Gone 2 the Dogs

Friday.. PTI Love Lives Here Holiday Angel Card

2011-11-11T22:40:00.001-06:00

PTI Make It Monday #40 Reverse Applique Project

2011-11-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

The Challenge:
To learn a reverse applique technique with PTI die cuts using a sewing machine, a needle and thread or faux stitching. You can see the video on Heather Nichols or Nichole Heady's Blog.
My Project:

I chose the Take Three Die and punched it using Kraft cardstock. The candy print behind the cut-outs is fabric I purchased from Joann's. The machine stitching was done with my new Pfaff sewing machine. The gingerbread boy stamped image is from the Holiday Button Bits stamp set as is the sentiment. The Pure Poppy buttons and Rustic Cream Button Twine are both from PTI. After rounding the bottom corners and "dusting" the edges with White Snow ink it was mounted on Pure Poppy cardstock. I am hoping next year PTI introduces a die that can be used on this darling little gingerbread man.

Thanks for stopping by.. comments are appreciated!

judith..

I don't think I've ever been more excited..

2011-05-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

about a Papertrey In k release than this last May 15th Release. I love flowers and gardening, although I don't spend as much time in the garden as should. With this release I can suppress my guilt by spending my time gardening with stamps, ink and paper in my craft room.

I think the thing I like best about Papertrey is the versatility and compatibility of all of the products. From the coordinating colours of the ink, paper, ribbon, and buttons to the stamp sets and dies, one has a limitless choice of combinations - a treasure trove of creative possibilities. To the point, sometimes its hard to know where to start!

so........... I just jumped in and started..

Stamp Sets: Year of Flowers Collection, Garden Variety
Paper: Kraft, Lemon Tart, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss
Ink: Versamark, Memento Rich Cocoa, Fresh Snow, Summer Surprise, Harvest Gold, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo.

Tools and Other Supplies: Seed Packet Die, Seed Packet Frame Die, Button Card Die, Tag Sale #1 Die, White Filigree Embossing Powder, Stampin' Up Melon Mambo & Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder, Copic Markers, Cappuccino Bakers Twine from The Twinery.

Judith

Make It Monday Card

2011-05-17T22:38:00.000-05:00

May 16, 2011
Make Your Own Spray Mist

Make It Monday Card

2011-04-25T16:24:00.001-05:00

Line Frame - 101

A quick and simple Birthday Card for a co-worker. Happy Birthday, Ramona!

All images, dies, paper and ink

from Papertrey Ink

PTI Make It Mondays..

2011-02-07T19:06:00.001-06:00

My Make It Mondays Contest Entry..

A Christmas Collar for Zoe..

2011-02-05T11:41:00.003-06:00

I have found so many ways to use my Papertrey products beyond conventional cards. An annual favorite is Zoe's Christmas Collar. This year I used the PTI snowflake dies cut from PTI all wool felt and layered each with PTI buttons sewn on to a child's head band I found at Target in their dollar bins. The colors just happened to coordinate with her favourite winter jammies.

In previous years I have made not only Zoe, but my sister's and mother's dogs bandanas that I have stamped with several of my Christmas themed PTI stamp sets and they wear them through the holidays tied around their necks. You can tell that they feel special wearing their handmade gifts created with my favourite products.

(I apologise for the poor photo quality.)

Door Nobs..... Spooked..

2009-10-18T21:35:00.004-05:00

As promised:

The tag that was hung on my door was a large cutout of a ghost much like the little ghosts I chose to use on my door hangers with the text printed on the front of the ghost. You could use a jack-o-lantern, a bat, a witch or any other Halloween image. I've chosen to use the individually wrapped popcorn balls from WalMart placed in a cellophane bag and coordinating ribbon and a tag to match.

The text:

Your house was SPOOKED during the night by some
one in the neighborhood who wants to give you a fright!
A bag of treats has been left for you, full of
Halloween candy and other goodies too!
Now it’s your turn to give someone a fright by placing
three bags of candy and ghosts during the moonlight
You have only one night to spread your ghosts, so the
whole neighborhood will be haunted to the most!
You will need to make 3 ghosts and 3 bags of
treats to take to 3 houses on your street!
You will need to place a copy of this rhyme in each goody bag
you leave, so the next house will know how to proceed!
Once your house has been spooked, place your ghost
on the door so we will come no more.
Have a Happy
Halloween

Stamps: PTI- 2009 Halloween Tags.
Paper: Summer Sunrise
Ink: Mememto Tuxedo Black
Window Dressing: Scrap Ribbon, Jute twine

Halloween Tags and Traditions

2009-10-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

A few years ago just about this time of the month, I had found, as I began my early morning routine of walking the Whippet, an unexpected surprise hanging on my door nob. It was a friendly Halloween ghost cut from white cardstock with a set of instructions written in poem imprinted across its chest. Hanging behind him was a bag of Halloween goodies. I later discovered that it was my Mother who had placed it there. Someone had placed one on her door nob a couple days before and she had followed the instructions written on her ghost. I've decided to revive and share this Halloween tradition with my family and friends. They are nearly finished, but have taken a little different. Once I make a trip to the candy store and fill the treat bags I will share the complete project so if you choose, you can "Trick or Treat" your own family and friends. Above are some of the tags that will accompany my own "Trick or Treats".
Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Polka Dot Basics II, 2009 Halloween Tags.
Paper: PTI - Kraft, Select White, Summer Sunrise, Lavender Moon.
Ink: PTI - Smoky Shadow.
Window Dressing: PTI- Vintage Buttons, Jute Twine, Corner Rounded Punch, Crystal Effects Spellbinders Nestabilities.

Trying to get back in the swing..

2009-10-08T01:00:00.007-05:00

Seems Summer's past like a blink of the eye. My sister and my niece and their two dogs Jake and Fergie have come and gone. The Summer vacationers have put away their sand buckets, sea shells and tanning lotion and have returned from whence they came. The beach is quiet except for the cry of the gulls and a few lazy local walkers taking in the afternoon sun. Abd I am basking in the blessings of Autumn, as I try to get back into the swing.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Polka Dot Basics II, Background Basics-Text Style, Beyond Basic Borders, Vintage Picnic, First Fruits.
Paper: PTI - Kraft, Vintage Cream, Summer Sunrise, Spring Moss, Father Knows Best Patterned Paper.
Ink: PTI - Ripe Avocado, Smokey Shadow, Vintage Cream Pigment Ink.
Window Dressing: Jute Twine, Corner Rounded Punch, Copic Markers, Cream Acrylic Paint.

So Many Birthdays.. So Much Fun!

2009-05-01T10:04:00.004-05:00

I realised last night that another one of my work associates had a birthday coming up Saturday and that the last day I would see her before her birthday was today.. Friday. I pushed aside the current project I was working on and though for a few minutes. Olive green and blues are her favourite colours so my paper and ink choices were a snap! Heather Nichols' stamp set Around and About Sentiments somehow just magically popped out of the huge stack of Papertrey Ink stamp sets, as I scanned the huge stack for my stamp choices. This is another one of my favourite tried and true sets.

After I photographed the card I decided a small detail was needed to "finish off" the card. A small button from PTI's New Leaf button collection and added it to the center of the little flower by tying white waxed linen thread in to a small bow.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Around and About Sentiments
Paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Ocean Tides, PTI - Patterned Paper Polka Dot Parade
Ink: PTI Ocean Tides and Ripe Avocado
Window Dressing: Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Circles , PTI Ocean Tides Polka Dot Satin Ribbon and Ripe Avocado Top Notch Twill, PTI - New Leaft Button, Corner Rounder Punch Create-a-Cut paper cutter.

Tea for Two and You Are Sixty Too! Happy Birthday Becky!

2009-04-28T17:35:00.001-05:00

My friendly UPS driver, or was it my friendly USPS driver.. I never know because I am always at work when when they leave my packages, had delivered my Papertrey order yesterday and it was waiting for me when I came home. I'm always excited to receive my PTI packages, but this one was one I was doubly anticipating. The Tea for Two set is a set I've been hoping for for a long time. A friend at work, who is an avid tea drinker is having a birthday on Friday and I wanted to make her a birthday card using this set.
I hope she likes it!

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Tea for Two
Paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Summer Sunrise, PTI - Patterned Paper Polka Dot Parade
Ink: PTI Ocean Tides, Dark Chocolate
Window Dressing: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four, Ribbon Tags Trio, PTI Ocean Tides Satin Ribbon, PTI Aqua Mist Buttons, Corner Rounder Punch, Button from button jar.

Bitty Baby CD Envelope Case Gift..

