Angels on Earth Story

   My story in Angels on Earth is out. If you can't get a copy of the magazine, you can read it online here:

http://www.guideposts.org/angels-on-earth/earth-angels/memories-are-a-pressing-matter

Thanks so much for checking it out. 

Stripe-tastic Tuesday Trigger

Time for another Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World over at Paper Crafts magazine.

 Here's our inspiration photo from Cath.



And, my take on it.

I loved the stripes in the photo. So clean and strong.

I like the stripes in my card too, but I thought it needed a little accent color so I added the yellow. Much more cheery!

Here's a link if you want to get the info so you can create along with us.

Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting my work.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/12/tuesday-trigger-stripe-tastic.html



* * * Merry Christmas * * *

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much for all your visits to my blog and for all your encouragement.

Inspired by Fashion Challenge

Another fun challenge in the Moxie Fab World. Cath gave us a Fashion Challenge and here is our inspiration photo.

And, my take on it.

This is such a classy jacket that I wanted to have the same feeling in my card.

I used a herringbone scrapbook paper from the Paper Studio and folded it into a 3D flower.

I added the dotted Swiss from the same collection. That beautiful pearl button comes from Prima. Then, I stamped the sentiment with stamps from Fiskars' Latte Love collection.

And as always, I encourage you to make a card too. Here's the link.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/card-creations-get-inspired-week-get.html

The Pot Pourri Challenge

    I made this card for the Get Inspired Pot Pourri Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. First things first. This is the inspiration photo Cath gave us to work with.

And, my take.

    The coffee cup in the inspiration photo drew my attention right away plus I love the colors of black and white together. They make even a simple card look elegant. I used Fiskars Latte Love stamps to create this card. I printed out a small "H" in French Script on my computer onto white paper then cut it to fit within the heart on the stamped image. I backed the images with a deep maroon because I thought the card needed just a touch of color and maroon always looks elegant. I have a friend who will love getting this card.
   And of course, the link in case you want to join us in the challenge.

               http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/card-creations-get-inspired-week-pot.html    

Get Inspired by Home Decor Challenge

I made this card for the Get Inspired by Home Decor Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. First, here is the inspiration photo Cath gave us.

And, here's my take on it.

I love old maps so I was very inspired by this photo. I used this gorgeous African map cardstock from DCWV. Then, I punched different sized 'globes' of African prints. I used Hero Arts "Small Greeting" to say happy birthday. I can't wait to send this card to someone special. Thanks, Cath, for the great inspiration photo. Here's the link if you want to make your own card.
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/12/card-creations-get-inspired-week-get.html




 

Writing News

   Just want to let you guys know that I have a story coming out in the Jan/Feb issue of Angels on Earth magazine. I'm really excited about the story. I'll remind you when it gets closer to time for it to come out.

   Also, I will have one of my cards in the May/June issue of Paper Crafts magazine. I can't show it to you yet. I'll get to post it once the magazine is out. Again, I'll remind you when the time gets closer.

   Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and find many things in your life to be thankful for.

Fashionable Stamping Challenge

  Coffee, cream and chocolate is the theme of  Challenge 7 on Fashional Stamping's blog. We had to use these colors in a card that includes stamping.  Here is my take and the link to the challenge if you want to play along.

   I used a large dogwood stamp from Anna Griffin and created the background with it using Versamark's watermark pad. The small dogwood stamp is from TPC Studio. I heat embossed the small images with ColorBox's copper pigment and clear embossing powder. Then I mounted them with mounting tape. I added a bit of broze shimmer ribbon behind the brown bow and strung some matching beads.
   Now here's the link if you want to make one for the challenge.
http://fashionablestampingchallenges.cottagecrafts.ie/



Tuesday Trigger - Autumn Woods

   Time for another Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World! I really liked this challenge because I got to use some of the things I won recently from American Crafts' Amy Tangerine collection through Paper Crafts magazine. Here's this Tuesday's trigger.



http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/10/tuesday-trigger-autumn-woods.html

Here is my take.

   Honestly, this trigger reminded me of a potholder. Yes, I know that's kind of weird, but I used to make these woven potholders when I was a little girl. I decided to use that weaving technique to make a panel for the front of my card.

   I picked papers that reminded me of Fall and cut them in 1/2" strips and wove them together. The leaves and the chipboard letters were in the package I won from American Crafts. I thought they added a nice touch and the colors were perfect for this challenge.

Textured to Perfection Challenge

   I created this card for the Textured to Perfection Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. Cath challenged us to make a project that incorporated texture in an inventive way.

   For my texture, I used real birch bark that I peeled myself off one of my birch trees on my homestead in the Alaskan wilderness. I brought some of it to Texas with me and am using some of it on this card. Then, I stamped birch leaves in the colors of autumn with Martha Stewart's leaf stamp.
   Here's a link if you want to create something for the challenge.
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/10/next-challenge-in-moxie-fab-world.html

Tuesday Trigger - Finesse the Dress

Time for another Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World. This dress is our inspiriation. Isn't it gorgeous!?! I've added a link to it in case you want to join in on the fun and make your own project.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/10/tuesday-trigger-dress-finesse.html

And, here is my take on it.

I first noticed the elegance of the dress. So, I knew I wanted to carry that same elegance into the making of my card. Turquoise and gray are one of my favorite color combinations to work with in my paper creations so, I was excited to use it on my card. I used a floral vine stamp I bought just the other day from Paper Source. To me it carries a similar vibe to the embroidery on the dress. I stamped it in a light gray chalk that matches the lighter gray paper here. In a nod to bottom and top edges of the dress, I added a ruffled edge to one side of the card. The dark gray card stock is almost a perfect match to the gray of the dress. I've been waiting for the perfect project to use this silver lace. I think it adds a great finishing touch to the card.

Tuesday Trigger - Finesse the Dress

Pink Flower Card

Made this card for a challenge as a Fisk-a-teer. It did not win but I sure had fun making it.

The all-over background stamp is from Stampin' Up. I masked off the lower right corner and used the sentiment stamp from Rubber Stamped in the masked area.

The gorgeous papers in the design and in the flower are from the beautiful Madeline Collection from Prima Marketing. I used all sorts and sizes of flower punches to make the flower. And then, I added the diamonds! Can't have a great card without diamonds.

I did pick up a bit of a glare on the picture but you get a good idea I think of the card.

Fashionable Stamping Challenge

I stumbled across this site a few minutes ago and I LOVE it. They seem to have a big emphasis on stamping and vintage designs. Looks like they have some great challenges too. I think I will make a card to enter in their latest challenge. Ooooo, so much fun! Here is their URL.

http://fashionablestampingchallenges.cottagecrafts.ie/

Writer's Conference

Just got home from a fabulous writer's conference in Arlington, TX. It was sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I learned so much and got a great critique on a manuscript I had submitted to one of the editors attending. I have two agents willing to look at my material. I am really excited to be getting one step closer to publication. I'll let you guys know when I know anything. Thanks for indulging me for a moment. Check out www.scbwi.org if you are interested in joining our regional group.

Hello to SCBWI visitors

   Welcome to my friends from the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators! Thanks so much for visiting my page. Hope you have fun looking at some of my artwork. I'll be posting more of my paper art soon.
    There is going to be a great writer's conference this weekend in Arlington, TX. I just checked and their is still room for more people. If you are a writer or illustrator or just someone who loves children's literature, please join us this weekend. You can get more info and the fees at
              http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=47&sec=Conf

   Thanks so much for stopping by. Please feel free to sign up as a follower or just add your email to the notification list.

Delightfully Random

Time for another Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World!



I found some lovely new papers from the Madeline collection by Prima Stationary. The colors matched this week's Trigger perfectly. I had a great time creating this card.

Here's my card and the Trigger is below.

 

And here's the Trigger photo and URL..



http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/09/tuesday-trigger-delightfully-random.html

Masking Technique

   This is a card I created using masking. I began by stamping the blue flower that appears to be on the top of the other two flowers. Then, I stamped the same image on regular copy paper and cut it out. I laid that cut-out image on top of the one I already stamped on the card. Using pink, I stamped again overlapping the cut-out image. I did the same thing again in purple. Looks like it could be difficult, but it's easy.



Garden Glory Tuesday Trigger

Time to submit another card for the Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World. The inspiration photo and link are below. You really should play along with me. I'm having so much fun!

 

What a great color combo in this week's inspiration photo! I loved the high contrast of the bright green and white so, of course, I had to have that represented in some way. And then as you are no doubt learning about me, I love, love, love making 3-D flowers. I used five different punches to create this flower. You could have a flat flower or you could punch several layers all with one punch. I try - I really do - to keep my designs simple but I can't help myself once I get going. I can't wait for you to see my next flower creation - Texas bluebonnets! They are not ready to show yet but they will be coming soon. Now, I have to get my stepdad's birthday card going or it will be late. Thanks for stopping in!!!

Here is the inspiration photo and the link to the Moxie Fab World.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/09/tuesday-trigger-garden-glory.html

Fun News

   I am so excited. I have been accepted as a Fiskateer! A Fiskateer is an Ambassador for Fiskars. I know you must be aware of Fiskars. You know, the orange-handled scissors people. That's them. I love Fiskars products. They not only make scissors but lots of tools for scrapbooking and cardmaking too. They even make yard-working equipment and tools. I had no idea about that one myself until recently.
   I have been a seamstress for 45 years and have never been without Fiskars scissors. They really are the best. I guard my sewing scissors from anyone using them on anything else. I tie a ribbon to the handle so that everyone in my family knows that those scissors are for fabric only.
   Pop over to their site and take a look around and think about applying to join us. I think it is going to be so much fun. My first project for them is to make a card using a color from one of my state symbols. Can't wait for you to see it!  www.fiskars.com

Two New Girlfriend Cards

Girls need their girlfriends and I have some great ones!

Here are two cards I've designed with  a girlfriend theme in mind.

This is one of my favorite stamps. In case you can't read it, it says, "Just when you think you've seen it all . . . you try on your bathing suit." I laugh everytime I use this stamp and it has been very popular among my card receivers. To make the card, I just cut out a few curves and then cut out a bathing suit shape. If you want the pattern let me know and I'll put one up on this site.

The color is a little off in the picture. I think it was the lighting I had to take the picture in. Anyway, the blue is a navy blue and the flowers are white. I made the flowers by taking apart some silk flowers and then putting them back together with matching brads. I use this technique a lot. Makes some beautiful cards. I watch for flowers on sale and get some great deals. Adds a great dimension to the card as well. As one of my girlfriends said these are not just 3-D flowers, they are 5-D flowers.





The Red Door

    I have some cards for sale at The Red Door Antiques & Collectibles shop. I'm taking some new cards down this week so stop by and take a look if you have time. Plus, you will love The Red Door. It is so peaceful in there. Ron and Marilyn are so friendly and welcoming. When I go there, Marilyn and I sit in two beautiful antique chairs while we visit. Makes me feel like a real lady to sit among such wonderful antiques.

Nice & Neutral Tuesday Trigger

Here's my card for the next Tuesday Trigger in The Moxie Fab World. You really should give this a try. It's just too much fun! The link and the inspiration photo are below if you want to join the fun.



I love the idea of the neutral colors. I do a lot of tone-on-tone cards and this is a very similar look. 

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/tuesday-trigger-nice-and-neutral.html

This is the inspiration photo for this weeks Tuesday Trigger. Don't you just want to curl up here with a book?

Vertical Sketch Challenge in The Moxie Fab World

This is my card in the Vertical Sketch Challenge in The Moxie Fab World. This was a fun card to make. Would have been easier if I had had a die cut machine to cut out the little purses. I cut them out by hand. Still an easy and quick project though. You can give it a try too at the link below the picture.



http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/vertical-sketch-challenge-in-card-ideas.html

Hope you all have a fun weekend and I pray that those friends and family of mine as well as all living in the path of hurricane Irene are safe and dry.  

Horizontal Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I created this card for the Horizontal Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. You can join in on the fun at the link below.

One more card to go in this series of challenges. I think it is a vertical sketch challenge. I'll be back when I have it ready. Thanks so much for stopping by to take a look at my work. I so enjoy working with paper. I encourage you to try out this art form.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/horizontal-sketch-challenge-in-card.html

Square Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I created this card for the Square Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

I love the look of a square cards. You should know though that it takes extra postage to mail a square card. Want to play along? Check out the link below.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/square-sketch-challenge-in-card-ideas.html

Shaped Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I've created this card for the Shaped Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Want to play along? Click the link below and you can join in.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/shaped-sketch-challenge-in-get-sketchy.html



Girly & Gutsy Tuesday Trigger

Let's eat cake!

When I saw the inspiration photo (below) for the Paper Crafts Tuesday Trigger, I thought that that table must have a cake on it. And, the colors! Who doesn't love pink and black together. This was a fun card to make but took a while. I had to clip between each of the loops on the 'curved' cake decorations and garlands and glue one loop to the top of the next to make them curve. It was kind of like making darts in a blouse or skirt to make room for curves.

I did not use die cuts on this card. I cut the garland with an edge punch, and I cut the cake free-hand.

________________________________

This was the inspiration photo. Don't you just want to sit in that room for a bit?

Want to try your hand at this? Here's the link.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/tuesday-trigger-girly-gutsy.htm

Best Wishes turquoise with white tile

Here is another of my favorite cards. It was lots of fun to make.

I used turquoise cardstock to make the card. I used a leaf stamp(Martha Stewart) and watermark ink (Versa Mark) for the background print on the card. Then, I cut white tiles from white cardstock and layered them on like bricks. I tried just cutting a white strip and making partial cuts in it but it did not look as good. It made the individual tiles hard to see so I cut individual tiles. Next, I used a squeeze punch (Fiskars) and punched flowers out of turquoise and white cardstock and blue vellum. I punched a 1/16th hole in the middle of each flower and layered them onto a gold heart brad.

Luminous Layers Tuesday's Challenge

   This is my version of Luminous Layers Tuesday's Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. You will see the inspiriation photo and link below. You should give it a try. It is so much fun! And, this card was so quick and easy.

   I can't bring myself to throw out even the smallest scraps of paper and cardstock. So, when I saw the layers of fabric on this beautiful dress in the inspiration photo, I thought of a great way to use up some of my scraps. I picked a few colors that looked good together and started layering them on. Even the butterfly came from my box of scraps. Now I am going to go dig through my scraps of fabric and see if I can't make the dress or a top like this one.



 http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/08/tuesday-trigger-luminous-layers.html

Velum Rosebuds

   I began experimenting with 3D velum flowers after designing a wedding card similar to this one with velum rosebuds for my brother whom I love more than life itself. His card had a pop-up wedding cake on the inside.
   I was living in the Alaskan bush when I first started designing cards. The nearest card-shop was three hours away at the end of a mostly graveled road that stretched across three snow-covered mountain passes. Trips to town for me were few and far between especially in winter. I often found myself without a card for this occasion or that so I started making cards. I fell in love with the art form! Now, I live in Texas only a few minutes from a card shop, but I still make all my own cards.
  

Fanatical About Botanical Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

   I've created this project for the Fanatical About Botanical Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. There are some gorgeous stamps and papers out there for this style. You should give it a try too (link below).
   I stamped leaves on cream cardstock then cut them out. I brushed them very lightly with moss green and pink chalk to give them a little depth and texture. Then, I just glued them randomly on the card. I added another touch of the leaves in the opposite, upper corner to bring balance. I stamped the sentiment in the same green and added just a tiny hint of pink cardstock behind to make it pop.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/07/next-moxie-fab-world-challenge.html

Tuesday's Trigger - Squares to Cherish

   This is my entry in Paper Crafts Magazine's Tuesday's Challenge Squares to Cherish. It is so much fun. You should try one too. There is a link below that will take you there. You will also see below my card the picture I had to use for inspiration.
      I picked the blue, purple and greenish/gold colors from the inspiration picture. I punched three sizes of flowers and combined them into one bloom. I spread the flowers out to represent the squares in the afhgan. Then I used a long white strip with a long, skinny sentiment to represent the locker and I used a blue and white color-block in the background to represent the bed and locker placement in the picture. How do you think I did?

    



http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/07/tuesday-trigger-squares-to-cherish.html

Velum Magnolia Card

Here is one of my favorite cards that I've made recently. I used white velum to make the magnolia. I stamped three magnolias with clear pigment and fine-detail gold embossing powder. I cut the petals apart and layered them on top of each other to create a 3-D effect.

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog!
I love, love, love designing and creating greeting cards! There is something about working with beautiful papers that soothes my soul. I hope you will find inspiration and motivation for your own works of art as you follow my posts here. Please sign up and feel free to leave your comments.