Sneak peek: Handmade floral envelope

 Here is a little peek at my latest creation, a handmade envelope I created for a farewell card I was commissioned to make.

Each commission is an adventure into outdoing myself. Challenges make my creative life fun.

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Stay tuned to many more creations to come!!

Mini Album: Jaelynn Lasai, part 4

 Glittery and blingy with a touch of whimsy onesie!

I found the Tim Holtz hanger clip first and then I went on the hunt for an appropriate onesie. Isn't it "berry cute"?

The journaling ticket from Teresa Collins brought in the princessy touch to the page. I added some Recollections bling to each point of the crown. 

No baby album would be complete without a page for the first birthday.

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Stay tuned for many more exciting projects, coming soon.

Mini Album: Jaelynn Lasai, part 3

 The adventure continues with the next 2 pocket pages. The pink damask paper is flocked. The colorful glittery stickers are from Target's 99 cent section. 

I used some paper tape to create a pull tape for the music note patterned paper. The fun embellishment was from my stash.

The sticker quote from Helen Keller was appropriate "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows"

The pullout pages on that page are from Little Yellow Bicycle's family journal ticket pad.

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Embellishment: Tim Holtz swivel clasp

This is my first try at using a Tim Holtz swivel clasp and I am kicking myself for not using it before. They are super customizable and a gorgeous addition to any mini album.

Mini Album: Jaelynn Lasai, part 2

When I found this glittery paper at Michael's I knew I wanted to use it in this mini album.

In my eyes, babies are the most pure beings on Earth. This is just a poor way of showing what a blessing they are.

Recollections make these glowing bling that I found on sale at Michael's while I was in Houston. Yes! I even shopped when I was away from home.

More pages to follow!

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Mini Album: Jaelynn Lasai, part 1

The first 2 pages of this mini album echoed the color scheme from the cover.

It established new elements like crowns and colorful snails.

Another part I wanted to include was extra hidden space for photos and/or journaling without making it too bulky.

It was a fun challenge to myself.

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Stay tuned for more goodies...

Mini Album: Baby Girl Jaelynn Lasai

This is the completed cover of  my most recent baby album. I like to find out the future baby's name so I can incorporate it in the album. I made sure to double check the spelling of such a unique and beautiful name.

The satin ribbon was from my stash and I used as much of my paper stash as I could. I even re-purposed some paper from a pet themed paper pad. Just goes to show paper pads of any theme can be reused for any project.

The white felt flower is a clip I found at Michael's dollar bin (3 clips for $1). The tulle flowers are from Recollections, The metal heart, swivel clasp and pearls are by Tim Holtz.

Sneak peek: Baby mini album cover

 Creating mini albums is something I enjoy. Unlike big scrapbooks it's almost instant gratification. This sneak peek shows detailed views of the cover of a baby girl mini album I was commissioned to make.

The cover of a mini album serves as a sneak peek of what will be found inside. I trust you will agree it is very girlie looking.

It incorporates old and new techniques. I brought my crop-a-dile out of the closet and used a new Tim Holtz swivel clasp. I even found some embellishments from a Tim Holtz class I took 4 years ago.

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Stay tuned for the rest of the mini album in the days to come.

Travelogue: Washington County, Texas

Before moving to Texas my family raved about the beauty of the wildflowers, but I had no idea until I experienced them for myself.

I may not know the name of all of the different wildflowers yet I can appreciate beauty when I see it.

Some of the ones pictured are Bluebonnets and Indian Blankets. This photo was taken by me while driving through Washington County (from Houston to Austin) on Hwy 290.

Card: Missing you Armida!

Here is the finalized card. I love to create last minute cards because it challenges me to use the products I have for a quick turnaround card!

Yoshi is a lapdog and a show dog all rolled into one. Even when he is not feeling well he turns it on in the ring. It is wonderful to see. He is an unforgettable dog, and now an AKC Grand Champion.

