Lightbox? What Light Box?

I had a good night's sleep and woke with one goal in mind. I was determined to make a second card for the Clearly Inspired Challenge, Challenge #38.I did my first sketch attempt with their challenge #37 and was happy with the result. Understand, like most people, I never think my cards are good enough for challenges so I have only entered one or two in blog land. So many people can see them - scary.

In reading the requirements, I thought no problem. Pink. I love coloring pinks. In searching images on hand I found myself going back to a Sassy Cheryl image called Simple Adorable Flower Girl. . Lots of places for pinks  on her. Then I happened to notice a challenge on Sassy Cheryl's Challenge #87 Pink and a Bit of Inspiration. A decision was made to combine both challenges into one card. After all they both want the color pink.

So I  worked away and must admit that Sassy Cheryl's bit of inspiration gave me a case of perspiration. Being a somewhat literal person, what I see is what you want. So what did I see? Plates, lots of plates with patterns and silverware. Looking at all the pretty links and DT work on both blogs just added to my seepage factor. How can I compete with them? I can't!!!  Many, many die cut pieces of paper later I was once again in control and pleasantly pleased with the resulting card. Just two more steps I will have met my goal for the day. Go me!

Next step - a photo of said creation. This is where the light box comes in. Or rather doesn't come in. I have asked nicely, begged tearfully and threatened menacingly my dear hubby to no avail. I have brought home more boxes from work than should ever be allowed one person. I have printed instructions over and over - taped them to the frig, the bathroom mirror, rolled them up in his shoes. You name it, I've thought of it.Why don't I make one myself?  Number one: he is currently home all day and he has time on his hands. Number two: a craft knife is never a safe object in my hands. Number three: I'm determined to break that annoying thing called selective hearing. Yes ladies, it does exist. Yes I love the man and more importantly I like to think he loves me enough to make one for me. Time will tell and right now there is no light box for pretty photos so outside I went to get the shot before the sun completely set. For kicks, here is that photo:

Not the best shot is it! So in my quest for justice and a decent photo, I made hubby get on his winter coat and come out with me. He served to block the sun from casting the shadow. Still not the best shot but the best possible without my light box. Here is my entry into Clearly Inspired Challenge #38 Pink and Sassy Cheryl's Challenge #87 Pink and a Bit of Inspiration.

Parting thought:

You can't have everything. Where would you put it?

Steven Wright

Christmas Countdown?

Playing catch up seems good for the crafting mojo. Last week I intended to get through the Anything But Cute challenges along with the Clean and Simple lessons. Made it through the Anything But Cute and had to console myself with doing the Clean and Simple this week. Yesterday I blogged the Masculine, One Layout Four Ways lesson. Fairly happy with the results so onward I trudged to the Clean and Simple Countdown to the Holidays, Lesson One.

I am undertaking this project because I need to convince myself that November is not enough time to start thinking about Christmas cards. Yes, I said thinking; often I don't make cards till the 2nd week in December.

The goal is to take a simple image, come up with a design and go to town - make as many as you can with same image,  find ways to "change it up" and still keep simple. Here are the supplies I used. I tried to stay away from cute even though Christmas whimsy is my most comfortable version of cute. The stamp used is an oldie from Stampin Up - don't know the name but it has a spring/summer, fall and winter rustic look. Might be from the year 2003.

Pretty simple, stamp, color with distress inks and glitter. If you are wondering why the two glitters; because one is a fine, crystal sparkle and the other is opaque white. Allow me to go teacher here and show you a close up of  the two (like you don't understand the difference already).

The left is translucent and finer while the right is opaque and a bit more chunky. Both were applied with a glue pen from Zig. Normally I would use my Art Institute glue but the Zig does dry faster. In CAS your goal is a card in 10 minutes or less. Here is an image just glittered. White opaque used on the little evergreen and clear sparkle everywhere else.

Cut background paper for a little contrast to the white card blank. Kick it up first level by changing the card opening, therefore the image mounting. Also, changing the sentiment gives me another two versions of the same card. I can get four different looking cards with very minor alterations. That's not even counting the variety I can get by changing inks used on the sentiments. Possibilities are almost endless and I haven't put in much effort yet.

Bottom card was first made and unfortunately, mounted a tad bit wonky. I do wonky well.

Still intend to work with this image some more and see what I can come up with. While I don't think I have a style, if I had to name one that fit me most Clean and Simple would be it.

