Life Is A Song . . . Sing It


Hi there blog friends, tell me I’m not crazy, please!  My received this envelope in the mail yesterday from my dear sweet friend Suzanne Cannon with Quietfire Design (addresses photoshopped out).  Oh, I was enthralled by the swirls and details, examining the penmanship while walking back to the house from the mailbox.  Who doesn’t practically skip when such delightful envelope comes their way?  Mr. Mailman – eat your heart out!!  I marveled over it, looked at the handwriting from all angles and poured over the details of the Canadian stamps.  This is a sickness, right?  So today I have to figure out a way to get the contents out while preserving this treasure!  Just in case you didn’t know, I’m a big fan of Suzanne and her stamps at Quietfire Design . . .  By the way, is it curious that the stamps were not cancelled?  Is that the way it works for things that come from Canada or was the mailman just mesmerized like I was – by such a pretty sweet thing?

Today I wanted to share with you the final part of an ensemble I made for Spellbinders, It’s a 6″ x 6″ calendar holder with a tiny bit of inspiration.  This is just the kind of thing I love to have sitting on my desk to remind me why I love to craft.  It’s very simple in design but the embossing is really the main feature.  It’s not made how you think – the simple way it’s made makes it an easy gift item – easier than a card – I’ll reconstruct it in coming days.


I downloaded the calendar for this project at the Canon site – here’s a link to Canon Creative Park :-)

 

SUPPLIES I USED
Stamps: Life Is A Song
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Cream 80lb Cover Cardstock, Bazzill
Ink: Versafine Onxy Black
Accessories:
Spelllbinders™ Valor M-Bossabilities™, Seam Binding, Bead Landing Filigree, ScorPal Scoring Bard, ScorPal, Peg Bow Maker (Triple Bow), Recollections Pearls, clear embossing powder

Thanks for stopping by, see you soon!!  Crafty smooches!!

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  • CindyFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:22 am

    You have very kind postal workers – I’ll bet they figured the person receiving this would want to keep the envelope (who wouldn’t?!) so why mar it with their ink…Suzanne’s work is amazing…as is yours, as always! xoxoxoReplyCancel

  • MarisaFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:24 am

    Beautiful project, Becca! Amazing that your letter got there with the way the name was beautifully caligraphied on it, but what a great treat :) I see you have some of our Chinese New Year stamps – they are always so bright and fun to look at. Believe it is the year of the dragon again and their dragon images are always so fun! As for the postage marks, they are usually there, you got lucky they were not stamped.ReplyCancel

  • Dottie DavisFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:44 am

    Am I not seeing something….there is no address just your name on the envelope? Amazing, but then when the Lord wants to get something done things like this happen, His love never fails. I am looking forward to the directions on this bright little card. Getting to really like those “blues.”ReplyCancel

  • Elaine AllenFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:50 am

    Becca –

    What a lucky girl you are to get something so wonderfully penned by Suzanne! It is gorgeous, and no you are not crazy to try and preserve it, it is beautiful. Just as beautiful as your calendar holder! WOW! You never cease to amaze me with all your talent, beautiful work.

    Elaine AllenReplyCancel

  • GailFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:54 am

    Beautiful writing and beautiful project Becca! Could you perhaps steam the envelope open – of course you would need to be extra careful. xReplyCancel

  • Gloria WestermanFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:56 am

    I would love to write like that….I’ve tried…and tried….
    I love your calendar card….such a sweet little gift….ReplyCancel

  • Becky GreenFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:57 am

    This is a BEAUTIFUL PROJECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a NICE GIFT for someone!!!!!!!! You are AMAZING!!!!!!!!! :)

    YES, receiving an envelope like this WOULD get my heart a racing!!!!!!!! There’s BOUND to be SOMETHING SPECIAL inside!!!!!!!! :)ReplyCancel

  • Rose FergusonFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:57 am

    Becca, Just want to tell you again that I am blown away by your creations. You are an artist!!!ReplyCancel

