Donna's Designs

Nyctanthous ...

2012-02-22T15:53:00.000-05:00

"N" is for Nyctanthous ...

Nyctanthous - adj. In botany, of flowers, opening only at the approach of twilight or in the night, or, of plants, having flowers which so open.

There is nothing more relaxing than a peaceful stroll through a luminous, fragrant garden. For many of us by the time we arrive home from work and tend to chores there is little daylight remaining to enjoy our gardens. I have always dreamed of having a twilight garden. They are designed to be at their best at dusk, when natural light is fading. Wouldn't it be romantic to have flowers that open at night?

My twilight garden would consist of Moonflowers (Ipomoea alba)

Four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)

Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria)

This is a wonderful book to have on Twilight Gardens ...

So as I dream of a moonlit paradise you have my letter "N" for Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. Please stop by to see what other words students have submitted.

Lakeside Cabin for Veronica

2012-02-21T04:00:00.045-05:00

I am eager to show you a card I created for my friend Veronica's birthday. I've been wanting to make her a Stampscapes card. This layout was inspired by Kevin Nakagawa from Stampscapes. I love the peace and tranquility of this card. I can just picture myself in this cabin reading a book or listening to soothing, relaxing music.

On a piece of glossy white paper I stamped the Lakeside Cabin and Ledge in StazOn Stone Gray. Next, I masked off the rocks and around the cabin and stamped the trees in StazOn Olive Green. With a cotton swab, I added some Old Olive and Always Artichoke to the trees for some color variation. The reeds were stamped in StazOn Black to create depth.

The water and sky were sponged in Bordering Blue, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Adirondack Denim and Night of Navy (leaving some portions white). Rocks were colored with Basic Gray and Distressed Black Soot. Originally, I was going to leave the cabin as is, but decided to color it with Chocolate Chip. I added some Early Espresso to the roof. The windows were done with a So Saffron marker.

Now the fun stuff! I applied ColorBox Frost White to the rocks and a little to the water. After letting everything dry I stamped the water pattern in Bordering Blue (stamping off once on scrap paper first), then applied Sky Blue Shimmerz Paint. Unfortunately, you can't see it in the photo but it makes the water glisten. The scene was adhered to a piece of Night of Navy and then mounted to a Bashful Blue card.

The inside sentiment by PSX was inked in VersaMark then Marina Mist and embossed with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. The trees inside were also done in StazOn Olive Green.

Wishing you happiness today and always Veronica. Happy Birthday to you!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Stampscapes Lakeside Cabin, Ledge, Pine & Rocks Small, Pine Row, Reeds Large, Water Pattern Small, PSX Sentiment
Paper: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Glossy White, Whisper White
Ink: Lakeside Cabin & Ledge - StazOn Stone Gray; Pine & Rocks and Pine Row - StazOn Olive Green, Reeds - StazOn Black; Water & Sky - Sponged in Bordering Blue, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Adirondack Denim, Night of Navy; Water Pattern - Bordering Blue; Trees - Old Olive & Always Artichoke; Rocks - Basic Gray and Distressed Black Soot; Cabin - Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, So Saffron Marker; ColorBox Frost White; Inside Sentiment - Marina Mist with Clear EP
Accessories: Sky Blue Shimmerz Paint
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Sunlit Cheops

2012-02-19T16:08:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you are having a great weekend! I am very excited to have tomorrow off to do some antiquing and craft projects.

While I had my camera in hand I was able to snap a few photos of Cheops catching some sunbeams. I am linking with Karen at My Little Home and Garden for Sunlit Sunday and Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

May the sun be shining wherever you are today :-)

Musical Notes

2012-02-18T05:49:00.000-05:00

Hello dear friends!

My project today is a music card combining elements from the Spellbinders Labels Twenty dies and JustRite Stampers Musical Notes Labels Twenty Set. Both of these I received as Christmas presents :-)

I knew I wanted to use this black/gold background paper from The Mariposa Matstack. Both labels were stamped in StazOn Stone Gray and colored with white and metallic gold Prismacolor Pencils. Edges were sponged in Distressed Antique Linen. The top label was popped for dimension.

Leaves were cut with a Sizzix die and glued down. The exotic butterfly is popped up with a few gold pearls to accent.