2009-04-27T14:45:00.001-05:00

One of the things I enjoy most about my crafting is being able to make gifts and cards for family and friends to share with their friends. My sister called me last week from Denver and said she needed a small gift for a baby shower she was attending. The gift needed to be for a little boy and his room colours were to be moss, black, and white. Since both my sister and I enjoy music, I thought it would be a good opportunity to come up with a CD case that would contain hand picked music just for a little baby boy. If you look very closely the spring moss square directly behind the baby elephant is stamped using PTI's Polka Dot Basics in Fresh Snow. The bright early morning sun washed out the stamping from the eye of the camera. The baby gift and enclosure card, which mirrors the CD case is in the mail as of this morning, along with some other surprises for my sister and niece.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Bitty Baby Blessings, Polka Dot Basics
Paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Spring Moss, Patterned Paper Bitty Dot Basics, Vellum, SU Patterned Paper
Ink: PTI Fresh Snow
Window Dressing: Spellbinders Nestabilities Squares and Scalloped Squares, PTI True Black Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon, PTI True Black Buttons

Birthday Wishes for a Friend

2009-04-18T06:17:00.001-05:00

One of my many Christmas presents from my sister was a set of Cuttlebug embossing borders. I've really fallen in love with these. The interior Raspberry Fizz scalloped overlay is embossed with the same floral design as can be seen on the outside of the card.When the card is opened the embossed image repeats its self both right and left of the spine of the card which makes an interesting detail to the inside of the card. The embossing on the outside of the card was "lightly dusted" with PTI's Fresh Snow cube. I particularly like using the cubes as they allow me more controlin application. Now to try out the Decorative Circles and Squares Folders she also gave me.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Tags fpr Spring, Out On a Limb Sentiments
Paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Making Memories-Pink Gingham
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Fresh Snow
Window Dressing: Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles, Nested Birds, Cuttlebug Embossing Borders Folder-Frills and full size folder-Polka Dots, Doodlebug Jewels, Pebbles Inc. Chalks, Create-a-Cut Paper Cutter, SU - Flower Punch, Scor-tape

Easter Wishes..

2009-04-12T10:19:00.002-05:00

For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born.
~Alice Freeman Palmer

An Easter Card for my Mother.

Stamps: PTI- Friends 'Till the End, Mixed Mega Messages
Paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Friends 'Till the End Patterned Paper
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Versamark
Window Dressing: PTI - Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Doodlebug Jewels, Wrights Baby Rick Rack and Medium Rick Rack, Trim from Wal-Mart, Corner Rounder, Scor-tape

My Cute Stamps Easter Giveaway!

2009-04-10T21:15:00.001-05:00

My Cute Stamps is hosting a Giveaway of one of their absolutely precious stamp sets, Jelly Beans, in celebration of Easter Week. You can read about the the details over at the Creating Cupcakes blog.

My niece was born in Russia so My Cute Stamps Matryoshka Dolls stamp set has special meaning for me.

The Matryoshka dolls or Russian nested dolls is actually a set of dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside the other. "Matryoshka" or Матрёшка is a derivative of the Russian female first name "Matryona" which was a very popular name among peasants in old Russia.

Matryoshkas date from 1890, and are said to have been inspired by souvenir dolls from Japan, however, the concept of nested objects was familiar in Russia, having been applied to carved wooden apples and Easter eggs. The first "Fabergé egg", in 1885, had a nesting of egg, yolk, hen, and chick.

A set of matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figure of the same sort inside. It has, in turn, another figure inside, and so on. The number of nested figures is usually five or more. The shape is mostly cylindrical, rounded at the top for the head and tapered towards the bottom, but little else; the dolls have no hands (except those that are painted). Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan. Inside, it contains other figures that may be of both genders, usually ending in a baby that does not open. The artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate.

Matryoshkas are often designed to follow a particular theme, for instance peasant girls in traditional dress, but the theme can be anything, from fairy tale figures to characters of Soviet leaders.

Pictured: The first original matryoshka set carved by Zvezdochkin and painted by Malyutin, located at the Sergiev Posad Museum of Toys, Russia.

A "Cute" little birdie

2009-04-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning to one of my favorite sounds. The little birds were perched in my nearly ready to bloom Magnolia tree just singing their little hearts out. The bird feeder was stocked and the spring rains had filled the little pond just beyond my back porch. Thus the inspiration for another card using those absolutely precious My Cute Stamps set Spunky Nature.

Stamps: My Cute Stamps - Spunky Nature PTI - Sentiment: Birds of a Feather
Paper: PTI - PTI White, True Black, Patterned 2008 Bitty Dot Basics. Little Yellow Bicycle - Love Letters
Ink: PTI New Leaf, Hibiscus. True Black
Window Dressing: PTI - New Leaf Saddle Stitch Ribbon, PTI Vintage Buttons Black and Cream and WhiteSpellbinders Tags Nestabilities Flowers, Londonberry Linen Thread - Black

Just TOO Cute!

2009-04-05T20:00:00.001-05:00

These spunky chunky stamps sure hold true to the company name! My Cute Stamps When I recently ran across them I was thrilled to find that they weren't like every other stamp design out there. Crisp and unique, this set was a must have for my sring collection. Take time to check out their other designs.

Supplies
Stamps: My Cute Stamps - Spunky Nature
Paper: PTI - PTI White, Melon Berry, DCWV Textured Mat Stack - Greens
Ink: PTI Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry, Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise,
Window Dressing: PTI - Melon Berry Extra Fine Polka Dot Ribbon, Pop Dots, Cornish Heritage Farms White Flocking, Create-a-Cut Paper, Cutter Copic Multiliner Black, Tim Holtz "Idea-ology" Sanding Grip

What a nice day.. today..

2009-04-04T18:30:00.001-05:00

I've been a follower and avid admirer of a very talented lady's blog for sometime but just recently realized we live in the same city. On a recent trip into my local scrapbooking store, Scrapbook Studio, I mentioned to the owner I was a stamper and card maker. She immediately asked me if I knew Becca Feeken and followed her blog, Amazing Paper Grace, I had no idea this lady who's blog I'd been following was just across the bay. I emailed her and promptly received a reply inviting me to the Emerald Coast Stamp Club meeting, a group of stampers and card makers that meet once a month and share projects, ideas, and fellowship. So today I packed my tote and headed to the Michael's Classroom where I met not only Becca but a whole group of talented ladies. I was so inspired I came home and made this card. I look forward to becoming an active part of this creative group. Thank you so much, Becca!

Stamps: PTI- Damask Designs
Paper: PTI - PTI White, True Black, Patterned Paper Black and White Basics, SU Naturals White
Ink: PTI True Black, Berry Sorbet
Window Dressing: PTI - Berry Sorbet Grosgrain Ribbon, PTI - Vintage Button Collection Black, Spellbinders Nestabilities and Tag Dies, Waxed Linen Thread, Sakura Gelly Roll Glitter Pen, Joy Crafts Decorative Pearls

Wishing You Well..

2009-03-31T08:15:00.002-05:00

Working part time at our local Senior Center gives cause to making more "get well" cards than I would wish, but when I do it gives me great satisfaction knowing I've brought a little cheer into someone's day. My good friend Ruth is back in the hospital again. Wishing you........ well..

Stamps: PTI- Guide Lines Two, Thanks to You-Limited Edition Anniversary Set
Paper: PTI - Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Lemon Tart
Ink: Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Summer Sunshine
Window Dressing: PTI - Ocean Tides Polka Dot Ribbon, PTI - Vintage Button Collection Cream & White, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Various Circle Punches, Linen Thread.

CPS-104

2009-02-27T08:34:00.002-06:00

What a great sketch! And doubly so since it is being sponsored by Papertrey! I had a hard time deciding what direction to go with this, there are so many possibilities, but finally decided to follow as closely as possible the outlined design. I really enjoyed using this layout and will use it often.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI- Tags for Spring
Paper: PTI - Summer Sunrise, White, Father Knows Best Patterned Paper, Vellum.
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, Plum Pudding
Window Dressing: White Buttons, PTI Summer Sunrise Polka Dot Ribbon, Stamping Bella Fine Iridescent Glitter

Thanks for looking in.

A new stamp company..

2009-02-22T07:36:00.002-06:00

at least to me. Awhile back I was surfing some my favorite blogs when I ran across the cutest dog image. It was a Wire Haired Fox Terrier looking pup holding an envelope. Well, I love dog stamps and my sister has a Wire.. so one thing led to another and my order from Shirley's 2 Girls arrived promptly, and I immediately began creating..

Stamps: S2G - What's New
Ink: Memento - Rich Cocoa
Paper: PTI - Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Kraft
Window Dressing: PTI Ribbon, Copic Markers, Cuttlebug Embossing Die, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, Bella Bling, Martha Stewart Sugar, Flocking

P.S. Look for more of these darling images!

stampTV! has hit WiFi..

2009-02-21T08:02:00.002-06:00

Gina K has developed a new network for stampers that is a site I think everyone should add to their list. The video presentation is absolutely outstanding, her products are quality and her teaching style is superb!

"A totally free place to hang out, make new friends and discuss the episodes and papercrafting techniques from stampTV. Everyone is welcome!"

A Green Challenge.. What else but a mermaid?

2009-02-19T22:19:00.002-06:00

I ran across this new stamp company while surfing for new and different dog stamps to add to my collection. I fell in love with the cute and quirky images that Shirley's 2 Girls had to offer. Not only do the have a whole line of just the most adorable doggie stamps (and they keep adding more!) but great Ladies with Attitude. They will be hosting a Challenge the 2nd 2sday of the month at 2:00 pm. Be sure and stop by their blog and enter their Challenge and check out all the cool stamps they have to offer!

Their first challenge is a GREEN CHALLENGE utilizing a template that is posted on their blog and of course the colour GREEN. I created a little "envelope" to hold a string of pearls that I could give as a gift. The flap closes over a portion of the mermaid and is held in place with a silk "frog" cufflink from an ancient cuffed blouse that I'd long since put in the Goodwill bag (oops..! minus the two frogs). The inside of the envelope box is lined with a handmade oriental style paper and the background surrounding the mermaid is also from the same handmade paper stash. The box was created to hold the string of pearls although they aren't displayed IN the envelope box in the photo.