  • RebekkaFebruary 22, 2012 - 9:58 am

    wow, what a gorgeous project Becca. And what an Amazing envelope. :)ReplyCancel

  • Carol WFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:01 am

    As soon as I saw the photo, I knew this must be from that Quietfire lady!! Beautifully done. And yes, it was just a stroke of luck that the stamps weren’t cancelled.
    I love seeing Quietfire Designs stamps in your work — always a great example of a beautiful stamp and a papercrafter setting it off perfectly!ReplyCancel

  • Judy I, St. Louis MOFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:04 am

    What a wonderful envelope,but I would be curious to know what’s inside. I would probably use a letter opener verrrry carefully. Your calendar is fabulous and I will look forward to seeing how you made it in the days to come.ReplyCancel

  • Edna BurgessFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:06 am

    Very simple, pretty card and love the verse. EdnaReplyCancel

  • Jackie WFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:06 am

    Wow, Becca, that envelope is amazing! I assume it got to you without an address because of the barcode on the bottom-wonderful mail service!
    Your calender is awesome. At first I wondered what embossing folder that was, but then thought it must be one of the new Spellbinders M-bossibilities, Yup! then looked at the supplies list. Might just have to break down and get this one. Love it! Thank you so much for all your inspiration. I just received the twisted metal tags and accents. Can’t wait to use them.
    Blessings.ReplyCancel

  • MarianFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:10 am

    BEAUTIFUL works of art, and yes…it’s a good fluke that the stamps didn’t get cancelled! That’s such a lovely delight to find in the mail!ReplyCancel

  • BeckyFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:10 am

    Becca, the envelope is beautiful and I love Quietfire Designs. Your ensemble is so pretty! I love the simplicity of it, you do such fabulous work!ReplyCancel

  • Nan GFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:12 am

    Wow the calendar and matching items…what a beautiful set!ReplyCancel

  • MargFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:13 am

    What a delightful surprise you received! No, it is not the habit of having our stamps not cancelled. The old fashioned way of steaming envelopes works well.The stamps are so colourful aren’t they. I love the calendar. What a great gift it would be. I will wait patiently to see the technique used.ReplyCancel

  • Dianne CFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:36 am

    Beautiful set, nice and bright colours too. DianneReplyCancel

  • MarianFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:44 am

    Am so looking forward to seeing your tutorial on the calender. The 3 items together make such a beautiful gift. Just love it.ReplyCancel

  • conniecrafterFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:53 am

    Gorgeous set, great detail !!ReplyCancel

  • Jane SuperFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:02 am

    I too am a fan of Suzanne’s, and she lives less than 40 minutes away. You two compliment each other. I love your creations!ReplyCancel

  • ChelseaFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:06 am

    How lovely for you to receive a gift of art like that! It is some beautiful calligraphy of your name. Beautiful art for a beautiful person!
    Your calendar card today is so pretty! If it fits in the envelope you showed us a couple of days ago, I think I’ve got my idea for Christmas gifts next year!ReplyCancel

  • BernieFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:19 am

    This is BEAUTIFUL! What a lovely gift this would be. Looking forward to the tutorial.

    Receiving an envelope like that would get my heart a racing, oh the anticipation. Something so beautiful would surely contain some thing special. I don’t know how you waited to take a photo of it, photoshop it and post it. I’d have had the kettle on and steamed it open before the mail man made it round the corner. Interesting that there is a bar code at the bottom but those spectacular stamps were not canceled.
    Blessings BernieReplyCancel

  • SuzanneFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:20 am

    Oh, lol! That was a surprise! Had I known you were going to do that I would have been a bit more careful and at least matched the colour of the lettering to the stamp!

    Beautiful project Becca! You are a superstar!ReplyCancel

  • FrancineFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:25 am

    For me it’s happen 4 -5 times a year my stamps are not obliterate in particular during Chrismas time.
    I love so much this enveloppe. It was in my goals for this year to practice
    Calligraphy. I have try but I am very far of something OK.
    In Europe it is much more popular than here so we don’t have an easy access I cannot find an amazing calligrapher…I would like so much to learn from some one, I feel the enveloppe is so neglected.