If you are wondering, even with the glittering I can make one from start to finish, including the card blank in 14 minutes. Not bad for somebody who tends to think a couple of hours coloring an image is the norm. Check out Lyn's Countdown to the Holidays in the Clean and Simple group on Paper Craft Planet. Just follow the link, CAS Countdown to the Holidays

Quote for the day:

“Think left and think right and think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

Dr. Seuss

Clean And Simple 47

Last week I indulged myself by working on the Anything But Cute challenges. I also wanted to do the Clean And Simple but the week-end was gone before my goals. If I'm honest I didn't get it accomplished because I'm on the computer too much. Since I don't like that reason, I think I will use "the kitties ate my first attempt" or maybe the squirrels... Those who know me might just believe that!

The CAS challenge 47 was one layout four ways and Lyn's example was for a masculine card. Not one to rock the boat, I stuck with masculine, well my version anyway. Here are the supplies except the thin cardboard piece I stamped the main image and sentiment on.

The Palette ink pad color is Prussian Blue. Stamps are from The Angel Company and paper, which I used both sides of one sheet, is by Momenta. Bee border by K&Company.

Layout one is right side opening:

Layout two is bottom opening:

Layout three is with design switched to the left (two more bees added just because I could):

Fourth layout was for a gate fold card but I didn't do it since I can't foresee me using that design in the immediate future. However, the paper layout used does work, I'm just to cheap or lazy (take your pick) to finish the inside of a card with more paper.

Hope you enjoyed and maybe some of you will take up Lyn's lesson just for fun. Here's the link to it on Paper Craft Planet. CAS Lesson 47

Parting thought by Author Unknown (man, he has a lot of quotes attributed to him):

“Never be afraid to try something new. 

Remember, amateurs built the ark. 

Professionals built the Titanic.”

Horror of horrors

Free week-end to treat myself to some challenges over on Paper Craft Planet. I love doing Lyn's challenges in the Clean and Simple and Anything But Cute groups. It's been a while despite my best intentions. Apparently I am also caught up in horror of horrors a "cute" cycle. I honestly didn't realize just how many cute images I have produced until I started working on the Anything But Cute challenges for October. This post shows my attempt at the 2nd weeks challenge of making a pumpkin or Halloween card. I really had to hunt for an image in my stash for this one. Disturbing how many cute monster type things I own....

Supplies:

and

Pretty simple, stamp, color and cut. Background paper created by ... me of course. Glossy paper, alcohol inks and a little spray webbing.

Mounted on orange card - I liked on just plain orange card but for the challenge I thought it needed a little more. I think I was wrong but can't change it now. Skull/cross bone heart stamped with a "dirty" stamp as in not thoroughly cleaned and VersaMark ink. Anybody wonder why her arm is missing and off to the right?

Yes, I neglected to mention it is a mechanical stamp. Hope you enjoy the finished product.

and mask down...

Haven't left a parting quote in a while so here we go:

“I bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.”

 author unknown

Here's a first

 

I received a Clearly i Stamp newsletter. The newsletter included a sketch challenge, shown above. Generally I tend to avoid challenges because I can never copy what I see. However, I really liked the clean and simple look of this sketch so figured why not. Need to get cards made anyway, right?

I started with brown card and yellow card stock, both from Stampin Up. Don't know the colors exactly as they have long separated from original packaging. I pulled out a stamp set from The Angel Company (still miss them) called Cars; I need to practice creating masculine cards.  Miscellaneous papers from Momenta and have a travel theme to them. Image stamped in VersaFine Black and a little Spica Atyou sparkle used on the chrome areas. Splurged and recently laid claim to my first Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad called "barn door" which is the red antiquing around the yellow card stock.. 

When I finished, I must admit to a very rare urge to fill in the open area at the top right. Unusual for me as I like an uncluttered landing spot for my eyes.

Here is the finished card. 

I would like to enter this into the Clearly i Stamp Clearly Inspired Challenge #37 (CIC37).

I have crafted and ...

Hello!
Just thought I'd let you know I have been a busy bee in my little crafting room.

I am posting this because I want to say how funny it is that blog postings are down, way down for most of those friends involved in Secret Pals of Anything Goes on Paper Craft Planet.

One must presume there is top secret crafting going on all over this big, wide world. I proudly declare myself one of those secretive crafters. How about you?

