Monochromatic Card in Turquoise/Aqua

"Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time."
                                                           --------Kyoya

Hi, Friends......

Today I am sharing with you a pretty monochromatic card.  This is for a bridal shower, but it could be for any lady occasion.

 I got to use a lot of fun toys on this one:  die cuts, new embossing folder, Prima flowers, thrift store lace ribbon, sparkly embossing powder, Zva swirl, sequin string, etc....and lots and lots of layers!!  

Here's a zoomed in photo to show you the pretty dry embossing I did on the white cardstock with my new Darice Cherry Blossom Embossing Folder.  LOVE IT!!!  

You can also see the gorgeous Gwyneth Flourish.  I won this die from Memory Box (THANKS, Memory Box!!) and it is one of my favorites!!!  I paired a couple of them up here to make a loose frame.  I love how the tendrils spring up a bit when the cut comes out of the die.....adding a touch of 3-D to my card.  (It might just be a result of this beginner's technique, though!!  Ha!) 


I have a hard time staying away from my various butterfly stamps, don't I?!  I heat embossed this pretty one with white sparkly embossing powder on vellum.  I layered two cuts together and lifted the wings a little bit on the top one.  Love the delicate look the vellum brings.

I made a band with thrift store lace ribbon over a strip of DCWV patterned paper from my stash and used a long-horded string of sequins a Secret Santa sent me years ago!  I love what the sequins add to it!! 

Please notice the sparking Zva swirl.  The rhinestone portions were originally a pale blue color, so I altered them with a teal Sharpie to coordinate better.  I think the match is pretty good! :)   The pearl strand and the leaves at the end of the rhinestones are the original colors.

I finished the card with some pretty Prima and Pink Paislee flowers.

  
Hope you enjoyed my card.  Thank you so much for all the lovely comments you leave.  They are very encouraging to me!!!  Thanks, also, to my three new followers. (happy dance!!)

Have a lovely Spring day!!

<3
Janis

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Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Crafty Cardmakers #115 - It's a Bug's Life 
2.  Eureka Stamps Challenge #87 - Lace and Pearls
3.  Suzy Bees Bloomin' Challenge #26 - Wings 
4.  Fairytale Stamper Challenge #37 - Bingo (Lace, Die, Flowers) Anything Goes
5.  Addicted to Stamps Challenge #81 - Things with Wings
6.  Fashionable Stamping Challenge #71 - Flying Things 
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Exotic Oriental Card -- Exploring New Areas

"A cat is a Regency gentleman --  elegant of pose, exquisite of manner, with spotless linen and an enthusiasm for bare knuckle fights, rampaging love affairs, duels by moonlight, and the singing of glees.  He expects immaculate service from his domestic staff."
                                                                                  ------------ Pam Brown


Hi, Friends........

Today I am sharing a very different card from my usual style.  I saw that MFP Speedy TV was having an Oriental Sketch challenge, so I decided to play along.  This is my first attempt at an Asian looking card.  The jury is still out on how successful I was!

 



Here's the sketch that I was trying to emulate:

 

I started out by using some wonderful papers and a fascinating Asian postage stamp rubber stamp that I received as part of a prize from the lovely Jennifer Frith.   (THANKS, Jenny!!)  

Jenny is an amazing artist/illustrator and is such a sweetheart.  Please go check out her blog, Jenny's
Sketchbook, and prepare to be charmed!!!  You will LOVE her adorable animal paintings!!!

Here you can get a better look at the stamp on the mulberry paper, and also see the gold filigree ribbon I have used on several of my cards.  This is the end of that lovely thrift store spool.......such a beautiful find for 40 cents!! 

I got this fabulous Asian looking bow at the same thrift store for 10 cents!!  I knew it would be perfect for a card someday.  :)  Can you see the pretty gleam of the gold thread?

I put a notched piece of gold ribbon under the bow, and also added a gold embossed panda (shaded with distress ink to show the image better) to the lower corner of the center panel.  I edged a couple of the pieces with gold marker for accent and then it all got mounted onto a shimmery gold card base. 


I am still undecided as to how well I like this card.....but the exotic motifs and unfamiliar color combinations were super-fun and challenging to work with.  Thanks for taking a look at my card and for exploring new areas with me!!! 

