One4Joy daily

breaking hearts

2012-01-26T00:35:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow artists and friends, I thank you in advance for your time. I am writing today with a broken heart, aching for a young wife who lost her husband unexpectedly. He leaves young daughters also. And while I am so very sad, I know that God holds each of us in HIS hands, with HIS timing and our understanding of events might not be known this side of heaven.

I can't begin to imagine how she feels. And yet, I am compelled to pour time into these bits of papers and inks. Isn't that the gift we give when we are moved to express what is in our hearts. Words so often fail and yet, we continue on to find the right image or sentiment that will be a salve to a broken heart.

The Inkadinkadoo Kid's Quote sentiment reads, "if you need to fix a BROKEN Heart, friends make the best glue". Such comfort out of the mouth of a precious child! Having lost loved ones, I do know there will be many stages of grieving. My prayer is that she will find each need met along the way.

This card is entered in the Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge #123 Proverbs 3:3
Scripture: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3. The challenge was to include a heart on your project. I chose to use a foil doily that I embossed with Tim Holtz distress powder in dusty pink. I tore the heart, rolled it back so the sentiment would be visible.
A Kaisercraft lace die cut from their recent paper group adds a bit of color at the top.

I would ask if you would cover this family in prayer. Thank you.

Cherishing YAWNS...

2012-01-24T00:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've played with a color challenge. Today over on SplitcoastStampers, the colors were black, limeade, and poppy. And I must admit they made me think of the hues of sherbet.
I've had this beauty from Stamp Francisco inked and waiting for a spell. I knew I wanted to use the amusing Bette Midler quote: Cherish forever what makes you unique. Cuz you're really a YAWN if
goes.

What do you think makes U unique...one of a kind, remarkable, unusual? I've thought about this in many ways throughout my life and pondered about when family members who knew me as a child and growing into a women died...would the essence of who I am continue. My sons know me as their mom, but can only relate to my stories about times 'BC' (before children). And my husband has a window into me that didn't begin until well into my 30's.

As Shakespeare said so well...through Polonius, in Hamlet, "to thine own self be true". Keep on remembering and pondering and telling your stories...look in the mirror and truly cherish the woman looking back at you.

Blessings

in a word...GO

2012-01-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Over on the Moxie Fab World, way back the 4th of January, was an absolutely fabulous collection of map inspired creations....map lampshades, map chairs, map paper boats, map legwear...who doesn't adore the sight of a map, would you tell me? They invoke tender memories of getting back to people or leaving people 'till soon' as my friend Stella says. Maps inspire hopes, dreams, adventures, challenges all the while bringing us back to the very essence of our hearts.

So I've been thinking on how to convey the idea of exploring that big~O world outside and kept coming back to the thought of what is outside your vision. A limitless world. You just have to take that step! Sometimes, maybe often times, it's a leap of faith, but open your eyes, take a deep breath, and pack those bags!

For my card, I've used Lynn Ward's Green Pepper Press Physical Graffiti stamps which include the window and sentiment. My intrepid adventurer is an unknown image. The beautiful world out his window is a DCVW map paper. I added 'go' and the twine at the top. The wallpaper for the room is Basic Grey.

I never want to stop exploring my world and while the days of international travel for me are more in my past, I have so much right in my own backyard that beckons me. What about you? I would love to hear w{here} is calling you.

Be blessed

it's 2012, T

2012-01-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! And even though it's wintery, snowy, frosty, cold, foggy, rainy, I can't help but feel optimistic about the fresh breath a new year brings. How about you? I am giddy just thinking of all the potential that lies ahead.

Over on the Moxie Fab World blog, the current Tuesday Trigger is all about 'By the Numbers'. When I saw the charming quilt with the field of random numbers, I couldn't help but think about those Cosmo
Cricket 'Joy Ride' numbers. So to celebrate 2012 and the journey it brings, I designed a card for a dear friend who has been very brave this year, journeying onward and into the next chapter of her life. And while the road has had lots of twists and hair bending turns, I am confident she'll also find smooth straights ahead.

The Amuse sentiment : The journey is the Reward was inked along the side of my card. I used the sketch from SplitcoastStampers SC366 for the layout. A piece of upholstery fabric along the side (actually from my friend) and the bottom horizontal panel crimped. The 'T' charm was created with a Tim Holtz fragment. The 2012 numbers are from Crafty Secrets.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I encourage you to stop now, close your eyes, take a deep breath and slowly exhale...and pause....Happy Fresh New Year!

Blessings for today,
Susan

a house needs these chairs

2011-12-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I've always had a fondness for chairs...ones that are functional and others that are admired for the design gathering dust upon my shelves! When I saw the challenge issued for the Moxie Fab pot pourri Get Inspired Week, I just knew inspiration would fly! Isn't this little montage of the chairs, crochet and the graphic pop of the initial the coolest ever?

Recently I've taken to cutting chairs out of ads for future use. So these uber hip ones in a World Market ad were just waiting for the muse. I very carefully cut the spaces between the backs so that the Basic Grey 'Oxford' Fencing paper would show behind the chairs. I used an epoxied 'C' as a pillow. The moulding, floor 'board' and the library all are various papers from the BG 'Oxford' group. I cut a strip of the books and stacked vertically to create a bookcase. The vintage trim for texture as well as the waxed string along the edge of the bookcase add to the illusion of my room. And a finishing touch, the lovely Henry David Thoreau quote:

A house needs these chairs

Ones for solitude,

Ones for friendship

Then those for society!

I'd love to have you come visit me...I'll even let you pick YOUR favorite chair.

As a side note, just last Wednesday, my dear teenager came home from youth group with a gift for me.

They had a white elephant exchange. Knowing I collected chairs from all eras, he truly thought he was bringing home a treasure. It is a colonial American delight, that's for sure...just got to find the perfect closet...to hide it in! There will always be a need for a white elephant gift. Thank you dear &d for thinking of me.

Be a work of Art

2011-12-17T00:47:00.000-08:00

It was easy to fall in love with the Moxie Fab World Get Inspired by Fashion Challenge. What's not to love about this houndstooth jacket? I just had to dress this fabulous B Line Designs 'Anticipation'
lady in Basic Grey houndstooth. She's ready to head out for a luncheon with her gloves and hat.
It's one last glance in the mirror and then out the door.

The driftwood mirror over on the at west end website inspired me to create her reflection in my shell mirror using reflective paper and free handing her jacket top. Of course having that Oscar Wilde quote was the perfect accessory, wouldn't you say?

May you have time for artful pursuits this weekend and time to pause for reflection, too.

Blessings,
Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 12

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

So here I am with the last tag, day 12. And only off by one day in the actual posting. That's some kind of record for me...big smile. I have to say that Tim's final tag for 2011 was my favorite. I loved all the shabby vintage goodness. Music score, tinsel, German scrap, that heavenly blue 'home', foil Wish, and the porcelain doll. Lovely.

I thought on my interpretation for quite awhile, looking through papers and such. The background of the tag sans his tissue paper is close. I stamped the crackle element in random areas with a charcoal ink and then used the Picket Fence stain (that is one product I sprung for and love it!!!) Next I stamped a music score along four horizontal lines in Snow Cap ink embossing with Mystic embossing Powder (it's the most delicate pink iridescence ~~~ thank's K for that sample so long ago). Then on top of all those elements I daubed Salmon paint that had been diluted with a bit of water. Very pleased with this background and in only one attempt...maybe I am getting better.

My spirit model was inked on vellum and part of the words to 1 Corinthians 13 were placed behind the doll. Faith, hope, and love...a pearl heart button. Her dress is vintage lace part of a treasured stash of laces given to me by a artful friend. I added the scalloped velvet band, a vintage German scarp pink bow and paper flower. Along the edge is the rest of the verse...but the greatest of these is LOVE.

And to me Love is the most precious gift to be given in any season. Is your heart overflowing...for in that, will others be blessed without speaking a single word.

Thanks so much for spending time with me. I feel your gentle thoughts and love.

Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 11

2011-12-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I am down to the last two...they're completed, the blog entries are all that remain to be done. I adore the day 11 tag of Tim Holtz, rockin the retro '60's Santa that I remember. And while I couldn't compete Santawise, I decide to carry the mid century feel with more of a graphic vibe. These are some My Mind's Eye papers from several years ago...loved the groovy tree. My background for the tag was again a three tag learning experience with the blending and water 'slinging'! I do like the depth of the background and am encouraged with my progress. I used the tattered snowflake die cut into upcycled packaging, daubed and snowed. I manage to revive my years old daubers and rather like to play around with the mottled look. Don't you think it adds a good deal of texture back behind the tree? The pom pom ornaments were cut from some lime green trim. And eyelash fiber wrapped at the bottom in yummy blue, yellow and green colors. I must say I enjoyed the step by step tutorials and that shrinky melting pot with the larger die cuts is something I am going to attempt.

This one definitely fits my homestyle with the rockin' ocean, sea glass, midnight sky theme.

So how are you feeling on this next to last day of the 12? Learned some new techniques...I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Blessings

12 Days of Tags, day 10

2011-12-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here we are at day 10. Oh my goodness...I loved the crystal facet ornaments Tim Holtz showed on his tag. In fact, I tried 4 times and was never happy with the clarity of my ornaments. So instead, I used the Flourish set to create my ornaments as well as vintage Shiny Brites.

12 Days of Tags, day 9

2011-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

It's day 9 tag, the 'simplest' technique I'd say Tim's done this season. I was anxious to try this as I love embossed anything, really! So again determined to use what I have, I spent some time in my stamped image book looking for something to 'stand' in for his candlestick. Doesn't this Eiffel Tower (Christina Renee) look smashing inked with VersaFine Smokey Grey and stamped on black cardstock. My damask background is from Purple Onion Designs. I used the Limited Edition Christmas colors of the distress inks. So this was the Evergreen bough and Festive Berries. Still need lots of practice blending...but I am pleased with the enameled look of the overall tag. My little jingle bell wreath gives some sparkle. The PEACE is a font from Purple Onion Designs called 'Pink Flamingo' inked onto acetate with jet black Stazon. I used a bit of vintage velvet trim for the bow and the tag.

Thank you for stopping by today. Hope you will find time in your week for artful pursuits.

Blessings,

Susan

12 Days of Tags, day8

2011-12-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'm late, I'm late, I'm very very late and the gentleman are keeping watch, literally over the clock! I have to admit that I loved Tim's Steampunk tag for day 8 . And I don't dare think about how long this one took...this is my second tag though as I tried both surfaces from the first one, working on the coloring technique. I was so frustrated with my blending abilities that I LONGED for finding a piece of DP to use instead...however I did persevere and in the end was happy with the results.

I began working on this the day of posting, but as I didn't have the Steampunk stamp set, I used the Judikins bolio 'Music' down the left side...it has wonderful men playing insturments. They were stamp in Adirondack SnowCap and embossed with clear. On the right side, attempted the ghosting with a map of the globe looking down. I think I need a much lighter hand for the coloring. The 'Joy' was taken from Thicker stickers that I inked with VersaFine and embossed in clear several times. It was a challenge finding letters that were the correct scale. The pen nib was created from an unmounted rubber stamp (Invoke Arts)...used UTEE on the barrel and gold micro beads for the nib. I 'drug' a needle through it to make the ridge. The clock was from TH sticker book again, UTEE'ed and the gears placed on top. And so this sat on my desk for two days...just not knowing what I'd do for the men...and then a quick run to M's afterwork last night to use the last of my 40% off coupons...and what do I find, but the Stampers Anonymous TH Visual Artistry set with the STEAMpunk Men....I couldn't believe it.

So those dudes were stamped on white cs, I colored their hats with a Sakura black puff pen, stapled them to the tag so the middle guy if popped. Added a bit of vintage German red foil as a boutonniere as well as using the whole pattern of the foil under the pen nib. It gives the nib more presence, I think. Finishing details are the tiny pocket watch in blue, the fabulous vintage license plate (Queen's Dresser Drawers) and the measuring tape cut at 2ft5 standing in the the metal 25 Tim used. I am quite happy with how this all came together. And I definitely learned in the process, which is the best gift, I think!

If you've got time, I'd love to hear how you are doing with the new techniques. I enjoy all the pictures Tim posts of the process...

Blessings to you and happy weekend.

Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 7

2011-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have totally gone shabby with on this tag...Tim's day 7 was lovely in it's simplicity and invoked for me this very Victorian style. My siren song these days is using what I have and as far as the glassine paper, I'll have to wait until we go to our favorite doughnut shop on the weekend...honestly I'm going to get the glassine bags they put the doughnut INTO...not the yummy crunchy, slightly burned apple fritter my husband dearly loves! Opps, off track...

The base of my card is a 7 Gypsies scripty paper that I rubbed the Distress Stain (Picket Fence) all over. I stamped the heavenly angel (Tin Can Mail) image directly onto the script paper. She was colored with a combination of Copics and Dewent watercolor pencils. That STAR has starlight Stickles laid over the top. These beautiful beaded wings were a gift from across the pond. Flowers actually that I thought would make wonderful wings...perfect color and dimension. The book is a Stampington image which I inked onto vintage sheet music paper from the '30's. I backed it with grungeboard adding the vintage German scrap foil along the edges. The scripture from Luke 2 is a JRL Design stamp. It was inked with VersaFine Onyx Black and embossed in clear. I added 'oh happy day' (Wordsworth) along the upper left side of the tag. Trims to match and a Tim key that has love written on the base. The number 7 is an epoxy tag.