Supplies:
Stamps: Shirley's2Girls- Mermaid with Sentiment
Paper: PTI - New Leaf, Handmade Paper from Michaels, Arturo Fine Stationery - Cream
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Window Dressing: Copics, Lyra - Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, Oderless Mineral Spirits - Gina K., Fine Iridescent Glitter - Stamping Bella, Black silk frog cufflink.

Shirley's 2 Girls

2009-02-19T02:28:00.003-06:00

Shirley does mermaids too! Actually, I think her "girls" are her trademark stamps, but my original interest in this stamp company was the result of seeing her really adorable dog stamps on a blog I recently ran across. This little mermaid just radiated "sparkle" when I saw her in their online store.

Supplies:
Stamps: Shirley's2Girls- Mermaid, PTI - Polka Dot Basics
Paper: PTI - Ripe Avocado, Everyday Blessings Patterned Paper, Arturo Fine Stationery - Cream
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black, PTI - Fresh Snow
Window Dressing: Ribbon - PTI Lemon Tart Grosgrain, Yellow button from my button jar, linen thread, Lyra - Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, Oderless Mineral Spirits - Gina K., Fine Iridescent Glitter - Stamping Bella.

Papertrey Anniversary Friends to the End Challenge

2009-02-09T20:42:00.001-06:00

My submission..

We were asked to create a card for a friend. My best friend is my sister. Although we are ten years apart in age I feel like she is my twin. We share a love of paper crafting and enjoy giving to others. She lives in Colorado and I live in Florida but there isn't a day that goes by that we don't talk on the phone at least once and often two or even three times. She always has time to listen and makes me laugh when I'm down, never judges me when we don't agree and always accepts me for who I am. I love you "little buddy" from the bottom of your BIG BUDDY's heart.

Be sure and check out Nichole's PTI blog for all the new products. The Kits are awesome and I am certain will be a top seller! If you take a look at the CPS blog you will be able to see one of the new stamp sets, "Friends to the End" that will be released February 15th. There are also some great projects using the new set by the CPS Design Team.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Women of Life and Men of Life, Polka Dot Basics
Paper: PTI - Kraft, Vintage Cream, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black, Desert Sand
Window Dressing: Ribbon - PTI Summer Sunrise Polka Dot, Brown button from my button jar, linen thread.

Thanks for looking!

Card Positioning Systems Meets PTI Anniversary Challenge

2009-02-08T16:02:00.002-06:00

Card Positioning Systems and PTI are both celebrating an anniversary and in celebration have teamed up to present a Challenge for all of their followers. The card template Love #102 is shown above. Click here to check out CPS's blog and all they have to offer and to enter the contest.

This is my submission.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Flower Garden
Paper: PTI - Patterned Paper Raspberry Fizz Mix & Black and White Basics, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, White
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black, PTI - Raspberry Fizz (used on brad), Top Boss - Clear Embossing Ink
Window Dressing: Ribbon - PTI Ripe Avacado, Basic Gray large pink brad, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel

Thanks for looking. *:)

PTI Second Anniversary Bitty Dot Sketch Challege

2009-02-07T17:40:00.000-06:00

For more information on the challenge, the new products, the oodles of prizes, and the February Anniversary Release offered by Papertrey Ink and to download the Connect the Dots Puzzler click on Nichole Heady's blog.
My submission is a quick and simple card.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Floral Frenzy, Polka Dot Basics

Paper:PTI - Kraft, Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate
Ink: PTI - Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado
Window Dressing: Scor-It, The Robin's Nest baubbles

PTI's Second Anniversary Over the Rainbow Challenge

2009-02-06T21:45:00.007-06:00

First, be sure and check out Nichole Heady's Blog for her exciting announcement regarding PaperTrey's new Cardstock Sampler that PTI will be offering along with all the details on the PTI Second Anniversary Celebration.

SUBMISSION OF
MY ENTRY..

I fell in love with this clever way to use ribbon in a tutorial that I will have to go back and research and post a link to the blog giving credit to the originator, but due to the fact I am working on a deadline to post this project you will have to check back for the additional information later tomorrow. This is such a great colour combination and I have used it on several cards against a white card base, but I like it equally as well with the Kraft.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Borders & Corners {Square}, Around & About Sentiments, First Anniversary Set Simple Little Things
Paper:PTI - Kraft, White
Ink: PTI - Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avocado, Ocean Tides, Memento - Rich Cocoa
Ribbon: Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avocado, Ocean Tides
Window Dressing: Cuttlebug Embossing Die

Thanks for looking..

PTI's It's In the Bag Challenge

2009-02-06T03:24:00.007-06:00

If you haven't visited Nichole's Blog be sure to do so. PaperTrey Ink is celebrating its second anniversary with all sorts of exciting news and gifts.
A thank you gift made for my sister's friend Arlene for taking care of my sisters house while she and my niece were in Florida for the summer visiting our Mother and me. The inspiration came from a project Lisa Johnson, designer of the PTI stamp set Flower Garden, posted on her blog.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Flower Garden
Ink: PTI Spring Moss, Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding
Ribbon: PTI Spring Moss
Incidentals: Plain cloth bag and cotton napkin from Target, Cuttlebug Dies, Clear buttons from Stampin' Up! A bottle of Pellegrino, a clear plastic glass trimmed in Plum Pudding and Spring Moss (a relatively close match at best), and a bag of homemade spicy cereal mix.

Sarah McLachlan SPCA Commercial

2009-01-05T21:42:00.001-06:00

Spellbinders 2009 Design Team Contest

2008-12-19T07:36:00.003-06:00

What an OPPORTUNITY!!
Click on the link above to learn how you can become a member of the prestigious Spellbinders Design Team!

~Remembering a Big Man with an Even Bigger Smile..

2008-05-20T17:00:00.002-05:00

A quick and simple card made for a friend on the passing of her husband.
Supplies
Stamps: SU! Garden Silhouettes and Close As A Memory
Paper: SU! Kraft
Ink: SU! Craft White, Palette Hybrid Ink Noir and Burnt Umber.
Accessories: Sheer Polka Dot Ribbon from Wal-Mart Copic Marker Glitter Pen.

~Irene's "Hope You are Up & Around Soon" Card..

2008-05-15T08:44:00.011-05:00

A good friend from work recently underwent major back surgery recently and is coming home Saturday. This card will be waiting for her to welcome her home.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Garden of Life Paper: PTI Summer Sunrise, Father Knows Best Patterned Paper, Stamper's Select White Cardstock and SU Kraft Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir Accessories etc: PTI Berry Sorbet Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon, Pebbles Inc. Shimmer Chalks, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Paper Piercer, Corner Rounder Punch.

~April Blog Hop Submission..

2008-04-25T17:00:00.013-05:00

Each month Papertrey Ink hosts a Blog Hop as an inspiration to the individuals who are are its customers. A group is randomly selected each month to participate on the Featured List and viewers can vote on the entries.. Individuals who do not make this list may also participate on a Extras List. I am submitting my entry on the Extras List this month. The products themselves are great inspiration me.. and I hope that something small about what I do my offer some inspiration to someone else. I hope you will take time to offer feedback.

*:)

My intent was to create a simple clean looking card that first comes to mind when I think Papertrey. The Stamper's Select white card base measures 4.75" by 4.75" and the raised star image was constructed from four squares cut from the downloaded image provided for the Blog Hop, folded using the tulip fold, and glued together along the outer edge of each tulip. The star is mounted on a single punched square that is set on the card on a diagonal. The brad embellishment in the center of the star was coated with Summer Sunrise Palette Ink, heat set and then recoated using clear Versamark and clear embossing powder.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Father Knows Best, Simple Little Things.
Paper: Downloaded image from Father Knows Best Patterned Paper Collection, Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Basic Grey Two Scoops yellow brad, Paper piercer.

~Cornish Heritage Farms Challenge..

2008-04-23T20:20:00.016-05:00

The Cornish Heritage Farms Forum, of which I am a new member, presented the perfect opportunity for me to use two stamp sets I had yet to use. The Challenge was simple enough.. create a card using the following sketch and CHF stamps.

The size was a size that I don't normally work with as was the added stitching with the sewing machine.

The tree was stamped then embossed on Old Olive paper with clear Versamark and clear embossing powder then inked over with black ink and then "polished" to allow the embossed image to show through. The ring was also clear embossed and raised on pop dots. I am finding that the challenges provide the sometimes needed direction and at the same time stretch my imagination.
Supplies:
Stamps: CHF Polka-Dot Background, Primitive Beginnings
Paper: SU! Black, Saraha Sand, Old Olive
Ink: SU! Saraha Sand, Black, Versamark
Accessories: Nestabilities, SU! punch, Ribbon from my ribbon stash, Clear embossing powder, sewing machine.

~Catherine vonMiestersinger Remembered..

2008-04-20T18:00:00.010-05:00

You were introduced you to Catherine in the post above and I have no doubt that over time, now that I have another stamp set that includes a Great Dane, there will be more stories of our many adventures together.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog; SU! Canvas Background Stamp
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Real Red, Black, Plaid scrap from the Paper Drawer
Accessories: Ribbon from the Scrapbook Studio, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Diamond Glaze, Zoe ate the red Prima Flower, Pop Dots.

~TCPTUES03 - King of the Grill..