The crinkle ribbon is just a piece of Very Vanilla seam binding I have altered. Using my Bow-Easy I created the bow then sprayed the ribbon with some water to dampen (mini mister bottles are great for this). Next, I sprayed Tsukineko sheer gold shimmer spritz liberally on the ribbon and scrunched it with my hand. A little messy, but well worth the results! After I let it dry overnight I glued it to the upper corner. I love the antique feel with the wrinkles.

The inside was layered with a piece of The Luxury Stack pearl beige paper, Basic Black and Very Vanilla. I have left it blank for a personal note.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: JustRite Musical Notes Labels Twenty
Paper: Black Linen, DCWV The Mariposa Matstack, Basic Black, The Luxury Stack Pearlized
Ink: Images - StazOn Stone Gray colored with Prismacolor Pencils; Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen
Accessories: 1/2" Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Tsukineko Sheer Gold Shimmer Spritz, Gold Pearls, Spellbinders Labels Twenty #2 & #4, Cheery Lynn Designs Exotic Butterfly, Cheery Lynn Designs Small Angel Wing, Sizzix Flowers, Branches & Leaves Die, Corner Rounder, Bow-Easy
Techniques: Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5.")

Miracles ...

2012-02-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

"M" is for Miracles ...

Everyday Miracles

Move me no mountains, and part me no seas;

Just Everyday Miracles, Lord, if You please.

No castles of gold in some far distant land,

Just Everyday Miracles, to hold in my hand.

Nothing tremendous, stupendous, or grand;

My loved one beside me to walk hand in hand.

A song in the air in the cool evening breeze

To echo the songs of the birds in the trees.

Give me, dear Lord, for this day as I need,

And help me, dear Lord, both in word and in deed

Show someone who needs You, You'll always be there.

Such Everyday Miracles, Lord, in Your care.

~ Jenny Genesoto ~

Please respect author copyright, do not use or copy poetry
without first seeking permission from the author.

Used with permission

I am linking with Ms. Jenny over at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. I hope you will stop to visit the other participants.

Lavender Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-15T03:50:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

It's Wednesday, which means it is time to announce the winner of my lavender sugar giveaway. The winning # using random.org was 22 - parTea Lady from Tea and Talk.

Congratulations to parTea Lady, please email me your address using the link on my right sidebar and I will get this wonderful jar in the mail to you.

Thank you everyone for stopping by and for your wonderful comments. I will be back later to join Alphabe-Thursday.

Valentine's Day Tea

2012-02-14T01:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day friends,

Everyone enjoys celebrating love on February 14th. Telling people that you care for them warms your heart and soul ... much like a good cup of tea. So, please make yourself at home and join me this Valentine's Day.

Today I am sharing with you a Zeh, Scherzer & Co. teacup and saucer in the Mignon pattern. Isn't the delicate gold detailing just gorgeous and perfect for Valentine's Day?

The teacup is 2.75" tall and 3" in diameter. The bottom is clearly marked "Mignon" Z S & Co. Bavaria.

A pink heart shaped dish in a whitewashed basket brings a charming Valentine's touch to the table, and is a sweet setting for our petite cheesecakes.

"Love is the master key that opens the gate of happiness."
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. ~

Whose heart isn't melted by a beautiful rose with a velvety texture and a heavenly fragrance.

Do you really know the historical meaning of Valentine's Day?

Saint Valentine was a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies in Roman times when marriage was prohibited for young men and was executed by the latter. When Valentine was exposed for performing secret ceremonies he was jailed and given the name "the friend of lovers". While in prison Valentine's jailer, Asterius, brought his blind daughter into see Valentine hoping he could heal her blindness, and according to historical findings, he did.

Meanwhile, a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius' daughter. It caused great grief to the young girl to hear of her friend's imminent death. It is said that just before his execution, Valentine asked for a pen and paper from his jailor, and signed a farewell message to her "From Your Valentine", a phrase that lived ever after.

Thank you for having tea with me on this special day! Whether you are sharing the day with a sweetheart, family or friends love is in the air. Please do indulge in a treat as I enjoy tea with these lovely ladies.

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology

Friends Sharing Tea @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

Vintage Tapestry Script

2012-02-11T05:04:00.000-05:00

This vintage style Valentine was created for my dear friend Veronica. On a piece of Shimmery White paper I stamped the Hero Arts Tapestry Script Background in Brilliance Pearlescent Beige. Since the image is so pretty I didn't want to cover it all up!