Have a very lovely week!

<3 
Janis 

Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  MFP Speedy TV Challenge #34 - Oriental Sketch
2.  All Sorts Challenge Week #256 - Oriental
3.  Red Rubber Designs #117 - Postage Due 
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CAT STATUS UPDATE:
Othello, Andromeda, and Aliyah are moping around because my son is gone visiting relatives out of state. Chaienne doesn't care and Whiskers probably doesn't even notice, but the other three are depressed, restless, and out of sorts. Othello, in particular, is bonded on to my son. Othello is a guy-cat and considers me a very poor substitute for his best friend. Tonight, Andromeda was standing on a chair and clasping her paws around the doorknob of my son's closed bedroom door trying to open it and get in. Sometimes she is too smart for her own good!
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Another Butterfly Card in Pastels

"Work -- other people's work -- is an intolerable idea to a cat.  Can you picture cats herding sheep or agreeing to pull a cart?  They will not inconvenience themselves to the slightest degree."
                                                                             ---------- Louis J. Camuti 



Hi, Friends......

Can you allow me one more Serendipity Butterfly card?????  As you know, I am absolutely loving this die set and have been delighted with the cards I've made using it.

This is the last in the series of four retirement cards showing appreciation and thanks to some dear ladies who volunteered many hours at the Hope Center over the last number of years.  

You can see the other cards in my series here: 

First Card -- Floral Profusion 
Second Card --  Floral with Gold Accents

Third Card -- Layered CAS Floral

I used more of my K&Co. patterned paper for this card and laid a doily down to provide a focal background for my butterfly.

I glued the two butterfly die cuts together and used glitter only on the lattice for some wonderful iridescent sparkle.  LOVE this.

The lovely flourish is actually two identical pink Zva strands that I put together almost end to end.  Can you see where they repeat?  I am getting braver about using my Zva items.  Love them!!!  Some stick-on pearls and a bow finished up my card. 

Thanks for letting me share this series of retirement cards with you.  Hope you enjoyed them.

<3
Janis

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Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.   Created with Love Challenges #80 -  In the Garden 
2.   Blogger's Challenge - Bling it On
3.   Crafter's Cafe Challenge #60 - Add Glitter
4.   The Sisterhood of Crafters - Things with Wings 
5.   Stempelgarten Challenge - Pastel Color Mix  
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Layered CAS Floral Card

"To escort a cat on a leash is against the nature of the cat."
                                                          --------Adlai Stevenson

Hi, Friends.....

Today I have the third in my series of cards given to the dear retirees at the Hope Center.  You can find the others here:  

First Card -- Floral Profusion

Second Card --  Floral with Gold Accents

I went more CAS - clean and simple - with this card than with my others in the series.  I will call this a Layered CAS.  Sometimes I find a simpler card very restful, especially with the neutrals that I used with the aqua (looks more bluish in photo).

This is my first test-run with my Sizzix Originals - Build a Lilac die set. Wow.....loved working with this original style bulky die:  cuts through my papers like butter....much better than the wafer-thin dies, but it takes a lot more room to store these.




I did not feel constrained to use purple for my lilacs, as you can see.  :)   The papers are K&Co, except for the DCWV brown panel and the little strip of Studio 112 button trim.  LOVE the sweet polka-dot flowers......and I was able to use all scraps on this card, except for the button trim!!

I at first used white glitter for the centers and then thought they needed to be yellow, so I added some yellow glitter glue over the top.

I finished the card with Glossy Accents on the button border and a satin bow.

Hope you enjoyed the simpler design of this card.  I look forward to using this Lilac die set again.  I might even use purple next time!  :)

<3
Janis

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Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Crafts 4 Eternity Challenge R#173 Use Up Some Scraps 
2.  Just Add Ink Challenge #212 - Color Combo
3.  Get Inky Challenge - Die Cuts 
4.  CASology Week #92 - Garden 
5.  Emergency Crafters Challenge - PolkaDots
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Floral with Gold Accents

"To please himself only the cat purrs."
                  -----Irish Proverb


Hi, Friends......

I am back with the second in the series of four cards for the retirees at our Hope Center.  You can see the other one that I posted so far HERE.


This one has subtle colors in pale aqua, cream and pale apricot, but I think the metallic gold accents really liven it up.

I used a couple different brands of flowers for this card.  The dreamy, translucent ones are LaLiberi (which I got on JoAnn clearance) and the others are Prima.

The dazzling glass center of the middle flower is also clearance LaLiberi.  I LOVE how it glows when the light hits it just right!!




The gold polka-dot paper is from my DCWV stash and the swirly flower patterned paper is K&Co. 

Here's a side shot where you can see the gleam of the metallic gold in the dotted panel and in the gorgeous gold lacy ribbon.  I do love gold!!!  Also, you can see the pretty sparkle of the Prima flower with the pearl center.  

Hope you enjoyed seeing this pretty floral card with the gold accents.  I love it when you take time to leave comments and would also love for you to become a follower (use gadget in sidebar) if you are so inclined.  :)

Have a lovely week.  I hope your spring weather is better than ours has been for the last few days!!! 

<3

Janis

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Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:

1.  Digi Sketch Challenge 14th April - Floral Challenge 

2.  Through the Purple Haze Challenges #38 - Creativity Strikes

3.  Glitter n Sparkle Challenge #81 Easter / Spring Colors

4.  That Craft Place - Anything Goes / Easter

5.  613 Avenue Create Challenge #68 - Anything Goes

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Floral Profusion

(This cat quote is dedicated to my 3 year old granddaughter...)
"No one can have experienced to the fullest, the true sense of achievement and satisfaction who has never pursued and successfully caught his tail."
                                                     --------Rosalind Welcher


Hi, Friends.....

Today I am sharing the first of four cards that I made for some sweet honorees at a retirement party given by the Hope Center where I volunteer.  These ladies dedicated many hours to our clients and their children.  Their contributions over the years are appreciated and their lovely smiles are missed!!!  

Many thanks and much love to you:  Pat, Marian, Irene, and Stella.  We are so blessed to have been able to work beside you!!!






On this card, I was going for an explosion of flowers in the pretty aqua, white, and tan color combo.  I used K&Co. paper and lovely Prima and Pink Paislee flowers backed by a pretty doily.

I'd like to draw your attention to the gorgeous thrift store ribbon I used:  the delicious ribbon for the bow and also the lacy white ribbon with the elegant gold thread.  So shimmery and beautiful!


Hope you enjoyed my Floral Profusion card.  Have a lovely week!

<3
Janis

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Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Polkadoodles Challenge #16 - Springtime
2.  Hiding in my Craft Room #146 - Flowers 
3.  We Do Doobadoo Week #4 - Embellish It 
4.  Open-Minded Crafting Fun Challenge #8 - Easter or Pastel Colors 
5.  Time 4 Scrap Challenge #38 - Springtime
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Golden Easter Card Chosen as Winner - Perfectly Rustics

"Artists like cats; soldiers like dogs."     
                           ----Desmond Morris


Hi, Friends.....

I am delighted to be able to share that my Golden Easter Card was chosen as the winner in the Perfectly Rustics Golden Easter Challenge.  There
were only a few entries, but I am still excited!  :)

 

So, now I get to display their Winner's Rosette.  :)

Thank you, everyone at Perfectly Rustics, for the very inspirational challenge and for choosing my card as your winner!

<3

Janis

Favorite Glitter....EVER!!! Spring Butterfly Card

Cats only assume their strangest, most intriging and beautiful postures when it is impossible to photograph them.
                                                                            ------J.R. Coulson

Hi, Friends.....

I am posting this on Saturday evening, but most of you will not see it until tomorrow or perhaps the next day.  But I will go ahead and wish everyone a

Happy Resurrection Day!  

He is Risen.  He is Risen, indeed! 

I will be heading off early to a sunrise service and then we have breakfast potluck at the church afterwards.  Morning worship begins at 11 am.  What are your Easter plans?

Here's a Spring card that is so fast and simple that I am totally embarrassed to even show it to you. 

.

I wasn't planning to post this card because it is similar to the one with my Serendipity butterfly that I put up last night.  But when I used more of my new glitter, I was so thrilled that I just had to share with you! Besides, it has aqua and pink....a favorite color combo!!  :)

This is my favorite glitter ever: 

I snagged it recently on clearance at JoAnn's for a dollar or maybe even 75c (can't remember for sure how much and now the trash is already emptied!)  I love the spring colors:  white, pink, blue, green....which are a bit more pastel than the photo shows....and it doesn't even show the green and white!

I used the green on this card and it has little iridescent flower sequins in it.  <3 <3 <3  That's what you see glinting in different colors in each of the photos.  The blue has tiny stars and the pink has tiny hearts in it.  Adorable!!  This glitter set also has a little funnel that stores in the center of the caddy and is very useful in putting away the leftovers.  :)  I wish I had picked up more than one of these clearance finds!!!

This was a super easy four-step card:
1.  Score and fold the patterned cardstock.  (I used DCWV.)  Cut edge with decorative scissors, if desired.
2.  Die cut and glue together the two butterfly cuts (lattice and solid).
3.  Apply glue and glitter.  Let dry.
4.  Make tails with ribbon and attach to butterfly and mount with 3-D foam on cardstock.

DONE.


You can see why I say this is so incredibly simple that I hesitate to post it and enter it in any challenges!  However....I am just so totally delighted with it that I am swallowing my pride and going for it.  Ha.

Here's an angled shot.  I can't get over how much I love this quick dress-up for my butterfly .....instead of painstakingly adding individual pearls and sequins like I did on my last card.   This is so fast, but really beautiful.

And let me tell you, this card has some amazing sparkle and shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow....like a million sparkling gems....whenever it is moved slightly.  I wish you could see it in real life!!!

Okay, I have gushed on enough.   I have an idea you are going to be seeing a LOT of this glitter.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!  Can't wait to try it with stencils!  :)

Happy, happy Easter!!!

<3
Janis

Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Annabelle Stamps April Challenge - Sketch
2.  Words 2 Scrap By Challenge #4 - Shine Bright Like a Diamond
3.  Keep it Simple Challenge #38 - Bright Sparks
4.  Mark's Finest Papers Speedy TV Challenge #59 - The Eyes Have It (Inspiration Photos)
5.  The Doodle Garden Challenge #2 - Color Inspiration

Springy Blingy Butterfly

"In my experience, cats and beds seem to be a natural combination."
                                                      -------Louis J. Camuti
 

Hi, Friends.....

Today I am sharing a Spring card in non-traditional colors.  I chose the darker earthy tones from my DCWV stash to contrast with the lighter colors of the pretty butterfly and all her bling.   



The rich chestnut brown and maroon colors and apricot ribbon did not photograph too well.  Wish you could see the warm blazing hues it has in real life!!

I used my pretty Serendipity Floral Butterfly Dies with some gorgeous K&Co. paper.  

By the way, Serendipity still has their offer going where you get free stamps when you buy this Floral Butterfly Stamp and Die Set.  I took advantage of this offer and LOVE the bonus things...a sweet Hello stamp and flower stamp set.


As you can see, I added plenty of bling to my lovely butterfly.  It was fun decorating her up with rhinestones, sequins, pearls and glitter.  I wanted her to really sparkle!!


Instead of putting on a bow, I finished the card by lifting the wings a bit and giving the butterfly some apricot ribbon tails.  I didn't want anything competing with my pretty lady!!

Here's an angled shot so you can see the dimension and a little more of the sparkle.


Hope you enjoyed this different take on a Spring card.  I really had fun with it!!

Thanks for all the kind comments you leave.  I really appreciate them!!  

<3
Janis 

Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Cheerful Stamp Pad Challenge #84 - Use 3 Different Papers 
2.  Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Things with Wings
3.  Unstampabelles Challenge #34 Incorporate Animal or Bird
4.  Crafty Catz Challenge #227 B is for Big Butterfly with Beautiful Bling on Brown Background with Blue Blossoms (that was fun!) 
5.  Fairy Tale Challenge #89 Butterflies 

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CAT STATUS UPDATE:

All the beasts are enjoying the spring weather here. I tried to get photos of my outside kitties so I could post a few. I managed to get only a few decent ones. Most of them were of cats with heads turned watching each other (to make sure nobody was getting too close) or they were extreme close-ups all distorted as the kitties stood up against my leg to be petted, or to inspect the camera!

Ivan --a cat who came and stayed...like so many others!

This is Ivan with his handsome silvery gray coat.  I had to laugh at him today. Being old and lazy, he prefers to take the path of least resistance whenever possible....even if he has to go out of his way to do it!!

This morning, the chickens were in the back porch area and Ivan apparently didn't want to risk walking near them...although I have never seen them try to peck the cats. So, instead, he jumped up from the steps onto the top of the garbage can and walked the length of the porch area on this and that until he could jump down clear of the hens. I knew the chickens were the boss of the dog, but it was hilarious to see they were the boss of the cats, too!! Ha. Animals are funny!
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Spring Gift Box -- Altered Priority Mailing Box

"I think it would be great to be a cat! You come and go as you please. People always feed and pet you. They don't expect much of you.  You can play with them, and when you've had enough, you go away.  You can pick and choose who you want to be around.  You can't ask for more than that."
                                                                                     ------Patricia McPherson


Hi, Friends....

I am sharing a pretty spring gift box I decorated for my dear Aunt, whose 93rd birthday is this Easter Sunday.  This holds cookies I made for her and a little bottle of lotion.  I made it out of a small Priority Flat Rate Box (USA).




 

I first flattened out a used Priority mailing box (the smallest of the flat-rate boxes) and adhered a pretty K&Co spring print to the outside and some pretty doily printed kraft paper to the inside.


 

Next I put some coordinating washi tape over all the seams and raw corrugate edges.  The green leaf print is springy and helps the box look finished.  Then I adhered the loose flaps to the inside of the box, so it opens from the top and doesn't all come apart when opened.  I used both Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Power Tape and a big 3M Scotch Craft Stick to get those heavy cardboard inner flaps to stay put.




I want my Aunt to be able to reuse this gift box as a small storage container by her bed or chair, so I attached a row of three nifty Tombow Fastener Tabs to make the outside flap reclosable.  These are strong self-adhesive hook and loop fasteners that are perfect for making a secure reclosable flap.  I got these as a prize from Tombow. (THANKS, Tombow!!)






I embellished the top of the box with some lovely Prima flowers and Zva swirls.







Here's the top view where you can get a little glimpse of the pretty robin on this K&Co. patterned paper.  The sweet birdie will be more visible when the gift is untied and opened.

I finished it off with some shimmery sheer lime ribbon.  This 20 cent partial roll of thrift store ribbon was worth that pittance for what it added to this gift alone!! 
 

Spring Card to go with Box

This gift box goes with my Spring Card I made a few days ago.

Sorry I did not have photos of the entire process, but I hope these different views of my project gave you an adequate idea of how it came together.

Hope you enjoyed seeing my recycled and altered box project.
I love your comments and would be thrilled if you decide to become a follower (using the gadget on the sidebar)!

Have a lovely week!

<3
Janis


Thank you for the honor of entering this project in the following challenges:
1.  Tando Creative Challenges April - Recycle
2.  Rhedd's Creative Spirit April Challenge - Altered Art
3.  Just Add Ink Challenge #210 - Easter Bags, Boxes, or Baskets
4.  Craftitude Challenge #62 - Anything Goes or Add Corrugated Paper or Cardboard 
5.  Avenue 613 Challenge #67 - Anything Goes with Optional Reuse/Recycle 

Golden Easter Morning with Empty Tomb

"Only the spring breeze steps as lightly as a cat."
                                         ----Theophile Gautier 


Hi, Friends......

I felt very inspired when I saw the Perfectly Rustics Golden Easter Challenge.  I knew I wanted to make a golden Easter card.  I love this stamp of the Empty Tomb.  It's another discontinued Clear Dollar Stamps one from the "Jesus Paid it All" set.  I bought a lot of inspirational sets from them when they were selling out their clear acrylics.  I am so glad I got them when I did.

"He is not here, for He is Risen, as He said." 

Matt 28:6a

I love the overall ombre effect this card has.

Closer shot of my emboss resist background.

I've been playing around making emboss resist backgrounds with my Gelatos on watercolor paper with an ancient set of Rubber Stampede Victorian Butterflies stamps.  This particular one used lemon, mango, tangerine, and a touch of metallic melon Gelatos. 
                                                           


The butterfly originally had a colorless crystal for the body.  I colored it with pale yellow and pale orange Sharpies to make it a golden orange hue to coordinate better.
The delicate metallic gold lacy ribbon is a thrift store find.  Our area has the absolute BEST thrift store!!!  Can you tell I spend a lot of time there???  :)                 

Here's a last shot at an angle that shows the golden gleam a little better.






Hope this card inspires you to rejoice in our Savior's resurrection this Easter season, and to accept the new life that is available through Him and His sacrifice for our sins on the cross.

<3
Janis

Thank you for the honor of entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Perfectly Rustics Design Challenge #20 - Golden Easter
2.  Totally Papercrafts Challenge #214 Easter 
3.  Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #45 Happy Easter
4.  Just Inspirational  Team A with Stitchy Bear - Embossing
5.  Moving Along with the Times Challenge - Easter/Spring

Easter Card in Pretty Pastels

In his (the cat's) castle he is king and I his vassal. 
                                  ----  Mildred R. Howland


Hi, Friends.....

I have another Easter card to share with you today.  Don't you think that pastels embody the springtime mood and make such pretty cards?  They are sure delightful to make!

Last fall, I won a very lovely prize of craftroom prunings from Audrey Yeager of Audrey's Reflection.  (THANKS, Audrey!!!!)  It was stuffed with amazing GCD Studios products, including this enchanting floral paper that I've been hoarding for an Easter card.  I'm so excited to get to use it! 

The floral and butterfly image I stamped and heat embossed in white on vellum is from a discontinued Clear Dollar Stamps set called "Elegant Accents".  The Happy Easter is from the same company (unfortunately, all their clear acrylics are d/c) from their "Easter Blessings" set.

The pretty eyelet ruffle is a thrift store find.  The other papers and cardstock are from my stash of DCWV.

It's a simple and mailable A2 size card, but I think it turned out really sweet.  Somehow, adding the ruffle reminds me of looking out a window on a spring garden full of flowers! 


Have a lovely and blessed day!!

<3
Janis


I am entering this card into the following challenges:
1.  My Craft Spot Challenge #132 - Happy Easter 
2.  Cards in Envy Challenge: Hippity Hoppity EASTER's On It's Way - A2 Cards
3.  Use Your Stuff Challenge #130 - Spring 
4.  Lexi's Creations Challenge #113 - Easter
5.  CWLC #79 - Easter 

Hop-py Easter -- Doodlebug Papers

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There are people who reshape the world by force or argument, but the cat just lies there, dozing; and the world quietly reshapes itself to suit his comfort and convenience.
                                                                     --- Allen and Ivy Dodd
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Hi, Friends.....

Here I am grounded with an injured hip, so I am making cards.  Might as well make the best of things, right?  :)   I usually do not make Easter cards with Easter bunnies and chickies, etc but I had two items I was just hopping up and down excited to try out....and I couldn't resist!!  Well, I wasn't literally hopping up and down.....you know, cuz of my hip.  Ha.

1.  Doodlebug Designs adorable Springtime collection that I won from them.
     (THANKS, Doodlebug!!!)
     [By the way, Doodlebug has a GIVEAWAY going on right now through Noon MDT April 19.  
     You could win the way-beyond-cute Hip Hip Hooray collection they are featuring!!!]

2.  A thrift store find of vellum Easter image designs.

The vellum Easter images give a soft dreamy look.

I put the vellum images through my Xyron sticker makers (1" or 3", depending on size of piece) and layered them over each other on the white cardstock to give some dimension to my scene.  I had to put some pieces of white paper behind the layered parts so the parts behind didn't show through the translucent vellum.

For the watercolor background, I swiped my waterbrush across a pink watercolor pencil and then applied it to the paper.  I made a slit in the bunny's paw for the straw and glued on a little brown insert I watercolored for the "inside" of the paw.  Next I mounted the image onto some DCWV green glitter cardstock and put that over my two panels of Doodlebug Springtime collection paper separated by washi from my stash.

Next I added the festive Easter flag and pixie straw (also from Doodlebug Springtime) to the bunny's paw and finished the card with some pretty enamel dots from Doodlebug and a shimmery sheer bow from thrift store ribbon.

Cute, isn't it?  I think my little 3 year old granddaughter will enjoy getting this with her Easter goodies.  <3

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and getting all your preparations made for Easter.  I am praying my hip will be better so I can participate fully in the Sunrise service and other special things during the week leading up to Resurrection Day.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.     John 3:16

<3
Janis

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Pumpkin Spice Challenge #67 - Easter
2.  Love to Create Challenge #110 Anything Goes for Kids 
3.  Crafting with Dragonflies Challenge #23:  Easter - Card or Anything 
4.  OLLCB Challenge #153 - For a Child  
5.  Divas by Design Challenge - Easter/Spring 

Spring Card -- Graphic 45

"A cat pours his body on the floor like water.  it is restful just to see him."

 ---- William Lyon Phelps

Hi, Friends....

Today I am sharing a pretty Spring card using some gorgeous Graphic 45 Secret Garden papers, and also some K&Co. green paper.  

I am going to send this to my Aunt who turns 93 on Easter Sunday this year.  It will be a combined Easter and Birthday Card.

I used some lovely Prima flowers and put some pretty sequins on the flowers that didn't come with middles. 

  

Vintage Doily --  with what appears to be handmade lace.

I especially want to draw your attention to the lovely vintage doily I used.  I LOVE finding old lace and handwork at thrift stores, and this piece was from a set I found for a dollar.  I think the lace is handmade and I can tell it is hand-sewn on to the apricot fabric center.  

I am always sad to think that handmade heirlooms end up in thrift stores.  When I find them for a good price, I buy them.  I attempt to honor the memory of those who made these exquisite pieces (though I have no idea who they might be) by using them on special cards I make.  I love what they add to my projects.  

Hope you enjoyed this card.  I really appreciate it when you take time to leave comments and I would also love for you to become a follower, using the gadget on the sidebar.

Have a lovely beginning of the weekend!!

<3
Janis 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
1.  Lunagirl Moonbeams Challenge #25 - Vintage Spring  
2.  The Crafter's Cafe Challenge # 58 - Spring
3.  Seemacrafts - April Vintage
4.  Creative Knockouts - #32 - Spring is in the Air
5.  Simply Create Too - #59 No Digi or Stamped Images
6.  Get Inky Challenge - Hop Easily into Spring

Watercolor -- Hello Spring.....

I am sharing a sweet Spring card with an adorable bunny stamp, given to me last year by a good friend.  (Thanks, Gwen <3 ).  I don't think any of us want critters gardening in our plot.....or worse, harvesting!!  That's for us to enjoy.  But I do love them on cards.  :)

This is one of my first attempts at watercoloring an image stamped on watercolor paper and embossed..  I am pretty pleased with my beginning effort.  I used Crayola watercolor pencils and a Zig Brush H2O water brush.  It was really fun....and not as hard as I thought it would be!!  I liked being able to splash a little brown "dirt" on to the overalls of the bunnies by brushing over the brown pencil and applying over the blue.  The lovely flowers are from Prima. The blue patterned paper and the cardstock are DCWV that I have had forever.  This was a good excuse to use my stash.  Yay!!

Thanks for stopping in and I would love for you to become a follower (see sidebar).  I love comments, too!!  :)   Hope your spring weather is lovely!!

<3
Janis

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1.  Red Rubber Inspirationals #114 Spring  
2.  Pumpkin Spice Challenge #66 - Ducks or Bunnies 
3.  Use Your Stuff Challenge #130 -Spring
4.  Hobby Cutz Challenge #42 - Flora and Fauna 
5.  The Squirrel and the Fox Challenge #67 - All Creatures Great and Small

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CAT STATUS UPDATE:

Old, wily Chaienne (Shy-Cat)

Spring is surely in the air.  Even old Chaienne (Shy-Cat) wants to go out for awhile at night now.  I don't mind her going out for a short time, but I hate for her old bones to be subjected very long to our cool night temps.  Last night, though, she asked to go out just as I was going to bed and I forgot to ask hubby to let her back in before he came to bed.  So she was out all night.  She was fine, of course......probably found a nice warm spot under the house or in one of the many padded cat nest boxes we have in the back porch area.  She was glad to come back in this morning, though.
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