Friday, March 28, 2014

Play Day Friday

  Reminder; my giveaway closes Sat. March 29 at midnight EST so if you want a chance  (or two) to win one of the packages you still have time. Go HERE for the post and details. Edited: this giveaway is now closed.Look for the winners names on Mon. March 31.

  Some weeks ago Suzy of Suziqu's Threadworks posted about some lovely gifts including a group of crocheted flowers she received. You can see them in this post. It got me thinking of how I used to crochet-A LOT- but it got away from me. Until I saw those beautiful flowers. I grabbed my hooks and some threads and began making some.






  Now , these flowers cannot compare to Julia's intricate beauties but they're a start :) The only thing I forgot to add to the supplies above is the ball of black yarn I used for the larger, heavier weight flower. Fun! The crochet hooks belonged to my grandmother-who taught me how to crochet. I still have sets of the placemats I sewed and crocheted years ago (a sample of each in the photo).  You really must visit the two blogs I mentioned above-especially if you love vintage and laces etc. Suzy's blog is stunning!


  I already used one of the flowers on a card. The following cards were made for the Simon Wednesday Challenge  theme of "anything goes with buttons". I am also linking to a new to me challenge- Freshly Made Sketches. Each week a DT member produces a new sketch design for you to create cards by. Check them out! Here is this week's sketch:

  And here are my cards:




 It was fairly easy to whip up three cards by keeping with a specific color palette and theme. These remind me so much of my great grandmother's dining room with the vintage flocked wall papers, patterns all around and of course lace.


  Products: 5" x 7" note cards (The Philadelphia Group); patterned card stock (La Creme Matstack-DCWV); Onyx Black Versafine ink (Tsukineko); UM clear stamps (Mega Mixed Messages-Papertrey Ink); "special day" rubber stamp (source unknown); assorted laces (JoAnne Stores); paper flowers (the Paper Studio); hand crocheted flower; buttons (vintage).

  My last project for today centers around the book "The Art of Whimsical Lettering" by JoAnne Sharpe.
I received my book recently-have already read it cover to cover and am now ready to begin the practices and techniques. I began by covering a plain composition book and making a title for it as suggested both in the book and in JoAnne's private FB group.

 The front cover:

                I have never used my washi tapes more since taking her classes and I love it!

 Front and back covers:

  Most of the papers I used are copies of my own hand painted or marbled papers. If you enjoy COLOR-LOTS of it, if you enjoy wHiMsY and perfectly imperfect, then you will LOVE JoAnne's  book!!! 
I'd love to know if you have it and /or in the FB group:)

 Besides the above mentioned challenges I am also linking to Art Journal Every Day, Creative Every Day, and Paint Party Friday. Let the weekend fun begin!

"Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul." W. Somerset Maugham







31 comments:

  1. Such sweet little flowers and I love how you used the red one on your card! Love the cards you made using the sketch, too. Have a great weekend, Linda!

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  2. So interesting to read your post. Lovely crocheted flowers and the one on the card held by the button looks so attractive. They would also make pretty brooches.
    I must look that lettering book up.

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  3. Beautiful work, love those flowers. I made crocheted flowers from wool in winter and used them to adorn my knitted hats. Valerie

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  4. Those crochet flowers speak to me too...but I have not given it a whirl yet.
    Your turned out sweet and do make a nice accent for lots of things.
    Great use of washi tape and your special papers for your new and colorful notebook Linda.
    Wishing you a very Happy Weekend
    oxo

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  5. Stunning cards Linda - such a stunning design and colour schemes with each embellished beautifully!!

    Thanks so much for joining Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
    hugs
    Heather xx

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  6. How adorable those cards are! They look very pretty!

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  7. You have been busy Linda, lovely projects and great covers for your journal. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Love the little flowers and what you did with them ... Love your Letter Love Journal too. I really need to work on mine.

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  9. three beautiful ways to use those darling crocheted flowers. Your cards are so nice, Linda.

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  10. wow, you are busy - so much beautiful inspiration here. I love those little flowers you are making. So sweet and what a good addition to your fabulous cards.

