Pretty, Pretty Anemones

Just a quick little post today.  Work is still super busy, but the count down is on til September 3rd.....the day after Labor Day!  lol  Can not wait!

Today's card uses the Flourishes stamp set, Anemones.  When  I saw those gorgeous flowers and wonderful sentiments I knew I was going to buy it.  They are so fun to color.  Just delightful. 

I made this card for one of my mother's BFFs, Val.....isn't it great that even if you are 83 years old you still have wonderful girlfriends?  I LOVE that!  They dine out, do the summer concerts and hit many a Bingo Parlor together, where I must say they make out pretty well.  lol 

To girlfriends!  xoxo

The sentiment is a Gina K Designs stamp.  I won it in a Grab Bag and am not sure what set it is from.  But I do love the font and style of the Happy Birthday greeting.

Thanks for popping on by.  Hope to be back next week......definitely more frequently come September!  lol

Love Is In The Air........

What a FABULOUS few days.  We have been walking on Cloud 9 for what seems like forever!  Saturday night we were lucky enough to celebrate the joy and love and the laughter as my nephew Michael, married the love of his life, Stephanie.   Happy Happy Joy Joy to the newest Mr. & Mrs!   A magical night spent with family and friends.  Just Glorious!  

 

 

As they are on their Honeymoon, I do not want to post any photos of them until I have permission, but I will tell you this, he is a very handsome groom and she is a very stunning bride!  (that will keep you coming back for more!)

 

 

Monday, Tom and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary......how did that happen?  It's amazing how time flies, weren't we just 25 ourselves?  Houses, children, pets, jobs, joys, ups and downs......25 years of wonderful memories, and perhaps 25 more in the making.

  

Here is a card I made for my dear Hubby, and yes, I do still think of him in that way.......most days!  lol

 



 

 I used the Always & Forever duo stamp set from Gina K Designs.  When I saw that set I knew it must be mine!  It's just one of those beautiful silhouettes.  I added a 'few' pearls and 'some' glitz with Stickles and Sakura glitter pens, and wrapped it all in lace.

 

 

And if all of that wasn't enough to keep us jumping from cloud to cloud..............wait for it...............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR DAUGHTER GOT ENGAGED on Friday Night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We are over the moon excited about this wonderful celebration!  Overjoyed to know that our baby, Lori, has met the man of her dreams, Tim.  We love him like our own.  They are a PERFECT match and know that the next phase of their lives, of our lives, will be a happy one filled with joys and celebrations, plans and expectations, around every corner.   Cheers!  To Lori And Tim!

A Fall 2015 wedding is planned, as they are concentrating on buying a house!  Lots of good things in store!

 

 

 

 

And of course I had to whip a special card for these two loves of mine! 

 

 

 

Again using another Gina K Designs stamp duo, Because Of You, lots of bling and ribbon and a beautiful heart charm.  This truly is a card crafted with love!

 

My Baby Is ENGAGED!!!!!! 

 







Happy Sunday Morning!

Good Morning!

We have a little bit of rain and lower temperatures, I do believe the humidity has left, or at least most of it.  PHEW! 

Today's cards are for  The Flourishes Challenge, Make It Mini.  I am happy to say that I actually own 2 beautiful sets of stamps by Flourishes, Dahlias and Anemones.  What delightful flowers to color complete with lovely sentiments.  YAY!  I ordered them on a Saturday morning and they were in my mailbox Monday afternoon!  How does that happen?  BEST service I have ever encountered!

Just sweet little note cards using the Dahlias set.  I loved coloring these flowers, so beautiful!  And as a gardener I love growing them as well, wish mine looked this good!

Enjoy your day, may you find peace along the way. 

And remember......Stop And Smell The Dahlias!

Mixed Media, Mixed Emotions......

There is an interesting challenge going on over at the JUGS website.

 

 

 



 mixed media

pl.n. (used with a sing. verb)

1. A technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or painting and collage, that are combined in a single composition.

 

That might as well be written in Greek.  I did give this technique a try, and that's where the interesting part comes in.  :)  I think one of my major issues with this technique is that I am still trying to make a card using all of the guidelines I typically use when making a card.  It's too neat, too planned, I think I need to throw caution to the wind and get messy!  Well maybe the next time!

 

Here is my card:

 

 I started by swiping a couple of Distress Inks onto a craft mat (actually an old laminated place mat, think Nana's House!)  I then spritzed the ink with Glimmer Mist and Liquid Pearls Mist, thought a little sparkle and shine would look great.  I also added some very fine glitter.  Once that was done it kind of took on the look of an ocean view complete with sunset, which was PERFECT!  I added some of that wonderful Glitter Snow by Aleene, to make the white caps of my waves.  A little paper piercing, jute twine, white paint dobs (using the end of a pencil eraser), black paint on some bubble wrap (love that look every does!), and some Tim Holtz's tape. I also added some texture using a metal sheet and a Cuttle Bug, Honey Comb, Embossing Folder.