    You made again a very nice project. Thank for showing this enveloppe it is so perfect with your work.

    Montreal, FrancineReplyCancel

  • LisaFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:26 am

    Answer please, how did this get to you without an address!ReplyCancel

  • TeresaFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:47 am

    wow! how beautiful – I am blown awayReplyCancel

  • Joanna MackintoshFebruary 22, 2012 - 12:13 pm

    I understand just how you feel Becca. Every Christmas I get a card from my old calligraphy teacher and I always want to keep the envelopes (never mind the painted card with the beautifully hand-written sentiment inside!) just like you do :)ReplyCancel

  • Yvonne TuneFebruary 22, 2012 - 12:20 pm

    The envelope is beautiful, but I am more amazed that the letter got to you without an address, It’s not just me who thinks your fantastic, you really are world famous, so don’t need an address.ReplyCancel

  • SusanFebruary 22, 2012 - 12:52 pm

    Your Canadian stamps should have been franked Becca — I think you’re right — they were likely mesmerized by that beautiful lettering.
    Your Spellbinders projects are gorgeous as always!ReplyCancel

  • JessicaFebruary 22, 2012 - 12:58 pm

    I’m with you Becca! I can’t imagine getting an envelope that looks that lovely! Maybe the mailman didn’t want to destroy the art work. Or maybe it was canceled on the back. Anyway…it is gorgeous. And so are the pieces you shared today. TFSReplyCancel

  • DawnFebruary 22, 2012 - 12:59 pm

    Beautiful envelope. I would be steaming that bad boy open. I have to chuckle reading the comments on here in regards to it getting to you with out an address. I guess the small print is hard to read. LOLReplyCancel

  • Sherry LowmasterFebruary 22, 2012 - 1:10 pm

    what a gorgeous set!!!!!!!!! just beautiful!!! love all the details -the embossing, diecuts, stamps, ribbon and pearls!!ReplyCancel

  • sherry gardnerFebruary 22, 2012 - 1:21 pm

    This calendar card is soooo cute…and your envelope from your friend is Amazing…..ReplyCancel

  • Kyle E.February 22, 2012 - 1:27 pm

    I am a BIG fan of both you and Suzanne. I still have an envelope sent to me by Suzanne! I’m looking foward to the tutorial on this calendar card. It’s absolutely gorgeous!!ReplyCancel

  • EileenFebruary 22, 2012 - 1:30 pm

    Only a Special Person would do something like that on your envelope, you have a lovely friend! I get Christmas cards from a few ladies I taught Calligraphy to years ago and they are still using their talent which is nice.
    I love the simplicity of your calendar and the clean colours of the blue and white and you are right, the embossing is a lovely feature.

    LOL EileenReplyCancel

  • Nancy WFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:18 pm

    I’ve done a little bit of calligraphy in my past but had difficulty in finding a great calligraphy pen until recently. The Pilot Parallel Pens are beautifully crafted and there are so many colors of ink cartridges! Actually I’ve learned the trick of blending 2 and 3 colors together. It’s really magical and easy! I’ve found some of these pens at art supplies stores and the pens come in 4 different nib sizes as well as 3 “altered” sizes from the original nibs. Also available online, of course.

    Becca, you should definitely try your hand at calligraphy. I’ll bet you will excel once you get the hang of it.ReplyCancel

  • DianneFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:19 pm

    Perhaps she photshopped out the address?ReplyCancel

  • Darlene PFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:25 pm

    Becca – if you place the envelope in the freezer, the glue should freeze and then pop open without having to slice it open or otherwise damage it.