2008-04-19T08:06:00.008-05:00

When I read on Leigh O'Brien's blog that The Cat's Pajamas was offering a Tuesday Card Challenge, I finally made up my mind to make the commitment to enter some of the cards that I make on a daily basis, not only on my blog but also as challenge submissions. I've never been one to market myself and my work. My blog has served as a sometimes outlet for family stories and personal thoughts via my love of stamping and card making. I am hoping that this will be one way to get myself "out there" and a little better known. As a dog lover and collector of "all things DOG" it made the commitment easy. Yes.. Yes.. I know.. its The CAT'S Pajamas, but don't tell Zoe, she is very possessive of her own snuggly jammies and only shares them with her wire haired terrier cousin, Jake.

Supplies:
Stamps:The Cat's Pajamas ;
Paper - SU! Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pumbkin Pie, Designer Paper Jersey Shore; Ink - Palette Hybrid Ink Noir; Accessories - Nestabilities dies, Copic Markers, SU! Wild Wasabi ribbon, SU! Build-a-Brad kit, At You Sepia Twinkling Stars Pen, Judikins Diamond Glaze, White Tulip Puffy Paint

~Sweet Blush of Spring..

2008-04-17T23:35:00.000-05:00

Ellen Hutson posted a card on her blog recently using parchment paper that had been stamped with white ink and then colored. The translucency of the paper g ives much the effect of frosted leaded glass when stamped. I chose to pick up the colors of the new PaperTrey Pink Patterns printed paper and colored in the Plaid Butterfly with Copic markers, much like reverse painting, on the wrong side of the paper. It gives a softer effect. The butterfly is offset mounted on the Lockhart Stamp Company image Ranunculus also colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is from PaperTrey's Garden of Life stamp set and is mounted offset on PaperTrey's new Berry Sorbet Top Notch Twill Ribbon. The embellishments on either side of the sentiment are Robin's Nest - Poinsettia glass beads also from Ellen's store.

~My Best Friend..

2008-04-13T11:25:00.003-05:00

As a collector of "all things DOG" and specifically DOG stamps I'd waited for a long for time an image of a whippet/greyhound to be released. Not only did Hanna Stamps satisfy my wishes but went steps further!

Before my wonderful Zoe, there was Catherine, my grand and great Great Dane, a magnificent harlequin (black and white spotted for those of you who aren't familiar) lady in every aspect of the word. Catherine was my constant companion for nearly twelve years. As a pup she spent many a late evening in the depths of the Churchill Memorial and Library In the United States (specifically Missouri) while I finished my work. She accompanied me to New York City and quickly won the hearts of the Astoria shopkeepers and multi-cultured residents, road in taxi cabs, and spent lazy summer afternoons snoozing in the sun on Governor's Island. And in her old age retired to Florida, as do may bred and born northerners. I am sure you will see both the Great Dane and the whippets image reoccurring on many of my cards as time goes on.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog.
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: DCWV-The Pets Stack, Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Taken With Teal
Accessories: Gift Ribbon from Ellen Hutson, SU! Punch, Dog Bone Eyelet from my sister, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, Gamsol, Pop Dots.

~Challenges..

2008-04-11T21:08:00.007-05:00

Not only has PaperTrey launched a new forum for its faithful followers but has also started a Casual mid Weekly Challenge hosted by Emily Davis. (take a minute to check out her blog .) Since I've never done anything like this before I though this would be a good time to begin. After reading the outline for this week's challenge and printing out the sketch I set out to complete my first submission and actually amazed myself that I not only completed the card but also uploaded it to the forum.. AND.. to my own blog as well. I'm sitting here patting myself on the back pleased that i met more than the obvious challenge!

Supplies:
Stamp set: PTI Spiral Bouquet.
Ink: Palette Hybrid-Burnt Umber, Versamark-Clear.
Paper: PTI-Aqua Mist, Everyday Blessings, SU Chocolate Chip.
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Marvy Uchida Punches, Sponge Daubber, Pop Dots, Create-a-Cut paper cutter.

~Thank You PaperTrey!

2008-04-10T17:37:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I came home from work and followed my usual routine. I laid my purse on the hand painted Windsor chair, picked up the martingale collar and lead and went in search of Zoe for our after-work walk to check the mailbox.. and other things along the way. I found her burrowed between the layers of bedding near the head of the bed nested among the assortment of pillows taking her afternoon nap. With a single call of her name she came bounding to the surface throwing pillows in all directions ready to search out the stray cat that has been sleeping in the bed of azaleas for the past week. The cat was no where to be found so we headed for the mailbox.

Anticipation always builds shortly after the 10th of each month, but it was only the 9th and the new PaperTrey releases had not even been announced so I was not expecting a box of goodies to be waiting for me. The Anniversary Set had completely slipped my mind. What a wonderful surprise! We didn't dilly dally on the way home and went straight to the craft room and set to work. The set is delightful and will quickly become a well used favorite.
Thank you PaperTrey!!
If you are interested in finding out more about PTI, the wonderful products and the lady behind this awesome company register and become a part of the PTI Forum, follow Nichole's Blog or bookmark the PTI store.

Supplies:
Stamp Image: PTI Anniversary Set
Paper: SU! Kraft, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink - PTI Spring Moss and Burnt Umber

~License to Scrapbook..

2008-04-02T13:00:00.006-05:00

I was first introduced to paper crafting through my sister and her memory rich scrapbooks that she had begun creating for our family. It was an incredibly creative way to display our pictures and her talent brought the books to life. This was in the very early years of scrapbooking and as new products became available her imagination soared and her attention to detail inspired me to follow in her footsteps. After awhile and many attempts to complete an entire album i decided I needed an outlet that would allow me to create on a smaller scale and actually finish a project! From this frustration my first card was born. I had already utilized stamps on my scrapbook pages and it became a natural carryover. I do still enjoy from time to time telling little scrapbook stories in mini albums that I give as gifts.

Not long ago I found these bare chipboard license plates by Keller Creations at Scrapbook Studio, my local scrapbook store and thought that they would make fun wall hanging for my craft room. And as usual, Zoe often becomes the subject of my scrapbooking tangents.

~Mom's Backyard..

2008-04-01T08:19:00.006-05:00

My mother has the most inviting back yard anyone could imagine. Beautiful beds of flowers and shrubs shaded by tall pine trees overlook the lake that hosts the seventh hole of one of Florida's premier golf courses. The camellias, azaleas and amaryllis are full bloom and Easter lilies and variegated greens and pinks of the hostas are peeking through the bedding of fragment pine straw mulch still damp from the morning dew. White herons and egrets stock the banks of the lake for a morning snack while the turtles sun themselves on a patch of sandy shore. Pull up Adirondack chair, sip a cup of steaming coffee, lean back, relax and enjoy!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased through Ellen Hutson's Store
Sentiment: PTI Green Thumb
Paper: Basic Grey Blitzen, SU! Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa textured cardstock, PTI and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir SU! Craft White
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Old Sayings in New Colours..

2008-03-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

A repeat of yesterday? Well, sort of, but I believe in the saying, "Once you find something that works, no need to change it." I've been a long time fan of Ellen Hutson, her blog, the quality products she selects for her online store, and the generous assistance she has offered to my sometimes silly questions over the past two years. The same can be said for Nicole Heady, and her incomparable company, Papertrey Ink. As a result of this lady and her incredible products, my entire focus has changed. Thank you both for all you do!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: PTI Shapes by Design
Paper: PTI Berry Sorbet, Pink Blush, Pink Patterns, and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers,Cornish Heritage Farms White Flocking, PTI Berry Sorbet Saddle Stitch Ribbon, At You Spica Clear Glitter Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Springing forward..

2008-03-30T15:00:00.005-05:00

I've made several cards since I last posted, but each time I think about uploading one I'm struck with writer's block. Coming up with something catchy to say beyond just, I used this paper and that ink and the stamp is from so-and-so, seems to come easier for many of the bloggers I read than it does for me. I don't have children to brag about or a husband to share interesting stories of so on a day to day basis I am often lost. Now that my northern friends have returned home and I will no longer have an opportunity to share my work with them personally, I will once again make a concerted effort to find a few words to attach to my cards.
Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet
Paper: SU Wild Wasabi Special Product Offer, Papertrey Ink Stamper's Select White Cardstock, and the red and white polka dot is from my bin of I just can't throw away my scraps.
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Jardin Moss and Noir
Incidentals: Copic Markers and Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, White SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

Post Note:
The inspiration for this card was born out of frustration. The Special Product Offer paper, unbeknownst to me when I placed my order, was already scored in an offset layout I had never worked with before. My Lockhart Stamps had just arrived from Ellen and the garden clogs seemed to be the perfect fit and balance. One thing led to another and a new card was born!

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T07:29:00.003-05:00

Wishing all of you a Happy Easter!

~Hugs & Kisses..

2008-02-16T20:30:00.000-06:00

Since the clear-top hinged tins filled with PaperTrey Holiday Treats covered chocolates were such a big hit at Christmas, it was a given I would be making Valentine's Day tins using the Sweet Love set. The printed papers are from my local scrapbook store which has recently changed hands. I'm looking forward to all the new products they will be offering and their new website. The covered tea tin, of course was filled with special Valentine dog treats for Zoë.

~The Rainbow Bridge..

2008-02-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite The Cat's Pajamas stamps. I originally purchased it as my Rainbow Bridge dog, a needed stamp for all dog lovers. If you aren't familiar with the story.. or even if you are.. grab a tissue..

The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

~Classical Elegant Notes..

