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.

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 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.

Art Journal: Zink Happiness

Last Sunday I was watching Lisa Bearnson on HSN as she featured this amazing little ZINK (zero ink) printer. I am usually good at resisting buying brand new tools, but I did cave after learning all of the features. I received my purchase on Wednesday and could hardly wait to start playing with it. Here are some examples.

Family page: Finding cousins

Many years ago I learned of a branch of cousins and being a genealogist I was excited to learn more. One of these cousins is April who I got to spend some quality time with a few years ago when she came to Florida. This family page features a photo of her beside one of her Mom. If you are like me you can see the uncanny resemblance. Just like looking in a mirror. Enjoy!!!

Outside the box: Butterfly dreams

Recently I received a challenge to use these butterflies in a magical project. My love for challenges has led me to some awesome creations. I look forward to sharing my final result incorporating these lovely jeweled butterflies.

Stay tuned!

Handmade tag: Enjoy today

 This is the result of my texture play. I created a tribute to a co-worker whose mother is a strong breast cancer survivor. Her story inspired me to create this tag that she could display at her desk.

Many times I have been guilty of waiting for a special occasion to create something for someone. This friend has taught me how to do my job in a more efficient way. Even though thank you is something I can say in a card, I decided saying it through a tag would be more fitting. She was flattered and impressed when I incorporated her favorite color into this tag. The back of the tag reinforces how she inspired me.


It is a small tribute to all those strong women who battle breast cancer only to emerge as beautiful butterflies from a cocoon of pain. Thank you for inspiring me with your strength.

Sneak peek: You inspire me

Playing with textures is one of my favorite things. This sneak peek shows a detail of a recently created tag. 

Stay tuned for the remainder of the tag!

Handmade envelope: Auntie Marie's b-day

 Yoshi's Auntie Marie is a very special lady, so that required a very special envelope. The closure was made up of some of my favorite brads (wood flower and corduroy). The patterned paper may look like the previous ones, but I chose this one because of the doilies embellishing the edges.

 

I echoed the wildflowers from the card and added a little gingham ribbon to a Jenni Bowlin milk cap chipboard button. Heidi Swapp's mistable letter and label matched the look perfectly. Where there are flowers here in Texas you will undoubtedly find butterflies, so Martha Stewart's butterfly punch came in handy.

Thanks for following my blog!

 

Mini Album: Heart and Soul Moments

 

Heart and Soul defines the love between my sister and her husband. Their love has endured over 20 years (12 of them married). In this day and age of disposable marriages, theirs has held fast through many storms. They are an inspiration to everyone they meet.

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 card: Wonderful birthday memories

 

Today is my sister's birthday and I created this nostalgic handmade card to show her how much I care. The photo I used was taken on her 5th birthday. In the years that followed our birthdays, which are so close together (mine is on June 15th), were celebrated with one party. It was great for me because it meant a bigger cake, and I love cake!

Happy Birthday Sissy!! Thank you for being my best friend for so many years.

Thanks 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!

Card: Happy Birthday Camila!

Today is my niece Camila's 21st birthday. I keep wondering how in the world do I have a niece who is 21 years old now. I remember when I was picking her up from after care at Gator Run Elementary like it was yesterday. 

She is probably cringing as she reads this. I also remember her telling some of her friends I was her "shaky Aunt". I still have shaky hands but I am very proud of the young lady she has become.Like the banner on the envelope reminds her, she has always lived in the moment.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Enjoy the journey!!!

Card: Caveats of life

Many times I have to remind myself to follow the simple message in this card. I love the feeling I get when I see a butterfly, no matter what has happened before I take a breath and this peace comes over me. In laughter we not only lighten our load but we claim our surroundings. Love is something we should always feel toward others... Be it the person who cut us off in traffic or our significant other, family and friends!

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Mini journal: Dreams come true

The challenge for this layout was to use black with pastels together. In case you have not already guessed I love butterflies. The first item that came to mind when I read the challenge was 'houndstooth duct tape'... Who knew?!
I didn't just want to slap the tape on there either. I chose a raw chipboard heart to showcase it. A little bling, rub on phrase, washi tape, journaling block, diecut flower and pearls called it done... Almost!

I had to play with some colored pencils since the background was a little too white for me.

Mini journal: Graceful as a butterfly

As a part of my new beginning I have set out to participate in many more online challenges this year. I find it helps me to focus my energy in a useful and productive way. In this page from my mini journal, the challenge was to use a quote in your project. The quote I chose was from a Chinese proverb that states "To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root." The genealogist in my nature could not agree with that statement more. The photo is of my grandmother when she was a young graceful lady. The grace I embodied through the use of the feather, lace border and pearls.
My grandmother was an accomplished pianist, violinist, and a gifted seamstress. I have inherited her gift in art and some have said I bear a striking resemblance to her. I was blessed in knowing her.

Card: Blow out the candles

This was a surprise birthday card for my friend Joycy. She loves pink, green and pretty patterns. I had the rest of our team sign it and they oohed and aahed all day!

Card: Be Subtle

When I looked closely at one of my 7Gypsies gaffer tapes I knew I wanted to use it. The butterfly is a dimensional sticker by Debbie Mumm for Creative Imaginations.