My honorary granddaughter's #4 birthday card

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity! a personal crafting-focused blog

who: I'm Becca S, a 60+ year old who loves to do lots of creative expressions through fine arts and practical arts. I love flower arranging and interior decorating. I enjoy sewing and some textile crafting such as felt and burlap banners. During my school years, I did many years of band, choir and 3 high school musicals. I also took Art I in high school plus during Junior High and early High School years, my sister and I did some winter art workshops on Saturdays (2x) at the county YMCA. Piano lessons for 9 years were also completed! I also was a 4 year member for Future Homemakers of America (now it's FCCLA) and a 3 year member of the yearbook staff. Then in college I was part of the yearbook staff for 3 years and serving as a section editor for 2. 

where: this is non-design team related so it is not for a commitment to a challenge blog

when: her birthday party is on Saturday April 4th. I'll be blogging this on either April 4th or 5th. 

why: this birthday card is for our honorary granddaughter who we have been very blessed to be caregivers for most of her life! We did our first babysitting for her when she was only a couple of days old! Then at about 5-6 weeks until she was 6 months old, her mom changed several jobs and times per day/week. We did our best to accommodate. So up until this past July, we were seeing her regularly every week day for at least 4 hours and sometimes for a few more hours during the weekends. Since July we often see our sweetie several evenings per week for golf cart rides or to take her to a park! Once every 6-8 weeks, we try to do a weekend sleepover! 

what: 4th birthday card for a little girl who currently says green is her favorite color, but two months ago it was pink....who also loves the book and other ones in the series + YouTube videos "Llama, Llama, Red Pajamas".....

and inside view of the center section =

and a side view of the wide card = 

how: 

1. neon orange CS; half sheet folded into sections = Astrobrights/Neenah

2. white CS panel = Georgia Pacific

3. yellow CS strip/scrap cut = also Astrobrights/Neenah

4. green paper scrap cut = Hello Hobby paper pad by Walmart

5. striped ribbon = spool from Crafter's Square

6. markers (orange, blue olive green & yellow green, yellow & bright pink) + colored pencils (gray, mint green and beige) = stash box

7. "HB" stamp is from a birthday theme stamp pack = Crafter's Square

8. llama and cacti + middle inside panel, I used a sitting llama stamp from a dreamers & llama stamp pack = Crafter's Square

9. "4" was stenciled in pencil first x 4 times then colored with different markers= lowercase letters and 0-9 plastic stencil template is a very old product from Tupperware...1980s!!!

LINK-UPs:

a. All About Papercraft Challenges; new on Fri April 3rd; theme is All About Birthdays; see image prompt

link = https://allaboutcraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2026/04/all-about-challenge-4.html

image = 

b. Creative Friday; midway on Fri April 3rd; theme of birthdays

link = https://creativefriday.blogspot.com/2026/03/creative-friday-408-geburtstag.html

c. Krafty Chicks; new on Apr 2nd; week 1 theme of birthdays

link= https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2026/04/krafty-chicks-challenge-814-birthday.html

d. Seize The Birthday; midway on Fri Apr 3rd; theme of birthdays (opt of inc a tag); My easel #4 birthday card is just for A.G. birthday theme

link = https://seizethebirthday.blogspot.com/2026/03/seize-birthday-323-add-tag.html

image = 

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

***this is non-design team related 

* owner/DT challenge blogs: AA; CCC; ConBC; HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT, HQLQCB; plus FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHCB and FQGGCB. 

* DT member only: CIP; plus PRS and Pin-spirational  

Loving some appreciation cards for my #45 HS reunion

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This posting is a showcase of three different thank you appreciation cards that I've made for my other planning committee members for our #45 high school class reunion!!! Crazy!! Sometimes it seems that long ago and then other days, it only feels like it's been half of that time. Now hair styles, eye glasses, clothing are all easy giveaways to the time period...1980!!! 

when: in late May 2025 it was officially 45 years ago that we graduated from a small eastern IL school district! Our reunion weekend is July 18-19, 2025. 

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what: Project #1 = one of the planning committee members is hosting us Saturday night in his deluxe machine shed! He and his wife did tables and chairs, had blue tablecloths on each table and provided white, yellow and blue silk flowers for decorations.  I chose to make them an easel style fold/ dimensional card =

and a side view:

how-to & vendor notes for #1 = note: school colors were blue and gold

1. yellow cardstock for main easel structure = Pen + Gear

2. Midnight blue cardstock = CutCardStock; additional scrap strip used for the stopper area

3. yellow and blue gingham check fabric ribbon = Crafter's Square; also used for the stopper area

4. butterfly dimensional stickers = Crafter's Square

5. navy pearl gems = Crafter's Square

6. wood frame (was a dark brown color) = Maggie Holmes; also first one used of the pack that I've had for a year or more!!! 

7. metallic blue acrylic paint = Crafter's Square (applied with paper towels)

8. "thank you" was a note card that I repurposed = old/found in the phone nook cabinet at my mom's house = American Greetings

where #1 will be linked:

1A. Shopping Our Stash; in week 2/about 6 days left; theme is Wood is good; MY first folded card, easel-style, has a metallic blue painted embossed/imprinted wood frame on the focal panel

link = https://shoppingourstash.blogspot.com/2025/07/sos552-wood-is-good.html

1B. The Neglected Stuff Challenge; still open; theme is to use something not used in the past year or so; MY easel card's neglected item is the wood frame that I painted. This is the first frame I've used from the package that I've had for a year+. The Maggie Holmes pack of frames was part of a mystery clearance package purchased from Peachy Cheap website. 

link = https://neglectedstuff.blogspot.com/2025/07/neglected-stuff-july-2025-challenge.html

1C. We Love 2 Create; still open/started July 5; mixed media anything goes theme; different mediums = metallic blue acrylic paint on the wood frame; wood; gingham ribbons; stickers; navy blue pearl gems;  2nd entry

link = https://welove2create.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-7-craft-card-making.html

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what: Project #2 = for this planning committee member, she's done most of the FB group reminders, e-vites, acting as treasurer for Saturday night's catering, and getting some table decorations (jars and vases) together for Saturday night

cards unfolded 

plus

the other side unfolded

where #2 will be linked: [PINK]

2A. pink based folded card = Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; new on Sun July 20; anything goes theme

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2025/07/258-rachelle-anne-miller.html

2B. pink based folded card (look at 2nd photo at pink based card on the right side for the embossed panel inked lightly with brown/Walnut ink) =

Girlz & the Arts of Letters; week 2 of 2; theme is Letter E; my pink base folded card has an embossed 'frame' panel that I lightly ink to emphasize the raised embossing; 

link = https://girlzandtheartofletters.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-5-de-letter-van-e-van.html

 AND  ==========

what: Project #3 = for this planning committee member, she's given input, sent out encouraging FB messages to encourage classmates to come, has been at the planning meetings and went shopping for a thank you gift for our Saturday night host and hostess

*see up above

how-to & vendor notes for #2 & #3 =

21. brown cardstock = Colorbok

22. pink cardstock = Neenah

23. pale pink embossed panels and plain pale pink paper panels = blank notecards by American Greetings

24. the flowers and tea cup image panels = Hallmark; trimmed on right side and back flap/panel removed; trimmed striped strips used in different places between the 2 folded cards were from the front panel of the notecards

25. flower die-cut ephemera = Prairie Rose collection by Fancy Pants Designs

26. "especially for you" clear stamp = from a mixed sentiment stamps package = Crafter's Square; "well done", "thinking of you" and "you are sweet"

27. pale pink pearl gems and navy blue pearl gems = different packages = Crafter's Square

28. pale pink glitter foam heart stickers and the scalloped pink glitter foam shapes with a heart opening (pop-out piece) = different packages = Crafter's Square

29. coral-pink with beige dotted print paper panels = SU

30. Walnut/brown mini stamp pad = Lawn Fawn

where #3 will be linked: [BROWN]

