Garden Fresh Tags

~Garden Fresh~

It's again time for that part of the year that I cherish so very much. The days are getting longer, the grass is greener, and pretty soon, there will be ample yummy fruits and veggies to pick and enjoy. 

My love of gardening is that much more emphasized by the fact that we do not have a garden. Instead, we rely on my sweet parents and in-laws and all the delicious veggies they send our way each year. 

We also love visiting the local farmers market, which is already bustling with colorful veggies, crisp greens and plenty of fruits and other home grown treats. 

But, just as I am sure you do, sometimes we end up with an abundance of fresh produce, and it always gets me excited to try out new canning recipes to keep and to give away as little gifts. 

And there is nothing that warms my heart quite as much as decorating little mason jars :) So I've pre-made some tags, which were inspired by all things handmade, especially yummy, homemade canned goods.

So many pretty supplies used on these tags. 

Such as the gorgeous Kate & Co collection of papers form My Mind's Eye and a pretty print from Maja Design. 

Not to mention piles of pretty layers, all cut with some gorgeous Papertrey Ink dies. 

I used some cute little embellishments to dress up the tags...Such as shabby, crinkly ribbon, teensy buttons, and soft trim. 

And those cute little houses! Aren't they adorable? 

Oh and a bit of felt, too.

I've kept a couple for myself...And here are a few that I am sharing :)

I am also trying out a new method of sharing my supplies list with you. Hopefully, it's a quicker and easier way for you to see what I've used on these tags. I'd love to hear what you think and if you prefer this method, or the old one whereby I explain all my steps and products used. 

Supplies: My Mind's Eye Kate & Co paper, Maja Design Ska Vi Ta En Fika paper, Papertrey Ink Dies (Jar & Lid, Perfect Patches, Limitless Layers Circles, Heart Prints,  Tag Sale #1, Tag Sale #3, Mini Blooms, In Stitches) Papertrey Ink Stamps (Friendship Jar), Precious Remembrance Stamps (Christmas), WPlus9 Stamps (Spring Tags), Ink (Stampin Up - Always Artichoke, Barely Banana, Papertrey Ink - Aqua Mist), Papertrey Ink Buttons (Lemon Tart, Lavender Moon, Spring Moss), Ivana's Creations Handmade Buttons, Papertrey Ink Felt (Simply Chartreuse, Aqua Mist), Handmade Ribbon, Thread, Twine, and Liqiud Pearls.

Thanks so much for stopping by today :)

*Ivana*

Maja Design Card and Afternoon Tea Card Bundle

~A Cup of Thanks~

Today roughly marks the halfway point of a wonderful year I have spent with Maja Design. I have thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of being on this laid-back, and hugely inspiring team, and my gratitude extends to the entire team and all of the people who make Maja Design such a wonderful company to work with. I have been given the opportunity to create with some of the most beautiful vintage papers, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Maja has just released a new *limited* collection that is oh-so-delightful in every way. Have you seen it yet? I hope you'll check out the sneak peek and enter your name for the giveaway on the Maja Design blog. 

To curb my impatience a little as I wait for the new collection to arrive at my doorstep, I have been busy playing with other lovely prints from some of Maja's traditional collections. 

Here today to share my newest creation with some lovely papers from the Vintage Spring Basics and  Ska vi ta en fika collections, inspired by my thankfulness of this wonderful team :)

For the background of the card I used the 4th of March pattern from the Vintage Summer Basics collection. I layered a Rustic Cream card base over the pattern and stamped the top and bottom edge with a beautiful scallop border from this lovely Precious Remembrance set. 

I then began to "section off" my card. I like to do this to provide an anchor for all the little bits I plan to pile on. It helps the clusters come together into a more cohesive design, as opposed to appearing as they are floating about the card :) 

For the first anchor bit, I used a pretty gingham print I had stamped (also available in my Afternoon Tea Card Bundle), and snipped a little "v" at the one end to create a pennant. I adhered this bit vertically to the right side of the card. 

Next to that, I stamped a yellow border to the right using the same Precious Remembrance stamp, and the finishing touch to my sentiment, using PTI's Mini Blooms stamp set. 

I knew that I would be building doilies, florals and teacups for the focal part of the card, so I wanted to add some flourishes and leaves to the base of the card to fill all the white space. 

I stamped various images from the Mini Blooms stamp set all around the area next to where I wanted to position my center piece. 

To build the center piece, I used a pre-cut and stamped doily (please scroll down for more info on the Afternoon Tea Card Bundle now available in my shoppe), pre-cut flowers from PTI's Rosie Posie, a scalloped oval image from Stampin Up, a teensy  tea cup, and my sentiment.