See you on the 10th of October. Right now I have things to get done and I'm running out of time. Tick, tock...

Running with basics - part two

 Apparently I was a little too basic in the last post. To recap basics include stamp image, card stock and ink.

Next up, acetate which we all knows requires StazOn ink and a steady hand so the stamp doesn't slide.

Now beyond the basics. Pearl Ex, Gum Arabic, water and paint brush. Normally I skip the Gum Arabic as a binding agent since the acetate will cover the final image. I opted to use as I wanted to make sure the blue Pearl Ex mixed well with the interference green Pearl Ex for a more intense iridescent effect which sometimes acetate can mute.  For the background I used just the blue Pearl Ex and Distress Ink in Old Paper applied with the water brush.

 Finishing off the background image is a little Copic coloring on the blossoms and twigs. I also touched up the face and chest of the bird with a little warm grey Copic. While it is recommended that Copics be colored first and then other mediums applied, I tend to use the grays over other mediums and do so with a lighter hand. Knock wood, no problem to date.

That's just about it...Trim to size, frame with some pretty paper strips, fancy cord and mount image to card. In this case I used a polarized embossed silver card stock which has more of the Old Paper Distress Ink around the edges to soften so much shimmer.

 

Plenty of room to customize the front yet or leave as is. I tend to like the cleaner line and open space. Gives the eyes a place to rest.

Speaking of rest....

What teaser?

This post is started in response to the comment left on previous post by my wonderful and entertaining friend Claire. She asked I give the basics, stand back and see what happens. Well, I'm doing just that!

Basic enough? Stepping back to wait.

Now that's a teaser ;) All in good fun and bonus is I will get more than one post from the creation of a card.

Every voice counts.

Hello,
Allow me to introduce myself to anyone that has been diligent enough to check (yes, Pammie Lou) in on me.
My name is Birdie and I haven't forgotten my vow to do this till it becomes habit. Just tremendous conflict between posting what I am making or waiting till it's received. Today, I am squashing that problem. So, if you should receive a card I blog about I can only hope you might consider it an honor. I am pretty picky about cards I make. They have to have just the right amount of mistakes home made touches before I show them off.

That said, one more thing and this is where every voice counts. Would you rather just see photo and read my ramblings or would you rather I go into a little depth supply wise, etc. I'm no expert and will admit it is awkward for me to stop and take photos while making but if anyone finds it useful, I am more than happy to help. I would greatly appreciate feed back. Meanwhile, I vow I will get a light box out of hubby to help with photo improvements...

Looking forward to some honest and I'm sure some entertaining comments.

Day what?

 Long day today. Came home to check out blogs for relaxation; I have so many witty, wise, and talented friends to follow. 

First blog up, my friend Claire's. She was issued a challenge by Petra to post something. I have to be true and admit I found it extremely funny, intended or not. Then I got to thinking "I have photos too!" So searching I went. Couldn't post roses as that would be copying to closely. Couldn't post most of my lily photos as some were already used in the SP forum for birthday wishes. Onward I clicked, back and forth, photo after photo. Why I wondered do my arms quiver so when taking a photo? The camera doesn't weigh that much. Blurry frames without end.  After a half an hour of back and forth comparisons I think I found the perfect ones for my blog. If not, at least anyone interested will know I am alive and kicking.

Before I add the photos I need to set the stage. One of my favorite writers says it better than I ever could.

The Fly

God in his wisdom made the fly
And then forgot to tell us why.

Ogden Nash

Go ahead - enlarge the photos. Have to admit for such an annoying creature, they have beautiful colors. Come on, admit it. I won't tell anyone.

Day forty-four

Okay I admit it. I've been waiting to make this blog post. I've said before that cards I make are generally for a specific person, no hidden stash for me. Well, just because I made it for a specific person, sometimes I find with a little rework, it turns into a faster card for someone else before I get it mailed. Make sense? I call it "Necessity is the Mother of Reinvention".

Here is an example I hope will clear up my description. I made the following card with a certain someone in mind that was finishing up some military service and looking forward to getting home to little ones he left behind. The image was a freebie called Teddy's New Home and apparently is no longer available from Di's Digi Downloads.

Manly enough I think with the deep red/brown background. All the browns and the orange cording. Image is mounted on a tan suede background. Fairly manly despite the main image being a cuddly little bear.

