Canine card: Siberian Husky

Once I saw this image of a Siberian Husky I knew I wanted to use it on this card. The eyes are so clear and expressive. The fur is so fluffy that you almost feel like you could reach out and pet him. I wanted to echo that softness on the embellishments so I used some blue velvet ribbon and baker's twine wrapped around a soft blue jeweled brad.

If you see that there is a dog breed I have not featured that you would like to see, drop me a comment or email. Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: French Anniversary

The first element for this card was the romantic table setting rubon. After that I wanted it to feel  light and romantic with the bling and Teresa Collins patterned paper. The cardstock itself was conceived as a trifold where each layer reveals more love.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Heartful Argyle

To say it has been a while since I did any stamping would be an understatement. The stamp I used here is one of my favorites. It is a beautiful Cloisonne heart stamp created by Michael Strong. I used Tim Holtz' red brick distress ink and accented it with some red bling from my stash.

The back of the envelope as with my other ones combines brads and baker's twine. I sealed the ends of the envelope  with some Tim Holtz tissue tape. Enjoy!

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Stay tuned for the corresponding card tomorrow

Canine card: Pomeranian

The whimsical Pomeranian (Pom Pom, in my view) is from the Pomerania region of Central Europe (part of Germany and Poland today). Every time I see one at an AKC show they are constantly being fluffed by their handlers. That is why they are associated with one of the fuzzy pom poms I used to have on the ends of my socks, when I was a kid.

Thank you for stopping  by my blog!

Canine card: Saluki

While watching Animal Planet I found out about the Saluki. Granted I had never ever heard of this breed and I was fascinated by their expression, speed and history of the breed. They are the official mascot for Southern Illinois  University.  It's the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. Historically, they are known as the Royal Dog of Egypt or Persian Greyhound. They were used by nomadic tribes for hunting.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: Beagle

In my research for this card I found this breed originated in Greece. I was shocked since I always associated them with Great Britain. They are very energetic and that is why they are used for hunting.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Congrats Circus

This is more of a vintage Congratulations card. I saw the paper with the ferris wheel and circus... and thought vintage! It would be perfect for someone who has overcome some serious obstacles and come out the other side.

Tim Holtz' lost and found paper was perfect for the old fashioned photo booth picture-look. I love playing with inks and this card was no exception. My style can  wind its way into vintage looks in no time.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Blissful

This envelope was created to match the  card to follow tomorrow. In a way my favorite challenge of  cardmaking is making sure the envelope complements it. I trust you will think I hit the target on this one.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Stay tuned for more goodies.

Canine card: Dachshund

Another installment of my canine cards. In this card I feature one of my favorite breeds, the Dachshund. Growing up I had 2 of them in the house, and then they had puppies! It was a great childhood in a menagerie of other animals as well.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Congrats from Le Cordon Bleu

     Today is a very important day in our family. My baby brother graduates from Le Cordon Bleu as a Chef. For as long as I can remember he has been passionate about cooking and now he has made that dream into reality. It has not been a smooth road but he is seeing all his hard work paying off now. I wish I could be there to celebrate this special day with him, but I will be there in spirit. He understands times are tough (financially) so we, as a family, are planning a family trip soon.

I created a small place setting complete with plate and silverware I found in the doll house making section of the crafts store. My many resources are endless when it comes to how I re-purpose the few supplies I have in my stash.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Mini Album: Happy 12th Anniversary

Twelve years ago today these two lovely people joined their hands together in wedded bliss. I was honored to act as my sister's Maid of Honor. I created a canvas mini album with photos of their time together since 1989, so in a way it is more of an everlasting love mini album. Here is a look at the cover:

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: Chihuahua

This little detail shows a closer look at the details of this "Ay! Chihuahua" card. When I begin a card I don't have a clear cut caption for it and with this one the caption arrived after I put the card together. It is whimsical and one of my favorite cards.

The Chihuahua is a digitally colored children's coloring book page, since I was unable to find a cute photo of a chihuahua. Each card confirms that I am on the right track with my creations.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: French Poodle

When I think of a French Poodle I see a very delicate fluffy dog. That was my vision when I was creating my latest card. I used frilly embellishments. These include the French Coat of Arms, French Stamp, and a vintage postcard of the Eiffel Tower.

Each card I make teaches me more about the wealth of history in AKC breeds. Every single door has its own personality and character. I trust each of you is enjoying my adventures in Canine Cards.

The crown atop the Coat of Arms is adorned with a little red jewel. After all every card needs just a little bit of Bling to make it sparkle.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! If you like what you see, follow my blog!!