     

The left side of the card was just a little bit too naked, so I layered some paper bits along the edges of the card to fill in all the empty space. Among the patterns is one strip of floral design which I stamped with the Mini Blooms stamp set, as well as pretty patterns from Maja Design, like the Favorit print from the Ska vi ta en fika collection.

Most of the bits on this card are also available as a part of my newest card bundle added to my Shoppe. It's entitled "Afternoon Tea" and is a limited edition kit - only available while supplies last. 

~Afternoon Tea Card Bundle~

In this little card bundle, you will find everything you need to make 4-6 (or more!) cards with minimal effort, as all the bits and pieces are already pre-stamped, color-coordinated and some even cut, for you :) 

*for a full list of items, please click here*

It wasn't that long ago that I realized that many crafters like to create the same way I do. By pre-stamping, matching and cutting little bits and pieces out, so that when it's time to pull a card together, everything is at their fingertips. I have been crafting this way for ages, and I am so happy to now be bringing you the little same bundles that I use when I create. 

The card in this very post was created with my very own Afternoon Tea Card Bundle, and it was a breeze to pull together.

With all the little pieces, there are piles of options for simple or more intricate cards. The bundle can also be used for other paper crafts, or mixed with your own products to stretch the value even further. Sort of like I did with the card in this post, by adding beautiful Maja papers, and a few other little trinkets.

The best part is that the bundle consists of just enough products to play with, without leaving too many extra little scraps or wasted products.

I would love to hear what you think about these bundles, and how you like to craft. Are you someone who enjoys having little pieces already prepped? Or do you prefer to craft from scratch every time? Maybe you're somewhere in between? 

Thank you for stopping by today :)

*Ivana*

A Sneak Peek You Don't Want to Miss!

~Maja Design Sneak Peek and Giveaway~

I am so excited to be introducing the very fist limited edition collection from Maja Design..

This new collection is inspired by the historical gardens of Sofiero. This exclusive collection consists of 8 two-sided 12x12 sheets and will only be in stock for a limited time. Unlike other Maja collections, it will not be re-printed. I am tickled pink by the prints in this collection and I am so excited for it to arrive so that I can start creating with it. I don't think my impatient little heart can wait that long, though. So I will try and keep myself busy with other Maja papers until then. 

If you are just as impatient as I am, and want to get your hands on this collection, Maja Design is hosting a give-away that is open until June 25th. For a chance to win this beautiful collection, please leave a comment on this Maja Design post.

I will be back tomorrow with a very different Maja Design card using some beautiful papers from their traditional collections. 

Heaps of luck to everyone entering, 

*Ivana*

Finishing off a Busy Weekend

~Back Home~

Hubby and I spent a lovely weekend visiting one of the neighboring cities, and taking some time to get away and take a much-needed break. Both of us have had rather busy and clashing schedules lately, and it has been so hard to find time to spend together. 

We figured a quick weekend trip was just what we needed. And boy - were we right.

We enjoyed the road trip almost as much as the time we spent away. Both of us are suckers for road trips, especially when we can let loose, listen to some good music. What is better is that the weather was rather gloomy all weekend, so we didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt about being cooped up in a car for several hours.

The city was fun and bustling with people, and it was a nice change to have time to go shopping, eat out, and spend some time walking around visiting all the sights together. We even got to visit a restaurant that was featured on a tv show, and it was delicious. A bit of a long wait, but it was so worth it. 

But....At the end of it all, I am sure glad to be home. We both love traveling so very much, but we also love knowing that after all the travels and all the excitement, we have place that is always waiting for us, with an open embrace. 

I thought I'd make a card to celebrate this very special thing we sometimes take for granted. 

I thought Papertrey Ink's Love Lives Here stamp set would be just the perfect thing for this card. All the little houses and sentiments are so cozy and filled with so much heart and homeyness.

So I used the dies to cut out a little home, which I stamped with the beautiful stamps. I used these colors as my jumping off point for the rest of the card. I found a beautiful matching My Mind's Eye pattern paper, which I used for the base of the card.

 I added some printed tape to hold the two layers together, and a patch of white cardstock in the center to hold all of my little embellishments and sentiment. I started building the layers by adding another printed pattern, followed by a scalloped off-white tag, and a punched strip of white cardstock. I added a brown stamped button at the bottom, and three painted wood buttons, as well as a stamped sentiment from the Love Lives Here set. 

I then stitched all the layers together - rather poorly, might I add, but I think the imperfect stitches work for this card, no? 