However, I needed to send a quick baby card to Carri from Anything Goes on Paper Craft Planet. First grandchild and it was a boy. My eyes went to this card waiting to be mailed and soon I was peeling the image off the card base (for once I seemed to have mounted with regular tape, not heavy duty). A little presto- chango in background paper, added a few sentiment stamps and here is the end result that Carri received.

"Necessity is the Mother of Reinvention!" baby card. How did I do?

Day Forty-two

Happy Saturday one and all and I’m back again with post #15, the result of another "what if" situation.  A while back I received die cuts from a very close friend. The die used is from Nellie Snellen and looks like this:

 I stamped the center with an image from The Angel Company's Springtime Garden set. Colored with Copics, one rabbit in cool gray shades and the other in warm gray shades. When complete I realized that I had no idea how I would use this for a card. Since the image was already on the fancier part of the card I knew I wanted something simple. While pondering my dilemma I picked up some cording in my stash that I could never find a use for. The cording is 1/8" round and polyester, which short of knotting is impossible to use on cards.

Playing with the cording started me wondering if I could fit it through the holes on the die cut. I had to be able to do by hand as no sewing needle here would hold the cording. Have you guessed the outcome yet?
Yes, it worked. However, the color is such a soft pink it almost disappeared in the die. I was reluctant to edge the pretty rim with ink, as it wouldn't call attention to the cording border. To the unused ribbon box again where I found some pretty purple-waxed cotton from Elements. Rather than force through the holes I wove it through the pink cording loops. Since the pink cording doesn't hold its shape I decided to twist both cords together and leave as a small tail. The cords are held with fabric glue. An ivory satin flower was colored with Copic marker to match flowers in stamped image and off set to cover the one hole that has all the cording fed through it. Taking cues from the image and cords I cut two squares around 2" of light pink and green. Patch worked them onto a purple background and then foam mounted the die image to that. Base card stock is white. I think it turned out to be a very versatile card.

I hope you enjoy.

Parting thought:

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.   E.B. White

Day Thirty-six

Only 13 posts and its day thirty-six! At this rate it will be a year before I can start applying clever names instead of numbers to these postings. Feel free to insert your own headshake and heavy sigh, I am.

Today’s post involves my favorite thing: “What If?”

I was “what iffing” if I could color the main portion of an image with just gray and do it with just a dotting motion. Dotting motion to me is lifting my coloring choice up and down on the paper, no circles or strokes allowed. I decided to use a free digital image from Beccy’s Place.  The image is called Balloon Bunny and by, clicking here you can grab it for yourself. I thought it made a good challenge because of the need to shade the belly area properly for dimension. Also, I just love the way she does the eyes on bunnies and bears.

My coloring medium was a Copic marker, C-1 Cool Gray No. 1 and the Copic Blender pen. To soften the dotting, I used the blender pen with the same motion. This is not my idea as I learned from Colleen Schaan, a Copic Certified Instructor, that the blender pen will “soften” the edges and intensity of a color that you might find a little harsh or heavy by dotting that color with the blender pen. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the foresight to snap a picture when I first started, to intent to try without realizing the opportunity for a blog post until almost finished. Live and learn...

The balloon was colored with Y02 – Canary Yellow, with the same gray being applied for shading. The feet and inner ear portions were colored with R11-Pale Cherry Pink and E31-Brick Beige was used on the eyes..

Finished image die-cut with Nestabilities Large Label, mounted on designer papers from Basic Grey (SweetPea Alyssa Collection), and sentiment from The Angel Company.

Hope you enjoy.

Done being so "technical." Time for a parting thought:

"Even if I don't reach all my goals, I've gone higher than I would have if I hadn't set any." ~ Danielle Fotopoulis

Day Thirty -four

As I know this birthday card has been received, I would love to share it with you. Yes, I made another manly card. Actually, this one is manlier than the one I did for my brother. No real ribbon here - just netting, jute and floss. The image was a freebie from Beccy's Place, "Old Boots." Click here for the image. Still working to master digital images. Don't know that I would use them 100 percent as there is a certain satisfaction that comes from stamping with rubber and ink. Believe this will be another area where compromise will be key.