2008-02-05T21:58:00.000-06:00

Every time I pull this Stampin' Up! Elegant Notes set off the shelf I think of my multi- talented niece. She is not the typical teenager with earplugs in her ears and an iPod hanging from around her neck listening to rock and rap. Her iPod is full of Rachmaninoff and Schumann, Beethoven and Satie, Oboe Adagios and Piano Concertos with an occasional U2, Coldplay or Beatles track stuck in here and there. She is a straight A honur student who serves on her highschool's Senate, plays the piano and the oboe, and holds an after school job. As a Christmas gift I made her a box of thank you cards using this set. I embossed soft white Arturo cards from Ellen Hutson's online store using my rectangular Nestability dies. The text stamp from Elegant Notes was inked with SU Soft Sky and stamped in the center of the rectangle. Half of the cards were stamped with the treble clef and half with the base clef in Buckaroo Blue as an overlay. The Thank You sentiment was also stamped in Buckaroo Blue. The finished cards placed in a Clearly Creative Box from Papertrey and tied with Martha Stewart's Cloud Piped Nylon ribbon.

~A gift for one of Molly's..

2008-02-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

many MySpace friends.

My sister's Wire Haired Terrier, Molly is a popular dog. She even has her own MySpace page with more friends than me! For Christmas Molly received a package from one of her four-legged online friends. So my sister asked me if I would make a little something to send to Molly's friend Justin, who was having a Very Old Dog birthday, as a birthday present, a thank you for her Christmas present, and token of her appreciation. Justin's person has already contacted me for my homemade dog treat recipe that i used to fill the tin! My recipe for the decorated tin is as follows:
Stamp by Stamp Gallery, Paper by Bo-Bunny - Roll Over Dog, Ribbon from the scrap jar stained with walnut ink from Tsukinek, Marvey Scalloped Punches, Stampin' Up Rounded Tab Punch. Dog Treats: Hills Prescription Diet Treats for photo purposes .

~better than Victoria's Secret..

2008-02-03T12:26:00.000-06:00

my new Pajamas.. from The Cat's Pajamas! Two new sets in the series Cowboys and Indians have just been released in the Clearly Swanky Clear Stamp sets Havin' a PowWow and Its a Western Thing . They can also be purchased as individual traditional wood mounted rubber stamps. The other series, Love is equally as nice and just in time for Valentine's Day.

Besides the great stamp image there are in my opinion two things that make this card special. Recently my sister called me from Denver while shopping at Joann's and asked me if I had the DCWV The Pets Stack. I didn't, and since haven't been able to find it anywhere else, so she sent it to me knowing my All things Dog addiction. The paper is from that set. The other thing that makes this card special is the dog's hat. Its flocked. I'd never used flocking before and decided what better time to try than on a white cowboy hat. This was a fun card and I'm looking forward to making more with my new stamps and paper.

~The DOG's Pajamas..

2008-02-02T19:44:00.001-06:00

~The Cat's Pajamas.. in doggie clothes

2008-02-02T18:12:00.000-06:00

Not long ago I ran across Alma and The Cat's Pajamas, a find that ranks at the top of my "places to buy stamps" list. {Privately I refer to Alma's cute and quirky retro designs as The Dog's Pajamas. } A good number of her stamps have already "Gone 2 the Dogs"! This covered tea tin works perfectly as a Valentine's treat jar and can be filled and refilled with your pets favorite treats.

~criss-cross my heart..

2008-02-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

won't you Be Mine..
the December My Favorite Things stamp set offered by PaperPretties arrived just in time to headline my batch of Valentine's Day cards and gifts.

This is an adapted version of the criss-cross card which I paired with Stampin' Up's Ginger Blossom Designer Paper, Groovy Guava, River Rock and Whisper White cardstock.
My Copic markers added colour to the box of chocolates tucked into the outer flap on the front of the card. Thank you Kim! ~HUGS~

~an unexpected opportunity..

2008-01-31T18:17:00.000-06:00

Yesterday a gentleman visiting the beach for a week's break from the cold Indianapolis winter stopped by our local activity center on a whim and offered to do a one day Stone and Silver Jewelry Workshop. Not since my college days had I an opportunity to work in this medium so of course I said, "Indeed, we would be interested!" Unfortunately for those who were unable to attend today's workshop due to the short notice, they missed out on a fun day and an entertaining, creative, and educational experience. Fortunately for myself and the other gentleman in attendance the nearly private one-on-one instruction was an experience well worth the effort.
Our teacher spilled out a container of unusual polished stones in a variety of shapes. I chose an irregular oval piece of lavender jade for my project. Within only a four hour block of time I had cut and shaped, soldered and filed, sanded and polished pieces of silver and stone into a finished piece of jewelry. When we were finished with our pendants, we were reminded that we had created a one-of-a kind piece and that it was the little imperfections that made it so. I chuckled to myself as this is something I am constantly reminding myself each time I sit down to create a card. Creativity, regardless of the medium, is a personal and unique expression.

~Picture This..

2008-01-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

My little helper..

A picture is worth a thousand words! What more can i say?

Samp set: Stampin' Up retired Ruff Day. Paper and ribbon: from my personal stash. Altered frame: from Target Dollar Bin. Dog Bones: Purina One.

~Sweet Sixteen..

2008-01-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

for my sweet niece..

Happy Sweet Sixteen

Sweet sixteen! Sweet sixteen!
I can't believe it's true;
The person sitting before is
Is really, really you.

May the days that lie ahead
Bring happiness untold;
Choices that are good and wise
For your life as it unfolds.

Sweet sixteen! Sweet sixteen!
Colored candles on a cake!
I send you a Happy Birthday
With a wish for you to make!

from your very proud Aunt..

~one of My Favorite Things..

2008-01-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

As I's said before Kim van der Sanden 's My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things. And of all of her My Favorite Things Let's Go for a Walk tops the list. As a dog lover and a collector of dog stamps its no surprise. For over thirty years at least one loving Gentle Giant, more commonly known as the Great Dane, shared my home. My first was Tweed, a beautiful brindle who came into my life when she was only eight weeks old. Seven, a merle rescue came to live with us in Tweed's older years and after Tweed crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge Abby, another rescue, fine and elegant and blue as cold steel graced my couch. Abby and Seven have joined Tweed at the Rainbow Bridge as has Isis, my first regal and well bred Harlequin. Isis was also a rescue of sorts and lived to the ripe old age of twelve, nearly unheard of at that time in a Dane. I fell in love with bold black and white spots of the Harlequin and after Isis I sought out a perfect puppy of Isis' same breeding. Catherine Von Meistersinger came from Kentucky and shared my days and nights, my ups and downs, and my many moves and a very special place in my heart. Today Zoë, my wild and wooly wonderful Whippet graces my couch or any other place she chooses to lie. She is my constant companion.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T08:42:00.000-06:00

~Fun Fall Water Bottles..

2007-10-25T08:05:00.002-05:00

Each year our local senior center hosts a craft faire to help welcome our northern winter visitors. One of my good friends asked me if I would help fill her table with some of my work so i got busy trying to come up with something colourful, unique, and fun. After I made a couple of these recycled from my hurricane disaster preparedness stash of water bottles I decided to forward the idea on to my niece who is always looking for cute and unusual handouts to her Senate friends. I AM expecting a photo of her handy work any day... *HINT HINT* The stamp sets and ink are from Stampin' Up!, the ribbon is from my ribbon stash, and the paper from my scrap drawer.

~Nature's Touch Guided by an Artistic Hand..

2007-10-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

One touch of nature
Makes the whole world kin
~W. Shakespeare

Words that come to mind when I think of a talented lady with a warm smile and a big heart.

For months a simple choker made of jade and silver, strung on leather latigo, a necklace of no real value but that of a favorite piece of jewelry, lay on my dresser in pieces unable to be worn gathering dust. Not too long ago it was my good fortune to "meet" a multi-talented artist restorationist and poet from southern California. Not only does she create some of the most beautiful southwestern style jewelry but she also, much to my happy surprise, is a creator of cards as well. This is the card I made for Cynthia in thanks for the the restoration work she did for me on my little necklace.

Another Birthday Card .. that actually came first.. Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-10-08T14:33:00.001-05:00

I'd run across some really nice cards while blog surfing that were made using the criss-cross fold technique and really liked the overall effect. I wanted something different and special for Mom's Birthday card and decided this would be the ideal opportunity to try one out. The colours in Stampin' Up's Designer Paper Outlaw had caught my eye from the first time I saw them so I decided to combine the Outlaw papers with the Season's of Joy flourish stamp and the True Friend floral stamps. A special thank you to Beate for the inspiration.

Baby Brother's Birthday Bash..

2007-10-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

My little brother just turned sixty!! and what better stamp set to help him celebrate than MFT's Let's Hear It for the Boys! . I'd recently finished a criss-cross Birthday card for my Mom and had such fun making it I wanted to try my hand at a file folder card.

I love making cards when they come together so easily. Unfortunately, I was so excited that I neglected to put the romote in his hand and the bowl of popcorn in his lap. This card IS my brother.

Time Flies.. ammended..

2007-10-06T16:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could just click my fingers or wiggle my nose and ~*~POOF~*~ it would all just happen. First, you have to come up with an idea, then you have to gather up all your materials and supplies, then you have to think.. create.. rethink.. create some more.. think again and hopefully finally finish your project. Ah.. but its not over! Then you have to locate the camera, make sure the battery is charged, set up for the photo shoot.. shoot.. reshoot.. download.. crop and resize.. enhance, adjust and readjust. Once that is all done then you have to upload the photo and come up with some half way creative jibber jabber to accompany the photo, not to mention documenting the recipe. UGH! and get it all typed in and proofed. It has become quite apparent that I am a textbook example of one who suffers from ADD! But, my blog from the onset was not an exercise in seeing if I could out produce all the other card making bloggers out there, but merely a way to share with my family and a few friends a little of my creativity when i felt inspired.