At the top of the card, I added my little house to a painted bit of chipboard, layered onto yet another painted chipboard tag, along with some elegant pearl flourishes, a Maya Road clear ticket, and more punched paper. 

I love this card to bits, and I love what it represents, too. Our homes are only as precious as the ones we share them with, and the moments and memories we create.

I am so thankful for my home and who I share it with, and the love that lives in our home.

Thank you all for visiting today, 

xo 

*Ivana*

Shoppe Cards

~Homemade Goodies~

Just a quick post today to share this card I created for my Etsy Shoppe. 

I'd like to start creating more cards that can be used for various occasions, like this lil' number. This homemade goodies card can accompany all sorts of homespun gifts for birthdays, babies, or for just-because occasions :) So it fit the bill just perfectly. 

I mixed a shabby homespun style with a few elegant touches to create this little card.

I started with beautiful papers from The Girls' Paperie - and I'm afraid this is one of the last cards I'll be making in these prints, as these papers can no longer be purchased. If I am ever lucky enough to stumble upon more of them, you can bet I'll be back to make more cards with these pretty homespun papers. I did a whole set of cards using these papers a while back, too.

I also used papers from My Mind's Eye (the blue stripe and yellow gingham), as well as pretty tags from Iralamija's Etsy Shoppe. Her digital designs are so lovely - you must see them for yourself!

After adding several strips of patterns to the base of the card, I layered a few smaller strips horizontally, using the GP patterns, and a punched border out of white cardstock. 

I distressed a Maya Road chipboard frame and oval with white paint and sanded the edges a teensy bit. I layered the bits together onto a die-cut doily (using PTI's Doily Details), and added a stamped sentiment to a tag from this digital set. I die-cut a few buttons out of the vintage floral paper as well as the gingham paper. I find buttons to be such a homey touch and I love using them in cards because they are so versatile - especially ones I can make myself with pretty paper patterns and dies.

To finish the card, I cut a few portions of pearl flourishes and adhered them to the card, over all the layers. I love the way this adds a touch of elegance to this shabby and handcrafted card.

This card is going straight to my Etsy Shoppe...But I have a feeling that another one just like it is in my very near future, as I'd really like to keep one for myself :) 

xo, 

*Ivana*

p.s. I am over the moon excited to share this happy news - Maja Design now has a Canadian retailer!
For more information, please click here. 

A Baby Card and a Winner!

~Brand New Baby Girl~

I want to send out a really, really big thank you to all of you for the kind comments and sweet birthday wishes. What a beautiful surprise it is to see so many caring friends from all over the world, stop in, and take time to comment. I know your time is valuable, and I appreciate it so much! My birthday was a beautiful day, ever more brightened by your thoughtful words.

With birthdays, exams, and work, both hubby and I have had a busy week. So we are taking a little break tonight to visit our friends, who just recently had a little baby girl.

I wanted to make a very special card just for her to go along with a little baby gift, so I quickly created this card today. 

I used something I had on hand, do you recognize it? The little pocket on the front of the card? 

I made this pocket to add to my inspiration rolodex, but loved how sweet it looked on this baby card, so I pulled it out of my rolodex, and decorated it just a tad more, for this card.

It's the perfect thing to do when short on time...I love having little pockets, tags, and pre-made embellishments that can be added to cards, or used to embellish quick projects. Sure comes in handy on busy days like today :)

I added a little chipboard tag, along with a chipboard moon and stars, to add a bit more of a baby theme to the already pastel-y pocket. Then, I added a crinkled ribbon bow, with a handmade button, and glued the whole pocket down onto a card base, which I stamped around the edges with a stitch stamp from this Precious Remembrance set, as well as a striped border just above the "baby" chipboard sentiment. 

The card took only a few minutes because I had all that I needed already pre-made :)

We're so excited to meet her and very much look forward to our visit with our friends tonight.

But before I go, I have a winner for a $10 gift credit to my Etsy Shoppe!!! The lucky winner will also receive a bonus gift with their purchase!

CONGRATULATIONS, MAGDA!!!!

Please e-mail me at
ivanacamdzic@yahoo.com
for more details and to claim your prize.

I have a busy morning today, but before my day begins, I am joining a friend for a morning walk. Wishing you all a happy Thursday.

*Ivana*

A Birthday, Giveaways, PaperHaus Blog Hop, and Maja Design June Mood Board

~Sunshine & Celebration~

The purpose of today's post feels tenfold - Firstly, I am so very excited to celebrate my birthday today with all of you! And the release of our PaperHaus Summer Issue :)

 If you haven't had a chance to leaf through the pages of our newest release, you can check it out here. Also, this is your chance to check out the PaperHaus Summer Delight Blog Hop, and see what all the commotion is about :)

 Each day, until June 7th, there is a list of NEW blogs that will be hosting a hop. Each hop lasts only one day, and the next day, a whole new hop, with new blogs, is kicked off.

