Friday, January 2, 2009

MIA Mojo...

When my kiddos had their Christmas with their father's side of the family, they didn't take gifts for their dad or stepmother because they were told they would have a separate gift exchange with them. That hasn't happened yet for one reason or another, and the kids put off getting gifts, the little stinkers. I finally coralled them for the picture for their dad (previous post), and they had no idea what to get their stepmother. Groan...I was going to be making something for my niece yesterday but said I would make something for stepmom. I called and asked my ex her favorite color - pink. Here's what I came up with, though took a while to get my heart into it. I made the A2 box base, and then my mojo just jumped out the window...to chase a squirrel or something, I dunno...but I had a hard time coming up with something that could be considered presentable. Finally told myself not to think about who this is for and just "do what you do" as my daughter said. Okay, so I picked this pretty cardstock and cut it to fit around it the box base like a book cover, scallop punched the edge. Ran narrow satin ribbon across the base and attached the box over it, cut a slit to pull the ribbon through. Because it was a single-sided CS I rummaged and found a solid DP that was a close match and lined the cover and spine. Put that to the side and started on the cards. Used my JustRite Monogram stampers with the From the Desk of frame. Did the initial in pink and frame in a pale blue to pick up from the design. Cut those out with circle Nesties, then a scalloped circle from the liner paper for the mat. Mojo waffled again. Went and did some cleaning downstairs because we're having a dinner party tonight, came back a few hours later and this is what I ended up with. I used the largest scalloped rectangle Nestie on the patterned CS, then a larger scalloped circle and cut out a vignette. That's where I put the monogram stack. My daughter came in and looked at everything, said "Oh Mommy, that is so cute". Before I could stop her, I heard my evil twin say "is it too cute?" (I'll smack myself later). Back to the card - felt it was missing something, so added that muave satin ribbon running all the way across. Then attached the monogram stack. Still missing something, so I added those little swirls, which are outline stickers. Used four gold and four silver, then added a longer one to the inside of the box lid. Went back to the box and stamped her name with JustRite Brayton and Special Occasions fonts, cut that out with Spellbinders ribbon slide, inked edges. Ran the ribbon through it. Flowers are layered CS from a Cuttlebug die. I inked alternating layers with shades of pink and blue, then put them on my gel wrist pad from my computer and pushed down in the center of each layer with the end of my paper piercer so they would curl up. Attached them to the box with Diamond Glaze, and added the blue foil butterfly. Put little rhinestones in the center of the flowers and on the butterfly's body. Did I do okay? :)

Stamps: JustRite Monogram stamper and Fonts.
Paper: The Paper Studio, Pink Paislee, Hot Off the Press.
Ink: Colorbox Queues.
Accessories: Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, ribbon, foil butterfly, rhinestones, outline stickers, scallop edge punch.

11 comments:

6 wacky women said...

Gorgeous gift, Nancy. You did a beautiful job with it.
I would love to know how you made the box.

Have a great day
Karen x

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful and KUDOS to you for putting forth such extreme effort to create a beautiful gift for "stepmom" . . . you have a big heart.

Barbara said...

You did great doing what you do. And, being who you are, you couldn't do anything less! This is a beautiful gift made by a beautiful person.

I received your wonderful card and the damask borders --- thank you so much! Now that the holidays are over and I need to get Valentine stock made up, I will be breaking out the JustRite. Can't wait!

Luv'n'hugs!

Sharon (notimetostamp) said...

OH MY WORD!!! I LOVE YOUR BOX DESIGN!!!! My brain is doing flip flops as is my heart!!!! I MUST try one of these -- do you mind???? It is JUST fabulous!!!!!

Unknown said...

Holy smokes Nancy! That was quite the post! LOL You must have needed a nap after finishing the gift and the post! You did an awesome job, and good for you for stepping in to make something for the step-mom.

Carolyn King said...

that is gorgeous---what an amazing gift and what a big heart you have to make something so special for her!

Laura (scrapnextras) said...

A beautiful heartfelt gift...and that is so on the mark.

6 wacky women said...

Hi Nancy,
I have something on my blog for you!

Karen x

"Kirby" (KrB) said...

If you can do this with your mojo chasing squirrels, I can't imagine what you'd come up with when it is fully operational. This is beautiful! (Would you rather I say "it's not bad - it'll do." ?? :) You are a sweet, sweet mom with a lot of talent. Good for you - it turned out so lovely, and I know it was all for your wonderful kids. Happy New Year!

Janine said...

Beautiful job Nancy!!!

C said...

You are a good woman...not sure I could have done it. Angel wings for you and a beautiful gift.