Digital art: Veterans' Day

On a day like today I remind myself of the many men and women who have made the selfless sacrifice of defending our country. One of these men was my Uncle John who served in the Navy. The fact he served our country made my grandfather very proud. I thank him and all of those who have served in our armed forces.

Texas road trip: Enjoying November

Today was a wonderful morning spent enjoying a nature walk in the cool weather that comes with November. There is a special quality to the light as it comes through the trees, and a resonance to the crunch of the gravel underfoot.

 

Handmade card: Texas tea time

Texas tea time may seem like a weird concept to grasp, but this card 's recipient truly embodies that term. She loves everything British (history, culture, and yes....TEA) while always staying true to her Texas roots. When my sister entrusted me with creating a retirement card for her, I knew what I wanted it to look like. Her retirement party now over I can now post this knowing she deemed the card "PERFECT". So enjoy and thank you for visiting my blog.

Handmade card: Love every moment

As I have mentioned before, I love challenging occasion for cards. In this case a friend wanted a special card for her fiancé for, in her own words, putting up with her. Her fiancé loves riding his motorcycle in his free time, but yet he has a soft cuddly side watching movies with her. I handed this card to her this morning and look forward to hearing what his reaction was to receiving it.

Digital art: 1st birthday

Our little pug princess, Oki Louise, celebrated her first birthday today. Complete with pug friends and family, we sang happy birthday (in Spanish and English).... Who said pugs can't be bilingual!?

Handmade card: Urban traveler's birthday

Friday I found out I had just a few days to create a super special card for a friend. She loves to travel to exciting destinations and vivid colors. She has an incredible sense of style and I wanted to ensure that came across in her birthday card. Since her birthday was yesterday, she took the day off so she could enjoy her day (away from the craziness that is our job). 

First thing this morning I answered my phone at work to hear my friend excitedly thanking me for her card. She explained it captured her spirit to a "T" and she would be encasing it in a frame so she can enjoy it every day. Ms Winn totally made an otherwise dull Tuesday, terrific!

Handmade card: Stand up and Dance

One of my favorite things is when someone gives me total creative freedom. In this card I was told "she likes PURPLE". Thank you Ms Jackson for giving me the freedom to create a beautiful birthday card for a beautiful lady.

Handmade card: A Marine hero!

As promised this is the complete view of a commissioned card for a coworker's daughter. She safely returned home from Afghanistan recently, and with a promotion to Sergeant to boot. I was honored to be able to give back to one of our women in uniform, proud Marine and beloved daughter. Her mother was so impressed with the card!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Sneak Peek: A Hero

In my line of work I come across many challenges, and this one is no exception. The mission was creating a shabby chic card for a heroic daughter of a co-worker who had just returned from deployment. Stay tuned to this blog for the whole card and envelope.

Donations: PDCA Nationals auctions

This year it was my pleasure to donate 20 of my handmade cards to the Pug Dog Club of America's auctions. I knew anyone attending this annual convention would enjoy a varied collection of pug cards.

I look forward to seeing the look on the winning bidder's face. Stay tuned for more pictures.

Handmade card: Voyage to wellness

I welcomed the challenge of creating a get well card for a dear friend with relish. She had undergone a complete knee replacement and was going through a painful stage in her recovery. She is an avid world traveler and adventurer. I wanted to make sure she received it before I posted it. Thankfully she loved the card. I trust you (my bloggers) will feel the same way.

Handmade card: Momma Gloria's birthday card

In my last post I referenced a crystal inspiration card. This is the complete picture now that the recipient (Momma Gloria) has received it. I treasure the reaction to my heirloom creations and I was told  she purchased a frame to proudly display the card and envelope. She was stunned that someone had created such an ornate card.

Sneak peek: crystalline inspiration

In this wondrous creative process, I sometimes get flashes of inspiration in the unlikeliest sections of the craft store. This sneak peek is evidence of that. The one certainty I had was that it had to be colorful with a stained glass design. I believe this is my vision come to life.

Digital art: Time passes

A year ago this month I was bestowed the incredible honor of being this little lady's God-momma. It is one of my proudest titles in life. She is now almost 15 months old and flourishing like a beautiful flower. If I had only one wish it would be to have her close enough to visit but that is not fair to her mommy, daddy and extended family in her home state. I love creating these digital pages to share and boast on my God-baby. 

Enjoy!

Digital art: School's In Session

We were graced with finding a female pug puppy in February. Oki has enriched our lives, and that of our first pug Yoshi. They are at times playmates and at times boyfriend-girlfriend. We laugh at how easily she learns some of his bad habits and vice versa. This was one such teaching session in our backyard.

Handmade envelope: a completed melody

I enjoy challenges, especially when they are not planned. For this envelope i needed more than one 12"x12" sheet of paper. The vintage look I wanted came through perfectly.

Handmade card: The King sang it BEST

As a child I remember my grandmother watching Elvis Presley movies. At the time of course I had no idea what I was watching or hearing, but looking back now I am extremely thankful. The card below is an anniversary card for our Chaplain's wife. Once he told me of their favorite Elvis song I was transported back to those musicals where he went from action to a dance number. Most of those movies were full of vivid colors, textures, and people having fun. That is what I hope you see in this card.

Sneak Peek: Magical Journey

In today's sneak peek I want to share a topic I feel very strongly about. Love is a very sacred pact between two people. This is just a small detail prior to unveiling a bigger picture. This blog, like myself, is in a process of constant evolution and growth. Please accept my invitation to take this magical journey!

Enjoy & Share!

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!