Each hop features some of our dear editors, contributors, design team members, as well as manufacturer stops. It is fantastic way to get some fun summer inspiration, help us celebrate the release of our newest issue, as well as win fabulous prizes! 

If you are hopping along today, my blog is just one of the stops on the hop, and here is a full list of today's hoppers.


 PaperHaus Magazine 
Jess Mutty 
Shellye McDaniel
Anna Sigga 
Ivana Camdzic Stoicescu (you are here!)
 Izzy Anderson
VIVA LAS VEGASTAMPS 

I hope you'll swing by lzzy Anderson's blog, as she is the next stop on the way. But before you do, read on to see my creation, and to learn about my giveaway!

It also just so happens that today is also the release of our June Mood Board over at Maja Design.

I've created a card that couldn't be more perfect for the Mood Board and for the summery theme of our newly released issue. 

I have been wanting to try out a summer/sunshine card for some time. I have seen so many beautiful cards in recent days of patchwork sun rays, that I thought I'd give it a try. Plus, it combines my love of all things homespun, as I love the patched-up and sewn look of the sun rays. 

The Maja Mood Board for May also happens to include inspiration about sunshine-y yellows, so it was a perfect jumping off point for the card. 

I skipped over the blues, and greens, and used the pretty purples and yellows for this card.

To begin, I started with four different papers from the Antligen Collection. I used Syreren Blommar, Solen Varmer, Student, and Vardagjamning. All can be found right here. 

I stamped each of the purple, blue and yellow papers with two pennant stamps, and cut each out. I used the soft beige pattern for the background of the card. 

At the top of the card, I added a little punched paper border, along with some washi tape on the upper right corner. 

Next,  I stamped on my tag, using the beautiful Sending You Sunshine stamp set from The Craft's Meow. It is a two-step stamp, so I chose to stamp the sun rays in yellow, and the inside with a purple ink. Using the same ink, I stamped this ever-so-lovely sentiment, from the Thank You set by Precious Remembrance. 

I stamped some clouds in coordinating colors and added them to my die-cut tag with pop-up dots. 

I also inked the edge of the tag to make it pop from the background, and I added some liquid pearls. 

Before adhering the tag( PTI's Tag Sale 3) onto the background of the card, I added my 'rays' and a bit more washi tape. I found that once I added the rays, they protruded over the edges of the card, so I just used my scissors to snip away the excess. 

Then I added my tag, and stamped an extra sentiment at the bottom using the Sending You Sunshine set. 

If you'd like to play along with our June Mood Board (more info here), it is a great opportunity to win an entire Maja Design Collection, simply by creating a project that is inspired by the lovely mood board.

I also have a super fun GIVEAWY to celebrate my b-day and the PaperHaus release, but please note, it only lasts for today.

I will be randomly drawing ONE lucky winner tomorrow morning, June 5th, for a $10 credit from my Etsy Shoppe! I will also be throwing in a surprise gift with the lucky winner's purchase!

I will announce the winner on Thursday, June 6th, so come back and check to see if you are the lucky winner!

I stock my Etsy Shoppe with various handmade paper crafting supplies, cards and gift items, as well as today's cute card :) If you haven't been, I hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think!

Thank you for helping me celebrate this wonderful day,

*Ivana*

PaperHaus Summer Issue Is Here!

~It's That Time~

Happy Saturday!

Today, I am at home with the folks. Decided a little while back that we had way too much wonderful stuff that we could no longer find space for in our home, so I packed the car up with a huge pile of clothes, shoes, coats, bags, housewares, and of course, scrappy supplies, and headed home yesterday to hold a yard sale - and fit in a little visit with the parents.

Yard sales are one of my most favorite pastimes, and I love hosting them almost as much as I love going to them. Some of my most cherished vintage finds came from unsuspecting yard sales. I also love the fact that it is still one of those community events that brings people together, and the idea that our gently-used items can find a new home, reducing the environmental footprint, makes me smile. 

Anyway, sitting here in my parents sunny and beautiful back yard, visiting with folks and sharing stories about some of these dear treasures, I thought I'd take a bit of a break and blog for a bit, to share some news with you all too. 

And what happy news I have! I am over the moon that today is finally here. Today is the official release of our Summer Issue and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. We had such a blast putting this incredibly inspirational piece together...The artists inside are some of today's industry's top talents, and the tips, techniques and artist interviews  are just a few of the inspirational things you'll find in this wonderful issue.  

