Monday, December 29, 2008

Another lost pet

I was very sad to receive an e-mail from my vet to say they had to put down their border collie, Jake, just before Christmas. Jake was almost a permanent fixture at the vet office and was always up for a game of ball. This is a beautiful picture of him and I'm sure everyone will miss him greatly.

I made this card with some scraps I had laying around and some new epoxy rhinestone alphabet stickers that really make the card stand out. I added some Melissa Frances rubons and two paw brads.

Maybe my photos will be better

I was very lucky to get this portable "photo studio" for Christmas and am hoping it will improve my picture-taking abilities. At least now, I won't have the toaster or kitchen sink in the background when I photograph my cards.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas; I know I certainly did. Having said that, when it's over, it's over and I can now concentrate on other things that have taken a back burner to everything else over the last month.

All the best to everyone for a very happy 2009!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

In Sympathy

This is a sympathy card for a lovely dog, "Mosby" who, sadly, passed away a short while ago. He loved his walks through the orchards so I added a picture of his favourite place. The name on the card is done with chipboard letters and I thought the card was very fitting for a good, loyal friend.

On a happier note, tomorrow is Christmas and I send my best wishes for a very Merry one to all my loyal friends who visit this blog. Your kind comments are always much appreciated.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I'm back......





I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog. I'm been without camera for the last few weeks plus I have been so busy, I can't believe it. That's what Christmastime does. Anyway, I think I have everything under control. The shopping and wrapping are done - all that's left is to pay the bills.

Above are a few projects I have made over the last couple of weeks, all of them Christmas cards to honour the season. I found that, as I was wrapping, I was tempted to create as I do when I make my cards however, by the 20th gift, that went out the window and I was lucky if I got a piece of paper and a bow slapped on it.

I hope to write again sooner than this last lull; once this week is over, I'll be home free with lots more spare time on my hands.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Christmas, oh my....



It seems like I am running the gamut when it comes to making cards these days. While Christmas seems to be the occasion du jour, birthdays, anniversaries and everything else still go on as well. Perhaps because I start my shopping in late summer, it just seems that Christmas seems to be an awfully long season.

I met up with a couple of friends for lunch today which was a nice change to eating in front of the television. I then went on a lengthy hunt for Christmas cards since there is no way I would ever have enough time to hand make every one that I send out. Sorry kids. Let me tell you - it's no Florida out there and that wind was biting cold. What happened to global warming?

This 50th Anniversary Card I made with some more bits of paper I had left over, some Prima flowers, pearl stick-ons and some very pretty lacy ribbon. I stickled the brads to make them all nice and glittery. Very pretty if I do say so myself.

It's Monday tomorrow and I really need to get out and get some Christmas lights to hang on my balcony. Each year I buy more lights but then, at the end of the season, can never get them back into the box the way they came so I just throw them out. Very, very bad. I was hoping the weather would warm up before I have to put the lights up but I'm not holding out much hope. Have a great week!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

50 Years

A coworker asked me to make her a card for a friend who is turning 50. I sort of planned the card around the pretty lace ribbon (which is actually blue in the middle not black as it looks in the picture). I've been using up a lot of scraps lately, most of which have come from my favourite papers. I love this silver embossed paper and I have just enough for one more card. I tried to make the "50" kind of understated as I'm not sure most 50-year olds want that to be the focus of their celebration!

I ran around yesterday like a complete maniac. First, I had my physical which ended up taking 2 hours after I waited for the doctor then waited for the lab. I got my flu shot at the same time so my arm is a little sore today. Then, I shopped til I dropped but actually got quite a bit accomplished. Tonight, I'm back to wrapping, the only problem being that, once I wrap the gifts, I don't really have anywhere to put them to keep them out of reach of the cats who love chewing the ribbon and bows.