Stuck with browns as I consider that to be a strong "guy" color and highlighted with touches of blue and gray to keep from being monochromatic. Choice of coloring medium would be Copic markers, what else! Can't master if I don't practice. Entire card is aged with Ranger's Tea Distress Ink and word sentiments are from The Angel Company.  Background paper from Stampin Up. Netting in background is old place mat cut into pieces. "Ribbon" is jute twine and embroidery floss. Believe it or not, took me twice as long to come up with the words on the front than it took to print and color the image. Never really realized how girly my birthday greetings were until I worked on this card.

I hope the recipient enjoyed getting as much as I enjoyed my attempt to make a manly card. If so, that means he probably went to a dark corner and cried like a girl with relief it was done!

Just kidding!! Hope you enjoy.

    

 

 

Day Thirty-three

Back again. No card to show though some have been made and are on the way to unsuspecting people somewhere. Have quite a few in the works, but I'm not sharing them with you right now. Instead I have a question. What is up with the male species?

No, I'm not going to go off about my hubby. It just seems that the hotter the weather gets, the goofier male logic becomes. By they, I mean any male, not just human. Case in point, my male cat, Hisser.

Like much of the United States we are having high temps with high humidity. Not a pleasant combination. No air conditioning in this house and only two fans to "cool" both levels. Needless to say, if it stays under eighty at night we are happy.

With that in mind, I will ask again. "What is up with the male species?" Can someone explain why one would crawl into a grocery bag and sleep the day way?

Parting thought:

When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.

- Michel de Montaigne

Day Twenty-seven

No, I didn't forget to post. Truthfully, everyday I sit at the computer my thoughts wander to this blog. The long lapses are why I was so hesitant to start one. Counting the days should make me more proactive. I said should. So today I vowed to get the last two cards done for family members with birthdays this month.

My oldest and my youngest sisters have birthdays one day and many, many years apart. That started me thinking in twos. Which led to the idea of using the same image for both cards done in different mediums. Eureka, what a genius I am... The image I worked with was a freebie from Create with TLC and is called "Wished a Beautiful Day."

The first card, for the oldest is done strictly in glitter to match her exuberant personality. To offset all the sparkle I chose my background more pastel and a white card with small embossed flowers all over. Glitter used on the flowers is from Doodlebug Sugar Coating line. Outer rim glitter is from the Art Institute and black lettering with a Spica Atyou Glitter Pen.

Youngest sister's card was to be more subdued like her. I colored the image in Shimmer Chalks and covered with clear embossing powder as a way to seal the chalk. While that was pretty, the color was too muted after embossing. Problem - can't color over embossing so what to do? Grab those Copics! Yes, I flipped the image over and colored the flowers and leaves from the back side, deliberately letting the color soak the paper. I love this look as softness of chalk is still there with more vibrancy of color from the Copics. For mounting purposes, I went with a stronger pink card and slightly muted yellow and green for framing.

A closer comparison of the two...

                                   

Thinking "enough already"? Good for you as I have been told I tend to ramble on randomly. I hope that my sisters enjoy their special days and that you enjoyed a peek at their cards.

For sisters everywhere:

"Sister to sister we will always be, a couple of nuts off the family tree." ~ Author Unknown

Day Sixteen

This probably more of an update than a new post. However, since I missed timing my entry into Sassy Cheryl's Outside of the Box Challenge, I thought I would show the reason why. On Day thirteen I posted what I was working on - not a crafty thing - a real world thing that required me to get down and dirty. Yes, I'm referring to what was once a lovely bed of flowers but in photo posted, was a naturalized colony of clover and weeds.

Well...

That bed is weeded along with three others. Okay, they might not be perfect and I pretty much lost all my flowers except for Chicks and Hens and Lillies, the deed is done! I still have to work on dividing the Dianthus and Lavender Thyme (who knew that was such a spreader) but I can do that up till fall. Also uncovered a few mint catnip plants, which my kitties actually drool over. Good thing to all this cleaning of the beds, I can now replant that catnip for their enjoyment. Seriously, you can actually hear them "gnawing" when given to them as a treat.And they do drool!

Here is the update look to the same flower bed shown on Day Thirteen. Isn't that dirt pretty?

And just to show I really do have flowers, here is a shot of my Jasmine bush in the flower bed due left of this one...

Very fragrant and a real bee attraction!


Whew! Two posts and weeding all in one day, I'm exhausted.

Parting thought:

“One who wants to keep their yard tidy does not reserve a plot for the weeds”

Proverbs

Day Sixteen

Greetings to all! All that are crazy enough to be following me. Still don't understand why, but I am happy you are here.

