DIY Vintage Shabby Upcycled Jars

I'm delighted to do a guest spot today on the SRM Stickers blog. And did I mention there's also a giveaway?

I have been a fan of SRM Stickers for many years and consider the wonderful people behind the company my good friends. I have had the privilege to play with some of their vinyl on my first ever vinyl project. I have been intimidated to use vinyl because of its delicate nature. I got a Silhouette Cameo last year as a present, and I happily acquired SRM's vinyl, so then I had no more excuse. And it turned out easier than I expected.

I decided for my first ever vinyl project to upcycle some empty mayonnaise jars that I have been wanting to use for organization. My daughter is very artistic and has accumulated many supplies for her art. I made these jars (make sure they are clean and dry first) to help her organize her art supplies. She loves pink so I had to use SRM's Carnation Pink vinyl for the labels. The flowers swag was downloaded from the Silhouette store.

The fonts I used are Aphrodite for the first letter and Lobster 2 for the rest of the text. I used some SRM transfer tape to make sure the design is properly placed where I want it.

I wrapped some vintage lace around the mouth of jar. Some vintage binding and a paper flower are wrapped around the lace.

This project was so fast and easy. I think it took me no more than an hour from beginning to end.

Thank you, Susan and the SRM family, for offering so many trendy products that inspire us crafters to make quick, beautiful and useful projects like these jars. Oh, and my daughter loved them! Now my other girls want their own, too. Don't forget the giveaway on the SRM Stickers blog! Have a great weekend.

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Vintage Cards with Quietfire Designs Cut Files

I am guest posting for Quietfire Designs this month. Today, I am highlighting the QFD cut files that you can purchase HERE. These cut files are so delicate and I was afraid my Silhouette wouldn't cut them right, but was I wrong! I love their elegant design and they make a great focal point.

My first card uses the Friend cut file and is vintage shabby with girly pink all over.  The doily is by SRM Stickers. I also embellished with a Spellbinders Moroccan die cut, Want2Scrap pearls, paper flower and seam binding.

My second card is also vintage shabby, but milder on the girly scale (just my style). This time the focal point is the lovely Thank You cut file. I did some distressing and stitching on the edges and placed buttons to matched the strip of patterned paper (from Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes collection).

I think this is the first time in a while that I didn't do any stamping on my cards. With these stunning Quietfire Design cut files, I didn't need to. The cut files added more dimension and a different look from my usual stamped cards. And I love the results! On Friday, I have another guest post for another favorite company that offers so many different products I love.

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Vintage Card #2 with Printable ATCs and a Freebie

Hello, friends. Starting today, I have a series of cards I made using the Printable Spring ATCs I have on my NinaB Printables etsy shop. Today's card uses the ATC with the beautiful verse from Songs of Solomon.

The little tag and "Friend" sentiment is from my Penny Black's Blooming Tags set. I adorned this pretty pink seam binding with a paper flower and burlap twine. The tag has lovely Want2Scrap pearls.

Nothing like this verse to welcome spring. :) I inked the edges of my papers and added some subtle stitching. Some vintage lace and buttons add more chic-ness, don't you think? :)

Here are the Spring ATC's ready for you to print out and make beautiful cards with.

 

And speaking of spring, here's a couple of FREE Facebook covers for you. I love taking photos of nature, including this tiny daisy from our yard. Just click on the photo to get the larger version and save on your hard drive. You can then upload it to your Facebook timeline. This one includes one of my favorite quotes by JC Ryle.

This one includes a quote by Anne Bradstreet:

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More Items on Etsy and a Freebie

I mentioned from my previous post that I've been trying new things. One of those is making my own vintage collage images. I had so much fun making these. Here are the results that you can find on my NinaB Printables ETSY store. 

Customizable blog headers

 Digital Paper Packs

Artist Trading Cards:

These ATCs are so easy to create with. I made a collection of 6 spring-themed collages that you can print and add to your project. Here is one card I made using one of the images. The papers are Graphic 45. I anchored the ATC with SAby3L photo corners with Want2Scrap pearls.

I had this die cut bird from Penny Black's Perched on my desk and it seemed to belong here. Some seam binding, paper flower and button finish the card.

If you want to try how fun it is to play with these ATCs, here's a sample freebie of the image I used above for you to try. Please share a link if you create with it and post it online. Just click on the photo below to get the full resolution.

Finally, I want to leave you with this beautiful cover of the popular Happy song. Enjoy your weekend!

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Destashing and Reflecting on Life

I have another destashing card today using the same Crate Paper pad I used on THIS and THIS post. My card is fairly simple. I used my Penny Black's Blooming Tags. The main image is watercolored. I also used a little bit of stitching, a white twill tape, paper flower and Want2Scrap pearls, which I colored with Copics to match my card base and main image.

Here is a close up of the tag. The flowers match the paper better in person and I'm not sure why the photos didn't quite capture that. The sentiment is from PB Special Wishes set.

On a different note, I have received several encouraging notes and emails about MY POST from the beginning of the year. Thank you all for reaching out and sharing your stories with me. I have always wanted my blog to be more than just a card inspiration. As I was evaluating again where I am since 3 months have passed since the beginning of 2014, I have to say nothing much has changed in the are of my designing life. I am just enjoying making cards and trying new things (like playing with my Silhouette Cameo!). I am filling my days with enjoying my family, reading and studying, getting crafty with my girls, cooking and spending personal time with friends over coffee.

I recently read a couple of articles that convicted my oft-wandering heart, encouraged me in my sometimes unsure direction regarding my design work, and altogether really ministered to my soul. I hope you will find them useful as well, as you juggle so many responsibilities in this wonderful thing called life. :)

I Have All the Time in the World - How many times have I said here on my blog and FB page that I'm busy. It is true, but I have to re-think how I use that word from now on. I do have lots of things to do (who doesn't?), but I don't want anybody to ever feel afraid to ask or think they're inconveniencing me, if there is anything they need from me. Of course, I have to prioritize (my family comes fist!) since I am only human and can only do so much, but I hope that I'm not perceived as unapproachable, esp by those whom God has brought to my life: my family, friends, neighbors and church. I echo the author's words, "I’m not busy. I have all the time I need to accomplish the things the Lord has called me to."

Women, Work and Our Crisis of Identity - this one really hits home for me. I think the biggest disappointment for me for slowing down on my design work is my own self-assessment that somehow my worth is less because I make less money. Believe me, I do miss the regular income, but my job description doesn't, shouldn't, define who I am. And I am, above all things, a follower of Christ. Even the sweet title of wife and mom do not compare to this. My worth is not based on my own accomplishments, income or how others view me. My worth is based on Him who loves me and died for me. I am nothing without Him. And my being His is a privilege that I can never earn. And who am I to complain? God has been good to me beyond my expectations.

Well, thank you for reading this far. I hope I have made you think deeply about what matters most in this life. I hope someday we can meet and talk about the journeys God has directed our lives to follow. Wouldn't that be lovely? Have a great and blessed day!

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