 

 The arrow is paper casted, another fun little craft to try out.  I actually made polymer clay molds from some of my stamps to create these little 3D gems.  I have shells, and flowers, arrows and lots of other goodies to choose from.  I picked the arrow to highlight the I Love You!   Stamp is from Gina K Designs, Gifts From The Sea.

Here is a great link for more information on:  Paper Casting.

I love, love, love the way this heart came out.  I cut 8 hearts out using my Cameo, in this awesome "card stock" I got at a local Printing Company.  It says it is only 100# weight but it is thick and solid, not quite chipboard, but definitely not card stock.  You should check out your local Printing Companies, they have some great deals.  I was able to purchase a ton of colored envelopes and card stock for a song, all on the clearance shelf.   I glued 7 hearts together and then ran the last one through a Sizzix Embossing Folder, capturing the 2 little love birds.  I then glued it on top, painted it with some craft paint and wha la!  I think that is my favorite piece on this project.

Overall I like how this project came out.  Will I try Mixed Media again, you bet!  But I will get some Gesso and go the "normal" route.  :)

If you haven't tried this technique before, head over to the Challenge and give it a whirl.   Spread your wings, get out of your comfort zone, I promise it will be a good experience!

Enjoy!

And as always, thanks so much for stopping by!



 

Just A Little Monkeying Around

Today's card is also for 2 Challenges:  Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and the CMC #72, Anything Goes, with a twist of Zoo Review.

 

I turned the Sketch on it's side to accommodate my palm tree.   This clear stamp set is by Stampendous and is very cute.  There are also monkeys swinging around.  The scene is colored with various Copic markers, as well as the adhesive pearls.  I fussy cut extra palm leaves to add a bit of depth and the paper punch is by EK Success.  Added a bit of hot pink ribbon......you know......to tie it all together.   Sorry I couldn't resist. 

 

Thanks as always, for stopping by.  I am digging these short and sweet little posts......hope you are as well.

 

Stay Cool People!

Feeling Fishy?

Today's post is for 2 Challenges:  JUGS Sketch Challenge and the Flourishes Challenge to use acetate, FTTC228.  Another great combo!

I used an inexpensive clear stamp set by Michael's Brand, Recollections, Feeling Fishy.  I must say I do prefer the red rubber stamps ala Gina K Designs, but for this sketch I thought an under the sea motif would work great.


Here's the Sketch :

 

And here's my card:

 

 

Think aquarium lol.  Layered some acetate (old packaging from a Nestabilities Die, I'm sure) and using my Cameo I cut out perfectly aligned circles, man does that pricey toy come in handy!  This stamp set did not have a 'seaweed' stamp so using some dark green card stock I made my own with a Darice embossing folder, Leafy Tree, just cutting a portion of the leaves for the little circle worked well.  Added some jute twine and adhesive rhinestones.

 

If you'd like to play along the JUGS Challenge still has several hours left and the Flourishes Challenge goes on until the 15th. 

 

Good Luck and I hope to see you there.

 

Happy Crafting!

Clean & Simple & Neon

I have created this card for 2 Challenges:  Dynamic Duos #60, to use Yellow & Green and for CASology #52, to use Neon.  These 2 Challenges really complimented each other.

Nothing fancy, pretty straight forward.  Made a flag banner and added some Bakers Twine and punched hearts.  The sentiment is Pleasant Plurals stamp set from Gina K Designs.  Colored adhesive pearls with Copic Marker YGo5, Salad.  I then took some neon green craft paint, and using an old toothbrush, I  rubbed my thumb across the bristles, splattering the paint onto the base card stock.  I love this look a lot and have used it quite often.  It's great for making 'snow' too.  Just in case you plan on playing in the Christmas In July Challenge, Sean is hosting over at Stamp TV.

Thanks again for stopping by.  Wishing you cool breezes.....kind of miss that week of rain we had here! 

Round n' Round You Go!

After a fun long Holiday weekend I was itching to get back into my craft room.  Unfortunately Mo & Jo had left the building.  I made 4 cards for a Challenge over at STV....I only posted 2 of them, you know, the best of the worst.  Oh well......I headed back in and was able to whip this little card up for the Timeless Tuesday Challenge over at Flourishes, Going In Circles, to make a round card.  I feel a little bit better and have come to a mutual understanding with Mo & Jo.....phew!