I shouldn't have favorites, but I think this one is mine. It tells the whole reason for the season. It speaks of great love and indeed...it was a happy day~o.

Hope your day is filled with blessings,

Susan

another piece of the world...

2011-12-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a very long time since I've hung around the Moxie Fab World, but I have to admit I couldn't resist the challenge Cath issued recently on Get Inspired Week. I've loved globes all my life and confess they're another thing that I collect. Both the kind that are scattered on shelves around my house and red rubber images. So it was fun to ponder which one to use on my card.

Recently my son asked if he could give a card I had given him to his Geography teacher. How dear is that??? It had been another SplitCoast
Stampers sketch challenge card, YOU add. I knew that I would have to repeat the theme as he so generously gave his away. (That's a lesson there for me...) Today over on SCS, the sketch challenge SC362 was perfect to
spotlight the I Brake for Stamps standing globe and the Sizzix puzzle die.
I used some very old map dp, Heidi Swapp map tape and the wonderfully vintage
My Mind's Eye Stella Rose 'Hattie Buddies' double sided paper.

Now while my son is sitting in class exercising his gray matter, I'm thinking that
no matter how far flung his life takes him, I just have to give one of those globes
a spin and the memories will fill my heart...

Hope your day is overflowing with blessings,
Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 6

2011-12-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Totally not even in the Holtz ballpark with this one, folks! I loved his metal, vintage tin look and even admit to using a piece of upcycled foil embossed with an ornament ef...but I had no daubers. And we know in the spirit of using what we have...collage seemed the next best thing. This 3 or 4 year old K&Co (I think) paper is wonderfully mid century moddy. I love the nontraditional colors. The various images are all carefully cut from one of the sheets...notice the hat and mittens at the top of the tag. I added tiny gem brads and bits of silk ribbon. Also upcycled is the acetate strip that flairs out and above the tag. I dry embossed it with one of the slender Alternations folders. I glued and sprinkled Martha's snow glitter. The birdies on the branches were cut...tucked a "merry and bright" under. And a tiny #6 in the right bottom corner.

Now we are halfway through these challenges. I have enjoyed reading and watching the videos on Tim's blog. There are many new techniques I hope to practice. How about you...feeling creatively refreshed or rushed???

Blessings,

12 Days of Tags, day 5

2011-12-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

I loved the vivid color in Tim's tag today, which used reverse stamps, a transparent sheet and alcohol inks. Amazing is what I say. And I do hope to play around with the techniques when time allows...just not in the midst of a tag making session. What that said, I let my Basic Grey Mistletoe and Pear paper stand in for the background. I love the scale of the pretty damask pattern. The Gloria sentiment is from Wordsworth, inked in VersaColor and embossed with clear ep. The trims on the right were 'built' with scraps from a decorator book cut with the Ornate Alterations die. I left one side frayed. The black scallops draw the eye to the sentiment, don't you think? The tiny wise men is a Rubber Monger stamp that I placed on an acetate panel using Stazon Jet Black. I really like the scale of the image. And then a red sticker for #5.

5 days, 5 tags..I must admit I am having such fun bringing my vision to life. While this one is more of a CAS style, I am happy with the 'weight' of the elements. Thank you for your encouraging comments. And I do hope you are playing along.

12 Days of Tags, day 4

2011-12-05T03:09:00.000-08:00

I am a day late with tag #4, but it's complete. Would you believe me if I told you I have not a single snowman image...not one. So it took me quite awhile to decide what to use for my tag. This has nothing to do with Tim's challenge for #4, but I did keep on with my 'use what I had' theme. I did love the frosty texture he created on the snowman and the luscious snowflake border...I seriously can't wait to try many of these techniques when I have lots of FREE time.

As I mentioned yesterday, I had been invited to attend my lss employee discount night where anything was 40%. I had a list of practical things, you know, fresh glues and such. And I had a budget which I stayed well within. But what I did get that I am so excited about is the new KaiserCraft Valentine line of papers. I used one of them for the background here and that fabulous TaLL birdcage...isn't it amazing.

There are diecuts galore for creating fun vintage Valentines. And all this to say, how my Day 4 tag ended up being vintage and not a snowman. Now I did actually look for the snowpeeps at the store, but not a one of 'em melted my heart!!! So here's what I did...

My sweet little boy is from clip art printed from my computer. I applied UTEE in four layers and then cracked the surface (which does not show here) He is holding a dove in his arms, hence the use of my NEW birdcage. I did take Tim's cue with the buttons and trinkets...they are from my stash, an assortment of glass, crystal, and shell buttons, vintage trims. The felt reverse scallop frame is scraps from PTI's scallop diecut. I used a Hero Arts 'treasure' and 7 Gypsies 'memories' tag.

After one so very complex, I am gain for a rather simple day 5. How are you holding up??? Having fun, yet...started yet??? If not, would you if you had the time??? Thanks for stopping by,

Be Blessed today and always

Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 3

2011-12-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hey out there, are your fingers inky with this days' tag...I am hoping to learn some new ways of using all these distressed products. The making of your own custom stamp is quite intriguing. I am making a list and checking it twice...I get to go to my lss customer appreciation night later in the week and everything is 40% off....the cut and dry felt is at the top of the list...well that and more reinkers! In the spirit of using what I have...I got out my many boxes of Alphas to create similar words as Tim used on his day3 tag.

I had to stamp three times to find the right proportions. The JoY is a combination of ornate scripted letters with Purple Onion Designs' Vintage Postmark Date set. I LOVE this set and have used it many, many times. You will find so many uses for this. The ink is Nick Bantock Sapmoss Green. The BElieve is a font called 'Playful Heart'. It was stamped in Deep Turquoise and embossed with clear ep.
The third Purple Onion Designs alpha is the Great Circus, which I used to stamp Peace, in Chrome Yellow. And the Christ is a calligraphy type script that I have no name for. It was inked in TH di Barn Door. I added vintage buttons to the right side and a red arrow pointing to the word, BE~lieve. The trim is old fibers and a vintage red button.

Thanks so much for your comments, hope you are having a wonderfully cozy weekend.

Blessings,
Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 2

2011-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

I feel like a marathoner...running to get this posted before I head off for the 'real' world. Usually the time benefit us Pacific Time zoners, but not with these challengers. Tim Holtz's tags are always an inspiration. Today I've kept the theme, but mixed it up a bit, using 3 or 4 year old Basic Grey Christmas Paper that I think was a Michael's special. I used a mixed sheet that had an elegant deer frolicking across floral fields. I cut a second piece for the deer, used Pewter crackle paint, popped on dimensionals. I added a pearl necklace and a felt floral headdress. On the right side I stamped the "PEACE" with TH walnut stain and lightly embossed. The left side top has a Christmas script with postmark inked with TH pumice stone directly to the designer paper. For my bottom interest, I used the fence diecut in a lovely Basic Grey aqua blue that I stapled (tiny TH stapler, of course!) Greenery from a Martha Stewart punch was place behind and through the fence. The #2 is just above the fence.

So is anyone else running a hectic pace today? I am off...have a fabulous day.

Blessings for today
Susan

12 Days of Tags, day 1

2011-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's December, can you tell me how we could possibly be in the last month of 2011! I could be decorating the tree, or baking, or even cleaning the house, but what am I doing? Playing in the Tim 12 Days tag challenge. I've enjoyed seeing the past years inspiration...so I thought I would give it a go. I'm not much of a technique junkie so this will be a bit out of my comfort zone.

For this first tag, I did emboss, distress, sand, glitter, die cut, and staple. I liked what Tim wrote in his first posting of this years challenge: "when it comes to shopping, there is no doubt none of us need anymore reasons to buy more stuff - so USE what you HAVE! of course if that just doesn't satisfy the urge,"..! I did rummage through my stuff and mostly used what I had. I do confess I did buy the pinecone/needle die recently, what with all the after turkey day coupons...I had a feeling it would come in handy.

Ellen Hutson is spring boarding off the Holtz challenge with her own more feminine side of 12 Days. I think my card fits nicely right in between. I used a vintage cherub image from River City Rubber that I inked with TH distress old paper , colored with Copics, added a bit of stickles on the window panes. My NOEL is hand stamped from the Calamity Jane Alpha (Technique Tuesday) and coated with Martha's snow glitter. The snowflakes are both dry embossed with a Cuttlebug folder and the more ornate snowflakes are from Stampers Anonymous stamped with VersaMark and embossed with Winter Wonderland embossing powder. Those cranberries are tiny felt trim I inked with Adirondack Cranberry.

I hope you'll play along these 12 days...it'll give you a chance to step away from the chaos and do something artful...and let me know, I'd love to see what inspired you.

Blessings today and always

wander through life

2011-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Greetings out there in blogland, it's been another long season where my hands have not been inky, but dirty with earth from gardening. Now that the weather has turned, I find myself anxious to return to my studio for creative fulfillment. Today I am playing in SCS's color challenge to use the colors kraft, white, and green. The Card Positioning Systems sketch 242 fit well with my idea. Credit for the doughnut image goes to Suat Eman Free Digital Photos.net.

'As you wander on through life,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the doughnut,
And not upon the hole'

Mayflower Coffee Shop, Chicago

I've had this wonderfully positive quip for awhile waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it. And how true it is...a positive message wrapped in yummy sweetness...can't you just close your eyes and pause just a moment...that yeasty smell filling your senses...warm, the perfect softness as you take a bite. I don't know about you, but I need to remember to focus on all that is WHOLE, and true, and good. And that, my friends will save me 600 calories, cause no one can eat just one!

Thanks so much for stopping by, if you found me again today. I'd love to hear how you've been and especially how you are wandering through life.

Blessings,
Susan

A Cameo...

2011-02-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking on the latest big Moxie Fab Challenge for quite awhile now, you can find it right HERE. The call was to create a cameo in an innovative way. Like Cath, I do remember my grandmother wearing a beautiful brooch in which the cameo was two tone coral. It was exquisite. I know many people love to collect these miniature works of art. And of course, those of us a certain age probably remember sitting for a silhouette that went home to hang in the bedroom wing hallway. I pondered on all these ideas before going to my studio to blank paper and inks. Funny where the muse will lead, if you are patient.

And so here is my take on The Appearance of Cameos Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I'll bet almost everyone will recognize the silhouette and instantly have an image of Da Vinci's most famous painting smiling at them. While my talents do not include carving gems to create intricate portraits, I hope you will see the beauty in your face and let YOUR art wash away the dust.

Thanks for stopping by....

1st Blogged Altered Project for Flashback Friday

2011-02-11T09:12:00.001-08:00

hey gurls, I had to dig deep to find my first altered project.. Flashback Friday 8.0 Challenge

This was created for an Inspiration Challenge over on SplitCoast Stampers for 12/19/08. I found the template in the resources on SCS...a very handy place, I might add. I remember I enjoyed creating the 3D tote. And now that I am revisiting it, I might just have to 'whip' up a few more for that hearty day comin' up!

Thanks so much to Karin for the challenge and to Amy for this everah so fun Flashback! Be sure to check out this modern retro challenge...

oh, to be Queen for the Day

2011-02-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

This past week I was chosen as the 46th Queen for the Day over on SplitcoastStampers. It's been a lot of fun seeing how people interpreted my style. I think in all the time I've been paper crafting, my style has ebbed and flowed more depending on my mood than anything. Most of all, I strive to remain true to my ART. Don't forget to click to enlarge the photo...I wouldn't want you to miss Maude!

I wanted to create a card to celebrate what it is to be Queen for the Day. The quirky TV show from the late 50's-60's is considered a forerunner of the 'reality' type series. I recall my mother watching when I was a young girl...I learned to tie my shoes one afternoon while she was enthralled with the story. There was an applause meter, a crown, a throne, and prizes galore. Even as a girl of 5, I thought a washer and dryer was a lame gift, though I did like that red velvet robe with the fur trim!

The I Brake for Stamps Stage Stamp is a favorite of mine. Here I combined it, again, with B Line Designs 'movie house' image. Playing on the big screen is Art Impressions 'Maude' and my quip is from
Prickley Pear.

So for everyone who shared their art with me, I thank you very much. I hope you enjoy my tribute!

EYEing you...

2011-02-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

I adore Inkadinkadoo's Kid's Quotes line of sentiments...out of the mouth of babes so to speak. And this one from Cameron Koch, age 4 paints such a picture in my mind! Can't you just image a pair of glasses with springs on the lenses, going boing, boing, bong back and forth? So when I saw the Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger with it's colors, textures, and shapes...an idea was born.

I used Stamp Francisco's optical lenses image placing tiny hearts over the eyes and then using UTEE to make the 'glass'. The cupcake liners in the challenge photo inspired me to crimp my pink/orange panel.
along with the white scalloped felt edges. I added the pretty gold ribbon for a bit of elegance of that scrolled paper. PTI's Sweet Blush is the card base.