My most recent inspiration, aside from the card I just finished for my brother's birthday is noted at the top of my blog. I've successfully convinced two ladies I am acquainted with to accompany me on a Caribbean Cruise designed specifically for stampers! For more information click on the link above.

Time Flies..

2007-10-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

No excuses.

~how does your garden grow..

2007-08-18T08:37:00.000-05:00

..or where do you draw the line between photography and digital art? I recently snapped the photo to the left shortly after I'd finished misting my little porch vegetable garden. It was only one in a series of images, but the one I felt was the best in composition and colour. I submitted the photo to a professional photographer friend for critique. Other than a single class in Photography Basics while in college prior to the invention of the digital camera or Photoshop my professional photographic training is limited to life experience. The comments I received along with the edited photo below were as follows:" Did you use glycerine? Nice effect of water on the fruit." "The smaller green tomato distracts. You might have plucked it along with some of the less than perfect leaves or merely edited out the distracting portions with Photoshop." The tighter cropping was not justified other then the mention that it had been done.
I wonder if I struggle with the fact that now my original photograph is no longer a true representation of my little tomato hanging on my tenderly cared for tomato plant or the fact that I may be just a little defensive that I have never learned how to use Photoshop to enhance my work, or for that matter received professional instruction on how to effectively use my Nikon D50. Maybe its time I took a couple continuing education classes. I would invite and enjoy any comments from my professional and not so professional photographer viewers. *:)

~Singing for our supper..

2007-08-17T07:35:00.000-05:00

As a young child, my favorite holiday, with possibly the exception of Christmas was Halloween. My brother and I, and a few years later my little sister, would rush home from school in anticipation of that magical night when we would wiggle into our one-of-a-kind homemade Halloween costumes painstakingly hand sewn by our creative mother. We'd quickly down a steaming bowl of Mom's vegetable soup to help ward off the chill of the fall night, grab our empty candy bags fashioned from pillowcases, and wait for Dad to put his coat on and pick up the keys to the green and white Buick station wagon. Then once the sun had set and the moon was on the rise, off we'd go to gather our loot amongst the other goulies and goblins from our area neighbors. It didn't always come easy. Sometimes we would have to sing for our "supper" or trick for our treat. But when we'd finally return home, cheeks flushed, tired and happy, we would spill out our goodies onto the floor, the terror of having to perform on a split second's request dissolved into the spooky shadows of the night beyond our cozy and familiar family room. There we would sort, barter and trade our nights haul way past our usual bedtimes. To this day a vague memory of a bellyache or two still remains from the days following All Hallow's Eve.

Some of the cutest stamps I've had the pleasure of working with are the clear sets from Kim van der Sanden 's My Favorite Things. Kim's wise insight in teaming with Illustrator, Christy Beckwith has, in my opinion set this this stamp company apart from all others.

~Switching Gears..

2007-08-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

Its been a busy summer. My sister and niece who come every summer for the summer all the way from Denver have headed home now, and my days and evenings are not nearly as full. I hadn't realised how long it had been since I'd posted to my blog.
Since they left I've been having fun with a few of my A*Muse stamps. It all started with my wanting to find a Santa stamp that might be appropriate to the Florida climate. A Muse had a Santa in sunglasses and flowered swimming trunks who looked as though he was dreaming of surfing, but alas.. no surfboard. And then i ran across my little surfer boy. He led me to the mermaid and the palm tree and one thing led to another. The result was this RAK made for a friend who isn't a stamper but loves the sea.

It's occurred to me random acts of kindness don't necessarily have to be shared between other bloggers or stampers and I'm slowly working through my list.

Pocket Card 01

2007-07-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Since I've not posted any work for sometime, I took a look back in my archives and ran across this fun pocket card I put together one rainy afternoon. It was one of those projects that just came together without any real forethought or planning. I pulled out bits and pieces of this and that and started building until I though it was finished. I guess some people call that creativity. *:)

Tagged

2007-07-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Oehlers tagged me a long time ago but I never got around to responding. Yes, I AM remiss, but I will I will share a few things about myself with you. First, please take a look at hemidemisemiquaver,Rebecca's Blog. This is one talented and interesting lady! Be sure and take time to read her profile.

1. As a baby my hair was bright orange.
2. My sister is my best friend and although we live over 1500 miles apart we talk on the phone nearly every day, and sometimes more than once.
3. I lived in New York City for five years with my harlequin Great Dane, Catherine Von Meistersinger and all the shopkeepers in our neighborhood knew her and loved her almost as much as I did.
4. As the director of a history museum I had the good fortune to meet such dignataries as Ronald Regan, Michael Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, and Edwina Sandys, Winston Churchill's granddaughter.
5. More than anything I enjoy teaching and passing on information and ideas to others.
6. I think I am a lazy person.
7. I wish I had my Mother's drive and ethics of responsibility.
8. I have a smile that is hard for me to contain. It usually stretches ear to ear.
9. The two things I miss most in life: My Dad and my horses.
10. My niece is my inspiration and Zoe, my lively whippet keeps me sane.
11. I hope to live to a ripe old old age, but die young.

{ i've not been remiss }

2007-06-09T09:07:00.001-05:00

I've just taken time to smell my flowers..

{ Birthdays & Bones in the Flower Garden }

2007-05-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

If my sister-in-law isn't off with her girlfriend playing bingo, or busy with her own business, you can find her in her garden caring for her myriad of beautiful blooms. I believe she has nearly every kind of lilly imaginable planted in her garden. Most are transplants from my brother and sister-in-law's Atlanta home garden. I chose this stamp for her birthday card because it reminded me of her.

I like these stamp images by Karen Stolper at American Art Stamp for their unusual design and uniqueness. And of course the "Fetch" image was one I had to have for my personal "Gone 2 the Dogs" collection. The layout was inspired by the SCS Layout Challenge SC 118. The text along the side was digitally created.

{ Happy Mother's Day, Mom }

2007-05-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

When I ran across this Hallmark card image this morning I had to laugh. Mom is always fussing that she can't figure out how to make that darn DVD player to work so she can the DVD of those good looking Il Divo fellas or her Boxed Set of the entire collection of the West Wing television series, or that her email is all messed up and she can't find the latest pictures my sister and niece have sent her. (She doesn't ask me about her cell phone very often because we both have to ask my niece how to do that.) It seems you aren't alone, Mom, lots of Mothers apparently have the same issues. Why else would Hallmark made this card so don't feel bad. You've spent years raising us, taking care of us, doing for us and loving us. We enjoy doing these little things for you.

This is the card I made for my wonderful mother in celebration of Mother's Day.
The paper is Basic Grey from the Perhaps collection and SU Pretty in Pink and Whisper White. The flower stamp is from Stampendous and the sentiment is an old PSX stamp which i purchased several years ago. The twill tape is from the Martha Stewart collection at Michaels. I stamped the flower image with black Versamark Ink and heat embossed it with black detail embossing powder. The white detail on the flower was achieved with bleach.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom
I love you!

{ pitching horseshoes & my brother's shirt }

2007-05-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

My first memory of Horseshoe Beach was when I was still living at home outside of Atlanta, at least, still, during the summers. On one of those Christmases our family set out on vacation to southern Florida. We spent our first night in a little fishing village in a true fisherman's cabin. It belonged to the father of my brother's best friend and was built on stilts. You could look between the cracks in the floorboards to the ground below. I think Mother was worried about snakes and probably didn't sleep too well that night. It was already dark when we arrived. Dad went down to the marina to see if he could find a fisherman who might be willing to part with a mess of fish as all the grocery stores we had passed were closed on account of it being a holiday. I had never eaten mullet but to this day, I think it is some of the best fish I have ever eaten.

That was over forty years ago and until the last four or five years Horseshoe looked pretty much the same. My brother continued to return regularly with his friend Ralph. He spent more and more if his leisure time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city relaxing on the porch with friends or casting his lines for the elusive BIG ONE to the tune of a well oiled in-board's steady hum in accompaniment to Jimmy Buffett's lyrics floating lazily over the water. My brother and his wife are now retired and have completely modeled and remodeled one of those fishing cabins into a lovely home. They have moved lock, stock, two dogs, a cat, and three fourths of their Atlanta flower gardens to this sleepy fishing village where you can often find my brother, surrounded by several friends, sporting his Captain's hat, shucking oysters, shelling shrimp, and stirring a gigantic pot of gumbo. Now my family and I look forward to many more Horseshoe memories. My brother was the inspiration behind this colourful Lockhart stamped card.

{ in recognition of National Scrapbooking Day }

2007-05-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

I started my paper arts adventure as a scrapbooker after seeing the amazing things my little sister was creating for our family. A book of Christmases Past sets on our mother's coffee table in her living room that documents some of the joyous and memorable times our family spent together over the years. Another labor of love sets on the a coffee table in the family room a memorial to the most wonderful husband and father in the world.

To date my attempts have been smaller and unfinished, but it opened a door into the more immediate gratification of rubber stamping and cardmaking. I wanted to share with you the first page of one of my scrapbooks, The Whippersnapper! A book dedicated to my faithful companion and best friend, Zoe. I am also in the process of creating scrapbooks for my mother, my sister and niece, and my brother and his wife chronicling our Alaskan Cruise late last summer. I approach my scrapbooking much the same as I approach creating a card. Composition, colour, attention to detail, and meaningful text expression, which often results in laboring over a page for days until its just right.

