Kitchen with a View

I made this card in November but haven't been able to post it because my sister only received it (along with her Christmas presents) a week ago, despite being posted in early December.

She has the most amazing water view from her new kitchen/living room so I knew I wanted to create a little sea view through the window.  I also wanted to use this new die and stamp set which I just had to buy several months before but still hadn't used.   

It was a little rushed being sent just before Christmas and having several health and personal issues at the time.  I was going to add a coffee pot and mugs but it felt a bit crowded with that large Home die,  so I went with the age old adage - if in doubt leave it out!

There are a few challenges into which I would like to enter this card.

Make My Monday has a Something New Challenge currently.

Simon Says Stamp has a Create a Scene Challenge this week.

Inkspirational Challenges has a Use Your Stash Challenge at the moment.  Nothing says table cloth like gingham, and I "found" this 2x12 paper Wild Asparagus card stock pack from My Mind's Eye which I bought many years ago in my stash.  It is difficult sometimes, but doesn't it feel good to use up stash instead of hoarding it!  

Addicted to Stamps has an Anything Goes Challenge this week

Stamps and Dies :

WMS Picnic Patterns (Wallpaper); Clearly Besotted Window Dressing Dies; Clearly Besotted Waves Edge Die; Sugarpea Designs Sugarcut Home; Sugarpea Designs  Sweet Sentiments Home; Frantic Stamper Vilage Sky.

Thanks for stopping by, especially if you take the time to leave a comment.  Your kind words will make my day!!!

Kate

Gingham Cottage

I started this paper-pieced cottage last month but only just got around to finishing it off today - specifically the envelope and lining.  This pretty image from WMS Sewing Box Hugs lends itself so well to paper piecing and I had been meaning to try this for some time.  I used one of the Spellbinders Postage Stamps Square dies to cut a mat - I always think it has that fabric swatch look which complements the theme sew very nicely.  I used a fine liner to "stitch" around the outside of the gingham because my sewing machine needs repairs.  I placed a sheet of plaid DP on the inside and added some little buttons down the left side.  These were cut with the smallest of the PTI Bitty Buttons Stack dies.  I glossed them up a little for some added shine.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kate

Home Sweet Home

I have been meaning to try "wainscoting" for some time now ever since I saw Nikki Woodward's gorgeous creation in the  Waltzing Mouse Blog Hop for June.
Mine is a much simpler version of hers - with just embossed lines, not rectangles.  I did CASE her use of the Paris Nouveau border element to create the wallpaper though.
I thought I would furnish my "room" with a chandelier (freebie stamp from Craft Stamper) and a standing lamp from the Chatsworth Vintage Collection by Papermania.  The sentiment is also from this collection - this was the closest I had to a House Warming greeting.
I hope the crystals stand up to a trip to Australia.  I usually place an A6 sized piece of bubble wrap in the envelope to increase their chance of survival.