Handmade card: A new line - Maltese

This is one of a new line of handmade cards in a collection I will now call "Canine Cards". In the world of AKC dog shows there is a need for cute breed-specific cards. This one is perfect for any Maltese lover. The bow is enhanced with a little bling and the hydrangea is embellished with a couple of dainty pearls.

Pink hydrangea with pearl embellishments

Handmade envelope lined with pink damask flocked paper

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Pixelated and Trendy

STOP! Don't  adjust your screen resolution! The look of the paper is indeed a pixelated image with trendy borders.

This handmade envelope was created with some specialty paper I found at PAPER SOURCE. Upon entering the store here in Austin I felt like a kid in a candy store. I resisted the temptation to go nuts and only purchased one sheet of paper and the SMASH calendar tape.

The sides of the envelope are held closed with some Queen & Co. Ziggy Girl trendy tape from one of my favorite online stores (ScrapbookPal).

For the closure on the handmade envelope I used a white corduroy and a pink jewel brad, brought together with some Martha Stewart Crafts baker's twine. The final product came out better than I envisioned.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Fredericksburg

In the seven months I have lived in Texas I've experienced the richness of the history in every corner of this state. From the plains of the East to the deserted mountains of the West, but I must admit I am partial to the Hill Country. In this part I count Fredericksburg which I recently visited.

Handmade card: Balloon party day

My memories of childhood birthdays are full of balloons (the personalized ones with your name), lots of brightly wrapped gifts and the requisite piñata (which scared me to no end!). There was nothing like the promise of candy to bring out the wildness in kids, LOL. Here is a handmade card that reminds me of the fun part of birthdays. ENJOY!!!

Sneak peek: Sparkly balloon

This is a sneak peek at one of my latest birthday cards! Stay tuned for the whole thing coming tomorrow.

Handmade card: The blessing of true friendship

Throughout my life I have always treasured my true friends. Those are the friends who I know I can turn to when I want the absolute truth about something. They bring you food when you're sick or make you laugh after an ugly day.

For me, cards are all about a mood or a feeling that I can transform onto paper. My creativity is a work in progress and one that I enjoy sharing with the world. Every day is an opportunity to grow emotionally and creatively. For myself I wish many more years of creating beautiful things that make people happier.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Rustic thank you

Today I would like to share this rustic thank you card with part of a postcard I picked up during one of our stays at La Quinta. I was searching in my stash for something featuring wildflowers and this postcard had a barn in a field of bluebonnets... Presto!

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Travelogue: Gillespie County, Texas

This is my first Springtime  in Texas and I must say it is definitely awe inspiring. It's like someone turned on the hue on a Hi- Definition TV. Nowhere is that more evident than in the hill country.  My trip to Gillespie County was one full of vibrant colors, scents and patterns. I trust you will enjoy these pictures as much as I did taking them.

Red Corn Poppy field

Larkspur

Bluebonnets

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Make sure to click FOLLOW on the right menu if you would like to see more of my posts

Handmade card: Guess what?

Guess what? Today is a very special day in our household because it is Yoshi's birthday. He is now 5 years old!

 I created this card especially as a way he could say thank you to his Mommy and Daddy. He is more than just a pampered doggie. He is his own favorite character and we all LOVE him for that.

Handmade card & envelope: Proud congrats

 My mission in creating cards is conceptualizing unique concepts for special events. Many things run through my head when someone asks me for a congratulations card. As someone who has been blessed to get a university degree, I know what goes into making it to graduation.

It is a right of passage to achieve a higher education. That is not to say this card would not be just as appropriate for someone who gets selected for their dream job.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!

Handmade: Wild and Colorful Birthday

 I have some exciting news coming soon and to that end I am creating a brand new level of cards and envelopes.

My goal this year is to be more resourceful and creative to challenge myself to be the best cardmaker/scrapbook I can be. My handwriting has rarely made an appearance but I am focusing on adding more of it to my projects.

This birthday card is perfect for anyone who wants to wish someone a wild and crazy birthday.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Card: Warden Hall's Farewell

 Manly cards are a wonderful challenge for me. In my experience, all farewell cards are not the same. For this one I knew the warden loves golfing and is retiring to be closer to his family after 20+ years in service.

Once I found the image of an old fashioned golfer, the look of the card materialized. I had some weathered wood paper that I wanted to make the background. Even though I was unable to graphically show his love for Texas, I believe I achieved the rustic look I envisioned.

The envelope is from SEI's Savory Collection. I loved the almost barn color I see everywhere here in Central Texas. I want a step further by lining the inside of the envelope with the green plaid paper I used on the card.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!