This will be a quick one as I am posting my entry into Sassy Cheryl's #70 Outside the Box.  Rules were to use a Sassy Cheryl image and some portion of the image had to be outside the box. Well, my entry was done for my brother's birthday that was yesterday. I know he received it and can only imagine he's speechless over my creation...  Okay, he's a man and they never say anything. At least the ones I know don't.

The image used is Flower Pot Bunny and the outside the box is the flower, obviously. I used a Nestabilities Label Three for the image shape and snipped away at the area around the flower - was suppose to have the appearance of a flower breaking through dirt. Actually, the Nestie shifted (sorry, but just have to point out my flaws) and some of the top is a little buggered but I decided that wasn't bad enough to toss and actually added to the charm - I mean, doesn't dirt become a little lopsided when flowers break through? Really, check it out when your flowers come up, they always disturb the dirt.

The image is colored with Copics and I even managed to put a little gingham checked ribbon on it! Tried to stay with "man" colors so it wasn't to girly. Just love this bunny, something about the smile and the ears.

Hope you enjoy; I think my brother did since he didn't say anything at all...

Parting thought:

“It is in the enjoyment and not in mere possession that makes for happiness."

 

Oh no, by the time I finished my post, it was closed  - live and learn - timing matters.

Day Thirteen

Hello to anybody that might still be checking me out. Why, I'm not sure, but hello all the same.

I know I said it takes 30 days to make something a habit and here I slacked off from day eight till today, lucky number thirteen. Well, in my own defense, I really haven't been slacking; only dreaming of doing it. However, I felt the need to post something so I am.

Actually I can't believe I'm doing this (imagine me with a red face and head hanging) but...there is a challenge at Sassy Cheryl's called "Show Me #31"  (notice that is the number 13 turned around?)

Anyway, to qualify for this challenge you just have to show what you are working on. Doesn't have to be a card or anything crafty - just what you are working on. Well, I am working on weeding. With all the wet weather and long hours this month at work, it appears that I believe in full naturalization of my flower beds. Trust me, there are flowers in this somewhere - my goal is to find them.Without further adieu, here is my Show Me #31 submission and cause of much head hanging here:

Any bets on how long this will take? If only I had a card I was working on. Shameful the things I will show for a chance to win a free stamp.    

Is that thunder I hear in the distance?

Food for thought: 

   Criticizing another's garden doesn't keep the weeds out of your own.  

                                              ~Author Unknown

Day Eight

Yesterday, I played and apparently didn't read the rules very well. I was attempting to follow the “3d119 Challenge - Facial Tissue Flowers!” on Paper Craft Planet. After I made mine I went back, reread the rules and oops -the only thing I truly followed was using a facial tissue. Of course, we all know challenges are only guidelines. Following that logic, I'm okay with what I did.

Since I was playing, I decided to use one chalk ink, The Angel Company Cactus Blossom and one dye ink pad, Palette Belle Rose. Very different affects as the chalk seemed to soften the tissue, almost like rinse in the wash cycle does to towels. The dye did not seem to affect the texture of the tissue and allowed me the opportunity to take an aqua pen and flood the circle with water for a more natural color variation before forming the flower. When I liked the color, I simply used the heat gun to quickly dry.

In the challenge, the flowers are tied off with floss, string, etc. I took the road less traveled, as I wasn’t sure how I would incorporate them and used floral tape to hold mine. I also had to add some stamens and leaves; after all, it wasn’t a clean and simple challenge. Must admit to quelling an urge to use glitter here, but I tend to like flowers to look a bit more natural and I do like the softer look the tissue gives. Can’t believe I have never made a tissue flower before this.

To keep some suspense going (okay, still haven’t decided on finished product), I thought I’d share as far as I’ve gotten. These were very easy to this point, maybe 10 minutes top, outside of playing with water and drying time.

Here’s hoping you enjoy the sampling as much as I did playing. Hang in here, they will be used. Just need to get a few others things accomplished first; isn’t life great! 

Did I mention that I peeled apart one set of circles to make buds with? Again, just something I like to do when making flowers - seems more natural to add buds.

 

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” 

 Henri Matisse

Day Seven

It's been said that it takes thirty days of doing something to make it a habit. Therefore, I have decided that I will continue to title my post by the number of days since I started this venture. After thirty days, if it has become  habit, I might make more effort to make the daily title name more creative.