The layout is Card Patterns Sketch Pattern 101. My friend, Amy Tsuruta inspired me to give the sketch a try. I must admit, I find sketches intimidating! I am thankful for her encouragement.

This card also fits City Crafter Challenge Blog #42 All You Need is Love, to include the word,
Love or hearts on your project.

Last week I mentioned that my husband and I will celebrate 24 years of wedded bliss on Valentine's Day. Well, Cameron's quip is exactly right...my husband will look up at me and that connection still
leaves me 'twitterpated'! MY eyes turn into little hearts for him.

Thanks kindly for the gift of your comments.

Blessings

Happiness is a...

2011-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

perfume which you cannot pour on someone without getting some on yourself. What a great analogy from Emerson, don't you think? I love having a visual image to trigger a concept.

Happiness is so much more than a temporary occurrence brought about by a person, experience, or object. It is to me, an essence, all encompassing that doesn't drift away when outside circumstances threaten to steal it away. Sort of like a beloved perfume. One that has had decades of wear. Once again, I am reminded of my grandmother who's favorite perfume was Estee Lauder's 'Youth Dew'. She had dusting powder, bath soap, and the beautiful crystal bottle which housed the perfume. To say she slathered it on, would be an understatement. And now even 15 years later, I can open a box, cookbook, or linens, smell her essence and be instantly transported to her house, her arms, her happy countenance.

I took my inspiration from the Bright and Bold color challenge on Moxie Fab
. The quote is an Impression Obsession stamp. And my perfume
bottles are a cube from B Line Designs. I stamped them with VersaColor and used UTEE on the
crystal parts. The metal atomizers are colored with a Copic in gold. The papers are Basic Grey.

My favorite perfume is Ralph Laren's 'Romance'. And while I do not slather it on, my hope is that wherever I go, it could be said that I leave behind happiness. How about you? I would love to hear your take...

Beauty is not in the face...

2011-01-30T01:00:00.004-08:00

I am really lovin' the color challenges on Moxie Fab World this month...next up for me is the Pretty Pastels. And I was inspired by the examples that Cath posted, especially Erin Lincoln's adorable 'glad we're friends'. The dress forms were just so cute. And an idea
was born! Isn't this B Line Designs 'MAN'nequin great? I knew I would find lots of uses for a

MANform. Today I would use the stamp to create an anniversary card...cause there's nothing better
than being held by my loving husband.

The Khalil Gibran quote: Beauty is not in the face; Beauty is a light in the heart seemed to be perfect

for my headless mannequins and the thought I wanted to convey to my husband. We will celebrate 24
years of marriage on Valentines' day (yes, I got a true romantic). In fact, our faces have become a road
map of our journey (read wrinkles here)! He'll say, 'you're still cute to me'...but I know that it is the
light in our hearts that help our eyes to see the road we've traveled down.

I dressed the Crafty Secrets dress form in a sheer ribbon skirt, vintage German scrap underneath, and
ity bitty vintage lilac buttons on top. I cut the MANnequins' hand free so I could slip the WOman into
his arms. They are cut and popped to create depth. Along the side, I stamped the numbers 24 to record
the years. The quote is placed between the beautiful paper doilies of My Mind's Eye 'Adore' paper. And about that wrinkly seam binding up top...I purposely wanted to use it as a gentle reminder that it is truly about what lives in our hearts.

Thanks kindly for stopping by, I wish you beauty.

pause...

2011-01-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

EDITING to add: This card was selected as one of two winners in the Jewel Tones Challenge

This time up is a color challenge over on the Moxie Fab World, this particular one is Jewel Tones. These colors sing to me in a mid century modern kind of way...I am thinking turquoise appliances and Cadillac DeVilles. Tweedy furniture in golds and purples. One got their information in a morning newspaper or the 6pm evening news with Uncle Walter across the airwaves as Dad

adjusted the rabbit ears on the TV. No such thing as instant connections, no Xfinity, or 500 channels.

My card celebrates these lush colors and a simpler time. I am learning the value of pausing, how about
you?

Stamps: Judikins man and geometric 'rug'
   Tim Holtz sentiment
   Rubber Stamps of America window
Ink: Tim Holtz Antique Linen
   VersaColor Black

Pleasure...

2011-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

It's a Moxie Fab challenge Gray is the New Black. I kinda like that since I am finding more and more gray hairs these days! You might say I am embracing the gray. This stylish grey paper is none other than Basic Grey's from the Ambrosia group...another one I have hoarded. My beautiful silver tressed beauty is a B Line Designs stamp called 'Pleasure'. Isn't she lovely, lost in thought?

I stamped the image onto cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics. Her dress is a piece of vintage lace. The jewelry is 'tahitian pearls'. I colored her hair with a glittered silver pen, just a few streaks. The remember is from Just Right little stampers...I added the snippet of velvet trim and also stitched around the bottom edge.

I love the elegance and gracefulness of by gone days. Being raised in the South, I remember my Grandmother, Aunts and Mother always dressing to go out...and that included gloves and hats. There was a certain theatre to getting ready. As a young woman, I continued the tradition for many years,
until I moved out West where the lifestyle was such, it was out of place. But let me go 'home' to visit and while the gloves and hats are mostly gone, I always pack my 'dress up' clothes!

Thanks so very kindly for visting. If you've got a few moments, I'd love to hear your story about dressing up.

Blessings

Winter White...

2011-01-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

Be sure to click on the photo to see the duck and the sentiment.

The challenge over on the Moxie Fab World this past Tuesday was Winter White.
The sentiment 'The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination'
   is from Prickly Pear.  I let the papers, inks, German scrap, little girl, and staples carry the hues
   of winter and the vintage glass button (a duck sitting on a nest) gently remind one that spring
   will come again.

   Thanks so much for stopping by, and just a parting duck call to pull for our beloved "O" tonight
   in the National Championship. It is an exciting time in the Pacific Northwest.

   PS: so sorry for the formatting, I don't have a clue as to how it got so wonky!

oh, boy...

2011-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

does time fly! These mittens from the December 21st Tuesday Trigger over on Moxie Fab World sure jostled my memories. This Christmas season has had our youngest son up in the mountains snowboarding every chance he can get. It was a trip down memory lane for me as I dug through our winter boxes to find 'cold clothes' for him. Most of the ski bibs, pants, and gloves were outgrown, though there is a set of O'Neill in fluorescent pink and green I can't bear to upcycle. We were blessed the boots and gloves still fit from last season!

So it was all the going through and remembering that inspired me to trace Andy's hand as the New Year began and find his handprint drawn when he was three years old. A dozen years difference...time does fly. I could hardly believe my eyes when I laid the acetate layer over the paper striped hand of my 15 year old!

The papers are various Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey in the colors of the mitten. I used Invoke Arts' time flies sentiment and the flying pocket watch. The letters to spell out Andy's name are 'A B Seas' set of alphas from Authentic Models. The hand is mounted onto an 8x8 Cosmo Cricket and will go into a scrapbook.

Thanks for much for stopping by. It's a new year, fresh beginnings...

Be blessed.

peace, imagine that...

2011-01-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, one and all. Just what would our world be like if peace prevailed?

Traveling by MY own glittering star...

2010-12-30T01:33:00.000-08:00

Please click on the picture to really see the detail of this intricate image. The Moxie Fab World Challenge is for glitter and glam! It's the perfect season, don't you think? I love glitter, but not the mess. My sparkle of choice is Stickles or Spica glitter pens...well maybe a tiny little bit of Vintage German Glass Glitter.

I've been waiting to use this Starlight Angel from Stampland. I thought it would work perfectly into the glitter challenge. And the Swahili quote: No one can travel by someone else's star. Just look at all those beautiful stars floating in the night sky...all that creativity.

City Crafter's Challenge # 37 is Stamp it Out to use real stamps this week. In addition to the large starlight angel from Stampland, the quote is from A Stamp in the Hand. It is a wood mounted two line stamp that I inked on another piece of white card stock and then cut out the quote to fit my design.

I used a card stock from Making Memories called dusk. The image was inked with VersaFine Majestic Blue and a tiny bit of Tim Holtz Walnut stain at the bottom for the landscape. The saying was inked with Adirondack Latte. I used a brass star in place of the word, dipping it into the vintage Glass Glitter. A tiny hand dyed navy silk ribbon finishes the top.

Thank you for stopping by my home today. I hope you will be inspired to go star gazing!

counting down...

2010-12-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

We're on the downhill slide into 2011, gurls! Ready or not that big ball in Times Square is gonna drop.
I thought I would get a jump on the festivities by wishing you a Happy New Year and Peace.

The Sketch Challenge on SCS today inspired my layout. I used an vintage image from a local artist whose work was inspired by illustrations done pre-1900. The clock was stamped with VersaColor Black. I applied Crystal Effects to the face and stamped the Happy New Year with Adirondack's 'Pool'. An optimistic color wouldn't you say? The peace ticket is Invoke Art's. Number paper, Cosmo Cricket.

I am reminded of this wonderful Mercy Me song when I think about imaging. Have a listen.

And thank you for your support as I found my artful way back this past year. My prayer is that
the New Year would bring peace, time, and creativity in that special balance that is uniquely yours.

stolen moments

2010-12-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

No, this is not a self portrait! I do wish for you moments to catch your breath amid all the hustle and bustle of the season. And find joy in what comes your way!

Blessings and Merry Christmas

The digital nativity

2010-12-20T15:20:00.001-08:00

Such is the age we live it...have a look, I would love to know what you think! I am amazed at the creativity...reaching peeps my simple card never would.

Paper from wood, ink from plant material, a sentiment: Simply Grateful for the priceless gift of Jesus.

Blessings to you,

Pause...

2010-12-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

in the hurried frenzy of last minute "to do's"... I've been sitting in my chair and pausing. I highly recommend it for health and sanity! This week I found a couple of challenges that tied in nicely with

the direction I took with this tag.

Louise over at Kard Krazy selected a color challenge to use green, yellow, and brown in your tag. Well, the first two colors are beloved in our home as they are our University of Oregon hues. And we are National Championship Bowl bound (see yesterdays' post). I must say the addition of earth tone kicked it up a notch. I love how the brown grounded the green and yellow.

I was also inspired by Louise's two page spread in Stamper's Sampler to use sentiment stamps in other ways. Congratulations, Louise! My Stampers Anonymous sentiment is oriented horizontally. I decided to use it with the Dynamo label maker and an unknown alpha set inked with Tim Holtz DI walnut stain. The wonderfully cozy wing chair is from Hot Potatoes.

The foundation of my tag is rich kraft. A call was issued this week to make kraft creations at City Crafter Challenge Blog Week #35. I admit I don't use this versatile color enough. Thanks for putting it in the spotlight this week, Ladies!

And here's a pic of where I pause frequently!
May you have time in your day to pause...and
thanks so much for stopping by.

Go Ducks...

2010-12-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

We are so excited in our home town for the University of Oregon Ducks to be playing for the National Championship in Glendale, Arizona on January 10, 2011. I must confess I am not really a football fan, but to experience the excitement and thrill of my youngest son...he has infected me with a whoop and holler. And seeing all the designer 'outfits'...err uniforms each week's not bad either. In honor of the game, I created a road trip card for the Inspiration Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers today. We were to select from a wide assortment of Don Cherry's Jackets. Of course, when I spied a green and yellow checked jacket, I knew I was in business. Rubber Soul's VW van and sentiment was perfect to show our school colors. I colored the VWand billboard sign with Copics.

The mountains were created with printer paper that I torn, used glitter glue and Martha Stewart Coarse and Snow glitters. It has quite alot of dimension and texture. The beautiful sky is a long hoarded piece of Basic Grey's Mellow paper group. My dear 'across the street neighbor' gifted me with her stash of this cloud paper. Thanks neighbor!

Thanks for stopping by today. Blessing today and always.

Trimming the Tree

2010-12-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

Good day, my bloggy friends! It's T-9 and counting, down, that is. For those of you that celebrate Christmas is your tree up? Tomorrow's the day for my family...my DH and I will get the decorations down from the attic and set about creating a wonderland before our sons arrive back home. What a surprise that will greet them when they swing

open the door!

I have to admit I was inspired by the lovely Martha Stewart

inspiration room that is challenge this week over on PaperCraft Star Challenge 25. This Oxford Impressions image is perfect for the tree, don't you think? I stamped it on a very pale blue with VersaFine Olympic Green and then fussy cut. The room was roughly created with 'moulding' and flooring (cut from a piece of wood wallpaper). The window, Stamp Francisco, inked on velum with Adirondack Snow Cap and embossed with clear ep. The gifts under the tree are from the long retired Basic Grey Figgy Pudding sheet that was all presents. The Ways to Use it Challenge on SCS today was to used Glitter. I added Stickles in three shades to the ornaments on the tree and a brass charm for the star at the very top. The Merry Christmas is inked with ChalkBox Warm Red. And a bit of twill in robins' egg blue.

Thanks so much for the gift of your comments...if you would leave a comment, let me know what is on YOUR wish list this season. I'll tell you my #1 wish is to live a less harried life!

Possibilities...

