self-Adhesive Rhinestones

Lastly, I added a cheap foam sticker from the dollar store as a sentiment. I normally would use something more classy, but this just jumped out at me and I though it looked cute.

I had so much fun making this and she was so surprised when she opened her mailbox a week before Valentine's Day. I think it's good to send cards a little early that way the recipient gets to enjoy them a little longer! 🐌 

Valentine's Day Cross Stitch Freebie

I just completed this cross stitch piece just in time for Valentines Day next week. It's a free pattern that's been on my Pinterest board for years.

The Tiny Modernist posted it on their Facebook page in 2015. Here's a link to their post: CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN. (NOTE: IF THE LINK DOESN'T TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE CHART, TRY IT ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM!) I didn't see it on their website, but they have a lot of really cute freebies as well as adorable patterns to buy.

I made this especially because I was able to find some FRAMES ON AMAZON that fit the size and color as well.

This could easily be sewn into a thin hanging piece and be easily mailed as well.

If you'd like to watch the short video showing both of them, please click the YouTube link below.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today!

Sweet Friend Valentine

Valentine's Day cards are my absolute favorite to make. They just naturally seem so happy and loving. And with Christmas just a week away and my stash still fairly full, I'm ready for some pinks and reds.

Today's card is made from two Stampin' Up! sets. Here's my complete supply list:

• SU! Sure Do Love You
  
• SU! You're Wonderful
• SU! DSP
• SU! Melon Mamba Ink
• Memento Black Ink
• Joann Cardstock (Park Lane)
• Michael's White & Black Cardstock 
• Misc. Rhinestones

I love making some Valentine's Day cards for friends to give to each other. Love doesn't have to be limited to a significant other! And I remember being single on February 14 and it can be a lonely time for some. Next up is one for my daughter and one for my mom!

Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day!