    The calendar is simply marvelous!!!ReplyCancel

  • JoannFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:30 pm

    Becca this is just so beautiful. I love all your work. I sit back and follow you daily and am inspired so much by you. As for your beautifully decorated envelope from your friend, very beautiful and eyecatching!ReplyCancel

  • RebeccaFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:34 pm

    I live in Canada and I find that once in a while the machines maybe skip an envie and it doesn’t get cancelled. So of course I save them and reuse them! Or save the envelope by opening it carefully and place stickers over the addresses and reuse it! They are usually cancelled tho. No way a postal worker didn’t cancel it on purpose because it’s done by machine. Nice thought tho! :)ReplyCancel

  • Chris ArlingtonFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:52 pm

    Isn’t Suzanne wonderful ! I was in West Coast Calligraphy when she lived in Vancouver. Took a few of her workshops. Never will be a good as her. I would email her she knows a lot of tricks and probably how to open easily. The freezer idea sounds feasible.
    I love your calendar. Can hardly wait for a tutorial.ReplyCancel

  • yvonneFebruary 22, 2012 - 3:50 pm

    Can you tell me who made the stamp you used? I thought it was from Quietfire, but no such luck. ThanksReplyCancel

  • christiFebruary 22, 2012 - 3:59 pm

    ok, if the envelope is gummed you can steam it open and leave intact. good luck. you may just want to use a razor to cut one end right on the crease. don’t get the steam on the front or it may make the ink run. i have found her site by links from you. it’s a wonderful place. more talent than should be legal and great customer service. we chatted briefly. as always your work is wonderful. i have a girls weekend for stamping and may try it soon. have a wonderful day. and let us know what was in the envelope please.ReplyCancel

  • Kathy SFebruary 22, 2012 - 4:10 pm

    I love and envy those who can write calligraphy it is an amazing talent that I have admired for a long time. and your calendar is truly amazing too- i love the new spellbinders folders can’t wait to try some myself.ReplyCancel

  • Nadine IllingworthFebruary 22, 2012 - 5:13 pm

    Fab idea and they keep your hard work for a year lol. Love the envelope wish i could write like that.ReplyCancel

  • SteffFebruary 22, 2012 - 5:26 pm

    WOW I see what you mean Ms. Becca about the penmanship, unbelievable!!! I am still inspecting the art of it lol… Love the calendar, it looks so elegant, like all of your other projects. The gift set is so Beautifully done! I am glad I found you on YT and I have subbed you. Thanks for inspiring me, I am so new to it all and learning as I go along :-) God Bless!
    SteffReplyCancel

  • Joan SchoppeFebruary 22, 2012 - 5:36 pm

    You’re not crazy just craft inspired. I am totally taken with all iof this stuff too. You are so gifted Becca and so kind to share all that you do. God bless.
    JoanReplyCancel

  • Vicky SchmidtFebruary 22, 2012 - 6:07 pm

    Becca,
    What a wonderful envelope. I took a class once to learn to write like that but still can’t soit. I love the card with the calander & the whole thing.
    VickyReplyCancel

  • janeyFebruary 22, 2012 - 8:31 pm

    Creativity is just oozing out from this post today….love the envelope and the project you created. I also love your new card ‘holder’ – it’s appropriate – a crown for the Queen of cards!

    hugsReplyCancel

  • Rebya FalkFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:35 pm

    A beautiful envelope fpr a beautiful woman!!ReplyCancel

  • carol parkerFebruary 23, 2012 - 2:56 am

    Morning Becca,
    In this time of bills and flyers it is fabulous to get a personal letter or card in the post but what a wonderful treat getting an envelope address like that! Just a note to us crafters that we should take some pride in our envelopes too.

    I’ve been promising myself that I’ll learn calligraphy ( true to form I have the pens & books but not the time) but I’ll make time starting today.

