Mini Album: Happy 12th Anniversary

Twelve years ago today these two lovely people joined their hands together in wedded bliss. I was honored to act as my sister's Maid of Honor. I created a canvas mini album with photos of their time together since 1989, so in a way it is more of an everlasting love mini album. Here is a look at the cover:

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Canine card: Chihuahua

This little detail shows a closer look at the details of this "Ay! Chihuahua" card. When I begin a card I don't have a clear cut caption for it and with this one the caption arrived after I put the card together. It is whimsical and one of my favorite cards.

The Chihuahua is a digitally colored children's coloring book page, since I was unable to find a cute photo of a chihuahua. Each card confirms that I am on the right track with my creations.

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Canine card: French Poodle

When I think of a French Poodle I see a very delicate fluffy dog. That was my vision when I was creating my latest card. I used frilly embellishments. These include the French Coat of Arms, French Stamp, and a vintage postcard of the Eiffel Tower.

Each card I make teaches me more about the wealth of history in AKC breeds. Every single door has its own personality and character. I trust each of you is enjoying my adventures in Canine Cards.

The crown atop the Coat of Arms is adorned with a little red jewel. After all every card needs just a little bit of Bling to make it sparkle.

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Handmade card: A new line - Maltese

This is one of a new line of handmade cards in a collection I will now call "Canine Cards". In the world of AKC dog shows there is a need for cute breed-specific cards. This one is perfect for any Maltese lover. The bow is enhanced with a little bling and the hydrangea is embellished with a couple of dainty pearls.

Pink hydrangea with pearl embellishments

Handmade envelope lined with pink damask flocked paper

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Handmade envelope: Pixelated and Trendy

STOP! Don't  adjust your screen resolution! The look of the paper is indeed a pixelated image with trendy borders.

This handmade envelope was created with some specialty paper I found at PAPER SOURCE. Upon entering the store here in Austin I felt like a kid in a candy store. I resisted the temptation to go nuts and only purchased one sheet of paper and the SMASH calendar tape.

The sides of the envelope are held closed with some Queen & Co. Ziggy Girl trendy tape from one of my favorite online stores (ScrapbookPal).

For the closure on the handmade envelope I used a white corduroy and a pink jewel brad, brought together with some Martha Stewart Crafts baker's twine. The final product came out better than I envisioned.

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Handmade card: Fredericksburg

In the seven months I have lived in Texas I've experienced the richness of the history in every corner of this state. From the plains of the East to the deserted mountains of the West, but I must admit I am partial to the Hill Country. In this part I count Fredericksburg which I recently visited.

Handmade card: Balloon party day

My memories of childhood birthdays are full of balloons (the personalized ones with your name), lots of brightly wrapped gifts and the requisite piñata (which scared me to no end!). There was nothing like the promise of candy to bring out the wildness in kids, LOL. Here is a handmade card that reminds me of the fun part of birthdays. ENJOY!!!

Sneak peek: Sparkly balloon

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

Handmade card: The blessing of true friendship

Throughout my life I have always treasured my true friends. Those are the friends who I know I can turn to when I want the absolute truth about something. They bring you food when you're sick or make you laugh after an ugly day.

For me, cards are all about a mood or a feeling that I can transform onto paper. My creativity is a work in progress and one that I enjoy sharing with the world. Every day is an opportunity to grow emotionally and creatively. For myself I wish many more years of creating beautiful things that make people happier.

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Handmade card: Rustic thank you

Today I would like to share this rustic thank you card with part of a postcard I picked up during one of our stays at La Quinta. I was searching in my stash for something featuring wildflowers and this postcard had a barn in a field of bluebonnets... Presto!

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Travelogue: Gillespie County, Texas

This is my first Springtime  in Texas and I must say it is definitely awe inspiring. It's like someone turned on the hue on a Hi- Definition TV. Nowhere is that more evident than in the hill country.  My trip to Gillespie County was one full of vibrant colors, scents and patterns. I trust you will enjoy these pictures as much as I did taking them.

Red Corn Poppy field

Larkspur

Bluebonnets

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Handmade card: Guess what?