The heart was cut from Blushing Bride paper with the center from Shimmery White, which I sponged in beige ink. The flourish and heart border were done the same way.

Friend was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with gold embossing powder on a Spellbinders tag cut from Shimmery White paper. Both the key and tag were hung from gold cording with a piece of light pink seam binding. Kaiser pearls in blush were added to the flourish. Before mounting everything I used an edge distresser and sponged the edges with ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown.

The inside sentiment by PSX was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with gold embossing powder and a heat gun. The row of hearts at the bottom was cut from Blushing Bride paper using the new Memory Box Heart Chain Border die.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Hero Arts Tapestry Script Background, PSX (F1148) Sentiment, JustRite Shabby Chic Labels Four
Paper: Natural White Linen, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla
Ink: Background - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige; Sponging - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige; Friend and Inside Sentiment - VersaMark with Gold EP; ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown sponged around edges
Accessories: Light Pink Seam Binding, Kaiser Pearls in Blush, Gold Cording, K&Company Life's Journey Metal Key Art, Memory Box Heart Chain Border Die, Sizzix Locket Heart Die, Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Motifs, JustRite Custom Dies, Edge Distresser
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: 4.5" x 6.25"

Lavender & Giveaway ...

2012-02-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

"L" is for Lavender ...

This week over at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday we are studying the letter "L", as in lavender. I think just about everyone loves the aromatic floral scent, don't you?

The color lavender suggests refinement along with grace, elegance and femininity. Purple and its lighter shades have an almost sacred place in nature. I think lavender, orchid, lilac and violet flowers are all so delicate.

What better way to reduce stress then to light a lavender-scented candle after work, or mist your bed sheets with a lavender-scented spray.

As an herb, lavender has been used for over 2,500 years. In ancient times lavender was used for perfume by the Egyptians and Phoenicians. Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooking and scenting the air; hence the Latin root (lavare - to wash or livendula - livid or bluish).

The air was fragrant with a thousand trodden aromatic herbs, with fields of lavender, and with the brightest roses blushing in tufts all over the meadows ...

~ William Cullen Bryant ~

Lavender sugar is delightful sprinkled on fresh berries and in tea. The sugar carries a light flavor and smells heavenly.

I will be giving away a fresh jar of lavender sugar to one lucky individual! To enter to win you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post by Tuesday, February 14, 2012. I will select a winner on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 using random.org and will give the winner 48 hours to contact me via email.

My word this week for Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday is lovely lavender. I am also linking with Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. Thank you for spending a little time with me today.

Shutterfly Garden Photo Book

2012-02-05T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend! I have been very busy working on another Shutterfly 8" x 8" photo book. This book is a tour of my gardens. Since I take so many digital pictures and never seem to print them out, I thought it would be nice to have a photo book that I could look at and reflect on how the gardens have changed over the years.

This book consists of 47 pages and in between some of my gardens, I have flower poems by Emily Dickinson.

These books are easy to create; it's just a matter on deciding the layout of your pictures. Even though I create cards I just don't seem to have the time to do real scrapbooking so the digital books work out much better for me.

Now, for the best part - I had a 40% off coupon so I knew it was time to get this printed. Yes, I am doing the "happy dance"!

Here are some pictures of the finished book. The cover is a purple Echinacea with Perovskia atriplicifolia in the background.

Arbor garden in early spring ...

Pretty purple Irises ...

Hostas and ferns showing off their color and texture ...

The relaxing pond garden ...

Autumn beauties ...

The back cover with a double ruffle peony.

Since posting my last Shutterfly photo book have any of you created one? I was thinking wouldn't it be nice to create a 5" x 7" book of your favorite recipes? I think this might be a great winter project :-) If you are interested in viewing more of my gardens they are categorized on my right sidebar.

Kalamazoo ...

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

"K" is for Kalamazoo ...

It's time for Alphabe-Thursday sponsored by Ms. Jenny over at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. This week we are studying the letter "K", as in Kalamazoo. Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo! Let me tell you my Kalamazoo story.