Today, I thought I would play in my room and stumbled across a challenge I thought was easy and it involves my love of paper flowers. It's located on Paper Craft Planet: 3d119 Challenge - Facial Tissue Flowers! Have a look. Lyn Bernatovich posted this challenge and I enjoy giving her challenges a try. Better yet, this one calls for facial tissue; lots of those in my house between cold weather and allergies.

So I started...and already have gone astray. 

Should have ended up with one circle. I have three. Figures! Rather than panic, I found I liked my three smaller circles and started working with them. While I don't have a finished project yet, I thought I'd build a little suspense and share where I'm at right now.

 As you will notice - I just could not leave them white. 

On with my quest and stay tuned for my version of Lyn's paper flowers.

Meanwhile here's a thought to ponder while I play ...

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. 

Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

Scott Adams, American Cartoonist

 

Day Six

Day six and once again I skipped a day. Have decided it's okay as still managed to live my life and connect with family and friends. Isn't that what it's all about in the end?

Today is a big step for me - actually posting a card I made. So many things I make are done with a person or purpose in mind that it could lead to some dilemmas for me down the road if I ever set this blog for public viewing. I always think of the card belonging to the person I am making it for; I never think of them as mine. This outlook makes me feel slightly guilty in sharing before it is received by that person. One thing about me, I am good at guilt! Thanks Mom...

The image I used is one received in an image swap I participated in at Anything Goes on Paper Craft Planet.
Copics were used for coloring and glaze applied to the vase for a bit of depth. Sorry, I didn't keep track of the Copics used and honestly, the way I color, I don't know if I will ever be that organized to do so. I am spontaneous when coloring - a little of this and a little of that - I never plan in advance and can change on a whim the desired result. The ribbon is a small scrap from long ago and caused me much trauma in tying as was very small scrap. Sentiment stamps are from My Sentiments Exactly - one of my most favorite places for phrases.

The inks used for the sentiment are a Big & Juicy ink pad called "Herb Garden" and a Palette ink pad, Raw Sienna. (Oddly, I can recall the ink I used 95 percent of the time - need to work on marker recall more I guess.)  I simply applied the Herb Garden and then the Raw Sienna directly over it as a single color of ink was much to stark.

Looking at it now, seems silly that such a simple thing as ribbon or sentiment caused me so much turmoil, especially as I ended up using both. Something to be said for compromise!

With that said, I hope you enjoy looking, wish you a wonderful day, and will leave you with another thought to ponder...


“Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy.”

Day Four

Yes, I know I skipped day three. Somehow, even with it being the longest day of the year, it seems I accomplished less than the day before. Guess it would have to do with the choices I made. Shut the world out and possibly finish some things or let the world in and do that thing called living. I went with living and am glad I did. It meant I got to "talk" with my friends (you know who you are), fed the squirrels, saw a flock of ducks fly over, played with the cats, watched a really good thunderstorm go through... I could continue listing things that some, or possibly most, would consider mundane; to me these little events are the fabric of my life. I wouldn't change a thing except more time for crafting and talking with friends.

So today, I'm doing it all over again. Letting my to-do list grow longer, talking with my friends and enjoying the little things life has to offer. Hope you do the same and find "little" things to enjoy.

Yes, the card is still sitting here - having a ribbon versus sentiment quandary. I promise I will get something posted, hopefully before the week-end is over.

My thought for today:

Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.
Aldous Huxley

 

Wishing you happiness, friends!

Day Two

Welcome to day two. Still haven't come up with anything witty or insightful to share. Guess that's probably not surprising as I don't really think of myself as witty or insightful. Sadly, I didn't even get a card completed for showing. Where did the week-end go? Still so much on my to-do list that I haven't crossed off. Well, today is another day, full of hope and good intentions! Since I intend to work on the list that appears to magically grow by the minute, I will leave you with one of my favorite Erma Bombeck quotes:

"When humor goes, there goes civilization. "

Just saying!

What am I doing???

Welcome to blog land. Now what do I do?
I really don't have a clue and have always said I am not blog worthy. I don't have an exciting social life, no children underfoot unless you count the four legged variety. So I am thinking it's probably best if I post an occasional card as card making is my passion,  outside of my family.
I'd be tickled pink if you would join me in my new venture. You never know where it will lead...