Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks April Blog Tour! if you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Lisa Martz's fabulous blog. Weren't her flowers absolutely beautiful?
As you might know by know, our theme for April is floral projects, Mother's Day and Weddings! You've probably guess by the title of my blog post that mine is a wedding theme tonight using the fabulous Bride Specialty Designer Series Paper. I choose to use the striped pattern for these projects for a classic and tailored look!
My trio of projects includes a card (which could also be an invitation), a little pillow box favor and an embossed votive candle holder with vellum inserts.
For all three projects I've used the Together Forever Stamp set, Whisper White and Bashful Blue Cardstocks, 5/8" Bashful Satin Ribbon, the Scallop Trim Border Punch, Versamark ink and White Embossing Powder along with the Heat Tool. I also used several punches -- Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" and 1 1/4" Circles, the Large Oval and Scallop Oval. The colors could easily be changed out to fit any wedding theme.
None of these projects are complicated but promise to lend a simple and classic elegance to any wedding or formal occasion.
As you can see on the Votive Candle Holder, I colored in just a bit on the inside of the vellum after embossing to make the image just a little more interesting as the light shines through it. Click on the small image on the right to see what this little project looks like when lit in a darkened room. Just beautiful!
The card was created with a card base of Bashful Blue, layering the striped Bride paper over the top and adding more layers of blue and the elegant punched border.
And the adorable little pillow box makes a perfect favor and it's quick and easy to create dozens or even hundreds of multiples with the Big Shot and the Pillow Box Die.
Well, I don't want to keep you too long because there are a lot of projects out there waiting for your inquisitive eyes! Have fun on the tour, everyone! Don't forget to let your friends know that they are invited as well!
Click on the button below to move on down the road to Melanie Schulenberg's blog. I know you won't be disappointed!

So pretty, Gretchen! I've definitely had weddings on the brain with my son getting married in June, so I love your ideas!
Posted by: Connie Babbert | April 19, 2010 at 08:46 PM
Lovely!
Posted by: JanTink | April 19, 2010 at 09:15 PM
Just beautiful wedding projects! Love your color choices - simply gorgeous!
Posted by: LeeAnn Greff | April 19, 2010 at 09:29 PM
I love the delicate votive! So full of beautiful details!
Posted by: Cindy Major | April 19, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Beautiful, Gretchen! Love the votive candle holder.
Posted by: Cheryl | April 20, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Beautiful wedding ensemble! Especially love the votive holder!
Posted by: DOstamping | April 20, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Beautiful wedding projects Gretchen! I love the elegance of them all!
Posted by: Lynn | April 20, 2010 at 07:44 AM
Gretchen, I love your work but these set is so elegant and beautiful. Congratulations. I can't decide which is my favorite...I want to married again with the same man...of course!
Martha Lucia
Posted by: Martha Lucia Gomez | April 20, 2010 at 07:56 AM
Oh my goodness those are beautiful! I love the way you layered the satin ribbon over the scallop border. So dainty looking!
Posted by: Alicia | April 20, 2010 at 08:56 AM
Love your projects, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Marion Wilkinson | April 20, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Gretchen great cards as always - Love the new satin ribbons!!!
Posted by: Kelli Satterwhite | April 20, 2010 at 09:39 AM
How fantastic. You are so uber talented. Thanks for the inspiration.
Carey Rogers
aka Roscoe's mommy
Posted by: Carey Rogers | April 20, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Wowzers!...as your creations are always! Thank you, Gretchen for the inspiration. Can't wait for CASE!
Posted by: Cathy Warhank | April 20, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Sooo pretty! Great stop on the tour :-)
Posted by: Stephanie | April 20, 2010 at 10:01 AM
What soft lovely colors for this projects - this is a great set!!
Posted by: Julie | April 20, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Gretchen, these are really pretty. thanks so much for sharing
Posted by: Carolyn S | April 20, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I loved this blog....it's BRAND NEW 2 ME!!
Posted by: Stacey | April 20, 2010 at 03:23 PM
Gretchen, I don't comment very often, but I read your posts every day. I am so inspired by your projects, and all you do to share on LNS. These items are no exception... they are sooo pretty.
Posted by: Sheryl L | April 20, 2010 at 04:26 PM
Beautiful! Thanks for all the inspiration you share with everyone.
You have been awarded the "Sunshine Award". You may go to my blog at http://stampwithmichele.com to get more information. Hope it was a great day, Michele
Posted by: Michele Schmidt | April 20, 2010 at 08:58 PM
What beautiful projects, Gretchen. Soft, elegant, beautiful detail. I always love to come see what you have been up to, and as thanks for all your inspiring projects, I am passing on a SUNSHINE AWARD. Check on my blog at http://stampingmadly.blogspot.com to pick up your award. You are one of my favorites.
Posted by: Sage Kimble | April 20, 2010 at 09:53 PM
Once again beautiful artwork!! You did a fantastic job! I also gave you a little gift on my blog and hope you'll play along! I have given you the Sunshine Award! You are such an Inspiration to me!
Posted by: Holly/catrules | April 21, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Oh Gretchen. This are just LOVELY!
Posted by: Pockets of Inspiration | April 21, 2010 at 09:22 AM
BEAUTIFUL, Gretchen! The votive holder is so pretty and I'll bet it's out of this world when lit! Each item is so tastefully put together and elegant!
Posted by: Lisa Martz | April 21, 2010 at 11:27 AM
These are just awesome wedding projects Gretchen!!! Make sure you stop by my blog today because I gave you a Sunshine Award!! You are just a great awesome lady and always inspiring me with all your creations!!
http://mycraftyworld.blogspot.com/
Posted by: tiffany | April 21, 2010 at 11:55 AM
I love clean simple lines on your projects. Very beautiful
Posted by: Holly P | April 22, 2010 at 09:57 AM
This is really elegant! You are a very talented lady! Thanks for sharing! I am awarding you with the Sunshine Award today, please go to my blog to pick it up.
Posted by: Sheryl Dreyer | April 22, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Wow! I absolutely love all three of these creations. Spectacular!!!
Posted by: Judy Bennett | April 26, 2010 at 08:46 AM