I put this ensemble together for a friend who recently celebrated a birthday. I put a "friendship" spin on the projects rather than "birthday", to express to her that she's special every day, not *just* on her birthday. I'm certain her family agrees. *grin*
I used various October Afternoon papers on the card and for the layers of the flower. To create each layer of petals, I used the recently released Tim Holtz Sizzix die called Tattered Florals. It is my new favorite flower die! I love that it has multiple layers, and that they all have a unique and interesting shape. I applied a bit of matte finish gel medium to each layer of petals, and dusted on a fine shaking of crystal glitter for lots of sparkle.
I created the double layer sentiment banner using vintage sheet music and cream cardstock. The sheet music is rather delicate (the old tattered book I pulled it from was printed in 1909) so I added a thin layer of gel medium to the backside of the sheet music to give it more stability, and help it keep it's form.
I love giving nice rubber stamps as small gifts to fellow crafters, and most often just do a simple gift wrap on them to dress them up a bit. A couple of score lines on a strip of cardstock make wrapping a stamp very easy. I added a torn strip of sheet music, some twine and a button, and I think it's all this little package needed!
Do you have a favorite gift item to give, or a favorite way of wrapping?

Love following your blog, your work is gorgeous and I am in love with your farm animals.
Being a "farm girl" myself I truly appreciate your blogging.
I lived in Spokane for 40 years and drove through Newport many, many times as we shared a cabin on Priest Lake with in-laws. My sons still live there and are now enjoying that same cabin that their "Pop" built. Thank you for sharing your farm life.
Posted by: Marian Melendez | November 09, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Oh man! This card with the sparkly, vintage-y, 3D flower and banner is amazing! The stamp with the "wrapping" is fabulous! I never take the time to wrap like this, but it sure makes for an amazing gift ensemble. Thanks for sharing your inspirations with us.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | November 08, 2010 at 09:01 PM
Love everything about this card and yes I need that Die Cut! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Posted by: Beverly Blair | November 07, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Gorgeous card! I so need that die. I love the way you wrapped that stamp. Actually giving fellow crafters gifts is my favorite because you know it's the right "size" etc. and for some reason I think crafters are more appreciative of even the small things.
Posted by: Dee in N.H. | November 07, 2010 at 03:08 AM
Anna this is amazing - OMW I am so loving the glitter on those flowers!!! So perfect - oh so pretty!!!
Posted by: Cindy Lyles | November 06, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Such a lovely creation Anna :)
Personally, I love to take my time, sit back and wrap my brains out ! LOL I enjoy using silver-foiled paper and then finish it with rich ribbons and hand-made tags. Awww it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas ------> EEEEeekkkkkkkkkkkkk!
Posted by: Robb_eeie | November 05, 2010 at 10:45 PM
I am so LOVING the October Afternoon papers I went out and bought a pad for me! (Like I really needed anymore!) You are such a BAD influance *wink* Now I am going to have to get some course glitter. Looks like sugar crystals to me (Miss sweet tooth.) Will be fun for the holidays. I LOVE the card and gift wrap, I know she will, too. Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | November 05, 2010 at 02:24 PM
I'm sure your friend will love this as it is so pretty & fun. Nobody glitters like you! Have a great weekend checking out those darling new babies! So very sweet.
Posted by: Troy Louise | November 05, 2010 at 12:46 PM
This is gorgeous!! Love the flower! I've seen the die, but never anything made with it. Thanks for enabling me - yet again :0)
Posted by: Randee E | November 05, 2010 at 09:10 AM
Beautiful flower, love all the sparkle.Have to look for that die for that flower.
Have a great weekend Anna, you are on a crafting roll!
Posted by: Sally | November 05, 2010 at 06:12 AM
For me, the gift always depends on the person. But I'm extremely picky about my wrapping paper. I've stressed over that almost as much as the actual gifts. No bag-o-bows for me, either. I make mine. I love wrapping presents!
Posted by: Tricia | November 05, 2010 at 06:03 AM
Wow, your card is stunning, your flower is just drop dead gorgeous. Love your packaging. I haven't perfected anything yet but I do believe beautiful packaging makes everything look wonderful. Your work is beautiful.
Posted by: Rose Kerry | November 04, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Wow--so pretty! I especially like to make/give fun holiday jewelry and put in holiday giftwrap. I put it in tissue paper (love cute tissue paper!) and use the fun little paper bags or plastic party-favor-like ones from Hobby Lobby in seasonal area. I tie shut w/ ribbon and/or that meshy tulle stuff and like to attach tag w/ ball-chain keychain. Those clear paint-can style buckets are also fun--they have new size at Michaels. They're maybe 3" and so cute--just right for jewelry :)
Posted by: Renee | November 04, 2010 at 08:43 PM
Oh so lovely. The sparkle is divine.
Posted by: Ida | November 04, 2010 at 08:30 PM
My new fave gift is one of those white cotton tea towels embellished with a triangle of print fabric in one corner, attached with a 'blanket stitch', using nice embroidery floss in a contrasting color. WOW! Now that was a full sentence. I fashion a piece of cardstock to look like a napkin ring, decorate it with an appropriate sentiment and presto...an awesome handmade gift!
Posted by: Jan Elmore | November 04, 2010 at 08:09 PM
Love this!
Posted by: Sherry cheever | November 04, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Beautiful card. I like to make a homemade food item and then make a cute stamped tag to go with it.
Wish you could go to the Sizzix warehouse sale Nov 19th. They also had one last week. (lots of Tim Holtz items!)
Thanks for sharing your card!
Posted by: Sandy Luckett | November 04, 2010 at 07:43 PM
I'm with Broni... jaw dropping GORGEOUS!!! I need some of that glitter. (notice I said NEED not want!)
Posted by: Carol | November 04, 2010 at 06:50 PM
My birthday is in March. :)
Seriously, this is a great card. You say the die has all of the flower shapes on it? Will it go through a Cuttlebug?
Posted by: Shala | November 04, 2010 at 06:45 PM
That is beautiful, indeed! I love all the elements you put together!
And speaking of beautiful, I LOVE my card and the wonderful photo notecards! They are just gorgeous. You are such a sweetie to remember me. Thank you so, so much! And have a great weekend :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | November 04, 2010 at 06:39 PM
And I'm here to declare a resounding agreement that this flower is every bit as beautiful in Anna's photograph as it is in person. When I hold this delicate card to the light, it sparkles and warms my heart to no end. The beautiful stamp was exquisitely wrapped in a strip of old music and that mother of pearl button - well I feel downright spoiled to receive such a precious gift from such a treasured friend. With heartfelt thanks....and hugs.
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | November 04, 2010 at 06:15 PM
Stop already! I'm getting tired of crawling up off the floor and back into my chair! This is another absolutely perfect creation! I love it!!
Posted by: Broni | November 04, 2010 at 05:48 PM
That is one gorgeous flower! I love it!
xoxo Karen Lee
Posted by: Karen Lee | November 04, 2010 at 05:46 PM