Thursday, August 31, 2017

"Tissue Paper Technique"

"Tissue Paper Technique"

Good Thursday morning to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.  It is the last day in August.  This will be a very long weekend for some people who are working (Labor Day).   Many will try to get in that last visit to the beach before Tuesday morning when our school bells will be ringing for our children. 
What's on your agenda for today?  I know you're probably doing something special.

Today's card started with some crumbled tissue (gift) paper.  I used various Distress inks in various places on the paper.  I kept repeating the crumbling...apply distress ink...crumble...apply distress ink until I was satisfied with the look.  The tissue paper was applied to a piece of Neenah white cardstock with adhesive .  I was very careful in not smoothing out the paper.  The more wrinkles you see (on the paper and not on your face) is so much better.
I applied some Martha Stewart flowers to the tissue paper and then stamped my sentiment using an American Craft Bible journaling stamp.
I will use this for an entry to http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com



Enabler's List:
American Craft Bible journaling stamp
Distress inks
Martha Stewart flower stickers
tissue paper; Neenah white cardstock; black Recollections cardstock and Hunkydory cardstock

You have been very nice in visiting and commenting.  I really do appreciate your continued support.  Come again to enjoy the view.


Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois




Wednesday, August 30, 2017

"Make A Wish"

Good Wednesday to all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Welcome to the middle of the week.  So much has gone on since the weekend but everyone is reporting that they are okay.  Some flooding in homes but lives have been spared...this is a blessing.  Material things can be replaced but once you leave this side of the universe we will not see you again until we're called to glory.
For my birthday people in September, I'm still working on your cards.  Here is one that I did for one of you:
front view

side view of the same card

http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/tuesday-color/forum/topics/color-challenge-29-august-2017
The above project involved repurposing  the top layer of a Cason paper pad.
Enabler's List:
Spellbinders dies: Swirl Bliss; Victorian Bow; Romantic Vines
Sizzix Alphanumeric script die
Recollections butterflies and flowers
the colors to use were: burgundy, sparkly gold, tan and cream...anything but a card
studio g self adhesive gems (gold)

Enabler's List used for card:
Neenah white cardstock; red Bazzill cardstock; black Recollection cardstock; Designer Paper from g. c. d. Botanique paper pad
Spellbinders Arched Elegance die:  Tim Holtz quote chips:   NUVO ruby slippers crystal drops
Recollections flower and flourish

As always, thanks for your time, view and comments.  Let your friends know about this blog.  I'm sure they will be interested in what you have been seeing.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Tuesday, August 29, 2017

"Oh HELLO"


Hello friends, followers, visitors and viewers.

What a nice rainy day we’re having in our neighborhood.  It’s a day for the ducks to waddle around (lol).  I’m staying inside unless there is something very important to take care of somewhere else.   As my DH said this morning, “It’s a good sleeping day or a day to just enjoy the rain hitting the top of the roof”.

My card for today includes… paper from one paper pad; one flower; one butterfly; seven faux gems and what do you have….a Hello card in blue.  I will use it one day to send a nice note to someone or just give it away to someone special.
 



No challenges to enter this one in so it will just float on Google +.

Thanks for viewing with me today.

Please come again and share this with your friends.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,

Lois

Monday, August 28, 2017

"My Texas Friends And Family, We're Praying With And For You"

Hello friends, followers, viewers and visitors on Monday, August 28, 2017.
It's great to be with you this morning to share another post and another creation.
As many of you know, the weekend was not so great for all living in Texas especially those near the Gulf.
Harvey, the storm, came in with full force and is still sitting and dumping water in parts of Texas.  Another storm is forming near the FL, SC and NC line.  Low line areas in these states will also be flooded according to the news report.
I have people who I grew up with down in Texas.  I have a nephew in Texas and my oldest daughter is in Florida.  My youngest daughter and her family are in NC.
We, here in Virginia, are praying for and with you.  Some of you have lost your homes.  Some have homes that are flooded due to the water increase (Texas).   Those who live in FL and NC, you will probably have to drive in the torrential rain if your jobs don't close down....we're still praying.
We are also praying for ourselves here in VA.  A lot of storm water can trickle down and flood us out also.  We will pray that all of us will be kept safe by the mighty hands of God Almighty.
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Enabler's List:
Neenah white cardstock; Bazzill red cardstock; black Recollections cardstock; DP from GCD studios
Botanique
Prima Love faith scrap stamp; Recollections poppy dimensional stickers; Spellbinders Arched Elegance die
NUVO autumn red crystal drops