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  11. beautiful cards and embroidery Linda! I don't have the patience.

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  12. Linda your flowers are beautiful and I guess you can use them for so many creative ideas. I have taken Letter Love online class and have enjoyed it so much. Hope you have a wonderful time practicing all the projects that are in the book.
    Have a great weekend
    Susan

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  13. Beautiful compositions with exquisite flowers, gorgeous!

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  14. hi Linda! your crocheted flowers are adorable, I just pulled some from my stash to use today....so sweet! luvin your cards, the black and cream with the adorable red flower is precious! so glad you played along with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

    sparkle & shine *~*

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  15. Hi Linda. wow, these are indeed beautiful cards. What a great job. Happy PPF!

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  16. luv the cards, i'm a crochet fan myself, and in my case too my grandmother taught me my basic stitches, from there, there was no stopping me, i move from a string of chains to bed spreads and table cloths ; have a nice Friday, thanks for stopping over at my blog

    much love...

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  17. i crochet too, but don't find as much time for it, i love your use of the flowers on your cards, and your journal pages are so fun and colorful!

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  18. Beautiful work as always Linda. I've ordered Jo-Anne's book too because I've promised myself I'll improve my lettering this year. Once I get it I'll join the facebook group and see you there. :-)

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  19. Lovely flowers Linda and they compliment the cards beautifully. Your description of the flocked wallpaper and lace brought back some fond memories of my past. I too learned to crochet from my aunt Virginia back in Italy when I was around 5-6 years old. I could still probably crochet a few stitches if I would pick up a hook today but nothing intricate : ) Love the vintage placemats you did back then.Thanks for sharing a little of your past with us.

    Annabelle : )

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  20. The crochet flowers look lovely! I like how you used them to layer the cards, and the book cover looks super. Thank you for sharing my post, and have a relaxing weekend!

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  21. I have been thinking of buying that book, and seeing what you do with it here makes me want it even more .... I'm still hesitating between taking a workshop with her or buying the book. I love her work. Your cover looks gorgeous with all the bright colors. And those crocheted flowers are so cute ....

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  22. Hi Linda, I'm happy to hear that I inspired you to get out the crochet hooks and make some flowers :). They turned out beautiful and your cards are lovely too.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  23. I too used to crochet a lot I have bedspreads, throws, baby clothes...you name it. I even made up my own patterns! Love how your adorable cards turned out!! Very beautiful! So well put together! Yes I will be buying joannes book although I am not yet on the facebook page and I haven't even finished my own letter class by her! Too many things have stood in my way lately! I'm looking for a clear patch to get back to it! Thanks for sharing!

    Hugs Giggles

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  24. Those cards are exquisite...and I LOVE your book covers.

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  25. wow, Linda, you are so, so creative. Lovely pieces!!! Big hugs to you, creative and inspiring Lady!

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  26. the little flowers are such a nice touch to your cards!! and i really like the journal cover!!

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  27. What a great way to use those pretty flowers! You're making me wish I had stuck with learning how to crochet. Thanks for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches this week!

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  28. The cards you created from that sketch are truly beautiful and very elegant. I love the combination of black (and white) and stunning red - it's classy!
    I don't crochet, but I do knit - and I love it. Sometimes I wish there were way more hours in a day to do all the fun stuff that gives me so much joy.

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  29. Gorgeous crochet flowers Linda!
    I applaud anyone who can crochet and follow a pattern!
    Since seeing Karen of Todolwen's crochet flowers I've tried and tried to make one, but once I get to the second round thingy - it takes on a whole new persona that is nothing like a flower!!
    I wish you lived near me, so I could watch and see what your hands do with the hook and yarn!

    What an inspiring book for journalling, I followed your link and looked at some of the pages - very yummy!!
    Lovely cards for every occasion too!
    Wishing you a happy week
    love
    Shane

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  30. Wonderful flowers ~ very intricate and with yarn ~ another medium ~ love your book journaling ~ Creativity abounds! ~ Happy Week to you ~ xoxo

    artmusedog and carol

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!