So without any further ado, here it is...the PaperHaus Summer Issue!

To celebrate this issue release, we are hosting a series of blog hops form June 1st to June 7th, with a new hop each day, full of inspiration, projects, and prizes. 

I will be hosting a hop on June 4th,
and I have some very special things to share with all of you (maybe a prize, too?). I hope you'll swing on by to check it all out!

Now I best be getting back to my sale :) Wish you could all be here.

xo

*Ivana*

Sweet New Baby Wishes - Featuring Maja Design

~Oh Baby~

I've been anticipating the arrival of a very special little new Gemini...A very dear friend of mine is expecting and her due date is just around the corner. Actually, it just so happens to be on her very own birthday! Which means, the little one will join our little circle of Geminis. 

I can't tell you how happy it makes me that they are welcoming this brand new little addition to their family. 

This is the card I created for them.

I used a few different pastel colors on the card since the baby's gender will be a surprise. I wanted to add in a touch of blue - in case it is a boy, a touch of pink- in case it's a little girl, and a touch of yellow - just for good measure :) 

All of the papers are from the Vintage Spring Basics collection (3rd of March, 4th of May, Days to Remember), and the rest of the supplies are items I have die-cut. 

I covered the base of the white card with a soft pink print, followed by a little pocket I die-cut using the WPlus9 Vintage Envelope Die. Inside, I tucked two tickets, both cut out of the Days to Remember paper from Maja Design. I adorned the tags with sparkly buttons, hemp ribbon, and a handmade clay button.

I wanted to add a flower to this card, but didn't want it to be too girly, so I offset the floral layers - cut with PTI's Lovely Layers Die - with a cute little birdie. Birdies can be masculine, right? 

I added three little pennants, some punched paper, hemp ribbon, and a stamped sentiment from the Purls of Wisdom stamp set from Papertrey Ink.

Now just need to patiently await the arrival of little baby...Oh its so very hard to be patient for such an exciting occasion, but I will do my very best. 

Hope you are all having a great week thus far. 

Thanks for visiting!

*Ivana*

A Blissful Marriage

~So Happy For You~

Having had the love of my life by my side for the past decade or so, I sometimes forget that true love isn't always found so quickly...Many spend the better part of their lives seeking for that special someone to share the rest of their lives with. 

Which is why my heart absolutely melts when a deserving couple finds true love and friendship in each other, and it is also the reason I adore weddings so much. To me, weddings are a symbol of two becoming one, the beginning of a life shared, and a unity of two souls. Weddings are so much more than just pretty dresses, cakes, and fabulous food & dances...I adore the ceremony bit of every wedding, for it is filled with emotion and love.

I always cry like a little baby at them, too. 

I can't help it...This sappy heart of mine just loves love :)

Especially when it comes down to family and friends whom I love so much.

This is for our dear friends that tied the knot yesterday. May their lives be blissfully happy together, and their hearts filled with love and joy for as long as they live. 

I decided to dress up the gift with a mini envelope and a little box, with the gift safely tucked inside. 

For weddings, I usually like to dress up even monetary gifts into boxes. I somehow feel that the occasion calls for an elevated elegance and I, of course, love any excuse to pretty up a gift.

So, I decorated a box, in a simple strip of Maja Design paper, lace, and a handmade lace flower, which I created by cutting four Papertrey Ink Beautiful Blooms out of lace, folding them together and gluing the centers down with a rhinestone and some sequins. 

Inside the box, I added a gift card/money holder card I created - with a gift, of course - and then created the a mini envelope and note card to accompany the box. 

The envelope is a die-cut from a beautiful WPlus9 mini envelope die that just joined my die collection, and it is cut out of their heavy duty Oatmeal cardstock. 

To decorate the envelope, I used only a few delicate details, such as a bow tied out of soft pink lace, adorned by a sparkly heart gem, and a stamped sentiment using PTI's Mini Blooms stamp set. 

At the bottom, I added a row of pearls for some dimension, and then created a mini card to add inside. 

I simply stamped a heart using Papertrey Ink Love Lives Here stamps, with Smokey Shadow ink. I added a sparkly heart to the center, along with a strip of lace, some pearls, and a liquid pearl dotted clothes pin.

Lastly, I tucked another little heart on the back of the envelope, with a handmade seal, using Precious Remembrance Stamps.

Although it was a rainy Saturday, with horrible winds, it ended with the most beautiful sunshine, and the biggest and most beautiful rainbow. A perfect way to start off a blissful marriage, don't you think?

Hope you're enjoying your weekend,

*Ivana*