I have taken up walking....well, not that I didn't know how to walk but what I mean is walking as a form of exercise. My neighbour asked if I wanted to start since two people seem to motivate more than you do on your own. We walk about an hour each night but, I tell you, it was bitter cold out there tonight. Why couldn't I have thought of this when it was warm out??

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

It's snowing

Well, it happened. The snow is here and it's only November. Luckily, I don't really have anywhere I need to be though it would have been a good opportunity to try out my new snow tires. No point pushing it.

Above is a pretty card I made with some Daisy D's and Two Busy Moms paper. This has always been some of my favourite paper but this is the last of it. I love the lace on the bottom - it was my first time actually sewing it onto the card. Unfortunately, I had to hand sew since I still don't have a machine and I am not the best with needle and thread.

Anyway, I'm off to do some Christmas wrapping - enjoy your evening!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Work gets in the way



After a week of midnight shifts, it's nice to be home in my own bed again. I get absolutely nothing accomplished when I'm working nights, consequently my blog suffers. Anyway, this is a card I got done last week using some pink paislee papers. I added some Prima flowers and brads, a Cricut-cut heart covered with Doodlebug glitter, some pretty ribbon and some rubons. The card is for my mom's 84th birthday which is tomorrow - Happy Birthday, Mom! - and I thought it was all nice and bright and cheery.
I have so many other projects that I need to get at, along with the rest of my Christmas shopping and wrapping. I'll have to take a day at the mall and finish everything up since some of Canada Post is on strike so I'm not sure I want to mail-order anything right now. It's January cold out there and I'm just not ready for this type of weather quite yet. For that matter, I'm never ready for it. It's all part of living in the great white north.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Layouts



I think the layout of a project is one of the most important things to success. Once you find the perfect layout, you can create a dozen projects using the same template but they all look different.
I have to thank Melissa Phillips for the inspiration for these cards. I try to read her blog daily (http://www.lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/) and am always blown away by what she does. This first card, unfortunately, had to be censored. It's for a friend who wanted a less than traditional greeting on the front....which is what makes handmade cards unique; you can say what you want. It is done with some Doodlebug papers, an embellishment by Me and My Big Ideas, some crystal stickers, fibres, my Fiskars punch for the edging and some pretty gingham ribbon.
For the second card, I used KaiserCraft paper (black/cream), 7Gypsies paper (pink), rubons, two punches - Fiskar and Martha Stewart - brads by Making Memories, flowers by Prima, stick-on pearls and some very pretty lacy ribbon.
I was able to get my snow tires on the other day, during the November heat wave, though it has cooled off considerably today. I spent the day at the casino yesterday and did not walk away a winner but rather the loser that I normally am at those places. However, losses were minimal and it's a fun day so what the hell.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Photo Card


A friend of mine wanted a card made with a desert theme. He had taken some photographs while on a trip to Las Vegas and I suggested we use the actual photo as the main focus of the card. I tried to match the paper colours to the picture - greens, pinks, mauves, blues and black -and I think the card turned out pretty well. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket, buttons from Basic Grey then I added some fibres, eyelets, ribbon and a rub-on.
What a perfect fall day for being outside; unfortunately, I am stuck inside doing cleaning. I have been busy this weekend shopping and was lucky to find a formal outfit (even better, on sale) for my upcoming cruise in May. I do a lot of my shopping on-line, particularly for Christmas, which certainly beats the crowded mall you encounter on a Saturday.
Enough procrastinating. Back to work tomorrow so perhaps more projects to post later in the week.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

More animals

My friend's birthday is tomorrow and she has two cats so what better theme for a birthday card than cats? I used some more of my DCWV paper and I love these colours though I'm not really an orangey person. I was hoping to buy a proper light box so that my pictures would be improved from what they are and I wouldn't have to go out on the balcony in the middle of winter to get pictures with some natural light in them. I found a great light box at http://www.hammacherschlemmer.com/ though it's not such a good deal now that the Canadian dollar has taken a total dive.

I must be off and start primping for Jersey Boys tonight. It's freezing outside so it's going to have to be a sweater and coat night.