Back in the early 90's my husband and I planned to take a cruise to the Caribbean. We were scheduled to fly to Florida on a Sunday in March; however, the National Weather Service was predicting a "blizzard" and winter weather was rolling in. The day before we were to leave, snow was steadily falling and the winds were howling. As soon as we learned the local airport was closing due to the impending storm, we packed our bags and off we went. Luckily, we were able to catch a flight with a connection through Pennsylvania. While flying over Pittsburgh the pilot announced that airport was closing and we would be diverted to somewhere in Michigan. Obviously, we were not headed for Florida!

As we departed the plane I was shocked to see a sign that read "Welcome to Kalamazoo". If you don't already know, Kalamazoo is in the middle of nowhere! The pleasant lady working at the ticket counter told us if you want to get to Florida you first have to take a shuttle flight to Detroit. My husband and I just looked at each other in dismay. After waiting all day we finally caught a flight to Detroit and then onto Florida. I'm sure there were a lot of "cool" things to do in Kalamazoo, but we didn't stick around long enough to find out!

This snowy owl seems to enjoy the place.

He is ready to fly!

Who would have ever imagined a blizzard in March! It turned out to be the "Storm of the Century" affecting at least 26 U.S. states and much of eastern Canada. Upon returning from our cruise we had 22" of snow just waiting to be shoveled from our driveway!

So there you have my letter for this week - "K" for Kalamazoo. I hope you will stop and visit the other participants.

Tea Time with Kisses

2012-01-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,

Even though it is Tea Time Tuesday I have decided it really is a hot cocoa kind of day. Can I do that? I love hot cocoa on a cold winter's day! It is hot, it is chocolate and it is sweet! What isn't there to love about it :-)

It gets even better with marshmallows on top! My teddy mug is from Mikasa.

This Hershey's Kisses Sweetheart Basket set is by Longaberger. Isn't this the "sweetest" basket? A few years ago Longaberger and Hershey teamed up to create this adorable kiss basket!

Let's take a peek at what we have inside ...

Oh my, more Hershey Kisses! I may or may not have melted one or two of those kisses in my mug, but you won't tell.

I think the basket tie-on looks like a real piece of candy. I can hardly tell the difference.

Thank you for joining me today for cocoa. Now I'm off to find the marshmallow Cheops ran off with - bad kitty! I'm linking this week with the following ladies:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups
Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage
Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology
Friends Sharing Tea @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

Damask Heart

2012-01-28T04:00:00.006-05:00

My project today uses some new Memory Box items. The heart is a combination of the Damask Heart stamp and the Grand Heart die, which cuts out the heart perfectly. I stamped the damask heart in Rich Razzleberry on Pretty in Pink paper.

The Die-namics Fancy Flourish was cut from Very Vanilla paper and sponged with Blushing Bride ink. I also spritzed it with Tsukineko Sheer Sparkle Shimmer.

Happy Valentine's Day was stamped in Rich Razzleberry on a Papertrey Ink Ribbon Banner. I thought this Prima Flower "Angelica Rose" was so pretty I just had to use it! Rose colored pearls finish the front of the card.

The inside sentiment is from SU's All Holidays set. It was inked with VersaMark then Rich Razzleberry and embossed with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. The Memory Box gorgeous mini bloom was stamped and colored with Blushing Bride and Pretty in Pink.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Memory Box Damask Heart, Memory Box Happy Valentine's Day, Memory Box Gorgeous Mini Bloom, SU All Holidays

Paper: Natural White Linen, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla

Ink: Damask Heart & Sentiments - Rich Razzleberry; Flourish - Sponged with Blushing Bride; Rose - Blushing Bride & Pretty in Pink with Blender Pen

Accessories: Prima Flower "Angelica Rose", Basic Grey Opaline Pearls in Rose, Memory Box Grand Heart Die, Die-namics Fancy Flourish Die, Papertrey Ink Ribbon Banner, Labels Seventeen #6 (Inside), Tsukineko Sheer Sparkle Shimmerz Spritz

Techniques: Embossing, Sponging, Blender Pen

Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Celtic Woman Concert

2012-01-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

Hi there,

I am very excited today as I received my Celtic Woman tickets in the mail. It has been a very long time since I have attended a concert, but I couldn't resist seeing this beautiful musical group.

Mairead is the violinist and her talent to play the fiddle will leave you speechless. All the vocalists have successful solo careers and their ability to harmonize is remarkable.

Now, I just have to wait until March to see them, but it will be worth the wait. Their music is fantastic and I can say without a doubt that you will love them if you hear them. Here is a clip from their Believe concert in Atlanta.