Armida was one of the first people we called with the news. She was totally ecstatic about his award. She sent him hugs and kisses over the phone line. I trust she will love the card once she receives it.

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Sneak Peek: Missing You

This is a preview of a "missing you" card I was commissioned to create for a beloved aunt whose health is failing.

When we had the pleasure of visiting her in Arizona, she fell in love with our Yoshi!

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Card: Ducky bday

 Sometimes inspiration strikes in the weirdest of places. In the case of this card, at the HEB supermarket here in Austin.

The rubber ducky featured on this card was found inside one of the coin temporary tattoo machines as you exit the supermarket.

The background paper is by Tim Holtz and they take into account the recipient's love of anything soft drink related.

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Card: Get well soon, Kathi!

 The final card includes a talented cast of characters (highlighted below). Kathi is a member of our family and Yoshi's breeder. Ever since we met her we have felt a tight bond that goes beyond her knowledge of all things pug-related.

Whenever we have any question or worry regarding Yoshi, she is always a phone call/email/text message away. 

Yoshi guided the creation of this card, from   beginning to end that is why he placed his "paw of approval" on it.

The cast of characters are Peggy Pug, Dr Pugliese and Chef Pugsley. The name are all  Pug-ish to go with the theme. I drew and colored each pug. It brought my confidence in my drawing skills back.

 

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Sneak peek: Get well soon

A little peek at a whimsical card I created for our dear friend Kathi.

I wanted the colors to be bright and sunny since the weather as of late has been cloudy and rainy.

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Envelope: Get well

Here is the full envelope!

Once I created a handmade envelope I was hooked. Now each of my cards will have a matching handmade envelope. No more worrying about running out of "regular" envelopes.

Most of the paper in my stash is so gorgeous, cutting it up into unrecognizable pieces would be a crime.

Sneak Peek: Get well envelope

 A very dear family friend went through surgery this month. As a way of showing her how much she means to us, I created this handmade envelope and accompanying card.

The ladybug on the envelope is a link to the look of the card (to follow shortly).

These brads I chose to coordinate with the colors of the paper. The baker's twine linking the two brads together is by Martha Stewart Crafts.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!! 

Card: Julia's Timeless Birthday

The wait is over!

Here are the finished card and envelope I was so happy to be entrusted to create. Thanks Jan for loving my card so much that you wanted me to create another one for your daughter, Julia.

I wanted to make sure to tie both card and envelope together in some way. The result a timeless theme to go with the travel photos I found. They matched some of the things I had found out about Julia.

 She will be traveling to Europe and while there she will be taking a cycling trip across Italy. Her greatest treasure is her beloved daughter, Jenna Mei (from Guangdong, China).

In many ways the journeys of her life inspired this card. Even though I have never met her, I feel as if I can identify with her adventurous soul.

I pray she will enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed creating it.

 Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Sneak Peek: Timeless card

This is the card that accompanies the previous envelope preview.

The recipient loves to travel to Europe and will be heading there with her family this year.

It was the perfect place for a Tim Holtz clockface with matching spinner hands. I wanted to make sure it had an interactive quality to tie in the picture of Big Ben.


The card was delivered yesterday and has resulted in another commission for a farewell card.

Things are looking up this year when it comes to the self marketing of my creative business.

Envelope: Timeless

This envelope was a challenge I made to myself so I could use my stash of supplies.

I have always loved anything Tim Holtz makes. The paper is from his paper pack. The brads are from Oriental Trading, a great resource for the frugal scrapbooker. The baker's  twine is from Martha Stewart crafts. It is all put together with paper tape.

It is a great use of a 12" x 12" sheet of scrapbook paper, and it is so easy to make once you have the proportions right.
I welcome your  feedback. Thanks for stopping by!

Sneak Peek: Envelope closure

This is a teaser to a birthday card I was commissioned to create for my sister's co-worker.
My process, although not for everyone, works for me. I like to find out as much as I can about the recipient of the card and go from there.
The card has a European vibe and these brads reminded me of antique pieces in Italy.