By The Sea 2 stamp set by Gina K Designs.   This set is a clear sent and you are able to bend and manipulate the sentiments.  Comes in handy.  I also used Spellbinders Nestabilities, Scalloped and Classic Circles.  Lots of itty bitty pearls and some great black and white gingham ribbon also from GKD.   Folded a small doily to give the card a bit more interest and texture.  Copic Markers.

I think I am back on track.....well, I certainly hope so!

Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend, family and friends, far and near.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tag.....You're It!

Today I made a project for the JUGS #195 Challenge, to make 4 coordinating tags. 

I love making tags, they come in so handy for gifts or baked goods.  I also enjoy a tag on a card, have made many of them......really jazzes them up!  :)

 

I used Designer Paper from Echo Park, Victoria Gardens.  This paper pack is full of bright pinks, greens, yellows, oranges......just perfect for a flowery garden tag.   Tags were cut using my Silhouette Cameo. 

 

Sizzix punch and embossing dies; Wildflower & Old Country Bloom Flower, Branch With Leaf.  The flower dies are compact, they emboss AND die cut simultaneously, pretty cool!  

 

Sentiment stamp sets by Gina K Designs, Garden Silhouettes & Sweetest Memories. 

 

Miscellaneous Embellishments;  Copic Markers; Y08-Acid Yellow, RV25-Dog Rose Flower, YR68-Orange (all used for coloring the white pearl adhesives), Pearl Adhesives, Sakura Clear Glitter Pen, Buttons, Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Tags.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

I enjoy reading all of your kind and wonderful comments.....Thanks So Much!

 

Happy Stamping!

Dream Big

Good Morning!  I have another card for you today.  This one is for the CMC Summer 13 Challenge, to use the colors of summer.

This is the first time this hot air balloon stamp from the Petals & Wings Kit, Gina K Designs has ever gotten inky!  I also won this fabulous stamp set from CMC, as one of their Anniversary Challenges.  I completed a picture puzzle, where you find certain shapes within a picture, and my name was drawn.  Thought it would be a great idea to use this very set for this challenge.  It has a mixture of paper piecing (clouds) and Copic Marker coloring. 

 

Designer Paper is from Echo Park; Country Drive, Spellbinders; Classic Ovals Small, Beaded Ovals, Labels Eight.  Fiskar's Border Punch, Baker's Twine and adhesive pearls colored with Copic Marker; Peacock Blue B06.

 

One of my clients has just retired, Friday was her very last day.  I will pop this in the mail to her to celebrate her success......I aspire to be her.......retired!  :)

 

Have a Happy Day! 

 

And may you always Dream Big!!!

 

Nicole & David Engagement Card

Another great sketch over at the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  I am telling you, if you are ever stuck on a layout, head on over, Karen will help you out!  She posts a new sketch every other Sunday, so you'll have plenty of time to join in!  Hope to see you there!

 

And here is my card which I made for a newly engaged couple, David and Nicole. 

 

 

 

I used a wood mounted stamp, Fancy Heart #440H37, by Stamp Craft.  It might even be one of those $1 or $2 stamps you find at most craft stores.  Pink Embossing Powder sprinkled with a bit of Martha Stewart Kunzite ( I feel as if I should say, Bless You!) glitter.  Echo Park DP; Be Mine, lace, doily, adhesive rhinestones, itty bitty tag, Baker's Twine and a glittered homemade chipboard heart. (which is just several layers of a heart punch stacked and glued together). 

 

And it's already in the mail.  I believe they are looking at a wedding date sometime next year.  Cheers, to the Happy Couple!



By The Sea By The Sea.......

Today's card is for the FTTC226 Splash, Challenge over at Flourishes.

This card was inspired by Pinterest.  Ever get up early in the morning, grab some hot coffee and just look at all the amazing, beautiful creations on Pinterest?  I think I lost 3 hours on Saturday doing just that!  But, I was very inspired.  People are so wildly talented!  Anything beachy or full of shells grabs my attention right off the bat.  This was a very easy card to make.  I cut green and blue card stock 4" long and 3/4" wide.  Then I just tore each piece to create waves, luckily for me the core of the card stock was white, creating the foam and white caps of rolling waves.  I used the gorgeous Nautilus Shell from the By The Sea 2 stamp set by Theresa Momber, from Gina K Designs.  The sentiment is also available there and is from the Gifts Of The Sea stamp set, designed by Melanie Muenchinger.

Jute twine knotted on each side of the sentiment base, tearing the bottom portion to give it added texture and not have that flat look.  A little Cotton Candy pink Stickles on the shell, I also sprinkled in a bit of Martha Stewart Crystal Fine glitter.  Dotted Sakura copper glitter pen on the "sand".   This card really came together in no time at all.

Hope you enjoyed this and love the salty sea air and beach as much as I do.

Thanks for popping in.