Thursday, March 31, 2011

Love This Photo!

During my recent visit to Minnesota, I took this photo of my girlfriend Jeanne's dog, Morgan. While we were visiting she kept going to the window and looking out. I just thought it was so cute!
I Think...
I think the sentiment matches perfectly!

Products used for this card: Kraft PTI Cardstock, Miscellaneous cardstock scraps, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - CL417 - Huge Hugs.

Thanks for stopping!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Everything is better....

....when shared with a friend. Sabine, who works with my husband, let me use this photo. I guess when she takes her dogs on a walk they will get a big stick and both of them will carry it together in their mouth. This photo doesn't capture that, but I'm sure it would be fun to see. Talk about teamwork!
Everything is better...
I think the sentiment matches just perfectly.

Products used for this card: Kraft PTI, Miscellaneous card scraps, Photo courtesy of Sabine Henckel, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, May Arts Jute, Hero Arts Stamps - CL487 - Thank You For Being My Friend.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Few Cards To Share

I was organizing the cards I've made lately and came across two that I haven't shared. I have a pile of pet photos that are just waiting to be made into cards, so keep watching my blog for them.

This first card is Homer. His owner, Jo Ann Shroyer, so kindly let me use his image. Thank you Jo Ann! I love the look on his face! I've got a few more sentiments I want to use with this photo, so watch for more Homer cards.
Big...

This one is our beloved Calvin. He was such a wonderful cat. He loved lounging in the sun!

Spread...

Here's a notepad I created using playing cards. I had opened two decks of cards to create some recipe cards for a now defunct swap I was in. Now I've got some cards to use in projects.

Card Notepad

I used my Zutter Bind-It-All to put it all together.

Card Notepad2

Products Used for the cards: PTI Cardstock in Rustic White & Kraft, Sizzix Photo Corners #2 Die, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, May Arts Jute, Hero Arts Stamps - CL417 - Huge Hugs, CL129 - Anytime Messages. Photo of Homer Courtesy of Jo Ann Shroyer.

Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Card Patterns Sketch 108 Challenge

It seems like forever since I've participated in a challenge. I guess I've just been busy!

I used my Nestabilities to create my flower using patterned paper from TPC Studio called Grandma's Attic Embroidery.
There is always....
I love this ribbon! I purchased it on my recent visit to Archiver's at the Mall of America. Now I wish I had bought more. Thankfully I'm heading back real soon so I can stock up on it.

Here's the sketch I worked from:
CardPatternsSketch108 


Head over to Card Patterns and check out all the gorgeous cards from the design team.

Products Used: Bazzill, Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Circles Small & Labels One, Clear Embossing Powder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, EK Success Open Scallop Edge Punch, American Crafts Ribbon, May Arts Jute, Patterned Paper from TPC Studio called Grandma's Attic Embroidery, Hero Arts Clings - CG125 - Friend Definition, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - CL498 - Live Life, Card Patterns Sketch 108.

Thanks for stopping by!

*as of 3/31/11 this card is featured here.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sunshine Inspired

Today my eye caught this bicycle stamp sitting on my shelf. It kind of reminds me of my moms bike that my daughter has. Even though it was a little brisk out, it was nice to have the sunshine streaming through the windows. We have alot of snow on the ground from our storm earlier this week, but I couldn't help but think of how nice it will be to take a bike ride. Spring is coming isn't it?
Find Joy...
The base cardstock is actually a light yellow. The photo makes it look beige.

Products used for this card:

PTI in Lemon Tart, Patterned Paper from BoBunny - Avocado Dot, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, Clear Embossing Powder, Printworks - Bike With Basket - JB3925, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, Ribbon from American Crafts, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, Hero Arts Clings - CG276 - Things.

Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Lesson Learned

What I thought was going to be fun turned out to be a nightmare and very disappointing. Back in December I came across a recipe card swap and I blogged about it in February here. A light should have clicked with me right away because from the get-go nothing seemed right. I was told the cards had to be in the mail by the 25th of the month. I had my cards ready to go before the 25th of January and was practically begging for an address as to where to mail them. No one would give me one. After emailing the host of the swap (without an answer I might add) and posting messages on the swap board, I was finally given an address. I did make mention to them that my cards would not be received in time. I guess if they don't receive your swaps on time you're put on some sort of list. Finally I received the cards in the mail that were to be sent to me. I didn't get them until around the 18th of February or so. I kept waiting to find out what the swap theme for February was going to be. It was for appetizers. My first card was for appetizers, but the rules had already been changed.

For month two I made my cards and mailed them before the 25th. Now this is where the whole swap went to hell in a hand basket. The forum moved to another server. Everyone in the forum knew this way ahead of time and were supposed to move over. I have been waiting patiently for my February cards to come in the mail until now. I've been leaving messages and trying to contact people regarding this swap without any luck. The old forum is now shut down and no information about this recipe swap is in the new forum. Today I get a response back from one of the participants that they're sorry I haven't received my cards. She received hers quite awhile ago. WTF? I give up. I'm done!

Since I have one of my cards that I sent out, I thought I'd share it. I was never in the swap for the recipes, Lord knows I have enough of them! I just wanted to participate in something creative and fun.