Wishing everyone a bright and creative National Scrapbooking Day! Take a little time today to pursue your art!

{ my new banner }

2007-05-01T12:10:00.000-05:00

Not long ago I was one of the lucky winners of a banner design which Melissa Kulesa offered as blog candy on her Stamping Through the Tulips blog.
I'd like to thank Melissa for designing my banner. She has been such a patient and nice lady to work with through the design process. Take time to see her banner designs and watermarks and if you don't already have a banner or want a fresh new look, I highly recommend her. Thanks so much Melissa!!

{ the Lockhart puppy meets the Challenge }

2007-04-30T15:53:00.000-05:00

I've been exploring SCS beyond just looking at the most recent daily gallery postings and am amazed at how much I've been missing. Motivation is often an issue for me, coming up with an idea completely from scratch. So I was thrilled when I took the time to look into the Wednesday Card Sketch Challenge. This was the result of Beate's email answer to a question I had about dimensions in particular layout I'd seen posted in the daily gallery. After reading more about the Challenges, I decided the Sketches Challenge would be a good vehicle of motivation for my creative inspiration.

So , with that, I pulled out a stamped image I've wanted to wanted to finish for a long time , but hadn't because I wanted it to be special. The Lockhart Stamp Company, in my opinion, has some of the highest quality stamps out there. The fineness of the detail is exceptional and the images possess a contemporary elegance ranging from whimsical to classic in design. You can purchase the Lockhart stamps from Ellen Hutson, LLC along with a wide variety of papers, inks, "tools, toys, and treasures". The card I had inquired about ended up being SC118, the identification number assigned to that particular week's Sketch Challenge. I was off and running and when I finished my card was pleased with the result.

{ Two New RAKS this week }

2007-04-27T08:23:00.000-05:00

It always adds, no matter how good the day, an extra boost to open the mail box and find an unexpected card waiting to be opened. Twice this past week I've been so fortunate.
Debbie Seyer sent me this dainty card with one of my favorite sentiments inscribed on it. dream! Thank you Debbie. Please take time to take a look into Debbie's stamp room.

I also received this this beautiful card from Susan Liles . The soft colours of the flowers is repeated not only in her ribbon choice but also in the soft detailing on the embossed background. I've subscribed to Susie's blog for a long time and always enjoy seeing her new work. Be sure and take a look too.

I apologise to both ladies for the poor quality photography. I was trying something new. It looks like it might be best to limit my creativity to card making until I can take a class or two in photography and lighting. Thank you again, ladies!

{ the 4 sistas }

2007-04-26T07:53:00.000-05:00

My favorite ladies have been sitting on the shelf patiently waiting for me to return to them. The sistahoodbellas reminds me of my family from left to right - my sister Sally, my Mom, me, and my niece, Nina - a bit of a stretch of the imagination for all except Nina, but age is a mental state and we are all forever young.
The image was coloured with Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour oil based pencils from Dick Blick and gamsol. I've used the Prismcolour Pencils that most card colourists seem to prefer, but I have personally seen little difference in the two brands. The paper is a combination of SU and Basic Grey. The embellishment is covered in the same Basic Grey mat paper and topped with a little pink Prima. I cut the scalloped edge with my Create-a-Cut. This particular bella stamp, sistahoodabella can be stamped as a group or the individual images can be inked and stamped separately or in pairs. I've enjoyed having the many options. The set also comes with two sentiments.

{ Beate's Butterfly }

2007-04-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

So many possibilities with this beautiful butterfly. The Hostess, Reason to Smile, set was a part of the Blog Candy package I won from Beate. It was difficult to settle on just one of the possibilities, but the elements of this card just fell into place.

I stamped the image using Taken With Teal Craft ink then "dusted" it with a white Color Box Cat Eye that I've had since I first started stamping. This lightened the image and blended well with the Cool Caribbean paper. After it dried I randomly dotted the flowers as well as the butterfly body with Crystal Effects. Once this dried I used my Stardust Glitter pen to add the "sparkle which I purchased from Ellen Hutson, LLC. The papers are a combination of Overton House Designs - Mint Expresso Stripes, DCWV Old World Stack, and the SU Au Chocolat paper I received from Beate. The lovely reversible ribbon was also from Beate. The hardware is SU Hodge Podge and the sentiment is from the PaperTrey Word Stamps set. The top of the butterfly is raised while the base is attached flush to the paper giving it the appearance of momentarily lighting on the card before it flutters on.

Once again I would like to thank Beate for the blog goodies. It couldn't have been more perfect. I also found out while corresponding with her that we live only an hour or so apart. Now I'm looking forward to attending her stamping classes on what I hope will be a regular basis.

{ stop and smell the Primas }

2007-04-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

Gone 2 the Dogs!
Somewhere during the process, while I was busy laying out all the goodies from Beate's blog candy, shooting the pictures, uploading them to my computer, cropping, editing, and posting the Thank you.. Thank you.. to my blog, I noticed The Dog was absent. She usually is underfoot, if not in one of her many chairs, peacefully snoozing or intently observing while I work. I checked the living room where I take most of my pictures and noticed that the "goodies" setup had been rearranged - wet nose prints on paper and Primas scattered about the floor, but Zoe wasn't insight. So I set out in search, with camera still around my neck, finally finding her on the back porch in her favorite patio chair blissfully "smelling the Primas".

{ Green Thumbs grow sweet strawberries }

2007-04-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

I've fallen in love with the Green Thumb set offered by PaperTrey Ink. There are so many possibilities with this versatile set , I believe you could stamp using nothing but this set for a very long time and not exhaust the possibilities. That seems to be one of the outstanding hallmarks of this company of creative ladies.

You cannot see the edge effect on this card but I "scalloped" the front edge of the cream blank back far enough that after the green and the red scallops were applied the closed card finished with a crisp straight edge of cream from the back portion of the card. In retrospect, it would have been easier to have taken the picture from a different angle then trying to type an explanation. :)

{ proud winner of Beate's candy }

2007-04-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

Not long ago the famous and fantastic Beate offered blog candy to celebrate the 125,000 hit on her Fresh & Fun blog. I ended up the lucky winner from a long list of 298 comments.
My package of goodies came today! I plan on mounting the "Reason to Smile stamp" set this evening and putting together some cards over the weekend. The May Arts ribbon is fantastic! I never imagined so much! I’ve wound it all on chipboard cards for safe storage. I was really pleased with the SU Designer paper. I didn’t have any of it. This will give me an opportunity to work up some cards before I place another paper order. And the Primas.. I love the colourful flowers! Such a nice package of candy!! Thank you so much, Beate! After i took the picture I realised I forgot to include the pretty card she included. You can see it here.

{ i've been tagged! & so have you! }

2007-04-19T19:23:00.000-05:00

What a surprise when I checked my email this morning! Chris Smith of From My Ink Pad to Yours "tagged" me on her blog. Chris, I'm honoured that you selected me. I enjoy looking in on you and your great ideas. Be sure and stop by Chris's blog, I'm sure you will agree with me about her work.

Ok, now my task is to tag five more people that hopefully have not already been tagged.

1. Julie Phillips - Julie is an extremely patient lady and a creative and seasoned stamper. Be sure and check out her work at Paper Joy. By the way Julie, you can expect a package the middle of next week. Not exactly what we had discussed, but hopefully something better.

2. Sharon Harnist - Just read her resume if there is any doubt about how talented this lady is. I enjoy reading her blog and always draw inspiration. You can find out all about her at PaperFections.

3. Kendra - The title of Kendra's blog was a natural hook for me, and I enjoy returning now to see her new creations and read about her teaching career. Look in on Kendra and say hello. You can find her at The Dog Ate My Stamps. hehe.. he.. :)

4. Emily Giovanni - I'm sure the lady had been "tagged" most likely more than once, but I wanted to share her with those of you who on the off chance have never looked in on her. You can find her and her incredible work at Stamping and Stuff

5. Melissa Kulessa - This is one talented lady! Melissa not only creates wonderful cards but she also designs Blog Banners and watermarks. You can see her work at Stamping Through the Tulips . And soon you will be able (keeping my fingers crossed) to see my Blog Banner that Melissa is designing for me and the Dog.

I hope you will enjoy these ladies and their blogs as much as I have.

{ friends, flowers, & April Blogger RAKs }

2007-04-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

I originally made this card for a special friend and ended up liking it so much I decided to use it for my Blogger's April Birthday Card. The card for my friend is still setting on my worktable. I need to get it in the mail so she will have something to set on her windowsill before the flowers of spring give way to the flowers of summer.

This was my first attempt at masking. I was surprised it was so easy (maybe that's because I didn't do anything intricate). But now I'm ready to tackle something a bit more difficult.Who knows, maybe it will show up on my Bella Swap cards.

The red ric-rack was cut with my Create-a-Cut. I was one of the best tool purchases I've made in sometime. Be sure and check out Ellen Hutson's Store for all sorts of unique tools, stamps, paper and all things up to date and in demand.

{ the whippersnapper at work}

2007-04-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Gone 2 the Dogs.!
Zoe seems to think ALL of the chairs in the house belong to her... even the chair in my workroom. I'm not sure if she was looking for a treat or wanted to try her paw at stamping. Do you think she looks guilty?

