Yoshi card: Dream bigger

In learning about show pugs I have come to the conclusion that you can always achieve your dreams if you dream bigger than the expected. Showing black pugs has been an adventure and one that I have enjoyed immensely. Enjoy!

Handmade card: the SWEETEST roses

Over the weekend I decided to play with some of my favorite paper line, My Mind's Eye "The Sweetest Thing". Throughout the week I will share some more cards. Enjoy!

Yoshi card: best is yet to come

I waited until Kathi received this card before I blogged it. This was one of those personal creative explosions I have from time to time, LOL! The vines are meant to represent Yoshi's family tree since Kathi is the breeder who created our Grand Champion Brindun's Johnny One Note. She sent us all an email as soon as she got our card. I decided to create and send it early since I had my wisdom teeth extracted on Thursday .....I had no pain until this morning, and now I have an ice pack on my face. Oh well, at least I have one more day to recover before I return to work. 

Enough about my pity party....here is the card in all its glory ! Thank you for visiting my blog. Please feel  free to send me a message with any questions or requests.

Photo credit: Glenda Harlin

Handmade card: Conguero birthday

Today was my co-worker's birthday. He is a talented conga player who counts Ray Barretto and Tito Puente as his idols.  I had quite a bit of fun creating a unique personalized birthday card. He had admired one of my previous cards, that was a sympathy card though. He mentioned how beautiful it was and how he could not afford a card that detailed. I made it a point to ask him specific questions about his passion, playing the congas. That information helped me to create this card. Enjoy!!!

Yoshi card: double birthdays

Today marks the birthday of two very members of my family, my brother-in-law and our close friend. I had a tough time outdoing my last creations for them. My brother-in-law loved his, and now I'm just waiting to hear back from our friend. You be the judge...

This is Marie's card above! I went for vintage themed and colorful.

For my brother-in-law's card I used one of his favorite Yoshi photos. The paisley resembles one of his dress shirts, and the saying "Eat,Sleep,Play,Repeat" defines Yoshi's favorite things to do.

Art Journal: Zink Happiness

Last Sunday I was watching Lisa Bearnson on HSN as she featured this amazing little ZINK (zero ink) printer. I am usually good at resisting buying brand new tools, but I did cave after learning all of the features. I received my purchase on Wednesday and could hardly wait to start playing with it. Here are some examples.

Handmade card: Taken 2 soon

To be totally truthful sympathy cards are my biggest weakness when it comes to creating a quick card. The one I just finished was for the family of someone I work with since his daughter tragically passed away. 

 

I knew I wanted the card to be feminine and have butterflies, so off I went head first into my stash. I pulled out a new butterfly stencil, started coloring it in with inks, then step back....YUCK, I said that is not what I wanted at all....think! Think! think! Took out another stencil with frilly lace cut outs ....tap, tap with dark watered down Faber Castell gelatos, step back!..... Oh NO not again. I refused to start over with a new card blank though. I took a dark brown, almost Kraft colored gelato while resting the paper on a paper towel. I got that a-ha moment feeling inside. 

Added a little bit of water to spread the ink, then dabbed it with the paper towel. This helped just enough of the background to come through. In the end it looks like a walk through a garden with a full moon illuminating the feathery hydrangea I added. These flowers are from a favorite floral sticker line by PSX studio. The butterflies are from the same line, you know I had to get butterflies in there somehow, LOL!

Finishing it up had to include pearls (on the flowers and the title). To me pearls signify femininity and all things delicate. Some canvas ribbon from my latest Michaels trip, and I called it a night.

The funeral is being held today and I had a close friend from work deliver it for me. I hope my friend, Warden Moran, and his family will think it a fitting tribute during this difficult time.

Yoshi card: Shirley's happy blessings day

Our friend Shirley has had some difficult times recently, so I made this happy birthday card to cheer her  up. I mailed it on Friday to make she would get it in time. Her eyes usually light up and her face breaks out into a big smile when she sees Yoshi. May you have many more blessings dear friend.

Sneak peek: Jar of happiness

I am blessed to have friends that inspire me to create beautiful things. This sneak peek shows detail of a card I just finished for a dear friend. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Family page: Sparkling 4th of July

Today I have chosen an older photo to celebrate the true meaning of Independence Day. My cousin Mike served his country proudly.

Family page: Stylish cousin

Today I am featuring one of my stylish cousins. She is a talented graphic designer taking the Dominican Republic by storm. I am proud to be related to her. Isn't she gorgeous?!

Spring turns into Summer

As Spring falls away and Summer ushers I feel reinvigorated. While channel surfing I came across what I have been looking for for so long. The origami organization rack is just what the doctor ordered. It took some hard work and sorting, but thank heavens I was successful at last. I know this will  recharge my creativity. Thank you HSN and Origami for offering such an amazing value.

Family page: priceless 80

I grew up knowing I was blessed to have a close family bond. My childhood was spent with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. One of my aunts celebrates 80 wonderful years of life. I created this fictitious $80 bill for her. Happy Birthday Tia Daisy!

Handmade card: Happiness is...

Sisterhood is a term so rich and meaningful that it is hard to put into words. This card is my attempt at celebrating my sister on her birthday. Even though I don't remember a birthday without her there, I wouldn't change that fact. We were 11 months apart and yet have shared so many happy moments together. Happy birthday Sissy!!!

