Sympathy (this is getting ridiculous!)

Same stamps, this time I used the Florence design paper and zip strip.  The inside of the card is a repeat of the front (bottom portion) and has a sentiment stamped inside.  We whisked it off to a Celebration of Life service this morning while the ink was still wet.  

Sympathy (again!)

This one uses Close-to-My-Heart paper, embossing powder, Cocoa ink. The stamps and dry embossing folder are all "contraband" (Verve stamps, Cuttlebug folder) and the ribbon is May Arts.  Problem with it is that the acetate I used is too thin and the card is too wobbly.  I love the look, just not the execution, so I'm keeping the photo for a day when I might feel like making it with the proper materials.

Another sympathy card - less severe

This one is more of a "thinking of you" and sharing in your sorrow - but my aim was to bring a smile and brighten the day of the recipient.  It was a lot more fun for me, let me tell you!  I used CTMH Happy Days paper, and the Hot Chocolate stamp set.  I stamped the solid cup on the back side of the pattern papers and cut them out.  I made a small slit in two of them so insert the cups in a stack and added some ink lines to give the images a little more definition.  The sentiment is another from my stash - I think it might be Verve.  

We had fishing friends here for a few days - it was so much FUN!  I don't fish, but I sure did enjoy the big family meals at the table (or on the patio) and sipping wine and chatting into the late night hours!  I will miss our guests!

Sympathy card

I found that I need sympathy cards - several (!) - when we returned from our trip so I opted for a relatively simple design.  This one used a large rubber stamp of script in CTMH Champagne color ink on the card base, then the flourishes and sentiments from a Waltzingmouse Stamps set.  Juniper and Cocoa inks.  Not the best, but my heart was in it!   

Thank You Kindly

This card is for a blog-friend!  I used the Happy Times papers (CTMH seasonal special), a wreath I can't remember where I got it - and the Thank You Kindly is one from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  The ink colors are Juniper and Slate.  The card base is Slate cardstock. Below is the inside of the card.     

I used CTMH Hot Chocolate on the inside of the card and stamped the solid cup image in 2nd generation Juniper ink.  It sure feels good to make something again!

Thomas is 2 years old!

Our sweet little TJ is 2 today - and he is simply amazing!  It's been mentioned that I might be just a wee bit prejudiced, however.  

We have gifts, of course, but I needed to make a special card for him!  I used the Florence papers, and the following CTMH stamp sets; World Traveler, The Long Way Home (June Stamp of the Month), and You Mean the World to Me.  The number 2 was from the Framework Alphabet.  I made a fancy fold card that can stand up on it's own.  I love that VW bus!  The ink colors were Cocoa and Ruby.  

Now that we're back in Minnesota, it is "full speed ahead"!  We have a group of Fishing People coming in this weekend (extended) and a large group of Episco-teens coming for a pilgrimage next weekend (extended).  Steve and I were comparing calendars last night at the dinner table - we will continue to be busy!

Hope things are great in your parts of the world!  Hugs!!

Home!

Just one of the many fabulous photos from our vacation.  This was from the ancient village of Kamiros on Rhodes.  (the Greek Isles are so beautiful!).  I'm glad to be home now and trying to finish up unpacking.  The studio is calling to me - and I hope to be putting up some art work very soon (if I remember how to do it!).  Hugs!!