2010-12-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

What do you see in the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger 'All that Glitters' this week? I see my favorite color in the whole world...since I was 5...a very long time ago. It's my Daddy's and my oldest son's too. I think of it mentioned in the Bible, the color of royalty. The hue made from plant material.

It's the beauty berry outside my kitchen window that feeds the birds all winter. And as spring arrives the berries hue fades and it's time for the crocus to burst from the frozen ground...I am surrounded. And I love it! Just in case you can't read the plaque among all those luscious berries, it 'tis: TODAY is a gift, that is why they call it the Present. So creating a card was joyful play for me this week.

I loved the varying shades of the photograph and decided to bring those in with papers from various Basic Grey groups. The ribbon is a silk striated trim. My sentiment from Wordsworth was inked with VersaMark and then Nick Bantock's Damson Plum, embossing with clear. I stamped it on a shimmery silver and then cut another mat from a more opaque silver paper. Vintage German scrap was placed under the circle and then along the edge of the two purples. The card base is Brazzill linen.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit, please tell me what your favorite color is.

Blessings for today and the 'morrow.

...ripped from the pages of the latest fAsHioN mag

2010-12-10T23:35:00.000-08:00

I've been saving this fAsHiOn maven for just the right occasion. Tonight's the night! The Inspiration Challenge 262 over on Splitcoast Stampers is a chic clothing website called Shabby Apple. They have vintage inspired garments. Gorgeous dresses, swimsuits, jewelry...enough to make a fashion diva want to defrost that credit card she froze (to make it hard to use)!!!

You get my point, right...so to honor glamour, I've inked up Stamps Happen's delightful image on glossy paper. Embossed with super fine detail embossing powder and colored with Copics. I STITCHED too. The animal print strip is from Basic Grey's Urban Paririe...and the tiny pure silk
bow is from a local store that has the most amazing ribbons and trims. I used PaperTrey Ink's Razzle-berry for the mat.

I hope you love my Diva as much as I do. I am working on another card celebrating fashion. Back later...I going to peruse the swimming garments next. Have a wonderfully creative weekend...whether decorating the house for Christmas or shopping for your Holiday dress...let me know!

Listen...stories are gifts

2010-12-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

I am sounding the sentiment again, from this years Starbucks 'sleeve'. Isn't it a fabulous thought?
At no cost but your time to share and listen. I can't think of a better gift for these times.

This card fits the requirements for several challenges. Over on the Moxie Fab World

it is all about the All Occasion Card. Stories are good anytime
of the year, don't you think? And one size fits all. Right now, memories of Christmas past or listening to a beloved elder an how New Years was celebrated. My youngest son will have stories to tell after Winter Camp in January. Entries until Dec 13th.

PaperCraft Star Blog Challenge 24 Green Holidays call was to create a card with a recycled or repurposed item.   The Starbucks sleeve (not my first nor last gingerbread latte of the season, I tell you!!!) was upcycled to an mug of cheer. I used a scalloped
circle left over from another project to make the handle. Open
        until December 11th.

City Crafter Challenge Blog Week 34~Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

was to use snowflakes. My Brenda Walton Holiday Paper had mod flakes scattered around the stripes and I used the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Snowflake to emboss the upper left edge of my paper. The circles inside the cup are the snowflakes from the Starbucks sleeve. Closes Dec 13th.

Thanks for stopping by this December day. And thank you for the gift of your comments. It's those lil' bits of stories that make me smile.

Be blessed this day and always.

Snowy greetings...

2010-12-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

this December day! It is foggy where I live, but I can feel that snow in the air. The City Crafter Challenge Blog Week 34 is 'Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow'. I've been 'saving' this Memory Box paper from their Dewdrop collection and it 'feels' right to use it now. The 'snowflakes' are delicate peonies drifting down and the branch has a few leaves with tips of fragile chartreuse reminding me that winter will not last forever. I used a country scene stamped in Brilliance Moonlight white onto Stampin Up Basic Grey. The sentiment was inked again with Versafine Onyx Black onto Whisper White. I had cut mats around both. The tiniest bit of white/silver netting is tied to the branch of the tree...you can see the shadow from the camera angle.

This card also qualifies for the Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge #300 which was to pick from one of the other 299 challenges. I selected CC159 (Soft Sky, Basic Grey, Whisper White).

Hope your weather is just the way you like it....flurries, fog, liquid sunshine, or gentle island breezes...

Be Blessed this day and always

Blue Christmas

2010-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking since City Crafters Challenge Blog issued the CCCB Week 33 Blue Christmas. Of course, I had to hop over to Youtube to have a listen to the Elvis Classic to set the mood. This was also the first chance I've had to play with this Flourish set, called 'All that Glitters'.

I stamped the branches directly to paper with various Tim Holtz Distress Inks. The ornaments were inked with Nick Bantock, colored with Copics and glittered with Seaside embossing powder. The glitterd bird's tail was cut multiple times as the shadow on the paper shows. I had several glass ones that I will use to decorate the mantel. I used jeweled brads to attach the ornaments to the 'tree'. The sentiment is Paper Artsy.

Hope you've had a great weekend...is your tree decorated and sparkling?
I am decorating cards much better than the real thing....

Be blessed~~~

run away...

2010-12-04T00:35:00.000-08:00

Pam over on the 365 Card Blog Day 278 issued a Keep it Simple challenge. You were to use 1 ribbon, 1 sentiment, 1 blossom, and 1 button. A perfect CAS opportunity! And these Stampland images were just what I needed to keep it Simple. I love their peony blossom paired with the Art sentiment, a vintage glass button from my Grandmother's Button Box, and sea glass twill upcycled from a new throw I got recently at the MAXX. Oh, I purposely left the trim ends ragged...an artful imperfection.

I'd would love to hear your thoughts on Art as a vacation right in your own home. For me, I just have to open the doors to my art studio and I am transferred to a world of unlimited creativity. And time stands still and flies...but that's another subject!

Be blessed.

Make a Wish...

2010-12-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

You gotta love sensitive sons. You know young men that will make great husbands one day...like my son who has 'learned' from his Dad. My 15 year old asked last night if I would make a birthday card for one of his friends at school. I asked, 'well, when is her birthday?" And of course it was yesterday! But he says, "that's okay, Mom. Today will be fine."   Needless to say, I was in high gear, as I am not a speedy artist...as I mentioned in my Stories are Gifts post, I need time for something to percolate.

So Make a Wish is for a 17 year old girl, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting~~~yet. I love slider cards and thought it would be fun to use that format. My son requested blue and gold colors. I headed right to Basic Grey's Cupcake papers, using 5 different ones. The stamps are quite the variety. From the balloons (See D's) to Purple Onion's Postage Set and party hat, MaVinci's Playful Heart Alpha, to Stampin Up Birthday sentiment and Making Memories Magnetic tiny words. Tim Holtz '17' sticker and a very old K&co charm. The trim is vintage ric rak and pompoms.

The challenge over at PaperCraft Star this week is to create a holiday gift tag using a recipe the team posted. With the Surprise Slider Card, the tag appears as you pull from the top, revealing your message. We'll tuck a gift card to the 'round the corner' coffee stand all the kids love to frequent.

So, thanks for stopping by my corner of the world today. I would love to hear what you think...

Stories are gifts....

2010-11-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

with thanks to my Starbucks sleeve, I couldn't resist using it as the focal for my card today. Thank you, graphic designer! I've had this idea percolating in my brain since DH treated me to a gingerbread latte last Sunday. And it all came together nicely for the 365 Card Blog Day 275 A Novel Idea, SplitcoastStampers CC 299, and Card Patterns Sketch 92.

The Day 275 Challenge was a picture of the novel, The Secret Garden with the girl dressed in red stopped to pass a note through the garden wall. Perhaps a story about her life.

The Color Challenge on SCS this week was Real Red, Old Olive and River Rock.

Neutral of your choice and for the Dessert Option, Christmas theme.

And last, but certainly not least as this is the foundation of my card,
the Sketch from Card Patterns 92. I did reverse the layout to make it work for my graphic paper and the cup sleeve. I used the back side for the vertical panels...corrugated cardboard.

Being a homeschooling family, we read all the classics, including The Secret Garden. And our rule is no movie version if the book hasn't been read. I can remember taking my oldest son to see The Indian in the Cupboard when he was 5. During the show, he kept saying. "Mom, they are leaving this or that out...it's not as good as the book!" And even today, with them up and grown...we still read the book before the movie...

Thanks so much for stopping over to visit today, I'd love it if you would leave the gift of a story before you go.

Be blessed

Paris...meet me

2010-11-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

tonight at the Opera house...

I am just getting to the 365 Card Day 272 Card Recipe challenge. After a week of luscious vintage goodness, it's time to combine all the elements for one I'll have the 'works' creation. With the blog visits and reading each DT members blog through the week, I gathered a list of elements that would need to be part of my design. 10 things...

Pam: Piercing
Amy: Stitching real or faux
Sophia: Favorite vintage thing to use. For me, vintage buttons or snippets of vintage trim
Tesa: Die Cuts
Rose: 5x5 size
Gloria: Stickpin
Audrey: What type of stamp tickles your fancy? For me elegant women
Kim: Distressing
Hannah: Dimensional Sticker
Heidi: Lace

My stamp of choice had to be this fantastic B Line Designs 'Dressing Table'. I stamped it with VersaColor Black and embossed with Super Fine Detail. I did the embossing for make it a bit sturdier for cutting (using it also for Tesa's die cut element). For the drawer pulls, I used tiny black gemstones. You can see in much better detail if you click on the photo. The beauty's dress is paper pieced with a bit of Basic Grey aqua paper. I beaded the shoes with Martha's Feldspar color microbeads. Around her shoulders is a real vintage lace 'shawl' (did I mention I like to use SNIPPETS of trim????). The stickpin has tiny pearl vintage buttons from my Grandmothers' button box, along with a bit of hand dyed silk trim. And I suppose I could use the memo note as a die cut also. I stamped the message with Making Memories Magnetic Alphabet letters in VersaFine Olympic Green. The dimensional sticker is the U~nique wall art. I put the word embrace along side. I distressed the edges of the lovely Basic Grey Curio damask 'wall'paper. And last but certainly not least is the REAL stitchin' per Amy in black along two sides of my 5x5 card.

I have not made a vintage card in quite a long time, I'd love to know how you think I did using the Day272 recipe! Thanks to all the gals on the 365 Card Blog for your inspiration and creativity this week. Thank you so much for stopping over...

Be blessed in all that comes your way today,

I am editing to add, I read Pams' challenge wrong and thought it was paper piecing...so I am posting a closeup pic of my card after paper PIERCING! There is the Stampin Up piercer template as evidence!

falalala Latte...

2010-11-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Eggnog lattes, peppermint mochas, gingerbread lattes, just take your pick! I'll get the milk steaming.

My card today celebrates the best of the wintery season. And the town where I learned to be a coffee snob. Over on The City Crafter Challenge Blog this week is the city SEATTLE. When we moved to Seattle in the early 1990's, Starbucks was just getting started and in their store you could go to 'Coffee College', a 3 night long get together where you learned the history of coffee, how it is grown, aged, produced, what is the best way to get a perfect 'shot' of espresso, the types of machines, well you get my drift, right??? After learning the ends and outs, I was on my way to being a coffee affectionné .

The very hip mug of holiday cheer is a stamp from I Brake for Stamps. I used Liquid Applique for the foam on the top. The sentiment was masked and inked so I could place it along the bottom to fit the Sketch Challenge on SCS today.

Thanks for the great city challenge, City Crafter. I have just discovered your blog through my new, livin' in my city (actually less than 3 miles from my house) blogging friend, Jan, your guest designer this week! It's my first time entering the challenge, but it most definitely won't be the last...I love traveling to new places or revisiting old favorites!

I hope everyone is mightily this Thanksgiving, reuniting with family and friends. Stay warm.

Card Recipe: Stamp: I Brake for Stamps
   Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses, Wassail, Figgy Pudding, Brazzill Brown Linen cs
   Trim: Vintage seam binding
   Misc: Liquid Applique, Cuttlebug and Snowflake Embossing Folder, Spellbinders small rectangle
   UTEE and Tim Holtz Super Fine Embossing Powder

Chasing Fashion

2010-11-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit it, I lived through Saturday Night Fever and Flashdance! But I never had the BIG hair, thank goodness! I was a slave to fashion. I'll blame my Mother and Grandmother at whose knees, I learned my lessons well. Everything had to match, from my patent leather shoes to pocketbook to gloves and bonus points if my sis, who was 7 years younger than me, and I got matching dresses for Christmas and Easter.

After graduating from University and obtaining my first well paying job, I chased hard. I found designers that I loved, would go to trunk shows at local department stores, meeting them and of course, purchasing the latest must have. I was a bit late for hats, but with a revival in the '80's, acquired quite a collection of beautiful fashion forward hats. The Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World reminded me of a beautiful black polished one I still have! The model's clothes certainly take me back to my threads of the '80's.

So my card for the challenge is just a bit tongue in cheek...to pay homage to all the fashion memories I have, most good, but some DREADFUL! My fashion diva does have the big hair in praise of that lovely hat. The leg warmers, so '80's stand in for the runched felted jacket. My gal has the pink belt...though it's slipped down to her hips. But even more important is that fabulous quote from the elegant Sophia Loren: Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a chuckle and thought of a fashion story you can relate. I'd love to hear what came to mind!