Family page: Princess Zoe

My brother looks like a very proud daddy cradling his baby Zoe in his arms. It is his first baby with his lady love, Natashia. They produced a precious little PRINCESS. Enjoy!

Handmade envelope: French inspired

This envelope was created for a friend's birthday. Her third child is 'King' and he is a French poodle. I gifted her one of my favorite cards.

Family page: Ladybug

These are some close up photos of little Zoe whose maternal grandmother has nicknamed "bug". She reminds me of a baby ladybug. I can hardly wait to meet her in person.

Family.page: Worth the wait

This page and photo's meaning are pretty self explanatory, but they highlight the relationship between my sister-in-law and her first baby. Enjoy!

Family page: Adorable

Babies in our family have certain facial features that are unmistakeable. In our case we have chubby cheeks, pouty lips, lotsa hair and an upside down "V" under the bottom lip. The photo of Zoe I used shows those features and how peacefully adorable she looks while sleeping.

Family page: Love struck

This is baby Zoe with her grandmother Christine....

Baby album: Precious jewel

A precious jewel has been added to our family, my niece Zoe. This is the cover of her baby album complete with pearls, crystals and gems. Welcome to the world baby girl!

Family page: Tropical trio

Our family is spread out through countries and islands. This page features three of my cousins who grew up in Hawaii. Their father worked in the hotel industry before retiring to enjoy his golden years.

Family page: Childhood birthday memories

This page features another prized photo from Anthony Isambert's collection. I believe it was one of his childhood birthday parties cradled in his father's arms. My childhood memories also resembled happy scenes like this one.

Family page: Only in New York

The wonderful thing about researching your family tree is finding little surprises along the way. One of these surprises came when I found a weathered New York chauffeur's license with my grandfather's photo on it. I had no idea he had done this back in 1928. It added an extra piece of the puzzle for my mother's father. Enjoy my walk down memory lane!

Family page: Love time

Our family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of little Zoe. It seems she is already asserting herself, since she will not be rushed, regardless of 7 minute apart contractions. Natashia has nurtured our little munchkin through 9 very difficult months. The time is almost here!

Yoshi page: Game On!

Today's page shows Yoshi in the stands waiting for his turn in the ring. It took me a few seconds to come up with the title, but once I did the font had to be perfect. Enjoy!

Family page: On this day

That moment when a couple pledges their love to one another surrounded by family and friends, defines love. Today's page shows a timeless photo of two people who took that oath.

Family page: It's true LOVE

I get misty when I see people in love. In a way it may be because I have yet to find that elusive 'true love'. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of impostors out there, but you can tell when it's the real thing. The photos on this page show that this is the real thing. Congrats Sabrina and Donald your love inspires me.

Family page: Princess birthday

The photo I chose to feature on today's page shows my aunt on one of her birthdays. It reminded me of a portrait of a princess with her lovely opulent dress. The birthday cake on the photo is almost an accessory since you just focus on her adorable smile. Enjoy!

Family page: On cloud 9

The photo on this page was taken after my cousin Anthony was born. His daddy, Mike, got into his crib to celebrate with his adult sized bottle. It was a proud and funny moment at the same time. In the background you can still see boxes that need to be unpacked. What first time parent can't relate to that?!

Family page: Army Proud

Our uncle Mike served proudly in the Army. While in service his first born son, my cousin Anthony, was born in Germany. It was my cousin who provided me these wonderful photos. Scrappad is still one of my favorite apps on my iPad mini.

Family page: Birthday Blessings

Today is my cousin April's birthday. This page was created for her.

Family page: Brotherhood

My brother and my cousin have been closer than brothers all their lives. So when I was envisioning a brotherhood page I knew it had to be about them. The photos I chose show their bond through the years. Enjoy!

Family page: Best in Class

My family is full of gifted people. One of them is my cousin Anthony, who is a hairstylist, make-up artist, editor-in-chief. We all need to be thankful every day for the blessings of family.

Family page: United

Every family has a set of photos that define the relationship between siblings. I believe this set of photos does just that. Brothers united from childhood until today. Enjoy!

Family page: School memories

So much fun to look back in time at the happiness and hope on a child's face right before the first day of school. This cute photo is courtesy of my cousin Sabrina and highlights her beautiful daughter.

Family page: On the hook

Sharing family photos is something wonderful. The photo in this page shows my cousin's parents enjoying a fresh catch. Nothing like coming home with fresh fish. Enjoy!

Family page: Reflections

This is dedicated to my artistic cousin.

Family page: Mini Me

My cousin and her little girl are so alike she calls her 'Mini Me'. The love they share is wonderful to see. Enjoy!

Handmade card: thank you Tasha

The most amazing gift is the gift of life. In this case my brother's girlfriend is carrying my new niece until May. Creating this card was so much fun!

Family page: Maternal grandparents

While reviewing the pages I created thus far I noticed I was only featuring my Dad's side of the family. Today's page features my maternal grandparents. Both sides are so filled with history. I urge anyone who wants to learn more about their ancestors to ask questions. If you have grandparents still alive ask them. In my experience they love sharing family stories, anecdotes and life lessons. If possible record their voice, make a video or ask if they have any old photos you could scan and share with the rest of the family. Enjoy my journey!

Yoshi page:In love

This week we received an unexpected surprise, a baby picture of Yoshi from our friend (and pug breeder) Kathi. We had never seen this one before...Ain't he adorable? Thanks again Kathi