Canine card: Schnauzer

 

Where yesterday's card was ALL girl, this is an ALL boy card. He strikes me as a little pampered doggie who protects his house and humans. In his closet I bet he has a few spiffy outfits for every occasion. He loves going out on play dates but it may take awhile for him to share his toys. He's got a secret that I wish I could know.

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I trust you enjoy this unique handmade card.

Canine card: Pretty lady

 

This pretty lady is a Japanese Chin. I wanted to make sure the photo was the star of the card and everything else was just secondary. Like an ancient geisha she never goes anywhere without her flowered fan. The bling is like a soft whisper of wind traveling through.

 

Thanks again for stopping by my blog! I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Handmade card: Paradise found

 

Where my last creation sprang from paint chips, this card sprang from a tropical paradise calendar I was given. Each page is more breathtaking than the next so it took me a little time to choose the image I wanted to work with today. I knew I wanted to incorporate wood patterned paper. Using white wood patterned paper would have felt too matchy matchy so I resisted that temptation. I like it much better with the wood patterns and chevron pattern I selected.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade tag: Summer's fancy

 Yesterday I set out a challenge to think outside of the box, and believe it or not, this is what I came up with. I wanted the colors to POP. In my everyday I prefer working with kraft paper but in this case I wanted the most contrast possible. I achieved that by using this black tag I found in my stash by the incomparable Teresa Collins.

I thought of making the paint chips look like ribbons across the paper and reinforce that with real washi tape. In the past I focused so much on making everything perfect that I failed to see the beauty in the imperfections. In this case I did not worry about the ribbons being perfectly straight, since I was concentrating on an overall summery feel. I am very happy with the result and would love to see anything you guys/gals may have created in my challenge.

 

Again I thank you for indulging my fanciful creations. Thanks always for stopping by my blog!

Outside the box: Glidden Paint Chips

 

In my life I am constantly searching for ways I can re-purpose something. That is why I will be calling these types of posts "Outside the box", because that is what I am challenging myself to do (to craft and think outside of the box). On a recent trip to Walmart I picked up this paint chips totally at random. I remembered how some people had re-purposed them in some of their online color challenges. The names seemed pretty and summery (Orange Slice, Sexy Pink, Watermelon Smoothie). They made me think of sitting on the beach with an umbrella drink.

Tomorrow I will share with you what I decided to create with these. I challenge you to look at something in your everyday life and think how you can re-purpose it. In my case it was something that caught my eye, and as a bonus happened to be FREE. How many things can you say that about lately (the FREE part anyway, LOL!).

Thanks for indulging me and stopping by my blog! 

Pug card: Yoshi says Hi!

 

 Yoshi's adorable pug mug graces this friendly card. Sometimes you want a card that you can send someone to say "Hi, I'm thinking about you buddy!"... He has a friendly expressive face that draws everyone in.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Canine Card: Springer Spaniel

 

This Springer Spaniel has such an expressive face I did not want to detract from it. The embellishments are minimal and the coat of arms shows where the breed originated. The wood patterned paper has a subtle doily pattern to soften the wood look.

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog and admiring the work I create with such love 

Handmade Card: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

 

Vintage planes, trains and automobiles inspired this travel card. It would be perfect for anyone who has returned from, or is heading on a great trip. The slide shows the Taj Mahal under the caption "Going Places." I love the chevron background as a symbol of coming and going while traveling to and fro.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Stay tuned for a variety of different creations in the weeks and months to come.

Canine Card: Shetland Island beauty

 

This is one of my favorite rustic style cards. The beauty of the Shetland Sheepdog inspired me to create a unique feeling card. The Scotland Coat of Arms is gorgeous and brings in the history of this breed. Chevron and wood patterned paper were used to add a rich mix of textures.

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I welcome your comments and suggestions for future creations.

Pug card: Early Christmas

 

Christmas will be here before you know it. Wouldn't you love to send personalized Christmas cards with your own pet's image? Get in touch with me if you would like me to customize some cards for you. I like the adorable fawn pug under the tree waiting for his presents.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

 

Handmade Tag: Discovering my style

I have this crazy love for wood patterned paper. It may be the distressed thing or just the realistic thing. This tag was a fun challenge to myself. The feather I added just for kicks (I found it in the backyard today!)

 When I saw these K&Co slide stickers in the store I knew they were the dimensional fanciful embellishments I needed on my cards. A little change of pace from all the canine cards. You know what they say about variety being the spice of life. Back to canine cards tomorrow! Any requests or challenges?! Please let me know and I will gladly oblige.

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Enjoy the journey!

Handmade envelope: Father's Day from Yoshi

 

Here's the handmade envelope for the Father's Day card I created for Yoshi's daddy. He was particular that it had to be colorful like his Poppa's favorite shirts. The buttons were my idea and thankfully he allowed me to put them on the front of the envelope. The flower was found in one of the Michaels' clearance bin, and I was so happy that it almost matched the patterned paper perfectly.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I welcome your comments and/or suggestions on current or future creations.

Pug card:Yoshi's gift to his Poppa

 

Like with Mother's Day last month, Yoshi was very particular about getting a very special card for his Poppa. He wanted me to include his paw prints and his daddy's love for tennis. The creativity in the rest of the card he left up to me. I love using wood patterned paper and chipboard embellishments. I must admit the photo I used was his daddy's favorite. The final product passed the Yoshi test! Yay another satisfied customer.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I welcome your comments and/or suggestions on future creations

Scrapbook: Home Grown family

 

 The cute little baby girl in the photos is my mommy. Wasn't she adorable?! 

The building was her home for her first few years of life, and it seems the fun thing to do was go onto the fire escape for an impromptu photo shoot. I took the photo of the building on my first and only trip to New York in 1999. To go into the building would have been nice but I did not want to push my luck. 

The background paper is some torn sheets from a music book I purchased at half price books (for $1). I love great clearance deals.

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Sneak peek: Back to the books!

It has felt like forever since I created a full 12x12 scrapbook page. I was inspired by some vintage pictures I had stored away... More to come!

Canine card: German memories

 

These doberman puppies remind me of my time in Germany. Some people may consider them scary or vicious but their protective streak can be mistaken for being aggressive. They are loyal and playful dogs! This card is a tribute to their strong, gentle spirit.

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Pug cards: Registered cuties

 

My goal with this pug card was to create a title that was as adorable as the look on their faces. They may have their serious faces on but I still think they are super cute. That is the funny thing about most pugs, they are serious one second and goofballs the next. Any pug owner will back me up on that. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: Chows

 

This breed always reminds me of those big lions in front of courthouses. They are extremely loyal and protective. Their fur reminds me of a big fluffy stuffed toy in this myriad of colors!

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Pug card: Really liking this!

Yoshi's back! This time gnawing on one of his favorite bones. He really really really likes it.

What do you think? Do you like it?

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Nature walk: Turquoise bath

Our yard just became even more beautiful this week. We added a vibrant birdbath for the birds that frequent our yard can refresh themselves from the summer Texas heat.

 

They have yet to stop by but we are sure they will find it an irresistible place to visit soon. I can honestly say I am a bit jealous they have a place where they can escape the at times oppressive heat here. Lucky birds!

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Have a beautiful week!!!

Canine card: Corgi

Here is the latest installment in my Canine Card Collection. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed close to my heart as it used to be a family pet. I trust you enjoy this card.

 

Little bling details complement the card along with the Welsh Coat of Arms.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!