Giving Thanks

2010-11-13T22:41:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving. A time to count your blessings and draw loved ones close. The Tuesday Trigger over on Moxie Fab World this week had the most wonderful inspiration photo

from Martha (who else???). It reminded me of a Norman Rockwell painting if he had done still life. The glow from the light in window, those amazing flowers, and the pumpkins. I can almost smell the turkey that must be cooking in the oven. And that got me to thinking about homecomings and family walking in the back door right into the kitchen.

So I made the door the focal of my design. It is from B Line Designs stamped onto PTI vintage cream cs. I stamped it again on acetate to minic glass panels. I wanted to use Martha's glass beads for the pumpkins for texture. The pumpkins are from Impression Obsession inked with Tim Holtz DI Walnut Stain. Painstakingly, I cut terrifically tacky tape to fill the pumpkins, leaving some gaps for depth. Those gaps were colored with Copics. The sentiment is Rubber Soul, again inked with the Walnut Stain, embossed with TH distress embossing powder. The wonderful leaves in the upper left corner and the stripes in the door panels are the last of a sheet of Memory Paper...I don't know the group. sorry.

Thanks very kindly for stopping by and having a look. I'd love to hear about some of your family food traditions at Thanksgiving. In our family we have mumble pie (so good all you can do is mumble)! It is a scrumptious recipe of apples, cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar, oats, butter...Yum!

a damask, zippered corset...

2010-11-13T01:02:00.000-08:00

I am still digging the damask from the recent Moxie Fab World challenge. The latest call, All Zipped Up was issued to use zippers in your paper crafting. Did you know that the hookless fastener was patented in 1913, to a Swede named Gideon Sundback? Aren't you glad he did? I went scrounging for a recycled zipper in a pair of jeans my son had outgrown. Just a reminder to click on the picture to see the details.

It's been a long time since I have created a corset. Sara Sandberg has a fabulous template available here. I decided that I would 'modernize' this one and insert a zipper instead of eyelets. I used some fabulous felted damask paper that was a gift. And the other side is the purple paper from Basic Grey's Kioshi group. I stamped CHF's netting over the top. PASSION was stamped on the top right and a snippet of vintage lace dyed on the purple hues. The flowers on the lower bottom are from the CHF lace backgrounder. The brass heart and silk ribbons are attached to the zipper pull. The lovely Victorian lady is a tag that slides in and out. I stamped Emerson's quote at the top which says, "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not". The Rouge bottle cap celebrates the Moxie in all of us.

This also qualifies for Gingersnap Creations GC78 Spicy Supply Challenge to use sewing notions on your work.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Susan

Ornaments of home

2010-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Day all, we are slipping into the weekend and that certainly is a good thing. I can't believe how fast this week has gone! Tomorrow is a whole family yard work day, so I thought I better get my card posted for PaperCraft Star's Challenge #21 before I am off to work. This is a newer blog that does things just a bit differently. The readers determine the winner of the challenges with each one getting two votes. This will be my first time playing in the challenge, which speaking of 'good things' was a Martha Stewart photo inspiration. Some of my readers know I just love to recreate rooms on cards. And so it goes with this one!

I love the ethereal colors used in the retreat room. I can almost smell the ocean air and feel the sand around my feet. The colors are just what one would expect to see while you were strolling down the beach. I used Stamp Francisco's table image, stamping it onto a putty colored linen textured paper and embossing with SeaFoam White ep. It was cut and popped on dimensionals. My floorboards were created with the Tim Holtz ledger folder that I embossed in both directions to get the squares of the original. For the amazing day bed, I punched a strip from the Fiskars Eyelet lace punch and then used a Martha tag punch to make the pillows (paper is Mistletoe and Pear paper group Basic Grey snowflake pattern)...in creating those pillows with the tag, I just punched the rounded bit, not the whole tag...if that makes sense. The very cool cabinets under the bookshelves are small rectangles from Spellbinders that I dry embossed to look like raised panels. I cut 4 'door's. I used two vintage buttons for the door pulls. The 'walls' are papers from Memory Box 'Dewdrop' collection. The right side is tiny snowflakes and the left, a sponged pattern. I added the 'window' to minic the light you can see in the original. In place of the shelves which has those wonderful shells, I chose to use a Rubber Soul quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson "The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it." And those ornaments in the bowl on the table are cut from the overview sheet of the Basic Grey Mistletoe and Pear cover (never know when something might be useful!). I cased the 'shelves' in with white cs, used the Cuttlebug Textile embossing folder under the quote and a tiny bit of white lace at the top of my card.

I would love to hear what you think about "MY" room. And have a marvelous Autumn weekend.

Blessings,

Susan

Peace and Love

2010-11-10T10:16:00.001-08:00

I love non traditional 'stuff', can you tell? These colors just sang out to me last night as I was working on the Sketch Challenge over on SCS. I sponged the angels with Tim's DI inks and used Spica glitter pen in gold for the wings. The papers are from Memory Box and Basic Grey. And the felt snowflakes are just the coolest with sticky on the back for ease of application. This card also qualifies for the 365 Card Blog Day 254 Challenge Wishes. Love the font on Rubber Soul's sentiment...Wishing You.

Well gurls, it's Wednesday, for those of us still out working too, it's one day closer to the weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

Wishing you...

2010-11-09T10:49:00.001-08:00

Love. It's Tuesday, yeah! I don't often get to be creative on Tuesdays. However, this Tuesday the muse was 'clicking on all cylinders' to create a card that meets the requirements for 4 challenges! The Color Challenge on SCS was turquoise, red, and white. Over on the Gingersnap Creations Blog the call was for Haute Couture. The 365 Card Blog issue was a challenge about wishing. And finally at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday, Barbara called for glitter.

My mind is mostly one track, so to combine all this fabUlous challenges was definitely exercise for the grey matter.

I absolutely adore this lovely woman (Stamp Francisco) getting ready for an evening out, a play perhaps. I stamped her directly to paper with VersaColor Black ink and embossed with clear. She is colored with Copics and I used Martha's Turquoise Glitter for the hat. The wishing you is an image from Impress and the Love is part of a Technique Tuesday stamp that I masked the part I wanted to use...inking with Adirondack Red Pepper. I finished it off with a bit of tulle...seemed the perfect accent.

In retrospect, I should have created the lady in red. Have a listen, your ears will thank you!!! Hope you have a bit time in your day to let your muse play. I would love to know what inspired you!

Journeying

2010-11-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

through damask as challenged by the Moxie Fab World "Diggin' on Damask". Did you know that damask has been around since the early middle ages. It is typically composed of only two colors and can be used on the reverse side. There are so many beautiful patterns, large and small.

I chose a large pattern (My Mind's Eye Lost & Found) to stamp the Stampotique background stamp, Spiritual Journey. The lovely small, red damask is from the Basic Grey Michael's only 'Mistletoe and Pear' 2008 (see, I confessed last post that I hoard paper!!!). I used it in half the paper doll (Limited Edition) also. The other half is the sky paper from Basic Grey's 'Mellow'.

The paper doll was put together with eyelets. I've found using them allows for lots of movement of the arms and legs. The "LOVE" necklace was constructed from a K & Co. Cut N Paste Bauble which I put on top of a Tim Holtz fragment. The chain was recycled from something my boy gave me to put in my stash bin. It came in handy today.

A bit more about the sentiment, it captured my imagination the moment I read the words.

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.

Life here is limited, we are finite creatures and yet, I know in my heart, I was created to be so much more. My whole being yearns for the quest. Several of the design elements speak to my questions. I distressed the edges of the sentiment as a reminder of how journeying can wear on one's good nature. The half of the doll that is damask, meshes into the background damask, like how sometimes I feel just a part of a greater whole. That translucent golden ribbon reminding me of the need to be transparent, to relate to those people who come into my life. And perhaps most importantly, the half of the doll that is the cloud/sky paper. That I am a spiritual being trying to live 'fitted' into this world. With love, I can continue on my way.

If you've read all my musings today, I thank you. I would welcome your thoughts on the theme.

Blessings,

Susan

I hoard paper...

2010-11-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

I confess. I just like to look at it, especially handmade paper. I've had this lovely Asian paper with gold highlights for at least 2 years. It caught my eye one day when I was perusing my local art supply store. I even shared half of it with my neighbor who loves Asian art...but until today, it's just been close by in my studio where I could take it out every now and then just to hold it in my hands and gaze upon it. I could not cut into it...

But I couldn't resist creating a card with it when I saw the 365 Card Blog Super Sketch Sunday challenge today. And the paper is truly the focal of my card...if you can resist the amazing face in this stamp from Lynn Perrella called Fuji Goddess. She is stamped on PTI vintage cream with Memento Tuxedo Black. I colored the blossoms in her hair with a couple of Copics and inked her face with VersaChalk cream. A shiny wrinkled bit of ribbon compliments the bits of gold threads woven into the paper.

I would love it if you tell me your hoarding stories! And thanks for stopping by.

under the golden gate...

2010-11-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have found a new challenge that takes me back to my beginnings of paper crafting, thanks to Jean, who's blog is BlueBird Paperie It's called Tag Tuesday's Challenge sponsored by Kard Krazy (Louise) blog. My very first work was with tags and I thought I would never get the hang of creating cards!

The Inspiration Challenge today on SplitCoast was an amazing artist who uses a sewing machine as her tool. Myuki Sakai inspired me to dust off the Golden Gate image from Inkadinkadoo for my tag. I've long wanted to create something that I could use this photo of my DH, old long board surfer dude. I took the original into PhotoShop, resized the image, enhanced the 'oldish' picture and printed it for my tag. The wavy paper (October Afternoon) as the photo scene paper of hills and sky (WUBE) on the front and the vintage postcard on the back add to the '60's vibe, don't you think? Rubber Souls' hippy bus was a no brainer! I craved the windows out to take advantage of that gorgeous view over the 'gate.

I had a great time working out this creative challenge...I'll be looking for them on Tuesday's.

Beauty is...

2010-11-06T01:44:00.001-07:00

This card was selected as a Trigger Target winner for 'A Study in Blue' on Moxie Fab World
Blue is a difficult color for me. But lately, I've found myself drawn to it in the clothes I wear. So when this weeks' Tuesday Trigger' over on Moxie Fab World was a Study in Blue color challenge, I just had to experiment with hues of blues. As most of the accessories were fashion, I thought this amazing 'Fountains of Women' image from B Line Designs would be perfect.

The image was stamped directly to the Brazzil linen paper with Memento Tuxedo Black. I colored the women with Copics. The boardwalk from Art Impressions, was inked with Tim Holtz DI Pumice Stone ink masking the women before I applied the image. I went back with several black pens of different widths to color the boards. Perhaps you can notice the top of the blue dress has a damask texture applied to it. (Basic Grey Vagabond papers). Her pumps are beaded with Martha's Lapis Lazuli glass beads. I cut and popped the dress to add dimension.

The undergarments were stamped on blue velum. And the nude's tattoo is part of the Beauty is soul deep sentiment from B Lines Design. I inked the tattoo with TH DI Pumice Stone and for the BEAUTY, I used Nick Bantock's Prussian Blue, embossing it with UTEE several times to give it some stability. I finished my card with a vintage garter that has hand dyed silk trim in the trigger colors.

This challenge took me way back to my paperdoll days as I loved playing with the ones you could find in the magazines. The Christmas I was 8, Santa brought me the Betsy McCall Fashion Designer. It had a light box that allowed you to trace patterns with colored pencils. A few years ago, I found one in the original box on the 'bay and asked if my husband would give that to me as a gift. It was pure joy when the box arrived and for the tiniest bit of time, I was right back there, Christmas 1961!!! And hopefully one day, I'll have granddaughters to share my love of paper dolls. I get the Fashion Designer out and maybe we'll do BLUE. How about you, did you like playing dress-up as a girl or have a favorite doll. I'd love to hear your stories.

typing, not texting...

2010-11-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hey all you with it, hip(py) gurls. Remember when communicating meant hours on the phone...not cordless either! I decided to go old-school with a card for my tenderhearted son.

I did NOT learn to type on one of these beauties...we had electric Coronas. I must admit I love my cord free Mac keyboard and how it clicks every so daintly.

When I got up this morning, there was a hand written note on the counter right by my espresso machine...where I was sure to notice. words like 'stole' my heart, and looking forward to seeing you tonight, Mom (Thursdays are usually the night we catch up) and I love you, Mom. Now standing over the machine steaming milk, I realized it have been quite awhile since I had made him a special card. And just like that the muse came out to play!

I can't wait to catch up IRL.

Details for the elements can be found here in my gallery on Splitcoast Stampers.

...a second spring

2010-11-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

I am not gonna let go of this glorious Autumn weather...nope, not gonna! Everywhere I walk and on my drive to work, the trees are dressed in magnificent color, an explosion really. Wednesday's over on Splitcoast Stampers is the Sketch Challenge. Today, I turned to Basic

Grey's Indian Summer paper group. There are 6 color variations of the same photograph of leaves and I managed to use each one.

