Friday, January 22, 2010

Romance...In More Ways Than One



Romantic Style...what does that look like to you? 
I think like anything else, it's different things to different people.

You know I love the 'shabby-chic' style...although pastels are a bit harder for my brain to work with,
when this card came together,
I just sat back and took a deep breath in.



I love the background stamps from Artistic Stamper.   I used the Polka Dots image for the bold background and the Simple Swirls for the subtle pink background and the gray foreground on the tag.
The sentiment is from Wordsworth.  There are all kinds of 'extras' that complete this card including the Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace Around the Page Border, Prima Flowers and silk ribbon.



As I continue to clear my stash, this is a very old die cut from Colorbok that I embellished with
'Carrera Marble' Tinsel Glitter also from Martha Stewart.



Now for romance of a different style.
I love the new 'Mariposa Collection' from DCWV.  The 12 x 12 stack is perfect for card-makers because there are so many wonderful images that can be cut out and layered.



Yep...more Prima Flowers.  Such a quick and easy embellishment.



Although I didn't use them on this project, I also purchased the box of die-cuts that match this collection.  They are beautiful, so I am sure they will turn up here soon!

Quick little story...My dear grandmother, who was one of the biggest influences on my creative life, bought me a sewing machine many, MANY years ago and truthfully, the only time it was used, was when her machine had to go in for servicing.
She would borrow my little unit to get her by.
I finally broke out that machine a couple weeks ago, but for the life of me, I could not keep the bobbin thread from tangling with every effort I made to sew.  I mentioned it to my mom who said, "You know, I think your grandma had the same problem with that machine every time she borrowed it.  I have her machine stored away,
maybe you should give it a try."   
Grandma was a master, self-taught seamstress.
Well, grandma's machine had the magic touch!
I put it to use for the first time on these cards
and I just love the results.

My stitches aren't perfect....
but romance sometimes isn't either.....

13 comments:

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

very pretty! i love love love to use prima flowers when i make things!!

Stef H said...

oh my word! are these gorgeous! i love the colors and the layout! absolutely gorgeous! WOW!

hugs :)

Kris said...

Julie this are both stunning cards. I like that one is soft and one bold. I love those new papers from DCWV also. Happy Saturday...Kris

Jean Franks Beck said...

Beautiful cards, Julie! I just bought that Mariposa collection, too... gotta get crafting! Thanks for the inspiration!

Darlene said...

WOW ... LOVE your style! I lean more towards to "old time" vintage vs shabby chic but I haven't seen any of your creations yet that didn't inspire me! GREAT JOB!!!

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful cards Julie! I am so thrilled that your Grandmother's machine worked! Your stitching looks amazing :)

Chris said...

I don't usually 'do' pastel colours either but you've done a wonderful job. Your cards are beautiful.

btw, your stitching is 100 times better than mine! :o)

Anonymous said...

Lovely! Both cards are beautiful. I would give anything to have my mother's old machine. They just don't make them like they use to. If you are still having problems with the stitching, take it in and have it serviced. Don't put it away. It sounds like the tension just needs to be adjusted, and you probably don't have a manual to go by to adjust properly. Old machines are very hard to come by. I am so happy you got it back out. Enjoy.

Maggi said...

Your cards are beautiful! My sewing machine won't quit tangling either, that's why it hates me. lol I just need to look through the manual and get it threaded correctly I guess. Love the stitching!

Sarah Anderson said...

That's it now, you'll be adding stitching to loads of cards! I LOVE stitching paper :)
Your first card matches your banner colours exactly!!! I've got some of those prima flowers, must colour some up and use them :)

Now, photos of me teaching? Hmmmm...

Sandi said...

Julie, 2 works of stunning beauty, Hugs

Beedeebabee said...

Hi Sweetie! Such different looks, but both are so gorgeous! I loved your grammy story too! xoxo Paulette

Christine said...

I didn't even look at the 12x12 stack and now I'm going to break my resoltion again and buy it. But there's no resolution about die cuts!!! *giggle*

Blessings,
Christine