Front

I apologize, but I'm not sure where this recipe came from. I think it was in an emailed newsletter I received. When I saw it, I thought it sounded good and I liked the title which inspired me to use cards. This is the front of the card and below is the back.
Back

At least it sounded like a fun swap. I'd love to try another swap sometime, but right now I'm a little gun shy. Thanks for letting me vent!




Thursday, March 17, 2011

Minnesota Visit

A few months ago when my daughter who lives in Connecticut mentioned that she was going to visit me, the wheels started turning. My husband has known for a long time that I've wanted to take a few days and go to the Mall of America (MOA) and visit family. When he said "go for it", I sure did! Everyone thought I had crammed way too many things in my schedule. I might have to agree with that, but I do it all over again! I'm not sure that my daughter would see it that way. I'm hoping she'll forget about my bad driving and how hectic the schedule was and will do it all over again with me.

We moved to a small town in Wisconsin from Minnesota about two and a half years ago. I know I may be crazy, but I miss the traffic, the crowded malls, noise, restaurants and energy that a large city has. While there, I realized how much I took for granted just being able to go to my favorite store which is Archivers. It was so close, I could stop whenever I wanted to. Now it's four to five hour drive for me.  
Day 1 & 2 - Friends & Family
I was able to have dinner with a few friends. I do miss working with them, we had alot of fun times! I just wish that everyone that was invited could have made it. I also met some new people that were fantastic! I hope I didn't offend my oldest daughters friend. I have been known to speak before I think!

Day 3 - Family
Getting together with family is always great! I really wish I could see them more. My immediate family is very small, but I have a ton of cousins! I was only able to see a few, but maybe if the timing is better next time more will be able to get together.
Day 3 - Triplets
I was so excited to see my second cousins triplets! If I could have brought them back with me without their mother knowing, I would've in a heartbeat! They'd keep my on my toes and make my everyday life exciting! I'm so jealous because I always wanted to have either twins or triplets.
Day 3 & 4 - Friends
It was so nice to see friends I haven't seen in years. I was also able to see another co-worker who is just hilarious! We used to have so much fun working together. I miss that. It would have been nice to see a few others who couldn't make it. My last stop was to see a friend from high school. I can't remember the last time we saw each other. It was great! My only regret is that I didn't get a photo of my sister-in-law Judy, who we met for dinner one evening. I also missed a photo opportunity with my friends Donna, Marvin and Susie who I met for lunch and my friend Betty that I met for breakfast. I'm not sure what I was thinking and could just kick myself.
Furry Friends
Of course I had to get a few photos of some furry friends! I just love the one of Morgan in the bottom right corner. I love how she rests her nose on the windowsill to look out the window! They were all so cute!

I do have two more visits to the MOA coming up between now and September and I'm looking forward to them!

Thanks for stopping by! I have alot of projects to get done, so I better get busy!


Saturday, March 5, 2011

More Pet Cards

I'm really having a fun time with these pet photos. I've got them all in piles with sentiments to match. Now I'm just working my way through them all. This morning I came across some good cat ones that I'll use with my next set of cards.

This is Maisy, my friend Misty's dachshund. Doesn't she look comfortable lounging in the grass on a warm, sunny day!
Maisy
This is Calvin. He was our first cat and I must say the best one! Unfortunately Calvin left us way before his time. He was the most photogenic of all of our pets. I have more cards coming of him. He always had the best expressions and would let you do anything to him. He loved posing for the camera!
Find....
Last but not least is our dog Toby. I think he's such a cutie, but I have a hard time getting a decent photo of him. The camera just doesn't capture how adorable he is, or he moves right when I snap the picture. This was his look of sheer panic because he knew I was leaving and he couldn't go with me.
Sending....
Supplies used for these cards include: PTI White Cardstock, Bazzill, Patterned Paper Scraps, Mirrorcard, Brads, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, Ribbon, May Arts Jute, Viva Pearl Pen in Ice White, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Everyday Sayings - CL342, Hero Arts Clings - CG276, TPC Studios Clear Stamps - Playful Expressions - ST93454, Dachshund Courtesy of Misty Valadez

I hope you're enjoying this cards as much as I am. Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Lou Is Back!

I can't resist making cards with pictures of Lou! This one just makes me smile. My daughter painted his nails red and he seems to be showing them off and smiling in this photo. I think I found the perfect sentiment!
Remember....

Lou gets alot of exercise in the summer. My daughter takes him to dog parks so he can burn off some of his energy. He's like the energizer bunny, he never stops.

Chase....

I love this next one! He looks totally worn out.

So Glad...

My very first card of Lou was a birthday one. It was so popular, I decided to recreate it with a different sentiment. I think it turned out just as well.

Seize.....


I'm still going through all the photos I've so graciously been given, trying to find just the right sentiment for each one. I'll post the cards once I've created them. Thanks for stopping by!

Products use for these cards:
Base: White and Black PTI, Kraft
EK Success Binding Edge Punch
Stampendous! Dot Sparklers
Sizzix Photo Corner #2 Die
Bone Paper Clip
Pompom
Star Punch
TPC Studio Clear Stamps - Playful Expressions - ST93454
Hero Arts Clear Stamps - All Occasion - CL272, Birthday Messages - CL139, Huge Hugs - CL417
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Jackson

09 10