Handmade card: Love every moment

As I have mentioned before, I love challenging occasion for cards. In this case a friend wanted a special card for her fiancé for, in her own words, putting up with her. Her fiancé loves riding his motorcycle in his free time, but yet he has a soft cuddly side watching movies with her. I handed this card to her this morning and look forward to hearing what his reaction was to receiving it.

Handmade card: Urban traveler's birthday

Friday I found out I had just a few days to create a super special card for a friend. She loves to travel to exciting destinations and vivid colors. She has an incredible sense of style and I wanted to ensure that came across in her birthday card. Since her birthday was yesterday, she took the day off so she could enjoy her day (away from the craziness that is our job). 

First thing this morning I answered my phone at work to hear my friend excitedly thanking me for her card. She explained it captured her spirit to a "T" and she would be encasing it in a frame so she can enjoy it every day. Ms Winn totally made an otherwise dull Tuesday, terrific!

Handmade card: Stand up and Dance

One of my favorite things is when someone gives me total creative freedom. In this card I was told "she likes PURPLE". Thank you Ms Jackson for giving me the freedom to create a beautiful birthday card for a beautiful lady.

Handmade card: A Marine hero!

As promised this is the complete view of a commissioned card for a coworker's daughter. She safely returned home from Afghanistan recently, and with a promotion to Sergeant to boot. I was honored to be able to give back to one of our women in uniform, proud Marine and beloved daughter. Her mother was so impressed with the card!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

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.

Yoshi card: double birthdays

Today marks the birthday of two very members of my family, my brother-in-law and our close friend. I had a tough time outdoing my last creations for them. My brother-in-law loved his, and now I'm just waiting to hear back from our friend. You be the judge...

This is Marie's card above! I went for vintage themed and colorful.

For my brother-in-law's card I used one of his favorite Yoshi photos. The paisley resembles one of his dress shirts, and the saying "Eat,Sleep,Play,Repeat" defines Yoshi's favorite things to do.

Handmade card: Taken 2 soon

To be totally truthful sympathy cards are my biggest weakness when it comes to creating a quick card. The one I just finished was for the family of someone I work with since his daughter tragically passed away. 

 

I knew I wanted the card to be feminine and have butterflies, so off I went head first into my stash. I pulled out a new butterfly stencil, started coloring it in with inks, then step back....YUCK, I said that is not what I wanted at all....think! Think! think! Took out another stencil with frilly lace cut outs ....tap, tap with dark watered down Faber Castell gelatos, step back!..... Oh NO not again. I refused to start over with a new card blank though. I took a dark brown, almost Kraft colored gelato while resting the paper on a paper towel. I got that a-ha moment feeling inside. 

Added a little bit of water to spread the ink, then dabbed it with the paper towel. This helped just enough of the background to come through. In the end it looks like a walk through a garden with a full moon illuminating the feathery hydrangea I added. These flowers are from a favorite floral sticker line by PSX studio. The butterflies are from the same line, you know I had to get butterflies in there somehow, LOL!

Finishing it up had to include pearls (on the flowers and the title). To me pearls signify femininity and all things delicate. Some canvas ribbon from my latest Michaels trip, and I called it a night.

The funeral is being held today and I had a close friend from work deliver it for me. I hope my friend, Warden Moran, and his family will think it a fitting tribute during this difficult time.

Yoshi card: Shirley's happy blessings day

Our friend Shirley has had some difficult times recently, so I made this happy birthday card to cheer her  up. I mailed it on Friday to make she would get it in time. Her eyes usually light up and her face breaks out into a big smile when she sees Yoshi. May you have many more blessings dear friend.

Handmade card: Happiness is...

Sisterhood is a term so rich and meaningful that it is hard to put into words. This card is my attempt at celebrating my sister on her birthday. Even though I don't remember a birthday without her there, I wouldn't change that fact. We were 11 months apart and yet have shared so many happy moments together. Happy birthday Sissy!!!

Handmade card: thank you Tasha

The most amazing gift is the gift of life. In this case my brother's girlfriend is carrying my new niece until May. Creating this card was so much fun!

Yoshi Card: Happy Birthday Kristy!

Today is our friend Kristy's birthday. I created and my sister delivered this handmade card and envelope.