{ Sweet Pea }

2007-04-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

Why is it the more we have on our plates the more we are able to accomplish. This weekend was a good example. I often find myself clicking through everybody's blogs, moaning and groaning to myself that I just can't figure out how everyone but me has the time to make all the wonderful cards they post on their blogs. This weekend my brother, his wife and their two dogs came for a visit. They stayed with my mother, but I spent the good part of the weekend at her house enjoying my family. I also designed and finished two cards, photographed them and uploaded them for my blog subscribers to see. An amazing feat as I often labor over a single card for days. Part of the insentive may have been my new PaperTrey Ink Green Thumb set. The card elements came together quickly andas soon as I finished it I was ready to make another.

{ so many RAKs it feels like Autumn }

2007-04-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

What a great card!! Every time i look at this card from Monica Ackerman it puts a smile on my face. This is a precious stamp and I would enjoy knowing where it is from. Monica's "Just So You Know" is a new addition to my blog roll. Be sure to take the time to look. I will be looking in often on Monica and Abby her beautiful Golden Retriever. Thanks again, Monica~ :)

I received this sparkly card from Joanne Johnson. The stamping, the layering and the embellishments came together beautifully in this detailed card. Joanne you did a great job on it, and it is most appreciated. Thank you so much. Let me know your blog information so I can give you credit. In the meantime you can see Joanne's work on SCS (stamps4sanity).

This darling pocket card is from Simone Collins. Simone is a SCS Blogger and you can see what she has been up to on her blog Daily Dose of Spazz,. Not only did Simone stamp the card, but she also stamped the envelope and the note she included with the card. It looks like it may have been a wheel. I'm making a note to do that on my envelopes and enclosures in the future. Thanks so much Simone!

{ raking in the RAKs }

2007-04-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank Nancy Elrick for this soft coloured Birthday Wish. This is one of my favorite SU stamp sets, Nancy, and for those of you who cannot tell from my photo, she overlayed the stamped image with the acetate Birthday Wishes square. Nancy is a member of the SCS Bloggers RAK Group and you can view her blog at Nancy's Creative Mess . Be sure to take a look and while you are at it wish her son, Alex, a happy birthday!

{ Easter Easter }

2007-04-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

One of the first cards I made when I started stamping was a crystal paned window card, and it was always a favorite of mother's. I made it at a "stamp camp" and the window was rectangular with no enhancements. I though it might be nice to make another for her using some of the tools and techniques I've acquired over the past couple years. The circular scallop punch was off set on purpose to accomodate the closeness of the window opening to the outer edge of the card. { I've since added a new tool to my "stuff I need to acquire" list so the openings can be better placed }.
The closure is fastened with one of the new Basic Grey Magnetic Snaps.

I fixed Easter dinner for Mother and worked on a new batch of cards.

{ a special birthday card }

2007-04-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

..from my Mom.. from the woman who gave me life.. who has nurtured me.. supported me and loved me for the past 63 years.

Thank you Mom for everything and thank you for my beautiful card.

{ a bevy of birthday RAKs from my beautiful Splitcoast bloggers RAK buddies }

2007-04-05T05:44:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've ever received so many cards on my birthday! What a wonderful surprise. Thank you ladies for making it so special.
Kirsten DuBosque at Confessions of a Naptime Stamper shares an April birthday and made this adorable Bella card. Not only do Kristen and I share a birthday month, but we both also live in Florida and of course everyone who lives in Florida enjoys fishing. You couldn't have picked a better bella for my card Kristen, thank you so much. This is definately one of the nicest bella cards I've ever seen!

Leslie Brown sent me this adorable "Birthday Basket" in my favorite colour! Be sure and take some time to check out Leslie's "Continuing to Create" blog. Not only does she have great cards but also yummy blog candy. Thanks so much, Leslie!
I'd love to find this template to use on summer beach bag cards for some of my friends. If someone finds it before me, please let me know. I can also see that I need to do some ribbon and Prima shopping soon!

Alisa Blankenship created and sent me this bright and cheerful card and included the nicest note along with it. You can see more of Allie's work at Allie's Inky Hugs. She is another quickly becoming addicted to the Bellas. (tucking that note into my Future RAKs to Send box.) Thanks so much for my birthday card Allie!

My last but certainly not least card was from Melissa. You can see more of her work at Stamping Through the Tulips (what a great name!) Melissa, you are going to have to share your technique for inking the Cuttlebug embossed background with me sometime and you've sold me on this particular pattern. I don't have any of the "words" templates yet, but this will definitely be my first. Thanks for the great birthday card!

{ my first RAK }

2007-04-05T05:28:00.000-05:00

A beautiful card of a perfect rose with sentiments of Beautiful Memories from Wanda (buttons2) at SCS welcoming me to the world of RAKing holds the distinction of First RAK Received. Thank you so much Wanda for thinking of me.

{ bleached doodles }

2007-03-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to try the bleach technique, but kept putting it off. Earlier this evening, I'd put away nearly all my groceries after a trip to the store to pick up a few things in preparation for my sister and niece's visit. My laundry soap and new container of bleach were still sitting on the cabinet waiting to be carried to the laundry room. I decided this was as good as time as any to attempt stamping with bleach. Besides, I wanted something new to show my sister when she came. The fine detail was lost, but the appearance, after I over-stamped the image with black ink created, a shadow effect. The flowers were stamped on BasicGrey's new Blush paper, cut out and applied with fat pop-dots to give the card even more dimension. I used Stardust Stickles to add some sparkle to the card which in the picture doesn't show up. It ended up being a fun, quick, and easy card and I'm looking forward to using the bleach technique on more of my cards.

{ gra dilseacht cairdeas }

2007-03-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

love loyalty friendsip
{gra dilseacht cairdeas}
forever

Irish Claddagh

{ walkin' the dog }

2007-03-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

Just one more week until my sister and niece arrive. Mom's been busy planning menus and I've been busy cleaning my workroom in preparation for their arrival. (I think Mom is making more headway than I!)
When this Bella arrived in my last order, I immediately renamed it Momabella & Chloe. Chloe is one of Mother's two Yorkshire Terriers, Chloe and Andy. Although they are sister and brother from the same litter there is question surrounding Andy's lineage. He's a sweetheart even if he doesn't look like the Yorkie standard, and in all fairness the next time I use this stamp I'll colour it "Andy".

Stamps Sets:
Stamping Bella - Walkabella, MTF STamps - Let's Go For a Walk
Paper:
SU Watercolour Paper, Summer Sun, Real Red, Memory Box - Homespun
Ink:
Stazon Black
Accessories:
SU Ribbon Originals - Rustic Retreat, Scrapbook Tacks, Lyra Coloured Pencils

{ in the pink - Perhaps}

2007-03-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

Its fun to come home to surprises, and not the kind of surprises like a chewed up cell phone.
I was so excited two years ago when I became eligible for an upgrade on my cell phone. I promptly ordered, it arrived, and two days later Zoe decided it made a good teething tool. Consequently, I carried a bruised and battered phone around with me for for the next two years. Well, needless to say, on the day I once again became eligible for another upgrade I was online placing my order. It arrived Monday along with my order from Basic Grey!! I had a hard time trying to decide which to open first! The Basic Grey won out and Bella got a new spring outfit.
I'm looking forward to using more of the Perhaps papers along with the new Scarlett's Letter paper.

Stamps Sets:
Stamping Bella - Frizzy Bella
Paper:
SU Kraft, Brushed Gold, Basic Grey - Perhaps Collection 6x6 Pad
Ink:
Stazon Black,
Accessories:
SU Ribbon Originals - Flirty, Basic Grey Chipboard Elements, Cuttlebug 2x2 diecuts, SU Gold cord.
The cellphone's been programed and is setting in a high enough spot that even the best counter surfer can't reach!

{ walking the dogs walking me }

2007-03-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled when I ran across this stamp set from My Favorite Things Stamps, since I am an avid dog lover and the BIG dog reminded me of my Great Danes that were my best friends for over 35 years. Although I coloured this Dane the traditional fawn colour it is the only colour I've not actually owned. I'm sure you will see a brindle, a blue, a merle, and of course the beautiful harlequin, appearing on my cards from time to time. My last Great Dane, Catherine was a harlequin -those flashy black and white spotted dogs. After Catherine crossed The Rainbow Bridge two and a half years ago, I decided after much contemplation to downsize and Zoe, my Whippersnapper, has been a part of my life ever since. Whippets have an entirely different personality from the Danes. The dog walks me now rather than I walk the dog.

Stamps Sets:
MFT Samps - Lets Go For a Walk and PaperTrey
Paper:
SU Very Vanilla, Barely Banana, DCWV Old World Stack, Watercolour Paper
Ink:
Stazon Black,
Accessories:
SU Barely Banana Ribbon, Create-a-Cut, Spare Parts

{ the shoppe girls }

2007-03-10T22:24:00.000-06:00

I was so excited Friday when I went to the mailbox. My stamp sets from My Favorite Things arrived. So needless to say, I've been busy this weekend. The "Say Charge" set reminded me that my sister and niece are coming in just two weeks to spend a week an I am certain this is exactly what they, along with our Mom and myself will be going a good part of the time they are here. My niece is the "shopping queen if retail".

I was so pleased with the outcome of my first attempt that I sent Kim the image and she surprised and honoured me by reposting it in her My Favorite Things Blog. be sure to take some time to check out all she has to offer. You will be sure to see more of her stamps showing up on my cards. I can't wait to finish the "Lets Go For a Walk" images! They are my favorite subject.. DOGS.. of course!