Thanks for viewing and as always, you are welcome to leave a comment.
Come back again and share this blog with someone else.

Sending you a hug, LOVE and prayer,
Lois

Friday, August 25, 2017

"What's In My Stash, Friday"

It's Friday and are you glad about it?
August 25, 2017 my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.  Your last work day for the week.  Probably your last good weekend before the kids are back in school.
What's on your agenda?  Back to school shopping...another weekend at the beach...relax, refresh and reflect...fishing...?????
My DH came in from cutting the grass on Wednesday and he stated..."let's just pack our bags and get out of town.  I need a change of scenery."
Where are we going?  I don't have any idea.  When we were young and adventurous, we would just get in our vehicle and ride without any planned place to stop.  Now that we have family in the north, children in the south, family in the east and don't really know anyone in the west...where shall we go?
While rummaging through things in my stash, I found items to use for today's card.  Today, I knew exactly what sentiment to put on it...something that went along with his idea of a change of scenery.  *Please note that I have stuff in a bin that I put there after coloring or cutting.  They are not used on the day or days they are made. These items are there for a day like today or when there is a quick need for a card.*
Items chosen:
  • a distress panel using Distress Oxide inks
  • a die cut panel from Crafter's Companion ...Ornate Lattice die
  • a dragonfly cut from Tonic Studio Dragonfly Brooch die
  • a quote chip from Tim Holtz's box of quote chips
  • drops of Ranger liquid pearls 
  • cardstock to match the distress panel...Recollections purple, yellow and pink cardstock
 I'm adding this card to the challenge at http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
and to http://www.cropstop.com/blog/cards/august-challenge-link-party-31/

items used:
Distress Oxide #2
Crafter's Companion Ornate Lattice 
Tonic Studio Dragonfly Brooch
Ranger liquid pearls lemon chiffon
Tim Holtz quote chips
Thanks for your time viewing and for your lovely comments.  I appreciate both.
Please come again
Use your wings and do something fun, exciting and relaxing this weekend or today.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Thursday, August 24, 2017

"No Sentiment"

Happy Thursday crafters, friends, followers, viewers and visitors.
Have you ever made a card just for the making?  You take out the supplies and just start looking at what you can put together with no idea in that great mind of yours. 
Okay, so this paper will go with this paper...good.  Now, will I cut out something from a die or... just what will I add to these papers?
This is where and what I was doing this morning.  I wanted to play with paper and dies and flowers and inks (basically, everything in my craft space), but couldn't get the flow going.  I picked out several pieces of cardstock that would blend well together but had to decide on which group I would use.  Yes, I get to play in my space but I can't be there all day. 
After settling on something "pink", I pull out this Recollection frame that I've put on and took off my desk for the last two weeks.  One piece of the paper had a flower on it but I decided to enhance it with another one.  My flower dies didn't really make it to this 'ole brain so I just use my "go to" Spellbinders Romantic vines die for a start.  I then started looking through my collections of flowers and found or shall I say it just fell into my hands a flower that ended up matching my colors.
Now that I've put the majority of the pieces together, I'm stuck on the sentiment...should it be a birthday, an encouragement, a sympathy, .....just what kind of card?
Wait...and I will wait...until I need something special for someone or until I decide it will go in that lovely box for the soldiers...then I'll put a sentiment on it.  As of this viewing, you will not see one.
Take a look at the final result without a sentiment:
Supplies:
Prima Tales of You and Me paper pad
Prima flower
Recollection frame
Spellbinders Romantic Vines die
Recollections black and pink cardstock and Neenah white cardstock 


 I know some of you have been in this same dilemma...you just have to admit it.  It doesn't happen everyday but when it does, we're perplexed.  Sometimes we find it helpful to look at Pinterest, Google or on each other's sites to get an idea.   It just wasn't happening for me this morning.