    Have a happy day and hopefully it will be crafting (we love your inspirations)

    Carol.xxReplyCancel

  • Debbie BFebruary 23, 2012 - 6:35 am

    Oh my word! Who wouldn’t want to receive an envelope in the mail with that lettering!!! Good friends are hard to come by and ones that can write like that are one in a million. Keep her and cherish her. Apparently she cherishes you! Have a great day!ReplyCancel

  • HeatherFebruary 23, 2012 - 8:21 am

    Becca – how lovely to receive something as gorgeous as this and you would rightly want to preserve it…….
    I love your calendar holder which is equally beautiful – looking forward to the tutorial and I know I will be making one for my granddaughter. I’m off now to look at that site. tfs
    Hugs
    Heather (UK)
    xReplyCancel

  • Francie (Montreal)February 23, 2012 - 8:53 am

    A lovely envelope from one lovely artist to another! What treasures you both are to the craft community. I am facinated with your sweet card/calendar and looking forward to the instructions.ReplyCancel

  • Lindyloo, South Wales, UKFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:50 am

    Hi Becca,
    This is lovely and again the colours are so regal.
    I think I know how you have made this, as I have done this before for a folded album. Is it folding a piece of double sided 12×12 heavyweight paper, with a diamond shape linking piece between as the spine? If it is, this is a wonderful technique to learn isn’t it, as it can be used for smaller sizes too and can be made into special gifts. I have seen a fabulous wall hanging done by linking 3or 4 ‘squares’ together (8×8 paper making a 4inch finished piece) and adhered pictures in the middle. Also, another lovely blogger made one with an initial in each square with foliage embellishments to celebrate the Autumn season.
    Another wonderful Becca idea with the calender and I love it.
    Thank you Becca. Take care LindaReplyCancel

  • auntie em (emily)February 23, 2012 - 9:52 am

    Isn’t it great fun to receive pretty mail. I always try to add a little something to personal mail I am sending. And I love that she put Amazing on it…you really are just that!
    Love your sweet little calendar project. A beautiful little addition to desk or nightstand. And the colours are so elegant.
    Thanks for sharing! :)ReplyCancel

  • Trish DominguezFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:32 am

    I ordered my bow maker on the 8th of Feb. 2012 and have not received it. How or where do I check to see if it has been sent. Thanks. Your cards are my favorite.ReplyCancel

  • LalaFebruary 23, 2012 - 1:25 pm

    Hi Becca, I think the world of calligraphers and cardmakers is a whole lot more creative since you and Suzanne became such a “made in heaven team”. In my opinion our Canadian Postal Service really does go all out when it come to stamp design. I can really personalize each card that I send out by selecting carefully from all their beautiful designs. Your little calendar design would make a lovely little gift for a dear friend…and it lasts a whole year. Clever you!ReplyCancel

  • RockyFebruary 23, 2012 - 1:38 pm

    That’s much better than getting a type written bill ! May I suggest steaming the envelope open over a boiling kettle, it shouldn’t damage the writting. Love the calendar.ReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisFebruary 23, 2012 - 5:07 pm

    How delightful a completed set. You certainly are the creative one Becca. I am so grateful that you share with us, we are the lucky ones. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-SReplyCancel

  • Jeannine SavardFebruary 23, 2012 - 6:16 pm

    That is some cute calendar card…can’t wait to have the instructions….
    Thanks Becca
    JeannineReplyCancel

  • Pam GlennFebruary 23, 2012 - 6:58 pm

    Hi, I put this comment under the Hex box you made which is beautiful BTW! What I was wondering, is there instructions on how to make the card above? And, I went to the Canon site and could not find the calendar you used on the card. All of the ones I saw on the Canon site are 4 X 6 or larger. The calendar you used looks like it is probably smaller. Could you tell me what size this calendar is and where it might be located on the site. Thank you so much, your work is beautiful!

    Pam GlennReplyCancel

  • CaroleFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:36 pm

    Your calligraphy on the envelope is so lovely. I really like the calendar too! Its simplicity is very elegant.ReplyCancel

  • CaroleFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:38 pm

    Your calligraphy on the envelope is beautiful. I really like the calendar as well. It’s simplicity makes it very elegant.ReplyCancel

  • ReneeFebruary 24, 2012 - 12:35 pm

    Has anyone found out where the stamp Life is a song….used on this card can be purchased? I have inquired, but I did not get a response. If anyone knows I would really appreciate it if you would post a reply here, Thanks!ReplyCancel

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