Tip My Hat to You...

With the passing of time comes the natural progression of aging. Some go quietly into it and others go kicking and screaming; I prefer just to go with it in style. ;)  

In our family (past the age of 29) we no longer refer to the familial gatherings as Birthdays. Rather, we have opted for the term 'Appreciation Day.'

So here is me tipping my hat to my most fabulous Mother for her up and coming Appreciation Day!.

The file I have used is an incredible cut file from The Cutting Cafe titled,

Top Hat Set. 

This week the DT at The Cutting Cafe are celebrating hats and the owner Regina has created an abundance of different styles of hats for your enjoyment. 

I really wanted to create a Steampunk top hat.  The hat itself was cut from black cardstock and then painted over with Gesso. When dry, a coating of clear crackle was added. When that dried, several inks of black and brown variations were added to draw out the cracks.  How on earth this hat turned purple is beyond me, but I kinda dug it so I just went with it. I laced up the side of the hat and added extra 'industrial' elements to aid as well.

The exotic feathers are also part of this hat file. 

The back of the hat so that you can see the folded brim.

Well there you have it. 

A special way to wish someone something that must never be spoken of except for to say...

"Happy Appreciation Day!" In a very classy way.

Hope you've enjoyed this visit and I thank you so very much for stopping in.

Hugs and Happy Crafting to you all...

Lisa xx

Never Ever Not Even Once Before....

 If you have a calendar nearby, grab it and mark this down. 

 From now on, we shall celebrate annually the year that Lisa finished her Christmas cards in JULY!  

It's true. I kid you not.  I started a New Year's Resolution list of things to do that I'd never done before. The list contains 17 items and finish cards early was #4...Done!! 

There are 5 cards similar to this style...

Last year I was in complete panic- procrastination mode. You know the one where you're freaking out but continually maneuvering yourself in endless circles and complete a total of zilch!

One thing I do remember from all the frenzy was making cards that cost a pretty penny to send in the mail.  

This year I decided for a variety of simplicity and perhaps less "puff."

There are a set of 5 of this style. Each with different stocking paper designs.

        I created 5 of these designs as well....

This one, I think, is probably my favorite of this series.

And lastly...the little cardinal on a branch.

For those that prefer a more 'vintage' touch, there's this style.  

I created 2 sets of each of these.

This was created by grabbing scraps in my paper drawer and cutting out tags.  The house became an after thought in which case evolved the sentiment that I typed on the PC.
There's a total of 4 of this type.

Here's the card that got out of hand and reminded me to ease up on the 'poof' of layering. It would be nice if they fit in the envelopes.  :)

There's 4 like this that vary in background DP.  

I really like the chevron pattern.

And the final design I decided on was this layered tree made from scraps and simple torn white CS.   There are also 4 of this style.

There you have it ... Christmas completed in July!

I hope this gives you some ideas for your card plans.

Thank you so very much for your time and visit.

Hugs and Happy Crafting to you,

Lisa x

Configuration Christmas Box

Well hello there again to you!

It's been two weeks already and now it's time to showcase another project using files from the ever stunning store The Cutting Cafe.  Remember the Configuration Box from TCC that I didn't complete before? Well, I was able to finally see it through to fruition and YES, I used even more fabulous files from the Cafe.  

It's a picture heavy post so here they are and underneath the photos I've included links to the files.

Here comes Santa clause in his retro fitted 1915 Nieuport 11 Biplane built just for delivering packages to all the good boys and girls.

The back of the plane is spacious enough to carry a Christmas tree, snowmen, candy canes, and gift wrapped Mini Box Sets.

Here's Santa located at the top of the box surrounded by Christmas sentiments and fluffy snow.

 

  Letter Shaped Card W

                    Letter Shaped Card C

      Letter Shaped Card J

Snowman Treat Box

 

 







             3D Christmas Tree Set

If you enjoy configuration boxes and preserving fun memories for all your holidays, The Cutting Cafe is the place to shop.  

Visit their blog today and leave a message to be in the running for 3 FREE files just by leaving a comment.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx