Nancy Dynes : MajaDesign

‘From the Heart’ Valentine Card

9 February, 2016 - Cards, Life in the Country

I wish you a happy hello and warm welcome to the Maja Design Blog! It’s Nancy here, with a Valentine project to share with you. I was completely inspired by the cozy, rustic appeal of the ‘Life in the Country’ paper collection. Since my previous projects focused on handmade flowers, I thought I’d change things up with a cheery banner card.

The beautiful papers were distressed, layered, and stitched to form the base of the card. You can’t distress just any design paper. Maja Design manufactures the highest quality paper I’ve ever found. The heavier weight allows you to work with it without ripping or tearing, and the double sided pages allow endless flexibility and options. I mist, twist, and even bake this paper when I make flowers. It stands up to everything!

There are actually two banners here. The first layer is frilly lace strung through with jute. Die cut hearts and tags complete the second layer. The banners are anchored by jute bows on either end.

With the exception of the tiny rosebuds and buttons, all the embellishments were created using the paper collection.

D 2 A Maja Heart

Maja Design Papers used:

Life in the country

Additional Supplies: Lace, buttons, rosebuds, and jute from my stash; Tim Holtz sentiment stamp, heart and tag dies; Archival Ink, White Cardstock (for base of card), Gesso, Adhesive, Sewing Machine, Thread

I’m thrilled you stopped in for a visit! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s still time to let your loved one know how special they are with a handmade card. Also, don’t forget to check out this month’s Mood Board Challenge. May your day be filled with all things good and wonderful!

Hugs,

Nancy-sign

Pretty in Purple Birthday Card

Posted by Nancy Dynes

26 January, 2016 - Cards, Ska Vi Ta En Fika?

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Hello, friends! I’m thrilled to be here with you on this lovely Tuesday. Have you been busy in your craft space? We have five February birthdays in our family, so I’m happily crafting cards this time of year. I adore the purples in Maja Design’s ‘Ska vi ta en Fika?’ collection, and couldn’t resist creating this ‘Pretty in Purple’ birthday card.

The blooming roses are handcrafted from the paper collection using Tim Holtz Tattered Florals dies. You can view a tutorial for these roses here on my blog. To create the larger flowers featured on this card, simply add additional layers of petals. The leaves are cut using a Magnolia Rose Leaf die. I dusted my florals with gesso for a soft, shabby finish.

The papers are distressed, stitched, and layered, then popped up with foam tape for added dimension. The center of the card is cut out with a Spellbinder’s circle die to reveal a cheery floral pattern.

Below is a closer look at the layering, for a total of four layers plus the floral spray. Glass pearls are scattered here and there. I recently purchased them in bulk, and I love, love, love using them! If I could see into the future I would predict you may be seeing a lot of them… at least until they run out.

The natural twine bow is anchored by a tiny handcrafted rosebud.

Maja Design Papers Used:

Additional Supplies: Tim Holtz Tattered Florals dies, Magnolia Rose Leaf die, Spellbinders circle die set, Corner Punch, White Cardstock (for base of card), Gesso, Glass Pearls, Twine, Sentiment Stamp, Archival Ink, Foam Tape, Sewing Machine, Thread

Thank you so much for stopping by. I wish you a day filled with sunshine, happiness, and a sprinkle of fairy dust!

Hugs,

Nancy-sign

Time Flies Card

Posted by Nancy Dynes

12 January, 2016 - Cards, Vintage Autumn Basics

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Hello, my crafty friends! I hope you’re staying warm and cozy as we settle in for the cold months of winter. This is the time of year I like to have a pot of soup or stew simmering on the stove top while curled up with a good book and a hot cup of tea.

Today is an exciting one for me as I am sharing my first project here on the Maja Blog! I was a little nervous, and put a great deal of thought in to what I would create. I decided on this ‘Time Flies’ all occasion card featuring Maja Design’s stunning Vintage Autumn Basics collection. You’ll find the color palette in this collection is also splendid for your Valentine’s Day creations!

I began by distressing, layering, and stitching the papers to form a base. The large circle was cut using a Spellbinders die and attached to the base using foam adhesive.

The flowers are handcrafted from the paper collection using a Susan’s Garden Peony die. The leaves are die cut from the paper collection with a Magnolia Rose Leaf die. A dusting of gesso and clusters of small glass pearls add a soft, romantic feel.

The left side of the card features the image of this lovely vintage woman. The clock is fussy cut from the paper collection and popped up with foam adhesive dots. The finishing touch ~ a twine bow for a bit of rustic elegance.

Maja Design Papers Used:

Additional Supplies: Susan’s Garden Peony Die, Magnolia Rose Leaf Die, Spellbinders Circles Die Set, Natural Twine, Small Glass Pearls, Gesso, Foam Tape, Susan’s Garden Tool Kit, Tim Holtz Distressing Tool, Sewing Machine.

I had so much fun putting this card together. Now it’s your turn to reach for your favorite Maja Design papers and let your imagination carry you away! Thank you so much for visiting. I send wishes for a joyful day filled with crafty endeavors!

Hugs,

Nancy-sign