Singing the Blues.....

Not really, I am actually very happy and blessed! I just thought that was a good title to highlight the card I made for the current "Cure for the Blues Winter Challenge" over at Moxie Fab World. Anyway, in here California we don't get the winter blues, unless you're talking about the skies (sorry, my eastern pals!).

When I saw this challenge I immediately thought about a technique that I tried about a year ago called "Delft Tile". It involves scoring and masking and it was such fun and I wanted to work more with it. For this card I used Hero Arts CL488 and CG245 and a perfect piece of ribbon (see how nicely it ties?) that was given to me quite awhile ago by my dear blogging buddy, Barb.

I also plan to enter this in the Simon Say's Stamp Challenge which is "Anything Goes". Check it out and play along!

Have a great day - no blues allowed! - and thanks for looking!

Such Sweet Inspiration!

A dear blogger buddy, Virginia Lu, has been offering up lots of inspiration for a long time. Her blog has lots of beautiful cards, nifty ideas, funny family stories and lovely photographs. Now it is official - she is on the Design Team at the wonderful Lily Pad Cards. There she offers up a monthly challenge called "Virginia's View". Check it out!

This moth's inspiration for her challenge is this lovely photograph. Aren't the colors great? Love them! In addition, this optional sketch was also provided. This was such a fun inspiration.

I used my all-time ever favorite cupcake stamp, Hero Arts F5495. It is so versatile! I love to use it for paper piecing, layering, and all sorts of fun stuff. Here, I coupled it with a sentiment from Hero Arts CL139, a dotted Swiss Cuttlebug embossing folder, an eksucess edger punch and some colorful buttons from my stash. What a bright and happy card, eh? Thanks, Virginia!

It was a glorious weekend in the Napa Valley! I just love our little "Hideaway". We swim in the warm mineral water, relax (no phones, no t.v. and no internet!), ride bikes and just enjoy the beauty. Thanks to you all for all your good wishes - my post-op recovery is going so well. I'm even back in the pool! Thanks for checking in and have a wonderful week!

The Infirmary is Closed and I'm Ready for Some Fun!

Thanks for all of your good wishes, positive thoughts and prayers! They all worked. I am doing quite well recovering from my surgery - every day is better! The body is a real miracle! I just need to regain some of my strength and resume my normal routine of exercise and well-being. I have sure missed all of your inspiration, ideas, support and lovely card designs. I can't wait to catch up with each of you. Thanks so much!

What a better way to return than using up some of that patterned paper? Those wonderful gals over at Lily Pad Cards are hosting another Simon Says Stamp Challenge. This one requires the use of patterned paper!

I decided to make a folded Dahlia (instructions here for your use), using two-sided paper.  I made a tag-style get well card. The paper is from K&Company and the stamps are Hero Arts CL414 and CL490. I added some hand-dyed silk ribbon from my stash.

Thanks again for stopping by! I am off to enjoy some of our unseasonably warm California weather.

Closed for Repairs

Not repairs to my blog, to me! I'm headed in for some surgery which we hope will finally make me all better. I will more than likely be "offline" for about 2-3 weeks, so not to worry. I will miss you all - all your sweet comments, encouragement & amazing inspiration. And to all you silly spammers - give it a break! xox

Scavenger Hunt!

When Cath announced her "Around the House Challenge" over at Moxie Fab World, I knew that I had to play along. I am a master at recycling and this is my chance. One night I couldn't even sleep, just thinking about it. My husband said, "What do you care? You were already Moxie Fabber of the week?". He just doesn't get it - it is all about the challenge!

I had my basic idea, but the next morning I went hunting. Did I ever find some treasures! These are the ones I used:

 

• dressmaker's pins
• various washers
• a snap
• packing cardboard
• wire
• a pot scrubber
• staples
• aluminum foil

Can you find them all?

Warning: Do not attempt to take this card through a metal detector!

The regular supplies I used include Rocket Age paper by October Afternoon, googly eyes (what else?), Hero Arts "Robots" (CL242), and the funny sentiment is Paper Smooches "Boob Tube".

This was great fun! You can join in - the deadline is February 13th (that's Valentine's Day Eve). I hope I never have to tuck this into an envelope, that's for sure!

Happy Heart (don't ya love 'em?!) Month! Thanks for looking!