The Shabby Tea Room has a challenge this week that just fits with something I have been working on lately.  This will be my submission for Challenge #222.

I am subscribed to two great blogs from ladies in Eastern Europe.  Having seen examples of many creations on their websites, I see that they have a style that I really like a lot.  One could just call it “Shabby Chic” or “Vintage” but there is something more that distinguishes their overall style; something a bit intangible that puts them in a category all their own.  And I have been trying to capture it for some of my own creations.

The papers and lace on this card are cast-offs from other crafting ventures. (I am determined to use things right down to the last shred!)

The flowers are probably from Wild Orchid but I have had them a long time; lately, I much prefer to make my own paper flowers.  It seems to be something I am drawn to do and love to do.  I did use inks on these flowers to give them the vintage lavender look I wanted.

Sometimes, I use scraps of this and that but there are certain things that only the really good quality materials can achieve.  I love the loose, drapey bows that only rayon or silk ribbon can provide.  This many loops of a satin or poly ribbon would look more like a cheerleader’s pom-pom; not the look I was after, for sure!  So, here I used the silk ribbon in a narrow width to get my dream bow.  I usually keep a couple of different widths of rayon seam binding ribbon and silk ribbon in white for all purposes.  They can be died with stamp pad inks to create any color I want and some gorgeous color combinations.

This creation will go off to The Shabby Tea Room’s challenge and then off to someone who saw it in person and wants to purchase it.  (Sometimes it is hard to let my things go but knowing it is going to a good home helps…  and it serves to fund my stash of supplies.)

Here is a view of the inside of the card.

You can see many wonderful creations based on this week’s challenge photo at www.theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com.   Blessings and Hugs, Ya’ll…