The Albert Camus quote, Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a Flower, is an Impression Obsession image. The tiny leaves, a PSX long retired stamp. I used a Cuttlebug

Embossing Folder, Shells to give the pink leave panel some dimension. And the pretty card base is PTI Scarlet Jewel.

Our weather in the PNW is due to change soon and those glorious leaves will come down with the rain, but for now...for today, I am delighting in natures' show. Thanks so much for stopping by...

The Color of Winter

2010-10-31T17:14:00.000-07:00

To say I was inspired by the Moxie Fab World Trigger Tuesday this week would be an understatement. I loved the monochromatic color palette, the texture of the sweater, and the quirky dressmakers form. It did have to grow on me until I could create. But wouldn't you knitters (too) out there agree with me...the fun with knitting is watching your work grow with each row.

I knew this Dawn Houser (Inkadinkadoo) dress form would be a good stand in. I have a great vintage light bulb from Gumbo Graphics that I used on top of the form. It was popped on dimensionals. The lace for my sweater was from my stash. I cut it apart and used the top for the arms and the rest for the body. Those tiny yellow buttons are from the vintage button stash. I had drew and colored the sweater collar. The sentiment is the last part of a neat saying about spring being the color of flowers. Thanks Nicole at Prickley Pear Stamps for the RAK. It was inked with Tim Holtz DI in Walnut Stain. Mulberry paper is underneath. The card base was stamped with Stamp Francisco's lace image in VersaMark and embossed with clear ep. A Tim Holtz postage diecut runs up both sides of the main image.

The Color of Winter is in the IMAGINATION. I agree with Terri Guillenets! I can close my eyes and be on my favorite beach in Kauai...then winter would be all turquoise, sea glass, and ocean green...how about you, what is your color of winter?

Enjoy the show...

2010-10-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy end 'o October. And onto November. I am not Halloweenie, but I just had to combine this freebie 100 Proof Press image with the lovely Wordsworth sentiment. It was one of those just had to do's! My card uses the Tim Holtz alterable rustic fence die which I inked with various ChalkBox inks and stapled to the dark night panel. The slim beautiful collage panel is from Memory Box 'Twilight' collection. I paper pieced the skeleton with Basic Grey's Sugar Rush. The sentiment is cut with one of the *umpteenth* labels from Spellbinders.

I am blessed to say my husband sees through all my protective layers and love me when I am unlovable. I suspect he is far more saintly in that way than I. And for that I am blessed. How about you?

let's eat...

2010-10-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dessert, first. I am not quite sure who said that first, a quick search today attributed it to Les Brown. Anyway I thought it would be a great excuse to get a hunking big slice o' cake to share with my coworker (who occasionally reads my blog)! We've been helping out in another department what is desperately short~HANDED. And while we are out of our comfort zone, stressed, I might add, we're taking one for the team!!!

I love this Impression Obsession slice of cake. It makes a great image just stamped on white card stock with black ink. However, as my coworker loves Red Velvet Cake, I thought paper-piecing would cook up a swell cake. The sentiment is also IO. And the coolio serving Hand has been in my 'well, maybe it will work somewhere, someday box'...anyone have a box like that??? It is part of a 100 Proof Press image, actually it is holding a pocket watch. Basic Grey snippets were used for the layers as well as the gorgeous green bg.

I am leaving for work early today in time to stop at my favorite bakery for that hunking big o' slice of cake and 2 forks mind you! Hope you find sweetness all through your weekend.

The Bard of Avon...and Health

2010-10-28T10:27:00.001-07:00

I love this Shakespeare quote and use it frequently to create get well cards. Today's Ways to Use It challenge on SCS was to 'Frame' it. This large sentiment makes a dynamic statement, don't you think? I used I Brake for Stamps bamboo frame inked and embossed with Tim Holtz distressing products. The quote was stamped on PTI vintage cream paper with VersaFine Sephia ink. I managed to cut into the yummy Amy Butler paper for the background, cutting an extra peony to use on the frame. It was UTEE'ed for dimension.

This card is also for Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge #62 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Scripture: Psalm 73:26, "My health may fail, My spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." And that has me thankful for the wealth of my health. You can't buy well-being, it is something that is given to you from above. And our attitudes can be sweet content if we remember that.

My prayer today is that you would feel the peace that good health brings.

Delicious Autumn

2010-10-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

I've forgotten which Challenge Blog I saw this sentiment last week, but I couldn't resist ordering George Eliot's quote from Prickley Pear. Autumn is my very favorite season and I am holding out for a few more weeks of glorious leaves. The Memory Box Twiggy paper group was perfect for my card. I added a bird and globe to carry the theme of flying the world over to chase successive autumns. Almost like modern day storm chasers.

George Eliot was Mary Ann Evans' pen name. She is said to taken the name of a male to garner more respect for her work. She is the author of MiddleMarch, Silas Marner, and The Mill on the Floss. The quote I used, in case it is hard to read:

Delicious

Autumn!

My very soul is

wedded to it.

and if I were

bird I would

fly about the

earth seeking

the successive

autumns.

I hope today you will be able to enjoy another lovely autumn day!

I am praying for you...Momento Mori

2010-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist creating a card for this weeks Tuesday Trigger Challenge over on Moxie Fab World. The inspiration photo was of an old gravestone. I loved the slightly out of focus image and the shape of the focal. I also wondered about the person whose final resting home was under that stone marker.

I used a fabulous paper from Memory Box 'Twilight' collection which really set the scene! Stampington's Triptych Arch with it's spires seemed just the right home for my praying angel. I added bits of vintage lace trim in the arches. The angel (Diva Impressions unmounted) was stamped three times. Once for the base, again to pop her out of the frame and lastly for another set of wings (this time stamped on vellum). She is colored with Copics. I added copper staples at the bottom, another set of three. Don't you think the sentiment, from Wordsworth belonged in my cemetery?

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Have a blessed week.

Inspired Prayer

2010-10-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to do a Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge for quite awhile. And this was the week. The scripture was Matthew 6:9-13, which contains the Lord's prayer. This prayer is considered a model of how we should approach God. There are many types of prayer just as there is times for prayer. I truly carry everything to HIM in prayer.

the reward...

2010-10-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I love to combine challenges! And the Inspiration Challenge on SCS and the 365 Card Day 237 Stamp on a Card and Envelope matched up perfectly tonight. When I saw Leah Giberson's series of travel trailer posters, I knew I had to give it a go using stamps and paper to recreate her wonderful work.

I used the Inkadinkadoo clear Travel Trailer set for my envelope flap, a border stamp of 5 different trailers and the largest trailer for the card. The lawn lounge is a Stampa Barbara image that I cut down from the chaise I used in my 'As the leaves turn'... card to make a chair. It is always nice when a stamp can serve double duty. If you are interested in the specifics of products used on

this card, please go here.

There is a wonderful blog that has showcased the Sisters on the Fly. They are a group of women who have restored travel trailers and have joined together to celebrate a love of fishing. Check out this blog posting, you won't be sorry! Or how about the 'We Can Do It, Ladies'. These gals have me thinking...maybe we could start a group of stampin' artists pulling up trailers all 'round the country. I can think of only one real limitation.....space for all the stuff we need to create!

Happy Weekend, dear readers.

Finding my first blogged Christmas Card

2010-10-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

for Amy's Flashback Friday Challenge 4.0!

Other fun around the blog~o~sphere, is Amy's Flashback Friday Challenge. This week is 4.0. You should find your first blogged Christmas card and re post it to your blog (not make a link).

I found mine back in November 2008. It was for a Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers

I find sketches are the my bugaboo. Think that comes from when I was young and you always heard, "STAY in the LINES"! I climbed outta the box back then and still find that's where I want to play. You either get my art or not. I am not one for the trends. Oh, don't get me wrong, I like to see where colors, patterns, design might be heading...I'll use it as a chance to turn and go the other way! Does that make sense? Perhaps it is I've arrived at an age where I am well satisfied with what I have and I see ways to make the old things fresh. That gives me an idea to dig out this stamp and create something new....back later...

And to my 'old' friend, Amy....thanks girl!

Susan's Letter

2010-10-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love collage. I love all the little fiddly bits, that lying on your table seem like a mess waiting to be put away. But with a practiced eye can become so much more when joined together. I don't really know how well I 'do' collage, but I do know when it 'feels' I've gotten it right. And some- times it means sleeping on a project and coming back to it with fresh eyes. Today's' card for the Friday challenge on SplitCoast is such an example. You were to create a flap card. I thought an envelope was just the ticket.

The romantic image is from a retired Stampin Up set called Friendship's Journey. My Dear Susan letter stamp was a gift from my BFF before there was all these abbreviations for best friends forever! Of course a letter writer much have a fountain pen and a bottle of India Ink, part of a wonderful collection of writing accessories from Invoke Arts, Pens and Nibs. Other details, if you are interested are in my gallery on SCS.

Happy Fall and Friday, all. May you have lots of time for creating this weekend.

Mona's Joy

2010-10-20T00:34:00.000-07:00

I love Mona Lisa. How about you? I think she's got lots of moxie, even being over 500 years old! So I had to bring her out today to pair with the Browning quote from Wordsworth. It took Da Vinci over 16 years to complete her portrait...your smile just might be off kilter, don't you think? Well, it's my quote that looks off balance. When I picked up the stamp, part of it was still on the rubber. So I carefully laid it back down to rub again and now I am seeing double!!!

This sketch is SC303 over at Splitcoast Stampers today. I picked from 'Lime Rickey' Basic Grey papers for my card. The felted black panel is a die from PTI. .

Wouldn't it be a blast to time travel back to 1503? Peaking in on a session with Leonardo...that would be wild joy!

As the leaves turn...

2010-10-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sighing here, my heart is so happy it's Autumn. My favorite season brings such bounty to my senses. The smell of a wood fire, the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, the chill in the air mornings now, the taste of "Pink Lady" apples and the chanterelles are at our Farmers Market, and the sight of my maples putting on their Autumn 'coats'. And if we are lucky, it will be nice until the second week of November.

The 365 Card Blog Super Sketchy Sunday was perfect for a card to celebrate the season. I first decided to use this wonderful Elizabeth Lawrence (Impression Obsessions) quote about the leaves turning. The tree (Paper Inspirations) was inked with Nick Bantock's Sap Moss Green and embossed with clear powder. I used many different chalk inks to color the falling leaves. Now my favorite way to watch the leaves turn is from a lawn chair very much like this one from Stampa Barbara. It was inked with the same NB green. I cut it out, popped on dimensionals and placed a few leaves under the chair...just like on my patio right now!

So if you have a moment, I'd love to hear what your Autumn traditions are...hayrides, cider pressings, long walks crunching the leaves in your neighborhood???? Happy Fall, all.

Herodotus said...

2010-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist this quote by 5th century BC Greek historian, Herodotus when I was at our local materials exchange center for community arts (MECCA for short). For the mixed media artist, it is the ultimate candy store. Today was a rummage sale and I tried really hard to stay focused, really I did!

So when the Featured Stamper was announced on Splitcoast tonight, her circle window card was just the ticket to use the Kolette Hall image. I stamped it with VersaColor Black and embossed it with bronze ep. The papers are from Memory Box 'Twilight' paper group.

I feel very blessed to have friends all over the world. I remember a family member telling me if I could count 5 steadfast friends I would be fortunate indeed. Well, I know my tried and true friends and they are prized above any earthy goods. Friends can enjoy the silence between one another and know in that space is wealth. It is wonderful to fall back into place after a long absence of a dear friend. Just knowing someone is out there holding you up in prayer is comfort indeed.

And I made a new friend this week...a cyber gal, whom I discovered lives less than 3 miles from me. We met for breakfast and were delighted to discover we share a love of paper crafting. I can't wait to see where this friendship grows!

Livin' the dream

2010-10-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Those who know me, know I love chairs...I have a dozen different styles throughout my house and that's not including the miniatures I have collected over the years. When I saw the Moxie Tuesday Trigger,

I knew right away I would have to recreate that room! The fabulous chair is part of a set of historical chairs from Michelle Ward's Green Pepper Press. I altered it just a bit to make it more upholstered.

The vase was also hand created and chalk colored and then embossed with UTEE to get the glassy feel. It was such fun, getting the parquet floor with a wood sheet of paper cut into squares, inked with Tim Holtz DI in shades of Black Soot and Walnut Stain. I then embossed to get the glossy finish. The mirrored table was hand cut and shaped with a bone folder.

The spray of orchids came together quite nicely with the skeleton from an oak leaf on my patio and an impatien petal was perfectly colored which I plucked from one of my pots. This fits with SCS Ways to Use It 292. The Memory Box damask paper stands in for the gorgeous wallpaper of the Inspiration room. Lastly, but not least, I had to put a bit of word art on my wall. Something I strive everyday!

How about you?

cramming and Dr Seuss...&D

2010-10-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Don't know about you gurls, but as an artist doing challenges, I constantly stray outta the 'lines'. The rules. It's the out of the box thinking that's where I want to live. So when challenges come around that have defined parameters, read SKETCHES, I always find them the most difficult for me to do. This card proved no different so I just stretched the box...