Cute Teddy

This Jolees embellishment is the cutest little teddy bear ever and what baby doesn't love teddy?? The card was made for a baby shower with some scraps I had saved and then cutsied up with some scallops, buttons and fibres. It's not the traditional blue, pink, green or yellow but I love this card.

My plans for today went down the toilet and I didn't get half done what I had hoped but, sometimes, that's what days off are for - sleeping in and doing little.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Goodbye to Catoo


Sadly, my neighbour's cat, Catoo, had to be put to sleep the other night. He was the cat I had been tending to with his insulin shots. I made this card for my neighbour in Catoo's memory and hopefully it brings her some comfort. He was such a sweet boy and we will all miss our friend.
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The paper I used for the card is from DCWV and is all pet-themed. The cat embellishment is by Making Memories and the letters are lovely and velvety, though I don't remember where I got them.
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I had a busy day today with an early hair appointment, Christmas shopping, grocery shopping and then some projects which means I am more than ready for bed right now. Tomorrow night, I am taking my neighbour to see "Jersey Boys" for her birthday. This is my second viewing and I am as excited as the first time I went. I also decided to take the next couple of days off work so that I can enjoy the show fully without being tired or worried about getting up early.
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Hope everyone is enjoying this early taste of winter....which reminds me....time to call and make an appointment to get my snow tires on. Have a great week!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A card for the new grandparents


I was asked to make a card for a friend's parents who are becoming grandparents for the first time....to twins. This is a combination of Basic Grey and Making Memories paper with a Prima flower, Prima jewel, a white lace doily, border from a Fiskars punch and some rub-ons, ribbon and fibres.
It certainly was a better day today - cold but sunny. I got a whole whack of errands done this morning including some more Christmas shopping then, rather than cleaning, decided to wash and wax the car so that it would be ready for winter. I figured I can clean any old day but you sort of have to pick and choose the weather for car waxing. Needless to say, my back is killing me tonight but that's one of the job hazards.
I picked up some really cute dog/cat paper today that I can hardly wait to use. Alas, further projects will have to wait until next week but I hope to be able to post then. Enjoy your upcoming weekend.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Twins

This is such a pretty card but the photograph washes it right out, unfortunately. It is done in white and pale greens with lots of lace and fun embellishments. The paper is Melissa Frances and the 'twins' was cut from Cricut 'New Arrival'.

I have a couple of other projects I have been working on but will have to wait until tomorrow to post when, hopefully, the skies are more condusive to photo taking. I must run and get dinner as I am starving. One good thing about crafting, it usually absorbs my entire attention span so that I don't think about food. Thanks for stopping by!

....and one more Christmas

I keep forgetting that, when I do these posts, they are backwards, i.e. bottom to top rather than the other way around. So, often the title I assign a post makes no sense to anyone else but me unless you happen to read from bottom to top. Oh well, I'm sure much of this blog makes no sense to anyone so status quo.

This lovely card is done with Doodlebug velvet papers with silver embossed paper on top. The snowflake embellishment is an ornament from a Christmas present last year. The scallops are cut from a Martha Stewart punch (which I thought was broken so I bought another then found the first miraculously rebounded).

The paper was a little hard to work with and I had problems sticking it down so that it would stay. I must get myself a sewing machine though the small Janome that everyone raves about is still not here in Canada and I'm sure the cost to ship it would be astronomical. I'm sure I'll be in the US at some point in the future and must keep an eye out.

......

The paper I used for this card is Basic Grey "Figgy Pudding", very English. I must admit, it's nice to see colours in Christmas cards other than red and green and I notice there is a lot of blue and black out this year in the decorations.

I was hoping to get down to the Toronto craft show this weekend but just never got around to it...which is probably a good thing as I REALLY did not need any more scrapbook supplies.