3A. (brown base folded card) = Stamping Sensations; started on Sun July 6; theme is summer flowers or Anything Goes; MY brown based folded card is linked for Anything Goes; I've added the stamped "especially for you" to the repurposed notecard image for the main focal panel

link = https://www.stampingsensations.uk/2025/07/summer-flowers.html

3B. (brown base folded card) = Alphabet Challenge; in week 2 of 2; theme is G for Girlfriend; both the pink and brown base folded cards are for two of my childhood and teen school year girlfriends; both gals/girls attended my childhood birthday parties; the three of us were part of a group of 7 who went overnight camping the weekend before we graduated from high school!; during the past year we've gathered several times to have lunch and chat; they live about 10 or so miles apart but I'm almost a 2 hour interstate drive away

link = https://alphabetchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/g-is-for-girlfriend.html

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this is a non-DT commitment/contributions so I don't have a 'key' blog to share a link or a DT member badge

=========================

Crafting in the USA heartland, 

Becca S

~~where you can find my DT commitments:

* as owner/DT = these are either challenges that I've acquired/taken over ownership or that I've started on my own = ConBC, AA, CCC, HQFCB at TFATU, HQCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT, FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

* as manager/DT = MTTCChristmas and its sister blog MTTC

*just as a DT member = HAOOCAYR and PRS

My MTTCC #117 DT easel style card theme for Christmas for 18 July 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity!

why: this posting shows my latest manager/DT contribution to My Time To Craft Christmas #117. The theme for #117 is to make easel style Christmas cards. This is another installment in our DT's requiring a style or technique series. DT member Miss Mudge suggested the style of easel. There are many variations however since I don't do many fancy fold/dimensional cards I went with a basic and easy easel style that uses about 3/4 of 1 full 8.5" x 11" cardstock sheet. Half of the length was used for the folded portion and then an A2 size panel (4.25" x 5.5") came from the other 1/4 of the sheet. I chose ivory for the easel folded part and panel base. 

when: #117 starts on July 18, 2025 and lasts for 13 days

what: Project #1 = The Joy of Christmas is Jesus card

and a slight side angle view to see the easel fold =

how-to & vendor notes for #1 = Note: the red strip is layered with the plaid and lettering to create the 'stopper' to help the tall panel stand for displaying

1. ivory cardstock = Neenah

2. the soft green and ivory stripe edged panel = an old 2013 My Mind's Eye print

3. the focal wreath and sentiment panel = Away In A Manger collection by Echo Park

4. paper white doily = stash

5. red glitter foam bow sticker and the lettering stickers = different packages by Crafter's Square

6. red cardstock scrap strip = Pen + Gear

7. plaid cardstock = ? separated from its paper pad; probably FPD

8. red pearl and green gems = from different packs = Crafter's Square

9. Walnut/brown mini stamp pad = ink edging on all papers = Lawn Fawn 

where #1 will be linked =

1A. Word Power; started on July 3rd/month-long; theme is like the name of the blog; My easel card has a 6 word sentiment inside the wreath on the focal panel PLUS  "JOY" repeated in red glitter foam letter stickers on the stopper stack; this is my 3rd and last entry for the month

link = https://wordpowerchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/word-power-july-2025-challenge.html

1B. Creative Knockouts; new on July 17; theme is sparkle and shine; on this Christmas easel card, the green crystal gems reflect light and the red glitter bow and "JOY" sparkles in the light

link = https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/07/551-sparke-shine-patties-creations.html

1C. Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesdays; combined June and July; allowing 6 entries ===> this will be my 4th entry for anything goes theme

link = reminder post = https://www.simplyellibelle.com/2025/07/ellibelles-crafty-wednesday-june-and.html

1D. Unicorn Challenge; started July 1 and open for the month; unlimited entries; this is my 4th; THEME of Christmas in July

link = https://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-111-christmas-in-july.html

1E. The Creative Crafters; new on July 15; anything goes; this is my 1st entry

link = https://creativecrafterschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-90.html