The SCS Sketch Challenge today can be found here. I wanted to create a card that would offer encouragement for &D as the sophomores are testing on a general knowledge level. Now having been homeschoolers for 15 years, you could say we are outside the box thinkers and doers. So I know all that thinking is rumbling around there, the task is to get it out and onto paper and bullet those answers with just the right intensity!

So that brings us back to Dr Seuss...an original thinker and wordsmith for sure! Had to have that on my card. And the pent up thinker guy...check, he's all set for an explosion of thinks. And he's dressed in the colors of our beloved #2 in the nation team! I couldn't help but include a moon shot and some embossed numbers for measure.

Of course, this morning we oversleep and have 19 minutes to get going...no time to write inside the card all the well wishes I'd have liked. But just the right amount of time, cause I got a hug and smile as my guy hurries out the door.

I do believe I'll stay outside the box, it's nice out here.

Crystal Chandelier...

2010-10-09T23:27:00.001-07:00

I am happy I had a chance to case the Featured Stamper of the week over on SCS. I love going back in my memories to recall happy times when life was lived at a slower pace. My grandparents had a Georgian Colonial built just for them in 1935. And the dining room was the heart of the home. It had big bold cabbage rose wallpaper for a time and then toile. You could enter it from either the breakfast room which had corner cabinets for storing her collection of Franciscan 'Ivy' or directly off the living room with a double wide opening. I can almost hear the laughter round the table.

My grandmother finally got her crystal chandelier in 1946. It was much like the one you see. It had silver trim, chain and candle cups. It always hung over the handsome solid cherry table. I remember her carefully washing the crystals in hot sudsy dishwater in her PINK kitchen. My grandparents moved three times and each time the chandelier was moved with them. She loved having family get-togethers, dinner parties and turn the wall sconces down low and light the tapers. I was always enchanted by the effect of the flickering candles on the crystals and people. To this day, I accent every room in my home with different types of light.

It's Sunday, be blessed today and always.

Curtain Call

2010-10-09T01:49:00.001-07:00

edited: This card was a Moxie Fab winner in the Perfectly Pleated Challenge!

I love Friday nights...my very favorite challenge of the week is posted early over on SCS. The Inspiration Challenge never fails to stir the artful muse. The challenge hostess selected an English merchant, the John Lewis Department Store. I could be lost in their online catalog for days...but headed straight for the Curtains. I wanted to play with I Brake for Stamps stage image combining it with B Line Designs 'at the movies' stamp. And the curtains fit right into Moxie Fab World Perfectly Placed Pleats.

I stamped the curtains three X's for each side to add width and depth for this card. Memory Box Twilight paper group had a perfect pattern. The Theatre image was stamped onto a gray cs. I added Stickles to the crystal dome light and colored the ocean and sailing ship with Copics. A small sentiment from Making Memories seemed just right for the stage floor.

My girlhood was full of grand shopping trips with my mother and grandmother to the downtown Department stores. The lunch counters on the first floor or the restaurant on the

mezzanine were special treats for Easter or Christmas time. I'd love to hear what your memories are of the old time merchants...well that is if you are of a certain age! If not, were do you remember going to shop with your mom as a girl?

Futtering from the Autumn Tree

2010-10-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday all, I don't know about you, but that last look of the night round the challenge blogs, often leaves me burning the midnight oil. This was just the case today with Sharon's ssnotime160, Back to Nature. I am definitely in my element once the calendar hits September. Just as Emily Bronte said, " Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to me fluttering from the Autumn Tree". I love this funky font from Dawn Houser/Inkadinkadoo. Now it has been quite awhile since I've played in Pam's 365 Card challenge, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to create a flip flop card with the video tutorial over in the resource center atSplitcoastStampers.

It was easy to reach for Basic Grey's Indian Summer 6x6 pad. I used the Cuttlebug Leafy Branch to dry emboss the front panel. The bit of chenille trim is wrapped at the top with a vintage lucite/rhinestone button. For the 'swing' sentiment panel I put 7 Gypsies black music paper behind.

For the back, I chose a wonderful rake image from Portifolio, inked with Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap and colored with a silver gel pen and Copics. The small punched leaves are from a HY-Glo 6in1 punch. I used more of the BG Indian Summer.

...and do you do your best creating in the wee hours of the morning or the opposite? Have a wonderful weekend, I hope it is perfect leaf crunching weather!

Soul smiles

2010-10-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's been ages since I posted anything on my blog. Bet you've wondered, a little maybe,

what's up? So I've spent my summer gardening...I suppose I needed more time away from this side of my creativity to contemplate life and losses. Well, I am inking my fingers, one at a time, back into this creative bloggy world.

When I 'happened' on the Moxie Fab Trigger , which was a funky fall scene in the most vibrant colors, yesterday, I could not resist getting a few more digits inky! I was definitely inspired by the colors in the art, the puffy clouds and the curving hills (think smiles)!

My sky needed Basic Grey's cloud paper from the 'Mellow' group. All the leaves in the oranges and pinks were found in the 'Indian Summer' again from Basic Grey. I used the Leafy Branches embossing folder from CuttleBug on this panel. The sentiment panel (Daisy Bucket clear cling) and bottom mat on the main image are from 'Wander'. And about that main image...I so love this Asian beauties' pensive expression. She (Stamp Francisco) was inked with Wild Plum directly onto white cardstock. I used Art Accents Micro Beadz for her hat. I finished my design with a silver butterfly and a snippet of vintage seam binding. The layout was from the Sketch Challenge 301 over at Splitcoaststampers.

Thanks for all your gentle thoughts these past months. I planted my garden with tender loving care over the summer season and it is rewarding me with a glorious array of vibrant blossoms in autumn. And it has shown me that life just as seasons comes and goes and all the best is planted deep within my soul.

where do those YEARS go...

2010-06-14T01:18:00.001-07:00

I decided I would be on time this Father's Day with a card to honor my Daddy (no matter how old a Southern gurl gets, she always calls her father...Daddy)! The thoughtful Emerson quote seemed perfect to use, especially since the 'baby' in our family just crossed the mid century mark. We can't believe we could all be that old...sure don't feel so.

The challenge on SplitCoast today was to create a one layer card. I used Memory Box paper, the Wordsworth stamp and dry embossing with the Cuttlebug.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you're off to a fabulous start on the week.

Living is Joy Enough

2010-06-11T01:21:00.001-07:00

it's not that I haven't been creative while I've been away from my blog...we've recently completed remodeling our home and girl oh, girls...the decisions, colors, choices, compromises I've made! Now for months, my art 'studio' was buried as you might imagine with work taking place in every room, on every surface. I'm slowly getting back in the swing of my creative life. And the Free for All today on SCS and Pam's Peep-A-Boo challenge at 365 Cards were to use the inside of your card as the fancy showy part.
I think Emily Dickinson's (Wordsworth) quote about living was the perfect launch! Thanks so much for stopping by and I'd love to hear about your joy.

life goes on

2010-06-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am waking up creatively...hold that thought!

saying goodbye

2009-12-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

We said farewell to our beloved Jessie last night. She was somewhere around 11, don't know for certain, we rescued her in 2001. Oh, the love and devotion she had given us all these years. So many memories to cherish and recall when the 'missing' kicks in. Already no heavy footfalls behind me in the kitchen meaning: it's morning time for chow. No climbing up in my dear husbands lap while we read the newspaper and have our coffee. No paw reaching up to tap my leg, "hey, pay attention" to me. . Thank you, my sweet big kitty for all the joy you brought us. And Father God, you who created all things, wherever she is, I know it is so much more than here. It's been a season of goodbyes for our family the end of this year. Hope springs eternal, life continues, and forever the best parts remain in our hearts.

Our hope

2009-12-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

I write this post being uncertain as to how I will reenter this blogging world. Thanks in advance for hanging with me! Many of you know my beloved Mother in LOVE was called home to heaven in September. On my birthday even. It was a sudden illness and she never regained consciousness. Her medical directive made it clear there would be no heroics. And so when the basics of life, breath and hydration, could no longer be sustained on her own, we prepared our hearts for separation. The elders of her church were called to the CICU along with family and friends. We surrounded her bed, praying, speaking remembrances, reading scriptures, and most of all, singing old hymns. Once the machines were turned off, it was just a matter of minutes that this worn out earthly body could continue to support the breath of life given to her so long ago. I praise our God that HIS plan is perfect and that his angels carried her soul that night. I stoked her beautiful face so soft and radiant, her hair so silvery (wisdom) perfect even with bedhead!and whispered how pretty she was even after all the invasive equipment.

And so with all the details of dismantling (my dear husbands' word) her life, it's taken me this long to feel ready to create again. I was blessed to make a video montage of Bette's life in pictures (when I figure out how to embed a copy, I will post it here). Both my sons were in on the effort, with Andy scanning all my many choices of photographs and Sam selecting the music that would be so important to the theme of her life. I felt happy in going through all the photo albums, shoe boxes, and picture frames to select the images that would tell the story of her life.

When it was presented at the memorial, it brought together a diverse group of people with Bette the center story of every thought.

I share all this and today's Color Challenge on Splitcoast for it is just a few days until we honor the reason for our hope, our gift. May you have the merriest of Christmases this year.

Happiness is...

2009-09-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

made to be shared! It's Monday all, I still feel well and that makes me so very happy.

The sun's shining on a lovely autumn afternoon. And I had a chance to combine challenges

for a card for the 365 Card Blog and Card Patterns. It was make a mosaic and the sketch

over at CP. I still love Basic Grey's Urban Prairie and thought it would look great in the

mosaic. I used a Marvey 3/4 inch for the squares. The sentiment is part of a group of

rub-ons from K&Co's Cut N Paste group. I love all the scrolls. The base is Basic Grey black,

I used the shell embossing folder on the end with the hydrangea petals.

Thanks so much for taking a peak. Have a wonderful turn of the globe no matter where you are!

Not quite sure how the type got so funky...so sorry!

dawn...

2009-09-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday dear cyber pals! I am finally feeling better...after three weekends of every kind of cold symptom...today dawned with a feeling of wellness. I am so glad and couldn't resist the 365 Card Blog's Sketchy Sunday challenge. I don't do sketches very often...it is my greatest challenge, but if you follow Pam, you've probably already noticed very well thought out sketches! This one is no exception. I admit in advance that I took artistic license with this one. but love the overall shape!

Keeping the oval shapes going, I decided to use one of a set of 8 doors I received as a Christmas gift last year from my first cyber gal pal, Amy. We happen to share a love of architectural elements and have had a blast trying '2 1up' each other in the gifty part. So I've searched out all kinds of sentiments related to doors to go along with my divine door selection . This Emily Dickinson quote "Not Knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door" is a sentiment from I Brake for Stamps. I used the Memory Box Butterfield papers, Memento Tuxedo Black,

Rhubarb, and Rich Cocoa inks. I soften the edges with ChalkBox Creamy Brown and Dark Brown. The buttons are die-cuts from K&Co that I embossed with clear ep for dimension.

technology

2009-09-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

The 365 Card Blog issued a very interesting challenge today: technology. I must admit that I took it literally. And racked my brain for how I could combine the Ways to Use It (red) over on SCS with a post to the Artistic Outpost Blog. So this is what I did...using PhotoShop Elements, I colored part of my little yellow truck red. This makes the Ways to Use It challenge with the 'paint' job and the technology of PSE qualifies for the 365 Card challenge. Now if you want to see the original, just hop over to the AO Blog.

It is amazing what can be done with the computer, I know enough to 'hurt' myself! Have a happy Friday eve, all!!!

Leave the everyday

2009-09-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

It's another Wednesday and that means, Gingham Girls' Word of the Week challenge! The word is windstorm. I've had this adorable little girl from Stamp Francisco since the new year (a huge Christmas set of images) waiting for the perfect opportunity. I think she fits in with windstorm...I know in the fall in the Pacific Northwest we have what Thornton Burgess called the 'merry little breezes' in Old Mother West Wind. I paper pieced her coat and hat (adding black flock to the hat). The rest of the image is colored with Copics. I used Basic Grey's Mellow paper group. The layout is from the sketch challenge on Splitcoast today: SC245.

So how's the week going? Our family is still feeling the lingering cold and getting back into the routine of schooling. Today I sat in on Andy's Entrepreneurship class and then on the way home, we stopped off at a new place close to our homeschool resource center called SNOW MIRACLE...it is amazing, just like eating frozen cotton candy! We decided to eat dessert first and sampled the mango and grape flavors. Awesome!

Be good...

2009-09-05T00:58:00.000-07:00

and if you can't be good, be STYLISH! Inkadinkadoo's Kid's Quotes Stamps. How can anyone resist these sentiments? I've had this one for a bit, waiting patiently to use it at just the proper moment. Well, today's Inspiration Challenge on SCS was all about handbags (high end ones at that!) I must say I loved every minute perusing the gorgeous bags. It was this one that inspired me. And a big thank you to Chrissie for your beautiful work with Chris Dark's digital images.

The 365 Card Challenge is to add a charm to your card. I added a brass bow to my tag. During one of my wonderful summer yard sale finds, I came across a container of 25 tiny brass charms which I knew would come in handy. For this one, I coated it with VersaMark and embossed it with glossy black embossing powder. I used paper thread to tie it to the ribbon. The purse was printed out on GP white cs and colored with Copics. I added micro beads to the fancy trim. The buckle has a rhinestone enclosure and edged with a Sakura gel pen. The tag was made with a Making Memories template with PTI spring moss. The sentiment is embossed with clear ep and pulls out to reveal "the rest of the story". I used Basic Grey's Sultry group, "Vogue" for the background. The darker mat is PTI smokey grey.

Have a delish weekend...and labor not my American pals!!!

I have loved...

2009-09-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night~~~Galileo.

Here's my take on the ICS September 09 DT call. Anyone can submit until September 18th. Check it out.

I used Cornish Heritage Farms 'Reach for the Stars' set and the Astronomy scrapblock to create my card. Basic Grey's Granola colors worked perfectly with the images.

Thanks for the opportunity to apply and thanks for looking.

frittered...

2009-09-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

well, I have to confess that I've been feeling convicted by this saying since I received the new Artistic Outpost plate 'Old Grist Mill'. I have every kind of overload and I know I'm not the only one. There's too much required of us these days...juggling too many plates, hats, or balls. How about you? Any of you agree with me? Can you gift me with words of wisdom to get back to that sweet place of an ordered life? I probably have any book you might suggest...I'll willingly try again if you really found it successful for you!!! I know I would much rather spent my precious moments with my loved ones than scrubbing my bathrooms...

So in keeping with the wonderful message, I've kept my card simple today...stamping the gristmill directly onto GP white cs with Memento Tuxedo Black. I used Memento Summer Sky on the simplify, simplify. And for the 365 Card Blog challenge today to use a label on your card, the dynamo label maker seemed the perfect tool.

I will look forward to hearing what has worked for you...one of the blessings of this world wide web is all the connections we can make!

Don't forget to check out the 3 new releases at Artistic Outpost...they have a special going on if you buy all three, you get 20% off until September 15th.

Choice by choice...

2009-09-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

moment by moment, I build the necklace of my day, stringing together the choices that form artful living! I simply adore this quote by Julia Cameron. I have recently discovered her writings...she is the author of 'The Artists Way' and many other works. Laying out ways to overcome creative blocks and generally living an artful life. I highly recommend reading her.

I've combined a mother lode of challenges with my work today. The sketch challenge on SCS, my friend, Kelly's week 2 Words on Wednesday, and the 365 Card Blog ad inspiration. It is such fun when you can make multiple challenges zing! So for structure, the SC244 fit beautifully. Kelly's word today was impearl: to form into pearls; or adorn with pearls. And the 365 call was a White House~Black Market print ad : menswear pumps, a floral teapot and a single flower in a vase of water.

The papers I chose are a men's wear grey flannel stripe, 'Recognition' from Basic Grey's Stella Ruby and Boxer's 'Long Underwear'. The clock paper is from Graphic 45. My solids very Su's very vanilla and Georgia Pacific's white card stock. The quote is a Hampton Art Stamp and the woman with the pearl earring (hee, hee) and necklace is an old Hero Arts called Party Pearls!

I used Memento Tuxedo Black for both. Copics for coloring. Liquid pearls in white opal were used on the necklace.

Thanks so very much for visiting and I appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Boy, your pockets have grown

2009-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see my card for the new Artistic Outpost release also fits the 365 Card Challenge to have three shades of blue on your card! I have used the pocket watch stamp from the Outpost set, along with the script. To create this card, I repurposed a pair of my youngest son's blue jeans for the real pocket. It's really hard to believe Andy is now buying clothes in the men's department! The watch was stamped in Versamark and embossed with super fine gold ep. The watch face (serenity scene) was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then I painted the whole face with Twinkling H2O's iridescent blue. The cracked glass technique on the lens of the watch was created with UTEE. My third blue is the script stamped down the spine of the card with Memento Summer sky. I attached the pocket watch with Tim Holtz's swivel chain. And the "flies" is done with a dynamo label maker.

Thanks so much for having a look. Time really does fly and it reminds me I need to seize every moment!

Be sure to check out the three new collections out TODAY at Artistic Outpost. For a limited

time you will be able to get a 20% discount if you purchase all three. Click for more details.

The newest three collections from Artistic Outpost have a very natural vintage style, an ode to simpler times. We were inspired by some of our favorite quotes of Henry David Thoreau. His simple advice to "simplify, simplify" are words we should use in our daily life - the hustle and bustle of work, home, and community - as well as in our art. How often do we just need to stamp! Just the act of simply putting ink to rubber is calming and rewarding. We hope you find simple inspiration to create something that makes you happy.

The Outpost: This collection is inspired by our Serenity signature set and continues this theme with a much larger image of our "outpost". You will love the versatility of this collection including the ATC sized farm house, and the nostalgic pocket watch.

Old Grist Mill: We live in the South where covered bridges are not quite as common as they are in other parts of the US and Europe. However, we absolutely long to be driving through the countryside in the fall, stopping at each covered bridge, and just listening to the "clippety, clap" of the tires going over each floor board. Again, we are reminded to enjoy simple beauty.

Generation Redux: These vintage images are grunged up a bit in a unique collage style. They are designed to go with not only The Outpost and Old Grist Mill, but think of using them with Home as well. We love this generation and find that this style of photo stamp is a perfect versatile style to add that "human"

element to your creations.

And while you're here, hop over to these other Artistic Outpost team members...you'll be amazed at what they've done.

in the pink, well maybe

2009-08-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend, full of things that delighted your senses. I spent the weekend nursing a cold, sleeping, waking up long enough for another dose of medicine. It stinks to be sick on the weekend! So I am thinking pink, being positive, and hoping I'll make it through my very long workday. Pam issued the latest 365 Card challenge and gave us the movie "PRETTY in PINK" to inspire us!

My card also fits for the Basic Grey challenges week #2 to use the color combo brown, yellow and pink. You must include at least one BG paper in your work. I must admit I hoard my BG papers, but I did have a great time going through all the paper groups for the perfect pink for my undies!!! So many luscious hues. In the end, I selected LUSTER from the Euphoria collection. It is a lovely pastel with the tiniest bit of texture. My yellow is the new fence posts of the clothes line. And the brown is repeated in the fabulous tree (Memory Box paper from Sugardrop) and the cardbase which is Brazzill linen texture.

I'll jump at any chance to use this wonderful lingerie from B Line Design. And the clothesline image(Finders Keepers) was from a tag sale in town earlier in the summer. I just knew it would come in handy. I used tiny wooden clothespins to attach the undergarments. The sentiment is a rub-on.

Thanks for stopping over, I am glad I am spreading no germs out in cyberspace. Have a great week!

You're a real cracker jack

2009-08-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Morning all! It's the weekend once again, yippee. That means late nights playing in my house...I can hear silly giggles from college guys in one direction and other boys chasing balls in the virtual world in another. Today's Inspiration Challenge on SCS was to go to the Creative Wall Coverings website and find something that gets the creative juices flowing. Well, I can never resist the sports selections and this fit nicely with the 365 Card Blog to get Sporty using some sort of a ball on your card. I really like Artistic Outposts' Cracker Jack plate, especially with my star lefty! For this card, the Cosmo Cricket wood grain paper was perfect. I stamped the stadium collage in Tim Holtz scattered straw directly to the paper. The sentiment is also TH brushed corduroy. I added the Boston Red Sox player faintly inked in ChalkBox yellow citrus. The baseballs were stamped with ChalkBox burnt sienna and roughed up a bit with ColorBox alabaster. Speaking of baseballs, did you know a typical major league game used 8 dozen balls! The lefty player is from the little man Cosmo Cricket die cuts.

Thanks so very much for stopping by today. I hope your weekend is swell!

NEW...

2009-08-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's an exciting day for my friend, Kelly S (Gingham Girl) who launches a new weekly challenge today. It is called WOW: Word of the Week. She picked a most appropriate word, NEW! I knew immediately the direction I would go with this wonderful scripture stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms...new creation. I used two other challenges, the SC243 over on SCS and the 365 Card Blog Checkerboard Background.

My paper is an unknown checkerboard and Yellow Bicycles fabulous flocked flourish. I used GP white cs and Brazzill red linen texture. The scripture was inked with Memento Tuxedo Black and embossed with clear ep. I used a square nestability to emboss the frame. A piece of deep red ribbon finishes it off.

Congratulations, Kelly on starting your own challenge, it is one that I will enjoy participating in. I love to read and try to exercise my 'wordsmithing' on a regular basis. So bring it on!!!

tiny dancer

2009-08-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday morn...oh, what bliss! I've managed to combine two challenges today. The IC194 on SCS to be inspired by the Pylones website. This is a trendy gift manufacturer. Very mod, fun and funky. And over on the 365 Card blog, it's Layering Stamps. Well, every girl needs a jewelry box, don't you think. I was inspired by the jewelry choices on the Pylones site and decided to craft a special treasure box. Instead of trinkets, I put words of affirmations...words to encourage and uplift...just like my tiny dancer whose tutu is paper pieced from the Eva paper group (Basic Grey). The jewelry box is from Museum of Modern Rubber. I stamped it on PTI sweet blush paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I used mirror paper with Jet Black Stazon. My tiny dancer is stamped on GP white cs and popped on the little pin that helps her spin. For the layering stamps challenge, I layered the encouraging words onto the jewelry box and I also used Purple Onion's vintage Damask background stamp on top of the Making Memories Sabrina paper. A sheer ribbon with hearts on the edge finishes off this pink confection!

Who wouldn't like to open up a box like this everyday and be reminded to always dream, always create, always have a wish, hold out hope, live with passion, stoke the imagination, and always, always SMILE.

Have a spin around wherever you are today!

almost pumpkin time

2009-08-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

My very favorite time of the year is almost here...I can feel it in the air. And Pam's Just Peachy Challenge over at 365 Card Blog fit right in with my pumpkin girls (Ken Brown line at American Art Stamps)...there are many shades of pumpkins, right???

I stamped the girls on Core'dinations peach paper and then colored the pumpkin heads with Copics Y38. The bucket head girl's dress is paper pieced with a pattern from Basic Grey Mellow and the other girl's leafy head covering and scarf with paper from Memory Box. The wonderful leave paper is from Memory Box Twiggy. I added a bit of vintage upholstery trim for the trunk and slipped Art Impressions sentiment in among the leaves. "LEAVE the everyday"

I definitely try to leave the everyday as much as possible. My oldest son and I recently had a conversation about just this very thing. We were out for a walk and a talk and he remarked,

"Mom, I think I have lost that sense of wonder of seeing nature like I used to." I can remember Kincaid sunset moments, starry night skies, and forsythia in the spring. It grieved my heart to think he could loose the treasure of innocent eyes. So I've purposed to remind him through my words and art to sharpen his focus and NEVER settle for the everyday!

Have a happy weekend everyone and let me know what you are seeing~~~

summer afternoons

2009-08-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

I long for times like this, how about you? This Artistic Outpost image was perfect for where my mind is today. It is part of the Keeper set and you can find it here. I accepted the 365 Card challenge, Mixed Message. You were to use three different types of characters to spell out a message. I chose a Scrabble tile, the ampersand from Purple Onion's Ancient Med alpha, and some fabric letters that I do not know the manufacturer. The image was inked on white GP cs with Adirondack Slate. The chairs were colored with a Copic, R81 and the sky was chalked with ChalkBox inks (azurite and icebox blue). The gorgeous velvet rosette is from a RAK, my friend Amy sent me. I am so proud that I actually parted with it instead of just looking at the package on my counter!!! Thanks so much Amy for this beautiful embellishment. A baby blue satin ribbon finishes the card.

Back to speaking my mind and memories of beach houses growing up and the vast, endless amounts of days then, the Henry James quote could not have said it better:

Summer afternoon~~~

Summer afternoon.

The two most

beautiful

words in the

English

language.

So I'll leave you with the thought to steal away a few moments THIS afternoon to pause and enjoy where you are at this *1*. Thanks for having a peek

don't ya just love RAK's???

2009-08-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

and pay it forwards??? I received this delightful art fairy stamp in the mail recently. It arrived unannounced. Picked for me by someone who thought the fairy should live at my house! I just love that~~~thanks Christine. And I am paying it forward by creating a gift bag for a fellow artist who is celebrating a birthday and a renewed passion for all things arty. I've watched her blossom this year and branch out, taking lots of workshops and really exploring her art form. Inside are treasures I have collected and a fun ticket when Art and Soul comes to Portland. A now and then gift, keeping those dreams alive.

Pam's day170 challenge on the 365 Card Blog was to create something that was double duty, but not a gift card holder. I just had to use this elegant tote. You can find the instructions over in the SCS resources, it is called box in a bag. It is quite easy to construct, the hardest part is deciding on the papers (I chose Basic Grey papers). And as a suggestion, I staple the bottom box together in the corners (it doesn't show and is faster than using the red sticky tape). The eyelet trim is a Fiskars punch. I also didn't have a tab punch, but used one of the Hot off the Press template pages for making tabs.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you found in your Monday a bit of time for creating!