Haul: Goodwill finds

I wanted to share some goodies I found on a trip to the local Goodwill store. I was very impressed at the selection and even more impressed at their prices.

Wreath, Scalloped Square Mini Album, Germany Jolee's Boutique Dimensional Stickers, Planters 50th Anniversary glass jar and an ink drawing from Rudy Montoya Jr.

Detail of Orange feather wreath ($1.99)

Themed card: Agatha Christie

I welcome challenges in each and every thing I create, so when my sister requested a special card for a friend I rose to the challenge. Her friend, Jan, loves Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey. Here is what I created.

The envelope was something I saw on Kristina Werner's (starofmay) channel. It was one of those things that I immediately knew I wanted to try to make it. The paper used was Tim Holtz. Plenty of bling and pearls. The only thing I changed on the final card was the paper clip embellishment, which I substituted for a Prima embellished crystal. The band on the outside was created with some travel tag embellished paper and a photo of Agatha Christie.

I received an email from Jan thanking me for the card. She has since commissioned me to create a card for her. It makes me so happy when someone likes their card so much that they want another one created.

Drawing: Sleeping cutie

In this drawing I decided to use colored pencils for a smoother look. Yoshi's eyes are this unique shade of brown which are hard to copy perfectly, but I believe I got them as close as possible without mixing paint colors.

He has so many interesting wrinkles that it takes a little bit longer to get them just so. He is truly a champion Pug in every sense of the word.

The combination of his eye color with the black and white drawing is a unique look that I will continue to try. There are so many fawn pug drawings and not enough black pug drawings out there. Black pugs deserve their share of attention on the Internet. Yoshi is the perfect model to get that achieved.

Themed Journal: All PUGS are Irish on Saint Patrick's Day

A little whimsy with some sassy flirty pugs at their favorite irish pub. After all everyone is irish on Saint Patrick's Day!

Our individual tastes can vary, we may look different but the message is the same... "Let's have fun!"

I trust this drawing brings each of you some fun and a little smile. The remainder can best be expressed by citing an old Irish blessing.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mini Journal: St Paddy's Day Girl

My journal is a great place where I can try new things. These days with Saint Patrick's Day around the corner I chose to create this lovely redhead.

The headpiece is a glittery clover I found at Dollar Tree. It's funny how drawing faces came back to me all of a sudden.

I remember doodling in my school notebooks all the time. To such an extreme that my teachers sent my mom a note asking her to have me pay more attention in class. The funny part was that the drawing did not take away from my performance. My mom in her wisdom decided to buy me a drawing notebook that I could use when the inspiration struck me. I thank her for that all the time.

Food for thought for any parent, feed your child's gift instead of stomping them out. These days there are so many cutbacks in school art and music programs that we need to reinforce each of our god given gifts.

I welcome your comments and feedback on each and every one of my posts, now and in the future! Thanks for visiting my Blog

Card: Get well Soon

Using bling is one of my favorite things to do on my cards. I could not find a configuration I liked in my stash, so I decided to create my own with different colored crystals. The trick is to compliment the photo without overshadowing it.  This was a beautiful picture of Puerto Vallarta that reinforces the "get well" message of the card.

So many of my stickers are just waiting for a great card like this. I even added a little extra something with a corsage pin and a leftover blue bead behind the popped-up sanddollar sticker.

I look forward to hearing your feedback!

Card: Caveats of life

Many times I have to remind myself to follow the simple message in this card. I love the feeling I get when I see a butterfly, no matter what has happened before I take a breath and this peace comes over me. In laughter we not only lighten our load but we claim our surroundings. Love is something we should always feel toward others... Be it the person who cut us off in traffic or our significant other, family and friends!

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Mini journal: Dreams come true

The challenge for this layout was to use black with pastels together. In case you have not already guessed I love butterflies. The first item that came to mind when I read the challenge was 'houndstooth duct tape'... Who knew?!
I didn't just want to slap the tape on there either. I chose a raw chipboard heart to showcase it. A little bling, rub on phrase, washi tape, journaling block, diecut flower and pearls called it done... Almost!

I had to play with some colored pencils since the background was a little too white for me.

Card: Curiosity

They say the greatest finds in life is when you follow your curiosity to places that you would not have otherwise never gone. I followed my curiosity to my local Goodwill store where I found a wonderful wreath ($1.99) covered in lovely orange feathers. The fairy image was from a clickart cd I had in my stash (never used). The paper is from the incomparable Tim Holtz. It is such a unique card I left it with no caption and blank inside. Any suggestions? You are welcome to fill in the blank

Mini journal: Graceful as a butterfly

As a part of my new beginning I have set out to participate in many more online challenges this year. I find it helps me to focus my energy in a useful and productive way. In this page from my mini journal, the challenge was to use a quote in your project. The quote I chose was from a Chinese proverb that states "To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root." The genealogist in my nature could not agree with that statement more. The photo is of my grandmother when she was a young graceful lady. The grace I embodied through the use of the feather, lace border and pearls.
My grandmother was an accomplished pianist, violinist, and a gifted seamstress. I have inherited her gift in art and some have said I bear a striking resemblance to her. I was blessed in knowing her.

Card: Feel better

To say that I don't pre-plan my cards would be an understatement. I have gotten inspiration from videos and that leads me to create a card.

In this particular card, I wanted to use a new punch by jenni bowlin. I have always enjoyed using Prima bling and this time was no different.

The purpose of this card was as a test to myself, to think outside of the box.

Did I succeed? you be the judge

Drawing: Yoshi

Yoshi is one of my favorite things about living in Central Texas. This pug brings such joy and whimsy to life here. His expressive eyes are unique in that they almost speak volumes in one look.
I have been attempting to capture his expression for a long time and I am finally satisfied with what I have achieved. Enough so that I decided to publish it on my blog.
My drawing ability may still need some refining but as they say "practice makes perfect".

He is a constant companion and has this innate ability to know when I am in need of a cuddle. I can honestly say that is indispensable in my life these days.
He is a show dog, lap dog, and ham in every sense of the word. His AKC grand championship may be 5 points away in their books, but he has been a grand champion since the day I met him.

New beginnings!

In September 2011 I began a new (less cluttered) life in Texas. As a sign of this new beginning I intend to make this blog a priority and being more creative. Here is to a new beginning and all the wonderful things that can spring from an open receptive heart.