I wish I could take you all with me!

Heart to Heart

2012-01-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

This card was created for a co-worker to give to his "sweetheart" for Valentine's Day. He specifically requested red and white.

I started by cutting a piece of Shimmery White paper using a Spellbinders Labels Seventeen #6 die (I seem to be using this one quite a bit lately). The sentiment by PSX was inked in VersaMark then Cherry Cobbler and embossed with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. I wanted to add a little something to the background so I stamped the flourish from the Elements of Style set in VersaMark and embossed them with clear embossing powder. They are faint, but I think you can see them in the picture.

Cheery Lynn Designs Heart to Heart Lace Doily dies were cut from Cherry Cobbler paper and glued on. The edges of the Shimmery White paper were sponged in Cherry Cobbler.

The crinkle ribbon is just a piece of Cherry Cobbler seam binding. Using my Bow-Easy I created the bow then sprayed the ribbon with some water to dampen (mini mister bottles are great for this). Next, I sprayed SU Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz liberally on the ribbon and scrunched it with my hand. After I let it dry overnight I attached it with a Making Memories Je t'Adore heart brad. The key brad is also from Making Memories.

The inside sentiment and flourish were stamped in Cherry Cobbler and embossed with clear embossing powder. I punched three hearts from glimmer paper for a little pizazz!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: PSX Captured My Heart Sentiment, SU Elements of Style, PSX Script Happy Valentine's Day
Paper: Solar White Linen, Cherry Cobbler, Shimmery White, 'Tis the Season Red Glimmer Paper
Ink: Flourishes - VersaMark with Clear EP; Sentiment - Cherry Cobbler with Clear EP; Sponging - Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: 1/2" Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, SU Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Making Memories Je t'Adore Heart Brad & Key, Cheery Lynn Designs Heart to Heart Lace Doily Dies, Spellbinders Labels Seventeen #6, SU Heart to Heart Punch, Bow-Easy
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Tea Time - Heirloom English

2012-01-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

This week is Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary at Rose Chintz Cottage, so in celebration of the occasion our theme is roses. Thank you Sandi for hosting this lovely party.

Although I have numerous pieces of rose china, I chose today my teacup and teapot handmade in Stoke on Trent in England.

The Alice shaped teacup and saucer was discovered in a vault by Heirloom China and brought back into production. The shape has beautiful curved lines and is truly stunning decorated with the pink cottage roses from the Olde English collection.

A peek at the bottom of the teacup.

This fabulous matching teapot is handcrafted with raised embossed leaves cast into the lid and spout. The design originated in the 1940's. The teapot decorated with trailing roses has a capacity of 4 cups and is trimmed in gold.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

~ William Shakespeare ~

'Romeo and Juliet'

Now, I hope you will join me in a cup of rose petal tea. This royal tea blend has the light spice of delicate, young rose buds. A Victorian tradition perfect served for kings and queens.

A vintage style holder, with an antiqued mercury glass finish and embossed design is just the thing today for our rose scented candle. This scent is an intoxicating English garden of fragrant heirloom roses.

Would you like a Hershey's milk chocolate heart? They really are sweet!

I will leave you today with this picture, taken a few years ago, of a rose from my flower garden.

Thank you for stopping by for tea on this special occasion. I am also linking with the following ladies:

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites
Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations
Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology
Friends Sharing Tea @ Bernideen's Tea Time
Pink Saturday @ The Sound How Sweet

Resources:
Teacup & Saucer: Heirloom English China
Teapot: Heirloom English China
Berry Bowl: Anchor Hocking Moonstone
Handkerchief: Crabtree & Evelyn
Votive Holder: Creative Co-op

Decorating for Valentine's Day

2012-01-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

I've never been one to decorate much for Valentine's Day, but this year I thought I would set out a few things.

This wreath I created from a plain grapevine wreath. I just added silk roses, some delicate baby's breath and a cream ribbon with my hot glue gun.

A little candlescape sits on the table. I have altered a burgundy candle with a piece of Stampin' Up Very Vanilla Seam Binding and some metal vintage keys. The two glass votive holders I purchased years ago from Yankee Candle. Pretty pink rose petals are scattered around the tray for a little romance.

My wrought iron shelf holds two Serena antique mercury glass pillar holders. I like the warmth of the patterned brass bands with the silvery handblown mercury glass.

The love letter candles are reminiscent of vintage Parisian telegrams.

Vintage-inspired gate keys hang from the hooks with two red glittered heart ornaments.

Thanks so much for stopping to visit. Have you decorated for Valentine's Day?

Snow Leopard

2012-01-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

Hi there,

My project today is a Stampscapes scene using the Snow Leopard stamp by Coronado Island. They have some wonderful images, which I purchased almost a year ago and I'm trying to ink up all my rubber. This is a birthday card for a male friend.

On a piece of glossy paper, I stamped the Boulders with Lichen several times in StazOn Black using a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for placement. I then positioned the Snow Leopard and moon also stamping them in StazOn Black.

The sky was sponged in Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue and Night of Navy. The leopard was colored with Sahara Sand and Distressed Pumice Stone. I colored the nose with a Pretty in Pink marker. The eyes were done with a Ballet Blue marker then added a sky blue Spica pen with Crystal Effects. Rocks were sponged in Basic Gray, Distressed Forest Moss and Distressed Black Soot. To soften the leopard's face and ears I applied ColorBox Frost White.

I adhered the image to a piece of Basic Black and mounted it onto a pewter gray card.

Using my Big Shot I cut a piece of Whisper White paper using a Spellbinders Labels Seventeen #6 die. The inside sentiment was inked in VersaMark then Brocade Blue and embossed with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. The twisting leaves were stamped in StazOn Black.

May your day be filled with smiles!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Coronado Island, Stampscapes Boulders with Lichen, Full Moon & Twisting Leaves, Happy Birthday Sentiment by PSX
Paper: Pewter Gray, Basic Black, Glossy White, Whisper White
Ink: Images - StazOn Black, Sky - Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy; Leopard - Sahara Sand & Distressed Pumice Stone; Eyes - Ballet Blue; Nose - Pretty in Pink; Rocks - Basic Gray, Distressed Forest Moss, Distressed Black Soot, ColorBox Frost White; Inside Sentiment - Brocade Blue with Clear EP
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Spellbinders Labels Seventeen #6, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Post-It Notes
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Nature Walk French Birdcage

2012-01-15T07:24:00.000-05:00

This card has been sitting on my project table for way too long! I kept thinking it needed something else, but finally decided it was time to assemble it.

Starting with a piece of Shimmery White paper I inked up the birdcage stamp first by loading it with VersaMark then Early Espresso ink. I embossed it with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Flourishes were stamped in Distressed Victorian Velvet and the edges were sponged in Distressed Antique Linen.

Using the paper piercing tool from my Stampin' Up Crafters' Tool Kit, I pierced a whole in the paper and added silver cording in order for the birdcage to appear as though it is hanging.

I created a triple look bow with some pink May Arts silk ribbon. The bird is from SU's Carte Postale set and stamped in StazOn Black and sponged with Brilliant Blue for highlights. I stamped the friend sentiment in StazOn Black on a piece of Blushing Bride cut from a Spellbinders Labels Four die.

So here we have an elegant birdcage with a little bit of French flair.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Nature Walk, You're a Gem, Carte Postale, The Stamp Pad Co. Flourish
Paper: Natural White Linen, Blushing Bridge, Shimmery White
Ink: Birdcage - Early Espresso with Clear EP; Flourish - Distressed Victorian Velvet; Bird - StazOn Black then sponged with Brilliant Blue; Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen; Sentiment - StazOn Black
Accessories: May Arts Pink Silk Ribbon, Silver Cording, Crafters' Tool Kit, Nesties Labels Four #2

Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Dress Form

2012-01-13T04:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

I have a card today using a die set from Spellbinders called Dress Form (S4-068). This set was part of a new release from Crafters Home. I called one of the participating stores and they graciously mailed it to me right away.

I started by cutting the large dress form from Very Vanilla paper and sponged the edges with Distressed Vintage Photo. The lacey dress was cut from Basic Black, which I snipped off the top to create a pretty apron. Using my new Spellbinders Elegant Posts dies I cut a stand for the dress in Basic Black.

The sentiment and border from JustRite Stampers were stamped in StazOn Black and layered onto a classic scalloped circle. The bottom is finished using a Spellbinders Grand Classic Lace Border sponged in Distressed Vintage Photo. I've added a black satin bow with vanilla rosette.

Champagne pearls and ruffled ribbon for a belt finish it off.

With Gratitude was stamped inside on a Labels Eight #5 die cut from Very Vanilla. The damask pattern was done in Going Gray.

This set is so girly - I love it! You will definitely be seeing more dress form cards. I'm really enjoying using my new dies and stamp sets.

Are you looking forward to the weekend as much as I am? I will have more fun stuff to share with you so please stop back to visit.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: JustRite Stampers You Inspire Me & Kindness, SU With Gratitude & Friends 24-7
Paper: Black Linen, Kaisercraft After Five Collection, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink: StazOn Black, Distressed Vintage Photo, Going Gray
Accessories: 5/8" Offray Black Satin Ribbon, SU Vanilla Rosette, Kaiser Pearls in Champagne, Large Standard Circles #3, Large Classic Scalloped Circles #2, Spellbinders Dress Forms (S4-068), Elegant Posts, Grand Classic Lace Border, Labels Eight #5 (Inside), Bow-Easy
Techniques: Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Boogie Board

2012-01-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,

I'm really not one to write reviews about products, but wanted to show you a gift I received recently called a "Boogie Board". Have you ever heard of them? It's essentially an electronic version of a magic slate. You do remember those, right?

I just love it! It does nothing but let you write on it, then erase. So simple and easy to use without having to plug in or recharge - yea! It uses zero power except when erasing the slate. I know some of you may be laughing at me right now (Jimmy ... I know you are!)

This little board allows me to leave notes for my husband in the morning, before I leave for work, or jot down reminders. It comes with a stylus or you can even use your fingernail to write on it.

The erase feature is neat. All you do is push a button and the LCD screen "wipes" clean. I have it hanging in the kitchen where hubby can see it.

Just think of all the paper I am saving! Well, not really since I make cards and have tons of cardstock so we won't go there. I do recommend if you purchase one from Brookstone be sure to buy the one with the replaceable batteries.

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today.

Tea Time - Arthur Wood

2012-01-09T07:17:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

Well, it is a new year and I am excited to once again be joining some friends for Tea Time Tuesday.

I hope you will join me today for a nice quiet cup of tea in my spare bedroom. Sometimes I just like to get away from it all and relax, don't you?

My teapot is from Arthur Wood and Son of Staffordshire, England. This English teapot is marked on the bottom with their name and has a pattern number 6627 in gold lettering. The beautiful floral motif has gorgeous workmanship. I would love to know more about it and what year this design is from.

The porcelain teacup and saucer are Skye McGhie in the "Cream Lace" pattern. The saucer has a pierced open lacy edge design and is about 5.75 inches wide. The cup has raised embossed heraldry plumes on the sides. On the bottom it reads "Skye McGhie Cream Lace Fine Porcelain".

The elegance of silvered mercury glass is displayed in this vase filled with peonies. This silvered glass has a sophisticated nostalgic charm. I love mercury glass and have numerous pieces.

We have several scrumptious truffles to enjoy with our tea. Our cappuccino is a dark-roast coffee with a velvet cream capped with white chocolate. The amaretto accented with sweet almond liqueur, and my husband's favorite is the dark chocolate raspberry. Please go ahead and take one - they really are delicious!

The tray is a Longaberger oval serving basket which I have decorated with a cream liner. The comforter I have in this bedroom is called "Memories". I love the shades of tearose, wineberry, bayberry and misty blue on a cream background. This rose garden blooms all year round!

Would you like to see my birdcage? This cage hangs from the ceiling in the northeast part of the room.

Thank you for stopping and having tea with me. I am linking with the following ladies this week.

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage
Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites
Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology

Resources:
Teacup & Saucer: Skye McGhie "Cream Lace" pattern
Teapot: Arthur Wood and Son
Vase: Mercury Glass
Basket: Longaberger Oval Serving Tray
Bedding, Rose Pictures & Birdcage: JCPenney

New Blog Design!

2012-01-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,

I've been wanting to give my blog design a bit of a face lift for a while now. I felt it was time for a change and enlisted the assistance of the very talented Karen Valentine. I had worked with Karen in the past on some of my sidebar images and knew when the time came she would be the one to create my new look.

I admit I don't always embrace change and it was difficult for me to let someone else do the creativity when I'm usually the creative one. Karen has always been very professional, listened to what I was looking for and patient with me.

Her vintage designs are magnificent and I'm thrilled with the finished product! Karen really made this a positive and fun experience - the way creating a blog should be. I would recommend Valentine Design without hesitation!

If you are thinking about creating a blog or updating your current one, there is no need to wait months for a design. Valentine Design is just a click away ...

I look forward to reading your comments about my new design. Oh, I even have a blog button now so go ahead, grab my button and post it to your blog. Don't forget you can always opt to subscribe for email updates through FeedBurner on my left sidebar and never miss another post again.

The one thing I have enjoyed about blogging is the awesome people I have met along the way. I am just so happy right now and wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Fifth Avenue Floral for Lily

2012-01-05T04:37:00.001-05:00

A co-worker lost her mother a few days before Christmas and I wanted to let her family know I was thinking about them. I never seem to have sympathy cards on hand when I need one so this will be on my "to do" list for this year. This card is for lily ... sending you hugs.

The rose image was inked with VersaMark and stamped on Very Vanilla paper and embossed with gold embossing powder and a heat gun. It was sponged with Apricot Appeal and Groovy Guava then cut out.

I wanted to add a little bit to the beautiful Prima Fairy Flora paper so I stamped the flourish from the Elements of Style set in Brilliance Pearlescent Beige. The sentiment was also stamped in VersaMark and embossed in gold on Very Vanilla paper. Edges were sponged with Apricot Appeal and a few Kaiser pearls in latte were added.

I couldn't wait to use my new Cheery Lynn Designs butterfly dies. The exotic butterfly was cut from the Flora paper with the angel wings from Very Vanilla. I glued them together.

Once I started to assemble the card I thought the rose could use some leaves. I used a Sizzix die with a piece of Stardream metallics chiara paper. I really like the pastel soothing shades. The rose and butterfly were sprayed with Tsukineko sheer sparkle shimmer spritz and everything was adhered to a natural white linen card.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: SU Fifth Avenue Floral, SU Elements of Style, My Sentiments Exactly! Cathedral Sympathy
Paper: Natural White Linen, Prima Marketing Fairy Flora Designer Paper, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Stardream Metallics Chiara Paper
Ink: Flourishes - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige, Sentiment - VersaMark with Gold EP; Rose - VersaMark with Gold EP; Sponging - Apricot Appeal & Groovy Guava
Accessories: Kaiser Pearls in Latte, Tsukineko Sheer Sparkle Shimmer, Cheery Lynn Designs Exotic Butterfly Die, Small Angel Wings Die, Sizzix Flowers, Branches & Leaves Die, Spellbinders Labels Eleven #3
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Northwoods Winter Squirrel

2012-01-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

When I saw this stamp by Northwoods I just knew I had to have it. Well, don't we say that about all our stamps? I just think this squirrel is so darn cute!

I stamped the image in StazOn Black onto Shimmery White paper and colored it with Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol. I don't know about you, but I love the Shimmery White paper so much better than the Whisper White.

Merry Christmas was stamped in Cherry Cobbler and embossed with clear embossing powder and layered to a Spellbinders grommet tag. Lost & Found Christmas rhinestones were added to each end.

My intentions were to keep this card clean and simple. Everything was adhered to a piece of Cherry Cobbler, then Mellow Moss and mounted to a Solar White Linen card.

The inside sentiment was also stamped in Cherry Cobbler and embossed. The pine branches were stamped in Mellow Moss.

This is the last of my Christmas cards. As much as I've enjoyed creating them it is time to pull out other stamp sets and start to think about Valentine's Day. Thank you all so much for stopping by!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Northwoods Nora's Winter Squirrel with Berries, SU A Cardinal Christmas, SU Peaceful Wishes
Paper: Solar White Linen, Mellow Moss, Cherry Cobbler, Shimmery White
Ink: Squirrel - StazOn Black colored with Prismacolor Pencils; Sentiments - Cherry Cobbler with Clear EP, Pine Branches - Mellow Moss
Accessories: Lost & Found Christmas Rhinestones, Labels One #5, Spellbinders Grommet Tags, Mega Curved Rectangles #4 (Inside), Gamsol
Techniques: Embossing, Sponging, Prismacolor Pencils
Card Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")