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where to find MTTCC #117 blog post link =

https://mytimetocraftchristmas.blogspot.com/2025/07/mttcc-117-theme-requires-easel-style.html

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

* manager/DT = MTTCChristmas and MTTC

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and PRS

* owner/DT = FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, FQGGCB, HQCB, HQFCB at TFATU, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; AA; ConBC; and CCC

My MTTC #564 DT Theme is to use fiber challenge card for 11 July 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity!

why: this posting is my newest manager/DT contribution for My Time To Craft's #564. MTTC's #564 theme is to use fiber. This could be thread/stitching, embroidery floss, yarn, fabric strip to be tied or die-cut, fabric scraps to be used in patchwork quilt pattern, lace, netting, gauze/cheesecloth, etc. I've chosen to use pink and white crocheting yarn of different thicknesses to be tied as part of the stopper for the easy easel structured card style that I chose to do. And guess what??? This is my first time to make this style of easel card structure!!! YES!!! 

when: #564 starts July 11, 2025 and will last for 13 days.

what: Project #1 = Make room in your heart for Jesus Christmas easel card

3 pics:

*part of the stopper area = white and pink crocheting yarn strands wrapped twice around and tied in a bow on the left side

how-to and vendor notes for #1 =

1. Sandcastle Tan cardstock (1 long piece 4.25" x 11" for the easel/fold style and then another 4.25"x 5.5" for the focal panel) = Martha Stewart product distributed by CutCardStock

2. ivory strip cut to 2" x 5.5" = Neenah

3. two tones of pink cardstock scrap strips = stash; and then one strip was trimmed with decorative scissors

4. focal art panel = Away In A Manger collection by Echo Park (Christmas)

5. crochet yarns = maybe Coats; found at my mom's house with no label/packaging

6. enamel hearts = I think are Lawn Fawn; packaging insert was removed; remaining hearts are just on clear plastic sheet inside a clear bag

7. enamel dots = from 2 different sets = FPD

8. "LOVE" = came in a multipack that were plain, painted red or painted pink = this one had a red-orange marker applied to it, then Tangerine Tango ink (SU) and then I added brown marker accent lines to help unify some of the colors

9. little tiny brown heart = cut from cardstock scrap = Colorbok

where #1 will be linked:

1A. Krafty Chicks; new/2nd week theme is Christmas; My easel card has a Scriptural message sentiment and a stable outline

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/krafty-chicks-challenge-776-christmas.html

1B. Creative Knockouts; Week 2 of 2; theme is Christmas in July; MY easel card has Christmas/Nativity Scripture reference and stable outline; this is my 3rd entry

link = https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/07/550-christmas-in-july-polkadoodles.html

1C. Craft Rocket; current; theme of Christmas in July; My easel card has Christmas Nativity Scripture reference and stable outline; this is my 3rd entry

link = https://craftrocketchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-127-christmas-in-july.html

1D. Word Power; current; started July 3 and ends on the last Thursday of the month; theme is similar to the blog name...power of the word(s)/focus; My easel card's focus panel has a 6 word Scriptural reference sentiment

link = https://wordpowerchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/word-power-july-2025-challenge.html

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where MTTC #564 blog post can be found:

link = https://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/07/mttc-564-theme-is-to-use-fiber-starting.html

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where else I could share if I wasn't the owner:

* HQFSCAT or Heart's Quest For Shaped Cards and Tags #7 started July 2-31 for anything goes shaped cards or shaped tags; fancy/fun folds and other dimensional/3-D cards are accepted

* HQCB or Heart's Quest Challenge Blog #75 (or maybe it's 74) anything goes with a blue and/or red heart(s) included; June 28-July 27, 2025. (the enamel hearts are a dark coral red; the glitter foam hearts were bright magenta pink but I applied a dark brown marker to the tops to darken their appearance and make it closer to the brick red of the focal panel)

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and PRS

* owner/DT = CCC; ConBC; AA; HQCB, HQFCB at TFATU; HQCOLCB; HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB