I was playing with the Bliss papers (this pack is so pretty!) and imitating the card ideas that came with the Bliss workshop kit. The stamp set is beautiful - it included all that is shown here and more. I used Desert Sand, Hollyhock (2nd generation), and Grey wool inks from CTMH. This might work for a wedding card, thinking of you, or maybe even a birthday card.
Our weather here has been amazingly mild - I can't remember when we've stayed under 100 degrees for so late into the summer. I'm not complaining, mind you! I do, however, say prayers for those fighting the Wallow fire in eastern Arizona and for those whose homes were destroyed or endangered.
Namaste.
I saw the most beautiful art while visiting Annette's blog recently and thank goodness, I asked her if she was interested in selling it! She replied that she would make one for me, if I was serious! I was as serious as pneumonia and soon we had a deal. It strikes a chord with me - all these changes are happening in my life right now. The opening of the heart, the metamorphosis, the words of wisdom (trust yourself, live, dream . . . ) all are what I'm experiencing. The woman is thoughtful. She hangs on the wall in my studio where every time I enter the room I will see her and remember both my goals and this very precious time in my life.
Thank you Annette, from the bottom of my heart! (right under the butterfly!)
Today was Open Stamping with my friends - I spent the day trying to re-stock my supply of birthday cards! Progress was made, although my list of those with birthdays in June has grown exponentially! LOL Ah, such a problem to have ;-)
Yesterday I enjoyed a 2-hour Yoga workshop led by my friend Linda Santopietro. It was an excellent workshop - Restorative and Nidra. I felt so energized afterward.
Namaste.
Celebrate today! I love the sentiment (Close-to-My-Heart), and this card was born of the package of beautiful Japanese papers that lived on my desk for a week or so! Do you do that too? I mean, instead of putting things away, you just keep making more and more with them? I've been known to use up half of a package of paper making different cards because I've gotten "hooked" on a particular paper! So, it could be a congratulations card, a birthday card, or just a thinking of you . . . friendship kind of card! Celebrating today is worthwhile every day.
Hmm. Work has been busy and home has been busier! But, things are getting done and I love checking things off of my list . . . makes me feel productive! I had yoga practice tonight; a very good one too! What's happening for you this week?
Namaste.
This past weekend was a much-anticipated church fellowship event; the annual beer tasting! Sounds weird? Well, what happens is a bunch of fun and crazy people bring side dishes of the best food to go with a main dish (usually brats) and the hosts plan an evening of tasting (think wine tasting) complete with lessons about the brewing process and history. Let me say that I'm not a beer drinker - but I do thoroughly enjoy this evening! And it's due, in large part, to the wonderful people who host the event! Thank You Kindly!
The card was my first try at the twisted easel card that is all the rage now! I actually like it! I used every last scrap (!) of a lovely piece of Japanese paper that was in my gift pack (explained in my last post). The colors on this one really POP.
Here's the card open:
I think I might have gotten carried away with the buttons (LOL) but they really do help the card stand open! Stamps were Waltzingmouse Stamps (on the front) and Close-to-My-Heart on the inside. I'll be attempting this design again, for sure!
I awoke at 4 AM from the sound of my own voice saying out loud - "Happy Birthday, Steve", but of course, he can't hear me from nearly 2,000 miles away!
Namaste.
It was heavenly getting into the craft room today - I had some "must make" cards and my Mojo was with me - I was on a roll! I guess I must have had ideas stuck inside my head for awhile or something.
This one is simple - really - and I love the overall effect. I used white pigment ink to put "white caps" on the waves, and paper-pieced the sailboat from a grab-bag type package of scrap Japanese fine papers that were a gift a few years ago (I've been hoarding them - they are so wonderful!). I sponged some "Sky" ink onto the sky and die cut the clouds . . . deciding to stamp them with the sentiment was just a lucky accident (not part of my initial plan)! I love the overall effect of the card! It may not be "fun" enough for a 6 year old - but it certainly made ME happy!
Wedding plans - oh my goodness! Well, we have set the date, and what type of cake. The two most important decisions (Just KIDDING!). I have so much to do yet - but started by making lists. That will help me feel more in control. An illusion, I realize; humor me. Thank you all for your warm and thoughtful messages. I feel so loved! Let's see if I can answer some of the questions - "North" means Minnesota. Yes, we will still be commuting after we get married - I have a great job and am not ready to retire, so I need to continue working. I've been independent for 18 years so I have some practice at being alone. I admit that it's harder now that I know how happy I can be with Steve in my daily life - but I still think we can do this. We're going to try - and if adjustments need to be made later on, well, then we'll address them then. Yes, my daughter met him and she is very happy for us. No, it's not scary loving a priest, it's wonderful! I think that covers most of them - let me know if I forgot anything important!
Namaste
ps - I made it to yoga classes three days last week - and I feel STRONG!!!
Last Sunday I was playing with the You & Me kit from Close to My Heart - what pretty papers! I used the swirl on the second card example. This is one of the nicest stamp sets I've ever seen! I really love all of the elements and know it will be a "go-to" set for many years to come. It's still available (as a fund-raiser to help tornado victims) and a tremendous value at $15. You can order it on-line from my CTMH web-site (click on Shop-online, then at the bottom of the shop on-line column click on Stronger Together). 