Guess what? Today is a very special day in our household because it is Yoshi's birthday. He is now 5 years old!

 I created this card especially as a way he could say thank you to his Mommy and Daddy. He is more than just a pampered doggie. He is his own favorite character and we all LOVE him for that.

Handmade card & envelope: Proud congrats

 My mission in creating cards is conceptualizing unique concepts for special events. Many things run through my head when someone asks me for a congratulations card. As someone who has been blessed to get a university degree, I know what goes into making it to graduation.

It is a right of passage to achieve a higher education. That is not to say this card would not be just as appropriate for someone who gets selected for their dream job.

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Handmade: Wild and Colorful Birthday

 I have some exciting news coming soon and to that end I am creating a brand new level of cards and envelopes.

My goal this year is to be more resourceful and creative to challenge myself to be the best cardmaker/scrapbook I can be. My handwriting has rarely made an appearance but I am focusing on adding more of it to my projects.

This birthday card is perfect for anyone who wants to wish someone a wild and crazy birthday.

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Card: Warden Hall's Farewell

 Manly cards are a wonderful challenge for me. In my experience, all farewell cards are not the same. For this one I knew the warden loves golfing and is retiring to be closer to his family after 20+ years in service.

Once I found the image of an old fashioned golfer, the look of the card materialized. I had some weathered wood paper that I wanted to make the background. Even though I was unable to graphically show his love for Texas, I believe I achieved the rustic look I envisioned.

The envelope is from SEI's Savory Collection. I loved the almost barn color I see everywhere here in Central Texas. I want a step further by lining the inside of the envelope with the green plaid paper I used on the card.

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Card with Envelope: Terri's Farewell

My cards are selling themselves, as my sister said this week. Every time I get commissioned to create a card for one of her co-workers another commission materializes. The energy generated is thrilling.

This specific card was created for a Radiology Tech named Terri who was leaving for a new job opportunity.  As preparation I was told she loved the beach, buddha and meditation.

I went online and searched for some Photoshop brushes and found a treasure trove of oriental themed ones I could use. Thanks Brusheezy.com for helping me out with your amazing brushes.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I appreciate the time each of you take out of your busy lives to check out my creations.

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.

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Card: Susan's farewell

 This is the completed card I created for a traveling nurse who is moving to Montana. She is loved by everyone who works with her. Every spare moment she spends in the employee breakroom knitting a gift for a friend or family member.

I wanted this card to act as a souvenir of her time in Austin. I used Adobe Photoshop Elements to create a postcard full of signature images of Austin (longhorns, capitol building, wildflowers).

 Topped with blue crystals that guide the eye to the embellished heart wrapped with the proverbial bonds of friendship that will endure time and distance.

Thanks to all of you who follow my blog and are gracious enough to leave me comments of how you like what I do.

Embellishment: Heartstrings

For the card to follow I had to incorporate the recipient's love for everything knitting. As I do not knit I had to think a little outside of the box. I had to look at re-purposing some of the supplies I had.

The only thing I purchased was a skein of yarn, and I don't even know if that is what you call those things. I had a hard time knowing what was for crochet and what was for knitting.

I painted a chipboard heart (Maya Road) with brilliant red acrylic paint. Added a little texture with a foam brush. My thought was to embody the paraphrased quote "best friends are tied together with heartstrings. The closest thing I could think of to resemble knitting needles was some headpins I had in my stash. TA-DAH!

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Envelope: Handmade floral

 A bigger (more beautiful) view at the handmade envelope I mentioned yesterday.

My goal was to make a colorful and floral envelope. The patterned paper is from Tim Holtz' Lost and Found paper stack. The scalloped cardstock is from Ditto, and after embellishing it with some chalk inks all it needed was a little yarn.

The closure, as with the other envelopes, is made with coordinating brads. The jewel brad is from Recollections and the smaller patterned brad is from Making Memories. Martha Stewart Crafts baker's twine brings the closure to completion.

It is a refreshing feeling to not be restricted by the worry of "where will my card fit?"... I create the card and a matching envelope that takes everyone's breath away. What else could I ask for than a total card giving and receiving experience.

Thank you all for stopping by my blog! and allowing me to share my creations with you.