Three Christmases and a Baby



I finally got down to making some Christmas cards though I had to put other projects aside for awhile. Judging by the weather today, it feels like Christmas is right around the corner. This paper is from Making Memories, flowers also by Making Memories, buttons by Basic Grey and the pretty gold and green ribbon is very vintage and actually came from my mother who bought it but never used it. I took these pictures on the balcony today and nearly got blown away. I think we're in Kansas again, Toto.




Sunday, October 19, 2008

Beautiful Colours




Fall is upon us and the trees are beautiful colours as seen in this photo from my balcony. It won't be long before all the leaves are gone and winter....yech, I can hardly say it.....will be here. Fall is actually one of my favourite times of year except that I wish it would just skip to spring. I guess that's what we have to expect, living in Canada. I got a jump on winter this year and ordered some snow tires which, I hope, will make it a little easier to navigate.
I made this card for a friend of mine who is turning 50. Fifty always sounded so old when I was a kid; now that I'm here, it's not so bad. I was able to use up a lot of my scraps and this is actually some of my favourite paper. I was very lazy today and cannot have a repeat of this tomorrow. My neighbour's cat has diabetes and requires shots two times a day. I have been learning how to do the injections so that I can fill in for her should she need to stay late at work. I'm not sure I was cut out to be a doctor but I'll give it my best. I'm on my own tomorrow with him so wish me luck.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Thank you for the tree

My family recently had a tree planted in memory of a friend and they wanted a card to thank the City for all their hard work. I made the card using some Basic Grey and Doodlebug papers and a lovely tree embellishment from Jolees. The buttons are also from Basic Grey and actually match in much better than the photograph shows and I finished it off with some rub-ons, ribbon and twine. All done in perfect tree green colours.

I have been on the go all this week. Tuesday, I worked at the election and that was a long and hellish 15-hour day. Last night, I enjoyed a show at the theatre where I saw a Beatles cover band called 1964 (www.1964thetribute.com). The show was excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the music of the Beatles. Tomorrow, I'm off for a day of shopping and, hopefully, the rest of the weekend will be mine to get at some crafts. With any luck, I'll have some new projects to post in the next couple of days.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Back at it


I can't believe it's been so long since we last talked. I have been busy, busy, busy what with work stuff, cleaning up around the apartment and other commitments, there has been no time for anything. Anyway....I am trying to get back at it and post some projects.

This card is a very pretty baby card made from Heide Grace paper. I added a couple of chipboard hearts topped with stickles, some ribbon and lace, a Prima flower, a "baby" rubon, buttons and a cute little rattle embellishment. They resurfaced the roof of my building - which seemed to take about 5 times longer than it should have - and there is tar and crap all over the balcony, literally stuck onto the tiles. I normally snap my card photos out there but, being as it is such a complete disaster, I didn't trust not getting black goo all over the card. Black goo removal is one of my projects for upcoming days off since yesterday it rained all day and was not black-goo-removal-condusive.

It's good to be back and I hope to have some more projects next week to share.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Last day of freedom

After 10 lovely days off, it is back to the grind tomorrow. I need better time management skills so that I'm not trying to get everything cleaned up at one time. Yesterday was a complete writeoff what with appointments and errands. I had to take my neighbour's cat to the vet since she is away and he promptly peed all down the front of me the minute I picked him up. I'm sure I smelled like a rose in the vet waiting room. Anyway, no harm....the clothes were washed, the cat is fine and all's well that ends well.

This is another sympathy card made with some HOTP and Daisy D's papers. My favourite Martha Stewart punch appears to be on the fritz as it punches no more. I'll have to watch for Michaels' sales and pick up another one. Further projects I have in my head must now wait until next week unless I get done cleaning the house early and have some spare time tonight. I must not miss "America's Next Top Model" - it's makeover day which is the best episode of all!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Where's summer.....oh there it went......


It feels like a fall day today and I can see some of the leaves starting to change colour. If that was summer, I think I missed it. Fall always make me sad because I know winter is not far behind and I DETEST winter and snow and cold.

Sadder than that, I am nearing the end of my days off and I feel like I have accomplished little. I got the car into the shop today for its regular maintenance and pre-winter checkup and I have a couple of loads of laundry going so everything is under control. I am cat sitting my neighbour's two boys, both of whom are sick. One was just diagnosed with diabetes so I took him to the vet this morning so that they can start his insulin. Poor thing is just skin and bones and I'm hoping they can fatten him up. He was so good in the car - not like my two who squawk the whole time like I'm killing them.

This is a sympathy card I made with some left-over paper, some magic mesh and bits and pieces of other adornments. It's for a man so I didn't want to get too frou-frou. I think this is very classy yet understated and the colours are quite sombre.

I better get back to my chores. Happy Monday and enjoy your week.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

And the countdown begins......

I know September is a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but I thought I better get some projects done now while I have the time. I made this card with some old scraps I had laying around then added some embellishments to make it all bright and cheery. Hard to think Christmas when it's 80 degrees out and frightfully humid. Having said that, I have got a good start on my Christmas shopping which seems to continue throughout the year.

The cats are busy watching one of their videos and, overall, it's been a nice peaceful Sunday. We're supposed to get quite a dumping of rain later so I have battened down the hatches in preparation. I'm off to start another card - thanks for stopping by!

A project to share


Here's another card made with one of my favourite colour combinations - black, white and red. The paper is a combination of Rusty Pickle and adornit with some Doodlebug black velvet thrown in. The heart is cut from Cricut "George" cartridge, and the flower is from Prima. Last we spoke, I was off to see "Jersey Boys" at the theatre. I have to say it was beyond excellent and is now one of my three favourite shows; in fact, I have already bought more tickets for late October. If you get a chance to see it, I can't recommend it highly enough!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Green for the Irish

I was asked to make a card with an Irish theme as part of a housewarming gift. This card incorporates Anna Griffin papers, Basic Grey buttons, a Prima flower, some rub-on stitches and bits of ribbon and edgings. Inside are two Irish poems blessing the new home. Pretty as a picture.

Today was shopping day and I was able to get a bit more Christmas shopping done. I know it's early but I like to be prepared and if I see something, I buy it in case it's not there next time....you snooze, you lose. I was thinking that I really should start doing up some Christmas cards, as funny as that seems when it's nice outside and the sun is shining warm.

I am very excited as tomorrow night I'm going to the theatre to see "Jersey Boys" which is supposed to be wonderful. I'll be sure to let you know how it was.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Let's Hear it for Dentists

As much as I hate going to the dentist, when you find a good one, you have to be grateful. This is a thank you card for a friend whose dentist is moving on. The patterned papers are from Doodlebug, the buttons from Basic Grey, stitches, corners and sentiment are all rub-on. The cartoon is some clip art I found on the Internet. Though I never associate "fun" with the dentist, I think this is a fun, whimsical card and I'm sure her dentist will appreciate my friend's thoughtfulness.

I'm not sure what happened to summer (did we actually have one??) but it doesn't feel much like summer out there today. I've had to resort to heavy-sweater-wearing during the evenings and it really is much too soon for that. I'm ordering my snow tires next week which thought is even more depressing. I have a mall day planned tomorrow so that will pick me up. Thanks for looking!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Wedding Card



Another afternoon, another card. I always seem to have such a mess when I am crafting. Perhaps this is due to poor planning as I make things up as I go rather than have everything prepared prior to starting a project.
This pretty wedding card is done with Heidi Grace reversible paper. The buttons are Basic Grey, chipboard hearts are American Crafts, the stitching is rubons and the lace and ribbon are both from Diane Cossitt vintage. I really need to get myself a small sewing machine as the one I have takes up too much space. I saw a portable one on line, made by Janome, but, as with so many other things, it is not available in Canada. I wonder how many things we have in Canada that are not available in the U.S. Other than Smarties, I can't think of much.



Busy, busy, busy....


Well, I am done my four hellish dayshifts at work so I actually have a day to catch my breath. How people work those hours each and every day is beyond me....I prefer a more leisurely hour at which to wake. Consequently, my card making and blogging has suffered but we're back up on the horse today.

During my shifts, I managed to fit in some shopping and was very pleased with myself for the great deal I got on a new coat on which I had my eye. However, upon getting the coat home, I found that the store had forgotten to remove the security tag so I'll have to make another trip back to the mall to have that removed. The American store, Bath & Body Works, is FINALLY opening in Canada with its grand opening tomorrow in the mall that is, quite conveniently, but 3 minutes from my home. It will be an early rise tomorrow in order to be first at the doors.

The card above is a 50th anniversary card so I wanted to be sure to use lots of gold to represent the 50 golden years. I do love these Doodlebug velvety papers except that the black attracts a lot of white pussycat hairs. The gold metal heart is one I got in an Anna Griffin paper kit many moons ago and the gold frame was actually silver until I painted it.

Lots to do today...cleaning, tidying up, more cards, preparation for Bath & Body Works opening day, etc. All the reality shows start up again this month as do our reality show pools at work. Enjoy this beautiful day!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Another Goodbye


Lately, it seems that everywhere you turn, people at work are coming and going. So we have another goodbye card made from some Kimberly Poloson for Fiskars paper. I thought rather than the traditional good bye message, maybe Bon Voyage might be a little more appropriate since this person is not really leaving but merely moving down the hall. The sentiment and car and trailer were cut from Cricut cartridge "Beyond Birthdays", the stars from Cricut "George" and I finished it all off with some magic mesh, buttons and a piece of twine. I'm off to a barbecue today so I hope the rain holds off. Enjoy your Sunday and thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Black Velvet and Bows


I just LOVE these papers from Doodlebug Designs that are all velvety and textured. The paper on the bottom is from Making Memories but fits in perfectly with the colours. I used matching black velvet ribbon and brads, also from Doodlebug, some silver embossed paper and some Prima flowers. The lace I picked up at the dollar store. Black and white is my all-time favourite colour combination and it always looks rich and pretty. Having said I would not return to the scrapbook store for awhile, I did just that yesterday. After breaking even at the casino, I thought I deserved it. Winning for once would be nice but not losing also works.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Get Better Soon

Another day and once again it is raining. I did see the sun for about 10 minutes and had to rush out to see what it was. I made this card for a guy at work who broke both his arms....get well soon seems to be an understatement but the sentiment is there. I used some "My Mind's Eye" paper on the top and bottom and some "Cosmo Cricket" paper for the middle sections. The tag and brads are from K&Company and the buttons from Basic Grey. Some days I seem to get stuck with design block so I always revert back to what has worked in the past. Maybe it's the rain clouding my brain. Time to do some chores - thanks again for looking.

A few projects to share....



I have been busy this weekend trying to get all my projects done. The top card is a thank you that I made with plain cardstock then fancied up with some decorative green paper by "pop culture". The tag, star and "thanks" sentiment are all cut from Cricut and the brads are from K&Company.

I must give thanks to Melissa Phillips at lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com for inspiration for the second card. Her projects are amazing and I could only hope to one day do work like that. This card uses paper from Prima along with various chipboard, ribbon and fibre accents. I love the black velvet ribbon from Doodlebug Designs - what a way to dress up a card.

The third card is done with some old paper I had from Michele Ackerman with accent paper by 7gypsies. The butterflies are from the dollar store but are really quite beautiful. The chipboard hearts are by American Crafts and I added some ribbon, rubons and such to finish everything off.

Tomorrow is my least favourite time of the year.....well, 3 times a year.....the dentist. I have to go into the city but kind of enjoy that in the summer time as it gives me a chance for a walk a look-around. Hope your weekend is going great, despite the rain.