Sneak peek: crystalline inspiration

In this wondrous creative process, I sometimes get flashes of inspiration in the unlikeliest sections of the craft store. This sneak peek is evidence of that. The one certainty I had was that it had to be colorful with a stained glass design. I believe this is my vision come to life.

Sneak peek: Jar of happiness

I am blessed to have friends that inspire me to create beautiful things. This sneak peek shows detail of a card I just finished for a dear friend. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Sneak peek: Chill in the air

In the past few weeks there has been a noticeable CHILL in the air. That has inspired to create something with a little winter feel to it.

I could hardly wait to use Tim Holtz' new winter/christmas embellishments. This snowflake had such gorgeous scrollwork detail I used my gesso and picket fence distress stain to go to town.

Stay tuned for some  more goodies in the coming days!

Sneak peek: Feathering the nest

I tapped into a very special part of myself with this upcoming project. The nest you see is a beautiful charm I found at my local Michaels store.

This was created for a new addition to our family...

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!

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.

Sneak peek: Sparkly balloon

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

Sneak peek: Handmade floral envelope

 Here is a little peek at my latest creation, a handmade envelope I created for a farewell card I was commissioned to make.

Each commission is an adventure into outdoing myself. Challenges make my creative life fun.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Stay tuned to many more creations to come!!

Sneak peek: Baby mini album cover

 Creating mini albums is something I enjoy. Unlike big scrapbooks it's almost instant gratification. This sneak peek shows detailed views of the cover of a baby girl mini album I was commissioned to make.

The cover of a mini album serves as a sneak peek of what will be found inside. I trust you will agree it is very girlie looking.

It incorporates old and new techniques. I brought my crop-a-dile out of the closet and used a new Tim Holtz swivel clasp. I even found some embellishments from a Tim Holtz class I took 4 years ago.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Stay tuned for the rest of the mini album in the days to come.

Sneak peek: Get well soon

A little peek at a whimsical card I created for our dear friend Kathi.

I wanted the colors to be bright and sunny since the weather as of late has been cloudy and rainy.

Thanks for stopping by!

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!!! 

Sneak Peek: Timeless card

This is the card that accompanies the previous envelope preview.

The recipient loves to travel to Europe and will be heading there with her family this year.

It was the perfect place for a Tim Holtz clockface with matching spinner hands. I wanted to make sure it had an interactive quality to tie in the picture of Big Ben.


The card was delivered yesterday and has resulted in another commission for a farewell card.

Things are looking up this year when it comes to the self marketing of my creative business.

Sneak Peek: Envelope closure

This is a teaser to a birthday card I was commissioned to create for my sister's co-worker.
My process, although not for everyone, works for me. I like to find out as much as I can about the recipient of the card and go from there.
The card has a European vibe and these brads reminded me of antique pieces in Italy.

Sneak Peek: Peacock

This is a detail that inspired the sympathy card I created this week. I have always loved peacock feathers but once I read the meaning behind them it made them even more appropriate. Peacock Feathers have been used for healing for tens of thousands of years in every culture throughout time. According to WikiAnswers: "They are said to carry Spiritual Healing Energy that can be used to assist people seeking balance and harmony in their lives. With the proper guidelines of use, they allow the individual to connect with the Universal Healing Energy and use this energy to heal people of all of their complaints, imbalances and disease."

Sneak Peek: Sheer Love

This was yet another commissioned card by one of my co-worker. The only direction I was given was "Make it special!".... No pressure, right?

MORE TO COME!

SNEAK: Pearly goodness

This element inspired me to create a wonderful bridal layout. It is my first attempt at working with Heidi Swapp's new Invisibles (coated) paper. It's like magic! They are perfectly complimented by Tim Holtz' distress inks.

Assignment: Black & Yellow

In this sneak peek of a recent assignment I created a unique birthday card using the person's favorite colors (Black & Yellow). The challenge for me was having it look classy without looking like an ornate bumble bee.

More to come!!!

Sneak Peek: crystal flower

Stampin Up: Yummy paper

Yummy designer series patterned paper coming soon from Stampin Up... Stay tuned for more raspberry goodness!

Sneak Peek: Book binding

One of my favorite products to use is the 7Gypsies gaffer tape.