Nevertheless, it was fun to put together what I put together.  Tomorrow is another day and we shall see what happens.

Take care and have a great day.
Come again and enjoy the view and leave a comment.  I love hearing from you.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

"Let's Get Whimsical, Whimsical!!!"

Good Wednesday, August 23, 2017 friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Here we are in the middle of the week with two more work days to go.  It has been exciting and fun.
"Sunshine" told me last evening that she had a wonderful time at school yesterday and she is so excited about changing classes this year.  Fourth graders are awesome!
Now, yesterday was the first day.  Quite naturally it would be exciting...stay tune for the report in December (lol).
Since she was so happy and excited, I decide to be a bit whimsical today.
Two cards to represent my inner feelings...fun, excited, and all over beaming.
 Enabler's List:
  • water color paper (Ranger); burnt orange and black Recollections cardstock; Neenah white cardstock
  • die cuts (umbrella, flamingo; sentiment) from Cricut Design Space
  • flower from Recollections
  • Offray beige ribbon
  • faux Martha Stewart white pearl and coral liquid pearls by Ranger 
  • entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com  #296 #297 ATG
enabler's list
  • cardstock from BOBUNNY Aryia's Garden; orange and black Recollection; Neenah white
  • sentiment from Cricut Design Space
  • image from Ranger dylusions die cuts
  • NUVO black crystal drops: golden sunset and Crystal glaze;  Ranger coral liquid pearls
  • entry for http://www.outlawzchallenges.ning.com Tuesday color challenge Aug.22, 2017
If I can get my DH to buy at least two tickets for tonight's Mega Millions...just imagine how whimsical I can get if he wins.  I just may have to buy Disney World and stay there for the duration of my life time (laugh and then laugh some more...you know I'm writing to you).

Thanks so much for viewing today and for your continued support.  
Your comments are always welcome and they are always appreciated.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

"Happy Day" Birthday Card

Good Tuesday friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
After the eclipse, what excitement is in store for you today?
My grand ("Sunshine") started her first day of school for the 2017-2018 school year.  I can imagine the excitement she is feeling.  Meeting new peers and socializing with the ones from last year.
My peers in the teaching field also went in today for meetings and conferences that will take place between today and August 31.  Our school will not open for the children until September 5, 2017.

It is going to be a happy day for everyone involved.
I'm in my crafting space until noon (being happy) and after that other important things.
Are you happy at this moment?  What will it take to cheer you up if you're not?
Here is a card that I made hoping that it will put a smile on your face:

I started with a piece of Bristol Smooth cardstock in which I used Distress Oxide inks for the background.  A little water was spritz on the card and with a dry paper towel...it was immediately removed.  Using Tattered Lace Opulent Over the Edge die, I used another piece of smooth cardstock to cut out the die.  As stated, it is over the edge...it does not cut all the way out of the paper.  If you would like for it to do so, then, you will need to snip it away from the paper. There was enough space to slide my distressed piece behind the die.
I used a sentiment that was cut using my Cricut Explore and Cricut Design Space (free image).  For embellishing my card, I placed Martha Stewart faux pearls on the flower, around the top and on the butterfly (Tattered Lace Butterfly Dance die).
Entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Challenge #296-#297 - Anything Goes.

Tattered Lace Opulent Over the Edge die

Distress Oxides #1
Spice marmalade, fossilized amber and vintage photo was used on the card.

Martha Stewart faux pearls
Your visit and comments are always welcome.  I enjoy reading your expressions.  Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoyed your view.  Please come again!

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Monday, August 21, 2017

"FOR YOU"

Happy Monday 8-21-2017 to my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
How many of you will be viewing the eclipse today?
If you have the proper glasses to view, then good for you.  However, please follow directions and don't view with your naked eyes.  Your vision is very important.   Please, don't damage it.

Congratulation if you're a Senior Citizen.  From the National Day Calendar:
NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY...  Each year on August 21, there are various events and activities held across the United States in recognition of National Senior Citizens Day. This day was created as a day to support, honor and show appreciation to our seniors and to recognize their achievements. Their valuable contributions to our communities create better places to live.
Our church honored the Senior Citizens in and around our community on August 17, 2017, by hosting it's annual Senior Citizen Day.  Food and fellowship was provided.

Today's card:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

During my college days, I drove a blue Volkswagen .  It was shaped just like this little orange one I'm using in this display.  My DH collects little cars like this and because he couldn't find one in the color I drove, he purchased this orange one years ago.  I still think they are the cutest  little cars to view and to drive. 




Some of the items used:
Tim Holtz Botanical ephemera
Recollections handmade floral embellishments
Martha Stewart butterfly punch
Cricut Explore and Cricut Design Space free images
vellum polka dot paper

Thanks so very much for your time and viewing.  Until next time, take care and enjoy your day.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois


Friday, August 18, 2017

"Going For The Gold"

It's Friday, August 18, 2017.
My friends, followers, visitors and viewers, we made it to the end of another work week.  I have some peers in the education field that went back to work last week.  Some are getting ready for the opening of the 2017-2018 school year while others greeted their little ones and big ones on  Tuesday.  "Sunshine" will be going back on August 22, 2017.  The summer is really over and we are actually getting ready for the fall.
I played around with some gold cardstock this morning.  Friday is my busiest day of the week so I was going for the gold in creating a card in less than thirty minutes.  I accomplished my task.  I finished the first one and also did a second (only because I had the supplies on my desk).
 

I'm using this card "JOY" for an entry at
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com  Challenge #296-#297 - Anything Goes
It is cardstock in the "gold metallic family (Neenah metallic...you can pick it up at Walmart). The bow is a Jolee's boutique brand and the little sign has letters from a Sticko sticker pack.  I did use a Lawn Fawn border die to cut down the top gold piece.  Two embossing folders were used (Spellbinders M-Boss abilities EL-014 and Darice snowflake).  I used NUVO "golden sunset" crystal drops in the middle of the snowflakes.


 

I used another fancy fold tutorial from Pinterest to make this card along with  paper from Hunkydory "A Very Merry Christmas".  I've presented all the views from different angles.
If you type in "Z Fold Card With A Twist"  you will find a tutorial on how to make this one.  Using the paper made this one quite easy.  After cutting the cardstock and folding it.  I cut pieces of the paper to put on all five sides...very easy to do.
I'm not sure it is going to be this easy if I do not use paper that has an image on it.  I'm giving it a try somewhere in the future.

After two weeks of holiday cards, I'm going back to something else starting next week.  Sometimes doing the same thing over and over gets a little boring for me.  I'll be back to making holiday cards later.  I need a change of pace.

Thanks for visiting and posting lovely comments all week.
Take care of yourselves and enjoy the moment, the weekend, the day or just the minute.

Sending you a hug and LOVE, 
Lois

Thursday, August 17, 2017

"Come Let Us Adore HIm"

Good Thursday, August 17, 2017.
How are all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers doing on this great day?
We started with a foggy morning...moved into a muggy midday and now it is raining.
I have been out and about in the fog and muggy weather.  I've settle in for the evening rain to relax and refresh for tomorrow.
Here is another holiday card for your view today.
I used my Cricut Explore, Cricut Design Space, a Spellbinder's die, some Recollection paper and a fancy fold diagram to do this card.
full card

left side of card

right side of card
The diagram I used (came from Pinterest).  It was under the category of "fancy fold cards".

Thanks so much for viewing today.
Please come again.
Your comments are always welcome.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

"Two For Your View"

Welcome to Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
Our focus is  looking forward towards the weekend because today is the middle of the week.  "Hump day"...as it is usually called.  If we can crawl, run, or jump through and over this day...we will have it made.
I have been very busy with die cutting, inking, paper layering, and just trying to come up with something nice for your view.
I still have another holiday card for you today as well as something different.  If you're not ready for the holiday (Christmas) then skip down toward the bottom of this post to see something else:
entry for http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

entry for http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/tuesday-color
 "Let The Spirit Of Christmas Bring You Joy"
Enabler's List:
cardstock...Neenah white; pink Bazzill; Prima "Tales of You & Me double sided papers
embossing folder...Spellbinders M Boss abilities (EL-006)
stamp...Kaisercraft "Sentiments-Traditional/clear stamp
dies...Sizzix garden greens; Darice holly border; Spellbinders Card Creator; Sizzix tattered poinsettia
embellishments...NUVO autumn red crystal drops and green tulle

"Memories"
enabler's list:
cardstock: Neenah white; black Recollection; Colorbok pattern pack; Prima Bohemian Bamboo; Strathmore Bristol smooth
dies :Sizzix garden greens; Little B Bouquet; Sizzix tattered poinsettia
stencil: TCW screen print
inks: Distress oxides; NUVO bright gold crystal drops
Ranger textured paste
Sentiment from Vicki Boutin watercolor stickers
sketch:  SC658

Have a blessed day and do something nice for someone else.
Thank you for viewing with me today.  Please come again.  I always like to hear from you so leave a comment.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

"Cozy Warm And Bright Christmas"

Happy Tuesday, August 15, 2017.
Hello to all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
Toady is the second workday for this week not unless you went to work on the weekend or started your work week on Sunday.  Nevertheless, we are here sharing and interacting with one another.

The National Day Calendar for today reports that it is NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY and NATIONAL LEMON MERINGUE PIE DAY.
Here is the reason for celebrating:
"National Relaxation Day is  time to slow down, unwind and relax!
It is an important day as we all need a break from the fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles we live. Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks.  Like the founder of this day suggested, too much work can make us sick, run down, tired and that’s just wrong.
Are you hungry? Pie lovers and lemon lovers from across the country get your forks ready. August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day."

I'm going to have a hard time trying to celebrate both of these.  My weekend was very relaxing as well as yesterday so I'm going to do something that needs to be done today.  It will not be stressful and my body will not get tired.  I have to skip the pie because I'm working on keeping my glucose level in the normal range.  My LAB report last week shows my A1C at a reasonable level and I want to keep it that way.  To work on being healthy can be challenging when certain foods are presented to you.  I see it but I have resistance to stay away from so many sweet treats.

I hope you are not tired of the holiday cards I have been making.  I'm considering making something different tomorrow but don't hold me to that consideration.  If I have an idea in my mind. I have to get it out and onto paper before it goes away.
This one will also be seen at http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com  and
 http://themerrychristmaschallenge.blogspot.ca/2017/08/challenge-29-anything-christmas-goes.html

Enabler's List:
Cardstock: Neenah white; Recollection black; Hunkydory Adorable Scorable "Penguin Party"
die: Cottage Cutz "Christmas Winter Night"
stamp: Hero Arts "Holiday Sentiments"
inks: Distress inks (scattered straw, cracked pistachio, peeled paint, pumice stone, hickory smoke, rusty hinge, ground espresso, fired brick); NUVO autumn red crystal drops; NUVO crystal glaze; black Archival ink;  iridescent glitter

Hoping, as you plan for the holidays, that it will be cozy, warm and bright!
Thanks so much for viewing.  Thanks for the lovely comments.  Come again and I hope something you see is not disappointing.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Monday, August 14, 2017

"PEACE"

Hello friends, followers, viewers and visitors.
It's Monday, August 14, 2017.
We survived the weekend and we are back to doing activities today.  It's a blessing to be on this side to continue to love and bless others.

We didn't have very good news in our state of Virginia this weekend.  Many of you saw or heard the news in reference to Charlottesville, Virginia.  At least three people  died in relation to the demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend.  Hundreds of white nationalists, some wielding torches, gathered at the University of Virginia ahead of Saturday's larger rally. Their chants included phrases such as "white lives matter," "you will not replace us," and the Nazi-associated phrase "blood and soil." The mayor of Charlottesville called it a "cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance."

How much longer will our nation continue to tolerate this kind of hatred, bigotry, racism and intolerance?   It appears as if it is not getting better but worse each and every day.

So, today in connection with working on holiday cards for 2017, I specifically gave this card the title, "Peace".  We need to come together as a nation and put an end to the hatred, bigotry, racism and intolerance in our country and abroad.

entry for Anything Goes Challenge #294-#295  at http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

 Here are the items used to make this card.
cardstock:  Neenah white; Prima Marketing "Bohemian Bamboo";  Tonic Studio Mirror card pack;  Kanban "moments in time" (discontinued);  Hunkydory " A Very Merry Christmas" little book.
dies: Sizzix garden greens; Cherry Lynn fancy pots; Heartfelt Creation window die;
embossing folder: Spellbinders M-Boss abilities brick and bark
inks: Distress ink round espresso and rusty hinge
stickers: Jolee "wedding bouquets" and "peace"
other items: Big Shot machine; foam tape, ATG

Thanks for viewing with me today.  I hope something you see will give you a little joy and peace.
Your comments are always welcome and I enjoy reading them.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Friday, August 11, 2017

"Christmas Greetings In August"

Good Friday, August 11, 2017 to all my friends, followers, visitors and viewers.
A very rainy morning outside my window.   I don't have to venture out today.  Most of my appointments were earlier this week.
Since Friday's are always the busiest time of the week for me, I usually craft from my stash.  Today I used cardstock from my stash but I had to use the die cutting machine to create the card .  Therefore, I can't say it is "what's in my stash Friday".  It is half and half (lol).

The focal cardstock came from my stash.  It had been heat emboss using a stencil and white embossing powder.  I  used some distress inks (abandoned coral and ripe persimmon) and applied a little to each corner.   The dies for the flowers were Elizabeth Craft designs "Victorian Flower Overlay Set 2; Darice "Holly Border"; and Sizzix "Garden Greens".  The die I used for the sentiment came from Cottage Cutz "Christmas Greetings".  For my embellishment, I used two Recollections Dimensional Sticker (poinsettia).
This is my holiday card #4 for this week.

Hope you enjoyed your view.
Thanks for expressing your support by leaving a comment.  They have been wonderful to read.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois

Thursday, August 10, 2017

"Holiday Card #3"

Hello Everyone!
It is so wonderful to know that the weekend is approaching.  This has been a fast moving week.
I'm working on some holiday cards and today is #3.   I'm keeping up with the non-traditional holiday colors today also...pink and black as well as a somewhat CAS card:

I tried many times to take a good photo  but what you see here is the best out of all the ones I had.  The background on the original card is not that dark.  You can tell with the photo below.
However, I'm still posting here and over at http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com for  their

side view of my card to show the decoupage layers of the tree.

 Cardstock used:
Neenah white; black Recollections; DCWV the All Dressed Up matstack; DCWV Shimmer Matstack; DCWV The Foiled Cardstock Stack; Distress Watercolor Cardstock
 Inks used:
Sakura Koi Water Colors (pink, purple); Distress Ink (picked raspberry); Ranger Archival ink (black)
Stamp, dies and embellishment used:
Hero Arts Christmas sentiments; Sizzix woodlands die; ODBD double stitched rectangle die; Studio Katia sequins

Thanks for viewing and leaving comments.
I really appreciate your time and continued support.

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois