Handmade envelope: Mexican souvenir

This envelope is one of my favorites that I've created, not just because of who it was going to, but because it has a little bit of everything on it. Excusing the run on sentences that I am famous for. I have collected a wide variety of Tim Holtz paper that I like to use A LOT!!!

 

I brought back the love of all things MEXICO with this vivid sticker... Don't worry the stones were just props!

 

The brads reminded of things I saw in Mexico. The red is a bright color you see everywhere there. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Vintage blessings for Aunt Shirley

This envelope was created to celebrate our dear Aunt Shirley's birthday recently.

 

Even though we live miles apart each of these envelopes have the ability to bridge that gap and touch Aunt Shirley's heart. Each year we have known her has been celebrated in such a unique way. I can only hope the cards we send her are as valuable to her as she is to us.

 

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Yoshi card: Better late than never

Yoshi's Auntie Marie is one of his favorite people  to cuddle with at any time. His photos are more than just an inspiration. He is a larger than life character so it is always a challenge to outdo the last card. Marie lives in the Texas Hill Country so I always like to add wildflowers since they are her favorite.

 

I used some ribbon that I distressed with some of Tim Holtz' distress stain, just love the STUFF! It adds that little something that finishes everything like nothing else. Jenni Bowlin's star stickers is another must have for me. It helps me personalize any card or envelope. The Prima bling needs no explanation, LOL.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Please feel free to add a comment or suggestion.

Handmade envelope:Freshly caught

 

The envelope for yesterday's highlighted handmade card had to be as masculine as I could make it. The above closure brad was a plain brown mega brad when I decided to add a star sticker in the middle of it. The recipient is a proud retired veteran and (current) correctional officer/mentor. He is a proud member of the unit where I work.

 

Despite not knowing him for a long time I could tell he is a PROUD American who is making the most of his beautiful life. He enjoys  every aspect of fishing, from enjoying the outdoors to bringing back that perfect catch.

Looking forward to your comments and/or suggestions... Thank you for following my blog!

Sneak peek: Gratitude and Gifts

In the last couple of months I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for all of the blessings that have come my way. I have a job that allows me to work with amazing people. Even though at times it can become stressful the laughter and teamwork, shared in the quiet time, make up for it.

It has only taken me this long to restart my blog because I wanted to excel at my day job. My creative mind has never been as active as when I am learning new things. I take pieces of paper where I can doodle in between job tasks.

I trust what I have to share in the coming days/weeks/months will show how my creativity has developed. My gift to you is a small sample.

Handmade envelope: Heaven sent

I have fun choosing the perfect stitched brad for every handmade envelope. It has to complement and enhance the overall look of the envelope.

 

The  front of the envelope was embellished with a felt flower, lace and smash tape ribbons, pinwheel button, bling and pearls. The paper is by Heidi Swapp's Color Magic line. I love working with this paper by coloring it with some Tim Holtz peacock feathers distress ink. The middle of the flower I embellished with a found object before placing the pearl into it.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Festive 4th celebration

 

 This is my first July 4th in Texas and the spirit in this state inspired me to create this festive card. I wanted to represent all of the bright colors that you always see in fireworks and the pride shown by flying flags everywhere. Today is also a day to show some extra respect to all the men and women in uniform. Their service allows us to celebrate our country's independence.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Have a festive and safe 4th of July!

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.

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.

Handmade envelope: Thanx

 

This is the envelope I created for yesterday's Yoshi thank you card.  Each envelope is like another page in a page-turner. It beckons you to relax in a comfy chair and open it. The recipient will enjoy adding it to her collection.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Patchwork birthday

 

I enjoy working with colorful patterned paper like the one for this handmade envelope. Summer is on its way and I wanted to show that. My sister's birthday has always been a happy and scary time. Happy because I get to celebrate her special day and scary because it means my birthday is around the corner. She loves bling so I put plenty of it!

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelope: Husky companion

 

So proud of how this envelope came out! It was created to compliment the Siberian Husky card my cousin Gabriela fell in love with. She has loving memories of their family dog, a Siberian husky named Robin that passed away not too long ago. This envelope is a tribute to his memory and her love of the breed.

The Tim Holtz paper I used was distressed with some picket fence stain and some of his new (limited edition spring set) peacock feathers distress ink. It is an incredible product and one I can hardly wait to use in so many ways. I trust she will fall in love with the envelope like she did with the card.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade envelopes: Special Mother's Day

This handmade envelope was created for my mother. She likes oriental decorations (buddhas, elephants and chinese coins). They are a sign of good fortune and I wish her nothing but the best in the rest of her year. I am blessed to be able to celebrate this day in person with her this year.

Yoshi requested I use bright colors on his Mommie's envelope... and yes, again he wanted his paw print over it. He loves to chase after butterflies when he is out in the backyard. Texas in the springtime has an endless number of multi-colored butterflies flitting about. It is my first experience with them and I am thrilled to see so many varieties.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!!! Happy Mother's Day to all those beautiful angels that give us life and carry us when we are too weary to walk on our own!

Handmade envelope: Barney's

 

This is the envelope I created for Barney Rubble's card, and as you can see the whole Rubble family is featured on the front. It was loads of fun to create something this whimsical. Some times I over think things to death and projects like this remind me to "just have fun". Having fun and bringing a smile into people's lives is one of the reasons why I love creating cards and scrapbooks. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog

Handmade envelope: Le Cordon Bleu graduate

This envelope was created for my brother's graduation card. He just reached his goal of becoming a Chef and Le Cordon Bleu's support helped him achieve it. We are very proud of him and all the sacrifices he has had to make to achieve this. Congratulations again!

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

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.

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!!! 

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!